Posts with the tag 2008 Elections

VOLUNTEER AND RECRUIT PEOPLE FOR BARACK OBAMA CAMPAIGN

VOLUNTEER AND RECRUIT PEOPLE FOR BARACK OBAMA CAMPAIGN HERE — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:48:11 EST

Dear Mr President Obama,
Bellow are the true story of my life and my family if there is any help for me.

I'm glad to tell you a short story about my life and my family also. The reason why I intend to tell you this, is because there is a two thing that made up of a man (self confidence and God spirit which then convinced me that you are a through child of God that was sent for me to wipe the critical agony which comprises of tears of how my mother suffered when she gave birth to me and this is the reason why God almighty loves to use people who knows you to bless one, remember in (acts 20:35) No man born of a woman can give you anything except God moves them to do so. And when they give, they’re blessed, and they become greater for giving to you. Firstly, before my birth as I was told by my mother, She told me that I stayed in her womb more than ‘9 mouths’ but devil tied me up because he knows what I am going to be on this earth and then people started saying a lot of things against me but when I was delivered on February 19th 1980 it was a great day to the memory of my family, so I was named Vincent Nwachukwu which means joy, happiness, peace (showing that I have conquered all my enemies and the word Nwachukwu means a child that comes from God.

Secondly, my birth bring a lot to my family so my father who could not secured a job for many years was told on that very day to come for an interview so unfortunately to him, he secured the job so he is now a happy man since then up till now.

Thirdly, as I was growing up to become somebody in life, I discovered that devil still penetrating into my family which lead to the blindness of my lovely father and my mother who is taking good care of him, since over 19 years was now in a serious ill, and as the first issue out of five three where male and two where female, so as first son who should have completed the secondary school career went and become a labourer in order to help the family. And all this is lack of proper education for securing a good job which the prominent men in Nigeria has all the position by themselves and their children because is very hard to have a good job from them.

Finally, less called a spade a spade. We are not affluent and buoyant enough to take good care of the little one’s and our house is getting down every day by day, that is why I am seeking for a help from you, at least if you could find a lucrative job for me e.g (steward, garden helper, waiter, cleaner and mortician etc because some people are saying a lot of things against our family that God will not remember us again but I still believe in God that he will bless us through his people.
May God bless you.

Vincent Okwube,
A full Registered Volunteer and recruitment for Barack Obama
Campaign.
From Anambra State-Nigeria.

+2348060750534.

The Chosen One

ALA-VOLY — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:11:34 EST

Prior November 4th: Little I heard about Obama, except that an African-American guy will run for the Presidency, la Magistrature Supreme, of the United States of America. People took it as a joke, and said that the guy has no chance to win. What do we know exactly about the guy? Nothing other than his race, and really nothing about his accomplishment(s). Even under scrutiny that is appearing on a TV set to sometimes answering to the most non-sense questions, we still don't know who the guy is. Why? because we were stuck in the old cliche, preevaluation before connaissance du content. Is there any way to change it? Yes we can: We don't know exactly where the change came from but we saw it 2 months prior the D-day. Global America started to wake up, to realize that the guy en question is the Guy. Networks started to show more interest in talking about the Black community here in America and also elsewhere (surely Kenya has become the most visited country online), to more shows with African-American casts on american TV surely overseas they run a bunch of them too, well in all, sinking into people's mind that living surronded by black fox is possible, c'est faisable here as shown elswhere. Once the fiction stepped to the Yes we can our knowledge is no more in question, a new thinking is born, the Guy is finally chosen to the Supreme Judiciary.

The barrier of mind, the no-know thinking disappeared for a while until a new mode of thinking takes form. No matter what we think or what we intend to do, the new state we are in doesn't mind especially when you have to deal with The Chosen One.

Early voting results in battleground states compared to 2004 election

Vote for the Future — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:31:19 EST

Nevada

2004 Final Results:

Kerry 48%

Bush 51%

2004 Final Results (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 35.0 %

Republicans 39.0 %

Independents 36.0 %

2008 Early Voting (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 51.0 % (gained 16% compared to 2004)

Republicans 31.6 % (lost 7.4%)

Independents 17.4 % (lost 8.6%)

A total of 59% of 2004 turnout already voted (as of October 31).

New Mexico

2004 Final Results:

Kerry 49%

Bush 50%

2004 Final Results (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 40.0 %

Republicans 33.0 %

Independents 27.0 %

2008 Early Voting (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 52.7 % (gained 12.7% compared to 2004)

Republicans 32.8 % (lost 0.2%)

Independents 14.5 % (lost 12.5%)

A total of 25% of 2004 turnout already voted (as of November 1).

Iowa

2004 Final Results:

Kerry 49%

Bush 50%

2004 Final Results (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 34.0 %

Republicans 36.0 %

Independents 30.0 %

2008 Early Voting (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 46.9 % (gained 12.9% compared to 2004)

Republicans 28.9 % (lost 7.1%)

Independents 24.2 % (lost 5.8%)

A total of 32% of 2004 turnout already voted (as of November 1).

North Carolina

2004 Final Results:

Kerry 44%

Bush 56%

2004 Final Results (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 39.0 %

Republicans 40.0 %

Independents 21.0 %

2008 Early Voting (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 51.5 % (gained 12.5% compared to 2004)

Republicans 30.1 % (lost 9.9%)

Independents 18.4 % (lost 2.6%)

A total of 74% of 2004 turnout already voted (as of November 2).

Florida

2004 Final Results:

Kerry 47%

Bush 52%

2004 Final Results (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 37.0 %

Republicans 41.0 %

Independents 22.0 %

2008 Early Voting (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 45.7 % (gained 8.7% compared to 2004)

Republicans 37.2 % (lost 3.8%)

Independents 17.1 % (lost 4.9%)

A total of 56% of 2004 turnout already voted (as of November 2).

Colorado

2004 Final Results:

Kerry 47%

Bush 52%

2004 Final Results (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 29.0 %

Republicans 38.0 %

Independents 33.0 %

2008 Early Voting (Distribution by Party):

Democrats 37.7 % (gained 8.7% compared to 2004)

Republicans 35.9 % (lost 2.1%)

Independents 26.4 % (lost 6.6%)

A total of 61% of 2004 turnout already voted (as of October 31).

_____________________________________________________________

Sources:

CNN (2004 results): http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/president/

CNN (2008 early vote results): http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/early.voting.map/index.html

US Election Project (2008 early vote results): http://elections.gmu.edu/early_vote_2008.html

On Tuesday When You Go To Vote, Just Stay In Line.

Rev. Bill McGinnis — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:52:15 EST

On Tuesday when you go to vote,
Just stay in line.

Don't let them steal it once again,
Just stay in line.

The time is now, the place is here,
Just stay in line.

We've waited many years for this,
Just stay in line.

We may not get another chance,
Just stay in line.

If you're in line at closing time,
They cannot close!
Just stay in line.

So you can wait them out this time,
Just stay in line.

They cannot force you to go home.
Just stay in line,

What if you cannot stand for long?
Then bring a blanket or a chair,
But stay in line.

What if you need some food or drink?
Then ask someone to go for you,
But stay in line.

What if you need to go to pee?q
Then let somebody hold your place,
But stay in line.

No matter what, just stay in line,
And we will win.
Just stay in line.

###

    by Rev. Bill McGinnis,
    For Obama-Biden
    November 3, 2008

Be Prepared on Voting Day! Don't fall for the tricks in the trick-bag

Rawspoon — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:09:55 EDT

For those of us in PA, keep this in mind when you go to vote:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/29/judge-pa-must-have-paper-ballots-ready-if-half-of-machines-fail/

Also, you should have received your new voter's registration card in the mail by now if you're newly registered OR if your district's poling place changed since the last election. Please make sure to check your registration status with your county Board of Elections office. You can find this at www.votespa.com. We've heard over the last few months that newly registered voters need to also bring photo identification and a current utility bill with them to the polls. But that is NOT entirely true.

What Barack Obama Means to Me

Daisun from New York, NY — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:53:12 EDT

What Obama means to me...

As a teenager I became intrigued and inspired by the writing of the great Black-American James Baldwin. Though the days of his greatest work took place during the Civil Rights movement three decades earlier, his words helped me come to grips with some of the questions about the American racial identity, and my own -- questions that had increasingly dominated my intellectual concentration. Baldwin once wrote that there comes a time in every African-American child's life when he realizes that he is not White.

I remember quite vividly the first time I knew that I was not White. I was about five or six years old and at an after school program at the "Children's Aid Society," playing with a group of my peers. While I was not by any means a dark skinned child, I was darker, and the "brownest" of the group. One of the White kids, who came from an Italian family, was blowing bubbles from his gum, and we were taking turns popping it with our fingers (amazing what kids find amusing is it not?). When it came to be my turn, he refused to blow another bubble, stating coldly, "I don't want a brown-boy touching my gum!"

The parallels between my upbringing and Obama's are not overwhelming, though far greater than most. Barack Obama was raised in Hawaii, while I grew up, primarily in Greenwich Village, New York City. Neither of us grew up with money, our parents (his grandparents) struggling at times to provide for us what we needed to be healthy and succeed, yet they were able to provide. Obama was raised with the ideals of an America that did not necessarily apply to most who looked like him. He was educated in good schools and possibly more importantly, by his experiences of living in other countries and seeing the way in which the former European colonies of the world lived. He was somewhat insulated from the tension that existed on mainland America. Even though these tensions surely affected him, the cynical world view of many Black Americans (created by the legacy America's shameful racial history and its continual affect on the country's present day reality) could not have been as prevalent in Obama.

The environment of Greenwich Village in the 80's and 90's provided me with far from a traditional upbringing. I was walking to school by myself before I had even reached 8 years of age (it was only three blocks away, but still). By junior high school the streets and subways were no stranger to my friends and I, and by the start of high school I knew the bars that wouldn't card us when we wanted a beer, and had been to many a protest march in Washington D.C.

The last remnants of the "Beatnik," "Hippie," artist culture that had made the neighborhood so unique and diverse helped shape my passions, my activities, and my frustration with my country as a whole. Let us not forget that I came of age in the Giuliani "police state" era that vilified all youth, especially Black youth, without cause (nothing new, but more intense than had been seen in a decade). It is not easy to escape an education of the hard, cold truths about the realities of race, class, and power when you are raised in a city like New York. While there were, and are, people of all races, economic status, and cultural backgrounds mixing together, some divisions along those lines were, and still are, quite present and clear. Suspicion of power and the understanding of how it is used to separate us from one another and control us was a common thread.

Yet, I cannot omit the dedication that my peers I and have to social and economic justice. My New Yorkers may be cynical about politics and power, but we never stop fighting to create a better world. Very few of the people I grew up with around the city work in corporate fields, while many work for non-profit organizations, or are creative artists in some fashion or another. Most have chosen to be part of our world's solutions rather than its problems...and also, most hate Republicans.

Obama's father was absent throughout his life, but my father, while not living with my mother and I, was around. A Black man of African ancestry and Caribbean birth, "Pop" was serious more often than I would have liked, but as he aged he softened a bit. In many ways I was the wrong personality for a son of his. I was far too independent and rebellious. I was far too disrespectful and demanding. I was far too much taller than him at far too early an age! Yet he still had profound affects on who I am today. His understanding of the world and his skin color, informed mine, despite the changes in society that had taken place as his generation gave birth to mine. While Obama has noted that the absence, yet greatness of his father has influenced his drive to achieve on a psychological level, I cannot say the same. When I was 15 years old I asked my father if he would "lay off" about school. I told him that I could not take the pressure, questions, and nagging from both him and my mother. I needed my time with him to be an escape from all that. He seemed to understand this as the beginning of manhood for me. He responded, "Fine, if you want to be a plumber and clean up people's mess, it's up to you. If you want to be a locksmith and help people into their homes, I'll support you." This was his way of releasing me to the world and it helped to allow me the freedom I needed to begin my journey of "the self." Still, we had our problems. I suppose it is unavoidable to a degree when it comes to testosterone driven creatures. But, he was there and I take from my father the things I respect, and try my best to leave his shortcomings. Obama never had that opportunity.

Like Barack Obama, I was primarily raised by a single White mother who was ever conscious of my skin color. She knew that despite the growing acceptance of "bi-racial" children she needed to raise me as a Black child. She understood (and my father never let her forget) that my "otherness" would be central to my life experiences, and that my understanding of this would be central to my survival. She was always encouraging and praising of me. I remember when I was in second grade and my teacher asked her if I had truly written the paper I had handed in. She told the woman honestly, that she had typed it for me from my dictation without changing a word. My mind simply moved too fast for the pen to keep up and my handwriting was illegible. The teacher was amazed and my mother never stopped telling the story. While my dad made every single one of my sports games, my mother came to quite a few, always reminding me how much better I would be if I would dedicate a little more time to practicing. She dressed me in bright colors as a young child and I kept the trend going 'til this day. I suppose she believed that colors make everyone happy. "Be yourself," and, "Don't forget to dance at the party!" were her mantras. Like Obama, my mother's openness, and individuality (though never at the expense of others) was central to my upbringing. It has been a source of empowerment for me throughout my life.

However, unlike "Brotha" Obama, I've never been an overachiever, though I have achieved plenty. I do not mean that last bit as an insult to the good Senator. In fact, lately I have been feeling a bit ashamed of myself for not being an overachiever. Whether in school, sports, or in my other passions, I have always relied too heavily upon innate talent and intellect to get by. While I know what it means to work hard toward my goals, inconsistency has plagued me at times. Inconsistency is not what inspires or creates greatness. Greatness takes relentless work, dedication, and sacrifice. It takes an extra hour of studying each night, one more revision on every term paper, an extra set at the gym, and focus like few of us find in our lives.

If I had this extra drive could I have been Obama? That's not the point. The point is we should ALL try to be a bit more like Obama. We should all put a little bit more effort into everything we do. And no matter who you vote for, you've got to give the man his props...he is a hardworking, overachieving, superior example of what an American can be. For like myself, Obama has suffered and ultimately surmounted the identity issues that come with not simply being an African-American in this country, but being one of mixed racial descent. He, like I, had to work harder and be more skillful than those White children next to him, not just to stand out, but to meet the cut. This is a reality of race in our country that has never fully been overcome. But, once it is accepted as reality the only question is how does one deal with this "White Privilege?" For me and seemingly Barack, it pushed us harder. While we come from different experiences, and even a different generation, we have both dedicated ourselves towards making the world a better place. And we both play basketball...

There are other differences as well. For one, I have never had an overwhelming belief in the goodness of America, or Americans. The more I learned about our history and the more I understood my identity to be rooted in the Black experience, the less patriotic I became. While I cannot deny my good fortune to be raised in the wealthiest country in the world, my people were, until recently, considered assets. This legacy continues to haunt Black Americans and hold us back from our seeming destiny, both on a psychological and institutional level, which in turn prevents America as a whole from achieving her true potential. My worldview is shaped by my country's shortcomings. While I was not raised by a wealthy family, I was never wanting. Still, there is nothing acceptable to me about having homeless people in the wealthiest city, in the wealthiest country in the world. I don't believe that great disparities in wealth and opportunity are shaped solely by a man or woman's hard work and ingenuity; wealth creates opportunity for more wealth, power creates opportunity for more power. Thankfully, Obama also believes that great disparities in wealth are bad for a democracy. I hate that many in this country would call him and I Socialists for saying these things. I hate even more that to this day "Socialism" still means evil to many Americans despite how much of it is already a part of our social and economic systems.

Am I anti-American? I don't think so, but certainly more than Obama! He sees America clearly through that same lens that is easily fogged over for others like me... Barack Obama sees the idea of America and what it is supposed to represent to the world. An America that has never existed, but is no less important to the future of us all. It is what allows him to transcend race, gender, religion, and class. Still, as inspiring as this is, it is not why I admire him. Obama doesn't just believe in this idea of America, he seems to have the uncanny power to make others believe as well. I am changing...

I am changing because I am seeing my country change. I am hearing the voices that have always been taken for granted, dismissed, manipulated, and suppressed, finally speaking up. They say that poverty sucks, and war is usually unjust. They scream for equality in opportunity, better education, and dignity in retirement. They want the government to protect and help all people and not just the corporations. It's not total; there are many who don't care about saving the polar bears, they would rather have cheaper oil. There are still others who would rather let the masses suffer in exchange for tax breaks. But more and more I see the pendulum swinging away from these self-centered and self-serving worldviews.

Campaigning just outside of Doylestown, Pennsylvania this past weekend I came face to face with this energy. People of all ages and colors came up in droves from all over New York City to be part of Obama's campaign. They braved the unknown of the Republican-strong Buck County. They went door to door talking to people about the America they had always envisioned, the one Obama envisions -- the one that seems to be slipping away a little more each day. I met White Republican males, who wouldn't give me the time of day, but others, life-long Republican party members, who were on the fence. While they could barely explain what was keeping them from voting for Obama, they were vocal about what made them suspicious of his opponent. I couldn't tell if it was his being Black or his being a Democrat that made them wary of my candidate, but instead of pushing my views on them, I let them speak. Once they got started they had plenty to say and by the time I left their porch, I no longer had such disdain for Republicans. I felt invigorated, and they seemed to be have gotten over the hump and were moving towards change. These were White, Republican men, who for the first time in their lives were questioning their political, social, and economic beliefs. This was a tangible revolution playing out in front of me. Maybe it wouldn't solve all the world's problems, but this is how it begins.

For the first time I can envision the actual possibility that the United States of America could begin to serve as a true beacon of inspiration to the rest of the world. For the first time in my life I can see the possibility of how our nation could set a new, positive tone for the future-- a future that must be addressed now, before it comes. Living for the moment is no longer a choice. We must begin to live for more than ourselves and learn to live for each other...to honor those who came before, and ensure prosperity for those who will come next.

Thus, Obama means far more to me than my personal connection to his skin color, even though a Black president was a dream to this Black kid. He is more than just a leader who has finally arrived to set things right in Washington; no one person can do it alone, but he can help. Barack Obama is the culmination of every attempt of every American, past and present, who tried to make the constitution a reality for all. He is the sum total of every social movement that fought for civil rights, gender rights, and the acceptance of religious diversity (the word "tolerance" sounds so...republican don't it?), and all of the other freedoms many of us Americans take for granted, and the ones already taken away.

And what's more, he accepts this role, this mantle, this honor. He wants this burden. Barack Obama represents the majority of human beings in this post-colonial world -- the dark, the poor, the hopeless, and he gives them hope. In one week he may become the first of our planet's racial and cultural majority, the "non-Anglo-Saxon" people, to lead a world power since The Ottoman Empire. He may become the first man of African ancestry to lead a world power since the Egyptian Empire. The entire world, much of which lives in poverty, and pain (in no small part due to colonization by Europe, Russia, and America), look to our country now with wonder. He brings them hope. He brings hope for all people of the Earth. Hope that we can break cycles of the past that keep us from achieving our potential. Hope in a new way of living. The possibility that we can all come together to find a better way of going at this thing called life.

In one week Barack Obama may take a little bit more of the pain away, which makes room for a little bit more happiness, . And then we can all begin the process of setting things right.

President Obama means a lot to me. He is me... and now I begin my own struggle, to be a bit more like him.

Daisun Cohn-Williams

10/27/08

Joe The Plumber

Ernestine — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:58:33 EDT

Now they have paid Joe the Plumber to misquote what Obama is saying I guess he is making money to pay off the tax liens against him. When will the Republicans stop spreading and miquoting people? The sad part is some people is dumb enough to fall for their lies because they would rather believe lies instead of looking up the information and facts themselves. If most experts on this subjects say that Obama's plan is better and will help the Americans more than McCains then what is it that people have done,do they have to be hit upside theirs heads to see that they would be better off then if they put McCain's and than women in charge of the White House. There are not just the Democrats thinking this way but a lot the of the top Republicans saying the same thing and the reason a lot of them has switch over to Obama is because they don't want Palin in the White House . The Republicnas are sick of her but they are stuck with her and it is to late to get rid of her. If you have not heard they are fighting among themselves because she is trying to take off before McCain even reaches the White House.

We all knew that Joe the Plumber was Republican plant in the first place so now he has to work for his money. But the funny about is that the experts said that if he was a real plumber he would had gotten a better deal with Obama's than with McCain. McCain just don't want to see the middle class and others get the help that we need and I don't know why the American people can't see that , he just want to keep the money coming to himself and all the other rich folks. Their all a lot the them they don't pay taxes either McCain but I'm sure you know that look at how many of them are now getting caught for not paying taxes.

Voted today in Indiana

Missy Martin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:03:01 EDT

I've never blogged before so this could prove to be rather random.

I just voted for Obama and Biden today in Clark County Indiana (right across the river from Louisville, KY). I got there at about 11:45am and didn't leave until about 1pm. That did not deter though, we had seats and we were inside - nothing like those lines reported in Florida. The workers were very nice however, they only had 2 voting booths set up and I felt like they could have been a lot faster if they had more, in their defense, it is a very small room. So the process at the Clark County courthouse, is you come in through the metal detector, go into the voting room, sign in, and get your number. They were in the upper 30s when I came in and my number was 72. My husband wanted to wait until next Saturday, since I spent last night dealing with a stomach virus, but I wanted to vote now. So with a fever and splitting headache I voted. My father, died of colon cancer in May. He was so sick he could barely stand, but he voted in the primary (for Hillary). That has left quite an impression on me so my little stomach bug wasn't going to keep me from voting.

Being a political news junkie, I have heard that the outcome of the presidential race could depend on who comes out to vote. Here are just a few of my observations. First there was a strong African American turnout to vote early, mostly middle aged (30-50ish). Now I am not going to presume all those were Obama votes but knowing that African Americans as a demographic don't tend to vote as often, gave me hope - regardless of who anyone votes for. I also saw a lot of older white voters (60+), again, I'm not assuming that they all voted for McCain but that group is largely considered a McCain demographic. What I didn't see was a lot of younger voters. I pray that this group of first time voters will come out in force to let their voices be heard. I truly hope this is the largest turnout ever so that whoever is elected will truly represent the people.

Liar for God

Tricia — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:50:31 EDT

Frank Schaeffer is the author of Crazy for God: How I Grew Up as One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right, and Lived to Take All (or Almost All) of It Back.

Why Is Palin Such a Good Liar For God?

Speaking as a former right wing Evangelical who helped organize the Religious Right in the 1970s and early eighties, nothing instills conviction like believing you're on a mission from God. If you're going to fool others, you have to fool yourself.

It takes sincerity to tell a series of barefaced lies with enough conviction to carry the day. As we close in on the 2008 election, the increasingly desperate Republicans will do what they have learned to do best: court the sincere but misinformed Evangelical voters by lying to them.

Let me explain...

The Evangelicals live in a resentment-fueled, inward-looking subculture. They are convinced that the world is out to get them and put them at a perpetual disadvantage. They equate knowledge, facts and education with an elite that they feel belittled by.

The Evangelical "base" have unwittingly become the enemy of democracy. They are democracy's enemy because a grossly misinformed Evangelical public that celebrates its ignorance is the antithesis of an informed people who can manage their own affairs. Bush was their boy... twice! Enough said.

Lies and More Lies

Ernestine — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:28:29 EDT

Senator McCain is losing ground and having sleepless nights probalby. He needs to stop the dirty lies and just run the campaign without all the mud slinking because we the Obama supports will not fall for you and Palins lies. Lying will not help you to win this race so you should just stop. Now that Palin needs to just find a corner and sit there and keep her mouth close and then people won't see just how much of a dummy she is. People get a big kick out of her trying to act like she knows what is going on the USA which she only knows what McCain people tell her. Go home and take care of that baby which may not even be hers because a lot of people think it belongs to her daughter, everyday they come out with some new bull. Running scared now so all they can do is to come with some more nontruth. Even the people who broadcast said they are not tell the truth so why keep the lies going. That is one sure way to turn people off. Palin lets get something straight you can not speak for the American people when it come s to the war people want the troops home and not in body bags. Bush #1 started this war and Bush #2 restarted it because his daddy did finsh and Bush #3 feels like he has to keep it going, I quess he won't be happy till all of them gets killed, a war we should had never started in the first place. McCain andPalin let me explain why people don't want either of you in the White House is because the both of you have Bush ideas and people don't want a repeat of Bush ideas.

You and Palin keep talk about Obama voted 94 times on tax increase but those numbers were said not to be true so why lie about it OH I KNOW you want to get points, state for the true facts or don't keep misstating things thator not true.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED

LF — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:36:38 EDT

Today I heard Robt. F. Kennedy on "Ring of Fire" say that about 1 in 5 voters in Colorado are being dropped off the voting rolls by the Republican Sect. of State because the name on their registration does not match exactly that of their Drivers Lic. or Social Security numbers. He used his own name as an example. If he registered as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and his S.S. or D. Lic reads Robert Francis Kennedy, Jr., he will be dropped. In some cases he says its a matter of a hyphen. In such swing states as Colorado, with so many new registrants, what is being done to insure these people will be able to vote on election day? This may be a law in other states as well. I think it needs to be HEAVILY publicized immediately in the media in all affected states, so that people can protest, and also reregister before the deadlines if need be. How do we get the media to pay attention?

My Take on Last Night's Debate: Thank You Joe.

eznelson — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:34:46 EDT

Joe Biden tackled the issue of Darfur, appeared Presidential, connected with older voters, and gave them hope that an Obama / Biden ticket would work hard to come up with fair and lasting solutions for our crises both in the economy and in providing affordable health care.

Full Article can be read here: "Joe Biden, Darfur, the Older Voter, and Appearing Presidential"

The Reason Why...

Andrew Wells — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:47:35 EDT

The reason I chose to write this blog tonight is because I know it is imperative that American's again be proud to call this country home. This cannot be a time when we nonchalantly say, "They don't need my vote. Someone else will do it." Just as the luminous President John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what together we can do for the good of mankind." We need that sentiment today. The only ticket that stands for this fundemental principle is Obama-Biden. McCain-Palin represent a facade of change veiled behind mere words that the other party has deemed hot buzz words this season.

I feel the need to say what no pundits or anyone has said yet. That is that John McCain from 2000 was the maverick reformer when he actually stood for something and was a straight talker. Today he is far from the man he was in 2000 before the Bush Republicans changed him and his values in order to "win". In fact, it just shows how horrible these past 8 years will have been that an honorable and decent hero like John McCain is pursuaded and bullied to change his ideals in order for a party to cling to power. Furthermore, has anyone failed to see the Republicans had unilateral power from 2001-2006? Where were these good stewarts of "Main Street" then? They were hob knobbing with Jack Abramoff and other lobbyists that were lining their pockets with our hard earned tax dollars...

More to come.

Stepping up

Jennifer Cory — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:10:03 EDT

This is the most personally invested and involved I have ever been in a political campaign. I have had eight years of angst as the last two presidential elections came and went... hoping for a stand out candidate and instead making less than enthusiastic choices in what felt like business-as-usual campaigns.

When I first heard Barack Obama speak during the DNC in 2004 I knew, as did so many other Americans watching that night, that I was witnessing history in the making. In Barack I saw a magnificent balance of passion, integrity, intelligence, wisdom and poise. A man who had truly walked the walk and whose own life choices exemplified everything I could hope for in a public servant. I found myself envying what his district in Chicago had, and for the first time really contemplating my own community, state and national responsibilities. That same year, inspired by what I heard, I did the unthinkable for a lifelong political side-liner: I downloaded Barack's speech onto my ipod and spent the next two years playing it for anyone who even feigned an interest in hearing it. I, who had scarcely discussed politics with family and friends, desperately wanted people to know who this man was, and that a person of this caliber existed in government. This wasn't about politics for me, it was about HOPE ...

My Recent Article at OpEdNews about the Republican's Partisan Politics and Political Gamble

eznelson — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:32:35 EDT

Renegade Republican House members voting no on the bailout package yesterday ultimately defeated the bailout bill. It is suggested that their plan had been to peg the democrats along with Bush to being responsible for the passage of an unpopular bailout of Wall Street at the expense of Main Street. The political gamble failed and ultimately left egg on the face of McCain. Failure to pass the Wall Street bailout bill hands Republican John McCain and the Bush Administration a Stunning Defeat.

The full article can be read by clicking on the link below.

"Renegade Republicans Gamble on the Bailout and it Blows up Like the Economy"

What it Means to be a Politician to more than the Fringes on the Left or Right

eznelson — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:57:39 EDT

It is clear to me that many Americans just do not understand how politics work, what constitutes political suicide, and why pandering only to the fringes either on the left or the right is a bad way forward for this country.

For example Obama has been very clear that he opposed going into Iraq from the start. But since he was not President at the time and clearly the Republican controlled congress and Republican President thought otherwise, there isn't a lot that Obama can do to change the past. We can moan and cry and close our eyes and stamp our feet but the fact remains WE the American public did not stop the Iraq invasion when we could of. Blaming Obama for not ending the Iraq war is ridiculous. The fact is we are there now. The damage has been done and now it would be completely irresponsible to just wipe our hands of the mess we have created. So here we are, it is September 30th, 2008, and Barack has been talking about ways to wind down the war in Iraq and get our troops out in the most responsible manner both to our troops and to the Iraqi people. But of course people on the left fringe are outraged that Obama is not absolute enough in saying that we should pull out the troops ASAP and the fringes on the right are calling him a "cut and runner" and someone who doesn't support the troops and all kinds of other ridiculous talking points.

The fact of the matter is that Obama is our best chance to move the country forward but he alone can’t do anything by himself. He is only as strong as the overall public opinion is. If 80% of Americans think offshore drilling is the solution then WE are at fault for not better educating the American public as to why this is not true and is in fact harmful. It isn't the responsibility of Obama or any politician for that matter to reverse public opinion for or against a particular issue. It is Obama's job to lead and efficiently direct the bottom up groundswell that he is trying to create. Without that groundswell Obama is just another tiny voice in a sea of inconsequential politicians and fringe 3rd party candidates.

On the other hand someone like Caribou Barbie is all about placating and pandering to the fringes on the right.

Get Active and Get out the VOTE!!

Debate and Preps

Alfredo — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:11:17 EDT

I am pro Barack Obama (though registered as Indepent Voter.

I've followed the Democratic and Republican Conventions. I believe in what was said that McCain and Palin would only continue the Poor Bush Administration. They did not offer anything substantial to suppport their (imitated) claim for change.

Prep for the Debate: it was McCain ploy to ask to delay the debate, meanwhile he and his group can well prepare the debate, and, appear better because of "no prep wanting delay".

McCain made several personal attacks on Barack, I wish Barack refuted all the attacks, because Barack really can. At least, Barack could have refuted McCain showing directly the generalities that McCain had been affirming.

McCain seem to be more convincing because he did not use the words "I think..." as did Barack Obama. I wish Barack Obama did not use these words and certainly not repeat these.

McCain cited lots of "past" experiences, He is living in the past (be it glorious! but, past, that's why he does not have a vision of the present nor the future to do the change they wanted to usurp from Barack Obama.

We the People

Dina, Chair of the Fernley Dem. Club — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:17:29 EDT

Register to vote, stay informed, and then be sure to vote. That is the only formula for a more responsive government. I often hear people complain about their lack of affordable health care, the inability to get ahead financially, the concern about domestic policies that fail to meet their needs, and the concern about foreign policy decisions. Here in Fernley, NV I hear complaints about lack of affordable childcare choices, lack of quality jobs that pay affordable salaries, lack of transportation resources, and lack of youth services. In general, I hear the complaint that Government just does not care. The reality is that we are the Government, and if we fail to take responsibility for how the Government is run, then we will reap the failures of the Government. So, do not complain, but instead take action.

The first task is to register to vote! I also hear many reasons why people choose not to register. The primary reason that I hear, is just that they have never voted, and they are concerned about the process. The process is relatively simple, one just goes to their polling site as identified by the county clerks' office, which you will receive in the mail, along with a sample ballot. Be sure to bring a driver's liscense, and proof of your current address, then you will be checked in, given your voting ballot, and directed to the voting booth . It is fine to bring in your marked sample ballot with you to help you vote. Also, never hesitate to ask questions, if you have any problems with the voting process.

Another reason that people chose not to register is that they are unsure or confused about whom to vote for in the coming election. I certainly can sympathize with that, as frankly it sometimes seem that most candidates prefer not clarify their position, but instead they try to misdirect and obfuscate their position. Some choose to attack their opponent, without stating their own position. It is absolutely imperative to not choose a candidate based solely on the many biased, political commercials that appear months before an election, but rather gather information independently. Now, with access to the internet it is fairly easy to obtain true information on a candidate. Both the presidential candidates and many other candidates have their own websites, and with just one click one can easily locate the policy positions on any issue you care about. There is also a non-partisan website that is really nifty, as it compares both candidates’ positions side by side. That website compiles information that is taken from the candidate's official websites, democratic or republican primary debates or 2008 campaign speeches. That website is:

http://obama-mccain.info/index-obama-mccain.php

Also, there will be three televised presidential debates and one vice president debate, which will likely be very informative. At this writing one debate would have already taken place. The other debates will be:

VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

When: 6 p.m. PDT, Thursday, Oct. 2.

Where: Washington University, St. Louis.

Subject: Domestic and foreign policy

SECOND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

When: 6 p.m. PDT, Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Where: Belmont University, Nashville

Subject: Issues raised by audience members and submitted by Internet participants, in town hall format

Moderator: NBC's Tom Brokaw

THIRD PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

When: 6 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Where: Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.

Subject: Domestic policy

Moderator: CBS' Bob Scheiffer

Locally, residents may obtain information on their local candidates by attending locally sponsored debates and forums. Here in Fernley, we are fortunate that we have several candidate forums to choose from this up-coming October to learn firsthand about our local candidates. There will be the PTA sponsored event scheduled for October 6 and another candidate forum on October 16, sponsored by Calvary Church. The third candidates’ forum will be sponsored by the volunteers of CIRCLES scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 7:00 p.m. at the Fernley Senior Center.

Another reason people give to not register is that they incorrectly believe that they are not eligible to vote. That is generally not the case. According to the Website for the Nevada Secretary of State you may register to vote if you are 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen, and a Nevada resident for thirty days prior voting. Also, even if you were previously registered to vote, you must register again if you recently moved, changed your name, or changed your party affiliation. The deadline for registering to vote will soon be upon us. If you register to vote by mail then October 4, 2008 is the deadline, and October 14, 2008, if you register to vote in person. Go to http://sos.state.nv.us/elections/voter/registration.asp for additional voter registration information.

Remember voting is your Right, but as a responsible American Citizen it should also be your Duty, so please register to vote.

Over a Hundred Debate Watch Parties to Take Place Tomorrow Night

Janice NJ HQ — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:49:11 EDT

Television screens across New Jersey will tune in tomorrow night for the first presidential debate of the general election at 9 p.m. With 112 debate watch parties scheduled, supporters are energized and ready to see Barack debate John McCain and share his plan to bring the change we need -- to restore our place in the world, ensure security at home and abroad, and reestablish the United States as the world's economic leader.

The NJ Campaign for Change will host four official debate watch parties tomorrow and invites you to join in on the action. Join us at the following locations:

Obama Campaign for Change NJ Headquarters
29 Emmons Drive, Suite C-80
Princeton/West Windsor, NJ 08540
York Street Tavern
247 Washington, St.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Adler for Congress Campaign Headquarters
7000 Atrium Way, Suite 7
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Harvest Moon Brewery
392 George St
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

To host or find a local debate watch party in your neighborhood, please visit http://my.barackobama.com/debate.

Seattle Musician posts video-A new song titled, "Yes We Can"

Larry Murante — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:45:11 EDT

I'm a singer songwriter from Seattle and I just uploaded a video to Youtube that I think is relevant in these final weeks up to the election. My song "Yes We Can," cowritten with Hans York (also Seattle resident), was uploaded today'.

The song is about Americans making change by paying attention, "staying engaged" and getting involved.

The video was filmed and coproduced by Stephen Sherrard. The music was also recorded at Stephen's studio in Issaquah. It features most of the musicians (everyone except bass player, Jon Hamer, because we forgot to move the chair between Jon and the camera when we were filming) including drummer, Ben Smith, who is currently out on tour with Heart, Dan Tyack on pedal steel, Greg Fulton on electric guitar and Hans York on acoustic.

Below is a hi res/sterio link. If it doesn't work by clicking on it, cut and paste it into your browser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvn96OgaBpc&fmt=18

Best,

Larry Murante
http://www.larrymurante.com
http://www.myspace.com/lmurante
http://www.sonicbids.com/larrymurante.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/murante
http://cdbaby.com/cd/murante2

I AM AMERICAN

Rose — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:46:35 EDT

am American...

I live life to the fullest...

I work like a dog...

I help my neighbor...

I love like there is no tomorrow....

I try to be honest....

&

I die.

I am American....

I believe in Faith and God

I believe in Freedom

I believe in People

I believe in this Country.

I believe in our forefathers who fought to get us here.....

I am American....

I have to trust our Government

I have to trust my family

I have to trust Justice

I am American.....

but.....

America is falling...

I am American....

but....

people are selfish and greedy here....

I am American.....

but...

our government is dirty to the core....on both sides....

I am American.....

but.....

everybody wants a FREE ride....

nobody wants to earn it anymore.....

I am American.....

but.....

where are all of the other Americans?

When Katrina hit....

When Ike hit.....

When our leaders have betrayed us.....

When we have sent thousands of our children into a lie.......

I am American.....

but....

who will stand with me to defend her against the enemy within....

against the liars who just want to be seen......

against the leaders who have deceived us....

against the liars that want to screw us again....

I am American.....

but....

I can't do it alone.....

I need to see common sense come back to us.....

I know there are others who see.....

I am American......

I want America to live......

I want our families to prosper.....

I want truth to be the leader.....

I want a United America not a Divided One.....

I am American......

Are you?

Sucker's Walk

Hector from Fredericksburg, VA — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:49:35 EDT

Anyone who has played touch-football will know that after your side scores, it's on the opposing team to walk the length of the field for the kick-off--the "sucker's walk." This derisive chant from the victors will either shame the opposition into a Charlie Brown--good grief--of perpetual loser-dom, or serve to ignite a yen for some good ole fashion retribution. The odds are usually 50-50. Unfortunately for the vast middle class, the game the financial community is playing is so fixed in their favor, so rife with financial gimmicktry designed to maximize shareholder value, and so protected by beholden elected officials that we have no chance of avoiding a lifetime of the sucker's walk. Get use to it and die knowing they got the better of you, or get angry, get organized, and get going. You don't have to take it anymore. Vote Obama '08! and maybe, just maybe, our side will have a chance to score and then bellow a hearty, "Sucker's Walk."

My Recent Article at OpEdNews about McCain's disastrous economic judgement

eznelson — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:47:12 EDT

Out of hundreds of articles and postings at OpEdNews my article titled "Alan Greenspan calls the McCain Economic Plan a Disaster for the Country" is the number 4 most viewed article for the week.

Abstract: McCain’s plan called a disaster by Alan Greenspan and McCain continues to say the economy is fundamentally strong as it collapses around him and $700 billion in shareholder wealth and retirement accounts evaporate in one day.

Enjoy

My Recent Article at OpEdNews about McCain's problem with Florida Voters and Seniors

eznelson — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:35:43 EDT

Senior citizens are among our most vulnerable and they will vote for a president that they think can reverse the course of our economy and fix our broken healthcare system. McCain has brought into serious doubt whether he has the ability or will to tackle either of these problems and tried a method of distraction to keep everyone's eyes off our economy and healthcare system in crisis. It is time to regain the focus on these issues for Obama. Recent polling in Florida as of yesterday indicates that Florida is back in play for Obama. If Obama takes Florida from McCain, Obama wins hands down.

Full article is here. "McCain's problem with Florida Voters"

Enjoy

Are Democrats Stupid? Its not the Economy, Its Who do you Trust?

Lou — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:12:52 EDT

There are two components of a vote. What you are voting for and what you are voting against. Would someone please tell the Obama Campaign to stop running against McCain/Palin and start running against the Republicans!

McCain has succesfully separated himself from Bush's incompetent administration through his manufactured "Maverick" image. Palin is not going to hurt MacCain's chances any more than Dan Quale hurt Bush 41. If the last 8 years were a remotely successful administration I could see McCain as a viable candidate. But I am not voting for McCain because I am not voting Republican! They get an F in government and they broke my trust!

It is not enough to just use slogans like "more of the same" or "four more years" because Americans are so forgiving and fogetful they don't know what the same is. So articulate it. Make Republicans accountable for thier record. Use the last 8 years like a cross to vampires. Remind Ameicans everyday that it was:

Republicans who nominated Bush and McCain.
Republicans who squandered a budget surplus.
Republicans who could not bring Osama Bin ladden to Justice.
Republicans who allowed Hurricane Katrina to devistate our citizens.
Republicans who lied to get us into a war.
Republicans who doctored the intelligence.
Republicans who want to spy on its citizens without consequences.
Republicans who gave us Roberto Gonzalez.
Republicans who electricuted americans in Iraq.
Republicans who have made it unpleasant to travel.
Republicans who allowed 9/11(yeah I don't care whats the excuse, On who's watch pal?)
Republicans who had no plans after marching into bagdad and let the place get looted.
Republicans who gave us the Abu Greb embarasment in Iraq.
Republicans who not only want to defend democracy they want to spread it by unethically attacking countries.
Republicans who have tarnished America's image and leadership abroad.
Republicans who have given us $4.00 gas prices which were $1.25 when they won the white house 8 years ago.
Republicans who spent money like drunken sailors for the last 8 years.
Republicans who watched the housing market crumble.
Republicans who have given us a 6.2% unemployment rate
Republicans who gave out no bid contracts to Haliburton and friends.
Republicans who declared "mission accomplished" but then it wasn't?
Republicans who have let the value of the dollar weaken.
The list could go on and on

So don't let this election degrade into a referendum on Obama's expeience or McCain's ability to change Washington. Don't let Joe Lieberman fool you. If there is one thing McCain proved with his VP pick its that he is definately a Republican.

So, the simple question of this election is: After the last 8 years, who do you trust to get us out of this mess America? Republicans or Domocrats?

With Liberty and Justice for All???

SydCam — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:08:22 EDT

It sounds good, but is America ready to make the words of the "Pledge of Allegiance" reality or will it remain a low priority goal? I was listening to CNN the other night (as I often do) and heard a perspective that I hadn't thought about before. Someone asked the question "Do you think that the public response would have been the same if Senator Obama had a teenage daughter who was pregnant and unwed? I can hear the GOP saying "A teen aged unwed back girl, where's the news in that?"

49 days and counting

Claudia from Fort Howard, MD — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:24:33 EDT

Seven weeks before election day and much to do. We in Italy can write to our friends, colleague, and co-workers in the US as well as abroad. Explain to them about the media distortions so obvious to us here.

Write an letter to the editor to your local newspaper. You can find the address at

http://www.world-newspapers.com/usa.html

Contact us if you would like help in composing your letter. Don't give up now; FIGHT BACK. The pen IS mightier than the sword, but only if we wield it.

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events. Look for them posted here.

a presto.

There's Nothing Wrong With Hope

Niceole from Pasadena, CA — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:57:24 EDT

I'm tired of being told not to hope. I'm sick of being told that it's foolish to want better for us than what we have now. And I'm finally fed up with sitting on my opinions because I've been beaten down with sentiments like "being against the war makes you unpatriotic and against the troops."

The last few days, I've been watching my friends start to work themselves up over the neverending sea of attack ads full of lies that McCain/Palin and their Roveian handlers have been throwing out into the world at record speed. And I get the upset, I really do. I get that it's frustrating to have lie after lie put out there like it's fact only to have the news media jump into the fray, turning it into a frenzy as they kind of/sort of/almost say that maybe the facts aren't entirely truthful, but what the hey--let's keep the ugly going!

Commentary: Right, Wrong and the issues

A. Miles — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:02:43 EDT

Playing politics & the notion of who is on the right or wrong side of an issue.

Politicians and we the people support political issues based on our individual sense of right and wrong, agree or disagree. Does right or wrong truly exist when we consider what each of us say, feel and believe as related to any issue is in large part based on our own life experience, our own values and principles, our own perception?

The truth is individual beliefs are real, valid and significant to the individual, regardless of collective agreement or disagreement. We must understand the simple reality that each of us believe what we believe because of our own experience and the validation of others with the same or similar experience. There is no real right or wrong. If we believe it, it is so.

Beliefs reflect life experiences and therefore should be acknowledged and respected. We do not have to agree; we must however acknowledge and respect the beliefs of one another. To dismiss an individual's belief is to invalidate their personal experience as wrong or wrongly perceived.

We each live, think and process issues as they relate to our own lives. Each of us inherited the gift of free thought from our creator. No one is right or wrong. We simply perceive things differently. We live our experiences and only as we evolve, are we open to the possibility of our beliefs changing… and still that change may or may not ever line up with a consensus in thinking.

Right and wrong as it relates to any issue can only exist when the belief of a collective does not align, but even if it does, as in majority rule, it still would not exist (or matter) as it does not change the belief of the minority individual experience and therefore personal belief…

To unite this country we must dismiss the notion that unity means in agreement or of the same opinion. We must understand that acknowledgement and acceptance of our differing opinions is ultimately, what will unite us. Until such time we are destined to settle very few issues and will understand no one except those that think as we do.

The job of our elected officials is not to change minds or dictate right and wrong. That will never happen. Government is tasked with speaking the will of all people. In order for life to proceed and in the interest of evolving and advancing as a country we must truly listen and acknowledge one another regardless of which side of an issue we may find ourselves.

Let us explore the issues, share our common beliefs and make decisions based on a collaborative effort that best represents the beliefs of all Americans. We must look to what unites us rather than what divides us, for somewhere in between lies our common truth and the answers we all seek. Let us acknowledge, respect and accept the beliefs off all Americans, as they are real, valid and deserve to be heard. Let us not be right by making others wrong.

The American Evolution is Barack Obama.
He is the voice of our future and we are his voice for America.

Thy Will be Done!

Black Issachar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:52:50 EDT

So much for Sarah Palin. Let’s finish the Job Obama. McCain admits that Community Organizers are honorable and patriotic. This is the 4th quarter so bring it on home. And while you do that, all the Christian Sons of Issachar will pray: “Thy will be done and may God defend the right!”

http://www.crosscut.com/2008-election/17341/About+Sarah+Palin:+an+e-mail+from+Wasilla/

For What it's Worth . . .Black Issacharhttp://www.crosscut.com/2008-election/17341/About+Sarah+Palin:+an+e-mail+from+Wasilla/

Help Me Understand

Lacey — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:16:43 EDT

I just don't understand how people can be so careless about voting. We have been given the opportunity to choose who we want to lead our country out of a handful of candidates. When people are ignorant it makes me confused and irritated.

Here is what I mean... Someone in my circle of friends has stated that he will not vote for Obama due to his "race". I find it hard to believe that these people are still out there, but they are. When asked about his political views and wishes for our country's future, his opinions matched Obama's. So WHY would he waste his vote by voting for McCain??? If he is going to have a problem with Obama, but does not believe in McCain's campaign, then, in my opinion, he should just not vote. Why vote in something that he do not believe in, just to prevent America from having a black president? Then, when my friends and I started talking more about the subject, he requested that we stopped talking politics. That p's me off just as much, because he is not willing to LEARN what is going on!!! And I feel that this uneducated person will be canceling out my vote.

On the same note, someone else that I know was saying that she was going to vote for McCain because he is Christian. WHAT?!? This seems to be even more aggravating to me than the race thing. I understand that she wants the president to have good morals and such, like she believes all Christians do, but why does it matter where the president goes when he dies?? That does not affect your personal eternity. Why make choices for a leader on earth based on the candidate's interpretation of an afterlife? Plus, anyone can say they are Christian, what makes her think that McCain is a devout Christian, and not just saying that to get her, again, uneducated vote? She has not looked into either candidate's campaign, and is using this as her only excuse. She said that she was under the impression that Obama is Muslim, and that "bothers" her. I told her that I do not know his religion, to me that does not matter, but if he is Muslim, then she is lucky because then at least he still believes in the same god that she does. She did not understand. She obviously does not understand the Muslim religion. I was enraged by the fact that people can be so ignorant. Just because someone may be Muslim, does not mean that they are al qaeda... That would be like some non-Christian thinking that the people of Westboro Baptist are what all Christians are like.

Please help me understand why/how people are like this. Do they not want a change in America? Do they not understand how things work? Do they not care enough for themselves or those around them to educate themselves? Or are they just so ignorant that they do not see how very ignorant they are?

"Do You Believe"

Debra from Arp, TX — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:35:12 EDT

I am praying for Obama that he not loose the fire of fight that he had when he was campaigning with Hillary Clinton. He had plenty of fire in him, much like Sarah Palin talking with fire. Please don't let the fire go out. I believe because that is what Jesus asked "do you believe". Let's ask the American people "do you believe".

Obama needs civilized attack ads

Unknown user — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:14:03 EDT

I sincerely hope that Obama and his campaign staff know what they are doing. To be honest McCain/Palin ads seem to be more dominant than the Obama ads. They leave an impression on your mind. They have used smear ads and I know Obama has specific portions of his website promoting the reduction of smear ads but he needs to be more scathing in his attacks. But he must do it on the ISSUES. In this way, it is definitely not a smear ad but pretty much an attack ad on issue. Obama desperately need attack ads on issues. I suggest to the Obama campaign to make the following ads: (1) Contrast John McCain's voting record on wind energy (he voted against all wind and alternative energy reforms but now he's campaigning for alternative forms of energy), (2) I was looking at Jon Stewart's Daily show on McCain's acceptance speech vs. George Bush's acceptance speech and they're pretty much the same....USE IT! It was loud and clear the same promises made by Bush 8 years ago are the same McCain is making. Besides there was already an ad up comparing Bush and McCain from the Obama campaign. It needs to be refreshed, more new ones need to be made, put it on cnn or other major networks at peak times, keep it going so it sticks in the minds of the American people. (3) attack John McCain's own admission in January of 2008 that he would not even vote for his own immigration reform bill if it was brought to Congress (4) attack his judgment: in 2001 McCain said the war would be easy, in 2006 he said if anyone thought the war was going to be easy needs to have their brains checked. These are just very few I have in my mind; there are lots more and maybe they don’t want to blow their budget on ads but it is critical. All I'm seeing in a McCain ad is hard hitting stuff while Obama's ads are much tamer. Hire the Daily Show staff for crying out loud.

The Obama campaign seriously needs to organize some clips showing McCain criticizing his own self. It's quick, straight to the point and shows immediate contrast. Furthermore it's not smear. Smear is when you put up an ad comparing Paris Hilton to Obama, that's smear! Or putting up ads showing Obama's children asking if they're ready to lead: "They're the cutest children in the world - but are they ready to lead?" while McCain answered to a journalist about the ad: "we had to do something to give the American people some straight talk on those two brats". I thought both parties agreed that family was off limits? Or did that come after McCain already put out those ads and Palin's family are now under attack by the media? This is what I'm saying, in either case; Obama's camp is too soft on these things. They need to rise to the occasion and make some intelligent ads. Shun the new "maverick" ad by showing specific things John McCain voted for with Bush (or the fact that he voted with Bush 100% of the time in 2008). Do it in the same style as the "maverick" ad to add some juice to it. That's not smear, that's campaigning wisely. Obama's camp has so many things to go on when it comes to John McSame and Same-ah Palin but I get the feeling they don't know how to use it properly and wisely.

What`s in a name ?

Russell — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:52:12 EDT

What`s in a name ? Some people will try and scare you by using somebody`s name to tie them to bad people. It`s not right or fare. George Hubert Walker Bush and John McCain have nothing to do with John Walker Lynn the American terrorist . So let that scare tactic stop now !

About the REAL Sarah Palin

Mike from Fort Wayne, IN — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:56:29 EDT

PLEASE take the time to read this letter from a concerned American that actually knows about the real Sarah Palin. I just came across this article and I wanted to share with everyone before it ends up missing forever. The main link appears to have been suspiciously "SUSPENDED" for some reason (very reminiscent of China's censorship of the government documents proving they used under-aged gymnasts in the Beijing Olympics) but for now you can still use this link to get to Google's cached version or read further in this blog :

http://74.125.95.104/search?q=cache:lepOYLKwhdEJ:www.thepresidentialcandidates.us/about-sarah-palin-a-letter-from-anne-kilkenny/741/+Anne+Kilkenny&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us

Convention attendance

Bob Mehlick — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:49:26 EDT

Watching both conventions on television during the past two weeks was definitely an enlightening experience. Most all of the speeches were very entertaining and persuasive. Both parties offered up a long list of ideals that most all Americans desire for our country. We all want meaningful, productive employment and opportunities for our families to prosper. We all want affordable healthcare and education. We all want to live in a peaceful environment. We all want to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and ultimately fossil fuels.

However, if one looked closely at the attendees of both conventions, it was fairly obvious that their were distinct differences in the demographics of the two groups. The democratic convention attendees appeared to be a very diverse group of individuals, a virtual melting pot of cultures and ideologies. The republican convention attendees on the other hand did not seem nearly as diverse. They appeared to be more uniform and aristocratic.

Now both parties are promising to be the harbinger of change. As one takes note of the differences between the two parties and the attendees, it is necessary to consider which of the two will be more likely to usher in a new era of solutions to our many issues.

1. Democratic convention attendees - Status quo or hope for change?

2. Republican convention attendees - Status quo or hope for change?

In my opinion the answer is obvious.

Community Organization - The Backbone of our Democracy

Fee Lu — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:58:44 EDT

Seems that the Republican VP candidate needs to return to school and retake Social Studies 101. SP clearly demonstrated that aspect of her education was sadly neglected and I do hope that Senator Obama acts swiftly and decisively to dampen her enthusiasm and educate her. I believe that she trampled most ungraciously and disrespectfully on the life work of the very people who made this country what it is today and gave her the opportunity to stand on the podium as her party's VP nominee.

That VP and John MaCain should be made to understand that "LOVE OF COUNTRY" is the only qualification for being a community organizer. Barack Obama qualifies. Does she? Was she ever a community organizer? The process of community organization is the backbone of our democracy. Community organizers have made this country what it is today. The last time that I checked . . .

Palin gives a good speech

Bill — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:37:11 EDT

Wow! What a performance Gov. Palin gave last night. Everyone is so impressed...so what

I find it interesting that the republicans feel that giving a great speech is proof positive that Sarah Palin is ready to the V.P. These same people claimed only a week ago; the exact same reason for Obama's not being ready to be the President!

I am outraged;but glad that the speaking part is over. Now Let's get real about this election!

I think that Time magazines' Joe Klein said it best... Calling the McCain campaign’s assault on the media “insidious”, “bullying” and “not only stupidly aggressive, but unprofessional in the extreme.”

The story of the day out here in Minneapolis is the McCain campaign’s war against the press … So what’s going on here? Two things. McCain is just plain angry at us. By the evidence presented in the utterly revealing Time interview, he’s ballistic. This is a politician who needs to see himself as the man on the white horse, boldly traversing a muddy field…any intimations that he’s gotten muddied in the process, or has decided to throw mud, are intolerable. The second thing is more insidious: Steve Schmidt has decided, for tactical reasons, to slime the press. He wants the public to believe that there is an unfair–sexist (you gotta love it)–personal assault going on against Palin and her family. This is a smokescreen, intended to divert attention from the fact the very real and responsible vetting that is taking place in the media–about the substance of Palin’s record as mayor and governor. …There is a tendency in the media to kick ourselves, cringe and withdraw, when we are criticized. But I hope my colleagues stand strong in this case: it is important for the public to know that Palin raised taxes as governor, supported the Bridge to Nowhere before she opposed it, pursued pork-barrel projects as mayor, tried to ban books at the local library and thinks the war in Iraq is “a task from God.” The attempts by the McCain campaign to bully us into not reporting such things are not only stupidly aggressive, but unprofessional in the extreme.

That’s straight talk, the clear-quill real deal.

Klein comes in for a lot of grief from liberal blogs because he was originally a vocal supporter of the Iraq invasion. It’s been a goodly while now since Joe said that was a mistake he regrets and that’s good enough for me. Liberals really should be cutting Joe some slack - he’s a well-connected, establishment journalist who has worked out that he was fooled once and is determined not to have it happen again.

Let's Talk Issues.

Let's Talk Truth.

Let's leave the Rove, Bush "old" RNC tactics out in the cold.

Risque & Nude Photos of Sarah Palin - Photoshopped

AuDayShus — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:37:53 EDT

I am running into Sarah Palin "risque" photos ALL OVER THE PLACE. Some are nude, some in bikini, etc - and I'm almost certain that 100% of them are photo shopped.

My suspicion is that Republicans POSING as Obama supporters are creating them and/or spreading them around as if they are real.

They are NOT REAL.

Please do not fall into the trap of distributing them - such a thing will only make us look sexist, judgmental, and downright nasty. This will only generate great empathy from female voters who also encountered sexism on the campaign trail with Senator Hillary Clinton.

Thank you for listening.

The Lunacy is Extended: Hear Directly the Fatuous Praise from Gov. Palin re: McCain

Stephen Fox, Contributing Editor New Mexico Sun News — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:51:26 EDT

Dear Friend,

I'm honored and humbled to join this historic campaign as John McCain's running mate. I feel privileged to join a man I admire and the man I know is ready to lead our country as the next president.

Some of life's greatest opportunities come unexpectedly, and this is certainly the case for me. I never set out to run for office. But life has taken me on a course that first led to the Alaska Governor's office and now the country's first female Republican vice presidential candidate.

I want you to know that John McCain and I will challenge the status quo in Washington. We're ready to address our nation's great challenges - from reducing our dependence on foreign oil to cutting wasteful spending and creating good jobs for Americans. I look forward to working with him to achieve every goal he has set out during this campaign to improve the lives of all Americans.

As the mother of a son serving in the U.S. Army and the commander of Alaska's National Guard, there is no doubt in my mind that John McCain is prepared to serve as our next Commander in Chief.

What I admire most about John McCain is his unwavering ability to put our country first and to ask for nothing in return for his decades of service. He's shown his resolve, toughness and strength of heart in the darkest of places; all in service to his country. This speaks volumes about the type of selfless leadership John McCain will bring to the White House.

Our team is ready to lead the country as the next President and Vice President of the United States. We're ready to win in November and we won't be able to do it without your support. If you want change in Washington, then John McCain and I are asking for your support. Please join our team today!

Sincerely,

Governor Sarah Palin

Change We CAN Believe In

Single Southern Mom — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:50:37 EDT

When I first heard of Barack Obama some years ago, I never knew that the man I was watching being interviewed would be our next Presidential Candidate. I am thrilled and enthused by his message, the passion in his voice and the hope that he is bringing back to this country. Never before have I wanted to be involved in such a movement, never before have I been so passionate about a political campaign. Senator Obama has breathed new life into this entire political process. For those who do not believe we have to look at the history of our great nation, many times it took one person to start an ever changing, life altering, and nation uniting movement.

Many have compared Obama's political campaign to the civil rights movement, and if we look at the changes that one woman, Rosa Parks or one man Medgar Evers or an entire group of people changed, this is the new movement. A movement towards a new changing nation, a nation where we no longer are limited by race, creed or gender. We are really able to say to our children, "You can be President," and mean it. That glass ceiling has been broken forever and the history books have been rewritten. Senator Obama has done something that no one has ever done before; he has united a nation and a World. We are the poster book for change now; the entire World is watching this political process and applauding our country. Electing Senator Obama will change the face of the World forever, our foreign relations will change, our country will change and we as "ordinary Joe's" will be forever changed.We have children standing beside their parents watching CNN, MSNBC and understanding the true significance in this particular campaign.

We have children convincing their parents to vote for Obama, not just black children but all children. We have all races standing side by side hugging, campaigning organizing and passionate about achieving one goal, and that goal is change. We all are changing our nation, we all are taking back our country, and we are revitalizing the ideals that this country was built on. We are ousting the old ideals and beliefs and making new one. We as one nation are making dreams that our ancestors, our former leaders, our freedom fighters died for come a reality. ONE NATION UNDER GOD, remember that? The pledge of allegiance, we are allies in this war against corrupt politicians, against the same politicians, the same political standards. We are allies in changing the old and bringing in the new. But it can’t stop here; we must elect government officials that can continue to make Obama's dreams and plans to change this country a reality. We must vote for people who believe in this movement and will support our President in making the United States of America United once again.

The Real Cost of McCain's "Emergency Rooms=Insurance" Plan

Cissy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:28:12 EDT

I don't think enough can be said about the sheer boneheadedness, arrogance, and, yes, elitism of this statement from McCain advisor, John Goodman.

But the numbers are misleading, said John Goodman, president of the National Center for Policy Analysis, a right-leaning Dallas-based think tank. Mr. Goodman, who helped craft Sen. John McCain's health care policy, said anyone with access to an emergency room effectively has insurance, albeit the government acts as the payer of last resort.

What Mr. Goodman (and every other person who decries universal health care as socialized or government-sponsored medicine that the U.S. cannot afford) fails to recognize is that we already have government sponsored "health care" in the form of Emergency Rooms across the country. The problem is that this government sponsored health care happening in the most expensive, least effective way possible.

First Post - Thoughts on responding to McCain

Gale — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:51:31 EDT

Just sent this message to the Obama campaign, figured it was a reasonable a first post as anything else...

As an independent and ardent Obama supporter who twice voted for Bush/Cheney out of national defense concerns I urge you to listen to what Chris Kofinas had to say August 20th on Keith Olberman’s show. One of the most important things he suggested was not to repeat what McCain is saying when you respond. For example, regarding McCain’s “draft” comment: rather than say (in essense) “John McCain wants to reinstate the draft! Can you believe it!” if you say instead “The all-volunteer army of the United States is the best-prepared army in the world and this is why… we don’t need a draft.” Well, now you’ve tapped into our American pride and reminded us that times have changed since Vietnam and we can be successful without a draft. Much more powerful. If you also said something along the lines of, “if conditions around the world changed so much that we needed a draft to defend our borders…I would be the first to propose it. Right now, what we need is to be smart about how we apply our military, ” I think that would finish this issue off.
The first statement (“Can you believe it!”) is going to be what your base wants to hear, but it won’t sway the people you need to sway. I belive many of them will imagine a scenario where the United States is literally under attack and reason that if it becomes necessary to have a draft, John McCain has the guts to do it and … at the very best, they are unsure of Barack Obama. The second approach shows you to be the strong, thoughtful, leader I believe you to be.
Thanks and best of luck,
Gale

Ventura County Fair 8/10/08

wendy — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:46:03 EDT

I volunteered with other Ventura Obama Supports to work a table in the free speech area of the fair. It was my first face to face with the Presidential Campaign. I began at 10 am and went through until the end at 6 pm. The day from the way the other volunteers spoke seemed to be slow in the beginning but picked up by the end. We had a few negative responses from people sticking their tongues out and giving raspberries to our right disgust. I found that most people were open to at least to stop by the table. Many wanted the fundraising material for free but once we explained that the funds want back into the campaign they seemed more amiablable to contribute. The gentlemen that scheduled the event made the buttons himself and I made a point of telling the visitors that these were unique buttons, because they were handmade and one of a kind. Many visitors wanted to take pictures with the Cutout picture of Obama (maybe if we had an instant camera we could sell these too!) and you could overhear parents talking to their children about he will be the next President of the United States. We had a few people stop by and register to vote stating that they had never voted before and that this election had made them want to become involved. We were also able to get many others to signup on the volunteer signup sheet and advise others to check out the website for others that were interested but not ready to make the next step. It felt like a wave of motion is on the move for Obama, but some are just wanting to be discret, about showing how they feel.

McCain continues to cliam that more drilling will lower oil prices - will it?

Jason Wells — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:15:26 EDT

On the campaign trail this morning, McCain is continuing to claim that drilling more oil will lower the price of oil and gas. It's "basic economics," he claims. While the Energy Information Administration has produced multiple reports concluding that drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf or in ANWR, would result in a tiny (~$.05 per gallon) reduction in gas prices with no effect until 2020, I thought that it would be worth looking to see how past changes in US Oil Production have translated into changes in oil prices on the world market. As recently as 1960, the US accounted for 33% of all the oil produced in the World market, so it stands to reason that perhaps we would see the laws of supply and demand that McCain is using to back up his claim in play.

To get the inflation adjusted price and production data I went to inflationdata.com and eia.gov. Here is how the two data sets compare:

It turns out there is no clear relationship between US production and oil prices, even when the US accounted for a much higher percentage of total World production. In fact from the mid-80s to the late 90s, oil prices fell while US production steadily declined. When you compare the data in a dispersion and correlation analysis, the lack of relationship becomes even more clear:

The two data sets produce a correlation coefficient of +.086. Without going into a full stats discussion, basically it shows that there is no statistical relationship between US production and oil prices. McCain and the oil companies are continuing to blow smoke (and CO2) when they claim we need to "Drill here, Drill now!" as a way to lower prices. Maybe instead of laughing at real solutions, they should do some basic research before making false claims to the American public.

Hillary for VP???

West Coast Opinionator — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:50:46 EDT

I hope this post proves utterly irrelevant. Still, a friend's recent suggestion to me that Barack could pick Hillary for his VP nominee wants me to put objections to this idea on record and to share them with others.

To start with, however, I see arguments for Barack picking Hillary. She brings lots of supporters to the table. She would aggressively and effectively counter the anti-Obama attacks by McCain and the right wing--she would prove very useful in this regard, because those attacks are only going to get more intense as the campaign grinds on. And she brings other attributes to bear as a candidate and potential president.

But the arguments against Hillary have never mainly centered on doubting her attributes, but rather on her negatives. So many people hate her, and not just folks on the right. The way she ran her primary campaign--her calling McCain better suited to be Commander in Chief than Obama, her tremendous exaggerations about her qualifications and experience, her inability to reign in Bill, etc., etc.--alienated lots of folks in the center and on the left. I was briefly for Hillary at one point after Edwards dropped out, but both Obama's appeal and her negativity drove me toward Barack. My wife now hates her so much--again, a product of how Hillary ran her campaign--that she claims she won't even vote if Obama picks her. We're not exactly a scientific sample, but lots of folks came to despise her in ways that will hurt Obama if he picks her. And lots of independents disliked her to begin with.

Such a selection would come on top of Obama raising doubts in some supporters' minds by virtue of his tacking toward the center on a bunch of issues. I think his moving in that direction makes perfect political sense (though I still have problems with the FISA shift), and on some issues it even confirms his claim about his ability to find common ground. But Hillary would be the straw--no, make that the tree--that broke the camel's back. How can Barack be the candidate of change if he brings the ultimate insider onto his ticket? The McCain and right-wing ads would practically write themselves. T

his also would have a concrete impact on the big "enthusiasm gap" that Obama holds over McCain, in that a much higher percentage of Barack's backers are very strongly for him. Yes, some Hillary supporters might come on board, but many Obama enthusiasts would stop giving donations, volunteering, or trying to persuade undecided voters to come on board. Some might even migrate to Nader or the Greens, or (like my wife) simply not vote at all. Plus Hillary would be exactly the tonic McCain needs to rally the right and tip many independents his way. McCain's only hope is to make the campaign about Obama's negatives. For Barack to pick Hillary would only feed into that.

There's the possibility--no, make that the certainty--that Bill's financial dealings (his foundation, his library, his consulting, perhaps even whose paid for some of his speeches) make his inevitable salience for a Barack-Hillary ticket highly problematic. Some of those dealings have already been documented by sources such as the NY Times. More would surely come to light. There's also the possibility--no, make that the near certainty, as suggested in a Vanity Fair article--that Bill's private life has been less than stellar since he left office. Yet another near certainty is that he's become more of a liability than an asset on the campaign trail.

What's more, unless Obama's folks have done a very good, very secretive job of vetting Hillary herself, there may yet be more damaging information to come out about her despite the assumption that her time in public life has aired all her dirty laundry.

Finally, McCain has sought to portray Obama as a celebrity, elitist, without substance, soft. It would effectively feed into McCain's anti-Barack meme for Obama to pick a woman who battered him during the primary campaign. And there's the danger that a black-female ticket would simply be seen as too politically correct for folks already uneasy about a black presidential candidate, period. Don't get me wrong--I abhor such reasoning; the appeal of this stuff to some folks boils down to sexist or racist garbage. None of this is fair, but neither was the swift-boating of Kerry or the Republican charges that Gore had problems with telling the truth.

OK. Having said this I'll resume hoping and assuming that Barack selects someone else for VP.

More Republican Lies

Jason Wells — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:44:54 EDT

Here is part of an e-mail that went out from RNC Chairman Mike Douglas today:

During his recent speech in Berlin, Barack Obama tried to ingratiate himself to the foreign crowd by claiming loudly that he was “a citizen of the world.”

The problem is Obama’s self-proclaimed global “citizenship” appears to go well beyond just a rhetorical device to gain favor with a European throng full of pie-in-the-sky utopians.

It seems the Democrats’ would-be president of the United States of America really believes that the rest of the world’s problems, and approval, trump the interests of Americans when it comes to how we live our lives and where our money is spent.

While stumping for the support of his party’s leftist base, Obama proclaimed, "we can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times . . . and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK."

And now he’s putting your money where his mouth is.

A bill he has sponsored in the U.S. Senate, the so-called Global Poverty Act
(S. 2433), would raise the amount of American tax dollars allocated to United Nations’ redistribution efforts to $845 billion.

That’s $2,500 from every American taxpayer, when many in our country already are struggling to make ends meet.

That $845 Billion number is based on the US upping International aid to the UN target level of .07% of GDP yearly - which itself would be only $65 Billion and they get to 845 by adding up 13 years.

Here's the problem, nothing in the bill sets a requirement or threshold for International aid. All it does is the require the President to lay out a strategy for helping reduce global poverty. It references the UN Millennium Goal of reducing poverty by half between 2000 and 2015 in the Findings section in the bill and that collectively the G8 nations should be contributing 50 Billion by 2015, but not even a recommendation about what the US should contribute let alone a binding budgetary commitment.

Here is the actual CBO estimate on what it would cost to implement the bill:

CBO Estimates Less than 1 Million Per Year

At this point it is clear that the Republican strategy is to attempt to define Obama regardless of the facts and without even a casual regard for the truth. If you hear this from any Independent voters, make sure they know the real facts and what McCain and the Republicans think about the intelligence of the average voter.

Troops stationed near Denver Convention (any in Minnesota?)

Mike Conwell — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:15:27 EDT

Courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security's daily news brief dated 8/4/08. It's not on the site now, but you can see it later today or tomorrow, through the 14th at http://www.dhs.gov/xinfoshare/programs/editorial_0542.shtm

33. July 30, Colorado Independent – (Colorado) Military Intelligence and National
Guard present at Denver DNC. The Colorado Army National Guard is expected to
transform a private Denver university campus into a restricted military lodging area
during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August. More than 400 soldiers
could be stationed in official capacity on the campus according to the National Guard,
but the Guard is not disclosing what the troops will be doing during the convention. In
mid-July the Colorado Independent reported that the Colorado National Guard was
planning to rent more than 500 rooms around the Denver area for business relating
specifically to the Democratic National Convention.

Source: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/07/30/18521134.php

My Top 10 Things That Could Happen If John McCain Is Elected President:

Rob — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:16:56 EDT

My Top 10 Things That Could Happen If John McCain Is Elected President:

10. He decides to raise the age for retirement to 104.

09. He insists on appointing Matlock as his Attorney General.

08. He demands all water coolers in the White House dispense prune juice, not water.

07. He changes the national bird from an eagle to a pet bird he had as a child: The Teradactile.

06. He makes National Physical Fitness and Sports Month consist only of shuffle board and bingo.

05. He replaces grains with Metamucil as one of the four major food groups.

04. He fires his vice president because he forgot to Tivo Murder She Wrote.

03. He misses his first State of the Union address because of a Father Downing marathon on Nick at Nite.

02. He tries to distract Americans focus on a declining economy by revealing a recent affair he had with Blanch from the Golden Girls.

01. He becomes outraged at staff members because the constantly quit because they get tired of having to pick up his Viagra at the pharmacy.

My Top 10 Runner-Ups:

03. He gets frustrated with his Secret Service men because they constantly argue over who’s turn it is to change his diaper.

02. He decides to turn the Rose Garden into a shuffle board court.

01. He changes Black History Month to Jack Lalanne month and forces every American purchase a blue jump suit and a power juicer.

My pics of Obama

Kimberlie R. Acosta — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:55:59 EDT

I got to see Obama at the 2008 Unity Conference in Chicago this past Sunday. It was awesome to get to see him and shake his hand. His energy is very powerful indeed. If you would like to see my pics they are at my site www.kimberacosta.com

Rah Rah Go Team!

Janet in North Carolina — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:54:04 EDT

I feel a little bit humbled by my own sense of "rah rah go team". Normally, I'd scowl at such a pollyanna approach to this campaign. But the truth is that I am incredibly charged and inspired. I don't have a lot of money to give, nor do I have much time to volunteer, but I like to think I keep the charge alive -- the energy -- in my day-to-day activities. I might slyly comment to the clerk at the gas station that gas prices are bad and..."what an interesting presidential campaign we have going on." Then, to be polite check what kind of smile they give back and if it is an "I'm for Barack" look, we sort of wink at each other. Like a type of recognition. I'm so excited about all the tiny things I seem to be able to do (heck, even creating this blog earned me "points"!) that seem to have value to the Obama campaign. Am I a sucker? I don't think so. I think this campaign is genuinely inspiring. I love Obama's humility -- how he constantly repeats that it is fine and good to elect a new president, but it doesn't mean much if the people aren't willing to roll up their sleeves. Well, here I am, pollyanna as I may be, sleeves rolled up and all excited about earningi points! What are points? I don't care -- it seems the campaign is happy I am creating this blog, so I'll do it, and I'll keep giving tens and twenties as I am able, and I'll keep bringing up the campaign with strangers. It is so important to talk about it.

Anyone reading this -- I hope you are inspired to do what you can. Maybe it is simply putting a bumper sticker on your car... Folks, we can DO this....

Cheers

Janet

A Response to the Politics of Fear

Kareem Shora — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:29:29 EDT

There has been some pressure on Arab- and Muslim-American groups to respond to the recent cover of The New Yorker, which satirizes the bigotry and fear-mongering at the heart of anti-Obama media campaigns that seek to “smear” the candidate by implying that he is Muslim. The cover depicts presidential hopefuls Barack and Michelle Obama in the oval office. Barack, dressed in traditional Muslim religious clothing while Michelle sports a 60’s afro alá Angela Davis, fatigues, combat boots, and a machine gun slung Rambo-style over her back. A portrait of Osama Bin Laden holds a place of honor over the mantel while the Stars and Stripes crackle in the fire place.

Do we understand that this cover was intended as a satirical commentary on vicious racially and religiously motivated hate campaigns intended to frighten white America away from a minority candidate? Yes, we do. Do we believe that regardless of the artists’ intentions there is some concern that the imagery could overpower the commentary and reinforce the fears and prejudices it was meant to critique? Yes, we do. But can we look past the noise about whether or not The New Yorker cover is offensive, a red-herring issue with fairly predictable responses on all sides, to deeper questions such as “Why is the label, ‘Muslim,’ such a powerful and popular a weapon against Obama” and “What should the Obama camp be doing, rather than denouncing a magazine cover?” Yes, we can.

Senator Obama in Kuwait

Marie Yolaine — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:43:20 EDT

http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2008/07/barack-obama-in-kuwait.html

FISA: Sen. Obama Responds & ACLU Takes Action

Gordon Broom — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:12:57 EDT

Below is the response I received from Senator Obama regarding his FISA vote. Following that is the ACLU's wonderful action.

Gordon

Dear Friend,

Thank you for contacting us and sharing your strong feelings about this important issue. Please find a statement from Senator Obama below.

We appreciate hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Obama for America,

---
Given the grave threats that we face, our national security agencies must have the capability to gather intelligence and track down terrorists before they strike, while respecting the rule of law and the privacy and civil liberties of the American people. There is also little doubt that the Bush Administration, with the cooperation of major telecommunications companies, has abused that authority and undermined the Constitution by intercepting the communications of innocent Americans without their knowledge or the required court orders.

That is why last year I opposed the so-called Protect America Act, which expanded the surveillance powers of the government without sufficient independent oversight to protect the privacy and civil liberties of innocent Americans. I have also opposed the granting of retroactive immunity to those who were allegedly complicit in acts of illegal spying in the past.

After months of negotiation, the House passed a compromise that, while far from perfect, is a marked improvement over last year's Protect America Act. Under this compromise legislation, an important tool in the fight against terrorism will continue, but the President's illegal program of warrantless surveillance will be over. It restores FISA and existing criminal wiretap statutes as the exclusive means to conduct surveillance - making it clear that the President cannot circumvent the law and disregard the civil liberties of the American people. It also firmly re-establishes basic judicial oversight over all domestic surveillance in the future.

It does, however, grant retroactive immunity, and I voted in the Senate three times to remove this provision so that we could seek full accountability for past offenses. Unfortunately, these attempts were unsuccessful. But this compromise guarantees a thorough review by the Inspectors General of our national security agencies to determine what took place in the past, and ensures that there will be accountability going forward. By demanding oversight and accountability, a grassroots movement of Americans has helped yield a bill that is far better than the Protect America Act.

It is not all that I would want. But given the legitimate threats we face, providing effective intelligence collection tools with appropriate safeguards is too important to delay. So I support the compromise, but do so with a firm pledge that as President, I will carefully monitor the program, review the report by the Inspectors General, and work with the Congress to take any additional steps I deem necessary to protect the lives - and the liberty - of the American people.

-------------------------------------------

FROM THE ACLU (which I'm a card carrying member of)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

NEW YORK - The American Civil Liberties Union filed a landmark lawsuit today to stop the government from conducting surveillance under a new wiretapping law that gives the Bush administration virtually unchecked power to intercept Americans' international e-mails and telephone calls. The case was filed on behalf of a broad coalition of attorneys and human rights, labor, legal and media organizations whose ability to perform their work - which relies on confidential communications - will be greatly compromised by the new law.

The FISA Amendments Act of 2008, passed by Congress on Wednesday and signed by President Bush today, not only legalizes the secret warrantless surveillance program the president approved in late 2001, it gives the government new spying powers, including the power to conduct dragnet surveillance of Americans' international communications.

"Spying on Americans without warrants or judicial approval is an abuse of government power - and that's exactly what this law allows. The ACLU will not sit by and let this evisceration of the Fourth Amendment go unchallenged," said ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero. "Electronic surveillance must be conducted in a constitutional manner that affords the greatest possible protection for individual privacy and free speech rights. The new wiretapping law fails to provide fundamental safeguards that the Constitution unambiguously requires."

In today's legal challenge, the ACLU argues that the new spying law violates Americans' rights to free speech and privacy under the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution. The new law permits the government to conduct intrusive surveillance without ever telling a court who it intends to spy on, what phone lines and email addresses it intends to monitor, where its surveillance targets are located, why it's conducting the surveillance or whether it suspects any party to the communication of wrongdoing.

Plaintiffs in today's case are:

The Nation and its contributing journalists Naomi Klein and Chris Hedges
Amnesty International USA, Global Rights, Global Fund for Women, Human Rights Watch, PEN American Center, Service Employees International Union, Washington Office on Latin America, and the International Criminal Defence Attorneys Association
Defense attorneys Dan Arshack, David Nevin, Scott McKay and Sylvia Royce

"As a journalist, my job requires communication with people in all parts of the world - from Iraq to Argentina. If the U.S. government is given unchecked surveillance power to monitor reporters' confidential sources, my ability to do this work will be seriously compromised," said Naomi Klein, an award-winning columnist and best-selling author who is a plaintiff in today's lawsuit. "I cannot in good conscience accept that my conversations with people who live outside the U.S. will put them in harm's way as a result of overzealous government spying. Privacy in my communications is not simply an expectation, it's a right."

The ACLU's legal challenge, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York today, seeks a court order declaring that the new law is unconstitutional and ordering its immediate and permanent halt.

In a separate filing, the ACLU asked the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to ensure that any proceedings relating to the scope, meaning or constitutionality of the new law be open to the public to the extent possible. The ACLU also asked the secret court to allow it to file a brief and participate in oral arguments, to order the government to file a public version of its briefs addressing the law's constitutionality, and to publish any judicial decision that is ultimately issued.

"The new law allows the mass acquisition of Americans' international e-mails and telephone calls," said Jameel Jaffer, Director of the ACLU National Security Project. "The administration has argued that the law is necessary to address the threat of terrorism, but the truth is that the law sweeps much more broadly and implicates all kinds of communications that have nothing to do with terrorism or criminal activity of any kind."

In 2006, the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the National Security Agency (NSA) to stop its illegal, warrantless spying program. A federal district court sided with the ACLU, ruling that warrantless wiretapping by the NSA violated Americans' rights to free speech and privacy under the First and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution, ran counter to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and violated the principle of separation of powers. The Bush administration appealed the ruling, and an appeals court panel dismissed the case. However, the court did not uphold the legality of the government's warrantless surveillance activity and the only judge to discuss the merits of the case clearly and unequivocally declared that the warrantless spying was unlawful. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case earlier this year.

"A democratic system depends on the rule of law, and not even the president or Congress can authorize a law that violates core constitutional principles," said Christopher Dunn, Associate Legal Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union. "The only thing compromised in this so-called 'compromise' law is the Constitution."

Attorneys on the lawsuit Amnesty v. McConnell are Jaffer, Melissa Goodman and L. Danielle Tully of the ACLU National Security Project and Dunn and Arthur Eisenberg of the NYCLU. Attorneys on the motion filed with the FISC are Jaffer, Goodman, Tully, as well as Arthur Spitzer of the ACLU of the National Capital Area.

More information, including today's complaint, a video discussing the ACLU's legal challenge, plaintiff statements in support of the lawsuit and the FISC motion, is available at: www .aclu.org/faa

Whose Interests Does Bob Schaffer Serve?

4u2love — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:45:53 EDT

Bob Schaffer is the Republican opponent to Democrat Mark Udall in Colorado's political race for Wayne Allard's U.S. Senate Seat. Today, Huffington Post published some fact finding by Sam Stein that indicates Bob Schaffer's oil interests in Iraq may not have served U.S. interests in Iraq.

This story is a good indication that if elected Bob Schaffer wouldn't serve the interests of people in Colorado and the United States either.

Frederick Douglass' Legacy for July 4th

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:13:48 EDT

I wrote this in 2002 but it still makes good reading for Independence Day and represents the kind of patriotism we must take back for the people of this great nation.

Frederick Douglass' Legacy for Our Times
By Frances M. Beal, 9 July 2002

This year's celebration of the 4th of July marks the 150th [156th] anniversary of Frederick Douglass' presentation at the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Douglass used the occasion to expose the full shame and treachery of slavery and in unmitigated terms castigated the nation's pieties, in particular the cherished memories of its revolution, its principles of liberty and its moral and religious ethos.

"Fellow-citizens," he proclaimed, "above your national, tumultuous joy, I hear the mournful wail of millions! whose chains, heavy and grievous yesterday, are, today, rendered more intolerable
by the jubilee shouts that reach them.

"If I do forget, if I do not faithfully remember those bleeding children of sorrow this day, 'may my right hand forget her cunning, and may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth!' To forget them, to pass lightly over their wrongs, and to chime in with the popular theme, would be treason most scandalous and shocking, and
would make me a reproach before God and the world."

In all too many ways, the Douglass speech has as many lessons for us today
as it did for people who despised racism and tyranny in 1852. One is
reminded that the colonies suffered under the boot of the British crown,
which gave rise to resisters who "had not adopted the fashionable idea of
this day, of the infallibility of government, and the absolute character of
its acts, and who presumed to differ from the home government in respect to
the wisdom and the justice of some of those burdens and restraints. They
went so far in their excitement as to pronounce the measures of government
unjust, unreasonable, and oppressive, and altogether such as ought not to
be quietly submitted to."

As the fireworks and firecrackers explode around us this year, let us take
to heart Frederick Douglass' reminder that "there was a time when to
pronounce against England, and in favor of the cause of the colonies, tried
men's souls. They who did so were accounted in their day, plotters of
mischief, agitators and rebels, dangerous men. To side with the right,
against the wrong, with the weak against the strong, and with the oppressed
against the oppressor! Here lies the merit, and the one, which, of all
others, seems unfashionable in our day. The cause of liberty may be stabbed
by the men who glory in the deeds of your fathers."

And so it is today in the year 2002, when those who wrap themselves so
tightly in the U.S. flag in order to justify the erosion of the civil
rights and civil liberties are not the ones who carry the legacy of
Independence Day. In fact, Ashcroft [then U.S. Attorney General] and friends and the rest of the Bush
regime are the ideological inheritors of the Tories who opposed any
alteration in the social and economic relations of society, who relished
the privileges of the status quo, and hated all change except "silver, gold
and copper change!" as Douglass declared.

One has to ask then, where is the Frederick (or Frederica) Douglass of the
year 2002? [I would also suggest that it can be heard in the speeches by Barack Obama in 2008.]

Though the voice may be muted, it is there. It can be heard in cities from
Cambridge to Berkeley, which have passed resolutions that call the U.S.
Patriot Act a threat to the civil rights of the residents of their
communities. The unlikely town of Carrboro, North Carolina is among their
ranks as is Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan and Denver, Colorado. The
California City of Fremont is considering a similar resolution this week.
It can be heard among Japanese Americans who are all too cognizant of their
shameful internment in concentration camps during World War II brought on
by a distorted and racist implementation of national security concerns.
That voice is raised in organizations like the Black Radical Congress and
Black Voices for Peace and among courageous congressional representatives
like Barbara Lee, Cynthia McKinney [former U.S. rep from Georgia] and Jesse Jackson, Jr. among others.
Even some voices from the Federal bench have been raised to curb the
unrelenting and unconstitutional congressional abuses of immigrants,
Muslims, South Asians and Middle Easterners, and to stem the resurgence of
racial profiling as a legitimate police practice.

When all is said and done, however, many of our freedoms have been
seriously curtailed. In conjunction with Independence Day, the American
Civil Liberties Union of Northern California (ACLU-NC) has released a
scorecard summarizing the toll of the Bush Administration's policies on
constitutional freedoms. The tally: Bush Administration, 20; Constitution, 0. The scorecard and an accompanying chronology itemize dozens of
government actions that have limited constitutional freedoms since
September 11th. They include the expansion of wiretapping and secret search
powers under the U.S. Patriot Act; the Attorney General's directives
ordering broad questioning sweeps of young men of Middle Eastern and South
Asian origin; the erosion of attorney-client privilege, media freedom and
immigrants' rights; and the dismantling of regulations governing
intelligence-gathering procedures.

Freedom is a constant struggle, says a well-known gospel, and so it is
today. As we celebrate the courage it took to break the chains of
colonialism in the 18th Century, as well as noting the lack of grit in
allowing slavery to stain this nation's history for years to follow let us
ponder these final remarks by Frederick Douglass:

"Pride and patriotism, not less than gratitude, prompt you to celebrate and
to hold [July 4th] in perpetual remembrance. I have said that the
Declaration of Independence is the ringbolt to the chain of your nation's
destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that
instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost."

Frances M. Beal is a former political columnist for the San Francisco Bay View newspaper and retired as the Research Associate of the Racial Justice Project of the ACLU of Northern California.
Contact: fmbeal@igc.org

Senator Obama's FISA Message to Supporters

Gordon Broom — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:20:24 EDT

July 3, 2008

I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to those of you who oppose my decision to support the FISA compromise.

This was not an easy call for me. I know that the FISA bill that passed the House is far from perfect. I wouldn't have drafted the legislation like this, and it does not resolve all of the concerns that we have about President Bush's abuse of executive power. It grants retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that may have violated the law by cooperating with the Bush Administration's program of warrantless wiretapping. This potentially weakens the deterrent effect of the law and removes an important tool for the American people to demand accountability for past abuses. That's why I support striking Title II from the bill, and will work with Chris Dodd, Jeff Bingaman and others in an effort to remove this provision in the Senate.

But I also believe that the compromise bill is far better than the Protect America Act that I voted against last year. The exclusivity provision makes it clear to any President or telecommunications company that no law supersedes the authority of the FISA court. In a dangerous world, government must have the authority to collect the intelligence we need to protect the American people. But in a free society, that authority cannot be unlimited. As I've said many times, an independent monitor must watch the watchers to prevent abuses and to protect the civil liberties of the American people. This compromise law assures that the FISA court has that responsibility

The Inspectors General report also provides a real mechanism for accountability and should not be discounted. It will allow a close look at past misconduct without hurdles that would exist in federal court because of classification issues. The recent investigation uncovering the illegal politicization of Justice Department hiring sets a strong example of the accountability that can come from a tough and thorough IG report.

The ability to monitor and track individuals who want to attack the United States is a vital counter-terrorism tool, and I'm persuaded that it is necessary to keep the American people safe -- particularly since certain electronic surveillance orders will begin to expire later this summer. Given the choice between voting for an improved yet imperfect bill, and losing important surveillance tools, I've chosen to support the current compromise. I do so with the firm intention -- once I'm sworn in as President -- to have my Attorney General conduct a comprehensive review of all our surveillance programs, and to make further recommendations on any steps needed to preserve civil liberties and to prevent executive branch abuse in the future.

Now, I understand why some of you feel differently about the current bill, and I'm happy to take my lumps on this side and elsewhere. For the truth is that your organizing, your activism and your passion is an important reason why this bill is better than previous versions. No tool has been more important in focusing peoples' attention on the abuses of executive power in this Administration than the active and sustained engagement of American citizens. That holds true -- not just on wiretapping, but on a range of issues where Washington has let the American people down.

I learned long ago, when working as an organizer on the South Side of Chicago, that when citizens join their voices together, they can hold their leaders accountable. I'm not exempt from that. I'm certainly not perfect, and expect to be held accountable too. I cannot promise to agree with you on every issue. But I do promise to listen to your concerns, take them seriously, and seek to earn your ongoing support to change the country. That is why we have built the largest grassroots campaign in the history of presidential politics, and that is the kind of White House that I intend to run as President of the United States -- a White House that takes the Constitution seriously, conducts the peoples' business out in the open, welcomes and listens to dissenting views, and asks you to play your part in shaping our country's destiny.

Democracy cannot exist without strong differences. And going forward, some of you may decide that my FISA position is a deal breaker. That's ok. But I think it is worth pointing out that our agreement on the vast majority of issues that matter outweighs the differences we may have. After all, the choice in this election could not be clearer. Whether it is the economy, foreign policy, or the Supreme Court, my opponent has embraced the failed course of the last eight years, while I want to take this country in a new direction. Make no mistake: if John McCain is elected, the fundamental direction of this country that we love will not change. But if we come together, we have an historic opportunity to chart a new course, a better course.

So I appreciate the feedback through my.barackobama.com, and I look forward to continuing the conversation in the months and years to come. Together, we have a lot of work to do.

Obama's Response to FISA Objections [POLL]

David in Toronto by way of New Orleans — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:41:17 EDT

Yesterday on the Huffington Post, Barack Obama replied to the growing objections of his own volunteers to his position on telecom immunity. You can read that here

On the Daily Kos, I've started a poll about your response to it here. Please vote in it.

Obama in Alaska!

Sam — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:39:53 EDT

Barack Obama can win Alaska. This is a feat which can be acheived with organization, excitement, and the overwhelming desire to win. Alaska can go blue in 08, and we will make it happen! It will not be easy, and it will take all the effort we can muster. But! If we work together, and turn out in unprecedented numbers in Novemer, than YES WE CAN!

Exploit the lies

Shaun — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:40:37 EDT

Is it me or have we been given a new opportunity to question McCain's judgement? McCain is using the longevity of his Senate career as leverage to imply Obama lacks judgement. Jim Webb has stated that McCain had nothing to do with the new GI Bill and as a matter of fact, rejected it. McCain stated that "we" have made great strides and came up with a great bill that benefits the military personnel. George "Dubya" even thanked McCain for his work on the bill. Now someone with sound judgement wouldn't take credit for something they didn't do. Someone with sound judgement would understand that the truth would come out. This is a great opportunity to slash McCain's so called great judgement.

Fighting the Smears: "Obama's Not Exactlys"

Julia ~ Northern MN — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:34:36 EDT

Here's one of the many smear emails floating around...A list of 38 supposed Obama falsehoods.

Each item (Not just some or even most)--every single item is crap!!

Please read, copy, paste, and forward it around.

The danger of the e-whisper campaign is that has the potential to be far more powerful than public swiftboating advertisements. When people receive an email from someone they know, there's a better chance that they'll believe some (or even all) of the message. ...So it's very, very important to share the reverse message and stop the fear campaign.

Thanks!!

Unite for Change Gathering in Republic of Panama

Damani — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:19:05 EDT

The Unite for Change gathering for Senator Barack Obama at Pencas Restaurant this afternoon was fantastic.

Our attendance was a powerful TWENTY-SIX (26) persons, including US Ex-Pats and visitors, dual US & Panamanian citizens, Panamanian citizens and two adorable children. You would have been inspired by the enthusiastic participation in one of the many (more than 4,000) historic Unite for Change events that took place around the world today.

That support, and that of millions of others, for Senator Obama will be a major contributing factor in electing him the next President of the United States of America. Some who attended were formerly Hillary Clinton supporters - united for change.

Change is definitely on the way!!! Thanks again for YOUR interest!!!

Some participants volunteered to take on assignments. Mary agreed to contact the American Embassy to find the procedures for registering to vote; and Wilberforce agreed to secure and share the information about the American Society's voter registration project that is coming up soon. Damani suggested that folks, who previously or currently vote in the States, see if their county or state has the capability of processing their registration or absentee ballot request via the Internet. Below is information that Damani mentioned he had found on the Pinellas County, Florida website and said he would share.

Amongst suggestions shared by participants were:

sign up at www.barackobama.com
- choose from among the various options for involvement that the campaign offers
  - host a meeting for your family, neighbors and friends
  - call prospective voters prior to Election Day to encourage them to vote
  - while (visiting) in the States, volunteer at a campaign office
  - and, of course, donate
call and/or email friends to ensure they are registered (don't assume they are)
share with everyone information on securing absentee/early ballots
submit YOUR 'Strategic Determination for Change' policies to the campaign (Thanks, Nedra)
VOTE EARLY and encourage others to do the same, so that on election day, long lines, bad weather and any emergency will have no impact on YOUR vote.

And...Remember Wilberforce's idea of getting together to travel to Washington, DC in January for President-Elect Barack Obama's Inauguration!!!

One of the highlights of the meeting for us was our 9 year old granddaughter, Nandi, reading an excerpt from 'The Audacity of Hope.'

Always for the People,

OBAMA '08!!

Ife and Damani

Negative news articles especially in the NRA magazine

William (Tom) from Huntsville, AL — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:31:38 EDT

Your opponent has picked up on buzz words that somebody in your organization failed to convey to you. At the grassroots level, we do not want gun control and are in favor of drilling for oil anywhere it can be found. The news media is reporting words to the effect that you are opposed to the Supreme Court decision on 2nd amendment rights of individuals to own firearms. Why don't Obama say "the right of citizens under the 2nd amendment have been affirmed and it is now the law of the land" not some vague remark about wait and see as if he opposed the ruling.
On drilling it appears from articles that I have read that he opposes that as well. When I met him in Huntsville, Alabama I told him that I thought he would go all the way [to the White House]. I did this because I believed he was on the right track. I'm starting to have 2nd thoughts and encourage him to cut his oppositions feet out from under them by confirming in clear language that he is agrees with the Supreme Courts decision regarding the 2nd amendment decision and that he encourages cutting off foreign oil purchases by drilling for oil in every available location in the USA.

Learn from the World; Teach the World

Dr. Jeffrey Kargel — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:53:23 EDT

Dear Readers,

The feeling I got coming home from Tokyo and going through LAX recently was equivalent to the feeling I get when going from the U.S. to Kathmandu,Nepal. Overall, we're closer to Japan than to Nepal, but Japan advances while the U.S. stagnates in most areas. It's because our federal priorities have been wrong. We need to work more on national infrastructure and on our national economic efficiency, and less on blowing up other countries in cases where its not in our vital interest to do so. The Truth and Reason shall set us free. The truth is, in part, that efficiency is what can save our country from itself; inefficiency will kill our hopes to remain and build as a modern nation. We cannot have 4% economic growth (in good times) and 2% wasted on unwise militarism and still have enough real growth to counter population growth; we will always stagnate if that's what we're aiming to do for the next 100 years. Let's just do the math: 4% growth - 2% growth potential wasted on unwise militarism - 2% wasted on increased oil cost = 0% actual smart production-oriented growth. 0% growth - 2% population increase = -2% per capita real growth. That's during the good years.

I don't doubt that some of our excessive militaristic spending comes back to society in some practical and even environmentally friendly and socially positive ways, and there is no question that in a largely unfriendly and angry world, we need some military strength. But military strength does not stem from rapacious no-bid contracts, sheer destructionism, and foreign antagonisms reaped from our unwise and poorly justified deployment of wanton destructive force. So I am sure that the economic math above is imperfect, but it relays a message, to first order: Is there any wonder why most of us are poorer in real terms than we were at the start of this century?

So how can we change it? Stop the -2% wasted on unwise militarism, stop the -2% unwise wastage on increased petroleum cost by investing 1% GDP per year on hybridizing our vehicle fleet and investing in energy-saving infrastructure. That's just for starters, just one sector of the economy. Then start talking about wasted crops being greased up for fuel to spin our wheels doing nothing, wasted human health driven down by smoke, and other total sheer waste and nonsense. I am all for biofuels production if it does not starve the world and our own people, if it can contribute to energy independence and flexibility to respond to oil disruptions, but it is not what we should rely on for our energy future. We can easily attain China's rate of growth in real smart production-oriented and well- being-oriented terms if we become a smarter, more efficient society. We need to overhaul transportation and home construction, and rebuild our cities, with a 60-year plan in mind. Consider what Japan did from the ashes. We don't need foreign aid, but we need domestic smarts.

Economic growth beneficial to well being does not equate to concrete and oil production; that was the 20th Century. We still need concrete and oil, but mostly we need to build infrastructure that lasts for generations and infrastructure that breeds efficiency. We need a total “global” view of our nation’s economy, where global has the usual meaning but also a meaning implying comprehensiveness, where efficiency at the national scale is priority #1. Then we can become, once again, a model for the world to admire and replicate. Environmental security, economic security, military security, and public well being will emanate from wise economic development policies. We need a different view of what Capitalism is; we always have had governmental interventions in the free market, but now we must turn those interventions in such a way that consumption of things that hurt is discouraged, and consumption and innovation of things that promote well being is encouraged. This will require a remaking of the way things have been done. We need to retain from the past things that worked well then and will continue to work well, but things that are driving our nation and the world to the brink of chaos have to be stopped or redirected to more positive ends. Competition works. Rapacious and exponentially rising consumption of stuff for stuff's sake does not.

The next President-elect, whoever he may be, ought to spend his first 60 days after election travelling the world, to Tokyo to see how they did it (and where they are lacking); to Madrid to see how they do it (and where they are lacking); to Berlin to see how they did it; and many other places to learn and teach and re-assure. Of course, part of how those places did it was by American aid on massive scales. We had something to teach, something to give. Now we have something to learn, and still more to teach, if we put the learning first, and if we act and innovate on what we learn.

No politician or scientist or leader will make all the smart moves or have all the wisdom, and nothing revolutionarily good will be totally easy and free of pain and sacrifice. We need to work together, but WORK we must. This bit of wisdom is something I truly believe Barack Obama understands, and he has the guts and capacity to convince America, including our long-standing corporate interests and military/security-minded communities, of what we have to do urgently and without hesitation. This is Reason #1 why I will vote for Barack Obama to become the next President of the United States. The list of reasons, though, is long. I’ll start with #1. Let's win for America and the world in the 2008 elections.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeffrey S. Kargel

The Photo

ABBO (Americans In Berlin-Brandenburg For Obama) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:04:39 EDT

Dear Friends:

R.C. Hemingway
ABBO Co-Chair
ABBO Mobile Büro: 01741020545
(From 23 June effective)

That foto you see was taken at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France Christmas 1969. I'm standing on the far right, Next to me is U.S. Ambassador R. Sargent Shriver explaining how the XMAS gift he bought for his children works. We were taking a break from shooting a French TV "fireside" speech. I was the TV producer for ORTF French TV. The man almost standing is Richard Ahearn, Shriver's Ececutive Assistant and the other persons are part of my crew. The program featured Amb. Shriver (speaking in French!) for 15 minutes, a concert by Duke Ellington in the Alcazar, St. Germain de Pres, for 1 hour and a wrapup speech by Shriver for 15 min. This was propaganda pure for "Jazz From America"

Please Respond Swiftly Sen Obama....

Tony — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:38:23 EDT

Well, the latest lies of Sen McCain, comparing the 60s so he is underestimating the terms of John Kennedy and Johnson..LMAO..tell McCain to compare it to Bush 2nd term to Carter term..what a joke, the worst in modern history..he is just spewing lies or fabricating lies I guess is both, but let him keep doing it that it will backfire..like they say in Spanish, "le saldra el tiro por la culata"...

Bush Tax Deception! Tax cut for the rich and increase for the poor!

Jim — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:25:49 EDT

I pray that this may be found by those who are in position to help Senator Obama.

In 2003 I was a 5th year apprentice when President Bush gave a 1% tax break. The Bush and the news said, 'we' would be receiving this tax break. No mention of a tax break 'and' a tax increase.

Gloria Steinem Endorses Obama

Gordon Broom — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 08:12:03 EDT

MSNBC and CNN reported on June 6th that Gloria Steinem has endorsed Obama and pledges to work for his election.

This is significant. Hillary supporters who are hurt, angry and threatening to vote for John McCain need to think carefully about what a McCain presidency would mean to them.

There are three very important reasons why women need to support Senator Obama. Even if they forget everything else, these three reasons are why they should vote for Obama:

1. The Supreme Court

2. The Supreme Court

3. The Supreme Court!!!!

Justice John Paul Stevens is 90 and wants to retire. Ruther Bader Ginsberg wants to retire.

A McBush presidency will replace these two justices with right wing neo-cons and Roe V Wade will be overturned therefore making a woman's right to choose again illegal in America.

If you have friends, family members and co-workers who say they will vote for the McBush team for president, please remind them of the the fragile makeup of our Supreme Court and the importance of sending Obama to the White House to keep a woman's right to choose the law of the land.

Gordon

The effects of war on a sensitive, caring young man...

Charlene from Lebanon, OR — Mon, 26 May 2008 09:17:43 EDT

I am the mother of a young man who spent a year in Iraq. Bobby was one of the most loving, caring, sensitive young men I have ever known. He was the peacemaker. He was the one who broke up arguments between hia friends. He was the one who intuitively knew when something was wrong and would sit by my side and encourage me to talk. He is my step-son, but I couldn't love him more if I had given birth to him. I have been so blessed to have him in my life.

When he first came home from Iraq, his life seemed to blossom. He chose to go to culinary school, found a house in Portland where he lived with 4 other wonderful young people who were positive and supportive and had wonderful ambitions. He was flourishing and often brought his new roomies to visit us, and we often went to Portland to visit him. We were proud and hopeful, and saw his future as bright.

Then, he began to have problems with panic attacks. He was often put into group projects at school. When the other participants in his group didn't take the project as seriously as he did, he found himself uncontrolably tightening up until he could barely breathe. He found himself fighting rage and having a dificult time doing so. He got himself into counseling with the VA and took a break from school, but in his mind the counselor only wanted him to get better so he could go back to Iraq and fight some more. He tried going back to school and ended up leaving about 3 weeks before he was to graduate.

While he was in Iraq, he was with a group of young men who knew that their actions could mean life or death. They were very good at watching each other's backs. It seems that going from that group setting to the groups he was involved with in school was a dificult, if not impossible transition for him. He just couldn't separate himself from the dynamics of war that were so ingrained in him and the totally different dynamics of kids in school who had never experienced the horrors that he had experienced. His physical response was overwhelming and he didn't feel that the counselor was of any help at all.

At the point that he left school, his communication with his father and I completely stopped. We have not heard from him for over a year now. He doesn't answer our calls, return our messages or respond to our emails. We have continously told him that we love him and support him and that he needs to re-establish communication so we can help him to heal. He also stopped all communication with his birth mother and sister and childhood friends. Finally, his sister got through by non stop calling until he finally answered. We are told that he is ashamed and embarrassed. We are also told that he is extreemly depressed. We are worried sick.

We know that he experienced more horrors than he has ever been able to talk about. We also feel that our government has totally let him down. This administration seems to be about power and money with no consideration for human life. They are throwing our kids away in the name of profit! They are murdering innocent Iraqi civilians in the name of profit. Seems they will stop at nothing to advance their imperialistic goals.

We have to stop them. It's a matter of life and death for all of us. For the first time in a long time, I am again beginning to have hope. I believe that Barack Obama is truly speaking to us from his heart and that he will work tirelessly to bring dignity and hope back to our country. I also believe that with the help of many in congress who really do care and have been stymied by the Bush administration, he will put programs into action that will really help our young men and women who were and are exposed to the horrors of this war to begin to heal.

Change begins within each of us. We have to find that hope and healing within ourselves first. When we do that, it will be like a ripple in a pond that reaches out and spreads that hope to all of those around us. We are truly all one people, and the only way to grow is through love and acceptance, and recognition that we are our brother's keeper; because our brother is us.

So, today is memorial day,- a good day to decide to change our world in honor of those who have given their lives in the name of freedom. Yes, we can, --- and we must. We can begin by letting go of hate and prejudice and resentment and focusing on love and acceptance, humility and kindness. Let us negotiate. Let us spread peace. Let us uplift each other! Let us all begin to help our vererans to heal.

Char

About Time.

Unknown user — Sun, 25 May 2008 08:42:38 EDT

Being an Australian, I have a unique view point on the race that is ensuring. This race actually affects Australians more than people will realise. As the "Younger Siblings" to America, we end up following in the footsteps of our "Elder Siblings" no matter how misguided those steps are.

Admittedly, the current heated race was not on the radar in the Australian Media with small reports of Hillary being inevitable winner until friends of mine stumbled upon Will I AM's video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHEO_fG3mm4

I was moved.

I researched this man with the funny name. And fell in love with what our Elder Siblings were moving towards under the leadership of this young and talented man. Yes, his appeal does stretch outside America's borders. Welcome to the information age.

Barack Obama and his campaign are showing the entire Democratic Party how to run a successful campaign. Having no internal issues involving staff even after major Primary losses is a credit to Barack and his Senior Staff Members. If anything, this is another reason for the Democratic Parties and Superdelegates to choose Obama to run the campaign in November.

How on earth Hillary can argue that she has a better chance in November when you look at how she fumbled her "Inevitability" tag to be wearing the "Sore Loser" and "Runner Up" tag.

Currently Hillary is tarring people with being misogynistic in regards to her campaign. Aw heck, Even Elton John said it when he came out and played for her.

By claiming that being a woman is a factor in her losing the nomination indirectly tars Barack and his supporters as being misogynistic and hence drives the wedge into the Democratic Party and its chances to win in November whilst sidestepping the core issue of her running a bad campaign. Instead of flocking to Obama when he takes the nomination, her core group now threatens to vote for John MaCain instead of voting for the man who's virtually the same as Hillary in terms of policy yet run a much smoother and smarter campaign.

To me it smells like Barack's being held hostage by the whims of the Clintons. I can only hope that he practices what every government does with hostage situations and doesn't cave into the request.

Currently the idea of Hillary being 2nd on the ticket is quite disturbing for me and this is why. It's popularly viewed that after 8 years of a failed Bush administration, this year is the year of change. Barack knew that and has run with it. Coming from nowhere, embracing new ideas and being the full embodiment of change as a smart leader should. Here’s a fantastic article is which shows how Barack is tapping into technology and minds that are crusading the Information Age. Being the leader of the now and not the past.

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200806/obama-finance

He's now poised to take this to the November election. Only problem is that Hillary does not fit this Paradigm of "change".

And even viewing her current campaign as her “Resume”, you would be hard pressed to see a person who needs to lead America out of the crippling slow down it's currently facing.

More disturbingly, the Republicans will no doubt be running a campaign revolving around "Reform" and headed by a "Maverick" who's been previously outspoken against Bush. Even though Yet of late, MaCain has pandered to the conservative crowd in his party and hence lost all real outstanding qualifications that made him different to Bush. Barack needs to stand tall on "Change" and needs a VP that supports "Change" yet also brings in experience to help him against the argument that Obama is unqualified to run for Commander in Chief. As much as I wish it was as I was actually a fan of the Clintons, This is defiantly not Hillary but possibly one of Clinton’s chief backing Superdelegates such as Evan Bayh.

Barack cannot go into the General Election running a "Change" theme with Hillary on the ticket, the Republican Party will simply “Swift boat” that ticket out of the race. Yet the other side of the coin is that Hillary really can’t go into November running her current "experience" campaign as John Macain would crush her with his heavy portfolio of experience. The democrats have to go in all guns blazing into this November as we currently see the Republican Party appearing to be sinking; we might just see how dirty a cornered rat will end up fighting.

Personally, I hope Barack continues to run with the idea of change, but also does a few things.

Pick a suitable running mate that does not undercut the primary message of change
Outline solid examples of "Change" that America will undergo under his leadership within the first 100 days of office so that the charges of the "lofty rhetoric" or even the awful "change you can Xerox" can be cast aside.
Go after MaCain in how he is no longer the "Maverick" that he used to be in 2000 but now has the exact same stance as Bush on things like Tax Reform. In other words, there is no reform. Only more of the same failed administration that has driven America to the edge of the Recession vortex.

Until Next Time,

-Nathaniel Wilson

"If the world is ending, Australia is 10 hours ahead of America so we can give you almost half a day's warning!!"

50 Plus white woman and proud to support Barak

Lymeris — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:59:40 EDT

Okay, this is a minor grip. I have been told over and over again by the media that Barak is getting the black vote and the environmentalists voters (CNN termed them the earthy people) and that Hilary is attracting white women over 50. Then I hear people on NPR during interviews about who is drawn to whom and a woman called in and said it's natural to be drawn to people you are like. Someone claimed on that news that some femaie Clinton supporters are so worked up about if she doesn't get the nomination they are leaving the party (as if they had been card carrying democrats for decades and will leave and vote for the Republican candidate, especially if he gets a female running mate) it's so important to them.

I am over 50 (54 to be exact) and I want Barak to win. I know many others who are over 50 white women who do. Barak and I are not at all alike in terms of background. I'm not voting for a president who looks like me or my friends down the street, or whose my age, sex, race, etc. If we got hired based on that it would be called discrimination! If there are two people running for that office and one is more like me physically, i.e. white, over 50, a woman why would I vote for that candidate if I don't agree with her policies in certain areas. If I DO agree with the policies of the one who is a man and is younger (49-wasn't Kennedy about that age or even younger?) than I, who is black, will I turn away my vote from him because he's not phycially like me? Let's get off the surface and look at policies.

Anatomy of a smear.

mtosner — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:10:19 EDT

Youtube embedded objects seem to be prohibited here So visit my diary here

http://www.mydd.com/admin/story/2008/5/24/124427/411

Here

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/5/24/5242/36293/879/521877

I'm hooked on Obama-mania

KayJB — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:07:39 EDT

I got so excited about this primary season that I actually upgraded my Satellite service to include MSNBC right in the middle of trying to watch the 19th Debate between Hillary and Obama on my laptop over the internet. I'm hooked on actually watching what is being said...because while we weren't watching...the election was stolen in 2000.

The amount of participation for the 2008 election is exhilarating.

Tennessee GOP attack ad shows voter clinging to guns and religion

Amy — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:33:37 EDT

Once again, the Republican faux outrage over Barack Obama's comments is under undermined by their own typical, hypocritical behavior. In trying to take pot shots at Michelle Obama for saying that she is proud of the hope she sees for the first time in her adult life and uniting to bring change, the Tennessee GOP asked voters to tell them why they were proud of their country. And not so shockingly, after one young Reaganite paid homage to the symbol of the flag and USA ass-kicking in WWII and the Cold War, what do you think the next guy wanted to cling to celebrate?

If you said guns and religious freedom, you either knew what Barack Obama meant when he spoke in San Francisco or you're the type of voter who responds to these kinds of code-word laden ads:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YmWEaqxkGtU

Feeling Disillusioned

Morna from Bronx, NY — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:16:36 EDT

Lately, with my computer problems, I haven't been able to post to Barack Obama blog as often as I'd like. So I'm going to vent tonight...

Until this election, I didn't realize just how divided this country was; yes, especially racially.

When I read the blogs, some of them filled with such hate, I cringe.

When I saw some of the results from the WV exit polls in WV, I felt sad.

When I listen to the analysts on the news, my hope diminishes.

I thought this country had gone farther than we actually have. Man, have I been living on Cloud 9.

I stopped tuning in to the Cable News for a couple days. It was just too depressing.

Then when I heard Huckabee tonight I 'blew a gasket'. What on earth was he thinking? No one jokes about something like that. I'll restrain myself and not "go off" on this issue.

Barack Obama, you have a lot of faith. I will continue to feed my hope from that.

You're always in my prayers. And I do thank you for trying to bring out the best in all of us.

McCain Can't Dig Himself Out of This One

National Reset Button — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:15:39 EDT

Republican presumptive presidential nominee Senator John McCain thinks he can re-state his previously expressed support of a long-term US presence in Iraq to get more votes. Instead, at his speech this morning in Columbus, he dug himself in deeper.

It is difficult to imagine a US voter who has not seen McCain declaring cavalierly that we could be in Iraq for another one hundred years, for all he knows or cares. Now, he says we will be mere peacekeepers in Iraq in five years. Not only is McCain not credible on this point, he has clothed his 'restatement' in phrases that smack of the Bush administration's lies that got us into Iraq in the first place--saying that we bombed Iraq 'so that America might be secure in her freedom'.

This is such nonsense (there were, ahem, no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; the Neocon sword rattling run-up to the Iraq war was based upon myth and bad intelligence practices) that we must now understand, if we didn't when we saw McCain embrace the President, that McCain stands for nothing more than a continuation of the lies, secrets, and deceits we have been enduring for almost eight years--to the extreme detriment of our economy, our reputation amongst our allies, and our outlook.

It is time for change in Washington. Real change. That's why we support Obama.

Proof that to know Barack Obama is to support him

TechnoZeus — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:49:00 EDT

It's interesting that through minimal campaigning in West Virginia before their primary election, Barack Obama has proven a point that Hillary Clinton has been trying to make all along, while simultaneously making a point of his own.

Is West Virginia Welcome in Your Democratic Party?

Dawn in Superstition Springs — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:54:00 EDT

Cross-posted at DailyKos.

It will take more than hope for West Virginia. It will take hard work and understanding. It will take urban city liberals [edited because this hick didn't realize urban meant black, sorry!] getting off of their high horses and coming down to our level -- the level of ordinary folk who are ignorant, misinformed, maybe even, shall we say the word, bigoted. That's right I said our level. I'm an agnostic Democrat who votes on economic and social justice issues, but I'm still more like them than I am like you.

Over the last week or so, I've heard a lot of kossacks writing off West Virginia, making fun of West Virginia, and even saying West Virginia doesn't matter. Some have painted all of Appalachia as racist homophobes who will never change. Some even said that Obama is in mortal danger there. Some have suggested that we revert to Clinton-style "states that matter" campaigning, leaving West Virginia and Kentucky behind altogether.

Well, progress hasn't left us behind, and I hope that progressives won't either. If you think progress is impossible in my neck of the woods, follow me after the jump...

What A Happy Mother's Day: A Great Day to Be American

Hunter Sloan Smith — Sun, 11 May 2008 08:50:17 EDT

I have never been so happy in my adult life. It has nothing to do with me or my accomplishments. It has to do, for the first time in oh so many years, with the pride I feel in living in America. I opened the paper today to see Barack Obama's beautiful smile lighting up the New York Times. This man, only five months ago smiled at the podium in Keene New Hampshire at my daughter and me (and others in the huge crowd) as we yelled "we love you Barack, he smiled that uplifting smile and returned our admiration, "I love you back." We jumped up and down like teenagers. My daughter is a teenager but I sure felt like one. Later in the evening he hugged my son who managed to practically ump on op of him with excitement. What a nice way to end a day spent trudging through the winter weather in zero degrees canvassing for our next President.

There have been many days of disappointment in my quest for the White House, but what has amazed me is the singular vision of so many of the citizens banded together in this Obama nation. We have always had hope, not necessarily in ourselves, but in the movement. When I have been down, friends have ecouraged me, when my daughter has been down fellow her cousins encouraged her, when my son has lost faith, I have encouraged him. Our mayor has canvassed with us. Our State Representative has canvasse with us. Now we are on our way to he White House. I say "we" because that is how it feels. I know that he couldn't have done it without all of us. He helped us to sustain our belief in this nation. He helped me to ekindle a faith in myself. There is no obstacle that cannot be confronted when people work together for change in decent and respectful ways. "We worship an awesome God.." Yes, in America, our freedom allows us o come together as one regardless of race or creed and fight for what is just.

I have nothing profound and deep to say other than how grateful I am to have campaigned with all my heart for Senator Obama. I have nothing to gain in this election other than a restoration in my belief in life liberty and the pursuit of happiness is indeed still part of our great country. Happy Mother's Day.

McCain and Clinton - Federal "GasTax Holiday"

Patti — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:26:44 EDT

Well here we go again... McCain and Clinton "teaming" up (again) for this "Federal Gas Tax Holiday". 18.4 cents is what "they" are speaking of, approximately $30 within three months.

America, if McCain and Clinton truly believe this Federal Gas Tax Holiday is supposed to make us the American people happy, they are sorely mistaken. A $30 savings from Memorial Day to Labor Day, THIRTY DOLLARS FOR a FEW months. Frankly, I find this an insult to OUR intelligence. It is up there with this "lovely" Bush economic stimulus package, $300 or $600 per person, Bush wants us to spend it all, again out of TOUCH with The "United" States of America.

The OIL companies are still making profits in the BILLIONS as well others... Yet, we will get a McCain/Clinton break of $30. But they do NOT speak of what happens when OPEC and their little brother's and sister's the oil companies decide to raise the price at the pump - literally wiping out the "Wonderful" Federal "Gas Tax Holiday". Or OPEC and the oil companies will wait until this lovely "gas holiday" is over and increase gas prices once again, either way WE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL PAY FOR IT!

Short term propositions are NOT the solution for a "LONG" term problem, especially when it comes to OIL! By the way, WHEN WILL the U.S. stop using oil? Now that the Winter is over - heating oil is down, therefore the price to fuel our cars skyrockets as does our electrical bills. No matter which way the American people turn, we are getting hit with astronomical prices.

Try contacting your local Utility company - THEY DO NOT HELP WHAT-SO-EVER, unless you consider them sending another company that offers, well let us simply state - NOT MUCH! Yet McCain and Clinton think $30 (for THREE months) is a great help. NO, it IS MORE OF THE SAME -- AN INSULT TO US ALL. Well at least for most of us, WE ARE realizing THESE lovely "offerings" are simply ridiculous!

30-second video to help Barack Obama win

Robert from Burbank, CA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:10:17 EDT

Hello,

Here is a 30-second video that could help Barack Obama win the Presidency. http://obamain30seconds.org/vote/?v=view-2427-oZQCgR Please view it, and if you agree, fill in the few blanks (Name, Email, Zip Code, The Two Words in the white box; then click the “Be counted” button) to register it as a "viewing." Then forward this email to as many Obama supporters as you can all over the country and world, and ask them to do the same (view, register, send). The top vote-getters will be in the finals, and the winner will be aired on national television. Yours for Obama, rObert phippsrOnald harris"OBAMA 44"

Clinton campaign chairman states, "Hillary wins in the states that count..." I thought all votes count?

Willow — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:50:47 EDT

Clinton campaign chairman,Terry McAuliffe, was on CNN lastnight. During his interview with Wolf Blitzer he said, "...Hillary wins in the states that count..." Does that mean if you live and have voted in states she hasn't won, your vote doesn't count? I can't believe a campaign chairman would say something so insensitive.

I am proud to report that I have attended several Obama functions and I have always heard positive things from the staffers and volunteers. Most notably, the first function I attended the staffer, Anne, said, "...as volunteers for the Obama campaign, please remember the 3 I's we stand for when speaking with others, Invite, Include and Involve..." What a positive comment. I think the Clinton campaign could take a lesson from that.

Bio-Tour Fails to Make McCain Less God-Like

Lenny from Dallas, TX — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:58:50 EDT

www.TheHarpooner.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Although Senator McCain's campaign is pleased with the results of his recent biography tour, many strategists have doubts about its efficacy, citing polls that show that the tour failed to increase the senator's level of realness. The poll indicates that 59% of Americans believe that rather than rounding out McCain's character and making him more accessible to the common citizen, the tour actually deified the senator further, raising him to the status of Zeus, Vishnu and Buddy, Buddha's hilarious little brother.

Josh Jackson, an Obama aide, considers the bio-tour a "crucial strategic blunder" by the McCain camp, "This creates major problems for the campaign, because now the question goes from 'is he connected to the common voter?' to 'when did John McCain become a god? And does he prefer pheasant or virgin Apache offerings?'"

Even McCain supporters are expressing disillusionment with his mythic stature. "I'm not really sure what he means sometimes," said Jerry Adams, a white man. "When he says he'll stay in Iraq for 100 years, is that 100 human years, or the start of a biblical dynasty?"

"Just with their whole campaign, I felt there was an unforgivable disregard for mortality, from the minions all the way to McCain," said Zach Duda, spokesman for the Clinton campaign. "But I have a little sympathy for them. It's not easy, getting people to stop worshipping you." When pressed he discussed what he would've done differently, "For starters, He could've talked more about the details of economic policy, because gods don't talk economic policy. But He was regal as ever, distant like Marduk perched on the Tower of Babel. He reeks of being raised during the dawn of time."

Critics and supporters agree that McCain's inability to raise his arms above his waist, a condition known in the deity community as "God's Pose," doesn't help promote a mortal image either.

Bill Singh, a former adviser to McCain, believes that the candidate is wasting time by not attacking his democratic rivals.

"While the senator was out trying to prove himself human, he was losing ground to the Democrats," Singh said. "You are what you are and being a mythological figure isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's much better than being a caricature or even a stereotype."

Move.On Petition - Reaction to Debate

Beverly Jurenko — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:00:03 EDT

Dear List members,

I am forwarding this petition prepared by MoveOn.Com in reaction to Wednesday’s debate. I have already signed and am now passing in on it the hope that you will as well and then pass it on to others.

Thanks.

Beverly Jurenko

Dear MoveOn member,
Great news! Over 200,000 people signed the petition demanding the media focus on real issues.

Can you help us get to a quarter million so we can put that number in an ad? Just send this email to friends.

The petition:

"Debate moderators abuse the public trust every time they ask trivial questions about gaffes and 'gotchas' that only political insiders care about. Enough with the distractions—ABC and other networks must focus on issues that affect people's daily lives." <http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=1>

Sign the petition <http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=2>

Watch video excerpts:

<http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=3>

Great news. Our campaign asking the media to focus on the big issues—not trivial "gotcha" politics—is picking up some major steam.

We set a goal of 100,000 petition signers—and doubled that goal in less than 24 hours! (Thanks for being one of 200,000 strong.) Plus, news media from the Washington Post to Reuters to ABC World News itself reported on the backlash and our petition.

Today, we're designing an ad to increase the pressure on ABC, and we're planning to run it on ABC's own website! The ad will include the message of our petition and the number of signatures—and we want that number to be as high as possible.

Can you help us get a quarter-million signatures on the petition by sending this to your friends and asking them to sign? They can just click here:

http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=4 <http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=4>

The petition says: "Debate moderators abuse the public trust every time they ask trivial questions about gaffes and 'gotchas' that only political insiders care about. Enough with the distractions—ABC and other networks must focus on issues that affect people's daily lives."

Our message is clearly being heard. Check out these headlines written in the last 24 hours—these stories mention MoveOn's petition and get our critique of ABC's debate:

MoveOn.org criticizes debate between Clinton, Obama as "gotcha"—Reuters1

MoveOn sending petition to ABC—Politico2

Gibson, Stephanopoulos criticized for work on debate—Associated Press3

Performance By ABC's Moderators Is a Matter Of Debate—Washington Post4
After getting thousands of negative comments, ABC was even forced to do a story about the criticism last night! A video link is below.5

But despite all this, ABC is digging in. George Stephanopoulos, a debate moderator, rejected criticism and said, "Overall, the questions were tough, fair, relevant, and appropriate." In case you need a reminder, these included everything from whether Barack Obama loved the American flag to the rehashed Bosnia story and Rev. Wright story.

For ABC to change their ways, they need to feel more pressure. Can you help us get a quarter-million signatures on the petition by sending an email to your friends? We'll then put that number and our petition's message in the ad for ABC's website.

Can you ask your friends to sign on? They can click here:

http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=5 <http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=5>

Thanks for all you do.

–Adam G., Ilyse, Peter, Ray, Stephanie, and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Friday, April 18th, 2008

P.S. Our original email announcing this petition is below.

Sources:

1. "MoveOn.org criticizes debate between Clinton, Obama as 'gotcha,'" Reuters blog, April 17, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3584&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=6 <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3584&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=6>

2. "MoveOn sending petition to ABC," Politico, April 17, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3585&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=7 <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3585&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=7>

3. "Gibson, Stephanopoulos criticized for work on debate," Associated Press, April 17, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080418/ap_en_tv/tv_abc_s_debate

4. "Performance By ABC's Moderators Is a Matter Of Debate," Washington Post, April 18, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3586&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=8 <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3586&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=8>

5. YouTube of ABC's World News on April 17, 2008, captured by our friends at Crooksandliars.com:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/ <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3588&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9>

6. "George Stephanopoulos Responds To Obama, Defends Handling Of Debate," TPM Election Central, April 17, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3587&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=9 <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3587&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=9>

Sign the petition:

Sign the petition <http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=11>

Watch video excerpts:

<http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=12>

Clicking here will sign your name:

"Petition text goes here" <http://pol.moveon.org/REPLACEME/o.pl?id=&t=163&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=13>

Sign the petition <http://pol.moveon.org/REPLACEME/o.pl?id=&t=164&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=14>

Dear MoveOn member,

If you missed the Democratic presidential debate on ABC last night, Editor & Publisher called it "perhaps the most embarrassing performance by the media in a major presidential debate in years."1 (Click below to see video excerpts.)

Moderators George Stephanopoulos and Charlie Gibson spent the first 50 minutes obsessed with distractions that only political insiders care about—verbal gaffes, polling numbers, the stale Rev. Wright story, and the old-news Bosnia story. And, channeling Karl Rove, they directed a video question to Barack Obama asking if he loves the American flag or not. Seriously.

Enough is enough. The public needs the media to stop hurting the national dialogue in this important election year. Can you sign the petition to ABC and other media outlets and pass it on to friends who are also fed up? Click here for our must-see video with excerpts from last night—and to sign the petition:

http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=15 <http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=15>

The petition says: "Debate moderators abuse the public trust every time they ask trivial questions about gaffes and 'gotchas' that only political insiders care about. Enough with the distractions—ABC and other networks must focus on issues that affect people's daily lives."

We'll deliver petition signatures to ABC and the networks hosting future debates. And if we reach 100,000 signatures, we'll reprint the petition in an ad campaign targeting the networks on this issue.
ABC's natural inclination will be to ignore their critics, so we need to go above and beyond to show them that the public is truly outraged. So, please, think about some friends who may be fed up with 2008 media coverage and forward them this email. If thousands of us do that, it'll make a huge difference.

The reaction to last night's debate has been very consistent:
"A stinker, an absolute car crash—thanks to the host network ABC...[It] ran the gamut from banal to inane. At the end of the debate members of the crowd appeared to be booing moderator Charlie Gibson."—The Guardian's Richard Adams2
"Halfway through the debate, not a single question on any policy issue had been asked."—OpenLeft.com's Chris Bowers3

"For the first 52 minutes...Gibson and Stephanopoulos dwelled entirely on specious and gossipy trivia that already has been hashed and rehashed, in the hope of getting the candidates to claw at one another over disputes that are no longer news. Some were barely news to begin with."—Washington Post TV critic Tom Shales.4

"We've revisited bitter. We've gone back to Bosnia. We've dragged Rev. Wright back up onto the podium. We've mis-spent this debate by allowing Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos to ask questions that skirt what in my mind is what we need to know now."—Philadelphia Inquirer's Daniel Rubin5

Shame on ABC for letting voters down with last night's abysmal debate. Bad debates aren't just painful to watch—they actually hurt the country by distracting voters and politicians away from big issues of the day.

Please send a message to ABC and other media outlets that we need our national dialogue to focus on the real issues facing Americans. Click here to sign the petition:

http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=16 <http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?rc=tellafriend&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=16>

Thanks for all you do.

–Adam G., Patrick, Anna, Peter, Justin, and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Friday, April 18th, 2008
Sources:

1. "Clinton-Obama Debate: ABC Decides Top Issues Facing Americans Are Gaffes, Flag Pins and '60s Radicals," Editor & Publisher, April 16, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3580&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=17 <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3580&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=17>

2. "Worst. Debate. Ever." The Guardian blog, April 16, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3582&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=18 <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3582&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=18>

3. "Philadelphia Debate Thread," Chris Bowers, OpenLeft.com, April 16, 2008
http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=5195

4. "In Pa. Debate, The Clear Loser Is ABC," Washington Post, April 17, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3581&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=19 <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3581&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=19>

5. "The Debate Debacle," The Philadelphia Inquirer blog, April 16, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3583&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=20 <http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3583&id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=20>

Support our member-driven organization: MoveOn.org Political Action is entirely funded by our 3.2 million members. We have no corporate contributors, no foundation grants, no money from unions. Our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at:

http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html?id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=21 <http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html?id=12463-9111669-QVRsD9&t=21>

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I'm Bitter and I'm Not Gonna Take it Anymore!

Sarah from West Orange, NJ — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:37:28 EDT

Senator Obama needs to spin the controversy over his recent statements in his favor by quickly helping Pennsylvania voters realize that "they are bitter and they're not gonna take it anymore!" a la Howard Beale in the film Network.

The campaign needs to get the following slogans out there to counter Senator Clinton's and Senator McCain's attacks:

"I'm bitter about jobs going overseas and I'm not gonna take it anymore!"

"I'm bitter that young Americans are dying needlessly in Iraq and I'm not gonna take it anymore!"

"I'm bitter that for the past 7 years we've had a government that lies to us and I'm not gonna take it anymore!"

Senator Obama's campaign needs to hand out T-shirts, pins and stickers with these slogans in order to spin this in his favor.

FALL OF THE HOUSE OF CLINTON

Eric from Covina, CA — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:15:00 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
FALL OF THE HOUSE OF CLINTON

Hillary Clinton's ravenous ambition and sense of entitlement has clearly blinded her to reality. If she wasn't so blinded by the arrogance of believing that America owes her the presidency, she'd realize that her antics in this election is not only undermining any chance she has of becoming president, but it's also wreaking havoc on the Clinton legacy. The one thing the Clintons had going for them was America's belief that, with all their flaws, they were primarily motivated by what was in America's best interest. But that's no longer the case. Now we see the Clintons for what they are–a couple who's willing to lie, cheat and steal to promote their own greed and self-interest. That, in turn, has caused many Americans to take a second look at both, their character, and Bill's presidency through the lense of this new information, and a large number of them don't like what they see.

Now, many Americans are beginning to ask themselves questions, like how can we trust Hillary to answer that call at 3 a.m. When she seems to be totally oblivious to facts that are staring her in the face–especially when those facts don't conform to what she wants to see? For example, doesn't she realize that by continuously slinging mud at Obama instead of addressing the issues that it's making her look desperate and less than concerned about the fate of the Democratic Party? And what about her judgment? What could she have possibly been thinking when she repeatedly endorsed the Republican nominee over Obama? Then there was the Bosnian matter. Didn't she realize before she told that blatant lie about the Bosnian trip that there were news cameras there to document that she was lying? And if that wasn't stupid enough, she then went on The Tonight Show and tried to joke about it, as though lying to the American people was all in fun. Now, as a direct result of that lie, a Pew research survey indicates that 29% of Democrats asked describes Hillary as phony. In addition, she's also placed herself in a position where every syllable she utters, and every scrap of paper she releases is going to be scrutinized with a fine tooth comb--and that doesn't bode well, considering her dubious past.

Jimmy Carter hints at support for Barack Obama campaign

Fine Art Artist For Obama — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:27:34 EDT

Former US president Jimmy Carter has given his tacit endorsement to Barack Obama, boosting his attempt to seal the Democratic Party's nomination for the White House.

Asked about the US primary elections, Mr Carter said: "We are very interested in the primaries. Don't forget that Obama won in my state of Georgia. My town - which is home to 625 people - is for Obama, my children and their spouses are pro-Obama. My grandchildren are also pro-Obama. As a super-delegate, I would not disclose who I am rooting for but I leave you to make that guess," he said.

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Mr Carter made the comments while visiting Abuja, the Nigerian capital, to attend the Guinea Worm Eradication Awards set up by the Carter Centre, his global foundation fighting disease and poverty.

The former Democratic president, who served from 1977 to 1981, has along with other party grandees such as former vice-president Al Gore and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi refrained from endorsing Mr Obama or Hillary Clinton.

Mr Obama holds a narrow but seemingly impregnable lead over the former First Lady with 10 state primaries and caucuses still to be held.

His rival's only hope is to persuade nearly 800 super-delegates - party officials and grandees who have a free vote at the party's nominating convention - that she is more electable than her inexperienced rival. Mr Obama has secured a number of super-delegates in recent weeks, and Mr Carter's heavy hint is likely to encourage others to follow suit.

Party leaders are keen to avoid a damaging squabble over the nomination at the convention in late August in Denver, just a few months before the presidential election. They are keen for the winner to emerge in mid-summer.

---To read full story, please visit the website below

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/04/wuspols104.xml

Media tycoon Elisabeth Murdoch to host London fundraiser for Barack Obama

Fine Art Artist For Obama — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:56:58 EDT

LONDON: The guest list is a roll call of London's more glamorous U.S. expats.

Television tycoon Elisabeth Murdoch, daughter of News Corp. owner Rupert Murdoch, is holding a fundraiser for Barack Obama at her London home.

The invitation to the April 28 event at Murdoch's west London house lists Murdoch as one of eight "event chairs." The others include Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Warner Bros. U.K. managing director Josh Berger and U.S.-born chef Ruth Rogers.

The 20 "event hosts" include art collector Kay Saatchi, fund manager David Blood and Elizabeth Saltzman Walker, fashion director of Vanity Fair magazine.

Attendance costs $1,000 each or $2,300 for the event plus a "VIP reception." The higher figure is the maximum individual donation allowed to a primary campaign.

The event has sparked speculation about possible political differences within the Murdoch clan.

Rupert Murdoch is a well-known conservative, and his New York Post newspaper was a longtime foe of former President Clinton and Hillary Clinton during his two terms in the White House and her first run for the U.S. Senate in New York in 2000.

Since then, the couple have worked to reach a detente with the paper and its owner. The Post endorsed Hillary Clinton's re-election bid in 2006, and Rupert Murdoch hosted a fundraiser for her senatorial campaign.

In January, however, the Post endorsed Clinton's rival, Obama, for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

News Corp. is one of the world's largest media empires, and owns the Times and Sun newspapers in Britain, British Sky Broadcasting and the Fox News Channel.

Elisabeth Murdoch, 39, is a former managing director of Sky Networks who left her father's company in 2000 to start her own television production company, Shine Ltd.

She is married to public relations executive Matthew Freud, great-grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/03/news/Britain-Murdoch-Obama.php

Why Obama Rocks the Vote

Fine Art Artist For Obama — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:53:58 EDT

Why Obama Rocks the Vote

By Catherine Rampell
Sunday, March 30, 2008; B07

Just before every presidential campaign of the past few decades, the media have heralded The Year That Young People Will Actually Vote. Yet each of those years turned out to be a youth turnoff. The last time more than half of 18-to-24-year-olds voted in a federal election was 1968.

The hubbub is instigated every election cycle by the youth voter mobilization movement, led by Rock the Vote and Declare Yourself. These nonpartisan groups generally try to make voting more palatable in practice and principle: They make voter registration more convenient, and they try to make casting a ballot sound fashionably subversive. Both strategies have failed. This year, though, youth turnout is doing a turnabout, if numbers from the primaries are any indication. And it's because where Rock the Vote has gone wrong, Barack Obama has gone very, very right.

Well-meaning groups for years have held voter registration drives through concerts, schools, Web sites and cellphones. They have pushed motor voter-type laws -- contending that the inconvenience of voter registration discourages otherwise politically gung-ho young'uns. But with the exception of Election Day registration, removing barriers to registration generally results not in an increase in youth turnout but, rather, in a decline in the proportion of those registered who vote.

Many groups concentrate on marketing voting to youths. Through public service announcements, celebrity endorsements and thugged-out streetwear, they present voting with a subtext of rebelliousness. Early 20th-century efforts to motivate voters portrayed casting a ballot as a selfless, communal act, a sort of fealty to the state and to one's countrymen; today's youth-oriented efforts tend to present voting as self-interested and adversarial, a demonstration of rebellion against those running the state and against one's overbearing, parent-like compatriots. The ads frequently remind youngsters that voting is an avenue for "complaining"; a recurring theme is negation and destruction of the oppressive status quo. Some ads reference censorship of young voices, depicting youths with their mouths duct-taped shut. Some memorable ones involve "desecrations" of national symbols (remember Madonna's 1990 sexed-up American flag ad?). More recent commercials feature performers crooning angry lyrics to such iconic American tunes as " My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

Click on the link below to carry on reading:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032801857_pf.html

A Pulitzer Prize winning author has compared US presidential hopeful Barack Obama to anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela and civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King J.

Fine Art Artist For Obama — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:48:44 EDT

Purple prose for 'stunning' Obama

A Pulitzer Prize winning author has compared US presidential hopeful Barack Obama to anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela and civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King Jr.

American author and feminist Alice Walker, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her 1983 novel The Colour Purple, writes that Senator Obama represents a rare opportunity to change America and the world.

"He is, in fact, a remarkable human being, not perfect but humanly stunning, like King was and like Mandela is," she wrote. "He is the change America has been trying desperately and for centuries to hide, ignore, kill. The change it must have if we are to convince the rest of the world that we care about people other than our (white) selves."

Walker, 64, who is longstanding activist for women's rights, criticised those who favoured Senator Obama's Democratic Party rival Hillary Clinton, simply because she is a woman and competent.

"It is a deep sadness to me that many of my feminist white women friends cannot see (Senator Obama), cannot hear the fresh choices toward movement he offers."

She said Senator Obama would help to build alliances between people despite barriers of race, ethnicity, colour, nationality, sexual preference or gender.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/bpeopleb-authors-purple-prose-for-stunning-obama/2008/04/01/1206850904451.html

Barack Obama gets former Rep. Lee Hamilton's endorsement

Fine Art Artist For Obama — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:38:35 EDT

In what could prove both a significant addition to his foreign policy credentials and a boost for the close Indiana primary, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois this afternoon scored the endorsement of former Rep. Lee Hamilton, one of the Democratic Party's leading foreign affairs experts.

Hamilton, a 35-year House member from Indiana, which holds its presidential primary May 6, chaired the Committee on Foreign Affairs and co-chaired both the 9/11 commission and the Iraq Study Group.

“I read his national security and foreign policy speeches," Hamilton told Bloomberg News today, "and he comes across to me as pragmatic, visionary and tough. He impresses me as a person who wants to use all the tools of presidential power.”

The backing of Hamilton, who was said to be on the list of possible vice presidential partners for Bill Clinton in 1992, could help Obama, who's been criticized for his foreign policy inexperience.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/04/barack-obama-ge.html

Obama is world's choice for Democratic nominee

Fine Art Artist For Obama — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:13:48 EDT

Barack Obama is the global choice for the Democratic presidential nominee by a margin of almost two to one, according to an international poll conducted by Times Online.

65 per cent of participants – spanning all continents right around the world – said the young Illinois senator was their choice to take on John McCain in the race for the White House, against just 35 per cent who selected Hillary Clinton.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3483296.ece

The World wants Obama!

Fine Art Artist For Obama — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:04:08 EDT

The international community is interdependent and the next US President will make decisions that that affect us all. Whether you live in Baghdad, Buenos Aires or Bangkok, this matters. As non-Americans, we can't vote in the elections, but if we could we’d support Obama (here's why). This site collects evidence of his international support and provides resources to help global citizens make their own assessments.

http://www.theworldwantsobama.org/

March 29, 2008 Texas County/Senatorial District 12 Convention

Gregg Givens — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:14:17 EDT

I wanted to post my thoughts from the historical day, I participated in Saturday. There was some frustration from supporters of both candidates, but from what I observed all things considered, it ran fairly well. Almost 3000 delegates by my estimate. I understand the number of delegates for this district four years ago was 300. The following is my log for the day:

0600 - It was tough getting up today, but all I had to do was fake myself out into thinking I had a golf tournament to make. After all, I had got up at 0600 on Febuary 20, 2008, to catch the TRE with my wife and sister-in-law at 0800. All of that to ensure that we could get a seat at Reunion Arena that day. For me to give up the first perfect golf day in Febuary with the Seniors, and stand in line for nearly 3 hours to see Barrack's first public appearance in DFW was well worth it. Had to be 18,000 plus people there that day at Reunion, and probably another 1,000 plus turned away. An experience, that we will never forget.

Today, I am taking the initative another step since I was able to become an Obama delagate at the March 4, 2008 Texas Precinct Democratic Caucus. I am a delegate from Tarrant County Precinct 3333 and we had 11 delegates for Hillary and 10 delegates for Obama. Unfortunately, we did not elect an Obama alternate that night. Thus, it is imparaitive that all Obama delegates from our precinct make it to the County/District 12 Convention. Our district meeting is at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Tx.

0700 - In the car, listening to ESPN Radio 103.3, as I take the casual neighborhoold drive west to east down Mid-Cities Blvd. Passing through North Richland Hills, Hurst, Bedford, Colleyville, Grapevine, I wonder when all these precincts show up today, will NE Tarrant County go Obama or Clinton? I see a Waffle House, better get some breakfast, it's going to be a long day.

0800 - Traffic into Grapevine on 121N seems quite heavy for a Saturday morning, ahead I see a 10 car line, all tightly group behind each other with hazard lights flashing. I bet myself they are Obama delegates, as I speed up and fall in behind them. Sure enough, Obama stickers on the bumpers..I think I won the bet. I am in the left turn lane into the Gaylord, it will take me at least 3 changes of the light to make it.

0810 - I am now turning into the line for the self-parking garage..jumping over to the left line I remember this is a double lane entry. It is nice to have been to this facility at least once. Ok, thru the gate and backing into a great parking spot. Perfect timing, there is our Precinct Captain, Eric. As we walk through the garage and as the escalator gets closer to the top of the exhibit hall floor, you can begin to sense there is already a large crowd here...."Bam" to steal an overused phrase from an over hyped Chef we are suddendly thrust into a sea of people. Check that, a sea of Democrats, a very beautiful thing to see in Texas! By my quick estimate there must be at least a 1000 people already here to register.

0900 - Still in line to register and get my delegate credentials. This line has been moved twice already and is getting longer and longer. Must be close to 2000 Democrats here by now, winding down the hall in front of the Longhorn Exhibition Room A & B. Although the crowd is large and growing, the registration process slower than rush hour traffic, it is amazingly quite orderly and calm.

1000 - Getting closer to the registration desk, at least I can see the various precinct lines to register. A democratic staff volunteer with an offical looking list of precincts stops and asked me did I know what precinct I am in? "Sure" I replied, "3333." "Let me look it up" he said. "Oh your precinct is challenged, you might as well get out of line and go into the hall, beause you won't be able to get your delegate credentials until the challenge on your precinct has been resolved. " Now I have been standing in this slow moving line for 2 hours, and our precinct captain is next to me with all the paperwork for the precinct and no challenge has been filed. At least it couldn't have happen by the challenge deadline date which was last Tueday. I am thinking to myself this guy must be a Hillary supporter, we need to get another opinion. Eric, has a message on his cell from Debra, she has made it through registration and has her delegate credentials, thus proving what we already knew, that there was no challenge on our precinct. I suppose the staffer was "sleep deprived" and mispoke.

1030 - Finally at the ropes for entry to registration desks. I decide to move to the middle of the area where I see the line for registration for precinct 3333. A different staffer says " sir, you need to stay in this line." "Why, I ask, when it appears to me the registration line for precinct 3333 is over there not here." "I am sorry, she says how many are there from your precinct." "Three" I calmly replied. "Ok come this way"....finally almost there. By now, I am in the spot for a perfect deodrant commercial, sweet is poping out all over my forehead, eyeball to eyeball, cheek to cheek with a sea of Democrats. "Can you hand us some ID for the three of you"? This is almost impossible as I stand sideways to try to talk to the lady at the registration desk, collect my colleagues ID's and try despartely not to step on someone..I really do have to stand sideways and ask the lady at the desk to hold the paper as I sign in..it is that crowded..but a great problem to have, and a beautiful site to see!

1045 - In the hall, I see everyone from Precinct 3333, looks like we are going to be camped out for awhile. Edith, doesn't have a delegate badge. "Where is your badge"? I ask. Edith tells me same story I had heard earlier from the staffer, I referred to as sleep deprived. Long story short she was told our precinct was challenged and couldn't get her credentials. "Follow me", I said, " lets go get your credentials." After a brief discussion with my new friend (The staffer who stopped me earlier) at the ropes, I expained to her that the staff had given Edith incorrect information and she should open the ropes and let her get into the precinct line to register. (The line behind us is still very, very long) ... Done.

1100 - Somewhere around this time the Chair called the meeting to order and made a motion to supsend the convention for an hour. Still long lines of delegates to register.

1230 - The Chair of Senatorial District 12 states that we have challenges in 87 of the 238 precincts in District 12. A call has been made to the legal advisors of both Clinton and Obama Campaigns.(According to the Chair)  Both Camps are fine to split the delagates of 50/50 and seat these 87 Precincts. Otherwise we could be here untill 4:00 before we get started on the Causcus. A motion was put in place to seat these delagates 50/50 and get started. The motion was soundly defeated..not sure whether it was Hillary or Obama delegates who did not want to suspend the challenges...but it is going to be a very long day.

1300 - The Chair again explains that this is going to be a long day, once more the motion to suspend and seat the delagates motion is brought to the floor .....and again it is souldly defeated!

1430 - Can't take it anymore..got to go get some lunch..asked Gary to call me if they get done with these challenges before I return.

1507 - Gary calls, they are done with challenges.

1520 - As I walk in I notice people collecting up buckets. Looks like they passed the hat while I was at lunch. Gary informs me that the District had taken up a collection and had asked for $10.00 donations, since the Tarrant County Democratic Party was broke. "Not sure I have $10.00 after that $21.00 plus tax and tip lunch I just had" was my reply, "but I did get my $10.00 parking stub validated!"   It was later announced that they had taken up almost $10,000.00 from passing the hat or bucket.

1530 - All challenges resolved and now we can get on with the Caucus and electing State and At Large Delagates. Our precinct is split 50/50 for Hillary/Obama 10/10. Eric for Obama/Mary for Hillary for State Delagate. By the rules in case of tie, you settle it the old fashion way by flippling a coin. I flipped the coin after showing each side heads and tails on my shinny new quarter.   The coin lands on Tails but noone heard Mary's call in the air..so we had to do it again. Mary calls tails, and the coin richocets off a chair and lands on tails. Well, looks the Obama supporters from our precinct get the alternate slot to the State Convention, However, based on my survey of the room I think Obama will be the winner in District 12, and end up with more State Delegates.

Yes We Can and Yes We Did!

6th District Caucus April 13th

Josef Aukee — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:51:50 EDT

It's time!

Come to the caucus on April 13 to cast your vote for CA delegates to the national covention in Denver.

Here's the deal:

Sunday, April 13 at 2pm the doors open. you must be in and get a ballot by 3pm to vote. You can listen to candidates speak or just vote and go.

Come to Carpenter's Union Hall
1706 Corby Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95407

I look forward to meeting those of you who can make it.

Thanks.

Clinton's time is running out

Michelle — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:13:25 EDT

A lot of discussions and analysis have been made why Clinton should just give up battling Obama because the math doesn't really favor her. My favorite one is the computer program that CNN uses to show both graphics and numbers that Clinton has to win big in the remaining primaries. That being said, below is an excerpt of another article why Clinton's time is running out:

"Any outcome short of that makes Obama the nominee, I would think. It doesn't really matter what it is. She wins Pennsylvania by 10 points, and they split the other two in fairly close votes, for example; for Clinton, not enough. In any case like that, it will be apparent that Clinton cannot catch Obama either in the total popular vote (which Obama leads by 700,000 right now) or the pledged delegate count (which he leads by around 140)." ~Michael Thomasky, The Guardian

Here's the link to the full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/mar/24/hillaryclinton.barackobama

Do Unto Others . . . But Do It First

Cherif — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:14:08 EDT

I have become increasingly convinced and correspondingly distressed that Hillary Clinton is deliberately setting Barack Obama up for defeat in 2008 so that she will have an unobstructed path to the nomination and likely election in 2012. Her campaign, ever since her mixed success on March 5, has been practically devoid of substance and appears to consist of nothing more than tearing Obama down. Given that she is not stupid, and can "do the math" as well as anyone, there would appear to be no reason for her to continue on this destructive path except to ruin Obama's chances in 2008 and leave herself a clear field for 2012. If I am correct (and I know I am not the only person to have this suspicion), I believe the Obama campaign should make it known to Team Clinton that two can play the game and that Obama is better positioned to do so. I would make it clear to Team Clinton that if Hillary or her surrogates continue to denigrate Obama and thereby elevate McCain, at some point Obama will conclude that the nomination is not worth having: particularly, if this contest is drawn out to a floor fight at the convention. At that point, Obama will simply withdraw from the contest on the grounds that it has become too destructive of the party and declare that if Hillary wants the nomination badly enough to bear the risk of such damage, she can have it. Many Obama supporters, including myself, would just stay home in November (as I did when Hubert Humphrey, who gleefully supported LBJ's Vietnam War, was nominated in 1968), and let the chips fall where they may. Given the baggage that Hillary already carries, I cannot imagine her winning against McCain in such circumstances.

In 2012, after four more years of a Bush clone, with the war in Iraq (and with Iran?) still going on, with Afghanistan getting worse (and joined by Pakistan as a failed state), and with the US economy still in the tank, Obama comes forth with his irresistable message of change and hope.

The moral: Do unto others as they would do unto you, but do it first.

Weapons for War

dajagreen — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:11:56 EDT

I have to confess I am pretty new to this blogging stuff and I really underestimated its power to influence. Sometimes I go to news articles that seem intriguing and read stories then realize that there just another blog to start a debate. Then I fall into the trap and endless loop of arguing my point to deaf ears racist and the politically motivated. I went to one site from Oprah’s website so I could feel good after the Jeremiah Wright lies only to find out that it was infiltrated by a gang of negative commentaters. So I sat there and read through the endless loops of racism, ignorance and the misguided. I realized we are all guilty of getting caught up in the moment and are brought down to the level of ignorance and start to spit out venom only to be added to the history of the blog which in turn is the purpose. But positive people always see through the negative. I think this is an opportunity for us to be different. We can use this to our advantage. “Know your enemy” that’s a popular quote of warfare and this is true. Most blogger are motivated to agitate, so go prepared. Some blogs have 100000 views everyday. Imagine if people where to read information about Obama’s ” Blue Print For Change” when they ask what he can do about security of health care or whatever. Just copy a link to the Blue Print they can read it and hey, we may win an ally or better yet send them a link to the hundreds of videos that are out there so they can hear or see for them selves. I remember going to YouTube and seeing the beautiful speech “A more perfect union” soon after groups of racist idiots and the politically motivated started posting comments to try to take away from the point. Now there comments are there for weeks and months so people can read their hate over and over again for the history of the post. Image if someone reed this hate and then where guided to a link of truth or read a part of the Blue Print for change this could be to our advantage, but only if enough of us go to these blogs prepared. So I have a solution. Below are links that we can use to cut and past until our heart are content. I’m not saying don’t think for your self. Make the argument but go prepared to the argument. Have a video, a website, The blue print for change, so when you leave the blog some will read and be lead into the light.

Listening to Philadelphia

Thomas from Providence, RI — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:07:28 EDT

Well, this is the day to make my first post. All along I've been thinking that there are so many people writing and talking out there, what could the point be? Every voice does matter, but frankly, I need something to keep me from yelling at the TV. (Plus, I've never had a blog, and I can think of no better spark than this remarkable moment we are all living in.)

So, as some friends at the office used to say, "There's a new dork in town." Here goes.

I worked for many years in forestry and forest conservation, one of the whitest sectors around. And when my organization, a grassroots network of rural people, community organizations, and small businesses started talking about diversity and race and class, a lot of people were left scratching their heads, and asking questions , most of which went something like: "What the heck does all this have to do with forestry?" The answer was simple, if unpopular: "Everything." Low-wage workers (often undocumented and mistreated, and working in unsafe conditions without recourse), poor landowners just trying to get by, often just trying to hang onto their land, and communities with land and water poisoned by pollution with nowhere to turn.

The fact is race matters, and racism is everywhere. And it is not an insult to be called a racist, it is simply a reality. (A wise friend once described racism as something we are "dipped in," something we inherit, and as such it is something we must question, disrupt, and dismantle. It is big work.) Talking about, trying to understand it, work on it, work through it is messy, and painful, and often scary. It is a conversation that is always out there, waiting to be had. We can choose not to talk about it, but that will not make it go away. And today, a presidential candidate decided to talk about it. Now, that's presidential. And something I can be--and am--proud of.

A quick thought on the "Popular Vote"

Jason Wells — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:30:53 EDT

I'm sure most everyone has been hearing and reading an ear full from Hillary supporters, about how if she wins the “popular vote” counts that the superdelegates should back her based on the “will of the people.” Of course we all know that for all practical intents and purposes she can’t overcome the pledged delegate lead, regardless of what happens with Florida and Michigan. It’s also unlikely she can actually overcome the popular vote margin, but if there are primary re-votes in Florida and Michigan there is a small chance that she could pull even or be slightly ahead in the “popular vote”

Here’s why that shouldn’t matter: Iowa, Nevada, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nebraska, Washington, Maine, Hawaii, and Wyoming. 13 states, over a quarter of the nation, selected their delegates in a caucus format and it is impossible to make a comparison to the margin of victory between a caucus and a primary. Obama could have a significantly larger lead in popular votes if all of his caucus wins were primaries, or it might be the same. You're comparing apples and oranges though, which is why we have delegates to begin with.

Next time you hear this argument from a Hillary supporter remind them that we have delegates for a reason and, as much as they might want to admit it, every state matters!