Some Conservatives See Race in Powell's Obama Endorsement

10-20-2008

Colin Powell's decision to endorse Barack Obama has sparked a mini-debate of sorts over both the significance of the endorsement itself and the role that race has and will play during this campaign.

In the immediate aftermath of his appearance on Meet The Press, several prominent GOP officials - ranging from the established to the extreme - defined the announcement more by skin color than ideology.

The most crass interpretation came from talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, who wrote the Politico's Jonathan Martin the following:

"Secretary Powell says his endorsement is not about race... OK, fine. I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed. I'll let you know what I come up with."

Later in the day, Pat Buchanan echoed Limbaugh's refrain. "Alright, we gotta ask a question," he declared on MSNBC, "look would Colin Powell be endorsing Obama if he were a white liberal Democrat..." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/19/limbaugh-george-will-powe_n_135968.htm

10/20/2008
By Daddy



Well it didn’t take long for the Rethugs to turn on their whipping boy now did it?
Yep General Colin Powell stood up in front of the UN, and the world to back his boy George Bush on the war in IRAQ. General Colin Powell has been an upstanding Rethug himself all his life. And when brother has a different idea on how this country should be run, it’s all about race. Funny how this shit never made a difference as long as Black folk were voting for White men. White men that for the most part simply pandered to Blacks for their vote then turned their backs to never pursue the campaign promises they had made to us. Nope no racism there, just good old politics.

Let me ask you this. What did these people think was going to happen with a Black man running for president? I’ll give you this comment from the Huffington post forums. Besides, I couldn’t break it down any better:

Let's see here...

We have supporters at McCain/Palin rallies voicing their racial hatred of Obama. McCain and Palin do little to control this. They even deny it.

Then, we have Limbaugh saying that blacks have being training their children for 30 years to be militant so they can take over the country.

Then, we have a guy at a McCain/Palin rally carrying a stuffed monkey with an Obama sticker on it.

Next, we have a Republican woman in California who prints up "Obama Bucks" with Obama's head on a donkey's body with watermelon, fried chicken, and ribs on the backdrop of a food stamp.

And last, but not least, we have a guy in Ohio with an effigy of Obama hanging from a tree in his front yard. The guy is supporting McCain/Palin because this country should not be run by a black man.

And yet, Colin Powell is supposed to be a good "boy" and go along for the ride? Hello! Colin Powell is black, too! And yet, the Republicans expect him to just sit there and take these insults.

They attacked a man with life-long loyalty to the Republican Party long before he came out and endorsed Obama. And gee, if McCain had just stuck to the issues and not gone this route, maybe Powell would have still endorsed him. So, you shouldn't be surprised, Buchanan and Limbaugh. You can't have it both ways.

Madinirose Posted 09:58 AM on 10/20/2008 at The Huffington Post.com

Okay, let’s forget that General Powell took almost eight minutes to explain exactly why he was endorsing Obama. And he explained it very well. Besides the scathing note for note condemnation of the Rethuglican party for NOT getting the job done this past eight years, General Powell was just as crystal clear in his criticism of John Insane’s attacking Barack Obama as a Terrorist. Explaining that the people don’t want to hear that bullshit right now while they lose their pensions, homes, jobs, life savings, and their friggin minds! Nope don’t want to hear that shit right now.

Here we have General Colin Powell:

Colin Luther Powell (born April 5, 1937[citation needed]) is a retired General in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001–2005), serving under President George W. Bush. As a General in the United States Army, Powell also served as National Security Advisor (1987–1989) and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993), holding the latter position during the Gulf War. He was the first and, so far, the only Jamaican American to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff or in the Cabinet.
Powell obtained an MBA from George Washington University in 1971 and then served a White House fellowship under President Richard Nixon. (Wikipedia)

Well if you didn’t catch the interview on Meet the Press, check the video when you get a chance. General Powell is very clear in his reasons for endorsing Barack Obama.

And if that isn’t enough let us not forget that:

BEFORE the endorsement Barack Obama drew 100, 000 people to the Arch in St Louis.

BEFORE the endorsement Obama raised $150 million in one month.

BEFORE the endorsement people of all backgrounds in this country were backing Obama for CHANGE.

And let’s give a big shout out to General Powell for explaining the damage being done not only in our own country but around the world by the discrimination of those folks of Islamic faith that work and die for the privilege of living in this country. Bravo General Powell!!!!!

PEACE!

Daddy.

“License to Twang”

10-17-08

I’ve known Jinx since 1976. He was this skinny white guy with a guitar case that may have bigger than he was. But believe me, that had no effect on his guitar playing.

James brown was his influence at that time, and Jinx could tell you every little nuance in any Brown record. This is what brought him to Distinctive Movement. A band known at the time for deep down funk original tunes.

We had a gig for a year and a half playing at a little club called Smitty’s Playroom and Lounge. We must have backed up every blues singer on the Chittlin Circuit. But between the blues dates was a chance to debut the original material that worked so well for us, allowing the band to do a lot of opening act work, and tour the country.

The following are from press releases on Jinx Jones, but I just wanted to put in my two cents before you read on.

Jinx Jones is a helluva musician. I don’t believe there is any one kind of music he can’t do. My wife and I visited Jinx this year out in San Francisco where we found him on a Jazz gig, and playing the hell out of it.

If you ever get the chance to catch one of his shows, make the gig. If you can get off on truly good music, check him out. And for those of you that think you don’t like swing, well don’t be fooled. This man can give you quite the education on every music move there is.

We love ya Jinx!

PEACE!

Daddy.

Jinx Jones honed his musical skills on the burgeoning Denver original music scene of the 1970’s and 1980’s. With brief stints in both Los Angeles and Houston, Jones’ studied music in concert halls, nightclubs, and theaters throughout the United States.

During the summer of 1976 Jinx was a member of the Denver Colorado R&B group Distinctive Movement who performed concert dates with Natalie Cole. Later that summer they also backed soul-singer Howard Bomar in opening slots for Johnny Taylor, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, the Dells, the Sylvers, and Hot Chocolate.

Jinx has led his own bands with significant success in both Colorado and California. His first showcase band was Jinx Jones and the Jaguars, who in the early 1980’s had several records on regular rotation airplay in the Denver market. The band relocated to Los Angeles where they were immediately noticed by the musical press.

Jinx joined the popular doo-wop show band, Tom Slick in 1978 and toured the United States extensively throughout that year. During this time, he was part of a musical group that backed many touring shows that appeared at AstroWorld in Houston, Texas. It was during this time that Jinx first appeared with Rock n’ Roll legend Chuck Berry. Jinx performed with Berry off and on from 1979 through 1988, playing in one of Berry’s many regional touring bands.

Another dimension of Jinx Jones’ music is his impressive songwriting. Winning several songwriters’ awards, Jones’ continues to write songs that explore unknown territory, while telling a story that can reach out and touch every listener.

Jinx added guitar tracks to the R&B album “In Search of the Last Trump of Funk” by the Nation Funktasia. During 1991 and 1992 Jinx played with R&B superstars En Vogue on their triple platinum album “Funky Divas,” and played both guitar and bass on their signature hit “Free Your Mind.” Other sessions with En Vogue followed, but Jinx Jones was then moving into another musical direction, and his days as a sideman for hire were quickly taking a back seat to his pursuit of a solo career.

In 2000, Jinx Jones released his solo rockabilly CD, “License to Twang” which received stellar reviews form national magazines such as Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, and Blue Suede News. His current rockabilly band the KingTones have appeared on National Public Radio and are a popular attraction in the California market.

http://www.jinxjones.com/jinxjones.html

Altered Obama photo in GOP club newsletter sparks outrage

By David Kelly, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer October 17, 2008

A Republican women's club in San Bernardino County sent out a recent newsletter with a photo of Barack Obama surrounded by fried chicken, watermelon and ribs, sparking widespread outrage and rebuke from GOP leaders and Democrats.

The illustration shows the Democratic presidential candidate's head atop a donkey's body on a bogus $10 bill referred to as "Obama Bucks." Inscribed on the money are the words "United States Food Stamps" surrounded by stereotypical African American food.

The October newsletter went out to about 200 members of the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated, based in Upland."I apologize to anyone who was offended because that was not my intent," said club President Diane Fedele. "It was poor judgment on my part. It was strictly an attempt to point out the outrageousness of Obama's statement that he doesn't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills."The caption reads: "Obama talks about all those presidents that got their names on bills. If elected, what bill would he be on ????? Food Stamps, what else!"

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-foodstamps17-2008oct17,0,6531930.story

McCain/Palin supporters let their racist roots show

Thanks to JD Mason for sending this out!


By David Neiwert Thursday Oct 16, 2008 10:31am

Obama's fiercest opponent in Ohio?

Misinformation and Prejudice
Posted by Casey Kauffman, Al Jazeera at 1:41 PM on October 15, 2008.

Small town McCain/ Palin Ohioans reveal hate, fear and racism in the American Midwest.

As the US presidential campaign enters its final weeks, both the Republican and Democratic candidates are hitting the swing states.

But misconceptions and rumors abound and many voters have their facts about the candidates all wrong. Some believe that Democrat Barack Obama is a Muslim, for instance. Casey Kauffman talked to some Republican supporters after a rally by Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, in Ohio.

Transcript:

Now an Al Jazeera camera crew caught the honest sentiments of McCain/Palin supporters at an Ohio rally:

“I’m afraid if he wins, the blacks will take over. He’s not a Christian! This is a Christian nation! What is our country gonna end up like?”

“When you got a Negra running for president, you need a first stringer. He’s definitely a second stringer.”

“He seems like a sheep - or a wolf in sheep’s clothing to be honest with you. And I believe Palin - she’s filled with the Holy Spirit, and I believe she’s gonna bring honesty and integrity to the White House.”

“He’s related to a known terrorist, for one.”
“He is friends with a terrorist of this country!”

“He must support terrorists! You know, uh, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. And that to me is Obama.”

“Just the whole, Muslim thing, and everything, and everybody’s still kinda - a lot of people have forgotten about 9/11, but… I dunno, it’s just kinda… a little unnerving.”

“Obama and his wife, I’m concerned that they could be anti-white. That he might hide that.”

“I don’t like the fact that he thinks us white people are trash… because we’re not!”

Yep, McCain must be so proud.

The rest of us, well ... let's just say those polls should tell the story.

[H/t to Ta-Nehisi Coates, via Spencer Ackerman. Transcript via Prose Before Hos.]
UPDATE: Transcript altered to reflect, as some commenters point out, that the man in the video did not use the actual "N word."

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/mccainpalin-supporters-let-their-rac

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/103162/

Rant # 610,000

10-17-08

I was talking with my nephew last night. It’s good to see him so into the political thing. He’s wanting answers to why there are so few that have everything, and so many that have nothing. But that’s not what this rant is about.

This rant is about racism once again. But hopefully we won’t have the type of conversation this time as we did last time.

I was trying to explain to Tyler, (that’s my nephew) that what Black folks achieved from marching and protesting in the 1950’s through the 1960’s was a great thing. But the generation that came next dropped the ball. And please don’t get me wrong, I’m part of that next generation. But after our parents secured a better life for us from their pain and suffering, we in turn became comfortable. We in turn became satisfied with the few new avenues that were open to us. But being comfortable has allowed racism to sneak back in and rear it ugly head with Barack Obama being so close to winning in November.

Now is the time for our younger generation to pay attention. I know they’re checking out what’s going on with the presidential election, and they see and hear these little tidbits that are not quite right.

“Kill him”. Terrorist”. “Arab”. (And by the way, what wrong with being a Muslim or Arab? I thought this was the land of the free.)

This is what they’re seeing and hearing. This is what they have heard about all of their lives but never really understood, and probably thought they would never have to come into close contact with it anymore. Well my young brothers and sisters. (Brothers and sisters meaning all those everywhere including White Folks) It’s here. Certainly not as strong as before, but it’s here none the less.

During Sarah Palin rallies, chants of terrorist, and traitor were heard from the crowd. To which Sarah Palin should have at that moment stopped and put those people in their place. But that didn’t happen. Neither did it happen when “kill him” was shouted at another rally. And leave us not forget that John Insane asks the question “Who is he?” “Where is he from?” “What do we really know about him?”

And the MSM doesn’t seem to have any problems finding those that will simply not vote for a Black man. And if you were reading the blog a few weeks ago you know perfectly well how cruel and insensitive some folks can be. Oh and did I forget ignorant?

I don’t know, and maybe this is just me, but even though I know there are folks out there that hate me because of my color, I wish them no ill will. I do not spend my every waking moment thinking of these people. I’m sure I run into two or three of these people everyday. But in a working environment who’s to say who’s a bigot, and who is not? My point is, our young folks need to recognize that racism comes in all shapes and sizes. And by the way things have been going lately I’d say it’s not going anywhere soon. Just remember to be the best that you can be. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And never forget where you come from. Never forget where it is you’re going, and where you have been. And teach your children that nothing comes easy. Teach them to not become comfortable with the state of the nation as it is today.

I would hope that they will not allow this to be swept under the rug. I hope they don’t become complacent just because a Black man has finally come this close to being the POTUS. I hope they see this boil on society as it really is.



I think I'm most impressed with the younger generation that they don't feel that it's out of the ordinary for a Black man, or a Woman to run for president. Because in their lifetime it's nothing to see a Woman or Black man in an important position. And hopefully their children will not have to deal at all!



It’s time for people to come together... And so far it seems that there are millions of folks that feel the same way. It may be 50 years later, but without effort from all of us, things will remain the same.

Where I can now drink from the fountain of my choice, you will have elected the first Black American President of the United States.

PEACE!
Daddy.

Wave Of McCain Robocalls Reported, Some May Violate State Law

October 16, 2008 04:37 PM

The McCain-Palin campaign and the Republican National Committee launched a massive robocall campaign on Thursday designed to alarm voters about Barack Obama's past association with former radical Bill Ayers. The committee may be violating state law in the process.


The call begins: "Hello. I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC," before telling recipients that they "need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist, Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home, and killed Americans."


More remarkable than the message (coming after a presidential debate in which John McCain said he didn't care about a "washed up terrorist") is the reach of the campaign itself. The Huffington Post received dozens of emails from voters who had either received the call or gotten a voice mail with a recording. Reports came from Ohio, Colorado, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Texas and Maine.


Two readers in Minnesota also reported receiving the call, which
could be a violation of that state's laws. Explains Shaun Dakin, CEO & Founder of the National Political Do Not Contact Registry:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/16/massive-rnc-robocall-may_n_135348.html

Today Is Your Day!

Today is Your Day

I don't care if you lick windows, take the special bus or occasionally pee on yourself. You hang in there sunshine, you're friggin' special. Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad, is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Today is International Disturbed People's Day. Please send an encouraging message to a disturbed friend... just as I've done.

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short. Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.

Thanks to Phyllis Kajiwara for sending this to a disturbed friend!

You all have a great and blessed weekend. PEACE!

Daddy.

JAKARTA LIVE @ LITTLE BEAR SALOON / Oct.17th & 18th

The Jakarta Band, Denver's HOTTEST old school funk and R&B band.

OCTOBER 17-18, 2008

LITTLE BEAR SALOON
EVERGREEN, CO

9-100 A.M

Hey Now Everybody!!

The Jakarta Band will be @ The Little Bear Saloon this weekend, so don't miss your chance to see this high energy Da funk, and Nutin But the Funk group of musicians tear the roof off!

The band is usually doing corporate events, but we have to get into a club every now and then just to let our hair down, and let the Funk hang out! And it's great to get back to our many fans, who after all these years have been faithful to the group.

It has been a busy year for the group. Besides twice the amount of events performed in 2007, Jakarta spent a week with the Democratic National Convention here in Denver Colorado.

And not one to leave anyone out, Jakarta traveled to Minneapolis MN this past September to gig for the Republican National Convention also.

Jakarta @ The Excel Center for the RNC

Sponsored by AT&T, these two weeks proved to be a great stepping stone for the group. 2009 will bring many more events, and national exposure for The Jakarata band..

Jakarta on stage at Klub Karma in Minneapolis MN for the RN

Latest News:

This past summer saw some changes within the group.

Roz Swinton (vocals), and Bruce (Lauren Brooks) Naylor (guitar), said their goodbyes to move on to more fruitful endeavors on their own. And we wish them Gods speed. Peace ya'll.

Darrin Johnson for whom I must say is the baddest drummer around, found himself in Bejing China for the new Cirque du Soleil show coming in 2009. Right on DJ!!

So this brings us to the newest members of Jakarta.

We say hello to our new vocalist, Ms Selina Albright. Selina is a blessing. Besides the amazing vocal range, she is pitch perfect and is able to slide up and down the scales then do long sustains, throw in a vibrato, then create a sound as smooth as glass, with great fluidity. (now damn thats good!!!) Oh yeah, she also kicks the funk in the ass. If you get a chance check out her myspace page. Very talented sistah!

Also coming on board is an old friend, and my younger brother who as one of the original Hot Lunch Band, Jinx Jones and Friends, and Scatterbrain is another of the premier drummers in the region. Mr. Arlen Felsen on drums. Hey ARLEN!!

When you get a chance check out Arlen's American Bistro. Great food!!

And last but not least on guitar joining the group is Chuck Fisher. Chuck is a master of the fret board encompassing many styles, but the brother has the Funk, and nothing but the Funk. BuYah Chuck!

Before I go I have to say Jakarta has been blessed throughout the years. And I can't leave without giving a shout out to the hardest working woman in show business.

Korin Points!!!

As the manager of Jakarta, Korin has shown the ability not only to convince everyone in the free world they have to hire this group, but with an entourage of 12 - 14 people at a time somehow she always comes through.

From event planners to stage, and lighting techs, caterers, valet, whatever, it all gets done. I was very impressed with 15 straight days of gigging and she still has all of her hair. Bravo!!!!

Well I hope to see you all at Little Bear this weekend.

And whether you can, or you can't, you all have a great and blessed day.

PEACE!

Daddy.

How Sarah Palin Has Excluded African-Americans

Posted October 14, 2008 12:49 AM (EST)

On April 29, 2008, 14 leaders of Alaska's black community met with Gov. Sarah Palin to voice discontent with her minority hiring record. Palin's response, which was first reported by journalist Earl Ofari Hutchinson, only compounded her icy relationship with her African-American constituents

Gwen Alexander, the president of the

African-American Historical Society of Alaska, told me that Palin stated defiantly that she had no intention to hire any minority staffers. And according to Bishop Dave Thomas, senior pastor of Anchorage-based African-American church Jesus Holy Temple, the Palin administration excluded black business owners from the Alaskan oil and gas pipeline board. "We weren't even able or allowed to go into the meetings" to seek contracts for the pipeline, Thomas told me.

Palin further alienated Alaska's black community by becoming the first Alaskan governor in recent memory to not recognize the Juneteenth celebration of the emancipation proclamation. "She doesn't hire any black people, she doesn't have any on her staff, so it's not a surprise that she doesn't support our Juneteenth celebration," Alexander said.

These revelations and many more are contained in my latest video, which was produced with support from the Nation Institute Investigative Fund.

Update: Sarah Palin's rural affairs director has abruptly

resigned, citing Palin's lack of commitment to hiring Native Americans.

NOW investigates a secret Republican plan designed to disqualify voters.

Voter Caging & Housing WorksHow secure is your right to vote?


Was there a White House plot to illegally suppress votes in 2004? Is there a similar plan for the upcoming elections?

This week NOW examines documents and evidence that points to a Republican Party plan designed to keep Democrats from voting, allegedly by targeting people based on their race and ethnicity with key battleground states like Ohio and Florida of particular interest. "It was a partisan, discriminatory attempt to challenge voters of color," Eddie Hailes, a senior attorney for The Advancement Project, a civil rights group, told NOW.


http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/330/video.html

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/330/

As the Violence Soars, Mexico Signals It's Had Enough of America's Stupid War on Drugs

By Silja J.A. Talvi, AlterNet. Posted October 14, 2008.

The U.S.-financed War on Drugs has had savage results in Mexico, and now its president wants to decriminalize pot, cocaine and heroin possession.
Even on his most homicidal of days, Al Pacino's character in Scarface couldn't even approach the level of drug trafficking-related brutality bleeding down Mexico's streets. It is no longer unusual for the Mexican news media to report on yet another, freshly decapitated head stuck atop a fencepost or a metal spike, or a garbage bag filled with body parts, usually with a hand-scrawled note or placard attached.

That amounts to a cartel's calling card, and it's usually delivered in the form of a warning to a rival cartel, or for the Mexican authorities to stay away and stop seizing their drugs. Other times, it's just a chilling placard intended to strike terror into the hearts of the people who come across the gory scene and the text: "Ha Ha Ha." To be sure that their message is heard, cartels are known to send regular text messages to newspaper reporters, place newspaper advertisements, or to even upload their own killing videos (sometimes accompanied by narco-corridos as background music) to YouTube.

Mexican drug cartels are, rather effectively, fighting the government's War on Drugs with their own War of Terror, often swelling their ranks (and combat/terror tactics) with former members of law enforcement. The Zetas, for instance, are members of former Mexican counter-narcotics squads (some with U.S.-assisted training under their belts), who have become the self-proclaimed and much-feared hit men of the Gulf cartel.

http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/102857/as_the_violence_soars2C_mexico_signals_it%27s_had_enough_of_america%27s_stupid_war_on_drugs/





12 months ago: Packages of cocaine seized during an operation are displayed at the 15th Infantry Battalion camp in the port of Tampico, northern Mexico, October 6, 2007. Mexican soldiers seized at least 10 tons of cocaine after a gunbattle with drug smugglers at a northern port town on Friday, the army said. The shootout happened during an anti-drugs operation in Tampico in Tamaulipas state, territory of the Gulf Cartel, one of the two most powerful Mexican drug gangs.

Cold chill through my body

10-13-08

Last week John Insane’s wife Cindy spoke about her son’s in Iraq, and Barack Obama voting to not fund the war. Now beside the fact there would be no war if not for her husband, and his boy Georgy, John Insane voted many times not to fund the war in Iraq.

Below are just a few of those times. Hit the link to see a complete list.

I guess Cindy Insane must be frigid by now, seeing how many times her husband voted against the troops! And that could explain why he's always so grumpy. It can be like that when you're not getting any at home!!!!!!!

PEACE!

Daddy.

At a rally in Bethlehem, Pa. last week, Cindy McCain spoke about having two sons serving on active duty: "I'm proud of my sons, but let me tell you; the day that Senator Obama cast a vote not to fund my son when he was serving sent a cold chill through my body. I would suggest that Senator Obama change shoes with me for just one day, and see what it means."

McCain's Non-Support for Troops and Veterans: The Master List


Senator John McCain's Record on Troop and Veterans' Issues
Voting Against Veterans

Veterans Groups Give McCain Failing Grades. In its most recent legislative ratings, the non-partisan Disabled American Veterans gave Sen. McCain a

20 percent rating for his voting record on veterans' issues. Similarly, the non-partisan Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a "D" grade for his poor voting record on veterans' issues, including McCain's votes against additional body armor for troops in combat and additional funding for PTSD and TBI screening and treatment.

McCain Voted Against Increased Funding for Veterans' Health Care. Although McCain told voters at a campaign rally that improving veterans' health care was his top domestic priority, he voted against increasing funding for veterans' health care in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. (Greenville News, 12/12/2007; S.Amdt. 2745 to S.C.R. 95, Vote 40,

3/10/04; Senate S.C.R. 18, Vote 55, 3/16/05; S.Amdt. 3007 to S.C.R. 83, Vote 41, 3/14/06; H.R. 1591, Vote 126, 3/29/07)

McCain Voted At Least 28 Times Against Veterans' Benefits, Including Healthcare. Since arriving in the U.S. Senate in 1987, McCain has voted at least 28 times against ensuring important benefits for America's veterans, including providing adequate healthcare. (2006 Senate Vote #

7, 41, 63, 67, 98, 222; 2005 Senate Votes # 55, 89, 90, 251, 343; 2004 Senate Votes # 40, 48, 145; 2003 Senate Votes # 74, 81, 83; 1999 Senate Vote # 328; 1998 Senate Vote # 175; 1997 Senate Vote # 168; 1996 Senate Votes # 115, 275; 1995 Senate Votes # 76, 226, 466; 1994 Senate Vote # 306; 1992 Senate Vote # 194; 1991 Senate Vote # 259)

McCain Voted Against Providing Automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustments to Veterans. McCain voted against providing automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments for certain veterans' benefits. (S. 869, Vote 259,

11/20/91)

McCain Voted to Underfund Department of Veterans Affairs. McCain voted for an appropriations bill that underfunded the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development by $8.9 billion. (H.R. 2099, Vote 470,

9/27/95)

McCain Voted Against a $13 Billion Increase in Funding for Veterans Programs. McCain voted against an amendment to increase spending on veterans programs by $13 billion. (S.C.R. 57, Vote 115,

5/16/96)

McCain Voted Against $44.3 Billion for Veterans Programs. McCain was one of five senators to vote against a bill providing $44.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, plus funding for other federal agencies. (H.R. 2684, Vote 328,

10/15/99)

McCain Voted Against $47 Billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs. McCain was one of eight senators to vote against a bill that provided $47 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs. (H.R. 4635, Vote 272,

10/12/00)

McCain Voted Against $51 Billion in Veterans Funding. McCain was one of five senators to vote against the bill and seven to vote against the conference report that provided $51.1 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as funding for the federal housing, environmental and emergency management agencies and NASA. (H.R. 2620, Vote 334,

11/8/01; Vote 269, 8/2/01)

McCain Voted Against $122.7 Billion for Department of Veterans Affairs. McCain voted against an appropriations bill that included $122.7 billion in fiscal 2004 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and other related agencies. (H.R. 2861, Vote 449,

11/12/03)

McCain Opposed $500 Million for Counseling Services for Veterans with Mental Disorders. McCain voted against an amendment to appropriate $500 million annually from 2006-2010 for counseling, mental health and rehabilitation services for veterans diagnosed with mental illness, posttraumatic stress disorder or substance abuse. (S. 2020, S.Amdt. 2634, Vote 343,

11/17/05)

McCain opposed an Assured Funding Stream for Veterans' Health Care. McCain opposed providing an assured funding stream for veterans' health care, taking into account annual changes in veterans' population and inflation. (S.Amdt. 3141 to S.C.R. 83, Vote 63,

3/16/06)

McCain Voted Against Adding More Than $400 Million for Veterans' Care. McCain was one of 13 Republicans to vote against providing an additional $430 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs for outpatient care and treatment for veterans. (S.Amdt. 3642 to H.R. 4939, Vote 98,

4/26/06)

McCain Supported Outsourcing VA Jobs. McCain opposed an amendment that would have prevented the Department of Veterans Affairs from outsourcing jobs, many held by blue-collar veterans, without first giving the workers a chance to compete. (S.Amdt. 2673 to H.R. 2642, Vote 315,

9/6/07)

McCain Opposed the 21st Century GI Bill Because It Was Too Generous. McCain did not vote on the GI Bill that will provide better educational opportunities to veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, paying full tuition at in-state schools and living expenses for those who have served at least three years since the 9/11 attacks. McCain said he opposes the bill because he thinks the generous benefits would "encourage more people to leave the military." (S.Amdt. 4803 to H.R. 2642, Vote 137,

5/22/08; Chattanooga Times Free Press, 6/2/08; Boston Globe, 5/23/08; ABCNews.com, 5/26/08)

Disabled American Veterans Legislative Director Said That McCain's Proposal Would Increase Costs For Veterans Because His Plan Relies On Private Hospitals Which Are More Expensive and Which Could Also Lead To Further Rationing Of Care. "To help veterans who live far from VA hospitals or need specialized care the VA can't provide, McCain proposed giving low-income veterans and those who incurred injury during their service a card they could use at private hospitals. The proposal is not an attempt to privatize the VA, as critics have alleged, but rather, an effort to improve care and access to it, he said. Joe Violanti, legislative director of the Disabled American Veterans, a nonpartisan organization, said the proposal would increase costs because private hospitals are more expensive. The increased cost could lead to further rationing of care, he said." (Las Vegas Sun,

8/10/08)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brandon-friedman/mccains-non-support-for-t_b_131046.html

Huffington Post Brandon Friedman Posted October 1, 2008 06:52 PM (EST)

Letter from Lareezy.

Oct 13 2008

The following is an email from my pahtnah Larry King.

Mr. King and his beautiful new bride Kimberly just got back from their honeymoon in Greece. And while there, had the opportunity to speak with other folks from around the world about our elections here in the United States.

I had to post this email, and the story following. Just seemed like the right thing to do.

First because in the minds of Americans it’s nobody’s business what we do. But how can we call our President the leader of the free world? If this were so, we would take more of an interest in what our friends around the world have to say. It is very clear that the world does NOT want to see John Insane elected president.

I think it scares the people in charge that Barack Obama could command such a following around the world. I haven’t seen an article or story on John Insane’s popularity around the globe. If you have, please send it to me. I’m very curious as to what they have to say about the man.

PEACE!

Daddy.

“This article is EXCELLENT. Kim and I heard the very same sentiment again and again from nearly every Greek citizen we met. The same went for Asians and other Europeans we encountered. OVERWHELMING support for Obama! When I wore my "I'm For Obama" button LOTS of folks commented positively. The only negative reactions I got were from AMERICANS!! It's ironic that the rest of the WORLD 'gets it', and (roughly) half the U.S. DOESN'T! Go figure, eh?”

Peezy fo' sheezy,Lareezy

A succinct editorial from Jonathan Freedland of the British newspaper"The Guardian" on the upcoming US election.

"If Sarah Palin defies the conventional wisdom that says elections aredetermined by the top of the ticket, and somehow wins this for McCain,what will be the reaction? Yes, blue - state America will go into mourning once again, feeling estranged in its own country. A generation of young Americans - who back Obama in big numbers - will turn cynical, concluding that politics doesn't work after all. And, most depressing, many African - Americans will decide that if even Barack Obama - with all hisconspicuous gifts - could not win, then no black man can ever be elected president.

"But what of the rest of the world? This is the reaction I fear most. For Obama has stirred an excitement around the globe unmatched by any American politician in living memory. Polling in Germany , France , Britain and Russia shows that Obama would win by whopping majorities, with the pattern repeated in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America . If November 4 were a global ballot, Obama would win it handsomely.

If the free world couldchoose its leader, it would be Barack Obama. "The crowd of 200,000 that rallied to hear him in Berlin in July did so not only because of his charisma, but also because they know he, like the majority of the world's population, opposed the Iraq war.. McCain supported it, peddling the lie that Saddam was linked to 9/11. Non -Americans sense that Obama will not ride roughshod over the international system but will treat alliances and global institutions seriously: McCain wants to bypass the United Nations in favour of a US - friendly League of Democracies.

McCain might talk a good game on climate change, but a repeated floor chant at the Republican convention was "Drill, baby, drill!", as if the solution to global warming were not a radical rethink of the US's entire energy system but more offshore oil rigs. "If Americans choose McCain, they will be turning their back on the restof the world, choosing to show us four more years of the Bush - Cheneyfinger. And I predict a deeply unpleasant shift. "Until now, anti - Americanism has been exaggerated and much misunderstood: outside a leftist hardcore, it has mostly been anti - Bushism, opposition to this specific administration.

But if McCain wins in November, that might well change. Suddenly Europeans and others will conclude that their dispute is with not only one ruling clique, but Americans themselves.For it will have been the American people, not the politicians, who will have passed up a once - in - a - generation chance for a fresh start – a fresh start the world is yearning for. "And the manner of that decision will matter, too. If it is deemed to have been about race - that Obama was rejected because of his colour - the world's verdict will be harsh.

In that circumstance, Slate's Jacob Weisberg wrote recently, international opinion would conclude that "the United States had its day, but in the end couldn't put its own self - interest aheadof its crazy irrationality over race". "Even if it's not ethnic prejudice, but some other aspect of the culture wars, that proves decisive, the point still holds. For America to make a decision as grave as this one - while the planet boils and with the US fighting two wars - on the trivial basis that a hockey mom is likable and seems down to earth, would be to convey a lack of seriousness, a fleeing from reality, that does indeed suggest a nation in, to quote Weisberg, "historical decline". Let's not forget, McCain's campaign manager boasts that this election is "not about the issues."

"Of course I know that even to mention Obama's support around the world is to hurt him. Incredibly, that large Berlin crowd damaged Obama at home, branding him the "candidate of Europe” and making him seem less of a patriotic American.

But what does that say about today's America, that the world's esteem is now unwanted? If Americans reject Obama, theywill be sending the clearest possible message to the rest of us - and, make no mistake, we shall hear it."

Former federal prosecutor decries William Ayers link

William C. Ibershof, who in 1973 tried to convict the former radical, is 'amazed and outraged' over John McCain's attempts to raise doubts about Barack Obama.

By Gale Holland, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer October 13, 2008

One of the more unusual voices to emerge in the clamor over the character attacks in the presidential race belongs to William C. Ibershof, a former federal prosecutor who now lives near San Francisco.In 1973, Ibershof tried to put William Ayers, a founding member of the Weather Underground, in prison for an alleged conspiracy to bomb political targets. Ayers, now an education professor in Chicago, has become a fixture in John McCain's attempt to raise doubts about Barack Obama.

Obama met Ayers when the former radical hosted an event to introduce Obama at the start of his political career. The two have served together on boards, but are not close."It seemed manifestly unfair to tar him with this association," Ibershof said in a telephone interview this weekend from his home in Mill Valley. "Sen. Obama had known Ayers during a period he was named Citizen of the Year in Chicago, not when he was committing those terrorist acts."So Ibershof wrote a letter to the New York Times, saying he was "amazed and outraged" that Obama was being linked to the former radical's terrorist activities, which occurred when "Mr. Obama, was, as he has noted, just a child."

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-ayers13-2008oct13,0,3632087.story

http://www.newsday.com/topic/la-na-ayers13-2008oct13,0,3536464.story?track=rss-topicgallery

Fact Check: Is Obama 'palling around with terrorists'?

October 10, 2008

Gov. Palin commented about Sen. Obama and William Ayers at a rally in Carson, California Saturday.

The Statement: Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin said Saturday, October 4, that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is "someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country."
Watch: Is Obama a terrorist's pal?

Get the facts!

The Facts: In making the charge at a fund-raising event in Englewood, Colorado, and a rally in Carson, California, Palin was referring at least in part to William Ayers, a 1960s radical. In both appearances, Palin cited a front-page article in Saturday's New York Times detailing the working relationship between Obama and Ayers.

In the 1960s, Ayers was a founding member of the radical Weather Underground group that carried out a string of bombings of federal buildings, including the Pentagon and the U.S. Capitol, in protest against the Vietnam War. The now-defunct group was labeled a "domestic terrorist group" by the FBI, and Ayers and his wife, Bernadine Dohrn — also a Weather Underground member — spent 10 years as fugitives in the 1970s. Federal charges against them were dropped due to FBI misconduct in gathering evidence against them, and they resurfaced in 1980. Both Ayers and Dohrn ultimately became university professors in Chicago, with Ayers, 63, now an education professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Obama's Chicago home is in the same neighborhood where Ayers and Dohrn live. Beginning in 1995, Ayers and Obama worked with the non-profit Chicago Annenberg Challenge on a huge school improvement project. The Annenberg Challenge was for cities to compete for $50 million grants to improve public education. Ayers fought to bring the grant to Chicago, and Obama was recruited onto the board. Also from 1999 through 2001 both were board members on the Woods Fund, a charitable foundation that gave money to various causes, including the Trinity United Church that Obama attended and Northwestern University Law Schools' Children and Family Justice Center, where Dohrn worked.

CNN's review of project records found nothing to suggest anything inappropriate in the volunteer projects in which the two men were involved.

Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt told CNN that after meeting Obama through the Annenberg project, Ayers hosted a campaign event for him that same year when then-Illinois state Sen. Alice Palmer, who planned to run for Congress, introduced the young community organizer as her chosen successor. LaBolt also said the two have not spoken by phone or exchanged e-mail messages since Obama came to the U.S. Senate in 2005 and last met more than a year ago when they encountered each other on the street in their Hyde Park neighborhood.

The extent of Obama's relationship with Ayers came up during the Democratic presidential primaries earlier this year, and Obama explained it by saying, "This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood … the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago — when I was 8 years old — somehow reflects on me and my values doesn't make much sense."

The McCain campaign did not respond Saturday to a request for elaboration on Palin's use of the plural "terrorists."

Verdict: False. There is no indication that Ayers and Obama are now "palling around," or that they have had an ongoing relationship in the past three years. Also, there is nothing to suggest that Ayers is now involved in terrorist activity or that other Obama associates are.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/05/fact-check-is-obama-palling-around-with-terrorists/

From the Bayou to Baghdad: Mission Not Accomplished

By Amy Goodman, King Features SyndicatePosted on September 5, 2007 Printed on October 16, 2008

http://www.alternet.org/story/61716/

During the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, several dozen public-housing residents and activists marched to the headquarters of the Housing Authority of New Orleans. The marchers occupied the offices for hours.

As the military and police surrounded the building, Sharon Sears Jasper, a displaced resident of the St. Bernard housing project, spoke: "We are not going to stop. We refuse to let you tear our homes down and destroy our lives. The government, the president of the United States, you all has failed us. Our people have been displaced too long. Our people are dying of stress, depression and broken families. We demand that you open all public housing. Bring our families home now."

In contrast, the day before, I had asked Mayor Ray Nagin if he made any demands of President Bush as they dined together the previous night. Bush had just spoken at a school named for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose issues of race and poverty are starkly laid bare in New Orleans. Unlike those who had lost their homes, the mayor replied, "It wasn't a time for demands."

Tracie Washington is the president of The Louisiana Justice Institute and a lifelong resident of New Orleans. She says only a quarter of the more than 5,000 affordable housing units in New Orleans are filled. "There is a feeling by our government that public housing of old needs to be dismantled, buildings shut. We have litigation going right now to change that, but it's horribly slow, and it's tragic."

She describes the plan by which public housing will be converted to "mixed-income" developments: "Some of these developments that are closed down took in no water. But the decision was made to take advantage of an opportunity. Hurricane Katrina came. 'Look what we can do. We can keep these people away from here, bring in the bulldozers, tear down this housing.'"

It is not just renters. Private housing is being demolished as well. Washington described how the city instituted a stunning policy to allow the legal demolition of homes. Whereas once homeowners would have at least 120 days and several layers of appeals to prevent their homes from being demolished, Nagin instituted an "Imminent Health Threat Demolition" ordinance. He now gives residents only 30 days to stop demolition.

To the tens of thousands of New Orleanians scattered across the country, the city's scant notice -- a sticker attached to the property plus mentions on a city website and in The Times-Picayune newspaper -- is clearly insufficient. According to The Times-Picayune, in addition to homes being destroyed, liens are placed on properties for the cost of the demolition, setting the stage for the displaced owners to lose their property to the city.

That is why groups like Common Ground Collective, The Louisiana Justice Institute and People's Hurricane Relief Fund and Oversight Coalition are taking action, on the streets and in the courts.

According to Common Ground's founder, Malik Rahim, of the more than 12,000 people previously in the lower 9th Ward, only about 400 live there now. Where once there was a dense, vibrant African-American neighborhood, I walked with Rahim through tall marsh grass, vacant lots and destroyed churches and schools. A few isolated, damaged brick homes remain.

Curtis Muhammad, a longtime resident of New Orleans and a member of People's Organizing Committee, believes the economic interests driving the failing reconstruction must be investigated. "People see [Donald] Trump down here trying to buy real estate, the big tycoons. The gated communities are growing faster and faster. Look at public housing. They could have knocked that out in a week if they wanted to, cleaned it up. That's a lot of people that they could have just brought home. You can't explain that."

Two years after Katrina, as Bush flew from the bayou to Baghdad, a People's Hurricane tribunal -- putting every level of government on trial -- was wrapping up in New Orleans. A group was selling T-shirts there that reads: "Don't believe the hype. Gulf Coast recovery is not 'slow' -- it is a privatization scheme that takes away our homes, schools, hospitals and human rights." Mission accomplished?

Amy Goodman is the host of the nationally syndicated radio news program, Democracy Now! View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/61716/

THIS PICTURE SAY'S IT ALL ABOUT MCINSANE AND CARIBOU BARBIE!

10/10/2008

I couldn't let this one get away without posting.

I received this from my friend Sethe this morning. Thanks for sharing.

The shirt reads "Nigger Please, It's a White House".

Now we know for sure what we've seen during the Sarah Palin / John McInsane rallies.

A Klan meeting in disguise.

Daddy.