will be questioned, debated, and scrutinized more than any other president. He has only been in office a week and look at all the criticism/second-guessing etc that is going on....folks tend to forget that the last time we were in a real depression of this magnitude, FDR did not turn it around overnight, took most of his first three terms, and then some, and then WWII actually acted as economic stimulus for this country (very bad way to boost domestic economics!). But if we are looking at things unbiased and just know human nature, yes, he will be held to a higher standard, but I personally believe that this man can definitely uphold that standard and supercede it, just my own observations of his intellect and insight. Thanks for posting the article!
Complete Discussion Below: marks the location of current message within thread
Parents are responsible for educating on religion, sex (though a little sex ed is not a bad thing), politics, etc.
My motives are nothing more than the knowledge.
And I am not quite sure what you mean by the "nail us". I am quite sure you had nothing to do with it so I am not sure why you have taken such a defensive posture.
I was just surprised by it and wanted to dig further. This is just one more nasty side to war, another reason why I'm against it. I am sorry if it offends you. I am distressed that it gets little US media coverage, just like so much of the nasty aspects of war that it seems our government dosen't elaborate on, dismiss, hide, or what have you because it makes it easier to justify their stance on war if they don't actually have to look at it.
It's not the soldiers I worry about, it's the ones giving the orders to the soldiers that I don't have much trust in doing the right thing.
I don't believe it proper for us as Americans to pass such harsh judgment of other's culture. Is it not possible that these children who are at risk are at risk because the war has left them that way?
I do not believe that "re-educating" them will have any lasting effect. This paragraph sums it up pretty good I think:
"What is wrong with this picture? First, it should be obvious that it is not the job of the U.S. government to tell people what version of Islam to embrace on pain of permanent incarceration. As long as people are not committing or fomenting acts of violence, it is not our role to pressure them into changing their faith. When did it become acceptable to set religious conversion of any kind as the price that frightened people must pay for their freedom?"
Is it not possible that when it is said and done that it won't actually have the opposite effect?
We are no better. We let thousands of our children go hungry and without health care every day. The largest growing population of homeless in America are children. What does that say about us? Would that justify foreign governments to come here and investigate us because we are allowing it to happen? Our own children turn to violence. They fall prey to gangs every day and commit horrendous crimes. So in essence, we ARE allowing our children to turn to violence and crime. What kind of morals and integrity do we have?
AFP – US President Barack Obama speaks at Goettge Memorial Field House in Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, North …
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama challenged the nation's vested interests to a legislative duel Saturday, saying he will fight to change health care, energy and education in dramatic ways that will upset the status quo.
"The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long," Obama said in his weekly radio and video address. "But I don't. I work for the American people."
He said the ambitious budget plan he presented Thursday will help millions of people, but only if Congress overcomes resistance from deep-pocket lobbies.
"I know these steps won't sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they're gearing up for a fight," Obama said, using tough-guy language reminiscent of his predecessor, George W. Bush. "My message to them is this: So am I."
The bring-it-on tone underscored Obama's combative side as he prepares for a drawn-out battle over his tax and spending proposals. Sometimes he uses more conciliatory language and stresses the need for bipartisanship. Often he favors lofty, inspirational phrases.
On Saturday, he was a full-throated populist, casting himself as the people's champion confronting special interest groups that care more about themselves and the wealthy than about the average American.
Some analysts say Obama's proposals are almost radical. But he said all of them were included in his campaign promises. "It is the change the American people voted for in November," he said.
Nonetheless, he said, well-financed interest groups will fight back furiously.
Insurance companies will dislike having "to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that's how we'll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs," the president said. "I know that banks and big student lenders won't like the idea that we're ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that's how we'll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won't like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that's how we'll help fund a renewable energy economy."
Passing the budget, even with a Democratic-controlled Congress, "won't be easy," Obama said. "Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington."
Obama also promoted his economic proposals in a video message to a group meeting in Los Angeles on "the state of the black union."
"We have done more in these past 30 days to bring about progressive change than we have in the past many years," the president in remarks the White House released in advance. "We are closing the gap between the nation we are and the nation we can be by implementing policies that will speed our recovery and build a foundation for lasting prosperity and opportunity."
Congressional Republicans continued to bash Obama's spending proposals and his projection of a $1.75 trillion deficit this year.
Almost every day brings another "multibillion-dollar government spending plan being proposed or even worse, passed," said Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who gave the GOP's weekly address.
He said Obama is pushing "the single largest increase in federal spending in the history of the United States, while driving the deficit to levels that were once thought impossible."
Read into it what you please, because that is what always happens:
Obama challenges lobbyists to legislative duel
AFP – US President Barack Obama speaks at Goettge Memorial Field House in Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, North … WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama challenged the nation's vested interests to a legislative duel Saturday, saying he will fight to change health care, energy and education in dramatic ways that will upset the status quo.
"The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long," Obama said in his weekly radio and video address. "But I don't. I work for the American people."
He said the ambitious budget plan he presented Thursday will help millions of people, but only if Congress overcomes resistance from deep-pocket lobbies.
"I know these steps won't sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they're gearing up for a fight," Obama said, using tough-guy language reminiscent of his predecessor, George W. Bush. "My message to them is this: So am I."
The bring-it-on tone underscored Obama's combative side as he prepares for a drawn-out battle over his tax and spending proposals. Sometimes he uses more conciliatory language and stresses the need for bipartisanship. Often he favors lofty, inspirational phrases.
On Saturday, he was a full-throated populist, casting himself as the people's champion confronting special interest groups that care more about themselves and the wealthy than about the average American.
Some analysts say Obama's proposals are almost radical. But he said all of them were included in his campaign promises. "It is the change the American people voted for in November," he said.
Nonetheless, he said, well-financed interest groups will fight back furiously.
Insurance companies will dislike having "to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that's how we'll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs," the president said. "I know that banks and big student lenders won't like the idea that we're ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that's how we'll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won't like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that's how we'll help fund a renewable energy economy."
Passing the budget, even with a Democratic-controlled Congress, "won't be easy," Obama said. "Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington."
Obama also promoted his economic proposals in a video message to a group meeting in Los Angeles on "the state of the black union."
"We have done more in these past 30 days to bring about progressive change than we have in the past many years," the president in remarks the White House released in advance. "We are closing the gap between the nation we are and the nation we can be by implementing policies that will speed our recovery and build a foundation for lasting prosperity and opportunity."
Congressional Republicans continued to bash Obama's spending proposals and his projection of a $1.75 trillion deficit this year.
Almost every day brings another "multibillion-dollar government spending plan being proposed or even worse, passed," said Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who gave the GOP's weekly address.
He said Obama is pushing "the single largest increase in federal spending in the history of the United States, while driving the deficit to levels that were once thought impossible."
Very scary times we live in and so many new enemies. This is definitely not a scare tactic but a very clear warning. You can't ignore facts, they are there.
Good point, good post. Thanks. The American people should always question motives of the government...
Motives of politicians are typically to help themselves. Notice how Obama left Unions off of his special interest bring it on list? Could it be because they contributed huge amounts of money to his campaign? Just a thought.
glass empty/full
LOL, ya know, reading your post about glass half empty, geez. I used to, in my younger days, be a glass half full. I used to debate with friends and coworkers, especially liked debating with cute doctors (smile) about their glass half empty view and my glass half full view..However, as I have gotten older, wiser and more tired, yes I guess my view is glass half empty. However, I do think if the situation in this country and the world and the job situation, heck the respect for each other situation was better, my attitude would change.
Stereotypical? LOL. Your glass walls are...
shattering as we speak.
People in glass houses...
should not throw stones, skunko!
People in glass houses...
Aren't you the one who provided the link about illegal aliens from republicanherald.com just yesterday? Duplicity abounds!
Keeping the glass half full SM
isn't about any of the things you name. It comes from inside, a peace of spirit and soul. It needs no outside influence except, in my case, my love for God and his for me. My glass has always been half full. And it always will be because He is with me always.
Everything you do not believe in can happen to you and your family........
Good post gt!
Amazing how the difference just slides off some people's backs. They label those who want to save lives as killers and think themselves saviors because they want killing to go on indefinitely.
A person has to be screwy in the head to think in such twisted terms!
good post
Thank you for your cogent comment. I agree with all you stated. I don't think we should allow the loud hysterical right wing to dominate the discussion. When I hear an emotional comment like ashamed, outraged, unpatriotic I see right through it as an attempt to silence people speaking and impose the attacker's inauthenic values upon all. Freedom of speech to me means we have to tolerate everybody saying what they think even if we don't agree. It does not mean that we are obligated to respond to an attacker. Thank you for your post.
Like you, I do not support either candidate. I think you have made some valid points in your post. Oh, how I wish people would have voted for Ron Paul.
Good post
Looks like their church did many good things for people. Not all "hate" that others who don't want Obama elected would portray the church as. This is what I like....a well researched post and not rumors, lies and misinformation. Thank you.
Your post was also very good. I
agree with most of what you say, especially about schools. In my county, our scores are horrendous, yet our taxes are sky high. The district I live in appeals tax assessments if a house is sold for more than what it was assessed for and, guess what. They are winning most of the appeals. So if a house is sold for $180,000 and assessed at $100,000, the school district gets the newer assessment. This, I believe is the correct way BUT what does the school do with it????? Right now, they want to build a new field house for the sports field complete with a tower (for what good purpose?)
Another school district is building a $30,000,000 school because their enrollment went up by 500 students. Why not just add on to the one they have? There is plenty of room.
Teachers are striking in another county. Why? They don't want to pay $150 a month for health insurance. Get real, people. Don't they realize what everyday people pay for health insurance? Yet, most of the teachers don't teach anymore. They're in it for the money. Teachers in my district make $50K and up a year. The administration makes over $100K. For what?
I have no idea whom I'm voting for because of the promises. Barack makes some good promises, everything this country wants to hear, but Congress and the Senate controls what laws pass, not the President.
As for McCain, I don't care for him but I think he picked a good running mate, although I would much rather if Mitt Romney was chosen. I like SP's view, but again, how much does a VP get done. I don't think Tom Ridge really wanted to be VP, although he was good when he was Governor of PA. He did a lot for the people of the state.
The major problem with this country in the past 20 years has been a "gimme" attitude. Everyone wants everything given to them but don't want to pay for it, yet don't realize that they DO pay in the long run by higher taxes or less services.
I wish people would vote by brains and not by heart. Research, research, research, then chose the best candidate. JMHO
good post! nm
nm
This is a good post
I read someone's post that Joe the Plumber was a "plant". At first I thought that is not fair to Obama's campaign, but then I remembered that Obama's camp plants people to set up McCain, just like Hillary's people set up Obama, etc, etc. Seems to be the norm nowadays.
But one thing I realized was that it doesn't really matter whether he was planted or not. It didn't change the answer Obama gave (redistribution of wealth). I think a lot were upset that more people started finally hearing about the socialist plan to take your money you worked for and give to those who don't work, and I think that's what a lot were upset about (us finding out the truth).
I do believe his comments are starting to wake up a lot of voters as to what's going to happen to their hard-earned money, and do believe this is probably just the beginning of his downslide. Obama and McCains poll numbers are starting to catch up with each other and I have heard political experts on both sides say if Obama was so much better than McCain and a clear winner he would be ahead 20 or 30 points, but he is only ahead by 4 to 6 points (which is down from 11 points last week).
I'm also glad that McCain has picked Sarah Palin because she is just telling it like it is and that is what the Americans want. Not someone who is going to sugar coat things.
I do agree that Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber have saved McCain. Looking forward to the next 3 weeks.
PS - Loved Obama's speech he gave at the fundraiser where he said Joe Biden wants to be known as Joe the politician. That was absolutely hysterical. I think they've all got a great sense of humor.
Good post, very well said.
They ALL waste thier campaign money - they think it's thier God-given right. When they go out of state, do you think they stay at at a Motel 6? Do you think they have dinner at McDonald's? Do you think they go down to Hertz and rent some little two-door to get around town?
The people that sent them all that money knew that it was for campaign expenses - whatever they may be. I am personally more upset at the money they waste with the worthless commercials that really tell us nothing about either candidate. Can we just get over this and move on - please? It's just such a nonissue! There's a post a little further down about whether we're headed for another Great Depression and all people can talk about are Palin's clothes - get a grip on reality!!!
good post
he does flip-flop on so many issues....
he seems to not be able to make a decision and stand by it... take a look at his voting record. "tell them what they wanna hear" is all i see and people are eating it up, truth or not.
it is very scary.
Good post - sm
While GP is not as bad as the others I do tend to find myself reading the subject line if she posts something because she has said some valid things that I agree with at times. Not all of it but some of it. But when I've seen too many attacks by the others without any reason I find its so calming to just skip over it without looking. Almost the same satisfaction I get on hanging up on sometime while they are spewing absolute garbage and hate towards others.
very good post.
i am especially with you on the prayer and fasting. i also agree with everything else you said and pray as things get tough, we all pull together and find our common ground, and common purpose.
Very good post. s/m
I do believe that one of Obama's major objectives is to wipe out those party lines that have so divided everyone. He has stated so many, many times, has promised to unite the parties into a single productive unit that will together make the decisions that are the best for all. I think he deserves the chance to make that happen. We will all be waiting with great expectation to see the changes he will attempt to make. The whole politics of Washington is in dire need of a new direction, and I firmly believe he is the one to do it. I know I am going to get attacked for these statements, but if I have one wish it is for each of us to keep an open mind and try to see things from a different perspective, and in order to facilitate a positive change, we must adopt a positive outlook.
I do have fear. I watched the O'Reilly Factor last night. Obama picked Emanuel, one of the most left wing liberal and will not have respect for bipartisanship. This guy is not to be trusted and even Clinton stated this to Richard Morris who has it in his book. Also on O'Reilly Factor last night, some feel Obama will be nothing more than a puppet by the Democrates. Lastly, the old folks that were brought up and raised by their certain morals, values, and beliefs for this country are now gone. Poof. Disappeared. This country will never be the same. Now will be liberal. I am sorry, but it is hard for me to accept this right now and it is hard for me to just change my morals and values just like that in one day. I am worried about our country.
Kramer was also on the show and stated he liked McCain's drill now. He said he hopes Obama will start this economy growing like how McCain wanted by starting new jobs for drilling and natural resources. Can you imagine? We start new companies for drilling oil, wind, coal, etc., and they will make money. We can hire plenty of people for those new jobs that will make money. Computer companies, furniture companies, paper products, telephone companies, and so on would make money because they are furnishing the new companies. Delis and fastfood services would open up new stores to feed people during lunch. Major domino effect and a good one. Hopefully Obama will see that, but right now he just wants to tax us so we all will be paying taxes each year and no jobs being created, but more unemployment.
Your post is good. I was a democrate and changed to republican. I hope you are right about Obama and I hope O'Reilly Factor, Kramer, Dick Morris, and all the others that were on last night are wrong about Obama.
Good post
Says what we feel. I believe we all hope for the best. We all wish him very well.
You can't say if he's going to be a good president or bad president because he has not even taken oath yet. Give the guy a chance. Keep a watchful eye out on him, watch who he picks to be in his cabinet (they are the ones making the decisions and guiding him). Just because I didn't vote for the guy doesn't mean I don't like him. If he does good his trust will have been earned. Until then I am worried, nervous and scared - Human.
Good post - sm
Unfortunately O has not provided any answers - just like all the other issues. No answers just fluff talk.
Goes to show you he cares little about the people whose lives depend on coal industry. But then again, aren't those the same people who cling to their guns and religion.
good post!
I agree 100%. I mean really, if we keep backing down and trying to accommodate everybody, I think we will eventually lose ourselves and what is right and wrong, what this country's founding fathers stood for.
PS I don't hate u either, just consider it wrong. I woudl not be one to physically or verbrally attack you.
Good post
Another fine example of corporate america distracting attention from their mind-blowing "salaries and benefits" -- put the blame on the worker. That crap is being sold constantly by the right and eaten right up by the "folks" too lazy to question or research and need to have someone to blame and look down upon.
Karl Rove type thinking.
Good post - thanks
Yeah, I think if JC was to come back he would just say there is something terribly wrong with what's going on.
marks the location of current message within thread![Obama](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090228/videolthumb.983a6028673afffb912927d28ef3bb47.jpg?x=213&y=160&xc=1&yc=1&wc=399&hc=300&q=85&sig=PMO6DFmeTgJVwZABqsZxhg--")
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