Well, I am displeased to hear this, unless of course Obama was directing his attack towards the corporations and not the people. It is sad to say, but in this economic crisis, big coporations making billions of dollars profits, need to stand by their country, and support the failing infra-structure.
It is not by forcing the poor people, who work so hard , but cant afford the legal representation or accounting council to find all the loopholes, that should be targeted. Too often I find myself watching as the poor get poorer and ...well you know how it goes. Britney Spears is making millions, is she paying millions too in tax, or is there a glitzy accountant following her around calculating everything that can be deducted.
I would love to see a flat rate for people (corporations are a different matter) , that way less energy, effort,time and money is invested in making this happen. Think about it, no deductions, no receipts, no time wasted calculating, no time wasted getting documents, or contacting accountants that charge you through the nose to break even. If we had a flat 20% of whatever you did make, poor would not be poorer, then the rich.
They would be even. We would have alot more money in our coffers, because for once the rich would be paying the FULL amount,.....remember no deductions...so from 100 million dollars for one person's gain in a year (Arnold Schwarzenegger) would equal about 20 million for the US! Thats it thats all. No extra wasted money on the government figuring out new ways for people to pay, and have that side lined by another loop hole.
Why not, I ask you....why not? The person making 10$ an hour, does not have to worry about spending extra money to make all the weird calculations, to figure out this and that , and just pay an even 20%, easy! The rich guy, wont have the luxury of avoiding paying anythnig, because now, even with the best accountants, it wont matter....he still pays 20$
Dear Mr. President:
First off I don't know why people insist on calling you Mr. Obama...don't they know your title is PRESIDENT..show some respect people.
Secondly: I was reading how two states are using their money so they don't have to cut public safety, That's a good thing but the lead in to the article was about medicade funding....what happened to the facts about that...nowhere in the article did I see any mention of that aspect of the economic " shoring-up". Every time Medicare reciepants get a cost of living raise the medicade systems take it away by reducing benefits or increasing the costs of benefits. While those who live on Medicare seem to "pocket extra money" so to speak, those of us who live on disability incomes seem to go no where, and no I don't expect to gain profits, but then again I didn't expect the cost of a loaf of bread to hit nearly $3.00 a loaf either. PRESIDENT OBAMA, WHERE'S OUR BAIL OUT!!!!!!
"Many people took out loans they were never going to be able to afford,never! That means somebody knew from day one they were never going tobe able to pay back the loans." The bankers approved these loans and used the money to pay themselves bonuses and payed our government representatives to look the other way…that’s where we are…any suggestions for getting us out of the mess are welcome…but if you just want to play the blame game…where does that get us?
Read what was spammed on the comments section of my blog:
The people that bend the rules GET PAID!
You too can bend the rules by printing out fake paystubs w-2 w2 1099 forms usinghttp://www.PROOFOFEMPLOYMENT.com
Buy a home, car or get a huge irs tax refund just for being you! Do what you have to do to get yours! EVERYONE ELSE DID!!
http://www.FAKEPAYCHECKSTUBS.com
Print out Fake Employment and Fake Income, Wages, 1099, w2, w-2, using your home computer printer!
Oy vey!!
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
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
If palin brought “Joe the Plumber”, to swing undecide 250k income voters, here we will show that we are the real 250k , and will only choose Barak Obama, Bloggersmosaic is 250k income startup for Obama. Why Barack Obama should be our president, each photo on our main page will link to blog post from Barack Obama supporter. A supporter like you a doctor , a small business owner, unemployment, a school teacher, American without health insurance, first time voter ...ect if you are one of those who want to join , use link below upload your photo or any other human face, and your blog post.. If you don't want to submit your photo , just the link, its ok , i will use default photo from Mr.Barack Obama photos collection i have at the end we hope to create a real mosaic of Barack Obama supporters, because he is really representing each one of US. 1. We will show as many 250k income voters on main page which will link to their own post. 2. We also want to create real mosaic photo for Barack Obama from voters
now bloggersmosaic.com
Hi there!
So I suppose I should say something about myself. I'm 21, White, Below the Poverty Line, and Female from Venango County, Pa. I'm Also Bisexual, Unitarian Universalist with a Jewish Bent, Liberal, and Live with Asperger Syndrome (a Disorder on the Autism Spectrum that inhibits intake of social cues and which often has Anxiety Disorders and Sensory Processing Issues Co-occuring) and Bipolar Disorder.
"Venango-land," as our token liberal newspaper writer likes to call it, isn't exactly the most liberal place in the world. In fact, it's mostly conservative- we still see our gay young men Alienated and beaten in our schools without the perpetrators being punished; We still have staff who see their clients as incapable of speaking for themselves because of disability; Our Commissioners want to privatise our Substance Abuse Program, refusing to recognize that this will lead to higher general services taxes when the low-income folks can't acess needed services.
(After the jump: Venango-land history, The Outlook, and Why schedualing Volunteer Hours only on Saturdays isn't always conveient.)
I was a CEO of a small business that grew from 1 to 23 people.
We made money (INCOME). I invested those funds in people, their wages and the best equipment we found (EXPENSES). By spending this money, which was not taxed, we grew. At no time did we leave much money (INCOME - EXPENSES) to be taxed. The amount left was taxed as our TAXABLE INCOME and always less than $25,000.
I write this because one of the “talking heads” on TV seems to think Mr. Obama was talking about taxing the amount we made (INCOME) rather than taxing what was left
(TAXABLE INCOME). The build jobs money (INCOME) rather than the Taxable Money at the end was a gigantic difference to this CEO.
Kitchen Table Review:Barack Obama's "Spread The Wealth" Economics ... Socialism or Pragmatism?released October 24, 2008 by KitchenTable08.org
So what is Barack "Robin Hood" Obama thinking when he proposes to "spread the wealth," taking from the rich and giving to the poor? "The goal," as John McCain shared with a crowd of pro-American Americans earlier this week, "is not to redistribute wealth but create it." He and Sarah "Sheriff of Nothingham" Palin have decreed Sen. Obama's economic plan is little more than cloaked socialism that promotes class warfare.Sen. McCain contends his plan to continue the economic policies of the current administration, and make the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, is a much more patriotic approach to growing and strengthening the middle-class than Sen. Obama's socialist scheme to rollback the tax rate from 36% to 39% on those earning more than $250k+ a year. Simply look at the numbers over the last eight years to determine whether or not McCain's strategy will indeed "create wealth" for all American Households.
The Kitchen Table Review:
So while it is clear Sen. McCain's economic policies will never be labeled "socialist," one can make a case that his economic plans do foster a plutocracy. How else can you describe the last eight years when the Top 2% of American Household Incomes (those making $250k+) grew by 72%, while in that same period 80% of American Households (those earning less than $100k) saw their share of overall annual income drop by more than 10%? McCain's economic plan does spread something, though it's clearly not wealth.And what about the "socialist class warfare" McCain-Palin accuse Barack Obama of? Consider this:
Think about it … and then Vote.
The rampant corruption - yes, corruption, let's call it what it is - in Washington must end, and it must end now. The corporate plunderers and their puppet politicians have, literally, bled this great nation dry. Our nation's capital has been nothing less than a porkfest picnic ground for many years, and through a number of administrations (of both major parties). We're not just talking about "earmarks", or even "corporate welfare". These are both parts of the big picture, but let's not forget government an defense cotracts, or the actual legislative acts that pander to "special interests". Government has become a "for profit" business.....for private, not public, profit. This must stop, and it must stop now, or the America we grew up in, the America we love, will be just a memory.
We choose to believe, and pray, that Barak will be different, will stay true. He claims to represent the majority of the people, not the majority of the wealth. God, please let it be so. The American majority cannot wait another four years for change. This is the truth that we, the people, know all too well, as our ability to make (the most essential) ends meet has all but disappeared, into the pockets of the "porkers".
But, there remains the question of just how deeply Barak understands our middle class plight. He promises tax breaks, but let's be honest. Most of us would happily pay more taxes, when it would mean that we are earning more. Senator Obama, the people's plight is not about taxes, it's about our incomes. A 15% tax break, for most families, is worth two weeks of medical insurance, maybe. And, at the rate that medical costs are rising, it will be worth two days insurance by the time your tax break is legislated. Because our incomes are in decline, savings are down (or gone), while costs (of essentials) are skyrocketing, and debt (incurred to pay the skyrocketing cost of essentials) is staggering.
We, the working majority of Americans, need jobs. Good, stable jobs that provide living wages. Most of the employment growth has been in the "service sector". While we're being "real", let's also be realistic. The only significant job creation in this country has been in poverty level jobs. Yes, these jobs are necessary.....for kids who need money for their Friday night dates. But, staying "real", these jobs can't begin to support a family, even a two parent family with both parents working two full time jobs. It just ain't gonna happen. Not here, not now.
We need jobs, real jobs. And, we need to fill them with real people. The working people of today's America. The displaced, the downsized, the disenfranchised. These are the people who must be trained for "new" jobs.
Barak, if you could take a survey of all the "baby boomers" who are nearing "retirement" age, you'll find a very, very large percentage have been herein described. They/we are desperate, with falling incomes or unemployment, no savings, and massive indebtedness. Retirement isn't/won't be an option, unless/until forced by failing health.
For them/us, social security looks simultaneously like a supplimental income and a curse. The current laws assume that they/we will have adequate savings when we begin collecting. But they/we don't. And, the pittance allowed (before benefits are penalized) won't be enough.
I am a 59 year old married man. I have a grown son, but I also have a baby daughter who will soon be 2. She will graduate high school (and begin college) when I am 75. I am now earning the same amount (in actual dollars) as I was in the 1970's. My health is failing (which I can't afford because I'm earning 1970's money). I have no savings (because I'm earning 1970's money). I have far too much debt (because I'm earning 1970's money). A tax credit of 15%, or even 100%, isn't going to fix the problem, because I'm earning 1970's money.
I, and the working people of America, of whom I'm sadly representative, are not earning wages that meet the needs of the 21st century. This, Senator Barak Obama, is the problem that must be immediately addressed. We pray you understand, and put our faith in you.
~@~ 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 ?
Below is something that was forwarded to me. I agree 100% with the idea.
The McCain campaign and Republicans continue to use the "well, he's going to raise your taxes!" threat... unfortunately, pretty effectively because it's an easy sound byte. I read the following counterpoint on (of ALL places!) PerezHilton.com (yes, the celebrity gossip artist!).
"THE FACTS: The Tax Policy Center, a think tank run jointly by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, concluded that Obama's plan would increase after-tax income for middle-income taxpayers by about 5 percent by 2012, or nearly $2,200 annually. McCain's plan, which cuts taxes across all income levels, would raise after tax-income for middle-income taxpayers by 3 percent, the center concluded.
Obama would provide $80 billion in tax breaks, mainly for poor workers and the elderly, including tripling the Earned Income Tax Credit for minimum-wage workers and higher credits for larger families.
He also would raise income taxes, capital gains and dividend taxes on the wealthiest. He would raise payroll taxes on taxpayers with incomes above $250,000, and he would raise corporate taxes. Small businesses that make more than $250,000 a year would see taxes rise"
So - McCain will cut your taxes... but you'll only see 3% additional post-tax income. Obama's plan increases middle-tax income by an ADDITIONAL TWO PERCENT! Though this might not seem like a lot, but it's pretty easy to say, "If you had to choose between an extra 3% of take-home income or an extra 5% of take-home income (plus improved individual and company access to health insurance, improved educational opportunities, energy independence), which would you choose? I don't know about you, but I'd pick the 5% any day of the week and twice on Sundays." :)
The issues are on our side! It's tough to resist striking back against the sometimes petty criticism we're receiving, but this is about RESPECT, INCLUSION, and EMPOWERMENT! Resist that temptation (don't worry... I'm now repeating this mantra to myself as well!), especially when you're out there volunteering! I support Obama because I believe that he can inspire change beyond Washington. It's not about what government does for us, its about what we can all do together!
Republicans look down on the poor and middle class. They believe it is not their responsibility to help lift people up and make the country a better place for all. They think they are entitled to control the money and hand it out in a pittance to the people as they see fit. They think that distributing wealth more evenly is a communist or socialist action and will brand you as such if you suggest there should be more equality. They would rather give millions to foreign charities then to pay another couple of thousand in taxes that might help the people of this country. Not all but many.
We are losing our homes because the rich scheme ways to take money from the poor and give it to themselves. The mortgage companies encouraged their employees to scam the poor, to pray on their hopes and dreams. They don't care about education because if you keep the people uneducated they are more likely to believe your lies. They encourage you to invest in the stock market and then manipulate it until they scare you out. Then they pounce and buy in and take your money.
McCain will cut all social programs to get more money for his wars and to keep business taxes low.
Democrats have always cared for "the people" They are not perfect but they are a hell of a lot better. They want to give us health care and keep our social programs. mcCain's $5000 tax rebate for health care is laughable. As the cost of health care rises we will still be in the exact same position. Obama's people must bring this out. The people need details, not generalizations.
As a senior on a low fixed income, the thought that he is in favor of destroying social security as we know it is downright scary.
Tell everyone you know who they really are with as much detail as possible.
David -- In a few hours, when Barack accepts the Democratic nomination for president, you should feel proud to have played a major role in making it happen. You've been one of our campaign's most generous supporters -- thank you. But right now, we need your help in a big way. At midnight tonight, the general election officially begins, which means we can no longer accept donations for the Democratic primary. Our records show that you are no more than $950.00 away from reaching your individual contribution limit for the primary. Will you go All-In for Barack with a contribution of $950.00 before midnight tonight? Thanks for everything you've done to bring us to this incredible moment, David David PlouffeCampaign ManagerObama for America Sorry, David - I love Barack like blood kin at this point (and after last night's speechifyin' I'm growing quite fond of Joe Biden too) but I am a disabled husband and father of one, so I have reached my personal donation limit for this election. My health insurance costs $1,650 a month for three people. I just got my electric bill - $575.00 - and I live in a State with no formalized heating and energy assistance - so even though we are a family of three with only one income - a disability pension (my wife is disabled but has yet to qualify for Social Security - neither have I - but that's another issue) - we qualify for virtually no help of any kind because we're too rich to be poor and far too poor to be rich. That's why I'm voting for Barack Obama - I am hoping that he can work to make things better for me and people like me.Nobody gives a damn about disabled people. I can tell you stories - flying up to New York to visit my family, and EVERY TIME I find that the airline has given my bulkhead seat to a business-class, "premium" flyer - even though I cannot take a flight unless it is in a bulkhead due to my disability. Disabled folks are treated like CRAP in so many subtle, hidden ways - it is, in fact, a lot like institutionalized racism. It's all done with a wink and a nudge, and a laugh after I turn my back and limp off to calm myself. That's another reason I'm voting for Barack - I think that as a Black man of racially-mixed parentage, with a Muslim name, in one of the most racist places in the world, he can identify with some of what I go through - I know for SURE I can identify with HIS struggles.I pray every night that we (Barack, and I) prevail in November, and beyond. America needs his wisdom and fresh approach to our problems. But as far as monetary assistance goes, I am tapped out - I've gotta figure out how to pay that $575.00 electric bill I just opened in today's mail.However, if you send campaign workers to Georgia and they need crash space, you can count on a warm bed and a hot meal for anyone who needs one. We have a guest room and another person at dinner is a nice addition. Just call and we'll arrange hospitality as needed - (770) 704-9853.Peace & good will to you, now and always.Cordially,Dave Giaimo, Sr.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------On Aug 28, 2008, at 3:36 PM, David Plouffe, BarackObama.com wrote:David -- In a few hours, when Barack accepts the Democratic nomination for president, you should feel proud to have played a major role in making it happen. You've been one of our campaign's most generous supporters -- thank you. But right now, we need your help in a big way. At midnight tonight, the general election officially begins, which means we can no longer accept donations for the Democratic primary. Our records show that you are no more than $950.00 away from reaching your individual contribution limit for the primary. Will you go All-In for Barack with a contribution of $950.00 before midnight tonight? Thanks for everything you've done to bring us to this incredible moment, David David PlouffeCampaign ManagerObama for America
David -- In a few hours, when Barack accepts the Democratic nomination for president, you should feel proud to have played a major role in making it happen. You've been one of our campaign's most generous supporters -- thank you. But right now, we need your help in a big way. At midnight tonight, the general election officially begins, which means we can no longer accept donations for the Democratic primary. Our records show that you are no more than $950.00 away from reaching your individual contribution limit for the primary. Will you go All-In for Barack with a contribution of $950.00 before midnight tonight? Thanks for everything you've done to bring us to this incredible moment, David David PlouffeCampaign ManagerObama for America
Median income rose as did poverty in 2007
2000s have been extremely weak for living standards of most households
by Jared Bernstein
See also this special supplement to today's Income Picture, Overall health insurance coverage rises, but masks decline in private coverage.
While last year’s overall income gains are good news, the longer-range view is quite different. The Census figures show that the economic cycle that began in 2000 and ended late last year was one of the weakest on record for working families, despite strong overall economic growth during the same period (see Table 1 and Figure 1).ENTIRE ARTICLE- http://www.epi.org/content.cfm/webfeatures_econindicators_income_20080826
