Democratic Women

Obama Just an American with a Muslim Middle Name

funkfresh01 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:22:00 EDT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080720/pl_bloomberg/awwoetconzuu_1

Source: Bloomberg
Author: Caroline Alexander

A year ago, Palestinian medical student Wessam al-Ghoul in the U.K. thought Barack Obama would break new ground in bringing Middle East peace. Today, he says the Democratic presidential candidate is merely “the lesser of two evils.”

Al-Ghoul changed his mind after Obama toughened his rhetoric against Iran and said on June 4 that ``Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided.'' Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as their future capital.

``He has become virtually indistinguishable from any U.S. politician running for office,'' said al-Ghoul, 24. He added that presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, 71, is worse only because he would continue the foreign policies of President George W. Bush, whose war in Iraq, now in its sixth year, has made him unpopular in the Arab world.

Email Attacks on Obama Spark Debate on Racism

funkfresh01 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:00:33 EDT

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080719/FOREIGN/936574761/1014/ART&Profile=1014

Source: The National
Author: Sharmila Devi

“The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out. What better way to start than at the highest level â€" through the president of the United States, one of their own.”

So reads an email widely distributed in the US from unknown senders as part of a smear campaign, satirised with mixed results by The New Yorker magazine last week, against Barack Obama, the presumed Democratic nominee.

The liberal weekly might have been making a joke when it pictured Mr Obama as a Muslim terrorist, his wife, Michelle, as an armed radical, and the US flag burning in the fireplace in the Oval Office. But some Americans actually appear to believe it, according to opinion polls.

South Carolina State Senator Posts Osama-Obama Photo

funkfresh01 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:39:29 EDT

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/21/kevin-bryant-south-caroli_n_114098.html?view=print

Source: Huffington Post
Author: Nico Pitney

South Carolina State Senator Kevin Bryant has removed a classy photo from his website showing Osama Bin Laden next to Barack Obama with text claiming the difference between them is "just a little B.S."

Update: Interview with Bryant added below.

The photo was highlighted by Wonkette and The Hill, among other sites, and when I tried to access the blog post in question at 3PM ET, it had been removed from Bryant's website.

Merger of Hillary Clinton supporters with Barack Obama campaign still in process

Mike W — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:35:59 EDT

Political bloggers gaining more clout -- but it's no way to make a living

Mike W — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:17:49 EDT

Political bloggers gaining more clout -- but it's no way to make a living
NETROOTS NATION
By Omar L. Gallaga, Lilly Rockwell
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, July 17, 2008
http://tinyurl.com/5r4u35

The Burnt Orange Report, an Austin-based political blog site, distinguished itself this year with its coverage of the Texas presidential primary, in addition to its usual reporting on state and local races.

It has earned a reputation for political analysis with a liberal bent. The site gets from 60,000 to 100,000 page views a day. ...

But like most political blog sites, it has struggled to make money. Thanks to a recent switch in advertising providers, the site hopes to have enough revenue within a year to hire its first paid writer.

In recent years, blogs have moved from the periphery to the center of online political coverage and commentary. An online army of activists and amateur pundits has become part of the 24-hour news cycle. ...

Political blogs might wield influence, but they are still trying to find their footing, experts say, and struggling to bring in enough revenue to support paid staffers as they compete against traditional media for political news and analysis.

--
complete copyrighted story at
http://tinyurl.com/5r4u35

US Senate Goal: 60+ seats

Mike W — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:01:12 EDT

Hillary Donors Gave Obama $1.8 Million in June

Mike W — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:25 EDT

Hillary Donors Gave Obama $1.8 Million in June
By Sarah Cohen and Matthew Mosk
Washington Post blog
Posted at 6:50 PM ET on Jul 21, 2008
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/07/21/hillary_donors_give_obama_18_m.html
or
http://tinyurl.com/6mv375

Sen. Barack Obama has posted his first campaign report since the end of the contentious Democratic primary battle, and political reporters and bloggers are already trying to ferret out whether donors to Sen. Hillary Clinton have been helping her formal rival, now the party's presumptive nominee.

The Post has now conducted its own analysis of how Clinton supporters directed their money in June. More than 2,200 Clinton donors became first-time Obama donors, giving him $1.8 million of the $52 million he raised last month. Of those, 355 contributed at least $2,000, for a total of $1 million.

An Outrageous Attempt by the Bush Administration to Undermine Women's Rights

FreedomOfSpeech — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:20:09 EDT

(I'm Surprisd That I'm The One Who's Posting This First)

SOURCE: Hilary Clinton @ Huffington Post

The Bush administration is up to its old tricks again, quietly putting ideology before science and women's health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is poised to put in place new barriers to accessing common forms of contraception like birth control pills, emergency contraception and IUDs by labeling them "abortion." These proposed regulations set to be released next week will allow healthcare providers to refuse to provide contraception to women who need it. We can't let them get away with this underhanded move to undermine women's health and that's why I am sounding the alarm.

(see extended)

Muslims Believe Hijab Snub Not Obama’s Fault

funkfresh01 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:19:29 EDT

http://www.hbindependent.com/articles/2008/07/16/blogs_and_columns/soulfood/hbi-soulfood071008.tx

Source: Huntington Beach Independent
Author: Michèle Marr

For nearly two years detractors have accused Barack Obama of being a Muslim. Ultra-conservative commentators have referred to him as B. Hussein Obama and deliberately likened his surname to bin Laden’s first name Osama.

He has defended himself while also condemning the prejudice toward Muslims these acts reflect. As a presidential candidate he has stumped relentlessly on unity, equality and justice.

So to hear of him snubbing two Muslim women at a Detroit political rally in June rang dissonant. In case you missed the incident, I’ll explain.

John McCain Surrogate Says Muslims 'Going to Kill Us'

funkfresh01 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:13:30 EDT

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/18/2008) â€" The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on presidential candidate John McCain to repudiate remarks seemingly made on his behalf by a GOP spokesman during a campaign call in Florida.

On a conference call with journalists arranged by the Republican Party of Florida, Bud Day reportedly said: “The Muslims have said either we kneel or they're going to kill us... I don't intend to kneel and I don't advocate to anybody that we kneel, and John doesn't advocate to anybody that we kneel.”

SEE: McCain Surrogate Makes Controversial Muslim Comment (CNN)
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/18/mccain-surrogate-makes-controversial-muslim-comment/

SEE: McCain POW Bud: Muslims 'Going to Kill Us' (Miami Herald)
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2008/07/mccain-pow-bud.html

Happy Barack Day! Update

Cathi — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:03:41 EDT

You can see the details of this event by going to:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4gbrj
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/4gbrj
---

Cathi Erman has sent you an update to 'Happy Barack Day!' -- click here to view the invitation and submit your response:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4gbrj
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/4gbrj

Thank you to all of you who have signed up (680 and counting between the Obama page, the DNC page and the VA DNC page) and for those who have left me comments when signing up, I've thoroughly enjoyed your great enthusiasm and dedication. I've loved reading your comments and have tried to update the event description and emails to reflect ideas from some of you.
This is a one-day only event before the election!

I would STRONGLY encourage you all to take photos of everything you and your family does to celebrate Barack's birthday on Aug. 4th - even if what you're doing happens to be the day before or after - especially birthday card making, fundraising, bake sales, etc. Make sure there are lots of Happy Birthday signs and Obama signs in the photos. Afterwards, you can send the photos here:

Please email all of your photos to photos@barackobama.com.

Also, to actually send birthday cards and photos directly to Barack, here is the info:

To reach the Campaign Headquarters by phone, please call: (866) 675-2008

You can contact us by mail at:
Obama for America
P.O. Box 8102
Chicago, IL 60680

To donate on August 4th, go to www.barackobama.com and on the first page, click on the "Donate Here" button.

Special thanks to Brian Gustafson for holding a local BBQ Fundraiser & Happy Birthday event for which he has confirmed attendance of 150 people! Yay Brian!

Just to let you know, I plan to make donations throughout the day on August 4th and separate ones to memorialize and honor those who have written to me about having the same birthday or having lost a loved one on that date. I also plan on making a donation in memory of Kitty, a young US soldier who died this week from an infection due to wounds inflicted in Iraq. She leaves a husband and two young children.

I have so enjoyed reading your comments and suggestions. And, especially your enthusiasm. It's such a joy. Thank you all so very much.

Finally, as I know you've heard me say (to death, I know) that I personally cannot reach everyone on www.barackobama.com or on the DNC website. I really need your help!! Please just send the event site (one of the two Obama websites at the beginning of this message)to all your friends and Obama and DNC Groups and anyone at all you think might be interested, it would help so much. Some of you belong to hundreds of groups!

Thank you all again. Words cannot express my appreciation. Not just for me, but for Barack and all of us!

Fondly, Cathi

PS - If you already signed up on the DNC link or on the Virginia DNC link, could you please go to one of the posted links on the Obama pages listed and sign up there as well? It would really help me out with keeping an accurate count, plus I can email all the attendees at once as opposed to going to three different sites to do it. Thanks!

This May Cause a Stir...

MsTawiah — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:01:53 EDT

P.U.M.A. Passion

The critics of the group, and others that are essentially against Obama's nomination, assert that they are really run by Republicans trying to fool Democrats. And that they are creating the perception of an intraparty divide. Some have called them racists or worse.

Critics also point to the fact that Murphy donated to John McCain during the 2000 election.

Baker cannot understand how Murphy could claim to be a real Democrat and then vote for McCain, especially in light of Clinton's public support of Barack Obama. She says it's disingenuous to support McCain, a candidate who "doesn't support womens' rights or the rights of gays and lesbians".

New group "Election not Selection"

Staten Island Democrat — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:59:49 EDT

This primary process made apparent the flaws in our parties nominating process. I have formed a group to discuss this issue and brainstorm as to how to fix it. I invite you all to join.

Election Not Selection
A group for discussion and activism for reforming the nominating process of the Democratic Party. Including but not limited to: a rotation of states, elimination of caucuses, and the elimination of super delegates

1932 - A little history of our party

Staten Island Democrat — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:40:08 EDT

FDR went to the 1932 Democratic convention 90 delegates short of the 2/3 majority needed. It took 4 roll call votes to nominate him.

This video is a great lesson in the history of our party and the 1932 Democratic convention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt6JmgKfXzo

ABORTION "PREDICTS" BREAST CANCER !

FreedomOfSpeech — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:28:26 EDT

Now, this one is too funny.

I live near a large Hospital Center here in Green Bay and when I run errands, I have to drive past them all the time. And , it's common for me to see a small group of Anti-Abortion protesters , at the most five , standing in front of the Bellin and St. Vincents Hospitals. Someone is always there , no matter what.

But on my way to the grocery store today , I drove past Bellin Hospital and there was this man there with a sign. He was white and very old. He had that nice Grey hair. That Moses white kind of Grey hair and it stood out because he had the beard going and everything. He was standing there with that same "It's my duty" look that they always have.

I always like to check out the signs to see what they got going on this time and usually, I just smirk or shake my head. But today was different. Today, as I read the sign , I burst out laughing and almost started clapping my hands. You would have thought I was at a Comedy Club or something. I guess you already know what the sign says. ("SAYS".CUZ HE'S STILL STANDING OUT THERE)

((( ABORTION PREDICTS BREAST CANCER ! )))

WTF is that supposed to mean ? Abortion "predicts" Breast Cancer ? You know I had to Google that right ? So, I did and look what I found. First of all, look at the sources reporting the study. Hello ? Second of all, look at the actual study. I guess you can make a study say whatever you want it to say if you go all out trying to make it say exactly what you want it to say. Well, these guys sure are trying hard. I will hand them that. But still, the wording on that sign , and the fact that an old man was holding it , was just too funny.

Friday Forum - Divided Sisters

Staten Island Democrat — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:07:06 EDT

The 14th and 15th amendments granted citizenship and the right to vote to black men. Prior to this women worked alongside black men to fight for the right to vote. This caused a divide within the suffragist movement and between black and white women. A really great book about this subject is called, Divided Sisters: Bridging The Gap Between Black Women and White Women by Midge Wilson & Kathy Russell

Friday Forum - The Equal Rights amendment

Staten Island Democrat — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:35:40 EDT

Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

The ERA was written in 1923 by Alice Paul, suffragist leader and founder of the National Woman's Party. She and the NWP considered the ERA to be the next necessary step after the 19th Amendment (affirming women's right to vote) in guaranteeing "equal justice under law" to all citizens.

The ERA was introduced into every session of Congress between 1923 and 1972, when it was passed and sent to the states for ratification. The seven-year time limit in the ERA's proposing clause was extended by Congress to June 30, 1982, but at the deadline, the ERA had been ratified by 35 states, leaving it three states short of the 38 required for ratification. It has been reintroduced into every Congress since that time.

In the 110th Congress (2007 - 2008), the Equal Rights Amendment has been introduced as S.J. Res. 10 (Sen. Edward Kennedy, MA, lead sponsor) and H.J. Res. 40 (Rep. Carolyn Maloney, NY, lead sponsor). These bills impose no deadline on the ratification process in their proposing clauses. The ERA Task Force of the National Council of Women's Organizations supports these bills and urges groups and individuals to advocate for more co-sponsors and passage.

http://www.equalrightsamendment.org/

Because Misogyny Is "Cool". That's Why

FreedomOfSpeech — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:36:41 EDT

Hiserenity asked a question that I don't believe was fully answered

She wanted to know why when Misogyny is called out and confronted, no one attacks the use of the word when confronting Sexism. But when the term Racism is used , in confronting racial bigotry , there's always an attack on the person confronting it with accusations of playing the Race Card.

So, she asked the question. What term can be used when discussing or calling out Racism other than Racism , when addressing Racism ? There really is no other term to use and I think the question was more rhetorical than actually seeking to use a different word and I think the intention was to discuss this discrepancy.

The reason why Misogyny can be used is because , even in this day and age , it is socially acceptable to be an open Misogynists , while it is no longer socially acceptable , by the masses , to be a Racist. In America, Racism is WRONG. It took a long time for that to sink in . But it's pretty much established as wrong and no one likes to be called wrong .

(There's More)

The Answer To The So Called "Bradley Effect" ?

FreedomOfSpeech — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:14:15 EDT

I hear the same old spooky tales about the "Bradley Effect" every single time a person of Color runs for high office. I'm no longer worried about it and neither should anyone else be worried about it.

Unless, they are one of those people who have that disease where they are embarrased to be a bigot even though they call themself a Democrat and lie to pollsters and then vote against a person of Color.

But the rest of us have nothing to worry about. Not this year and not this time.

BEHOLD THE ANSWER TO THE SO CALLED "BRADLEY EFFECT"

HERE, LET ME BE MORE SPECIFIC AND TO THE POINT

THE SATIRE STUFF IS GETTING FUN...

MsTawiah — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:44:49 EDT

WHAT THE HELL WAS HE THINKING?!?!?!?!?!?!?!