When the history of America from 1980 - 2010 is written it might be described as the Age of Greed and Dishonesty. There are no self-imposed ethical restrictions on business that might put the brakes on greed - individual greed and corporate greed. Somehow we got the idea that what generates the most money defines "good." In order to minimize possible government restrictions founded in any kind of ethical thinking, however slight, those benefiting from laissez faire invest in the purchase of legislators. This compensates for the fact that there are not enough such beneficiaries to win elections by force of their numbers. It is easier to buy them than to elect them; one can buy whoever wins. Why worry?
We have disdain in sporting events against teams that pile on points after having assured victory. Yet we don't seem to have trouble swallowing when we hear of individuals making $100 million a year - more money than can be spent in the productive economy of goods and services. Where does it go? To banks and other financial institutions competing with one another to offer the highest returns. Do they care about the soundness of their investment products? The recent economic collapse had nothing to do with the underlying economy in which most of us live. It resulted from dishonesty in the financial community. And what did we do about it? We pumped trillions into these crooked organizations run by crooked executives so they could keep doing what they had been doing before: taking billions off the top (taxpayers' money this time) for themselves and making more hare-brained investments with our tax money. Everything goes. In some cases, they paid back the money that saved them from oblivion in order to avoid any restrictions on what their leadership could pay itself. And we swallow hard this time, but making a hundred million a year generates an attitude. They raise an eyebrow at us. We realize that we are not in this game at all.
We do however, need health care services for ourselves and our families, especially if we're 'boomers' getting ready to check out. This is good news for 'providers' and insurers. In fact, it's great news. We don't want to die, and they can help us. Are we going to quibble about price? Hardly - at first. But inflation in the cost of 'providers' outstrips everthing else for a couple of decades. Good grief, these CAT scans are a couple of grand apiece. The radiologist likes it because he/she owns a piece of the scanner. Do you need one? Of course, says your PCP who is in the same profit-making company as the radiologist. Besides, you get the warm feeling that they are doing everything they can for you. It's a good thing you have insurance - if you're not already ill and you don't change jobs in this vigorous econonomic climate. Ooopps. Insurance costs money, too - more and more every year. And now your employer is hurting; it either stops paying for as much of your insurance as it had, or it gets an insurance company that offers you less coverage for more money. Now you're starting to feel it. You see that when you retire, you won't be able to do much more than pay for your health care. Like I said, its not a good business, it's a great business.
If you're over 65, you can get Medicare. For some more money you can also get insurance to cover the 20% not covered by Medicare and a prescription drug policy as well. It's costly, but you need it, and you can rely on it. You don't care if it's one of those big government boondoggles. In fact you are terrified that the government will change it, pull it out from under you. And now, the government is talking about change. This can't be good; it could threaten your Medicare. They are talking about Obamacare! It will kill you. It will force you to have inferior care, as opposed to the good-government Medicare that you so love. You are angry at the thought. And some politicians who think it's just fine to spend half of your post-retirement income on health care (they're covered), who accept millions of dollars from the health care industry, tell you that you ought to be worried. This frightens you.
You go to a townhall meeting. You look Satan (your representative or senator) in the eye and you scream. And why not? The guy from Iowa told you that you ought to be afraid.A lot of people are getting richer than we can imagine, and we get to be scared. We aren't in this game as players, we're the stuff that other peoples' wealth is made of. We're angry. Where should we direct this anger? At the President of the United States who has been in office for 8 months? Or should we forget being angry and start thinking about whether we really like things as they are, or whether we're just afraid. Greed and dishonesty leave a big wake.
Jerrrol LeBaron, a resident of Los Angeles, has created Honor In Office for those Americans who want laws passed to make our representatives in Congress read bills before they are allowed to vote on them. This group calls for honesty, integrity, common sense, and a focus that the members of Congress work for the People, and not use their office to further their own interests.
A higher standard for our members of Congress is demanded. Ethics have to be central to all those who aspire to represent the American people.
Passing bills in the dead of night before other members of Congress can object is not the American way. It is amateurish, and does not have the professional stance Americans want from their representatives at the highest levels of government.
Today on Yahoo, the Associated Press published the folllowing headline: Key health care senators have industry ties.
Whatever happened to ethics and conflict of interest? Why have these senators with their direct family ties to the health industry been allowed to work on these reforms? This is no different than asking the fox to guard the hen house.
Why didn't these senators with such ties disqualify themselves from participating in shaping health reform when it would be more to their advantage to shape it in their interests rather than the interest of all Americans? The mere fact that these senators did not disqualify themselves from this participation makes them all suspect, and greatly damages President Barack Obama's administration's credibility.
Senators with direct family ties and interest in the health industry must stand down immediately and be replaced with other senators with no ties whatsoever to this industry. Otherwise, the American people are going to be greatly shortchanged, and President Obama will be perceived as overwhelmed. This must not happen.
This isn't about taxes, it's about ethics. It's about encouraging or discouraging, deceptions large and small. What makes me increasingly angry is that the Daschel's advocates are rushing to defend what's truly indefensible. Read today's TIMES http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/us/politics/01daschle.html?hp and pay close attention to Schmer's comment. “We wish this didn’t happen,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer, a New York Democrat who is on the Finance Committee, “but he’s chosen such quality people that nobody minds taking a bit of an extra step to help get them in.” Senator Schumer has suddenly become very understanding but then he couldn't condemn Daschel without also condemning Rangel's curious management of his real estate or Rahm Emanuel's handsome earning servicing Bruce Wasserstein. Daschel is no Albert Einstein or even an Albert Schweitzer. I'm sure we have someone of equal "quality," but with considerable higher ethical values.
I'm expecting Obama to step in and start inquiring and shut down this revolving pay-to-play door, that open to all Democrats and Republicans who see public service as a means to make their fortune.
Readers:
My activity for change is centered around peace and social justice education (disguised as an English teacher) at Royal Oak High School in Michigan.
For that reason, my two blog sites highlighted here are the places to find my posts:
www.chisnell.com/chizblog is my site designed for students and peers, featuring articles in philosophy and ethics, culture criticism, literary theory, mythology, global issues, education, environmentalism, and my travels.
www.chisnell.com/briggs is The Chisnell-Briggs Project, the beginning of a dialogue on education reform from the perspective of composition and rhetoric instructors. Our immediate focus is the discussion of literacy as necessarily involving critical civic responsibility.
I may also post ideas particular to the President's agenda here. I would love input and ideas, so do feel free to visit and contribute!
Steve C
Marijuana has been shown to be much safer than legal substances such as alcohol and cigarettes. It was originally made illegal decades ago in an effort to discriminate against minorities such as African-Americans and Mexican laborers. President-elect Obama, why continue to enforce a drug law which was originally created solely to target minorities? I advise everyone to do your own research on the subject, one may be surprised that many Americans' beliefs about Marijuana are unfounded and more often than not, outright propagandist lies made popular in the thirties and forties. The only reason this relatively harmless plant is still illegal is because most politicians do not have the guts to stand up for the thousands of Americans incarcerated simply for posessing marijuana.
I also say that we stop calling it a "war" on drugs, because it is not, it is a constant assault on otherwise law abiding American citizens, who choose to use marijuana just like mankind has for thousands of years. In 2004 President-Elect Obama supported decriminalization of marijuana, only to withdraw support later on. On the subject of outright legalization, Mr. Obama has claimed to be against it. If you are familiar with change.gov, you know that it is an official website set up by the transition team which had a section that allowed Americans to ask questions, the number one question was concerning marijuana legalization. What does this tell you? Americans are hungry for the change that Mr. Obama has promised, and want it in the form of marijuana legalization. This is shocking, considering the economic meltdown, the housing crisis, Iraq, and Afghanistan. GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT!
Contact: Alex.Karoub@gmail.com
It has been my perception that what has driven some Americans increasingly in the past two decades has been personal greed; greed not for just money but for power, control, influence, domination, security, knowledge, ideology, ..., all for individual or limited closed association/club benefit. That is not only the mentality of individuals, but of people operating in government and business as well.
We now witness the results of greed by a select few:
Corrupt and special interest government officials who set themselves above as aristocrats regulating government for their own investments or hidden ownerships in companies and organizations. Many who also take bribes and illicit favors from corrupt lobbyists.Laws are actually written/drafted by who? Do you really think your legislator, congressman, or senator sits down in front of a computer or uses his own pen and paper? Or, did you think it's his staff? It is lobbyists who actually do 99% of the work; work they have vested interests in, to see it is written the way their 'client' wants it worded. Do you as an individual have lobbyists employed by you? Financial institutions that cheat and steal from the unsuspecting, far beyond the weak laws of usury. Trustworthy? Bank & 'Trust?' Wanna givem another bailout for cheating? It looks like lobbying paid off for the financial 'institutions' (we have all been taught to 'respect?' the term 'institution?', but maybe we are learning). Insurance Companies that 'legally?' bribe law enforcement, judges, and congress/legislators with grants, equipment gifts, perks, and free trips in order to gain unprecedented influence/control -- everything from mandatory laws, to not or barely paying claims, to price fixing, to all sorts of corrupt and unfavorable methods imposed on individuals. Do most people realize that premiums (a name of 'respect?' for monthly payments you are charged) are used by Insurance Companies to pay for -- grants, equipment gifts, perks and trips as payoffs for public laws, regulations, and controls that the public does not want. It is a form of taxation represented/controlled by insurance companies, not taxation with public representation. It's a twisted form of taxation charged by insurance companies. Manufacturing barons who import economic slave labor and outsource to slavery. Pharmaceutical corporations that cover-up sickness and death with misinformation in order to push up profits. Weapons manufacturers that promote violence, war, and enduring sickness. Energy companies that monopolize production/prices and cause destructive environmental damage.American Companies, or those using names, that import/offshore products who turn a deaf ear and blind eye to safety, quality, and poisons.Service providers that care not about consumers but are strictly money driven, with less regard for employees; employees who suffer with unreasonable demands for performance and who are not paid a living wage. Private educational institutions that cater to the wealthy who have abandoned the public. The concept for the masses of "let them eat cake"; they will eventually go away from malnutrition of education because it will make them perish; and, those who survive can be the servants. Suburban Public School administrators in growing housing markets whose actual and hidden agendas are to serve land developers and government aristocrats. They play statistical number games made of fudge, intentionally choking out struggling students by actually encouraging students to drop out or be 'home schooled' by mom or dad. That's how suburban schools 'look' more attractive to potential home buyers, with faked academic 'success' -- faking the 'No Child Left Behind' statistics, a real game, using kids as pawns. But aristocrats brag, statistically they look like they have done a good enough job to re-elect them. And, most importantly to them, they can continue to reap the profits from either the land they own or are financially connected with.Inner City School administrators in decaying areas that hopelessly cope with being under funded, attracting the poorest quality teachers. Children do not choose to be born into poor families, or choose uncaring parents, nor do they choose parents that are ignorant and uneducated. Do these kids have the hope of opportunity? They are pushed aside as the burdens of a greedy society, in hopes they are not seen nor heard from now or later in life -- good to be used as the pawns in wars, or workers for catering to the wealthy though. Employees of city/county/state/fed. institutions (schools, universities, jails, prisons, leases/sales of buildings to Gov., contracted services, hospitals, VA facilities,...) who take kickbacks and gifts, in return for higher costs and sweetheart deals with companies often owned by or financially benefiting government aristocrats.Major colleges and universities chasing the buck by catering to overseas students. They somehow brag of a 40% to 60% foreign enrollment, while American students grasp for help and aid. Community colleges that are given the leftovers in funds, coping with unrealistic expectations of graduating students or preparing them for major colleges. Even with 100% tuition/books paid, it is unrealistic to expect students to juggle working full time jobs (for food and living) while going to school and studying full time. It is not surprising to see such an astronomically high dropout rate in America. Capitalist have made it clear to students, not to have hopes that are too costly; or, they will import already educated talent. Do wealthy capitalist require students in their families to work full time at low paying jobs while pursuing higher education's? Maybe they simply know it's a story made up for the 'less fortunate', like a fairytale dream, achieved by one to two percent and used as shining examples, stories told to pacify the masses. Those with capital also know, they can hire a well enough educated dropout at a reduced rate to do the job of a graduate, a real bargain. …
We could each recite instances far beyond this short list, and it is all for greed. People’s greed has been rooting through our nation and causing so much destruction. Certainly money has been a primary instrument of their greed, but their other instruments of power, control, influence, domination, security, knowledge, ideology, … have all been used to chip away and damage each of us who together form our great nation. With renewed vision and focused determination we will heal and rebuild to become more active and much stronger.
To learn more details, you can read my other three blogs about 1) Educational Devastation, The Need for an Entirely New System, 2) The Auto Industry, A Few of My Personal Experiences, and 3) Invention, Innovation, and Education.
Blog members can reply here, or anyone is welcome to contact me at: Alex.Karoub@gmail.com
I will most likely forward this as a letter to the website administrator with a request to delete and take down the event posted on my.barackobama.com regarding a petition for Puerto Rican statushood.
Today I received an event invitaiton through the lines of the networking group called PuertoRicansforObama hosted in my.barackobama.com. This event details are in this link:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpt5dq
It cites excerpt of the Feb 12, 2008 letter to Puerto Rico by President-Elect Obama, back in the days of the Primaries. It gives an interpretation of the letter as referring to President-Elect Obama's promise to grant statehood to Puerto Rico. The actual letter reference can be found on this link.
http://www.lasculturas.com/articles/16-news-politics-and-issues/133-letter-from-barack-obama-to-puerto-rico
Amongst the many lines not included in the event invitation by the host are these two:
"As President, I will actively engage Congress and the Puerto Rican people in promoting this deliberative, open and unbiased process, that may include a constitutional convention or a plebiscite, and my Administration will adhere to a policy of strict neutrality on Puerto Rican status matters. My Administration will recognize all valid options to resolve the question of Puerto Rico's status, including commonwealth, statehood, and independence."
I find it inappropriate for these lines of communications to express any given bias to any preference of Puerto Rican statushood and declare it an Obama agenda. I find it also very insulting to the democratic process inside the island of Puerto Rico made by Puerto Rican residents to even imply that it is up to Congress to automatically grant Puerto Rico statushood based on a letter that promised Puerto Ricans in the island a full democratic process to decide what status is wanted in the island.
Even as the host claims to not have a PNP agenda in mind for his event, anyone with any sense and knowledge of Puerto Rican politics would recognize a PNP agenda when they see it. The PNP has been infamous for its push to statehood with unethical, corrupt, inhumane and condescending attitudes. And the fact that this gentleman is not waving a blue palm tree with white background flag from side to side does not mean that he is not displaying the same condescending attitude, not to mention a personal agenda that is trying to ride the coattails of a grassroots movements that is supposed to behave neutrally in this particular matter. And while you may think that this blog entry/letter is the sole product of a PPD supporter, I declare myself an independent voter, not affiliated with either party as both parties in several ocassions through Puerto Rican political history have been charged with corruption at all levels of goverment, as it was the case with Acevedo Vila. My interest in this is to give dignity to the Puerto Rican people of a democratic process ran locally with voter protection and poll watching present to ensure any lack of corruption.
As an active canvasser, voter registration worker, poll watcher, USAF veteran, current volunteer at the Change is Here-East Harlem initiative and former resident of 18 years of the island of Puerto Rico, I ask the administration of my.barackobama.com to please delete this event from your "Change is Coming" lists and keep President-Elect Obama's ethical promise of neutrality.
Sincerely,
Shanali
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url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy
Cleaning up Washington is a enormous task to take on. By cleaning up of course i mean getting rid of the people the drowned out the voter's voice and swindle deals with Congressmen to vote one way or another on particular bills as well as doing other favors.
For far to long there has existed a type politics that simply went around every election cycle making promises and than forgetting about the people that count. This issue goes further than lobbyist although those people do play a significant role in corrupting politicians. Often times individuals that hold office have stakes in companies that are effected by the way a bill passes sometimes creating serious conflicts of interest and this is only a really crude example. Many people have benefited from the current wars being fought and the politicians that are making a few extra dollars aren't exactly the people a person would think of. Further more a lot of politicians are still benefiting in huge amounts during this rough economic crisis taking place. There is a reason why most people don't trust politicians and the fear didn't come at birth it was learned proving a number things.
Real action needs to come from the Obama Administration when he is sworn in but more importantly real action needs to come from supporters of all political parties in calibration with grass roots networks and other organizations. The ethics reform the needs to take place is drastic and there will be harsh criticism from all over the political spectrum but the voters must push for reform or else our voices will never truly be heard.
..... 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
"When I grow up, I want to be the President of the United States of America"
This is not an aspiration for most youngsters these days, as a matter of fact, it's amazing that anyone in their right minds would put themselves through such a grueling, and expensive process, just for the opportunity to serve. It certainly requires a very special individual, with a specific skill set and a sincere commitment to this country and her citizens. With a lifetime of leadership and community service to his credit, complete with a fierce determination, he asks us simply believe. Only a select few in history have possessed this level of commitment and fortunately for us, this year, our country was blessed by the rise of profoundly historical character, absolutely driven to make a difference. Back when I was in grade school I remember the teacher asking the class who and what we thought we wanted to be when we grew up, it was an exciting day, A day filled with the dreams of children who had every reason to believe that they could truly be whatever they wanted to be, one day. There were several boys who agreed that the job of the President had to be just the very best job possible. As they considered being "the boss of everything" including the entire military, these boys were giddy at the thought of so much power. And yes, even back in my mid 1960's classroom, there were at least a couple of forward thinking girls who agreed and stated that they too would love to be President as well. Of course, none of us ever really expected that a girll would ever really serve. Needless to say, things have certainly changed.
The 2008 Presidential Election was historical on every level, truly a turning point for our country. Not only was there a strong Female candidate, she actually enjoyed tremendous support. She energized her party and the nation, Hillary Clinton a senator from NY, rallied millions to her call. Alas in the end, she fell just short of her parties nomination. Clearly, the country was determined to achieve a new and different direction. Ultimately, the fact that she is forever linked to the past by the "Clinton Factor" which turned out to be both a blessing as well as a closer for her campaign efforts.
Our nation was moving forward, this was the ultimate goal of the entire election, out with the old and in with the new, the message was clear. Barack Obama was elected to serve as President of the United States on November 4, 2008 with a wave of support never before achieved by any Election or Candidate in the history of our government. This young, "inexperienced" senator, according to the "other candidate". Was the first Black American ever nominated by the Democratic Party to serve this post. History will reflect not only the obvious facts of the election and campaign, as there are many profound and significant elements of this achievement with significance reaching far beyond the events which have come to pass. Of course, we will endure challenges and opposition to this President for potentially his entire term however, his determination and humility will continue to serve him well. This polished, articulate politician has evoked the trust, even the hopes, of people from all walks of life throughout the country consistently attracting crowds in huge numbers. His experiences growing up were consistant with the experiences of many making him easy to relate to and his message of Changehas resonated with a weary nation who truly needed a reason to believe. His impassioned speeches were delivered across the nation with an earnest and sincere message of Change and a vision for the future shared by many. Intelligent and fully prepared at every step, Barack Obama embodied the accomplished professional. Maintaining his composed manor through out the campaign despite the political theatrics of the "other campaign" which he consistantly managed to transend. Through out the course he refused to allow himself, nor his campaign to resort to "Politics as Usual" choosing instead to maintain his position. His ability to stay the course of his campaign so carefully crafted, for maximum impact at each stump. This posture was a significant element of his campaign, which contributed to the turnout of this election as effectively as any other. This single detail spoke volumes and was the most glaring difference between the candidates. Ultimately he presented an organized and well established plan for the future as he saw it and that was truly what mattered to most Americans at this juncture. His composure and diligent efforts to remain on task resonated with voters allowing for a delivery of his message, his vision that voters could actually consider, despite the efforts of his opponent to "muddy the waters". With his ojectivity and deliberation of the content he delivered, maintaining his edge by refusing to engage in the political tactics or the past. Our country has endured these nasty games for far too long and apparently we have turned the tide on ethics in politics, another historical element worth considering, we hope. The idea that an election could be successful, to WIN, by denouncing dishonest and dishonorable behavior and unsavory tactics, historically considered part of the process, business as usual. Dare we hope to place these at rest, finally.
Our first elected President George Washington, deliberately maintained his boyhood integrity through out his service His "I can not tell a lie" mantra remains evidence of his personal beliefs and what ultimately he left as his legacy, which offers an effective model for decorum even today. Then there was our 16Th President "Honest Abe" Lincoln who by the way, practiced law in Chicago before serving in the the Illinois House of Representatives, where he fought for the little guy on his way to the White House. Once elected he fearcely defended our constitution, enacting sweeping and signigant change that would forever alter the American experience. Somehow that resume sounds a bit like this other candidate I have heard so much about lately, hmmmm? Only time will tell how deep Obama's commitment to serving with Integrity, Honesty and his Determination to enact real change for our country, for now we have hope. Hope that we can, with dedicated leadership and ethical practices, provide our children with a future worthy of every American child. I am so very proud and hopeful about this opportunity and this President, May God Bless him and our Precious Country! AMEN!
Sarah Palin is an attractive, witty, quick-witted, tough politician. She is also extreme and unethical. She has proven to be ruthless in her will to get what she wants, be it huge earmarks for Alaska, contracts and perks for her friends, or getting rid of someone who has crossed her (or her family). Sarah will not be stopped. Now apparently even John McCain is getting in her way, and he is having a hard time controlling her. Will Sarah Palin’s behavior force John McCain to rethink the recent unethical positions he has taken under her influence? Maybe. Maybe not?
“Confessions of a Phone Solicitor” is the title of Gail Collins’ column in today’s New York Times. Here are some excerpts.
[A] telemarketer named Ted Zoromski quit his job this week over John McCain’s message. Zoromski was prepared to interrupt people during their dinner hours to encourage them to vote Republican. But when he got the script saying “you need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge’s home and killed Americans,” he packed it in.“Even though I was paid to do it, I didn’t feel comfortable,” Zoromski told WKOW-TV.
This story … struck me because I once worked as a telemarketer, and it is an occupation so soul-numbing that it is hard to imagine that anything could make it worse. I woke up people on the overnight shift who had just managed to fall asleep for the first time in six days. Sometimes, when there was clearly nobody at home, I would just let the phone ring and ring in order to avoid having to call anybody else. …
So truly, if you can come up with something that would send a telemarketer over the edge, you have really overachieved on the offensiveness front.
She then goes on to give a vivid description of all the vile mud-slinging being done by McCain, Palin, et al. My issue is with the first part of the article. Here is the comment I posted.
Once again Collins has missed the mark. Telemarketers make nuisance calls. That's what advertising is all about. It is not unethical for them to do their work. No one told Collins to let the phone keep ringing when she was a phone solicitor. Ted Zoromski quit his job because he was asked to deliver a dishonest and hateful message. Now that Collins is a Times columnist, after having been a Times editor, she feels free to trash those in her earlier line of work. This is true elitism.
Collins plays fast and loose with the facts and often fails to reason properly. This is a lot more harmful than disturbing people at dinner. The Times has a Doctor Jekyll-Mr. Hyde combo (Dowd-Collins). Maureen's brilliance is matched by Gail's dalliance. Too bad more of your readers don't catch on to this. Perhaps it is because Collins’ column causes so much ringing in their ears.
Getting back to the main point of her article, here is the front page and an inside page of a recent RNC mailer.
Far too many time we hear coming out of all politician's mouths;
'We walk the walk and Talk the talk' Correctly understood this statement,as is, means we'll say one thing and do another
What this country needs is someone that will;
WALK THEIR TALK', meaning they back up their speak with actions. You do what you say you will. If you say you're going to end wars,then you set up policies that do just that. If you say you're for the working person and the poor,then don't make life harder on them by keeping slumlords in business,You don't give huge tax breaks to multi-millionaires. You support the people by bailing out the foundation of our society,the workers,the poor. If you put 700 billion into the poor there would be a great upwelling in the economy. Many of the poor are barely holding onto their homes,their children have little if any chance at a higher education. If we shuttled funding into these folks two things will happen. First their houses will get paidoff,freeing up vast sums of money. Secondly,the money given to minor children for schooling would sit in bank accounts until they go to college. Giving local banks the money to do business through these college savings accounts, The children that are already college age would have the funding to go to the school of their choice because there would be enough money to attain an undergrad degree.
If you could do these things,Barack you truly would become the greatest uniter and rebuilder of America there ever was. I believe you want to bring people together. I believe you want to heal the old wounds of the past so we can move forward as a society,unified and free. I also know we have a lot of old dirty business we have to get rid of before we can move into the sunlight of this better day and to do this there's only one way. WALK YOUR TALK.
I question what McCain was thinking when selecting a running mate who was obviously not well vetted. The results of the Alaskan panel review said it was not illegal to fire Monegan, but Palin makes it appear she wasn't in violation of ethics regulation when it was clearly stated she did.
Page 8, Finding Number One of the report says: "I find that Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by violating Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act."
