Posts with the tag Trust

Video: OBAMA RAISING THE BAR

Madama Ambi — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:47:55 EDT

I made this video during the campaign and I think it still has relevance, maybe even more so right now during our country's crisis of trust.

What do you think?

STEAL THIS

Fredrich from Roanoke, VA — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:42:23 EDT

We should have a rally titled "Take My America Back" ~Basically, instead of protesting, we have workshops...a workshop on how to manage your finances with credit cards--taught for free, by pros; workshop for easy how-to's to create less of a foot print on earth--all under 100 dollars (easy 'go green' meets HGTV); workshop on hospital terminology--so we can understand what doctors are actually telling us, now, and make better future decisions, now!; workshop on CPR--....enough said really; workshop on cooking for a family of 4--under 50 bucks a day; workshop titled 'xxnumber of ways to start losing weight--tomorrow' (take the steps, stretch more, really tho. Why do we only stretch when we have or anticipate the idea of future pain due to our own out-of-shapeness?;is that a real word?; workshop on being a new driver--partially taught by teens from that very same community; workshop titled 'not for me'-- workshop for young adults planning for their futures (only own what you can afford!); workshop on indentifying financial leakage--we dont 'need'...eeeeverything!; workshop on real third world countries--a humbling lesson learned when you see how good we really have it; and finally (cuz I really could go on forever)a workshop titled 'explain, please?!'--help people understand how to effectively utilize their cell phones (explain things like social networking/SMS/MMS/BBM/AIM/Apps/WAPs/GPS/VVM...wow!)

The Catch:

1)...I dont want to organize it by myself LOL 1.5) its FREE for all! 2) I would love to have each 'rally' have at least one local person in each and every workshop = dedicated AMERICANS giving up their free time to help other PEOPLE...and yes, I meant PEOPLE, all of them. 3)Ideally: head to toe voluntary...no one gets paid, its all voluntary!; not the sponsors, not the organizers, not the appearences, not the musical acts, not even the clean-up crew...I mean really...we have a ton of unemployed people sitting around with countless degrees and experience and nothing else to do. Lets step up! 4) Lastly, if this ever came to pass, I would love to present a check to the President of the United States, that day, on the National Debt (cummulation of tax free donations created from these events, by people who believe in helping others for the sake of helping others) This is our country...we already own it, so lets own up to it! I owe it to YOU! This is me taking ownership of my America (insert picture of Uncle Sam--ironic) America, you down?!

HOW DO WE PAY FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION MANDATE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE?

MoorAmerican — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:47:27 EDT

"This victory alone is not the change we seek —
it is only the chance for us to make that change."

— President Barack Obama, Election Night, 2008

HOW DO WE PAY FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION MANDATE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE?

Somebody asked the chief engineering officer of BEE, “POPLUV THE PAYGO” …”Is this just another APE idea?”

American Politrix Enterprise is alive and well. There is a civil unrest among the American people about the whole idea of change, as they see or perceive and believe, things are actually going the way of “spreading the wealth around” by the Obama Administration.

“JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!”... “NO WORKER LEFT BEHIND!”… “NO TAXPAYER LEFT BEHIND!”… “NO HOUSEHOLD LEFT BEHIND!”… “NO AMERICAN LEFT BEHIND!”… 304 MILLION AMERICAN PEOPLE STRIVING FOR A MORE PERFECT UNION…

“POPLUV THE PAYGO”

This is what needs to be said in response to the outrage over CHANGE – Change You Can Believe In! ... says the spokesperson from NESS – the National Economic Security Service. NESS is a non-partisan independent free enterprise estate trust of the American people, the free sovereign beneficiaries of a capitalist free market enterprise system.

What’s in a 5 syllable slogan that triggers instant economic stimulus or security income payments and derivative income payments from the Global Derivatives Market?

The Global Derivatives Market is a dollar-based financial trading market for central bank financial contract obligations. Derivatives are contracts derived from economic activity and leading economic indicators.

“POPLUV THE PAYGO” …is first a reminder of what time it is with the general circulation money supply… Create consumer demand for Federal Reserve Bank Notes to generate economic stimulus payments to American taxpayers and households, at least through the duration of the U.S. economic recession.

Once the economy shows signs of real GDP growth and job creation, consumer demand can be adjusted to generate economic security payments.

After all the outrage over how change is unfolding in America, the natural order of the universal law called CHANGE rules and takes advantage of “a teachable moment” of how to get things done in Washington, D.C.

The Democratic party as the super majority must enable the American taxpayers with the opportunity to profit from contributing there net earned income up to 100% in exchange for an economic stimulus payment equal to twice the amount of the net earned income contribution towards the national budget of the U.S. up to a maximum contribution of $5 trillion dollars in Federal Reserve Bank Notes.

This civil liberty already exists says the spokesperson from the National Economic Security Service (NESS). Two (2) free enterprise economic development models have been designed by BlackSunWheels Economic Engineering.

Both institutional economic enterprise models, the American Currency Board and the United States Currency Board are accessible by the American taxpayers and households to provide for the general welfare of the United States.

American business enterprises based in the United States can sponsor the United States Currency Board. The American Currency Board is exclusively for individual American taxpayers and households.

There are 50 billion financial unit shares of economic resources (fuser) immediately available to 138 million American taxpayers. 114.8 million American households in the U.S. are eligible for both – Economic Stimulus Payments and Derivative Income Payments from the Global Derivatives Market, a dollar-based financial trading market utilized by the Federal Reserve Bank to monetize credit lending transactions.

The Federal Reserve Bank Note is designed for the general circulation money supply – paper money for the demand deposits of M1. Liquid cash money instruments. ‘POP’ Public Obligation Paper; financial credit lending debt exchange units.

United States Dollar Funds includes coin and paper instruments. The currency board utilizes public laws enacted by Congress to effect risk-free, tax exempt, financial equity trading fund with fixed exchange rates that transforms the American taxpayers and households into a self-financing social order of economic production.

The U.S. economy will be changed into a self-financing "pay-as-you-go" consumption economy says, the spokesperson for BEE.

Every unit transaction in equity trading fund creates financial unit shares of economic resources – fuser, which is also called ‘LUV’ … Lawful Unit Value of U.S. Dollar Currency equal to United States Treasury Notes, readily available from TreasuryDirect.gov.

United States Treasury Notes are equal to the dollar face amount of minted silver and gold bullion coin; one ounce weight and content guaranteed and backed by the United States of America.

American Eagle Bullion Coin; one ounce silver and gold pieces – 1 Dollar face amount for Silver coin piece - .999 fine pure silver; 50 Dollar face amount for Gold coin piece - .999 fine pure gold.

The American Eagle Bullion Coin program is public law enacted by the United States Congress to pay revenues and profits through the U.S. Treasury Department towards the national budget and government debt obligations.

The American Eagle Bullion Coin program makes the currency board a government fiscal tool that shapes free market demand for Federal Reserve Bank Notes used in the production of United States Dollar Currency equal to United States Treasury Notes and based on the value of silver and gold bullion coin, says the spokesperson for BEE.

As for “T-H-E-PAYGO”? Simply risk-free and tax exempt income opportunity for the working class. The principles that effects a national unity founded upon TRUST – HOPE – ECONOMY; transparent “pay-as-you-go” balanced budget fiscal policy.

“POPLUV THE PAYGO” is how we pay for the General Election Mandate of American voters that want CHANGE. Financial stability and economic prosperity. This is the change the American people deserve.

So, my fellow Americans, after all the fussing, cussing, shouting, pouting, ranting and raving, ask the question - Who Wants To Be A Trillionaire? Smoke it over in your mind - contact esp_ness@hotmail.com to get more information about how we gonna really grind with the American Currency Board and the United States Currency Board.

social networking enterprises... engage.

Silence Wagging Tongues

Dr. Detra Bishop — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:06:46 EDT

See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side! Who will declare me guilty! All my enemies will be destroyed like old clothes that have been eaten by moths! (Isaiah 50:9, NLT)

America is not to become self-sufficient as did Israel. Israel stopped trusting God and starting relying on her military might and foreign alliances. I pray that President Obama keeps his trust in God and not depend solely on advisors and allegiances. I further pray that God will silence every wagging tongue that speaks out against President Obama, his family, and his administration.

Prayer - Declare and decree! Touch and agree: Lord God, my ever present help in trouble, please help President Obama to keep his trust in you. Bring to silence those negative voices that cry out against him and this great nation, America. Amen.

A Nice Place to Live

CommunityWithFriends — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:00:21 EDT

When we decided to live in San Martin 9 years ago, we had great dreams to realize here. It was the country life we wanted so much, yet it was very close to all the amenities of a big city life. We were in a booming economy with hundreds of jobs available, we had lots of friends who were happy, successful and active. Then, the "Silicon Valley Bubble" bursted.

With Barack Obama's election we started having a hope for the change to be happy and successful again, to be in peace again... That is why I joined this group to get involved in creating a strong community feeling, helping and supporting each other in every way possible.

Our friends are our support group in hard times. To make friends we need to get to know people, to get to know people we need to become friends with them. We must bring back the trust, tolerance, understanding and the gift of sharing. We must open our doors and build strong, safe, peaceful communities. I hope to find it with this network.

open government

Jim Justiss — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:51:30 EST

All government meetings should be recorded for posterity.
1. This inhibits corruption (as might have happened in the case of the Illinois Governor)
2. It preserves the record of reasoning. This is valuable, because circumstances change, and it would be possible to go back and see if the arguments remain valid or should be revisited.

Public meeting recordings should be posted on-line so everyone can see.

Private meetings, such as those related to national security, should, of course, have limited exposure until the administration ends or security concerns have expired.

Keep a copy of the recording in off-line store. This would be for security. We have all read about hackers altering or stealing material from web-connected computers.

Hope, Trust and Faith

Marcia--One who believes in Dreams! — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:07:32 EST

Trust and faith is what we need to have right now for the men, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, we elected to lead our country. We carried this hope and determination all through the primary and the general election. We must hold on to that and believe in this magnificent team, President-elect Obama and Vice-President elect Biden. These are troubling times and it's easy to become disenchanted, but this is the time we must forge on and be positive and help in every way we can to reclaim our country. Change is coming. Please continue to carry the banner of hope, trust and faith!

OBAMA’S INAUGURATION POEM

Tom from Lenexa, KS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:17:38 EST

Obama’s Inauguration Poem

Obama’s Inauguration Poem
FELLOW AMERICANS

FELLOW AMERICANS

Will we battle terrorism as it should be fought

Or run away and let evil doers chase us to our door?

Will we protect our freedom and system of life

As our fathers and grandfathers sacrificed before?

Will we secure our borders against illegal entry

Or let our economy and security be destroyed?

Will we finally stop runaway wasteful spending

By leaders who are self-serving and void?

Will we continue to pledge our help to the less fortunate

Who suffer from war, hunger and disease?

Will we preserve our heritage and our future

From those who wish to bring liberty to its knees?

Never be afraid to be proud of America

And march with the thankful, honorable and just.

Never surrender our freedom of choice

Standing firm for what we believe and trust.

Sometimes it’s hard to protect what is right

Sometimes we’re scorned as for others we fight.

Some of us are willing regardless of loss

To commit our soul to save the cross.

Evil prospers on greed and human hate

Always eager to destroy and defecate.

God’s grace descends on the souls of man

Cleansing the impure wherever He can.

As long as man has struggled on earth

Life has had its troubles from birth.

God’s seed of goodness has delayed man’s demise

Thank Heaven for his heroes the strong and the wise.

The Lord adores his heroes of yesterday

Just how numerous, only He could say.

God loves his soldiers who line up to serve

By standing against evil His grace they deserve.

God Bless America

By Tom Zart

Most Published Poet

On The Web

You can hear all of Tom Zart’s 324 poemsof love, war, faith and more 24-7 on web radio at http://internetvoicesradio.com/Arch-TomZart.htm Tom Zart ARCHIVES: Global
Special
Operations
101 http://www.globalspecialoperations.com/tomzart2.html

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF WORLD WAR III

Tom Zart Most Published Poet On The Web — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:18:08 EST

SATAN’S HORDE SHALL BE REMOVED

Overrun with war and uncontrolled leaders
Our world becomes more dangerous each day.
Dishonest politicians, criminals and the media
Survive by their falsehoods at play.

Bible believers preach, that the end is near
Our world as a whole is beyond reform.
God will eradicate all which is wicked
By His fire of eruption and storm.

To evil’s victory, I will never concede
May its supporters anguish in hell.
By the grace of God and the power of faith
The goodness of man will prevail.

What we accomplish is heaven’s measure
As patriots respond to the threats of man.
Protect and defend what we love till death
As the soldiers of Satan arise from the sand.

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF WORLD WAR III

Our sons and daughters serve in harms way
To defend our way of life.
Some are students, some grandparents
Many a husband or wife.

They face great odds without complaint
Gambling life and limb for little pay.
So far away from all they love
Fight our soldiers for whom we pray.

The plotters and planners of America's doom
Pledge to murder and maim all they can.
From early childhood they are taught
To kill is to become a man.

They exploit their young as weapons of choice
Teaching in heaven, virgins will await.
Destroying lives along with their own
To learn of their falsehoods too late.

The fearful cry we must submit
And find a way to soothe them.
Where defenders worry if we stand down
The future for America is grim.

Now's not the time to fight one another
Or kiss our enemy's cheek.
All through history it remains the same
The strong enslave the weak.

May God continue to bless America
Refusing evil, the upper hand.
It's up to us to stay resolute
Defending the liberty of Man.

UNYIELDING HONOR

Tom Zart Most Published Poet On The Web — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:48:24 EST

UNYIELDING HONOR

Weakness invites moral plight, war and aggression

Encouraged by mistrust, misjudgment and delay.

All we love can be destroyed and transformed

By the powers of darkness maneuvering our way.

When something wicked stares us in the face

To corrupt our morals, faith and resolve.

God gives us courage to defend what’s right

No matter the sacrifice or danger involved.

Evil seeks to destroy the good in man

And silence the memory of God’s law.

It’s up to the faithful to stay unyielding

Defending the liberty and justice of all.

Our men and woman who serve in harm’s way

Are the armor of what the free world depends on.

Without their sacrifice of body and soul

All that we stand for is gone.

GOD LOVES HIS SOLDIERS

Sometimes it’s hard to protect what is right

Sometimes we’re scorned as for others we fight.

Some of us are willing regardless of loss

To commit our soul to save the cross.

Evil prospers on greed and human hate

Always eager to destroy and defecate.

God’s grace descends on the souls of man

Cleansing the impure wherever He can.

As long as man has struggled on earth

Life has had its troubles from birth.

God’s seed of goodness has delayed man’s demise

Thank Heaven for his heroes the strong and the wise.

The Lord adores his heroes of yesterday

Just how numerous, only He could say.

God loves his soldiers who line up to serve

By standing against evil His grace they deserve.

NEVER BE AFRAID TO BE PROUD of AMERICA

America, the abundant, the place I was born
I'll cherish till the day I die.
Where the bones of past heroes lie buried in the ground
Who loved her the same as I.

Her mountains are so tall they reach for the sky
With prairies where the green grasses grow.
There's billions of trees where wild birds nest
With creatures that flourish below.

That blue gold called water with which we are blessed
As raindrops or crystallized snow;
Changes to rivers and fresh water lakes
While the winds of our seasons blow.

There's the haunt of a whistle from a lonely freight train
Racing on ribbons of steel
With the harvest of farms and from the factories
Balanced in a box on a wheel.

Some cities have buildings a hundred stories tall
Structures of concrete, glass and steel.
A statue in a harbor, a present from France
Describes how, inside, we feel.

That flag on the moon with red and white stripes
Proves America’s dreams come true.
A country of heroes who line up to protect
The past, the present and the few.

We’ll defeat terrorism as it should be fought
Never letting Satan’s horde chase us to our door.
Safeguarding our borders and system of life
As our forefathers sacrificed before.

Never be afraid to be proud of America
And march with the brave, faithful and just.
Refusing to submit to the will of our enemies
Standing firm to preserve what we trust.

Still lots of Questions about McCain

Susan — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:40:14 EDT

I still have lots of questions about who McCain really is. He seems to be a very angry maverick. But to me some of the maverick quality suggests that he may not work well with others.

On the other hand he was, before this campaign, fairly sympathetic to immigrants and their humanity, now he is very quiet about that. He also apparently championed the Patient's Bill of Rights, which involves defensive of the individual from corporate America.

Another point is the positive strokes that McCain gets for his military career, while a little bit of investigation shows that McCain was a terrible pilot, crashed 5 planes, the last being the one that resulted in his imprisonment.

My last concern relates to the stability of someone who spent five years as a prisoner of war. Imprisonment is not a recommended condition for developing a balanced, educated, experienced, sober and thoughtful person. Did McCain every get emotional support after being in prison for 5 years? Does this experience explain McCain's bad temper? Should the public know and be concerned? There has been a lot of discussion about trust. I believe we can trush Obama, I am not sure about McCain.

Flaw in our Families, Capitalism, and Governance: Broken Trust

Dr. Jeffrey Kargel — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:41:47 EDT

The financial crisis, precipitated by the housing bubble, showed Alan Greenspan that there is a fundamental flaw in his theory. He believed that corporate heads would always act in the interests of their shareholders. Short-term individual greed, of course, is what he was referring to as the fundamental flaw in his thinking. Parse what he said today, and you can see that his theory maintained that collective corporate self interest would overwhelm tendencies for short-term gain by individual board members, and that it was this link in the theory that was faulty. The individuals comprising corporate leadership on down to individual shareholders and home buyers, however, are always going to act in what they perceive to be their self interest. We can call it smart thinking or greed or whatever. The collective interest of any group prevails only so long as the members of the group perceive that their interests are being pursued by the group. People must have trust in their group. Trust obviously is what is lacking. Lenders don't trust each other or home buyers, and consumers don't trust the corporations or government. And why should there be trust? Of course we all have an interest in rebuilding a trustworthy system, but in terms of recent history and earned perceptions of merit, what has there been lately that builds trust? From weapons of mass destruction to this financial crisis, it's all the Enronization of America. The next President will have many chores on his (or her) hands-- getting out of Iraq without total chaos enveloping the Middle East; dealing with climate change and our oil addiction, dealing with social security, and dealing with the housing and financial crises. All of those things have in common some form of trust. Trust has been absolutely ripped asunder in this country. We cannot blame it all on George Bush, as our situation now was already presaged by the Enron crisis, which happened under President Bush's watch but developed under President Clinton. Rebuilding trust: this is the next President's fundamental challenge that, if not dealt with wisely and seriously, will prevent success in all the myriad urgent problem areas of our country and the world. Forces tending to destroy trust by the intrusion of special interests into the federal government is what Dwight Eisenhower warned about with the military-industrial complex, Jimmy Carter warned about with special interests in general, and everybody seems to be warning about now with the oil industry. Are we going to heed these warnings?

Trust must be rebuilt at every level, from the individual citizens on up, if our country is to succeed. But at the Executive level, the trust building is starting with the campaign; it's a sobering thought. We must regain trust in our President; if we do, there just might be a trickle-down to our families and corporations. We need both downwelling and upwelling of trust building. This is the challenge for the next President, and the challenge for our citizens and CEO's. It will not happen overnight, but if we are to avoid national failure, it must happen more speedily than most generational shifts in values and economic theories. The operational formula for making a transition to a trustworthy populace and trustworthy government will be an upwelling and a downwelling of "Trust, but Verify." Government must exert deep oversight and guidance of Capitalism, and people must exert deep oversight and guidance of government. Citizens and media must ask questions and demand answers and demand visibility and accountability in government. Until we can restore an environment where free-reign Capitalism proves itself, government must have access to corporate boards and accounting books where both national security and the public interest is fundamentally at stake, such as in our critical financial institutions. It would appear that some kind of revamping of Capitalism is needed. We cannot leave our nation's fate in the hands of a comparative few CEOs and financial officers and simply trust that they will do the right things. But the needed scrutiny goes to Congress and the Presidency as well; we have elections, and that is our foremost scrutiny, but the media needs to be inquisitive and deeply probing and skeptical. The next President will not have an easy time of it. He or she should welcome hard-hitting questions and deep scrutiny and skepticism as a necessary element of our country's return to Trust and in the advent of Responsible Capitalism.

I can hear the skepticism already. "They're politicians! They will by definition not act in the collective interest, but only in their interest." If Barack Obama (or John McCain, Sarah Palin, or Joseph Biden) want to make America succeed, they will have to prove the popular wisdom and popular cynicism wrong, or somehow prove that at the CEO level of America, Inc., Alan Greenspan's discredited theory of unfettered Capitalism actually will apply to our country as a whole, that they will seek efficiency and develop policies for the common good. It's a tall order and perhaps is magical thinking. But I must believe that a true Statesman is soon to be at the helm to save our nation and save democracy and Capitalism here and in the world.

Barack Obama, Marilyn Monroe, The United States Of America & The American Dream

Mark from Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:39:01 EDT

Barack Obama & Marilyn Monroe, The United States Of America & The American Dream By Mark from Los Angeles, CA - Sep 5th, 2008 at 9:17 pm EDT

To view this blog post with music and Barack Obama messages taped on his podcast in the past access this link

                                                            By Mark Bellinghaus


We at 'Our Marilyn' Blogcast & MARILYN MONROE PRODUCTIONS, LLC, WE SUPPORT Barack Obama, the truly gifted speaker and the most charismatic politician, since John F. Kennedy.

We encourage you to please consider to also cast your vote for Mr. Barack Obama.

Ladies & Gentlemen, the next, the 44th President of The United States:

Barack Hussein Obama II

Barack Obama Speech - 2008 DNC Denver: 8-28-08 Part 1

google.y={first:[]};window.setTimeout(function(){var xjs=document.createElement('script');xjs.src='/extern_js/f/CgJlbhICdXMrMAc4AiwrMBg4Aiw/tOvl6yWhIRk.js';document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(xjs)},0)Barack Obama Speech - 2008 DNC Denver: 8-28-08 Part 2



Marilyn Monroe & Barack Obama ©2008 by Mark Bellinghaus

Because you know, that Marilyn Monroe would vote for Barack Obama if she was still alive.
Marilyn Monroe was fighting racism, and she was supporting the Democratic Party, she was fighting for women's rights, and she opened her own company. Since Mary Pickford, she was the first actress who would take her faith into her own hands.
She was considering to adopt a baby, in 1962, shortly before her untimely death and decades before it became almost 'fashionable' for Hollywood actresses to adopt kids.
Marilyn Monroe was her time ahead, always.

The close friendship between black & white in 1950's racist America!


Ella Fitzgerald & Marilyn Monroe, in 1955 (above) and in 1962, (below), the year Marilyn Monroe passed away. In 1955, when racism was still a big issue in the United States of America, Ella Fitzgerald became the first African-American to perform at the Mocambo, after Marilyn Monroe had lobbied the owner for the booking. The booking was instrumental in Fitzgerald's career. Marilyn would promise the owner that she would appear every night (and be on time), and this way also fill the house--and she did, she was there every night, and she filled the house and: she was always on time! Their close friendship lasted for many years and Ella would sing Marilyn Monroe's famous 'My Heart Belongs To Daddy'in honor of her wonderful friend Marilyn Monroe, who died almost 34 years before she passed on in 1996, at age 79.

       Marilyn & Ella
Please vote for Barack Obama!

Show the world that racism in the United States Of America is now a defeated chapter from the dark past of this country, where an organization such as the KKK is still existing.

Show the world that change is possible, that the future is here.
The future is now, and the future is in your own hands.

Vote for the right candidate and make your voice heard and be counted.

On November 4, 2008, please give your vote to the only person who can turn this sinking ship that is covered by greed and stupidity, by a President who is still denying GLOBAL WARMING, while the Asthma cases for children in the USA are on the sharp rise...this person has arrived. And he was making a sensational entrance four years ago, when he spoke at the Democratic Convention, where hopes were high for John Kerry. Barack Obama stands for the American dream, more than any politician, more than anyone who has been running for President.

PLEASE VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA, the President of Change, Hope, Progress and Charisma.


h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML); Funny Quotes from Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

By Daniel Kurtzman, About.com

"They say I need to be seasoned; they say I need to be stewed. They say, 'We need to boil all the hope out of him -- like us -- and then he'll be ready.'" (Watch video

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"I have nothing to hide, I enjoy being myself. I'm not going to change who I am just because it's Halloween." –appearing as himself on Saturday Night Live as part of a skit that featured Hillary Clinton dressed as a witch at a Halloween party

                         *********************************

"It's like I was shot out of a cannon. I'm so overexposed that I make Paris Hilton look like a recluse."

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"Hillary is not the first politician in Washington to declare 'Mission Accomplished' a little too soon."

                  ****************************

On his Democratic Convention speech, in which he said that "we coach Little League in the blue states and we have some gay friends in the red states": "Well, here's an update. Since the election, that gay couple I knew in the red states? They've moved back to the blue states."

                *****************************

On excitement in his father's native Kenya that his election would mean the building of billions of dollars in new roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools in their country: "I've tried to explain how it works these days. First comes the invasion, and then billions in aid."

                    ***********************************

"It's been a great ride. But I know how quickly these fads can pass. You all remember the pet rock, the mood ring, Howard Dean."

                     ***********************************

"You notice that people who've been in Washington too long, they don't talk like ordinary folks,. We had this debate in Las Vegas, and somebody asked me, What are your weaknesses?' So I said, Well, you know, I don't keep track of paper that well, I'm always losing paper, my desk is a mess.' And then they asked the next two candidates. And one candidate says, Well, my biggest weakness is I'm just so passionate about helping poor people.' And then the other one says, I'm just so impatient to help the American people solve their problems.' So then I realize well, I wish I'd gone last and then I would have known.. I'm stupid that way, I thought that when they asked what your biggest weakness was, they asked what your biggest weakness was. And now I know that my biggest weakness is I like to help old ladies across the street."

                    ************************************

"That's what he talked about yesterday, 'I want to drill here. I want to drill now.' I don't know where he was standing. I think he was in a building somewhere." --on John McCain's energy plan

                    ************************************

It is finally time for the 'White House,' to turn black. With pride, unity, happiness and.....hope.

Please support, please vote for Barack Obama on November 4, 2008.

Thank you and blessings to all of you.

Mark Bellinghaus, Ernest W. Cunningham & Jennifer J. Dickinson

Los Angeles, CA, USA, August 31, 2008



                Marilyn would vote for Barack!

YES, WE CAN! - SI, SE PEUDE! JA, WIR KÖNNEN!

MARILYN MONROE PRODUCTIONS, LLC, left to right:
Ernest W. Cunningham, author of The Ultimate Marilyn & plaintiff of the Queen Mary Marilyn Monroe fraud class action lawsuit 2006 / 2007--pointing out and ultimately stopping the biggest exhibition fraud / hoax in history which would have traveled the world for the following twelve years.
Jennifer J. Dickinson, journalist & mother of two who for the past two years has fought for justice and against corruption and criminals who fabricated fake Marilyn Monroe and other entertainment memorabilia.
Mark Bellinghaus, actor, activist, collector, debunker, entrepreneur & expert witness in the Queen Mary Marilyn Monroe fraud class action lawsuit 2006 / 2007 - the case against the biggest exhibition fraud in history: 'Marilyn Monroe: the exhibit,' which could have created a minimum of $100 million within the twelve years this exhibition was scheduled to travel around the globe.

We contested many different criminal frauds and deceptions which would have damaged the public--you, some way or another, we were able to expose and ultimately close down exhibitions, based on fraudulent memorabilia on display or for sale.
We contested hoaxes frauds and criminal pranks, which after our exposure were ultimately shut down, due to our proof based exposure.
We never wrongly accused anyone of being a criminal fraud, if the people were actually innocent.
We never failed - our accuracy is still at 100% for three years now.
WE SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA
Marilyn Monroe definitely would have voted for Barack Obama.
Please support Mr. Obama in his run for President.
Please support Barack to become the 44th President of The United States of America.

Credit for the 'YES WE CAN' Video:
Song & video, featuring a star cast, by will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas. Inspired by Barack Obama's 'Yes We Can' speech.

----------------------------------------
08/28/08 Note: Congratulations to the the official Democratic Party nominee and the next President of the United States, Barack Obama!!

Official song site:
http://www.yeswecansong.com

Obama Campaign Site:
http://www.barackobama.com/

Yes we can what?:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Is it true that he....?:
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

Be a part of the video at:
http://www.hopeactchange.com

-Lyrics-

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.

Yes we can.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.

Yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.

Yes we can.

It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes we can to justice and equality.

Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.

Yes we can heal this nation.

Yes we can repair this world.

Yes we can.

We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.

We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics...they will only grow louder and more dissonant ........... We've been asked to pause for a reality check. We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
Now the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea --

Yes. We. Can.
Celebrities featured include: Jesse Dylan, Will.i.am, Common, Scarlett Johansson, Tatyana Ali, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kate Walsh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Adam Rodriquez, Kelly Hu, Amber Valetta, Eric Balfour, Aisha Tyler, Nicole Scherzinger and Nick Cannon

Also check out this other great song and video inspired by Barack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyJ72i...

Life is all about signs...seeing the signs....understanding the signs...acting upon the signs

--Mark Bellinghaus

About:
'OUR MARILYN' BLOGCAST
&
MARILYN MONROE PRODUCTIONS, LLC The Mark Bellinghaus Marilyn Monroe CollectionAbout me
Mark Bellinghaus, CEO, MARILYN MONROE PRODUCTIONS, LLCLos Angeles, California, United StatesMark Bellinghaus owns the biggest, most comprehensive, and 100% authentic Marilyn Monroe memorabilia collection in existence. Part of his collection is an original copy of Marilyn Monroe’s last will and testament, including many important documents, which he shared in 2006 with the lawyers of three famous Marilyn Monroe photographers estates which were suing Anna Strasberg and CMG Worldwide (Mark Roesler) for several years. The documents that Mark Bellinghaus delivered served literally as the key to this groundbreaking success for the defense and the savior of the legacy of Marilyn Monroe. In 2006, Mark Bellinghaus closed down the biggest exhibition fraud in history: a $100 million project was exposed with his first blog on ‘blogcritics,’ and he also stopped a $15 million movie project, exposed Mary Jane Popp and June Alpino aka “DiMaggio’s” book as nonsense. He also exposed Dolores Hope Masi, Bebe Goddard, Robert Otto, Jeanne Carmen, etc. The list goes on and on.
In Oct. 2007, he successfully exposed, together with journalist Jennifer J. Dickinson another exhibit, this time in Great Britain (the ‘lost’ Marilyn Monroe William Travilla costume collection) as a complete hoax. Mark Bellinghaus owns a real & authentic Monroe worn Travilla costume.

Marilyn Monroe William Travilla Costume 'Prototypes' Hoax in ... May 26, 2008 ... MARILYN MONROE NEWS ENTERTAINMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Marilyn Monroe William Travilla...
www.pr-inside.com/marilyn-monroe-william-travilla-costume-r607845.htm - 23k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this Costume 'Prototypes' Hoax in Bexleyheath,

Trademark ™ and Copyright © 2005 - 2008 by Mark Bellinghaus & MARILYN MONROE PRODUCTIONS, LLC All rights reserved. Do not copy or redistribute in any form.

Barack Obama For President!

MARILYN MONROE NEWS ENTERTAINMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Marilyn Monroe would have voted for Barack Obama

Marilyn Monroe and Senator Barack Obama Photo compilation ©2008 by Mark Bellinghaus 2008-10-07 00:00:19 - By Mark Bellinghaus, CEO, MARILYN MONROE PRODUCTIONS, LLC

Opinion & Support

Because you know, that Marilyn Monroe would vote for Barack Obama if she was still alive.
Marilyn Monroe was fighting racism, and she was supporting the Democratic Party, she was fighting for women's rights, and she opened her own company. Since Mary Pickford, she was the first actress who would take her faith into her own hands.
She was considering to adopt a baby, in 1962, shortly before her untimely death and decades before it became almost 'fashionable' for Hollywood actresses to adopt kids.
Marilyn Monroe was her time ahead, always.

The close friendship between black & white (Ella Fitzgerald & Marilyn Monroe) in 1950's racist America!

Extract & Photo caption/description posted on OUR MARILYN BLOG - you can find the entire blog article here:
blog.ourmarilyn.com/2008/08/31/marilyn-monroe-would-have-voted-f ..
and also here:
my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/markbellinghaus/gG5W75
Ella Fitzgerald & Marilyn Monroe, in 1955 (above) and in 1962, (below), the year Marilyn Monroe passed away. In 1955, when racism was still a big issue in the United States of America, Ella Fitzgerald became the first African-American to perform at the Mocambo, after Marilyn Monroe had lobbied the owner for the booking. The booking was instrumental in Fitzgerald's career. Marilyn would promise the owner that she would appear every night (and be on time), and this way also fill the house--and she did, she was there every night, and she filled the house and: she was always on time! Their close friendship lasted for many years and Ella would sing Marilyn Monroe's famous 'My Heart Belongs To Daddy' in honor of her wonderful friend Marilyn Monroe, who died almost 34 years before she passed on in 1996, at age 79.

Barack Obama Quotes:

'They say I need to be seasoned; they say I need to be stewed. They say, 'We need to boil all the hope out of him -- like us -- and then he'll be ready.'

'I have nothing to hide, I enjoy being myself. I'm not going to change who I am just because it's Halloween." -appearing as himself on Saturday Night Live as part of a skit that featured Hillary Clinton dressed as a witch at a Halloween party

*

'It's like I was shot out of a cannon. I'm so overexposed that I make Paris Hilton look like a recluse.'

'Hillary is not the first politician in Washington to declare 'Mission Accomplished' a little too soon.'

Marilyn Monroe singing Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy, who was a Democrat

Canvassing the voter who doesn't trust politicians

Daniel Baker — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:44:25 EDT

Every canvasser will encounter voters, often undecided or indifferent, who say they don't trust politicians. Can you blame them? After George W. Bush promised that he would be a "uniter, not a divider," and assured us that he would not spy on U.S. citizens without a warrrant? After Jack Abramoff, Iran-Contra and Watergate? And, yes, these voters also remember William Jefferson's $90,000 freezer and Bill Clinton's promise to stop coddling the "butchers of Beijing." It's no use telling these voters how far superior Obama's health care plan or economic plan would be when they don't believe anything that Obama (or McCain) says.

What do you say to such voters? I always tell them that there is one thing you can trust every politician to do. You can trust him to do whatever it takes to get re-elected. All three voters I've used this line with readily, even enthusiastically, agreed. Then I point out that Obama needs the votes of the poor and middle class to get re-elected. If Obama doesn't come through on turning the economy around or providing health care, he's not going to get those votes and he's not going to get re-elected. So you can count on Obama to fight for these programs, even if you don't believe in his honesty, so long as you believe that he wants to win re-election in 2012.

But How Do I Know Who To Trust? (How To Respond)

Claude Johnson — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:35:13 EDT

Many undecided voters are claiming that they don't know who to trust.

"One guy says one thing, and the other guy says the opposite," they say.

They ask, "Who am I supposed trust?" Or they say, "I don't trust either one!"

I've been asked this question, or heard that statement many times.

If you've been canvassing, making calls to undecided voters, or just chatting with people at work, you've probably heard it too.

So has Dr. Cara Barker, a blogger for The Huffington Post who is an adjunct professor in psychology at Seattle University, and who "has mentored not only Fortune 500 leaders, but children, teens and adults from all walks of life."

In a recent post entitled Prescription For Dealing With Opposites, she writes:

"How do you know what to trust?" In nine client sessions today, I heard this question eight times. Some were referring to the economic upheaval. Others were distressed over the current political brouhaha. All you need do is turn on the tube, channel surf until you reach one of the political debates, sit back, fasten your seatbelts, and remember to breathe. Because one thing is for certain. You are about to hear two completely different spins on the same subject. It's not too difficult to imagine a universal rising of blood pressure.

Dr. Barker goes on to say, "When we cannot tell fact from fiction, we are in trouble."

She then offers a prescription that includes a 28-day 3-step process.

But, I have news for Dr. Barker. The 2008 Presidential Election is 25 days away. We don't have time for that prescription!!

Instead, here's how I respond to this kind of bewilderment on the part of allegedly undecided voters.

I first explain that the truth is that ~~many~~ most Americans aren’t honest enough with themselves to be able to trust themselves enough to be able to recognize real truth when they see it.

The reason people aren’t honest with themselves is that it’s often too frightening to do that. People don’t want to know what they might find, even inside of themselves.

So they have to blame something external for why they don’t yet have what they don’t have yet, when the real reason is internal.

That’s why people don’t want to go there. (Some people, that is; others are eager to find out and are more likely to appreciate someone who brings out the most in them.)

Then I explain that there's a way to get out of that distrusting loop.

First, realize that the feeling of triumph over adversity feels great because it’s human nature to desire that feeling. That’s why it feels great to accomplish something that you didn’t at first think you could.

In other words, what’s so great about doing something you know you can do? That’s no accomplishment. As Chris Rock says, “That’s what your supposed to do!”

But many people don’t have any “dreams” of this type because they automatically assumed (once) that they couldn’t achieve them anyway, so why bother having them?

These kinds of people look at others who “do” have dreams through a cloud of cynicism or negativity. People who won’t dream can’t stand people who dream, because seeing someone like that smacks them in their own face with their own lack of self-trust due to lack of self-honesty.

But when you ask those people what they love to do, they always have an answer.

And therein is the key to turning around their lack of trust of others by helping them regain their trust in themselves.

Probably, no one has asked them "What do you love?" in a long time. These people haven’t attracted that kind of a question because they haven’t even asked “themselves” that kind of a question.

So, it starts with asking each other, and therefore ourselves, “What do you love to do?” That very thing is the thing that you “didn’t think you could do” but which, if you accomplish it, will give you the biggest reward.

Not only that, but let’s say you don’t accomplish it. You’re guaranteed to have a “helluva great time” along the way, because you loved what you were doing! It’s a winning situation! There’s no down side.

So if you or your friends encounter someone like this while you're canvassing or making calls, please feel free to use this approach or share it with others.

Tell 'em it's the "make history now" technique.

Claude Johnson
www.blackfivesblog.com

Hope...

FreshStart, LLC — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:26:19 EDT

Webster’s defines Hope as:to cherish a desire with anticipation <hopes for a promotion>2archaic : trusttransitive verb1: to desire with expectation of obtainment2: to expect with confidence : trustHope is that driving force that creates anxiety and euphoria in our attempts to obtain or reach specific goals. We hope for many things, winning the lottery, making positive life changing decisions, getting a better job, etc. However, all too often our hope is without the work required to obtain the goals we establish; to me Hope and Faith, are synonymous, an invisible motivator that calls on a higher power to influence the outcomes of our desires, fueled by prayer and supplication to a higher power for intervention on our behalf.Scripture (KJV) dictates that “faith without works is dead…” a guiding principle to obtaining and reaching our goals – no plant can grow without being seeded and fertilized – we must employ the full efforts of work in order to reach the desires that we Hope for. To merely desire, mention, dream of or speak an idea is fruitless. Pain, sweat and tears are necessary fuels to the obtainment of our hearts’ dearest desires. The greater the goal the more intense the work, a healthy love affair, financial security, a positive lifestyle, these things require and demand varied levels of labor. Some would say righteous living is the key to attainment; I contend that, good living alone will not make our dreams realities; just as buying a lottery ticket does not make us a winner; however, it does put us in the running.Let us put ourselves in the position to attain our deepest and dearest Hopes and dreams, through internal and external repair. Internally we can plant the seeds of opportunity through forgiveness, positive thinking, extending love and fairness to our neighbors and loved ones and empathy for the human condition – externally we can labor for that which we desire through self-improvement, learning new skills, sharpening old skills and a deeper commitment to keeping our word to others. Simply put “let us clean up our acts” taking the responsibility of our conditions and our actions; no longer placing blame or pointing fingers at a perceived oppressor and seeking to be victors over our cause and condition. We are often encouraged to “hope for a better tomorrow” implying that, by some miraculous occurrence tomorrow will be the answer to our prayers – to the contrary, tomorrow will be better if we start today, from where we are right now, the change we desire begins with acknowledgement and acceptance for our fate and a determination to root out all that keeps us from reaching that which we so desperately hope for. Today, right now, resign to make personal and constructive change our first Hope.

WSJ-NBC Poll:McCain's Lobbyists Matter to Voters

Cynthia A. Casby — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:43:06 EDT

Today's LA Times reports a Wall Street Journal-NBC poll found that more than half of the respondents were bothered that McCain has former lobbyists for big corporations working for his campaign.

I think it is time to tie the Keating scandal and McCain's history of helping those like Keating to the lobbyists in the McCain camp who want a McCain administration to promote policies favorable to their clients.

But we have to bring it home to people. Let's put up an ad naming names - put up the pictures of these so-far-unnamed lobbyists and list the companies they have lobbied for, how much they collected, and how recently they ended those relationships, if at all. If the poll is right it could add to the erratic behavior to cast more doubts on McCain's judgment.

Race In the Race: Change

Gennel from Sacramento, CA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:24:15 EDT

We have lost our jobs to downsizing, out-sourcing. Our homes have loss an alarming amount of equity; We are having difficulty making the mortgage payments in our efforts to maintain. We are stretched beyond our means because the current administration and administrative policies have set us up for the false security only to yank the rug from under us...Worse- they blame us for trusting them...Bush said " we will adjust" He has sent the message "We [Americans] should have been more responsible and should not be rewarded for mismanagement of our household finances." Again, it our fault.Please take a closer look at us "Americans" that President Bush is talking about. Because, race was not a factor in the creation of neither the problem nor it devastating effects. Americans as a whole is far above race when it comes to the serious issues such as the economy and national security. We trusted Ron Brown and Gen. Powell with finance and security. So, let's not be bamboozled. Let's not let other people tell us who we are and what we fear. They are stuck in the past.

OBAMA: A Leader You Can Trust To Work For You

Hope4Unity — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:46:00 EDT

Michelle Obama will be in Kansas City, MO this afternoon in the Historic 18th and Vine District. This is near Alvin Ailey II and Lincoln College Preparatory Academy (LCPA).

LCPA is a public school that was recently designated as a Gold Star and Blue Ribbon School. Students at Lincoln come from across the city with strong GPAs and high test scores. LCPA students represent diverse cultures and backgrounds and reflect the best of what hard work of dedicated students, involved parents and good teachers can achieve even when resources are stretched to the limit.

This morning in Wisconsin and over the past weeks across the country, Senator Obama has been talking with voters about specific steps he will take to stand up for all Americans if elected President. One of the things he has mentioned is support for Arts in the Schools.

Lincoln College Prepatory Academy has one of the best music programs in the region. The Lincoln Prep Wind Ensemble was recently invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. The LCPA performance will take place in NYC in April 2009. This trip will cost around $80,000 in a district that operates on a tight budget, where families struggle and where "A Leader You Can Trust" is crucial for survival.

True education involves excellence in math and science, strong reading and writing skills and an appreciation of the arts. Music education, for example, improves student performance in other subject areas. It develops discipline and generates appreciation for creativity and diversity.

The opportunity to make the trip requires a lot of fundraising by the LCPA Band Boosters, support from the school district, parents, and potential corporate sponsors. Increased support for public education must be a priority of the next President. Barack Obama understands this. Many of the students on their way to Carnegie Hall from LCPA would never have had a music lesson without a music program in their public school. Senator Obama will be a strong advocate for arts in the schools. Increased cooperation among parents, teachers, business, education and government will happen in an Obama administration.

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Henry M — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:56:07 EDT

After they go up a few times, roller-coasters always end up on the ground. Investors have been taking advantage of the low prices from Monday’s huge loss, but it can’t last. Sorry, but the crisis is not over, and it is that bad! As far as panic is concerned, people have been more scared by pundits and politicians waving the $700 Billion bill in front of them than they are of the economy, which is based on the market and lending, which is based on insurance, which is based on trust, crashing! People have been panicked into supporting inaction by the easy to picture icons of billions of dollars and of the “fat cats” who they’re being told would benefit if the bail-out/rescue plan is passed. The $700 Billion is an easy to understand bite, but the $700 B bite is a flea bite compared to starving the big dog economy in order to punish the flea.

Speaking of trust:

Ya gotta trust someone!Have you read the whole rescue plan! I sure haven't, but I'll bet that Obama has!
Do you understand how Wall Street effects main street? I do a little, but not anywhere nearly as well as the real experts. Speaking of experts, I personally feel that I need to trust somebody sometime. Government requires trust, without which there is only cynicism or anarchy. If I gotta choose between trusting Michael Moore and some angry young British blog-pounder, or Obama, his advisors, and most of Congress and their advisors, hmmm... I'm going with Obama and his advisors on this one.

Henry M

The brilliance of Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Frank and their Democratic colleagues

Bob, Seattle WA — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:46:28 EDT

Given the exceptional knowledge of detail that many, if not most of those reading this post have I’m going to present it in outline form.

Imagine you are suddenly thrust into an entirely public, search lights full blast, blaring audio, moment in which you are told that unless you act the global economy collapses and America is the cause. Imagine some thug from Goldman Sachs shoves a terse document in your face and says ‘do this or the 2008 version of the great depression will happen and you caused it.’

Imagine millions of Americans are suddenly confronted with another dose of mega-fear. What do you do? Well, if you are both strategically brilliant and tactically skillful you do exactly what Obama, Pelosi, Reid & Frank have done during the past two weeks.

Firstly, you recognize the timing and the intended impact on the impending first debate between Obama and McCain.

You recognize that should you refuse to do everything you can to be responsive to the crisis, and explicitly open to dialogue with Republicans, as to reach a necessarily bi-partisan agreement you will be called everything from traitor to terrorist.

You recognize that if you immediately begin informing the public that the three page manifesto you had trust in your face amounts to nothing less than further ravage of the Constitution and poison to any hope of real economic recovery, you will likely see the vast majority of Americans being rambunctiously against “Wall St. welfare.’

You recognize that if you structure your responses as a transformation of Paulson’s trash into a framework of responsible containment of the supposed “crisis” you will have established the high-ground knowing full well that you have primed two critical responses.

One of those critical responses is that you recognized that the vast number of Republican incumbents would have very little chance of winning on 4 Nov 2008 if they supported the plan.

Knowing that, you would have realized that you could easily have a significant number of House Democratic members vote yes without risk, thus diffusing any claim that the Democratic Party was unwilling to support an albeit lame and dishonest Republican President.

Knowing that. you would have painted the Republican members of the House in exactly the picture the entire world saw – they, for the first time in eight years, broke with their President because they knew that if they voted yes – ostensibly the heroic action that the “crisis” demanded – they would be crucified on 4 Nov 2008. Politics trumped serving the good of Americans – and its all the Republican members of the House’s fault.

It's all about trust

Cynthia A. Casby — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:50:12 EDT

Having trouble turning McCain supporters our way? Try this: After 8 years of lies and deceit from the Bush administration, please consider that if you can't trust John McCain to tell the truth in his political ads, how can we trust him to run the country? Many, many general media outlets are reporting the outrageous lies in McCain's recent ads (such as Sen. Obama voting for sex education for kindergarteners.)

And what about money? How do we trust John McCain with the national credit card when he voted with GWB so much of the time, has no hesitation to go to war first and ask questions later, wants to privatize social security, and wants to dismantle the health insurance system and replace it with tax credits for individual health policies? For more confirmation see Ronald Brownstein's column today in the National Journal, at http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/politicalconnections.php

Shifting the risk of our health and retirement onto individuals and away from employers has always been a goal of the Republican Party, but has never been in the interests of most Americans.

Sarah Palin cannot be trusted with the American Credit Card, either. See the LA Times story today, "Road to Nowhere." She used $8 million of the $223 million she got for the Bridge to Nowhere (instead of the $398 million she asked for) to build a Road to Nowhere (leading to the now-cancelled bridge) that locals don't want and think is wasteful. Ketchikan (the other side of Nowhere) Mayor Bob Weinstein is quoted today saying, "If Sarah Palin is not being truthful on an issue like the bridge project, what else is she not being truthful about?" Doesn't that say it all.

Tell your friends and family: We can't trust McCain-Palin. No way, no how.

Trust

Misa — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:59:24 EDT

I think it's been a while since I've found someone, even in my personal life, that I can really trust. And I think it's been a very long time since we've had a politician we can really trust. Some one who's in it for us, not for themselves.

Which is why Barack Obama surprises me. He seems to be someone who really wants to help, who really wants to change our country for the better. He seems like someone I can trust.

I'm not a religious person. I don't actually follow any religion, though I do not consider myself atheist. I find that I can follow my own principles, and that's good enough for me. The principles of love, trust, understanding, compassion, faith, and hope. I want to love my fellow man, trust him, understand his feelings, have compassion for him, have faith in him, and have hope in the future of the world we both live in. But it is not always easy to love your fellows, to trust and have faith in them. It is not always easy to give second chances.

Barack Obama makes it easier. He restores my faith in our people, our country, and our world. When you listen to Obama, you feel like you can believe in the good of humanity again.

I'm a Senior in high school, and two years ago, I had no hope for, or faith in this country. When we were called to say the pledge every morning, I stood silent, hands down by my sides. Now I stand straight, hand pressed to my chest, because I know I can have pride in my country now. I can feel like we are on the right path, if Obama will lead the way.

Senator Obama, if I could speak to you, I would tell you, "We're all counting on you. Don't let us down." But I'm sure you know that already.

I believe in you, Senator Obama. I believe in you, myself, our people, and America, our country.

Voting 1-4

Novak — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:00:58 EDT

I'm voting for Obama because he's the first candidate in my lifetime that has actually united generations of people of every creed and race. I'm sick of polarizing politics. I want change. McCain had 30+ years to reform Washington. He's too late and he's been there too long. Obama is new. He doesn't need to experience the negatives of Washington for 30 years to realize that it needs to change. I have yet to see any other public figure unite and inspire in optimism the way Obama has.

Optimism: reason number 1 I'm voting for Obama.

Most of my friends have been asking me how I can support a candidate who is pro-choice. How can I move from support a staunchly pro-life Bush administration and the evangelical life defending candidacies of Mike Huckabee and Sam Brownback. And the answer I want to give the most is that Obama is a person who can look beyond the single issue of life; he realizes the potential of us as American people and wants a truly United States- not divided states. He wants to change America for the better. And divided we can never solve the issues that confront us.

Unity: reason number two I'm voting for Obama

Who are we to judge the wisdom of an individual who has risen to the top of politics? People are smarter than McCainiacs give us credit. Obama has the wisdom beyond his years. How else can a person unite people across generations, genders, and race? There is something more to Obama than inspiring words. He has a plan. He has hope. He sees the potential in America. The fact that it took John McCain more than three decades to even come tremendously short of the amount of trust voters have in Barack Obama should be the real question that American people should be asking themselves. If John McCain is such a maverick for change, then why has it taken him so long to even say he wants change? Experience of pasts long gone can't help us move into a brighter future.

Change I Can Believe In: reason number three I am voting for Obama.

"Republic" does not mean "democracy"

Johann — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:07:52 EDT

A republic does not implicate a democracy.

A republic means a state ruled by the people, or just some of the people.
Conservatives would like this regime to be a rule by them, and traditionally this has been wealthy families entrenching their grip.

A "weak" leader in terms of intelligence, wisdom and reasoning is a de facto power transfer to his "counsel".

Idea for Advertisement

Philip from Newtonville, MA — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:01:51 EDT

It seems like there is an opening with Sarah Palin's repeated use in speaches and ads of the half truth that she did not support the "bridge to nowhere" and other earmarks.

How about:

The American people are tired of half-truths and deception from their leaders. George Bush and Dick Cheney have a long history of using deception to push through their agenda. Now Sarah Palin and the McCain campaing are proving that a McCain administration would just give us more of the same. The American people are tired of leaders they can't trust.

OBAMA: CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN. LEADERS WE CAN BELIEVE.

From the Washington Blade; Biden is a great choice.

jeffrey — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:09:40 EDT

NATIONAL

Obama ends suspense, picks Biden
Del. senator called ‘proven advocate’ for gay rights

LOU CHIBBARO JR
Saturday, August 23, 2008

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s decision to pick Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) as his vice presidential running mate drew immediate praise from gay activists in Delaware, who called Biden a strong and reliable friend of the gay community.

After more than two months of deliberation over selecting a vice presidential nominee, Obama announced Biden’s selection shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday in text messages and e-mails sent to his campaign supporters.

Although Biden, 65, has not signed on as a co-sponsor for as many gay-related bills as activists would have liked, he has voted for gay-supportive legislation and against anti-gay measures nearly every time such legislation came before the Senate during his 35-year tenure as a senator, according to Delaware activists.

“You won’t see him taking the lead on gay issues, but whenever there is a vote, he’s always with us,” said Peter Schott, president of the Stonewall Democratic Club of Delaware, a gay rights group.

“He’s a great choice for vice president,” said Steve Elkins, executive director of Camp Rehoboth, a gay social and community service organization in Rehoboth Beach, a Delaware resort town with a large gay community.

“Biden has always been very supportive of everything we’ve done,” Elkins said.

Last year, after announcing his candidacy for president, Biden joined other Democratic presidential candidates, including Obama, in expressing support for an employment non-discrimination bill that includes both gays and transgender persons.

"We have reason to think he's very positive on all LGBT issues," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

In a questionnaire sent to all presidential candidates by the Human Rights Campaign, Biden also indicated, similar to Obama, that he supports civil unions for same-sex couples rather than marriage rights. Like Obama, Biden said he favors providing couples joined in civil unions with all of the rights and benefits of marriage.

Biden dropped out of the presidential race earlier this year after losing to Obama and other candidates in the early primaries.

In his role as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden has been credited with shepherding through the Senate earlier this year a sweeping global AIDS relief bill that includes a provision repealing the U.S. ban on HIV-positive visitors and immigrants.

HRC gave Biden a rating of 78 out of a possible 100 in its most recent congressional scorecard on gay- and AIDS-related issues, which covered the years 2005-2006. Biden lost points in the rating, according to HRC, because he didn’t sign on as a co-sponsor to the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow same-sex partners of U.S. citizens who are foreign nationals to obtain the same immigration benefits as foreigners who are married spouses of U.S. citizens. Delaware activists have said they believe Biden would vote for the bill if it reaches the Senate floor. The measure has been stalled in Congress for more than four years.

Over the past 20 years, Biden’s HRC scorecard rating varied from a perfect 100 to a 63.

In recent years, Biden has voted for hate crimes legislation and against a constitutional amendment calling for banning same-sex marriage. As a candidate for president earlier this year, Biden said he favors repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which bans gays from serving openly in the U.S. military.

In 1994, Biden broke ranks with many of his Republican and Democratic colleagues by voting for an amendment to prevent the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy from being enacted into law. The amendment, which lost, came at a time when President Bill Clinton backed the policy as a compromise after Congress refused to support Clinton’s original plan for allowing gays to serve openly in the military.

Biden’s only significant vote against the interests of gay rights came in 1996, when he joined many of his Democratic colleagues in voting for the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage under federal law as a union only between one man and one woman.

Information compiled by HRC shows that between 1990 and 2000, Biden voted for three separate versions of hate crimes bills that included protections for gays. In 1992, Biden voted for a procedural motion to stop an attempt by Congress to bar the D.C. government from implementing its local domestic partners law. The motion failed. “In selecting Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate, Sen. Obama has chosen a proven and effective advocate for fairness and equality that our entire community can be proud of,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Sen. Biden’s record in the United States Senate is one of support and understanding that has been unwavering throughout his career.”

To those who praised Jerome Corsi recent book "Obama Nation", I have a question for you

Richard Owl Mirror — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:34:00 EDT

I wrote an article elsewhere called: To those who praised Jerome Corsi recent book "Obama Nation", I have a question for you

At this time, I'm unable to repost it here because I can't seem to get embedded video to work properly and, this post is based entirely on video-preserved testimony. I hope you will take the time to click the provided link and review the contents of this most important QUESTION.

I believe it provides a conundrum for Republican supporters. If they lend creedence to Jerome Corsi with regards to his publication: OBAMA NATION, then they must be forced to lend creedence to what We've been saying all along about President Bush and VP Cheney.

Take a look, decide for yourself the merits of my argument and then carry the message forward.

Open letter to Senator Obama

Vasili — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:59:55 EDT

Dear Senator Obama,I have watched your efforts to date closely. I truly and honestly believed that the American people did not have the vision, courage and foresight to put you forward as the Democratic Presidential Candidate. I am very relieved to have been proven wrong.With your nomination I have learnt something. Don't write off Americans and Americas abilty to justly lead the world just yet. Americans may still be able to effect meaningful change that will not only better their lives but also those of billions around the world who are not American Citizens.I believe there are more people around the world following this American election than ever before and that this exists as we all live in fear of the future with a President who will do little different from what George W. Bush has done.The world finds itself in a pitiful state today. Many around the world have had a role to play. America has also played its role over the past 8 years of George W. Bush and this has had a profoundly negative affect on the world. We see more war than I have ever seen in my lifetime, more hunger and poverty and illness than I have ever known in my 38 years on this earth. We face a possible return to the cold war, global warming and an environment that is crumbling. The world is a far more dangerous place than ever before and I truly fear for the next generation. I believe that if we continue on this path the next generation could be the last to walk this planet. I have no empirical or statistical data to support this. All I have is my human intuition and belief in the Lord All Mighty. In my heart and soul I know that the world we have today is not the world the Lord wants for us and our children. Without change and a return to basic values of dignity, love, respect, understanding and helping those who are in need, we can not continue to sustain our existence as people. I may be wrong, I may be right. Today whether i am right or wrong is less relevant. What is more relevant is that there are billions such as myself who feel the same despair and that can not be good for America or the world. What are at a cross road. The decision the American people make on November 8, 2008 will play a significant role as to whether I am right or wrong. I ask them to think carefully and chose wisely, it is not just their lives that will be affected; it is the lives of billions around the world.I am a senior executive of a global company which does business in many developing countries and developed countries including the United States of America. If Americans believe their political institutions are any less corrupt or driven by self interest that those of developing countries, I can confirm that they are mistaken. Globally politics have become a weapon of few to further personal gain rather than a protector of many who seek equality, justice and the right to exist peacefully and humanly. This is not different in the United States of America. The only difference is that some developed countries such as the Untied States of America amongst others have become smarter in making this less evident to the masses. It is time for change, not only in America but also many other countries. Change can only be driven by the people and to do so they need to escape their fears and have the courage to stand up and make the correct choices. The correct choice for Americans in the next couple of months is to select you Senator Obama as the next President of the Great United States of America. The decisions for the future will involve selecting like minded people to the Senate, Congress and State institutions. Change will not happen immediately, it will take time. Change will not only deliver positives, it will also deliver some negatives. Change will not answer all the unanswered questions but it will certainly answer more than currently being answered. Change begins somewhere and it has begun yesterday with your selection as the Democratic Presidential Candidate.As a Greek I am a true believer of Democracy. Democrates was Greek after all. However Democracy hands power to the people as they are best placed to decide what is good for them. Democracy does not seek to concentrate power in the hands of a few powerful lobbyists and vested interests and those with the most economic and financial clout. This is not Democracy even if people are given the choice to make a new selection every 4 years. That opportunity to elect is nullified by the fear with which the powerful few rule. They let you believe that you are in imminent danger and because they portray themselves as tough that they are the only ones that can defend you. This is the biggest scam being perpetrated on people today and those responsible should be accountable to all those who have suffered in the process as would any other criminal. This is a crime and aims to steel democracy away from the people and concentrate power in hands of few.Senator Obama, I salute your effort. I salute your sacrifice. I salute your dream and belief of change. I salute your family and your loved ones for the support they are giving you and the sacrifices they are making in supporting you. I wish you and your family and your supporters and the American people Godspeed and the foresight to realise that change is necessary.Yours faithfullyVasili

THE SUITOR

push pin — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:49:45 EDT

My son and I were talking politics one night, discussing Barack Obama’s campaign for President, when he revealed that he had broken up with his girlfriend. It was pretty painful for him, his first relationship that seemed to have depth and serious potential, touching on love. They’re only 21, barely at the beginning of their life journeys, and there is so much more to learn. I advised him that this blow was just one of life’s lessons: Youth and the confusing interplay of love and lust, passion and compassion, friendship and companionship. They had been close for only a few months, but at their age time is fleeting and emotions run high. My suggestion was that this experience would help him grow.

Always in the background of a new relationship is the echo of a hope that this is real, serious, and will last forever. Youth is impatient for forever, not realizing that life will be full of brief encounters, with many disappointments and surprising satisfaction.

We talk politics fairly often. He's been pursuing an English major with a minor in political science and he has some pretty strong opinions, especially on international affairs. We’re both big Obama fans, and on this night the subject was Barack’s struggle for acceptance among voters who are ready to believe the worst about him. Our candidate often declares his wholehearted love and admiration for America and his readiness to take on the awesome responsibility of leadership. Yet his critics paint him as shallow and pretentious at best, traitorous at worst, sowing the suspicion that he doesn’t really honor America.

Our greatest frustration with this campaign is the ease in which Barack Obama is cast as alien and suspect. How many times does he have to loudly, bluntly declare, “This is the greatest nation on Earth; nowhere else could a story like mine even be possible”, “This country is not perfect, but it is perfectible”, “It’s not about me; it’s about us; together, we can solve the momentous problems that we face”, before the mass of Americans take him at his word? The mere hint that he has a secret intent or hidden motive injures him. As in any courtship, whispers of doubt can be deadly.

My son needs conversation above the level of gossip and trivia, and his girlfriend was good for that. But more then that, he says the attraction was based on the idea that they could help each other achieve their respective dreams. Yang and Yin. What one lacks, the other provides. Like Obama’s petition to American voters, my son tried to convince her that, together, they could achieve great things. But, as he came to learn, suspicion can destroy a budding relationship.

I tried to encourage him by pointing out that his attitude showed a distinct level of maturity. It’s frustrating, I told him, but love is not the initial goal. It’s the final one. The more immediate task in any relationship is the establishment of trust, each convincing the other that vulnerability will never be taken advantage of. If there’s a wound, bandage it. If there’s an offense, forgive it. If there’s a fear, set it aside….

Obama’s critics insist that he’s a fake and a poser, unworthy of America’s affection. He’s a self-important egoist, they say, who’s only in this for the sake of power and prestige; that it’s really only about him. Entire books are published with the aim of impugning his character from every angle. They don’t want him to win us over because they say his intentions are bad, even suggesting he plans betrayal. His goal is not the nation’s welfare, but her destruction. Some, of course, subtly suggest that a person of his complexion simply shouldn’t be allowed into the family. He’s not “one of us”.

My son discovered that his attempts to understand and appreciate his girl’s strengths and wishes were rejected out of suspicion for their motives. The more he informed himself in the areas that interested her, the more she drew back. As he tried to get close to her feelings, and reveal his own, she became guarded. He says she worries that she’s incapable of intimacy, and feels awkward in social situations. He’s sociable, open with his emotions, and he wanted to help her out of her shell. There was a fear to be overcome, and he thought he could help her beat it.

But he couldn’t gain her trust and his first brush with love came to an end. I told him not to be discouraged. There will be others, perhaps even another opportunity with this young lady who briefly captured his heart.

This may not be true for America, however. Obama’s candidacy might be her best opportunity to break from the fears that hold her back. Reservations are justified, of course. He is, after all, just a man, a human being with the flaws and weaknesses of any human being. But the nobility of his manner and his aspirations for this great nation are worthy of acceptance. Obama’s unique quality is his willingness to address the American electorate as a mature audience. It can’t be overlooked that a candidate of his caliber doesn’t come along often. Like the girl my son was courting, it will be necessary for America to set aside her fears if this relationship is to bloom.

Barack Obama is wooing America. He says he loves and respects her right down to the core of his soul. The guy doesn’t claim to be perfect; he only claims to care. He seeks a partnership where everyone wins in the struggle for social progress. He’s willing and able, he says, to lead her out of the well of doubt and insecurity, to help her be the best she can be.

It’s something of a consensus in world and national opinion that the leadership blunders and misshapen policies of the last eight years, and the divisive, deceitful political methodology of the last 40, has made a mockery of American ideals. From pre-emptive war and the acceptance of torture to the damaging excesses of deregulation, our country is said to be going in the wrong direction. A fine example is the observation from Obama’s opponent that, “In the 21st Century, countries don’t invade other countries”. This doesn’t jibe well with Senator McCain’s support for the invasion of Iraq, but it should be noted that this is one of the unvoiced goals of the liberal democracy evolving from our Constitution: Abolishing the scourge of war. It’s a civilized idea, hardly attainable in the short run, but which abides at the heart of a political system founded on “certain inalienable rights”. It's one of the many inherent ideals of a government “of the People, by the People, and for the People”.

The United States has a special destiny in human affairs, carrying the torch of “Liberty and Justice for All” into the future. Perhaps the responsibility of living up to that destiny is what we fear. Denouncing torture and refusing to take part supposedly makes us vulnerable. Restrictions on corporate enterprise supposedly make us weak. I say the failure of law to protect the powerless from the potential depredations of government and commerce is far worse. It may take centuries to find the right balance in order to attain such idealistic goals, but ABANDONING THEM IS NOT AN OPTION.

Obama partisans have been characterized lately as “love struck teenagers”, enamored of a shallow celebrity. But this is not love for most of us, at least not yet. It is merely hope that America can chose a leader who will bring her through a crisis of confidence, as did Washington, Lincoln and FDR.

Supporters might consider how this campaign is a courtship. Voters need to be convinced that this man is worthy of their trust, that he does indeed hold their best interests in his heart. If it leads to betrothal in November and “I do” in January, America, in my humble opinion, will have made a wise choice. Judging from Obama’s obvious show of intellectual heft and tactical smarts, we can hope that the issue from such a union will, over the years, include a renaissance of reason, spiritual maturity and peace in the household.

It has been famously argued that no one can be fully prepared for the awesome task of the American Presidency. The same might be said of the intimacy of marriage. As with any relationship, issues have to be worked through. Nothing is easy. Often, it just gets harder.

Maybe, like my son, I’m succumbing here to youthful idealism, anticipating more than I should. Of course it’s foolish to bet all on such an outcome in a world full of deceit, but we should not be blind to persons of high ideals. America is a young country in many ways, and Barack Obama has the potential to be a superb leader. Nevertheless, since I’m no youth, I’ll know to expect many disappointments and surprising satisfaction.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Michelle — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 03:26:46 EDT

Way to go Barack!

I am very happy Barack chose Biden for his V.P. (Excellent choice).

DEM'S UNITE.....BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT. CHANGE AND EXPERIENCE OBAMA/BIDEN.

LOOK-OUT MCBUSH HERE WE COME!

NOTHING CAN STOP US NOW! CHANGE IS HERE TO STAY!

Motivational Note

Friends of President Barack Obama — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:19:02 EDT

Even though it may not look like it or feel like it, you are making progress.

Continue working towards progress instead of perfection.

Nothing or no no one is perfect.

Just keep taking steps.

Keep making those phone calls.

Continue following your plan.

Remain focused on your goal.

Do what you have to do right now to get to the next level.

Complete every task.

Keep every promise and commitment.

Don't look back.

Stay on track.

Let no one weaken your walk of faith and determination.

Remain teachable.

Place yourself in a blessing position by associating with people on-the-grow.

Talk with teachers.

Walk with winners.

Climb with champions.

Study successful people.

Something great is about to happen for you!

Start giving thanks right now before you can even see the outward manisfestation of your prayers and desires.

Everything you do from this day forward will take you further away or closer to your potential for successful living.

-by Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker & Author

A conversation between Obama Supporters

Bobby from Germantown, MD — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:46:04 EDT

As for Obama, I hear you. But I must disagree. He scored big points with critics and financial analysts when he eschewed the gas tax holiday earlier this summer during the primary because he knew it was "floated" just to score political points. He didn't look like a politician by taking that position which is why he gained points during that time when both McCain and Clinton embraced the idea. When it has counted, he has shown strength, leadership and character through the Jeremiah Wright and Bill Ayers messes and the war in Iraq. He's been right on all of the the issues and I think at the end of the day he plays into THEIR game by flip flopping for political points. By changing his position on an issue that is going to be a focal point of the campaign, he puts himself in a difficult position of having to defend his change in light of the following: drilling will not have the impact at the pump for decades, drilling jeopardizes the environment and he took a hard-line albeit correct position on a similar issue (the gas holiday tax). This fall during the debates, when Jim Leherer or Tom Brokaw asks him why he changed his position when he was right on the issue, what's he going to say? "I was behind in the polls." He running for change not the regular status quo. His message resonates. It is strong. There is simply no argument that John McCain can make that separates himself from the Republican record. He can't defend it. What's not working for Obama are the political gimmicks that he's employed lately. The speech in Germany (not needed too much; the face time with the world leaders, all of whom agreed with his positions on the war, the environment and the economy was plenty), this e-mail that I received the other day that I could sign up to receive a text the moment he named his VP candidate, that stupid Barack Obama for President that looked like the Presidential Seal.By saying/doing these things, he giving Karl Rove material to work with. The Republicans were afraid of Obama during the primary because he was a prodigious fundraiser and he stuck to message and his strategy of cherry picking the right races to gain delegates. They had nothing to work with because they can't use the race issue. Even though they will play the "Willie Horton" card, that plays into Obama's hands. The Clintons had no answer for him because of his "high road" tactics. Now that he's off his message he's becoming more vulnerable. He's giving Rove a target. With John Edwards cheating on his dying wife, it is not a stretch to say that Americans probably have no trust for their politicians. Barack was/is that breath of fresh air that we desperately all need. By changing his positions on issues on which he is correct, because he is not polling strong enough in August, he looks like the same old same old. And if given a choice between a black same old same old and a white same old same old, I fear that Americans (the lambs) will choose the white one. He has to stick to his message of change and register more new voters. That's the only way he can assure his victory. There will probably, roughly be a 40/40 split between he and McCain. The 10% is up for grabs. That 10% is probably people who if most likely pushed would vote for McCain barring a meltdown by McCain's campaign or a scandal, etc. Barack has to infuse that 10% with new voters, young voters who will vote for him. That is the only way to insure victory. If Barack has to depend on "Regan Democrats" to elect him President, he is in trouble. And if he sounds like the same old politician who has flip flopped on issues he won't attract the new voters he needs to give him a statistical edge. I hope I'm wrong. But I doubt it. ....Please listen to us, we are worried, give us the same that made us believe in you from the beginning. Be brave we believe.

My Support!

Jim — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:55:32 EDT

I remember when I was just a young man at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. An election was going to be held and it had Bill Clinton on the ticket. I remember walking around campus and seeing the College Replublicans and their booths, but nothing for Clinton. I went to the admin. office and asked only to find out that the college Democrats had not had any affiliation in years. I started researching, and slowly started this going. I went to local Democratic offices to get bumper stickers and pins (only to find out I would have to pay for them in advance). I was upset b/c I didn't have money. I took a small class and learned how to register people to vote. I kept going to the local Democratic office and showed them overything I had done. They then loaned me stickers and pins with the promise I would pay them around 80% back. We sold a lot of merchandise; but even better, we registered over 3,000 students within several months. My biggest memories was meeting Hillary Clinton twice. She was so kind! I also met Tipper Gore, Al Gore (2x) and then got to see Bill Clinton because someone had sent my name in and I got an offical invitation to the inauguration. As a college student, like I said, I didn't have any money. However, I got a friend of mine and we drove to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration! It was SOOOOOO cold! We saw the concert on the plaza with James Earl Jones, Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Diana Ross, etc. etc. etc. Then the day I got to see Bill accept being the President of the United States was huge for me. I remember crying. That was a long time ago! George W. stole an election and we have all had to pay for it for 8 years now! I will do EVERYTHING that I can possibly do to see Barack become our next President! When I saw him speak at the convention 4 years ago, I knew he was a man of power! I am a middle aged white male that has more respect, commitment and compassion for Barack Obama than any other candidate that I have ever known! I'm here to help! Let me know what I can do!!!!!

Obama and Disability

Melissa — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:04:17 EDT

I grew up in a family of disabled people. Both of my cousins are disabled and i myself have a small but common disability, ADHD. When Barack Obama had a plan for those who are diabled at first i turned away. I was thinking, "well if it hasn't been happening, what will make it start now?"

I did my homework and looked up this plan of Obama's and now i see what needs to be done. His plans of providing Americans with disabilities with the educational opportunities they need to succeed, ending discrimination and promoting equal opportunity, increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities, and support independent community-based living for Americans with Disabilities.

Although, i am not completley sure wether legally ADHD and ADD are a disability. I consider them to be one because it makes it harder to learn.

Any other information, Let me know!

--Melissa

~::~ Senator Diane Feinstein ~ Why She Supports Current FISA Bill ~::~

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:41:58 EDT

~::~ Greetings And Namaste To ALL Wonderful Obama Beings! ~::~

Just Like Many Of You ~ I Have Had My Inner Consternation And Feelings Of Dissappointment When I Found Out That Our Barack Obama Had Supported This 'Imperfect' Current FISA Bill. But, I Now Feel A Bit Better Upon Reading The Major Differences And Improvements In This Current FISA Bill That Barack Supports. When Barack Becomes President He Assures That He Will Make The Needed Further Improvements. Please Read The Below Email From Senator Feinstein:

This is an email from Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) explaining her reasons for supporting the current FISA bill.
Here it is:
I very much appreciate your concerns on the recent legislation to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA). I would like to take this opportunity to explain to you my point of view. As you may know, the legislation passed the Senate on July 9, 2008 by a vote of 69 to 28 and was signed into law on July 10.
I have served on the Senate Intelligence Committee for seven and a half years and I take the responsibility extremely seriously. I believe the United States continues to face serious threats and there are many who seek to do harm to our country. The first responsibility I have is to prevent another catastrophic terrorist attack from happening. This requires getting ahead of the terrorists by identifying and preventing their attacks. We can only do this with good, actionable intelligence.
If the Senate did not pass this bill, Congress would have been faced with two options:
1) Extending the temporary surveillance bill passed last August; or
2) Passing no legislation, meaning that surveillance on specific terrorist groups would expire and our Nation would be laid bare.
Last year's stop-gap bill did not contain nearly the privacy protections that are in place in this FISA legislation. It was intended to be a temporary solution while Congress developed a more comprehensive approach to surveillance.
The communications industry has changed in the past thirty years since FISA was enacted in 1978. This has changed the way that communications are routed and how surveillance is conducted, and the original law technologically cannot function today. So, FISA needs to be modernized to fit the technological change from radio communications to wire and to provide additional privacy rights for U.S. persons.
I would like to take a moment to highlight five major improvements in this legislation, which I believe provide new privacy protections. This bill:
1) Includes provisions I authored that make clear that FISA is the exclusive authority for conducting surveillance inside the United States. This is crucial as it requires that all future Presidents must act strictly within the law. FISA will be the only legal authority for conducting surveillance on Americans for intelligence purposes, and only legislation that specifically provides wiretapping authority in the future would be an exception to FISA.
2) Requires the government to obtain a warrant before surveillance can begin. This applies to all U.S. persons - anywhere in the world. The Protect America Act allowed surveillance for up to six months before getting a warrant. This bill ends all warrantless surveillance directed at U.S. persons. In this sense it is precedent setting.
3) Bans reverse targeting, which was a concern under the Protect America Act. Reverse targeting would allow the government to collect the contents of telephone calls and e-mails of an American by conducting surveillance on the people with whom they communicate. This practice is prohibited in this bill.
4) Requires that the government implement procedures approved by the FISA Court for minimization. If an American's communication is incidentally caught up in electronic surveillance while the Government is targeting someone else, minimization protects that person's private information. This has been a hallmark of FISA for 30 years, but court approval of minimization procedures was not included in the Protect America Act. It is here.
5) Requires the Government to obtain a warrant to conduct surveillance on an American outside of the United States. This means that Americans' privacy rights are protected everywhere around the world. A court warrant has never before been required for surveillance outside the United States; this would be the strongest protection ever.
I understand your concern regarding Title II of this bill, which provides an immunity provision for telecommunications companies that are alleged to have provided assistance to the government. I agree that this is not the best approach to the current legal challenges facing these companies. In February, I offered an amendment that would have required court review of the legality of a company's actions. The court would have been required to find that the assistance was provided in good faith, and pursuant to an objectively reasonable belief that it was lawful, before immunity could be granted. Unfortunately, that amendment did not pass.
During consideration of this bill, I co-sponsored an amendment authored by Senator Bingaman (D-NM) that would halt any action on immunity until three months after Congress received a report from the relevant Inspectors General on the Administration's warrantless surveillance program. This amendment would have provided an independent review of the telecoms actions, and those of the Government, and would have provided Congress with additional information before immunity was granted. Unfortunately, the amendment failed on a vote of 42-56.
I have spent hours reviewing the telecom immunity issue and my conclusion is that the Government asked them to provide certain data in the wake of 9/11 and, at the highest levels, assured them that it was legal. In my view, if there is fault, it is the Government's and it is not immunized by this bill. They did not have to move outside the law but did. This program is now subject to FISA Court warrant.
In conclusion, this FISA legislation, while not perfect, brings intelligence activities back under U.S. law. It provides significant improvement in oversight and accountability of our intelligence collection programs while still empowering the intelligence community to keep our Nation safe. And, it provides the strongest privacy protections to U.S. persons in history. Additionally, the President - any President - cannot enact a program outside of this law in the future. While the immunity language was not what I would have preferred, I believe that passing a bill with the important improvements was a better choice than doing nothing or extending the Protect America Act.
I hope this helps you understand why I support this bill.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~::~ Shivani Sannyasini ~::~

http://AuthorsDen.Com/ShivaniSannyasini
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trust,...a vanishing commodity!

Stephen Kastner — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:23:28 EDT

"If I can’t trust a self-described constitutional scholar to defend basic constitutional principles, even with a vote on the losing side of a constitutional issue, how can I trust him with (for example) future Supreme Court nominations? After today, I can’t," says Richard Blair. Here's more:

I know that Obama’s FISA vote won’t mean a thing to his hard core supporters. They’ll make excuses the same way that George W. Bush’s sycophants make excuses for him. “Oh, he had to vote this way, or the GOP would paint him as soft on national security.”
The bottom line is that there is political reality, and then there is principle. Barack Obama has billed himself as a new breed of politician who will stand up on principle. It should be clear today that he’s reneged on that promise. He’s been revealed as an old school politico, who sticks his finger in the wind to see which way it’s blowing.
The character assassination of John Kerry as a “flip flopper” in 2004 was largely a product of the GOP noise machine. The abandonment of principle in 2008 by Barack Obama, in the middle of an election fight, is the true embodiment of the charge.

Trust Obama to filibuster any bill with immunity for telecoms

Freethinker in RB — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:14:14 EDT

The Bush administration spied on American citizens without the required warrants by aking telecommunication companies to secretely hand over the private records of American citizens. On July 9 the Democratic-led Congress approved a (FISA) bill to immunize the lawbreaking telecoms, end all lawsuits against them, and give new warrantless spying powers to the President. The vote in favor was 69-28. Barack Obama VOTED YES, JUST LIKE every Senate Republican (and every House Republican other than one). The bill will now be sent to an extremely happy George Bush, who already announced that he enthusiastically supports it, and he will sign it into law.Obama's vote in favor was a complete betrayal of the commitment he made back in October when seeking the Democratic nomination. Back then, Obama's spokesman issued this emphatic vow:

To be clear: Barack will support a filibuster of any bill that includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies.

But the bill that OBAMA VOTED YES on does include retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies.

That's what trust requires--regardless of the evidence to the contrary, believe in Obama. If you find that hard to do, demand that Obama keep his word and do what is necessary to bring democracy --not just the "Democratic party" -- back to our nation.

The Problem With Seeking 'Fair Shares' in a Relationship

Ms CYPRAH — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:17:27 EDT

Many people, particularly older ones who have been married for a while, tend to take their partners for granted. They also believe there is nothing new for them to learn about life or love. But if we have not been taught how to communicate and solve problems, it is always useful to learn. Most parents are not able to teach their children the skills for handling difficult times, yet those skills are essential for keeping the romance from dying in relationships, especially on days when the children are crying, money is tight and the job is boring or demoralising. New ideas and fashions relating to social interaction are always being introduced so, as we go through life, we will change, our partner will change and our relationship will change. Staying open to accepting change means we can grow from it rather than resisting it. Learning about ourselves and our partners, while building an enjoyable and mutually sharing environment, can be a wonderful, empowering experience.

I believe in my ability to remind you to bring about change

Dr. Jeffrey Kargel — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:45:11 EDT

Dear Sen. Obama,

The banner on your website-- really it's our website-- asks me to believe that I can help bring about change in Washington. I have donated $50 to your campaign so far on three occasions, and I am not tapped out. I am not your big-money donor, for sure, but I represent one of hundreds of thousands of your donors who have donated tens of millions of dollars. We have done so because we believe you. I won't, however, have blind faith in you or anybody. Many Americans tried that with Colin Powell when he appeared before the U.N. in Feb. 2002, and we know how dumb blind faith gets rewarded with dumb blind mistakes.

So when I hear you endorsing expanded domestic spying, promoting government funding of faith-based initiatives, and making all these recent moves to appeal to the center and the right, it makes me worry that maybe we--your supporters-- believe in our ability to change Washington more than you do. If you cater to the inertia of the political pendulum, you will reinforce that inertia. Please prove us wrong. Please renew your commitment to leading an economic and political revolution in Washington. We all know that the 20th Century will not work for the 21st Century; so remind yourself of what it is you believe in. I do have faith in myself to push for what's right, believing that Right Makes Might; I have faith in my ability to remind you where we both stand. We both want to fight and defeat enriched, enraged, extremist forms of militant Islam; we both recognize that much of the rage, much of the enrichment, much of the power of that movement stemmed from national (including American) support for faith-based initiatives in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

We both recognize that our oil-based leadership in America has further enriched and enraged and strengthened our enemies, and that the toxic stew that simmers and sputters in Washington is substantially to blame for enlarging an enemy that is more idiotic and brutal than wise or success-oriented. We can strip the political landscape from under them, and from under our own toxic stew, if we only do what's sensible and right for America and the world. We all want to feed the world, and educate the world, vaccinate the world, bring democracy to the world; and yes, we agree that government can't do it all, and that in the intermediate sphere between government and the pure private sector, governments (including our's) can assist private (including religion-based) entities to help make a positive difference. But I am here to remind you of how government interference in religion can be as bad as religious interference in government. It tends to cook up these toxic stews, if there is no accountability in what is spent. Private unarmed 'militias' can be as horrific and unaccountable as private armed militias. We need to stop both.

Please be careful, as the precedent you set with your initiatives designed during the electoral season can and will be used when the pendulum swings the other way. I am here to remind you that what you're about, as I understand it and expect it, is to stop the wing of the pendulum, to get a different dynamic going, build a new structure to serve the needs of the 21st Century rather than to fight a morphed relic of the Cold War reapplied to Islamic nations. We must stop the pendulum so that entrenched corporate interests move out of the White House, leaving a vacancy for Wisdom to move in, rather than having Archer Daniels Midland replace Exxon Mobil in the Oval Office. Yes, we need corporate America, and we need globalized corporate interests; but we cannot have them make the policy decisions of the type that have been driving civilization toward instability and eventual collapse. We need wisdom at the helm, and I am here to remind you to keep your wits about you, keep your wisdom and your vision and your ethics in command, and don't give in to corporate special interests for the sake of a few measly million dollars.

I, like you, recognize that the fundamental first-order issue facing America and the world pertains to energy use and supplies. Our collective reliance and reinforcement of our reliance on diminishing reserves of petroleum, controlled in large measure by foreign entities who are not on America's side of anything, is at the top of the list of problems. Climate instability, political instability, economic instability and malaise, and some fraction of our health problems, all stem from our exceeding unwise policies of the last three decades, when it had become clear that we have serious problems in all these areas. The good news is that it is so relatively easy to start fixing. Some problems are tough from start to finish. Fixing our reliance on oil-- or at least the first huge strides in that direction-- is so easy to do. All it takes is political will. The first President to go down the road we must go actually will have it comparatively easy; the initial steps with the biggest and most immediate positive benefits are the least expensive, and have the most beneficial side effects. It will admittedly be tougher for subsequent leaders. However, we have to start traveling that road. Corn ethanol and biodiesel will not get us out of the dilemma we're in, and it won't instill any sense of the road needed for the next few decades; biofuels can be an enabler that reduces our vulnerability to disruptions in oil supplies during our transition to a low-oil economy, but if we use biofuels as a crutch to avoid the other changes needed, we only make everything more problematic and we solve nothing.

Senator Obama, I have faith in my ability to remind you--again and again and as often as needed-- that you have a particular challenge to deal with. The nuts and bolts of an energy policy are, at this stage, fairly easy to arrange; it will indeed take political guts. But the real wisdom will be inherent in any long-range course you set, a clear strategy development that will take several years to develop. You should be pressing this issue at every opportunity. Don't get sidetracked by arguments that we have to spy on our citizens, that we have to buy into some of the failed policies of the past just to get elected. Senator Obama, we-- your supporters and the American people-- are here to elect you. You are here to serve us and the world. I believe in my ability to remind you of this simple fact.

Best wishes and Godspeed to you and us all, to all the world,

Jeff Kargel

Given power will be handed back

Reiner Sobota — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:39:07 EDT

Sometimes I believe, I'm not really able to understand what's going on in this campaign and if it is all right to say something as a web-guest from Germany. On the other hand, I would like to comment the activities of Barack Obama. Even I'm not an american citizen, I'm a citizen of the same earth. And I think like Dr. Keith Martin has written it"Obama is a man of, by and for the people. If we give him the power he is asking for, he has promised to turn around and hand it back to us. We want our government back . . . and this is the man to help us do that." And I trust, when Obama has handed out the power to the Americans, it will be good for the rest of the earth.
Best wishes from Germany.

I didn't support you to be expedient! That's politics as usual...

Simon from New York, NY — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:16:36 EDT

Since I cannot possibly believe you agree with this bill, the only possible reason for supporting it is not wanting to give ammunition to the GNP to say you are weak on terror/defense etc.

But Mr. Obama, that's politics as usual...

I really think you do not agree with the false choice of security or freedom advanced by the current administration. Do you really think you could not have won that argument with the voters?

What has made your candidacy so invigorating has been your willingness to fly in the face of political expediency. It's why I for one trusted you even when I disagreed with you.

This bill is simply wrong. Utterly, roll-over wrong. My only hope is that you repeal it as president, but even if you do, you've lost my trust.

I'll listen to you like I listen to every other politician.

Which Polls Are the Most Trust Worthy?

Jason — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:59:23 EDT

i took a look at the poll data from the primaries and I came up with a list of polls I will trust, polls I wont trust, and polls that you should use with caution. The list is of the pollsters that did a significant amount of states. less than 10 polls just isnt a good enough sample size.

Trust
SurveyUSA (my #1)
Quinnipiac (my #2)
Suffolk (border line caution)

Caution
Zogby (almost trust worthy)
Public Policy Polling (PPP)
Rasmussen (this one is border line not trust worthy)

Don't Trust
Insider Advantage
Masion-Dixon
ARG

I Have a Dream Too - 2008 Job One for America

Hill — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:28:52 EDT

I HAVE A DREAM TOO

Two and a quarter centuries ago a brave people launched a dream on a sea of hope, determination and grit. It was a journey fraught with hazards, challenges and traps. The Civil War. They were not a perfect people, but they committed to perfect the union – the United States of America. There were times of despair when the skeptics predicted that the grand experiment in self-governance would fail. But through it all the hopes and dreams of our founders showed through. The dream lived. The people strove to stay on the path.

Then in 2001 we took a surprise hit – a shock. We’ve had them before. Think Pearl Harbor. But, as luck would have it, the shock came when we were in a critically dangerous leadership situation. The 2000 presidential election had been closely fought. In fact the Supreme Court suspended the election process and designated a winner, leaving a badly divided nation.

The unfortunate response to the September, 2001 tragedy has had the effect of shifting us from the historic path of hope and dreams. Since 2001 we have been led and defined by our fears. We even had a “Fear-O-Meter” to tell us how frightened we should be. Red. Orange. Yellow. No green. While our instincts make it normal and expected to be careful and cautious, it requires a conscious decision to define our lives by our fears. Operating on fear is the first stage of being terrorized and that is a decision one makes.

This response to the attack has nearly awarded Bin Laden his fourth and biggest trophy: The American Bill of Rights.

But my dream is that this 8-year diversion from the Jeffersonian pathway is just that: a temporary diversion. I dream that America will once again become the product of its hopes. Its vision of yet a better nation. The city on the hill. We will again be viewed around the world as the example to try to match, not the rogue bully role now seen by most.

This dream will only be realized when we get back to our creeds. Life. Liberty and justice for all. Extraordinary political will be required to realize this dream. Legislative bodies at least as good at collaboration as they are at fighting. An executive run on leadership, not on direction, fear and deceit. The re-emergence of statesmanship.

There is one more element that I believe to be vital to our recovery from 2001 and the ensuing tragedy. An enlightened Supreme Court needs to acknowledge the overstepping of the 2001 court. We all need to adopt the view that the 2004 presidential election was the fruit of that 2001 mistake. We, as a nation, can awake from the 8-year nightmare and get on with our lives.

My dream lets us resume and continue to perfect the union envisioned by the founding fathers. It prevents this diversion from setting fatal precedents, which would shunt us off the true path.

Oh, say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave,

O’r the land of the free and the home of the brave?

I dream that the answer to both will again become “YES!”

Barack Obama as president will be an historic meeting of critical need with powerful force.

Vision one: Letters to Jeff

Reiner Sobota — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:08:15 EDT

Dear Jeff,
I like the way you give some "hope-ups" to the readers like "I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts": Abraham Lincoln

The grandfather of the mother from my godchild was a pastor, named Bryden, in a little church in washington (that's what I understood). Vicky said to me, when Abraham Lincoln went to his church in washington, he always went to the same place. Even today must be a sign there for his "personal place". My vision is, that this is a sign for stability. Isn't it?
I believe, if given the truth, the rest of the earth will have a better future, too.
Sorry for my broken english. I try to do the best.
Best wishes from Germany, Wuppertal.
Love, hope-up and trust both like you do, Reiner :o)

Cloak and Dagger Politics

Benjamin S. Hall — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:04:25 EDT

Dear Mr. President:

In this era of political spin and mud slinging, you know - all of those thing that you are wanting to change? Please be careful.

There is still the danger of the dispicable depths of evil men. They do not share your ideals. They have control over several things and they will defend that control to the death because they have no hope for the future. Be careful.

Power has strange effects on people, and the interests that you so bravely rail against have agendas that do not line up with yours or the peoples. Be careful.

Washington is a dangerous place. Chose friends you can trust. Uncorruptable friends. People with nothing to lose and everything to gain by adhereing to the interests of the American People. I have attached a rather dark video - and I appologise if it offends, but the point is clear. Choose people you TRUST!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WCc_y5k0n8

Please be careful, you are the last great hope for the people of the United States.

Sincerely,

Benjamin S. Hall

P.S.> My next post will be brighter - I promise.

Tornadoes and Trust

J. Everett — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:48:16 EDT

I live in Iowa. More specifically, a twenty minute drive away from Parkersburg. Now this is Iowa and nothing happens here, but apparently a F5 tornado is important enough to make major news networks. I guess ABC or somebody reported this stuff. During this tornado in Parkersburg, five people died, some people are still missing, and Parkersburg is so demolished that landmark buildings, street signs, everything is totally gone. The football teams scoreboard was found a hundred miles away. Huge twenty ton combines are still missing. I mean It is real bad. The town of 1000 people just doesn't exist anymore. So, naturally people have hatched the plan to create fundraisers and stuff to help support them.

At my high school we have set up a "Carnival". During lunch or study hall hours people can play carnival games. They are expecting to get a few hundred out of the deal. And, with this money the school will be supporting Staff that lived in Parkersburg that no longer have anything. Great idea, right? Well, there are several dozen organizations donating food, clothes, and whatever Parkersburg people need. Many people aren't donating money and giving away things for the people of Parkersburg. Mainly because they just can't afford it, don't have the resources or time to put into projects like these, and people don't trust the organizations. That is the sadest thing of all not trusting established organizations. Many of my friends say that the money collected isn't going to be used properly. They say things like "If I donate a dollar, I'm pretty sure the school will use it to pay off their debts or something." Yeah, I agree with them. Lots of high schoolers don't even have jobs let alone the incentives to give money to the school hoping the school will just hand it over. I don't know, it's a trust issue. What's wierd too is that kids in my school don't even think I should be Class President (Someone actually called me worthless) The kids say that the school rigged the election in my favor. I obviously shrugged it off, and my supporters tore them a new one. But that's just it - How did it get to this - students don't trust their teachers, church goers going bankrupt unable to support needy neighbors, and no one really trusting anyone who stands up and takes the inititive. It is sad, really really sad. I'm going to change that though.

My Vice President and I are going to somehow inspire others, not just students, but teachers to trust each other. By somehow reversing this idea that the only things going on in the world are the bad gas prices, high food and education costs, and a pointless war in some foriegn country. I think I can, like Barack, give people something to look forward to other than the end of the day by uniting us behind a common goal, a set dream that we all share and wish would come true. I have to give people something to get excited and enthusiastic about. I need to get more people involved and caring for something. Fundraisers aren't the right time or place to try and unite everyone. I'm hoping Barack Obama can be a good substitute now, but when he's President I'll have to find something else to fight for and unite people behind. I'll find something all of the kids can fight and hope for. I can't wait for it to come to me, I'll have to go looking for it. Probably because it'll suck if I don't.

Six Bagels for $3.99

Earthbound — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:49:51 EDT

The price of flour has gone up. This mornings I went to pick up a bag of bagels and was shocked to see the price at $3.99. It's an election year, food and gas are at an all time high. Big Bussinesses in my hometown are shutting down offices and/or downsizing. It's the same everywhere people loosing jobs, houses in forclosure, food prices climbing, gas. Still the working class in my state, Arizona votes predominately republican. What gives?

I have this theory that the poor/woking poor/working lower middle class/the middle class who buys on credit people and all the other palathora of middle white collar wannabe community college educated up and coming two generations away from farmers vote republican because it is a form of social climing. I really think that a lot of people will not vote for a democratic candidate because it is socially beneath them. Like there is a stigma attached to affliation of The Dirty Poor. It's the attitude of: I'm to privleged and educated to vote democratic.

The economy is plunging down the drain and goverment big spenders have their foot on the flushing handle. I feel like the old dog lying on the front porch that doesn't lift it's head for it's master anymore. I can't even thump my tail. I've quit believing in politics or leaders. It's not just the war or inflation or un-employment or the way we treat our vets. It's all of it and the way we treat each other. I think we as a people are holding on to the bottom rung of the ladder. Can any leader fix the lack of respect shown between people? Is it fair to expect any leader to make a change in this country? The war on terror. What about a war on poverty or a war on self interest groups or a war on greed.

Now I'm not a Ivy League educated scholar but when a war last as long as this has and will and young men no longer want to enlist and serve then it dosn't take a rocket sciencist to figure out war takes soliders and no volunteers mean start up a mandatory service order. DRAFT them.

No one is saying the D word in the repubilican party but Senator McCain, I don't think that anyone wants to go and fight a war over there now. The drum beating for God and country and democracy has lost it's glitter. Was this war a smoke screen to cover up special interst in the gulf. What will the country know in fifty years. War is always about profit. We fell for the old trick of leader who bangs the drum of war

"In order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic ferver for Patriotism is indeed a double edge sword, It both emboldens the blood as it narrows the mind, and when drums have reached a fevered pitch and the blood boiles over with hate and the mind is closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather the citzenry is fused with fear and blinded by the patriotism will offer up all their rights to the leader and gladly so. How do I know? This is what I have done. and I AM CEASAR" -Shakespeare

So... I don't want my sons to fight and gives their lives for this war because we lost the war in Vietnam. Is that part of why McCain will not walk away from Iraq? I'm not going to teach my sons to fight for this. It's not about freedom and liberty. I have served my country and served my God and served my community. I am the working class, I am a mother, I am a citizen. I am a teacher and a coach and a volunteer. I've cleaned the houses of the rich and I've mentored and parented unwanted and forgotten children, I've advocated for the voicelessness of my autistic son and I will fight for the recognition of all the shapes of personhood to be recognised a equal. Equality is not about the privileged class getting in the front of the line.

I am an American who can trace my families linage back to Thomas Jefferson's father and both sides of my family have fought in wars in this country since the French Indian Wars. Thats pre Revolutionary War. I am America. My grandparents worked their whole lifes in factories and raise their children to love their country and fear God.

I keep think of this line: "Patriotism is the last refuge to wash a soundrel clean, steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you King." -Bob Dylan

Is he supporting you Mr. Obama? I wonder

Yesterday at a Memorial party the hostess said she would not vote for Obama because he was a socialist. She talked of the liberals controling the media and how they are responsible for Obama propullsion to this tilt in the election. She also accused Obama of being a rasist. This is a 3 generation college educated, profession white woman who's company has just laided of 600 people and is closing their office in Phoenix. She was one of the lucky ones who will get to keep her job and move. but It's the liberals fault. She has never heard of Rupert Murdoch or Sumner Redstone or Carl Rove or Karmazin or John Malone, but according to her "they" are all liberals who control the media. I quit discussing my views about America at the party. It was waxing into a who's going to heaven arguement "the baptist or the catholics".

Actually Jesus did come back last week. He didn't make the headlines in fact few people recognised him as anything more than a long-haired freak. He was really mad, then he cried, then he got mad again, really mad like smash up the temple mad. Then he swept up the African aids orphans with his hands and then he said, " There's no more room on the bus out, thanks to the people who believed in me, butwhy didn't you help each other? It was all about love, it was always about love. You couldn't even help these babies. We thought you could do it. Sorry, Bye. goodluck. Then he sort of whoosed up ina space shuttle bus thing. I don't know if he'll come back again now. He looked mad and dissipointed.

McCain, Getting to Know Him, Getting to Know All about Him

Henry M — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:13:30 EDT

Start studying-up on Obama's real opponent, John Sidney McCain III, with these books reviewed in the New York Rewview of Books article by Michael Tomasky, "Who Is John McCain?"
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/21470?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Campaign+Monitor&utm_content=257024310&utm_campaign=Who+Is+John+McCain%3f+and+Jihadi+Suicide+Bombers%3a+The+New+Wave&utm_term=Who+Is+John+McCain%3f

Free Ride: John McCain and the Media
by David Brock and Paul Waldman
Anchor, 218 pp., $13.95 (paper)
The Real McCain: Why Conservatives Don't Trust Him—and Why Independents Shouldn't
by Cliff Schecter
PoliPoint, 186 pp., $14.95 (paper)
McCain: The Myth of a Maverick
by Matt Welch
Palgrave Macmillan, 226 pp., $27.95

Henry Mu

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/PListe4Obama

Why support Obama 08?

Anil from Lafayette, CA — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:53:51 EDT

1. He is an excellent organizer and astute politician. He will build a team of the best in every field.

2. He will refocus our energy to fight terrorism by making it the fight of the whole world and not just USA.

3. He will negotiate tough with enemies than threaten them outright. He will be seen trust worthy by the world. His policies will bring peace in the world and thus prosperity to USA. Remember, President Ragan won the biggest of all wars without going into the battle field. Don't assume it will not work in the present situation.

4. He will listen than rebuke you (unlike the current attitude is either you are with me or not).

5. He will motivate us to solve energy problems through green technology-innovations and conservation in interim.

The most of all I can trust that he will honor my expectations. Like me, many have similar expectations of him and I can trust him that he will do his best. My gut tells me he is into politics for "public service" and not as a "carrier".

Trust Obama not the Gossip - He Knows How to Handle Hillary

Pragmatic — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:58:10 EDT

A large component of Obama's support is because he is not a shady character. He is likely to lose a lot of this if he makes the wrong choices, something he is well aware of.

Where Hillary is concerned, if you trust Obama's judgement, then, regardless of the prevailing gossip, you will tend to also put trust in his decisions.

If you focus on one bad point to the exclusion of the many good ones you will have failed to play a role in bringing about change for the better, a change which might not be perfect, but it will do.

Giving Hillary too much importance will cloud the fact that under President Obama, Hillary will have a boss at work who she does not live with. If she becomes a liability she will be out. Obama means what he says, no more nonsense.

Trust Obama. He knows how to deal with Hillary.She can be useful in bringing about change for the better. With Obama in charge she will alter her behavior. We all have to conform to whoever is in charge.

Give Obama your unconditional support and you will be pleased with the results.

No longer an Obama surporter

Dimtri al Nasir — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:03:43 EDT

Earlier in this campaign season, I declared myself an Obama surporter because I was begining to finnally hear what I wanted to heard from a politician. However, this election has shed light on my concerns about all of the canidates. I plan to use this blog to explain my concerns with Obama. I'm not against Obama, I'm just no longer sure. I also have no political party affiliation, although I have often voted Democrat in the primaries. So please, consider this legitimate concerns that can be debated and expressed, no attacks or smear.

Straight to the point!

Kiril K — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:16:10 EDT

Dear Mr. Obama, congratulations for the wonderful web-site you have. Congratulations to your web-site administrators for the hard work. Keep up the good work!

I would like to address my thoughts to everyone who would like to share his/her in return! We all see what is going on in our world and our society today and now. We all feel the economic reflection of the reality on our everyday life, we all experience the hardship of a constantly changing structures around us! The life as we know it seems to be on a dramatically changing course. Is it a course or is it a spiral? In what direction the spiral goes? Up !?!? or Down?...

Isn't it time for someone to tell the reality "as is" - unchanged, and explain the consciences from it. Isn't it time someone to explain in plain American English what all the economic indicators mean? What are the American values? There are many people out there who do not know the history, but who are led to believe from the media that they know their history. There are many smart people who noone wants to listen to!

What happened with the real Americans? How did the GREED took over everything? I see everywhere around us how people go into a business ventures for the sake of the MONEY and MONEY alone, not because they have ideas or would like to do good service to the society and have a better life! How much is enough?

People need to orient themselves toward VALUE (God, Family, Education, Culture, Humanity, Health...) and not MONEY. Of course the money are the way of measuring success to a certain point, but only to a certain point.

I am asking you Mr. Obama: If a person or a family member/members, goes(go) to work every day, keeps tight lid on the unnecessary spendings, does(do) not go out to eat, takes(take) no vacation, does(do) not smoke(s)/drink(s)...and CANNOT make ends meet, WHO IS TO BE ADDRESSED ?

The time for change is long overdue!

My main question is:

In this time and age of a technical revolution

WHY DO WE STILL VOTE THE OLD WAY?
WHY DO WE STILL VOTE ANONYMOUSLY? - Isn't it true that if you are afraid to stand behind your vote YOU DO NOT DESERVE TO VOTE?
WHY DON'T WE VOTE SECURELY AND DIRECTLY ON-LINE with Name and SSN AND to be VISIBLE for the whole WORLD? Certain individuals and institutions will try to mislead you that it is not secure! I will answer this to them: All the banks transfer thousands and thousands of billions of dollars every hour every day that way, DO YOU THINK THAT IT IS NOT SECURE?
Mr. Obama, if you want to know what the people of the USA want, ALL you have to have is a WEBSITE where you can ask questions and all the people will have 7(seven) days to log in and respond! Of course I am oversimplifying it here, but the MODEL works!!!

To everyone who spent time reading my thoughts - Thank you, please respond if you have time. Barack Obama said that he is asking to be believed, I am asking him to turn the word believe into TRUST! Then and only then HE would be a success!!!

Taking the High Road

Julia Romanski — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:46:37 EDT

As I sit here, glued to CNN (the best among the mediocre cable news providers), watching the changing results in Indiana, I think I'm amazed by the force of the hope I feel. Each day, I guess I feel more invested in wanting Senator Obama to become our next president, and I worry about how hard it will be to stand it if he doesn't get the nomination. Whether he pulls out a win in Indiana tonight, or winds up two percent behind his opponent, I know the resulting spin will reach new and nauseating heights over the next few days. There will be more wolves nipping at his heels, even as the media will anoint him the new holder of "momentum." But Senator Obama will be fine as long as he continues to take the high road, just as he did in his remarks in North Carolina tonight. He said that he trusts the American people. Well, more and more of us trust him. That's the essence of it for me. I'll place my money on someone whose words I believe. That's a risk I'm prepared to take.

Welcome All (My First Blog ever :)

Ray — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:39:42 EDT

Hello All,

Well I've always thought about creating a blog and I was exploring this site and found the Blog room so here it is.

I'm new to the politic's arena.. Never cared much about elections as politician's always seem the same creating sounds bites that sound great but not much gets done after that.

There is 3 major issues for me that I would love to see Barack take care of.

- The first is national healthcare and getting it to the point everyone can afford it and where previous condition's are not a factor when switching insurance.

Obama plans to do just this very thing!

- The second is an Energy policy that encourages innovative renewable energies to emerge instead of stifling any new technologies so Oil industries won't lose the billions they make every year.

Something to ponder.. how is it that over a century ago the combustible gas powered engine was created and yet we've not moved to any other form of technology since then? We can go from a computer the size of a room to a computer that fits in the palm of your hand that is millions of times more powerful in a couple decades but we can't seem to find a more cost/environment effective technology than oil?

Obama plans to invest 150 billion in renewable energy technologies and create a windfall tax on oil industries to pay for it. Finally someone who will take real action.

- The third is overseas shipping of jobs at the cost of alot of good paying American jobs. This can't be allowed to continue. Why are we building other countries economies at the cost of our own? Hundreds of thousands of job are lost each year when they are moved overseas. I have nothing against helping less fortunate economies grow if it doesn't affect American citizens livelihoods. How does the government expect ordinary Americans to continue to live prosperously when companies are given incentives to get rid of our jobs? Isn't this the USA?

Obama plans to penalize companies for shipping jobs overseas and give them incentives for investing here in the USA!

- I also like the College Grant idea. I worked my way thru college and had to pay off substantial student loans after. Very nice idea to get young people engaged in the community, wish I had this in college.

Lastly, I created a video called Barack Obama - Someone to Believe In on YouTube. It has him talking about family, community involvements, key endorsements and regular people's take on Obama. Lastly, a few words from me to the music of Poison's song Something to Believe In.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DFE6D76A0FE85680

I trust Obama 100%, there is nothing I've seen on cable news that would make me not trust him. I beleive he truly speaks from the heart. It would be a truly scary world if everyone was held accountable to their acquaintance's thought's and actions.

Let's not loose focus!

P.R.Mama3 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:02:24 EDT

We need to stay on track! At this time when the democratic candidate needs to be determined by June all bets are off and we are being hit hard. The battle is only going to get tougher not easier. And we have known that to be expected. We cannot wobble now or we will be throwing in the towel. We need to commit to our fight for a different kind of government and a chance for a better life for all of us, our children and their children. We cannot loose sight of our goals, beliefs, and our hope and inspiration. Don't let the seed of doubt be planted in our hearts. We can do this if we all come together. Yes we can!

What are the odds?

MegKC — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:03:37 EDT

At this point in the elections I'm terribly confused. What are the odds that Barack can win the nomination? In other words what needs to happen in order for Barack to get the nomination? I'm a little nervous because if Clinton were to get the nomination, I would have a difficult time voting for her. I think the president needs to be someone that is trustworthy. I really question whether or not Clinton wants to be president for the right reasons.

Call Pennsylvania from my Kitchen in Wisconsin

Marcia Riquelme — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:56:52 EDT

At 65, I note the wonderful changes. Wow it's possible to support Barack all over the nation right from my home! In previous years, I had to drive to a campaign office to do phonebanking. It was time away from family, home and added a time crunch to my life. Now, on this website, I can log in to my.barackobama.com, click on the ACTION menu, choose VOLUNTEER, then CALLING, and can make however many calls my schedule allows me. My phone connection allows free long distance. So here in my Wisconsin kitchen, I called 15 or so Pennsylvania voters, tonight I chose the women, before I had to interrupt my calls for the night. Nobody keeps score on how many calls I make, and I am learning to be calm and delighted when I get good news and calm and very tactful when someone refuses to speak with me or says they are voting for an opponent. I'd love to be in the company of others who are calling, It is fun to meet fellow supporters, but I can't be there as often as I'd like, and this type of calling saves me critical time. What is so lovely about this experience is that, almost all the time, people are very kind about my calling them. Sometines we have wonderful conversations about why we choose one candidate over another, what our worries are as citizens in these difficult times, and try to explain why we care so much about this election. It is a fine experience to contribute time this way, it is citizenship at work. It is what we have faith in, no matter what.

Speaking about faith, hope and citizenship. The faith that Barack's campaign has in me as I sit here and volunteer feels awesome. He trusts me to be a good spokesperson for him, He trusts me to be an effective representative of his campaign. Nobody 'screened' me for fitness. It is just trust and hope that I will do my part carefully and kindly, conscientiously and politely. He is demonstrating his great HOPE in me that I will honor that trust. That is monumental. It adds to the urge to rise to the occasion and BE the citizen who doesn't just sit on the sidelines letting others carry the load. It motivates me more than if I were asked directly and specifically to volunteer. (even though I do receive email appeals to volunteer and donate, but I don't mind.) I do what I can when I can, guilt free, and will probably be able to do quite a bit more as the campaign rolls along. This election feels very much 'mine' and 'of the people'. It is full of that HOPE that we CAN and WILL do our best. So yes HOPE COMES BEFORE and asks the question: Will you? I say back: YES I CAN, and YES WE CAN! I urge everyone to put in a little time making calls or doing whatever they can, it is a good feeling. YES WE CAN!

How I convinced my VA relatives to go for Barack

my5yoluvsBO-NY,NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:54:26 EDT

What follows is the email I sent on 2/11 to my relatives voting in the "Chesapeake Primary". Maybe others can use some of this to convince their relatives in PA, IN, NC,WV, and KY. Some parts need updating because I have learned since that my understanding of Barack's net worth is way off, thought the essence of that paragraph is still there. I have also become much more resolute as to why Obama stands out more than Clinton and think that there is less and less reason I need to think in terms of supporting her no matter what, only becuase I have great hopes that Obama will win this.

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

Hello,

Perhaps you've already decided between Clinton and Obama. Maybe you're even voting for McCain in Tuesday's primary. But if you are as torn as I was just days before I voted I want to share my opinions (yes, it's long) and thoughts that convinced me to pull the lever for Obama. Actually, Spencer is a huge fan of Barack, so I let him pull the levers for the delegates. There's a special treat at the bottom of the email too when you get there.

I really like Hillary Clinton. I'm not one of those 47% of Americans who have an unfavorable impression of her. In fact, I have been advocating for why I think she CAN be elected for the past year or more. However, there have been many votes and actions that she's made which I absolutely have not liked. I had suppressed these disagreements until a week and a half ago when I watched her debate Barack in L.A. Her response for why she won't admit that her vote in Iraq was wrong struck me like lightning. I get that she can't admit that she was wrong when she's running to be leader of the U.S., but the fact that she spun this as a problem of execution and deflected recognizing the reason we're there in the first place as being wrong is what was striking to me. Little ole me was against this war from Day 1 because the rush to war just stunk to high heaven. Obama had the judgment to recognize this too, yet Hillary, who had much more information than any of us, did what was politically expedient and authorized the war. Additionally, during the debate she completely misrepresented the alternative bill that she could have supported with regard to going to war.

The more I've watched Barack debate and in interviews, the more I realize that he is super smart, has such a tremendous grasp of a broad range of issues, picks up nuances that most politicians never could, regardless of their experience, and he's just getting started. He has the temperament to make sound judgments as evidence by his initial opposition to the war. I am less sure that Hillary makes sound judgments and I feel that experience can only compensate so much if you aren't willing to make judgments based more on fact than on politics. The continued polarization, political feuding, knee-jerk calculations, and poll tested positions are not what our country needs right now. We need someone who doesn't have the baggage to carry forward the many superb positions that both Barak and Hillary share, but who can actually get it done simply because it's not her. We need someone who is seen around the world as the new face of America, the dawn of the next best thing America has to offer, and the chance for the international community to start healing. Plus we need someone that offers hope to a country that has been force fed to live in fear since 2001. Hillary actually pulled the terror card when she voted to authorize force against Iran just two months ago.

This election is more than about this one office. The coattails of an Obama candidacy could end gridlock in the Senate and House and protect the Supreme Court from another right-wing appointment. I am not so sure that Hillary Clinton will inspire Americans the same way Obama will by getting them to the polls to turn out a big majority for the Democrats. I really think that the only way we'll be able to work in a bi-partisan manner is if the Dems get a large majority and are led by Obama in the White House.

The McCain factor is a big one. Once I saw that it was going to be him, I realized that the Democrats need a stark contrast to challenge him. I don't think McCain is the sharpest tool in the shed and he's going to make some major gaffes along the way--he has already. But this doesn't mean that his security credentials aren't going to play well for him. Hillary can match him with her own, but I think only Obama can contrast what he would do as being so different and logical compared to McCain who's record basically shows that he is a Bush cheerleader. Hillary can't make this contrast so much and I really think that independents want to see something different. Obama can convince us to move beyond duct tape security rhetoric, move toward real security solutions, and yet offer the best security of all, which is improving our standing in the world community. He can inoculate McCain's security mantra with a mantra of change and living without fear. Hillary? Less so.

There's so much more I could say, like how Bill Clinton's role has really disappointed me and has for the first time really made me see him in an egomaniacle light, and how I don't know if I really want him around the White House anymore, especially since as late as 2004 he was still willing to throw gays and lesbians under the bus for political expediency by suggesting to Kerry that he denounce gay marriage in the last days of the election.

But what I really want to leave you with is to consider that Barack Obama is more like us than any candidate running. He's not a multi-millionaire. His net worth was at most 2.5 million in 2005 and is in large part because of his home's value, so who knows what it really is today. He's not blind to the challenges of being middle class and raising two kids. As a community organizer on Chicago's Southside, he's seen poverty first hand. While I know that Hillary is sympathetic and has seen a lot as a senator and first lady, she was never in the streets working with people struggling to live. The closest she's probably come to that experience is sitting on the board of Wal-Mart determining how to keep costs low for middle and lower class customers. And isn't this election mostly going to be about how to help the average American survive this economic downturn, keep jobs in the community, and reduce the strangle-hold of unaccountable corporations who manipulate Washington into only doing what is good for them and not for the American family or the environment? Is Hillary (or McCain) really going to be able to leave those chits at the door and make the right and hard decisions to fix us?

I'm taking a leap of faith. Obama stands for change and hope for a new beginning. Going with Hillary is much more predictable and in my estimations actually risky in the general election. I will do my damndest to see her win the White House if she gets the nomination, but I really think we owe it to ourselves (and to our kids) to try something new. If Bush is the lemons, let's make fresh-squeezed lemonade by electing Obama. And as one of my colleagues who had been torn walking into the booth said when I asked her how it worked out on Tuesday she answered, "I went to the bright side. I voted for Obama." I thought that was so indicative of where we've been and where we can go.

Renewing the American Economy - New York - March 27, 2008

Jill 4 Obama — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:41:12 EDT

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama: Renewing the American Economy
New York, NY | March 27, 2008

I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his extraordinary leadership. At a time when Washington is divided in old ideological battles, he shows us what can be achieved when we bring people together to seek pragmatic solutions. Not only has he been a remarkable leader for New York -he has established himself as a major voice in our national debate on issues like renewing our economy, educating our children, and seeking energy independence. Mr. Mayor, I share your determination to bring this country together to finally make progress for the American people.

In a city of landmarks, we meet at Cooper Union, just uptown from Federal Hall, where George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States. With all the history that has passed through the narrow canyons of lower Manhattan, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the role that the market has played in the development of the American story.

The great task before our Founders that day was putting into practice the ideal that government could simultaneously serve liberty and advance the common good. For Alexander Hamilton, the young Secretary of the Treasury, that task was bound to the vigor of the American economy.

Hamilton had a strong belief in the power of the market. But he balanced that belief with the conviction that human enterprise "may be beneficially stimulated by prudent aids and encouragements on the part of the government." Government, he believed, had an important role to play in advancing our common prosperity. So he nationalized the state Revolutionary War debts, weaving together the economies of the states and creating an American system of credit and capital markets. And he encouraged manufacturing and infrastructure, so products could be moved to market.

Hamilton met fierce opposition from Thomas Jefferson, who worried that this brand of capitalism would favor the interests of the few over the many. Jefferson preferred an agrarian economy because he believed that it would give individual landowners freedom, and that this freedom would nurture our democratic institutions. But despite their differences, there was one thing that Jefferson and Hamilton agreed on - that economic growth depended upon the talent and ingenuity of the American people; that in order to harness that talent, opportunity had to remain open to all; and that through education in particular, every American could climb the ladder of social and economic mobility, and achieve the American Dream.

In the more than two centuries since then, we have struggled to balance the same forces that confronted Hamilton and Jefferson - self-interest and community; markets and democracy; the concentration of wealth and power, and the necessity of transparency and opportunity for each and every citizen. Throughout this saga, Americans have pursued their dreams within a free market that has been the engine of America's progress. It's a market that has created a prosperity that is the envy of the world, and opportunity for generations of Americans. A market that has provided great rewards to the innovators and risk-takers who have made America a beacon for science, and technology, and discovery.

But the American experiment has worked in large part because we have guided the market's invisible hand with a higher principle. Our free market was never meant to be a free license to take whatever you can get, however you can get it. That is why we have put in place rules of the road to make competition fair, and open, and honest. We have done this not to stifle - but rather to advance prosperity and liberty. As I said at NASDAQ last September: the core of our economic success is the fundamental truth that each American does better when all Americans do better; that the well being of American business, its capital markets, and the American people are aligned.

I think all of us here today would acknowledge that we've lost that sense of shared prosperity.

This loss has not happened by accident. It's because of decisions made in boardrooms, on trading floors and in Washington. Under Republican and Democratic Administrations, we failed to guard against practices that all too often rewarded financial manipulation instead of productivity and sound business practices. We let the special interests put their thumbs on the economic scales. The result has been a distorted market that creates bubbles instead of steady, sustainable growth; a market that favors Wall Street over Main Street, but ends up hurting both.

Nor is this trend new. The concentrations of economic power - and the failures of our political system to protect the American economy from its worst excesses - have been a staple of our past, most famously in the 1920s, when with success we ended up plunging the country into the Great Depression. That is when government stepped in to create a series of regulatory structures - from the FDIC to the Glass-Steagall Act - to serve as a corrective to protect the American people and American business.

Ironically, it was in reaction to the high taxes and some of the outmoded structures of the New Deal that both individuals and institutions began pushing for changes to this regulatory structure. But instead of sensible reform that rewarded success and freed the creative forces of the market, too often we've excused and even embraced an ethic of greed, corner cutting and inside dealing that has always threatened the long-term stability of our economic system. Too often, we've lost that common stake in each other's prosperity.

Let me be clear: the American economy does not stand still, and neither should the rules that govern it. The evolution of industries often warrants regulatory reform - to foster competition, lower prices, or replace outdated oversight structures. Old institutions cannot adequately oversee new practices. Old rules may not fit the roads where our economy is leading. There were good arguments for changing the rules of the road in the 1990s. Our economy was undergoing a fundamental shift, carried along by the swift currents of technological change and globalization. For the sake of our common prosperity, we needed to adapt to keep markets competitive and fair.

Unfortunately, instead of establishing a 21st century regulatory framework, we simply dismantled the old one - aided by a legal but corrupt bargain in which campaign money all too often shaped policy and watered down oversight. In doing so, we encouraged a winner take all, anything goes environment that helped foster devastating dislocations in our economy.

Deregulation of the telecommunications sector, for example, fostered competition but also contributed to massive over-investment. Partial deregulation of the electricity sector enabled market manipulation. Companies like Enron and WorldCom took advantage of the new regulatory environment to push the envelope, pump up earnings, disguise losses and otherwise engage in accounting fraud to make their profits look better - a practice that led investors to question the balance sheet of all companies, and severely damaged public trust in capital markets. This was not the invisible hand at work. Instead, it was the hand of industry lobbyists tilting the playing field in Washington, an accounting industry that had developed powerful conflicts of interest, and a financial sector that fueled over-investment.

A decade later, we have deregulated the financial services sector, and we face another crisis. A regulatory structure set up for banks in the 1930s needed to change because the nature of business has changed. But by the time the Glass-Steagall Act was repealed in 1999, the $300 million lobbying effort that drove deregulation was more about facilitating mergers than creating an efficient regulatory framework.

Since then, we have overseen 21st century innovation - including the aggressive introduction of new and complex financial instruments like hedge funds and non-bank financial companies - with outdated 20th century regulatory tools. New conflicts of interest recalled the worst excesses of the past - like the outrageous news that we learned just yesterday of KPMG allowing a lender to report profits instead of losses, so that both parties could make a quick buck. Not surprisingly, the regulatory environment failed to keep pace. When subprime mortgage lending took a reckless and unsustainable turn, a patchwork of regulators were unable or unwilling to protect the American people.

The policies of the Bush Administration threw the economy further out of balance. Tax cuts without end for the wealthiest Americans. A trillion dollar war in Iraq that didn't need to be fought, paid for with deficit spending and borrowing from foreign creditors like China. A complete disdain for pay-as-you-go budgeting - coupled with a generally scornful attitude towards oversight and enforcement - allowed far too many to put short-term gain ahead of long term consequences. The American economy was bound to suffer a painful correction, and policymakers found themselves with fewer resources to deal with the consequences.

Today, those consequences are clear. I see them in every corner of our great country, as families face foreclosure and rising costs. I seem them in towns across America, where a credit crisis threatens the ability of students to get loans, and states can't finance infrastructure projects. I see them here in Manhattan, where one of our biggest investment banks had to be bailed out, and the Fed opened its discount window to a host of new institutions with unprecedented implications we have yet to appreciate. When all is said and done, losses will be in the many hundreds of billions. What was bad for Main Street was bad for Wall Street. Pain trickled up.

That is why the principle that I spoke about at NASDAQ is even more urgently true today: in our 21st century economy, there is no dividing line between Main Street and Wall Street. The decisions made in New York's high-rises have consequences for Americans across the country. And whether those Americans can make their house payments; whether they keep their jobs; or spend confidently without falling into debt - that has consequences for the entire market. The future cannot be shaped by the best-connected lobbyists with the best record of raising money for campaigns. This thinking is wrong for the financial sector and it's wrong for our country.

I do not believe that government should stand in the way of innovation, or turn back the clock to an older era of regulation. But I do believe that government has a role to play in advancing our common prosperity: by providing stable macroeconomic and financial conditions for sustained growth; by demanding transparency; and by ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.

Our history should give us confidence that we don't have to choose between an oppressive government-run economy and a chaotic and unforgiving capitalism. It tells us we can emerge from great economic upheavals stronger, not weaker. But we can do so only if we restore confidence in our markets. Only if we rebuild trust between investors and lenders. And only if we renew that common interest between Wall Street and Main Street that is the key to our success.

Now, as most experts agree, our economy is in a recession. To renew our economy - and to ensure that we are not doomed to repeat a cycle of bubble and bust again and again - we need to address not only the immediate crisis in the housing market; we also need to create a 21st century regulatory framework, and pursue a bold opportunity agenda for the American people.

Most urgently, we must confront the housing crisis.

After months of inaction, the President spoke here in New York and warned against doing too much. His main proposal - extending tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans - is completely divorced from the reality that people are facing around the country. John McCain recently announced his own plan, and it amounts to little more than watching this crisis happen. While this is consistent with Senator McCain's determination to run for George Bush's third term, it won't help families who are suffering, and it won't help lift our economy out of recession.

Over two million households are at risk of foreclosure and millions more have seen their home values plunge. Many Americans are walking away from their homes, which hurts property values for entire neighborhoods and aggravates the credit crisis. To stabilize the housing market and help bring the foreclosure crisis to an end, I have sponsored Senator Chris Dodd's legislation creating a new FHA Housing Security Program, which will provide meaningful incentives for lenders to buy or refinance existing mortgages. This will allow Americans facing foreclosure to keep their homes at rates they can afford.

Senator McCain argues that government should do nothing to protect borrowers and lenders who've made bad decisions, or taken on excessive risk. On this point, I agree. But the Dodd-Frank package is not a bailout for lenders or investors who gambled recklessly, as they will take losses. It is not a windfall for borrowers, as they will have to share any capital gain. Instead, it offers a responsible and fair way to help bring an end to the foreclosure crisis. It asks both sides to sacrifice, while preventing a long-term collapse that could have enormous ramifications for the most responsible lenders and borrowers, as well as the American people as a whole. That is what Senator McCain ignores.

For homeowners who were victims of fraud, I've also proposed a $10 billion Foreclosure Prevention Fund that would help them sell a home that is beyond their means, or modify their loan to avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy. It's also time to amend our bankruptcy laws, so families aren't forced to stick to the terms of a home loan that was predatory or unfair.

To prevent fraud in the future, I've proposed tough new penalties on fraudulent lenders, and a Home Score system that will allow consumers to find out more about mortgage offers and whether they'll be able to make payments. To help low- and middle-income families, I've proposed a 10 percent mortgage interest tax credit that will allow homeowners who don't itemize their taxes to access incentives for home ownership. And to expand home ownership, we must do more to help communities turn abandoned properties into affordable housing.

The government can't do this alone, nor should it. As I said last September, lenders must get ahead of the curve rather than just reacting to crisis. They should actively look at all borrowers, offer workouts, and reduce the principal on mortgages in trouble. Not only can this prevent the larger losses associated with foreclosure and resale, but it can reduce the extent of government intervention and taxpayer exposure.

Beyond dealing with the immediate housing crisis, it is time for the federal government to revamp the regulatory framework dealing with our financial markets.

Our capital markets have helped us build the strongest economy in the world. They are a source of competitive advantage for our country. But they cannot succeed without the public's trust. The details of regulatory reform should be developed through sound analysis and public debate. But there are several core principles for reform that I will pursue as President.

First, if you can borrow from the government, you should be subject to government oversight and supervision. Secretary Paulson admitted this in his remarks yesterday. The Federal Reserve should have basic supervisory authority over any institution to which it may make credit available as a lender of last resort. When the Fed steps in, it is providing lenders an insurance policy underwritten by the American taxpayer. In return, taxpayers have every right to expect that these institutions are not taking excessive risks. The nature of regulation should depend on the degree and extent of the Fed's exposure. But at the very least, these new regulations should include liquidity and capital requirements.

Second, there needs to be general reform of the requirements to which all regulated financial institutions are subjected. Capital requirements should be strengthened, particularly for complex financial instruments like some of the mortgage securities that led to our current crisis. We must develop and rigorously manage liquidity risk. We must investigate rating agencies and potential conflicts of interest with the people they are rating. And transparency requirements must demand full disclosure by financial institutions to shareholders and counterparties.

As we reform our regulatory system at home, we must work with international arrangements like the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the International Accounting Standards Board, and the Financial Stability Forum to address the same problems abroad. The goal must be ensuring that financial institutions around the world are subject to similar rules of the road - both to make the system stable, and to keep our financial institutions competitive.

Third, we need to streamline a framework of overlapping and competing regulatory agencies. Reshuffling bureaucracies should not be an end in itself. But the large, complex institutions that dominate the financial landscape do not fit into categories created decades ago. Different institutions compete in multiple markets - our regulatory system should not pretend otherwise. A streamlined system will provide better oversight, and be less costly for regulated institutions.

Fourth, we need to regulate institutions for what they do, not what they are. Over the last few years, commercial banks and thrift institutions were subject to guidelines on subprime mortgages that did not apply to mortgage brokers and companies. It makes no sense for the Fed to tighten mortgage guidelines for banks when two-thirds of subprime mortgages don't originate from banks. This regulatory framework has failed to protect homeowners, and it is now clear that it made no sense for our financial system. When it comes to protecting the American people, it should make no difference what kind of institution they are dealing with.

Fifth, we must remain vigilant and crack down on trading activity that crosses the line to market manipulation. Reports have circulated in recent days that some traders may have intentionally spread rumors that Bear Stearns was in financial distress while making market bets against the company. The SEC should investigate and punish this kind of market manipulation, and report its conclusions to Congress.

Sixth, we need a process that identifies systemic risks to the financial system. Too often, we deal with threats to the financial system that weren't anticipated by regulators. That's why we should create a financial market oversight commission, which would meet regularly and provide advice to the President, Congress, and regulators on the state of our financial markets and the risks that face them. These expert views could help anticipate risks before they erupt into a crisis.

These six principles should guide the legal reforms needed to establish a 21st century regulatory system. But the change we need goes beyond laws and regulation - we need a shift in the cultures of our financial institutions and our regulatory agencies.

Financial institutions must do a better job at managing risks. There is something wrong when boards of directors or senior managers don't understand the implications of the risks assumed by their own institutions. It's time to realign incentives and compensation packages, so that both high level executives and employees better serve the interests of shareholders. And it's time to confront the risks that come with excessive complexity. Even the best government regulation cannot fully substitute for internal risk management.

For supervisory agencies, oversight must keep pace with innovation. As the subprime crisis unfolded, tough questions about new and complex financial instruments were not asked. As a result, the public interest was not protected. We do American business - and the American people - no favors when we turn a blind eye to excessive leverage and dangerous risks.

Finally, the American people must be able to trust that their government is looking out for all of us - not just those who donate to political campaigns. I fought in the Senate for the most extensive ethics reform since Watergate. I have refused contributions from federal lobbyists and PACs. And I have laid out far-reaching plans that I intend to sign into law as President to bring transparency to government, and to end the revolving door between industries and the federal agencies that oversee them.

Once we deal with the immediate crisis in housing and strengthen the regulatory system governing our financial markets, our final task is to restore a sense of opportunity for all Americans.

The bedrock of our economic success is the American Dream. It's a dream shared in big cities and small towns; across races, regions and religions - that if you work hard, you can support a family; that if you get sick, there will be health care you can afford; that you can retire with the dignity and security and respect that you have earned; that your kids can get a good education, and young people can go to college even if they're not rich. That is our common hope across this country. That is the American Dream.

But today, for far too many Americans, this dream is slipping away. Wall Street has been gripped by increasing gloom over the last nine months. But for many American families, the economy has effectively been in recession for the past seven years. We have just come through the first sustained period of economic growth since World War II that was not accompanied by a growth in incomes for typical families. Americans are working harder for less. Costs are rising, and it's not clear that we'll leave a legacy of opportunity to our children and grandchildren.

That's why, throughout this campaign, I've put forward a series of proposals that will foster economic growth from the bottom up, and not just from the top down. That's why the last time I spoke on the economy here in New York, I talked about the need to put the policies of George W. Bush behind us - policies that have essentially said to the American people: "you are on your own"; because we need to pursue policies that once again recognize that we are in this together.

This starts with providing a stimulus that will reach the most vulnerable Americans, including immediate relief to areas hardest hit by the housing crisis, and a significant extension of unemployment insurance for those who are out of work. If we can extend a hand to banks on Wall Street, we can extend a hand to Americans who are struggling.

Beyond these short term measures, as President I will be committed to putting the American Dream on a firmer footing. To reward work and make retirement secure, we'll provide an income tax cut of up to $1000 for a working family, and eliminate income taxes altogether for any retiree making less than $50,000 per year. To make health care affordable for all Americans, we'll cut costs and provide coverage to all who need it. To put more Americans to work, we'll create millions of new Green Jobs and invest in rebuilding our nation's infrastructure. To extend opportunity, we'll invest in our schools and our teachers, and make college affordable for every American. And to ensure that America stays on the cutting edge, we'll expand broadband access, expand funding for basic scientific research, and pass comprehensive immigration reform so that we continue to attract the best and the brightest to our shores.

I know that making these changes won't be easy. I will not pretend that this will come without cost, though I have presented ways we can achieve these changes in a fiscally responsible way. I know that we'll have to overcome our doubts and divisions and the determined opposition of powerful special interests before we can truly advance opportunity and prosperity for all Americans.

But I would not be running for President if I didn't think that this was a defining moment in our history. If we fail to overcome our divisions and continue to let special interest set the agenda, then America will fall behind. Short-term gains will continue to yield long-term costs. Opportunity will slip away on Main Street and prosperity will suffer here on Wall Street. But if we unite this country around a common purpose, if we act on the responsibilities that we have to each other and to our country, then we can launch a new era of opportunity and prosperity.

I know we can do this because Americans have done this before. Time and again, we've recognized that common stake that we have in each other's success. That's how people as different as Hamilton and Jefferson came together to launch the world's greatest experiment in democracy. That's why our economy hasn't just been the world's greatest wealth creator - it's bound America together, it's created jobs, and it's made the dream of opportunity a reality for generations of Americans.

Now it falls to us. We have as our inheritance the greatest economy the world has ever known. We have the responsibility to continue the work that began on that spring day over two centuries ago right here in Manhattan - to renew our common purpose for a new century, and to write the next chapter in the story of America's success. We can do this. And we can begin this work today.

Hillary's Scorecard

Soldierette!! (CENSORED) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:17:09 EDT

The USA Today/Gallup survey clearly explains why Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) is losing. Asked whether the candidates were “honest and trustworthy,” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) won with 67 percent, with Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) right behind him at 63. Hillary scored only 44 percent, the lowest rating for any candidate for any attribute in the poll.

Hillary simply cannot tell the truth. Here’s her scorecard:

Admitted Lies

• Chelsea was jogging around the Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. (She was in bed watching it on TV.)
• Hillary was named after Sir Edmund Hillary. (She admitted she was wrong. He climbed Mt. Everest five years after her birth.)
• She was under sniper fire in Bosnia. (A girl presented her with flowers at the foot of the ramp.)
• She learned in The Wall Street Journal how to make a killing in the futures market. (It didn’t cover the market back then.)

Whoppers She Won’t Confess To

• She didn’t know about the FALN pardons.
• She didn’t know that her brothers were being paid to get pardons that Clinton granted.
• Taking the White House gifts was a clerical error.
• She didn’t know that her staff would fire the travel office staff after she told them to do so.
• She didn’t know that the Peter Paul fundraiser in Hollywood in 2000 cost $700,000 more than she reported it had.
• She opposed NAFTA at the time.
• She was instrumental in the Irish peace process.
• She urged Bill to intervene in Rwanda.
• She played a role in the ’90s economic recovery.
• The billing records showed up on their own.
• She thought Bill was innocent when the Monica scandal broke.
• She was always a Yankees fan.
• She had nothing to do with the New Square Hasidic pardons (after they voted for her 1,400-12 and she attended a meeting at the White House about the pardons).
• She negotiated for the release of refugees in Macedonia (who were released the day before she got there).

With a record like that, is it any wonder that we suspect her of being less than honest and straightforward?

Trust

BENTON GRIMMETT — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:23:28 EDT

I saw a headline about owing a political family because of what they may have done for African Americans. Surely we should realize that when we give to others the return of that giving may not come back to us from the person (or persons) to whom we gave, Rather, we should trust that the reciprocation does occur, although it may not be identifiably related to one group. We owe no man nothing but love, according to a book of wisdom. Trust that when our candidate is elected he will take care of all Americans!

Questions To Ask Yourself

Jill 4 Obama — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:08:14 EDT

Would you end a friendship with a friend who differs with you on one of your beliefs or who once said words you do not believe?

Would you try to change that part of your friend, or would you accept them for their deeds and who they are, not for words that they may have said?

Do you control the thoughts and words that your friend thinks and says?

Did you ever say something that you heard another say, and then found out it was not true?

Which is most important to you, the truth, the Golden Rule, winning, or getting justice?

Which behaviors in yourself can you control?

Which behaviors in your friend can you control?

Is guilt by association fair?

Are your values your own?

Do you own the values of everyone you are with?

Is every thought/idea you think either black or white, or are some shades of grey?

Who do you think has the values you want in a President?

What do you admire most about that person?

Who do you think you can trust as your President?

Who do you think you will respect the most as your President?

Who can help you the most? Who can help the world the most?

Why do you respect yourself?

Why do you respect the person you want for President?

Who should you vote for?

Who will you vote for?

Why?

Reflection No 7 – Fearless Following

Edmundo — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:42:42 EDT

Reflection No 7 – Fearless Following

Somewhere in my past the innocence of my memories has been lost. Perhaps it happened when I met my wife and stayed in the same college town until she finished her education. Or, it happened when we married and then I got a job I hated but kept because of the benefits. For the first time I had someone I could lose or cared to lose. To make things worse, I believed my actions were the adult and responsible thing to do. Those moments were inspired by fear, and excused by the love I felt for the most important person I have ever met.

I made sound and prudent decisions, yet I became unhappy and my success was measured. One day my wife and I had a very serious discussion. I did not realize that she could read my misery. To be honest, I didn’t know I was miserable. The discussion ended with two important outcomes: I quite my job and I started to write. I accepted a teaching position at the local high school – to teach literature; and I wrote more unpublished material. I was happy.

The irony lies in the fact that even with my wife staying at home with our two children and with my teacher salary, we have done very well. I credit this success in the lesson I learned from that one discussion: love, not fear, should direct my actions.

Following is guided by love, not fear. The difference between true following and reaction is love. I love my wife, I love my children, I love my home, and I love my country. Everything I know motivates me to express this love and to disallow fear from controlling and misdirecting my life. Even when fear gives us the illusion of safety it cannot give us love, only love can.

Recently, with the mess of politics I have conversed with many people and they look at me and say: “I don’t know about Barack Obama, I want to believe in him but I’m afraid.” Their eyes have been sincere and their desire for courage has been equally honest. They want to hear that Barack is safe. At first I could only feel anger and even, resentment. Of course he is safe, of course he is a true American. They already know this. I didn’t want to hear that they knew in their heart that Barack is good for the country but that they question him because they fear the unknown. Then I began to feel pity for their weakness. Until one morning when I understood that they needed love, for only love could bring happiness and comfort.

Following is fearless. Under the layer of the unknown there is hope so long as there is love. Love in the intention and compassion in the process. I don’t understand exactly how it happens but I recognize that it does. When my son was born I didn’t drive for a week, and then I could not drive without fear of an accident. I could not realistically stay home forever or protect him from all harm. I had to trust in myself, in my skills, in my ideas, and ultimately, in my God.

Rather than transforming myself and thus my world into a skeptical reality where I would lose myself, I chose to have faith in others. This is valuable to politics. We must renew our social contract with each other. We must have that conversation where we are honest and loving. Where the two decisions we make, bring us happiness and prosperity. Prosperity is the symptom of love. I say symptom because prosperity is not a reward. The reward is our peace and tranquility. But there can be more than the inner well-being, there can be economic prosperity. I look around me and see an economy that I do not recognize. I watch television and see an America I know is not the America of my dreams.

In my dreams people are civil, even to those they do not know. In my dreams homes are made for families, even those families whose income is modest. In my dreams children value life, because they see it in the adults around them. In my dreams adolescents want to be adults because they want to be part of that greatness! I have not lost this dream because I know that people out there still hope and are brave enough to love. Those people know that following is fearless.

Hillary and Walmart

Vince from Boston, MA — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:27:02 EDT

I've included a link to an ABC news story on Hillary's record when she was on the board of directors of WalMart for 6 years from 1986 through 1992.

The story mentions that Hillary's campaign biography and memoirs make no mention of the fact that Hillary served on the board of directors for WalMart for 6 years. It tells you something about her character that she now chooses to attempt to hide this inconvenient aspect of her record and her experience.

The simple fact is that in 1986 Hillary chose to spend her time working to help WalMart. In 1986, Barack Obama was working as "a community organizer with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment." You decide who has the better record, who has the better judgment, and who you can trust to tell you the truth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtdwcbqeE5s

Thanks Mark from Lexington, MA

Barack the Vote !

New York Shock!!

Venkatesh — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:40:15 EDT

What a shocker from New York. One of the promising young stars of the Democratic Party looks like he's had his career cut short by his own indiscretion. The fact that he's apologized to his family in public leads me to believe that the allegations against him (of having solicited prostitution over the phone) are not without merit.

I don't want to pile on the guy (especially his family) at this trying time but I'll just say this: When a person carries around a holier-than-thou attitude, we need to be extra careful with placing our trust and confidence in him/her. We've seen it time and again in the past few years in the case of many republican congressmen and senators (Duke, Craig et al) and if anything, this goes to prove that such glaring weaknesses cross party lines. We the public, have to be very cautious before we elevate someone to a rock star status.

Whatever action Spitzer needs to take should be taken soon (within a week, I'd say), whether it be resigning or trying to clear his name.

Lest we forget....

Julie Hensley — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:44:01 EDT

what Barack Obama stands for is what he has stood for his entire adult life.

- honesty

- civility

- focus

- unity

- respect

- equality

- collaboration, cooperation

- community

- things you could add....

Which of these would you be willing to compromise? In the mass desire to see Barack Obama slay the dragons you see - would you ask him to turn away from being who he is? How easily do you think he would be able to recapture that virtue that was left along the way?

Becoming more like Hillary will not guarantee a victory. It will only guarantee that we'd have two Hillary's to choose from. Yes, I've seen the arguments and the rationales that to stand up is not to be 'dirty'. That to be forceful and defensive with a strong offense is not the same thing. You - and me - all of us, have an outsider's perspective. We are not, Barack Obama, he is more than aware of the rationalizations he could make and the positions he could take. I would be willing to bet that he is as if not smarter than anyone that might read this blog... more importantly he knows what feels acceptable in his own skin.

Should he take your advice and follow your suggestions and then hate himself for it because it wasn't right for him - what would you say to him? How would you reassure and compensate him for his lost self-respect? his lost supporters? his lost political career?

He trusts his instincts - he trusted them when he boldly announced that he was embarking on a completely unconventional campaign strategy and it's served him well. So NOW you want to re-invent him? Now you find that he's disappointed you by being exactly what he said he would be? Now you want him to go back on those promises because YOU are panicked? Sorry, the same man that had the courage to stand against the wave and say that going to war with Iraq was WRONG (even when the vast majority of his constituency was for it) ain't likely to value your rationalizations and panic now.

Guess what? That's WHY *I* SUPPORT him. It's time for more trust, more focus and more work and a lot less second guessing.

Glass Houses

DocMobley — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:21:36 EST

Barack has started and should continue to remind the Clintons that "you should not throw rocks when your own house is made of glass." Thin, brittle glass in the case of The Clintons.

If Michelle Obama is fair game to be scrutinized then so is Bill Clinton. Family values resonates with many Americans. A positive family portrait of Barack and family and more about family values cannot be left out of this campaign.

Integrity and trust should be brought front and center. Any person with a sense of integrity knows that she did not "win" Michigan without Barack's name on the ballot. How can any person of decency go around saying she won Michigan? This person will do anything to win. Can you trust someone like that? Same for Florida, all the candidates signed a legal document that they would not campaign in Florida and acknowledged in writing that there was no contest there. Again, how can any person of decency go around saying she won Florida? This person will do anything to win. Can you trust someone like that?

BTW, I voted for Bill twice and was considering voting for Hilliary early on. Hilliary has lost her sense of decency and fairness, if she ever had it. She should be reminded, however, that "you should not throw rocks when your own house is made of glass."

Senator Claire McCaskell of Missouri is very positive. We need to see more of her in upcoming contests. We need to see more of our "big guns" Oprah and Caroline.

I hope to meet some of the Obama Hopemongers on the ground in Pennsylvania.

DocMobley in AZ - Yes We Can

IN THE TIME LIKE THIS: WE TURN TO GOD AND CONVICTION

ODEH ODEH — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:56:41 EST

So far, we have come, seen and conquered, that is a splendid development in this presidential nomination process. However, the battle is not yet over.

In the time like this, we must turn to God for divine guidance and protection.

In the time like this, we must explore our inner strength and not fear

In the time like this, we must not give up on hope and change

In the time like this, we have to recognize the progress made so far in the process

In the time like this, we ought to reiterate our commitment to move forward

In the time like this, we owe ourselves a measure of confidence and inner will to say yes

In the time like this, America must be aware of our desire for unity and peace

In the time like this, America must choose between the politics of goodness and malice

In the time like this, we cannot afford to let them take away our power

Yes, and even before the curtail fall, we must be reminded of the good fight we are fighting and it is my conviction that generation yet unborn shall thank us all for being part of the movement that restore power to the people, by supporting Obama and opposing the politics of special interest, lobbying and lobbyist, nepotism, egocentrism, melancholy, diabolism, hatred, envy, dogmatism, segregation, dichotomy, discrimination, perpetuation of racism, poverty, low esteem, economic malady and contemporary ills in our society sequel to the nature of our politicking.

Obama is changing all these with our help, because he believes that power should belong to the people.

Now is the time to make that change.

Therefore, I urge you all, do not be discourage, look up to God and your inner strength and believe that you can make that change happen.

It is well with you all, amen.

God bless USA

God bless Obama

Why Obama Over Hillary?

Kathleen — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:38:20 EST

I am 27 years old. Last Tuesday was the first Primary I have ever voted in. There are a couple of reasons for this. One, I live in a Democratic state and there has never been a closley contested Democratic primary where I live. Two, I have never cared or believed in anyone enough (in any political party) to actually go out and vote in a primary.

Everything is different this time around. I have never felt such a compelling sense of responsibility to take action in the political process than I do now.

It is no surprise that our country has been on the wrong path for the past seven years, but we can't do anything about the past. What we CAN do is look forward to a new future with a new voice, one that speaks for it's people instead of in spite of them. A voice that is not one tone on a stage, and another behind a closed door, this voice can speak for the majority of this country. The voice is that of Barack Obama.

Generally speaking, I agree with most of Hillary's views on the issues. (the exception being her continual voting for the was in Iraq) However, Barack Obama I truly believe is a visionary who will unite our divided people and revolutionize the way the world thinks about our morality, empathy, strength and action.

I see no revolution in Hillary Clinton. I see corporate cronies and hidden truths. While I may agree with her politics, I do not completely trust her to be honest and authentic.

We do not have to have shady politics and untrustworthy figureheads in this country! I believe Barack Obama will illustrate that truth when he is elected President of the United States.

The New Age

Max — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:31:52 EST

Saecula Nova
Harrison Max Pfingsten

The new age upon us
will return us to
the forgotten promise
that we all once knew
True to ourselves
and true to the world
from dank dusty shelves
our flag is unfurled
Not a blanket nor cover
no shield for whats wrong
but a zeal to discover
new ways to be strong
A pennant of penance
a banner of right
an immortal remembrance
of the need to unite
Too long has our nation
allowed vicious strife
and misinformation
to govern our life
Too long have men hidden
neath our noble flag
just to drag it through midden
and leave it a rag
Too long we've let others
tell us what was wrong
when, my sisters and brothers
we've known all along
With all of our problems
the one left unspoken
is the tool that we use to fix problems is broken
Our government's rotten
wanting light and fresh air
Leaders have forgotten
why we first put them there
We're far too complacent
in this self absorbed age
When this country was nascent
it was born out of rage
It was rage at injustice
at tyrannies reign
Yet those whom we trusted
have done it again
With eloquence, not common sense
they try to make it sound
like it was not incompetence
that ran this ship aground
With feigned enthusiasm
they shout and hoop and holler
in hopes that we'll ignore the
corp'rate lipstick on their collar
With sly smug self assurance
they plunge us into debt
and make our health insurance
impossible to get
Not because they're powerless
or there's too much on the docket
but because special interests
have got them in their pocket
The cat's out of the bag now
and much as I revere him
I think the rest of washington
has good reason to fear him
For he has raised the standard
to a level they can't reach
from his clarity and candor
to the power of his speech
What we see is more than zeal
its someone real
yes someone real
What we hear is nothing new
its something true
yes really true
It is that promise that we knew
Not satisfied to be lied to
that many for the sake of few
should suffer in the way they do
At Last a light illuminates
the darkness of their deeds
and we can all seek candidates
more suited to our needs
What joy, what rapture, to believe
that change lies round the bend
our sorry plight we shall relieve
and bring war to an end
Shout ye mothers!
Cry out ye children!
Stand up all ye deprived!
For by your shouts,
your cries of pain
our nation is revived
For now that we are hurt
we see the error of our ways
We've had our just desserts
now we can taste a better day
Where there's mystery there's hope
or so the saying goes
but in the light, we gain insight
on whats before our nose
This is a Democracy.
The Demos, thats is us,
has invested the Kratos, that is power,
with our trust.
That trust has been cheated
so much that we're numb
and before we're defeated
we quickly succumb
to the power of fear
or whatever persuades us
that the people who harm us
are trying to aid us
But as our first love
may seem so unreal
when seen in the light of
how jaded we feel
yet e'en the most callused of hearts will move when
it feels those old feelings of romance again
So too we as citizens, by trust united
all long to feel that our devotion's requited
and now that we've found it, with honest ardor
we can begin loving our country once more.

Trust = Time + Consistency

Miguelito — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 08:26:57 EST

This is the first blog I have ever posted in my entire life. Barack has inspired me. I apologize in advance for the lack of protocol when it comes to posting on this blog.

I have entitled this post "Trust = Time + Consistency".

My life has lead me to a point where I have had to question exactly what do I trust in. The good book tells us not to lean on our own understanding. Therefore it is not advised by the bible itself to trust wholly in mankind.

However, I have found two different areas in life in which one can trust. God and math. God is a constant in my life and the lives of many in the world. The bible also advises us to trust in the Lord with all your heart. Trusting God was a given. The interesting area of trust that I found was the latter; math. It is as simple as 1 + 1 = 2. It will always be the same; consistently.

If something is consistently the same, over time one learns to trust in it. This holds true for mankind as well. So, there is still hope for us. I have begun to equate every experience in my life to an opportunity to put these two areas of trust into effect. I always choose God as a first resort. I pray, meditate and seek the advice of those in my family; church and home. Next, I do the math. Does one plus one equal two as it should; always. This has been instrumental in my decision to support Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States of America.

Over time Barack has consistently been hopefull, optimistic and logical in representing himself in a manner in which I have come to believe is admirable, honorable and trustworthy. He will receive my vote this November.

I urge all who are undecided to take your time in making your final decision. Choose God as a first resort and bring it to Him in prayer. Then do the math and you will find Time + Consistency = Trust.

Respectfully,

Miguelito

Campaign Ethics

Tennyson — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:22:04 EST

To change Washington, we the voters need to take Dr. Phil seriously when he says “THE BEST PREDICTOR OF FUTURE BEHAVIOR IS PAST BEHAVIOR.”When political contenders deliberately distort the views of their opponents and make patently false charges against them, we cannot dismiss this as part of the rough and tumble of political campaigns. We need to scrutinize this behavior more carefully. If a man or woman lies or distorts the facts in order to gain political office, when elected this person will lie and dissemble to win support for his or her objectives (his or he Iraq). So, Boys and Girls, if you want a President who tells you the truth, do not elect one who lies or distorts the opponent’s record on the campaign trail. If you want a president who will fight for your interests as against the interests of the Health Care Companies, do not elect a president who gets large campaign contributions from the Health Care Industry Take responsibility

My favorite Obama quote keeps me focused

June from Washington, DC — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:41:28 EST

"If we cast aside our fear and cast aside our cynicism and we stand up for what we genuinely believe, this is our moment, this is our time, you can feel it, you can see it," Baraka Obama

Obama speaks to the energy that is setting the tone for how we can achieve oneness as a human race. Isn’t that what we are here for, to learn how to love and be in harmony with one another? With that in mind, let’s look closely at Obama’s statement because he definitely gives us the formula to make oneness a reality. Cast aside fear—negative thoughts and emotions create unhappy experiences. Fear feeds on separateness and disharmony. Release those negative thoughts and emotions and you cast aside fear. Cast aside our cynicism- let go of judgmental thoughts that keep you locked in doubt about your own abilities and distrust of others. Stand up for what we genuinely believe—look inside yourself and see if you really believe in oneness, love, harmony and peace because if you do, then you will genuinely stand up for them without any hesitations. This is our moment, this is our time----live in the moment and not the past (it’s gone) or the future (not promised). Put your attention in the NOW. You can feel it, you can see it---there is a dynamic divine energy that is sweeping the universe. It is called living in the heart and you only have to open your heart to receive it.

Compare and Contrast - Round 1 - Trust

Aris — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:13:13 EST

Hillary Clinton asked me, and all of you, to take the time to compare and contrast the candidates. So to be a good sport, I decided to take up her challenge. For my purposes this will be a comparative between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. (Sorry John, I think your heart is in the right place, but I think your horse threw its rider and won't finish)

Where to begin...

Let's start with trust. I think most would agree that there has been a serious breach of trust committed by the Bush administration. Nobody trusts him or his cronies anymore and the consequences of his untruthfulness, or sheer ignorance, have not only siphoned off America's treasures and faith, but it has heavily stained our once honorable reputation around the world. We have learned the painful lesson of what happens when we lose trust in our leaders.

So what is it going to take to repair that trust? It is going to take integrity beyond reproach. It is going to take that special and rare individual that speaks the truth and doesn't hold anything back for convenience. Trust is that feeling you have when you know you found the right doctor, or the right priest, or the right mechanic. Trust is that bond that you have with your best friend, that friend that knows all of your secrets and your fears and could use that arsenal against you on a whim.

We've all been wronged. We have all had trust compromised by someone we consider close. It is the most miserable feeling you can have and it can scar you bad enough that it taints your decisions and skews your actions going forward. It becomes such a fragile thing that it is only given again to someone that has proven themselves through noble deeds and steadfast integrity.

Here is where I find my first big contrast between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. As an example lets take the NH primaries. We all know the outcome. We all know how shocked everyone paying attention was when the final tally was in. Everything pointed to a sizable victory for Barack Obama. Even Hillary Clinton's camp was so confident they would lose that they say she did not write a victory speech (if that was ad-lib though, it was pretty good). I'm not saying they did anything wrong or shady, but a funny thing happened to me when I heard those results, something that I have a pretty strong hunch was not unique to me. That little voice inside said, "how did she do it, how did she bend the system?" That's the little voice that follows the Clinton's. Even though Bill Clinton will in effect be a factor in her Presidency, I won't even get into his strained relationship with the truth and trust, you can read all about it in the works of Kenneth Starr, I will stick with Hillary and the aura of her campaign.

If this voice chiming in was an isolated incident I could shoo it away like a pesky fly, but it's not. I heard it when I saw that girl wink after asking a question at one of Hillary's events. I heard it when she said her campaign is in no way complicit in this Nevada lawsuit brought by some of her backers, some of the very people that originally designed the plan, but they did it only after the coveted endorsement of the powerful Culinary Union went to her opponent. This one actually is not just a voice, it has an accompanying odor and everybody over there is trying to stay straight faced so as not to raise suspicion that the odor came from them. I heard that voice when she said Barack Obama was not always against the war and used snippets and innuendo out of context in a vain attempt to smear his credibility. I heard it when Bill said he was against the war from the beginning and she agreed. I heard that voice when she said she made decision to get rid of Billy Shaheen even though he is the one who resigned. I heard it when she said that Robert Johnson was talking about Obama's community service "in the neighborhood", and she agreed. Let's just say I've heard that voice a lot and I don't think I'm alone. I could go on and on, but I'll stop here.

Now we come to Barack Obama. How do you feel about someone who's signature issue at the state and federal levels was ethics reform. Ethics? In Washington? Dare we dream? How do you feel about someone that had the most powerful political machine in America trying to dig up dirt and the best they could come up with were the unabashed ambitions of a five year old, or the openly admitted drug use of a conflicted teenager. The best they could do is misrepresent his strategic "present" votes which were made with the blessings of his fellow Democrats in Illinois as part of a larger plan to achieve larger objectives. The best they could do is claim he plays politics because he chose not to throw the 2004 Democratic nominee and his running mate under the bus for their misguided vote to go to war with Iraq, a misguided vote that I might add she was complicit in, but unlike them has not apologized for. She claimed he was a liar because he says he doesn't play politics and was doing so in that case. Unfortunately she forgot to listen to his rules of governing "not by polls, but by principle, not by calculation, but by conviction." Principle and conviction told him not to shatter the Democratic party and take one for the team at potential personal cost. That's integrity. That's character. That breeds trust.

Personally, I like not hearing voices. I like not having to dissect every word to find the truth myself. I like knowing that a strong moral compass is the guide. I like knowing ethics are the standard not the exception. I like feeling trust.

How do these candidates stack up so far for you America?

My scorecard reads:Round 1 - Trust .... Barack Obama

Round 2 - Judgment .... (if you guys think I should continue, I'll try to work on round 2 tomorrow as it is almost 3:00 am here and I'm calling it quits)

Goodnight

Obama '08 - History in the Making

A vision

Mid America Mom — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:53:30 EST

Looking at the calendar it is a day to reflect and celebrate. Celebrate the birth of a great man, Martin Luther King Jr. He committed his passion and purpose in life to fulfilling a dream.

"Guts" or "Soul"?

Benjamin Vos, Nashville — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:14:35 EST

When Eliot Spitzer endorsed Senator Clinton on May 15, 2007, he said she had "the guts" needed for the job.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/blog/view/?id=5768

To be sure, Clinton has proven that she is a tough-minded woman who is capable of vigorously fighting on behalf of what she believes in. Most of all, Clinton believes in herself. On countless occasions, including yesterday's "Meet the Press" interview with Tim Russert, she asserted her personal conviction that she is the most qualified candidate for the job. When all else around her is shaken, Clinton believes in herself. (Cue Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All")

But something seems to have been lost along the way - something that briefly emerged in New Hampshire when she choked back raw emotion before allowing the guts to kick in again. For a moment, we saw a Hillary Clinton who felt something. We captured a glimpse of her soul.

Barack Obama leads with the "change" voters because, at the core of his campaign, he has captured the soul of American democracy. Hearkening back to the great traditions of our country with the words "hope" and "change", Obama evokes memories of JFK, MLK, RFK, FDR, and other great figures in American history. Obama's integrity - the congruence between what he says, does, thinks, and feels - is what leaves Americans with a sense that Barack Obama is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate. And it is exactly what Clinton lacks (due, in large part, to Mark Penn's campaign strategy of capitalizing on "microtrends").

So, the battle in the campaign is largely a battle of "guts" versus "soul".

To be sure, Obama and Clinton both have guts. As Obama said between Iowa and New Hampshire (and at other times in previous campaigns), "I'm never the frontrunner. My name is Barack Obama." Obama, as a biracial child growing up in Indonesia and Hawaii, and later as a community organizer on the streets of Chicago's South Side, has been tested and vetted. The testing has intensified as he entered into political life as a state Senator in Illinois and later in a very intense US Senate race where he was outspent 6:1 by Alan Keyes, his Republican challenger.

But the edge in the campaign, in spite of her long-standing political connections and her marriage to former president Bill Clinton, goes to Barack Obama. Clinton's calls for change ring hollow. Her mental and emotional toughness belie a divisive spirit that has made the campaign a bloodsport. Clinton relished the opportunity to attack Obama when he began to challenge Clinton in Iowa, saying, "Now the fun part begins." And, as Clinton said at the Jefferson Jackson dinner, she is most interested in attacking the Republicans in the general election, where she has already collected almost $9M during the time when her nomination appeared "inevitable".

Clinton is leading her political process from the top-down, calling on the political elites to endorse her early in the process and then riding the early wave of success. Obama has excelled recently because of his proven ability to lead from the bottom-up, calling out the better angels of the American spirit by appealing to voters alienated by 40 years of "the same old Washington politics".

Clinton's recent claim that Vladimir Putin "has no soul" still echoes in my ears. For someone who has the battle scars to prove her many years of gutsy political activity, Clinton ought to know what it's like to have your soul taken from you by political secrecy, back-room deals, and half-truths.

Without Conscience: Understanding Psychopaths in Politics

Benjamin Vos, Nashville — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 20:52:16 EST

Dr. Robert Hare, one of the leading authorities in the world on psychopathy and professor emeritus of psychology at the University of British Columbia (Canada), has written a fascinating study called Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us. The book opens with the following statement:

"Psychopaths are social predators who charm, manipulate, and ruthlessly plow their way through life, leaving a broad trail of broken hearts, shattered expectations, and empty wallets. Completely lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they selfishly take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret. Their bewildered victims desperately ask, "Who are these people?" "What makes them the way they are?" "How can we protect ourselves?"

The key symptoms of psychopathy are listed as follows:

glib and superficial
egocentric and grandiose
lack of remorse or guilt
lack of empathy
deceitful and manipulative
shallow emotions
impulsive
poor behavior controls
need for excitement
lack of responsibility
early behavior problems
adult antisocial behavior

It seems that, in the wake of 8 years of the Clintons (Whitewater, Ken Starr, Monica Lewinsky, Linda Tripp, vast right-wing conspiracy, questions about what "is" means) and then 8 years of GW Bush (Enron, Weapons of Mass Destruction, pre-emptive war in Iraq, axis of evil, Abu Ghraib), the United States is fearful that our next president will fool us again.

Dr. Hare warns us, "Many people are impulsive, or glib, or cold and unfeeling, or antisocial, but that does not mean they are psychopaths."

What can we do to ensure that we don't get hurt again?

Here are Dr. Hare's suggestions:

Know what you are dealing with
Try not to be influenced by "props" (smile, fast talk, body language, political power)
Don't wear "blinkers" (be aware of flattery, feigned concern and kindness, and phony stories)
Keep your guard up in high-risk situations
Know your own weak spots
Obtain professional advice
Don't blame yourself if you are fooled
Be aware of who the victim is (don't allow the psychopath to play the victim)
Recognize that you are not alone
Be careful about power struggles
Set firm ground rules
Don't expect dramatic changes or improvements in behavior
Cut your losses rather than holding on
Stay close to your support system

I think it's important for all of us to look beyond the surface, the feigned tears, the changes in stories, the deceptions, and the apparent lack of conscience in some of our political candidates. Ultimately, this presidential election is a matter of trust.

Will we trust that someone who lied and deceived us in the past will tell us the truth now? Will you allow yourself to be fooled again and again because you're hoping the situation will change? Or will you pay attention to the warning signs and act accordingly?

Our political landscape is filled with psychopathy. From Nixon to Reagan to Clinton to Bush, we've seen time after time where the public was deliberately misled in order to cover up the secret ambitions of our political leaders and the powerbrokers in Washington and across the country. But Barack Obama has openly told his personal story, and he's included the parts of himself that most politicians would prefer to cover up. It's all out there for you to see.

So keep your guard up. Be suspicious of all our political leaders. And if you don't feel confident that you can trust the candidate, then please don't make the mistake of voting for them anyway.

Hillary Dismisses Obama's Eloquence and Charisma as Irrelevant Leadership Skills. They're Not.

Nancy Pace — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:19:20 EST

Obama’s gruff “You’re likeable enough, Hillary” during last night’s ABC debate was hardly cynical, but rather a low-key (and successful) attempt to head off a fruitless squabble about the relative likeability of the candidates, not to mention a gallant effort to rescue Hillary from an embarrassing moment.

Hillary was not being cynical either. Of course her feelings were hurt, and she was courageous to admit it. It hurts to be publicly slapped after doing your best in a lifetime of service. And of course this seasoned politician will soldier on with her characteristic indomitable resilience despite the shaking she’s endured in the last few weeks from the rough winds of political fortune. Her willingness to be vulnerable and honest was positively endearing, and indicative of hard-won personal growth in recent years.

Hillary is deeply warm-spirited. If she could as consistently offer that diplomatic side of herself (i.e., the openness, defenselessness, and respect she offers Chelsea, for instance) toward voters, the press, her rivals, and even America’s presumed enemies, as Obama can and will (rather than attacking, stereotyping, and polarizing her "enemies" as Bush has--i.e., Hillary's recent remark about the "soulless KGB agent, Putin")--her political scope of influence (and fortunes) would change overnight.

Unfortunately, Hillary has not yet conquered her distrustfulness and defensiveness, while Obama has apparently little ego to protect. He judges and attacks no one, including himself, and because of that, he doesn’t feel attacked.

Negative campaigning doesn’t sit comfortably within Hillary’s moral heart, so she was at her desperately inauthentic worst during the opening moments of the debate as she deceptively snuck in unfair innuendos about Obama’s record, attacks which Obama handily deflected with facts.

Then all the other candidates justifiably pounced on her for negative campaigning, which won’t work for her, and shouldn't (how could a ruthless attack-dog heal a nation and lead the world?) and shame on her for the pointless grief and confusion it could bring to what otherwise would be a profitable exchange of competing ideas during a dangerous time.

Unfortunately, it’s a bit much to ask Hillary to suddenly turn into Bill Clinton (or Barack Obama). She is what she is, which is a truly amazing woman with a few limitations and the tenacity to overcome them.

Obama did have a chance to speak briefly and eloquently on the subject of the relative importance of charisma and leadership skills. When Hillary contemptuously dismissed the impact of “words” as opposed to “actions,” Obama countered by insisting that the next President’s ability to inspire the citizenry to greater personal political responsibility was essential. And he’s right. Even Barack Obama will not be able to move forward on the huge, difficult changes we need without overwhelming public backing, because, despite the current popularity of the word “change,” no one likes it.

The American public is gradually awakening to the realization that our next President can break political gridlock only through charismatic, trustworthy leadership. This realization is less fun for Hillary, whose many talents currently lie elsewhere.

For the first time in a long time!

Michael in Pasadena CA. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:25:50 EST

This is my first time to blog.... I felt the need to share my enthusiasm for this movement that Mr. Obama is leading.

Like many people in this Country I have grown scenical about our system. Our goverment has let the American people and the international community down for a very long time. The fabric of our unique culture has been challenged and compromised by corporate greed and the williness of politicians to sell out. The media and the money machines behind them feed us bias reports that lean either to the right or left. There has not been a voice from the middle ground of honest bold straight truth in a long time. We as people who vote these politicians into office have been manipulated to the point where we no longer believe or trust them, from our local government, all the way to the White House. I now question whether our Country is still the greatest? I no longer believe that we as a Country are invincible. Our culture, our sense of purpose has dwindled to mediocrity. As a result some might argue that our once great nation is sinking into oblivion. History books remind us of the once great nations of our past, that appeared to be invincible but, were not. They were vulnerable to many of the same factors that we are currently faced with in our once proud Country. This blog of mine is begining to sound like an opinion article in the L.A. Times. (Sorry if it sounds like a guy who might have had a bad day at the office and pounded a couple of cocktails). I just can't help but express my true disapointment in the lack of focus and commitment offered up by our so called "leaders".

For the record I am an independent voter. I regretfully voted for our current President, George Bush, for both of his terms. At the time, I, like many Americans, felt that changing the guard with Kerry would have been the wrong move. I did not feel that there was a better option offered by the Democrats. I deeply regret my vote choice however, and can't help but feel a sense of shame for it. I have to live with that along with many others who like myself, may feel similar in respect to their vote. I can't tell you how embarrassed I am to admit that I voted for George Bush. This has been a really bad ride for so many.....

For the first time in a very long time I feel a sense of hope. Watching with scenical and cautious eyes I have watched and listened to both Republicans and Democrats. I have watched the debates between them and read and studied their positions on the issues.. Months ago I recall hearing about Barack Obama telling the truth about his past. His ability to admit the truth captured my attention. It was not your typical politician response like " I did not inhale" it was simply the truth. His response was backed with courage and integrity, a quality that I had not seen in a politician in quite a while. Along with this admission to experimenting with drugs he stuck to his guns about not supporting the invasion of Iraq. The only democrat currently running for the office who did not flip flop on the subject. It appears to me that Mr. Obama is less concerned about making his choices based on public opinion polls and political correctness but rather basing his decisions on sound logic.

I watched a recent debate between the candates. Mrs. Clinton made a comment regarding the distinction between words and action. She was making an argument that the so called actions that she had taken in her political career in some way were more relevant than just words. Implying that the words coming from Mr. Obama were simply, just words and had no substance to back them. Mr. Obama's response along with Mr. Edwards reminded me of the great leader's of our past and how their words for better or for worse made a tremendous difference for their cause. Just look at some of the incredible speeches made by great statesman of our past. They created change just by their words. Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Winston Churchill to name just a few. Words do have meaning and true leaders know this. NOW is when we more than ever need a true leader, one who can provide our Country with the words of hope and help a Country that is confused and lost back to a Country that is proud of itself again.

I have not been excited about a candidate since the maverick Ross Perot took the stage and provided us with flow charts and chicken feathers. Ofcourse, he was not a leader, atleast not as President of the United States. He let some of us down.

I hope you are the real deal Mr. Obama. I will keep my eyes on you. Your ideas and your sincerity have captured my attention and obviously millions more around the world. If you continue to be true to yourself and to the people you want to represent, I will proudly support you in your effort to be President. And one more thing please, please, please don't go down that ugly path of public opinion poles. Just speak from your heart and be real. Americans like myself are smart enough to see the difference.

Good luck,

Michael Darling

Faith in the Government

Randall Sobien — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:42:26 EST

No, I'm not talking about faith as in religion and spirituality, though that may make an interesting post for later. I am talking about trust in the government, or lack thereof.

Conspiracy theories have run wild lately. There are always the nutcases wearing tinfoil hats talking about black helicopters. We'll always have those. But since 9/11, there have been much more serious, and perhaps credible, theories by people one wouldn't normally associate with that sort of thing. There are those that say that the government planted bombs in the WTC, and those that deny it was a plane that hit the Pentagon, but suggest instead that it was one of our own missiles.

I'll go ahead and say it right now- I don't believe either of these theories, despite some people I respect and sincerely look up to (not my family) believing in them. First, in the matter of the WTC. No, jet fuel does not burn hot enough to melt steel. We can all agree on that much. However, steel does not have to melt for it to lose its structural integrity, especially with several hundred tons of weight resting on it. Consider that the first tower got hit closer to the top, and the second tower was hit closer to the middle. The second one fell first because more weight was resting on the compromised section of the tower. Would you say that jet fuel burns hotter than wood? Then consider that when I BBQ stuff in my grill, the steel grate that the coals sit on becomes glowing hot, and eventually starts to sag under its own weight. People also point to the windows blowing out as the tower fell. That is because the air was being forced down. Granted, much escapes from the top, as it doesn't exactly form an air tight container as it falls, but not enough escaped, so the several thousand tons of rubble falling combined with vibrations from the collapse were more than enough to blow out windows. As for the Pentagon... it has been said that very few people witnessed a plane crashing into it. Well, even fewer witnessed a missile crashing into it. The burden of proof lies with the accusers.

That's not to say I don't have my own ideas. I think, based on what I've read, that the Bush administration did know something was going to happen, they just didn't act on it. Whether it be that they intended a "wag the dog" (a war/disaster to improve approval ratings) or because they just didn't know what the hell they were doing, I think they knew something was going to happen. Of course, maybe that's just my own lack of faith in the government, which brings me to my topic.

I Trust Obama

Dave K. — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:35:48 EST

Group - I've set up a new Obama Website and petition and would like your input on how I can improve it.

The site is http://www.itrustobama.com/

If you have a chance, please check it out and send me feedback either here or at dkmail@verizon.net.

Thanks,
Dave K.

The Emotions of Democracy

Emma — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:16:52 EDT

There is no doubt the subject of democracy stirs up a lot of feelings in many people. It is almost as if it has replaced a belief in God in many parts of the world. Those who swear by it do so with total conviction, even without any deeper analysis of its meaning. Those who dismiss it do so with a vengeance.

Democracy, like religion, is a topic only experts seem to discuss at any length. They sit in secluded rooms, sweating over the fact that defining democracy is as impossible as defining God. Yet they know it is necessary for the masses to be convinced. And just like the church has done for centuries, they turn to simple words that resonate with tantalizing simplicity. "Democracy is the ultimate freedom!", "Democracy makes all humans equal!", "Only democracy can bring an end to misery and despair!“

The truth is that democracy is more than just a word and its real essence goes far deeper than the fortune-cookie explanations most schoolbooks, and politicians, reduce it to. In fact democracy has its origin in the most fundamental aspects of humanity, that which sets us apart from all other species on this planet. No, I am not talking about our verbal skills or our opposable thumbs. In my opinion the most important thing that separates us from other animals in the game of evolution, is the development of emotions. Emotions have become our greatest strength but also our ultimate weakness. Emotions themselves are not uniquely human. What is unique, however, is the evolution of human emotions.

The basic emotions are common among most animals and with that I mean feelings like fear, anger, hunger and sexual desire. Complicated organisms would simply not survive without them. But humans seemed to have evolved the ability to combine these basic emotions into large conglomerates. Two of the most obvious conglomerates are love and hate. These are not single emotions, but rather a combination of a lot of different basic emotions. In love, for instance, we can experience both fear and pleasure at the same time. We can be terrified of how helpless we feel when the other person is near and yet we can feel more pleasure in their company than we ever thought possible. We depend on our feelings to perceive happiness and pleasure, yet the power they have over our lives and our choices, can be very frightening. But perhaps more frightening that anything else is the realization of just how much we need each other for our own welfare. It is a strange paradox that we should be so badly equipped to cope with this primary asset that has put us on top of the food-chain.

It is impossible to know exactly how it started or why, but if Darwin was right in his prediction that evolution is based on the natural and sexual selection, humans who experienced complex emotions were more often selected for survival. Maybe the pack of humans was better suited for survival if the emotional bonds between them were stronger. For whatever reason, the human race soon developed complicated social rituals. We started burying our dead, drawing pictures on cave walls and the packs grew larger and larger. Eventually they evolved into complex societies, all over the world.

I would argue that it is our complex feelings that pushed us forward. They made us want to reach the end of the world and strive for the moon. And somewhere in the evolutionary process, the complex emotion of curiosity began to override the more simple emotion of fear, long term goals started to override anger and commitment slowly began to override sexual desire. Eventually one feeling that perhaps more than anything else created the concept of democracy, began to evolve; the sensation of freedom.

Freedom has a powerful place in the national focus of America; one might even say it is part of its very foundation. But how you define freedom will depend on your own preferences. The obvious definition of freedom is of course the sensation of having a choice. The power that lies in the perception of choice should never be underestimated. It becomes a lot easier to help others and participate in society, if you feel that it is a choice and not an obligation. In cases of oppressive regimes, the lack of choices is usually what causes their demise. But there are limits to how many choices our brain can process. Too many choices can counter our sense of freedom. Having the phone ring several times during dinner with the ever so friendly telemarketer on the other end, is hardly anyone’s definition of freedom. Nor are the boring speeches from countless politicians, essentially saying the same things over and over again. Freedom is the sensation of choices but paradoxically choices can also be the end of freedom, which is one of the things that make democracy so complex.

But democracy is more than just a philosophical ideal or a political path. It is an emotional commitment, one of the most complex emotional conglomerates humanity has developed. It gives people the feeling of power, of having some form of control over their own lives. Democracy makes us feel like we are an active part of something bigger and better than ourselves. But the political structure of a democracy is primarily built on trust, an emotion that is based on so many different factors it can make your head spin. For a democracy to work we not only have to trust the leaders we chose but also our neighbors and total strangers. I have to trust that, when our leaders pass a law, those around me will actually abide by this law, even those who did not chose these leaders. If we can’t trust our fellow citizens, democracy is impossible. A fact that is becoming all too clear in Iraq.

Democracy can’t be imported, it has to grow and evolve over time. It’s the same process as two lovers slowly getting stronger in their convictions as time goes by. They need to learn about each other and connect on a deeper level than just a verbal one. They need to learn to trust that they both share the same feelings and that they are both going in the same direction. But in love it is simple. Lovers usually only include two people. In a society there are millions. And all of these people will have to trust and understand one another for true democracy to be possible. Bush Jr. believed he could play matchmaker in Iraq, but he did so without having any clue as to what neither party actually needed or wanted. And the failure will be followed by the pain and suffering of two lovers parting ways, multiplied by a million.

Why America is not a democracy

Emma — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:58:32 EDT

When America is trying to sell the ideas of democracy to the world today, it is a remarkably simplistic definition that is being marketed; giving people the option to vote. The assumption seems to be that if the people simply had the opportunity to vote, all their problems would magically disappear. In reality, however, it is far more complicated than that. Democracy means that the people rule and this is a state of mind more than anything else. It means that a large majority of the adult population must feel like they have acceptable choices and a system that respects and honor their right to choose. Then of course the people actually have to make a choice. It isn't all that important who wins the elections, from society's standpoint (provided the person isn't completely psychotic). What does matter is the people's sensation of having a free and real choice and actively using it.

And by this definition, America is not a democracy. The statistics vary depending on how you count or when, but only about a third of the adult population in America participates in the choice of representatives in Congress and Senate, were the laws of the country are created. These elections occur every two years but it's really only when a president is chosen that it gets noticed. But even then only about half of the population turns up to express their opinion. In Sweden we consider 80% low but in America anything over 50% is considered a great success. When Clinton was reelected in 1996 America had its lowest public participation since 1924. A majority of the American adult population made the choice of not participating in the election and in my opinion that would make Clinton's last term in office no more a democratic choice then Bush Jr.'s appointment in 2000. It is a shilling trend in America that public participation has been going steadily downwards since the highest scores during the Kennedy election in 1960. Although I would claim that the 63% voting that year still has to be considered remarkably low in the world's biggest democracy.

It is of course impossible to say with any certainty why Americans are so reluctant to use their right to vote but one possible cause might be the system of electors. It is something that really fascinates me. It indicates that the country itself doesn't really trust the people who inhabit it. Originally I suppose the idea made sense. The people were scattered and illiterate and somewhat unreliable. This was back when the west was won and people had a hard enough time staying alive. The idea was that the people in each state made a recommendation that the electors then acted upon, if they chose to, when they traveled to Washington DC to elect the President. If I understand it correctly there are actually still states where the elector has a legal right to vote for a different candidate other than the one the majority of his or her state has chosen. Evan if this possibility is never realized it says a lot about the system. It might have been a good idea two hundred years ago, but I'd like to believe things have changed since then.

I have always been fascinated in the idea of a President. For someone like me, more accustomed to focusing on different parties and ideologies rather than people, it feels a little strange, not to mention risky, to put that much faith in one single human being. But there is no doubt that the American presidential elections are important, even to me sitting an ocean away. The man who wins will affect my life just as much as he will affect the lives of those who elect him. That's why I, and most of the world, pay attention every four years, to try to figure out how America's choice, or lack thereof, will change our lives.

During the election year of 2000, I paid attention more than usual. It felt like a fateful election right from the start. Clinton had left some deep scars in peoples trust in the American presidency, scars that would not heal easily. Unfortunately his indiscretion happened at a time when the world needed something to believe in more than ever.

When the republicans introduced their candidate it actually took a while before I realized it wasn't the former president Bush who wanted a second chance. The physical resemblance between the father and the son is uncanny, but over the months that followed it soon became clear that the resemblance ended there. But while the republican representative was easy to spot, the only thing I remember from the democratic candidate Al Gore was that he kissed his wife ones. I certainly hope, for her sake, that it wasn't the first or the last kiss he bestowed upon her, but it says something about the difference between the candidates. In a strange twist of fate it is almost an identical choice to the one America had to make eight years earlier. Then the choice stood between the charismatic but inexperienced Clinton and the seasoned and professional but somewhat invisible Bush Sr.

The day after the American election 2000, I turned on the news to hear who had won. I was pretty sure it would be Bush Jr. America has made no secret of the fact that they treat the Presidential election as a high school popularity contest. But much to my surprise it turned out that the election was not conclusive and the Swedish reporters informed us that the result was on the margin of a few thousand votes. I didn't react in any particular way. These things happen from time to time in democracies. I just waited for the results, certain that they would come soon enough. So I waited. And waited.

The first week went by and I still didn't think much of it. After the second week it started to creep into conversations at work and among friends. It was getting uncomfortable. I didn't really understand everything that was going on and truthfully I didn't care that much, but I got the feeling that Florida had been turned into a sandbox with a bunch of kids fighting like crazy to take possession of the red toy truck. Time past. I began to understand that much of the dispute was over whether or not ballots should be counted. Courts were involved, of course. America always settles their disputes in court. In early December, the political process had reached as high as the United State Supreme Court. Now America was in trouble. It started to feel more and more like a test. A test of Americas resolves to be the world's leading democracy. Finally on the 14th of December 2000, I wrote in my diary, "Today Americas Supreme Court appointed the Bush as President of the United States of America, after five weeks of drivel. The world's most powerful country now has a drunk for a leader. I wonder if humanity is aware of and ready to pay the price for their choices..."

While the Florida debacle may have damaged Americans trust in their legal system, it caused the world to lose its trust in America. And it is still a mystery to me why there wasn't a reelection in Florida, once it was established that the two parties couldn't agree on how the voters had voted. I have no doubt it would have cost money and taken time, but is there really a price on democracy that is too high? And if so, how can America believe they can motivate other countries, where the price might actually be human lives?

From Doubt to Hope -- From Distrust to Trust

Andrew Lietzow — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:29:39 EDT

We are very impressed with Senator Obama's understanding and personification because he is understands the essence of what is written in the book, "The Speed of Trust".

In that book, Stephen Covey (the son) comments that, "for every 1,000 people cutting on the leaves of the tree of evil, there is only one chopping at the roots".

This to me is the essence of what America, the UNITED States of America needs today -- a President who can rebuild the trust we have in the institution of the Presidency of our country, and of Congress.

Trust that we'll send in our tax dollars, and those in control will spend them wisely. We're expected to do so in our own households -- manage our credit well so that we keep an above average FICO score; feed and cloth our household; keep a solid roof over our family's head -- and yes, even to balance our budgets.

This is a sacred trust that we have in government and for all but 8 of the last 30 years, this trust has been betrayed. We've gone from 1 Trillion in debt in 1980 to 8.X Trillion in 2007. What a travesty, and a betrayal of our national trust.

Trust was extended to Pres. Bush when he said he was going to get the bad guys -- Osama bin Laden and all of the Al-Quida perpetrators after 911. Six years later, where are we? Do you even here Pres. Bush talking about our failure -- as the most powerful nation in the world -- to capture Osama bin Laden? Senator Obama would regain our trust because he would get us back on the right track.

I could go on and on but the point is, when I shook the hand of this man at a recent rally, and he looked me in the eye, I was not shaking the hand of someone who wants to be President for his own glory. I was shaking the hand of a man who wants to help save his country from corruption, from evil, from the disdain of many nations -- from the so called "axis of evil" which we, in our stupid foreign policy over the last 60+ years, have fomented.

We need Senator Barack Obama to be President because this country needs a President "In Whom We Can Trust".

Keep integral people close to you

Doneice Johnson — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 22:46:45 EDT

I find it is so important to have people who are integral in your most closest circle, as they can either bless you or curse you with their faithfull ness....

Foreign Affairs: Renewing American Leadership

Lisa Beyer — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:51:57 EDT

I was drawn to this article by a blog post on MYBO.

This article really delves into my concerns about where America stands as a global leader, and Barack's vision for our future touches me very deeply and is one of the key reasons why I support Barack Obama to be President of the United States.

If you have limited time to read, please take 10 minutes to read the whole article by clicking the link below.

Foreign Affairs: Renewing American Leadership, By Barack Obama, July/August 2007

Summary: After Iraq, we may be tempted to turn inward. That would be a mistake. The American moment is not over, but it must be seized anew. We must bring the war to a responsible end and then renew our leadership -- military, diplomatic, moral -- to confront new threats and capitalize on new opportunities. America cannot meet this century's challenges alone; the world cannot meet them without America.

We can be this America again. This is our moment to renew the trust and faith of our people -- and all people -- in an America that battles immediate evils, promotes an ultimate good, and leads the world once more.

Link to original MYBO blog that draw my attention to this amazing article!

___________________________________________________________________________
Thank you,
Lisa Beyer

Precinct Deputy Captain in Las Vegas Precinct 6475
My Barack Obama Display Name: Lisa Beyer
My Space Page
My Silver State Diary
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Media Chair for the SNFO Media & Blogging Committee
Southern Nevada for Obama - A Grassroots Campaign Effort

Did you know...
On January 19, 2008, Nevada will be the 2nd state in the nation to caucus for a presidential nominee!
Democrats will meet at their designated sites at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008

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A New Kind of Politician

Mike Sullivan — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 02:28:59 EDT

I will start out this post with honesty. I am not sure if Barack is the canidate for me. While that is the case, I can't help but be impressed by the ability of his campaign to connect people. Greater numbers of people are donating to his campaign than any other candidate. He has by far the most successful and interactive website of all the candidates. He draws the largest crowds. Barack is a phenomenon. This is incredible stuff, but none of it has any bearing on his ability to make sound policy and his ability to get stuff done. Right now I am not sure if Barack can do these things. However... the central point in this election, for me, is to elect a President that can gain and keep the people's trust. Barack is that candidate. I have complete confidence that if Barack becomes President we won't have "faulty intelligence"; we won't have leaks of CIA officer names; we won't have prisoner abuse scandals in the military. These sort of things will not happen with Barack and this is indicative of a greater quality: candor. Whatever Barack may be lacking in experience, he more than makes up for in integrity and honesty. And, for that reason I am leaning towards Obama in 2008.

A sad day...and...the Senator's "conversation"

Karon O. — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 01:42:05 EDT

I was on my way to Milwaukee this afternoon to see Senator Obama when I heard the news about what happened in Virginia. The news was numbing. We live in times that are difficult to understand. I was concerned, as we drove, that the event would be cancelled. I was also feeling like a rally would be inappropriate. The Senator and the event planners handled the circumstances with great sensitivity. It was low key...no raucus music...no signs...no hype. After a great introduction by Milwaukee's mayor, Senator Obama walked out and explained that in light of the events, he wanted to have a "conversation" about violence in our country. He talked about how we all need to work together to stop not only physical violence, but the verbal and emotional violence perpetrated on Americans by Americans. He talked about how we need to look out for each other. It is that kind of thinking that draws me to this campaign. Mr. Obama was inspiring yet somber. It was a very good opportunity to see him in another light...the bright light of a true leader.

Afterward he was very patient and met with as many people as he could. I was able to shake his hand. My Dad always taught us that a good handshake was the sign of a strong, confident person. I was sure that I would feel that in his handshake and I did. I felt compelled, I guess by the days events, to say, when he shook my hand "Senator, please be careful". As the words left my mouth, I felt surprised that I had said them...until he looked at me and answered "I will". I believe him. I would trust him with my country.

Obama Returns Lobbyists' Contributions

Dave K. — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 08:43:56 EDT

Why trust Barack Obama? Here is a good reason:

Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign has returned more than $50,000 in political contributions after discovering the donors were lobbyists.

Obama, who has pledged to change the ways of Washington, has repeatedly said he will not accept money from lobbyists or from special interest political action committees.

"I am concerned about the role of lobbyists and campaign donations generally in our politics," Obama told The Associated Press while campaigning in Florence, S.C. "That's part of the reason I don't take PAC money and I'm not taking federal lobbyist money in this campaign."

Still waiting for most of the other candidates. Still waiting...

Donate today to show you Trust Barack Obama.

Barack trusts me!

Hannah — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 02:19:48 EST

I was just reading a New York Times article about Republican presidential candidate John McCain entitled "McCain: Roe V. Wade Should Be Overturned." As a feminist, it makes me furious when I read about the debate over a woman's right to choose. One could argue the slippery slope and say "Well, first they'll take away abortion and then they'll take away birth control and pretty soon we'll be property again and the cows will be more valuable to our husbands than us!" Luckily, the slippery slobe arguement is usually invalid and in order for any of that to happen, we'd have to travel far back in time, before the Enlightenment even. No one supports abortion; it is tragic and brutal and would not happen in an ideal world. We just believe that women should have the right to make this serious choice concerning our health and future and, possibly, economic position.

The real problem with the abortion debate is that it questions whether a woman is fundamentally capable of making decisions about her own body. In other words, John McCain does not trust that women can make good, well-thought out decisions. Barack, on the other hand, does believe that I can make those decisions. He supports women's rights and Roe V. Wade. But more than that, he makes me--and maybe each and every one of his supporters--feel as if he trusts me personally. He trusts me not only to bear or not bear children as i choose, he also believes that I have something valuable to add to his campaign, that I am actually capable of running the country.

It occurs to me that this is probably the reason why Barack is so popular. He believes in America and he believes in Americans. All of us. And that, my friends, is why I signed up to blog, network, and fundraise for Barack. He trusts me, he believes in me, and that is why his is MY Barack Obama.