I find the notion of Senator Clinton as a possible choice for Secretary of State absurd, if not insulting. One because of the chaos it will create within New York State, although it will demonstrate, and once and for all that Mrs. Clinton saw the Senate as a stepping stone to the presidency and that expedience—the retirement of Moynihan gave her the opportunity she required and a complaisant State Democratic Party "closed the deal." But on a more serious note, the Senator, whose mental and emotional state remains locked in the 20th Century, is exactly the wrong person to articulate the promise of Obama's presidency out into the world.
And, on a purely practical level, I suspect the Senator's husband's rather vulgar grasping financial habits and practices, and those of his friends and colleagues, will not withstand a casual glance, let alone serious scrutiny. We have in Bill Richardson a fine candidate for the position—so this bit of political theater with Senator Clinton is an unnecessary distraction, unless it's true purpose is to expose the woman for what she is, an empty and vacuous vessel, and to demonstrate once and for all that she no longer brings anything of real value to the Party, in either the literal or figurative sense. Let her serve her term out, and then disappear—into academia or into one of her husband's global initiatives.
Dear friends,On the evening of the election we've all dreamt about, anticipated, imagined, and worked toward, I feel impelled to write and recognize all of you, the foot soldiers of the Obama Nation throughout the country and the world. You have rewritten the book on political campaigns by showing what a vast movement composed of small decision makers working together can accomplish when each one is inspired by a believable leader who speaks the words we didn't even know we were waiting to hear. This is the first 21st Century political campaign and the American political process will never be the same. But I'm also reminded of the inspired decision makers who banded together to oppose a British monarchy that believed it was entitled to rule over them and enrich itself from their hard work. The country they invented had a long way to go; and, I'm sure it still does. But the day after tomorrow, we will all sit down in amazement and realize how far we've come. Instead of saying, "Yes, we can!" we'll say to ourselves, "Yes, we did!" Each one of you believed our country, the United States of America, one more time could build on the long struggles of the past, could overcome the hijacking of democracy that has taken place over the past 8 years, and could rise to greater heights than ever before. And, then you went out and did something about it. I'm proud of our positive, grassroots, bottom-up, hope-based campaign and grateful to each of you. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say "Thank you!"
Now, let's do what it takes to get the vote out!
All the best,
Owen
Following the Obama campaign over the last few months has been an exciting and inspiring time. The campaign has been conducted brilliantly, and can be considered perhaps the most well executed and progressive Presidential campaign of all of time. Of all the many facets of the campaign, the utilization of the internet and social media has been extraordinary--and likely a fundamental factor in the overall success of the campaign. Here, I want to outline the components of this new media campaign strategy, explore the implications of this trend as it can follow into the Presidency, and speculate on how the advents of communication technology and socially-driven politics suggest the emergence of 21st century democracy, and evolution of social change.
I deeply believe the decision we make on Tuesday next is important to this Planets future.
I see the choice as being between a 20th Century Warrior and a 21th Century Mindset.
Having seen a father and mother sent away to a "camp" for being conscientious objectors in World War 2 (an unpopular option), and having served in the Military in Korea where I watched men die, and feeling deeply about a world where killing one another is simply - "yesterday", I’ve now come to a final conclusion.
I expect the 20th Century Warrior to use his parties traditional try to scare me in their traditional 72 hour rush as a way to try to scare me. I won’t be scared. What scares me more is a Planet with "yesterday" in control.
The future is uncertain, it always is. I will vote for the 21st century Mindset - Barack Obama.
Asked by someone who is what I used to be (a Republican) why I’m voting for Barack Obama, my instinct was to shoot back, “I recommend researching both presidential candidates as thoroughly as I did.” But how would that come across? What if he really wants to know and isn’t baiting me into an unwinnable argument? What if I could actually change his mind? I answered him honestly and simply, like this:
· I looked at the way the candidates have run their campaigns and, in addition to Obama’s great choice of staff, one small thing stood out: When paid Obama campaign workers take a taxi, they pay for it themselves, but when they take a bus, they are reimbursed. That’s the kind of common sense savings of interest to me. I think he would run the country the same prudent way.
· I liked that Obama’s contributions come largely from little people like me and not from the Democratic Party. McCain’s money comes largely from the Republican Party, not that there’s anything wrong with that. I just like the grassroots thing a whole lot.
· Obama inspires and unites.
· Iraq. Bring our people home and treat them like the stars they are.
· I liked the reception Obama received in other countries and think his election will give us a chance to reverse their bad feelings toward America. Obama said he was an American and a citizen of the world, a most positive attitude.
· It’s Washington Obama wants to change, not those old brown shoes he has worn for years. My shoes are old and worn, too.
· Obama is calm, reflective, and confident. His personality is presidential. He is the only candidate prepared for the 21st century.
He's got my confidence, my wholehearted support, and my vote.
The current political dispensation has indeed as a matter of fact produces one of the best scenario that evidently can be used in the near future to compare and contrast the capacity and incapacity, the calm and agitation, the objectivity and subjectivity and above all the relationship that existed within the two political parties; the Democrat on one side and the Republican on the other hand.
In recent times it is just unbelievable and exceedingly gratifying to hear, feel and watch the near unanimous consensus that Sen. Obama has displayed in an unequivocal term the sterling qualities of a would be- commander in chief of the country and for good reasons too. In spite of the obsessive negativity and dogmatism from the Sen. McCain’s campaign which for the first time in the history of the country have surrogates referring to a rival presidential candidate of the United States of America as a terrorist, this young, vibrant, articulate, humane and ever forgiving and calm senator from Illinois has remained largely unaffected and unmovable in his goal of working with ordinary Americans to help turn the page.
It is a fact and within the horizon of realism that we are witnessing the worst socio-economic scenarios in the country- a situation that has plunged the image of the United States of America into the abysses and simply put ridicule the conception that we are indeed the super power of the world in context of social, political and economic prowess. The reality of the matter is that given the past eight years, the country has seen the dwindling of her fortune in such an exponential level that today it is true to surmise that China, Japan, Russia are now within striking distance in terms of influencing global affairs and even championing motions that may be contrary to the fundamentalism of the United States of America.
What a question and how regrettable it felt to hear the Republican Party faithful and the McCain’s campaign and their surrogates ask this question that fundamentally seek to denigrate, discriminate and perpetuate the dogmatism and archaism of the racism mentality while pretending to link him to a citizen that had been honored by the state of Illinois in the education sector.
Without an iota of doubt if at this stage in the lives of Sen. McCain and his surrogates they do not know who Sen. Obama is then what on earth will they be able to know and ever understand in their life?
The good news however is the fact that irrespective of Sen. Obama’s associations, inclinations and convictions, and coupled with his natural composition of being completely black and completely white, it suffices to note that Obama is a compassionate, articulate, patriotic and like any of us a citizen of the world and specifically of the United States of America.
If they have to walk, limp, or be pushed in a wheelchair to the polls in November, every man, woman, and eligible child must vote in this presidential election. We have a national emergency that goes even beyond the economic meltdown. We’re globally disliked. And that doesn’t fit us because we're used to being the good guys. We’re used to lending money, not borrowing. We’re used to fighting to help other countries, not invading them based on false premises.
The Republicans are giving new meaning to the phrase "dirty politics." Their strategy is so obvious, it's insulting. It goes something like this: Obama appears before hundreds of thousands of American-flag-waving expatriates and Europeans in Germany, more than 80,000 in Portland, and more than 75,000 in Denver. McCain makes fun of this, calling Obama a "rock star." So what's McCain then, a "mock star?"
When Obama speaks, his words are sensible, smart, and solid. McCain mocks that, but then begins repeating the same things. This tells me even he knows Obama is correct in what he is saying. Obama is a decent man and has run a clean campaign. He has taken the high road and avoided mentioning, for example, McCain's connection with the Keating Five. Obama knows he doesn’t have to stoop to that kind of politics. He has integrity, and he will bring that integrity back into the White House. He will bring it back to our international image.
With a McCain presidency, the United States will slide back to the 19th century. With Obama, we can raise our heads again and look the 21st century right in the eyes without blinking.
Our Methods: Founded to give progressive and populist candidates the support they need to win elections, Twenty-First Century Democrats has grown to become one of the largest political action committees in the nation. We combine a commitment to progressive values with extensive grassroots organizing experience, bringing together two critical components of Democratic success. Twenty-First Century Democrats is one of the few political action committees in the nation that contributes highly trained grassroots organizers to progressive candidates and campaigns. Our training program is one of the most effective in the nation, and we continue to develop programs for all levels of involvement. Our trained organizers run sophisticated field plans that rely on targeted voter contact, making the difference in tough races. The results are clear: we win the majority of our campaigns. We choose tough races--races that other political action committees shy away from because they're hard to win. We are guided by the core Democratic values that put people first.
Our Issues: We seek out candidates and leaders who share a compelling vision for America with strong progressive issues in mind such as:
I recently heard this summary of the core principles of the Obama Technology & Innovation Plan:
Open Government. Open Networks. Open Markets.
The plan is the most comprehensive and detailed tech & innovation plan put forward by any candidate. But also bold, and simple at its core. I liked the sharp summary and wanted to share it.
I was fortunate to chair the group that advised Senator Obama and the campaign on the tech & innovation plan - a large and hardworking group that generated terrific ideas, rooted in the great work that the Senator and his strong Senate staff have been doing in this area for quite some time.
The response to the plan has been great. One independent comment that stands out: "If even half of the proposals outlined here were to be implemented, it would fundamentally change the nature of our democracy for the better". That's why Barack Obama is running for President - fundamentally changing the country and the world for the better. A lot will have to happen on many fronts for that to occur, and Senator Obama has been addressing all the topics in compelling ways. He is a 21st century candidate who recognizes that technology will be a key part of the solution to better government, and a key part of the solution to so many of the specific issues that concern Americans: health care, energy, education, as well as job creation and economic growth.
Send copies of the plan to people you know, especially people interested in technology and innovation. Or better, send them to BarackObama.com where they can read the plan and also participate in the discussion on the site. The Senator wants the feedback - and (not a small thing) is using technology to generate the best thinking and best ideas to make the country a better place.
Does GAY want its voice heard without the voice of ANTI-GAY?
Did GOD want His voice heard without SATAN'S being heard? Or did God know Satan's voice must be heard to fulfill God's gift to man; FREE WILL?
The power of man does not lie in suppressing a voice louder than his own, the power of any man, or any nation wishing power, is to be understood and followed because his voice rings with TRUTH and WISDOM. Is this not what God wants from His people....to follow Him for His TRUTH...not his thunderous chorus?
I think these people should re-think their 'openess' to ANTI-dialog if they TRULY want the rest of us to re-think our lack of 'openess' to their community and way of life, and let TRUTH and WISDOM gather the most followers.
What do you think?
LR
Hi all. Hardcore volunteers and the merely Obama-curious, welcome to our page! If you're here, it's likely because you there's something about Barack Obama that drew you in. Or was it a random series of mouse clicks? :) In either case, you've come to a place where change is beginning!
Do you remember the Civil Rights movement of 40 years ago? Whether you're too young to answer this question in the "I was there!" sense, or old enough to remember the voice of Dr. King booming over microphones and beyond barriers to change; chances are that you know it was a pretty big deal. Voting rights were finally granted to minorities, and the farce of legalized segregation was finally exposed for the non-egalitarian embarassment that it was. Surely you remember (or have at least heard about) the successes of that grand movement.
But did you hear about the progress that wasn't made? The parts of this country where bigotry is still given safe-haven? Do you notice how while the cubicles of your company may be packed with diversity, the row of offices housing management is still just a bunch of white guys?
And let's go beyond race: how about the way that fear has been exploited in the service of one administration's aggressive, divisive foreign policy goals? Have you seen the way tax cuts are still pushed as the cure-all for what holds our country back in a time when bridges crumble because the tax money to maintain them wasn't there? And let's not forget how our children are falling behind in school because funding that would have gone to education is being spent on costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I mention these problems not to provoke in you more fear, more anger at this country's leadership. I mention them because we finally have a chance to get our country on the right track. In Barack Obama we finally have a candidate who possesses such a fusion of pragmatism and idealism that he can dream big enough to make us believe in the Presidency once again, while remaining grounded enough to institute the changes that will make his grand vision become real.
But the Presidency is not just a destiny to be seized by Barack Obama alone. No, his White House is a destiny that must belong to all of us. People of Burbank and Glendale. People of Pasadena, Altadena, and Alhambra. People of Temple City, San Gabriel, and Monterey Park. People of LOS ANGELES. This is your chance to be a part of America's 21st century. The movement that will reach down to the roots of our communities and shake the years of partisan bitterness out of our country. And in reforming the way change happens in our country, the United States of America will be poised to change the world.
We will provide unprecedented aid to the Third World. We will restore the status of our great nation to being one that builds, rather than conquers, other nations. We will set ourselves on a path toward a lasting peace the taste of which our world has never known.
But it will all begin in your communities. Your precincts and neighborhoods and cities and districts. Organizing at every level. Canvassing, people knocking on doors, making phone calls. People in the streets bringing Obama's campaign for change onto every street corner, every alley. Every place where injustice still shames the progress of every other part of America. Let poverty know no refuge in this country. Let inequality die with the excessive tax breaks to corporations that have already outsourced half of their jobs.
But let it all begin with you. Because we will be there, waiting. We will meet in coffee shops and in our homes. We will take to those streets, to your streets, because you are with us. But only if you are with us.
Barack Obama needs you. America needs you. The world itself needs you. But the question is, can you escape the fact that you want to be a part of this future? That you need this future?
So don't hesitate to satisfy your craving for change--join us today! No matter how large or small a contribution of your time that you are capable of, the campaign will find a way for you to help drive our movement into every corner of this country.
And eventually, after Barack Obama has been elected to the Presidency, and for generations thereafter, all who experience injustice will thank you for you contribution; just as those who live comfortable lives will thank their ancestors for being the benefactors of a nation that decided to make equality real this time.
Deliver the White House to Obama, and the prayers of generations may finally know what one America is capable of...
Three Generations of Nanoproducts Link
This to a recent interview conducted by the Dallas News. Article discusses the phased rollout of nanoproducts according to Jim Von Ehr (Zyvex) & other nanogurus. It gives examples of what should be hitting store shelves within the next couple of years, and discusses the future breakthroughs related to this technology.
Link Link
These links discuss graphene, a wonderfully thin lattice of carbon molecules that has some tremendous potential for 2nd generation nanoapplications. Whats really exciting is that graphene is being examined for its properties as a transistor. Why is this important? Using silicon based lithography, (the processes used to build microprocessors) Moores Law is slated to terminate in about 20 years or so, as the experts project. This material could yield the potential for Moores Law to hold true well into the future, giving us machines that are capable of processing more information than the collective whole of human consciousness. Right now the fastest super computers already compute with the same number of neural switches that you would find within the evolutionary spectrum between an insect and a small rodent. Watch the Impact that Nano will have on the following fields...: Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Infotech, Robotics, Aviation, Energy, Terraforming.... Hold on tight humans, the 21st century is going to be a wild ride.
Spray on Computers Link
First applications: health care.
Robot Armies & Ministry of Defense Projections Link Link Link
Keep in mind that pessimism is an intrinsic part of being English. Meanwhile in the US: $530 Billion over a 5 year period for the Robot Army. Its in the budget. Its under the DoD's Future Combat Systems initative. Largest appropriation ever in the history of the DoD.
Nanogenerators Link
DARPA funded.
Neutrinos Link
Chances are, you're probably sick of me talking about nanotech and need some variety. Besides, the quantum world is far more fascinating....
Cognitive Drugs Link
Somewhere in the gap between 1st and 2nd generation nanotechnology.
3D Information Metaverse Link
Mmmmm.... Metaverse.
Print Me Some Bones! Link
Yes its from the Daily Mail. Not exactly Nature, but bone and tissue printing is a path within medicine that is being actively pursued.
