Bin Laden's mission accomplished???

Seems to me we might be on our way. Remember this?...

http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/11/01/binladen.tape/index.html

Scary. I think we might want to consider some new leadership, with a new agenda.

OMG, you have to watch this...

Palin Contradicts McCain and Sides with Obama !!!

McCain/Palin do joint damage control interview with Couric

Although these videos speak for themselves. McCain won't even let Palin defend herself.

Why aren't we listening to these guys?

...Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) on bailout bill/economy

...Dennis Kucinich(D-Ohio) on bailout bill/economy
...again

Bailout Bill Nixed

Anxiety on Wall Street was at an all time high today leading to the largest Dow Jones drop in U.S. history (777 pts.) More large financial institutions today reported huge losses brought on by the volatile mortgage market. Among them were Sovereign Bancorp Inc. and Wachovia. Sovereign saw its shares today drop close to 60%. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, or FDIC, said that Citigroup Inc. will take over Wachovia's banking operations. It is likely that more banking giants will follow suit soon.

Despite pleas from the White House and Treasury Secretary Paulson the House defeated the much anticipated Bailout Bill today on Capitol Hill. So it looks like both Wall Street and Main Street will have to wait a bit longer for help. While the Democrats have a majority in Congress they have been extremely vocal that they will not carry this highly controversial politically charged bill themselves. Both sides of the aisle do not want to be held responsible if this plan fails, and rightfully so.

John McCain in an attempt to save his campaign selfishly shoved party politics into the mix last week. One could argue that the reason why we do not have a deal at this point is because of the grandstanding by good ol'boy McCain. Once again John McCain puts party first instead of his country. The worst of it all, is now he is pointing the finger at Barack Obama.

Sorry Senator but no amount of political right wing pundits can spin that one. You fake suspended your campaign. You made a dozen appearances before you 'rushed' back to Washington. You did not bring people together. You did not even read the first bill proposed and you still have yet to comment on where you actually stand.

You actually have to take a stance to be considered a leader. If America has learned anything by this, it is that you are not President material.

Be Smart Massachusetts...

Vote YES on Question 2. The November 4th ballot will give Massachusetts residents a chance to take a stand against a putative and irrational policy that has continued to cause our state (and our country, for that matter) more harm than protection, cost millions of wasted taxpayer dollars, and strip otherwise law-abiding adults of the basic freedom of doing with their bodies what they choose. Question 2 would decriminalize (that does NOT mean legalize) less than one ounce of marijuana, replacing criminal penalties with a civil infraction ($100 fine), similar to a parking violation. Decriminalization of marijuana is by no means the best we can do to reshape our nations ass-backward drug policies, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.

Here is the bottom line. Over the past 70+ years, the United States has spent billions of taxpayer dollars enforcing marijuana prohibition. Nine out of 10 marijuana offenders are charged solely with simple possession. Many people have been sent to prison because of these laws, and even more have acquired a lifelong criminal record for a marijuana offense. But, here's the situation-

1)Marijuana use has only increased over this period of prohibition, therefore, strict enforcement has NOT lead to a decrease in use.


















2)Marijuana has been scientifically proven (over and over again) to be less harmful and less addictive (most evidence shows that marijuana is not chemically addictive) than other legal and regulated drugs, such as alcohol and tobacco (not to mention the whole slew of pharmaceuticals), yet we treat it as if it is more dangerous. In addition, there is now no question that marijuana has medicinal benefits, and patients who find relief in marijuana are currently subject to criminal sanctions.
3)Marijuana prohibition, not marijuana use, has lead to a great deal of violent crime. Marijuana does not make people violent (and really you can't even use that argument because we all know an violent alcoholic or two- and that's perfectly legal). What makes people violent is the black market in which drugs are being dealt. Think about it...as soon as we ended alcohol prohibition, violent, organized crime dropped dramatically. I suppose that this is an argument for legalization and regulation, which I fully support. Either way, putting criminal sanctions on marijuana users makes no sense and does nothing to stop violent crime.
4)Decriminalizing small amounts (or any amounts, in my opinion) of marijuana DOES NOT send the wrong message to our youth. Please stop saying that it does...it's a ridiculous theory. Think about it. If we don't want our youth to use mind-altering substances, it is much more effective to regulate the substance. This is why every high school and junior high school survey shows that it is easier for kids to access marijuana and other illegal substances than alcohol and cigarettes. And, marijuana's criminal status has done nothing to deter young people from using. In addition, the harm that is caused by our current policy sends the message to youth that in our country, the government gets to create laws based not on science and research, but on draconian moral standards. In my opinion, that is the wrong message. On another note, if we want to create laws to send the "right" message to youth, we might as well put a ban on fast-food and artificial ingredients, since heart disease and cancer cause more deaths than anything else in this country.

Let responsible adults make their own decisions. Let's inform young people of the real harm from drugs, but let's not lie to them in hopes that they won't use. Let's put money toward education, drug prevention and rehabilitation. Stop using taxpayer dollars to punish individuals for an offense that 75 million Americans think is OK. What happened to majority rules? Let's create drug policies that actually work(there is such thing- check out the Netherlands' drug policies), and stop punishing people for choosing a different drug than yours. You can come home from work and sip on your martini...I'd rather spark a joint.

Hey, look at me when I'm talking to you!

Why is it that McCain couldn't look Obama in the eyes during the debate? Not once. Instead, he just looked straight ahead with that pretentious shit-eating grin as Obama spoke directly at him. Yeah, cuz he'd be a great negotiator.Why is it that McCain couldn't look Obama in the eyes during the debate? Not once. Instead, he just looked straight ahead with that pretentious shit-eating grin as Obama spoke directly at him. Yeah, cuz he'd be a great negotiator...

The Oxymorons - Tough vs Smart

What do you really believe in? It's a good question. I ask only because I have trouble understanding why so many lower- and middle-incomed (class is not a fair term) Americans tend to lean to the right and often vote Republican. Granted, this is America and you're free to choose, but you're really only kicking yourself in the ass when you vote if you're not fully informed. If you believe the economy is in the dumps, and has been for the past 6 to 8 years, Bush hasn't helped you. If you believe that small businesses are too often failing and large corporations are far too wealthy, and you don't like that you now have to pitch in to bail them out so they can continue to maintain their wealth, Bush hasn't helped you. If you believe we're too smart of a nation to be spending billions and billions of our dollars on an archaic form of fuel to power our homes and cars that soils the earth and causes wars, Bush hasn't helped you. If you believe that the only reason we still rely on oil so much is because our current politicians are so heavily supported by the oil companies and car manufacturers who depend on that income, obviously Bush hasn't helped you.

Here's the thing. McCain isn't going to help you either. He's just not much different from Bush at all. Maybe even worse. After all, while Barack Obama chose a running mate based on who would best help him lead our country towards prosperity, John McCain clearly chose his based on who would help him get elected. Sarah Palin is in nobody's best interest. Obama could've easily chosen Hillary Clinton. A very popular choice that would've been. It would've have surely increased his odds of winning. But he didn't, and for that I applaud him.

Sure, McCain was a POW - a brave veteran, indeed. He's tough as nails, right? He'll kick anyone's ass who even utters the word terrorist, right? Why is it that so many get suckered in by the tough guy act? It's all crap. What we need is the most intelligent President we can find, not the one with the biggest pickup truck. That's how we make ourselves safe and prosperous at the same time. So, before you pull that lever, think really hard about what you believe in. If you're a regular American like me, who doesn't have Swiss bank accounts and a summer home on the Vineyard, think long and hard about who truly supports your best interests. If you choose to vote for the guy who contradicts your beliefs, just because of his war record, then my friend, you are truly an Oxymoron.

Deal or No Deal

U.S. Politicians are close to a deal after days and days of tough deliberations. Immediately the Federal Government will have $250 billion dollars to purchase the bad assets of financial institutions. An additional $100 billion has been allocated to President Bush, to be used at his discretion. Way to go Congress!!! And for those of you counting, the final $350 billion dollars will need final sign off by Congress at a later date.

This legislation includes an oversight board to monitor the bailout program, and limits the payouts to corporate execs of the rescued companies. The White House has been rushing this deal from the beginning. The first bailout bill proposed by Secretary Paulson was quickly shot down by both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill.

Here is a link to view the drafted proposal:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/business/21draftcnd.html

What I learned last night...

is that John McCain does not answer a question directly. He spends the first minute of every two minute response rambling about troop sacrifice or his travels to Waziristan. But he never directly answers a question.

John McCain is an image nothing more. He is promoting this idea of a straight talking maverick. The problem with this approach is that his actions and words do not support his image, which makes him a contradiction. It is clear from the start the republicans objective is to win at all cost.

Choosing Sarah Palin as a running mate was not in the best interest of the American people. No one can defend that, and if you would like to try I welcome that discussion. That choice was to distract the focus of the American people, and it almost worked. But America doesn't need distractions, we need fundamental policy change in this country.

We need a leader that puts the country first not his party. John McCain chose his party over his country when he chose Sarah Palin. Maybe I am crazy but I have a problem with someone thinking they have direct foreign policy experience by being in close proximity to another country. I once held a Physics book to my head but that does not make me a Physicist.

The "Right" Change

Last week I flicked on Fox News, and I caught a commercial talking about the "Right Change". The ad was produced by a "Non-Partisan" group called Right Change.

"RightChange.com is nonprofit, nonpartisan "527" organization
established as a counterbalance to MoveOn.org and its allies.
Through advertising, a Web site and events around the country,
the group will provide a clear view of economic
policy issues and work to help Americans see through spin
and hype that often surrounds serious economic policy challenges."

This is an excerpt from a statement given by Tim Pittman,
who is the Executive Director of Right Change. 

In further research about this organization I have discovered that this is so very far from non-partisan, and here is why....

Meet the Right Change Board of Directors:

• Fred Eshelman, President
• Fletcher Hartsell, Corporate Secretary
• Jeffrey Barnhart, Member
• Tim Pittman, Executive Director

Fred Eschelman is a Pharmaceutical Exec who has been a max donor of John McCain's Campaign, contributing more than 200,000 dollars since 2002.

Fletcher Hartsell and Jeffrey Barnhart are Republican members of the North Carolina General Assembly. Hartsell is currently serving his ninth term in the state Senate, and Barnhart is serving his second term in the state's House of Representatives.

This is hardly the right framework for a non-partisan organization to inform people.

It is pretty clear by reading the information on this site which party they support. If they were really non-partisan they might cover some negative parts of John McCain's record. But I searched all over and there is nothing but attacks on Obama.

We are at a time where you cannot trust anything you hear or see 100%. You must remain skeptical and conduct your own research to uncover these lies. This is a crucial time in America and the future of our country. It is up to us to become informed about the issues. Do not fall for cheap tactics by fake non-partisan organizations.

Dear John McCain,

This just in... John McCain's recent attempt at saving his Presidential Campaign from the dumpster has not worked. Shame on you 'Maverick' for injecting Presidential politics into delicate negotiations to save the nation's economy and ultimately the working class. You can no longer use your precious slogan "Country First." Now that slogan is "McCain First."

Your poll numbers are dropping because the American people have finally realized that you have no substance. Since clinching your parties' nomination you have flipped on EVERY issue. You have discredited all the noble work that you did prior to this race.

If we have learned anything from you in the last 48 hours it is that you will do anything to win. The economy is in serious trouble and you would rather destroy the progress on working towards a bill for a photo shoot. Up until Monday you thought the fundamentals of the economy are strong. The five principles you laid out were five days to late. Sorry John but they shouldn't even let you near this bill. What is even more disturbing is you rushed back to Washington to get this deal done, and you won't give a statement on where you actually stand. Do you oppose it? Do you support it? Oh wait, you haven't even read it!!!


This was a political stunt and nothing more. And you know what, it's sad. We deserve more from our elected leaders. Especially from a man in your position.

Who's tax plan would you do better under?

Dont really know because you cant figure it out? Well, no worries, just ask the internet. Nifty.

http://www.electiontaxes.com

From YahooNews

The Portland-based company Quantrix says taxpayers who log onto http://www.electiontaxes.com and enter their income can obtain a free estimate of what they would pay in taxes for 2009 through 2012 under each of the two presidential candidates.

"The economy is a key factor in this presidential election, and our interactive tool enables individuals to make an informed choice when casting their vote," said professor Jeffrey Gramlich of the University of Southern Maine. "With just a few keystrokes, this model enables voters to see how these tax plans will impact their personal bottom line."

...another excuse to hide Palin's idiocy

Ok. So McCain suspends his campaign. Clearly a political move to avoid this debate that he obviously isn't prepared for (which, by the way, didn't work out so well, as the debate is on for tonight). It seems silly, but at least he gives an excuse that some (ignorant) Americans might accept- he has a crisis in Washington and he needs to be there to deal with it (even though he didn't actually do anything in the construction of a bailout bill). Even set aside the fact that Congress suggested that the candidates weren't needed to step in on this legislation that they have been working so diligently on, and that McCain clearly used it as an excuse for a photo-op. Let's just say that John McCain was needed in Washington to help Congress come to an agreement on what to do about bailing out Wall Street. The question that lingers for me is...Why on earth did Sarah Palin need to suspend her campaigning as well? Yesterday it was announced that Sarah Palin would not be campaigning so long as John McCain continues his suspension. According to Fox News (and I do apologize for having to cite Fox News, but they are the only outlet that the McCain feels comfortable making these type of statements to), "Palin spokesperson Tracey Schmitt explained, 'We are the McCain-Palin campaign and I think Senator McCain was clear about what it meant that he was suspending his campaign. . .We are part of the McCain-Palin campaign. It is one ticket.'” She did however make time to, and I quote, "go for a jog" and of course, visit the Ground Zero site, which plays in perfectly to the McCain campaign's tactic of flaunting 911 and "the war on terror" to his political advantage. Could it actually be, that Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign will find any possible way to keep her out of the media's reach? Judging by her stellar performance in her interview with Katie Couric and her brilliant remarks about her foreign policy experience because of Alaska's proximity to Russia, I think it is safe to say...Sarah Palin is an idiot. And I think she knows it.

My second question- Why aren't Americans up in arms about Sarah Palin's avoidance of the media? Why are Americans, both Dems and Republicans alike, not insisting that Palin share her views on any policy issues? Since when is it ok for a candidate of any political position to not face some sort of scrutiny? WHY?

Accountability.......

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/campbell-brown-holds-paul_n_129296.html

accountability.....

On another note:

CANT WAIT FOR THE DEBATE....with or without McCain.

WAKE UP!!!

Wake up, America. It's time for a change. This is no longer about party politics. We're down to our last pitch and we must not strike out. We need to start asking ourselves what is best for us and what is best for our country. We need to start taking the time to pay attention to what's going on and stop sacrificing our freedoms and rights as Americans and start making our voices heard. For those who choose to support the path we are currently following, at least ask yourself, "What has been in it for me?". We must remember that this is a country that was founded on the idea that our government is NOT always right and we have the right to intervene. We do so in the form of an educated vote and a grassroots uprising. Acting on what we believe is right IS the PATRIOTIC way, and we are sick of seeing those who are benefiting from our corrupt policies telling us that disagreeing with our government is unAmerican. It is how we came to be and we cannot let them take that from us. We must stop being complacent to a government that has stripped us of the very principals this country was founded on. We must set aside our differences and battling philosphies and start getting practical. We must make America work for it's people...ALL of it's people, and not just the top tier of our population. The economy, the war, our precious planet, the health and well-being of our citizens...these are issues that cannot and must not be ignored. We are running out of time. Wake up, America.