The Republican Legacy

As I see the Republican punditry admit to the fact that the George Bush presidency was a disaster, I can't help but wonder; what the hell were they doing the last few years? Did the Republican punditry try to sell us an administration that they KNEW was a disaster? Did they just attempt to deal us another crappy hand (McPalin) so they could further puff up their collective ego and self-vindicate their misguided and dangerous ideals?

Every utterance from a Republican that identifies a McCain or Palin weakness; every whisper from a Republican that reflects the sheer incompetence and malfeasance of the Bush Cheney regime; should be perpetually amplified and echoed as evidence of this grand mistake known as the Republican Party.

Bipartisanship?! Democrats offer bipartisanship, although honestly Republicans deserve no such latitude due to their inherent dishonest nature. When complete idiots like Hannity and Limbaugh declare that the 'Obama Recession is under way'; I can’t help but feel validated for the moments where I am convinced that the Republican Party is nothing more than an elite group of greedy criminals manipulating the group of incurious, ignorant, self destructive lemmings known as the Republican electorate.

They actually blame the Democratic Congress for this financial mess, without acknowledging that in the past 20 months, the Republicans were the most obstructionist minority in the history of the US Congress, and without acknowledging that the Republican agenda of deregulation (or no-regulation to be more exact) is exactly the cause of this mess.

A fitting image is one of a bunch of Republican toddlers; each with a fresh load of shit in their diapers, crying to mommy and blaming the Democrats for the putrid load of waste they carry with them. This is the legacy of the Republican Party; a putrid load of shit in the diapers of ignorant toddlers.

Bush's Final Pillage

In regards to the 'bailout'; the one that Hank Paulson tried to shove down our throats with a three page proposal that was absolutely absurd in its content;

Naomi Klein has written a fantastic commentary that sheds new light on this confusing topic.

"Clearly, it was never really about getting loans flowing. It was always about doing what it is doing: turning the state into a giant insurance agency for Wall Street—a safety net for the people who need it least, subsidized by the people who will most need state protections in the economic storms ahead."

http://www.naomiklein.org/articles/2008/10/bailout-bush-s-final-pillage

Prop Eight

This election has provided some bittersweet results.

Back in 1967, the idea of an African American becoming President was as likely as Jesus walking the earth again.

Back in 1967, in numerous states, it was still illegal for an African American, Asian, or Hispanic to marry a Caucasian.

Back in 1967, it took the Federal Supreme court to declare that such discrimination was unconstitutional and that an African American, Asian, or Hispanic may indeed marry a Caucasian in any state in this Republic.

Here in 2008, an African American is the President Elect.

Here in 2008, the California Supreme Court, with its Republican Majority, declared that gay couples can marry.

Here in 2008, the California electorate overturned that California Supreme Court decision.

I believe that the Supreme Court has an obligation to protect the civil liberties of the minorities, and that the Supreme Court is indeed Supreme over any majority decision that discriminates against minorities. I believe that Prop Eight is an abomination of basic human rights.

If, in 1967, when the Federal Supreme Court declared banning interracial marriages to be a violation of civil rights; if that same decision were given to the electorate, the results would not have been the same.

To the gay community I say this; your time is near. The tide is with you. The religious organizations who financed campaigns to strip you of your civil liberties have crossed a line that may legally relieve them of their tax exempt status. So chin up, it will happen.

What to do next? Here are my suggestions. Whether you deem them sound or not.

First; file a Federal Lawsuit targeting the religious organizations that financed this prop eight campaign as to strip them of their tax exempt status. Funding a political campaign while enjoying tax exempt status provides a financial advantage that compromises equal protection under the law.

Second; organize a grassroots effort to boycott any corporation that supports the agenda of these religious organizations. The Internet is very powerful. Use it. Boycott. Madison avenue has yet to figure out that the gay community is a large demographic and consists of many successful professionals with plenty of disposable income! Make Madison Avenue aware that their allegiances to discriminatory organizations is costing them money.

Third; petition your representatives to fight for tax exempt status to any gay person on the grounds that they have been stripped of civil liberties guaranteed by the constitution. Why should any American citizen pay the same taxes while they are proactively being stripped of basic civil liberties.

In closing. I feel you have freedom and validation close at hand. Trust that many sympathize with your cause and will support you. The religious zealots have had a couple of decades of government intrusion, and I believe this inequity can be easily overcome. I find it ironic that the groups opposing you are invariably Christian. I am an Atheist, yet I appreciate the 'teachings' of Jesus. It seems the Christian zealots have completely forgotten the tenants of Christianity; love your neighbor, act in the common good not for the good of greed, and accept of those who are different.

Fight the fight intelligently and pragmatically, you are almost there, and you have the support of more than you might perceive.

Let this nation rid ourselves of these discriminatory pretexts, so we can realize a society of progress unhindered by fear.

Rosa Sat Down

By now the world knows that America has a different voice from the one the world has been listening to for the past eight years.

I am so proud and so happy that words can not be found to express this emotion.

Now the real work begins. Let the garbage of the past be just that; the garbage of the past.

Tomorrow is a new day. The nation has the opportunity to work on an agenda focused on the needs of the people, not the excesses of the greedy.

Bush is now officially a mistake of the past. His policies are not destined to become legacy to the leadership of tomorrow. The world is better for this.

I have argued and blogged about the misguided agenda that has been delivered to this world by the Bush administration. This misguided agenda has been stifled by more than change for changes sake; but by a leader who has displayed the judgement, composure, temperament, and leadership that the nation and the world has been so void of for the past eight years.

The past eight years have bestowed upon us the failed policies of those who crave leadership for wealth and power, while sacrificing the well being of the common people of this great nation. This criminal element has sacrificed the lives of so many brave American men and women to line the pockets of cronies. This criminal element has wiped the lives of innocent men, women, and children from the face of this earth. This criminal element has destroyed our Bill of Rights, committed blatant treason, spied on us without just cause, engaged in torture, extorted our federal reserve, destroyed Americas standing in the world, and corrupted our Justice Department.

The world should never give the benefit of the doubt to the Bush crime family. The world must never forget the abuse of power propogated by Bush and his cronies.

It is a new day.

I thought I would end my blog upon this moment, but I feel compelled to continue.

This canvas is a motivating entity for me to keep my eyes on developing policies. To prod myself into examining issues and convey my opinions in the most summarized and concise statements that I may muster. So, maybe, just maybe, I can convey some artifact of my knowledge that provides clarity to anyone who would like to contribute a supporting or contradictory opinion. Let us not rest in the complacency of laurels, for there is still so much more to achieve.

I heard a quote that I must convey. I know not who is credited for this quote, but it is well worth repeating. The sentiment of this quote stems from a particular history of racial strife. Yet, I believe this sentiment transcends race and finds purchase in the common experience of trying... and failing... and getting up to try again. For nothing more, or less, than the sole purpose of making this world a better and more hospitable place than it has become.

Simply put ...

Rosa sat so Martin could walk.

Martin walked so Barack could run.

Barack ran so our children could fly.

The Abortion Issue

Let me start by saying, NOBODY is pro-abortion. Abortion is something that nobody chooses with joy in their hearts. Nobody wakes up in the morning and says "I hope I get pregnant today so I can have an abortion".

It is a horrendous decision. I have known the most adamant Christian family to take part in this decision and indeed decide upon abortion. Incidentally, this Christian family subsequently continued to be fervant opponents of abortion after the fact.

What would improve the issue of abortion? Education.

Yet, there are certain groups in our society that not only claim abortion should be illegal, but that education leading to the avoidance of such a decision is an abhoration. Left to them, educating our young adults in the responsible methods of avoiding unwanted conception is unthinkable.

Our country has been so led by these groups as to deny financial aid to developing countries if the aid would lead to sexual education and free contraception. Yes, the United States of America has successfully asserted this position.

The impoverished who have teenage daughters should be forced to bring the baby to term. If the young mother requires welfare to support the baby, then that young mother is a welfare theif, planning pregancies to get more government money. Believe it or not, this absurd mindset indeed exists, and anyone who embraces this logic, in my opinion, is less than human.

There is a book I can refer to called Freakonomics. This book contains statistical analyses for many of societies current disparities. One of the many topics covered, is an examination of the effects of the Roe V Wade decision to uphold a womans inherent right to privacy. I recommend reading this book. It clearly substantiates that when you force a teenage woman of poverty into keeping an unplanned pregnancy, the odds that the unwanted child would have a productive life are extremely low.

An even harsher consideration is the late term abortion. I agree that this sort of abortion carries serious implications. But, if the health of the woman is in imminent jeopardy, the decision should be left to the doctor, the woman, and the family involved.

Roe V Wade was not an abortion issue as much as it was a right to privacy issue. NOBODY is pro-abortion. Education can seriously reduce this unfortunate circumstance.

Sarah Palin wants abortion to be made illegal. When pressed for an answer as to whether or not she wants women who have abortions put in jail, she wiggled a bit and claimed that she does not. A bit of nuance here; she wants doctors who perform abortions put in jail.

It's easy for Sarah Palin; her daughter will always have a financially sound base to help raise this child. But what about the impoverished teen who has no hope of such a financial foundation.

Sarah claims that she's proud that her daughter, given the choice, decided to go through with her pregnancy. The operative word being choice.

John McCain stumbled in the 2000 Republican primaries when an astute journalist asked him what would happen if his teenage daughter Meghan became pregnant, and he replied to the effect that it would be a family decision. What's that John? Did I hear the word 'decision' ... as in choice? Did I hear 'family decision'? Implying privacy?

So; John McCain; judging by your answer, you supported Roe V Wade.

You did John. Flip Flop all you want about this one, but you did.

Sarahs Rally Today

Talk about an illegitimate dig ... today Sarah said 'we need a leader who isn't afraid to use the word victory'.

Meanwhile, in Early September 2008 General David Petraeus claimed that victory in Iraq is not possible.

I guess we passed that threshold a long time ago.

What we are actually dealing with now is mitigating this disastrous Bush McCain foreign policy blunder.

Who Counts The Votes?

Last Thursday I thought I would get a jump on things and cast my early ballot to avoid any lines at my voting station.

This was after all a moot point because I live in a fairly well to do Republican stronghold called Naperville Illinois, and because we enjoy such stature, I have never had any complications on election day.

We always have plenty of voting facilities, and I never once had to wait on a line to cast my ballot. Unlike the more urban communities who don't have enough voting booths to accommodate the population.

But, that's okay, they are mostly lower income communities who always vote Democrat anyway, so as we know from past reports on past elections, most have to wait in line for hours to cast a vote, and if a number of them can't vote, well they're most likely Democrats anyway and we don't need their votes that favor liberal concepts like fair economics. Or so Grover Norquist likes to think.

When I arrived at the city center I was surprised that early voting meant I had to use a voting machine.

So I decide to wait until election day to cast a paper ballot.

Why would I decide such a thing?

I have been an Information Technology professional for about twenty two years now. Currently a systems analyst, but in the past I have been a programmer, project manager, account manager, and quality assurance manager.

The voting machines indeed have problems. This has been illuminated in news programs and documentaries. A few have explicitly displayed a person touching a Democratic candidate while the Republican candidate received the vote. Funny how it works out that way isn't it? I've never seen an incident of a person touching a Republican vote that turns Democrat.

Being an IT professional, I know that if I release a system into a production environment it better work. Yet, there are occasions where malfunctions occur and we call these malfunctions 'bugs'.

When a system is implemented and a bug is encountered, the first thing we do is gauge the risk ... severity. If risks are identified during the development process, when mitigation plans could be put in place to capture and correct any foreseen risks, then things are usually sound.

If a risk is big enough to generate a serious integrity issue, and there is no sound mitigation plan in place, then the system must be pulled from production. These are the parameters I must live within as a professional who is accountable for any compliance violations in a product I am responsible for.

Compliance with voting machines would be as simple as providing a paper printout of the transaction so the voter can view this transaction and approve. Those paper printouts can subsequently be used for any recount. Some recounts are mandated by state law within certain tolerance margins. Simple enough right? But, if a recount is mandated in a district that utilized these voting machines, then no recount is possible, therefore subverting the State constitutions that mandate such recounts.

To be fair, some machines have been equipped with such a function, yet these machines are by far the minority of voting machines out there.

Better yet; the source code of the programs can be audited by compliance enforcement before they are ever even issued. Such a precaution will still not guarantee a hack proof solution, but at least the processes of oversight may negate such indiscretion.

Yet, these companies like Diebold will not permit auditing of source code referring to intellectual property breaches. In this case the position of Diebold is not valid because our tax dollars pay for these machines so the 'intellectual property' belongs to the American people. We have every legal right to audit these machines. We, the American taxpayers own these machines. We, the American taxpayers own the software. Why then, are we stripped of the right to audit these artifacts?

This begs the question; why are these machines are being built by private corporations instead of the Federal Government?

Well, the unbridled free market loonies don't want government bureaucracy, and there are huge lobbyists, and that's just the way it goes. Just look at the global economic situation that we are dealing with right now and you might deduce why this philosophy is in essence a conflict of interest.

I state again, these machines are paid for by our tax dollars, we have every right to audit these machines, but the lobby laden lunatics running our government don't seem to allow this. The risks are indeed great, and there is no sound mitigation plan... why are these machines not being pulled from production right now? There is a lot at stake.

Because we own these machines, we should demand that they work in a pristine fashion. Wouldn't electronically stealing votes in an election be a considerable compliance violation?

Why are they allowed to get away with this?

Because Americans, for the most part, care more about their television viewing habits, than they do about the stability of our Democracy.

The power lies not within those who cast the votes, the power lies within those who control the votes.

Sleep well America, I hear the new fall season of television programs have fine production quality.

Fruit Flies, Bush Slams, and Flat out Lies

Today Sarah Palin was presenting her plans and desires to fund assistance for special needs children. A very admirable thing to do.

She plans on paying for this funding by eliminating earmarks, and specifically mocked earmarks for research of fruit flies in Paris France.

The problem is; the research of fruit flies has actually identified a genetic characteristic that could potentially lead to a cure, or advancements in the treatment of, autism.

Every time she opens her mouth she succeeds in either showing how little she knows or demonstrating how poorly prepared she is. It's getting embarassing to watch.

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On a brighter note, John McCain has been crushing the Bush administration with criticism of the Bush policies and the performance of the Republican congress. He's made some fairly scathing remarks that made me think for a fleeting moment he was campaigning for Obama.

But I guess it's just McCains own way of propogating the bumbling idiot routine. He must have a lot of faith in this bumbling idiot routine of his. He uses it quite a lot.

You see, it's nice to see McCain take Bush and the Republicans to task for the damage they have done to this country. The problem is, McCain was major part of the whole thing. So I guess he's blasting himself for doing such a lousy job.

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And last ... the lies ... A six foot four African American Obama supporter attacked a McCain campaign worker and carved a backward letter 'B' on her face her just because she had a McCain sticker on her car.

Oh, wait! That was a lie. Kind of like that whole Joe the Plumber lie thingy, only this one wound up with a perp-walk so the press to photograph this young woman being arrested.

You see, this lie was much worse than the Joe the Plumber lie, because this type of lie is called race baiting and it is a disgusting display of how desperate the McCain camp is. I'm not sure if it's illegal, I would assume it is. She definitly did something illegal, she was perp-walked in handcuffs after all.

Race bating will now be forever connected to the McCain campaign.

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By the way, did you see the stock market again today? And how about those global markets, huh?

These economic policies have put a big hole in our ship and it is sinking. There is no question we need to change these existing policies, and there is no question that John McCain will not deliver the necessary change.

You see, McCain was always proud of his banking deregulation, just ask the other four of the Keating Five. Think back to how Phil Gramm so smugly said we were just a nation of whiners because of this 'mental recession', how can anyone in their right mind vote for McCain?

The 'S' Word ... Socialism

Recently Grampy McSame and Bible Spice have been pumping a new word into their repertoire.

Socialism.

Doesn't that mean collecting taxes from the wealthy to 'spread the wealth' to others in the society?

Then what do you call it when Sarah Palin taxes the wealthy oil companies in Alaska to cut a check for each and every resident in Alaska.

Isn't that socialism?

Ever wonder why she WAS such a popular Governor? ('Was' being the operative word) ... They loved her because she was using a Socialist practice to elevate her popularity. Tax the rich and share the wealth, that is exactly what she has been doing. Exactly! And, please let us not forget, the total population of Alaska is about six hundred thousand. That is hardly enough to be considered a city in the lower forty eight.

And while we are on the topic of 'spreading the wealth'?

How about the hefty incentives that the Federal Government has been giving to the wealthy oil companies under the secret Cheney Energy Plan. It's interesting how this plan was initiated right after the Clinton administration left us with a $6,000,000,000,000.00 (that is six trillion dollar) projected budget surplus.

Isn't that welfare? You bet your ass it is, it's called Corporate Welfare. But this administration isn't giving the oil companies money we have on hand, this administration is irresponsibly burdening our already overburdened debt to provide this corporate welfare.

The Republicans may have their rhetoric, their lies, their smears, but that's okay ...

Republicans; you can say what you want about Obama. Call him a Muslim when he's not. Call him a socialist when your own VP is in her own way practicing socialism. Call him a traitor, when your own VP is sleeping with a bonafide member of an American secessionist organization (yeah, that's patriotic!) ... talk is just talk ... and hypocrites can talk ...

Actions speak louder than words ... Actions like the one taken by a group of McCain supporters who just shot a bear cub in the head, draped him in Obama campaign material and dropped the dead bear cub at a university. Nice one assholes. Hate much?

Actions! We simply have to take a brief gander at John McCain and Sarah Palin to know what kind of idiots they are.

Better yet, look at John McCain, and Sarah Palin, then look at George Bush and Dick Cheney, and one can not help but deduce, that the Republican Party of 2008 must consist of a bunch of idiots! It's almost comical, but it is really quite sad.

Actions! ... Well, just take a look at what a complete idiot John McCain has very recently demonstrated himself to be!!! Go ahead click the you tube link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLVSURlFoQs

Aaahhh that was fun! Viva La YouTube ...

I challenge anyone to find anything nearly a stupid as that spewing from Obamas mouth. I can't believe some people actually trust this idiot John McCain to run our country. Worse yet, Sarah Palin; a very feasible scenario being that McCain is showing some serious signs of disengaging from his faculties. If you doubt this, just watch the clip of him addressing a campaign rally with the unforgettable words 'my fellow prisoners', and on this instance he didn't even correct himself.

Yes this is the elephant in the room again ... maybe, just maybe, John McCain (at seventy two years old) is just a wee bit too old to consider a career change into the most powerful single position in the world. My Dad is seventy five and, hell no I wouldn't want him to be President, heck he retired about ten years ago. That leaves us with Palin as President. Comforting? I think not!

Or maybe Ron Paul, Ralph Nader,Cindy McKinney, or Bob Bahr? Do any of you even know who their respective running mates are?!

Back to topic...

While we are on the topic of Socialism; hear me out ... this will be quite hard to articulate.

When the wealthy need a war to increase the wealth of the corporate royalty, then it's an honor for the working people to send their sons and daughters into harms way to honorably sacrifice life and limb so scummy people like Dick Cheney can grow in wealth.

But other than that, the corporate royalty does not want to give anything back to the working class, otherwise it's considered Socialism? What kind of logic is that?

John McCain did not vote for the recent GI Bill which increased benefits to the GI's serving this country.

The reason he didn't want to give the GI's a better shot at life is because he does not want them to leave the military. If you give them too many benefits, they may very well be able to leave and start their own lives.

Nice sentiment coming from a blue blood militarist who dumped his first wife after a disfiguring car accident so he can marry a much younger heiress to a considerable fortune. But, that's John McCain for you.

Funny; even though McCain refused to vote for the GI bill because he was fundamentally against it; George Bush still had to sign it (even though he didn't want to), because this is an election year. As Bush signed the bill, he thanked John McCain for bringing this bill to us.

Huh? What the? Did he just say what I think he said? Do you mean our President lied to us? Again?

Not only did McCain not vote for the GI bill, he tried hard to keep the bill from being voted upon, and Bush thanked him for this bill. Hard to believe, but it's true.

This is during war time 'my friends'.

To the wealthy corporate royalty; socialism is just fine when it comes time to send young poor kids into war for profit, or increase their political popularty, just don't let them have any of the profit!!!

That profit belongs to the wealthy corporate royalty (also known as fascists). Halliburton, Bechtel, KBR, Blackwater (the private army of the corporate royalty, that we the tax payers pay for), and the whole Carlisle Group.

Good Night. Sleep well.

The Drama and Mismanagement of McCain

I received another one of those viral emails. This time it came from a Republican friend.

Now I have to actually spend time debunking lies (again) so he can understand that Obama didn't receive hundreds of millions of dollars from terrorist organizations.

I should bill a consulting rate to each and everyone who sends me these viral emails.

Since I have to spend time debunking lies about Obamas campaign financing, I feel like I've earned the right to bring up a McCain campaign finance management true fact.

Before the Republican primaries were over, McCain just about bankrupted his campaign.

In fact he had to use the public funding pool as collateral to obtain loans (which was a bit dodgy and raised some eyebrows in the F.E.C., even talk of ethical improprieties).

So; here's a guy named McCain, who admits to the nation he doesn't quite understand economic issues, proceeds to mismanage his campaign budget to near bankruptcy, is the champion of the deregulation that brought the credit markets to their knees, is a champion of putting social security into the stock market, wants to deregulate the health insurance industry to conform to the banking model he purports, then tells the nation that the fundamentals of the economy are strong while the coal mine canaries are gasping their last breaths, throws out a dozen knee-jerk erratic ideas to revive the coal mine canaries, then as the coal mine canaries don't respond, starts mob-rallies that generate expressions like "kill him" "terrorist" "bomb him" ...

It occurs to me that, even with all of McCains experience, his judgement is quite weak. It seems any issue that McCain has to deal with, he deals with in an irrational knee jerk manner. McCain handles every situation like some big drama, and this leads him to rush to unacceptable conclusions and failed strategies. Just look at Palin for proof positive.

We just had eight years of a moron named Bush, does this country really need another four of a different sort of blundering idiot, one with a nasty temperment and a penchant for the dramatic.

Well, now I have to spend my time again proving to my Republican friends that Obama didn't receive hundreds of millions of dollars from terrorists.

As if they can't figure it out on their own. Are they just acting this stupid?

No Need To Say Anything

I haven't posted a blog in a couple of days. I haven't had to.

Palin and McCain have been behaving in such a disturbing manner, we can all just sit back and watch them self destruct.

With Grampy and Sarah acting the way they've been lately, it gives us bloggers some time to rest.

The McCain - Palin ticket has to be the most desperate, disgusting, and disgraceful ticket to ever run for the offices of President and Vice President.

They are not only an embarrassment to the Republican party, but an embarrassment to America.

The mob action campaign rallies are really alarming.

Thanks to John McCain and Sarah Palin; hateful ignorance is beginning to look like the true cornerstone of the Republican party.

If I were a Republican, I'd seriously start thinking about the malfeasance with which John McCain has managed the privilege of being your party candidate.

Seriously!

McCain and Palin ought to be ashamed of the tactics they've been employing.

Obama McCain Debate Number Two

I wouldn't be a respectable blogger if I didn't go to sleep without commenting.

I honestly think it was a good debate. I didn't like McCain referring to Obama as 'that one', it was kind of juvenile, but more so, he was in a moment of almost losing his temper again.

I think they both have it wrong when it comes to Russia.

I think Obama was very poised, knowledgeable, comfortable, and at ease with his answers.

I think McCain looked uncomfortable in his own skin.

I feel justified in believing Obama proved himself more capable.

McCain is scary.

The Negatives of Negativity

It’s been discussed in so many articles by so many pundits that it is embarrassing to watch.

Why is the McCain Palin campaign resorting to attack politics with ammunition that failed in March when Hillary used it?

By now, we have all seen the clip from 2000 where McCain denounces negative campaigning as an indication that a candidate has no vision or substance.

Yet he persists with this embarrassing tactic.

By now we all know that Obama has a cache of yet to be used negative bombs against McCain and Palin. One would assume that McCain would display some sense of self preservation and not attack, especially with the old lies and half-truths he has been using.

Yet he persists with this embarrassing tactic.

We don’t have to look far to see why McCain and Palin are engaging in this self destructive behaviour. We only have to look at John McCains own words. McCain said in 2000 "if all you run is negative attack ads you don't have much of a vision for the future, or you're not ready to articulate it."

Are McCain and Palin telling us they have no vision for the future? Or, are they simply telling us that they don’t know how to articulate it?

McCain has no ground to stand on. The policies he purports are abject failures. The past eight years of Republican leadership have left this nation with the most precarious exposure since the great depression. McCain even uses phrases reminiscent of Herbert Hoover pre-Depression reasoning when he says ‘I believe Americas best days are ahead of us’. Hoover said the same while the economic ship was sinking.

In fact, I personally believe Americas best days are ahead of us, but only under the guidance of the intelligent leadership offered by Barack Obama, not in the erratic machinations of the McCain Palin ticket. This nation can’t survive four years of the bad judgement and knee jerk predicaments that have come to symbolize the McCain Palin campaign.

As far as McCains latest flip flop; negative campaigning; Barack Obama said it well. “We don’t throw the first punch, but we’ll throw the last’.

I Want My Constitution Back

There is something fundamentally wrong with the current political and governing landscape that is difficult to put into words.

This country used to have real reasons to feel proud.

This country used to be the real world leader.

Because of the Patriot Act and the Bush Cheney execution of the unitary executive provisions, nine out of our ten first amendments, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, have been dismantled without the American populace even being aware that this has happened.

As long as the President can declare any citizen and enemy combatant to this conveniently unwinnable war, called ‘The War on Terror’, each and every American is at risk of having every right stripped from them at the whim of the President without the grant of habeas corpus. Without being told why they are being punished. Without having any family, friends, associates, or acquaintances being told that this person has been incarcerated. Without seeing a judge. Without luxury of council. The unitary executive could render anyone he wishes to be sent to another nation for torture. No one would ever know.

This is what George Bush had attempted to do to the United States.

Fortunately, the United States Supreme Court interfered and required trials for the enemy combatants in custody. (What about those who were never 'in custody'?)

I have to add; this is a Republican controlled Supreme Court, and George Bush is a Republican president. This speaks volumes about the abuses the Bush Cheney administration had intended to perpetrate.

It seems we may have escaped a true totalitarian dictatorship by the skin of our teeth.

Yet, what still bothers me is the total disregard for judicial responsibilty displayed by the Republican Party under the leadership of George Bush.

Their refusal to answer subpoenas is criminal, yet they get away with it. The commutation of Libbys sentence protected the Bush administration due to a loophole that would keep Libby from being further questioned in regards to other Bush malfeasance. And, yet, they get away with it.

The fact that Dick Cheney can commit a blatant treasonous act by exposing an active covert CIA agent working for a brass plate front company investigation nuclear weapon activity in the very region we are at war, thus jeopardizing the lives on an unknown quantity of collateral persons, and walk away free and clear, so he can subsequently shoot a companion in the face and be driven home (thus avoiding any engagement with law enforcement), until he could sleep off whatever buzz he was under when he was holding the loaded weapon, is an embarrassment to this nation. Yet, he gets away with it.

The fact that the Bush administration was illegally tapping any and every telephone conversation in America is even more outrageous considering the fact that he was doing this even BEFORE 9/11. Does anyone remember Watergate? The wire taps were to be used for political advantage or extortion. Bush was doing this very thing before 9/11. The fact that Bush did this is a disgrace to any form of freedom.

During a February 1st 2004 speech in Buffalo New York George Bush said “any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires a court order" and that "when we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so ... We respect the constitution."

What a lying sack of garbage this man is!

Back to point; if someone fell asleep in say, 1979, and just woke up today, I believe they would be appalled at the condition of our government. I believe this person would ask “how did this happen?”

I guess I would offer some explanation as to how, with the corporate controlled massive media, an economy where most households need two incomes to survive, and people knowing more about the cast of ‘Survivor’ than the machinations of their own government, I guess we were distracted and allowed ourselves to be scammed in a huge swindle that killed many and enriched a very select few.

This is not a conspiracy theory, this is a substantial factual case.

We owe it to ourselves to be more vigilant as to the goings on of our government. We need to understand the stakes and the mistakes. We need an honest form of government where this massive corporate owned media can’t sway average people with propaganda. We need the 'fairness act' back! Reagan took that protection away from us and I wholly believe that was a tremendous mistake.

If we don’t all start holding this government accountable; our constitution as we’ve known it will disappear forever.

That would be a shame, because I really do want my constitution back.

The government works for the people of the nation, not the other way round.

Biden Palin Debate

I'll try to say this in as concise a manner as possible.

Joe Biden drove his points home with authority and with reference to facts. Joe Biden had presented sound stipulations of plans supporting the impending changes that are needed for this nation.

Without offering a discernible plan, Sarah Palin offered the empty rhetoric of "McCain and I will change Washington". No stipulations to any change in policy that would differ from the Bush agenda. There were little or no reference to any facts, just the old "trust us we'll change things" rhetoric. No plan whatsoever. Given McCains long history of deregulation, this only falls flat considering deregulation is what brought the financial and credit markets to their knees.

John McCain stole Obamas mantra of change out of necessity as the populace has become more and more exposed to the Republican policies leading this nation down a dangerous path.

McCain has nothing tangible to offer in respect to change.

Any credibility to the 'Maverick" label he has given himself had been sold to the neocon right-wing agenda a long time ago.

Had John McCain not sold out to the right wing neocon agenda, he would not be the Republican Party candidate today. It is as simple as that. McCain is no maverick.

Bush and Cheney ENDORSE John McCain!

That is all that need be said to discredit McCains interpretation of 'change'.

What The Others See

It dawns on me that, while I am a political junkie, most people are not. Unfortunately, 'most people' are the constituents of an election.

There is a point here.

After Fridays debate, I was a little sad. I kind of wanted Barack Obama to wipe the stage with John McCain.

I felt he didn't.

I appreciate that he didn't.

But there comes a time that we've got to say to the party that gave us ... Rove-Cheney-Bush-Gonzalez-Rumsfeld-Torture-Greed-PatriotAct-UnwarrentedSpyingOnAmericanCitizensBeforeNineEleven-Iraq-FinancialMeltdown-NoBidContractsToCheneysOwnCompany-LettingBinLadenRoamFree-SacrificingAmericanSoldiersForIraqOil-LyingToCongress-ObstructingJustice-VoteCaging-MonicaGoodling-NotEnoughArmour-MomAndDadAndCousinsAndSistersAndFamilyFriendsBuyingArmourForTheirLovedOnesInBattle-HarrietMeyers-KATRINA!!!-ShoddyConstructionThatElectrocutedAmericSoldiers-AndSoMuchMoreThatIDon'tHaveTimeToMention ... should be wiped from the stage.

This constituency may deserve, at the very least, the joy of seeing the Republican Party wiped from the stage.

Unfortunately, the lions share of the American Electorate are not political junkies, and it actually served Obama well on the last debate.

I actually heard a Republican pundit say "McCain did well ... he didn't lose his cool".

Imagine that ... the fact that this man didn't put his fist through the wall, or punch a congressional page, means he did well. Give me a break.

McCain has not the temperment to be President. And in fact, McCain is too old for a career change into the toughest job in the world.

Back to topic ...

It ends up most Americans do not watch the whole debate from minute one until closing credits. They see Obama as cool and collected, and they see McCain grinning like a Rottweiler ready to jump at your face.

McCain (Oh I hate to say it again, I say it so many times on my blog) ... McCain is an idiot, and he even brought up Palin ... as if ... 'you like what you see now? Wait until Sarah growls at Biden ... yeah that's the ticket ... you want us on that wall!!! ... Obama? I'll eat him with my raw eggs'

Well that's what the American electorate saw. That is why McCain didn't fare well in the subsequent polls.

That's my blog for tonight. I am proud to support Barack Obama.

The world needs a change, and if America does not offer the change, then America does not deserve to lead the world.

George Bush hurt us a whole lot, but we are Americans. If we can get past the McSame Paling malarkey ticket, I believe the whole world will look a lot better come November.

Judgement

Let me sum up John McCains judgement in three words; Iraq, Economy, and Palin

1. Iraq

In 2003 ... McCain told the American people that the Iraq War would would be quick and easy, that we would be greeted as liberators, that the animus existing between Sunni and Shia was overblown by the unpatriotic, and that the oil revenues would pay for the war.

In 2008 ... McCain can't eat enough tums to alleviate the indigestion that is Iraq ... the failed policy that is Iraq. He clings to the success of the tactic of the surge, yet he fails to mention how many dollars are spent as hush money to keep the citizenry from killing each other, he fails to mention the success of the ethnic cleansing that has occurred in the region, and he fails to mention the millions of displaced due to this ethnic cleansing. He never reminds the American people of the cost in treasury and global stature that has impeded the United States since this fatefull decision in the spring of 2003.

He fails to acknowledge how we took the eye off the ball and allowed the Taliban and Al Quada to recharge while we were busy chasing Cheneys corporate pet project for Halliburton under the very administration that McCain marched lockstep with for the past eight years.

2. Economy

John McCain has forever promoted the concept of an unregulated free market economy.

At the Republican Primary Mitt Romney stated that John McCain would take a weed whacker to the government regulations. Clearly this unregulated free market economy is not the safest mode of transport for this nations future.

Now, McCain is trying to paint himself as a proponent of tighter regulations.

John, you can't lie when your statements are on video tape.

3. Palin

Palin may not make it to November. She may bow out of the race and cite family concerns as the reason.

I have spoken much of my distaste for the malarkey that is Palin. To substantiate my point further I guide you to an article printed in the National Review. In case you are not familiar with the National Review; it is the choice publication for the Republican Party. It is to the Republican Party what The Nation magazine is to the Democratic Party.

Even the National Review is calling for Palin to remove herself from the race.

To quote Kathleen Parker in her article "Palin Problem She's Out Of Her League' National Review September 26 2008 ... 'Palin’s recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League.'

"Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves," Parker writes. "She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first."

After this debate tonight, it was conspicuous that Palin did not talk to the press while Joe Biden did.

When Palin removes herself from the race, that action will be quite substantial in reminding the American people what an irrational knee-jerk idiot John McCain really is.

Bush Paulson plan; proceed with caution

With the Republicans refusing to approve the Bush - Paulson bail out plan, it could provide ammunition for this electoral cycle where the Republicans can claim that the Democrats are moving in lockstep with President Bush, and it’s the Republicans that are fighting for the rights of the taxpayers.

This bailout possesses the potential political ammunition that can be used to unjustly format an inaccurate picture of the very nature of the Republican and Democratic parties.

It is ultimately urgent to have both the Republican and the Democratic parties accept this proposal with majority approval from each side of the aisle.

Democrats do not want to be caught holding the bag with an ill conceived Bush failure and let the Republicans paint them negatively for supporting this Bush policy.

The Democrats do hold the slim congressional majority and could move this along without Republican support, but that would put the Democratic Party in quite a precarious situation.

If Republicans do not provide majority support for this Bush policy, the Democrats should let it fizzle and begin working towards a new policy.

This plan could be a partisan trick, sort of a unique October surprise. After all Bush was playing ‘chicken little’ a few nights back, and the world hasn’t ended. The market could have enough stability to endure while the congress puts together a plan that does not have the hallmarks of a knee-jerk unplanned unmonitored reactionary political football.

The Elephant In The Room

If McCain is looking for distraction from his flailing reactionary misjudgements throughout the recent economic crisis, well then, mission accomplished.

However, this distraction has not been a positive distraction for McCain.

The agenda of this tact is clearly seen for what it is, a cheap ploy, an attempt to disrupt the scheduled debates.

By using this tact to disrupt scheduled debates in order to better position him politically, John McCains actions are the antithesis of his campaign mantra ‘Country Fist’. He is indeed putting politics above country. So maybe he should change his slogan to ‘Country First (umm, right after political positioning)’.

Such an interruption would provide two advantages for the McCain camp. Or should I say remove two huge liabilities for the McCain camp.

1. If the crisis could be resolved before the debate, then McCain will have some footing going into the debate.

Face it, McCain has been one of the strongest voices for deregulation during his tenure in elected office. He is even pushing to deregulate the medical industry by using financial industry deregulation as a model. Deregulation of the financial industry, as championed by McCain and architected by his chief economic advisor Phil Grahm; have led to this current crisis. Yes; the same Phil Grahm who insisted the economy was fine and we are all just a ‘nation of whiners’.

For McCain to debate while this crisis is ongoing, would remove any credibility to his economic positions.

2. If postponed long enough, there may be an opportunity to avoid a Vice Presidential debate.

By now, the shine of Sarah Palin is wearing a bit thin due to her incomprehensible responses to the few questions the media has been permitted to ask.

Additionally, the fact that Palin and McCain are currently trying to disrupt an ongoing investigation into abuse of power allegations aimed at Governor Palin does not leave Palin on terra firma. Before any cries of Democratic partisanship could be made regarding this investigation, the facts had made it clear that the Palin abuse of power investigation was initiated by a Republican Majority commission.

So, you may ask, what of this ‘elephant in the room’?

The recent tactics of John McCain can legitimately lead one to question this mans sensibilities and leave one questioning whether he is of sound mind. His demeanour is looking weak and he seems a bit out of touch with reality. I’ve heard radio pundits cite instances of speculation where some wonder if he has had a stroke or strokes.

Cancelling a debate at such a critical time, is not only unprecedented, it is absurd! It is an insult to the electoral process, and a broad statement of McCains readiness (or lack thereof) to undertake the office of President.

My dad, at 75, is a few years older than McCain. My dad led a great life and retired after a commendable career with NASA.

All due respect dad, I would not consider you as a reasonable candidate to initiate a career change right now, especially one that would lead you to the most difficult job in the world.

The elephant in the room is starting to speak, and the elephant is clearly suggesting that John McCain may very well be too old for the level of responsibility he is vying for.

McCain should be ashamed

I love writing this blog. Even though I know it is read by very few (if any), and even though time rarely permits, this is something I feel compelled to do.

Believe it or not, during the course of the day, my mind plays with ideas, content, and concepts that I hope to convert to the written word for this blog. Believe me, the Republicans offer so much to write about.

Tonights column was intended to expand on Sarahs little 'field trip' to the United Nations so she can have her picture taken with world leaders. I was all set to write about this, and expand on how the GOP refuses to let the press talk to her. In case you haven't noticed, she is such a liability that any of her answers carry great odds to be an embarrassment to the Republican party.

Now, instead; I have to deal with the fact that McCain decided to bow out of the first debate, forty eight hours before the debate. This is a political stunt. The 'drama' of McCain. Give me a break. I couldn't even bow out of my PMI exam forty eight hours before it was scheduled.

This guy is against the ropes because he is, perhaps, the biggest champion of the very policies that have ruined the American economy.

I applaud Obama for his eloquent response to such an immature display of drama. Obama said;
"It's my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsible for dealing with this mess," he said. "I think that it is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once."

Bravo Barack.

There is speculation that McCain is attempting to delay the first of two presidential debates, hoping that time restrictions will not permit a vice presidential debate that is certain to further embarrass the Republican ticket. It's funny how this happened after Sarahs field trip to the United Nations.

Maybe Sarah didn't learn enough on her field trip?

Believe me, compared to the other blogs out there, I am being nice to Mr. McCain.

I've said many times on this blog how I feel McCain is a disgusting politician, right now I pity him and see him, again now, as I have before, as quite pathetic.

Hanks Bucket

In my layman mindset, let me see if I can understand this …

1. A bunch of greedy unethical criminal executives created a bucket of crap.

2. They can’t get anyone on this whole entire planet to buy any part of this bucket of crap.

3. Now they want to force the United States Taxpayers to buy this whole bucket of crap for $700,000,000,000.00

4. They use a man named Henry Paulson (Republican Partisan) to play the role of used car salesman, or in this case ... used bucket of crap salesman.

5. Henry threatens the US Taxpayers by telling them they must buy this bucket of crap, as is, with no guarantee; or the world as we know it will end.

6. Henry claims that the sellers of this bucket of crap have absolutely no liability for this product known as the bucket of crap.

7. They hide the fact that the actual cost of this bucket of crap to the US Taxpayers will be $1,200,000,000,000.00.

In my opinion, the Republican Party is the bucket of crap.

Hanks "Plan"

George Bush and Hank Paulson, both obvious Republican partisans, have a plan. The plan is to give Hank Paulson $700,000,000,000.00 of taxpayer money without having a plan for what to do with it. They back up this plan (or lack thereof) with a stipulation that states Hank Paulson can not get in trouble no matter what he does with this $700,000,000,000.00. In fact, nobody can get in trouble for any misuse of this money. The Supreme Court will not even be permitted to review any improprieties.

Ironically, this stipulation is called 'section 8'.

Hanks plan does nothing for the taxpayers and offers no form of oversight.

Fortunately, there are members of congress and the financial industry (Republicans and Democrats) who object to this careless knee-jerk reaction.

Wow! GOP are you kidding?

GOP Representative to Environmentalists: Jesus Already Saved The Planet

By Eric Kleefeld - August 12, 2008, 2:00PM

We like to keep track of the, er, intriguing sayings of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, the Christian Right champion from Minnesota. But this latest is really out there -- Bachmann says we don't need pesky environmentalists like Nancy Pelosi around, because Jesus already saved the planet!
"[Pelosi] is committed to her global warming fanaticism to the point where she has said that she's just trying to save the planet," Bachmann told the right-wing news site OneNewsNow. "We all know that someone did that over 2,000 years ago, they saved the planet -- we didn't need Nancy Pelosi to do that."
Wow.
Other recent Bachmannisms include the claim that there isn't actually any wildlife in the areas of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge where she wants more drilling, and the allegation that Democrats want high gas prices so as to force people to move into "inner cities" and "the urban core."

"He Meant ... "

Today I saw a brief clip of Sarah Palin explaining John McCains comment "The fundamentals of our economy are strong".

She stated that "He meant the people", the working people, when he said fundamentals. Her tone indicated that she believes this should have been obvious.

Since when are people fundamentals? People may be fundamentalists, but fundamentals are not people.

Even if he really did mean the working people are strong, this is still a ridiculous comment ... so the economy is taking a tailspin, the worst since the great depression and McCain says "It's okay, the working people are strong". What in the world does that mean? That we're healthy enough to go dig a victory garden in our backyards to feed ourselves? What in the world is this man talking about?

By the way, with this particular blunder, as with the other McCain verbal blunders, it was one of those rare moments when he wasn't reading a prepared statement from paper or a teleprompter.

John McCain is an idiot. And his people try to spin his idiotic statements as if he is really saying something intelligent?

Even John McCain has to say "What I meant was ... " when receiving the criticism of how out of touch his remarks appear to be.

This isn't the first time the McCain camp had to come to the defense of John McCain with the words "he meant ... ", and it wont be the last.

What will happen when he is leader of the free world and he makes a idiotic statement in a critical diplomatic situation at a critical time?

Will someone from his administration run into the room, stop all conversation, and say "he meant ... ".

Is he really too stupid to actually say what he means without getting it completely wrong?

Above all; what is really ridiculous, is this whole malarkey about the "fundamentals" being the working people of America (as if he and Cindy know what working people are) ... this whole thing is to cover up the fact that this idiot John McCain actually believes the economy is strong.

Enough With Palin ... McCain is running for President isn't he?

I'm beginning to think the Republicans are pulling some strategic nuance that actually defeats their sheer incompetence in the eyes of the public.

This is amazing. The right wing denounce the 'cult of personality' as being behind Obamas popularity. Never mind the facts of eighteen months of campaigning, countless debates, and generating grass roots donations that made McCains coffer look diminutive. And let's not forget the eighteen million plus votes Obama received.

McCain is very weak, he can't win this election. So the Republicans bring in this "personality" named Sarah Palin. The Republicans limit her access to the press to veil her ignorance of issues and Bush-like neocon positions. The genius of this Republican strategy is that there are only forty nine days left until the election, and the public has not had a chance to know this personality. And the media is so irresponsible and so dominated by corporate interests, that many Americans see her as the latest culture hero, like Michael Phelps.

Let us learn a lesson here. Let us, from now on, not wait until so late in the electoral process to finalize our primary processes.

If we had more time to research and expose this recent personality in the 'cult of personality' we would be able to expose the malarkey that is Palin. Instead we only have forty nine days.

But if I were suddenly given one hundred and twenty days, I would look at a lot. And right now I can't spend time writing about what an incompetent weakling John McCain is, because I have to spend time writing aboput what a joke Palin is.

This strategy of the Republicans will work. The distraction from McCain is quite effective.

We are trying to diminish the 'cult of personality' called Palin, while John McCains sheer incompetence and inability to draw a crowd on his own goes unnoticed in the ignorant television worshiping American electorate.

I think the Republicans have trumped us here. Talk about your "cult of personality".

Here is a list whereby, given time, I will substantiate or disavow any accuracies or inaccuracies, but the Palin effect is only a couple of weeks old, and we only have forty nine days until the election. All the while McCain is acting like and idiot, saying idiotic things like "the fundamentals of the economy are strong" and skipping away scott-free because we have to spend time debunking the malarkey that is Sarah Palin.

Here is what I would look into at a summary level:

1. As Mayor of Wasilla, she raised taxes and still wound up generating twenty million dollars in additional debt.

2. The duties of the Wasilla mayor are very limited, the only accomplishment that came from her Mayoral administration was construction of an Ice Skating rink, and even that cost far more than anticipated and wound up in court due to poor or maleficent planning from the mayor of Wasilla (who happened to have been Sarah Palin).

3. As Governor of Alaska she raised taxes. Yet while she campaigns for VP, she asserts that
Obama will raise taxes for every person in America. This is a lie that avoids the facts like Barack Obamas tax increases are targeted for those earning over 250 thousand per year. Barack Obama will give tax breaks to the middle and working class.

4. She refuses to cooperate with the investigation into abuse of power. (Sound familiar?). Even though the cornerstone of her Alaskan gubernatorial campaign was transparency in her administration “keep me accountable” was her mantra. Even though she assured the United States public that she would be transparent about this investigation since it had been active when John McCain picked her for his running mate. The subpoena of her husband was issued by a committee with a Republican majority. What else do we not know? Her refusal to answer questions is tantamount to obstruction of justice (Again, sound familiar?)

5. The Palin Camp lied about her visiting the troops in Iraq. Her handlers claimed she went to Kuwait and Iraq to visit the troops; she went to Kuwait, never to Iraq.

6. She lied about not supporting the Bridge to nowhere. Videotaped meetings and discussions provide irrefutable evidence that she supported the bridge to nowhere project, then after the national ballyhoo, she backed off the support, yet still kept the earmarks, and had already built the road that leads to the bridge to nowhere. To this day, she campaigns and persists with this lie as if it is the only thing in her record that she can stand on (which it is), and yet … it’s a lie.

7. She misleads that her record substantiates her stance against earmarks. During her brief tenure as Governor; Alaska has had the highest percapita figures for earmarks – 231 dollars per person, compared to 21 dollars per person in Illinois (you know Illinois ... Obamas state).

8. Using her children as props and criticizing anyone who inquires into their situations. She portrays her son as joining the military to fulfil a sense of duty, when in reality he has been a troubled youth (drugs, (purportedly) jail, poor academic interest) with no prospects.

The whole Republican party considers her daughter and fiance to be stand up people when in reality the Levi Johnson Face book entry posted by Levi himself paints him as a ‘F#&cking redneck ’who does not want children, and ‘If you mess with me, I’ll kick your ass’ … the entire Republican party are bringing their shotguns to this shotgun wedding.

Granted children of candidates should be off limits to criticism, that is UNLESS the candidate uses them as props to propagate a false representation of ethical values, let alone ‘family values’.

9. She did not sell the jet plane on e-bay. Okay, okay, technically this was a John McCain lie, but what makes it even more ridiculous is that John McCain said at a campaign rally “she sold it on e-bay for a profit” … “a profit”? That’s a lie on top of a lie!

10. While she was Mayor of Wasilla, Wasilla was the only city in Alaska to charge victims of rape for rape kits. It is only logical that such a policy would prevent the prosecution of rapists therefore allow more predatory sex offenders free to offend again. Capturing rapists protects the community, did Palin really think that a rape kit was a personal luxury for a rape victim? Alaska has a percapita incidence of rape larger than any state in the union.

Interesting note: in the 90’s Joe Biden sponsored a law that would ban charging victims for rape kits, and John McCain voted against it.

11. After the Federal Government assumed control over Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, Governor Palin stated that this had to be done because FM & FM were costing the taxpayers too much money. This absolutely demonstrated her lack of understanding of the issue, as FM & FM were private enterprises.

12. She publicly stated that God wants a pipeline in Alaska.

13. She publicly stated that God wants the US Army in Iraq. And subsequently misrepresented an Abraham Lincoln quotation while trying to defend such an absurd statement.

14. She stated to a national audience that an armed invasion of Russia would be something to consider.

15. She believes dinosaurs were put in the ground by God to test our faith.

16. She believes the earth is six thousand years old.

17. She is an end-timer.

18. She supports an American Secessionist organization.

19. She uses, and instructs her staff to use, personal email accounts for state business in order to avoid subpoena or freedom of information requests. (Sound familiar?)

20. As unbelievable as this may sound; she followed the lead of Cindy McCain and used the proximity of Alaska to Russia as foreign policy experience. Yup! Really! And John McCain said this as well. Unbelievable! I commented on this in a past blog on how silly it was that Cindy McCain had said this, yet here are the future President and Vice-President echoing the same kindergarten mentality towards foreign policy.

This is after two weeks! I am so sorry that I can't spend my energy exposing the incompetence of John McCain, I'm too busy looking at this malarkey called Palin who has usurped the Republican nomination with the backing from right-wing christian zealots.

I can not believe that, after eight years of the disastrous Bush administration, and knowing how the American people were scammed, America could be scammed again by the Republican party. But watch out, we are about to be scammed by the Republican party once more.

That McCain; What a maverick!

Such a maverick that he chose someone as his running mate who has deep ties to an American separatist organization.

Palins ties are very deep to the Alaska Independence Party.

"How deep?" You may ask. Well, we're not talking Pastor, or advisor, or even a friend she met at a political social event. We are talking Husband!

Sarahs husband Todd was a registered member of the Alaskan Independence Party from 1995 to 2002.

I would like to know if the false bills submitted by Todd Palin to collect travel expenses for "official business of the State of Alaska" (he was never employed by the state of Alaska), in any way reimbursed activity of the AIP. Oh the implications of that mess. What was John McCain thinking?!

I've got to tell you, after a week and a half, I find it easier to pick up evidence of malfeasance by Sarah Palin than I do picking up feline messies out of my cats litter box. It's no wonder the Republicans won't let her speak without a "handler", this is really quite a joke, a sad, sad joke.

Here's a quote from the AIP founder Joe Vogler ... "The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government. ... And I won't be buried under their damn flag."

And here's a Sarah Palin quote ... "I'm delighted to welcome you to the 2008 Alaska Independence Party Convention. ... Keep up the good work!"

I can't take credit for this statement ... but it seems like the only foreign experience Sarah Palin has ever had was trying to make Alaska a foreign country.

And what is even more hilarious is that Cindy McCain said that Sarah Palin had foreign policy experience because Alaska is so close to Russia. You can't make this stuff up my friends, Cindy McCain actually said that. Does this mean the Democrats can start a smear campaign that McCain wants to give the country to the Russians in the name of oil profits? I were were Karl Rove that's the spin I would take on this.

'Of all of the things I’ve learned about Sarah Palin in the last week and a half, this has got to be the most disturbing. While Sarah Palin was serving as the Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, the city charged victims of sexual assault between $300 and $1200 for their own rape kits. A rape kit is a sexual assault forensic evidence kit, used to collect DNA that can be used in criminal proceedings to assist in the conviction of those who commit sex crimes. The kit is performed as soon as possible after a sexual assault or attack has been committed. It is usually humiliating and uncomfortable for the victim–imagine enduring that and then paying $1200 just so that the criminal who assaulted you might be caught.' op-edna

By now you must of heard about how Governor Palin has slashed funding for pregnant teen age girls in need of a place to live. Given her views on abortion, it may seem a bit unbelievable, but believe it, she did it. That's compassionate conservatism for you.

How can a woman of such substance even get close to the federal government, and how dare John McCain pull her into the breast of the federal government just to hedge his own odds.

McCain doesn't go anywhere without her now. It's like McCain is no longer running, Palin is.

Could it be he actually needs the public distraction? He can't answer questions correctly because of his expanded age. He can't have Joe Lieberman whispering in his ear all the time. Maybe he is, after all, just to old to take on a new career as leader of the free world.

In his stead he is leaving us with the best choice to secure the "agents of intolerance" that he once denounced. The very demographic that can give him the last chance of winning this election.

In his stead he gives us a candidate who was never vetted. A candidate who has never held a Federal position. A candidate who never debated on the Federal level. This is a very very sad moment for the Republican party.

If my insight is correct, then John McCains actions in the last few weeks have proven him to be nothing less than a traitor to freedom, and an extremist of irresponsibility.

This is complete and utter pandering to the religious extremists who did not like McCain.

Obama is religious, and a Christian. I, on the other hand, am an Atheist. Obama presents religion in a personal way, Obama isn't trying to tell people how to live their lives. Obama isn't trying to make me pray. Obama isn't making me feel like an outcast because I don't believe in prayer. Obama isn't trying to strip away a womans choice over moral and medical decisions. Obama just wants to bring the nation back to a stable footing.

If America falls for this Palin tactic; if America is stupid enough to give the executive administration back to the Republicans after all of the crimes and lies of the Bush administration, well, then maybe Americans are too stupid to have a democracy that would be respected by history, and maybe Americans are too stupid to be the preeminent nation of the world.

If we vote for McCain, after all that Bush has done to discredit this nations foreign policy and jeopardize our economic stability, we deserve the government we will get.

When Bush took office all ten articles of the bill of rights were in tact. Today there is only one article of the bill of rights intact. George Bush swore to uphold the constitution, and wound up using it as a urinal strainer.

Vote Republican and put the nail in the coffin for America.