Posts with the tag Senator Obama

America - Together (post election)

Alex Karoub — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:44:40 EST

..... Contact: http://Alex.Karoub@gmail.com

WHO IS THAT GUY BARACK OBAMA? HE IS US.

We have made historic headway by together pointing our nation in the right directions. After decades, we have America focused on the issues of fundamental importance. Now, each of us acting in concert can together move our country to lead the world to the fruitfulness of moral goodness. I have no doubts about my abilities and the abilities of fellow Americans to work smart and hard to achieve these goals.

Barack Obama has the visions, leadership, and integrity for us to correct and redirect our country to once again lead the world for the fruitions of good. Let's closely listen, learn, and move forward based on that which we know deep inside is good and which we can validate with our hearts.

I hope that those who had but a few reasons to support Obama, look further into the other issues more deeply. I found the more I explored, studied, and listened to Obama the more I found us in agreement. The couple of issues that I did not have depth of knowledge of, quickly became obvious in need. This was unusual for me since I have always refused to be any kind of a follower, and still am not. I find Obama to be a deep thinker who is articulate and inspirational; and, of most fundamental importance, Obama makes excellent moral sense.

Hopefully, our country has learned lessons from the past of mistakenly following leadership blindly, as was done with Nixon and Bush. There are leaders who are simply in it for themselves and will cater to individuals or groups in order to grab for their own benefit. Corrupt and bad leaders hide at all levels. This is especially true in city government as well as county and state government. The corrupt deals of politicians need to be exposed, and those responsible need to be weeded out in the coming local elections. Others need to be investigated by law enforcement and be prosecuted for illegal dealings; for deals they often make for their hidden personal agendas. Let’s look at the bad experiences of the past as bitter medicines, let’s eliminate the need for such bad medicine in the future. Let us use what we know is good to go forward.

I believe we have chosen wisely, not by greed and not by misguided retaliatory anger. I believe this time our country has chosen with open eyes, with each of us listening and examining our choice of leadership closely, driven and validated by our hearts.

I hope we can continue to make our efforts even more inclusive (in many more ways than I touch on here). Far right republicans will be stubborn to change, but we will need to include them to change if we are to succeed. Sure a few more will leave our country, but that is not the American way. No, we really don't need their false fronts of power, money, insider knowledge, or other trappings that they have taught many to 'respect?'. Let's recruit as many as we can, that's the American way, evolving and changing together as one nation. Try to be understanding as we move forward; by better understanding each as individuals and people with various desires and needs we will find ways to reach out with friendship and have them join our causes of good.

Be on the lookout, and root out bad leadership in government and business. Do not be intimidated by those who use the false fronts of power and give a false sense of security in order to lead. Be extra leery of those who say or imply ‘Trust me’; those who give a sense that they somehow omnipotently know better. No longer will Americans be dazzled by phony displays of brilliance or baffled by baloney. There are government aristocrats and business leaders who still believe in the old adage of: “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, then baffle em with bullshit”. We can embrace complexity by demanding true, fundamental, and understandable explanations. We can root out falsehoods by not accepting double speak. We as Americans know how to grow ourselves by first believing in ourselves. Don’t be a follower. Don’t be a follower of followers.

However, when we find leaders who are good; a leader that thinks, speaks, and acts from their heart; one that is honest, has integrity, and leads by sincere examples; then we need to in a big way, join them, support them, and promote their causes of good. From much research, investigation, and scrutiny, I believe Barack Obama is such a person. I hope we search for and find many more who are similar, who we can add to service at all levels of government. We need to add/replace leaders in business with ones that have honesty, integrity, and show quality in leadership. We need more people in leadership roles who are moral, like Barack Obama.

Remember, we are not fighting a battle, we are the artisans and sculptors of the future for ourselves and generations to come. Rarely do societies have opportunities to make such dramatic moves forward as we now have in this opportunity of today. Take pride and practice in being inclusive as we stride forward. In moving forward, create opportunity not only for yourself, but also for all. Hope is a wonderful thing to behold; but without opportunity, hope can become but a dream never achievable. We can, will, and must, create opportunity.

In the coming year I hope that we do not lose our spiritedness, but instead continue to build and make headway. I hope we all continue our campaign for change in government and business. We will succeed in moving forward once again, it will take much effort and good oversight on the part of each of us. We will make great strides in the months and years ahead in order to achieve the fruitions of good. Let's keep our enthusiasm progressing through these coming toughest of times. Let us use the light of goodness and love to motivate us with historic momentum.

I have chosen Barack Obama because he best represents my deepest beliefs in America. Please take time to read the issues that Barack Obama has published on this website. Also, give your attention to see how he leads us to move our nation forward in the time ahead. Most importantly, be part of America's great future, participate in the greatness that together we will make. Participate!

We will each and all flourish, if we think, speak, and act, by using the love in our hearts.

Your reply is welcome. Contact: Alex.Karoub@gmail.com

Obama has become the 44th U. S. President - AS ADVISED

Relationship Adviser on Barack Obama becoming the 44th U. S. President — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:29:37 EST

The Moment of Truth has finally come.

Senator and then Presidential Nominee, Barack Obama has now become the President-elect as duly ADVISED by Relationship Adviser of Best-Relationship-Advice.com.

Please browse Barack Obama will become U S President, and also Barack Obama - the next U S President on how he made this BOLD and DEFINITIVE ADVICE on Barack Obama becoming the 44th President of the United States as early as February 6, 2008.

God Bless President Obama, God Bless United States of America!

Relationship Adviser

McCain & Palin: "Joe the Plumber is a GREAT AMERICAN HERO!!!"

Terri — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:58:58 EDT

This just gets worse all the time!!!! I can't stand it!!!!! Yesterday, at a rally in Defiance, OH, Senator McCain started trying to get "Joe" the Plumber to come on stage. Turns out he was supposed to be there but he wasn't because he evidently can't even follow simple directions. But, of course, it wasn't HIS fault! He actually blamed McCain's campaign staff! Anyway, after McCain stood there and kept calling for him, and looking really pathetic and silly doing so, ("Joe? Where are you Joe? Are you here Joe? Well I thought you were here!) he eventually said 'oh well you're all Joe the Plumber' why don't all of you stand up'....like they weren't already!!! What followed amazed & enraged me (I didn't think it was possible for McCain to get any worse, but he DID!!) McCain then started talking about how great Joe is and, this is a quote now: "give Joe a hand, for all he's done for America!" If that particular statement wasn't bad enough in other rallies Senator McCain has stated that "Joe" his "role model", "a great citizen from Ohio", and "a great American hero"! "Joe" is Senator McCain's role model?

What about all the men and women who have fought and died for this Country, Senator McCain? What about the mothers & fathers, sisters & brothers, spouses & children of those people? People that were proud to either go fight themselves or have someone in their family who did! McCain & Palin usually acknowledge these people at their rallies by having asking them to "hold your hand up so we can honor you" and everybody claps. But when it comes to who McCain & Palin single out and bring on stage with them they choose to acknowledge "Joe" the LOSER and the LIAR!!! Here we have a United States Senator, who wants to be President of this Country, that has, by his vote, been a part of sending men & women off to war! Then this same man gets up on stage and, before national audience, announces that his hero, his role model, his definition of a great American is this loser! Then he wants the crowd to applaud "Joe" to "Thank him for what he did for America". He wants this guy cheered and celebrated, for being a liar, while, at this very moment we have troops in harm's way. How must it make those troops feel? Here they are, a world away, fighting for their country, in danger of being killed at any time, missing the birth of their children and time with their families that they can never get back. Then they see or hear about the man who wants to be President, their next Commander in Chief, a United States Senator is making some nondescript guy, whose sole 'contribution' was to ask a question that was filled with and based on NOTHING BUT LIES, being the best thing that ever happened to America. How must those soldiers families feel, when they are making the sacrifice of their loved one's presence and possibly their lives and the man who wants to be President is making some loser out to be an "American Hero" and his "role model"? But "Joe" the Plumber is John McCain's GREAT AMERICAN HERO!!! I am just simply outraged, enraged, furious, appalled, incensed, pissed off,....there just isn't strong enough language to describe how I feel about this!!!!!

What about the veteran's of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War and the other various conflicts, police actions, diplomatic missions, etc.? My grandfather served in WWII! Like many of the young men at the time, he was drafted and sent to Germany. He married my grandmother one week before he left and my mother was 2 years old (walking, talking, the whole bit) before he ever saw her! My grandmother talked about walking down to the Post Office, praying every step of the way, that my grandfather's name would not be on the list of missing or killed in action (that's how they did it back then)! My grandfather landed on the beaches of Normandy, you know...D-Day, and was involved in several other battles! My grandfather DID something for his Country!!! My grandmother told me he was never the same when he came back. How could you be, after seeing your boyhood friends shot to pieces or blown up in front of you? My grandmother DID more for this Country than Joe the Freakin' Plumber, through her sacrifice of being without him all that time and being a new wife and mother and having to do it all by herself! But McCain wants to acknowledge Joe the Plumber for all he's done! Let's highlight "Joe's" accomplishments, shall we…

First and foremost and his whole basis for fame is simply that he is a nothing but a BIG, FAT, BALDFACED LIAR and someone who evidently likes to do and/or say things just to make someone else look bad or get other people into it so he can stayed back and watch the feathers fly!!! Lie #1: His name isn't even "Joe"! Lie #2: He is NOT a licensed plumber!! Lie #3: He is not in the process of buying his bosses' business Lie #4: His bosses' business (if he was going to buy it) doesn't make the $250k to $278k that "Joe" said it did, right there on TV! Lie #5: He doesn't make anywhere near $250k himself, he made somewhere in the area of $40k last year (which therefore makes you ask 'why would he be concerned about having to pay more tax at $250k) Lie #6: was portraying himself as an honest, tax-paying citizen...the IRS had to put a lien against him for $1,100 in tax he refused to pay! Then he goes around & comments on government policies, like foreign affairs, like he has any idea! He clearly does not!!! But he has no problem getting out there and stating his idiotic ideas and saying things that either come from his ignorance and lack of education or just blatant lies!!!

What gets me are the people that actually listen to this guy!!! I would be willing to bet that his education ended in high school except maybe for some trade school (like the how to snake a toiilet course or how to turn the water on!) I mean absolutely no disresect to trade school but it doesn't really compare to going to a university that teaches a well-rounded curriculum and upon completion you receive a bachelors, masters or doctorate degree, does it???

Senator Obama has surrounded himself with extremely intelligent and learned people that have great knowledge, expertise, wisdom & experience!!! People that are, without doubt, geniuses! Madeline Albright, Dick Lugar, Colin Powell, Bill Clinton, Hilary Clinton and Al Gore are simply the best & brightest when it comes to foreign policy! I can't think of anyone that would be better than, and few that would be as good as, any one of those people! These people also happen to be friends of and, much more importantly, advisors to Senator Obama! But "Joe" the Plumber is acting like John McCain's foreign policy guy. While he is out there stumping for him and agreeing with statements like "a vote for Obama would be a vote for the death of Israel". To which "Joe" says "I'll have to agree with you on that one, that would be a problem" He agrees with this statement even though Senator Obama has, many times, declared his support to Israel!

"Joe" the Plumber is SO BAD that FOX NEWS, who is by NO MEANS counted among the Obama Supporters, even called him out on it! The FOX NEWS anchor was so appalled and floored that he was practically speechless. He actually issued a disclaimer disavowing everything that "Joe" said. If you ever watch FOX NEWS you know what a big deal that is!!! The man is a complete and total idiot. During a rally yesterday, McCain handed him the microphone to address the crowd! He then began telling them how 'we need to take back control of our Government' and that they can do that by doing "research" and then making informed decisions about the world and what goes on in it. He didn't word it quite that way but he did say 'do research like I have'. Really...he's done research, has he? Well then why, every single time he opens his mouth, does something else ignorant and stupid come out. Further, I don't think his little speech was even his own words because he can't put more than two words together without sounding like a completely uneducated boob!

John McCain & Sarah Palin are holding "Joe" up as an American symbol, the symbol of Small Business in America AND HE DOESN'T OWN A SMALL BUSINESS!!!!! They call him a great American. Both McCain & Palin say "Obama and his media friends have attacked poor "Joe" for asking a question, what's that about?" Well I'll tell you...the McCain Campaign kept making sure "Joe" stayed in the spotlight and 'poor' "Joe", who according to McCain, didn't ask for any of this, was and is LOVING IT!!! If the man didn't want to be in the spotlight, he wouldn't jump in front of every camera he sees!!! Poor "Joe" is trying to make money off this whole farce! McCain & Palin will most probably do anything they can to help him capitalize on it. As far as him being 'investigated', the media tends to look into anyone that is getting that much press and attention. They really didn't have to 'investigate' very hard to find out THE TRUTH about Joe. Why are McCain & Palin so mad about that, because it is THE TRUTH!!! They, nor "Joe", for that matter have ever disputed any of it!!! Even after they found out what a liar he is, they still continued to act as if he hadn't lied…when they KNOW he did!!! This certainly doesn't make their characters look good! They are committing the same kind of dishonesty and questionable actions they are pledging to get rid of in Washington!!!

That whole "Joe" thing would have worked better, though not to base an entire campaign on as they have, if they had ACTUALLY USED someone who 1) owned a small business and 2) made over $250k and 3) had some kind of formal education and was learned and up to date on current events!

I apologize for the length of this blog but I could go on and on....I had to make myself stop!!!!

Please vote for change! A vote for Obama/Biden is a vote for hope!

Terri

Vote Obama/Biden '08

Pasted from <http://my.barackobama.com/ext/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/blank.htm>

Barack Obama – the Next U. S. President

Relationship Adviser on Barack Obama becoming the 44th U. S. President — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:17:42 EDT

Today is Tuesday, October 14, 2008, four weeks before the 2008 U. S. Election scheduled to take place.

Relationships! The definitive Advice as to whether a presidential candidate would win the election and eventually become the President of the United States could be verified, among other things, by computing whether there is any propensity for long-term Relationships with his (for the time being) nominated vice president.

Read the full article of Best-Relationship-Advice at

Barack Obama – Senator to Presidential Nominee, President

Encouragement for Senator Obama

Gail Dietrich — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:12:52 EDT

Our gracious and loving Father we seek your face in the fast paced and busy time of this campaign. Give Senator Obama quiet times to spend with you for refreshment, your enlightenment, and encouragement. We ask that you help him prepare for the last debate and still his mind that he may think powerfully and respond wisely. Guide him each moment of the debate.

We again thank you for answered prayers in so many aspects of the campaign. We continue to give you ALL the glory.

We pray for continued physical strength, guidance, focus, protection and travel mercies for Senator Obama, Senator Biden, their families, their staffs, and all the volunteers and supporters. Help us to continue to conduct this campaign in a manner that will be pleasing to you. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Pointedly, at issue,

Karma1 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:21:29 EDT

I hope to get a vast number of readers to read my words and not merely accept them as written, but to cause even a handful who are concerned enough about this nation to actually research the information below:

   First, think about this: “How fortunate we Rulers are that the People {Voters} do not think!” a quote from Adolf Hitler.
   Second, 8 years of deficit spending, in the wake of tax cuts, and the further diminishing tax base in the U.S. economy, with the creation of the biggest U.S. Government in history; bring a halt to credit availability in the United States.
   Third, upon comparisons of the documentations presented by the web sites of each candidate, both Senators Barrack Obama, and John McCain, there is absolutely no comparison as to which candidate has thoughtfully considered the issues of our times, and sat down to think through plausible solutions. One web-site has a well defined 33 page plan, while the other web-site has a hunt and peck feature which gives anecdotal paragraphs that explain some possible options. I will let you check out the web-sites yourself; http://www.johnmccain.com and http://www.barackobama.com .
    Fourth, if indeed, being a Washington outsider is such an important part of the Presidency, then who is really for us, and who is against us? A Senator who has been caught up in several disreputable issues during his 26 years in Washington, {Keating 5, Iran/Contra, Federal Deregulation…} or the first term Senator, who has served most of his adult life in the Community/Public Sectors, working for job growth, senior health-care, beneficial education reform?
   Fifth, the term “maverick” has two well understood definitions, and I would offer one definition for Sen. McCain, as an unbranded animal, separated from its herd, it can become the property of whoever finds it and brands it. This instills a recklessness for futuristic thinking and a reluctance to deal with both truth and reality. The other definition for “maverick” an independent thinker who refuses to conform to the accepted views on a subject, more befits the likes of a thinking man like Senator Obama, who in the wake of lies, misinformation and White House delusion, and even undeniably delusional public opinion, opposed going to war with Iraq.
     Finally, we owe it to ourselves to be as educated and fact filled, not drenched in union memorandum and baseless poundings from the pulpits. We are Americans and we have every means to use logic and good sense this time around!! I promise you, the Republican party is not the same as it was when grandpa was Republican. And likewise, the Democratic party is not the same as when you volunteered for it in high school. The Republicans are positioned to continue their decidedly dangerous practice of deficit spending economics. Where the Democrats have turned over a new leaf also, called balancing the budget and reserving a financial surplus. BUT HERE IS THE TRUTH: Four more years of deficit spending in the direction that John Mccain has suggested would find the United States UNABLE to locate enough money anywhere to continue to support Her deficit. I repeat. Four more years, headed in the same direction and the U.S. will be financially, morally, spiritually, and certainly worst of all socially, BROKE!!! Read, study and learn.
Scott Draper

No Bailout For Wall Street

ProgressiveVoice — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:02:38 EDT

Senator Obama as a Progressive Democrat and a supporter of your campaign I am asking you to vote in the Senate No to Bailing out CEO's and the mis managed Comapies they ran on Wall Street.

700 Billion dollars could feed every man women and child in American Build new Alternative Energy homes and help people get back on their feet who are now without a home on Main Street America.

Senator and the Senators Campaign Staff please remember Change needs to be Progresive .

We can nolong rush to the aid of Big corperations that with this Bailout the CEO's will walk ways with Millions in their Pockets while people who are lower and Middle Class Working people get nothing.

During Tax season The government gave people back 600 dollars or more depending if they were married or single because of the Economy remember that.

Govenment gives American Main street 600 dollars but will give Wall Street 700 Million.

I see alot of rich people getting very rich on this Bailout.

Senator Obama you need to call for Public Hearings before any vote yes or no is done by congress or the Senator.

If McCain wants to Bailout the Wall Street Companies let him make that big mistake.

The American people must be heard in Washington and this weekend no one shoud support a

quick Bailout .

In the end its going to make the Economy worse then it is now.

The Democratic Party should truly stand with the American Working Class and against this Bailout .

Does anyone in the Obama Campaign hear me on this Blog ?

I speak for many Americans on Main Street.

This is just a bad idea .

Something yes needs to be done but this is insanity and not the solution.

Listen to the American people Senator on this no one wants this Bill passed .

Thanks for listening

Obama/Biden 08 Lets Change Washington Now

Rudeness or Racism???

Dr. B, — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:29:18 EDT

Was it my imagination or did Senator McCain refuse to look directly at Senator Obama throughout the first presidential debate? Whereas Senator Obama frequently looked directly at Senator McCain, especially when responding to Senator McCain's comments, I never saw Senator McCain turn to face Senator Obama -- even during his responses.

Was it my imagination or did Senator McCain refuse to address Senator Obama informally as "Barack" -- despite Senator Obama's frequent attempts to engage Senator McCain in a friendly manner by referring to him as "John"?

Was it my imagination or did Senator McCain refuse to acknowledge that Senator Obama ever said anything to which he agreed? I noted many instances in which Senator Obama began his responses by underscoring his agreement with some of what Senator McCain had said, but I never heard Senator McCain ever admit that anything that Senator Obama said made sense. Were Senator McCain's references to Senator Obama really as consistently sarcastic and as disrespectful as I perceived them to be?

In other words, did Senator McCain really behave as though he was the only presidential candidate on the stage, that Senator Obama was an Invisible Man?

As a sixty-something, highly educated African American male, I have learned through painful experience that such coarse behavior by White Americans, particularly by White males is sometimes merely rudeness ... sometimes ... but sometimes it is the uncensored lingua franca of condescending racists.

So now I have to wonder whether Senator McCain would have behaved so rudely to Senator Clinton or to any other non-African American nominee of the Democratic Party ... or whether his icy demeanor was a racist response to Senator Obama's Blackness. I will be paying even closer attention than usual to Senator McCain's demeanor during the next debates.

Sean Hannity and The Politics of Division

Wordman — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:00:07 EDT

Really don't mean to leave out Limbaugh, Hewitt, Levin and the rest of that noisy right wing crowd, but I've had more exposure to Hannity via his talk radio and tv shows. I tune into his radio show for an hour or so so 3-4 times a week on my commute home from work. Not because I agree with hardly any of his views, but rather just to check out the daily buzz and the corresponding Republican talking points which Hannity faithfully recites. His callers routinely greet him as a "great American". And while I do not question his patriotism (as he does in response to anyone who disagrees with him or dares to engage in democratic debate) and I am sure that he is a good father, spouse, son and friend, from my vantage point, he's a pretty lousy American. You have to ask yourself if Hannity truly loves this country then why has he devoted his life to dividing it's citizens along political and cultural lines. And I guess one answer is that it's made him filthy rich. He and Limbaugh and their ilk have built multi-million dollar empires based on the politics of division. Little wonder that Senator Obama and his campaign for change and a return to civil and bipartisan politics have engendered such a ferocious and vile response from Hannity and the hate-mongers. If Obama and his supporters were to achieve their vision of a united America where politicians and citizens worked across party and cultural lines to address the serious challenges this country faces they'd be out of a job. And wouldn't that be a loss [sic].

WHY IS THIS RACE EVEN CLOSE?

N. E. Wright — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:31:30 EDT

The Huffington Post -- www.HuffingtonPost.com -- has an article on Social Security Benefits not being in the stock market. When Bush -- 43 -- was first running to be our -- sad to say -- president he spoke often about privitizing Social Security. I decided he was not the president for me. That and he just did not seem bright -- I am being nice. There are words my 4 year old son can pronounce, but Bush has problems pronouncing them, and my son has speech problems.

I am an Independent Liberal -- no, I am not smart enough to be ashamed of the Liberal label or I would keep it secret -- so I have to read up on everything these candidates stand for. People laughed at Al Gore for talking about a lock box on Social Security, but I am on Social Security Disability, and I cannot afford to smoke weed -- I do not do drugs -- or gamble with my source of income. Privitizing Social Security means placing the Social Security Benefit Funds into the stock market. That is a gamble, and -- again -- I am not a gambler.

I do not even play the lottery. Some people spend $20.00 and more a week on lottery tickets. Twenty dollars -- for my household 8 years ago -- was milk, bread, cheese, eggs, and a 5 lb. bag of potatoes. If I am shopping on a Sunday hopefully I can afford the Sunday Newspaper. So, voting for Gore was a must for me.

So through intense pain -- in my legs -- I went out to vote for Al Gore, and -- eventually -- he lost.

Four years later I had an absentee ballet and voted for John Kerry, and he lost.

Yeah, it looks like I am a jinks, but I do not like taking the blame for anything, so I blamed the Bush administration for cheating. I was happy to learn others thought that too. That worked for me.

I learned that John Kerry needed funds when he had to mortgage his home. Still, I did not realize I should have donated to him until last week. I know, that was four years ago, not cool. So, this time I decided I would donate to Obama to help him win. I have been doing it every month for over a year now. Now the only thing that may stop Obama is he is Black. For most Americans that is cool. For the KKK -- and those that are KKK-like minded -- not so cool.

No, I really cannot afford to donate, but I cannot respect myself -- this time -- if I do not go down fighting -- with my cane in hand -- to prevent the Republicans from running the show for another 4 years. I cannot believe that half of the America people are actually willing to give The Republican Party a third chance at weakening this country more than they -- The Republicans -- already have.

We now have a weakened military, we are in two wars, we are Trillons of dollars in debt, we are in debt to China, our financial instituations are going belly up due to deregulations to the banking system helped by laws John McCain pushed through with one of his chief economic advisors, Phil Gramm. That John McCain, what a Maverick -- not.

No, the problems in this country is the fault of the Republican Party. Why are we punishing ourselves with a third term. Are we that afraid to take a chance at a new way of do things? Well, I am not a sadist, and this election is not a baseball game. Why is this race even close? We should be saying to the Republican Party TWO STRIKES AND YOU ARE OUT!!!

As Hilliary Clinton said, "NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MCCAIN"!!!

Click the link below to watch a review on Cindy and John McCain.

http://www.cnn.com/video/savp/evp/?loc=dom&vid=/video/showbiz/2008/09/17/sbt.cindy.view.cnn

Lovers and Fighters

Sophia from Atlanta, GA — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:25:34 EDT

Hi everyone. I have been following this history-making election year with avid interest. I'm a politically neutral Christian, but am keenly interested in Senator Obama's campaign, so I follow his trek via the media (mostly msnbc). I'm a single mother of one child whom I homeschool, and I own a homebased business in Atlanta, Georgia, of which I'm a native.

I titled this blog post Lovers and Fighters because I watched Senator Obama's speech yesterday on education, and was impressed by what I heared (LOVED the 'lipstick on a pig' left-hook); however, I was floored when I saw his opponent's ad claiming that Senator Obama advocates sex education for kindergarteners (they really put a spin on it). Of course, I am eagerly awaiting Senator Obama to vehemently counter this ridiculous ad. At least---I hope he will, and not with some half-toot response--speak on it!

The only negative thing I can say is that the Obama camp really should swing back and land some punches against these hypocritical, off-the-issues Republicans. To go back a little in time, one noteworthy person who raised hell when his opponents made ridiculous charges against him was President Clinton (no I did not vote for Clinton or anyone else--I'm politically neutral--but Mr. Clinton garnered my respect becasue he raised hell and fought back!).

Of course, the end result was that Bill Clinton won. You don't lie down on the ground while a bully is stomping you to a pulp, because they'll do it everytime they see you. I say to Senator Obama: raise up and fight back! Show us that passion man! Win this thing!

What does everyone else think? Do you agree with me, or am I taking a militant stance? Write to me--luv to hear from ya--guys and gals alike.

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama - Bold Innovations and Opportunities

Sanjay Dalal — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:36:36 EDT

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama - Bold Innovations and Opportunities

"If we act boldly, then our economy will be less vulnerable to economic disruption, our trade balance will improve, the pace of U.S. technological innovation will accelerate, and the American worker will be in a stronger position to adapt to the global economy," states Barack Obama, the Democratic U.S. Senator of Illinois and now the Democratic nominee for President, in his (new) book "The Audacity of Hope". Senator Obama lays out a vision for reclaiming the American Dream aided by a government built on our best traditions, representing our everyday lives, uniting our common hopes and dreams, and creating an unbreakable bond.

Senator Obama was (has recently been) picked to represent the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee, along with the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee. He says keeping the American people safe should always be our top priority. He will also work for the Foreign Relations committee, and the Veterans' Affairs committee. Working simultaneously in four different committees is an honor, a measure of respect, and a remarkable feat for any U.S. Senator. (He was also on the cover of Time Magazine hinting of a run for the presidency in 2008.)

Three Innovation Opportunities

Senator Obama is not only focused on promoting economic growth and bringing good paying jobs to Illinois, but also creating substantial innovative opportunities in education, science and technology, and energy for America. In his book, he talks about how "investments in all these three key areas (education, science and technology, and energy) would go a long way in making America more competitive." He agrees that none of these investments will produce immediate results; these investments will actually cost money and resources in the near term. However, he believes that such investments in R & D and education, increasing fuel efficiency of American cars (e.g. Tesla, Toyota, Honda, Ford, and future electric cars by GM), instituting performance pay for public-school teachers, understanding the feasibility of school vouchers and evaluating the viability of hydrogen fuel cells are necessary.

"But while the means we use to accomplish these ends should be subject to vigorous and open debate, the ends themselves shouldn't be in dispute," states Senator Obama in a prose reminiscent of President Abraham Lincoln. He emphasizes that "like those before us, we should be asking ourselves what mix of policies will lead to a dynamic free market and widespread economic security, entrepreneurial innovation and upwards mobility." He even asks us to be guided by President Lincoln's simple maxim: "that we will do collectively, through our government, only those things that we cannot do well or at all individually and privately."

Globalization

Whereas Senator Obama observes that globalization has brought significant benefits to American consumers such as lowered prices on goods including big-screen TVs and winter fruits, increased the purchasing power, kept inflation in check, boosted stock returns, created new markets for U.S. companies overseas, and even reduced poverty in foreign countries; however, globalization has also increased economic instability for millions of ordinary Americans as more U.S. companies have automated, downsized, outsourced, and offshored. Obama believes the effects of globalization create a so-called "winner-take-all" economy where a rising tide doesn't lift all the boats. Knowledge workers such as engineers, lawyers, consultants, doctors, marketers are doing well now; however, blue-collared workers whose skills can be automated, digitized, outsourced or offshored for less are clearly hurting.

Senator Obama asserts that "our greatest asset has been our system of social organization, a system that for generations has encouraged constant innovation, individual initiative, and the efficient allocation of resources." The classic paradox is whether we should consider our free-market system as a given and let it ride naturally - "laissez-faire", or whether our government should take action to open up opportunity, encourage competition, and make the market work better. In the past government has been called upon to build the infrastructure, train the workforce, and lay foundations necessary for economic growth. For President Lincoln, the essence of America was opportunity, the ability of "free labor" to advance in life.

Government Innovations

Senator Obama provides several examples on how our government has provided individuals the tools to adapt and innovate in a climate of constant technological change. From the GI Bill that made college education available to millions, to the creation of public schools, universities and institutions of higher education, formation of National Academy of Sciences, Homestead Act, Hoover Dam, interstate highway system, Tennessee Valley Authority, Darpa, Internet, Human Genome Project, Federal Reserve Bank, Food and Drug Act, Meat Inspection Act, FDR's New Deal, Securities and Exchange Commission, FDIC insurance, tax cuts, Social Security, forty-hour workweek, child labor laws, minimum wage act, National Labor Relations Act, and the Great Society programs including Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare, EPA and Occupational Health and Safety Administration -- countless innovations through out the history led by our great leaders.

Senator Obama makes a fundamental point that "capitalism is not standing still." The unavoidable globalization, competition, and technological revolution stifle our economy and frustrate our people. He makes a strong case for investments that can make America more competitive in the global economy: investments in education, science and technology, and energy independence. He provides examples of schools in Chicago where students only get a few hours of school each day: the number one issue being the school district cannot afford to pay the teachers for one whole day. He talks about workers who have lost their jobs because companies want more profits or can't compete. He discusses the rising gas prices and our dependence on oil to the tune of $800 million dollars every day.

Education Innovations

It is evident that Senator Obama deeply cares about education. He emphasizes innovation and bold reforms in education. He recommends that we should "identify those reforms that have the highest impact on student achievement, fund them adequately, and eliminate those programs that don't produce results." He provides some examples of education reform and suggests that we have many good ideas, but we don't do a great job of executing on them. For instance, challenging and rigorous curriculum with emphasis on math, science and literacy skills; longer hours and more days to give children the time and sustained attention they need to learn; early childhood education for every child, so they're not already behind on their first day of school; meaningful, performance-based assessments that can provide a fuller picture of how a student is doing; and the recruitment and training of transformative principals and more effective teachers. He believes that teachers should be held accountable, and at the same time rewarded for their effectiveness -- even salaries of $100,000 a year based on experience, performance and qualification. Obama also emphasizes need for higher education reform, especially for science, engineering and technology, and management of rising cost of public college tuition that has risen 40 percent over the last five years. Finally, direct help in meeting college expenses in the form of grants, low-interest loans, tax-free educational savings accounts, or full tax deductibility of tuition and fees.

Science And Technology Innovations

Senator Obama has a concrete plan for maintaining our scientific and technological edge that will spearhead future innovations: the plan will cost $42 billion over five years. He recommends that "if we want an innovation economy, one that generates more Googles each year, then we have to invest in our future innovators -- by doubling federal funding of basic research over the next five years, training one hundred thousand more engineers and scientists over the next four years, or providing new research grants to the most outstanding early-career researchers in the country." He believes this is necessary to maintain America's competitive edge. He refers to the Morrill Act signed by President Lincoln that created the system of land grant colleges, institutions of higher learning, and nation's primary research and development laboratories. He asserts that these institutions have inspired and created nation's innovators, and applied research from such institutions has resulted in commercial applications.

Energy Innovations

Finally, Senator Obama calls for energy independence. He believes that if we are to become more competitive, we have to build an energy infrastructure. U.S. demand for oil will jump 40 percent over the next twenty years; further our dependence on foreign oil only serves the interests of volatile regimes. Oil erodes the environment. When U.S. has only 3 percent of the world's oil reserves, and uses 25 percent of the world's oil, alternatives must be sought: create renewable, cleaner energy sources for the twenty-first century. He proposes that "we should end every single tax break the industry currently receives and demand that 1 percent of the revenues from oil companies with over $1 billion in quarterly profits go toward financing alternative energy research and the necessary infrastructure." Obama touts Brazil as a good example where a mix of regulation and direct government investment has developed a highly efficient biofuel industry and 70 percent of new vehicles run on sugar-based ethanol instead of gasoline. Obama believes that regulation when applied with flexibility and sensitivity to market forces can actually spur private sector innovation and investment in the energy sector. Fuel-efficient cars and alternative fuels are the future of the auto industry. Obama proposed legislation called "Health Care for Hybrids" that makes a deal with U.S. automakers: "In exchange for federal assistance in meeting the health-care costs of retired autoworkers, the Big Three would reinvest these savings into developing more fuel-efficient vehicles." Obama thinks that investments in alternative fuel sources will lead to creation of thousands of new jobs.

Uncommon Insights

Senator Obama shares with us insights from Robert Rubin, the former U.S. Treasury secretary under President Bill Clinton, and Warren Buffet. Rubin suggests that "there's no limit to human ingenuity." The insight gained from Rubin is that we can slow globalization, but can't stop it. For instance, when one buys an American good, it could be developed by overseas software programmers and packaged outside our borders. Billionaire Buffet shares an uncommon insight that he will be paying a lower effective tax rate than his receptionist. Not only that, he is paying a lower rate of tax than the average American. Buffet believes that "some of that wealth (rich people) has to be plowed back into education, so that the next generation has a fair chance, and to maintain our infrastructure, and provide some sort of safety net for those who lose out in a market economy." What Buffet is essentially reverberating is a "change in spirit, a willingness to put our common interests and the interests of future generations ahead of short-term expediency."

Bottomline:

Senator Barack Obama is a visionary, a real leader, an innovator who can bridge the nation whole, analytical yet convincing, grounded in history and tradition, and progressive in his prescription for change. He is a creative innovator who believes in a proactive government creating an environment that facilitates reforms in education, science and technology, and energy. He believes that strategic investments in these three key areas will empower America to create a stronger economy that will create countless new opportunities for innovators and workers alike.

References:

Barack Obama: The Audacity of Hope. Thoughts On Reclaiming The American Dream.

Originally published: November 20, 2006. Reposted with some revisions.http://creativityandinnovation.blogspot.com/2008/08/presidential-candidate-barack-obama.html

Farm Animals speak out in support of Senator Obama

Stephen — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:34:48 EDT

Hey all:

I stumbled upon this pretty well done and funny YouTube video of farm animals speaking out in support of Senator Obama for President.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-zCyTnLyaE

Abstinence policy in action.

Clayton Riggs — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:57:17 EDT

Palin's pregnant child proves abstinence education works!

If keeping our girls pregnant and our teens covered in genital warts and taking Valtrex herpes treatment everyday for life is your goal.

The press kept bringing up Chelsea Clinton's fictional pregnancy and wondering how they (the press) would've handled her fictional pregnancy.

Chelsea Clinton's mother and father educated her on safe sex and proper condom use and it's silly to talk about her fictional situation, when a real pregnant teen and her careless parents attempt to move into the Whitehouse.

While using a condom isn't 100% effective, having sex without any protection or education increases the chances of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease exponentially.

I know this blog is ugly, but sometimes the truth is ugly.

Who's Inexperienced?

jerder — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:59:28 EDT

The Republicans, including President Bush, John McCain, and others are seemingly stuck on Senator Obama's so called inexperience. Yet look at Ms. Palin, Senator McCains VP choice. I recently watched an interview with Ms Palin where she asked what a Vice President does? Now that's inexperience. President George W. Bush was elected twice, yet when he first decided to run, his only real political experience was as the governor of Texas. Ms. Palin's only real political experience has been as the governor of Alaska. If Senator McCain were to be elected at 72 years old, he would be 76 if he served for one term and 80 if he served two terms. Which of course means that Ms. Palin would take over as president if Mr. McCain became incapacitated or passed away. Do we "really" want someone who didn't know what a Vice President's role is until fairly recently, and who has only been the governor of Alaska, with a few clouds hanging over her head, running this country? Today certain republicans, who are speaking in Minnesota, say that Ms. Palin is fully capable of handling a situation like September 11th. I'd like to know what the quantifier is for her ability to handle National Security or Terrorism.

AND THE REPUBLICANS PAINT Senator Obama as too inexperienced? With Joe Biden on the ticket as VP, there is a plethora of foreign policy experience and international exposure. That is the point of selecting a VP canidate who can help you gain experience and knowledge. That is what all presidents do. They select running mates and a cabinet to work on behalf of their administration. That is why George W. Bush selected Colin Powell and then Conaleeza Rice and why Bill Clinton chose Ms. Albright. Neither of those two gentlemen had very much experience with foreign affairs.

My next post, tomorrow, will touch on how John McCain has abandon his moderate renegade philosophy, which I greatly admired as an independant, to become just another left wing social and economic conservative and a George W. Bush clone.

Sideline Observations—Senator McCain and VP Picks

Wordman — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:05:52 EDT

I used to be a big fan of John McCain. I was touched by the courage he showed in his POW experience and, in the past, bought his “maverick” and “straight-shooter” monikers. When my son deployed to Iraq a few years back one of the items I placed in his first pkg from home was McCain’s autobiography. I’ve learned a lot over the past year and, while I will always honor his service and, in particular his courageous decision to remain with his peers when offered the opportunity to exit captivity, I now find very little else to admire or respect about this politician. I had known about the “Keating Five” story, but hadn’t been exposed to the tale of how he betrayed and ultimately abandoned his crippled wife. And, I might add, it took some digging to find that story. Curious how the media who allegedly are so favorably biased toward Senator Obama despite looping the Rev Wright and bitter American stories for weeks on end have made scant mention of the these items in McCain’s autobiography. McCain’s stated intent to run an honorable, issues-oriented campaign was quickly abandoned and, from my perspective, he has done exactly what he falsely accuses Senator Obama of—reversing his positions at whim and saying and doing anything his campaign staff advises him will help him get elected. The latest and most cynical example is his pick for his running mate. He assured us that his selection would reflect his best judgment of the most qualified individual available to be just one heartbeat away from the role of Commander-in-Chief and leader of the free world and this is the best he could do? There’s no honor in the choice he made, no notion of “country first”--it was a calculated political move that is an insult to his fellow countrymen. A parsing of Gov Palin’s credentials is pointless—she’s as much a victim of McCain and his campaign’s cynicism as the voters are.

On the other hand, I can’t be more pleased with the choice of Senator Biden as Barack’s running mate. Senator Obama passed the test of his first executive decision with flying colors by choosing the very best individual available for his running mate. Senator Biden is truly an experienced statesman and a straight-shooter who has walked the talk when it come to the values of family and work and putting his country first. His personal story is inspiring and his enthusiasm for the opportunity to move this country forward at the side of Senator Obama is clear. I am delighted to see a politician of his stature be rewarded in this way for a lifetime of service to his country and I am confident that he and Senator Obama give us the greatest opportunity for maintaining our security and dealing with the serious challenges we face on so many fronts. Contrast that team with a cynical, saber-rattling, out-of-touch pol who can’t even get the geography and the players right backed up a social conservative princess who is ill-equipped to operate on the national and world stage and I think the choice for the voters should be clear.

What a Week!!!!

Mike P — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:34:18 EDT

I have been privvy to some extra ordinary things over the past weeks. I saw the Saddleback Civil Forum and realized that we do have two candidates who do believe in their cause. However, in Senator Obama, I saw a man deeply reflective and thoughtful in where he believes we should go as a country. I have taken my que from Senator Obama in that I honor Senator McCain's service. I continue to vehemently disagree with his vision and plans for the country. Senator McCain made his beliefs understood and I take him at his word. By the way, Senator McCain's Campaign tried to take advantage of the forum and the debate. I thought that to be a bit disingenious.

I have been continually concerned and commented on the right wing attack machine in support of the McCain campaign. The surrogates have also continued their relentless attacks as well. I was estatic when I heard an excerpt of Senator Obama's speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he basically throw the gauntlet at Senator McCain and the Republicans. No one has the monopoly on Patriotism and love of country. Beyond that, I was also glad to see the Democratic Party ad responding to Senator McCain's photo opportunity on an oil rig. The responses have to be immediate and hard hitting. I hope to see more of it.

The loss of French soldies in Afghanistan yesterday was tragic. As I thought about it, I wanted to note my profound concerns abouit Senator Obama's stance on sending more trooops to Afghanistan, though. There are over 75,000 troops apparently in Afghanistan right now. What is going to be enough? Let's say for arguments sake we "won". What guarantee is there that they will not be resurrected again? What about the flourishing drug trade? Despite all that the international community has done, the Taliban continue to go through the country and pretty much do as they please. There is no security at all. Gangs are prevalent even in Kabul. There was a story in France 24 (http://www.france24.com) earlier today about a cement merchant being robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight. I submit that the problem is the government and the useless President, Karzai, who can't even control his own capital.

There was of course, Georgia. Did Russia overreact? Absolutely!!! But, I think the President of Georgia acted recklessley and got himself into a trap that did not need to happen. The Russians are losing the propaganda war, but the Georgian President has to bear some responsbility for what he did to his country and the stress he put the world order on.

I believe it was Joseph Gobbles who once said that if you tell a lie long enough, people would start believing you. We were subjected to the lies on the Iraq War. The Adminstration got away with it. We now are being bombarded with the rhetoric from the McCain campaign and those in the Congress who are pushing this "fiction" that drilling will solve our problems tomororw. The key is to push for a total paradigm shift in thinking. I submit that it is happening as we speak by all. The drop in contributions to the highway trust fund is just one example. We must continue to push for--not more of the same!!!!

Jerome Corsi's Hatchet Job

Clayton Riggs — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:16:31 EDT

Why has the media embraced this book and it's author?

Corsi's book belongs in the fiction department.

"Fortunate Son" was much more realistic and factual than "Obama Nation," but the media spurned, ignored and crucified J.H. Hatfield until he finally committed suicide.

Corsi is merely an opportunistic writer, not a reporter. Please read the book in the bookstore(a fool and his money). It shouldn't take an attentive reader long to see the truth. While you are there look at his other writings. Corsi's subjects and ideas range from widely ridiculous to just plain foolish.
Don't take him seriously.

Life Ain't Fair.

Clayton Riggs — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:14:59 EDT

I'm not sure if a candidate's tax plans are important to your decision making, but if it they are check out this article in "The Wall Street Journal and this article in "The New Standard".

Now here's "Clayton's Most Unprofessional Opinion."

Taxes aren't important to me personally(drum-roll please), because I'm so poor I can't afford to pay attention(and there's the rim-shot). Ha!

But seriously folks, the tax plans are very important to me on a much larger level. Good and fair tax laws increase, reward and encourage the middle-class, ignore the poor and of course punish the rich. I don't want rich people actually penalized for making money, but if some are taxed down into the upper-middle-class(not likely), I know people in much worse situations. Above all, I don't want the middle-class paying as much tax as possible.

Rich people pay lots of taxes and pay lots of money(tax-deductible) to their lawyers and accountants to trim as much as possible off that amount. If we see their "real" income , they pay little or nothing and the super-rich know how to actually receive huge refunds.

I hear people say, "It's not fair to tax rich people, more than poor people." I have an answer for them, "Life ain't fair!" You are fortunate to be a rich person(it doesn't matter how) and have been rewarded "unfairly." Is it fair, that a guy drives a $100,000 car, works 35 hours a week and earns $700,000 annually, but another guy rides a bus, works a combined 60 hours a week from two jobs and makes minimum wage? No, but like I said, "Life ain't fair!"

Life isn't fair, that's why we make laws. Our taxes can't fix everything, but they help.

I played with the IRS tax estimator today and used fictional criteria to come up with the numbers. The fictional information I used is listed at the bottom of the page.

Joseph Magnum-of-Cristal:   Earned 1 million dollars
                                            Pays $45,033
                                                 or .045 of his income for taxes*

Joe Six-pack-of-Bud:   Earned $100,000
                                      Pays $11,794
                                          or .12 of his income for taxes*

That's not cool.

You'll notice that Joseph has more tax credits and deductions than Joe, but I figure in the real world Joseph's CPA would make sure his client gets a few breaks.

I also figured that Joe's CPA (most likely himself or an in-law), wouldn't be clever enough (or maybe brave enough) to take all possible deductions. Joe also makes less and can't contribute as much to his I.R.A. or other tax shelters.

*Clayton's math might not be "correct." If I made an error, please let me know and I'll correct it promptly!

Joseph Magnum-of-Cristal's IRS criteria:

Filing Status: Head of householdSomeone else can claim you as a dependent: NoNumber of jobs: 1Number of dependents: 3Will you be 65 or older 1/1/2009: NoAre you blind: NoChild & dependent care credit qualifying persons: 2 or moreChild & dependent care credit expenses: 15,000Eligible children for child tax credit: 3Other credits: 100,000Total salary: 1,000,000Total retirement plans: 99,999Tax withheld to date: 0Projected withholding for rest of year: 0Total earned income other than salary: Other nonwage income: Adjustments to income: 100,000Total itemized deductions: 308,998

Joe Six-pack-of-Bud's IRS criteria:
Filing Status: Head of householdSomeone else can claim you as a dependent: NoNumber of jobs: 1Number of dependents: 3Will you be 65 or older 1/1/2009: NoAre you blind: NoChild & dependent care credit qualifying persons: 2 or moreChild & dependent care credit expenses: 3,000Eligible children for child tax credit: 3Other credits: Total salary: 100,000Total retirement plans: 1,000Tax withheld to date: 0Projected withholding for rest of year: 0Total earned income other than salary: Other nonwage income: Adjustments to income: 500Total itemized deductions: 0

Dick Morris Tyriad Today: Bad Economy May Hurt Obama

Mike P — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:28:55 EDT

I reported on Dick Morris' column yesterday, now his view is that the economy will be Obama's achilles' heel. Interesting Reading..here is the link: http://thehill.com/dick-morris/

What I have warned about.....

Mike P — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:37:45 EDT

As I got this, I can't believe how this guy calls it an honour to do what it helped to do to John Kerry. Senator Kerry made a big mistake in not responding as quickly as it did....As I said before, the Obama Operation is ever more slicker than the Kerry Operation was. But, still, these guys just won't stop. I guess they have to make a living somehow...but do they think we're idiots?

A Personal Note from John O'Neill
(and Human Events' sister company, Regnery Publishing)

Dear Friend,

As you may recall, I was privileged to play a role in helping prevent John Kerry from being elected president when my fellow Swift Boat Veterans and I released the book Unfit for Command. As liberal as Kerry was, America faces an even more liberal threat today: Barack Obama. Fortunately, investigative journalist and National Review Online political reporter David Freddoso has written the book every voter needs to read: The Case Against Barack Obama: The Unlikely Rise and Unexamined Agenda of the Media's Favorite Candidate.

Uncovering stories the mainstream media has neglected, Freddoso reveals Obama for who he really is: the U.S. senator with the #1 most liberal voting record in the Senate. And a politician whose rhetoric of "change" does not match the reality of his corrupt, "Chicago-machine politics" background.

Moving past Obama's inspiring speeches and say-anything-to-win campaign tactics, Freddoso outlines Obama's extreme, far-left legislative record and his questionable associations with both criminals and radicals. From Obama's repeated support for the Chicago patronage system, to his hard-line position of no restrictions on abortion, The Case Against Barack Obama offers the cold, hard facts about this man who would be our next president.

As American citizens, it is our right and duty to question the background, character, and proposals of any candidate who could be our next commander in chief. Democrats and the media are not holding Obama accountable, so conservatives must. I'm grateful to David Freddoso and my publisher, Regnery, for finally revealing the man behind the myth.

I urge you to read The Case Against Barack Obama. I also recommend that you buy copies for your friends and relatives who may consider voting for Obama. They deserve to know the truth, too.

Please click on one of the links below to order your copy today.

Sincerely,

John O'Neill

Offshore Oil Drilling

Mike P — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:51:07 EDT

I was disturbed by Senator Obama's comments on potentially backing limited offshore drilling. My question is why??? From all that I have read, there is no benefit. There is a bi-partisan coailition that has emerged in the U.S. Senate. Some of more notorious members include the guy from Tenesse and the guy from South Dakota whom beat Tom Daschle with the campaign that he ran. So, frankly, I am not impressed with the coailition and wonder why we're trying to go for bandaids instead of a comprehensive long-term solution....

Of course, not suprisingly, ExxonMobil just announced another record profit (11.1 Billion). The windfall profit tax Senator Obama has proposed will go a long way. But, for this to succeed, requires strong political will--which I submit is non-existent. I hope I'm wrong.

The On-Going Trash Talk....

Mike P — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:49:17 EDT

I wrote about this in my blog, http://www.outsiderviews.com, that I wanted to pass on for the community to review:

I just had the misfortune to catch Hannity and Colmes, whereby the discussion centered on Senator Obama's discussion on the race issue. Such discussions, to me, totally divert from the main issue. To me, the overriding issue is to save our planet and plan for the future. End of story. Andrew Simms of the new economics foundation has put out the warning. He wrote about it in the Guardian today

Andrews Simms has told us that we have 100 months left. I mean the signs are already here. Look at the fires in California, in Greece, the floods and thunderstorms in the U.S. Midwest, the continued desertification in Africa, etc. etc. We have to launch a New Deal now. We're running out of time. When will the world wake up? While the world continues to edge towards the abyss, we have to be subjected to discussions on Senator Obama being accused of being arrogant and Senator McCain being a Saint.

Now, I am absolutely frusturated by how low the right wing and the mainstream media the campaign has evolved into. Our planet is in peril, we're fighting two major wars and yet we are talking about things that truly have no value. I guess when they have nothing to talk about, they smear..that I understand. But, we were fooled in 2000 and 2004...not again though.....not again!!!

On a side note, guess who called Senator Obama arrogant: the most arrogant, rightwing of them all, Rick Santorum.....

Senator McCain's Campaign has had a Good Day (Or so it seems...)

Mike P — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:06:52 EDT

Well, today's attacks by the McCain campaign debunked one myth: that Senator Obama is the darling of the media. Obama was accused by Senator McCain of playing the race card. Senator McCain's campaign is so desparate that they would resort to anything. The problem I see is that Senator Obama's campaign needs to pay attention though. If it is not careful, it will be swift-boated. I have noted it in my comments and will continue to beat the drums. I was taken aback when on Anderson Cooper's show on CNN, the punditry noted how Senator Obama made a mistake. Senator McCain claims he's bipartisan. The record is not correct. The fact is that Senator McCain is as far right as it comes. That's the message...all the rest is just crap.

On a side note, CNN has had a story about Democrats for McCain. They even had Ed Cox, Richard Nixon's Son-in-Law who I think ran across Senator Clinton, on giving them a pep talk. I guess he's McCain's Chairman in New York. This kind of talk needs to stop. I think Senator Clinton's speech today at the AFSCME conference has gone a long way. But, we have to keep building the momentum of unity. We have no choice.

"Barack Obama Exposed"

Mike P — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:52:15 EDT

Being the political junkie I am, I just went out to Human Events to get the trash put out by the right wing. I wish I had a way to attach the file and have it out for comment. These people are going to continue to be relentless no matter what. To add insult to inury, Jon Voight, Angelina Jolie's Father, wrote out an editorial in the Washington Times echoing what Senator McSame was talking about. Calling Senator Obama a socialist is about as low as they get--unless they basically come out outright and accuse the poor guy of treason. How dare they?

Freedom in Iran

Mike P — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:36:00 EDT

Senator Obama, in one of his speeches, remembered the need to insure that all were free, including the blogger in Iran. I wrote about one brave soul, Ahmad Batebi, in http://www.outsiderviews.com. Here it is:

Earlier in the week, I wrote about Ahmad Batebi, the courageous Iranian Student Activist who paid a heavy price for symbolizing the yearning of many who simply wanted to be free. While in prison, he suffered a partial stroke which left him partially paralyzed.

I did a quick search on cuil earlier and notied some 19,000 hits for Ahmad Batebi. I was particularly keen to hear his view on what had happened to him. I ran across his first interview on Voice of America, which was unfortunately in Farsi.

Freedom will come to Iran..it is not a question of if, but when.....

A Fair, balanced view of Senator Obama

Mike P — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:39:18 EDT

The New Yorker got in trouble over the cartoon a few weeks ago. I think it has totally redeemed itself with the article by Ryan Lizza. Enjoy this article and judge for yourself.

Click here: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/07/21/080721fa_fact_lizza

:-)

The U.S. Budget Deficit Will Rise.....

Mike P — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:35:05 EDT

Source: http://www.Outsider Views, July 28 2008 The U.S. Deficit July 28th 2008 19:50 Well, the bad news keeps rolling out.....It has been announced that the U.S. Budget Deficit will be around 500 Billion (that is Billion with a B) or almost half-a-trillion dollars for Fiscal Year 2009. The economy slowing down is doing quite a number on the budgets, that's for sure. This number does not even include the cost of the Bush Wars. Also, it is mitigated by the surpluses in the trust funds that are not supposed to be touched. The problem is that the Presidential Candidates are promising us the moon. They will have a really tough time delivering it simply because their hands are going to be tied.

The OMB Director, Jim Nussle, held a briefing on the Mid Session Budget Review. He claims that the President's Budget is due to be in surplus by 2012. But, Jim Nussle reports that the short term deficit will continue to rise. Director Nussle reports is blaming the Democrats (what else is new.). What is funny to me is that he is claiming that the energy challenge we have in this country is President Clinton's Fault. No matter what happy talk Jim Nussle notes, they busted the budget and now they're trying to shift the blame. Jim Nussle, being the loyal servant, reminded us that it was the President who saved us. Let's not forget to thank him for it. When will leaders be accountable?

As he was going on and on and on about blaming the entire Congress (which by the way he convienienetly forgot was in Republican Hands for 6 years), I just laughed!!!

Stategist versus Tactician

Lorrie — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:51:55 EDT

I've noticed surveys that say John McCain is the person who would be the better Commander-In-Chief! Ha! I think people don't understand what it takes to be a Commander-In-Chief! Being Commander-In-Chief is the difference between being a strategist or a tactician, it is that simple. Maybe people don't understand this difference. They may think that all it takes is to have your mind set on an idea, then go for it, even if you have to be a bully about it. This bully attitude is the kind of thinking our current administration has and it hasn't ever worked for eight years. Electing someone else just like them would be a disaster for our country and the world! Educating yourself regarding these differences is very important in this election.

Senator Obama is qualified to be a Commander-In-Chief because he is a strategist and a leader. My husband, a former Vietnam Veteran and Republican, has been telling me what it takes to be a strategist in the military and why a tactician doesn't qualify one to be Commander-In-Chief. A strategist has the plan, the vision, to do the things at the right time at the right place. In thinking about a strategy, you may want to liken it to a game of golf, because the strategy is to know which direction and how far you need to move the ball down the fareway. You need to know how to move the ball down the fareway in the right direction in order to knock the ball into the hole.

The pre-requisite of being Commander-In-Chief is knowing strategy, not tactics, and Senator Obama is a strategist. A leader doesn't question another man's patriotism as his theme to get elected. He wouldn't advocate that all the other nations are always wrong. A leader would talk about diplomacy and strategy.

Senator McCain is a tactician... that doesn't qualify him to be a Commander-In-Chief. These are the goals of a tactician:

1. Keep your head down.

2. Keep your eye on the ball.

3. Follow through.

4. Stay the course.

Tacticians are like supervisors on the shop floor who do their job well. But they don't have the right experience of planning and strategy and vision to take the whole company forward. This means they aren't qualified to become President (CEO) of the company. That's why General Wesley Clark has said that just being a pilot and getting shot down over Vietnam doesn't qualify Senator McCain as Commander-In-Chief. No one is questioning McCain's patriotism, like McCain questions Senator Obama's patriotism, we are, though, questioning his lack of experience in strategy. If that shop floor supervisor, from my previous example, attempted to lead the company by staying the course, he/she may very well lead that company down the cliff!

Senator Obama is a strategist and Senator McCain is a tactician. Our country needs a strategist in this new century of fighting terrorism and not a person who seems immature in their thinking. We need a critical thinker like Senator Obama who has been raised in other countries and has seen what it is like among the poorer nations. He has seen that education is the key in these places so children won't grow up to be terrorists.

My mom, who is 79 years old, likens Senator Obama to President Roosevelt who was very knowledgeable about the world and led our country while in a wheelchair. He led our country through a world war and economic crisis. My husband says that Senator Obama reminds him of John Kennedy, Martin Luther King (the recent Berlin speech), and Ronald Reagan, all rolled into one! America needs a leader with all these attributes!

Our country, and the world, is in grave danger now. We can't afford a President who doesn't remember the facts, makes the facts up if he forgets, doesn't know what country is where, etc. We need a REAL and RIGHT leader named Senator Barack Obama!

Reports Find Errors and Fraud in Small Business Administration Contracts

carole natale — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:54:58 EDT

July 24, 2008 Reports Find Errors and Fraud in Small Business Administration Contracts By ELIZABETH OLSON

WASHINGTON — Two government reports have uncovered millions of dollars in federal contracts that were supposed to go to small businesses but instead were awarded to companies that had not qualified or had obtained the contracts fraudulently.

In one report, the inspector general for the Interior Department found that contracts listed as going to small businesses went to a dozen Fortune 500 corporations, including the Xerox Corporation and the John Deere Company.

The report, based on a sampling of the department’s small business contract awards in fiscal years 2006 and 2007, uncovered no fraud but found that large businesses received the contracts because of data entry errors, incorrect data and failure by contracting officials to verify the actual size of the business.

The report also said that in several cases, corporations appeared to have misrepresented themselves as small businesses on the federal contractor data base.

Xerox and John Deere said they were moving to correct those errors, and Senator John F. Kerry, the Massachusetts Democrat who heads the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, called for all federal agencies to audit their small business contracting practices.

The second report, by the Government Accountability Office, found that numerous private firms had tapped into the Small Business Administration’s set-aside program for small businesses in economically distressed areas by falsely claiming they were located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, or HUBZone.

Ten randomly selected companies in the Washington area, according to the agency, had set up virtual offices or rented mail boxes in poor communities solely to obtain a HUBZone business address. Over two years, those companies and others won more than $100 million in HUBZone contracts, according to the report presented to the House Committee on Small Business last week.

“You have to wonder about a system that lets individuals self-qualify for a program of this size,” said Nydia M. Velazquez, the New York Democrat who heads the committee.

“A marketing unit of Deere had correctly listed the number of employees in that small business unit on a government form, and this number has been used by government agencies to define the entire Deere enterprise as a small business,” said Ken Golden, a company spokesman.

The Interior Department report also found that contracting officers “failed to consistently check” the central contractors registry to determine the company’s true size.

A spokesman for Xerox, William McKee, said the company’s review of the central registry revealed “several errors where business size was entered incorrectly” from such agents, and said the company was going to correct the mistaken data.

“Xerox is not a small business, and has never attempted to portray itself as one,” he said................................Read more next page

Carole: This is not new that SBA is not working in the interest of small businesses. President Bush has cut their budget. It is not the first time, the NY Times has written about the fraud in government contracts. I have contacted John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, etc. to express my concerns to no avail. I myself have worked many years with the Small Business Administration and was the onlty certified woman-owned business and Hubzone in NY and NJ area in my industry as I was told. I never was able to secured a hubzone or Federal contracts for many years. I finally had to close the business and have lost all including all our personal investments.

Since then, I have read Free Lunch. David Cay really explained the obstacles the unconnected are going through in the US to build a legitimate business. If any of you have a chance please read the following books:

Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (and Stick You with the Bill) (Hardcover) by David Cay Johnston

Jacked: How "Conservatives" Are Picking Your Pocket (Whether You Voted for Them or Not) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Nomi Prins (Author)

Dick Morris Advise to John McCain

Mike P — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:02:18 EDT

One of the obligations I have (just like others within the community who have dedicated themselves to insure that Senator Obama is elected President) is to report on what our friends on the right think. I personally think Dick Morris is a despicable character. My personal opinion does not matter though in the grand scheme of things. The man has keen political insight and we need to truly understand some of his analysis. It is in this spirit that I report on it when I have a chance to visit the site. I am sure that the Campaign has already seen this and folks like Dr. Susan Rice and Dr. Anthony Lake are making sure that Senator Obama stays well ahead of the curve. Before I conclude, let me also note this: On Larry King Live Last night, there were two supporters of Senator Obama and two supporters of Senator McCain. Ben Stein (who I think is not only smart, but very funny) noted that Senator Obama has performed brilliantly during his trip and has not missed a beat. I don't agree with his political views, although I agree with him on his views on personal financial responsbility. So, coming from a conservative, that's quite a compliment.

Here is the Article (courtesy of DickMorris.com):

Obama's 'Luo Machismo' Inheritance

ApondoNET — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:27:30 EDT

Obama's right-wing critics allege that he has a huge ego.

They are compiling a list of instances they claim reveal that this charismatic man is, well, too full of himself for his own good.

They cite his dietary habits — the words abstemious and picky pop up quite a lot — his alleged certitude about his own likeability, and his "tendency to praise himself," half in jest sometimes but mostly seriously.

What these Right-Wing nuts need to know, is that they are fretting over something they have no clue about -- it's got nothing to do with ego, it is a wonderful inheritance -- Embedded in Luo culture (Obama's father is a Luo from Kenya), as in other African cultures, is a certain machismo.

Read More Here

Reflections on Senator Obama's Foreign Trip

Mike P — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:04:47 EDT

Source: http://www.outsiderviews.com, retrieved July 20, 2008

I just got done briefly catching a glimpse of CNN's Late Edition. Gloria Bolger, the CNN Analyst, basically repeated the McCain Campaign's Line in noting that Senator Obama should not be shown running for the President of Europe. Also, Secretary Rice was interviewed "responding" to Senator Obama's plan. She noted that the restrictions on operations of Foreign Troops are something that in a nutshell must be respected. The problem is that forces the United States to bear the brunt of the battle. What is bothersome to me is that we took our eye off Afghanistan to invade Iraq and now we have a bigger problem in Afghanistan. If the Taliban make it (and that is a big if), then some of the states of the former Soviet Union are also susceptible as well. There is also the restive Chinese Muslims which continue to be ruthlessly suppressed by the Chinese central authorities. The Russians will probably pull another Chechnya. So, the implications of losing in Afghanistan are far worst.

As for Iraq, let's see what happens. The Sunnis are rejoining the government. The violence seems to be tapering off. But, I take my queue from the work of Nir Rosen and others when they note that there is no one else to kill. Ethnic cleansing has already by in large occurred. There are two keys to Iraq: Kirkuk in the North and Basra in the South. I will be discussing the faith of these two cities as I continue to talk about Iraq.

Lastly, of course, there is the issue of coverage. In my morning review, I just noted how CNN's front page had buried the story. I also noted how "critical" the CNN analyst was. I want to remind all that when Senator McCain went to South America, he was "briefed" by The Colombians on the rescue mission and Joe Lieberman spoke his infamous note that it was because "they trusted Senator McCain.". This kind of rhetoric is as President Bush likes to cal it, "Politics". If it is OK for you, it is not a problem. But what is ok for you is not necessarily so for others. This is hypocracy at its' best.

DNC 1968- Will history repeat itself in 2008?

Danielle — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:25:19 EDT

1968 was a year of turmoil. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in April and then Robert F. Kennedy, a U.S. senator from New York who was campaigning for the Democratic nomination was assassinated in June after winning the California primary. This all occurred after President Lyndon B. Johnson announced on March 31, 1968 that he would not seek re-election. The Democratic Party was split over these assassinations and the Vietnam War.

When Democrats lobbied for the convention to be moved to Miami because they felt unruly protests would occur in Chicago, Mayor Richard J. Daley threatened to withdraw support for Humphrey. When the convention finally began Chicago had over 10,000 police, Army troops, National Guardsmen, and Secret Service agents crammed into the city with the protestors.

Violence broke out during the week as police forced protestors out of places they did not have permits to be at and as protesters clashed with police at they tried to march to the convention site. The Wednesday of the convention is said to b the worst day of protesting and is referred to as the “Battle of Michigan Avenue”. The police stopped protestors and violence ensued as innocent bystanders, reporters, and doctors offering help were severely beaten by police officers.

The 2008 Democratic National Convention is almost upon us and I cannot help thinking back to the 1968 riots. And I have to ask myself, will 2008 become a replica of the 1968 events that shook our nation? Once again our country is torn over a war that many believe should have never begun. The Democratic Party itself is split over Senator Obama and Senator Clinton. Protest groups began to get permits for the convention as early as one year ago. Many anti-war protestors plan to be in attendance and some groups that are considered radical have already devised plans for setting up barricades to the convention itself. This, on top of Denver securing $50 million in federal funds for security.

With the 2008 DNC quickly approaching, I can only wonder what will take place in Denver and is there any reasonable solution to prevent a riot at the convention?

Fundraising for an Eau Claire Staffer--DONATE to Obama for America

Compassionate Badger — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:39:43 EDT

See Original Post

In early July, I learned that one of my live-long friends--Chris Van Es--would be one of two Campaign Organizers working out of the Obama for America Eau Claire Headquarters on Barstow Street. It is my intention to fundraise for his salary. Please, help me meet this goal by making small, consistent donations to Obama for America through my fundraising page!

As millions of Obama supporters across America make small donations ($5, $10, $15) to a campaign that they feel passionate about, we will see a change in our political system. Senator Obama's campaign is committed to changing the political process by building a campaign that is founded on a broad base of support from ordinary Americans. I am committed to helping Senator Obama realize that change.

Please take the time to DONATE today.

"A New Strategy for a New World"

Compassionate Badger — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:25:15 EDT

See Original Post

"I want to focus on a new strategy for Iraq and the wider world," Senator Barack Obama on July 15, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

He just sounds like a President! Take the time to watch Senator Obama's 36 minute speech or read the outline of his 5 points below.

Sixty-one years ago, George Marshall announced the plan that would come to bear his name. Much of Europe lay in ruins. The United States faced a powerful and ideological enemy intent on world domination. This menace was magnified by the recently discovered capability to destroy life on an unimaginable scale. The Soviet Union didn't yet have an atomic bomb, but before long it would.

The challenge facing the greatest generation of Americans - the generation that had vanquished fascism on the battlefield - was how to contain this threat while extending freedom's frontiers. Leaders like Truman and Acheson, Kennan and Marshall, knew that there was no single decisive blow that could be struck for freedom. We needed a new overarching strategy to meet the challenges of a new and dangerous world.

. . .

. . . "The whole world of the future," Marshall said, "hangs on a proper judgment." To make that judgment, he asked the American people to examine distant events that directly affected their security and prosperity. He closed by asking: "What is needed? What can best be done? What must be done?"

What is needed? What can best be done? What must be done?

Today's dangers are different, though no less grave. The power to destroy life on a catastrophic scale now risks falling into the hands of terrorists. The future of our security - and our planet - is held hostage to our dependence on foreign oil and gas. From the cave-spotted mountains of northwest Pakistan, to the centrifuges spinning beneath Iranian soil, we know that the American people cannot be protected by oceans or the sheer might of our military alone.

. . .

Our men and women in uniform have accomplished every mission we have given them. What's missing in our debate about Iraq - what has been missing since before the war began - is a discussion of the strategic consequences of Iraq and its dominance of our foreign policy. This war distracts us from every threat that we face and so many opportunities we could seize. This war diminishes our security, our standing in the world, our military, our economy, and the resources that we need to confront the challenges of the 21st century. By any measure, our single-minded and open-ended focus on Iraq is not a sound strategy for keeping America safe.

I am running for President of the United States to lead this country in a new direction - to seize this moment's promise. Instead of being distracted from the most pressing threats that we face, I want to overcome them. Instead of pushing the entire burden of our foreign policy on to the brave men and women of our military, I want to use all elements of American power to keep us safe, and prosperous, and free. Instead of alienating ourselves from the world, I want America - once again - to lead.

As President, I will pursue a tough, smart and principled national security strategy - one that recognizes that we have interests not just in Baghdad, but in Kandahar and Karachi, in Tokyo and London, in Beijing and Berlin. I will focus this strategy on five goals essential to making America safer: ending the war in Iraq responsibly; finishing the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban; securing all nuclear weapons and materials from terrorists and rogue states; achieving true energy security; and rebuilding our alliances to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

. . .

Iraq is not going to be a perfect place, and we don't have unlimited resources to try to make it one. We are not going to kill every al Qaeda sympathizer, eliminate every trace of Iranian influence, or stand up a flawless democracy before we leave - General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker acknowledged this to me when they testified last April. That is why the accusation of surrender is false rhetoric used to justify a failed policy. In fact, true success in Iraq - victory in Iraq - will not take place in a surrender ceremony where an enemy lays down their arms. True success will take place when we leave Iraq to a government that is taking responsibility for its future - a government that prevents sectarian conflict, and ensures that the al Qaeda threat which has been beaten back by our troops does not reemerge. That is an achievable goal if we pursue a comprehensive plan to press the Iraqis stand up.

To achieve that success, I will give our military a new mission on my first day in office: ending this war . . .

. . .

We will make tactical adjustments as we implement this strategy - that is what any responsible Commander-in-Chief must do. As I have consistently said, I will consult with commanders on the ground and the Iraqi government. We will redeploy from secure areas first and volatile areas later. We will commit $2 billion to a meaningful international effort to support the more than 4 million displaced Iraqis. We will forge a new coalition to support Iraq's future - one that includes all of Iraq's neighbors, and also the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union - because we all have a stake in stability. And we will make it clear that the United States seeks no permanent bases in Iraq.

. . .

In fact - as should have been apparent to President Bush and Senator McCain - the central front in the war on terror is not Iraq, and it never was. That's why the second goal of my new strategy will be taking the fight to al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

It is unacceptable that almost seven years after nearly 3,000 Americans were killed on our soil, the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 are still at large. Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahari are recording messages to their followers and plotting more terror. The Taliban controls parts of Afghanistan. Al Qaeda has an expanding base in Pakistan . . .

. . .

Senator McCain said - just months ago - that "Afghanistan is not in trouble because of our diversion to Iraq." I could not disagree more. Our troops and our NATO allies are performing heroically in Afghanistan, but I have argued for years that we lack the resources to finish the job because of our commitment to Iraq. That's what the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier this month. And that's why, as President, I will make the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban the top priority that it should be. This is a war that we have to win.

. . .

Moreover, lasting security will only come if we heed Marshall's lesson, and help Afghans grow their economy from the bottom up. That's why I've proposed an additional $1 billion in non-military assistance each year, with meaningful safeguards to prevent corruption and to make sure investments are made - not just in Kabul - but out in Afghanistan's provinces . . . The Afghan people must know that our commitment to their future is enduring, because the security of Afghanistan and the United States is shared.

The greatest threat to that security lies in the tribal regions of Pakistan, where terrorists train and insurgents strike into Afghanistan. We cannot tolerate a terrorist sanctuary, and as President, I won't . . .

. . .

Make no mistake: we can't succeed in Afghanistan or secure our homeland unless we change our Pakistan policy. We must expect more of the Pakistani government, but we must offer more than a blank check to a General who has lost the confidence of his people. It's time to strengthen stability by standing up for the aspirations of the Pakistani people. That's why I'm cosponsoring a bill with Joe Biden and Richard Lugar to triple non-military aid to the Pakistani people and to sustain it for a decade, while ensuring that the military assistance we do provide is used to take the fight to the Taliban and al Qaeda. We must move beyond a purely military alliance built on convenience, or face mounting popular opposition in a nuclear-armed nation at the nexus of terror and radical Islam.

Only a strong Pakistani democracy can help us move toward my third goal - securing all nuclear weapons and materials from terrorists and rogue states. One of the terrible ironies of the Iraq War is that President Bush used the threat of nuclear terrorism to invade a country that had no active nuclear program. But the fact that the President misled us into a misguided war doesn't diminish the threat of a terrorist with a weapon of mass destruction - in fact, it has only increased it.

. . .

. . . I'll lead a global effort to secure all loose nuclear materials around the world during my first term as President. And I'll develop new defenses to protect against the 21st century threat of biological weapons and cyber-terrorism . . .

. . . America seeks a world with no nuclear weapons. As long as nuclear weapons exist, we must retain a strong deterrent. But instead of threatening to kick them out of the G-8, we need to work with Russia to take U.S. and Russian ballistic missiles off hair-trigger alert; to dramatically reduce the stockpiles of our nuclear weapons and material; to seek a global ban on the production of fissile material for weapons; and to expand the U.S.-Russian ban on intermediate-range missiles so that the agreement is global . . .

We cannot tolerate nuclear weapons in the hands of nations that support terror. Preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons is a vital national security interest of the United States. No tool of statecraft should be taken off the table, but Senator McCain would continue a failed policy that has seen Iran strengthen its position, advance its nuclear program, and stockpile 150 kilos of low enriched uranium. I will use all elements of American power to pressure the Iranian regime, starting with aggressive, principled and direct diplomacy - diplomacy backed with strong sanctions and without preconditions.

. . . we must pursue these tough negotiations in full coordination with our allies, bringing to bear our full influence - including, if it will advance our interests, my meeting with the appropriate Iranian leader at a time and place of my choosing.

We will pursue this diplomacy with no illusions about the Iranian regime. Instead, we will present a clear choice. If you abandon your nuclear program, support for terror, and threats to Israel, there will be meaningful incentives. If you refuse, then we will ratchet up the pressure, with stronger unilateral sanctions; stronger multilateral sanctions in the Security Council, and sustained action outside the UN to isolate the Iranian regime. That's the diplomacy we need . . .

. . . my fourth goal: ending the tyranny of oil in our time.

One of the most dangerous weapons in the world today is the price of oil. We ship nearly $700 million a day to unstable or hostile nations for their oil.

. . .

This is not just an economic issue or an environmental concern - this is a national security crisis. For the sake of our security - and for every American family that is paying the price at the pump - we must end this dependence on foreign oil. And as President, that's exactly what I'll do. Small steps and political gimmickry just won't do. I'll invest $150 billion over the next ten years to put America on the path to true energy security. This fund will fast track investments in a new green energy business sector that will end our addiction to oil and create up to 5 million jobs over the next two decades, and help secure the future of our country and our planet. We'll invest in research and development of every form of alternative energy - solar, wind, and biofuels, as well as technologies that can make coal clean and nuclear power safe. And from the moment I take office, I will let it be known that the United States of America is ready to lead again.

. . .

. . . my fifth goal - rebuilding our alliances to meet the common challenges of the 21st century.

For all of our power, America is strongest when we act alongside strong partners. We faced down fascism with the greatest war-time alliance the world has ever known. We stood shoulder to shoulder with our NATO allies against the Soviet threat, and paid a far smaller price for the first Gulf War because we acted together with a broad coalition. We helped create the United Nations - not to constrain America's influence, but to amplify it by advancing our values.

Now is the time for a new era of international cooperation. It's time for America and Europe to renew our common commitment to face down the threats of the 21st century just as we did the challenges of the 20th. It's time to strengthen our partnerships with Japan, South Korea, Australia and the world's largest democracy - India - to create a stable and prosperous Asia. It's time to engage China on common interests like climate change, even as we continue to encourage their shift to a more open and market-based society. It's time to strengthen NATO by asking more of our allies, while always approaching them with the respect owed a partner. It's time to reform the United Nations, so that this imperfect institution can become a more perfect forum to share burdens, strengthen our leverage, and promote our values. It's time to deepen our engagement to help resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, so that we help our ally Israel achieve true and lasting security, while helping Palestinians achieve their legitimate aspirations for statehood.

. . .

We will have to provide meaningful resources to meet critical priorities. I know development assistance is not the most popular program, but as President, I will make the case to the American people that it can be our best investment in increasing the common security of the entire world. That was true with the Marshall Plan, and that must be true today. That's why I'll double our foreign assistance to $50 billion by 2012, and use it to support a stable future in failing states, and sustainable growth in Africa; to halve global poverty and to roll back disease. To send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says, "You matter to us. Your future is our future. And our moment is now."

. . . For eight years, we have paid the price for a foreign policy that lectures without listening; that divides us from one another - and from the world - instead of calling us to a common purpose; that focuses on our tactics in fighting a war without end in Iraq instead of forging a new strategy to face down the true threats that we face. We cannot afford four more years of a strategy that is out of balance and out of step with this defining moment.

. . . the defeat of the threats of the past has been replaced by the transnational threats of today. We know what is needed. We know what can best be done. We know what must done. Now it falls to us to act with the same sense of purpose and pragmatism as an earlier generation, to join with friends and partners to lead the world anew.

Senator Obama on Support for FISA

Compassionate Badger — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:17:20 EDT

See Oringal Post

Senator Obama posted a note on the Headquarters Blog at his campaign website about why he is choosing to support the current FISA legislation. After the note was posted, 3 of his top advisors were available to respond to comments and questions that were posted by readers. Here is the note (empahsis added):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I appreciate Senator Obama taking the time to address the dissension (and listen to the dissension) that has arisen out of his support for this legislation.

Obama's Tax Plan is Better for Me

Compassionate Badger — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:12:40 EDT

See Original Post

Folkbum asked "Who's going to cut your father's taxes?" According to the graph that comes from The Washington Monthly, Obama's tax plan is better for my father. In fact, Senator Obama's tax plan is better than Senator McCain's tax plan for everyone except the richest 20% of Americans. Look at the graph cloesly, it is worth thinking about.

I Hope This is NOT How the General Election is Going to be Conducted . . . :(

Compassionate Badger — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:10:02 EDT

See Original Post

A booth hosted by Republicanmarket was selling the following pins at the Republican state convention in Texas.

They claim to sell "patriotic" items. Remind me one more time . . . how is this patriotic?!?!?

Since When Did It Become SINISTER to Vote for Obama?!?!?

Compassionate Badger — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:05:37 EDT

See Original Post

NPR reports "Nod to Obama Costs Lawyer Kmiec in Church":

"Conservative lawyer Douglas Kmiec was denied communion recently at a mass connected with a gathering of Catholic business people. The priest denounced Kmiec's endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama, then refused to give Kmiec communion."

This is extremely troubling to see. Doug Kmiec has been (and still is) a staunch pro-lifer; however, Kmiec says that he supports Senator Obama on a host of other issues. No citizen is going to completely agree with every candidate on every issue; so what business does a minister have tranferring all beliefs of a candidate over to a member of the congregation?!?!? This is politics from the pulpit in its gravest form.

Also see, "For an 'Obamacon,' Communion Denied" by E.J. Dionne Jr. from The Washington Post.

Senator Kreitlow--a Freshman Fighting for Wisconsinites

Compassionate Badger — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:00:19 EDT

See Original Post

On May 22nd, I had a chance to attend Wisconsin State Senator Kreitlow's listening session at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire. A number of topics were brought up by constituents--gas prices, railway transportation, higher education, healthcare, the Iraq War, farming, etc. But the topic of most importance to me--as a UW-Madison student--was NOT sky-rocketing tuition or universal healthcare; instead, I was most interested in bipartisanship. We will only see effective policies implemented if our elected officials commit to working across party lines.

As a first term Senator, I hope Senator Kreitlow is committed to finding real solutions during this partisan age. Admittedly, his positions are often along party lines. Nonetheless, throughout the listening session, Kreitlow talked about the need for compromise and respecting the views of people you may not agree with.

As I listened to Senator Kreitlow, I couldn't help but think about State Representative Musser--a Republican of Black River Falls--who will not be seeking re-election because he is "fed up" with the partisan ways that have come to dominate politics.

The Capital Times reported:

After 24 years in the Assembly State Rep. Terry M. Musser, R-Black River Falls, will not seek re-election this fall, saying he is "fed up" with how "nasty" politics have become in the state.

"The last straw was the personal attacks I received in (Assembly Republican) caucus on the compassionate care bill. Before then I was thinking I may be giving it one more term, but not after that," Musser said from his Capitol office Wednesday.

. . .

The senior ranking Republican in the Assembly said he has had enough of the political battleground where adherence to ideology makes collegiality nearly impossible. Instead, he will retire to his Jackson County farm where his cows give him fewer problems, he said.

"I think the people of Wisconsin appreciate bipartisanship; that's what was needed in the last two budget bills, but too many people in this puzzle palace think that's a sign of weakness. I've never understood that, so it's time to go back to my cows who are much more reasonable," he said.

As retired members of the Legislature have said, Musser said he remembers when legislators could debate a bill on the Assembly floor and then go out have a drink with them. But now that friendship doesn't even carry over from his own Republican caucus when he on the other side of a debate.

"I was shocked at the venom in our closed caucuses I knew it would be rough, but the personal attacks in the caucuses just blows my mind," he said.

. . .

"For years I've tried 'working across the aisle' but it seems like there are too many now that only talk about it but don't do it. Now, it's 'my way or the highway,'" he said.

It is interesting that the extreme attacks that Assembly Representative felt were from within his own party. At a time when Wisconsinites are demanding solutions from their leaders, political parties are continuing to entrench themselves in ideologies.

Old timers, like Representative Musser, seem to always remember the good ol' days of politics--when ideological and political differences existed, but when compromises where still made. Where have these good ol' days gone? I'm far to young--at 23 years old--to remember an era that existed without 24-hour-news-shows and talk-radio-line-ups that epitomize partisan bickering. Today, compromises are more often portrayed as signs of weakness or acts of betrayal.

In his book The Audacity of Hope, Senator Obama also addresses the idea of vehement partisanship. Americans--and Wisconsinites--have the right to demand solutions from their leaders. They have a right to demand that compromises be made to find those solutions. I firmly believe that we need more Freshman Senators who are committed to a new kind of politics that produces results.

As a side note, I will be trying my hardest in this blog to keep talks of politics away from personal attacks. I understand that my views and opinions may, at times, appear partisan. However, this does not mean that I am not willing to listen to the other side; it does not mean that I am not willing to concede my position to a better one; and, it does not mean that I would not seek compromise. Instead of attacking the opposite party, I will use this blog as a way to combat something more important--Mainstream Media (See Post: "I LOVE/HATE the Mainstream Media").

Afghanistan: An Alternative View

Mike P — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:06:16 EDT

Senator Obama has noted that his plan is to shift resources to Afghanistan. This view from Tariq Ali is critical to understand that Afghanistan is not as simple as it seems.

Here is the link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/11/pakistan.nato?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews.

Change: What kind of change, and how?

Stephen — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:39:46 EDT

Senator Obama has attracted the nation's attention to the need for CHANGE. But what type of CHANGE is needed, and how best to implement that CHANGE. The following in one analyst's view.

This type of change is a long time in coming, and it won't be easy. But now that the Senator has the nation's attention, we've passed the first step. The next step is in identify the areas most in need of change, and these are HEALTH, BUSINESS LEADERSHIP, and FAMILY.

HEALTH: Perhaps 50 percent of the nation is overweight. Another 25 to 30 percent are facing mental health challenges as a result of drug and alcohol abuse. Almost 25 percent of the population is over the age of 50 and will be facing more serious age related health concerns, with many uninsured or underinsured. A healthy nation can withstand the challenges of change.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP: Many of America's business leaders have become visionaries in innovation and job creation, while almost an equal number have become innovators in exploiting financial opportunities over business ethics and adherence to U.S. laws and practices. We must better define 21st century business leaders and how they who will guide sustained technological growth and prosperity, not merely short term schemes. There needs to be open dialogue on standards of practice and how new economic growth can best be achieved, with more coordination of targeted policy from Washington.

FAMILY: The break down of the American family over the last 30 years has driven a wedge right into the heart of this great nation. The data on children in the inner cities growing up amid violent crime, drug abuse, and later ending up in prisons is astronomical. Even children of middle class families have not been spared from the fallout of broken homes, failed education, and drugs. We must tackle these issues head on. Children of today are our leaders of tomorrow, or they can become our liabilities. We need new leadership and vision in tackling the issues facing our youth. It's not about programs, it's about committing to goals and ideas.

CHANGE occurs from the inside and spreads outward. It is also contagious, like WINNING. The reasons why the U.S. has struggled in the above 3 areas is that we were trying to do it from the outside, moving in. CHANGE can't be mandated, it can't be bought. It must be WILLED. We must want it!

I purposefully excluded FOREIGN POLICY from the above priorities, because of the overemphasis of some in this country on forcing our will on others. PEACE, as it has been described by many in the concervative sector of this country, is an ILLUSION. You can't WILL peace on others. They must WANT IT. What happens in Iraq is the collective WILL of the people living there. Period! As a nation, there is only so much we can control as to the decisions of others on foreign land. But - we can lead by EXAMPLE, and by our strength in our resolve to our VALUES and where possible aid others in achieving the same.

We must also FIGHT for the weak, for those who cannot defend themselves, as it is our responsibility in LEADERSHIP, standing up for VALUES, where others can follow, that others can depend on. We must also work to maintain open DIALOGUE as best we can amid difficult times.

LA Times Today....

Mike P — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:42:25 EDT

In today's LA Times (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama28-2008jun28,0,7896641.story, retrieved June 28, 2008) there is an analysis of Barack Obama shifting to the center. Frankly, I don't see anything wrong with that. All of us who wish to chart a course that is different than the past eight years need to realize that we have to be pragmatic and work on solutions. To me, that's one of the many legacies of Bill Clinton. We must be pragmatic and focus on the end result. I don't think that we should compromise on our principles. But, we should continue to be practical for the greater good. Supposedly, George W. Bush never compromised on his principles. This so-called principles has given us Iraq, a near-bankrupt U.S. Treasury and a country that all soverieign Wealth Funds are starting to buy up on the cheap.

Brief Tidbits On the Election Scene

Mike P — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:05:33 EDT

I wrote about this in my blog (http://www.outsiderviews.com) and wanted to share it with the community:

Today, CNN was reporting about continued grumbling between the Clinton and Obama Camps. The talking heads talked about people not committed, people still disgruntled. Well, action speaks louder than words. According to CNN, Terry McAlullif, said that both Senator Obama and Senator Obama's Finance Chair contributed the maximum amount. They're also due to appear together at Unity, New Hampshire Tomorrow. So, hopefully, this grumblings will be put to death.

Now, moving on, there is another tidbit about Senator McCain not campaiging on the week-ends. When I read that, I said: so what? Such superficial debates negate the truth and the need to have a substantive debate. I yearn for it. I think the world deserves it. We should demand no less.

Obama's Other Muslim Problem

Mike P — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:17:56 EDT

I wrote this for the ORR collectivex group for the team to be aware of as we assess and continue the grass-roots effort to counter the negativity that has already started in large measure due to Senator Obama's decision to forgo public financing. BTW, in an appearance on DemocracyNow, Senator Feingold was disappointed in Senator Obama's Decision.

Here is the posting for reference:

Team,

I just got done reviewing an insightful article by Mark Levine on Al Jazeera on Obama's Other Muslim Problem. I find this article quite credible that I think may eventually have to be submitted to HQ for review. The source is also credible because of who he is...I have noted a brief bio courtesy of Tomsdispatch:

Mark LeVine is a professor of modern Middle Eastern History at University of California, Irvine and author of Why They Don't Hate Us: Lifting the Veil on the Axis of Evil and Heavy Metal Islam. His website is www.culturejamming.org.

Here is the link: http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/uselections2008/2008/06/20086245442531762.html

I look forward to team comments.

:-)

Mike

Does the U.S. Constitution Matter?

Mike P — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:15:26 EDT

I wrote about the revised FISA bill in my own blog earlier tonight. Senator Obama called it a good compromise. I wonder what he based that on. If he gets to be our President, I am confident that he will work to make sure that the Constitution is something to be respected. Under the guise of the Constitution and "National Security", they have worked to undermine our rights. That has to stop. We have the moral authority to change the world. By spying on our citizens, if that is in fact possible.

NAFTA

Mike P — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:43:43 EDT

Senator McCain went to Canada, made a speech and attacked Senator Obama on NAFTA. I was a little surprised when I read that Senator Obama was attacking NAFTA and then said that it is not so bad after all. Our challenge is to figure out how to create the future. Making cars that add to our carbon footprint is not the way.

You Are Not President Yet

harobamason — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:28:39 EDT

It now appears that the Democratic candidate Sen. Obama may travel the world this summer.

Traveling the world before winning the White House is not a good idea. Voters know that a quick trip to somewhere cannot make one an expert in that country. Obama has enough going for him already. Americans are suffering so badly and they will not appreciate seeing Mr. Obama traveling the world when they cannot take summer vacation because of high gas prices, the economy or both. I say he needs to keep introducing himself and his message to the voters and win their votes.

Obama's Iraq visit is dubious one. This is a country America occupies illegally, country which is now asking the US to leave their country. Obama will not meet the Iraq people who will welcome him with sweets and flowers. This will be, at best, a photo opportunity with the troops! Isn’t this just what Bush and the neocons have been doing the last 6 years?

Obama's foreign advisory, Susan Rice, needs to be more creative than this! Obama needs the American voters to vote for him because of changing the way things are done including ending the Iraq war.

McCain is running on promise of a long term American occupation of Iraq, but the Iraqis wants American troops to leave their country. A long term presence of American troops in Iraq means more war and more deaths of Americans troops and Iraqis. McCain is offering more war for Americans. Obama is offering ending the war. Susan Rice and other advisors to Obama must make these differences and distinctions between Obama and McCain policies plainly clear to the American people and let them vote on the facts.

That means Obama and his campaign team should use their precious 139 days campaigning in the heartland of America. After winning the White House, Obama can travel the EU and the rest of the world with authority as the President of the United States. The Bush administration is currently negotiating a long term American military occupation of Iraq. Now it appears not only do the Iraqis reject this plan but that Prime Mister Al-Malaki made it clear he wishes American troops to leave Iraq at the end of the this year when the UN mandate ends. What is Obama position on the permanent American presence in Iraq. I think Obama needs additional critical advice before making major international travels that will appear nothing more than international campaign of his candidacy.

Or am I must be missing something here?

The Gas Tax.....

Mike P — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:13:52 EDT

I shared this thoughts with the Obama Rapid Response Team on the Gas Tax and published it in my own blog (http://ordinaryfaces.blogspot.com) earlier today.

I caught a glimpse of cnn's this week in politics where there was talk of the economic program that senators mccain and obama are proposing. There was a clip about senator mccain touting the idea of the gas tax holiday again

Well I just got done filling up my gas tank. It cost me about 75 bucks. Something that used to cost me about 50 six months ago. The fed gas tax is around 19 cents a gallon. So I would have saved a little over 3 dollars. I have to fill my tank about three times a month. So for the month it would be around 10 bucks a month and 120 bucks a year. For a family with two cars it will be around 240 bucks a year. There aint much you can do with 240 bucks. I would rather pay that to insure reasonable roads and safe bridges. Senator mccain talked about folks getting a break buying textbooks. He apparently does not know that an average textbook is around 100 easy unless you get creative

Statistics are just that......but it is the real stories that we need to get out there. This will be how we will insure senator obama gets the mandate he needs

John McCain's Challenge

Mike P — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:54:36 EDT

John McCain has been touring the country challenging Barrack Obama to 10 town hall meetings. I think the Financial Times this morning had a mild tribute to David Axerlod when it noted that David is determined not to repeat the mistakes of past campaigns and kill any potential negative impact on the campaign--which is a great strategy. If Jim Johnson had to resign, then Charlie Black has to be forced to resign too...

Now, on the issue of the town hall meetings, I think Senator Obama has to take on the challenge head on to expose Senator McCain's hypocracy on all issues (healthcare, the War, etc.). I am sorry to say this, but Senator Obama's position is one of weakness. Senator Obama has capitalized on a movement and he has to live up to that mantra. Senator McCain was on the today show yesterday saying it does not matter when the troops are going to be coming home. I caught a glimpse of it and have to probably listen to the whole interview. But that brief comment is indicative of the war mentality that is at hand here. We need to remember that Our economy is suffering, our prized assets are being picked off one by one, our education system is suffering, food prices are going up, fuel prices seem to go up big time and yet we're spending 10+ billion dollars a month on a war that seems not to have an end. As Senator Obama has reminded us, we honor Senator McCain's Service. But, we have to genuinely have a debate as to whether his vision of America is the right vision. I fear that we can't take this challenge on now, we will truly never know. I am sure that the campaign is listening. But, so far, I am worried that they are responding fast enough!!!

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

Jim — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:25:49 EDT

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

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

My first day joining the Obama family!

Jason Rae — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:42:48 EDT

First, thank you for reading my blog and I hope you enjoy it!

We all have our reasons why we make choices. Why we shop at certain stores, the way we drive to work, and even who we feel is the best president for this great country. The American people spoke and nominated Senator Obama as the democrat nominee. Even though I am an avid HRC supporter, it's time that all of us come together as a team. That is why I am on this website, to join the Obama group and help elect him as our next president. Our party needs unity now more than ever before. We do not need to suffer another 4 years of Bush policy!

We need to take America back and show this world we are a country that you can look up too when you need advice on democracy instead of being a target of destruction. We need to be the America that provides health care to the families who cannot afford it. We need to make it possible that every American has an opportunity to get a college education. We need to make America united and change our thoughts and percpetions to change and a change that all Americans can belive in.

That's why I'm here to push this message to every person so they know that Senator Obama is the change agent that will bring America back it's pride. Senator Obama will be the leader who restores hope and faith in our country. Listen people, we need to take America back to the people who work two jobs just to put food on the table.

Even though the person I voted for is not the nominee, I'm here becuase I want our party to win and I have full faith that Senator Obama will be the leader that reunites America and reinstates the American Dream!

Thank you for reading his blog and visit my website http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/JasonRae4Obama

God Bless!

What Does Hillary Want?

Dr. B, — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:45:09 EDT

She wants to become Vice President. Her desire is a logical recognition of two inescapable political options.

1) If Senator Obama is elected with someone else in the VP slot AND if President Obama has two successful terms, then his VP will have the inside track to the nomination in 2016. Conceivably his VP would be elected and reelected in 2016 and 2020. These possibilities will shut Senator Clinton out of a Presidential run until 2020. She will not only be 16 years older, she will also face a fresh new crop of competitors for the nomination.

2) On the other hand, if she is not on Senator Obama's ticket and he loses in 2008, many of his supporters throughout the nation will hold her responsible for his defeat. She would face angry opposition if she tried again to obtain the nomination in 2012.

So much for what Hillary wants. But what does Senator Obama want? I hope that he wants to be the effective President the country so desperately needs at this critical point in its history. A menage-a-trois that includes Senator Clinton and her husband would be unworkable. Senator Clinton reminds us over and over again that she's a "fighter" because she still doesn't get it. The country doesn't need a fighter, and the world doesn't need another hyper-belligererant President. We need a peace maker, someone who will seize every opportunity to devise creative win-win solutions to America's problems and to the world's problems.

At some time in the coming months the Senators will have the ultimate sit-down in a "Back Room" somewhere. I have no doubt that Senator Clinton will threaten Senator Obama with defeat if she is not on the ticket. I also have no doubt that she will be clever enough not to directly threaten to encourage her supporters to vote for Senator McCain or to stay home on election day.

My hope is that Senator Obama will confront her challenge head-on. He has to choose between a clean victory with someone else as Vice President -- a victory that would empower him to become the great President that the world so desperately needs -- versus a Clintonized compromise that would doom his presidency to Clintonian mediocrity from Day One.

Therefore my hope is that Senator Obama will inform Senator Clinton that he cannot have her on his ticket. And he should do so with full recognition that this decision might cost him the support of enough die-hard Clinton supporters to cause him to lose in November. To become a great President, Senator Obama will have to make a number of extremely difficult decisions that involve substantial risks. Selecting the best Vice President is just the first of many.

JUST SAY HELL NO, SENATOR OBAMA AND DON'T GO TO IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vera Richardson — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:51:35 EDT

In an article dated May 27, 2008, titled “Assassination Chatter and the End of Legitimacy” David Bromwich of the Huffington Post wrote in part: “Legitimacy is the most elemental and elusive of political goods; a gift which only a society can give its leaders, and only the same society can take away.

To deprive a politician of legitimacy is long and serious work. A good deal of the process has always taken place behind the scenes before the evidence comes into view. We have seen a return this year to the politics of delegitimation by the extreme Republican right. Yet what has been most surprising is the complicity, and then the open participation in that process by the Clinton campaign.”

I believe that the Republicans and others that support many of Bush's fail policies have mounted an effort to deprive Senator Barack Obama of his legitimacy in general and on the Iraq issue in particular. My belief is based on the following recent activity.

On May 23, 2008, Vets for Freedom posted a video titled “Senator Obama: Talk to Commanders or Meet with Dictators?” According to the official web site Vets for Freedom PAC is a Political Action Committee whose mission is to help candidates—mostly combat veterans—who believe in achieving success in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the overall War on Terrorism, get elected to the United States Congress and other Federal positions.

The transcript of the video reads: "Obama wasn't available to meet with us [combat veterans],But we weren't surprised. Because he hasn't once, sat down one-on-one with our in Iraq, Gen. Petraeus. Worse, he hasn't been to Iraq in two-and-a-half years. He's unwilling to get the facts on Iraq, yet he is willing to travel to Iran to meet with their leader or anyone else who hates our country... The question for America is, if Barack Obama won't listen to us, who will he listen to?"

Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain are listed on the Vets for Freedom’s website as honorary Policy Board Advisors.

On Sunday, May 25, 2008, Senator Lindsey Graham stated on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that Senators McCain and Obama should travel to Iraq together. He suggested that both Senators meet with General Petraeus and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

On Monday, May 26, 2008, John McCain sharply criticized Barack Obama for not having been to Iraq since 2006, and said they should visit the war zone together.

On the May 26, 2008, Monday night edition of "Hannity & Colmes" Rich Lowry, was the guest co-host. Lowry and Colmes discussed the issue of Hillary getting out of the race with Townhall.com columnist Amanda Carpenter, the managing editor of RedState.com, Erick Erickson, and Keli Goff, political analyst.

The end of the rush transcript for the show records the following exchange:
LOWRY: “Well, of course, I mean, it's absolutely key in the heartland of the country.

Let me add real quickly, something that flared up today between McCain and Obama. McCain pointed out that Barack Obama hasn't visited Iraq since 2006. And conditions have radically changed over the last two years.

Do you think Obama knows what he's talking about when it comes to the Iraq war?"

CARPENTER: "Well, he — he can assume that he's been briefed on it. But we've heard that before about national intelligence estimates. I mean, the fact that Obama has only taken one trip to Iraq and he thinks that he's the one to see out of it, you know, I think he has homework to do. And maybe he should take some time off the campaign trail to visit our guys there.”

It is my belief that Bill and Hillary Clinton are active participants with those that are attempting to deprive Senator Barack Obama of his legitimacy on the Iraq issues. (My belief is base of the appearance of an endorsement of Hillary by Fox News and Rush Limbaugh.) In view of the above-mentioned belief the next voices that we will hear challenging and encouraging Obama to take a dangerous and unnecessary trip to Iraq will come from Senator Clinton’s campaign.

In a 2007 interview on Fox News with Van Susteren, Clinton stated that she has been to Iraq and Afghanistan on three occasions. She listed 2003, 2005, and 2007 as the years that she visited Iraq. Therefore, it will not surprise me if Hillary herself makes the visitation to Iraq by Obama an issue in the coming days.

Senator Barack Obama doesn’t have to go to Iraq to prove anything to those who what to defeat him or cause him harm. The voters in 38 of the 50 states have given Obama the gift of legitimacy and only the voters of this great nation can take it away from the next President of the United States of America - Barack Obama. “

May 30, 2008 Updated

On Wednesday and Thursday (May 29, 2008) McCain and all three major cable news network made it an issue that Obama needs to go to Iraq.

Today all the cable news networks are reporting that Obama is considering going for a "visit" to Iraq this summer.

I love and support you Senator Barack Obama. You have exhibited sound judgment please trust your first response to a trip to Iraq. This whole notion of a trip to Iraq is indeed a political ploy by desperate people that will do “ANYTHING” to win this election.

I and many of your supporters would love to have you as our President. The only thing that would make me happier than you becoming President Obama would be for you to live a full life. A long life that includes you attending the high school and college graduation of your beautiful daughters. To know that you were a good husband for your beautiful and loving wife for 50 years is worth more than you “proving” your legitimacy by going on a trip to Iraq.

I am a Christian and I say HELL NO, SENATOR OBAMA DON'T GO TO IRAQ!!!!!!

Vera Richardson author of “A Case of Racial Discrimination and Retaliation Real or Imagined.”

The Urgency Is Now - The Democratic Party Can't Wait Until June 3, 2008.

Vera Richardson — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:02:32 EDT

The Democratic Party has given Hillary more than enough time to gracefully bow out of this race. She not only refused to leave the race but she is dividing and not unifying our party. Months ago on FOX news Hillary announced her intentions to take her impossible fight all the way to the convention. After Hillary followed Obama to Florida she stated again that she is willing to take her fight for the Florida and Michigan delegates to the floor of the convention. The fact that Senator Clinton is demanding all of the delegates from Michigan is evident that she doesn’t have any intentions of achieving a fair settlement of the FL and MI primaries. There is no doubt in my mind that Hillary will reject any resolution proposed by the DNC on May 31, 2008. Bill and Hillary will not only reject the resolution but also seek court intervention because of Hillary's blind ambition. Therefore, the only way to prevent the total destruction of our party is for the undeclared superdelegates to pledge their support for Senator Obama before May 31, 2008. The Democratic Party is bigger than Bill and Hillary Clinton. Senator Obama won this race fair and square. Obama must reach the current 2025 or 2026 number of delegates needed to secure the nomination before the Clintons file their legal challenges in court and/or Hillary executes her planned nuclear option. The urgency is now. The party can’t wait until June 3, 2008. Senator Reid, Representatives Nancy Pelosi, and Shelia Jackson-Lee, President Carter, and Al Gore please lead our party and endorse Obama today.

Vera Richardson

Uniting the Party

Stephanie -Political Organizer-Middle Georgia — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:42:48 EDT

The top levels of the Democratic Party including Senator Obama have begun taking steps to reunite the Democratic Party. I believe that at the grassroots level we should start putting together events and activities that unite the party at the base.

http://www.wbur.org/news/2008/77475_20080523.asp

Photos of Senator Obama's visit to Portland

Amadeus — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:48:59 EDT

These are photos I took during Senator Barack Obama and his family's visit to Portland [OR] yesterday. The first several are great ones of Senator Obama, Michelle and the kids interacting with Congressman Blumenauer and Congressman Wu.

http://s295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/dharmavision/?albumview=slideshow

Baracking the Fox News Audience – A Review From A Certified and Eternal Obama Supporter of Senator Obama’s April 27, 2008 Appearance on Fox

Global Citizen Linda — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:13:26 EDT

My Facts: - I despise Fox, never watch it because of concerns about how it raises my blood pressure, makes my stomach acid bubble up, and come close to loosing my “elite” mind. - I was concerned about Barack’s appearance on Fox but then remembered that he has also said that he would talk to ALL people whether they agree with him or not) - I calmed down, remembered that the best person to reflect Barack’s honesty and personal integrity to potential voters is Barack - I decided to watch Fox with clenched teeth and a bottle of anti-acid. I am glad that Senator Obama appeared on Fox because:-(i) Now Barack can’t be criticized for not talking to the “half of the country that does not agree with him”; (ii) BO handled the interview with such class and grace that even the Fox pundits in panel that followed couldn’t hide they genuine respect for Obama (e.g. Brit Hume who looked almost envious of Wallace for landing this interview). (iii) Because Obama raised the quality of the discussion with Wallace, the moderator also responded with a higher level of discourse even when asking questions about irrelevant-gotcha-questions; (iv) Barack directly answered rumors that have been fed to Fox viewers without a filter; (v) A number of people watching Barack and his interaction with Wallace could help but recall Clinton losing it completely with the same moderator; (vi) Fox will monitor ratings of Barack’s interview. Money is the most important issue to FOX notably speaking to Obama with respect will help their bottom line; (vii) It is general election mode. BO drew more contrasts between himself and McCain, ignored the candidate-formerly-known-as-inevitable - , she has now been relegated to the place of irrelevancy were she belongs. When Obama talked about McCain, he seems to be more passionate about the differences between them; (viii) Subsequent panel discussion reflected what everyone knows (but won’t publicly acknowledge) that Obama won’t only be the nominee but will also be elected the as 44th President and that he would make America as a nation proud!!If you get a chance to, please watch the full interviewWhat do the rest of you think about this interview?

Senator Clinton's Nomination is C-H-I-M-E-R-I-C-A-L

Thatcher — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:42:34 EDT

(cross-posted on The Dead Guy)

chimerical

Main Entry: chi•me•ri•cal
Pronunciation: k?-?mer-i-k?l, k?-, -?mir-
Variant(s): also chi•me•ric -ik
Function: adjective
Etymology: chimera
Date: 1638
1 : existing only as the product of unchecked imagination : fantastically visionary or improbable
2 : given to fantastic schemes

Thanks to a friend, I was able to attend tonight's musical at the Des Moines Civic Center - "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Spelling Bee). It was a fun night, but as I drove home, a bell went off in my head (and no, Spellers, it wasn't Vice-Principal Panch), I recognized that Senator Clinton and her campaign for the Democratic Presidential Nomination can be encapsulated using many of the lyrics from the musical.

Bitter? Sweet!

Thatcher — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:38:53 EDT

(cross-posted on The Dead Guy)

So once again, lifelong politicians have taken words out of context and wielded them as weapons back at the person who spoke those words.

Senator Obama was 100% correct when he said after all the promises we have been given about improving the economic conditions, not just in Pennsylvania - but across America, and yet nothing has truly changed, that we are bitter and many of us blame that which we are told to blame: immigrants, people wanting to restrict the 2nd Amendment, the government supposedly trampling our religious rights, and so forth.

That's what Obama was saying. And if you hear the whole conversation in context - you know that is what he said. The American people have been given scape - goats to blame by the people that are really to blame - the politicians that won't do a damn thing to bring about the change needed to restore jobs and better conditions for our country.

But let me tell you something - I'm not bitter - I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!

A+B=3 ... Afta the fact

Larry — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:22:08 EDT

I'm sure we all remember Senator Clinton's now famous press event in Ohio when she "...expressed her deep disappointment.." for Senator Obama supposedly saying one thing in speeches and then doing another and saying "...shame on you Barack Obama...".

By now the NAFTA debate has been fact checked to death but it always seems to come back to what Senator Clinton did or did not do as First Lady. Lets giver her the benefit of the doubt and say that she was against NAFTA before she was for it - as First Lady.

Here is what I see as the bigger issue as recent events have brought to the forefront...

In todays Los Angeles Times, there was an article about [now] former Clinton Campaign Chief Strategist Mark Penn being demoted. The reason for his demotion, as you are no doubt aware, is his already [made] public involvement with the Columbian government in their pursuit of a trade agreement. Now on the surface this would appear to be at odds with Senator Clinton's rhetoric, as she has vowed to vote against any such agreement should it make it to the Senate floor. So one could ask - why is a senior strategist of the campaign working both sides of an issue that his candidate opposes to vehemently?

I am not qustioning Senator Clinton's promise to vote against such legislation in the Senate but what would happen if she was President? Does anyone really believe that she had no idea that Mark Penn was working for the Columbian Government and why?

Why wouldn't she be against it before she was for it again?

You can just see the general election ads now. It will 2004 all over again. So Senator Clinton, you were against NAFTA before you were for NAFTA but now you are against free trade?

I have a headache already!

Evolving Clinton HRC Criteria for Winning the Dem Nomination

Global Citizen Linda — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:51:46 EDT

I feel obliged to comment on the evolving HRC Criteria for Winning the Dem Nomination

According to the latest line from HRC and her supporters becoming the Dem nominee now has to be the electoral college and popular vote

HRC's supporters continue to amaze me by how they keep grasping at different criteria for the nomination once they are loosing one argument.

Before Obama won the younger voters in huge numbers, the youth and 30's did not matter but now HRC is aggressively courting colleges and younger voters with a college tour

When HRC still hoped to win as the inevitable establishment candidate, all the primaries and caucuses mattered in all states. When HRC lost in some states, then of course caucuses and "small" "red" states do not matter!!!

When HRC did not need FL and MI to count, then these primaries did not matter but now that the C-Team needs the results in FL andd MI of course it is voter dis-enfrachisement.

HRC had the popular vote then this was the criteria, followed by superdelegates who had a right to be independent in their decision.
Recently, the trend of endorsements shows superdelegates lining up for Obama so now this criteria is no longer important

What else could the incredible minds of the HRC come up with now? The electoral college of course Of course now it must be time for the electoral college to count because we are already using the rules of the general election.

Amazing evolution of criteria and changing rules in the middle of the game.

23:59:60

Larry — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:33:33 EDT

Have Senator McCain, Senator Clinton, the main stream media, and the blogosphere forgotten that there are more momments at The White House than 3AM? We have been inundated by 3AM Phone Call ads over the past month and you would thing that the most important events happent at that time! Lest we forget on September 11, 2001, the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City shortly after 9am EST.

The President and his or her staff will need to have the judegement to make desicions at all times of day about all types of issues. I think The American people have moved on from this type of advertising and it is time for a better vision of the Presidency. It' time for Senator Obama to show is vision and leadership for a 24/7 White House.

Greensboro Town Hall

Wade Boyles — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:20:21 EDT

My partner and I had the honor of volunteering today for the Town Hall at War Memorial Auditorium. Senator Obama exceeded my expectations! He is truly what our nation needs as its next President. Senator Obama addressed the real issues in regards to healthcare, job loss, college tuition, taxes, faith and so much more! It is Senator Obama who has inspired me to do more for my community. When I decided to become active with the Forsyth County Democratic party, it was due to the inspiration and motivation of Senator Obama. Our nation does not need another four years of failed policies and we desperately need real change. Senator Barack Obama is just the candidate to bring the hope and progress the United States needs and to restore its integrity to the world.

Florida & Michigan

Anthony D — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 13:11:08 EDT

There's something that's been bothering me about this issue with these two states since the very beginning. The problem I have is that the blame is never fully assigned at where it belongs, which is not with the candidates, or even the DNC, but it's the State Party and the State Governments who decided to go against party rules. That's right. Ultimately in Florida for example, you have a Republican Governor, and a Republican controlled legislature who voted to change the states primary date. They knew that by doing so that their delegates wouldn't be seated at the nominating convention. They chose to not go through proper channels and get their primary date changed the right way, and because of that the DNC said that the democratic delegates would not be seated at the convention. This was plainly understood by the states when they made this decision, but they went through it anyway.

So why then is the media not talking about this? Why are there articles in Time magazine saying that Howard Dean is going to cost the Democrats Florida? Read TIME article Here Why is Hillary Clinton allowed to say that Barack Obama is Un-American for delaying the re-vote process in Michigan?

I think it's yet another example of the media over simplifying complex issues. What if Puerto Rico wanted to move its primary date up to January 1st? Would the DNC let them? Would the RNC? Maybe, if they went through proper channels to do it. If every stated wanted their primary on the same day, the candidates would never be able to campaign in each of the states. The state primaries and caucuses are spread out to make it more accessible and fair to the candidates, and to the people who vote for them. With the information age, and the shear size of this great nation, it would be literally impossible to campaign and spend quality time in small states if every one's primary was moved closer together. The sad thing is that while Hillary Clinton says that Senator Obama is Un-American to not be supporting a re-vote in Michigan, people are still willing to vote for her and can’t see past her political rhetoric. They can't see that if the roles were reversed, and she was behind in those states, she would be making the exact opposite point. She is an opportunistic un-principled politician, whom I strongly don't support for the office of President of the United States.

I hope that somebody can get through to the media and have them start focusing on the real issue here; that Florida and Michigan brought it upon themselves. Or that rather their governments did, and neither the candidates nor the national party are to blame for this fiasco.

Should We Be Happy About Gov. Richardson's Endorsement?

Sara Pulis — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:43:17 EDT

As an avid supporter of Sen. Obama's bid for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, I am always glad to see a prominent politician endorsing him. However, Gov. Richardson has previously stated that superdelegates ought to side with the person whom their state voted for, so how does he expect to explain going against the will of his constituency? Is he just putting his stamp of approval on our candidate whilst planning on pledging his vote for Sen. Clinton? If he doesn't, what does this say about the Governor?

Leave the man alone!

D.C. Jones — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:04:08 EDT

You know my latest blog is in reference to the Media's "issue" with Senator Obama's former Pastor. Just yesterday morning I received and sent out to everyone, Senator Obama's speech regarding his pastor and race and a few other issues. Then imagine my surprise when this morning the author of my "Streaming Faith" message is my own type of "Rev. Wright.”

I grew up in Sacramento but Pastor Goudeaux was never my pastor. I did however, have the opportunity to visit his church one Mother's Day morning in the early 90's. I was shocked and appalled to hear a message that was such an affront to women - especially on mother's day! There was silence in the congregation during his impassioned sermon! There was not even one "Amen" from the men, the deacons - no one. He was degrading, debasing, belittling and so egregious in his comments about women and he vainly tried to match his comments with scripture. I was so embarrassed and sickened to my stomach that not only did I not return, but my stomach would do flips whenever his name was mentioned.

Now here I am 42 years old, living in Southern California and haven't thought of Rev. Goudeaux. Did my stomach do flips when I saw his name this morning? No. Did I assume his comments about women would be evident in his message? No, I did not. But I did have a moment when I didn't want to read the message! What does this say about me as a reflection of our society when our Pastors make comments from the pulpits that are vehemently disagreeable?

I am not a public figure like Senator Obama. Pastor Goudeaux was never my pastor, mentor and friend. But I regard him now still, with the mindset that I cannot denounce the man even while still reeling from the memory of his comments so long ago. I have the luxury of it being "so long ago." Because now it seems reasonable and justifiable to forgive him, to give him the benefit of the doubt that he has grown or changed from those ways of thinking. And that even if he has not, you can see by the words in this morning’s message that he does have a positive, clean, pure and true message. I know of the church he has built in Sacramento and I afford him the benefit of the doubt that he has done great things for the community, for his church and for the women in his life and those who serve with him.

And so now, especially after Senator Obama's most eloquent statements yesterday, I think it is time that we as Christians and Americans - no matter what our race - should act in a loving and forgiving and prayerful manner in regards to Rev. Wright. Let's not shun him like I did to Pastor Goudeaux so many years ago, but let us all try to react more like I did today when receiving Pastor Goudeaux's message. Let's give Rev. Wright the benefit of the doubt. Let's give him some compassion just as Senator Obama has and finally, let's leave the man alone.

It is for this revelation alone, that I can finally say - thank you Pastor Goudeaux for your message - both then, this morning and now.

The Wright Controversy and Barack's Speech: Moving Beyond

Paul Evans — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:21:14 EDT

This was inspired by a comment made by my friend Steve on an earlier blog post of mine on the Wright controversy, titled "The Next Chapter?' I felt that our combined thoughts merited a separate blog post and I wanted to start out by giving him the credit for the inspiration for these words:

Barack's speech does indeed give America a chance for a new chapter. Some will take up the mantle of freedom and equality for all, some will still engage with their feelings of hate and prejudice, and Rev. Wright's unfortunate (but still understandable, given the experiences of his lifetime) sermons will be, for the latter, just the excuse they need to damn Barack. They were looking for an excuse to anyway. These people are not capable at this moment of being a part of what Lyndon Johnson called The Great Society. Hate, prejudice and discrimination have no place in our culture, only understanding and working for the greater good. Intelligent people KNOW that Senator Obama is the one to lead us to That Promised Land. That Dream will always live in the hearts of sensitive, intelligent Americans. Barack is the one we are counting on to bring the Dream to reality for ALL Americans ...even if they are brought there reluctantly.

Waking Up To A New Day... We Must Change

Jazzy Williams — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:14:01 EDT

Some Biggots and "set in their way" ignorant individuals are constantly trying to discredit Senator Obama. The media only makes it worse keeping a circus of drama 24/7. None of them predicted that he would be the front runner. His successful campaign is threatening and leaves them in shock with how he is awakening the United States. They don't want change.

Politics are grimy and dirty and so is this Entertainment business that I encounter every now and then. You have to continue to do what you love and roll with the punches. Just stay on your toes and be on the alert for future blows that may come your way. Senator Obama we know that the attacks have come in as there will be more. However, we need you to know that we support you and your family just as well as you will do us one day when you become our President.

Peace and blessings!!!

Rev. Wright and my unwavering support for Senator Obama

Global Citizen Linda — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:07:14 EDT

I can see the media bent on cannibalizing Senator Obama based on the comments of Rev Wright. If I were to communicate with the Senator Barack, this is what I would say:

Senator Obama, By undertaking this journey for the presidency, you have carried the dreams and hopes of a race, a generation and those of most marginalized everywhere. You and Michele have led this movement of hope and call for change with much dignity and class and yes we ordinary people are very proud of you. God, you Senator Obama and Michelle have done us really proud as you navigated the huddles that have been thrown your way by those who are trying to hold onto power!! Please know that when the history of this nation is written, your name Barack Obama will be among those that will be written in bold and will endure for a very long time. Some of us who understand the courage that you used to confront the status quo are left in wonder as to how you found the strength to remain so dignified and steady. I am one of those that have been derived as a member of the "Obama cult" since I petitioned you to consider running and have done all I can to volunteer, contribute money, spread your message of change and promote your candidacy in each and every venue to recruit new supporters. I understood that the challenge you pose to the status quo and the conventional institutions would meet with a huge push back. The events of the past few days have proved my point and I am ready for more garbage to be thrown your way. It is very clear that while some people have always appeared sympathetic to the plight of non-Caucasians in this country, it is a totally different matter when their own power is challenged and this is a sad thing to watch as they will stoop so low. I also understand that each person is judged by their actions and words and not by the events of others who may support your candidacy. I hope that the people with microphones and power do not expect you to apologize for everything that any black person and black preacher has said and done - it may take a life time. I have no doubt that as a catholic, no one would expect me to apologize for the actions and sermons of my priest and my religion. In response to these events that are attempting to malign and destroy you, I have decided to donate more money and even take an extended trip to PA to volunteer. I am more determined to follow your leadership on this journey. The media garbage is acting like a fuel for me to work harder. One thing I know for sure is that in January 2009, USA will have a new president and his name will be President Barack Obama. Yes we Can!!!

Remaining Race Neutral Critical to our Society but a Challenging One Even for Senator Clinton

Donise — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:56 EDT

Senator Clinton's response to the outcry regarding Geraldine Ferraro's comments on race makes it apparent to me that she does not understand how insidious playing to the issue of race can be in our country and how critical I believe it is to work at moving productively past the issue of race.

In response to Ms Ferraro's statement that Senator Obama wouldn't be where he is if he were not African American, Senator Clinton responded in an AP interview:

"I do not agree with that," and later added, "It's regrettable that any of our supporters -- on both sides, because we both have this experience -- say things that kind of veer off into the personal."

Senator Clinton of course is referring to Samantha Power's comment that she (Senator Clinton) was a monster which I would agree with Senator Clinton is personal, very personal.

I would not however, characterize Ms Ferraro's comments as personal. I would argue that they're insidious because they are so divisive and counter-productive for our society. Her first comment which started this whole conversation made to the Daily Breeze is, as Senator Obama said, absurd, and I would argue divisive:

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

Add to that a subsequent comment made by Ms Ferraro:

" 'In all honesty, do you think that if he were a white male, there would be a reason for the black community to get excited for a historic first?' Ferraro said. 'Am I pointing out something that doesn't exist?' ........"

The only way to overcome the racial divide in our country, I believe, is to stop making it a part of the conversation and to stop viewing people and our society as black or white. We successfully moved past that issue in the military to which I can speak because I spent 20 years serving in the United States Army. I also believe that our younger generation also has in large part moved past the issue of race. And because I believe that Senator Obama himself is race neutral and because he has made bridging the racial divide part of his conversation, I believe he can bridge the gap and lead the way.

I don't believe that Senator Clinton who apparently views Senator Ferraro's comments as personal understands how important it is to our society to move past the issue of racial divide.

Inspired

Jake — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:21:11 EST

This is my first post on Senator Obama's website. I use it as a way to explain why I have chosen to become involved in this campaign.

I have always considered myself to be "politically active". I voted early and often, always trumpeting the candidate of my choice. That is until I met another fellow Obama supporter. I saw the passion, the dedication, and the impact Senator Obama has had on so many. In short, these volunteers "believe". They believe in a man who will bring about change, who will work toward securing a brighter future for our families. They believe it can be done, and it will be done. This is a new day for America.

I have been moved. I am now a volunteer for Senator Obama's campaign. I will see this through, doing everything I can to make certain he wins not only the democratic nomination but the presidency as well.

I urge my fellow Obama supporters to talk to your friends, your family. Explain to them just how important this election is. Together it can be done, and a new and better American is about to be born.

Thank you

Dave — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:17:53 EST

To those who voted for Senator Obama in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont. This race was never going to be easy. We knew that there were going to be twists and turns. Nonetheless, so far we have won more states and more pledged delegates. Lets keep this going.

YES we can.

Will My Little Town Elect John McCain?

pj — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:30:09 EST

I am ashamed to say that the town I live in, East Greenwich, was the only town in RI to support George Bush in 2004. East Greenwich is a Republican stronghold, conservative on fiscal issues more than social ones. Status quo is celebrated here. That's why I worry that East Greenwich will once again clutch its pocketbook and vote for McCain in November. McCain's too unstable to be president. He's a hothead who alienates more than he unifies. Senator Obama is the opposite of that. I am an Independent who's definitely voting for him in the primary on March 4 and on Election Day.

Smoke and Mirrors - Interest versus Influence

Scott from Nantucket, MA — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:43:49 EST

Disappointing, the lack of respect for the American mind revealed when the politcal landscape becomes hostile to the status quo. In today's LA Times, Michael Finnegan writes that Senator Clinton has shifted to ridiculing Senator Obama and the supposed naivetee of his supporters:

"Now I can stand up here and say: Let's just get everybody together, let's get unified, the sky will open, the light will come down, celestial choirs will be singing, and everyone will know we should do the right thing, and the world will be perfect," Clinton told supporters here at Rhode Island College.

"Maybe I just lived a little long. But I have no illusions about how hard this is going to be," Clinton continued. "You are not going to wave a magic wand and have the special interests disappear."

It isn't just that Senator Clinton, the would-be standard-bearer of the Democratic Party, has lent her voice to those selling disillusionment and acquiescence. It isn't the veiled disparagement of the revivalist's cadences. Those are insulting enough, to anybody who still wants to believe that a dedicated citizenry has the power to shape its own destiny, who still believes in the promise of self-determination that is the true beating heart of this nation. No, those are superficial insults, and could easily deflect one's attention away from the deeper, more disturbing offense:

When Senator Clinton says "You are not going to wave a magic wand and have the the special interests disappear", she is obscuring the reality, either intentionally or naively, of the true nature of influence in Washington. Special interests are nothing new - they are not even necessarily sinister. Our government is intentionally structured to allow all of its citizens to advocate for themselves and make their interests known. Special interest not only won't disappear, they cannot disappear and ought not. The real issue isn't special interest but special influence.

Power in Washington is drawn from the most active and interested bases of political support, and a politician ought to be loyal to his or her base of support. Senator Clinton as much as said this in the first debate, when she made the point that accepting lobbyists' money was perfectly legitimate, because lobbyists need love, too. (I'm paraphrasing.) If I as a private citizen support a candidate, it is specifically because I believe that he or she will advocate for the things that are important to me - I anticipate that this candidate will represent my interests, whether they are selfish or statesmanly.

Senator Obama, or any elected official for that matter, neither needs to nor ought to "make special interests disappear". He needs only not to be unduly influenced by them. Only if we the People are our representatives' organized base of support, only if we the People are the active source of his or her strength, only then will it be we the People whose interests are represented by the people to whom we entrust our highest offices.

Shame on Senator Clinton for attempting to convince the American People that our voices cannot be heard.

Senator Obama - Further info

Dave — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 06:39:04 EST

For those of you who would like to look at what Senator Obama has achieved thus far in Illinois, you may want to visit his US Senate website by following this Link.

Can Mere 'Hope' Change Things?

Jack Schultz — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:39:42 EST

Supporters of Senator Clinton like to say that we need an experienced politician in the White House, someone who knows how the machinery of goverment works, who knows how to get things done. They say they admire Senator Obama, but find his call to hope and civility and overcoming interest group politics naive and even dangerous. Such an argument shows how much they've forgotten about how the Clintons, themselves, got to where they are.

I can't remember a time since the 60's when so many for so long not apart of the active political life of this country became so hopeful, so alive, and so committed to renewing our public life.

Utopia didn't arrive in those other days just because we who were young had hope and dreams and were willing to work to achieve them. It won't arrive this time, either. But, my oh my, didn't we shake things up for a while! Didn't we set in motion forces for renewal that though "pressed to earth" have continued to rise again whenever hope kindled begins to burn?

Do not become your parents and say "hope is for children." Do not believe that hope isn't tough enough or experienced enough for the "real world." It was hope and the belief that we could make a difference that DID make a difference. We did not invent the dreams, we did not own them, but the hope they gave was ours.

When in the past it was thought that real change for justice, for humaneness, for civility, for authentic peace were the stuff of fairy tales, those unrealistic fairy tale dreams of our youth nevertheless changed the world because they first changed us. Whether in Memphis or LA or Chicago or Paris or Prague or Mexico City the dreams crushed by 68's henchmen were not killed but buried as seed in the soil of human consciousness. In 20 years they rose to bloom in Seoul, Rangoon, Manila, Tiananmen Square and in Warsaw, Berlin, Budapest, and dear Prague once again. And also once again, the reasoned parental voices chided the foolish dreamers who placed flowers in rifle barrels, stood in front of tanks, or mounted them. Yet, it was those dreams that nourished Nelson Mandela, prisoner for almost three decades, and now Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma, enabling them to reject the temporizing calculations of cynical reason that urges surrender or revenge.

And now, after another 20 years, as strange forces in our country take those dreams and twist them into labels to hide the nightmares of injustice, meanness, lies, torture, and war without provocation or end, our once-youthful dreams rise in a new generation of youth to become real and powerful once again. And this should not surprise. For, finally, what is more experienced, what is more realistic, what is more powerful than the dream that changes a people and gives them hope and courage to withstand the onslaught of lies and terror from the entrenched powers of earth?

Those of us lucky enough to be young in ‘61 heard the dream from a flawed inexperienced young President. We had always been asked to vote for the professionals who knew how to work the machinery of State. But now we were asked not to support a pro to do the hard work for us, we ourselves were called to that work. And my oh my! Did we respond! Oh Yes! We responded. We were inspired, we were changed, and we changed our country. As the whole world watched and cheered, inspired by the promise of America, those hopes changed the world.

And so now as I watch a new generation filled with the joy of possibility I remember Jack. I remember Bobby. I remember Martin. I remember three little girls in Birmingham. I remember the tear-gas and the policemen's billy-clubs in the night, and I not only remember but feel again for the first time since that time the surge within me that knows that hope outlasts fear, and that temporizers lie forgotten, without issue.

And besides. My oh my! Amidst the beatings and the shootings and the dogs, amidst the teargas and the jailings, the burnings and funerals and wiretaps, my oh my! Didn't we sing, oh! yes, didn't we sing! And my oh my! didn't we have fun! Ah! Yes, we had fun!

And now, yes, we can do it again! Together we can do it again-- Yes we can!

Vote for the future, pass the torch to a new generation of Americans and vote for Senator Barack Obama.

Jack Schultz (Gordon)

Open Letter to Friends

Rena — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:17:36 EST

Hi Friends,
It's super early morning, but I've got so many things going on these days I'm never quite sure whether I should be sleeping or not...

I've had a voice in the back of my head for months, telling me to write this email. I meant to contact my friends and family in Iowa, to see whether they'd actually been thinking about this election, and to see if I could make a difference. I meant to ring my friends in New Hampshire, to see if I could get a few people to pay more attention. Each time I had the thought, I pushed it back and told myself I'd do it at a better time, or made the excuse that it wasn't an appropriate subject to broach. It seems we've been taught to avoid discussions of politics with family or friends... and not having any real history of political action, I don't have a lot of practice with this sort of thing.

But if you can't even discuss the times or the future with your own family and friends at the proverbial dinner table, who constitutes fair game, and when? So, regardless of your political leanings, please give this a read; it's coming from a friend, and it isn't meant to offend anyone. If after you've read it you think less of me, well, it's because you know me better; it was bound to happen sometime.

I don't get a chance to see/talk to most of you very often. Hell, I live with Logan, and I don't get a chance to see or talk to him much either. The past few months have been hectic, to say the least. My job has been in flux, I'm still trying to settle into my new apartment (read: find the time to unpack), and somewhere along the line I found myself very engaged with a political campaign. I'm fuzzy on how and when that last part happened... I think that like a lot of you, I've been doing my share of complaining over the years. Complaining about how things are and have been, and complaining about the grim odds on anything ever changing for the better. I like to think that I live my life treating people how I want to be treated, so I'm not sure why it took all of these years to make the connection between personal integrity and the necessity of civic action. It took 30 years - connection made.

I read the transcript of the keynote speech from the Democratic National Convention in 2004, not long after it was made. It was inspiring, and it put the speaker on my radar in a big way. I recall a moment, at the time, when I allowed myself to consider what our country would be like if this was the voice of politics - unifying and hopeful instead of divisive and resigned to the way things have become. During the past few years, at various times I've heard speculation on whether this man, Barack Obama, would run for President. Many people agreed that he would change the face of politics, and wished he could be the one leading our country, but almost everyone thought it would be many years before the country would elect someone like him. I heard this so many times, I started to say it myself. But at some point last year I started paying attention to the primary race, and I found out he was going for it! I was quietly excited, but I still didn't believe he had a chance. I read both of his books to make sure I wasn't being duped... and with every word I read it sunk in a little more that this was the person we were too cynical to even hope for, but the reasonable standard by which we gave all administrations poor marks. Finally! Someone I could vote FOR rather than against!

Long story short(er), a few months ago I decided that if I wasn't going to do something about where we're at, I couldn't very well expect anybody else to. I do not want to wake up after the next election, look in the mirror and ask myself if there's something more I could have done, knowing full well the weight of my responsibility. And so it began... a few weekends in NH, first with friends, then with strangers... next I found myself going to phone banks after work, trying to recruit volunteers to join us. More weekends in New Hampshire, and you know what, I really started to believe he might have a chance! Next, an ill-timed vacation: who knew I'd be freaking out in airports, totally invested in the Iowa caucus results and unable to find a TV, or paying who-knows-how-much to receive text updates on polling and NH results, in Vietnam. I returned to find myself one of the organizers for my part of the city. Directing canvasses and phone banks, the occasional conference call, nights, weekends... I eat/sleep/breathe this candidacy (seriously, I dreamed about a special February 5th flavor of mochi ice cream the other night).

So here I am; in just under 26 hours I'll walk into my precinct to verify that the optical ballot scanners are zeroed out (take that, fraud! ha). I'll do my damnedest to make sure every supporter in Jamaica Plain (Mission Hill and Hyde Park too!) knows where they're voting and has a way to get to the polls. You might think I've totally lost it (yep, I've wondered the same thing), but trust me when I say that I really believe in this cause, because in the end what's at stake is all of us, and our collective future. I consider this to be the most important ballot I've had the chance to cast in my lifetime; the money I've donated to this campaign is easily the best investment I've ever made. And my time...my precious time! I struggle to come up with a period of time that I've more meaningfully spent. I hope that as a friend, my character is enough of an endorsement that you know I make those statements in earnest. I hope you wake up tomorrow with a little less cynicism, and open yourself to the possibility that we can have any future that we want, so long as enough of us decide that the time to stand up and fight for it is now. Make no mistake: the work doesn't do itself. At the very least, we have to stop and think, to turn off the autopilots we've developed, and let our bare selves guide us. What do we WANT?

A while back, probably in answer to questioning myself aloud, wondering why I was knocking on strangers' doors in the bitter cold of New Hampshire, my friend Nick recited the following quote: "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance." Thomas Jefferson said that a long time ago, and well, eternity is still chugging along. Liberty is a lot of things to a lot of people; it's why I'm involved... and it's why I'm asking you to do three things:

First, ask yourself what liberty means to you.

Second, make some time *today* to take a look at Senator Obama and consider what he stands for. Having thought a lot about this election cycle, I believe there's a single clear answer, but I'm not asking you to vote for Barack Obama just because I'm doing it. Have a conversation with your conscience, one rooted in ideals rather than fear, and consider the implications of each candidate.

Third, go to your polling place on the day you're supposed to vote (Tuesday Feb. 5, for most of us!), and cast a ballot for somebody. Staying home isn't an option. This country is ours, and it's embarrassing how many smart people are apathetic. So many that we're mortified by what the world thinks of us, and yet we can't fault them for thinking it. It doesn't have to be that way - we're here, and we can speak up.

That's it. As your friend, I'm asking you to stop and look around. This is our chance to stop making excuses and start making history - we can!

Thanks for reading this monster email, and you're welcome for not actually going into policy that I am tempted to ramble about. I love and appreciate you all. Sorry for any sleepless typos.
Rena

-------------------------------
I could go on and on with these links... but here's a start. Or do the research yourself...
-------------------------------

The speech that got me interested:
(part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNfuX9seIyM
(part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR-PD0l5qko
Transcript:
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/2004_Democratic_National_Convention_keynote_address

Answers to any policy questions you may have:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues

Why Obama Matters (a good article from The Atlantic):
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama

Collaboration between artists, based on the speech the Senator gave after the NH primary:
http://yeswecansong.com
The actual speech he gave after the NH primary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe751kMBwms

Caroline Kennedy's endorsement:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZQNTYc4ZsyI
Senator Ted Kennedy's endorsement:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Eawu8pQxRI
Barack Obama's speech on the night of the Kennedy endorsements:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7gF6ElJO8Kc

Already on board? Donate! We're up against a serious machine.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/hopemongering

Why Senator Barack Obama?

Tom Hayes, working for change — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:57:17 EST

The following is presented here with the express permission of the author, Danae Curtis. She was writing in response to being asked: Why should somebody in Minnesota vote for Barack Obama?

I just wanted to share a little bit about myself with you. I was born in the west bank neighborhood of Minneapolis and attended Hopkins schools K-12. I was raised by my AMAZING white mother and the loving farm family of Wisconsin that didn't disown her for marrying a black man from Texas a few years after they said it was legal.

My family has endured more attacks than time will permit me to comment on. This moment in time has made all of my struggles worth it.

I used to write in my journals as a young girl about how I had a dream. A dream that one day no one would ask me what I was, or accuse me of not being human. (The word mulatto was tokened in slavery days to signify that a child conceived by a black person and a white person would not be human. It would be less than human; less than a donkey; less than a mule; that animal is known as a mulatto. The Spaniards originally used the term upon arrival to the US.)

I was the first black girl to attend public schools in the Hopkins School District in 1981. My mother received hate mail threatening our lives on the playground. I received swastikas on my locker in high school. Because I was not only black (so said the uninformed,) but also poor in a land of affluence during the initial assimilation experiments of the 80s, I was a double threat.

Hopkins built their first brand new low income housing on Main Street in 1980 and we were the second family to move into these "projects in the suburbs."

Not only were we poor, but we were the first family of any color (beyond white) that moved to the city of Hopkins. Then came my close friends from Laos. My friends from Nigeria came next. Many of us who went through these experiences were scarred for life, despite our numerous successes.

The wounds are healing now, thanks to the efforts of Barack and Michelle Obama. The part of my life story that breaks my heart is that I have never been racist; it's not in genes to be able to do so. However, I have constantly been judged, by all sides, be it for my skin color, my hair, or my proper English that the mighty Hopkins School District 270 taught me with flying colors!

Senator Barack Obama--When Poetry Becomes Prose

Wordman — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:43:15 EST

Throughout the campaign Senator Obama has been falsely charged of lacking a record of substantive action. Check out this post by Jonathan Cohn on TNR Blogs on 1/21/08:

"From 1997 to 2004, as a member of the Illinois Senate, Obama advocated several proposals to make medical care more accessible--culminating, three years ago, in a bill designed to force the creation of a universal coverage system for Illinois. And, while none of these efforts come even close in scale to what he's promised to try in Washington, they do provide a window into the governing style he would pursue there.

Time after time, Obama brought adversaries into the process early, heard out their concerns, then fashioned compromises many of them ultimately supported. In other words, he used the very strategy he's been describing on the campaign trail--the one giving people like me such angst. And yet, if you talk to liberals in Springfield, the ones who've spent decades fighting for universal health care, you don't hear a lot of disappointment with him. As far as they are concerned, Obama's signature inclusiveness was always a means to an end--a way to push the limits of reform rather than accept them. And, they say, it worked.
In 2002, when Democrats won back control of the Senate, Obama became chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. And it was from that perch that he adopted his other noteworthy health care cause, a measure called the Health Care Justice Act. The brainchild of grassroots activists tired of fighting losing battles to create a single-payer system for Illinois, the act, as originally proposed, would have created a task force, empowered it to develop a universal coverage plan, and then forced the legislature to vote on that plan. Predictably, it aroused the ire of insurers and other business interests, who, by all accounts, lobbied to derail the effort. "They--the insurers--pushed [Obama] really hard," says Jim Duffett, executive director of the Campaign for Better Health Care, the group championing the plan. "They also tried to use other people to push him really hard."
Publicly, Obama used hearings to rally voter support for universal coverage. Inside the statehouse, he pursued a two-track strategy. He made common cause with doctors and hospitals, two groups that had become more sympathetic to universal coverage because of the financial burdens charity care placed on them. This gave cover to moderates who wanted to support the bill, while increasing pressure on the insurers to fall in line. At the same time, Obama carried on discussions with the insurance and business lobbyists directly, eventually granting them two key concessions: He altered the makeup of the task force to make it more industryfriendly and dropped the provision requiring a vote from the next year's General Assembly. "We had significant concerns and looked to Senator Obama, who is an extremely bright and accessible individual," Phil Lackman, who represents the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, told me. "My experience is that he is willing to listen to anybody willing to talk to him."
It's those kinds of statements that lead to stories, like one that The Boston Globe published in the fall, noting that "Obama's own experience in lawmaking involved dealings with the kinds of lobbyists and special interests he now demonizes on the campaign trail." But, whatever the contrast with Obama's campaign rhetoric, reformers in Springfield say the concessions worked out just fine. As it turned out, binding a future Assembly to vote on a measure was probably unconstitutional anyway. And the presence of insurance representatives on the task force may have actually bestowed it with additional legitimacy. Although those members would end up filing a dissent to the task force's final report--which was issued after Obama had moved on to the U.S. Senate--press attention focused on the majority recommendation. And that recommendation was just what many advocates hoped (and opponents feared) it would be: a comprehensive plan for universal coverage, financed and overseen by the state government. "He didn't back down," says Duffett. "There was no mandate [on the next Assembly to vote], but that was a constitutional issue. ... We got everything else we wanted."

Duffett's quote is important because he is among the state's most prominent and committed advocates on behalf of universal health care. (For the wonks out there, he's the Illinois equivalent of Ron Pollack.) If Obama were in the pocket of health care lobbyists, he'd be the first guy to complain. But Duffett has only good things to say about Obama. Very good things, as a matter of fact.

Let us decide our future.

Haji Hussein of the Irish — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:43:22 EST

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

New Hampshire is next....

Joanne Urish — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 07:31:36 EST

Do hope all of you are thinking good thoughts, saying positive things and doing what you can to aid and assist "our man" to the White House.

Just wanted to remind all of you that letters to the Editor of the New Hampshire newspapers is still an option too. It only takes a short time. (Just one letter to all newspapers) I sent out more yesterday talking about the subject of "Foreign Relations Experience". Due to the recent developments in Pakistan, it's extremely important that we re-inforce Senator Obama's past judgements and experience in that area. There are several written comments to help everyone in composing a letter. PLEASE do send a letter. The more the better. Even if only one gets printed, it may open a door to more than one vote, and every vote counts.

Happy New Year to All

Joanne /Go Barack Go/ Obama in the Heart

Iowa Caucus Participants--A Vote for Hillary Now May Lead to "Present" Vote in General Election

Wordman — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:01:24 EST

The latest ploy of the Hilton attack machine has been to cite Senator Obama's "present" votes during his tenure in the Illinois state senate--ignoring how infrequently this occurred and the underlying strategy for such actions. Most commonly such a vote reflected a dissatisfaction with flawed legislation. My fear is that if Hillary's politics of fear and personal destruction succeeds in swaying the Iowa caucus participants and ultimately propels her to a successful bid for the Democratic nomination she will have left so much bile and poison in the political bloodstream that many Dems and independents will also choose to vote "present" and abstain from participation in the election process altogether due to their dissatisfaction with a seriously flawed candidate whose election would offer nothing more than more of the same rancor and vitriol that has paralyzed our government for the past two decades. We can expect an opposite, energizing effect on the Republican base and, with her at the top of the ticket, we jeopardize not only our chances to retake the White House, but also the opportunity to maintain or improve our majority in the Congress.

Hillary Clinton and the politics of fear and personal destruction

Wordman — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:13:26 EST

Well, the Clinton machine has kicked it into high gear...a sure sign their internal polls tell them they have serious reason to be concerned. I can only hope and pray that the Iowan audience they are playing to possesses sufficient sophistication to see through the deceptive and malicious attacks on Senator Obama because the choice they make on January 3 may shape the direction of this presidential campaign and ultimately our country's future. My Christmas wish is that they will reject the politics of fear and personal destruction and take a leap of faith and hope by voting for Senator Obama--a man of character and vision who offers the promise of a new and different way of addressing our national and global priorities. Waxing a bit nostalgic here during the holiday season--remembering a time when we came together as a nation to address wrongs and achieve lofty goals, a time when all the world looked to America as a beacon of liberty and freedom and courage. I know in my heart Senator Obama can take us back there.

"Why I'm compelled to support Senator Obama"

Rena — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:16:18 EST

I read an article from October in the New Statesman that suggested that Obama's once energized campaign is falling flat. I don't happen to believe that (momentum!), but whatever you believe, this is a great response posted by pacifica1:

pacifica1
11 October 2007
Why I'm compelled to support Senator Obama:

Moral courage - In 2002, Senator Obama spoke out publicly and strongly, against this 'rash, dumb, ideological war of choice'. He did so even though it could have jeopardized his Senate run. He had the moral courage to speak out, even when the Congress was moving in lock-step behind President Bush in banging the drum to go to war. Obama stood up and SPOKE TRUTH TO POWER.

Does not pander to any audience - He went to Detroit's Economic Council and gave a speech stating that America must increase its fuel CAFE standards, if we want to wean ourselves off foreign oil. That speech was not exactly warmly received...but he spoke out, anyway. Other politicians tell specific audiences exactly what they want to hear, even if it is wrong for the country. Obama speaks the hard truths to all constituencies he addresses, even if it hurts. America is facing a lot of hard truths these days, and Obama stands out as a unique leader who doesn't sugarcoat the truth. The stakes are too high.

Judgment - Zbignew Brzezinski, one of the most distinguished foreign policy experts in America today, recently formally endorsed him for president, and he said he did so because of Obama's good judgment. He noted how President Kennedy was advised by those all around him to use nuclear weapons during the Cuban Missile Crisis. And yet, this young, wise president had the good judgment to say no to them, and use a naval blockade, instead. He saved us all from an all-out nuclear war! THAT is the good judgment Brzezinski is talking about.

The wisdom that Senator Obama has shown is what our country needs in a president. In contrast, Senators Clinton, Biden, Edwards and Dodd ALL voted for the war and Sen. Clinton didn't even take the time to read the 90 page NIE (National Intelligence Estimate), that was given to all senators, even with 10 days to read the report, before casting the most important vote of her life. That is a double tradgedy. First, not reading the report before sending other people's kids off to die or get maimed in a war represents a gross dereliction of duty. Second, she did not ask the hard questions before the vote and, fearing looking weak, cast the wrong vote. Obama gets my vote because the single most important quality in a president is judgment. He's got it. Time served in Washington does not equate to good judgment, as the other long-time Washington insiders have proven. In Obama, we have someone who will unite our country and the world.

Also, re Hillary, if being first lady in the governor's mansion for 8 years and another 8 years in the White House qualifies for 'experience' to be president, then why not Laura Bush for president? How preposterous is that? This is how the Clinton Machine spins and manipulates perceptions, with Bill Clinton going around saying that she is the 'most qualified non-incumbent I've seen in 30 years'. I also don't like the way the Clinton Machine hogs the media airwaves 24/7, piggybacking off each other, like a tag team. If one is not on MSM, the other one is. When Bill goes on to plug his 3 yr. old Clinton Initiatiatve (which was started, calculatingly, to help pump up support for Hillary) and his latest book promo tour, of course he gets massive MSM time to plug the 'two for price of one' concept, ad nauseum.

In a country of 300 million people, surely we have a larger gene pool than 2 families to run the White House. We look, to the world, extremely feudal, and in fact we are.

When Senator Obama gave that unbelievable speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004, I was really awestruck and just so disheartened that it was Kerry who was our nominee and not Obama. Right then, I wanted him to be our president and I'm very grateful he's running.

Yes, I'm part of that 350,000 strong nationwide grassroots movement, volunteering in every community across America. It is a joy and an honor to be part of this historic grassroots movement for fundamental change in the way Washington does business. I am absolutely convinced that there is no other candidate, anywhere, who can match Obama's depth, breadth, diverse and rich body of life experience. There is no one who can unite us and in fact, the whole world, like Senator Obama. The fact that he has lived outside of the U.S. and has been exposed to other cultures is a great dividend. I believe that the day he is inaugurated, the healing begins. If the world could vote, Obama would win a resounding victory.

When Obama announced his candidacy for the presidency, on that cold February morning, outside the Illinois Statehouse where Lincoln spoke, it was extremely inspiring and spoke to my heart about what America needs and what America can be again.

I've never been so engaged in the political process as I am today, and still, bloggers like these put me to shame. It's so important to get out there and make your case on articles like these. Get your thoughts out there and infect the internet with the hopemongering!

Hope is the inspiration.

Mary Ellen, Organizer for Nashville Loves Barack Obama — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:17:33 EDT

Well, we've got another meeting tonight in East Nashville. We really need to find some people who can help organize canvassing events, and get some things moving with the surrounding counties. February 5th is fast approaching, and while I feel we are going to be reaching the 18-35 year old age range very well, I am concerned about families, and basically the rest of our society.

We need the community canvasses for visibility, and to ensure that our information gets out to a larger portion of society. I really think the political/voting climate in Nashville is malleable. And I look forward to interacting with even more people.

No doubt about it, the Barack The Vote events are going to make an impact; and now that we are working with Voting Is Priceless, with all of the information, resources, etc that they bring, I just can't help but be excited.

I think we really will see a change in our city, and I pray in our country. I read something yesterday, saying "Hope is not a method" - and it's true, HOPE is the PASSION, the INSPIRATION that keeps us moving, WISDOM and HUMILITY and HONESTY - these are methods that work. And I feel that we will find all of these things in our Presidential Candidate. Thank God for Senator Obama.

Be the change!

Mary Ellen

ps: If we haven't seen you at a meeting yet, please feel free to come on down tonight! We'd love to meet you!

Obama is coming, clear the way!

ApondoNET — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 03:34:23 EDT

Article First Posted At AfroArticles.com on: 10-29-2006

"Obama biro, yawne yo!" (Obama is coming, clear the way) -- Tens of thousands of cheering Luo "Tribesmen" and ululating women screamed as they welcomed Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) back to his father's ancestral land -- Nyangoma Kogelo village in Luo Land, Western Kenya, several weeks ago.

In a matter of hours Obama had soared to unprecedented political prominence in Kenya, eclipsing a bunch of corrupt and heartless nincompoops -- The (Mt. Kenya Mafia), who are ruthlessly grinding beautiful Kenya to the ground.

The only difference between the Mt. Kenya Mafia and the current U.S. Republican administration, is that the former have brought Kenya down to it's "Economic Knees," while it's virtually impossible for George Bush's government to bring down the mighty economy of the United States, no matter how much they misappropriate it's coffers by way of inflated Iraq reconstruction contracts or Katrina FEMA trailers. Otherwise both groups employ similar schemes - exploiting and manipulating ethnic (racial) intolerance and promoting rampant corruption -- a bunch of "cold-blooded" louts.

The six year cesspool of a mess presided over by the Bush administration might not be in vain after all. It has made America hungry for a messenger with a message of hope.

In the NBC "Meet The Press" interview of Sunday 22nd October, I watched Senator Obama intimate that -- based on the responses he has been receiving across the country, he is considering running for the presidency of The United States in 2008.

What impressed me most about him is how he tackled the question regarding his previous assertion in 2004 -- that he would complete his six year Senate term and not run for President in 2008: "I have thought about the possibility, but I have not thought about it with the seriousness and depth I think is required," Obama said. "My main focus is on 2006, and making sure that we re-take the Congress. After November 7th, I will sit down and consider it."

Unlike the shifty, programmed, and selfishly partisan politicians I am used to watching on Sunday morning political TV, Barack Obama countered Tim Russert's questions with poise, spontaneity and most important, he seemed very genuine.

In a political system muddied and tainted by arrogance, corruption and incompetence, watching and listening to Obama is inordinately refreshing.

In Obama I see an intelligent and capable man, unlike the current President who constantly reminds me of an unprepared and confused "open book, open notes" exam taker, badly rehearsed and totally incapable of articulating his views without the stewardship of his father's cronies, Karl Rove his "Political Architect" and a bone breaking conglomeration of "Hyena" special interest groups.

Obama's apparent good human qualities added to the fact that he is a great American story, makes the Senator a very attractive prospect for the ultimate prize in politics -- The Presidency of The United States.

Is Obama Presidential material?

Many cite his lack of political experience, claiming his resume is too thin for a run at the Presidency. I disagree and here is why:

1. Unlike other black leaders, Obama doesn't grind "white noses" in Racism, and at the same time he is a symbol of hope to millions of dis-affected blacks and other minorities.

Judging by his Senatorial election win of a 70% majority, Obama has proven that he is a very powerful vote magnet across racial lines. He has established an "inclusive" track record that would be vital in a presidential election if he decides to run. His candidacy would draw out millions of dormant black voters thus making the Democratic candidacy more viable.

On the flipside, we all know that there are some whites such as the right wing gutter constituents of con-man Rush Limbaugh, who will forever embrace Racism and will never accept a black president. A President Obama would mark the beginning of the placement this irritant breed to the fringes of political obscurity.

2. He is NOT a bumbling idiot, appears humble and has not been tainted with partisan politics. Perhaps even more important is that he is a confident intellectual, which I think is a necessary pre-requisite for handling the complex issues of the highest political office in the world.

3. The last Republican President who had some smarts was the foul-mouthed bigot -- Richard Milhouse Nixon, who engineered his own downfall with a lethal concoction of homophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-black and "Communist Paranoia." As a matter of fact Nixon's political career spanned three decades of scare mongering, witch-hunts and dirty tricks, the same tactics that have been successfully deployed by the current administration over the last six years.

All others after him have been bumbling buffoons with slight exceptions in George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.

Reagan the Serial Liar who made Americans feel good about themselves, was not only ill informed but partially senile towards the end of his second term - not particularly smart, but a great "Political Actor," whose major achievements included presiding over the disintegration of the Soviet Empire (which was inevitable anyway), misuse of the World Bank and funding of CIA death squads to safeguard the corporate thievery by US multinational companies in Latin American countries.... and the worst in my opinion; propping the racist Apartheid regime in South Africa.

The "Great Communicator" was just another Republican crook!

Bill Clinton and John Kennedy did not have that much experience. Abraham Lincoln ran after two years in the House, Woodrow Wilson after two years as governor, and Franklin D. Roosevelt & Jimmy Carter after four years as governor.

Perhaps Dr. Martin Luther King summed it up best in his "The Drum Major Instinct" sermon delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, February 4, 1968 - He said: "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.... You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant," qualities that are thoroughly lacking in the Republican base - the "self-chosen" people of "Faith."

If the Democrats nominate Hillary Clinton, a very polarizing Democrat, the Republican smear spigots will spill out of control and flood the whole country to an extent that the Katrina calamity will look like a storm in a teacup. On the other hand, an Obama nomination would fuel vicious racial and below the belt "Nyangau" attacks from the right wing, like the slime being spewed by Republican troglodytes against black Democrat Harold Ford Jr. in the Tennessee, or by incumbent Senator George "Macaca" Allen in Virginia.

I wonder if Senator Obama has the stomach for such personal and racist attacks -- a GOP staple!

Colin Powell assessed these circumstances in 2000 and chickened out, and subsequently dimmed his star serving in this ham-fisted administration for four years before being pushed out in favor of "yes-woman" Condoleezza Rice. It is rumored that he feared political assassination.

Will Obama follow through or is his potential candidacy just hype?

It is time for America to put it's Racist legacy behind it, to re-assess its future, and take a closer look at this rising star, for I think Barack Obama is ready -- to cleanse the "maligned" soul of America.

About The Author: James Opiko writes for AfroArticles.com & PoliticalArticles.Net. Button - Courtesy: http://www.cafepress.com/votedem2008/572242 | Article Source: AfroArticles.com - Article Marketing Directory

Obama OKC Rally was Awesome!

Tamara TX — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:47:12 EDT

Did you go to the Obama OKC Rally yesterday, Monday, 3-19-07? I hope so because it was awesome! Some of us from ObamaOk (on this site) were privileged enough to volunteer at the event and a few of us even had the honor to meet him! But his message was everything what I believe. Education: Pay the teachers MORE (let us not forget that the children are our future – hello), Health care: Every person in the USA will have health insurance by the time his first term is over – read again: EVERY PERSON WILL HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE BY THE END OF HIS FIRST PRESIDENTIAL TERM!!!. The War: It never should have started, we have lost our men and women, our men and women have been killed or wounded, we have lost standing in the world, IT WILL END IN 2008!!!

If you have not yet joined a group in your area to help get Obama the VOTE, I again urge you to join a group, there is strength in numbers, get out, do good.

Thank you!!! And thank you Senator Obama.

Senator Mitch McConnel making great point against Senator Harry Reid's joint resolution on Iraq. Live on C-Span-1 March 14 AM.

lionanimal — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:24:23 EDT

It is not clear to me how Senator Barack Obama's initative aligns or does not align with Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid's joint resolution on Iraq. The minority leader, Senator Mitch McConnell is making mincemeat out of the "Democrats" "position" live on C-Span 1 on Wednesday March 14 AM (presently). My concern (see following) is one specific objection to the "Democrats" "position" that will really hit home with a many voters. The reason for this blog post is to ask for a discussion and clarification of how Senator Barack Obama's plan regards the following. (see below). Thank you. If Senator Barack's plan is somewhat diffferent than that of the majority leader's, be aware that the general public will probably paint all Democrats with one stroke of a broad brush. Subtle details of a plan need to be highlighted. Perceptions happen before reality sets in within the minds of voters and potential supporters.

Please donate NOW!

Tamara TX — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:34:49 EST

I just read on the home BLOG that if you donate this week, some other community member will match your donation; or if you have donated in the past you can sign up to match someone else's contribution. If we all pledged to give $10.00 and to match $10.00 do you realize how much money would be in Obama's war chest?

Like many of us Americans I have usually been fairly apathetic about politial campaigns because the choice is more often than not "Who will do the least harm." Therefore,I have never, ever been involved in a political campaign and I have never, ever been really excited about a Presidential candidate. I will be 46 soon, do you think that age has something to do with it? I don't, I think that Obama appeals to all age groups and all races. I personally believe that so many people are fed up with the US Government and the lies – O! so many lies and Obama is such a wonderful breath of fresh air and we’re all trying to breathe. Thank you for your match and let’s promise to do everything within our power to get Obama the nomination.

Truck Driver Issues

Durango — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 23:34:11 EST

Drivers' issues are found to be focused on paperwork, dock logistics, breakdowns and compliance with legal requirements, and mostly revolved around uncertainties associated with loads and time.

We need to document truck drivers' perspectives, identify core problems and issues for drivers, identify potential solutions to these issues and bring them to the attention of Senator Obama.

Please take a moment to respond and get involved in a discussion that could send a better message to the D.O.T. through the soon to be President Obama.

Thoughts from a young democrat...

Brian Noel — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 19:41:36 EST

February 10, 2007

Today’s news of Senator Obama’s official entrance into the ’08 presidential election did not surprise me. I was not surprised that there were thousands of people standing outside in the shivering cold to hear him speak. What’s surprising is how several states away, in the former Capital of the Confederacy, a young Caucasian male in sweatpants, watching a stream on a laptop at his girlfriends apartment, could relate to a black Senator from Illinois.

What is great about Barack Obama now officially being in the race for our great party's nomination for president is that I have something to focus on. Now I have something to which I can direct all of the energy that is boiling inside of me. Every day I am frustrated by the cynicism and negativity that surrounds our country's politics.

Being a young student of politics, I thirst for a news outlet to keep me abreast of the day’s news as I go about my day to day activities. Considering that I don't possess a satellite radio, I am stuck listening to conservative radio shows in my city that offers only a biased AM radio selection. It is here that I rely on the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck to name a few, to keep me motivated with their outlandish commentary to stay a Democrat and get involved.

Although the outrageous semantics of these radio shows is great motivation, it isn't enough to activate me. To become politically active I needed something that gave me something to work for, not something to work against. Something that was positive, rather than pointing out what is wrong with our world. Barack Obama's campaign offers this cautious optimism.

In listening to the politicians that have polluted our televisions, and listening to the entertainers that dilute truth and change stories to benefit their own agenda I had become uninterested in our country's government. Feeling like these folks, who may physically resemble my family, couldn't relate to me I have longed for something different. I have longed for the emergence of a leader who can not only bridge the gap between our political parties, but also unite our own political party behind a common view.

Barack Obama speaks this language. He understands the weakness that is created by a divided government. In his book, he speaks about the experienced politicians such as Virginia's own Republican John Warner, who can have a casual and comfortable association with someone from the other party after debating their political views to an effective outcome. Our partisan politics, and partisan media outlets only weaken our nation and places unnecessary hurdles into our beautiful political process. Negative politics is only one aspect of politics that is wrong with our country. The other is the voters, the users of our political system, the beneficiaries. Considering how low the voter rate is in our country, it would benefit us to educate the ones who do chose to vote. My family represents what I feel is a large portion of our country's voters; voters that can not site more that one view of any candidate in any election, no matter how large the consequence. As an example, during the most recent gubernatorial election for the Commonwealth of Virginia my brother and I had a heated debate over who was the better of the two candidates. Republican Jerry Kilgore was running against Democratic Lieutenant Governor Tim Kaine for the office. During this argument, I stated all of the reasons that I believed made Tim Kaine the better choice. After this barrage of policies and personal attributes that I shot at my brother from my lips, I expected a loaded response. It didn't surprise me that since the presidential election in '04 that my brother hadn't changed a bit. He spoke so adamantly about voting for Jerry Kilgore, but couldn't articulate why. The driving factor in him even voting in that election was that his friend told him that if Tim Kaine was elected he would lose his gun rights. He knew that when he drove around town, he saw signs that said "Sportsmen for Kilgore". But he couldn't name one other reason to vote for him. He voted for Jerry Kilgore, just like he voted for George Bush in the '04 election...blindly.

These voters crowd the polls of our nation. It is our job to activate ourselves, and help educate our friends and families about the policies that make a difference in our day to day lives. Sure the Iraq war is a huge issue in the '08 election, but can the majority of our population speak intelligently about any other issue facing our country today? We must commit ourselves to starting today to become as familiar as we can with our candidates stance on all issues. Start today so that we can articulate clearly why it is that we prefer Senator Obama over any other candidate on the political scene. What would feel differently about the United States of America with Barack Obama in the White House? Educate yourself, educate each other...get involved!