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A real change already. Wow.Posted Sunday, August 24, 2008, at 3:06 PM
Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, just did something quite different. While in just about a dead heat with his opponent, he did not choose a running mate as part of a plan to win a popularity contest. Even I was surprised until I read up on the history of Senator Joseph Biden.
Senator Biden has been at work in our government for many years, working on both domestic and foreign issues right up to the recent problems just this past week between Russia and Georgia. His proposed plans on Iraq were a compromise of sorts that divided the country according to religious and ethnic parts so the different cultures that clashed so would not have to be constantly rubbing each other raw. When that plan did not go through, he finally voted for the war with our current president which would give the Obama administration a balanced platform for future action in that part of the world. Senator Biden does not come without baggage. I don't think anyone who has worked, accomplished, and lost what he has throughout his life could come out baggage free. I've heard the statements about his "borrowing" passages from other's speeches too…So Obama won't be having him write speeches, that's for sure but his vast history is what we would need at his side as partner when dealing with foreign and domestic issues. Biden's remarks about things are openly candid. He was even quoted about a year ago as saying that Obama wasn't quite ready. I feel if Obama can have the guts as well as wisdom to pick a running mate that will both speak out honestly when he disagrees with him and bypass the possible Evan Bayh popularity contest advantage in order to put someone at his side who would be best prepared to step in as president should he not be able to, he has really given the matter his utmost consideration. After all what good is winning if you don't have the best person available in the position to complete the task? In Joe Biden you have that experience factor but you also have one who wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. A member of a blue collar, Irish Catholic family, he attended Archemere Academy in Claymont Delaware. A Catholic boys only high school, in the suburbs of Philadelphia and Wilmington. His family values roots go deep. I look forward to the next couple of months to see how this all pans out. Will voters really embrace change seriously with their votes? Are they ready to think outside the box? Will they take ownership of our society in a proactive way in order to end our seemingly downhill spiral our economy has taken? Do they think that we can remain on top of the hill without any further effort while spending money we no longer have and continuing to isolate ourselves from the global economy and society? Senator Barack Obama has come into this race championing the fact that to achieve change, all need to be willing to do their part. He has now taken that step to insure that the U. S. would have both a capable Vice President as well as President at the helm, not just picking one who is perceived to be the most popular in order to get more votes. Now we as voters can do our part by supporting this change he has initiated or we can prove that we really don't want change, but are satisfied with the status quo of same ole same ole party politics that has gotten us into the mess. It's now up to us. Make sure you are registered to vote and use your power to make change happen. It's up to each and every one of us and no one person can do it alone. But all of us together…Yes we can. Comments Showing most recent comments first [Show in chronological order instead] |
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Then why do you mention it?
I love the liberal mind! It's a conspiracy! (Subtlely using Obama's middle name to scare voters!)
When they run out of valid, constructive points to a debate, out come the accusations!
So here we are talking about Sen. Obama. Although he does seem like a person I could sit down with and have a beer, he is too far to one end of the spectrum for me. He was listed as the most liberal senator for 2007. His new running mate was listed at number three. How can someone like this bring a country together.
As far as his position on various topics I couldn't live with myself. He feels there is nothing wrong with partial birth abortion. I don't want to go into graphic detail here, but this has to be one of the cruelest things that can be done. Although the one question I have always wanted to ask of a doctor that performs this is "do they cry first"?
He said that $250k/year makes you wealthy and you should pay more in taxes. Yet after college he was making this and only donated 2% of his income to charity. His reasoning was it is hard to raise a family on that much living in Chicago, so he couldn't afford to donate more. Which is it?
I also don't understand how the economy can be as bad as they say it is. Yes the housing bubble burst. That happend under Pres. Clinton with the .nets, but it's only bad under Pres. Bush. Unemployment is still around 5% same as Clinton, but it's bad now under Bush. How can anyone that lived under Carter even hint that the economy is bad now. 22% interest for a house. Unemployment over 10%. Waiting in line for gas. Sure, the economy has slowed down, but really is it that bad?
One last thought. I always hear people complain about the 10 billion we spend a month in Iraq. Think about it. You all know someone that has a job because of that money. It doesn't all get sucked into a black hole never to be seen again. That money pays our troops that come back home and spend it here. There are thousands of companies in the U.S. that see profits and can hire more people because of that money. So that money also helps our economy. War sucks, but so do presidential candidates that can't be bothered to show up for a vote over funding.
Obama has said that he will raise taxes, stop the missle defense initiative, cut defense appropriations, and give us universal health. I don't know about you but I want to be safe from any aggression, and I am better at spending my money than the government. It is that simple. They both want open borders but we cannot do anything about that. But democrats will still be in charge of the congress so it is not likely that anything will get done, unless McCain capitulates like he has done in the past.
Clinton, McCain and Obama... It is kind of sad to me that this is the best that both parties can put forth to lead us.
I too, wonder why it seems to be a point with bman to include Obama's middle name. It is what it is, something that he had no control over.
I know a guy whose middle name is Adolf. He doesn't use it, but will tell you what it is if you ask him. The name, though shared with one of the most dispicable human beings ever to walk the earth, has no bearing on anything at all.
By bman repeatedly using his Obama's middle name, clearly is telling me that he is using this as a subtle (really not so subtle) way of sullying Obama's reputation to the casual voter.
I don't care if bman continues this practice or not, as I've said before at this point I probably am leaning toward the other side, but its obvious to me he is trying to use this to discredit Obama.
I do take offense to someone trying to influence impressionable voters that way.
Didn't Jimmy Hoffa spend some time in Brazil as well???LOL
Yes Ayres and Obama both have attended the same party at another's home according to what I have read. Big deal. I've been to parties where I don't particularly like some of the other guests...
And I ask again, why do you feel the need to point out Obama's middle name? I am trying to understand you viewpoint but cannot. CAN you answer the question? Stating that you find something deplorable and doing something that appears to be for sole purpose of pointing out that a person shares a name with one from a regime we found deplorable are two entirely different things. It would seem that you want to make one to appear to be like the other just because of their shared names.
Being a liberal or a conservative just depends on where you stand in comparison with others in the group. Yes here in Clay County I might be called a liberal. So be it. It is not a label to be embarrassed about or proud of. It's just a comparison to others. On some issues I'm one and on some I'm the other.
..and have you thought of why you feel you have to point out Obama's middle name yet? If the reason is not racism, what is it? I'd truly love to be proven wrong.
We all have our prejudices. It's knowing that we do so we can be aware to try not to offend or disrespect people is what's important. That way we can judge each individual on their actions, not what religion they practice or hair style they have. It doesn't stop at skin color only.
I disagree with bman796's (who ever that person is) statement that Chicago is *home of the most corrupt politicians in America". I think Washington D.C. has that title. Although Brazil under the direction of mayor Picket should be high up on the list.
When it comes to the candidates for president, I would hope that everyone become educated in the candidates and make their decision based on the facts. Although I will admit that finding the FACTS in today's society is difficult.
If you are going to base your vote on a persons name or skin color, please just stay home on election day.
Ms. Moore,
I totally understand your arguments, however they are shallow at best. Look - the key point to linking Ayres with Obama is that he is an unrepentant domestic terrorist. He also launched Obama's state senate campaign from his house. Why would you embrace the support of someone who has such a hatred for America?
Again, I find it amusing that liberals (I won't call you a democrat since you took offense to it) want to shout "RACISM!" if the other side disagrees. I have already stated that I find these views deplorable.
As far as Obama finding common ground? How do you know? What are his legislative accomplishments to prove this?
Bigpappy:
Your comments are appreciated and exactly what Obama is talking about...finding common ground in order to work together so we don't waste energy working against each other. We differ in opinion over some things but need to come together on points of agreement to become more strong as a country. I think we even have same goals of improving education..maybe just different ideas of how to go about it. I feel that we can come together if we don't give up on each other and keep working at it.
If anyone reading still has doubts they need to do two things:
1] Find a copy of the speech Hillary Clinton gave last night and watch it. I'm sure it's on youtube by now.
2] Read Tom Friedman's article in the NY Times today. [Hopefully it's ok to site another paper here. grin].
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/opinio...
Tom Friedman is the author of _The World is Flat_ and has done numerous hours of research into the global economy and has traveled worldwide and seen how other countries have surpassed us in the past decade. His article is just a minicapsule of what the book is about.
Have a good day.
Jenny.....You go girl! I don't often agree with your views on school related issues, but that's probably because it's extremely near and dear to my heart, and, just like most of us are with our family members, some comments directed to or about them get taken personally. However, I must say that I feel you are completely on target with this blog.
I, too, wonder why bman is so concerned over Obama's middle name if he is, indeed, not a racist. What the world needs is tolerance.
My political affiliation doesn't guarantee that I will vote for the candidate representing my party of choice; however, my education on the issues and views of the candidate will lead me to vote with my heart and a clear conscience. I hope all other voters do their research as well. For those who don't research, I suggest they ask themselves if they're better off now than they were 4 years ago. If their answer is "No", then perhaps they should vote for a change in leadership.
Bman:
While I agree that on occasion a president's name is fully spelled out, for the most part it is not "plastered everywhere". Most of the time a last name or just first and last are used. Take for example George W Bush. It is only because his father, is also a George Bush. Rarely did we hear the first George Bush's middle name. Now they are used to differentiate between the two of them. Before that it was Kennedy, Truman, Lincoln etc etc. Probably all the way back to Roosevelt where two had last name and then Adams before that where a first or middle name was needed to differentiate the two. You still do not answer as to why you are pointing out his middle name but seemingly trying to avoid answering the question by going on the defensive stating that it will be in future. That doesn't answer why you need to spell it out. Why do YOU want to spell out his entire name?
And who said I was or was not a democrat or is that statement a blanket generalization of all democrats? I already stated that I do not vote by party, only for individuals? Seems that it may be in itself prejudicial to say that most democrats even make the assumption that those who disagree with them are racist.
I did not say anything about Obama not knowing Ayres, just that the entire story is not being told. When Ayres was involved with his extremist activities Obama was under 10 years old. Yes much later, as an adult each of them was put on the same board for a local charitable organization in Chicago area. Nominated by separate people individually. So yes he had contact with him, BUT the man since his earlier extremist involvement had became a professor at University of Illinois and has paid for his past extremist involvement. When you tell the entire story, it is not a smear tactic, but you did not tell the entire story. That is smearing someone's reputation by omission. The same as a lie IMHO. The more time we spend on researching these partial truths the more time we are diverted from the real issues and so many have fallen into the trap of perpetuating this when they continue to tell only part of the story without taking the time to find out the whole truth. Do you never associate with people you aren't in agreement with legally, morally or ethically? Does it lead you to be cut of the same cloth as they? Your arguments just don't hold water I'm afraid and you don't respond to the like statement about me being in prison. Do you truly not understand the comparison I am making? Hopefully others will take the time to research for themselves and not take a one sentence remark as the whole story. The people who make the partial truth remarks may be hoping that most of the voters don't have the brains to find out for themselves, never mind look into the actual issues upon which each candidate stands.
Ms. Moore,
Why get touchy about using B. Hussein Obama's middle name? You are not the first to ask why it is pointed out. If he indeed becomes President, his full name will be plastered everywhere.
Typically, most Democrats assume one is a racist if they have no further valid points to make (you must be racist if you don't agree with me!) I am not and racism disgusts me just as I suspect it disgusts you.
I believe it is extremely valid to point out O's associations with extremists, however. Remember - the Chosen One is from Chicago - home of the most corrupt politicians in America (remember Daley's resurrection of dead voters just in time for Kennedy's election?)!
I find it interesting that you would call it smear tactics when all that is pointed out is the truth! These facts are not made up.
Ok, I listed that site as at the bottom are references to check the facts. Yes it can be edited but the sources cannot if you travel back to them. Can click on the highlighted sources and go back to where information came from to check authenticity. I figured that would give reader chance to see if statement was accurate.
Here's another site. I believe it is run by another senator.
http://www.truthfightsback.com/site/smea...
Or just google it and look at all of them. There are dozens Pro and con, but just don't take one statement without all the facts. The smears take one small part of the story and leave out pertinent details. sort of like "the rest of the story". Check out the sources...
For example, I'll start one on myself...Jenny Moore has been in prison multiple times. That is a true statement. Left at that it doesn't sound like I'm a very trustworthy character. BUT if you add the facts which are when I was a member of a church in Cary, North Carolina, our choir went and performed in several correctional facilities for the inmates in the Raleigh area. See what a difference it makes when you have all the facts and not just a select few?
Have a good day
Wikipedia a good source of facts?....Really? This is a site that allows "editing" by it's users, so if you don't like what is printed about a certain topic or person you can change it and add your own sources without being fact checked. Not the most reliable site.
Ah Bman796..so glad you brought these points up as there are MANY misconceptions that tell only a snippet of the story to let people imagine the worst in what is not told. That's called smear tactics. I suggest reading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obama%E2%80... to get all the details on the Ayre controversy. Did you know that even Mother Theresa worked with underhanded characters to get what she needed for her work in Calcutta? Not that I am in any way comparing Obama to Mother Theresa but to have met and worked with someone does not mean you think like they do or agree with them or you would be saying that you would not associate or work at the same place as someone who didn't share your values even if they were now doing the work you believed in, despite their past? If that were so, many of us wouldn't be working alongside someone who had had a DUI, smoked cigarettes, had had an abortion, who spat in public, beat their kids or wife, etc etc. Get the picture? We could go on forever if we were judged by our associations alone.
As far as Rev Wright..Do you agree with EVERYTHING your pastor says or does? I don't. They are human, not divine. Some are WAY off base as well in my opinion. Some start out seeming to be on same plane and turn out being on totally different wave length. Some speak of ideals from the pulpit but in reality are just as corrupt as those who sit in the pews on Sunday nodding their heads about being Christians and sharing love with their neighbors but condemn others like they were God themselves Monday through Friday. Historically if we took a pastor's word as God's we would not have split into so many different factions of Christianity due to the vast interpretations of God's word.
I must ask why you seem to need to point out Obama's middle name? It is a common name in various parts of the world, just not in this country. Sort of like no one here naming their son Jesus but in countries south of us very common to see. I know people with the name Charles too. Does that mean that they think like Charles Manson? I think not. It would seem that your doing this would appear to be a type of racism. Please correct me if I'm wrong. There are plenty of law abiding tax payers in the US with the name Hussein. I know one of them in person locally at a well respected institution nearby. I'm sure there are more right here in Indiana.
And finally I don't think you can find ONE candidate running in this race who is for abortion. There are several degrees of choice that various candidates have backed as far as the legal options for a woman but also look at the issues of other human rights such as health care, capitol punishment, and equal rights for those who are gay. All fall under human rights and to pick out one and not consider all other issues of human rights is both unfair and not very intelligent. A pastor once told me that it is not the woman who aborts a baby who should be judged, but the society that doesn't welcome the pregnant woman and unborn child into their fold so the woman feels that she has no other choice. Words to condemn abortion are meaningless rhetoric unless commitment is there to help an unwed mother so she has another choice in the matter. THAT will stop abortions, not laws that require women to get them illegally as some will feel that they have no other choice. Until we live in a perfect society, abortions will continue whether we like it or not. Legal or illegal. Even if you don't choose to acknowledge it.
B. Hussein Obama was not going to pick Bayh all along. Why would he? Nobody outside of Indiana really knows who he is. He hasn't attached himself to any significant piece of legislation during his tenure in the Senate. Also, Democrats are still seething over his non performance during his 1996 key note speech at the convention.
Obama IS practicing the same old politics of yesterday. He better retool his message of "change" after choosing an old liberal from the east coast as his running mate. Democrats for so long have stubbornly clung to a liberal, pro abortion candidate thinking that they know more of what the American people need than they do. It has NEVER worked!
I agree with Ms. Moore's conclusion that we should check out the internet and make informed decisions. Make sure you check on O's past link with domestic terrorist William Ayres and American hater Reverend Wright. These radicals have helped Obama get into power in the first place!
I encourage each voter to take the time to go to each candidate's web site and search through all the information as well as look carefully at how it is presented. See which one has posted the clearer statements on how he stands on each issue, not what the other guy says about where he stands or who he is. I NEVER vote for a party. Only for the beliefs and goals of the person running
Look at the web sites themselves. Are your questions answered or does it use avoidance measures by poking fun at the other party? Where on each site does it say why the candidate feels the way he does?
I know a lot to sift through but a lot is riding on your vote. You can make a difference in where we are heading down the road and if we are going to be able to come out of this slump. Make sure you really know the person you are voting for.
Bman says that Obama is just typical politician doing what he can to get votes. I truly feel that if we were doing that, he'd list Bayh as his running mate to win a popularity contest...or even Clinton; as she would likely bring along her supporters more easily than any other running mate. Obama however is thinking about the ability to do the job and yes, cover the holes he has in is portfolio of experience. Remember once out of school you learn that it's not the ability to regurgitate the answers but to know how and where to find the correct ones. Bman also indicates that Obama doesn't have enough experience yet but in same breath states that he's been in public service almost all his career as has Biden...So an ideal mix in order to be able to bounce positions off each other;experience vs. a fresh way to look at things...but each will have to research all this themselves.
Do go to the web sites so you can make a real informed decision. barackobama.com and mccain.com then let us know what you think about the person handling our important governmental decisions after you see how they present the information they want us to read. Which one does it look like is taking the job of president more seriously and which one is playing to making a joke out of the other candidate's decisions? Do we want the same from someone in office? Which site takes the researcher's quest for information more seriously and therefore respects their intelligence and ability to decide for themselves?
Oh and Sassy, Barry is a nickname that Barack Obama used when younger and in school. Not sure why he was referred to by that name as I didn't think he used it any longer?? Maybe I am incorrect? Have a good day.
bman796,
I have voted for Democratic Presidential candidates on several occasions, I have likewise voted for an Independant and "other" party candidates on rare occasion. However, I have never voted for a Republican for President.
This year may be my first.
I have not made up my mind yet, but if I had to choose today, it would be for McCain. It has nothing to do with skin color or any other superficial reasons such as name, age, or religion, but everything to do with very simply who am I putting my faith in. At this point, I just trust McCain more.
After the conventions, and yes I do watch key parts of them, who knows. But my point of all of this...I do take my priviledge very seriously, and I will exercise it responsibly.
LOL........when you consider all of the facts about the candidates, their positions, and the "official" positions of te parties, I always face a hard choice on Election Day.
I always find myself in agreement with some positions on some issues and disagreeing on others.
It is for this reason that I am an Independant and avoid joining organizations such as the AARP, American Legion, VFW or any other organization that lobbies Congress. I both agree and disagree, but I'll contact my Congressional representation or even the President directly to do it if I feel the need.
Who is Barry?
Barack Hussein Obama's choice of Joe Biden is obviously a pick to shore up his own inexperience. Community organizer, state senator who voted "present" a majority of the time (Hillary Clinton's words, not mine), and freshman senator barely into his second year with no legislative accomplishments. His platform is "change." Yet - he chooses a Washington insider.
Look, Barry is just a typical politician who will say anything to get elected. He may be a likeable guy, but I don't believe he is ready to lead.
Biden has been in government since he was 29. Barry has been in government in some capacity most of his life also. Between Barry and Biden, none of them have ever owned a business or had any executive experience.
I realize that this area has a history of voting for a Democrat no matter who it is on the ticket. Daffy Duck could run and you would elect him without looking at the other candidate. This election is too important to fall back on your old ways. Seriously consider all choices before you vote this November!