Wednesday, December 3, 2008
DON'T LET THE SCREEN DOOR HIT YA!!!
A catastrophic, unending war, Guantanamo, torture, Abu Ghraib, kangaroo courts, water-boarding, black sites, extraordinary rendition, Haliburton, no-bid contracts, cronyism, recess appointments, warrantless wiretapping, fired U.S. attorneys, Plamegate, Katrina (still left undone), doubling national debt, denying global warming exists, (now He wants to sign the Kyoto agreement!), Nuclear threats from other nations, WHEW.. let me take a breath. OK, it all boils to the title, "Worst President Ever!"
George W. Bush is likely to go down in history as one of the few presidents who failed on every conceivable front. Future chroniclers will no doubt uncover malfeasance beyond what we can even now imagine, but as it stands, it's hard to think of a single admirable, or merely adequate, thing this administration has done. (Okay, one: Bush could be called many names, but "bigot" is not one of them. His Cabinet looked a lot more like America than any Democrat's ever has; without Powell and Rice, the Obama candidacy might not have been possible.) Even aside from the war, detention, and torture, there are innumerable ways in which Bush has left us worse off and less safe.
This time, the damage seems deeper, in part—and this may be George W. Bush's most pernicious legacy—because of the cynicism the W years have engendered. Large percentages of us now have no trouble believing that our ballots don't count, and that Washington is so completely in the pocket of corporate interests that no amount of mobilization can change its foregone conclusions. Can such a nation pull together to craft a new vision—one that would right the injustices, both legal and economic, of the past eight years? Do we even want to, or would we be satisfied to stop being embarrassed about our president?
There is, of course, one thing we'll miss about George W. Bush: The endless material—and, let's admit it, the creative way with the facts. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all "create our own reality" sometime!
George W. Bush is likely to go down in history as one of the few presidents who failed on every conceivable front. Future chroniclers will no doubt uncover malfeasance beyond what we can even now imagine, but as it stands, it's hard to think of a single admirable, or merely adequate, thing this administration has done. (Okay, one: Bush could be called many names, but "bigot" is not one of them. His Cabinet looked a lot more like America than any Democrat's ever has; without Powell and Rice, the Obama candidacy might not have been possible.) Even aside from the war, detention, and torture, there are innumerable ways in which Bush has left us worse off and less safe.
This time, the damage seems deeper, in part—and this may be George W. Bush's most pernicious legacy—because of the cynicism the W years have engendered. Large percentages of us now have no trouble believing that our ballots don't count, and that Washington is so completely in the pocket of corporate interests that no amount of mobilization can change its foregone conclusions. Can such a nation pull together to craft a new vision—one that would right the injustices, both legal and economic, of the past eight years? Do we even want to, or would we be satisfied to stop being embarrassed about our president?
There is, of course, one thing we'll miss about George W. Bush: The endless material—and, let's admit it, the creative way with the facts. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all "create our own reality" sometime!
THE INAGURATION THEME
Obama's theme for the inauguration on January 20, 2009 is "A New Birth of Freedom", which commemorates the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. "A New Birth of Freedom" comes from the 16th presidents Gettysburg Address.
It is tradition to link an inaugurations theme with a major historic anniversary, but this year's is laden with symbolism and meaning.
Obama, at this writing is still pulling his cabinet together, and like Lincoln, his is surrounding himself with the best of the best, and also ones that do not agree with his ideas and might not prove to be loyal in the coming years.
I am just being realist, but I hope that those that surround Obama do not conspire against him, and have him assassinated, like those that surrounded Lincoln.
THE WEB OUTREACH EFFORT
THE WEB OUTREACH EFFORT
I call it Obama 2.0 --- an ambitious effort to transform the president elects vast Web operation and database of supporters into a modern new tool to accomplish his goals in the White House.
Barack Obma has an unprecedented ability to appeal to millions of people who favor his ideas, bypassing the news media to pressure congress.
He has built the largest network anyone has ever seen in politics. Many of his past predecessors are clueless about the communications shift that has happened due to the Internet and his ability to use it.
Obama will be a president for all Americans, not just the political supporters on his email list.
I call it Obama 2.0 --- an ambitious effort to transform the president elects vast Web operation and database of supporters into a modern new tool to accomplish his goals in the White House.
Barack Obma has an unprecedented ability to appeal to millions of people who favor his ideas, bypassing the news media to pressure congress.
He has built the largest network anyone has ever seen in politics. Many of his past predecessors are clueless about the communications shift that has happened due to the Internet and his ability to use it.
Obama will be a president for all Americans, not just the political supporters on his email list.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Vote For The Future!!!
If current generations of Americans are ever to witness a time when hope must prevail over fear, when common good must be placed above self-interest, and when America must respond to its highest values and reject its most deeply rooted prejudices, surely this is the moment.
This is a crucial moment in American history and perhaps the most important election of our time. It will set us on a path that will determine what kind of life our children and grandchildren will have.
Will they have affordable, quality health care? Will they have the opportunity to build lifelong financial security? Or will they be burdened by the mess and the bills we have made?
What kind of legacy are we leaving? Will we leave America better than we found it? Their future is at stake in this election, and in the ensuing decisions our leaders make. Each one of us can make a difference in determining what that future will be.
Some elections have been far more important than others.
This is one America needs to get right.
Barack Obama is an inspiring choice for our next President.
This is a crucial moment in American history and perhaps the most important election of our time. It will set us on a path that will determine what kind of life our children and grandchildren will have.
Will they have affordable, quality health care? Will they have the opportunity to build lifelong financial security? Or will they be burdened by the mess and the bills we have made?
What kind of legacy are we leaving? Will we leave America better than we found it? Their future is at stake in this election, and in the ensuing decisions our leaders make. Each one of us can make a difference in determining what that future will be.
Some elections have been far more important than others.
This is one America needs to get right.
Barack Obama is an inspiring choice for our next President.
Did You Know???
This is just another important issue!!!
Did you know that they are some DR's out there that will not accept and do not have to accept any patient that is on Medicare?
Their reason being that there seems to be a problem with low reimbursement from Medicare in regard to higher reimbursement from other insurance companies!!!
That's just another issue the new President (did I say Obama out loud?) will have to deal with.
As the population ages, this is going to be another problem in the near future.
Did you know that they are some DR's out there that will not accept and do not have to accept any patient that is on Medicare?
Their reason being that there seems to be a problem with low reimbursement from Medicare in regard to higher reimbursement from other insurance companies!!!
That's just another issue the new President (did I say Obama out loud?) will have to deal with.
As the population ages, this is going to be another problem in the near future.
Should The Electoral College System Be Retained?
The Electoral College is a time-bomb which, if not defused, could one day push America toward an abyss.
Let us assume that Obama wins the general election, and some of the Electoral College are latent racists and stage a conspiracy to deny him a chance for the Presidency and vote against him. Considering some of the slogans that have been heard against him ("Kill him," "nigger,' "terrorists."), such a constitutional coup does not look far -fetched. In their bigoted minds , these electors would be helping America, and they would find many technical reasons for this aberrant behavior.
The idea of keeping a potentially devious intermediary between the people and the corridors of power is undemocratic and potentially dangerous.
Let us assume that Obama wins the general election, and some of the Electoral College are latent racists and stage a conspiracy to deny him a chance for the Presidency and vote against him. Considering some of the slogans that have been heard against him ("Kill him," "nigger,' "terrorists."), such a constitutional coup does not look far -fetched. In their bigoted minds , these electors would be helping America, and they would find many technical reasons for this aberrant behavior.
The idea of keeping a potentially devious intermediary between the people and the corridors of power is undemocratic and potentially dangerous.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
What Else To Say!!
Pray for optimum health, wisdom, mental clarity and political prosperity for Barack Obama, and for his Protection, as he seeks to become our President!
HOW IT MUST FEEL!
Props to Kevin Foster
This is one of the most telling images of what it must feel like to be Barack Obama when all the cameras are shut down, the lights go out, and the mics are turned off. When he seemingly has all the world around him, but yet feels utterly alone. This image shows that Barack Obama is still a man. And like every man, he has REAL emotions and REAL feelings. That like all of us, he grows tired; he grows frustrated; he grows weary. But the thing that makes him special, but ironically most like all of us, is that he keeps fighting!!
Sen. Obama has had to deal with challenges that we can only experience in our worst dreams. He has undertaken attacks on his personal safety, his family, his beliefs, his character, and his life. This race does (and should) represent more than just a Black man that is running for the White House. It represents the progression of a country that has a tarnished history of racial inequality and moral injustice. WE have an opportunity to move in a new direction, and re-write our nations narrative by historically voting for what we know is RIGHT! Not because Barack Obama is Black, but because he represents the "REAL American Dream". He represents the struggles of so many. He represents all of US!Please understand I do not say these things in a racial sense, but with a sense of fairness and obligation. An obligation that all of us (should) feel as members of the (Human Race) to vote our conscience and not our emotions on Nov. 4th. As the image shows, Barack Obama has faced challenges of enormous proportion that have never faced a presidential candidate or any presidential campaign.
But these personal smears, threats, attacks, lies, distorted facts, and half -trues are based in an hot "undercurrent of hatred and fear" from the "sea of prejudice". These are the same fears and hatred that TRIED to keep four Black students from attending Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. These are same feelings that TRIED to deny the right to vote to women and minorities. These are the same feelings that TRIED to dominate the "solid south" for nearly half a century during the Jim Crow era; the likes of which still linger even today. These efforts did not work then, AND THEY WILL NOT WORK NOW!It is a lonely, angering feeling to be viewed as a second class citizen regardless of your worth or character. Those lonely times that many of us have either spent fighting or facing injustices during the course of our lives will not be vindicated by the election of our nation's first Black President. The systemic and intentional discrimination of minorities, immigrants, and women will not magically disappear as of November 5th.
The hardships that many of us still face will not change because the candidate we are pulling for won. However, for a one moment in time, a historical moment, we have a opportunity to "turn the page". To take a step in the RIGHT direction by doing all we can to elect a man that clearly has the best interest of this nation's people at heart. It has been nearly fifty years since we have seen a presidential candidate that has faced anywhere near this type of viral and unfounded hatred. That same candidate ,(JFK) not only went on to be President, but he set the path for groundbreaking legislation that forever changed the composition of our nation. He also made a bold prediction; a prediction 'that within fifty years we would hopefully see our first President of Color'. He said these words and enacted these policies with the hope of bringing real CHANGE to this country. A CHANGE that was so sorely needed to make the lives of ALL US citizens better. He pushed for these changes without fear of reprisal or personal safety. We Must have that same spirit and strength of character to fight for the CHANGE we need now!
There have been many people that have fought for CHANGE in our country. Many of them at great cost to themselves or even their lives. But their efforts tell the story of our nations journey of tribulations and triumphs. At the site of one of our nations most bloody military conflicts, Abraham Lincoln delivered the historic "Gettysburg Address". His final words on that day have served as the guiding principle for American Democracy which continues to narrate the struggles that have been overcome to make our country better.... -- "that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
These prophetic words transcend race, or culture, or socioeconomic level. There have been many people that have given their lives in the struggle for freedom. A struggle that includes, civil rights, universal suffrage, religious persecution, and our national defense. That government "of the people, for the people, and by the people, shall not perish.." but to this end, it must be lead with "REAL"leadership that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
So as I look at Barack Obama's face, I see that struggle. I see that fight. I see that "new birth of freedom" that Lincoln spoke of. So "the reason" I raise my voice and my vote for Sen. Obama, is not 'merely' because he is Black and I am a African American; but because he represents that guiding principle. He is truly of the people! He is the American Dream.
He is: A baby that was born from a mother in the mid-west and a immigrant from Kenya. A child who grew up in a single parent household and never saw his father but twice in his life. A family that was on welfare, and struggled to survive. A young boy that was raised primarily by his grandmother, in a place that did not accept him. A young student who worked hard to get a scholarship to attend our nations finest schools. A young man that after attending those schools chose to go and work for the people in one of the poorest communities in one of the nations largest cities. A lawyer of character that decided to give his talent back to that same community after attending our nations most prestigious law school. And a statesmen that whether in the Illinois legislator, or in the United States Congress has continued to fight for the community!
Except now the community he represents is the People of the United States. He represents all of us! Our Hopes....our Dreams....our Future.The face of Barack Obama represents the Hope of not only our nation, but the Hope of the World. The Hope that we can ALL be better than our past, in order to be stronger in the present, that we may fight for a better future. So let this image of a man that is both: Black and White, International and Patriotic, Poor then Rich, Lost then Saved, Confused now Driven, Humble yet Ambitious, Tired but Determined; be the face of "Change" that we all need and so badly want. Take this image with you in your hearts as you go into the voting booth on November 4th; and as you leave, let the dream of a better world guide our image of what November 5th will be.
Leave to D.L....
D.L.Hughly was on CNN Sat October 25, 2008. He remarked on Sarah Palin and her Foreign Policy experience. She said that you could see Russia from Alaska? Well, leave it him. He said, "Hell, I can see the moon from my house, but that don't make a damn astronaut!
Tough Crowd for Obama at Cape Fear BBQ...
This article was forwarded to me by a friend in my group "Obama Brigade".
Tough Crowd for Obama at Cape Fear BBQ and Chicken
October 19, 2008 3:07 PM
In Fayetteville, NC, today, at Cape Fear BBQ and Chicken, Sen. Barack
Obama, D-Ill., was greeted by a 54-year-old woman
shouting "Socialist! Socialist! Socialist! Get out of here!"
The woman, Diane Fanning, who works at a Sam's Club, was one of the
many in the older and largely white crowd eating lunch after church
services.
Sitting next to Fanning, Lenox Bramble, 76, gave her an angry look at
her.
"Be civil, be courteous," he said. He later told a reporter he's
voting for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and doesn't think Obama has
enough experience.
Another diner, Cecilia Hayslip, 61, yelled back at Fanning, "At least
he's not a war-monger!"
Obama came to the long table where Fanning was eating with fellow
congregants from the local First Presbyterian church.
Obama held out his hand to her.
"How are you, ma'am?" he asked.
She refused to shake his hand.
Obama spoke with other, friendlier members of the congregation about
health care, Social Security, and taxes.
Fanning explained their courtesy to a reporter, saying, "Some of `em
are just nicer than I am. I know how some of `em think."
The reception in this Red state diner was decidedly mixed
"You're doing a great job," Betty Waylett, 76, told Obama. Waylett's
a Republican but says she plans to vote for Obama.
Pastor Randal Bremer, also at the table, relayed that Obama told
him, "Whether you vote for me or not I'll need your prayers."
"I'm very impressed by his ability to meet people on a down-to-earth
level," said Bremer, who plans to vote for McCain because he prefers
smaller government and McCain's position on the Iraq war. "I don't
want to see (recent gains made in Iraq) damaged by a premature pull-
out," he said.
"I'm surprised, but I'm not going to say anything else," said Pat
Smith.
A group of six retired women, mostly Democrats, remained undecided.
"I have to pray about it, think about what's best for our country,"
said one of them, Dorothy Buie.
Fanning was aware of the endorsement Obama received today from Gen.
Colin Powell (Ret.) but was unimpressed. "Colin Powell is a RINO, R-I-
N-O, Republican In Name Only," she said.
Obama and his aides ordered to go chicken, collards, baked beans,
slaw and wings. The tab was $13.91.
Tough Crowd for Obama at Cape Fear BBQ and Chicken
October 19, 2008 3:07 PM
In Fayetteville, NC, today, at Cape Fear BBQ and Chicken, Sen. Barack
Obama, D-Ill., was greeted by a 54-year-old woman
shouting "Socialist! Socialist! Socialist! Get out of here!"
The woman, Diane Fanning, who works at a Sam's Club, was one of the
many in the older and largely white crowd eating lunch after church
services.
Sitting next to Fanning, Lenox Bramble, 76, gave her an angry look at
her.
"Be civil, be courteous," he said. He later told a reporter he's
voting for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and doesn't think Obama has
enough experience.
Another diner, Cecilia Hayslip, 61, yelled back at Fanning, "At least
he's not a war-monger!"
Obama came to the long table where Fanning was eating with fellow
congregants from the local First Presbyterian church.
Obama held out his hand to her.
"How are you, ma'am?" he asked.
She refused to shake his hand.
Obama spoke with other, friendlier members of the congregation about
health care, Social Security, and taxes.
Fanning explained their courtesy to a reporter, saying, "Some of `em
are just nicer than I am. I know how some of `em think."
The reception in this Red state diner was decidedly mixed
"You're doing a great job," Betty Waylett, 76, told Obama. Waylett's
a Republican but says she plans to vote for Obama.
Pastor Randal Bremer, also at the table, relayed that Obama told
him, "Whether you vote for me or not I'll need your prayers."
"I'm very impressed by his ability to meet people on a down-to-earth
level," said Bremer, who plans to vote for McCain because he prefers
smaller government and McCain's position on the Iraq war. "I don't
want to see (recent gains made in Iraq) damaged by a premature pull-
out," he said.
"I'm surprised, but I'm not going to say anything else," said Pat
Smith.
A group of six retired women, mostly Democrats, remained undecided.
"I have to pray about it, think about what's best for our country,"
said one of them, Dorothy Buie.
Fanning was aware of the endorsement Obama received today from Gen.
Colin Powell (Ret.) but was unimpressed. "Colin Powell is a RINO, R-I-
N-O, Republican In Name Only," she said.
Obama and his aides ordered to go chicken, collards, baked beans,
slaw and wings. The tab was $13.91.
The Best For Last!!
This debate was engaged, civil, and spirited.
Obama remained calm, cool, and collected, as always, and some point seemed to frustrate McSame, because he could'nt get under his skin.
McSame seemed combative. He really made no cicious attacks, but the question regarding William Ayers and ACORN was unprompted and unecessary.
Obama did explain, but he wasn't having it, and kept insisting let's talk about the issues that are affecting the American people.
McSame didn't change any voters minds, because Obama defintely showed he cared about the American people, and that's want we need to hear.
Bottom line, Obama won this debate, no doubt about it!!!!
Obama remained calm, cool, and collected, as always, and some point seemed to frustrate McSame, because he could'nt get under his skin.
McSame seemed combative. He really made no cicious attacks, but the question regarding William Ayers and ACORN was unprompted and unecessary.
Obama did explain, but he wasn't having it, and kept insisting let's talk about the issues that are affecting the American people.
McSame didn't change any voters minds, because Obama defintely showed he cared about the American people, and that's want we need to hear.
Bottom line, Obama won this debate, no doubt about it!!!!
The Rescue Plan: Obama's Idea In The First Damn Place!!!
All of a sudden, everyone wants to know "How would John McSame's proposal to buy bad mortgages work. This is to be one of his major talking points in the last Presidential debate Wednesday night .
The fact is that Obama, back on September 24th was the "1st" to suggest that the rescue plan would give the government the authority to buy mortgages directly.
To break it down, the government would spend $300 billion to purchase distressed loans, and provide new, fixed-rate mortgages.
To do so, the government would pay face value of the distressed mortgages.
For example the government could buy a $200,000 sublime mortgage on a home now worth just $100,000, give the home-owner a 30-year, $900,000 loan with a 5% rate, and essentially "EAT" the $110,000 difference.
McSame is still up to his sleazy tactics. It was fear, and inciting the evils out there. Now it is stealing Obama's idea's. I sure hope he doesn't let him get away with it, and let the American people know "this" is what he can do to help or "distressed" economy.
The fact is that Obama, back on September 24th was the "1st" to suggest that the rescue plan would give the government the authority to buy mortgages directly.
To break it down, the government would spend $300 billion to purchase distressed loans, and provide new, fixed-rate mortgages.
To do so, the government would pay face value of the distressed mortgages.
For example the government could buy a $200,000 sublime mortgage on a home now worth just $100,000, give the home-owner a 30-year, $900,000 loan with a 5% rate, and essentially "EAT" the $110,000 difference.
McSame is still up to his sleazy tactics. It was fear, and inciting the evils out there. Now it is stealing Obama's idea's. I sure hope he doesn't let him get away with it, and let the American people know "this" is what he can do to help or "distressed" economy.
pAliN SpEaK
American people are listening, and should not be underestimated. Then there's the Palin Effect.....
Some people are not distracted by her winks. But her target audience the Republicans hear her loud and clear! Her words are like the high pitched whistle, only "dogs" can hear.
While some people hear non-answers, cartoon-words, shout-outs, I'll bet-cha's, doggone it, extra credit-----Republicans hear God, patriotism, courage, victory. Republican's hear code and they are very fluent.
Words can have some serious consequences. Perhaps McSame better call off his pit bull before the war escalates .
Some people are not distracted by her winks. But her target audience the Republicans hear her loud and clear! Her words are like the high pitched whistle, only "dogs" can hear.
While some people hear non-answers, cartoon-words, shout-outs, I'll bet-cha's, doggone it, extra credit-----Republicans hear God, patriotism, courage, victory. Republican's hear code and they are very fluent.
Words can have some serious consequences. Perhaps McSame better call off his pit bull before the war escalates .
McSame Growing Desperate...He's Scurred!!!!
Just when the Presidential campaign was focusing on serious matters, McSame wants to turn it into a guilt-by-association knife fight.
IT AIN'T HAPPENING!!
Putting aside their lack of merit, the McSame-Palin attacks have come across too late. They smack of desperation and are out of sync with voters, who want a no-nonsense discussion of how move the country out of economic chaos, not a replay of cultural conflicts.
McSame, who used to tout himself as a "problem-solving maverick", is now a candidate lurching from strategy to strategy and attack to attack.
IT AIN'T HAPPENING!!
Putting aside their lack of merit, the McSame-Palin attacks have come across too late. They smack of desperation and are out of sync with voters, who want a no-nonsense discussion of how move the country out of economic chaos, not a replay of cultural conflicts.
McSame, who used to tout himself as a "problem-solving maverick", is now a candidate lurching from strategy to strategy and attack to attack.
The 2nd of 3 Debates
There was a more intimate subdued feel tonight at this town hall like meeting. Both candidates were on their best behavior.
McSame seemed to snub Obama, when he mentioned "at last, a town hall meeting?!?" He called Obama "that one" at one point. That is worse than saying "you people."!! Man Please!! It was "not" a good night for McSame. He had to be restrained. He didn't like that because it was like "the dog that didn't bark." America didn't want to hear it, and Obama wasn't having it! He stood firm!
Obama definitely won this debate strongly, with his calm demeanor, because he expressed a more workable plan to all "fixes", McSame did not. McSame says he wants to cut defense spending, but in the next breath he talks about staying the course in Iraq??? McSame had to write notes and Obama never flipped his pen, because he is just more articulate and can remember, whereas a 72 year old man may have "senior moments."
Neither candidate gave a concise answer on the economy, which I think was a missed opportunity, but we do have another debate to go.
When Obama was discussing his health care policy, McSame made an ill attempt at a joke saying," Did anyone hear what the fines will be." No one laughed at that, because Obama had already said that it was a right for all Americans to have health insurance. Maybe McSame's joke fell flat because, McSame doesn't know the meaning of RIGHT!!!
Well, the next debate is October 13th, and Obama will win that one too, just like he is winning period!!!
McSame seemed to snub Obama, when he mentioned "at last, a town hall meeting?!?" He called Obama "that one" at one point. That is worse than saying "you people."!! Man Please!! It was "not" a good night for McSame. He had to be restrained. He didn't like that because it was like "the dog that didn't bark." America didn't want to hear it, and Obama wasn't having it! He stood firm!
Obama definitely won this debate strongly, with his calm demeanor, because he expressed a more workable plan to all "fixes", McSame did not. McSame says he wants to cut defense spending, but in the next breath he talks about staying the course in Iraq??? McSame had to write notes and Obama never flipped his pen, because he is just more articulate and can remember, whereas a 72 year old man may have "senior moments."
Neither candidate gave a concise answer on the economy, which I think was a missed opportunity, but we do have another debate to go.
When Obama was discussing his health care policy, McSame made an ill attempt at a joke saying," Did anyone hear what the fines will be." No one laughed at that, because Obama had already said that it was a right for all Americans to have health insurance. Maybe McSame's joke fell flat because, McSame doesn't know the meaning of RIGHT!!!
Well, the next debate is October 13th, and Obama will win that one too, just like he is winning period!!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The 2nd Debate!!!
Well, this 2nd debate Oct 7th , is probably going to be a good one, at least in my opinion. McSame is scurred, and at the last hours is using smear tactics against Obama, and Obama is just remaining cool as ever.
The economy is going to over shadow the race by far for the new few weeks. The candidates will have to stress the economy and just how they are going to "fix it."
America is in a financial meltdown, that has not been seen since the Great Depression.
This goes far beyond Washington, and is definitely hitting "main street" America hard. America just doesn't believe that the Government, who has cried wolf so many times before has it's best interest at heart. The Government is trying to dumb down America and "we" ain't having it and neither is Obama.
The economy is going to over shadow the race by far for the new few weeks. The candidates will have to stress the economy and just how they are going to "fix it."
America is in a financial meltdown, that has not been seen since the Great Depression.
This goes far beyond Washington, and is definitely hitting "main street" America hard. America just doesn't believe that the Government, who has cried wolf so many times before has it's best interest at heart. The Government is trying to dumb down America and "we" ain't having it and neither is Obama.
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMM.....
Have you ever wondered about how absentee ballots are done in your state? I know, I think of the damn-dest things, BUT I was visiting a friend in a nursing home and we discussing the up coming election and how absentee ballots were prepared for the nursing home as well as the military, etc.
When she first became a resident and received her ballot, a staff member was going to complete it for her, but she refused then, and since has had family members complete hers. Even though the staff member meant well, she was afraid they would mark "whom-ever they wanted." She is blind.
She asked the staffers how absentee ballots were done and they told her they receive the ballots by bulk mail and complete them for the residents!!!
This made me think if this was legal?? I mean how can we be sure that the vote is going for the right candidate??
I contacted my election board and in our state. The election board said that absentee ballots request forms are mailed as a courtesy, to all nursing homes. Residents wanting to request an absentee application can fill out the request forms and return them to the office. Applications are then sent to the voters to be completed and returned. Upon receipt of the application, " ballots are mailed directly to the voter." The voter completes the ballot and the ballot is returned to the office by mail.
IF he voter requires assistance to vote their ballot, the person assisting must sign at the bottom of the return envelope where is says: OATH OF PERSON ASSISTING VOTER.
I just think that some the residents in a nursing home, that are really incapacitated, and know nothing about what is going on, can really be taken advantage of in this matter. I don't how it works in the military, but I did have one person that had served our country say that they often wondered if their ballot went to the right candidate, because really no one knows if they are handled properly, thrown away, etc, especially after all the shit that happened with Gore!!
When she first became a resident and received her ballot, a staff member was going to complete it for her, but she refused then, and since has had family members complete hers. Even though the staff member meant well, she was afraid they would mark "whom-ever they wanted." She is blind.
She asked the staffers how absentee ballots were done and they told her they receive the ballots by bulk mail and complete them for the residents!!!
This made me think if this was legal?? I mean how can we be sure that the vote is going for the right candidate??
I contacted my election board and in our state. The election board said that absentee ballots request forms are mailed as a courtesy, to all nursing homes. Residents wanting to request an absentee application can fill out the request forms and return them to the office. Applications are then sent to the voters to be completed and returned. Upon receipt of the application, " ballots are mailed directly to the voter." The voter completes the ballot and the ballot is returned to the office by mail.
IF he voter requires assistance to vote their ballot, the person assisting must sign at the bottom of the return envelope where is says: OATH OF PERSON ASSISTING VOTER.
I just think that some the residents in a nursing home, that are really incapacitated, and know nothing about what is going on, can really be taken advantage of in this matter. I don't how it works in the military, but I did have one person that had served our country say that they often wondered if their ballot went to the right candidate, because really no one knows if they are handled properly, thrown away, etc, especially after all the shit that happened with Gore!!
DID YOU KNOW...!!!
There are only 13 states that allow the Military to cast their absentee ballots by e-mail through a secure Federal Defense Department server?
As far as the election in November is concerned, it may be too late to see changes made in that process, but you know that I am passionate about getting Obama elected, and I will do my dam-dest to see that this change is made so other states can have this option as well.
As far as the election in November is concerned, it may be too late to see changes made in that process, but you know that I am passionate about getting Obama elected, and I will do my dam-dest to see that this change is made so other states can have this option as well.
The VEEP Debate
Well, well, well.. ole girl ain't iggnant after all, she walked-in upright, she didn't crumble, she showed poise, but Joe won hands down, no doubt. There were really no "gotcha moments", but when asked by the moderator to answer questions regarding policy solutions, she beat around the bush just like Bush. She really got animated and answered in her spirited "down-home way", when it came to the subject of energy and offshore drilling, but on anything else, she gave more little promises of reform and about "the maverick-y goverance. Her technigue was never to disagree too much, because she didn't know the answer. She simply didn't anwser the questions she wasn't coached on! When she got nervous she started with the "you betcha's, and the "winking at the camera". The moderator Gwen Ifill, and I probably feel the same way; If we hear the word "maverick" one more time, we'll puke!
Biden looked steady, knowledgable, confident, experienced. He managed to keep calling her "governor" and was polite to her "Highness from Alaska." Biden was by far more on point. Biden was clear, concise, to the point. He attacked McSame, not Palin. He linked McSame to Bush over and over.
The Democratic ticket has a clear agenda to restore America back. These have been extremely difficult times. Obama/Biden seem to have the vision to put an agenda more favorable for the working people of America.
Biden looked steady, knowledgable, confident, experienced. He managed to keep calling her "governor" and was polite to her "Highness from Alaska." Biden was by far more on point. Biden was clear, concise, to the point. He attacked McSame, not Palin. He linked McSame to Bush over and over.
The Democratic ticket has a clear agenda to restore America back. These have been extremely difficult times. Obama/Biden seem to have the vision to put an agenda more favorable for the working people of America.
Results From Debate 08
Well, to me the debate was won by Obama, hands down!. McSame was his same ole self, attacking Obama, throwing jabs, regurgitating the fact that he was a POW (would you want someone that is still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder running the White House?). McSame kept saying that Obama does not understand,but he really never came out and said understand what. The commentator was more like a school teacher; "Now look at each other." Obama attempted to, but McSame kept looking at the camera's, probably praying for something to read. Obama was much more personable, approachable, and in touch with reality.
Speaking of reality, the VEEP debate is October 2nd. Palin is WAY out of her league. She's another one that reads well. She won't have tele-prompters, so she'll be able to bullshit her way through. Mann, if bullshit were currency she could bail out Wall Street all by her self!
Palin will not stand a chance. Can you just see her against Biden who has 37 years of experience? He's a gentlemen though so he'll take it easy on her, NOT...;^)
Speaking of reality, the VEEP debate is October 2nd. Palin is WAY out of her league. She's another one that reads well. She won't have tele-prompters, so she'll be able to bullshit her way through. Mann, if bullshit were currency she could bail out Wall Street all by her self!
Palin will not stand a chance. Can you just see her against Biden who has 37 years of experience? He's a gentlemen though so he'll take it easy on her, NOT...;^)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
DEBATE 08
WELL, Debate 08 is finally on ! McSame realized he can multi-task after all!
Oxford Mississippi, what a great choice. It brings to mind James Meredith and what he had to go thru. It truly will be quite historic, hosting the event on that campus. "Ole Miss" was the last major Southern white state university to integrate. It's integration process, however came with death and violence.
James Meredith became the first African American student admitted there, and he is a very courageous figure in the history of American democracy.
WELL, Obama is know for his eloquence in public speaking, while McSame often struggles when given a decent script to READ (smile)
McSame has developed a knack for answering questions with flat, simple sentences, although conveying a sense of candor, but verbally, he's not even in the same league with Obama.
Obama on the other hand, often starts slowly as if thinking things out, which is good thing, but finishes with more sophisticated answers.
Neither candidate has a easy task ahead of them, especially in the light of all that is going on with the bail-out mess.
THAT, is what will make this and future debates SO intriguing!!!
Oxford Mississippi, what a great choice. It brings to mind James Meredith and what he had to go thru. It truly will be quite historic, hosting the event on that campus. "Ole Miss" was the last major Southern white state university to integrate. It's integration process, however came with death and violence.
James Meredith became the first African American student admitted there, and he is a very courageous figure in the history of American democracy.
WELL, Obama is know for his eloquence in public speaking, while McSame often struggles when given a decent script to READ (smile)
McSame has developed a knack for answering questions with flat, simple sentences, although conveying a sense of candor, but verbally, he's not even in the same league with Obama.
Obama on the other hand, often starts slowly as if thinking things out, which is good thing, but finishes with more sophisticated answers.
Neither candidate has a easy task ahead of them, especially in the light of all that is going on with the bail-out mess.
THAT, is what will make this and future debates SO intriguing!!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Experience is Overrated!!!
The external debate about a presidential candidate's experience or lack of it is greatly overblown.
Presidents "do not" make decisions in a vacuum.
They have Cabinets, advisors, legal counselors, and staffers, with whom to consult.
In fact the quality of the people advising the president is probably more important than the president, when it comes to decision-making.
Voters should consider what Obama has done in the past and what he intends to bring to the table.
A person can have a lot of experience at doing the wrong things.
The last 8 years showed that!!!!!
Presidents "do not" make decisions in a vacuum.
They have Cabinets, advisors, legal counselors, and staffers, with whom to consult.
In fact the quality of the people advising the president is probably more important than the president, when it comes to decision-making.
Voters should consider what Obama has done in the past and what he intends to bring to the table.
A person can have a lot of experience at doing the wrong things.
The last 8 years showed that!!!!!
John McCain and Some Woman? My Sentiments Exactly!!
Something I rarely do is listen to what a "they" have to say, but because she is making history also, I just wanted to hear what she had to say.
For the most part, not a whole hell'va lot. She introduced her family , and well here some excepts...
"Some of life's greatest opportunities come unexpectedly, and this is certainly the case today. I never really set out to be involved in public affairs, much less to run for this office.
I've stood up to the old politics as usual, to the special interests, to the lobbyist, the Big Oil companies and the 'good old boy' network. (We'll see how this plays out!)
Politics isn't just a game of competing interests and clashing parties. The people of America expect us to seek public office and to serve for the right reasons. And the right reason is to challenge the status quo and to serve the common good.(Yeah, right!)
"To serve as vice president beside such a man would be the privilege of a lifetime, and it's fitting that this trust has been given to me 88 years almost to the day after the women of America first gained the right to vote." (Well, at least she got that right!)
Like I said, who is this woman and what has she done? If something were to happen to this "Old Man", God help us!!
For the most part, not a whole hell'va lot. She introduced her family , and well here some excepts...
"Some of life's greatest opportunities come unexpectedly, and this is certainly the case today. I never really set out to be involved in public affairs, much less to run for this office.
I've stood up to the old politics as usual, to the special interests, to the lobbyist, the Big Oil companies and the 'good old boy' network. (We'll see how this plays out!)
Politics isn't just a game of competing interests and clashing parties. The people of America expect us to seek public office and to serve for the right reasons. And the right reason is to challenge the status quo and to serve the common good.(Yeah, right!)
"To serve as vice president beside such a man would be the privilege of a lifetime, and it's fitting that this trust has been given to me 88 years almost to the day after the women of America first gained the right to vote." (Well, at least she got that right!)
Like I said, who is this woman and what has she done? If something were to happen to this "Old Man", God help us!!
Fewer People of Color at the Republican National Convention...I Wonder Why!!!
This year fewer people of color are participating in the RNC than ever before----In part because of Democrat Barack Obama---the first African American Presidential Nominee,To Ever Make It This Far, and he is attracting their support. One thing that cannot be manipulated or staged is the delegates. As I watched parts of the RNC, mostly to see what "ole girl" had to say, I was struck by the sea of older white faces" in the crowd in contrast to the Democratic National Convention. The DNC looked more youthful; faces of every hue and color. If we want a leadership that represents our interest and concerns as Americans, we need to have a leadership that "looks" more American.
Now, let us not forget the blacks that went before Obama:
Shirley Chisholm. A New York teacher elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Chisholm unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. She did get the most convention votes for a female candidate in U.S. history.
Jesse Jackson. Jackson campaigned for the Democratic nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988. These runs secured his place as the pre-eminent black American leader of the era.
Lenora Fulani. In 1988, Fulani—a psychologist—ran as an independent and was the first black woman to appear on presidential ballots in all 50 states. She also ran in 1992.
Alan Keyes. Having served in the Reagan administration, Keyes campaigned for the Republican nomination in 1996 and 2000 (and also lost to Barack Obama in their race for a Senate seat in 2004).
Carol Moseley Braun. A U.S. senator, Moseley Braun briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
Al Sharpton. In 2004, this New York-based activist campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination.
WE THE PEOPLE HAVE GOTTA PULL TOGETHER AND GET THE VOTE OUT; SUPPORT THIS BROTHA !
Like the song Sam Cooke sings, A Change Gonna Come..
Now, let us not forget the blacks that went before Obama:
Shirley Chisholm. A New York teacher elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Chisholm unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. She did get the most convention votes for a female candidate in U.S. history.
Jesse Jackson. Jackson campaigned for the Democratic nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988. These runs secured his place as the pre-eminent black American leader of the era.
Lenora Fulani. In 1988, Fulani—a psychologist—ran as an independent and was the first black woman to appear on presidential ballots in all 50 states. She also ran in 1992.
Alan Keyes. Having served in the Reagan administration, Keyes campaigned for the Republican nomination in 1996 and 2000 (and also lost to Barack Obama in their race for a Senate seat in 2004).
Carol Moseley Braun. A U.S. senator, Moseley Braun briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
Al Sharpton. In 2004, this New York-based activist campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination.
WE THE PEOPLE HAVE GOTTA PULL TOGETHER AND GET THE VOTE OUT; SUPPORT THIS BROTHA !
Like the song Sam Cooke sings, A Change Gonna Come..
$7500.00 First Time Home Buyer Credit..It's All Good BUT..Not When You Have To Repay The SumBich!
Bush and the other government cronies thought they were doing something in regard to the $7500.00 tax credit for first time home buyers. It's all good, and I'm sure it will be used and appreciated by many, but my biggest gripe is that the tax "credit" must be repaid to the Government...albeit..interest free over 15 years... or when the house is sold IF there is a capital gain??
What's the use of the $7500.00 first time home buyer credit that has to be repaid?
For example the $7500.00 "credit" has to be repaid in $500.00 increments over 15 years after the "credit" is claimed. If the house is sold, and there isn't sufficient profit to cover the "credit", then pay-back is forgiven!
The National Association of Home-builders say, "Congress intended this to be a "boost."
The credit is more like a "no interest loan", thus it hurts the the "federal deficit less" than an outright grant would.
Give me a f**king break!!!!
In all do respect, that is a good thing for the first time home buyers, and it will help I'm sure, but DAM...UM, why repay it. This should be a "gift" to the people in the face of the recent foreclosure proceedings and our struggling economy! Now the Government have taken over Freddie and Ginnie Mae...what's going to happen next?
What's the use of the $7500.00 first time home buyer credit that has to be repaid?
For example the $7500.00 "credit" has to be repaid in $500.00 increments over 15 years after the "credit" is claimed. If the house is sold, and there isn't sufficient profit to cover the "credit", then pay-back is forgiven!
The National Association of Home-builders say, "Congress intended this to be a "boost."
The credit is more like a "no interest loan", thus it hurts the the "federal deficit less" than an outright grant would.
Give me a f**king break!!!!
In all do respect, that is a good thing for the first time home buyers, and it will help I'm sure, but DAM...UM, why repay it. This should be a "gift" to the people in the face of the recent foreclosure proceedings and our struggling economy! Now the Government have taken over Freddie and Ginnie Mae...what's going to happen next?
GIT ER DUN!!
The same folks that voted for "W", because he was someone that they would love to have a beer with, are the now wanting to vote for the equally unqualified Palin, because "she's a hockey Mom" , and they can relate. DAM....UM...., I hope Larry The Cable Guy never runs for President!!!
LET'S KEEP IT REAL......
LET'S KEEP IT REAL...
Can a candidate who has "no" money worries, sympathize with us common folk?
Whoever occupies the white house should set the tax, and other domestic policies that will lift us out of our economic funk. I'm really getting tired of this debate about "elitism".
Both candidates by virtue of the position they hold are automatically elevated to a higher status anyway, but Barack was a street kid in Indonesia. Survived on food stamps in his youth. Never had the luxury of choosing between 7 or 9 houses. He's been there, done that, and is keeping it real. And they call him an elitist!!
Can a candidate who has "no" money worries, sympathize with us common folk?
Whoever occupies the white house should set the tax, and other domestic policies that will lift us out of our economic funk. I'm really getting tired of this debate about "elitism".
Both candidates by virtue of the position they hold are automatically elevated to a higher status anyway, but Barack was a street kid in Indonesia. Survived on food stamps in his youth. Never had the luxury of choosing between 7 or 9 houses. He's been there, done that, and is keeping it real. And they call him an elitist!!
LET'S SEE IF I CAN GET THIS STRAIGHT....
I'm a little confused. Let me see if I can get this straight...
If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're
"exotic, different."
Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American
story.
If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.
Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well
grounded.
If you spend 3 years as a community organizer, become the
first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter
registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a
Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing
a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's
Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States
Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills
and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and
Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience
If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city
council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with fewer than 7,000 people, 20
months as the governor of a state with 650,000 people, then you're
qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.
If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while
raising 2 daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a
real Christian.
If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your
wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a good Christian…
If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including
the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.
If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no
other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed
teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible...Never mind
that you & First Dude eloped because of your own out-of-wedlock pregnancy...
If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in
a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city
community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't
represent America's.
If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude," with at least one DWI
conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age
25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska
from the USA, your family is extremely admirable
If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're
"exotic, different."
Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American
story.
If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.
Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well
grounded.
If you spend 3 years as a community organizer, become the
first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter
registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a
Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing
a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's
Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States
Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills
and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and
Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience
If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city
council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with fewer than 7,000 people, 20
months as the governor of a state with 650,000 people, then you're
qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.
If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while
raising 2 daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a
real Christian.
If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your
wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a good Christian…
If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including
the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.
If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no
other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed
teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible...Never mind
that you & First Dude eloped because of your own out-of-wedlock pregnancy...
If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in
a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city
community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't
represent America's.
If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude," with at least one DWI
conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age
25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska
from the USA, your family is extremely admirable
SAY WHAT????
Doonesbury cartoon this past Sunday in our local paper, was doing a feature regarding the GOPAC memo. I was a little confused and of course, I had to look it up. What I learned is this is a for "real memo" that Newt Gingrich, a Republican former Speaker of the House was so passionate about, that
he actually put pen to paper and memorialized his thoughts. He wanted all Republicans to use a list of harsh rhetoric against their Democratic opponents as a premier training tactic. This is some of it!!
We believe that you could have a significant impact on your campaign and the way you communicate if we help a little. That is why we have created this list of words and phrases.
This list is prepared so that you might have a directory of words to use in writing literature and mail, in preparing speeches, and in producing electronic media. The words and phrases are powerful. Read them. Memorize as many as possible. And remember that like any tool, these words will not help if they are not used.
While the list could be the size of the latest "College Edition" dictionary, we have attempted to keep it small enough to be readily useful yet large enough to be broadly functional. The list of contrasting words to help you clearly define the policies and record of your opponent and the Democratic party.
Please let us know if you have any other suggestions or additions. We would also like to know how you use the list. Call us at GOPAC or write with your suggestions and comments. We may include them in the next tape mailing so that others can benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Often we search hard for words to define our opponents. Sometimes we are hesitant to use contrast. Remember that creating a difference helps you. These are powerful words that can create a clear and easily understood contrast. Apply these to the opponent, their record, proposals and their party.
abuse of power
anti- (issue): flag, family, child, jobs
betray
bizarre
bosses
bureaucracy
cheat
coercion
"compassion" is not enough
collapse(ing)
consequences
corrupt
corruption
criminal rights
crisis
cynicism
decay
deeper
destroy
destructive
devour
disgrace
endanger
excuses
failure (fail)
greed
hypocrisy
ideological
impose
incompetent
insecure
insensitive intolerant
liberal
lie
limit(s)
machine
mandate(s)
obsolete
pathetic
patronage
permissive attitude
pessimistic
punish (poor ...)
radical
red tape
self-serving
selfish
sensationalist
shallow
shame
sick
spend(ing)
stagnation
status quo
steal
taxes
they/them
threaten
traitors
unionized
urgent (cy)
waste
welfare
he actually put pen to paper and memorialized his thoughts. He wanted all Republicans to use a list of harsh rhetoric against their Democratic opponents as a premier training tactic. This is some of it!!
We believe that you could have a significant impact on your campaign and the way you communicate if we help a little. That is why we have created this list of words and phrases.
This list is prepared so that you might have a directory of words to use in writing literature and mail, in preparing speeches, and in producing electronic media. The words and phrases are powerful. Read them. Memorize as many as possible. And remember that like any tool, these words will not help if they are not used.
While the list could be the size of the latest "College Edition" dictionary, we have attempted to keep it small enough to be readily useful yet large enough to be broadly functional. The list of contrasting words to help you clearly define the policies and record of your opponent and the Democratic party.
Please let us know if you have any other suggestions or additions. We would also like to know how you use the list. Call us at GOPAC or write with your suggestions and comments. We may include them in the next tape mailing so that others can benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Often we search hard for words to define our opponents. Sometimes we are hesitant to use contrast. Remember that creating a difference helps you. These are powerful words that can create a clear and easily understood contrast. Apply these to the opponent, their record, proposals and their party.
abuse of power
anti- (issue): flag, family, child, jobs
betray
bizarre
bosses
bureaucracy
cheat
coercion
"compassion" is not enough
collapse(ing)
consequences
corrupt
corruption
criminal rights
crisis
cynicism
decay
deeper
destroy
destructive
devour
disgrace
endanger
excuses
failure (fail)
greed
hypocrisy
ideological
impose
incompetent
insecure
insensitive intolerant
liberal
lie
limit(s)
machine
mandate(s)
obsolete
pathetic
patronage
permissive attitude
pessimistic
punish (poor ...)
radical
red tape
self-serving
selfish
sensationalist
shallow
shame
sick
spend(ing)
stagnation
status quo
steal
taxes
they/them
threaten
traitors
unionized
urgent (cy)
waste
welfare
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Oil Companies...The New Terrorist!
Since 1993 when OPEC unleashed their embargo during the Arab-Isreali war and engineered the first violent oil rise, there have been major price spikes The 2001 recession in the United States, and the terrorists attacks in September of that year which sparked fears of a worldwide economic downturn brought prices to about $17 dollars a barrel by the beginning of 2003 from a high of $30 a year and a half earlier.
The United States and global economic expansions which began in the latter half of 2002, still have not ceased, and neither have the rise in oil prices. This current price increase is demand driven, but the demand is not the only factor driving the price of oil. Oil is a limited chief raw material, we all know this, but it is limited in the sense of the amount that is available at any particular price at any particular time.
The world is not running out of oil, but it is running out of "immediately accessible inexpensive oil". It has become increasingly hard for oil producers to supplement supply by the 1. million barrels a day that us needed annually to keep up with demand . The time lag for bringing new production to market is long, far to long for the discovery of new sources, as in the Brazilian continental shelf finds to attract price.
The United States, the world's largest consumer of oil is also it's third largest producer , behind Saudi Arabia and Russia.
America has substantial untapped oil and energy resources such as natural gas, nuclear energy, and in coal in The Arctic Natural Reserve. One million barrels is what might be flowing today from The Arctic Natural Reserve if in 1995 President Clinton had not vetoed legislation to prevent drilling there. The United States also has one of the most technically advanced environmentally regulated energy sector. By refusing to develop it's own resources, the US has permitted external producers to determine marginal productions.
The world's largest oil consumer is "hostage" to some of the world's smallest. Unwilling to increase it own production, it should be of no surprise to US consumers that oil companies refuse to do so for our benefit. For the most part, oil prices are a classic supply and demand question. Demand for oil is rising. Supply is not.
Perhaps more importantly for oil prices, is the perception that future demand is stronger. India and China are current industrializes, but there are huge swath's of the world waiting for their turn to join the consumers future.
It is blindness not to use there desire for a better life, and blindness not to understand that the era of cheap natural resources is ending, if it is a future that only oil companies seem to perceive.
The United States and global economic expansions which began in the latter half of 2002, still have not ceased, and neither have the rise in oil prices. This current price increase is demand driven, but the demand is not the only factor driving the price of oil. Oil is a limited chief raw material, we all know this, but it is limited in the sense of the amount that is available at any particular price at any particular time.
The world is not running out of oil, but it is running out of "immediately accessible inexpensive oil". It has become increasingly hard for oil producers to supplement supply by the 1. million barrels a day that us needed annually to keep up with demand . The time lag for bringing new production to market is long, far to long for the discovery of new sources, as in the Brazilian continental shelf finds to attract price.
The United States, the world's largest consumer of oil is also it's third largest producer , behind Saudi Arabia and Russia.
America has substantial untapped oil and energy resources such as natural gas, nuclear energy, and in coal in The Arctic Natural Reserve. One million barrels is what might be flowing today from The Arctic Natural Reserve if in 1995 President Clinton had not vetoed legislation to prevent drilling there. The United States also has one of the most technically advanced environmentally regulated energy sector. By refusing to develop it's own resources, the US has permitted external producers to determine marginal productions.
The world's largest oil consumer is "hostage" to some of the world's smallest. Unwilling to increase it own production, it should be of no surprise to US consumers that oil companies refuse to do so for our benefit. For the most part, oil prices are a classic supply and demand question. Demand for oil is rising. Supply is not.
Perhaps more importantly for oil prices, is the perception that future demand is stronger. India and China are current industrializes, but there are huge swath's of the world waiting for their turn to join the consumers future.
It is blindness not to use there desire for a better life, and blindness not to understand that the era of cheap natural resources is ending, if it is a future that only oil companies seem to perceive.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Should One's Faith Influence Their Vote?
It should only take the last eight years in the United States to indicate that voting based on "faith", or any spiritual values is not a good idea.
George W. Bush rode into the White House on the coat-tails of many good well meaning voters who consider themselves Christian.
These fine citizens believed our president-to-be when he touted himself as a very God fearing man, intending to uphold all that is right and just, but as a nation based on separation of church and state(supposedly), he began pushing his faith based initiatives, while beginning a bloody war that has cost the United States thousands of lives and billions of our tax dollars. An action that solved nothing, and made this nation no more safe than it had been before.
Those who voted for Bush, fearing that gay people would be allowed to get married, stem cell research would result in more abortions, and sinful chaos would reign supreme if he were not elected, instead procured a president who turned his back on solving global warming, allowed a national tragedy (9/11) to go unanswered, and continued tactics that no longer had the country's best interests at heart.
We would hope that any leader we elect is a decent, upright human being. We would hope that he or she is humane, empathetic, and believes in the ultimate good of mankind.
We do realize that these officials should answer to the citizens, and cannot go it alone, but claiming that God has enlightened him/her on how to run a country, come on now! This is not only wrong, it is scary!
We elect these people to work on our behalf, and to do what it takes to bring resolution to problems. What church they attend, claim to attend, or do not attend, should not matter; rather, they should be judged by their actions. Actions that speak louder than mere words.
Martin Luther King asked that his children be judged by the "content of their character".
Is that too much to ask of a presidential or any political candidate?
George W. Bush rode into the White House on the coat-tails of many good well meaning voters who consider themselves Christian.
These fine citizens believed our president-to-be when he touted himself as a very God fearing man, intending to uphold all that is right and just, but as a nation based on separation of church and state(supposedly), he began pushing his faith based initiatives, while beginning a bloody war that has cost the United States thousands of lives and billions of our tax dollars. An action that solved nothing, and made this nation no more safe than it had been before.
Those who voted for Bush, fearing that gay people would be allowed to get married, stem cell research would result in more abortions, and sinful chaos would reign supreme if he were not elected, instead procured a president who turned his back on solving global warming, allowed a national tragedy (9/11) to go unanswered, and continued tactics that no longer had the country's best interests at heart.
We would hope that any leader we elect is a decent, upright human being. We would hope that he or she is humane, empathetic, and believes in the ultimate good of mankind.
We do realize that these officials should answer to the citizens, and cannot go it alone, but claiming that God has enlightened him/her on how to run a country, come on now! This is not only wrong, it is scary!
We elect these people to work on our behalf, and to do what it takes to bring resolution to problems. What church they attend, claim to attend, or do not attend, should not matter; rather, they should be judged by their actions. Actions that speak louder than mere words.
Martin Luther King asked that his children be judged by the "content of their character".
Is that too much to ask of a presidential or any political candidate?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Universal Healthcare
Of all the major industrialized nations, America is the only one whose citizens do not enjoy the benefits and security of a universal comprehensive health care system. Why is this so? Because powerful, selfish, private economic and professional interests have so far blocked the enactment of such a program.
In the United States, people without insurance may live with debilitating disease or pain, with conditions that prevent them from getting jobs or decent pay, putting many on a permanent poverty track. They have more difficulty managing chronic conditions - only two in five have a regular doctor - leading to poorer health and greater cost. The un-insured are far more likely to wait to seek treatment for acute problems until they become severe. America has a health care crisis. Nearly 47 million of us have no health care coverage-and millions more can't afford health care or medicines.
Even those who have insurance may not find out until it's too late that exclusions, deductibles, co-payments, and annual limits leave them bankrupt when a family member gets seriously ill.All of this adds up to a less healthy society, more families suffering the double whammy of financial and health crises, and more people forced to go on disability.
We can fund billions to go to war, to kill and maime people, but America cannot help its citizens. America is a joke when it comes to its citizens. One of the richest countries in the world, but it can't help its citizens with coverage for healthcare
Our people are poor, demoralized and frightened, so we just do the best we can.
The terrorist in Guantanomo, have better access to health care than America citizens.
The 911 rescue workers, volunteers most of them that helped with the clean-up and later developed lung and breathing problems, where denied care, because they weren't on the government payroll, how sick is that!
Our American citizens cannot afford medication, where in other parts of the world, they can get them for free or $10.00 at the most!
One of these days, the lobbyist and their clients in government may have to get out of the way, and let Americans join the rest of the developed world in the security, efficiency, and quality that comes with health care for all.
In the United States, people without insurance may live with debilitating disease or pain, with conditions that prevent them from getting jobs or decent pay, putting many on a permanent poverty track. They have more difficulty managing chronic conditions - only two in five have a regular doctor - leading to poorer health and greater cost. The un-insured are far more likely to wait to seek treatment for acute problems until they become severe. America has a health care crisis. Nearly 47 million of us have no health care coverage-and millions more can't afford health care or medicines.
Even those who have insurance may not find out until it's too late that exclusions, deductibles, co-payments, and annual limits leave them bankrupt when a family member gets seriously ill.All of this adds up to a less healthy society, more families suffering the double whammy of financial and health crises, and more people forced to go on disability.
We can fund billions to go to war, to kill and maime people, but America cannot help its citizens. America is a joke when it comes to its citizens. One of the richest countries in the world, but it can't help its citizens with coverage for healthcare
Our people are poor, demoralized and frightened, so we just do the best we can.
The terrorist in Guantanomo, have better access to health care than America citizens.
The 911 rescue workers, volunteers most of them that helped with the clean-up and later developed lung and breathing problems, where denied care, because they weren't on the government payroll, how sick is that!
Our American citizens cannot afford medication, where in other parts of the world, they can get them for free or $10.00 at the most!
One of these days, the lobbyist and their clients in government may have to get out of the way, and let Americans join the rest of the developed world in the security, efficiency, and quality that comes with health care for all.
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