Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), former 2000 Democratic vice presidential candidate with Al Gore, who has now turned into a Republican sycophant by supporting Republican Senator John McCain's presidential bid, believes that another terrorist attack may be on the horizon for 2009.
I wonder if he has penciled it in for September 11, 2009? I think it is abhorrent that anyone--Republican, Democrat, Indepenedent--would use unfounded fear to promote their agenda. Lieberman has become a fear-monger in his support of Senator McCain's campaign. He says, "Our enemies will test the new president early." On what is he basing this absurd assessment?
In 2004 and 2006, Republicans pulled out the gay card to play. It worked in 2004, but it backfired in 2006. Now, they're going to play the 9/11 card for this year's general election. Republican candidates, especially McCain, are going to have a very difficult mountain to climb in order to win any elections this year.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
To Michael at Applebee's in Corbin
I don't tell many people this, but you are adorable!!! You can come "work" for me anytime. :)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Supreme Court Overturns District of Columbia Handgun Ban
In a move that reaffirms what I said yesterday about the status of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), the Court has declared that a ban of handgun ownership in the District of Columbia is unconstitutional. This was decided in a 5-4 ruling.
Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote the opinion for the majority, stated that it was not the Court's role to "pronounce the Second Amendment extinct." (67) I believe it is a far cry from the Court's role to declare any part of the governing document of this nation as obsolete, but it is certainly within the purview of the Court to interpret its parts, in whole and in part.
The Constitution of the United States is a living document, which means it is not stagnant and it has the opportunity to expand and be interpreted by the SCOTUS (and inferior courts, also).
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution states:
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
In 2008, it is hard to believe that well-regulated militias are needed in our country. Further, states no longer have militias. The security of the United States is vested in the armed services, such as the national navy and army. Militias harken to a time when states, and local communities, had their own defense forces. In eighteenth century America that type of arrangement was necessary to protect Americans from all types of danger, however, the dangers and needs of our country have changed.
Is the welfare of the United States contingent upon the citizens of the District of Columbia having the right to bear handguns? That is the question that was before the SCOTUS, in this case. The majority opinion did not simply decide this question, it decided that any form of upholding the handgun ban would be a direct assault on the language of the Second Amendment.
In the dissenting opinion, offered by Justice John Paul Stevens, he writes that the Second Amendment does not fully protect the right to bear arms, such as in the case of a person using a gun "to rob a bank." (68) This opinion argues that the Second Amendment cannot be fully expanded to encompass "nonmilitary uses" such as "hunting and personal self-defense." (68) It is clear that the question arising in this case was not based on military, including national defense, purposes.
Although, conservative members of the SCOTUS pride themselves as being so-called "strict constructionists," it is apparent that they have expanded the language of the Second Amendment to include "nonmilitary" rights to include ownership of weapons by private citizens, through their majority opinion in this case.
Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote the opinion for the majority, stated that it was not the Court's role to "pronounce the Second Amendment extinct." (67) I believe it is a far cry from the Court's role to declare any part of the governing document of this nation as obsolete, but it is certainly within the purview of the Court to interpret its parts, in whole and in part.
The Constitution of the United States is a living document, which means it is not stagnant and it has the opportunity to expand and be interpreted by the SCOTUS (and inferior courts, also).
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution states:
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
In 2008, it is hard to believe that well-regulated militias are needed in our country. Further, states no longer have militias. The security of the United States is vested in the armed services, such as the national navy and army. Militias harken to a time when states, and local communities, had their own defense forces. In eighteenth century America that type of arrangement was necessary to protect Americans from all types of danger, however, the dangers and needs of our country have changed.
Is the welfare of the United States contingent upon the citizens of the District of Columbia having the right to bear handguns? That is the question that was before the SCOTUS, in this case. The majority opinion did not simply decide this question, it decided that any form of upholding the handgun ban would be a direct assault on the language of the Second Amendment.
In the dissenting opinion, offered by Justice John Paul Stevens, he writes that the Second Amendment does not fully protect the right to bear arms, such as in the case of a person using a gun "to rob a bank." (68) This opinion argues that the Second Amendment cannot be fully expanded to encompass "nonmilitary uses" such as "hunting and personal self-defense." (68) It is clear that the question arising in this case was not based on military, including national defense, purposes.
Although, conservative members of the SCOTUS pride themselves as being so-called "strict constructionists," it is apparent that they have expanded the language of the Second Amendment to include "nonmilitary" rights to include ownership of weapons by private citizens, through their majority opinion in this case.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Death for Rape
How absurd is it to think you can put someone to death for rape? (Not to mention that the United States would execute any criminal for even murder. It is disgusting.) The developed Western world, with the exception of the United States, of course, has abolished execution as a form of punishment for crimes.
Luckily, the United States Supreme Court has very narrowly defined that execution may only be used as a form of punishment in cases of murder. The Court's decision came on the heels of a Louisiana law, which gave courts the right to sentence child rapists to death. The truly frightening part is the Court's decision was 5-4. The majority's opinion stated that Louisiana's law was "cruel and unusual."
We as a civilized nation must be abhorred that people are executed as a form of punishment, first of all. Secondly, the fact that four justices of the United States Supreme Court ruled that it is appropriate to execute criminals for non-death related crimes is astonishing and unacceptable, It is a glimpse at what eight years of George W. Bush has given this country's judicial system, through appointments to the federal bench.
Luckily, the United States Supreme Court has very narrowly defined that execution may only be used as a form of punishment in cases of murder. The Court's decision came on the heels of a Louisiana law, which gave courts the right to sentence child rapists to death. The truly frightening part is the Court's decision was 5-4. The majority's opinion stated that Louisiana's law was "cruel and unusual."
We as a civilized nation must be abhorred that people are executed as a form of punishment, first of all. Secondly, the fact that four justices of the United States Supreme Court ruled that it is appropriate to execute criminals for non-death related crimes is astonishing and unacceptable, It is a glimpse at what eight years of George W. Bush has given this country's judicial system, through appointments to the federal bench.
Focus on Manipulation
"Focus on the Family" cult leader, James Dobson, accused Senator Barack Obama of "distorting the Bible" in a recent speech.
In a rebuttal, Obama stated that Dobson was "making stuff up" about the situation. I agree.
Let's face it, conservative Christians, like James Dobson, do "make it" up as they go. They have no remorse in distorting their alleged faith to discredit, shame, humiliate, steal, lie, cheat anyone or any group, if it serves their aim.
Fortunately, I do not see the Christian Right stealing this year's presidency.
In a rebuttal, Obama stated that Dobson was "making stuff up" about the situation. I agree.
Let's face it, conservative Christians, like James Dobson, do "make it" up as they go. They have no remorse in distorting their alleged faith to discredit, shame, humiliate, steal, lie, cheat anyone or any group, if it serves their aim.
Fortunately, I do not see the Christian Right stealing this year's presidency.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sarkozy swept to safety from Tel Aviv tarmac
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was ending a three day meeting with Israeli officials, was swept to the safety of his airplane after the sound of a gunshot was heard in the security area surrounding the tarmac, along with his wife, Carla Bruni. Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was placed inside his car, which was parked on the tarmac.
Officials soon ascertained that the gunshot was the result of an Israeli soldier who had committed suicide. The prime minister later boarded the French president's plane to personally inform him of the situation.
Officials soon ascertained that the gunshot was the result of an Israeli soldier who had committed suicide. The prime minister later boarded the French president's plane to personally inform him of the situation.
Don Imus at it again
Don Imus is in deep racial waters again. He states that he was defending a "black man," not putting him down. It sounds as if he is being racist by defending himself. I think he it is time he quits talking about race altogether.
Monday, June 23, 2008
My Presidential Candidate in November
I have decided who my candidate for president will be in November. I thought long and hard about it. I decided there is only one candidate I can vote for with full confidence. Even though, the party will not nominate this candidate, I can still vote for her.
I will exercise my civil right to write-in Hillary Rodham Clinton on my ballot on November 4.
Who says there are only two choices?
I will exercise my civil right to write-in Hillary Rodham Clinton on my ballot on November 4.
Who says there are only two choices?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Saudis betting on oil futures?
The Saudi government (i.e., the King) has decided to increase crude oil production by 700,000 barrels per day, starting in July (9.7 million barrels per day total).
At an average of $120/barrel, the Saudi government will bring in an additional $84 million/day. I am not convinced that the sudden generosity of the Saudis, and their concern for the world oil consumer, is completely benign. I suppose one could also look at it at as an 8% increase in their daily production. Perhaps, it will offset the price of refined petroleum products, especially in United States' volatile gasoline market.
At an average of $120/barrel, the Saudi government will bring in an additional $84 million/day. I am not convinced that the sudden generosity of the Saudis, and their concern for the world oil consumer, is completely benign. I suppose one could also look at it at as an 8% increase in their daily production. Perhaps, it will offset the price of refined petroleum products, especially in United States' volatile gasoline market.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Equality...one state at a time
Yesterday evening, California began the process of providing equal government services to all its citizens. Of course, I refer to the California Supreme Court's decision that incorporates homosexual couples into a mainstream staple of society, marriage.
Besides Massachusetts, California is the only state that protects full marital rights for homosexuals. It is, indeed, within the purview of state courts to provide equal protection to its citizens. Some states, like Kentucky, have enacted constitutional bans of homosexual rights. These bans, however, will not stand the scrutiny of federal courts. They impede upon the rights of a minority population, which is in stark violation of the United States Constitution. The Fourteenth Amendment clearly states: "No state shall...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
By excluding homosexual individuals, and couples, from participating in a state sanctioned activity, to wit: marriage, then that state has denied equal protection of the law for those individuals. That is exactly why state courts in Massachusetts and California have paved the way for the inclusion of marriage for all individuals. They are simply ensuring all people have equal access to the law.
Besides Massachusetts, California is the only state that protects full marital rights for homosexuals. It is, indeed, within the purview of state courts to provide equal protection to its citizens. Some states, like Kentucky, have enacted constitutional bans of homosexual rights. These bans, however, will not stand the scrutiny of federal courts. They impede upon the rights of a minority population, which is in stark violation of the United States Constitution. The Fourteenth Amendment clearly states: "No state shall...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
By excluding homosexual individuals, and couples, from participating in a state sanctioned activity, to wit: marriage, then that state has denied equal protection of the law for those individuals. That is exactly why state courts in Massachusetts and California have paved the way for the inclusion of marriage for all individuals. They are simply ensuring all people have equal access to the law.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Obama, I can't support you, yet
When Hillary Clinton suspended her presidential bid, she said that we should support Barack Obama for president. Of course, I said that I would support his campaign, because it is the logical next best thing.
Over the last week, I have been thinking deeply about my decision to support Barack Obama. Unlike many superdelegates, who crave the spotlight, I cannot in good conscience, at this time, fully support Obama for president. Although, I am undecided, I am not supporting the presidential campaign of Republican John McCain, either.
I feel completely destitute, politically. Hillary disappeared from the national stage and I feel like a sheep who has lost his shepherd.
Signed,
One of 18 Million Disillusioned Voters
Over the last week, I have been thinking deeply about my decision to support Barack Obama. Unlike many superdelegates, who crave the spotlight, I cannot in good conscience, at this time, fully support Obama for president. Although, I am undecided, I am not supporting the presidential campaign of Republican John McCain, either.
I feel completely destitute, politically. Hillary disappeared from the national stage and I feel like a sheep who has lost his shepherd.
Signed,
One of 18 Million Disillusioned Voters
Obama Drudge
Barack Obama's campaign has pitched the idea that they can win the general election without the states of Florida or Ohio. I'm not sure if they are up to speed on American history, but Florida cost Vice President Al Gore his bid for the presidency in 2000 by less than 500 votes!
Obama's campaign berated Hillary Clinton for saying she could win the primary election without certain states. Now they are using the Clinton model to say they can win in November. I'm not sure about a group who says one thing and then copies someone else's plan the next minute. He seems to be pinning a lot of his hopes and dreams on states like Georgia. I'm not sure Georgia is going to vote for a Democratic candidate, in the general election, regardless of your skin color.
What's more, Obama is eating a lot of flack for not speaking up on behalf of Michigan primary voters. A Republican attack ad says Obama doesn't care about the voters of Michigan, and it brings up his elitist comments from San Francisco. Can he win without Florida, Ohio and Michigan?
I'm not so sure the Obama campaign can weather many of these storms. I think the voters, during the Democratic primary season, chose rather poorly. Sorry!
Obama's campaign berated Hillary Clinton for saying she could win the primary election without certain states. Now they are using the Clinton model to say they can win in November. I'm not sure about a group who says one thing and then copies someone else's plan the next minute. He seems to be pinning a lot of his hopes and dreams on states like Georgia. I'm not sure Georgia is going to vote for a Democratic candidate, in the general election, regardless of your skin color.
What's more, Obama is eating a lot of flack for not speaking up on behalf of Michigan primary voters. A Republican attack ad says Obama doesn't care about the voters of Michigan, and it brings up his elitist comments from San Francisco. Can he win without Florida, Ohio and Michigan?
I'm not so sure the Obama campaign can weather many of these storms. I think the voters, during the Democratic primary season, chose rather poorly. Sorry!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Michelle Obama, and the race card
Did Michelle Obama use the word "whitey" from the infamous pulpit of Trinity United Church of Christ, which was the Obamas' church? According to the Obama campaign, she never delivered the speech, but it is proliferating across the Internet, thanks to political fanatics and Republicans, including Rush Limbaugh.
I'm afraid this turn of events is simply what the whole general election is going to be about, which is a "war" of race.
I'm afraid this turn of events is simply what the whole general election is going to be about, which is a "war" of race.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
It's hard
Since Hillary Clinton is no longer running for president, I have lost my sense of enthusiasm. I was always gung-ho to support her bid for president. I protected her image, defended her positions, and supported her candidacy unconditionally.
Even though, I have followed Hillary's lead to support Barack Obama for the Democratic nominee, and president, I find that I do not have the same pizazz I have for her for him. I don't know why really. I just had my heart set on President Clinton, not President Obama.
I have also said I want her to be his running mate for vice president, but I have changed my mind on this subject. At this time, I hope that she is not Obama's vice president. I believe, honestly, she is too good for his campaign. That may sound conceited and vile, but it is the truth. She invested time, money, sweat, enthusiasm, won 18 million votes (more than him, and any other candidate in history), only to have the finish line seized from her by the media and opportunists in the Democratic Party.
Hillary Clinton should bide her time and resurrect her campaign at a later election. I am not sure if Obama can pull this off in November anyhow. I just feel completely apathetic toward the entire situation.
Even though, I have followed Hillary's lead to support Barack Obama for the Democratic nominee, and president, I find that I do not have the same pizazz I have for her for him. I don't know why really. I just had my heart set on President Clinton, not President Obama.
I have also said I want her to be his running mate for vice president, but I have changed my mind on this subject. At this time, I hope that she is not Obama's vice president. I believe, honestly, she is too good for his campaign. That may sound conceited and vile, but it is the truth. She invested time, money, sweat, enthusiasm, won 18 million votes (more than him, and any other candidate in history), only to have the finish line seized from her by the media and opportunists in the Democratic Party.
Hillary Clinton should bide her time and resurrect her campaign at a later election. I am not sure if Obama can pull this off in November anyhow. I just feel completely apathetic toward the entire situation.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Beer Drinkers Beware
Senator John McCain promised to veto every "beer" that came across his desk, as president! Of course, McCain was a bit confused, because he meant to use the word "bill" instead of beer. At only 71, could he be exhibiting signs of dementia brought on by exhaustion, or is he just thinking about his wife's job?
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Where things go now
After Tuesday's elections in Montana and South Dakota, Barack Obama has won enough pledged delegates (along with the help of the superdelegates) to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination.
Hillary Clinton has announced she will suspend her presidential campaign on Saturday, as she throws her support behind the election of Obama as president.
Speculation, of course, abounds as to whether or not Obama will make Hillary his running mate. I believe, as many others do, he is obliged to place her on his ticket. She has fought a hard paced battle and won many key battleground states in the process.
As a matter of record, like Hillary, I will endorse Obama's candidacy. I feel as if he is the best suited candidate for the job of president. John McCain represents four more years of failed Bush administration policies, such as perpetual war in Iraq. Both Democratic candidates have called for the return of American military forces from Iraq, which I wholeheartedly support, along with major healthcare reform.
Am I disappointed Hillary will not be the Democratic presidential candidate? Sure, I am. But I am more convinced that it is in the interest of our nation to support real change in the White House.
If Senator Clinton can support him, so can I!
Hillary Clinton has announced she will suspend her presidential campaign on Saturday, as she throws her support behind the election of Obama as president.
Speculation, of course, abounds as to whether or not Obama will make Hillary his running mate. I believe, as many others do, he is obliged to place her on his ticket. She has fought a hard paced battle and won many key battleground states in the process.
As a matter of record, like Hillary, I will endorse Obama's candidacy. I feel as if he is the best suited candidate for the job of president. John McCain represents four more years of failed Bush administration policies, such as perpetual war in Iraq. Both Democratic candidates have called for the return of American military forces from Iraq, which I wholeheartedly support, along with major healthcare reform.
Am I disappointed Hillary will not be the Democratic presidential candidate? Sure, I am. But I am more convinced that it is in the interest of our nation to support real change in the White House.
If Senator Clinton can support him, so can I!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Hillary Clinton wins Puerto Rico
With almost 58% of the votes counted in Puerto Rico, Hillary Clinton is leading by a commanding margin of 68% over Barack Obama. It will be hard for the superdelegates to deny Hillary's appeal to the Democratic electorate.
Go Hillary!
Go Hillary!
Hillary Ad: "17 Million"
There are over 17 million reasons why Hillary should stay in the Democratic primary!
Hillary's Popular Lead
Puerto Rico adds its worth to the Democratic presidential primary season today. But before its final results are tabulated, Hillary Clinton's campaign has released popular vote totals, which now include the states of Florida and Michigan.
The new figures show Hillary leading Obama by 180,000 votes! This figure does not include the highly Latino island of Puerto Rico. Although, Puerto Rico does not vote in the general presidential election, it does have 55 delegates at stake for the Democratic Party Convention in Denver. It is also a good gauge how well the candidates are doing among this important voting bloc. As of now, Hillary Clinton is leading Barack Obama by double digits!
The new figures show Hillary leading Obama by 180,000 votes! This figure does not include the highly Latino island of Puerto Rico. Although, Puerto Rico does not vote in the general presidential election, it does have 55 delegates at stake for the Democratic Party Convention in Denver. It is also a good gauge how well the candidates are doing among this important voting bloc. As of now, Hillary Clinton is leading Barack Obama by double digits!
Go Hillary!
Barack Obama resigns from his church
Yesterday, Senator Barack Obama resigned from his Chicago church, Trinity United Church of Christ, citing "disappointment" and its "divisive, backward-looking rhetoric."
Obama's pain was intensified recently when Catholic priest, Reverend Michael Pfleger, recently mocked Hillary Clinton from the pulpit of Obama's church. It is the second time his church has been a polarizing target of Republicans, and Democratic supporters of Hillary Clinton, during Obama's presidential campaign.
It stands to reason, however, that his politically motivated resignation will do little to distance himself from the rhetoric of hate being espoused by his crazy uncle, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, and now, Reverend Michael Pfleger. How can Obama lie about the disdain his church has for the mainstream of America? It will eventually catch up to him and be part of his undoing, I'm afraid.
Obama's pain was intensified recently when Catholic priest, Reverend Michael Pfleger, recently mocked Hillary Clinton from the pulpit of Obama's church. It is the second time his church has been a polarizing target of Republicans, and Democratic supporters of Hillary Clinton, during Obama's presidential campaign.
It stands to reason, however, that his politically motivated resignation will do little to distance himself from the rhetoric of hate being espoused by his crazy uncle, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, and now, Reverend Michael Pfleger. How can Obama lie about the disdain his church has for the mainstream of America? It will eventually catch up to him and be part of his undoing, I'm afraid.
McCain 2008?
The Democratic Party's rules committee met yesterday to decide the fate of the wayward voters of Florida and Michigan.
Did the committee make some enemies? Yes, it would seem their decision to seat the states' delegates, but limit their votes to one-half struck a chord of dissent with many Clinton supporters in the crowd. They chanted, "Don't steal my vote!" and "Let's go, McCain!"
Will the disillusioned voters of these two states--and around the country--really turn to Republican John McCain as the replacement candidate for Hillary Clinton? I am guilty of saying the same thing in the past. I feel bitter about how the primary season unfolded, but at the same time I am not more bitter about that than I am about the past 7.5 years of limitless Bush-Cheney blunders, which have dug our country into the dark, deep hole of helplessness we currently occupy.
If Barack Obama is the Democratic candidate for president, I will support his campaign. America has a lot more to lose under a third quasi-Bush administration; ergo, John McCain winning the White House in November. Democrats, however, will have to truly reconcile their differences to secure the White House.
Time is still on our side!
Did the committee make some enemies? Yes, it would seem their decision to seat the states' delegates, but limit their votes to one-half struck a chord of dissent with many Clinton supporters in the crowd. They chanted, "Don't steal my vote!" and "Let's go, McCain!"
Will the disillusioned voters of these two states--and around the country--really turn to Republican John McCain as the replacement candidate for Hillary Clinton? I am guilty of saying the same thing in the past. I feel bitter about how the primary season unfolded, but at the same time I am not more bitter about that than I am about the past 7.5 years of limitless Bush-Cheney blunders, which have dug our country into the dark, deep hole of helplessness we currently occupy.
If Barack Obama is the Democratic candidate for president, I will support his campaign. America has a lot more to lose under a third quasi-Bush administration; ergo, John McCain winning the White House in November. Democrats, however, will have to truly reconcile their differences to secure the White House.
Time is still on our side!
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