No strings attached - Barack Obama
May 18th 2008 16:24
The 2008 election is critical on so many levels that it is almost cliche to point it out. The conservative agenda has become so entrenched in the American economy and social structure that if it isn't stopped now it may be too late. To reverse the damage done is already going to require a monumental effort. To wait longer may mean drastic social and economic upheaval. We may end up with a country in crisis unlike anything we have experienced in memory. It's that important, people. We are coming to a crossroad that will have deep and lasting impact and it is oh so important that we get it right.
The longer the bankrupt ideals of the neo-conservatives in America are allowed to dictate political or social discourse is the harder the job will be. Like energy Independence, waiting only makes the pill that must be swallowed that much more bitter. Just think - if America would have followed the initiatives put forth by the Carter Administration so many years ago, we would be in a much better position now. Carter wanted to mandate 20 percent of electrical production from solar power by now. Instead, Reagan came in and laughed as he ordered the solar panels removed from the roof of the White House.
We cannot have four more years of dogmatic militarism. America will cement its place as a pariah among nations if we don't completely reject the failed policies of boisterous military adventurism and rhetoric. What kind of signal would it send to say to the world, not only do we not reject this behavior, but we want four more years of it? That's what McCain represents, and Obama rejects.
Barack Obama is the only person running who has not taken a dime of corporate or lobbyist money. And because the time is so unique it is working. He is out-raising McCain and Clinton anyway. He is drawing wide support from average Americans around the country. If we give in to the politics of fear-mongering and manipulation it could be a very long time before we get another chance for real change.
Barack Obama is the only candidate with no strings attached. There is no one pulling his chain or dictating talking points. He is his own man and he is running as precisely that, with nothing to be owed to any special interests after the fact. Like him or not, you can't say he gets his marching orders from big corporate interests. And the powers that be fear that. Of course he isn't perfect, and will make some decisions that will upset those of us who want to see corporate power brought into check. The point is, he is starting out not already in debt to them.
America needs change. And yes, America needs hope. Barack Obama can deliver on both more than any other candidate
The longer the bankrupt ideals of the neo-conservatives in America are allowed to dictate political or social discourse is the harder the job will be. Like energy Independence, waiting only makes the pill that must be swallowed that much more bitter. Just think - if America would have followed the initiatives put forth by the Carter Administration so many years ago, we would be in a much better position now. Carter wanted to mandate 20 percent of electrical production from solar power by now. Instead, Reagan came in and laughed as he ordered the solar panels removed from the roof of the White House.
We cannot have four more years of dogmatic militarism. America will cement its place as a pariah among nations if we don't completely reject the failed policies of boisterous military adventurism and rhetoric. What kind of signal would it send to say to the world, not only do we not reject this behavior, but we want four more years of it? That's what McCain represents, and Obama rejects.
Barack Obama is the only person running who has not taken a dime of corporate or lobbyist money. And because the time is so unique it is working. He is out-raising McCain and Clinton anyway. He is drawing wide support from average Americans around the country. If we give in to the politics of fear-mongering and manipulation it could be a very long time before we get another chance for real change.
Barack Obama is the only candidate with no strings attached. There is no one pulling his chain or dictating talking points. He is his own man and he is running as precisely that, with nothing to be owed to any special interests after the fact. Like him or not, you can't say he gets his marching orders from big corporate interests. And the powers that be fear that. Of course he isn't perfect, and will make some decisions that will upset those of us who want to see corporate power brought into check. The point is, he is starting out not already in debt to them.
America needs change. And yes, America needs hope. Barack Obama can deliver on both more than any other candidate
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Comment by Jim Stillman
Political Certainty
There is a point on which I am very optimistic. The central GOP core belief, even if not applied in many cases, of the Reagan years and thereafter was President Reagan’s often expressed belief that government was evil and the source of all our problems. All three of the remaining presidential candidates propose a far more activist role for government. Even John McCain, who claims that he's a Reagan disciple, proposes far-reaching government action on issues such as climate change, high energy prices and the mortgage crisis -- problems that are supposedly better left to the cruel genius of free market. And who destroyed the “core belief” of limited government? George Bush.
While limited government is the excuse for not rushing aid to Katrina victims or addressing global warning, in other areas the President has been willing and, indeed, anxious, to have an activist government utilize rendition, prying into personal lives, warrantless searches and general violation of civil rights.
Americans are demanding more governmental involvement and regulation of financial markets, we are sick (literally) when government abdicates its responsibilities in making sure our food is safe, that lead toys do not come into the country, all that stuff.
I am going to expand on this over the next several days, but in the meantime, Amen.
Comment by Jeff Musall
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
I just want to say that I hope your country gets the change it deserves.
We had 12 years of a conservative Prime Minister who slowly eroded our rights and turned our country in a hard nation that I barely recognise. We are now on the slow journey to recovery...
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
We can't change the past eight years, but we can fight to take back the present.
I was surprised, when listening to a longish Obama interview on CNN, just how listenable the guy is. You see, I was not able to tolerate listening to GWB for any length of time. I would always switch the TV off and get my news in print form, where at least I wouldn't have to listen to him and see the facial expressions that accompanied the words.
Will I be able to tune in to American politics once again in November?
Btw, if there's any kind of e-campaigning I can do for Barack that you can think of, let me know...
Comment by Jeff Musall
And PMC...take a look at barackobama.com if you haven't already....there is alot on the site, including policy positions....contrary to reports that say he is without substance!
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Comment by Jeff Musall