Why I'm Voting For Obama
65Why Vote For Obama?
After a 2 month lapse in my writing, I feel a drive to tell the world why I have chosen to vote for Obama this year. I know the 2 supposedly taboo subjects that one should never argue about are politics and religion, but if my stab at writing here has any effect to positively influence someone to make a better choice, then this hub has been well worth it.
I won't pretend to be some highly knowledgeable political commentator, because I'm not, but what I can say is I am an average American and a pretty well educated small business woman who has been looking at all the options.
I must say that I was intrigued when Vice President nominee Palin first came on the scene, but after seeing her blistering attack on Obama at the Republican Convention I got really turned off not only by her sarcastic approach but also by the fact that she did little to explain what she would do RIGHT for the country. John McCain also had my notice on Letterman, but like Obama says, it's JUST MORE OF THE SAME.
After being in small business for over 14 years, and seeing the utter devastation that has been wrought on our economy under the Republican Regime, and watching our climate issues repeatedly being argued over and not addressed, I've just about had it with the Republican platform, who has obviously been in league with the corporate interests who persist in keeping the wealthy wealthier and the poor even poorer.
So besides being turned off by McCain and Palin why have I decided to vote for Obama?
For one thing I love his choice of Vice President, Senator Joe Biden. It shows alot of character and vision on Obama's part to pick a running mate that has the strengths he doesn't - especially in foreign policy. Obama is smart and knows he needs help in that area and has picked a good man for the job. I also like the fact that Obama has a lot of spunk and alot of vision, which I think the United States desperately needs right now. I think his supportive family and the support he is receiving from his Democrat constituents also shows an EXTREMELY well united team, and it looks a like a team that has the same goals in mind- not only the health and the financial condition of our country but more importantly the well being of it's citizens- YOU AN I.
Obama and Change
Watching the Democratic and Republican Convention
I have to admit , this was the fist time I have sat and watched BOTH the Democratic and the Republican Conventions, and I was absolutely riveted to the TV . Being a very visual person, I had some interesting observations when I looked at the people in the convention crowds. At the Democratic Convention I saw a crowd much like the same crowd I would see in my everyday American life- a wide variety of people, of all ages,genders and ethnicity's.A real mixture of people which I would expect to see in our multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society,
Now at the Republican Convention I noticed a huge lack of diversity not only in races but also just generally on how people looked. Most of the people in the crowd looked rather well to do, predominantly white, and for me that was a real red flag. This is not to say that race has anything to do with this election- like I said this was only an observation, but I feel an important one. Why? Because I want to know why the people that I see in everyday life were not there representing what I see as the true picture of the American people.
After thinking about all this I really began to see and understand finally the differences between the two parties- Obama on the Democratic side representing the reality of America- the average working class American- and McCain on the other side representing the more affluent side of America. Now you could argue that and say that is not a true observation - but - if you don't believe me take a look back at the conventions on YouTube then draw your on conclusions on who is really being represented here and by whom.
Obama and Biden- A Powerful Team
The Most Important Reason I'm voting for Obama
After studying climate change for the last several years and beginning to really understand the serious state our Earth is now in, I am absolutely appalled at the lack of action taken in the last 8 years under the Bush regime. And what is even more shocking and incomprehensible to me is at the same time one of the largest American oil companies Exxon is reeling in RECORD BREAKING PROFITS while we average Americans are struggling at the pump to pay an an ever increasing price for gas. There is something intrinsically wrong within the Republican Party that they could allow this travesty of justice to happen. While oil company executives walk away with fat bonuses and corporate tax breaks, the people of this country are SUFFERING just trying to put food on the table and keep gas in their tanks. THIS IS JUST PLAIN WRONG, and to know that McCain has voted 90% in agreement with Bush in the last 8 years gives me absolutely no comfort that this American Ripoff is going to end. if anything, under McCain and Palin's rule we will not only be looking into Palin's Alaskan backyard for more oil to fed our oil addiction- but we will once again be ignoring what really needs to happen - a total ALTERNATIVE ENERGY REVOLUTION to save our planet before it's too late. Under Obama's visionary plans we will be tackling climate change head on with bold plans for Alternative Energy and creating jobs along with that, which I think is the ONLY way we can possibly go right now if we want to see our children and grandchildren have a habitable Earth. After Palin's acceptance speech about how they have PLENTY OF OIL on the Northern Alaskan slopes I just had to absolutely shudder at the thought that once again we have Republicans looking to oil for the answer.
Obama on Alternative Energy
Serving Your Country Does Not Make You Presidential Material
Oh and by the way Mr McCain? I have the utmost respect for the fact that you served in the military and persevered under very tough times. even torture. But you know what? My dad was in World War 2, and I know what it's like to be in a military family. My uncle who lived in Canada also fought in World War 2 and was a POW who was also tortured during imprisonment. So I think Mr. McCain although you have made a wonderful contribution to our country it doesn't mean that you should get elevated to the status of President of the United States because of it. I for one think you should stop showing so much coverage of your war time experiences and instead start showing all the millions of other men that have fought and died for our country, and never aspired to the Presidency. I admire your background, but if my dad were alive, he wouldn't have voted for you either.
Like my beloved mother said as we were discussing the courageous life and death of my dad who was a simple man : "there are many great men who never get the recognition they should". My dad was one of them, and there are several million more out there who also served their country with great courage like you-so instead of focusing on your own accomplishments why not focus on those vets who really need our love and support- those in harms way now and those in harms way that now live on the street?
More on Barack Obama
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America Is Sick and We Need Serious Help
So that's my little spiel on why I'm voting for Obama this year- I really don't think we can afford to have Republicans in office for 4 more years- I think we may not have a country or even a world to look forward too if we keep marching down this downhill Republican path. I think it's time WE THE PEOPLE took back our rights as American citizens, put our thinking hats on together, get some medical care like Obama and Hillary want to implement for ALL OF US, get healthy and get back on the road to wellness again.
America is sick and we need help, and I think Obama is just the proactive healer we need right now. The other alternatives are not only scary but downright dangerous. If we don't do something different at this critical junction in history there may be absolutely no turning back the devastation that we are moving into. Let's make records profits for the people on our street and get the money back where it should be going- to the American people.
Let's heal the broken relationships we've fostered in other countries, get our troops home, heal the Earth and most importantly of all, heal ourselves. Time for real change!
OBAMA, YOU'VE GOT MY VOTE!
( I'd also appreciate it if you could rate this article thumbs up or down, but I hope you rate it on my writing and not just by my choice of candidates. Thanks!)
Obama Has Alot of Vision
Official Barack Obama and Joe Biden Campaign Website
- Barack Obama and Joe Biden: The Change We Need | Home
Official Website of Barack Obama 2008 Presidential Campaign
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Comments
As an Australian nor can I vote but this is a really good hub - loved the descriptive people profiles at the two conventions
As I read your well written blog I found myself repeating I agree and what I think too. Am so tired of politicians being openly phony. Karl Rove has helped the party of the current president refine phony. Well done Dorsi. Your blogs have been missed. Write more!
Dorsi!! as an average American on the ground, as I am fond of saying at my site http://anamericanday.com -- it is the way I sign all my blogs there, I agree with your hub word by word.! I too, found Palin sarcastic and harsh and inaccurate in her statements. She was abrasive and haughty. I fear her stands on abortion, religion, and family will harm our freedoms. I fear McCain's readiness for war is as if he is on an eternal mission from his own torturous experiences. Now, I am an educated small business woman myself, with years in psychology and though I am NOT a psychologist, I'm perfectly capable of noticing dysfuntional people, even at a distance.
I fear McCain, and I believe he is hiding behind his service as is evident everytime he stumbles over tough questions about war or the economy. His "I didn't have a kitchen table for years" remark was so entirely self-serving and had nothing to do with the question he was asked.
thank you for expressing your opinion and one I believe that is echoed across this country, I hope we win in November. Our nation needs common sense and good solid leaders that will protect our constitution. thumbs up!!
(and thank you for allowing my link...I have more supportive Obama articles there, and one that is about McCain and what's "wrong" with him.) thanks again.
Dorsi: I was actually thinking yesterday, I haven't Dorsi in Hubpages lately, and here you are! I so agree with your observations, I shudder at the thought of another 4 years of Bush politics through Mccain. And as for Palin, yikes, this lady is not a progressive woman at all. I will also vote for Obama as its time for a healing and change of this country.
I like your hub very much. The problem with America seems to be that a whole lot of people are not very rational about the issues. Denial is a real power and it isn't a river in Egypt. I don't know how to fix this. I do believe in the power of Truth. And the more Obama can help the American people focus on the facts, the better our chances for real change. But maybe it's even more important that we start the process of changing ourselves from within. Please see how I try to help others in new ways. Sincerely: Gary Eby, author and therapist.
Very informative hub Dorsi. I am also voting for Obama.
Good hub. If America gets it wrong this time around there might not be a next time - that's how dangerous I think the McCain/Palin camp is.
Ok i am jumping on this wagon that is for sure. I know my reasons may not be intelligent or rational, I just think after centuries of white men in office...gosh a change would be nice. Interestingly enough, sen Obama is distantly related to Pres. Bush & VP Cheyney! As a woman I would have liked a female running mate for Sen. Obama. darn it I want to see someone in office of my gender (I used to be able to say some that is complected like me, but I can't anymore huh?).
Plus it will be very interesting to me to see what Sen. Obama will do with what he is inheriting, it will be very very rivetting!
Ditto with Paraglider
Great hub!
I am in the UK so i cannot vote, but if i could it will be for Obama!
PS..I loved the lipstick gags and am waiting for lots more!! lol
Well for someone who claims to not be a high-priced political commentator, you cover the major points extremely well. In my case, you're preaching to the choire because I've been with Obama since early in the primary season. Great hub!
You may be interested to know that I am working on a series of hubs regarding the Democratic Platform, as approved by the DNC. I've written an introduction page here: http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Democratic-Agenda , and will be writing individual hubs about the top issues in the platform, based upon the amount of space they dedicated to each issue.
Great hub Dorsi! I'm glad you're back!
Jim Henry, aka crashcromwell
Nicely written Dorsi! A supervisor where I work told me she's "voting for the woman!" Well, voting for someone based on something like their sex, religion, skin color, etc. is crazy because we need to vote based on the issues. How will this person represent you? How does this person's (or people's) stand on the issues represent your beliefs? While I already was voting for Obama instead of McCain, bringing Palin into the mix further cemented my decision. She may be a woman, but in no way does she represent me or anything I believe is important for this country or for women.
Either way it is not going to make any material difference :)
Depression is coming, tighten your belts!
Sorry for being a party pooper :P
I'm also Canadian but great information!
Right on! I can't tell you how important I think this election is. I wrote a similar hub.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-Barack-Obama-is-My-Can
Maybe next I'll write a "Why Sarah Palin scares the **** out of me hub.
I think it's frightening that Sarah Palin said attacking Iraq was a 'task from God' and the McCain camp agreed with her! What other wars will they want to start and then attribute to God's bidding, just because they say so?!
We need a rational, intelligent person in the White House that acts in the interest of the American people, not some voices in his/her head.
It disturbs me to say it, but I have to agree with Misha. All the pretty talk, promises, jabbs at the "other" party are not going to make a material difference to you or me. Maybe to the political party funds, endorsers' pockets and so on, but the average American is in for a hungry, high priced ride no matter who wins.
The next President may not even be able to follow through with campaign promises as Congress will stop him. Isn't that how it works? We vote for a President who promises change and reform and then Congress comes along and sneaks in "buts" or "ride along" policies that would be voted against if they were independent of something agreeable.
The next President is not going to be able to produce change or continue as is. The next President and Congress must work together.
It's a sad time in the US!
Yes it is. GObama! He will change things though.
Thumbs up.
Dorsi, I enjoyed your calm and very rational approach to this! I really like Biden also -probably more than Obama. :) I do agree with Misha's pessimistic comment just a little - life with Obama will not be filled with gum drops and rainbows. We are in a difficult place as a country and I'm not convinced that he will accomplish all that he is selling. We can hope, I guess!
I made the decision to support Obama after some thinking, researching, but my hopes were dashed for anything good and really "maverick" to come out of the McCain camp. I supported McCain in early 2000, but he is no longer the same man. His choice of Palin was callous and cynical, done only to try to fool women voters to support him. He does not know just how smart women really are, and although I can only see life from a man's point of view, if I were a woman I would be personally very insulted by his act.
She is not a person who in any way, shape or form represents the mainstream woman in the U.S. She is of the old school in so many ways. If that is what anyone personally wants, lower pay for the same work, back-alley abortions, no ability to get safe birth control, no ability to expect promotion based on good, hard work, being left out like the women of that show Mad Men, then vote for McCain and Palin.
I you want your daughters (and sons) to grow up in an American that once more gets on track toward greatness, then vote Obama and Biden. I will vote for the audacity of hope because I can't even begin to say just how much I fear we will slide even further backwards under McCain. I don't want to walk around looking forever backwards at "the good old days".
I would rather spend my time looking forward and doing all that I can to make our country better.
All of your commentary was very good. But it will not change my vote for McCain. Since the days of JFK, I have voted the ticket, but not now, McCain has my vote, even before the VP nomination. His experience and love for this country is not ever questioned.
When one does research on Obama, you will find that he is linked to the Saudi's and many other right wing organizations. His refusal to denounce William Ayers, speaks volumes about his true character and hidden agenda. Are you aware that Malcolm X and Al-Mansour, raised money for Obama's graduate school education?
Do your own independent research on a man named Mazen Asbahi, just one of Obama's Muslim Brotherhood, that he refuses to part with. Obama would make a pro-Isamic president despite widespread confusion over his official status in Islam.
And finally, since neither Obama or Biden have any military experience, that alone is enough for me not to vote for their ticket.
Does Obama really want to appeal to White America or is he a black militant in disguise for Black America. These are tough questions and until he answers to his ties with the above organizations, he will not be the next President of the United States.
Do your own independent diligent research voters. Google the following:
Percy Sutton, Al-Mansour, Dr. Khalid Al-Mansour, Jeremiah Wright, Dr Khalid Abdullah Tariq al-Mansour, aka Donald Warden, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale,
"The Lost books of Africa Rediscovered" and finally, William Ayers
The research speaks volumes about Obama's associations.
With less then 60 days to go, the campaigns on both sides will simply get more negative and out of control, rather then to address the real issues facing our nation.
On the issue of who is more qualified for the office, hands down, that choice is McCain versus Obama.
Uh, Haveittodayray, Malcom X died 43 years ago. At 4 Obama was seeking his money for graduate school? Sounds fishy to me,,.like more of that Old Time Propaganda!
(Bring in the chorus! Sing it now!)
Give me the old time propaganda!
Give me that old time propaganda!
Give me the old time propaganda!
It's good enoough for me!
It was good enough for Nixon!
It was good enough for Reagan!
It was good enough for Bush,
and it's good enough for me!
Look, everybody has some things in their past that can be used and twisted into stories of evil, secrecy and conspiracy. Bush has his, and Palin has hers. As for Biden, he has more experience on the Senate Arms committee than anyone else. I wouldn't write him off so quickly. The man is a genius, and a good person.
As a vet I honor McCain's service, much more than republicans ever honored Kerry's service. But I do not see much in McCain's record that makes him better than Biden on that front. Biden has experinece galore, Palin pales. Obama has better ideas, McCain can't get past hiring Bush's cronies, swiftboaters and liar sto run his campaign. He is running Bush's campaign, the same one Bush used to plotically assasinate Mccainin 2000! And you think he is the better man? Please! Give me a break! Now eve Karl (Heil Hitler!) rove works secretly for McCain! why does he keep it a secret? So he can continue to collect a fat paycheck from FOX News! Otherwise FOX would find itself up on charges of ethical violations!
McCain says he is against lobbyists?!?!?!? Then why are so many of his top people lobbyists? Not just ANY lobbyists, but the most successful of the batch!
Vote for McCain if you want to, but do not do so based on lies, twisted logic and half-truths. William Ayers? I know him too! Does that make me a terrorist? hardly! Yes - He did some pretty despicable things back then, in a different time, under different circumstances. However, he had very little influence on or spent little time with Obama. Much ado about nothing, as I see it.
So, I looked at your evidence and so much of it is based upon the Right-wing blogs and websites that couldn't and wouldn't find a good thing to say about Obama - not ever - no how - no way. Find some reputable journalists who back up your stories - people who know how to sift through fact and fiction - and then maybe we'll see if there is any truth to it. And don't give me that "left wing bias in the media" story, 'cause it ain't so! There are excellent journalists who are more right-leaning, but who still, like many of their left-leaning counterparts, to tell the news without bias or having to resort to sensationalism to get their point across.
That's part of the problem with the far Right and far Left non-jurnalistic bloggers - too much reliance upon "facts" created or twisted to fit pre-conceived notions. A fact is a truth, my friend, and can not be bent and shaped to fit one political ideology or another. A fact simply is, and if one goes and tries to shove it neatly into an ideology, it doesn't work. That is why so many extremists, both Left and Right, create these lies, and then veil them in half-truth, so as to fool us into thinking they must be true, they are, after all - facts!
******************
A note to the bloggers of lies and falsehoods - beware!
OK, all you people out there trying to fog the air and muddy the waters - guess what? We're onto you! Lie and cheat all you want - I promise, and I believe others will do so as well - we will not seek out your lies and callously label them as truths! We will not rely upon people who have bent and shaped falsehoods into half-truths, lies into reasonable sounding but baseless arguments.
Its a well written, good hub, Dorsi. Yes, I think Obama is your next president, I've said it since January when all this started to grow. I do think America is ready for change, and I think this man will bring it. If people follow the old regime, then I hope they will accept the old ways too - high unemployment, war mongering, etc - a new mind brings fresh ideals, and Obama is the man to lead it forward.
I spent a cruise on an aircraft carrier off Vietnam in 1975, and got to know a few dozen fighter pilots quite well. Most were around 5'6" -- which is just short enough to think of themselves as threatened by average sailors around them, who were usually 4 or 5 inches taller, and about 2- pounds heavier than they were.
Being short makes for a more roomy fit into crowded jet cockpits, and enable safer ejections with fewer broken legs or arms (McCain was an exception, probably due to him not tucking legs and arms in properly before ejection).
Short pilots also usually sport an aggressive attitude toward life, which makes them somewhat better at ATTACKS than calmer, taller, more secure personalities.
So, the typical jet fighter pilot is shorter than average, a bit cocky and aggressive, and ready to fight on a moment's notice.
CASE IN POINT -- On the way to breakfast after just leaving the ship one day, I passed one of the fighter pilots from my ship and shouted "Hey, good morning!" He jumped like he'd been jabbed with a stick, turned to face me from a dozen feet away and retorted, "Now just waddya mean by THAT?"
That guy could have been John S. McCain. That attitude is the story of his life. His cockiness caused him to ditch his training jet into the bay near Corpus Cristi, and a bit later to clip high tension electric transmission wires causing a power outage in Spain by flying too low, and later to get shot down over Hanoi breaking limbs carelessly during an improper ejection.
John McCain is a typical short-of-stature, cocky jet fighter pilot, except that he is a bit more careless and even more aggressive than most are.
Yes, he stubbornly survived 5+ years as a prisoner of war, and he has survived to be elected President as the last Republican standing, to be possibly the oldest U.S. President ever.
If America elects this man in November, the argument could be made that it will get the President it deserves. But I for one think it deserves better.
God help us.
Good for you, Dorsi! And it's VERY good to see that not everybody is blinded by the backward-thinking, same-as-usual Republicans now running for office. The affects of these two winning the election would be truly devasting on this country... both short and long term.
Thank you EVERYONE for your comments. I was especially concerned today when I heard that Palin seems to have no hesitation in attacking Russia- once again those Republican war drums are sounding loud and clear. We need someone in office like Biden that has foreign policy experience, not someone like Palin who's claim to fame is shooting at Moose.
I guess MY VOTE will cancel yours.....Happy Birthday!!
Excellent hub! I totally agree with you.
And...haveit... no one is closer to the Saudi's than George W. Bush... Also, a lot of people felt the same way when JFK was running for president. They thought he had a hidden agenda to make the Pope the true leader of the US.
Great Hub Dorsi,
I really hate all of the politics but they are not going away. You did a good job for not feeling you have a great understanding. Your conviction to the subject carried you just fine. Thanks for sharing and all the information! C.S.
Dorsi,this is a very thoughtful hub...Thank You! You have clearly laid out all the reasons I am for Obama.
I am voting for Obama because for me this election is about competence. We have had 8 years of an incompetent president with an axe to grind.
I too am a Joe Biden fan. I know that Obama will bring the best and the brightest to his administration.I do not vote on whether I want to have a beer with the President...I can't afford to take the time to do that, given the economy. I want someone who is going to think their way of situations, not shoot first, diplomacy at the 11th hour.
I cannot believe how many women are voting for the McSame Team because of Sarah Palin. She is no Hillary Clinton. Former Hillary supporters, what are you thinking? The more I learn about her, the more frightened I get.
We owe John McCain the thanks of a grateful nation. We do not owe him our vote! And I am tired of people talking about Sarah Palin's son going into Iraq. Joe Biden's 39 year old son is also being deployed to Iraq. He is the Attorney General of Delaware and his national guard unit is being deployed but we don't hear about that in every other sentence.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story
You know Dorsi, it is more than just one guy from the Bush Campaign. Sarah Palin's speechwriter was George Bush's. McCain hired Steve Schmidt to take over the day to day operations of the McCain campaign. He is assisted by Mike McDonald, fellow veteran of the Bush-Cheney campaigns. Other Bush loyalists on the McCain team include the campaign manager, Terry Nelson, communications director, Brian Jones, media advisor, Mark McKinnon.Chuck Larson a major Bush fundraiser has been working with McCain.McCain also hired Mark McKinnon, Russell Schriefer and Stuart Stevens,the team that ran advertisements against McCain that he said distorted his record in 2000.McCain also hird the firm that made the advertisements responsible for the John Kerry Swift Boat ads.
Is this change we can believe in?
I hope my response wasn't too long.
Listen to Barack Obama.. in his own words. He will tell you exactly how he will turn our country into the next "service" nation.. in other words.. he will become the next dictator if he gets his way. Seniors.. are you ready to serve community service... mandatory voluntary community service? Young grads.. are you ready to give to your country in return for your education....nevermind the choice you would make for yourself? Parents.. are you ready to have your youngest child signed on to "serve this nation" in one way or another,, mandated by Obama?
Are you all ready to pay the high cost of all of his billions of dollars of programs he has promised to those who won't for one reason or another care for themselves? Where do you thingk the money comes from? The rich? Who is the rich? Those who hire you? Who do you think will pay for those billions of dollars needed that will come in the form of taxes? How many companies do you thihk will remain in this country if he .. Obama .. gets his way with our corporations? Have your own business? Who will be able to afford what you offer once all those billions of dollars are taken from everyone's pockets?
Wake up people. There are still countries out there that are run by dictators. If you wish that for yourself.. fine. Move to one of them. I for one love the freedom of this wonderful coutnry of ours. How can you not if you are an American?
In further researching of Haveittodayray's comments, I discovered that some of the sources he cited were talking about Obama's father, who had the same name and who was a genius in his own right, and whom many of the Black leaders of the 60's & 70's may have thought worthy of support. Obama Sr. was educated in the U.S. and went to Harvard, Stamford, and other prestigious U.S. Universities.
Some of the sources cited were already somewhat anti-Obama, and it does not suprise me that they, like so many Left and Right wing blogs and websites, use misinformation to further an idea and agenda they already hold. In short, they make up their minds and then wrongly make the facts fit into an approved agenda, even when the facts are quite certainly contrary or misapplied to the matter at hand.
In this case Barack Hussein Obama Sr. was most likely the one mentioned in the articles, and some of the claims of sponsorship do not seem to have proved true. As I mentioned, Malcolm X died when Obama Jr. was about 4 years old, although he is cited by Haveittodayray as a contributor and sponsor of Obama Jr.'s college education. Huey Newton died destitute in 1989, after an in and out of prison experience in later life. He had no money to sponsor his own defense, much less a Harvard education for Barack Obama Jr. I have found absolutely no good evidence that he ever met, wrote to, received any writings from, or even heard of Barack Obama Jr. or Sr. Newton spent all of his later life in California.
I still maintain that a lot of those citations Haveittodayray uses are from Right-leaning sources that have no reason, and no journalistic obligation, to state the facts without bias.
Furthermore, a lot of the people involved lived and were active in the time of Obama Sr., not Obama Jr., and if there were any dealings with Obama Sr. they would have been at a time when the father and son did not even know each other. They seem to have very little to do with Obama Jr. as cited in their blogs.
Some Right-wing bloggers imply that Obama Jr. read radical writings by these people mentioned in Haveittodayray's comment. Well, I read many of them as well. that did not make and does not make me a radical, Communist or violent activist. I read them tolearn something that was important to my own historical perspective, and I did not agree with the violent calls to action, even though I did agree that changes were long overdue.
As a "child of the 60's" I remember first-hand the anger, the hatred, White against Black, Black against White, that ruled the politics of the day. It was not a pretty sight, but it was a cathasis - a purging of seething nager left too long unspoken. In short, it purged the nation of many of the falsehoods of segregation and separate but equal that had been left to fester up until that time.
It also ushered in the era when the Southern states left the Democratic party, mostly because the racism and conservative thinking in the South could not square itself with the more forward looking agenda of the New Democrats that left behind that old Democratic Party compromise with out-and-out racists like George Wallace and many others of that era. Even in the time of Lyndon Johnson the South was a separate branch of the Democratic Party, known as the Dixiecrats, good-old-boys who broke with Johnson on the Civil Rights Bill and the changes that were finally appearing in America, after first being championed by Abraham Lincoln, and even earlier by the Abolitionists of the 1840-60's.
I'll say it again - blogs, propaganda sources and obviously biased websites - Right or Left - have no good reason to be used as sources by patriotic, responsible citizens of the United States. Vote for whomever you will, but vote based on the truth, not someone else's biased opinion - not even my biased opinion!
As far as Ayers you might as well include most of the politicians in Chicago as being inacquaintance with him. Add a few thousand private citizens as well, for the man did a lot of work on a local level, including sponsoring art shows and musical events in Chicago. what he did in the 60's and early 70's is a far cry from the workl he did in the 80', 90's and up until today. It seems to be the fact (yes, fact, because he still maintains his belief that he was right.), that he is an unrepentant radical from three decades ago that matters most to the Right wing bloggers. I have yet to see any mention that he long ago gave up violence and, although he still promoted many radical causes such as equality for all, equal pay for equal work, womens' rights to choose, and so forth, he does so now only as a writer and speaker, not as a radical actionary.
By the way, our Mayor Daley, son of the man who single handedly caused the Chicago riots, of which I was an innocent victim simply becasue I was young and happened to pass by an altercation between protetors and police, also knows Ayers. Does that make Daley Jr. a violent agent of radical change? I would hardly think so.
Guilt by association is a Fascist technique perfected by Hitler's Gestapo - shame on any American who uses Nazi techniques to politically assasinate any person running for office! Let the shame fall where it may.
Amen, sister!
I'm sorry, but I don't understand much of what you have written above, Bobgnote, but I reiterate my statement that so many people use blogs as "proof" for their statements. Even I have done that, although I am on the 12-step program to wean myself off using them.
I do not know if there is any "truth" out there anymore. I want to find it, but so many lies are circulating, and people just eat them up like candy! McCain has recently alientated the Associayted Press, which has put a special team on any and all of his statements coming across the wires because so many falsehoods have been passed off as truth.
The AP has traditionally been friendly to the Republicans, so for him to have lost their confidence speaks volumes to me. So far the AP has not done the same for Obama, so I guess he hasn't reached the "liar's threashhold" yet. {ersonally, I hope he never does.
As for, what I think you are saying, the Demos dropped you from their blogs - I have no idea how one gets dropped, so I have no answer. I have been dropped from some Republican blogs for trying to speak mild opposition.
I guess bloggers simply don't like anyone mucking up their operations, even if that person tries to correct misstatements or outright lies.
Loved reading this hub, it's giving me back some faith in people. The republican supporters are very vocal and harsh in their opinions which worries me allot. I've also nodded to every point you've made.
I'm Australian and this is the first US election I have been passionately interested in. Mainly I believe this is because of the global implications that will come about as a result of what happens in November. (This has been the case previously too, however, there is something pivotal about this time in history.) Either we go downward with more of the same leadership or change starts to happen. I agree there is going to be a recession, it's already started. The Democrats have a huge job ahead fixing what is clearly broken. The task Obama has is massive and I just hope his supporters stay with him throughout it. Bearing in mind that it will take years for change to happen.
I hear allot of women in particular speaking about wanting to have a woman in the White House, disappointed that Hillary didn't get in. I was speaking to a friend recently and said that the most powerful thing Hillary could do for her country is to stand by the Democrates no matter what. She will still have an effect, there is no doubt about it. If she is to become remembered (she will be anyway) but to leave her stamp as a powerful influence on humanity, her turn is coming, not in being a President or VP but how she can hold people whilst this transition occurs. Her day is coming, it hasn't ended.
What really inspires me about the Democrates is the INTELLIGENCE that comes from their words, their intentions, their humanitarian thinking. It's global and not tunnelled to just the USA. This is really important. Allot of people in the USA don't understand that when America sneezes other places in the world catch cold. I've also been told to mind my own business, this election is none of my business. (I don't have to tell you which side that came from). It is definitely my business. Believe it or not I actually care what happens to you guys over there, and as a superpower the influence on the globe is huge.
May the force be with you.
Hi Dorsi
I just read your hub, as I have read so many hubs about the forthcoming election, with the fascinated interest of someone who can not even vote, but still is desparate that this whole thing goes the right way. As Jewels just said in her comment ' When America sneezes, other places in the world catch cold.'
Here in the Uk we are watching and waiting. We too are headed into recession. Our property prices are tumbling. Fuel at the pump costs more and more as does our food and energy at home. Some of our banks are struggling, and Northern Rock is our very own version of Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac. Much of this is of our own making, caused by short-sighted and inept government, but quite a bit more is symptomatic of the cold we caught when America sneezed.
Your hub gave me a little extra insight into what drives the McCain camp. Oil runs in the veins of many McCain supporters and followers, and this is both dangerous and volatile. I have spent a lot of time researching and studying the whole issue of Peak Oil and alternative energy, and I know that the solution to humanities problems does not lie in the oilfields of the Alaskan wastes. it lies in the clean, readily renewable, energies all around us, and it lies in the hands of those tireless inventors who are beavering away to turn sunlight, wind, water, hydrogen and heat into the fuels and energy sources of the future.
I've been closely following the genesis of the Transition Town movement (see my hub) and I'm heartened to see that this low-impact, community-based, environment aware movement is now at last making headway in America. I like the cut of Obama's gib. And even if its none of my business either (LOL) I hope he wins.
I HEARD THE SPEECH BY OBAMA IN THE CONVENTION ON CNN , AND I FEEL HE WILL WIN.
mccann
Great Article, I am a Obama Mama I cant wait until this election is done and over with.
Wow. Well, not much I can say here that hasn't already been said. I agree that Obama isn't going to just magically fix everything wrong with this country. But by god, if he can keep us from rolling further downhill that'll be something. God knows McCain isn't going to do it.
Military service only matters in that it shows you just how horrifying war truly is. The fact that McCain has been through it--worse, was a POW--and is still willing to keep our service men and women over there dying to line the pockets of oil companies speaks volumes on him. More, I would say, than any other issue on the board. If you can send thousands to risk their lives for your own personal gain, knowing full well many of them will not return home whole or even alive, then you are less than human. Period.
Which ever candidate wins will have a lot of tough problems to solve, reduce unemployment, make affordable health insurance and higher education available for all, reduce gas prices, save the housing industry, solve the mortgage meltdown crisis, save the coastal cities from hurricanes, stop inflation, reduce taxes, increase the value of the US Dollar, and the list goes on and on.......
Jewels thank you for your perspective and you are so right. I believe this is a transformational election. We will either go down the same road we are on or we will pivot and begin to restore America's image in the world and begin to solve our huge problems as a result of eight years of George W. Bush.
I was a Hillary supporter but I am voting for Obama. She is also my Senator from NY. Hillary will continue to have influence for many years to come. She is very bright as is Obama. That is what is needed to solve our problems, someone who is going to bring problem solving skills back into the White House.
I want to add to the list above of things that the next President will have to solve, repair the infrastructure of our country, restoring our constitutional rights, rebuilding America's credibility in the world. Oh yes, the next President will have the ability to appoint probably 3 Supreme Court Justices, which will shape our court for many years to come.
No Way, No How, No McCain - Palin!
I doubt if this will get published because it certainly is not for Obama - the problem I have with Obama is first the ideas he says he want to implement - like tax the most productive members of society that hire people because they make more money than average is a bad idea. Let me ask you a question - if you worked for a sales company , which of these two scenarios would make the company stronger and better ensure your job, and which would make the company weaker and possibly cause you to lose your job. Scenario 1 - the company has a sales incentive program that rewards those people that make the most sales with extra bonuses.orScenario 2 - the company has a policy in place that says the top 25 percent of our sales people will have to pay for their own health insurance and that money will be used to pay for the health insurance of the bottom 75%.Which of these scenarios would generate the most productivity sales and wealth for the company.Our country is like a company - like it or not there are always going to be 5-10% of the people that are simply more productive than the remaining 90% some percent.You can say that's not fair but fair has nothing to do with it - it's the way of the world.These 5-10% are the people inventing the microwave ovens and computers and so forth that employ millions and create wealth.What a Politician like Obama is really saying when he wants to raise taxes on people making $200,000 a year are these super productive people who like it or not fair or not are creating jobs for other people.When you put disincentives in their way in the form of taxing more of their income they tend to be less productive and as a result everyone including the entire country suffers. That is true of everyone - each of us through our level of productivity either hurts or helps the country.Everyone is the same - which of these two scenarios would make you work harder.Giving you a bonus if you produce more - or making you pay a higher tax if you're more productive.This is a law like gravity- you may not like the law of gravity - but tough it's there anyway.This is why I can't support Obama, as his ideas will hurt this country - that and tell me what he has ever done besides talk. You can't make people better off by making Government bigger - only government becomes better off.
I am inside of this hubpages. How can I please find people and groups easily inside of it (found you from first page, but am currently unable to find any links when I enter the thing to find people or groups. When I click on groups there is nothing in my list...).
LOL wow thats alot of opinions mom...yes im on here now and i will start writing soon i might need a lil training though. I like all your hubs and they are all your opinions or personal experiences to never be argued with!
Why would you vote for a man who doesnt even know how many states are in america? why would you vote for someone who calls himself a christian and then believes in abortion and gay marriage? what about a man that lies about know a terrists? wont salute our flag? Never has written a law but has written 2 books about himself? attends a church for 20 years that is racists? i want a president that is proud of our country because i am !! One that is willing to fight for our country. I agree with change and i would love to have a black president or even a mexican because i am. so that would be cool but he isnt the change we need. take a look at this website. http://www.micom.net/oops/Obama/
Thanks for stopping by Jen. There are pros and cons about both candidates, no one can ever be 100% satisfied. I believe we have to vote Obama this year, we can't afford to have another Republican as president, we have too much at stake right now. Climate change and the economy HAVE to be addressed ASAP, and we can't afford to pamper CEO's and Oil executives anymore.
Nice hub! sounds great!
I don't know how those people feel who send donations to the republican party when Sarah spends $150,000 on wardrobe. Which is atleast twice the annual salary of an average american.
You speak of a travesty of justice as it pertains to oil prices but what about all the children that will grow up, in many cases, without a father or a mother? Our priorities are out of whack in this country. Men and women are free to create (human life) with several partners and then simply forget about their children.
It should be a crime to have children with more than two partners -- period. Most on the left will charge right in to save a whale and not create law that would restrain 'entitlement folk' from using children as a bargaining chip for extra income. Our nation is sick, spiritually, even to the point of no return.
I would like to talk you out of voting for barack, but its way too late
Bob Ewing says:
14 months ago
I am a Canadian so can't vote either way,this is a well written hub and an informative read.