Posts with the tag georgia

Watch Out for Muslim Interns!

Sasha — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:45 EDT

It's not just interns, people. Muslims like myself plan to infiltrate every branch of the government through lawful means. We wish to be--brace yourselves--politically active. Rep. Paul Broun (GA) stated the following regarding CAIR (Council on Islamic-American Relations): "If an organization that is connected to or supports terrorists is running influence operations or planting spies in key national security-related congressional offices, I think this needs to be made known."

Funny that no one really cares that Muslims are denigrated in this manner. Should Muslims just accept the fact they are not only illegally wiretapped, but also subject to hate speech in Congress?

Let me speak on behalf of the 99.9% of all Muslims world-wide, when I say

We hate terrorism; we hate the people that were responsible for 9/11
We hate the Taliban; out relatives are the ones who were subject to attacks with
acid and the demasculinization of Pashtun men
We are not happy about what extremists are doing in Pakistan, and particularly
troubled by the treat to it's stability
Have you asked your cardiologist, cardio-vascular surgeon, ER doctor, orthopedic surgeon, or pulmonologist whether they are Muslim or not. Would it be ok if they were?
If your doctor is Muslim, have you asked him/her whether he/she is a terrorist? If not,
is it because they're great at what they do, and you trust your health in their hands, while
at home you call all Muslims terrorists? Do you see the irony?
Do you understand that there are 1 billion Muslims in the world and if even 2 percent were
terrorists, then 20,000,000 people would be trying to enact acts of violence. Does that sound about right to you? (This is equal to 5 million less than the entire population of Saudi Arabia, and nearly exactly equal to the population of Australia).
I do not know any terrorists, hang out with any terrorists or have any affiliation to any terrorists. So, why was the manager of my local gym transferred when he stood up for me after I complained that I overheard people referring to me as a "bomber" a "terrorist" someone who should be kept away from "big planes"?

Is my religion a good indicator of my propensity to wreak violence on this country? Was the Unabomber Muslim? The man who shot rounds at the Holocaust Museum this year? Don't think so. So why am I a danger if I were to work on Capitol Hill? Like I wouldn't have to go through a background check more extensive than a former KGB agent? I'm a bit tired of being demonized and somehow seeing this type of talk approved by the entire country. Why don't we stop acting like this is the 3rd grade playground and realize we're all Americans. Before you even ask, yes, I was born in Hershey, PA. Why would I have permission to post on here if I were "a problem?" In fact doesn't it mean I was on a campaign committee for the current President? Think about this and your silence when you hear people say things like the Congressman about Muslims.

Rally for president Obama, tomorrow, Courthouse, Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia

jsq — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:45:22 EDT

This happened at Jack Kingston's Health Care Town Hall, Valdosta, GA, 28 Sep 2009: a veteran was booed for saying respect the president. To Kingston's credit, he shushed the crowd.The speaker was George Rhynes, who is one of the organizers of a rally tomorrow, Saturday 17 October 2009, on the Lowndes County courthouse steps, Valdosta, Georgia. Invitations on

Democrats.org and Facebook.com. But you don't need an invitation: just show up!

UNITED AGAINST RACISM

WEBMASTER — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:46:34 EDT

Hi Friend

There is a new group that just started on Facebook that I thought Organizing for America members may be interested in joining. Please see United Against Racism -

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/354956/80588439?m=9dc74a6e

United Against Racism

posted by David Apperson

Democrats at Kingston Health Care Town Hall, VSU

jsq — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:07:16 EDT

GOP Theme Team Chair Jack Kingston, G-01, held a health care town hall in Valdosta, Georgia, and Democrats came. We were only a small minority of the hundreds present, but we spoke up and got heard in the room and in the local media.

Georgia Election Blog

WEBMASTER — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:37:05 EDT

As President Obama recently related to me regarding local service; "Now is our time to work together, reaffirm our enduring spirit, and choose our better history."

It is our responsibility as Americans to vote, and vote we must. And now is the time to prepare for the next election. I invite all citizens of Georgia to post a message on the Georgia Election Blog.

Georgia Election Blog
georgia-election.blogspot.com

Get Well Soon: A Day of Hope (Athens, Georgia and Beyond)

Michael — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:40:18 EDT

June 27, 2009 National Health Care Day of Service Event Description:

A day of hope in Athens-Clarke County and Northeast Georgia that transcends differences and encourages all of us to provide comfort, relief and nutrition to those without adequate health care coverage. Awareness booth scheduled for local music festival in Athens GA. Details to be announced. Care events scheduled for several locations in Northeast Georgia. Details to be announced. Events scheduled for all day, but you can attend at anytime that fits your schedule best. Please e-mail info@abolishpoverty.us to volunteer or receive more information.

BARACK OBAMA FIRST 100 DAYS

WEBMASTER — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:23:01 EDT

During the first 100 days of the Obama presidency we have seen outstanding leadership in tackling the many issues facing our great nation. And it seems that overwhelming poll numbers indicate that America agrees with President Obama. see THE WHITE HOUSE

The question remains; What can we as fellow Americans do to help our neighbors and countrymen? Included are nine things you can do to help the President celebrate his first 100 Days in office:

1. Donate unused suits to the Salvation Army
2. Donate time to Americorps
3. Donate toys for children at Toys for Tots
4. Donate blood at the Red Cross
5. Donate a can of food each week to a Local Shelter or Food Pantry
6. Donate money to Save the Children
7. Donate time at local a Veterans Hospital
8. Donate an hour a day to your Child
9. Donate to the Make a Wish Foundation

Participation is greatly appreciated. What you do for the least of our brethren, you do for yourself -
http://donate.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxWJh

Barack Obama First 100 Days posted by David Apperson

Opnaja

Unknown user — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:54:45 EDT

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No new trial for convicted cop killer on Georgia death row

Ruslan from Zanoni, MO — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:25:32 EDT

A three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay of execution for Davis in October and agreed to hear his petition for a new trial. The panel voted 2-1 to deny Davis' application.

Davis, 40, was convicted in 1991 of murdering of an off-duty Savannah police officer two years earlier.

Davis has always maintained his innocence in the killing, and since his conviction, seven of the nine witnesses against him have recanted their testimony. Additionally, another man has allegedly admitted to killing the police officer, Mark MacPhail.

Witnesses in the 1991 trial claimed Davis and two others were harassing a homeless man in Burger

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Georgian opposition mounts and regions will mitingovat before the end of April

Unknown user — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:08:46 EDT

Georgian opposition mounts and regions will mitingovat before the end of April
Georgian opposition advised Tbilisi Municipality to extend the shares before the end of April and announced the mobilization of their civilian supporters in all regions of the country.

In a statement filed with the town hall the capital, said that the meetings will involve up to 200 thousand people. Mostly of the shares will Rustaveli Avenue in front of Parliament buildings in the area of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Rustavi-2 television, before the State Chancellery, the Tbilisi mayor's office and the presidential residence in Shavnabada on the outskirts of Tbilisi.

On behalf of the Organizing Staff statement signed by the leaders of the Conservative Party Zviad Dzidziguri, Kakha Kukava and Koka Guntsadze.

However, the opposition announced a full mobilization of their civilian supporters across the country next week.

"Wednesday is declared a civil mobilization, not only in Tbilisi but also in parts of the country. It is necessary to ensure that Mikhail Saakashvili was convinced that he did not want to, not only in Tbilisi but also in all of Georgia" - said at the rally, one of the leaders National Forum Irakliy Melashvili. execution video british talent show quest helper british idol opera singer gout mostly ghostly take this sinking boat and point it home xperl kelly bensimon jewelry citizens against government waste usain bolt apology tucano t1 taxact wow realm status intel earnings 262 area code bethany bakes mary kay letourneau tamara hofmann michelle malkin calgary shaw tv guide serial de inventor 9 natt sharif jackson rathbone married eset smart security 4 free key video ml mom fack her son httplpwindsurf.com3egerj308.html how to get costume in runescape male clothes sims 2 notice letter in hindi interior drawings fake nude photos of dakota fanning trucchi city stories discover the world with barbie keybinds for samp wwii airplane free games naked women cooking panda 2009 key stopzilla registry key cupcake pattern password to bangbros graffiti writing games plain small layouts elderly health problems thx sound wav dennis b. araullo jade shu mapa do rio de janeiro cool moving text whirlpool energy smart water heater pang ugnay what do rhinocerous eat cow skeleton bone parts labeled ichigo mugen char vince neil halimbawa ng tula tungkol sa kabataan cash on delivery oxycontin marijuana ammonia smell wood pattern plywood toys sm bus controller driver for emachine t3 the purple heart plant how to slam cocaine theync sony handycam dcr-30driver vista healthy homemande oatmeal cookies nut meg jimson free certificate photoshop band of numbness around my elbow gwen stefanie myspace gaia profile themes dena falken fiscal auto industry hentai sudeki correxion ox retin caldina trd pat bonne allegra drums umbrella corporation desktop theme windo using dos commands in vbscript god of the wicken religion ultra moderne luxury homes floor plans cute emo love poems amalan dan doa murah rezeki alcohol on college campus remanufactured heads game posters template crab trap design nuevos servers newcamd astra hotbird why do women eat semen cockersetter allison stokke fake nude controversial television advertising acetaminophen dextromethorphan phenyleph tomtom you cannot use this map how to ha guzewicz alcohol and zithromax dating love.ukr marijuana for sinus inflamation ridley park pa. deer hunting

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Nahsja from Vallonia, IN — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:53:15 EDT

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Raising Fairington Park

New Life — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:21:52 EST

We are raising funds to upgrade Fairington Park it is located on the street in the back of Walmart off Panola Road, Lithonia Georgia. Please go to this website if you can help us raise funds to make this a family friendly park.

www.healinghearts.usa.org

Click on the Raise the Park button, you can donate through paypal your donations are tax deductible.

Our plans are to make the soccer fields regulation size, to add bleachers, walking and bike path, youth play area, fitness stops, bicycle path, a basketball court, bathrooms and water fountains, and we also hope to get a community meeting room.

This is interesting, GA HB 430.

EMK — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:54:30 EST

This is a short, 4-page bill, but it's worth a look. Simple and straight-forward: GA HB 430.

Interesting, isn't it?

[UPDATE: THIS LINK IS THE PAGE FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING THE STATUS OF GA HB 430, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT FROM GA! Thanks for the interest!]

EMK

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL SPEECH

WEBMASTER — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:39:36 EST

Presidential Inaugural Address Delivered by President Barack Obama on 20 Jan 2009

My fellow citizens -
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
President Barack Obama

Presidential Inaugural Speech - A message for all people
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxHqT

source: David Apperson, webmaster

Cold War Shivers: Russian-NATO Relations

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:42:29 EST

Russian-NATO Relations

Cold War Shivers

By ERIC WALBERG

2008 will be remembered as a turning point in Russia’s relations with the West. It was a tumultuous year, with Kosovo, missiles in Europe and NATO’s seemingly relentless march eastward like thunderclouds gathering on Russia’s horizon, which finally burst 8 August over South Ossetia, bringing tragedy to Georgians, triumph and tragedy to Ossetians and Russians, as the Russian army stopped short of Tbilisi in their defence of the plucky Ossetians.

Poland, in a tizzy, quickly signed up for US Patriot missiles; the EU and NATO, in a snit, suspended relations with Russia and did their best to undermine Russia’s fragile economy. US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates made a grand tour of countries supposedly threatened by Russia (in addition to visiting his new friends in Kosovo), though only the woe-begone Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili bothered meeting him at the airport. This darling of the West – and Israel – suddenly found himself friendless after his disastrous altercation with his neighbour. Even Israel pulled in its horns, cutting off its lucrative arms sales out of fear of Russia............

ENTIRE ARTICLE - http://www.counterpunch.org/walberg12242008.html

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

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

The United States of Georgia

Marjani — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:14:01 EST

Click

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM

WEBMASTER — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:06:01 EST

Obama-Biden PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is giving all people a voice in the administration -

The PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is doing a great job. Thank the Almighty Creator that this is a new day in the history of this great nation.

WEBMASTER - DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

WEBMASTER — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:14:56 EST

President Barack Obama

Internet Webmasters, Designers and Developers

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The GA Election has ended

Marie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:58:40 EST

It has been decided that Saxby is our Sentorial Representative for Democratics and Republicians.

Make sure you submit your views often to Saxby when the issues are being decided. You can reach him at:

http://www.senate.gov/

http://www.congress.org/

http://chambliss.senate.gov

Washington, D.C. Office:416 Russell Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510-1005
Phone: (202) 224-3521
Fax: (202) 224-0103

Atlanta Office: (more district offices) 100 Galleria, Suite 1340
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
Phone: (770) 763-9090
Fax: (770) 226-8633

REMIND HIM that He represents Georgia not just his Friends in high places!

Ex-Georgian ambassador to Moscow: Georgia started war with Russia.

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:31:00 EST

Georgia war hearing marred by angry exchanges

By Margarita Antidze and Matt Robinson

TBILISI (Reuters) - A Georgian parliament hearing into the country's war with Russia broke up in angry scenes on Tuesday when a commission member threw a pen at Tbilisi's ex-envoy to Moscow after he said Georgia had been the aggressor.

Russia says it intervened in ex-Soviet Georgia after Tbilisi began shelling the breakaway South Ossetia region. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili accused Russia of invading and thus starting the war.

Erosi Kitsmarishvili, Georgia's former ambassador to Russia, told the parliamentary commission he had received information "from high-ranking Georgian officials" that Tbilisi was preparing to "militarily storm" the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali.

"Russia was ready for this war, but the Georgian leadership started the military action first," he said..........

ENTIRE ARTICLE - http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4AO7SL20081125

OBAMA FOR GEORGIA

WEBMASTER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:42:34 EST

Abba * Abbeville * Acworth * Adairsville * Adel * Adrian * Ailey * Alamo * Alapaha * Albany * Allenhurst * Alma * Alpharetta * Alston * Amboy * Ambrose * Americus * Appling * Arlington * Ashburn * Athens * Atkinson * Atlanta * Attapulgus * Auburn * Augusta * Austell * Avondale Estates * Axson * Baconton * Baden * Bainbridge * Baldwin * Bannockburn * Barnesville * Barney * Barretts * Barwick * Baxley * Bemiss * Berkeley Lake * Berlin * Blackshear * Blairsville * Blakely * Bloomingdale * Blue Ridge * Bogart * Boston * Bowdon * Bowens Mill * Bowman * Braselton * Bremen * Brinson * Bristol * Bronwood * Brookfield * Brooklet * Brooks * Broxton * Brunswick * Buchanan * Buena Vista * Buford * Bushnell * Byromville * Byron * Cairo * Camilla * Canton * Carnesville * Carrollton * Cartersville * Cave Spring * Cecil * Cedartown * Centerville * Chamblee * Chatsworth * Chauncey * Chester * Chickamauga * Chula * City of Calhoun * City of Summerville * Clarkesville * Clarkston * Claxton * Clayton * Cleveland * Clyatteville * Clyo * Cobbtown * Cochran * Cogdell * Cohutta * Colesburg * College Park * Collins * Colquitt * Columbus * Commerce * Conyers * Coolidge * Cordele * Cornelia * Council * Country Club Estate * Coverdale * Covington * Cox * Crawfordville * Crescent * Culloden * Cumming * Cusseta * Cuthbert * Dacula * Dahlonega * Daisy * Dakota * Dallas * Dalton * Damascus * Danielsville * Darien * Dasher * Dawson * Dawsonville * Decatur * Denmark * Dillard * Dixie * Dock Junction * Doerun * Donalsonville * Doraville * Douglas * Douglasville * Dover Bluff * DuPont * Dublin * Dudley * Duluth * East Dublin * East Point * Eastman * Eatonton * Ebenezer * Edison * Edith * Egypt * Elberton * Eldorado * Ellabelle * Ellaville * Ellenton * Ellijay * Enigma * Euharlee

Barack Obama Steps Up For Georgia and Jim Martin

Shawn O'Donnell — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:17:50 EST

Barack Obama Steps Up For Georgia and Jim Martin

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF

WEBMASTER — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:32:46 EST

Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss is a few points from Democrat Jim Martin for U.S. Senate in current polling in the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff race. Senate Runoff in 35 Language Translations. Runoff election to be held Tuesday, 2 DEC 2008.

Any help you can give polling voters is greatly appreciated. Democrats want to win this race!

The more Democratic Senators in office the easier it will be for President Elect Obama's economic policies to be implemented without a chance of a partisan filibuster.

REGISTERED GEORGIA VOTERS ARE REQUESTED TO VOTE DEMOCRAT

To register, contact Geneve [ gbergeron@martinvictory.com ] or call 815.252.9684

Ted, Vote Builder Administrator [ techsupport@georgiademocrat.org ] or call 678.278.2103

Georgia Voting Locations [ PDF ]

Want to vote - call 404.748.2754. A Jim Martin for U.S. Senate volunteer will be happy to hand-deliver an absentee ballot application to you home or office.

Obamagelicals are requested to distribute this message to friends within the Obama groups and to other individuals you feel comfortable asking to help on your mailing list.

Thanks - David Apperson

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF SEARCH QUERIES
Altavista | Google | Lycos | MSN | Yahoo

Democrats: Help Defeat Saxby Chambliss and Build Senate Majority

Mark C. Eades — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:55:24 EST

After our stunning Election Day sweep of the White House and Congress, Democrats still have one remaining opportunity to finish 2008 with a win. Even as Senate races pending recounts in Minnesota and Alaska hang in the balance favoring Democrats, one Senate runoff in Georgia remains offering Democrats the possibility of a 60% majority in the upper house of Congress. Recent polls show the Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss (pictured on left) holding a narrow lead over Democratic challenger Jim Martin (pictured on right) with just two weeks to go until the Dec. 2 runoff.

Chambliss remains infamous for his attacks on Democratic opponent Max Cleland in 2002, including an ad showing pictures of disabled Vietnam veteran Cleland along with pictures of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, suggesting dishonestly that Cleland would allow terrorists like those who struck America on 9/11 to strike America again. Chambliss' GOP colleague John McCain called the ad "reprehensible" and "worse than disgraceful" for its attack on the patriotism of a man who lost three limbs fighting for the United States in Vietnam. Ever ready to flip on previously-held principles, however, McCain appears to have forgiven Chambliss for his attack on McCain's fellow Vietnam veteran, and is currently campaigning for Chambliss in Georgia. A noted chicken-hawk, Chambliss avoided service in Vietnam with five student deferments and a medical deferment for a "football knee."

Chambliss is also infamous for his remark, shortly following the 9/11 attacks, that Georgia ought to "arrest every Muslim that crosses the state line."

This year, Chambliss took to race-baiting in the effort to stem a Democratic tide in Georgia that threatened both to unseat Chambliss himself and to deliver the state's electoral votes for Barack Obama. As in other Deep South states, Democratic voters in Georgia are largely African American while white voters tend strongly to vote Republican. Unlike in other regions of the United States this year, white voters in the Deep South broke even more strongly Republican this year than in previous years, owing to racial antipathy toward Obama. Meanwhile, African American voters in Georgia turned out in massive numbers for Obama, producing an electoral result strongly divided along racial lines, and holding McCain's ultimate Georgia victory to a relatively narrow 5.2 percentage points.

Fearing the loss both of his own Senate seat and of his state to the Democrats owing to heavy African American voter turnout, Chambliss not-so-subtly warned his conservative white base of this on more than one occasion as a way of getting them to the polls. In one instance during early voting in Georgia featuring huge African American turnout as expected, Politico quotes Chambliss telling his white supporters that "the other folks are voting" as a warning that they too had better get out and vote. In another instance, Chambliss told the New York Times that the "rush to the polls by African-Americans" in Georgia "has also got our side energized, [because] they see what is happening." Finally, after failing on Nov. 4 to reach the 50% majority required under Georgia law to avoid a runoff, Chambliss again referred in a Fox News interview to the "high percentage of minority vote" this year and the the fact that "we weren’t able to get enough of our folks out on Election Day."

Saxby Chambliss is a liar, a bigot, and a disgrace. In 2001, he openly suggested collective punishment of Muslims for the 9/11 attacks. In 2002, he won his Senate seat by shamefully attacking the patriotism of a disabled veteran in a time of fear shortly following 9/11. This year, he used race-baiting in the attempt to save his own Senate seat and keep Georgia in the Republican column. His Democratic challenger, Jim Martin, is a Vietnam veteran, an accomplished legal scholar, and served for 18 years as a Georgia state legislator. Readers are encouraged to visit Jim Martin's campaign website, to contribute there or at Act Blue to Martin's campaign, to spread the word to other Democrats, and to contact Georgia voters on Martin's behalf.

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

A message from Donna Brazile

Marie — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:45:23 EST

I'm on my way to Georgia, and I wanted to send you a quick message. When I heard Jim Martin was in a runoff, I cleared my calendar because I knew I needed to do whatever I could to ensure a big win for Jim in the 15 short days we have until the election.

Back in 2002, I helped Mary Landrieu win a runoff in Louisiana, so I know what it takes to win a race like this one, and I know that you can't win unless everyone does their part. That includes the volunteers phone banking, the canvassers knocking on doors, and supporters like you helping Jim raise the resources he needs to win. I know you've shown your support in the past, but now is the time to dig deep for Jim.

Click here to make an immediate contribution of $50, $100, or $250 today.

Runoff elections are like nothing else in politics. What a campaign normally does over the course of months, or even years, is condensed down into a matter of days. That’s why it's so crucial that we have your support now.

Saxby Chambliss is getting desperate. He's teamed up with out-of-state radical groups to launch the vicious attack ads that are Saxby's trademark. But voters rejected those negative campaign attacks when they voted for Barack Obama - and they'll reject them again when they elect Jim Martin.

I wouldn't be on my way to Georgia to help Jim if I didn't know that we can win this race. Georgians are ready for change, and they're ready for a U.S. Senator who will work with President-elect Obama - not someone who is dead-set on blocking his ambitious agenda.

Please join me and do whatever you can to help Jim win. Click here to make an immediate contribution of $50, $100, or $250 today.

"Georgia on our minds." To paraphrase that great song from Ray Charles, Georgia will be on the minds of many of us as voters like you prepare to cast their ballots for a new direction. Early voting starts today in a number of counties - don't wait to cast your vote for Jim. You can find out when early voting starts in your county by clicking here to visit the Georgia Secretary of State website or you can click here for more information on voting in the runoff.

Sincerely,

Donna Brazile

P.S. Mark your calendars - Bill Clinton will be campaigning with Jim on Wednesday, November 19, at 4:00 p.m. in Atlanta. The full details will be announced soon, so watch your inbox.

Georgian tanks and artillery deliberately fired on civilian apartments, and even attacked refugees attempting to flee the conflict.

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:56:35 EST

The Russia-Georgia War Revisited

Posted by: Jason Bush @ businessweek.com

So much has happened in the last few weeks that the war between Russia and Georgia already seems like a distant memory. Today, it’s hard to remember that just three months ago, the world was worrying not about the future of the global economy, but about the bloodshed in the Caucasus and the possibility of a new Cold War.

But not everyone has forgotten about the war in Georgia. In the months since the conflict, international monitors, journalists and human rights activists have been quietly piecing together what really happened last August. And their conclusions offer a strikingly different interpretation of events from the one that was popular with most western commentators at the time.

Recent reports from the region suggest that as the dust settles and the true facts emerge, a far more nuanced understanding of events is now beginning to emerge.

In a hard-hitting television documentary, BBC journalist Tim Whewell visited South Ossetia to find out what really happened during the war. Eyewitnesses interviewed by Whewell allege that Georgian tanks and artillery deliberately fired on civilian apartments, and even attacked refugees attempting to flee the conflict. The BBC notes that if these allegations are true, such actions constitute war crimes and a violation of the Geneva Convention.....

ENTIRE POST - http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/blog/europeinsight/archives/2008/11/the_russia-geor.html

Why did the West ignore the truth about the war in Georgia?

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:27:50 EST

Mary Dejevsky: Why did the West ignore the truth about the war in Georgia?

The US and UK left the impression that Russia was the guilty party

Thank goodness, they might be thinking at the US State Department and the British Foreign Office, for the financial crisis. Were it not for the ever-blacker news about the Western world's economy, another scandal would be vying for the headlines – and one where the blame would be easier to apportion. It concerns our two countries' relations with Russia and the truth about this summer's Georgia-Russia war.

Over the past couple of weeks, a spate of reports has appeared in the American and British media, questioning many assumptions about that war, chief among them that Russia was the guilty party. Journalists from the BBC, The New York Times and Canada's Embassy magazine, among others, travelled to South Ossetia, the region at the centre of the conflict, in an effort to establish the facts......

ENTIRE OPED - http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/mary-dejevsky/mary-dejevsky-why-did-the-west-ignore-the-truth-about-the-war-in-georgia-1012234.htmlhttp://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/mary-dejevsky/mary-dejevsky-why-did-the-west-ignore-the-truth-about-the-war-in-georgia-1012234.html

Reckless Georgia

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:58:07 EST

Reckless Georgia

by "The International Herald Tribune"

It is important to know which side initiated the war in August between Russia and Georgia. If primary blame falls on Russia, as Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili claims, a new Obama administration will have limited latitude in rebuilding relations with Moscow. If it turns out that Georgia is mostly to blame, the new President Obama will have to make sure Saakashvili understands that a reliable ally does not recklessly implicate America in an unnecessary confrontation with Russia.

Which is why Obama should take note of emerging accounts about the beginning of the war from seasoned monitors sponsored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Those monitors, who were on the ground in the breakaway region of South Ossetia when hostilities commenced the night of Aug. 7, reported seeing Georgian artillery and rocket launchers assembling just outside South Ossetia at 3 p.m. that day, well before any Russian convoy had crossed into the enclave........

ENTIRE EDITORIAL - http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/11/opinion/edgeorgia.php

Cold War Hawks Nesting With Obama

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:21:03 EST

Cold War Hawks Nesting With Obama The Obama Administration by Robert Scheer reddit_title=Cold War Hawks Nesting With Oba digg_skin='compact'; — from Truthdig

So, Vladimir Putin was right: It was Georgia that started the war with Russia, and once again it was President Bush who got caught in a lie. As The New York Times reported last week, "Newly available accounts by independent military observers of the beginning of the war between Georgia and Russia this summer call into question the long-standing Georgian assertion that it was acting defensively against separatist and Russian aggression."

The Bush White House knew--but kept from the American public--facts concerning provocation by Georgia's U.S.-trained forces, which killed civilians in the capital of South Ossetia before Russian troops crossed the border. The provocation has also been documented in a BBC investigative report and by a growing consensus of other reliable sources.....

ENTIRE ARTICLE - http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/18615

Calling all Georgia Voters!

BVanB — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:10:15 EST

December 2nd!!!! Mark your calendar! Vote for Martin. Help support President (Elect) Obama's agenda!!! December 2nd-Tuesday.

World Leaders Receive Threats Suggesting World War III

Marcus Cyganiak — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:32:05 EST

World Leaders Receive Threats Suggesting World War III It has been reported today on multiple sourced websites that on-going anonymous threats have been sent out to world leaders within the past 72 hours. Among the threats is that of a nuclear bomb attack in the very near future on United States soil.

Such an attack on America “would make 9/11 insignificant,” said Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

On Barack Obama’s first day as President-Elect, he immediately received threats via US intelligence that Israel are plotting to attack Iran before he is sworn into the White House on January 20, 2009. Russia has also gone into high-gear in noting that they are enforcing their own missile defense systems bordering Poland to counteract the US-stationed missile defense system there.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said, “we will not retreat,” when dealing with the United States in Europe. Former Russian President Putin believes that President George W. Bush has setup multiple missile defense shield systems across Europe to keep a close eye and target on Russia. Contrary to that claim, President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice diligently state that these stations in Europe are nothing but goodwill safety measures put forth for the EU, Nato allies, and American interests upon fending off terrorists, extremists, and notably Iran.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has ignored President Bush and Condoleezza Rice’s claims with triggers ready to attack.

So with Russia visibly upset with the United States and Iran being an ally of Russia, one has to wonder where these world leaders outside of that inner circle are receiving the nuclear bomb threats from. You can go ahead and add in Korea and China into the mix since they have nuclear bombs as well, and are too allies of Russia.

Among the nations that have publically stated they have received the cryptic threats include Australia, England, France, and the United States.

Is any of this a surprise for anyone though?

The now Vice President-elect Joe Biden had some chilling comments to make during the campaign trail just a week prior to Election Day. He repeatedly told us, “Mark my words, mark my words.” Barack Obama is going to be tested with a “generated crisis” within the first six months he explained.

So would an attack on America, potentially larger in catastrophe to 9/11 as Australian PM put it, be the crisis Joe Biden is referring to? Does Biden know something we do not?

Joe Biden also went on to say, “I can give you at least four or five scenarios from where it might originate, and he’s (Barack Obama) going to need help. And the kind of help he’s going to need is, he’s going to need you – not financially to help him – we’re going to need you to use your influence, your influence within the community, to stand with him. Because it’s not going to be apparent initially, it’s not going be apparent that we’re right.”

Confused yet? Well while I can join you on that trail of confusion, I still want to figure this out.

An obvious note of observation is that these high level politicians around the world all seem to be coordinated with these warnings received. I’m talking about Vice President-elect Joe Biden, even former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, another former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and finally Admiral Lord Alan West of the British Home Office as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

Are all these high level politicians preparing the world for a crisis of gigantic fatal measures?

When looking back at the US invasion in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2003 as part of the War on Terror, and most recently the US embarking on attacks in Syria and Pakistan shortly after the Russian invasion in Georgia, you just have to wonder if these events are the prelude to World War III. These high level politicians are certainly painting the picture that way.

So now I take you to the overall big picture:

Russia continues to threaten a new Cold War, with missiles lined up to attack Poland because of the US missile defense shield system agreement that was signed. Should that shield system officially be built, Russia states that they will deploy missile attacks.
Russia has the capability of launching missiles from Russian soil to American soil.
Iran too claims to have the same capabilities in being able to launch missiles over to US soil.
Israel continues to send out warnings that they will be attacking Iran, which would call for US troops’ help.
President George W. Bush has expressed an interest in attacking Iran before his run in the oval office is over because of Iran’s nuclear program to produce nuclear weapons.
Russia will attack US troops and Israeli troops, should an attack on Iran become apparent.
Korea has sent out threats of attack to the United States in the past and they too carry the capacity of nuclear bombs while being allies of Russia and Iran.
You can add China into the list of allies with Russia.

Does this not look like one big circle of tension to you? It sure does to me, and it’s one that is growing far too tight in tension now. As a result, it could only be a matter of days, weeks, or months before one nation pulls the trigger to ignite World War III (WWIII).

Sources:
1) http://www.thejerusalemgiftshop.com/israelnews/politics/80-political/335-warnings-from-world-leaders-all-within-72-hours-.html
2) http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=amM6gBY9JgJA&refer=home
3) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iyTh4daEIukZscHQWC558dEr3x5gD94BR7FG0
4) http://www.thejerusalemgiftshop.com/israelnews/israel-news/83-israeli-news/407-israel-war-on-iran-on-the-radar.html

http://marcuscyganiak.blogspot.com/2008/11/world-leaders-receive-threats.html

Georgia's 'Indiscriminiate' War with Russia

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:52:38 EST

Georgia's 'Indiscriminiate' War with Russia

By Noah Shachtman @ wired.com

Georgia's claims -- that it waged a precise attacks on separatists, while the Russians went on a indiscriminate rampage during their August war -- are growing more suspect by the day. First we learned that Georgia showered South Ossetia with cluster bombs that killed at least three civilians.

Now, independent military observers at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are suggesting that Georgia's military attacked the separatist capital of Tskhinvali "with indiscriminate artillery and rocket fire, exposing civilians, Russian peacekeepers and unarmed monitors to harm," according to the New York Times.

According to observations of the monitors, documented Aug. 7 and Aug. 8, Georgian artillery rounds and rockets were falling throughout the city at intervals of 15 to 20 seconds between explosions, and within the first hour of the bombardment at least 48 rounds landed in a civilian area. The monitors have also said they were unable to verify that ethnic Georgian villages were under heavy bombardment that evening, calling to question one of Mr. Saakashvili's main justifications for the attack.

BTW, our own David Axe was called a "Kremlin dupe" for daring to suggest in September that the narrative of the Russia-Georgia war more complicated than it at first appeared. Now, it's starting to look like his accusers were the ones who were duped.

SOYRCE- http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/11/georgias-claims.html

Georgia Claims on Russia War Called Into Question

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:49:24 EST

Georgia Claims on Russia War Called Into Question

By C. J. CHIVERS and ELLEN BARRY

TBILISI, Georgia — Newly available accounts by independent military observers of the beginning of the war between Georgia and Russia this summer call into question the longstanding Georgian assertion that it was acting defensively against separatist and Russian aggression.

Georgia moved forces toward the border of the breakaway region of South Ossetia on Aug. 7, at the start of what it called a defensive war with separatists there and with Russian forces.

Instead, the accounts suggest that Georgia’s inexperienced military attacked the isolated separatist capital of Tskhinvali on Aug. 7 with indiscriminate artillery and rocket fire, exposing civilians, Russian peacekeepers and unarmed monitors to harm.............

ENTIRE ARTICLE- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/world/europe/07georgia.html?partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

Human Rights Watch came out with a report revealing that Saakashvili used cluster bombs against his own people (sold to them by Israel)

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:26:58 EST

Georgia Used Cluster Bombs That Hit Civilians, Group Says

By YOCHI J. DREAZEN

Georgia used cluster bombs that malfunctioned and fell into towns and villages, killing several of Georgia's own civilians during its summer war with Russia, according to new research by Human Rights Watch, a New York-based humanitarian organization. Georgia called that conclusion "impossible."

The group found that Russia also made extensive use of cluster bombs during the brief war. U.S. intelligence assessments during the conflict also found that both sides were using cluster bombs, a senior Pentagon official said.

Researchers from Human Rights Watch went further, saying that Georgian cluster bombs landed in at least nine Georgian towns, including several located far from the area where Georgia acknowledges using them against Russian soldiers who stormed the country in fighting over the fate of the breakaway republic South Ossetia.

The cluster bombs, which Georgia says it bought from Israel, appeared to have malfunctioned on an "absolutely massive scale," said Marc Garlasco, a former Pentagon intelligence official who now serves as Human Rights Watch's senior military analyst. He said rockets failed to disperse the cluster bombs over the intended targets, and many of the small bombs failed to explode on impact............

ENTIRE ARTICLE- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122575792818995257.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Thank you from the Blue House, and GOTV!

jsq — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:09:44 EST

Volunteers at the Blue House, 102 E. Adair St., Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, give thanks for everyone who helped. That was yesterday. Today they're getting out the vote, and you can help GOTV! Lots more thanks in the flickr set.

And don't forget Jack Kingston is in a precarious position; help Bill Gillespie oust Jack and become our Representative from Georgia's First District!

How? Come on down to the Blue House and call, canvass, or give rides to the polls. If you're not near Valdosta, go to your local Obama office, or your local Democratic Party headquarters, or Bill Gillespie's office on Tybee Island, or get a calling list from mybarackobama or moveon.

Barack is the Greener Candidate with the Cleaner Campaign

LauraT — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:26:10 EST

While blogging about the League of Conservation Voter's endorsement of Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin in Georgia, I took a closer look at the environmental group's analysis of Obama's environmental positions. The LCV published a comparison chart (in PDF format) outlining the environmental policies of Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. Obama has a lifetime enviornmentally-friendly score 86 percent vs. 24 percent for McCain. And for 2007, the most recent year scored, McCain was given a 0 (yes, that’s zero) vs. 67 for Obama.

Here in Georgia, Republican encumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss is rated at only 5 percent in LCV’s 110th Congress 2008 National Environmental Scorecard. According to the LCV, Senator Chambliss has accepted $107,500 in contributions from oil and gas interests for his 2008 re-election campaign. His signature negative advertising is therefore funded, in part, by oil companies. Considering the recent gas shortages and high prices we've suffered here, along with all Chambliss' negative TV ads we've had to endure, it's clear that Jim Martin is the cleaner candidate-in more ways that one. You can check out my full blog post on the environmental issue at lifeonq.com.

Voices For Change: Nicole in Georgia

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:33:48 EST

If you're watching the electoral map, an amazing thing is happening. Some states that started off a deep red, have steadily gone in the last few weeks from red to pink to purple, and in the last few days, are even starting to look a little blue.

Georgia is one of them.

Meet Nicole -- mother of 2-year-old Gavin and eight-week-old Hayden, small business owner, and one of the extraordinary volunteers we can thank for Georgia's dramatic transformation.

Even with a newborn, Nicole knows how important this election is and has found the time to canvass, host a Call For Change party, donate -- and most importantly to her, she registered her husband.

Here's Nicole in her own words:

I’ve been an avid fan of Meet The Press for many years. I first became aware of Barack Obama when I saw him appear on Meet The Press. I was struck by how thoughtful, composed, and straightforward he seemed.
Our country is at a critical juncture. We have the opportunity to elect someone who is intelligent and thoughtful about the interests of our nation, and speaks to the dreams and aspirations of so many of us. Now is the time to get out and get involved. It’s time to return honor and admiration to the United States’ reputation in the world. It’s time to create a moment where we can all make our country a better and more prosperous place. It’s time to help elect Barack Obama.

Please pick up the phone, and give Nicole a hand.

You can redraw the electoral map.

Get out the vote:

electoral predictions 2008: think 1992

jonathan | cvg — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:34:26 EST

so here we are: one day remaining. doesn't seem too long ago that i kept catching glimpses of this obama fellow in 2007 and thought how wonderful would it be... never expecting him to come this far up against edwards and clinton. as i have said before, from a marketing perspective, gaining a significant share of the market (in this case: eligible voters) is complicated in today's environment. any start-up firm would be hard pressed to snatch away a significant portion of p&g or coca cola customers. that same start-up firm would exemplify modern brilliance should it manage to overtake the market and gain control for any period of time. that is, in essence, what obama did in 2008. i recognized his potential. i praised his marketing campaign. yet, until super tuesday, i remained unconvinced that obama would succeed at becoming the nominee and beat the two well-established brands of edwards and clinton.

once we knew obama was our nominee, i often joked that the only way mccain stood a chance against obama was by selecting a female running mate. i certainly did not mean "that one." when mccain announced palin in dayton, i first cringed. then i googled her investigation to confirm that she had been exhonerated. to my surprise, his popular governor from alaska was still under investigation for abuse of power and likely guilty as hell. was the crime all that bad? not really. yet, just as getting a blow job or sticking a cigar in your chubby aide's kootch is not that bad... when you lie repeatedly and attempt to disguise your blunder... that is often far worse than the original crime. what people i have met and people like palin do not seem to understand, many of us are forgiving of a mistake or two... just not the pattern of lies or unfaithfulness that accompanies deception. its the compulsiveness, the ease, and the noticeable pattern that deteriorates and ultimately destroys trust.

needless to say, prior to the veep picks, i began imagining an electoral map in 2008 that mimics the map ross perot carved out for bill clinton in 1992. while initially i was nervous to see what became of clinton's stalwart supporters of which,in exit polls, many had proudly proclaimed gender as major factor in their support. however, with time, palin did backfire in the sense that she was ineffective at luring independents and former clinton voters. arguably, i assert that palin has been effective in igniting the base to match the sweat behind obama. only tomorrow will we know whether the fire palin lit in the far right-wing nuts of our country is burning strong or whether it turns out to be like a rash between your legs after a good date gone bad.

to refresh your memory, review the electoral map in 1992 where clinton pulled out a huge upset against the incumbent thanks to ross perot who remains the only successful third party candidate in modern elections.

first states i would point our are louisiana, kentucky, and tennessee. i knew this summer that those states were outside the realm of possibility. in fact, tennessee turned against gore in 2000 largely due to his environmental convictions. given that bobby jindal is about as far too the right as sarah palin, i assumed louisiana was also outside the realm of possibility despite the outcome in the primary in obama's favor. and kentucky... well that ole kentucky home is a thorn in my side, but i will defend her natural beauty until my dying day... just not the folks' politics. ross perot's impressive 18% popular vote splintered the would-be republican votes and carved out a victory for bill clinton in additional states that stay with mccain: arkansas, montana, and west virgnina. while its true that mccain's lead in arkansas is presently only in single digits, i was always hopeful that with help from bill and hillary, obama would remain more competitive as far south as arkansas.

like kentucky, west virginia seems to be very confused as to who has their best interest at heart. and, i might as well say it within this blog since i had to slam a door on my fingers a few weeks ago when i thought about writing a blog strictly targeting the separation of church and state. for those of you who forgot, we are suppose to acknowledge a separation of church and state! separation of church and state is among the founding principles of the united states of america. heads up people! when we fail to pratice our civil duties and vote for the best qualified leader to restore economic and foriegn matters because we want a candidate that agrees with the majority of our religious doctrine... hello... that is how you end up with george w. bush twice and the deteriorated condition of our country today. vote for the best candidate. don't vote based on religious convictions. if we transfer our country's power and wealth to china, russia. or the middle east... you may not have always have the freedom to practice that religion you love so much and wanted to shove down my throat.

obama appears to be strongly competing to win with an electoral map much like bill clinton's first win. the difference, and what makes this especially remarkable, obama will accomplish this without a strong third party candidate which means he is winning with a more united country and a greater percentage or the popular vote. a percentage not seen since the eighties. obama's net reduction would be 39 electoral votes after losing these five states which is still enough to make him the victor tomorrow. however, obama will likely and hopefully pick up states that even bill clinton could not win in 1992. according to new sources such as real clear politics, abc and msnbc news, toss up states include: montana, indiana, missouri, north carolina, ohio, georgia, virginia, and florida. the other three that are sometimes considered a toss-up are: nevada, north dakota, and arizona. however, i am relatively confident that nevada will break for obama and north dakota and arizona will break for mccain... albiet narrow victories no matter what the outcome. with that said, my electoral predicions for tomorrow night:

given the nature of a predicion, i have to make a few tough calls and my map is admitedly optimistic in the sense that i really want obama to win in north carolina and georgia and prevent mccain from narrowly squeaking by him. since the beginning of the summer, i have envisioned a 1992 map where obama gave up four or five states and replaced them florida, virginia, and georgia which is a net 51 electoral votes. the end result would be a few less states, but a greater electoral and popular vote win on election day for barack. based on a series of recent polls and early voting results, i feel good about viginia and florida.

i may still be overly optimistic about georgia, but it now looks like obama has an equally optimistic chance in north carolina so i moved both to obama's column. if you read my earlier blog during the primaries, i liked to mention obama's performance in north and south carolina. he alone, had more votes cast for him than mccain and his republican counterparts combined. early voting and polls show the margin in the general election tight in south carolina while virtually tied and potentially leaning to obama in north carolina. amazing! as for georgia, a relatively strong third party candidate in georgia, bob barr, could "help" tip that state to obama like ross perot did in 1992. barr polled around 8% this spring, but third party candidates generally poll better early than the final outcome because more and more voters fold into the two major parties. presently, "other" in georgia is at 4% and bob barr, a georgian, is believed to compose the majority of that 4% or better... as he has been gaining in the polls this last few weeks by picking up undecided georgia independents.

last week's cnn/time poll revealed that among "likely" georgia voters — presumably those who are both registered and have a proven track record of participating in elections, the race breaks down as follows: mccain: 50%, obama: 46%, barr: 3%

however, if the pool of voters is widened to include simply registered voters — which would include first-time voters or those who rarely participate in general elections — then the georgia vote shifts in obama's favor: mccain: 46%, obama: 49%, barr: 4%

so there you have it, i was dissappointed when the obama for america campaign shifted resourced from georgia last month, but happy to hear that more than half of registered voters have voted early thought to benefit obama. i was also happy when obama shifted resources back to georgia last week and may help see my wish to fruition.

what of my other swing state calls? montana is close. originally, that state looked good for obama, but slipped back to mccain after the palin pick. perhaps montana is the one state that palin helps mccain win. yet, we are squabbling over three electoral votes and i my calculations are that obama will succeed with or without montana. i call montana for mccain because the last month's series of polls generally have mccain leading in spite of that gap closing and now close. the same is true of arizona. i was in arizona in may. i kept asking people i met, and i gathered that if mccain was not from arizona, the state would go blue. yet, i see arizona staying narrowly red. meanwhile, long before the pundits and major shift in the polls, i have felt confident that obama would perform better in florida than ohio which was not the case for bill clinton in 1992. however, like nevada, florida's economy is hurting and unlike mccain who hosted a convention centered around terrorism... i have long thought the economy is the greatest security risk facing our country. i trust that florida agrees and i will take back every sand bar comment i've made since 2000.

ultimately, i call ohio for obama... but i predict ohio to be too close to call until after the west coast polls are closed. additionally, for the same reason i foresee ohio ending close, i also see indiana close. however, i see indiana narrowly red for mccain. unlike missiouri, indiana's popular senator is somewhat a bore and moderate. indiana reminds me of northern kentucky democrats. in order to win, you have to market yourself as a virtual republican. with that said and given that indiana did not break for clinton with perot's help, i call indiana for mccain and i call missiouri for obama... home of the likable, well-known, and early obama activist, senator claire mccaskill. if she ran for governor first, she could be president in 2016, eh?

end game: obama with 379 electoral votes. the greatest victory since the eighties. and incidentally, i alway hinted he would prove to be our next great american president. finally, i win a contest... by virtue of association or vicariously or something like that.

~ j

A Guide for LGBT Voters in Georgia

LauraT — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:12:30 EST

Georgia has a sizable LGBT population, one of the largest in the nation. It's up to us to not only vote ourselves, but get out the vote in general. I've put together a complete guide for LGBT Georgia voters on my blog at www.lifeonq.com, including links to info on the proposed Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, judicial candidates, and Georgia General Assembly Candidates.

I hope we LGBT Georgians will do everything we can to turn Georgia blue for Obama, and make wise choices for our judicial nominees, state legislature candidates and constitutional issues. Please check out the Georgia Voter's Guide for Queers at Life on Q, and let's make sure we vote for change all the way down the ballot.

Georgia Referendum #3 (of 3): Input requested!

EMK — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:50:58 EST

Hey guys,

There are these referenda on the ballot in GA where I would like to have some input on before I vote.

Can you take a look at the resolution, Georgia SR 309, and give me your feedback.

I've included some of my understanding of what I think it means in the extended post, but read the document first.

Just reply to my post if you have any idea, especially if you live in GA.

Additional Reference: State Constitution of Georgia.

[UPDATE: SEE ALSO GEORGIA SB 200, AS THIS BILL "FILLS IN THE BLANKS THAT GEORGIA SR 309 LEAVES OUT!!!]

Thank you,

EMK

Georgia Referendum #2 (of 3): Input requested!

EMK — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:17:42 EST

Hey guys,

There are these referenda on the ballot in GA where I would like to have some input on before I vote.

Can you take a look at the resolution, Georgia SR 996, and give me your feedback.

I've included some of my understanding of what I think it means in the extended post, but read the document first.

Just reply to my post if you have any idea, especially if you live in GA.

Additional Reference: State Constitution of Georgia.

Thank you,

EMK

Georgia Referendum #1 (of 3): Input requested!

EMK — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:51:29 EST

Hey guys,

There are these referenda on the ballot in GA where I would like to have some input on before I vote.

Can you take a look at the resolution, Georgia HR 1276, and give me your feedback.

I've included some of my understanding of what I think it means in the extended post, but read the document first.

Just reply to my post if you have any idea, especially if you live in GA.

Additional Reference: State Constitution of Georgia.

[UPDATE: SEE ALSO GEORGIA HB 1211, AS THIS BILL "FILLS IN THE BLANKS THAT GEORGIA HR 1276 LEAVES OUT!!!]

Thank you,

EMK

Obama Watch at the Blue House

jsq — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:44:27 EDT

Phone banking goes on every day:

More phonebanking in the back room, and don't forget Bill Gillespie, GA-01, running against Jack "flag pin" Kingston:

The Obama Effect

James Ray — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:23:43 EDT

Much has been written and said about the risk of the "The Bradley Effect" having a significant influence on the outcome of the 2008 election for US President. This phenomenon was named for Tom Bradley, the African-American politician running for governor who ended up losing after having a huge lead in the polls.

There is, however, an alternative point of view regarding the privacy of a voting booth - and that is the potential in the 2008 election that those who do not publicly support Barack Obama may in fact vote for him when marking their ballots this year. This may come to be known as "The Obama Effect."

GEORGIA! YOU MUST VOTE EARLY! YOU HAVE ONLY TILL FRIDAY.

Fire Is Born — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:28:56 EDT

BELOW YOU FIND ALL THE INFO YOU NEED!

Atlanta Barack Obama Parties...

Patrick 2Tall Jones — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:09:59 EDT

POWERFUL ATLANTA MUSIC INDUSTRY SUPPORTS BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENTJoin us for a "once in a lifetime" party to support Barack Obama and encourage others to vote. Lets make history together. Please forward to family and friends. Savoy Lounge has open it's doors to celebrate 2 important events: Barack Obama Party on Saturday night November 1st @ 9:00 pm and a live election result Viewing Party on Tuesday November 4th @ 8:00 pm. Lets laugh, cry, and make history!!Lets Complete Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream"Where people are judged by the content of there character and not the color of their skin."PLEASE FORWARD, VERY IMPORTANT TO SHOW UNITY ON THESE LAST DAYS BEFORE VOTINGSAVOY LOUNGE 2997 Campbelton Road, Atlanta, GA Directions From Downtown Atlanta:
Travel 75/85 south, take exit 243, Merge 166 West, travel 5 miles. Exit Campbelton Rd, merge right. Savoy is 2997 Campbelton Rd on the right.

Barack Obama Party on Saturday night November 1st @ 9:00 pm Official Viewing Party on Election Night Tuesday November 4th @ 8:00 pmIf your going to attend 1 or both, please RSVP by email as a courtesy.I hope to meet you and your Obama Friends. Lets Make History. Lets share it together!!!Sincerely, Patrick 2Tall Jones

Atlanta Barack Obama Parties...

Patrick 2Tall Jones — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:09:26 EDT

Directions From Downtown Atlanta:
Travel 75/85 south, take exit 243, Merge 166 West, travel 5 miles. Exit Campbelton Rd, merge right. Savoy is 2997 Campbelton Rd on the right.

Barack Obama Party on Saturday night November 1st @ 9:00 pm

Official Viewing Party on Election Night Tuesday November 4th @ 8:00 pmIf your going to attend 1 or both, please RSVP by email as a courtesy.I hope to meet you and your Obama Friends. Lets Make History. Lets share it together!!!Sincerely, Patrick 2Tall Jones

Atlanta Barack Obama Parties...

Patrick 2Tall Jones — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:08:47 EDT

Atlanta Barack Obama Parties...

Patrick 2Tall Jones — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:08:15 EDT

The Republican Socialist Party

Marjani — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:45:25 EDT

3546.1

The Republicans don't know what a "socialist" is, because if they did, they'd be watching the flying birdie that's sitting in the White House now instead of Obama.

THEIR president is the one who wanted to rush through a bill for government takeover of banks and corporations. That is about as 'socialist' as it gets. Socialists believe in exactly what George Bush is doing: Trying to gain control over the bigger banking and finance operations and ["get this":] insurance companies so that, instead of you controlling your money and who you do business with, they get to dictate it to you.

They're rolling out a "new world order" socialist government right under these idiots' heads and they're so busy squawking Obama on race that they're not even paying attention. But isn't that how things got to this place in the first place?

They consistently divide and conquer by splitting people into meaningless social factions that they don't care about, then use that mentally deficient smokescreen to take people's eye off the ball while they re-work the kind of socialist government that will work for you ONLY if you make, according to McCain, "at least $5m a year." Fact is, these people are voting for McCain and don't realize he's told them over and over again that he doesn't care for anyone who doesn't fit into his socialist elite circles. In other words, if anyone who doesn't operate on McCain's [wife's] financial level came anywhere near him after November 4, he'd thumb them up and snub them faster than you can say "Say it ain't so Joe." They're kissing the feet of a Judas of their own making.

In the 'socialism for the wealthy only government' that the Thugligcans are trying to set up before Bush leaves office, the doors are closed on the possibility that anyone else outside their circles has an opportunity to attain self-made wealth, or to "join the country club."

It's a last-minute move to lock out everyone that they can from being able to profit off their own labor and to position them to have to take whatever the government decides to give WHEN it decides to give it, if ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc7i0wCFf8g

Voices for Change: Renee in Georgia

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:04:07 EDT

Whether you're Joe the Plumber, Renee the Computer Technician, or Sarah the Blogger -- you're concerned about your taxes. With good reason.

That's why Barack Obama has a tax plan that lowers taxes for Joe, Renee, bloggers everywhere and another 95% of working Americans.

But as Renee knows well: a lot of people only know what they hear in the negative ads on television.

The McCain campaign has been relentless about repeating misinformation about Barack Obama's tax plan. But the good news is: what's going to happen to your tax rate is actually very clear. Senator Obama's plan is undeniably better for the average working class American. When I meet people who think Obama is going to raise their taxes, I don't just tell them it's not true -- I send them links to any number of non-partisan tax calculator sites that will do the math for them. All of the people I've done this for find they'll have lower taxes with Barack Obama as their President. I know I will.

By now Renee, a proud single mother of an adopted daughter, has done enough volunteer work for Barack Obama that she knows what voters want: facts, not attacks. So when she phonebanks to swing states all over the country -- states like Virginia, Pennsylvania and Colorado -- she's ready with the facts. She tells them about Barack's healthcare plan which will lower costs for working families and cover every child in America. She talks about Barack's plans to rejuvenate the middle class. And she sends Barack's pamphlet outlining all the issues, "Blueprint for Change" to anyone who's interested in learning more about the specific topics they care about most.

I'm 46 years old and I've always voted. But I've never done anything like this.

In addition to phonebanking, Renee has been hosting house parties for Barack since the primaries and here's how she says you do it:

1) Post your event online at My.BarackObama.com.

2) Sit back.

3) Watch as 10, 20, 30 people from all walks of life show up at your home to talk about Barack Obama.

In Renee's experience, she saw everyone from college students to senior citizens to neighbors she didn't even know she had.

What's so important about Obama is that he inspires regular people to get involved. That's the best thing about him. And not just volunteering -- I think people are really thinking about government differently. The dirty name of politics might not be so dirty when he's done -- people might even look at those types of office as honest again.

And in fact, the best evidence she has to back up that idea is right in her own living room:

If my ten-year-old daughter walks into a room and he's on TV speaking, she stops and listens to him. I like the fact that he is making public service honorable. I like the fact that my daughter can look at him and his family and see people that look like her and that have worked very hard and are doing what they believe to be best for this country. It encourages me to see in her eyes the possibility that she really can do anything no matter what her race or gender.

You still have time to make sure Barack Obama is elected President of the United States. Join Renee, her daughter, electricians, plumbers, shoe salesmen, secretaries, store clerks, teachers and hard working Americans all across this country who are volunteering for change.

'DFCS' In Georgia Stealing American Vote

LA — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 11:42:19 EDT

While visiting a local Dunkin Donuts in Georgia, I met an interesting individual who instantly became excited once she saw my 'Obama' sign in the car window. She asked where I got mine, because at the local Obama office in town there are never any available. Although I didn't get my signs in the state of Georgia, I quickly knew what Obama office she spoke of, because it's the same office that remains closed everyday.
This is the same office I reported 2 the 'Obama Headquarters' 4 constantly being closed, after trying 2 go there and register 2 vote, and maybe even volunteer sometime. And wouldn't you know it. Directly across the street was the McCain/Palin office always open and always doing business. I thought this 2 be unfair so I reported it.
But this particular individual also made me aware of another frightening problem. She expressed that she receives welfare and food stamps from the local DFCS office in Griffin, Georgia. She visited the office and while there, decided 2 register 2 vote. 3 weeks had passed and she had not received a call or a letter stating that she was registered as a voter. She checked with other residents who require assistance from the office as well, and they had not received anything either. So this Georgia resident took it upon herself, 2 call the DFCS office 2 check on her voter status. Turns out her form had never been handed over 2 the voter's office, which by the way is directly across the street from the DFCS office she visited 3 weeks ago. She commented that she would have turned it in herself, but it's the rule at DFCS that they must turn all voter forms in.
So my question is: If the DFCS office is directly across the street from the voter's office, why hadn't this woman's paperwork been handed over and processed? If she had not called, she would have showed up at the polls on November 4th 2 vote along with many other's, and there would not have been a record of them registering, due 2 the lack of effort from DFCS 2 do their job. It's been said that those on welfare (especially black folks), have been the victims of voter theft and fraud. Stealing the American vote is nothing new, this has happened repeatedly throughout history and it definitely took place, during the election of George W. Bush.
This is an issue that should be investigated and addressed expeditiously, before November 4th gets here and people are turned away at the polls. There are ridiculous rules popping up all over, such as: If you don't own your home you can't vote, and if your home is foreclosed that means you no longer live in the state so therefore you can't vote. Even voter registration in Florida ended much earlier then it was supposed 2! The government will do any and everything 2 stop Senator Obama from winning this election, and they know he will win. So it's up 2 all of us 2 stay on top of our game, and call out any wrong doing you may encounter.
Oh and yes......I did call the 'Obama Headquarters' and report the unjust actions of the DFCS office, and I'm thinking about calling the local news stations 2 have them check into it as well. These actions are uncalled 4 and illegal, and after finding out about it I couldn't sit by and not do nothing. This same woman also complained that she put her Obama/Biden flyer on her front lawn several times, and every time she did this they were stolen. However every time you drive around a neighborhood, the lawns are flooded with McCain/Palin flyers. Why would someone put so much energy into stealing another person's sign off their lawn? What gives them the right? This is just another form of racism making itself visible yet again.
And have you heard the latest that president Bush will be pumping $250 billion dollars into the banking systems? Yea okay....but what they don't tell you is that Bush is actually using our taxpayer money of $250 billion dollars 2 buy up bank assets 4 himself. It's almost like this was the plan from the beginning, or Bush's 'New World Order' I should say. Bush and his Republican friends probably had a pact that when the country no longer abides by their rules, that there must be a master plan 2 get and keep the control and power. The plan was 2 have his CEO friends of these top corporations like Fannie and Freddie Mac, AIG, Lehman Brothers, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, 2 bankrupt the businesses in order 2 cause havoc. The CEO of Lehman Brothers, Richard Fuld has been caught 4 pocketing $480 million dollars of other's people money. This money could have been used 2 save the company and people's jobs. But instead by doing this, it forced 'The House' 2 rush and comply with a billion dollar bail-out, that hadn't been thoroughly read or understood. This bail-out plan was designed 2 buy up mortgages, bank assets, and assets all over the world. This way if the Republicans do not win the 'White House', at least they'll still have control, a watchful eye and continuous pay-outs coming from the American people. 1 way or the other they want 2 have control. Just think about it. I'm sure Bush has 1st dibs and keeps a watchful eye, on what businesses, banks and properties he can buy in 2. (link 2 info on Lehman Brother's CEO, Richard Fuld right:http://www.nypost.com/seven/10072008/news/regionalnews/lehman_big__im_in_pain_132514.htm)
And who is 2 blame 4 all this? We the American people are 2 blame 4 not voting, not paying attention 2 politics, and not doing enough of an investigation into Bush's background. But we can not let it defeat us. Let's strike back by voting in record breaking numbers. So much so that the governments plan of stealing our vote will eventually blow-up in their faces.
Let's take our country back!www.hoodtalks.blogspot.com

Georgia to Execute Innocent Man

Alex — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:52:41 EDT

I know that this isn't really related to the election at all, but the wider this is talked about the better.

A man is still on death row despite being convicted based on the eyewitness testimony of nine peope, seven of whom have recanted. Now the US Supreme Court has refused to overturn the state's refusal to give him a new trial.

He's currently scheduled to be executed October 27th: four days from now.

For more information see http://www.troyanthonydavis.org/

For My Bubbes and Zaydes by Proxy

Ronnie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:16:53 EDT

I was blessed with the most wonderful Grandma who ever walked the planet. She was a devout, Orthodox Jew who never turned on a light let alone rode in a car on Shabbas until the day my equally wonderful Grandpa was dying.

Becoming a citizen was one of the highlights of her life, not only because she loved this country and viewed her citizenship as an honor, but because she had also earned the right to vote. I was very close with my Grandma, and I know if she were here today she would have proudly voted for Barack Obama.

Grandma was a very smart lady even though she had almost no formal education. She read the The Forward everyday and watched the news every night in their little one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. She sat on the benches on Ocean Parkway and talked about everything, from politics, to her adoring family. With all that she had been through and seen in her life she believed that there was good in everyone, but recognized that being a good person and having good judgment were entirely two different things .

Road Trip!!!

Steve — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:19:56 EDT

I'm excited! I will be flying down to Ft. Lauderdale FL, and driving back to Chicago! On my way I will have stops in Naples FL, Tampa FL, Lake City FL, Atlanta GA, Augusta GA, Charleston SC, Chattanooga TN, Kimball TN, Nashville TN, Louisville KY, and Indy IN. (Yes, I'm taking the LONG way back). It would be great to find anyone out there to help campaign with as I take this trip. I go to FL on Oct 28, and return to Chicago on Oct 3. Anyone out there have any ideas for me, as I make my own "Campaign Trail"?

Thanks!!

Steve

VOTE in Georgia!

James Ray — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:42:22 EDT

Last night was a pretty convincing demonstration of why Barack Obama should be the next President of the United States - and I remain very optimistic about that outcome in the current election.

But optimism and enthusiasm are *not* enough - we must vote and we should vote at our first opportunity so that our votes are cast and WE can turn our collective energy toward supporting other voters on Election Day.

Right now - today - I am asking each and every one of you who has not already done so to make your plans for voting early in the 2008 election. Details regarding locations in Fulton County are provided below. Please share this information with each and every one of your family members and friends.

Let our voices be heard - in this historic election and for years to come!

Early Voting - Rockdale County, Georgia

Gigi — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:32:45 EDT

Rockdale County, Georgia's web site posts the following schedule and times for Early Voting. You can even do it this Saturday.

In-Person Early Voting:
Vote prior to the November 4, 2008 General Election at the Rockdale County Board of Elections Office, 1400 Parker Road (enter Lobby B and follow the signs).

Early voting is open to all registered Rockdale County voters on the following dates:
Monday - Friday:          September 19 - October 24: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday:                    October 25, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Monday - Tuesday:      October 27 - : 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday:    October 29 - 31: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

http://www.rockdalecounty.org/main.cfm?id=2363

Early Voting In Georgia Going Strong African-American turnout is 37 percent of the total

Jeremy Smith — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:12:13 EDT

This from http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/early-voting-in.html

14 Oct 2008 06:14 pm

Early Voting In Georgia

Almost 500,000 early votes have been cast already - 75,000 more than all the early votes in 2004, with three weeks to go. African-American turnout is 37 percent of the total, way ahead of their 29 percent of the total electorate. McCain will almost certainly win Georgia. But this cannot be encouraging for him.

Southern States

debbier — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:36:44 EDT

Senator Obama, when are you coming down South? Two of the debates were held in southern states, but we would love to see you in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, or Mississippi, on the campaign stump. I personally felt it was a bad decision on your campaign's part not to campaign in West Virginina during the primary. Please do not concede these southern states to McCain without a token fight!!!

Senator McCain. Define "Free Nations"

Vanessa Edwards from Houston, TX — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:39:03 EDT

http://transpolitical.blogspot.com/2008/08/senator-mccain-define-free-nations.html

reprint from TransPolitical blog 8/13/08

“Georgia, Georgia, no peace – no peace I findJust this old, sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind” — Georgia On My Mind, Ray Charles But the Americans have no extra money. They have their own problems. They can provide financial assistance for two, three, four, or six months at most.” — Eduard Shevardnadze, former President of Georgia

Today Sen. John McCain enjoyed his own small Berlin moment with his “Ich bin ein Georgian” press confab.

It wasn’t as glorious as the Brandenburg gate. It also wasn’t even uttered in Georgia – whether in Europe or (as McCain would normally do a la his Obama Euro-trip shadowing, e.g. going to Berlin NH) whether in the U.S. in, say, Atlanta, Georgia. During a press statement made on the campaign trail in York PA, McCain said, “I speak for every American when I say … ‘Today we are all Georgians.’”

“My friends, we learned a great cost of the price of allowing aggression against free nations to go unchecked,” McCain added.

The last statement got me to wondering, in this world of nuanced politic-speak, what does Sen. McCain mean by free nations? How is that defined?

Relief spells W-I-N

Marie — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:23:44 EDT

I want to thank all the volunteers! We are making a difference in this race. In the State of Georgia, we are on the edge of turning GA Blue. The folks here have Obama within the 3 percent margin of error. Amazing! Good Job Folks!!!!Here are some sites for thought:

Betty White: http://tinyurl.com/3kh3o2

Betty White 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9bfpu9jWVY

IOUSA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgfNSriMtnw

Walker on debt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0E-fwdyS-w

The folks have tried to shut me down but I got the message through anyway. [Like I don't know Rove tactics when I see it.] Guard your computer folks...McCain's Camp has been sending electronic assaults now.

Big Debate — The Two Faces of McCain

Sonya Rose — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:00:23 EDT

http://blogs.uptownlife.net/sonyarose/?p=69 Oct 8, 2008 Author: Sonya Rose | Filed under: Politics

Of course, Barack Obama won the debate in Nashville last night, though the tone of the evening overall was slow and somber. As the night progressed, Obama was at once self-possessed and admiringly steady as a frazzled John McCain hurled one insult after another, many of them misguided, at the Democratic nominee.

Guided by the firm hand of NBC’s Tom Brokaw on the campus of Belmont University, Obama proved more than up to the night’s many challenges, at one point chiding an overmatched McCain: “This is the guy who sang, ‘Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran,’ who called for the annihilation of North Korea. That I don’t think is an example of ’speaking softly’ … This is the person who, after we had — we hadn’t even finished Afghanistan– where he said, ‘Next up, Baghdad.’ ”

During the debate, McCain attacked Obama on inexperience, while he had his attack dog Sarah Palin sniffing along the campaign trail falsely connecting Obama to terrorists and extremist activity. Was it just me or did there seem something quite disingenuous about a self-proclaimed war hero not having the verve to attack his opponent in a face-to-face confrontation the same way he’s had others do behind his back?

McCain went on to accuse Obama of announcing a possible attack on Pakistan to which the ever-calm Obama explained that he never called for an attack on that region. Further, Obama insisted that his efforts in that arena would be for one reason only. “If Pakistan is unable or unwilling to hunt down bin Laden and take him out, then we should,” he stated firmly.

Yes, McCain, as he has during the past few weeks especially, seemed erratic with arms flailing as he wandered aimlessly around the small half-debate, half-Town Hall stage. Watching McCain stumble and falter during his disjointed answers made one frightened at the possible effects his presidency would have on this nation.

On Monday morning, my family buried my 108-year-old paternal grandmother. Her amazing journey in the deep South bore witness to the post-slave era, the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights movement. She also lived to see the emergence of one Barack Obama, and be touched by his spirit. In her honor and all the other souls who have endured to have their struggles manifest, I am resolved and relieved to know a McCain/Palin presidency is looking more and more as if it can’t and won’t happen …

‘night grandma and thanks.

Photo: Hoag Levins/Kevyn T. Johnson’s oil and collage ‘I’m Still Standing’

Voices for Change: Lisa Nicolle in Georgia

Sarah Ramey — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:38:35 EDT

This election is a truly defining moment in our country’s history. I really see it as a referendum on the soul of America: the person we elect as President is a reflection of how we see ourselves.

Meet Lisa Nicolle, a young filmmaker and substitute teacher in the Atlanta Public School system.

Lisa Nicolle says what we're facing is really a clear choice between progress and the status quo, between inclusion and exclusion. Ultimately, she says, it's a choice between the future and the past.

Recently, as someone who has worked tirelessly on voter registration efforts in Georgia, she was asked to come in and give a presentation about the importance of the upcoming election to a small group of high school seniors.

It's essential to impress a few things on the kids I'm talking to. First of all: vote. We have to vote. This is a real opportunity for these kids to make a statement -- to participate, and create the kind of world they would like to live in.
And Barack Obama's own life story is a huge inspiration when it comes to getting involved: even if life has been challenging for you, you can turn things around. That resonates with kids everywhere. That and being a skinny kid with big ears and a funny name.

Thanks to her pep talk at that tiny event, Lisa Nicolle registered three new high school-aged voters. And had even more sign up to help with a follow-up voter registration drive last weekend. And that, plain and simple, is the story of the greatest grassroots campaign in Presidential history.

I have stood next to so many different kinds of people who are doing the same work for this campaign -- from an older white man who was a self-described recovering Republican, to a young biracial boy whose mom wanted to show him how big he could dream and brought him to see Barack speak, to these kids I work with in the inner city, to a woman I met at a rally who had really believed in Bobby Kennedy, and said to me, "This, this is what we have been waiting for."

We are at a defining moment in history.

And volunteers like Lisa Nicole are proving that when Barack Obama is elected President, it will be just as she says: a reflection of this country. That is, a country that pulled itself together at a critical juncture, and in an enormous community effort worked hard and put America on the right track.

You can turn things around.

The time to join this movement has never been more important:

Today is the last day to register to vote in Florida...here's my effort...

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:28:59 EDT

I created a flyer today to notify my immediate neighbors and neighboring apartment buildings that today is the last day to register to vote in Florida.

If you live in Michigan, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Virginia today is the day for you to tie up all the loose ends and register...

Let your voice be heard!!!!

This was my effort on this last day to register here in Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida...enjoy:

-R

My Detailed 2008 Election Predictions for All 50 States

Eli Corp — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:44:09 EDT

My Detailed 2008 Presidential Election Predictions!

You can check out your own state and see how every demographic group will likely break down in this election.

Today I made some minor changes to my predictions after news broke that McCain was abandoning his Michigan campaign, and putting resources into Indiana and Pennsylvania. I also made some very minor changes to Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio after looking at some new polling data. These changes were minor and did not change the eventual electoral outcome in any of the states, but instead solidified Obama's lead in those states.

Let me first explain how these election projections were made. Each State was carefully researched for the most recent census and other important demographic data. Using State by State U.S. Census data I broke down the state by Gender, Race, Party Affiliation, Age, Education Level, and Religion.

Using a complex formula I did the following, I created a Demographic profile of individuals. (ex. Men-White-Democrat-18 to 44-College Educated-Catholic) There were about 216 Different Demographic Groups represented.

Next I created a two part formula, the first was issue oriented, the second demographic oriented based on CNN Election 2004 Exit Polls.(http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/) The issues represented a wide variety of issues from Women's Issues, to Urban and Rural Issues, Foreign Policy and Economic Policy. I also included cultural issues such as Gun Rights and Racial Issues.

By answering a series of Yes/No Questions regarding those issues, I assigned specific numerical values to each question either Negative (liberal) or Positive (conservative).

On the Demographic formula I assigned importance based on exit polls from CNN. For instance Party is more important than Age or Gender. Race is more important than Gender etc.

The end result is a formula that is about 90%-95% accurate. I double checked the results against Exit Poll Data from 2004, and they match up remarkably well. Political Party numbers do tend to be under-represented in my formulas but do match up fairly accurately, and do balance out in the end. I used Exit Poll data, and numbers of Democrats and Republicans in the state legislatures to determine likely voter models for each political party.

HERE ARE THE FINAL RESULTS:

I project that Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States!

I project that Barack Obama will win with 338 Electoral Votes to John McCain's 200 Electoral Votes. (270 needed to win)

Obama will win 26 States and the District of Columbia. McCain will win 24 States.

Obama will win 51.12% of the Total Popular Vote; 67,531,664 - 338 Electoral Votes

McCain will win 47.03% of the Total Popular Vote; 62,130,227 - 200 Electoral Votes

Nader, McKinney, Barr and others will win 1.86% of the Vote; 2,451,238 - 0 Electoral Votes

TOTAL VOTES: 132,113,129 - 538 Electoral Votes

Projected difference between Obama and McCain: +4.09%

Obama Projected Wins:

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, Wisconsin.

McCain Projected Wins:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia.

Below is a full list of Predictions from every State and Washington DC.

FULL LIST OF EVERY STATE AND WASHINGTON DC WITH NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE:

Here is a full list of all state predictions:

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Washington DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Transcript of Debate 1: Obama v. McCain (09-27-08)

Stephanie Williams — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:11:30 EDT

The presidential candidates shake hands at the start of their first debate.

WASHINGTON (CNN ) -- Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama debated on the campus of the University of Mississippi Friday night. The moderator for the debate was Jim Lehrer of the NewsHour on PBS. What follows is the full transcript of the debate:

Brooks County, Georgia, for Obama

jsq — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:36:01 EDT

The library room seats 25 and there were people sitting on the floor last night in Quitman, Brooks County, Georgia, when Lowndes County volunteers went to help organize.

One local remarked that it would be good to have an office. A man on the floor raised his hand and donated an office. A woman offered a second location for additional Obama events.

This was all volunteers, from Lowndes and Brooks Counties. Their only request of the campaign was "can we have some free yard signs".

People were so excited they could hardly wait to get out and hand out registration forms.

"It was honestly thrilling, that these people, on only a few days notice, showed up, and asked what to do," said Gretchen Quarterman, from Lowndes.

She added, "Not that you had to tell them much. They figured out what precints they were in, and how to approach each precint.

Want to help? Contact Carrol Lewis 229-242-7341.

Today I voted for Barrack Obama...

Sarje Page — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:20:48 EDT

As simple as those 6 words are to type, it’s not lost on me that there were countless numbers of men and women in times before me who risked their lives to perform the simple act of voting. Time Magazine captured one of those times in a 1939 article about a Florida election called Black Ballots.

So, as you’re standing in line to vote, take a moment to remember those who risked their lives and endured shouting mobs, burning crosses, and hung effigies to perform what is now arguably the most underappreciated of our constitutional rights, the right to vote.

-Sarje

McCain: More Republican Fear Mongering

Chris Casarez — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:49:37 EDT

McCain: More Republican Fear Mongering

Over the last month and half, the media has continually referred to Georgia's invasion of South Ossetia which resulted in a counteroffensive from the Russians, as “The Russian Invasion.” John McCain has jumped on this opportunity to verbally condemn Russia, and berate Barack Obama for ‘weak’ foreign policy, adding to the usual argument: The Democrats are weak appeasers, and only we can protect you.

My first reaction to this was frustration, over yet another irresponsible knee-jerk reaction to a situation with a long and complicated geopolitical history. Long story short: Georgia invaded a small country known as South Ossetia, which few of us Americans have ever heard about. This is in part, because generally we tend to not know what a map looks like outside of the US, and even worse, those of us in California tend have difficulty differentiating the states that begin with an ‘M.’ But even this can’t be blamed for our ignorance on South Ossetia, because it’s not even on our maps that we tend to never study.

To make a long story short: South Ossetia declared its independence of Georgia, when Georgia declared its independence of Russia. It subsequently won its independence in a civil war, then drafted its own constitution (sound familiar)? Of course, this does not mean that it's recognized by NATO as its own cuntry. On August 8th, the eve of the Beijing Olympics, Georgian troops and tanks rolled into South Ossetia, in an attempt to annex the region (Video: Georgian tanks head for South Ossetia). See timeline of events here.

The Russian invasion was in fact a response to this action. The Russians drove the Georgians out of South Ossetia and moved into Georgia itself (Video: 12-year-old South Ossetian explains this to Fox News (the Russians were greeted as liberators) and Testimony of an American vacationing in South Ossetia). Whether or not Russia’s response was disproportionate can certainly be debated, but it’s difficult to even have the debate when we have a media that does little/nothing to actually explain the sequence of events, and we are left with our ant-Russian confirmation biases satisfied. After all, those of us who grew up in the 80’s know that Russians are evil people who wear funny hats and live in perpetual snow. This only satisfies our inherited bias.

In fact, after hearing the phrase “separatists” instead of South Ossetians numerous times, I came to realize that even the Russian entrance into South Ossetia was considered part of the invasion, given that South Ossetia itself is regarded as part of Georgia.

The point of this rant is the following: Like Bush, McCain seems all too eager to follow the same “evildoer” foreign policy as Bush. The media doesn’t help us much, by giving us skewed sound bytes that give us a false snapshot on long and complicated situations. What we are left with, are presidents that are given a free pass in their bully-like foreign policy.

This becomes all the more unnerving when we factor in McCain’s frightening blunders, like referring to Putin as the President of Germany, or thinking Iraq shares a border with Pakistan.

Further Reading:

Wikipedia: 2008 South Ossetia war
Article: Blowback From Bear-Baiting by Pat Buchanan
Video: Day one of the Georgia-South Ossetia military conflict

Obama in Georgia: Yes We Are, and So Can You

jsq — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:15:25 EDT

We are Barack, and so can you!

A volunteer drove three hours from Valdosta to Tallahassee to get that cardboard cutout, now stationed in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia. Both paid staff were reassigned to another state, but this office is even busier now, with voter registration, calls to undecideds, organizing meetings, literature distribution, helping neighboring counties, etc.

Obama has 30 paid staff and 35 offices in Georgia, not just in Atlanta; also in Tifton, Albany, Thomasville, and Valdosta, among others. No presidential campaign has ever had so many here; not even Jimmy Carter, who was born here. McCain has zero, zip, nada offices in Georgia.

You may be surprised when you find out how many voters are being registered, too.

So don't count Georgia out. And with 15 electoral votes, as many as North Carolina or New Jersey, and more than Virginia or Massachusetts, a win in Georgia could decide the election.

Want to help? Donate to Obama; send us yard signs, buttons, and bumper stickers. If you're local, best of all, come down and volunteer (102 E Adair St.).

Don't forget to help other Democratic candidates, such as Bill Gillespie, GA-01: Obama needs a good House to get us out of Iraq, make health care affordable, and deploy renewable energy.

WATCH OUT! -- WHY BUSH-MCCAIN WILL LOVE WAR

Unknown user — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:32:33 EDT

I found the following post by Ms Sian Lloyd-Webber in UK's LabourHome website which I think is very crucial why we all should constantly be vigilant and expose/stop any attempt by Bush-McCain to start a war-like atmosphere anywhere in the world.

I think we should also spread this awareness as widely as possible through our mainstream campaigning.

Obama for America, Jim for Georgia

C. G. Brown — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:35:42 EDT

Hey everyone, we're here because we want Obama to be president and take the country in a new direction. It's not just about the president and the vice-president though. Obama needs a strong Congress to support the initiatives we want to happen.

I support Jim Martin for the US Senate in Georgia for those reasons. He's working hard to unseat Saxby Chambliss, a Republican who won his seat in the fear-rich climate of 2002 by asserting that Max Cleland, a Vietnam veteran who lost 3 limbs in battle, was not a patriot and had no interest in helping protect our country.

Please watch this video where Jim and I talk a bit about the election, Obama, and what should happen next, and then contribute what you can at http://www.martinforsenate.com . Even if you only give 10 or 20 dollars, it will make a difference. . . ask Obama if you want to know what a large number of small donations can do :). And tell them Corregan Brown sent you *grin*.

Hey Georgia! Lets talk about some of the logistics of the campaign...housing!

Claire — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:54:40 EDT

Hi there Georgians for Obama! I'm new to the Peach State (fresh from New York City!) - moved here with my boyfriend who is stationed at Ft. Benning - and I'm also new to the campaign! I just accepted an offer to work with a liberal non-profit to reach out to undecided voters and let them know what OBAMA can do for our country!

Well, I have to do my training in Atlanta, which is 1.5 hours way from Ft. Benning, and lets face it - with gas prices, there is NO WAY I can afford to commute 3 hours round trip every day! I know there are a lot of people who are in my shoes all over the country, and all over Georgia, so I started this blog. A few people who are working DIRECTLY for OBAMA have pre-arranged housing with supporters, but there are so many more of us who are with like-minded organizations that don't have a place to stay!

If you need housing in Georgia, post here and lets see if anyone can help us out. Want to offer housing to volunteers or staff who will be relocating to your area to do campaign work? Post here and let us know what you can do to help out!

If you don't have to time to commit to the campaign full-time, this is a great way to support someone who is living, breathing and eating it for the next 6 weeks! Thanks for reading and lets get this started! (And well, if anyone can help me out in Atlanta with housing for a few days over the next two to three weeks, that would be awesome!)

Peace, Love and Progress - Obama!

-Claire

from the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union: Stop the Execution of Troy Davis; Please write to Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue within 24 hours!

Stephen Fox, Contributing Editor New Mexico Sun News — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:15:00 EDT

[please also see immediately prior post from me, with Letter to Sonny Perdue and links to Amnesty International on this urgent matter

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stephenfox/gG5Xll ]

________________________________

From: Anthony D. Romero, ACLU

To: tompaine1917@yahoo.com

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 6:35 PM

Troy Anthony Davis was convicted of murder based solely on the testimony of witnesses. There was no other evidence against him. And, since his trial, seven of those witnesses have recanted -- changing the story they told in court.

Act now to demand justice and stop the execution of Troy Anthony Davis. Dear ACLU Supporter,

On Friday, the Georgia Department of Pardons and Paroles is going to meet and decide if Troy Anthony Davis should be executed THEY DENIED ANY CHANGE IN THE STATUS].

They will either take into account compelling evidence challenging Mr. Davis¢ guilt or choose to ignore that evidence and allow his sentence to stand. They have the power to stop this indefensible execution, and we must implore them to make the right decision.

An African-American, Davis was convicted of the murder of off-duty Savannah Police Officer Mark MacPhail in 1991. No physical evidence links him to the crime, and he has steadfastly maintained his innocence.

His conviction was based solely on the testimony of witnesses. There was no other evidence against him. And, since his trial, seven of those witnesses have recanted -- changing the story they told in court. Some witnesses say they were coerced by police.

Others have even signed affidavits implicating one of the remaining two witnesses as the actual killer. But due to an increasingly restrictive appeals process, none of this new evidence has ever been heard in court.

Act now to demand justice and stop the execution of Troy Anthony Davis.

The ACLU believes the death penalty is the ultimate denial of civil liberties. Our work to abolish the death penalty includes supporting moratorium and repeal movements through public education and advocacy, engaging in systemic reform of the death penalty process, and case-specific litigation highlighting some of the death penalty¢s fundamental flaws.

The case of Troy Davis highlights all that the ACLU finds problematic with the death penalty such as the risk of innocent people being executed, inadequate counsel and racial and geographic disparities. It is an example of our criminal justice system¢s inability to ensure that only the guilty are convicted at trial and sentenced to death.

The Troy Davis case also is an example of a less obvious problem with our criminal justice system -- that the ever-increasing number of procedural hurdles erected by courts and legislators to deny death-row inmates relief and expedite their executions has seriously eroded the system¢s ability to correct its mistakes.

That's why I'm calling on ACLU supporters across the nation to add our voices to those of people who have grave concerns about this case -- including former judge, FBI Director and death penalty proponent William Sessions.

Act now to demand justice and stop the execution of Troy Anthony Davis. The Georgia Department of Pardons and Paroles will meet just three days from now.

So, we need you to act right away. Thank you for standing with us and standing up for justice.

Help Save the Life of an Innocent Man, Troy Davis, by Writing to Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue Within 24 Hours; Two Detailed Reports from Amnesty International on Troy Davis

Stephen Fox, Contributing Editor New Mexico Sun News — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:47:46 EDT

September 16, 2008

Honorable Sonny Perdue Governor State of Georgia

[emailed through Governor's Contact Form

http://gov.georgia.gov/00/gov/contact_us/0,2657,78006749_94820188,00.html

for more information, contact Tom Paine <tompaine1917@yahoo.com>]

Sir: It came to my attention earlier today that the state of Georgia's Board of Pardons and Paroles did not see fit to stop the execution of Troy Davis, and that the execution of this man is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2008, one week from now.

As you well know from the attention that this case has attracted, many people in the State of Georgia, around the United States and throughout the world have been appealing for a reconsideration of Mr. Davis's death sentence.

These people include Nobel Prize winner Bishop Desmond Tutu and former judge, FBI Director and death penalty proponent William Sessions.

I would like to add my name to those who appeal to you to stop this execution, Sir.

Now that a September 23, 2008 execution date has been issued for Mr. Davis, I ask you to commute his death sentence. You are already aware of the facts.

There is no physical evidence linking Mr. Davis to the crime. No murder weapon was ever found. Several of the witnesses against Mr. Davis state that they were coerced by investigators to name Mr. Davis as the shooter and have since recanted those statements.

It is my understanding, Sir, that 7 of the original witnesses, of which it is also my understanding that there were originally 9, have recanted their original statements.

It is also my understanding, Sir, that there is a good probability that one of the last two witnesses not to recant is the actual murderer in the murder for which Troy Davis has sat on death row and for which Troy Davis is to be executed next Tuesday, September 23, 2008.

This means that the authorities know he's not guilty of the crime, but plan to kill him anyway.

This might be the kind of "justice" appropriate for, say, the regime of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran, Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany, Joseph Stalin in Stalinist Russia, or Osama bin Laden in one of his own religiously fundamentalist-governed camps, but it does not seem to me to be the sort of justice a democratic republic based on the rule of law with a criminal justice system based on the precept of having to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt ought to carry out.

There is obviously in this case no proof of Troy Davis's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and, in fact, Sir, the overwhelming probability is that Troy Davis is innocent, and someone else is guilty. Therfore, to "legally" kill him is simply a horrendous travesty of justice, not real justice at all.

Unfortunately, the judicial system has failed to consider the new evidence presented and either exonerate Mr. Davis or grant him a new trial. It is not uncommon for an innocent person to be sentenced to death and come close to execution only to be saved by determined lawyers, compassionate courts, bodies like boards of pardons and paroles, or else people in positions such as yourself, Sir.

In fact, there have been 129 exonerations in the United States. Troy Davis is most probably an innocent man, while someone else, possibly even one of the two remaining "non-recanting" witnesses, may be the actual murderer in the case.

I therefore urge you to immediately stop Mr. Davis's execution. I urge you to use your influence to insure he's kept from being executed until the new evidence is considered and until he is either exonerated or granted a new trial, Sir.

But it appears to me the overwhelming probability here that he's innocent. If this case is not a case in which the precept, "reasonable doubt of guilt," applies, then I don't know what kind of case is, Sir.

I know something about law, having an older brother who is a judge in another state from my own, and a sister-in-law who is also an attorney advocating on behalf of older citizens, and also having, myself, been employed in "support" capacities for law firms in still another state myself in the 1970s and 1980s.

I urge you, Sir, to commute this man's death sentence, and to insure he gets a new trial and that the new evidence is considered. Do the right thing in this matter, Sir, will you? Stop the execution of Troy Davis.

Thank you. Yours truly, Allan B. Greene

_____________________________________________________

This is Amnesty International on Troy Davis:

http://www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/troy-davis-finality-over-fairness/page.do-id=1011343&n1=3&n2=28&n3=1412

and another Amnesty International Bulletin:

Supreme Court's Death Penalty Ruling in Troy Davis Case Reveals 'Catastrophic Flaws in the U.S. Death Penalty Machine'

http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?lang=e&id=ENGUSA20070625001

_______________________________________

from the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union:

From: Anthony D. Romero, ACLU <Executive_director@aclu.org>
Subject: Stop the Execution of Troy Davis
To: tompaine1917@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 6:35 PM

Dear ACLU Supporter,

On Friday, the Georgia Department of Pardons and Paroles is going to meet and decide if Troy Anthony Davis should be executed.

They will either take into account compelling evidence challenging Mr. Davis¢ guilt or choose to ignore that evidence and allow his sentence to stand. They have the power to stop this indefensible execution, and we must implore them to make the right decision.

An African-American, Davis was convicted of the murder of off-duty Savannah Police Officer Mark MacPhail in 1991. No physical evidence links him to the crime, and he has steadfastly maintained his innocence. His conviction was based solely on the testimony of witnesses. There was no other evidence against him. And, since his trial, seven of those witnesses have recanted -- changing the story they told in court.

Some witnesses say they were coerced by police. Others have even signed affidavits implicating one of the remaining two witnesses as the actual killer. But due to an increasingly restrictive appeals process, none of this new evidence has ever been heard in court.

Act now to demand justice and stop the execution of Troy Anthony Davis.

The ACLU believes the death penalty is the ultimate denial of civil liberties. Our work to abolish the death penalty includes supporting moratorium and repeal movements through public education and advocacy, engaging in systemic reform of the death penalty process, and case-specific litigation highlighting some of the death penalty¢s fundamental flaws.

The case of Troy Davis highlights all that the ACLU finds problematic with the death penalty such as the risk of innocent people being executed, inadequate counsel and racial and geographic disparities. It is an example of our criminal justice system¢s inability to ensure that only the guilty are convicted at trial and sentenced to death.

The Troy Davis case also is an example of a less obvious problem with our criminal justice system -- that the ever-increasing number of procedural hurdles erected by courts and legislators to deny death-row inmates relief and expedite their executions has seriously eroded the system¢s ability to correct its mistakes.

That¢s why I¢m calling on ACLU supporters across the nation to add our voices to those of people who have grave concerns about this case -- including former judge, FBI Director and death penalty proponent William Sessions.

Act now to demand justice and stop the execution of Troy Anthony Davis.

The Georgia Department of Pardons and Paroles will meet just three days from now. So, we need you to act right away.

Thank you for standing with us and standing up for justice.

Sincerely,

Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director
ACLU

I Sent Senator Obama's Office a Message

KMcQ — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:51:01 EDT

About the Caucuses.
http://ls.berkeley.edu/?q=node/802

(excerpt) "But three of the four panelists reserved what may have been their harshest criticism for American foreign policy, which they said, has served to isolate and humiliate Russia and in the process trigger Putin’s Georgia gambit. "

... and Nuclear Threats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCPH4p-Zp1Q

----With the hope that my new president will advocate an integrated approach to Foreign Policy that has the goal of securing, dismantling, and eliminating nuclear materials around the world. That the US concept of Homeland Security might evolve from nearly ten years of reactionary and frantic international "policing," including incarceration, punishment, torture, and clandestine investigation... and begin to emphasize diplomatic solutions and the widespread commitment to shared international goals.

Sarah Palin wouldn't blink as she would sink America

Dr. Jeffrey Kargel — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:53:30 EDT

After having heard the ABC News interview of Sarah Palin by Charlie Gibson, so many thoughts and questions come to mind. I'll just offer one of them here: As she would promote a confrontation with Russia, which forces would be used to face them down? Those from Iraq? Those deployed around the world facing down and chasing al Qaeda? From the Alaska National Guard? After all, this is a new confrontation with a newly made enemy, and since our forces have been stretched thinly fighting the previous long list of adversaries, we either need to train and pay for new forces or derive them from other deployments. In terms of treasure, American lives, and American standing in the world, from which other priorities will the capital and force structure be drawn to enable this confrontation with the new evil? I would ask Sarah Palin to find the words and the moral strength and the backbone and the military forces to describe and clarify for us voters what new evolution has just occurred in the Bush/Cheney/McCain/Palin Doctrine. If she doesn't like the word "evolution," then just the word "change" will do. What's up Sarah, what's changing here? I do see that there's a change afoot, as it was Ronald Reagan and George Bush I, preceded by seven previous Cold War Presidents and our Congress, who took down the Soviet Empire and won the Cold War. Is one Cold War not enough?

"Perhaps" Palin

AtlantaDem — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:51:00 EDT

In Charles Gibson's interview with Sarah Palin she called for Georgia and the Ukraine to be included in NATO, a treaty that requires the U.S. to defend them militarily. She also said Russia's attack into Georgia last month was "unprovoked." It was actually Georgia that provoked the response by trying to sieze South Ossetia.

Asked to clarify that she'd support going to war over Georgia, she said: "Perhaps so."

Perhaps we'll support Georgia. Perhaps we'll support NATO. Perhaps we'll go to war with Russia.

Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

Cheney in the Caucasus

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:47:14 EDT

Bad Blood in Azerbaijan Cheney in the Caucasus

By MIKE WHITNEY

For the past week, Dick Cheney has been traveling through the Caucasus trying to drum up support for punitive action against Russia for its role in the recent fighting in South Ossetia. The Vice President vowed that the Moscow's action "will not go unanswered". Cheney is determined to establish the United States as the regional "cop on the beat", taking charge of all security operations through its cat's paw, Nato. Neither the Kremlin nor the EU are paying much attention to Cheney's fulminations. The negotiations for the security arrangements and the withdrawal of Russian troops are being conducted without US involvement..........

ENTIRE ARTICLE- http://www.counterpunch.org/whitney09112008.html

McCain Supporter, Pat Buchanan, calls for the aid of Joe Biden

Blue Girl in South Carolina — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:56:37 EDT

How could a story this BIG be missed by News Media outlets and the public????

In an August article by McCain supporter, Pat Buchanan -- Buchanan calls for Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden to investigate just exactly who started the Cold War II between Russia and the United States. If John McCain and Sarah Palin are such quality leaders, why then is Buchanan wanting Sen. Joe Biden, Vice Presidential candidate for future president ot the United States, Barack Obama, to be the one to investigate this issue? Evidentally, in a very important OP-Ed, Buchanan wrote about this dilemma, and did not call on his own party's candidate to help or direct such an important investigation? What does this say about foreign affairs and communication skills for John McCain and Sarah Palin?

Start of article and Link to full story below:

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

By Pat Buchanan

If Cold War II is coming, who started it, if not us?

The swift and decisive action of Putin's army in running the Georgian forces out of South Ossetia in 24 hours after Saakashvili began his barrage and invasion suggests Putin knew exactly what Saakashvili was up to and dropped the hammer on him.

What did we know? Did we know Georgia was about to walk into Putin's trap? Did we not see the Russians lying in wait north of the border? Did we give Saakashvili a green light?

Joe Biden ought to be conducting public hearings on who caused this U.S. humiliation.

The war in Georgia has exposed the dangerous overextension of U.S. power. There is no way America can fight a war with Russia in the Caucasus with our army tied down in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nor should we. Hence, it is demented to be offering, as John McCain and Barack Obama are, NATO membership to Tbilisi...see FULL story here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20080819/cm_uc_crpbux/op_337089

A Call to Action

Jeff Joslin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:39:53 EDT

A Call to Action

Yesterday the airwaves and papers were filled with McCain-Palin lies. He said, “Obama will raise your taxes.” She said, "I told Congress, thanks but no thanks on that bridge to nowhere," and on and on… They are now turning the phrase, “Community Organizer” into a derogatory term.

A Call to Action

Jeff Joslin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:28:56 EDT

A Call to Action

We are NOT all Georgians!!!!!!!!

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:35:14 EDT

Georgia Is on Our Minds, But Abuses Are Ignored

Only Human

By Kathleen Peratis

.........For one thing, Georgia tortures people. Every year since 2004, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported on Abu Ghraib-like treatment of prisoners in Georgian jails and prisons: Suspects have been suspended between poles and beaten with truncheons or burned with candles until they hemorrhaged from various parts of their bodies; there have been threats to beat their mothers and children if they do not confess to charges against them, according to Amnesty. In 2005 and 2006, Human Rights Watch detailed “several cases of torture” and reported that in 2006 alone, at least seven detainees died in Tblisi Prison No. 5............

ENTIRE ARTICLE- http://www.forward.com/articles/14141/

A Message from our Regional Veteran Leaders

Jeff Joslin — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:26:32 EDT

I received the following message from our Regional Leaders in the South East. John Estrada and Don Stanton are dedicated Obama Supporters who are jointly working on our behalf as the interface between the State Campaign and our National Campaign. John Estrada was the Sargent Major of the Marine Corps until his retirment in June 2007. He is a tremendous, energetic personality. He has a daughter living in the state of Georgia and plans on campaigning with us this fall.

A Message from Our Regional Leaders

Jeff Joslin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:31:50 EDT

The Atlantic.com explains possible Palin scenarios

Barbara C. Benedict — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:16:40 EDT

A good read on how it all works, RNC rules etc:

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200809u/palin-eagleton

Let's hope for the sake of the country, at risk of a grossly unqualified VP, that the switch is made and fast. Hopefully this ridiculous time wasting situation comes to an end quickly so the GOP can get back to at least a minimal respect of the office, it's importance to our country, it's citizens, and the rest of the world! What a time waster and unfortunately successful misdirection from the discussions we should be having right now. The talk is about Palin when it should be about Putin, the Gulf Coast, China, etc.

What exactly was/is the US's role in the Georgian conflict? How many civilians and soldiers died on both sides? What might a new cold war mean? http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200808u/georgia-russia-war

How are the reported 1.9 million people that fled the Gulf Coast ahead of Gustav? 1.9 million! And we weren't done talking about Katrina. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26451955/

Was it all just to bury the news? It's so nutty it makes me nutty!

When it doesn't makes sense, it sounds like Rove....

Was an Independent Ossetia a US Election Ruse Gone Wrong?

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:03:59 EDT

Wag the Dog in Georgia

By ERIC WALBERG

.......Putin firmly declared in his CNN interview that the attack on Russian peacekeepers by Georgia was given the green light by US officials as part of an US election campaign ploy. He was most likely referring to McCain, a personal friend of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, and Scheunemann, McCain’s chief foreign policy advisor. Or possibly Joseph Wood, Cheney’s deputy assistant for national security affairs, who was in Georgia shortly before the war began. Or both..........

ENTIRE ARTICLE- http://www.counterpunch.org/walberg09022008.html

Georgia Admits Dropping Cluster Bombs, says Rights Group

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:23:19 EDT

Georgia Admits Dropping Cluster Bombs, says Rights Group

by Mark Tran and agencies

Human Rights Watch says it has letter acknowledging use of cluster bombs near Russian border tunnel by Mark Tran and agencies Georgia has admitted dropping cluster bombs during its attempt to regain control of its breakaway province of South Ossetia, a human rights group said today. Human Rights Watch said it had received a letter from the Georgian defence ministry acknowledging the use of M85 cluster bombs near the Roki tunnel that connects South Ossetia with Russia.............

ENTIRE ARTICLE- http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/01/georgia.russia?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews

Vladimir Putin accuses Bush of provoking Georgia conflict to help John McCain

Chinni — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:49:11 EDT

Vladimir Putin accuses Bush of provoking Georgia conflict to help John McCain

Times Online - Aug 28 2008

“The suspicion arises that someone in the United States especially created this conflict with the aim of making the situation more tense and creating a competitive advantage for one of the candidates fighting for the post of US President.”
Mr Putin said that his defence officials had told him that Americans were operating in the conflict zone in Georgia during the fighting.
He added: “It should be admitted that they would do so only following direct orders from their leaders. Therefore, they were acting in implementing those orders, doing as they were ordered, and the only one who can give such orders is their leader.”

CINDY McCAIN GOES TO GEORGIA (RUSSIA)

Madera Strong - Team Co-ordinator For City of Madera — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:26:09 EDT

Cindy McCain states she went to Georgia (Russia) to help the Georgian refugees after the Russian invasion. Cindy blames Russia for the Georgian hardship (of course, that's true, but we have a State Department). GREAT NOW CINDY IS CREATING INTERNATIONAL POLICY!!!!!!! HELLLLLLP!!!!!!

Does Cindy have Russian or Georgian financial investments?

I feel Cindy MUST FULLY DISCLOSE HER FINANCES AND HER CLOSE FAMILY INVESTMENTS.

.......

Russia and Georgia

Andrew from Hudson, MA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:36:09 EDT

Dear Joe Biden,

I am looking closely at you to ensure that you can execute on the NEW vision, the hope Barack brings. Please, inwardly embrace this movement as you are now called to help lead. As such, you must not visit and talk to only Georgia - show leadership and vision - visit Russia as well. Hear, honestly, both sides. Do not allow the old cold war feelings taint your vision and actions. And please, look closely at how to constructively engage Russia, steer a course that brings our countries closer. Beware of how this event has been portrayed in the media. Put yourself in Russia's shoes. What would you have done if you were the leader of Russia when Georgia attacked? Sympathy now, listening, and assurances of friendship will bring forward The Barack Hope we share. Be a leader in Martin Luther King's style.

Andrew Linnell

Putin Blames US for conflict in Georgia

wendynyc — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:59:50 EDT

Dick Chaney never learns...

SOCHI, Russia (CNN) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia to benefit one of its presidential election candidates.

Russian PM Vladimir Putin has accused the U.S. of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia.

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In an exclusive interview with CNN's Matthew Chance in the Black Sea city of Sochi Thursday, Putin said the U.S. had encouraged Georgia to attack the autonomous region of South Ossetia.

Putin told CNN his defense officials had told him it was done to benefit a presidential candidate -- Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama are competing to succeed George W. Bush -- although he presented no evidence to back it up.

"U.S. citizens were indeed in the area in conflict," Putin said. "They were acting in implementing those orders doing as they were ordered, and the only one who can give such orders is their leader." Watch Putin accuse the United States »

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino blasted Putin's statements, saying they were "patently false."

"To suggest that the United States orchestrated this on behalf of a political candidate just sounds not rational," she said.

U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood concurred, and labeled Putin's statements as "ludicrous."

"Russia is responsible for the crisis," Wood said in an off-camera meeting with reporters in Washington on Thursday. "For the Russians to say they are not responsible for what happened in Georgia is ludicrous. ... Russia is to blame for this crisis and the world is responding to what Russia has done."

When told that many diplomats in the United States and Europe blame Russia for provoking the conflict and for invading Georgia, Putin said Russia had no choice but to invade Georgia after dozens of its peacekeepers in South Ossetia were killed. He told Chance it was to avert a human calamity. iReport.com: First-person accounts from the center of the conflict

The former Russian president, still considered the most powerful man in the country, said he was disappointed the U.S. had not done more to stop Georgia's attack.

Putin recalled he was watching the situation in Georgia and South Ossetia unfold when he was at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on August 8.

He said he spoke to U.S. President George W. Bush, also attending, who told the Russian prime minister he didn't want war -- but Putin spoke to CNN of his disappointment that the U.S. administration didn't do more to stop Georgia early in the conflict.

Also Thursday Putin announced economic measures which he said were unrelated to the fighting with Georgia. Nineteen U.S. poultry meat companies would be banned from exporting their products to Russia because they had failed health and safety tests, and 29 other companies had been warned to improve their standards or face the same ban, Putin said.

Putin said Russia's health and agricultural ministries had randomly tested the poultry products and found them to be full of antibiotics and arsenic.

While Putin repeated that the bans were not related to the Georgian conflict, they indicate the measures some Western countries -- particularly in Europe -- fear if Russia goes on a diplomatic offensive. Watch analysis of Russia's relationship with the West. »

Don't Miss

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Analysis: A new Cold War -- or more hot air?
U.S. aid arrives in tense Georgia
Special: Georgia Crisis

Russia is trying to counterbalance mounting pressure from the West over its military action in Georgia and its recognition of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

But Russia's hopes of winning international support for its actions in Georgia were dashed Thursday, when China and other Asian nations expressed concern about tension in the region.

The joint declaration from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes China, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgystan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, said the countries hoped any further conflict could be resolved peacefully. Watch more on rising tensions between Russia and the West. »

"The presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of respect for historic and cultural traditions of every country and efforts aimed at preserving the unity of a state and its territorial integrity," the declaration said, The Associated Press reported.

"Placing the emphasis exclusively on the use of force has no prospects and hinders a comprehensive settlement of local conflicts," AP reported the group as saying.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had appealed to the SCO at a summit in Tajikistan Thursday to support its actions, saying it would serve as a "serious signal for those who are trying to justify the aggression."

On Wednesday a U.S. ship carrying aid docked in Georgia, while Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband traveled to the Ukraine, which is worried about Russia's intentions in the region, to offer the UK's support.

Miliband equated Moscow's offensive in Georgia with the Soviet tanks that invaded Czechoslovakia to crush the Prague Spring democratic reforms in 1968, and demanded Russia "change course," AP reported. iReport.com: Do remember the Cold War?

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Parting the Fog Surrounding Georgia

JoeyRamone63 — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:51 EDT

The last few days of the DNC convention in Denver have been exciting. We've heard some stirring speeches from Ted Kennedy, Michelle Obama, Dennis Kucinich, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden among others. While these speeches contained the expected amounts of enthusiasm, patriotism, and lots of other warm fuzzy feelings, there was also a disturbing amount of spin. Particularly unsettling was Joe Biden's portrayal of the Georgia-Russia conflict over South Ossetia.

Ladies and gentlemen, in recent years and in recent days, we've once again seen the consequences of the neglect -- of this neglect, with Russia challenging the very freedom of a new democratic country of Georgia. Barack and I will end that neglect. We will hold Russia accountable for its actions, and we will help the people of Georgia rebuild.

Senator Biden appears to be following along the same lines as the Bush Administration and Senator McCain; defending the "democratic country of Georgia" and demonizing Russia's actions in defending South Ossetia.

Judgment defined - a different view of Georgia

Don Thompson — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:35:25 EDT

In a column for the British newspaper, The Guardian, Jonathan Steele offers a starkly different view of the conflict between Russia and Georgia than the filtered one we get in North America. Of course, his opinions are coloured by the fact that he is in the vicinity and has been since 2001.

Steele notes that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has been waging an interesting campaign of lies, his biggest in this case being: "...his attempt to airbrush the fact that he created the crisis by launching an artillery barrage on the South Ossetian capital, which killed scores of civilians and 15 Russian peacekeepers."

Steele compares the Russian response to Georgia's opening to NATO's response to problems in Kosovo. He notes: "Instead of confining itself to Kosovo in seeking to protect Albanian civilians from ethnic cleansing, NATO bombed deep into Serbia proper. What Russia did to Georgia was disproportionate, but less so than NATO on Serbia a decade ago."

There is also a good analysis of John McCain's "judgment". "One of the grimmest aspects of this crisis was the degree to which John McCain emerged as an undiplomatic hawk. Before the crisis he was on record as calling Putin "a totalitarian dictator" and saying Russia should be expelled from the G8. As Russia came in to defend South Ossetia, he demanded it pay a "serious negative" price." Clearly McCain is a man with a single approach to foreign relations. War.

Referring to his own government as 'poodles', Steele asks can they not see "...the next potential US president, Barack Obama, is more nuanced? He called on Georgia, as well as Russia, to show restraint."

Wow! Restraint. Asking for sanity from both sides. Now who should be answering 3:00 am phone calls?

The whole article is well worth reading and is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/aug/25/georgia.russia.

Georgia

Beverly Jurenko — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:45:20 EDT

So what is Obama's position on Georgia?

Obama Headquarters opens in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Pat Walker — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:20:47 EDT

Pete Thomas reports that the Blue Ridge, Georgia, Obama Headquarters had their grand opening on Saturday, August 23: "Our grand opening was a huge success with many new people attending, including many tourists that were visiting Fannin. There will be a telephone bank at the headquarters building...signed up 23 new volunteers and some high school students stopped in to let us know that they are wanting to get involved with the Obama campaign." Their hours are 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., subject to change depending on the availability of volunteers. The address is 3900 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Stop by and visit them soon!

Is this something we could accomplish here in Gilmer County?

Checkmate--Putin, Bush, McCain and Central Europe

Marty — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:43:55 EDT

My wife’s grandfather, Gedaliah Cohen, immigrated to the United States from Russia in the 1920’s. He used to love to tell the story about how he got his brother, Mechel, into the United States. Mechel was a deaf mute, and when Gedaliah and Mechel arrived at Ellis Island, the immigration authorities refused to let Mechel in. They believed that Mechel was mentally defective and that he would be unable to support himself.

Disaster Looms in Georgia; an appeal to Obama and Biden

Dee — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:26:28 EDT

I was very encouraged by Sen. Obama's response to the crisis in Georgia, as opposed to John McCain's war-mongering. I want to call on this campaign to go a step further.

The comment of the Georgian President that he appreciated McCain's line about "we are all Georgians" was very fine, but it's time for more than words characterizes a huge concern that must be shouted to the world, and underline the bottom line of McCain's campaign.

Randy Scheunemann (sp?) was, until March, working for the Georgian government as a lobbyist. Keith Olbermann raises the question: did the Georgian President think he was buying McCain's support when he invaded the Georgian capital?

Sen. Obama, Sen. Biden, PLEASE, expose this scandal, call McCain out on it, shred the curtain of media silence that has shrouded McCain's campaign and allowed him to escape unscathed while he has said and done outrageous, if not legally, morally and ethically reprehensible things.

This is my HOPE. I think it's the hope of a majority of your supporters, that the "pass" that McCain has been enjoying MUST come to an end. We are counting on you to bring that end about.

The American People really must know what McCain is about. If you won't do it, who will?

Respectfully

All Politics "is" Local

James Ray — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:03:31 EDT

Most famously stated by Thomas "Tip" O'Neill, a longtime Speaker of the House in the U.S. Congress...

"All politics is local."

As we near Election Day 2008, all of us have an obligation to get involved in the political process if we expect to have an influence on the outcome. I am proud to report that I've recently joined a local group to advocate for Obama/Biden in John's Creek and Roswell, Ga.

We met for the first time on Thursday, the 20th of August and by Saturday the 22nd of August a group of us had assembled to register voters and engage citizens during a local youth football jamboree.

Enduring the harsh stares of a mostly Republican population, we were thrilled to be approached by other Obama supporters who were somewhat surprised but very happy that we were there - in a visible way. Throughout the day, we registered (5) new voters and obtained address updates for (4) others, while capturing (2) new volunteers for the Obama campaign.

What a great day!
_ James