HILLARY CLINTON EMERGES AS STATE DEPARTMENT CANDIDATE
The Associate Press is now reporting Sen Hillary Clinton may be up for the post of Secretary of State. Um, yes please! I'd like to have a serious woman in that position once again. Madeline Albright, you did your best and Condi? Er, not so much.
If this proves to be true, this move made by the Obama-Biden administration will be something that will reign in more support to their cause. For the former Hillary supporters who never got behind the "Yes We Can Express" this is a renewal of the hope we once thought was lost: a chance to have Hillary in the White House. She's already ruled out running for president in 2012, so this is the next best thing for Hillary. (besides being VP, of course)
Cross your fingers everyone that this report turns out to be a true one. I can't honestly imagine anyone else more perfect for the position of Secretary of State than Hillary Clinton. She's got experience and knowledge that Obama won't even have until his tenure in the White House is up. We need her in the White House! Because if Biden, who was picked as VP for his foreign policy expertise, can't talk Obama into/out of something -- Clinton sure can.
UPDATE:
Officials: Sen. Clinton eyed as secretary of state
I guess there is more truth to this story than I thought. In another story released by the AP, it states two Democratic insiders have divulged the information about Clinton's possibly candidacy for the 3rd highest ranking in the executive branch. I just hope these "insiders" aren't bumbling douches like the McCain "insiders" who blabbed information about Palin that we didn't care to know about (ie. answering hotel door in a towel!) after the campaign lost its bid for the White House. Time will tell.
Thursday 13 November 2008
REALLY? Ya think?!
BAILOUT LACKS OVERSIGHT...
Watchdog Panel is Empty; Report is Unfinished
The Washington Post reported today that money granted as a bailout for our failing economy is not being watched. Huh... Tell me something shocking cuz this news sure isn't!
I supported the bailout at first. They said some nice things and pounded in the word oversight into every speech given by a politician about this bill. The word oversight is sorely lacking in our government right now, so whenever a politician mentioned it, it made us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Right? It made us feel like we could trust this bailout to do something, even if we knew it wouldn't help 'Main Street' right away. McCain and Obama supported it so how could we not support it? Too bad the politicians we should have listened to were the ones speaking sentences that placed the phrase "need some palpable" before the word oversight.
This bailout cannot work if there is no functional oversight. We all know this! With $290 billion already in the hands of large banks like Bank of America, no one is around to watch what happens with the money borrowed against our ever-growing national debt. There also isn't a group of people overseeing what the bill can do next. With a lame-duck Congress that will probably wait until the new session begins in January to do anything about this and doubts that anyone will understand the bill enough to oversee it's purpose, this $700 billion bailout is now another cloud looming over the hell that is 2008.
Hurrah...
Watchdog Panel is Empty; Report is Unfinished
The Washington Post reported today that money granted as a bailout for our failing economy is not being watched. Huh... Tell me something shocking cuz this news sure isn't!
I supported the bailout at first. They said some nice things and pounded in the word oversight into every speech given by a politician about this bill. The word oversight is sorely lacking in our government right now, so whenever a politician mentioned it, it made us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Right? It made us feel like we could trust this bailout to do something, even if we knew it wouldn't help 'Main Street' right away. McCain and Obama supported it so how could we not support it? Too bad the politicians we should have listened to were the ones speaking sentences that placed the phrase "need some palpable" before the word oversight.
This bailout cannot work if there is no functional oversight. We all know this! With $290 billion already in the hands of large banks like Bank of America, no one is around to watch what happens with the money borrowed against our ever-growing national debt. There also isn't a group of people overseeing what the bill can do next. With a lame-duck Congress that will probably wait until the new session begins in January to do anything about this and doubts that anyone will understand the bill enough to oversee it's purpose, this $700 billion bailout is now another cloud looming over the hell that is 2008.
Hurrah...
Wednesday 29 October 2008
If one slanderous lie doesn't work, pick another one
McCain and Palin... Palin and McCain... Their campaign is based on negativity. Based on taking stretched out truths and attempting to make those lies work for them. Will they ever learn? I think more people are afraid by facts than lies. And they have no solid facts to pull out on Obama that would hurt his campaign besides the fact he doesn't have much federal government experience. But hey, Palin has less than Obama so whose complaining there, right?
The latest slander McCain/Palin have taken out from their box o'dirty tricks is Obama's "tie" to a Palestinian called Rashid Khalidi, who is a former Columbia University professor. He apparently has ties to the PLO and believes Israelis are "terrorists." Obama happened to be at a send off for the guy when he decided to leave his teaching career behind back in 2003. He got up and said something about how he enjoyed chatting with Mr Khalidi and having dinner at his house. There is apparently a video tape of this farewell and the Los Angeles Times has it in their possession. In fact, they've had it for over six months and have reported about it's existence. I barely remember this story, so obviously it's not an important issue.
But now --after a failed attempt to tie Obama to socialism (man someone needs to go back to college and learn what socialism really is), Ayers, and ACORN-- Palin is calling for this video to be released. Which is dumb because Obama's alleged existence at this event doesn't really matter. It gives us no proof that Obama has ties with something dodgy that used to promote terrorism against the Israelis. It supposedly just shows Obama saying good-bye to someone he does not consider to be a confident.
Besides the fact, when Mr McCain was chairman for the International Republican Institute, he allocated money to Mr Khalidi. The institute gave money to the Center for Palestine Research and Studies, which was founded by Mr Khalidi. If anyone has ties to a dodgy terrorism-like organization, it's McCain. Not Obama.
And I must note that apparently Palin's five or so years in the undergraduate circuit as a Journalism major failed her. You can't demand a newspaper to hand over material that has been given to them anonymously and/or with conditions! Did she skip the day they covered this stuff in Ethics or what? Actually, that's just common sense. For journalists, it's all about protection of sources and material. If you don't believe me, read the Associated Press Stylebook.
If you want to read a good blog entry about this story --which highlights Palin's attempt at this new dirty trick while Joe the Plummer stands beside her (YEP)-- head over to MSNBC's First Read: Palin keeps up the hits. The best part of this blog, though, is the comments everyone left at the end of the article. I thought I was a Palin-hater but man! These guys are good. And I still haven't found a pro-Palin statement amongst these comments, which is rare.
Mwhahaha, another slanderous attack has backfired on you Mrs Palin!
The latest slander McCain/Palin have taken out from their box o'dirty tricks is Obama's "tie" to a Palestinian called Rashid Khalidi, who is a former Columbia University professor. He apparently has ties to the PLO and believes Israelis are "terrorists." Obama happened to be at a send off for the guy when he decided to leave his teaching career behind back in 2003. He got up and said something about how he enjoyed chatting with Mr Khalidi and having dinner at his house. There is apparently a video tape of this farewell and the Los Angeles Times has it in their possession. In fact, they've had it for over six months and have reported about it's existence. I barely remember this story, so obviously it's not an important issue.
But now --after a failed attempt to tie Obama to socialism (man someone needs to go back to college and learn what socialism really is), Ayers, and ACORN-- Palin is calling for this video to be released. Which is dumb because Obama's alleged existence at this event doesn't really matter. It gives us no proof that Obama has ties with something dodgy that used to promote terrorism against the Israelis. It supposedly just shows Obama saying good-bye to someone he does not consider to be a confident.
Besides the fact, when Mr McCain was chairman for the International Republican Institute, he allocated money to Mr Khalidi. The institute gave money to the Center for Palestine Research and Studies, which was founded by Mr Khalidi. If anyone has ties to a dodgy terrorism-like organization, it's McCain. Not Obama.
And I must note that apparently Palin's five or so years in the undergraduate circuit as a Journalism major failed her. You can't demand a newspaper to hand over material that has been given to them anonymously and/or with conditions! Did she skip the day they covered this stuff in Ethics or what? Actually, that's just common sense. For journalists, it's all about protection of sources and material. If you don't believe me, read the Associated Press Stylebook.
If you want to read a good blog entry about this story --which highlights Palin's attempt at this new dirty trick while Joe the Plummer stands beside her (YEP)-- head over to MSNBC's First Read: Palin keeps up the hits. The best part of this blog, though, is the comments everyone left at the end of the article. I thought I was a Palin-hater but man! These guys are good. And I still haven't found a pro-Palin statement amongst these comments, which is rare.
Mwhahaha, another slanderous attack has backfired on you Mrs Palin!
Monday 27 October 2008
YES WE CAN
I know what you're thinking -- did I seriously just use the mantra of the Obama/Biden campaign as a title for a blog post?! Yep. I know a few months ago I posted a statement where I said I'd never support Obama unless I saw some real change. Well, I've seen some change happening with the message of the Obama campaign. So now, I would like to state that I am 100% for the Obama/Biden ticket. Consider this my endorsement! (oh, fancy)
With that out of the way, I would like to discuss something important... November 4th. It is a day which we will elect a new president. It is a day where we will make history. The 21st century hasn't been that great at producing positive history. Our tally sheet right now boasts the 9/11 attacks; two ridiculous wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; Gitmo; Enron; tons of politicians being tried for bribery and conspiracy; and several little recessions and now a huge recession. And really, I could go on. This is a disgusting list of facts that is being written about our generation's presence in the history books and it's time it stopped. It's time we did something amazing. Most of all, it's time we voted a Democratic duo back into the White House.
As a Democrat, I guess I'm obliged to say positive history can be written upon the election of a Democratic president. But I support Obama/Biden beyond obligation. I support them because I know first-hand what McCain has done (or hasn't done). As a former resident of Arizona, I know that he left the desert-y state behind in a lot of his decisions. I know I haven't benefited from his tenure in the Senate. So why would I --or any of us-- benefit from him being in the White House?
On the 19th, I had the privilege to see Senator Joe Biden speak in Tacoma. He didn't preach the 'Yes We Can' mantra we're used to being fed through media coverage of Obama rallies. He didn't speak to us on the word of "change" and offer no support. He spoke to us about everything we're going through as a country. How the Democratic party wants to help us out. And most of all, he talked about McCain and how he would NOT benefit our nation. He broke down McCain's health care plan. WHAT A JOKE. I don't think Obama's plan is necessarily better, but McCain's plan is another way for the Republicans to rob us blind. And it's another example of how out-of-touch McCain is.
McCain scares me. Seriously. Not only because his smile is creepy, he uses his hands in a weird way when he speaks, or the fact he has a love for saying "my friends" past the point where it's acceptable... but because he's talking about things that don't relate to the country we live in today. Who does he think we are? Millionaires? Does he think we all invest? That we think sending jobs overseas is a good idea? That we'd like to get ripped off even more for health care? That the middle class likes paying tons of taxes? That pork barrel spending is a term we're familiar with? We are not these people!!
Biden really brought it home for me. I am a Democrat through and through. Cut my blood and I bleed blue. And after I saw Biden speak I felt even more compelled to be the most Democratic person I could be. I believe in this ticket. I believe in Obama and Biden. I believe change can happen. Obama and Biden won't be the soul reason why change happens --I know how the federal system works-- but they'll be the instigators for change. They can put forth bills into committee that work for us. Obama can sign in legislation that works for us. And Obama can veto legislation that doesn't work for us. I trust his judgement. I trust that Obama and Biden can bring us back from this fiery hell hole the country has free-fallen in to.
Tonight Michelle Obama was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and I was moved by how graceful and caring she is. How she sees humour in the fact that Barack is "a little busy right now." How she cares about families, especially military families. Hillary Clinton supported literacy, education and health care when she was First Lady; now there will (hopefully) be a new First Lady that will pick up where she left off. It'd be amazing to have a First Lady like Michelle Obama. No more frigid, stuck-up First Ladies are allowed in the White House! A vote for Barack is a vote for Michelle. If you're not sure about voting Obama, then maybe that will settle it for you.
If you want a dedicated President and VP in the White House, plus a kick ass First Lady and VP First Lady - get out and vote for the Democratic ticket. Make history. Tell the Republican Party they can go to hell. Voting is the only way we can get out of this mess. And voting Democrat is REALLY the only way I can foresee our country getting out of this mess.
And remember... YES WE CAN!
P.S. - Don't forget to vote Democrat ACROSS THE BOARD! (unless there is a Dem running for a seat and they're SUPER dodgy, then you have my permission to not vote for them... Write your name in, if you can!) And don't forget to look at the ENTIRE ballot and vote for everything on the list. Even if you don't know what the heck an initiative or prop is. Even if you could care less what state or federal judge is retained -- JUST DO IT!
Check it out:
The latest polls from Associated Press
Learn how you can help get out the vote for Obama
Get edu-ma-cated on the Democratic Party and find out how to support your local candidates
With that out of the way, I would like to discuss something important... November 4th. It is a day which we will elect a new president. It is a day where we will make history. The 21st century hasn't been that great at producing positive history. Our tally sheet right now boasts the 9/11 attacks; two ridiculous wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; Gitmo; Enron; tons of politicians being tried for bribery and conspiracy; and several little recessions and now a huge recession. And really, I could go on. This is a disgusting list of facts that is being written about our generation's presence in the history books and it's time it stopped. It's time we did something amazing. Most of all, it's time we voted a Democratic duo back into the White House.
As a Democrat, I guess I'm obliged to say positive history can be written upon the election of a Democratic president. But I support Obama/Biden beyond obligation. I support them because I know first-hand what McCain has done (or hasn't done). As a former resident of Arizona, I know that he left the desert-y state behind in a lot of his decisions. I know I haven't benefited from his tenure in the Senate. So why would I --or any of us-- benefit from him being in the White House?
On the 19th, I had the privilege to see Senator Joe Biden speak in Tacoma. He didn't preach the 'Yes We Can' mantra we're used to being fed through media coverage of Obama rallies. He didn't speak to us on the word of "change" and offer no support. He spoke to us about everything we're going through as a country. How the Democratic party wants to help us out. And most of all, he talked about McCain and how he would NOT benefit our nation. He broke down McCain's health care plan. WHAT A JOKE. I don't think Obama's plan is necessarily better, but McCain's plan is another way for the Republicans to rob us blind. And it's another example of how out-of-touch McCain is.
McCain scares me. Seriously. Not only because his smile is creepy, he uses his hands in a weird way when he speaks, or the fact he has a love for saying "my friends" past the point where it's acceptable... but because he's talking about things that don't relate to the country we live in today. Who does he think we are? Millionaires? Does he think we all invest? That we think sending jobs overseas is a good idea? That we'd like to get ripped off even more for health care? That the middle class likes paying tons of taxes? That pork barrel spending is a term we're familiar with? We are not these people!!
Biden really brought it home for me. I am a Democrat through and through. Cut my blood and I bleed blue. And after I saw Biden speak I felt even more compelled to be the most Democratic person I could be. I believe in this ticket. I believe in Obama and Biden. I believe change can happen. Obama and Biden won't be the soul reason why change happens --I know how the federal system works-- but they'll be the instigators for change. They can put forth bills into committee that work for us. Obama can sign in legislation that works for us. And Obama can veto legislation that doesn't work for us. I trust his judgement. I trust that Obama and Biden can bring us back from this fiery hell hole the country has free-fallen in to.
Tonight Michelle Obama was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and I was moved by how graceful and caring she is. How she sees humour in the fact that Barack is "a little busy right now." How she cares about families, especially military families. Hillary Clinton supported literacy, education and health care when she was First Lady; now there will (hopefully) be a new First Lady that will pick up where she left off. It'd be amazing to have a First Lady like Michelle Obama. No more frigid, stuck-up First Ladies are allowed in the White House! A vote for Barack is a vote for Michelle. If you're not sure about voting Obama, then maybe that will settle it for you.
If you want a dedicated President and VP in the White House, plus a kick ass First Lady and VP First Lady - get out and vote for the Democratic ticket. Make history. Tell the Republican Party they can go to hell. Voting is the only way we can get out of this mess. And voting Democrat is REALLY the only way I can foresee our country getting out of this mess.
And remember... YES WE CAN!
P.S. - Don't forget to vote Democrat ACROSS THE BOARD! (unless there is a Dem running for a seat and they're SUPER dodgy, then you have my permission to not vote for them... Write your name in, if you can!) And don't forget to look at the ENTIRE ballot and vote for everything on the list. Even if you don't know what the heck an initiative or prop is. Even if you could care less what state or federal judge is retained -- JUST DO IT!
Check it out:
The latest polls from Associated Press
Learn how you can help get out the vote for Obama
Get edu-ma-cated on the Democratic Party and find out how to support your local candidates
Sunday 7 September 2008
Oh brother...
Bush hosted his last t-ball game today on the South Lawn of the White House. (who knew he's hosted an annual t-ball game since 2001? not me, that's for certain) They didn't keep score and no one lost. HUH I wonder if he runs his t-ball games like he runs his foreign policy... Free shots for everyone and by-passes the rules just because he can.
If you want to read the full story, here is the link. But be warned, gagging at the cheezy-ness may ensue: Bush hosts his last T-ball game (from AP/MSNBC)
If you want to read the full story, here is the link. But be warned, gagging at the cheezy-ness may ensue: Bush hosts his last T-ball game (from AP/MSNBC)
Saturday 23 August 2008
Obama and his attack dog VP
So Obama picked Joe Biden for his running mate. A guy who is almost 20 years his senior. A guy who is part of the "old school Dem politics" that Clinton was apart of. I guess Obama looked past all of that when he chose him for VP. Instead he saw this:
Obama is losing the Catholic vote and conveniently, Biden is Catholic...
And he doesn't really have the senior vote, and oup! Biden is a senior...
And Obama probably has no chance in hell to win a swing state like Pennsylvania, and guess where Biden is from? Scranton, Pennsylvania! (Also the 'location' for the hit NBC comedy 'the Office)
So is this the winning ticket, folks? The hotshot junior Senator of Illinois who doesn't really know what he's talking about (and keeps talking just because he can) and the senior Senator from Delaware who is aggressive and doesn't roll over and take it like Obama? Hmmm... We'll have to wait and see who McCain picks as his running mate before we can decide that debate. Now, if McCain picks Romney (dunno why he would) as his VP then the Dems are in the White House for sure. But if McCain picks, say oh I dunno a Democratic traitor by the name of Joe Lieberman, then we (the Dems) won't have a good shot. After all, McCain is now ahead in the polls and if he picks a strong running mate, then we're screwed. And the Dems need this presidential win more than they need their 5-a-day fruit and veg.
(And that's not an endorsement for Obama. You should all know by now that I will never support Obama until I see some real change happening)
Obama is losing the Catholic vote and conveniently, Biden is Catholic...
And he doesn't really have the senior vote, and oup! Biden is a senior...
And Obama probably has no chance in hell to win a swing state like Pennsylvania, and guess where Biden is from? Scranton, Pennsylvania! (Also the 'location' for the hit NBC comedy 'the Office)
So is this the winning ticket, folks? The hotshot junior Senator of Illinois who doesn't really know what he's talking about (and keeps talking just because he can) and the senior Senator from Delaware who is aggressive and doesn't roll over and take it like Obama? Hmmm... We'll have to wait and see who McCain picks as his running mate before we can decide that debate. Now, if McCain picks Romney (dunno why he would) as his VP then the Dems are in the White House for sure. But if McCain picks, say oh I dunno a Democratic traitor by the name of Joe Lieberman, then we (the Dems) won't have a good shot. After all, McCain is now ahead in the polls and if he picks a strong running mate, then we're screwed. And the Dems need this presidential win more than they need their 5-a-day fruit and veg.
(And that's not an endorsement for Obama. You should all know by now that I will never support Obama until I see some real change happening)
Thursday 8 May 2008
Arizona is embarrassed
The video you are about to watch will cause extreme embarrassment to residents of Arizona. I know it embarrassed the heck out of me not only because I am a former resident of Arizona, but a fan of the Office.
Let the games begin:
I don't know what was worse though, the joke Jon Stewart made that Hillary Clinton should be his VP or McCain (POORLY) reading Dwight's name off the cue card... Does he even know who Dwight is? (Or how to act?) SERIOUSLY.
A member of the LiveJournal Office board I'm on, which is where I found this, made this comment about McCain's attempt at hipness: "I love how completely transparent his attempt at hipness was. C'mon McCain...don't you even want to make the effort to MEMORIZE the joke?"
Ah, c'est vrai. (it is true)
Now, a flood of thoughts hit me upon seeing this video.
First off--McCain, on TV? Oh god. Do we have to be reminded that his sense of humour is drier than Death Valley? He tried connecting with people when he hosted SNL a few years ago and all he got out of that appearance was a few sympathy laughs. He's not funny, ok? But don't tell him I said that because I don't fancy being on the receiving end of that hissy fit.
Second--what the heck was McCain doing on Jon Stewart? (BOO! Get him off the stage!) The obvious answer is he was trying to connect with young voters. I can't blame him because apparently, this year's election is all about the youth vote. Actually, Obama made it about the youth vote for the first half of the primary season--as did Gore and Kerry during their entire campaign--but who's keeping count?
It's impossible for him to connect with the young voters. He should just accept it and move on. And trust me, saying he is going to name Dwight K. Schrute (because that's how he uses his name when he means business!) as his VP is NOT going to help in this area. In fact, it might as well cause him to LOSE votes.
Republicans aren't generally hip in the first place, so, I doubt this joke made sense to many Republicans. Second of all, there aren't a lot of young Republican voters out there... And if there are, they probably do not watch 'the Office'. Once again--the joke does not get through to the Republican viewers. (I'm stereotyping, so don't sue me)
Third--I have to question WHY McCain chose to announce Dwight as his "VP" out of all the popular characters in existence. Jim or Michael could have been named. Justin Timberlake could have been announced, for cheese sake. But why Dwight? A character from a TV show that is based in Pennsylvania... Which this state is full of working-class voters... And the Dems just happened to be fighting over the working-class voters... Coincidence? I think not.
McCain wants a bit of the working-class-vote action. While the youth vote is an important bloc for him to grab, we all know deep down that he won't receive it. The next largest bloc to reach out to is the working-class. Working-class voters generally don't like Republicans so this is kind of a stretch for McCain, but he's going to try. He wants a piece of the Democrats' pie. He isn't bickering his way though an elongated primary like the Dems. Instead he is sitting back, flying around in private plans, thinking about how he can interject his presence into the Democratic blood bath.
It isn't going to work. He's too stiff and doesn't have the same shared values as the working-class. Sure he may vote based on how he feels on guns and religions, just like the working-class (OBAMA--you started this you know), but he does it in an elitist way. And in a Republican way. Which, really, are almost one in the same.
Overall, McCain needs to give it up. He's not interesting and through this video you can tell he's not interested in actually connecting to the young voters or the working-class. Whoever arranged this appearance and (stupid) pseudo-announcement is smart (and maybe a fan of the Office--but they're Republican so I doubt it) but really, they should have thought about the negatives this appearance was going to bring about. The negatives out weigh the positives, my friend!
Let the games begin:
I don't know what was worse though, the joke Jon Stewart made that Hillary Clinton should be his VP or McCain (POORLY) reading Dwight's name off the cue card... Does he even know who Dwight is? (Or how to act?) SERIOUSLY.
A member of the LiveJournal Office board I'm on, which is where I found this, made this comment about McCain's attempt at hipness: "I love how completely transparent his attempt at hipness was. C'mon McCain...don't you even want to make the effort to MEMORIZE the joke?"
Ah, c'est vrai. (it is true)
Now, a flood of thoughts hit me upon seeing this video.
First off--McCain, on TV? Oh god. Do we have to be reminded that his sense of humour is drier than Death Valley? He tried connecting with people when he hosted SNL a few years ago and all he got out of that appearance was a few sympathy laughs. He's not funny, ok? But don't tell him I said that because I don't fancy being on the receiving end of that hissy fit.
Second--what the heck was McCain doing on Jon Stewart? (BOO! Get him off the stage!) The obvious answer is he was trying to connect with young voters. I can't blame him because apparently, this year's election is all about the youth vote. Actually, Obama made it about the youth vote for the first half of the primary season--as did Gore and Kerry during their entire campaign--but who's keeping count?
It's impossible for him to connect with the young voters. He should just accept it and move on. And trust me, saying he is going to name Dwight K. Schrute (because that's how he uses his name when he means business!) as his VP is NOT going to help in this area. In fact, it might as well cause him to LOSE votes.
Republicans aren't generally hip in the first place, so, I doubt this joke made sense to many Republicans. Second of all, there aren't a lot of young Republican voters out there... And if there are, they probably do not watch 'the Office'. Once again--the joke does not get through to the Republican viewers. (I'm stereotyping, so don't sue me)
Third--I have to question WHY McCain chose to announce Dwight as his "VP" out of all the popular characters in existence. Jim or Michael could have been named. Justin Timberlake could have been announced, for cheese sake. But why Dwight? A character from a TV show that is based in Pennsylvania... Which this state is full of working-class voters... And the Dems just happened to be fighting over the working-class voters... Coincidence? I think not.
McCain wants a bit of the working-class-vote action. While the youth vote is an important bloc for him to grab, we all know deep down that he won't receive it. The next largest bloc to reach out to is the working-class. Working-class voters generally don't like Republicans so this is kind of a stretch for McCain, but he's going to try. He wants a piece of the Democrats' pie. He isn't bickering his way though an elongated primary like the Dems. Instead he is sitting back, flying around in private plans, thinking about how he can interject his presence into the Democratic blood bath.
It isn't going to work. He's too stiff and doesn't have the same shared values as the working-class. Sure he may vote based on how he feels on guns and religions, just like the working-class (OBAMA--you started this you know), but he does it in an elitist way. And in a Republican way. Which, really, are almost one in the same.
Overall, McCain needs to give it up. He's not interesting and through this video you can tell he's not interested in actually connecting to the young voters or the working-class. Whoever arranged this appearance and (stupid) pseudo-announcement is smart (and maybe a fan of the Office--but they're Republican so I doubt it) but really, they should have thought about the negatives this appearance was going to bring about. The negatives out weigh the positives, my friend!
Thursday 1 May 2008
Vote or die
Voting in today's election? Good for you! And if you aren’t, you better read this because really—there is no excuse
Today, Sheffield and cities all over the UK will be relishing in the benefits of democracy by casting a vote in their local elections. In all honesty, I’m excited. And I’m not even a UK citizen! (I’m American so… yeah)
However, when I look at the dismal numbers Sheffield likes to call its voter turnout, I get this feeling that you’re not too bothered by the election.
All I have to say is this: WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?! Why are YOU—the reader, voter, and local resident—completely disregarding the fact that you have a say in something that basically impacts the way you live?
The Sheffield city council does so much for its residents. It oversees the schools, the recycling and rubbish pick-up, housing benefits, roads, libraries, parks, and so much more. There isn’t a day that goes by when you aren’t using at least one of these services.
Disregarding your local government does not make sense. They do all these wonderful things for you and you thank them by not voting? That’s just not kosher.
The unofficially Labour-lead council has manipulated some services offered by the City of Sheffield, its true, but they still make sure this city is alive and well. The revival of the city centre wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for them approving the plans and the funds.
Just think: this is an election that will change your future. And here you were thinking the only future-changing election taking place this year was the presidential race in the United States!
With the struggle between Labour and Liberal Democrats heating up to a dangerous boiling point, YOU could be the deciding vote between who takes the official lead in the council. Let’s face it—this city could be ruined if you don’t vote this year or in the years to come.
More importantly, by becoming involved in politics at the local level, you have a say in how money is allocated to the services you regularly benefit from. Services such as housing assistance won’t get the boost they need if a candidate that supports increasing the benefits isn’t elected.
No longer have an excuse
There are a lot of things that deter people from voting; that’s understandable. But voting is an equal right that caters to people so they can have a say in their government. For instance, those who may not speak English as their first language can request a ballot in their native language.
For those of you who do not vote and fall back on the simple excuse of “you aren’t interested in politics,” consider this: All the drama, gossiping, meetings and planning that goes on at your place of work is called office politics. All of the drama, gossiping, mind games and planning that goes on with your family and friends is also called politics. Guess what—you are interested in politics. Why not branch out and become involved in your local government’s drama, gossiping, planning, etc?
If it’s confusion on which party to support, than use your resources! The internet, your family and friends are all excellent ways to learn about politics. Don't be afraid to ask. Choosing a party to affiliate with can be a scary undertaking. By using the right resources, you can be sure this excuse will no longer hold you back from voting.
To those of you who say you are too lazy to go out and vote—what the heck. It takes like what, ten minutes to go vote? Nobody is seriously that lazy.
The worst excuse a registered or unregistered voter can use is “my vote doesn’t matter.” Contrary to popular belief, your vote DOES matter. Voting brings about change. I understand you may live in a ward where Liberal Democrats rule and you support Conservative; however, you can’t let that hold you back. Did the fact Southern Democrats didn’t support civil rights stop Democratic presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from pressing on for change? NO. If they did not give up, than neither should you. Otherwise change will never happen.
I always tell people that if they don’t vote then they’re not allowed to complain. They lost that right the minute they decided to avoid making a decision on how their local (and national) government can benefit them.
Face the facts: local politics are important. Without them, you would be forever sitting in a broken down house with an overflowing rubbish bin out by the roadside, waiting for someone—anyone!—to come clear you from this wreckage.
So… what are you waiting for? Put the magazine down and GO VOTE!
(Otherwise I’m sending you to Cuba, where you’ll have to apologize to every person inhabiting the island for the fact that you take your right to vote for granted when they obviously don’t have one)
Author's note: I wrote this for class in honor of our election project that's covering my uni city of Sheffield. I seriously <3 this piece. The comments I make here stand true for any voter from any democratic country. Go out and vote because you never know when you won't have the chance to do so.
Today, Sheffield and cities all over the UK will be relishing in the benefits of democracy by casting a vote in their local elections. In all honesty, I’m excited. And I’m not even a UK citizen! (I’m American so… yeah)
However, when I look at the dismal numbers Sheffield likes to call its voter turnout, I get this feeling that you’re not too bothered by the election.
All I have to say is this: WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?! Why are YOU—the reader, voter, and local resident—completely disregarding the fact that you have a say in something that basically impacts the way you live?
The Sheffield city council does so much for its residents. It oversees the schools, the recycling and rubbish pick-up, housing benefits, roads, libraries, parks, and so much more. There isn’t a day that goes by when you aren’t using at least one of these services.
Disregarding your local government does not make sense. They do all these wonderful things for you and you thank them by not voting? That’s just not kosher.
The unofficially Labour-lead council has manipulated some services offered by the City of Sheffield, its true, but they still make sure this city is alive and well. The revival of the city centre wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for them approving the plans and the funds.
Just think: this is an election that will change your future. And here you were thinking the only future-changing election taking place this year was the presidential race in the United States!
With the struggle between Labour and Liberal Democrats heating up to a dangerous boiling point, YOU could be the deciding vote between who takes the official lead in the council. Let’s face it—this city could be ruined if you don’t vote this year or in the years to come.
More importantly, by becoming involved in politics at the local level, you have a say in how money is allocated to the services you regularly benefit from. Services such as housing assistance won’t get the boost they need if a candidate that supports increasing the benefits isn’t elected.
No longer have an excuse
There are a lot of things that deter people from voting; that’s understandable. But voting is an equal right that caters to people so they can have a say in their government. For instance, those who may not speak English as their first language can request a ballot in their native language.
For those of you who do not vote and fall back on the simple excuse of “you aren’t interested in politics,” consider this: All the drama, gossiping, meetings and planning that goes on at your place of work is called office politics. All of the drama, gossiping, mind games and planning that goes on with your family and friends is also called politics. Guess what—you are interested in politics. Why not branch out and become involved in your local government’s drama, gossiping, planning, etc?
If it’s confusion on which party to support, than use your resources! The internet, your family and friends are all excellent ways to learn about politics. Don't be afraid to ask. Choosing a party to affiliate with can be a scary undertaking. By using the right resources, you can be sure this excuse will no longer hold you back from voting.
To those of you who say you are too lazy to go out and vote—what the heck. It takes like what, ten minutes to go vote? Nobody is seriously that lazy.
The worst excuse a registered or unregistered voter can use is “my vote doesn’t matter.” Contrary to popular belief, your vote DOES matter. Voting brings about change. I understand you may live in a ward where Liberal Democrats rule and you support Conservative; however, you can’t let that hold you back. Did the fact Southern Democrats didn’t support civil rights stop Democratic presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from pressing on for change? NO. If they did not give up, than neither should you. Otherwise change will never happen.
I always tell people that if they don’t vote then they’re not allowed to complain. They lost that right the minute they decided to avoid making a decision on how their local (and national) government can benefit them.
Face the facts: local politics are important. Without them, you would be forever sitting in a broken down house with an overflowing rubbish bin out by the roadside, waiting for someone—anyone!—to come clear you from this wreckage.
So… what are you waiting for? Put the magazine down and GO VOTE!
(Otherwise I’m sending you to Cuba, where you’ll have to apologize to every person inhabiting the island for the fact that you take your right to vote for granted when they obviously don’t have one)
Author's note: I wrote this for class in honor of our election project that's covering my uni city of Sheffield. I seriously <3 this piece. The comments I make here stand true for any voter from any democratic country. Go out and vote because you never know when you won't have the chance to do so.
Eddie Izzard for MP?
Out of all the celebrities that could run for office in Great Britain, you probably wouldn't wager that comedian Eddie Izzard would be interested in running a campaign.
Known for his role as con-man Wayne Malloy on FX’s the Riches, Izzard spoke of his political ambitions during an interview with Newsweek this month. And no, he wasn’t pulling the interviewer’s leg when he elaborated on the fact he happens to be “very into European politics” right now.
When asked if he was serious about running for office, Izzard replied: “Yeah. Don't you think I should?”
“If you think I should and I think I should, then I should. I do like people and trying to make things work. We've got to make it work in Europe. People are very worried about sovereignty and the loss of sovereignty. I think the stakes are if we don't make the European Union work, then the world is screwed. End of story,” he said.
Izzard also spoke of his ideas about how governments in Europe should run: “Logical governance is the thing,” he said. “It already exists. It's called subsidiarity, which is based on Catholic theology and is basically the idea that governance happens at its logical level.”
Maybe he’ll run on the Lib Dem ticket in 2010? Only time will tell. He said he’s not in any hurry to become a politician and his bid is at least “a decade away.”
For now, Izzard will continue to concentrate on his burgeoning film career and upcoming U.S. comedy tour. He can be found starting alongside Tom Cruise in the yet-to-be-released Nazi drama “Valkyrie” and will be heard voicing a character in the next Chronicles of Narnia film, “The Caspian Prince.”
Author's note: Look at me! I wrote a news story for my class. Aw, bless.
Known for his role as con-man Wayne Malloy on FX’s the Riches, Izzard spoke of his political ambitions during an interview with Newsweek this month. And no, he wasn’t pulling the interviewer’s leg when he elaborated on the fact he happens to be “very into European politics” right now.
When asked if he was serious about running for office, Izzard replied: “Yeah. Don't you think I should?”
“If you think I should and I think I should, then I should. I do like people and trying to make things work. We've got to make it work in Europe. People are very worried about sovereignty and the loss of sovereignty. I think the stakes are if we don't make the European Union work, then the world is screwed. End of story,” he said.
Izzard also spoke of his ideas about how governments in Europe should run: “Logical governance is the thing,” he said. “It already exists. It's called subsidiarity, which is based on Catholic theology and is basically the idea that governance happens at its logical level.”
Maybe he’ll run on the Lib Dem ticket in 2010? Only time will tell. He said he’s not in any hurry to become a politician and his bid is at least “a decade away.”
For now, Izzard will continue to concentrate on his burgeoning film career and upcoming U.S. comedy tour. He can be found starting alongside Tom Cruise in the yet-to-be-released Nazi drama “Valkyrie” and will be heard voicing a character in the next Chronicles of Narnia film, “The Caspian Prince.”
Author's note: Look at me! I wrote a news story for my class. Aw, bless.
Is Obama's curtain call near?
Since February, Democratic Party members have been calling for Senator Hillary Clinton to bow out of the presidential race. After winning the Pennsylvania primary with 54% of the vote, it looks as if the call to drop out is now being spun onto rival Barack Obama.
After losing by 11 points to Clinton in last week’s primary, blogger Chris Wilson of Slate.com’s Trailhead says that if Obama is “serious about representing a new kind of politics, now is the time for him to prove it” by dropping out. Wilson believes Clinton will lose against McCain and Obama’s quiet fold will help him win in 2012.
Others believe there are other reasons why Obama should drop out of the race besides saving face for Presidential Campaign Version 2.0.
Adam Nagourney of the New York Times says that Obama doesn’t have what it takes to gain the “key bloc votes.” The key blocs are the white working-class and senior voters. Without those voters, Obama stands the chance of not winning in working-class states like Pennsylvania and Ohio during the general election in November.
The fact he cannot win key bloc votes worries superdelegates. According to an Associated Press report, only a third of the superdelegates have yet to make up their mind. Clinton currently leads in the superdelegate count.
Christopher Beam of Trailhead says another reason exists for why Obama should drop out of the race: the party believes that “Clinton voters will ditch Obama for McCain.”
The Associate Press reported on Tuesday that “Obama backers who don't like Clinton say they would vote for Republican candidate John McCain over her by a two-to-one margin,” while “Clinton backers with unfavorable views of Obama say they would vote for McCain over him by nearly three-to-one.”
A Clinton supporter, Elizabeth Luna, 22, of Houston, Texas says that she will never support Obama if he wins the candidacy.
“He doesn’t have enough experience and his plans are not very clear for the future,” she says.
While Obama’s support decreases, Clinton’s is increasing. On Monday a new Associated Press-Ipsos poll announced that Clinton has gained in the national polls against Obama and they are once again at a virtual tie.
Polls measuring how each Democrat would fair when running against Republican candidate John McCain in November have also changed. As of Monday, Clinton leads McCain by nine percent with 50% compared to his 41%. Obama and McCain are about even in the poll with percentage points of 46 and 44 respectively.
Three weeks ago, both Democratic candidates were at a virtual tie with the senator from Arizona.
The reason for Clinton’s gain is due to an increase of support in almost every bloc of voters, including independents, seniors and Catholics.
The Associated Press says that, when pitted against McCain, Clinton leads with independents with 50% in her favour compared to 34% in his favour. She also leads with seniors with 51% to 39% and with Catholics who are “an important swing voting group in a general election.” Her lead with Southern states, families who make $25,000 a year and voters under the age of 30 is also on the rise.
When pitted against McCain, Obama trails him with the senior vote. However he leads McCain with voters under the age of 30 and has a slight marginal lead in this bloc over Clinton.
Obama may continue to blunder and lose support in the next few weeks thanks to a degrading comment about working class voters being bitter and because of the ever-lasting interest in the controversy caused by mentor Rev. Jeremiah Wright back in March.
His chances of winning back support before voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls on 6 May are further ruined thanks to his docile and tactless performance last Sunday in an interview on radical right-wing Fox News channel.
Clinton supporters, I say to you: enter a premature cheer of excitement here.
Author's note: This is a few days old--I wrote this for class. I hope to write something about the new developments in Obama's attempt to gain back his ground this weekend.
After losing by 11 points to Clinton in last week’s primary, blogger Chris Wilson of Slate.com’s Trailhead says that if Obama is “serious about representing a new kind of politics, now is the time for him to prove it” by dropping out. Wilson believes Clinton will lose against McCain and Obama’s quiet fold will help him win in 2012.
Others believe there are other reasons why Obama should drop out of the race besides saving face for Presidential Campaign Version 2.0.
Adam Nagourney of the New York Times says that Obama doesn’t have what it takes to gain the “key bloc votes.” The key blocs are the white working-class and senior voters. Without those voters, Obama stands the chance of not winning in working-class states like Pennsylvania and Ohio during the general election in November.
The fact he cannot win key bloc votes worries superdelegates. According to an Associated Press report, only a third of the superdelegates have yet to make up their mind. Clinton currently leads in the superdelegate count.
Christopher Beam of Trailhead says another reason exists for why Obama should drop out of the race: the party believes that “Clinton voters will ditch Obama for McCain.”
The Associate Press reported on Tuesday that “Obama backers who don't like Clinton say they would vote for Republican candidate John McCain over her by a two-to-one margin,” while “Clinton backers with unfavorable views of Obama say they would vote for McCain over him by nearly three-to-one.”
A Clinton supporter, Elizabeth Luna, 22, of Houston, Texas says that she will never support Obama if he wins the candidacy.
“He doesn’t have enough experience and his plans are not very clear for the future,” she says.
While Obama’s support decreases, Clinton’s is increasing. On Monday a new Associated Press-Ipsos poll announced that Clinton has gained in the national polls against Obama and they are once again at a virtual tie.
Polls measuring how each Democrat would fair when running against Republican candidate John McCain in November have also changed. As of Monday, Clinton leads McCain by nine percent with 50% compared to his 41%. Obama and McCain are about even in the poll with percentage points of 46 and 44 respectively.
Three weeks ago, both Democratic candidates were at a virtual tie with the senator from Arizona.
The reason for Clinton’s gain is due to an increase of support in almost every bloc of voters, including independents, seniors and Catholics.
The Associated Press says that, when pitted against McCain, Clinton leads with independents with 50% in her favour compared to 34% in his favour. She also leads with seniors with 51% to 39% and with Catholics who are “an important swing voting group in a general election.” Her lead with Southern states, families who make $25,000 a year and voters under the age of 30 is also on the rise.
When pitted against McCain, Obama trails him with the senior vote. However he leads McCain with voters under the age of 30 and has a slight marginal lead in this bloc over Clinton.
Obama may continue to blunder and lose support in the next few weeks thanks to a degrading comment about working class voters being bitter and because of the ever-lasting interest in the controversy caused by mentor Rev. Jeremiah Wright back in March.
His chances of winning back support before voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls on 6 May are further ruined thanks to his docile and tactless performance last Sunday in an interview on radical right-wing Fox News channel.
Clinton supporters, I say to you: enter a premature cheer of excitement here.
Author's note: This is a few days old--I wrote this for class. I hope to write something about the new developments in Obama's attempt to gain back his ground this weekend.
Tuesday 22 April 2008
Clinton and Obama--re-start your engines!
After a six week lull, the Democratic primaries are back on in full force! (I'm so excited!) Voters in Pennsylvania are heading to the polls today to cast a crucial vote in one of the most dramatic primaries to occur in modern U.S. history.
The last big state with 158 delegates at hand, today's primary could help decide who will be the Democratic nominee to run in November.
Actually, I can't say that with a straight face. A-HAHAHAHAHA! It is impossible!
Why am I laughing? Glad you asked. While today's primary will up the ante a bit and put Clinton and Obama in an even tighter race, the results from today or from the primaries taking place up until 3 June are not going to decide anything. With less than a 150 delegate difference between the two of them, it will continue to be impossible to say who has the greater chance of winning the nomination. Also, in case you were wondering, it will continue to be impossible to say if Clinton will drop out after the primary season is officially over. (It is also annoying to keep reading the same recycled message. Move on already!)
In case you haven't noticed, today's primary is also not a close one. Since February, we have all know that Clinton is going to win Pennsylvania. It's inevitable! While Obama has narrowed the gap on her once double-digit lead, we all know that Clinton is going to walk away from this with at least 60% of the vote stuffed in her back pocket. People who think this state is so contested and that today's events are going to be exciting are the ones who could benefit from the fact the WGA strike is over... (GO WATCH "CSI" AND GET OUT OF THE WAY!)
Actually, we can probably call who is going to win the remaining primaries. Here's my list:
Indiana = Clinton
North Carolina = Obama
West Virginia = Clinton
Kentucky = Clinton
Oregon = Obama
Puerto Rico = Clinton (NO THEY ARE NOT A STATE BUT THEY ARE A TERRITORY)
Montana = Obama
South Dakota = Obama
The rest of the primary season is going to be boring, pretty much. No more stories on "OH MY GOD, WHO WILL WIN [enter state name here]???" Instead, stories about the candidates increasing their attacks on each other; the divide among the Democrats; bullshit stories on the candidates; and ones on how McCain is gaining in the national polls will be the only ones we see over the next few months.
Out of all the election-related articles that will be published over the next few weeks, those are probably the most exciting ones we could read. I would LOVE it if the media started to attack Obama. It's about damn time, really. (Clinton could use the break) With his BFF, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, causing controversy and Obama making the biggest blunder of his campaign by announcing that working class voters are bitter and vote based on their beliefs on gun control and religion only; one would think he'd be under more scrutiny. Actually, he got off pretty easy. The media adore him (I don't know WHY but whatever) and trying to take the piss out of him, to journalists, is like kicking a puppy. They just can't do it! It's a shame because they could just wail on him if they wanted. I know there is more dirt to be dug up about him--and I can't wait. [enter evil laugh here]
I don't know if you have noticed, but over the past few days, articles about McCain gaining popularity (despite the fact half of the Republican party hates him) in the national polls have started to surface. With his party's nomination in the bag, McCain has had the chance to traipse around the world and the country, spreading his message of stupidity to unsuspecting people everywhere. The fact he is already out on the campaign trail is significantly hurting the chances of a Democrat winning in November.
In February, no one cared about McCain--they were all interested in the clash of Obama v. Clinton. People around the world scoffed at the thought that the Republicans had a chance at winning in November. It's April and now most of us doubters are beginning to choke on our scoff. This year was supposed to be an easy win for the Dems; now the party has spilt into two and people are starting to doubt the leadership abilities of the party. If we can't stop two candidates from staging the ultimate fight-to-the death cage match, then how will we be able to stop the problems facing the US and the world?
While this is a valid point and will make for excellent features, I just don't think we should worry about that. Am I mad the Democratic primary has been such an up-and-down roller coaster? Of course. Do I believe the party is splitting? Yes. Will I abandon the Democratic party if Obama is elected the candidate? Absolutely. But do I think the Dems are ill-equipped to be the power in the Oval Office and will lose to the Republicans in November? HECK NO.
The reason the Democratic primary has lasted so long is due to the two strong characters running for the candidacy. This isn't 2000 or 2004. The Democrats care who is going to be the candidate. We know the country has gone to hell in a hand basket and we want to make sure we pick the best candidate to get us out of those depths. You know, we should be giving Dems across the country a round of applause for putting up with such a dramatic and difficult primary.
Today Dems in Pennsylvania are putting up with this primary and going to vote. Dems of all social and educational classes are going to put their two-cents in today. And as they tick the little box next to a candidate's name, they are exercising the democratic rights that were granted to them long before they were born. Lets be glad the Democratic primary has gone on for so long; otherwise, these people wouldn't have a say in who is to become the Democratic nominee. That's the most newsworthy and exciting thing happening today, if you ask me.
Thank god for the US electoral system! Without our whacked-out, seemingly nonsensical form of government, I wouldn't be able to say this: Clinton, Obama--keep revving your engines because this race isn't over yet! (woo hoo!)
Want to educate yourself on today's happenings? Give these articles a read:
MSNBC.com: Pennsylvania primary day: Obama or Clinton
Yahoo! News: Obama, Clinton Hit News, Comedy, Wrestling Circuits
Yahoo! News: Barack Obama
Yahoo! News: Hillary Clinton
The last big state with 158 delegates at hand, today's primary could help decide who will be the Democratic nominee to run in November.
Actually, I can't say that with a straight face. A-HAHAHAHAHA! It is impossible!
Why am I laughing? Glad you asked. While today's primary will up the ante a bit and put Clinton and Obama in an even tighter race, the results from today or from the primaries taking place up until 3 June are not going to decide anything. With less than a 150 delegate difference between the two of them, it will continue to be impossible to say who has the greater chance of winning the nomination. Also, in case you were wondering, it will continue to be impossible to say if Clinton will drop out after the primary season is officially over. (It is also annoying to keep reading the same recycled message. Move on already!)
In case you haven't noticed, today's primary is also not a close one. Since February, we have all know that Clinton is going to win Pennsylvania. It's inevitable! While Obama has narrowed the gap on her once double-digit lead, we all know that Clinton is going to walk away from this with at least 60% of the vote stuffed in her back pocket. People who think this state is so contested and that today's events are going to be exciting are the ones who could benefit from the fact the WGA strike is over... (GO WATCH "CSI" AND GET OUT OF THE WAY!)
Actually, we can probably call who is going to win the remaining primaries. Here's my list:
Indiana = Clinton
North Carolina = Obama
West Virginia = Clinton
Kentucky = Clinton
Oregon = Obama
Puerto Rico = Clinton (NO THEY ARE NOT A STATE BUT THEY ARE A TERRITORY)
Montana = Obama
South Dakota = Obama
The rest of the primary season is going to be boring, pretty much. No more stories on "OH MY GOD, WHO WILL WIN [enter state name here]???" Instead, stories about the candidates increasing their attacks on each other; the divide among the Democrats; bullshit stories on the candidates; and ones on how McCain is gaining in the national polls will be the only ones we see over the next few months.
Out of all the election-related articles that will be published over the next few weeks, those are probably the most exciting ones we could read. I would LOVE it if the media started to attack Obama. It's about damn time, really. (Clinton could use the break) With his BFF, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, causing controversy and Obama making the biggest blunder of his campaign by announcing that working class voters are bitter and vote based on their beliefs on gun control and religion only; one would think he'd be under more scrutiny. Actually, he got off pretty easy. The media adore him (I don't know WHY but whatever) and trying to take the piss out of him, to journalists, is like kicking a puppy. They just can't do it! It's a shame because they could just wail on him if they wanted. I know there is more dirt to be dug up about him--and I can't wait. [enter evil laugh here]
I don't know if you have noticed, but over the past few days, articles about McCain gaining popularity (despite the fact half of the Republican party hates him) in the national polls have started to surface. With his party's nomination in the bag, McCain has had the chance to traipse around the world and the country, spreading his message of stupidity to unsuspecting people everywhere. The fact he is already out on the campaign trail is significantly hurting the chances of a Democrat winning in November.
In February, no one cared about McCain--they were all interested in the clash of Obama v. Clinton. People around the world scoffed at the thought that the Republicans had a chance at winning in November. It's April and now most of us doubters are beginning to choke on our scoff. This year was supposed to be an easy win for the Dems; now the party has spilt into two and people are starting to doubt the leadership abilities of the party. If we can't stop two candidates from staging the ultimate fight-to-the death cage match, then how will we be able to stop the problems facing the US and the world?
While this is a valid point and will make for excellent features, I just don't think we should worry about that. Am I mad the Democratic primary has been such an up-and-down roller coaster? Of course. Do I believe the party is splitting? Yes. Will I abandon the Democratic party if Obama is elected the candidate? Absolutely. But do I think the Dems are ill-equipped to be the power in the Oval Office and will lose to the Republicans in November? HECK NO.
The reason the Democratic primary has lasted so long is due to the two strong characters running for the candidacy. This isn't 2000 or 2004. The Democrats care who is going to be the candidate. We know the country has gone to hell in a hand basket and we want to make sure we pick the best candidate to get us out of those depths. You know, we should be giving Dems across the country a round of applause for putting up with such a dramatic and difficult primary.
Today Dems in Pennsylvania are putting up with this primary and going to vote. Dems of all social and educational classes are going to put their two-cents in today. And as they tick the little box next to a candidate's name, they are exercising the democratic rights that were granted to them long before they were born. Lets be glad the Democratic primary has gone on for so long; otherwise, these people wouldn't have a say in who is to become the Democratic nominee. That's the most newsworthy and exciting thing happening today, if you ask me.
Thank god for the US electoral system! Without our whacked-out, seemingly nonsensical form of government, I wouldn't be able to say this: Clinton, Obama--keep revving your engines because this race isn't over yet! (woo hoo!)
Want to educate yourself on today's happenings? Give these articles a read:
MSNBC.com: Pennsylvania primary day: Obama or Clinton
Yahoo! News: Obama, Clinton Hit News, Comedy, Wrestling Circuits
Yahoo! News: Barack Obama
Yahoo! News: Hillary Clinton
Wednesday 20 February 2008
An energetic liar
Yesterday Hawaii and Wisconsin held their Democratic primaries, which, unfortunately, brought another round of victory to the boisterous Obama. Whilst reading an article about his win on MSNBC.com, they included a quote from his speech that basically sums up the platform he's running on:
Here's what's troubling about this quote:
a) Is this really his platform? We haven't heard him bring up any good ideas on how he'd get us out of Iraq (besides giving dates) and does he honestly have anything else to add to his platform?
b) OBAMA DID NOT BECOME A SENATOR IN THE US SENATE UNTIL 2004. HE DID NOT VOTE ON THE IRAQI WAR. HE DID NOT VOTE TO EXTEND THE STAY PAST 90 DAYS. (Presidents can send in troops whenever but within 90 days he has to ask for an extension or ask Congress to declare war) HE DID NOT VOTE TO EXTEND THE STAY PAST 120 DAYS. HE DID NOT VOTE ON ANYTHING IRAQI WAR RELATED UNTIL THE CONGRESSIONAL SESSION OF 2005.
AGH! HE IS SUCH A LIAR!
You have to hand it to him, he's good at falsifying issues. (Like someone else we know... I think his name is Bush?) He waves his arms around, spouts off incorrect information, makes you believe he's got it all under control, and the audience leaves his rallies with stars in their eyes and an empty mind. Do you know who else acted like that when they were campaigning? Let's see, off the top of my head... Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Mao, Castro... Shall I go on?
He's an energetic liar. The problem is, because he's so energetic, he makes himself sound believable. People are falling left and right at his ability to get an audience going. When I see him speak, all I do is SEE. I see arms waving and the pounding of his fist. I don't hear anything of substance. He says he wants change. What kind of change? He never specifies. Does he want to update the healthcare system? (Universal health care is NEVER going to happen, by the way.) Does he want to install better standards for the FDA? Get rid of NCLB Act and revamp our school systems? Boost the economy by ending tax write-offs for companies who outsource? Create more jobs in the US by not allowing US companies to outsource? Control the immigration problem? There are plenty more problems to address during such an important election year besides "I was against the war in Iraq."
It honestly doesn't matter if he ever addresses a need for change about the issues I listed above. He's still going to generalize about the topic and lie so he can save his own ass. And people will still believe him because he has that microphone in his hand and he's preaching to them like a Southern Baptist preacher speaks to his flock.
Obama has no idea what he's doing. He's running on air and a few good quotes. As Joe Klein said in Time magazine: "The Obama campaign all too often is about how wonderful the Obama campaign is." There is no substance to his campaign besides his desire to win. There is no substance to the people who are running his campaign besides yelling at others for being Clinton supporters and stressing that Obama = change. Yeah yeah, I get it Sparky! Change, blah blah blah. Sounds lovely. Here, let me go rest my entire future on that word alone. Great idea.
Over the next few weeks, Obama will continue to only speak about Iraq, give hair-raising speeches, and stumble miserably at the up-coming debate he has with Clinton; and yet people will still think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread because he's energetic. And he's energetic about saying he didn't want to go to Iraq. And he'll be energetic about nothing else except that and the fact he wants change. Oh and he'll be energetic over the fact his campaign is energetic. I could go on, but you get the picture. Obama = liar.
For more opinions on the Obama phenomenon, gives these articles a read:
Joe Klein: Inspiration vs. Substance
The Economist: But could he deliver?
The Economist: His to lose
Dallas Morning News, Mark Davis: A week of gaffes has slowed down Obamamania
Associated Press: Clinton: Obama offers words, not actions
"I opposed this war in 2002. I will bring this war to an end in 2009. It is time to bring our troops home."
Here's what's troubling about this quote:
a) Is this really his platform? We haven't heard him bring up any good ideas on how he'd get us out of Iraq (besides giving dates) and does he honestly have anything else to add to his platform?
b) OBAMA DID NOT BECOME A SENATOR IN THE US SENATE UNTIL 2004. HE DID NOT VOTE ON THE IRAQI WAR. HE DID NOT VOTE TO EXTEND THE STAY PAST 90 DAYS. (Presidents can send in troops whenever but within 90 days he has to ask for an extension or ask Congress to declare war) HE DID NOT VOTE TO EXTEND THE STAY PAST 120 DAYS. HE DID NOT VOTE ON ANYTHING IRAQI WAR RELATED UNTIL THE CONGRESSIONAL SESSION OF 2005.
AGH! HE IS SUCH A LIAR!
You have to hand it to him, he's good at falsifying issues. (Like someone else we know... I think his name is Bush?) He waves his arms around, spouts off incorrect information, makes you believe he's got it all under control, and the audience leaves his rallies with stars in their eyes and an empty mind. Do you know who else acted like that when they were campaigning? Let's see, off the top of my head... Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Mao, Castro... Shall I go on?
He's an energetic liar. The problem is, because he's so energetic, he makes himself sound believable. People are falling left and right at his ability to get an audience going. When I see him speak, all I do is SEE. I see arms waving and the pounding of his fist. I don't hear anything of substance. He says he wants change. What kind of change? He never specifies. Does he want to update the healthcare system? (Universal health care is NEVER going to happen, by the way.) Does he want to install better standards for the FDA? Get rid of NCLB Act and revamp our school systems? Boost the economy by ending tax write-offs for companies who outsource? Create more jobs in the US by not allowing US companies to outsource? Control the immigration problem? There are plenty more problems to address during such an important election year besides "I was against the war in Iraq."
It honestly doesn't matter if he ever addresses a need for change about the issues I listed above. He's still going to generalize about the topic and lie so he can save his own ass. And people will still believe him because he has that microphone in his hand and he's preaching to them like a Southern Baptist preacher speaks to his flock.
Obama has no idea what he's doing. He's running on air and a few good quotes. As Joe Klein said in Time magazine: "The Obama campaign all too often is about how wonderful the Obama campaign is." There is no substance to his campaign besides his desire to win. There is no substance to the people who are running his campaign besides yelling at others for being Clinton supporters and stressing that Obama = change. Yeah yeah, I get it Sparky! Change, blah blah blah. Sounds lovely. Here, let me go rest my entire future on that word alone. Great idea.
Over the next few weeks, Obama will continue to only speak about Iraq, give hair-raising speeches, and stumble miserably at the up-coming debate he has with Clinton; and yet people will still think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread because he's energetic. And he's energetic about saying he didn't want to go to Iraq. And he'll be energetic about nothing else except that and the fact he wants change. Oh and he'll be energetic over the fact his campaign is energetic. I could go on, but you get the picture. Obama = liar.
For more opinions on the Obama phenomenon, gives these articles a read:
Joe Klein: Inspiration vs. Substance
The Economist: But could he deliver?
The Economist: His to lose
Dallas Morning News, Mark Davis: A week of gaffes has slowed down Obamamania
Associated Press: Clinton: Obama offers words, not actions
Monday 4 February 2008
Bush's tantrum budget
Looks like Kim Jong-Il is not the only leader who threatens people to get attention...
President Bush announced his new budget plans recently and it will put the country into a $3.1 trillion debt for the year 2009 alone. Cuts from domestic programs would increase and spending for the Iraqi conflict would sky-rocket. However, Bush claims his budget is sound and will work for the American people.
OH BOTHER, he has NO idea what an average American person is. I doubt he has never sat down and talked to one. The fact that he thinks he can purpose preposterous budgets like this one and get away with it is so laughable that its pathetic. He is a lame-duck president, pure and simple. And if Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) would not stand for his budget last year, what makes Bush think he will be able to get this stinker past her this year? Not a chance.
After eight years of economic and political hell, the psycho we cannot wait to be gone is testing us with his stupidity once again. The attention is on the presidential race and he knows it. He purposed such a stupid budget so we would look at him and say "HUH?!", whilst writing biased news reports on how he plans to rip away every single dollar the working man makes and make it work for HIM (and his cronies) only.
His plan is not going to work. We're on to his little game. There is no way we will stand with such a significant debt. We already have a bill that is a gazillion miles long--why would we need another one? Besides the fact, he has purposely cut budgets from domestic programs until the year 2012. I know he did that so the next president will get the blame when everything goes to hell. He is hoping this time next year we will forget what Bush purposed and instead blame the new president for our woes. But like I said, it is not going to happen. We won't let it happen!
There are more holes in Bush's budget then there are in his brain and he knows it. He should realize that he is going to be living from the aftermath of this budget once he leaves office. Too bad the domestic program he did not purpose to cut was the continued salary and Secret Service support he will receive when he leaves office next year. Now that is what should be cut! Not services for the poor and non-profit groups who help the needy. Not health benefits to VA hospitals. (especially since he neglicts to understand the reason why the VA health system needs so much money is so they can treat the men and women who risked their lives in Iraq for his own agenda and LIES) And not Medicade.
In our time of need, we need to have money distributed back to the people of the US. Not to Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, etc. We are needier than they are. We can barely afford to pay our mortgages and rent; our electricity bills; for the gasoline it takes to fill up the cars we need to get around because public transport is shit; or for our food. Middle America, and the lower America that is so often neglected, is getting kicked in the face by this budget. Our country cannot afford to abide by this budget given the crisis we are in thanks to him. President Bush needs to realize this. Thankfully, the Congress does and hopefully they will be able to do something to stop this monstrosity from being released on the American people.
For more information, go to: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080204/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_budget
President Bush announced his new budget plans recently and it will put the country into a $3.1 trillion debt for the year 2009 alone. Cuts from domestic programs would increase and spending for the Iraqi conflict would sky-rocket. However, Bush claims his budget is sound and will work for the American people.
OH BOTHER, he has NO idea what an average American person is. I doubt he has never sat down and talked to one. The fact that he thinks he can purpose preposterous budgets like this one and get away with it is so laughable that its pathetic. He is a lame-duck president, pure and simple. And if Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) would not stand for his budget last year, what makes Bush think he will be able to get this stinker past her this year? Not a chance.
After eight years of economic and political hell, the psycho we cannot wait to be gone is testing us with his stupidity once again. The attention is on the presidential race and he knows it. He purposed such a stupid budget so we would look at him and say "HUH?!", whilst writing biased news reports on how he plans to rip away every single dollar the working man makes and make it work for HIM (and his cronies) only.
His plan is not going to work. We're on to his little game. There is no way we will stand with such a significant debt. We already have a bill that is a gazillion miles long--why would we need another one? Besides the fact, he has purposely cut budgets from domestic programs until the year 2012. I know he did that so the next president will get the blame when everything goes to hell. He is hoping this time next year we will forget what Bush purposed and instead blame the new president for our woes. But like I said, it is not going to happen. We won't let it happen!
There are more holes in Bush's budget then there are in his brain and he knows it. He should realize that he is going to be living from the aftermath of this budget once he leaves office. Too bad the domestic program he did not purpose to cut was the continued salary and Secret Service support he will receive when he leaves office next year. Now that is what should be cut! Not services for the poor and non-profit groups who help the needy. Not health benefits to VA hospitals. (especially since he neglicts to understand the reason why the VA health system needs so much money is so they can treat the men and women who risked their lives in Iraq for his own agenda and LIES) And not Medicade.
In our time of need, we need to have money distributed back to the people of the US. Not to Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, etc. We are needier than they are. We can barely afford to pay our mortgages and rent; our electricity bills; for the gasoline it takes to fill up the cars we need to get around because public transport is shit; or for our food. Middle America, and the lower America that is so often neglected, is getting kicked in the face by this budget. Our country cannot afford to abide by this budget given the crisis we are in thanks to him. President Bush needs to realize this. Thankfully, the Congress does and hopefully they will be able to do something to stop this monstrosity from being released on the American people.
For more information, go to: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080204/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_budget
Saturday 2 February 2008
Clinton supporters of the world, unite!
Who knew US primaries could be this exciting? And I'm not talking about the childish squabbling between the Republican candidates (because honestly, who really cares what they're doing?) but the battle to pick a Democratic candidate. Watching Obama and Clinton fight for their party's support tooth and nail--while sucking in a few Big Shots to stomp around the country in their honour and cause fighting amongst famous (and non-famous) Democratic families--is thrilling. This fight has truly ensnared our senses and attention spans since the clock rolled over to 12.01am, 1 Jan 2008. Now with Super Tuesday, the fight is becoming fiercer.
As the fight becomes fiercer, people are taking to the streets to let people know who the right candidate is. (Okay they're not literally taking to the streets, but close enough) I would like to take this opportunity to explain to you why you should vote for Hilliary Clinton on Tuesday. I use harsh language and analogies, so please, excuse me for integrating my historical background and my feminine references.
First off, Obama. Looking at him sends shivers down my spine. Obama is pure fluff. He has a speaking ferocity that is comparable to Mussolini and offers the same emptiness behind his believes and promises like other crazy dictators (and Presidents Bush I and II). His plan to attack Pakistan still exists and why he thinks it is a good idea to attack that country is beyond me. Obama must be getting his "great ideas" from reading newspapers that are 15-20 years old. In all actuality, he would put us deeper into the hole Bush has created for us economically-wise, sanity-wise, and reputation-wise. If chosen as the Democratic presidential candidate, he would cause a serious split in the party. If he became president, his mouth would get us all into trouble just like Bush's did. He has no sense of direction for this country. He only seeks to fulfill his own alternative motives--just like the Bushs did. He is a preacher with no soul; he is a Renaissance Man with no plan for change; and he is Sheppard leading the flock to slaughter. And his supporters are leading the rest of the Democratic party and the US to slaughter as well.
Originally, I supported John Edwards. A few days ago this blog would have contained negative comments towards Hilliary Clinton. (but not nearly as negative as the ones I have assigned Obama. Tehe) Now that Edwards has dropped out, I have returned to the candidate I originally supported before I made a true decision to support Edwards. That candidate is Hilliary Clinton.
The fact is: people love her. If they did not love her, why would people choose to drive a huge moving van with a banner stating "Clinton 2008" past the Today Show window the day after the 2004 election? Case in point--she is popular and there are plenty of reasons why she is. She is well-known to be a hard-working lawyer, wife, mother, former First Lady, and Senator; she shows emotion when appropriate; she's witty and always knows how to casually respond to dumb remarks by Obama; and she's the perfect mainstream Democrat.
If chosen as the Democratic candidate, she would appeal to almost every Democrat and may be able to lure in some Independents and Republicans to vote for her in November. Having the ability to appeal to a wider audience is a special gift. Sure, people still believe she is too liberal (the Republicans, mostly) but I believe she is the right amount of liberal. Sometimes she's not liberal enough for my liking, but I know she would get the job done if she became president. I know she would use her intuition as a career woman and mother to make the right decisions for our country. I trust her with my future. I do not trust any other candidate with my delicate standing in the American society.
With this said--what should we expect for Super Tuesday? Well... we will continue to see a fight because voters will still be confused. I will continue to stomp around for Hilliary (as well others) and people will continue to fight for Obama. Traditionally, the fight slows down or comes to a screeching halt by Super Tuesday. But not this time around. Political analysts believe tomorrow won't solve the decision plaguing Democratic voters across the country and I have to agree. Clinton nor Obama will back down. Honestly, we won't know who the clear candidate is until June or maybe into August when the Democratic Convention is held.
If we all band together, though, Tuesday can have an outcome that is immensely in Clinton's favour. So I ask of you again--vote for Clinton! Unless you want to be ruled by a clueless tyrant! And hello, been there done that. Or have you been in Antarctica for the last eight years?
As the fight becomes fiercer, people are taking to the streets to let people know who the right candidate is. (Okay they're not literally taking to the streets, but close enough) I would like to take this opportunity to explain to you why you should vote for Hilliary Clinton on Tuesday. I use harsh language and analogies, so please, excuse me for integrating my historical background and my feminine references.
First off, Obama. Looking at him sends shivers down my spine. Obama is pure fluff. He has a speaking ferocity that is comparable to Mussolini and offers the same emptiness behind his believes and promises like other crazy dictators (and Presidents Bush I and II). His plan to attack Pakistan still exists and why he thinks it is a good idea to attack that country is beyond me. Obama must be getting his "great ideas" from reading newspapers that are 15-20 years old. In all actuality, he would put us deeper into the hole Bush has created for us economically-wise, sanity-wise, and reputation-wise. If chosen as the Democratic presidential candidate, he would cause a serious split in the party. If he became president, his mouth would get us all into trouble just like Bush's did. He has no sense of direction for this country. He only seeks to fulfill his own alternative motives--just like the Bushs did. He is a preacher with no soul; he is a Renaissance Man with no plan for change; and he is Sheppard leading the flock to slaughter. And his supporters are leading the rest of the Democratic party and the US to slaughter as well.
Originally, I supported John Edwards. A few days ago this blog would have contained negative comments towards Hilliary Clinton. (but not nearly as negative as the ones I have assigned Obama. Tehe) Now that Edwards has dropped out, I have returned to the candidate I originally supported before I made a true decision to support Edwards. That candidate is Hilliary Clinton.
The fact is: people love her. If they did not love her, why would people choose to drive a huge moving van with a banner stating "Clinton 2008" past the Today Show window the day after the 2004 election? Case in point--she is popular and there are plenty of reasons why she is. She is well-known to be a hard-working lawyer, wife, mother, former First Lady, and Senator; she shows emotion when appropriate; she's witty and always knows how to casually respond to dumb remarks by Obama; and she's the perfect mainstream Democrat.
If chosen as the Democratic candidate, she would appeal to almost every Democrat and may be able to lure in some Independents and Republicans to vote for her in November. Having the ability to appeal to a wider audience is a special gift. Sure, people still believe she is too liberal (the Republicans, mostly) but I believe she is the right amount of liberal. Sometimes she's not liberal enough for my liking, but I know she would get the job done if she became president. I know she would use her intuition as a career woman and mother to make the right decisions for our country. I trust her with my future. I do not trust any other candidate with my delicate standing in the American society.
With this said--what should we expect for Super Tuesday? Well... we will continue to see a fight because voters will still be confused. I will continue to stomp around for Hilliary (as well others) and people will continue to fight for Obama. Traditionally, the fight slows down or comes to a screeching halt by Super Tuesday. But not this time around. Political analysts believe tomorrow won't solve the decision plaguing Democratic voters across the country and I have to agree. Clinton nor Obama will back down. Honestly, we won't know who the clear candidate is until June or maybe into August when the Democratic Convention is held.
If we all band together, though, Tuesday can have an outcome that is immensely in Clinton's favour. So I ask of you again--vote for Clinton! Unless you want to be ruled by a clueless tyrant! And hello, been there done that. Or have you been in Antarctica for the last eight years?
Wednesday 30 January 2008
The pioneer of change has left the building
I've been close to tears today since hearing the news that Democratic candidate, John Edwards, is dropping out of the race for the White House. It's sad this had to happen so early on in the primaries. The primaries have produced wishy-wash results at best and it is still hard to say who is going to be crowned the Democratic candidate. I believed Edwards could have risen from the underground and taken us all by storm on Super Tuesday. I guess he can't do that now.
I thought the Democratic voters were ready for change. I thought they were more open to voting for someone more liberal. People complain about Obama and Clinton, yet they still vote for them. Those two names have been driven into our heads with a power drill and it looks like the screw is not easily removed. The power mass media has on our vote is disgusting, really. It's always been that way. You'd think the increased power of the internet over the past few years would have made this race even more contested than it already was. And you'd think that it would have given Edwards a great chance at winning our hearts.
Mass media killed Edwards campaign. As a future political journalist, it pains me to say such a thing, but it is true. He went on talk show after talk show and was treated like dirt. He was rudely interrupted and cut-off by television hosts like he was a good for nothing Republican. They stomped all over his attempts at a campaign. They said his tactics weren't good enough. They would have been good enough if the media had stopped attacking him. Why the media thinks they can decipher everything and knows everything is beyond me. When they run for president, then maybe we can talk. For now, it's their fault our last hope for real change is now dead and buried.
I know Edwards had support. He came in second in Iowa, for bob's sake. I thought support would increase after that caucus--but it went in reverse. He once had a strong hold over voters, but those voters gave in too easily to the media's ploys that Obama or Clinton was our Democratic saviour (while bashing their inconsistencies at the same time). Voters were lured last minute from supporting Edwards. They were filled with thoughts that he couldn't gain the majority's vote. With that type of attitude, it's true. We can thank those people too for Edwards' concession.
Now the race is down to Clinton or Obama. Let it be Clinton. I've had enough with hearing energetic speakers who speak nothing but fluff (Obama). I don't want to be lied to. I don't want to be led. I just want the most honest candidate left in the race for the Democratic ticket to be the one left standing. Please oh please. The chance to have a liberal president has been robbed of me twice. The least the country can do to make it up to me (as I sit here in Sheffield, kicking and screaming) is to vote a woman to the Democratic ticket. And lets cross our fingers Clinton puts Edwards on her ticket as VP. She needs someone liberal to talk some sense into her.
It's up to us lower and middle-middle class voters and working class voters to get Hilliary into the White House. Let's aim high, eh?
I thought the Democratic voters were ready for change. I thought they were more open to voting for someone more liberal. People complain about Obama and Clinton, yet they still vote for them. Those two names have been driven into our heads with a power drill and it looks like the screw is not easily removed. The power mass media has on our vote is disgusting, really. It's always been that way. You'd think the increased power of the internet over the past few years would have made this race even more contested than it already was. And you'd think that it would have given Edwards a great chance at winning our hearts.
Mass media killed Edwards campaign. As a future political journalist, it pains me to say such a thing, but it is true. He went on talk show after talk show and was treated like dirt. He was rudely interrupted and cut-off by television hosts like he was a good for nothing Republican. They stomped all over his attempts at a campaign. They said his tactics weren't good enough. They would have been good enough if the media had stopped attacking him. Why the media thinks they can decipher everything and knows everything is beyond me. When they run for president, then maybe we can talk. For now, it's their fault our last hope for real change is now dead and buried.
I know Edwards had support. He came in second in Iowa, for bob's sake. I thought support would increase after that caucus--but it went in reverse. He once had a strong hold over voters, but those voters gave in too easily to the media's ploys that Obama or Clinton was our Democratic saviour (while bashing their inconsistencies at the same time). Voters were lured last minute from supporting Edwards. They were filled with thoughts that he couldn't gain the majority's vote. With that type of attitude, it's true. We can thank those people too for Edwards' concession.
Now the race is down to Clinton or Obama. Let it be Clinton. I've had enough with hearing energetic speakers who speak nothing but fluff (Obama). I don't want to be lied to. I don't want to be led. I just want the most honest candidate left in the race for the Democratic ticket to be the one left standing. Please oh please. The chance to have a liberal president has been robbed of me twice. The least the country can do to make it up to me (as I sit here in Sheffield, kicking and screaming) is to vote a woman to the Democratic ticket. And lets cross our fingers Clinton puts Edwards on her ticket as VP. She needs someone liberal to talk some sense into her.
It's up to us lower and middle-middle class voters and working class voters to get Hilliary into the White House. Let's aim high, eh?
Thursday 24 January 2008
I'd attack Jon Kyl, but I'm too tired
As most of the world knows, their is a serious issue of trust between the US government and it's citizens at the moment. Okay, since 2001. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has allowed the illegal phone tapping of US telecommunications and the Act is up for a renewal discussion with the Senate as we speak. The possibility this discussion will go on for a few days is undeniable (at least I hope so) and hopefully there will be a positive resolve at the end of the debate. US citizens like myself are tired of being exposed to the fact the US government has been tapping into our phone lines for years. We're upset that phone companies like AT&T blindly handed over the ability to the US authorities to illegally listen in our private conversations and monitor us like we're all in on a conspiracy together. I say enough is enough!
Luckily, I am a resident of Washington state, who has two hard working Democratic Senators: Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. Today I emailed them to ask them to vote against the renewal of FISA. I would like to email the Senators from my old home of Arizona, Senators John Kyl and John McCain; alas it is almost 2am GMT and I can't be bothered to yell at their sorry Republican asses. (excuse the language) If you have the time, I urge you to write your Senator about this traitorous, good-for-nothing piece of legislation.
You can find your Senator's web address here: http://www.senate.gov/
(At the top right corner there is a drop-down menu with all 50 states. They will lead you to the appropriate link after you've clicked on your state)
I wanted to put the letter I sent to the Washington state Senators on this blog to share with the people back in the United States and those of you in England how seriously against FISA I am. I have been affected by it's evil plan, for those of you who have not heard me complain about it. I have heard the dreaded *click* that people warned me about on both my landline and cell phone since 9/11 occurred. I was never approached by the authorities; however, I'm sure I would have been if the media and the Supreme Court didn't act out against FISA's plot to take away a form of our freedom of speech. I hope you all will learn a little about how important it is to have this Act stopped in it's tracks. We don't need another Patriot Act. We don't need another way for the government to keep tabs on us. And we don't need another Republican-ridden piece of legislation haunting our government.
Dear Senators,
I understand that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is up for renewal and is on the agenda of the Senate today and tomorrow to be discussed. As a fellow Democrat who is terrified of what a "Big Brother" the federal government has become, I'm sure you'll agree with me that the FISA legislation is wrong and needs to be stopped.
My sister and I have been customers with the cell phone company AT&T for several years and I understand recently they were revealed to cheekily allow the government to tap into their customers' phone calls. I am shocked and outraged they have been able to get away with this. I have no problem talking ill over the phone about the stupid things Bush and the previously Republican led Congress has done over the past seven years, but to know that the FBI could have shown up at my door and arrested me at any time if I ever went to far with my conversations on my allegedly tapped AT&T phone line is down right scary. This fear should NOT continue!
If the vote for FISA hasn't already taken place, then I will take this time to beg of you to make sure that you, the rest of the Democratic Senators and hopefully some sympathetic Republican Senators will stop the continued existence of this Act. It has no right to exist. This isn't the WWI era. We don't need another espionage act.
If the FISA discussion is currently on the floor for deliberation, I ask you to stand up and tell the other Senators that US phone customers are not the enemies. Phone tapping is only necessary when the authorities need to find out if a convicted criminal or someone they've been watching for suspicious behaviour is up to something. It should be a last resort, like it is in the movies. It's not something to be used against the citizens of this country on a daily basis just because some rubbish Act says it's okay.
I understand the world is a dangerous place at the moment. But the more you poke and prod the beast, the angrier he becomes and the consequences become worse. So please, don’t let the fear of an unknown danger impair your judgment on phone tapping and the FISA. Please understand that the Constitution is violated by this Act and the Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves because of it. And please understand that I’m a human being just like those of you in Congress and have the right to live a life that was guaranteed to me by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Thank you for your time.
Luckily, I am a resident of Washington state, who has two hard working Democratic Senators: Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. Today I emailed them to ask them to vote against the renewal of FISA. I would like to email the Senators from my old home of Arizona, Senators John Kyl and John McCain; alas it is almost 2am GMT and I can't be bothered to yell at their sorry Republican asses. (excuse the language) If you have the time, I urge you to write your Senator about this traitorous, good-for-nothing piece of legislation.
You can find your Senator's web address here: http://www.senate.gov/
(At the top right corner there is a drop-down menu with all 50 states. They will lead you to the appropriate link after you've clicked on your state)
I wanted to put the letter I sent to the Washington state Senators on this blog to share with the people back in the United States and those of you in England how seriously against FISA I am. I have been affected by it's evil plan, for those of you who have not heard me complain about it. I have heard the dreaded *click* that people warned me about on both my landline and cell phone since 9/11 occurred. I was never approached by the authorities; however, I'm sure I would have been if the media and the Supreme Court didn't act out against FISA's plot to take away a form of our freedom of speech. I hope you all will learn a little about how important it is to have this Act stopped in it's tracks. We don't need another Patriot Act. We don't need another way for the government to keep tabs on us. And we don't need another Republican-ridden piece of legislation haunting our government.
Dear Senators,
I understand that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is up for renewal and is on the agenda of the Senate today and tomorrow to be discussed. As a fellow Democrat who is terrified of what a "Big Brother" the federal government has become, I'm sure you'll agree with me that the FISA legislation is wrong and needs to be stopped.
My sister and I have been customers with the cell phone company AT&T for several years and I understand recently they were revealed to cheekily allow the government to tap into their customers' phone calls. I am shocked and outraged they have been able to get away with this. I have no problem talking ill over the phone about the stupid things Bush and the previously Republican led Congress has done over the past seven years, but to know that the FBI could have shown up at my door and arrested me at any time if I ever went to far with my conversations on my allegedly tapped AT&T phone line is down right scary. This fear should NOT continue!
If the vote for FISA hasn't already taken place, then I will take this time to beg of you to make sure that you, the rest of the Democratic Senators and hopefully some sympathetic Republican Senators will stop the continued existence of this Act. It has no right to exist. This isn't the WWI era. We don't need another espionage act.
If the FISA discussion is currently on the floor for deliberation, I ask you to stand up and tell the other Senators that US phone customers are not the enemies. Phone tapping is only necessary when the authorities need to find out if a convicted criminal or someone they've been watching for suspicious behaviour is up to something. It should be a last resort, like it is in the movies. It's not something to be used against the citizens of this country on a daily basis just because some rubbish Act says it's okay.
I understand the world is a dangerous place at the moment. But the more you poke and prod the beast, the angrier he becomes and the consequences become worse. So please, don’t let the fear of an unknown danger impair your judgment on phone tapping and the FISA. Please understand that the Constitution is violated by this Act and the Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves because of it. And please understand that I’m a human being just like those of you in Congress and have the right to live a life that was guaranteed to me by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Thank you for your time.
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