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Pledged or not, Smyre says he’ll vote for Obama in Denver
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
State Rep. Calvin Smyre of Columbus, the most stalwart African-American supporter of the Clintons in Georgia and a pledged delegate to Hillary Clinton, announced Saturday evening that he would vote for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
I haven’t talked to Smyre, but this sounds like a reaction to Senator Clinton’s decision — despite her concession today — not to release her delegates to vote for Obama in the first round of convention voting. This could be his way of advising her otherwise.
Smyre is one of the best-connected politicians in Georgia, and is a former chairman of the Democratic party.
Read his entire statement on the jump, but here’s the gist of it:
“In August, I will cast my delegate vote for the next president of the United States, Barack Obama, at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
“We live now, more than ever, in a time that requires firm resolve, clear vision on issues affecting our country, and a deep faith in the values that make us a great nation.
“Senator Obama stands firm in his ability to make a shift in the way we, as Americans, think as leaders of the world. He is the best qualified to change the dynamics of the American dialogue, both socially and politically.”
GA State Representative Calvin Smyre Endorses Barack Obama for President of the United States of America
(Friday, June 6, 2008) Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyre (D) releases the following statement endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States of America:
“I would like to congratulate and applaud Senator Barack Obama on winning the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. His nomination to head a major party ticket is a defining moment for America. Senator Obama has shown that America is changing and, through his campaign, he has proven that he and his family are some of the many faces of this change.
Senator Obama’s success has connected the work, hopes and dreams of the civil rights generation with the efforts, ideas and plans of the African-American leaders who are emerging in this generation. His success, however, is not just the success of African-Americans, Senator Obama’s nomination as the Democratic party’s presidential candidate represents unity, respect, family, and hope for all Americans.
I have always held, and continue to hold, Hillary Clinton in the highest regard. She is a woman whose character is rooted in public service. Her record achievement is not to be minimized. In fact, she should receive great accolades from our party and our country for the role she has played in reigniting the interest and passion of the American electorate during this spirited campaign.
In August, I will cast my delegate vote for the next president of the United States, Barack Obama, at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. We live now, more than ever, in a time that requires firm resolve, clear vision on issues affecting our country, and a deep faith in the values that make us a great nation. Senator Obama stands firm in his ability to make a shift in the way we, as Americans, think as leaders of the world. He is the best qualified to change the dynamics of the American dialogue, both socially and politically.
As we turn our attention to the general election and Senator John McCain. I fully support the Democratic National Party and Senator Obama’s run for the White House.”



DEL.ICIO.US

Comments
By Fred
June 7, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Whadaya expect? A democrat keep his word? haha
By Karen Wilson
June 7, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Obama stole his candidacy just as he stole it when he got elected as senator. It is clear that there are nefarious players behind the scenes. How is it he could have so many criminal and fanatical connections and still be in the running? I am convinced that those of the Middle East who wish to destroy this nation have found a way to do it from the inside. We as Americans all know the power of money and who has more of it than those of the Middle East. Somehow they have jerry rigged the media to make Obama a Teflon Obama and now they are playing with the economy such as raising the gas prices so as to put the republican administration in a bad light. It is the Trojan horse again and most Americans seem too stupid to recognize it.
By Big YT
June 7, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Only stupid rednecks are against Obama.
By Robert Taylor
June 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Karen crawl back under your rock because there is no hope for your kind lunacy.
By Felis Leo
June 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Karen, you are the one who sounds utterly stupid by suggesting that the such a popular American leader is an agent of the Islamic countries.
By Nix
June 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Good for Smyre.
You people in this thread are pathetic paranoid losers. Please keep coming back and providing us with free entertainment!
By Michael
June 7, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Wow. Some of you Americans seriously need help: “they are raising gas prices so as to put the republican administration in bad light”? “those of the Middle East”?
Dear Karen, as a Brit, currently living in the Middle East, I can assure you that “they” are planning to turn the oil-price dial (it’s actually a really big huge knob that someone just needs to twirl) back down right after the election, just so you can drive your SUV back and forth from the suburbs to the mall as much as your little heart desires.
Greetings from Dubai
Michael
By Boomergal
June 7, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
To Karen Wilson. Your comments are shocking. You have been watching too much TV (probably Fox)Obama did not steal this election or any other. If you think Barack keeps bad company, maybe you should google “clinton body count”. I lived through that time as an adult and remember well the shenanigans the Clintons put the country through though nothing was ever proven. Gas prices are going up because the world is not only running out of it, but China and India are competing for it. Perhaps you need to go back to school and take Economics 101.Two books you all need to read. “Hell to Pay”, a biography of HRC written by the prosecutor and a book by Stephen Kinzler about the last 50 years of this countries foreign policy. Perhaps then you will see that Obama is the best choice for changing how the world perceives this country. From a John Edwards supporter
By TomasW
June 7, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
I respect Rep. Smyre’s decision to vote for Senator Obama at the DNC. It was Senator Clinton who brought up the fact that pledged delegates are not obligated to vote for the candidate to whom they are originally pledged. I voted for HRC in the CA primary but would have preferred that she quit the race rather than suspend it. I realize that suspending a campaign makes fund raising legal but it does give many voters, including myself, the sense that she is lurking in the event of another appearance by Revs. Wright/Pfleger or a disastrous mistake by Mr. Obama.
By Paul
June 7, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Let us just remember that the economy, oil, housing and food prices have gotten out of control in the last year and a half. Before that, most people were able to provide quite well for their families.
What has changed during the last year and a half in our country’s government? The answer is of course is that the democrats took over congress. The agenda of the democrats will drive this country into the ground. Therefore no one believes in the value of the US Dollar - it is no longer a safe haven.
I will survive and frankly I hope the democrats that chose to drive this country into a depression get kicked out of their homes, lose their jobs, and learn how to make a meal on the govt. cheese handouts.
By Who?
June 7, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Calvin Smyre…Best Connected..But Has Accomplished Nothing Significant. Part of the Problem. Time for New Blood.
By Gaias Child
June 7, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Well, Clinton’s the one who’s been arguing that the pledged delegates are just as free as the super delegates. She’s on record going over that one repeatedly and if I am not mistaken, her campaign’s done so too. I’m not sure how it works. How can she campaign for Obama and ask her supporters to do so and hang onto her delegates and be nominated? Does that make sense?
By TomasW
June 7, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
To Paul: Sir, you are an idiot. Everything was just wonderful until the Democrats gained a majority in Congress, huh? Our standing in the world, the credit crunch problem, and rising oil prices are all a result of voters selecting Democrats rather than those who supported George Bush’s agenda, right? Unbelievable!
By Brnmar
June 7, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Poor paranoid Karen Wilson. Sen Obama has no hidden connections to any one in the Middle East planning to destroy us ‘from the inside.’
There are 2 members of the United States of America Congress who are Muslims. I believe both took their oath of office on the Holy Qur’an. The first one used the Qur’an that was owned by former President and author of the ‘Declaration of Independence,’ Thomas Jefferson. If you understood American history, you would know that many of our ‘Founding Fathers,’ had a greater understanding of the Islamic religion than many of our leaders do today. Find out more about the community that the 2 Muslim members of congress belong to at: www.newafricaradio.com
By Mac The Knight
June 7, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
GET OVER IT! Don’t go there with linking Sen. Obama to criminal connections versus the Clinton’s activities even as they occupied the White House. Let’s move on by defeating Sen. John McCain. I question the mind of anyone who would vote against their own welfare and against the best interest of their country because they didn’t get their way. Such action is a clear case of “cutting off your nose to spite your face.”
By Brnmar
June 7, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
www newafricaradio dot com
By Sunshine Snyder
June 7, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
Where did Karen come from? W. Va.? She reminds me of the man checking out at a local grocery store standing in front of one of our local columnists. He told the checker that when that “Moozlim” took office the country would be overrun with camels and goats. “Aint right, and no (censored)woman should win either.” Redneck? Illiterate? The checker seemed to agree. God, help this country if individuals like that win an election.
By Black Bart
June 8, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
Hussein Obama, a closet muSLIME, lost NY, NJ, TX, CA, FL, MI, OH, PA — every state of size except IL. Yet he receives the nomination. Must be some eboniks arifmatic.
By No Longer Concerned
June 8, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
After reading these post I realize many get their information from so called conservative talk show hosts, i.e. Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh; because there is no way these folks could be so IGNORANT about the facts. You would think with all the available technology folks would get their facts straight instead of repeating REPUGS talking points. Whether some support Senator Obama for the presidency he will be elected come November; now the question is will you spend the next 4-8 years hiding in a closet or will you all become active participants in life. IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE - there is too much at stake this election.
By SeaChelle
June 8, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this
I am THRILLED to see Smyre refuses to be held captive. I have been really uneasy about the fact that Hillary spent most of her concession speech talking about herself, and refused to release her delegates. I was wondering if she might not start something ugly in Denver. But it appears she’s being put on notice that it won’t be tolerated. What a relief.
By Michael
June 8, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this
Wow. Some of you Americans seriously need help: “they are raising gas prices so as to put the republican administration in bad light”? “those of the Middle East”?
Dear Karen, as a Brit, currently living in the Middle East, I can assure you that “they” are planning to turn the oil-price dial (it’s actually a really big huge knob that someone just needs to twirl) back down right after the election, just so you can drive your SUV back and forth from the suburbs to the mall as much as your little heart desires.
Greetings from Dubai
Michael
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By Wow
June 8, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Ok, both sides of this blog are making somewhat radical comments. Obviously no one in the middle east is plotting to overthrow the republicans by using oil. Neither is the economy suffering bc of the Democratic Congress…BUT, that being said… The blind fanatic following of Obama is extremely concerning to me. You are acosting the far right wing on this blog for not knowing the facts etc. The facts are that Obama’s policies, of which consist mostly of rhetoric about change and large utopia ideas without implementation strategies, are unproven and it is shocking he has gotten this far. Now I am not saying that either Hillary or McCain have all of the answers, but they do have a vast amount more experience than Obama with clearer visions on their strategy implementation. Obama is a great speaker and has the ability to inspire but that does not run a country. His policies, if implemented, would create long term issues with both the the economy and security. All I am saying is sit back and take a hard look at what each candidate can actually do for the country and what they have proven in the past. I can’t help but feel that many of the young people in the country are voting for Obama because it is “cool”. All I can hope is that if he does get elected his talk will prove to be just that…talk. I don’t think I can deal with ramifications of these policies otherwise.
By Republatard
June 8, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
obama got muslim blood he ain’t got no chance we a christian nation
By Rarl Kove
June 8, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
I don’t think that Obama’s Muslim background is the issue. It is that lunatic, Rev Wright, and his brand of “hate Christianity” that willl give Obama fits in the fall.
By The Numantine
June 8, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
This is what unity is all about. Smyre is just one of many.
By cal
June 8, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Karen all what you say is not wrong. Actually most is wright on. Obama should of dropped out of the race after mr. Wright and him/ their church were exposed. Butt—- He was able to remove himself very skillfully with the help of his speech writers. Could not believe it. America is in for a lot of trouble. Where is Jack Bower today— we need to stay in touch with him. Pray for America. We are in trouble with more to come.
By Luanne Laib
June 8, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
It is a sad day for the Democratic Party. I do not believe it can come together again. The primary campaign was never cast, in the media or by Party spokespersons, as a struggle between the left wing of the Democratic Party and the Centrists, which it was, because they were invested in not having that dialogue, but the people see it that way. Women are bitter by the way they were treated by the Party, the media, and the Obama campaign, but it is not just women who are disaffected, it is the centrist votors in the swing states dismissed as “rednecks” and “racists.” I do not believe they, and a significant number of women, will come back in November. I have never voted for a Republican but will vote for John McCain in the fall as the best of the two remaining candidates. I do believe that Senator Clinton had been the best choice of the three. It really doesn’t matter at this point what her delegates do to me. It is a personal moral choice they will have to live with.
By kenosha kid
June 8, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Karen Wilson, you are an idiot.
By joan
June 8, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
good for you, however, I disagree with your thoughts about her being such a great person. I was taught that truthfulness is very important and that has been proved she does not regards as important. secondly I found her a very poor sport.
By Wally
June 8, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Quotes from Obmaa supporter rebuttals:
“Karen crawl back under your rock” “Karen, you are the one who sounds utterly stupid…” “To Paul: Sir, you are an idiot. ” “Poor paranoid Karen Wilson.”
I guess if you have no logical argument to make, an ad hominem attack will suffice instead.
Fellow posters, you do not know the first thing about Paul, Karen, or myself. Your vitriolic ad hominem attacks against fellow citizens are repulsive. I will not comment about your education level, because I have no real evidence of it. Your support of a candidate that I feel has not justified his candidacy nonwithstanding, I am more tolerant of different points of view than you seem to be.
If you think that Karen or Paul’s post is incorrect, post facts and leave the moral, value, and education judgements aside, or you risk exposing your own intolerance, objectivity, and insipid thinking.
By Michael Mast
June 8, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
To the Karens of the world, who endeavour to find nefarious muslim plots in our government, do not look any further than our current administration who allowed 9/11 to occur, who quickly ushered out of the country the Bin Laden family, and who allowed Osama to escape when cornered in Tora Bora. Reading up on facts as opposed to parotting pathetic propaganda may save this country yet. Stop SCRAWL (silly- conceited-republican-arguments-without-logic).
By Marty
June 8, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Wally, Karen’s post was just plain stupid. Idiotic in fact. Childlike. Mostly a bunch of blabbering. Blah , blah, bluch.
A total and complete waste of time.
By Jeff S
June 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Just like the Democratic Party that stole the election from Hillary, he’s stealing a vote that has been entrusted to him by the voters. He’s a liar and thief for doing so.
By Jeff S
June 8, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Just like the Democratic Party that stole the election from Hillary, he’s stealing a vote that has been entrusted to him by the voters. He’s a liar and thief for doing so.
By Jim McDaniel
June 8, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Democrats are like locusts. They come through periodically and ravage the countryside. They stay long enough to deplete what they feed on which they did not help to produce. When that’s gone they begin to eat each other. Betcha won’t be able to find many in 4 years.
We survived Kennedy, Johnson and Carter. We can surely survive an inexperienced naive bumbler who speaks well but has accomplished nothing. If he happens to be elected, when he’s gone, the country will lick our wounds as we have in the past and move on.
We have to experience this insanity occasionally to appreciate the contrast.
It really is pathetic to watch each new “me” generation fall for the something for nothing promise. They just become absolutely useless and worthless.
Remember folks, the government does not produce anything. It can only own what takes from the individual. It can only redistribute what it has taken from someone else. Marx and Lenin anyone?
I don’t owe any of you Democrats a damn thing. I lived in my grandmother’s chicken house as a child and worked my a* off to be able to become a productive citizen and reach comfortable retirement.
Quit b*** about “change” and get up off your collective asses and go to work.
By Andrew
June 8, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Wally,
Use of a thesaurus does not equal intelligence. In your response, you too provided no facts to support your position, you merely tried to put others down by using words not often heard.
Facts are that GWB lied to all of us (you too). Fact is, the threat of “terrorism” is incredibly overblown. Fact is, Obama was born and raised in HI, where I live, and where I have witnessed first-hand the benefits of a society that recognizes all people of all races, religions, and cultures equally. Fact is, Obama inspires people to be better than they thought they could be…even you, Karen, Paul and others. Fact is, Obama has not lied for political gain. Fact is, Obama is not a muslim, but according to our constitution it shouldn’t matter even if he was. Fact is, the rest of the world has a high amount of respect for Obama and none for McCain and the RNC.
Facts are facts buddy. People are p** about you, Karen, Paul and others because you are all lying about facts…facts you can look up yourself (like we all have already done).
I have a theory though, you guys already know the facts and you are deliberately misrepresenting them in order to continue the ethnocentric policies that benefit the majority and marginalize the minority. Of course, I could be wrong because it is not a fact, but it sure seems that way.
Best,
Andrew
By Marty
June 8, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Just shut up Jim McDaniel, please just shut up. If you don’t have anything intelligent to say, then please just shut up.
Stop pretending the last 7 and a half years did not take place. Please, you’re embarrassing yourself.
Just shut up, your words are a blank they have no meaning.
Please, shut up.
By Andrew
June 8, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Yeah Jim. You are right. Many people complain about issues that don’t even have jobs themselves. Lots of them are republicans, not just democrats. Where I am confused is why you think Democrats agree with this type of behavior? We do not and have never agreed that we are not an individualistic country. We would hate that as much as you do.
Of course, us Democrats realize that for every problem there is no black and white answer. Evey problem that faces our nation, from poverty to health care to oil prices to education, none of these have an easy, quick and dirty answer. These problems take long-term solutions, and commitment from citizens that realize that they should help out their fellow citizens who have less because in the long-term, that kind of help will make our nation stronger. Attitudes like yours where you think you don’t owe anyone anything are narrow-minded, short-sighted, and unrealistic in a country of 300,000,000 people out of a 6+ billion worldwide population.
Of course, you could just lose yourself and owe nobody nothing. Then again, you obviously don’t think that way because at the very least you are trying to change the world by posting on this article.
At the very least you owe your Grandmother and some chickens some thanks and gratitude for your existence.
By Andrew
June 8, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Luanne,
When did the Obama campaign ever treat women poorly as to make them better against him? Why would you vote for Bush II over the Hillary-backed Obama campaign?
Oh, because you really are racist rednecks who hide under the guise of being “centrist.” I get it.
Remember, Hillary dodged fire in Bosnia (credibility). Bill said the only reason Obama would win in S Carolina was because he was black. Then, right on Hillary’s front page of her website was a link for women to click on who support her. I have never seen a link on Obama’s page for Black people to click on.
Hillary lost because she was shown to be less credible than Obama. Don’t hate Obama for Hillary’s faults. If you liked her so much, do what she says and vote for Obama in the Fall.
By Andrew
June 8, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
I have a suggestion for all of you that think America is in for more trouble if Obama is elected.
Leave.
Go to another country, wait for us silly Obama supporters to blow ourselves up, or get blown up by your “terrorists.” Then come back and take all of our resources and live your ethnocentric lives.
At the very least you would at least see how our policies directly affect the way in which people in other cultures are forced to live.
By Jim McDaniel
June 8, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Guys and Gals,
We can live in the problem or we can live in the solution! Sitting on my butt is not going to get me out of the situation that I’m in. I always have choices.
As a matter of fact, the last 7 years have been good to me. Net worth has doubled. Personal income has doubled. God has blessed me and allowed me to be directly helpful to individuals, including minorities that I choose. I do resent being asked to fund bureaucratic nonsense that lines the pocket of some mid level functionary with an Escalade and a bad hairdo.
Yes, I do owe grandma and the chickens. She instilled a strong independent work ethic and the chickens, who didn’t know any better than to crap on everything, for reminding me that I didn’t have to keep stepping in it.
I’m not to concerned about Iraq. I’m very deeply concerned for the families of those who have lost loved ones there. To put the casualty count in perspective 5000 men died on June 6, 1944 to bring the hope of freedom to Europe and keep the fighting there instead of here. We’re here having this discussion because they were there.
I daresay the same could be said for our troops in Iraq.
We have this wonderful freedom because of great leadership of the past and present.
Keep up the discussion. If nothing changes, nothing changes.
God bless,
Jim
By Andrew
June 8, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
“We can live in the problem or we can live in the solution! Sitting on my butt is not going to get me out of the situation that I’m in. I always have choices.”
Great for you Jim. Still, there are many people that don’t believe they have a choice. Changing that belief is what would help to make our country stronger. And as you know, to change a belief in a democratic society where you are free to believe whatever you want is a daunting task indeed, and often comes off as bureaucratic nonsense.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the military for they are people that agreed to die to defend our lives, but I detest our executive branch and other leaders who put them on the offensive. They are defending nothing in Iraq. All my military friends who have been to Iraq, and I know a lot living in Hawaii, agree.
Remember, the Afghanistani troops helped to preserve their beliefs in the 80’s and gave the world the Taliban. In other words, blind support of military action does not equal preservation of a culture’s values. Critical thinking is always required by all citizens when military action is concerned. Our executive branch (GWB) lied to us (the congress) in order for us to go to war. If they told us this truth, would we (the congress) have agreed to go? No way. They lied to get us there and they have no way out.
At the very least, you should be concerned with this, because that is why families have lost loved ones there.
To put the casualty count in perspective for you, 84,328 - 92,004 Iraqi civilians have died since March 2003, seven times the amount of D-Day, 9-11, and our troops in Iraq combined, all over a lie propagated by our executive branch of government. Here is where I am deeply concerned.
BTW, you and others should stop saying we are having free discussions because of the troops in Iraq. Not even the troops believe this.
We have this freedom because of the Bill of Rights and our ability as citizens to choose to defend them in a court of law. Remember, aside from the Revolutionary war, we have never been in a war because we have a Bill of Rights. We have been in wars for economic, political, and social gain. Never to defend freedom of speech. Freedom of speech in the US is threatened from within, not without.
Jim, it must be nice that the last 7 years have been good to you. They have been good to me too. I am just aware that they have been terrible for the country as a whole. You and I are anomalies. Most people are in more debt and have less money coming in to cover the debt, landing them in even more trouble. You should care about this, because as you so astutely stated nothing in this country is produced out of nothing. This means that even you are inexplicably bound to the successes and failures of your fellow citizens.
If nothing changes, it is because we did nothing.
By Last century
June 9, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
Calvin is so old news, so 20th century, so part of the problem.
“Smyre is one of the best-connected politicians in Georgia”
That’s great, but what have you really ever accomplished Cal, other than letting GA Repub’s pretty much do whatever they want, laughing in your face whenever you and DuBose Porter fecklessly try to make a stand?
By Jim
June 9, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
Andrew,
Thanks for reading my drivel.
I do care very deeply about others.
I had to learn that my decisions placed me ,at times in my life,in a position to be hurt. This includes economic decisions. The only way I can learn from the mistakes that I make is to suffer the consequences of those actions.
In my job, I come into contact almost daily with folks, some who are friends, who are now having to suffer the results those bad economic and social decisions.Some can be helped.
I have been myself helped on numerous occasions by people who wanted nothing in return.
I certainly have no problem passing that along. However, I resent the idea that I am to be financially responsible for folks who want to continue a lifestyle to which they have become accustomed at a cost which they cannot afford through some government bailout.
It sends the message that the actions that they took are somehow OK.
We, as a nation, have decided that we are owed a certain lifestyle not because we earned it but because we deserve it.
I believe in the idea that whatever can be dreamed may be achieved, (notice I said may), with the proviso that I am willing to work for it.
To paraphrase an old adage, ” the more is given the less the people will work and the less they work the more their poverty will increase.”
Seems that Tolstoy said something to that effect. The sentiment seems to me to be axiomatic.
The results of failed government bailouts and promises are everywhere.
History is full of those grand experiments in redistribution of wealth that collapsed. The hated word that is not used is Socialism.
This is postulated by either Lenin or Marx, I forget which, as the first step from Capitalism to Communism.
Far fetched. Perhaps.
The unfortunate victims are those who will remain impoverished and be swayed by frothy emotional appeal and promises that cannot be fulfilled in order to get their vote.
Their leaders will continue to be enriched at their expense while single mothers struggling to make ends meet will subsist at the poverty level because aid never quite reaches them.
Their problem is not a mortgage note on a home or SUV they cannot afford. It’s a day to day struggle to survive.
These are the folks who need our direct help.
Collateral damage is an agonizing fact of war. I don’t like it either. The total casualties in World War II will probably never be full known. Millions at least.
I have only guesses at the information or misinformation used to support our action in the Middle East.
History will have to be the judge.
Various organizations in that area have as their sole purpose the destruction of our way of life.
Myself, I’d rather confront the issue on their turf than to have a replay of 9/11.
I too, have lost friends in that action and have friends now serving. Thank your friends for their sacrifice.
I have no answers. Only questions.
Regards,
Jim
By Barry
June 9, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
Anyone who would vote for Obama is either ignorant, corrupt, a socialist, or some combination of those three evils. I’m reduced to holding my nose and voting for McCain. Whatever the outcome, we all lose.
By Andrew
June 9, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this
Jim,
Forgive my earlier tone, I agree wholeheartedly with much of your sentiment. People do need to work for what they want. The attitude that the government owes them something is foolish to say the least. Also, it harms people like you and me that work for what we want.
Still, some issues like health care seem like they should be a right…not a privilege of hard work. Nationalized health care would never lead us to communism, just as welfare, Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps have not made us a communist nation. If your excess could help to make the US a healthy nation, why wouldn’t you pitch in? I’m sure it would not be out of greed. Out of principle then? What principle would that be? You can’t be healthy if you don’t work? I don’t get that logic, just like I don’t get the logic behind why people kill for greed or out of principle.
Anyhow, nobody is talking about redistributing wealth. People do talk about how corporations, since they have the same rights as an individual in this nation, should be socially responsible for the environments they destroy. This “responsibility” gets in the way of these businesses making money. Then, liberals who want corporations to be as accountable for their behavior (just like an individual in this country is accountable for their own behavior) are demonized for cutting into a corporations profit margin. Eventually they are called socialists and communists. In reality they just want all of the freedom in this country to be available to all people, and for corporations to be as responsible for their communities as the people who live there.
Honestly, when I listen to Barack Obana I hear him say things like, “Yes we can,” and, “Let’s get to work,” and, “We can do this.” I never hear, “Our government is going to do for you.” Ever.
Jim, thanks for your thoughts. Like Obama has talked about, we need to stop thinking and talking in terms of liberal and conservative and start thinking and talking in terms of what is right and what is wrong for the US. We both (along with Barry) have a lot of work to do to meet this goal.
Andrew
By Andrew
June 9, 2008 4:03 AM | Link to this
Barry, like Wally said long before, back up your opinions with facts, not put-downs. Also, it is sad that you have to hold your nose to vote. I will proudly walk into the voting booth next November, vote for Obama, and smell Spring in Fall.
You’d come to this conclusion too if you actively sought out knowledge and then critically thought about what you just learned. Hopefully then the only loser will be McCain.
By Content Challenged
June 9, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Will U 2 tag team tincture swabs stfu? You sound like sleeper cells trying to fool wiretaps. “Lets have a discussion about American values and we’ll fool the CIA”.
retards.
By Mike
June 9, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Of course Obama “stole” the nomination. Didn’t Hilary have the popular vote? South Florida 2000 anyone?
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August 4, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
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