The last month has been a whirlwind of activity on all fronts. I got back from my cousin's wedding in Houston the weekend before Thanksgiving. Even though Houston is my hometown, it shocked me still, to see so many McCain-Palin signs all over town. One would think that a city with a sizeable Black population and a Democratic mayor would at least be balanced in its political inclinations.
So there you have it. President-elect Barack Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It sounds so strange to say, yet so deliciously satisfying. The only thing that would be more satisfying would be Al Franken soundly defeating Norm Coleman in the Minnesota Senate race. However, that joy is somewhat tempered by the news yesterday Saxby Chambliss defeated Jim Martin in the Georgia Senate race. It's a bad sign for Democrats; even in this anti-Republican climate, Martin just can't gain a foothold in the state.
Martin may have stood a chance against Chambliss, if he were a more moderate Democrat. Martin's support for a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants is not just too liberal for Georgia, it may be too liberal for the nation. The same goes for Martin's stance on universal healthcare. Many Americans, though they are receptive to the idea, are wary of government sponsored healthcare, because of the mess that Medicare and Medicaid are in. Higher taxes to extend healthcare to all just isn't palatable to the working class, and especially not in a time of Recession. With the factors all being the same, Martin stood a better chance of defeating Chambliss if he was just a little less left of center. The tides of change were not in Chambliss's favor, but it looks like Georgia is not ready for change.
Showing posts with label Election08. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Election08. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The moment we've been waiting for
It's finally here. And despite being torn in a million different directions for the hundred things I must do today, I feel like today is not an ordinary day. For one, the Dear Husband is at home today playing hooky with me. And of course, the overwhelming feeling of excitement, anxiety and suspense about the results of today's election. Whatever happens, I know today is a historic moment in our nation's history. Today is the day that America can change course and go in the right direction. I have always been proud of my country, but even more so today. So many people are voting for the first time ever. Many others are voting Dem for the first time ever. And most importantly, for the first time ever, millions of people will be voting for the first black man ever to run for President on a major ticket. This is a day that I will be able to tell me son about, and tell him that he was a part of it in a small way, by helping me make phone calls, get out the vote, and accompanying me to the polling booth. It is a teachable moment for so many parents, and I hope that all parents take advantage of this today.
Go out and Vote! Vote Democrat, Vote Progressive! Vote to make this country a beacon of hope for all again!
Go out and Vote! Vote Democrat, Vote Progressive! Vote to make this country a beacon of hope for all again!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Measure H - "Disaster Movie" of 2008
Looking for the "feel good" liberal movie of the year? Look no further than Measure H on the San Francisco Ballot, coming this November 4th.
A ragtag group of freedom fighters known as the "Board of Supervisors" fights an uphill battle for green energy against the evil forces of PG&E. Along the way, they are faced with opposition from rogue supervisors, the shadowy and elusive Frau Feinstein, and their arch nemesis Great Overlord Gavin Newsom. The Board concocts and ingenious plan to pass their green energy initiatives by asking citizens to help them authorize a "study" to determine whether the City should be responsible for providing clean energy from renewable sources. Time is running out for the Board. Can they pass Measure H before PG&E and its cronies destroy all hope for the City?
Sadly, like any bad, D-rated movie, Measure H fails to deliver. Proponents of Measure H say that the proposal only authorizes a study, and will not cost taxpayers a cent in higher taxes. What they fail to mention, is that once the study concludes that there is a benefit for the City to be the sole energy provider to San Francisco residents, the Board of Supervisors will be free to follow through with those findings "without voter approval." It's true. Sure, it will initially cost you as a taxpayer, absolutely nothing to authorize the study. But once the study is over, so is the party. According to the City Controller, the cost to build power plants and distributors could be in the billions. And the PUC intends to pay for those costs by issuing bonds; bonds that would not be subject to voter review. Bonds that would increase the cost to San Francisco's residents dramatically.
But all good things come with a price, correct? It would be silly for me to assume that we could have clean, green energy without investing significant funds into the reasearch and development of alternative energy sources. Point duly noted. However, it is naive to think that our problems will be solved by putting our energy needs into the hands of the City, and telling PG&E to take a hike. Consider another City-run institution: MUNI. We all know that the City runs a tight ship with MUNI, right? I have yet to board a train or bus that was running on time. You won't find any MUNI schedules at our house. Predicting the arrival of a MUNI bus/train is impossible. I'd have an easier time predicting Paris Hilton's BFF of the week. Putting the City in charge of our utilities is a step backwards for energy independence.
There is a better way for us to achieve cleaner, greener energy. The City and the State both need to work with PG&E to meet renewable energy standards in a concrete, effective manner. PG&E is already working to produce more renewable energy to the tune of of a 20% increase by 2010. With the national focus on a greater need for renewable energy, it is without a doubt that PG&E will follow the trend and work towards meeting that need. After all, energy is energy, and there is money to be made, whether it is renewable or non-renewable.
Bottom line, your time and money is better spent elsewhere. Measure H fails to deliver.
A ragtag group of freedom fighters known as the "Board of Supervisors" fights an uphill battle for green energy against the evil forces of PG&E. Along the way, they are faced with opposition from rogue supervisors, the shadowy and elusive Frau Feinstein, and their arch nemesis Great Overlord Gavin Newsom. The Board concocts and ingenious plan to pass their green energy initiatives by asking citizens to help them authorize a "study" to determine whether the City should be responsible for providing clean energy from renewable sources. Time is running out for the Board. Can they pass Measure H before PG&E and its cronies destroy all hope for the City?
Sadly, like any bad, D-rated movie, Measure H fails to deliver. Proponents of Measure H say that the proposal only authorizes a study, and will not cost taxpayers a cent in higher taxes. What they fail to mention, is that once the study concludes that there is a benefit for the City to be the sole energy provider to San Francisco residents, the Board of Supervisors will be free to follow through with those findings "without voter approval." It's true. Sure, it will initially cost you as a taxpayer, absolutely nothing to authorize the study. But once the study is over, so is the party. According to the City Controller, the cost to build power plants and distributors could be in the billions. And the PUC intends to pay for those costs by issuing bonds; bonds that would not be subject to voter review. Bonds that would increase the cost to San Francisco's residents dramatically.
But all good things come with a price, correct? It would be silly for me to assume that we could have clean, green energy without investing significant funds into the reasearch and development of alternative energy sources. Point duly noted. However, it is naive to think that our problems will be solved by putting our energy needs into the hands of the City, and telling PG&E to take a hike. Consider another City-run institution: MUNI. We all know that the City runs a tight ship with MUNI, right? I have yet to board a train or bus that was running on time. You won't find any MUNI schedules at our house. Predicting the arrival of a MUNI bus/train is impossible. I'd have an easier time predicting Paris Hilton's BFF of the week. Putting the City in charge of our utilities is a step backwards for energy independence.
There is a better way for us to achieve cleaner, greener energy. The City and the State both need to work with PG&E to meet renewable energy standards in a concrete, effective manner. PG&E is already working to produce more renewable energy to the tune of of a 20% increase by 2010. With the national focus on a greater need for renewable energy, it is without a doubt that PG&E will follow the trend and work towards meeting that need. After all, energy is energy, and there is money to be made, whether it is renewable or non-renewable.
Bottom line, your time and money is better spent elsewhere. Measure H fails to deliver.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Colin the General
I am not one to stubbornly cling to a belief after I have been proven wrong. And make no mistake, I have often changed my mind about many things once I've given it further thought, or as the circumstances changed. However, I never thought that I would ever like Colin Powell. Until this weekend, that is.
As a central pillar of the Bush Administration Part I, Colin Powell earned my derision with his involvement in the first Gulf War. Though I was a young child, I knew my parents' feelings about the Gulf War, and I knew that war usually led to the deaths of innocent civilians. I remember that the only people I disliked more than Colin Powell were Norman Schwarzkopf and Bush Sr.
With his appointment to the post of Secretary of State in the Bush Administration Part II, Powell was a key player in building the case for going to war with Iraq in 2003. By that time, I was able to formulate my own opinions, and not rely on my parents' emotional vibes to make a decision about Powell's character. I thought even less of him when he flipflopped a year later, saying that it was unlikely that WMDs would ever be found in Iraq.
It was ultimately, his resignation that swayed my opinion of General Powell. To me, it seemed that he just could not, in good conscience, be a part of the tomfoolery and utter chaos that the Bush Administration was engaging in. With his resignation, Colin Powell was somewhat elevated in my mind.
But it is his endorsement of Senator Obama for President has redeemed General Powell in my eyes. Never before have I heard the case for Senator Obama been made so rationally, so clearly. The fact that General Powell is a long time friend of Senator McCain, and that he still considers himself a Republican, underscores the fact that his endorsement Obama is incredibly significant.
But leave it to the hypocritical Right, a la Rush Limbaugh, to try to diminish the significance of General Powell's endorsement. As Limbaugh sees it:
"Secretary Powell says his endorsement is not about race. OK, fine. I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed. I'll let you know what I come up with."
Actually, according to Powell, the decision to deny his good friend and ally his coveted endorsement and give it to a relative unknown was due in part to the negative campaign that McCain and crew have been running. General Powell said that he was disturbed by the McCain campaign's insistence to pursue Obama's connections to "washed up terrorist" William Ayers, and the repeated accusations of Obama's proposals being "socialist." As Powell put it:
"Now, I understand what politics is all about, I know how you can go after one another and that's good. But I think this goes too far, and I think it has made the McCain campaign look a little narrow. It's not what the American people are looking for."
But let me tell you, it was his willingness to address the "Muslim" issue that made Colin Powell a true hero in my eyes:
"Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president? Yet, I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, 'He's a Muslim and he might be associated terrorists.' This is not the way we should be doing it in America."
As a Muslim, an American and a mother to a little boy who may one day want to be President of this great nation, I applaud General Powell's strong stance on the issue. So what? If Barack Obama was a Muslim, would his ability to lead be diminished? Would his love for his country somehow be less valuable than a Christian, a Jew, or a Buddhist? Would his religion make him any less capable to deal with the very demanding job of being President? The answer is a resounding 'No.' And I am glad that someone has the courage to say that, and be the voice of reason in this crazy election season.
And what political rant would be complete without a tidbit about my favorite Alaskan, Governor Sarah Palin? Having had the opportunity to know her for close to seven weeks, Colin Powell echoed the sentiments of most rational, moderate Americans: "I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president," Powell said. "And so that raised some question in my mind as to the judgment that Senator McCain made."
It was obvious to all, that McCain's veep pick was geared towards appeasing The Right. It is patently clear that this move has backfired; because while The Right is about as excited as a pig in a mudpuddle, McCain has effectively turned off middle of the way Republicans and Independents, and energized the Liberals as well. Colin Powell speaks to the concerns of those moderate Republicans and Independents. In a way, I feel that General Powell is more of an "everyman" American than "Joe the Plumber." Yes, General Powell is a decorated war hero, and lives an above average lifestyle, with above average intelligence and education, but he speaks to the issues that concern most Americans. He abhors the negative campaigning, the robocalls, the allegations of terrorism and socialism aimed at rivals. He rejects the credibility of Governor Palin as an effective or even functioning head of government. He sees an America that is meant for people of all races, creeds and color. Colin Powell just became my Joe the Plumber. And if someone mentions Colin the General two dozen times on TV, I don't think that I would be opposed to that.
As a central pillar of the Bush Administration Part I, Colin Powell earned my derision with his involvement in the first Gulf War. Though I was a young child, I knew my parents' feelings about the Gulf War, and I knew that war usually led to the deaths of innocent civilians. I remember that the only people I disliked more than Colin Powell were Norman Schwarzkopf and Bush Sr.
With his appointment to the post of Secretary of State in the Bush Administration Part II, Powell was a key player in building the case for going to war with Iraq in 2003. By that time, I was able to formulate my own opinions, and not rely on my parents' emotional vibes to make a decision about Powell's character. I thought even less of him when he flipflopped a year later, saying that it was unlikely that WMDs would ever be found in Iraq.
It was ultimately, his resignation that swayed my opinion of General Powell. To me, it seemed that he just could not, in good conscience, be a part of the tomfoolery and utter chaos that the Bush Administration was engaging in. With his resignation, Colin Powell was somewhat elevated in my mind.
But it is his endorsement of Senator Obama for President has redeemed General Powell in my eyes. Never before have I heard the case for Senator Obama been made so rationally, so clearly. The fact that General Powell is a long time friend of Senator McCain, and that he still considers himself a Republican, underscores the fact that his endorsement Obama is incredibly significant.
But leave it to the hypocritical Right, a la Rush Limbaugh, to try to diminish the significance of General Powell's endorsement. As Limbaugh sees it:
"Secretary Powell says his endorsement is not about race. OK, fine. I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed. I'll let you know what I come up with."
Actually, according to Powell, the decision to deny his good friend and ally his coveted endorsement and give it to a relative unknown was due in part to the negative campaign that McCain and crew have been running. General Powell said that he was disturbed by the McCain campaign's insistence to pursue Obama's connections to "washed up terrorist" William Ayers, and the repeated accusations of Obama's proposals being "socialist." As Powell put it:
"Now, I understand what politics is all about, I know how you can go after one another and that's good. But I think this goes too far, and I think it has made the McCain campaign look a little narrow. It's not what the American people are looking for."
But let me tell you, it was his willingness to address the "Muslim" issue that made Colin Powell a true hero in my eyes:
"Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president? Yet, I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, 'He's a Muslim and he might be associated terrorists.' This is not the way we should be doing it in America."
As a Muslim, an American and a mother to a little boy who may one day want to be President of this great nation, I applaud General Powell's strong stance on the issue. So what? If Barack Obama was a Muslim, would his ability to lead be diminished? Would his love for his country somehow be less valuable than a Christian, a Jew, or a Buddhist? Would his religion make him any less capable to deal with the very demanding job of being President? The answer is a resounding 'No.' And I am glad that someone has the courage to say that, and be the voice of reason in this crazy election season.
And what political rant would be complete without a tidbit about my favorite Alaskan, Governor Sarah Palin? Having had the opportunity to know her for close to seven weeks, Colin Powell echoed the sentiments of most rational, moderate Americans: "I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president," Powell said. "And so that raised some question in my mind as to the judgment that Senator McCain made."
It was obvious to all, that McCain's veep pick was geared towards appeasing The Right. It is patently clear that this move has backfired; because while The Right is about as excited as a pig in a mudpuddle, McCain has effectively turned off middle of the way Republicans and Independents, and energized the Liberals as well. Colin Powell speaks to the concerns of those moderate Republicans and Independents. In a way, I feel that General Powell is more of an "everyman" American than "Joe the Plumber." Yes, General Powell is a decorated war hero, and lives an above average lifestyle, with above average intelligence and education, but he speaks to the issues that concern most Americans. He abhors the negative campaigning, the robocalls, the allegations of terrorism and socialism aimed at rivals. He rejects the credibility of Governor Palin as an effective or even functioning head of government. He sees an America that is meant for people of all races, creeds and color. Colin Powell just became my Joe the Plumber. And if someone mentions Colin the General two dozen times on TV, I don't think that I would be opposed to that.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Obama K.O.'s McCain....Again.
The third and final presidential debate of the election season, was by far the most interesting debate. Bob Schieffer did an excellent job as moderator, picking thoughtful questions that forced the candidates to be answer them in a detailed and decisive manner. Without making a big fuss, Mr. Schieffer prodded both candidates to remain on point, stay within the time limits, and refused to let either candidate slide out from underneath a question. I noticed that Mr. Schieffer called out both Senator Obama and Senator McCain at least once for dodging a question. BRAVO!
I have to give it to McCain: He really showed a lot more poise at the beginning of the debate. He was calm, collected, and was taking the lead as he answered the first two questions. I think it was the question about negative campaigning, that his "Straight Talk Express" completely derailed, and he boarded the "Shit Talk Express." McCain postured antagonistically, attempting to go on the offensive. Instead of putting Obama on the spot, McCain succeeded in appearing like a petulant first-grader, hurling accusations, and muttering "No I'm not. No I'm not" when Obama returned fire. McCain seemed visibly agitated and sulked throughout the remainder of the debate.
In typical Republican style, he latched onto a narrative about Joe the Plumber and tried to present himself as a man of the people; a man that sides with the average Joe wanting to achieve the American Dream of owning his own business. Unfortunately, the tactic backfired. Frankly, I found it annoying, and I'm pretty sure that more people disliked McCain's repeated reference to Joe the Plumber than those who found it endearing. CNN's panel of undecided voters in Ohio certainly tired of McCain's Plumber Joe refrain.
To his credit, McCain did also provide the highlight of the campaign when he said "Senator Obama, I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago." But aside from pointing out that he was in fact, not Mr. Bush, McCain did little to differentiate himself from his frenemy, George. He was not without opportunity to do so; Obama has pointed out on numerous occasions, that McCain votes with Bush 90% of the time. Instead of the "I'm a maverick and I've got the scars to prove it, gosh darnit!" song and dance routine, McCain should have at least mentioned Bush's rabid dog attacks when they were competing for the Republican nomination in 2000. That would have humanized him, and illustrated a very real emotional distance between Bush and McCain. How could McCain support a guy who ran an "anonymous" smear campaign against him, and humiliated him with such accusations of being mentally unstable, or having a drug addict wife? Regardless, Obama countered, "that if I occasionally have mistaken your policies for George Bush's policies, it's because on the core economic issues that matter to the American people, on tax policy, on energy policy, on spending priorities, you have been a vigorous supporter of President Bush." Boo-Yah.
The low point of the debate also came from McCain, when Mr. Schieffer asked both candidates about the negative campaigning that has dominated the tone of both campaigns int he recent weeks. McCain expressed disappointment that Obama did not call on Congressman John Lewis to repudiate his remarks in reference to a McCain-Palin rally where people shouted "Terrorist!" and "Kill Him!" when Obama's name was mentioned. Congressman Lewis likened McCain and Palin's refusal to condemn those people at the rally to that of segregationist, George Wallace. Lewis said that like Wallace, McCain and Palin were creating "the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans." Obama said that he had put out a statement condemning Lewis's remarks, and that Lewis also issued a statement saying that the comment was inappropriate. Yet McCain never apologized for the hate-filled comments at his own rallies, defending himself by saying: "And I'm not going to stand for somebody saying that because someone yelled something at a rally -- there's a lot of things that have been yelled at your rallies, Senator Obama, that I'm not happy about either. In fact, some T-shirts that are very...unacceptable."
Really? You can justify such despicable behaivior at your OWN rallies because of some T-Shirts that are "unacceptable?" C'mon, give me a break! Death threats are okay because some fools made shirts that hurt your feelings?? Ridiculous! McCain should have simply apologized for the behavior of his "die-hard fans," and promise to take swift action if anyone else were to get out of line at future rallies. Instead, McCain childishly points to a T-Shirt in a "he started it!" fashion, and expects that issue to drop.
If you notice, every time McCain was asked a question, he glossed over some details before attacking Obama. Obama was consistently calm and answered each accusation clearly and definitively, at which point McCain would attack him again, on an unrelated issue.
I guess the "Shit Talk Express" is going to keep rolling full steam ahead. Luckily for us, the American people aren't buying it. McCain is struggling in what were once reliably red states, like Virginia. I'm sensing a landslide for Obama, and that will effectively put an end to the McCain-Palin "Shit Talk Express." Alllll aboooooard......NOT!
I have to give it to McCain: He really showed a lot more poise at the beginning of the debate. He was calm, collected, and was taking the lead as he answered the first two questions. I think it was the question about negative campaigning, that his "Straight Talk Express" completely derailed, and he boarded the "Shit Talk Express." McCain postured antagonistically, attempting to go on the offensive. Instead of putting Obama on the spot, McCain succeeded in appearing like a petulant first-grader, hurling accusations, and muttering "No I'm not. No I'm not" when Obama returned fire. McCain seemed visibly agitated and sulked throughout the remainder of the debate.
In typical Republican style, he latched onto a narrative about Joe the Plumber and tried to present himself as a man of the people; a man that sides with the average Joe wanting to achieve the American Dream of owning his own business. Unfortunately, the tactic backfired. Frankly, I found it annoying, and I'm pretty sure that more people disliked McCain's repeated reference to Joe the Plumber than those who found it endearing. CNN's panel of undecided voters in Ohio certainly tired of McCain's Plumber Joe refrain.
To his credit, McCain did also provide the highlight of the campaign when he said "Senator Obama, I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago." But aside from pointing out that he was in fact, not Mr. Bush, McCain did little to differentiate himself from his frenemy, George. He was not without opportunity to do so; Obama has pointed out on numerous occasions, that McCain votes with Bush 90% of the time. Instead of the "I'm a maverick and I've got the scars to prove it, gosh darnit!" song and dance routine, McCain should have at least mentioned Bush's rabid dog attacks when they were competing for the Republican nomination in 2000. That would have humanized him, and illustrated a very real emotional distance between Bush and McCain. How could McCain support a guy who ran an "anonymous" smear campaign against him, and humiliated him with such accusations of being mentally unstable, or having a drug addict wife? Regardless, Obama countered, "that if I occasionally have mistaken your policies for George Bush's policies, it's because on the core economic issues that matter to the American people, on tax policy, on energy policy, on spending priorities, you have been a vigorous supporter of President Bush." Boo-Yah.
The low point of the debate also came from McCain, when Mr. Schieffer asked both candidates about the negative campaigning that has dominated the tone of both campaigns int he recent weeks. McCain expressed disappointment that Obama did not call on Congressman John Lewis to repudiate his remarks in reference to a McCain-Palin rally where people shouted "Terrorist!" and "Kill Him!" when Obama's name was mentioned. Congressman Lewis likened McCain and Palin's refusal to condemn those people at the rally to that of segregationist, George Wallace. Lewis said that like Wallace, McCain and Palin were creating "the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans." Obama said that he had put out a statement condemning Lewis's remarks, and that Lewis also issued a statement saying that the comment was inappropriate. Yet McCain never apologized for the hate-filled comments at his own rallies, defending himself by saying: "And I'm not going to stand for somebody saying that because someone yelled something at a rally -- there's a lot of things that have been yelled at your rallies, Senator Obama, that I'm not happy about either. In fact, some T-shirts that are very...unacceptable."
Really? You can justify such despicable behaivior at your OWN rallies because of some T-Shirts that are "unacceptable?" C'mon, give me a break! Death threats are okay because some fools made shirts that hurt your feelings?? Ridiculous! McCain should have simply apologized for the behavior of his "die-hard fans," and promise to take swift action if anyone else were to get out of line at future rallies. Instead, McCain childishly points to a T-Shirt in a "he started it!" fashion, and expects that issue to drop.
If you notice, every time McCain was asked a question, he glossed over some details before attacking Obama. Obama was consistently calm and answered each accusation clearly and definitively, at which point McCain would attack him again, on an unrelated issue.
I guess the "Shit Talk Express" is going to keep rolling full steam ahead. Luckily for us, the American people aren't buying it. McCain is struggling in what were once reliably red states, like Virginia. I'm sensing a landslide for Obama, and that will effectively put an end to the McCain-Palin "Shit Talk Express." Alllll aboooooard......NOT!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Palins Under the Bus
I've come to the conclusion that Governor Sarah Palin is merely a pawn for the GOP and McCain. There doesn't seem to be another logical explanation for the fact that the McCain campaign picked a first term governor of a state with a population equal to that of El Paso, Texas, with little to no experience making executive decisions. The decision to tap Governor Palin, a self-professed conservative Christian, for the veep slot was exactly the spark that the GOP and McCain's campaign needed to ignite the evangelicals planning to sit out this race. As a mother of five, staunchly pro-life (even in the case of rape and incest), anti-gay rights and a huge proponent of offshore drilling and even drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve (a position that even John McCain is against), this is exactly the kind of attack dog that the Right craves. The McCain camp probably thought that by adding Palin to the ticket, they would kill three birds with one stone: Energize the evangelicals, make McCain look like a forward thinking "maverick," and pick up former Hillary Clinton voters who haven't yet committed to Barack Obama. It looks like yes, they have gotten the evangelicals/right-wingers on board, but whether McCain will look like a "maverick" and whether they will pick up a large bloc of former Clinton voters remains to be seen. Personally, as a Hillary supporter, I am insulted. Did Team McCain really think that "any woman will do?" That if I can't have say, filet mignon, that ramen noodles will do? Come on. I have yet to hear anything of substance from Sarah Palin that would even nominally compare to Hillary Clinton.
That said, it's funny that all these scandals about Sarah and the Palin family are tearing out of the floodgates in rapid succession. The McCain camp thought that Governor Palin would be a great power play, but instead, are finding out very quickly, that their "through vetting process" lacked significant depth. Consider: McCain only met Palin ONCE in February this year, before offering her the VP job on Thursday August 28th 2008. The decision was announced on Friday, August 29th. Following the weekend, bright and early on Monday morning, September 1st, it was revealed that Bristol Palin is 5 months pregnant. It was also revealed that Governor Palin who also styled herself a "maverick" that fiercely fought pork barrel spending, strongly supported the pork project: Bridge to Nowhere before she was forced by Congress to drop the project. According to Governor Palin:
I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves..
So essentially, she lied to reporters (and to McCain's Team of veep vetters, I'm assuming) when she told them that she did not support the Bridge to Nowhere. She was forced withdraw her support after the federal funds for the almost $400 million dollar project were pulled, and Alaska would have to pony up $329 million of the cost themselves. So much for the "reformist" governor.
So now with the McCain veep pick going to hell in a handbasket, and even conservative Republican analysts blasting McCain for his hasty and irrational decision, it remains to be seen whether McCain will drop Palin and pick someone else, or burn the Republican party in the November election. Personally, I think he has insulted the qualified women of his own party, such as Condoleeza Rice, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and even top advisor Carly Fiorina. As much as I HATE Condi, I have to admit that she is experienced, and ready to lead (in the wrong direction, but at least for the GOP, the "Right" direction). And Fiorina has actual executive experience as head of HP. Kay Bailey, I just like. No reason, really. She's just Texan. And as a Texan, I love Kay.
With the Palin family kids at the mercy of the GOP puppetmasters, and their ego-maniacal, self-aggrandizing and self-serving mother, whose got a taste of the good life, going from small town mayor to Alaska's governor, and now the historic VP nominee, I feel really bad for them, especially the teenage girls and the baby. Being a teenager ain't easy, and Mom's ambitious agenda isn't going to help the situation either.
That said, it's funny that all these scandals about Sarah and the Palin family are tearing out of the floodgates in rapid succession. The McCain camp thought that Governor Palin would be a great power play, but instead, are finding out very quickly, that their "through vetting process" lacked significant depth. Consider: McCain only met Palin ONCE in February this year, before offering her the VP job on Thursday August 28th 2008. The decision was announced on Friday, August 29th. Following the weekend, bright and early on Monday morning, September 1st, it was revealed that Bristol Palin is 5 months pregnant. It was also revealed that Governor Palin who also styled herself a "maverick" that fiercely fought pork barrel spending, strongly supported the pork project: Bridge to Nowhere before she was forced by Congress to drop the project. According to Governor Palin:
I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves..
So essentially, she lied to reporters (and to McCain's Team of veep vetters, I'm assuming) when she told them that she did not support the Bridge to Nowhere. She was forced withdraw her support after the federal funds for the almost $400 million dollar project were pulled, and Alaska would have to pony up $329 million of the cost themselves. So much for the "reformist" governor.
So now with the McCain veep pick going to hell in a handbasket, and even conservative Republican analysts blasting McCain for his hasty and irrational decision, it remains to be seen whether McCain will drop Palin and pick someone else, or burn the Republican party in the November election. Personally, I think he has insulted the qualified women of his own party, such as Condoleeza Rice, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and even top advisor Carly Fiorina. As much as I HATE Condi, I have to admit that she is experienced, and ready to lead (in the wrong direction, but at least for the GOP, the "Right" direction). And Fiorina has actual executive experience as head of HP. Kay Bailey, I just like. No reason, really. She's just Texan. And as a Texan, I love Kay.
With the Palin family kids at the mercy of the GOP puppetmasters, and their ego-maniacal, self-aggrandizing and self-serving mother, whose got a taste of the good life, going from small town mayor to Alaska's governor, and now the historic VP nominee, I feel really bad for them, especially the teenage girls and the baby. Being a teenager ain't easy, and Mom's ambitious agenda isn't going to help the situation either.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Palin's Abstinence Only Education Pans Out
First of all, let me just say, this is not an attack on Bristol Palin. Poor girl has a whole host of problems to deal with now. As a new mom, I know it's no picnic to be waking up three, four times a night to feed a baby, get no sleep during the day as the little guy eats and poops, and have no time for day time naps. Being a mom means dropping all the other roles in your life, and being just MOM for a really long time. It's a tough job for anyone, especially a 17 year old girl whose mother has just stepped into the national spotlight on a presidential ticket. So my heart goes out to her. I wish her luck in raising a child as a teenage mom.
But next, WHAT THE HELL WAS SARAH PALIN THINKING??
Governor Palin supports abstinence-only sex-ed programs for Alaska schools. According to CNN:
In a 2006 Eagle Forum questionnaire, Palin indicated that she supported funding abstinence-until-marriage education programs instead of teaching sex-education programs.
"Explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support," Palin wrote in the conservative group’s questionnaire.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/01/palin-backed-abstinence-education/?eref=ib_politicalticker
Now, I may not be a conservative, but I agree that abstinence is the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STDs. However, in creating policies by which to govern a state and its people, including and especially its children, one has to be pragmatic about what can and will be effective in solving a problem. For example, a big problem in San Francisco is homelessness. But the city cannot mandate that in order for any person to live in San Francisco, they must have a job and find appropriate housing, in order to solve the problem of homelessness. Such a law does not effectively address the problem of homelessness, just as abstinence only sex-ed does not effectively address the problem of teen pregnancies. Teenagers of conservative parents and liberal parents alike, will have sex, regardless of their parents' views. The question is, how do parents and school administrators mitigate the repercussions of teens having sex before marriage. Teaching the responsible and proper use of contraceptives is the job of the school administrators and government, teaching the moral implications of pre-marital sex is the job of parents. In supporting abstinence only sex-ed for Alaska's students, Governor Palin has failed those young adults making the decision to have sex.
As a parent, Sarah Palin has failed to be attentive to her daughter's needs, and oblivious to her actions. I find it hard to believe that a mother of a pregnant teen, and a special needs infant would put her self-interests and her ego before the needs of her children.
GROW UP, SARAH PALIN. This is not a high scool popularity contest. Yes, you may have a better than 60% approval raing in Alaska, however, that's really not the point. As a member of the party of "family values" shouldn't you be putting your family first? As a member of the party of "family values" shouldn't you put your money where your mouth is? As a member of the party of "family values" shouldn't you practice what you preach?
Sarah Palin = Worst Veep pick. Ever.
But next, WHAT THE HELL WAS SARAH PALIN THINKING??
Governor Palin supports abstinence-only sex-ed programs for Alaska schools. According to CNN:
In a 2006 Eagle Forum questionnaire, Palin indicated that she supported funding abstinence-until-marriage education programs instead of teaching sex-education programs.
"Explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support," Palin wrote in the conservative group’s questionnaire.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/01/palin-backed-abstinence-education/?eref=ib_politicalticker
Now, I may not be a conservative, but I agree that abstinence is the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STDs. However, in creating policies by which to govern a state and its people, including and especially its children, one has to be pragmatic about what can and will be effective in solving a problem. For example, a big problem in San Francisco is homelessness. But the city cannot mandate that in order for any person to live in San Francisco, they must have a job and find appropriate housing, in order to solve the problem of homelessness. Such a law does not effectively address the problem of homelessness, just as abstinence only sex-ed does not effectively address the problem of teen pregnancies. Teenagers of conservative parents and liberal parents alike, will have sex, regardless of their parents' views. The question is, how do parents and school administrators mitigate the repercussions of teens having sex before marriage. Teaching the responsible and proper use of contraceptives is the job of the school administrators and government, teaching the moral implications of pre-marital sex is the job of parents. In supporting abstinence only sex-ed for Alaska's students, Governor Palin has failed those young adults making the decision to have sex.
As a parent, Sarah Palin has failed to be attentive to her daughter's needs, and oblivious to her actions. I find it hard to believe that a mother of a pregnant teen, and a special needs infant would put her self-interests and her ego before the needs of her children.
GROW UP, SARAH PALIN. This is not a high scool popularity contest. Yes, you may have a better than 60% approval raing in Alaska, however, that's really not the point. As a member of the party of "family values" shouldn't you be putting your family first? As a member of the party of "family values" shouldn't you put your money where your mouth is? As a member of the party of "family values" shouldn't you practice what you preach?
Sarah Palin = Worst Veep pick. Ever.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Palin Postures as a Hillary Wannabe
Palin Booed for Mentioning Hillary Clinton
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/30/palin-booed-for-mentioning-hillary-clinton/
In a move that everyone that anyone with two brain cells to create a spark would have forseen, the GOP VP pick, Sarah Palin, was booed in Pennsyvania at her second appearance on the campaign trail with John McCain for mentioning Hillary Clinton.
Disillusioned Clinton supporters were likely miffed by her patronizing comments about Clinton's "determination and grace in her presidential campaign.” And I am betting that any further attempts by Palin and the GOP to draw parallels between Palin and Clinton will be similarly received around the nation.
Sarah Palin, with her extsensive experience in running such a populated state such Alaska (a state with more reindeer than humans), will be challenged to make a case for herself as Clinton's doppelganger in the Republican party.
Sarah Palin, you are NO Hillary Clinton. Please exit stage left. Thank you.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/30/palin-booed-for-mentioning-hillary-clinton/
In a move that everyone that anyone with two brain cells to create a spark would have forseen, the GOP VP pick, Sarah Palin, was booed in Pennsyvania at her second appearance on the campaign trail with John McCain for mentioning Hillary Clinton.
Disillusioned Clinton supporters were likely miffed by her patronizing comments about Clinton's "determination and grace in her presidential campaign.” And I am betting that any further attempts by Palin and the GOP to draw parallels between Palin and Clinton will be similarly received around the nation.
Sarah Palin, with her extsensive experience in running such a populated state such Alaska (a state with more reindeer than humans), will be challenged to make a case for herself as Clinton's doppelganger in the Republican party.
Sarah Palin, you are NO Hillary Clinton. Please exit stage left. Thank you.
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