Soon as we got a Democrat in the White House, a bunch of Senators claiming to be Democrats rushed to show how independent they are, declaring they won’t necessarily vote in support of the President’s agenda that he was elected to enact. As a Hoosier, I’ll put Indiana’s Evan Bayh (pronounced “Bye” or “Buy”) at the top of the list.
Mr. Obama is right to allow politicians to vote their “consciences” (oxymoron is obvious). Where he’s wrong is in promising to raise money for them. I won’t give one penny to support ANY Senator who fails to toe the line and earnestly help the President do what he promised. Many promises were made. If they’re not kept because Democrats in the Senate support powerful banks and other lobbies against the people who support Mr. Obama’s agenda, then Bayh-Bayh to them come the primary.
If self-described Democrats in the Senate refuse to push through the President’s agenda, then it’s up to us to FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL. I won’t give money to or raise money for Evan Bayh or Arlen Spector or any of the approximately eight others who have declared themselves “independent” of this cause.
They want our money and votes only to betray us to the powerful lobbyists who own them. We need to start work right now finding better people to run against them in the primaries and start raising the money they’ll need to win.
We kept McCain and Palin out of the White House. We certain can put Bayh, Specter and those other eight “independent” Democrats OUT of the Senate. CHANGE is coming to America.
The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.
Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.
Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when
Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.
Alternative EnergySource: David Apperson
url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy
Apologies, I've been in doors sick all week (just my luck) & I am just getting up this morning. However, nothing will keep me from pushing myself to the polls today.
My condolences to Senator Obama and his family re: the loss of his grand-mother. I admire his strength at this difficult time.
I pray that everyone will continue to donate the financial support that Mr. Obama will need to run & win again in 2012.
Even after our victories today, our work is still not done.
Stay in-tune. Stay in touch. Stay involved.
Someone shared this with me once. I think I will share it with you (including my own additions/insertions) as I read & meditate this morning, before starting my day:
FROM MY MOUTH TO GOD'S EARS. . . .
Father, I come before you this morning to thank you for waking me up this morning. I enter into your courts with thanksgiving and your gates with praise. I declare, Father, that this is the day that YOU have made and I shall rejoice and be exceedingly glad in it.
Father, I thank YOU for all of your blessings. I do not take any of your generous blessings for granted, but commit myself to performing every task assigned to me as unto YOU and not unto man. I will show myself a faithful steward over what you have given me and in return, the blessings of God shall abound in my life. For your word says a faithful man shall abound in blessings.
Give us strength, Lord, and move in us through this day, regardless of circumstances or situations. Help us to operate in the fruit of the Spirit at all times. That means, when we feel like losing control of our tongues, whether it is to speak forth gossip, to curse man or anything that is considered corrupt communication, we won't because your spirit abounds in us and...YOU said, "I am the light...and let my light shine".
We choose to let our lights shine as edification of YOU and anything that does not edify you, Lord, we will cast away.
Thank you, Father, for being the Rose of Sharon in our lives, our banner, our shield and our strong high tower. You are the one who fights our battles; therefore we don't have to. Instead of trying to handle difficult situations or people ourselves, we'll turn them over to YOU, Lord. We know you will work it out for us, because you care that much for us. We know we will never find anyone to be as good to us as you are. We love you, Lord.
We pray for new leadership today, Lord. We pray for positive change. As we pray for strength and guidance today for ourselves, we also pray the same for the Obama family. We pray that you bless Senator Obama's deceased grand-mother today, Lord, and continue to bless and protect President Obama and his family tomorrow, Lord. This is also a prayer for balance, Lord: Strength, yet peace. Empowerment, yet collectively...A collaboration to achieve & reflect only the best of ourselves as one people of one nation.. .A nation admired by others abroad, not feared nor despised.
In Jesus' name, I pray, while I am aware that others may call on you as Jehovah, or Allah, or Jah, or Buddah, or names unknown to me, or simply as God. In every tongue of every culture and religious background I pray that we feel the connection that we are all praying as one people for the same cause. I pray that those who do not believe in you (or prayer) will stop to simply meditate today. This is also a prayer for positive energy, this day forward, Lord And, without further delay,
Amen.
I had a dream: We are writing the year 2016, America has left behind the economy crisis of 2008 and developed to a green, social and prosperous society. The unemployment rate is down at 2.3 %, the number of poor people dropped from 37 to 9 million, the national deficit is only a fourth of that in 2008. Every American has affordable health care now, and Obama`s tax cuts have put more money into the pockets of the middle-class American, which led to higher consumption, re-fueled the economy, and created millions of new jobs. Above all 5 million new created green collar jobs and a better, more effective environmental policy with solar, wind and other renewable energies dropped America`s energy bill, air pollution and CO 2 balance by 25%, making the country cleaner and almost independent of foreign oil. America´s is about to become the world leader in green technology, especially due to the broad-scale introduction of US built hybrid cars. In foreign politics America has restored faith and regained respect in the world community of nations as a wise and peaceful mediator in all conflicts. This and other measures also led to an improvement of the national security. The dark Bush years are history and America has made the real CHANGE to a better future - YES WE COULD - And due to the great achievements of Barack Obama`s successful 8 years in national and international politics a committee was founded, proposing the extension of his presidency for 4 more years, as applied during the Roosevelt administration.
Was all of this just a dream ? - No, you can make it happen by voting for OBAMA next Tuesday - It is now up to you, America !
SHOP AMERICA SUPPORTS OBAMA
Hi everyone,
Last week, I lost my position that I've had for 12 years. I went to go early absentee vote in Greenville and noticed that the Soil and Water Conservation position was available and that there are no candidates runnig for the position.
So I am emailing to ask you to put my name down, Roderick A. Jackson, as the write-in candidate for the Soil and Water Conservation position in Greenville County.
Thank you in advance.
Roderick A. Jackson
It appears there is a new phase of the campaign taking the lead.
Rumors of Palin Camp Forcefully Denies Report Of Internal Discord
This is occurring in tandem with the rise of a new external effort.
Conservative activists escalate 'doom and gloom' rhetoric as Nov. 4 nears By Eric Gorski and Rachel Zoll AP Religion Writers
Terrorist strikes on four American cities. Russia rolling into Eastern Europe. Israel hit by a nuclear bomb. Gay marriage in every state.The end of the Boy Scouts.All are plausible scenarios if Democrat Barack Obama is elected president, according to a new addition to the campaign conversation called "Letter from 2012 in Obama's America," produced by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family Action.
Terrorist strikes on four American cities. Russia rolling into Eastern Europe. Israel hit by a nuclear bomb. Gay marriage in every state.
The end of the Boy Scouts.
All are plausible scenarios if Democrat Barack Obama is elected president, according to a new addition to the campaign conversation called "Letter from 2012 in Obama's America," produced by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family Action.
A second effort I've noticed coming on with a vengeance is http://www.ourcountrydeservesbetter.com/Come Support "The Stop Obama Tour" Oct. 15th - 29th
Welcome to the Our Country Deserves Better website. We are a national effort focused on defeating Barack Obama's presidential campaign because Obama would be a disastrous president.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVl_GioeNNU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW2iZ1pD2G4
~@~
An extremely vitriolic campaign @ http://www.ourcountrydeservesbetter.com/ads/index.html
Has Senator John McCain been sidelined by the Religious Conservative wing of the Republican Party? Rumors have it that Gov Sarah Palin's nomination was demanded of Sen McCain. If I remember, he wanted Joe Lieberman.
Palin plays Wright card, but Dems say she has her own pastor issues
Sarah Palin is saying more attention should be paid to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's former pastor. Democrats counter that they are ready to fight back with their own barrage of guilt-by-association attacks.
ABC News: Palin's Religion Energizing GOP Faithful
How religion guides Palin -- chicagotribune.com
Newsweek Takes on Sarah Palin's Religion
Sarah Palin - Religion and Politics « End Times Prophetic ...
What is really going on?
Who is truly pulling the strings in the Republican Presidential campaign ?
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/
http://www.ourcountrydeservesbetter.com/
Sarah Palin blessed and protected by Thomas Muthee against all forms of witchcraft
The Politico reported that "stirrings of a Palin insurgency are complicating the campaign's already-tense internal dynamics." Reporter Ben Smith cited four sources close to the governor who said that Palin has "decided increasingly to disregard the advice of the former Bush aides tasked to handle her, creating occasionally tense situations as she travels the country with them."Though Palin kept her distance from the traveling press throughout most of the campaign, the dynamic suddenly shifted last weekend, when she took questions from the media on three separate occasions over the course of two days.
This dynamic shift coincides with the arrival of http://www.focusonthefamily.com/ and http://www.ourcountrydeservesbetter.com/
Along with rising tensions brought about by Conservative activists spreading fear of Armageddon as well as The end of the Boy Scouts.
Obama is quoted saying, "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." As I've observed him over the past couple years, I've been impressed by his walk, his progress. He's remained steady and calm no matter what challenges have presented themselves. Not only has Barack matured during his campaign to exude even greater poise and diplomacy, but he's proven himself to be unflappable under fire by his opponents. I think Colin Powell's well-balanced perception of Obama, given during his interview with Meet the Press, stated eloquently what people all over the world are observing about Barack's walk, his talk and his confidence in running mate for VP, Joe Biden:
"...he (Obama) displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge, and an approach to looking at problems like this, picking a Vice President that I think is ready to be President on Day One. And also in – not just in jumping in and changing every day – but showing intellectual vigor, I think that he has a definitive way of doing business that would serve us well."
Powell concludes that segment of his interview by saying:
"I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming into the ... onto the world stage and on the American stage...."
I choose to put my trust in the leadership of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I trust they will both prove to be trustworthy servants and continue to walk their talk all the way to the White House and for the length of their term(s) in office.
May God give them discernment and wisdom to administer sound advice and judgement in all matters, keep them from harm and from doing harm as they serve the American people and negotiate with world leaders to work toward protecting our freedom, ensuring peace, improving humanitarian and environmental health, and spearheading economic, education and political reforms.
The Republicans, desperate to smear Barack and try to build on their lies about his religion, insinuate that Barack Obama has a deep relationship with William Ayers. William Ayers was once a member of a radical group in the 1960s.
While "guilt by association" is one of the more bogus attacks in any political campaign, the attacks on Barack Obama over William Ayers are particularly "ridiculous," in the words of one Republican legislator from Illinois. The entire attack is based on their mutual membership in a highly respected organization, an educational foundation started by a Reagan supporter and boasting a membership of some of the most respected members of Illinois society, both Republicans and Democrats. Early in Barack Obama's career, he attended one reception in his own honor at Ayers' house. They also were separately asked by a Republican-created charitable organization to serve on that organization's board. And that's it.
Now, Senator John McCain has all but promised to bring this slanderous innuendo up during his final debate. Personally, I believe if he does it will be the final nail in his political coffin. I find it especially strange that the McCain/Palin campaign is pursuing this line of attack giving the ties both candidates have with equally repugnant individuals.
Senator John McCain considers himself "an old friend" of G. Gordon Liddy and as recently as November 2007 McCain said: "I'm proud of you, I'm proud of your family... It's always a pleasure for me to come on your program, Gordon, and congratulations on your continued success and adherence to the principles and philosophies that keep our nation great."You may ask yourself, what are those "principles and philosophies that keep our nation great."?
Apparently Senator John McCain believes: "if the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms comes to disarm you and they are bearing arms, resist them with arms. Go for a head shot; they're going to be wearing bulletproof vests." ... "They've got a big target on there, ATF. Don't shoot at that, because they've got a vest on underneath that. Head shots, head shots.... Kill the sons of bitches.
And Senator John McCain's hand-picked running mate also has equally disturbing individuals in her life. Former Alaskan Independence Party chairman Mark Chryson said recently in an interview: "I've got enough weaponry to raise a small army in my basement," he said, clutching a 9-millimeter Makarov PM pistol in his palm. During the 1990s, when Chryson directed the AIP, he and another radical right-winger, Steve Stoll, played a quiet but pivotal role in electing Palin as mayor of Wasilla and shaping her political agenda afterward. Both Stoll and Chryson not only contributed to Palin's campaign financially, they played major behind-the-scenes roles in the Palin camp before, during and after her victory. The AIP was born of the vision of "Old Joe" Vogler, a hard-bitten former gold miner who hated the government of the United States. With sponsorship from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Vogler was scheduled to present his case for Alaskan secession before the United Nations General Assembly in the late spring of 1993. But before he could, Old Joe's long, strange political career ended tragically that May when he was murdered by a fellow secessionist.
With these verified associations in their past, why would Senator John McCain and Gov Sarah Palin pursue such a tactic ? I believe they feel it's their only chance at getting people to vote for their ticket. They are not offering issues or policies that the American people support so they intend to spread fear and confusion in the hope that you will vote for McCain/Palin.
Another strange association recently announced by the McCain/Palin campaign is the naming of William Timmons as his Presidential Transition Chief.
One of the most outspoken critics in the U.S. Senate of the oil-for-food program was John McCain: "We need to have a full and complete cooperation on the part of the U.N. about this whole oil-for-food program, which stinks to high heaven," McCain told Fox News in Dec. 2004. "We're talking about billions and billions of dollars here that were diverted for many wrong purposes. And this is an example of corruption.
Why would Senator John McCain name the principle individual who facilitated Saddam Hussein in circumventing US sanctions which was a main cause for this Nation going to War because the funds he secured through this Oil for Food program gave him the needed funds to invest in the manufacturing of Weapons of Mass Destruction ?
Senator McCain will be asking Americans to review the tenuous relationship between Senator Obama and William Ayers, implying that his judgement is risky and dangerous for America. I believe given the above mentioned facts, America should ask the same question of the McCain/Palin campaign.
Hi All:
The New Yorker magazine has written a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Presidential candidates' ability to lead the country in its October 13, 2008 edition. This analysis is a must read for everyone, decided or undecided, who is considering casting a ballot on November 4th.
Based on their analysis of Presidential potential, The New Yorker editors made the following powerful endorsement of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States:
The election of Obama—a man of mixed ethnicity, at once comfortable in the world and utterly representative of twenty-first-century America—would, at a stroke, reverse our country’s image abroad and refresh its spirit at home. His ascendance to the Presidency would be a symbolic culmination of the civil- and voting-rights acts of the nineteen-sixties and the century-long struggles for equality that preceded them. It could not help but say something encouraging, even exhilarating, about the country, about its dedication to tolerance and inclusiveness, about its fidelity, after all, to the values it proclaims in its textbooks. At a moment of economic calamity, international perplexity, political failure, and battered morale, America needs both uplift and realism, both change and steadiness. It needs a leader temperamentally, intellectually, and emotionally attuned to the complexities of our troubled globe. That leader’s name is Barack Obama.
The link to entire article, The Choice.
Dave
McCain, in every way, whether it is that he is a prisoner of War, or that he supported the War in Iraq, and he not time frame planned for getting out... has "WAR" written all over him when the people of the world see him.
When people see Obama, they see Peace. He promotes Peace, he plans for Peace, he advocates Peace.
Isn't this the fundamental message that we want to be putting out there?
White House Looks For New Strategy In Afghanistan
Morning Edition, October 2, 2008 · The Bush administration is drawing up a new strategy for Afghanistan, an effort that comes as the top U.S. commander there, Gen. David McKiernan, issues another call for more troops to help stem the insurgency.
When the U.S. military first entered the country in late 2001, it made some quick and impressive gains, toppling the Taliban and driving them from their strongholds.
Since then, with the White House focused mainly on Iraq, the situation in Afghanistan has steadily deteriorated. McKiernan, the overall commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, says this past year has been particularly bad.
"I think we are in a very tough fight - a tough counterinsurgency fight," McKiernan says. "We're [at] a higher level of violence this year than we were this time last year. We are seeing a greater amount of insecurity in certain areas. The idea that it might get worse before it gets better is certainly a possibility."
continued . . .
Barack Obama's plan for AFGHANISTAN & PAKISTAN
Joe Biden interviews Gen. Petraeus on Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan (Part 1)
Joe Biden interviews Gen. Petraeus on Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan (Part 2)
Biden: Afghanistan Needs Two More Battalions
Biden and Graham On Afghanistan and Iraq
White House Looks For New Strategy In Afghanistan ~ October 2, 2008
John McCain: Speech 11/05/03
JOHN MCCAIN: "[...] There has been a rise in al Qaeda activity along the border. There has been some increase in U.S. casualties. I am concerned about it, but I'm not as concerned as I am about Iraq today, obviously, or I'd be talking about Afghanistan. But I believe that if Karzai can make the progress that he is making, that -- in the long term, we may muddle through in Afghanistan."
Yes John, the United States of America has indeed muddled through, so far.
Barack Obama Responds to John McCain ~ February 27, 2008
Folks, join me in the renewal of The American Promise
Sincerely, Richard Owl Mirror
~@~ National Security Debate ~@~
There are many facets which make up National Security and Immigration, I would like to focus on the E-Verify program @ the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security and it's effects on immigrants and refugees.
E-Verify (formerly the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Participating employers can check the work status of new hires online by comparing information from an employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases. More than 69,000 employers are enrolled in the program, with over 4 million queries run so far in fiscal year 2008.
E-Verify is free and voluntary, and is the best means available for determining employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
Employment Eligibility Verification and Antidiscrimination Protections
NILC Advocacy and ServicesSince 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) has been dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of low income immigrants and their family members. In the past 20 years, NILC has earned a national reputation as a leading expert on immigration, public benefits, and employment laws affecting immigrants and refugees. Our extensive knowledge of the complex interplay between immigrants' legal status and their rights under U.S. laws is an essential resource for legal aid programs, community groups, and social service agencies across the country.
WHAT WE DOPolicy Analysis & Advocacy.Impact Litigation.Building Coalitions & Capacity.Technical Assistance.Trainings and Conferences.Publications.
NILC's Website.Our website contains NILC memos and analyses, articles from our newsletters indexed by topic, community education materials, and links to key organizational and government web sites.
http://www.nilc.org/immsemplymnt/ircaempverif/
http://www.cato.org/videohighlights/index.php?highlight_id=84
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10X7BO6uvPoFact-checking Glenn Beck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10X7BO6uvPo
Fact-checking Glenn Beck
Immigration of individual human-beings across imaginary borders has occurred throughout mankind's existence. Hunters and Gatherers crosses into competitors fields and farms. Industrious human-beings create commerce opportunities, which in turn demands the employ of a workforce. I believe my description is an example of a basic human right.
This function within any society should not be impeded yet, it must be managed due to National Security concerns. It is obvious that the one requirement necessary to manage such a function is the ability to identify all individuals who are within our National borders. With the advent of technology, this task has become easier. The core problem with implementing such a program so it functions efficiently is cooperation by all parties.
I do not believe the millions of people who cross over our border, under extremely dangerous conditions are all criminals. It's simply the method of least resistance due to the rules for application of entry to our country is impossible for most to comply.
I have advocated that using technology such as an Identification card which can be produced as easily as we obtain our drivers licenses, preferably one-day service which would be valid for a 6-month employment stay could relieve this problem.
This identification card could also be used as the holders Employment ID card at their place of employment. As easily as an ATM card, the user slides it when they are clocking in and again when clocking out at the end of the day. This way, the government can verify constant employment and be alerted if the individual is not complying with the agreement for obtaining the entry card.
Most immigrants come to America to work as seasonal workers, therefore I believe a 6 month time-frame would be an agreement those seeking entry would voluntarily comply with. Cooperation is the key to success.
I believe granting honest, hard-working people the opportunity to purchase this entry card for $183 plus a background check, would relieve much of the problem of illegal immigration. Employers would be more able to be in 100% compliance with the Immigration laws because they need only opt-in to using the Immigration Time Clock system. Naturally there would be penalties for non-compliance yet, I believe companies would welcome such a solution as a safeguard against improperly being accused for hiring illegal workers. Perhaps we could also collect $1.00 for every hour worked by a migrant worker rather than them paying into Social Security. This money could be designated towards a specified program or budgetary need.
What have the candidates said about resolving the National Security implications of Immigration ?
http://www.barackobama.com/ vs. http://www.johnmccain.com
Senator Obama will strive to provide tax cuts for the middle class, affordable health care, and a new energy economy that creates millions of jobs. He will seek to end the war in Iraq responsibly, focus on defeating al Qaeda and the Taliban, and restore America's standing in the world.
Senator John McCain offered no solutions for the challenges Americans are facing in their daily lives. Nothing but more of the same failed Bush policies at home and abroad that he has supported more than 90% of the time in the Senate.
An example of how failed a Leadership role John McCain would bring to the Presidency is Obama's assertion that McCain "said the other day that he would not meet potentially with the prime minister of Spain, because he -- you know, he wasn't sure whether they were aligned with us," a reference to McCain's repeated refusal -- during an interview with Radio Caracol WSUA 1260 AM in Miami -- to say that as president, he would refuse to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. As evidence of the truth for this claim, McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann reportedly wrote that "there is no doubt Senator McCain knew exactly to whom the question referred" and that McCain in fact "refused to commit to a White House meeting with President Zapatero in this interview." Indeed, during the debate, McCain did not assert that he "misspoke" during the Radio Caracol interview, but rather responded to Obama by saying, "I'm not going to set the White House visitors schedule before I'm president of the United States."
Questions exist, whether McCain forgot which country Zapatero leads, got confused about Spain's geographic relationship to Latin America, or confused Zapatero with the Zapatista rebels from Mexico. In either instance, this incident reveals a danger of possible confrontation could explode due to his complete lack of understanding World Leaders and events.
During the debate Obama said, "Senator McCain mentioned Henry Kissinger, who's one of his advisers, who, along with five recent secretaries of state, just said that we should meet with Iran -- guess what -- without precondition. This is one of your own advisers," and, "When we talk about preconditions -- and Henry Kissinger did say we should have contacts without preconditions -- the idea is that we do not expect to solve every problem before we initiate talks." During the debate, McCain repeatedly purported to correct Obama by saying Kissinger would not support presidential-level talks with Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Each time, Obama made clear that was not his contention -- that, instead, he was accurately saying Kissenger supported talks between the United States and Iran at levels below the president.
Was John McCain simply confused or was he attempting to provide a misdirection because Senator Obama clearly showed how Senator McCain doesn't even understand what his own Advisors are advising ?
Obama's comments during the debate accurately reflected Kissinger's comments during a September 15 forum. Kissinger said, "Well, I am in favor of negotiating with Iran. And one utility of negotiation is to put before Iran our vision of a Middle East, of a stable Middle East, and our notion on nuclear proliferation at a high enough level so that they have to study it. And, therefore, I actually preferred doing it at the secretary of state level so that we -- we know we're dealing with authentic -- with authentic proposals." Asked by CNN's Frank Sesno, "To put at a very high level right out of the box?" Kissinger responded:
Initially, yes. And I always believed that the best way to begin a negotiation is to tell the other side exactly what you have in mind and what you are -- what the outcome is that you're trying to achieve so that they have something that they can react to.Now, the permanent members of the Security Council, plus Japan and Germany, have all said nuclear weapons in Iran are unacceptable. They've never explained what they mean by this. So if we go into a negotiation, we ought to have a clear understanding of what is it we're trying to prevent. What is it going to do if we can't achieve what we're talking about?But I do not believe that we can make conditions for the opening of negotiations. We ought, however, to be very clear about the content of negotiations and work it out with other countries and with our own government.
Initially, yes. And I always believed that the best way to begin a negotiation is to tell the other side exactly what you have in mind and what you are -- what the outcome is that you're trying to achieve so that they have something that they can react to.
Now, the permanent members of the Security Council, plus Japan and Germany, have all said nuclear weapons in Iran are unacceptable. They've never explained what they mean by this. So if we go into a negotiation, we ought to have a clear understanding of what is it we're trying to prevent. What is it going to do if we can't achieve what we're talking about?
But I do not believe that we can make conditions for the opening of negotiations. We ought, however, to be very clear about the content of negotiations and work it out with other countries and with our own government.
One final observation I have regarding John McCain
McCain Suspends Campaign to Work on Wall St Plan
The Arizona senator announced he would suspend his campaign, pull television advertising, halt fundraising and return to Washington on Thursday to try to help negotiations over a stalled $700 billion bailout plan for Wall Street."We must meet as Americans, not as Democrats or Republicans, and we must meet until this crisis is resolved," McCain said, urging Obama to join him.
I believe Senator John McCain made a strategic blunder in his forcefully and public move in going to Washington DC for discussions on the Financial crisis. John McCain used Bluster to place his actions into the limelight and boxed himself in to a retraction. I believe if he had true concerns as a servant of the people, he could have silently traveled of his own accord to Washington DC and offer his assistance toward solving a problem, then not having acheived his objective, simply call and cancel his participation in the debate at the last moment.
This shows me a lack of thoughtful planning and leads me to view his actions as reckless. It's akin to someone going out publically and making sure their neighbors see them praying to God or announcing they have performed good works, all the while seeking the approval of those witnesses alone.
A senior McCain adviser made clear McCain would not attend a Friday debate unless a congressional rescue deal was sealed."If the package is reached and the country is saved, there will be a debate," the aide said. "But if there's no deal, how can you get on a plane . . . for a debate?"
Is this the type of Leadership America wants or deserves ? I think not !
Let's be clear: John McCain is offering nothing of substance in his political rhetoric, same as his running to Washington even though he had nothing of substance to add in resolving the crisis.
He is what my Grandfather would call a Flim-Flam Man
LEHRER: Afghanistan, Senator McCain?MCCAIN: First of all, I won't repeat the mistake that I regret enormously, and that is, after we were able to help the Afghan freedom fighters and drive the Russians out of Afghanistan, we basically washed our hands of the region.And the result over time was the Taliban, al Qaeda, and a lot of the difficulties we are facing today. So we can't ignore those lessons of history.The Geneva accords of 1988, which ultimately led to the withdrawal of the Soviet forces in early 1989, left the Afghan government in ruins.Senator John McCain said he would not repeat the mistake made by Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush ? I thought both of these Leaders were his Hero's and mentors ?
Have you folks heard the latest news out of Alaska ?September 26, 2008Palin should step down, conservative commentator says(CNN) – Prominent conservative columnist Kathleen Parker, an early supporter of Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin, said Friday recent interviews have shown the Alaska governor is "out of her league" and should leave the GOP presidential ticket for the good of the party.The criticism in Parker's Friday column is the latest in a recent string of negative assessments toward the McCain-Palin candidacy from prominent conservatives.It was fun while it lasted," Parker writes. "Palin’s recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who is clearly out of her league."
McCains claim of taking out Bin Ladin**Senator McCain said it most concisely in June.*** "Look," he said. "I know the area. I've been there. I know wars. I know how to win wars. And I know how to improve our capabilities so that we will capture Osama bin Laden. Or put it this way, bring him to justice. We will do it. I know how to do it." Sen. McCain seems to be quite serious, that he and he alone, not the CIA, nor the U.S. Military, nor the current President can capture bin Laden. Thus we must take him at his word that this is no mere ludicrous campaign boast. We must assume Sen. McCain truly believes he is capable of doing this, and has been capable of doing this, since last January. "We will capture Osama bin Laden. We will do it. I know how to do it."If John McCain knows how to accomplish this task, why hasn't he told anyone how to implement his plan of action NOW rather than waiting until he is elected Commander in Chief ?Does he simply want all the Glory and Praise for himself ?
RE:FORM Conference: A Focusing Forum for Christian Social Change ~ September 24-26, 2008
Join us for a gathering of Christian leaders to practically address some of the world's most pressing issues and unite to offer Biblical solutions to a world in crisis.
I ask because she has openly acknowledged her Christian Faith.
Jeremiah 18The Potter that reformed the clayThe Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, "Go down to the potter's shop, and I will speak to you there." So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. - Jeremiah 18:1-4
I am serious in asking how her faith will impact upon all our lives, and if she as a fellow Christian would follow the examples of this organization.
http://www.reform-now.org
I'm sittin' here listening to Sarah Palin giving a speech today.
Her performance is as believable as a great Movie. The role is played with precision and boldness yet, it is fiction, scripted for consumption by the masses. It's hypnotic to listen as the promises role off her forked tongue.
Oh Dear Sarah, please tell us the truth for once. You explained that while Mayor of 6000 people, you eliminated property taxes, small business 'stock on shelves' tax.
What you did was shift the money collected from under one shell and put it under another ( with heated seats ).
As Governor, you famously and repeatedly say you fought back against Big Oil yet, the wealth of Alaska's economy is dependant upon BIG OIL so much so that you give each citizen a rebate check each year.
Is that the reason ALASKA is able to reduce or eliminate Property Taxes ? The State of Alaska is entirely different from the rest of this Nation and, your solutions will not transfer to the various states without your wealth and low population. Although your state is vast in size, it has only 700,000 citizens, only half which are of Taxpayer age. The State of Alaska and the Federal Government control most of your states landmass, the rest of privately owned land by individuals and tribal communities is minimal compared to any other state in our Union.
Perhaps the next President of the United States could hire Sarah Palin to go on down to our neighbor Haiti and help that Nation develop it's infrastructure and provide a better quality of life, filled with hope and aspirations, maybe even a Hockey Rink ?
Outside the convention, protests continued on the RNC's final day. Hundreds of people turned out for a rally organized by Youth Against War and Racism.
Protester: "The mission statement here today, I guess, is bring the troops home, end the unjust, illegal war for profit in Iraq. I guess, as an alternate also, do not elect John McCain this fall, because that would be a continuation of the same awful battle plan that we've experienced since 2003."
Later in the day, up to 400 people were arrested in a protest near the State Capitol, about a mile from the convention site. Police used teargas and flash grenades against the crowd. Overall, more than 800 people have been arrested at anti-RNC protests in the Twin Cities this week. Nineteen media workers have also been jailed.
Journalists Facing Charges for Reporting on the Republican National Convention
Host Amy Goodman was arrested while questioning police about the unlawful detention of Producers Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar, who were arrested while they carried out their journalistic duties in covering street demonstrations at the Republican National Convention.
Media coverage of RNC arrests
Amy Goodman Arrest
Nicole Salazar Arrest
Amy Goodman On CNN
Amy Goodman Interviewed on Free Speech TV
Media Coverage on the Arrest of Amy Goodman and Two Democracy Now! Producers
Articles & Blog Posts on the Arrests
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Absent active participation in unlawful acts, what law has the government established which would allow for the detention of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances?
In the 3rd video from CNN, it is clearly stated a small group of self-proclaimed Anarchists with black scarves covering their faces began trouble. A small band of individuals with obvious identification per being masked and violent. How is it that the Press, with their identification and documentation hanging from around their neck in plain sight could be confused for being associated with a small band of Anarchists throwing bottles & cans, causing visible and violent actions and Inciting others to join them in their rage ?
The Ramsey County Attorney's office is in the process of deciding whether or not to press felony P.C. (probable cause) riot charges against Democracy Now! Producers Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar. Please contact Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner by all means possible to demand that her office not press charges against Kouddous and Salazar.
Ramsey County Attorney Susan GaertnerRCA at co.ramsey.mn.us (cc: dropthecharges at democracynow.org)651-266-3222
Susan Gaertner for Governorinfo at susangaertner.com (cc: dropthecharges at democracynow.org)(612) 978-8625(612)804-6156
The St. Paul police have already issued a citation to Amy Goodman charging her with misdemeanor obstruction of a legal process and interference with a peace officer. Contact St. Paul City Attorney John Choi by all means possible to demand that the citation be dismissed immediately.
St. Paul City Attorney John Choijohn.choi at ci.stpaul.mn.us (cc: dropthecharges at democracynow.org) (651) 266-8710
Amy Goodman talks about arrest (FSTV)
Press Conference on Amy Goodman's arrest
Hello, friends and fellow supporters of Sen. Obama,
Our circle of life has turned into a "square shaped" area that is going to hold the most important fighting match of our lives. Two opponents have entered the ring. One of these very importanat contenders will determine how we live our day to day lives in a personal governing situation.
If you haven't noticed, "now it's personal". The future of "we the people" is the "wager".
The victory of our country, our real and loving families is the Prize. We need a true champion to win this match. Because a true champion will be and can be a real leader! We have to act as though we are in the same fight. Going each round with our heads up high and looking no where but forward. Never letting our guard down. Our contender needs the support and belief from us that he will win. Our "fighter" needs to know that we are in the same corner!!
Sen. Obama is strong! He has a voice that speaks and sounds security. He knows how to throw an intellegent punch! He is ready to lead us to the best prize possible.
Soon: Pros and Cons of each contender;
Sincerely, Victoria
I used to love watching John McCain on The Daily Show. In contrast to the other white-haired conservatives who would drone through Rove-authored talking points during their appearances, McCain seemed more real, ready to poke fun at himself and let unvarnished political truths slip through a knowing smile. His tit-for-tat exchanges with left-leaning host Jon Stewart often made for impressively frank and stimulating political discourse—something that was (and still is) very difficult to find on “real” news programs, particularly during election season. But right around the beginning of last year, as he was no doubt preparing his next run for president, McCain’s Daily Show appearances began to sink into a depressingly familiar archetype. He still made light of his advanced age and showed mock-surprise when the studio audience of college kids and other liberals booed his opinions on certain issues, but when it came to discussing policy with his sharp-minded host, the smoldering honesty was gone. He began parroting absurd positions of the Bush Administration, uttering lines like (I’m paraphrasing here), “Actually, the Iraq War is going quite well.” Lines usually reserved for mindless partisan hacks like Ari Fleischer and Ann Coulter. In a matter of months, John McCain went from being one of my favorite guests to watch on the show to being the most disappointing. The changes in John McCain the politician viewed through the lens of his Daily Show appearances have laid bare a sad truth: in an attempt to get elected president, he has become one of the miserable Republican automatons he used to condemn. Eight years ago, I respected John McCain and even liked him. I admired his strength of his convictions and the pragmatic give-and-take of many of his positions on the issues. He was the conservative uncle familiar to many young liberals: strident and stubborn in his right-wing views, but realistic and intelligent enough to deserve respect and admiration, regardless of the disagreements you may have with him. The John McCain of 2000 was confident in his out-of-the-mainstream standing in his party. He had new ideas about what it meant to be conservative in America, ideas that often clashed with the neoconservative policies that traveled through a pipeline from a Washington think tank to the Bush ’00 campaign headquarters. The John McCain of 2008 is a shadow of his former self. Cautious and thoughtful reasoning on important issues has given way to scare tactics and name-calling. He claims to have never questioned his opponent’s love of country while his campaign speeches and television ads do exactly that. His time spent in a Vietnam prison camp, once a fragile badge of courage and patriotism, has become a heavy and imprecise political weapon used to bludgeon valid attacks on his policies into silence without entering into any real discussion of the issues.
It is with heartfelt sadness that I make these observations—to see one of my favorite politicians on the national stage and the only Republican I have ever considered voting for forsake his best qualities is disheartening. There will always be party loyalists who, early in their careers, exchange their own intellectual honesty and moral conscience for political advancement and a taste of power. There are more Cheneys and Gonzalezes and Rumsfelds in our political system than one person can count, but until eighteen months ago, John McCain was not one of them. I can only speculate that I speak for Jon Stewart as well as myself when I ask, Et tu, Senator McCain?
Also visit: Time Magzine's take on the two John McCains in the context of an August 28, 2008 interview. [Transcript excerpts and full audio of interview]
Prepared remarks of Barack Obama to the Democratic National Convention
" We meet at one of those defining moments - a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more. Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and even more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach. These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush. America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this. "
" We meet at one of those defining moments - a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more.
Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and even more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach.
These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush.
America, we are better than these last eight years.
We are a better country than this. "
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I'm sure most of the World has either heard the speech or read the text of the speech by now so I won't post it in it's entirety. I believe it was a very powerful and illuminating speech, providing insight and direction of Sen Obama's goals for his administration.
A look at Obama's promises and the realities he will confront
The link above regarding the various topics is garnered from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
It is good information yet, I believe their projections are a bit misleading as they don't seem to take into account economic growth. When discussing the realities a President Obama will face regarding the economy and taxes, they relate the hurdles which need to be overcome in light of the hard reality of exploding budget deficits.
Nothing in Washington happens overnight, except the revealing of scandals.
It took President Bush until at least the end of his first term to completely wipe out the projected budget surplus and start this downward spiral we find ourselves in today.
On all matters concerning Foreign policy and National Defense, I believe Senator Obama put any doubt to rest with his conviction and clarity of purpose. I believe this will become even more evident as the campaign gets into full swing and the two parties debate these most urgent matters.
As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.
No one leader can resolve all the problems which plague our society, it is up to the citizens to become involved and contribute their fair share toward a common goal. In order to unite our society with a common goal and purpose, we need a leader whom the citizenry has confidence in and can trust to fulfill their pledge if we do ours.
The past eight years have not inspired the average citizen to participate in government, in fact, it has done everything in it's power to side-line and negate citizen participation. You can not expect participation from the people when you deride and dismiss them as unpatriotic because they do not follow lock-step with the ideas floating from the white house.
I believe in this message of the promise for a better tomorrow that Senator Obama brings to this campaign. I have confidence in his ability to achieve great things for this nations people.
We are a better country than this.
This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement, finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he's worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news. We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes. Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land - enough! This moment - this election - is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight. On November 4th, we must stand up and say: "Eight is enough."
This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement, finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work.
This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he's worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news.
We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes. Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land - enough! This moment - this election - is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight.
On November 4th, we must stand up and say: "Eight is enough."
__http://www.barackobama.com/__
