Grass Roots For Obama 2012

PRESENTING: "THE PROGRESSIVE GRASSROOTS' COMMUNITY STIMULUS ACT"

2011-09-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Attached, please find MS Word Document containing a very simple and basic business model Titled "Community Stimulus Act Utilizing Community Banks to Support Local Business Enterprises and Infrastructure Development", henceforth knows as "The Act"

Excerpt: "Goals and Objectives"

"To energize this proposal and enhance the chance for success, we visualize a basic community-based or bottom up plan of implementation. Persons in the Community need to be aware of the proposal. Thus, it will be important for local agencies to take responsibility for distribution of information and education. This must include local newspapers and other communication channels. Each individual, based on knowledge and consciousness, is capable of evaluating the initiative, forming an assessment, and if viewed as viable, talking with other persons to ask them if they agree it is a sound business opportunity plan, ask them if they would like to implement one in their community, and join in an effort to make it happen."

It is free and open to be tailored for the individual and specific needs of local communities as they see fit to meet/comply their issues in relation to The Act.

Below the fold, the Introduction to The Act is included.

To view/download, to embed download link http://tinyurl.com/3sl6yhf

It could work. Hoping you will review it too. If you find it worth of at least a second look, please be generous and share widely.

En'Lakesh,

Aurora

PROGRESSIVE GRASSROOTS AGENDA

A SIMPLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY WHICH ALSO CREATES JOBS

1. Introduction / Overview

2. Goals and Objectives

3. Focus Points

INTRODUCTION / OVERVIEW

This proposal is a partial answer to the ongoing critical problems in the United States of America. The tone of the political and social rhetoric dominating the American landscape challenges all efforts to solve these problems. Additionally, there is no clear assignment of responsibilities amongst those wanting to address the problems and no clear reference point for solutions given the dismal failure of the tactics used to date. These conditions lead us to a deep and detailed exploration of the problems and issues we face; thus, our effort to offer a model of economic change that supports a progressive agenda.

We have made an effort to explore much that has transpired since the start of the historic 2008 Presidential Campaign; including those trends that preceded the nomination of Barack Obama. Our efforts examined, as best we were able, events, policies, attitudes, motives, hopes, expectations, performance, accomplishments, actions, reactions, of those involved, both in favor and against, what we envision is a journey in uncharted territory in the political process of a newly emergent Democracy.

Sadly, to expect less than absolute intransigence from the Republican Party is gross naiveté. We base this not on caricature but their words. The Republican Party acts from a core purpose: to make President Obama a one term President. The welfare of the nation is secondary to this core mission. There is no possibility of compromise, good-faith negotiations, or bipartisan cooperation. And no hope, in the future or the present, of Republican Party representatives agreeing to legislative action other than the ones which favor the richest 2% of the population, corporations, banking, finance, the industrial military complex, and more wars; especially ones unfunded. It is why we see any ultimate solution emerging not from these uncaring and unyielding representatives, but from replacements representative of a true loyal political opposition, interested in governing for the good of all of the people, for the country as a whole, and in a spirit of honest patriotism.

It is urgent and imperative that the people of the United States of America take matters into their own hands. In the spirit that guided the American Revolution, and all mass movements seeking equity and justice, it is the intrinsic right to restore order to the outrageously ineffective governing structure in Washington D.C. We are in great peril. The people are hurting. The economic health of the country, reliant on a robust middle class and poorer economic classes grounded in opportunities for betterment, is in shambles. In 2010, the poverty rate was 15.1%, the highest since 1993 (Lost Decade). People of Color were hit hardest. Blacks experienced the highest poverty rate, at 27 percent, up from 25 percent in 2009, and Latinos rose to 26 percent from 25 percent. For whites, 9.9 percent lived in poverty, up from 9.4 percent in 2009. Asians were unchanged at 12.1 percent. Net worth is one measure of economic justice. Trend data is only available from 1984. From 1984 to 2009, the wealth of Whites increased from $76,951 to $92,000. For Latinos, wealth decreased from $9,660 to $6,325. In addition, for African Americans, wealth decreased from $6,679 to $4,900 (full report). Indeed, today, the top 1% of the country owns more than the bottom 50%. We have not seen this kind of economic inequality since 1928, right prior to the Great Depression. In addition, if you think it does not make a difference whether we have a Democratic or Republican President, from 1945 – 2005, every income percentile had a higher annual economic growth under a Democratic than under a Republican (comparative graph). Moreover, the difference in gains made increased the less income earned. Thus, while it cannot be said that the rich do not get richer regardless of party, it is certainly true that all economic strata are better served and those with less income more so under a Democrat than a Republican. There are two critical lessons: (1) the people are in a crisis and (2) the times are direr when Republicans are in power.

In this document, we, members of the progressive political base, respectfully submit proposals and suggestions for immediate implementation and continuance through the Nov. 2012 election and beyond. The inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama to a second term is necessary to complete the objectives, yet to be fulfilled, of our 2008 contract.

The " Goals and Objectives" Section presents a simple, but very creative, business investment plan that will generate jobs, increase the consumer purchasing power, generate additional tax revenues and lay the foundation for decrease in the federal debt and reliance on purchases of the dollar by other nations. We achieve this primarily through domestic funding of national infrastructure projects and support for business enterprises in local Communities. Direct and targeted funding of community development initiatives will make the people safer, better educated and healthier, allowing them to compete in the global market and optimizing their chances of making progress.

In the "Focus Points" Section, we briefly examine what we identify as political realities, we attempt to assign some responsibilities and credit when and where justly earned, and a few practices and tactics that when employed will enhance our level of effectiveness.

There should be no mistaking whom we mean by the People. They are the ones who need a roof over their head, food on the table for themselves and loved ones, health sufficient to survive the vagaries of living, and time for study or rest or imagining a future that is achievable and one in which we can all be proud. Pride in a world that has peace, a world where justice at homes means justice throughout the world.

Not too much to ask and aim for, is it? You can make the difference!

GOALS AND OJECTIVES

Community Stimulus Act Utilizing Community Banks to Support Local Business Enterprises and Infrastructure Development

The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS of PRESIDENT OBAMA

2010-11-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

by Nancy Lloyd on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 6:27pm

The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS of PRESIDENT OBAMA

ETHICS

• Ordered the White House and all federal agencies to respect the Freedom of
Information Act and overturned Bush-era limits on accessibility of federal
documents (2009)

• Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as
much as possible (2009)

• Placed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House (2009)

• Placed limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure
in the administration (2009)

• Signed a measure strengthening registration and reporting requirements for
lobbyists (2009)

• Ordered that lobbyists must be removed from and are no longer permitted to
serve on federal and White House advisory panels and boards (2009) * Note:
After saying he would not hire lobbyists, a few have been hired in the
Administration

• Companies and individuals who are delinquent on their taxes or owe back
taxes are no longer allowed to bid for federal contracts (2009)

• Initiated the “e-Rulemaking Initiative” (in cooperation with Cornell
University) to allow for online public “notice and comment” of federal laws and
initiatives (2010)

• Issued the “Open Gov Directive” ordering all Cabinet departments to promote
transparency and citizen participation in their policies (2010)

• Signed extensions on banning lobbyists from serving on agency boards
(2010)

• Developed the “Don Not Pay List” with data on contractors and recipients of
federal funds who are deemed to be ineligible because of fraud and abuse
(2010)

GOVERNANCE

• The White House website now provides information on all economic stimulus
projects and spending, along with an unprecedented amount of information on our
government (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era practice of circumventing established FDA rules for
political reasons (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era practice of having White House staff rewrite the
findings of scientific and environmental regulations and reports when they
disagreed with the results (2009)

• Limited the salaries of senior White House aides (salaries cut to $100,000)
(2009)

• Has urged Congress to adopt “Pay-Go” (whereby each dollar of spending is
offset by a dollar in cuts or revenues, which was used in the `90s but abandoned
in the `00s) (2010)

• Has been holding open meetings with Republican leaders, although they
complain of a lack of access and information (2010)

• Signed the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (2010) *
Note: To curb wasteful spending

• Tasked federal agencies to develop plans for disposing of unneeded real
estate and then to eliminate unnecessary or non-economical lands, properties,
etc. (2010)

NATIONAL SECURITY

• Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane (which wasn’t even used in
Iraq/Afghanistan) and other outdated weapons systems (2009)

• Announced his intention to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay
(2009) * Note: The closure has been delayed due to massive opposition but it
remains on the agenda.

• Stated his interest in housing terrorists at a new federal “super max”
facility in the US (2009) * Note: this has been delayed in the face of
massive opposition but it remains on the agenda

• Cut the expensive Reagan era missile defense program, saving $1.4 billion
in 2010 (2009)

• Cancelled plans to station anti-ballistic missile systems in Poland and the
Czech Republic (2009)

• Replacing long-range, expensive missile systems with more efficient smaller
systems (2009)

• Increased US Navy patrols off the Somali coast in response to pirating
(2009)

• Established a new cyber security office and appointed a cyber security czar
(2009)

• Ordered the first nation-wide comprehensive cyber threat assessment
(2009)

• Instituted a new Nuclear Posture Review, revising US nuclear deterrence
policy to encourage more nations to join the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
(2010) * Note: Components of the policy include: a pledge to stop nuclear
testing; a pledge to not build a new generation of nucs; identifying nuclear
terrorism, rather than a launch from another nuclear state, as the major threat;
a pledge to not use nucs on a non-nuclear state in a conventional conflict;
etc.

• Executive orders to block payment, transfers, exports, etc… of individuals
and organizations support the regimes of North Korea, Iran, Somali pirates, and
other foreign threats (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to extend certain provisions of The Trading with
Enemies Act which was to expire in September 2010 (2010) * Note: This
includes freezing assets and banning trade that benefits the Cuban regime;
however further efforts at normalizing travel to Cuba are supported

• Signed bill for southwest border security and increased funds and agents on
the Mexican border (2010)

• Signed the Comprehensive Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act to
deal with foreign regimes like Iran and North Korea (2010)

IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN

• Began the phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq (2009); continuing the
withdrawal (2010)

• Changed the US military command in the Afghan conflict (2009)

• Tasked the Pentagon to reorganize US policy in Afghanistan; the new policy
includes 30,000 additional troops deployed, priority training of Afghan forces,
developing agriculture and infrastructure, limiting aerial bombing, etc.
(2009)

• Ordered the Pentagon to send additional helicopters to assist US Marine
units and Special Forces in Afghanistan (2009)

• Increased unmanned drone strikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in
Afghanistan (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era “stop-loss” policy that kept soldiers in
Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date (2009)

MILITARY & VETERANS

• Ordered the Pentagon to cover expenses of families of fallen soldiers if
they wish to be on site when the body arrives back in the US (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era “blackout” imposed on media coverage of the return of
fallen US soldiers (2009) * Note: The media is now permitted to cover the
story pending adherence to respectful rules and with the approval of the fallen
soldier’s family

• Ended the Bush-era “black out” policy on media coverage of war casualties
(2009) * Note: Full information is now released for the first time in the
War on Terror

• Ordered better body armor to be procured for US troops (2009)

• Funding new Mine Resistant Ambush Vehicles (2009) * Note: The old
Hummers were very vulnerable to roadside explosives and an alarming percentage
of our soldiers lost in Iraq were on account of IEDs

• Working to increase pay and benefits for military personnel (2009)

• Improving housing for military personnel (2009)

• Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
(2009)

• Ordered that conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other
neglected military hospitals be improved (2009)

• Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military to a
post-Cold War, modern fighting force (2009) * Note: Bush announced in 2001
his intention to do this but backed off the reforms after 9/11, which include:
new procurement policies; increasing the size of Special Ops units; deploying
new technologies; creating new cyber security units; etc.

• Ended the Bush-era practice of awarding “no-bid” defense contracts
(2009)

• Improving benefits for veterans as well as VA staffing, information
systems, etc. (2009)

• Authorized construction of additional health centers to care for veterans
(2009)

• Suspended the Bush-era decision to purchase a fleet of Marine One
helicopters from suppliers in favor of American made helicopters (2009)

• Ordered a review of the existing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in
the military (2010)

• New GI Bill for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan (2009)

• Signed bill providing assistance for caregivers of veterans wounded in Iraq
and Afghanistan (2010) * Note: The omnibus bill does the following:
Training, funding, and counseling for caregivers; promoting pilot childcare
programs for women vets under treatment at the VA; independent oversight to
prevent abuse; readjustment counseling for National Guard and reservist units;
etc.

• Eliminated co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled
(2010)

• Fulfilled campaign promise to have combat troops (90,000) out of Iraq by
August 31, 2010 (2010)

• Established a new interagency task force to assist veterans owning small
businesses (2010) * Note: The efforts include promoting federal contract
opportunities, improve access to loans and capital, mentor assistance programs,
etc.

• Signed The Families of Fallen Heroes Act, which covers the moving costs of
immediate family members of those lost in service (military, intelligence, and
security personnel) (2010)

FOREIGN POLICY

• Closed the Bush-era “secret detention” facilities in Eastern Europe
(2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy allowing “enhanced interrogation” (torture); the
US is again in compliance with Geneva Convention standards (2009) * Note:
Obama has permitted some controversial interrogation techniques to
continue

• Restarted international nuclear non-proliferation talks and reestablished
international nuclear inspection protocols (2009) * Note: Bush withdrew from
non-proliferation talks and dismantled the inspection infrastructure

• Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009) *
Note: These were suspended under Bush

• Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas
emissions (2009) * Note: These were suspended under Bush

• Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president
in his first six months in office (2009)

• Banned the export of cluster bombs (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era plans to increase the US nuclear arsenal (2009)

• Authorized the Navy SEALS operation that freed by force the US shipping
captain held by Somali pirates (2009)

• Restored the US commitment to the UN population fund for family planning;
overturned the ban on providing funds internationally for family planning (2009)
* Note: The family planning efforts were suspended under Bush

• Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return “home”
to visit families (2009)

• Extended an offer of engagement (free from sanctions and penalties) to Iran
through December 31, 2009 (Iran did not accept the offer) (2009)

• Sent envoys to the Middle East and other parts of the world, reengaging in
multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy (2009)

• Authorized discussions with North Korea and the private mission by former
president, Bill Clinton, to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
(2009)

• Authorized discussions with Myanmar and the mission by Senator Jim Web to
secure the release of an American held captive (2009)

• Renewed loan guarantees for Israel (2009)

• Signed the USIFTA trade agreement with/for Israel (2009)

• Authorized a $550m advance for Israel (six months prior to the scheduled
date) in order to accommodate Israeli’s economic and financial needs (2009)

• Continued agreements with Israel for cultural exchanges, immigration, etc.
(2009)

• Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with
Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relations (2009)

• Ordered the US to finally pay its dues to the United Nations (2009)

• Attended the Summit of America’s meeting in Trinidad and Tobago (2010)

• Dispatched several envoys and initiated talks with numerous nations
(2010)

• Signed a nuclear limitation treaty with Russia (2010) * Note: The
agreement calls for both countries to reduce their nucs by one-third (1,500) and
launch systems by half (800)

• Hosted nuclear non-proliferation summit for several nations (2010)

• Executive Order to establish support offices in the State Department to
assist the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to continue drug interdiction support with Columbia
(2010)

ECONOMY

• Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants…) (2009)
* Note: Bush was the first president since Herbert Hoover to not make
infrastructure a priority

• Authorized the US auto industry rescue plan and two GMAC rescue packages
(2009)

• Authorized the housing rescue plan and new FHA residential housing
guarantees (2009)

• Authorized a $789 billion economic stimulus plan (2009) * Note: 1/3 in
tax cuts for working-class families; 1/3 to states for infrastructure projects;
1/3 to states to prevent the layoff of police officers, teachers, etc. at risk
of losing their jobs because of state budget shortfalls

• Instituted a new rule allowing the public to meet with federal housing
insurers to refinance (in as quickly as one day) a mortgage if they are having
trouble paying (2009)

• Authorized a continuation of the US financial and banking rescue plans
initiated at the end of the Bush administration and authorized TARP funds to buy
“toxic assets” from failing financial institutions (2009)

• Authorized the “Cash for Clunkers” program that stimulated auto sales and
removed old, inefficient, polluting cars from the road (2009)

• Convened a “jobs summit” to bring experts together to develop ideas for
creating jobs (2009)

• Ordered the FDIC to beef up deposit insurance (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of protecting credit card companies (2009) *
Note: In place of the old policy, new consumer protections were instituted and
the industry’s predatory practices were banned

• Authorized the federal government to make more loans available to small
businesses and ordered lower rates for federal loans to small businesses
(2009)

• Placed a 35% tariff on Chinese tires and a few other products such as pipes
after China was found to be illegally “dumping” exports below cost (2009) *
Note: Clinton, Bush I, and Reagan all refused to “get tough” on China’s
predatory trade practices; Bush II refused four times during his
presidency

• In November 2009, Obama extended unemployment benefits for one million
workers

and expanded coverage for some existing homeowners who are buying again
(2009)

• Called on Congress to deliver a “Jobs bill” (2010)

• Credit card companies are prohibited from raising rates without advance
notification or arbitrarily if customers are paying bills on time (2010)

• Signed a bill to extend unemployment benefits set to expire (2010)

• Signed historic Wall Street reform bill (2010) * Note: Designed to
reregulate and end abusive practices and promote consumer protections

• Signed the HIRE Act to stimulate the economic recovery (2010) * Note:
The bill includes: tax cuts for small businesses who hire someone unemployed for
at least two months; small businesses can write off their investments in
equipment this year; etc.

• National Export Initiative established to enhance federal support
(technical assistance, training, trade missions, etc.) and coordination efforts
to help US businesses export products and services (2010)

• Initiatives to promote a “Wireless Broadband Revolution” (2010) * Note:
Among other things, broadband is finally being considered as necessary
infrastructure, with efforts to expand use, access, and spectrum…

• Expanded agricultural credit to farmers during current economic crisis
(2010)

• Signed bill - US Manufacturing Enhancement Act (2010)

• Signed bill - Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance (2010)

TAXES

• Negotiated a deal with Swiss banks to permit the US government to gain
access to records of tax evaders and criminals (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who
outsource American jobs (2009) * Note: The new policy promotes in-sourcing
investments to brings jobs back to the US

• Signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provides small tax
cuts for 95% of “working families” (2009) * Note: The tax cuts were not as
big as was suggested during the 2008 campaign

• Convened an advisory board that is looking into simplifying the tax code
(2009)

• Ordered the closing of offshore tax safe havens (for individual and
business tax evaders) (2009)

• Reduced taxes for some small businesses to stimulate the economic recovery
(2009)

• Extended the Home Buyers Credit for first-time home buyers (2009)

• Proposed doubling the child tax credit (2010)

• Called for the repeal of the capital gains tax for small businesses
(2010)

• Proposed rolling back the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest
Americans (2010) * Note: This would be for families earning over
$250,000/year and would return their tax rates to the 1990’s level

BUDGETING

• Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations
for ways to cut federal spending (2009)

• Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify wasteful spending
and practices (2009)

• Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal
government money and making federal operations more efficient (2009)

• Overturned the Bush-era practice of not listing certain federal programs in
the federal budget (2009) (2010) * Note: Bush did this (so did Reagan) in an
effort to hide programs and make the budget look smaller; such “off budget”
items are now included in the annual budget

• Full appropriations for war are now included in the budget (2009) (2010)
* Note: Bush did not list many of the appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan,
and War on Terror

• Funds for emergency appropriations are now included in the budget (2009)
(2010)

• Proposed a three-year freeze on federal discretionary spending beginning in
2011 (2010)

• Is in the process of cutting 120 federal programs identified as either
wasteful or unnecessary (2010)

• Established a bipartisan commission on fiscal responsibility, staffed by
House and Senate members and private citizens, tasked with submitting proposals
to balance the budget (2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition,
the powers of the commission were watered down

• Established a bipartisan commission on the future of Social Security,
tasked with submitting proposals to preserve and strengthen Social Security
(2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the
commission were watered down

• Cut $20 billion from federal budget and has pledged to cut at least this
much every year (2010)

• Ultimately decided to cancel planned new presidential helicopter fleet and
stick with marine One (2010)

• Freezing all discretionary spending for next three years, except on
national security (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to freeze discretionary awards, bonuses, etc. for
federal political appointees (2010)

• Beginning to use “Pay-As-You-Go” (Pay-Go) to offset budget expenditures
with budget cuts or revenue enhancements (2010)

HEALTHCARE

• Removed Bush era restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research (2009)

• Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research (2009)

• Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
(2009)

• Established an independent commission to make recommendations on slowing
the costs of Medicare (2009)

• Reversed some of the Bush-era restrictions that prevented Medicare from
negotiating with pharmaceutical firms for cheaper drugs, allowing government to
again competitively bid (2009) * Note: Obama had promised to lift all
restrictions but, while he did negotiate with drug companies for them to lower
their costs the deal only lifted some restrictions

• Expanding government vaccination programs (2009)

• Issued new disease prevention guidelines and priorities for the CDC
(2009)

• Authorized the FDA to finally begin regulating tobacco (2009)

• Tasked federal labs to prioritize research on and deployment of H1N1
vaccines (2009)

• Asked multiple congressional committees to bring forward a healthcare
reform bill; held dozens of public hearings and town halls on the issue (2009)
(2010)

• Established a new council on National Prevention, Health Promotion, and
Public Health to be chaired by Surgeon General and charged with promoting
healthy lifestyles and integrative healthcare (2010)

• When accusations to the contrary arose, an Executive Order was signed to
reaffirm that federal funds are not to be used for abortion services (2010)

• Historic healthcare reform bill signed - $940 billion over 10 years (2010)
* Note: 32 million additional Americans will receive healthcare coverage and
costs will be lowered for most Americans, but many of the goals are phased in
over four years

Components of the bill

- Prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to
individuals/family members with pre-existing health conditions; a temporary plan
is being developed to cover high-risk individuals with pre-existing conditions
until the full reforms go into effect in 2014

- Prevents insurance companies from placing lifetime limits on
benefits

- Bans “rescission” so insurance companies can’t cancel coverage if
individuals keep their policies current or if they become ill

- An individual’s out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are capped

- Closes the “donut hole” (Part D) for Medicare prescription drug
coverage (under Bush, Medicare helped pay for drugs up to $2,600 and above
$4,550, but individuals had to pay 100% of the costs in between these amounts);
now Medicare helps cover costs irrespective of the amount – seniors will now pay
only 25% of drug costs up to $4,550 and only 5% of drug costs above that
amount

- In 2010, an emergency provision will offer seniors a $250 rebate on the
costs incurred within the “donut hole”

- Individuals living at or below the poverty line were eligible for
healthcare under Medicaid, but by 2014 individuals/families living slightly
above (making up to $14,404/$29,327) the poverty line will also be eligible for
benefits

- Individuals/families making less than $43,320/$88,200 per year will
qualify for government subsidies to help purchase health insurance

- All individuals must have health insurance or face a government fine;
all large (over 50 employees) employers must offer health insurance to employees
or pay a fine

- Small businesses can get a tax credit if they offer health
care

- There are hardship exemptions if individuals can’t afford health
insurance

- Families can keep their children in college on their plans through age
26

- Promotes health insurance “exchanges” so consumers can buy
“wholesale”

- Creates consumer assistance offices to help consumers file complaints
or appeal decisions from insurance companies; beginning in 2011, insurance
companies can no longer make excessive rate hikes without justification and
approval, and those doing so may be barred from participating in new health
insurance exchanges

Funding sources:

- Large employers (over 50 workers) that don’t offer health benefits will
be charged a $2,000/worker fee; if the employer offers coverage but employees
instead purchase federally subsidized insurance the fee is $3,000/worker
receiving federal subsidies or $750/worker (whichever is lower)

- Annual fees on pharmaceutical companies ($27 billion), health insurance
companies ($60 billion), and medical device-makers ($20 billion)

- Annual penalties on individuals who do not have health insurance (up to
a maximum of $695/person)

- Increase in the Medicare payroll tax from 1.45% to 2.35% for
individuals making $200,000+ and families making $250,000+

- 3.8% tax on unearned income for millionaires

- Insurance companies will be subject to a tax on each high-end insurance
plan (so-called “Cadillac” plans) they offer

Miscellaneous:

- Illegal immigrants are not eligible for insurance or subsidies

- By Executive Order, such federal funding can’t be used for
abortion

- The federal government will assist states by covering all of the
increased expenses of expanding Medicaid coverage (90% of costs after
2020)

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

• Removed a ruling that now allows individual states to enact automotive fuel
efficiency standards above federal standards (2009)

• Offered attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
(2009)

• Overturned Bush-era rule that weakened the Endangered Species Act
(2009)

• Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the
federal government (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide
emissions (2009)

• Signed a measure requiring energy producing plants to begin producing 15%
of their energy from renewable sources (2009)

• Announced that the federal government would reengage in the long-delayed
effort to clean up “Superfund” toxic waste sites (2009)

• Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with
renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production (2009) * Note:
Much of Obama’s energy reform was killed by Senate Republicans

• Proposed a new refuge for wild mustangs (2009)

• Cancelled several Bush-era mountain-top removal and mining permits
(2009)

• Reengaged in international treaties and agreements to protect the Antarctic
(2009)

* Note: Bush had withdrawn from such efforts

• Asked Congress for an energy reform and “cap and trade” bill (2009) *
Note: The Congress failed to pass such a bill

• Developing plan to lease US coastal waters for wind and water-current
energy production (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era policies that allowed uranium mining near national
parks such as the Grand Canyon (2009)

• Expanded the Petrified Forest National Park (2009)

• Signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act that protects millions of
acres of scenic, historic, and recreational lands and trails (2009)

• Requiring that government buildings and facilities be retrofitted to save
energy costs (2009) * Note: These green retrofits are moving very
slowly

• Authorized studies in several western states to determine how to support
large-scale solar installations (2009)

• Attended the Copenhagen talks and, after the talks were stalled, negotiated
an international (voluntary) agreement on reducing carbon emissions and raising
funds to assist developing nations in offsetting carbon emissions (2009)

• Banned importation of pythons in response to a growing population of
pythons damaging the Florida Everglades (2009)

• Committing the federal government to increasing research and use of
renewable, clean energy sources such as wind, biomass, etc. (2009)

• Executive orders establishing a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in all federal operations (2009) (2010)

• Called for exploring the possibility of additional off-shore oil drilling
in the Gulf, Atlantic, and off Alaska (but not in ANWR) (2010)

• Agreed to consider increases in nuclear energy production and requested a
study on the feasibility of nuclear power plant construction (2010) * Note:
Nearly all energy initiatives were defeated by Republican opposition in
Congress

• Increased investment in clean energy projects (2010)

• Executive Order to develop a new strategy for and commitment to ocean and
lake resources, and for scientific research on water quality (2010)

RIGHTS

• Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women (Lilly Ledbetter Bill)
(2009)

• Appointed Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina, to the Supreme Court
(2009)

• Held the first Seder in White House (2009)

• Appointed a diverse Cabinet and diverse White House staff (2009)

• Spoke at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights
organization (2009)

• Signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation that
includes acts of violence against gays under the list of federal hate crimes
(2009)

• Reversed the Bush-era practice of politicizing Justice Department
investigations and prosecutions against political opponents (2009)

• Pushing for some of the 9/11 perpetrators to be tried in federal court
(2009) * Note: The process has moved at a snail’s pace and, in the face of
opposition, Obama has remained quiet

• Signed an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Bill to provide
federal research and support for treating the disease (2009)

• Allowed the State Department of offer same-sex benefits for employees
(2009)

• Proposed that the Pentagon repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy;
placed a “freeze” on current efforts to remove alleged homosexuals from the
military (2009)

• After eight years of neglect, the Justice Department and EEOC are again
enforcing employment discrimination laws (2009)

• Convened the White House Tribal Nations Conference, inviting
representatives from 564 federally-recognized Indian tribes (2009)

• Provided increased school projects for Indian lands and increased funds for
the Indian Health Service (2009)

• Signed an Executive Order mandating that his Cabinet develop plans to work
with and consult Indian tribes on issues impacting Indian lands (2009)

• Commissioned a study to develop alternatives to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
(2010)

• Called for federal agencies to look into recognizing gay partnerships in
terms of benefits (2010)

• Signed an Executive Order for the President’s Initiative on Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (2010)

• Increased funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(2010)

• Signed Executive Order to promote the federal government as a “model
employer” when it comes to hiring the disabled (2010) * Note: This includes
new efforts to increase the recruitment, hiring, and training for the
disabled

• Programs to assist Spanish speakers with the US Census (2010)

• Elena Kagen appointed to Supreme Court (2010)

• Tasked all federal agencies to develop new strategies to address HIV/AIDS
(2010)

• After organizing studies on the topic in 2009, tasked the Pentagon to
eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)

• Signed Fair Sentencing Act (2010) * Note: The Administration continues
to deescalate marijuana interdiction and raids; increased dramatically the
amount of cocaine one must possess to be sentenced to jail; eliminated mandatory
sentencing for first-time drug abusers and simple possession

EDUCATION

• Authorized construction funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access in
K-12 public schools (2009)

• Increased funding for school construction (2009)

• Increased funding available for student loans (2009)

• Expanded the national youth service program (2009)

• Streamlined the federal student loan process to save $87 billion over the
next 10 years (2009)

• Changed the rule to allow students struggling to make college loan payments
to refinance their loans (2009)

• Beginning discussions with Congress for education reform (2009) * Note:
Much of Obama’s education reform has been sidelined by opposition in
Congress

• Initiated a “Race to the Top” competitive federal grant program for states
who develop innovative policies (2009)

• Instituted a “judgment review” allowing families with student loans to
petition to have their current financial status determine the loan rather than
the previous year’s finances (2009)

• Launched “Educate to Innovate,” a public/private partnership making $236
million available for science, mathematics, and technology education programs
(2009)

• Proposed capping the maximum amount students must pay on student loans (as
percentage of their income) (2010)

• Proposed reducing student loan obligations for individuals going to work in
community and public service jobs (2010)

• The federal government will offer direct student loans, cutting out the
cost of private banks (“middle man”) who increase the costs in order to make a
profit (2010)

• Increased investment in technologies for schools/education (2010)

DISASTER RESPONSE

• Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness (2009)

• FEMA once again reports directly to the president (2009) * Note: Bush
removed FEMA (prior to the Hurricane Katrina disaster) from this status

• Demonstrated an immediate and efficient response to the floods in North
Dakota and other natural disasters (2009)

• Ordered that funds be released and red tape be streamlined for the ongoing
Hurricane Katrina recovery effort in the Gulf Coast (2009)

• Timely and massive relief effort in response to the January 2010 earthquake
and ensuing humanitarian crisis (2010)

Components of the response:

- The FBI’s National Center for Disaster Fraud was tasked to look into
possible fraud with organizations soliciting funds for relief

- Announced the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund

- Established an emergency Haiti Task Force in the State Department

- Established a website with information, resources, and a posting of a
“person finder” online to help families and friends to locate loved ones

- Joint aid and relief planning with the U.K.

- Sponsored a resolution in the UN Security Council for additional
security and police forces in Haiti

- Dispatched the US Navy floating hospital (USNS Comfort) and, within 5
days, 9 naval and relief ships, 5 Coast Guard cutters, 8 Coast Guard aircraft,
and 12,000 US military personnel

- Initial dispatch of several ships and cargo planes full of humanitarian
aid and supplies, 6 search/rescue teams (500 personnel), and 265 Department of
Health & Human Services personnel for emergency medical and aid support

- Established a mobile US air traffic control center at the destroyed
airport in Port-au-Prince

• After the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a freeze
was placed on new deep water projects (2010)

• Executive Order to establish new security measures to minimize accidental
release of bio and chemical agents; new strategies for public health and
bioterrorism response (2010)

• Established a national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon spill to
examine facts and report a plan of action; new efforts to prevent offshore
spills (2010)

• After a slow start in responding to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the
White House is promoting a long-term plan to reconstruct the damaged Gulf and
negotiated with BP the establishment of a multi-billion dollar trust fund for
victims of the spill (2010)

• Extended national flood insurance program for those in need during current
economic crisis (2010)

OTHER INITIATIVES

• New federal funding for science and research labs (2009)

• Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service
program (2009)

• Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program (2009)

• Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud (2009)

• Ordered the DEA to stop raids on medical marijuana usage (2009)

• Ordered a review of existing “mandatory minimum” prison sentencing
(2009)

• Signed an order to limit airport tarmac delays and the time passengers had
to sit in the plane/on the tarmac during delays (2009)

• Restored the EPA to “Cabinet level” status (2009) * Note: Bush removed
the EPA from this status

• Beginning discussions with Congress for comprehensive immigration reform
(2010)

* Note: Much of Obama’s immigration reform had been stalled by opposition
in Congress

• Commissioned expert panels and reports from NASA; announced a new direction
for human space flight that involves funding a new heavy lift-launcher and
jettisoning the Ares 1 program; boosting NASA’s budget by $1 billion in 2011
(2010)

• Ordered a ban on text-messaging for all commercial truck and bus drivers
(2010)

• Signed bill – FAA Air Transportaiton Modernizatin and Safety Improvement
Act (2010)

P.S. IN CASE YOU WERE
WONDERING…

• The Obamas paid for the renovations of the private living quarters in the
White House with their own money rather than using the funds provided to all new
first families (2009)

• The Obamas reused many Christmas ornaments from previous White House trees
rather than buy new ones (2009)

• The Obamas used LED energy-saving lights on White House Christmas tree
(2009)

• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; donated the award money for the prize to
several charities (2009)

• Planted a garden for the White House’s vegetables and flowers (2009)

• Installed a swing set/playground for the Obama daughters and children of
White House employees (2009)

• Held over 150 public town halls, press conferences, interviews, etc. in
first year in office (2009) * Note: Official numbers are not available on
such things, but this seems to be a new record high

• Less than 30 days of vacation in first year in office (2009) * Note:
Official numbers are not readily available on such things, but this seems to be
a new record low

<span> </span>

...And A FAMILY MAN !

B4B NOTE: Special Thanks to Robert P. Watson, Ph. D., Professor of American
Studies, Lynn University who compiled this list and writes " Like all
presidents, Barack Obama has made mistakes. But, as a presidential historian, I
have been struck by claims being put forward by Obama’s many critics and the
news media that he has accomplished little when, in fact, his presidency is
easily one of the most active in history." And Thanks to our friend Sherry Lou
Meeks.

Thank You Mr. President !

Print It...Pass It On...

SHARE THE FACTS !

The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS of PRESIDENT OBAMA
Originally posted at:
http://b4bmorenews.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-244-accomplishments-of-president.html

ANOTHER CAMPAIGN TO SUPPRESS LATINO VOTE: Arpaio just sent this shocking message to his followers:

2010-10-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

Last week we were shocked and angered at the viciously un-American Ad aimed at Latinos/Hispanics asking us NOT TO VOTE.

The now extreme Republican Party, with it's army of right Wing Extremists, are fully engaged in a-not-much-discussed campaign to suppress, by any means necessary, the Latino/Hispanic Vote in the upcoming election.

Earlier today, I received and email from AmericanVoiceOnline.org, alerting us to an email sent by AZ's Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio addressed to all of his followers, creating and disseminating an image of a 'fraud bogeyman' and inciting to organize against Latino/Hispanic Voters, by once again, targeting this much maligned and abused Community, as the villains in this elections, hence creating a climate of mistrust, antagonism and anger for Brown people, thus making it justifiable and acceptable for his "Army", to harass and intimidate them around the voting polls.

This is the text of his message

"STOP ILLEGALS FROM STEALING THE ELECTION! Our grassroots army of VOTER FRAUD PREVENTION VOLUNTEERS will stand vigilant across the nation. We will be the first and strongest line of defense to ensure that only legal citizens vote on November 2nd."

From American Voice Online. Bogus accusations of "illegal voters" crop up every election, and every election they are proven false. What's truly frightening is that, this year, Arpaio is recruiting an "army" to block people from voting in the name of "fraud prevention."

As would be expected, Fox News is again at the Vanguard on yet another dirty campaign to suppress the vote a minority by having as guests Right Wing Operatives to push this campaign, one of them is Ultra Right Wing Blogger, Michelle Malkin, whose participation in this propaganda channel can be seen in this video, where she declares "'We Are All Voter Fraud Police Now'":

Least be left unsaid, The Latino/Hispanic voters need to be prepared for the MOST LIKELY EVENTUALITY that their
eligibility will be challenged, we need to be civil but strong on the conviction that we have the right to vote, if there is harassment or intimidation, it needs to be reported to the Election Officials present.

OUR VOTE IS OUR VOICE.

In Solidarity

Aurora Grajeda

San Francisco

Respectfully, Mr. President: Thank You! -- ("Obama has not done anything?") CHECK THIS OUT!!!

2010-10-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Updated Nov. 1, 2010 with video "Rachel Maddow On President Obama & Democrats Accomplishments" (More detailed list of accomplishements below)

There are lots and lots of Progressives(?) clamoring "Barack Obama has not done anything", No, I'm not exaggerating, that's what many, many are saying -- while some of them may be parroting Republican Operatives' 'Talking Points", some of these voices are actually Republican Operatives in our midst, including many who infiltrated or sold out in the pro-immigrant rights movement; their goal? Well, not to difficult to figure out, isn't? (By all predictions, the Democrats are going to be crushed tomorrow) Bottom line is, many gullible folk are believing them.

So, after reading "ThisIsMyTime" Post with a list of some of President Obama and Dems' accomplishments in spite of vicious attacks and blatant obstructionism, do you think these voices are telling the truth to us all?

Most of us know someone who is repeating the Right Wing lies, send them this information, ask them to read it and then ask them to repeat what they've been saying.

Millions of us worked very hard to elect President Obama and we accomplished this historic and revolutionary act, take credit for your hard work and foresight, but let's not slip into complacency, the work is far from done, there is so much that needs to be corrected/changed, let's continue with our pledge to work for change, to pressure our Representatives to act, after all, this is the bargain we entered with then Candidate Barack Obama, just to be clear, this is what we agreed on "That we were going to help/make him do it", for,

"WE ARE THE ONES WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR" And,

That "YES, WE CAN - SI SE PUEDE"

Aurora

Obama Will Triumph -- So Will America by Frank Schaeffer

by ThisIsMyTime [Daily Kos]
Wed Oct 13, 2010 at 08:56:57 AM PDT

As the battle for control of Congress has tightened and the so called enthusiasm gap is evaporating, we must continue speaking to voter about what Democrats in Congress have accomplished.

If you are a democrat and you have an enthusiasm gap, I am hoping that this could change your lack of enthusiasm.

The facts are in the last 23 months, the following are things that I think are worth keeping scores about what President Obama and the Democratic congress have accomplished that get over looked without an ounce of credit by some who are always disappointed about something.

More below the fold...
ThisIsMyTime's diary :: ::

Crossposted at The People's View

I think it is important to not only speak to voters about the fact we are moving forward together but remind activists to see what they have been resisting.

I don't know about you but I am ready to go and these are the reasons why I have more Enthusiasm than ever:

Health Care Reform:
Coverage can't be denied to children with pre-existing conditions.
Adults up to age 26 can stay on their parents' health plans.
Freepreventive care.
Rescinding coverage is now illegal.
Eliminating lifetime limits on insurance coverage.
Restricting annual limits on insurance coverage.
More options to appeal coverage decisions.
$5 billion in immediate federal support to affordable Coverage for the Uninsured with Pre-existing Conditions.
$10 billion investment in Community Health Centers.
Create immediate access to re-insurance for employer health plans providing coverage for early retirees.
Made an $80 billion deal with the pharmaceutical industry to contribute to cut prescription drug costs for the nation's seniors reduce the size of the "donut hole" in the Medicare (Part D) Drug Benefit.

Economy:
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has worked. The Economy Has Been Growing - take a look at the graph of GDP growth between 2007 thru 2010.
US auto industry rescue plan -- Detroit making profits again and at least 1 million jobs saved.
Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 that extended Unemployment benefits up to 20 weeks and more.
Provided $14.7 billion in small business loans increasing minority access to capital.
The $26 billion aid to states package preventing large-scale layoffs of teachers and public employees.

Banking and Financial Reform
Signed a sweeping bank-reform bill (the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)into law
Managed the $700 Billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) that Banks have repaid 75% of TARP funds, bringing the cost down to $89B as of June 2010.
Cuts Salaries For 65 Bailout Executives
Closed offshore tax safe havens, tax credit loopholes on companies that use the tax laws to ship American Jobs oversees. HR 4213.
Signed into law the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act to fight fraud in the use of TARP and recovery funds, and to increase accountability for corporate and mortgage frauds.
Signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act

VETOED Big Banks' notarization sweetheart deal

Education
Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 that increased the amount of federal Pell Grant awards and enabled the stripping of banks privileges as intermediaries for student loan servicing.
Created the Race to the Top Fund, a $4.35 billion program to reward States that submit the best proposals for change.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, funded over $100 Billion for reforms to strengthen Elementary and Secondary education, early learning programs, college affordability and improve access to higher education, and to close the achievement gap.

Jobs
The $787 billion economic stimulus package has created or saved nearly 2 million jobs slowing the bleeding
Jobs for Main Street Act (2010)injected $27.5 Billion for Highways, $8.4 Billion for Transit into the country's transportation system to create jobs and spur economic activity.
A $33 Billion Jobs Package that will allow Small businesses to get $5,000 tax credit for new hires.
A $26 billion State Aid Package Jobs Bill saving 300,000 teachers and public workers jobs from unemployment.
The Auto bailout saved 1 million jobs.

Green Energy
Implemented renewable fuels mandate of 36 billion gallons by 2022, four times what we currently consume.
Automakers will be required to meet a fleet-wide average of New Gas Mileage Standards at 35.5 MPH by 2016.
A $60 billion investment in renewable and clean energy.

Housing
$275 billion dollar housing plan - $75 billion dollars to prevent at-risk mortgage debtors already fallen victim to foreclosures and $200 billion to bring about confidence to offer affordable mortgages and to stability the housing market.
Established "Opening Doors" to end the homelessness of 640,000 men, women, and children in the United States in 10 years.
Provided $510 Million for the rehabilitation of Native American housing. ref
Provided $2 billion for Neighborhood Stabilization Program to rehab, resell, or demolish in order to stabilize neighborhoods.
Provided $5 billion for Weatherization Assistance Program for low income families to weatherize 1 million homes per year for the next decade.
Provided grants to encourage states and localities to take the first steps in implementing new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency.

Medicaid/Medicare/Social Security
giving $250 economic stimulus check to 55 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in 2009.
Cutting prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients by 50% and began eliminating the plan's gap ("donut hole") in coverage.
Passing as part of H.R.3962 (Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010) a $6.4 billion measure reversing a 21 percent cut in physician payments that would have started a flood of rejections by some doctors of seniors covered by Medicare.
Expanded eligibility for Medicaid to all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level ($14,400 per year for an individual).

Military Veterans and Families
Implemented a strategic plan to increase the hiring of Veterans and Military spouses throughout the Federal civil service.
Provided for the expenses of families of to be at Dover AFB when fallen soldiers arrive.
Passed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 increasing the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans.
Declared the end of the war in Iraqi bringing back nearly 100,000 U.S. troops home to their families.
Donated 250K of Nobel prize money to Fisher House, a group that helps provide housing for families of patients receiving medical care at military and Veterans Affairs medical centers

LBGT
Extended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees
Signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Instructed HHS to require any hospital receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds (virtually all hospitals) to allow LGBT visitation rights.
Banned job discrimination based on gender identity throughout the Federal government (the nation's largest employer)
Signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act
Extended the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover Gay employees taking unpaid leave to care for their children of same-sex partners
Lifted the HIV Entry Ban.
Implemented HUD Policies that Would Ban Discrimination Based On Gender Identity

Well, there is more but you see we have done a lot. We have the tools to shape the message. We need to move forward together and focus on what we will accomplish forward in the coming years. That is why we have to work hard for the next three weeks to GOTV.

These are my kids at the One Nation March about a week ago. They are fired up as I am. Are you?

Yes indeed, there is more, check out this list:

Accomplishments by the Administration and Congress on LGBT Equality

No one should rest until we have full LGBT equality. But after eight years of Republican disrespect, progress is being made. In its first 20 months, the Obama Administration has...

By Andrew Tobias | Contact

DNC treasurer Andrew Tobias is the author of several books, including The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need and The Best Little Boy in the World.

Reversed an inexcusable US position by signing the UN Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Extended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees in 2009 and, further, in 2010

Endorsed the Baldwin-Lieberman bill, The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, to provide FULL partnership benefits to federal employees

Signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act

Lifted the HIV Entry Ban effective January 2010

Released the first Presidential PRIDE proclamations since 2000

Hosted the first LGBT Pride Month Celebration in White House history

Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King, joining past recipients such as Rosa Parks

Appointed the first ever transgender DNC member

Issued diplomatic passports, and provided other benefits, to the partners of same-sex foreign service employees

Committed to ensuring that HUD's core housing programs are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity

Conceived a National Resource Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Elders -- the nation's first ever -- funded by a three-year HHS grant to SAGE

Testified in favor of ENDA, the first time any official of any administration has testified in the Senate on ENDA

Signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded existing United States federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability -- the first positive federal LGBT legislation in the nation's history

Hired and appointed a record number of qualified LGBT Americans (like these), including more than 20 Senate-confirmed appointments

Sworn in Ambassador David Huebner

Changed the culture of government everywhere from – among others – HUD and HHS to the Export-Import Bank, the State Department, and the Department of Education

Appointed Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, instead of conservatives who would have tilted the Court even further to the right and virtually doomed our rights for a generation. To wit (quoting McCain): "I've said a thousand times on this campaign trail, I've said as often as I can, that I want to find clones of Alito and Roberts. I worked as hard as anybody to get them confirmed. I look you in the eye and tell you I've said a thousand times that I wanted Alito and Roberts. I have told anybody who will listen. I flat-out tell you I will have people as close to Roberts and Alito [as possible]."

Named open transgender appointees (the first President ever to do so)

Banned job discrimination based on gender identity throughout the Federal government (the nation's largest employer)

Emphasized LGBT inclusion in everything from the President's historic NAACP address ("The pain of discrimination is still felt in America. By African American women paid less for doing the same work as colleagues of a different color and a different gender. By Latinos made to feel unwelcome in their own country. By Muslim Americans viewed with suspicion simply because they kneel down to pray to their God. By our gay brothers and sisters, still taunted, still attacked, still denied their rights.") . . . to the first paragraph of his Family Day proclamation ("Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things") and his Mothers Day proclamation ("Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by two parents, a single mother, two mothers, a step-mom, a grandmother, or a guardian. Mother's Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate these extraordinary caretakers") . . . to creating the chance for an adorable 10-year-old at the White House Easter Egg roll to tell ABC World News how cool it is to have two mommies . . . to including the chair of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce along with the Secretary of the Treasury and the President of Goldman Sachs in the small audience for the President's economic address at the New York Stock Exchange . . . to welcoming four gay couples to its first State Dinner

Recommitted, in a televised address, to passing ENDA . . . repealing Don't Ask/Don't Tell . . . repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act

Spoken out against discrimination at the National Prayer Breakfast ("We may disagree about gay marriage, but surely we can agree that it is unconscionable to target gays and lesbians for who they are -- whether it's here in the United States or, as Hillary mentioned, more extremely in odious laws that are being proposed most recently in Uganda.")

Dispatched the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to call on the Senate to repeal Don't Ask / Don't Tell, in the meantime dialing back on discharges

Launched a website to gather public comment on first-ever federal LGBT housing discrimination study

Appointed long-time equality champion Chai Feldblum one of the four Commissioners of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Eliminated the discriminatory Census Bureau policy that kept our relationships from being counted, encouraging couples who consider themselves married to file that way, even if their state of residence does not yet permit legal marriage

Produced U.S. Census Bureau PSAs featuring gay, lesbian, and transgender spokespersons.

Instructed HHS to require any hospital receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds (virtually all hospitals) to allow LGBT visitation rights.

Appointed Retired Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, an early public champion of open service in the military, to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services

Required all grant applicants seeking HUD funding to comply with state and local anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBT individuals.

Adopted transgender recommendations on the issuance of gender-appropriate passports that will ease barriers to safe travel and that will provide government-issued ID that avoids involuntary "outing" in situations requiring ID, like hiring, where a gender-appropriate driver's license or birth certificate is not available

Extended domestic violence protections to LGBT victims

Publicly invited shunned MIssissippi high school prom student to the White House

Extended the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover employees taking unpaid leave to care for the children of same-sex partners

Issued guidance specifically to assist LGBT tenants denied housing on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity

Issued a National HIV/AIDS Strategy praised as "long-overdue" by the Task Force, Lambda and others

Successfully fought for UN accreditation of IGLHRC (the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission) -- against Republican attempts to block it

Convened the first-ever anti-bullying summit to craft a national strategy to reduce bullying in schools.

Awarded $13.3 million to the LA Gay & Lesbian Center to create a model program for LGBTQ youth in the foster care system.

The Administration will continue to make steady progress on our issues whether we help strengthen its hand or not. But the stronger it is, the faster that progress will come.

Obama VETOES Big Banks' notarization sweetheart deal

2010-10-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

by Geekesque
Thu Oct 07, 2010 at 10:40:49 AM PDT

Is Elizabeth Warren's status as personal advisor to President Obama paying off?

It appears so.
Geekesque's diary :: ::

Why President Obama is Not Signing H.R. 3808
Posted by Dan Pfeiffer on October 07, 2010 at 01:15 PM EDT

Today, the White House announced that President Obama will not sign H.R. 3808, the Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2010, and will return the bill to the House of Representatives. The Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2010 was designed to remove impediments to interstate commerce. While we share this goal, we believe it is necessary to have further deliberations about the intended and unintended impact of this bill on consumer protections, including those for mortgages, before this bill can be finalized.

Notarizations are important for a large range of documents, including financial documents. As the President has made clear, consumer financial protections are incredibly important, and he has made this one of his top priorities, including signing into law the strongest consumer protections in history in the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. That is why we need to think through the intended and unintended consequences of this bill on consumer protections, especially in light of the recent developments with mortgage processors.

The authors of this bill no doubt had the best intentions in mind when trying to remove impediments to interstate commerce. We will work with them and other leaders in Congress to explore the best ways to achieve this goal going forward.

Congress received a failing grade on this assignment, and must repeat the class.

It's unclear whether this is a straightforward veto or a pocket veto. The statement says he "will return the to the House of Representatives."

Obama Will Triumph -- So Will America by Frank Schaeffer

2010-09-22T00:32:00.001-07:00

Sent by our sister Dorinda.

By Frank Schaeffer
Frank Schaeffer is a New York Times best selling author.

Before he'd served even one year President Obama lost the support of the easily distracted left and engendered the white hot rage of the hate-filled right. But some of us, from all walks of life and ideological backgrounds -- including this white, straight, 57-year- old, former religious right wing agitator, now progressive writer and (given my background as the son of a famous evangelical leader) this unlikely Obama supporter -- are sticking with our President.

Why? -- because he is succeeding.

We faithful Obama supporters still trust our initial impression of him as a great, good and uniquely qualified man to lead us. Obama's steady supporters will be proved right. Obama's critics will be remembered as easily panicked and prematurely discouraged at best and shriveled hate mongers at worst.

The Context of the Obama Presidency

Not since the days of the rise of fascism in Europe, the Second World War and the Depression has any president faced more adversity. Not since the Civil War has any president led a more bitterly divided country. Not since the introduction of racial integration has any president faced a more consistently short-sighted and willfully ignorant opposition - from both the right and left.

As the President's poll numbers have fallen, so has his support from some on the left who were hailing him as a Messiah not long ago; all those lefty websites and commentators who were falling all over themselves on behalf of our first black president during the 2008 election.

The left's lack of faith has become a self-fulfilling "prophecy" -- snipe at the President and then watch the poll numbers fall and then pretend you didn't have anything to do with it!

Here is what Obama faced when he took office -- none of which was his fault:

# An ideologically divided country to the point that America was really two countries

# Two wars; one that was mishandled from the start, the other that was unnecessary and immoral

# The worst economic crisis since the Depression

# America's standing in the world at the lowest point in history

# A country that had been misled into accepting the use of torture of prisoners of war

# A health care system in free-fall

# An educational system in free-fall

# A global environmental crisis of history-altering proportions (about which the Bush Administration and the Republicans had done nothing)

# An impasse between culture warriors from the right and left

# A huge financial deficit inherited from the terminally inept, irresponsible Bush Administration.

And those were only some of the problems sitting on the President's desk!

"Help" from the Right?

What did the Republicans and the religious right, libertarians and half-baked conspiracy theorists -- that is what the Republicans were reduced to by the time Obama took office -- do to "help" our new president (and our country) succeed? They claimed that he wasn't a real American, didn't have an American birth certificate, wasn't born here, was secretly a Muslim, was a white-hating "racist," was secretly a communist, was actually the Anti-Christ, (!) and was a reincarnation of Hitler and wanted "death panels" to kill the elderly!
They not-so-subtly called for his assassination through the not-so-subtle use of vile signs held at their rallies and even a bumper sticker quoting Psalm 109:8. They organized "tea parties" to sound off against imagined insults and all government in general and gathered to howl at the moon. They were led by insurance industry lobbyists and deranged (but well financed) corporate "commentators" from Glenn Beck to Rush Limbaugh.

The utterly discredited Roman Catholic bishops teamed up with the utterly discredited evangelical leaders to denounce a president who was trying to actually do something about the poor, the environment, to diminish the number of abortions through compassionate programs to help women and to care for the sick! And in Congress, the Republican leadership only knew one word: "No!"

In other words, the reactionary white, rube, uneducated, crazy American far right, combined with the educated but obtuse neo-conservative war mongers, religious right shills for big business, libertarian Fed Reserve-hating gold bug, gun-loving crazies, child-molesting acquiescent "bishops," frontier loons and evangelical gay-hating flakes found one thing to briefly unite them: their desire to stop an uppity black man from succeeding at all costs!

"Help" from the Left?

What did the left do to help their newly elected president? Some of them excoriated the President because they disagreed with the bad choices he was being forced to make regarding a war in Afghanistan that he'd inherited from the worst president in modern history! Others stood up and bravely proclaimed that the President's economic policies had "failed" before the President even instituted them! Others said that, since all gay rights battles had not been fully won within virtually minutes of the President taking office, they'd been "betrayed"! (Never mind that Obama's vocal support to the gay community is stronger than any other president's has been. Never mind that he signed a new hate crimes law!)

Those that had stood in transfixed legions weeping with beatific emotion on election night turned into an angry mob saying how "disappointed" they were that they'd not all immediately been translated to Heaven the moment Obama stepped into the White House! Where was the "change"? Contrary to their expectations, they were still mere mortals!

And the legion of young new supporters was too busy texting to pay attention for longer than a nanosecond. "Governing"?! What the hell does that word, uh, like mean?"

The President's critics left and right all had one thing in common: impatience laced with little-to-no sense of history (let alone reality) thrown in for good measure. Then, of course, there were the white, snide know-it-all commentators/talking heads who just couldn't imagine that maybe, just maybe, they weren't as smart as they thought they were and certainly not as smart as their president. He hadn't consulted them, had he? So he must be wrong!

The Obama critics' ideological ideas defined their idea of reality rather than reality defining their ideas - say, about what is possible in one year in office after the hand that the President had been dealt by fate, or to be exact, by the American idiot nation that voted Bush into office. twice!

Meanwhile back in the reality-based community - in just 12 short months -- President Obama:

#Continued to draw down the misbegotten war in Iraq;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Thoughtfully and decisively picked the best of several bad choices regarding the war in Afghanistan;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Gave a major precedent-setting speech supporting gay rights;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Restored America's image around the globe;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Banned torture of American prisoners;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Stopped the free-fall of the American economy;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Put the USA squarely back in the bilateral international community;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Put the USA squarely into the middle of the international effort to halt global warming;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Stood up for educational reform;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Won a Nobel Peace Prize;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Moved the trial of terrorists back into the American judicial system of checks and balances;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Did what had to be done to start the slow, torturous and almost impossible process of health care reform that 7 presidents had failed to even begin;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Responded to hatred from the right and left with measured good humor and patience;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Stopped the free-fall of job losses;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Showed immense personal courage in the face of an armed and dangerous far right opposition that included the sort of disgusting people who show up at public meetings carrying loaded weapons and carrying Timothy McVeigh-inspired signs about the "blood of tyrants" needing to "water the tree of liberty";
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Showed that he could not only make the tough military choices but explain and defend them brilliantly;
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

Other than those "disappointing" accomplishments -- IN ONE YEAR, President Obama "failed"! Other than that, he didn't "live up to expectations"!

Who actually has failed...
...are the Americans who can't see the beginning of a miracle of national rebirth right under their jaded noses.

Who failed are the smart ass ideologues of the left and right who began rooting for this President to fail so that they could be proved right in their dire and morbid predictions.

Who failed are the movers and shakers behind our obscenely dumb news cycles that have turned "news" into just more stupid entertainment for an entertainment-besotted infantile country.

Here's the good news: President Obama is succeeding without the help of his lefty "supporters" or hate-filled Republican detractors!

The Future Looks Good

After Obama has served two full terms, (and he will), after his wisdom in moving deliberately and cautiously with great subtlety on all fronts -- with a canny and calculating eye to the possible succeeds, (it will), after the economy is booming and new industries are burgeoning, (they will be), after the doomsayers are all proved not just wrong but silly: let the record show that not all Americans were panicked into thinking the sky was falling.

Just because we didn't get everything we wanted in the first short and fraught year Obama was in office, not all of us gave up. Some of us stayed the course. And we will be proved right.

P.S. If you agree that Obama is shaping up to be a great president, please pass this on and hang in there! Pass it on anyway to ensure that his "report card" gets the attention it deserves.

PROGRESSIVES ON THE MOVE: NATIONWIDE MARCHES FOR PUBLIC OPTION ON SEPT. 13

2009-08-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Please, let us not take it upon ourselves to choose for others whether or not to take individual action in their best interests as shareholders of this commonwealth; hence, let's give others the opportunity to choose for themselves to mobilize and take action, or not, on this vital issue to ourselves, to our families, to our fellow citizens and to the Economic Health of this Republic as a whole.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THE INFORMATION BELOW IN WHATEVER FORM BEST ADJUSTS TO YOUR TIME AND CAPABILITIES.

(Suggestions are: to post pertinent info on Blogs, listservs, Facebook Walls and Groups, Tweeter and any and all info-sharing networks and services, in addition to emailing our family, friends and any and all individuals in our circles and that we interact with)

For those of us who may even hate or, strongly dislike or, disapprove of what is being sold and passes as Capitalism today, feel that in order to lower down costs of Health Coverage, a robust public option is imprescindible.

We need competition in the Health Insurance Providers Market Place, hence, the need for a Public Option in the Health Care Reform Bill, and

Whereas, it is the Responsibility of elected Representatives to be Responsive to the Needs of their Constituents and do what the Majority charges them to enact on their behalf, and

Whereas, it is the duty of the Citizens to be engaged in what it is supposed to be a De-Facto Participatory Democracy, to, under no uncertain terms, let their respective Representatives in both Houses of Congress and to The President of the United States of America, know the terms and conditions of the Legislation that this majority mandates for their Representatives to Enact and it's Demands of these same Elected Representatives

Therefore, it is imperative that each of us, let our Representatives know our wishes in the loudest and widest possibly form

Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital, quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change. (Robert F. Kennedy)

DEMAND A PUBLIC OPTION NOW!

"No Public Option, No Vote" - 66 members so far

1) CALL or WRITE PRESIDENT OBAMA! Phone: 202-456-1111 email: president@whitehouse.gov

I'T HAS BEEN ADVISED BY THE STRATEGISTS, INCLUDING JANE HAMSHER, THAT ALTHOUGH CALLING THE WHITE HOUSE FEELS GOOD, IT'S MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO FOCUS ON CALLS AND EMAILS TO CONGRESSPEOPLE. SO PLEASE, PLEASE MAKE YOUR PRIORITY THE LONG LIST OF CONGRESSPEOPLE WHO MUST HOLD THE LINE FOR THE PUBLIC OPTION.

2) CALL or WRITE YOUR SENATORS! The Phone numbers and emails can be found here: Senate, General Information

3) CALL OR WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE: The contact information is here: House, Write your Representative

DNC Main Phone Number: 202-863-8000

To contact the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, click here.
To contact the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, click here.

MARCH FOR HEALTHCARE

March For Healthcare NationWide Marches on September 13 at 12:00 - List of cities where marches are already comfirmed.

We will be marching on September 13th @ 12:00 PM in every city across the country for affordable healthcare. We demand a public option. Let the president and congress know that we will not accept a watered down bill. Click on events to see locations that are confirmed for the march. We will need help to organize all of these rallies. Please fill out your information in the contact us section if you can help.

Please join our group on facebook at March For Healthcare

Read the March for Healthcare blog

An Activist's Complete Guide to Health Care Reform

It's time to let that voice be heard. Now is time for the crowds, the independents, the young, new voters to show up by the thousands and show up for what you want; what you believe in. (Gerald Britt)

FACEBOOK GROUPS CALLING FOR REAL HEALTH CARE REFORM / PUBLIC OPTION

There are many Facebook groups and fan pages demanding the public option that are rapidly attracting members. If we can get everyone who belongs to all of these groups to join all of the others, it will exponentially multiply the effect and send a strong message as to what the American people really want from health care reform.

March for Healthcare - 1227 members so far

The purpose of this group is to organize a march on September 13th across the USA. Congress is wavering on the public option and we must demand one if we expect healthcare costs to go down. Every city in the country needs you to come out on that day and March For Healthcare. I am just one person who is fed up with the system. If there are a million of you out there like me then we can make our voices heard. Let's March!!!

A Public Option for HealthCare - 9315 fans so far

We are "Fans" of a public option for health care. We are tired of delays, we are tired of ridiculous scare tactics, and we are tired of excuses. America needs a public option for health care -- and it's time for Americans to stand up and demand it.

1,000,000 Americans for a Public Health Care Option - 4769 members so far

This is a place to show support for an American Public Healthcare option and share stories about issues and solutions to the current nightmare we call healthcare. Discussion is encourage but distractors will be blocked from the group.

Healthcare-NOW! - 3244 members so far

Healthcare-NOW! is an education and advocacy organization that addresses the health insurance crisis in the U.S by advocating for the passage of national, single-payer healthcare legislation. Right now, the National Health Insurance Act (HR 676) is the only legislation that will create a national, single-payer healthcare system.
We see healthcare as a human right, not a privilege tied to the ability to pay.
HR 676, United States National Health Insurance Act, was introduced by Representative John Conyers (MI-14) and has 91 congressional co-sponsors--more than any other current healthcare legislation in Congress. For more information on HR 676 (it's not very long or difficult to understand), go to http://www.healthcare-now.org/hr-676/.
Healthcare-NOW! has more than 400 committed activists all over the country. Let us know if you'd like to get involved by visiting http://www.Healthcare-Now.org.

Dear President Obama: Keep The Public Option! - 429 members so far

President Obama and his aides have indicated that in order to reach a compromise, he may drop a government option from the health care reform. Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says it's "not the essential element". Kent Conrad, a senator in the Finance Committee, calls it "a wasted effort". We need to let them know that this compromise will be unacceptable. Obama should not waver on something he at one time claimed to have strongly believed in, just because he has some loud vocal opposition! The public option is necessary, and dropping it from this bill is not only a disservice to the American people, it is a slap in the face of every single person who voted for or supported him!

I support the Public Option - 1415 members so far
Do you support a public option component as part of Healthcare Reform?
Let Congress and President Obama hear your voice!
Shout louder than the opposition. There's strength in numbers.
Yes We Can Pass A Healthcare Bill That Includes A Public Option

Demand a Public Health Care Option TODAY! - 297 members so far

I am creating this group because I am sickened by the way the right wing and the health care corporations have hijacked the Health Care debate.
Let the DEMOCRATS know we are holding them accountable to providing a public option.
Please take ten minutes out of your day to write or call the White House, your Senators, and your Represantative DEMANDING a public health care option in this year's Health Care Deform.

You can't do healthcare reform without a public option - 680 members so far

Meaningful healthcare reform is on the ropes! And it's partially our fault. The insurance industry and their supporters are organizing effectively, sending huge numbers of letters and emails to Congress, and sending people to town hall meetings to stifle other voices.
The result? Our elected officials are running for cover on the public option.
Polls show that we are still in the majority on public option, but as the old saying goes "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." Right now our opponents are squeakier. We can't let them defeat meaningful healthcare reform simply by being louder.
We can still win a public option, but it will take serious work on our part. Will you renew your commitment to this effort by taking action right now?
Progress Now Colorado

Contact Info
Email: mailto:keystoneprogress.org
Website: Keystone Progress
Location: 641 R Penn Ave.
West Reading, PA

Sign the petition for a public option in the healthcare plan - 669 members so far

This group is intended simply to spread news of a petition to be signed. If you agree with it, please sign the petition, and invite all your friends to join this group.
In his speech on June 3, President Obama reaffirmed his support for the "public option" of the healthcare plan. That's the crucial ingredient of the plan. The petition at
http://pol.moveon.org/popetition/
urges legislators to include that option in the legislation.

t's Time to March for Health Care - 59 members so far

We think that the only acceptable result of the health care debate is a public option or a single payer system - and we would be willing to take to the streets to peacefully demonstrate this belief.

email: jmass@comporium.net

"The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis"

"Los lugares más obscuros en el Infierno están reservados para aquellos que mantienen su neutralidad en tiempos de crisis moral"
-- Dante Alighieri

Now It Can Be Told: PROOF of Bush Birth Certificate Coverup

2009-05-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

FROM:

Jim

A little while back, I wrote about the multiple falsehoods in an e-mail making the rounds, an e-mail claiming that Barack Obama had registered for college as a foreigner named Barry Soetoro. Unable to substantiate the fibs in that e-mail, conspiracy theorists tried to shift focus by making a different argument. Person after person wrote that Barack Obama had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, or nearly a million dollars, or millions of dollars, all for lawyers to suppress his “real” birth certificate.

Of course, Barack Obama’s “real” birth certificate, a certified copy sufficient to get a driver’s license or a passport and thereby just about anything else (accompanied by verification of the existence of the original and of Obama’s birth in Hawaii by the Republican Director of the Hawaii Department of Health) has already been produced. But facts don’t stop the conspiracy theorists. Facts aren’t necessary, either. All they need is the appearance of factuality to keep their bizarre fictional rage stoked.

On that point, let’s return to the claims that somehow the Obama campaign paid lawyers hundreds of thousands of dollars, or nearly a million dollars, or millions of dollars, you know, some really big sum for lawyers to keep Barack Obama’s “real” birth certificate hidden. Here are just a few examples out of many I’ve had slung my way:

Cherie writes:

FACT: Barry Boy has paid millions in many states and two countries to CONCEAL all his records. His WHITE mother and WHITE grandparents are conveniently now all DEAD.

==============

Ken writes:

If it is a lie and a right wing conspiracy, why is Obama allowing millions to be spent to hide the truth. The best way to stop a lie is with truth so why does Obama allows Soros and others to spend copius amounts of money to hide the truch.

==============

whipporwil writes:

IF IF IF OBAMA IS LEGITIMATE REGARDING HIS U.S BIRTH, THEY WHY WILL HE NOT RELEASE PROOF AND WHY HAS HE SPEND ALMOST A MILLION DOLLARS ON ATTORNEYS TO KEEP THIS QUIET???

==============

Mike L writes:

It amuses me that Obama loves to release “documents” because he believes in full transparency (campaign lie #107), yet he spends $100,000’s to keep his real birth cert under lock and key

==============

to discern writes:

It appears that spending nearly $1 mil in legal fees to seal records of links to his real citizenship does raise the suspicions

These are very stark factual claims being made, but not one of these people, you’ll notice, links to any kind of documentation of the claim. So a bit more than a week ago, I issued a challenge: show me the documentation for this claim. Not another rant about Obama’s “socialism.” Not a screed about “media bias.” Not an attack on my motivations… and NOT a link to how much Barack Obama has paid his lawyers overall. Campaigns have a lot of legal expenses. People who say that Barack Obama has spent some amount of money to have lawyers hide his “real” birth certificate should be able to link to some document showing specific expenditures for those reasons… or they shouldn’t be making their claims.

How many people do you think, in a dozen or so comments, provided links to any such documents? I’ll give you a hint: the number is less than one and rhymes with “Nero.”

The closest anybody came was to link to the FEC and make reference to $688,000 being spent by the Obama campaign on legal expenses after the election of 2008. Well, that much is true: here’s the link to a mainstream news analysis of FEC disclosures revealing that the Obama campaign made $688,000 in payments of legal fees after the 2008 election was over.

But of course that doesn’t show that the Obama campaign spent “hundreds of thousands,” or “nearly a million,” or “millions of dollars” on getting lawyers to hide Barack Obama’s “real” birth certificate. Presidential election campaigns, especially successful ones, have all kinds of lawyerly activities associated with them, from securing ballot access to ensuring campaign regulation compliance to working through the legal machinery to accomplish a smooth transition of power. But the conspiracy theorists simply imagine that all the legal fees paid out after a campaign is done must be in the service of… hiding a birth certificate! One that’s already been released!

It’s deluded. It’s insane. We’ll get comments to this post swearing up and down that it all makes sense, even though no, it doesn’t. I’ll ask them for the evidence, and they’ll provide a link to some WorldNet Daily editorial about tea parties and Tony Rezko. And on it goes…

… but let’s punch through to the other side of this deluded conspiracy theory and hypothetically accept for the moment that the fact of Barack Obama paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees somehow means that he is of foreign birth and therefore constitutionally unfit for the presidency.

Well, hey then, kids! Let’s check out legal fees paid out by the Bush-Cheney campaign of 2004, also after the finish of the campaign! Just for kicks and giggles, we’ll limit our search to legal fees paid out by a subset of the Republicans’ 2004 campaign: the Bush-Cheney compliance committee. I’ll even document the searches: Report #1, Report #2.

The total dollar amount of legal fees paid out after the election by the Bush campaign, according to these reports, is $337,172! And that’s just in 2005 dollars. In 2009 dollars that would be nearly $400,000!

Hey, it’s on the same order of magnitude as the Obama expenditure, buckos, and there wasn’t even a presidential transition after the 2004 election. That can only mean one thing: George W. Bush was really born in Bhutan! I mean, what else besides the desperate attempt by the Bush campaign to hide Dubya’s “real” birth certificate could explain these legal fees?

Go on, spread this new truth far and wide. Bush, the Illegitimate Bhutano-Fascist Pretender to the Presidency! Now It Can Be Told!

SOA Watch Encuentro and Lobby Days in Washington, DC

2009-01-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

North and South, the People Say, Close the SOA! Donate

Tell Congress and the White House to Shut Down the SOA/WHINSEC!
Converge on Washington, DC in February 2009

Make Your Voice Heard: Ensure True Change in Latin America Policy

Join grassroots activists and organizers for a series of events calling for a new Latin America policy and opposing militarization.

SOA Watch is working with other Latin America Solidarity and social justice groups on a series of events from February 15-17, 2009 to push the U.S. Congress and the White House to close the School of the Americas and to bring real change to U.S. Latin America policy.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, February 14
7pm Meet and Greet at the SOA Watch office

Sunday, February 15
9am - 4:30pm SOA Watch Encuentro / Strategy Meeting
dinner break 4:30pm - 6:00pm
6:00pm - 9:00pm Anti-Militarization Program
organized in cooperation with the Latin America Solidarity Coalition (LASC) and the North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA)

Monday, February 16
9:00am - 11:00am Grassroots Lobby Training
1:00pm - 4:00pm Arts and Action Workshop
Lobby Visits and Street Theater on Capitol Hill

Tuesday, February 17
Lobbying on Capitol Hill

Click Here to Register
for the February 15-17 Events

Thank you for signing the Petition to Barack Obama Our voices together can compel president Obama to act. Please pass the petition on to your friends and co-workers. Thank you!

SOA Watch is circulating a petition to Barack Obama, urging him to issue an executive order to close the School of the Americas (SOA/WHINSEC).

Click here to download petition forms - Click here to sign the petition online

Educate and mobilize your community!

Order the SOA Watch DVD Compilation and organize a film screening for your friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Order Outreach palm cards: Spread the word about the SOA/ WHINSEC in your church, school, union local or meeting with the new SOA Watch Palm Card. The cards have basic information about the School of the Americas on one side and information about the Obama Petition and the February events in DC on the other.

SOA Watch Palm Cards:

Order the palm cards in packs of 120 for $6 including shipping and handling.
Click here to order online or send a $6 check or cash to SOA Watch, PO Box 4566, Washington, DC 20017

100 Days Campaign To Close Guantanamo and End Torture
Sunday, January 11, marks seven years of detention and torture at Guantanamo. SOA Watch is part of Witness against Torture, an effort to close of the detention camp and to end torture!

Visit 100DaysCampaign.org for information on the upcoming events in DC and around the country!

Are you planning on coming to Washington DC for the Presidential Inauguration?!
We're continuing to collect signatures for the petition to Barack Obama to close the school by executive order and we're working hard to promote the President's Day weekend events in February with palm card distribution. If you will be in DC for the inauguration and are interested in passing out palm cards and/or working the crowds for petition signatures contact the DC office at (202) 234-3440 or info@soaw.org and we can mail you the resources.

Join the SOA Watch staff in Washington, DC
Check out the SOA Watch webpage for internship and job openings in the SOA Watch office in DC. We are currently seeking a full-time Communications Coordinator as well as an intern for a three to four-month period.

Click here to read the job and internship descriptions.

Cheryl Sommers, Odetta Holmes, Philip and Louise Baldwin Rieman PRESENTE!
We are sorry to report that former Prisoner of Conscience Cheryl Sommers died yesterday.Cheryl was among the 37 people who were arrested at the Fort Benning military base in November of 2005 and was later sentenced in a federal court to three months in prison.

Last month, three other SOA Watch supporters passed away:
Odetta Holmes, was an American singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter, and a human rights activist, often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement". Odetta died on December 2, 2008 from heart disease in New York City.
SOA Watch activists Philip and Louise Baldwin Rieman were killed on December 26, 2008 in a car accident on their way to a family gathering in Indiana. They were co-pastors of the Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis.

May they rest in peace!

We appreciate your interest! You are subscribed to this list as campaignformigrantsrights@yahoo.com.

Click here to unsubscribe, or reply to this email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

Contact us.

Our mailing address is:
SOA Watch, PO Box 4566, Washington, D.C. 20017, USA

Our telephone:
(202) 234 3440

Donate to Support the Campaign to Shut Down the SOA/WHINSEC

A Haitian-born journalist has become Canada's first black governor general - the representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth II.

2008-12-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

Source : Campaign for Migrants Rights (C-M-R)

Send By : Abdul-ganiu.O.Cole
Founder / Global Cordinator
Motto : Freedom For All !
E-mail : campaignformigrantsrights@yahoo.com
Tel :00212-15619532
Please read and forward far and wide.
Dear Friends & Supporters,

Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ' Wonder shall never End' the World is changing.

Former Canadian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Michaelle Jean, 48, was sworn in at a ceremony in the Senate chamber in Ottawa. as Canada's first black governor general - the representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth II.

Quiet old news however it is part of wave of inclusiveness of black nobilities in power seats around the world. So, unknown Michaelle is head of Canada -and OBAMA is America's -maybe Vincent Mobedelu could become UK's next prime minister!

Last Updated: Tuesday, 27 September 2005, 18:54 GMT 19:54 UK

Canada governor general sworn in

Michaelle Jean will hold the post for five years

A Haitian-born journalist has become Canada's first black governor general - the representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth II.

Former Canadian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Michaelle Jean, 48, was sworn in at a ceremony in the Senate chamber in Ottawa.

Televised images showed tears running down her cheeks as she listened to singers greeting her arrival.

Ms Jean took over the largely symbolic post from Adrienne Clarkson.

The governor general gives royal assent to government bills, signs state documents and presides over the swearing-in of the prime minister, chief justice and cabinet ministers.

Committed

Ms Jean, a producer, radio host and award-winning documentary filmmaker, fled Haiti with her family in 1968.

They settled in the French-speaking province of Quebec in eastern Canada.

Her appointment has been widely welcomed, but was not without some controversy.

Critics said she had ties to Quebec separatists and questioned her loyalty to a federal Canada.

A documentary made by her husband in 1991 about the struggles for independence in Quebec, Haiti and Martinique, showed the couple joining separatists in a toast to Quebec's independence.

They also alleged that her dual French citizenship - which she has since renounced - made her a poor choice to represent Queen Elizabeth II in Canada.

Ms Jean said she and her husband were "fully committed to Canada

FIRE Raids ICE Management Meeting, Delivers Notice of Deportation of ICE from Flagstaff

2008-12-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

SOURCE: Arnoldo Garcia -

Site National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Blog Red Nacional Pro Derechos Inmigrantes y Refugiados

FLGFIRE
December 04, 2008

FIRE: Ice Management Raid

Flagstaff. AZ -- At approximately 10AM on Thursday December 4th, Flagstaff Immigrant Rights Enforcement (FIRE) confronted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a daring raid, serving a notice of deportation to ICE representatives at an ICE Management meeting. FIRE agents pinpointed the location of the ICE management meeting at the Flagstaff Radisson Hotel in the Kaibab Meeting Room and staged the raid. FIRE agent Del Fuego read the notice of deportation to more than 15 ICE associated criminals, some of whom appeared to possibly be illegal immigrants themselves, as they were not Indigenous People. Agent Del Fuego called for the immediate withdrawal of ICE from the Flagstaff community and notified ICE of the cease and desist order for all future raids.

FIRE will continue supporting and enforcing immigrant rights where they are violated with the exception of established immigrant "settlers" or "colonizers" who have been benefitting from the exploitation of Indigenous People's lands. In addition, locations believed to be harboring ICE criminals, associates, and illegal settlers on indigenous lands can expect future FIRE raids. FIRE has credible intelligence that ICE absconders use condominiums, country clubs, law enforcement facilities, steakhouses, stretch limousines, luxury hotels, beach resorts, ski resorts, martini bars, intelligence facilities, etc., as bases of operation. These settlers will be brought to justice. No human is illegal.

NOTICE OF DEPORTATION:

Notice served on this, the 4th day of December, 2008 by Flagstaff Immigrant Rights Enforcement (FIRE) for the immediate deportation from the Flagstaff area of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and officials.

FIRE charges ICE with the following activities deemed criminal and in violation of human rights. These activities include but are not limited to:

Terrorizing entire communities resulting in the destruction of over 34,000 families within the last year alone, including most recently, 16 persons within the immediate Flagstaff area.
Causing fear that has extended into the hearts of our community's children, who, due to your presence, live in constant trauma of returning to an empty home.
Taking no meaningful measures to ensure the well-being of those impacted by family members' deportation.
Perpetuating institutionalized racism and practicing racial profiling.
Aiding and abetting border militarization on both sides of the US- Mexico border.
Creating and upholding the myth of "illegal human beings".
Enforcing and benefitting from a global economic system that criminalizes labor and creates deathly low wages.
Enforcing immigration policies on borders drawn on indigenous lands.
Misappropriation of taxpayer funds for aforementioned terrorist activity while education, health care, and housing services collapse.

---------------------------------------- ---------------

About FIRE - Flagstaff Immigrant Rights Enforcement is established to take direct action in solidarity with communities impacted by ICE raids. We do not represent anyone or any groups other than ourselves and our actions. FIRE is an independent agency and can be made up of anyone fighting for human rights and the abolition of ICE terrorism. LET'S TURN UP THE HEAT ON ICE!

Category: Nonprofits & Activism

A Nativist GOP Wired to Fail in a Diverse America

2008-12-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

Source: American Taino

September 30, 2008

Today's GOP is under the firm grip of a pack of vicious, nativistic and egotistical loudmouths. For a political party its a deathly defect. Neal Gabler call's it the GOP's McCarthy gene. He theorizes that it's this "something deep in the DNA of the Republican Party that determines how Republicans run for office". They are repelled and even angered by diversity.

"Republicans continue to push the idea that this is a center-right country and that Americans have swooned for GOP anti-government posturing all these years, but the real electoral bait has been anger, recrimination and scapegoating. That's why John McCain kept describing Barack Obama as some sort of alien and why Palin, taking a page right out of the McCarthy playbook, kept pushing Obama's relationship with onetime radical William Ayers.

There may be assorted intellectuals and ideologues in the party, maybe even a few centrists, but there is no longer an intellectual or even ideological wing. The party belongs to McCarthy and his heirs -- Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Palin. It's in the genes."

It's this part of the GOP's political DNA that accounts for the post-9/11 explosion of xenophobia, bigotry and racism. And just like McCarthy's witch hunts in the '50s gravelly wounded the once proud party of Lincoln, so again its modern day base instincts for fear mongering, intimidation, scapegoating and bluster are causing it to implode.

Nativist GOP losers are a growing list, including George Allen, Randy Graf, J. D. Hayworth, Virgil Goode, Lou Barletta, Tom Tancredo, Mitt Romney, Elizabeth Dole, John McCain and Sarah Palin.

It's why the GOP lost the once reliably red states of Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado to Barack Obama.

And it's why the GOP will likely lose Arizona, Texas and even Georgia in the not so distant future.

It's even why the Waco-Tribune -- in the heart of Red Texas -- had this to say in its post-presidential election wrap-up: The big question is if the GOP can reach beyond its far-right constituency and put aside the politics of hate and division that sank the McCain-Palin ticket. Otherwise, party hard-liners will lead it to further defeat.

Unfortunately for the party, that's not likely. As Neal Gabler observes:

And that is also why the Republican Party, despite the recent failure of McCarthyism, is likely to keep moving rightward, appeasing its more extreme elements and stoking their grievances for some time to come.

Recount wrinkle surfaces in Minnesota: missing ballots

2008-11-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

By KEVIN DUCHSCHERE, Star Tribune

Last update: November 25, 2008 - 3:55 PM

A new wrinkle is surfacing today in the recount battle in Minnesota between incumbent U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman and challenger Al Franken -- missing ballots.

The Franken campaign today said that it has learned of missing ballots totaling several hundred in various counties. Franken recount attorney Marc Elias said he's also bothered that counties that know they have missing ballots aren't bothering to look for them.

Elias declined to identify those counties but acknowledged that the Franken campaign is monitoring reports of several dozen missing ballots in Becker County.

Officials can determine they have missing ballots whenever they come up with fewer paper ballots than what the electronic Election Night vote total was for the U.S. Senate race.

In Crystal, officials there say they have found eight absentee ballots, still sealed in their security envelopes, that had not been counted on Nov. 4. The ballots, which were subsequently included in the city's recount, increased Democrat Franken's total by seven votes and Republican Coleman's by one. The envelopes were discovered Friday night among opened envelopes, a city spokeswoman said.

Also today, Elias says the Franken campaign believes its deficit in the recount has shrunk to 84 votes. Before the recount, Coleman led Franken by 215 votes out of about 2.9 million cast, a margin that has fluctuated over the past week.

Elias says that the smaller number is based on how election judges in the counties have ruled so far on challenged ballots. Those several thousand challenged ballots are awaiting final scrutiny by the State Canvassing Board next month.

As for rejected absentee ballots, Elias said the Franken campaign has received lists of those voters from all or part of 66 counties. That accounts for about 6,400 ballots, he said. On Wednesday, the Canvassing Board will meet to consider whether to allow any of those ballots to be counted.

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Obama Team Mulls Role for Miss Lewinsky in New Administration

2008-11-23T01:22:00.000-08:00

President-Elect Barack Obama's transition team is reported to be deeply divided over whether to offer a post to Monica Lewinsky, the former White House Intern whose intimate relationship with President Bill Clinton led to his impeachment.

Obama Team Mulls Role for Miss Lewinsky in New Administration

Billy Kimball

Posted November 23, 2008 | 02:06 AM (EST)

Until now, Lewinsky was one of the few high-profile figures from the Clinton Presidency who had not been recruited for the incoming Obama team. Mr. Clinton's brother Roger is another, though on Friday there were rumors he would be named ambassador to Spain.

One group, which includes David Axelrod, Mr. Obama's campaign manager who has been named his senior advisor, favors the move to balance the influence of the Clinton-era policy people by adding someone with a different perspective.

A second faction led by Mr. Obama's Chief-of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, is bitterly opposed believing that a Lewinsky appointment would needlessly antagonize the Clintons and their supporters. Before being elected to Congress, Mr. Emanuel served as a senior advisor to President Clinton.

Former South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle, who is expected to be nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services, responded to a reporter who asked about the Lewinsky rumors by pretending to receive a cell phone call. When the reporter took the phone from him and closed it while making a "we both know what you're doing" facial expression, Daschle said that appointing Lewinsky would be "like rubbing salt in the wounds of Senator Clinton at a time when we're supposed to be in a healing process." He added that Miss Lewinsky's presence in the White House would be "a huge distraction."

But New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who broke with the Clintons over his endorsement of Mr. Obama, said that Lewinsky was "a fresh face" with "a lot to offer." Richardson lost the post of Secretary of State to Senator Clinton and is now Mr. Obama's choice for the far less prestigious job of Secretary of Commerce. "The Obama Adminstration should be focused on recruiting the best people to help us address the challenges of the future and not get bogged down in past history," he said.

The Clintons themselves have not commented on the possibility of a Lewinsky appointment though people close to her have said that Sen. Clinton was shocked and appalled by the idea. "It's a non-starter for her," said Philippe Raines, a longtime aide to Sen. Clinton. "She doesn't want to run into Monica in the West Wing ladies' room," he added.

However, Justin Cooper, who edited Mr. Clinton's autobiography, My Life, and has remained close to the former president, said that Mr. Clinton was cautiously supportive of the prospect. "He's always had great admiration for Monica's abilities," Cooper said. "I think he's just concerned that she might get in over her head if she were given a job as a political move."

Since the scandal, in addition to her status as a pop culture icon of sorts, Lewinsky has had a brief career as a handbag designer and then attended the London School of Economics where she received a master's degree in Social Psychology. Her thesis was titled "In Search of the Impartial Juror: An Exploration of the Third Person Effect and Pre-Trial Publicity."

No decision has been reached as to exactly what sort of job Lewinsky might be offered. "With her background, I could imagine her doing something on either the jurisprudence side at the Department of Justice or on the handbag side, at either the Department of Commerce or the Department of Agriculture," said Deborah Kaye, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who studies the Executive Branch.

Monica Lewinsky was not available for comment. Through her attorney, William Ginsburg, she released a statement, which read, in part, "I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve my country again at this crucial juncture in our history."

"Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities."

"Fifty-one percent of a nation can establish a totalitarian regime, suppress minorities and still remain democratic."

The voice of the majority is no proof of justice.
-- Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn
Any law which violates the indefeasible rights of man is essentially unjust and tyrannical; it is not a law at all.
Maximilien Robespierre

In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place.
Mahatma Gandhi

It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority.
Lord Acton

We Wa$ Robbed... Again - A Quiet Windfall For U.S. Banks

2008-11-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

With Attention on Bailout Debate, Treasury Made Change to Tax Policy

The U.S. Treasury modified a 22-year-old law that had outlawed firms from benefiting from certain tax shelters arising from acquisitions. And the windfall to banks could reach anywhere from $105 billion to $150 billion.

By Amit R. Paley

Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 10, 2008; Page A01

The financial world was fixated on Capitol Hill as Congress battled over the Bush administration's request for a $700 billion bailout of the banking industry. In the midst of this late-September drama, the Treasury Department issued a five-sentence notice that attracted almost no public attention.

But corporate tax lawyers quickly realized the enormous implications of the document: Administration officials had just given American banks a windfall of as much as $140 billion.

The sweeping change to two decades of tax policy escaped the notice of lawmakers for several days, as they remained consumed with the controversial bailout bill. When they found out, some legislators were furious. Some congressional staff members have privately concluded that the notice was illegal. But they have worried that saying so publicly could unravel several recent bank mergers made possible by the change and send the economy into an even deeper tailspin.

"Did the Treasury Department have the authority to do this? I think almost every tax expert would agree that the answer is no," said George K. Yin, the former chief of staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, the nonpartisan congressional authority on taxes. "They basically repealed a 22-year-old law that Congress passed as a backdoor way of providing aid to banks."

The story of the obscure provision underscores what critics in Congress, academia and the legal profession warn are the dangers of the broad authority being exercised by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. in addressing the financial crisis. Lawmakers are now looking at whether the new notice was introduced to benefit specific banks, as well as whether it inappropriately accelerated bank takeovers.

The change to Section 382 of the tax code -- a provision that limited a kind of tax shelter arising in corporate mergers -- came after a two-decade effort by conservative economists and Republican administration officials to eliminate or overhaul the law, which is so little-known that even influential tax experts sometimes draw a blank at its mention. Until the financial meltdown, its opponents thought it would be nearly impossible to revamp the section because this would look like a corporate giveaway, according to lobbyists.

Andrew C. DeSouza, a Treasury spokesman, said the administration had the legal authority to issue the notice as part of its power to interpret the tax code and provide legal guidance to companies. He described the Sept. 30 notice, which allows some banks to keep more money by lowering their taxes, as a way to help financial institutions during a time of economic crisis. "This is part of our overall effort to provide relief," he said.

The Treasury itself did not estimate how much the tax change would cost, DeSouza said.

A Tax Law 'Shock'

The guidance issued from the IRS caught even some of the closest followers of tax law off guard because it seemed to come out of the blue when Treasury's work seemed focused almost exclusively on the bailout.

"It was a shock to most of the tax law community. It was one of those things where it pops up on your screen and your jaw drops," said Candace A. Ridgway, a partner at Jones Day, a law firm that represents banks that could benefit from the notice. "I've been in tax law for 20 years, and I've never seen anything like this."

More than a dozen tax lawyers interviewed for this story -- including several representing banks that stand to reap billions from the change -- said the Treasury had no authority to issue the notice.

Several other tax lawyers, all of whom represent banks, said the change was legal. Like DeSouza, they said the legal authority came from Section 382 itself, which says the secretary can write regulations to "carry out the purposes of this section."

MORE ON THE STORY: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place.
Mahatma Gandhi

It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority.
Lord Acton

Alaska Update: Thousands of Ballots 'Found', One-Third Remain Uncounted in the State's Still-Fishy '08 Election

2008-11-10T17:13:00.001-08:00

From: The Brad Blog, Blogged by Brad Friedman on 11/10/2008 4:27PM

Alaska Update: Thousands of Ballots 'Found', One-Third Remain Uncounted in the State's Still-Fishy '08 Election

This just in from Alaska, where thousands of new ballots continue to be found each day, since it was first reported that turnout in 2008 was 11% lower than in 2004. Thousands of ballots, nearly a third of them, remain uncounted nearly a week after the election. Their numbers could explain the strange results so far in races --- such as those of the felonious Sen. Ted Stevens (R) and the under-investigation Rep. Don Young (R) --- for which pollsters had predicted decisive losses for the Republicans.

Even with the newly acknowledged ballots and even with Alaska's once-popular Gov. Sarah Palin and popular Sen. Barack Obama both on the Presidential ballot this year, turnout numbers still remain slightly below those from 2004. The Anchorage Daily News, with numbers somewhat out of date from those now posted below, called it all "puzzling" over the weekend, and pointed out much of what we've detailed here in previous posts.

The following updated numbers come from the DNC's Alaska Communications Director, Kay Brown late this afternoon [emphasis in the original]...

New totals for ballots were posted today at:
http://www.elections.ala...rly_question_numbers.pdf

The Division of Elections reports there are now 90,635 ballots remaining to be counted. This means nearly 29 percent (28.8%) of the total vote has not been counted yet.

With these new numbers the total vote is at 314,268, with turnout at 63.3% (registered voters = 495,731).

The new ballots posted today include about 4,000 additional Questioned ballots about 5,600 additional Absentees.

The Division of Elections (DOE) plans to count the majority of early vote and absentee ballots that were verified by Election Day on Wednesday. The DOE Plans to count the remaining ballots on Friday (but this is all obviously subject to change). However, there could be enough ballots left after Wednesdays count for the race to still go either way.

All overseas ballots have to be received by Wednesday, November 19th and the DOE plans to certify the election on Tuesday, November 25. A recount, should one be necessary, would occur after that. An automatic recount is only implemented if the final votes are within 0.5 percent.

Total turnout in 2004 was 314,502 with these new ballots posted today we are still slightly under the number who voted in 2004. Turnout in the 2004 General was 66.6%, with 314,502 voting and 472,160 registered voters statewide.

Previously related...
• 11/6/08: "SOMETHING SMELLS VERY FISHY IN ALASKA"
• 11/9/08: "Alaska Stinks & Minnesota's on Edge, So Here's What Parties and Citizens Can Do to Try and Ensure Election Results with Integrity There and Elsewhere"

In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place.
Mahatma Gandhi

It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority.
Lord Acton

Thank you and Congratulations People of The United States of America

2008-11-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you!

You proved that change can happen. You built an unprecedented grassroots organization in all 50 states that brought a record number of people into the political process -- many for the first time, many for the first time in a long time.

Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America

Barack Obama Song (Chicago, That Toddlin' Town)

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama

(as prepared for delivery)

Election Night

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

Publish Post

Chicago, Illinois

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thirteen Election Integrity Experts: E-Voting Problems and How to Stop Them

2008-10-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

Thirteen election integrity experts and activists discuss the e-voting challenges and solutions for 2008.

From: AlterNet

By Jim Cirile, Velvet Revolution. Posted October 24, 2008.

"Where nothing can go wrong go wrong go wrong"

So went the tagline for "Westworld," the chilling 1973 thriller about a resort where the androids go off the rails. Fiction? Hardly. In 2008, we have our own version of an electronic frontier fraught with machine failure. It's called the U.S. electoral system, a decentralized mess where often partisan local officials manage the voter registration rolls and have the power to purchase any voting system they please, often with no real oversight or meaningful security testing procedures.

We assembled a panel of leading election integrity (EI) experts and asked their advice on myriad aspects of the e-voting problem. Their recommendations are wide-ranging and should hopefully serve as a wake-up call, since candidates' political futures, not to mention the future of the U.S. and the entire planet, could be decided on error-prone and worse, easily tamperable electronic voting systems.

The question put to each of the experts was, "How can candidates best protect themselves from potential electronic voting problems and manipulation?"

Bev Harris, Black Box Voting.org

There's not a lot they can do, but the number one thing is they should take the time to reconcile the numbers. There are various things that should add up with each other. We have found that about 70% of the time the records don't add up correctly. Those are the checks and balances that are supposed to protect the vote. Too often, they're going to find that they don't check or balance. But either way, they should check, because that's something that, as a candidate, it's doable. You can see that the number of people who checked in to vote is not less than the number of votes, for example. Or you sometimes see more votes show up than there are people in the county. And ensure that the results in the polling place matches the results that got reported.

With the scanned ballots (paper ballots which are counted by an optical scan machine, as opposed to a DRE or touch-screen machine) there is an additional reconciliation item. Most places that are running a tight ship, the poll workers are supposed to sign off on how many ballots they got and then sign off on how many got used, how many got spoiled, and how many they have left over. That's a really important thing to check on, because that's where the problems can come in. There's a few places where they audit a certain number of them, and if you get extra blank ballots unaccounted for floating around, they can make anything match.

Brad Friedman, The Brad Blog

The first thing they (candidates) need to do is go to StandingForVoters.org and put themselves on the record loud and clear that they are not going to concede an election until every vote is counted and counted accurately and all election challenges are adequately resolved. Doing that sends a signal that they are not going to tolerate it, and they are going to do forensic audits to make sure everything was recorded accurately. And for the bad guys who are going to try to get away with it, it will put them on notice that we're watching this time.

They other thing they should do is educate themselves about their electoral system. I'm constantly stunned by how little candidates seem to know about the electoral system that will be used to elect or defeat them. I heard Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid on the air the other day say that they were lucky in the state of Nevada because they have paper trails on their system -- never mind the fact that those paper trails, along with those touch screen machines they use in Nevada, are hackable. It's a touch screen with a paper trail, which is as verifiable as a touch screen without a paper trail, which is to say not verifiable at all. The fact that the Democratic Senate Majority Leader doesn't understand that is stunning.

In many cases, candidates have standing that regular voters don't have. They can ask for recounts. They can ask for spot checks. They can randomly choose a precinct to be recounted by hand in most states. And again, they should announce their intention before the election to do exactly that, so the bad guys will be on notice that you can try to game the system, but there's a very good chance that you're going to get caught.

An optically scanned paper ballot without any form of verification is virtually worthless. We need to actually start counting some of these paper ballots that we fought so hard to get.

Clint Curtis, programmer/whistleblower

If the state has paper ballots but no audit procedure, as in Florida, the candidate should perform a sample audit by using ballot inspection after the election. After-election audits do not carry the weight of real audits, but it is all we are left with at Florida. I would suggest a 10 percent audit of all precincts, randomly drawn. If election officials are aware that the audit is coming, then they are more likely to be careful in making sure that their numbers are correct, at least in the items that they can control.

On DREs, there is no way to do it. After-election canvassing is expensive and difficult, and the results were ignored by both the press and the political system. (Curtis is referring to his failed 2006 Congressional bid in Florida's 24th district. Curtis and team went door to door collecting signed affidavits from voters as to how they voted -- which Curtis alleges were drastically off from the official results. His election challenge was dismissed by the Democratic-led House Administration Committee who never even reviewed the evidence.)

David Earnhardt, filmmaker, "Uncounted: The New Math of American Elections"

If they are in districts that have opt-scan voting, they should demand random audits of at least 5 percent. If they have paperless touch-screen voting, they should do exit poll-style audits. Chain of custody of paper ballots needs to be completely secure.

Candidates need to speak out on this issue -- both to voters and the media. They need to make this issue -- the proper counting of all votes -- a part of their platform.

Simon Ardizzone, filmmaker, "Hacking Democracy"

You can't protect candidates from vote manipulation. Thanks to the mighty mess that is the U.S. election system, there is no prophylactic. However, you can encourage candidates to behave rationally when it happens, and you can encourage them to play ball with election reform groups.

No one can ensure that these machines count accurately, short of a full hand recount. However, I say this: video the close of the polls! The printout of the optical scanners is the forensic evidence of the vote that is least likely to be compromised. This is particularly true given the recent product advisory from Premier Election Systems (formerly Diebold Election Systems) admitting that their memory cards lose votes during uploads to GEMS central tabulators.

So every candidate must make sure that the precinct results match the final results, and that means an independent record of the poll tapes printed out on the night and signed by the precinct staff, not the re-printed ones that often turn up during recounts!

Video records are cheap, easy to do, and provide one other very interesting source of information. If certain types of hack have been carried out, particularly if pre-programmed results are re-written from hidden files on the memory cards to the vote counters themselves, then that takes time. Video works at 1/30th of a second and so it may provide evidence if there is a clear disparity between the time it takes from the ender card going through the scanner, through to the time when the printer starts to record the results. It's a long shot, but this could be important evidence. Observers should post these videos on You Tube, where citizens can then look at all the results from all the precincts in their county. And then count them themselves.

David Jefferson, Livermore National Laboratories

The fact is that candidates are not in much of a position to do anything other than ask for recounts or sue. Anything they may try to do is completely undercut because it always appears self-serving and partisan, or will at least be painted that way. Candidates are victims of bad voting systems like the rest of us.

David Swanson, Democrats.com, AfterDowningStreet.org

They can raise the issue in the media and make it part of their campaigns in a few ways. First, they can encourage election day volunteers, observers, videographers, and exit pollsters, organizing efforts directly or assisting organizations not affiliated with any campaign, including encouraging the media to produce and release unadjusted exit poll results. They can plan to spend the day themselves setting an example as an observer. Second, they can make the issue of honest and verifiable elections part of their platform for policy changes. Ideally, they would support working toward changes in regulations, laws, and the Constitution to establish an individual Constitutional right to vote and to have all votes publicly and locally counted in a manner that can be repeated and verified if questioned, and a ban on private companies overseeing any vote counting. Third, they can support ongoing efforts to investigate past questionable elections anywhere in the country.

Where possible, request audits and recounts. Announce ahead of time that you will do so as a matter of principle. Observe. Videotape.

Don Siegelman, former Governor, Alabama

There is no way [to protect against election manipulation]. Pray, and make sure your candidate wins by more votes than they can steal. The only way to ensure that vote tallies of paper ballots are counted correctly is to hand-count them with witnesses present.

We must lobby Congress for paper ballots and hand-counting of votes.

Ellen Thiesen, Co-Director, VotersUnite.org

Candidates should encourage voters to vote on paper, on election day at the polls if at all possible; and to observe the subsequent handling and counting of the ballots to the extent allowed by law.

To ensure the greatest potential for accuracy of scanners, the machines should undergo a rigorous pre-election testing. (See John Washburn's guidelines here.) Immediately after the election, as many ballots as the law allows should be hand-counted; any discrepancies between the machine and hand tallies must be thoroughly investigated.

Candidates should not concede until they are convinced they lost fairly; otherwise, they do a disservice to their supporters and to democracy.

Dr. Robert Fitrakis, Author, Attorney, Editor of FreePress.org

Candidates can urge their supporters to vote absentee, by mail, or if the option is available at the polls, on paper ballots. Candidates should take advantage of state laws that allow election observers into the board of elections. Candidates can also do pre- and post-election public records requests to see who has serviced or interacted with the voting machines.

The best method would be to count by hand the ballots or in a scanning machine at the precinct level and post the vote totals at the precinct level. The central tabulator should be used as an audit only, comparing numbers from the counties to the specific precinct numbers.

The best thing a candidate can do is to demand full transparency and insist that private, partisan, for-profit entities be removed from the election process.

Holly Jacobson, Director & Co-Founder, Voter Action.org

Support the use of optical scans. The problem is that unless machines are impounded and security experts allowed to look at the source code in an in-depth way, it's hard to detect electronic voting manipulation.

For electronic voting problems, we need paper ballot backups that are not counted as provisional ballots. Electronic voting machines break down and cause disenfranchisement, because long lines form and people don't get the chance to vote.

We also need robust audits selected in random precincts by each party. I have a 10 percent audit solution.

I don't think that people think [nothing can go wrong] anymore. I think people don't know what to do about it.

Ion Sancho, Supervisor of Elections, Leon County, FL

If I were running, knowing what I know nowadays, I'd want to get a copy of the election official and security procedures to ensure that the chain of custody of the ballots is maintained, and that there's oversight from when the ballots are received by the elections office to when they're distributed to the precincts, and the process of collecting those ballots back again. Understanding what the chain of custody is for all ballots is pretty important and tends to be overlooked. It doesn't make any difference what kind of fabulous machine you use if you can't guarantee that the ballots that they count are the correct ballots.

It boggles my mind how many election officials don't have a clue what chain of custody means. For some it's, "Well, people had it." That's not good enough. Chain of custody is number one.

Find out what kind of audit laws are available in the jurisdiction. Florida has a terrible election audit. If I was running, short of my race being selected as the one for the random audit, then you have no confidence. The audit simply does not represent enough ballots of a precinct to give you any kind of confidence level. Find out what kind of audits may be done in that jurisdiction.

I do know of a case here in North Florida where a candidate contacted the election officials and arranged for a manual recount after the election, (and that recount was) not sanctioned by the state.

When a recount is invoked, I have to follow the state procedures for a recount. However, if there's no recount, I actually have more authority to do a full-blown recount. If the issue is to confirm whether it [the vote count] is valid or not, then I don't really need official results. That's if you can work with your election official. An election official may have the authority, and to ease your mind they may do an audit or a recount. Look at the applicability of audits and how robust they are. I would want to know what kind of audits can I get for my race, in my jurisdiction.

John Bonifaz, Constitutional law attorney, Voter Action legal director

The most important way that candidates can protect themselves from electronic voting problems is to demand that jurisdictions using electronic voting machines provide emergency paper ballots to voters in lieu of using the machines. Given all the evidence demonstrating the unreliability and insecurity of these machines, voters should be given the opportunity to cast their votes on emergency paper ballots. That would provide the opportunity to count those votes in a meaningful way. We simply cannot trust that electronic voting machines will properly count or record votes. So it's critical that we do what we can prior to the election to demand that emergency paper ballots be made available to voters.

At minimum, such ballots should be available to voters when electronic voting machines break down and cause long lines, which ultimately can disenfranchise voters in a different way by turning them away from the polls. People are busy. They may have other work to do and may not be able to stay in line.

If the jurisdiction refuses to provide this kind of safeguard -- and it has its own limitations, certainly, as a safeguard -- then I think it's critical that candidates be vigilant in demanding random inspections of these machines after the election to investigate whether or not these machines have malfunctioned or, even worse, been hacked. People have to understand that at the end of the day, it is very difficult to detect a hacking of an electronic voting machine when it's been done in a certain way, and that's been demonstrated by computer scientists who have shown how the machines can be hacked and be undetected.

There are other things that leading computer scientists have suggested, such as reconciling the number of voters that come into a precinct with the number of votes counted on the machine. But none of those safeguards will erase the overall vulnerability of this technology, which is a direct threat to the integrity of our process.

At a minimum, we must demand meaningful audits in every jurisdiction that uses an optical scan system. Because we have the paper ballots to count. We audit anything of value, and that should include our elections. In the case of an optical scan jurisdiction, the election is in fact auditable. It's important to take a meaningful percentage of the ballots and hand-count them. It should be higher than the 1 or 2 percent some jurisdictions use, if at all. That has to be done regardless of how the election turns out and regardless of the margin of victory in each jurisdiction. If a jurisdiction is not going to conduct a meaningful random audit, then I think it's incumbent upon the candidates to demand a recount in any optical scanned jurisdiction for at least some of the ballots so as to ensure that an audit actually takes place.

Finally, I think it's very important that candidates who are facing a close election result -- and at the presidential level this means any state where there's a close outcome -- that they not concede right away. The evidence of voting irregularities often does not come at the same speed that the TV coverage wants it to come. Which means that there's this rush to issue the declaration of who won before we know whether there were questionable actions that occurred in any particular state. In 2004, Senator Kerry conceded before much of the reporting had come in regarding widespread voting irregularities [in Ohio]. Evidence [later] came forward that demonstrated that there were real questions as to whether or not the votes had been properly counted. They [candidates] should not concede any state that is a close outcome until they are given ample time, along with their supporters and independent observers, to determine whether or not there are any questions as to the result.

CONCLUSIONS

At least 55 percent of Americans voting this November will vote on paper ballots that will be counted by optical scanners, according to Virginia-based Election Data Services, Inc. Our panelists agree that it is critical to election safety that a significant percentage of these paper ballots be randomly audited by hand -- at least 5 to 10 percent. Other key recommendations include urging the use of paper in any way, shape or form over touch-screens, increasing awareness of candidates, election officials, and the media as to e-voting vulnerabilities, and most importantly, urging the candidates not to concede until every last ballot has been counted and counted accurately.

But there is one other problem with taking on the machines. "Candidates are incredibly vulnerable to allegations of being a poor loser or conspiracy theorists if they challenge," says Ardizzone. "Many candidates who want a political career often choose not to challenge, but to keep their credibility for the next election. It's just unrealistic to ask them to sacrifice their political career for a completely non-vote-winning issue like election reform." Despite that, he recommends candidates ask as many questions as possible when discrepancies occur, and they should make the answers public.

Ardizzone raises one more intriguing point: "There are certain candidates who don't stand a chance of being elected and so have nothing to lose by rocking the boat. There is one candidate on the presidential ballot who is incredibly well-versed in the issue and who I am sure would participate in any investigation, because we filmed her extensively during the 2004 election cycle in Georgia (she's in one of the extra features on the 'Hacking Democracy' DVD). That candidate is Cynthia McKinney. Cynthia has rights to a recount almost anywhere in the country. Interesting thought."

What can you do? Get active. Get in your candidates' faces. Forward this report far and wide -- to candidates and their staff, friends, neighbors. And wake people the hell up. "How do you break through the sleep of the American electorate?" ponders Sancho. "In my opinion, they simply don't want to question elections simply because it's too difficult, too untidy, and causes problems." Friedman adds, "There is a school of thought which I find bizarre and twisted and totally without merit, that if you talk about these issues, people will give up and not vote at all. I have found absolutely no evidence of that, and in fact, the contrary is true." He notes that in 2006, Democrat Debra Bowen ran for Secretary of State in a year that Schwarzenegger was very popular. "Her big issue was election integrity and concerns about the voting machines. She shouldn't have won that election, but she did because she spoke about these issues of electoral integrity that nobody else is speaking about. So the people get it, but the media and the politicians don't. The politicians need to start talking about it."

Jefferson says that election officials need to step up. "They have the responsibility to demand better voting systems and, in the meantime, create and enforce strong security procedures. And it is federal officials who need to have their consciousness raised about standards, certification, and the need for meaningful auditability requirements." And that means we need to force them to do just that.

Swanson concludes, "All of us should make clear ahead of time that we will denounce and shame any candidate who either wins or loses a questionable election and does not seek to find answers to those questions."

Be the media. That means every one of us.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

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STEALING AMERICA: VOTE BY VOTE - A Full Feature Documentary Film.

2008-10-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Still more vote flipping, now in four different states, always on ES&S iVotronic machines, and the "thousands of attorneys" from Obama and the DNC are still no where to be found...

From: The Brad Blog

STEALING AMERICA: VOTE BY VOTE - A feature documentary film.

HOME UPCOMING SCREENINGS REVIEWS ORDER DVDS PRESS FILMMAKERS

GOP Voter Suppression Schemes Rolled Back in WI, OH, NV

VIDEO: Comedy Central's Touch-Screen Voting Solution

Fourth State (TX) Now Reports Vote-Flipping; Obama-DNC Attorneys Still AWOL...

IMPOUND THE TOUCH-SCREENS NOW!
Recent ES&S iVotronic Failures:

Lawsuit Filed for Emergency Paper Ballots in PA

Last month the Democratic Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued a directive stating that paper ballots only need to be given out after 100% of the voting machines in a precinct break down. Neither Obama nor the DNC took action. Finally, someone else has...

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

http://hladc-sf.blogspot.com
http://elrinconcitodeaurora.blogspot.com/

Blame game: GOP forms circular firing squad

2008-10-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

With despair rising even among many of John McCain's own advisers, influential Republicans inside and outside his campaign are engaged in an intense round of blame-casting and rear-covering much of it virtually conceding that an Election Day rout is likely.

From: MichaelMoore.Com

October 24th, 2008 5:50 pm

By Jonathan Martin & Mike Allen & John F. Harris / Politico

A McCain interview published Thursday in The Washington Times sparked the latest and most nasty round of finger-pointing, with senior GOP hands close to President Bush and top congressional aides denouncing the candidate for what they said was an unfocused message and poorly executed campaign.

McCain told the Times that the administration "let things get completely out of hand" through eight years of bad decisions about Iraq, global warming, and big spending.

The candidate's strategists in recent days have become increasingly vocal in interviews and conference calls about what they call unfair news media coverage and Barack Obama's wide financial advantage both complaints laying down a post-election storyline for why their own efforts proved ineffectual.

These public comments offer a whiff of an increasingly acrid behind-the-scenes GOP meltdown a blame game played out through not-for-attribution comments to reporters that operatives know will find their way into circulation.

Top Republican officials have let it be known they are distressed about McCain's organization. Coordination between the McCain campaign and Republican National Committee, always uneven, is now nearly dysfunctional, with little high-level contact and intelligence-sharing between the two.

"There is no communication," lamented one top Republican. "It drives you crazy."

At his Northern Virginia headquarters, some McCain aides are already speaking of the campaign in the past tense. Morale, even among some of the heartiest and most loyal staffers, has plummeted. And many past and current McCain advisers are warring with each other over who led the candidate astray.

One well-connected Republican in the private sector was shocked to get calls and resumes in the past few days from what he said were senior McCain aides a breach of custom for even the worst-off campaigns.

"It's not an extraordinarily happy place to be right now," said one senior McCain aide. "I'm not gonna lie. It's just unfortunate."

"If you really want to see what 'going negative' is in politics, just watch the back-stabbing and blame game that we're starting to see," said Mark McKinnon, the ad man who left the campaign after McCain wrapped up the GOP primary. "And there's one common theme: Everyone who wasn't part of the campaign could have done better."

"The cake is baked," agreed a former McCain strategist. "We're entering the finger-pointing and positioning-for-history part of the campaign. It's every man for himself now."

A circular firing squad is among the most familiar political rituals of a campaign when things aren't going well. But it is rare for campaign aides to be so openly participating in it well before Election Day.

One current senior campaign official gave voice to this "Law of the Jungle" ethic, defending the campaign against second-guessers who say it was a mistake to throw away his "experience" message in an attempt to match Obama's "change" mantra.

"There is no communication," lamented one top Republican. "It drives you crazy."

"It's not an extraordinarily happy place to be right now," said one senior McCain aide. "I'm not gonna lie. It's just unfortunate."

"The cake is baked," agreed a former McCain strategist. "We're entering the finger-pointing and positioning-for-history part of the campaign. It's every man for himself now."

"Everybody agreed with the strategy," said this official. "We were unlikely to be successful without being aggressive and taking risks."

Running as a steady hand and basing a campaign on Obama's sparse résumé was a political loser, it was decided.

"The pollsters and the entire senior leadership of campaign believe that experience vs. change was not a winning message and formulation, the same way it was no winning formula with Hillary Clinton."

Beyond the obvious reputation-burnishing much of it by professional operatives whose financial livelihoods depend on ensuring that they are not blamed for a bad campaign there is a more substantive dimension. Barring a big McCain comeback, and a turnabout in numerous congressional races where the party is in trouble, the GOP is on the brink of a soul-searching debate about what to do to reclaim power. Much of that debate will hinge on appraisals of what McCain could have done differently.

That is why his criticisms of Bush hit such an exposed nerve Thursday. Was McCain hobbled by party label at a time when the incumbent president is so unpopular? Or did his uneven response to the financial rescue and endorsement of such nonconservative ideas as a massive government purchase of homeowner mortgages seal his fate?

Dan Schnur, a McCain communications adviser during his 2000 run and now a political analyst at the University of Southern California, said McCain should step in to halt the defeatism and self-serving leaks an epidemic of incontinence on his own team.

"It's a natural and human reaction when you're struggling to make up ground, but that doesn't make it right," Schnur said. "As long as the campaign is still potentially winnable, these are an unnecessary distraction. This looks like it's reached a point where the candidate has to step in himself and crack some heads to remind everyone why they came to work for him in the first place."

Offered a chance to respond to the suggestion that the McCain campaign is awash in defeatism, a McCain official delivered a decidedly measured appraisal: "We have a real chance in Pennsylvania. We are in trouble in Colorado, Nevada and Virginia. We have lost Iowa and New Mexico. We are OK in Missouri, Ohio and Florida. Our voter intensity is good, and we can match their buy dollar for dollar starting today till the election. It's a long shot, but it's worth fighting for."

Earlier this week, campaign manager Rick Davis complained to reporters in a conference call that reporters refuse to call out Obama for alleged shady fundraising tactics, but in the process revealed no small amount of envy over the Democratic financial advantage. "Now, I'd love to have that $4 million right now to put into Pennsylvania," he said. "It'd be a good thing for our campaign. I think it's a game-changer if I can slap all of that right on the Philadelphia media market. It's an expensive place. And yet, Barack Obama gets away with raising illegitimate money and spending it."

A New York Times Magazine piece on Sunday chronicling McCain's campaign featured numerous not-for-attribution McCain staffers participating in what amounted to a campaign autopsy. One aide told writer Robert Draper, "For better or worse, our campaign has been fought from tactic to tactic," and one criticized McCain's debate performance.

Longtime McCain alter ego Mark Salter gave an interview to Atlantic writer Jeffrey Goldberg criticizing everything from the news media to the vagaries of fate: "Iraq was supposed to be the issue of the campaign. We assumed it was our biggest challenge. Funny how things work."

Many conservative commentators likewise have been writing of McCain's campaign in a valedictory tone. Among this group there is an emerging debate one with the potential to last for a long time about the role of vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

One school including syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker and Peggy Noonan of the Wall Street Journal called her a drag on the ticket and implicitly rebuked McCain's judgment in picking her. Another school believes she is the future of the party, a view backed by Fred Barnes of The Weekly Standard: "Whether they know it or not, Republicans have a huge stake in Palin. If, after the election, they let her slip into political obscurity, they'll be making a huge mistake."

In The Week, former Bush speechwriter David Frum wrote of McCain's travails in a way that seemed to take defeat for granted and warned the GOP faces a long road back. "That's not a failure of campaign tactics. It's not even a failure of strategy. It's a failure of the Republican Party and conservative movement to adapt to the times."

While Frum was focused on the long view of history, many Republicans in Washington are much more in the moment and much harsher in their denunciation of McCain and his team.

A senior Republican strategist, speaking with authority about the view of the party's establishment, issued a wide-ranging critique of the McCain high command: "Lashing out at past Republican Congresses, echoing your opponent's attacks on you instead of attacking your opponent, and spending 150,000 hard dollars on designer clothes when congressional Republicans are struggling for money, and when your senior campaign staff are blaming each other for the loss in The New York Times [Magazine] 10 days before the election, you're not doing much to energize your supporters.

"The fact is, when you're the party standard-bearer, you have an obligation to fight to the finish," this strategist continued. "I think they can still win. But if they don't think that, they need to look at how Bob Dole finished out his campaign in 1996 and not try to take down as many Republicans with them as they can. Instead of campaigning in Electoral College states, Dole was campaigning in places he knew he didn't have a chance to beat Clinton, but where he could energize key House and Senate races."

A House Republican leadership aide in an e-mail was no more complimentary: "The staff has been remarkably undisciplined, too eager to point fingers, unable to craft any coherent long-term strategy. The handling of Palin (not her performances, but her rollout and availability) has been nothing short of political malpractice. I understand the candidate might have other opinions and might be dictating some aspects of the campaign to staff but the lack of discipline and ability to draft and stick to a coherent message is unreal. You have half of the campaign saying Ayers is a major issue, and then the candidate out there saying he doesn't care about a washed-up terrorist. You have McCain one day echoing Milton Friedman and the next day echoing FDR."

Alexander Burns contributed to this story.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

http://hladc-sf.blogspot.com
http://elrinconcitodeaurora.blogspot.com/

Courts Rule Against Republican Schemes to Keep Voters from Voting in WI, OH, NV...

2008-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Big Setbacks for GOP Voter Suppression Efforts in Swing States

From: The brad Blog

Guest blogged by Steven Rosenfeld of AlterNet

Republican Party efforts to stop thousands of voters from casting meaningful ballots in 2008 because their registration information does not match government databases with high error rates was set back by legal rulings in Wisconsin, Ohio and Nevada on Thursday.

In Wisconsin, a judge threw out a lawsuit by the state Attorney General, who also is the McCain campaign co-chair. In Ohio and Nevada, each state's top election official issued an order or opinion rejecting such 'no-match' voter challenges.

While Republican officials criticized these moves, it appears that momentum is building against GOP efforts to use ambiguities in voter registration laws to challenge large numbers of 2008 voters...

The federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 instructs states to use Social Security and driver's license databases to verify registrations, but leaves it up to states to decide how to specifically do that.

That ambiguity has been the backdrop of the GOP's assertions that states must segregate problem voter registrations, treating them as a separate class of ballots. But, so far, most state and federal courts have rejected the Republican's legal arguments...

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi ruled that Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, a Republican and McCain-Palin campaign co-chair, did not have the legal authority to bring a suit demanding the state's election board re-certify thousands of registrations before Election Day if they did not match other government databases.

Sumi said no violation of state or federal law was poised to occur. Instead, she said the proper way for the no-match issue to be handled was to go through established state law - where the matter would have been taken up by the very state board that Van Hollen sued, Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board.

Van Hollen issued a statement saying he would appeal.

"We can not lose sight of the goal of this lawsuit," he said. "Wisconsin needs an accurate statewide voter list. Wisconsin needs to comply with state and federal laws designed to protect the right to vote. Looking the other way is not an option."

Ohio

In Ohio, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat and former judge, Thursday issued a directive telling local election officials that they cannot stop a person from voting on Nov. 4 if their individual voter registration did not match these two government databases.

Brunner's directive, which has the force of law, comes after Ohio Republicans lost on this issue in a case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court, and also withdrew a similar lawsuit at the state Supreme Court.

Brunner instructed Ohio's 88 county election boards to reject any voter challenges based on database mismatches. In September, she issued another directive narrowing the circumstances under which a political party could challenge voters at their polling places. Brunner has said she wants to see as many voters as possible vote without incident on Election Day.

"This Directive clarifies that judges of elections (poll workers) may not challenge a voter on Election Day based solely on the fact that the person offering to vote has been the subject of a data discrepancy between computer records maintained by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (including data originally obtained from the Social Security Administration database) and information provided by the person on his or her voter registration application," the directive, 2008-99, said.

Brunner's order explained why the no-match standard could disenfranchise legal voters.

"The information used to "match" a registrant with preexisting databases often results in a data discrepancy or "non-match" based on circumstances as common as a data entry error or a blank field for last four digits of a social security number when a match has already been attained with the provided driver's license number. In addition, Ohio driver's licenses contain a number located above the picture that is often mistaken for the driver's license number."

The Ohio secretary said there was no requirement in Ohio law that forced election officials to give voters with "no-match" problems a provisional ballot, which would have be verified before counting. The Ohio Republican Party's suit before the state Supreme Court sought that remedy. "A copy of this directive must be included in the poll worker packets distributed to all poll workers," her order said.

The Ohio Republican Party responded to Brunner's directive by belittling her election administration efforts.

"This is the same mismatch information Brunner has so far failed to provide to county election administrators," said Ohio Republican Party Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine, in a press release. "At this point she's telling elections officials what to do with information she hasn't even provided them. Until she releases the 200,000 questionable registrations on file in her office, this directive is worthless."

Nevada

In Nevada, Secretary of State Ross Miller has rejected an assertion by the state's Republican Party Chair Sue Lowden that voters should not be able to correct voter registration information at polling places. She argued in a letter to Miller that the close of voter registration before Election Day precluded that option, saying affected voters should be given provisional ballots.

Miller's response rejected Lowden's contention, saying "Nevada law provides the manner in which an in-person and mail-in applicant may update or correct the voter information, and may do so without losing his right to vote."

While the developments in Wisconsin, Ohio and Nevada may bode well for accommodating voters in a high-turnout election, the fights concerning whose votes will count on Election Day are far from over.

Other States

On the database matching issue, the Pennsylvania Republican Party has also filed a suit seeking to have 'no-match' registrations treated differently. And in New Mexico, another swing state, the American Civil Liberties Union has asked the state Attorney General to investigate concerns that the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office may have given private voter registration information to the Republican Party.

That information could "make its way into the hands of people who want to influence their vote or intimidate them into not voting at all," the ACLU of New Mexico said in its press release.

Cross-posted at Alternet...

===

Steve Rosenfeld is a senior fellow at Alternet.org and author of several books, including "Count My Vote: A Citizen's Guide to Voting" and "What Happened in Ohio: A Documentary Record of Theft and Fraud in the 2004 Election".

The BRAD BLOG covers your electoral system, fiercely and independently, like no other media outlet in the nation. Please support our work with a donation to help us keep going. If you like, we'll send you some great election integrity documentary films in return. Details on that right here...

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

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CBS' Schieffer twice asserted McCain will try to convince voters Obama will raise taxes -- without noting the charge is false

2008-10-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

Summary: On two successive nights, Bob Schieffer asserted that Sen. John McCain will tell voters that Sen. Barack Obama is going to raise their taxes without noting that the charge misrepresents Obama's tax plan. In fact, Obama has proposed cutting taxes for low- and middle-income taxpayers and raising taxes only on single people earning more than $200,000 per year and families earning more than $250,000 per year.

MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA

Sat, Oct 18, 2008 3:18pm ET

CBS' Schieffer twice asserted McCain will try to convince voters Obama will raise taxes -- without noting the charge is false

On two successive nights, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer asserted that Sen. John McCain will tell voters that Sen. Barack Obama is going to raise their taxes without noting that the charge -- which McCain has made repeatedly -- misrepresents Obama's tax plan. On the October 16 broadcast of the CBS Evening News, Schieffer said that McCain "wants to emphasize that Barack Obama is going to raise taxes and he's [McCain's] not. I mean, that's what he's going to have to argue from here on in if he has any chance." On the October 17 broadcast of the CBS Evening News, Schieffer said that McCain's "people believe now his chance is to convince voters that Obama is a big-spending liberal who's going to raise their taxes." On neither newscast did Schieffer note that Obama has, in fact, proposed cutting taxes for low- and middle-income taxpayers and raising taxes only on single people earning more than $200,000 per year and families earning more than $250,000 per year.

Indeed, as Media Matters for America has repeatedly documented, the Tax Policy Center concluded that compared with McCain, "Obama would give larger tax cuts to low- and moderate-income households and pay some of the cost by raising taxes on high-income taxpayers." Even McCain's own chief economic policy adviser, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, has reportedly said it is inaccurate to say that "Barack Obama raises taxes."

From the October 16 broadcast of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric:

KATIE COURIC (anchor): How do you think each candidate did, Bob?

SCHIEFFER: I think McCain had a pretty good night. I think he made the points he wanted to make. He wants to emphasize that Barack Obama is going to raise taxes and he's not. I mean, that's what he's going to have to argue from here on in if he has any chance. As for getting in Barack Obama's face, Barack Obama is one cool customer. It was very interesting to watch him. Clearly, McCain was trying to rattle him. But if he did, it never showed.

COURIC: Well, Bob, we thought -- think you did a great job, so congratulations on that.

From the October 17 broadcast of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric:

COURIC: Bob Schieffer is our chief Washington correspondent and anchor of Face the Nation. Bob, it's been quite a week for you. Meanwhile, with two and a half weeks left until the election, how do you see things shaping up?

SCHIEFFER: Well, I tell you, Katie, after seeing those reports and looking at where this race is right now, I think you can only come to one conclusion: It is going to be very hard for John McCain to win. The way most of the experts see it now, McCain has got to win all 18 states where he is the heavy favorite plus all of the eight states we now believe are tossups, including the ones we've been reporting on tonight. But that still won't get him to the 270 electoral votes he needs to win. To do that, he has also got to win two of the states that are now leaning to Obama -- say, Colorado and New Mexico.

I think his people believe now his chance is to convince voters that Obama is a big-spending liberal who's going to raise their taxes. I think you're going to hear that over and over. But with where this race seems to be right now, that is going to be a hard sell and a very steep hill to climb.

COURIC: All right. Bob Schieffer. Bob, thank you so much.

—C.S.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

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Obama Rally Draws 100,000 in Missouri October 18, 2008, 1:48 pm

2008-10-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama attracted 100,000 people at a Saturday rally here, his biggest crowd ever at a U.S. event.

Amy Chozick reports on the presidential race from St. Louis.

Wall Street Journal - Washington Wire October 18, 2008, 1:48 pm

Barack Obama attracted 100,000 people at a Saturday rally here, his biggest crowd ever at a U.S. event.

The crowd assembled under the Gateway Arch on a sunny Saturday afternoon to hear Obama speak about taxes and slam the Republicans on economic issues.

Lt. Samuel Dotson of the St. Louis Police Department confirmed the number of attendees piled into the grassy lawn by the Mississippi River.

To be sure, big crowds don't always signal a big turnout on Election Day. But Obama's ability to draw his largest audience yet in a typically red state that just weeks ago looked out of reach, could signal a changing electoral map.

For months Missouri polls put Obama as much as ten percentage points behind Republican John McCain. It was widely believed that McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate would have won over the state's conservatives and boosted his chances there. So far, that hasn't happened.

A Rasmussen poll released on Friday shows Obama leading in Missouri 52% to 46% for McCain.

Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill had harsh words for Palin when she introduced Obama on Saturday. Referring to comments Palin made earlier this week in North Carolina about "pro-America" states, McCaskill said "We have reached a new low in America politics when a candidate dares to say that one part of America is pro-America and another part is anti-America."

She also took a dig at McCain for selecting a vice presidential nominee with limited experience. "One [candidate] picked one of the strongest candidates for vice president he could've picked in the United States and well, the other didn't."

Recognizing that big rallies don't always result in cast ballots, the Obama campaign has dispatched thousands of field organizers and volunteers to Missouri to knock on doors in a statewide get out the vote effort. (Photo: Associated Press)

Barack Obama speaks about John McCain's tax plan in St. Louis, Missouri.

Scenes From St. Louis Rally

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

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McCain Push Poll

2008-10-18T13:40:00.001-07:00

Dear friends,

I just received a McCain push poll on my cell phone. The push poll was as follows:

Push Poll (PP): Are you intending to vote in the 2008 presidential election?

Me: Yes

PP: Do you intend to vote for John McCain?

Me: No

PP: Do you intend to vote for Barack Obama?

Me: Yes

PP: Do you want a strong President who will manage the economy?

Me: Yes

PP: Did you know about Barack Obama's affiliations to Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac and that most of his contributors are Washington lobbyists representing the corrupt firms that caused the financial crisis?

Me: Yes

PP: Does this make you less likely to vote for Barack Obama?

Me: No

PP: Did you know about Barack Obama's affiliation to terrorist Bill Ayers and to the fraudulent voter registration organization Acorn?

Me: Yes

PP: Does this make you less likely to vote for Barack Obama?

Me: No

PP: Are the values of the candidates important for you in this election?

Me: Yes

PP: Did you know that Obama is a muslim?

Me: Yes

PP: Does this make you less likely to vote for Barack Obama?

Me: No

PP: We are going to ask you a series of questions about your demographics. Is this ok?

Me: Yes

PP: What is your age?

Me: 34

PP: (Inaudible)

Me: (Silence)

PP: Thank you ver much for taking time to answer the survey of the Political Action Committee for Change (not sure, if this was the name or not). This is an independent survey and is not affiliated with the political campaigns of John McCain or Barack Obama. (End of call)

First of all, I am on the "no call list," so why would they call me? Isn't this a violation of the law, or is there an exemption for political calls?

Second, they called my cell phone, and my understanding was that there is a law against marketing to cell phone numbers.

Third, the number was registered on my caller ID as the following: 703-263-2155

Is there anything we can do to take (legal) action against these folks?

Thanks,

Yosem

What? No Questions by MSM about McCain's 'Friend' G. Gordon Liddy?

2008-10-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

Finally, for the first time this year, a prominent media figure asked John McCain about his relationship with G. Gordon Liddy last night.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

MEDIA MATTERS: 'Loose Ends' by Jamison Foser

Loose ends

by Jamison Foser

The lack of media attention to the Liddy-McCain relationship is one of the clearest double standards in recent political history. McCain and the news media have devoted an extraordinary amount of attention to Barack Obama's ties to Bill Ayers, yet until last night, McCain hadn't been asked a single question* about his ties to Liddy, a convicted felon who has instructed his listeners on how best to shoot law-enforcement agents. Liddy has held a fundraiser for McCain at his home and describes the Arizona senator as an "old friend"; McCain has said he is "proud" of Liddy.

Imagine for a moment that Barack Obama had said he was "proud" of an "old friend" who urged people to shoot law-enforcement agents in the head. Do you think maybe he would have been asked a question or three about it? Do you think maybe there would have been more than the occasional passing mention in the news of the relationship? Of course there would have been.

Yet McCain hasn't been questioned about Liddy. The media have largely ignored the relationship, even while working themselves into a frenzy about Obama and Ayers. McCain's relationship with Liddy is obviously newsworthy in its own right, but coupled with his attacks on Obama over Ayers, it's a textbook case of hypocrisy -- exactly the sort of thing that political reporters supposedly drool over. But not when it's John McCain. When it's John McCain, the nation's leading news organizations band together in what is, in effect, a blackout of information that could be damaging to their longtime favorite.

Until last night, when McCain was finally asked, point-blank, about his relationship to Liddy and the similarities between that relationship and the Obama-Ayers relationship he has attacked so harshly.

Who finally asked the question? The New York Times? The Washington Post? CNN's "best political team on television"?

Nope.

David Letterman asked McCain about Liddy, putting the nation's journalists to shame in the process.

For years, political professionals, academics, and media watchdogs have lamented the fact that some Americans get their news from late-night comedians and other entertainment. As it turns out, that might be a good thing.

Unfortunately, after Letterman broke the media's embargo on questioning McCain's relationship with Liddy, reporters quickly pretended it never happened -- or, if they did mention it, downplayed the significance of the relationship. Time's Mark Halperin described Letterman "hound[ing]" McCain over his Ayers attacks, adding, "The late-night host doesn't let up on where the former Weather Underground leader fits into the campaign." But, inexplicably, Halperin didn't so much as mention that Letterman confronted McCain about his relationship with Liddy. Several news reports that did mention the Liddy exchange described him as a Watergate felon -- omitting Liddy's much more recent statements about shooting law enforcement personnel.

But the worst was MSNBC. This morning, the cable channel played a clip of McCain on Letterman -- but not the Liddy exchange. Then, immediately after the clip, MSNBC anchor Tamron Hall referenced the McCain attacks on Ayers. At no point did Hall mention Liddy.

* Or, if he has been asked, it hasn't been reported. Chicago Tribune columnist Steve Chapman did ask McCain's campaign about Liddy back in the spring, but despite what reporters always claim about how open McCain is, Chapman didn't get a response.

Two weeks ago, I wrote that too many news reports "simply repeat charges and counter-charges or obsess over minor details while failing to provide the big picture" and, in doing so, "obscure rather than clarify the candidates' proposals and positions." News reports about the candidates' tax plans, for example, often fail to make clear the most important facts: how much the plans cost, and how the cuts are distributed -- how much the typical middle-income taxpayer would save, how much a millionaire would save, etc.

Today's New York Times offers a perfect example. Reporting on the "plumber" John McCain referred to incessantly during Wednesday's debate, the Times purported to assess how he would fare under Barack Obama's tax plan.

Well, that's not quite right: The article didn't say a word about how the actual Joe Wurzelbacher would actually fare under Obama's tax plan. Instead, it focused on the effect Obama's tax plan would have on some hypothetical version of Joe Wurzelbacher who makes considerably more money than the actual Joe Wurzelbacher does.

The accompanying chart was even worse. It was titled "A Plumber's Tax Bill," but it didn't indicate how much the typical plumber would pay in taxes under Obama and McCain. Nor did it show how much an actual plumber would pay in taxes under Obama and McCain. Instead, it showed how much an imaginary plumber who is a partner in a two-person plumbing company that makes $280,000 a year after expenses would pay in taxes under the two candidates.

While The New York Times obscures the effects of the candidates' tax plans, last weekend's Parade magazine showed just how easy it is to get it right: "If your annual salary is less than $112,000, you'd pay less in taxes under Obama's plan; if your salary is higher, McCain would cut your taxes more." That took just 27 words -- 27 words that should be in every news report about the candidates' tax plans from now until Election Day. And Parade included an easy-to-read chart that showed how much people at various income levels would save under the two candidates' plans (or how much more they would pay, in the case of people making more than $227,000 a year). MORE.....

"Tax Clarity"

"Rehabbing McCain"

"Fraudalent Reporting"

"The Debates: What was missing?"

Jamison Foser is Executive Vice President at Media Matters for America.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

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GOP Senator Slams McCain Robo Call

2008-10-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

October 17th, 2008 9:58 pm
From: MichaelMoore.Com "This Just In..."

ABC News' Teddy Davis and Rigel Anderson report: Embattled Republican Sen. Susan Collins is calling on Sen. John McCain to stop paying for automated phone calls which describe Sen. Barack Obama as having "worked closely" with "domestic terrorist Bill Ayers."

"These kind of tactics have no place in Maine politics," said Collins spokesman Kevin Kelley. "Sen. Collins urges the McCain campaign to stop these calls immediately."

Contacted on Friday by ABC News, the McCain campaign would not say if it was going to heed the request of Collins who serves as his campaign's co-chair in Maine.

"Obviously, Sen. McCain has great respect for Sen. Collins. But beyond that," said McCain spokesman Brian Rogers, "we don't have any comment."

Ayers is the former leader of the Weather Underground. To protest the Vietnam War, his organization ran a domestic bombing campaign which resulted in fatalities.

Obama, who was 8 years old at the time, has repudiated those acts as "despicable." Friday's statement from the Collins campaign came after Maine's Democratic Party issued a press release earlier in the day challenging the Republican incumbent to denounce what it called "blatantly false phone calls personally attacking" Obama.

Collins' Democratic opponent was not satisfied.

"If she truly feels that strongly about it," said Carol Andrews, communications director to Democratic Rep. Tom Allen, "she should resign as co-chair of McCain's campaign in Maine."

Here is the script of the McCain-RNC robo call about Bill Ayers, which Collins criticized on Friday:

"Hello. I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC because you need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home and killed Americans. And Democrats will enact an extreme leftist agenda if they take control of Washington. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the judgment to lead our country. This call was paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee at 202-863-8500."

Politico has the audio HERE.

The Collins criticism of McCain's robo call was first reported by Jessica Alaimo of Politicker-Maine and later confirmed by ABC News.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

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The End of Friedmanite Economics (Neoliberalism)

2008-10-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

"We are in the midst of a major historic turning point, equivalent to the emergence of neoliberalism under Thatcher and Reagan"

The End of Friedmanite Economics

Friday, October 17 2008 @ 03:03 PM MDT
Contributed by: Cihuamexica
Views: 0

An Interview With Robert Pollin

By MIKE WHITNEY

"We are in the midst of a major historic turning point, equivalent to the emergence of neoliberalism under Thatcher and Reagan"

Robert Pollin

Robert Pollin is a Professor of Economics and founding Co-Director of the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Among his recent books are Contours of Descent: U.S. Economic Fractures and the Landscape of the Global Austerity (Verso, 2003) and (with Stephanie Luce) The Living Wage: Building a Fair Economy (The New Press, 1998).

Mike Whitney: On Monday, the stock market recorded the biggest one-day gain in history on news that the G-7 had settled on a plan to recapitalize the banking system. The Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BOE) all agreed to make direct capital injections into "systemically important" banks so they could resume lending and reduce stress in the credit markets. They also decided to insure deposits and to guarantee interbank lending. Do you think that these unprecedented steps will be enough to avert a meltdown of the financial system?

Robert Pollin: Of course, by Tuesday, the Dow fell again by over 733 points. Meanwhile, the Nikkei in Japan fell by 10 per cent on Wednesday. So, thus far, the answer to whether these steps are enough, on their own, to avert a meltdown is a resounding "no." At the same time, to be fair, these measures have yet to have any real effect on banks' balance sheets. Thus far, the stock markets are only responding to their own guesses as to what benefits, if any, these measures will have on stabilizing the balance sheets of financial institutions.

But there is another element that came into play especially over the past day. That is the reality within financial markets that the economic crisis has spread beyond Wall Street itself. It is now clearly becoming a crisis -- a recession or depression, choose your own term -- spreading into the realm of jobs, incomes, public sector budgets, and private non-financial profits as well. This means that averting a meltdown of the financial system will also require a massive stimulus of the non-financial side of the economy. We haven't heard yet about any significant plans along these lines.

How much of the present crisis can be blamed on ideology? Do you think that the ideas of Milton Friedman or the 30 year-long bias towards market fundamentalism contributed to the present troubles in the financial markets? Is this the end of the laissez-faire, free market "trickle down" era?

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"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
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Joe The Plumber speaks 'Right Wing Talk Radio'

2008-10-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

Just a small note, in the interview today with 'Joe The Plumber' , he speaks the verbiage that comes from 'hate radio'
I'd like to ask him if he listens to Savage, Hannity, Limbaugh, et al...
People like him keep voting against their best enlightened interests and... tragically.... Ours.

A Story on Daily Kos
The Real Joe the Plumber Story
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/16/1459/1693/950/632643

Other Story on Daily Kos

Joe the Plumber is a REGISTERED REPUBLICAN (UPDATE X2 and from OHIO AFL-CIO)1

by icebergslim

Thu Oct 16, 2008 at 08:20:06 AM PDT

Look the man has been all over television this morning on the McCain talking points.

He is going line by line from taxes, schools and social security.

He is not, repeat, not an undecided voter.

After watching his interview on MSNBC, the man is a plant or faking to be undecided while spewing McCain talking points.

icebergslim's diary :: ::

Joe Wurzelbacher doesn't immediately turn up in the Ohio voter registration database, leading to some speculation last night that he's not registered to vote.

But the Toledo Blade reports that he appears to be a registered Republican, and a primary voter at that:

Linda Howe, executive director of the Lucas County Board of Elections, said a Samuel Joseph Worzelbacher, whose address and age match Joe the Plumber's, registered in Lucas County on Sept. 10, 1992. He voted in his first primary on March 4, 2008, registering as a Republican.

Ms. Howe said that the name may be misspelled in the database.

(This is, incidentally, the reason people worry about purging the voter rolls. They're such a mess to begin with.)

Ben Smith, Politico

Look, I don't know if he is totally in the tank for McCain, but he is on the talking point mode, backing McCain policies and snidely bashing Obama. The push should be, "Joe the Plumber is a fraud, he is a registered republican carrying the water." Jed has up part of the video, the whole video below.

Lastly, the most important part of this is the misspelling of Joe's name and why NO VOTER REGISTRATION DATABASES SHOULD BE PURGED.

The Toledo Blade reported today that "Joe the Plumber's" name appears on Ohio voter registration rolls with a slight misspelling -- as Worzelbacher, not Wurzelbacher.

And that sort of data-entry error might be enough -- were Joe a new registrant -- to have him disqualified from voting in Ohio, Florida, or Wisconsin this year, depending on the outcome of ongoing litigation.

Purging voters or blocking their registration because of data errors is disenfranchisement by typo," said Michael Waldman, the executive director of the Brennan Center for Justice, a liberal legal group involved in litigation in those states. "Joe is a perfect example. If he were anew voter, he would be being challenged right now as not eligible to vote."

"Joe the Plumber is not committing voter fraud by having his name spelled differently on two different lists," he said.

Republicans have argued that there are safeguards against improper purges, and state officials say their lists are more accurate, and their purges more careful. They also note that voters whose registration is challenged can vote by provisional ballot. continue

VIDEO

Joe the Plumber is on serious McCain talking points, here.

Joe the Plumber, be careful what you wish for. Joe owes back taxes, docket here and more information here.
Questions about Joe being a "valid licensed plumber", here.
Believes Obama's plans are "socialist".
Joe Biden questions the "notion of Joe the Plumber".
'Joe the Plumber' says he has no plumbing license
Toledo Blade, 'Joe the plumber' isn't licensed or registered
Joe in the Spotlight

Is this true? Along with rumor of family ties, possibly in Alaska? Family money ties? I don't know what it means, but is there a reason to all of a sudden cut off the media per David Shuster, when Joe was supposed to go to NY for interviews? Too close for comfort? Just sayin'......

Update [2008-10-16 18:28:16 by icebergslim]:

Is Joe related to Charles Keating? Of the scandalous Keating 5?

Update [2008-10-16 13:54:13 by icebergslim]:

I have been getting email all morning but this should pique your interest, h/t to uniongal for sending me this:

This was to Tim Burga, AFL-CIO:

Good morning Mr. Burga

I know, you've probably gotten a ton of these inquiries, but I'm hoping, I'm a little different.

I run a union website, am a registered voter and native of Ohio (Ashtabula) and I'd like to know how to find out if Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacker is a member of a pipefitters, steamfitters or plumbers unions. How would I go about that for the Toledo area. I've gotten a couple of the locals numbers, should I just call them?

Thanks so much

--
XXXXXX
http://uniongal.blogspot.com

::

Mr. Burga's quote:

You can quote me as saying, "Joe is not a plumber he's a businessman. If we don't elect Barack Obama, the plumbing business and working families dreams will go down the drain."

::

Any questions, contact me. Totally legit. Oh, the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters already endorsed Obama.

This Week With Barack Obama

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

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The House That Todd Palin's 'Buddies' Built

2008-10-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

First Dude Todd Palin has said he and some "buddies" built his lakefront home in Wasilla, Alaska, but an investigation by the Village Voice connects the home's construction, if circumstantially, to the beneficiaries of a local boondoggle championed by his wife.

From: TruthDigg

Posted on Oct 13, 2008

(h/t: DailyKos / Stef)

Village Voice:

THE $12.5 MILLION sports complex and hockey rink that is the lasting monument to Palin's two terms as Wasilla mayor is also a monument to the kind of insider politics that dismays Americans of both parties. Six months before Palin stepped down as mayor in October 2002, the city awarded nearly a half-million-dollar contract to design the biggest project in Wasilla history to Kumin Associates. Blase Burkhart was the Kumin architect on the jobthe son of Roy Burkhart, who is frequently described as a "mentor" of Palin and was head of the local Republican Party (his wife, June, who also advised Palin, is the national committeewoman). Asked if the contract was a favor, Roy Burkhart, who contributed to her campaign in the same time frame that his son got the contract, said: "I really don't know." Palin then named Blase Burkhart to a seven-member builder-selection committee that picked Howdie Inc., a mostly residential contractor owned at the time by Howard Nugent. Formally awarded the contract a couple of weeks after Palin left office, Nugent has donated $4,000 to Palin campaigns. Two competitors protested the process that led to Nugent's contract. Burkhart and Nugent had done at least one project together before the complexand have done several since.

A list of subcontractors on the job, obtained by the Voice, includes many with Palin ties. One was Spenard Builders Supply, the state's leading supplier of wood, floor, roof, and other "pre-engineered components." In addition to being a sponsor of Todd Palin's snow-machine team that has earned tens of thousands for the Palin family, Spenard hired Sarah Palin to do a statewide television commercial in 2004. When the Palins began building a new family home off Lake Lucille in 2002at the same time that Palin was running for lieutenant governor and in her final months as mayorSpenard supplied the materials, according to Antoine Bricks, who works in its Wasilla office. Spenard actually filed a notice "of its right to assert a lien" on the deed for the Palin property after contracting for labor and materials for the site. Spenard's name has popped up in the trial of Senator Stevensit worked on the house that is at the center of the VECO scandal as well.

Read more

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Todd Palin: If You Thought Cheney Was Bad, Watch out for the "First Dude"

2008-10-15T01:20:00.000-07:00

Todd Palin interfered regularly in his wife's affairs as governor, and there's every reason to assume he'd do the same in the White House.

AlterNet

By Bill Boyarsky, Truthdig. Posted October 15, 2008.

Todd Palin seated behind a White House desk and shaping national policy could be one of the most dangerous aspects of a potential Sarah Palin presidency.

An overlooked part of the Alaska state trooper investigation is its finding on the influence of Gov. Palin's husband, Todd -- the "First Dude" or, as he is known around the Alaska statehouse, the "First Gentleman."

This is crucial in view of the age of the Republican nominee, John McCain, 72, and the fact that he has suffered from melanoma skin cancer. His doctors have pronounced him in excellent health, but his age and the serious nature of this type of cancer should focus attention on his running mate and her operating methods.

A fascinating picture of Todd Palin's influence in Alaska's capital is provided in the report of a legislative investigation that concluded that Gov. Palin unlawfully abused her power in seeking the firing of a state trooper once married to her sister. The report, released Friday, also criticized Palin for allowing Todd Palin to push hard for the dismissal of Trooper Mike Wooten.

Wooten had been married to the governor's sister. Their divorce was messy. So, apparently, was Wooten's career as a trooper. He had been accused of illegally shooting a moose, drinking beer in a patrol car and using a Taser gun on his stepson. He was disciplined before Palin became governor and was allowed to remain a trooper.

When Palin took over, the Wooten case was high on the family agenda, with Todd Palin leading the effort to get rid of the trooper. As Associated Press writer Mike Apuzzo put it in his story on the report, Todd Palin had "extraordinary access to the governor's office" and he "used that access to try to get [Wooten] fired."

His target was Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan, who said he lost his job because he refused to fire Wooten.

The report, by investigator Stephen Branchflower, a retired state prosecutor, shows how Todd Palin operates.

Monegan's secretary, Cassandra Byrne, said that on Jan. 4, 2007, she received a phone call from the governor's office. An aide told her "the First Gentleman would like to have a meeting with Commissioner Walt Monegan. At the time, I was not familiar with the term 'First Gentleman.' So I kept asking 'Who?' and she eventually said 'Todd Palin.' I said, 'Oh, OK,' so we set the time and the place which was the governor's office in Anchorage. "

Investigator Branchflower said that when Monegan arrived there he was directed into the governor's office. Todd Palin, wearing a business suit, was alone, waiting for him. "Mr. Palin was seated at a large conference table and invited Mr. Monegan to sit," the report said.

Monegan said, "What I recalled was Todd sitting there. He had three stacks of paper in an array in front of him" dealing with the Wooten case. One was from the Department of Public Safety, under which Alaska state troopers serve.

Monegan told Branchflower that he got "the impression that Todd was not happy with the investigation [that the department had made before disciplining Wooten].

"He told me that he [Wooten] just got a few days off [suspension] and didn't think that was enough. And this guy shouldn't be a trooper."

Describing Todd Palin, Monegan said, "I saw someone who was somewhat animated. Not certainly out of control but he was passionate about how he was addressing the issue.

"And my impression was that he was venting. I mean there was a complaint, the troopers investigated it and that they had come up with a conclusion and that he was not happy with the conclusion."

The telling vignette shows Todd Palin's position in the governor's office. Dressed in a business suit, seated behind a big conference table with state documents in front of him, he tried to tell the state's top cop how to do his job.

This is a man who was a member of the Alaskan Independence Party, a radical group advocating Alaskan secession from the United States. Gail Fenumiai, director of the Alaska Division of Elections, told TPM Muckraker that Palin registered as an AIP member in October 1995 and continued in that status until 2000, when he registered as undeclared for a few months. He registered as an AIP member again and remained with the party until 2002, when he registered as undeclared.

What other radical ideas are percolating in the mind of a man who is now portrayed in the media as sort of a lovable guys' guy?

If Sarah Palin ever becomes president, it is safe to assume that the First Gentleman of Alaska will slip into the role of First Gentleman of the United States with as much access to the Oval Office as he has to the governor's office in Anchorage.

That is a truly scary thought.

See more stories tagged with: election 2008, sarah palin, todd palin

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
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Thousands of Troops Are Deployed on U.S. Streets Ready to Carry Out "Crowd Control"

2008-10-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

Members of Congress were told they could face martial law if they didn't pass the bailout bill. This will not be the last time.

AlterNet

By Naomi Wolf, AlterNet. Posted October 8, 2008.

RELATED ARTICLE BY AMY GOODMAN:

Is Posse Comitatus Dead?

Why are there active duty soldiers stationed on U.S. streets?

By Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!. Posted October 8, 2008.

Thousands of Troops Are Deployed on U.S. Streets Ready to Carry Out "Crowd Control"

Background: the First Brigade of the Third Infantry Division, three to four thousand soldiers, has been deployed in the United States as of October 1. Their stated mission is the form of crowd control they practiced in Iraq, subduing "unruly individuals," and the management of a national emergency. I am in Seattle and heard from the brother of one of the soldiers that they are engaged in exercises now. Amy Goodman reported that an Army spokesperson confirmed that they will have access to lethal and non lethal crowd control technologies and tanks.

George Bush struck down Posse Comitatus, thus making it legal for military to patrol the U.S. He has also legally established that in the "War on Terror," the U.S. is at war around the globe and thus the whole world is a battlefield. Thus the U.S. is also a battlefield.

He also led change to the 1807 Insurrection Act to give him far broader powers in the event of a loosely defined "insurrection" or many other "conditions" he has the power to identify. The Constitution allows the suspension of habeas corpus -- habeas corpus prevents us from being seized by the state and held without trial -- in the event of an "insurrection." With his own army force now, his power to call a group of protesters or angry voters "insurgents" staging an "insurrection" is strengthened.

U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman of California said to Congress, captured on C-Span and viewable on YouTube, that individual members of the House were threatened with martial law within a week if they did not pass the bailout bill:

"The only way they can pass this bill is by creating and sustaining a panic atmosphere. Many of us were told in private conversations that if we voted against this bill on Monday that the sky would fall, the market would drop two or three thousand points the first day and a couple of thousand on the second day, and a few members were even told that there would be martial law in America if we voted no."

If this is true and Rep. Sherman is not delusional, I ask you to consider that if they are willing to threaten martial law now, it is foolish to assume they will never use that threat again. It is also foolish to trust in an orderly election process to resolve this threat. And why deploy the First Brigade? One thing the deployment accomplishes is to put teeth into such a threat.

I interviewed Vietnam veteran, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and patriot David Antoon for clarification:

"If the President directed the First Brigade to arrest Congress, what could stop him?"

"Nothing. Their only recourse is to cut off funding. The Congress would be at the mercy of military leaders to go to them and ask them not to obey illegal orders."

"But these orders are now legal?'"

"Correct."

"If the President directs the First Brigade to arrest a bunch of voters, what would stop him?"

"Nothing. It would end up in courts but the action would have been taken."

"If the President directs the First Brigade to kill civilians, what would stop him?"

"Nothing."

"What would prevent him from sending the First Brigade to arrest the editor of the Washington Post?"

"Nothing. He could do what he did in Iraq -- send a tank down a street in Washington and fire a shell into the Washington Post as they did into Al Jazeera, and claim they were firing at something else."

"What happens to members of the First Brigade who refuse to take up arms against U.S. citizens?"

"They'd probably be treated as deserters as in Iraq: arrested, detained and facing five years in prison. In Iraq a study by Ann Wright shows that deserters -- reservists who refused to go back to Iraq -- got longer sentences than war criminals."

"Does Congress have any military of their own?"

"No. Congress has no direct control of any military units. The Governors have the National Guard but they report to the President in an emergency that he declares."

"Who can arrest the President?"

"The Attorney General can arrest the President after he leaves or after impeachment."

[Note: Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi has asserted it is possible for District Attorneys around the country to charge President Bush with murder if they represent districts where one or more military members who have been killed in Iraq formerly resided.]

"Given the danger do you advocate impeachment?"

"Yes. President Bush struck down Posse Comitatus -- which has prevented, with a penalty of two years in prison, U.S. leaders since after the Civil War from sending military forces into our streets -- with a 'signing statement.' He should be impeached immediately in a bipartisan process to prevent the use of military forces and mercenary forces against U.S. citizens"

"Should Americans call on senior leaders in the Military to break publicly with this action and call on their own men and women to disobey these orders?"

"Every senior military officer's loyalty should ultimately be to the Constitution. Every officer should publicly break with any illegal order, even from the President."

"But if these are now legal. If they say, 'Don't obey the Commander in Chief,' what happens to the military?"

"Perhaps they would be arrested and prosecuted as those who refuse to participate in the current illegal war. That's what would be considered a coup."

"But it's a coup already."

"Yes."

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

http://hladc-sf.blogspot.com
http://elrinconcitodeaurora.blogspot.com/

Maybe Now People Will Take Their Votes More Seriously

2008-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

For the nitwits who vote for the man or woman they'd most like to have over for dinner, I suggest you take a look at how well your 401(k) is doing.

AlterNet

By Bob Herbert, The New York Times. Posted October 12, 2008.

The lesson for Americans suffused with anxiety and dread over the crackup of the financial markets is that the way you vote matters, that there are real-world consequences when you go into a voting booth and cast that ballot.

For the nitwits who vote for the man or woman they'd most like to have over for dinner, or hang out at a barbecue with, I suggest you take a look at how well your 401(k) is doing, or how easy it will be to meet the mortgage this month, or whether the college fund you've been trying to build for your kids is as robust as you'd like it to be.

Voters in the George W. Bush era gave the Republican Party nearly complete control of the federal government. Now the financial markets are in turmoil, top government and corporate leaders are on the verge of panic and scholars are dusting off treatises that analyzed the causes of the Great Depression.

Mr. Bush was never viewed as a policy or intellectual heavyweight. But he seemed like a nicer guy to a lot of voters than Al Gore.

It's not just the economy. While the United States has been fighting a useless and irresponsible war in Iraq, Afghanistan -- the home base of the terrorists who struck us on 9/11 -- has been allowed to fall into a state of chaos. Osama bin Laden is still at large. New Orleans is still on its knees. And so on.

Voting has consequences.

I don't for a moment think that the Democratic Party has been free of egregious problems. But there are two things I find remarkable about the G.O.P., and especially its more conservative wing, which is now about all there is.

The first is how wrong conservative Republicans have been on so many profoundly important matters for so many years. The second is how the G.O.P. has nevertheless been able to persuade so many voters of modest means that its wrongheaded, favor-the-rich, country-be-damned approach was not only good for working Americans, but was the patriotic way to go.

Remember voodoo economics? That was the derisive term George H.W. Bush used for Ronald Reagan's fantasy that he could simultaneously increase defense spending, cut taxes and balance the budget. After Reagan became president (with Mr. Bush as his vice president) the budget deficit -- surprise, surprise -- soared.

In a moment of unusual candor, Reagan's own chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Martin Feldstein, gave three reasons for the growth of the deficit: the president's tax cuts, the increased defense spending and the interest on the expanding national debt.

These were the self-proclaimed fiscal conservatives who were behaving so profligately. The budget was balanced and a surplus realized under Bill Clinton, but soon the "fiscal conservatives" were back in the driver's seat. "Deficits don't matter," said Dick Cheney, and the wildest, most reckless of economic rides was on.

Americans, including the Joe Sixpacks, soccer moms and hockey moms, were repeatedly told that the benefits lavished on the highfliers would trickle down to them. Someday.

Just as they were wrong about trickle down, conservative Republican politicians and their closest buddies in the commentariat have been wrong on one important national issue after another, from Social Security (conservatives opposed it from the start and have been trying to undermine it ever since) to Medicare (Ronald Reagan saw it as the first wave of socialism) to the environment, energy policy and global warming.

When the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to the discoverers of the link between chlorofluorocarbons and ozone depletion, Tom DeLay, a Republican who would go on to wield enormous power as majority leader in the House, mocked the award as the "Nobel Appeasement Prize."

Mr. Reagan, the ultimate political hero of so many Republicans, opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In response to the historic Brown v. Board of Education school-desegregation ruling, William F. Buckley, the ultimate intellectual hero of so many Republicans, asserted that whites, being superior, were well within their rights to discriminate against blacks.

"The White community is so entitled," he wrote, "because, for the time being, it is the advanced race" He would later repudiate that sentiment, but only after it was clear that his racist view was harmful to himself.

The G.O.P. has done a great job masking the terrible consequences of much that it has stood for over the decades. Now the mask has slipped. As we survey the wreckage of the American economy and the real-life suffering associated with the financial crackup of 2008, it would be well for voters to draw upon the lessons of history and think more seriously about the consequences of the ballots they may cast in the future.

AlterNet is a nonprofit organization and does not make political endorsements. The opinions expressed by its writers are their own.

AlterNet is making this material available in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107: This article is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

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"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

http://hladc-sf.blogspot.com
http://elrinconcitodeaurora.blogspot.com/

US-POLITICS Summary

2008-10-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Reuters
Sunday, October 12, 2008; 7:58 PM

McCain considering new economic plan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain is considering rolling out a new comprehensive economic package to tackle the U.S. financial crisis, one of his closest supporters said on Sunday. "I think it goes along the lines that now is the time to lower tax rates for investors, capital gains tax, dividend tax rates, to make sure that we can get the economy jump-started," said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Democrats call for massive econ stimulus plan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States needs a new economic stimulus plan that pumps billions of dollars into infrastructure projects and budget relief for cash-strapped state and local governments, Democratic lawmakers said on Sunday. U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, told ABC television he will put together an economic stimulus bill when Congress returns to Washington after the November 4 elections, while a key Republican said he would support an effort that "makes sense."

Obama goes door-to-door to drum up votes in Ohio

HOLLAND, Ohio (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama walked door-to-door in a working class Ohio neighborhood on Sunday, urging committed Democrats to vote for him and trying to win over wavering independents. Obama's stroll down Shrewsbury Street in Holland, Ohio, was a relatively rare foray into retail politics for the Illinois senator, who appears to be pulling away from Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona according to national opinion polls.

McCain set for makeup appearance on Letterman show

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - He may be trailing his Democratic rival in the polls, but it looks like Republican U.S. presidential nominee John McCain is headed for a rapprochement with late-night TV comedian David Letterman. The CBS network announced on Sunday that Letterman would welcome the Arizona senator back to his program on Thursday, three weeks after McCain irked the CBS "Late Show" host by abruptly backing out of a scheduled guest appearance.

Environmentalists slam Bush "fox-in-henhouse" plan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Bush administration plan to let U.S. agencies decide for themselves whether their actions put wildlife at risk is drawing fire from environmental groups, which say this is like letting a fox guard a henhouse. The Interior Department, one of two federal agencies pushing for this policy change, rejects the environmentalists' critique, saying the new rule would cut bureaucratic red tape and free government scientists for more important work.

Obama opens 6-point lead over McCain

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama has opened a 6-point lead over Republican rival John McCain in the U.S. presidential race, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released on Sunday. Obama leads McCain by 49 percent to 43 percent among likely U.S. voters in the latest four-day tracking poll, his widest lead since the poll was started on Tuesday. It was up from a 4-point lead on Saturday. The poll has a margin of error of 2.9 percentage points.

Congressman says McCain sowing "seeds of hatred"

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic congressman John Lewis, a veteran civil rights leader, accused Republican John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin on Saturday of "sowing the seeds of hatred and division" and said it reminded him of the segregationist era of Alabama Gov. George Wallace. McCain, trailing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in the polls in an increasingly tense campaign, quickly hit back, branding Lewis's remarks "shocking and beyond the pale" and calling on Obama to immediately repudiate them.

Palin says report says she acted lawfully

ARLINGTON, Virginia (Reuters) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin acted "within proper and lawful authority" in removing the state's public safety commissioner, the McCain-Palin Republican presidential ticket said on Friday in response to a state report. An Alaska ethics inquiry found on Friday that Palin, John McCain's vice presidential candidate, abused the power of her state office in connection with the dismissal of Alaska Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.

Republican anger bubbles up at McCain rally

LAKEVILLE, Minnesota (Reuters) - Republican presidential nominee John McCain was booed at his own rally on Friday as he tried to rein in increasingly raw anger among supporters stunned by Democrat Barack Obama's lead in the polls. Speaking in a Minneapolis suburb, McCain -- who had escalated character attacks on Obama in recent days -- found himself in the unlikely role of defending his rival in the face of sometimes hostile questions from frustrated Republican loyalists.

Obama welcomes Paulson plan to buy equity in firms

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama on Friday welcomed a plan by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to buy equity in financial institutions if necessary to halt market turmoil. "There are many causes of this economic crisis, and it's critical that we respond using all the tools that we currently have," Obama said in a statement.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

http://hladc-sf.blogspot.com
http://elrinconcitodeaurora.blogspot.com/

Does Sarah Palin Have a Pentecostal Problem?

2008-10-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

CNN

By Amy Sullivan Thursday, Oct. 09, 2008

A sign for the Wasilla Assembly of God Church in Alaska, left, and Sarah Palin

Left to Right: Al Grillo / AP ; Chris Hondros / Getty

If conservative columnist William Kristol is to be believed, Sarah Palin is surprised that her own campaign hasn't made a bigger deal out of the controversial remarks of Barack Obama's former pastor. The relationship between Obama and Jeremiah Wright is, according to Palin, fair game in the presidential campaign because it speaks to the question of the Democratic candidate's character. "I don't know why that association isn't discussed more," Kristol, writing in the New York Times, quoted Palin as telling him.

John McCain's campaign aides could probably answer that question for Palin. The ink on Kristol's column had barely dried before they were on the phone to political reporters declaring that the GOP nominee had long believed it would be inappropriate to raise the Wright issue. But McCain's current sensitivity is much more related to his running mate's own pastor problems than to any newfound campaign honor code.

Palin's religious background must initially have been seen as a positive to McCain campaign vetters, who assumed that her faith would appeal to the conservative base of the party that has always been suspicious of McCain. But ever since she joined the ticket in late August, the Alaska governor's various religious affiliations have caused headaches. First came reports that her pastor at the nondenominational Wasilla Bible Church was connected to Jews for Jesus, an organization that seeks to convert Jews to Christianity. Prominent Jewish leaders, including the co-chair of McCain's Jewish outreach effort, have since demanded to know whether Palin also believes that Jews must be converted. The Bible Church became an issue again when Katie Couric asked Palin about the church's promotion of a program to help gays "overcome" their homosexuality.

And finally, a videotape surfaced of a 2005 service at the Wasilla Assembly of God Church, the Pentecostal church that Palin attended for most of her life. In the scene captured on video, Palin stands at the front of the sanctuary while a visiting African pastor prays that God will help her gubernatorial campaign and protect her "from every form of witchcraft." Later in the same service, the pastor complains that "Israelites" held too many prominent positions in business, a comment that has further alienated Jewish voters.

While the McCain campaign has promoted Palin to religious conservatives as a woman of "strong faith," they have gone to unusual lengths to avoid providing a picture of that faith. In fact, a Palin spokeswoman says the Alaska governor is "not a Pentecostal," and points out that Palin was baptized as a child as a Roman Catholic, although there is no record that her family attended Catholic services before joining the Pentecostal church where she became saved at age 11. The candidate does not even claim the Evangelical label, instead using the code phrase "Bible-believing Christian" to describe herself. Palin's official biography on the McCain campaign website makes no mention of her religious affiliation.

According to Tom Minnery, vice president of the conservative organization Focus on the Family, Palin "is absolutely unashamed of her faith ... She is from the heart of Evangelicalism, a Bible church. There are just millions of Evangelicals who know how to place her because of that church connection." But Palin herself has at times consciously distanced herself from her Evangelical faith. When asked by ABC's Charlie Gibson about a comment for which she has been criticized — asking her former congregation to pray that U.S. soldiers in Iraq are "on a task that is from God" — Palin argued that she had been paraphrasing an Abraham Lincoln quote. In fact, she had used fairly standard Evangelical language in expressing a desire that human actions conform with God's will. In trying to separate herself from that tradition, Palin's explanation struck both secular critics and many Evangelicals as scripted by political strategists.

And in her interview with Couric, Palin was, if not ashamed, purposefully vague about her churchgoing habits. "I don't have a church, I'm not a member of any church," she said. "I get to visit a couple of churches in Alaska when I'm home, including one, Wasilla Bible Church." Church-hopping is a common practice for many religious Americans, but it is relatively unusual for Evangelicals with children to shift among a number of churches instead of belonging to one stable faith community.

The fact is that Palin's most consistent religious home has been the Pentecostal church of her youth. Though her family left the Wasilla Assembly of God in 2002, just before she launched her campaign for lieutenant governor, Palin has continued to return. The now famous prayer to protect her from witchcraft took place during a visit in 2005, three years after Palin's official departure. She returned again as recently as June 2008, making reference to that earlier service and crediting the African pastor's prayer with leading her to gubernatorial victory. And when she works from the state capital, Palin attends the Juneau Christian Center, an Assemblies of God congregation.

It is this Pentecostal association that most concerns and confuses the McCain campaign. As Minnery makes clear, millions of Evangelicals have accepted Palin because of her membership in a Bible church. But there is no denying that mainstream Evangelicals and Pentecostals, while political allies on many social issues, have historically had significant tensions over theological differences. The Evangelicals' swoon for Palin might fade if it turns out that she continues to hold fast to Pentecostal practices and beliefs.

So what exactly is Pentecostalism, and could it really pose a political problem for Palin? Here's a brief TIME primer on the religious tradition that is such a touchy subject for the McCain campaign:

What is Pentecostalism?Pentecostals are named for the feast of Pentecost described in the New Testament Book of Acts as taking place shortly after Jesus' ascension into heaven. During the feast, his followers were said to have been "filled with the Holy Spirit" and gained the ability to speak in many different languages, or "tongues." The modern Pentecostal movement is relatively new — just over 100 years old — and is usually dated to the Azusa Street Revival that began in Los Angeles in 1906. (The revival was a nine-year series of near continuous worship services that popularized Pentecostal worship and practices.) Pentecostalism can be best understood as a branch within evangelical Protestantism, characterized by a focus on the Holy Spirit and a belief in spiritual gifts, such as healing and speaking in tongues.

How many Pentecostals are there?Pentecostalism is the fastest-growing Christian tradition, but it is also a diverse religious movement, so the numbers vary by definition. The World Christian Encyclopedia, however, estimates that 500 million Christians worldwide are Pentecostal, making the tradition second only to Catholicism in overall Christian numbers. Pentecostalism is now more dominant than Catholicism in South America, and it is rapidly spreading throughout Asia and Africa as well. In 30 years, Pentecostals have increased their share of the global Christian population from 6% to 25%. In the U.S., the Assemblies of God is the largest Pentecostal denomination with 2.8 million members, and it is also generally viewed as the most mainstream. The largest African-American denomination is the Church of God in Christ.

Are Pentecostals the same as Charismatics?The Charismatic movement began around the 1960s when some Christians within mainline Protestant and Roman Catholic churches adopted certain Pentecostal beliefs, including the acceptance of gifts — or "charisms" — from the Holy Spirit, like speaking in tongues. While Pentecostals can be broadly described as Charismatic, what distinguishes Charismatics is their desire to remain within their original traditions.

How are Pentecostal beliefs different from Evangelical theology? Almost all Pentecostals are also Evangelical, meaning they put great emphasis on the authority of the Bible, believe in spiritual conversion, conceive of a personal relationship with God and follow an imperative to "share the Good News." They also tend to share theological beliefs regarding the End Times with fundamentalists and more conservative Evangelicals. But they also believe in a separate baptism of the Holy Spirit that is subsequent to and distinct from conversion by accepting Christ as the savior and son of God. This baptism is the core doctrine that separates Pentecostals from other Evangelicals, and it is seen as manifested by physical evidence such as healing powers, speaking in tongues and even bodily inhabitation. (Some Pentecostals take "being filled with the Holy Spirit" to mean that the spirit is actually in them and moves their limbs.)

How does the praying about witchcraft fit in?Pentecostalism's heavy emphasis on the Holy Spirit appeals to converts from cultures that believe in spirit worlds, particularly cultures in Africa, and it encourages those who think there is an ongoing spiritual war between good and evil. They point to New Testament accounts of Jesus casting out evil spirits, and some argue that while many spirits may exist, the Holy Spirit is the only one "true" spirit.

Who are some famous Pentecostals?Some of the most prominent televangelists have been Pentecostal, including Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Pat Robertson and T.D. Jakes. John Ashcroft, the former U.S. Attorney General and Senator from Missouri, is a member of the Assemblies of God and is the first Pentecostal to have attained such high political office.

Are Pentecostals politically conservative? A diverse range of political opinions is part of the general variety within Pentecostalism. Some Pentecostals are very active in social ministries, while other focus almost exclusively on individual salvation (early Pentecostal missionaries used to buy one-way tickets to their destinations, believing that the End Times were imminent). In some regions like South America, Pentecostals are part of the most liberal political movements. In general, white Pentecostals tend to be mostly politically conservative and concerned with social issues. But a 2006 Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Survey found that they are more likely than other Evangelicals to support active government, a position that reflects their lower income status. Nearly 20% of American Pentecostals are Latino, and they make up a rapidly growing constituency in the U.S. that supported George W. Bush in 2004 but is shifting over in greater numbers behind Barack Obama this year. In addition, a handful of African-American Pentecostals hold high positions within the Democratic Party, including Joshua Dubois, Obama's religious outreach director, and Leah Daughtry, chief of staff at the Democratic National Committee.

(View a gallery of candidate gaffes here.)

(See photos of Sarah Palin here.)

John McCain and Sarah Palin try new tactics

2008-10-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

He blasts Obama's spending proposals; she goes after the Democrat's stance on abortion.

By Robin Abcarian and Maeve Reston, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
October 12, 2008

JOHNSTOWN, PA. -- After a week of increasingly nasty rallies in which John McCain and Sarah Palin hammered Democratic rival Barack Obama over his "association" with a 1960s-era radical, the Republican candidates changed tactics Saturday during campaign swings through two presidential battleground states. Palin launched a new front in the culture wars here, attacking Obama on abortion, while in Iowa, McCain concentrated on a critique of Obama's spending proposals.

Emotions -- particularly anger -- have been running high at GOP gatherings. During a town hall Friday in Minnesota, a woman referred to Obama as an Arab, leading McCain to correct the misperception and defend his opponent as a "decent . . . family man."

On a day when an important civil rights figure condemned the tone of the McCain campaign, Palin seemed to acknowledge the nastiness. After chastising Obama for "unconditional support for unlimited abortions," she said at a rally in this heavily Catholic, socially conservative Democratic stronghold that "Americans need to see his record for what it is. And please: It is not negative, it is not mean-spirited, to talk to about his record."

When Obama was an Illinois state senator, she said, he opposed proposals to outlaw what critics refer to as "partial-birth abortion." She invoked two antiabortion Catholic Democrats -- the late New York Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the late Pennsylvania Gov. Robert Casey -- in an attempt to characterize Obama's views as extreme.

Moynihan, Palin said, "described partial-birth abortion as 'too close to infanticide.' Sen. Obama thinks it's a constitutional right, but he is wrong."

Senior Obama advisor Anita Dunn said Palin's comments "show that . . . the right to choose hangs in the balance."

Scathing words

Meanwhile in Iowa, McCain advocated for his tax cuts and his plan to balance the budget by "the end of my term in office." He offered a scathing critique of the price tag of Obama's spending proposals and accused him of being vague.

"We've all heard what he's said, but it's less clear what he's done or what he will do," McCain told a crowd of more than 1,000 in Davenport. "Rather than answer his critics, Sen. Obama will try to distract. . . . He has even questioned my truthfulness -- and let me reply in the plainest terms I know: I don't need lessons about telling the truth to the American people. And were I ever to need any improvement in that regard, I probably wouldn't seek advice from a Chicago politician," McCain said as the crowd responded with a roar.

Before McCain spoke, a Christian pastor offered a prayer that seemed to ask for divine intervention on his behalf. "There are millions of people around this world praying to their God -- whether it's Hindu, Buddha, Allah -- that [McCain's] opponent wins for a variety of reasons," Pastor Arnold Conrad said. "And, Lord, I pray that you would guard your own reputation, because they're going to think that their god is bigger than you, if that happens."

The McCain campaign said it did not condone the prayer.

"While we understand the important role that faith plays in informing the votes of Iowans, questions about the religious background of the candidates only serve to distract from the real questions in this race about Barack Obama's judgment, policies and readiness to lead as commander in chief," Wendy Riemann, McCain's Iowa spokeswoman, said.

'Playing with fire'

The campaign earlier had called Obama's judgment into question by invoking his interactions with William Ayers, a founder of the violent Weather Underground. The onetime radical, now an education professor, has served on two charitable boards with Obama and hosted a fundraiser for him early in his political career.

On Saturday, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a central figure in the civil rights movement, accused McCain of poisoning the political atmosphere, comparing him to former Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace, a proponent of racial segregation.

"He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans who only desired to exercise their constitutional rights," wrote Lewis, who is black. "As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all. . . . The American people deserve better."

At a campaign forum in August, McCain named Lewis as one of the three people he would rely on most in his administration. On Saturday, he said, "I am saddened that John Lewis, a man I've always admired, would make such a brazen and baseless attack on my character and the character of the thousands of hardworking Americans who come to our events to cheer for the kind of reform that will put America on the right track."

robin.abcarian@latimes.com

maeve.reston@latimes.com

Abcarian reported from Pennsylvania and Reston from Iowa.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

http://hladc-sf.blogspot.com
http://elrinconcitodeaurora.blogspot.com/

Palin around with traitors

2008-10-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Daily Record/Sunday News

By MIKE ARGENTO

Article Launched: 10/12/2008 12:44:59 AM EDT

John McCain's campaign thinks it's entirely fair to bring up the issue of whether Barack Obama is an acquaintance of a man who performed some detestable acts when Obama was 8 years old, acts that Obama has denounced. Obama has given absolutely no indication that he agrees with the political beliefs that brought them about.

Well, then, if that's so, it's entirely fair to point out that McCain's running mate has had an ongoing sexual relationship with someone who could be considered a traitor, who was part of a movement that had ties to a white supremacist group.

Or that she has ties to a minister who performs witch hunts and was responsible for the murder of a suspected witch's pet snake.

Or that McCain himself is somehow connected to the infamous suicide of the former treasurer of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on live TV.

Or that McCain belonged to a group that had ties to Nazi collaborators and ultra-right-wing death squads in Central America.

Or that McCain is culpable for the current financial meltdown that threatens to destroy the world's economy.

Or that McCain is essentially a snake-oil salesman, a narcissistic con artist whose personal ambition trumps his alleged patriotism, a hypocrite who condemns those who secrete sleaze into our discourse while vomiting huge amounts of political bile, all while sporting that reptilian grin of his.

That would be entirely fair under the standards set forth by McCain and his running mate, Caribou Barbie.

Let's start with Sarah Palin and the allegations of having an ongoing sexual relationship with a would-be traitor.

Her husband, the Toddmeister, was a member of the Alaska Independence Party from 1995 to 2002. The Alaska Independence Party has pushed for Alaska to secede from the United States. Advocating secession could be considered treasonous. (And just plain stupid, considering that Alaska is the biggest federal welfare state in the country, getting back much more federal tax dollars than its residents pay, according to the Tax Foundation.)

The Alaska Independence Party has ties to a group called the League of the South, a neo-Confederate organization that the Southern Poverty Law Center considers a hate group with white supremacist leanings.

And Palin lives with a guy who belonged to the secessionist party.

The party proudly displays this quote from founder Joe Vogler on its Web site: "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions."

Palin herself hasn't distanced herself from the group. In March, she sent a videotaped speech to the group's convention thanking it for its "good work."

Palin has also suggested bringing up the issue of Obama's former minister, a man whose wacky beliefs Obama has rejected. If that's fair, let's look at one of Palin's minister buddies, a man whose beliefs she has not rejected in the slightest.

The preacher in question is a guy named Thomas Muthee, an African evangelist known for his witch-detecting skills. Muthee prayed over Palin during a service at her church, asking God to make her governor of Alaska. Palin's response? "That was awesome, Pastor Muthee!"

Leaving aside the theological question of whether God cares who governs Alaska, let's take a look at Muthee. In his hometown of Kiambu, suburb of Nairobi, in Kenya, Muthee identified a woman as a witch, claiming that she used her special powers to cause car accidents.

Seriously.

The pastor led a crusade against the car-accident-causing witch, which prompted police to storm into the suspected witch's home and shoot her pet python.

You can't make up stuff that good.

Anyway, the mob ran the witch out of town, forcing her to relocate somewhere else where she was apparently free to cause car accidents.

And Palin, according to the Associated Press, praises the guy. "Pastor Muthee was here and he was praying over me, and you know how he speaks and he's so bold," she said on a video making the rounds on YouTube.

Call it building a bridge to the 14th century.

Moving on to John McCain, the co-chair of his Pennsylvania campaign is a guy from suburban Philadelphia named Robert Asher, a bigwig in Republican circles.

Asher is also a convicted felon, having been found guilty of perjury, racketeering, conspiracy and bribery charges in the same case that brought down former state Treasurer Budd Dwyer in 1987. Dwyer, of course, is notorious for ending his final press conference with a .357 magnum.

McCain hasn't said anything about that, as far as I know. Nor has he said anything about the multitude of lobbyists for the industries that are currently leading the American economy down the drain who staff his campaign.

He has spoken in the past about his infamous membership in the Keating Five. If you'll recall, the Keating Five stood accused of helping savings and loan swindler Charles Keating avoid federal regulation while he defrauded investors out of more than $1 billion. Keating gave McCain and the four other senators in the group some $1.3 million in campaign contributions.

When his savings and loan collapsed, it cost taxpayers more than $2 billion.

That was a lot of money in 1989.

McCain said he learned his lesson from that, but what the lesson was remains unclear. He still pushes for deregulation of financial institutions, which is what led to the savings and loan collapse in the'80s and the current debacle that may wind up costing taxpayers more than $1 trillion.

And let's not even start on McCain's own preacher problem - such as seeking the endorsement of an evangelist who blamed gays for Hurricane Katrina and supports the state of Israel because it will bring about Armageddon.

Or McCain's membership in the U.S. Council for World Freedom, a group that ran guns to anti-government rebels in Central America and was tied to the Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s. The group has been tied to Nazi collaborators and anti-Semites, the Associated Press reported.

The lesson, I suppose, is people in glass houses - or in the case of Caribou Barbie, glass igloos - well, you know the rest.

McCain has taken to asking, "Who is the real Barack Obama?"

The question could easily be turned around: "Who is the real John McCain?"

Did he ever have any principles or integrity? Was it all an act? Did he, as some people have suggested, sell his soul to win this election and now the Devil is screwing him over?

Back in 2000, when McCain was the victim of the kind of sleazy politics he is practicing now, he told Jim Lehrer of PBS's NewsHour, "Uh, I, I just have to rely on the good judgment of the voters not to buy into these negative attack ads. Sooner or later, people are going to figure out if all you run is negative attack ads you don't have much of a vision for the future or you're not ready to articulate it."

Sounds about right. He can't win with his ideas, such as they are. He has to resort to sleaze.

Back in March, McCain promised that he would run "a respectful campaign."

It would be more than fair to point out that he was lying.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

http://hladc-sf.blogspot.com
http://elrinconcitodeaurora.blogspot.com/

Obama Aims for Electoral Edge, Block by Block

2008-10-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

The outcome of the next three weeks, in neighborhoods across the country, will help answer whether the organizing principles, backed by Mr. Obama's fund-raising advantage over Mr. McCain, are made of myth or muscle when it comes to presidential politics.

Brendan Smialowski for The New York Times

Lukas McGowan is focused on getting voters out on Election Day. "Once we register them," he says, "that's only half the

By JEFF ZELENY

Published: October 11, 2008

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Lukas McGowan was sitting in an old barber's chair, a cellphone pressed to his ear, as he contemplated a critical assignment for the closing chapter of the presidential campaign: the ground game.

The most pressing matter inside this field office for Senator Barack Obama was not the next debate or the latest scorching exchange with Senator John McCain but getting every possible voter to the polls. As Mr. McGowan surveyed an assembly line of activity, a more immediate question popped into his mind: have all the spots been filled in the 6 to 8 p.m. shift for walking neighborhood precincts?

"When we identify sporadic voters, we want to go back to their house until they can't stand us any more," said Mr. McGowan, 23, who oversees the Obama operation in Fairfax County, Virginia's largest. With a smile, he added, "As long as we're kind and respectful."

If the primary race was an experiment in building the capacity of the Obama organization, the general election will show whether a political campaign has the ability to change the electoral map.

In a half-dozen states where polling suggests the candidates are deadlocked, Mr. Obama is seeking to capitalize on a devoted grass-roots enthusiasm and an unprecedented investment of money to push the get-out-the-vote effort to a new level. The Obama campaign is hoping to gain that edge in perennial battlegrounds like Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The campaign is also seeking to use its army of employees and volunteers to help shift the electoral map by putting in play states like Indiana, North Carolina and Virginia, where changing demographics combined with the challenging political environment for Republicans nationwide have given Democrats hope.

"Are they a mile wide and an inch deep?" asked Trey Walker, the McCain campaign's Mid-Atlantic campaign manager, whose territory includes Virginia. "We'll find out on Election Day."

Mr. Obama, whose career in public service began in community organizing in Chicago, dropped by a training session on Friday evening in Ohio, and even through his encouraging words, he sounded a note of wonder about whether the system will work.

"We've been designing and we've been engineering and we've been at the drawing board and we've been tinkering," Mr. Obama said. "Now, it's time to just take it for a drive. Let's see how this baby runs."

One piece of this effort can be found in a former beauty school here along South Washington Street in the suburbs of the nation's capital, only nine miles from the White House. No cable television is blaring. Mr. McGowan and his team need to know only one piece of strategy: If Mr. Obama wins Virginia, a Democratic feat not achieved in 44 years, he may well win the White House.

These satellite offices, a campaign trademark that contributed to Mr. Obama's first victory in Iowa, have been set up with the swiftness of a Starbucks franchise. While local buy-in is encouraged at the more than 700 field offices across the country, the uniformity is remarkable, down to the cardboard cutout of Mr. Obama near the front door in many locations.

What started out organically — campaign officials saw organizational promise in Virginia last year, when 18,000 signatures were gathered in one day to place Mr. Obama on the primary ballot — has come full circle. Now, people driving by the storefront offices are drawn in by their visibility and put to work.

The Obama campaign has broken the country into a collection of battleground states, which are dissected into precincts that are parceled one more time into neighborhood teams. (Ohio, for example, is divided into 1,231 neighborhoods.) And each of these teams, if the recruiting is up to speed, has a leader who, ideally, lives just down the block from all those doors that need to be knocked on.

"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. "
Napoleon Bonaparte

http://hladc-sf.blogspot.com
http://elrinconcitodeaurora.blogspot.com/

Grass Roots For Obama 2012

PRESENTING: "THE PROGRESSIVE GRASSROOTS' COMMUNITY STIMULUS ACT"

PROGRESSIVE GRASSROOTS AGENDA

A SIMPLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY WHICH ALSO CREATES JOBS

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION / OVERVIEW

The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS of PRESIDENT OBAMA

ANOTHER CAMPAIGN TO SUPPRESS LATINO VOTE: Arpaio just sent this shocking message to his followers:

Respectfully, Mr. President: Thank You! -- ("Obama has not done anything?") CHECK THIS OUT!!!

Obama Will Triumph -- So Will America by Frank Schaeffer

No one should rest until we have full LGBT equality. But after eight years of Republican disrespect, progress is being made. In its first 20 months, the Obama Administration has...

Obama VETOES Big Banks' notarization sweetheart deal

Obama Will Triumph -- So Will America by Frank Schaeffer

PROGRESSIVES ON THE MOVE: NATIONWIDE MARCHES FOR PUBLIC OPTION ON SEPT. 13

Now It Can Be Told: PROOF of Bush Birth Certificate Coverup

SOA Watch Encuentro and Lobby Days in Washington, DC

Make Your Voice Heard: Ensure True Change in Latin America Policy

Schedule of Events

Click Here to Registerfor the February 15-17 Events

Educate and mobilize your community!

SOA Watch Palm Cards:

A Haitian-born journalist has become Canada's first black governor general - the representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth II.

FIRE Raids ICE Management Meeting, Delivers Notice of Deportation of ICE from Flagstaff

A Nativist GOP Wired to Fail in a Diverse America

Source: American Taino

Recount wrinkle surfaces in Minnesota: missing ballots

Obama Team Mulls Role for Miss Lewinsky in New Administration

We Wa$ Robbed... Again - A Quiet Windfall For U.S. Banks

With Attention on Bailout Debate, Treasury Made Change to Tax Policy

Alaska Update: Thousands of Ballots 'Found', One-Third Remain Uncounted in the State's Still-Fishy '08 Election

Thank you and Congratulations People of The United States of America

Thank you!

Thirteen Election Integrity Experts: E-Voting Problems and How to Stop Them

STEALING AMERICA: VOTE BY VOTE - A Full Feature Documentary Film.

Blame game: GOP forms circular firing squad

Courts Rule Against Republican Schemes to Keep Voters from Voting in WI, OH, NV...

CBS' Schieffer twice asserted McCain will try to convince voters Obama will raise taxes -- without noting the charge is false

Obama Rally Draws 100,000 in Missouri October 18, 2008, 1:48 pm

McCain Push Poll

What? No Questions by MSM about McCain's 'Friend' G. Gordon Liddy?

Saturday, October 18, 2008

MEDIA MATTERS: 'Loose Ends' by Jamison Foser

GOP Senator Slams McCain Robo Call

The End of Friedmanite Economics (Neoliberalism)

"We are in the midst of a major historic turning point, equivalent to the emergence of neoliberalism under Thatcher and Reagan"

The End of Friedmanite Economics

Joe The Plumber speaks 'Right Wing Talk Radio'

Joe the Plumber is a REGISTERED REPUBLICAN (UPDATE X2 and from OHIO AFL-CIO)1

by icebergslim

Thu Oct 16, 2008 at 08:20:06 AM PDT

The House That Todd Palin's 'Buddies' Built

Posted on Oct 13, 2008

Todd Palin: If You Thought Cheney Was Bad, Watch out for the "First Dude"

Thousands of Troops Are Deployed on U.S. Streets Ready to Carry Out "Crowd Control"

Maybe Now People Will Take Their Votes More Seriously

US-POLITICS Summary

Does Sarah Palin Have a Pentecostal Problem?

John McCain and Sarah Palin try new tactics

Palin around with traitors

Obama Aims for Electoral Edge, Block by Block

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