Saturday, November 15, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
A New Beginning?
Let's hope that the gracious speeches by both John McCain and George W. Bush congratulating Barack Obama on being elected mark the end of the raucous partisan feuding that has so consumed Washington since the 1990s.
Certainly, the challenges we face with the economy merit a bipartisan approach. Let's hope that the speeches mark a new beginning. As Obama said many times during the campaign, we can disagree while respecting each other.
Certainly, the challenges we face with the economy merit a bipartisan approach. Let's hope that the speeches mark a new beginning. As Obama said many times during the campaign, we can disagree while respecting each other.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The End is Near!
The EverReady bunny is a wimp compared to the duration of the presidential election. Thankfully, it is finally nearing its conclusion.
It looks like turnout will be heavy, which is wonderful in a republic (although we tend to use the term democracy). Hopefully, the precincts will have adequate numbers of workers and machines.
Time slows when you're waiting. I think I'll bring entertainment! (A book, video game, or whatever). :-)
It looks like turnout will be heavy, which is wonderful in a republic (although we tend to use the term democracy). Hopefully, the precincts will have adequate numbers of workers and machines.
Time slows when you're waiting. I think I'll bring entertainment! (A book, video game, or whatever). :-)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
McCain, the FUD Candidate
McCain is attempting to plant Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) about Obama to persuade voters that McCain is a better choice. Calling Obama untested, unproven, and inexperienced, McCain asks if Obama is the right person.
Hillary also tried this tactic with her television commercial asking who would you rather have answering the phone at three am to deal with a crisis.
I think McCain will be as successful with his use of the tactic as Hillary was. The voters are voting for change, for non-partisanship, and for leadership on the economy. And McCain undercut his FUD tactic when he picked Palin as the vice-presidential nominee. Palin has less experience than Obama yet McCain continually proclaims her qualified to be president.
Using this tactic only underscores the desperation of the McCain campaign. The election results are most likely going to be bad if you are a right-wing republican. The real question is how many senate seats will change from republican to democrat. Keep your fingers crossed!
Hillary also tried this tactic with her television commercial asking who would you rather have answering the phone at three am to deal with a crisis.
I think McCain will be as successful with his use of the tactic as Hillary was. The voters are voting for change, for non-partisanship, and for leadership on the economy. And McCain undercut his FUD tactic when he picked Palin as the vice-presidential nominee. Palin has less experience than Obama yet McCain continually proclaims her qualified to be president.
Using this tactic only underscores the desperation of the McCain campaign. The election results are most likely going to be bad if you are a right-wing republican. The real question is how many senate seats will change from republican to democrat. Keep your fingers crossed!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Lackluster Picks
Lackluster best describes both vice presidential picks. Of the two, Joe Biden is the best qualified to step in as president.
Although charismatic, Sarah Palin is not qualified to be president.
Although charismatic, Sarah Palin is not qualified to be president.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Habeous Corpus
The writ of habeous corpus is one of the oldest rights in western civilization, dating back to medeval England. Roughly, it means that the government must show to a judge why someone is being held in jail. If the government cannot show a reasonable amount of evidence, then the person is freed.
The Supreme Court in a split decision (5-4) ruled that the prisioners at Guantanamo are entitled to habeous corpus hearings.
Most of these inmates have been jailed for years without any trial; it's high time that the government prove its case or to release the individuals.
The Supreme Court in a split decision (5-4) ruled that the prisioners at Guantanamo are entitled to habeous corpus hearings.
Most of these inmates have been jailed for years without any trial; it's high time that the government prove its case or to release the individuals.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Arguments against Gay Marriage
This video was posted on YouTube about the arguments against gay marriage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSfFa44p96o&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSfFa44p96o&NR=1
Friday, April 25, 2008
Most Electable Wrong Criteria
The Philadelphia Inquirer printed yesterday an analysis of which Democrat candidate is the most electable, including whether Barack would be the stronger candidate because of his gender or Hillary the stronger candidate because of her race.
I detest using electability as the criteria for choosing candidates. To exclude Barack as the nominee because some voters are racist empowers racism; to exclude Hillary because of her gender empowers sexism. Instead of using electability as our selection criteria, let's support the candidate who we think would be the best President.
Certainly, any of the three candidates (Obama, Clinton, McCain) would be better than the existing President.
I detest using electability as the criteria for choosing candidates. To exclude Barack as the nominee because some voters are racist empowers racism; to exclude Hillary because of her gender empowers sexism. Instead of using electability as our selection criteria, let's support the candidate who we think would be the best President.
Certainly, any of the three candidates (Obama, Clinton, McCain) would be better than the existing President.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Clinton Survives PA
Pennsylvania gave Clinton a ten-point margin, much larger than the three or four point margin that I anticipated.
Ten points is big enough to be a convincing win, allowing Clinton to continue.
Two of the reasons behind Clinton's big margin:
Ten points is big enough to be a convincing win, allowing Clinton to continue.
Two of the reasons behind Clinton's big margin:
- The Pennsylvania party organization was solidly behind Clinton.
- Obama's stupid remark about small-town Pennsylvanians being bitter.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Pennsylvania's Hard-Fought Primary
Both sides are fighting for votes in Pennsylvania. You cannot watch any television -- broadcast or cable -- without seeing their ads. Although Obama has more ads running, you usually see ads from both sides.
Radio news and talk shows are also filled with reports, analysis, and interviews about the campaigns.
My better half received an Obama postcard mailing; I received a phone message with Hillary talking about her strengths. (The voice mail was of terrible quality, and droned on forever. It was not an effective way of contacting voters.). The lone political yard sign in our neighborhood is for Clinton. (Since we don't have front yards, our neighbor placed the sign in their front window).
On Saturday, we went to some tourist sights in the downtown area and we encountered a large group of volunteers distributing literature for Clinton and a lone volunteer distributing fliers for Obama. On Sunday, we went on errands (Lowe's and Home Depot, of course) in one of the suburbs and encountered a large group of Clinton volunteers at all corners of a strategic intersection. When we returned home, we found that an Obama volunteer had left literature on our doorstep.
This morning, we awoke to find on our door a reminder to vote, along with our polling location, and the polling hours on a door hanger about Obama. At noon, the Obama campaign left another reminder to vote on another Obama door hanger.
My observation is that Obama is outspending Clinton, and is out organizing her, using volunteers in very effective contacts that usually target voters who are registered as Democrats.
My prediction is if Clinton wins Pennsylvania, it will be by a very small margin. This is amazing, because just six weeks ago she was leading Obama in the polls by twenty points. But even if she wins here, she has lost the race. She is already having trouble raising money, and that problem will accelerate after today. I suspect she'll withdraw sometime in May.
Radio news and talk shows are also filled with reports, analysis, and interviews about the campaigns.
My better half received an Obama postcard mailing; I received a phone message with Hillary talking about her strengths. (The voice mail was of terrible quality, and droned on forever. It was not an effective way of contacting voters.). The lone political yard sign in our neighborhood is for Clinton. (Since we don't have front yards, our neighbor placed the sign in their front window).
On Saturday, we went to some tourist sights in the downtown area and we encountered a large group of volunteers distributing literature for Clinton and a lone volunteer distributing fliers for Obama. On Sunday, we went on errands (Lowe's and Home Depot, of course) in one of the suburbs and encountered a large group of Clinton volunteers at all corners of a strategic intersection. When we returned home, we found that an Obama volunteer had left literature on our doorstep.
This morning, we awoke to find on our door a reminder to vote, along with our polling location, and the polling hours on a door hanger about Obama. At noon, the Obama campaign left another reminder to vote on another Obama door hanger.
My observation is that Obama is outspending Clinton, and is out organizing her, using volunteers in very effective contacts that usually target voters who are registered as Democrats.
My prediction is if Clinton wins Pennsylvania, it will be by a very small margin. This is amazing, because just six weeks ago she was leading Obama in the polls by twenty points. But even if she wins here, she has lost the race. She is already having trouble raising money, and that problem will accelerate after today. I suspect she'll withdraw sometime in May.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Bitter?
Obama was quoted as describing small town voters as bitter. What Obama described incorrectly was the cause.
Elected officials and candidates are failing to talk about issues that are important to the voters. They ignore the rising energy prices, lack of consumer protections, and lack of job security, especially in a slowing or recessionary economy.
Health-care and sub-prime mortgages have been the only domestic issues covered by the candidates. NAFTA has also garnered talk, but the candidates failed to realize that NAFTA concerns were really concerns about economic security.
Other issues also beg to be addressed, including immigration reform, the environment (does anyone seriously believe that global warming isn't occurring?), and the unsustainably huge budget deficit.
Elected officials and candidates are failing to talk about issues that are important to the voters. They ignore the rising energy prices, lack of consumer protections, and lack of job security, especially in a slowing or recessionary economy.
Health-care and sub-prime mortgages have been the only domestic issues covered by the candidates. NAFTA has also garnered talk, but the candidates failed to realize that NAFTA concerns were really concerns about economic security.
Other issues also beg to be addressed, including immigration reform, the environment (does anyone seriously believe that global warming isn't occurring?), and the unsustainably huge budget deficit.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Obama and Race
The first African-American presidential candidate delivered a wonderful speech about race. With his mixed race background, Obama can understand and relate to both races. I also agreed when he declared that this country has never had a discussion about race.
To judge anyone's character on their skin color is as useful a measure as judging someone by their eye color.
I also thought he was courageous to continue to associate with the minister who caused the racial controversy. In effect, Obama said some things (interpersonal relationships) were too important to politicize.
Kudos to him for a thoughtful, compassionate, and balanced speech about this extremely difficult subject.
To judge anyone's character on their skin color is as useful a measure as judging someone by their eye color.
I also thought he was courageous to continue to associate with the minister who caused the racial controversy. In effect, Obama said some things (interpersonal relationships) were too important to politicize.
Kudos to him for a thoughtful, compassionate, and balanced speech about this extremely difficult subject.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Oklahoma Rep. Kern
Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern was recently recorded as saying:
The homosexual agenda? Where do I get a copy? Which gay organization coordinates that? Do the gay Republicans know about it? Is Larry Craig supporting it? Why wasn't I given a copy?
How does fighting for equality weaken a nation? Doesn't fairness and equality strengthen a country? Did Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement weaken us? How about the women's rights movement?
Which civilizations collapsed after "embracing" homosexuality? Is she referring to Rome? Didn't Rome collapse from Barbarian invasions? And didn't Rome last for hundreds of years rather than "a few decades"?
She lumps gays with terrorists. Indeed, using my rights to free speech, to petition my elected officials, and to protest are subversive -- that's why the country's founders placed these rights in the constitution. Is she comparing my use of these rights to bombing buildings and people?
I think she is terribly misinformed.
(If you want to hear her speech, click here).
(Click on her quote for the link to the Fox news story.)
The homosexual agenda? Where do I get a copy? Which gay organization coordinates that? Do the gay Republicans know about it? Is Larry Craig supporting it? Why wasn't I given a copy?
How does fighting for equality weaken a nation? Doesn't fairness and equality strengthen a country? Did Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement weaken us? How about the women's rights movement?
Which civilizations collapsed after "embracing" homosexuality? Is she referring to Rome? Didn't Rome collapse from Barbarian invasions? And didn't Rome last for hundreds of years rather than "a few decades"?
She lumps gays with terrorists. Indeed, using my rights to free speech, to petition my elected officials, and to protest are subversive -- that's why the country's founders placed these rights in the constitution. Is she comparing my use of these rights to bombing buildings and people?
I think she is terribly misinformed.
(If you want to hear her speech, click here).
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ralph is Right (for once)
Ralph Nader announced his candidacy for president; his run in 2000 probably cost Al Gore the presidency and the country is still reaping the unfortunate consequences.
Nader said he was running because none of the candidates were talking about needed consumer protections. Unfortunately, he's correct. Where are the proposals for strengthening consumer protections? To protect consumers from outrageous credit card rates? From contracts that do not disclose all the fees (just look at your cell bill for all the add-on fees masquerading as governmental compliance fees)? What about prohibiting prepayment penalties? Allowing consumers to freeze their credit reports to help prevent identity theft (some state laws allow this for their residents, but there is no federal protection)? How about making banks liable for late electronic bill payments that were delayed because of bank error?
Nader said he was running because none of the candidates were talking about needed consumer protections. Unfortunately, he's correct. Where are the proposals for strengthening consumer protections? To protect consumers from outrageous credit card rates? From contracts that do not disclose all the fees (just look at your cell bill for all the add-on fees masquerading as governmental compliance fees)? What about prohibiting prepayment penalties? Allowing consumers to freeze their credit reports to help prevent identity theft (some state laws allow this for their residents, but there is no federal protection)? How about making banks liable for late electronic bill payments that were delayed because of bank error?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Who Would Have Thought!
Conventional wisdom holds that long primaries damage the eventual nominee. The candidate that is losing attempts to win by highlighting all the negatives of their opponent. Yet when Hillary tried this strategy, she was unsuccessful because people are so tired of negative campaigning.
So the democrats are waging a campaign that is mostly free of negative campaigning - which is refreshing - and which is proving very advantageous. It is sparking interest in both candidates, involving many new voters, building organizations in the primary states that can be used for the general election, and providing publicity for the candidates' themes. For Obama, it has the additional advantage of introducing him to voters, since he lacks the long political involvement that Hillary has.
Obama looks to be the eventual nominee, but a long primary would benefit him and the Democrats - as long as they continue to avoid negative campaigning.
So the democrats are waging a campaign that is mostly free of negative campaigning - which is refreshing - and which is proving very advantageous. It is sparking interest in both candidates, involving many new voters, building organizations in the primary states that can be used for the general election, and providing publicity for the candidates' themes. For Obama, it has the additional advantage of introducing him to voters, since he lacks the long political involvement that Hillary has.
Obama looks to be the eventual nominee, but a long primary would benefit him and the Democrats - as long as they continue to avoid negative campaigning.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
My One Rule for Voting Applied to the Presidental Race
My one rule for voting is simple: never vote for any candidate who I wouldn't want to have elected.
In the Republican race, it means I only have one choice: John McCain. Romney was a good governor, but he has repudiated most of his past policy choices while Huckabee is a religious ideologue.
On the Democratic side, I think Obama is the most inspiring candidate. Certainly, he is more able to unite the country than Clinton. Wouldn't it be great to have a President that makes us proud to be American?
Whoever wins, I hope they close the Guantanamo detention center, renounce the use of torture, and halt the military trials of civilians. Otherwise, how do we differ from the terrorists?
In the Republican race, it means I only have one choice: John McCain. Romney was a good governor, but he has repudiated most of his past policy choices while Huckabee is a religious ideologue.
On the Democratic side, I think Obama is the most inspiring candidate. Certainly, he is more able to unite the country than Clinton. Wouldn't it be great to have a President that makes us proud to be American?
Whoever wins, I hope they close the Guantanamo detention center, renounce the use of torture, and halt the military trials of civilians. Otherwise, how do we differ from the terrorists?
Friday, January 25, 2008
Gore Endorses Gay Marriage
Former Vice President Al Gore endorsed gay marriage saying:
"I think it's wrong for the government to discriminate against people because of that person's sexual orientation. I think that gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women -- to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage, and I don't understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians." (More details).May the religious nuts who oppose gay marriage lose many, many nights of sleep over this statement. :-)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Pleasure to Watch
The last two Democratic presidential debates were a pleasure to watch. The candidates were all articulate, intelligent, and well-informed. There were even flashes of humor. I still think John Edwards is the best candidate, but Obama is the future of the party and I would have no problem supporting him.
I still have reservations about Hillary (I use her first name to distinguish between her and her husband, the former President; I don't use her first name to patronize or to be disrespectful). To her credit, I think she has been a more effective Senator than either Edwards or Obama.
Isn't it wonderful to have choices? So many countries do not.
I still have reservations about Hillary (I use her first name to distinguish between her and her husband, the former President; I don't use her first name to patronize or to be disrespectful). To her credit, I think she has been a more effective Senator than either Edwards or Obama.
Isn't it wonderful to have choices? So many countries do not.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Historic Firsts in Our Presidential Candidates
This year's presidential race has many historic firsts by the candidates. For the first time, we have a Presidential candidate who is:
- Female (Hillary)
- African-American (Obama)
- Latino (Richardson)
- Mormon (Romney)
That Obama and Hillary are the candidates to beat for the Democratic Presidential nomination shows how far this country has progressed.
- Female (Hillary)
- African-American (Obama)
- Latino (Richardson)
- Mormon (Romney)
That Obama and Hillary are the candidates to beat for the Democratic Presidential nomination shows how far this country has progressed.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
The Presidential Race
Tonight, Iowa kicks off the first in a series of state presidential nominating contests. The Republican candidates are all lackluster. Mitt Romney could debate himself, he has changed his positions on so many issues. That's unfortunate, because he was probably the best of the Republicans.
Last election, I voted for John Edwards, but I doubt he has the charisma to win. Obama is too inexperienced, but I would love to see him run again. Like Edwards, Obama has an optimism that I like. Hillary is too much like Mitt Romney, drifting with the winds of public opinion. The other two serious candidates, Bill Richardson and Chris Dodd, are both well qualified but I have been unable to find much info about them. I had emailed the Richardson campaign a question, never received a reply, but have duly been added to their email (spam!) list.
From my perspective, any of the Democrats would be an improvement over the current occupant. Several of the Republicans (Romney, McCain) would also probably be an improvement. When you've hit rock bottom, then improvement is easy.
Last election, I voted for John Edwards, but I doubt he has the charisma to win. Obama is too inexperienced, but I would love to see him run again. Like Edwards, Obama has an optimism that I like. Hillary is too much like Mitt Romney, drifting with the winds of public opinion. The other two serious candidates, Bill Richardson and Chris Dodd, are both well qualified but I have been unable to find much info about them. I had emailed the Richardson campaign a question, never received a reply, but have duly been added to their email (spam!) list.
From my perspective, any of the Democrats would be an improvement over the current occupant. Several of the Republicans (Romney, McCain) would also probably be an improvement. When you've hit rock bottom, then improvement is easy.
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