..... Contact: http://Alex.Karoub@gmail.com
WHO IS THAT GUY BARACK OBAMA? HE IS US.We have made historic headway by together pointing our nation in the right directions. After decades, we have America focused on the issues of fundamental importance. Now, each of us acting in concert can together move our country to lead the world to the fruitfulness of moral goodness. I have no doubts about my abilities and the abilities of fellow Americans to work smart and hard to achieve these goals.Barack Obama has the visions, leadership, and integrity for us to correct and redirect our country to once again lead the world for the fruitions of good. Let's closely listen, learn, and move forward based on that which we know deep inside is good and which we can validate with our hearts. I hope that those who had but a few reasons to support Obama, look further into the other issues more deeply. I found the more I explored, studied, and listened to Obama the more I found us in agreement. The couple of issues that I did not have depth of knowledge of, quickly became obvious in need. This was unusual for me since I have always refused to be any kind of a follower, and still am not. I find Obama to be a deep thinker who is articulate and inspirational; and, of most fundamental importance, Obama makes excellent moral sense.Hopefully, our country has learned lessons from the past of mistakenly following leadership blindly, as was done with Nixon and Bush. There are leaders who are simply in it for themselves and will cater to individuals or groups in order to grab for their own benefit. Corrupt and bad leaders hide at all levels. This is especially true in city government as well as county and state government. The corrupt deals of politicians need to be exposed, and those responsible need to be weeded out in the coming local elections. Others need to be investigated by law enforcement and be prosecuted for illegal dealings; for deals they often make for their hidden personal agendas. Let’s look at the bad experiences of the past as bitter medicines, let’s eliminate the need for such bad medicine in the future. Let us use what we know is good to go forward.I believe we have chosen wisely, not by greed and not by misguided retaliatory anger. I believe this time our country has chosen with open eyes, with each of us listening and examining our choice of leadership closely, driven and validated by our hearts.I hope we can continue to make our efforts even more inclusive (in many more ways than I touch on here). Far right republicans will be stubborn to change, but we will need to include them to change if we are to succeed. Sure a few more will leave our country, but that is not the American way. No, we really don't need their false fronts of power, money, insider knowledge, or other trappings that they have taught many to 'respect?'. Let's recruit as many as we can, that's the American way, evolving and changing together as one nation. Try to be understanding as we move forward; by better understanding each as individuals and people with various desires and needs we will find ways to reach out with friendship and have them join our causes of good.Be on the lookout, and root out bad leadership in government and business. Do not be intimidated by those who use the false fronts of power and give a false sense of security in order to lead. Be extra leery of those who say or imply ‘Trust me’; those who give a sense that they somehow omnipotently know better. No longer will Americans be dazzled by phony displays of brilliance or baffled by baloney. There are government aristocrats and business leaders who still believe in the old adage of: “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, then baffle em with bullshit”. We can embrace complexity by demanding true, fundamental, and understandable explanations. We can root out falsehoods by not accepting double speak. We as Americans know how to grow ourselves by first believing in ourselves. Don’t be a follower. Don’t be a follower of followers.However, when we find leaders who are good; a leader that thinks, speaks, and acts from their heart; one that is honest, has integrity, and leads by sincere examples; then we need to in a big way, join them, support them, and promote their causes of good. From much research, investigation, and scrutiny, I believe Barack Obama is such a person. I hope we search for and find many more who are similar, who we can add to service at all levels of government. We need to add/replace leaders in business with ones that have honesty, integrity, and show quality in leadership. We need more people in leadership roles who are moral, like Barack Obama.Remember, we are not fighting a battle, we are the artisans and sculptors of the future for ourselves and generations to come. Rarely do societies have opportunities to make such dramatic moves forward as we now have in this opportunity of today. Take pride and practice in being inclusive as we stride forward. In moving forward, create opportunity not only for yourself, but also for all. Hope is a wonderful thing to behold; but without opportunity, hope can become but a dream never achievable. We can, will, and must, create opportunity.In the coming year I hope that we do not lose our spiritedness, but instead continue to build and make headway. I hope we all continue our campaign for change in government and business. We will succeed in moving forward once again, it will take much effort and good oversight on the part of each of us. We will make great strides in the months and years ahead in order to achieve the fruitions of good. Let's keep our enthusiasm progressing through these coming toughest of times. Let us use the light of goodness and love to motivate us with historic momentum.I have chosen Barack Obama because he best represents my deepest beliefs in America. Please take time to read the issues that Barack Obama has published on this website. Also, give your attention to see how he leads us to move our nation forward in the time ahead. Most importantly, be part of America's great future, participate in the greatness that together we will make. Participate!We will each and all flourish, if we think, speak, and act, by using the love in our hearts.
Your reply is welcome. Contact: Alex.Karoub@gmail.com
The Moment of Truth has finally come.
Senator and then Presidential Nominee, Barack Obama has now become the President-elect as duly ADVISED by Relationship Adviser of Best-Relationship-Advice.com.
Please browse Barack Obama will become U S President, and also Barack Obama - the next U S President on how he made this BOLD and DEFINITIVE ADVICE on Barack Obama becoming the 44th President of the United States as early as February 6, 2008.
God Bless President Obama, God Bless United States of America!
Relationship Adviser
This just gets worse all the time!!!! I can't stand it!!!!! Yesterday, at a rally in Defiance, OH, Senator McCain started trying to get "Joe" the Plumber to come on stage. Turns out he was supposed to be there but he wasn't because he evidently can't even follow simple directions. But, of course, it wasn't HIS fault! He actually blamed McCain's campaign staff! Anyway, after McCain stood there and kept calling for him, and looking really pathetic and silly doing so, ("Joe? Where are you Joe? Are you here Joe? Well I thought you were here!) he eventually said 'oh well you're all Joe the Plumber' why don't all of you stand up'....like they weren't already!!! What followed amazed & enraged me (I didn't think it was possible for McCain to get any worse, but he DID!!) McCain then started talking about how great Joe is and, this is a quote now: "give Joe a hand, for all he's done for America!" If that particular statement wasn't bad enough in other rallies Senator McCain has stated that "Joe" his "role model", "a great citizen from Ohio", and "a great American hero"! "Joe" is Senator McCain's role model?
What about all the men and women who have fought and died for this Country, Senator McCain? What about the mothers & fathers, sisters & brothers, spouses & children of those people? People that were proud to either go fight themselves or have someone in their family who did! McCain & Palin usually acknowledge these people at their rallies by having asking them to "hold your hand up so we can honor you" and everybody claps. But when it comes to who McCain & Palin single out and bring on stage with them they choose to acknowledge "Joe" the LOSER and the LIAR!!! Here we have a United States Senator, who wants to be President of this Country, that has, by his vote, been a part of sending men & women off to war! Then this same man gets up on stage and, before national audience, announces that his hero, his role model, his definition of a great American is this loser! Then he wants the crowd to applaud "Joe" to "Thank him for what he did for America". He wants this guy cheered and celebrated, for being a liar, while, at this very moment we have troops in harm's way. How must it make those troops feel? Here they are, a world away, fighting for their country, in danger of being killed at any time, missing the birth of their children and time with their families that they can never get back. Then they see or hear about the man who wants to be President, their next Commander in Chief, a United States Senator is making some nondescript guy, whose sole 'contribution' was to ask a question that was filled with and based on NOTHING BUT LIES, being the best thing that ever happened to America. How must those soldiers families feel, when they are making the sacrifice of their loved one's presence and possibly their lives and the man who wants to be President is making some loser out to be an "American Hero" and his "role model"? But "Joe" the Plumber is John McCain's GREAT AMERICAN HERO!!! I am just simply outraged, enraged, furious, appalled, incensed, pissed off,....there just isn't strong enough language to describe how I feel about this!!!!!
What about the veteran's of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War and the other various conflicts, police actions, diplomatic missions, etc.? My grandfather served in WWII! Like many of the young men at the time, he was drafted and sent to Germany. He married my grandmother one week before he left and my mother was 2 years old (walking, talking, the whole bit) before he ever saw her! My grandmother talked about walking down to the Post Office, praying every step of the way, that my grandfather's name would not be on the list of missing or killed in action (that's how they did it back then)! My grandfather landed on the beaches of Normandy, you know...D-Day, and was involved in several other battles! My grandfather DID something for his Country!!! My grandmother told me he was never the same when he came back. How could you be, after seeing your boyhood friends shot to pieces or blown up in front of you? My grandmother DID more for this Country than Joe the Freakin' Plumber, through her sacrifice of being without him all that time and being a new wife and mother and having to do it all by herself! But McCain wants to acknowledge Joe the Plumber for all he's done! Let's highlight "Joe's" accomplishments, shall we…
First and foremost and his whole basis for fame is simply that he is a nothing but a BIG, FAT, BALDFACED LIAR and someone who evidently likes to do and/or say things just to make someone else look bad or get other people into it so he can stayed back and watch the feathers fly!!! Lie #1: His name isn't even "Joe"! Lie #2: He is NOT a licensed plumber!! Lie #3: He is not in the process of buying his bosses' business Lie #4: His bosses' business (if he was going to buy it) doesn't make the $250k to $278k that "Joe" said it did, right there on TV! Lie #5: He doesn't make anywhere near $250k himself, he made somewhere in the area of $40k last year (which therefore makes you ask 'why would he be concerned about having to pay more tax at $250k) Lie #6: was portraying himself as an honest, tax-paying citizen...the IRS had to put a lien against him for $1,100 in tax he refused to pay! Then he goes around & comments on government policies, like foreign affairs, like he has any idea! He clearly does not!!! But he has no problem getting out there and stating his idiotic ideas and saying things that either come from his ignorance and lack of education or just blatant lies!!!
What gets me are the people that actually listen to this guy!!! I would be willing to bet that his education ended in high school except maybe for some trade school (like the how to snake a toiilet course or how to turn the water on!) I mean absolutely no disresect to trade school but it doesn't really compare to going to a university that teaches a well-rounded curriculum and upon completion you receive a bachelors, masters or doctorate degree, does it???
Senator Obama has surrounded himself with extremely intelligent and learned people that have great knowledge, expertise, wisdom & experience!!! People that are, without doubt, geniuses! Madeline Albright, Dick Lugar, Colin Powell, Bill Clinton, Hilary Clinton and Al Gore are simply the best & brightest when it comes to foreign policy! I can't think of anyone that would be better than, and few that would be as good as, any one of those people! These people also happen to be friends of and, much more importantly, advisors to Senator Obama! But "Joe" the Plumber is acting like John McCain's foreign policy guy. While he is out there stumping for him and agreeing with statements like "a vote for Obama would be a vote for the death of Israel". To which "Joe" says "I'll have to agree with you on that one, that would be a problem" He agrees with this statement even though Senator Obama has, many times, declared his support to Israel!
"Joe" the Plumber is SO BAD that FOX NEWS, who is by NO MEANS counted among the Obama Supporters, even called him out on it! The FOX NEWS anchor was so appalled and floored that he was practically speechless. He actually issued a disclaimer disavowing everything that "Joe" said. If you ever watch FOX NEWS you know what a big deal that is!!! The man is a complete and total idiot. During a rally yesterday, McCain handed him the microphone to address the crowd! He then began telling them how 'we need to take back control of our Government' and that they can do that by doing "research" and then making informed decisions about the world and what goes on in it. He didn't word it quite that way but he did say 'do research like I have'. Really...he's done research, has he? Well then why, every single time he opens his mouth, does something else ignorant and stupid come out. Further, I don't think his little speech was even his own words because he can't put more than two words together without sounding like a completely uneducated boob!
John McCain & Sarah Palin are holding "Joe" up as an American symbol, the symbol of Small Business in America AND HE DOESN'T OWN A SMALL BUSINESS!!!!! They call him a great American. Both McCain & Palin say "Obama and his media friends have attacked poor "Joe" for asking a question, what's that about?" Well I'll tell you...the McCain Campaign kept making sure "Joe" stayed in the spotlight and 'poor' "Joe", who according to McCain, didn't ask for any of this, was and is LOVING IT!!! If the man didn't want to be in the spotlight, he wouldn't jump in front of every camera he sees!!! Poor "Joe" is trying to make money off this whole farce! McCain & Palin will most probably do anything they can to help him capitalize on it. As far as him being 'investigated', the media tends to look into anyone that is getting that much press and attention. They really didn't have to 'investigate' very hard to find out THE TRUTH about Joe. Why are McCain & Palin so mad about that, because it is THE TRUTH!!! They, nor "Joe", for that matter have ever disputed any of it!!! Even after they found out what a liar he is, they still continued to act as if he hadn't lied…when they KNOW he did!!! This certainly doesn't make their characters look good! They are committing the same kind of dishonesty and questionable actions they are pledging to get rid of in Washington!!!
That whole "Joe" thing would have worked better, though not to base an entire campaign on as they have, if they had ACTUALLY USED someone who 1) owned a small business and 2) made over $250k and 3) had some kind of formal education and was learned and up to date on current events!
I apologize for the length of this blog but I could go on and on....I had to make myself stop!!!!
Please vote for change! A vote for Obama/Biden is a vote for hope!
Terri
Vote Obama/Biden '08
Pasted from <http://my.barackobama.com/ext/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/blank.htm>
Today is Tuesday, October 14, 2008, four weeks before the 2008 U. S. Election scheduled to take place.Relationships! The definitive Advice as to whether a presidential candidate would win the election and eventually become the President of the United States could be verified, among other things, by computing whether there is any propensity for long-term Relationships with his (for the time being) nominated vice president.
Barack Obama – Senator to Presidential Nominee, President
Our gracious and loving Father we seek your face in the fast paced and busy time of this campaign. Give Senator Obama quiet times to spend with you for refreshment, your enlightenment, and encouragement. We ask that you help him prepare for the last debate and still his mind that he may think powerfully and respond wisely. Guide him each moment of the debate.
We again thank you for answered prayers in so many aspects of the campaign. We continue to give you ALL the glory.
We pray for continued physical strength, guidance, focus, protection and travel mercies for Senator Obama, Senator Biden, their families, their staffs, and all the volunteers and supporters. Help us to continue to conduct this campaign in a manner that will be pleasing to you. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Senator Obama as a Progressive Democrat and a supporter of your campaign I am asking you to vote in the Senate No to Bailing out CEO's and the mis managed Comapies they ran on Wall Street.
700 Billion dollars could feed every man women and child in American Build new Alternative Energy homes and help people get back on their feet who are now without a home on Main Street America.
Senator and the Senators Campaign Staff please remember Change needs to be Progresive .
We can nolong rush to the aid of Big corperations that with this Bailout the CEO's will walk ways with Millions in their Pockets while people who are lower and Middle Class Working people get nothing.
During Tax season The government gave people back 600 dollars or more depending if they were married or single because of the Economy remember that.
Govenment gives American Main street 600 dollars but will give Wall Street 700 Million.
I see alot of rich people getting very rich on this Bailout.
Senator Obama you need to call for Public Hearings before any vote yes or no is done by congress or the Senator.
If McCain wants to Bailout the Wall Street Companies let him make that big mistake.
The American people must be heard in Washington and this weekend no one shoud support a
quick Bailout .
In the end its going to make the Economy worse then it is now.
The Democratic Party should truly stand with the American Working Class and against this Bailout .
Does anyone in the Obama Campaign hear me on this Blog ?
I speak for many Americans on Main Street.
This is just a bad idea .
Something yes needs to be done but this is insanity and not the solution.
Listen to the American people Senator on this no one wants this Bill passed .
Thanks for listening
Obama/Biden 08 Lets Change Washington Now
Was it my imagination or did Senator McCain refuse to look directly at Senator Obama throughout the first presidential debate? Whereas Senator Obama frequently looked directly at Senator McCain, especially when responding to Senator McCain's comments, I never saw Senator McCain turn to face Senator Obama -- even during his responses.
Was it my imagination or did Senator McCain refuse to address Senator Obama informally as "Barack" -- despite Senator Obama's frequent attempts to engage Senator McCain in a friendly manner by referring to him as "John"?
Was it my imagination or did Senator McCain refuse to acknowledge that Senator Obama ever said anything to which he agreed? I noted many instances in which Senator Obama began his responses by underscoring his agreement with some of what Senator McCain had said, but I never heard Senator McCain ever admit that anything that Senator Obama said made sense. Were Senator McCain's references to Senator Obama really as consistently sarcastic and as disrespectful as I perceived them to be?
In other words, did Senator McCain really behave as though he was the only presidential candidate on the stage, that Senator Obama was an Invisible Man?
As a sixty-something, highly educated African American male, I have learned through painful experience that such coarse behavior by White Americans, particularly by White males is sometimes merely rudeness ... sometimes ... but sometimes it is the uncensored lingua franca of condescending racists.
So now I have to wonder whether Senator McCain would have behaved so rudely to Senator Clinton or to any other non-African American nominee of the Democratic Party ... or whether his icy demeanor was a racist response to Senator Obama's Blackness. I will be paying even closer attention than usual to Senator McCain's demeanor during the next debates.
The Huffington Post -- www.HuffingtonPost.com -- has an article on Social Security Benefits not being in the stock market. When Bush -- 43 -- was first running to be our -- sad to say -- president he spoke often about privitizing Social Security. I decided he was not the president for me. That and he just did not seem bright -- I am being nice. There are words my 4 year old son can pronounce, but Bush has problems pronouncing them, and my son has speech problems.
I am an Independent Liberal -- no, I am not smart enough to be ashamed of the Liberal label or I would keep it secret -- so I have to read up on everything these candidates stand for. People laughed at Al Gore for talking about a lock box on Social Security, but I am on Social Security Disability, and I cannot afford to smoke weed -- I do not do drugs -- or gamble with my source of income. Privitizing Social Security means placing the Social Security Benefit Funds into the stock market. That is a gamble, and -- again -- I am not a gambler.
I do not even play the lottery. Some people spend $20.00 and more a week on lottery tickets. Twenty dollars -- for my household 8 years ago -- was milk, bread, cheese, eggs, and a 5 lb. bag of potatoes. If I am shopping on a Sunday hopefully I can afford the Sunday Newspaper. So, voting for Gore was a must for me.
So through intense pain -- in my legs -- I went out to vote for Al Gore, and -- eventually -- he lost.
Four years later I had an absentee ballet and voted for John Kerry, and he lost.
Yeah, it looks like I am a jinks, but I do not like taking the blame for anything, so I blamed the Bush administration for cheating. I was happy to learn others thought that too. That worked for me.
I learned that John Kerry needed funds when he had to mortgage his home. Still, I did not realize I should have donated to him until last week. I know, that was four years ago, not cool. So, this time I decided I would donate to Obama to help him win. I have been doing it every month for over a year now. Now the only thing that may stop Obama is he is Black. For most Americans that is cool. For the KKK -- and those that are KKK-like minded -- not so cool.
No, I really cannot afford to donate, but I cannot respect myself -- this time -- if I do not go down fighting -- with my cane in hand -- to prevent the Republicans from running the show for another 4 years. I cannot believe that half of the America people are actually willing to give The Republican Party a third chance at weakening this country more than they -- The Republicans -- already have.
We now have a weakened military, we are in two wars, we are Trillons of dollars in debt, we are in debt to China, our financial instituations are going belly up due to deregulations to the banking system helped by laws John McCain pushed through with one of his chief economic advisors, Phil Gramm. That John McCain, what a Maverick -- not.
No, the problems in this country is the fault of the Republican Party. Why are we punishing ourselves with a third term. Are we that afraid to take a chance at a new way of do things? Well, I am not a sadist, and this election is not a baseball game. Why is this race even close? We should be saying to the Republican Party TWO STRIKES AND YOU ARE OUT!!!
As Hilliary Clinton said, "NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MCCAIN"!!!
Click the link below to watch a review on Cindy and John McCain.
http://www.cnn.com/video/savp/evp/?loc=dom&vid=/video/showbiz/2008/09/17/sbt.cindy.view.cnn
Hi everyone. I have been following this history-making election year with avid interest. I'm a politically neutral Christian, but am keenly interested in Senator Obama's campaign, so I follow his trek via the media (mostly msnbc). I'm a single mother of one child whom I homeschool, and I own a homebased business in Atlanta, Georgia, of which I'm a native.
I titled this blog post Lovers and Fighters because I watched Senator Obama's speech yesterday on education, and was impressed by what I heared (LOVED the 'lipstick on a pig' left-hook); however, I was floored when I saw his opponent's ad claiming that Senator Obama advocates sex education for kindergarteners (they really put a spin on it). Of course, I am eagerly awaiting Senator Obama to vehemently counter this ridiculous ad. At least---I hope he will, and not with some half-toot response--speak on it!
The only negative thing I can say is that the Obama camp really should swing back and land some punches against these hypocritical, off-the-issues Republicans. To go back a little in time, one noteworthy person who raised hell when his opponents made ridiculous charges against him was President Clinton (no I did not vote for Clinton or anyone else--I'm politically neutral--but Mr. Clinton garnered my respect becasue he raised hell and fought back!).
Of course, the end result was that Bill Clinton won. You don't lie down on the ground while a bully is stomping you to a pulp, because they'll do it everytime they see you. I say to Senator Obama: raise up and fight back! Show us that passion man! Win this thing!
What does everyone else think? Do you agree with me, or am I taking a militant stance? Write to me--luv to hear from ya--guys and gals alike.
"If we act boldly, then our economy will be less vulnerable to economic disruption, our trade balance will improve, the pace of U.S. technological innovation will accelerate, and the American worker will be in a stronger position to adapt to the global economy," states Barack Obama, the Democratic U.S. Senator of Illinois and now the Democratic nominee for President, in his (new) book "The Audacity of Hope". Senator Obama lays out a vision for reclaiming the American Dream aided by a government built on our best traditions, representing our everyday lives, uniting our common hopes and dreams, and creating an unbreakable bond.
Senator Obama was (has recently been) picked to represent the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee, along with the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee. He says keeping the American people safe should always be our top priority. He will also work for the Foreign Relations committee, and the Veterans' Affairs committee. Working simultaneously in four different committees is an honor, a measure of respect, and a remarkable feat for any U.S. Senator. (He was also on the cover of Time Magazine hinting of a run for the presidency in 2008.)Three Innovation OpportunitiesSenator Obama is not only focused on promoting economic growth and bringing good paying jobs to Illinois, but also creating substantial innovative opportunities in education, science and technology, and energy for America. In his book, he talks about how "investments in all these three key areas (education, science and technology, and energy) would go a long way in making America more competitive." He agrees that none of these investments will produce immediate results; these investments will actually cost money and resources in the near term. However, he believes that such investments in R & D and education, increasing fuel efficiency of American cars (e.g. Tesla, Toyota, Honda, Ford, and future electric cars by GM), instituting performance pay for public-school teachers, understanding the feasibility of school vouchers and evaluating the viability of hydrogen fuel cells are necessary."But while the means we use to accomplish these ends should be subject to vigorous and open debate, the ends themselves shouldn't be in dispute," states Senator Obama in a prose reminiscent of President Abraham Lincoln. He emphasizes that "like those before us, we should be asking ourselves what mix of policies will lead to a dynamic free market and widespread economic security, entrepreneurial innovation and upwards mobility." He even asks us to be guided by President Lincoln's simple maxim: "that we will do collectively, through our government, only those things that we cannot do well or at all individually and privately."GlobalizationWhereas Senator Obama observes that globalization has brought significant benefits to American consumers such as lowered prices on goods including big-screen TVs and winter fruits, increased the purchasing power, kept inflation in check, boosted stock returns, created new markets for U.S. companies overseas, and even reduced poverty in foreign countries; however, globalization has also increased economic instability for millions of ordinary Americans as more U.S. companies have automated, downsized, outsourced, and offshored. Obama believes the effects of globalization create a so-called "winner-take-all" economy where a rising tide doesn't lift all the boats. Knowledge workers such as engineers, lawyers, consultants, doctors, marketers are doing well now; however, blue-collared workers whose skills can be automated, digitized, outsourced or offshored for less are clearly hurting.Senator Obama asserts that "our greatest asset has been our system of social organization, a system that for generations has encouraged constant innovation, individual initiative, and the efficient allocation of resources." The classic paradox is whether we should consider our free-market system as a given and let it ride naturally - "laissez-faire", or whether our government should take action to open up opportunity, encourage competition, and make the market work better. In the past government has been called upon to build the infrastructure, train the workforce, and lay foundations necessary for economic growth. For President Lincoln, the essence of America was opportunity, the ability of "free labor" to advance in life.Government InnovationsSenator Obama provides several examples on how our government has provided individuals the tools to adapt and innovate in a climate of constant technological change. From the GI Bill that made college education available to millions, to the creation of public schools, universities and institutions of higher education, formation of National Academy of Sciences, Homestead Act, Hoover Dam, interstate highway system, Tennessee Valley Authority, Darpa, Internet, Human Genome Project, Federal Reserve Bank, Food and Drug Act, Meat Inspection Act, FDR's New Deal, Securities and Exchange Commission, FDIC insurance, tax cuts, Social Security, forty-hour workweek, child labor laws, minimum wage act, National Labor Relations Act, and the Great Society programs including Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare, EPA and Occupational Health and Safety Administration -- countless innovations through out the history led by our great leaders.Senator Obama makes a fundamental point that "capitalism is not standing still." The unavoidable globalization, competition, and technological revolution stifle our economy and frustrate our people. He makes a strong case for investments that can make America more competitive in the global economy: investments in education, science and technology, and energy independence. He provides examples of schools in Chicago where students only get a few hours of school each day: the number one issue being the school district cannot afford to pay the teachers for one whole day. He talks about workers who have lost their jobs because companies want more profits or can't compete. He discusses the rising gas prices and our dependence on oil to the tune of $800 million dollars every day.Education InnovationsIt is evident that Senator Obama deeply cares about education. He emphasizes innovation and bold reforms in education. He recommends that we should "identify those reforms that have the highest impact on student achievement, fund them adequately, and eliminate those programs that don't produce results." He provides some examples of education reform and suggests that we have many good ideas, but we don't do a great job of executing on them. For instance, challenging and rigorous curriculum with emphasis on math, science and literacy skills; longer hours and more days to give children the time and sustained attention they need to learn; early childhood education for every child, so they're not already behind on their first day of school; meaningful, performance-based assessments that can provide a fuller picture of how a student is doing; and the recruitment and training of transformative principals and more effective teachers. He believes that teachers should be held accountable, and at the same time rewarded for their effectiveness -- even salaries of $100,000 a year based on experience, performance and qualification. Obama also emphasizes need for higher education reform, especially for science, engineering and technology, and management of rising cost of public college tuition that has risen 40 percent over the last five years. Finally, direct help in meeting college expenses in the form of grants, low-interest loans, tax-free educational savings accounts, or full tax deductibility of tuition and fees.Science And Technology InnovationsSenator Obama has a concrete plan for maintaining our scientific and technological edge that will spearhead future innovations: the plan will cost $42 billion over five years. He recommends that "if we want an innovation economy, one that generates more Googles each year, then we have to invest in our future innovators -- by doubling federal funding of basic research over the next five years, training one hundred thousand more engineers and scientists over the next four years, or providing new research grants to the most outstanding early-career researchers in the country." He believes this is necessary to maintain America's competitive edge. He refers to the Morrill Act signed by President Lincoln that created the system of land grant colleges, institutions of higher learning, and nation's primary research and development laboratories. He asserts that these institutions have inspired and created nation's innovators, and applied research from such institutions has resulted in commercial applications.Energy InnovationsFinally, Senator Obama calls for energy independence. He believes that if we are to become more competitive, we have to build an energy infrastructure. U.S. demand for oil will jump 40 percent over the next twenty years; further our dependence on foreign oil only serves the interests of volatile regimes. Oil erodes the environment. When U.S. has only 3 percent of the world's oil reserves, and uses 25 percent of the world's oil, alternatives must be sought: create renewable, cleaner energy sources for the twenty-first century. He proposes that "we should end every single tax break the industry currently receives and demand that 1 percent of the revenues from oil companies with over $1 billion in quarterly profits go toward financing alternative energy research and the necessary infrastructure." Obama touts Brazil as a good example where a mix of regulation and direct government investment has developed a highly efficient biofuel industry and 70 percent of new vehicles run on sugar-based ethanol instead of gasoline. Obama believes that regulation when applied with flexibility and sensitivity to market forces can actually spur private sector innovation and investment in the energy sector. Fuel-efficient cars and alternative fuels are the future of the auto industry. Obama proposed legislation called "Health Care for Hybrids" that makes a deal with U.S. automakers: "In exchange for federal assistance in meeting the health-care costs of retired autoworkers, the Big Three would reinvest these savings into developing more fuel-efficient vehicles." Obama thinks that investments in alternative fuel sources will lead to creation of thousands of new jobs.Uncommon InsightsSenator Obama shares with us insights from Robert Rubin, the former U.S. Treasury secretary under President Bill Clinton, and Warren Buffet. Rubin suggests that "there's no limit to human ingenuity." The insight gained from Rubin is that we can slow globalization, but can't stop it. For instance, when one buys an American good, it could be developed by overseas software programmers and packaged outside our borders. Billionaire Buffet shares an uncommon insight that he will be paying a lower effective tax rate than his receptionist. Not only that, he is paying a lower rate of tax than the average American. Buffet believes that "some of that wealth (rich people) has to be plowed back into education, so that the next generation has a fair chance, and to maintain our infrastructure, and provide some sort of safety net for those who lose out in a market economy." What Buffet is essentially reverberating is a "change in spirit, a willingness to put our common interests and the interests of future generations ahead of short-term expediency."Bottomline:Senator Barack Obama is a visionary, a real leader, an innovator who can bridge the nation whole, analytical yet convincing, grounded in history and tradition, and progressive in his prescription for change. He is a creative innovator who believes in a proactive government creating an environment that facilitates reforms in education, science and technology, and energy. He believes that strategic investments in these three key areas will empower America to create a stronger economy that will create countless new opportunities for innovators and workers alike. References:Barack Obama: The Audacity of Hope. Thoughts On Reclaiming The American Dream.
Hey all:
I stumbled upon this pretty well done and funny YouTube video of farm animals speaking out in support of Senator Obama for President.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-zCyTnLyaE
Palin's pregnant child proves abstinence education works!
If keeping our girls pregnant and our teens covered in genital warts and taking Valtrex herpes treatment everyday for life is your goal.
The press kept bringing up Chelsea Clinton's fictional pregnancy and wondering how they (the press) would've handled her fictional pregnancy.
Chelsea Clinton's mother and father educated her on safe sex and proper condom use and it's silly to talk about her fictional situation, when a real pregnant teen and her careless parents attempt to move into the Whitehouse.
While using a condom isn't 100% effective, having sex without any protection or education increases the chances of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease exponentially.
I know this blog is ugly, but sometimes the truth is ugly.
The Republicans, including President Bush, John McCain, and others are seemingly stuck on Senator Obama's so called inexperience. Yet look at Ms. Palin, Senator McCains VP choice. I recently watched an interview with Ms Palin where she asked what a Vice President does? Now that's inexperience. President George W. Bush was elected twice, yet when he first decided to run, his only real political experience was as the governor of Texas. Ms. Palin's only real political experience has been as the governor of Alaska. If Senator McCain were to be elected at 72 years old, he would be 76 if he served for one term and 80 if he served two terms. Which of course means that Ms. Palin would take over as president if Mr. McCain became incapacitated or passed away. Do we "really" want someone who didn't know what a Vice President's role is until fairly recently, and who has only been the governor of Alaska, with a few clouds hanging over her head, running this country? Today certain republicans, who are speaking in Minnesota, say that Ms. Palin is fully capable of handling a situation like September 11th. I'd like to know what the quantifier is for her ability to handle National Security or Terrorism.
AND THE REPUBLICANS PAINT Senator Obama as too inexperienced? With Joe Biden on the ticket as VP, there is a plethora of foreign policy experience and international exposure. That is the point of selecting a VP canidate who can help you gain experience and knowledge. That is what all presidents do. They select running mates and a cabinet to work on behalf of their administration. That is why George W. Bush selected Colin Powell and then Conaleeza Rice and why Bill Clinton chose Ms. Albright. Neither of those two gentlemen had very much experience with foreign affairs.
My next post, tomorrow, will touch on how John McCain has abandon his moderate renegade philosophy, which I greatly admired as an independant, to become just another left wing social and economic conservative and a George W. Bush clone.
I used to be a big fan of John McCain. I was touched by the courage he showed in his POW experience and, in the past, bought his “maverick” and “straight-shooter” monikers. When my son deployed to Iraq a few years back one of the items I placed in his first pkg from home was McCain’s autobiography. I’ve learned a lot over the past year and, while I will always honor his service and, in particular his courageous decision to remain with his peers when offered the opportunity to exit captivity, I now find very little else to admire or respect about this politician. I had known about the “Keating Five” story, but hadn’t been exposed to the tale of how he betrayed and ultimately abandoned his crippled wife. And, I might add, it took some digging to find that story. Curious how the media who allegedly are so favorably biased toward Senator Obama despite looping the Rev Wright and bitter American stories for weeks on end have made scant mention of the these items in McCain’s autobiography. McCain’s stated intent to run an honorable, issues-oriented campaign was quickly abandoned and, from my perspective, he has done exactly what he falsely accuses Senator Obama of—reversing his positions at whim and saying and doing anything his campaign staff advises him will help him get elected. The latest and most cynical example is his pick for his running mate. He assured us that his selection would reflect his best judgment of the most qualified individual available to be just one heartbeat away from the role of Commander-in-Chief and leader of the free world and this is the best he could do? There’s no honor in the choice he made, no notion of “country first”--it was a calculated political move that is an insult to his fellow countrymen. A parsing of Gov Palin’s credentials is pointless—she’s as much a victim of McCain and his campaign’s cynicism as the voters are.
On the other hand, I can’t be more pleased with the choice of Senator Biden as Barack’s running mate. Senator Obama passed the test of his first executive decision with flying colors by choosing the very best individual available for his running mate. Senator Biden is truly an experienced statesman and a straight-shooter who has walked the talk when it come to the values of family and work and putting his country first. His personal story is inspiring and his enthusiasm for the opportunity to move this country forward at the side of Senator Obama is clear. I am delighted to see a politician of his stature be rewarded in this way for a lifetime of service to his country and I am confident that he and Senator Obama give us the greatest opportunity for maintaining our security and dealing with the serious challenges we face on so many fronts. Contrast that team with a cynical, saber-rattling, out-of-touch pol who can’t even get the geography and the players right backed up a social conservative princess who is ill-equipped to operate on the national and world stage and I think the choice for the voters should be clear.
I have been privvy to some extra ordinary things over the past weeks. I saw the Saddleback Civil Forum and realized that we do have two candidates who do believe in their cause. However, in Senator Obama, I saw a man deeply reflective and thoughtful in where he believes we should go as a country. I have taken my que from Senator Obama in that I honor Senator McCain's service. I continue to vehemently disagree with his vision and plans for the country. Senator McCain made his beliefs understood and I take him at his word. By the way, Senator McCain's Campaign tried to take advantage of the forum and the debate. I thought that to be a bit disingenious.
I have been continually concerned and commented on the right wing attack machine in support of the McCain campaign. The surrogates have also continued their relentless attacks as well. I was estatic when I heard an excerpt of Senator Obama's speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he basically throw the gauntlet at Senator McCain and the Republicans. No one has the monopoly on Patriotism and love of country. Beyond that, I was also glad to see the Democratic Party ad responding to Senator McCain's photo opportunity on an oil rig. The responses have to be immediate and hard hitting. I hope to see more of it.
The loss of French soldies in Afghanistan yesterday was tragic. As I thought about it, I wanted to note my profound concerns abouit Senator Obama's stance on sending more trooops to Afghanistan, though. There are over 75,000 troops apparently in Afghanistan right now. What is going to be enough? Let's say for arguments sake we "won". What guarantee is there that they will not be resurrected again? What about the flourishing drug trade? Despite all that the international community has done, the Taliban continue to go through the country and pretty much do as they please. There is no security at all. Gangs are prevalent even in Kabul. There was a story in France 24 (http://www.france24.com) earlier today about a cement merchant being robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight. I submit that the problem is the government and the useless President, Karzai, who can't even control his own capital.
There was of course, Georgia. Did Russia overreact? Absolutely!!! But, I think the President of Georgia acted recklessley and got himself into a trap that did not need to happen. The Russians are losing the propaganda war, but the Georgian President has to bear some responsbility for what he did to his country and the stress he put the world order on.
I believe it was Joseph Gobbles who once said that if you tell a lie long enough, people would start believing you. We were subjected to the lies on the Iraq War. The Adminstration got away with it. We now are being bombarded with the rhetoric from the McCain campaign and those in the Congress who are pushing this "fiction" that drilling will solve our problems tomororw. The key is to push for a total paradigm shift in thinking. I submit that it is happening as we speak by all. The drop in contributions to the highway trust fund is just one example. We must continue to push for--not more of the same!!!!
Why has the media embraced this book and it's author?
Corsi's book belongs in the fiction department.
"Fortunate Son" was much more realistic and factual than "Obama Nation," but the media spurned, ignored and crucified J.H. Hatfield until he finally committed suicide. Corsi is merely an opportunistic writer, not a reporter. Please read the book in the bookstore(a fool and his money). It shouldn't take an attentive reader long to see the truth. While you are there look at his other writings. Corsi's subjects and ideas range from widely ridiculous to just plain foolish. Don't take him seriously.
I'm not sure if a candidate's tax plans are important to your decision making, but if it they are check out this article in "The Wall Street Journal and this article in "The New Standard". Now here's "Clayton's Most Unprofessional Opinion." Taxes aren't important to me personally(drum-roll please), because I'm so poor I can't afford to pay attention(and there's the rim-shot). Ha! But seriously folks, the tax plans are very important to me on a much larger level. Good and fair tax laws increase, reward and encourage the middle-class, ignore the poor and of course punish the rich. I don't want rich people actually penalized for making money, but if some are taxed down into the upper-middle-class(not likely), I know people in much worse situations. Above all, I don't want the middle-class paying as much tax as possible. Rich people pay lots of taxes and pay lots of money(tax-deductible) to their lawyers and accountants to trim as much as possible off that amount. If we see their "real" income , they pay little or nothing and the super-rich know how to actually receive huge refunds.
I hear people say, "It's not fair to tax rich people, more than poor people." I have an answer for them, "Life ain't fair!" You are fortunate to be a rich person(it doesn't matter how) and have been rewarded "unfairly." Is it fair, that a guy drives a $100,000 car, works 35 hours a week and earns $700,000 annually, but another guy rides a bus, works a combined 60 hours a week from two jobs and makes minimum wage? No, but like I said, "Life ain't fair!"
Life isn't fair, that's why we make laws. Our taxes can't fix everything, but they help.
I played with the IRS tax estimator today and used fictional criteria to come up with the numbers. The fictional information I used is listed at the bottom of the page. Joseph Magnum-of-Cristal: Earned 1 million dollars Pays $45,033 or .045 of his income for taxes* Joe Six-pack-of-Bud: Earned $100,000 Pays $11,794 or .12 of his income for taxes* That's not cool. You'll notice that Joseph has more tax credits and deductions than Joe, but I figure in the real world Joseph's CPA would make sure his client gets a few breaks. I also figured that Joe's CPA (most likely himself or an in-law), wouldn't be clever enough (or maybe brave enough) to take all possible deductions. Joe also makes less and can't contribute as much to his I.R.A. or other tax shelters.
*Clayton's math might not be "correct." If I made an error, please let me know and I'll correct it promptly!
Joseph Magnum-of-Cristal's IRS criteria:
