Friday, December 12, 2008
Response to Classmate's Blog
In response to Erich's "Obama on Employment and Energy" In Erich's article he says that it's"great news" that Obama plans to create 2 million highway jobs and in a very sad way I agree with him and Pres. Elect Obama's plan. Is it the whole solution to our financial woes? No, but anything that will stop the trend of unemployed Americans is a good start. Even if it means spending more money on the Highway programs to get started; so what? Unemployed Americans just become a drain on the system whereas employed citizens not only pay taxes to help repay the debt, but feel a sense of pride. I know how Erich feels when he says he is excited to be able to get a job when he graduates.Is it going to be in the field that he studied in college. Hopefully, but maybe not. This reminds me of a similar plan in the early 70's when there was also a recession. I was 19, married with a child and one on the way. There were not many jobs but there was a govt. program started through the US Dept.of Agriculture to create jobs in warehousing and delivering food products to lower income families who qualified. It was not what I had envisioned my life's work to be, but I was very happy to be gainfully employed. I never did get to go to college then but I am making up for it now. I'm glad your excited Erich and I hope when you graduate that soon to be Pres.Obama will come through on these and many other jobs. Faith lives on. Peace.TM
Friday, December 5, 2008
"Return to Higher ground"
When we last left the Republican Party they were still trying to figure out a way to pull off a major upset. The GOP was in disarray, the rats were starting to jump ship, and the blame game had begun in earnest. Gov. Palin turned out in the long run to be more of a liability than an asset. She did succeed in certain areas of energizing the Christian Right and the hardcore conservatives, but in the end she and the GOP in general failed to deliver a clear and concise message. Were they mavericks, or just more of the same? Sen. McCain did have a record, small as it was, of working with folks on the other side of the aisle. Gov.Palin compared herself to Sen. McCain in that respect, and would have us believe that she also was slightly right of center which she obviously was not. I could go on and on about how her campaign rhetoric did more harm than good; but to what end? No sense in beating a dead horse. Question still remains fellow citizens. What went wrong, and where do they go from here?
The Myth of ‘the Southern Strategy’ by Clay Risen reminds us of certain demographic changes that have occurred over the past several decades. Once known as solidly Democratic, the south has become in recent years more a home to the wealthier suburbanites whom have become a part of the growth that is the “New South.” These southerners have voted over the last several elections mainly Republican. This year the GOP held most of the South, with the exception of Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. What does that say to the GOP and the “Southern Strategy?” What does it say to the GOP that the Democrats not only managed to steal away enough of the undecided middle age suburban white voters, but also managed to re-energize the African American and Hispanic blocs, and create a whole new generation of young, energetic first time voters and campaign donors mainly through the use of internet technology? If there is to be hope in 2012 for a run at the White House the GOP will first need to adapt to today’s media and technology, and regain their hold on the South.
The Republican Party is hurting right now much like the Democrats were at the beginning of the current decade. They had to lick their wounds and learn how to make concessions, and so will the Republicans. Many GOP faithful are wondering what happened to their message. I believe that it is not so much a matter of message, but of image. The people have seen enough under Pres. Bush and have spoken. Tell someone you voted Republican now and not only do you have to live with the humiliation but with the shame as well. History remembers not only the event but how we react to the event. Unfortunately the GOP right now is suffering from the fallout of those very reactions. Stay the course GOP faithful. Veer not too far either to the left nor right, and you will perhaps find your way back to the path that leads to the “Higher Ground.” Remember the Gipper. Peace.
3 Successful Republicans Caution Against a Move to the Right - NYTimes.com
The Myth of ‘the Southern Strategy’ by Clay Risen reminds us of certain demographic changes that have occurred over the past several decades. Once known as solidly Democratic, the south has become in recent years more a home to the wealthier suburbanites whom have become a part of the growth that is the “New South.” These southerners have voted over the last several elections mainly Republican. This year the GOP held most of the South, with the exception of Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. What does that say to the GOP and the “Southern Strategy?” What does it say to the GOP that the Democrats not only managed to steal away enough of the undecided middle age suburban white voters, but also managed to re-energize the African American and Hispanic blocs, and create a whole new generation of young, energetic first time voters and campaign donors mainly through the use of internet technology? If there is to be hope in 2012 for a run at the White House the GOP will first need to adapt to today’s media and technology, and regain their hold on the South.
The Republican Party is hurting right now much like the Democrats were at the beginning of the current decade. They had to lick their wounds and learn how to make concessions, and so will the Republicans. Many GOP faithful are wondering what happened to their message. I believe that it is not so much a matter of message, but of image. The people have seen enough under Pres. Bush and have spoken. Tell someone you voted Republican now and not only do you have to live with the humiliation but with the shame as well. History remembers not only the event but how we react to the event. Unfortunately the GOP right now is suffering from the fallout of those very reactions. Stay the course GOP faithful. Veer not too far either to the left nor right, and you will perhaps find your way back to the path that leads to the “Higher Ground.” Remember the Gipper. Peace.
3 Successful Republicans Caution Against a Move to the Right - NYTimes.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Comment on a Colleague's Work, #1
This article is in response to “Can It Be Over Yet?!”posted by jasonhol24 . I really admired your article about the election. You have a lot of passion and voice your opinions firmly, and honestly. It seems to me that you are sick and tired of all the rhetoric and would like things to be over with and get back to normal. The one thing I would disagree with you on is that I believe that your vote does count. I believe it does.
I agree that the country is much divided right now and you can tell that people on both sides of the aisle are upset and rightfully so. But one thing that we as citizens of the Republic should never give up on is our right and duty to bring about change when it is needed.
I often wonder why anyone would want to run for office. From the polls and opinions of citizen’s feelings of politics and politicians in general one may think that they are crazy to do so. I for one and very thankful that they do run. Granted that we the citizenry need to be ever vigilant and watchful and that we need to reward their good efforts with re-election, and punish their poor efforts with our one voice; our vote. Then my friend in your own words we can sit back and relax, “and turn our attention to more pressing issues.”
Peace
I agree that the country is much divided right now and you can tell that people on both sides of the aisle are upset and rightfully so. But one thing that we as citizens of the Republic should never give up on is our right and duty to bring about change when it is needed.
I often wonder why anyone would want to run for office. From the polls and opinions of citizen’s feelings of politics and politicians in general one may think that they are crazy to do so. I for one and very thankful that they do run. Granted that we the citizenry need to be ever vigilant and watchful and that we need to reward their good efforts with re-election, and punish their poor efforts with our one voice; our vote. Then my friend in your own words we can sit back and relax, “and turn our attention to more pressing issues.”
Peace
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
"Where to From Here?"
With one week to go in the 2008 elections, it seems like the pressure has finally really gotten to the RNC and to high ranking members and candidates within the party. The problems continue to mount for Sen. McCain and the Republican Party. Gov. Palin has been accused in the media of “going rogue,” and according to McCain advisers has been labeled a “diva.” According to CNN “Sarah the Diva takes no advice from any of us,” and they claim that “She is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Also, the latest polls show that Sen. Obama is still anywhere from 5-7 percentage points ahead of Sen. McCain. On Wednesday evening, Sen. Obama is airing a 30 minute address on several national broadcast and cable television networks that his campaign has purchased air time for. There is no telling how this will affect the polls, but with the kind of war chest the DNC currently has it does not bode well for the numbers. The question the Republicans should ask is; “Where to From Here?”
With limited spending available and time running out the question many in the RNC should ask is, Should Republicans cut Bait? Chris Cillizzas’ blog features an article from former Pres. Bush’s speech- writer David Frum who suggests that maybe it is time for the RNC to cut funding from the McCain campaign and to concentrate their spending on saving some of the closely contested House and Senate races where Republicans could still possibly retain their seats. This is a very good point although it may be too little too late.
Currently the Democrats hold a majority in Congress. The house has 233 seats and the Senate has 51 seats. Needed for a majority are House ( 218), and Senate (51). Most neutral observers estimate that the Republicans will possibly lose another 20 House seats and 8 Senate seats. If this happens the Republicans could wind up holding no real power whatsoever for at least the next two years. Surely the thought of a Democratic president, House and Senate has most in the GOP feeling rather ill at any point.
The Republican party has more problems than just losing the White House, or more Congressional seats. They really should be concerned on how they fell so far from where they were when President Bush took office. This is a president whose approval ratings were excellent and who after two years had control of the Congress. Polls at the time and at the time of the 2004 election had Pres. Bush rated very high in all areas of moral standards. Whether people agreed with his policies or not, he was someone who a majority of the citizens trusted. The same polls taken recently do not reflect the publics trust in either Pres. Bush, or the GOP in general.The question in my mind the Republicans should be asking each other is, “How Do We Get Back From here?"
With limited spending available and time running out the question many in the RNC should ask is, Should Republicans cut Bait? Chris Cillizzas’ blog features an article from former Pres. Bush’s speech- writer David Frum who suggests that maybe it is time for the RNC to cut funding from the McCain campaign and to concentrate their spending on saving some of the closely contested House and Senate races where Republicans could still possibly retain their seats. This is a very good point although it may be too little too late.
Currently the Democrats hold a majority in Congress. The house has 233 seats and the Senate has 51 seats. Needed for a majority are House ( 218), and Senate (51). Most neutral observers estimate that the Republicans will possibly lose another 20 House seats and 8 Senate seats. If this happens the Republicans could wind up holding no real power whatsoever for at least the next two years. Surely the thought of a Democratic president, House and Senate has most in the GOP feeling rather ill at any point.
The Republican party has more problems than just losing the White House, or more Congressional seats. They really should be concerned on how they fell so far from where they were when President Bush took office. This is a president whose approval ratings were excellent and who after two years had control of the Congress. Polls at the time and at the time of the 2004 election had Pres. Bush rated very high in all areas of moral standards. Whether people agreed with his policies or not, he was someone who a majority of the citizens trusted. The same polls taken recently do not reflect the publics trust in either Pres. Bush, or the GOP in general.The question in my mind the Republicans should be asking each other is, “How Do We Get Back From here?"
Monday, October 13, 2008
Mixed Messages
There are less than thirty days left until the Presidential Election and it seems like things have come to a point in his campaign where Senator McCain must decide how he would like history to remember him. The actions so far of the Republican Party Strategists, and in many ways those of Sen. McCain himself may have already done irrevocable harm to his reputation as a hero to the United States, and a man of honor.
In an article titled “More Mixed Messages from McCain” posted on ABC News.com, Senior National Correspondent Jake Tapper’s blog site, some responses have shown how for most of “Main St., America, ” McCain’s message has perhaps lost it’s direction, and is due to a certain extent from his own actions.
Senator McCain, Governor Palin, and the Republican strategists have over the course of the last week ratcheted up the assault on Senator Obamas’ “character through association.” Governor Palin has been quoted as saying that Senator Obama was “palling around with an admitted terrorist,” William Ayers. Sen. Obama has also been attacked for his association to his often inflammatory Rev. Jeremiah Wright and his support of Louis Farrakhan. Any reports of any wrongdoing on either issue were unsubstantiated.
Senator McCain is shown in several videos at his town hall meetings trying to calm the fears of Republican followers over the fact that “that guy” Obama, may indeed be someone who “cohorts with domestic terrorists, such as Ayers,” or that he maybe even be “an Arab.” Senator McCain did admirably say to both followers that they “need not be afraid” and that Senator Obama was not an Arab. But the question still remains; “how did he get to this point in the first place?”
Mr. Tappers’ article points out that Sen. McCain have “no intention on letting up on the character attacks.” Judged by the responses from his posting, I can only pray that he is wrong. Senator McCain has had two opportunities on national television debates with in excess of 60 million viewers to confront Sen. Obama on his character, and has failed to do so face to face. His body language and facial expressions in the first debate, as well as his over the shoulder reference to Sen.Obama as “that guy” in the second debate have in my opinion helped to fuel this type of hysteria. Having Pastor Conrad invoking the intercession of the “real God” before a campaign rally was also a huge mistake.
Senator McCain and his campaign should leave God out of this campaign. He did not create the mess we are in, nor is he running for office. The American people want to hear real solutions to real problems and not unfounded character attacks.
In an article titled “More Mixed Messages from McCain” posted on ABC News.com, Senior National Correspondent Jake Tapper’s blog site, some responses have shown how for most of “Main St., America, ” McCain’s message has perhaps lost it’s direction, and is due to a certain extent from his own actions.
Senator McCain, Governor Palin, and the Republican strategists have over the course of the last week ratcheted up the assault on Senator Obamas’ “character through association.” Governor Palin has been quoted as saying that Senator Obama was “palling around with an admitted terrorist,” William Ayers. Sen. Obama has also been attacked for his association to his often inflammatory Rev. Jeremiah Wright and his support of Louis Farrakhan. Any reports of any wrongdoing on either issue were unsubstantiated.
Senator McCain is shown in several videos at his town hall meetings trying to calm the fears of Republican followers over the fact that “that guy” Obama, may indeed be someone who “cohorts with domestic terrorists, such as Ayers,” or that he maybe even be “an Arab.” Senator McCain did admirably say to both followers that they “need not be afraid” and that Senator Obama was not an Arab. But the question still remains; “how did he get to this point in the first place?”
Mr. Tappers’ article points out that Sen. McCain have “no intention on letting up on the character attacks.” Judged by the responses from his posting, I can only pray that he is wrong. Senator McCain has had two opportunities on national television debates with in excess of 60 million viewers to confront Sen. Obama on his character, and has failed to do so face to face. His body language and facial expressions in the first debate, as well as his over the shoulder reference to Sen.Obama as “that guy” in the second debate have in my opinion helped to fuel this type of hysteria. Having Pastor Conrad invoking the intercession of the “real God” before a campaign rally was also a huge mistake.
Senator McCain and his campaign should leave God out of this campaign. He did not create the mess we are in, nor is he running for office. The American people want to hear real solutions to real problems and not unfounded character attacks.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Anything But Presidential
E.J. Dionne's article in the Washington Post, titled "The Photo McCain Wanted,"was right on in it's description of how Sen. McCain manipulated the events that led up to the bailout meeting at the White House. All things considered, it turned out to be nothing but a staged photo op. Mr. Dionne contends in his article that Sen. McCain's agenda and that of the Congressional members already at work on the problem were not one and the same.
Mr. Dionne, Op-Ed contributor to the Washington Post, is a current Georgetown U. Professor, author of several books, including, "Stand Up Fight Back: Republican Toughs, Democratic Wimps, and the Politics of Revenge." He is also the recipient of numerous Awards for Excellence in the fields of politics and journalism. His politically viewed as slightly right of liberal.
In essence it all started when last week on Wednesday the 24th of September, President Bush addressed an extremely concerned nation and pointed out quite bluntly that the nation was indeed in a the "midst of a serious financial crisis, and the the federal government is responding." How was it then that earlier that day, John McCain had already talked of suspending his campaign, and postponing the debate? McCain was practicing the traditional art of posturing. He was setting himself up to come riding into town on his white steed and save the day. Some may even call him a Maverick.
According to Mr. Dionne's article, Senator McCain's people had been contacted during the day on Wednesday about the Thursday meeting. Senator Obama did not receive his invite from President Bush until 7:30 p.m. On Thursday Senator McCain met with Congressional House leaders. The same leaders who had earlier agreed to support the bill in it's current bi-partisan form. The final outcome of the House vote was nays- 228, yays- 205, Ayes- Dem- 140 Rep-65
Nays Dem-95 Rep 133. Didn't Sen.McCain hear Pres. Bush's speech about urgency and bi-partisanship?
Some would ask why would a Democratic House vote in favor of a bill to save the hide, possibly, of a Republican President whom in their eyes, and in the eyes of most of the nation according to the latest polls, is responsible for the current crisis to begin with? One possible answer. Out of a sense of responsibility, or duty? Another possibility? Political posturing? I think not of the latter.
Sen. McCain was supposed to win last week's debate against Sen. Obama easily according to most experts. Anyone who watched the debate hopefully saw that there are many more things that go into making someone "Presidential"than the substance of a speech. Although Sen. Obama at times seemed to defer to Sen. McCain and concede that he was right, he also showed me something that Sen. McCain failed to do. He showed me that he was considerate enough to admit his shortcomings, and to respect his opponent for his many years of knowledge and experience. What did he get in return for his doting affection. Not so much as even one glance, just sneers, smiles, and smirks. Please not let it go unnoticed that it was the results of the first debate that precipitated the events leading to Mr. Dionne's article. Senator John McCain was feeling the pressure and reacted poorly. Not very good qualities for a president if you ask me.
"The times, they are a changin." Bob Dylan.
Peace to all.
Thorton Mellon.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/09/26/ST2008092601327.html
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/09/29/the-bailout-bill-fails-should-we-blame-mccain.aspx
http://cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign
Mr. Dionne, Op-Ed contributor to the Washington Post, is a current Georgetown U. Professor, author of several books, including, "Stand Up Fight Back: Republican Toughs, Democratic Wimps, and the Politics of Revenge." He is also the recipient of numerous Awards for Excellence in the fields of politics and journalism. His politically viewed as slightly right of liberal.
In essence it all started when last week on Wednesday the 24th of September, President Bush addressed an extremely concerned nation and pointed out quite bluntly that the nation was indeed in a the "midst of a serious financial crisis, and the the federal government is responding." How was it then that earlier that day, John McCain had already talked of suspending his campaign, and postponing the debate? McCain was practicing the traditional art of posturing. He was setting himself up to come riding into town on his white steed and save the day. Some may even call him a Maverick.
According to Mr. Dionne's article, Senator McCain's people had been contacted during the day on Wednesday about the Thursday meeting. Senator Obama did not receive his invite from President Bush until 7:30 p.m. On Thursday Senator McCain met with Congressional House leaders. The same leaders who had earlier agreed to support the bill in it's current bi-partisan form. The final outcome of the House vote was nays- 228, yays- 205, Ayes- Dem- 140 Rep-65
Nays Dem-95 Rep 133. Didn't Sen.McCain hear Pres. Bush's speech about urgency and bi-partisanship?
Some would ask why would a Democratic House vote in favor of a bill to save the hide, possibly, of a Republican President whom in their eyes, and in the eyes of most of the nation according to the latest polls, is responsible for the current crisis to begin with? One possible answer. Out of a sense of responsibility, or duty? Another possibility? Political posturing? I think not of the latter.
Sen. McCain was supposed to win last week's debate against Sen. Obama easily according to most experts. Anyone who watched the debate hopefully saw that there are many more things that go into making someone "Presidential"than the substance of a speech. Although Sen. Obama at times seemed to defer to Sen. McCain and concede that he was right, he also showed me something that Sen. McCain failed to do. He showed me that he was considerate enough to admit his shortcomings, and to respect his opponent for his many years of knowledge and experience. What did he get in return for his doting affection. Not so much as even one glance, just sneers, smiles, and smirks. Please not let it go unnoticed that it was the results of the first debate that precipitated the events leading to Mr. Dionne's article. Senator John McCain was feeling the pressure and reacted poorly. Not very good qualities for a president if you ask me.
"The times, they are a changin." Bob Dylan.
Peace to all.
Thorton Mellon.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/09/26/ST2008092601327.html
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/09/29/the-bailout-bill-fails-should-we-blame-mccain.aspx
http://cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign
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