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Don't Repeat Error of 2004 - Reward Experience

Written by: Chad Shue on Dec 8, 2007 3:20 PM EST

Cross-posted here 

I recently attended a “Presidential Candidates Forum” hosted by one of our local Democratic Legislative District organizations (Washington State will conduct precinct caucuses on February 9th).  While the forum featured local surrogates for the actual candidates, the answers to a pre-determined list of questions were required to be from specific policy statements of the candidates themselves and not simply the opinion (or spin) of the surrogate.  The questions ranged from Iran/Iraq, to Immigration, to Healthcare, to Energy/Environment, to restoration of the Constitution. While I went into the forum a Richardson supporter, I left even more convinced than before that we need experience in the oval office. Although there were many good ideas and plans laid out before us at this forum, the one thing that kept running through my mind was the truism, “Actions speak louder than words.” Having served at every level of government, Bill Richardson is the only person running for president this year who has actually produced results in the areas that impact our country the most at this time in history.

As a congressman, Richardson introduced successful legislation to expand national park lands in his home state of New Mexico. At the behest of a constituent, he traveled to hostile territory in Sudan to successfully negotiate the release of US hostages being held there. During the Clinton administration he served as this country’s ambassador to the United Nations and as Secretary of Energy, serving with distinction in each of those areas. Currently in his second term as Governor of New Mexico (an arguably “deep red” state), Richardson has brought differing sides together to establish New Mexico as a model for other states in the areas of energy, education and healthcare.

Being bi-cultural (having spent the first 15 years of his life living in Mexico) Richardson is uniquely qualified to address the issues of immigration and trade with our neighbors to the south and elsewhere. In fact, Gov. Richardson has been successful in convincing the government of Mexico to do more to enforce security on their side of the border and to start cracking down on the make-shift villages that crop up to serve as the staging areas for illegal drugs and human trafficking into New Mexico. A skilled negotiator, Richardson has traveled the world to help negotiate the release of Americans held captive in Saddam’s Iraq, to secure the release of the remains of American Korean War casualties from North Korea, to secure a cease fire in the hostilities in the Dafur region of Sudan, and was instrumental in negotiating a halt to the nuclear weapons program in North Korea. In fact, this year, Gov. Bill Richardson was nominated for the fifth time for the Nobel Peace Prize. Try as I might, I am unable to find anything close to the level of accomplishment of Gov. Richardson in any of the other candidates. As much as I might love the “ideas” and “plans” that many of them have, I simply do not see results that convince me that they will be able to step into the role of President of the United States on the first day and begin to pull the country together to move forward on the important issues.

Unfortunately, I believe that the Democrats are on the verge of repeating the self-defeating strategy of the 2004 election cycle. Rewarding style over substance, rhetoric over results, it seems that, just as with Gov. Howard Dean before him, the experience of Gov. Richardson risks being overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of celebrity. Being fed by the media’s desire to report on a “horse race”, polling numbers are broadcast almost hourly reflecting a set of “front runners” while in fact almost half of the voters questioned signify that they have no preference at all. Rather than enabling people to know what any candidate has “done” the political “reporters” dwell on vital issues of “grooming” and “celebrity endorsement.” At media sponsored “debates” the time for candidate responses (indeed, even the opportunity to give a response) is based upon the “horse race” mentality, thus denying the voters to right to make a real choice based on direct comparison between all of the candidates. And, perhaps most harmful to our democracy, the nightly news (the place where most American still receive their news) seem to only be capable (or willing) to acknowledge that there are more than the two or three candidates they view as “viable.”

With just 4 weeks to go until the first caucus goers in Iowa cast a real vote, I can only hope that the voters there will stop for a moment before caucus day and reflect on our shared experience of the last seven years and how “inexperience at the helm” has steered the ship of state so dangerously into the rocks. I hope they look closely at the people who are seeking this office and the opportunity to serve the nation – examine closely the qualifications of each. I hope they will measure actions against words. We can’t afford four more years of On the Job Training.

Gov. Bill Richardson - Experience for a Change.

Peace,

Chad (The Left) Shue

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By Susan Rowe on Dec 8, 2007 6:52 PM EST

DNC Chair Gov. Howard Dean M.D. is first!

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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 6:15 PM EST

John

Yes, it DOES have an answer of yes or no. At the ballot box you only make one decision and that is: Do you support a Democrat or don't you? Nothing hard or involved about that John. You just simply can't answer it.

You wrote:

 I hate the thought of 8 more years of Republican rule, but if that happens, the Democrats have no one to blame but themselves

Most of your comments are geared toward defeating the Democrats,  occasionally  interspersed with posts meant to muddy the waters by posting something less defeatist. Either you are a Republican or a lousy Democrat. If you are the latter, then you are one of those Democrats we have to blame.

 

 

Joan, you seem to be chanelling Fred here. I shouldn't have to remind you that BFA is not a Democratic Party Blog.

I'm neither a Republican nor a "lousy Democrat".

Like millions of Americans, I'm a proud Independent who votes his conscience and  certainly not the party line. And there's nothing wrong or subversive about that.

Most of my comments are not "geared toward defeating Democrats". I would love to see the Democrats win, and win big, but they're behaving in a manner that will bring about defeat. That's what my posts are about.

They're scared silly to challenge a two-bit thug who has the lowest ratings of any president in memory. And of course, the Congress they control has lower ratings than Bush because of their cowardice.

So go ahead and attack anyone who doesn't think that your precious DLC-controlled, spineless Democrats aren't the greatest thing since sliced bread. I won't enjoy saying "I told you so" when the fecal metter hits the rotating blades, but I'll do it.

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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 6:17 PM EST

Susan, sorry to bump your firsty with my lengthy reply to Joan. Not my fault, but Sitka and others will defend to the death the right of the blog techies to be incompetent!

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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 6:22 PM EST

DEMOCRATS TRADE OUR TROOPS IN IRAQ FOR DROUGHT RELIEF AND DOMESTIC SPENDING INCREASES

http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=5121

In a complicated deal over the war funds, Democrats will include about $11 billion more in domestic spending than Bush has requested, emergency drought relief for the Southeast and legislation to address the subprime mortgage crisis, Hoyer told a meeting of the Washington Post editorial board.

Double-dealing is always complicated and Democrats have shared a "wide stance" on this matter. Gone are the timelines they claimed were sacrosanct, gone is the refusal to fund (which is the Constitutionally mandated power of the Congress over the Executive) and in place of that they have given us, essentially, earmarks in place of our kids' lives.

And Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid think there will be no price to pay at the polls. They are wrong.

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By Kevin Powell on Dec 8, 2007 6:36 PM EST

I agree with Chad Shue about Governor Richardson.  He does have the right experience and abilities to be the best president among the crop of candidates that we have. 

The Iowa caucuses are a few weeks away and eventhough Richardson is running in 4th/5th place.  That is the same place where  Kerry and Edwards were running four years ago.  So the field may change greatly by January 3rd.

 

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By seashell on Dec 8, 2007 6:36 PM EST
OK, this is how I see it.  If Clinton is the nominee and should win, we will continue to be destroyed very slowly and painfully, as wars will continue, AIPAC influence will continue, corporate rape will continue, the bush/clinton doctrine will continue.  It will be a continuation of slow painful death of our country and the dems and the voters will remain asleep.
Should one of the demented repugs be elected, we'll go down fast.  It will be our only chance to wake up the dems and the people.
It's time for our own shock and awe.  If the dems think I'll vote for Clinton and will do anything to keep a repug from getting in office, they are wrong.
The question is this:  What will best wake up the opposition party and the lethargic voters?  What will save our country? Answer: Four years of a Huckabee.  And then Gore steps in........
Pelosi etc think we'll all come around.  This voter won't.  I won't vote for Clinton.  Besides, she'll lose, even with my vote.
We are the base and we're pissed off.  We need to start some action that lets the DLC know that we've had enuf of their sh*t.
Oh, and Gordon Smith is up for re-election.  I'll work to dump him, but won't give a penny to Clinton or Obama...maybe to Edwards....certainly money and work for Dodd.  
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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 6:39 PM EST

THE SCIENCE OF LYING

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_len_hart_071208_the_origins_of_ameri.htm

Successful lying has become a science. Highly paid consultants taught Bush officials the new science of effective lying at the outset of Bush's new regime. The cost, however, will be picked up by US taxpayers; it is no coincidence that new studies show US prestige declining as the world learns the truth about Bush's hidden agenda.

Typically, the US responds with promises of more spin and PR, more ludicrous attempts to put a smiley face on torture, lies, and aggressive war. The US will try to spread the guilt around and "reframe" the issue.

They've wasted no time. As I write this, Colleen Graffy, of the US State Department, is telling Stephen Sackur, of BBC's Hard Talk, that other nations maintained GITMO-like facilities where people are held indefinitely in legal limbo. She failed to name one. It's unfortunate, she says, that some people ought not be afforded what Americans have always called Due Process of Law.

Because the GOP often thinks backward from conclusions to premises, GOP types have failed to grasp the essential nature of "Due Process of Law", that is, either it applies to everyone or it doesn't apply at all. Any exception is arbitary and no one may be presumed guilty in advance of Due Process. It just doesn't work that way. The GOP has apparently institutionalized post hoc ergo propter hoc.

America has an "image problem" because the rest of the world knows America by the lies Bush tells the world.

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By seashell on Dec 8, 2007 6:37 PM EST

Sorry, Safari doesn't seem to like paragraphs.

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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 6:41 PM EST

Seashell:

Pelosi etc think we'll all come around.  This voter won't.  I won't vote for Clinton.  Besides, she'll lose, even with my vote.
We are the base and we're pissed off.  We need to start some action that lets the DLC know that we've had enuf of their sh*t.

I second that emotion

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By seashell on Dec 8, 2007 6:40 PM EST
FOCUS | Inquiry Sought On CIA Tapes
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/120807Y.shtml
Dan Eggen and Joby Warrick, reporting for The Washington Post, write: "Democratic lawmakers yesterday angrily demanded a Justice Department investigation into the CIA's decision to destroy videotapes of harsh interrogation tactics used on two terrorism suspects. The White House said that President Bush was unaware of the tapes or their destruction until this week, but administration sources acknowledged last night that longtime Bush aide Harriet E. Miers knew of the tapes' existence and told CIA officials that she opposed their destruction."
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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 6:42 PM EST

It's now 6:52 pm EST

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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 6:44 PM EST

11 is the new 1!

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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 6:47 PM EST

HABEAS WHAT?

http://www.lewrockwell.com/hornberger/hornberger28.html

One of the most deeply rooted principles in American jurisprudence is the concept of due process of law, which is enshrined in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: “No person shall . . . be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”

Due process of law actually stretches back to the year 1215, when the great barons of England extracted an admission from their king that his powers over the citizenry were not unlimited but instead were limited by fundamental principles of fairness and justice. Included among the restrictions on power to which King John acceded in the Magna Carta – the Great Charter – was a prohibition against the exercise of arbitrary seizure of people or their property by government officials:

No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land.

Over the centuries, that phrase – “the law of the land” – gradually evolved into the phrase “due process of law,” the same phrase our American ancestors insisted be made

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 7:46 PM EST

Hey Kevin

I formed an official link to the DNC called Claytondems. we can cross link the Congressional website with out county site and the DNC listserve feature.

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 7:49 PM EST

Kevin

what I get a kick out of is Hillary and Obama fighting over who has the most "experience" with Biden and Dodd in the race as well as Richardson

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By Susan Rowe on Dec 8, 2007 7:52 PM EST

MEMO

TO: Tim Watson, DFA HQ Technology Director
FROM: Susan Rowe
DATE: 11/08/2007 4:06 PM PST

RE: BUG REPORT


Mr. Waston,

Please fix the Blog's clock and count.

Susan Rowe

---

Tim Watson Technology Director at DFA HQ

Questions or Bug Reports? Contact Us HERE: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/conta... or email Mr. Waston HERE: suppor[AT]democracyforamerica[Dot]com

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 7:56 PM EST

whoa

the local news had a report of a man who froze to death last night after getting his car stuck and walking for help he didn't reach

aren't you orange hattees glad Howard isn't running this round?

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By * rdorgan on Dec 8, 2007 7:57 PM EST
76.
Joan* In*Florida
Sat, 12/08/07
6:34 pm

..Oprah and Obama were outstanding as was the huge crowd.+++Joan -Thanks for the commentary.
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By proud2Bliberal on Dec 8, 2007 7:59 PM EST

I second this article and I am voting and campaigning for Richardson.  The mean reason is that his foreign policy experience makes him the best able to extricate the US from the Iraq mess and rebuild aliances with other nations.  Also, he is very experienced politically.  This includes winning by 70% in a Western state and having the ability to get programs through the legislature.  Richardson's positions on foreign affairs are more progressive than those of Obama.  Many people in the East Coast do not know how important water rights are in the West, and many people in the East are not aware that as givernor, Richardson gave the Native Americans their water rights, though this infuriated the right wing.  Richardson has placed an emphasis on trying to bring jobs into New Mexico.  Also, while Biden and, I think, Obama, voted for the bankruptcy bill - part of what is causing the current foreclosure crisis - the state government in New Mexico was prosecuting payday loan sharks.  (By the way Hillary voted against the bill, making her more liberal than Obama on both Social Security and the credit industry).  Richardson does engage in saber rattling.  He knows what to say and what not to say on foreign affairs.  On energy, I don't anyone can  name another state that is more advanced in solar energy than New Mexico. A light rail line is proposed between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.   

On health care, Richardson has already commissioned Mathematica Policy Research to develop three health care plans for New Mexico.  There is already a state plan for anyone unemployed for more than a year.  Low income people can get health cards at UNM.  Possibly as many as 2000 people per day get low cost prescriptions  from the UNM non-profit pharmacy.  UNM and community health clinics care for a large number of people.  While this is not a universal single-payer system, the seeds of non-profit health care exist in New Mexico and the state supports this.  Some examinations can be obtained for free.  The state government is building up the cancer treatment center at UNM. 

 On border issues, again Richardson has the most experience and is in the best position to strengthen the alliances with Latin America.  He is correct on the drivers' licenses issue.  How can organized crime and drug rings and drive-by shootings be busted if there is no information on who is living at what address and who owns which car?  Downtown Albuquerque was cleaned up a lot after these drivers' licenses went into effect.  New Mexico is very aware of what the real border issues are: keeping out the drug rings and the gang warfare. 

I hope voters will examine who is really the most progressive candidate in the race.

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By Huron John on Dec 8, 2007 7:05 PM EST

16 (AT LEAST IT WAS)

Susan:

I've sent several messages to tech support, and have had no reply (and ,ore importantly, no action)

For the umpteenth time:

It aint Rocket Science!

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By Monica Smith on Dec 8, 2007 8:02 PM EST

Unfortunately, Chad, many citizens of New Mexico are not as impressed with their Governor as you are.  They're not keen on his crony politics, although that seems to be endemic in the New Mexico culture.  Some are not keen on the new nuclear fuel enrichment plant he's pushing.  Others are not keen on the coal plants in Indian territory.  I'm not keen on the Department of Energy having privatized the enrichment process and retained all the liabilities of the plants for the public.

Then there's the sense that he's really angling for a VP slot with Hillary.

Clinton trade policies, promoted by his old friend McLarty on behalf of David Rockefeller have been disasterous for Mexico's farmers.  Keeping Mexicans out of New Mexico is hardly praiseworthy.  I personally would like to know how cars stolen in New Mexico end up as car bombs in Iraq.  Perhaps a little more attention to what's going out rather than who's coming in was in order.

Oh, and that nuclear deal with North Korea.  Didn't that involve a promise of a reactor for which the enriched fuel would be supplied? 

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By Susan Rowe on Dec 8, 2007 8:07 PM EST

A SunMt Video: First in the series reporting Elizabeth Kucinich's visit to Fresno, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: SunMt
To: SunMt Maia & Elfie Ballis
Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 1:22 PM
Subject: Elizabeth Kucinich tells us about Dennis

See her on SunMt Chronicles:http://www.sunmt.org/dec8chron07.html

Smiling Seriously,
Maia & George Elfie Ballis
SunMt
Prather, CA

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 8:09 PM EST

when "travel not advised" warnings are issued by the State Highway Patrol does the Oprah and Obama entourage ignore it or try to keep crawling toward the next stop through the freezing drizzle because "the show must go on".

the crowd is assembled ahead of the sudden ice

stay tuned

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By Monica Smith on Dec 8, 2007 8:18 PM EST

Mainly, I guess I'm fed up with the whole Clinton crew.  Democrats resent Republicans saying that "Clinton did it" but the fact is that he did.  Clinton's administration bombed used depleted uranium bombs on Bosnia, bombed Iraq from time to time, enforced an embargo that caused a million children to die, prevented doctors and academics from traveling to conferences for professional advancement,etc.  And what for?  To get basing rights in Iraq which the DoD is working up now with that "status of forces agreement" that Maliki said he'd negotiate.

The fund raising scandal in the 1996 election wasn't just about people sleeping in the Lincoln bedroom.  It was about the DNC being taken over by the Clinton campaign to raise soft money that was used to promote his re-election while he was claiming to comply with public funding.  Two-faced.

I'd forgotten that Fred Thompson did the investigation in the summer of 1997 when the Administration refused to turn over documents, people pled the fifth and others fled the country.  Which may be why Thompson is in the running; he didn't get his pound of flesh.  And, fair or not, I blame Clinton for Bush.  They were staked by the same people.

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 8:21 PM EST

Richardson - NO

Obama - YES

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 8:23 PM EST

Or Edwards, or Dodd

Anyone but Richardson or Clinton.

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 8:24 PM EST

I'm not sure Hillary was involved with any of that Monica, but the politics of such an administration would be hobbled by the bad associations people have.

That is weighed against the impressive amount of good work 

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:27 PM EST

Do you support a Democrat or don't you?

There are some Democrats I support. But none of them happen to be running for president this year. 

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 8:28 PM EST

23.

Phil,

Rain, sleet or snow cannot stop Obama and Oprah or their crowds.

Go Oprah!

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By proud2Bliberal on Dec 8, 2007 8:28 PM EST

Re Monica Smith's comment on people in New Mexico, I lived in New Mexico for more than a year, so this is not an outsider's viewpoint.  If any New Mexico citizens are dissatisfied with Richardson, try living in other states, such as California.  Can you name any other state whose government is better than New Mexico's?  There is crony politics in every state.  New Mexico is amazing at doing more when starting with less.

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By mprov on Dec 8, 2007 7:32 PM EST

what's wrong with california besides too many repugs?

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:30 PM EST

I second this article and I am voting and campaigning for Richardson.....I hope voters will examine who is really the most progressive candidate in the race.

Actually, based on record and proposals, that would be Kucinich. 

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By proud2Bliberal on Dec 8, 2007 8:31 PM EST

I'm sorry, there was a typing error before.  I meant: Richardson does NOT engage in saber rattling.

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By mprov on Dec 8, 2007 7:33 PM EST

???

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 8:32 PM EST

19, 

Your welcome rd.

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By mprov on Dec 8, 2007 7:34 PM EST

!!!

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By * rdorgan on Dec 8, 2007 8:36 PM EST

that's odd --

Andy Young is saying that Barack Obama is too young to run for U.S. President --

and that he might be crucified --

-- wow, Andy you sure know alot of stuff, don't you ?:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071208/ap_po/obama_young_2

Civil rights icon calls Obama too young

By ERRIN HAINES, Associated Press Writer

1 hour, 13 minutes ago

ATLANTA - Civil rights icon Andrew Young says Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is too young and lacks the support network to ascend to the White House.

In an interview posted online, Young also quipped that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton has her husband behind her, and that "Bill is every bit as black as Barack."

"He's probably gone with more black women than Barack," Young said of former President Clinton

...

Obama campaign officials declined Saturday to comment on Young's remarks.

...

Young said. "You cannot be president alone. ... To put a brother in there by himself is to set him up for crucifixion.

...

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By proud2Bliberal on Dec 8, 2007 8:37 PM EST

Kucinich has many good positions on the issues.  But I think he needs to be more of a team player and needs to stop his wholesale put-downs of the other candidates.  He does not seem to be very diplomatic.

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:37 PM EST

So go ahead and attack anyone who doesn't think that your precious DLC-controlled, spineless Democrats aren't the greatest thing since sliced bread.

When "DLC controlled, spineless Democrats" are criticized, some who support them think they themselves are being attacked. 

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:39 PM EST

Kucinich has many good positions on the issues.  But I think he needs to be more of a team player and needs to stop his wholesale put-downs of the other candidates.  He does not seem to be very diplomatic.

What with the rest of them (and their supporters) tearing each other down, I have noticed Kucinich doing it. But if he's doing like Dean and speaking truth to corrupt and entrenched power, then I applaud him for it. 

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 8:42 PM EST

22.

Also, while Biden and, I think, Obama, voted for the bankruptcy bill - part of what is causing the current foreclosure crisis - the state government in New Mexico was prosecuting payday loan sharks.  (By the way Hillary voted against the bill, making her more liberal than Obama on both Social Security and the credit industry.)

Linda,

Obama did NOT vote FOR the bankruptcy bill.

Nor did Clinton vote against it -- she was the only senator who didn't vote on the bill at all.

And Hillary is hardly more liberal than Obama on anything at all.

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:49 PM EST

Andy Young is saying that Barack Obama is too young to run for U.S. President --

That's no wonder. Young is a corporate shill for no less a force of evil than Wal Mart.....

Today, Young is co-chairman of Good Works International, a consulting firm "offering international market access and political risk analysis in key emerging markets within Africa and the Caribbean." The company's Web site also notes that "GWI principals have backgrounds in human rights and public service. The concept of enhancing the greater good is intrinsic to our business endeavors." Nike is one of Good Works' most visible corporate clients. In the late 1990s, at the height of controversy over the company's labor practices, Young led a delegation to report on Nike operations in Vietnam. Anti-sweatshop activists derided the report as a whitewash and raised concerns that Nike was trading on Young's background as a civil-rights activist to improve Nike's corporate image. Young also is a director of the Drum Major Institute, and also is the chairman of the board for the [Global Initiative for the Advancement of Nutritional Therapy]* Working Families for Wal-Mart, a grass-roots organization sponsored by the corporate giant as a public response to widespread criticism that many of the company's American employees and their children are on public assistance, that the company uses child labor, that the company discriminates against female and African-American employees, and that workers manufacturing Wal-Mart products are subjected to abusive conditions and sub-poverty wages.

 

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 8:50 PM EST

It was kind of heartwarming to see Hillary smiling today while on the trail with Chelsea and her mother. 

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 8:50 PM EST

37.

Andy Young is wrong on a lot of things these days.

Obama is 46 years old.

JFK was 46 years old when he took office as prez.

Maybe being young is better for being prez these days, since the job is going to be a real humdinger of a workload.

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:51 PM EST

What with the rest of them (and their supporters) tearing each other down, I have NOT noticed Kucinich doing it.

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By audrey.nc on Dec 8, 2007 8:51 PM EST


One is white and female, the other black and male.
Alike as two peas in a pod.

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 8:53 PM EST

44.

Phil,

It definitely was a plus for Clinton's attitude and likeableness (is that a word?)

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 8:54 PM EST

Obama seems capable enough. I still think this is a strong field, and you can pick someone that represents your point of view.

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:54 PM EST

It was kind of heartwarming to see Hillary smiling today while on the trail with Chelsea and her mother.

I can almost hear the violins in the background. 

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:57 PM EST

likeableness (is that a word?)

I think were supposed to stick "able" at the end of everything.

  • electable
  • viable
  • likeable.... 
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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 8:59 PM EST

One is white and female, the other black and male.
Alike as two peas in a pod.

Those are superficialities. Hopefully we're talking about records and proposals. 

I think they're peas from differents pods, but the same plant, in those regards. 

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By puddle on Dec 8, 2007 8:02 PM EST

8:13 p.m.

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:03 PM EST

sitka,

I was using the word as a noun, not an adjective. But I may have coined a new word. If it fits. . .

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By puddle on Dec 8, 2007 8:05 PM EST

53.

Sitka
Sat, 12/08/07
8:59 pm

Reply to this
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just when you think it can't be F'd up any worse, they develop a new twist, lol!

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:04 PM EST

53.

Excellent as far as I'm concerned.

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By audrey.nc on Dec 8, 2007 9:04 PM EST


Too bad Hillary didn't try smiling when Howard was speaking at the last convention. It's sort of like when Obama turned his back on Howard and wouldn't shake his hand. They have a way of letting their DLCers know what side of the fence they are on, and that they can be trusted to speak the line.

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:04 PM EST

53 now = 54.

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 9:05 PM EST

But I may have coined a new word.

I've coined one for the "which would I rather have a beer with?" crowd. 

Drunkability. 

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:06 PM EST

57.

audrey,

Obama had previously given Dean a "male" hug.

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:08 PM EST

drunkability is a great find!

Or drunkenableness.

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 9:09 PM EST

Too bad Hillary didn't try smiling when Howard was speaking at the last convention. It's sort of like when Obama turned his back on Howard and wouldn't shake his hand. They have a way of letting their DLCers know what side of the fence they are on,

Bet your last buck that whichever secures the nomination first, the next thing will be to attend a $25K/plate DLC fundraiser where all the populist promises made in the primaries will be disavowed.

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:09 PM EST

Howard cannot endorse anyone, but my bet it would be Obama.

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 9:10 PM EST

The candidates are human, even Hillary. I haven't seen my son for months, and when he comes home next week I suspect you could catch a shot of me smiling more too. It was just nice to see Hillary smiling, it has been a little rare . Running for President is a grind. When she heads back to the Senate I hope she is in good spirits and kicks Republican butt.

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 9:12 PM EST

When she heads back to the Senate I hope she is in good spirits and kicks Republican butt. 

She hasn't so far. Why change now? 

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By Linda on Dec 8, 2007 9:12 PM EST

A right wing talking point is might funny to use here. " Cronyism, They all do it"  Well, then, that must make it OK.  

 

First, No, they ALL don't do it.  And if some do, that doesn't make it OK.

 

I love when the Dem's get caught in something, the Right Wingers spat

 off virtues of outrage and wrong  doing.  When Right Wingers get caught "They ALL do it" LOL               

 

And hey, what's the big deal about using tax payers dollars to help fund all

 those business' and Corporations, those Corporations will give some tax payers a job, won't they?(sic)

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 9:13 PM EST

beerability

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:15 PM EST

67.

Sounds deliciously appetizingly wonderful on a hot day Phil.

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By audrey.nc on Dec 8, 2007 9:17 PM EST



Of course none of us has a clue, but I think Howard would endorse someone with more substance, and not so much fluff aNd hype.imo

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By Linda on Dec 8, 2007 9:17 PM EST

Obama didn't vote for the Bankruptcy Bill, he voted for the Bankruptcy Amendments afterwards,  His new donors were very happy.

 

Everyone put on a show for the ADMIRED Governor Dean.  Especially 

taking in to consideration the bad mouthing they did of him prior 

to running for President. 

 

 

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By Sitka on Dec 8, 2007 9:18 PM EST

WWHD?

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:18 PM EST

It was hot here today and all week, must go cool the house down for the night.

bb tomorrow

Ya'll be good to each other as always;)

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By Linda on Dec 8, 2007 9:20 PM EST

69. Audrey, AGREE.

Being Al Gore isn't in the Primary, maybe even Chris Dodd, 

as Ned Lamont is supporting. 

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By puddle on Dec 8, 2007 9:24 PM EST

LOL! I feel like a star in the Left Behind Series. . . .

8:37

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By puddle on Dec 8, 2007 8:26 PM EST

ooooo! I cotched up!

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By puddle on Dec 8, 2007 8:27 PM EST

Or Not. . . .
8:39

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By audrey.nc on Dec 8, 2007 9:28 PM EST



Phil...

I didn't mean to imply that I objected to Hillary smiling, actually she might be less dangerous in that mode. What i commented on was your ability to find it heartwarming. I can't find anything heartwarming about her anymore.

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By puddle on Dec 8, 2007 8:30 PM EST

76.

puddle
Sat, 12/08/07
9:24 pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~

May I say it out loud? The Emperor has NO clothes. The peeps running this place are, erm, incompetent. . . .

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 9:28 PM EST

Richardson has beerability. That should translate into bubba votes. I'm a little put off by his suggestion that you stimulate the economy with "tax breaks for business". When are we going to get an honest attempt at a balanced budget.

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By audrey.nc on Dec 8, 2007 9:37 PM EST



Linda....

I didn't write 69, did it turn into 71? I am so sorry I can't read all of your posts, because they're cut off on the side.

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By Joan* In*Florida on Dec 8, 2007 9:39 PM EST

70.

Obama didn't vote for the Bankruptcy Bill, he voted for the Bankruptcy Amendments afterwards,  His new donors were very happy.

Linda NM,

The amendment Obama voted on "later" which, was an amendment offered by Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) to give some bankruptcy exemptions to disabled military veterans. It passed the Senate by a vote of 99 - 0.

The is an excellent amendment Obama could be proud to have voted FOR and not something his donors would have been happy or even unhappy with.

bbl

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By audrey.nc on Dec 8, 2007 9:44 PM EST


Linda in SFNM....

Could you squeegy in your 76 so I can read it? Thanks.

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By Sam Ross on Dec 8, 2007 8:48 PM EST

Yeah yeah yeah --- it’s the Democrats – that's who’s not doing THEIR job.  Just Google Republicans BLOCK: …and you’ll see who the uncaring, spineless, greedy, scared to death to buck Bush, treasoness, Unpatriotic party is ….and the American people are going to kick them ALL out (well, except the ones resigning and running away) in 2008!  And they won't care what Democrat is running. : )Here's a FEW:  Democrats at WORK - Republicans blocking. Republicans Block Debate on Troops Republicans block efforts to amend relief bill ... Republicans Block Senate War Debate - Politico.com Republicans Block Transportation ... Republicans Block Detainee Rights Bill Republicans block tax increases for oil companies - USATODAY.com NPR : Republicans Block No-Confidence Vote on Gonzales Republicans block 'no-confidence' vote in US Senate on beleaguered ... Republicans block vote on troop pullout | Reuters Senate Republicans Block Minimum Wage ... U.S. SENATE REPUBLICANS BLOCK MOVE TO TIE $50 Billion to Troop WithdrawalRepublicans block investigation of child molester Mark FoleyRepublicans block global warming in US energy billRepublicans Block Health Coverage For Children Senate Republicans block Iraq bill | Reuters Energy Bill Stalls in Senate After Republicans Block Vote RIGHTS-US:Republicans Block Habeas for Gitmo DetaineesRepublicans Block Medicare Drug Price Bill - washingtonpost.com Senate Republicans block funding for U.S. troops RepublicansBlock Voting Machine Testing in Ohio Senate Republicans Block Minimum Wage Increase

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By Suzanne Harris on Dec 8, 2007 9:45 PM EST

Remember this wonderful man?  Luckily, for North Carolina and the U.S. of A., he's running for Congress.

www.harrytaylorforcongress.com/dec12/

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By Sam Ross on Dec 8, 2007 8:51 PM EST

Check NO. 48 - which should have been 84... hope this makes it to - 85.

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 9:57 PM EST

does the blog's current chaos prove Heisenburg was right, observe something and the outcome changes

http://www.aip.org/history/heisenberg/p08.htm

 servers in use?  my guess?, three, given the dis-order, and they don't know each other exists

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By audrey.nc on Dec 8, 2007 9:57 PM EST



Suzanne Harris....

The "about Harry" link doesn't work for me. could you mention some things about him that make him wonderful?

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By publius on Dec 8, 2007 9:58 PM EST

Richardson's experience in diplomacy and renewable energy is
a solid reason to support him over the others in times like
these.

I don't know how well he could appeal to the people for support
of making big public policy corrections and changes.

I don't know how well he could counter the right wing media machine.

He has my support and I hope he can make it a competitive race.  

The Clinton restoration might be something we could work through
to close out the Bush/Cheney purgatory but the country could do
without another Clinton administration.  

Kucinich is a great American and Democrat, the most progressive. 
Regretfully, he is politically ahead of his time.

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By Susan Rowe on Dec 8, 2007 10:01 PM EST

August 24th, 2007

Highlights of the Prez on the Rez debate

http://www.pe.com/video/index.html?nvid=...

---

Candidates Full Debate Addresses

Governor Bill Richardson speaks to Indian Country

(part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtkHHUruW...

(part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajt1FICWT...

----

Dennis Kucinich speaks to Indian Country

(Part 1 of 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2gLHvNTU...

(Part 2 of 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HOIpxJ1o...

(Part 3 of 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y7BDh8w4...

----

Senator Mike Gravel speaks to Indian Country

(Part 1 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX0OZ7Qhe...

(Part 2 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVCIHYMq7...

(Part 3 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkSrMUJUC...

(Part 4 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaKWtksj_...

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 10:01 PM EST

The more I think about the physical portion of Schrödinger's theory, the more repulsive I find it...What Schrödinger writes about the visualizability of his theory 'is probably not quite right,' in other words it's crap.

--Heisenberg, writing to Pauli, 1926

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 10:03 PM EST

visualizability

~~~~~~~~~~

I had to add the quote so we could have another word for the beerability list.

357t234709

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By * rdorgan on Dec 8, 2007 10:07 PM EST

Hope

I was there in Freetown, Sierra Leone on 11/15/07 to see the hope of people being expressed when the new president was sworn in:

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//071115/ids_photos_wl/r2108912954.jpg/

Sierra Leone's President Ernest Bai Koroma's motorcade ...

Sierra Leone's President Ernest Bai Koroma's motorcade goes around the national stadium before his inauguration ceremony in Freetown November 15, 2007. Koroma promised "zero tolerance" on Thursday for corruption in his country after a leaked government report said rampant official graft had swallowed up donor funds.REUTERS/Katrina Manson (SIERRA LEONE)

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By puddle on Dec 8, 2007 9:16 PM EST

rebooted:

9:24

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By Phil Specht on Dec 8, 2007 10:20 PM EST

I like Richardson because he rides big horses and can handle a gun. Reagan got a long way on that image. Democrats need to give it a try?

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By audrey.nc on Dec 8, 2007 10:24 PM EST


Can we trade in the donkey for a horse?

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By Susan Rowe on Dec 8, 2007 10:40 PM EST
T157689

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By mprov on Dec 8, 2007 10:44 PM EST

?!?!?!

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By mprov on Dec 8, 2007 10:45 PM EST

3 hours ago i couldn't get to the bottom of this thread?!?!?!

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By mprov on Dec 8, 2007 10:55 PM EST
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By Susan Rowe on Dec 8, 2007 11:13 PM EST

How do like our REAL Cowboy? I hope he runs again.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Kleeb...

Kleeb has an unusual background as a cowboy/scholar - a real-life ranch hand who also earned stellar academic credentials, above all for his study of how the American West and cattle country in particular are connected to the world economy.

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By Linda on Dec 9, 2007 12:17 AM EST

84.

Joan* In*Florida
Sat, 12/08/07
9:39 pm

Reply to this


70.

Obama didn't vote for the Bankruptcy Bill, he voted for the Bankruptcy Amendments afterwards, His new donors were very happy.

Linda NM,

The amendment Obama voted on "later" which, was an amendment offered by Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) to give some bankruptcy exemptions to disabled military veterans. It passed the Senate by a vote of 99 - 0.

The is an excellent amendment Obama could be proud to have voted FOR and not something his donors would have been happy or even unhappy with.

_________________ 

LOL...obviously that isn't the Amendment I'm talking about.  Do you consider that a bad Bankrpuptcy Amendment for the Corporations?  No, I don't either.

 

There were other amendments.   ...like the one to limit maximum interest

 the credit card companies could charge to 30 percent........Obama voted AGAINST that

....he didn't think the Financial institutions should have to be limited, regardless

of the less fortunate being taken advantaged of.

 

That one alone was #20 

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By Linda on Dec 9, 2007 12:19 AM EST

REPOST...for getting cut off

84.

Joan* In*Florida
Sat, 12/08/07
9:39 pm

Reply to this


70.

Obama didn't vote for the Bankruptcy Bill, he voted for the Bankruptcy Amendments afterwards, His new donors were very happy.

Linda NM,

The amendment Obama voted on "later" which, was an amendment offered by Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) to give some bankruptcy exemptions to disabled military veterans. It passed the Senate by a vote of 99 - 0.

The is an excellent amendment Obama could be proud to have voted FOR and not something his donors would have been happy or even unhappy with.

_________________

LOL...obviously that isn't the Amendment I'm talking about. Do you consider that a bad Bankrpuptcy Amendment for the Corporations? No, I don't either.



There were other amendments. ...like the one to limit maximum interest the credit card companies could charge yo to 30 percent........Obama voted AGAINST that.

....he didn't think the Financial institutions should have to be limited, regardless of the less fortunate being taken advantaged of, to how much interest they could charge.



That one alone was #20

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By Linda on Dec 9, 2007 12:19 AM EST

Audrey, sorry about my posts being cutt off.

...I didn't save that...But I'm now in plain text

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By Sitka on Dec 9, 2007 1:22 AM EST

In a complicated deal over the war funds, Democrats will include about $11 billion more in domestic spending than Bush has requested, emergency drought relief for the Southeast and legislation to address the subprime mortgage crisis, Hoyer told a meeting of the Washington Post editorial board.

They sold out for a measley 11B? They're not just whores. They're cheap ones who will do business with any diseased customer.

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By Alan Ditmore on Dec 9, 2007 2:05 PM EST

Which presidential candidate has signed or proposed the budget containing the highest percentage of contraception funding? Which candidate for every other office? especially MUNICIPAL offices? I believe that for the US presidency, the answer is probably Guliani, which would also be my favorite kind of contraception funding, the MUNICIPAL kind. However, Guliani may have signed such budgets more as a result of his NYC context and NYC precedents established before his tenancy as mayor than out of any unshakable personal conviction which would transfer to his federal budget proposals. So my question remains.
As for Romney's flip flopping, when a candidate flipflops, one can never know his true position for sure, but I believe that as a Mormon with a big family, he is telling the truth now and was therefore lying as Governor of MA. I Further believe that MA voters essentially knew this, but realized that with a hugely Democratic legislature, Romney would be unable to threaten MA abortion funding even from the governor's office.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/politics-...

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/TurningPoin...
http://freetownproject.com/
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.suppo...+town#442c33182294bb85
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=2140...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascadia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_E...
http://christianexodus.org
http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3...
http://www.projectprevention.org

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