The Elections...

I am for McCain, I believe that he will best fit the position for the next president.
I agree with his perspective on things, and I like that he is moderate, and not leaning all the way to the right if you catch my drift.

I dont think that Hillary has it in her. Not because she is a woman (of course, I am all for that), however I think that she is not strong enough.

Seeing her speak at many events I feel like she could potentially break down soon from all the tough commentary related to her past.

Ladies, for the last two years I refrained from politics and religion discussions, but it has to end somewhere some time. In my opinion our “politically correct” nation is too obsessed with our nominees personal lives. Until we stop focusing on who slept with whom 20 years ago there will never be a candidate strong enough to run for this country. Let’s face it most of us did stupid things when we were young, but come on…..will we be be crucified our whole life for it?? We all have skeletons in our closet, some have them in our head, some in our past, but we really have to move on…....otherwise we will miss on great opportunities and great  leaders.

And that my 2 cents for the week.

Yana

It’s been a decision a few months in the making, but I have chosen to throw my support behind Hillary Clinton for president. Being the feminist I am, I wanted to really pay attention to all of the candidates and not simply support Hillary just because she’s a woman. So I’ve watched debates, read countless articles and spent some time on each of the candidates’ websites.

I’ve decided to support Hillary for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I agree with every single one of her positions on women’s issues and she’s the only one of the top three politicians who actually calls out support for women among their top issues on their website. Yes, I know there are tons of other issues that are important, but Obama and McCain don’t seem think women’s rights are important enough to call out, even while the Supreme Court is steadily chipping away at them. That was a huge negative for both of them in my mind.

Secondly, there’s a lot of crap (in my opinion) being spouted by both Obama and McCain about how they‘re going to completely change the government by eliminating lobbyists. Give me a break! If they really mean what they are saying, how can they be so naive? Yes, it sucks that our country’s government is influenced by these groups, but thinking that they alone would be able to change this is a load of bullshit. Any change that is made is going to need to come about slowly and will need the cooperation of congress, not just a loudmouthed president. In addition, there is proof that both of those candidates DO take money from special interests even though they say they don’t. So that was another big negative for both of them.

Finally, everything that Hillary has said in debates and on her website just seems to me to be honest and well-thought out. She’s not preaching to everyone that she can change the country in a day, but that she has strategies for being able to work with others in our government to gain compromise and ultimately make progress. And that’s really what it’s all about.

To me Obama and McCain seem exactly like every other male candidate for president – making a lot of promises that in no way will they be able to keep. I honestly believe Hillary will be able to keep most of her promises and that’s why she’s earned my vote.

The Obama/Biden ticket is the Dream Team I have been waiting for!
Both men are intelligent, experienced, honorable, & visionary. In my opinion,they are truly devoted to ALL the people of the United States Of America. They both have come from humble backgrounds, w/challenges that we have all faced, & have persevered to achieved the dream, that I & my parent, & grandparents have always felt this country stood for.
My Party made me Proud last night, not only as a woman, but as an American!

At least Todd isn’t an Obama handmaiden. Good move on MSDNC’s part to get him.

Biden was an interesting choice for a party that’s been intent on laughing and pointing at the GOP nominee’s geriatric demographic.  

Now it appears the Democrats are not only intent on losing this cycle, but are happy with squandering any chance at exploiting the only really useful function of the VP: a leg up in replacing lame-duck Obama. Biden will be 73.

I have no use for Obama after his jaw-dropping FISA vote. No thanks; spying isn’t cool, even if you color it in a “compromise” jacket. He lost my support right then.

Biden voted against it—but he also voted FOR the Iraq invasion, which is fascinating. Apparently Clinton had no chance because of her vote. And apparently Obama tried to claim he would NEVER EVER EVER vote for that kind of thing (of course, he said the same of FISA and the Patriot Act, then promptly voted for both once he reached the Country Club atmosphere of the US Senate).

For the first time in my 49 years, I’m officially separated from the Democratic party and will be registering and voting Independent until the Democrats get back to their populist, civil-rights, constitutionally progressive roots.

Except the bill actually makes it EASIER for the current administration to dodge any accountability for the spying on American citizens that took place as far back as February 2001.

Obama fans should know this, since he steadfastly declared he would NEVER accept a provision of telecomm immunity in any version of FISA he voted for. Funny how things change post-nomination (especially when the telecomms fund your campaign).

Now, keep in mind that punishing Qwest, et. al, is not the core reason for scrapping immunity. With immunity, there go the existing legal actions which would have forced discovery and compelled the companies to tell plaintiffs who was spied on, when, where, and who directed it to be done.

Since our “Impeachment is Off the Table!” House Speaker isn’t interested in prosecuting this administration, at very least it would have been nice for the victims of BushCo’s Constitutional trampling to have the information.

Alas, Obama can’t be bothered. He just wants to get elected. Can you blame him? Maybe not. But please don’t excuse the FISA vote. It’s a bad law, a bad bill and a bad thing for the integrity of our constitution.

I know this is long but please take the time to read what Obama said on his vote for the FISA bill.

“I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to those of you who oppose my decision to the support the FISA compromise.
This was not an easy call for me.  I know that the FISA bill that passed the House is far from perfect.  I wouldn’t have drafted the legislation like this, & it does not resolve all of the concerns that we have about President Bush’s abuse of executive power.  It grants retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that may have violated the law by cooperating w/the Bush Admin.’s progran of warrantless wiretapping.  This potentially weakens the deterrent effect of the law & removes an important tool for the American people to demand accountability for past abuses. That’s why I support striking Title II from the bill, & will work w/Chris Dodd, Jeff Bingaman & others in an effort to remove this provision in the Senate.
But I also believe that the compromise bill is far better than the Protect America Act that I voted against last year.  The exclusivity provision makes it clear to a any President or telecommunications company that no law supersedes the authority of the FISA court.  In a dangerous world, gov’t must have the authority to collect the intelligence we need to protect the American people.  But in a free society, that authority cannot be unlimited.  As I’ve said many times, an independent monitor must watch the watchers to prevent abuses & to protect the civil liberties of the American people. This compromise law assures that the FISA court has that responsibility.
The Inspectors General report also provides a real mechanism for accountability & should not be discounted.  It will allow a close look at the past misconduct w/out hurdles that would exist in federal court because of the classification issues. The recent investigation uncovering the illegal politicization of Justice Dept. hiring sets a strong example of the accountability that can come from a tough & thorough IG report.
The ability to monitor & track individuals who want to attack the United States is a vital counter-terrorism tool, & I’m persuaded that it is necessary to keep the American people safe-particularly since certain electronic surveillance orders will begin to expire later this summer. Given the choice between voting for an improved yet imperfect bill, & losing important surveillance tools, I’ve chosen to support the current compromise. I do so w/the firm intention-once I’m sworn in as President-to have my Attorney General conduct a comprehensive review of all our surveillance programs, & to make further recommendations on any steps needed to preserve civil liberties & to prevent executive branch abuse in the future.
Now, I understand why some of you feel differently about this current bill, & I’m happy to take my lumps on this side & elsewhere. For the truth is that your organizing, your activism & your passion is an important reason why this bill is better than previous versions. No tool has been more important in forcusing peoples’ attention on the abuses of executive power in this Administration than the active & sustained engagement of American citizens. That holds true-not just on wiretapping, but on a rage of issues where Washington has let the American people down.
I learned long ago, when working as an organizer on the South Side of Chicago, that when citizens join their voices together, they can hold their leaders accountable. I’m not exempt from that. I’m certainly not perfect, & expect to be held accountable too. I cannot promise to agree w/you on every issue. But I do promise to listen to your concerns, take them seriously, & seek to earn your ongoing support to change the country. That is why we have built the largest grassroots campaign in the history of presidential politics, & that is the kind of White House that I intend to run as President of the United States-a White House that takes the Constitution seriously, conducts the peoples’ business out in the open, welcomes & listens to dissenting views, & asks you to play your part in shaping our country’s destiny.
Democracy cannot exist w/out strong differences. And going forward, some of you may decide that my FISA position is a deal breaker. That’s ok. But I think it is worth pointing out that our agreement on the vast majority of issues that matter outweighs the differences we may have. After all, the choice in this election could not be clearer. Whether it is the economy, foreign policy, or the Supreme Court, my opponent has embraced the failed course of the last 8 years, while I want to take this country in a new direction.  Make no mistake: If John McCain is elected, the fundamental direction of this country that we love will not change. But if we come together, we have an historic opportunity to chart a new course, a better course.
So I appreciate the feedback through my.barackobama.com, & I look forward to continuing the conversation in the months & years to come. Together, we have a lot of work to do.”

I’m really disinterested in what he said. He’s running for office. Hopefully you don’t run to the bank with everything a candidate says.

The fact is he caved. I know a great deal about FISA, and this legislation. It sucks. And his willingness to sell out on that – as well as faith-based initiatives, offshore drilling, Cheney’s energy plan and more – tells me he’s no progressive.

For someone who “supposely” knows a great deal about FISA & the legistation, to be disinterested in what Obama had to say about his vote & the reasons for it tells me alot about you.  

Unfortunately, none of it worth discussing w/you. As I can see you are cemented in your dislike for Obama & any attempt at a civil debate is fruitless. Your anger, sarcasm, & bitterness is telling.

Thoughts become things….I wish you better ones!

To call the Obama/Biden ticket visionary is to ignore the Democratic platform as presented at the DNC. You will need to look for the small print hidden within the document, but it spells out higher taxes, no marriage act, continued funding of ALL abortions, socialized medicine, more government control, demanded “tolarance” of all life styles regardless of constitutional rights to differ, etc.  The future of this nation stands in the balance and in my opinion should never be in the hands of these
“visionaries,” one of whom has never initiated or written anything and yet expects the American public to believe he brings experience and direction to the table.  NO WAY!

“Allegedly?”  What about being acknowledged as the #1 Liberal Senator on record?  That means more liberal than Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden who is #3.  Come on.

I haven’t been to pleased with the Bush administration with the way they are handling international and internal affairs. At this point I am will to give my vote up to the Democratic party. Though I doubt we will see much change on the international stage. We are too far entangled in this Iraq mess. Just my two cents.

Hey by the way, libby, what have McCain and Caribou Barbie “written?”

I refer you to:  http://nj.nationaljournal.com/

As for McCain’s record, I can’t say I’m a strong supporter there either; however in comparision I have to go his way.

Governor Palin has a pretty remarkable record for the past two years as governor.

This just in: Palin’s car wash was shut down by the government (aka, by her, sans her knowledge) for failure to pay business taxes.

Any takers on a pool to predict when she bows out to “spend more time with her family?”

Hi There!

I think that I’m going to vote for Edie628 and Leftcoaster.  They seem to be able to agree to disagree.  The only problem is that I’m not sure which one should run for President and which one should run for Vice President.

Any ideas folks?

I like Palin’s test of loyalty test.  

http://www.washingtonindependent.com/  

She rules with an iron fist?

By the way, just got this email from a friend who lives in Alaska and knows the author:

This is a post in response to the Washington Independent article entitled “The Reform Candidate?” [http://www.washingtonindependent.com/

Dear friends,

So many people have asked me about what I know about Sarah Palin in the last 2 days that I decided to write something up . . .

Basically, Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton have only 2 things in common: their gender and their good looks. :)

You have my permission to forward this to your friends/email contacts with my name and email address attached, but please do not post it on any websites, as there are too many kooks out there . . .

Thanks, Anne

ABOUT SARAH PALIN

I am a resident of Wasilla, Alaska. I have known Sarah since 1992. Everyone here knows Sarah, so it is nothing special to say we are on a first-name basis. Our children have attended the same schools. Her father was my child’s favorite substitute teacher. I also am on a first name basis with her parents and mother-in-law. I attended more City Council meetings during her administration than about 99% of the residents of the city.

She is enormously popular; in every way she’s like the most popular girl in middle school. Even men who think she is a poor choice and won’t vote for her can’t quit smiling when talking about her because she is a “babe“.

It is astonishing and almost scary how well she can keep a secret. She kept her most recent pregnancy a secret from her children and parents for seven months.

She is “pro-life“. She recently gave birth to a Down’s syndrome baby. There is no cover-up involved, here; Trig is her baby.

She is energetic and hardworking. She regularly worked out at the gym.

She is savvy. She doesn’t take positions; she just “puts things out there” and if they prove to be popular, then she takes credit.

Her husband works a union job on the North Slope for BP and is a champion snowmobile racer. Todd Palin’s kind of job is highly sought-after because of the schedule and high pay. He arranges his work schedule so he can fish for salmon in Bristol Bay for a month or so in summer, but by no stretch of the imagination is fishing their major source of income. Nor has her life-style ever been anything like that of native Alaskans.

Sarah and her whole family are avid hunters.

She’s smart.

Her experience is as mayor of a city with a population of about 5,000 (at the time), and less than 2 years as governor of a state with about 670,000 residents.

During her mayoral administration most of the actual work of running this small city was turned over to an administrator. She had been pushed to hire this administrator by party power-brokers after she had gotten herself into some trouble over precipitous firings which had given rise to a recall campaign.

Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a “fiscal conservative“. During her 6 years as Mayor, she increased general government expenditures by over 3 . During those same 6 years the amount of taxes collected by the City increased by 38. This was during a period of low inflation (1996–2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents.

The huge increases in tax revenues during her mayoral administration weren’t enough to fund everything on her wish list though, borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? or a new library? No. $1m for a park. $15m-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex which she rushed through to build on a piece of property that the City didn’t even have clear title to, that was still in litigation 7 yrs later—to the delight of the lawyers involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5m for road projects that could have been done in 5–7 yrs without any borrowing.

While Mayor, City Hall was extensively remodeled and her office redecorated more than once.

These are small numbers, but Wasilla is a very small city.

As an oil producer, the high price of oil has created a budget surplus in Alaska. Rather than invest this surplus in technology that will make us energy independent and increase efficiency, as Governor she proposed distribution of this surplus to every individual in the state.

In this time of record state revenues and budget surpluses, she recommended that the state borrow/bond for road projects, even while she proposed distribution of surplus state revenues: spend today’s surplus, borrow for needs.

She’s not very tolerant of divergent opinions or open to outside ideas or compromise. As Mayor, she fought ideas that weren’t generated by her or her staff. Ideas weren’t evaluated on their merits, but on the basis of who proposed them.

While Sarah was Mayor of Wasilla she tried to fire our highly respected City Librarian because the Librarian refused to consider removing from the library some books that Sarah wanted removed. City residents rallied to the defense of the City Librarian and against Palin’s attempt at out-and-out censorship, so Palin backed down and withdrew her termination letter. People who fought her attempt to oust the Librarian are on her enemies list to this day.

Sarah complained about the “old boy’s club” when she first ran for Mayor, so what did she bring Wasilla? A new set of “old boys“. Palin fired most of the experienced staff she inherited. At the City and as Governor she hired or elevated new, inexperienced, obscure people, creating a staff totally dependent on her for their jobs and eternally grateful and fiercely loyal—loyal to the point of abusing their power to further her personal agenda, as she has acknowledged happened in the case of pressuring the State’s top cop (see below).

As Mayor, Sarah fired Wasilla’s Police Chief because he “intimidated” her, she told the press. As Governor, her rece