Why I Now Support Barack Obama

If you have not heard his speech on March 18, 2008, you should listen to it here. It is this speech that has convinced me to support Barack Obama as the next President of the United States!

Help Protect Against Domestic Enemies

Rep. Van Hollen:

It is time for the representatives we elected to congress to perform their constitutional oversight functions and deal with the revelations of an executive branch that is out of control. As an attorney, you should know that the willful destruction of evidence is a violation of the law and those responsible should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

This means that EVERYONE involved must be investigated and, if the evidence suggests, prosecuted including Speaker Nancy Pellosi's involvement. It does not take having a law degree to understand that if you have knowledge that a crime has occurred, that not saying anything makes you an accomplice in that crime. If that is the case, then ALL members of congress who were involved must be investigated.

At the beginning of your service in the House of Representatives, you took an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic." Committing a crime using the mechanisms of the government of the United States is minimally disrespecting the constitution that this nation holds as its core values. It is time that you and your colleagues in the House of Representatives show your commitment to your oath and defend the constitution from domestic enemies.

A Constituent

Bush Hates Americans

Now is the time for all good representatives to stand up to the president who would rather kill Americans in a far off war than keep them healthy and working at home.

Now is the time for all good representatives to convince their colleagues that vetoing a bill that funds basic American needs is anti-American and should be overridden for the sake of the American people.

Now is the time for all House leadership to stand up to the president and tell him that the American people will not stand for his imperialistic view and would rather take care of the home front rather than squander the money on nonsense and bad intelligence.

Now is the time for the House of Representatives to override the veto of H.R. 3043, the Fiscal 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill, for the sake of the people of the United States of America!

Disappointed Over Veto

Dear President Bush:

I rarely write to you and your staff to express my disappointment with decisions made. I have stayed away from many issues that are really important to this nation, but this is one I cannot let go without a comment. I am very disappointed that H.R.976 was vetoed on October 3.

Although the citizens of the United States are supposed to have access to the best health care in the world, those who are at the lower end of the economic scale have a difficult time being treated in all but emergency cases. For a country whose promise is the guarantee of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, vetoing legislation that helps promote the healthy life to allow them to participate in liberty and pursue happiness goes against the principles set forth by the founding fathers.

Children are the future of this nation. Protect those who will continue the traditions of this republic and they will grow up to participate in this great nation. Allow them to languish in the morass that has become the health system and you will find that children will grow up to be suspicious of the government that should be there to protect them. Raising cynical children who cannot do so in a healthy setting is not good for our future.

The veto of SCHIP and the statement sent to the House of Representatives saying it will move people from private coverage to government coverage suggests that there is an ideological effort to protect the insurance industry. Was this a case of seeing $35 billion not being spent on private health insurance? This is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, not the insurance industry.

I am very disappointed in this action. Rather than spending trillions of taxpayer dollars for issues overseas, spending a few billion dollars for health in the homeland shows that this country cares for its citizens. It gives the impression that the poor and uninsured are less important than other programs.

I urge President Bush work with congress to re-authorize this law in the bipartisan manner for which it passed both houses. Our future depends on it!

Hypocricy

The following was sent to Countdown at countdown@msnbc.com following the report of NBC News’s canceling the Don Imus morning show:

First and foremost, I do not condone Don Imus’s words. But I defend his right to speak how he wants, no matter how I detest what he says. I defend his right under the First Amendment of our constitution. As long has his words will not put the public in jeopardy or incites riots against the government (the benchmark set by the Supreme Court), a news organization not defending Imus’s right to speak—no matter how wrong Imus is—is being hypocritical.

NBC News President Steve Capus is a hypocrite! His words are disingenuous. While he cites Imus's ratings on the MSNBC simulcast, he failed to recognize that NBC’s biggest advertisers withdrew their ads for that show. Sorry... in today’s “bottom line” view of corporate America, I doubt that NBC's parent company, General Electric, would stand for NBC Universal losing that much money when the economy is so tenuous. And to say it had no factor in this decision is playing on the liberal naivete of Keith Olbermann’s audience.

Keith Olbermann is a hypocrite for admitting that he expressed his outrage to have Imus removed from the air. The same first amendment that gives him the right to tweak Bill O'Reilly’s nose across the cable dial is the same right that Imus has for being an idiot. Just deliver the news and stop telling us what we should think. I believe the reaction speaks for how the public feels.

Further, I wish Olbermann that this Hymie who was born in Hymietown does not give any credibility to Jesse Jackson. Jackson, who discriminates in his own ways, was wrong in his interview saying that NBC had the responsibility for not keeping Imus on the “public airwaves.” The problem with his statement is that MSNBC is a cable operation, does not operate on the public airways, and not subject to the FCC regulations as NBC’s O&Os and affiliates. Further, in addition to the conservative talking-heads he and his organization has not attacked, he failed to chastise NBC News for repeating what Imus said on Nightly News. A consistent argument would be to attack NBC for putting this out on the public, regulated airwaves. But Olbermann was so caught up in his righteous indignation that he did not catch the inconsistency.

Finally, if anyone does not like what was said, they have the power to effect change. The television changes channels and has an on/off button. You can also change the radio station and use its on/off button. USE IT! It's as simple as that. We don’t need to trot out hypocrites like Jackson and Al Sharpton (see Tawana Brawley) to tell us Imus is an idiot. Just turn him off!

As for me, I used to like Keith Olbermann. I was a fan when I discovered him on ESPN. I really liked Countdown and his style even if I don’t always agree with his politics. Well sir, you just turned me off. Since you turned me off I will take advantage of that button on my television and either change the channel or turn the television off. Your self-serving hypocrisy has now reduced your audience by one.

It takes a braver person to defend someone’s right to have diarrhea of the mouth than to fire that person for their demonstration of this ailment.

Surge? Can You Spell T-E-T?

In 1968, the social revolution of the Viet-Cong and North Vietnamese tried began an offensive on the Lunar New Year against the South Vietnamese and their American supporters. Tet was a failure for the Viet-Cong and North Vietnam, but it was also a public relations nightmare for the United States when images of the carnage were reported on the news.

For the United States, the failure of Tet showed the American people that the war plans were not working. Rather than defeating the Viet-Cong and the North Vietnamese, all the action did was show that the United States was in a stalemate with little hope to win.

Political pressures eventually made the situation worse for troops as congress started to manage the war by manipulating the funding. President Johnson was the first political casualty of the war which seemed neglected during the investigations into the Nixon administration. Eventually, the troops left as Saigon and the country fell.

Rather than learn from history, President George W. Bush, the C Student, would rather repeat history and put the lives of American service personnel in harms way to try to preserve his legacy. But as we saw from the fallout of Tet, the reputation of LBJ and those like General William Westmoreland, commander of US forces in Vietnam, has not improved, even after nearly 40 years.

It will be difficult to compare Bush to Johnson. Bush cannot point to an accomplishment that has the potential for any lasting results where Johnson was a champion for Civil Rights and was instrumental in helping pass the Civil Rights act of 1964. Bush has lead the country down a path that can make Vietnam look like a Sunday picnic compared to the current situations in Iraq and the Middle East.

George Santayana wrote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." It is apparent that the C Student made a C or less in his history class at Yale.

In Memory of Gerald R. Ford, our 38th President

Dear Mrs. Ford and family:

In 1976, President Ford visited Charlotte, North Carolina to celebrate the nation's bicentennial. As a 16 year old admirer of the president, I attended the gathering with friends and classmates. While I do not remember what he said on that sunny day in Freedom Park, I remember being impressed with the President's speech and thinking that he seemed like a nice person. I told a friend that I thought that it would be interesting to be able to sit with him for lunch.

Following his speech, the President walked near a roped off area of the crowd and shook hands with the people. Even after previous attempts on his life, President Ford walked the line and shook hands with those who came to see him. I was one of those fortunate enough to shake his hand. Although I was not old enough to vote, I supported the president for re-election. I felt that a good man deserved a good chance.

President Ford leaves a legacy of honesty, integrity, and decency, a combination that is difficult to find in any walk of life. The out pouring of affection for him and your family are well deserved by a nation who was honored by his service.

I wish there was more I can do to show my appreciation for your sharing this wonderful person with the nation during its time of need. I offer my sincere condolences and I wish you comfort in the wonderful memories you have of this great man, president, husband, father, and grandfather.

Saddam Hussein Full Execution Video

This is a full video of Saddam Hussein's execution. Apparently, one of the witnesses had a camera phone and put it to use. The video, although not the best quality, is very graphic. You will see Saddam's last seconds... beyond what you have been shown on television. If you think you will be disturbed by seeing the full execution, please do not watch!

The American People Have Spoken

The Democrats did not loose a single seat. All of the losses were seats held by Republicans.

Even if the pending Virginia recount returns George Allen to the senate, the loss of five seats giving the Republicans a one seat majority is just as telling.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s resignation is a start, but it is not the answer. There must be a course change. A change that will limit the casualties of precious American lives. A change that will defend the country against terrorists and not one that tries to enact regiem change because our leaders do not like their leaders. A change that does not seem like the taxpayers are throwing billions of dollars away into the desert.

The American people have spoken.

Just Vote!

What do you think? Tell us... Just Vote!

Do you want change? Or do you want to stay the course? Tell us... Just Vote!

Do you think your taxes are going up? Or do you want to keep the current tax structure? Tell us... Just Vote!

Are you for or against stem cell research, gay marriage, economic policies, the alleged culture of corruption, or the war on terrorism? Tell us... Just Vote!

Do you like your representative? Do you despise him? Or should she be there to fight for you on Capitol Hill? Tell us... Just Vote!

Voting is a right.
Voting is an obligation.
Voting is the duty you have to maintain this democracy.

Voting is your way of telling those who represent you how they should perform their jobs when they come to Washington on your behalf.

Tell everyone what you think... JUST VOTE!

I Will Not Stay This Course and I Vote

Stay the course? Over 100 US soldiers died in Iraq during the month of October.

Stay the course? Over 2800 US soldiers died in Iraq since the initial invasion.

Stay the course? Over 2000 US soldiers died in Iraq since the declaration of “Mission Accomplished.”

Stay the course? Over 10,000 US soldiers wounded in Iraq since the initial invasion.

Stay the course? Even the Army Times, a pro-military publication, does not believe it is the right course. They published an editorial saying that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld must be removed from his position.

Stay the course? What course? The course that has created more terrorists than before the invasion? The course that has killed or wounded over 13,000 of our best and brightest citizens? The course that has the United States in the middle of a civil war with no end in sight?

I will not stay this course. I will not be swayed by slogans and campaign rhetoric. I will not accept the failed leadership of a C student who has learned nothing except how to be more arrogant and petulant. I will not support the killing of US service members for a president who believes in the power of imperialism over the will of the people. I will not march in lockstep behind a failed policy.

I will do my patriotic duty and vote. I will do my patriotic duty to use my vote to send this president a message regarding my displeasure with his policies. I will do my patriotic duty and use my right of free speech to tell everyone that this is one citizen who does not feel that this president represents the greater good but his own self interest.

I am a citizen against the failed policies of this administration and I vote!

Now I Remember Why Kerry is Not President

Of all the mistakes a Democrat could make, John Kerry's is now ranked amongst the most idiotic of this political season. After years of picking on how George Bush for his lack of intelligence and verbal fumbles, Kerry makes one that allows the meaning to be misinterpreted. Making matters worse, Kerry does not even acknowledge that he put his foot in his mouth until later in the day.
George Bush may be a C student that has not learned anything since his daddy got him into Yale, but at least his stupidity has not insulted people. It may be time for Kerry to exit, stage left... his 15-minutes of fame appear to have expired.

Sorry, I Cannot Support Michael Steele

Dear Mr. Steele:

At another time, I would be able to support your candidacy. You have demonstrated that your intelligence and grasp for issues suggests you would be a good senator. However, after seeing your performance on Meet the Press today, I cannot support you as Maryland’s next senator for the following reasons:

1. Although I am personally against abortion, I am pro-choice. I want those who choose abortion for whatever reason to be able to do so legally and safely. Having grown up in New York and reading the stories of “back alley” abortions, I am afraid that the pro-life position will cause this to happen again if abortions were made illegal. I will continue to campaign for other options. But for those who do not agree with me, I want it as a choice.


2. I am pro-embryonic stem cell research. Shutting off any research, regardless of the stage, is irresponsible to those who are hoping for cures and those who want to deliver those cures. The compromise bill that would use embryos that would be eventually discarded from fertility clinics is something that could be supported until other alternatives can be developed. And your answers regarding the current destruction of embryos seem disingenuous.


3. Also, I have never heard you come out against the death penalty. It is hypocritical to support right-to-life-related legislation while continuing to support the death penalty. Consistency says that murder is murder regardless of the situation.


4. You cannot reform Washington if the problem is the leadership of the party in power not being willing to perform its oversight functions. While I am not in favor of impeachment proceedings, the Republican-lead congress has abrogated its oversight responsibilities in the name of party loyalty. This is wrong and it needs to be changed.

Since you are a Republican, I would have had more respect for you looked to distance yourself from that leadership if you would have said to Tim Russert that you would refrain from voting on leadership if you would be elected as a protest against their actions over the last few years. Russert gave you a chance on this and you reacted like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights of a great interviewer. Yes, it would be a symbolic gesture, but it would have been a great start to what could have been a great career.

As someone who is registered as NOT AFFILIATED and prides himself on making reasonable decisions, I am reasonably sure that having a Republican represent Maryland at this point of time is not the direction that is in the best interest of this state or this nation. I hope you keep that fire to do something for Maryland because it would be nice to see you come back in four years to run against Barbara Mikulski.

Rush Limbaugh Still Is a Big Fat Idiot

Following his alleged commentary accusing Michael J. Fox of acting or off his drugs in his television commercials in support of several Democratic candidates, he responds showing how ideologically he is in the wrong spectrum of basic humanity. This is not a liberal or conservative issue. It is human values, which Rush demonstrates his lacking.

HYPOCRITICAL STATEMENT #1: In his statement, Limbaugh says “Now, the idea that certain people because of their victim status are allowed to enter the fray with impunity is something I am not going to subscribe to.” But Rush, your comment was not about the issue but the person delivering the message. Rush said that Fox was “exaggerating the effects of the disease” and “is allowing his illness to be exploited.”

Reasonable people can disagree reasonably. But rather than attack the issue, Rush stoops into the muck to attack the messenger and his intent. For Michael J. Fox, stem-cell research is a personal issue. If he wants to work on behalf of candidates who support his ideas, he should be able to do so without personal attacks from someone who has proven record hypocritical actions.

HYPOCRITICAL STATEMENT #2: “I am not going to be fooled or lulled into standing aside. I'm not going to be intimidated under the pretext that some people have a protected, insured right to say whatever they want simply because they are unfortunate, they are victims or what have you.” So what you are saying is that it is all right to attack the messenger if you do not like the message? It is not a matter of political correctness, it is a matter of respect. It is respect for another point of view whether you agree or not. It is respect for a someone who is inflicted with a horrible disease he did not want. It is respect for basic human life.

HYPOCRITICAL STATEMENT #3: “I could have said far worse than I said about this. It is cruel to mislead people to believe that there is a cure on the horizon, when there isn't, if only Republican candidates are defeated. I'm sorry. I'm not going to sit around and let this go by uncommented upon. I don't care who says it.” There is nothing hypocritical about this statement. In fact, in Rush's latest screed, this is about the only sane statement he made. However, when he followed up with “There's no question the illness is being exploited,” is attacking the messenger and not the message.

Rush keeps saying he dose not care who is delivering the message but then accuses Fox of exploiting his illness for his own agenda. At least Fox is trying to do something to benefit those similarly afflicted. I do not see Limbaugh doing anything except running is foolish mouth.

Limbaugh, your 15-minutes were up years ago. Now it is time for you to sit down and SHUT THE #$%* UP!