Ohioans For Obama

The Energy Bill

Richard — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:25:37 EDT

The United States Senate owes it to President Obama and the nation to pass the pending Energy Bill. If Congress had passed energy legislation during the Carter years, we wouldn't be in the energy crisis now. Get it right this time. Pass this needed legislation Now!

The healthcare battle

Richard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:31:24 EDT

President Obama has consulted with members of both political parties over his proposed healthcare initiative.It is now time for Congress to come together on this proposal and pass it into law.Our country needs this legislation now!

Site For Lisbon Ohio

Dylan Joy — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:50:46 EDT

www.lisbon4obama.webs.com

Feel free to check it out!

Iran's Election

Richard — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:46:38 EDT

The people of Iran are the winners in their election as thousands voice opposition to their current leaders. The Mullahs better accept this as they will be over thrown as was the Shah in the past. I believe Iran is on the verge of a civil war because of this apparently fraudently election. What do you think?

To date the ONLY person who had said the bombing in an Iranian Mosque was INDIRECTLY the work of US and Israel is a substitute/temporary leader of one of Tehran’s Friday prayers and he is NOT a high ranking Iranian government official!

ARK — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:56:55 EDT

As of today neither the Leader of Iran nor its President, nor any other Iranian government official have blamed the bombing in a Mosque located at Zahidan, Iran on US or Israel. The only person who had expressed that opinion is a substitute or temporary leader of one of Tehran’s Friday prayers. It is a free country and a person is entitled to his opinion but that should NOT be called an official governmental statement. So the report by Agence France Press (AFP) is EXAGGERATED.

However, that is quite different from the US State Department intestinally and wrongfully calling another country “The number one sponsor of terrorism” and making sure to ignore the real threat which is the Al-Qaeda and those regional allies who support them!

Dick Chenney

Richard — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:43:39 EDT

When he was Vice-President Dick Chenney went for weeks being unheard of. Now that he is out office Chenney is making statements criticizing President Obama. Apparently Chenney feels he can scare America now. However, Americans are too smart to fall that . Witness the 2006 and 2008 elections were Republicans who supported W. were kicked out of office. Dick Chenney should Retire from politics and let America move forward positively. What do you think?

Norte Dame Commencement

Richard — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:37:17 EDT

President Obama should be granted an honorary degree tomorrow notwithstanding his views on abortion. His critics say he is too Pro-Choice and that would go against the grain of a Catholic college.But let's look at the facts. President Obama advocates a reduction in abortion by providing good health care.How can any one argue with that? President George W Bush received honary degrees when in office and he is arguably the Worst President in history. Again looking at facts, Obama with his emphasis on the economy and health care the lack of which undoubetdly contributes to abortion, should be awarded an honary degree as he is the President of the United States.Don't let a radical minority deny him this award.

Funding Universal Health Care

Richard — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:06:26 EDT

I am just giving my opinion on how to fund Universal health care that is being addressed by the President Obama and Congress. I'm advocating funding this plan by taxing every one a small tax perhaps 1% so that this needed service is borne by every one including retirees.Every one needs this service and it is unfair to ask those who smoke and/or drink to support this plan soley. I realize my opinion may not be a popular one but I think it's a fair one . What do you think?

Obama's Hamburger Hamlet - Much Ado About Mustard

Mark Wiznitzer — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:19:44 EDT

To be, or not to be medium well, that is the question!
In the most high and palmy District of Washington.
A little ere 100 days the mightiest Republicans fell,
Were storefronts now tenantless, and swine flue fright doth rule,
Did gibber of Ray's Steaks and Hell Burgers in Arlington streets.

Where Geithner and Bernanke proclaimed that
Both a borrower and a lender be;
For loan oft gains both votes and friends,
And borrowing stimulates weary economy.

Find out the cause of this effect,
Because the Commander in Chief hungereth.
Or rather say, the cause of this detect,
For this effect defective comes by cause,
So with his VP escapeth his White Castle.

Not a computer mouse stirring.
And then it started like a guilty thing
Upon a fearful summons.
But, look, the noon, in hungered mantle clad,
Obama rides o'er the slew of yon high shills.
The memory be green of Arugula farmers,
With Biden that less than kin, yet more than kind.
That it should come to this!

"Season your admiration with a spicy mustard."
The President's baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth their ratings tables.

Words, words, words.
Give thy thoughts no tongue, except on talk radio.
Why, Rush, a robustious periwig-pated fellow,
Very like a whale,
Would hang on him,
As if increase of appetite had grown
By what it fed on.

Sean cried "Thrift, thrift, Horatio Alger!
All is not well; I suspect some French socialist Dijon foul play.
Something is rotten in the state of Virginia."

Alas, poor Yokels! We knew them, Ho-radio.
Tis as easy as lying.
What! Frighted with false ire?
The loonies doth protest too much, methinks.
They have a plentiful lack of wits.
More matter, with less condiments.
There is nothing either good nor bad, but thinking makes it so tasty.

"This above all: to thine own self be true,
Medium-well it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Brevity is the soul of wit:
"No ketchup" commandeth the Prince.

Lord! we know what we are, but know not what we may be.
For I am more a modern Lincoln than an FDR.
He was a man, take him for all in all,
We shall not look upon his like again.

A king of shreds and patches worthy of GQ.
Not just a rhapsody of words.
For the apparel oft proclaims the man.
Report me and my cause aright
To the unemployed.
Come, my limo!
Good-night sides;
Good night, sweet relish;
Good night.

Justice Souter

Richard — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:50:26 EDT

Justice Souter's retirement from the United States Supreme Court brings to a close of one of the best supporters of the U S Constitution. He was indeed a supporter of the little man who had to go up against Big Corporate interests. With Justice Souter one always had the feeling that he was with the vast majority of Americans. Now President Obama will have to find his replacement. Let us hope that President Obama nominates some one who will objectively champion the little man.

Welcome Aboard!

Richard — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:58:26 EDT

Sen. Arlen Spector's decision to leave the Republican Party and join the Democratic Party is Welcome News to those of us who are fed up with filibusters posed by the Republicans. Senator Spector will be a great addition to the Senate Democrats.What do you think?

Who inspires and finances Al-Qaeda & that Type of Extremist Wahabi Activities? Saudis, Drug Trafficking &...

ARK — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 06:44:38 EDT

There is ONLY ONE source of inspiration for Al-Qaeda: The Saudi style Wahabism

There are a few sources of Al-Qaeda financing: drug trafficking, Saudi financing &… Now for VOA Persian, using a very unreliable source in Turkey to claim they were some contacts between the Al-Qaeda and the Shia Hezbollah in that country is a total farce. Perhaps Hezbollah and Al-Qaeda cars passed each other on a crowded Street in Istanbul?! Just recently in separate bombings in Iraq, the Al-Qaeda and their cronies killed more than one hundred Shia Moslems…Now to claim the Shia Hezbollah had some thing to do with this terrorist group who murder innocent civilians is really wrong! To date tens of thousands of Shia Moslems & about eight thousand Americans have been murdered by these terrorist extremists who think they are religious! Perhaps these Al-Qaeda terrorists and their Saudi mentors should also be listed as murderous and racist tugs who commit genocide right there on top of the list, next to Hitler…Or is there a plan to create division among Moslems and make Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan & … their battle ground. Those who finance and plan such attacks should know that in the event of such a disaster, no country involved in such planning will be safe and negative economic effects of such a conflict will be far reaching. Or perhaps they want to bog down US troops in Iraq, so they would not be able to move to Afghanistan & Pakistan were these terrorists have their head quarters.

Please forward to Liz Cheney

Peter and Linda — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:11:39 EDT

Of course, the average concerned American does not have access to email addresses of the pompous, rich and famous that just say whatever they want and we have no way to respond! Anyone that is able to contact Ms. Cheney, please forward this for me.

Thank you, in advance.

Peter Realmuto

Dear Liz Cheney,

You don't consider what was done torture? If you're serious, what would you think it was if it was done to your family members? I'll bet you'd change your smug, arrogant mind then. I thought, in America, no one was above the law? Apparently, that does not apply to you and the rest of the socially superior snobs.

Apparently, as brain washed and biased as you are, anything your daddy and the corrupt Bush regime did was fine ... of course, it didn't affect you or your family. You probably think your daddy and "Cowboy" Bush were the only ones able to keep America safe. I'm surprised you didn't reiterate what your despicable daddy said about how vulnerable we are now, without them in charge ... deviously hoping for another attack, so President Obama looks like a failure. Of course, future attacks won't affect you and your families directly anyway, so to hell with the rest of us, right?

Why don't you, your daddy and George W. just quietly ride off into the sunset? Hopefully, hell is just beyond that sunset.

Disgusted with all of you,

Peter Realmuto

Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh say there is no drug use in America

amadeusmax — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:23:32 EDT

I am amazed at how desperate the far right media has become the very thing they claim the left media was. Now they refuse to recognize the huge amount of drug use that is happening in America. It's like they want to take a blind eye on crime to further a political Agenda. They refuse to see the drug use done by Americans. They want to pretend it isn't happening. They are saying it's un American to recognize the harm buying drugs causes. This is going to cause a conflict with their own followers since some of them have to in real life defend themselves from the very drug business that puts their republican followers into harm.

I can understand why Rush Limbaugh doesn't want to recognize illegal drug use, it's great way to cover up his own indiscretions. Sean Hannity is now completely gone insane. It's almost like they are trying to sweep the drug problem in America underneath the rug. I'm sorry but most of America know where the drug cartels are, and know they travel to America to sell their product.

To say that we as American aren't buying drugs is saying that there is no drugs in America. That would mean all the deaths didn't happen from overdoses, all the cops that died from drug dealers and those stoned on drugs didn't happen.

Why is Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity trying to make the Drug Dealers look good by saying it's UnAmerican to say what the problem really is? Why are they defending drug dealers?

Does Rick Perry have the Right to Terminate 23 million American Citizenships?

amadeusmax — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:19:05 EDT

Does Rick Perry really have the right to even hint at seceding from the US without speaking to the constituents first. There have been a lot of people who have died for America from Texas, and I'm sure their families don't want somebody trying to use their citizenship as a bargaining chip for one persons political career.

As a matter of fact I am sure there are many in Texas who don't want anyone in the Texas Government messing with their US citizenship at all. Taking your personal beliefs and expecting your constituents to follow them is not the democratic way. The Texas governor is not in a seat of royalty. He is to follow the will of the people. He does not have the right to determine who is to be a US citizen.

Not to mention the Dollars and Federal Military bases. Maybe the Federal Government should talk to Texas about withdrawing all the United States faculties such as military bases, and the Airports that were built with all 50 state American Tax Money.

If Texas leadership doesn't want to be apart of the United States, isn't that about being UnAmerican. Does the Governor have the right to terminate the Citizenship of millions of Americans? Since he has been given this thought, will he allow people to leave Texas if they wish to remain US Citizens? Will he pay back the US Government for all their faculties, equipment, roads, and funding that has been spent in Texas?

Stop forwarding your trash!!!

Peter and Linda — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:55:38 EDT

I'm sick of all the negative emails, knocking every single thing President Obama suggests or tries, in his attempt to find solutions to rebuild America and the American spirit after the last 8 miserable, disheartening years. Here's just one example of the trash they waste their time forwarding.

"You can say it all you want. Obama is ushering in socialism. One doesn’t have to be a brain surgeon to understand that. Apparently though, you are having difficulties."

I will not even write what I really want to say to them. It would definitely be XXX-rated. If they have nothing constructive or productive to say, let them please keep their wretched opinions to themselves and don't say anything at all. Instead of wasting their time trying to tear the country down, these characters might want to participate in any and every attempt to restore America to it's greatness of yesteryear.

Get over yourself and pray that President Obama succeeds, so all Americans succeed. Think about it the next time, before you begin to criticize and display your arrogance and ignorance.

Rove, Cheney & Limbaugh: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Paul Evans — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:20:44 EDT

Evans Politics Liberal Politics, April 12, 2009, by Paul Evans

The powers that were from the Bush administration are keeping their noses firmly in midst of the media limelight. Limbaugh stated that he wants President Obama to fail, and the media is still talking about that. Dick Cheney pugnaciously declared about April 7th that President Obama's policies were making America less safe, setting off major jawboning among the talking heads. It seemed to finally be settling down, only to have Karl Rove call Vice President Biden a "Liar," as you might expect on Fox News, on April 10th. (Watch the discussion of this on Hardball on Evans Politics Videos, here.) Eugene Robinson on that Hardball show made that point that Rove is showing up all over the place, which "doesn't sound like that great an idea to me. ....Whatever he's doing he's doing a lot of it. He seems very determined to be a player, and to try to set some kind of tone and agenda for the Republican talking points machine...."

Over at the Washington Monthly on April 11, Steve Benen is making exactly the point I am making about this:

KEEP ON TALKING, KARL.... Three of the least respected, least admired figures in contemporary American politics are Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney, and Karl Rove. If Democratic leaders had their way, these three would be up front and center as much as possible. Especially as far as the White House is concerned, the more three on the attack, the better President Obama and his team look.
And wouldn't you know it, in these early months of the Obama presidency, it's working out pretty well.
Limbaugh has strengthened his reputation as the de facto leader of the party; Dick Cheney is annoying Republicans by making so many public appearances and taking cheap shots at the nation's leadership; and Karl Rove is arguably an even more rabid attack dog now than he was when he helped run the White House.

And the polling numbers support the idea that having Rove, Cheney and Limbaugh lead the charge for the GOP is something Democrats can feel pretty satisfied about. At MSNBC's First Read on April 10, here, Mark Murray wrote a piece titled "GOP Deperately Seeking Mr. Popular":

We can tell you one thing about the current Karl Rove-vs.-Joe Biden spat: Democrats are loving every second of it.
Why? Because -- as with Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh before him -- the public has a very sour opinion of Rove. "We're not too worried that Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh, and Dick Cheney are battling it out to remain the face of the Republican Party," a Dem strategist emails First Read. "Every time Rove pops up, it just serves to remind people what they wanted to change."
...snip...
An August 2007 Gallup poll showed Rove's standing at 26% favorable, 44% unfavorable. Another Gallup poll early this year had Limbaugh's at 28%-45%. Per the December 2008 NBC/WSJ poll, Cheney's was 21%-58%.

I did a little more digging on the approval ratings of the Repugnant Three to see if I could find more current data. Gallop did a poll between March 27 - 29 of 2009 on favorable/unfavorable percentages. At that time Karl Rove was 21% favorable, 44% unfavorable and 35% "never heard of/no opinion" (How anyone could either not have heard of these guys or have no opinion about them is beyond me, but I guess a lot of Americans are just not that into politics.) Cheney had a 30% favorable result (and our former fearless leader, George W. Bush had advanced into the stratospheric realm at 35%, from an all-time low of 28% on at least one poll). Pollster.com for November 4-5, 2008, among likely voters, had Rush Limbaugh at 23% favorable, 51% unfavorable and 26% "neutral/no opinion." Also for Rush Limbaugh, Gallop had a poll from February 5th of 2009:

Gallop Poll - February 5, 2009
Rush Limbaugh Popularity

Republican:     60% Favorable; 23% Unfavorable; 17% Other*
Independent:   25% Favorable; 45% Unfavorable; 30% Other*
Democrat:          6% Favorable; 63% Unfavorable; 31% Other*

* Other = "Never heard of/No opinion"

So long as no clear popular leader of the GOP emerges, Democrats are perfectly comfortable with letting Rove, Cheney and Limbaugh thrust their immense egos into the spotlight. We don't even really have a preference: let the three of them vie for face time, it's all good. The Repugnant Three, hated as they were during the painful eight years of George W. Bush, are good news these days for the Obama administration.

Pirarcy at Sea

Richard — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:15:34 EDT

The seizing of an American ship off Sommalia demands a strong action from the Obama Administration. Obama needs to show he can't be intimidated by these outlaws. We need to find these thugs and eliminate their outposts. Let me know what you think.

Real "Health"

Kwaku — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:50:24 EDT

The concept known as "Health has some rather strange travels. From early recognition as the motivating factor to efective living to the 1986 World Health Organization's "resourse for everyday life". It has been used to describe the chief ingrediant to beneficial life.

It has not, however, included the use of 1/3 of mans ability to exist. In the january 2006 issue of The American Journal of Public Health, an article by Lester Breslow MD of UCLA medical school ask for definitions of what "health" is that takes in our present understanding of mans nature and the scientific understanding of the nature of life.

He briefly mentions that all prior scientific study has concentrated on the characteristics of disease and has taken the view that disease is to be measured by its effects on the body and mind wwhile giving only passing mention to the character of a portion of man delineated as the spirit or soul.

Though composing one of three parts of what most consider to be the totality of humanity, (body, mind, and spirit), it is only tangiently viewed as it relates to his 'health". Dr. Breslow argues rightly that todays medicine is concerned with and measures only chemicals and markers of disease states. It has no measures to evaluate "health" only illness. Is there anyone in all of creation who believes a human being can be healthy without a healthy spirit?

I am not refering to the religious definitions that speak of a eternal piece of humanity that will eventually leave his body and mind behind but the envisioning, creative portion of mankind that is responsible for communicating with worlds of possibilities that can find their expression in the here and now. All inventions of man first saw their birth in an image of possibilities in the spirit that was transfered to the mind for cretion in this reality.

Without exploring and utilizing the faculties of this vital portion of humanity how can "health" be defined let alone realized. I have written to Congressman Conway (D-Michigan) in detail, at his request, regarding these subjects and The Trivalent Understanding pioneered by Prometheus of Ohio Inc. (a Health education Company).

I only hope that the next century of America's growth will include not only a meaninful definition but a sicere search for "Health", thank you.

Tell it like it is ... period!

Peter and Linda — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:23:24 EDT

A message from one of our southern (Georgia) relatives, followed by our very rapid response.

The message:

"So you are one of "them" that I can blame all the new taxes that are going to hit us.... good thing you are up there and not down here for me to smack the back of your head!"

Our response:

"Actually, you're lucky you're down there. You sound just like your brother. We tried it "your" way for 40 years. We didn't hear you characters complain for the last eight miserable years. Our retirement account is gone, we're working longer hours and more days just to make ends meet, but God forbid we should wake up and take a stand for change. It can't get a hell of a lot worse!!!

If y'all want to continue the red states vs blue states crap, you're going to be the big losers, so keep it up. It's coming!!!

Linda and I were VERY committed and involved in this election, like never before. We had had it with the same old conservative broken promises and their lies. We were very active ... canvassing, making phone calls, mass mailings, registering new voters, got voters to the polls and attended focus groups and rallies, not to mention all our monetary support. What exactly did any of you complaining, sore-losers do to get McSame elected???????

If the GOP didn't turn into "the party of no", maybe you would all see exactly what could be accomplished, if we ALL acted like Americans, instead of being divisive, blind party followers! Oh, I forgot, only the Christian conservatives love their country ... according to that white trash Palin."

God bless President Obama and may God bless America!

Will It Never End?

Richard — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:00:45 EDT

The Franken-Coleman debacle continues to go on.The fact of the matter is that Coleman Lost! Now Republicans are dragging on this seemingly endless Court fiasco to what end? The only ones hurt by this is the people of Minnesota who are not being represented! This is nothing more than being a sore loser(Coleman). What do you think?

New Afghanistan Policy

Richard — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:15:52 EDT

President Obama detailed a new Afghanistan policy yesterday. I fear what it lacks is a clear understanding of the CULTURE of these people in the region. Their core beliefs are "an eye for an eye." That translates into death for any infraction of Islam. The adherents of this Radical belief are Not interested in Women's Rights or Education. In fact, they would see Education as a threat to tribal leadership. All I'm suggesting is that the Obama plan Must have clear goals and an exit strategy. Let me know what you think.

The Economic Plan

Richard — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:04:50 EDT

President Obama's Economic Plan shows the Confidence and Leadership that is Needed Now. The plan to buy up the bank's bad assests should be tried. What have we to lose? Something must be done to free up credit so that the banks can start lending again. What do you think?

AIG bonuses vs. Outsourcing Outrage

GJMcG — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:24:07 EDT

AIG spent $165 Million on bonuses, and the nation is outraged.

BUT a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch says that JP Morgan Chase is preparing to spend about $400 Million to transfer thousands of American jobs to India, and NO ONE seems angry about this! I am furious.

JP Morgan Chase took taxpayer money in the bailout, and now plans to eliminate the jobs of some of those taxpayers! This is FAR worse than the bonus payments, IMO, because the impact is long-term. Once those jobs are sent to India, they aren't coming back. It's one more slap in the face to America's dwindling and suffering middle-class.

The proposed law to retroactively assess a 90% tax on the bonuses scares me to death. I think it's a bad precedent. BUT if they can pass something as unique as that, WHY can't they pass a law that says any firm taking bailout money can NOT outsource any more jobs until they've paid the government back in full?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me this makes you angry too! And please give public voice to my outrage! If you Google "JP Morgan Chase India" you can find online articles and blogs to verify the story, but I have not found it reported in any of the major newspapers, like the NY Times, or on Network or cable news.

I would love to see national attention focused on outsourcing by bailed-out firms!

AIG Mess

Richard — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:51:05 EDT

AIG giving bonuses to their executives with our Tax money shows how contemptuous they are of the American public. Those executives should be fired for their thievry Not Rewarded! Perhaps Congress can find a way to take back the bonus money. I say tax them all. What do you think.

Stem Cell Research

Richard — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:59:40 EDT

Stem cell research again poses a moral dilemma.What to do with embryonic cells? On the one hand opponents of this research believe that life begins at conception and this approach should be banned.On the other hand, proponents of this research say that embryonic research shows much promise in curing diseases such as Parkinson,MS, spinal colummn disorders to cite a few examples.Maybe the key to this moral dilemma is if researchers can create an embryonic like cell from Adult stem cells. Let me know what you think.

Random Thoughts

Richard — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:48:07 EDT

President Obama and Congress will have to deal truthfully with the pending legislation over workers right to unionize. The unions like it or not helped to create the Middle Class over the last 60 plus years. Why shouldn't workers be given the opportunity to organize? Workers helped create the wealth for the Greedy CEOs. The've earned their right to organize! On another matter, the Presidential Library of George W Bush at the SMU campus is a joke. This is merely an attempt to Distort history by Bush cronies who got us into this mess(foreign&domestically). We need the truth about the 43th President not another falsification of history.

Please Pledge Your Support

Peter and Linda — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:31:33 EDT

We just signed a pledge of support for President Obama's plan to renew and strengthen America's economy.
Please help "our president" to succeed. By helping President Obama succeed, America will succeed!

Unless your sentiments are in agreement with such ignorant, malicious people like Rush " I hope he fails" Limbaugh and "the party of no" (the GOP), who are determined to see President Obama fail, thus causing America to fail ... please show your support for America and get involved now.

Watch the video announcing this new initiative and pledge your support now:

http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject

Thank you.

Peter and Linda Realmuto
"2 Reals 4 Obama"
NJmort@aol.com

Limbaugh: "Kennedy Will Be Dead By The Time Health Care Bill Passes"

Peter and Linda — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:34:20 EST

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/06/limbaugh-kennedy-will-be_n_172595.html

These words from the overweight, cigar smoking, drug addict ... a prime candidate for a massive coronary. With any luck, maybe we could call it "The Rush Memorial Healthcare Plan" ... but then again, he doesn't even deserve that posthumous honor!

A Thoroughly Disgusted American
Peter

A Clown!

Richard — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:42:46 EST

In today's New York Times Rush Limbaugh is described as a Clown! I think he is worse than a clown with all his divisive banter about the President! Limbaugh is what is Wrong about America with his myoptic, provincial, negative attitude. America is better than Rush Limbaugh. Let me know what you think.

Justice Dept. Memos

Richard — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:23:51 EST

Should the Bush Administration officials be prosecuted for the alleged abuse of the Constitution? The recent Justice Dept. memos suggest that this matter should be brought to the public so that these infractions will Never again occur. Let me know what you think.

This is the "change" we voted for!!!

Peter and Linda — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:20:11 EST

President Obama's plan ... Read it ...Understand it ... Support it.

Please be open-minded and, by all means, use some common sense. Try NOT to be like the arrogant, ignorant conservative right. They say "no" before they even look at the plan or care about what's best for the American people or what we voted for in November. Their only concern is to attempt to rescue their broken, sad party and ... to hell with the average citizen and what's best for all of us. If they want to say no and display contempt for all of us, we can start from now to send them a clearer message in the next elections, when they lose more seats in the House and the Senate. They want to punish us ... we will PUNISH them. Then, just maybe, they'll start to understand that we voted for change and "we want change" ... PERIOD!

This is the change we voted for. President Obama has done his part, now we need to do ours.

looking for DISABLED Katrina Evacuees

darlene matthews — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:32:16 EST

Attention Hurricane Katrina Survivors!

We want to hear from people who have a disability or who have diabetes who had an experience with Hurricane Katrina.

Are you someone or know someone who:

Has a disability or has diabetes?

Is 23 years of age or older and evacuated from southern Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina?
Would be willing to participate in our research study and share their story about their lives before, during, and after the storm?

We are doing research to study the impact of Hurricane Katrina on people with disabilities or diabetes. We are collecting information on the barriers and disruptions they experienced in their lives, the strategies they used to reestablish their lives and their disaster-related needs as they recovered from Hurricane Katrina. Participants will be asked to spend approximately 30 minutes on the telephone answering survey questionsand will receive financial compensation for their time.

To sign up for this study or for more information call 1.866.578.4366. This project is in collaboration with the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University and the ILRU Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital.

found this on disaboom.com

State of the Union - Calling us Forward

David — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:37:48 EST

Barack is set to hit the airwaves in one hour with his first keynote address to both houses of Congress. This is why we elected him, because he knows how to tell everyone what needs to be said, even when the truths are difficult to hear. He knows how to express himself quite well-- so much more clearly and credibly than our recently departed Duuhbya. It's been so long we almost forgot what it could be like to have a President we can believe in. Well, we're finally on the journey now.

I realize the times are tough because of the mess we've inherited from W's 8 long years of ineptitude and slamming the national ship from shoal to reef and back again. It will take time and collective work, some sacrifices and faith in our ability as Americans working together for the common good, to patch the hull and get our ship of state out into the main channel where she belongs. Bailout is a good analogy here... If we work together, we can get this job done!

For those who haven't been there, I encourage you to check out the Recovery.gov website!

http://www.recovery.gov/

your $65

Ann — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:55:48 EST

"Because of what we did, 95% of all working families will get a tax cut -- in keeping with a promise I made on the campaign. And I’m pleased to announce that this morning, the Treasury Department began directing employers to reduce the amount of taxes withheld from paychecks -- meaning that by April 1st, a typical family will begin taking home at least $65 more every month. Never before in our history has a tax cut taken effect faster or gone to so many hardworking Americans." [source]

What will you do with your $65?

The Obstructionists

Richard — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:43:03 EST

Their is no question that the Republicans are going to continue to be obstructionist to President Obama's agenda. I say vote them all out office except for the ones that supported the ARRA bill in the Senate. They were at least willing to listen and vote on the merits of the bill. But for those Republicans in Ohio who voted against the bill knowing full well the State's high unemployment stats,I say they are showing their true colors(not giving a hoot about the average working class person). Let me know what you think.

Senator Gregg

Richard — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:59:53 EST

Sen. Gregg's backing away from the Secretary of Commerce position shoes a lack of Thinking on his part. He shares this lack of thinking with his Republican collegues. In the Obama Administration one has to be able to Think in order to be a part of President Obama's Cabinet. Let me know what you think.

President Obama Celebrates Abraham Lincoln's Birthday

Jill 4 Obama — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:37:22 EST

THE BRIEFING ROOM • THE BLOG
Thursday, February 12th, 2009 at 12:19 pm Happy Birthday, Abe

The Great Emancipator would have been 200 years old today, and President Obama is marking the occasion in several ways. This morning he spoke at the Lincoln bicentennial celebration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and tonight he’ll address the 102nd Abraham Lincoln Association Annual Banquet Dinner.

Last night he appeared at the Re-Opening of Ford’s Theatre, the site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Lincoln. Big names like Katie Couric, James Earl Jones, and Jeffrey Wright, appeared, and there performances by the President’s Own Marine Band, violinist Joshua Bell, and Audra McDonald, among others.

The 44th President commended the 16th’s many accomplishments, but made particular note of his commitment to the future, even amid the upheaval of the Civil War.

"When President Lincoln was finally told of all the metal being used at the Capitol, his response was short and clear: That is as it should be," President Obama said in his remarks. "The American people needed to be reminded, he believed, that even in a time of war, the work would go on; that even when the nation itself was in doubt, the future was being secured; and that on that distant day when the guns fell silent, a national capitol would stand, with a statue of freedom at its peak, as a symbol of unity in the land still mending its divisions."

White House photos 2/12/09 by Pete Souza

Who will help?

John Cavanaugh — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:54:29 EST

In the Feb. 1st Sunday Columbus Dispatch, reporter Rita Price asks the key question all citizens of Ohio must now address as nonprofits like South Side Settlement House struggle with declining resources and skyrocketing demand during this historic economic crisis. During these difficult days, we need only look back to the very founding of our nation to find our answer. As Thomas Paine wrote on Dec. 23, 1776 : "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman". Indeed, we can all join everyday heroes such as Child-care worker Wynida Searcy and provide a "service stimulus" to our struggling communities. Now more than ever all of us have an opportunity to fulfill the mission outlined by former Corporation for National Service Chair Stephen Goldsmith and Senator Harris Wofford who wrote: "As the government seeks to deal with the economic crisis and relieve the distress felt by millions of families, we should not overlook the great American tradition of service. More than 60 million citizens every year are providing service to their neighbors and their communities". Here in Ohio, whether that be answering Governor Strickland's recent "Call to Action" or Representative John Patrick Carney's proposal to allow retired medical workers to maintain their licenses to serve at low income health clinics, we can and should help to ensure that our friends and neighbors weather this economic storm. Can all this be done during such a time of turmoil? Again, if we draw inspiration from our recent past, we will discover that our greatest triumphs have come during times of impending peril. We can and should follow the example of our parents and grandparents who grew up during the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and whose productivity on the home front keep our nation whole. Likewise, we should remember that it was this "Greatest Generation" who survived the war pressed on to build and rebuild our industries. So who will help? The generous and innovative citizens of the great state of Ohio!

Born Again American - Founder Norman Lear

Darrell from Bloomington, WI — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:43:02 EST

The New Era of Opportunities for Civic Affairs in Broadcasting
- with Darrell Udelhoven

Because of all the new digital channel frequencies there is a broad spectrum of program opportunities for broadcasters, sponsors and the listening and viewing audience. These new technologies open up a broad spectrum of new venues allowing the radio-talk call-in programs to merge with television channels and with the Internet in both video and audio formats. This results-in by far the best audience reach compared to the use of one type of broadcast frequency format.
The quality of our mass communications is a high-level determinant of the quality of our lives and our eventual destinies. Nearly everything we know, do and achieve is communicated through our eyes, our ears and other sensory organs. This is why all forms of radio and television broadcasts represent our most important resource toward beneficial change for all of humanity.

A large percentage of America's problems have been due to the lack of transparency in government and corporate affairs, resulting in needless wars and economic inequities.

Our government gave the big finance companies $750 billion without stipulations as to how it was to be used, now they have given broadcasters are public owned digital frequencies without stipulations or guidance in the way that they are to be used for the public interest, need and necessity.

Over the air television broadcasting is a virtual wasteland. There is little or no utility value content in broadcasting programs. The hierarchical intelligentsia's voice in broadcasting has failed the owners of the broadcast frequencies & has also failed the global citizenry. This failure has cost our global community trillions of dollars of loss & untold suffering, it is time for the owners of the frequency resources to have unbridled access to broadcast over the new digital channels.

Government of, by and for the people cannot function in the interests' and needs of the people unless they have some control over the dissemination of content on their public owned broadcast frequency airwaves. We cannot permit these new government licensed digital frequencies to be used or squandered in non-essential unproductive content.

The potential to change the course of our destinies and to allow a representative Republic to function for the benefit of the people will always depend on the people having a powerful voice in the content of the information that is disseminated to them through the frequencies that they own.

We need interactive programming content that involves telephone talk, the merging of radio, television and the Internet, in order to reduce the use of energy and toward rebuilding our economic communities from the ground up.

Here is a link to WPR The Ideas Network Audio Archive Stream; 02/06/9, 10am broadcast, "Born Again American," founded by Norman Lear
Internet home of "Born Again American," Sign the Pledge & email your friends with a link. |
Internet Home of TV Producer, Norman Lear's Website

We can begin to build radio & TV communication community networks along with syndicated programs to reach every community in America so that, "We the People can begin to speak to each other & participate in organizing toward empowering ourselves toward governing ourselves, as was intended.

Wall street & the finance sector would not have gotten out of hand if 9 years ago the truth had been disseminated to "We the People," & therefore we had forced our elected representatives to force the Security & Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate wall street & finance sector! Trillions of dollars could have been saved along with our economy!
All of what I have suggested is feasible & should be accomplished for everyone's benefit ASAP.

There is much more, which we will deal with later. - Darrell Udelhoven

BR Internet Merge

The Mass Media Role Toward Economic Restoration

My Political and Economic Page Links The Real Political Issues

Wisdom Principled - Empowerment Communications
Darrell Udelhoven (U-DL-HOVEN) Darrell - Bloomington
udarrell

Action Now!

Richard — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:21:15 EST

President Obama's stimulus is being pidgeon holed by selfish Democrats and Republicans! Have they no shame. People who are looking for money to pay the bills are not forgetting who put these politicians in office. Apparently no one save the President puts the American public first. Congress Get It Together.

Jobs in All 50 States

Jill 4 Obama — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:13:54 EST

THE BRIEFING ROOM • THE BLOG
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 at 4:03 pm Jobs in all 50 states Economic adviser Brian Deese was part of the team that assembled an analysis of how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will create jobs in all 50 states. In a guest blog post, he explains.

You've probably heard a lot about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. And you may have heard the President or members of his economic team say that this plan will save or create 3 to 4 million jobs over the next two years. Maybe you wondered where that number comes from. Well, it's from a study by Christina Romer, the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers and Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist to the Vice-President. Their analysis has been confirmed by outside experts including the forecasting firm Macroeconomic Advisers and Moody's.

Jumpstarting job growth is the top priority of the Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Construction jobs to rebuild our nation's crumbling infrastructure*....technology jobs to bring put medical records online and lower health care costs while reducing medical errors...engineering jobs to modernize federal buildings and save billions in annual energy costs...jobs equipping our schools and colleges so the country's best young minds have a place to grow...and jobs laying broadband lines so a business in rural America can compete with any other business in the world.

The plan will create jobs in all 50 states, in industries across the spectrum. Over 90% of the jobs created will be in the private sector. We put together a fact sheet to show you, state-by-state, just how many jobs the plan aims to create.

But no matter what state you live in, with 2.6 million jobs lost last year and our economic crisis deepening, we can't afford to delay any longer.

*Just a couple of weeks ago, the American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card for America's Infrastructure issued an overall grade of D. From Katrina to the Minnesota bridge collapse, our nation's failure to take this infrastructure crisis seriously is blatant, and unacceptable. By making long overdue investments in our roads, bridges, transit, ports, and air security, this plan will put people back to work while making our nation safer and more prosperous in the future.

Is Universal Healthcare Feasible?

Richard — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:44:17 EST

With the sudden resignation of Tom Dashel, is universal healthcare feasible this year? Who will carry the fight for this needed service? President Obama needs a Washington insider to carry this task? Let me know what you think.

Time to Assert

Richard — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:57:07 EST

President Barack Obama has bent over backwards to try to engage the Republicans in Congress. I love the fact that President Obama is trying to reach consensus on the Stimulus Plan. However, despite these overtures the Republicans to date have given Obama Nothing but opposition. Is it time for President Obama to assert his leadership without the Republicans? Let me know what you think.

The Abortion Issue

Richard — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:20:42 EST

The Abortion issue has come up again with President Obama sponsering Planned Parenthood approach in Congress. He also recinded Bush's orders prohibiting federal dollars being used to fund abortions. This issue is probably the most divisive issue confronting Americans.Opponents on both sides are fueled by Emotion.Isn't there a common ground that proponents on both sides can agree to? Like reduce if not eliminate most abortions. Let me know what you think.

Pay the Bill and Keep the CHANGE

Mark Wiznitzer — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 11:17:11 EST

Let’s be honest. We didn’t really expect Congress to come up with a "bold" stimulus plan, did we? But do we agree that NO action will only aggravate our current crisis?

The GOP surprised us when it failed to respond more constructively to the bipartisan overture from Barack Obama. I personally witnessed the precedent-setting bipartisan dinner for his defeated opponent (my photo of the President-elect at the dinner honoring McCain, January 19) and noted the subsequent meetings with Congressional Republicans. And what did we get in the way of proposals from the loyal opposition? More of the dogma-driven, supply-side ideology that contributed to our current mess: tax cuts!

On the other hand, GOP critics have a point: the bill that passed the House and was embraced by Obama essentially is an accumulation of favorite Democratic spending proposals.

What is missing is CHANGE. The CHANGE Obama advocated in his campaign for the Presidency. The CHANGE that won him a resounding mandate to govern for four years. The CHANGE from policies that have worked to benefit few and imperil many. Where are the first steps toward affordable health care, a sustainable green economy and alternative energy? And why are we not moving boldly to address the systemic failures that underlie the current crisis in credit markets?

Obama asked for ideas. And Paul Krugman and Robert Reich, among others, obliged. But what these brilliant men offer is predictable: rationales for orthodox Keynesian solutions and concern about labor market distortions, respectively. More is needed, not just in additional spending, but in fresh ideas that advance the President's policy agenda. So, if suggestions are still welcomed, here is my two-cents worth. And please do keep the CHANGE.

Health Care

Obama has promised the nation affordable health care similar to his own Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), to be available to all by the end of his first term. There is no need to back off this goal. Health care is one of the largest drags on our economy and the stimulus bill provides a real opportunity to begin managing its cost. In addition to the bill’s provisions to help state governments fund Medicare and work projects, I suggest that the federal government reimburse all state and local governments for their employer's share of health care for the rest of this year. In exchange, recipients may not fire government workers and must commit to integrating their health care plans with the existing FEHBP starting in 2010. That provides additional and immediate financial assistance to state and local governments, while paving the way for the establishment of a Public Employees Health Benefits Program. By January 2010, the federal government’s negotiated health care program would expand its base and economies of scale. The next step will be to apply the system to businesses, and subsequently to capture the un- and under-insured.

Energy Independence

Most honest leaders recognize that in due course government will have to produce the substantial additional revenue to pay for the stimulus. But good luck finding a politician willing to propose increasing taxes of any kind. So let me suggest instead a hefty tariff on imported oil to fund the “green economy.” A tariff of 50 percent or more on the landed cost of all imported energy (probably with some form of accommodation for our NAFTA partners) can be justified because of national security as well as the external costs to our environment inherent in the use of fossil fuels. And such a levy would promote conservation, subsidize domestic production, and help to fund and protect our investments in alternative energy. This is a measure that should be welcomed by Republicans who advocate "drill, baby, drill” as well as environmentalists interested in promoting clean energy. The windfall earned by American producers could be invested domestically or taxed as profits. And while there may be a marginal increase of fuel cost at the pump, it will pale in comparison with the amounts we forked over to foreign potentates rather than our own Treasury these past few years, when oil was effectively 200% greater than its current price.

Reestablish a ‘Risk-Free’ Investment Benchmark

Explanations for our current credit crisis and financial market meltdown abound, including the Washington Post's excellent series. But absent from all the expert analyses is any mention of the Treasury Department's October 2001 decision to discontinue issuing 30-year Bonds. That decision, on the heels of 9/11 and the cusp of Bush's costly war on terror, both lowered mortgage yields and prompted increased sales of bundled mortgages marketed as alternative 'risk-free' instruments, which in turn fueled the housing bubble and distorted both government and corporate credit point spreads. Treasury Bond auctions have resumed, but a clear provision to finance America’s recovery through borrowing would repair yield spreads – both between short and long term sovereign debt and in relation to all other debt instruments. Transparent budget financing will help re-establish more realistic risk pricing and global confidence in the US economy. But the 30-year Bond will not regain its position as a benchmark for 'risk-free' long-term investment if Fed meddling in the market, as it proposes to do with its planned purchase of Treasuries from troubled banks. In fact, this central-bankers-gone-wild approach will only create a greater Treasury bubble that will seriously aggravate our problems. Once markets are allowed to properly price the cost and risk of our recovery without Fed manipulation, global confidence in the US economy has a chance to be recover.

So Pay the Bill, and Keep the CHANGE

Barack Obama attended his last inaugural event, the Staff Ball, at the DC Armory on January 21. But he arrived after a performance by the opening act, Arcade Fire. So here are some insightful lysircs from their “Intervention”:

You say it's money that we need
As if we're only mouths to feed
I know no matter what you say
There are some debts you'll never pay

The message is relevant to the stimulus bill now before Congress.

We can act responsibly and cautiously if we:

Pay the Bill and Keep the CHANGE.

One Down One To Go!

Richard — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:19:20 EST

The House passed the Economic Stimulus Package over Republican objections(yeah) Now the legislation goes over to the US Senate where it undoubtedly will be scrutinized by both Democrats and Republicans. Hopefully there will be more bi-partisan support for this important bill. Right now it looks like President Obama and the Democrats put "Country First" not the Republicans. What do you think?

Republican Obstructiveness!

Richard — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:41:01 EST

Have they got no shame? These Republicans who seek to obstruct President Obama's economic stimulus plan now pending before Congress. The same Republicans who created the mess we're in. First, there is the misguided war in Iraq. Second, there was the deregulation of the Banking Industry.Third, the Bush/Congress scandals.Fourth, people losing their homes right and left. Maybe the Republicans have Forgot conveniently: They lost the election of 2008. America has always operated on the fact that while the minority viewpoint is respected/debated; it is the Majority that Rules. President Obama has bent over backwords for these Republicans. Now it's time to move forward with President Obama's proposals.What do you think?

The Opening Salvo

Richard — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:21:00 EST

President Obama showed how determined he is to forge a new America by limiting some of his White House aides salaries and by instituting an Excutive order prohibiting lobbyists' influence on the Administration. This is a good start to his Administration. What do you think?

President Barack Obama!

Richard — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:47:34 EST

Only in America could a man named Barack Obama ascend to the Presidency! This is a great day for All Americans! Now we need to get behind him by becoming involved with our government. As President Obama states "We are the change that we've been looking for." The time is for Optimism not Cynicism. Give President Obama time and your Patience. Pray for him and his Cabinet.

Celebrating The Hardest Four Years Of Our Lives

Qaliqo — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:44:02 EST

Today the real work begins. President Obama has called on us to rebuild our great nation. Bringing a large, populous, wealthy nation to the next level is our task. We must not be overcome, for the hour is late and time is short. Until campaign season in 2012, we are on a new mission: to achieve our destiny as individuals, as communities, as a nation, and as a world. We are all one people today, but the road ahead will be long and arduous.

Cincinnati Obama 2008 is becoming Cincinnati Supports Our President. I invite mailing list members to create a forum for discussing local solutions to the many problems we face. God bless President Obama, and God bless America!

Obama Proves Whites Not as Prejudiced as We Thought !

Greg Jones' Blacks4Barack ! — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:21:32 EST

OBAMA PROVES WHITES
NOT AS PREJUDICED AS WE THOUGHT !

By Greg Jones
(originally written/released March 24, 2008)

" There's no way America would vote for a black president !.....America's not ready for a black president." That has historically been the sentiment and attitude shared by the majority of blacks in America due in part to the fact that we have always been under the assumption that most whites are so prejudiced that a black president in America would just never happen. But one of the most incredible things that has arisen through Barack Obamas campaign has been the vision of mass numbers of white people at each of the Obama rallys showing great love and support for this credible, intelligent, gifted, strong leader....who happens to also be black. It has been incredibly eye-opening and uplifting, and it, for the first time, shows us blacks that we have actually been wrong in our assumption that most whites are prejudiced toward us. Guess what ? Although you do have the exceptions to the rule, the fact is....most whites ARE NOT racist toward blacks. This is a very important revelation. VERY !!!

We, as blacks have held on to our injured history, which we rightfully feel was caused by whites, to such a degree that we have never had the opportunity to see or learn that the prejudiced attitudes of whites does not exist today like it had in the past. We just didn't know. We knew that a lot of whites like black music. We knew that millions of white women love Oprah, but we thought that was just a 'woman thing'. But in all honesty, we had no idea, until now, that white people of all ages....even older ones...could be as supportive of a black candidate as they have shown in great mass. We, as blacks have been wrong !

And now, to my black brothers and sisters....It's time for us to acknowledge this extremely important revelation...In other words....all whites are not prejudiced !!! In fact, MOST whites aren't ! I know, it's hard to believe because of our lifetime of thinking differently....but these are the facts. Just look in the eyes of the whites at Obama's rallys. You see a true warmth, compassion and true support for this man....who is black. What this means is that most whites have risen above the racism of old. Now, it is time for us, as blacks, to rise up as well. Of course, we as blacks will have the specific cases of injustice and prejudice as displayed through examples like Jena 6, Genarlow Wilson, Katrina and the like....and specific cases like those should be dealt with accordingly. In regards to economic, educational and criminal injustices and institutional racism....we still have a long way to go. But we must not continue to allow certain negative occurances to misdirect our minds toward thinking that these negative examples speak for the entire white race. The majority of whites of today are actually on our side !

Obama's campaign has already won by proving that whites and blacks can not only get along....but can work TOGETHER....toward a better tomorrow...for us all. And guess what my black family....America IS ready !!! (originally written March 24, 2008)

Greg Jones
National Director
Blacks4Barack.org

Blacks4Barack@yahoo.com

Update: YES WE DID !
p.s. Special Thanks to the great folks of IOWA !

Trial For Bush and Minions?

Richard — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:13:47 EST

As more becomes known of the 8 years of the Bush Administration, the question arises Who should be held accountable for these failed policies? Should the new Atty. General(most likely Holder) persue those that may have violated the law? Or will this be a Distraction for the Obama Administration? Let me know what you think.

Support Conyers Truth Commission

Monitor — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:01:35 EST

[Cross-Posted at Library Grape.]

As to the Bush administration's illegal excesses over the last eight years, there are a few salient options: (1) let bygones be bygones; (2) sic prosecutors after the lawbreakers; or (3) form up a South Africa-style Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

I am starting to lean toward option three. It would have the benefit of partially muting the "Witch hunt!" wing of the naysayers and, above all else, have the power to bring to light all of the illegal things that have been done in our name over the last eight years.

Here's where the action comes in. Representative John Conyers has introduced legislation to create a Truth Commission:

There is established the National Commission on Presidential War Powers and Civil Liberties (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the "Commission") to investigate the broad range of policies of the Administration of President George W. Bush that were undertaken under claims of unreviewable war powers, including detention by the United States Armed Forces and the intelligence community, the use by the United States Armed Forces or the intelligence community of enhanced interrogation techniques or interrogation techniques not authorized by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, "ghosting" or other policies intended to conceal the fact that an individual has been captured or detained, extraordinary rendition, domestic warrantless electronic surveillance, and other policies that the Commission may determine to be relevant to its investigation (hereinafter in this Act referred to as "the activities").

If you want some background on the potential illegality the bill is referencing, check out the new 500-page report that was issued on Tuesday: "Reining in the Imperial Presidency: Lessons and Recommendations Relating to the presidency of George W. Bush".

To date, Conyers' bill has only received 12 co-sponsors. We need to get the word out to Congress that Conyers' bill is important and has our support. If you have a few minutes, please write or call your Congressperson today to express your support for the Conyers bill: H.R. 104.

Secretary of State

Richard — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:05:59 EST

Hillary Clinton was fantastic during her Senate hearings yesterday. She showed her intellect and a wide grasp of the problems confronting the USA and internationally. She no doubt will be a great Secretary of State. All our prayers are with her.

Stop the Killing!

Richard — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:18:59 EST

An immediate Cease Fire is necessary in Gaza! I know there have been atrocities historically by both sides.But this killing of innocent people Must Stop. No more pointing fingers at one another. Just Stop and let the USA mediate a foundation for a lasting Peace!

Burris For US Senate?

Richard — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:08:57 EST

In the past week there has been much discussion about whether Rep.Burris should be seated as Barack Obama's replacement from the state of Illinois. I say let him be seated. What Gov. Blagojevich did was Legal with his appointment. Moreover, Burris is not accused of any corruption. How refreshing that is for a Senator. We need more like him in the Senate.

January 20, 2009 part 2

Walt — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:15:23 EST

The flag

* * * * * * * *   It will be a new day dawning
* * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * On January 20, 2009
* * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * *   One presidency ending,
* * * * * * * * *
another beginning.   On January 20, 2009.

The challenges are many, the burdens heavy.

Barack will not fail us.   We must not fail him.

He will need our support and our prayers

On January 20, 2009 .........   and beyond.

The Cause For Reason

Richard — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:35:34 EST

The Israeli incursion in the Gaza strip causes one to reflect whether it's time for both Israel and the Palestinians to sit down and talk/reason with each other. Certaintly there have been atrocities on both sides of the issue. But fighting on either side hasn't worked. So maybe it's time to try peace with a win-win for both sides. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict needs a Political solution fostered by both sides.It is time to let Reason not Emotion fan the Peace both have been seeking.

Some action to take in the new year of 2009.

The Liberal Democratic party of the United States — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:32:26 EST

Union members appear used to strike in order to get better salaries and better benefits and also to avoid concessions.

I have invented the purchasing strike in order to pressure Republicans in congress to stop filibusters and to cooperate in getting needed legislation passed.

New Years Resolutions

Richard — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:28:51 EST

As we approach the New Year(2009), I have a few random New Years Resolutions that I hope will come through. First, I hope and pray our country will never again institue a war based on a questionable ideology.Second, that individually and nationally we learn that Greed can not lead to happiness. Third,that millions of our unemployed will find work in the coming year. Fourth, that God protects our new President and Guides him in his decision-making.That's It. Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!

Richard — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:55 EST

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas to all! It has been a great year with the election of Barack Obama!! We all offer our prayers that he can turn our country around! May God Bless!

Obama's Cabinet

Richard — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:15:27 EST

President-Elect Obama's Cabinet selections have been superb to date. He's combined experience and intelligence with his selections. This portends to having a Competent Cabinet. Obama has also named a diverse group of people to his Cabinet including some Republicans. We pray that this will result in the change in politics that we all desire.

This is My Last Blog, Again

Jennifer M. Dillard — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:32:47 EST

Well, I got the job! I've been hired as the Legislative Aide for Representative-Elect Nancy Garland of the 20th Ohio House District! Yahoo! I am excited about the position and will do a great job serving Representative-Elect Garland and our district (I live in the district too). I start on January 5th. This is my last and final blog.

President-Elect Obama, for about two years I have been a part of your journey in becoming President of the United States. My involvement has never been primarily about making history by electing the first African American President, while I do believe it is outstanding that you are the first! Nor has it been primarily about creating change in this country, although I believe you have, you will and I want you to! For me, this journey has been simply about helping a great human being achieve his dream.

You have done a great job so far as the President-Elect and will continue to do so as President! You have my love and support, always. I believe in you.

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Dillard

Disapointed and hurt

Seth — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:33:22 EST

I worked hard and long for Obama to get elected and now in turn he asks a pastor who likens gay folks to pedophiles and incest to speak at his inauguration. I am disappointed and now will not even watch the inauguration. How can you do this Obama?

Here is what Warren said regarding Gay people:

Rick Warren: But the issue to me is, I’m not opposed to that as much as I’m opposed to the redefinition of a 5,000-year definition of marriage. I’m opposed to having a brother and sister be together and call that marriage. I’m opposed to an older guy marrying a child and calling that a marriage. I’m opposed to one guy having multiple wives and calling that marriage.

Steven Waldman: Do you think, though, that they are equivalent to having gays getting married?

Rick Warren: Oh I do. …

… Most people, you know… I have many gay friends, I’ve eaten dinner in gay homes, no church has probably done more for people with AIDS than Saddleback Church. Kay and I have given millions of dollars out of “A Purpose-Driven Life” helping people who got AIDS through gay relationships. So they can’t accuse me of homophobia. I just don’t believe in the re-definition of marriage.

Finally Help!

Richard — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:52:40 EST

Finally, President Bush's loan to the American auto industry will help that industry for the short term. However, sweeping changes to Management and Labor will have to be made for the long run. These changes will be painful for all concerned.President-Elect Obama will still be left with a economic mess from the Bush Administration. Let us Pray for President-Elect Obama and our nation.

The Pickens Plan - Can Old Dogs Learn New Tricks?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:19:00 EST

Since 1980, Pickens has made over $5 million in political donations. He was a financial supporter of Bush #43 and contributed heavily to both his Texas and national political campaigns. In 2004, Pickens contributed to Republican 527 groups, including a $3 million contribution to the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth attacking Bush's rival, John Kerry, and $2.5 million to the Progress for America advocacy group. In 2005, Pickens was among 53 entities that contributed the maximum of $250,000 to Bush's second inauguration.

On July 16, 2007, Pickens wrote an article for the National Review supporting Rudy Giuliani for President. Pickens was an executive-committee member of the Rudy Giuliani presidential committee.

Pickens chaired the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the American Spectator , a conservative U.S. monthly magazine covering news and politics.

Pickens has said he has stopped giving to political campaigns and focused his advocacy on alternative energy such as solar and wind. The Washington Post says that "perhaps the strangest role" Pickens "has fashioned for himself is his current one: the billionaire speculator as energy wise man, an oil-and-gas magnate as champion of wind power, and a lifetime Republican who has become a fellow traveler among environmentally minded Democrats.

In November 2008, California voters rejected a referendum regarding natural gas. Pickens owns Clean Energy Fuels Corporation, a natural gas fueling station company that was the primary backer of the November 2008 Proposition 10 on California's ballot. Much of the measure's sale of $5 billion in general fund bonds to provide alternative energy rebates and incentives ($9.8 billion after interest) could benefit Pickens' company to the exclusion of almost all other clean-vehicle fuels and technology.

Food Tasters for Obama Logo Goes Viral

Mark Wiznitzer — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:15:37 EST

Check out the story behind the Obama logo as told by Sol Sender, who led its creative development. Sender recounts the story in two parts on the VSA Partners website. A graphic presentation of the other ideas that were considered in the development process leading up to the ultimate selection of the now ubiquitous design is at "Obama logo ideas that weren't chosen."

Both parts of Sol's interview are on YouTube. And if you advance to minute 2:18 on "Sol Sender - Logo Design Part 2 of 2" you will see our Food Tasters for Obama logo -- conceived by me and executed by my son Zach -- used as an example of the "viral expression" of the grassroots movement.

We will be back with more political analysis and satire soon. If you would like to be notified when a new article is posted join Food Tasters For Obama.

Come On Mr.President!

Richard — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:46:04 EST

Come on President George W Bush! Do something for the American people. Provide a loan to the American car industry.Then at least you will end up doing something Positive for your legacy. America can not afford any More unemployment.Americans need Jobs. President Bush do the Right Thing!

Detroit Disaster

Richard — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:24:49 EST

The Senate Republican refusal to consider a bi-partisan auto industry loan shows just how unpatriotic they are. Is it alright to have one region of the United States to prosper(making Foreign cars) while another region grow in unemployment, home foreclosures,and mental depression? The Republicans show us Why they lost elections in 2006 and 2008: They don't care about any one but their own Self interests!

OH Action Needed! Ohio Voting Rights Threatened

LynnOH — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:21:11 EST

As an Ohioan and Obama volunteer, I am very concerned about the legislation under consideration this week in both houses of the Ohio State Legislature. This is Ohio Substitute Senate Bill 380.   Ohioans need to be voicing strong opposition to their Ohio legislators.

One objectionable component of the legislation would require the Secretary of State to create lists of voters with mismatches between their voter registration information and their information in   social security and motor vehicle databases. It is well known that such mismatches are widespread even for properly registered, eligible voters. The lists would go to the Boards of Elections and would be publicly available, thereby serving up caging lists to those with malicious intent.   In the run-up to the November 2008 election, Ohio Republicans sued to require the Secretary of State to create and distribute such mismatch lists, but the courts sided with Secretary Brunner. Now Republicans are trying to legislate this disenfranchisement mechanism.

Another measure that must be stopped is an amendment to Sub SB 380 that would tighten the ID requirements in Ohio to require a state photo ID for voting. Currently Ohioans without a state ID can use other documents such as a current utility bill or almost any current government document showing the person's name and address.

The legislation also calls for the elimination of the "golden week" during which Ohioans can register to vote and vote at the same time.

It is well established that any fraudulent voting in Ohio is miniscule. This legislation is opposed by the League of Women Voters. If enacted, it will disproportionately disenfranchise Democratic voters. It is a step towards defeating Secretary Brunner in 2010.   Any future repeat of the happy results of Ohio 2008 would surely be dangerously threatened by a Republican Secretary of State (remember Ken Blackwell and Ohio 2004?) and by the loss of voting rights that would be brought by the passage of Sub SB 380. Wake up! Call your legislators!

Contact Info for Your Ohio Legislators:
At this link, you can enter your zip code and find the names, phone numbers and email address of your Ohio senator and representative:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/search.cfm#reps_zip
Also, toll free messages can be left for members of the Ohio House of Representatives at 1-800-282-0253.

League of Women Voters opposition at:

http://www.lwvcols.org/theleague/displaynews.php?id=73

auto industry and health care

Jonathan — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:56:35 EST

Health care is a major part of the expenses of big industry. So a bailout for the auto industry gives an unprecedented opportunity. Let the bailout include single-payer government-run healthcare for the company employees. It could be a trial run for a national health-care program, and it removes a major expense from these struggling companies.

What The Heck Were Ford's Mulally and Chrysler/Cerberus' Nardelli Smiling About Friday?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:38:13 EST

Sanity Prevails

Richard — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:26:50 EST

The Supreme Court's refusal to consider a suit contesting Barack Obama's citizenship proves that sanity does prevail in the Court. This Republican chicanery to overturn the will of the People failed! Thank God!

Sore Losers

Richard — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:29:51 EST

The Supreme Court hearing of a suit disputing Barack Obama's citizenship is another example of some Republicans being Sore Losers.I always thought if your parents were American citizens you automatically were an American citizen. Can some one advise me of this? Meanwhile Supreme Court Justices the People have already spoken: Barack Obama will be our next President! Any attempt by the Supreme Court to change that smacks of Three World Politics.

I'm Back, for a Minute!

Jennifer M. Dillard — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:38:37 EST

I'm between jobs right now and thought this might be a good time to share what I've been doing for the past year. Once I get my next job, I probably won't be able to blog again. So, I'm back, for a minute!

I have to give credit to my mother and Barack Obama for setting me on the course that my life has taken recently. Through my mother's death I found Obama and he has inspired me (please read my previous blogs for the details).

I spent the past year working for the Ohio Democratic Party as the Franklin County Field Director . We won the Presidency for Obama and we also took back the State House! I helped build the Neighborhood Leader Program. I recruited and trained Neighborhood Leaders until the program was folded into the Obama Campaign. My focus then turned to the entire Democratic ticket. In addition to Obama's Campaign, I worked on two State House races, Nancy Garland in the 20th HD and Ray Pryor in the 85th HD. Both candidates won!

The Ohio Democratic Party was hesitant about hiring me at first. I was a stay-at-home mother who walked in off the street and asked them for an internship and then a job as Field Director (once I found out the ODP was hiring). I had no campaign experience whatsoever other than the grassroots organizing I did for Obama. I hounded the ODP folks to get a job interview and I hounded them afterwards until finally they said I could work as an intern. They would see about the Field Director position. Well, I worked my butt off for a month and impressed them so much, they hired me as the Franklin County Field Director. For the rest of the year, I continued to work hard and to persist.

I cannot fully describe what a great feeling it is to have earned the respect of my peers. It wasn't because I have a degree from Mount Holyoke College (here in Ohio, no one cares :-) ) nor was it because my mother was the Director of Education in Mayor Coleman's administration (I never mentioned it). I earned their respect because I worked hard, I persisted and I got results. I tell you, that is one of the greatest lessons of my life! Thank you Doug and John for hiring me!

Oh, how I love President-Elect Obama and how I desperately want to work in his administration! I recently learned that my fellow Mount Holyoke Alumnae Mona Sutphen '89 (I'm in the Class of 92') has been appointed Deputy White House Chief of Staff!! Go Mona! Goodness knows, I am so tempted to start hounding Mona for a job. :-) But, I want to pay my dues and to earn my way. So, I'm going to stay here in Ohio. I helped win back the State House and now I want to help push a Democratic agenda (with bipartisan support) in order to improve the lives of Ohioans. I'm in the process of applying for a job at the State House.

As for the future, I want to improve the lives of others by one day running a federal agency or perhaps serving the State of Ohio as Governor. Ultimately, whatever I do, the goal is to reach the end of my life having done some good.

Thank you Mom and Obama for setting me on that path.

Bush & Cheney, Not so Fast !!!

Phoenix Rising 4 Obama — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:42:58 EST

Rep. Jerrold Nadler Leads Opposition to Bush Pardons Dear Activist,Congratulations! Just one week ago we asked you to launch a massive movement against pardons by signing a petition to your Representatives. Over 46,000 of you took action and Congress took notice. On Friday, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) introduced H.Res. 1531 urging President Bush not to pardon senior administration officials for crimes the President authorized. It notes: President George W. Bush may have committed crimes involving the mistreatment of detainees, the extraordinary rendition of individuals to countries known to engage in torture, illegal surveillance of United States citizens, unlawful leaks of classified information, obstruction of justice, political interference with the conduct of the Justice Department, and other illegal acts

Barack's Promises

Richard — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:51:54 EST

There is a lot of expectation now that Barack is President-Elect Obama. Some of it is being hyped by the news media. Do really expect President-Elect Obama to clean up the Bush mess overnight? That would be an unfair assessment. The American people expect integrity,honesty,and good judgement from our President to be. He is providing that with news conferences, his selection of his Cabinet, and his forward Vision for America. Let's give him a chance to improve our lives! Afterall, he hasn't been sworn in yet as our 44th President.

Obama's Foreign Policy

Richard — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:52:33 EST

With Hillary Clinton being named Secretary of State,what should be the foreign policy of the USA! Some random thoughts on this subject:1) solidify our alliances by reassuring them that they will be heard2) focus on the entire Middle East region including the Isreali-Palestine conflict 3)be an example to the world by cutting back on industrial remissions 4) engage North Korea in negotiations regarding their nuclear program ditto Iran 5) let the world know by example that the days of the Bush doctrine are over.Diplomacy will be sought first.Finally, I think Hillary will be a good team player in the Obama Administration! Witness her hard work to elect Barack Obama President of USA.

Why Not Just Bailout The Strongest? Or The Weakest? Why All 3?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:22:19 EST

If times are tough and 3 businesses come to you and ask for money, wouldn't you ask each a few questions and expect different answers from each?

If you had a limited amount of cash to lend, would you seek to lend it to all 3 applicants? Or just the one most likely to pay it back on the strength of its business and business plan?

Obama's New Cabinet

Richard — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:09:00 EST

It appears President-Elect Obama's deliberative haste in making his cabinet's appointments is paying off! His recent choice of Eric Holder for Attorney General is evidence of that. Mr. Holder will be the first African-American to be Attorney General. He has a lot of experience in the Justice Department during President Clinton's tenure.President-Elect Obama is reaching out to past political foes in an effort to heal the divisiveness that America has experienced the last 8 years.May God continue to guide him.

The New Secretary of State? Representing Us On The World Stage?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:41 EST

Ms. 'Shame on you Barack Obama'?

Thanks, But 'No Thanks', Detroit - Wise Up First!

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:10:56 EST

Losing Shareholders Money So Rick Wagoner Wants Ours?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:04:38 EST

DETROIT -- General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner says GM's financial distress is so dire that it must line up financial assistance from Washington before President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January.

"This is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently," Wagoner said during an exclusive interview today with Automotive News. Now is the time to "overshoot, not undershoot" when it comes to assistance for the auto industry, he added.

In return for financial aid, General Motors is willing to offer the government preferred stock, set limits on executive compensation and speed the introduction of fuel-efficient vehicles.

But Wagoner said he is not prepared to resign in return for government aid. "I don't think it'd be a very smart move," he said. "I think our job is to make sure we have the best management team to run GM. It's not clear to me what purpose would be served. …"

Wagoner conducted his interview three days after GM posted its fifth straight quarterly loss and said it may run out of cash within a few months.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20081111/COPY/311119958/1142/ANE

Wanted: Missing Obama Poster from Dem HQ

Margaret from Stamford, CT — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:04:46 EST

WANTED!Nov 13th, 2008 by johnferrisrobben. No comments yet

WANTED! MISSING POSTER FROM GREENWICH DEMOCRATIC HQ

Missing from Democratic Headquarters

A beautifully framed Obama poster was taken off the wall of the temporary Election Democratic Headquarters at 205 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, between late evening of November 4, 2008 and early morning of November 5, 2008. Apparently, at the height of celebration, someone thought they could take it as a souvenir. Please help and get it returned to its rightful owner. The poster was one of two framed posters on loan by one of the campaign workers who framed it herself and it was used in a video she made to get Obama elected. If you want to see the video and see how the poster looked before it was framed you could go to www.youtube.com and search for “On the Beach with Obama” or click on the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBEMa2GJh6U

If you have seen this poster please e-mail the owner, Marge Robben, at mbrobben@aol.com. It can be returned anonymously to Robben Frame Studio at 177 Sound Beach Avenue, upstairs on the second floor, Old Greenwich. No questions asked.

Thank You

Walt — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:45:33 EST

When you scan your 401-K balance report and it is down 50%, take a moment and say thank you, George W. Bush. When you are shopping for food and waiting for the higher total each week, stop and say thank you, George W. Bush. While you are waiting in the unemployment line and you are watching CNN on the wall monitor as they report on another AIG sponsored lavish sales meeting paid for with bailout money, say thank you, George W. Bush. If you are a high ranking official at AIG, you have several reasons to say thank you George W. Bush. The fact that you are still employed, received your bonus and still possess a golden parachute. Let's not forget to thank Hank Paulson too.

Lehman Brothers Board of Directors- Have They Been Fitted for Orange Jumpsuits Yet?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:57:08 EST

Richard S. Fuld, Jr.
Director
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Richard S. Fuld, Jr. has been chairman of the Board of Directors of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc. since 1994 and chief executive officer of the Company since 1993.

Mr. Fuld was president and chief operating officer of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc. from 1993 to 1994. He was president and co-chief executive officer of the Lehman Brothers Division of Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. from 1990 to 1993. Mr. Fuld was a vice chairman of Shearson Lehman Brothers from 1984 until 1990 and has been a director of Lehman Brothers Inc. since 1984. He joined Lehman Brothers in 1969.

Mr. Fuld is a member of The Business Council. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Middlebury College.

Mr. Fuld received his B.A. from the University of Colorado and his M.B.A. from the New York University Stern School of Business.

Michael L. Ainslie
Director
Private Investor and Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Sotheby's Holdings

John F. Akers
Director
Retired Chairman of International Business Machines Corporation

Roger S. Berlind
Director
Theatrical Producer

Thomas H. Cruikshank
Director
Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Halliburton Company

Marsha Johnson Evans
Director
Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Retired)

Sir Christopher Gent
Director
Non-Executive Chairman of GlaxoSmithKline plc

Jerry A. Grundhofer
Director
Chairman Emeritus and Retired Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Bancorp

Roland A. Hernandez
Director
Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Telemundo Group, Inc.

Henry Kaufman
Director
President of Henry Kaufman & Company, Inc.

John D. Macomber
Director
Principal of JDM Investment Group

My Obama Cabinet

Richard — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:29:30 EST

My Obama Cabinet: Secretary of Defense Robert M Gates

Secretary of State Bill Richardson

Homeland Security Gary Hart

Attorney General State Atty. Gen. Cuomo

Secretary of Treasury Whoever Presidenr-Elect prefers

Let me know what are your preferences.

Pay For Performance - Chrysler's(Cerberus) Robert Nardelli

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:56:24 EST

"Robert Nardelli walked away from a mediocre tenure at Home Depot with $210 million. It was too late for the compensation scolds to complain; the board's real sin was committed years before in luring Nardelli to the company from General Electric. His contract said he'd get 90% of his pay regardless of performance, plus an enormous retirement package when he left.

http://www.forbes.com/leadership/forbes/2008/0519/114.html

And the uber-wealthy private investors at Cerberus (3-headed dog that guards gates of Hades) want us taxpayers to fork over the cash?

Detroit's Big 3: Fat (L- Chrysler), Dumb (C- GM) and Happy (R- Ford)

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:21:53 EST

Now, if they want to step down and apply for unemployment compensation and allow their companies to become innovative and accountable, that's a different story.

Can You 'Call' The Make, Model and Year Of These?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:02:26 EST

(Hint - they're all Buicks.)

Salute to Veterans

Richard — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:28:38 EST

On this day, all America remembers our veterans and the sacrifices they gave so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have. A special salute to those veterans who died in the cause of freedom. May God consol their families.

President-Elect Obama Agenda

Richard — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:22:44 EST

President-Elect Obama has met with President Bush and while no one knows the details of this meeting surely the Economy came up. Fixing the Economy has to be high on Obama's agenda. I can envision the following agenda(my opinion only): 1) fix the US car manufacturing industry 2) provide real relief to those home owners facing foreclosure 3) enact a comprehensive energy plan to make us less dependant on oil 4) create more jobs through this energy program 5) provide another stimulus package to jump start the economy and finally End the war in Iraq which has been bleeding our economy to the tune of $10 Billion a month. May God Bless President-Elect Obama and the USA!

In Dreams I Wander Nameless Streets in Search of Faceless Voters

Mark Wiznitzer — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:11:10 EST

Dear Friends:

To those of you who so kindly congratulated me for Tuesday’s election outcome, as if Barack Obama’s victory resulted from my personal and deeply committed efforts. I thank you for your generous comments.

To those who may have wondered how I fared in “radio silence” for six weeks on the Ohio battleground. Be assured that I survived.

To those who do not know me or are unfamiliar with my previous descriptions of the realities and ironies of the 2008 election. What follows is the final chapter of my life as a political activist, a missionary for democracy, an apostle of Change. Hopefully you will also understand how it is that for the first three nights after I returned home I woke up from the same dream in which I wander nameless streets in search of faceless voters.

The Buckeye State

On September 23 I joined the Ohio Campaign for Change as a member of its newly created Vote Corps. The invitation had warned of 14-hour days, seven days a week, right up through Election Day. I accepted because the Obama campaign considered this important enough to make it a paid position and because it was in the one state McCain had to win to become President.

I left home certain that my life experiences -- in retail sales, as diplomat and political officer, and Obama volunteer in seven states – would be useful in the Buckeye State. Stopping at Starbucks on the way out of Burlington that Sunday morning, I noticed the first trace of red on the outer edge of a leaf on a small maple tree in the parking lot. I realized that by the time I returned to Vermont the leaf peepers would have come and gone. Fortunately, it turned out to be a mild autumn in Ohio that showcased the Buckeye State’s own colorful foliage.

The Akron Vote Corps

A hundred of us reported to Columbus for Vote Corps training and by the first night we were already deployed across the state. I was assigned to the city of Akron, birthplace of Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James and Pretenders’ singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde, who wrote about her birthplace in “My City Was Gone”. The Akron Campaign for Change Office was headed by Regional Field Director Max Lesko. In charge of Summit and Portage Counties, he proved himself a very capable and genial manager. My hosts, Cathy and David, and their daughter Nicky, lived in a northwest suburb. Their friendship and cozy accommodations would be my home for the next six weeks.

At first the Akron Vote Corps consisted of six whites, from metropolitan DC, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Texas and California. Like most of the Obama staff and volunteers I met during the primaries, they were young and well-educated. In fact, I was two-and-a-half times their average age. By the end of the second week we lost one and gained five new members. Our new team-mates were all African Americans, from California, Texas and Georgia. Their average age was early forties and many had worked on the Kerry campaign. One of my first initiatives was to buy half a dozen fingerless gloves for our new friends from the warm weather states. Our Vote Corps was rounded out by a “Lead,” a young lawyer from Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown’s Washington staff.

The Vote Corps’ mission was to register voters, identify supporters and get out the vote for Barack Obama. Our primary targets were “Sporadics,” first time voters and people who voted Democratic in the past, but did not always turn out. For a while we were also instructed to knock on every single door in a targeted neighborhood. I successfully resisted attempts to create competition within our group for most doors knocked, “Doors” being the campaign’s primary measure for the work accomplished by staff and volunteers. My feeling was that competition focused on this imperfect metric would distort our effort, demoralize some members of our group, and sacrifice quality for quantity. For in the end, the real measure of our success would be the vote count on Election Day. And to that end, it was our diligence after the “knock” that would help determione the outcome.

Registration

Our first task was registering new voters and re-registering people who had moved before the deadline of October 6. We knocked on doors and scoured bus stops and other public places to register as many people as possible. Most people were already registered, as they clearly understood the importance of this election. Those who had not yet done so enthusiastically signed up, particularly in the African-American community. My first Saturday in Akron, I missed my first grandchild’s first birthday party back in Virginia. But my reward on that day was registering many first-time voters, including former felons who had recently regained the rights of other free men and women.

Many of our Sporadics were transients who frequently moved from one run-down Akron neighborhood to another. This city was in decline for a long time, and the recent economic downturn just aggravated conditions. In older residential neighborhoods there are a growing number of abandoned homes or houses soon to be vacated due to lost jobs or foreclosure. Many porches are marked by hand-painted signs announcing “Copper Already Stolen” or littered with trash by people who have given up. It is in this environment that we spread our message of Hope and Change.

Starting on September 30, we entered “golden week” when voters could both register and vote early. Ohio’s new rules allowed “no fault” early voting by absentee ballot or in person. A single polling place was created for Summit County at the Job Center in northeast Akron. The Job Center is well-known, because job losses have been ongoing for many years. The building, also known by locals as “the old library,” is next to another landmark, the County’s Auto Title Office. For those without cars, bus number 12 took people there from downtown in 15 minutes.

Early Voting

Registration and early voting at the Job Center was very convenient. Open every day, including Saturday and Sunday, there were 50 polling booths and seating for voters waiting for their paper ballots. But many Ohioans, especially African Americans disenfranchised in previous elections were suspicious. They worried that ballots were going to “disappear,” as reportedly happened in 2004 in Cuyahoga County. Overcoming these legitimate concerns required some persuasion. Our most important argument was: “Barack Obama wants his supporters to vote early.” That usually did it. We helped to spread the word that this process would protect, not suppress voting rights. And by November 3, the daily early vote turnout had grown from hundreds to thousands, the wait from 15 minutes to three hours.

By my third week I had developed a routine for creating a multiplier effect in conversation with early voters. Once they had made an Early Vote Commit, I introduced community organizing techniques to build on the widespread desire to help Obama get elected. Within the family, a grandparent or parent, or maybe the principal driver would agree to take responsibility for getting the entire household to vote early. I also encouraged voters to take along a relative or friend, or a neighbor who needed a ride.

Finally, I would make the following pitch:

“I’m working for Obama and I want you to work for him too. So I’m going to deputize you. No badge, no pay, just the satisfaction of knowing you helped to elect Barack Obama."

That always earned a smile. Then I continued:

"Now I'm sure you know someone who wouldn’t vote unless you drag their lazy a-- to the Job Center to vote. Do you know anyone like that?”

I could tell when they were hooked. Eyes turned skyward. Faces revealed minds thinking of who they would get to early vote. A knowing smile indicated they knew exactly who they would take along. In closing I urged them to let everyone know how easy it was to vote at the Job Center and that Obama wanted them to do so. By the time I left their door, the early voter had been empowered and had taken ownership of the Obama campaign. Now it was their campaign too.

Get Out The Vote

During our last week in Ohio, the Vote Corps was dissolved. We were detailed to assist Field Organizers with their neighborhood teams of volunteers, which were part of the Ohio get out the vote (GOTV) strategy at the precinct level.

I was assigned to Barberton to work for Sol, an energetic field organizer from Texas. My main “turf” was the south Akron neighborhood of Kenmore. Unlike my earlier work with Sporadics in largely African American neighborhoods, I was instructed to “persuade” and “motivate” the remaining “Undecided” voters. But with Election Day closing in fast, there would only be minutes to talk to any single voter.

In Barberton and Kenmore, the Undecideds were predominantly white, working class Democrats. Most did not want to vote for McCain, but were not yet sure about Barack Obama. I understood their concern. Not only was Obama a relatively new and unknown political personality. Most of these voters had supported Hillary in the March primary. And like voters elsewhere, they were being bombarded with smear emails, Republican mailings about Ayers and NRA propaganda warning Obama would take away their guns.

With openly racist voters there was the curt “Thanks for your time.” But it was not difficult to pull the other undecided voters off the fence, especially with the credibility of being an older white man with a knowledge of history and 23 years of federal service under five US Presidents. These voters knew that Obama and Hillary shared a common policy agenda and that she was campaigning hard for the Democratic ticket. They also recognized Rove tactics and our argument that: “They can’t win with the truth, so they are attacking him with lies.” Second amendment concerns were easily neutralized with Biden’s quote: “No one’s taking away my Beretta.” But the simplest most effective argument was “Are you happy with the way things are going or do you want change?” And Change is what voters wanted more than anything this year.

Election Day

November 3rd and 4th were taken up with the final GOTV effort, primarily distributing door hangers and reminding voters of their polling places. From 3:30 pm on Election Day until it was too dark to read house numbers, I scoured for remaining undecided voters who had yet to cast their ballots. I actually found several and they agreed to go to their local poll station, which by then was no longer crowded.

I was at the Barberton volunteers’ party at Lake Anna Hall when MSNBC announced Ohio for Obama. Having already won Pennsylvania, I knew it was all over except for reaching 270 electoral votes. While happy, I was so physically and mentally exhausted that the victory did not seem real. I headed back to my host family home and watched the candidates’ speeches before turning in and resting for the long drive home. Now as my dreams of knocking on doors in Ohio recede, the enormity of our achievement and the challenges facing Barack Obama are coming into better focus. I have no idea what my next step will be, but I will continue to do what I can to get our country back on the right track.

Epilogue

After 40 days of walking the streets of Summit County, I had knocked on or distributed campaign literature at over 4000 doors.

More importantly, I had in-person conversations with more than 1500 voters and obtained about 1000 Early Vote Commits, which probably understates the number of people who were convinced to go to the Job Center. Along the way I also helped remove several hundred bad addresses from our “Turf,” easing the task of later attempts by volunteers to find our voters.

The Akron Vote Corps’ effort over five weeks contributed greatly to the early vote turnout, which by Election Day totaled 90,000, or fully one-third of the 272,000 ballots cast in Summit County. And while he won Ohio’s 20 electoral votes with 51% of the state’s popular vote, Barack Obama won Summit County with 57.45%.

If you would like to be notified whenever Mark Wiznitzer posts a new article join Food Tasters For Obama.

Why Doesn't GM Offer These In The United States?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:14:57 EST

Instead they give us the Chevy Aveo or the Suburban...

No Bailout For Chrysler/Cerberus... PERIOD

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:38:56 EST

Former Bush #43 Treasury Secretary and Cerberus Chairman John Snow is a "big boy".

Chrysler President Robert Nardelli got his buckets of gold from GE then from struggling Home Depot.

And Cerberus's Stephen Feinberg ain't hurtin' too badly himself.

Am I fired up?

You betcha.

Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb

Hussein The Hope Monger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:22:29 EST

Put 'em to work on a chain gang, orange jump suits. They can help re-build our infrastructure with the clowns from AIG, Lehman, FNMA, Freddie Mac and friends.

Who Says There's Nothing To Do After The Election?

Hussein The Hope Monger — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:51:53 EST

"I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington ... I'm asking you to believe in yours."

There's transition work going on at www.change.gov . There are issues of public policy at the state local and national levels.

There are the scars of a partisan fight just concluded (Huckabee and Jindal will be here in Iowa in less than 2 weeks). 3 US Senate races are still undecided.

We are still in an economic recession and the unemployment rate is its highest in 14 years - another 240,000+ people lost their jobs last month. We are still in 2 wars. The stock market - and our savings - continues to plummet.

The mismanaged domestic auto industry with 2+ million jobs is running out of cash and panhandling for our wallets.

Why would anybody be wandering around with nothing to do?

Am I fired up?

You betcha?

It's still sinking in...

Todd Dunbebin — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:42:16 EST

I still wake up feeling the same way I have for awhile...then I realize, that something so exemplary has been accomplished. The hate and fear aren't as prevalent as they were even a week ago. There's an overall sense of relief to the nation, dare I say the world, that the biggest kid on the block, the current bully, realized that is possible to use your powers for good. You can take care of your own, the weak, your neighbor, the old lady down the street, the injured veteran across the street. You can care about the neighbor of your enemy without dehumanizing an entire culture, race, or hemisphere in the name of security. You don't have to spy on your own citizens for their own good; you can give people the benefit of the doubt and still be strong and secure. If nothing else this makes you stronger and more secure. If you take away everyone's rights and freedoms, because the "unseen terrorist enemy" uses our freedoms and liberties to attack us, so we must be stripped of them for our own safety; then they've won. They successfully destroyed the United States of America, because that was the biggest difference between us and many other countries of the world. It had seemed like the Great Experiment had collapsed on itself. No one is strong and secure if they’re constantly looking over their shoulder. A life lived in fear is only half a life.

The fear that has gripped people and was used to control them since, quote the Giuliani, "9/11", seems to have given way to the attitude of, for every night we make it through, there's the promise of a brand new day. If you have to stop living, in order to live, then that's merely existing. I feel like I can breathe now. I feel like it's that new day, and the storm (Katrina) is over, and although I look out my window and it's still a wreck, at least now I know I won't run the risk of getting arrested or "detained" while trying to clean up my own back yard. And once we have our own things in order we can do more to help others. You can’t really do anything to help your friends while you’re holding in your own guts hoping they don’t spill to the ground.

While I can't say I was ever truly ashamed to be an American, I was definitely ashamed of some of the things that happened on my watch, as it were. When America is listed as an abuser of human rights, rather than a champion of them, then that is not my America. My America denounces torture and human rights abuses. My America does not have a blank check to spy on its own citizens. My America does not disregard the Constitution of the United States of America as just a “Goddamn piece of paper[1].”

It's Sunday, the election was Tuesday, I believed it Wednesday, it's Sunday, and I still wake up in that old world, and it has to burn off of me like the fog in the valley before the sun works it’s way over the crest of the ridge. But once it does I can see the beauty that lay before me; I have my country back. I can raise my head, stare out at the horizon and know that no matter what may come my way, I know that when Americans stand together and have had enough, there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished. It is now the time to fly the flag and have pride in your country, it is no longer the time for flag decals and magnetic ribbons announcing support for the troops. It’s time to support them, after their service as well as during and bringing them home still whole and alive is a hell of a start.

[1] "Stop throwing the Constitution in my face," Bush screamed back. "It's just a goddamned piece of paper!" http://www.google.com/search?q=the+constitution+a+goddamned+piece+of+paper&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

President-Elect Pragmatist

Richard — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:00:02 EST

President-Elect Obama had his first news conference this afternoon. From what I gathered, he plans on leading by being a pragmatist. What do you think?