Good post, and right on target. This election, and Obama's campaign, is as much about an active populace as anything. WE need to make the changes to restore America's greatness. posted 04/26/2008 at 11:27:23
Baseball questions?
The man does tremendous charity work, lives according to Christ's teachings, and served multiple tours as a Marine. What do you want?
He questions the effect of Imperialism? He thinks there's still racism in America? And you disagree with him why?
Here's a baseball question: Who's on first? posted 04/26/2008 at 11:26:00
Boy Howdy, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
Wake up! It's actually a nice day. posted 04/26/2008 at 11:23:44
Let's see... she's been building to this for the last eight years, had huge name recognition, a giant corporate war chest, a powerful party machinery and is married to the last Democratic president. She theoretically had the nomination locked up. And until a month ago she had a 20% plus lead in PA, and still this smart, dedicated, experienced, inspiring big-eared kid came along and is beating her? In every respect, including donations by real people (instead of corporations) and is assured to win the nomination via the only math that matters: the delegate count.
So what were you saying about why Clinton hasn't admitted defeat? it's for the good of the party, right? The good of America? How about the good of Hillary? posted 04/25/2008 at 19:06:17
With the way media influences public opinion, and has become so relentlessly biased in favor of the corporate and the rich, who may be great at manipulating the system to their own advantage but clearly are worthless as creators of successful public, economic, social or international policy, I'm beginning to wonder... well, just how the happy ending happens here.
So many arrogant entitled people willing to take the country down, so long as they get their privelige. Marry that with the unthinking... people who support them, to their own detriment, and it's really a depressing situation.
It's sad, there's so much good here. But also so many lusting to take advantage in any crooked way they can, only interested in their own gain, at the expense of all of the rest of us.
But. Our time is now. We are the ones who must speak up, and stop this destructive madness, and the relentless accumulation of power and weath in the hands of the greedy few. posted 04/23/2008 at 20:47:31
Whatever you call it, it's better than lies. posted 04/25/2008 at 19:12:59
I politely disagree. The "debate" in Philadelphia was a set up, roundly denounced afterwards for the poor quality of the questions and the clear bias. Having a former Clinton staffer as one of the questioners is typical of what the Clinton campaign calls fair.
A month ago Hillary's lead in Pa was in the mid twenties. She ended up barely squeaking a win out with a 9% margin, under her own avowed threshold of 10% to justify staying in the race (but, she's not exactly the most credible, is she?)
Anyone who feels that Hillary, who filed a (joint) return claiming over 120 million in income since Bill's departure from the white house, the Hillary that can't be bothered to bake cookies (remember?), the Hillary married to a paid lobbyist for a foreign national (remember the wonderful idea of putting our ports under the control of a Dubai firm? Bill.), the Hillary that served on the board of WalMart and has consistently, to her own profit, taken advantage of privelige that you and I will never see... that Hillary isn't elitist? You believe that?
Hillary can't win. She's just poisoning the well so that she can run again in '12.
And lose then, as well. Half the country detests her. Rightly. She's only in it for herself. She'll lie, cheat, and use every dirty trick she can to win, to the detriment of all of the rest of us. She has proven.
Go Away Hillary in '08. posted 04/24/2008 at 11:59:00
Though Hillary's clearly trying to do her best to deny reality and destroy the Democratic party, and her own chances for eventual election, I might add.
Thanks Hillary, your self destruction is taking the country with you. I'm sure GW is proud of you. posted 04/23/2008 at 10:54:13
Not to mention the delightful prospect of her as president... which would be good how? She'd take care of us? Like Bush did? Or like Clinton took care of the Democratic party (losing advantages in House AND Senate?).
She wins, which she won't, but if she did, we'd just be going down the tubes a little slower. The problems with this country are her strength: a sick body politic more concerned with beating "them" than with the country's success. Powerless to stop the rich and the corporate agenda (remember the "Health Care Mandate" - now reborn, of course). Pandering to the lowest common denominator, when it's useful to stay in power (ie., invading Iraq).
Heck, Mr. Realistocrat, the attack machine doesn't have to work hard to tear her apart. If this campaign has shown anything, it's that they're a lot more accurate than anyy of "us" wanted to believe.
And on and on. The problem with Hillary and her ilk is that they're the problem. posted 04/22/2008 at 22:07:55
You know, Al Gore has the chance to show leadership here... real "we need you to step up and help stop this" leadership, because he can. He's intelligent, he's picked a crucial issue to champion and done a great job, and right now, as this country teeters on the brink of collapse, he won't step up. He disappoints.
In the clinch, he doesn't have what it takes.
Though, too, I think if this campaign has shown us anything (besides a lot we really didn't want to know about Hillary and Bill), it's that for our country to thrive again, we all need to do our parts, and then some. And that we need a leader who sees that, believes in it, believes in America, and can inspire us.
Yes, thank you... they just appear worse and worse.
Bill's presidency was ... a relief after the Reagan/Bush years. And it was a far cry from what we've got now. Still, it's harder and harder to escape the conclusion that we were used. posted 04/19/2008 at 00:57:40
And somehow, they'd find a way to still raise oil prices (to the profits of their oil company croneys). posted 04/18/2008 at 19:57:36
Well, you might start with one... in fact, Obama has criticized Bush for not fighting terrorism... simple mistake, of course.
Al qaeda isn't in Iraq, regardless of what Bush, or McCain for that matter, might think, they're in Afganistan. Still. Because Bush lied us into an utter debacle in Iraq.
And if Hamas wants Obama to win, it might be because they also want a just and fair end to the wars in the Middle East (you think?) and that it will take an intelligent and capable leader to accomplish this. posted 04/18/2008 at 19:56:10
Actually, he strikes me as intelligent, honest, insightful, and charismatic. What's the empty suit part? What are you talking about?
Seriously, it's a question, he seems to embody the best in American leadership, with the same quality of inspiring, of calling out the best in the American democracy, shown by Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Kennedy... arguably even Reagan, though his deregulation campaign seems to have started the downward spiral we're in now. But I digress.
I seriously am curious, what's to object to here? That he's not waging the typical petty campaign? That he sees more in the American populace than sheep to be manipulated with the latest cheap shot? Have you actually listened to any of his speeches (or Rev. Wright's for that matter, and no, I don't mean the 10 second hit pieces that Fox runs)? posted 04/18/2008 at 19:49:37
If that were true, no, though of course Hillary Clinton has demonstrated that she deserves a pass to the worst wing (not the best) of the Republican party, if not to jail.
But since it's an idiotic question, it doesn't deserve an answer.
Go back to Fox. posted 04/18/2008 at 12:08:06
His preachings are a lot more Christian, as Christ taught, than a lot of the dreck coming out of the so-called "spiritual leaders" that are white. He did his service as a Marine, he does the social work Christ teaches, and he recognizes prejudice and the effects of the last half-century of imperialism. He's black. So what? posted 04/18/2008 at 12:05:53
So now you're dead set against the one candidate who genuinely cares what happens to you? Who might actually do something to address the issues that are grinding all of us down? The millionaires and billionaires are supporting the other candidates, the people supporting Sen. Obama are making whatever donations they can, because we're bitter and clinging to the hope that this country hasn't been so torn apart by the corporations and the millionaires, and the dirty pols that serve them that we might as well give up. Whatever our obsessions, needs, beliefs, whatever, as long we're fighting each other, the fat cats keep collecting. You may not be getting richer, but they are.
There's one candidate who genuinely promises to do everything he can, and to empower us to do everything we can, to make a difference, to reclaim the prosperity, morality, and democracy of America. And the rich know it, and are doing everything they can to tear him down in little ways, because they know their power is finally being threatened. So play their game if you want to, but they're the ones who are laughing. posted 04/17/2008 at 18:22:54
Thank you for this... I hope we can believe in ourselves again, as we are, not as the terrified and misguided sheep the elitist pols and their corporate croneys want us to be. It's time for Americans to take back their hope. posted 04/13/2008 at 20:54:44
I think it's actually interesting... look who objects when someone dares to tell the truth?
Add courage to Obama's list of qualities, if you haven't already. posted 04/13/2008 at 22:38:30
Of course Gore wanted to distance himself from the Clintons. It's called integrity.
Bill might have been a somewhat successful president, they might be smart as all get out, but all they want is their own power. Elitest doesn't cover it. posted 04/13/2008 at 22:33:24
Right... his advice might have been bad, or awful or whatever, but she's the one who took it. She's the one who's responsible, who's on the ballot. posted 04/11/2008 at 14:42:15
Yes, thanks for articulating this. The right to destroy all principle in the name of ambition is an American principle... one that's stealing this country's future, and wasting it. posted 04/01/2008 at 06:52:43
It gave me the odd... hope... that this strange Clinton auto-da-fe might prove some sort of cathartic... epiphany for many of us. So many secrets being told, so many taboos broken, so much unexamined history seeing light. posted 03/30/2008 at 20:33:00
Very good post... My hope is that the Obama campaign has demonstrated the urgent need for all of us to step up. Our country faces huge crises, and passively waiting for someone to fix things has never worked, and isn't a luxury we can afford. America was founded as a participatory democracy, and we all need to get involved to make it work - especially our elected leaders, and especially in this crucial campaign. It's time to move forward, honor our consciences, and make a difference in our politics, and in our world. posted 03/28/2008 at 19:18:26
Well, neither example is good, for sure, but he's nowhere near Hillary in terms of sheer gutsy prevarication. I mean, these are the only knocks that have (thus far) stuck. She's got, in a manner of speaking, "35 years of experience". posted 03/28/2008 at 23:31:09
And, um, even back then, people had been talking the need for health care reform for some time. With a huge mandate, both houses of congress, and private meetings with health care industry, theoretically to pave the way, she managed to fail to accomplish anything, which failure has cost us 15 years of the current mess, with its attendent costs in money and lives, and, of course, profits to the health care industry. After that failure, she gave up.
Some fighter. Some experience. posted 03/28/2008 at 20:48:53
None of what she reports is news, others across the political spectrum have made the same observations. There's nothing uncritical there, if anything, the reverse.
Heck, the Clintons started out with this election to lose. They've done so... because people have consistently applied critical thinking to their horrendous string of fabrications.
And of course the implication is... posted 03/28/2008 at 19:30:25
The whole thing is getting surreal, in many respects.
I have a funny feeling that somehow we're all sort of learning a lot.
Which would be good! We need something... We're in it up to our chins, and if we don't all work to pull ourselves out, the only way is down. posted 03/28/2008 at 19:25:43
Actually, I'm beginning to swing around to the idea that this might be a back-handed blessing in disguise (not an original thought, I hasten to mention, but a darned interesting one). That, especially coming from such a flawed source as she's generally (and growing consistently) percieved to be, these attacks lose their impact, especially so far ahead of the general election. Obama answered the association with Wright, made a truly historic speech in response, and, on the day that she's generally ridiculed for an outrageous "mis-statement" (note to Hillary: don't lie about something if it was filmed at the time...), she drags this out of the sewer again. Um... gee, how surprizing? All it does is make her look even worse, more divisive, less competent, less electable. And it makes Obama, by comparison, look that much better. posted 03/25/2008 at 20:02:17
He has, you just have to pay attention.
Heck, there are a couple of things that Wright says - out of how many sermons he's preached? Taken out of context, that most would find objectionable. But that our government lied to us? Why else are we in Iraq (etc etc)? that this country is run by a rich elite of mostly white males? That's not correct?
Aren't you angry about these things too?
And by all accounts, unlike others who claim such things, Wright has lived a life of service to his church, his community and his country, including a stint as a US Marine.
Don't you think that's worth some respect? Or do you judge someone by a few remarks? Remember what we're taught about judging? posted 03/25/2008 at 19:55:14
Yes, it's difficult to not think about going independent after the inept and corrupt showing the Democratic party has put forth lately... as anywhere, there are outstanding individuals, but so many arrogant hacks. posted 03/25/2008 at 01:25:28
Thank you! Well said. posted 03/25/2008 at 01:21:42
Just love that Whoopi. And who's the gal to her left that (also) did a magnificent job of defusing a potentially ugly situation. posted 03/24/2008 at 22:53:08
Understand and appreciate your view... but to be fair, Sen. McCain served his country honorably, and has long been the most visible proponent for getting the money out of our political system (to my mind, it's, um, the root of all evil? Certainly in politics.). Lately... the straight talk express seems to do a lot of swerving, but still. And no, I wouldn't vote for him. posted 03/21/2008 at 23:31:57
"Change WE can believe in" ... most of that money (not all) comes from small donations, and none of it comes from lobbyists. Yes, that's a change.
And, alas, I fear I have heard (or seen, really) several Clinton supporters vow they'd never vote for Obama. I hope they have reason to change their minds about that.
And yah, my hands aren't sullied... it feels good to contribute to something (or someone) I honestly believe in. posted 03/21/2008 at 23:28:32
Very interesting analysis! I hope you're right on all counts. posted 03/25/2008 at 16:41:22
Just what part of not understanding different opinions is "Obamabots"?
One could make an obvious parallel to certain Clinton campaign tactics... but is it reeeeally needed? posted 03/25/2008 at 16:36:50
Thank you, well said.
Certainly other religious leaders have made profoundly divisive comments, without the history of service to his church, his community, and his country (as a US Marine, among other ways) as Rev. Wright has done. Taken out of context, his comments are merely inflammatory, and certainly not representative of the man's work or teaching. And were they inappropriate? Probably. But we've seen worse from our elected officials, and worse from (most of) our candidates. posted 03/25/2008 at 16:34:14
I can only imagine Edwards is trying to play both sides for (another) VP run, or something similar. Given his comittment to reform, it's hard to understand why he could possibly still be on the fence. But your post nails it: history is knocking at his door... will he let it go unanswered? His support would be tremendous now... but that won't always be the case. Is the potential Clinton displeasure that meaningful? If so, more power to those who have already stepped up to publicly support Sen. Obama.
Which, also, does not include Al Gore. That would be another major statement, and potentially very meaningful now... but probably not always. What is he waiting for? Given his refusal (possibly suicidal) to let Bill Clinton campaign for him in 2000, the inference is that he's had enough of their style of politics (as Bill's VP? one can guess what that must have been like for him).
So, Al, now is your chance to show your leadership. Do the right thing. It matters. posted 03/22/2008 at 22:37:17
Wait... don't answer that... posted 03/22/2008 at 14:07:57
Yes, same here... and while the Republican... Conservative? whatever, attack machine certainly didn't pause in their drumbeats, I certainly understand much better now why they hate him so. And yes, have more sympathy for their perspective.
On some level it becomes another polarization emblem, that there was such a divide in the perception of the Clintons. I honestly believe, if nothing else, Obama has introduced powerful concepts back into the American dialogue, to some extent already healing the divide that has so polarized our politics and public life, and disempowered so many of us, good Americans all. Similarly with the issues around our racial divisions, he's done a magnificent job of actually leading our nation, bringing perspectives to all of us that are already bringing about desperately needed change.
And... those of you who are put off by the enthusiasm and passion of Obama supporters: we see a chance to heal our nation, to once again be the nation we dream we can be, rather than the failure we have become. Please understand that those words, "Yes, we can" mean that it is in our power to set America back on a good course, that we all are needed to do that, and that contrary to the bitterness of so many divisive years, we are all Americans trying to do the best we can for our nation. Working together we can become great again. posted 03/22/2008 at 11:31:27
Splendid job - true journalism. Presenting the facts to inform the public, as opposed to the slanted misrepresentation of anything remotely sensationalistic.
Thanks for setting the record straight! posted 03/21/2008 at 18:35:49
Thank you, my sense exactly. None of the observations, regardless of the passions behind them, is inaccurate, unwarranted, or misleading. These are the specifics of Hillary Clinton's record, regardless of how much she has tried to present a different picture. posted 03/21/2008 at 14:16:48
Nice try, but it's all nonsense. Sounds much more like Hillary. Haven't you been paying attention? I mean point by point it's ridiculous? Humiliates his victims? That's Hillary. Pathological lying? Hillary (35 years of experience? Counting her tenure on the Wal Mart board as public service?)
See, this is what we don't like. Sheer shameless prevarication.
We are better than that, and deserve better than another 8 years of Clinton arrogance and misdeeds. posted 03/21/2008 at 14:06:37
As I recall, graciousness was one of Hillary's tacks at some point (there have been a lot, but that was one of them). I think they're too much the machine politicians to appear to be that arrogantly self-serving. posted 03/21/2008 at 11:50:06
http://vodpod.com/watch/268188-tired-of-electing-thieves-liars-and-murderers-yet
Just watch it... it's on the Paul case, and it shows how dishonest the Clintons are.
She may actually visit Martha Stewart's old digs for this one. posted 04/26/2008 at 22:49:00