Update from the Heartland
No.360
3.11.08 – 9.11.08
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
No.360
3.11.08 – 9.11.08
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
To all,
Our duty is done! We, the People, have elected our next and 44th President of the United States of America – Barack Hussein Obama.
When I can vote at the polls, I try to be there when they open on Election Day. This year, I did just that. In 40 years of casting my precious vote, I have never seen so many citizens waiting to perform their civic duty. Incredible! Oddly, and I am not embarrassed to admit that watching so many of my fellow citizens standing peacefully and quietly in line in the dark at 06:00 CST, waiting to cast their vote, brought tears to my eyes – the majesty of the democratic process. We, the People, chose the next leader of this Grand Republic along with the representatives who will stand on our behalf in the halls of government. It took me 30 minutes to do my duty, longer than any previous voting experience I can recall, which was indicative of the turnout and this moment in history.
As of 9.November, the results are:
Electoral votes Popular votes
Barack Obama (Dem) 365 (67.8%) 65.3M (52.5%)
John McCain (Rep) 162 (30.1%) 57.3M (46.2%)
Ralph Nader (Ind) 0 00.7M (00.5%)
Bob Barr (Lib) 0 00.5M (00.4%)
Chuck Baldwin (Ref) 0 00.2M (00.1%)
The Electoral College will cast their votes in mid-December, which will make this election official. Barack Obama will be inaugurated on 20.January.2009. It would appear Barack has won handily with a clear decision, which hopefully will preclude any legal challenges. I would like to personally thank John McCain, Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and all the other candidates who made the run at this year’s presidential election so stimulating for so many citizens to vote – a magnificent event, an historic moment.
I think Barack has proven himself to be the real deal. He ran a masterful campaign against several, hardcore, veteran political opponents and prevailed by a good margin. Also, I am amazed that John McCain did as well as he did in the face of all the anchors thrown on his campaign. His concession speech was gracious, honorable and eloquent. I truly believe John would have done much better, if he just had been John McCain, instead of what ‘they’ made him into for the sake of ‘winning’ the election. But, hey, that’s just my opinion, but I could be wrong.
Just a couple of days later, President-elect Obama chose Representative Rahm Israel Emanuel of Illinois – a Chicago hardball hitter politician – to be White House Chief of Staff. Emanuel is known for his fierce, partisan, political energy – not exactly the sign I was looking for, but we shall see.
I will dispense with the dark side before we turn to the more interesting election outcomes. ‘Ted’ ‘I am a crook’ Stevens of Alaska hangs onto a narrow lead in his senatorial re-election campaign, despite his conviction on corruption charges [295-6, 346, 359]. Even if he wins, he is destined to be censured under Senate rules, which would throw the seat open, presumably to be filled by Governor Palin. The Democrats picked up six Senate seats so far and will hold at least a 57 seat majority in the 111th Congress with several seats as yet too close to call. In other contemporary corrupt politician news, ‘Dollar Bill’ Jefferson of Louisiana [233, 346, et al], survived the primaries and the election, but faces a runoff election to be held on December 6th. He will most likely be re-elected again as he has the last two elections since his indictment on corruption charges.
Beyond the historic election of Barack Obama and the looming Democratic supermajority in the Senate, numerous important state initiatives were decided.
-- The resident voters of Washington State approved Initiative 1000, making the state the second state in the Union to enact an end-of-life, death with dignity law [349A]. There is hope.
-- San Francisco City and County rejected Proposition K [358] – the initiative to decriminalize prostitution – by a vote of 42-58. The proposal was ill-advised, so it was good that the voters rejected it; and yet, I remain absolutely convinced we must legalize and regulate prostitution to eliminate the criminal sub-culture associated with the prohibition.
-- South Dakota’s Measure 11, to criminalize the medical procedure of abortion except in a case of rape or to save a ‘healthy woman’s life, was rejected by resident voters – 45-55. Many believed that Measure 11was constructed as a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade [410 U.S. 113 (1973)] [319]. Not this time.
-- Colorado’s state constitutional Amendment 48 intended to define the term ‘person’ under the law, to include any human being from the moment of fertilization, thus granting full rights to a single cell ovum – an incredibly bad idea. The amendment failed by a substantial margin – 27-73.
-- Arkansas’ Unmarried Couple Adoption Ban passed 57-43, and prohibits the adoption or foster-parenting of children by any unmarried (implicitly non-monogamous, non-heterosexual) couples; and, they say there is no discrimination.
-- Then, we come to issue of equal rights for non-heterosexual citizens. Three states had constitutional amendments, defining marriage under the law as between one woman and one man. Florida’s Amendment 2 passed with disturbing ease – 62-37. Arizona’s Proposition 102 passed 56-44, after earlier rejections. And, California’s Proposition 8 passed 52-48, in the wake of their historic supreme court ruling. My commentary on these despicable referenda stands below, so it can be ignored by those so inclined.
A member of one of many Internet groups to which I subscribe referred to California’s Proposition 8 as ‘Prop H8,’ using the text-ing shorthand for HATE; and, that colloquial reference quite adequately represents all three state constitutional amendments quite well. So, if you will permit me, I shall use Prop H8 as a collective reference for all three of these election DOMA actions as well as all the other state constitutional amendments like ours in Kansas [2005]. The California version held center stage for a host of reasons, among which are: 1.) California is the most populous and third largest state, and 2.) the California Supreme Court’s recent ruling, In re Marriage Cases [Six consolidated appeals] [CA SC S147999 (2008)] [336]. Regrettably, the state should have made reading the Marriage Cases ruling a prerequisite for voting on a state constitutional amendment to deny equal rights to a substantial portion of state’s population. Let us all remember that American citizens with dark skin pigmentation did not achieve equality for 100 years after emancipation, and had to endure Jim Crow laws, the insult of Plessy v. Ferguson [163 U.S. 537 (1896)], and the resistance to integration demanded by Brown v. Board of Education [347 U.S. 483 (1954)]. Part of the problem, as articulated in the California Supreme Court case and by other high ranking judges, is framing the debate in terms that do not recognize equal justice under the law. I suspect Prop H8 may be headed to U.S. Supreme Court, based on Equal Protection arguments versus the legitimate interests of the State, and perhaps a challenge to the simple majority criterion for constitutional amendments in California. Adding to the confusion in the public debate on marriage and the broader question of non-heterosexual rights is the intermingling of the religious term ‘marriage’ with the State reference to civil union contracts as ‘marriage.’ Variants of the word ‘marry’ are used as verbs, nouns, adverbs, adjectives and reflective qualifiers. ‘Domestic partner’ and ‘civil union’ are qualified nouns; they are not verbs. Try using the latter terms in various, common sentences to describe your marriage; not so easy, is it? The subtle forms of discrimination embodied in the Jim Crow laws of yesteryear reflect quite accurately on today’s civil rights question. As the California Supreme Court quite eloquently illuminated, just the difference in word choice and language are inherently discriminatory – “separate but equal is inherently unequal.” No matter what benefits and rights are granted, there will always be that discrimination and segregation using different descriptors. Another disturbing facet of the Prop H8 event was the prevalence of religion in the political debate, from reported massive funding by the Mormon church to the allegation that the California court’s Marriage Cases ruling could result in churches and clergy being ‘forced by the state’ to perform same-gender marriages against their religious beliefs. Here we have yet one more negative example on a very long list of examples of why religion and politics must NOT mix. Using religion in this debate is wrong in the worst possible way. The 1st Amendment Establishment Clause works both ways – to keep the State out of religious affairs and its implicit, intent of vice versa. If religion, clergy and churches wish to become political entities, let them stand as political entities without hiding behind the Establishment Clause. Sadly, we have allowed this debate to be about granting rights rather than denying rights. ALL citizens have basic fundamental rights. Prop H8 has denied inherent fundamental rights to ALL non-heterosexual, non-monogamous, non-‘married’ partners, i.e., those who do not conform to the dicta of the ‘moral projectionists.’ What proper interest does the State have in dictating how individuals should choose with whom they wish to live their lives, and how they should live their private lives? This debate is NOT about ‘granting’ rights; it is about equal protection of our most fundamental rights for ALL citizens, not just the chosen. The saddest, most regrettable element of the Prop H8 vote hangs on the foolish notion that a vote on a constitutional amendment is an opinion poll, rather than a profound law that denies equal rights to some fellow citizens. We should be ashamed of what Prop H8 and all the other DOMA actions have done. How dreadfully easy it is to turn our back on the Liberty and freedom our forefathers fought so hard and sacrificed so much to secure for us.
In the aftermath of this election, the 1965 Byrds anthem “Turn, Turn, Turn,” came to me repeatedly and seems most appropriate.
Our duty is done! We, the People, have elected our next and 44th President of the United States of America – Barack Hussein Obama.
When I can vote at the polls, I try to be there when they open on Election Day. This year, I did just that. In 40 years of casting my precious vote, I have never seen so many citizens waiting to perform their civic duty. Incredible! Oddly, and I am not embarrassed to admit that watching so many of my fellow citizens standing peacefully and quietly in line in the dark at 06:00 CST, waiting to cast their vote, brought tears to my eyes – the majesty of the democratic process. We, the People, chose the next leader of this Grand Republic along with the representatives who will stand on our behalf in the halls of government. It took me 30 minutes to do my duty, longer than any previous voting experience I can recall, which was indicative of the turnout and this moment in history.
As of 9.November, the results are:
Electoral votes Popular votes
Barack Obama (Dem) 365 (67.8%) 65.3M (52.5%)
John McCain (Rep) 162 (30.1%) 57.3M (46.2%)
Ralph Nader (Ind) 0 00.7M (00.5%)
Bob Barr (Lib) 0 00.5M (00.4%)
Chuck Baldwin (Ref) 0 00.2M (00.1%)
The Electoral College will cast their votes in mid-December, which will make this election official. Barack Obama will be inaugurated on 20.January.2009. It would appear Barack has won handily with a clear decision, which hopefully will preclude any legal challenges. I would like to personally thank John McCain, Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and all the other candidates who made the run at this year’s presidential election so stimulating for so many citizens to vote – a magnificent event, an historic moment.
I think Barack has proven himself to be the real deal. He ran a masterful campaign against several, hardcore, veteran political opponents and prevailed by a good margin. Also, I am amazed that John McCain did as well as he did in the face of all the anchors thrown on his campaign. His concession speech was gracious, honorable and eloquent. I truly believe John would have done much better, if he just had been John McCain, instead of what ‘they’ made him into for the sake of ‘winning’ the election. But, hey, that’s just my opinion, but I could be wrong.
Just a couple of days later, President-elect Obama chose Representative Rahm Israel Emanuel of Illinois – a Chicago hardball hitter politician – to be White House Chief of Staff. Emanuel is known for his fierce, partisan, political energy – not exactly the sign I was looking for, but we shall see.
I will dispense with the dark side before we turn to the more interesting election outcomes. ‘Ted’ ‘I am a crook’ Stevens of Alaska hangs onto a narrow lead in his senatorial re-election campaign, despite his conviction on corruption charges [295-6, 346, 359]. Even if he wins, he is destined to be censured under Senate rules, which would throw the seat open, presumably to be filled by Governor Palin. The Democrats picked up six Senate seats so far and will hold at least a 57 seat majority in the 111th Congress with several seats as yet too close to call. In other contemporary corrupt politician news, ‘Dollar Bill’ Jefferson of Louisiana [233, 346, et al], survived the primaries and the election, but faces a runoff election to be held on December 6th. He will most likely be re-elected again as he has the last two elections since his indictment on corruption charges.
Beyond the historic election of Barack Obama and the looming Democratic supermajority in the Senate, numerous important state initiatives were decided.
-- The resident voters of Washington State approved Initiative 1000, making the state the second state in the Union to enact an end-of-life, death with dignity law [349A]. There is hope.
-- San Francisco City and County rejected Proposition K [358] – the initiative to decriminalize prostitution – by a vote of 42-58. The proposal was ill-advised, so it was good that the voters rejected it; and yet, I remain absolutely convinced we must legalize and regulate prostitution to eliminate the criminal sub-culture associated with the prohibition.
-- South Dakota’s Measure 11, to criminalize the medical procedure of abortion except in a case of rape or to save a ‘healthy woman’s life, was rejected by resident voters – 45-55. Many believed that Measure 11was constructed as a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade [410 U.S. 113 (1973)] [319]. Not this time.
-- Colorado’s state constitutional Amendment 48 intended to define the term ‘person’ under the law, to include any human being from the moment of fertilization, thus granting full rights to a single cell ovum – an incredibly bad idea. The amendment failed by a substantial margin – 27-73.
-- Arkansas’ Unmarried Couple Adoption Ban passed 57-43, and prohibits the adoption or foster-parenting of children by any unmarried (implicitly non-monogamous, non-heterosexual) couples; and, they say there is no discrimination.
-- Then, we come to issue of equal rights for non-heterosexual citizens. Three states had constitutional amendments, defining marriage under the law as between one woman and one man. Florida’s Amendment 2 passed with disturbing ease – 62-37. Arizona’s Proposition 102 passed 56-44, after earlier rejections. And, California’s Proposition 8 passed 52-48, in the wake of their historic supreme court ruling. My commentary on these despicable referenda stands below, so it can be ignored by those so inclined.
A member of one of many Internet groups to which I subscribe referred to California’s Proposition 8 as ‘Prop H8,’ using the text-ing shorthand for HATE; and, that colloquial reference quite adequately represents all three state constitutional amendments quite well. So, if you will permit me, I shall use Prop H8 as a collective reference for all three of these election DOMA actions as well as all the other state constitutional amendments like ours in Kansas [2005]. The California version held center stage for a host of reasons, among which are: 1.) California is the most populous and third largest state, and 2.) the California Supreme Court’s recent ruling, In re Marriage Cases [Six consolidated appeals] [CA SC S147999 (2008)] [336]. Regrettably, the state should have made reading the Marriage Cases ruling a prerequisite for voting on a state constitutional amendment to deny equal rights to a substantial portion of state’s population. Let us all remember that American citizens with dark skin pigmentation did not achieve equality for 100 years after emancipation, and had to endure Jim Crow laws, the insult of Plessy v. Ferguson [163 U.S. 537 (1896)], and the resistance to integration demanded by Brown v. Board of Education [347 U.S. 483 (1954)]. Part of the problem, as articulated in the California Supreme Court case and by other high ranking judges, is framing the debate in terms that do not recognize equal justice under the law. I suspect Prop H8 may be headed to U.S. Supreme Court, based on Equal Protection arguments versus the legitimate interests of the State, and perhaps a challenge to the simple majority criterion for constitutional amendments in California. Adding to the confusion in the public debate on marriage and the broader question of non-heterosexual rights is the intermingling of the religious term ‘marriage’ with the State reference to civil union contracts as ‘marriage.’ Variants of the word ‘marry’ are used as verbs, nouns, adverbs, adjectives and reflective qualifiers. ‘Domestic partner’ and ‘civil union’ are qualified nouns; they are not verbs. Try using the latter terms in various, common sentences to describe your marriage; not so easy, is it? The subtle forms of discrimination embodied in the Jim Crow laws of yesteryear reflect quite accurately on today’s civil rights question. As the California Supreme Court quite eloquently illuminated, just the difference in word choice and language are inherently discriminatory – “separate but equal is inherently unequal.” No matter what benefits and rights are granted, there will always be that discrimination and segregation using different descriptors. Another disturbing facet of the Prop H8 event was the prevalence of religion in the political debate, from reported massive funding by the Mormon church to the allegation that the California court’s Marriage Cases ruling could result in churches and clergy being ‘forced by the state’ to perform same-gender marriages against their religious beliefs. Here we have yet one more negative example on a very long list of examples of why religion and politics must NOT mix. Using religion in this debate is wrong in the worst possible way. The 1st Amendment Establishment Clause works both ways – to keep the State out of religious affairs and its implicit, intent of vice versa. If religion, clergy and churches wish to become political entities, let them stand as political entities without hiding behind the Establishment Clause. Sadly, we have allowed this debate to be about granting rights rather than denying rights. ALL citizens have basic fundamental rights. Prop H8 has denied inherent fundamental rights to ALL non-heterosexual, non-monogamous, non-‘married’ partners, i.e., those who do not conform to the dicta of the ‘moral projectionists.’ What proper interest does the State have in dictating how individuals should choose with whom they wish to live their lives, and how they should live their private lives? This debate is NOT about ‘granting’ rights; it is about equal protection of our most fundamental rights for ALL citizens, not just the chosen. The saddest, most regrettable element of the Prop H8 vote hangs on the foolish notion that a vote on a constitutional amendment is an opinion poll, rather than a profound law that denies equal rights to some fellow citizens. We should be ashamed of what Prop H8 and all the other DOMA actions have done. How dreadfully easy it is to turn our back on the Liberty and freedom our forefathers fought so hard and sacrificed so much to secure for us.
In the aftermath of this election, the 1965 Byrds anthem “Turn, Turn, Turn,” came to me repeatedly and seems most appropriate.
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time for every purpose, under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time for every purpose, under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time for every purpose, under heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time for every purpose, under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time for peace, I swear its not too late
Pete Seeger wrote the song, inspired by the classic, biblical verse . . .
A time to rend,
and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
and a time to speak;
(Ecclesiastes 3:7)
While the election news dominated this week, the economic situation did not abate.
-- The Bank of Japan – Nippon Ginko, the nation’s central bank – lowered the overnight lending rate between banks by 0.2 % to 0.3 %.
-- The automotive industry continues its mortal hemorrhage of billions of dollars. General Motors reported a 45% drop in October sales from one year ago. Ford reported a 30% drop. Toyota had a 23% drop. Many experts claim this is the worst sales performance since World War II.
-- The Federal Reserve’s regular survey of banks indicates continued tightening of lending standards, which is understandable but counter to economic recovery. Hopefully, this adjustment will not go too far the other way.
-- The Treasury Department continues to refine its target list for disbursement of emergency recovery funds, to include a wider range of financial services companies like General Electric's GE Capital unit and CIT Group.
-- The European Central Bank reduced its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point to 3.75%, while the Bank of England cut it’s key interest rate 1.5 points to 3%.
-- In an odd twist, reflective of these troubled times, University of Chicago’s business school will receive US$300M for its endowment fund from Investor David Booth – the benefactor presumably desirous of avoiding the extraordinary scrutiny drawn to obscene profits.
-- The People’s Republic of China jumped on the bandwagon, setting in motion a stimulus plan through 2010, valued at 4 trillion yuan (US$586B).
Comments and contributions from Update no.359:
“As much as I also would like to know the election results by Tuesday night, I have my doubts. We already have lawsuits, appeals and what not going here in Ohio. My best hope is that the worst embarrassment goes elsewhere. My best guess is that Pennsylvania will be this year’s trouble spot. I do not wish it upon anyone, though.”
My reply:
You may well be correct, and I truly hope you are wrong. I think the only way this might get contested with recounts and court cases will be if the count turns out to be much closer than the Press-polls indicate. If the election is contested, it is most likely going to be Pennsylvania as you note, or Florida, or Ohio (as you fear). The polls have been dreadfully wrong before, and it is possible this time as well. However, my gut check says this will not be close, and the legal shenanigans will be moot. We shall soon know.
. . . a follow-up comment:
“My hopes I share with you. My fears are based on what you have seen. Please send prayers/energy/good wishes out into the universe for this one. That's probably the most constructive thing any of us ordinary folks can do.”
. . . and my follow-up reply:
Election Day voting has begun, and I will be casting my precious vote in just over one hour from now.
May God bless this Grand Republic.
A contribution from across the great waters:
“Not aware of Theodore Stevens I looked up the arraignment on the web, out of interest. My word how do you get out of that?
“People in public life are required to adopt a burden of trust which must never be abused, if they fail in that trust then the consequences must surely fall upon them as I assume they will I this case.
“I'm amazed at the number of pre-voters you have with some people queuing for 4hrs 20mins. (BBC late news 2nd Nov)
“We vote on the day at Polling Stations or by post. In our village it's just a matter of appearing, marking the paper and leaving. Elapsed time 3 mins. However, postal voting is causing some concern as there has been a marked increase in the amount of fraud. Normally from people whose ethnic backgrounds condone this form of behaviour.
“This brings me back nicely to Stevens, apart from paedophilia, this form of crime must rank amongst the highest echelons of skulduggery, and the guilty must pay the price. How else are we to operate a free and fair society? I'm tempted to say here that ‘scum is scum’ and deserves to be treated as such but that might be libellous.
“May you have the government you deserve and wish for, whatever colour. The world awaits your deliberations.
“By the way, why is it called ‘The World Series’?”
My response:
Ol’ Ted is in deep kimchi. Knowing how things go in the colonies, I suspect he may well get re-elected . . . he is an expert of slathering on the largesse from the public treasury; he’s an expert at buying votes the old fashioned way. We shall see. I think he shall indeed pay the price, and probably a heavy price.
Voting is always such an adventure. The polls are beginning to close. Some predict Barack is going to walk away with this one, and we’ll know the results by 20:00 EST. Since I am writing this at 20:20 EST, I think the pundits may be wrong.
Good Q on the World Series. Back when they started calling it that, baseball was only played in the colonies. Now, baseball is played world-wide, not quite the scale of the World Cup, but hey, we can dream.
Another contribution:
“Thanks for that shout out to my Phillies. I've been backing the Fightin' Phils since I was 7. I'm still stoked over their victory. Great show of team work. Other teams may have spent more money on their rosters (i.e. the Evil Empire, AKA the NY Yankees, whom I despise) and other teams may have had more talented players. But the Phils believed in themselves and their teammates, didn't panic when things didn't go their way, and won it all. Also, props to the TB Rays. They have a great young team that will compete in the AL East for years, and show you don't need gobs and gobs of money to make it to the World Series, a lesson the Yankees will probably never learn. Fine by me. I hope they don't make the post-season for the next 50 years.
“Great comment in there by Jefferson. You're right, Cap. Neither party understands that philosophy. The GOP claims to be for smaller gov't, but how much has spending gone up under their watch? It's for that reason, and many, many others, that I am a registered independent.”
My reply:
Yeah, neither party understands the concept of small government. What they call small government is actually small for the other guys and big for them. Not my idea whatsoever. To the political parties, it is all about spending the public treasury on lathering up those who support their re-election – a pretty cynical thing to say, but I do believe it is accurate, nonetheless.
A different contribution:
“Re Clarence Thomas, and the Right to Privacy: What a morbid and corrupting stretch it is to read into the Right to Privacy a right to Murder and Infant Child (a fetus) by abortion. In my mind that is a totally 'SICK MINDED' immoral and criminal act (Roe vs Wade). Further, this Federalist 'CRAP' that suggests States have any right at all to pass judgment on or enact laws that violate any common sense HUMAN RIGHT is simply absurd. That was the essence that this nation fought for with our bloodiest of bloody Civil Wars. An extension of this absurd mentality is to assume that States and local Municipalities have any 'Right' to withhold equalized funding to particular public schools or curriculums. I believe it is a 'Right' for every student on a Nationwide basis to have an equal right to a quality education. I believe that if local (Property) Taxes are to be the basis for supporting these Basic Human Rights then the right to impose that (Property or Other) Tax, Constitutionally, rests with the Federal Government, not a State or Local Government. Regarding tomorrows elections, I personally thing that it is clear that Barack Obama is totally hypnotized to follow a Radical blend of Stalin's Communism and Muslim practices reflecting his early schooling as a Muslim and then influence by his mid-youth mentor, the radical communist Frank Davis (not sure of that name) then the tutorship of Ayers and his ACORN operations and then most recently his mentor, Jeremy Wright; Obama has demonstrated that he has no respect for truthfulness or logical thought, depending instead on his aptitude for rhetorical blather. Similarly, John McCain keeps falling back to his thoughtless renditions of Federalism, though I certainly find some comfort in his opposition to Roe vs Wade. Neither Obama nor McCain have a sensible or workable solution to our National Crisis for Health Care nor Social Security Reform. McCains' rhetoric of being a student of Ronald Reagan is pure hog wash: I am a native Californian and was a resident there during the Reagan years and watched as he destroyed the Californian economy with his absurd Proposition 13, leaving the State in a State of Bankruptcy; and then for eight year as President he did the same thing to the total U.S. economy: Starting as a mouth piece for General Electric his entire adult life was devoted to producing the very worst aspects of our U.S. Free Enterprise System (There is simply no worse form of government than an Unregulated Free Enterprise System; It simply cuts loose the very worst of Human Nature) by achieving total destruction of the 'Tea Pot Dome' scandals of the Great Depression Era: The result now is again the repeat of all the sins of government that led up to That Great Depression of the 1920's and 30's. His sins were then compounded by another 12-years of ignorant and greedy governance under Bush I and II. In 1985 I attended an Insurance Agents seminar in Chicago, Illinois where one of the speakers addressed how we and our children could have any hope of dealing with the then spiraling national debt: That speaker suggested the only solution he could envision was rampant inflation - devaluation of the $Dollar, to pay of that debt with valueless dollars – the peoples lives that would be financially destroyed would be the very one who through their ignorant inaction had allowed the problem to come into being.
“Is this the ‘Cheer’ you have been looking for??”
“PSS: I have documented my 'opinions' on my websites, beginning with www.HermanOsborne.com, in my pages: 'My Personal Philosophy', 'Herman's Autobiography (partial)', 'Herman's Introductory Remarks' and 'Our Choice - Opportunity vs. Challenge. Responsible Constructive response invited.”
My response:
First and foremost, thank you so much for taking the time to express your opinion; this interaction is the very essence of a viable democracy. I trust you will continue to speak your mind even on controversial topics.
Privacy – A citizen’s fundamental right to privacy is far broader and far more important to each and every citizen than the focused issue of abortion. To give up even just a sliver of our most fundamental rights for the convenience of prevailing in the clash of opposing perspectives diminishes us all for many years and perhaps forever. The abortion question must be resolved without sacrificing the sanctity of every individual citizen. I have written for many years about this issue, trying to find a solution. I have also offered a proposal that respects the rights of every citizen and helps us render abortion a relic of medical history like leeching or bleeding. [173, 189] We can solve the issue with respect for each camp, without bludgeoning the opposition with ideology, fear, threats and legislative/judicial manipulation. You are entitled to your opinion, just as I am; and, I respect your rights to express your opinions. In fact, I am thankful that you do express yourself, most folks don’t.
Quite the contrary, states and all governments have the authority, granted by We, the People, to pass laws. Where my focus rests and my greatest concentration remains is the boundary between the State and the individual – my front door and your front door, so to speak. Unfortunately, we have been distracted and lost our way. I speak out to help us think, and hopefully, to help us find our way back to the freedom and Liberty the Founders envisioned for all of us more than two centuries ago. We must find the strength to resist passing laws than intrude upon the private domain of any citizen. Government should focus on the public domain, and where questions arise regarding a citizen’s private conduct, then we must find the compromise necessary to resolve those questions without violating the precious Liberty the Founders sacrificed so much to secure for each of us and for future generations.
I do not share your view of Barack Obama. He has demonstrated exemplary calm, leadership, organization, drive and commitment through the most grueling election in history. He has earned his place in history regardless of the election’s outcome. He is NOT a communism, a Muslim, a socialist or the bogey-man. He is a good man, who has inspired a generation. He justly deserves that credit. And, if he is properly elected, as the Press polls suggest, he deserves our utmost support, focus and contribution.
You are, of course, spot on regarding the paucity of leadership from either candidate or anyone in government regarding critical issues facing this Grand Republic – health care, social security, national debt, immigration, the banking crisis, et cetera, ad infinitum. In a couple of months, one of them will inherit those burdens. We shall if he can stand up to the mark.
Another comment:
“Really amazing watching the reaction to the election of the first black man to the Presidency. Moving, for sure. In addition to defending this great country, the US military can also take credit for leading the way on racial integration.”
My reply:
Indeed. I freely admit to a few tears listening to both Obama and McCain. May God bless our new President; he will need all the support he can get. As I said earlier, I truly hope Colin Powell was correct in his assessment, as I hope Barack demonstrates the courage and strength to rise above parochial party politics. His CoS selection is not an encouraging sign, but I will continue to give Barack the benefit of the doubt.
Yes, indeed, the military did an extraordinary job facing down racial prejudice and segregation in the 1970’s. I hope that one day, they can mount a similar campaign for sexual orientation integration as well. We can only hope.
An extended commentary from a long-term contributor on the aftermath of the election:
“I am a pretty good writer, but writing about anything having to do with Politics is mostly beyond my abilities. Or inclinations, or desires. Having said that to warn you-----here are some thoughts of mine. Not well thought out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The race has been finally run and decided. Obama will be our next President----no matter what any of us might think about that, nor why we think it. So forget all that!! He WILL be our next President. And it has at least the Potential to be a positive thing.
“So what now?
“We are supposedly a nation of the people, for the people, and most importantly BY the people. (all people). So it is we the people who must now put our best efforts behind a man we may not agree with, are skeptical of, suspicious of, and may lack confidence in. Race might come into some of our heads-----I certainly hope not! Race has no place at this table we now sit around.
“That does not in ANY way mean that we should follow him blindly. We do not need a Pied Piper (as OB[ama] has been described in some venues) to lead us down some primrose path toward an erosion of our place in the world. (And that my friends, could happen).
“We have now held for all the decades since Hiroshima & Nagosaki, the premier place (the big dog on the block) on this Planet. Whether Democrat or Republican was the President. WE had the big fist----the A-bomb. We had Other powerful and influential weapons both military and diplomatic. We still do have all that, but how will this new President lead us. I hope he is a listener.
“Nothing much, so far, in what I have seen, and that is a lot, has told me he is strong. I've seen him blow with the wind on such a thing as wearing or not wearing a lapel pin with an American flag. He explained why he didn't. The people did not like that. Did he hold his ground? No way. He blew with the wind and began wearing it. Our very Liberal Media did not see that as newsworthy. Why? For Obama is why. There are other times he did the same kind of thing.
“What French Queen from back in the 16-1700's said ‘give them cake’ or ‘give them bread.’ Indicating that the subjects could easily be persuaded to give up their struggles by such as bread or cake?
“Now We could lose that position of world prominence and thus those who vehemently oppose us might be able to then overcome us because we did not hold together as Americans (not black, African, Cuban, Irish, Hispanic, Japanese, Mexican, Canadian type Americans. Just Americans!!!)
“OB[ama] may Want certain things to happen during his tenure, and some are, from a Strictly philosophical standpoint maybe good, (an exception is his redistribution of wealth ideas to put everyone on a level playing field), but he cannot take this country itself down through his own more radical very liberal ideologies. The price for all his grand ideas is in the end very hard on all of us-------hard on just the people he said he was going to take care of.
“Unless we let him. We need to keep our voices loud and strong where we disagree with him. And we need to have very plausible and realistic reasons for WHY we say to him----do not go there!!
“BUT---when we can see, as painful for ourselves individually as it might be, that this or that idea/plan will ultimately benefit all of us------we need to listen carefully. Not buy it outright just because we are already hurting and HE is supposed to lead us, but listen, and then make known OUR thoughts. Buy if the price is right, but do NOT buy if the price is too high.
“Us Americans have for some 230+- years, with the help of literally millions of refugees from other parts of a world which was abusive to them, came here and figured out the best ways. Never perfectly did they do that, because times and situations change in a world which indeed seems to be shrinking so that what affects one now affects all. So our future may not be perfect either. But I believe the future for ourselves and for all those around the world who aspire to what we have always aspired to, is possible. And I believe that opposing and killing when necessary, all those who would take us down, is defensible.
“Obama is, in MY opinion, very wrong on some big issues facing this country. Hopefully he will realize his own inadequacies, and so choose true experts in all the fields of endeavor, knowledge, and responsibility he now will be facing to sit next to him and advise him. With NO "Yes Men" present. No matter Party affiliations----hopefully he will persuade the very best experts to help him. Obama needs the very best people this country has to offer in all sorts of disciplines, and he needs to listen to them!
“I kinda doubt that he will do that. Hopefully I'm wrong. But maybe he will get lucky in his choices, with people who, though they Do follow him in general, are willing to stand up and say NO (and here's why I say no), when OB[ama] begins to get off track. And he will need them because he does not have the expertise/knowledge needed to do what is going to be his new job, as, for all intents and purposes, the leader of the free world.
“That's a MONSTER step for THIS man, given his background.
“But I say give him a chance. Try in any way possible to help him, for THAT will be the only way we have to influence his decisions.”
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
A time to rend,
and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
and a time to speak;
(Ecclesiastes 3:7)
While the election news dominated this week, the economic situation did not abate.
-- The Bank of Japan – Nippon Ginko, the nation’s central bank – lowered the overnight lending rate between banks by 0.2 % to 0.3 %.
-- The automotive industry continues its mortal hemorrhage of billions of dollars. General Motors reported a 45% drop in October sales from one year ago. Ford reported a 30% drop. Toyota had a 23% drop. Many experts claim this is the worst sales performance since World War II.
-- The Federal Reserve’s regular survey of banks indicates continued tightening of lending standards, which is understandable but counter to economic recovery. Hopefully, this adjustment will not go too far the other way.
-- The Treasury Department continues to refine its target list for disbursement of emergency recovery funds, to include a wider range of financial services companies like General Electric's GE Capital unit and CIT Group.
-- The European Central Bank reduced its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point to 3.75%, while the Bank of England cut it’s key interest rate 1.5 points to 3%.
-- In an odd twist, reflective of these troubled times, University of Chicago’s business school will receive US$300M for its endowment fund from Investor David Booth – the benefactor presumably desirous of avoiding the extraordinary scrutiny drawn to obscene profits.
-- The People’s Republic of China jumped on the bandwagon, setting in motion a stimulus plan through 2010, valued at 4 trillion yuan (US$586B).
Comments and contributions from Update no.359:
“As much as I also would like to know the election results by Tuesday night, I have my doubts. We already have lawsuits, appeals and what not going here in Ohio. My best hope is that the worst embarrassment goes elsewhere. My best guess is that Pennsylvania will be this year’s trouble spot. I do not wish it upon anyone, though.”
My reply:
You may well be correct, and I truly hope you are wrong. I think the only way this might get contested with recounts and court cases will be if the count turns out to be much closer than the Press-polls indicate. If the election is contested, it is most likely going to be Pennsylvania as you note, or Florida, or Ohio (as you fear). The polls have been dreadfully wrong before, and it is possible this time as well. However, my gut check says this will not be close, and the legal shenanigans will be moot. We shall soon know.
. . . a follow-up comment:
“My hopes I share with you. My fears are based on what you have seen. Please send prayers/energy/good wishes out into the universe for this one. That's probably the most constructive thing any of us ordinary folks can do.”
. . . and my follow-up reply:
Election Day voting has begun, and I will be casting my precious vote in just over one hour from now.
May God bless this Grand Republic.
A contribution from across the great waters:
“Not aware of Theodore Stevens I looked up the arraignment on the web, out of interest. My word how do you get out of that?
“People in public life are required to adopt a burden of trust which must never be abused, if they fail in that trust then the consequences must surely fall upon them as I assume they will I this case.
“I'm amazed at the number of pre-voters you have with some people queuing for 4hrs 20mins. (BBC late news 2nd Nov)
“We vote on the day at Polling Stations or by post. In our village it's just a matter of appearing, marking the paper and leaving. Elapsed time 3 mins. However, postal voting is causing some concern as there has been a marked increase in the amount of fraud. Normally from people whose ethnic backgrounds condone this form of behaviour.
“This brings me back nicely to Stevens, apart from paedophilia, this form of crime must rank amongst the highest echelons of skulduggery, and the guilty must pay the price. How else are we to operate a free and fair society? I'm tempted to say here that ‘scum is scum’ and deserves to be treated as such but that might be libellous.
“May you have the government you deserve and wish for, whatever colour. The world awaits your deliberations.
“By the way, why is it called ‘The World Series’?”
My response:
Ol’ Ted is in deep kimchi. Knowing how things go in the colonies, I suspect he may well get re-elected . . . he is an expert of slathering on the largesse from the public treasury; he’s an expert at buying votes the old fashioned way. We shall see. I think he shall indeed pay the price, and probably a heavy price.
Voting is always such an adventure. The polls are beginning to close. Some predict Barack is going to walk away with this one, and we’ll know the results by 20:00 EST. Since I am writing this at 20:20 EST, I think the pundits may be wrong.
Good Q on the World Series. Back when they started calling it that, baseball was only played in the colonies. Now, baseball is played world-wide, not quite the scale of the World Cup, but hey, we can dream.
Another contribution:
“Thanks for that shout out to my Phillies. I've been backing the Fightin' Phils since I was 7. I'm still stoked over their victory. Great show of team work. Other teams may have spent more money on their rosters (i.e. the Evil Empire, AKA the NY Yankees, whom I despise) and other teams may have had more talented players. But the Phils believed in themselves and their teammates, didn't panic when things didn't go their way, and won it all. Also, props to the TB Rays. They have a great young team that will compete in the AL East for years, and show you don't need gobs and gobs of money to make it to the World Series, a lesson the Yankees will probably never learn. Fine by me. I hope they don't make the post-season for the next 50 years.
“Great comment in there by Jefferson. You're right, Cap. Neither party understands that philosophy. The GOP claims to be for smaller gov't, but how much has spending gone up under their watch? It's for that reason, and many, many others, that I am a registered independent.”
My reply:
Yeah, neither party understands the concept of small government. What they call small government is actually small for the other guys and big for them. Not my idea whatsoever. To the political parties, it is all about spending the public treasury on lathering up those who support their re-election – a pretty cynical thing to say, but I do believe it is accurate, nonetheless.
A different contribution:
“Re Clarence Thomas, and the Right to Privacy: What a morbid and corrupting stretch it is to read into the Right to Privacy a right to Murder and Infant Child (a fetus) by abortion. In my mind that is a totally 'SICK MINDED' immoral and criminal act (Roe vs Wade). Further, this Federalist 'CRAP' that suggests States have any right at all to pass judgment on or enact laws that violate any common sense HUMAN RIGHT is simply absurd. That was the essence that this nation fought for with our bloodiest of bloody Civil Wars. An extension of this absurd mentality is to assume that States and local Municipalities have any 'Right' to withhold equalized funding to particular public schools or curriculums. I believe it is a 'Right' for every student on a Nationwide basis to have an equal right to a quality education. I believe that if local (Property) Taxes are to be the basis for supporting these Basic Human Rights then the right to impose that (Property or Other) Tax, Constitutionally, rests with the Federal Government, not a State or Local Government. Regarding tomorrows elections, I personally thing that it is clear that Barack Obama is totally hypnotized to follow a Radical blend of Stalin's Communism and Muslim practices reflecting his early schooling as a Muslim and then influence by his mid-youth mentor, the radical communist Frank Davis (not sure of that name) then the tutorship of Ayers and his ACORN operations and then most recently his mentor, Jeremy Wright; Obama has demonstrated that he has no respect for truthfulness or logical thought, depending instead on his aptitude for rhetorical blather. Similarly, John McCain keeps falling back to his thoughtless renditions of Federalism, though I certainly find some comfort in his opposition to Roe vs Wade. Neither Obama nor McCain have a sensible or workable solution to our National Crisis for Health Care nor Social Security Reform. McCains' rhetoric of being a student of Ronald Reagan is pure hog wash: I am a native Californian and was a resident there during the Reagan years and watched as he destroyed the Californian economy with his absurd Proposition 13, leaving the State in a State of Bankruptcy; and then for eight year as President he did the same thing to the total U.S. economy: Starting as a mouth piece for General Electric his entire adult life was devoted to producing the very worst aspects of our U.S. Free Enterprise System (There is simply no worse form of government than an Unregulated Free Enterprise System; It simply cuts loose the very worst of Human Nature) by achieving total destruction of the 'Tea Pot Dome' scandals of the Great Depression Era: The result now is again the repeat of all the sins of government that led up to That Great Depression of the 1920's and 30's. His sins were then compounded by another 12-years of ignorant and greedy governance under Bush I and II. In 1985 I attended an Insurance Agents seminar in Chicago, Illinois where one of the speakers addressed how we and our children could have any hope of dealing with the then spiraling national debt: That speaker suggested the only solution he could envision was rampant inflation - devaluation of the $Dollar, to pay of that debt with valueless dollars – the peoples lives that would be financially destroyed would be the very one who through their ignorant inaction had allowed the problem to come into being.
“Is this the ‘Cheer’ you have been looking for??”
“PSS: I have documented my 'opinions' on my websites, beginning with www.HermanOsborne.com, in my pages: 'My Personal Philosophy', 'Herman's Autobiography (partial)', 'Herman's Introductory Remarks' and 'Our Choice - Opportunity vs. Challenge. Responsible Constructive response invited.”
My response:
First and foremost, thank you so much for taking the time to express your opinion; this interaction is the very essence of a viable democracy. I trust you will continue to speak your mind even on controversial topics.
Privacy – A citizen’s fundamental right to privacy is far broader and far more important to each and every citizen than the focused issue of abortion. To give up even just a sliver of our most fundamental rights for the convenience of prevailing in the clash of opposing perspectives diminishes us all for many years and perhaps forever. The abortion question must be resolved without sacrificing the sanctity of every individual citizen. I have written for many years about this issue, trying to find a solution. I have also offered a proposal that respects the rights of every citizen and helps us render abortion a relic of medical history like leeching or bleeding. [173, 189] We can solve the issue with respect for each camp, without bludgeoning the opposition with ideology, fear, threats and legislative/judicial manipulation. You are entitled to your opinion, just as I am; and, I respect your rights to express your opinions. In fact, I am thankful that you do express yourself, most folks don’t.
Quite the contrary, states and all governments have the authority, granted by We, the People, to pass laws. Where my focus rests and my greatest concentration remains is the boundary between the State and the individual – my front door and your front door, so to speak. Unfortunately, we have been distracted and lost our way. I speak out to help us think, and hopefully, to help us find our way back to the freedom and Liberty the Founders envisioned for all of us more than two centuries ago. We must find the strength to resist passing laws than intrude upon the private domain of any citizen. Government should focus on the public domain, and where questions arise regarding a citizen’s private conduct, then we must find the compromise necessary to resolve those questions without violating the precious Liberty the Founders sacrificed so much to secure for each of us and for future generations.
I do not share your view of Barack Obama. He has demonstrated exemplary calm, leadership, organization, drive and commitment through the most grueling election in history. He has earned his place in history regardless of the election’s outcome. He is NOT a communism, a Muslim, a socialist or the bogey-man. He is a good man, who has inspired a generation. He justly deserves that credit. And, if he is properly elected, as the Press polls suggest, he deserves our utmost support, focus and contribution.
You are, of course, spot on regarding the paucity of leadership from either candidate or anyone in government regarding critical issues facing this Grand Republic – health care, social security, national debt, immigration, the banking crisis, et cetera, ad infinitum. In a couple of months, one of them will inherit those burdens. We shall if he can stand up to the mark.
Another comment:
“Really amazing watching the reaction to the election of the first black man to the Presidency. Moving, for sure. In addition to defending this great country, the US military can also take credit for leading the way on racial integration.”
My reply:
Indeed. I freely admit to a few tears listening to both Obama and McCain. May God bless our new President; he will need all the support he can get. As I said earlier, I truly hope Colin Powell was correct in his assessment, as I hope Barack demonstrates the courage and strength to rise above parochial party politics. His CoS selection is not an encouraging sign, but I will continue to give Barack the benefit of the doubt.
Yes, indeed, the military did an extraordinary job facing down racial prejudice and segregation in the 1970’s. I hope that one day, they can mount a similar campaign for sexual orientation integration as well. We can only hope.
An extended commentary from a long-term contributor on the aftermath of the election:
“I am a pretty good writer, but writing about anything having to do with Politics is mostly beyond my abilities. Or inclinations, or desires. Having said that to warn you-----here are some thoughts of mine. Not well thought out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The race has been finally run and decided. Obama will be our next President----no matter what any of us might think about that, nor why we think it. So forget all that!! He WILL be our next President. And it has at least the Potential to be a positive thing.
“So what now?
“We are supposedly a nation of the people, for the people, and most importantly BY the people. (all people). So it is we the people who must now put our best efforts behind a man we may not agree with, are skeptical of, suspicious of, and may lack confidence in. Race might come into some of our heads-----I certainly hope not! Race has no place at this table we now sit around.
“That does not in ANY way mean that we should follow him blindly. We do not need a Pied Piper (as OB[ama] has been described in some venues) to lead us down some primrose path toward an erosion of our place in the world. (And that my friends, could happen).
“We have now held for all the decades since Hiroshima & Nagosaki, the premier place (the big dog on the block) on this Planet. Whether Democrat or Republican was the President. WE had the big fist----the A-bomb. We had Other powerful and influential weapons both military and diplomatic. We still do have all that, but how will this new President lead us. I hope he is a listener.
“Nothing much, so far, in what I have seen, and that is a lot, has told me he is strong. I've seen him blow with the wind on such a thing as wearing or not wearing a lapel pin with an American flag. He explained why he didn't. The people did not like that. Did he hold his ground? No way. He blew with the wind and began wearing it. Our very Liberal Media did not see that as newsworthy. Why? For Obama is why. There are other times he did the same kind of thing.
“What French Queen from back in the 16-1700's said ‘give them cake’ or ‘give them bread.’ Indicating that the subjects could easily be persuaded to give up their struggles by such as bread or cake?
“Now We could lose that position of world prominence and thus those who vehemently oppose us might be able to then overcome us because we did not hold together as Americans (not black, African, Cuban, Irish, Hispanic, Japanese, Mexican, Canadian type Americans. Just Americans!!!)
“OB[ama] may Want certain things to happen during his tenure, and some are, from a Strictly philosophical standpoint maybe good, (an exception is his redistribution of wealth ideas to put everyone on a level playing field), but he cannot take this country itself down through his own more radical very liberal ideologies. The price for all his grand ideas is in the end very hard on all of us-------hard on just the people he said he was going to take care of.
“Unless we let him. We need to keep our voices loud and strong where we disagree with him. And we need to have very plausible and realistic reasons for WHY we say to him----do not go there!!
“BUT---when we can see, as painful for ourselves individually as it might be, that this or that idea/plan will ultimately benefit all of us------we need to listen carefully. Not buy it outright just because we are already hurting and HE is supposed to lead us, but listen, and then make known OUR thoughts. Buy if the price is right, but do NOT buy if the price is too high.
“Us Americans have for some 230+- years, with the help of literally millions of refugees from other parts of a world which was abusive to them, came here and figured out the best ways. Never perfectly did they do that, because times and situations change in a world which indeed seems to be shrinking so that what affects one now affects all. So our future may not be perfect either. But I believe the future for ourselves and for all those around the world who aspire to what we have always aspired to, is possible. And I believe that opposing and killing when necessary, all those who would take us down, is defensible.
“Obama is, in MY opinion, very wrong on some big issues facing this country. Hopefully he will realize his own inadequacies, and so choose true experts in all the fields of endeavor, knowledge, and responsibility he now will be facing to sit next to him and advise him. With NO "Yes Men" present. No matter Party affiliations----hopefully he will persuade the very best experts to help him. Obama needs the very best people this country has to offer in all sorts of disciplines, and he needs to listen to them!
“I kinda doubt that he will do that. Hopefully I'm wrong. But maybe he will get lucky in his choices, with people who, though they Do follow him in general, are willing to stand up and say NO (and here's why I say no), when OB[ama] begins to get off track. And he will need them because he does not have the expertise/knowledge needed to do what is going to be his new job, as, for all intents and purposes, the leader of the free world.
“That's a MONSTER step for THIS man, given his background.
“But I say give him a chance. Try in any way possible to help him, for THAT will be the only way we have to influence his decisions.”
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
2 comments:
Not every American must support Obama. President Bush was not supported by everyone because of a basic mistrust. I have a serious integrity issue regarding Obama and would not compromise integrity.Plus his campaign tactics were devious. Many Americans obviously were not concerned with integrity when they voted for Obama. In 4 years I intend to vote against Obama. He is not a president or person whom I can trust.
Anonymous,
As with all things in life, we choose – each of us chooses – to see what we wish to see. If we think negative, we see negative, and vice versa. Barack Obama is a flawed man, just as we all are. For better or worse, he has been duly elected to be our President. You have every right to think and say what you believe, just as I do. The Grand Republic and the citizens who are its life blood need to rise above flawed men, and we must help our President rise above parochial party politics for the sake of the Nation, just as George Washington did, just as Abraham Lincoln did, and just as Franklin Roosevelt did. I shall hope that you can find generosity in your heart to help the Country be strong and successful. Barack is just a man who will soon occupy an office.
Take care, think positive and enjoy.
Cheers,
Cap
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