Apparently some people think Sarah Palin, McCain's new VP pick, may be covering up her very young daughter's pregnancy by claiming she herself gave birth to the child. Palin is notably pro-life/anti-birth control.
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Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Too Dangerous to attend school says student
Joseph Jackson has wanted to go to Hyde Park High School since he was in second grade. They have programs for carpentry and bricklaying, skills he wants to master to get a job and make a better life for his family.
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Friday, August 29, 2008
Gov. Palin apprecieates good sense energy plan of Sen. Obama
Even Gov. Palin, Sen. McCain's choice of running mate on the Republican ticket, has praise for the energy policies of of Presidential Nominee Barack Obama.
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Sen. Obama has a lengthy track record of good sense legislation, so he's not inexperienced.
Our federal tax code has become increasingly complex and unfair. Tax rates should be as low as we can afford them to be; and everyone should pay their fair share. Reform options should focus on creating a system that is simple, progressive, easy to comply with and devoid of abusive shelters. When examining reform options, Senator Obama believes that we should ensure any changes to the tax code reflect the needs and everyday worries facing ordinary Americans, while also promoting America’s competitiveness in the world economy.
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Senator Obama worked closely with Senator Coburn, to draft and ultimately pass the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. President Bush signed this measure into law in September of 2006.
Fighting the Spread of Methamphetamines
Senator Obama cosponsored the Combat Meth Act, which provides more money for fighting methamphetamine (meth), tightens controls on the sale of meth ingredients, and provides assistance to the children of meth abusers. The legislation would limit access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredient used to make methamphetamine. This bill passed the Senate and became law in the 109th Congress.
Senator Obama has supported greater funding to fight meth through the use of Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. The Byrne Grant program provides important funding to many local Illinois law enforcement groups. For example, the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group (SIEG), a meth taskforce that polices 31 Illinois counties, pays for 5 of its 12 agents through Byrne grants. During Senate consideration of the Department of Justice funding bill, Senator Obama cosponsored an amendment to raise Byrne funding to $900 million in 2006; the amendment passed the Senate.
Support for Local Law Enforcement
Senator Obama has been a strong supporter of efforts to increase funding and support for local law enforcement. He supported the reauthorization of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program in the 109th Congress and supports efforts to increase COPS funding. The COPS program provides local law enforcement funding for: (1) hiring and training law enforcement officers; (2) procuring equipment and support systems (3) paying officers to perform intelligence, anti-terror, or homeland security duties; and (4) developing new technologies, including inter-operable communications, and forensic technology. Since 1994, the COPS program has funded more than 5,800 additional police officers and sheriffs deputies in Illinois and over $45 million in crime fighting technology assistance.
Sex Offenders
Senator Obama cosponsored Dru's Law which creates a nationwide sex offender database and requires greater monitoring of sex offenders upon their release from prison. The bill passed the Senate in July of 2005. This legislation was incorporated into a larger bill, the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act, which Senator Obama supported and which has been signed into law.
He also cosponsored the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. This bill increases the penalties for sex crimes against children under the age of 12 and creates a national Internet site known as the National Sex Offender Public Registry. The bill would also provide grants to local law enforcement to assist in preventing and investigating sex crimes against minors.
Senator Obama is a cosponsor of the KIDS Act, which requires convicted sex offenders to provide their Internet identifiers, such as e-mail addresses and instant message addresses, for inclusion into the national sex offender registry.
Violence Against Women Act
Senator Obama cosponsored the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act which passed the Senate on October 4, 2005 and was subsequently signed into law. The Act provides important funding and assistance to help communities, non-profit organizations, and law enforcement combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Act establishes a sexual assault services program and provides grants for education programs to prevent domestic violence and encourage reporting of abuses.
Security for Federal Judges
After the horrific murder of an Illinois federal judge's mother and husband, Senator Obama and Senator Durbin worked together to beef up security at our federal courthouses. The Illinois senators secured $12 million to improve security for federal judges. Senator Obama also joined Senator Durbin in requesting a Government Accountability Office investigation into additional steps that can be taken to protect judges.
Read more
Read more
Sen. Obama has a lengthy track record of good sense legislation, so he's not inexperienced.
Our federal tax code has become increasingly complex and unfair. Tax rates should be as low as we can afford them to be; and everyone should pay their fair share. Reform options should focus on creating a system that is simple, progressive, easy to comply with and devoid of abusive shelters. When examining reform options, Senator Obama believes that we should ensure any changes to the tax code reflect the needs and everyday worries facing ordinary Americans, while also promoting America’s competitiveness in the world economy.
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Senator Obama worked closely with Senator Coburn, to draft and ultimately pass the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. President Bush signed this measure into law in September of 2006.
Fighting the Spread of Methamphetamines
Senator Obama cosponsored the Combat Meth Act, which provides more money for fighting methamphetamine (meth), tightens controls on the sale of meth ingredients, and provides assistance to the children of meth abusers. The legislation would limit access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredient used to make methamphetamine. This bill passed the Senate and became law in the 109th Congress.
Senator Obama has supported greater funding to fight meth through the use of Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. The Byrne Grant program provides important funding to many local Illinois law enforcement groups. For example, the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group (SIEG), a meth taskforce that polices 31 Illinois counties, pays for 5 of its 12 agents through Byrne grants. During Senate consideration of the Department of Justice funding bill, Senator Obama cosponsored an amendment to raise Byrne funding to $900 million in 2006; the amendment passed the Senate.
Support for Local Law Enforcement
Senator Obama has been a strong supporter of efforts to increase funding and support for local law enforcement. He supported the reauthorization of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program in the 109th Congress and supports efforts to increase COPS funding. The COPS program provides local law enforcement funding for: (1) hiring and training law enforcement officers; (2) procuring equipment and support systems (3) paying officers to perform intelligence, anti-terror, or homeland security duties; and (4) developing new technologies, including inter-operable communications, and forensic technology. Since 1994, the COPS program has funded more than 5,800 additional police officers and sheriffs deputies in Illinois and over $45 million in crime fighting technology assistance.
Sex Offenders
Senator Obama cosponsored Dru's Law which creates a nationwide sex offender database and requires greater monitoring of sex offenders upon their release from prison. The bill passed the Senate in July of 2005. This legislation was incorporated into a larger bill, the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act, which Senator Obama supported and which has been signed into law.
He also cosponsored the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. This bill increases the penalties for sex crimes against children under the age of 12 and creates a national Internet site known as the National Sex Offender Public Registry. The bill would also provide grants to local law enforcement to assist in preventing and investigating sex crimes against minors.
Senator Obama is a cosponsor of the KIDS Act, which requires convicted sex offenders to provide their Internet identifiers, such as e-mail addresses and instant message addresses, for inclusion into the national sex offender registry.
Violence Against Women Act
Senator Obama cosponsored the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act which passed the Senate on October 4, 2005 and was subsequently signed into law. The Act provides important funding and assistance to help communities, non-profit organizations, and law enforcement combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Act establishes a sexual assault services program and provides grants for education programs to prevent domestic violence and encourage reporting of abuses.
Security for Federal Judges
After the horrific murder of an Illinois federal judge's mother and husband, Senator Obama and Senator Durbin worked together to beef up security at our federal courthouses. The Illinois senators secured $12 million to improve security for federal judges. Senator Obama also joined Senator Durbin in requesting a Government Accountability Office investigation into additional steps that can be taken to protect judges.
Read more
Georgia severs diplomatic ties
TBILISI, Georgia - Georgia severed diplomatic ties with Moscow on Friday to protest the presence of Russian troops on its territory. Russia said the move would only make things worse.
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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.
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Thursday, August 28, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
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!
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!
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!
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