Is Palin qualified or is she just a figurehead?

If I were a member of the Grand Old Party, I would be angry and questioning John McCain's common sense right now. (It's alright, you can do that)
It seems as if Sen. John McCain chose Sarah Palin because he is partial to pretty women/beauty queens--his first wife was a beauty queen; to capture the female vote and to grab anyone who still is sore at the DNC for having Barack Obama as its presidential nominee--instead of Sen. Hillary Clinton--who has clearly asked her supporters to get behind Barack as she and President Clinton have done themselves.

If he won, which he won't--but if he did, America would have to live with his seemingly reckless choice of a running mate--just to one-up Obama.

Maybe it is because he wants a pretty skirt to look at while campaigning--can't discount sex appeal and he seems pretty old-fashioned.
What's missing in this is: why is Gov. Palin qualified?
She is currently under investigation. The Alaska Legislature hired Steve Branchflower to find out if she abused her power as governor.
I guess that doesn't matter to the value-based GOP. Her resume is clearly devoid of a deep political history so, I guess she'll do as she is told because she doesn't know any better.
Of all of the female politicians who could have been this man's running mate, who he skipped over, I am truly left wondering if he is of sound mind and why would he risk so much on such an uneducated gamble. He appears to not be worried about running this country effectively. (I wonder why?)
I dunno but I sure am glad I vote Democrat.

Okay, I looked some stuff up

Corporate puppets don't care about the little guy
In June 2007, Palin signed into law a $6.6 billion operating budget—the largest in Alaska's history.[45] At the same time, she used her veto power to make the second-largest cuts of the construction budget in state history. The $237 million in cuts represented over 300 local projects, and reduced the construction budget to nearly $1.6 billion.[46]
So, I guess the little guy gets screwed again--as far as anyone is concerned.
I wonder how many contracts were floated her way when she helped her husband as a commercial fisherman? I really don't know--maybe some, maybe none.
She certainly is handy with the contracts in Alaska. She sure did have a fast political rise to governor.
She is very pretty though. She should have won the beauty pageant.
Oh, and she has a B.S. degree in Journalism and was a sports reporter.
By the way: I got this information from Wikipedia.com.

P.S. Our top legislators (like the president) should be well versed in U.S. and international laws. That is why many legislators--like our judges--are attorneys.


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The Gloves Came Off! Day 4 @ the DNC: Barack!

Editor's Note: It was difficult to pull myself away from the television to write because Barack was mezmerizing Thursday night when he gave his speech. Here are some notes. (that's all I have left to give! I'm weak!)

To me, Barack is already president. He is very presidential, more so than John McCain--to me.
He is smart enough to lead. He would be able to tell the difference between good advice from his staff and not so good advice.
Gloves off
"He wont even follow him to the cave where he lives."
"We need a president of the future that is not grasping at ideas of the past."
"Tough talk, bad strategy."
"As commander-in-chief I will not hesitate to defend this nation..."but with caution, he said.
Obama pulled the gloves off during his address to the American people.
Looks forward to the debates.
He said he won't don't take positions for political purposes and warned John McCain to do the same.
"Not challenging each other's patriotism is the way."
The fire in his tone when he delivered his speech sent waves of shock through me. He was so fired up.
"We all put our country first," he directed at John McCain.
He spoke intelligently on gun control, same sex marriage and immigration.
Demanding change is what his speech was about--what all of his speeches and his campaign is about.
Listen: "Change comes from us. This campaign isn't about me--it's about you."
He is asking all of us to stand up for ourselves to Washington D.C. so that change can occur.
Yes We Can and Yes We Will.
He tied his speech, near the end to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all that he has done for America.
I thanked the Lord for Barack Obama Thursday night.
Amen.

The DNC as seen on CNN: Day 3

Quips, Quotes, Thoughts & Observations...
Day three turned magical as soon as Barack Obama stepped on stage.
The wonderfully authentic, wholesome, money-on speech given by Democratic Party Vice-Presidential Nominee, Sen. Joe Biden was how I saw day three ending but then the man himself showed up on stage: Democratic Party Presidential Nominee, Sen. Barack Obama. It was such a wonderful treat.
He has achieved so much in the past 18 months. One look at the face of his wife Michelle told the whole story because she was beaming with pride. You could see it in her eyes. We are all so proud of Sen. Obama. He had the clear-eyed vision to see this day, to know that it could happen.
Let's hear it for the fierce urgency of now, let's hear it for unity within the Democratic Party.

Random but very relevant quotes:
"We started a journey back then that will lead to a more perfect union."
Rep. John Clyburn Maj. Whip referring to the Civil Rights era

"Think about all the pain and hurt Civil Rights workers killed and still others did not give up, they kept the faith.
Now these people here are about to vote for an African American to be president of the United States of America."
Congressman John Lewis, led Selma to Montgomery March during Civil Rights Movement
He said when people say that blacks haven't made progress, he said he tells them, "walk in my shoes."

The Fierce Urgency of Now
If you bother to celebrate Black History Month and if you bother to recognize and take time off on MLK's Birthday, this day August 27, 2008 in Denver, Col. you should recognize as well. It is history making for Barack Obama to be nominated
by the Democratic Party.
One Nation!

Stars as seen on CNN
Jamie Foxx
Spike Lee
Muhammad Ali

Indiana highlights
State Rep. Charlie Brown, while the nomination was taking place
Evan Bayh spoke on change.
He said a continuation of the present administration is not the change we need.
Barack Obama offers specific ideas to help the middle class each and every day.

Bill Clinton
The audience would not stop applauding when Bill Clinton took the stage. He told them to sit down but they wouldn't stop.
He was very pleased with the adulation. It was at least a minute.
"I am here to support Barack Obama."
He also said he was there to warm up the crowd for Sen. Joe Biden.
He said in the end his candidate did not win but he is really proud of the campaign she ran.
His speech was dotted with humor, a good sign, and said they will do everything that they can to elect Barack Obama--all 18 million of them.
He said his eight years in the White House convinces him that Barack Obama is the right one for "this job."

He said Obama has a "unique capacity" to lead.
He said the primary tested him and strengthened him. He said he "hit it out of the park" by choosing Joe Biden as a running mate.
"Barack Obama is ready to lead and restore our leadership in the world."

When referring to the Republican administration he said.
"My fellow Americans, we can do better than that."

Bill gave good insight on Republican rule and their aggressive war lust.
John McCain embraces these ideals, he said.

He compared what the GOP said about him when he won the presidency. It was the same thing as they are saying about Barack now: he's too young and is inexperienced.
(A bunch of crapmola, of course!)
Excellent speech Bill!

Barack Obama makes history--God Bless America!

"People All Over the World, Join Hands, Start a Love Train, Love Train!"

Well it is official: Sen. Barack Obama is the official Democratic Party Nominee. He has made history.
He is the first Black to lead a major political party.

"When I was a little girl, I never thought I would get to see this day," Donna Brazile, a superdelegate CNN commentator and Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute chairwoman said on CNN.

Sen. Hillary Clinton asked for acclimation, suspending the delegate count and Obama was nominated by acclimation. Several states, including Illinois, announced they would yield their votes to New York where Hillary made her announcement. She was so excited--matter of fact--she was fired up! Thanks Hill!

Everyone's hands went up into the air and sang along with the song played by the cover band.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Every first term president gets on the job training

Some politicians are selfish and don't care about you and me.
They'll say things like experience matters. How in the hell are you going to get job specific experience for a job like the Presidency?
There are only things you can do to prepare.

Voters should look at how each candidate's campaign is running. Are there shake-ups or does everything run smoothly with clear directives and objectives. The way he runs his campaign is the way he'll run your White House and your country.

There is a lot of protocol when you gain that office. The office is not a stand-alone--there are systems of checks and balances in place so we don't end up with a king instead of a president.
There are advisers and cabinet positions.

The president has to have a clear vision of where he wants the country to go--like the captain of a ship. He has to have a solid, well-though out plan for the whole country--not just one segment of it--like focusing on just the military and how to start a war. Or focusing just on minority affairs or just on infrastructure. The president has to think of all of that and more.

Our country has so much more going on with it than just war, minority affairs or infrastructure.

If you want the draft instituted vote Republican, if not vote Democrat. It is that simple.
If you want big business to come first and maybe any residual help go to the people, vote Republican. If you want fairness in government, vote Democrat.

Some people in this country do not understand what it is to work in a service industry job with few prospects for improvement.
Some people in this country want things just the way they are because they don't want to walk in your shoes. They do not want change.

If you want change, register to vote and then vote Democrat in November. Don't, for one minute, think anyone from the GOP wants to see you own a franchise, they only want you to work in one. Don't, think for one minute, that this election is about race--whites vote for whites and blacks vote for blacks.

Don't be fooled but be informed.

If you want to see how Republicans (Not Obamacons) really feel about the Latina and Hispanic communities, check out that story on The Chronicle U.S.A. where ICE raided a company and as the workers were dragged out, other workers stood on the sidelines and applauded.

ICE was just doing their job--don't get mad at them--get legal. But what was the applause about? That was just cruel.
Remember, vote Democrat in November.

Another thing: Some people who say they are democrat but whose actions scream isolated, biased, uninformed, anti-American are not helping the party AT ALL!

DNC First Day speeches were of superior quality: Black Female Blogger

I've been baking a caramel cake with caramel icing all evening however, I managed to catch Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, Michelle Obama and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.
Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi introduced a new chant to me: "Barack Obama is right and John McCain is wrong."
During the montage of JFK and Kennedy family footage, the audience teared up, including me. I looked at that familiar face, seen in black and white footage and wondered if he had any idea what had lay in store for him. I think about John F Kennedy Jr. realize what he gave up to help his fellow Americans have a better life.
The Kennedy family, through their tribulations, have held fast and true to Democratic values and the need to help the American people have basic comforts--like health care for children and the elderly. Sen. Ted Kennedy said during his speech, the work begins anew.
During Kennedy's speech the crowd chanted Teddy, Teddy, Teddy. And he stood strong. He promised to be on the floor of the Senate in January 2009 and I know that he will.
Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.looked and sounded brilliant. Jackson has served in the United States House of Representatives since December of 1995.
Unphased by his father's open mike grumbles, his words resonated with the party.
He reiterated what Illinoisans have been hearing from Sen. Barack Obama during his length of service first in the Illinois Senate and then in the U.S. Senate: a message of hope. A light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it was upstate or downstate Illinois, he said. Whether he was talking with immigrants or the working poor, they wanted to know if America had a place for them too.
Obama said yes she did.
"The heart of who we are as Americans and what is the idea at the heart of the campaign is that the well being of the we, depends on the well being of the she and he; meaning we rise and fall together as One Nation," Jackson said
Jackson's speech highlighted the need for all Americans to do away with classicism because we can no longer afford it.
"Illinois is America. America, we need you to be with Barack Obama," he said.
He commented to the audience that freedom had not shined brighter that it had been shining that day.

Michelle Obama, future First Lady.
Almost a minute applause, Mrs. Obama started her speech reminiscing a bit about her 6'6" big brother Craig Robinson, men's basketball coach for the Oregon Beavers.
Her mother watched her daughter from the audience beaming with pride.
She said the future of children, hers and everyone elses is her stake in the campaign.
Paid respect to Sen. Hillary Clinton and her 18 million votes. She pointed out the service of Sen. Joe Biden.
She reflected on her mother and father's compassion and said she sees it in her own children.
the current of history meeting this new tide of hope illustrates why Mrs. Obama loves this country.
She said in her own small way she has tried to give back to the country she loves so much.
Each of us have something to contribute to this country, she told the audience.
Said when those who give service to our country should be greeted with more than just parades but with health care and good jobs and access to the services they need.
She said that is what Sen. Barack Obama will do as president.
He knows that thread that connects us--a belief in our country.
Pointed out the win in Iowa being the first voices to sing out for change.
She said the Barack today is the same man she married 19 years ago. He wanted to give her and their children something he didn't get--a father in the home, raising a family.
Members of the audience were weeping.
She dedicated husband's seemingly impending presidential win to her father's memory and her daughter's future.
The standing ovation for a full minute illustrates how well her speech went over with the crowd.
Then Sen. Obama was on via satellite beaming with love and pride at his wife.
"Now you know why I asked her out so many times," he said.
He sounded just like a dad saying hi to his children and wife.
Sasha stole the show however, when she critiqued her mother's speech as "good," and ended the talk with "I love you daddy, bye." Malia, mature and poised, let her little sister have her moment.
It was the cutest thing you could have ever seen. I cannot wait to have them as my First Family.
But not everyone is feeling the love.
It seems as if some pundits did not actually hear what Mrs. Obama said. They dogged her and said she didn't say enough about Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton.
I'm beginning to thing that the working press doesn't like her. Which really means, if you don't like her, then you definitely don't like me. Maybe that is why I am not a part of the "working press" any longer.
They called Michelle "cliche" on Larry King.
God help and bless all Black Women everywhere because this is the type of world we are used to. It is a hostile, hateful, harsh, world--for no clear reason--led by another culture that does not seem to appreciate the gravity of this convention, this election cycle or our economic status as a nation. Then again, they are wealthy and not a part of a minority group.
Of course they don't care.
People like Barack and his speeches because they are filled with hope for a better tomorrow--different from the sterile hatefulness most Black women feel if they are deemed "Unpatriotic" and "Militant."
Now, who doesn't like to feel good? There are entire subcultures dedicated to feeling good. And Barack gives it to us in a speech.
It is a good thing that most of the people I talk to could care less than a DAMN about what late-night pundits have to say.
And yes, my cake was perfect. The icing tastes like old-fashioned caramel candy and the cake was moist and fluffy.

Susan Eisenhower Leaves The Republican Party

I have decided I can no longer be a registered Republican. For the first time in my life I announced my support for a Democratic candidate for the presidency, in February of this year.

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McCain Hints at Support for a Military Draft in America

Today at a town hall meeting, an audience member praised Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for his vow to “follow bin Laden to the gates of hell.” After a long question about veterans’ care, the questioner said she believed we needed to reinstate the draft, to which McCain seemed to readily agree.

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The Pledge of Allegiance makes a good ad

Usually, the blog posts I write in my mind are not the blog posts that end up on the blog.
However, this is different.
I helped my son, who is in the fifth grade, look up the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance.
I was shocked at what I found out. Later, I wanted to cry.
Our Pledge was first a sales campaign idea.
A publisher who wanted to sell more subscriptions, gave as an incentive, an American flag to customers.
Later, that premium somehow turned into the Schoolhouse Flag Movement where they wanted to put a flag in every classroom in America. In order to promote that idea, Francis Bellamy came up with a short, 15-second pledge of allegiance. It is different from our current Pledge of Allegiance. It was published in the magazine and was an instant success, according to Wikipedia.com and several other sources.
After it was published, Bellamy criss-crossed the country and spoke to a convention of school superintendents who loved the idea of a flag in every classroom and a pledge to recite. Needless to say the group made a lot of money.
My son is a young Patriot and didn't want to learn anything negative about his country. Even in the fifth grade, he knows this is a great nation. But the assignment was a truth we had to internalize rather quickly.

I would have never guessed the Pledge of Allegiance started out as a sales campaign. I'm idealistic.

I explained to my son that Capitalism is the backbone of this country and without it, America would not have become the superpower it is today.
And that is the truth.
I didn't tell him that it hurt me to find out our Pledge of Allegiance started out as a sales campaign to sell flags to sell magazine subscriptions.
I told him it was a win win win. The flags and the pledge helped bind a young and fragile nation together and ingrained in generations to come, the need to love one's country--America--and that we all have the responsibility to be a good citizen.
I really believe it helped us as a melting pot nation to have one common goal simplified, so that even a child could understand.
And, it exemplifies Capitalism and un-demonizes the word. It is not a sin to earn a living from good ideas.
Good idea, make money, help people live a better life. (I cannot say that the Pet Rock helped me live a better live, though)
Win, win, win.
Still, it did sting to understand that a meaningful oath any Patriot takes seriously started out as a shallow idea to sell flags.
But isn't it funny how God took that idea and turned it into swaddling clothes for a nation?