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Politics

...but first, a word from the host.

Sunday the 16th of March, 2008

A Public Statement to Mr. Obama

Dear Mr. Obama,

As the candidate who was running on the premise of change, and hope, and restoring trust back in Washington with a new kind of leader, you presented yourself as a uniter. A person who would “Rise Up” and “Change” Washington.

At first, I kept an open ear to your statements, much like I listened to John Edwards. And then, the initial Rezko scandal hit. And I didn’t honestly think it hurt you too bad. And then, you released your economic plan, and I didn’t like it. I didn’t like how you wanted to raise taxes by 1.3 trillion dollars. I didn’t like how you didn’t support immediate foreclosure relief. I didn’t like how you wanted to keep borrowing $300 billion dollars from foreign governments to support your new spending proposals. But I still listened.

I listened mostly because I heard the rest of the country praising your name, and it’s not always fun going against what your friends are doing. I listened because I wanted to feel that “gotcha” moment that had fallen over the rest of my co-workers and the online communities that I read. I was still listening.

And then you started flip flopping on the issues. On Gun Control. On Universal Heath Care. On taking money from people to water down Senate bills (hint: If it walks like a lobbyist, talks like a lobbyist, and acts like a lobbyist… it’s not a mongoose.) And Mr. Obama, I started tuning out a little. But I was still listening.

I listened to you talk about “Change” and say that our nation needed to “Rise Up”. It sort of sounded like a broken record from earlier, but I listened.

And then I heard about Jeremiah Wright. I heard about him in March of 2007. And you were not strong on him then, but you did disavow his statement, the one you were “told” about. I thought “Maybe” back then, if he’s able to disavow someone like his own Pastor, he may be the real deal. But then we learned you kept him on your campaign committee. That’s not action Mr. Obama, that isn’t change - that’s an old political stunt of “I say one thing, but I do another.”

But I kept listening, I wanted to hear how you would handle this crisis. This was your moment to shine. And then I heard you, your own words, say that you weren’t aware that your own Pastor had said ANY of these words in his sermons besides the one you were alerted to back in March 2007.

I’ve been to church many times Mr. Obama, but not a regular. And even being a casual lay person to the church, I KNEW what was going on, I heard about what the pastor’s last sermon was all about. Mr. Obama, I went maybe once a month on a good month, and I knew what happened over the past month. And that’s without my church having a website that sold the sermons or offered web replays of them on demand.

But what has happened now, with the countless speeches, given on many different days, that have been brought to light, and with your acknowledged church attendance since 1992 on today’s interviews, you expect us - not as political hacks, but as Americans - to believe you when you say that you didn’t know of ANY of the hate filled speech that was going on?

Mr. Obama, most of America doesn’t believe you. We believe you have lied to our faces to cover your butt. You probably would have gotten out of this with less damage if you would have admitted that you knew about some of the hate filled crap that your pastor was spewing, but then tried defending him on his positive points that I’ve heard about him, like being a U.S. Marine, or the work that he and your church tries to do in the Chicago community.

It is clear now Mr. Obama, that you could only keep this charade up for so long. Nearly all the comments on the news message boards are things along these lines:

“My feelings for Obama have definitely changed. I really think the people of United States have an obligation to research Senator Obama and what he believes before they give him an office to lead all the people in the country.”

“Obama must be the only church goer who does not know what his preacher preaches. With this sort of attention to main themes I dont think he should run for office any longer.”

“I found Mr. Obama’s responses to be questionable. My support for Obama is in jeopardy. It is very hard to belive that after 20 years Barack could be suprised by the Pastor’s comments.”

I could go on, but you can go on to ABC News, CNN, and MSNBC and read them for yourself. They are overwhelmingly distrustful of you and your statement. And this is from the internet community who traditionally is your best demographic; who has defended you to the end on past issues.

It is now clear Mr. Obama, that the jig is up, and you have let your candidacy be permanently damaged. You have provided overwhelming fodder for Republicans in the general election. This lie, Mr. Obama, has ended any chance of myself or most Americans being able to support you. It is not the racist statements of your supporter, Mr. Obama, it is this lie that you have told with self-conviction that you did not know your pastor said any of these statements.

Continuing to stay in the democratic contest will do nothing but hurt you and hurt our chances in the general election. It is now, Mr. Obama, time to exit with grace and support the only candidate who still has a chance of defeating John McCain: Hillary Clinton.

Do the right thing Mr. Obama, and drop out now.

Monday the 10th of March, 2008

Are you listening?

Wednesday the 21st of December, 2005

Impeach Bush Now

Articles of Impeachment
of
President George W. Bush

and

Vice President Richard B. Cheney,
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, and
Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. - - ARTICLE II, SECTION 4 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

President George W. Bush, Vice President Richard B. Cheney, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, and Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez have committed violations and subversions of the Constitution of the United States of America in an attempt to carry out with impunity crimes against peace and humanity and war crimes and deprivations of the civil rights of the people of the United States and other nations, by assuming powers of an imperial executive unaccountable to law and usurping powers of the Congress, the Judiciary and those reserved to the people of the United States, by the following acts:

The rest of the story...

Thursday the 10th of November, 2005

Senate panel OKs gay marriage ban

A proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage is expected to go before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week and a likely vote in the Senate next year after a Senate panel approved it Wednesday.

The Marriage Protection Amendment reads: “Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution of any state, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman.”

The amendment would also rescind the Massachusetts precedent that made same-sex marriage legal in that state.

The rest of the story...

Wednesday the 2nd of November, 2005

A Letter from the ACLU

The ACLU participates in more cases before the Supreme Court than anyone besides the U.S. government itself.

Every time we step into that courtroom, fundamental freedoms are on the line. That will certainly be true later this month when ACLU attorney Jennifer Dalven, Deputy Director of our Reproductive Freedom Project, will step before the Justices of the Supreme Court to argue Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.

With a decision in the Ayotte case, the Supreme Court could revoke the long-established principle that abortion restrictions must include exceptions to protect a woman’s health. This is the first abortion-related case to reach the Court in five years—and it will probably be the last time the ACLU argues a case before Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Justice O’Connor has provided more than a swing vote on the Court. She has been a moderating voice on critical civil liberties issues ranging from race to religion to reproductive freedom. We cannot know for certain how Judge Alito would vote in Ayotte or any other case, but there is no question that this nomination calls into question the delicate balance that Justice O’Connor has helped to shape and preserve.

For example, in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Judge Alito voted to uphold a state law provision that required women to notify their husbands before having an abortion. Justice O’Connor joined with a majority of the court in rejecting his position. In addition, Judge Alito has been more willing to support state-sponsored religious displays than Justice O’Connor. And he has written several dissenting opinions on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals that, if accepted, would have not only made it more difficult for victims of discrimination to prevail in bringing a suit, but would have made it more difficult for them to even get their case to a jury.

Other troubling positions in Judge Alito’s record includes:
Upholding the strip search of a mother and her ten-year old daughter, even though the warrant allowing the search did not name either of them.
Holding that Congress does not have the power under the Commerce Clause to restrict the transfer and possession of machine guns at gun shows.
Holding that Congress did not have authority to require state employers to comply with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Make no mistake about it. As the Senate considers the Alito nomination, we are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The Bush Administration is claiming unprecedented national security powers, reproductive rights are in jeopardy, the teaching of evolution is under attack, and we continue to struggle with a legacy of discrimination.

The Supreme Court’s role as the ultimate safeguard of our constitutional liberties has never been more critical. With that stark reality in mind, the ACLU will, in the weeks ahead, compile a complete report on Judge Alito’s civil liberties record, including the good and the bad. And, with your help, we will make sure each and every Senator understands that record and acts on his or her obligation to protect the Supreme Court’s vital position in our constitutional democracy.

We’ll be counting on your support every step of the way.

Sincerely,

Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union

Wednesday the 28th of September, 2005

Just a matter of time…

Senator says storms are punishment from God
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
THOMAS SPENCER
News staff writer

Hurricane Katrina and other storms that battered the Gulf Coast were God’s judgment of sin, according to state Sen. Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo.

“New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast have always been known for gambling, sin and wickedness,” Erwin wrote this week in a column he distributes to news outlets. “It is the kind of behavior that ultimately brings the judgment of God.”

After touring Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss., and Bayou La Batre, Erwin said he was awed and humbled by the power of the storm. But he wasn’t surprised.

The rest of the story...

Friday the 17th of June, 2005

Ethics Test

This test only has one question, but it’s a very important one. By giving an honest answer, you will discover where you stand morally.

The test features an unlikely, completely fictional situation in which you will have to make a decision.  Remember that your answer needs to be honest, yet spontaneous.

You are in Florida, Miami to be specific. There is chaos all around you caused by a hurricane with severe flooding. This is a flood of biblical proportions. You are a photojournalist working for a major newspaper, and you’re caught in the middle of this epic disaster. The situation is nearly hopeless. You’re trying to shoot career-making photos. There are houses and people swirling around you, some disappearing under the water. Nature is unleashing all of its destructive fury.

Suddenly you see a man floundering in the water. He is fighting for his life, trying not to be taken down with the debris. You move closer . . . somehow the man looks familiar.  You suddenly realize who it is. It’s George W. Bush! At the same time you notice that the raging waters are about to pull him under.

You have two options--you can save the life of G.W. Bush or you can shoot a dramatic Pulitzer Prize winning photo, documenting the death of one of the world’s most powerful men.

So here’s the question, and please give an honest answer:

The rest of the story...

Tuesday the 25th of January, 2005

Letter from the Sheriff

I am proud to be an American and that I was fortunate enough to be born in Alabama. The state that has its motto “We dare defend our rights”. I was raised in era, the 1940’s as a child and the 1950’s as a teenager, which I remember with great affection.

During this era, love of God, family, and country abounded. Men were men and women were women and there was no mistaking which was which. Both were proud of their individual roles. Homosexuality was very queer and a despicable act… an abomination.

During this era, those parents that owned televisions didn’t have to worry that their children might be subjected to filth on television such as nudity, the use of God’s name in vain, and other profanity because it was unheard of. Parents could allow their children to go to a movie without having to screen it first because the good guy always wore the white hats. There was no question who the “Good Guy” was. Even the “Bad Guy” in the movie didn’t use foul language. During this era our nation had a conscience including the television and movie industry.

Children’s school days started with the recitation of the “Lord’s Prayer” and the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag of the United States of America.

It was a shame to break the law. Convicts worked our roadways in unmistakable clothing (black and white prisoner uniforms that clearly identified them as convicts). Their rights were to be sentenced to jail at hard labor as retribution to the victims and their crimes.

The “Ten Commandments” were proudly displayed as a reminder that the real Commander in Chief and Final Judge is God and that this nation was founded on Judeo/Christian principal. Neighbors helped each other instead of jumping at the chance to file a lawsuit.

A man’s word was his bond. My word and bond to you, the citizens of Marshall County, is to do my very best to devote all my energy to do my part to return our society to the values that we once held dear.

Please join me. I need your help. Our children deserve no less.

Mac Holcomb
Sheriff
Marshall County Alabama

Monday the 24th of January, 2005

ALERT: Marriage Amendment Reintroduced in the Senate

I can’t say it any better than the e-mail I received from HRC:

The news broke early this morning: Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) is reintroducing the Marriage Protection Amendment (MPA) on the Senate floor today – making it one of the first items of business in the first full week of President Bush’s second term.
In light of the many serious issues that our country is facing, it is absolutely outrageous that a small group of right-wing Senators would make discriminating against GLBT people their TOP priority right now.

But just as we did during the past two bouts with the Amendment last year, the Human Rights Campaign will fight them every step of the way. Here’s what you can do now to stop this hateful amendment—again:

1) Write your Senators today. and urge them to oppose the newly reintroduced Marriage Protection Amendment and ANY efforts to put discrimination in our Constitution. Click here to send an e-mail now.

2) Follow up your e-mail with a phone call.  After you’ve sent your e-mails, make a phone call to each of your Senators as well:

Senator Richard Shelby, (202) 224-5744

Senator Jeff Sessions, (202) 224-4124

Use your own words to let your Senators know about your opposition, or follow our script:

“My name is _________ and I live in the Senator’s state. I am calling to urge the Senator to oppose the so-called ‘Marriage Protection Amendment’ that will discriminate against same-sex couples. This amendment does nothing to ‘protect’ marriage. Instead, it singles out a group of people for discrimination in the United States Constitution.  The Constitution has always been used to guarantee rights and freedoms, not to take them away. I strongly urge the Senator to oppose the amendment. Thank you.

Let us know what your Senators’ staff members say to you - click here to send us an . Thank you.

3) Spread the word. Our combined response must be loud and immediate.  There is no doubt that the extreme right-wing has already begun mobilizing their activists. We must drown them out by being louder, larger, and more organized. 

Click here to send this message to at least five friends now – especially in more conservative states where they need to hear from fair-minded Americans the most.

As you might guess, the legislators behind this amendment are responding to a small but vocal group of right wing individuals and organizations who try to discriminate against the GLBT community at every turn.  It is the job of fair-minded Americans like us to tell them that they are wrong. Thank you for your immediate action today. We are glad you are with us, and urge you to stay tuned for news about what’s next.

Sincerely,

Seth Kilbourn
National Field Director
Human Rights Campaign

Monday the 2nd of August, 2004

Pass it On

Pass this information on to everyone you know.  Show up.  Make a statement.  Do something.  E-mail the link; IM the link; tell people the info.

Vigil Information Link

Everyone needs to show up so that we can be seen and be heard.  We, as a group equal in stature to every other group in these United States, need to be seen and heard in this state.  We’ve been ignored and pushed to the side for too long and it’s time to stop.

Speak out and tell people that you will be heard.  Leave a comment and encourage others to do the same.

I can’t help but quote one person here with something that has been ringing in my ears since I first heard it:

Yet even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there’s not a liberal America and a conservative America—there’s the United States of America. There’s not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America. The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I’ve got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don’t like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America. - Barack Obama, DNC 2004

We need to stand up for ourselves and our rights.  George W. Bush is certainly not doing it for us.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Now the last time I checked, it still stated all men.  Unless Bush has secretly changed the wording to “only heterosexual, pro-death penalty, pro-life, etc. etc. blah blah balh”.  Yes, I guess this in a way has turned into a political rant.  I haven’t and don’t intend to get into too many of those but sometimes it happens and I can’t fathom the thought of having this man in office another four years.  I’m not saying I’m completely thrilled with Kerry as a choice but to me, the only choice is against Bush.

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