Mr. McCain, I hope people listening to this debate are recording it. People at home, if you are not recording this debate, please push that record button now. (Pause)
OK…… Mr. McCain, your favorite words from the last debate seemed to be ‘Mr. Obama just does not understand.’ Now that simply is not true. I do understand. In fact, it is the point of these debates to show how differently we understand what is happening to Americans as well as all other people on Earth. Mr. McCain, it is precisely our differences in understanding that will inform the political activities that one of us will undertake as President.
Now, I understand that our country was ruthlessly attacked seven years ago on 9/11. We have since gone after Al-Qaida and our continuing pursuit of Bin Laden and terrorists should be our highest war priority. I understand that we feel less secure in our country now than we felt before the attacks of 9/11. I understand that right now it appears as though our list of enemies has steadily grown these last several years as our allies and our enemies are less confident of our strengths. I understand that much of our moral authority has slipped away because of what has happened at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. Yet, even knowing that this is the world we are facing as Americans I understand that we must not retreat behind our borders. I understand that we must work to both rekindle our friendships and come to know our enemies.
As Americans we have a great deal to offer the people of the world but we must not force it down their throats. Believing that we could simply win a military victory in Iraq, install a democratic government, and lead an Iraqi people out of their dark ages and into our light was not realistic. I understand that we are in Iraq today and we will not cut and run and abandon the Iraqi people; but, a time table for troop withdrawal will continue to encourage the Iraqi government to keep moving in the direction of taking what matters to them into their own hands. I know the Iraqi people do not really want us as their big brother telling them what to do. As difficult as it will be I believe that the Iraqi people want to be a self governing and independent nation serving its just place on the world stage. We have removed a brutal man from power and the Iraqi people must be free to make their own way. Giving the Iraqi people the freedom that we talk about and fight for is real victory and it is a great and honorable thing for us to do even if the Iraqis choose development in ways differing from our ideas of how things could be.
We have a long tradition of democratic government in this country and part of that history included practicing slavery in a nation ‘dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.’ It is estimated that over six hundred thousand brothers killed each other in our Civil War keeping us together to work on practicing what we preach. I understand that our history is one of taking steps in time to make civil rights a reality. As our understanding of how the world works has changed women and minorities realized their rights to own property and to vote and working people realized their rights to organize and collectively bargain for higher wages, worker safety, health insurance and pensions. As our understanding of how the world works changed Social Security, Medicare, the GI bill and genuine attempts at equality of education released millions of people from poverty.
Our understanding of how things are in the world must begin with how things are today, right now, at this moment. And what I see is many of our people struggling with making their rent and mortgage payments, credit card debt at usury rates greater than 25 percent, medical bills from hospitals that charge the uninsured two or three times the price for care that an insurance company would pay, medical insurance premiums and their deductibles skyrocketing, people losing their freedom to move to a different or better job because they are locked into insurance at their present place of employment do to preexisting conditions, and even businesses collapsing and finding themselves unable to compete on the world market with companies that have no need to provide health care for their employees. I understand that there is something drastically wrong when over 40 million of our people have either no, or poor, health care coverage. No coverage, or poor coverage, ultimately leads to the sick people getting sicker. The sick getting sicker leads to lower productivity at work which ultimately leads to less wages earned for the society as a whole.
President Bush tells us that if we do not grant the FED 700 billion dollars immediately (that is $2333.00 per man, woman, and child in this country) bank lending will halt, housing prices will fall further, retirement savings and investments will evaporate, and more workers will become unemployed as the economy further slows. All of that seems really possible; however, I want to note that he left something out. He forgot to say that he was optimistic that the plan would work. I might have felt reassured if I knew his optimism would change reality; but, alas, optimism cannot see reality through its rose colored glasses. During President Bushes’ ten minute speech he looked pessimistic to me; but pessimism will not view the world as it really is either. I understand that what we need to do is act not from a basis of fear but from positions of reason.
I understand that these are difficult times. We could easily witness some kind of financial crisis coming for a long time had we not behaved as a frightened ostrich believing that the fundamentals of the economy were just fine. All we had to do was listen to what average people have been saying. As I pay attention to the fears and concerns that people are expressing I understand that it is not just the economy that is in trouble; it is really the average Jack and Jill that is troubled. They are falling down a monstrous hill that was not entirely of their own making.
I understand that the economy is not just some idea imagined and managed by economists. The economy is the people, the Jack’s and Jill’s who are working with each other and keeping things going. We are being told that this is the greatest crisis since the great depression. That is probably so, but we have economic tools and knowledge that was not available in the 1930s. I understand that we should not sugar coat our problems. Even when we put up the money that is being requested this recovery will not be painless. If it were painless we would learn nothing. If it were painless I am sure that what we would do would be the wrong thing to do.
I understand that we will do some form of this bailout and I understand that some of the things President Bush expressed fears about could still happen. So it is important to be ready with plans to reinvigorate the working life of American workers as needed. Our country faces great infrastructure needs that could provide very meaningful work. We face tremendous energy technology and conservation technology challenges that I see as long term opportunities and short term problems. Drilling for more oil while immediately necessary will produce no long term benefit for people. Wind, solar and conservation will provide the greatest long term known benefit. Natural gas, cleaner coal, some nuclear and perhaps growing something to turn into fuel may help us bridge the time needed to develop an energy technology we have yet to conceive of.
Mr. McCain, I further understand that these problems are not just facing the American people they are faced by all the people of the world as it develops. The costs for oil, food, health care, development and maintenance of infrastructure, environmental restoration and perseveration and the costs of education are rising across the world. In fact these problems, which we must meet head on, are products of people just being in the world. We should be leading the world in the discovery of and implementation of solutions to these common problems. In the city of Chicago you can still go into some large, old, apartment buildings or homes and find evidence of heating systems that first burned dirty coal, switched to burning dirty oil, and now produce heat using natural gas. Different times and different places under different economic conditions developed different sources of energy and that is the way the world will continue to work.
Mr. McCain, I must stress again, it is not just us facing these problems in the world. There is not an unlimited supply of oil or natural gas or any other commodity in the ground. Even the sun will burn out in some 5 billion years. As Americans we are in the best position to shape our own future by honestly acknowledging what is facing us both as a country and as people populating our planet Earth. We must not be led by fear mongers. We must be led by reasonable people who do not have their heads either in the clouds or buried in the sand. We must be willing to engage people and other countries respectfully recognizing that they have vastly different concerns, needs and desires from our own. At the same time we must not forget that there are very real threats from criminals and their organizations, terrorists, some states and from nations that lend support to such groups.
Mr. McCain, in the first debate you repeated like a propaganda machine that I ‘simply did not understand.’ Repeating it over and over again does not make it true. It is really false. I understand things differently than you do. That we understand things differently does not automatically mean that one of us must be wrong and the other right, as you seem to allude; it could just as well signal that we could both be wrong. What is important, here and now, is that our citizens carefully listen to what is being said by each of us. It is the differences in how Mr. McCain and I understand the world and our place in it that will inform every action we take as President of the people of the United States of America. Rewind this recording as many times as it takes. Talk amongst yourselves as friends with differences of opinion and then, in a few short weeks, go into the voting booth and make your informed and responsible choice.
Thank You!
Maurice Garvey
Villa Park, IL.
Even though it may not look like it or feel like it, you are making progress.
Continue working towards progress instead of perfection.
Nothing or no no one is perfect.
Just keep taking steps.
Keep making those phone calls.
Continue following your plan.
Remain focused on your goal.
Do what you have to do right now to get to the next level.
Complete every task.
Keep every promise and commitment.
Don't look back.
Let no one weaken your walk of faith and determination.
Remain teachable.
Place yourself in a blessing position by associating with people on-the-grow.
Talk with teachers.
Walk with winners.
Climb with champions.
Study successful people.
Something great is about to happen for you!
Start giving thanks right now before you can even see the outward manisfestation of your prayers and desires.
Everything you do from this day forward will take you further away or closer to your potential for successful living.
-by Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker & Author
Today, Michelle and I join the people of Minnesota, and all Americans, to remember those who lost their lives in the tragic collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. As we remember and honor those we lost, we must also ensure that every possible step is taken to prevent future tragedies. That is why I will continue fighting to rebuild our crumbling roads and bridges, strengthen our national infrastructure, and make the safety of Americans a top priority.
How to communicate to someone supporting Hillary (passively supporting her) the difference between a president who is a "fighter" and one who is a "leader"...???...and last night, speaking with LisaC from It's the Arts Stupid, she said if she had one word to describe Barack she would call him a "healer"...
If you've got a clear vision of "Barack in One Word" I would like to record it and podcast it. You can call one of my voicemails and leave your statement. Don't just call and leave one word, but give your One Word and then please explain.
Call 415-723-3339 to leave a 1-2 minute statement. Call 206-666-5910 if the other line is busy or if you need to talk a bit more. The 206 voicemail has a welcome message for another project, but it's me and I will get your voicemail.
From the Obama Blog, Barack Obama's Statement on International Women's Day, posted by Sarah Ramey (March 8):
This International Women's Day is a chance to reflect on the status of women in our societies, honor the extraordinary women whose courage and determination have shaped our lives, and rededicate ourselves to the ongoing challenges facing girls and women everywhere.This day is particularly meaningful to me because I've been shaped by the women in my life – by a single mother who raised me across two continents, and a grandmother who instilled in me her own Midwestern values; by my sister Maya who grew up in Asia and multi-ethnic Hawaii, and my sister Auma who has lived her life in Africa and Europe; by a paternal grandmother who still lives in rural Kenya without electricity and running water; and by my extraordinary wife Michelle, who continues to make me a better man. We have to do more for the women in our lives – because there is no longer any doubt that equality and opportunity remain out of reach for too many women around the world.There is no longer any doubt that most girls and women around the world are uneducated or illiterate. A good education is the best way to help ensure that children are healthy and successful, and to strengthen developing economies, which is why we need to invest at least $2 billion a year in a Global Education Fund.There is no longer any doubt that women do most of the work that goes on in the world, and yet mostly live in poverty and own only a small fraction of the world's property. To help ensure that women are reaping the rewards of economic growth and prosperity, I will double our current spending on foreign aid by the end of my first term as President.There is no longer any doubt that HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases disproportionately affect women in many parts of the world, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. This pandemic is a global threat and when I'm President, we'll spend $50 billion over five years to combat it. And I will help launch Health Infrastructure 2020 – a global effort to improve global health care and to train health care professionals to serve in the developing world.There is no longer any doubt that whether it's rape or assault or girls being treated like property and trafficked across borders – women are abused in most societies. It's cruel, and it has to stop. That is why I passed legislation in Illinois to protect victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and it's why I've fought in the Senate to reduce sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The United States must lead the world to end these inequities and injustices, and when I'm President, we will. Every night I'm home, Michelle and I tuck two little girls into bed. And the reason I'm in this race is to help build a world where our Sasha and Malia and every girl is loved and safe from violence; where every woman is empowered; and where every person has the chance to reach for his or her dreams.
This International Women's Day is a chance to reflect on the status of women in our societies, honor the extraordinary women whose courage and determination have shaped our lives, and rededicate ourselves to the ongoing challenges facing girls and women everywhere.
This day is particularly meaningful to me because I've been shaped by the women in my life – by a single mother who raised me across two continents, and a grandmother who instilled in me her own Midwestern values; by my sister Maya who grew up in Asia and multi-ethnic Hawaii, and my sister Auma who has lived her life in Africa and Europe; by a paternal grandmother who still lives in rural Kenya without electricity and running water; and by my extraordinary wife Michelle, who continues to make me a better man. We have to do more for the women in our lives – because there is no longer any doubt that equality and opportunity remain out of reach for too many women around the world.There is no longer any doubt that most girls and women around the world are uneducated or illiterate. A good education is the best way to help ensure that children are healthy and successful, and to strengthen developing economies, which is why we need to invest at least $2 billion a year in a Global Education Fund.There is no longer any doubt that women do most of the work that goes on in the world, and yet mostly live in poverty and own only a small fraction of the world's property. To help ensure that women are reaping the rewards of economic growth and prosperity, I will double our current spending on foreign aid by the end of my first term as President.There is no longer any doubt that HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases disproportionately affect women in many parts of the world, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. This pandemic is a global threat and when I'm President, we'll spend $50 billion over five years to combat it. And I will help launch Health Infrastructure 2020 – a global effort to improve global health care and to train health care professionals to serve in the developing world.There is no longer any doubt that whether it's rape or assault or girls being treated like property and trafficked across borders – women are abused in most societies. It's cruel, and it has to stop. That is why I passed legislation in Illinois to protect victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and it's why I've fought in the Senate to reduce sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The United States must lead the world to end these inequities and injustices, and when I'm President, we will. Every night I'm home, Michelle and I tuck two little girls into bed. And the reason I'm in this race is to help build a world where our Sasha and Malia and every girl is loved and safe from violence; where every woman is empowered; and where every person has the chance to reach for his or her dreams.
The following is the statement made by Barack Obama concerning the resignation of Cuban President Fidel Castro:
Today should mark the end of a dark era in Cuba's history. Fidel Castro's stepping down is an essential first step, but it is sadly insufficient in bringing freedom to Cuba.Cuba's future should be determined by the Cuban people and not by an anti-democratic successor regime. The prompt release of all prisoners of conscience wrongly jailed for standing up for the basic freedoms too long denied to the Cuban people would mark an important break with the past. It's time for these heroes to be released.If the Cuban leadership begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change, the United States must be prepared to begin taking steps to normalize relations and to ease the embargo of the last five decades. The freedom of the Cuban people is a cause that should bring the Americans together.
Today should mark the end of a dark era in Cuba's history. Fidel Castro's stepping down is an essential first step, but it is sadly insufficient in bringing freedom to Cuba.
Cuba's future should be determined by the Cuban people and not by an anti-democratic successor regime. The prompt release of all prisoners of conscience wrongly jailed for standing up for the basic freedoms too long denied to the Cuban people would mark an important break with the past. It's time for these heroes to be released.
If the Cuban leadership begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change, the United States must be prepared to begin taking steps to normalize relations and to ease the embargo of the last five decades. The freedom of the Cuban people is a cause that should bring the Americans together.
My interest in Barack Obama began four years ago, I had been for the past 15 years living and working with my German husband and our children in Germany. Over the years we experienced firsthand, the European perception of Americans and their politics - many times with admiration, and progressively with disapproval.
We returned yearly in the summer to run the US branch of our business - so we were never far removed from what was the reality of their perceptions and what was prejudice.
This election coincided with our permanent return to the US with our children - what an opportunity for them and us to be involved in such an important election. My daughter had heard Obama speak 4 years ago, and said that he was who she would vote for if he ran when she was of voting age - and now at 19, she focused her attention on finding out what kind of a candidate he was. As a family endeavor, we looked at ALL the candidates in both parties. Barack Obama represents my family's hopes for our country and the Democratic ideals, he vocalizes our dreams as US and world citizens, and he makes me, as a business woman, willing to work and even sacrifice, time, money and success, to make the United States, and the world, better.
I am not alone - my voice in multiplied by everyone who is touched by his message. This is the leader we can be proud of, here, and in any part of the world.
The following statement is from Barack Obama on independence of Kosovo:
Statement by Barack Obama on the Independence of KosovoChicago, IL | February 17, 2008
Chicago, IL - Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the independence of Kosovo and its implications for Serbia.
Say what?
Oh, okay: Who said it? A Democrate??? No, Hillary Clinton isnt a democratic people with a Statement like these one!
http://www.n-tv.de/900299.html
Check out this awesome news story:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4057360
It was indeed a closing argument worth hearing. Here's the video:
http://iowa.barackobama.com/page/community/post/nickkimball/CgS5
Until next time,
Charles
