On April 15, as Floridians rush to file tax forms few think of more than the burden. The cost of living in the Sunshine State is high. Levies are higher. Each year, the toll these expenditures take on the lives of individuals and families increases. Many citizens in this Southern State cry, "We need some relief!" Representative have heard the call and responded. Yet, the reaction may not be as thoughtful as it first appears to be.
Many Americans may wish to believe that if Arizona Senator John McCain were elected, he would ensure that this nation remains engaged in battle for eons. The conventional wisdom is Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton will "bring the troops home." Citizens, mostly Independents and Democrats, may blame the Republicans for conflicts that seem endless by design. Of course, when war is in question, countless Americans contemplate the current conflicts. Nearly everyone with some exceptions, places the onus on President George W. Bush, Vice President Richard B. Cheney, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, or any of the other Neoconservatives in the Cabinet. Yet, these individuals and groups are not the only creators of combat. Any man or woman who believes, at times, war is the best, last, or the only option is culpable. Citizens throughout the globe have accepted the notion wars will always be. Hence fighting is, forever.
Hillary Clinton is a strong candidate: Smart, talented and ready to fight. But she's not a likable candidate. And, as America looks to get its groove back after two torturous terms of George W. Bush, that lack of likeability appears to be a fatal flaw.
Our nation is hungry for healing. It's tired of partisan warfare. After more than a decade of red states and blue states, people are ready to try on some purple. Clinton is seen as part of the old way. Democrats respect her - and her husband. But, unfairly or not, the previous Clinton administration is seen as the beginning of this divisive period.
The next president is going to have to build bridges. I don't think Clinton can do that; she's red meat for Republicans. And she's not helping herself in the way she's gone about "Setting the Tone" this past week.
[Posted 02/12/08]
Super Tuesday was supposed to be the big one for the Democrats, when one candidate would emerge victorious to lead the party to the Promised Land. And, in a way, that might have been what happened. While it appeared Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton dueled to a stalemate, the reality seems to be that Super Tuesday was the day Obama finally caught up. Since then, he's been leaving Hillary in the dust.
Louisiana. Nebraska. Washington. Maine. Maryland. Virginia. Washington, D.C. Seven in a row, with the smallest margin of victory being 19 percent. More importantly, yesterday's contests saw Obama making inroads with Clinton's core voters - working class whites, women, senior citizens, even Latinos. And all of this while Clinton is struggling for cash and replacing her campaign chair.
Clinton is betting the house on Texas and Ohio on March 4. But based on the view "One Week After Super Tuesday . . . ," Superman could be well on his way to Metropolis by then.
Unlike many of my fellow bloggers, the MSM, and the talking-heads and pundits, I can admit when I am wrong. I have written and believed that whites when in the solitude of the voting booths would not be able to overcome centuries of racial history in America and actually be able to vote for a black man for President. Despite what the pollsters and campaign spokespersons were saying, the biggest question mark going into the primaries of Super Tuesday and beyond was would whites be willing to support Obama in the numbers that they were polling at? The truth be told no one knew the answer to that question and it created a lot of anxiety in the campaigns and in the rest of America. The answer at least among the Democrats in the primaries is a resounding yes.
Super Tuesday lived up to its hype, giving us political-junkie types plenty to digest.
On the Democratic side, voters continue to be torn between two historic contenders: The first woman, a wonkish machine of a candidate who brings back memories of a better time; and the first black, an inspirational orator, a bit light on substance, who promises a brighter tomorrow. Yesterday's split decision means this thing could go on all the way until the convention in August. Barak Obama looks to have an edge in almost all of the remaining February contests (including my home state of Washington, which caucuses Saturday), and maintains a major fundraising advantage. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, maintains double-digit leads in the three remaining big states: Ohio and Texas (both March 4), and Pennsylvania (April 22).
Because of the winner-take-all nature of several of the Republican primaries, Super Tuesday all but anointed John McCain as their nominee. The exit polls reveal serious weakness in support from the conservative base of the party, but who else can the GOP rally around? Few seem impressed by the clone-meat artificiality of Mitt Romney, while Mike Huckabee seems stuck in the South. The rank and file appear ready to hold their noses and move on.
Finally, the thing that really stood out to me yesterday is how far Iraq has fallen off the map as a campaign issue. Except for Obama's occasional poke at Hillary's authorization vote, the Dems have lost their way on this issue. Where's the outrage over McCain's talk of staying in Iraq for 100 years? It appears the war is "The Forgotten Issue" of this election year - and the topic of this week's cartoon.
The big day finally arrived. Delaware is one of the Super Tuesday states this year. As a member of the Democratic Party and a staunch supporter, I volunteered to be a poll greeter this year. The polling place is about 200 yards from home so the task did not involve any travel or troublesome arrangements.
Americans acknowledge "The sky is falling." We, the people must unite and take our country back. Democrats must choose the most desirable candidate. The best candidate is defined as the one who can win the White House. The Top Three are fine; perhaps, not as good as, they could be, but they will do the job. Dennis Kucinich, for many is ideal. His proposals are well thought out and he fully addresses the issues that affect the common folk. However, Americans hear at every turn, Dennis Kucinich does not have a chance.
Presidential aspirant Kucinich was excluded from the American Association for Retired Persons [AARP] debate in the Hawkeye State. In Granite country, ABC News declared Dennis Kucinich would be barred from the dialogue. Silver State voters were not able to see the profound Presidential hopeful on stage. He was relegated to the streets allowed to speak only to the neon lights. The Palmetto State decreed, "Dennis, this is not your kingdom." Indeed, you are locked out in this land of liberty. Now, Texas tells its tall tale. Dennis Kucinich will not be the hero in the Lone Star State.
(I am honored and privileged to present this thoughtful tome by Jerome Grossman.
If only change were more than a word, or a missive. Might we consider change, as it applies to equality and tranquility, our mission. - promoted by Betsy L. Angert)
It is hard to say what this political campaign is really about except that ambition has propelled some admirable and some not so admirable people to run for president. And, as though they all drank the same magical elixir simultaneously, to begin to utter the mystical word, "change."
America is faced with an interesting dilemma; whom might the citizens place in the Oval Office. November 2008 will arrive quickly. January 2009 cannot come soon enough. Many qualified candidates vie for the attention of the people. Among the Democrats, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson, and Barack Obama cross the nation each day. All wish to meet expectant constituents. The aspirants ask for only one favor. "Please give me an equal opportunity." Presidential hopeful, Congressman Dennis Kucinich might make this request with more fervor and with reason. Kucinich excluded from ABC debate.
Americans, mired in debt, desperate for adequate Health Care, fearful of foreclosures, and worried about a protracted war, cry out for change. Compatriots wish for a wizard, one who will work for the common folk, and not solely for self, a Commander-In-Chief who will acknowledge the current crises, and lead us into a Land like Oz. We want America to be the perfect country. We wish to be known as benevolent, caring, compassionate super power. We yearn to say aloud with conviction, "There is no place like home!"
Well over a week ago, I was elated when I first heard broadcasters on National Public Radio's Morning Edition state they would host a Democratic Debate. I thought; finally, Presidential hopeful, and an authentic Progressive, Dennis Kucinich would actually have a chance to speak. People would hear the words of the most mainstream candidate for more than a minute. Congressman Kucinich could truly discuss the issues in some depth and possibly detail. Perhaps, a publicly supported media service would at least grant Dennis Kucinich equal time.
On December 1, 2007 the American public and Democratic candidates had a rare opportunity to truly listen to the common folks. Presidential hopefuls were able to see and experience the pain that people of lesser means feel each and every day. The Campaign for Community Values hosted a forum. This organization opened the floor to each and every candidate for more than a moment.
Common citizens shared sorrowful stories. Real people informed the conversation. Americans were reminded that no one of us can pull ourselves up by bootstraps we are unable to afford. Tale after tale revealed a mentor, a member of the family, an association founded on the principle of community assistance helped many individuals to succeed. Triumphant individuals from dire circumstances appeared on stage with the Presidential hopefuls and shared real life sagas. The audience heard of nightmares and dreams that came true. After the narratives, Presidential aspirants were asked what they might do once in office so that no one would experience what these persons had.
Once again, all but one of our Democratic Congresspersons demonstrates that they do not fully understand what it means to represent Americans. Dennis Kucinich marches to the beat of a different politico drummer. This Presidential hopeful is a man of the people. Today as he presented a privileged resolution Kucinich echoed the concerns of America. This Administration has lied and caused many to die needlessly. They, the president George W. Bush and the most powerful Vice President ever, Richard Cheney, must be impeached. Nonetheless, fellow Democrats worked to avert the action and debate.
Many of you may feel as I do. I wonder why does the war in Iraq, in Afghanistan continue. I feel hopeless, even now with a Democratic majority in Congress. In truth, I did not celebrate the Democratic win in November 2006. For me, until actions are taken, and policies put into practice, I feel no reason to rejoice. Currently, the Democratic majority is not doing much better than the Republicans did. Conservatives are not inclined to impinge on the power of the President. Centrists are concerned; dare they be thought too Left or Right. The anti-war contingent is anxious. Might they regret moving too far or too fast.
Each day while Congress patiently convenes, Americans sit comfortably in their cozy homes, apathetic or pounding away at the keys at their electrically powered computers, actively protesting the wars. Meanwhile, civilians, children, and soldiers are dying in Afghanistan and Iraq. As citizens in this country ponder the blood spilled and scream, 'We want justice,' life [or death,] in the Persian Gulf goes on as it has for years.
In November of 2004, Republicans were elated; George W. Bush decisively won a second term to office. The President was seen as the powerful "protector." He had decided that terrorists would not get the better of him. Some Americans actually believed as they were told. American shores were safe because George W. was in office.
Thus, the citizenry voted the Bush Administration back in. The 'decider' drew great support. Republicans rejoiced, as did George himself. Jib Jab documented the occasion, the glorious win in "Second Term."
Today is noteworthy. It is post Election Day 2006. The tables have turned. More than a decade of Republican rule has ended. Debacle after debacle led to this “disastrous” or delightful deliverance. President George W. Bush often speaks of “freeing US [the United States] from evil." While I have never believed in the concept, I do acknowledge that what we, as a nation, were experiencing in these last few years was as close to iniquity as I ever imagined!
Thus, I invite you to read the news of the day. Democrats live! They did not merely survive the malicious attacks, the vicious campaigns, they thrived.
I offer this interactive link to the New York Times,Election 2006.
If you are not a subscriber, please be advised the subscription is Free! I have received this periodical on-line for years; it was never accompanied by advertising. Bothersome updates or offers do not enter my electronic mailbox. The distribution and delivery of information is the only intent. Experience tells me there is nothing more. I do discern the reader determines the slant. That is an inevitability that we cannot control or change.
I offer this summary for your pleasure. Please ponder; share your personal assessments.
• PDF for posterity. Election Day 2006.New York Times. Wednesday, November 8, 2006
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