A VOICE FOR MICHIGAN VOTERS
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a constitutional guaranty, or is it?
From the Detroit News, May 16, 2008
Frank Beckmann
Michigan has questions for Obama
It was awfully kind of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama to visit Michigan, the state he blew off during the January primary that he recently claimed to have won -- an amazing feat since he removed his name from the ballot.
Rather than expose himself to serious questions about his campaign and platform, however, Obama chose to isolate himself with planned events, including an invitation-only "town hall meeting" at Macomb County Community College.
Such an event, with questions from supporters who are asked to attend, was the equivalent of a stage play with actors reading from a script. It did not allow for any meaningful exploration of what an Obama presidency might mean for auto workers, Macomb County residents, Michigan and the nation.
So we are left to wonder how Obama might have addressed some probing questions such as:
� Is it just a coincidence that you appeared in an area with a predominantly white populace on the day after Democratic rival Hillary Clinton claimed a 40-point primary win in West Virginia, a state where she boasted that she had more support from "hard-working white Americans?"
� What does it say about the Democratic party that in the West Virginia primary, 8 out of 10 Clinton voters told exit pollsters that race mattered in their decision?
� Obama is drawing over 90 percent of the African-American vote in the primaries. If GOP presidential candidate John McCain were to attract over 90 percent of the white vote in November, would you consider those results to reflect racism?
� Obama said in Michigan that he would meet with American automakers to hear their concerns during the first month of an Obama presidency. Why did Obama not seek their council before making previous remarks about their business?
� Obama has made numerous harsh statements about our American automakers, criticizing their products and sales strategy while proclaiming that this is something they "need to hear." What, in Obama's background as a lawyer, community organizer and politician, qualifies him as an expert to tell any American industrialist how to run a corporation?
� Obama continually tells us that only the wealthy benefited from the tax cuts engineered by President George W. Bush, yet the latest IRS figures show that their tax burden has increased and that the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans are paying 40 percent of the current tax load. How much more of the federal tax burden should be borne by the country's most successful people?
� Obama supports government involvement in health care, entitlements for illegal immigrants, government-paid college education, education for "infants," poverty programs for the rest of the world, a mandatory "living wage" for private industry, flexible working hours for federal employees and government-mandated time off for workers to attend kid's plays, among other intrusive programs. Is it possible for government to ever become too big?
� Obama has conceded that ethanol fuel requirements should be reconsidered because they have caused higher food prices. Will he now consider the same possibility as it relates to energy prices if we force the nation to use more, inefficient "green" power technologies?
� Obama says he wants to end our dependence on foreign oil. Does this mean he will finally support domestic oil exploration and the construction -- for the first time in more than 30 years -- of new oil refineries and nuclear power plants?
� How is Obama's vision of America different from socialism, which was practiced so often with failure in the 20th century?
� Obama says he wants to get out of Iraq, in part, to move our Arabic translators into Afghanistan. Is he aware that the languages spoken in Afghanistan include Farsi, Pashto, Uzbek, Turkmen and Brahui, but not Arabic?
� While in Michigan, Obama gladly accepted the endorsement of former rival John Edwards. Does it trouble him that a subprime mortgage company with which Edwards was involved foreclosed almost three dozen homes after Hurricane Katrina?
� Obama claims he stands for change. Is it possible that change is not commensurate with improvement?
� Why did Obama not want to face questions like these in Michigan if he is a candidate who can unify all of us?
Next time Obama comes backs, perhaps we can tell him some things he needs to know.
Frank Beckmann
Michigan has questions for Obama
It was awfully kind of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama to visit Michigan, the state he blew off during the January primary that he recently claimed to have won -- an amazing feat since he removed his name from the ballot.
Rather than expose himself to serious questions about his campaign and platform, however, Obama chose to isolate himself with planned events, including an invitation-only "town hall meeting" at Macomb County Community College.
Such an event, with questions from supporters who are asked to attend, was the equivalent of a stage play with actors reading from a script. It did not allow for any meaningful exploration of what an Obama presidency might mean for auto workers, Macomb County residents, Michigan and the nation.
So we are left to wonder how Obama might have addressed some probing questions such as:
� Is it just a coincidence that you appeared in an area with a predominantly white populace on the day after Democratic rival Hillary Clinton claimed a 40-point primary win in West Virginia, a state where she boasted that she had more support from "hard-working white Americans?"
� What does it say about the Democratic party that in the West Virginia primary, 8 out of 10 Clinton voters told exit pollsters that race mattered in their decision?
� Obama is drawing over 90 percent of the African-American vote in the primaries. If GOP presidential candidate John McCain were to attract over 90 percent of the white vote in November, would you consider those results to reflect racism?
� Obama said in Michigan that he would meet with American automakers to hear their concerns during the first month of an Obama presidency. Why did Obama not seek their council before making previous remarks about their business?
� Obama has made numerous harsh statements about our American automakers, criticizing their products and sales strategy while proclaiming that this is something they "need to hear." What, in Obama's background as a lawyer, community organizer and politician, qualifies him as an expert to tell any American industrialist how to run a corporation?
� Obama continually tells us that only the wealthy benefited from the tax cuts engineered by President George W. Bush, yet the latest IRS figures show that their tax burden has increased and that the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans are paying 40 percent of the current tax load. How much more of the federal tax burden should be borne by the country's most successful people?
� Obama supports government involvement in health care, entitlements for illegal immigrants, government-paid college education, education for "infants," poverty programs for the rest of the world, a mandatory "living wage" for private industry, flexible working hours for federal employees and government-mandated time off for workers to attend kid's plays, among other intrusive programs. Is it possible for government to ever become too big?
� Obama has conceded that ethanol fuel requirements should be reconsidered because they have caused higher food prices. Will he now consider the same possibility as it relates to energy prices if we force the nation to use more, inefficient "green" power technologies?
� Obama says he wants to end our dependence on foreign oil. Does this mean he will finally support domestic oil exploration and the construction -- for the first time in more than 30 years -- of new oil refineries and nuclear power plants?
� How is Obama's vision of America different from socialism, which was practiced so often with failure in the 20th century?
� Obama says he wants to get out of Iraq, in part, to move our Arabic translators into Afghanistan. Is he aware that the languages spoken in Afghanistan include Farsi, Pashto, Uzbek, Turkmen and Brahui, but not Arabic?
� While in Michigan, Obama gladly accepted the endorsement of former rival John Edwards. Does it trouble him that a subprime mortgage company with which Edwards was involved foreclosed almost three dozen homes after Hurricane Katrina?
� Obama claims he stands for change. Is it possible that change is not commensurate with improvement?
� Why did Obama not want to face questions like these in Michigan if he is a candidate who can unify all of us?
Next time Obama comes backs, perhaps we can tell him some things he needs to know.
The following is an excerpt of Obama's book "Dreams for My Father" at page 293 wherein Obama recounts Rev. Wright's "The Audacity of Hope" sermon.
Obama quotes this passage:
"It is this world, a world where cruise ships throw away more food in a day than most residents of Port-au-Prince see in a year, where white folks’ greed runs a world in need, apartheid in one hemisphere, apathy in another hemisphere… That’s the world! On which hope sits!"
OUCH!
Obama quotes this passage:
"It is this world, a world where cruise ships throw away more food in a day than most residents of Port-au-Prince see in a year, where white folks’ greed runs a world in need, apartheid in one hemisphere, apathy in another hemisphere… That’s the world! On which hope sits!"
OUCH!
http://weblogs.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/politics/blog/2008/05/video_how_the_rnc_will_hit_oba.html
Dear Obama Supporter:
I respect that we live in the United States of America where each individual can choose the candidate they wish to vote for. I respect your decision to vote for Senator Obama. I don't agree with your decision because I believe Senator Clinton is the best candidate. But you are entitled to your opinion.
What I don't understand is why Senator Obama doesn't want my vote to count. You see, Obama Supporter, I live in the state of Michigan. I voted for Senator Clinton. MILLIONS of voters in Michigan and Florida voted for Senator Clinton. Now, Senator Obama doesn't want our votes to count and he won't agree to have them counted. I do understand why. If those votes are counted, Senator Clinton will lead in the delegate count.
Yes, Michigan and Florida were bad, bad, bad. Our vote was scheduled before Iowa. And we are being punished as voters. But the citizens of this country are being punished in a far great way, as is the Democratic party. I don't think anything is more harmful to the Party than to refuse to count the votes of the people of Michigan and Florida. Especially when if those votes were counted, the result would be very different than the current result.
So, Obama Supporter, when you point a finger at Senator Clinton and claim she is dividing the party by refusing to quit this race - just remember that there are MILLIONS of people in Michigan and Florida who are still waiting for their voices to be heard and your candidate refuses to listen.
I respect that we live in the United States of America where each individual can choose the candidate they wish to vote for. I respect your decision to vote for Senator Obama. I don't agree with your decision because I believe Senator Clinton is the best candidate. But you are entitled to your opinion.
What I don't understand is why Senator Obama doesn't want my vote to count. You see, Obama Supporter, I live in the state of Michigan. I voted for Senator Clinton. MILLIONS of voters in Michigan and Florida voted for Senator Clinton. Now, Senator Obama doesn't want our votes to count and he won't agree to have them counted. I do understand why. If those votes are counted, Senator Clinton will lead in the delegate count.
Yes, Michigan and Florida were bad, bad, bad. Our vote was scheduled before Iowa. And we are being punished as voters. But the citizens of this country are being punished in a far great way, as is the Democratic party. I don't think anything is more harmful to the Party than to refuse to count the votes of the people of Michigan and Florida. Especially when if those votes were counted, the result would be very different than the current result.
So, Obama Supporter, when you point a finger at Senator Clinton and claim she is dividing the party by refusing to quit this race - just remember that there are MILLIONS of people in Michigan and Florida who are still waiting for their voices to be heard and your candidate refuses to listen.
Dear Democratic National Committee:
I am a Republican. No... I was a Republican until about four months ago. I crossed party lines because the only candidate I believe in happens to be a Democrat. We are not required to have a party affiliation in Michigan. I voted for Senator Clinton in the Michigan primary, as did countless other Michiganders.
Michigan is one of the ten largest states in the United States. We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation, our jobs are being sent overseas, and our economy is virtually at a stand-still. We need real solutions to our problems and a candidate that is willing to recognize those problems. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
The website for the Democratic National Committed states as follows: We support vigorous enforcement of existing laws, and remain committed to protecting fundamental civil rights in America.
But, Committee Member, this doesn't really appear to be the truth.
With all due respect, I don't care if you have an issue with the fact that my home state moved up the voting date for the Democratic primary. The fact is: I am guaranteed the right to vote by the Constitution of the United States. I exercised my right to vote when I voted for Hillary Clinton in the Michigan primary. I would like you to explain to me how you can take away that right because Michigan voted out of turn? What gives you the authority to tell me my vote will not be counted? To refuse to seat the Michigan delegates is a breach of my constitutional right to vote, as is your refusal to award those votes to the candidate who won them - Hillary Clinton.
The Committee does NOT need Barrack Obama's permission to award Senator Clinton the delegates she won from the State of Michigan. Or the State of Florida for that matter. It is further offensive that the Committee would seek to apportion those votes to give Mr. Obama a piece of the pie he did not earn. It is highly offensive that the Committee would seek permission from a candidate that did not bother to put his name on the ballot in the State of Michigan because he assumed our vote wouldn't count. But, he'll be asking for our vote if he gets the Democratic nomination, won't he? So, please tell Mr. Obama that if he becomes the Democratic Party nominee, my vote won't need to be counted. Well, not for him. Because I'll be voting... you guessed it, Republican.
I am a Republican. No... I was a Republican until about four months ago. I crossed party lines because the only candidate I believe in happens to be a Democrat. We are not required to have a party affiliation in Michigan. I voted for Senator Clinton in the Michigan primary, as did countless other Michiganders.
Michigan is one of the ten largest states in the United States. We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation, our jobs are being sent overseas, and our economy is virtually at a stand-still. We need real solutions to our problems and a candidate that is willing to recognize those problems. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
The website for the Democratic National Committed states as follows: We support vigorous enforcement of existing laws, and remain committed to protecting fundamental civil rights in America.
But, Committee Member, this doesn't really appear to be the truth.
With all due respect, I don't care if you have an issue with the fact that my home state moved up the voting date for the Democratic primary. The fact is: I am guaranteed the right to vote by the Constitution of the United States. I exercised my right to vote when I voted for Hillary Clinton in the Michigan primary. I would like you to explain to me how you can take away that right because Michigan voted out of turn? What gives you the authority to tell me my vote will not be counted? To refuse to seat the Michigan delegates is a breach of my constitutional right to vote, as is your refusal to award those votes to the candidate who won them - Hillary Clinton.
The Committee does NOT need Barrack Obama's permission to award Senator Clinton the delegates she won from the State of Michigan. Or the State of Florida for that matter. It is further offensive that the Committee would seek to apportion those votes to give Mr. Obama a piece of the pie he did not earn. It is highly offensive that the Committee would seek permission from a candidate that did not bother to put his name on the ballot in the State of Michigan because he assumed our vote wouldn't count. But, he'll be asking for our vote if he gets the Democratic nomination, won't he? So, please tell Mr. Obama that if he becomes the Democratic Party nominee, my vote won't need to be counted. Well, not for him. Because I'll be voting... you guessed it, Republican.
Dear Democratic National Committee:
I am a Republican. No... I was a Republican until about four months ago. I crossed party lines because the only candidate I believe in happens to be a Democrat. We are not required to have a party affiliation in Michigan. I voted for Senator Clinton in the Michigan primary, as did countless other Michiganders.
Michigan is one of the ten largest states in the United States. We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation, our jobs are being sent overseas, and our economy is virtually at a stand-still. We need real solutions to our problems and a candidate that is willing to recognize those problems. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
The website for the Democratic National Committed states as follows: We support vigorous enforcement of existing laws, and remain committed to protecting fundamental civil rights in America.
But, Committee Member, this doesn't really appear to be the truth.
With all due respect, I don't care if you have an issue with the fact that my home state moved up the voting date for the Democratic primary. The fact is: I am guaranteed the right to vote by the Constitution of the United States. I exercised my right to vote when I voted for Hillary Clinton in the Michigan primary. I would like you to explain to me how you can take away that right because Michigan voted out of turn? What gives you the authority to tell me my vote will not be counted? To refuse to seat the Michigan delegates is a breach of my constitutional right to vote, as is your refusal to award those votes to the candidate who won them - Hillary Clinton.
The Committee does NOT need Barrack Obama's permission to award Senator Clinton the delegates she won from the State of Michigan. Or the State of Florida for that matter. It is highly offensive that the Committee would seek permission from a candidate that did not bother to put his name on the ballot in the State of Michigan because he assumed our vote wouldn't count. But, he'll be asking for our vote if he gets the Democratic nomination, won't he? So, please tell Mr. Obama that if he becomes the Democratic Party nominee, my vote won't need to be counted. Well, not for him. Because I'll be voting... you guessed it, Republican.
I am a Republican. No... I was a Republican until about four months ago. I crossed party lines because the only candidate I believe in happens to be a Democrat. We are not required to have a party affiliation in Michigan. I voted for Senator Clinton in the Michigan primary, as did countless other Michiganders.
Michigan is one of the ten largest states in the United States. We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation, our jobs are being sent overseas, and our economy is virtually at a stand-still. We need real solutions to our problems and a candidate that is willing to recognize those problems. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
The website for the Democratic National Committed states as follows: We support vigorous enforcement of existing laws, and remain committed to protecting fundamental civil rights in America.
But, Committee Member, this doesn't really appear to be the truth.
With all due respect, I don't care if you have an issue with the fact that my home state moved up the voting date for the Democratic primary. The fact is: I am guaranteed the right to vote by the Constitution of the United States. I exercised my right to vote when I voted for Hillary Clinton in the Michigan primary. I would like you to explain to me how you can take away that right because Michigan voted out of turn? What gives you the authority to tell me my vote will not be counted? To refuse to seat the Michigan delegates is a breach of my constitutional right to vote, as is your refusal to award those votes to the candidate who won them - Hillary Clinton.
The Committee does NOT need Barrack Obama's permission to award Senator Clinton the delegates she won from the State of Michigan. Or the State of Florida for that matter. It is highly offensive that the Committee would seek permission from a candidate that did not bother to put his name on the ballot in the State of Michigan because he assumed our vote wouldn't count. But, he'll be asking for our vote if he gets the Democratic nomination, won't he? So, please tell Mr. Obama that if he becomes the Democratic Party nominee, my vote won't need to be counted. Well, not for him. Because I'll be voting... you guessed it, Republican.
The last time I checked, Michigan and Florida were part of these United States of America, In fact, Michigan and Florida are two of the ten largest states. YET, the Democratic National Committee doesn't want to count our votes.
Why, you say? No, we didn't decide to start our own country, we just voted out of turn. Iowa was supposed to have the first vote. And Florida and Michigan were bad, bad, bad. Our elections were scheduled before Iowa held its election. Did the people of Michigan have a choice as to when they would vote? No, they did not. Did the people of Florida have a choice as to when they would vote? No, they did not. We all just showed up at the polls to exercise our constitutional right to vote.
So now, instead of counting the votes of the people of Michigan and Florida, instead of allowing the citizens of this country to elect its Democratic nominee, the Democratic National Committee would rather let the Super Delegates decide who will proceed to the general election.
It is time for the voters of Michigan and Florida to stand up and be counted. Counted for the candidate who won the votes in those states - HILLARY CLINTON. The people's choice. After all, there are still 50 states in these United States. Isn't there?
Why, you say? No, we didn't decide to start our own country, we just voted out of turn. Iowa was supposed to have the first vote. And Florida and Michigan were bad, bad, bad. Our elections were scheduled before Iowa held its election. Did the people of Michigan have a choice as to when they would vote? No, they did not. Did the people of Florida have a choice as to when they would vote? No, they did not. We all just showed up at the polls to exercise our constitutional right to vote.
So now, instead of counting the votes of the people of Michigan and Florida, instead of allowing the citizens of this country to elect its Democratic nominee, the Democratic National Committee would rather let the Super Delegates decide who will proceed to the general election.
It is time for the voters of Michigan and Florida to stand up and be counted. Counted for the candidate who won the votes in those states - HILLARY CLINTON. The people's choice. After all, there are still 50 states in these United States. Isn't there?
Dear Democratic National Committee:
I am a Republican. No... I was a Republican until about four months ago. I crossed party lines because the only candidate I believe in happens to be a Democrat. We are not required to have a party affiliation in Michigan. I voted for Senator Clinton in the Michigan primary, as did countless other Michiganders.
Michigan is one of the ten largest states in the United States. We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation, our jobs are being sent overseas, and our economy is virtually at a stand-still. We need real solutions to our problems and a candidate that is willing to recognize those problems. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
Read More »
I am a Republican. No... I was a Republican until about four months ago. I crossed party lines because the only candidate I believe in happens to be a Democrat. We are not required to have a party affiliation in Michigan. I voted for Senator Clinton in the Michigan primary, as did countless other Michiganders.
Michigan is one of the ten largest states in the United States. We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation, our jobs are being sent overseas, and our economy is virtually at a stand-still. We need real solutions to our problems and a candidate that is willing to recognize those problems. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
Read More »
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