Posts with the tag GOP

Spread the GOOD economic news

Steven — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:53:55 EST

I am puzzled why the administration is getting grief on the economy. They have performed a @##$% MIRACLE in preventing a complete meltdown after 8 YEARS of completely irresponsible economic policy. The idea that Geithner is gettign raked over the coals for being "ineffective" and indecisive is absurd. He and the other economic team basically dug the whole GLOBAL economy out of a deep trench. Even at 2.8% the fact that the US GDP is positive is amazing news, and definitive proof, by the way, of the practical truth of Keynsian theory.

The Stimulus Act has been a huge help. It could have been even more effective, had there been more support in the Senate for the policy (from Republicans), but they have been to a man (with a couple of women, and one who has subsequently become a Democrat) against it. It is pitiful for them to now claim that the stimulus is not working ENOUGH to prevent unemployment going up, when THEY were the ones who ensured it was not larger than it is.

But, despite GOP pernicious opposition economic policy has been remarkably effective, so effective that we are now, as an economy, growing again. But now the fear among the economists is that consumers are not spending enough money. But isn't the whole point about the balance of payments deficit and the credit crunch that consumers were spending too much in the first place? Don't we need a period in this country when there are not outlays aimed at consumption but rather at production? For exports, or for energy-saving? We need to get capital aimed at straightening out the US economy and its position in the global economy. The best way to do this is to invest in export industries and in infrastructure. So we should be happy that the consumer is not maxing out on credit cards again. The problem now is how to get the finace sector to pony up the capital to get the economy producing again--rather than paying itself huge bonuses. But isn't the fact that Wall Street is not doing its side of the bargain yet more evidence that the "free market" is not working, and is that not an indictment of right-wing anti-government theory, rather than something to blame the Obama admin. for, or Geithner?

So, spread the word that our guys have saved capitralism from itself--if they don't fulfil their side of the bargain by investing in their ownh system--then that is their fault (and that of their republican cronies)--not of the Obama administration.

Health Care Bill from the Senate Finance Committee

"Voice for Humanity" — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:19:37 EDT

By Padmini Arhant

According to the latest report from the Associated Press:

Health care bill advances without bipartisan deal -

“After months of bipartisan negotiations, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Finance Committee, told associates during the day he intends to unveil a detailed outline of legislation on Wednesday and convene the panel next week to vote on it.

Baucus’ proposal is certain to shun the liberals’ call for the government to sell insurance, and rely instead on co-ops to offer coverage in competition with private industry. His approach includes a requirement for individuals to buy insurance, with financial penalties for those who don’t. Rather than a mandate for larger businesses to provide coverage for employees, they would be required to defray the cost of any government subsidies their employees would qualify for.”

For Analysis and the remaining report, please refer to:

http://www.padminiarhant.com

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

A Brilliant Strategy (The Party of NO )

Lois — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:56 EDT

The GOP has stumbled upon a brilliant strategy. The strategy of NO.

The strategy of No coupled with distortions, misrepresentations, shock and awe has diverted attention from the real issues and has enabled the GOP to dilute and block any legislation that would benefit Americans.

By simply saying NO without any explanation or offering a counter plan, the Democratic must guess at what is need to gain bipartisan (Republican) support. So begins the game of what if....

If I remove this, if I change that, If I add this will you provide support. The if continues until a Maybe is said.

The loser in all of this is the American Public. The public is strapped with a bill that does not benefit them or address their needs. The winner is this are the lobbyist and special interest groups who provided the necessary funding (bribes) to ensure that their interest was represented. Neither party represents the people...the Republicans via the strategy of NO and the Democratic who have failed to take a position. This scenario is similar to that of an abused child who loves the abusive parent unconditionally and will do anything to please the abuser. The democratic party (or the party of wimps) by caving in to and making concessions to the GOP responses are similar to that of the abused child. The abuse does not stop if the child does everything they think will please the abuser. The GOP position does not change even if they are given everything that one thinks they want.

BRILLANT....AN BRILLANT AND EFFECTIVE STRATEGY....A disaster for the Public.

Time to Flex Your Muscles

Larry Gordon — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:35:41 EDT

Mr. President,

The Republican party, the infamous GOP, will not compromise with you on anything. If you have the votes in the Democratic Congress, then tell the GOP to go hang itself and pass health care reform with the public option.

In my opinion the GOP is the hand-maiden to large corporations and shifty lobbyist. They have declared unabashedly that they do not wish you success. It is time (long in passing) that you rub their noses in the "pooh" they have spread across the country regarding health care reform.

Bi-partisanship with the GOP will only work if you do everything their way. Forget them. They aren't worth the effort.

Unemployment GOP hypocrisy

Steven — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:26:06 EDT

I am not an economist, but someone on our side needs to come up with a figure for the unemployment rate as it WOULD have been if there had been no stimulus package. It is sheer hypocrisy for the GOP to blast the administration for not doing enough about jobs when they would have done nothing at all--except more tax cuts for the wealthy, which would have ballooned the deficit, made the situation for the worst off even worse, without much impact on jobs. But we desperately need to win the rhetorical battle by pointing out how much has been gained and how much has been saved by the stimulus package. If, as reported yesterday, the package boosted GDP by 2 or 3% that must have had a substantial impact on jobs, in the millions. Until we can say, however, that the unemployment rate would have been, let us say, well over 10% by now, at x%, perhaps 15%, without the stimulus package, then we cannot compete from the high ground that we should be on in this debate. So, how many jobs, as a percentage of the workforce, has the stimulus sacved so far, ballpark?

Socialist agenda, my a--!

Steven — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:17:49 EDT

Have you seen the latest inanity of the GOP rightists and their pet mainstream media puppets? here is the link:

http://news.aol.com/article/the-point-obama-school-speech/654754?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl1|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fthe-point-obama-school-speech%2F654754

According to this it is a "socialist agenda" to tell school kids that they should exercise responsibility and work hard for the good of themselves and of the country. Apparently, GOPers are incensed about the idea of kids being asked to help President Obama, sensing some fascist/authoritarian dictatorship no doubt on the lines of Hitler's Fuehrerprinzip. How come they never felt the same when they were demanding total loyalty to our heroic Commander-in-Chief, George W. Bush, after 9/11, and attacking any criticism of the regime as treason? Hypocrisy is too good a word for what Republicans are perpetrating at the moment. Let us hope the American people sees through this cynicism.

Intelligence Report on Town Hall (Hell) activities: New details leaked re Right Wing Plans

Varun from Berkeley, CA — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:22:28 EDT

Guns at rallies, Attacks, Using the N word, calling Obama a Nazi, chanting Nazi slogans and even attempting to attack elected officials as they try to moderate the Health Care town halls, it seems the press is moving very slowly to understand who the FEW, the Minority, screamers, racists and right wing nut job, home grown terrorists really are.

Just reported: the SEIU obtained a Tea Party startegy via a Right Wing mobilization conf call.

The summary: Just destroy Obama's plan at any cost....No reasons....just be the party of NO

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/seius-notes-on-a-tea-party-strategy-conference-call/

Revolt against Health Care Reform Politics

"Voice for Humanity" — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:23:16 EDT

By Padmini Arhant

Here we go again! To quote the former Republican President Ronald Reagan revered by the political faction on the right, the obstructionists rise against health care reform under the guise of ‘fiscal governance’ with the stagecraft artists as citizens screaming and ranting over the health care policy for all.

Should anyone be surprised about the sources responsible for the spectacle at the town hall meetings?

When the propagandists can’t think for themselves, they often lavishly steal ideas from others and misuse the Gandhian principle of non-violence and peaceful protest discussed earlier for their own diabolical means, despite the action being detrimental to national progress.

Surely, Gandhi will be turning in his grave on the abuse of his noble wisdom…at the narcissistic profiteers in the health care industry using the selective media muscle power drive insanity to no point of return.

Out of sight, out of mind and the opposition goes ballistic to stampede the health care legislation.

The noise and raucous in the public arena instigated by the agents of warfare against welfare of the people in a democracy are leaving no stones unturned for their vile personal agenda i.e. dominate and deploy the destructive forces in health care matter directly related to economic and employment recovery.

Don't miss the remaining content @http://www.padminiarhant.com

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

P.S. Time to replace the conservative propaganda machine with collective progressive action.

Why Health Care Reform Must Not Fail?

"Voice for Humanity" — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:27:57 EDT

By Padmini Arhant

People vs. Special Interests and GOP

The opponents to health care reform – the conglomerate with legislators as spokespersons and the conservative media specifically a network dedicated to the hampering of national progress in every respect deserve scrutiny and appropriate response.

It’s no surprise to witness the ‘grandstanding’ against the President by the opposition retaliating to the brutal defeat in the ’06, ’08 and inevitably the 2010 elections.

Last week, Republican Senator Jim DeMint made it pretty clear why the opponents of health care reform are fighting so hard.

As he told a special interest attack group...

Continued @http://www.padminiarhant.com

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Torture Prosecution Must Not Be Feared

Leo — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:12:06 EDT

Regarding the friendly disagreement between the Bard and myself, Bush and Cheney already enjoy undeserved folk hero status, and within the far right realms, they will always enjoy such status regardless of outcome.

I appreciate the debate.

The Republican Vision for America - Divide and Conquer

Eric from Covina, CA — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:21:09 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

The Republican Vision for America - Divide and Conquer

The current situation in Iran is perfectly analogous to what's going on here in the United States. The vast majority of the people want a common-sense approach to domestic and world politics, while the old guard, stuck in the blind animosities of the past, are determined to promote and exploit those animosities for their own end, and at any cost - including the misery and death of their own people. In Iran the old guard is represented by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; in the U.S., Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh. In Iran they are called jihadist, while in the U.S. we refer to them as the Republican Party.

Did I Get Bamboozled By Obama?

Leo — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:39:34 EDT

Is it just me- or is anyone else starting to feel 'had'?

Covering up and not prosecuting the torture scandal?

Going back on one of the most ringing campaign promises regarding transparency? And I get weekly requests to donate more money from the Obama campaign? Maybe I was just a dumb wide-eyed child.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31373407/ns/politics-white_house/

gjuy ju7t 9

Fghjy from Quebradillas, PR — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:12:29 EDT

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Happy New Year of The Bible 2010 by Paul Broun

Peter from Carrollton, TX — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:26:07 EDT

2010 Year of the Bible by Paul Broun AP/Photo

Happy New Year of The Bible 2010 by Paul Broun

On our countdown to a new year in 2010, Paul Broun (R-Ga.) wants everyone to ring in the “Year of the Bible”. He wants to pass legislation to honor the good book. Opposition is strong in the Democratic party, but whats the big deal? We’re already burning them suckers in Afghanistan. I wrote a post about it, and got negative feedback from every dem, saying I’m a GOP’r in disguise. In fact, I’m just a student pointing out similarities between different governments past and present. That isn’t choosing sides at all. When people see a political blog, they are automatically trying to figure out what party I am affiliated with. None. Well, whoever decides to pay me the most. Just kidding(That’s illegal for all you kids out there, no selling votes.) Sorry for ranting but I’ve been enraged at some of my readers that just don’t get the whole picture. Someone said I’m a Christian that hates America. No, I’m a Christian that loves America; the thought of America more like it. It used to stand for something, and all I see and read is how far it has gone from what our forefathers set forth to achieve. I am not ashamed of being an American. Our differences are what makes this country unique. I say instead of the “Year of the Bible”, we just go with the Chinese astrology and name it after an animal. Or we can ring in the New Year as a world united. All across Washington people are joking about what year its going to be after that. Year of the encyclopedia? Quran? Las Vegas escort Pamphlets? Whatever the year, I’ll be ringing it in with a smile, knowing I’m in a country that spends too much time on a stupid idea. Hey Paul Broun, think of a way to get your ass back to work on important things.

Tamils blocked Westminster Bridge in London

Unknown user — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:12:08 EDT

Representatives of the British Tamil community blocked the Westminster Bridge in London after reports of the assassination of Sri Lanka, the leader of the Tamil separatist organization the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Velupillaya Prabhakarana.

On the arrests of demonstrators Regiment were reported. However, according to police, there were more than two thousand people.

While Sri Lanka is celebrating the end of the civil war chetvertvekovoy, London Tamils mourn the death of the leader of the LTTE.

Police have not yet managed to crowd of demonstrators blocked the vehicular traffic on Westminster Bridge.

As a result of the deterioration of the situation in Sri Lanka, Britain found itself in a literal sense, "between two fires."
Tamil Promo paralyzed central London

Earlier, in response to requests by the British Tamils to intervene and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Tamil parts of Sri Lanka London appealed the cease-fire and investigate possible violations by government troops.

Now, against the backdrop of the celebrations in Sri Lanka from the British embassy in Colombo has been the demonstration of some thousands of opponents of policy in London, who is now accused of supporting militants.

The demonstrators threw stones and burned the building diplomatic doll in the form of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom David Milibanda, reports Sky News.

It was reported that a military operation against the rebel movement Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) concluded on Monday, May 18, said the commander of the Sri Lankan army general Sarath Fonseca, according to which "resistance separatists finally broken."

Earlier, the military of Sri Lanka announced the elimination of the leader of the rebel movement Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Velupillai Prabahakarana. In addition, it was reported that Sri Lanka's army destroyed four Tamil Tiger leaders, among whom was the son of Velupillaya Prabhakarana - Charles Anthony.

***

According to the UN, because the current fierce fighting with government troops Tamil militants more than 265 thousand have fled their homes, becoming refugees.

European Union called on the Government of Sri Lanka as soon as possible to ensure full access for humanitarian organizations to the UN to the zones, where fighting ended. At the same time, several European ministers, in particular, first Foreign Ministers of Great Britain and Sweden, were in favor of an "independent investigation" of facts of violations of rights of the Tamil militants, and by government forces of Sri Lanka, killing civilians.

According to the Foreign Office David Milibenda, distributed a "very serious allegations" of committing war crimes by both parties to the conflict, and they must be thoroughly investigated. "

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Republicans: Stuck in Own Muck

Eric from Covina, CA — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:24:45 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

Republicans: Stuck in Own Muck

With the Grand Old Party experiencing its most precipitous decline in modern times, the very last thing it needs is a rusty old anchor pulling it down even farther. But that's exactly what it's got as it finds itself helplessly attached to a discredited and unrepentant Dick Cheney. Ironically, previously elusive and camera-shy, now that the former vice president is out of office, no one in the Republican Party seems to be able to shut him up.

Carrie Prejean: Are Progressives Becoming as Intolerant as Conservatives?

Eric from Covina, CA — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:55:07 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

Carrie Prejean: Are Progressives Becoming as Intolerant as Conservatives?

I've always been proud to consider myself a progressive, because being a progressive meant that I was open-minded, willing to assess every issue on its own merit, and I'm tolerant of varying points of view. But it seems that many of today's "progressives" have corrupted the term. Though many of these people call themselves progressives, they are not progressive thinkers–they are progressive in name only. Over the years they seem to have somehow lost their way, and as a result, have managed to redefined the term "progressive" to simply mean, not conservative.

A case in point is the unconscionable way in which the so-called progressive community has demonized Carrie Prejean after she indicated, almost apologetically during the Miss America Pageant, that she thought marriage should be between a man and a woman. Why in the world did she say that?!! Thereafter, she was called a bitch, seminude photos of her have been posted on the Internet, and she's been generally, dragged through the mud. It is unbelievable that people who call themselves progressive could do that to that young woman.

Accountability: America's Moral Responsibility to Humanity

Eric from Covina, CA — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:51:12 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

Accountability: America's Moral Responsibility to Humanity

Eight years of Republican "leadership" has left America both economically devastated, and globally humiliated. Yet, far from apologizing for the damage that they've done to the stability and image of this great nation, instead, they've circled their wagons and gone into damage control mode–not to control the damage that they've done to the nation, but in an attempt to rewrite history in order to control the damage that they've done to themselves.

So now, as President Obama goes about the business of desperately trying to return America to its former position of economic stability at home, and respect, admiration, and moral authority abroad, the GOP leadership seems to be completely oblivious to the nation's desperate and immediate need for a concerted effort in that regard. They're like clueless children who find it impossible to see the big picture. Thus, at this point it has become abundantly clear that their primary concern is not with restoring America to a sound footing in the world, but rather, simply restoring themselves to power at any cost.

The Democratic Party is Finally Back

Tom Awtry — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:41:08 EDT

In a Huffington Post article by Thomas B. Edsall, entitled “Permanent Democratic Majority: New Study Says Yes”, Mr. Edsall points out two areas of growth in the Democratic Party:

The increasing numbers of black and Hispanic voters
A decisive shift away from the Republican Party by the suburban and well-educated constituencies that once formed the backbone of the GOP

As quoted from the article:

In a March, 2009 51-page paper [PDF] “New Progressive America: Twenty Years of Demographic, Geographic, and Attitudinal Changes Across the Country Herald a New Progressive Majority,” Ruy Teixeira makes a strong case that “progressive arguments are in the ascendancy,” that demographic and geographic “trends should take America down a very different road than has been traveled in the last eight years. A new progressive America is on the rise.”
To further buttress his case, Teixeira has put together “a very cool interactive map that includes 7 levels of exit poll demographics and county-level vote shifts going back to 1988.”

The only slightly negative point in the report was stated: “The only circumstances that could bring back the Republicans is Obama’s failure to stem the recession.”

“Obama does have to succeed, and so far, he’s pretty much on the right track, and the Republicans are definitely not. That suggests to me that he and the Democrats will be able to solidify their majority in 2010 and 2012,” Judis said. “But again, I don’t fully understand what is going on in the world, and events could defy demography.”

Again a quote from the report:

Perhaps the strongest evidence in support of the Teixeira-Judis-Abramowitz thesis is, however, the current inability of the Republican Party to respond to market pressures. Defeat has, ironically, diminished the GOP’s capacity to respond to loss. As the elected leadership gets smaller, the strength of the most dogmatically rigid and least elastic faction has grown. On issues running the gamut from immigration to the economy, this dominant faction has yet to demonstrate “a wonderful corrective” in reaction to losing. Instead, they have retreated further inside an ideological shell that began to show cracks — Bush I in ‘92, Dole in ‘96, and Bush v. Gore — well over a decade ago.

Additional postings regarding this topic and others may be found here:

GOP Underestimates Conservative America

Eric from Covina, CA — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:06:37 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

GOP Underestimates Conservative America

While President Obama is going about his valiant and statesman-like attempt to rescue America and restore our image at home and abroad, the GOP's politics as usual, diehard operatives are acting like spoiled brats determined to undermine the president's–and America's–effort. But in their blind attempt to regain power they seem to have forgotten one important fact–the vast majority of true conservatives are fiercely loyal Americans, and don't share their view of power at any cost.

How Loyal is the Loyal Opposition?

Eric from Covina, CA — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:32:40 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

How Loyal is the Loyal Opposition?

From this point on I pledge to stop using the terms "conservative" and "Republican" interchangeably. I'm beginning to realize there's a big difference between the two. Conservatives are loyal and well-meaning Americans of good faith who just happen not to share my opinion of what's in the best interest of America. On the other hand, it has become clear that the Republican Party has crossed the line between the loyal opposition, and subversion.

The GOP doesn’t Give-up Turf Easily

Tom Awtry — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:38:07 EDT

Not to my knowledge dose any of our elected officials have me on their private contact list, nor have I requested such a privilege be extended to me; however, I do follow our country’s online political news very carefully and I don’t recall either President Obama or our Attorney General, Eric Holder mentioning candidates for Federal Judgeship. I could be wrong?

So, this bring to my mind; why would the Republican members in our Senate ever bring up the issue of rejecting our President’s selections for Federal Judges, “other” than those chosen by the Bush Administration. What a bunch of spoilt children!

I think these boys and girls should devote more of their concentration on solving the ever increasing and pressing problem of the economy than concerns that may happen on the horizon.

My foundation for this argument and posting comes from an article posted on Politico stating the following:

Federal Judges

Republicans warn Obama on judges
By MANU RAJU | 3/2/09 6:56 PM EST

President Barack Obama should fill vacant spots on the federal bench with former President Bush’s judicial nominees to help avoid another huge fight over the judiciary, all 41 Senate Republicans said Monday.

In a letter to the White House, the Republican senators said Obama would “change the tone in Washington” if he were to renominate Bush nominees like Peter Keisler, Glen Conrad and Paul Diamond. And they requested that Obama respect the Senate’s constitutional role in reviewing judicial nominees by seeking their consultation about potential nominees from their respective states.

“Regretfully, if we are not consulted on, and approve of, a nominee from our states, the Republican Conference will be unable to support moving forward on that nominee,” the letter warns. “And we will act to preserve this principle and the rights of our colleagues if it is not.”

In other words, Republicans are threatening a filibuster of judges if they’re not happy.

The letter is an opening salvo in what could be a partisan battle in the Obama years. Democrats regularly complained that Bush nominated conservative judges without consulting them, then the Republican-controlled Senate ran roughshod over them even if the nominees lacked support from homestate senators. Obama’s lawyer Gregory Craig has begun his outreach with senators about potential nominees, and several Republicans have warned Obama that the quickest way to squander bipartisan goodwill is to nominate far-left judges.

To complement the aforementioned posting the following YouTube video, which brings back many a memories regarding how bitter bipartisan fighting can become when Senators were in disagreement over the confirmation of Judge Leslie Southwick.

Judge Leslie Southwick

What Does Failure Look Like?

Tim McFarland - Salem, Oregon — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:11:52 EDT

It doesn’t surprise me that Rush Limbaugh says he wants President Obama to fail, or, more precisely, “I want Barack Obama to fail if his mission is to restructure and reform this country so that capitalism and individual liberty are not its foundation.” Limbaugh is self-absorbed, and makes money by being provocative. Unlike our elected leaders, he does not need to think about the greater good of our country’s prosperity. He is interested in his own prosperity. And good enough for him. That is the capitalist way. The American Way.

It also doesn’t surprise me that members of the Republican Party feel stuck between not wanting to offend Limbaugh and his followers and not wanting to sound like they bear our new president ill will in seeing his efforts fail. Which do you support – a bully who can hurt you if you stand up to him, or the people who elected you?

What does surprise me is that no one is defining what failure means. Has anyone asked if “wanting Obama to fail” means 10% unemployment? 15%?

Does failure mean more foreclosures? How about a Dow at 5000?

I wonder if Obama failing means another trillion or so dollars paid to banks. Or is it buying auto companies, Or letting them go bankrupt and adding even more to the unemployed?

I wonder if those who listen to and agree with Rush Limbaugh think this kind of failure is ok, if it proves that conservative ideology is superior to other views.

Of course, I am one of the lucky ones who still has a job, so I can afford to think about these things.

Those who are not so lucky may also wonder: With all the crises we face as a country, why would you want any president to fail?

Plowshares, Shmowshares

signsSansSignifieds — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:26:30 EDT

My brother sent me this neat compendium of specific steps that led to the current economic catastrophe:

While I have criticisms of Barack Obama's approach to certain aspects of this multidimensional train wreck (i.e., I think the government should take over, clean up & sell off the zombie banks ASAP; I also think he asked for too small a stimulus package at the outset), I think he's trying, in general, to do the right things in the right ways. (Contrast his approach to that of the GOP, which is continually pressuring Obama to cut taxes & spending--a guaranteed recipe for total economic collapse.)

Speaking of the GOP, Representative Patrick McHenry, their head of messaging, declared today that the GOP doesn't care whether their criticisms of Obama are accurate or not--their aim is to continually bombard Obama with charges from now until the 2010 elections, based on the idea that sheer repetition will make those criticisms sink in. Sort of like Joseph Goebbels, actually.

With all the above in mind, I'm forwarding to you yet another in a series of thrilling links--this one from Obama's own Organizing for America.

Sorry Mr. President, but We’ve Turned too Many Pages Already

Eric from Covina, CA — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 22:08:08 EST

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

Sorry Mr. President, but We’ve Turned too Many Pages Already

President Obama has suggested that we “turn the page” on Republican misdeeds and move the nation forward. The president is a good natured sort, but there is such a thing as being forgiving to a fault, and I think we’ve long since reached that point with the Republican Party. The GOP reminds me of a woman who's been caught committing adultery, then when her husband confronts her with it the next day, she tells him that he's going to destroy their marriage if he doesn't learn to stop dwelling in the past.

It’s time for America to take a long, hard, and objective look at the Republican Party. The American people have been played for fools long enough by these people. Once we begin to take a serious look at the GOP an unmistakable pattern is going to emerge. We’re going to notice the same arguments being put forth by the same names, who are engaging in the very same practices, leading to the same kind of corruption being recycled every generation.

The GOP: A 'Rush' to Obscurity

Eric from Covina, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:29:14 EST

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
The GOP: A 'Rush' to Obscurity

Those of us who pointed out that Michael Steele was elevated to Chairman of the Republican National Committee as both a token, and as attack-dog-in-chief against President Obama should feel completely vindicated. No further evidence need be presented than what recently took place when Mr. Steele had the audacity to say that he was the head of the Republican Party, not Rush Limbaugh. In response Limbaugh all but literally told him to stay in his place.

Limbaugh said, "Yes, said Michael Steele, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, I'm incendiary, and yes, it's ugly. Michael Steele, you are head of the RNC. You are not head of the Republican Party." Limbaugh went on to say, "Tens of millions of conservatives and Republicans have nothing to do with the RNC and right now they want nothing to do with it, and when you call them, asking them for money, they hang up on you."

The Voice of Wall Street Speaks

Tom Awtry — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:30:44 EST

For the past week all I’ve heard is the cost of “Ear Marks” or basically whose stealing what and when Tim Geithner speaks Wall Street falls, which to me means the Fat Cats are getting scared.

So today it was refreshing to hear Americans favor our President’s approach to fixing our economy to that of the GOP’s approach (by the way dose the GOP have one?). President Obama is more popular than ever, Americans are hopeful about his leadership by a margin of 2 to 1.

The Wall Street Journal poll had bad news for the Republican opposition. Americans trust the Democratic Party over the Republicans to get the country out of the recession; and more than half of all adults say that Republicans in Congress have opposed Mr. Obama’s proposals more to gain political advantage, compared with 30% who say Republicans have done so because they are standing up for their principles.

Here’s the article from the Wall Street Journal with high-lighted excerpts by me on points which I feel are important.

Wall Street Journal

Obama Gets Strong Support in Poll
By LAURA MECKLER

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama enjoys widespread backing from a frightened American public for his ambitious, front-loaded agenda, a new poll indicates.

He is more popular than ever, Americans are hopeful about his leadership, and opposition Republicans are getting drubbed in public opinion, the new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll suggests.

But there are also early warning signs showing risks if his plans don’t show progress. The president’s support, while still deep, looks increasingly partisan as Republicans move away from him. Americans have more confidence in the president himself than in some of his initiatives, such as the economic stimulus package, and have some hesitation about his plans to raise taxes to expand health coverage.

“The American people trust him and like him,” Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff, said in an interview. “That’s how you make change possible, because it’s not threatening but accessible.”

To that end, the president emphasizes the aspects of his program that are easiest to support. On energy, he focuses on the upsides of alternative energy and the need for efficiency, glossing over the impact of punishing polluters. On health care, he focuses on the need to reduce the cost of care, with the need to help the uninsured always mentioned second.

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R., Ohio) predicted that Mr. Obama will have trouble moving his agenda. “Everyone knows that the president remains popular, but let’s be honest: The solutions Democrats are pushing are not,” he said in a statement.

The poll found a sharp jump in the proportion of Americans who say the nation is “generally headed in the right direction” since Mr. Obama’s January inauguration, a period when economic indicators and financial markets have suggested the opposite. The survey shows that 41% of Americans say the country is headed in the right direction, up dramatically from 26% in mid-January, before Mr. Obama took office, and up from 12% before the election.

The number who say the country is on the “wrong track” is still higher at 44%, but given the economic conditions, pollsters expected it to be much higher.

In the past, similarly sudden improvements in national mood were recorded only after national emergencies that prompted a rallying effect, such as the 2001 terrorist attacks. In this case, the boost is being driven by Democrats and other Obama voters who are pleased with the opening weeks of the administration. Overall, two-thirds of all Americans say they feel “hopeful” about Mr. Obama’s leadership and plans, compared with 28% who say they feel “doubtful.”

Yet a record 70% are very dissatisfied with the economy, and half of all adults are dissatisfied with their own financial situation. Three in four say economic conditions have “a ways to go” before they hit bottom.

“These numbers capture where America is today — apprehensive about the future, but willing to undertake big, bold policy initiatives,” said Peter D. Hart, a Democratic pollster who conducts the poll with Republican Bill McInturff.

The survey of 1,007 adults was conducted Feb. 26 to March 1 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

The rise in optimism has important implications for the president’s agenda, said Mr. McInturff, who has long tracked data on national mood. Typically, he said, presidential approval ratings hover about 20 percentage points above the national “right direction” number. With that figure at 41%, he said, Mr. Obama’s approval rating, at 60%, is sustainable and high enough to allow for major victories.

“For most major social change to happen, you need a very strong president with very strong numbers,” he said.

Part of the explanation for the numbers is that few blame Mr. Obama for the bad economy, with the vast majority of Americans saying he inherited the situation. About half the people will give Mr. Obama at least two years before assigning him responsibility.

The positive numbers are driven largely by Democrats who cheer the president’s quick embrace of some items long on the party’s agenda, such as an expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program and a promise to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“The last eight years we’ve been going downhill. It’s just been getting worse and worse,” said Democrat Shirley Deray, 53 years old, a housewife from Beaver Dam, Ky. She said she is optimistic about Mr. Obama. “It will take some time. So many people think he can get in there and in 60 days have it turned around, but it’s not going to work that way.”

About seven in 10 Democrats think the country is on the right track, up from 36% in January, and 78% have a “very positive” view of the president. Among African-Americans, the numbers are even higher.

But these overwhelmingly positive numbers among Democrats may be masking more tentative views of much of the rest of the country, Mr. McInturff said. Independents are more likely to see the country on the right track, though not by as large a margin. Republican views shifted slightly more negative.

“Democrats are extraordinarily supportive of their new Democratic president in a way that’s transforming the aggregate numbers,” said Mr. McInturff. “But we should be cautious because it might overstate some of the other large parts of the country that are hanging back.”

Even some groups that are supporting Mr. Obama now might be harder to hold on to. That includes 10% of the electorate who are not Democrats but say they relate to Mr. Obama. Members of this group say they are hopeful about the direction of the country, but they are less confident than others about Mr. Obama’s goals and policies. A similar dynamic is at work among those living in rural areas and small towns.

For instance, while most Americans still support his economic stimulus package, a solid majority also say it will help the economy only a little or not at all.

On health care, the poll flashed warning signs for the administration.

Forty-nine percent said they were willing to pay higher taxes so that everyone can have health insurance, compared with 66% who said the same in March 1993, when President Bill Clinton was embarking on his ultimately unsuccessful health-reform effort. That underscores why the administration is focused on cutting costs, not covering the uninsured.

There was widespread approval of Mr. Obama’s plans for Iraq, with 80% approving of his move to pull out most U.S. troops within 19 months. Two in three Americans said the U.S. has accomplished as much as can be expected in Iraq, compared with 27% who said more can be done.

And the public is mostly satisfied with the results, with 53% saying the war has been successful, up from 43% in July 2008. Sixteen percent say it is very likely there will be an all-out civil war in Iraq when U.S. troops leave, compared with 40% who thought that in June 2007.

The poll had bad news for the Republican opposition. By a margin of more than 2-1, Americans trust the Democratic Party over the Republicans to get the country out of the recession. Views of the GOP are near an all-time low. And more than half of all adults say that Republicans in Congress have opposed Mr. Obama’s proposals more to gain political advantage, compared with 30% who say Republicans have done so because they are standing up for their principles.

By a huge margin, people say there is no more bipartisanship in Washington now than in the past. For that, they are most likely to blame President George W. Bush’s administration and congressional Republicans. They put almost none of the blame on congressional Democrats or Mr. Obama.

The survey also found that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s favorability ratings are an all-time high, with 59% of Americans seeing her in a positive light and 22% seeing her negatively, a striking turnaround from very low ratings immediately after she and her husband left the White House.

Also enjoying good numbers is first lady Michelle Obama, with 63% positive and 8% negative ratings. In September, her negative score was 31%, but her popularity has soared with her husband’s, said Mr. Hart. “It’s a his and her brand.”

To complement the Wall Street Journal’s article here’s an old time “school room” video explaining how “money” works in our economy. Hopefully it will have the same results in the President’s Stimulus Package.

What is Money

Following the journey of a five-dollar bill through many transactions, the film shows how money functions as a standard of value and future payment, a storehouse of value and a convenient medium of exchange.

The GOP, Caught Between President Obama And A Hard Place!

Ricardo — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:19:25 EST

That confusion reign at the heart of the GOP is now indisputable. One only has to look at this weekend’s CPAC. The party of Lincoln and Roosevelt and not so long ago the party of government is fast descending into fringe condescension and has as it's standard bearers two narcissistic opportunists. In Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter, the sole rationale for being conservative, it would seem, is to cream whatever financial rewards they can through the authorship of badly written compilations passed off as books or badly mouthed and bigoted pronouncements touted as radio broadcasting; both Rush and Ann are doing very well financially on the backs of a people who do not seem capable of distinguishing fact from fiction. Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter are the clearest manifestation that the lunatics are now in charge of the asylum.

The GOP already beaten once by President Obama during the election, seem to want to commit hara-kiri by taking that fabled and entrenched dogma of “we still know best, we have absolutely no need to change and we lost because we gave up on our extreme right wing ideology”. The message coming from them is so confused that you have their new Chairman Michael Steele, apologized that the American people had every right not to believe anything they said. But in the same breath he touted and echoed their penchant for tax cuts ubber alles in debating a very transformational President whose popularity still appear stratospheric.

One would have thought that, after losing to President Obama despite the play on “Conservatives holding on to religion and guns ....” statement by the then candidate Obama and the much looped Reverend Wright’s “God damn America” controversies, the GOP would have formulated a different strategy of response and tactic of execution. Instead they have resorted to confused, misdirected and rudderless rabble rousing.

Take for instance the new line of attack by that most hypocritical of the so-called conservatives, Newt Gingrich’s attempt to link and lump President Obama in with President Bush for the current economic crises. Unless Mr. Gingrich believes that the American is the most stupid person on God’s Earth, how could he possibly make that association in the expectation that less than two months into his Presidency, the American people would have forgotten who brought onto them the current wrath of a very displeased economic GOD. And herein lies the absolutely impossible task that the GOP has to deal with; talk about the government’s lack of fiscal responsibility when they presided over the biggest deficit in the nations recent history is not convincing; talk of over burdening future generations when they spent their way through the nations treasures without so much as a monument built in commemoration, except for corruption and the numbers of new graves for the Brave young men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the honor of their beloved nation on a distant shore sounds hollow and hypocritical; talk of bad economics when they created the conditions for the festering of the depression malaise that a very new and young administration has to grapple with even before it had taken office sounds disingenuous; talk of diminishing America prestige and influence when they have the dubious honor of their great leader being the only American President to have been ‘shoed’ by a foreign journalist when he was the guest of those journalists sounds farcical.

So the GOP is looking forward to when President Obama’s policies fail so that they can blame him and his party for the failure. Now let us look at how serious a challenge that may prove for the GOP to exploit more than for President Obama to explain.
How does ending the war in Iraq render the President to criticism if that country descended into anarchy after the drawdown on US troops when he has already directed with ample notice period that the troops be brought home and only a non combatant compliment is retained and which would leave by a fixed deadline? It will only ‘fail’ if the Iraqis cannot look after themselves. But how does the failure of a democratically elected Iraqi government become the responsibility of a US Administration? Besides, the GOP likes his plan. It is just about the only thing they agree with him on.

Afghanistan as a coalition effort mandated by the UN and NATO is not the direct responsibility of President Obama although he has sought to highlight the dangers of ignoring that campaign for far too long. In fact, any failure there will be a vindication of his long standing complaint that too much focus went unnecessarily onto Iraq. And coalition partners in Afghanistan were not imposed upon to pull their weight.

The case of the US economy presents the worst case scenario for the GOP even more so than the rest of the litmus issues already described. Tax cuts for the middle classes, unemployment benefits and insurance for those who have lost their jobs, a foreclosure stay of execution for those struggling with their mortgages, health insurance for over eleven million children, the biggest reconstruction agenda for a generation, improvements for education, investments in alternative energy, assistance to States struggling as a result of the deep recession... etc.

Now let’s assume that no jobs are created at all (and that is quite some assumption) and the unemployment rate remains as is in 3 years hence. People would still see improvements in bridges and the road infrastructure, they will notice better classrooms and paid teachers, improvements in environmental awareness and steps to address them, a dramatic fall in the numbers of US Soldiers stationed abroad, a reduction in their tours of duty and their involvement in "dumb wars".

The people still struggling for employment will be able to stay in their own homes and thereby have roofs over their heads and will be able to get sick without being bankrupt. Those still in employment, especially the middle classes, will still enjoy a reasonable standard of living and not see hikes in their levels of taxation. Since a lot of the jobs currently being lost are in GOP afflicted areas, a lot of ‘former’ GOP voters will come to appreciate the assistance they will be receiving from this so called and much maligned ‘Socialist’ government and may even decide that that type of ‘Socialism' may not be all that bad. Why? Because they would remember that this current President inherited all the issues from a GOP President. Most importantly, they will also remember that those aspects of policy that helps to ease their pain were passed without a single GOP support in the House and only three GOP Senators were brave enough to cross party lines despite a sterling effort by President Obama to be bi-partisan.

If there is a GOP GOD in existence it must know that 2012 will not be a GOP year. That will be when the real fruits of all this stimuli starts to really kick-in. And witnessing the disarray in which the GOP finds itself, it will take them more than three terms to get another look in; look at what happened to the British Conservative Party after Maggie Thatcher. The GOP’s redemption would be on the basis that it remodeled itself on a successful and winning formula; that of the Democrats and the GOP agenda then will be to portray themselves as the best placed to carry out the legacy of Obama. Now will that not be a turn for the books?

Making a List and Checking it Twice

Tom Awtry — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:36:11 EST

It’s not that time of year, again (Christmas), and it sure isn’t the old man with reindeer; so who do we know or what group of individuals do we know that tried almost every way possible to propose a bipartisan agreement on the Economic Stimulus Package for the past month and finally got it into law yesterday with the President’s signature?

For me its unbelievable when this issue was before our legislative branch of government, referring to the temporarily controlling factions within the GOP; and why would the GOP “only” agree to a bipartisan stimulus bill if it was “one-half” authored by them. Are these folks ready for the fruit juice farm or what? Do they understand the meaning of the word “compromise?”

Isn’t this why, we in America we go through the trouble of having elections; to see who more or less, which “party” controls the mandates presented before our “elected” congress?

Alright now I’m setup to present my favorite topic, which the coming “Election 2010.” It is much too early to predict elections two years from now, but there are some known facts and early movement in key contests, as presented by The Council for a Livable World in an article entitled The Chain Reaction.

Number of seats up in 2010: Republicans again have to defend more seats than Democrats, 19 seats compared to 17.
Retirements: At this point, five GOP Senators have announced their retirements at the end of this term, compared to only one Democrat. Open seats are frequently highly competitive.
Newly-appointed Senators: There will be four Democratic seats previously held by invulnerable incumbents with names like Obama, Biden, Clinton and Salazar that will feature appointed incumbents in office for less than two years. The effect of these appointments is to make each seat more competitive.
Candidate recruitment: Both parties are looking for strong candidates to run, but already both have also suffered disappointments as favored candidates declined to enter the races.

The major imponderable: How popular will President Barack Obama be in November 2010? Many mid-term elections become referenda on the incumbent President’s party.

Some of the early battleground states:

California: The nation’s largest state only becomes a battleground if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) decides to challenge Sen. Barbara Boxer (D). Even so, she should face spirited competition.

Colorado: Political newcomer Michael Bennet (D) was selected to replace Sen. Ken Salazar (D), the new Secretary of Interior. He is well-regarded by insider circles for his job as superintendent of Denver public schools and other work but is little known across the state. Former Colorado House speaker Andrew Romanoff (D) may challenge Bennet in a primary. Republicans are sure to mount a stiff challenge. Polls point to a close contest.

Delaware: Sen. Ted Kaufman (D), Sen. Joseph Biden’s former chief of staff, has announced he will hold the seat for only two years. Attorney General Beau Biden, one of Biden’s sons, is expected to announce a run after he returns from an Iraq deployment. Republicans would like popular U.S. Rep. Mike Castle to run. Castle will be 71 in 2010, which would set up a strong contrast between himself and the much younger Beau Biden.

Florida: Both parties suffered recruiting disappointments for this race. The GOP hoped that former Gov. Jeb Bush (R) would run, and Democrats tried to persuade Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink (D) to run for the seat of Sen. Mel Martinez (R), who announced his retirement. A slew of other candidates are considering the contest, including U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D) and former Florida state Speaker Marco Rubio (R). At this point, the race is a toss-up.

Illinois: Controversial Governor Rod Blagojevich’s (D) appointment of Sen. Roland Burris (D) embarrassed state and national Democrats. It is not clear whether or not 71-year old African American Roland Burris will run in 2010. State treasurer Alexi Giannoulias may run. The GOP is recruiting the popular suburban U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R) to run.

Kansas: Sen. Sam Brownback (R), currently serving his second term in the U.S. Senate, has kept his promise to retire after two terms. Two GOP House members, Reps. Todd Tiahrt and Jerry Moran have indicated they will run in a primary against each other. Democrats will only be competitive if popular Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D), who is term-limited for the Governor’s race in 2010, enters the contest. Polls show here with a significant lead over either Republican. Democrats have not won a Kansas Senate seat since 1932.

Kentucky: Two-term incumbent Sen. Jim Bunning (R) won by only 23,000 votes in 2004, a strong Republican year, and is considered highly vulnerable. Indeed, some Republicans are urging Bunning to retire rather than risk defeat. Bunning had only $150,000 in the bank at the end of December. Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo , who ran in 2004, has declared he will run. Other Democrats are considering the race, including, state Rep. Ben Chandler, state Attorney General Jack Conway (D) and Auditor Crit Luallen (D).

Louisiana: Democrats have been targeting Sen. David Vitter (R) since Mr. Family Values’ name was found in the D.C. Madam’s list of prostitutes’ customers. Vitter may get a primary challenge and – almost certainly – will receive a strong general election opponent.

Missouri: Sen. Kit Bond (R), who beat back a series of highly credible Democratic challengers over the years, has announced his retirement. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D), the daughter of a governor and senator and brother of a congressman, is the early Democratic frontrunner. Early polls show her with a narrow lead over three potential Republican opponents, ex-Senator Jim Talent (D), U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt (R), and ex-state treasurer Sarah Steelman (R). This is probably a toss-up race.

Nevada: Republicans knocked off Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle in 2004 and hope to repeat their victory by defeating Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid (D) from Nevada in 2010. In 2008, Reid helped defeat one potential challenger, U.S. Representative Jon Porter (R), and Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki’s (R) already has legal problems, but the GOP will almost surely find a serious challenger to contest Reid’s seat. While Reid won handily in 2004, he won by only 428 votes six years before. At the end of November, Reid had $3.3 million in the bank. The National Republican Senatorial Committee began running attack ads against Reid in January 2009.

New Hampshire: This state has been going increasingly Democratic with the defeat of both Republican House members in 2006 and Sen. John Sununu in 2008. Democrats are optimistic about winning the seat in 2010, particularly now that the seat is open with J. Bonnie Newman a temporary Senator. While Gov. John Lynch (D) has declined to run, Rep. Paul Hodes (D) has declared. Also considering the contest is the other U.S. Rep. from New Hampshire, Carol Shea-Porter. Early polls show Hodes a stronger candidate than Shea-Porter.

New York: Gov. David Paterson’s selection of little-known U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) from upstate New York to replace former Sen. and now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton could lead to stiff primary opposition from U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D), who objects to Gillibrand’s pro-gun position, or from a Republican like U.S. Rep. Peter King. Gillibrand is a ferocious fundraiser and a formidable campaigner, but she has to move quickly to get herself known across the Empire state. The state’s Democratic leanings make her the early favorite.

North Carolina: North Carolina went for Barack Obama in 2008 and ousted Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R) with the election of Sen. Kay Hagan (D). Now Democrats have turned their sights on Sen. Richard Burr (R). State Attorney General Roy Cooper (D) and U.S. Rep. Heath Schuler (D) are considering a challenge. Polling shows Burr only slightly ahead of these and other potential challengers.

North Dakota: Sen. Byron Dorgan (D) will breeze to re-election unless Gov. John Hoeven (R) gets into the contest.

Ohio: Ex-U.S. Rep. and ex-Office of Management and Budget director Rob Portman (R) declared his candidacy immediately after the announced retirement of Sen. George Voinovich (R). He may run opposed for the GOP nomination. Democrats fear a primary between Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. The contest is considered wide open.

Pennsylvania: MSNBC’s “Hardball” host Chris Matthews decided against running, but incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter (R) will have ample competition, perhaps from members of both parties. Club for Growth president Pat Toomey, who almost defeated Specter in a 2004 primary, has decided to run for Governor this time. Pennsylvania, which has been trending Democratic, will almost certainly produce a tough Democratic challenger.

17 Democratic seats

Evan Bayh (IN)
Michael Bennett (CO)
Barbara Boxer (CA)
Roland Burris (IL)
Christopher Dodd (CT)
Byron Dorgan (ND)
Russell Feingold (WI)
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
Daniel Inouye (HI)
Ted Kaufman (DE) - retiring
Patrick Leahy (VT)
Blanche Lincoln (AR)
Barbara Mikulski (MD)
Patty Murray (WA)
Harry Reid (NV)
Charles Schumer (NY)
Ron Wyden (OR)

19 Republican seats

Robert Bennett (UT)
Christopher Bond (MO) - retiring
Sam Brownback (KS) - retiring
Jim Bunning (KY)
Richard Burr (NC)
Tom Coburn (OK)
Mike Crapo (ID)
Jim DeMint (SC)
Chuck Grassley (IA)
Johnny Isakson (GA)
Mel Martinez (FL) - retiring
John McCain (AZ)
J. Bonnie Newman (NH) - retiring
Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Richard Shelby (AL)
Arlen Specter (PA)
John Thune (SD)
David Vitter (LA)
George Voinovich (OH) - retiring

The Republican Schism - One Centrist's Concern

k_michael — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:39:17 EST

I've been giving a lot of thought to the Republican schism, and have been skimming a few resources looking for posible lessons to be found in the Republicna party schism of the late 1870's (and early 1880') that led to the party being split into three factions: 1) the liberal reformers, 2) the "Stalwarts", and 2) the "half-breeds". I haven't quite decided, because the circumstances of the post-Civil War era were so different from today's corcumstances.

But one thing did chill me - with the thought of Rush Limbaugh now the de facto head of the "real Republicans" (the sector paralleling the old "Stalwarts") in the back of my mind, I came across the fact that, in 1881, it was a disgruntled Stalwart who assissinated President Garfield in 1881.

Now, like most Americans, I'm hoping and praying that the far-less-than-ideal Stimulus Bill, drafted, it unfortunately seems, without the input of such brilliant thinkkers as Paul Krugman and pragmatic thinkers such as Sheila Behr or Jim Cramer, will indeed get the economy moving and get America back on her feet. Given the increasing rancour, however, of those who like to call themselves the "real Republicans" (not the so-called "RINOs"), as represented by de facto head of the Party, Rush Limbaugh (Mr. Steele evidently being chairman in name only), I am increasinly fearful for the safety of President Obama and perhaps even Vice President Biden.

My fear had begun as a vague gel of uneasiness, but began to solidify when I took note of Sen. Pete Sessions citing the Taliban as a model of "political insurgency" to be emulated by the Republican Party, and admonishing the Party to cease thinking of itself as participants in a legislative process and instead become a Taliban-like insurgency.

Perhaps my understanding of these issues is implistic, however, when I swore that oath to "protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic", I never for one moment thought that this oath extended to belonging to a group that had the express intent of promoting the deliberate disruption national affairs and due legislative process. Again, I am not a political or Constitutional scholar, but this seems to tread uncomfortably close, if not to treason, than to at least a blatant breach of that oath. My gut reaction is that it illustrates an utter disdain for Constitutional process, and for us Citizens that this process is supposed to both heed, and help, illustrates a descent from party ideology, to cultist fanaticism - the very sort of self-aggrandizing and self-righteous fanaticism that led to the assination of President Garfield.

I know that I am not alone in my fear - I've heard many people express it, albeit in differnt words. We have always known that there are both leftist-fringe, and rightist-finge, elements in our nation, and they do have the right to freely express their rview. But a dangerous amount of encouragement was given, through nods and winks, through silence and chuckles and half-smiles, in response to the words of hatered and violence, encouragement given by those who erroneously believed they could hold the dragon by the tail and use it to propell them into positions of power. But the voters have denied them that power, and by so doing, have left that roused minority, a small but generally well-armed minority, with nowhere to roar; and so, we see an increasing level of hatred and violence in the rhetoric of those who only love representatvie Democracy, and the Constitution, when they can make both serve their own needs and desires and agendas.

Currently, this remains, for the most part, an issue of freedom of speech. But at wat point does free speech becomes a voiced threat? I wonder whther the extremist Stalwart could have been nipped in the proverbial bud back in 1881, and I hope and pray that similar impulses can be diffused now. Given the world situation, I fear taht a repeat of the 1881 action would not only be a tragedy, but would ignite the nation, and perhaps beyond, achieving what the Taliban, and al-Qaida, could not.

God willing, I am merely being paranoid...at least that's easily remedied with medication.

Figures are hard facts to alter

Marie — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:57:24 EST

Read it and Act! Contact your representatives & let them know who supports the President.

http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=11354

The Policies of the GOP for the last 28 years are tired and failed ideas. We need to move beyond their gamesmanship to Reality.

Your support can create the world that should be and that is our Challenge!

Your Friend from NWGA4Obama’08,

Marie

Stimulating Tectonic Shifts?

signsSansSignifieds — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:31:37 EST

For the past week or so, the whole country has been treated to a rather peculiar spectacle. A unified bloc of senators from a widely discredited political party has been trying to nibble to death a pretty well thought out economic stimulus plan, arguing that (a) it’s too big; (b) it isn’t sufficiently stimulative; (c) it’s loaded with frivolous and/or irrelevant pork-barrel spending; and (d) it’s not a stimulus plan—it’s a spending plan. As an alternative, they offer what? You must’ve peeked. Yes, indeed, friends, the GOP is once again arguing for tax cuts. (Those will really come in handy to the poor and the 1.8 million people who’ve lost their jobs in the last 3 months alone—not to mention the millions more who aren’t even counted as unemployed anymore because they’ve given up looking for a job.) For more on the economic sophistication of the GOP in Congress, see today’s article by Steven Pearlstein in the Washington Post.

Meanwhile, a band of self-described moderates forced an additional delay in the deliberation process as they wrangled with Democrats about spending cuts (on "trivialities" like money for more police officers on the street and education) and, of course, more tax cuts. Elana Shor has more details on the moderates’ so-called solution at TPM.

Strange Bedfellows: Money Trumps Political Agenda

Bobby Hamilton — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:20:52 EST

A peculiar twist on an old theme regarding unlikely companionship
between natural adversaries is cropping up within the GOP Governors
club. State Governors are the structural conduit for money vaccumed
out of congressional legislation in Washington and the Republican
Governors across this land are chomping at the bit to recieve the
money Barack Obama is arduously trying to wring out of a Congress bent
on making politics out of crisis. It should be nothing less than
embarrasing to the Congressional Republicans to hear their GOP
counterparts at the level of state chant, "sing sign sign" while they
wait wait wait.

The Republican governors have constituencies too, and while
unemployment and bankruptcy, homelessness and insolvency are being
cast as a national malaise, the states are the arenas wherein these
sorrows are being acted out. State governors are anxious to get about
the business of healing the masses and have no time for their
Republican counterparts in Washington to stall over political
squabbles and agendas designed to retard the progress of an
aggressive, energetic president who happens to be a Democrat and...
Black.

Voices no more unexpected in this turnabout of support include Bobby
Jindal (NO) and Sarah Palin (AK). They are under pressure to get the
money flowing in their states and are forced to appear in support of
Barack Obama's efforts as they stand without further delay. It's an
amusing alliance of opposing platforms made all the more absurd by a
recent statement from Governor Jindal who said he'd probably vote
against the bill if he was in Congress, but as a governor he want's to
see it pass, and soon. This from a man who may be one of the front-
running challengers to the Obama Kingship in 2012.

Everyday, the list of the unemployed grows longer and sooner or later,
Congress is going to have to put aside their political differences and
get busy. The last thing the Republicans want is Barack Obama growing
a halo over his head while the economy begins to turn around. 2012
looms in the not-too-distant future as their chance to avenge their
loss of 2004. The priorty of money and jobs may just cloud their
vision of victory in the midterms and in 2012 and that's a good thing
for a president who needs re-election more than any other in
history.

A loss in 2012 sends the wrong message to America and the world about
a black man working the White House. It will forever tarnish a great
historical moment with the asterisk of one-term presidency which is
never easy to overcome. It's never too early to stay involved.

Pay the Bill and Keep the CHANGE

Mark Wiznitzer — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 11:17:11 EST

Let’s be honest. We didn’t really expect Congress to come up with a "bold" stimulus plan, did we? But do we agree that NO action will only aggravate our current crisis?

The GOP surprised us when it failed to respond more constructively to the bipartisan overture from Barack Obama. I personally witnessed the precedent-setting bipartisan dinner for his defeated opponent (my photo of the President-elect at the dinner honoring McCain, January 19) and noted the subsequent meetings with Congressional Republicans. And what did we get in the way of proposals from the loyal opposition? More of the dogma-driven, supply-side ideology that contributed to our current mess: tax cuts!

On the other hand, GOP critics have a point: the bill that passed the House and was embraced by Obama essentially is an accumulation of favorite Democratic spending proposals.

What is missing is CHANGE. The CHANGE Obama advocated in his campaign for the Presidency. The CHANGE that won him a resounding mandate to govern for four years. The CHANGE from policies that have worked to benefit few and imperil many. Where are the first steps toward affordable health care, a sustainable green economy and alternative energy? And why are we not moving boldly to address the systemic failures that underlie the current crisis in credit markets?

Obama asked for ideas. And Paul Krugman and Robert Reich, among others, obliged. But what these brilliant men offer is predictable: rationales for orthodox Keynesian solutions and concern about labor market distortions, respectively. More is needed, not just in additional spending, but in fresh ideas that advance the President's policy agenda. So, if suggestions are still welcomed, here is my two-cents worth. And please do keep the CHANGE.

Health Care

Obama has promised the nation affordable health care similar to his own Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), to be available to all by the end of his first term. There is no need to back off this goal. Health care is one of the largest drags on our economy and the stimulus bill provides a real opportunity to begin managing its cost. In addition to the bill’s provisions to help state governments fund Medicare and work projects, I suggest that the federal government reimburse all state and local governments for their employer's share of health care for the rest of this year. In exchange, recipients may not fire government workers and must commit to integrating their health care plans with the existing FEHBP starting in 2010. That provides additional and immediate financial assistance to state and local governments, while paving the way for the establishment of a Public Employees Health Benefits Program. By January 2010, the federal government’s negotiated health care program would expand its base and economies of scale. The next step will be to apply the system to businesses, and subsequently to capture the un- and under-insured.

Energy Independence

Most honest leaders recognize that in due course government will have to produce the substantial additional revenue to pay for the stimulus. But good luck finding a politician willing to propose increasing taxes of any kind. So let me suggest instead a hefty tariff on imported oil to fund the “green economy.” A tariff of 50 percent or more on the landed cost of all imported energy (probably with some form of accommodation for our NAFTA partners) can be justified because of national security as well as the external costs to our environment inherent in the use of fossil fuels. And such a levy would promote conservation, subsidize domestic production, and help to fund and protect our investments in alternative energy. This is a measure that should be welcomed by Republicans who advocate "drill, baby, drill” as well as environmentalists interested in promoting clean energy. The windfall earned by American producers could be invested domestically or taxed as profits. And while there may be a marginal increase of fuel cost at the pump, it will pale in comparison with the amounts we forked over to foreign potentates rather than our own Treasury these past few years, when oil was effectively 200% greater than its current price.

Reestablish a ‘Risk-Free’ Investment Benchmark

Explanations for our current credit crisis and financial market meltdown abound, including the Washington Post's excellent series. But absent from all the expert analyses is any mention of the Treasury Department's October 2001 decision to discontinue issuing 30-year Bonds. That decision, on the heels of 9/11 and the cusp of Bush's costly war on terror, both lowered mortgage yields and prompted increased sales of bundled mortgages marketed as alternative 'risk-free' instruments, which in turn fueled the housing bubble and distorted both government and corporate credit point spreads. Treasury Bond auctions have resumed, but a clear provision to finance America’s recovery through borrowing would repair yield spreads – both between short and long term sovereign debt and in relation to all other debt instruments. Transparent budget financing will help re-establish more realistic risk pricing and global confidence in the US economy. But the 30-year Bond will not regain its position as a benchmark for 'risk-free' long-term investment if Fed meddling in the market, as it proposes to do with its planned purchase of Treasuries from troubled banks. In fact, this central-bankers-gone-wild approach will only create a greater Treasury bubble that will seriously aggravate our problems. Once markets are allowed to properly price the cost and risk of our recovery without Fed manipulation, global confidence in the US economy has a chance to be recover.

So Pay the Bill, and Keep the CHANGE

Barack Obama attended his last inaugural event, the Staff Ball, at the DC Armory on January 21. But he arrived after a performance by the opening act, Arcade Fire. So here are some insightful lysircs from their “Intervention”:

You say it's money that we need
As if we're only mouths to feed
I know no matter what you say
There are some debts you'll never pay

The message is relevant to the stimulus bill now before Congress.

We can act responsibly and cautiously if we:

Pay the Bill and Keep the CHANGE.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

WEBMASTER — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:26:14 EST

The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

Palin is a GOP Star (but to the rest of us she isn't)

Josh and Kade — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:23:16 EST

With his runoff race ending on Tuesday, Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss called in the party's big guns—and Sarah Palin answered the call, stumping across the state today and tomorrow. It's a clear sign of her stature within the party.

Palin’s flash emergence on the national stage has left her as well positioned as any Republican to make a serious run for the GOP nomination in 2012, yet waning support from the political center may threaten her presidential ambitions, according to a Politico analysis of public polling.

A Gallup poll of Republican voters released last Friday found Palin atop a field of ten Republicans, including 2008 primary candidates Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, in a hypothetical 2012 matchup.

Fully two thirds of Republicans, including Republican-leaning independents, want Palin to run for president in 2012, twice as many as back Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who has already made one post-election visit to Iowa, and about 20 points ahead of former Speaker Newt Gingrich.

But even as Palin exploded over a few weeks from relative obscurity to a bigger star within the party than its own presidential nominee, Democrats and independents quickly soured on her, she became one of the most divisive figures in politics.

In mid November, Gallup found that only 45 percent of Americans hoped Palin is "a major national political figure for many years to come." About three-quarters of Republicans hoped so, three-quarters of Democrats hoped not, as did 53 percent of independents.

Exit polls also showed that 64 percent of independents viewed Palin as unqualified to be president, with nine of ten Democrats and one in four Republicans agreeing.

"Palin's image, being the way it is for independents, puts her at a distinct disadvantage from a general election standpoint," said Tony Fabrizio, a veteran GOP strategist. "But it wouldn't be the first time the hard-core base ran off the cliff."

Fight for the party's future

The GOP intra-party debate over Palin has become a proxy for the larger question of her party's future, and conservative chieftains like Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Richard Land fear that attacks on Palin are at times veiled swipes at the party base.

"It would be a mistake to say that social conservatives have all their hopes and dreams vested in Sarah Palin," Land said, but he added Palin "does have the one thing you can't coach, charisma," and continues to have "star power" with conservatives.

She has less, though, among moderates even in her own party. Among moderate and liberal Republicans, Palin dropped about 20 points, falling behind Romney as the group's preferred 2012 nominee.

Conservatives still dominate the GOP primary process, and in key primary states like Iowa and South Carolina about six in ten GOP voters are also white evangelicals, who overwhelmingly support Palin.

"She is the most popular speaker in the Republican Party," said Katon Dawson, who heads the South Carolina GOP and on Monday announced his bid to direct the national party.

"The first impression of Sarah Palin is that she is a Republican warrior who took a pretty good licking, and a lot of it unfair," Dawson said. "Sarah is going to be one of the leaders in the party like Bobby Jindal, like Mark Sanford, like Rick Perry."

Ed Rollins, who ran presidential bids for Republicans including Ronald Reagan and Huckabee, argued that "independents are something she can focus on later."

In the end, though, Rollins expects that Palin "will be very similar to [Dan] Quayle."

"When he started to run, [Quayle] got nowhere," Rollins said. "The potential is there [for Palin] but out of 10 weeks she had two good weeks." For the 2012 race, "she's now not starting at the top but starting at the bottom," he said, adding that Palin would have to campaign for years in Iowa and New Hampshire to mount a viable campaign.

Fight over the party's past

Of course, a potential 2012 bid for Palin depends in large part on how Republican insiders come to view her vice-presidential bid this year.

Public polling makes clear that Palin's role in the ticket's demise was much exaggerated.

While the economic crisis was the most important concern of a majority of voters, and undercut McCain, the one public figure who weighed down the Republican nominee was the Republican in the White House.

In the three of the most closely watched swing states—Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania—the Quinnipiac University Poll shortly before the election found that more than twice as many voters thought George W. Bush was detrimental to McCain than said the same of Palin .

Yet clearly Palin became a more polarizing figure as the campaign went on, in part because she took on the role of chief critic of the Democratic nominee.

Republican support for the Alaska governor never wavered in the campaign, as Gallup tracking shows that at least eight in ten Republicans viewed Palin favorably from early September on.

Page 2

While most Democrats disapproved of Palin from the outset, her negatives among them climbed steadily as the campaign progressed. The trend was even more pronounced among independents, among whom her negatives went from 23 percent just after the convention to twice that by the days just before the election.

In Florida, Palin's overall favorable rating held steady at 47 percent between mid September and mid November, according to Quinnipiac, while her negative rating rose from 23 to 42 percent. The same trend was seen in Ohio and Pennsylvania .

Demographics also influenced how voters viewed Palin, as the first women to hold a place on the Republican ticket proved a more divisive figure for women than for men.

Women were also split by where they lived, with those in the suburbs viewing her unfavorably by a 37-54 margin, mirroring the 54-37 favorable view of women living in small towns and rural areas, according to NBC News-Wall Street Journal polling taken only days before the election. Suburban men split about evenly in their views of Palin, while rural men saw her favorably by a 48-34 margin.

In the end though, it's not clear how much impact Palin's selection had on the 2008 race, as those who said her addition to the ticket was an "important factor" in their presidential vote leaned slightly to McCain, 51 to 48 percent.

Even that poll, though, shows Palin's trouble with the center. While only one in four independents said Palin was an "important factor" in deciding whom to support, those voters backed Obama by a 74 to 20 percent margin.

Among the one in four independents who said Palin was an "important factor" in deciding whom to support, 74 percent backed Obama.

Reagan or Quayle?

Palin is now reportedly fielding hundreds of media interview requests, including from Oprah Winfrey, as well as lucrative offers for everything from her own television show to book contracts—but to revive her national image, many Republican strategists believe Palin must now step off the national stage.

"Palin needs to demonstrate growth above all else, if she is capable. She needs to retire from the field, endure a period of introspection, and renew herself before she can attempt to return," said Alex Castellanos, a GOP media consultant who most recently advised Mitt Romney during his 2008 presidential campaign. "Unless she retires from the field soon, the cement will set on the Sarah Palin we know now."

That Palin has a reputation as an intellectual lightweight reinforced by Tiny Fey's caricature of her on Saturday Night Live.

It's this perception that has already led some Republicans to conclude her national political career will quickly fade.

"'Never' is a word you don't use in politics. But having said that, it is difficult for me to imagine her as the Republican nominee in 2012 or 2016," said John Weaver, McCain's top strategist in his 2000 presidential bid. "You know, some of the negatives about her are now ingrained in the public lore. They are not the negatives that you accumulate in the rough-and-tumble campaign. These are negatives that go to the core of a person, whether she has the ability to serve in national office."

Those views were reinforced by anonymous criticism from within McCain's camp, most notably the charge that she did not know Africa was a continent.

Palin though has her defenders within the McCain campaign as well. "She's plenty smart. She's brilliant. She's incredibly talented," said Charlie Black, who was one of McCain's top advisors.

Black conceded that the Alaska governor may have been "thrust on the national scene before she was fully capable." But he added, "she's got several years to build on her record. Understand, that the political environment when she came on the scene was the worst for Republicans in 34 years. She also took a pounding that was unfair.

"She can overcome that," Black continued. "She is a charismatic person that has shown she has guts."

Or as Land put it, "There is nothing said about Palin that wasn't said about Ronald Reagan. Grade B movie Star. Amiable dunce. And it really hurt didn't it," he added, with a pang of sarcasm.

"Time will tell," said Land, "whether she's Ronald Reagan or Dan Quayle."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15924.html

[Me and my sisters opinion are the same. We believe Palin is more in line with Woody Boyd's character on Cheers more then she is with either Ronald Reagan or Dan Quayle.

You know, the regulars of the Boston bar Cheers who share their experiences and lives with each other while drinking or working at the bar where everybody knows your name.

Palins reference to the male population as 'Joe 6pack and the wink that went with it' is what destroyed her credtiability as a viable candidate for President.

No one that I know of... wants a President who speaks to others as if they are in a pub.

Can she over come 'who she made herself out to be?' Maybe. I use to think she was just pain dumb, ignorant, but i don't think that way anymore. I think she is reckless, and indifferent to what she says and or how citizens respond to what is said. She has the mentality of; "take it or leave it". And it is this that I find disturbing in her.

All words have meaning and she has to take do care of what she says, because if she don't, she will ruin her chances of being a creditable leader.]

Kade

The GOP's Joe McCarthy Gene

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:22:54 EST

The GOP's Joe McCarthy Gene

by Neal Gabler @ latimes.com

Ever since the election, partisans within the Republican Party and observers outside it have been speculating wildly about what direction the GOP will take to revive itself from its disaster. Or, more specifically, which wing of the party will prevail in setting the new Republican course -- whether it will be what conservative writer Kathleen Parker has called the "evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy" branch or the more pragmatic, intellectual, centrist branch. To determine the answer, it helps to understand exactly how Republicans arrived at this spot in the first place.

The creation myth of modern conservatism usually begins with Barry Goldwater, the Arizona senator who was the party's presidential standard-bearer in 1964 and who, even though he lost in one of the biggest landslides in American electoral history, nevertheless wrested the party from its Eastern establishment wing. Then, Richard Nixon co-opted conservatism, talking like a conservative while governing like a moderate, and drawing the opprobrium of true believers. But Ronald Reagan embraced it wholeheartedly, becoming the patron saint of conservatism and making it the dominant ideology in the country. George W. Bush picked up Reagan's fallen standard and "conservatized" government even more thoroughly than Reagan had, cheering conservatives until his presidency came crashing down around him. That's how the story goes..........

ENTIRE COLUMN -

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-gabler30-2008nov30,0,1653515.story

Stephen Views the News 112708

Stephen from Elkins Park, PA — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:10:08 EST

Stephen Views the News 11/27/08

http://stephenviewsthenews.blogspot.com/

* Change You Could Believe In – I have never paid much attention to the multiple Inaugural Balls that follow the swearing in of a new president. The little that I recall from four years ago was that the cost was considerable. I am confident that the special interests made sure to inject their ample resources into these extravagant hooplas. I would like to suggest the following to President-elect Barack Obama: Following your inauguration ceremony immediately proceed to the Oval Office with your Cabinet and begin addressing our nation’s serious problems. Cancel the balls and parties, the regalia and pomp and get to work. If you do a good job over the next four years you will be re-elected. That will be the time to take a breather and celebrate. Knowing that George W. Bush has left the White House is a party in itself - for the entire nation.

* Change We Hope We Can Believe In – Obama’s cabinet is being called by many pundits “smart, experienced, non-ideologues”. It will be quite a while before we have a sense of impact of Obama’s presidency, his policies and appointments. He certainly seems to have gotten off to a good start. I personally ignore the drama surrounding Hillary Clinton’s probable nomination for Secretary of State as well as the minutiae being mined about other appointees. This country desperately needs leaders who are smart, experienced, non-ideologues. The person we elected to lead us through this period of grave crisis should select the talent he deems prepared and capable to develop and implement the requisite policies and programs. Now is not the time to carp and critique. * Change We Can Participate In – I received an email on Monday from MoveOn.org asking for a monthly donation of $15.00. The objective - to offset the influence of huge amounts of money special interests will spend through their lobbyists to impede bold Obama initiatives on healthcare and energy. Anyone is welcome to use their financial resources to assist America moving forward. However, this is a belting-tightening time for most Americans and I would like to suggest an economical and perhaps more substantive way to influence our country’s path. It is called “activism.” Much of the money lobbyists have funneled to elected representatives has been used for re-election campaigns. If nothing else, politicians want to be re-elected. That is where you and I enter the dynamic. Since we are the ones that cast ballots, if we are sufficiently vocal, we have an excellent chance of gaining politicians’ attention. The website VoteSmart.org enables one to identify their Senators and Representatives and how to contact them. As a group we have the potential to be more powerful than the lobbyists and their masters. It requires each of us to take an interest in our self-interest. If we as citizens are not engaged, the government becomes an oligarchy of demagogues and special interests. The last eight years is testimony to such a fate.

To be an activist requires knowledge. The Dailey Kos political blog is launching a new website Congress Matters. The objective of the blog: “By watching, learning, analyzing and discussing the daily activities of the Congress, we hope to improve our effectiveness as advocates and activists. We'll pull back the curtains on how Congress conducts its business, both public and "private" (i.e., within the party caucuses and conferences), explain floor procedure and rules, and even throw in a little gut feeling when appropriate to try to get a better picture of what's going on, and more importantly, what we can do about it.”

Some of the organizations/websites that I feel are resources for people seeking to be better informed:

Common Cause

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

People for the American Way

Free Press

Center for American Progress

Human Rights Campaign

Amnesty International USA

1 SKY

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

Pro Publica

True Majority

League of Conservation Voters

Corporate Accountability International

This list is far from inclusive. In the future I will suggest additional organizations I deem worthy of consideration.

* Quote of the Week – “This isn’t about big government or small government. It’s about building a smarter government that focuses on what works.” Barack Obama, November 25, 2008

* Hallelujah ~ I have found a new Pastor! – Seven Days of Sex was the title of the sermon that Pastor Ed Young gave his congregation earlier this month. “Young challenged his parishioners to have sex with their spouse every day for a week to see how it benefited their relationship.” The Baptist pastor bases his “sexperiment” on Christian ideology – that God created sex for husband and wife. I can’t wait to show the video of the sermon to my rabbi – an ecumenical action on my part that is in tune with the new effort in our country to identify areas of common interest and move away from more recent divisiveness and isolation. I would like to suggest a new rallying cry for America – “Sex, Patriotism and Rock and Roll.”

* Speaking of “ecumenical” – “President and First Lady Bush recently sent Jewish community leaders invitations to a Hanukkah reception at the White House next month. But as the New York Post reports, the invitations “raised more than a few eyebrows” because the image on them was that of a “Clydesdale horse hauling a Christmas fir along the snow-dappled drive to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.” Ho, ho ho! Oy, oy, oy!

* Being dragged into the 20th Century – “State (South Carolina) GOP chairman Katon Dawson, who is campaigning to lead the national Republican Party organization, has resigned a 12-year membership in a whites-only Columbia country club… Dawson said he began working to change the club’s admissions practices in mid-August after reading about the deed in an article in The State.” After being a member of a club with racist policies and no black faces on members for 12 years, it took an article in a newspaper to alert Mr. Dawson to the situation. Maybe when other members were saying no “Coloreds” allowed, Mr. Dawson thought they were saying no “collards” allowed. Apparently the Republican Party has not reached rock bottom in spite of its considerable efforts.

* Being dragged into the 21st Century - Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman Tuesday declared that Florida's 50-year-old ban on gay adoptions unconstitutional. Judge Lederman said, ''It is clear that sexual orientation is not a predictor of a person's ability to parent.''

* I love contests – The Nation magazine has a contest for readers to offer suggestions, in 25 words or less, what President Bush should do after he leaves office. The response I submitted: “Nothing”!

* Intelligent and responsive governance – Two weeks ago I noted a report by Pro Publica (Journalism in the Public Interest) how gas drilling is resulting in carcinogens entering our water supplies. This week New York City and state politicians called for the state Department of Environmental Conservation to hire an outside consultant to evaluate the impact gas drilling could have on the city's watershed, and to hold public hearings in New York City and in the watershed region. It seems appropriate that we each ask our city and state representatives what respective local governments are doing to ensure the safety of the water we consume. Over the last eight years the federal Environmental Protection Agency saw its mission as protecting industry. I hope and optimistically expect this will change in an Obama administration but, some of the responsibility should be assumed by each of us to pressure and hold accountable our representatives. Our dependence on the “other guy” to do it came up short.

* No pardon in this season for a duck – An article by Joe Klein of Time Magazine summarizes the presidency of George W. Bush. It should be read in its entirety for its incisiveness and as precursor of assessments that will follow in the days and decades to follow. One sentence from this article, that generates more pathos for America than for Mr. Bush, Klein writes, “At the end of a presidency of stupefying ineptitude, he has become the lamest of all possible ducks.”

* “Consequences, Schmonsequences, as long as I'm rich.”

Daffy Duck in 1957 film Ali Baba Bunny

What We're Up Against

signsSansSignifieds — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:58:44 EST

In case anyone's expecting the GOP to great Obama's healthcare plan with open arms, consider these comments on Andrew Sullivan's blog.

Judging by the sad crop of leaders they are stuck with, hopefully the GOP will wander in the wilderness for the next forty years!

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:31:15 EST

Rudderless and fighting with each other, the gop has pulled so far to the right that they have alienated pretty much every voter who isn't a subscriber to the Limbaugh Letter. Judging by the sad crop of leaders they are stuck with, hopefully they'll stay in the wilderness for the next few election cycles.

GENERATION O

WEBMASTER — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:59:08 EST

The continuous expansion of HOPE THROUGH GENERATION O rest on the continuous support of active participants. Obama 'Generation O' members include –

AFRICAN AMERICANS for Justice
AMERICANS OVERSEAS
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ARAB AMERICANS for Freedom
ASIAN AMERICANS for Human Rights
COLLEGE STUDENTS for Education
CONSERVATION Groups
FAITH, FAMILY AND FELLOWSHIP Assemblies
GENERATION O for Opportunity
JEWISH AMERICANS for Civil Rights
GOP For Obama
LABOR UNIONS for Better Pay
LATINOS for Fairness
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES
OBAMA KIDS for a Better World
OBAMA FARMERS for a Better System
OBAMA SENIORS for Social Security
OBAMA VETERANS for Peace
OBAMA WOMEN for Women
WORLD STUDY BIBLE
and the ANGELS MESSAGE

GENERATION OBAMANATION SEARCH QUERIES
Altavista | Google | Lycos | MSN | Yahoo

Republican Governors in a Box

Llysse Smith Wylle — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:56:04 EST

From the WaPo:

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty -- passed over by Sen. John McCain for the No. 2 spot on the presidential ticket and one of nine GOP governors who preside over states won by Barack Obama -- offered a summary of his party's predicament at the governors' opening lunch.

"We cannot be a majority governing party when we essentially cannot compete in the Northeast, we are losing our ability to compete in Great Lakes states, we cannot compete on the West Coast, we are increasingly in danger of competing in the mid-Atlantic states, and the Democrats are now winning some of the Western states," Pawlenty said. "That is not a formula for being a majority governing party in this nation."
As if that weren't enough, he ticked off a few more challenges.
"Similarly we cannot compete, and prevail, as a majority governing party if we have a significant deficit, as we do, with women, where we have a large deficit with Hispanics, where we have a large deficit with African American voters, where we have a large deficit with people of modest incomes and modest financial circumstances. Those are not factors that make up a formula for success going forward."

Hm. Hm, hm hm.

This... well, it makes a certain amount of sense. What strikes me, though, is that Pawlenty seems more concerned with competing, with winning. Lookit: he repeated the word compete over and over again. There is nothing there that indicates he's actually interested in addressing the concerns of women, hispanics, African Americans, and people with modest incomes. He's just interested in winning their votes.

Wait... what?

Yes. And further, McCain adviser and former ebay exec Meg Whitman had a similar focus when she explained that

"Republicans are losing market share at an alarming rate," mentioning young voters and Hispanics as particular concerns.

Okay... granted that this is the time--after an election cycle--when everyone and his mother divides the electorate into segments to see who won what, so it may be sort of easy to get sucked in to thinking of all those little people out there simply as targets for party marketing. Still, it does seem a bit odd, I must admit.

Maybe this is where my third party registration shows through. I'm registered neither a Democrat or a Republican, and I tend to vote independently, so I find it sort of hard to think in terms of a party wanting control of the government just to be able to say "I won, I won, Woo-hoo! You were so pwned!!!1!" I mean, I thought the idea was to convince the voters that you or your policies will make for better governance. That's naive of me, perhaps, but frankly, that's why I thought the GOP's campaign was so terrible. Their candidates didn't really talk about any issues at all, instead trying the I-am-not-Obama platform. They also tried, rather unsuccessfully, to run on the I-am-not-Bush platform.

According to Pawlenty, the GOP "cannot compete" here, "cannot compete" there, and "cannot compete" much of anywhere. I suspect this is because the GOP has run on a platform of not liking green eggs and ham. It is limiting itself to its shrinking, little "real America" space, and will not eat eggs in that box, nor with a fox. It does not like them in a train or in the rain, either, Sam I Am.

I don't know that the GOP will "get it" until their campaigns become less about doing anything to win an election and more about trying helping American citizens.

Poll: 64 percent of Republicans want Palin to run for president in 2012.»

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:23:59 EST

In a new Rasmussen poll out today, Republicans overwhelmingly say that they want Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as their presidential nominee in 2012. Sixty-four percent of GOP respondents said that Palin would be their top choice in 2012:

When asked to choose among some of the GOP’s top names for their choice for the party’s 2012 presidential nominee, 64% say Palin. The next closest contenders are two former governors and unsuccessful challengers for the presidential nomination this year — Mike Huckabee of Arkansas with 12% support and Mitt Romney of Massachusetts with 11%.
Three other sitting governors – Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Charlie Crist of Florida and Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota – all pull low single-digit support.

In the same poll, 69 percent of Republicans said that Palin “helped John McCain’s bid for the presidency,” even though exit polls found that 60 percent of voters felt that she was “not qualified to be president if necessary.” (HT: John McCormack)

SOURCE- http://thinkprogress.org/2008/11/07/palin-2012-poll/

Defeated Republicans Lick Their Wounds and Debate Comeback Strategy

Mark C. Eades — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:21:06 EST

Still reeling from the punishing defeat handed to them by victorious Democrats on Election Day, Republicans are licking their wounds and debating their strategy for a comeback. As Democrats and progressives celebrate our hard-won victory, we should also be keeping an eye on our vanquished opponents and preparing to remain on the offensive against them, whatever comeback road they attempt to pursue. For the sake of the future, we cannot allow a repeat of 1980, 1994, or 2000.

Most observers see two major possibilities for the GOP. One is that the party could stick with its rural, white, ultra-conservative base and become the party of the far right, thus alienating moderates, independents, and swing voters, many of whom would likely migrate to the Democratic Party and join the ranks of conservative-leaning "Blue Dogs" like Virginia senator Jim Webb. The other possibility is that the GOP could move toward a more moderate and less ideological, center-right position that could make it more attractive to independents and swing voters but at the same time would tend to alienate the conservative base. Neither is an exceedingly attractive option for the GOP, since either would likely result in the loss of one or another key Republican voting block. The electoral success of Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II depended upon a united Republican coalition of social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, defense hawks, and "Reagan Democrats." That coalition has now fallen apart.

I personally hope the Republicans will take the former choice, stick with their demented base, and become a far-right fringe party doomed to increasing irrelevance as old bigots die off and their children discard the prejudices, fears, and hatreds of the past. This is what may well happen if far-right blowhards like Rush Limbaugh have their way, warning their shell-shocked followers now against a moderate takeover of the GOP led by once-and-future-maverick John McCain and other hands-across-the-aisle types, whose ranks will seek to purge the party of "real conservatives" like Sarah Palin and those who identify with her. Never exceedingly popular among those on the far right, McCain is already being branded a defeatist and a traitor by the Limbaugh-Palin crowd, who are incensed by the attacks on Palin now coming from within the McCain camp itself, and who increasingly regret that McCain was ever nominated even as they are in his debt for giving them "their Sarah." Meanwhile, angry dittoheads at RedState.com have launched a bitter assault on Palin's Republican critics called "Operation Leper," and appear poised to advocate for Palin as a presidential candidate for 2012 and/or 2016. Perhaps we will see a full-fledged Palin faction form within the Republican Party in opposition to the forces of Republican moderation, leading to an all-out faction fight and perhaps even a split in the party. I sincerely hope so.

If, on the other hand, the Republicans choose the path of moderation, returning perhaps to the GOP of Eisenhower and Goldwater, our work could be a little more difficult. This possibility highlights the importance of maintaining the center-to-left coalition that enabled us to win in 2006 and 2008 just as their center-to-right coalition enabled Republicans to win in 1980, 1994, and 2000, as it raises the risk of swing voters swinging back to the Republican side if they are not happy with the job Democrats are doing in Washington. Those of us such as myself who are on the Left of the Democratic Party will have to balance our expectation of having a place at the table with the realization that the rest of the country isn't with us just yet. At least in the near term, the Obama administration and the Democratic Congress will have to govern more-or-less from the center, and at the same time will have to prove that they are more capable of governing the country effectively than their opponents. Given the dominance of the far-right in today's GOP and its dependence on the conservative base, however, owing in part to the fact that so many moderate Republicans have either left the party or been voted out of office, I wonder how realistic or likely a route this second option actually is. I could be wrong, but I suspect hopefully that our opponents will remain in the funk they are currently in for quite some time to come.

Whatever course they may ulimately choose to take, our task as Democrats is to stop any GOP comeback dead in its tracks before it even starts. Democrats must remain on the offensive and must remain focused on solidifying and building our congressional majority in 2010, re-electing President Obama in 2012, and putting another Democrat in the White House in 2016. We must aggressively go after not only Republican congressional seats but also state and local offices nationwide. Grassroots Democratic organizing, voter registration, fundraising, and media activism are key to this, as is maintaining a strong center-to-left coalition through effective, balanced governance. We must demonstrate to the Republicans that they are dealing with a new, much tougher, much more aggressive and effective Democratic Party: a Democratic Party that won't be so easy to kick around as in the past, a Democratic Party whose days of whining about mean old swiftboating Republicans are over.

If we are to avoid a repeat of the last eight years or something even worse, no Republican comeback can ever be allowed to happen.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

Why do the Working Class Voters have so Many Impediments to Voting ?

RK — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:11:45 EST

Simple fact, The working class is the majority, and the working class issues are not the issues of big business and the rich elite. Anyone telling you they are, do so to only steal your vote. They live in a world of privilege few of us can imagine, so how do they get what they want in a Democracy ?, Lying, cheating, stealing that's how. Look closely at the Republican ideology, Bushism, McCainism, and you will see they are not you, not your life, not your values, not your aspirations. So the voting impediments are an active discrimination of, and suppression of your voting rights.

GOP tries to Disqualify Iowa Student Voters, the Battle Rages on, Between Left and Wrong !

RK — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:23:40 EST

The GOP aka Republicans that brought you war, foreclosures, unemployment, and record national debt are playing so in character and trying to steal more than your money today, they want your vote. Don't let them take it, report all incidents to multiple media sources, gather witnesses, and video tape when possible. The republicans are a blight on a healthy nation.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/04/gop-officials-trying-to-d_n_140983.html

Voter intimidation and suppression reported in North St. Louis County. Missori

RK — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:29:41 EST

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/4/9578/77830/635/652289

Paid GOP workers say they misled Wisconsin citizens !

RK — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:47:57 EST

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/03/paid-gop-workers-say-they_n_140743.html

Election 2008 : It's not about McCain's legacy, it's about the American People

RK — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:38:26 EST

A recurring theme from the McCain campaign, is his constant self absorption with his past military experience, and his fondness for military adventures. I hear about his sacrafice, his duty, his patriotism, his understanding of the world and our friends and enemies, and in all his rheotoric, though he had a notable military background, I think he didn't get what this election was about, it wasn't about him at all, it has always been about the people, and their desperation for CHANGE. I don't think he realized, or maybe he didn't care, but serving 26 years as a Republican, the party of the rich and elite, not of small business, but big business, the party that has led America to the brink of social, economic, and military bankruptcy he doesn't look like change or a promising future to the average American.

They're Making it Hard, but Stand Up and be Counted on Election Day

RK — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:11:36 EST

In many States, especially the battleground states with expected record turnout, and inefficient election apparatus, the American people, mainly Democrats have been denied extended hours of voting, and maldistribution of voting machines. But hang in there, arrive at you polling place early and prepared for a wait. It's trivial republican politics that hinders the peoples right to vote, but stay in line, and give the Republicans your line item veto. Support CHANGE, and kick the bums out !

McCain Campaign Rallies, attendance ten times less than expected

RK — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:47:25 EST

McCain Rallies have been trending towards low numbers as America has rejected the policies and politics of the Republican party, George Bush, and John McCain. McCain has run on a platform not of issues that help the working and middle class, but on a platform of lies, in an attempt to get the American electorate to vote against their own self - interest. He has shown himself not as a man of honor and principle, but as a personal ambition driven slash and burn candidate, who has fallen far from his roots, and the man he once was. McCain and Palin are a dangerous reminder of where we once were in this country, not the vision or hope we need to engage the future.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/03/mccains-crowd-disturbingl_n_140412.html

What is Sara Palin mixed up in ?

RK — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:10:58 EDT

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/1/135451/173/882/648975

Dick Cheney endorses John McCain to carry on the Bush Legacy

RK — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:58:58 EDT

My God !, Vice President Dick Cheney today endorsed John McCain and Sara Palin. Does this represent the change McCain talks about, or does this represent the passing of the torch, the seal of approval, of the most corrupt regime in American politics to have ever existed, to the next hopeful successor in the brotherhood. Under Bush - Cheney we could have been considered a rogue nation, and by their actions I believe we were in many ways. No single administration has betrayed the American people like Bush - Cheney. You have to ask yourselves looking at your current situation and the state of the American economy, Are you better off now than you were eight years ago ?, and do you want more of the same ? Our country is on the edge of failing it's current citizens, future generations, and the world, we can't sustain another four years of the Bush - Cheney administration. Take the power back, VOTE OBAMA NOV 4th. YES WE CAN !

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/01/dick-cheney-endorses-mcca_n_139990.html

Punish the "DEREGULATORS" with your vote, or justice will never be served !

RK — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:41:38 EDT

There are a whole variety of issues which one can take issue with when it comes to the "Bush Years of Decay", but one that should be front and center, because of the pain and suffering of the economic crisis, and it is the number one issue before the American people and Small Businesses right now, and will be for years to come, is holding those in government responsible for setting the American people up for the fall. The Republican Party from Bush - McCain, to the Senate and House of Represenatives made the "Economic Crisis" possible with their self-interest, cronyism, and relationship to unethical and corrupt "Wall Street Moneychangers". These politicians are the fathers of the "Original Sin of Corruption", and it was by their hands that everything that has come to pass in the economic markets both here, and around the world has been allowed to propogate. Right here, right now I can tell you the people who have taken the American Dream from you, are now going to walk away rich beyond your imagination if you let them. But you can break this "Cycle of Corruption", you can begin to get a measure of justice, by voting the bums out. They only exist if you let them, and if you let them continue it will be business as usual. Right now they have their hands out, and George Bush is forwarding legislation which would reduce government oversight even more. Your vote for Barack Obama and the Democratic Party is your "Line Item Veto" on their tenure and policies, which you have had no voice in. There should be some Rage Against the Machine of Republiconomics, so I urge you to help end the plight of the working and middle class, and help restore the American Dream by the use of the vote. United we have the power to CHANGE the world.

Bring me the head of Bill Gates

EminemsRevenge — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:04:06 EDT

i was writing a post about this little boy on the subway who when asked What do you want to be when you grow up? he answered I'm gonna be president like Obama...

Former Reagan Chief of Staff will vote for Obama

RK — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:23:57 EDT

Idon't think it's on ideology, but more a sense of disgust over John McCain's campaigning strategy, ultra low road politics of racism and hate, pick of Sara Palin the poster child for "clueless", and the real fear America could face with the continuation of the fundamentalist right wing policies in dangerous and uncertain times that have driven so many high profile Republican figures to jump ship this election cycle. Not only to jump ship, but to endorse Barack Obama, and to actually vote for him against the Republican candidate. I'm wondering how many Republicans will say to themselves in the voting booth, "I would do most anything for my party, but I can't vote for this ticket", and vote for Barack Obama for the good of the country. I'm thinking alot, because I'm one person and I know a few. I'll let you extrapolate that. But anyway Reagan Conservative, and former Reagan Chief of Staff Ken Duberstein is doing just that rather than see the country drove into the ground by McCain and Palin. Some Republicans have standards of conduct and morality, despite our differing political views.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/31/former-reagan-adviser-endorses-obama/

Florida GOP shows their True Colors in an email

RK — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:59:32 EDT

I guess there is still quite a bit of ethnocentricity in the republican party as demonstrated in an email from a county GOP headquarters in Florida. What's up with some of these people ? All Americans have a right to vote, and have their vote counted, all Americans have a right to determine their representation.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/31/54758/404/148/647683

Republican Former Secretary of State on Palin : "Of CourseShe is NOT Ready"

RK — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:26:09 EDT

WOW ! Bombshell from a Republican McCain supporter, and former Secretary of State, on Sara Palins abilities and readiness. What about our National Security ? With all her rheotoric, picture this in your mind, Sara Palin with her finger on the button of our Nuclear Arsenal.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/31/eagleburger-blisters-pali_n_139524.html

Economic downturn picking up steam. More Job Losses,

RK — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:09:10 EDT

Doing Less with Less, that's the working class reality today. Massive unemployment, home loss, no or inadequate healthcare, inflation. Lives and Dreams put on Hold. Eight years of Bush economics shows what an average Joe mentality can do to a once war free and prosperous nation. We need to elect an educated and thoughtful President, one who will keep an open mind and heart, who surrounds himself with knowledgable and experienced advisors and works together for the common good. If we know anything, we know, and are living, an economic nightmare brought on by Republican ideology and excesses. We need to CHANGE our government, and move in the opposite direction of George Bush and John McCain. Look around at your nation, your state, your community, your neighbors, and your family, and you can see the suffering. This isn't right, and we can right this wrong by voting for CHANGE. Get out, take a stand, vote for Barack Obama.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27461847/

Wow, GOP pulls out all stops

John Lessnau — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:04:29 EDT

In utter desperation McCain and Palin and their supporters are throwing all the lies and innuendos they can out and hope something sticks. When they speak, they only speak about why Obama sucks, not why they would be better.

When Obama speaks he speaks of hope and unity. 4 to 5 more days until this is over. Major party Tuesday night my house if things go the way they should.

My son's middle school, in the heart of upper class suburban Michigan had a mock vote today. I figured it would be about even. It wasn't even close, 490 Obama, 120 McCain. Even 13 and 14 year olds are not stupid enough to buy the Republic lies.

There is hope for this country yet.

Let's do what's right for our kids and America - President Obama 2009!!!

CNN Poll of Polls : McCain behind in every Battleground State

RK — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:36:49 EDT

The "McSame as Bush Campaign" continues to trash talk instead of addressing middle class issues, because they have nothing to offer the American people. Fear, hate, exclusion, racism are not themes that are resonating with the American public, nor are they the morality or values the American people expect from a Presidential candidate. McCain looks like an angry old man on the verge of throwing a temper tantrum at each of his rallies. I think he is pissed off that he can't dig his way out of his position with his silver spoon.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/30/mccain-trails-in-key-battleground-states/?eref=politicalflipper

Palin the New Face of the GOP!

HeinousJ — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:37:38 EDT

Yippee!!! That guarantees us a Democratic president through at least 2016!

Stopping GOP Voter Suppression and Election Theft

Mark C. Eades — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:41:43 EDT

The threat of GOP voter suppression and election theft is as great as ever this election year, and perhaps even greater as Republicans grow desperate to head off what appears likely to be a crushing defeat on Nov. 4. While Republicans hurl baseless accusations of voter fraud at Democrats and progressives who seek to build turnout, the fact remains that it is the GOP which has repeatedly sought to suppress voting in order to win elections. Republicans have used and continue to use a variety of methods to disenfranchise likely Democratic voters, including disqualification, deception, and intimidation.

Methods of voter suppression used by Republicans and the threat they pose this election year were recently discussed by Andrew Gumbel at The Nation as well as by Peter Rothberg. Meanwhile, Roberto Lovato discusses what we can all do to protect our votes on Election Day and after. The Brennan Center for Justice documents and reports incidents of voter suppression nationwide for public information. Reports on voter suppression activities have also recently appeared in the New York Times and at CNN.

The Election Protection coalition (1-866-OUR-VOTE) is a nonpartisan organization formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Through their website and voter hotline Election Protection provides live, up-to-the-minute information and advice on voting conditions nationwide as well as taking reports of irregularities from voters. No Voter Left Behind (NVLB) is a Democratic organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to fight GOP efforts at voter suppression and election theft. NVLB also provides extensive information on GOP voter suppression methods and on how Democrats can protect their votes as well as taking reports of irregularities. In addition to offering direct assistance to voters, Election Protection and NVLB seek donors and volunteers to support their efforts.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

The Myth of Voter Fraud

RK — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:41:56 EDT

A good article by the Washington Independent concerning Republican claims, and attempts to suppress American voter rights. Of course being a minority party, voter suppression is a pillar of Republican campaigning.

http://washingtonindependent.com/15217/voter-fraud

Ted Stevens : Another Republican McCain supporter Found Guilty of Corruption, Palin still under Investigation.

RK — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:31:50 EDT

Alaska may be America's final frontier, but Republican politicians seem to have polluted this prisitine land with their inherent tendencies to wield power for their own gains, and the gains of their base, the rich and big corporate America. Wev'e seen it in the U.S. Market meltdown, and I'm sure many more will trade their luxury homes for prison cells as we deal with the political and white collar corruption that caused it. Stevens obstructed justice, lied to his voters, lied to Alaska citizens, lied to America, and his and Governor Palins ethics should be a warning and alarm to the American Public regarding republiconomics and ideology. They have their best interest in mind.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/stevens.jurors/index.html

Stealing the Vote: GOP Voter Suppression is McCain's Last Chance to Win

Mark C. Eades — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:04:42 EDT

This man wants your vote, and he'll stop at nothing to get it.

Republican voter suppression efforts are underway nationwide in a last-ditch attempt to head off what is expected to be a big win for Democrats on Nov. 4. With only eight days left to go until Election Day, thousands of voters across the United States are now being illegally purged from voting rolls, new voter registrations are being rejected, and deceptive or intimidating information is being fed to likely Democratic voters by Republican operatives and election officials anxious to prevent them voting for Barack Obama. This is John McCain's last chance to win on Election Day, and Republicans are leaving no stone unturned in the effort.

The Brennan Center for Justice has documented incidents of voter suppression in Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, Montana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, and California. These include illegal purges of voters as reported also by the New York Times and CNN, rejection of new voter registrations, and deceptive or intimidating information given to voters in the hope of stopping them from voting. The New York Times also names Indiana and Nevada among swing states in which illegal or improper voter purges are taking place, often due to minor errors or mismatches which should not prevent eligible citizens from voting, and including improper use of Social Security data to purge voters. CNN likewise reports eligible US citizens being purged from voting rolls on the basis of errors and technicalities, often so close to Election Day that it is impossible for them to be reinstated, and in spite of federal laws prohibiting such purges within 90 days of Election Day. Republicans are aggressively pursuing methods such as these for disenfranchising likely Democratic voters across the United States, including lawsuits and appeals for partisan intervention by George W. Bush's Justice Department.

The Brennan Center also documents widespread cases of voter deception and intimidation by GOP operatives and even election officials. Election officials in Virginia and Colorado have provided incorrect and misleading voter information to students, and deceptive fliers have been distributed by GOP operatives to students and African Americans in Pennsylvania. In Bakersfield, California, conservative radio host Jaz McKay of station KNZR told listeners that Democrats should vote Nov. 5 instead of Nov. 4 because of expected heavy turnout - a favorite trick among Republicans trying to stop Democrats from voting. Asked by the county elections chief to stop misleading voters, McKay claimed it was a joke (see Bakersfield Californian). Many such incidents of voter deception and intimidation, too numerous to mention here, are documented by the Brennan Center.

Facing likely defeat on Nov. 4, desperate Republicans are pulling out all the stops in a last-ditch effort to steal the 2008 election.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

Republicans Are Sick: Radio Host Fantasizes Obama Murdering His Own Grandmother

Mark C. Eades — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:28:34 EDT

We've seen and heard some pretty ugly stories recently from the Republican ranks, but just when you think the stories can't get any uglier, they get uglier. So it was Friday morning (Oct. 24) on radio station WLS in Chicago, when conservative drive-time host Don Wade imagined how Barack Obama's allegedly adoring press corps would react to a video record of the senator murdering his own grandmother. Sadly, Wade's comments coincided with Obama's actual visit to the bedside of his ailing grandmother in Hawaii, which Wade ghoulishly turned into a fantasy murder scene captured on video. "The video clearly shows Grandmother greeting Barack Obama coming through the door...," Wade described with obvious relish, "...Barack Obama comes over, sits down beside the grandmother, and places a pillow over her face and holds the pillow over her face until she struggles no more" (CBS-2). Wade's wife and co-host Roma (picture here with Wade) expressed shock at her husband's words even as they were coming out of his mouth; and listeners expressed even greater shock in e-mail complaints such as this one quoted by CBS-2 News in Chicago: "Don Wade of WLS talk radio crossed the line this morning describing an insensitive and coded hate scenario where Obama goes to Hawaii and murders his grandmother. It was appalling, disturbing, ugly and over the top."

The Obama campaign has declined to comment on Wade's remarks. Those who would like to comment on Wade's remarks may do so at the WLS contact page ("Don & Roma" or "Don & Roma Producer" on pull-down menu). Don & Roma broadcast from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. local time Monday through Friday and take live callers at (312) 591-8900. Alternately, recorded messages for Don & Roma may be left at (312) 357-1489.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

New Mexico Republican Women's Leader Calls Obama "A Muslim Socialist"

Mark C. Eades — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:07:46 EDT

Marcia Stirman (pictured here), head of the Republican Women of Otero County, New Mexico, published a letter in the Alamagordo Daily News Oct. 21 stating her belief that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is "a Muslim socialist." The letter listed Stirman's reasons for being a Republican, including her belief that "Muslims are our enemies," and concluding with her belief that Obama is "a Muslim socialist."

In fact, as most Americans know full well, Obama is neither a Muslim nor a socialist. Ms. Stirman is obviously an ignorant bigot.

Interviewed by the Associated Press following the publication of her letter, Stirman said of Muslims: "I don't trust them at all. They've sworn across the world that they are our enemies. Why we're trying to elect one is beside me." Sassy Tinling, chair of the Otero County Republican Party, said Wednesday that Stirman would be asked to resign from her position as head of the Republican women's group. Stirman herself has stood by her remarks and has offered no apology to any who might have been offended.

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said of Stirman's statements: "Because these hate-filled remarks were made by a prominent Republican, it is incumbent on state and national GOP officials to repudiate her divisive and intolerant views." Stirman remained unapologetic, however, as she expressed in the Las Cruces Sun News: "I still have freedom of speech and an opinion. If the Islamic group doesn't like it, well, I don't like what's going on in their camp, either."

Stirman is an interior decorator with Artistic Interior Solutions, 1702 23rd St., Alamogordo NM 88310. Comments may be directed to Stirman by e-mail at mstirman@yahoo.com or by telephone at (575) 437-9362.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

Socialism and Communism are not just words

Tina — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:15:37 EDT

I was one the many residents of Florida who wrote to my senators describing my distrust of the bailout.

Of course, I am disappointed in Mel Martinez' “Yes” vote on the Paulson plan, despite the outcry of the people he represents.

All I can say is that the American people DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY.

Now to another subject, Mel's recent comment about Barack Obama, citing, “Socialism and Communism” is an obvious attempt at scaring older Cuban-Americans.

I have three reasons as to why one might want to rethink that position.

1. Hypocrisy: If you voted for the Bailout which is perceived as Socialism for the banks. But are against socialism when it comes to giving the masses a tax break, and rolling back the Bush tax breaks, you might be a hypocrite. We know darn well it was the Bush tax breaks that contributed to about 30% of our Budget Deficit. There is precedent for taxing the rich, it’s called the progressive tax.

2. Reelection: Politicians may want to distance themselves from the McCain/Palin Campaign on this issue. It is proving not to work in the recent polling data. People have become sick of the fear and hate tactics of the GOP the last eight years. And it just doesn’t work anymore. Politicians also may find that people’s memory is better than they think. This year is proving to be a referendum on the War, just as 2006 was. I would go as far as saying that people will remember which politicians have bought into the fear tactics and it will leave a bad taste in their mouths. This may impact a politician's next campaign or near political future.

3. McCarthyism and Racism: Words like "Socialism and Communism" are words you use when you are going on a witch hunt. And the use of the word "Welfare" is perceived as borderline Racism. The use of these words by the GOP is going to be deeply regretted after the election results are tallied. Perhaps the GOP has already “given up” and figure they have nothing to lose. But I disagree, I think anyone who pushes the boundaries of word meanings into name calling will be losing a career in politics.

My impression of Mel was somewhat benevolent in the past, but it has changed for the worse.

Tina in Sebastian

Senator John Sydney McCain recently exclaimed ...

Richard Owl Mirror — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:37:34 EDT

Senator John Sydney McCain recently exclaimed that the group called ACORN was involved in widespread voter registration fraud.
He even intimated that this threat was so far reaching, it would undermine the very fabric of Democracy.

Officials: FBI investigates ACORN for voter fraud
http://www.gopusa.com/news/2008/october/1017_fbi_acorn.shtml

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI is investigating whether the community activist group ACORN helped foster voter registration fraud around the nation before the presidential election.
A senior law enforcement official confirmed the investigation to The Associated Press. A second senior law enforcement official says the FBI was looking at results of inquiries in several states, including a raid on ACORN's office in Las Vegas, for any evidence of a coordinated national effort.
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because Justice Department regulations forbid discussing ongoing investigations particularly so close to an election.
Two spokesmen for ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, on Thursday said the FBI has not contacted the group. "ACORN has not been notified that we are the target of an investigation by any authorities -- nor should we be," spokesman

Kevin Whelan said in a statement. "ACORN members have done a good and patriotic thing by helping bring more than a million of their fellow citizens into our democratic process."
Republican accusations about the group were raised during Wednesday's presidential debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain.

~@~

OK, so there was nothing to this hyper boil launched by the McCain/Palin campaign and a complicit Whitehouse who directed the FBI to investigate this charge and announce it in a very public way, even though doing so is against the law.

So, now for the very scary truth of the matter regarding voter fraud and voter suppression comes to light.

Block the Vote @ http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/23638322/block_the_vote
Will the GOP's campaign to deter new voters and discard Democratic ballots determine the next president?
ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. & GREG PALAST ~ Oct 20, 2008
STEAL BACK YOUR VOTE INVESTIGATIVE COMIC BOOK

Rolling Stone - Block the Vote ~ October 20, 2008
http://www.gregpalast.com/block-the-vote/
http://www.gregpalast.com/sbyv/download/SBYV-Guide-100608.pdf
http://www.gregpalast.com/sbyv/download/Rolling_Stone_Palast_Kennedy_103008.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azYH5qVH90M

Block the Vote ~ Transcript - September 1, 2006
http://www.pbs.org/now/transcript/235.html

~@~

It has come to light, the GOP and the McCain/Palin campaign have been caught red-handed committing real crimes of voter fraud and voter suppression across the Nation.

Owner of YPM Arrested for Voter Registration Fraud ~ Oct 20, 2008
http://blueherald.com/2008/10/owner-of-ypi-arrested-for-voter-registration-fraud/

BREAKING: CA GOP Vote Registration Contractor Arrested for Registration Fraud, Perjury
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6534
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-fraud18-2008oct18,0,3505611.story

The smoking gun on voter registration fraud: Nathan Sproul ~ Oct 13th, 2004
http://www.debatebothsides.com/showthread.php?t=13519

Voter Fraud Charges Out West
GOP Group Under Investigation In Oregon; Similar Charges In Nevada
TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 14, 2004
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/14/politics/main649380.shtml

Voter Beware: Alleged Voter Registration Fraud ~ July 29, 2005
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=3639161&nav=168YcaPi

Nathan Sproul @ http://www.dkosopedia.com/wiki/Nathan_Sproul

GOP voter registration fraud: Mark Jacoby arrested, Nathan Sproul under investigation (again)
http://arizona.typepad.com/blog/2008/10/voter-registrat.html

McCain Employing GOP Operative Accused of Voter Registration Fraud ~ October 20, 2008
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/103846/_mccain_employin...voter_registration_fraud/

Voters Outreach of America @ http://www.dkosopedia.com/wiki/Voters_Outreach_of_America

Voter suppression @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_suppression

~@~

Some Voters Improperly Removed From Rolls
Report: Ohio, Ind. Among 6 States Where Problem Found
http://www.wlwt.com/politics/17679991/detail.html

Hoosiers Being Improperly Purged From Voter Rolls ~ October 09, 2008
http://www.wbiw.com/election/archives/2008/10/hoosiers_being_improperly_purg.php

Over 1,000,000 voters purged in Indiana ~ May 05, 2008
http://markcrispinmiller.blogspot.com/2008/05/over-1000000-voters-purged-in-indiana.html

Joe the Plumber Purged from Ohio Voter Rolls ~ 10/16/2008
http://www.theyoungturks.com/story/2008/10/16/165745/86/Diary/Joe-the-Plumber-Purged-from-Ohio-Voter-Rolls
According to the Confidence in Voting Act of 2006, and the Ohio 30-day voter registration deadline, Joe the Plumber is not eligible to vote in the Presidential election this year.

The Problem With Opening Pandora's Box in The 2008 Elections

Ms CYPRAH — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:39:11 EDT

I had a lovely, inspiring poem and comment in my mailbox from an Obama supporter and it got me thinking a lot of things. Reacting to the disgraceful behaviour at the recent Palin rallies, Sue Shields wrote:

"What worries me is that Pandora's box has been opened and once again people will feel safe in using prejudiced actions and words in their daily lives. Maybe not as dramatic as burning a cross on someone's lawn or burning a church, but feeling comfortable to use their fear and hate to alter the destination of others in their daily lives and life pursuits. We have to be aware that discrimination is broader than fearing one's color or religion or gender---it includes fearing one's creativity, enthusiasm, intelligence and even one's hope.

This type of behavior has been rampant within the walls of corporate America, within neighborhoods, within schools. The faster the world changes the more people fight to hold on to their status quo through any means neccessary...."

Her sad words rang a great bell inside my head because her comment is really about CHANGE and how we each individually deal with it. Change can often make us feel threatened, vulnerable, exposed, unprepared, and insignificant, make us do things we wouldn't even dream of doing to resist it. New initiatives, new situations and new leaders tend to bring out the worst reaction in us, making us needlessly defensive of our territory while firing our natural instinct to protect the status quo at all cost.

Grandiose Defections from the Grand Ol'Party

Stine — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:13:57 EDT

Add these to your list after the Eisenhowers (http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stine/gG5p2Y):

1. William F. Buckley Jr.

Son of the late U.S. conservative icon William F. Buckley says he's voting for Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama. A staunch Republican and columnist for the conservative National Review magazine, revealed that for the first time in his life he will vote for a Democrat for president next month.

http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/10/10/buckley_bails/index.html?source=rss&aim=/politics/war_room

2. Republican Gov. William Millikin Backing Away from Scary McCain

Milliken, a lifelong Republican, is among some past leaders from the party's moderate wing voicing reservations and, in some cases, opposition to McCain's candidacy.

During a stop in Grand Rapids on Thursday, Lincoln Chafee, a former Republican U.S. senator from Rhode Island, said he's voting for Obama and urging others to do likewise.

http://www.mlive.com/grpress/news/index.ssf/2008/10/former_governor_milliken_backs.html

Answering That ‘Forwarded’ E-Mail: “The Democrats Didn’t Bring Change”

Nicholas from Arlington, VA — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:49:14 EDT

You know how it goes. A friend who 'forwards' lots of e-mails sends you this one: "HERE IS THE CHANGE!," which dumps all over the Democrats, saying they've done nothing since the won the majority in '06. Don't groan and delete it. Copy all those who've been sent the 'forwarded forward' and start your answer this way:

Think about it.

Sure, the Democrats got control of both houses in ‘06. But they hold the Senate by one vote, and that one belongs to McCain’s best friend, Connecticut’s former Democrat Joe Lieberman [ MSNBC.com ]. It takes 60 votes to do anything in the Senate, which must approve anything passed by the House before it can go to the President [ C-SPAN ].

McCain and Palin On The Skids? Or Is It Merely GOP Strategy?

Bridget Petrella — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:37:54 EDT

This "may" appear to be "old news" but it's all part of the GOP "agenda"...

With his electoral prospects fading by the day, Senator John McCain has fallen out with his vice-presidential running mate about the direction of his White House campaign. Oh yes... dissention in the GOP ranks... McCain has become alarmed about the fury unleashed by Sarah Palin, the moose-hunting "pit-bull in lipstick", against Senator Barack Obama. Cries of "terrorist" and "kill him" have accompanied the tirades by the governor of Alaska against the Democratic nominee at Republican rallies. Mark Salter, McCain's long-serving chief of staff, is understood to have told campaign insiders that he would prefer his boss, a former Vietnam prisoner of war, to suffer an "honorable defeat" rather than conduct a campaign that would be out of character-- and likely to lose him the election.

Palin, 44, has led the character attacks on Obama in the belief that McCain may be throwing away the election and her chance of becoming vice-president. Her supporters think that if the Republican ticket loses on November 4th, she should run for president in 2012. A leading Republican consultant said: "A lot of conservatives are grumbling about what a poor job McCain is doing. They are rolling their eyes and saying, 'Yes, a miracle could happen, but at this rate it is all over'. McCain believes the attacks have spun out of control. At a rally in Lakeville, Minnesota, the Arizona senator became visibly angry when he was booed for calling Obama "a decent person". He took the microphone from an elderly woman who said she disliked Obama because he was "Arab", saying, "No ma'am, no ma'am". When another questioner demanded that he tell the truth about Obama, he said: "I want everybody to be respectful and let's be sure we are." Okay Mr. "Maverick"... whatever you say.

Even with McCain's admitted DISAPPROVAL... his campaign has actually stepped up its negative advertising against Obama, accusing him of lying about his relationship with William Ayers, the leader of the Weather Underground group responsible for bombing the Capitol and the Pentagon in the early 1970s, who is now a Chicago professor. And Mrs. Pailn? Well, the [I am predicting this one right now folks so listen up] a run for the Presidency in 2012 is "possible", I personally envision the GOP handing over a Senate position in Alaska. Let's face it-- there WILL be an opening sometime in the near future... Senator Ted Stevens: Last month, long-serving Alaska Senator Ted Stevens was indicted by a federal grand jury "with seven counts of making false statements for failing to disclose" gifts of over $250,000 from the oil services company VECO Corporation. THIS is precisely why Palin has continued to lead the charge against Obama's alleged lack of candor. At a rally in Wilmington, Ohio, she mocked him for attending a supporters' meeting in Ayers's home when he was seeking to become an Illinois state senator in 1995. "He didn't know he launched his career in the living room of a domestic terrorist until he did know," Palin said. "Some will say, jeez Sarah, it's getting negative. No it's not negativity. It's truthfulness." The crowd bellowed its appreciation with chants of "Nobama" and "Go Sarah Go!"

John Weaver, a former senior McCain adviser who left the campaign when it almost imploded in the summer of last year, questioned the purpose of the attacks. "People need to understand, for moral reasons and the protection of our civil society, that the differences with Senator Obama are ideological, based on clear differences on policy and a lack of experience compared with Senator McCain," he said. "And from a purely practical political vantage point, please find me a swing voter, an undecided independent, or a torn female voter that finds an angry mob mentality attractive."

A McCain official even confirmed that there was dissension in the campaign. Palin's frustration with McCain has led to clashes over strategy. When she learned he was pulling resources from Michigan, an industrial swing state leaning heavily in Obama's favor, she fired off an e-mail saying, "Oh come on, do we have to?" and offered to travel there with her husband Todd, four-time winner of the 2,000-mile Iron Dog snow-mobile race. She also told Bill Kristol, the conservative New York Times columnist, that she wished the campaign would make more of Obama's 20-year association with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his controversial former pastor, who said, "God damn America. To me, that does say something about character," Palin said. "But you know, I guess that would be a John McCain call on whether he wants to bring it up."

McCain's allies responded by suggesting that she had her own pastor problems, such as the African minister who prayed to Jesus to protect her from witchcraft when she was running for governor. McCain has told his campaign that attacks on religion are out of bounds. He declined Palin's advice to "take the gloves" off in his debate with Obama last week and did not refer to Ayers. It enabled Obama to rile McCain by asking why he did not have the nerve to attack him to his face. When McCain finally got round to mentioning the Weatherman at a rally last week, he described him mildly as "an old washed-up terrorist".

A spokesman for McCain denied he and Palin had fallen out over her aggressive attacks. "Vice-presidential candidates are typically the tip of the spear and further out in front than the candidate for president. This is pretty standard fare," he said. However, Palin is no longer helping to attract women and independent voters to the Republican ticket. A poll conducted by Fox News last week showed that while 47% of voters regard the Alaska governor favorably, 42% now have an unfavorable opinion of her. Palin remains far more popular than McCain with the Republican Party base. He regularly has to endure the spectacle of members of the audience leaving for their cars when it is his turn to speak at joint rallies. But as we all know... men outnumber women in rural Alaska [where the religious right has a massive power base]... and handing the Senate seat over to Mrs. Palin would be a definitively strategic GOP right-wing move... one that would keep the agenda on course. This is precisely why Palin should be prosecuted for her abuse of power as a Governor.

I'm Annoyed And The Palin Empress Isn't Wearing Any Clothes

Bridget Petrella — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:35:13 EDT

The radical religious right has succeeded in taking over one of America’s great political parties. The country is not yet a theocracy but the Republican Party is, and they are driving American politics, using God as a battering ram on almost every issue: crime and punishment, foreign policy, health care, taxation, energy, regulation, social services and so on.” — Bill Moyers

Okay... I just watched Sarah Palin ONCE AGAIN denouncing the fact that she was found GUILTY of abusing her power as the Governor of Alaska on CNN... asking the voters and members of the press to "read the report..." What? Is she serious? Was something "added" in Crayon that we missed somehow?

How did we get here? How did we go from a $680 billion dollar surplus thanks to good ol' Bill Clinton [who needs to "take one for the team" and sleep with Sarah-- wow, that would irk the hell out of the GOP, wouldn't it?] and the top moral standing in the world, to record-setting national debt and the ire/suspicion of the rest of the globe? How did we get from a tough, but semi-permeable hierarchy into a dead set Barbell economy? What happened to the middle class? Looking back on the last few years, it feels a little bit removed from reality. Which is why I appreciate the many individuals who took it upon themselves, from the get go, to point out this warped, god-high reality. Perhaps my favorite atheist Bill Maher said it best when he said, "Sarah Palin makes George Bush look like a college professor..." or something along those lines. The point is... where did this bus veer off course? The Hypocrites (GOP) would be nowhere without the support of the Morons (MNP). For example, whenever the rest of the nation, regardless of IQ, occasionally awakens and questions the absurd American tax policies... and the whole "trickle down" theorem... The GOP is threatened, terrified and desperate to switch gears. They will immediately reach out to the MNP and clearly show that:

A. Absurd Tax Policies Keep Abortions from happening... [whew! I believe I heard the distant sound of a right-wing brain imploding]...

B. Absurd Tax Policies Keep Illegals from Entering The Country... [uh... yeah... sure]...

C. Absurd Tax Policies Keep Your Family Safe [as long as you keep paying the war profiteers it all works out well and it thins the herd]...

D. Jesus Loves the Absurd Tax Policies, shouldn't you? [yeah... there is that ummm... edited variation of the Bible which promotes gambling, bingo... statues and middle-class taxes that atone for my sins]...

So off they scamper, hand in hand leading our nation: The Uber-Wealthy [GOP, or in some cases GOD] and the Uber-Stupid.

Sarah Palin is just one more step on this Milton-ian Magic Ride. Here we have John [McCain, incredibly close to the Uber-Wealthy [and as such the GOP]. But he can't get his seat in the White House on their support alone. I mean, sure, they have the money. And, sure, they have the influence. But in this American Plebiscite [i.e. Democracy... or Fascism, but who's keeping score these days?] it all whittles [much like Jethro Bodine] down to a pure numbers game. So he needs a huge, easily attained voting block. Now let's see… what part of the American Population is the easiest and simplest to appeal to… THAT'S RIGHT! The Uber Stupid!

So he picks Sarah Palin. A woman that believes creationism should be given the same allotment of educational time, [never mind the whole separation of church and state crap] time as evolution [or gravity]. She literally thinks Adam and Eve had pet dinosaurs. She doesn't think global warming is real. She also "talks right" on abortion [meaning she's anti-abortion even in cases of rape and incest]. Did I miss a memo?

I ask you, my fellow Americans. Has there ever been a more worthy representative of the Moron National Party? Is there anyone who could hold up that proud banner with as much empty-headed gusto and jaw-dropping mindlessness? And you know it helps that A. She's female and B. In a smarmy Land's End kind of way she's not half-bad looking. Boy that'll really drive the grassroots of the GOP nuts. They're going to eat her up... unless one of Adam's pet dinosaurs turns up first.

McCain Folk and the Constituency from Hell

Peach McD — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:10:50 EDT

Our next door neighbors are very nice people. They're our landlords so I'm grateful for how nice they really are.

At the same time, they're very scared people. Scared of all the people who don't look like them moving into our neighborhood. Scared of the kids dressed like fashionable thugsters who don't have enough to do with their spare time. Scared of sending their child to public schools with the thugsters. Nice, scared, Christian folk. McCain folk.

I know they're scared, because they tell me they are. They're scared of property values dropping, and scared of taxes going up. They're scared that if Obama becomes president, their priviledged way of life will suffer (have I got news for them....)

They're voting for McCain because he looks like them and speaks a language they understand. They don't listen to what Obama has to say because he doesn't look like them, and they've been convinced that 'everyone in politics lies' except Rush and Mr. Straight-Talk.

So, that's my neighbors. Let's call them Stan and Betty (not their real names). I talked to Betty yesterday about the videos and tapes coming out documenting truly nauseating hatefulness and will-to-violence among the crowd at Palin rallies.

She (rightly) pointed out the possibility of agents provocateurs, and that there is a wide spectrum associated with both parties. But Betty said she was certain that Palin would never encourage or foment such behavior. I asked why, then, did McCain and Palin not disavow and discourage supporters making remarks like, "Kill him!" and "Traitor!" and "Terrorist!"

She said that McCain and Palin didn't have a lot of control over the sorts of people who voted for them, and said there were some radicals associated with the Democratic Party as well.

I begged to differ. I pointed out politely that the Dem party was well to the right of anything at all radical - the Communist Party, the Socialist Party, the Green Party, and the Naderites (whatever they're calling themselves) were all left of the Dems, and that Obama knew better than to count on any support from those folks.

I reminded her that I was, myself, well to the left of a candidate who wasn't mandating Single-Payer Health Care, a Living Wage, and who voted for that Bailout and money to continue the war in Iraq. I reminded her that she's not scared of me or my hubby, radical though we might look to Senator Obama.

And there we stood.

She didn't want to have anything to do with the nasty people yelling hate speech, and neither did I. The fact that these are the people McCain and Palin are playing to in their stump speeches makes both of us queasy. We may not vote the same way, but we have this in common.

Senator McCain, Governor Palin, is this really your constituency? And if not, why is your campaign defending their putrescent bile?

"Barack Obama's attacks on Americans who support John McCain reveal far more about him than they do about John McCain. It is clear that Barack Obama just doesn't understand regular people and the issues they care about. He dismisses hardworking middle class Americans as clinging to guns and religion, while at the same time attacking average Americans at McCain rallies who are angry at Washington, Wall Street and the status quo," reads a statement from spokesman Brian Rogers.

Careful you don't cultivate the constituency from hell at the expense of the real McCain Folk.

TERRORIST AYERS AND THE GOP CONNECTION

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:59:32 EDT

http://www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/1987-95/94-084.html

The Brown University News Bureau

Distributed January 23, 1995
Contact: Mark Nickel

...

The Chicago Annenberg proposal was developed through discussions among a broad-based coalition of local school council members, teachers, principals, school reform groups, union representatives and central office staff, convened by Anne Hallett of the Cross City Campaign for Urban School Reform, WILLIAM AYERS of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Warren Chapman of the Joyce Foundation. A nominating committee has been formed by the proposal's drafters to create a permanent 20-person Reform Collaborative to oversee the project. The initial networks of schools that are funded will be selected through a competitive proposal process, with specifics of the process developed by the Collaborative. ...

Racist Newspaper Attack on Obama by Virginia Republican

Mark C. Eades — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:12:28 EDT

The shameless bigot you see pictured at right is Bobby May, McCain campaign chair in Buchanan County, Virginia, as well as treasurer and former correspondence secretary of the Buchanan County Republican Party. Mr. May recently published a newspaper column containing an overtly racist attack against Barack Obama. Appearing in a local paper called The Voice, May's column contained a number of inflammatory charges against Obama, including the following on Obama's plans for America if elected:

"FREEDOM OF RELIGION: Mandatory Black Liberation Theology classes taught in all churches - raise taxes to pay for this mandate. Put Rev. Jeremiah Wright in charge...."

"DRUG CRISIS: Raise taxes to pay for free drugs for Obama’s inner-city political base...."

"2ND AMENDMENT: Under Obama will only apply to gang-bangers, illegal aliens, Islamo-Fascist terrorists, and Senator Jim Webb’s aide...."

"FOREIGN RELATIONS: Appoint Rev. Al Sharpton as Secretary of State, Jesse Jackson as UN Representative, and let Bill Clinton handle all other "foreign relations" ... As long as Hillary doesn't find out...!"

"THE WHITE HOUSE: Hire rapper Ludacris to “paint it black.” Taxes to be increased to buy enough paint for the job plus spray-paint for graffiti...."

"THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES: Raise taxes to send $845 billion, most of it to Africa so the Obama family there can skim off enough for them to free their goats and live the American Dream...."

"NATIONAL ANTHEM: Change to the "Black National Anthem" by James Weldon Johnson...."

"US CURRENCY: Update photos to reflect US diversity; include pictures of "great Americans" such as Oprah Winfrey, Ludacris, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Paris Hilton, and Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson (Obama's new Secretary of the Treasury - 50 Cent refused position after learning that he would lose his crazy check if he accepted the nomination)...."

"US FLAG: Replace 50 stars with a star and crescent logo; red stripes changed to green to represent Obama’s tree-hugging radical environmentalism and his lack of experience. Flag lapel pins, having become a substitute for “real patriotism,” will henceforth be banned...."

At the end of his column May challenged Obama to meet him on "County Talk," a Friday morning talk show on radio station WMJD 100.7 in Grundy VA. It seems Mr. May is quite the local mover and shaker in Buchanan County Republican circles: In addition to his work with The Voice and WMJD, he has also appeared in the Virginia Mountaineer with other local Republican leaders.

Complaints and expressions of disgust at Mr. May's comments can and should be directed to the following:

McCain national campaign: info@johnmccain.com

McCain Virginia campaign virginia@johnmccain.com

Republican National Committee (Mike Duncan, Chair): chairman@gop.com

Virginia Republican Party: info@rpv.org

Buchanan County Republican Party (Jerry M. Lester, Chair): bcrp@naxs.net & jelester@mtinter.net / tel. 276-935-4764 or 276-935-5483

WMJD radio: info@wmjd.org / tel. 276-935-7227 ("County Talk," Fridays 10-11 a.m. EST)

The Voice: voice@mikrotecwildblue.com / tel. 276-881-8886

Bobby May: bobbyleemay@yahoo.com / tel. 276-566-8788

This story has already attracted the attention of the Los Angeles Times and blogs such as the Daily Kos, and with lots of further attention could become a major embarrassment to the GOP and the McCain campaign. The GOP and the McCain campaign should be pressed to acknowledge Mr. May's statements, to condemn and apologize for them, and to remove Mr. May from any official party or campaign role.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

With Us or Agin' Us

Emily from El Cerrito, CA — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:30:58 EDT

Cross Posted at <a href="http://emilyduffyart.blogspot.com/">Elephant in the Room</a> (Go there for larger views of images if you wish.)

I'm an artist first and a political blogger second. Sometimes, especially in the past eight years (youknowwhy) I've had to put my art second, behind my activism, which I don't like to do. Other times having art-making as an expressive outlet has probably kept my head from exploding. Like you poll wonks, and policy writers I'm using my personal skills to help win our country back. Art is a less represented method of activism here on DailyKos but there are many artists among our community.

I'd like to share with you the first in a series of sculptures I've been working on since 2003. The actual artwork will be on <a href="http://www.artofdemocracy.org/galleries/west/gallery_joshua_tree.html">exhibit</a> in October (near one of the nation's largest Marine bases) but since most of you won't be able to get to Joshua Tree, CA to see it, I'm sharing it online now. I'm hoping it will help change votes, minds, hearts, and inspire progressive action and CHANGE/HOPE/PROGRESS!

Republicans Manufacture Fake Outrage over Gwen Ifill

Eric in San Diego — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:31:39 EDT

I am disgusted by all the fake, manufactured outrage about Gwen Ifill. So what if she is writing a book about Obama. Gwen Ifill must be allowed to moderate this debate. It would be a huge mistake for PBS to replace her. It is impossible to get a moderator that is not biased one way or the other. That is why personal ethics and professionalism is important. I believe Gwen Ifill is ethical and professional and will do an excellent job moderating the debate. Contact PBS and tell them to not let politically motivated fake outrage cow PBS into submission.

http://www.pbs.org/vote2008/2008/10/showdown-in-st-louis.html

Prominent Conservative Columnist Urges Palin to Leave GOP Ticket

Michelle — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:29:32 EDT

Prominent conservative columnist Kathleen Parker, an early supporter of Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin, said Friday recent interviews have shown the Alaska governor is "out of her league" and should leave the GOP presidential ticket for the good of the party. (CNN, Sept. 26, 2008)

Below is the full text of Parker's entry in the National Review or you can click here to read it online:

If at one time women were considered heretical for swimming upstream against feminist orthodoxy, they now face condemnation for swimming downstream — away from Sarah Palin.

To express reservations about her qualifications to be vice president — and possibly president — is to risk being labeled anti-woman.

Or, as I am guilty of charging her early critics, supporting only a certain kind of woman.

Some of the passionately feminist critics of Palin who attacked her personally deserved some of the backlash they received. But circumstances have changed since Palin was introduced as just a hockey mom with lipstick — what a difference a financial crisis makes — and a more complicated picture has emerged.

As we’ve seen and heard more from John McCain’s running mate, it is increasingly clear that Palin is a problem. Quick study or not, she doesn’t know enough about economics and foreign policy to make Americans comfortable with a President Palin should conditions warrant her promotion.

Yes, she recently met and turned several heads of state as the United Nations General Assembly convened in New York. She was gracious, charming and disarming. Men swooned. Pakistan’s president wanted to hug her. (Perhaps Osama bin Laden is dying to meet her?)

And, yes, she has common sense, something we value. And she’s had executive experience as a mayor and a governor, though of relatively small constituencies (about 6,000 and 680,000, respectively).

Finally, Palin’s narrative is fun, inspiring and all-American in that frontier way we seem to admire. When Palin first emerged as John McCain’s running mate, I confess I was delighted. She was the antithesis and nemesis of the hirsute, Birkenstock-wearing sisterhood — a refreshing feminist of a different order who personified the modern successful working mother.

Palin didn’t make a mess cracking the glass ceiling. She simply glided through it.

It was fun while it lasted.

Palin’s recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League.

No one hates saying that more than I do. Like so many women, I’ve been pulling for Palin, wishing her the best, hoping she will perform brilliantly. I’ve also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted.

Palin filibusters. She repeats words, filling space with deadwood. Cut the verbiage and there’s not much content there. Here’s but one example of many from her interview with Hannity: “Well, there is a danger in allowing some obsessive partisanship to get into the issue that we’re talking about today. And that’s something that John McCain, too, his track record, proving that he can work both sides of the aisle, he can surpass the partisanship that must be surpassed to deal with an issue like this.”

When Couric pointed to polls showing that the financial crisis had boosted Obama’s numbers, Palin blustered wordily: “I’m not looking at poll numbers. What I think Americans at the end of the day are going to be able to go back and look at track records and see who’s more apt to be talking about solutions and wishing for and hoping for solutions for some opportunity to change, and who’s actually done it?”

If BS were currency, Palin could bail out Wall Street herself.

If Palin were a man, we’d all be guffawing, just as we do every time Joe Biden tickles the back of his throat with his toes. But because she’s a woman — and the first ever on a Republican presidential ticket — we are reluctant to say what is painfully true.

What to do?

McCain can’t repudiate his choice for running mate. He not only risks the wrath of the GOP’s unforgiving base, but he invites others to second-guess his executive decision-making ability. Barack Obama faces the same problem with Biden.

Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first.

Do it for your country.

— Kathleen Parker is a nationally syndicated columnist.

Pulling Back the Wool!

Holly Wyble — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:05:20 EDT

In reading and keeping up with the negotiations for the fiscal bailout stemming from deregulation and the greedy, free market environment of Wall Street, I was deeply disturbed to learn of the GOP's stalling to introduce a 'new' plan when the conversation was damn near over. By this point, I think it is safe to say that McCain is desperately attemping to cancel out the Vice-Presidential debate by skipping this evening. Having watched Palin self-destruct in front of Katie Couric, it is easy to understand why: an invigorating, sarcastic woman a potential President does not make. But stallworting this bailout, which could drive the market dangerously low and create even more hardship and many Americans, is not the sign of a true leader. Being unable to listen to both sides, but "agreeing with the core principles of the GOP house" is Bush leadership. When even the President is signing on to something completely against his agenda, one knows things are not well in the kingdom.

The GOP plan is disturbing to me for a couple of reasons:1. It introduces private capital into the bailout, supposedly to save the taxpayer. What this means is that financial institutions can buy insurance for the 'bad' debt that they are unsure will be repaid and that private citizens can pump money into these banks to do so. 2. In order to do this, the suggestion is greater tax cuts and additional deregulation. Correct me if I am wrong, but this the exact same situational greed that got us into this place to begin with; I'll be damned if I am going to put up taxpayer money so that, should this debt create failure for these companies, we have to pay them out of pocket for the loss. I believe that we are at a critical time to begin making choices that reflect the many rather than a few. While 700 billion is a lot of money, the potential to make most of it back is high; and there is a possibility we could profit. At the end of the day, we would all be interconnected and responsible, and the GOP could no longer ignore the middle and lower classes who have saved their ass yet again.

As we watch the financial markets deteriorate, I can not help but feel worried over the concept of potential monopoly action. Bank of America absorbed Merrill Lynch, and is the largest bank in our country. Washington Mutual just went under to be bought by J.P. Morgan, who also bought Bear Stearns. Is it not possible, that by allowing these corporations to buy 'bad' debt, we are simply giving them a free pass to grow beyond their means and let their CEO's off the hook for having to whittle their excessive, greedy compensation? What happens if Bank of America in the future can not handle its holdings or JP Morgan's stock plummets? Who will be left holding the bag? Will another 'bailout' be on the horizon? Has anyone bothered to investigate where these GOP leaders keep their money? What banks would buy the debt? Who is invested in these companies? Why, when a potential arrangement was reached, did they come rolling in with a 'new' plan when the other plan covered much of what Americans were requesting: heavier regulations, oversight of the piecemeal monetary distributions, equity stakes in such companies and limitations on executive pay?

I believe it is shameful that the GOP would put its own agenda to attempt to make McCain look like the Lone Ranger to boost poll numbers and try to save his failing campaign. It is sinking because he is inconsistent, power hungry and willing to do whatever it takes to have his ego stroked. For as much as he touts 'Country First', all I have seen of McCain is him putting his campaign needs ahead of the masses. So, now, that WaMu has failed, what will be the GOP's move? With the markets tumbling, will they continue to stallwart for a plan that will not pass? Will they still attempt to straddle the Democrats with passing this bailout on their own despite their direct hand in creating the market and environment that led us to this catastrophe in the first place? It is repugnant that Politics could again trump Americans, as it has for eight years. Are we going to sit by and just watch as we potentially enter a Depression because a candidate can not bring himself to be a true bipartisan without gaining self credit? This is a call to action to phone your Republican Senate and House leaders and DEMAND that they support the bailout mop we are providing to clean their mess.

Let's Clear the Mist in Your Eyes!

Marie — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:57:19 EDT

The GOP has sunk to a real low! They are punting to save the play to use a ballgame analysis. Let's Review the Facts.

McCain attack on Obama and "corrupt Chicago machine" triggers Mayor Daley "Keating 5" response

By Lynn Sweet

on September 23, 2008 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/09/mccain_attack_on_obama_and_cor.html

Update!

ACSA study reveals that after assembling a team of "pro-Peabody Western Coal" Indians and obtaining a false "Hopi-Navajo" Tribal Counsel designation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for these paid Tribal representatives, in the period 1974-1996, Senator McCain was able to get large bands of the Dineh-Navajo relocated off their lands, so that Peabody Western could mine the coal under their farms at nominal expense. Common Cause has suggested McCain was indirectly compensated by street name cash contributions to his Federal Election Fund during three Presidential runs, and through family business with Las Vegas Casinos who benefited from the coal driven power he supplied.

In addition, Freddie Mac Paid McCain Campaign Manager's Firm Through last Month

Two reports tonight, one from the New York Times, and the other from Newsweek, contradict John McCain's statement this week that his campaign manager Rick Davis had no involvement with mortgage giant Freddie Mac for the last several years.

The Times reports: One of the giant mortgage companies at the heart of the credit crisis paid $15,000 a month to a firm owned by Senator John McCain's campaign manager from the end of 2005 through last month, according to two people with direct knowledge of the arrangement. The disclosure contradicts a statement Sunday night by Mr. McCain that the campaign manager, Rick Davis, had no involvement with the company for the last several years. Mr. Davis's firm received the payments from the company, Freddie Mac, until it was taken over by the government this month along with Fannie Mae, the other big mortgage lender whose deteriorating finances helped precipitate the cascading problems on Wall Street, the people said...
...On Sunday, in an interview with CNBC and The New York Times, Mr. McCain responded to a question about Mr. Davis's role in the advocacy group through 2005 by saying that his campaign manager "has had nothing to do with it since, and I'll be glad to have his record examined by anybody who wants to look at it."

Then Newsweek confirms the story! Folks this is a fact vetted by the PRESS. Rick Davis was getting paid every month since 2006 until last Month! No one knows what services Davis or his firm provided to these institutions during this period. As an Auditor, I would like to see the receipt for that billing.

What followed that is more revealing:

McCain's campaign has been attacking Obama over his own (rather tenuous) ties to the two former lending giants. GOP officials argued that despite whatever connections Davis or others had to the mortgage giants, McCain was a leading advocate for reforming them. However, the Times' reporting punches some holes in that claim:

In an interview with conservative talk-radio host Neal Boortz, Mr. McCain said, "I remember warning at that time that Fannie and Freddie were out of control and that they needed to be reined in. And, frankly, I warned that this kind of thing could lead to serious problems. Now, in full disclosure, I didn't foresee something this huge, but certainly I saw the fundamentals there for serious problems when you have a quasi government agency acting the way they did."
When Mr. Boortz noted approvingly, Mr. McCain had co-sponsored a Senate bill to mandate new regulations. Sen. McCain said, "I remember it very well."

But a Freddie Mac official said Mr. McCain "never took on the role that some other Republicans did" to try to limit the companies. He named instead Senators Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, John Sununu of New Hampshire and Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina, all of whom were on the banking committee during recent years. "I remember working against a number of amendments and they were always introduced by Hagel and Sununu. John McCain was never anywhere to be found."A check of the records for the legislation that Mr. Boortz mentioned shows that Senator Hagel was the original sponsor on Jan. 26, 2005, and Senators Sununu and Dole were co-sponsors then. Mr. McCain did not sign on as a co-sponsor for more than a year, on May 25, 2006.

McCain believes all these items will disappear while he puts his campaign on PAUSE. The GOP is helping him stifle these facts and squash stories that ring so TRUE that his LIES are the butt end of a joke. What is so unclear is, why would the GOP use a crisis to cover these unfit actions? Does McCain really believe putting his campaign on hold will make these facts disappear?

McCain does not have any power to add to the debate on the $700 Billion Bailout. As Sen. Dodd stated yesterday he was surprised McCain was even interested in the outcome of the bailout since he never heard from him. However, Sen. Dodd added he has had numerous calls from Obama but none from McCain. Sen. Dodd is the chairman of the hearing being held on this issue. What I believe we are seeing McCain’s true skills: how he adapts, evolves, and what kind of political hog he really is. He has attempted to adopt every line Obama has used during his campaign from “change” to Obama’s positions on energy and economics. On the facts denoted above, there is no Obama playbook to copy but panic then run for cover. This gives rise to the real questions: Is This a Leader? This is how he handles a real crisis? Is this putting “Country First?”

Creating a new role for McCain is not enough for this world stage. It is clear his life experiences are beginning to show how they have taken their toll on him: The POW horror, the military service to country as a jet jockey, the shot from the hip at anyone who disagrees with him, and the roaming nature of McCain's life due to a nomadic childhood. I have to wonder like a CSPAN caller did who asked, “Has McCain ever sort psychological counseling?”

Take it back.

Karen Copeland — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:47:06 EDT

They've taken away, one by one, some of the most crucial components of the America we knew and loved. Sometimes they do it by stealth and sometimes they do it openly, cheered on and encouraged by the thoughtless brainwashed lunatic right wing fringe. They pimp all that's good and fine about conservatives and they lie about all that's best about liberals. It has worked far too well, for far too long.

I'm not going to try to name them all -- I'll just describe them the way the Bible described the bad guys: they are Legion. We simply cannot sit quietly by any more.

Barack Obama represents the finest chance most of us have seen in our lifetimes to take it back from them. To take it back, and to re-enshrine the crucial checks and balances that the inspired founding fathers established. These people have been busily chipping away at them for a long time. If there was ever a candidate who really might be able to help us undo their wretchedly destructive work, it's Barack Obama.

America is down for the count. We have the opportunity to elect a man who'll allow her to come out swinging, Rocky-style. We have a chance to have a true statesman at the helm of this country we love, once again. Someone to also make us proud again. I don't know about you, but I'd really like to have a president we can be proud of -- instead of one we're embarrassed by.

John McCain is a good man. He's done real violence to much of what once made him that way, but he's still a good man. But he is losing his marbles before our very eyes and Sara Palin is a truly horrifying choice. She's George Bush in an attractive woman's disguise. She appeals to all the same unlovely things in the American psyche that he did. God help us that she appeals to a single soul.

Stand the two presidential candidates side by side, and John McCain suffers so badly in the comparison you almost pity him. Then you realize how close the polls have the two, and you realize it ain't over yet by a long shot.

We know they stole the 2000 and 2004 elections. The selfsame machine that accomplished that is untouched, still in place, and probably stronger than ever. I don't know what will happen in November. I cling to some forlorn hope that there has been some kind of quiet, committed effort behind the scenes by the Jedi, to thwart the Sith Lords. There's sure not any evidence of it, but hope springs eternal, right?

God bless this beatiful, miraculous, badly battered country. And if you believe in prayer -- the real kind, not the kind that prays for bad things to happen to other people, but the kind that gives might to the honorable hopes and dreams of those doing the praying -- pray for an Obama win in November. And even if you're as discouraged as I am about the prospects of the elections actually revealing the will of the people, vote, vote, vote anyway. Vote as if your life depended on it anyway. Because the one thing that you have to have if you're going to rig an election is a close election. If the vote for Obama is overwhelming they won't prevail.

Let's make that happen. It might be the most important thing we ever do.

My basic objections to the McCain / Palin ticket

Kyle Drexel — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:24:35 EDT

Everything else aside, I feel quite comfortable rejecting the GOP ticket on the basis of two single actions:

1. McCain's hasty and ill-considered selection of Palin, an individual that is obviously not capable of solid national leadership. This decision illustrated that he will make short-sighted grabs for political advantage, even if it potentially harms our nation. His willingness to place Palin in the role of VP demonstrates contempt for our nation.

2. Palin's acceptance of McCain's invitation and subesquent acceptance of the VP nomination demonstrates that she is either ignorant enough to believe she could possibly perform in that role OR that she is a short-sighted politcal maneuverer like McCain. In either case, she is not fit to occupy VP... much less take over as president if McCain should fall ill in his term.

Sure, there's many (far too many) reasons the GOP ticket is a hazard to our nation, but these two are good enough for me.

Do NOT Wear Politcal Clothing to the Polls!

Mister Anderson — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:43:20 EDT

This was just brought to my attention yesterday, but in many counties throughout the United States, it is ILLEGAL to wear political clothing and other items such as buttons to polling places when you go to vote because it’s considered “PASSIVE ELECTIONEERING.” As most people know, you’re not allowed to campaign within so many yards of a polling place during Election Day as they don’t want anyone to feel pressured to vote one way or the other while at the poll. Wearing political clothing and the like is considered a form of campaigning in many places whether you agree or not.

We Were Robbed in '00 and '04. Don't let it happen in '08

Uncle Nate — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:36:02 EDT

This video that I compiled to accompany my original song chronicles what happens when voters are defrauded and votes are left on the table.

The title of the song is 'We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.)'. It can be found here: We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.)

We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.)

The video for We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.) serves as a reminder that the last 8 years have been run by an illegitimate administration that was thrust into power on the backs of 19000 eligible voters in Florida that were illegally removed from the voter rolls. This was conspired by Jeb Bush, Katherine Harris, Clayton Roberts, Karl Rove, and Database Technologies.

People, you have to get out and vote on November 4 en masse and don't let it be close this time.

The Bush Legacy:
Disenfranchisement, 9/11, Enron, Worldcom, Bear Stearns, Countrywide, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, AIG Restructuring, An Iraq War that still has not been Justified after 5+ years, $4 gasoline, Patriot Act, Record Foreclosures, Rising Unemployment, Illegal Surveillance, Tax Payer funded bailouts for Mortgage Companies, Patriot Act. By the way, I have not heard of any bailouts for taxpayers struggling to pay their mortgages.

It's time to say Eight is Enough!
We Were Robbed!

If you dig the video, please feel free to distribute freely to anyone you feel needs to get the message or post it to own your websites, emails, and blogs supporting Senator (and Future President) Obama. At the conclusion of this post I will post the embed code and URL for your personal websites, blogs and emails.

Please distribute freely if you believe in the message. I welcome your feedback.

Respectfully,

Uncle Nate
Obama/Biden '08

Here is the embed code for your personal websites/blogs:

Here is the link for your email:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFerpq2VApg

We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.)

A MUST READ REPORT: Rep. Senator Chuck Hagel on GOP VP choice

Blue Girl in South Carolina — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:54:08 EDT

Just wanted to shed a little more light on this upcoming election from an actual newspaper reporter from the Nebraska State newspaper, the Omaha World-Herald. Below is the copy issued less than an hour ago through the AP (Associated Press). This interview was conducted by the Newspaper with Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In addition to his experience in the US Senate, Hagel was nominated in 1981 by then President Rondal Reagan to serve as the Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration - a nomination that was confirmed by the US Senate. He also served in Vietnam during 1968 in the US Army's 9th Infantry Division, where he earned two Purple Hearts and many other military decorations and honors (See Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel's full biography on his public senate website here: http://hagel.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Biography.Home)

GOP senator: A 'stretch' to say Palin is qualified

47 minutes ago

Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel said his party's vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, lacks foreign policy experience and called it a "stretch" to say she's qualified to be president.

"She doesn't have any foreign policy credentials," Hagel said in an interview published Thursday by the Omaha World-Herald. "You get a passport for the first time in your life last year? I mean, I don't know what you can say. You can't say anything."

Could Palin lead the country if GOP presidential nominee John McCain could not?

"I think it's a stretch to, in any way, to say that she's got the experience to be president of the United States," Hagel said.

McCain and other Republicans have defended Palin's qualifications, citing Alaska's proximity to Russia. Palin told ABC News, "They're our next-door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska."

Hagel took issue with that argument. "I think they ought to be just honest about it and stop the nonsense about, 'I look out my window and I see Russia and so therefore I know something about Russia,'" he said. "That kind of thing is insulting to the American people."

Hagel, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been a vocal critic of the Bush administration since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

In July, Hagel traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Though he didn't expect to be asked, Hagel had said he would have considered serving as Obama's running mate.

Palin was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, population 6,500, before becoming Alaska's governor in December 2006.

Palin visited soldiers in Kuwait and Germany last year and said in an interview with ABC News that her only other foreign travel had been to Mexico and Canada. She also said she had never met a foreign head of state.

Hagel told the newspaper that other governors have been elected to serve in the White House without experience in Washington. He said judgment and character were also important for the job.

"But I do think in a world that is so complicated, so interconnected and so combustible, you really got to have some people in charge that have some sense of the bigger scope of the world," Hagel said. "I think that's just a requirement."

___

On the Net:

Omaha World-Herald: http://www.omaha.com/

Original AP News Story Link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080918/ap_on_el_pr/hagel_palin

The original report is published online on the Omaha World-Herald Newspaper here as well: http://www.omaha.com/

"It's A Girl!"????

Anna Potter - Deputy Field Organizer, Chatham County, NC — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:03:43 EDT

Oh my god. Are you kidding me????

Ok, ok. So, beyond all of the other stupid, stupid, tacky merchandise the McCain folks have for sale (Race Fans for McCain?? SportsMEN for McCain? Come on!), this is just downright idiotic. There are two main problems I see with this button:

1. By making a button that specifically says, "It's a girl!", you're not only pointing out the obvious, but trying really hard to make sure that everyone knows that you've just done something "groundbreaking". But by ever-so-cleverly pointing this out to us, you're making it even more obvious that it didn't matter WHICH "girl" you chose as the VP, just that, indeed, it's a GIRL.

2. But wait a second... it's NOT a girl.... IT'S A WOMAN. Don't sit there and cry media sexism when you are taking just as large a part in it as you say they are.

McCain/Palin: The good ol' boys (now available in girl, too!)

It's Not Just the Philosophy, But the Party That Espoused It

signsSansSignifieds — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:58:24 EDT

Mark Thoma provides a platform for Thomas Palley to comment at length on the liquidation dangers of the current economic crisis here.

It seems to me that the Obama campaign should not only hammer away at the "gubmint bad, people good, regulation bad, freedom good" approach to economic policy championed by the GOP since 1980, but the fact that the GOP has been the purveyor of this irresponsible nonsense from the start.

In this time of crisis, when the entire world is feeling the effects of an approach to market activity characterized by privatized profit and socialized risk, there should be a risk associated with the aggressive peddling, by one political party in particular, of dangerous nonsense that has finally brought us a catastrophe whose dimensions we cannot yet fully comprehend. The GOP is overwhelmingly responsible for this mess. They should be made to wear it.

George "Macaca" Allen to speak at Minority Rally in VA

Rob — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:19:18 EDT

George Allen must really have a way of words with minorities. Check out the video above from the 2006 Senate Race where he politely welcomed a minority in the crowd. He did so well then, that the GOP has decided to have him speak at a rally in VA for minority voters!!

Someone is really, really, really out of touch.

Contact the National Media!

Chanel — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:07:18 EDT

What is happening in Michigan is a crisis. It doesn't get more un-American than this and for some reason, the national media is not covering it. Here is the article from the Huffington Post:

http://www.michiganmessenger.com/4463/obama-campaign-files-suit-over-foreclosure-lists

What we need to do is contact the national media and demand that they cover this. The more people that know the better. This election needs to truly reflect the will of the people. If the national media covers this situation, more and more people will double check their registration and be able to vote. I am adding a link to contact CNN. Send them a message now, don't wait until the story becomes old news!

http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form1.html?18

GOP kicking people when they're down

katmarz — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:47:28 EDT

The Republicans have sunk to a new low in Michigan. The Michigan GOP are planning on blocking people whose houses are in foreclosure from voting in the Presidential election. These homeowners are breaking no laws, they have just fallen upon hard times like many Americans in the current rocky economic climate.

Apparently it is an attempt by the GOP to disenfranchise African American voters in the state, many of whom have been affected by the housing bubble. It's another prime example of the Republican style of dirty politics as usual.

Learn more:

http://www.michiganmessenger.com/4076/lose-your-house-lose-your-vote

Not my Grandfather's GOP

DaveinSF — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:16:01 EDT

Watching the spectacle of delusion and denial unfold at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul MN, the most striking aspect is the clear evidence that the GOP has become completely beholden to a rabidly neo-conservative evangelical base.

The GOP of 2008 bears little or no resemblance to the GOP of only twenty years ago, let alone the Party my Grandfather supported fifty years ago. Yes that's right, my Grandfather was a Republican. He believed in the ideals and values of the party that once elected Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency.

September 15, 2008....IS, IRONICALLY, ALSO THE REASON WHY WE WILL WIN!

The Original NYC Free Advice Man — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:51:03 EDT

Do not worry too much! The Obama-Biden Super Ticket will win on November the 4th, 2008! And not just because America needs real positive change, the kind only Senators Obama and Biden are able to bring and will bring to Washington! The events of today, September 15, 2008, and what happens in the next few days will be VERY MUCH PART OF THE REASON! But these events are seriously tragic for working middle class and working poor like me and many of my friends, because the market crises are the result of absolute incompetence and excessive greed that the GOP get-rich-quick mentality caused! Shame on McCain-Palin for failing to keep their promise to stick to the real issues, the bread and butter issues! With good people like Barack Obama and Joe Biden, real Americans like us, WE WILL RESTORE AMERICA! B'R'CH H'SH'M (Hebrew for Blessed Be G-D's Eternal Name!) Family values?!? WE are for family values! The GOP is for devaluing families!

Why I support Barack Obama: He is truly a man of the people, and for the people. He puts people before profits, and understand that to really, really listen to people, to others, supporters, skeptics and opponents alike, is not at all a sign of weakness but the mark of all great leaders! Like my previous favorite, Senator Joe Biden, he has that special and rare quality of being able to understand and care for others, which, unfortunately, so many other candidates, seriously lack! Obama is for unity-in-diversity, for the most fundamental principle of Our Great Constitution; separation of religion and state, for truly fair wages for honest work, sensible and creative compromise between the public and the private sector, and he is not averse to respecting those who may not have the fortune to have acquired formal accreditation from institutions of higher learning, but who, nonetheless, are highly educated, creative, out-of-the-box autodidactic thinkers and intellectuals (such as myself). There are other reasons, such as his calming voice and sense of style and realistic confidence, why I support Senator Barack Obama and sense that he will make one of the greatest U.S. Presidents of all times! As for those who fear McCain-Palin might win: Are you kidding?!? With today's financial crises, soaring budget deficit, rising unemployment, massive housing crisis, and a 1 Billion Dollar a week waste of money in Iraq??!?? Nah! If McCain-Palin stole the elections then it would be the end of our entire economic might! Neither Wall Street nor Main Street is going to allow that to happen! It will be an Obama-Biden victory for sure! But only if we do not take it for granted and realize that they could steal the elections with blatant LIES and what not! So...if fearing we might lost motivates you to make sure WE WIN then so be it! But remember the wise old adage: PEOPLE DON'T BUY ANYTHING FROM PEOPLE WHO LOOK MISERABLE! So...get ready to ROCK & ROLL and CHANGE AMERICA FOR THE BETTER! YES YOU CAN! YES WE CAN! AND YES WE WILL!

Detached from reality - The "GOP 30" and why the democrats can't win elections

Frustrated Independent — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:47:52 EDT

Like legions they are, fighting as a single unit, defeating all that attack them as one.

Obama's ads are terrible. They are too soft and come off as weak. But that isn't the real problem with the party. Leading the party is like herding cats. Democrats pride themselves on being independent thinkers, going off on their own directions. The republican party on the other hand behave as a single cohesive unit that fight in unison. This is obvious when you look at the talking points after Palin was VP; every single republican pundit said the exact same words "executive experience", etc in the *exact same order*. The words stuck in the minds of voters. The republican behavior is perfect for winning elections, but terrible for governing (see 2000 - 2008). It is the independent voices, the debates and discussions with those carrying opposing views, that ensure the right decisions are reached.

Bush surrounded himself with yes-men, and as a result he was convinced his decisions were correct. Can you therefore blame him for the current state of the country? I instead put most of the blame on the yes-men, because as advisers it was their duty to challenge and provide good advice. That doesn't mean I think Bush is a good leader, he's still a moron. Everybody he appointed agreed with him, so he must be right, right? This is what makes Obama appealing - his desire to engage in a complete discussion: hearing supporting and opposing viewpoints, formulating an opinion, and taking an *informed* decision. For example, many of his answers to Bill O'Reilly listed a number of options: "option 1, do X but then Y is the minus", "option 2, do Z, but A is a minus", etc etc. He has many years of experience doing this as a law professor, and is clearly documented and described by many prominent *republican* judges and lawyers that he helped educate. This is an important characteristic to have; it shows the president will take *informed* decisions, not *quick* decisions. I prefer the informed decision.

Now, back to my main point: Obama's ads are terrible, and his strategy to win is even worse. Mccains ads, though incorrect, stick; and republicans *know how to win elections* (I can't stress that enough). Just like in the courtroom, "drawing first blood" - where you make outrageous claims knowing full well the judge will chastise you, but whose impact on the jury will last despite the orders to "ignore those remarks - is critical for leaving an impression on the masses. Mccain (per Rove's strategies) has done a very good job "drawing first blood". Obama's ads are too academic. They are too high-level. They are only understood by the informed, and sadly, most of the voters that will decide this election are not exactly reading the details of the various policies.

Rather than just complain, I propose the following:

1. The masses remember Mccain 2000, where he was indeed a maverick. It is only in the last 3-4 years that he truly aligned with Bush. Therefore, tying Mccain to Bush will only work for those that are informed, and the informed are voting blue, so this is a useless strategy. You need to show that Mccain isn't the problem, the GOP is generally. Show that Mccain will just be a figure-head, it's the GOP bureaucrats that actually run the country, and the same GOP monkey's that operate under Bush will be there under Mccain. Obama's "change" is "changing the bureaucrats". Getting the hawks out of power. It has little to do with Mccain specifically. You need to run ads that highlight "true change", not just words, not even an ideology, but you're getting rid of the stupid, power-hungry hawks that have caused the demise of the country.

2. The masses understand cronyism, and they hate it. They will remember FEMA, the horse-guru Mike Brown, and Katrina. Palin has a history of cronyism. The Alaska government is her high school year-book. This is *simple* to prove! Harriet Meirs for the Supreme Court, Brown to run FEMA, and other such non-sense can easily be associated with Palin. This should be a critical add! "Horse-expert to run FEMA? Bush's buddy on the Supreme Court? Palin's prom-date as attorney general? Government isn't a popularity contest".

3. Once you establish the fact that Mccain will just be a figurehead, you can easily attack them on the economy, where Bush et al have said many times that the economy is doing well (see this mornings news for a rebuttal). Apply the "Daily Show Tactic", where you show videos of them praising the economy and then clips of fannie/freddie/morgan/lehman etc failing.

4. Once you establish that the GOP is the problem, not Mccain, life becomes much simpler. The GOP should be synonymous with: fundamental home-school Christians that don't believe in dinosaurs; pro-life; pro-guns; anti-global-warming; take-over-the-world hawks. You should be running ads showing the "bible camps" in the mid-west, where "God's army" is being trained. This is the GOP. This is the 30% that believe Bush is doing a good job. These are people that independents *do NOT* want to be associated with. The ad should be simple: "30% of Americans think the GOP are doing a good job running this country, who are these 30% exactly?", then cut to the crazies, and end with "Are you part of the GOP 30?". The number 30 should be associated with the GOP and the die-hard bush supporters. The number 30 should then appear *everywhere*. Associate Mccain with the number 30, and you're sitting pretty.

Basically, I figure that: 5% of voters are informed, 95% are uninformed. Of the 95%, 80% vote based on fear, physical attractiveness, and sound bytes. So if we work the math out: 5% informed, 19% uninformed but don't respond well to fear/sound-bytes, and 76% respond to fear/physical attractiveness/sound bytes.

Obama's ad's are capturing the 5% and drawing from the 19%. Mccain's ad's are capturing at least the 76% and drawing from the 19%.

McCain and Palin: a Bridge to Nowhere

Michael from Arlington Heights, IL — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:52:30 EDT

Voiceover:

"Palin keeps lying and denying her support for a bridge for 50 people that would cost $398 million dollars. And McCain's plans, the same as Bush's, are a bridge to nowhere for the middle class. He'll sell out America--again. You want a fourteen-trillion dollar national debt? Another stupid war? Seven dollar a gallon gas? Tax cuts for billionaires--again--when we just can't afford it? Wise up, middle class. Don't be fooled again by McCain and Palin and George W. Bush's Republican Party. McCain and Palin are a Bridge to Nowhere. I'm Barack Obama and I support this message."

Visuals: Open with a depressing picture of some little-known suspension bridge. "Bridge to nowhere" should be flashed in red across image of McCain and Palin. "$398 million" should flash across Palin. The Debt amount should be flashed in red across an image of McCain. Palin should get the $7.00 gas amount. "Tax cuts for billionaires" should show a couple of creepy-looking, sycophantic lawyers and accountants in suits congratulating an evil-looking rich man smoking a cigar [I'm not kidding] fading into a pic of McCain and Bush for the text "George W. Bush's Republican Party." "Wise up middle class" should show a middle-class couple looking worried, blonde wife, two cute kids. "McCain and Palin are a Bridge to nowhere" should superimpose their earlier pic over the pic of the ugly bridge.

Clintons aid Palin and GOP, Again; Absent from Party Discussion

Stephen — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:42:31 EDT

All that fuss during the primary. All Bill and Hillary Clinton's rankering about the 18 million women supporters she brought into the primary - is now being used to aid Sarah Palin and the McCain/Palin GOP ticket. No, it wasn't just Hillary's 3am add about her supposed foreign policy experience that then hurt Barrack Obama. She caused the American voter to re-think what Presidential experience is, and what it is NOT. She spoke of how critical it is to have women serving in high office.

There is no doubt Hillary "opened the door" for Sarah Palin and the GOP, again. Palin, who could well become the President in that McCain's health and age are in question, is no Hillary. The only thing they have in common is gender and big oil. But Palin is a radical religious right loyalist, hand picked by Carl Rove. She's more right than George Bush. The only change she would bring is further to the right! The American people are getting waxed by the Rove machine!

So - where is Hillary? Where are her communications with the 18 million women she claimed were democrats in the primary? Her SILENCE is remarkable. It raises serious questions about her loyalty to the party and future in the Senate.

Wake up New York. Your Senator is about to hand the GOP the 2008 election!

Why Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Doom McCain & May Haunt Obama

Brian M Ross — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 09:25:45 EDT

Sadly these days, many of our financial journalists and analysts have the depth of introspection of a Miss America Pageant. Degrees aside, they respond to the surface of news events and drool like Pavlov's dogs when the appropriate bell is sounded. It would appear, beneath the surface that two events suggest that the actual power structure behind the Republican Party, in spite of the Sarah Palin love fest following the Republican convention, does not see John McCain winning the White House. Here is why.

Obama Waffles’ featuring racist, stereotyped images . This is disgusting

Don DePasquale — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:19:24 EDT

‘Obama Waffles’ featuring racist, stereotyped images sold at Values Voter Summit.»

At the Values Voter Summit this weekend, vendors sold an item called “Obama Waffles” featuring a racist cartoon of Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) on the box front — with “popping eyes and big, thick lips” — and another image of him wearing an Arab-like headdress on its top flap. Its creators, Mark Whitlock and Bob DeMoss, said it was meant as “political satire,” and sold the box for $10 from a booth at the Family Research Council event. CNN’s Lou Dobbs stopped by the booth and exclaimed, “My wife will love this!” A photo shows Dobbs with a box of the mix in his hand.

UPDATE: American News Project interviewed the creators, who said they were just “having a little fun during the election season,” and denied that the box was racist or offensive. Watch it: