Americans for a better America

Al Franken

Gabriel Felix — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:29:54 EST

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?

Moving in Right Direction

Gabriel Felix — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:21:52 EST

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.

My Personal Obama Euphoria

Cato Meador — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:24:52 EST

This old Texas Clinton Democrat is on top of the world right now!

The emotions that started on election night when I was listening to President-elect Barack Obama give his victory speech, has turned into nothing short of complete euphoria! I walk with a little more pep in my step. I smile more than I have in....well.....EIGHT YEARS. I even have learned to be a little more tolerant of Republicans....at least for the moment.

To realize that I am 'mature' enough to have been able to experience in my lifetime John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and now Barack Obama winning the White House is a very satisfying feeling.

And even though the original meaning of it really had nothing to do with race......to have been born and raised in a community that used to have a 'Welcome' sign at the train station that said "Welcome to Greenville, The Blackest Land and the Whitest People", this is such an exciting, important and historic moment. Not to mention being old enough to have experienced separate water fountains, restrooms, and entrances to doctor's offices (assuming that the white doctor even treated blacks).

I have never been prouder of my country or my party!!! We made history! Not simply because we finally elected an African-American president. But more because Barack Obama IS what this country and the entire world, for that matter, need at this time in history.

With the mess that George W. Bush has left every aspect of life here and around the world in, the need for the most powerful leadership position in the history of the planet to be filled by an inclusive, intelligent, compassionate and focused individual is more imperative than it has ever been or most likely will be in the forseeable future.

The American people, by way of the Democratic Party, have delivered the right man at the right time.

God Bless America!

What An Inspiring Night!!

Cato Meador — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:36:39 EST

Not too long ago, for the first time I stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and looked out over the reflecting pool, thinking of what Dr. Martin Luther King must have been thinking as he told hundreds of thousands of Americans about his 'dream' for our country. I stood there completely engrossed in my thoughts, as I remembered listening to him and how inspiring he was. And there was never more of a 'son-of-the-Confereracy' than me. I am very proud of my ancestors sacrifices not only during The Civil War, but also during The American Revolution and The Texas Revolution.

But I have never been MORE proud than I am tonight. A little more than 140 years after the end of the Civil War, I watched an African-American become the 44th President of The United States of America. When I was growing up in the 1960's, nothing of this sort was even dared to be dreamed of.

But truly, it has been proven tonight that ANYONE REALLY CAN BECOME PRESIDENT. The election of Barack Obama to the presidency is not only an achievement for the African-American youth of this country....but for ALL of America's youth!

I was so wishing that Daddy had lived to see this. I have been sad when he wasn't around to see the Berlin Wall felled and the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union. But THIS? The man who made me into the Democrat AND the American that I am, would have loved to have seen this moment. But I also believe that he, Dr. King, LBJ, JFK and RFK, along with so many that have gone before, are looking down and smiling right now.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

And GOD BLESS BARACK OBAMA, 44th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!

Barack and Bill in Florida

Cato Meador — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:16:59 EDT

As I was watching President Clinton campaigning in Florida for Barack Obama, I was seriously awe struck.

Two of the greatest political minds and two of the greatest political orators in a generation...speaking intelligently about, not only the plight of America, but also in the future of our country and the world. And what it would take to pull America back up within the world community as THE leader for democracy and freedom. The shining beacon of hope for the downtrodden within not only our society, but worldwide.

And then I got to thinking about the last eight years. A president of shallow character, even shallower thinking and with absolutely no ability to see the American people as the backbone of everything that makes The United States of America great! A 'leader' who never lead....only followed. A president who put us in the international 'backseat' of concern for others. A commander-in-chief who became the biggest terrorist, torturer and mass murderer since the fall of 'Iron Curtain' in Europe. A man who indiscremently ordered the killing of thousands of innocent Iraqis under the guise of 'freeing' them.

After which I realized just how great this country is, and how resilient The Founding Fathers so aptly created this experiment, that we could come thru such horrible times as "The W Years", and still be able to find public servants like Barack Obama that has the brains and compassion and GUTS to take on such a mess, and to do it with such calming and precise reasoning and thinking.

God Bless America..............

McCain's Connection to Communist Vietnam

Cato Meador — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:54:43 EDT

Well, he DID spend several years living in the same area with some of the most ruthless terrorists in history.....

Maybe Senator McCain should have to answer for his 'record'.

Yeah, it is as stupid a thing that you can think of.

And THIS is the kind of campaign that some people want from THEIR candidate for president?

Thank God that Barack Obama and Democrats like most of us, don't believe that using old connections to throw fear into the hearts of Americans is a legitimate way to oppose someone elses candidacy.

Seems John McCain has learned well from the Bush Administration as to how to attempt to govern from a state of FEAR instead of HOPE!

Unfortunately for McCain, the 'fear card' has worn out on most Americans.....

This plan should be considered on Capitol Hill to reduce Crime and Domestic violence

Democrat in Chicago, IL — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:59:39 EDT

Crime Reducttion Act

Gun Shops and Liquor Stores

Gun shops and liquor stores need to be closed in neighborhoods and communities throughout the United States. This plan will help reduce crime and violence in the United States. Liquor should only be sold in liquor stores.

Curfews

Curfews need to be set in the Spring to 5PM. Curfews need to be set in the summer to 7PM. Curfews need to be set in the fall and winter at 4PM. The curfews need to be activated for individuals under the age of twenty-one.

Law Enforcement

It needs to be more law enforcement and police officers on the streets in all communities and neighborhoods for the next ten years and more. I support providing $350 million in funding for law enforcement and police officers for over ten years. I do not banning assault weapons. Law enforcement and police officers need to be placed at more elementary, high schools and college campuses. Law enforcement needs to play a serious role for preventing and solving crimes. I believe thugs, drug dealers, hoolums and crackheads belong and need to be in jail and off the streets permanently. Also, rapists, robbers, murderers and burglars need to be in jail or given capital punishment.

Economic Security

Law enforcement and police officers need to start patrolling the streets in communities, educational institutions and public places immediately. More security need to be provided at educational institutions, supermarkets, strip and mega malls, office buildings, train stations, convenient stores, banks and financial institutions, restaurants and retail sores. I support approximately 50,000 police officers on the streets in each congressional district to keep neighborhoods and communities safer from crimes.

Healthcare plan that should be considered by Capitol Hill Democrats and Republicans

Democrat in Chicago, IL — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:33:02 EDT

Healthcare Act

Presription Drugs

I support negotiations for prescription drug costs in the United States. Democrats in Congress need to lower costs of prescription drugs. The Democratic Party need to reduce and freeze the costs for prescription drugs for over ten years.

Medicare, Medicaid and Hospital Bills

Democrats in congress need to lower costs of Medicare, Medicaid and hospital bills by seventy-five percent in the United States to provide more affordable and quality healthcare for every man woman and child. I support Health and Human Service funding of $118 million for over ten years minus wasteful earmarks to keep the healthcare industry fully-funded. Hospital bills need to be reduced by fifty percent for over ten years. Also, Democrars need to eliminate co-payments for doctor visits permanently. The United States need more affordable HMO and PPO healthcare for all Americans and senior citizens. PPO and EPO healthcare need to be reduced by fifty percent for every man, woman and child in the United States.

2010 Democratic Budget Resolution

Democrat in Chicago, IL — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:16:24 EDT

I am undecided for the Democratic budget resolution. I do not aupport raising taxes for Americans that make $42,000/year or more.

What Most of You People are Not Understanding

Rob-33704 — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:08:18 EDT

What most of you aren't understanding is the depth of the anger on the right and left of the electorate in this country.

That is what John McCain is hearing at his rallies and you are seeing on CNN. Democrats don't hear it at their rallies because the left long ago discarded the democratic party.

This anger is not something that will somehow evaporate and just go away. The right is just now discovering how much they have been misled and betrayed.

Taking care of the needs of the citizens is not PANDERING - it is what ruling classes do to stay in power.

You Are Giving Socialism a Bad Name.

Rob-33704 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:33:40 EDT

Could some of you PLEASE talk to your friends in the news media and get them to stop referring to this as a "Socialist" bailout?

You know, I know, and they know that is not true.

Thanks for you help.

The United States of America should declare a Year of Jubilee - the "forgiveness of all debts."

Rob-33704 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:51:54 EDT

The United States of America should declare a "Year of Jubilee" - the "forgiveness of all debts." The requirement for a Year of Jubilee is clearly established in chapter 25, verse 10 of the of the Old Testament/Torah Book of Leviticus. Verses 28, 40, 50, 54, of the 25th chapter and verse 24 of the 27th chapter clearly require the forgiveness of all debts by all believers every 50 years.

This is a requirement, it is not an option. This is why in Chapter 6, verse 12, of the New Testament Book of Matthew (The Lord’s Prayer) Jesus prayed, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

A $5000 Tax Credit for Health Insurance?

Cato Meador — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:21:44 EDT

For the moment, lets go past the fact that John McCain's $5000 tax credit to 'offset' health insurance costs and get to what I consider the REAL meat of the problem.

If you cannot, right now, afford health insurance then how does this help, even if it WAS enough to get the job done?

WHERE ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO GET THE $5000 FOR HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE FIRST PLACE???

Much less wait until the next year's tax refund to get it back!!!

Tax credits are delayed reimbursement for money these people who do not have the means to pay for it anyway!!

Just wondering........

QUESTION RE: Austan Goolsbee

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:40:59 EDT

Do we know where Mr Goolsbee studied as a Fulbrigth scholar?????

From Mr Goolsbee's CV:

HONORS AND AWARDS

Fulbright Scholar, 2006-2007

Named one of the Young Global Leaders, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2005

Named one of the 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2002

Lumina Award for Pioneering Research in E-Commerce (with co-author Jeffrey Brown), Global Reinsurance, Monte Carlo, 2001

Bill Gates Lecture on "Creative Capitalism" at the World Economic Forum.

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:22:29 EDT

Bill's basic idea:

"....innovative ways to solve major problems for one billion of the world's poorest people, who don't get enough food or don't have drinking water or reliable access to mediication, which the rest of us take for granted, he said.

Bill apparently doesn't understand:

"As of September 2008, the world's population is estimated to be about 6.7 billion (6,700,000,000). In line with population projections, this figure continues to grow at rates that were unprecedented before the 20th century, although the rate of growth has almost halved since its peak of 2.2% per year, which was reached in 1963. The world's population, on its current growth trajectory, is expected to reach nearly 9 billion by the year 2042"

What about the 6,700,900,000 thousand of us???????????

Goldman Sachs Fined $43.5 Million

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:15:47 EDT

The New York Times reports:

"Goldman Sachs spokesman, Ed Canaday, said that the firm was pleased to put the matter behind it, and that it would continue to expand its compliance training and oversight. Spear, Leeds & Kellogg will pay $43.5 million. "

5 firms were charged with violating

"....laws by executing their own orders for the shares they managed ahead of customers' orders, depriving clients of fair trades and possibly better prices, the regulators said. "

NYT reports that the five firms which paid $241 million are:

"....a Bear Stearns subsidiary, Bear Wagner Specialists; a FleetBoston subsidiary, Fleet Specialist; LaBranche & Company; Van der Moolen Specialists; and a Goldman Sachs subsidiary, Spear, Leeds & Kellogg. "

Dow Jones Down - 160

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:56:51 EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- U.S. stocks recovered after a sharp drop at the open Wednesday, following the announcement of emergency rate cuts by global central banks.

Spear, Leeds & Kellogg, L.P. - Goldman Sachs Execution & Clearing, L.P - Fined $1 Million Dollars

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:31:58 EDT

FINRA reports:

Spear, Leeds & Kellogg, L.P. (now known as Goldman Sachs Execution & Clearing, L.P.) was fined, "$1 million for creating and implementing an internal system to conceal sales of securities allocated in initial public offerings (IPOs) from the Depository Trust Corporation (DTC)."

14:35 ET Dow -156.27 at 9796.05, Nasdaq -41.59 at 1821.37, S&P -18.96 at 1037.93:

Rob-33704 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:48:27 EDT

From Market Report:

Stocks recovers some losses, but still post a sharp decline. The Dow was down as much as 362 points, compared to its current decline of 156 points.

[BRIEFING.COM] Morgan Stanley (MS 17.91, -5.64) pares some losses on reports that the company said the investment it is receiving from Mitsubishi will close imminently, according to Reuters.

Royal Bank of Scotland Shares Decline Â£6 billion

Rob-33704 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:16:46 EDT

The Edinburgh-based bank had seen its share price plunge into double figures at one point this morning, before recovering to sit at 110.6p at 1.30pm.

It comes after 20 per cent, and more than £6 billion, was shaved off its share price yesterday in what was its biggest full-day decline in 20 years.