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Sunday, September 07, 2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008
A fact-filled letter from Barack and MoveOn.org
From Barack to me,
Leslie --
Why would the Republicans spend a whole night of their convention attacking ordinary people?
With the nation watching, the Republicans mocked, dismissed, and actually laughed out loud at Americans who engage in community service and organizing.
Our convention was different. We gave the stage to everyday Americans who hunger for change and stepped up to make phone calls, knock on doors, and raise money in small amounts in their communities.
Dear MoveOn member,
Did you watch Sarah Palin's speech last night? The speech told us a lot about her.
It told us that she can distort the facts and deliver mean-spirited zingers with the best of them. It told us that if Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter ever need a stand-in, she'd be a great pick.
It told us that she can be condescending and dismissive of the real work Barack Obama did helping real people on the South Side of Chicago. It told us that she can uphold the long Republican tradition of lying about Democratic tax cuts—even though Obama's plan would give Americans a bigger break than McCain's.
But the speech—written by one of President Bush's speechwriters—didn't tell us the truth about Sarah Palin's extremist positions. And the more that people know her far-right views, the less they support her. (There's a partial list below.)
One of the best ways to get the word out about Palin is to write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Today's a great day to write because this is very relevant—it just happened last night. Plus, our online tool makes it easy and has great tips.
Palin's speech and the reaction to it also made clear why McCain picked her. It wasn't a decision about who's most qualified to serve a heart-beat away from the presidency—it was a political decision about pleasing the far-right base of the Republican party.
Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task." She's even admitted she hasn't thought about the war much—just last year she was quoted saying, "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq."
1,2
Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin told members of the group—who advocate for a vote on secession from the union—to "keep up the good work" and "wished the party luck on what she called its 'inspiring convention.'" 3
Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools. She hasn't made clear whether she thinks evolution is a fact.4
Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming. Speaking about climate change, she said, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being manmade." 5
Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP. 6
Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest. 7
Palin opposes comprehensive sex-ed in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches. 8
As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor." 9
She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere (before she opposed it). Palin claimed that she said "thanks, but no thanks" to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But in 2006, Palin supported the project repeatedly, saying that Alaska should take advantage of earmarks "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." 10
The plain fact of the matter is that Sarah Palin did a bang-up job delivering a Karl Rove-style political attack speech last night. That makes her a skilled politician but it doesn't make her views any more palatable for voters. Americans don't really want another far-right, anti-science ideologue in the White House.
–Nita, Ilyse, Wes, Karin and the rest of the team
P.S. If you haven't seen it, check out the Daily Show clip on Palin. It's worth a watch.
Sources
1. "Palin: Iraq war 'a task that is from God'," Associated Press, September 3, 2008
2. "Palin wasn't 'really focused much' on the Iraq war," ThinkProgress, August 30, 2008
3. "The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/palin-digest/
4. "McCain and Palin differ on issues," Associated Press, September 3, 2008
5. Ibid
6. The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
7. Ibid
8. Ibid.
9. "Mayor Palin: A Rough Record," Time, September 2, 2008
10. The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
Leslie --
Why would the Republicans spend a whole night of their convention attacking ordinary people?
With the nation watching, the Republicans mocked, dismissed, and actually laughed out loud at Americans who engage in community service and organizing.
Our convention was different. We gave the stage to everyday Americans who hunger for change and stepped up to make phone calls, knock on doors, and raise money in small amounts in their communities.
Dear MoveOn member,
Did you watch Sarah Palin's speech last night? The speech told us a lot about her.
It told us that she can distort the facts and deliver mean-spirited zingers with the best of them. It told us that if Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter ever need a stand-in, she'd be a great pick.
It told us that she can be condescending and dismissive of the real work Barack Obama did helping real people on the South Side of Chicago. It told us that she can uphold the long Republican tradition of lying about Democratic tax cuts—even though Obama's plan would give Americans a bigger break than McCain's.
But the speech—written by one of President Bush's speechwriters—didn't tell us the truth about Sarah Palin's extremist positions. And the more that people know her far-right views, the less they support her. (There's a partial list below.)
One of the best ways to get the word out about Palin is to write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Today's a great day to write because this is very relevant—it just happened last night. Plus, our online tool makes it easy and has great tips.
Palin's speech and the reaction to it also made clear why McCain picked her. It wasn't a decision about who's most qualified to serve a heart-beat away from the presidency—it was a political decision about pleasing the far-right base of the Republican party.
Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task." She's even admitted she hasn't thought about the war much—just last year she was quoted saying, "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq."
1,2
Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin told members of the group—who advocate for a vote on secession from the union—to "keep up the good work" and "wished the party luck on what she called its 'inspiring convention.'" 3
Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools. She hasn't made clear whether she thinks evolution is a fact.4
Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming. Speaking about climate change, she said, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being manmade." 5
Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP. 6
Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest. 7
Palin opposes comprehensive sex-ed in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches. 8
As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor." 9
She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere (before she opposed it). Palin claimed that she said "thanks, but no thanks" to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But in 2006, Palin supported the project repeatedly, saying that Alaska should take advantage of earmarks "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." 10
The plain fact of the matter is that Sarah Palin did a bang-up job delivering a Karl Rove-style political attack speech last night. That makes her a skilled politician but it doesn't make her views any more palatable for voters. Americans don't really want another far-right, anti-science ideologue in the White House.
–Nita, Ilyse, Wes, Karin and the rest of the team
P.S. If you haven't seen it, check out the Daily Show clip on Palin. It's worth a watch.
Sources
1. "Palin: Iraq war 'a task that is from God'," Associated Press, September 3, 2008
2. "Palin wasn't 'really focused much' on the Iraq war," ThinkProgress, August 30, 2008
3. "The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/palin-digest/
4. "McCain and Palin differ on issues," Associated Press, September 3, 2008
5. Ibid
6. The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
7. Ibid
8. Ibid.
9. "Mayor Palin: A Rough Record," Time, September 2, 2008
10. The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
Palin as scapegoat (the speech was a hard listen)
I think the decision to bring Palin on as VP was a passive aggressive dig at Obama. McCain has personalized these truths hurled at him during the campaign as attacks on him as a person. It is not personal, only politics.
The U.S. election process is no place for gimmicks or attack dogs. I thought each candidate was supposed to seriously consider who could best run the country in case the worse were to happen--not find who could best attack each other. McCain is slumming the U.S. election process.
McCain as a war veteran had some debriefings after his tours of duty, some counseling for post traumatic stress injuries, I'm sure but are there long-term studies on the affects of war-related illnesses?
The gimmicky idea of selecting Palin--who comes off as a stereotype of a woman more so than an educated woman whose background and record I can look at and take seriously--was inappropriate for a presidential candidate to make.
It was if McCain said to himself: "I'm going to find me someone who is easy on the eyes, has a thin political background and who is a great speech maker within the GOP and compare and contrast her to Obama--that'll stick in his craw!"
I guess Sen. Obama is right: John McCain is out of touch with what his role is as a presidential candidate, the whole American Public and he doesn't know Obama that well.
The last time I checked, it was no walk in the park to graduate from law school and then know enough about it to practice it and then teach it. Or to pass the Bar.
Sen. Obama is a constitutional law attorney. Before being elected to office, Palin was a weekend broadcast sports reporter. And then, she worked at her husband's business--fishing. That seems to be hard physical labor. I dunno, maybe she worked in the office keeping books. Whatever. I can't see how any of that knowledge helps her form legislation, understand what is in violation of the constitution, etc.
What does this woman know of the law? It seems as if advisers would easily be able to manipulate her into whatever it is they would have her do--like a puppet.
Not that her message was directed to me, (even though I am an American Voter) I don't trust her with national security issues. I could see her getting herself/us/the U.S. in trouble or getting scapegoated due mostly to her attitude of what America means to her--which was summed up during a speech that held lots of empty patriotism and lip service to the veterans.
(I swear it reminded me of a high school essay contest winner. Hey remember when Lois ran for office on "Family Guy" and Brian gave her some talking points? It was kind of like that.)
Wearing a jewel encrusted flag pin and saying all of the right things are not enough. What is it exactly she has done for the natives in Alaska? I gleaned nothing about her track record from her speech.
Her voice is hard to listen to and running this country--even as VP--is not like being a hockey mom or being on a high school sports team.
Obama's speeches are inclusive and leave the listener feeling good about themselves and the world around them--hope-filled.
I felt angry and excluded after listening to Palin's speech and it left me feeling hopeless.
May God bless each of Sen. Obama's votes so that it will be he that leads the country and leave the point of Palin and McCain moot.
The U.S. election process is no place for gimmicks or attack dogs. I thought each candidate was supposed to seriously consider who could best run the country in case the worse were to happen--not find who could best attack each other. McCain is slumming the U.S. election process.
McCain as a war veteran had some debriefings after his tours of duty, some counseling for post traumatic stress injuries, I'm sure but are there long-term studies on the affects of war-related illnesses?
The gimmicky idea of selecting Palin--who comes off as a stereotype of a woman more so than an educated woman whose background and record I can look at and take seriously--was inappropriate for a presidential candidate to make.
It was if McCain said to himself: "I'm going to find me someone who is easy on the eyes, has a thin political background and who is a great speech maker within the GOP and compare and contrast her to Obama--that'll stick in his craw!"
I guess Sen. Obama is right: John McCain is out of touch with what his role is as a presidential candidate, the whole American Public and he doesn't know Obama that well.
The last time I checked, it was no walk in the park to graduate from law school and then know enough about it to practice it and then teach it. Or to pass the Bar.
Sen. Obama is a constitutional law attorney. Before being elected to office, Palin was a weekend broadcast sports reporter. And then, she worked at her husband's business--fishing. That seems to be hard physical labor. I dunno, maybe she worked in the office keeping books. Whatever. I can't see how any of that knowledge helps her form legislation, understand what is in violation of the constitution, etc.
What does this woman know of the law? It seems as if advisers would easily be able to manipulate her into whatever it is they would have her do--like a puppet.
Not that her message was directed to me, (even though I am an American Voter) I don't trust her with national security issues. I could see her getting herself/us/the U.S. in trouble or getting scapegoated due mostly to her attitude of what America means to her--which was summed up during a speech that held lots of empty patriotism and lip service to the veterans.
(I swear it reminded me of a high school essay contest winner. Hey remember when Lois ran for office on "Family Guy" and Brian gave her some talking points? It was kind of like that.)
Wearing a jewel encrusted flag pin and saying all of the right things are not enough. What is it exactly she has done for the natives in Alaska? I gleaned nothing about her track record from her speech.
Her voice is hard to listen to and running this country--even as VP--is not like being a hockey mom or being on a high school sports team.
Obama's speeches are inclusive and leave the listener feeling good about themselves and the world around them--hope-filled.
I felt angry and excluded after listening to Palin's speech and it left me feeling hopeless.
May God bless each of Sen. Obama's votes so that it will be he that leads the country and leave the point of Palin and McCain moot.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Palin dissed veep job (File under "OMG!)
"What is it exactly that the V.P. does every day?" the Alaskan governor asked.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
We're Going with The Rumor: Sarah Palin is not Trig's mother (Now, this is mean!)
Sarah's 4 month old son, Trig, is actually her grandson. Trig's real mom, suggests the internet underbelly, is Sarah's teenage daughter, Bristol. Bristol was taken out of school for 4 or 5 months because she got "mono," ... Would a 44-year-old woman with four kids out of diapers, embarking on her first governorship, really get pregnant?
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Sarah/Bristol Palin and the Baby Cover-Up?
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.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
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.
Read more
Read more
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.
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
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
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