By Donna Brazile CNN Contributor
(CNN) -- Our nation's economic foundation is crumbling like sand beneath our feet. Middle-class families are losing their jobs, homes, savings accounts and college funds.
Retirement nest eggs are fried to a crisp. Nine million children in America don't have health care coverage. We're fighting wars on more fronts than we can handle.
And John McCain is talking about ACORN?
Just as a top McCain adviser admitted that his candidate wouldn't campaign on the economy because it's a losing issue, so too it seems that the GOP has made a collective decision to abandon any real discussion of the issues in favor of distortion and distraction.
Through its 850 neighborhood chapters in more than 100 cities across the United States, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now organizes the powerless to work together for social justice and stronger communities through affordable housing, quality education and better public services. They are dedicated to looking out for those with little means in our society.
In the world of some elites, low- and moderate-income families and the organizations that work to empower them are the bad guys. There is all-out class warfare going on here, folks.
Another example of it is how people in the low-income bracket are being blamed for the subprime market crash -- rather than the unscrupulous lenders who redirected them from the fixed 30-year prime rates they could have paid to the subprime and adjustable rate mortgages destined to implode. The victims are revictimized.
It is an unfortunate reality that "poor" and "racial minority" are invariably overlapping circles in a Venn diagram. But the class animosity now being bred is, as it always has been, a cover for racial antipathy. And, make no mistake, this is exactly what's going on here. How pathetic and immoral in the face of the challenges we must confront as a nation.
Experts who have examined the allegations against ACORN have concluded that there is no significant threat of voter fraud. For the fraudulent registration forms to turn into fraudulent votes, they would have had to get through the election officials' vetting systems and make it onto the voter rolls.
Next, someone would need to arrive at the assigned polling location with valid identification that lists the same name and address as the fraudulent registration. (This is fairly difficult to do if you're dead or named Mickey Mouse.)
Then, having passed all these hurdles, that someone would cast a vote that will cost him or her 10 years in jail. Just find me someone willing to spend 10 years in jail just for a chance to vote for Obama or McCain?
Let's look at the facts. ACORN labeled as "suspicious" the fraudulent registration forms a few of its paid volunteers submitted. Moreover, ACORN delivered them to election authorities under that heading. ACORN offered to help election officials pursue prosecutions against those who filled out the fraudulent forms.
The so-called ACORN scandal is no more than a few canvassers trying to meet their quota and make easy money by cheating the system.
Ask yourself how likely is it that someone would go through the effort and risk of submitting multiple false registration forms, find an accomplished forger capable of producing IDs of sufficient quality to trick election officials, and then spend Election Day racking up a couple extra votes at the potential cost of spending a decade in jail?
A simple cost-benefit analysis tells us this is not a reasonable or significant threat. The real threat here is the Republican Party using attacks on ACORN as a calculated strategy to justify massive challenges to the votes cast in Democratic-leaning voting precincts on Election Day. And this is what is truly outrageous, but where is John McCain's concern when it comes to people being harassed at the voting booth?
The same Republican Party shouting "Voter fraud!" is also furiously trying to prevent Ohio from registering voters at early voting sites and suing to shut down some early voting sites in Indiana.
Just as the GOP will use the so-called "Bradley effect" to explain away voting irregularities it created through voter suppression, it will use allegations of voter fraud to cover its efforts of voter suppression.
McCain and Republican candidates up and down the GOP ticket don't want increased voter turnout.
Let them sputter and fret. A swelling of the voter rolls strengthens our democracy. The more eligible voters we have participating in the process, the stronger we are as a nation -- and the more accurately the results on November 4 will reflect our nation's choice for president.
We must be vigilant in protecting people's right to vote, not vigilant in suppressing it. We must be vigilant that new voters aren't threatened, harassed or turned away. And we must be vigilant that resources like voting machines and poll workers are distributed appropriately to accommodate the projected influx of new voters.
Finally, we must be vigilant that this election, unlike 2000 or 2004, doesn't return conspicuous voting irregularities, and that those irregularities aren't left unchallenged.
We must be vigilant in the protection of our democracy because the way things are going in the United States right now, democracy may be the only valuable left in our national treasury.The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Donna Brazile.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Limits Of Power
This is a fascinating interview. Do yourself a favor and watch it. It's also available as iTunes PBS podcasts.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09262008/watch.html
"Is an imperial presidency destroying what America stands for? Bill Moyers sits down with history and international relations expert and former US Army Colonel Andrew J. Bacevich who identifies three major problems facing our democracy: the crises of economy, government and militarism, and calls for a redefinition of the American way of life."
This is his book review on the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/books/review/Tepperman-t.html?ref=books
"Andrew J. Bacevich thinks our political system is busted. In “The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism,” he argues that the country’s founding principle — freedom — has become confused with appetite, turning America’s traditional quest for liberty into an obsession with consumption, the never-ending search for more. To accommodate this hunger, pandering politicians have created an informal empire of supply, maintaining it through constant brush-fire wars. Yet the foreign-policy apparatus meant to manage that empire has grown hideously bloated and has led the nation into one disaster after another. The latest is Iraq: in Bacevich’s mind, the crystallization of all that’s gone wrong with the American system."
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09262008/watch.html
"Is an imperial presidency destroying what America stands for? Bill Moyers sits down with history and international relations expert and former US Army Colonel Andrew J. Bacevich who identifies three major problems facing our democracy: the crises of economy, government and militarism, and calls for a redefinition of the American way of life."
This is his book review on the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/books/review/Tepperman-t.html?ref=books
"Andrew J. Bacevich thinks our political system is busted. In “The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism,” he argues that the country’s founding principle — freedom — has become confused with appetite, turning America’s traditional quest for liberty into an obsession with consumption, the never-ending search for more. To accommodate this hunger, pandering politicians have created an informal empire of supply, maintaining it through constant brush-fire wars. Yet the foreign-policy apparatus meant to manage that empire has grown hideously bloated and has led the nation into one disaster after another. The latest is Iraq: in Bacevich’s mind, the crystallization of all that’s gone wrong with the American system."
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Just because he's black?
A white man asked his black friend, 'Are you voting for Barack Obama just because he's black'? The black man responded by saying, why not? Hell, in this country men are pulled over everyday just cause they are black, passed over for promotions just cause they are black, considered to be criminals just cause they are black, and there are going to be thousands of you who wont be voting for him just cause he's black! However, you do not seem to have a problem with that! This country was built with the sweat and whip off the slaves black, and now a descendant of those same slaves has a chance to lead the same country, where we weren't even considered to be people, Where we weren't allowed to be educated, drink from the same water fountains, eat in the same restaurants, or even vote, so you damn right I'm going to vote for him! But it's not just becau se he's black, but because he is hope, he is change, and he now allows me to under stand when my grandson says he wants to be president when he grows up, it is not a fairy tale but a short term goal, Because he sees, understands, and knows, he can achieve, withstand, and do anything just because he's black!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
This is a comment I posted on a blog called "Newsvine"
OBAMA-FAN-This is my display name on this the Newsvine Blog.....:)
Wenks, you are comparing Apples and Oranges. Barack changing his mind about joining McCain in a town hall setting is far different that Palin saying how she changed her mind about that Bridge to nowhere. If I were Barack I would have never agreed in the first place. The McCain ship is sinking on its own, or should I say the McCain plane is falling from the sky yet again. Why would I bother? Palin is a novelty! She's a toy that the children in the press are tired of playing with! McCain received a bump in the polls when he picked 'Caribou Barbie,” because on the heels of the Hilary/Obama primaries women were hyped. He cashed in on it but didn't think of the long term effects.
Palin knows nothing about foreign policy, international affairs, the economy, or the war! Now you have to try and keep her out of the press for how ever long it takes her handlers to get her to the point where she can deliver a intelligent thought on any of those subjects, and God only knows how long that will be after the "What do you mean Charlie" interview! This woman finally met with a foreign leader and didn't address the press at all? She's trying to stall the "Troopergate" investigation until after the election (What is she hiding?), but in the meantime all her other lies, and inadequacies are coming out. McCain is not being a chauvinist; he is scared to death of what might come out of this woman’s mouth, as he should be. This is a woman who said she doesn't even know what the VP does!!!
Wenks, you are comparing Apples and Oranges. Barack changing his mind about joining McCain in a town hall setting is far different that Palin saying how she changed her mind about that Bridge to nowhere. If I were Barack I would have never agreed in the first place. The McCain ship is sinking on its own, or should I say the McCain plane is falling from the sky yet again. Why would I bother? Palin is a novelty! She's a toy that the children in the press are tired of playing with! McCain received a bump in the polls when he picked 'Caribou Barbie,” because on the heels of the Hilary/Obama primaries women were hyped. He cashed in on it but didn't think of the long term effects.
Palin knows nothing about foreign policy, international affairs, the economy, or the war! Now you have to try and keep her out of the press for how ever long it takes her handlers to get her to the point where she can deliver a intelligent thought on any of those subjects, and God only knows how long that will be after the "What do you mean Charlie" interview! This woman finally met with a foreign leader and didn't address the press at all? She's trying to stall the "Troopergate" investigation until after the election (What is she hiding?), but in the meantime all her other lies, and inadequacies are coming out. McCain is not being a chauvinist; he is scared to death of what might come out of this woman’s mouth, as he should be. This is a woman who said she doesn't even know what the VP does!!!
As if you needed another reason...........
With America facing historic debt, multiple war fronts, stumbling health care, a weakened dollar, all-time high prison population, skyrocketing Federal spending, mortgage crises, bank foreclosures, etc. etc., this is an unusually critical election year.
Let's look at the educational background of your two options:
Obama:
- Occidental College - Two years.
- Columbia University - B.A. political science with a specialization in international relations. -Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Biden:
- University of Delaware - B.A. in history and B.A. in political science.
- Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
McCain:
-United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894 of 899
Palin:
-Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
-North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
- University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
-Matanuska- Susitna College - 1 semester
- University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in journalism
Now, which team are you going to hire
VERY IMPORTANT!!!! PLEASE PLEASE FORWARD TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ADVISE EVERYONE YOU KNOW THAT THEY ABSOLUTELY CANNOT GO TO THE POLLS WEARING ANY OBAMA SHIRTS, PINS OR HATS, IT IS AGAINSTTHE LAW AND WILL BE GROUNDS TO HAVE THE POLLING OFFICIALS TO TURN YOU AWAY.THAT IS CONSIDERED CAMPAIGNING AND NO ONE CAN CAMPAIGN WITHIN X AMOUNT OFFEET TO THE POLLS. THEY ARE BANKING ON US BEING EXCITED AND NOT BEING AWAREOF THIS LONG STANDING LAW THAT YOU CAN BET WILL BE ENFORCED THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THEY ARE BANKING THAT IF YOU ARE TURNED AWAY YOU WILL NOT GO HOME AND CHANGEYOUR CLOTHES.. PLEASE JUST DON'T WEAR OBAMA GEAR OF ANY SORTS TO THEPOLLS!! PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION, OH AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WEREALREADY AWARE THIS WAS NOT MEANT TO INSULT YOUR INTELLIGENCE. JUST TRYINGTO COVER ALL GROUNDS.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Slacker Uprising
Friends,
It's officially September 23rd and my new film, "Slacker Uprising," is now premiering live at SlackerUprising.com! It is available for free as a gift from me to all of you. And you have my permission to share it or show it in any way you see fit.
Watch it all: http://slackeruprising.com/download/location.php?utm_medium=download&utm_source=31321946
At that link, there are five ways you can watch it free and without advertising:
iTunes will make it easy for you to download "Slacker Uprising" on your iTunes, iPod, or Apple TV, and view it there or transmit it to your television. This way, the film can be portable as well as for home viewing. This will be available soon.
Hypernia is providing bandwidth and servers to host MPEG4 and DivX versions of "Slacker Uprising" online, so you can burn a DVD or download the film to watch on your computer, XBOX, or PS3.
Stream it, download it, burn it now. It's the first time a major feature-length film is being released for free on the internet. You can be part of this historic moment by logging on now!
Enjoy!!
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
SlackerUprising.com
P.S. Remember, we're doing something that's never been done, so I have no idea how it will all go! Don't give up if it seems to go slow (like with any streaming, give the downloading a head start before you hit play), and don't forget there are two places where you can actually download it to your hard drive and three ways to stream it. You can get to all of them at the link above.
P.P.S. If you're not yet registered to vote, here's a good link: https://www.voteforchange.com/. There's less than two weeks for you to get registered, especially if you have moved since the last time you voted.
It's officially September 23rd and my new film, "Slacker Uprising," is now premiering live at SlackerUprising.com! It is available for free as a gift from me to all of you. And you have my permission to share it or show it in any way you see fit.
Watch it all: http://slackeruprising.com/download/location.php?utm_medium=download&utm_source=31321946
At that link, there are five ways you can watch it free and without advertising:
iTunes will make it easy for you to download "Slacker Uprising" on your iTunes, iPod, or Apple TV, and view it there or transmit it to your television. This way, the film can be portable as well as for home viewing. This will be available soon.
Hypernia is providing bandwidth and servers to host MPEG4 and DivX versions of "Slacker Uprising" online, so you can burn a DVD or download the film to watch on your computer, XBOX, or PS3.
Stream it, download it, burn it now. It's the first time a major feature-length film is being released for free on the internet. You can be part of this historic moment by logging on now!
Enjoy!!
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
SlackerUprising.com
P.S. Remember, we're doing something that's never been done, so I have no idea how it will all go! Don't give up if it seems to go slow (like with any streaming, give the downloading a head start before you hit play), and don't forget there are two places where you can actually download it to your hard drive and three ways to stream it. You can get to all of them at the link above.
P.P.S. If you're not yet registered to vote, here's a good link: https://www.voteforchange.com/. There's less than two weeks for you to get registered, especially if you have moved since the last time you voted.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Global Financial Crisis
Confessions of a Right-Wing Liberal
by Murray N. Rothbard -- CLICK HERE
This classic piece appeared in Ramparts, VI, 4, June 15, 1968. It was the fulfillment of an ideological trend that began a few years earlier when consistent libertarians, led by Rothbard, sensed an estrangement from the American right-wing due to its support of militarism, police power, and the corporate state. Here Rothbard presents a rationale for why he and others had, by 1968, largely given up on the Right as a viable reform movement toward liberty, realized that the Right was squarely on the side of power, and thereby developed an alternative intellectual historiography. The relevance of this essay in our own time hardly needs to be explained, given the record on liberty of the Republican president, congress, and judiciary, to say nothing of conservative and right-wing media.
"Even if it were desirable, America is not strong enough to police the world by military force. If that attempt is made, the blessings of liberty will be replaced by coercion and tyranny at home. Our Christian ideals cannot be exported to other lands by dollars and guns. Persuasion and example are the methods taught by the Carpenter of Nazareth, and if we believe in Christianity we should try to advance our ideals by his methods. We cannot practice might and force abroad and retain freedon at home. We cannot talk world cooperation and practice power politics." - Howard Buffett, 1952
This classic piece appeared in Ramparts, VI, 4, June 15, 1968. It was the fulfillment of an ideological trend that began a few years earlier when consistent libertarians, led by Rothbard, sensed an estrangement from the American right-wing due to its support of militarism, police power, and the corporate state. Here Rothbard presents a rationale for why he and others had, by 1968, largely given up on the Right as a viable reform movement toward liberty, realized that the Right was squarely on the side of power, and thereby developed an alternative intellectual historiography. The relevance of this essay in our own time hardly needs to be explained, given the record on liberty of the Republican president, congress, and judiciary, to say nothing of conservative and right-wing media.
"Even if it were desirable, America is not strong enough to police the world by military force. If that attempt is made, the blessings of liberty will be replaced by coercion and tyranny at home. Our Christian ideals cannot be exported to other lands by dollars and guns. Persuasion and example are the methods taught by the Carpenter of Nazareth, and if we believe in Christianity we should try to advance our ideals by his methods. We cannot practice might and force abroad and retain freedon at home. We cannot talk world cooperation and practice power politics." - Howard Buffett, 1952
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Country Can't Afford to Elect John McCain by Barbra Streisand
We are in the worst financial crisis this country has faced in modern times. During these eight long years of Republican control, we have seen runaway greed, the deregulation of financial institutions and the mismanagement of the housing market resulting in the skyrocketing number of home foreclosures. This has led to a disastrous unraveling of the U.S. economy. We can't continue with four more years of the irresponsible practices and policies of the Bush administration.
The country can't afford to elect John McCain! In his own words he admitted that he doesn't know much about the economy. The day the stock market plunged 504 points, McCain agreed with President Bush that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong."
McCain has illustrated his lack of judgment time and time again. Not only did he pick an unqualified running mate, but he supported the Bush Doctrine, this preemptive, unnecessary war in Iraq, a war that Barack Obama was against from the beginning. Five years later, the war continues, costing the American public $435 million a day -- money that is desperately needed here at home.
So, as the war wages on and the economy continues to falter, as the government spends billions bailing out companies from bankruptcy, who is left to pay the bill? The American taxpayers -- the people who are working harder for less and are watching their 401K, pensions and life savings disappear. Barack Obama is fighting for these people.
We need a President Obama, a man of intelligence, integrity and vision, to end the war, to lift us out of this economic storm, and to lead this country back on the road to prosperity.
The country can't afford to elect John McCain! In his own words he admitted that he doesn't know much about the economy. The day the stock market plunged 504 points, McCain agreed with President Bush that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong."
McCain has illustrated his lack of judgment time and time again. Not only did he pick an unqualified running mate, but he supported the Bush Doctrine, this preemptive, unnecessary war in Iraq, a war that Barack Obama was against from the beginning. Five years later, the war continues, costing the American public $435 million a day -- money that is desperately needed here at home.
So, as the war wages on and the economy continues to falter, as the government spends billions bailing out companies from bankruptcy, who is left to pay the bill? The American taxpayers -- the people who are working harder for less and are watching their 401K, pensions and life savings disappear. Barack Obama is fighting for these people.
We need a President Obama, a man of intelligence, integrity and vision, to end the war, to lift us out of this economic storm, and to lead this country back on the road to prosperity.
Never forget the price paid for where you stand today.
And South Carolina Continues to fly the Confederate flag on government buildings....Have we really come that far? A black man poised to win the highest office in the world and a state in the union of which he will govern still has view that are stuck and deeply rooted in racism....Have we really come that far?
Spread the Stupidity
Only in America .....do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in America .....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.
Only in America ......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.
Only in America .....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in thedriveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
Only in America .....do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.
Only in America ......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.
Only in America .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.
EVER WONDER .... Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes?
Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
Only in America .....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.
Only in America ......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.
Only in America .....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in thedriveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
Only in America .....do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.
Only in America ......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.
Only in America .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.
EVER WONDER .... Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes?
Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Religious Right
How To Fight The Religious Right
I would be interested in hearing left and right opinions on the information contained in above mentioned site. I plan on researching the sample content posted below to check it's validity.
Sample content:
The most common reference against homosexuality comes from a story in Genesis. In Chapter 18 of the book, we see God about to destroy the evil twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God sends two angels to warn the one godly family of the imminent demise of these cities, only to have the locals demand that these two angels, who appeared like men, come out so they could have sex with them. Of course this didn't please God very much. However, Lot, the father of this one so-called godly family, does an interesting thing. In chapter 19, verse 8, the Bible tells how Lot offered to give his virgin daughters to these men so that they might rape them instead. Is this how God wants us to protect ourselves from the "homosexual agenda," by offering to let them rape our virgin daughters? Ask that to the Fundamentalist and see how much they squirm.
Forced out of the Old Testament in their crusade against homosexuality, the Fundamentalist will quote from Romans, or more specifically from 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, both written by the Apostle Paul. He offers a list of sins that will keep a person out of Heaven. Among them is homosexual behavior. However, also listed among these is adultery. Such a revelation won't phase the Fundamentalists until you remind them that in Luke 16:18 Christ defined a man or woman who has divorced and remarried as also being an adulterer. Ask these Fundamentalists how many of their church's members have been divorced and remarried. Then ask them if their church performs the weddings for these adulterous members. If homosexuality is to be condemned, should not these fellow church goers also be condemned? Challenge these Fundamentalists to go back to their churches and apply the same rules to their adulterous remarried members as they apply to homosexuals. What? They won't do it? Why on earth, then, are they picking on homosexuals? Are they selecting one sin as being worse than another? Of course they are - and you've just called them to the carpet for it. Why are they allowed to commit some sins yet feel free to condemn someone else's?
Obama and the Economy
Please take a minute to read Obama's plan to strengthen the economy HERE.
The Problem
Wages are Stagnant as Prices Rise: While wages remain flat, the costs of basic necessities are increasing. The cost of in-state college tuition has grown 35 percent over the past five years. Health care costs have risen four times faster than wages over the past six years. And the personal savings rate is now the lowest it's been since the Great Depression.
Tax Cuts for Wealthy Instead of Middle Class: The Bush tax cuts give those who earn over $1 million dollars a tax cut nearly 160 times greater than that received by middle-income Americans. At the same time, this administration has refused to tackle health care, education and housing in a manner that benefits the middle class.
The Problem
Wages are Stagnant as Prices Rise: While wages remain flat, the costs of basic necessities are increasing. The cost of in-state college tuition has grown 35 percent over the past five years. Health care costs have risen four times faster than wages over the past six years. And the personal savings rate is now the lowest it's been since the Great Depression.
Tax Cuts for Wealthy Instead of Middle Class: The Bush tax cuts give those who earn over $1 million dollars a tax cut nearly 160 times greater than that received by middle-income Americans. At the same time, this administration has refused to tackle health care, education and housing in a manner that benefits the middle class.
Lipstick...
Video: Questioning phony outrage over lipstick
MSNBC Article:
This game that's being played is not an insult of a candidate. It's an insult to the intelligence of our democracy, which is really all we have, each of us, to decide and build the future.
Our only escape is to force ourselves, against all the distractions, to think through the hearts and minds of those young people who will have to live in the world we are now deciding who's to build, who's to lead us to.
by Chris Matthews
Read complete article HERE
MSNBC Article:
This game that's being played is not an insult of a candidate. It's an insult to the intelligence of our democracy, which is really all we have, each of us, to decide and build the future.
Our only escape is to force ourselves, against all the distractions, to think through the hearts and minds of those young people who will have to live in the world we are now deciding who's to build, who's to lead us to.
by Chris Matthews
Read complete article HERE
Georgia conflict
This article came from MSNBC.....read and then read some of the comments...sad...
Georgia conflict has an effectAlso working against McCain is the conflict in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. The U.S. and Russia have supported opposite sides, with the U.S. voicing strong support for Georgia and Russia backing South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two separatist regions on Georgian territory.
In many ways the Georgia War was fought on the airwaves and the television screens as much as it was on the ground, and Russians’ response to the candidates tend to follow what they heard in the Russian media.
And while both candidates were critical of Russia’s military actions on Georgian soil beyond the separatist areas, many Muscovites I spoke with quoted McCain’s statement at a campaign stop in York, Pa., when he declared that "We [Americans] are all Georgians," as one reason for their leaning toward Obama. "In both cases, it will be very hard relations between United States and Russia," said Anton Lopatin, 23, taking a lunch break on the Arbat from his job in financial services.
Many Russians agree with him. Less than a fifth of Russians respondents to the recent poll described U.S. relations as "friendly," "neighborly" or "calm."
Opposite sidesOverall, the saber-rattling over Georgia has sparked a greater interest in U.S. politics and how it can affect Russia.
In the poll, 47 percent of respondent said they "closely" or "somewhat" follow the U.S. elections, up from 36 percent just two months earlier.
"America, it’s the biggest country," said Natalia Golubeva, a 26-year-old who works in financial services, "so we are also interested in the policy … of your country."
That shows that we need to have McCain in the office. They want Obama so they can walk over him!!
Dave in Illinois (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:18 AM)
If Russia is headed back to true socialism, why wouldn't the Russians like Obama??? Peas in a pod!
Andrew Ritch (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:34 AM)
What? No comments from Obama lovers? Don't you all want to be "one" with Russia, Venezuela, China, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, et. al? Obama is just the kind of pushover the rest of the world wants. He's just the weak link socialist and communist world leaders want to bring America into their fold. And Obama is just the person to do it. How naive Obama supporters are.
Philip, Tucson, AZ
This is another excellent reason to vote for McCain. Even the Russian people know that the inexperienced Obama would be a push-over and that McCain will work hard to defend America's rights and freedoms.
DL
...."I’m against that one – the aggressive one – I'm for Obama," said Valentina Savina, a lottery ticket seller..." WOW, that's funny! lets really look at what he's saying, I want the one we (Russia) can shove around if need be. Russia has a long long history of nation grabbing, and a renewed, fervent nationalism. Obama's dopey pro-marxist foreign policy ideas would allow mother Russia to flex her muscles MORE FREELY - Georgia is just the first step, Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic States are watching what happens in the Caucasus. Sadly, many Americans are more concerned with Obama's tailored suits and vapid speeches, rather than the solid posture of a seasoned statesman like John McCain. OF COURSE the Russians want Obama! Much like a burgler would rather rob a house guarded by a daschund instead of a dobermann.
MSgt G
My Comment-it didn't post yet though.
To all of you who think we will be safer with Mccain rather than Obama:
Do you people really thing that the Russians polled by the question on who they'd prefer as the next U.S. president are trying a Jedi mind trick or some sort of reverse Psychology? Get real!! They want Obama for the same reason all American's should want Obama, to avoid a war that can be averted. If McCain were to become president, he might start a war that he is too old to see the conclusion of. You are all talking about keeping America safe, but none of you are talking about why in the heck are we even getting behind Georgia in the first place? Typical Republicans. You go off half cocked, and the U.S. citizens pay the price. Over 4,000 troops dead in Iraq. Was that for America's freedom? For the last 8 years the Republican Party has eroded our Foriegn relationships and our economy,and you expect any American with half a brain to vote you guys in for another 4 years! McCain has lied about everything except his name! He's a shifty, untrustworthy, dishonorable, fraud! This is not the man i would trust to walk my dog let alone keep the U.S. out of another war.
Georgia conflict has an effectAlso working against McCain is the conflict in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. The U.S. and Russia have supported opposite sides, with the U.S. voicing strong support for Georgia and Russia backing South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two separatist regions on Georgian territory.
In many ways the Georgia War was fought on the airwaves and the television screens as much as it was on the ground, and Russians’ response to the candidates tend to follow what they heard in the Russian media.
And while both candidates were critical of Russia’s military actions on Georgian soil beyond the separatist areas, many Muscovites I spoke with quoted McCain’s statement at a campaign stop in York, Pa., when he declared that "We [Americans] are all Georgians," as one reason for their leaning toward Obama. "In both cases, it will be very hard relations between United States and Russia," said Anton Lopatin, 23, taking a lunch break on the Arbat from his job in financial services.
Many Russians agree with him. Less than a fifth of Russians respondents to the recent poll described U.S. relations as "friendly," "neighborly" or "calm."
Opposite sidesOverall, the saber-rattling over Georgia has sparked a greater interest in U.S. politics and how it can affect Russia.
In the poll, 47 percent of respondent said they "closely" or "somewhat" follow the U.S. elections, up from 36 percent just two months earlier.
"America, it’s the biggest country," said Natalia Golubeva, a 26-year-old who works in financial services, "so we are also interested in the policy … of your country."
That shows that we need to have McCain in the office. They want Obama so they can walk over him!!
Dave in Illinois (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:18 AM)
If Russia is headed back to true socialism, why wouldn't the Russians like Obama??? Peas in a pod!
Andrew Ritch (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:34 AM)
What? No comments from Obama lovers? Don't you all want to be "one" with Russia, Venezuela, China, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, et. al? Obama is just the kind of pushover the rest of the world wants. He's just the weak link socialist and communist world leaders want to bring America into their fold. And Obama is just the person to do it. How naive Obama supporters are.
Philip, Tucson, AZ
This is another excellent reason to vote for McCain. Even the Russian people know that the inexperienced Obama would be a push-over and that McCain will work hard to defend America's rights and freedoms.
DL
...."I’m against that one – the aggressive one – I'm for Obama," said Valentina Savina, a lottery ticket seller..." WOW, that's funny! lets really look at what he's saying, I want the one we (Russia) can shove around if need be. Russia has a long long history of nation grabbing, and a renewed, fervent nationalism. Obama's dopey pro-marxist foreign policy ideas would allow mother Russia to flex her muscles MORE FREELY - Georgia is just the first step, Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic States are watching what happens in the Caucasus. Sadly, many Americans are more concerned with Obama's tailored suits and vapid speeches, rather than the solid posture of a seasoned statesman like John McCain. OF COURSE the Russians want Obama! Much like a burgler would rather rob a house guarded by a daschund instead of a dobermann.
MSgt G
My Comment-it didn't post yet though.
To all of you who think we will be safer with Mccain rather than Obama:
Do you people really thing that the Russians polled by the question on who they'd prefer as the next U.S. president are trying a Jedi mind trick or some sort of reverse Psychology? Get real!! They want Obama for the same reason all American's should want Obama, to avoid a war that can be averted. If McCain were to become president, he might start a war that he is too old to see the conclusion of. You are all talking about keeping America safe, but none of you are talking about why in the heck are we even getting behind Georgia in the first place? Typical Republicans. You go off half cocked, and the U.S. citizens pay the price. Over 4,000 troops dead in Iraq. Was that for America's freedom? For the last 8 years the Republican Party has eroded our Foriegn relationships and our economy,and you expect any American with half a brain to vote you guys in for another 4 years! McCain has lied about everything except his name! He's a shifty, untrustworthy, dishonorable, fraud! This is not the man i would trust to walk my dog let alone keep the U.S. out of another war.
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