Barack Obama Issues Knowledge Base

Issues Barack Obama Addressed at the National Convention? What are some of the issues Barack Obama addressed at the Democratic National Convention. NO BIASED ANSWERS.
What are the issues Barack Obama supports? Where does the candidate from Illinois stand when it comes to the issues?
What Are Three Basic Fundamental Foreign Policy Issues Barack Obama Adminstraion Will He Adopt If He Wins ? Bullets please. Reference links greatly appreciated. I f you do not like the question or you want to argue about IT: REMEMBER NO BODY FORCED YOU TO POST. .
Three Issues that Barack Obama should address once he is officially president? I have to write an essay explaining three different issues that President Obama should address once he's elected president of the united states. These are some ideas i have already 1.) The War In Iraq 2.) Our Economical Downturn 3.) Health Insurance 4.) International Relations (ex: The situation in Gaza and Israel) If you want to add anything please do so.
Barack Obama issues? 10 points for the best!? What are the issues that Barack Obama feels are so important. And I'd prefer if you don't give me the 20 so some listed on his website. I'd like to know what he feels are the most important issues that are facing the next president. Thank you!
What issues do Barack Obama focus on the most? What issues do he consider the most important of the ones he discusses?
Where does Barack Obama stand on the issues? Can someone please tell me the facts about where Barack Obama stands on the issues?
what are othe issues barack obama has besides reverend wright? i need another issue that barack obama has besides reverend wright
How does Barack Obama support environmental issues better than the other candidates? lexi<3, he didn't. I was just wondering. Same with my other questions too.
are there any legal issues that either Barack Obama or Rick Warren can face ? because Warren will deliver the invocation during Obama's inauguration? I am racking my brain, but the only thing I can think of is he will lose popularity with the Gay community and it could hurt his chances of being re-elected. Any smart people out there know any legal issues he could face because of this decision?
Where does Barack Obama stand on black issues? I am still on the fence about Obama. I need to know how he feels about Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, reparations, minority hiring, etc. Can anybody give me any answers with credible sources here?
What are some 3 issues each, that Barack Obama and John McCain focus on? Its for a class project, due in 3 weeks. 10 points will be awarded for the best answer.
Barack Obama issues speech - where can I find it? I have to do a speech in english as if I were running for presidency and I wanted to watch a speech on the issues you will try and resolve. I thought Obama would be a good example, but I can't find a video that I want. Does anyone know where I can find one, or any other useful content for my speech? Thanks
Barack Obama? ok for all of you out there who are voting for Barack Obama i just want to ask you HOW? I live in Illinois and quite frankly he hasnt done ANYTHING at all! Also we barely know anything about his stances on important issues! He doesnt go on any shows that will ask him any tough questions. so is there something im missing here? Honestly what does he have going for him?
How does the places Barack Obama lived affect his beliefs, issues, etc.? He lived in Indonesia, Chicago, Hawaii, where else? Why is this important to his beliefs? Thanks
Barack Obama? Barack Obama? Political experience is not Obama’s only problem. He also lacks military experience. The current issue in Iraq is the primary concern of most voting Americans. It is safe to say that a majority of Americans would like to see the troops pulled from Iraq. The belief is that no progress is being made, and that too many U.S. lives are being lost. George W. Bush has no current plans to pull troops out of Iraq. He actually intends to send more. Americans are furious. Therefore, is now the time for a man with no military experience to enter office? If Obama took office in 2008 and the war continued, what would he do? If he were elected president and made the wrong decision about the war, he would be hated just as much as the current president. CAN YOU HELP ME ADD TO THIS PARAGRAPH? PLEASE..
Barack Obama? ok im not baseing my vote on color... there is someone in my family that hates black people.. and someone else in the family made the comment about voting for Barack Obama... and the the other person said why would you want to vote for that black guy.. color is no issue to me.. i just want to put them in there place.. if there a site anyone knows of thats proof that Barack Obama is not 100% black.... thank you!
Man claims he had sex with Barack Obama and did drugs with him? "Larry Sinclair, the Minnesota man who is suing Sen. Barack Obama for issues stemming from Sinclair’s accusations that he did drugs and had a sexual encounter with Obama in the late-1990s, has agreed to take a polygraph test in an effort to prove his allegations Sinclair has maintained since at least last fall that he used cocaine with Obama and performed a sex act on him in 1999. Sinclair has thus far released several YouTube videos to back up his claims." "The truth will set you free they say, but the truth plus $100,000 will set you even freer. That's the conclusion our good friend Larry Sinclair has come to after considering the offer we made him yesterday: $10,000 to take a polygraph test over his Barack Obama sex and drugs claims, and $100,000 if he passes it." Lol what do you think? http://www.whitehouse.com/NewsComments.aspx?start=&NewsID=109 http://bigheaddc.com/
VCE English Issues Help! Do you consider Barack Obama an Issue? Our school is doing AoS3 first for VCE Unit 3 English first and we have to present a persuasive speech in 2 and a half weeks! I want to do something regarding Barack Obama (election/appointment/future changes/his policies/impact around the world) but I want to be 100% sure that it could be counted as an ISSUE. Apparently there has to be 2 completely different sides to my issue but I just presumed that you've got people who want Obama and people who don't. Do you consider that clear enough as two conflicting sides? So I guess what I'm trying to say is, do you think the topic of Barack Obama (see stuff above in brackets) is an issue? TIA!!!!! x
Barack Obama? Political experience is not Obama’s only problem. He also lacks military experience. The current issue in Iraq is the primary concern of most voting Americans. It is safe to say that a majority of Americans would like to see the troops pulled from Iraq. The belief is that no progress is being made, and that too many U.S. lives are being lost. George W. Bush has no current plans to pull troops out of Iraq. He actually intends to send more. Americans are furious. Therefore, is now the time for a man with no military experience to enter office? If Obama took office in 2008 and the war continued, what would he do? If he were elected president and made the wrong decision about the war, he would be hated just as much as the current president. CAN YOU HELP ME ADD TO THIS PARAGRAPH? PLEASE..
barack obama? how can people hate obama i am 20 years old and i though i would never vote in my life but i did cause i like the issues obama had , my grandma who 60 only voted 2 before in a primly in sc where jessie jackson was in but didnt vote unitt this year and this wil be our 1st geneal election we vote in my question how can you hate obama if is not ause his black, most people hate him cause there are racist
Obama on Important Issues?!? I am doing a social issues project on Barack Obama, as well as learning about him for my own personal benefit. I have researched around, but there seems to be a lot of information, but so much of it seems to either be buttered up by supporters or negatively speaking of him by nonsupporters, which of course makes sense, because its an election! But the problem is, that i am having a hard time knowing what the overall true facts are... What are the important issues that he stands for? What are some things that he is not working to improve that he should be? How does he stand on issues such as drugs, gay marriage, abortion, education? Why should someone vote for him? Why should someone not vote for him? Thank you so much, I would greatly appreciate any and all answers =)
obama on issues? Where does Barack Obama stand on the major issues? I didn't ask if he was on the right or wrong side, or if you liked him I asked for his stance on things. Practically no one could give me the answers-only what you thought. There's good and bad to everyone. No one could answer .
Why Is Barack Obama So Callow Regarding Issues Of Economy? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNu9xjUwPEk Do you think that "punch drunk" is an accurate description of his demeanor? He appears so giddy. Has America elected an early morning disc jockey? Does "gallows humor" mean that the gravity of the situation he's bought himself is such that his descent into giddiness is a result of the pressure or does it mean that he is so over his head that he wants to hang himself?
Who knows the issues the best? Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton? It's pretty obvious to me that it's Hillary Clinton. She answers questions very well, even the tough ones from Bill O'Reilly. Obama can't answer difficult questions, he stutters, stammers, says "yo" plenty of times, sometimes even "A A A E E E ", sometimes he stops in the middle of a sentence to begin a new one and it doesn't make any sense.!! Who do you want for president?
Which issues should Obama focus on in order to win the Democratic nomination for President? I believe he should maintain a focus on unfair trade agreements,the war in Iraq,universal healthcare,civil liberties, and a fair tax code.Barack Obama has gained the support of former Edwards supporters such as myself.If he adheres to the issue agenda which I briefly described,he will win the Democratic nomination for President and the general election race for President. I voted for Barack Obama,and I ask Kucinich supporters and Edwards supporters to do likewise.
What are your favorite things about Barack Obama? What issues and qualities do you like in Barack Obama?
Why is Barack Obama always getting trashed on the sidelines over petty issues? Barack Obama is the first true civil rights leader I have seen in a long time. Being as such, he is less likely to sell out the country to AIPAC like John McCain and Hillary Clinton most certainly do. Is this why Barack Obama is getting slandered from the sidelines by people who appear to be diverse? Avatars Lie. First off Barack Obama is not racist. Second I have yet to see a quote by rev. wright that is racist.
Does Barack Obama like Dark Star more than Ripple? I couldn't listen to the Grateful Dead when they were happening, and now that they are old, burnt out druggies. Evidently the drugs have made them lose their minds, taking all that acid, they can only see in colors and are only supporting him because he a black man or a Druggie! Hopefully they are gonna spike the Kool-Aid, because that is the only way I can see anyone voting for Barack Obama! The point is you should remember that taking drugs are bad to you, because it can affect your unborn babies! Look at the the granola eating children of hippies voting for Obama, but they can't tell you one issue Obama is clear on. They should stick to making Kashi and leave the politics to people who had parents that didn't take heavy drugs in the 60's. Look at Obama's view on gay marriage and compare it with what Obama thinks and says he can do and what Hillary can actually do. Check out how he wants to give Illegals driver's licenses, but he speaks vague, because he hasn't worked out the details yet? (yeah, those details) Now I know who Obama is speaking to. I thought I was missing something, but It's just that I haven't done enough drugs. I know you people up in upscale Northern California are trying to stay away from Oakland, but the people that are living in squalor, in the rundown areas, have someone like Obama to thank. Please just do the research and you might see the truth.(depending on your state of mind;) I can just picture a young Barack Obama listening to "American Beauty", and taking a nice big hit of some Peruvian flake, and with a big smile, turns to the guy next to him and says "Someday I'm gonna run for President", and they both laugh their asses off. Does anyone care that Obama is a liar? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22971762/
Senator Barack Obama’s speech on race argued that as a nation talking about race issues and relations has been a taboo. Do you agree or disagree with his views on race in the U.S.? Not his political views as a candidate but this speech on race in the U.S.
I need some help on my compare and contrast paper on Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Can someone help ? I need some help getting started on writing my 3 page compare and contrast paper between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Anything would be helpful like sites that talk about issues that i might need to talk about in my paper, tips, each candidates weaknesses & strengths, why people like them, how i should start off my paper or anything like that.
Does Barack Obama really want to help the poor countries of the world such as Kenya? "But a reporter raised an issue about which Obama possesses more influence – dealing with American protectionism that hurts Kenyan farmers. Why, asked the reporter, do Americans retain farm subsidies and tariffs that prevent Kenyan farmers from competing in the world's biggest market?" "Obama's response? He talked about the soybean farmers in Illinois, and said, "It's important to me to be sure I'm looking out for their interests. It's part of my job." Absolutely incredible." "What should Obama have said? "You're right. America is a rich nation. You are a poor one. Poor nations generally turn into rich ones by starting out with agriculture. So when I get back to Washington, I'm going to tell my colleagues about the devastating real-world effect American protectionism has on poor nations." http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51762 Protectionism among rich countries leads to higher prices and is a contributor to poverty in 3rd world nations. If not for protectionism, we could get cheaper goods from countries such as Kenya, and they would benefit by having a market for their goods.
Barack Obama is quickly working on issues? What do you think about what he's doing? and how fast he is moving on issues?
How much does Barack "GDA" Obama care about issues? Obama says is not about wearing a flag pin or saluting the National Anthem (?), "it's about issues" he said. Wanna take a look at the way he's been taking care of issues as a senator? http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/o000167/votes/missed/
How would Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton help resolve the issue that is Global Warming? What are the plans of both senators to help resolve Global Warming? Please explain both plans if possible. Why won't anyone take this question SERIOUSLY?
what are some issues that Barack Obama might face? issues like economy and more like that best issues gets 10 pts
Did Barack Obama just concede the national security issue to John McCain? What kind of tactic is that? First of all, at this point, you don't concede anything. Second, it's absolutely not certain that McCain will be the nominee. Finally, who is he to decide strategy for the Democratic candidate, which at this point, he is not? Legend, he said that none of the Democrats could beat John McCain on the national security issue.
Is the "Barack Obama is a racist" issue really as ridiculous as it actually is? I mean, it is ridiculous, but can it get more ridiculous? Subquestions: Will Hillary Clinton be vilified as a sexist? Will John McCain take strong stance against US war veterans?
Did you know these Barack Obama Facts? Barack Obama Facts Obama more liberal than Kucinich, analysis reveals Most Liberal: Barak Obama is #4! Obama’s U.S. Senate Record Shows Lack Of Leadership And Accomplishments: The American Prospect’s Ezra Klein: “Indeed, Obama is that oddest of all creatures: a leader who’s never led. There are no courageous, lonely crusades to his name, or supremely unlikely electoral battles beneath his belt. He won election running basically unopposed, and then refused to open himself to attack by making a controversial but correct issue his own.” (Ezra Klein, Op-Ed, “Dreaming Of Obama,” Los Angeles Times, 10/8/06) The Washington Times’ Donald Lambro: “But The Harvard-Educated Obama Has Problems, Too, Specifically His Tissue-Paper-Thin Experience And A Record Of Virtually No Accomplishment.” (Donald Lambro, Op-Ed, “The Obama Factor,” The Washington Times, 12/14/06) Lambro: “He has led no causes, fought no major legislative battles in the past two years he has been in the Senate, and seems to be deeply risk-adverse to getting into a principled fight about anything larger than himself.” (Donald Lambro, Op-Ed, “The Obama Factor,” The Washington Times, 12/14/06) Obama and Abortion Facts He voted against requiring medical care for aborted fetuses who survive. He had a 100 percent rating from the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council for his support of abortion rights, family planning services and health insurance coverage for female contraceptives. One vote that especially riled abortion opponents involved restrictions on a type of abortion where the fetus sometimes survives, occasionally for hours. The restrictions, which never became law, included requiring the presence of a second doctor to care for the fetus. Abortion opponents see Obama's vote on medical care for aborted fetuses as a refusal to protect the helpless. Some have even accused him of supporting infanticide. Obama — who joined several other Democrats in voting "present" in 2001 and "no" the next year — argued the legislation was worded in a way that unconstitutionally threatened a woman's right to abortion by defining the fetus as a child. "It would essentially bar abortions because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child, and if this was a child then this would be an anti-abortion statute," Obama said in the Senate's debate in March 2001. Obama and Guns Obama opposed allowing people to use banned handguns to defend against intruders in their homes. Obama opposed letting people use a self-defense argument if charged with violating local handgun bans by using weapons in their homes. Obama and Corruption Land purchase from a political supporter who is facing charges in an unrelated kickback scheme involving investment firms seeking state business. He has ties to a particularly corrupt Illinois businessman, a Mr. A Rezko Obama bought some land in Chicago simultaneous with Rezko's wife buying the adjoining plot. Then, he bought some extra land from her. In addition, one of Obama's summer interns in 2005 was linked with Rezko. In sum, Obama may not be corrupt (though the reputation that Chicago politics carries makes you wonder), but he seems a little naive-- and a little happy to deal with people who a lot of Democrats, who are Democrats because they don't like the kind of backroom dealings and personal enrichment they think characterizes Republicans, aren't likely to think highly of. Fox News: Obama's Church Akin to a Cult On the February 28 edition of Fox News' Hannity & Colmes, during a segment discussing the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, the church to which Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) belongs, co-host Sean Hannity stated that "many" call Trinity "separatist," adding that "in some cases, even drawing comparisons to a cult." Guest Erik Rush, a columnist for the conservative website WorldNetDaily, said that the church's "scary doctrine" is "something that you'd see in more like a cult or an Aryan Brethren Church or something like that." Just the day before, Hannity -- referring to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) -- had claimed: "We created a new religious litmus test. This is very troublesome to me, and no other candidate is getting that scrutiny." Referring to "The Black Value System," which is advocated by Trinity, Rush stated: "I would go beyond saying that they're Afrocentric. They're African-centric. They refer to themselves as an African people, and that somewhat disturbs me from the viewpoint of, well, do they consider themselves Americans? Do they consider themselves Christians? Are they worshipping Christ? Are they worshipping African things black? Well, I mean, what is it?" Later in the segment, when co-host Alan Colmes asked: "Are you questioning Barack Obama's Christianity?" Rush responded simply: "Yeah." In fact, Trinity refers to itself as "Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian," while the "Black Value System" encourages parishioners to be "soldiers for Black freedom and the dignity of all humankind." As Media Matters for America has previously noted, a February 6 Chicago Tribune article stated that the church's "value system" was adopted in 1981 to hold "black Christians accountable for taking care of their own and for continuing to fight oppression." In an interview, Obama reportedly told the Tribune, "If I say to anybody in Iowa -- white, black, Hispanic or Asian -- that my church believes in the African-American community strengthening families or adhering to the black work ethic or being committed to self-discipline and self-respect and not forgetting where you came from, I don't think that's something anybody would object to. ... I think I'd get a few amens." Addressing conservative criticism of the "value system," Obama also reportedly told the Tribune, "Commitment to God, black community, commitment to the black family, the black work ethic, self-discipline and self-respect. ...Those are values that the conservative movement in particular has suggested are necessary for black advancement." He added, "So I would be puzzled that they would object or quibble with the bulk of a document that basically espouses profoundly conservative values of self-reliance and self-help." Senator Obama said Friday " Let's put aside the fear mongering, and let's put aside the rhetoric, and let's put aside the politics, and let's come together and say all of us support the troops. That's our message to George Bush." It's all about hating Bush, not about supporting our troops. That's what it's really all about, isn't it, making President Bush look bad? How can you "support the troops" and yet vote against funding for the equipment they need to stay alive and win the war?
Can anyone explain why Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are not addressing the issues instead of name calling? Do they neither one have an understanding of the issues so they have to resort to name calling?
Who is Barack Obama receiving campaign funds from? What is his stance on these issues? These are the issues that will influence my vote for anyone running for president. Please provide links with your responses that show proof of his stance or commitments. This could include prior votes, speeches or funding. 1) Prolife or Abortion - includes partial birth 2) US Constitutional Right to Bear Arms - for protection, not just hunting. 3) Rewarding illegal aliens with legal citizenship 4) Border Security or Open Border 5) Socialized Medicine 6) Increasing Social Welfare Benefits funded by increased taxes 7) Regulating or Limiting Freedom of Speech in Newspapers, TV, Radio, Internet 8) Freedom of Religion - includes the right to pray in public
Barack Obama seems sneaky.? I actually was intrigued when he first showed up on the presidental radar and found his mannerism and appearance appealing enough for a minority to actually have a chance at winning the presidency. Then came the thing about his $1000+ unpaid parking tickets he left behind at Harvard. Not a big deal right? But it seemed to show something about his character. Then came the so called "leaked" emails concerning Hillary, and not just the one concerning the indians. There have been a few that Obama would let "leak" for a few days and then deny ever knowing about them. This guy seems too sneaky for the presidency. Care to add any insight? This is just my opinion and could be changed if these issues were clarified. The fine turned out to be $375, not $1000+. You can do a search on leaked Obama emails and research it yourself. No, I do not know alot about politics but between Hilary and Obama, Hilary seems to better represent the kind of person I want running this ship we call America. Right now, i'm still on the fence. The only thing I am sure about is my vote will be for a Democrat even though i'm officially registered as a Republican.
What would Barack Obama do, about the issue of illegal aliens, if he was president? By the term "illegal aliens" I mean coming to this country illegally. This question is not a debate about illegal aliens. Thank You
With 100 Days Remaining till November Elections What Are The Three Main Topics For John McCain? Barack Obama? Bullets please. 250 words or less. State seperately the three main issues for John McCain? Barack Obama? The campaign issues are not necessarily the same. For John McCain drilling off shore oil is a campaign issue. This is nor for Barack Obama, The purpose of this post is to highlight the differences between JM and BO as their trump campaign issues.
Where does Barack Obama stand on the issues of gay marriage/ civil union? Anyone know? Ok- Please read carefully.... I didn't ask what you thought of him. I didn't ask for derogatory comments. I asked a simple question on where he stood on a particular issue. God, direct your harsh anger elsewhere! May I suggest yoga?
Does Barack Obama Have "Anger Issues"? When he speaks sometimes he looks a little mad, even talks like he is a little mad. He has a mean smug look on his face sometimes... does anyone else notice that? What is Mr. Obama so angry about? Does he have anger issues, What are some reasons & excuses for him to be angry like that? Just wondering
Why Clinton and Obama bother to discuss issues? Black and punks support Barack Obama no matter what, and white ladies are all for Hillary Clinton. Talking about issues can only annoy their supporters. Bo-oring
Is Barack Obama using the issue of race to avoid the necessity of answering questions about Muslim Terrorism? The Reverend Wright, who Barack Obama identified as his spiritual advisor for over twenty years also gave sermons where he gave his approval of the attacks by Muslim Terrorists on September 11, 2001 claiming that those attacks were justified. This appears to be an issue where Barack Obama does not have any good answers. It appears that Barack Obama and his handlers are trying to spin the issue of the sermons by Reverned Wright as merely an issue about race, nothing more. One of the duties of the President of the United States is to lead the defense of the United States against Muslim Terrorists and other enemies who would attack the United States. The fact that Obama would choose as a spiritual advisor, a man who clearly approves of attacks by Muslim Terrorists on the United States calls into question the judgment of Obama and the willingness ad the ability of Obama to lead the defense of the United States when the defense of the United States becomes necessary.
Have you been able to talk to Barack Obama about the most important issues to you or is he TOO BUSY FOR YOU? http://independencia.net/ingles/welcome.html (section in "ENGLISH" and in "español") ~~~
Is Barack Obama going to have name issues? Hussein is his middle name and his last name is very close to OBL's...
Why did Barack Obama co-sponsored a bill giving illegal immigrants in-state tuition? http://www.npr.org/news/specials/election2008/issues/immigration.html Sen. Barack Obama (IL): He co-sponsored a bill to allow states to offer illegal immigrants in-state tuition. Would this deter immigrants from illegally crossing the border, what say you?
Do you think Barack Obama is very similar to JFK and is so how are they similar? It is hard to see who can stop Senator Barack Obama becoming the next President of the United States. He has built up an excitement such as no candidate has created since President Kennedy in 1960. He is, in my view, a better speaker than Kennedy. Like Kennedy, he combines personal magnetism with a strong appeal to American idealism. Like Kennedy, he is young and speaks for the new generation of American politics. By ordinary political reckoning, 2008 ought to be the Democrats' year. In 2006 they captured both houses of Congress in mid-term elections. There are, of course, hypothetical events that could change everything. There could be an attack on Mr Obama himself, but he is protected by the Secret Service. There could be an action by al-Qaeda, which would refocus American anxiety on the threat of terror. But al-Qaeda is itself highly political. It would probably not be in its interest to secure the election of Senator John McCain. Al-Qaeda may be unpredictable, but it would be a mistake for it to interfere in American politics, even if it had the capacity to do so. At the start of the primaries, when all eyes were on Iowa and New Hampshire, Senator Clinton was the frontrunner for the Democratic Party nomination. She had the organisation, she had the money, she had the name recognition, she had the professionalism; she even had Bill Clinton, even if he is something of an unguided missile. But those days are now long ago. Senator Clinton has fallen behind Senator Obama in almost all of these factors, except for Bill Clinton's support. Senator Obama has captured the public's imagination, and gone ahead in the polls, but he also has more money, a better organisation and valuable endorsements from all sectors of the Democratic spectrum. He is now ahead in delegates. Theoretically, Hillary Clinton could still finesse the nomination, possibly by holding on to the “super delegates” (senior party members appointed to the Convention), though they are free to switch to Obama whenever they wish; some have already done so. She could also try to instal the Florida and Michigan delegates, though their primaries were invalidated because their states tried to steal a march by holding primaries early. These were primaries without campaigns. However, the Clintons are already suspected of clever tricks, whether fairly or not. If Senator Clinton takes the nomination away from the presumptive “first black President of the United States” by playing games with the delegates, she will alienate the electorate. Her image would be that of the Wicked Witch of the West - she would become unelectable. One has to remember that there is already a deep undertow of Clintonphobia among American voters, not only among Republicans. A divided Democratic Convention, with Hillary emerging as the nominee as a result of challenged votes from Florida or from super delegates, would virtually guarantee a Republican victory. This means that the Democrats will have to ensure that the candidate who is nominated is the one who gets the most delegates from the primaries and the caucuses. The super delegates cannot afford to use their power to override the popular vote. Senator McCain is another matter. I am a McCain admirer; if I were an American, I would almost certainly vote for him. He has the key qualities a President needs - courage, intelligence, humanity, independence, experience of international affairs and sufficient self confidence to support the most intolerable role in the world. As a prisoner of war in Vietnam he was tortured and his behaviour was heroic. If one regards the security of the world as the supreme concern of the President of the United States, one would want John McCain to be the next President. He is probably a wiser man who knows more about war than any President since Eisenhower in the 1950s. Senator McCain has an advantage over Senator Obama; he is already assured of the Republican nomination, when Obama is still under fire from Hillary Clinton. She may do some damage. Naturally, Senator Obama has briefer and in some ways narrower experience than McCain. The President has to be Commander-in-Chief; undoubtedly Senator McCain is far better qualified for that aspect of the President's function. Anything that emphasises global threats to the United States would focus attention on Senator McCain's strengths. Yet the core argument of the Obama campaign is both powerful and timely. In American politics each generation looks for a renewal. That may come from either party; it is not simply a matter of a swing from the right to the left. In the first half of the past century it came from Theodore Roosevelt as a Republican and from Franklin Roosevelt as a Democrat. John F. Kennedy offered renewal in the 1960 election, though an older man, Lyndon Johnson, passed the legislation that gave reality to Kennedy's promises. There was a renewal of hope in the Ronald Reagan presidency but there has been little renewal since Reagan's time, which ended 24 years ago. Senator Obama offers a new generation of ideas that appeal to a new generation of voters. He is the presidential candidate of the young. Senator Clinton and Senator McCain belong to older generations. Americans do not want to return to the issues of the 1990s with Clinton, let alone the 1960s with McCain. Senator Obama identifies with the issues of the 21st century. In 2008 these issues are more relevant than those of a generation ago. Politicians who offer hope win elections. Despite his age, John McCain offers an alternative Republican programme. He is not a neo-Conservative and would be very unlike George Bush. Hillary Clinton would represent only too clearly a third Clinton term. Barack Obama has the future of America ahead of him
Barack Obama (In my most unbiast opinion)? I am torn between so many people this election year. I am twenty and people keep saying that younger voters want Barack Obama to win, I don't believe that's the case at all. I have been giving him the hardest time because I think he has the most to prove being that he has so little experience. I do, however, believe he has an amazing charisma and the down-to-earth style of a president. I think he has a lot of great ideas on how to "resolve" current issues, but it seems that these issues are being worked on to help minorities more than the whole of us as Americans. Is anyone else seeing where I am coming from? I agree completely that it is unfair that most minorities get paid less than other races, but if a white candidate paraded around saying anything about helping one race over the other - they would be attacked. I think he needs to focus on ALL of Americans, not just a specific group of Americans. This isn't meant to be offensive or rude. I am trying to remain unbiast, but apparantely others don't let me do that. I am strongly against having him as our president because of the fact that he is inexperienced. I say come back in 4-8 years and then maybe I'll think about it. I grew up in Buffalo, we elected a Black mayor who fired everyone and made his whole team of people (head of police, judges etc) black. He only has interest in helping blacks, also. I don't want that for all of America. I didn't want that just for Buffalo.
Will Barack Obama win the 2008 election ? Perhaps. But I am wondering how is this man gonna tackle the issues of religion and so forth. With him being a Democratic President, he may have to confront issues concerning Atheism, and things..... And also race issues which may leave a bad taste in people's mouths. I don't know..... Also about his international influence with the world. And the war in Iraq, and Jihads. Will his maturity overcome his inexperience ? We shall see...... And will Barack Obama win the White vote, and are we ready for a Black President ? He may create change yes. But at times I wonder how, and what adversity he may face being a man of color. Best answer wins. ~~~ That's my point Syed. So if he loses, then people are gonna be very upset. When they should just go for Hillary Clinton, at best.
Barack Obama." ( www.insightmag.com, 1/17/2007).Is he for real to run for president? "This is the question Sen. Hillary Clinton's camp is asking about Sen. Barack Obama." ( www.insightmag.com, 1/17/2007). "An investigation of Mr. Obama by political opponents within the Democratic Party has discovered that Mr. Obama was raised as a Muslim by his stepfather in Indonesia. Sources close to the background check, which has not yet been released, said Mr. Obama, 45, spent at least four years in a so-called Madrassa, or Muslim seminary, in Indonesia." "He was a Muslim, but he concealed it," the source said. "His opponents within the Democrats hope this will become a major issue in the campaign." CFP finds it noteworthy that when contacted by Insight, Mr. Obama's press secretary said he would consult with his boss and call back, but did no
Race/Age divide: Senior citizens and Barack Obama question? There has been a major generational split among democrats so far in the primaries. What is the biggest reason senior citizens are less likely to support Barack Obama? Is it due to racial issues (senior citizens still doubt the ability of an african-american to get elected over a Republican--ie, don't think the country is ready) or experience issues? We were having this discussion at Seniorocity (the online community for baby boomers and seniors: http://www.seniorocity.com ) and I was wondering what the people here think. Re Obama and religion, there's a false email going around that says he's a muslim and doesn't like America: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
Does Barack Obama have a fresh perspective? I saw a poster describe him that way on another question and thought....huh? On WHAT ISSUES does Barack bring a fresh perspective? As far as I can tell, he's just an aspiring career politician who says one thing (no money from special interests!) and does another (taking in MILLIONS from them). What kind of a fresh perspective is that? Rollo - thanks for detail! You really did a great job spelling out the specifics. My question stands unanswered by all you brainwashed Obama slugs.
Is Barack Obama a hypocrite? He has been criticizing Hillary for her vote in favor of labeling the Iranian National Guard a terrorist organization, but interestingly enough Barack Obama never showed up to make that vote, when all the other candidates at the debate did, never spoke against until the vote was already, and now we find out he held the same position as her? “Who said this? “Such a reduced but active presence will also send a clear message to hostile countries like Iran and Syria that we intend to remain a key player in this region.” Later in the same speech, he said: “Make no mistake, if the Iranians and Syrians think they can use Iraq as another Afghanistan or a staging area from which to attack Israel or other countries, they are badly mistaken. It is in our national interest to prevent this from happening.” George Bush? Nope. The latest from Dick Cheney? Guess again. Language from Kyl-Lieberman? Sorry. That was Senator Obama in late 2006 making the case for why maintaining a military force in Iraq is necessary to constrain Iran's ambitions. But that was then. This is now: Stagnant in the polls and struggling to revive his once-buoyant campaign, Senator Obama has abandoned the politics of hope and embarked on a journey in search of a campaign issue to use against Senator Clinton. Nevermind that he made the very argument he is now criticizing back in November 2006. Nevermind that he co-sponsored a bill designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a global terrorist group back in April. Nevermind that his colleague from Illinois – Dick Durbin – voted the same way as Senator Clinton on Kyl-Lieberman and said “If I thought there was any way it could be used as a pretense to launch an invasion of Iran I would have voted no.” Today, in order to justify his opposition to Kyl-Lieberman, Senator Obama says that such language is bellicose and gives the President a blank check to take the country to war. But if Senator Obama really believed this measure gave the President a blank check for war, shouldn’t he have been in the Senate on the day of the vote, speaking out, and fighting against it? Instead he did nothing, remained totally silent, skipped the vote and spoke out only after the vote” From Msnbc And btw, I am not supporting Hillary Clinton..
Should Barack Obama have to pay back the welfare his mother collected? (CHICAGO)(June 16, 2007) For young people today it is difficult to imagine the arrogance and corruption that characterized welfare recipients in the 1960's and 70's. Barack Obama wants to bring back the 'good old days- of welfare fraud, when his mother was 'ripping of the man.- Obama, of course, is a master pickpocket. But he doesn't pick our wallets, he picks at our emotions, speaking boldly with the use of emphatic but hollow phrases. And every so often he drops in a zinger, just to confirm that he knows everyone else wants to 'rip off the man- too. A vote for Barack Obama is a vote to bring back the old days of welfare thievery. Exhibit A: The Obama Family. Today's Chicago Tribune (June 16th) has a huge picture of Obama telling us to have 'responsible- fathers. What about responsible mothers? Dropped into the Tribune story is this gem: '[Obama] noted that, without support from his father (who was in Kenya siring more children and drinking up good whiskey) he and his mother at times turned to food stamps to make ends meet.- I found this reference startling, because I did not remember any admission of welfare use by Obama and his mother. I checked my notes on 'Dreams From My Father- (dreams after a night of whoring and whisky in Kenya?) and found no reference either. So I started digging. It appears that the Barack-Obama-On-Welfare claim originated in Time magazine in a story by Joe Klein. See: www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1546302,00.html. Later, Larry King picked up the story and asked Obama about it on CNN. Then the issue faded. Until June 15th. In Klein's story the line is slightly different, and more arrogant: 'For example, I was going to a fancy prep school, and my mother was on food stamps while she was getting her Ph.D.- Well, the origins of the Obama-On-Welfare reflect a callous indifference to 'ripping off the man.- Ms AMBER if you can read this entire story is in the CHICAGO TRIBUNE.....it is a NEWSPAPER based in CHICAGO where Mr. Obama is SENATOR! eightman you are missing the point this is WELFARE FRAUD, she didn't qualify for foodstamps on her 4,800 dollar a month income!
Barack Obama is in favor of teaching sex education to Kindergartners? Barack Obama is in favor of teaching sex education to Kindergartners? ABC News' Teddy Davis and Lindsey Ellerson Report: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., told Planned Parenthood Tuesday that sex education for kindergarteners, as long as it is "age-appropriate," is "the right thing to do." "I remember Alan Keyes . . . I remember him using this in his campaign against me," Obama said in reference to the conservative firebrand who ran against him for the U.S. Senate in 2004. Sex education for kindergarteners had become an issue in his race against Keyes because of Obama’s work on the issue as chairman of the health committee in the Illinois state Senate. "'Barack Obama supports teaching sex education to kindergarteners,'" said Obama mimicking Keyes' distinctive style of speech. "Which -- I didn’t know what to tell him (laughter)." "But it’s the right thing to do," Obama continued, "to provide age-appropriate sex education, science-based sex education in schools." what are your thoughts
Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton? I am very disappointed in how Hilary and Barack Obama are behaving in this election. You would think these to history making candidate would be more focus on the issues at hand then race and gender. I think both of them have a lot to learn if they want to be the leader of the free world. I’m a black woman so I am very torn or who I want to vote for, but I refuse to vote for either of them because of race and gender. I might just vote for myself, you can do that right? Maybe I should vote for the other guy; at least I know he can handle tragedy. I really like how he has conducted himself especially with dealing with his wife’s illness. Is it me or does anyone else feel this way?
How can Barack Obama criticize Hillary Clinton on her Iran vote, when he co-sponsored the same bill, in April? He has been criticizing Hillary for her vote in favor of labeling the Iranian National Guard a terrorist organization, but interestingly enough Barack Obama never showed up to make that vote, when all the other candidates at the debate did, never spoke against until the vote was already, and now we find out he held the same position as her? “Who said this? “Such a reduced but active presence will also send a clear message to hostile countries like Iran and Syria that we intend to remain a key player in this region.” Later in the same speech, he said: “Make no mistake, if the Iranians and Syrians think they can use Iraq as another Afghanistan or a staging area from which to attack Israel or other countries, they are badly mistaken. It is in our national interest to prevent this from happening.” George Bush? Nope. The latest from Dick Cheney? Guess again. Language from Kyl-Lieberman? Sorry. That was Senator Obama in late 2006 making the case for why maintaining a military force in Iraq is necessary to constrain Iran's ambitions. But that was then. This is now: Stagnant in the polls and struggling to revive his once-buoyant campaign, Senator Obama has abandoned the politics of hope and embarked on a journey in search of a campaign issue to use against Senator Clinton. Nevermind that he made the very argument he is now criticizing back in November 2006. Nevermind that he co-sponsored a bill designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a global terrorist group back in April. Nevermind that his colleague from Illinois – Dick Durbin – voted the same way as Senator Clinton on Kyl-Lieberman and said “If I thought there was any way it could be used as a pretense to launch an invasion of Iran I would have voted no.” Today, in order to justify his opposition to Kyl-Lieberman, Senator Obama says that such language is bellicose and gives the President a blank check to take the country to war. But if Senator Obama really believed this measure gave the President a blank check for war, shouldn’t he have been in the Senate on the day of the vote, speaking out, and fighting against it? Instead he did nothing, remained totally silent, skipped the vote and spoke out only after the vote” From Msnbc And btw, I am not supporting Hillary Clinton..
Barack Obama is in favor of teaching sex education to Kindergartners? ABC News' Teddy Davis and Lindsey Ellerson Report: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., told Planned Parenthood Tuesday that sex education for kindergarteners, as long as it is "age-appropriate," is "the right thing to do." "I remember Alan Keyes . . . I remember him using this in his campaign against me," Obama said in reference to the conservative firebrand who ran against him for the U.S. Senate in 2004. Sex education for kindergarteners had become an issue in his race against Keyes because of Obama’s work on the issue as chairman of the health committee in the Illinois state Senate. "'Barack Obama supports teaching sex education to kindergarteners,'" said Obama mimicking Keyes' distinctive style of speech. "Which -- I didn’t know what to tell him (laughter)." "But it’s the right thing to do," Obama continued, "to provide age-appropriate sex education, science-based sex education in schools." See link - http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/sex-ed-for-kind.html Question - What are your thoughts on this ?
Senator Barack Obama, who is compaigning for the USA-President,? wife made a extremely nasty comment about Mrs Hilllary Clinton, who is also compaigning for the USA-President, that "if she(Senator(Mrs)Hillary Clinton) can't run-manage her own household, how can she manage the United States?" I dont think Senator Barack Obama' wife meant "household" but a very nasty attack on a personal situation which should be offbase. Right? when it come to political compaigning-stick to the issues. Right??
Obama has honesty issues. Have you heard? Barack Obama claims he doesn't listen to lobbyists or take their money, but it is true what hillary said about his New Hampshire campaign manager is a Lobbyist for Pfizer the big drug company. It was reported this morning on Good Morning America by Diane Sawyer. Barack claimed he was a "consultant." Can we really afford his dishonesty and inexperience?
What is the deal with Barack Obama? Let me start by saying; I am going to every website for all presidential hopefuls both reps and dems to research their plans. Obama seems to be making a whole lot of sense on issues facing America. So my question is what is the deal with Barack Obama? He seems to be more honest and intelligent than the others. It looks like he would benefit both parties and America. Is it just because he is black or was taught islam (when he was younger) people dislike him? Please only intelligent feedback.
Did Barack Obama just concede the national security issue to John McCain? What kind of tactic is that? First of all, at this point, you don't concede anything. Second, it's absolutely not certain that McCain will be the nominee. Finally, who is he to decide strategy for the Democratic candidate, which at this point, he is not?
make a convincing argument for why Gandhi, Leonardo Da Vinci, Idi Amin Albert Einstein, and Barack Obama are t make a convincing argument for why Gandhi, Leonardo Da Vinci, Idi Amin Albert Einstein, and Barack Obama are the most suitable for the journey ( the reasoning may involve issues of survival,morality, sanity, religion , cultural progress , politics, etc.)
Hillary and her supporters seem on the edge of desperation as Barack Obama continues to gain strength, why? Hillary Clinton has stated several times in the past Barack Obama was good for the Democratic Party and he had fresh idea's, was a complete opposite of the Bush Administration and they differed very little on the issues. She said, the only difference was she had more experience! Since Obama has past her in the polls, he is suddenly over-rated, he's a green-horn who should not be running for the nomination, instead supporting her to keep the two-family rulers on the thrown in America! (The Clinton's and The Bush's want to control America) via the presidency over and over again! Obama is fresh air and idea's with no ties to political groups that have a strangle hold on the White House! Hillary should accept Obama and step aside for the betterment of the American people! Why has she now turned to mud-slinging?
Barack Obama Antichrist? OK....I've heard all about how Obama may be the Anti-christ, however, I would like to disagree. I think the Anti-christ may be a man named Ray Mabus. He is a politician from Mississippi who is advising Obama on Middle Easter issues. OK here is where I connect this guy with Nostradamus' Anti-christ. Nostradamus says that the Antichrist will come from the world of politics out of nowhere. Obama fits this image, however, I think Ray Mabus, may be riding his coat tails with nobody paying attention. Although Obama may be gaining popularity and may be president, Ray Mabus may be either a running mate for VP or appointed Secretary of State. With a position of power this person could obtain the power of the Anti-christ that Nostradamus was talking about. And could reign terror on the world. Anyways, what do you think of this theory? The Antichrist is said to be a person who is charismatic and can unify people. It looks as though Obama is already doing this...... So I think Ray Mabus is lurking behind Obama. Awaiting to gain a position of power along side with Barack Obama (posibly as an advisor, Vice President, or Secretary of State). Ray Mabus was a member of RAND. It is an organization that has received its share of criticism. Which enforces the idea this person is shady. The RAND Corporation has been criticized as militarist. Many of the events in which RAND plays a part are based on assumptions which are hard to verify because of the lack of detail on RAND's highly classified work for defense and intelligence agencies. Some RAND participants who have gone on to large roles are often believed to have had a role in shaping RAND research. Due to the nature of its work, the RAND corporation also frequently plays a role in conspiracy theories.
Do you OPPOSE/DISLIKE Barack Obama? If you are opposed to Barrack H. Obama, Jr. you should come join us at http://www.myspace.com/americansagainstobama Barack Hussein Obama was not reared in the United States, in fact he spent majority of his childhood in Indonesia. Obama has gone back and forth often contradicting himself on the issues in an attempt to appeal to voters. Obama is not an experienced candidate, he is entirely too liberal to take over a country involved in war, and you cain join with other Americans and share your opposition to the Senator. Join us on MySpace today!!!
Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama have all agreed to appear at the first ever gay debate...? Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama have all agreed to appear at the first ever gay debate. The whole debate will only be for gay issues, like gay marriage and things like that. They're calling it the first ever all-musical presidential debate." What you think?
Did Hillary Clinton do a good or a bad thing by revealing that Barack Obama was raised a Muslim as a child? http://www.insightmag.com/Media/MediaManager/Obama_2.htm Are the American people ready for an elected president who was educated in a Madrassa as a young boy and has not been forthcoming about his Muslim heritage? This is the question Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s camp is asking about Sen. Barack Obama. An investigation of Mr. Obama by political opponents within the Democratic Party has discovered that Mr. Obama was raised as a Muslim by his stepfather in Indonesia. Sources close to the background check, which has not yet been released, said Mr. Obama, 45, spent at least four years in a so-called Madrassa, or Muslim seminary, in Indonesia. "He was a Muslim, but he concealed it," the source said. "His opponents within the Democrats hope this will become a major issue in the campaign." Sources said the background check, conducted by researchers connected to Senator Clinton, disclosed details of Mr. Obama's Muslim past. The sources said the Clinton camp concluded the Illinois De
Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama have all agreed to appear at the first ever gay debate...? Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama have all agreed to appear at the first ever gay debate. The whole debate will only be for gay issues, like gay marriage and things like that. They're calling it the first ever all-musical presidential debate." What you think?
Does it seem like Barack Obama and Mayor Nagin of New Orleans teamed up to start making "race" a major issue ? in the '08 election by attacking the President for not mentioning Katrina in the latest State of the Union message? Personally, I think Obama would impress me ONLY if he was able to clean up crime in East St. Louis in his own state Stev is correct. East St. Louis is in Illinois and St. Louis is in Missouri.
What do you think of this speech that Barack Obama made? The Scripture tells us that when Joshua and the Israelites arrived at the gates of Jericho, they could not enter. The walls of the city were too steep for any one person to climb; too strong to be taken down with brute force. And so they sat for days, unable to pass on through. But God had a plan for his people. He told them to stand together and march together around the city, and on the seventh day he told them that when they heard the sound of the ram's horn, they should speak with one voice. And at the chosen hour, when the horn sounded and a chorus of voices cried out together, the mighty walls of Jericho came tumbling down. There are many lessons to take from this passage, just as there are many lessons to take from this day, just as there are many memories that fill the space of this church. As I was thinking about which ones we need to remember at this hour, my mind went back to the very beginning of the modern Civil Rights Era. Because before Memphis and the mountaintop; before the bridge in Selma and the march on Washington; before Birmingham and the beatings; the fire hoses and the loss of those four little girls; before there was King the icon and his magnificent dream, there was King the young preacher and a people who found themselves suffering under the yoke of oppression. And on the eve of the bus boycotts in Montgomery, at a time when many were still doubtful about the possibilities of change, a time when those in the black community mistrusted themselves, and at times mistrusted each other, King inspired with words not of anger, but of an urgency that still speaks to us today: "Unity is the great need of the hour" is what King said. Unity is how we shall overcome. What Dr. King understood is that if just one person chose to walk instead of ride the bus, those walls of oppression would not be moved. But maybe if a few more walked, the foundation might start to shake. If a few more women were willing to do what Rosa Parks had done, maybe the cracks would start to show. If teenagers took freedom rides from North to South, maybe a few bricks would come loose. Maybe if white folks marched because they had come to understand that their freedom too was at stake in the impending battle, the wall would begin to sway. And if enough Americans were awakened to the injustice; if they joined together, North and South, rich and poor, Christian and Jew, then perhaps that wall would come tumbling down, and justice would flow like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. Unity is the great need of the hour -- the great need of this hour. Not because it sounds pleasant or because it makes us feel good, but because it's the only way we can overcome the essential deficit that exists in this country. I'm not talking about a budget deficit. I'm not talking about a trade deficit. I'm not talking about a deficit of good ideas or new plans. I'm talking about a moral deficit. I'm talking about an empathy deficit. I'm taking about an inability to recognize ourselves in one another; to understand that we are our brother's keeper; we are our sister's keeper; that, in the words of Dr. King, we are all tied together in a single garment of destiny. We have an empathy deficit when we're still sending our children down corridors of shame -- schools in the forgotten corners of America where the color of your skin still affects the content of your education. We have a deficit when CEOs are making more in ten minutes than some workers make in ten months; when families lose their homes so that lenders make a profit; when mothers can't afford a doctor when their children get sick. We have a deficit in this country when there is Scooter Libby justice for some and Jena justice for others; when our children see nooses hanging from a schoolyard tree today, in the present, in the twenty-first century. We have a deficit when homeless veterans sleep on the streets of our cities; when innocents are slaughtered in the deserts of Darfur; when young Americans serve tour after tour of duty in a war that should've never been authorized and never been waged. And we have a deficit when it takes a breach in our levees to reveal a breach in our compassion; when it takes a terrible storm to reveal the hungry that God calls on us to feed; the sick He calls on us to care for; the least of these He commands that we treat as our own. So we have a deficit to close. We have walls -- barriers to justice and equality -- that must come down. And to do this, we know that unity is the great need of this hour. Unfortunately, all too often when we talk about unity in this country, we've come to believe that it can be purchased on the cheap. We've come to believe that racial reconciliation can come easily -- that it's just a matter of a few ignorant people trapped in the prejudices of the past, and that if the demagogues and those who exploit our racial divisions will simply go away, then all our problems would be solved. All too often, we seek to ignore the profound institutional barriers that stand in the way of ensuring opportunity for all children, or decent jobs for all people, or health care for those who are sick. We long for unity, but are unwilling to pay the price. But of course, true unity cannot be so easily won. It starts with a change in attitudes -- a broadening of our minds, and a broadening of our hearts. It's not easy to stand in somebody else's shoes. It's not easy to see past our differences. We've all encountered this in our own lives. But what makes it even more difficult is that we have a politics in this country that seeks to drive us apart -- that puts up walls between us. We are told that those who differ from us on a few things are different from us on all things; that our problems are the fault of those who don't think like us or look like us or come from where we do. The welfare queen is taking our tax money. The immigrant is taking our jobs. The believer condemns the non-believer as immoral, and the non-believer chides the believer as intolerant. For most of this country's history, we in the African-American community have been at the receiving end of man's inhumanity to man. And all of us understand intimately the insidious role that race still sometimes plays -- on the job, in the schools, in our health care system, and in our criminal justice system. And yet, if we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that none of our hands are entirely clean. If we're honest with ourselves, we'll acknowledge that our own community has not always been true to King's vision of a beloved community. We have scorned our gay brothers and sisters instead of embracing them. The scourge of anti-Semitism has, at times, revealed itself in our community. For too long, some of us have seen immigrants as competitors for jobs instead of companions in the fight for opportunity. Every day, our politics fuels and exploits this kind of division across all races and regions; across gender and party. It is played out on television. It is sensationalized by the media. And last week, it even crept into the campaign for President, with charges and counter-charges that served to obscure the issues instead of illuminating the critical choices we face as a nation. So let us say that on this day of all days, each of us carries with us the task of changing our hearts and minds. The division, the stereotypes, the scape-goating, the ease with which we blame our plight on others -- all of this distracts us from the common challenges we face -- war and poverty; injustice and inequality. We can no longer afford to build ourselves up by tearing someone else down. We can no longer afford to traffic in lies or fear or hate. It is the poison that we must purge from our politics; the wall that we must tear down before the hour grows too late. Because if Dr. King could love his jailor; if he could call on the faithful who once sat where you do to forgive those who set dogs and fire hoses upon them, then surely we can look past what divides us in our time, and bind up our wounds, and erase the empathy deficit that exists in our hearts. But if changing our hearts and minds is the first critical step, we cannot stop there. It is not enough to bemoan the plight of poor children in this country and remain unwilling to push our elected officials to provide the resources to fix our schools. It is not enough to decry the disparities of health care and yet allow the insurance companies and the drug companies to block much-needed reforms. It is not enough for us to abhor the costs of a misguided war, and yet allow ourselves to be driven by a politics of fear that sees the threat of attack as way to scare up votes instead of a call to come together around a common effort. The Scripture tells us that we are judged not just by word, but by deed. And if we are to truly bring about the unity that is so crucial in this time, we must find it within ourselves to act on what we know; to understand that living up to this country's ideals and its possibilities will require great effort and resources; sacrifice and stamina. And that is what is at stake in the great political debate we are having today. The changes that are needed are not just a matter of tinkering at the edges, and they will not come if politicians simply tell us what we want to hear. All of us will be called upon to make some sacrifice. None of us will be exempt from responsibility. We will have to fight to fix our schools, but we will also have to challenge ourselves to be better parents. We will have to confront the biases in our criminal justice system, but we will also have to acknowledge the deep-seated violence that still resides in our own communities and marshal the will to break its grip. That is how we will bring about the change we seek. That is how Dr. King led this country through the wilderness. He did it with words -- words that he spoke not just to the children of slaves, but the children of slave owners. Words that inspired not just black but also white; not just the Christian but the Jew; not just the Southerner but also the Northerner. He led with words, but he also led with deeds. He also led by example. He led by marching and going to jail and suffering threats and being away from his family. He led by taking a stand against a war, knowing full well that it would diminish his popularity. He led by challenging our economic structures, understanding that it would cause discomfort. Dr. King understood that unity cannot be won on the cheap; that we would have to earn it through great effort and determination. That is the unity -- the hard-earned unity -- that we need right now. It is that effort, and that determination, that can transform blind optimism into hope -- the hope to imagine, and work for, and fight for what seemed impossible before. The stories that give me such hope don't happen in the spotlight. They don't happen on the presidential stage. They happen in the quiet corners of our lives. They happen in the moments we least expect. Let me give you an example of one of those stories. There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organizes for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She's been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and the other day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there. And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that's when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom. She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat. She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too. So Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they're supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who's been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he's there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, "I am here because of Ashley." By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children. But it is where we begin. It is why the walls in that room began to crack and shake. And if they can shake in that room, they can shake in Atlanta. And if they can shake in Atlanta, they can shake in Georgia. And if they can shake in Georgia, they can shake all across America. And if enough of our voices join together; we can bring those walls tumbling down. The walls of Jericho can finally come tumbling down. That is our hope -- but only if we pray together, and work together, and march together. Brothers and sisters, we cannot walk alone. In the struggle for peace and justice, we cannot walk alone. In the struggle for opportunity and equality, we cannot walk alone In the struggle to heal this nation and repair this world, we cannot walk alone. So I ask you to walk with me, and march with me, and join your voice with mine, and together we will sing the song that tears down the walls that divide us, and lift up an America that is truly indivisible, with liberty, and justice, for all. May God bless the memory of the great pastor of this church, and may God bless the United States of America.
Barack Obama is really a good candidate, right? I've had a chance to really look at all the candidates on where they stand on issues that directly affects me and my family; and Barack (to me) is a cut above the rest by far. I'm not opening this up for Republicans to bash me over thier line-up or how could I endorse Barack or do I want to hear other Democratic friends to spin me on thier candidate cause I'm SOLD 100%. I just want to see what the world thinks.....
Why are the youth of America attracted to Barack Obama? I was told by my extremely conservative republican family that it is because the Youth are afraid of War... I was not too pleased with that answer- as i am a follower of Barack, and lean to the left on most issues.
Barack Obama? DOes that bother you? In response to some girls mssg. ( probably a Clinton freak) Does it bother you that Im not using his middle name to describe his character? That Im choosing a canidate for his issues and policies and his strentghs and not because of there race or gender? That Im not interested in what experience a canidate may have when experience lately has lead us to scandal, embarassment, war, and lies to the American people? That maybe, just maybe, we need a canidate who can fix our foriegn relations by talking rather than WAR? Does Obama scare me, NO... Voters with out any knowledge and vote for someone based on the things I just listed above or vote on them because of there NAMEBRAND, yet wonder how we got Bush JR a 1st term and a 2nd term! So what really scares people about Obama?
Powered by Yahoo! Answers