Be knowledgeable people!

I have been bombarded with negative things about Obama by Mccain supporters. While I can understand the disappointment these people feel and respect there need to "grieve", I am appalled by some of the things they are actually saying. I am troubled by peoples basic lack of knowledge and their ignorance. It is one thing to have differing opinions rooted in ideological difference because that supports healthy discussion, but it is quite another to spout lies and bigotry. There were many things said that were untrue by the Mccain camp about Barack Obama, like he is a Muslim, unpatriotic, and a Socialist. I am shocked at the ignorance of his supporters who actually believe these things. All they would need to do is research facts from non partisan groups to know that these accusations are absurd and not true. Instead these people create arguments that are in no way rooted in fact. If you disagree with the President elect in his policies, then by all means express those opinions while using examples from his actual policies. Instead people are using unsound arguments that are rooted in slander and lies. Not everyone is going to like or agree with any given President, heaven knows 80% of Americans don't agree with Bush. But you need to articulate your point with the truth about your ideological differences and not participate in this pathetic attempt to accuse our next President of being a Socialist.

President Barack Obama

This was such a historic election, the record turnout and the election of the first African American President. This election was an example of democracy at its best. The citizens spoke clearly and decisively in favor of Obama. Now of course not everyone will be happy about his nomination, but I believe every American should feel some pride in our country for how far we have come. Obama's victory speech was moving and inspirational. He reached out to people who did not vote for him and vowed an administration that is for all Americans not just those who voted for him. He is a transformative firgure who has inspired the world, as well as Americans. He represents the progress and change that Americans seek.

There is not liberal America and conservative America- There is the United States of America

It all comes down to this. The nearly two years of campaigning, all the mudslinging and speeches will all be worth it for one candidate come tomorrow. This campaign season has shown politics at its worst and at its best. We had moments of angry and false rhetoric in hope of gaining the upper hand. But what I think I will take most from this campaign season will be the moments of inspiration. Whether is be the beautiful inspiring words from Barack Obama's yes we can speech, or whether it be the record turnout we all saw in the primaries and in early voting, this campaign has inspired so many people. People have grown so tired of politicians who inspire nothing but pessimism in the the American spirit. So when Obama offered up a choice for real change and hope, it inspired all Americans to come out in record numbers. Obama has received criticism about his rhetoric. I say, since when is it a bad thing to inspire people? Some of the greatest leaders of our countries have inspired people by using words. This is exactly someone we need in this pivotal moment in our history, A trans formative figure who can inspire Americans into a new era of America. A era where all Americans are united- no matter your race, gender, class, or political affiliation. An era where we can believe in the American dream once again and everyone has the potential to do what they aspire to. A dream that tells a black little girl that she could one day become President. A dream that if you work hard enough you, you can achieve anything. Once this happens Americans will be able to take on all the problems which face our country and change the world for the better.

Make a difference and VOTE

"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote"
-William Simon

I am one of those firm believers that everyone should vote. I believe its your civic duty. To the people who say that their vote does not matter, I can relate I am a Democrat in arguably the reddest state in America, Utah. I wonder if all the people who use this excuse not to vote, actually voted, what kind of change we could see. Your vote does matter, it gives you a voice. I think our forefathers, civil rights leaders, and woman's suffrage leaders would be truly disgusted with our current voter turnout. People need to know their history in order to respect it. People in history have struggled, been persecuted, and killed for every Americans right to vote. Yet, we have been a country of apathy. We cannot take for granted the rights that people before have fought and died for. No matter what your political affiliation, you must vote! Make your voice heard and be a part of history on NOV. 4. If you cant make it on the 4th, vote early, no more excuses! Find your polling place and VOTE!

http://www.vote411.org/pollingplacebystate.php

Terrorism, Socialism, and Islam

Obama is inches away from the finish line in the Presidential election. The last couple of months of John Mccain's campaign has been one of desperation. However, the last two weeks his campaign has been down right despicable. His campaign feels the only chance they have in this election is to play on the seed of fear and hate that resides in many people. First, they linked him to 1960's domestic terrorist William Ayers. Dropping lines like "Obama is Pallin' around with terrorists", to raise doubt about Obama's character. When Sarah Palin is up there stumping innuendos about Obama's faith and relationships, are they really surprised as to what kind of response they get? With these words of intolerance they have incited a mob that is flirting with a thin line that could lead to violence. They have fueled misconceptions about Obama's faith, his patriotism, even his citizenship. It is appalling the kinds of things being said by Mccain supporters at his rallies. When polling showed that the majority of people do not like the Ayers references because they are too worried about the economic crisis the Mccain camp moves on to just as detrimental rhetoric. Their newest tactic in provoking fear is calling Obama a Socialist. A Socialist? Really? I think someone may need to let John Mccain know this is not the 1950's, McCarthyism is dead. We don't do the Communist witch hunts in America anymore, well at least I thought we didn't. John Mccain had a choice and his choice was whether to end this campaign with at least a smidgen of integrity in tact. He has chosen politics above all else. He is going to end this campaign with lies and insinuations of things that are truly disturbing to suggest about a United States Senator. In history we are going to look back at the final days of this campaign and see not a Mccain who was graceful in the final days but rather a Mccain that ran one of the dirtiest and disgraceful campaign in history.

Sarah Palin the role model?

Tonight in the debate Mccain called Sarah Palin a role model for women. Well speak for yourself John Mccain because she is no role model of mine. Merely picking Sarah Palin was a slap in women's faces. Not only was it merely political pandering but its an insult to our intelligence to suggest we would vote for someone who is so unqualified just because she is a women. John Mccain put politics before country by picking her. I do not know one person who with a straight face would suggest Sarah Palin is qualified to take on two wars and a financial crises. NONE. ZIP. Not only does she not have the experience to take on these issues but she does not have the intellect, which she proved on those two TV interviews. She is not a role model of mine when she allows herself to be used as a political prop which is to be seen but not heard. She is no role model of mine when she uses scapegoats such as the media using "gotcha" journalism to mix her up instead of being a strong women who takes responsibility for her own mistakes. She is no role model of mine when she thinks that someone should be forced to keep a pregnancy even if it resulted from incest and rape. Sarah Palin is no role model of mine when she supports abstinence only sexual education. She is certainly no role model of mine if she thinks that emergency contraception should be considered abortion. She is no role model of mine when she joins a ticket who does not support equal pay for women and says unequal pay is not the result of sexism but lack of education and training on the women's part. Just because she is a women does not make her a role model or a champion for women's rights. I am a feminist and am a big advocate for women and women's rights and John Mccain, do not patronize me with this absolute garbage of Sarah Palin being a "role model".

Tax Cuts

See for yourself the savings you would recieve under Obama's tax plan versus Mccain's.

Go to this website and use the tax calculator.
http://taxcut.barackobama.com/

Have fun! I will recieve $1000 under Obama's plan and a big fat zero under Mccain's, why am I not suprised?

Angry

I have news for Senator Mccain, no one cares about William Ayers. In a previous post I would not defend Obama from this attack because I knew there was no need. These desperate attacks had the exact affect I thought they would, the American people could care less about petty attacks in these terrible economic times. Yet, Mccain decides to further these attacks in the debate completely demolishing any lead he may have had at the beginning. Mccain started off strong in the debate, delivering his best line, "I am not President Bush". However, by taking the low road Mccain's lead fell apart. Even though many recent polls have shown Americans care very little about Ayers and have a less favorable rating for Mccain for even bringing up, Mccain brought it up many times during the debate. During this he seemed very angry, like he could barely contain himself and throughout the debate his facial expressions and sighing showed nothing but contempt. This is exactly what Mccain should have tried to refrain from. The Obama camp for weeks have been painting Mccain as this angry, grumpy, erratic old man and Mccain did nothing but fuel that fire tonight. CNN showed a split screen between the candidates a fairly large amount of the time, and Mccain did not look Presidential. Throughout all these debates, as I have said before, Obama has always remained calm and collected. Obama looked like a leader, who is ready to take on the many challenges that the next administration will inherit. Mccain is known for his temper, and has shown evidence of it in every debate. A temper and being unable to contain it is not a quality that a President should have.

While Mccain talked about petty things such as Ayers and Acorn, Obama once again related how he is going to help the middle class. I think Obama made three great points in the debate. The first was on Taxes. Mccain keeps saying Obama is going to raise taxes, which is simply not the case. Obama will lower taxes for 95% of Americans and also provide tax relief for small businesses. Mccain kept saying that Obama wants to redistribute wealth and is involved in class warfare. This is absolutely absurd and infuriates me! How is giving tax BREAKS to the top wealthiest people and businesses not class warfare? How is giving tax breaks to people who don't need them or who never asked for them in the first place and doing nothing for the ones who actually need them, not class warfare? All Obama wants to do is get rid of the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy (which Mccain supports) and give them to the people who need them the most, the middle class. Lets not be fooled by Mccains claims of redistribution of wealth, lets see it for what it really is, which is putting the money into the hands of the people who are the backbone of America instead of the wealthiest 1%. The second great point was about health care, I have blogged previously about this, so I wont go into much detail. But what I will say is this, Obama's health care plan is far superior to Mccain' plan and one must just investigate to see this fact. The third great point was on education. Mccain lacks any significant plan to help our education system. Obama wants to broaden and fund early education. This is the only way to ensure that all student regardless of income will start Kindergarten on the same level. On higher education there is simply no competition in plans because Mccain doesn't have one. He gave out some vague ideas of expanding availability of loans. Obama understands the importance of making college affordable. He proposes a $4000 dollar tax credit per student per year for college tuition, All that is required is community service. This is a win win situation. This credit would not only make college affordable but almost free for many students. I know many people would not hesitate to help out in their community for free let alone for the chance of nearly free college tuition.

What is clear from all these proposals is that the middle class will finally have a fighter for them in the white house. There will be no more corporate welfare and tax break handouts to the exceptionally wealthy. There will be real solutions for the real problems that most middle class Americans are facing.

A basic human Right 2

In my previous blog, I talked about Obama's health care policy. In this blog I am going to examine John Mccain's proposal and show how it will single handily ruin the health care system worse than it all ready is. Mccain wants to provide individuals with a $2500 tax credit and $5000 per family, to be able to go and purchase the plan of your choice. Also what he wants to do is deregulate heath care. Hmmm sounds reminiscent of something? He wants individuals to be able to go across state borders, in search of the cheapest plan. Deregulation of market would allow companies to deny people with preexisting conditions. He is also proposing for the first time, to tax health care, which currently companies recieve a tax break for insuring employees. This would cause many companies to drop insurance, which according to non partisan studies (NY times) would leave 20 million people without health insurance. So if you count the 40 million or so of the currently uninsured and now add that 20 million, thats 60 million uninsured Americans. What John Mccain doesnt tell you when promoting his $5000 tax credit is that the average yearly health insurance cost is $12000. Under a Mccain health care plan, the sick would not be able to obtain coverage nor the poor. In a recent NY Times article they cited a quote from Mccain about deregulation of the Health Care market. “Opening up the health insurance market to more vigorous nationwide competition, as we have done over the last decade in banking, would provide more choices of innovative products less burdened by the worst excesses of state-based regulation.” This says it all. We have seen what deregulation of the banking market has led us to- a financial crisis. Are we going to elect John Mccain and look back 10 years from now, when we are dealing with a health care crisis and regret not looking further into his plan? Americans need to look carefully at the policies both candidates propose and in doing so will be able to avoid making the same mistakes in health care as we did in the financial sector.

Health care is a issue that is personal to me, I know many people who have struggled and left in dire situations because of the current health care situation. As I have said before, it is something I am very passionate about. We all know someone who has been negatively affected by health care and that makes it a personal to us all. We need to demand change and not settle for anything less. It is okay to stand up and let your voice be heard about how corrupt and immoral the current system is. We need people to get involved and demand action from our elected officials, because they need to answer to their constituents not to insurance company lobbyists. Health care is not a responsibility as John Mccain said it was in the last debate but a basic human right!

Also, for further reading about how John Mccains plan will affect businesses, this is an intresting article. http://liberalvaluesblog.com/?p=5009

A basic human right

I am very passionate about health care. I believe health care should be a basic human right. Our current system is completely immoral. Denying people coverage in order to make money is completely wrong. The system is completely backwards it works for the people who don't need it and are healthy and not for the people who need it the most. People want to talk about capitalism and when talking about this issue people like to spout words like "socialism" and "communism", they say a government run system would be these things. But when human lives are at stake, money is not what should be the priority. The system makes money by denying people, and preventing the sick (preexisting conditions) from obtaining health care because they would be a financial liability. This is criminal and immoral! There is something fundamentally wrong with this concept of capitalism over human lives. If I had my way I would want complete socialized health care in a way that would be uniquely American. By taking the good things from systems in countries such as; Europe, France, Switzerland, and Canada. I know these systems are not perfect, but frankly they are better than our system. We need to take the things that work for these countries and compile them to create a system that works for America. Now I realize that this most likely will never happen because people have misconceptions about other health care systems and they believe they belong in Communist countries. So, I am willing to support a compromise because we have to start somewhere because are current system is a complete failure. The number one reason people claim bankruptcy is health care bills and many of them have health insurance, so you can imagine the ones that don't. A compromise would consist of making health care affordable. Which would require law makers to stand up to the corrupt insurance company lobbyists, who spend millions of dollars to buy the support of law makers. The second compromise would have to be a way for all Americans to be insured, and that would mean the government stepping in for those who can not afford it. The third compromise would have to make it illegal for companies to deny people because of preexisting conditions. We cannot allow the ones who need health care the most to be turned away!

Which candidate supports these measures as well as believing health care is a right? Barack Obama. Obama is going to lower insurance costs and save the typical American family $2500. This is how he is going to do this

• Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums.
• Require hospitals to collect and report health care cost and quality data
• Reduce the costs of catastrophic illnesses for employers and their employees
• Reform the insurance market to increase competition by taking on anticompetitive activity that drives up prices without improving quality of care

Mccain attacks Obama by claiming his health care plan is going to have a negative affect on small business, this is not true. Here is what Obama is going to do to help businesses and insure that it helps the American people, not insurance companies and pharmeceutical companies.

• Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums.
• Create a new Small Business Health Tax Credit to help small businesses provide affordable health insurance to their employees.
• Lower costs for businesses by covering a portion of the catastrophic health costs they pay in return for lower premiums for employees.
• Prevent insurers from overcharging doctors for their malpractice insurance and invest in proven strategies to reduce preventable medical errors.
• Make employer contributions more fair by requiring large employers that do not offer coverage or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of their employees health care.
• Establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options as well as a new public plan based on benefits available to members of Congress that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health coverage.
• Ensure everyone who needs it will receive a tax credit for their premium

Obama's healthcare plan is giant step in the right direction, which is making health care a basic human right

Hate Mongers

Since the Mccain campaign rhetoric has recently revolved around trying to make Obama look risky and unpatriotic by associating him with domestic terrorists, the fear mongering has turned into hate mongering. Recently while Palin has been out giving stump speech linking Obama to terrorists, people in the crowd have taken to yelling disgusting and hateful things, such as "terrorist" and "treason" and most alarmingly "kill him", as well as racial epithets. These things being said at a Republican nominee rally is unacceptable. Period. Does Palin call any of these people out and say she disapproves and that's taking it to far? Of course not, and I am not surprised. This is the reaction they want, they want to link Obama to people like Ayers and then let people make their own false assumptions. However, these things should not be tolerated by a Presidential or VP candidate. If the same was being said at an Obama rally calling Palin a "bitch", I have all the faith in the world Obama would not tolerate it. In fact, he did something similar at a rally during the primaries when people were booing and saying things about Hillary Clinton, he said there was no need for that and she deserved respect. Obama deserves the same respect, and the American people are better than this. John Mccain and Sarah Palin need to publicly condemn these kind of words or they are condoning this kind of discourse. By the Mccain camp spewing their fear mongering, they have woken the beast of hate which resides in some of the American people and then need to speak out against it.

Who is going to win the election? That one

The second presidential debate did not offer anything we all haven't heard before. They both went over their plans for health care, the economy, and the wars. So what are people going to take away from this debate? Who looked and acted presidential. It was clear throughout the debate that there is animosity between the two candidates, but this was more apparent on the part of John Mccain. In the first debate, John Mccain showed his discontent for Obama by refusing to look at him and sneering at things he said. In this second debate he showed his dislike by being patronizing and by, a moment I think will be remembered in history, calling him "that one". It can be debated what he meant by that, whether it was racially charged or not, but it was definetely patronizing and condescending. After the last week which has been been all about dirty campaigning and then barely being able to hold back his scathing dislike for Obama, John Mccain look all but presidential. On the other hand, Obama sat through Mccain's blatant lies and attacks at the debate with a calm disposition and a smile. The Mccain camp wants to paint Obama as risky and dangerous, who is "palling around with terrorists". Watching Obama and how he carries himself, it is easy to see that the caricature that the Mccain camp wants to project is completely false. In fact, it was Mccain who came out looking risky and dangerous. He is unable to control his temper and keep a calm and collective demeanor, which is very important for a president to have.

Dissent protects democracy

The controversy with Rev. wright brought up an interesting discourse about patriotism. There are two sets of people in America; the first group believes any utterance of criticism of the US is completely unpatriotic and the second believes that dissent protects democracy. I have met many people who believe that America is perfect and that we should never say anything negative about it. We all have heard when people who publicly express discontent are often told things such as "if you don't love America then leave the country". The people who hold this belief, I believe just don't know their history. Well here is a news flash-America is not perfect. Gasp! Should I leave the country because I am an unpatriotic communist? It was the work of people who were critical and willing to protest that were responsible for bringing about change in the many things that America has gotten wrong. For example, women would not have the right to vote, we would still have slavery and segregation. People who are critical of America are not so because they are unpatriotic, it is because they love America and want it to be the best it can possibly be. America was founded on the same principles that protesters believe in. America was founded because of unjust treatment from the British. The type of government we have is based on dissent. If you are not happy with elected officials or how they are running things, it is not patriotic to support them no matter what. It is actually your civic duty to vote for someone new, the very act of voting is to show your criticism or your approval. The Second amendment, the right to bear arms was created so that the people could have a militia in the event that there was corrupt government, the people could overtake it. Protesting an unjust war is not unpatriotic, it is the exact opposite. It is your right and duty to voice when you believe that America is participating in something unjust or wrong. These principles is what this country was founded upon.

Mccain camp going negative? You betcha

In yet another desperate attempt to gain some much needed ground, Mccain has revived the Rev. Wright and William Ayers controversy. I always knew Mccain was waiting for the opportune moment to try and re instill fear into the hearts and minds of Americans. There is not better time, Obama is substantially ahead in the polls and from here on out it will be harder to change peoples minds. This is a smart strategy for the Mccain camp, because that is there only chance, to make Obama look risky. However, in our current financial situation it could seriously back fire. Mccain/Palin are always spouting how they don't like "politics as usual", but that is exactly what they are doing. They know they cannot win on the issues and therefore they are playing the politics of distraction. They know they can't win on the economy, so they are going to distract us with Rev Wright. They know they can't win on healthcare, so they are going to distract us with William Ayers. They know they can't win on Iraq, so they are going to paint Obama as unpatriotic. I am not even going to engage in these tired arguments by defending Obama. There is no need because unlike what the Mccain camp is saying this campaign is about the Issues and not about personality. The state of our country domestically and internationally is too important to let these smear tactics work. So Sarah Palin can try and use fear tactics and personal attacks to win over the American people, but I don't think they are going to buy it.

Say it aint so, Joe

In the Vice Presidential debate Sarah Palin lived to see a another day. She was beginning to be an embarrassment to the Mccain camp in the recent weeks, but regained her confidence at the debate. She accomplished reassuring the Republican base that she can articulate sound arguments. She ramped up her folksy charm and delivered one liners like, "say it ain't so, Joe" which is sure to reclaim the hearts of the people who liked her for her relatability. The bar was set so low for how she would perform, she easily surpassed expectations. However, as the Vice Presidential candidate she failed to do what her job is as the "attack dog" of the campaign. What her arguments should have focused on is making Obama look like a risky choice. She failed to do that and therefore did not help the Mccain ticket with any undecided voters. What she achieved was damage control, she fixed the mess she had made. She did not help the ticket but merely reassured voters who would vote for Mccain, despite a horrendous VP choice. She was charming and witty at times but lacked focus and deep understanding of the issues. Most of the time she didn't answer the question that was given. She would bounce back and forth between being folksy and feisty and looking into the camera and reciting her talking points. Now, this is a huge improvement, she was able to string sentences together in mostly coherent arguments unlike her previous interviews. However, she failed to lay out clear plans for Iraq, heath care, and what her ticket would do to help the middle class. Joe Biden repeatedly pointed out that Mccain's plans give tax breaks to the wealthy and to the big corporations and Palin had little to say because she knows full well their policies are the same as George Bush. I really liked Biden's one liner in reference to Mccain's health care plan by saying, "it's the ultimate bridge to nowhere".

Palin kept saying to Biden that his campaign was all about looking in the past, instead of looking to the future. The problem with that is that Mccain/Palin policies want to bring the same policies of last 8 years and try and bring it into our future. We cannot allow this! John Mccain's policy's are the exact same as Bush's, the only difference is the package it comes in. If you put lipstick on a pig it is still a pig. There is a famous saying, "those who don't look to the past are doomed to repeat it" and this is exactly what we need to do with Mccain/Palin. Of course, she doesn't want us to look to the past because what will see there is more of the same. We need to look at the last 8 years and recognize that the failed policies of the Bush administration should not be able to continue for the next 4 years! There is no difference between them, Mccain and Palin are more of the same.

Hypocrisy

We are standing in midst of great financial insecurity and possible turmoil. Congress failed to pass the bailout plan and the Dow plunged 600 points. What are the candidates responses? Barack Obama urges everyone to remain calm and says he has faith a solution will pass. John Mccain releases a statement saying, "Barack Obama failed to lead, phoned it in, attacked John McCain and refused to even say if he supported the final bill. ... This bill failed because Barack Obama and the Democrats put politics ahead of country." Hmmm, so an hour after congress fails to pass the bill what does the Mccain camp do, they inject politics in to it. Mccain shows absolutely no leadership. Obama acts like a true leader while Mccain points fingers. This statement is yet another lie in midst of an ever increasing dishonest campaign. Obama did not refuse to take a stance, in fact, he took the exact same stance as John Mccain. They both said they would support the bill if it contained their said criteria. As to his other claim that Obama put politics ahead of his country is a totally baseless claim. He says Democrats put politics above country and that why the bill failed. Hmm, actually the bill failed because Mccain failed to rally his own party around the bill even though he suspended his campaign to get it passed. Looks like that whole thing was just a political stunt, just as this statement is. Mr. Mccain the bill failed because Republicans voted 65 to 133 in opposition! So please spare us this desperate attempt to distance yourself from the failed bill. What kind of leader is Mccain when he cant even get his own party to vote for a very important measure to save our economy from the failed economic policies he himself has supported?

Free Sarah Palin!

This is completely laughable. John Mccain not only wants to postpone the first presidential debate scheduled for Friday, he wants it to take place next Thursday when the VP's are supposed to debate! Very clever, if Mccain's stunt works, he buys himself as well as Sarah Palin time. CNN's Cambell Brown called for John Mccain to "free Sarah Palin" from the sexist binding they have her and let her speak. If she truly has what it takes to be VP then let her prove it! Let her speak freely to the press and more importantly to the American people. The Vice Presidential debate is structered to help her not have to deal with any tough questions from Senator Biden. It is structured to where the candidates can only answer question given to them by the moderator and not ones directed to each other, that in of it's self is a joke. It will allow Palin to stay on her "script" and not have to answer any tough questions from Biden. Now they are seriously going to try and postpone BOTH debates? it's ridiculous, it gives more time for Palin to be "tutored" since she lacks the knowledge to go against Biden. Its time for her to prove to the America she can hold her own. Which is a critical question, seeing as how she will be dealing with world leaders.

Political Stunt

Mccain just released a statement saying he is suspending his campaign Thursday, so he can head back to Washington to help the bailout plan to get passed. He calls for Obama to do the same as well as postponing the debate on Friday. This has all the signs of a political stunt. Is it a coincidence he decides to do this when today in the polls his numbers dropped substantially when it comes to the economy? He is doing this so he can look like he is a leader, willing to put politics aside. I am not buying it. He is calling to postpone the debate, maybe he was scared with his poll numbers decreasing he would make a fool of himself in front of a huge audience. Maybe he simply is not prepared and this buys him extra time. By postponing it and gallantly riding off to Washington to look like the knight in shining armor, he hopes it will give him the boost he needs. If he was so worried about the economy why didn't he suspend the campaign days ago? Why wait till three days before the debate, when Obama has all ready been preparing? Like many people have been saying today, nothing has changed in the last few days except Mccain's poll numbers. What next, is Mccain going to try and postpone election day because things aren't going his way. I have news for Mccain, we live in tumultuous times. We have a failing economy and two wars, this is the nature of the America these candidates are trying to take control of. A President and leader must be able to deal with all these thing at once. Mccain is showing he cant handle this by running away from the debate. The debates are important for Americans to know who has substance on the important issues of our time. Instead of substance John Mccain wants to give you political stunts. There is nothing John Mccain can offer that congress cant handle on their own. I understand the weight of this bill and the importance of passing it, but polictically pandering is not going to help it get passed.

This a statement released the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

"This is a critical time for our country. While I appreciate that both candidates have signaled their willingness to help, Congress and the Administration have a process in place to reach a solution to this unprecedented financial crisis. I understand that the candidates are putting together a joint statement at Senator Obama's suggestion. But it would not be helpful at this time to have them come back during these negotiations and risk injecting presidential politics into this process or distract important talks about the future of our nation's economy. If that changes, we will call upon them. We need leadership; not a campaign photo op. If there were ever a time for both candidates to hold a debate before the American people about this serious challenge, it is now."

Obama just released a statement saying, "It's my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsible for dealing with this mess"

Spoken like a true leader, who knows he cant run away from the problems the president will face. You must be able to multitask, for the president faces many tough issues. John Mccain will try about anything to avoid discussing real issues. But Obama is not taking Mccain's bait. The debate must go on!

The No Talk Express

In an attempt to beef up Sarah Palin's foreign policy credentials, she met leaders that belonged to the UN. The Mccain camp refused to let reporters in to view the meetings. Many members of the press were outraged that Mccain wanted to get the photo ops but no real news coverage. They were refusing to publish any pictures if they were not allowed in. So generously, the Mccain camp let a CNN producer into the preliminary part of the meeting, which involved them talking about Afghan President Hamid Karzai new son. The CNN producer was allowed in for 30 seconds before they were escorted out. Here is the gist of the conversation that the producer was allowed to witness.

"What is his name?" Ms. Palin was heard to ask, as she met with Mr. Karzai in the suite of a midtown hotel, according to a pool report.
"Mirwais," Mr. Karzai replied. "Mirwais, which means, 'The Light of the House.'"
"Oh nice," Palin responded.
"He is the only one we have," Mr. Karzai said.

This is completely outrageous. The media is the mediator between politicians and their issues and the American people. The Mccain camp has denied access to Sarah Palin since she became his running mate. Her speeches are very closely scripted, in order to insure little chance to make a gaff. The press as well as the public attending town hall meeting are denied access to ask her any spontaneous questions. The media has been "granted" one interview with her. This should raise suspicion among every Americans mind. This is almost unheard of, the press being denied access to a Vice Presidential candidate.

This brings up many questions. If she is truly prepared to be VP or possibly President then why are they scared of releasing her to the media? In the weeks following her nomination received a team of "tutors" to bring her update on major issues and policies. They want to make sure to closely guard any chance of spontaneity, for fear she will make a fool of herself. Any questions the media do get in or are raised on news shows questioning Palin's credentials, are labeled by the MCcain camp as the media having a liberal bias or being sexist. It is not bias or sexism to raise legitimate questions about a candidates credentials. Over the past year and a half the two candidates running for president have been scrutinized. However, the Mccain camp will not allow the media to do the same to Sarah Palin

Another question this brings up is, is she cant handle talking to the "scary" press, how can she handle talking to world leaders? And if she is truly capable, then why were we as Americans unable to witness her first real meeting with a foreign leaders? Are we possibly going to elect Mccain/Palin without knowing fully what we are getting ourselves into? We need to ask questions about her qualifications now and not after its to late. People say Obama has no foreign policy experience. However, Obama when taking his world tour a few months ago had cameras following him to document all meetings with world leaders. Which allowed the public to judge his foreign policy credentials accurately.

John Mccain and Sarah Palin have been claiming they are going to change to Washington. They call for transparency in Government, this is yet another lie by the Mccain Camp. How are we to believe they would have transparency in their administration, when they wont even allow transparency in their campaign?

A Country's long struggle.

I read a MSNBC article today, entitled "racial views steer some away from Obama". This article deeply distresses me. It Is about a poll taken where 1/3 of white democrats polled held negative views toward blacks and 40% of all white Americans hold at least a partly negative view about blacks. Also, statistical models show that Obama would be about 6 points higher in the polls where it not for these racial prejudices. This is very disheartening to someone who has always challenged any sign of racial intolerance. Our country, as we all know, has had a very long history of slavery and oppression of the blacks. We have come a long way, to even see a African American running for president of the United States represents major progress. However, even before this poll came out, I knew that racism and prejudice do very much still exist. There is a generational clash, in that many older citizens still have embedded in them the intolerant view of their day. Whereas, the younger generation tends to be more tolerant for they have grown up in a racially integrated society. Ignorance is another major factor in the continued prejudices. Misunderstandings and differences between cultures often breed dis contempt. It comes back to the theory of "us" versus "them". Where if someone is different in their views, physical appearance, or culture they are often categorized as "them". What people need to understand, however, is that our similarities far outweigh our differences. We are all human beings who feel pain and sorrow, as well as, happiness. We all struggle with the same issues both politically and personally. In all races there are some who know and worry about loved ones stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In all races there are some who worry about feeding their kids and living off pay check to pay check. In all races there are many who are frightened to death that one of their kids will get sick for they have no health insurance. In times of disaster and horror, the compassion that all humans beings posses is shown in the blacks and the whites who continue to step up in times of national disasters. For example, on 9/11 people drew together through the compassion they had for their fellow brother and sisters, both black and white. We are all Americans who are woven together through the fear, pain, compassion, kindness and all the attributes that make us human beings. "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character". These famous words by Martin Luther King Jr. are at this point in time going to be tested on a national stage. Are we as a nation going to judge and vote for Obama for the content his character? Or are we going to let the color of his skin be the deciding factor?

Here is the article-http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26803840/page/2/

Muslim, flag pins, and patriotism. OH MY

Throughout the campaign there has been many accusations thrown around between the two campaigns. The ones that are the most pathetic are the ones that question UNITED STATES senator Barack Obama's patriotism. First, we all remember the great debate of our time-flag lapel pins. People were very distubred that Obama did not wear one. What could this mean? He hates his country? He is a secret muslim terrorist? Four words- Give...Me...A...Break. As a United States senator, who is running for president, do you really think he does not love this country? Since when have we cared about what people wear as what defines them instead of what they have accomplished in their life. Barack Obama spent the last 12 years devoted to making this country better. The second great issue of our time-putting your hand over your heart during star spangeld banner or the pledge. This is just another NON issue, that people focus on. Some how people think these two thing make him Muslim. When I first saw that people actually though he was a muslim I thought it was a joke. Surely no one could believe this, considering you would just need a newspaper, the internet, or common sense to know that it was completely false. Yet to my suprise many people seriously believe this garbage. For the people who are unwilling to research truth, I will spell it out for you. No, Obama was not sworn in on the Quran. No, Obama did not attend a muslim school growing up. No, Obama has never been muslim. Its like, was there not a giant controversy when Obama's pastor said some controversial things about America? Once again common sense here people, a pastor is a head of a christian church.

A combination of these things are a desperate attempt for the Mccain camp to instill fear in the minds of Americans. For what we dont know, we tend to fear. These things are trivial and a distraction from issues that really matter. We are at a turning point with very important decisions that are to be made once the new president is elected. Are you gonna vote for someone because they wear a lapel pin and yet dont offer any policies that are gonna fix our country. Or are you gonna put the trivial stuff aside and vote for someone who represents and will bring about change.

P.S.



Ummm....where is Mccain's flag pin? Im getting a little worried.

I can see russia from my house

This SNL skit was hilarious. However, it has much truth in it. Sarah Pain is in no way like Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton, is a smart and very capable women. She has been a champion in women's health care. For example, in the 90's during her husbands presidency, she tried to get a universal health care bill passed. She was the first lady for eight years, and has been a great senator since. She gets alot of slack from people, but personally I think its because she is such a strong women who can compete with the "good ol' boys". Sarah Palin is nothing like this. I give Sarah Palin credit, she was a mayor and then a Governor. That is great, our political offices need more women. She has a great start to a career. Key word START. She is in no way prepared or experienced enough to be Vice President let alone President of the United States. She was a mayor of a city with 9,000 people. Then Governor of Alaska, ALASKA! Oh, did I mention Governor for a little more than two years. In this time she ran the state of Alaska, never really having any stances on any major issues. She is videotaped saying, "what exactly does a VP do everyday?". Hmmmm....So Mccain picks her which shows he is willing to put politics before the security of our country. It turned out well for him, people like her they can "relate" to her. Who cares if you can relate to her, can she run this country if, god forbid, something happened to John Mccain, which is a real possibility. She scoffs at Barack Obamas experience, ummmm let me do a little compare and contrast here.

Obama is a Harvard graduate and Palin is University of Idaho Graduate (WHAT?).
Obama served 8 Yrs in the Illinois Senate. Wheareas, Palin was the mayor of a city of 9,000. Obama serves as a United States Senator for four yrs. On the other hand Palin is a Governor of Alaska for less than two.

Okay, I know that Obama is running against Mccain and not Palin. But her scoffing at his resume and his community organizing get under my skin. She has the nerve to suggest she has more experience than him?

I truly in my heart am scared of what would result,if the Mccain/Palin ticket wins. Not only on a political level but on a security level. She is not ready, qualified, or experienced enough to be the President especially in a time of war. I shudder at the implications that would result if this were to happen. Also, If it were my candidate, I would find it very fishy and terrifying that they wont let Palin speak to the press. If they truly believed she was "ready" the press would have free reign like they do with ANY of the presidental or vice presidental nominee.

If you want to vote for Mccain please do so because you truly believe him and what he plans to do for this country. Don't do it cause you can "relate" to him or Sarah Palin. Our country is in to dire a place for this to be a personality competition.

Mccain Lies

Okay so I haven't blogged for awhile, but I decided to speak up. Negative ads are the nature of politics. I know this, we all know this. However, John Mccain has gone way past that line of "negative" and went into blatant lying in his ads and in his central arguments in his campaign. The sad truth is many people will just believe the things he says without further investigation into the truth. I cant not stand by without speaking up! Do you really want someone as dishonest as Mccain/Palin to be the President and Vice President of the United States? We have had eight years of a dishonest president who has led the American people into believing Iraq had anything to do with 9/11, which it most certainly did not. Not only is John Mccain lying in his ads, he is saying things that are down right sleazy. Trying to distort a bill aimed at protecting children against sexual predators into saying Obama wants "comprehensive sex education". This is a low attempt that says volumes about the moral character of John Mccain. Obama has repeatedly tried to stay on message about issues that matter such as the economy, and Mccain has repeatedly tried to overshadow these important issues with trivial bickering. The lipstick on a pig comment was down right laughable. First of all, John Mccain said the same thing in referring to Hillary Clinton's health care bill back in the primaries. Second of all, to actually suggest Obama is sexist is a joke. It is OBAMA who supports women's rights, both in equal pay bills and issues involving women's health care. It is OBAMA who supports reform on "dead beat dads", to help single mothers cope with the financial burden. Not Mccain and sadly not Palin! For all those women out there voting for Palin because she is a women and a mother, I have one thing to say, Sarah Palin is not in support of any of these issues I have mentioned that are so important to women. All I ask of people, is to make informed decisions....

A little bit about me

I am new to the blogging world. Anyone who knows me knows I am very passionate and opinionated especially when it comes to politics and public policies. I am a liberal Democrat living in the reddest state, Utah. Most of my family are republicans and I grew up as such. My politcalization started early, I was always very passionate about social issues such as race. It has been since I started college that I really "found" myself and what I stand for. I am also a Feminist, which I think is very missunderstood. All it means is you believe women deserve to be equal to men on every level. I think people now days take for granted where we have come from as women. It was not to long ago that women were unable to vote and more recently women were expected to stay at home and for go any dreams or aspirations they may have held. I believe we are a generation who takes for granted our history and the people who sacrificed so much for us to live the way we do. I believe ignorance is a scary and detrimental emotion to posses. We have a generation of young people who dont vote, who dont understand how politcs and politicians shape every aspect of their lives. There may come a day and it may be in the near future where this generation will regret their ignorance and their disregard for politics when are nation is facing a neverending war, a crumbling econony, and unaffordable higher education. In history it has taken drastic measures for people to stand up and care, for example the draft in Vietnam made that generation of young people stand up and fight. I think we need to learn from and appreciate our history, so we can better ourselves and better our nation. So I challenge anyone who reads this do what you can; register to vote, gain knowledge about your officials. If our country heads in the direction it is currently on, it makes me scared for our future security. Its time for us to stand up and make our voices heard in order to make a difference.