Barack Obama 2008: An Honest Government, A Hopeful Future

Repost: Number to text to be informed of Obama's VP FIRST!!!

Gretchen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:23:04 EDT

If you want to be one of the first to know text 62262. He will text everyone with his choice before he makes a formal announcement...

How exciting!!!

Are Progressives Really Marxists?

Rob-33704 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:15:21 EDT

Are Progressives Really Marxists? To answer that question we must first know what Karl Marx actually proposed.

In his famous manifesto Marx acknowledged that policies would differ between countries but listed ten which he said would be generally applicable, in the most advanced states.

Some of his proposals have, in fact, been adopted by most modern societies. These include: free education in public schools, the abolition of child labor, and the cultivation of what Marx
termed wastelands.

Even some of his proposals which were considered extremely controversial at the time have been adopted. These include the, progressive or graduated income tax, as we have in the United States, and the, centralization of credit through the establishment of national banks, such as our Federal Reserve.

Since society has embraced some of the doctrines advocated by Marx we must determine which of his doctrines actually differentiate a true Marxist from a non-Marxist.

The most controversial of the doctrines proposed by Marx involved private property. He advocated the, "abolition of property in land - and application of all rents of land to public purposes." Having gone that far he also proposed the, "abolition of all right of inheritance."

The purpose of these policies was the, "extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the state." His aim was clearly the centralization of the various components of a nation's wealth "in the hands of the state."

Progressives reject the Marxist goal of abolishing private property. Progressives also reject the centralization of wealth whether in the hands of the state or of the wealthy few.

Progressives advocate a greater distribution of the components of wealth. This can best be accomplished through the broader based private ownership of property. This decentralization of wealth from the control of the few will result in greater prosperity for all.

Progressives are, therefore, not Marxists.

2008 Democratic National Convention Platform Committee Report

Mike W — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:51:38 EDT

2008 Democratic National Convention Platform Committee Report
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/tom.blackwell/2008Platform.pdf

The 57 page 2008 Democratic National Convention Platform Committee Report can now be read online; the .pdf file includes 3 appendices about the 1645 local Platform meetings.

Obama VP Final Call

spencer — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:09:57 EDT

Obama is set to announce his VP Friday in an e-mail and formally announce it Saturday. I am Calling it today. Obama's VP short list Consist of: Evan Bahy, Tim Kaine, Kathleen Sabillius and Joe Biden. If my Final Call is Accurate Obama Will Pick...............

I would like to offer my Condolences

spencer — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:06:24 EDT

to the family, Friends and Supporters of Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Who Died yesterday of a brain anyurism. I didn't always agree with her (mostly when it came to the primaries) but she was a good person and a good congresswoman, she will be missed.

Just who is Philip Butler, and why won't he vote for John McCain

Jim Hart — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:36:13 EDT

Many of you have seen the comments from Philip Butler on one or more of the mail lists. If so, you have probably wondered, "Just who is Philip Butler, and why does his opinion count?" Well, from the biographical information at Military.com

"Doctor Phillip Butler is a 1961 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former light-attack carrier pilot. In 1965 he was shot down over North Vietnam where he spent eight years as a prisoner of war. He is a highly decorated combat veteran who was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legion of Merits, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Heart medals.

After his repatriation in 1973 he earned a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at San Diego and became a Navy Organizational Effectiveness consultant. He completed his Navy career in 1981 as a professor of management at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is now a peace and justice activist with Veterans for Peace."

Ok, he's a highly decorated combat veteran, with a distinguished post military career. So just what did he say about John McCain

It's Time To Play ( Demographics)

FreedomOfSpeech — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:41:10 EDT

Hi everyone,

I'd like for you to try something . Click on the link below and take a look see at all the cute little demographics they got going on.

http://abcnews.go.com/Polli...

They got gender, race , age , income level, ect. Now, after you take a look at who's supporting who based on these demographics, see if you can answer this one question for me.

Ready ? Here we go.

QUESTION:

What would the polling results look like if polling firms only contacted White Evangelical , Conservatives over the age of 65 with land line phones , but "weighted" everyone else ?(weighted means to basically make up shet based on how they "think" other groups will vote).

IF YOUR ANSWER IS :

A Fake "Tight" Race That Really Isn't , You're CORRECT !

http://www.realclearpolitic...

Have a nice day,

Dee Anna

The Name's of The Fallen / Part 15 / Total Count as a today 8/20/2008 4082 Soldiers are Dead / Names In Reverse order from: 4146 to 4083

Percy H Florez — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:16:08 EDT

Veep Speculation....

Lee — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:48:41 EDT

I have tried to resist speculating about who Barack will choose as Veep....well, I am giving in and putting in my choice for veep.... Kathleen Sebelius, the Gov. of Kansas. I would like to hear what you think...who would you like Barack to pick for Veep? Lee ;-)

Words

Barry C aka Casey — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:11:06 EDT

Words have to be more than just words. As we reach the apex of another election cycle it is time for words to start having real meaning. Unless you were the neighborhood bully one of the first platitudes thrown at you came from your mother, "Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never harm you." Nice sentiment but as we grew up we learned that words can be more harmful than sticks and stones. The words I would most like to see us work into the fabric of our government come from Pres. Eisenhower and Sen. Robert Kennedy.

Obama and veep choice to campaign on Saturday

Mike W — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:46:37 EDT

Obama and veep choice to campaign on Saturday
By CHRISTOPHER WILLS, Associated Press Writer
9 minutes ago [Aug 19th, 2008 at 7:37 pm EDT]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080819/ap_on_el_pr/veepstakes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Barack Obama's newly minted running mate will be hitting the trail with the Democratic hopeful Saturday. A senior Obama adviser told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday that Obama and his veep choice will appear together in front of the former state Capitol in Illinois where Abraham Lincoln once served.

The last time Obama appeared there, early in 2007, he announced he was running for president.

The disclosure narrowed the window for Obama to reveal his running mate. The campaign says the announcement will come in a cell phone text message to supporters.

The Gentleman Chooses . . .

Jennifer Fair — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:25:15 EDT

I thought about calling this short piece "Barack's Choice" but felt it too unremarkable for the seriousness of what Sen. Obama has been engaged in deciding, and has now apparently decided in his own heart and mind.

Make no mistake, fellow supporters, this is the most important and impactful decision that Sen. Obama has faced since the one to run for President. Doubtlessly, that decision had to be one of intense contemplation, and with the blessing of his family whose lives would no doubt change significantly.

Now he faces the inevitable changing dynamics of his campaign, and it will now be a true team effort of timing, chemistry, message, and imagery among others. Though the choice will be heavily scrutinized by the media for what it reflects about him, and of the running mate, let's all give Sen. Obama enough benefit of the doubt, especially for the quality of the vetting team he put together, including Caroline Kennedy.

Let's support the new team forward towards November and not be upset it wasn't one or the other who we might have favored. Remember it was not our decision. We had our say during the primaries, and will have it again in November. That's the beauty of our democratic process, after all.

Though we could all know at any time now, let's show our support to Sen. Obama in a note, or perhaps a prayer or something, to tell him we know it was a hard and important decision, but will trust his judgment. This can go a long way in building a strong wellspring of esteem and confidence in the kind of leader he can be if elected.

Russia vs. USA - A Power Alignment!

Percy H Florez — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:22:08 EDT

Very interesting article coming up from the opinion of a reader who is concerning about the situation in the Caucus. It seems to me finally the American opinion is taking conscientious about GEOPOLITICS and comprehends what the old fashion of politics of the 20th century is gone!

And for the sake and PEACE in this small rock called PLANET a new alignment of POWER will be welcomed soon rather than later.

Article published today in USA TODAY page 12A. on August 19, 2008

Superpowers flex muscle, but at what cost?

Earl Beal - Terre Haute, Ind.

In the power politics of international relations, superpower behavior is governed by the concept of geopolitical spheres of influence. When a superpower nation meddles in the internal affairs of another and attempts to exert undue political or economic influence in its perceived sphere, that's when trouble starts.

The trouble started when President Bush pressured Poland and the Czech Republic to establish a missile-defense system in their territories. This policy was then, and continues to be, seen by some as a direct threat to Russia, not to mention Bush's push for democratic reforms in former Soviet Republics still considered vital to Russia's national security interests.

Also, if Russia placed ballistic missiles in Cuba and/or Venezuela, this would constitute a direct threat to the U.S. Washington's hue and cry over such a move would be surpassed only by Bush's hypocrisy when he and his Pentagon took the "dramatic," "brutal" and "disproportionate" measure of invading a sovereign Iraq in 2003. As a result, what do we have?

The hemorrhaging of our national treasure in terms of lives lost.

Thousands of courageous people wounded.

A cost of more than $10 billion a month to finance this fiasco.

5 million Iraqi refugees scattered and without homes.

Percy H Florez

Obama to text his supporters first with VP choice...

Gretchen — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:20:36 EDT

If you want to be one of the first to know text 62262. He will text everyone with his choice before he makes a formal announcement...

How exciting!!!

g.

John McCain & Jim Hensley - "the rest of the story"

Jim Hart — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:54:40 EDT

Faint media attention has been paid to the invalid wife John McCain cheated on repeatedly, then dumped for the twenty-year younger playgirl daughter of a millionaire.

I did discuss the first Mrs. McCain in an earlier post. Thoughts on values, forgiveness, trust, & why I can't vote for John McCain

Well, as Paul Harvey would say, here’s the rest of the story.

Biden VP prospects

Trey — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:07:58 EDT

I think Joe will be the pick on Thursday by the presumptive nominee. He brings a similar gravitas that Lyndon B. Johnson brought to Kennedy. He is strong on foreign policy, much more thoughtful than John McCain; he brings a wealth of experience on issues ranging from Banking, Foreign Policy, health care - he has been on of the Senators on the front lines of many major issues important to democrats. He will strengthen the ticket more than any other potential VP - IMHO - What do you think?

Sen. Joe Biden In New York Times Today - VP Candidate Profile

Erin Medlicott — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:18:15 EDT

New York, NY (Aug. 18): Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is profiled as a possible Democratic Vice Presidential candidate in today's New York Times on page A-12.

Here is the Web link to the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/us/politics/18biden.html?_r=1&sq=biden&st=cse&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&scp=2&adxnnlx=1219064871-VKq02KOaajsYXEeL3l4fOA

What's in Your Heart?

Nick Danger — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:32:28 EDT

Democrats come in all sizes and shapes, we like different types of foods and hold jobs and social standing in all sectors of society. As a Democrat there is one truth I hold in my heart and that is to use the party to better the plight of mankind, starting right here in the USA! And I think we can agree that as Democrats we believe that all the people should be heard, not just those in the highest points of industry or those whose choice of religion or sexual orientation we agree with. And I believe that being a Democrat is not about filling your pockets with gold but to be able to look yourself in the mirror each and every morning with pride cause you believe in a better world for all people and you're ready to do something about it! What is being a Democrat mean to you?

For Hillary

Andrew Davey — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:14:11 EDT

(Proudly cross-posted at Clintonistas for Obama)

Sometimes, I still feel disappointed about this election. Sometimes, I keep asking myself "Where's Hillary?" Sometimes, I become frightened at the thought of Democrats losing. Sometimes, I still wish I could see Hillary back on the campaign trail again.

Sometimes, I wonder what the hell I'm doing now. But you know what? I just can't keep looking back. I can't let Hillary down now.

The “Being Stupid” and “Sounding Strong” Policy Connection

Stephen Crockett — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:39:38 EDT

Developments in the ongoing conflict between the nations of Georgia and Russia grew very hot this past week. The conflict has very long historical roots and has been potentially ready to explode since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The comments of John McCain on the current outbreak of war has demonstrated the close connection between “sounding strong” for domestic political considerations and “being stupid” in the execution of American foreign policy.

McCain has a tendency to talk tough and to threaten military consequences far too often for the comfort of many foreign policy experts and American citizens. McCain seems to have the first response impulse to use force and to send in the troops. This sometimes is appropriate but often is not the wise or intelligent course of action. McCain seems to discount the limits of military force in achieving foreign policy objectives and the negative blowback or other unintended consequences of getting involved in military conflicts without carefully studying the facts first.

Basically, McCain’s well-known bad temper marks him as a seemingly dangerously hot-head when it comes to foreign policy. McCain is very opinionated when it comes to many aspects of foreign policy. When conflict first erupted this week, McCain quickly made harsh comments criticizing Russia. McCain clearly appears to be threatening Russia with economic, diplomatic and, maybe military actions without considering the consequences for the United States.

His comments were not very helpful in persuading Russia to halt military actions. The Russians never respond well to direct public threats or orders from the United States. Intelligent diplomacy requires the very careful use of both carrot and stick measures to achieve the desired results. When you start “being stupid” in your public rhetoric by “talking tough” before thinking through the situation, you almost always fail to achieve your foreign policy goals.

Our foreign goals in the current Georgia-Russia conflict should be (1) halt the exchange of hostilities, (2) get Russia to withdraw their soldiers from occupied Georgian territory, (3) obtain a solid diplomatic front with our European allies especially NATO members regarding this conflict, (4) guarantee the international border integrity of Georgia, (5) protect the international oil pipelines running through Georgian territory, (6) guarantee the safety of American citizens in the war zones, (7) preserve both democracy in Georgia and a measure of ethnic self-rule in the breakaway provinces within Georgia, (8) avoid outright American military conflict with Russia and (9) avoid a new Cold War between Russia and the United States. “Taking tough” to “sound strong” in order to win points with the American electorate is a poor way to achieve any of these desired foreign policy goals. McCain was reckless and self-serving in his highly charged rhetoric.

Military action is all but impossible for the American government when it comes to responding to Russian actions in Georgia. The foreign wars launched by Bush (with the enthusiastic support of McCain) in Iraq and Afghanistan have drained away our military response ability when it comes to real threats to world peace and international emergencies.

McCain, like Bush, seems to be recklessly saber-rattling regarding Iran without having the necessary military forces required to back the threats being made. We need not to make the same mistake in Georgia.

How are we going to pay for more wars? McCain and Bush have not explained how we are going to pay for the current military conflicts or rebuilding our nearly exhausted military forces, much less launch even more foreign military misadventures. Economic mismanagement and disastrous trade policies have crippled our national finances and undermined our industrial capacity to fight wars.

Even economic conflict with Russia will have a very negative effect on the American nation. The world needs Russian oil. Disruptions in the oil supply from Russia will create severe hardships on American consumers. Only the oil companies financing much of McCain’s Presidential campaign would profit from such a situation. McCain’s “tough talk” might already be keeping oil prices higher than they would have been if McCain had not made those comments.

The fact that McCain has had a chief foreign policy advisor that was directly employed by the nation of Georgia while working on the McCain campaign demonstrates very poor judgment by Senator McCain. His chief foreign policy expert on Georgia was half of a two-man lobbying firm which received around $800,000 from the Georgian government while he was advising McCain. No advisor to any Presidential candidate should be a paid agent of any foreign government. It is no wonder that McCain does not have a balanced, well-informed approach to this subject.

McCain has dangerously injected himself into this touchy foreign policy/military crisis in a very public way. McCain should remember that he is not the President. Hopefully, for the sake of the American nation, he never will be.

Written by Stephen Crockett (host of Democratic Talk Radio http://www.DemocraticTalkRadio.com and Editor of Mid-Atlantic Labor.com http://www.midatlanticlabor.com ). Mail: 698 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, Delaware 19702. Email: demlabor@aol.com. Phone: 443-907-2367.

Feel free to publish without prior approval.