Did you hear the news? Obama is associated with another "radical professor." Today Sarah Palin accused Obama of being associated to a Professor Rashid Khalid, who is supposedly a spokesperson of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Evidence backing up this claim included Obama being sighted at a farewell party for Khalid when Khalid was leaving to join another university in 2003, Khalid being of close to the same age of Barack, and that talking monkeys brought pictures showing secret meetings between Obama and Khalid. As you can tell by the tone of sarcasm, it would appear that the standard for actual evidence has declined. The Republican offensive has turned quite nasty. Although there is no proof associating Khalid with the PLO, the point is that the Republicans are accusing Obama of everything. Obama commented on this by saying that McCain was just "calling him every name in the book."
The Obama campaign stated that Palin's remarks were "another recycled, manufactured controversy from the McCain campaign to distract voters' attention from John McCain's lockstep support for George Bush's economic policies."
The McCain campaign, when asked why the attack after 6 months of the first article about Obama's possible relation to Khalid was published, responded by saying "Because we are one week away from potentially electing Barack Obama."
As it would show, the McCain Campaign is throwing out a last minute effort to make Obama look bad. What do you think though? Do you think these last minute attack ads are swaying any undecided voters? Do you think the ads reflect more on Obama or McCain?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Obama's American Stories Ad
Here is an embedded version of the thirty minute long advertisement that Mr. Obama's campaign spent 4 million dollars to put on major television stations earlier tonight. Though it has been criticized by the McCain Campaign as a stunt, I personally think that it is a smart tactic to leave a good last impression in voters minds close to election day. What do you guy's think? Will the advertisement be effective in getting voters to the polls? Was it a good idea this late in the game to make such a substantial move especially with a lead in the polls?
In other news John McCain was sounding rather senile recently, warning voters that "We're getting only a glimpse of what one-party rule will look like," while criticizing house and senate democrats for wanting to win more seats in government. Sounds a little two faced to me, at least I don't remember hearing any complaining from John McCain when the Republicans had a solid grip on the government.
Who Are The Real Americans Supporting On Election Day?
Among all of Sarah Palin's talk about the pro-American parts of America and pro-American American's, you might be asking yourself, who are the REAL Americans voting for? Well , considering that the real "original" Americans are technically native Americans, and that Native American tribes have donated more than one million dollars to Barrack Obama's campaign which trumps the amount gievn to the campaign of John McCain , I suppose who have your answer. Due to a tax loophole, Indian tribes are allowed to donate large amounts of money, $213,000 in the case of the Seneca nation, and during this election that money has been funneled to Barrack Obama. A honorary member of the Crow Nation, will most likely benefit from the Native American Vote in swing states like New Mexico. This loophole serves as a great example of the ways in which campaign contribution laws are not airtight and can allow interest groups, for example Indian nations that benefit from Casinos, to spend large amounts of money on campaigns.
New Voters Are Swinging The Polls In Obama's Favor... Will They Vote On Election Day?
A poll conducted by NewsCorp from October 17-20 that asked new voters who they would be voting for and whether or not they were certain to vote, turned out some very interesting statistics. Though new voters favored Barrack Obama (69%) to John McCain (27%) only 60% of those polled said that they were certain to go to the polls on the 4th. When you compare this to the polls of all voters, in which 52% said they would vote for Obama, while 42% said they would vote for McCain, but 90% of of voters were certain they would vote , One might think that the current polls may not show this elections results. In a day where it has become very trendy to be registered to vote and seen sporting a T-Shirt supporting Mr. Obama one must ask how many of these "supporters" will actually make it to the polls on election day. This year will truly be the test of the willpower of America's youth to vote because if a "star candidate", a war, and a struggling economy are not enough to generate the desire among youth to have some say in political process what is?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Poor choice of words leads to being bitten on the ass
The National Republican Campaign Committee has recently released multiple attack ads on US Democratic Senator John Murtha. In an interview, Murtha stated that there were "racists" in western Pennsylvania. He goes on to say that many people there were "rednecks." Although Murtha apologized for his comments made the day before, the impact on western Pennsylvanians was still great. Murtha had also stated in a previous interview that he predicted that Obama would win Pennsylvania in the election but it would be with little help from the western part of the state, including a portion of the state that he represented.
Murtha's public announcement of these predictions and beliefs proved to bite him on the ass as the National Republican Campaign Committee opened fire on this Democratic Senator.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Gx8IAaRS0
Murtha's public announcement of these predictions and beliefs proved to bite him on the ass as the National Republican Campaign Committee opened fire on this Democratic Senator.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Gx8IAaRS0
Is Obama an Extremist bent on re-writing the Constituion or is Palin just confusing facts with garbage?
Sarah Palin accused Obama today of wanting to "re-write the Constitution." The potential VP attacked Obama's remark that he had made to a radio interview in 2001. Obama had stated on air that he wanted to "redistribute change." Palin assumed that Obama was talking about redistributing the wealth in America through the enforcement of the Supreme Court. but as more facts were revealed, it came to be known that Obama was discussing the courts in the context of the civil rights movement, and was not referring to taxes. In addition to the proper context of the qoute, Obama also stated that he thought that civil rights leaders shouldn't rely on the court system alone to affect social changes, and that calling for any redistribution of wealth belonged to the legislators.
Palin continued to say that a vote for Obama is a vote to allow a powerful, slightly executive portion of the government to sieze your property and your personal income and to distribute the wealth around with everyone else. Is Sarah Palin saying that a former constitutional law professor would allow and possibly encourage judges to "confiscate your property and your hard, all of your hard-earned money and then re-distribute that"? Further investigation of the matter showed that Obama's quote was taken out of context and that much of what Palin had said was a conjecture.
Palin continued to say that a vote for Obama is a vote to allow a powerful, slightly executive portion of the government to sieze your property and your personal income and to distribute the wealth around with everyone else. Is Sarah Palin saying that a former constitutional law professor would allow and possibly encourage judges to "confiscate your property and your hard, all of your hard-earned money and then re-distribute that"? Further investigation of the matter showed that Obama's quote was taken out of context and that much of what Palin had said was a conjecture.
A Possible Obama Assassination Attempt?
Monday, October 27, 2008
About one week ago, two men, Daniel Cowart, 20, and Paul Schlesselman, 18 were arrested for attempting to go on a "killing spree." The plot included killing 100 African-Americans and beheading 14 of those 100 African-Americans. Cowart and Schlesselman were arrested outside Jackson, about 75 miles east of Memphis, Tennessee, after an aborted robbery attempt last week, according to court records. Both men were charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun, conspiracy to rob a federally licensed gun dealer, and making threats against a presidential candidate. Although the men did not seem to have any knowledge of Obama's schedule, this threat is not taken lightly. Secret Service member Zahren said that "it was unclear whether the suspects would have had the capability or means to carry out any sort of plot." But he said afterwards that the matter was being taken seriously, and a joint investigation was under way.
Obama is the first African-American on the ticket for the presidency of a major political party. The Men arrested were self decalred white supremacists. Although this is not the first attempt on presidential candidate Obama's life, security measures have tightened immensely and no further comments were made by the Secret Service.
On a side note, every potential presidential candidate had to deal with tough issues surrounding his campaign for the presidency. Whether they are external factors including failing economies, or a position on a current war situation. For Barack Obama, it is dealing with racial differences within the many U.S. societies. Over the last 220 years, Many Presidents had to deal with issues surrounding their politics, but none of them faced racial differences. It is a opinion of mine that Obama is fighting two wars during his campaign. The first war is the war to win the votes through his politics, and the second war is the war that based on his ethnic background. Although Obama is seemingly ahead in the polls, I just wanted to remark that it appears that Obama has been fighting more than most presidential candidates had to do during their running for the presidency. Compared to the opposing candidate, McCain, politics is the only war front for him. It is not like his war record is coming back to haunt him.
Obama is the first African-American on the ticket for the presidency of a major political party. The Men arrested were self decalred white supremacists. Although this is not the first attempt on presidential candidate Obama's life, security measures have tightened immensely and no further comments were made by the Secret Service.
On a side note, every potential presidential candidate had to deal with tough issues surrounding his campaign for the presidency. Whether they are external factors including failing economies, or a position on a current war situation. For Barack Obama, it is dealing with racial differences within the many U.S. societies. Over the last 220 years, Many Presidents had to deal with issues surrounding their politics, but none of them faced racial differences. It is a opinion of mine that Obama is fighting two wars during his campaign. The first war is the war to win the votes through his politics, and the second war is the war that based on his ethnic background. Although Obama is seemingly ahead in the polls, I just wanted to remark that it appears that Obama has been fighting more than most presidential candidates had to do during their running for the presidency. Compared to the opposing candidate, McCain, politics is the only war front for him. It is not like his war record is coming back to haunt him.
Could Provisional Ballots Hurt The Democrats This Election?
Today reading the paper, i came across an article in the wall street journal discussing the treatment of provisional ballots in different states. Under the Help America Vote Act, states are required to give provisional ballots to voters who may or may not be eligible and then get to count or not count these votes under their own discretion. Considering that new voters are more likely to be given provisional ballots, and that newly registered voters are more likely to vote for Obama, as many of them are young, this practice could hurt the Democrats in this election. According to data from the Pew center some states counted up to as few as 29% of provisional ballots in the 2008 primaries. In such an important election, and especially after how close 2000's election was I hope that the government will come up with a solid, easily followable system, that will ensure that provisional ballots in every state are counted evenly in order to make sure that every citizen gets the right to vote.
Ted Stevens Convicted; Crooked Politicians everywhere morn the fall of a hero
Ted Stevens was convicted Monday of hiding about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars of bribes he received in the forms of house renovations and gifts from oil companies and others. This conviction has an even greater significance because the Alaskan Senators seat is being heavily contested right now by Democrat Mark Begich as this seat could help the Democrats win sixty seats in the Senate which could prevent filibusters. Sarah Palin said that such behaviors were the types of behaviors she fought as a governor in Alaska but did not call for Stephen's to step down. Ironically, Palin used Stephens endorsement in campaign ads during 2006. Stephens currently says that he plans to fight the case and has no plans to step down or stop campaigning. If he wins reelection chances are he will eventually be expelled from the senate.
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Single Panel To Control Financial Regulations? GM and Chrysler going bankrupt?
Talks are currently occurring in congress about whether or not to create a single bipartisan panel that would focus on changing the current financial service regulations. This panel, which would be similar to the panel created after 9/11, would have specific jurisdiction over financial regulations, taking away from the power of the 10 or so other committees that currently have some power regarding financial regulations. Personally I do not think that this idea would have the positive effects on the economy that the current smaller committees could have if each challenged to come up with regulations for their specific sectors. Though a task force might pass legislation more quickly, a diverse group of legislators from different sectors in different groups might create more effective legislation.
In related news in the financial sector today Chrysler and GM are seeking financial aid from the government and leaning towards a merger as it has become apparent that among slowing sales and high costs the companies are set to run out of cash within the next 12 months. The bankruptcy filings of one of the big three American auto companies would have rolling effects through out the auto part industry and also causing layoffs that would leave many jobless. As with most everything else the presidential candidates have very different views on this issue. Though the government is currently promising 25 billion dollars in loans to automakers in the U.S., Barrack Obama has suggested that that amount be doubled while John McCain is standing strong on the position that automakers should be given the first 25 billion before any more is loaned.
In related news in the financial sector today Chrysler and GM are seeking financial aid from the government and leaning towards a merger as it has become apparent that among slowing sales and high costs the companies are set to run out of cash within the next 12 months. The bankruptcy filings of one of the big three American auto companies would have rolling effects through out the auto part industry and also causing layoffs that would leave many jobless. As with most everything else the presidential candidates have very different views on this issue. Though the government is currently promising 25 billion dollars in loans to automakers in the U.S., Barrack Obama has suggested that that amount be doubled while John McCain is standing strong on the position that automakers should be given the first 25 billion before any more is loaned.
Palin is frugal, she wears jeans
As we are all finishing our game boards, Sarah Palin is claiming that the 150000 dollars spent on her is not hers. She says her and her family live frugally, and she wore jeans to an event in North Carolina to prove. How frugal. That move really demonstrates her claim to me. Good for you Sarah Palin.
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-politics/20081026/Palin/
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-politics/20081026/Palin/
Sunday, October 26, 2008
New Record Set on Gas Price Drops!
What exciting news................................................................... but possibly not.
The 53 cent drop in gas prices in the past 2 weeks is the fastest drop in the price of gas up to date. It is predicted that gas prices will continue to drop, but at a slower rate. The average price of gas was only $2.78 a gallon on Friday, down from $3.31 on October 10. These drops were attributed to the drop in price of crude oil, due to lower demand in these bad economic times.
Though it seems like great news, I really don't think it is healthy for the economy to fluctuate as violently as it is now. Gas prices skyrocketed and plummeted within just a year, and just look at how the stock market is doing. I have no idea how it is to be done, but we really need to get our economy more stable before it becomes so unstable that it fails. Also, these lower gas prices just symbolize the state of our economy and how poorly it is doing.
Also, from an environmental standpoint, lower gas prices will make people less conservative on oil, which will cause more air pollution and increase the rate that the limited fossil fuels in the world get used up. Soon enough, gas really will be worth $5, and soon after $10 a gallon. I'd much rather be safe than sorry, and have everybody pay more for gas than it's really worth. Until we can find a good alternative to gasoline powered vehicles, I don't think gas prices should be lowered to such low levels. Keep them in the middle.
I guess it's nice that gas prices dropped so much so that I won't empty my entire wallet on gas (although it was more annoying to pay my last $5 for parking yesterday), but if prices stay low, it's effects in maybe just 10 years sure won't be so nice. Hopefully the people in charge aren't making these decisions just because it won't harm them much in their lifetimes, as they'll be sitting around in retirement homes playing bingo. I hope the next president will put this issue decently high on his priorities.
Article here
The 53 cent drop in gas prices in the past 2 weeks is the fastest drop in the price of gas up to date. It is predicted that gas prices will continue to drop, but at a slower rate. The average price of gas was only $2.78 a gallon on Friday, down from $3.31 on October 10. These drops were attributed to the drop in price of crude oil, due to lower demand in these bad economic times.
Though it seems like great news, I really don't think it is healthy for the economy to fluctuate as violently as it is now. Gas prices skyrocketed and plummeted within just a year, and just look at how the stock market is doing. I have no idea how it is to be done, but we really need to get our economy more stable before it becomes so unstable that it fails. Also, these lower gas prices just symbolize the state of our economy and how poorly it is doing.
Also, from an environmental standpoint, lower gas prices will make people less conservative on oil, which will cause more air pollution and increase the rate that the limited fossil fuels in the world get used up. Soon enough, gas really will be worth $5, and soon after $10 a gallon. I'd much rather be safe than sorry, and have everybody pay more for gas than it's really worth. Until we can find a good alternative to gasoline powered vehicles, I don't think gas prices should be lowered to such low levels. Keep them in the middle.
I guess it's nice that gas prices dropped so much so that I won't empty my entire wallet on gas (although it was more annoying to pay my last $5 for parking yesterday), but if prices stay low, it's effects in maybe just 10 years sure won't be so nice. Hopefully the people in charge aren't making these decisions just because it won't harm them much in their lifetimes, as they'll be sitting around in retirement homes playing bingo. I hope the next president will put this issue decently high on his priorities.
Article here
Electoral Projections
With only nine days left until the election fivethirtyeight.com has Barrack Obama winning 52.3% of the popular vote and currently has Obama's win percentage at 96.7%. If the polls are correct it seems to be looking like something dramatic would have to happen in order for McCain to pull ahead. Any thoughts about stunts that could win the election for McCain?
In other news Saturday Night Live continued to lampoon the candidates in this weeks episode...
this is only a partial clip as YouTube has forced most people to take theirs down.
In other news Saturday Night Live continued to lampoon the candidates in this weeks episode...
this is only a partial clip as YouTube has forced most people to take theirs down.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
2008 Election: most political cartoons made ever
Well, I don't know if the statement above is a fact, but there sure are a bunch of political cartoons around. I've picked out a few that aren't too mean and that basically sum up the events surrounding the 2008 presidential election. My favorite is the Galveston one--totally funny, but so sad at the same time.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
(They're quite small, but you can click on any of the cartoons for a larger version.)
Watch Your Clothes
In some states, wearing your Obama T-shirt or your McCain hat to the voting booth could get you a ticket home to change your clothes. One of such states against campaign clothing is Virginia. Other states, such as Pennsylvania, do not care and encourage their inhabitants to wear whatever they want. Our own California is against wearing shirts that advertise a candidate, but they plan to offer jackets to cover them up and will not send you home to change.
Such laws banning campaign clothing do not officially violate the First Amendment's right to free speech, according to the Supreme Court ruling in 1992 that law creating a "campaign-free zone" at a polling place and for 100 feet around it does not violate the First Amendment right to free speech. Many people, however, do believe it is a violation, and complain.
But in the end, it's all up to the county that you live in, and how they enforce the rules.
Personally, I don't think it's a big deal that people wear their campaign clothes to voting booths, because people should know who they are voting for before they leave to vote, but if the clothes are to to be banned, I don't think it's a violation of 1st Amendment rights either.
Any other opinions on this?
Article here
Such laws banning campaign clothing do not officially violate the First Amendment's right to free speech, according to the Supreme Court ruling in 1992 that law creating a "campaign-free zone" at a polling place and for 100 feet around it does not violate the First Amendment right to free speech. Many people, however, do believe it is a violation, and complain.
But in the end, it's all up to the county that you live in, and how they enforce the rules.
Personally, I don't think it's a big deal that people wear their campaign clothes to voting booths, because people should know who they are voting for before they leave to vote, but if the clothes are to to be banned, I don't think it's a violation of 1st Amendment rights either.
Any other opinions on this?
Article here
Friday, October 24, 2008
"You can vote however you like"
Here's a awesome clip of some students singing and dancing to a song about the presidential election. What made me want to post this is that the song is not just about one candidate-it's about both! You'll find that out immediately after you watch it. (Obama on the left..McCain on the right..yeah yeah~) It's very catchy, check it out.
Click here for video and lyrics.
This performance sends a great message by encouraging people to go out there and vote however they like, no matter what party they may be in. I'm proud of whoever made this song for attempting to show a debate between both sides and that politics doesn't always have to be so nasty.
Click here for video and lyrics.
This performance sends a great message by encouraging people to go out there and vote however they like, no matter what party they may be in. I'm proud of whoever made this song for attempting to show a debate between both sides and that politics doesn't always have to be so nasty.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Obama and his Grandma
So Obama's day off (kind of) from his campaign to visit his sick grandma in Hawaii has finally come, and he's definitely killing several birds with one stone.
First of all, he gets to see his grandma in possibly one of her last days (hopefully she lasts until after the election is over), and who wouldn't want to pay a visit to their grandma??
Second, he gets a break from his hectic schedule. He does not have any public appearances scheduled in Hawaii, but he will still be in contact with his advisers. That's certainly more relaxing than being at a campaign rally, though.
Third, his grandma is getting a lot of attention and support and fame from random people, making both Obama and his grandma happy. "Maybe she is getting a sense of, of long-deserved recognition at--towards the end of her life."
Fourth, he appears more relatable, more human, and more noble for visiting his sick grandma. He can relate with more American citizens emotionally, giving him deeper support, and it shows his morality.
Fifth, he himself is receiving a lot of attention, and his unusual break from the campaign further defines him as the new generation. In fact, this visit probably gives him even more good attention than normal. Contrast this with McCain and his lame attacks, and we can see who's faring better, and with less effort as well.
Brilliant decision, Obama, and good luck to your grandma.
First of all, he gets to see his grandma in possibly one of her last days (hopefully she lasts until after the election is over), and who wouldn't want to pay a visit to their grandma??
Second, he gets a break from his hectic schedule. He does not have any public appearances scheduled in Hawaii, but he will still be in contact with his advisers. That's certainly more relaxing than being at a campaign rally, though.
Third, his grandma is getting a lot of attention and support and fame from random people, making both Obama and his grandma happy. "Maybe she is getting a sense of, of long-deserved recognition at--towards the end of her life."
Fourth, he appears more relatable, more human, and more noble for visiting his sick grandma. He can relate with more American citizens emotionally, giving him deeper support, and it shows his morality.
Fifth, he himself is receiving a lot of attention, and his unusual break from the campaign further defines him as the new generation. In fact, this visit probably gives him even more good attention than normal. Contrast this with McCain and his lame attacks, and we can see who's faring better, and with less effort as well.
Brilliant decision, Obama, and good luck to your grandma.
"Gay-friendly" high schools may become option
Some public school officials in Chicago are pushing for the creation of "gay-friendly" schools. The concern that initiated this idea is the increasing number of gay and lesbian students dropping out of high school due to bullying. Not all who face bullying drop out, but they still have academic hardships due to stress and other distractions. The aim of these schools would be to create a safe learning environment for those facing such problems.
A national study revealed that 86.2 percent of those students reported were verbally harassed, 44.1 percent physically harassed, and 22.1 percent physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation. Their average GPA was also revealed to be much lower than that of heterosexual students.
An already existing school, Harvey Milk High School, created in 1985 for gay and lesbian students, has a high graduation rate of 95%. Yet, this school, unlike the one that officials in Chicago proposed, requires that its attendees be at risk of dropping out due to harassment from their previous high school. This school definitely seems like a great solution for those who were struggling with their academics, but unsurprisingly, there are often anti-gay protesters that scream outside and disturb students.
This is a touchy subject and people are very divided about it. (Click here to read about Prop 8, which is about same-sex marriages and will be on the ballot on Nov.4) Yet, doing nothing to help stop the bullying and harassment is going to continue to hurt many people mentally, physically, and academically. Options are good, but is creating separate schools a good idea? Will a safe environment really be able to be created?
A national study revealed that 86.2 percent of those students reported were verbally harassed, 44.1 percent physically harassed, and 22.1 percent physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation. Their average GPA was also revealed to be much lower than that of heterosexual students.
An already existing school, Harvey Milk High School, created in 1985 for gay and lesbian students, has a high graduation rate of 95%. Yet, this school, unlike the one that officials in Chicago proposed, requires that its attendees be at risk of dropping out due to harassment from their previous high school. This school definitely seems like a great solution for those who were struggling with their academics, but unsurprisingly, there are often anti-gay protesters that scream outside and disturb students.
This is a touchy subject and people are very divided about it. (Click here to read about Prop 8, which is about same-sex marriages and will be on the ballot on Nov.4) Yet, doing nothing to help stop the bullying and harassment is going to continue to hurt many people mentally, physically, and academically. Options are good, but is creating separate schools a good idea? Will a safe environment really be able to be created?
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