Posts with the tag Speech

Text of President Obama's speech to the United Nations 9/23/09

Nathan Lane — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:53:42 EDT

Text of President Obama's speech to the United Nations Mark Leon Goldberg - September 23, 2009 - 10:26am

The speech is titled "Responsibility for our Common Future." Here are President Obama's remarks as prepared for delivery.

Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentleman: it is my honor to address you for the first time as the forty-fourth President of the United States. I come before you humbled by the responsibility that the American people have placed upon me; mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history; and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of justice and prosperity at home and abroad. I have been in office for just nine months, though some days it seems a lot longer. I am well aware of the expectations that accompany my presidency around the world. These expectations are not about me. Rather, they are rooted – I believe – in a discontent with a status quo that has allowed us to be increasingly defined by our differences, and outpaced by our problems. But they are also rooted in hope – the hope that real change is possible, and the hope that America will be a leader in bringing about such change. I took office at a time when many around the world had come to view America with skepticism and distrust. Part of this was due to misperceptions and misinformation about my country. Part of this was due to opposition to specific policies, and a belief that on certain critical issues, America has acted unilaterally, without regard for the interests of others. This has fed an almost reflexive anti-Americanism, which too often has served as an excuse for our collective inaction. Like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interest of my nation and my people, and I will never apologize for defending those interests. But it is my deeply held belief that in the year 2009 – more than at any point in human history – the interests of nations and peoples are shared.

The religious convictions that we hold in our hearts can forge new bonds among people, or tear us apart. The technology we harness can light the path to peace, or forever darken it. The energy we use can sustain our planet, or destroy it. What happens to the hope of a single child – anywhere – can enrich our world, or impoverish it. In this hall, we come from many places, but we share a common future. No longer do we have the luxury of indulging our differences to the exclusion of the work that we must do together. I have carried this message from London to Ankara; from Port of Spain to Moscow; from Accra to Cairo; and it’s what I will speak about today. Because the time has come for the world to move in a new direction. We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interests and mutual respect, and our work must begin now. We know the future will be forged by deeds and not simply words. Speeches alone will not solve our problems – it will take persistent action. So for those who question the character and cause of my nation, I ask you to look at the concrete actions that we have taken in just nine months. On my first day in office, I prohibited – without exception or equivocation – the use of torture by the United States of America. I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and we are doing the hard work of forging a framework to combat extremism within the rule of law. Every nation must know: America will live its values, and we will lead by example. We have set a clear and focused goal: to work with all members of this body to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies – a network that has killed thousands of people of many faiths and nations, and that plotted to blow up this very building. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, we – and many nations here – are helping those governments develop the capacity to take the lead in this effort, while working to advance opportunity and security for their people.

In Iraq, we are responsibly ending a war. We have removed American combat brigades from Iraqi cities, and set a deadline of next August to remove all of our combat brigades from Iraqi territory. And I have made clear that we will help Iraqis transition to full responsibility for their future, and keep our commitment to remove all American troops by the end of 2011. I have outlined a comprehensive agenda to seek the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. In Moscow, the United States and Russia announced that we would pursue substantial reductions in our strategic warheads and launchers. At the Conference on Disarmament, we agreed on a work plan to negotiate an end to the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons. And this week, my Secretary of State will become the first senior American representative to the annual Members Conference of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Upon taking office, I appointed a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and America has worked steadily and aggressively to advance the cause of two states – Israel and Palestine – in which peace and security take root, and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians are respected.

To confront climate change, we have invested 80 billion dollars in clean energy. We have substantially increased our fuel-efficiency standards. We have provided new incentives for conservation, launched an energy partnership across the Americas, and moved from a bystander to a leader in international climate negotiations. To overcome an economic crisis that touches every corner of the world, we worked with the G-20 nations to forge a coordinated international response of over two trillion dollars in stimulus to bring the global economy back from the brink. We mobilized resources that helped prevent the crisis from spreading further to developing countries. And we joined with others to launch a $20 billion global food security initiative that will lend a hand to those who need it most, and help them build their own capacity. We have also re-engaged the United Nations. We have paid our bills. We have joined the Human Rights Council. We have signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We have fully embraced the Millennium Development Goals. And we address our priorities here, in this institution – for instance, through the Security Council meeting that I will chair tomorrow on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and through the issues that I will discuss today. This is what we have done. But this is just a beginning. Some of our actions have yielded progress. Some have laid the groundwork for progress in the future. But make no mistake: this cannot be solely America’s endeavor. Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world’s problems alone. We have sought – in word and deed – a new era of engagement with the world. Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.

If we are honest with ourselves, we need to admit that we are not living up to that responsibility. Consider the course that we are on if we fail to confront the status quo. Extremists sowing terror in pockets of the world. Protracted conflicts that grind on and on. Genocide and mass atrocities. More and more nations with nuclear weapons. Melting ice caps and ravaged populations. Persistent poverty and pandemic disease. I say this not to sow fear, but to state a fact: the magnitude of our challenges has yet to be met by the measure of our action. This body was founded on the belief that the nations of the world could solve their problems together. Franklin Roosevelt, who died before he could see his vision for this institution become a reality, put it this way – and I quote: “The structure of world peace cannot be the work of one man, or one party, or one Nation…. It cannot be a peace of large nations – or of small nations. It must be a peace which rests on the cooperative effort of the whole world.”

The cooperative effort of the whole world. Those words ring even more true today, when it is not simply peace – but our very health and prosperity that we hold in common. Yet I also know that this body is made up of sovereign states. And sadly, but not surprisingly, this body has often become a forum for sowing discord instead of forging common ground; a venue for playing politics and exploiting grievances rather than solving problems. After all, it is easy to walk up to this podium and to point fingers and stoke division. Nothing is easier than blaming others for our troubles, and absolving ourselves of responsibility for our choices and our actions. Anyone can do that. Responsibility and leadership in the 21st century demand more. In an era when our destiny is shared, power is no longer a zero sum game. No one nation can or should try to dominate another nation. No world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will succeed. No balance of power among nations will hold. The traditional division between nations of the south and north makes no sense in an interconnected world. Nor do alignments of nations rooted in the cleavages of a long gone Cold War.

The time has come to realize that the old habits and arguments are irrelevant to the challenges faced by our people. They lead nations to act in opposition to the very goals that they claim to pursue, and to vote – often in this body – against the interests of their own people. They build up walls between us and the future that our people seek, and the time has come for those walls to come down. Together, we must build new coalitions that bridge old divides – coalitions of different faiths and creeds; of north and south, east and west; black, white, and brown. The choice is ours. We can be remembered as a generation that chose to drag the arguments of the 20th century into the 21st; that put off hard choices, refused to look ahead, and failed to keep pace because we defined ourselves by what we were against instead of what we were for. Or, we can be a generation that chooses to see the shoreline beyond the rough waters ahead; that comes together to serve the common interests of human beings, and finally gives meaning to the promise embedded in the name given to this institution: the United Nations. That is the future America wants – a future of peace and prosperity that we can only reach if we recognize that all nations have rights, but all nations have responsibilities as well. That is the bargain that makes this work. That must be the guiding principle of international cooperation.

Today, I put forward four pillars that are fundamental to the future that we want for our children: non-proliferation and disarmament; the promotion of peace and security; the preservation of our planet; and a global economy that advances opportunity for all people. First, we must stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and seek the goal of a world without them. This institution was founded at the dawn of the atomic age, in part because man’s capacity to kill had to be contained. For decades, we averted disaster, even under the shadow of a super-power stand-off. But today, the threat of proliferation is growing in scope and complexity. If we fail to act, we will invite nuclear arms races in every region, and the prospect of wars and acts of terror on a scale that we can hardly imagine. A fragile consensus stands in the way of this frightening outcome – the basic bargain that shapes the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. It says that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; that nations with nuclear weapons have the responsibility to move toward disarmament; and those without them have the responsibility to forsake them. The next twelve months could be pivotal in determining whether this compact will be strengthened or will slowly dissolve.

America will keep our end of the bargain. We will pursue a new agreement with Russia to substantially reduce our strategic warheads and launchers. We will move forward with ratification of the Test Ban Treaty, and work with others to bring the Treaty into force so that nuclear testing is permanently prohibited. We will complete a Nuclear Posture Review that opens the door to deeper cuts, and reduces the role of nuclear weapons. And we will call upon countries to begin negotiations in January on a treaty to end the production of fissile material for weapons. I will also host a Summit next April that reaffirms each nation’s responsibility to secure nuclear material on its territory, and to help those who can’t – because we must never allow a single nuclear device to fall into the hands of a violent extremist. And we will work to strengthen the institutions and initiatives that combat nuclear smuggling and theft. All of this must support efforts to strengthen the NPT. Those nations that refuse to live up to their obligations must face consequences. This is not about singling out individual nations – it is about standing up for the rights of all nations that do live up to their responsibilities. Because a world in which IAEA inspections are avoided and the United Nation’s demands are ignored will leave all people less safe, and all nations less secure.

In their actions to date, the governments of North Korea and Iran threaten to take us down this dangerous slope. We respect their rights as members of the community of nations. I am committed to diplomacy that opens a path to greater prosperity and a more secure peace for both nations if they live up to their obligations. But if the governments of Iran and North Korea choose to ignore international standards; if they put the pursuit of nuclear weapons ahead of regional stability and the security and opportunity of their own people; if they are oblivious to the dangers of escalating nuclear arms races in both East Asia and the Middle East – then they must be held accountable. The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise, and that Treaties will be enforced. We must insist that the future not belong to fear.

That brings me to the second pillar for our future: the pursuit of peace. The United Nations was born of the belief that the people of the world can live their lives, raise their families, and resolve their differences peacefully. And yet we know that in too many parts of the world, this ideal remains an abstraction. We can either accept that outcome as inevitable, and tolerate constant and crippling conflict. Or we can recognize that the yearning for peace is universal, and reassert our resolve to end conflicts around the world. That effort must begin with an unshakeable determination that the murder of innocent men, women and children will never be tolerated. On this, there can be no dispute. The violent extremists who promote conflict by distorting faith have discredited and isolated themselves. They offer nothing but hatred and destruction. In confronting them, America will forge lasting partnerships to target terrorists, share intelligence, coordinate law enforcement, and protect our people. We will permit no safe-haven for al Qaeda to launch attacks from Afghanistan or any other nation. We will stand by our friends on the front lines, as we and many nations will do in pledging support for the Pakistani people tomorrow. And we will pursue positive engagement that builds bridges among faiths, and new partnerships for opportunity. But our efforts to promote peace cannot be limited to defeating violent extremists. For the most powerful weapon in our arsenal is the hope of human beings – the belief that the future belongs to those who build, not destroy; the confidence that conflicts can end, and a new day begin.

That is why we will strengthen our support for effective peacekeeping, while energizing our efforts to prevent conflicts before they take hold. We will pursue a lasting peace in Sudan through support for the people of Darfur, and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, so that we secure the peace that the Sudanese people deserve. And in countries ravaged by violence – from Haiti to Congo to East Timor – we will work with the UN and other partners to support an enduring peace. I will also continue to seek a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine, and the Arab world. Yesterday, I had a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas. We have made some progress. Palestinians have strengthened their efforts on security. Israelis have facilitated greater freedom of movement for the Palestinians. As a result of these efforts by both sides, the economy in the West Bank has begun to grow. But more progress is needed. We continue to call on Palestinians to end incitement against Israel, and we continue to emphasize that America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. The time has come to re-launch negotiations – without preconditions – that address the permanent-status issues: security for Israelis and Palestinians; borders, refugees and Jerusalem. The goal is clear: two states living side by side in peace and security – a Jewish State of Israel, with true security for all Israelis; and a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967, and realizes the potential of the Palestinian people. As we pursue this goal, we will also pursue peace between Israel and Lebanon, Israel and Syria, and a broader peace between Israel and its many neighbors. In pursuit of that goal, we will develop regional initiatives with multilateral participation, alongside bilateral negotiations. I am not naïve. I know this will be difficult. But all of us must decide whether we are serious about peace, or whether we only lend it lip-service. To break the old patterns – to break the cycle of insecurity and despair – all of us must say publicly what we would acknowledge in private. The United States does Israel no favors when we fail to couple an unwavering commitment to its security with an insistence that Israel respect the legitimate claims and rights of the Palestinians. And nations within this body do the Palestinians no favors when they choose vitriolic attacks over a constructive willingness to recognize Israel’s legitimacy, and its right to exist in peace and security.

We must remember that the greatest price of this conflict is not paid by us. It is paid by the Israeli girl in Sderot who closes her eyes in fear that a rocket will take her life in the night. It is paid by the Palestinian boy in Gaza who has no clean water and no country to call his own. These are God’s children. And after all of the politics and all of the posturing, this is about the right of every human being to live with dignity and security. That is a lesson embedded in the three great faiths that call one small slice of Earth the Holy Land. And that is why – even though there will be setbacks, and false starts, and tough days – I will not waiver in my pursuit of peace.

Third, we must recognize that in the 21st century, there will be no peace unless we make take responsibility for the preservation of our planet. The danger posed by climate change cannot be denied, and our responsibility to meet it must not be deferred. If we continue down our current course, every member of this Assembly will see irreversible changes within their borders. Our efforts to end conflicts will be eclipsed by wars over refugees and resources. Development will be devastated by drought and famine. Land that human beings have lived on for millennia will disappear. Future generations will look back and wonder why we refused to act – why we failed to pass on intact the environment that was our inheritance. That is why the days when America dragged its feet on this issue are over. We will move forward with investments to transform our energy economy, while providing incentives to make clean energy the profitable kind of energy. We will press ahead with deep cuts in emissions to reach the goals that we set for 2020, and eventually 2050. We will continue to promote renewable energy and efficiency – and share new technologies – with countries around the world. And we will seize every opportunity for progress to address this threat in a cooperative effort with the whole world.

Those wealthy nations that did so much to damage the environment in the 20th century must accept our obligation to lead. But responsibility does not end there. While we must acknowledge the need for differentiated responses, any effort to curb carbon emissions must include the fast-growing carbon emitters who can do more to reduce their air pollution without inhibiting growth. And any effort that fails to help the poorest nations both adapt to the problems that climate change has already wrought – and travel a path of clean development – will not work. It is hard to change something as fundamental as how we use energy. It’s even harder to do so in the midst of a global recession. Certainly, it will be tempting to sit back and wait for others to move first. But we cannot make this journey unless we all move forward together. As we head into Copenhagen, let us resolve to focus on what each of us can do for the sake of our common future.
This leads me to the final pillar that must fortify our future: a global economy that advances opportunity for all people. The world is still recovering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. In America, we see the engine of growth beginning to churn, yet many still struggle to find a job or pay their bills. Across the globe, we find promising signs, yet little certainty about what lies ahead. And far too many people in far too many places live through the daily crises that challenge our common humanity – the despair of an empty stomach; the thirst brought on by dwindling water; the injustice of a child dying from a treatable disease, or a mother losing her life as she gives birth. In Pittsburgh, we will work with the world’s largest economies to chart a course for growth that is balanced and sustained. That means vigilance to ensure that we do not let up until our people are back to work. That means taking steps to rekindle demand, so that a global recovery can be sustained. And that means setting new rules of the road and strengthening regulation for all financial centers, so that we put an end to the greed, excess and abuse that led us into disaster, and prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again.

At a time of such interdependence, we have a moral and pragmatic interest in broader questions of development. And so we will continue our historic effort to help people feed themselves. We have set aside $63 billion to carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS; to end deaths from tuberculosis and malaria; to eradicate polio; and to strengthen public health systems. We are joining with other countries to contribute H1N1 vaccines to the World Health Organization. We will integrate more economies into a system of global trade. We will support the Millennium Development Goals, and approach next year’s Summit with a global plan to make them a reality. And we will set our sights on the eradication of extreme poverty in our time. Now is the time for all of us to do our part. Growth will not be sustained or shared unless all nations embrace their responsibility. Wealthy nations must open their markets to more goods and extend a hand to those with less, while reforming international institutions to give more nations a greater voice. Developing nations must root out the corruption that is an obstacle to progress – for opportunity cannot thrive where individuals are oppressed and business have to pay bribes. That’s why we will support honest police and independent judges; civil society and a vibrant private sector. Our goal is simple: a global economy in which growth is sustained, and opportunity is available to all.

The changes that I have spoken about today will not be easy to make. And they will not be realized simply by leaders like us coming together in forums like this. For as in any assembly of members, real change can only come through the people we represent. That is why we must do the hard work to lay the groundwork for progress in our own capitals. That is where we will build the consensus to end conflicts and to harness technology for peaceful purposes; to change the way we use energy, and to promote growth that can be sustained and shared. I believe that the people of the world want this future for their children. And that is why we must champion those principles which ensure that governments reflect the will of the people. These principles cannot be afterthoughts – democracy and human rights are essential to achieving each of the goals that I have discussed today. Because governments of the people and by the people are more likely to act in the broader interests of their own people, rather than the narrow interest of those in power.

The test of our leadership will not be the degree to which we feed the fears and old hatreds of our people. True leadership will not be measured by the ability to muzzle dissent, or to intimidate and harass political opponents at home. The people of the world want change. They will not long tolerate those who are on the wrong side of history. This Assembly’s Charter commits each of us, and I quote – “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women.” Among those rights is the freedom to speak your mind and worship as you please; the promise of equality of the races, and the opportunity for women and girls to pursue their own potential; the ability of citizens to have a say in how you are governed, and to have confidence in the administration of justice. For just as no nation should be forced to accept the tyranny of another nation, no individual should be forced to accept the tyranny of their own government.

As an African-American, I will never forget that I would not be here today without the steady pursuit of a more perfect union in my country. That guides my belief that no matter how dark the day may seem, transformative change can be forged by those who choose the side of justice. And I pledge that America will always stand with those who stand up for their dignity and their rights – for the student who seeks to learn; the voter who demands to be heard; the innocent who longs to be free; and the oppressed who yearns to be equal. Democracy cannot be imposed on any nation from the outside. Each society must search for its own path, and no path is perfect. Each country will pursue a path rooted in the culture of its people, and – in the past – America has too often been selective in its promotion of democracy. But that does not weaken our commitment, it only reinforces it. There are basic principles that are universal; there are certain truths which are self evident – and the United States of America will never waiver in our efforts to stand up for the right of people everywhere to determine their own destiny.

Sixty-five years ago, a weary Franklin Roosevelt spoke to the American people in his fourth and final inaugural address. After years of war, he sought to sum up the lessons that could be drawn from the terrible suffering and enormous sacrifice that had taken place. “We have learned,” he said, “to be citizens of the world, members of the human community.” The United Nations was built by men and women like Roosevelt from every corner of the world – from Africa and Asia; form Europe to the Americas. These architects of international cooperation had an idealism that was anything but naïve – it was rooted in the hard-earned lessons of war, and the wisdom that nations could advance their interests by acting together instead of splitting apart. Now it falls to us – for this institution will be what we make of it. The United Nations does extraordinary good around the world in feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and mending places that have been broken. But it also struggles to enforce its will, and to live up to the ideals of its founding.
I believe that those imperfections are not a reason to walk away from this institution – they are a calling to redouble our efforts. The United Nations can either be a place where we bicker about outdated grievances, or forge common ground; a place where we focus on what drives us apart, or what brings us together; a place where we indulge tyranny, or a source of moral authority. In short, the United Nations can be an institution that is disconnected from what matters in the lives of our citizens, or it can be indispensable in advancing the interests of the people we serve. We have reached a pivotal moment. The United States stands ready to begin a new chapter of international cooperation – one that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of all nations. With confidence in our cause, and with a commitment to our values, we call on all nations to join us in building the future that our people deserve. Thank you.

Congressman Joe Wilson: The Psychology Behind “you lie” outburst

Unknown user — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:17:33 EDT

• Selfishness or Fear: using selfishness or people’s fear of paying for others.
• Resentment: using resentment or hatred towards illegal immigrants, which can also involve racism.

And using these two emotions or feelings to attack Health Care Reform.

• Selfishness or Fear + Resentment = Attack on Health Care Reform

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

{Disgrace}

Lisa — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:16:06 EDT

Disgrace:
Noun

the loss of respect, honor, or esteem; ignominy; shame: the disgrace of criminals.
a person, act, or thing that causes shame, reproach, or dishonor or is dishonorable or shameful.
the state of being out of favor; exclusion from favor, confidence, or trust: courtiers and ministers in disgrace.

Verb
to bring or reflect shame or reproach upon: to be disgraced by cowardice.
to dismiss with discredit; put out of grace or favor; rebuke or humiliate: to be disgraced at court.

Although the South has never been favored by most of my people {African Americans}, I have always been proud of the fact that I am from South Carolina. When asked "Where are you from?", I always respond, "South Carolina, born and raised". I have fondly referred to myself as a Southern Black Belle. Last evening I have never been more ashamed of being a South Carolinian in my life.

How disgraceful, rude, & obnoxious could you possibly be to heckle the President of the United States of America, especially when good people have voted and placed you in a position where they feel you are capable of representing their state before Congress. You are a disgrace not only to the state of South Carolina, but you are a disgrace to America. Would you have done the same to ANY of our previous Presidents? I doubt it. The fact is you can not stand to see a BLACK MAN representing America.

However; true to form our President, Barack Obama, carried himself with dignity and grace both of which you know nothing about. While watching him I could not help but think of the verse, "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" {Matthew 5:16}. What a true testament of character. My minister constantly reminds us that "The truth shall set you free or find you out", well Mr. Wilson you have just been found out!

Recently South Carolina has been on every comedians lips, in every newspaper, magazine and the talk of every talk show host. There's our illustrious Governor, Mark Sanford, who disgraced his wife, family and the entire state of South Carolina with his blatant affair and elusive behavior. Then there's Senator Jim Demint, with his biased and callous remarks regarding our President and now this. What I find truly amazing in all this is that none of these men are African American; however THEY have the audacity to judge a man who is out there fighting tooth and nail every day to provide a better way of life for ALL Americans. A man who is ten times the man they will ever be.

To ALL these men and the many others like them: "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

To ALL Americans who continue to vote for these men: "A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan."

To OUR President, Barack Obama: "Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."

Quote's courtesy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Speech Ban Draws Crowd at Board Meeting

Steve Sulkin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:09:16 EDT

Speech Ban Draws Crowd at Board Meeting

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32750708/ns/local_news-delaware_valley_panj/

One mention in local press re my concern over Obama school ban

Steve Sulkin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:58:07 EDT

"Schools Differ Over Obama Speech" article in local press

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/buffalogrove/news/1760446,bg-obamaspeech-090909-s1.article

Now That I've Heard President Obama's Speech to Schoolchildren...

Steve Sulkin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:26:05 EDT

Now that I've heard President Obama's speech to schoolchildren,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iqsxCWjCvI

I'm even more disappointed in the furor that caused school districts (including my own) to not air it live. Why? Because it was more inspiring than I thought it would be. Interestingly enough, it was a speech any conservative, any Republican president, would have been proud to give. It was about personal responsibility. It gave compelling reasons why school is relevant. And it was clearly effective. How much more could one ask from a speech?

In my quest to continue to understand why my school district did not air this speech on September 8th, I've researched precedent and spoke to those in my school district who were willing to speak about this, a total of one person. All of the letters I wrote, the inquiries I made, only one person from the school called me and it wasn't even the individual who wrote the letter to the parents announcing the banning of the speech.

Because I don't want to publicly express who that person was who did call me, because I did not indicate to them that I would be publicizing their comments, I will use that shadowy press term I've always wanted to use: It was "a very highly placed source." Oooooohhhhhhh.

My source indicated that they could not yet give an official response to my letter I sent to the superintendent, because apparently, there is going to be some official more general reiteration of the district's stance down the road. This confused me a bit in that I thought they already had a stance iterated.

My source did want to assure me that "the District's decision to not air the President's speech live was not politically motivated", though their own letter explaining why they would not air the speech said, "the airing of this speech has already become a very politically charged topic in the press and a significant concern for many of our parents."

I explained that I never made a claim that the board itself was casting a political statement by not airing the speech, but instead, bowing to pressure from constituents who had a political or personal agenda against the President of the United States. Furthermore, I explained, as I explained in my letter, that there were a whole host of other reasons this was poor judgement to not air the speech. Not the least of which is that it would be good for children to hear and not airing it broke with precedent as many other presidents made similar speeches in the past to much less resistance.

While there was some typical partisan dissent in the past, it never elevated itself to the wackyness of the current fervor (child indoctrination claims, brainwashing) nor the wholesale deletion of the event from school agendas. Though to that point, I challenge my board: I cannot definitively find record of my school district airing the Reagan and the George H.W. speeches, but I find no record they didn't either. I would be interested in a public statement from the board indicating what did happen on October 1, 1991 when George H.W. Bush gave the speech and in the 1980's when Ronald Reagan gave his speech. It might prove enlightening, it could even make their case that this is precedent for this school district to not air such speeches (precedent I would still disagree with).

My source also interestingly said that the superintendent had final power re this decision and that the board supported it. Really? The superintendent has final say? Now, I'm no expert here, but I thought in most municipalities that the board is elected and the board had hiring and firing power over the superintendent. Doesn't that give the board final say? How could the person being hired have final say over the person hiring them?

So I looked up some past cases. Here's an excerpt from a legal case in Harrisburg, PA concerning a curricula decision regarding "intelligent design."

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The school board, not teachers, should decide what belongs in the public-school curriculum, said the assistant superintendent of a school district being sued over whether "intelligent design" belongs in science classes.

The Dover Area School Board decided in October 2004 to require students to hear a statement about intelligent design before ninth-grade biology lessons on evolution. Teachers were opposed to the statement, which says Charles Darwin's theory is "not a fact" and has inexplicable "gaps," and which refers students to the textbook "Of Pandas and People" for more information.

The board has final say on such curriculum decisions, Michael Baksa, the assistant superintendent, testified Thursday during the landmark federal trial. "Once the board makes a decision, whether you agree with the decision or not, it's your responsibility to implement it," he said.

Well, that's interesting. If Illinois law re school boards is like Pennsylvania law, then the board should have made the decision about whether to air this speech, not the superintendent.

My source also indicated that the "grade level" of this speech (apparently graded by Microsoft according to my source, who I wasn't aware was in the grading of speeches business) was at "7th grade" and therefore inappropriate (or not understandable) for other grades (below I assume). I tried to wrap my head around this and carry it to it's logical conclusion. One would have to either have the sitting president create 12 different speeches to accommodate each of the grades and in addition, due to curricula concerns my source had, also coordinate with the board (or the superintendent) to correlate the speech to existing curricula mapping of our school district or not give the speech.

Clearly, when one tries to carry this to it's logical conclusion, it simply isn't logical. This speech cannot be measured as though it's part of standard curricula. It's not meant to be and it cannot be judged in that way. It's an historic event. It's an inspirational speech given by our President to help our children and our society. It's simply much ado about nothing to be against airing it live or otherwise. To somehow say that down the road the board (or the superintendent?) will review the speech and then they might air pieces of it "not live"is simply missing the point, besides smacking of censorship. Airing the speech preferentially later would be like airing the moon landing only after review. Yes, I hear the criticism already, "this is not the moon landing." But the speech was historic (first black president, remember?). It's also helpful for our educational system. The point, quite simply, is that it should not have been "banned" because t was meant to inspire kids and who could argue with that?

And there was another issue the source had with my argument. They said the speech wasn't "banned" but they didn't offer an alternative adjective. Then what was it? Temporarily banned? Forbidden but not really? Ban means to forbid something. If you later then allow it, you lift the ban. This is simply semantics to say it wasn't banned. It was clearly forbidden to be aired live. So the live broadcast was banned. Simple as that. This argument over minutia is one of the issues, as it's trying to create rationale through loophole. When things are wrong, we tend to use fine print to make them seem right and that is wrong.

So what did I do with my six-year old that evening of the speech? We watched the speech in bed as his bedtime story. Contrary to concerns about this being above my son's ability to comprehend, he understood quite a bit of the speech thank you. My son, to be fair, wandered at points, he asked questions, he did all of the things we all do when listening to speeches (or reading long blogs). But he got a lot out of it. Though not as much as he would have, had he been with the entire school sitting together in an auditorium. There's a reason we have movie theaters. There's simply something more important about an event when it's shared.

I would hope that the world sees that sharing, tolerance and togetherness, is what we need more of, and divisiveness, hatred and prejudice, is what we need less of.

Forget the Kool-Aid, Smell the Coffee!!

SingleParent — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:27:34 EDT

Can someone explain why we are using words like brainwashing & indoctrination when the President wants to give a speech encouraging students to do well in school?? I mean ENOUGH ALREADY! It is clear that his critics don’t like him but are they so blinded by their hate that they can no longer see straight? First of all, COME ON! Seriously? Even the good he does no longer matters?

Second of all, surely we all agree that this is a positive message and one that our students desperately need to hear. Is anyone suggesting our kids should not do well in school or that they should drop out?

I think his critics need to get a grip on themselves quickly because it is now becoming a question of either intelligence or hatred. At this point, it is hard to tell if they are ignorant when it comes to the facts or if their hatred has simply blinded them to the truth. It has been said that ignorance is bliss but that is not the case. Ignorance is simply ignorance. Bliss requires knowledge of and appreciation for your circumstances thereby ruling out ignorance. FYI, ignorance is not a good look.

According to a news article, the President’s critics seem to have a problem with the questions on the study guide that has been provided to assist in a discussion session to follow his speech. Questions such as “What do you think the President is trying to say to you?” Where is the offense? If the President is the one who gave the speech, isn't it legitimate to ask, “What is the President trying to say”? This is simply getting ridiculous. Instead of making intelligent points, they are grasping at straws and making themselves look less than intelligent. Much less.

Our country is falling behind other countries and our children need encouragement from every quarter and President Obama’s critics want to play politics! You know what? President Obama is not perfect. If he makes a mistake, he should be called on it but this petty straw grasping does not reflect well on his critics at all.

I do, however, have to give our President credit for his incredible ability to stay above the mess. I hope in a similar situation I could react the same but as agitated as I feel now on the sidelines, I don’t think I would handle it as brilliantly as he does.

I should not continue to be surprised at the low level tactics of his critics, yet I am. I am disappointed as well. See, having been born post slavery, it has always baffled my mind that this great country I live in could have such a period of shame in its history. Yet, as each day passes and the hatred becomes more blatant, my mind becomes less baffled.

A speech on the importance of education is now a BAD thing? The President is being criticized for sending out questions to get students thinking about the speech he just made? Not comments, mind you, but questions? So, the students should listen to his speech and then what? Not discuss, not think about it ever again? Not question the message they just heard? I think it is a sign of strength that President Obama didn't just expect to give a speech and have students mindlessly swallow it whole. Instead he chose to spark discussion with the students about the value of education and the wisdom of staying in school. He chose to get them thinking and talking.

Show me the downside! It’s wrong? Really?

I’ll tell you what’s wrong. What's wrong is that it is 2009 and this conversation is historic in that it has never been done quite this way.

When graduation rates dropped, this should have been done!

When the achievement gap widened, this should have been done!

When other countries began to surpass us, this should have been done!

If you want to point fingers, let’s at least point them in the right direction!

I am more than ready for people to stop politicking, roll up their sleeves and get to work! Let’s get to the hard work of getting us back on track! Our situation is entirely too serious for us to still be playing politics! Let’s get to the hard work of getting our kids to see the value of education, what it means for their future and for the future of our country.

It’s time for some people to wake up! Instead of worrying about us drinking the Kool-Aid, I sincerely wish they would start smelling the coffee!!

Obama's speech to children

Georgi — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:38:32 EDT

Below is a message that I sent to my child's school addressing the fact that they won't be showing Obama's speech on Tuesday. The stated reason was that they would have to shift their schedule.

I am disappointed that my child won’t be hearing President Obama’s address to students with her fellow students on Tuesday AM. I would think that any President, Republican or Democrat , taking his time to address American students with a positive message about the value of education merits a change in schedule and routine. President Obama is a shining example of what you can achieve when you work hard in school. What a missed educational opportunity for teachers and administrators to discuss not only his message, but the American political process and what it means to be a citizen in a Democracy. By speaking directly to students, any public leader, regardless of political affiliation, contributes to their self esteem, since such an address sends the message that our children are important and valued members of our society.

I know we can view the message at our home – but it would reinforce his message about the value of education if the school took the time to broadcast the President’s address and discuss it.>

Thank you ,

I received a thoughtful reply from the school administrator who agreed with me but said that they were so inundated by parents protesting that they would have had to get signed permission slips for kids to view the speech - is this happening only in Red States? I think that the protestors are just so much more vocal then those who support and want their children to hear his speech in schools. So if you have a child and your district is in the uproar mine is, let your principal no that you want your child to hear the speech!

Presiden'ts intended speech on education

Strong Single Mom Obama Supporter — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:29:04 EDT

I am inspired by the news that Obama is intending to address our nations youth. I ask you...what is better than having the most powerful man in the world, break it down for your children about the importance of education? To emmulate a smart, well spoken, highly educated man-is an honor. He called on fathers to get involved and he is asking the children of tomorrow to do their parts as well.
I absolutely intend to have my child participate in this activity and I look forward to the diaglogue that it will spark afterward. Too many kids today are left to their own devices when it comes to school and after school. Character counts and there is nothing wrong with demanding more from our kids. We have become a nation of over-priveledged kids with far too many liberties. And it is time to take back the reigns and parent our kids rather than be friends with our children.

President Barack H. Obama's Historic Speech: Between The Words Breaths of Wisdom

The Free Advice Man — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:49:50 EDT

by Jean-Pierre Ady Fenyo, a Philosophical Advisor to The President.

London, England - June 5, 2009.

There should be no doubt about it, the Historic speech made in Cairo, Egypt by President Barack H. Obama and delivered with great confidence to the Islamic Nations and peoples of the World, and to Arab Muslims in particular, had a lot more nuance and purpose in it than one would first sense by only listening to its words! Every breath between every thought uttered by President Obama held in it an air of deep wisdom whose purpose is greater than the sum of the words contained in his speech. The tone and the facial expressions of President Obama were like the invaluable markers used in the Hebrew Alef-Bet to denote specific sounds, vowels and consonants, without which it would be impossible to be even relatively sure what the author meant to write or the speaker really meant to say!

Mind you, I will not go into a detailed analysis of what exactly was meant by every gesture, expression, intonation, word, sentence, etc., for that could really take up a lot more time and space than is needed to make my point in this article. Suffice it to say, President Barack H. Obama's speech held in it both great promise and a stern warning, as well as what might be considered a coded sub-message! The great promise was one of almost infinite hope and faith in the principle that has been President Obama's legacy thus far: that almost every Human Being in the world, every child of the Great Spirit of H'SH'M, including the vast majority of Muslims, Jews and Christians, desire exactly the same basic things in this Life, World and from each neighbor and stranger! In effect, that almost all of us really do understand that there is a need, and thus a compelling possibility, for true compromise and tolerance based on the principle that without such we will never see an end to all the senseless extreme fear, irrational hatred, dehumanizing injustice, barbaric brutality, insensible threats and horrific violence that has plagued the world for millennia and might continue to plague us till we either come to our best senses or end up, unfortunately sooner than later, causing a world conflagration and final man-made disaster that will wipe out virtually everyone and every ounce of beautiful art, artistic design and imaginative creation we humans have ever produced! And also included in that great promise was an understanding that H'SH'M (G-D All-Loving) would not want us to murder one another in the name of any system of belief, faith or dogma, and that the true essence of what binds all the major religions and Spiritual Philosophies of the world must be the commonality of the Law of Love of H'SH'M; "Do Unto Others As They Truly Want To Be Done Unto and Do Nothing Unto Anyone That They Do Not Really Want To Have Done Unto Them!" True, President Obama inadvertently used the old and inaccurate version of what he really meant to say (he used the "Do unto others as you would want unto thyself!") as someone who I know cherishes the best of True Free-Masonic Ideals (mind you; not to be confused with the current mish-mash abusing the good name of Freemasonry!), as one who has studied the wisdom and compassion of Saladin (Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb), a wisdom that gave rise to The Knights Templar and eventually to the Freemasonry that helped bring about such great individuals as His Majesty King Charles The Second (King Charles II of England), Baruch Spinoza and Sir Isaac Newton (forgive me for not mentioning the Islamic and Jewish scholars of Islam's Golden Scientific Age, whom we should trouble ourselves to learn more about) who were very much part of The Rennaisance and The Age of Enlightenment, without which we would probably have gone into extinction by now!

In essence, President Barack H. Obama was actually invoking the memory of the Clash of Civilizations known mostly as The Crusades, which could easily have caused the collapse of all civilization in the World, had it continued and spread its megalomania elsewhere! And therein lies also President Obama's warning! For his predecessor, probably not fully aware of it, had almost served the full interests of those who almost succeeded in igniting another Worldwide Clash of Civilizations that would have caused a permanent and irrevocable divide, leading to all manner of megalomania and violence, between one side and the Islamic World, which numbers over 1.3 to 1.5 Billion people...over one-fifth of the World's total population at present!!! Anyone in their right mind can clearly see what that would have meant! No religion on Earth, no dogma or ideology, Spiritual or otherwise, can manage to dominate the world by force or even by gradual efforts at full conversion! Like it or not, we're going to have to accept that H'SH'M is above traditional religion, and that the True Way to Live by G-D's Golden Law of Love is to be found in our own individual, special, self-realized connection to H'SH'M!

We must be steadfast in our resolve to support President Obama and his efforts, through his Administration and as CEO of The United States of America, to bring about the Peaceful World Order he and most people in the World desire, need and should already have had ages ago!

Violence Is A Dead End

Khaidji — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:40:42 EDT

What ever we do, if we are to be on the path to world peace, equal rights or more civic unity then the answer is not violence. Wars were fought years ago to settle any differences or misunderstandings between groups of people with conflicting beliefs and loyalties. We have in history a war fought because of something as trivial as an ear. President Barack Obama in his speech at Cairo today demonstrated the many similarities in people who think themselves so different. Why then are we fighting? And if we are destined for progress why choose violence? Violence is a Dead End.

Violence Is A Dead End

Very many listened from many countries too

I watched as again he sculpted history in his Cairo debut

Obama is never surprising but my admiration grows

Learning each time the wisdom of what he knows

Experience is a great teacher but faith is best

No doctrine has every superseded its test

Countries in their pursuit of freedom and rights

Exterminate other countries in brutal fights

Islam and Christianity have similar belief

So why do these religions sustain so much grief

As a young boy in Indonesia where people were predominately Muslim

Didn’t prohibit the Christian few from their worship, didn’t stop him

Even though he was but a boy he fully understood

A people shouldn’t be stopped when their values are good

Do on to others as you would have that they do onto you

Explains the paths of these religions and there are others too

No future lies ahead when religions are identified by cruel trend

Defined by bloodshed, not when Violence Is A Dead End!

Get an easy Download or a Hardcopy of
” Path To The White House”
Acrostic Poetry on Barack Obama
By Khaidji
The Bajan Poetry Society

Islamic countries said that their relations with Israel depend on its willingness for peace

Unknown user — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:07:01 EDT

May 25, in Syria ended 36 th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

The meeting adopted a final declaration in which the Islamic countries criticized Israel, but at the same time expressed their readiness to improve relations.

"Developing ties with Israel should be linked to its compliance with specific obligations in reaching a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees the restoration of rights (the Palestinians) and the return of occupied territories", - says the paper, which is called the Damascus Declaration.

Representatives of countries stated that they do not have to reward Israel for its crimes. The final document, they strongly condemned the actions of the Jewish state to change the character of the occupied Arab land in East Jerusalem, continued his siege of the Gaza Strip and settlements in the West Bank.

The Foreign Ministers of 57 member countries of OIC also reaffirmed the right to an occupied people to struggle for the liberation of their land and noted that this can not be called terrorism.

In the Damascus declaration condemning the attacks on Islam, inciting religious hatred and hostility, states that terrorism is a "dangerous international phenomenon that has no national, religious or cultural affiliation."

Remember, today reported on the initiative of one of the parties represented in the Israeli Knesset, to oblige Israel to swear allegiance to the state.

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Mourino: Anchelotti will work in Chelsea

Unknown user — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:00:32 EDT

Head coach of Inter Milan, José Mourino argues that, for his information, the current coach of Milan, Chelsea will head accurately.

Mourino shared their data: "My friends from Chelsea told me that Carlo will work exactly in the London team next season. Some players, even the blue asked me whether Anchelotti successfully work with the team. I told them that Carlo - a great specialist, who able to create a good team, "- said Portuguese.

"I think it not difficult to adapt to the Premier League. The choice is Anchelotti, but in any case, I wished him good luck. If he would need my advice, I would have told Carlo not to pull the answer Chelsea, as well as in England it waiting for the adventure, "- noted Mourino.
Earlier, Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi denied the information that the team coach Carlo Anchelotti signed a preliminary contract with the London-based Chelsea.

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Michelle's full speech to students in London

debbier — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:19:35 EDT

It took me a while but here is a link to Michelle Obama's full speech to the students in London. It is 16 minutes in length.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7982563.stm

Speech

Laura — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:04:43 EDT

Once again, I am comforted by his words. I felt upset when I first read the headlines about Pakistan this morning, but I decided to hear what he had to say before I thought any more about it - we are behind his guidance and must trust him to lead us forward. I am grateful.

Canada slaughters hundreds of thousands of innocent seals

Bernard — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:17:41 EDT

I was still shocked to learn that Canada slaughters hundreds of thousands of innocent seals for their fur every year. These animals, often babies who are just weeks old, have their skulls smashed in or are shot. Then they are skinned for their fur - often while they are still conscious. How can we still let this happen! As a American sports enthusiast, I cannot support the games in all honestly if this continues to go unnoticed. It's just like in China, where I learn the hundreds of thousands of innocent cats and dogs were and perhaps still being slaughers for their fur. Just like the "Wild Mustang Horses" http://www.wildhorserescue.org/, Example: Illinois bill threatens to re-0pen horse slaughter plant! http://www.wildmustangcoalition.org/id15.html

All eyes are on Canada, (I hope you are Pres. Obama) as it prepares to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Please help end the seal slaughter immediately so that the reputation of the Vancouver Olympic Games won't be tarnished.

Thanks

I Liked Your Speech

Andrew Bairnsfather — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:32:26 EST

I liked your speech tonight.

Keep up the good work.

-Drew

THE TRUTH HURTS...reply

Citizens for Change in America! — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:37:56 EST

The Truth HURTS…
This economic problem has always been about choice…what you decided to do with your money in the past and in the future is your choice that you have everyday of your life…AMERICA faces these choices and ALL of the AMERICAN PEOPLE will have to decide…
FACT: you paid off your house
FACT: you paid off your car
FACT: you paid off you credit cards
FACT: you paid off your investments
FACT: you paid off your bills
FACT: you paid off your expenses
FACT: you paid off your children’s educational expenses
FACT: you paid off you children’s college bills
FACT: you paid off your taxes
FACT: you paid off everything
FACT: DID YOU REALLY PAY and then some…so everyone can do WHAT EVER they desire…even for WRONG THINGS…for other peoples houses, cars, sunroofs, tinted glass windows, gas, tires, trucks, options, investments, summer homes, time shares, tips, trips, vacations, heat, electricity, clothing, food, college, medical, insurance, stocks, interest, bank loans, credit card bills, EVEN WRONG business CHOICES…did you…make these choices…take these risks…live this lie of fake prosperity.
The banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies and government offices…
all are having fun making choices with other peoples money…
yes everyone…especially those that might be considered too big to fail?
REMEMBER the BASICS (part of the costs of doing business is loss in theft, shrink and bad accounts…this is in all business models as experts are taught by experts…PROFESSORS teaching MBA’s and CPA’s for CEO’s and Presidents)
All the experts…
take their pay for whatever good or bad decisions and answers they tell you…
TALK IS CHEAP…but YOU PAY for all the CHOICES
YOURS…THEIRS…and everyone else in between…
every person not living by the Facts…
but by the MYTH…
Is sold on the idea to fill up every living Mystical Fantasy and Desire…
that is the Prophecy of EXPERTS…
fed to the people on both ends of AMERICA
Economic and Political
FACE the MUSIC…
BROKE is BROKE…
Do not hand me your meal ticket…I did not eat your lunch!
I did not own your business, bank, brokerage company, bakery, battery company, best shop or basket case…
do not give me your bills…
I didn’t get any of your pleasures, profits or perks…
I didn’t benefit from any of your lavish life style…
I didn’t get any thing before…
I don’t want anything now…especially, not any of your bills!
YOU went broke…not me…
You didn’t pay any of my bills…
You didn’t worry about feeding my children or sending them to school…
YOU KEEP YOUR OWN choices to yourself this time too…
IT'S YOUR CHOICE to keep the TRUTH...
PAIN FREE!

Obama's Speech

Jedidiah Palosaari — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:08:32 EST

As I predicted, a great speech, and imo, one of the best inauguration speeches ever. Not quite as good as Lincoln II, but better by a long shot that Lincoln I (where he came out in favor of continuing slavery).

But as I reflect on it, all of the focus, before and after, was on if it would be a great speech, or only a mediocre speech. Would it be as good as Lincoln's Second Inaugural, or only as good as his First?

Where was the discussion of the speech itself- of how it impacted us individually, and how it changed us? After all, that is the point of a speech. Not to get up there and win an award, but to persuade and change people. Was his only goal to get up there and live up to expectations? Or was it to lay out something new, and begin to move the ball forward? That was his goal, but I think so many pundits were focused on the pure rhetoric, that they missed the purity.

I challenge you now, if you haven't done so before, to go back and listen to the short 18 minute speech, and truly listen to it, and allow yourself to be impacted.

This was what I was most moved by, and most impressed by:

"We reject as false, the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to ensure 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 expedient's sake. And so, to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village in which my father was born, know that America is a friend of each nation, and every man, woman, & child who seeks a future of peace & dignity, and we are ready to lead once more."

Day One, for all of us.

Laura from Dallas, TX — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:16:35 EST

Hi! I just started this community blog. But here are my two cents on today.

Read.

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

From the desk of T. Boone Pickens: Will You Help?

James Everitt — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:39:18 EST

From the desk of T. Boone Pickens: Will You Help? From the desk of T. Boone Pickens: Will You Help?

T. Boone Pickens has a good program that will help all of us http://www.pickensplan.com/districtleaders/, if you are interested in being a District Leader for your Congressional District, email us at myenergy@pickensplan.com (please include your name, state and Congressional District in the body of your email). Pickens Plan District Leaders will take action in the following ways:

Be the point of contact for the official Congressional District group page on Push.PickensPlan.com.

Work with other members of the New Energy Army in your Congressional District to sign up 500 new members by Inauguration Day.

Host meet-ups with other members of the Army in your Congressional District to discuss ways you can take action and Push the Pickens Plan.

Get an op-ed or letter to the editor placed in your local newspaper telling everyone why you support the Pickens Plan.

If your Governor, U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative have not yet signed the Pickens Plan Pledge , then ask them to sign today!

From the desk of T. Boone Pickens
Boone here,

We’re six weeks out, and it feels like Inauguration Day is right around the corner. One thing’s for sure: our efforts are really starting to pay off. Let me give you a couple of examples.

Yesterday in New York City the Pickens Plan got another big endorsement. This time it was from the American Lung Association. Think about that. Here we’ve been talking about how developing renewable energies and using cleaner burning natural gas is good for our economy and creates jobs. Come to find out the Pickens Plan is good for your health! I love it. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also on hand. He’s been a real leader in using renewables and compressed natural gas in his city. I’m glad to have him on our team.

I also want to bring up my visit to Washington last week where I met with the Obama Transition Team. Like everyone else, I’ve been impressed with the way the President-elect has been preparing for his new administration. My father used to tell me, “A fool with a plan can outsmart a genius with no plan any day of the week.” Let me tell you: the Obama team is smart, and they have a plan. The President-elect wants to get us off Middle Eastern oil in 10 years. There’s only one way he can do that, which is why I’m confident that the Pickens Plan will play an important part in the stimulus package he and his team are crafting right now.

I know President-elect Obama is ready to make some big changes. Let’s make sure Congress is too. The Army is 1.37 million strong. Now we need to get ready in every Congressional district, and I need your help.

Over the next couple days you'll be hearing from Team Pickens about the District Leaders project - I need members of the Army to play a leadership role in their own Congressional districts. Click here to learn more and to sign up to volunteer.

I want you to join me in leading the New Energy Army as we take the Pickens Plan to DC next year!

Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change.

Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities. On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead.

Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you.

Since the election, the challenges we face -- and our responsibility to take action -- have only gotten more urgent.

You can connect with fellow supporters, make progress on the issues you care about, and help shape the future of your community and our country.

Learn what you can do now to support President-elect Obama's agenda for change and continue to make a difference in your community.

Take the first important step by hosting or attending a Change is Coming house meeting. Sign up right now:http://my.barackobama.com/changeiscoming

To get our country back on track, it will take all of us working together.Barack and Joe have a clear agenda and an unprecedented opportunity for change. But they can't do it alone.

Will you join us at a house meeting and help plan the next steps for this movement?

Keep the Faith,
James Everitt

Problem 1

Michael from Las Vegas, NM — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:54:36 EST

first of all I feel that criticality has been taken to extents in which people are so scared to say something wrong because they get a sword shoved down there throat of what they truly meant. For instance Barack Obama says at one speech that he wishs to help middle income families, yet never mentions upper income families. So its automatically assumed that he doesn’t care about the upper class families. Which is not his stance on America what so ever. The only reason we have most of the applied studies today such as sociology or philosophy is because Hellinistic people were able to write down their thoughts and publish them quite literally by distributing copies or however means that wanted to allow people to think like them. We would not have any of these applied studies in my opinion if everyone was just too afraid of being proven wrong. Nothing we own today nothing we have in our current position can be explained by simple means of only physical objects exist. Theoretical physical objects only make up 1 category of the 7 categorys of things that make up the universe.

Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

James Everitt — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:33:32 EST

Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

Listen to the Ed Meese Radio SpotFreedom of Speech Our 1st Amendme...

I have just taken action to stop the attacks on our Free Speech Rights, and I'm asking that you join with me by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

+ + Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice? Will 2009 usher in a fanatical push to re-instate the so-called Fairness Doctrine? Such a move would effectively silence the conservative voice and remove the last conservative stronghold against a fast-moving liberal agenda.

James & Lydia, One need only read the words of Dianne Feinstein to see the true threat to conservative speech that is brewing on the horizon!"

Talk radio tends to be one-sided. It also tends to be dwelling in hyperbole. It's explosive. It pushes people to, I think, extreme views without a lot of information ... I'm looking at the [Fairness Doctrine]... Unfortunately, talk radio is overwhelmingly one way."

Recognizing this threat, the Media Research Center has created the Free Speech Alliance which is a coalition of organizations and citizens strongly opposed to any such move to limit or undermine our Free Speech Rights!

Please take a moment right now to join the hundreds of thousands of Americans who oppose the Fairness Doctrine and all that it stands for by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

Thanks for joining with me.
Mr. & Mrs. James & Lydia Everitt

P.S. If the liberal voice in America has their way, the Fairness Doctrine will end conservative talk--including Rush, Sean, Laura, Mark, and a host of others. Take action today by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

Hey,

President-Elect Obama is hard at work getting this country back on track, but he’s counting on all of us to get involved.I just signed up to learn more about the presidential transition, and I thought you might want to do the same.

Just visit Presidential Transition, and enter your e-mail address in the top right corner.

Thanks.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Amendment I, The Bill of Rights

Freedom of Speech - Our 1st Amendment - Our Sacred Right!

Posted by Better Home Business at 9:04 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: biden, blueprint, Bush, commercial, Congress, economy, Election, energy, gotcha, grassroots, independence, kennedy, McCain, News, Obama, outreach, palin, pickensplan, political, senate

Victory Speech Cloud

Harry from Rome, GA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:57:37 EST

Election Day - Sights and Sounds

Elidyl — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:49:57 EST

Election Day in Chicago and Indiana ...

The day began early with a call from the Obama campaign and a special request to help get out the vote in Indiana. I called my good friend Chris, a native Hoosier from Bloomington, and we headed out to Merrillville to canvass for voters and hang door knockers. A flood of early support, and many volunteers finished up their routes by noon. Nearly all of the people on our canvassing route voted when the polls opened at 6 a.m. One voter in his 80s said he only missed one vote, when he was serving overseas in WWII. He didn't tell us who he supported, but he was happy to see us out talking to voters on election day. It was a gorgeous and beautiful day, warm weather, and plenty of sun.

At the end of our route, at one of our last houses, we met Sonny, an elderly African American man who didn't have a ride to the polls. He had surgery scheduled for the next day and was struggling with cancer. His polling station was 25 minutes away, and we got to hear much of his story. He worked 30 years in the steel mills, fought in Vietnam, missed the primary because he was in the hospital, and is receiving a stem cell treatment for his cancer. He wore a bright yellow Obama tee shirt, and fought valiantly to maintain his strength during the trip. Some of his friends and neighbors worked at the polling station. They rushed out with assistance (we had to cover his Obama tee shirt), and there was a huge outpouring of support for his effort. There were tears, and lots of hugs. Everyone gave us their prayers, and about 30 poll workers applauded as we drove him back to his home. An astounding and courageous moment.

In Chicago, too many impressions and feelings. We joined the gathering of volunteers and supporters in Grant Park. It was all anybody could talk about on the train. "They called Ohio," one person said. "What is the news on Indiana," asked another. It was a carnival atmosphere. At the main event, surrounded by video monitors and people sending text messages that read "wow" and "amazing," everything was happening so quickly. A ripple came over the crowd and we reacted immediately to the news. Was this really happening. Pandemonium and joy, respect and awe, hope and exaltation, and so much more. We have a lot to be thankful for. November 04 was a day for all of us. I have some photos and videos to share from the event (please see below). This is my postcard (and one person's story) from Chicago.

Photos:

Grant Park: Election Day 2008

My Videos:

Old Song, New Meaning

SpottedDog — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:57:12 EST

There is a song that keeps going through my mind whenever I see the images of Tuesday Night in Chicago. It was composed by the German Rockband "The Scorpions" to honour the occasion of their being the first Western band to play in Moscow after the fall of the Berlin Wall. I would like to share this song with you.

In the following I have made a very subtle change: I have replaced the river "Moskva" with "crowds" and "Gorky Park" with "Grant Park". Everything else is the same. It takes a really nice new meaning in this context.
Ah, and the August summer night turned into a mild november night.

McCain MISREPRESENTING in FLORIDA

Dexhu — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:24:12 EDT

John McCain just made a speech in Miami Florida misrepresenting the Obama Campaigne! McCain also raised up the rhetoric of FEAR! McCain also stated Obama will be raising taxes on the middle class and specifying SPREADING the Wealth! McCain also said there was NO DANGER with Nulear WASTE!

Palin also spoke about ENERGY at a ENErGY group! The same old drill to lower oil prices!

Key quotes from Obama's Speech in Denver Civic Center Park

Todd Parker — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:36:41 EDT

On Sunday, Oct 26th Barack Obama held an Early Voting Rally in Denver's Civic Center Park, attracting an estimated 100,000 people, his largest audience to date. Obama delivering a powerful speech that lasted just under thirty minutes. Though many of the words have no doubt been heard before along the campaign trail, i was inspired to transcribe large sections of it.

Oct 29th Ad

Jax — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:21:43 EDT

God I hope Obama doesn't blow his load on Oct 29th with this 30 minute TV ad.

I've seen some really impressive speeches by him. In fact that's the mark that really sold me.
His ability to speak, speak well, and influence with ideals not useless, hopeless rhetoric.

I'm afraid that it's going to be some prefab video montage of the campaign and himself (and Joe of course).

And not an Influential Inspiring Moving and Motivating speech which is key at not only swaying the hearts of those that need moving. But keeping the hearts that have already learned to love, keep loving.

Voters of base, independent and undecided need that final push to the voting booth, with the vigor of change that we so desperately desire.

Obama attacks McCain during a campaign speech

Storm Of Lightning — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:00:05 EDT

Soon after the second debate, my Mom and I were shocked and amazed to see Obama on TV telling everyone the truth about just how different Obama and McCain are from each other. He also told everyone that the change he would bring would be both promising and powerful! Now, I don't know what McCain and Palin were doing at this time, but Barack Obama sure can make a good speech, despite what some people may think. Now that's what I call a powerful attack!

Toastmaster Speech on my support for Obama

Mark Thomason — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:12:25 EDT

This morning, I presented my "Why should I care?" speech to our local toastmasters club in Lake Mary, FL. See the full text of the speech in the extended Post.

My main goal for the speech was to show how voting republican was voting selfishly...while voting Obama was voting for America's long term interest. In addition, I was interested in making the "red" people "blue"...not the "blue"people more "blue".

I found this speech to be very hard to write, as I wanted to strike that balance between being objective, interesting, and pursuasive...all without pissing off my friends that I know are McSame supporters.

To my surprise, the audience loved the setup (first half of the speech) and they laughed each time I made the point that it would be their kids that would be cleaning up the mess. This was mostly because of my delivery, but I really didn't intend for the speech to be funny. During the second part when I'm telling them the reasons why I should care, they listened closely. After it was over, I got a lot more applause than I expected as there were a lot more Obama supporters in the crowd than I expected.

The critical "toastmaster" feedback I received from the speech was great, with several people commenting how "sneaky" the message delivery was.

It's a good day...

McCain's new speech

SpottedDog — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:43:40 EDT

Just listened in to McCain's new speech. I have to say, it is impressive. But wait, where do I know this stuff from? "We make our own destiny" and: "You" (the voters) have to make the decision, and: "Lets win this election and we can change the country" - and there was some echo to this last one in my mind: "and we will change the world"

Ah, now I know: It is not exactly the same phrasing but the general tone and meaning are exactly Barack Obama's words. The stuff he finishes almost every speech with. McCain - or his speech-makers - took Obama's speech, modified it, put some typical McCain-stuff in there (prison in VietNam and some other stuff), adapted it to the fact that McCain is behind in the polls - and ready was the new speech.

In fact, the only original words are - tell me news! - the bits where McCain tries to atack Obama: "He is already measuring the drapes, planning with Pelosy and Paulson how to raise taxes ..." So, here is some new(ish) stuff.

The ultimate cheek was to say that "They (us, the Obama-types) have forgotten to let YOU (the people) decide. Well, there is the problem: The elefant-people have forgotten how it feels not to have the majority behind you. Of course, the partisan crowd cheers when McCain insinuates they would be the ones to decide...

However, all this goes onnly to show that it really is not over yet: On the GOP-Congress, McCain managed to turn public opinion around by pretending he and his running mates were people of change. Even as obviously stolen from Obama as it was, the stuff helt for a while before Palin became a national embarrassment. This time the copy isn't so obvious. Even I needed a while to get it and as yet no blogger or newspaper I know has uncovered this. So: watch out and tell people how much of McCain's new speech is stolen from Obama. And the rest is not true or old news (McCain, the fighter who is best in a tight corner ... - yawn). But point it out to people. Otherwise some may be turned by McCain!

Ah, and: Mr. Obama, would you please mention this in your speeches as well and turn it round and tell people that YOU are the original and McCain is only a really bad copy?!

And lastly: I am so happy that "our" guy doesn't need a seemingly young wife standing behind him and noding debilely at every statement her hubby makes. Michelle goes around making her own speeches. This is what we need!

GooooooooooBama 08!!

Barack Obama:Stand By Me

Nia "Hussein" J. — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:30:26 EDT

I came across this video and it was just the boost I needed, please share with other whom you think might need a boost to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLV-G8nR7nk&feature=related

Read, laugh, discuss! And that was GWB's "reassurance?"

EMK — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:28:39 EDT

(Source)

What are we doing? This morning, again, GWB is trying to reassure us that all the central banks around the world are trying to help us get out of this downturn!!!!!

What do you mean by that???

I think it's

And we're letting ourselves lose out to this guy!

(Source for those pics)

So I'm not so sure...

Please check out these vids!

Rogers: CASH is the King -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIsHD7nwTbU

Glenn Beck World WHAT? -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKsiZdOD5u4

Before this happens:

(Sources: Top, Bottom 2)

Feel free to debate and discuss!

EMK

The speech I wish Barack would make

ProgToddinOregon — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:20:58 EDT

[read the following with Barack's voice and cadence in your head]

While you were listening to the speeches at this summer’s Democratic Convention couldn’t you feel that sense of relief in the air that Republican control over Washington was finally coming to an end? Did you like me get a tangible glimpse of what our future looks like when partisan agendas no longer limit us? Did you like me imagine a government that is finally allowed to pursue things like acquiring living stem cells, currently thrown away by the tens of thousands as bio waste during the in-vitro fertilization process, and instead using them to discover new ways to treat Alzheimer's, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal chord injuries? Aren’t we here to help people?

As Democrats we embrace science. The Republicans under the Bush regime have avoided and even refuted science when the results impinge on the profits of their corporate donors. To Bush global warming didn’t exist because it would cost his friends in big oil profits. Just how much would that change under a McCain/Palin regime? These are the kinds of questions you have to ask yourself this November.

In the areas of government regulation of industries, President Bush has put a fox in every hen house. The EPA and other agencies crucial to the health of individual Americans have had as their primary goal to insure the highest possible profits for Republican corporate allies, while the needs and rights of American citizens are barely a priority at all. Bush even has a mining lobbyist in charge of regulating mine safety with predictable results: more die but profits stay high. Just how much would this change under a McCain/Palin administration when McCain surrounds himself with Washington’s biggest lobbyists who have paid allegiances to big oil, pharmaceutical companies, no-bid war contractor Halliburton, and foreign nations such as Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Georgia?

As always with the Republicans, you must ask yourself “Just who are they looking out for, big business or me?” And in every one of their actions, votes, filibusters and vetoes, the answer is constantly the former, not the latter.

Ending that twisted priority is the kind of change that we’ve been talking about. America has to put the needs of individual Americans first again. I’m not saying that all corporations are bad. What I’m saying is that in our new America corporations will thrive the old fashioned way, being innovative, being good to their employees and host communities, reaping the rewards of producing the best products and services while creating the goodwill that their recognized integrity deserves. In the Republican world, corporations thrive by turning millions in lobbying money into billions in additional profits, gaming the system to their advantage, and through deregulation creating monopolies that squash healthy competition. Which of those two models do you think will benefit your wallet, your community, and your country more? An Obama/Biden administration would try to bring back the former, while a McCain/Palin regime would fight for the latter, where corporations write their own rules, squeeze out the Mom and Pop stores on Main Street, and reduce America’s options for its future.

America in the hands of Bush and Cheney has consciously allowed our government to languish, preferring profits for their corporate friends and cronyism over efficiency and service to its people. Why would George Bush put a completely inexperienced man in charge of FEMA? Because above all he could count on Brownie’s loyalty. That choice was not made in consideration of the best interests of Americans in crisis.

These are the ways Republicans have created and maintained power and provided evidence that they hope will persuade Americans that our government can’t really help us. Maybe their government can’t. But ours will. In the next four years you’ll see the benefits through an Obama/Biden administration of a government that again puts the needs of individual Americans as its top priority. You’ll see a judicial branch that seeks to end corruption and restore oversight to every part of government from the national stage on down to your own communities. You’ll see the notion of fairness return.

Republicans have been great on talk but have always eluded having to back that up with actions. With their influence in the media, Republicans have always been able to get away with murder because they’ve been able to suppress the kind of journalism that would unearth the truth in their motives. I’m pretty sure I won’t be so lucky. I’m just going to have to come through for you. I’m just going to have to make your lives better, our country stronger, restore the trust of our allies, and provide an economic environment where integrity and innovation triumph over corruption and self-interest. My colleague Hillary Clinton once said that it takes a village. The path that Democrats long to take you on leads to that village, where the water is cleaner, the skies bluer, and opportunity is not for the few but the many.

You must ask yourself, does the path that Republicans seek to lead you down look as bright? Or does this path lead right into their pockets? Those that have influenced George W. Bush throughout the last eight years will be the same ones that influence John McCain and Sarah Palin. How can that possibly result in change?

The relief we all got a taste of at the convention will soon be at hand. Think what a victory it will be for individual Americans when Democrats control the White House and Congress, the future of our Supreme Court, and all the regulatory agencies that keep us safe, keep our economy down a steady path, and mandate integrity in corporations. On November 5th, the nightmare of continuing Republican control will be over, and through the strengths of Democratic goals our new America will slowly emerge. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be pretty. The wealthy few, the benefactors of the old ways, will fight to cling to their intrenched advantages. But our new America will no longer fall prey to the voices of the very few. Our new America will hold as its ideal the success of the many, and in time even those that have benefited most from Bush’s corporatist allegiance will realize that they can still turn a healthy profit and benefit from a new stability that unregulated capitalism could never enjoy.

Top to bottom. Left wing and right wing. All of us will prosper, although for Bush’s chosen few not to the extent they’ve enjoyed recently. Playing fair, playing by the rules, doesn’t allow for greed to be paid off so astronomically while the rest of us are held down, bound by the limited opportunities that monopolies insure. But in our America the rising tide will indeed lift all boats, not just the ones that Bush has positioned in water spouts. With the end of the Bush/Cheney era, and the control from the far right corporate wing of the Republican party, prosperity will be found in so many more faces.

Relief. It arrives November 5th. The hard work starts January 20th. But from the first days of my administration, you’ll find that the goals and dreams I’ve talked about will be brought to life, not buried forever, their political usefulness achieved once the votes have been counted.

Results. You’ll see them next year. My words will not be proven hollow, as has been the case with the administration that will have preceded mine.

Resurrection. With new incentives and proper regulation the foundation of our economy will be restored. No more will corporations receive tax breaks for sending American jobs overseas. No longer will corporations be able to dodge paying their share of American taxes by putting a mailbox in the Cayman Islands. The partisan cronyism of the past years will be gone forever, and a new standard for those working within government will be established. Our government will again see its primary goal as to serve its people, not enrich the ruling party’s friends. Our roads, our bridges, our schools will again be a priority, and your tax dollars will be focused there instead of on maintaining a perpetual occupation in Iraq. Don’t get me wrong. Ending a significant presence in Iraq doesn’t mean giving up on the war against religious extremists whose only goal is power through terrorism. But under Bush we have not fought smart. We need to go after Al Qaida where their influence is strongest, fighting them directly in Afghanistan and indirectly through our ally Pakistan. And part of fighting smart is ending the privatization rampant in Bush’s model of our fighting forces. No longer will companies make a profit providing our soldiers with food and water. No longer will the promise of profit be part of deciding where our soldiers go, what bases need to be built, and how our wars are fought. Without these payments to war profits, we can spend less than half of what we are now and with redirected efficiency achieve far more against our enemies in Afghanistan than we could ever hope to in Iraq. Remember, even though Bush has labeled our enemies in Iraq as insurgents, our own military lists the number of foreigners fighting against us on Iraqi soil as consistently under three thousand. Foreign insurgents? They are hardly a factor in a Sunni/Shiia civil war where we have armed and trained both sides.

But even in this quagmire, shifting strategies could make a difference. Right now Bush is fighting our war against terrorism like a quarterback who keeps on calling the same play: halfback over right guard. Sure, slow progress can be made if we’re strong enough. But why not play smart, throw some passes, adjust the approach? And bear in mind that in this model that right guard is paying Bush’s friends hundreds of billions to make sure the same play is always called. I guess he wants to be on camera.

What if American forces were to put as their top priority to secure Iraq’s power grid and water supply? What if Iraqi citizens were to see the tangible result in their daily lives of clean water and electricity available to them around the clock for the first time since the war began almost five and a half years ago? Wouldn’t that make them finally feel a benefit to our presence, give them confidence again in the notion that we do indeed want to see a better future for them? And wouldn’t a return to normal life be the first step in their taking over, standing up while we stand down? So many Iraqi people have decided to fight beside us in their own country. Isn’t it time that they saw the benefit of that alliance? That’s what fighting smart should deliver.

But overseas and within our own shores, George Bush doesn’t mind squandering our strength. In the way we fight our wars, the way we run our government, the way we safeguard our people, profit always trumps efficiency, even logic. But those days are about to end.

America will be better because the way America works will be better. And by being inclusive rather than exclusive, more Americans will have a slice of the pie. More Americans will have a say in the direction our economy and society take, so our future will more reflect our diversity. This is the future I can promise you. Can McCain and Palin claim the same? What about their pasts would indicate that?

And part of returning America to her former glory means insuring that her foundation, the US Constitution, retains all the power, freedom, fairness, and balance that our founders put into it. They had the wisdom to know that a country of laws and not men was the only insurance against tyranny. But where is that insurance now, when President Bush openly spies on his own citizens, with a history of defying the FISA law statutes? Where is that insurance now when in the wake of anthrax attacks, Bush pressures Congress into the Patriot Act where anyone can be detained as an “enemy combatant” without charge or due process? Where is that balance now when Bush’s own Attorney Generals refuse to enforce Contempt of Congress citations for members of the presidential staff? Democrats like Representative Henry Waxman and Senator John Conyers have led hearings to unearth the web of corruption spread throughout Bush’s White House. Bush and Cheney have put up road blocks every step of the way. They have failed to comply with requests for documents, even destroyed emails that by law must be preserved. This is why Republicans are trying every trick they can to preserve their power, to prevent their can of worms from being exposed to history. Do you expect that John McCain will be willing to open that can or just bury it?

I’ll open it. America deserves to see it opened. The deeds, deceptions, manipulations, and board room promises of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney need to be exposed if we are to keep calling ourselves America. Without justice, without truth, without pinning down the abuses of power, America will be less than she once was, and all the world will know it. And our new America will not stand for that. We will not stand for the very few to manipulate the fortunes, freedoms, and livelihoods of so many. We will not let these chosen few choke our American dream. Without a level playing field, prosperity cannot be universal. And a level playing field is the enemy of Republican power.

While I can truly provide change, McCain and Palin cry out that they can as well. The only thing they are trying to alter, though, is the responsibility for what eight years of Republican crony capitalism, corruption, and neglect have done to our country. Can we let them? NO WE CAN’T.

Can we replace Republican corporatist dreams for America’s future with our own? YES WE CAN. Can we resurrect the promise of America given to us by our founders, where integrity trumps greed? YES WE CAN. Can we return America to a nation that seeks peace rather than seeks out war? YES WE CAN. You see it in the eyes around you. You feel it in your heart. Yes we can. Yes we can. Yes we can.

Barrack obama/ speech skills

Katie from Colby, WI — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:51:48 EDT

Hello.

I am 14 years old and not able to vote in this election.

However, I think that barrack obama is sincere, trustworthy, and ready to lead our country into the future. I'm sorry but really can our great country take another 4 years of the same old junk that Mccain will bring.

Mccain kept talking about buying up the bad loans and houses. He talks about helping the Companys and never says anything about the middle or working class. And his speech making IS just that, a rehersed speech. He is not talking to you, just trying to sell himself.

Barrack, speaks to you, explains what he would do in a calm matter and you can tell that he is not just saying what he rehersed he is just talking to you like a person.

I believe what he says, Mccain just wants votes.

And They want to start drilling in the U.S.A, in Alaska. That is the one place we have not ruined! the one last pure place in our country we can't destroy that.

And it will not solve the problem, we will still be depending on the oil. We need to look for alternative fuel sorces.. This is what barrack wants to do .

So, lets look at what Presedint bush has done over the past 8 years and look at our econemy and then imagine 4 more years of it. We can't afford more of the same.

Sure barrack may be young adn not as experenced as other canidates But he has fresh ideas and we need something new..

Mr.Obama if you are reading this i wish you well and hope that you will lead our country back into greatness.

Best wishes

sincerely

Katie

Wounded Nation

Unknown user — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:05:57 EDT

I'm a singer/songwriter based out of Toronto, Canada and in the hopes of expressing our support for Barack Obama up here in the North, I made this video.

America's strength has always been in its ability to rise up from tribulations that would crumble most nations. This election has the chance to end a war, to propagate equality, and to unburden a struggling economy with fresh ideas and forward-thinking leadership.

I hope you guys enjoy this video and pass it along to anyone you think needs encouragement this November 4th to bring change TO washington.

www.woundednation.org

To win the debate, Palin MUST be forced to answer specifics!

A. Moses — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:18:37 EDT

Has anyone noticed that Palin does a great job of question dodging but fails horribly whenever she has to come up with specifics?

Look at the recent blunders in recent interviews. She tried to give a nothing answer first. Katie asked again. Palin gives another nothing answer. Katie asks again. Palin finally starts jumbling words around so she no longer even makes coherent sentences. Katie wins.

Biden MUST leverage his debating times to pose specific accusations and ask specific questions that Palin MUST answer specifically.

Why can't Palin do this? Is it a GOP tactic trick? NOPE. It's in her very religious cult that she must "ask god for the ability not to decide and to let him act through her." This was reported on only sparsely but she IS a member of this funky religious cult in Alaska. If you saw the e-mails that leaked when her account was hacked, a friend was reaffirming this back to her.

In other words... SHE IS UNABLE TO THINK FOR HERSELF. PERIOD.

She can doge questions probably as well as or better than any other politician out there. But she can't deal with information, facts, memories, or anything of that nature. She's practiced for far too long to get that out of her system. They're not going to get it back in a few days of high-intensity cramming.

If Biden can use this to his advantage in the debates there is nothing that Palin could have prepared herself for that will prevent her from making a total ass of herself.

And I should add that if Palin does blow this as badly as I hope she will, it will sink McCain's ship. Florida will not go back to him and we might even get Indiana. And then there's the fallout that carries into the senate and house races.

For the love of baked beans, please Biden, take this one home!

-A. Moses

A Speech Fitting For Our Times...

Melody — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:47:35 EDT

This is a day of national consecration, and I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive, and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

In such a spirit on my part on on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels. Taxes have risen. Our ability to pay has fallen. Government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income. The means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade. The withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side. Farmers find no markets for their produce. The savings of many years in thousands of families are gone. More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment.

Yet our distress comes from no failure of substance. We are stricken by no plague of locusts. Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered because they believed and were not afraid, we have still much to be thankful for. Nature still offers her bounty, and human efforts have multiplied it. Plenty is at our doorstep, but a generous use of it languishes in the very sight of the supply.

Primarily this is because the rulers of the exchange of mankind's goods have failed, through their own stubbornness and their own incompetence, have admitted their failure, and abdicated. Practices of the unscrupulous money changers stand indicted in the court of public opinion, rejected by the hearts and minds of men. True, they have tried, but their efforts have been cast in the pattern of an outworn tradition. Faced by failure of credit, they have proposed only the lending of more money. Stripped of the lure of profit by which to induce our people to follow their false leadership, they have resorted to exhortations, pleading tearfully for restored confidence. They know only the rules of a generation of self-seekers. They have no vision, and when there is no vision the people perish.

The money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization. We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths. The measure of the restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit.

Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money. It lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. The joy and moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.

Recognition of the falsity of material wealth as the standard of success goes hand in hand with the abandonment of the false belief that public office and high political position are to be valued only by the standards of pride of place and personal profit. And there must be an end to a conduct in banking and in business which too often has given to a sacred trust the likeness of callous and selfish wrongdoing. Small wonder that confidence languishes, for it thrives only on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, of faithful protection, on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live.

Restoration calls, however, not for changes in ethics alone. This nation asks for action, and action now. Our greatest primary task is to put people to work. This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously. It can be accomplished in part by direct recruiting by the government itself, treating the task as we would treat the emergency of a war, but at the same time, through this employment, accomplishing greatly needed projects to stimulate and reorganize the use of our natural resources.

Hand in hand with this we must frankly recognize the overbalance of population in our industrial centers and, by engaging on a national scale in a redistribution, endeavor to provide a better use of the land for those best for the land. The task can be helped by definite efforts to raise the values of agricultural products and with this the power to purchase the output of our cities. It can be helped by preventing realistically the tragedy of the growing loss through foreclosure of our small homes and our farms. It can be helped by insistence that the federal, state, and local governments act forthwith on the demand that their cost be drastically reduced. It can be helped by the unifying of relief activities which today are often scattered, uneconomical, and unequal. It can be helped by national planning for and supervision of all forms of transportation and of communications and other utilities which have a definitely public character. There are many ways in which it can be helped, but it can never be helped merely by talking about it. We must act and act quickly.

Finally, in our progress toward a resumption of work we require two safeguards against a return of the evils of the old order. There must be a strict supervision of all banking and credits and investments. There must be an end to speculation with other people's money. And there must be provision for an adequate but sound currency.

There are the lines of attack. I shall presently urge upon a new Congress in special session detailed measures for their fulfillment, and I shall seek the immediate assistance of the several states...

I am prepared under my constitutional duty to recommend the measures that a stricken nation in the midst of a stricken world may require. These measures, or such measures as the Congress may build out of its experience and wisdom, I shall seek, within my constitutional authority, to bring to speedy adoption. But in the event that the Congress shall fail to take one of these two courses and in the event that the national emergency is still critical, I shall not evade the clear course of duty that will then confront me. I shall ask the Congress for the one remaining instrument to meet the crisis: broad executive power to wage a war against the emergency, as great as the power that would be given to me if we were in fact invaded by a foreign foe. For the trust reposed in me I will return the courage and the devotion that befit the time. I can do no less.

We face the arduous days that lie before us in the warm courage of the national unity, with the clear consciousness of seeking old and precious moral values, with the clean satisfaction that comes from the stern performance of duty by old and young alike. We aim at the assurance of a rounded and permanent national life. We do not distrust the future of essential democracy. The people of the United States have not failed. In their need they have registered a mandate that they want direct, vigorous action. They have asked for discipline and direction under leadership. They have made me the present instrument of their wishes. In the spirit of the gift I take it.

In this dedication of a nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.

-Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Proud to be a Democrat

Libby — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:30:25 EDT

The first time I watched Barack's speech at the DNC in 2004 on C-SPAN.org, I was electrified. I donated money to Democratic candidates because of that speech. I hoped that one day this man would lead our country. I suspect if the major television networks had seen fit to televise his speech that night, the 2004 election might have had a different outcome.

I was thrilled again when I watched his acceptance speech at this year's convention. I was on my feet when he said that this country has had "enough" of Bush's catastrophic policies.

I was equally proud to be a Democrat when I watched his debate with McCain. Barack turned every McCain attack into an opportunity to hammer home his policies. Barack's policies are smart, fair, and if implemented, will be successful in rebuilding America. Barack demonstrated the kind of leadership our troops desperately need to make them successful in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can't think of a better person to restore hope at home and rebuild confidence among our allies abroad.

Brainstorming; One potential big value of the blogs.

Mark from Nacogdoches, TX — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:04:55 EDT

I don't know all the different ways in which the campaign is using the blogs. There are many different ways they can be used. I hope that among the many ways they are using them, one is as a sort of brainstorming session to gather possible ideas in dealing with different aspects of the presidential race.

Example: As a simple example, McCain has used the phrase "on the job training" repeatedly without a good rhetorical comeback phrase. He used it again in the first debate. The issue has been well addressed, but the phrase is still being used, and still has some emotional resonance with the audience. The phrase needs to be countered.

One possible counter phrase would be "on the job REtraining." Most teacher know that REtraining a skill, once it has been learned incorrectly, is much more difficult than teaching the skill the first time, as is shown by educational studies. This country can not afford the "on the job REtraining" it would require to get McCain to RElearn what he needs to relearn to quit following the ideological ruts he has been following for a long time.

That is just an example. The point is that I hope the campaign is pouring through blogs, and culling out gems of wisdom, be it ideas, quips, phrases, retorts, etc. When a group puts their heads together to braistorm, you generate power. When that includes thousands of people you generate a lot of ideas, and hence a lot of potential gems of power, even if they are scattered and buried.

If one strips away the milage and momentum McCain has from the effective use of PHRASES, the outcome of this race is pretty clear, The percentage of his current momentum that is coming from rhetoric is considerable. If you listen to the first debate you can find him striving to insert his magic phrases. The big weakness he portrayed is that they have been so over-used that they lacked new punch. But they will continue to have some strength and continue to be used until they are countered at the rhetorical level, so that in the minds of the audience the responsive phrase comes to mind as soon as McCain uses his magic words.

Brainstor people. Brainstorm. =)

Better than Bush but not Hillary

Carisa from Crystal Lake, IL — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 02:09:11 EDT

I'm a former Hillary supporter and I'm now in the Obama club. I have some very important constructive criticism about Barack's TV presence. I noticed an extreme amount of stuttering, stammering, "umm's", and "uh's" durring his speeches, interviews, and in the last debate I counted over 200. (This is one reason why I was initially attracted to Hillary instead of Barack. She has a more confident and powerful persona and is passionate about her beliefs.)

I realize that some of the "um's" and "uh's" are just a out of habit and aren't really out of insecurity or unsureness, but the quantity and clustering of them create that illusion. It can be corrected with some coaching. I've even heard that there is speech therapy for stuttering and stammering.

Hasn't anyone in the Obama camp noticed this? Can someone please take notice?

I really don't want McCain to have an advantage and possibly win this historical race because of an illusion of Barack's lack of confidence.

What Makes a Good President?

tom jefferson — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:02:46 EDT

Lincoln

One term in the US House of Representatives (he once ran for Senator and lost)
Was a lawyer in Illinois
Spent 8 years in the Illinois House of Representatives
Had a talent for making great speeches
Was known to talk against a war when it was unpopular...(Mexican-American War)

One term in the US Senate (he also ran for Senator and lost the first time)
Was a lawyer and community organizer
Spent 7 years in the Illinois Senate
Also has a talent for making great speeches
Was also known to talk against a war when it was unpopular...(Operation: Iraqi Freedom)

If you're wondering what makes a good president nowadays, just remember the greatest presidents of the past and try and find their qualities in a candidate from today.

Lincoln surrounded himself with people that disagreed with him, as does Obama. And as you can see, the similarities do not end there...

Daytona Beach Speech and Bumper Stickers

rayhart — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:33:39 EDT

After waiting three hours in Daytona to get tickets to see Obama speak we were able to see him live at the Mary Bethune Cookman Auditorium. WOW.

This was the first time I have ever seen a Presidental canidate in person and it was incredible.

He not only made his points on women's rights and hit all of his speaking points but he was actually personal and comfortable. This was the treat. While he was talking, someone in the audience yelled out " I Love You", he stopped his speech short, said "I Love you too" with a grin on his face and then went on. Grace and humility on stage.

So when I found out that the NSB Democratic Party didn't have any Obama bumper stickers at their headquarters to hand out. I found a union-run printer in Arizona printing them. Long story shorter...Stop by the Canal St Office and get one.

They now have 500 of them in their office to hand out. Free!

(PAID HATERS & HECKLERS WITH SIGNS IN THE CROWD)

Backing Obama — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:28:47 EDT

Well as we saw today,there were a small group of childish fools in the crowd today at the Bank United Center in Coral Gables, Florida.Please,are they really serious?They were obviously $paid$,so were the ones before.Trick tactics once again,trying to stir up false talk and hope that the uneducated will somehow fall into the trap.It's plain to see.

Come on,one sign said-"Blacks against Obama"they wish,that's just plain ole'funny!!! Oh yeah and the KKK.That's the best they can do.Hey yall,I guess we are doing pretty damn good for those little leprechauns to pull one like that!They are doing so bad,they have to go and create an illusion,wow!

Next their going to pull a rabbit out of Sarah Palin's ---!Really folks,I wouldn't be surprised!!!We are not falling for that BS!I don't think many will.(Cheap shots,games & kiddie play,they will definitly be the ensnared ones in their own plot,and that is a guarantee!) Just you wait and see,mark my words!That my friends ,is exciting!

*(BARACK OBAMA & JOE BIDEN 2008)*

Latest favorite Obama quote....

Christine — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:58:49 EDT

... from yesterday's speech in Nevada:

"Yesterday, John McCain actually said that if he’s president he’ll take on, and I quote, 'the old boys’ network in Washington.' I’m not making this up. This is somebody been in Congress for 26 years, who put seven of the most powerful Washington lobbyists in charge of his campaign. And now he tells us that he’s the one who’s gonna take on the old boys' network," he said. "In the McCain campaign that’s called a staff meeting!"

It's even better if you watch it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4avFVDKCIA

great 2 minute ad; need to simplify the language

Robert from Durham, NC — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:18:26 EDT

I hope the Obama team starts using the standard of "writing for the eighth grade." It is critical to make the language as accessible as it can be to the greatest number of people. Let's not leave any room for the false charge of elitism. The language could use a little more fire, too. In Senator Obama's recent 2 minute ad, I would have offered these edits:

"... companies that outsource our jobs" should be

"... companies that fire Americans and then send those jobs overseas."

The word "outsource" is too abstract for some. Let's be real direct about what's going on. "Overseas" may not be as accurate as "to other countries," since some jobs are sent to Canada and Mexico, but it is concise, visually descriptive, and compelling.

Inspire us with hope

Candice — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:34:17 EDT

Barack Obama, you changed the tone of the campaign this week. You brought it back to politics and policy. With all of the right policies, you should be winning in the polls.

Now look at the electorate. The stock market is in crisis and the Gulf coast is reeling from Hurricane Ike. We are eager for change, yet catastrophic change is already upon us. Now more than ever, we need our leaders to stand up with a message of hope, and deliver.

Again, I say it: Barack, take the highest of high roads. Right now, be the change you want to see.

You want a campaign free of smears? Praise your opponents.

You want a campaign based on truth? Tell us the truth about you. Your plans. Bring it back to you.

Barach Obama, you inspired a nation during the Democratic convention. You inspired us to believe for so many months. We learned all we could about you. We had the audacity to hope.

Then McCain pulled a rabbit out of his hat and inspired his own base.

You have no more rabbits. We all know your message.

All you can bring us is you.

Inspire us again. Speak only kindness. Focus on helping in Texas, even before the financial markets. Go to Texas. Fix things! Be the hope you talk about! Be the change you promise! Start your presidency of hope and kindness and fairness today. Lead us now! Inspire us again. We need you.

New Hampshire: Politics is Personal

FlyingSinger — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:25:01 EDT

I had a great day in New Hampshire yesterday (I drove up from Massachusetts). First I joined a large and enthusiastic crowd in Manchester to hear Barack Obama speak. In the afternoon, I drove over to Keene, NH to help out with canvassing. It was an invigorating experience!

Sarah:Through the Humble Eyes of a Clueless Hood-Rat

Eric from Covina, CA — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:20:19 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
Sarah:
Through the Humble Eyes of a Clueless Hood-Rat

When you’re raised in the ghetto and you’re either unaware or deprived of the many resources that society has to offer, you learn to make due with what you have. In that regard, I was fortunate enough to recognize at a very early age that the acquisition of knowledge, and the ability to think, is free. So while my economic condition may have restricted me to the ghetto, there was no force on Earth that could limit my mind through the imposition of caste and privilege. If one is determined to seek out knowledge, the opportunities are just as vast at the corner library, as at Harvard University. Thus, one must choose to be ignorant.

Armed with that insight, I tried to compensate for the deficit in my formal education by making every effort to mold myself into the most logical and objective thinker that I was capable of becoming. As a result of that effort, I quickly found that those skills served as a great defense against the condescending hubris of those who presume to be better educated, and more intellectually astute.

If you're a fan of Barack Obama- You'll love this video

Arturo Perez — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:02:41 EDT

This video is dedicated to the movement that has taken place in this country. We couldn't have done it without Barack Obama and the millions of people who work for change everyday...

This year for the first time since the 1960’s many young people have become engaged in politics and now comes a new documentary film that compares today’s youth movement to the one of forty years ago.

The Bay Area’s own Arturo Perez showcases WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE? You'll journey with him as he takes you down a hilarious and emotional roller coaster as he and his two friends search for the voices of the future. WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE? premiered at the Wine Country Film Festival, and is being showcased online at www.FlowersTheMovie.com

Like Michael Moore's SLACKER UPRISING Arturo is streaming the entire film online for all to see for FREE with the hopes that even more people will become energized about voting for Obama this November!

Watch the entire film for FREE now at: www.FlowersThemovie.com

FACT CHECK: Sen. John McCain's Acceptance Speech (09-05-08)

Stephanie Williams — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:56:46 EDT

FACTCHECKING JOHN McCAIN

He made some flubs in accepting the nomination

by Brooks Jackson, with Viveca Novak, Lori Robertson, Joe Miller, & Emi Kolawole

GO BACK TO ELOQUENT WAYS

Graham — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:58:41 EDT

Obama should say: "If we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve the challenges that face us today" -which is a quote of his, instead of using the same words that the McCain has been using-reaching accross lines etc.-those lines seem not genuine b/c they are so simple and simply talking about the action rather than really talking about the philosophy behind the action-anyone can parrot that and say "oh i reach accross lines" but not everyone can put it in such an eloquent way as Obama has, which really shows that he knows what he's talking about and really means it. He's not jus using some GENERIC WORD that both parties have been throwing back and forth for the last week but he is actually talking about the action and why he supports it and what it means-this expresses much more genuity than the usual banter of politics

I THINK IT IS IMPERITIVE THAT OBAMA PROVIDES A DISTRACTION SOON TO GET ATTENTION AWAY FROM PALIN AND TO GIVE THE VOTERS A RELEASE FROM THE BANTER OF RECENT POLITICS THAT IS STRETCHING SUPPORT THIN. HE NEEDS TO BREAK FROM THIS AND GO BACK TO HIS OLD POLITICS OF ASTOUNDING PEOPLE WITH GENUINE REVELATIONS ON THE ETHICS OF POLITICS AND THE DUTY OF PEOPLE TO THEIR COMMUNITY

one suggestion- give a big "more perfect union" speech about sexism-regain the attention and re-energize supporters

OBAMA LEADS BUT NEEDS ANOTHER SPEECH!!

Graham — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:12:01 EDT

The recent polls are misleading because they sample an equal number of democrats, republicans, and independents, and Obama is in fact still ahead because the registered democrats outnumber the registered republicans by 11 million, so everyone should calm down.

However, there are some things Obama needs to do to regain momentum. And the most important of that is to give another speech like his more perfect union speech. He needs to make it big, televised, and eloquent. When Obama was seeing trouble against Hillary and the Reverend Wright thing he gave his more perfect union speech and for the most part completely quieted all the controversy and uproar befre that, giving him momentum. Obama needs to do it again, to remind his supporters why they support him and to re-energize his base! this i think is one of the most important things Obama can do. If he does this Mccain will try to attack it and call it lacking in action but it will re-energize Obama's supporters, take the focus off Palin, and put the momentum back on Barack's side. Oh, and most importantly he should make it about sexism. THIS IS IMPERITIVE!

An Essay by Susan Straight, a mother and author

Mary Lou Loomis "Obama Mama from El Cerrito, CA" — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:28:39 EDT

Tonight, there will be an interview with Sarah Palin on ABC. This is what I’ve heard. And all I can say – as a single mother of three teenagers who has no plane, not much lipstick, and no moose – is that I hope she talks about corn.

Because I went to the store last night and peanut butter was $7. Not a huge industrial size. Not anything special or organic. It was Jif, Creamy, ordinary size. The kind I’ve been buying for nineteen years, since my first kid was born.

A loaf of ordinary bread was $3.29. Milk was $3.99. And Wesson corn oil – the most ordinary thing, the one we make pancakes with – was $6.

I almost cried. A woman in front of me was actually teary eyed. She had four kids. She looked at the five magazine covers near the checkout with Sarah Palin on the cover and shook her head. “Those glasses. I wonder how much they cost,” she said.

Last week, Palin gave her historic speech to the Republican National Convention, sparking worldwide media scrutiny and thunderous applause – supposedly from mothers. Like me.

I’m not a hockey mom. I live in southern California, where last week it was still 102 degrees here in Riverside. We don’t have much ice. I’ve been a basketball mom – including administrative booster club jobs – for nine years. I’ve been a PTA mom forever, and a school volunteer. This fall I will be a tennis mom.

I also work every day, and after twenty years of teaching at the same university, I have pretty good hours – usually 9-3. So I’m the mom whose house kids come to early, before school, and stay late, after school. I have a foot in so many camps I feel like a centipede. A centipede who goes through three to four loaves of bread a week, with all those kids around. And a lot of peanut butter.

I saw parts of the speech. It was a Wednesday night, remember? I was spraying weeds outside, and came in periodically to see what people were saying. They were saying a lot about Palin’s family, and her clothes. I sprayed more weeds and came in, finished, to wash my hands and then hang up the laundry.

My seventeen-year-old daughter sat on the couch, doing homework. My thirteen-year-old was beside her, doing homework.

I stood and stared at the screen. She was talking about being a hockey mom, selling a plane, getting rid of a driver and a chef. OK. Not much to relate to for me. She made me feel a little small. I liked her jacket, though.

In that perfectly deadpan voice of a seventeen year old, my daughter said, “What’s with the glasses?”

I thought she was talking to me. After seven years with the same pair, I’d gotten new glasses. But then she said, “Are those her kids? Is that her daughter?”

Yes.

“Shouldn’t they be in school? It’s Wednesday. Isn’t she a senior?”

My thirteen-year-old said, “Is that her younger daughter?”

Yes.

“Isn’t it – like, eleven at night there? And she has to hold the baby? She must be tired.”

That was the sole extent of their comments.

But I realized all we were hearing about was Palin - her family, her life, and her story.

Amid the outraged reactions the next day, I asked women friends for their opinions. At work, my friend N, an academic advisor, said, “Speech? I have a 102 fever and I’m still coming in because we’re so shorthanded. I was asleep last night.”

My kids’ godmother, D, who is an accountant in Pennsylvania, called. “Speech? I worked really late, and then the Baltimore office called with some crisis. By the time that was over, I watched Bones.”

I called my friend T, a supervisor at the IRS, who laughed. “Watch that? Girl, I had so much to do after work I wasn’t even home yet.”

After I finished work, I went to the post office. My friend Y, who works the counter, frowned and looked puzzled? “Oh, that. We’re shortstaffed this week, so I had to work til 8. And my daughter has an early class, so I went straight to bed.”

At the grocery store, my friend L, a checker, rolled her eyes at me. “Susan, I’ve been working swing shift for so long, I don’t know when I’ve watched TV. Please.”

At home, I talked to my two neighbors. M is a mother of six grown children; she was born in the Philippines and has been married to American servicemen all her adult life. She said, “I’m scared of that woman.” Then she told me a story about a former neighbor of hers in the Philippines who was a person by day and an animal by night. She has a lot of stories like that.

But our other neighbor was close to tears. “She doesn’t speak for me,” she said vehemently. S and her husband are in dire straits. The California budget stalemate means that her husband, a principal at our local adult school, had no job all summer. The school was closed, for the first time in its history (depriving low income youth, dropouts, and non-native speakers their chance at classes, by the way). And S, whose nineteen-year-old son has severe autism, hasn’t been away from him for more than a few hours for months, since he doesn’t qualify anymore for respite care or even a social worker.

That evening, my eldest daughter, a sophomore in college in Ohio, called. “Did you watch the speech?” I said. “What did you think?”

She told me she’d had a meeting about her tutoring project, where she helps junior high kids with history twice a week. She’s interested in Teach America all of a sudden. Her college was the first to admit African-Americans, and to admit women. Social causes and community service are passions for most students.

When I hung up, I remembered that Barack Obama’s campaign talked about community service for tuition points, among other things. I’ll have two in college next year, and one in high school. The thought brings me to my knees at night, when I pray – yes, I pray, as a Methodist, which seems to be a distinctly unglamorous religion these days, and yet my family went off to Gulfport with our church to rebuild houses after Katrina – for strength, patience, and vision for how to accomplish what I think I might be here to accomplish.

(I’ve heard that “end of days” is a major tenet of Sarah Palin’s evangelical faith, but I can’t quite bring myself to imagine that my three daughters – the fervent loves of my life – wouldn’t have this world to live in. I won’t think that way.)

College, service, good food, and some pleasure. That’s what I’ve always wanted for my children, and I don’t want those things to be out of reach for them.

I want the Palin interview tonight to be about that – rising college costs – and corn. And maybe someone could pay attention to the fact that here, in California, we still have no budget. My neighbors are suffering. This is a county with one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation, and the highest gas prices.

And peanut butter is $7. I didn’t have a coupon.

I don’t care about the plane. My van is fourteen years old. I don’t care about the lipstick – be serious. I don’t care about the moose. I have five chickens, because we like having the eggs, along with fertilizer for my vegetable garden, and they’re eating table scraps because chicken feed has gone up so high. That’s cracked corn.

We don’t have moose at the grocery store, so I don’t care if she shoots one.

I’m writing this during my lunchtime. Peanut butter sandwich, like I make for everyone else.

By tomorrow, I hope things won’t feel so dire for us all.

But tonight, I’ll try to watch the interview. One kid has basketball tryouts – yeah, the beginning of basketball mom season for me, and she sure as heck needs that scholarship – and after that I’ll be hanging laundry out to dry. It’s gone down to 88 here today, which feels very fall-like to us, but still hot enough to dry clothes for free.

I hope they talk about corn.

The above essay was written by Susan Straight, author of Highwire Moon, a novel of love, separation, strength and survival focused on Serafina, an illegal alien from Oaxaca, and her American born daughter, Elvia, who is placed in the foster care system when Serafina is deported. Her second book, A Million Nightingales, is a luminous novel set in 19th century Louisianna about Moinette, a young “mulatresse” who is taken from her slave mother at age 14 and sold to an abusive slave-owner. The story explores family bonds, slavery and freedom in a dark period of American history.

George Bush with a war record

Melvin from State College, PA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:50:42 EDT

John McCain is an American war hero, no one doubts his demonstrated patriotism, although he doesn't mind questioning mine. However, don't be fooled, Senator McCain is essentially George Bush with a war record. Basically, what's being sold is, continue the same failed Bush policies with more patriotism. That's his offer. I understand it but I don't think it is possible.

I don't see a more patriotic way to continue tax cuts for the richest Americans while the middle class is destroyed in the bargain. I don't see a more patriotic way to continue leaving forty-seven million Americans without healthcare while insurance companies continue fleecing those who have insurance. There is not a more patriotic way to continue tax cuts for companies who ship American jobs overseas. Tell me the more patriotic way to continue spending ten billion dollars in Iraq while our infrastructure here at home crumble and collapse all around us. More patriotism is great, but if we continue policies that keep us dangerously dependent on foreign oil, wouldn't our children curse us for lack of vision and foresight? Is there a more patriotic way to ignore climate change, to continue running up the debt which is now almost ten trillion dollars and counting, to invade a country that had nothing to do with 9 11, to continue Scooter Libby justice, to continue Karl Rove politics, to continue Barney incompetence, to continue torture, to eliminate habeas corpus, to illegally wire tap Americans, to continue leaving the money behind for no child left behind, to continue opposing stem cell research, to continue standing by while the American Promise slips away for more and more hard working Americans.

We have a choice in this election. On November fourth, we can choose CHANGE and change the policies of the last eight years, or, we can choose to continue the failed Bush policies for the next four with new management. Albeit new management with an impressive biography. Patriots are not new in Washington, Republicans, Independents and Democrats all share a love for this country. The difference between the democratic patriots of the 90's and the republican patriots of the last eight years, is simply due to the successful policies of the Clinton administration and the failed policies of the Bush administration. So lets be clear, no amount, of "special John McCain patriotism", will lead to CHANGE, if we choose to continue the failed policies of the last eight years.

A Speech For Senator Obama

Lenine — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:06:15 EDT

Senator Obama:

I am a relative nobody. I have only recently become a United States Citizen, after twelve long and painful years of waiting. And I have never been prouder to be an American, and never been prouder to have supported you in your campaign. My family and I have felt the clinch of the economy on our pockets. My mother's a teacher and her school district could not even afford summer school opportunities due to the budget reductions. I am only a college student with a $13 an hour job and I have had to help her with expenses. I simply can't take this anymore.

I have seen your efforts at pushing back at the Republicans, and I do not want to see you lose ground, but I'm afraid you are. I believe that's the nature of politics -- it's not just here. It's in the Philippines, too, and if you look at my mother country, you'll see exactly that the bad guys always win, because it's a hard road on the high ground. I don't want your supporters to lose hope. But I believe a great reason that's happening is solely the cause of the Republicans and their relentless attack. And the more we buy into it, the more the media will focus on it, and the less vocal we can be about our issues.

You need to abolish their dependency on your reactions.

I don't claim to be a great speechwriter. But I am waiting for words to come out of your mouth and in my despair I've written what I need to hear from you concerning the recent attacks on your integrity. You can't let them destroy you. You are not just an image -- you are a man. You have a family you must protect, and a country that you love.

I hope these words find their way to you, because in my heart of hearts, I believe they truly need to be said. I believe it is the only way out of the political grave your opponents so willingly dig.

---

Before we go on, everybody, I've just got one thing I'd like to say.

Yesterday, I watched the news, like I always do. I watch to see where our country is going so that I could come here today and show you just what kind of trouble we're in. Day after day, we get news of more and more things that threaten the livelihood of millions of Americans. I watch the news so I could come here and discuss with you, seriously, what we've got to do. Where we have got to take the country and how I'm going to do my best for you so that we reach that goal.

But yesterday, I'm sorry to say, reached new lows for me. I made a plea to the people to listen to my views on education and where I want to take the country concerning that issue. Yes, I criticized Senator McCain's record, and I will continue to do so. I will tell you the truth about his record and why it's wrong for the country. But it's a policy debate. That's all it is and ever will be with me.

It will never -- listen -- *never* be a debate about Senator McCain's integrity as an American. It will never be a debate about his personal intention to better this country, just as I am proposing to you now. I will never distort his policies to reflect, somehow, that Senator McCain is not an upstanding American citizen.

Not so long ago, Senator McCain's wife, Cindy McCain, also an extremely upstanding American, said that "none of this negative stuff, you won't see it come from our side, ever." And I believed her. I believed that both my and Senator McCain's campaigns would run on real issues, real substantial arguments about what's best for our country.

Yesterday, and for many days during these campaigns, glaringly obvious during the Republican Convention, I lost my faith in that. I lost my faith that my opponent and I would seriously put forth to the American people two different stances and solutions to the problems that face us and that the American people would be able to choose a side based on issues, and not who's better.

But when I saw that Education ad, America -- I lost all faith. From that point on, it was no longer just distorting the truth. It was distorting my integrity and my image and my hope for real change. If my daughters were old enough and they saw that ad -- an ad that grossly misleads people into thinking I want sexual education for kindergardners, instead of stating that I supported a movement to ensure that children, like my daughters, would learn early on how to *protect* themselves from predators -- if my daughters saw that, they would think what I'm sure many people would be fooled into thinking. They would turn to me and ask me what those advertisements meant, if I meant to teach them about such a thing as sex when they're five, six, eight years old. Imagine your daughter, your children, watching such an ad and asking for an explanation. And then imagine the world asking you the same question and having your reputation and integrity tarnished because of a blatant distortion of the truth. Of a lie. And then imagine your dreams, your hopes, for a better America, snuffed away like a candle in the wind, because suddenly, there was no room for your solutions for the country you love in the countless barrage of unfair, insubstantiated attacks.

I just want to say one thing to you, America: ENOUGH. ENOUGH of these attacks, these lies. If you want to debate my policies, go right ahead, but debate them as they stand -- either you debate the whole policy, or you don't debate it all. You can't pick and choose what you can debate in a statute. Words don't stand alone. They stand together, and in those sentences, they are given meaning. I am tired of empty words and empty accusations. I am tired of having to fight against the emptiness of an attack. ENOUGH. I have shown American where I stand, and I will continue to do so, until the Republicans show me where THEY stand and if their solutions for this country are better than mine.

Until then, I'll just have to keep telling the American people where I stand and where I plan to take them.

Speaking of which... (+ talking points).

Biden speech in WI Sep 8, 2008

Marianne — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:31:20 EDT

Brilliant and Authentic, he tells it like it is!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XARNRk4bEOc&feature=user

9sep08 noon - excitement about Barack's Farmington Hills Mich speech last night

Marcia from Ann Arbor, MI — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:22:29 EDT

I just read a GREAT speech by Barack, made last night. Here's the email I just sent to friends about it:

A great speech by Obama last night (only an hour's drive from Ann Arbor!). Looks like he's connecting with the fire in his belly (and ours! ) This is from washingtonpost.com, under "The Trail" Love to each of you! Marcia

P.S. I especially loved his indirect noticing of his name and how some on the Right mock his name:"We don't always catch the right person," he said. "We may think it's Mohammed the terrorist, but it might be Mohammed the cab driver. You might think it's Barack the bomb-thrower, but it might be Barack the guy running for president."
Barack Obama

Obama to Palin: 'Don't Mock the Constitution'

By Peter Slevin
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Sen. Barack Obama delivered an impassioned defense of the Constitution and the rights of terrorism suspects tonight, striking back at one of the biggest applause lines in Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's speech to the GOP convention.

It was in St. Paul last week that Palin drew raucous cheers when she delivered this put-down of Obama: "Al-Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America and he's worried that someone won't read them their rights."

Obama had a few problems with that.

"First of all, you don't even get to read them their rights until you catch 'em," Obama said here, drawing laughs from 1,500 supporters in a high school gymnasium. "They should spend more time trying to catch Osama bin Laden and we can worry about the next steps later."

If the plotters of the Sept. 11 attacks are in the government's sights, Obama went on, they should be targeted and killed.

"My position has always been clear: If you've got a terrorist, take him out," Obama said. "Anybody who was involved in 9/11, take 'em out."

But Obama, who taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago for more than a decade, said captured suspects deserve to file writs of habeus corpus.

Calling it "the foundation of Anglo-American law," he said the principle "says very simply: If the government grabs you, then you have the right to at least ask, 'Why was I grabbed?' And say, 'Maybe you've got the wrong person.'"

The safeguard is essential, Obama continued, "because we don't always have the right person."

"We don't always catch the right person," he said. "We may think it's Mohammed the terrorist, but it might be Mohammed the cab driver. You might think it's Barack the bomb-thrower, but it might be Barack the guy running for president."

Obama turned back to Palin's comment, although he said he was not sure whether Palin or Rudy Giuliani said it.

"The reason that you have this principle is not to be soft on terrorism. It's because that's who we are. That's what we're protecting," Obama said, his voice growing louder and the crowd rising to its feet to cheer. "Don't mock the Constitution. Don't make fun of it. Don't suggest that it's not American to abide by what the founding fathers set up. It's worked pretty well for over 200 years."

He finished with a dismissive comment about his opponents.

"These people."

THE speech (Better Late than NEVER)

Mid America Mom — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:36:53 EDT

WOW.

I was not sure he would be able to WOW us once again. On this night in Denver for his convention speech. And Once again he did.

There I was, not even 3 days in a new country and know hardly a soul, wandering into a Democrats Abroad sponsored Convention Watch Party in Toronto. I practically run into a camera crew from City TV news (take a look at their coverage here). A large banner, Vote from Abroad, is on the wall and in a corner I see someone with an Obama shirt and a large book, writing.

Palin Interview: Letter senders needed. Please Help

BJ from Tallahassee, FL — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:23:44 EDT

We need to stand up and make our voices heard. I need for you to reach within your gut, and sent a message to the media that we respectfully ask for due diligence of Sarah Palin. Some of us have gotten together and have already send out the first round, but it is going to take a lot more of us to make a statement. We have to bombard the media with Facts. We have voter registrations across the country being cast aside by various states, particurlary with Republican run governors.

Are we going to sit silently and moan and not challenge reporters to fair and equitable coverage?

Are we defeatests or are we victors?

I believe, as well as Senators Obama and Biden, we are victors.

Please stand up with me and do the following:

1. You may sign letter enclosed below in its entiretly and send to the media individually, or you may call upon every supportive person you know to sign the email collectively by including them in the CC: address line when sending the letter

2. Copy the enclosed letter in it's entirety and draft a new email and replace my name with your own.

3. Add the following to the TO: address line:
nightline@abcnews.com, 2020@abc.com, netaudr@abc.com, thisweek@abc.com, abcboard@abc.virginia.gov, wnn@abcnews.com, support@abcnews.go.com; tblake@thepolitico.com, letters@newsweek.com, national@washpost.com, hardball@msnbc.com, thisweek@abc.com, scams@cbsnews.com, letters@msnbc.com, letters@time.com, 60M@cbsnews.com, newseditor@MAIL.CNN.COM, managing-editor@nytimes.com, missioncalendar@oprah.com, charlierose@pbs.org, public@nytimes.com, earlyshow@cbs.com, larry.king.live@cnn.com, NBC_MeetThePress_NewsMail@MSNBC.COM, Dateline@NBCUNI.com, joe@msnbc.com, crossfire@cnn.com, evening@cbsnews.com, steve.capus@nbc.com, thedailyshow@comedycentral.com, mailings@mail.cnn.com, FNS@foxnews.com, me@glennbeck.com, loudobbs@mail.cnn.com, 2020@abc.com, phil.griffin@nbc.com, situationroom@mail.cnn.com, letters@usnews.com, dsaunders@sfchronicle.com, readers.rep@latimes.com, wnt@abcnews.com, weekends@cbsnews.com, abcboard@abc.virginia.gov, HeraldEd@miamiherald.com, ftn@cbsnews.com, netaudr@abc.com, executive-editor@nytimes.com, larryking@mail.cnn.com, KAC@cbsnews.com, colmes@foxnews.com, ombudsman@washpost.com, Comments@foxnews.com, casey.wian@turner.com, nightline@abcnews.com, dabrooks@nytimes.com

4. Keep circulating this and ask supporting friendss to do the same.

PLEASE HURRY and SREAD THE NEWS ANYWHERE YOU CAN

THANKS!

BJ ALAN

______________________________________________________________________________________

RE: DUE DILIGENCE OF GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN, ALASKA

Dear ABC, Charlie Gibson, et al:

Since learning that Governor Sarah Palin has granted ABC's Charlie Gibson her first television interview since her VP nomination, we request, in good faith, that your constituents adhere to an objective, a fair and factual interview of Governor Palin.

For example, in ABC's April 16, 2008 coverage of the Clinton-Obama debate, Charlie Gibson defended his scrutiny of Senator Barack Obama's patriotism by stating: ""It comes up again and again when we talk to voters. And, as you may know, it is all over the Internet."

We commend ABC for listening to the voters on April 16, 2008, and now we ask that ABC listens to the voters today, September 8, 2008, and adequately ask Governor Palin---upon interview---precise, unadulterated questions while requiring that the Governor gives unambiguous, un-watered down, and non-deceptive answers to voters' concerns that come "up again and again" and that are "all over the internet".

Case in point: During Governor Palin's acceptance speech, she asserted:

"...I championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. In fact, I told Congress -- I told Congress, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' on that bridge to nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, I said we'd build it ourselves."

It is not the earmarks that upset voters the most; it is the deception, the disingenuousness, the documented lies about Palin's stance on earmarks as well as other issues, that infuriates us more, and it brings ethics and judgment to the forefront. Thus, we are counting on your wisdom and professional journalistic due diligence in this interview to keep voters informed.

We also enclosed a list of grave voter concerns as detailed on Think Progress' website for your review, and we ask that these issues are thoroughly addressed during this interview, and all others with the McCain campaign.

Thank you for your attention as we await what should be a fair and objective Palin interview on the matters mentioned below, without bias or partisan favor.

Respectfully,

BJ Alan,
Serving as Proxy to all emails included in the CC address, excluding media and politicians

CC: Media: tblake@thepolitico.com, situationroom@mail.cnn.com, missioncalendar@oprah.com, larryking@mail.cnn.com, thedailyshow@comedycentral.com, thisweek@abc.com, wnt@abcnews.com, larry.king.live@cnn.com, casey.wian@turner.com, loudobbs@mail.cnn.com, 60M@cbsnews.com, ftn@cbsnews.com, crossfire@cnn.com, letters@newsweek.com, letters@usnews.com, charlierose@pbs.org, colmes@foxnews.com, FNS@foxnews.com, letters@msnbc.com, abcboard@abc.virginia.gov, Dateline@NBCUNI.com, dabrooks@nytimes.com, phil.griffin@nbc.com, managing-editor@nytimes.com, executive-editor@nytimes.com, steve.capus@nbc.com, hardball@msnbc.com, readers.rep@latimes.com, earlyshow@cbs.com, Comments@foxnews.com,

CC: Politicians: barack_obama@obama.senate.gov, joseph_biden@biden.senate.gov

Enclosures:

As per http://thinkprogress.org/

ON FOREIGN POLICY

Palin Hasn’t Given The War In Iraq Much Thought. Palin told the Alaska Business Monthly, “I’ve been so focused on state government, I haven’t really focused much on the war in Iraq. I heard on the news about the new deployments, and while I support our president, Condoleezza Rice and the administration, I want to know that we have an exit plan in place.” [Alaska Business Monthly, 3/1/07] Palin Has Never Been To Iraq. In her only trip overseas, Palin visited Al aska National Guard troops stationed in Kuwait and Germany in July 2007. [AP, 7/25/07] Palin Believes That The Iraq War Is A Task ‘From God.’ Speaking at the Wasilla Assembly of God church in June, Palin said that “our leaders, our national leaders, are sending [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God.” [Huffington Post, 9/2/08] Palin Believes The Iraq War Was Fought Over Oil. “We are a nation at war and in many [ways] the reasons for war are fights over energy sources,” Palin told BusinessWeek in an interview. [BusinessWeek, 8/29/08] Palin Didn’t Have A Passport Until 2007. Palin first obtained a passport in July 2007 for her trip to Kuwait and Germany to visit Alaska National Guard troops. Her only other trip outside of the United States was to Canada. A Palin spokeswoman had previously said that Palin had also been to Ireland, although it was actually just a “refueling stop” on her Germany/Kuwait trip. [New York Times, 8/29/08; Politico, 9/2/08] ON EARMARKS Palin Supported The Bridge To Nowhere. During her unveiling as McCain’s running mate, Palin claimed that she said, “Thanks, but no thanks” to federal funding for the Bridge to Nowhere. But in her 2006 campaign for governor, Palin repeatedly expressed support for the bridge project, saying Alaska should take advantage of earmarks “while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.” [Anchorage Daily News, 10/22/06; Ketchikan Daily News, 8/9/06, 11/21/06] Palin Obtained $27 Million In Earmarks As Mayor Of Wasilla. As mayor of Wasilla, AK, Palin “hired a private lobbyist to help the tiny town secure earmarks from [S en. Ted] Stevens.” “The town obtained 14 earmarks, totaling $27 million between 2000-2003.” [Associated Press, 9/3/08] ON THE ENVIRONMENT Palin Denies Man-Made Global Warming. When asked for her “take on global warming,” Palin replied, “A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I’m not one though who would attribute it to being man-made.” [Newsmax, 08/29/08] Challenging ‘Uncertain Climate Models,’ Palin Is Suing To Lift Protected Status For Polar Bears. After a multi-year court battle, the Bush administration recognized in 2008 that polar bears are threatened with extinction by global warming. Announcing Alaska’s suit to block the listing, Palin said, “We believe that the listing was unwarranted and that it’s unprecedented to list a currently healthy population based on uncertain climate models.” [Reuters, 5/22/08] Palin Established Illegal Fly-By Wolf Hunting Bounty. In 2007, Palin illegally established “a $150 bounty to the state sanctioned airborne wolf hunters as an added incentive to increase their kills,” soon overturned by the Alaska State Court. [Alaska Wildlife Alliance; Anchorage Daily News, 3/31/07] ON ENERGY Palin Is A Top Arctic Wildlife Refuge Drilling Advocate. Palin said she thinks McCain is “going to evolve into, eventually, supporting ANWR opening also” and “I’d like the opportunity to get to change his mind about ANWR.” [Kudlow & Co., 6/25/08] Palin Opposes Lieberman’s Bill To Prevent Arctic Refuge Drilling. In a letter to Congress opposing the Arctic Wilderness Act (S. 2316), Palin wrote that “as a citizen of the United States” she believes “development [of the Refuge] should be authorized.” [Letter to Sen. Akaka, 11/9/07] Palin Dismisses Alternative Energy. Palin said that “Congress needs to lift the ban on drilling” because “alternative-energy solutions are far from imminent and would require more than 10 years to develop.” [Charleston Post and Courier, 8/16/08] Palin Believes It Is ‘God’s Will’ To Build A Natural Gas Pipeline. Speaking to the Wasilla Assembly of God church in June, Palin said, “I think God’s will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that,” referring to a $30 billion national gas pipeline project. [Huffington Post, 9/2/08] ON BIG OIL Palin’s First Statewide Campaign Was Fueled By Veco. “While mayor of Wasilla, Palin ran for lieutenant governor in 2002. She gathered $5,000 — or about 10 percent of her campaign fund — from Veco officials or their wives along the way.” [Anchorage Daily News, 9/6/06] Palin’s Inauguration Was Sponsored By BP. Beyond Petroleum Exploration Inc. is listed by the Alaska Inaugural Committee as a sponsor of Palin’s 2007 Governor’s Balls. [Alaska Inaugural Committee] ON SCIENCE Palin Supports Teaching Creationism In Public Schools. In a 2006 gubernatorial debate,=2 0Palin “said she thinks creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the state’s public classrooms.” [Anchorage Daily News, 10/27/06] ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS Palin Is A Member Of Anti-Abortion Group Feminists For Life. Palin is a member of an “anti-abortion group called Feminists for Life.” When running for governor in 2002, she “sent an e-mail to the anti-abortion Alaska Right to Life Board saying she was as ‘pro-life as any candidate can be’ and has ‘adamantly supported our cause since I first understood, as a child, the atrocity of abortion.’” [Anchorage Daily News, 8/6/08] Palin Opposes Abortion Even In Cases Of Rape Or Incest. In 2006, Palin said that even if her daughter were raped, “I would choose life.” She said that she would support abortion only if the mother’s life were in danger. [Anchorage Daily News, 11/3/06] Palin Slashed Funding To Help Teenage Mothers. Earlier this year, Palin used a line-item veto “to slash funding for a state program benefiting teen mothers i n need of a place to live.” Funding for Covenant House Alaska, which provides transitional housing for teen mothers, was cut by 20 percent — from $5 million to $3.9 million. [Washington Post, 9/3/08] Palin Supports Abstinence-Only Policies. In 2006, the Eagle Forum Alaska asked Palin whether she would “support funding for abstinence-until-marriage education.” Palin replied, “Yes, the explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support.” [Politico, 9/1/08] Palin Supports Parental Consent Laws For Minors Seeking Abortions. According to the Anchorage Daily News, Palin was “disappointed lawmakers let a bill die requiring girls under 17 to get parental consent for an abortion. ‘My belief is parents have the right to know about the health and welfare of their children,’ she said.” [Anchorage Daily News, 8/14/08] ON ETHICS Palin’s Lobbyist Had ‘Close Ties’ To Don Young, Ted Stevens. “As mayor of Wasilla, however, Palin oversaw the hiring of Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh, an Anchorage-based law firm with close ties to Alaska’s mos t senior Republicans: Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens, who was indicted in July on charges of accepting illegal gifts.” [9/2/08] Palin’s Lobbyist Was Part Of ‘Team Abramoff.’ Steven Silver, the lobbyist Palin hired as Wasilla Mayor, also listed Jack Abramoff’s lobbying firm, Greenberg Traurig, as a client. Silver lobbied on issues similar to those headed up by Abramoff, including “Indian/Native American policy” and “legislation relating to gaming issues.” [TPMmuckracker, 9/2/08; Washington Post, 9/2/08] Palin Served As Director Of ‘Ted Stevens Excellence In Public Service’ 527. Palin’s name was listed on 2003 incorporation papers of the “Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc.,” a 527 group that could raise unlimited funds from corporate donors. She also “served as one of three directors until June 2005, when her name was replaced on state filings.” [Washington Post, 9/1/08] State Employee Charged Palin With Ethics Violation. A state employee filed an ethics complaint alleging Palin tried to secure a job for one of her supporters. The complaint accused Palin and her top staffers of “breaking executive ethics branch and hiring rules. It centers on the hiring of surveyor Tom Lamal, who once co-hosted a Palin fundraiser, for a state right-of-way agent job in Fairbanks.” [Anchorage Daily News, 9/7/08] Palin Forced Top Wasilla Employees To Resign As Loyalty Test. As Mayor of Wasilla in 1998, “asked all of the city’s top managers to resign in order to test their loyalty to her administration.”[Daily Sitka Sentenial, 10/28/06] Palin Fired Police Chief For Not Fully Supporting Her. After becoming Mayor of Wasilla, Palin fired the city’s police chief, Irl Stambaugh, writing, “I do not feel I have your full support in my efforts to govern the city of Wasilla. Therefore I intend to terminate your employment.” Stambaugh charged that Palin fired him “because he stepped on the toes of Palin’s campaign contributors, including bar owners and the National Rifle Association.” [Anchorage Daily News, 2/1/97; ABC News, 9/3/08] 0A Palin Used Mayoral Office Resources For Campaigning. During her 2002 campaign for lieutenant governor, Palin ordered campaign materials from City Hall, had them delivered there, and used city employees on city-aid time to arrange campaign events. According to the Anchorage Daily News, there was “no indication she repaid the city for the incidental expenses the city incurred.” [Anchorage Daily News, 7/21/06] ON TROOPERGATE Ousted Former State Official Accused Palin Of Pressuring Him To Fire Trooper. Palin allegedly “tried to get a state trooper fired and she then fired the trooper’s boss because he wouldn’t act on her request.” Palin’s sister was involved in a “bitter child custody battle” with the trooper. [Anchorage Daily News, 7/18/08] Palin’s Intial Denials Of Interference In Firing Were Proven False. Palin “previously said her administration didn’t exert pressure to get rid of trooper Mike Wooten,” but “an audio recording that shows an aide pressuring the Public Safety Department to fire a state trooper embroiled in a custody battle with her sister.” The McCain campaign now says Palin’s husband and members of her staff had made inquiries “about the appropriate Dep artment of Public Safety procedures for dealing with someone they considered a dangerous person and rogue trooper.” [Anchorage Daily News, 8/14/08, 9/02/08] Palin’s Lawyer In Investigation Is Also Her Personal Attorney. Thomas V. Van Flein, the lawyer Palin hired to defend her in the trooper investigation, is “representing Palin both personally and in her official capacity as governor.” The AP noted, “Depending on where the investigation leads, that could put him in a difficult situation if Palin’s interests and the interests of the public office diverge.” [AP, 9/02/08] Palin Has Refused To Release E-mails, Citing ‘Executive Privilege.’ Palin has refused to release e-mails requested by the state’s trooper union, citing executive privilege. Questions have been raised, however, as to whether these documents are actually related to official business, since her husband was copied on some of them. [KTUU, 8/6/08; TPMmuckraker, 9/1/08] ON THE RADICAL RIGHT Palin Cheered On the A laskan Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin “told members of the Alaskan Independence Party” — who advocate for a vote on secession from the union — to “keep up the good work” and “wished the party luck on what she called its ‘inspiring convention.’” Palin and her husband attended the party’s convention in 2000, and “for all but two months from 1995 to 2002, the governor’s husband was registered as an Alaskan Independence Party member.” George Clark, the vice chair of the party, claims that Palin was a member of the party “before she got the job as a mayor of a small town.” The McCain campaign denies the charge. [LA Times, 9/3/2008; ABC News, 9/1/2008] Palin Welcomed The Hard-Right Candidacy Of Pat Buchanan. Palin reportedly supported Pat Buchanan’s 1999 presidential bid. When Buchanan visited Alaska in 1999, “[a]mong those sporting Buchanan buttons were Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin and state Sen. Jerry Ward, R-Anchorage.” Buchanan said Palin “was a brigader in 1996 as was her husband, Chris, they were at a fundraiser for me.” The McCain campaign says Palin “never worked for any effort to elect” Buchanan. [The Nation, 8/29/08; ABC News, 8/30/08] Palin Characterized Ron Paul As ‘Cool.’ During an interview with MTV in February, Palin called Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), who ran against McCain in the primaries, “cool.” “He’s a good guy,” she added. “He’s so independent. He’s independent of the party machine. I’m like, ‘Right on, so am I.’ ” [MTV News, 8/29/2008] Palin Believes The Founding Fathers Wrote The Pledge Of Allegiance. In 2006, when asked by the Eagle Forum Alaska if she found the phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance offensive, Palin replied, “Not on your life. If it was good enough for the founding fathers, its good enough for me.” But the words “Under God” didn’t appear in the Pledge until 1954. The Pledge itself wasn’t written until 1892. [Huffington Post, 9/1/08; Slate, 6/28/02] ON CIVIL RIGHTS Palin Supports Denying Benefits To Same-Sex Couples. In 2006, Palin vetoed legislation denying benefits to same-sex couples, “based on a legal opinion from her new attorney general that the legislation was unconstitutional.” However, she said that she would support a constitutional amendment to deny same-sex couples the benefits. [Gay Republic Daily, 9/20/06; Anchorage Daily News, 12/21/06] Palin Opposed Expanding Hate Crime Laws. A 2006 Eagle Forum Alaska questionnaire asked, “Will you support an effort to expand hate crime laws?” Palin replied, “No, as I believe all heinous crime is based on hate.” [Washington Blade, 9/2/08] ON HEALTH CARE Palin Advocated Consumer-Driven Health Care. While running for governor, Palin attributed rising health care costs to “a lack of competition” and called for “flexibility in government regulation that allow competition in health care.” [On The Issues] Palin Introduced Health Care Transparency Act. Palin’s Alaska Health Care Transparency Act established “an Alaska health care information officeD to help consumers “make better-informed decisions about health care in the state.” The act also called for the repeal of Certificate of Need Laws, programs “aimed at restraining health care facility costs and allowing coordinated planning of new services and construction.” [Gov Tech, 1/28/2008; National Conference of State Legislatures, 8/21/2008] Palin Did Not Take A Position On Expanding SCHIP Funding. Palin did not advocate for greater federal funding of SCHIP. [Blagojevich Press Release, 2/23/07] Palin Signed Watered-Down SCHIP Bill. Palin signed legislation updating eligibility for Alaska’s SCHIP program, Denali KidCare, to maintain the eligibility level–which had dropped to an effective rate of almost 150 percent of the poverty line due to inflation. However, by limiting eligibility to families living below 175 percent of the poverty line, Alaska’s eligibility criteria are still among the lowest in the nation. Palin did not support legislation to expand eligibility to higher levels. [National Conference of State Legislatures, 6/2008; Kaiser Network, 5/22/2007; Anchorage Daily News,=2 04/15/2008] Palin Failed To Support A Bill To Cover All Alaskans. While governor, Palin “did not get behind the most significant piece of health legislation offered — a proposal to ensure that all residents have health insurance, without disrupting the coverage that many Alaskans already have.” [Anchorage Daily News, 5/17/2008] ON THE ECONOMY Palin Left Wasilla $20 Million In Debt. As mayor of Wasilla, Palin cut taxes while simultaneously expanding the town’s operating budget by almost $2 million. She ended her term in 2002 with Wasilla $20 million in debt. [Anchorage Daily News 10/23/06; the Politico, 8/29] Palin Instituted A Windfall Profits Tax On Oil Companies. In 2007, Palin raised taxes on oil company profits by $1.5 billion a year, enabling Alaska to double its oil revenue. However, in 2008 she said, “Windfall profits taxes alone prevent additional investment in domestic production.” [Bloomberg, 3/8; Seattle Times, 8/10; Go vernor’s Office Press Release] Palin Supported Flat Tax Advocate. Palin appeared in campaign commercials in support of Republican Senate candidate Mike Miller, who was advocating the Flat Tax. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, 4/24/04]

So sick of Palin

reneefentress — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:53:15 EDT

When Sarah Palin was announced that Friday - stealing the thunder of Barack Obama's markedly historic speech - one that will be remembered word for word for years to come - I couldn't wait to see what her acceptance speech would be. I, like the rest of America, waited with bated breath. She had America's full attention and she COULD have done a lot with that rare moment of power.

Instead she flat out lied about practically everything she had to say, throwing low blows and exploiting her entire family and teen-daughter's-"future"-fiance. It was despicable to me. So much so that I have created a website called www.boycottpalin.com. Everything on this site is fact-based and comments are welcome as long as they are also fact-based as I feel this is the only way to fight fair.

Let us just get something straight here....

Shannah — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:50:56 EDT

To the "straight" talking crooked Republican party, I watched Governor Sarah Palin's distasteful speech because number one, I wanted to know who she is, and number two, I wanted to know how bad of a choice Senator McCain made in his VP pick. I did not watch her speech because I was going to consider her and John McCain. Let's face it, there is no consideration, the choice is clear. In the words of Senator Hillary Clinton, "No Way, No How, No John McCain."

I just want the Republican party to know this when they start comparing how many people looked at John McCain and Sarah Palin's speech compared to Barack Obama.

I still don't know who Sarah Palin is. Who is she? And why won't they let her do interviews? Are they afraid she will screw up? Has she not had enough time to study for the test? This just confirms my belief in John McCain's lack of "good" judgment.

You see, John McCain said he would rather lose an election than to lose a war. Apparently John McCain would rather put the lives of all Americans in jeopardy than to lose an election. That's scary! For the Republicans, this is a game. This is a game that they have to win by any means necessary. Somebody should let the Republicans know that this is not a game and their are a lot of Americans that feel that they are playing around and our lives are at stake.

Some of us are not brainwashed and don't believe the propaganda that the Republicans put out. The thing that makes me angry is that the Republicans believe everyone else is stupid, except themselves. Global warming is real. Our financial difficulties are real. My support of Senator Barack Obama is not an illusion. To want to look out for the greater good and not the minority is not a fairy tale.

You know, I will bet my house that is valued at less than what it is worth that most ceo's and high paid executives are Republicans. It is that same greed and incompetence that has caused businesses to fail and the government to bail out fanny mae and freddie mac. That greed and incompetence has made its way into our government and corrupted it. By the way, the government stepping in and taking over those two GSE's is a Democratic thing to do in a Republican administration. Along with the time line to get out of Iraq.

This is why we need to put people in high places based on ethics and qualifications not just based on how people look and whether they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. There needs to be more diversity in all aspects of American business and government. The situation we are in is perpetual as long as we put people into places who have the same views as those who left.

Sincerely,

Straight Talk

Visual Speech Comparison in Every Campaign Speech

Unknown user — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:09:49 EDT

I am a Canadian and new to this site and not sure as to how to pass the message. BTW, big Obama supporter.

After seeing the RNC convention, the speech topic change hijacked from Obama/DNC campaign and how each RNC speaker was contradicting their earlier speech or position I thought why not Obama just like media show the same in his every campaign stop speech.

Since Obama is rightfully taking advantage or putting into good use of the technology to pass his message, he should also take advantage of Visual media in his every Campaign speech. Every time he makes a comparison of speech or comment made by Palin / McCain, he should show the visual of that speech and the previous position Palin/McCain had. This I believe imprints the speech of Obama into the heads/hearts of the listener as if engraved on stone. Therefore, next time when it comes to a rebuttal position by the opposition, what Obama says in his speech cannot be refuted by them anymore as they are caught red handed. It no longer becomes a war of WORDS only (as claimed by RNC).

To achieve the above I think it is very easy. Get a 60" plasma screen to carry in the bus and a good reporter and editor who has better knowledge of the past speech and news videos.

Inspired all over again....

Shannah — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:26:53 EDT

After listening to Governor Sarah Palin's (negative) speech and Senator John McCain's (lack there of) speech this week, I am more determined to help get Senator Barack Obama into the White House. Governor Palin not only offended Senator Obama but she offended supporters like me by calling me a "follower" of Barack Obama.

I am a proud "female" Independent and I have supported Senator Obama from the beginning. But if I were undecided for some crazy reason....Senator McCain and Governor Palin just lost my vote.

Take care my good people!

McCain Uses His Big Speech to Give Us a Tour of His Vietnamese Prison Cell

Dave McLane — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:06:34 EDT

By David Corn, MotherJones.com. Posted September 5, 2008.

Number of sentences in John McCain's acceptance speech about his experience as a POW in Vietnam: 43.

Number of sentences about his 25 years in the House and Senate: 8.

The convention ended as it began: a commemoration of McCain's hellish years in a Hanoi prison cell four decades ago. The political equation was a simple one: POW equals patriotic hero equals a fighting president. Before McCain walked down the long runway at St. Paul's Xcel Center, a baritone voice declared over the P.A., "When you've lived in a box .... you put your people first." Case closed.

Full Text http://tinyurl.com/5z5yyx

the green background

Jim Lewis — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:52:45 EDT

yes his personal parable is touching even 35 years later, and yes the conclusion was rhythmical (not rhythmical enough though to provoke adroit dancing from the crowd, god republicans cannot get down), and yes there were a few bouts of anaphora and direct address (obama could certainly use some more "my fellow american" devices), but mccain's speech failed. perhaps worst speech of the convention and that's saying something. both rhetorically and substantively it failed. epic failure. no theme (thank you sarah palin for neutralizing the experience theme), no persuasive rhetoric, no policy proposals, no healthcare, no middle class. even the high point of the speech, the conclusion, was empty. "fight with me." what does that even mean? it's a primitive and vague device that will soon be forgotten. whereas obama's brilliantly simple speech fortified his support, mccain's will do nothing but make a few whackjobs smile.

after the palin pick, this speech, and the resurfacing of the green background and mccain's loutish presentation, it is apparent that even with steve "the bullet" schmidt at the helm, this campaign may be doomed. insert jerry falwell joke here.

Choice

Henry M — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:32:22 EDT

No, not abortions rights. The choice. Not McCain's and not even Obama's inspiring speech. The speech, even more hateful than Giuliani's.

Yes, it's all about Palin': the scandals, the children, her legs, hunting, and inexperience with national and international issues.

Speaking of the speech, if as implied by Palin, years of brutal incarceration is sufficient qualification for POTUS , then how about the MIA's that McCain repeatedly blocked searching for; wouldn't they have made even better presidents if he'd ever tried to get them back from Korea and Vietnam? And how about the felon survivors of our own brutal prison system, some of whom are innocent? Oh, yeah, I forgot: they can't even vote!

Others have covered the Palin' pick far better than I can at this time (started a new job a couple of days ago after a weeks vacation). For a linguists take on The Plain Choice, check out George Lakoff's analyis: http://files.tikkun.org/current/article.php?story=20080904070242463 If video is your cup of red meat, this one neatly sumarizes Palin, the pick and the past: http://tinyurl.com/heartbeatawayohno

Obama needs our support, now, and more than ever!

Henry M

Sarah Palin - A cold-hearted woman

Mary Lou Loomis "Obama Mama from El Cerrito, CA" — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:00:14 EDT

I listened to both speeches, John McCain tonight and Sarah Palin yesterday. I found myself somewhat softening towards McCain tonight because he seemed almost sincere, but I have to remind myself that even if he has good intentions, he is surrounded by power mongering demons who are willing to forfeit democracy and freedom for their own selfish greed and political agenda. Therefore, I must conclude that McCain is simply a pawn in a political power game.

As for Sarah Palin; she disgusts me! Yes, she gave a good speech yesterday and everyone seemed riveted while she spoke. But watching her body language and facial expressions, I saw a very cold and mean-spirited person whose primary interest is promoting her own agenda. Clearly, she is a religious fanatic and does not refrain from injecting or referring to "God's will" in every other statement she uttered. She frightens me and I consider her quite dangerous.Sarah Palin publicly paraded her pregnant daughter at the convention, despite having previously announced that Bristol's circumstances are a "family matter". How can she have it both ways? But, if that weren't enough, she also paraded and dangled Trig, her Down Syndrome baby, for all to see and gawk at. How can this woman be trusted to care about our country, when she appears to be so insensitive and lacking in compassion towards her own children?

I believe that Sarah Palin is ruthless and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. The thought of having her in any position of power terrifies me. As a sidenote, the disregard and cruelty with which she treats animals is horrifying and reveals just what kind of person she is. She may be smart and superficially attractive, but Sarah Palin is shallow, treacherous and bone cold chilling.

Mary Lou

El Cerrito, CA 94530

The big McCain speech...

Jessie — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:44:12 EDT

I think a CNN commentator said it best when he noted, "John McCain isn't going to win the election with his oratory."In all seriousness, though, McCain's speech, like Governor Palin's last night, was disingenuous and misleading. It's amazing to me that after two years of voting almost 100% with George W. Bush, and months of aligning himself with the Bush administration during the campaign, McCain suddenly acts as though he's the outsider and he's essentially divorcing the Republican party. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so Obama should in theory be thrilled that McCain is completely copying his message of "change" and being a "Washington outsider." I, however, find it appalling and fairly sickening that McCain, who would have our great-grandchildren dying for this unjust war in Iraq, pretends that he will be anything different than the current administration.What's frightening about McCain playing the role of the "Maverick" is that there are many Americans who don't know McCain's record. In many ways, he used to be a maverick. However, in the last two years he has completely fallen into lock-step with GWB to cozy up to the hard right, positioning himself for this 2008 campaign. Many talking heads tonight noted that "character" may be a big point in this election. News bulletin: Barack Obama has unimpeachable character...I challenge any Republican to disprove that! However, John McCain was a member of the Keating Five and took out marriage license for Cindy while he was still married to his first wife. Character? I think not.I really hope that voters can look past the political smoke being blown by so many campaign officials and surrogates, and see the crux of the real issues at hand. When you look at what Barack Obama wants to achieve in this country, and what McCain is planning to do, there is no question that Barack Obama has the vision and moral fortitude to ensure this country stays great, and America is a land of prosper for ALL Americans.

RNC Palin Speech

Sharen Rooks, PR — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:07:41 EDT

Well, I must say she has a way with words. The message I received from Palin was rude, aggressive and distasteful if you will. She was making it very clear what her role was. I just didn't get the vibe she had any real ISSUES to discuss. I also heard some lies being told by the RNP as I knew I would.

The campaign writers spent a great deal on writing strong attacks against the DP. I'm more confident than ever to remain where I am. The symbolic term of hockey moms and PITBULLS totally turned my stomach. McCain better watch out himself. In addition, to all that nothing former New York City Mayor, was out of line, too.

Maybe it's just me, but I sensed a strong urgency to say things you have been wanting to say but couldn't. The arena was prime and they all took advantage of the opportunity to do some character attacks. What they didn't expect was for even more folks to leave the party. We are sick of the exchange of words. Tell us what your going to do about folks being able to survive, keep their jobs, provide for their families, send their kids to school, etc.

i would like to thank the RNP for pushing many more Americans to the POLLS for OBAMA.

Why Barack?

Kristen — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:00:56 EDT

So... I used to hold forth on the abortion issue a lot. After being pro-choice all my life, then suddenly realizing I had been wrong, I wanted to share my revelation with the world. I'm afraid I became... well, I guess insufferable and self-righteous describes it. I told myself a few months ago I was going to abandon the rhetoric, because it puts people off and, honestly, it isn't me.

But I still had problems with Sen. Obama's views on abortion and stem-cell research. I didn't think I would be able to vote for him in good conscience.

I started doing a lot of thinking and soul-searching, though, and something my friend Mykey had said to me started to penetrate my hard head: improving the lives of women makes them less likely to abort their babies. If they can actually afford healthcare, if they actually feel like they won't be abandoned, they are less likely to abandon or abort. Obama may be pro-choice, but in truth he is more pro-life than McCain.

There were other issues, too, that I began to see in a different light as I committed myself to positive thinking -- in all aspects of life, not just politics -- and focused on what I liked about Obama. I realized there was a lot to like.

This election is bigger than any one issue, even foreign policy. Even energy. Even the environment. This is about saying "no" to a government run amok. This is about taking the country back from the unscrupulous scoundrels who have turned us into the bullies of the world and abandoned the poor and the sick. This is about becoming that thing that we always professed to be (though it is debatable whether we ever were): a beacon of liberty and responsible individualism.

I'm not a "conservative" on all issues. I'm kind of across the board: Libertarian here, Democrat there, Republican over here, and I originally intended to vote for Ron Paul.

But I believe in Barack Obama. I watched his acceptance speech at the DNC convention, and I had tears in my eyes and goosebumps on my arms. Now that's a big deal for someone who has become increasingly cynical about politics in general and politicians in particular. I could feel the energy coming off this man, and the reaction in the crowd. It was like nothing I've ever witnessed.

Yes, it is groundbreaking and legendary that he is a black man who will -- I'm convinced -- be elected President. But what is even more groundbreaking is that he is sincere, that he truly and deeply cares, that he can turn even a pro-life Libertarian who despises politicians into a believer in his message.

Barack Obama has my vote.

Social Workers Respond to Gov. Sarah Palin’s Attack on Community Organizers

Social Workers for Obama — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:51:47 EDT

The National Association of Social Workers was outraged to hear Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, one of the nation’s vice-presidential candidates, malign in a live international broadcast the work of community organizers.

The social work profession takes great pride in its community organizing roots and lauds the contributions of its members, and other professionals, who commit their careers to helping residents of different communities organize their resources and take social action to improve life for themselves and their families. Small town reformers and urban community organizers have much in common.

The concepts of community organizing, community building and community development undergird the premise of American democracy. As a result of these efforts, institutions and officials often deliver more effective economic growth strategies, as well as mental health, health, and family services for people of all ages.

Community organizing is also the foundation of most successful political campaigns. Meeting fellow Americans in their communities and working with them to find solutions to problems that limit their potential is valuable and necessary work—with significant responsibilities.

The profession of social work was founded on the legacy of outstanding women leaders such as Nobel Laureate Jane Addams, who practiced community organizing in the Settlement Houses she created for the poor and working class immigrants of Chicago. The profession also counts Civil Rights icons such as Dr. Dorothy I. Height among its luminaries. It is fitting that both women are considered two of the most influential people in American history, and are inspirations for many of our country’s finest leaders.

During this election year, NASW encourages both parties to stay focused on issues of substance to the American people. We hope that instead of denigrating the lives and work of huge segments of the population, candidates will demonstrate how their plans for the country will protect and elevate the quality of life for all Americans.

Who is Sarah Palin? We still don't know.

Aris — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:39:17 EDT

So, the conservative right wants to play attack dog politics again and try to make this big election about small things? OK, I'll play.

Some are saying that Sarah Palin was magnificent in her acceptance speech, I even saw an A+ report card on one of the blogs. The Hindenberg was a magnificent thing too, until the unfortunate truth that it was filled with gas met the realities of combustion science. Clear the tower, the Hindenberg is once again on approach and MSM is controlling the ropes.

She's No Hillary

Ben — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:33:11 EDT

First off, it appears that all of John McCain's talk about running a different kind of campaign was just another of his delusions of maverickism...We have entered the realm of mud and it looks like Gov. Palin has decided to make it personal.

Let me inform the Republicans, as a Hillary supporter, why I supported Hillary. I supported her because she was well-informed and issue-oriented. She was "presidential." You know, like Obama and Biden are now. Sarah Palin, the anti-Hillary, has proven to me that the "Pit Bull" is all bark and no bite. With a venemous stream of attacks that bordered on delusional, she and her Republican cohorts attempted to distract us from real issues by weaving a dialogue of lies and venality. Then, I had to listen to a bunch of talking heads tell me why it was not a good idea to get too tough on Gov. Palin. Gov. Palin obviously equates toughness with rudeness so she seems to have no problem throwing down the gauntlet. If she were Hillary, and she is DEFINATELY not, nobody would be on TV talking about why Democrats shouldn't criticize her. It is not criticism to point out that Gov. Palin is the voice of right-wing extremism and an icon of basic Republican hypocrisy. She is indicative of the back room dealings and public hypocrisy that have come to define Republican candidates.

The Republican party isn't just offering us 4 more years of Bush, they are promising to re-energize outdated conservative policies that threaten to divide and crush the American people. They are using textbook examples of attack that have been the cornerstone of the Republican spin machine for over 30 years. They seem to forget that all of the corruption they claim to despise and all of the economic chaos they have no plan to address happened under a REPUBLICAN administration. Nothing says change LESS than voting for McCain and Palin. All they have to offer us is more cowboy rhetoric and a complete lack of direction. I can only hope that the American people take the time to look beyond all of this smoke and see the reality-they have NO PLAN.

My request for Joe Biden

Sue "ELO" — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:11:05 EDT

Senator Biden,

I saw you give an interview on CNN this morning, talking about Sarah Palin's speech last night at the RNC. You were very careful to not be seen as engaging in the same kind of childish attacks that she used in her speech, even to the point of affording her undue praise. That concerns me, and here's why.

Sarah Palin is a bully. Plain and simple. She is no different than any of the other modern day neocons. They are bullies as well. When you give them praise for acting like a bully, you only encourage more of that kind of behavior. The only way to stop a bully in their tracks, is to stand up to them, and let them know their behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstance!

She thinks that because she is a woman, she can attack in any form she sees fit, and because of her gender, she'll be immune from any reciprocation. As a woman myself, I can tell you that is absolute bunk! I fully expect to get as good as I give, and Sarah Palin should be no exception.

Her cutesy & innocence act was completely spent in the first 2 minutes of her speech. She spent the rest of her time acting no different than her male cohorts. When I look at her, I see a modern-day republican first, and everything else about her is secondary. It is the modern-day republican party that is bent on destroying this nation. The modern-day republican party must be stopped!

Senator Biden, I request that you meet her and her rhetoric HEAD-ON! No more praising her parroted talking points. No more saying how tough she is. No more emboldening her nonexistent platform. I'm not saying to attack her in the same manner she engages in, but be smarter than she is. Minimize her, rather than inflate her lies. Highlight her many weaknesses, rather than promoting some imaginary GOP formidability. Pull her down into the America the rest of us live in, and force her to speak to Americans, rather than letting her continue on her magic carpet free ride.

Slam the brakes on the insanity the republicans insist on offering. Down is NOT up. Freedom is NOT slavery. War is NOT peace! Call her out on her obvious callowness, and expose her as the small town political hack that she is.

Peace and excessive liberties to us all!

-Sue and the Ranting Keyboard

RNC: Rudy Giuliani and Gov. Sara Palin's speeches

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:06:14 EDT

I decided to watch Gov. Sara Palin’s speech last night at the RNC because other than the fact that she is a “hockey mom,” is a former mayor of the very small town of Wasilla, is the current governor of Alaska, and an evangelical who supports pro-life policies and teaching creationism in public schools, I really don’t know anything about her, the policies she has endorsed (besides the ones listed), or anything about her political career. What foreign policy experience does she have? What are her views about national security and healthcare? None of these questions were answered unfortunately but the speech was entertaining (and that about all it was). Before I talk about her speech though I wanted to discuss the speech Rudy Giuliani made before she came out.

In its entirety Giuliani’s speech was laughable. Is a speech with any substance from the Republican Party too much to ask for these days? It’s really astounding that a former mayor would belittle the work of community organizers across the nation by trying to make Obama’s work as a community organizer a humorous fact. Obama was 24 when he first became a community organizer and turned down high paying jobs to be one. Giuliani spat in the faces of people who are trying to make a difference and it is really sad that he would do so.

And what was the deal with the chant: “Drill baby drill?” Are they serious? They make it seem that this is the only direction that the Republican Party wants to take to solve our energy problems. They mention other options every once in a while like building more nuclear plants but fail to give any specifics about where the money would come from to build these plants, what would be done with all of the nuclear waste, and how these plants would be kept safe so they wouldn’t pose a risk to national security.

Gov. Palin’s speech although very thoughtful and well given also contained little insight into what she has done as a governor and what real foreign policy experience she has. I’ve been looking for any instances were she would have been involved in foreign affairs since I heard that she would be the VP on McCain’s ticket and I still haven’t found anything. And being governor of a state that’s close to Russia is not foreign policy experience.

She went through all of the main (And utterly tiring) political stump speech points. Obama is risky! Obama will destroy your family! Obama raise your taxes (Completely ridiculous and untrue). It sounded like one of McCain’s fear-Obama commercials. The time when she mentioned how Obama would raise taxes really got on my nerves because right after she said that she immediately said, “Let me be more specific,” and then instead of actually talking about Obama’s complex and comprehensive plans just listed different types of taxes that he would raise, “income tax, social security tax, death tax,…etc,” which is not specific at all. In actuality most of us know that Obama’s tax plan only affects family whose annual income exceeds $250,000 a year (roughly the top 1% of the nation’s population). Her entire speech was insightful only in the way that it showed how out of touch the Republican Party is. The nation better not fall for the same tricks as it did in 2000 and 2004. Nothing good will come of it.

Palin's Home Run?

Matthew Lenell — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:38:17 EDT

Forgive me in advance, but I watched the entire speech from beginning to end and I cannot agree with the pundits. Analysis at the end was essentially that there were lowered expectations and that she hit a “home run” with the speech.

Let’s keep with the baseball theme and equate Governor Palin to the minor-leaguer she is. A player comes up from the minors with lowered expectations. He comes up to the plate and nails a line-drive base hit. Is he awarded a home run because he was expected to strike out? No, he gets a base hit and lives to play another day.

Governor Palin hit that base hit, nothing more. In comparison to Rudy Giuliani or Mike Huckabee, her poise and delivery came off as amateurish. The first several minutes of the speech she fidgeted and bobbed like a high-school kid. Her speech patterns were broken. Even when she was talking about her family she didn’t appear at ease. It wasn’t until she started talking about oil, something she is well acquainted with through her husband and being from Alaska, that she started getting more comfortable. She seemed perfectly comfortable attacking Senator Obama for the very things that are her own weaknesses. Don’t knock community organizing when the community you are criticizing outnumbers your small town by tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people. Don’t try to equate yourself to a Chicago community organizer who did the organizing himself without the help of an administrative assistant ordered by the state when you were unable to do your job. These things are likely to come back to haunt you.

The good things about the speech do not detract from the fact that Governor Palin is not ready for prime-time. She was forceful when she was in her element: personal attacks and Oil. She was uncomfortable otherwise. She is disconnected from the American people and it shows. She lacks knowledge and it shows. We cannot afford a Vice President who is one heartbeat away from the Presidency, yet needs to be brought up-to-speed on national and international issues. We have that now in George Bush and look where it got us.

Some speech items to note:

· Hockey mom? Snow machine races? Is this Canada? You can count on one hand the number of states where the term “hockey mom” might be commonplace and they are sparsely populated states indeed. It seems that Governor Palin has very little in common with mainstream America.

· Was she reading from paper-copy? Does she know how to use a teleprompter?

· Governor Palin did not appear as comfortable when talking about her family as she did talking about oil and attacking Senator Obama. Is it possible that she knows less about her family than she does about oil or being confrontational? From the way her second-youngest acted around the baby, it is evident that the little girl takes on a lot of responsibility for that child. It seems that Governor Palin may not put the importance on family that she tries to portray. She does fit the mold of someone who puts career first and expects her children to take care of each other.

· You could see the fear in her eldest son’s eyes when she reminded him that he would soon report for duty in Iraq, yet she fully supports John McCain’s policies regarding the war and enthusiastically pushed her son into the spotlight to highlight the point.

· She closed her speech with the same fidgety lack of confidence she showed when she started it. That is a major concern because the end of her speech was about her love of country and “God bless America.” Did she mean it?

· She attacked community organizing without any knowledge of what it is or what it entails. That is irresponsible, petty and shows a lack of judgment. It is also one part of the speech that drew boos and it appeared that the detractors did not like her criticism. With all of the politicos in the audience, there were likely quite a few organizers there.

· Most of the speech was flat and boring with very little response, positive or negative, from the audience. Not nearly as electrifying as nearly every other prominent speaker.

· She mentioned her outsider status and that it is necessary for her to be that way to forcefully change Washington, yet she spoke of working across party lines and bringing the country together. You can’t have it both ways. The last major Presidential politician to attempt this “outsider” line was President Carter and when he reached office he had the rude awakening of not being able to get anything done. To work with Washington, a politician must know Washington. Governor Palin doesn’t know Washington.

· During Palin’s speech someone was escorted out. It would be interesting to know why.

· Senator McCain has repeatedly said that he did not offer the job to Governor Palin in an attempt to attract Hillary voters, yet she addressed said voters and tried to appeal to them directly. So which is it?

· Did you see the McCain/Palin hug? Her reaction was almost like he was a reptile and she was too good for the hug. There is no chemistry between them.

September 4th

Amy C — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:38:25 EDT

Instead of watching the RNC last night, I went door knocking with another volunteer in my neighborhood. I was kind of nervous and shy before we started... you just never know how people are going to be, you know? Plus, I think I'm generally an introvert, so actually going door to door... it's hard! I hate to think I'm bothering people.

Anyway, overall, it was really good! People were really very nice, even if they weren't interested. I did speak to a few people who flat out told me that they were Republicans and that they WOULD NOT be voting McCain/Palin - mostly because of Palin. Some of the women I spoke to were FURIOUS at his choice. Almost like one woman is as good as another... I did get mildly attacked (too strong) by a dog. He jumped on me and grabbed my sweater is his teeth!! Bite marks were luckily just on my clothes... but those can be repaired. I'm really glad I went out last night. It gave me a confidence boost that what we're doing here is helping to make a change. Also that there are many, many, many people out there who are also on board.

I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker this morning regarding Palin that's gotten me thinking. We (me included) have been saying (either under our breath or outloud) that we wonder how Palin will be able to be VP and raise a family. Wait... Wait! Are we really actually saying she can't do it all? If Todd Palin was the VP contender, would we be saying the same thing? Granted, I understand that women do 99% of the child-rearing in this country, but... it's just interesting.

Who am I kidding - she won't be VP! So I guess it's not really going to be a problem. :)

Until next time,

Amy

Governor Palin's Speech: Are Opinions the New Substitute for Positions?

LaShuan — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:43:02 EDT

I dont need nor do I want to hear John McCain's or Governor Palins opinions of Barack. I am smart enough to collect my own information and base my opinions on the facts that are important to me! What I needed or wanted...and what the American people need to hear are POSITIONS....not OPINIONS...Make no mistake opinions are never a substitute for positions especially not when most Americans are a paycheck away from joblessness and homelessness. The days of selecting a President based on the individuals ability to present personal views of the opposing candidate are over... Furthermore it is also not the time to select a president based on his or her historical value...In my mind all that is secondary to their ability to make government accountable and transparent, to make America safe, and to restore economical balance while dealing with healthcare, the many tribulations of education, the mortgage crisis, and the energy crisis. Barack Obama has and is doing this...while I am sure he has has opinions of Senator McCain and Govenor Palin - he consistently sticks to sharing his positions on the issues.

I am looking for someone who has the judgement to lead our nation forward...Barack has consistently demonstrated himself to be someone that is focused on changing America by addressing the issues and concerns of many Americans.

Palin's Speech written by Bush's Speech writer

Unknown user — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:38:24 EDT

Here's the Wiki on the guy who wrote the speech Palin used to say how she is a "Washington outside."

Matthew Scully (born March 30, 1959, in Casper, Wyoming) is an American author, journalist, and speechwriter. He worked as a speechwriter in the 2000 presidential campaign, and served as a special assistant and senior speechwriter for President George W. Bush from January 2001 to August 2004. He has also written for vice-presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney, the late Governor Robert P. Casey of Pennsylvania, and vice presidential nominee Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska.

Dear Gov. Palin, I tell you what a community organizer is!

Obamanizer — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:34:08 EDT

A community organizer is a person that helps the people that were let down by their mayor, or governor ... or president ...

I hope that was helpful, as you apparently didn't know at your speech addressing the RNC.

Sara Palin Does Not Speak for Americans... She Distorts Her Face Against Americans

Lorrie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:04:49 EDT

I just watched Sara Palin speak at the Republican Convention. I'm disturbed beyond belief. I can say as a fact, she reminds me of certain women, in executive positions in Silicon Valley, that feel they need to be the "b" word to do the job right. And I mean a real "b" word...cut-throat. There's a certain person I'm thinking of that has a real reputation all over the Valley. People do not want to work at that company. I don't mean eBay. As an example, you wouldn't know that an executive in charge, with this reputation in Silicon Valley, surfs as a hobby.

Watching Sara Palin speak, she distorts her face as she makes a point. That is a huge form of negative body language, because it shows she means to be very aggressive with her ideas and already has her viewpoint considered, with no regard to anyone else's thoughts. It's scary to think of having a person like that in charge of the second highest office in the land. Perhaps the Secret Service should be very watchful of her in McCain's presence. She seems quite ambitious with her own agenda in mind. Some of the words she used in her speech seems almost "dagger-like" as I have seen in certain women executives in Silicon Valley. You won't see men behave like this too much. This is a woman thing.

This is not a sexist point of view. Women executives, like Carly Fiorina, have these types of reputations. Silicon Valley is one place where it plays out.

The people in her audience don't know what they are getting the country into... if they vote for her. She mocked community organizers. That should say something by itself. She's all about PROFIT. That's all I heard during the last two days of this convention... PROFIT.

For Sara Palin, it's "Country First" for PROFIT.

Democrats speak for the people.

Will The REAL Sarah Palin Stand Up?

Julie Hensley — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:36:32 EDT

Granted, I didn't do a count but I am struck with how little Sarah Palin spoke about Sarah Palin. Let's see, I learned the names of her kids and her husband's career, union membership and hobbies - all info I already had. Oh, I found out that Hockey Moms and Pitbulls differ it their use of lipstick.

So what did Sarah focus on? Obama. Wow, we are all being fooled thinking he's a saviour and the wise folks in Minneapolis know he's the anti-Christ.

I guess McCain has his Pitbull. She was wildly sarcastic and took every potshot she could as well as telling more lies and distortions than I could keep up with.

The GOP's Convention

Samantha — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:18:59 EDT

I want to ask a simple question to the thinking (and talking) heads out there! Why does the Republican Party, during their Convention, continually speak about the "Maverick" John McCain? If you parade the party loyals, including many who have served with him in the Senate and fought him in battle during the Republican Primary. If you put the face of the Republican Party up there on that black, shinny stage, or put President Bush's face on the jumbo-tron and you have them speak of how John McCain is a Maverick and he will restore hope and bring change to this country, then to me it looks like politics. How am I supposed to believe that with all these Republicans who support the same old GOP, the same old stances, John McCain will bring about the change he speaks of. They spoke last night about how Palenti, oh sorry I mean Palin, shows the Maverick in John McCain is still there. But to me, this pick shows that he has moved to his base. McCain has tried to continue more of the same politics as usual from the GOP. Gov. Palin is not a Maverick pick. I feel that it was a slap in the face to any supporter of Hilary Clinton. To think that a woman will only vote their gender makes me feel that the GOP and John McCain finds that we women are not as smart as we know we are. I don't care about gender or race, creed or ethnicity. I care about who will lead us the right way. Who is goin to use the power we give them to not be above the law but enforce the law to work for the people.

I don't want my first post to be judgemental. I don't want to use it to attack a person or a belief. I believe that our right, given to us by our founding father's, to speak our minds and what we believe is many times take for granted. Not that you shouldn't say what you believe or censor your thoughts, but rather we normally speak harshly about a topic or a person.

I believe this primary season, and what is turning into a very bloody general season, is going to be beneficial to the future of our country. The youth, which I am a part of, are turning out in record numbers. 40 years ago 50% of the youth vote turned out to vote. We are steadily gaining back the ground we have lost since then. For the first time, since I have been able to vote (which I understand isn't as long as most), it isn't choosing the lesser of two evils, but rather someone you can get behind. Someone who is a good person, for the first time in a long time, that we can feel good about.

I am watching the acceptance speech from Sarah Palin right now. To many, they are going to give her an A. She is someone who is new to the National Scene. She has been able to handle the speech written for her by a Bush Speechwriter. She has attacked almost her whole speech. But she has not once spoke about what herself and McCain will do for us when in office. She talks a tough game. Attack everything we did at our convention last week. Talk about the past, and John McCain's time in the service (which by the way, I have served myself in the military directly after Sept 11). Attack what the Obama/Biden ticket is running on. But what about the stance of their own ticket? How is attacking the other side and talking about McCain's time in a Prison Camp, going to change this country? Palin asked us at the end of her speech to join their cause...but here is the true question tonight. WHAT IS YOUR CAUSE GOV. PALIN AND SEN. MCCAIN?

...anyone can answer that from her speech tonight, well I will give it to you and vote however you want me to!

RNC Opens—Notes on Sacrifice, Soldiers & Pride

Sonya Rose — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:44:57 EDT

Country First

John McCain, George Bush and related Republicans get their propers for truncating their National Convention rituals as Hurricane Gustav threatened the gulf coast, particularly New Orleans, so hard hit during Katrina.

Their support of the coalesced efforts of LA governor Gov. Bobby Jindal, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and FEMA may have saved thousands of lives. Together with MS, Al and TX officials, nearly 2 million folks were safely evacuated over the weekend. (To date, seven hurricane-related deaths have been reported in LA, in comparison to the bloodbath of ‘05.)

And with official RNC business beginning just yesterday at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, the vibe of the Convention...

http://blogs.uptownlife.net/sonyarose/

Joe Lieberman: Traitor or Mole?

mathpol — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:13:10 EDT

Senator Lieberman's speech at the Republican National Convention, video and transcript, are in today's New York Times, among other places.

Some memorable lines.

Our first president, George Washington, in his farewell address, warned that the spirit of party [that is, partisanship] could be the worst enemy of our democracy and enfeeble our government's ability to do its job. …Today we are living through his worst nightmare in the capital city that bears his name. And that brings me directly to why I am here tonight. What, after all, is a Democrat like me doing at a Republican convention like this?

If John McCain is just another partisan Republican, then I'm Michael Moore's favorite Democrat. And I'm not. And I think you know that I'm not.

I have had the privilege and I'd say the pleasure of traveling the world with John McCain, even with Lindsey Graham it was a pleasure.

I ask those of you who are watching or listening, vote for the leader who, since the age of 17, when he first raised his hand and took an oath to defend and protect our Constitution, has always put America first.

My reaction to the speech?

I felt that it was very intriguing. Quite a balancing act! I still feel that his super-sized ego has more to do with this than anything else. Two points:

Obama to McCain... "Bring It On"

Aisha Leach — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:21:33 EDT

First of all - To those who thought that Barack was too lofty, too idealistic, not 'hard' enough... I hope you heard that back-hand slap for McShame tonight!

I am so proud to be able to witness this time in history and so proud that Barack Obama took off his gloves and told McWalkingCane to "bring it." I don't know about you, but I feel a change in the air.

Michelle Obama Rocked the DNC!

Aisha Leach — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:17:10 EDT

Michelle Rocked the DNC

Michelle Obama told the story that I wanted to hear. She told it in a way that anyone (with half a brain) could relate to. She was elegant, poised, and perfect.

She was the epitome (look it up if you have to) of grace under pressure. Michelle Obama carries the burden of having to defend herself from McWalkingCane supporters, embittered Hillary supporters, and racists who have called her "baby's mama" and portrayed her as a Black radical.

But what Michelle proved tonight is that she is America. She has risen above her circumstances and become a powerful role model to anyone who wants to have a little more or do a little better. The faces of the crowds, the tears, the smiles in the audience tell what people thought about Michelle Obama.

To all the commenters that will respond with hate and criticism... don't worry you don't phase those of us that really get it. You wish you had an ounce of Mrs. Obama's passion, intelligence, poise, and grace. Oh well...

*Also on CNN.com iReport

All Across America There are Quiet Storms Taking Place. . .

Obama Donna — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:59:07 EDT

Last night I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Barack Obama at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee. He came to speak to the Labor Union Workers at LaborFest, and his prepared speech was shelved so that he could deliver a "not so political" speech as Hurricane Gustov was hitting the coastline near New Orleans. My experience started like all of the other events I'd seen on TV, shouting with the crowd, "Yes We Can" while waiting to see Barack walk out on the stage. But when he came out, this time was different. The speech was short, only 14 minutes long, but it was delivered without notes, without the usual talking points, and with an emotional connect that the audience loved! A journalist noted today that he has heard Obama deliver more speeches than he could count. He'd seen him address crowds of 80,000 and rooms of less than 100, and after awhile he said he became immune to his oft-repeated points and stories. He continued:

Obama spent today giving curtailed speeches in respect to Hurricane Gustav. But tonight, in front of a Milwaukee audience of 14,000, invoking both the Bible and Thoreau, he was as good as I've ever heard him. He spoke for just over 14 minutes but he left the audience roaring. Here's part of his speech:

That spirit of looking out for one another, that core value that says I am my brothers' keeper, I am my sister's keeper, that spirit is most evident during times of great tragedy, it's most evident during times of great hardship, it's most evident when natural disasters strike because we understand that only God has control and so it takes it out of the realm of politics. We all understand that we have to come together. But that spirit can't just be restricted to moments of great catastrophe. Because as I stand here today and look out at the thousands of folks who have gathered here today, I know that there's some folks that are going through their own quiet storms. There're people out there who've seen their jobs shipped overseas. There're people out there who don't have healthcare, maybe they've been trying to pay it on a credit card but mostly they've just been putting off trying to see a doctor. There're seniors out there that don't know how they're going to pay their home heating bill this winter. There are folks out there that don't know how they're going to fill up the gas tank. There are young people in this audience right now that have graduated from high school, have the grades and want to go to college, but don't have the money. There are young people being born in the inner cities, right here in Milwaukee, that don't see any prospects for the future that think the only path av ailable to them is a casket or a jail cell.All across America there are quiet storms taking place. There are lives of quiet desperation. People who need just a little bit of help. Now, Americans are a self-reliant people, we're an independent people. We don't like asking somebody else to do what we can do ourselves but you know what we understand is that every once in a while somebody's going to get knocked down. Every once in a while somebody's going to go through some hard times. When we least expect it tragedy may strike. And what has always made this country great is the understanding that we rise and fall as one nation, that values and family, community and neighborhood, they have to express themselves in our government. Those are national values. Those are values that we all subscribe to. And so that the spirit that we extend today and in the days to come as we monitor what happens on the Gulf that's the spirit that we've got to carry with us each and every day. That's the spirit that we need in our own homes and it's the spirit that we need in the White House. And that's why I'm running for president of the United States of America.
Because if there's a poor child out there, that's my child. If there's a senior that's having trouble, that's my grandparent. If there's a guy who's lost his job, that's my brother. If there's a woman out there without healthcare, that's my sister. Those are the values that built this country. Those are the values we are fighting for.
You can hear the whole speech at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gIVFraQwm3c

JUDGEMENT ?

M J Taylor — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:01:58 EDT

McSame is proving time and time again that the only Judgement he has, is the Judgement to lead Our Great nation "To The Gates of Hell"
He has no ideas that will help. his whole platform is a convolution of lies and deception to mask his recyeled Free market solutuions. Their solutions remain the same. leave the solutions to the free marktets, competition, will help prices and provide better services...No No No NO-It has NOT worked over the last 8 years when Republicans had total control over policy and an overwhelming majority in the House and Senate
Free markets are about profit, and in this age of massive de-regulation as promoted By Regan, the free markets are a dangerous place to allow to try to solve America's problems. We need real solutions for the future of our children.
Make the Right choice for Our Country

Obama/Biden
08/12
Cause it is going to take at least 8 years to fix the mess the republicans Have left!
JUDGEMENT, INTEGRITY, INTELLIGENCE, TRUTH

Obama's Acceptance Speech

SiestaJoye — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:43:00 EDT

I want to burn the speech to a DVD and hand it out when I do the neighborhood canvassing. It is such a powerful message. However, I cannot find it on the mybarackobama resouces. Any ideas?

Barack Obama - Beautiful Day

Lisa from Dayton, OH — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:07:56 EDT

Ziggy Marley's Beautiful Day is the lead in for a few select minutes from Barack Obama's 2008 speech accepting the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

http://www.youtube.com/v/Qi4zd3ADgNg

Obama's speeches

Boaz from West Palm Beach, FL — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:00:12 EDT

NO ONE CAN ARGUE THAT BARACK OBAMA IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SPEAKER THAT EVER LIVED. HIS STYLE, HIS CHOICE OF WORDS, HIS INTERACTION WITH HIS AUDIENCE ALL ARE PROOFS OF HIS ORATORY SKILLS. AS A FAN OF THIS GREAT LEADER, I DECIDED TO RANK HIS SPEECHES BY ORDER OF GREATNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. A MORE PERFECT UNION

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1472313547

2. AUDACITY OF HOPE

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid791793079

3. CALL TO RENEWAL

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid416343938

4. NEW HAMPSHIRE: YES WE CAN SPEECH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe751kMBwms

5. IOWA VICTORY SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1366492713

6. EBENEZER CHURCH (DR. KING HOLIDAY)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1416909230

7. SAN ANTONIO SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1445116743

8. SOUTH CAROLINA SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1394647848

9. THE AMERICAN PROMISE (ACCEPTANCE SPEECH)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1764090280

10. SPEECH ON PATRIOTISM

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1646739168

11. SUPER TUESDAY SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1407950326

12. POTOMAC PRIMARIES SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1416618529

FEEL FREE TO COMMENT!

SPEECH/MCCAIN VP

Ethan — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:08:58 EDT

First of all the acceptance speech was incredible I went to my local Obama office to watch it and I was moved. The grace with which he was able to slam McCain was extraordinary. My favorite part was the section about how although government can help people still need to commit to things. In more recent news I am once again dismayed by the McCain campaign and there vp pick. The first time I heard this news on the radio I thought,"wow that is soooo smart they can win back hillary voters" but by the time I got to school I was thinking about just how stupid a move this was. 1. How can they think that Women, even independents are going to be swayed just because John McCain has a female vp? 2. They probably lost votes on the right and now they are probably lost for good. If he had picked Romney or someone like him McCain would have had a much easier going to get these voters. 3 This completely kills the Barack is inexperienced argument. McCain had a point and now he sounds hypocritical and in fact he is. If McCain wins and gets reelected he will be 80 when he leaves. Someone of McCains so called judgement should be able to understand that he is very likely to die in office and I wouldn't trust the country to her and I don't he would either. I could write more but its late so I'm gona sign off now.

We Are Fired UP!!!

Watch Party Southeast Shelby County for Obama

Sharen Rooks, PR — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:23:43 EDT

The Southeast Shelby County for Obama showed strong support for our future president @ the Soul Cafe located in Memphis, TN Thursday night. Our numbers were great, people of all ages came out, local celebrities graced the place with their presence. It was truly a remarkable moment in history. Obama made many Americans proud to be supporting him. His speech was about what we as a people experience all the time in our everyday lives.

We the middle class has experienced the loss of employment, expensive tuition cost, lack of money to buy the bare neccessities and the list goes on. Obama was speaking on a first hand account of his childhood, college years and adulthood.

Many folks at our watch party sacrified their time and came out to show where they really stood. My 12 years old son was interviewed by Channel 3, for being present. Obams spoke with intelligence, power, connection, hope, dignity and his compassion for people of all races and polictical backgrounds.

The journey continues on as we Southeast Shelby County for Obama presses on to keep the people of Tennessee engaged in this election. I must mention how thankful we are for the venue of the Soul Cafe and the many VOLUNTEERS who made this happen.

We are on our way to Washington with your support for Obama and Biden.

Obama Acceptance Speech - Marvin Sapp Remix

Raymona from Houston, TX — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:10:22 EDT

This audio piece is beautifully put together. I was listening to my gospel station online at my desk when one of my co-workers came in and told me to tune in to the radio station she was listening to. So, I did. And what I heard was absolutely moving. This is a Houston radio station, Majic 102.1 FM. I went to their website this morning and not only did I find the combined Obama Acceptance Speech - Marvin Sapp Remix; but they also have the entire Obama accpetance speech available to view. Listen for yourself: http://kmjq.com/messagewall.asp?id=24121

I don't care what anyone says about Obama. He is a man who is trying to do good. People can slam him and take what is said out of context. But the truth is that he has republicans turning democratic. I know this for a fact as my boss has turned a new leaf. Not only is he voting for Obama, but his is so very excited about everything he is doing, as the rest of us are.

It is time for change. And, eight is enough! God bless Obama, Biden and their families.

A Small Family

Scott in Nac — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:12:51 EDT

I wrote this for my personal blog immediately after hearing Sen. Obama's speech on Thursday evening. I didn't post it here because it seemed like "preaching to the choir"--nothing here you don't already know--but one friend that liked it said I should put it up on this blog too, so here you go:

“Imagine what it’s like to be in somebody else’s shoes.”

That’s what Barack Obama’s mother exhorted him to do forty years ago, and what Senator Obama exhorted us to do tonight. And tonight, that’s what I humbly beg you to do as well.

As we approach the presidential election of 2008, we face a stark choice. John McCain and the Repbulicans would have you believe that it is a choice between two men that both oppose the Republican party and all its failings, but it is not. It is a choice between a faithful disciple of the Republican party and all it would stand for (if it were willing to stand up and make itself known), and a superlative exemplar of the ideals of democracy and the Democratic ideal.

This is a contest between two self-made men. (continued: click on "read more" to see the whole long entry...)

"All across America something is stirring..."

Brian - NH HQ — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:30:55 EDT

On Thursday, August 28th, 2008 Barack Obama accepted the nomination from the Democratic Party to run for President of the United States of America.

It was powerful and inspiring. Senator Obama spoke about how we must move past that which divides America, that the tough issues should strengthen our union by challenging us to work together to develop a fair solution. In the Senator's words:

America, our work will not be easy. The challenges we face require tough choices, and Democrats as well as Republicans will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past. For part of what has been lost these past eight years can't just be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits. What has also been lost is our sense of common purpose - our sense of higher purpose. And that's what we have to restore.

We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America's promise - the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.

I know there are those who dismiss such beliefs as happy talk. They claim that our insistence on something larger, something firmer and more honest in our public life is just a Trojan Horse for higher taxes and the abandonment of traditional values. And that's to be expected. Because if you don't have any fresh ideas, then you use stale tactics to scare the voters. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from.

You make a big election about small things.

And you know what - it's worked before. Because it feeds into the cynicism we all have about government. When Washington doesn't work, all its promises seem empty. If your hopes have been dashed again and again, then it's best to stop hoping, and settle for what you already know.

But the change that we need will not happen without people standing up and joining this historic campaign. You must talk to your friends, family and neighbors about the new direction we need and how Barack Obama and Joe Biden will fight for us to change the broken system in Washington.

But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the nay-sayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you.

For eighteen long months, you have stood up, one by one, and said enough to the politics of the past. You understand that in this election, the greatest risk we can take is to try the same old politics with the same old players and expect a different result. You have shown what history teaches us - that at defining moments like this one, the change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington. Change happens because the American people demand it - because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time.

America, this is one of those moments.

I believe that as hard as it will be, the change we need is coming. Because I've seen it. Because I've lived it.

Volunteer in New Hampshire NOW!

Watch the acceptance speech again or for the first time, then call (603) 668-2008 or go to your local Campaign for Change Office and find out how you can help OBAMA-BIDEN win New Hampshire on November 4th.

Posts with the tag Speech

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