YIPPEE! The Health Care Reform Bill Passed!

Although I think they could have done better on the bill, I'm glad that it passed. I have been reading blogs by some people who couldn't get life saving treatments or drugs because they either didn't have health care, or had inferior health care. Some passed way because the "richest country in the world" doesn't have a proper health care system. It is not just sad to me, it's scary! I might be diagnosed with a serous disease, and I don't have health care Insurance. I'm afraid that once I'm diagnosed that the insurance companies will reject me, and that one day I might be in a critical situation. Unfortunately health insurance companies can still reject someone with a previous diagnosis until 2014 even with this bill. However, it is better then what is happening now. Reform that saves lives is good in my eyes!

.

Read about the bill - WebMD: Myths vs. Facts

.

CBSNews - Health Care Reform Bill Summary: A Look At What's in the Bill

Is it 1984 again?

In 1984 Walter Mondale selected Geraldine Ferraro to be his running mate (VP). They lost to incumbent Pres. Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. Before Ferraro lost, there was such a feeling of hope, and elation. Women thought that they would make more inroads, be on more equal footing with men. We thought that things would be forever changed. But they weren't. Ferraro lost, and there were no changes. It was like nothing of significance ever happened. It would be almost 25 years before we had another chance. If you don't remember that. If you didn't feel elated, and hopeful. If perhaps you're to young to remember. Then with all due respect, you will not understand this post, or my feelings.

Last night Senator Obama became President elect, yet I didn't feel happy. In fact I feel a bit bitter, and marginalized. He could have taken women with him in his victory by choosing a female running mate, but he didn't. Hillary would have been the ideal running mate in my mind, but another woman would due. You're probably thinking that there weren't many women to choose from because there aren't many women in politics. Well, that's my point. Although women have made progress there still aren't as many women who hold high paying, (or power), jobs as men like lawyers, physicians, executives, and engineers. "Women and men are taxed at the same rate, but female workers are still paid only 77.8 cents for each dollar made by a man for the same job, according to the National Committee on Pay Equity...The vast majority of minimum-wage paying service jobs are still performed by women." We are the majority, slightly over 50% of the population, who are still being treated like a minority.

Last night and today I feel like I, (and women kind), have been kicked to the curb by a man. A black man, yes, but still a man. I feel marginalized. Was it one step forward and two steps back for women? Did Hillary & Palin make any lasting difference, or are we back to 1984?

I'm sure that in the months, and years ahead that I will be glad that Obama is my president. I voted for him, and have a similar beliefs. I will be thrilled when he brings our troops home from Iraq! I think that he will do a lot of good. But when I go to work I will see nurses who are predominately women, and doctors who are predominately men. I may be payed less then male CNA's. And my life will not be changed. He could have changed my life too, but he chose not to take me along for the ride.

So if I don't do cartwheels at this time. If I act a bit bitter over the next few days or so, you'll know why. To me this is a bitter/sweet victory, and I'm feeling the bitterness right now. Allow me to have my feelings. Allow me this moment. Please understand that I remember 1984.

I don't want to get into an argument. This is just how I feel. Thank you!

Barack Obama's grandmother has died

On the eve of the election Sen. Obama has lost the woman who helped raise him. His grandmother, "Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer." Obama recently interrupted his election race to say goodbye to her in Hawaii. "Dunham helped raise Obama from the age of 10." Click here for more about Ms. Dunham's life.

My thoughts & prayers are with the Senior, and his family. Obviously this is a bitter/sweet time in the Senator's life. If your so inclined you can send a card, or an email to Obama here.

The photo is of Sen. Obama's grandparents, Stanley and Madelyn Dunham, on a park bench in New York City while he was a student at Columbia University.

sources: see links above

Hate Crime? - Obama sign burned on black family's lawn

This happened here near Rochester, NY, in the suburb of Irondequoit. It made national news - MSNBC. They took the story from our local station WHEC-TV. This is the article condensed. Would you consider this a hate crime?...

Several Obama signs have been stolen from people's front lawns but what happened to a family in Irondequoit is a whole lot worse. They are the only black family on the street and their Obama sign was burned.

On John's (not his real name) front lawn was the burned metal frame of what was his Obama sign. Set on fire at night and for John, it brought back memories of attacks against African-Americans.

"They would terrorize good God-fearing Americans, usually black, by burning items - usually a cross on their lawns. I just see this as an act of domestic terrorism or something very similar to what the KKK used to do."

The street isn't a busy one, and the house is tucked away. On TV news they, said that there were several other Obama signs on the street, but this one was the only one burned.

"CNN Political Commentator David Gergen says he's worried about what might happen before the election. "There is this free floating sort of whipping around of anger that could lead to some violence. I think we're not far from that."

John says the burning of his political sign. "It made me feel as though an act of domestic terrorism has been delivered to my little part of the world, my very own property."

Irondequoit Police say they're going to investigate, although it's very tough to solve these crimes.

The local chapter of the ACLU said, in their opinion, this was a hate crime."

---------------------------------------
Folks, Sen. McCain, and Gov. Palin have been trying to link Obama to terrorism. Among other things they say that Obama was friends with a "terrorist" named William Ayers. Obama was a casual acquaintance with Ayers when he was 8 years old. Young Obama could hardly be held accountable for Ayers's behavior almost 40 years ago. There has been other instances. Please read this good article from the Associated Press: Congressman says McCain "sowing seeds of hatred. "Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and veteran of the civil rights movement, says the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign reminds him of the hateful atmosphere that segregationist Gov. George Wallace fostered in Alabama in the 1960s...During some rallies featuring McCain and Palin, supporters have shouted "traitor," "terrorist," "treason," "liar" and even "off with his head." With all these accusations against Obama I wouldn't be surprised if John's (the Irondequoit man) house was burned down! McCain really needs to stop implying that Obama is a terrorist, or this will soon lead to violence!

Please folks, read the facts on this...

FactCheck.org He Lied" About Bill Ayers? ..."McCain cranks out some false and misleading attacks on Obama's connection to a 1960s radical."

PolitiFact.com: A radical Ayers Allegation ..."This attack is false, but it's more than that – it's malicious. It unfairly tars not just Obama, but all the other prominent, well-respected Chicagoans who also volunteered their time to the foundation."

WashingtonpostFactChecker: Did Obama "lie" about Ayers? ..."The McCain campaign is distorting the Obama-Ayers relationship, and exaggerating their closeness. There is no evidence that Obama has "lied" about his dealings with Ayers. It would be more accurate to say that he "told the truth slowly," a regrettable but commonplace practice among politicians seeking to avoid embarrassing questions."

Main Source: msnbc article

WHEC Original Article

Quiz - Who do you prefer? - McCain or Obama

I found this cute, fun, simple quiz by a non-partisan website. It was created by young voters to focus on the issues. It over oversimplifies sometimes, and in doing so can be a bit inaccurate, but it will give you a general idea. It's a good tool for comparing candidates. Have fun. ;o)


Click her for Quiz - votegopher.com



Related Posts: Politics - Just the facts ma'am?...What's the Truth?

Photo credit

SNL: Tina Fey as Sarah Palin (Video)

On Saturday Night Live first skit - Tina Fey as Sarah Palin & Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton address the nation. It's a riot! It was the only great skit. Usually SNL Season Premiers are great, this one was disappointing. Senator Obama canceled because of hurricane Ike, also disappointing. This video priceless!

SNL - Palin / Hillary Open

Barack Obama to Appear On SNL Tomorrow

Barack Obama will make an appearance on "Saturday Night Live." It will be the senators second appearance. The Seasons Premiere will be this Saturday Sept. 13. SNL will be hosted by Olympian Michael Phelps. Alum Tina Fey may play Gov. Palin.

This ought to be a good one folks. Usually the Seasons Premiere is especially good. I hope that Fey plays Palin, she is a shoe in. Obama who has been virtually pushed off the radar by Palin needs to make a come back. Will this be it?


The photo is of Obama's first appearance on SNL in November where he played himself in a Halloween Party skit.

Politics - Just the facts ma'am! ...What's the Truth?

In my recent post titled "Obama, McCain, Palin, Biden - What's the Truth?" I talked about propaganda, spin, half truths, exaggerations, and sometimes outright lies in Politics. In a time of political speeches and debates, how do we judge what the truth is? In particular, I felt confused about senator McCain's V.P. pick Sarah Palin. Since she is relatively unknown the media has wiped themselves in a frenzy trying to be the first to get information out about her, and in doing so sometimes become careless in fact checking. Originally I gave you one tool to use fact checks which has a reputation of being very reliable. Since then I have found several others. Hopefully these tools will help us to see the facts.

Here is a list of my favorite fact checking tools. Some of these websites list other fact checking sites. If you have a favorite fact checker website please feel free to leave a comment about it.

Fact Check

PolitiFact

The Fact Checker - The Washington Post

Snopes

On The Issues I don't think this site qualifies as a fact checker, but it provides "non-partisan information for voters in the Presidential election."


Photo credit

Obama, McCain, Palin, Biden - What's the Truth?

I've been reading a few blogs recently that are noticeably slanted in their opinions concerning candidate/s during this election. They are full of propaganda that they have heard, accepted, and are just passing on. Remember that in elections and in war there is propaganda, spin, half truths, exaggerations, sometimes outright lies. Yes in BOTH parties, as well as BOTH sides of a war.

So during conventions, and political coverage with all the speeches, remember that even your guy (or gal) will probably say things that are propaganda. Also we are hearing some bashing by the media of the new V.P. pick Sarah Palin. Some of which is slanted, and some even sounds gender prejudice. So before you get on the bandwagon remember to do your homework, check the facts at FactCheck.org. Fact Check is a "nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics."

I want to stress that before entering into war a government uses propaganda trying to get the people on their side. It is more difficult for a government to wage war if the people aren't with them. "Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. ... Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." — General Herman Goering, President of German Reichstag and Nazi Party, Commander of Luftwaffe during World War II, April 18, 1946."

Of course propaganda can be used during a war by both sides. This is a WWII propaganda poster made by the allies to warn U.S. workers. "Allied propaganda typically portrayed the Japa­nese as nearsighted, bucktoothed caricatures or as monkeys, alternating between a subject of ridicule and an object of fear."


I found a good website that has a section about war time propaganda and the Media, it's call Global Issues.

So folks remember that propaganda abounds during election time and war time. Propaganda will be on both sides and it is upon our shoulders to discern correctly.

Good website to use..

Fact Checks

On The Issues

PolitiFact

Fact Checker Washington Post

Vote Gopher

Snopes

Global Issues Good for War Time

Related Posts -
Politics - Just the facts ma'am! ...What's the Truth?

Quiz - Who do you prefer? - McCain or Obama


Update: I added more factcheckers later.

Photo credit and here

Wordless Wednesday - JibJab

JibJab - Time for Some Campaignin'
(It's very funny, only about 2 minutes long.)

Nice Weather = Less Blogging

Nice Weather = Less Blogging

I'm sure that it's nothing new that people tend to blog less in summer. I will be one of them. Oh, I don't know how much less, but I imagine I will slow down some. You may tag me for memes and such, but please understand if I don't have time to do them. After a long hard Rochester winter I am out of hibernation, and want to get out and about. I want to go to festivals, beaches, see more movies, etc. Besides that I have to take care of a few things like get help for the depression, and concentrate on taking better care of myself. It's a good time to reprioritize.

A few subjects have come to my attention to blog about, but I will just touch on them...

What is going on John Edwards?

I can't figure him out. Why did he wait so long? He just backed Obama AFTER North Carolina voted. In my previous post "The John Edward Factor", I wrote how Senator Edwards, (of N.C.), could be a major player. Everyone thought that he would back either Hillary, or Obama before the North Carolina vote, and in so doing maybe rack up a few more delegates for his favorite. But he waited until the last minute, so his endorsement will not be as affective. It looks like he is just backing the Democrat that is leading. He also has stated again, that he does not want to run for Vice President. He's a relatively young, ambitious, politician who seems to be throwing in the towel. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it has to do with his wife's health. Or maybe he is interested in the V.P. position, but just giving us a load of crap.

Hallelujah! California legalizes gay marriage!



Now we have two states, Massachusetts and California. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi plan to wed. Congratulations ladies! But is it me, or do we seem backwords? After all Canada has already legalized gay marriage. We are slow, doing it one state at a time. For a country who says that they are for civil rights, we sure are taking our time about it.

Wordless Wednesday (well almost)

Clinton vs. Obama debate in Philadelphia Wednesday on ABC 8:00 EST

BARACK OBAMA LOST! Hillary Clinton Challenged.

Senator Barack Obama has LOST! Who would have thought it would end this way? It's so sad.

Hillary's Challenge



Obama's Sad Response. He Lost!

If Allowed, Florida, Michigan Could Tip Nomination

• Story Highlights
• Florida, Michigan stripped of delegates for scheduling primaries too early
  
• States have 366 Democratic delegates -- enough to put a candidate over the top
  
• Clinton, Obama running tight race; likely won't clinch nomination before convention
  
• Party leaders fighting to get their state delegates seated

Florida and Michigan could go from having no say in the Democratic nominating process to deciding the nominee if their states' political leaders succeed in getting their delegates seated.

The Democratic National Committee stripped both states of their delegates for violating party rules by scheduling their primaries too early.

But Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are running such a tight race that it looks like neither candidate will get the 2,024 delegates needed to clinch the nomination. If Florida and Michigan count, their delegates could put either candidate over the top. The states have 366 pledged delegates and superdelegates between them.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist says "common sense would dictate that every vote should count.

"The argument that we are making is that the people of our respective states voted. They cast that precious right. They made their voice heard, and those delegates who represent them should be seated at both conventions," Crist said on CNN's "American Morning." ... Continued...

Read the whole story at... CNN Politics

Similar Story... Democratic Party debates primary do-overs in Michigan and Florida

Picture credit

Big Wins for Clinton in Texas and Ohio; McCain won G.O.P. Choice

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton defeated Senator Barack Obama in the Ohio and Texas primaries on Tuesday, ending a string of defeats and allowing her to soldier on in a Democratic presidential nomination race that now seems unlikely to end any time soon. Mrs. Clinton also won Rhode Island, while Mr. Obama won in Vermont. But the results mean that Mrs. Clinton won the two states she most needed to keep her candidacy alive.

The Associated Press reported that all told, Mr. Obama retains his lead in the delegate count, with 1,477 pledged delegates compared to Mrs. Clinton’s 1,391. The A.P. said that 170 delegates from Tuesday’s contests have yet to be assigned, many from the Texas caucuses.

On the Republican side, Senator John McCain swept to victory in Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont and claimed his party’s nomination, capping a remarkable comeback in his second bid for the presidency. Mr. McCain’s main remaining rival, Mike Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas, announced he was dropping out minutes after the polls closed and pledged his cooperation to Mr. McCain.

Read about it- The New York Times

Photo credit

Obama visits Edwards in Chapel Hill, North Carolina - NC

Barack Obama flew to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to see John Edwards. Has an endorsement been agreed upon?

"CHAPEL HILL NC -- Sources tell Eyewitness News Senator Barack Obama landed at RDU around 11:30 this morning unannounced.

He was then whisked away by the secret service to the Edwards home in Chapel Hill. Obama advisors say he wanted a private setting to avoid a media circus.

Chopper 11 captured the only glimpse of what could possibly result in a coveted endorsement from John Edwards" ... continued ...

Read more, and see "exclusive" Photo of them hugging- ABC WTVD Raleigh-Durham NC

Folks North Carolina's primary is May 6 and they have 134 delegates to give. John Edwards endorsement before that date could be as good as gold. What do you think? Will Edwards side with Obama? Or will he choose Hillary? Time is getting short.

Related Story - The John Edwards Factor

The John Edwards Factor

Recently Mitt Romney endorsed Sen. John McCain's bid for the White House, asking his national conventions 280 delegates to swing behind McCain.That reminded me. What about former candidate John Edwards?

Edwards has 26 delegates pledged to him. That may not sound like much, but in a closely contested race such as we have witnessed between Hillary, and Obama, it could make a significant difference?

Obama is now leading. There is no agreement on how much of a lead he has. Newspaper reports very from 25 delegates to about 109, (stats from McLaughlin group). Hillary is expected to take Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, and possibly Wisconsin boosting her delegate count. If she holds her own in other states it could be a virtual tie... again. Hillary is also retooling her campaign including appointing a new campaign manager.

I have heard much talk about the possible scenario of super delegates deciding who the winner will be. But what about John Edwards? What if at the last minute he endorsed either Hillary, or Obama. Could his 26 delegates make a difference? Could John Edwards possible be the one person to swing the decision? Or not?

Related Story: Obama visits Edwards in Chapel Hill, North Carolina - NC

(He is a handsome devil, don't you think?

Super Tuesday Results- The Winner Huckabee?

Former Paster Mike Huckabee pulled a fast one on the political analysts Tuesday. Everyone else did as was predicted, more or less. Even though the primaries generally has been full of surprises.

Hillary, and Obama had a virtual tie as predicted. There is talk that this trend might continue, and that the super delegates might have to choose.

John McCain kept his momentum, and is the front-runner as predicted. Remember this is the same guy who once ran out of campaign money, was doing poorly, and everyone said he would, or should quit. Now he has a respectable lead in the GOP. Die hard conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Laura Ingraham are against McCain, and think he is "liberal" which may make things harder for him down the road.

Mitt Romney, he didn't do so well. He failed to impress. A few political analysts said that he might drop out of the race, but it doesn't seem so. The guy reminds me of a slick used car salesmen who would say, or do anything to get you to buy what he is selling. Talk about a flip floppier! But McCain has done his share of it too.

Mike Huckabee knocked peoples socks off on Tuesday. No one expected him to do well at all. They thought that he was all washed up. Yes, he came in 3rd, but not to far behind Romney, and did well in the southern states. I always thought that his campaign slogan should be "I like Mike". It sounds like "I like Ike", the slogan that was used in the presidential campaign of Pres. Eisenhower.

Huckabee is a likable guy. Being an former preacher he knows how to talk to a crowd, get his message across, and make them laugh. He seems relaxed, yet in control. He seems like the kind of guy you might want to have a beer with, (or tea, I'm not sure if he drinks). But be careful of his politics, because he seems right of Pres. (W.) Bush! Huckabee is a conservative, and a half. Did you know that he wants 2 amendments in the Constitution - concerning abortion, and gay marriage.


By the way, he is buddies with McCain, and there is now talk of a McCain/Huckabee ticket.

Ron Paul is running a distant 4th. No one is talking about him anymore. Is he still in the race?

If one of the 3 front runners becomes president, history will be made. Obama would be the 1st black pres, Hillary 1st female, McCain oldest. Also it is unusual for a senator to become president. Could this be a turning point? What do you think?


FACTBOX: Profiles of presidential hopefuls

It's Super Tuesday Please VOTE!

This is my super bowl! I have wine, pizza, chicken wings, and chocolates. I will watch the results on my T.V. tonight with great anticipation. It's exciting! I don't remember a primary like this! Not ever.

I have finally decided. It was a very difficult decision. Both Obama, and Hillary looked very good, but I will vote for Hillary.

Superbowl and Super Tuesday also Oprah's Back

My Superbowl is Super Tuesday. McCain, Romney, Clinton, Huckabee, Paul, and Obama are the players. The field is wide open.

I recently heard that the Superbowl is this Sunday. I think that the Giants are going to play. I'm not sure who the opposing team is, and frankly I'm not into it. My Superbowl is Super Tuesday! I will be home in front of the T.V, with beer, pizza, and/or Chicken wings. There may even be some shouting.

I know that it may not decide a definite winner, but it will be exciting. I'm still struggling trying to figure out who to vote for. I'm leaning towards Hillary at the moment.

Voters in 24 states will head to polls or caucuses Tuesday. More than 2,000 Democratic delegates, including unpledged "super delegates," are at stake in 22 states, representing 52% of all delegates who will attend the nominating convention later this year. And more than 1,000 Republican delegates are up for grabs in 21 states, or about 43% of total delegates.

On Sunday, Oprah Winfrey is returning to the presidential campaign trail to headline a California event for Senator Barack Obama.

The Wall Street Journal: After Super Tuesday, Delegate Math

CNN Politics: Candidates gear up for Super Tuesday

U.S. News and World Report

The New York Times: Oprah's Back

CNN Politics: Transcript of Thursday's Democratic presidential debate (Obama, Clinton)