I believe it is a shame that Al Franken is being wronged in the heated Minnesota Senatorial campaign. It is typical of the Republican party to implement, enforce, and justify the use of policies when it is to their advantage, and to criticize the policies when they are the ones who stand to lose. Disallowing absentee ballots is not only wrong, it is an insult to the people of Minnesota, and a slap in the face of our electoral system. How can you justify the blatant refusal of ballots cast by American citizens? You are essentially putting forth the notion that it is acceptable to enforce policies when it is beneficial to one particular political party, and it is also acceptable to openly refuse the acknowledgment of ballots cast by American citizens. How low will the Republican stoop in other to preserve their political choke-hold on politics that favor the wealthy and further exploit the dying middle class?

Let's put aside political differences for one moment, and forget the historical significance of race in the election results. What we have collectively accomplished as a country is beyond comparison to any political move in the history of this country. Seems a little drastic right? Nevertheless, how else can you explain bring ing in youth and intelligence into the highest office in the nation for the first time since the 1960's? Even then we were still taking baby steps towards change and hoping that we would make ripples in the water, not tidal waves. That is precisely what we have accomplished with the election of Barack Obama. Positive change that will ripple through the social establishment and bring forth the dawning of a new era of political representation in this great nation. Power no longer rests in the hands of the "old guard" who has for too long ruled this nation with great disconnect and disregard for the common people. President Obama is just the beginning, the face of the revolution. The great changes are still yet to come, in development, and on its way. We are finally on our way to establishing rule OF the people. The right direction is not somewhere you turn, but the direction you follow a great leader in; that leader is Barack Obama.

Wow. The only word that enters my mind as I listen to the nonsense that comes out of the mouth of the thankfully outgoing president is wow. I personally do not understand what his worry is, I mean, after all this is just a "mental recession" that has been fabricated by the left to tarnish the wonderful economic policies of the current administration. There is no real crisis, the economy is just fine. So what exactly is the plan of the current administration to address the "make-believe" economic issues the American people are currently "mentally enduring?" I believe the current administration should declare a holiday and tell everyone that massive monetary losses and bankruptcies of major financial institutions are simply fabrications of left-wing media attention-whores who will stop at nothing to tarnish the wonderful legacy of the GOP. That will surely clear up this mess! What a wonderful idea! I believe I should be receiving some job offers soon from the right-wing political machine that is out to prove these "economic woes" are lies of the highest democrat order. Wow, I can hardly wait!

In the upcoming elections, I believe the United States will be examined in an unprecedented manner by the international community. The main focus will be on the American vote. It is the simple reality that no matter who we choose there will be an overwhelming number on the other side who feel that the wrong choice has been made. As a supporter of Obama-Biden, I cannot fathom the rationale behind anyone voting for the Republicans, but I know that this country has a long history of disappointing me when it comes to elections. Nevertheless, the international community has already rendered Americans as stupid, ignorant, and bullies who use force before logic and reason, let alone diplomacy. If we elect elder statesman John McCain, we will be undoubtedly reassuring the stance that Americans are stupid, the United States is a country that relies on force to impose its will on other nations, and we truly have not made any progress in this country. I hope that other realize this and that on election day, we show our support for Barrack Obama and vote for a real change, not the nonsense the Republican party spews.

I feel that the people of New York City, District 72 have failed to seize the moment and take advantage of the prospect of positive change in their neighborhood. Failing to elect Miguel Martinez to State Assembly is not only a mistake but a tragic day for Dominicans in Upper Manhattan. For 12 years they have blindly elected an individual who has campaigned against them and has done more than other ethnic leaders to ensure that his own people are expelled from their homes. Rent hikes and poor funding for education projects have directly resulted in many Dominicans having to leave their homes after having been evicted due to rent increases approved by the incumbent. Its a shame that instead of voting and bringing a fresh face into the political scene, the Dominican community in Upper Manhattan decided to continue the cycle of mediocrity that has become the norm for Dominican politicians in both the Dominican Republic and here in the United States.

Really, did John Mccain really say that? "Mental Recession?" I think the Senator has finally lost touch completely with the reality of our economic standing. Every expert in the world has concluded that we are officially in a recession, those who have lost their jobs and homes agree, and those of us who are facing astronomical rent and gas costs can also agree, this is a serious emergency. Our economic situation is crucial and we need to get someone in office willing to bring about positive change and not merely continue the status quo. I believe firmly that "mental recession" is both an insult to the American people, and a disgrace to the American political system. Someone please agree with me and prove there is some shred of intelligence in this country.

Presidential nominee Barack Obama said one of the most powerful and insightful statements regarding protecting the constitutional rights of Americans to bear arms. Not all gun owners are the same. There must be a distinction made between hunters and criminals. A hunter knows that an AK-47 in the hands of criminals is wrong and he or she does not support such an abuse. We can actively reduce the number of criminals toting assault rifles in the streets and illegal small arms, without infringing upon the Second Amendment our forefathers included in the Bill of Rights. I believe that Obama recognizes the importance of guaranteeing the Bill of Rights and upholding the Constitution, and will work diligently to insure that my right to bear arms is protected.

Tomorrow night is the first night of the Democratic National Convention. So besides all the news channels bombarding us with four days worth of ramblings and "expertise" opinions, we should all be actively listening for the keywords that will define the Obama-Biden ticket. It is important to note that this campaign will have to compete with so many things outside of pure politics, and that the true battle will not be with the intellectual community, but with those who can not see past differences that have for too long tarnished the reputation of our beloved country.

I would like to note that I had a very interesting conversation with an individual from the campaign team of a certain candidate for New York State Assembly regarding the senior citizen vote in New york City. This individual attempted to convince me that the senior citizen vote was very important and very easily obtained. I have to admit that I played dumb and wanted to hear what the individual, a middle-aged Hispanic female, had to say. She explained to me that Senior citizens are easily influenced by simply visiting them and promising them that you will do something to help reduce the cost of prescription drugs. I asked her, is that it? She laughingly shouted: "of course! Its so simple!" I had to laugh along with her and then I entered the train station wondering, how incredibly naive this individual was and how under appreciated the elderly community is. The senior citizen vote is crucial because it has proven to be a deciding factor in many races, but to assume that the elderly are naive and easily influenced is both a misconception and a blatant discriminatory concept. I hope that the unnamed candidate realizes this, or he/she will be in for a big surprise come election day.

The recent signing of bill 11579 in New York was a terrible mistake and a horrible oversight on the part of the Paterson administration. Not only was the law a slap in the face of the entire Taxi and Limousine Commission, it is a direct assault on base owners, livery operators, and the communities that make use of their services. The law is a fraudulent one, supporters toting it around like an actual solution to the question of worker's compensation, when in reality, it smells like a slush fund for selected individuals who will be spearheading the pillaging on the industry. The new law will result directly in increased minimum charges for customers, higher out-of-pocket expenses for drivers, and astronomical monetary obligations for base owners. The issue has remained relatively quiet and low-key for the moment, but wait until consumers are faced with higher rates; the Paterson administration is responsible for rate increases, and the New York City communities will definitely want to know why their governor would support policies that increase financial burdens on the middle class.

The Russian offensive against neighboring Georgia is a clear indication that Russia is attempting to reassert itself in the international community as a military force not to be reckoned with. The lack of condemnation from President Bush is a direct result of the inability of the current American political leadership. Having stretched the countryâ��s resources thin, and misused the military in two separate conflicts, the Bush administration is unable to practice American diplomacy in the conflict. Russiaâ��s actions are a direct challenge to the progress made in the European continent, and is in defiance of NATO, the European Union, and the United States. Here comes the Cold War all over again. The fact that the military is currently occupied attempting to restore order in the chaos the Bush administration created, means the United States is unable to â��checkâ�� the military actions of the Russian forces. The European Union, which is known for their desire to strengthen economic power, not military action, has been slow to react. NATO? WE ARE NATO. The U.S. and Great Britain, who the Bush administration also dragged into their conflicts, are not it a position to influence Russian military offensives. So once again, thank the Bush administration for weakening the influence of the United States, lowering our international credibility, and failing to help a people in need â�" the Georgian population of South Ossetia.

I hope that individuals take the opportunity to vote seriously in the upcoming primaries in New York City and on election day. We, collectively, need to spread the message that voting is a fundamental part of the American lifestyle and is more than just a right, but a dutiful responsibility that demonstrates our commitment to our system of government, our appreciation for our way of life, and our concern for the well being of both the nation and our fellow citizens. If we fail to get out there and vote, we essentially reduce ourselves to not being heard. Once we are not heard, we soon cease to exist in the public eye, and that is when neglect breeds tension and underfunded neighborhoods deteriorating into crime-infested centers of urban decay. Voting is power and we should never dismiss the influential power that our votes carry collectively.

According to Steve Preston, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the country is "pushing through the middle" of a housing crisis. Really? Is that the best way to describe the fiasco that is currently the housing situation in the country? Preston is urging homeowners to seek counseling in order to restructure their mortgages and believes that the situation can be resolved by simply encouraging more individuals to become active in the housing market. Hello? Have you not noticed the recession that the country is currently enduring? How are individuals going to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into depreciating investment in an unstable economy that is progressively worsening? I think we individuals like Steve Preston should be a little more informed and reserved when making statements that fail to take into account pressing issues that affect the entire American population. I believe that a major change in economic policy is necessary in order to lead America out of a recession and then housing market will soon follow. However, notice the order of importance here: overcome economic recession, deal with issues like the housing market.

We cannot wait for Hillary Clinton to squeeze every last ounce of publicity out ogf this primary by her childish waiting game. Any candidate who cannot be forthright enough to conceed when they have lost is no longer worth the consideration of this Party. The New York delegation is trying to get her to face reality but she does not seem able to make the connection between what she wants and what is. Again a case of What "is" means I guess. We have 5 months and a very organized political apparatus with which to register, educate and convince voters that Americas Future is at stake. Let Hillary and her Die hards sit out the race fuming about the loss. We need to get more involved jump in and help formulate the future. Let's leave Hillary to history and make a new Future free from back biting, irresponsible comments, unfounded rumors and down right stupid rehetoric. "When People Lead, Leaders Will Follow"