Tuesday, December 30, 2008

"Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that we world we leave our children in just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today." - President Elect Barack Obama

Open Government

It’s Your America: Share Your Ideas

The story of the campaign and this historic moment has been your story. Share your story and your ideas, and be part of bringing positive lasting change to this country.



Sunday, December 7, 2008

1973 class reunion

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Friday, November 7, 2008

Slate Magazine


Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Yes We Did!





Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama

(as prepared for delivery)

Election Night

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

Chicago, Illinois

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.  

It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, theUnited States of America.

It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America. 

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain.  He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves.  He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.  I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden. 

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama.  Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.  And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am.  I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office.  We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements.  Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. 

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause.  It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth.  This is your victory.   

I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me.  You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.  For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.  Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.  There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college.  There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long.  Our climb will be steep.  We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.  I promise you – we as a people will get there. 

There will be setbacks and false starts.  There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem.  But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face.  I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.  And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. 

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change.  And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.  It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.  Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.  Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity.  Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.  As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.”  And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. 

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.  To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you.  To those who seek peace and security – we support you.  And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.  

For that is the true genius of America – that America can change.  Our union can be perfected.  And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow. 

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations.  But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta.  She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. 

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed:  Yes we can. 

At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.  Yes we can. 

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose.  Yes we can. 

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.  Yes we can. 

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.”  Yes we can. 

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.  And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.  Yes we can. 

America, we have come so far.  We have seen so much.  But there is so much more to do.  So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see?  What progress will we have made? 

This is our chance to answer that call.  This is our moment.  This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can.  Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.



Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Joe Biden in New Port Richey, FL on 10-27-08


Joe Biden in New Port Richey, FL on 10-27-08 - Phone Videos

The first part above I recorded with a camera but these phone videos I took after my camera card was full:


From Joe Biden Phone videos and photos



From Joe Biden Phone videos and photos



From Joe Biden Phone videos and photos


From Joe Biden Phone videos and photos

Joe Biden in New Port Richey, FL on 10-27-08



Once again the Obama campaign has a positive approach to it's campaign. Joe Biden delivered much the same as Barack Obama - speaking only on the issues, and telling us what to expect from an Obama/Biden Administration.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Bush Lied, Soldiers Keep Dying

4,188 U.S. Military Fatalities in Iraq
625 U.S. Military Fatalities in Afghanistan
30,838 U.S. Military Maimed in Iraq
(source: DoD Update as of October 15, 2008)
96,766 Iraqis Reported Killed
(source: Iraq Body Count)
1,273,378 Iraqis Reported Killed
(source: justforeignpolicy.org)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Make sure you base your vote on the truth!

You have the right to vote for who you want, but your vote should not be based on lies. Please check out every email you get, or every tidbit you hear about all candidates before you vote.

Barack Obama at Legends Field in Tampa, FL

Monday, October 20, 2008

Barack Obama at Legends Field, in Tampa, FL

Positive campaign, reflects a lot of positive energy from his supporters.

This is the 2nd rally I've attended and not only is Barack Obama proving himself to be the right choice by his plans for his Presidency and the future for the United States, but he also draws crowds of people that reflect the honor and dignity that he expels.



(Note: To view larger photos click the slide show to go to original files.)

We have heard so many negative comments from the McCain rallies that when I attended my first Obama rally back in September having never attended a rally before, I expected at least a little of the same, but nothing. Nada. Not a negative comment by anyone. I believe some might call this karma -we have a good man running so people follow his example.

Obama's positive message is already bringing positive results, and I would expect the same will follow even before he's sworn in as our next President.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Veteran Report Card

Are your Senators on the A-team or the D-list? Find out now at VeteranReportCard.org.Spread the word about these important grades- this is something every American should see. At VeteranReportCard.org, you can write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or tell your friends about the 2008 Congressional Report Card in less than a minute.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Tampa's WFLA "exclusive interview" with Sarah Palin feeds the propaganda

Tampa's WFLA "exclusive interview" with Sarah Palin feeds the propaganda

On Tampa Bay's NBC's WFLA affiliate, Keith Cate's interview of Sarah Palin on Monday, Oct. 6, was quite disappointing. Keith referred to it as a "candid interview", but by no means was it "candid", however I can see why it's an "exclusive interview", while the rest of the news media is being shunned and kept away from Sarah Palin, as well as also being kept out of today's event in Clearwater.

Keith Cate asked Sarah Palin about the "aggressive tone" of the campaign to come. Sarah said "the gloves were coming off". That is when Keith continued after the clip, as shown on air, with his comment about William Ayers, as "someone Barack Obama knew way back when", and "has distanced himself from in recent days". Those two comments not only completely contradict each other, but I hope and pray the majority of voters know the truth about the Williams Ayers story which Keith neglected to state correctly. Please make note that Barack Obama cannot distance himself from someone that is barely an acquaintance. To say that he distanced himself in the last few days is not only misleading, but yet another lie in a long list of lies in this election.

I long for the days when media reports the news in lieu of spreading lies and propaganda. Keith Cates should do a little research and if help is needed, I'd be more than happy to provide non-partisan fact check sites so as not to mislead viewers. This election is too important for lies to be told about any candidate.


Sunday, October 5, 2008

Campaigning on deceit

No matter what your political preference is, the gutter politics have just got to stop. Why can't politicians campaign on their own merit alone? What a concept that would be.

Once again, I just read today how Palin is bringing up the Obama/Ayers supposed connection, as reported by the
AP: "Palin says Obama 'palling around' with terrorists". Wasn't that put to rest long ago? Will someone smack them upside the head and give McCain and Palin the information they're lacking so they quit campaigning on lies? Many fact checking sites have sorted those out long ago and they could easily take a moment to look them up and I'm more than willing to help get them started with just a few of the many sites: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/ ; http://www.factcheck.org/ ; http://www.snopes.com/ ; Urban Legends.

Of course, I know the McCain and Palin are banking on people believing the rhetoric. But how low can you go, misleading the sheep that way? And why is it that McCain and Palin have to belittle themselves constantly by reverting to lies about their opponents?

Yeah, I know, there are those that will believe anything that their preferred party has to say, and these same people won't take the time to investigate to find out what is true and what is not, but there comes a times when if nothing else everyone needs to really stop and look at the type of campaign they're running.

I'd be asking myself: 'Why do they have to stoop so low? Why not just tell me your platform and what you plan to do for our country? What kind of people are you that you have to crawl in the gutter to campaign?'

And something more important to me, I hate that people like McCain and Palin say they are Christians and behave in such a manner as they do. Their behavior does not represent the faith.

I long for a day when the news media no longer sensationalizes such propaganda, but instead does investigative reporting to give the readers and viewers truth and hard facts, because quite frankly most people won't do it on their own.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Results from Text message poll after the Biden/Palin debate

NBCNews- Tks 4 ur vote & here are the results: Which candidate helped their ticket the most?
77% Biden
23% Palin
text msg alerts from MSNBC/NBC

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Now is the time to come together

Barack Obama in Dunedin, FL at Knology Field as he exits the event

Another phone video of Barack exiting the park

As Barack was exiting the park....

This isn't the clearest video due to being taken with a cell phone after by digital camera batteries gave out, but you can see hear the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Barack Obama in Dunedin, FL at Knology Park shaking hands as he exits the park

Barack Obama in Dunedin, FL at Knology Field

The crowd absolutely loves Barack. I talked to several of the attendees, all of which are supporting him based on the issues! What a concept, huh?!?

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Be sure to listen to the whole video:

Explain to me why the polls are so close?

How can they be after all the lies from the McCain camp, McCain's changes in his own policies, McCain now agreeing with Bush in every regard, (except now even Bush thinks the war needs ended), with Palin stating that Iraq was responsible for 9/11 (someone educate this lady), and Palin projecting the same disdain for you and me, the citizens of our country, by refusing to talk to investigators of troopergate showing us all that she will follow the same ill regard for the laws of our land as the current administration, doing whatever the hell she wants.

And please don't tell me Palin is more experienced than Obama. That is the most ignorant comment anyone could make. They're not even in the same league, not even close. And what she has been involved with she's left a trail that's not so pretty.

Please explain it to me - why are the polls even close!?! I don't get it!?!

Do you still believe the propaganda spread about Obama? You know the rumors all debunked by every fact check site available?

Or are you just prejudice? That's all it could be if you know anything about the candidates and their platforms.

I have only listed the tip of the iceburg (pun intended), but I beg you to make educating yourself about this election and its candidates a priority. This is our country we're talking about here and our policies affect not only our lives, the lives of our children, but the whole world. If you do educate yourselves I would would have absolutely no doubt who you'd vote for.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Noonan and Murphy on Palin

The video was removed very soon after it was posted. However you can read Peggy backpeddling on Huffington Post and see the video there.

Peggy Noonan, Mike Murphy Caught On Tape Disparaging Palin Choice: "Political Bullshit," "Gimmicky"

TRANSCRIPT that Move On provided:
Mike Murphy, former McCain advisor: You know, because I come out of the blue swing state governor work. Engler, Whitman, Thompson, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush. And these guys, this is all like how you want to (inaudible) this race. You know, just run it up. And it's not gonna work.

Peggy Noonan, former Reagan speechwriter: It's over.

Murphy: Still, McCain can give a version of the Lieberman speech to do himself some good.

NBC's Chuck Todd: Don't you think the Palin pick was insulting to Kay Bailey Hutchinson, too (inaudible)

Noonan: I saw Kay this morning.

Murphy: They're all bummed out.

Todd: I mean, is she really the most qualified woman they could have turned to?

Noonan: The most qualified? No. I think they went for this, excuse me, political [B.S.] about narratives and (inaudible) the picture.

Murphy: I totally agree.

Noonan: Every time the Republicans do that because that's not where they live and it's not what they're good at and they blow it.

Murphy: You know what's really the worst thing about it? The greatness of McCain is no cynicism and this is cynical.

Todd: And as you called it, gimmicky.

"...it is important for the public to know

...that Palin raised taxes as governor, supported the Bridge to Nowhere before she opposed it, pursued pork-barrel projects as mayor, tried to ban books at the local library and thinks the war in Iraq is "a task from God." The attempts by the McCain campaign to bully us into not reporting such things are not only stupidly aggressive, but unprofessional in the extreme. "

From Joe Klein's blog at Time: Angry Amateurs

Very informative and interesting blog involving McCain, the news media and Palin, so I hope you check it out.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Running on Empty

Just a couple examples.

Another bad ad discredited by Factcheck.org :

"A New Stitch in a Bad Pattern
September 2, 2008
A McCain ad wrongly claims Obama plans "painful tax increases" for working families. And who's talking about deficits? "

And the Repubs Convention isn't over and they're already slinging BS, which I must add is already discredited at FactCheck.org even before it was over this evening :

"GOP Convention Spin
September 3, 2008
Lieberman and Thompson make misleading claims about Obama on Day Two of the party in St. Paul."

" FACT CHECK: Biden, almost 80,000 votes
From NBC's Domenico Montanaro ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Mike Huckabee made the claim that Palin got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, than Joe Biden got running for president of the United States.
For the record, Joe Biden got 79,754 total votes in the Democratic primaries.
As of the 2000 census, the population of Wasilla was 5,469. It has been reported at currently more than 9,000.
That would mean, conservatively, the entire town of Wasilla would have had to have had a 100% turnout for nine years at 9,000 to top Biden's primary numbers."

Too bad they can't run on facts.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Thursday, August 28, 2008

No End in Sight

No End in Sight
Chronological look at the fiasco in Iraq, especially decisions made in the spring of 2003 - and the backgrounds of those making decisions - immediately following the overthrow of Saddam: no occupation plan, an inadequate team to run the country, insufficient troops to keep order, and three edicts from the White House announced by Bremmer when he took over: no provisional Iraqi government, de-Ba'athification, and disbanding the Iraqi armed services. The film has chapters (from History to Consequences), and the talking heads are reporters, academics, soldiers, military brass, and former Bush-administration officials, including several who were in Baghdad in 2003

Impeach!

Sign the Petition to Impeach

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Sen. Barack Obama Pledges Space Advocacy

It came to my attention some people in FL are misinformed about this issue so I thought I would clear this up:

TITUSVILLE - Sen. Barack Obama promised not to cut NASA funding and said Saturday at a town hall meeting he will rely on Florida Sen. Bill Nelson and revered astronaut and former Sen. John Glenn to help form his space policy.
"Under my watch, NASA will inspire the world once again and is going to help grow the economy right here in Brevard County," said the presumptive Democratic nominee, speaking to a crowd of 1,400 at Brevard Community College's Titusville campus.


Read more here: Sen. Barack Obama Pledges Space Advocacy

Michelle Obama gave a blockbuster speech at the convention in Denver

It doesn't get much better than this!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pm ET on www.BarackObama.com. Spread the word!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Can you pass the test?

Based on the past two elections and the lies people still believe about Obama. it's quite evident that the masses fail to educate themselves on the candidates' platform or their backgrounds before casting their vote. And it's really sad when the less fortunate blindly vote against who or what would truly represent their own needs. We've seen the results of that ignorance - 8 years of it - so what do you think about voters having to pass a test so we at least know voters are making a somewhat educated choice? Yes, an IQ test to vote. Or are you afraid like I am that it would be rigged, too?

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Rev. Warren Blunder

Well, it seems as if someone took my idea, or part of my idea for a new type forum, and ran with it. OK, I'm joking about credit, I know they don't read my blog because if they did, we'd had McCain center stage in a tested sound proof booth while Obama took his turn.

Unfortunately, it didn't go off without a hitch. As confirmed by the John McCain campaign staff he wasn't in the "cone of silence" as we were assured Saturday night by Rev. Warren. As you may recall "Warren told the audience that McCain was being held in "a cone of silence" so he wouldn't hear the questions, which were similar for both candidates."

And when Andrea '...Mitchell reported that some "Obama people" were suggesting "that McCain may not have been in the cone of silence and may have had some ability to overhear what the questions were to Obama. He seemed so well prepared." the McCain campaigned lashed out. What's interesting, by doing so they admitted that he wasn't in the "cone of silence",
'A McCain aide said that is not the case: "Senator McCain was in a motorcade led by the United States Secret Service and held in a green room with no broadcast feed."'

Well, duh. Thanks for the confirmation of Obama's people and Andrea Mitchell's report.

With radios, sling boxes, blackberries....oh my....are we to believe that nobody let McCain in on any of the questions or how Barack Obama was doing? John McCain was not in the cone of silence, but a motorcade and a green room, so I ask you, why did the McCain campaign complain about a reporter actually reporting the facts, but only to use it in the art of distraction?

If McCain had been where he was supposed to, and followed the rules this wouldn't be an issue would it? Of course the story instead would have been, and should be about his incompetency to answer any of the questions completely, about his sound bite answers, and the use of the quotes from the stump speeches Warren asked neither candidate to use, of which Obama did not, and about the stories McCain tells and apparently embellishes on. Without them I have a feeling John McCain would have been lost.

I pray that people are smart enough to realize they're being played. Sound bites are not what you should be using to make your choice for a President, but detailed answers that really tell you what the candidate believes in, like Barack Obama provided us.

But of course, about 1/2 the country allowed Bush to be in office....twice. I hope you noticed I didn't use the term vote -that's a whole other story that shouldn't have happened. Let's hope you all learned from your last mistakes.

As I say time and time again people, open your minds, pay attention, remember the state of our Nation and do your research before you make your choice this November.

God helps us all.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Monday, August 4, 2008

Straight Talk Express takes a major U-turn and loses their way


New York Times editorial: “Low Road Express”
“Well, that certainly didn’t take long…The candidate [John McCain] who started out talking about high-minded, civil debate has wholeheartedly adopted Mr. Rove’s low-minded and uncivil playbook.”


St. Petersburg Times Editorial: “From ‘Straight Talk’ to Smear Campaign”
“The Straight Talk Express has taken a nasty turn into the gutter. Sen. John McCain has resorted to lies and distortions in what sounds like an increasingly desperate attempt to slow down Sen. Barack Obama by raising questions about his patriotism.

Cincinnati Enquirer: McCain’s Ad, on A “Truthful” Scale From “0” to “10,” Gets A “0.”
“HOW TRUTHFUL? 0 on a scale from 0 (misleading) to 10 (truthful)…The McCain ad’s claim that Obama says ‘he’ll raise taxes on electricity’ is based on an interview Obama gave to a San Antonio newspaper in February in which he said ‘what we ought to tax is a dirty energy like coal, and, to a lesser extent, natural gas.’ According to the Obama campaign, what Obama was referring to in the interview was his proposal for a cap-and-trade mechanism that would set a limit on greenhouse gas emissions, allowing entities to buy and sell rights to emit. If that is the case, McCain is criticizing Obama for a proposal that he, too, supports.”

Annenberg Political Fact Check: McCain Attack That on $32,000 Tax Increase Is “Wrong” And “Not True.”
As FactCheck.org noted, “The McCain campaign claims that Obama voted to raise income taxes on individuals who earn as little as $32,000 per year. That’s wrong…[and]…not true.” In fact, as FactCheck.org also noted, Barack Obama’s “tax plan would provide a tax cut of $502 for a non-married taxpayer earning $35,000.”

Read more facts here:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/mccainslowroadexpress/

Friday, July 25, 2008

Let's change it up a bit - an event of direct questions to the candidates

You know how the debates don't always tell you what you, the conscientious voter, wants to know? Let's make a change for at least one forum so you do hear what you need to hear.

During Presidential debates, we hear a lot of questions, but quite often the answers given, aren't to the questions asked. Too often the host of the debate lets it slide, moving on when in fact the question wasn't even answered. Doesn't that annoy the heck out of you? If not, it should.

There is usually a coin toss and the winner decides who gets to go first. While one candidate is answering a question, the other candidate has the time to think about an answer longer than the other. So, one might sound better on a topic, more informed, or even smarter than the other depending who had time to gather their thoughts, then perhaps vice versa when it's their turn to have time to ponder on the next question. I don't like that, do you?

Sometimes the same question isn't asked of both candidates. I don't know about you, but I'd like to know what each candidate's answer might be, not a luck of a draw from a hat of what their question could be. Every issue matters to me and I'd like to know what the candidate running for the highest office stands for on each issue asked about. Same question - then an answer - simple.

Debates most often aren't giving us, the voters, what we want to hear. A question is asked and before long there is bantering back and forth, quite often losing many of us in the midst. Many viewers end up not knowing what the heck the candidates said. And even more annoying, some candidates end up saying not much of anything if you really were able to listen and hear them talk during their bickering. If they're going to spew nothing significant, I want to hear that, too.

What starts out as a Presidential debate becomes a different type of competition. It becomes one of who gets the last word, talks the loudest, or sounds the most clever.

So what do we do? I'd like to see a different type of question and answer forum. At least one. Let's put each candidate in a sound proof booth. Let's give each candidate the question and allow them a certain amount of time to tell us their view and explain their platform on the issue asked about. Then ask the exact same question of the other candidate in the same manner.

And the part I love the most - no candidate would be allow to talk about their opponent or their opponent's stance on the issues. Each can only answer based on their own platform and only talk about their own plans for the future of our country. If they start to bring up their opponents platform, then they're muted immediately, or better yet let's zap them with a buzzer and mute them in the process. Perhaps they should be put on a 7 second delay so they cannot slide in a dig.


We've all gotten so annoyed with the politics of last 8 years that change is needed in more ways than one and for me this would be a refreshing one. In this type of meeting there would be no time for the arguing or spewing bullshit that I personally rather not hear and I'm sure you don't either. I'd like to hear the answers from both candidates on the important issues without all the clutter. How about you?

Obama's Berlin Speech July 24, 2008


created at Wordle.org

Friday, July 18, 2008

Meet the Bloggers - featuring Arianna Huffington - Issue: Karl Rove: In Contempt

July 18th, 2008 featuring Arianna Huffington
Issue: Karl Rove: In ContemptBloggers: Liliana Segura, Baratunde Thurston, Marcy Wheeler

Monday, June 23, 2008

President Bush Pardons HIMSELF against Potential War Crimes!

One would think I'd quit being shocked at what he won't do!

Friday, March 28, 2008