Americans for Barack Obama 2008
About the Author
This is a group for any American Republican, Democrat or independent that support Barack Obama for President or even VP in 2008. This group is also for ideas to be sent to Mr. Obama regarding issues or new campaigns.
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
Could GOP Leaders Possibly Believe Their Own Rhetoric?
Is it possible that Republicans truly believe that President Obama is both a socialist, and a fascist, who wasn't born in the United States, and that providing affordable health-care to American families is a plot to destroy America? Could they possibly believe that Dick Cheney kept America safe, or that George Bush was protecting the American way of life? And is it possible that they consider their incendiary rhetoric simply innocent speech, and don't recognize that during this time of severe hardship they could very easily incite insurrection within the country? It's not likely. Read More »
Could GOP Leaders Possibly Believe Their Own Rhetoric?
Is it possible that Republicans truly believe that President Obama is both a socialist, and a fascist, who wasn't born in the United States, and that providing affordable health-care to American families is a plot to destroy America? Could they possibly believe that Dick Cheney kept America safe, or that George Bush was protecting the American way of life? And is it possible that they consider their incendiary rhetoric simply innocent speech, and don't recognize that during this time of severe hardship they could very easily incite insurrection within the country? It's not likely. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
Could Obama Fall Victim to a Change We Can't Believe in?
At this point Obama's presidency could go either way - he can either become one of the greatest presidents this country has ever known, or go down as an exciting experiment that went bad. It's all up to how he handles the expectations of Independents. Read More »
Could Obama Fall Victim to a Change We Can't Believe in?
At this point Obama's presidency could go either way - he can either become one of the greatest presidents this country has ever known, or go down as an exciting experiment that went bad. It's all up to how he handles the expectations of Independents. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
Joe Lieberman: To Hell with the American People
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) has announced that if the senate includes a public option to healthcare reform he's prepared to side with the Republicans in a filibuster to prevent the bill from coming up for a vote. In other words, he's prepared to fight to block the will of the American people.
This is the same Joe Lieberman that Democrats sweat blood and treasure to support in his bid for vice president in the 2000 election; the same Joe Lieberman who signed a pledge with seven Republicans and six other Democrats not to filibuster any of Bush's judicial nominations in 2005; and the very same Joe Lieberman whose own Connecticut constituents polled 21 to 68% (a 47% margin) in favor of a public option. But he doesn't care about all of that. All he cares about is protecting his cash cow - the insurance industry. Read More »
Joe Lieberman: To Hell with the American People
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) has announced that if the senate includes a public option to healthcare reform he's prepared to side with the Republicans in a filibuster to prevent the bill from coming up for a vote. In other words, he's prepared to fight to block the will of the American people.
This is the same Joe Lieberman that Democrats sweat blood and treasure to support in his bid for vice president in the 2000 election; the same Joe Lieberman who signed a pledge with seven Republicans and six other Democrats not to filibuster any of Bush's judicial nominations in 2005; and the very same Joe Lieberman whose own Connecticut constituents polled 21 to 68% (a 47% margin) in favor of a public option. But he doesn't care about all of that. All he cares about is protecting his cash cow - the insurance industry. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
ODE TO A BLEEDING HEART
The one factor that contributed most to the downfall of the Democratic Party during during the seventies and eighties was allowing conservative Republicans to seize control of the political rhetoric. The Democrats simply sat back and allowed themselves, their constituency and their agenda to be redefined in the eyes of the American people by conservative "spin doctors" without rebuttal. As a direct result, they've allowed the term "liberal" to become a bad word in the political lexicon. Read More »
ODE TO A BLEEDING HEART
The one factor that contributed most to the downfall of the Democratic Party during during the seventies and eighties was allowing conservative Republicans to seize control of the political rhetoric. The Democrats simply sat back and allowed themselves, their constituency and their agenda to be redefined in the eyes of the American people by conservative "spin doctors" without rebuttal. As a direct result, they've allowed the term "liberal" to become a bad word in the political lexicon. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
Conservatives Waking Up in Droves
Well, it seems that the GOP is finally coming into its own. Both its numbers, and its rhetoric, reflect that its rapidly becoming more of a cult than a political party. Recent polls indicate that now only 20% of the American people will even admit to being Republican these days. That's down from 32% in November. If its current rate of decline continues, after the 2010 election there won't be enough Republicans left in Washington to throw a card party - and that's with good reason.
History doesn't lie, at least, until Republicans get a hold to it. But with their desperate attempt to regain power at any cost, this current crop of GOP 'leaders' have inadvertently betrayed their true agenda - to promote the interest of big business at the expense of the American people. Every initiative that they champion is transparently designed to do just that. Read More »
Conservatives Waking Up in Droves
Well, it seems that the GOP is finally coming into its own. Both its numbers, and its rhetoric, reflect that its rapidly becoming more of a cult than a political party. Recent polls indicate that now only 20% of the American people will even admit to being Republican these days. That's down from 32% in November. If its current rate of decline continues, after the 2010 election there won't be enough Republicans left in Washington to throw a card party - and that's with good reason.
History doesn't lie, at least, until Republicans get a hold to it. But with their desperate attempt to regain power at any cost, this current crop of GOP 'leaders' have inadvertently betrayed their true agenda - to promote the interest of big business at the expense of the American people. Every initiative that they champion is transparently designed to do just that. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
GOP 'Patriots' Strike America Once Again
My computer is still warm from my last article where I pointed out that the GOP is no longer conservative, and has become anti-American. Now, reinforcing my position, they've struck out against America again. In last week's column, "Limbaugh-Beck and the GOP Patriots Against America", I pointed out that you can say what you will about true conservatives, but they are fiercely patriotic, and will ALWAYS, support America, regardless to what the circumstances.
But this current group of renegade Republicans are clearly demonstrating not only that they're not true conservatives, but they're not even loyal Americans. With every day that passes it becomes increasingly clear that their only concern is making money, regaining power, and accommodating their own self-interest, and they're more than willing to throw America under the bus to achieve those goals. Read More »
GOP 'Patriots' Strike America Once Again
My computer is still warm from my last article where I pointed out that the GOP is no longer conservative, and has become anti-American. Now, reinforcing my position, they've struck out against America again. In last week's column, "Limbaugh-Beck and the GOP Patriots Against America", I pointed out that you can say what you will about true conservatives, but they are fiercely patriotic, and will ALWAYS, support America, regardless to what the circumstances.
But this current group of renegade Republicans are clearly demonstrating not only that they're not true conservatives, but they're not even loyal Americans. With every day that passes it becomes increasingly clear that their only concern is making money, regaining power, and accommodating their own self-interest, and they're more than willing to throw America under the bus to achieve those goals. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
Limbaugh-Beck and the GOP Patriots Against America
If anyone had any doubt about whether or not the GOP has become anti-American, all doubt should now be laid to rest. Rush Limbaugh, the titular head of the Republican Party, slipped into an altered state of bliss after hearing the news that the United States lost its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The man was completely beside himself with glee. God only knows what would have happened if we'd also been attacked - his body fluids would've had to be cleaned off the studio floor. I watched the video of Limbaugh's antics over and over again in total disbelief. It's literally unbelievable what's happened to the Republican Party. Read More »
Limbaugh-Beck and the GOP Patriots Against America
If anyone had any doubt about whether or not the GOP has become anti-American, all doubt should now be laid to rest. Rush Limbaugh, the titular head of the Republican Party, slipped into an altered state of bliss after hearing the news that the United States lost its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The man was completely beside himself with glee. God only knows what would have happened if we'd also been attacked - his body fluids would've had to be cleaned off the studio floor. I watched the video of Limbaugh's antics over and over again in total disbelief. It's literally unbelievable what's happened to the Republican Party. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
The Republican Agenda: Keep America Ignorant and Miserable, at any Cost
The Republican Party is a coalition of three separate constituencies with confluent interests. The first group is made up of traditional conservatives. These are highly patriotic Americans who believe in limited government, the primacy of the people over government, and fiscal responsibility. But the other two groups that have coalesced within the GOP are much more malevolent - international business interests, and social bigots.
It is the former of these two, international business, that controls the GOP. It's made up of highly educated individuals with huge resources and plenty of clout - and they use every bit of their resources and clout to manipulate what has become their citizen army - the social bigots. The social bigots are the people we see armed to the teeth at presidential speeches, disrupting townhall meetings, and fighting against their own interests. In short, these are the Joe the Plumbers of the world. Read More »
The Republican Agenda: Keep America Ignorant and Miserable, at any Cost
The Republican Party is a coalition of three separate constituencies with confluent interests. The first group is made up of traditional conservatives. These are highly patriotic Americans who believe in limited government, the primacy of the people over government, and fiscal responsibility. But the other two groups that have coalesced within the GOP are much more malevolent - international business interests, and social bigots.
It is the former of these two, international business, that controls the GOP. It's made up of highly educated individuals with huge resources and plenty of clout - and they use every bit of their resources and clout to manipulate what has become their citizen army - the social bigots. The social bigots are the people we see armed to the teeth at presidential speeches, disrupting townhall meetings, and fighting against their own interests. In short, these are the Joe the Plumbers of the world. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN · ERIC L. WATTREE
The Religious Right: A Threat to America
When I became of age one of the first things I did was to reassess all of my previous beliefs and attitudes. Thereafter, I discarded as invalid anything that didn't stand up to logical and objective scrutiny, because even at that young age, I'd lived long enough to recognize that most of the problems in this world are a direct result of our failure to re-examine our illogical views of reality. Most religious zealots not only fail to go through that process, but refuse to as a matter of religious doctrine. It is due to that kind of zealotry, along with their doctrinal obligation against even considering the fact that they might be zealots, that makes the religious right a clear and present danger to both the United States, and the world. Read More »
The Religious Right: A Threat to America
When I became of age one of the first things I did was to reassess all of my previous beliefs and attitudes. Thereafter, I discarded as invalid anything that didn't stand up to logical and objective scrutiny, because even at that young age, I'd lived long enough to recognize that most of the problems in this world are a direct result of our failure to re-examine our illogical views of reality. Most religious zealots not only fail to go through that process, but refuse to as a matter of religious doctrine. It is due to that kind of zealotry, along with their doctrinal obligation against even considering the fact that they might be zealots, that makes the religious right a clear and present danger to both the United States, and the world. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
The Ironies of 911
While viewing America's solemn commemoration of the eighth anniversary of 911, I began to reflect upon its many ironies. The very first thing that came to mind was Dick Cheney's claim that the Bush administration's policies have kept us safe. My second thought was, he must think we're crazy - and far too many of us are. Read More »
The Ironies of 911
While viewing America's solemn commemoration of the eighth anniversary of 911, I began to reflect upon its many ironies. The very first thing that came to mind was Dick Cheney's claim that the Bush administration's policies have kept us safe. My second thought was, he must think we're crazy - and far too many of us are. Read More »
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
Lofty Ideals are Only as Meaningful as the Backbone that Supports Them
Is it just me, or is anyone else curious about how the GOP managed to suspend the United States Constitution, thrust us headlong into a costly and unjustified war, ravage the global economy, and destroy America's moral credibility throughout the world, while the Democrats, even after being handed the White House and a huge majority in both houses of congress, can't even manage to pass a healthcare bill that would benefit every family in America?
If like me, you've been curious about this issue, scratch your head no more. The answer is screaming at us right before our eyes, but like the angry medicare recipient boisterously demonstrating against socialism, we simply refused to believe our lying eyes. Read More »
Lofty Ideals are Only as Meaningful as the Backbone that Supports Them
Is it just me, or is anyone else curious about how the GOP managed to suspend the United States Constitution, thrust us headlong into a costly and unjustified war, ravage the global economy, and destroy America's moral credibility throughout the world, while the Democrats, even after being handed the White House and a huge majority in both houses of congress, can't even manage to pass a healthcare bill that would benefit every family in America?
If like me, you've been curious about this issue, scratch your head no more. The answer is screaming at us right before our eyes, but like the angry medicare recipient boisterously demonstrating against socialism, we simply refused to believe our lying eyes. Read More »
What a bunch of racist thugs:
It 's old news, but you'll see it here: here
Or go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1C_NWMRs8Q
Oh well.. everyone can see what kind of people they are.
Prosecutions in torture cases should go forward. The proponents of this policy are still at it and saying we are less safe because of it. Not only that, but we can not go forward in the eyes of the world until we take responsibility for our actions.
By letting prosecutions go forward we can prove that are laws are upheld and begin to quiet the supporter of such policies. This proof would be especially clear if a court of law were to find the suspects guilty.
By letting prosecutions go forward we can prove that are laws are upheld and begin to quiet the supporter of such policies. This proof would be especially clear if a court of law were to find the suspects guilty.
To all of my Brothers and Sisters, we Democrats made history when we elected our Loving Leader President Barrack Obama and today he made history by allowing Americans to make unlimited transfers of money and visits to relatives in Cuba as well as easing other restrictions. Ushering in a new era of openness toward the island nation ruled by communists for 50 years, and there is more to come.
Thank you all so much for making history and bringing peace and love not only to the USA but to the world.
I'm a Democrat for life and proud of it. YES WE CAN, YES WE WILL turn thing around for the better of all, not just the few.
OBAMA , CLINTON'S , CARTERS, KENNEDY'S .
My saying during the campaign was if Mr. W made you feel blue you better vote for BLUE to keep it true. Love & Peace to all. Jesse
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090413/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_cuba
Thank you all so much for making history and bringing peace and love not only to the USA but to the world.
I'm a Democrat for life and proud of it. YES WE CAN, YES WE WILL turn thing around for the better of all, not just the few.
OBAMA , CLINTON'S , CARTERS, KENNEDY'S .
My saying during the campaign was if Mr. W made you feel blue you better vote for BLUE to keep it true. Love & Peace to all. Jesse
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090413/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_cuba
I haven't said anything about Dick Cheney up to now, but I feel I need to. He was one of the main driving forces of all Bush's failed policies and I believe his view of presidential powers is reflective of a king's. If we give the president unfettered power don't we set up a situation where our country is not really free? I think Cheney is not stupid, yet I feel is either completely misguided, insane, or perhaps he even doesn't truly believe in what our forefathers fought for.
Mr. Dick Cheney, I know terrorism is a bad and scary thing, but I will never give up my freedom just to be safe. I would rather die in a terrorist attack for once we lose our freedom and give a president sole authority (becomes king) then we lose. In my eyes, for all the power you have, you are paranoid and sad. I wouldn't trade places with you for anything. Regardless of what you think history will not look kindly on you, rather, it will be one of the darkest periods of the United States.
You had your chance sir… so sit down and be quiet.
Mr. Dick Cheney, I know terrorism is a bad and scary thing, but I will never give up my freedom just to be safe. I would rather die in a terrorist attack for once we lose our freedom and give a president sole authority (becomes king) then we lose. In my eyes, for all the power you have, you are paranoid and sad. I wouldn't trade places with you for anything. Regardless of what you think history will not look kindly on you, rather, it will be one of the darkest periods of the United States.
You had your chance sir… so sit down and be quiet.
BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
How Loyal is the Loyal Opposition?
From this point on I pledge to stop using the terms "conservative" and "Republican" interchangeably. I'm beginning to realize there's a big difference between the two. Conservatives are loyal and well-meaning Americans of good faith who just happen not to share my opinion of what's in the best interest of America. On the other hand, it has become clear that the Republican Party has crossed the line between the loyal opposition, and subversion.
Am I indulging in radical hyperbole? I don't think so. The American Heritage Dictionary defines subversive as "Intended or serving to subvert, especially intended to overthrow or undermine an established government." Read More »
How Loyal is the Loyal Opposition?
From this point on I pledge to stop using the terms "conservative" and "Republican" interchangeably. I'm beginning to realize there's a big difference between the two. Conservatives are loyal and well-meaning Americans of good faith who just happen not to share my opinion of what's in the best interest of America. On the other hand, it has become clear that the Republican Party has crossed the line between the loyal opposition, and subversion.
Am I indulging in radical hyperbole? I don't think so. The American Heritage Dictionary defines subversive as "Intended or serving to subvert, especially intended to overthrow or undermine an established government." Read More »
During his interview on CNN Cheney said democrats blocked a previous attempt at regulation during the Bush years. This is misleading. What he was referring to was the S190 bill.
The republicans like to tout their support for the S.190 bill, but in reality it called for dismantling (within 180 days passage) 2 government oversight committees (The OFHEO and the Federal Housing Finance Board) and replacing them with a corporation, in effect, privatizing oversight of banking institutions such as Fannie May and Freddie Mac. Furthermore, a director, appointed by the president, would have sole power and decision making authority. This director would have the solitary power that is currently given to many.
I only hope that we do not make a rash decision that does not resolve our current crisis. Here is a link to the actual S.190 bill text: The S190 bill.
-http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29493093/
Hey you all get voting-- The Repulsicans have already voted... Now it is our turn!!! Unfortunately there is is only an "A" not A+, so I had to settle for just an A...
Send this on,
Gretchen
Hey you all get voting-- The Repulsicans have already voted... Now it is our turn!!! Unfortunately there is is only an "A" not A+, so I had to settle for just an A...
Send this on,
Gretchen
This link explains the credit crisis very well. This video was provided through a link Marsha gave me.
Thanks Marsha!
Link here: Video
Who's to blame? The banks. Did consumers get bigger loans than they could afford? In some cases, Yes, but not all.
The banks were given bailout money to cover the bad debt, but they didn't use it for that. They spent it buying up smaller banks among other things. The decision makers of the banks who decided not to cover the debt should be put in prison in my opinion and those banks should get no more money.
If anything, the money used in any bailout should go towards specific failed mortgages. If people end up having their morgages covered with taxpayer money, then maybe there should be some penalty tax they should incur that is spread out over time.
Let's face it - we either:
1. Give the banks money (which we already did) and trust them with it and they get a free ride.
2. Give aid to people with loans in, or about to go in, default. This may or may not help the individual.
3. Gather up all the bad debt and apply enough money directly to each mortgage in an amount that would keep banks solvent and no more. This would require spreading the amount over all loans, or those that meet specific criteria.
4. Let them all fail. Are we really prepared for this? For people who get scared of socialism, this could be a catalyst for it depending on the results. As long as we can prevent the same actions that caused the current crisis from happening again maybe a one-time bailout is not so bad.
So far it doesn't seem like the banks have paid a price for their failed lending practices (failed to us, not for them). But homeowners and taxpayers will end up footing the bill. I tend to opt for #3, but will accept #2 rather than nothing.
The banks were given bailout money to cover the bad debt, but they didn't use it for that. They spent it buying up smaller banks among other things. The decision makers of the banks who decided not to cover the debt should be put in prison in my opinion and those banks should get no more money.
If anything, the money used in any bailout should go towards specific failed mortgages. If people end up having their morgages covered with taxpayer money, then maybe there should be some penalty tax they should incur that is spread out over time.
Let's face it - we either:
1. Give the banks money (which we already did) and trust them with it and they get a free ride.
2. Give aid to people with loans in, or about to go in, default. This may or may not help the individual.
3. Gather up all the bad debt and apply enough money directly to each mortgage in an amount that would keep banks solvent and no more. This would require spreading the amount over all loans, or those that meet specific criteria.
4. Let them all fail. Are we really prepared for this? For people who get scared of socialism, this could be a catalyst for it depending on the results. As long as we can prevent the same actions that caused the current crisis from happening again maybe a one-time bailout is not so bad.
So far it doesn't seem like the banks have paid a price for their failed lending practices (failed to us, not for them). But homeowners and taxpayers will end up footing the bill. I tend to opt for #3, but will accept #2 rather than nothing.
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