According to recent polls, voters believe that solving our energy problem is the nation's second-highest priority. Eighty-two percent think it is “very important.” Only the financial crisis ranks higher in voter concern.
At present, of course, we are highly dependent for energy on imported oil whose price we cannot control. To pay for it, we send vast sums to nations that are not our friends. Even though, the price of oil is relatively low at present,it cannot stay that way, because the world is exhausting the “easy” sources of oil. More oil is available, but in locations and forms that will be increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain.
Since I wrote on this topic and posed questions in July, I've received no comments or answers. In June, I wrote abourt the same issue and got the same non-reaction. Doesn't any one acquainted with this candidate have any idea of his views on the subject of advancement of telecommunications and big media?
Again, I'm interested in what Barack thinks about the role of FCC regulation vis-a-vis state and partucularly local regulation of cable TV, broadband systems, voice (cable and mobile), and diversity in ownership of big media. What qualifications would Barack consider important in persons he would nominate for membership on the FCC? Do any of Barack's staff have pass employment or represent owners of the telecom and big media industries or lead unions which represent workers in these industries?
Does Barack believe that municipal leaders accross America are currently making a positive contribution to the regulation of local cable TV systems and the advancement of high-speed broadband delivery of video? Many owners of telecom and big media corporations are convinced that the FCC commissioners can better access local needs for and regulate advanced video services than can states and municipalities. Does Senator Obama believe that ownership preferences for big Washington regulation should prevail in this land?
Wallace Stuart
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
We may have found our new nickname for the "wrinkly white-haired dude"--McSurge.
Obviously, he thinks the "surge" strategy worked for him, so now he's pushing for a surge on oil drilling, a surge on the economy, and this tidbit from McCain's appearance at the National Urban League conference in Orlando last Friday: (from abc News/World News Daily Blog)
One of the most important tasks we have moving forward as we campaign for an Obama victory and a democratic landslide in the fall is to safeguard our vital public infrastructure from demands to sell it off to pay for cash-starved federal, state and municipal operating costs without having to raise taxes. This is especially urgent since these privatization demands will be inevitably emanating from the very politicians and their backers that got our nation into this current fiscal mess, for their own benefit, no less, and were voted out of office as a result. Perhaps a campaign for a constitutional amendment banning the sale of public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, tunnels, reservoirs, parks, schools, libraries, prisons, police and fire departments to private or foreign parties might do the trick!
Anyone else see the emergence of this likelihood and the need for such necessary pre-emptive action?
YouTube link
"You know what happens when Washington makes promises it doesn't keep, and fails to fully fund No Child Left Behind. Because it's your teachers who are overburdened, your teachers who aren't getting the support they need, and your teachers who are forced to teach to the test, instead of giving students the skills they need to compete in a global economy. That's why you need a partner in the White House."
To U.S. Mayor's Conference in Miami, FL on June 21, 2008.
Anybody who has turned on cable news in the last few days has heard pundits and Democratic Party members breathlessly obsessing over why Barack Obama cannot seem to win over older white working class voters in small towns and rural areas. I have the more critical question: why can’t Hillary Clinton win over younger voters in growing cities and suburbs? Her inability to do so has far greater implications for the Democratic Party in the longer term.
Let us look at the Democratic Primary results in Hamilton County. No one would be surprised to hear that Obama won the largely African-American Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. But he also won 54% of Hamilton County’s white precincts and dominated the East Side, with winning margins in growing Montgomery, Anderson, Symmes, and Sycamore Townships. He won Hyde Park, Mount Lookout, Mount Washington, Terrace Park, Clifton, Wyoming, Indian Hill and Glendale.
What is going on here? Meet the younger professional class voters in Cincinnati and others cities across the nation. I am one of them. You probably already know us. We are physical trainers, doctors, interior designers, lawyers, actors, nurses, realtors, accountants, florists, graphic and web designers, teachers, massage therapists, software programmers, analysts, sales representatives, engineers, scientists, hairdressers, brokers, and consultants. Like many younger professional class voters, George W. Bush turned me off to the Republican Party, most likely for good. The Democratic Party has a chance to seize this demographic segment for years to come. Ronald Reagan created a generation of Republicans, and Barack Obama has the potential to create a generation of Democrats. That is, if the Democratic Party doesn’t blow it.
I know what a Weather Man is. I used to have a favorite one years ago, before the Internet. But I have never seen a Weatherman. A Black Panther? That’s obvious! Just don’t think you could ever outrun one!
Oh, and before you dismiss me as ridiculously young, did I mention that I’ve already celebrated my “Over-the-Hill” 40th birthday?
I attended the Democratic Party delegate selection meetings for the Second Congressional District for the first time a few months ago. While there, a Democratic Party insider was telling me how surprised he was by how “different” the attendees were from over a decade ago. He said the event used to be filled with union leaders and their co-workers from local manufacturing plants. When I asked how people looked this time, he paused and said, “Well, uh, they look like YOU!” I guess that was because I didn’t have a lunch pail with me. By the way, what IS a lunch pail?
Even Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper said to The Enquirer about Hillary Clinton, “Her base vote – the blue-collar Reagan Democrats – don’t really exist in Cincinnati. Many of those folks are Republicans here.”
On April 12th Obama supporters worldwide will show their support simultaneously!
In Europe the event is scheduled for 17.00 GMT/18.00 CET
We are looking to add international cities and all Obama supporters are urged to get your city coordinated to share in this historic event!
Can you help?
YES WE CAN!
So I now see that there is a space issues portion of your goals - its not perfect, but its ok. I also see that there is a general concept of support for environmental causes. Support of the roadless parks is a great start. Obviously I would like to see it fleshed out more, but I understand you might be a bit busy. I even appreciate your affordable housing stance - which I believe is a perfect time to tie your green energy into affordable housing. A simple suggestion is to add some sort of "Sen. Obama will encourage the creation of green, sustainable, affordable housing through grants and tax relief." (Nantucket is going to be building its first green affordable housing.)
But yet my issue hasn't been addressed. While I might say "historic preservation," I mean something much more. This issue is about standing up for the sustainability of our downtowns, the protection of buildings and culture, the use of preservation as a green technology (recycling buildings rather than tearing them down, and funding these goals. I am somewhat concerned because Hilary, when googled with "historic preservation" comes up with the "Save America's Treasures." When Obama is googled with "historic preservation," I only see an issue in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago where you were supporting a program which wasn't well recieved. It was a local issue and I dont know the final result, but it makes me concerned.
If I were running for president my "historic preservation" issues section would look something like this:
Protecting America's HeritageAmerica's culture, downtowns, historic buildings, and landscapes are the keystone for American values. We must protect these places we hold dear to our lives. Historic preservation is an inherently sustainable action - recycling buildings saves our landfills. Protecting our state and national parks is an important part of our tourism economies - but also is a way to ensure our future generations can see America as it always has been. Promoting use of the outdoors will only allow Americans to understand the importance of stopping global warming. The method for protecting America's Heritage includes:
Sen. Obama - its an easy stand. It doesn't lose you supporters - but its a good method for gaining some more - perhaps those currently with Clinton...
Barack: "I outlined a plan to turn the page in Iraq and end the war."
"My plan for turning the page on Iraq is clear."
Mr. Barack, please outline your plan for the urban communiites in the United States.
