Campaign for America's Future

Another Year Has Passed Without Our Troops

Letitrip — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:51:17 EDT

Here's my post from last year that I dedicated to our troops. http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/michellepernula/Cq4m

It saddened me on two fronts: First only two people cared to respond about our troops; Secondly, the first response killed me, she refused to give in to the spirit of supporting our troops and dedicating at least one post for them.

Let's change how we care about our troops this year...I miss our troops, we've forgotten them, the media has been pressure to forget them and our Congress wants to give them another 6 months indefinitely because they fear moving them, but they certainly didn't fear putting them over there in harms way! I think it's because we don't have the funds to move them back and it's wrecking havoc on our economy.

Let's not let our troops down again, let's keep the pressure on Congress to BRING OUR TROOPS HOME! - where they belong! Where they can be husbands, fathers, son's and a working class again, where they can protect our own soil, where they are wanted. Let's build and keep the momentum going.

"I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside the Oval Office." --lil GWB, Washington DC, May 12, 2008

Are you a proud American of an OIL PRESIDENT and what's he doing to our troops and our economy?

This is what we should be discussing - ISSUES. Write the media and ask for their help too focus on our troops.

"Let me start off by saying that in 2000 I said, 'Vote for me. I'm an agent of change.' In 2004, I said, 'I'm not interested in change -- I want to continue as president.' Every candidate has got to say 'change.' That's what the American people expect." Lil B, Wa DC, Mar 5, 2008

WE have the last word about "Change." Countdown.

Whistle Blowers

Letitrip — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:03:12 EDT

Buried report by DOT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce focused on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere. NOAA warns of dangerous weather, charts seas and skies, guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, and conducts research to improve understanding and stewardship of the environment.

In October 2003, the Pentagon published a report titled An Abrupt Climate Change Scenario and Its Implications for United States National Security by Peter Schwartz and Doug Randall. The authors conclude by stating that "this report suggests that, because of the potentially dire consequences, the risk of abrupt climate change, although uncertain and quite possibly small, should be elevated beyond a scientific debate to a U.S. national security concern."

In January 2007, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she would form a United States Congress subcommittee to examine global warming.

HELP DODD AND FEINSTEIN STOP FISA TELECOM IMMUNITY!

Mike in Raleigh — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:47:47 EDT

Dear Mike,

Senators Dodd and Feingold are standing up against telecom immunity.

Over the past 72 hours you've made over 13,000 (!) phone calls urging your Senators to stand up and fight against FISA legislation which gives immunity to phone companies guilty of spying on Americans.

At this point the outcome of this legislative battle is still in doubt, but your efforts have forced our leaders to take notice. You showed that ordinary Americans will not stand idly by as their rights are trampled.

In response to your calls and e-mails, Senators Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin have taken to the Senate floor and the airwaves promising a filibuster and demanding others join them and show the backbone to oppose this latest Presidential power grab. In a time like this, it's important to celebrate leaders like Senators Dodd and Feingold who stand with us against all odds and are working to stop this bill.

Contribute $25 to thank Senators Dodd and Feingold: http://www.truemajority.org/NoToFISA

We'll use your contribution to buy ads in Senator Dodd and Feingold's home states - thanking them for the leadership they've shown this week. After you contribute, we'll follow up and ask you to record a personal thank you message to the Senators to include in our radio advertisement. Any extra money raised will be used to keep up the pressure in the fight to protect our civil liberties and reverse the abuses of the past eight years.

After all, this is what accountability looks like. Holding politicians feet to the fire when they do the wrong thing, and thanking our leaders when they have the courage to stand up. Earlier this week everyone thought this compromise was unstoppable. Now, thanks to your efforts, we have a crucial ally in the United States Senate.

Thanks for supporting real leaders,

-Ilya

Ilya Sheyman
Online Organizer

Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
Tell-a-friend!

If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for TrueMajority.

McCain Stole the Electric Car Contest from Dem Presidential Candidate

Frank Lynch — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:31:47 EDT

McCain is so lacking in ideas that he stole the national contest for a better plug in car battery from us Democrats! In July 2007, a year before McCain publicized the contest, which is the only new idea in his entire campaign, the contest was invented by Democrat Presidential Candidate Frank Lynch and posted on the web and publicized by a Democrat Presidential Candidate at http://www.franklynch.org/plug_in_cars.htm

Even sadder, Obama is so embarassed at his failure to embrace this idea of his fellow Democrat that Obama is failing to make fun of McCain for being so intellectually bankrupt that he must look to Dems for his ideas.

The worst part is that Howard Dean and various State Party leaders kept the new ideological leader of the Democratic Party, Frank Lynch, off the primary election ballots and out of the debates just because he is not a failed member of Congress like the candidates they put on the ballot.

Look for new ideas to lead our Party forward at http://www.franklynch.org including his Top Ten List on the lower portion of the first page.

Obama for America Across America

Mike W — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:11:23 EDT

Obama for America Across America
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

Select your state to find out how to get involved in this campaign for change. Each state site has information regarding events, groups, and other state specific information.

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New links to new online state organizational format

Map there also shows new field offices for campaign

Pelosi,Reed,Bush Dimes Worth Of Difference?

John — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:36:43 EDT

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed performed like Republicans yesterday and gave President Bush what he wanted. More spy authority which basically kills the 4th Amendment and legislation that gives the Telco's immunity from prosecution. Democrats and Republicans are now the same thing...maybe they always have been. Yes George Wallace wherever you are you were correct, "There ain't a dimes worth of difference between these two parties.

HELP RETIRE ELIZABETH DOLE, one of Bush's most loyal Rubber-Stampers!

Mike in Raleigh — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:33:45 EDT

I know a lot of us are focused on helping to win a true majority in the US Senate this year through campaigning, and contributions to key competitive campaigns.

The GOP considers the North Carolina Senate race between one of Bush's most loyal rubber-stampers, Elizabeth Dole and the progressive, people-oriented Kay Hagan among the top ten competitive races in the country. We have a real shot at taking this seat to help get us a real majority in the Senate. Today was my day for monthly contributions to Kay's campaign and other highly competitive Democratic Senate races including those of Rick Noriega of Texas, and Al Franken of Minnesota.

If you can do it today, please contribute to help elect Kay Hagen for US Senate and Retire Elizabeth Dole For Good!! Thanks!

Get to Know Kay Hagan

Associated Press
June 18, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. — U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan is opening a new critique of incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole, questioning her energy policies as gas prices surge past $4 per gallon.

Hagan will meet with consumers Wednesday at a gas station in Raleigh, talking to motorists about the high cost of gasoline.

The Democratic state senator from Greensboro has called for the repeal of billions of dollars in tax breaks for oil companies and increasing fuel economy standards for vehicles. Hagan’s campaign criticized Dole for voting last week against a measure that would have added a windfall profits tax to oil companies.

Dole had sided with fellow Republicans who said the tax would do nothing to solve energy problems. She’s seeking a second term in office.

Back to The Newsroom

Donate $62 to DNC and/or Obama on July 6

Mike W — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:35:11 EDT

Donate $62 to DNC and/or Obama on July 6

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You [may] have recently received a letter from [Laura Bush] along with a birthday card asking you to help the Republican National Committee celebrate President Bush's 62nd birthday on July 6. ...please take a moment to add your name to the RNC's e-card. https://secure.donationreport.com/donation.html

And if you can, please consider commemorating President Bush's 62nd birthday with a gift...
---

Donate $62 to DNC and/or Obama on July 6

DNC
https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute

Obama
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/standard

Gas Prices High....Unveiled Car Run's on Water

Jimmy Smith — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:38:40 EDT

A Japanese venture company, Genepax, has unveiled a car on that runs on water. All it requires is a litre of water. In fact, any kind of water to be exact, whether its river, rain, sea water, or even Japanese tea. Its an electric powered car that runs solely on hydrogen dioxide.
"The main characteristic of this car is that no external input is needed. The car will continue to run as long as you have a bottle of water inside for you to add from time to time," said Kiyoshi Hirasawa, Chief Executive Officer of Genepax, after he proudly announced the company's invention.
Once water is poured into the water tank at the back of the car, the newly invented energy generator takes out the hydrogen from the water, releases electrons and finally generates electrical power.
"We highly recommend our system since it does not require you to build up an infrastructure to recharge your batteries, which is usually the case for most electric cars," said Hirasawa, who is hoping to advertise the car in time for the upcoming G8 Summit in Hokkaido, Japan.

The DNC cuts PartyBuilder group members

John — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:35:52 EDT

A wholesale wipe out has been done to hundreds of PartyBuilder group memberships. I admin a group that has 275 members and now shows only 25. Is this payback from the Obama loyalists? It was wrong for the DNC to do this without warning. This smacks of just what many of us have been putting up with for 7 years from the Republicans. Shame shame shame DNC. You wanted us to grow the party and get involved and then you use this heavy handed Republican style move. Amazing!

Question

Letitrip — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:24:59 EDT

When are we leaving Afghanistan?

Or are we "WINNING" there too?

What are we winningggggggg?

Don't Shut Me Up or Shut Me Out

Letitrip — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:47:08 EDT

2008 Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader discusses a remark made to him by a fellow alumnus at a recent Princeton reunion. Watch the video here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGrx6IXmU-o

read the transcript below.

Do you think Ralph Nader should run?

Fox Host Forced to Apologize for "Terrorist Fist Jab" Remark, Loses Show

Mark C. Eades — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:36:37 EDT

In a small but portentious victory for progressive online activists, FoxNews host E.D. Hill was forced to apologize today for her suggestion Friday (June 6) that Barack and Michelle Obama's now-famous knuckle bump might be some sort of "terrorist fist jab." After the remark was reported the same day by progressive media watchdog group Media Matters, which also encouraged readers to sign an online petition and e-mail Fox in protest, the story spread quickly through the blogosphere, finally catching the attention of the mainstream media. Today, Fox bowed to the pressure and Hill was forced to issue a half-hearted apology. Today also, Fox announced that Hill's show, America's Pulse, would be cancelled, though it is unclear whether this additional development is connected to her "terrorist fist jab" remark (I like to think it is). In any case, the fact that Fox and Hill were forced to issue an embarrassing apology, in addition to the possibility that her remark may even have resulted in the loss of her show, is a great statement on the power of progressive online media activists, bloggers, and YouTubers. While Hill's is a minor case, don't forget that former Republican senator George "Macaca" Allen of Virginia was brought down in 2006 by one guy with a video camera and an internet connection. Today Allen's seat is held by a Democrat. This election year, online activists will again play a crucial role in fighting the Republican slime machine, including its paid shills at Fox.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

Ignorant FoxNews Shill Suggests Obama Knuckle-Bump May Be Terrorist-Related / Black Callers Insulted on Fox Radio

Mark C. Eades — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:37:59 EDT

As Media Matters reports, FoxNews host E.D. Hill teased an upcoming discussion of political body language on the June 6 edition of her show, America's Pulse, by offering the following on Barack and Michelle Obama's now-famous knuckle bump: "A fist bump? A pound? A terrorist fist jab? The gesture everyone seems to interpret differently." In the ensuing discussion with Janine Driver, introduced by Hill as a body language expert, Hill again referred to the "Michelle and Barack Obama fist bump or fist pound," adding that "people call it all sorts of things" (though I know of no one else who has called it a "terrorist fist jab"). Further revealing her vast ignorance, Hill went on to ask Driver: "Is that sort of a signal that young people get?" At no point during the discussion did Hill explain her earlier reference to a "terrorist fist jab" (see video). Given the complete lack of any basis whatsoever on which to make such a suggestion, it could only have been a clumsy attempt to plant suspicion of Obama in the minds of her viewers. Meanwhile, as Media Matters further reports, Fox host John Gibson insulted a black caller on his June 6 radio show as follows: "You don't know what Barack Obama stands for. You just like him because he's... like you and you want to see one of you up there, and you don't care what he stands for" (hear audio). As Media Matters observes, this is not the first time Gibson has insulted a black caller on the subject of Barack Obama. On April 9, Gibson told a caller: "You're sticking with Obama, because he's... a brother.... He is lying to your face but he knows you are so... you so identify with him on the basis of race, you will not even see the lies." These are desperate tactics, loser's tactics, but I suspect we'll see a lot more of the same between now and November 4.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

As McCain Stumbles, Early Momentum is with Obama

Mark C. Eades — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:04:33 EDT

The general election campaign between Barack Obama and John McCain has now officially begun, and as McCain stumbles out of the starting gate, early momentum strongly appears to be with Obama. On the Republican side, worries abound as to whether McCain himself is up to the challenge he faces, as neoconservative columnist William Kristol observes in today's New York Times. "With the battle against Hillary Clinton behind him, everything seems to be going swimmingly for Obama...," Kristol unhappily writes, "...Meanwhile, the McCain campaign dog-paddles along."

Kristol was especially irked by McCain's poor performance in a speech timed to coincide with Obama's nomination victory last Tuesday. McCain's speech was widely panned by conservatives and liberals alike, who found fault with far more than the harsh, lime-green background which, as liberal blogger Atrios observes, made McCain "look like the cottage cheese in a lime Jell-O salad." (see video). Conservative commentator Fred Barnes of FoxNews said that McCain's speech was "painful" to listen to, while on CNN Republican media consultant Alex Castellanos remarked: "Last I checked this was not a speech-making contest.... Thank God." CNN's Jeff Toobin said more bluntly of McCain's speech: "That was awful.... That was pathetic." Politico's Jonathan Martin asks, "Is there a way John McCain can win the presidency without giving another speech?" Probably not.

McCain's problems, however, don't end with his lack of speechmaking prowess, as Pulitzer-winning political journalist Thomas B. Edsall observes at the Huffington Post. Here, Edsall quotes congressional scholar Thomas E. Mann of the Brookings Institution on McCain's political problems including the lack of a clear rationale for his campaign:

"McCain continues to embrace Bush policies on the most important issues, relying on a reputation for independence and moderation that could be lost in the heat of battle with Obama and the Democrats.... At the end of this long interlude, the only rationale for his election that has emerged is that Obama cannot be trusted to lead the country at a time of great danger because he is too inexperienced, naïve, liberal, elitist, and out of touch with American values. 'Elect me because the other guy is worse.' Not much of an argument in the face of gale-force winds blowing against the Republican Party."

While McCain has serious problems even with the base of his own party, his campaign also trails Obama's in enthusiasm and the ability to attract new voters, as conservative commentator Bay Buchanan writes in Human Events:

"...In reality there is only one candidate. Barack Obama. In November he will win or he will lose.... John McCain is relevant only in so far as he is not Barack Obama. The Senator from Arizona is incapable of energizing his party, brings no new people to the polls, and has a personality that is best kept under wraps. And while his strong suite is experience, especially on military matters, it was gained almost entirely in Washington, a city that 80% of Americans now believe has miserably misled and mismanaged the nation."

While current poll numbers show a narrow lead for Obama over McCain nationally, MSNBC's First Read notes today that both campaigns expect a 10- to 15-point "bounce" in poll numbers for Obama over the next few weeks while he is covered as the new presumptive Democratic nominee by the media and his bruising nomination battle with Hillary Clinton fades in the rear-view mirror. The Republicans won't go down without a hard, dirty fight, however, and despite his considerable advantages Obama can also expect a rocky road ahead.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

How long can we wait

Democrat in Minneapolis, MN — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:41:23 EDT

How long before the elected officials from both sides stop this ever ending spiral of fuel costs, mark my word the economic impact will be felt so hard in the next few month that the nation and its people will surely be greatly harmed, it is the people on this sight and around the country that must call for the end, their can be no justification for these price rises so quickly, they can spin all they want, but no one can justify it. I call upon Barack and Hillary supporters to call, e-mail what ever, we have a sitting President that is just sitting, god how could we have put him in office. Break with your bickering, and saying you will vote for McCain, if thats what you want we do not need you on this sight, we are at a critical time in this country, wake up everybody, the signs are all around.

Test your John McCain IQ

Mike Barack Hussein — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:55:36 EDT

The Chicago Tribune has an IQ test for knowledge about John McCain. I didn't do that well; but I think ONE of the answers is wrong.

You can find it here and take it yourself:

LINK

One Historic Night, Two Americas---

Mike Barack Hussein — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:28:05 EDT

Frank Rich on Obama's win. Even though I post a lot on other folks' blogs, I don't write that many from scratch. After all Frank Rich is a trained writer; and I'm a tired preacher.

Anyway, here is a link to Frank Rich's column in todays New York Times:

LINK

Letter to the Editor-Get rid of Elizabeth Dole!!!

Mike in Raleigh — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:35:17 EDT

This is especially poignant for folks in NC but important for our broader push to get a true majority in the Senate. Below is a letter to the editor I wrote for several NC newspapers:

We need a positive change in Washington. George W. Bush isn't running for office. But his biggest supporter, Elizabeth Dole, is running again and it's time for her to retire. We need Kay Hagan to represent us, a positive change for North Carolinians.

Kay Hagan was born in Shelby, NC and she and her family remain active in the community. As a state Senator for ten years, she has a proven voting record of helping the people, creating jobs, supporting our soldiers and veterans and balancing our state budgets. She's praised for making North Carolina the most military-friendly state in America.

Until election time we never see Elizabeth Dole but we know her voting record. She ignores the needs of our people, our veterans and our economy. She voted with George Bush to continue the Iraq war, stressing our troops and their families and ruining our economy, helping big business and lobbyists, and letting Bin Laden continue running free in Afghanistan. Elizabeth Dole gives tax breaks to the rich and oil companies at our expense. Guess who pays for her TV ads.

My family and friends have had enough. We'll vote for Kay Hagan to represent us in Washington.

The Next Concession Speech You Hear Will Be John McCain's

Mark C. Eades — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:51:45 EDT

Hillary Clinton gave a gracious concession speech and energetic declaration of support for Barack Obama today, an important first step in unifying the Democratic Party for the general election campaign following a long and contentious nomination battle. Despite my own, often sharp criticism of Clinton throughout the nomination contest, her speech today confirmed for me her strengths now as a prospective vice-presidential running mate for Obama; and should our nominee choose Mrs. Clinton as his running mate, he would have my full support in doing so. A formidable opponent in the nomination fight, Mrs. Clinton will be an invaluable ally in the fight for the White House. The next concession speech you hear, sometime the evening of November 4, 2008, will be John McCain's.

If the first days of the 2008 general election contest are any indicator of what lies ahead, I would be tempted to think that Obama might as well go ahead, as they say, and start measuring drapes for the Oval Office. McCain has gotten off to a stumbling, bumbling start that must have more than a few Republicans more than a little bit worried about how their man will hold up against a Democratic rival who is clearly and vastly McCain's rhetorical and oratorical superior. I expect Obama will mop the floor with McCain in every presidential debate, not to mention far outshining him in speeches as he did this week. Streaking out of the starting gate Tuesday night as polls closed in South Dakota and Montana, Obama celebrated victory with a rousing, inspirational speech that more than befit the historic occasion of his night as America's first African American presidential nominee. McCain, meanwhile, gave an ungracious, pandering, and downright ugly speech in which he refused either to congratulate Obama himself or to recognize the significance of his victory for African Americans, choosing instead to begrudge Obama his "eloquence" and pander to angry Clinton supporters by suggesting that Obama owed his victory to "pundits and party elders." McCain's speech was widely panned by conservatives and liberals alike, who found fault with far more than the harsh, lime-green background against which we were treated to McCain's pasty visage and smarmy grin as pictured here (see video). Conservative commentator Fred Barnes of FoxNews said that McCain's speech was "painful" to listen to, while on CNN Republican media consultant Alex Castellanos remarked: "Last I checked this was not a speech-making contest.... Thank God." CNN's Jeff Toobin said more bluntly of McCain's speech: "That was awful.... That was pathetic." Politico's Jonathan Martin asks, "Is there a way John McCain can win the presidency without giving another speech?" Probably not.

Beyond mere speechifying ability, Obama's real policy differences with McCain could not be more obvious. While Obama promises to end the war in Iraq and bring US troops home as quickly as possible, McCain promises only more war in Iraq and perhaps beyond. While Obama promises fiscal policies aimed at improving the lives of working Americans, McCain promises to continue Bush policies favoring the rich. While Obama would appoint progressive Supreme Court justices to replace those certain to retire within the next president's term, McCain would appoint staunch conservatives, making it particularly clear that he would support overturning the Roe vs. Wade decision affirming a woman's right to choose whether to give birth. As McCain's lobbyist problem continues to haunt him, Obama has set a new course for the Democratic Party he now leads by declaring for the first time that, like his primary campaign, his Democratic National Committee will no longer accept campaign contributions from Washington lobbyists. The differences couldn't be clearer.

The next concession speech you hear will be John McCain's.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com