How Dan Sees It

Part 1: Homosexuality and gay rights

2009-01-21T00:21:00.000-05:00

Here's is the first post of three (I hope) on irreconcilable differences I have with the Church. I believe there is nothing morally wrong with homosexuality, period. At 2SecondsFaster we've been discussing this in relation to Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. From what I've read so far of the summary/explanation the book club is reading, is that it's the same arguments that have been mentioned by Christians in general over and over.

In any case, I find nothing wrong or unnatural about it. The fact is that homosexual behavior has been observed in countless species, including our closest relatives (biologically speaking). To call it unnatural is absurdity, it is performed throughout the natural world. "But we aren't animals!" people will argue. Quite simply, that is false. We are animals, mammals in fact, so that is simply denial of fact. "But we can reason, we're above them so we don't need to engage in this sinful behavior!". Yes, we do have higher reasoning powers (though apes and dolphins seem to be coming closer with each new study), but the fact remains that higher reasoning has simply led to better conclusions in regards to preserving our species and society (thus why we've taken over much of the planet and have no longer have any natural predators). The fact that gays are unable to naturally reproduce is not a strike against them in our society. They could very well adopt orphaned children, much like homosexual penguins do. Afterall, a household is better than no household, even if you think homosexality a s in. It simply doesn't make logical sense to think otherwise. Homosexual sex is not a perversion of sex either, as many continue to argue. Men have pleasure areas that are affected by homosexual sex, as do women. The pleasure during sex was originally to encourage its happening, otherwise what person would have thought to initiate sex in the first place? It was a protective measure. Perhaps pleasure spots in homosexual sex were nature's original forms of contraception. Perhaps if a wondering group would grow too large from more members, then individuals would perform homosexual acts. We are not the only species to have sex for pleasure either, and so it would have been nothing new.

Now, moving on from homosexuality, we have gay rights. Religious individuals in general fight against gay marriage on the grounds that marriage is between a man and a woman. This is true in various forms of Christianity and other religions, but it is nowhere near true of all religions. All gays should be able to receive the government benefits we provide straight couples. I would have no objection to renaming the government institution, and allowing religious institutions to save the word "marriage" for themselves (though, again, this would not bar gays from marrying in the religious sense either). They are two consenting adults showing a commitment to one another that benefits the government and society at large, and thus should be able to receive the benefits straight couples do for doing the same.

Alright, that's it for now. Didn't touch anywhere near everything, but that's what discussion is for : ).

And so it begins...

2009-01-14T00:07:00.000-05:00

    As many of you know, I have a strong faith in God. Some of you know enough about me to know I was brought up in the Catholic Church. I've finally decided to speak out as to why exactly I left the Catholic Church. This post will be serving as an introduction to the series I hope to write on the criteria that led to my decision. It will look at why, no matter how much I may want to, I do not see myself reconciling with the Church and becoming once again a full-fledged Catholic any time soon. I will always recognize Catholicism for the impact it has had on my life, my thought process, and its importance as a part of my heritage. I consider myself a lapsed Catholic, and will likely continue to do so, as I feel I have no other alternatives.

    There are quite a few reasons why I made the decision to leave. I have glossed over many of them during my time writing, and now I hope to go more in depth within this series of posts. Among these reasons are homosexuality and gay rights, contraception and sex ed, and papal and biblical infallibility. In each post within this series I hope to address each of these topics, along with any others that commenters bring up, in depth along with a (hopefully) meaningful dialogue.

    I know my track record is spotty in regards to posting, and it very well may be as break comes to an end and school work, the Student Senate, MSU, PHENOM, the Examiner, and possibly another writing project with the Mass Media take over my life. However, I will try and post something at least once a week.

I hope you're reading, because things are just about to get interesting.

-Dan

Busy, busy, busy

2009-01-08T07:16:00.000-05:00

I'm still writing, it really is that I'm not doing it here. I don't haver time to log in here and post a preview each time I write a new piece for the examiner, and that along with my involvement in my school's student senate and my workload is just catching up with me.

However, don't despair! I'm adding the RSS feed of my new gig on the side of this page. Please stop by, read, and comment.

I hope you all had a great holiday season.

-Dan

Be a Hero Save a Blog Contest by Bloggled!

2008-12-15T19:14:00.000-05:00

Go over to Bloggled, open account, and begin backing up your blog (for free!) and you could win a 16GB iPod Touch! What are you waiting for? Go!

Many Updates

2008-10-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

Hey, those of you who continue to come here: thanks :). I may yet be writing some posts here that don't relate to those I'm writing for the examiner.

That badge to the upper right that says I'm an examiner is linked to my main page that will show my most recent article, below which is a list of my past articles. Please go through and read them. Hopefully I'll remember to update this blog with a preview of the happenings at the Examiner and a link to read more.

Meanwhile, Here's what I've written since my last post(most recent to oldest):

Question 1: to pay or not to pay

Debate is McCain's last chance

Obama unveils economic plan for Main Street

Democrats more trusted than Republicans according to new poll

Gloucester to allow distribution of contraceptives

Good news and bad news

2008-10-08T22:11:00.000-04:00

Bad news first, I won't be writing out a full reaction to last night's debate. I do think Obama edged out McCain for various reasons, but I don't have the time to do a nice long post like I am accustomed to.

Good news, my first article is live :). My articles can all be found here and is titled "Obama successfully paints McCain as warhawk".

Thank you all for your support. Please read the stories I post, the more views I get the more likely it is I might make some decent money. Pass it on far and wide. Thank you all :)

Tonight's Debate

2008-10-07T23:01:00.001-04:00

I have a multitude of notes on tonight's presidential debate. My reaction will follow tomorrow, hopefully on the Examiner's Boston edition in the "Politics" section. I sent in all the required documentation, so hopefully I get my log in and whatnot soon. I'll keep you all posted.

Job Update

2008-10-07T17:29:00.000-04:00

Alright, so I got a call today from the Boston edition of the Examiner. I got a job :). So whenever I write a post for them (three days a week is "recommended") I will post a preview here. After that you'll need to click a link so I can generate views and add to my pay (it's based solely on traffic) so certainly feel free to send it to your friends. It will be much appreciated :).

Religion and Politics

2008-10-03T13:07:00.002-04:00

Separation of church and state has long been held as a doctrine of this country, and has been one of the most controversial. From school-led prayer,to ID to the controversy of the words "Under God" being on money and in the pledge of allegiance. Now being challenged is the provision in the tax code that provide churches tax exemption. Under this provision churches (as an orginization) are not permitted to endorse candidates running for office if they wish to retain tax exemption.

This past week fifty churches sought to challenge this law. The sermons focused on political issues and candidates in the upcoming presidential election. Some did go so far as to endorse the candidate, a blatant attack on this tax code. A watchdog group filed complaints against 6 of the churches for their sermons, and action is being awaited. The churches pledge should the IRS take penal action they will challenge the law as far as the Supreme Court, seeking a verdict overturning this 'stifling of free speech' (as supporters of these churches see it).

However, a new set of polls released by PewForum seems to indicate a majority of Americans disagree. The polls indicate a majority of Americans disagree with the idea of churches endorsing a particular political candidate. The interesting thing is that the statistics seem to stay constant across the board as the polls go from more to less religious, somewhere in the mid to upper sixties.

Seems most Americans in fact want this wall (and this portion of the tax code) to stand. I agree. If I go to church I am going for spiritual guidance, not what essentiall amounts to a political demand. If I truly believe the path of the religion, the pastor, etc no endorsement should be necessary as it would be repetitive and a moot point. An endorsement by a particular church would seem to me as a confession that either they are not confident in the job their doing or are trying to "command" (for lack of a better word) those on the fringes or those who are unsure where their spiritual fulfillment lies but hold a particular sympathy for one church or another.

The feeling for a need to endorse a candidate should be unnecessary. If the message is getting across, those who lisen to the sermons ought to be able to see for themselves who is the better candidate in the view of their church.

VP Debate Reaction

2008-10-03T10:55:00.001-04:00

Last night's VP debate was not nearly as exciting as I had hoped it would be. I pictured fireworks and some more below-the-belt shots from each side. Instead, I found most of the debate fairly dull. The most excitement seemed to happen in my own living room. One roomate (the only libertarian) began an argument that eventually led to a shouting match and a self-imposed quarantine on his part. I missed about five to ten minutes of the debate, but it might just have been worth it. The surge of emotion woke me up and I found myself paying more attention to the remainder of the VP showdown.

Biden destroyed Palin on foreign policy, plain and simple. That was expected and no amount of preparation on her part would likely be able to counteract that. An advantage for Palin though was that Biden often came across as long-winded and absorbed in various senatorial nuances. Great to show off experience, but you're going to lose interest from the audience that way. Palin though, did seem to hold her own when it came to domestic policy, going toe to toe with Biden. Both (surprisingly) avoided any major gaffes (however I think that "five week statement" might just come back in an ad sometime). Palin was able to repair her image (partially shattered by the Couric interviews), but I don't think she's brought herself completely back to the American people. The interview has made them wary, and bringing them back will be no easy task. Despite the repairs she made to her image last night, I personally didn't get the feel that she is anymore ready to be VP, or president should it come down to it, of this country. She exceeded the standards expected of her, but that alone is not enough to convince me she is capable of taking on the job she is running for (though it certainly may help McCain's chances in the polls). In the end though, I think Biden won on points, but Palin's improving image may just slow Obama's growth in the polls. Outside of that though, I don't think this debate had too much of an effect.

Though perhaps thats a bit biased since I lost Palin bingo last night to one of my room mates.

VP Debate Tonight

2008-10-02T18:16:00.001-04:00

Tonight at 9 Biden and Palin will face off. Who will win? Who will lose? Who will make the most gaffes?

We'll know in a few hours. Be sure to tune in.

Vote No on Question 1

2008-10-01T18:13:00.002-04:00

Alright, like many college students I originally thought repealing the income tax might just be a good idea. Force the government to cut waste, give my parents back some cash (which will in turn likely benefit me) and it would only force the government of Massachusetts to become more efficient.

Wrong. Today I had my first official meeting as a student senator at my college. While waiting for the committee meeting to begin we began discussing the ballot question. I was shocked to learn from a fellow senator (the chair of my school's Budget and Finance Committee) that fees are set to increase another four thousand dollars as early as next year should this question pass. I cannot believe that funding cuts would come at the level of higher education, rather than programs that are overstaffed and/or over funded, or a cut altogether of programs that have failed/are failing, etc. But no, instead it seems the cuts will be in the state system of higher education. Logically, I don't see how it makes all that much sense. Yes, state schools will still be cheaper in comparison, but a raise of that extent, especially that quickly, will certainly prevent many of those who cannot afford anywhere but a state school to suddenly not being able to afford a four year school period.

Add in this economic mess, and it will likely have to go up even more than that 4,000 dollar estimate, not to mention all the cuts that would happen elsewhere in the education system. It simply will not help to cut even more funds from the government at this time.

After learning how this will likely affect the higher education system of this state (perhaps one of the best state systems in this country) I will not be voting yes on question 1 on November 4th. I ask you all to join me, but ultimately that is your decision to make. Do all the research you can, as I will continue to do on all the ballot questions.

Remember, the Massachusetts voter registration deadline is October 13th. Get registered and vote November 4th, no matter what your opinion. Participation and inclusion is what we need in politics. Our voter turnout rate is awful compared to other modernized countries, let's fix that starting now.

Job Application

2008-10-01T18:12:00.000-04:00

Alright, so this afternoon I applied for a position as a freelance blogger in the area of politics, indicating my preference being social political commentary. They asked for a sample, so I did some quick thinking and wrote a short article on Deval Patrick's thought on the bailout idea, so here it is:

Governor Deval Patrick announced via a blog post last week that he has mixed-feelings on the bailout bill. He understands the need to save insurance companies such as AIG, but also see that tax payers need protection from this crisis as well. It only fits that there are misgivings about the bailout plan. 700 billion may as well be a blank check, and there is not a guarantee the government could earn it all back through the troubled properties they receive. On top of that, it is the American tax payers who are paying for this plan, and it is such a large number tax payers will be paying this off for years to come unless the government is able to sell these properties for a profit. Though it isn't impossible, it is certainly valid concern, as the nation is already has such a large debt. A bailout plan should go forward, but tax payer protection, and market place regulation, are key so that tax payers are not stuck footing the bill for greed and irresponsibility on Wall Street.

Let Her Speak!

2008-09-29T09:21:00.000-04:00

It seems that the sentiment that Sarah Palin needs to be more available to the media is being echoed by members of the Republican party. Romney has apparently joined in, and (supposedly) McCain also disapproves (though one has to wonder, he's gone against campaign advice before, why not now?).

Palin should be released into the wild. The American people have a right to know who exactly they are putting in the white house, a mere heartbeat from the presidency should the 72 year old nominee make it into the oval office and die during his term. It is certainly a legitimate concern given McCain's health history and how the presidency can age someone.

Give Palin free reign, let her prove herself to the American public. If she truly is a pitbull, a barracuda, or any other fierce animal for that matter she should do fine. Time to sink or swim.

New Link

2008-09-29T00:45:00.005-04:00

I have again added a new link. Turn the Clock Forward is definitely worth a visit. Certainly an interesting perspective and each post, comment reply, etc is well thought out and well done. Definitely take a look.

Debate Reaction

2008-09-27T20:33:00.002-04:00

Alright guys, sorry I haven't posted in so long, college has been eating my life and whatnot. Before I go into my reaction to the debate, I wanted to give a quick update on the Catholic confirmation front. It's looking as if I am not going to be rejoining the Church any time soon because of lack of time, and also a second guessing of myself. As things happen I'll keep you posted.

Now, to the meat of the matter, the debate. Last night's debate was to be on foreign policy, bur for obvious reasons the economy took up a good half or so of the debate time. Overall, I think the debate came out as a tie, or perhaps a slight win for Obama. McCain needed a decisive victory here, afterall this is supposed to be his turf, and he simply didn't get the win. Obama seemed to comfortably hold his own against McCain and I think this may very well have been his best debate yet.

Obama owned the first half of the debate, not only because he started strong but because he has an incredible edge on the economy as an issue (though both floundered on potential program cuts due to the proposed bailout). McCain then seemed to regain ground, but I think his attempts to label Obama as naive or "not understanding" fell flat in the end, as (I think) Obama's attempts to tie McCain to Bush. The second half of the debate seemed to be a sparring match as each went back and forth making accusations, counter-accusations and so on. There were seemingly no major gaffes and no clear cut winner. There weren't any memorable or sound byte worthy moments, but it was interesting to see the two go back and forth on foreign policy. Quite simply though, I don't think McCain got the results he needed to turn the momentum, which can only help Obama as the debates turn to issues that neither candidate, or Obama, has a perceived edge. Obama has passed his most difficult hurdle in the debate topics by holding his own with McCain. The next few debates, including the VP debates, ought to prove incredibly interesting.

Conversion Factor.

2008-09-18T11:26:00.005-04:00

Well, this will either make things interesting, or nothing at all will change, but here it goes.

The past few months, as some people know, I have been debating/struggling/etc with my own personal faith. Not in terms of God, that was always solid, but rather whether I felt I should return to the Roman Catholic Church, seek elsewhere, or continue on my present course. With this battle came a few other personal battles over the political stances I hold and whether any, some, or all fit the views of any one church and whether I felt I could ever in good conscience join or rejoin a church as a functioning member.

But before I made a decision, I did my research. I looked at various churches, read through my Bible, prayed, etc. (This is probably surprising for some of you, but I tend to keep this sort of stuff in a private sector). I've arrived at my decision (I hope). But this wasn't the only epiphany I feel I had.

After four years of being pro-choice, I'm jumping back across the fence. But before you cheer or groan, read on. Neither side is really going to be satisfied by how I feel, though its likely pro-choicers will be more accepting. I am pro-life, but solely as a personal philosophical and moral sandpoint. I think the laws of this country should continue to favor the mother discussing options with her doctor until such time that abortion is either eradicated (aside from the health of the mother, rape, and incest cases) or technology develops that makes the death of the fetus unnecessary. Now its unlikely either of these will come around any time soon, and in the case of the former option 'never' is more likely. Since that is the case I personally will not be pushing for the overturning of Roe v Wade, nor will I be pushing for severe restrictions on abortion, at least not until this country is in a place where abortion has become outdated or incredibly uncommon for "convenience" reasons. I will continue my support for comprehensive sex education with an emphasis on abstaining, which I have held ever since introduced to the issue.

It's likely neither side will think there is any true significance to my stance. Pro-choicers will feel they have no more or less competition, and pro-lifers will likely see no significance in this as I am not personally aiding in the pro-life cause either through(likely) my vote, my thoughts/opinion, or through action. By that alone I know some will condemn me or laugh to think I now consider myself pro-life, but so be it. It's possible few people, or none (barring myself) will understand the true significance of this, but that's just how the world works.

Now, with all that being said, I am going to attempt to reunite myself with the Roman Catholic Church. I am hoping to join a program that will lead to my confirmation some week or two after Easter, it's dependent upon whether or not space is still available and whether or not there is any cost (since I will now be paying rent, bills, etc for an apartment).

For those who knew about a portion of this I thank you for your help and support. For those who think this is all just a bunch of BS or something of that nature, please just keep your commentary to yourself. It won't help anyone and likely will just get me ticked off :).

Obama Regains Lead in Polls

2008-09-18T11:10:00.001-04:00

Obama now has nearly a 2 point lead in the polls according to RealClearPolitics. Not only that, but his favorability rating has also increased as McCain's slightly dipped. Also, the electoral map on RealClearPolitics has had quite a few changes made in terms of toss up states. McCain still leads electorally, but state polls are typically slower to come in. Chances are in the next few days the electoral lead will likely go Obama's way, or at least come close.

Personally, I think this election cycle it's all going to come down to Ohio (as always) but likely also Virginia. Looking at trends on RCP and poll numbers, that's how I think it stands right now. But there are still over 50 days left 'til election day so who knows how much things will change.

Palin Refuses to Cooperate with Investigation

2008-09-16T15:23:00.006-04:00

Sarah Palin has decided not to cooperate with the investigation now underway as to whether or not she abused her gubernatorial powers. What an about face coming from the straight-talk express. Now she is claiming Obama's campaign has 'politicized' the issue.

Now, this begs the question, how does his campaign politicize the issue when a) a republican-dominated legislature approved an investigation with bi-partisan support and b) the investigation began BEFORE she was selected as McCain's running mate? Now people may say that the investigators are democrats and de facto Obama supporters, therefore they will look harder and with more scrutiny to find something. To that I simply have to say: So what? Isn't that a good thing? Any wrong doing by a public official, espescially involving corruption charges, ought to be investigated thoroughly without question! A few weeks ago Palin herself said she had "nothing to hide."

So much for her joining McCain on the straight talk express (not that he's done much of that lately either given his most recent attack ad against Obama). My question is- if you have nothing to hide, why not cooperate and allow the probe to continue? It simply makes the Democrats look like desperate fools when nothing turns up and you have the trust of the American people for cooperating and being cleared of the charges levied against you. She has nothing to gain by switching positions and everything to lose if the report finds something without her cooperation, espescially since the results will be released less than a week before election day. Guess it goes to show you can put lipstick on an elephant, but at the end of the day its still in the room.

EDIT (3:50PM):

Allies of Sarah Palin are now suing to try to end the probe into whether or not Sarah Palin abused her power in the firing of a state police chief. Five Republican state legislators filed the suit and are asking a judge to halt the suit accusing the investigators of being unable to balance their political views and alliances with a need for finding the truth.

Unbelievable, absolutely ridiculous.

"Don't Change Your Number..."

2008-09-16T13:35:00.006-04:00

So it seems the 527s are back. Each side has launched its attacks. The Democrats have aired an ad featuring one of McCain's fellow POWs saying McCain is 'unfit to lead' due to his temperament. The Republicans on the other hand have a brand new 527 on the scene getting all the attention. Bornalivetruth.org is airing ads in Ohio and New Mexico hammering Obama for voting against a bill banning live birth abortions. The 30 second ad features an abortion survivor from the late 1970s (Gianna Jessen) speaking of Obama's votes and saying he denied those who survived abortion the right to life (despite a pre-existing bill already protecting such rights).

The 527 group itself was founded by Jill Stanek, a prominent pro-life blogger. I learned of the 527s existence yesterday, as I do frequently comment/debate on Stanek's blog. The group is heavily funded by former Mitt Romney supporter Raymond Ruddy, who donated over 350,000 dollars to begin the air buys.

With less than 60 days to go in the presidential race, tensions run high and campaings are becoming more and more heated. These outside attack ads ought to make things more interesting as voters' attention is drawn from the candidates and to these outside political groups.

One has to wonder, why does the American public focus on these groups without asking/researching the candidates themselves?

I'm sure we'll hear reactions from each campaign soon regarding these 527s. That in and of itself will turn into yet another media circus. And so the cycle continues.

McCains Ads Have Gone 'Too Far'

2008-09-15T10:30:00.000-04:00

Wow, it seems Karl Rove has said that McCain's attack ads have gone too far. Now, with Rove's track record we should all realize just how serious this is, and yet how funny/ironic. This will make things interesting.

Rove has also laid similar criticism on Obama, but considering Obama is the Democrat running for office that comes as no surprise.

Rove has further advised each side to 'be careful' about the ads and statements they put out.

The fact that Rove seems to offer political advice to whoever will listen each week seems funny to me, simply because no politician is willing to let people think Rove influences them after what the public has seen come from his camp.

This could make things interesting though, let's see if McCain heeds Rove's advice. For once I think Rove is right- McCain's last ad is full of complete and utter distortion as well as attributing statements to Obama that Obama didn't even make!

And so the race continues, we'll see if either candidate calms down his attacks on the other at all. My money is firmly placed on 'No'.

Clinton to replace Biden?

2008-09-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

Rumors are everywhere on the net these days. People have begun predicting Biden will fall "ill" and Clinton will humbly move in and accept the role as VP. They cite evidence such as Biden's statement that Hillary may have been a better choice, as well as Bill Clinton's confident prediction that Obama will win (as well as their private lunch where they hammered out some details, supposedly).

Now my response to this is- why? What sense does it make? Choosing a VP is the first "presidential" decision each candidate makes. Changing now, with weeks to go until election day, just makes Obama appear weak and lacking in the judgement department. Not only that, but what voters will it win over? A majority of Clinton supporters are already voting Obama, and the PUMAs out there won't switch to Obama even if he taps Clinton as his number 2.

The Democrats are already risking losing with Palin flying out of left field playing the role of loving mother turned national politician, and they're losing ground in general polls against the Republican party. Why risk further decline with this kind of shake up? The risks far outweigh the possible benefits.

Hopefully the party has the sense not to try and push this issue, if it even IS an issue. We'll soon see. The announcement would have to come within the next couple of days are else it would be FAR too late.

-Dan

GOP Vote Suppression Tactics

2008-09-14T22:22:00.004-04:00

So, it seems the GOP is already beginning to come up with voter suppression tactics in key states. One GOP official from Michigan siad they would be using home foreclosure lists to try and challenge voters. The GOP official has since recanted, however who knows this day in age if that's true or not. We may not know until election time when these challenges are formally filed. However, there is an open admission in possibly attempting the age-old attempt of voter caging. In any case, the voter challenges are strategically done and placed to create long lines (discouraging people from voting or preventing people from voting due to today's packed schedules) and/or discourage individuals from fighting the process and making sure their vote is counted. Those most vulnerable tend to be those serving the armed forces, the homeless, minority groups, and students. Often it is these groups who become frustrated and don't follow through and/or do not know enough of their rights to fight it.

I encourage you all to be sure that you are registered correctly. If you are unsure, look for a way to find out. If you are sure you haven't registered at your current address, even if you moved within the same town, be sure to update your address or re-register. The generic web address to print out a mail-in registration form is www.(insert_state).gov/vote

Don't let your vote go uncounted, and be ready with a copy of a utility bill, driver's license, etc to prove your current address/identity if you are challenged for ID.

Be ready for anything this election, on both sides. Just because Republican tactics have been the only ones leaked thus far doesn't mean the Democrats aren't up to anything either. This election is too important, be sure and be ready. For anything.

-Dan

It's Been Awhile.

2008-09-12T14:04:00.002-04:00

Alright, so, it's been a looooong time since I last posted, to say the least. But I'll be back soon, and this time I mean it. It's been a long summer working an absurd amount, preparing for/starting college,getting an apartment etc. The presidential race has heated up with VP picks and little time left until the election, bitterness, and accusations coming from all sides.

After this weekend I truly hope to begin posting regularly again with all these new developments coming in hour to hour with this election and with new iinternational tensions, things ought to be interesting.

I am back and writing about things how I see them. (I hope).

-Dan

Lack of Posts

2008-05-23T19:15:00.002-04:00

Sorry about the lack of posts guys. Between assessments, orientation sign ups, end of the year projects, AP exams, etc I have been busier than I ever thought I would've been. Regular updates ought to return shortly, or so I hope.

Have a nice Memorial Day weekend everyone :)

Obama Takes NC

2008-05-06T19:38:00.002-04:00

Obama won North Carolina. Congrats :D

I'll report on Indiana later on. Sorry about the lack of updates, I forgot about AP Exams, ugh ><. Sucks, first one tomorrow, and of course it's Calc, ought to be interesting.

Again, congrats to Senator Barack Obama and his campaign staff, volunteers, and supporters on their win in North Carolina :)

Happy Birthday to Me

2008-04-29T07:13:00.004-04:00

Yup, it's my birthday :). Turned 18 today, and there isn't anything I really want to post/write about today, so I thought I'd put this up. At least it's something. Anyway, my flight back home boards probably within the next half an hour or so, so I doubt I'll really be able to post at all anyway, esp if I go out with my family tonight.

Have a nice day everyone :)

EDIT:

I landed safely at Logan International, so it's all good. I've lived to write another day. You aren't rid of me yet ;)

News on the Fly

2008-04-25T18:34:00.003-04:00

Alright, so it's looking like I won't have long, so some quick news/commentary.

First off- the Wright issue is back (*sigh*). First, Wright has been speaking out, which is (of course) of some risk. However, it seems it could be of some benefit. Weight is pushing he was taken out of context (which I agree with, after listening to some of the sermons in question). This may help Obama, as people will hopefully be curious and want to listen to the sermons on their own, and hopefully many will come to the same conclusion. It's gotten to the point where people have gone for Huckabee's (*shiver*) commentary, and even HE is defending Obama on Wright (though that may hurt more than help, many Dems, myself included, are afraid of what Huckabee would have done had he been elected).

Alright, next bit of news- Obama has rejected the idea of yet another debate in North Carolina. Personally, I say good for him, espescially after the ABC debacle. After Clinton complained of media bias (which really wasn't bad aside from Cafferty and Olbermann, if anything I'd say it was originally biased in her direction overall) Obama has been railroaded. I don think that's made him even stronger though, little has really been able to stick to a high extent and he's been able to do well responding to these stories. I also think it's true that there's been more than enough debates. There's already been twenty one, if someone isn't aware of the differences in their stances at this point they obviously haven't cared all that much yet, or seem to have been avoiding television like the plague. Worse comes to worse they can watch previous debates on youtube or go to each candidate's website and/or sites like ontheissues.org and find out for themselves. Another debate at this point (in my view) is pretty pointless and unnecessary.

Alright, there's my bit for the time I had. Hope you all are having a nice week :)

Greetings from Florida

2008-04-25T18:04:00.008-04:00

Hey all, so, net access here is very limited. I've got it briefly though, so thought I'd upload a few pictures and post a few comments :)

Alright, first up, Pennsylvania primary. No surprise there, Clinton won as expected. I was a bit disappointed that she essentially won by double digits, meaning she'll likely stay in until the convention (unfortunately). With the North Carolina and Indiana primaries less than two weeks away, I'm hoping that Obama will pull off a big win in NC and pull off a slight win in IN to prove his ability to win blue collar workers (like he did in Wisconsin) so that Clinton's arguments are further diminished.

Second, I'm glad people have the ability to laugh at these comments, even if they essentially come from that side. A good sense of humor and the ability to laugh at one's self/side/whatever is always a good thing. (Kind of like that SNL debate skit awhile back, making fun of Obama/Clinton debates. Still think it was HILARIOUS). Those quotes of the week are likely to keep coming, so don't worry :).

Alright, I want to try and write one more post on some new news before I am forced off :)

PA Predictions

2008-04-21T23:50:00.004-04:00

Alright, PA is tomorrow, or if you want to be technical, today. Anyway, Clinton is going to win. It's pretty much a given, wish it weren't, but it's true. She'll go on to say Obama has no chance of winning since he outspent her, etc etc and all the typical BS trying to make it seem like she still deserves the nomination. I wouldn't be surprised if all these polls are wrong and she ends up winning by her needed 10-15% to be able to claim a true victory there, but lets hope that doesn't happen.

What I'm hoping for is a closer race than just about anyone expected. I still think Clinton will take it, but the margins out to be fairly close, hopefully under 10 points. If Obama comes within 5 I'd consider it a victory for him, espescially since Clinton had a 20 point lead before he even went in to campaign. Coming that close would prove his campaign prowess, and yet again his ability to come back from behind somewhat unexpectedly. If he manages to pull off a win Clinton ought to end her bid right there and begin her promised support for Obama, and begin convincing her die hard voters to go to Obama and McCain (a more daunting task than I think any pundit or Democrat truly realizes).

I'm thinking at least a 55-45 in Clinton's favor, at the most. Anymore than that and I'll be pretty angry, not to mention surprised. Good luck to Barack tomorrow, and I'll be watching the coverage with baited breath at the airport and the results when I get to Florida.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Florida to visit my grandparents, and it's unlikely I'll have an internet connection, or much time on my hands. I wont be back 'til next Tuesday, so unless Rae posts it's likely going to be silent for a week or so.

Have a nice week everyone, and again, good luck Obama :)

Funny, yet Scary, Time.

2008-04-20T15:01:00.005-04:00

Here's just a sampling, but take a look here for some more unbelievably fundamental (not to mention in many cases hilarious and scary) quotations being rated on how fundamental they are. People post quotes and links back to the location of it.

Here's that sample:

This past spring I was expelled from my high school. Why? Because I'm a Christian. There was a girl in my class who was wiccan, and I didn't want demons to possess me or anyone else and save her from satan. So, I told her that her faith was evil and told her to accept Jesus as Savior and she would be saved. Simple as that. Just say the sinners prayer and you can be saved!

Well I got sent to the principal for that. She said I was 'discriminating' against her religion. I was only doing what the Bible, God, Jesus and my pastor said! How is that wrong!?

Well, afterwards I was forced to aplologize, even though it's a sin to, so I never meant what I said. So, instead I put a copy of a Jack Chick tract in her locker about how wicca and a paganism lead to murder, rape and other horrible things because it lets the devil get inside of you. I also left a little note about how she was going to hell. I was hoping she would see the error of her ways and repent from the evil, disgusting 'religion'.

Instead I was called down to the principal again and this time there were two police officers there. And they said I was under arrest for harrasing this girl and threatening her! What did I do? I just wanted her to accept Jesus and be saved! Now her family (all evil, stupid, disgusting god hating wiccans) want to sue me for discrimination and creating a hostile workplace! How is that fair? She's the one who's discriminating against me because I'm one with the LORD!

Jesus is the only way to salvation! It's that simple people! No pope, wicca, or anything stupid like that! JESUS ONLY! Why is is wrong to tell others that? It's all the fault of the ACLU and simlar atheist organizations trying to destroy us Christians. Next they'll want to genocide us for doing our Godly work.

And another:

How can anyone beleive we evolved from monkeys heres a few questions for people who beleive that

1.If we did evolve from monkeys then how come babies arent born monkeys

2.Even Darwin said his theories were wrong before he died so why do you still believe them

3.do you really not believe the bible it says we were created in seven days not millions of years

4.how come we cant speak monkey

Just for a fact ape like creatures are monkeys Just in case certain people get on this thread

This kind of stuff really just makes me laugh. I just look at some of this and just have to say: wtf were they thinking?

New Link

2008-04-20T12:55:00.003-04:00

As JJ has been nice enough not to ban me from her blog, I decided to add it to my links section. They do have some good articles and discussion available, even if they are skeptical of myself, my views, etc,

Pretty much anything she feels like commenting on, typically politics and the ilk, ends up posted there. And seeing as how they seem to have popped in to read my blog I'll let them know they are more than welcome to and they will receive the same hospitality they have extended to myself, meaning I won't ban them for what they say, even if I may not like it. Its only fair to extend the same courtesy they've extended to me.

Oldie- Remember, THINK

2008-04-19T17:05:00.000-04:00

Alright, this is an incredibly old post. I felt like it may have been posted here before, but apparently not. You can see the differences in terms of my writing style thought processes, etc since I wrote this article. In fact, I definitely think I've mellowed a lot since then. It used to be a post on the Equality Means Choice blog, however it seems that outside the Google cache, it has ceased to exist. As it was originally intended for a pro choice site alone, and I was a bit more radical then, there is a definite slant made for that original audience, and probably few direct addresses. Well, here it is:

I was surfing the web today, and happened to come across a bit of pro-life propaganda. Not only was it untrue - it was truly offending. Now, here it comes:

I’m fairly sure you all throw up in your mouth a bit whenever you see this: a comparison of abortion to genocide and the Holocaust. What’s even worse is that this is a T-shirt.

You read that right, it’s a T-shirt. Not just some online graphic that someone may come across, but something that a pro-lifer may wear to a clinic, berating a pregnant woman for making her choice, one that is already hard enough to make as it is without a swastika staring you in the face while being accused of helping support a “genocide”. This shock tactic is not new, but is incredibly offensive, though it appears to follow the “fetus first” campaign of most pro-lifers. Now to look at the T-shirt’s claim.

“Genocide - the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.”
-Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/genocide)

I’ve got no qualms with deliberate, as abortion in itself is generally an elective procedure: as for the rest, it is completely false. Fetuses are not being systematically exterminated. I think I speak for all pro-choicers when I say we want the human race to continue. We don’t support abortion for all pregnancies all the time, for obvious reasons. The opinions of pro-choicers vary, but we all agree on one thing - it is the woman’s choice, no one else’s. It is up to her whether she wants to give birth to a child, or if she chooses to have an abortion and terminates the pregnancy.

As for the rest, fetuses do not belong to a single national, political, or cultural group, and it is ridiculous to claim otherwise. Fetuses do not fall under any one of these categories. It can NOT fall under the term genocide, and I am personally horrified that it is said to fall under such a loaded term so often.

As for the swastika, I assume the intent was to relate it to the Holocaust. Now once again, this betrays ignorance and disrespect. Fetuses are not being forced to work with little food or water. They are not being beaten and abused for absolutely no reason. They are not being attacked simply because of what religion they believe in. They are not being forced to watch their heritage and people be destroyed in front of their eyes as the rest of the world watches idly for years.

No, abortion simply cannot be compared to the holocaust in any sense. I feel ashamed for anyone who thinks they can be considered nearly one and the same. If you were to say that they are the same to a holocaust survivor or a relative of a survivor, even just some Joe Shmoe on the street, I would hope that you would get some sense knocked into you. The suffering of millions of sentient, feeling people because of their beliefs cannot be related to the ending of a pregnancy.

Abortion and the Holocaust are not one in the same, but two separate, distinct things that cannot be compared to each other. One is a woman electing to end a pregnancy: the other was an attempt to wipe out a whole people - their art, their culture, their way of life.

So remember pro-lifers, if you’re out there reading this, try and THINK before you say things or wear mindless propaganda. Know what is truly being represented, and what has happened in the past. Realize, that with shirts like this, you are not only re-opening old wounds, but are reminding a whole people of the suffering they endured at the hands of a radical political group for no other reason than their faith. What if you were in their position and saw this shirt? What would you think of it?

Remember, THINK.

King Middle School- One Taker

2008-04-19T14:39:00.000-04:00

6 months after King Middle School in Maine began offering contraception to its students through the health center, there's been one taker.

King began offering contraception soon after a student became pregnant. According to the article, local parents are supporting the program.

I am supportive of this program. If anyone is able to benefit from the availability of condoms and birth control at this school, the program is a success. Schools should make these resources available to students who want them. If someone is having sex birth control pills, condoms, as well as proper information on sex, pregnancy, abstinence, and STDs should be readily available, and all discussions had confidential.

It's encouraging that the service is available to those who want it and that the kids are aware that it's available.

New Team Member

2008-04-19T00:20:00.001-04:00

All right, seems I'm no longer going to be going it alone. Alison, aka Rae, a commenter from Jill Stanek's website, will be writing whenever she feels the whim to do so. I would like to welcome Alison to the team and encourage her to write about whatever she feels is significant. Perhaps it'll generate a bit more discussion. One can only hope.

Welcome aboard Alison :)

Mocking a Mother's Loss

2008-04-18T21:19:00.001-04:00

I'm going to take a brief break from the political scene on this post. Over at Jill Stanek's Blog (where I regularly discuss/debate issues via the comments, abortion and religion being the top two topics), a woman (named Bethany) shared the story of her miscarriage as well as posted a few pictures about a year ago.

Bethany was courageous not only for coming forward and sharing her story and pictures, but allowed herself to be absorbed into the community at the blog, share more of herself and her story, and has since been promoted to the position of moderator. She had put herself out there in front of all of us, pro-choicers and pro-lifers alike, risking attack, ridicule, doubt, etc. (This is one of the reasons why she was one of the people I thought of first when I debated trying to make up a blog team before realizing she's busy enough with her own web site on top of moderating Jill's and her life outside the net.)

Now, about a year after all of this, she's being attacked by someone who considers him/herself pro-choice, but apparently he or she cannot respect the grief someone feels when they aren't even given the choice, but have it thrust upon them. Reactions such as the photo shopped pictures Bethany allowed Jill to post earlier this week is disgusting. On top of this, the attacks, ridicule, and doubt she has faced on liberal blogs is ridiculous and discouraging. I hate to think there are people who share my views out there that are willing to attack a woman who have suffered this loss and faced mockery on top of it, espescially as Bethany wanted to keep the child and had no say whatsoever in what ended up happening and lost what she considered a part of her own family.

The fact that anyone would even consider doing this, let alone actually do it, is disheartening and quite frankly scary.

I wish Bethany the best and hope that whoever it was who sent those e-mails is not planning on hiding behind the semi-anonymity of the 'net, and instead give the common courtesy of coming out in the open and letting Bethany (and preferably myself and the rest of us, pro lifers and pro-choicers alike) counter this ridiculous mockery.

Obama's "Bitter" Comment

2008-04-13T10:52:00.000-04:00

"It's not surprising, then, they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

The above comment was made by Senator Obama at a fund raiser in the San Francisco area. Clinton is now going after these comments, saying Obama is "elitist" and "out of touch" with the American people (how Clinton can claim she's more in touch when shes making more than he is, and given his life story, is beyond me, but that's another story).

Now, I have to say Obama has a point, espescially given the current situation. However, I don't think it's just small town voters, but most of America. We seems to be bitter and frustrated over what Bush has done these past eight years, the war, the economy, the educational system, et al. Many Obama supporters have admitted to being bitter on his facebook wall (of course, that IS a biased view, but it shows he's at least got a point). There is truth behind it, think about it. Whenever you begin to feel hurt, bitter, etc, you cling to one thing that you simply won't let go of. You are willing to let everything else go except for that one thing, and if someone tries to take it from you you get angry and you push against it as hard as you can. The same is currently happening in this nation over issues rather than physical things.

However, Obama has a point given some of the things he's mentioned. People vote on the second ammendment even though there's (currently) no risk of it disappearing. There is no proposed ammendment to overturn it. As for religion, that is a generalization, however there is some kernel of truth behind it. Typically people who are generally not religious become more so once they face hard times, etc. It's a natural resonse and I will be the first to admit I have done the same thing. Other one issue voting issues often include abortion or gay marriage, etc. These issues (at least this election cylce) should not play as large as a role as they previously have. I mean, look at this rationally. Our economy is doing badly, the war is going to play a huge role in determining American foreign policy, and the public education system (esp in inner cities) is circling the tube and college costs are skyrocketing. It's these kind of issues voters should be focusing on this election cycle. These are the most pressing issues as this nation is currently facing and needs to correct or decide upon before the effects become nigh irreversible.

Obama too, sees this. He isn't backing down from his comment despite the media coverage and attacks coming from the Clinton and McCain campaigns. He's apologized for the wording and for offending anyone, but he is standing behind the sentiment. American voters are bitter, as anyone would expect given the rough patch America is currently going through. When life gets tough people get frustrated and bitter, it's the natural response; however I urge anyone reading this to try and avoid that sentiment along with single issue voting. Your vote should based on who you think can best navigate America out of this rough patch, I think the best bet is currently Obama, you may believe the best bet is Clinton or McCain. Regardless I urge you to vote based on the issues most pressing to this nation when making your choice, and get out and do your duty as a citizen and vote.

Bit of Back Pedaling

2008-04-07T22:09:00.000-04:00

So I was reading old blog posts and came across this entry saying I would vote for McCain over Clinton should she win the nomination. Though I thought I made it clear here I would not do that, I thought I'd add further clarification.
I admit that the threat of voting McCain over Clinton was not exactly the smartest idea. First of all, I will support the Democratic nominee regardless, they are MUCH closer to how I view policy and have plans to try and pass plans I believe are good for the nation (and obviously by definition, better) than the plans of McCain (now that he is officially the nominee). As a person and politician, I do personally think McCain is a "better" (aka, less argumentative, seemingly more friendly, etc) than Clinton; however, I agree with Clinton far more on policy. Therefore if Clinton somehow manages to pull off a win in the nomination process, I will be voting for her over McCain come the general election. I may not like her per se, but I feel she will bring America to a better place, or at least put the country in a better direction, than McCain would. My previous post was most likely written just after a debate I had with a Clinton supporter, while it may not excuse what I said (though I don't think it's a huge deal) it adds understanding.

Mark Penn Resigns

2008-04-07T20:55:00.000-04:00

Mark Penn, lead strategist of the Clinton campaign, was forced to resign this weekend after news broke oh Penn meeting with the Colombians about a free trade deal with the U.S.

I am honestly glad (along with many Clinton supporters it seems) that Penn is gone in an official capacity. I know he is still likely to heavily influence Clinton's future actions, but having him officially out of the campaign is a good thing. He has been a loud voice behind Obama's wins not mattering and marginalizing them or making them seem irrelevant all together. He also appeared to be the source of what've been called the Karl Rove like politics that has been coming from the Clinton campaign lately (aka "the kitchen sink" strategy). Obviously I'm not to big a fan of the Clintons, or Penn for that matter, but I think it is a good thing for all parties that he is no longer leading (at least officially) Clinton's bid for the nomination.

Short entry I know, but its better than the long silence that's been between entries lately ;).

A Not-So-Brief Break

2008-04-05T16:35:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's been awhile since I've posted, but college stuff has been consuming my life. Though that process (aside from any other scholarships I come across) is finally over, so I should be able to begin posting again shortly, just to give you the heads up :).

P.S. Anyone who's curious, I'll be attending a UMass school this fall. Not specifying where though, this is the internet after all :).

Richardson Endorses Obama

2008-03-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

Richardson, a former Clinton cabinet member, and long time friend of the Clintons, publically came out in support of Obama today. Now there is speculation how significant this really is. I agree that perhaps in voters (as there is only a fraction of the Hispanic voting bloc left to vote) it may likely do little. However, this may have a significant effect on superdelegates. Richardson sets an example for other supers who are friends of the Clintons who may not truly support them, CAN come out in public support of Obama and little will happen (at least within the past few hours) aside from being told your endorsement is insignificant. Also significant is that it comes after a tough week for Obama. The Wright scandal, race speech, etc. Even after all of this, Richardson came out endorsing Obama. I personally think this shows that through this controversy, Obama has shown he is fully capable of handling such attacks and can face the nation during such times and come out looking relatively okay.

Also giving Obama a bit of a boost (though it seems the story has yet to spread), At least one of Wright's soundbytes has been taking out of context, as shared by CNN. In the article they explain the pastor was quoting a government official, and though it in no way absolves Wright of his remarks, it certainly takes the edge off of them and leaves people to think about this. Especially considering it was only really a controversy when Wright said it, and not the official. Also, it provides the whole sermon, showing that really the overall message and call were not all that controversial.

And now I have to go, sorry to cut this post short to any readers I may have.

Barack Obama gives Race Speech

2008-03-19T17:35:00.000-04:00

Video here.

Text here.

I know I know, this has been all over the news for a day or two now, but I thought I'd put it up. Obama (after the controversy over Reverend Wright's inflammatory comments)faced the issue of race head on. This is an issue that is incredibly touchy, and one false move and Obama could lose huge chunks of his constituency. However, he hasn't done that. He walked that thin line with poise and grace, just as he has moved through the majority of the campaign. Raising, understanding, and facing tough issues like race here at home is a skill America has desperately been in need of for years, not just race, but gender, ethnic, sexual orientation, and political lines need to be crossed. Race is perhaps the biggest and most blatant issue of all of these, and Obama handled it with amazing ability and skill. That ability is something I, and I hope all Americans, want in a president.

Today it seems people seem to think he threw his grandmother "under the bus." To that I say- bull. He wasn't throwing his grandmother under the bus, its a relevant anecdote brought in to prove his point, and to emphasize that everyday Americans still face the issue of race head on. People also seem to think his comment about not disowning his pastor as ludicrous or offensive in some way. Again I say, that's ridiculous. I haven't been to church for years, I will admit (though that could change in the near future), but I do distinctly remember not agreeing to every word my priest said, mindlessly following his sermons, etc. There were multiple times where I disagreed, nearly on a daily basis, but I stayed with the church because of what it did for the community and its overall message. I only left once I began to question how much authority the Church, its leaders, etc have, and am beginning to come clear on that in my view, even if it doesn't agree with the view of the church.

People seem to think that since he's friends with Wright, whom they view as racist, than Obama, too, must be racist. So suddenly if you're friends with people and they do things you disagree with, you either aren't friends with them or you have to agree with it. To that I say to everyone out there: Look at your friends. do they mirror what you believe exactly? Do they do things, whether it be drink, or smoke, or behave in a certain way that you don't? Are they still your friends? Thank you for making my point for me. Just because you like someone or consider them a friend doesn't mean you suddenly endorse and agree with everything they say, just as with one's pastor. To say otherwise not only is hypocritical but ridiculous. Everyone strongly disagree with friends on some points, as they do their own pastor. It happens to everyone, everyday, around the world.

I'm not saying you should excuse Obama, by all means look as close as you want, say whatever you want, but take a good hard look at yourself too.

The Real Truth about Barack Obama

2008-03-15T13:31:00.001-04:00

The following is a well done viral email making its way around the net. I encourage you all to read it carefully and perhaps if you are not a supporter of Barack, you will look more closely at him.

As enthusiastic volunteers in the Barack Obama campaign for the Presidency, we have put together a list of facts about Barack so that you will know the truth about him. Please follow the links we have included for documentation of these facts. If you value the truth as we do, please spread this information via email, blog, or any other means, to everyone you know.

1. Did you know that Barack Obama is a devout Christian? He has been a member of the same United Church of Christ congregation for 20 years, and was married there to his wife Michelle in 1992.

2. Did you know that Barack Obama often leads the US Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance?
3. Did you know that Barack Obama is a strong friend of Israel and has spoken out strongly against anti-Semitism?

4. Did you know his grandparents from Kansas were part of the "Greatest Generation?. His grandfather served with Patton's Army during World War II, and his grandmother, a real "Rosy the Riveter", worked in a bomber assembly plant back home.

5. Did you know that Barack Obama was opposed to the war in Iraq from day one, before we invaded, even while he was running for the Senate, and knowing his opposition might be politically unpopular?

"I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world and strengthen the recruitment arm of al Qaeda. I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars." --Barack Obama, 2002

6. Did you know Obama favors transparency over secrecy in our government? Did you know that Obama worked with Republican Senator Tom Coburn to pass one of the strongest government transparency bills since the freedom of information act? He's calling it Google for Government and you can see the results at www.usaspending.gov. Sen. Obama has also released his own tax returns for public review.

7. Did you know that after graduating with honors from Harvard Law School, Barack practiced civil rights law and also taught Constitutional Law for 10 years at the University of Chicago, one of the nation's best law schools, where he was consistently rated by his students as one of their best instructors? Did you also know that he was the first African-American elected president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review?

8. Did you know that Barack Obama is an outspoken advocate for women's rights and has been a principled defender of the civil rights of women?

9. Did you know that despite the grueling schedule of running for President, Senator Obama remains a devoted family man, making time to do things like pick out a Christmas tree with his wife and two young daughters, or hurrying home to spend Valentine's Day with them? Did you know he hasn't missed a single parent-teacher conference while running for President?

10. Did you know that Barack Obama has a stellar environmental record, including having the highest rating from the League of Conservation Voters (96%) of any Presidential candidate, Democrat or Republican?

11. Did you know that Barack Obama has been an elected legislator longer than Senator Clinton?

12. Did you know that Barack is a member of all of these Senate Committees: Foreign Relations; Veteran's Affairs; Health, Education, Labor & Pensions; Homeland Security and Government Affairs?

13. Did you know that Senator Obama has sponsored or co-sponsored 15 bills that have become law, and has introduced amendments to 50 bills, of which 16 were adopted since he joined the Senate in 2005?

14. Did you know that Senator Obama sponsored legislation working together with Indiana Republican Senator Richard Lugar, to keep Americans safe by keeping dangerous weapons out of terrorist hands? The two senators also visited the former Soviet Union to inspect the decommissioning of nuclear weapons. Sen. Lugar said of Sen. Obama, "He does have a sense of idealism and principled leadership, a vision of the future."

15. Did you know that Barack Obama is the only candidate running for president who voted against using cluster bombs in Iraq and the only candidate who supports banning the use of landmines?

16. Did you know that, as an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama succeeded in passing legislation requiring the videotaping of police interrogations, gaining the respect and support not only of fellow legislators but that of the police, who had initially opposed the legislation?

17. Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton were all younger when they took office than Barack Obama will be?

During election season many emails are circulated about the candidates. Some are true, some aren't. It's often difficult to determine the truth. We encourage you to visit the following non-partisan sites that do a good job of fact checking the candidates.

http://www.snopes.com/
http://www.factcheck.org/

Democrat Split?

2008-02-20T15:53:00.000-05:00

It seems the more and more I watch supporters of Obama and Clinton bicker, the more I see people saying "If (insert opposed candidate here) gets the nomination, I'll vote for McCain!" or "If (insert opposed candidate here) gets the nomination I'll write in or not vote!."

Hearing this, I must admit I am absolutely appalled. Obama and Clinton are very similar overall, and are FAR different from McCain. McCain is essentially Bush part 3 versus Clinton and Obama, who are are essentially on the opposite end of the spectrum. It's ridiculous. Do supporters of either candidate think that their candidate would be bitter and angry enough to say "Go vote for the GOP!" or "Vote for me and split the party vote, so the other guy won't win!." It's absolutely ridiculous. If you actually believe in your candidate's (and in many circumstances, party's) stances, then why would you suddenly abandon those views to not vote or go to a candidate who holds nearly the complete opposite view of the person whom you originally supported? It amkes no sense.

I don't like Hillary Clinton, I won't lie. But if she pulls off the nomination and it's a race between her and McCain, I will be voting for her in all likelihood. She is far closer to my viewpoints, is a Democrat, and is not going to follow the line of GOP thought we've been a victim of for the last 8 years. I may not fully campaign for her as I have Obama, or play as active a role. However, I would never be able to forgive myself if I did something (either by withholding my vote or giving it to the GOP) that gave the GOP another term in the white house.

So anyone who is seriously considering voting outside your views on the issues just because your top choice didn't get the nomination: I urge you to reconsider. Do you really want another four years of Bush-like policies and politics? Do you really want to play a role in digging America deeper in the GOP hole, and hunker us down further as the fools of the world? Please consider this before you vote, and follow your beliefs on the issues and who best reflects that, not the individual person you wanted. Voting aginst the nominee will only make you miserable for another four years if you hand the presidency over to someone you can not truly agree with.

Thank you.

Clinton Dodges Hand in Plagiarism

2008-02-19T22:25:00.001-05:00

Hillary Clinton is now trying to duck away from the plagiarism charge against Obama. She's trying to say it was the media, not her campaign, who found the similarities. She's essentially denying the conference call she made stating that Obama's campaign is based solely on words, and that those words should be his own.

She's realized that this tactic has backfired. She's got no chance of making it stick, and realizes that there has been a backlash from all sides. Now she's trying to get away from the consequences. Just more evidence of Clinton's dirty campaign tactics, and willing to run from, rather than fessing up to, her own allegations. It's gotten ridiculous. Clinton should truly just try to save face and leave the campaign now if she wants any chance at the presidency in the future. Though, even now, that seems to be becoming more and more unlikely.

Congratulations once again to Obama for his victory in Wisconsin, and thank him for his amazing speech and inspiration.

Wisconsin and Hawaii Vote

2008-02-19T20:20:00.000-05:00

As I'm sure most of you know, Hawaii and Wisconsin will be making their voices heard tonight. Polls close in Wisconsin in about 40 min, and Hawaii has hours left. Current exit polls seem to suggest that Obama is up in Wisconsin. His influence tends to be overstated in exit polls though, so we'll see. Anyway, a victory for Obama in Wisconsin would be a great accomplishment. It would not only further his momentum, but will show just how far Hillary has fallen. Demographics clearly favor Clinton, with all the white, blue collar, "uneducated" voters. Victory here could propel Obama out of the dead heat in Texas and bring him up ahead, and possibly help close the gap in Ohio. By March 4th, Obama should have a decent possibility of knocking Hillary out of the race, if she has any sense left (which is very unlikely, or so it seems).

As for the Hawaii caucuses, an Obama victory there is expected, as he was born and lived there. However, combining that victory with a victory in Wisconsin would drastically add to Obama's momentum, bringing him to an amazing 10-0. Going into Texas and Wisconsin with this kind of momentum could bring a fatal strike against Hillary Clinton, and take her out of serious consideration for the nominee. Hopefully those rumors of party leaders being willing to push someone out of the race for unity is true, because as it stands, the party very well could be torn apart by this process, especially should it go to the convention.

EDIT 9:00
CNN has projected McCain will win Wisconsin on the Republican side, and that Obama has a lead but it's "too early to call."

EDIT 9:20
CNN has projected Obama wins Wisconsin! Congratulations Barack!

EDIT 2/20/08 at 2:55 AM
Alright guys, I'm dead tired. Initial results are coming in from Hawaii, and Obama is making a killing. Under 10% is in, but seeing as how it is his home state and I'd be VERY surprised if Clinton could win there but not Wisconsin, I'm handing this one to Barack. If I'm wrong, I'll find out much later today. Congratulations on 10-0 Barack!!

Plagiarism Allegations.

2008-02-19T10:44:00.000-05:00

It seems the Clinton camp has sunk to a new low in order to try and stop Obama's momentum. They've accused him of plagiarism as one part of his speech was very, very similar to one Deval Patrick used during his run here in MA in '06. Of course, it comes down to 2 words, and then the rest are quotes by past presidents and American leaders. Deval has come out in support of Obama, saying he is glad Obama reacted to Clinton's attacks the way he did. Seeing as how he had permission from Patrick, the words were in the public sphere, and it's nothing new in terms of politics, these allegations are ridiculous. The Clinton camp itself couldn't even guarantee they had taken rhetoric from other sources. If one compares the "new" Clinton message and speeches to that of Obama's consistent message, there is a fairly distinctive parallel. And she's the one accusing him of copying. On top of this, both her and McCain have clearly taken rally cries on top of bits of his own rhetoric. Ridiculous.

When confronted with this, the Clinton campaign said she wasn't running on the strength of her rhetoric. I've got news for them: Neither is Obama. Does he use his talent to his advantage? Absolutely, who wouldn't? Rhetoric is a good gift to have, especially in politics. But saying he's running on the strength of his rhetoric and not what he wants to get done (as he details again and again, and is easy to find) is ridiculous. The Clinton camp is getting desperate, and they're willing to go after Obama just about anyway they can now.

Ridiculous.

EDIT: 2/19/08 8:38 PM

I came across this article from LAST APRIL that compared the words of Patrick and Obama. Why suddenly make it relevant again now? Why not bring up Hillary's stint with Walmart, or her supposed pending court case? Or her alleged thefts from the white house? Because it doesnt need to be brought up as its been addressed for the most part. Old news. Why does Clinton constantly feel the need to cross over these boundaries. Ugh.

Gay Marriage Debate to Return to New Jersey?

2008-02-17T21:16:00.000-05:00

It seems, like many people foresaw, civil unions for gays simply do not work. It has given gays in New Jersey "second class status." Many companies refuse to extend insurance to partners of gay employees, as they do for married straight employees. It seems likely that this will bolster the case for gay marriage in New Jersey, and has re-energized both sides.

I don't disagree that civil unions are a step in the right direction for gay marriage. However, it does create loopholes in which gays can be discriminated against, such as this. Loop holes allow legal discrimination against gays who have a civil union, compared to the guaranteed rights of straight married couples.

As I'm sure many of you would be able to guess, I am in favor of gays being allowed to marry. I am incredibly proud that MA was the first state to approve and allow gay marriages. So far, fire and brimstone hasn't fallen upon us, MA is still relatively successful, its still a great place to live, and still a liberal stronghold. No plagues have fallen upon us here, and it doesn't seem God has any qualms with us, or I'm sure we'd have some huge disaster happen, or so you would think listening to the often frightening rhetoric of the right. I do believe civil unions are a good stepping stone towards reaching the finality of gay marriage, though I wish it wouldn't have to be done that way. But often, things that should be able to be solved quickly take much longer than one would think. This is one of those times, unfortunately. Hopefully the New Jersey courts will see this and call for gay marriage, or legislators will take on this responsibility themselves. To all those fighting for gay marriage in New Jersey, I wish you luck.

Want to blog?

2008-02-16T10:12:00.000-05:00

If anyone out there wishes to blog for the site, you are welcome to ask. I've been, and am going to be, busy lately, so it's unlikely I'll be able to blog as often as I'd like. I am willing to take on bloggers of any political viewpoint, however I do want to keep the site at least semi in balance, i.e. If its just me and a conservative (that may give me some motivation to post more often ;) ) or two and then me plus another liberal-leaning person, etc. I want to try and expand this so people can see all sides of an issue. I think that my views are certainly worth debating over, etc, but it is still one sided. So anyone who wants to join up can contact me via email or comments.

Hopefully I'll get a few responses, though it seems unlikely right now, seeing as how my readership is so low. Hopefully adding members to the blogging team, thus increasing updates, will lead to more readers, and some discussion. Pretty dull around here right now.

Apologies and Musings

2008-02-13T21:03:00.000-05:00

Alright, first off I'd like to apologize to any readers I may have. School lately has been brutal. What happened to second semester seniors having nigh nothing to do? Ugh. Anyway, I have school vacation next week, so hopefully I'll be able to update a lot then. The next couple days Chemistry and English are going to own me though, so this will be my only update until this weekend, most likely anyway.

As you all know, Hillary and Barack have been neck and neck, neither gaining a discernible advantage after Super Tuesday. Primaries since then, overall, have favored Barack. Hillary has one a few, but often by narrow margins. Barack has won a total of 23 states and 1,032 pledged delegates to Clinton's 11 states and 944 pledged delegates. Barack's momentum has heaved him forward, and he is now predicted to even be ahead of Clinton including super delegates, the first time since the Iowa caucuses.

Clinton, however, is in a seeming bit of denial about her position. She's cast aside each of Obama's wins as irrelevant for one reason or another, whether it be "activists" at caucuses, or the African Americans voting for Obama because of race. Both are truly ridiculous claims, but she's got to keep support, and self illusion, going some how. There is a memo released by the Clinton campaign concerning this which I hope to copy and paste in my next post, and analyze. We'll see if I ever get to it.

The caucus in Hawaii and the primary in Wisconsin both favor Obama. Hawaii because it is the place of his birth, as well as a caucus state. Wiscon seems to be warming up to Obama due to his campaigning. His lead is slight, but could pull him through. The fact that Hillary has skipped over Wisconsin is odd. The state seems to be made just for her, full of Hillary supporters. Women, blue collar workers, older whites, etc, but she just doesn't seem to care. She's given it up, possibly proving a fatal mistake as it could give Obama more momentum than is possible for her to stop on March 4th in Texas and Ohio.

Speaking of which, Clinton seems to have taken a leaf from Giuliani's book, a bad idea seeing as how he is no longer in the race. She's depending on the delegate-rich states of Ohio and Texas to stop Obama's momentum, regain her lead, and to prove she is electable. However, it seems Texas' unique primary system may favor Obama, and he is not all that behind there. She does have a double digit lead, but he has not begun campaigning there in earnest. Clinton very well may be too late. Ohio will be more difficult for Obama, being behind 17 points according to the latest poll, but he very well could catch up. He's come back from higher deficits before, but he does have his work cut out for him. Perhaps inroads into Hillary's base made during the "Potomac primaries" very well may help him out there.

After March 4, especially if Hillary does not win big in Texas and Ohio by respectable margins, it is likely that party leaders may begin to call for her to drop out. The Democrats do not want a convention in which they alienate half of their base. Should the less popular and less electable candidate (at this point, it will seemingly be Clinton) drop out, the party will not have to hold this concern. But will Hillary bow to party pressure? She is known for her stubbornness and inability to simply let go of a lost cause. Will she go out kicking and screaming, or gratefully and respectfully? Will she just ignore leaders and hope that super delegates will vote for her due to favors owed to her husband and previous opinions? Only time will tell.

P.S. I am absolutely ecstatic Romney dropped out, or rather, "suspended" his presidential bid. He was a terrible governor, so I can only imagine how he would be as president of this nation.

Dipdive Video

2008-02-03T11:06:00.000-05:00

www.dipdive.com

Absolutely amazing/inspiring video. It's a remix of Obama's New Hampshire speech put to music. It's amazing. Here are the "lyrics."

YES. WE. CAN.

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.

Yes we can.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.

Yes we can.

It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.

Yes we can.

It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes we can to justice and equality.

Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.

Yes we can heal this nation.

Yes we can repair this world.

Yes we can.

We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.

We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics...they will only grow louder and more dissonant ........... We've been asked to pause for a reality check. We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.

Now the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea --

Yes. We. Can.

Obama Signs!

2008-02-01T18:48:00.000-05:00

So I was finally able to get some Obama signs today. A woman from a nearby town was willing to drive them over and drop them off at my house. I'm really excited. I have given 1 of them away so far, and am looking hard to give away more.

I'm hoping to do some visibility around my town, pushing out Obama's name. Clintons 16 point lead has dropped to just 6 points here in MA. Hopefully helping by holding a sign on main roads, and by calling people to get out the vote, he will surpass Clinton. Obama has been gaining nation wide, now its time to surpass her.

Fired Up, Ready to Go!

Obama '08

California Debates

2008-01-30T17:11:00.000-05:00

There's a Republican debate tonight and a Democratic debate tomorrow night. These will be the last debates before Super Tuesday. Needless to say, the candidates responses tonight very well could have a large effect on the Super Tuesday race. Perhaps Clinton will resort to more ridiculous accusations and quipping, allowing Obama to catch up or surpass her in some states. Unlikely, but a man can dream eh?

Preisdential Developments

2008-01-30T15:36:00.000-05:00

First off, it's official. The winners in Florida were Clinton and McCain. I offer them my congratulations should either of them come across this nothing of a blog.

Secondly, there have been drop outs in the race. One expected, one not so much. It has been confirmed Giuliani will end his bid and endorse John McCain. However, he is not alone. John Edwards has also officially dropped out of the presidential race, making the announcement in New Orleans. Unlike Giuliani though, Edwards did not endorse any of the other presidential candidates. I had been hoping he'd endorse Obama right away, seeing how well it seemed they worked together. It seems both Obama and Clinton will have to vie for his endorsement, and thus the loyalty of many of his supporters. With the race this tight, this could make or break Obama in the Super Tuesday states. Both have until Super Tuesday to try and win his support. If he waits until after Super Tuesday, it may very well be too late to have an affect on the campaign.

Here's to hoping he endorses Obama, preferably soon.

Good luck to those candidates still in the race for the presidency.

Florida Primaries

2008-01-29T19:30:00.000-05:00

Ok, very few of the votes have been counted. In fact, all the polls haven't even closed yet. However, some closed at 7pm, the rest close within the next half hour (8pm EST).

With 1% of the votes reported in, 49,750 votes for Clinton and 24,700 votes for Obama. This comes to 53% for Clinton and 27% for Obama. However, it is early. Even with Hillary unofficially projected to win, I still have hope,perhaps false, but hope none the less...

I will continue to update this as the night goes on. Good luck Obama!

EDIT: 745 pm EST

10% of the vote is in. It stands thus:

Democrats:
52% (136,001) for Clinton
29% (75,612) for Obama

Republicans:

34% (125,056) McCain
30% (113,938) Romney

Yes, I am aware I am only giving the top two. I know anything is possible. However it is too difficult to keep up with proper percentages/vote counts otherwise, and the third place candidates are running a distant third.

EDIT: 8pm EST

With 20% of the votes in, and based on exit polls, CNN has projected that Hillary Clinton will win the contest in Florida. The numbers stand thus:

Democrats:

48% (252,623) Clinton
30% (153,993) Obama

Republicans:

34% (202,145) McCain
31% (181,995) Romney

McCain and Romney are still duking it out. I wouldn't be surprised if Guilanai drops out soon after this primary.

EDIT: 910 PM

About 50% of votes are in, and I've accepted as of about half an hour/40 min ago that Obama is not going to win Florida. Oh well, he could still do well on Super Tuesday.

Democrats:

51% (532758) Clinton

31% (323820) Obama

Republicans:

36% (460,093) McCain

32% (412,773) Romney

and as thought, McCain is the projected winner of Florida. At least it helps him delegate wise as well. If I have a Republican president, I would much prefer it to be him (as I've said countless times)

As for Giuliani, it appears that there are talks going on between the Giuliani and McCain camps in terms of endorsements. It appears Giuliani may drop out and endorse McCain as early as tomorrow. Whether that will be before, during, or after the Republican debate is unclear. Remember though, nothing is 100% yet, so stay tuned. Updates will be fewer and far between as this post is getting absurdly large.

Congrats to Hillary Clinton and John McCain (assuming the projections are correct).

EDIT 950PM

Ok guys, this will probably be my final update tonight. I'm gettin tired and I do have school tomorrow, unfortunately.

With about 75% of the vote in, these are the current numbers:

Democrats:

50% (713,387) Clinton
33% (464,543) Obama

Republicans:

36% (581,995) McCain
31% (505,017) Romney

Congratulations to Senators McCain and Clinton on their wins in Florida, especially McCain for the delegates he earned. Get out there and kick Romney's ass!

That's all I have for the night, I'm off to bed soon.

Good night to you all.

Obama Volunteer Sign Up and Florida Primaries

2008-01-29T16:53:00.000-05:00

Alright, I thought I'd let anyone who actually reads this know, I have officially volunteered election weekend to make calls for the Obama campaign to try and get out the vote for Obama. He is down in MA, but he's certainly not out. In fact, I think he is going to garnish far more support than the polls predict. MA voters often aren't all that certain until the end, often reserving judgement. It also helps that it seems many more people will probably vote now than they ever have (including the youth vote) which I think will help buoy Obama.

On another note, the Floridians are casting their primary votes now. Being the politic junkie I am, I'll be up watching the results as they come in, hoping for an Obama upset, even if there are no Florida delegates. It would give him a nice boost and add to his current momentum. Anyway, I'll post numbers as they come in and maybe throw in a few comments or two, if you're unlucky enough ; ). Who knows.

Anyway, on the Republican side I wish McCain luck. He's the only Republican I could see myself voting for if I have to. Not to mention as a Bay Stater, I absolutely refuse to let Romney anywhere near the presidency if I can help it.

Florida Primary Polls

2008-01-28T20:55:00.001-05:00

Despite the fact that the DNC a has stripped Florida of all its delegates,and the RNC half of its delegates, the primary race is heated. Democratic candidates have been pressured not to campaign in Florida, and aside from some under the table campaigning, they have done so. Not so for the Republicans. Florida has become an intense battleground for Republicans McCain and Romney.
McCain and Romney are currently tied in Florida at 31% apiece. The election in Florida may very well come down to who can draw the most supporters away from second-tier candidates.

For Democrats, however, it is a different story. Essentially the candidates have been forced to ignore Florida. The DNC stripped Florida of its delegates for moving up its primary, and candidates avoided campaigning in Florida out of fear of the wrath of the DNC. However, whether the punishment will hold is unclear. It is likely potential candidates may ask Florida to be seated in an attempt to avoid backlash during the national elction.

Hillary is currently ahead in Florida with 39% to Obama's 31%. However, something may have changed after Obama's decimation of Hillary in South Carolina. Not only that, but Obama has gained endorsements from much of the Kennedy family, including MA senator Teddy Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the famed, late president John F. Kennedy. Is it possible that Obama could be catapulted to a Florida victory because of this? Possibly, however he, unlike Hillary Clinton, seemingly has no plans to visit Florida the night of the primaries. Clinton plans on making a victory speech, whether literal or symbolical is unclear. But no matter who the victor is, the other will say they could have won the state had they been allowed to campaign there with ads and attempts to get out the vote.

How the Florida primaries will play out will be very interesting. Even stripped of its delegates, it seems Florida very well could have a hand in deciding the nominee. Victory there very well could give a candidate a small boost for Super Tuesday.

Here's to a victory for Obama in Florida, even if it means nothing come time for the nomination. Perhaps it will boost his numbers in other states and show the uncommitted super-delegates Obama is worth voting for over Hillary.

McCain Backs Embryonic Stemcell Research

2008-01-28T18:11:00.000-05:00

So I was perusing Jill Stanek's Pro Life Pulse, as I tend to do, when her newest blog came up. In it, she states McCain has come out in support of embryonic stem cell research. I think this is great news. He supposedly cites the disposal of frozen embryos as factoring into his deciscion. I've held the same thought for a few years. The frozen embryos are being discarded in anycase, so why can they not be used in research that could save millions of lives? There is a lot of potential in embryonic stem cells, just as there may be in the pluripotent skin stem cells that have been used recently. However, if the lines from discarded frozen embryos were provided, it would allow further research along that route while also researching the skin cells.

I am convinced now more than ever that if I had to vote Republican I'd vote McCain. He is more willing than others to reach across the political lines. He is also far more open minded than other Republican candidates. He is more Centrist than anything else I think, and I feel this adds to that perception. McCain would not be a bad president. If it comes down to an election between Clinton and McCain, I'm voting McCain.

Super Tuesday Polls

2008-01-27T15:27:00.000-05:00

Ok, I was finally able to find poll numbers for some Super Tuesday states. Unfortunately the tables below don't have all of them, but at least its something right?

Republican Polls

State	Date	Giuliani	McCain	Romney	Huckabee	Thompson	Paul
New Jersey	1/19/08	26	29	14	9	9	7
New York	1/18/08	30	30	9	8	8	4
Georgia	1/22/08	11	19	16	34	-	12
California	1/17/08	10	29	17	10	10	5
Arizona	1/22/08	7	40	23	9	7	3
Alabama	1/23/08	8	27	15	27	-	3
Connecticut	1/13/08	16	39	11	8	6	-
Oklahoma	1/12/08	11	29	8	31	13	3
Colorado	9/14/07	19	11	8	5	27	1
Illinois	1/23/08	13	31	20	11	-	7
Utah	10/2/07	8	6	65	2	3	1
Missouri	1/23/08	8	31	21	25	1	6
New Mexico	1/12/07	38	20	7	-	-	-
Arkansas	12/14/07	9	9	7	59	6	3
Delaware	10/6/07	37	14	10	-	13	-
Idaho	7/12/07	20	14	38	-	18	-
Minnesota	9/21/07	27	22	5	2	16	2
Tennessee	1/20/08	2	12	7	24	25	2

Democratic Polls

State	Date	Clinton	Obama	Edwards	Richardson	Kucinich
New Jersey	1/19/08	49	32	10	-	1
New York	1/18/08	51	25	11	-	2
Georgia	1/22/08	35	41	13	-	-
California	1/17/08	43	28	11	-	5
Arizona	1/22/08	37	27	15	-	2
Alabama	1/23/08	43	28	16	-	-
Connecticut	1/13/08	41	27	9	-	-
Oklahoma	1/12/08	45	19	25	-	-
Colorado	9/14/07	29	23	23	5	3
Illinois	1/23/08	22	51	15	-	2
Utah	2/11/07	31	18	9	1	1
Missouri	1/23/08	44	31	18	-	1
New Mexico	9/5/07	17	8	8	44	-
Arkansas	12/14/07	57	17	14	1	-
Delaware	10/6/07	41	17	7	-	-
Idaho	7/12/07	31	33	15	-	-
Minnesota	9/21/07	47	22	16	2	2
Tennessee	1/20/08	34	20	16	-	-

For the Republicans it seems like some states will essentially be battle grounds between McCain and Giulani, but for a majority of them it seems as if McCain will be the clear cut winner. And with a previous victory, and Giulani trailing majorly in other states, and with no prior victories, McCain very well may pull of the nomination fairly easily. Which I must say actually makes me rather happy. He might be a tough candidate for the Democrats to face, but if I absolutely had to have a Republican president, I'd much prefer McCain.

For the Democrats its coming down to Clinton and Obama, which I think many predicted from the get go. Polls show Obama leading in few states, but all is not lost. Most of the margins are close, and Obama has shown he's good at playing catch up. I think that the Democratic primaries
may have to come to a full conclusion (unless Hillary or Obama manage to pull off clear cut victories in a high number of states) before we have a clear guess as to who will be the Democratic nominee.

Right now I'm predicting a McCain vs Clinton or Obama. I fell like if Clinton gets the nomination, McCain will most likely end up winning the presidency, or at least come very close to it. If I were a Republican I'd want to run against Hillary. She is MUCH easier to attack and/or discredit than Obama, and is already fairly widely unliked by many Americans. If it comes down to a McCain Obama race, I think Obama very well could pull it off. He is not nearly as polarizing to the Democratic party and has a fairly broad base of support. It will be harder to draw voters from him, which very well could propel him to victory.

Just my two cents.

John Edwards Attorney General?

2008-01-27T08:30:00.001-05:00

Surfing the web looking for Super Tuesday poll numbers, I came across an article saying that, in an Obama Administration, Edwards would be Attorney General. Now, despite the fact it destroys my dreams of an Obama/Edwards ticket, that seems like it could be an amazing thing. In fact, I think it may even allow them to work together better for change than if they were a presidential pair.

However, this is still just a rumor, as its coming from "Illinois Democrats close to Sen. Obama." In all reality an Obama/Edwards ticket still gets me a bit more excited, but I find it promising that rumors like this are starting to pop up. It means Obama is seriously considering bringing Edwards in on the action. I think the administration would do amazingly with my first and second choice for president working in key roles. Hopefully Obama will get the nomination, and people will begin looking at, and asking Obama about these rumors. Even if he won't answer because he has to win first, if he (by some twisted miracle) hasn't seriously considered Edwards, maybe his supporters can get him thinking.

Running Commentary on Obama's Victory Speech

2008-01-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

Headquarters is going insane and Obama is walking up now.

He thanks South Carolina, of course. :)

Crowd chants: "Yes we can!"

He quiets them down and thanks his wife, Michelle, and his children. He also thanks Pete Skidmore for his support.

He mentions how 2 weeks ago Iowa began the call for change. He mentions those who doubt him and thought Iowa was a fluke. He calls them cynics, and tells South Carolina how they told those cynics a different story.

After 4 contests he says the campaign has the most votes, delegates, and most diverse coalition of Americans that has been seen "for a very long time"

He addresses the crowd's diversity, in race, age, gender, social class, political parties, and more. He espescially recognizes the young vote for its unprecedented participation.

He brings up Super Tuesday, and how much of America can make its call for change on this day.

Crowd chants: "We want change!"

Crowd quiets, and he mentions how change will be difficult. He says that all these candidates are worthy, and says that despite all the arguing, it must be remembered this is for the Dem nomination, and for an end to Bush's policies.

He says there are differences between these candidates though, and how each one will adress this change differently It isn't about a change of party, but a fundamental change independent of party. It wont be easy due to the high challenges they are up against, including the deep-rooted lobbyists in Washington. He talks about how people believe leadership comes from time in Washington, but says that it instead comes from qualities independent of Washington. He speaks about basic Democratic issues, such as lowering health care costs and better energy. He speaks about unification of ALL American people, including Republicans.

Obama says that we are up against habits that keep us apart, politics that use religion and patriotism as wedges, and that we must vote within party lines. He says we need to get over assumptions held commonly in America, such as the apathy of young voters and the apathy of Americans towards one another, and the belief in a candidate's electability factor.

He preaches about unity, he did not see a white or black South Carolina, but South Carolina. He saw terrible schools, foreclosed homes, closed mills, Americans willing to fight, and more. He sees a country in need of change, a nation who needs a president willing to make these changes.

"We're also struggling with our own doubts, our own fears, and our own cynicism" He goes on to remind people change will not be easy and will take time. There will be setbacks, false starts, and mistakes made. He speaks about those who count on him and his supporters, and possibly just Dems in general, including the need for affordable and available health care. He speaks of the need of reform in education, including more resources for students and higher pay for teachers. He speaks of the need to give money back to those who deserve it and those who need it. He speaks of the need to end a war that "never should have been authorized, and never should have been waged"

He says the election is not about the divisions in America, including racial, gender, and cultural lines. Its about the past vs the future. Its about whether people reach for politics of common sens and motivation.

He says to his cynics who say he cant do it, he says change is possible, and even the poorest believe change is possible. He shares anecdotes about how people unify, no matter what their differences, and no matter how large the difference, for change. He reminds the supporters of the campaigns diversity. He tells the crowd "We can change. Yes we can". He says "we can heal this nation, and Yes we can seize our future." He mentions the previous contests and how they have stuck to their message throughout the campaign, that unity holds true, and that we can fight cynicism and prove them wrong. Tell them "Yes we can!"

He once again thanks South Carolina, and walks over to his wife, ending his speech

I agree. Yes we can!

Obama Wins South Carolina

2008-01-26T20:29:00.000-05:00

First, my apologies to whatever readers I may have. I've been on hiatus for awhile due to the college application process, midterms, and various other personal things.

However, my first post, I believe, is good news. Obama has been projected to win South Carolina. Sitting here watching CNN, I highly doubt that projection will turn out to be wrong. Right now 55% of precincts have reported and Obama has 54% of the vote to Hillary's 27%. Obama has finally won another state. On top of all this, he won after a debate where the fur flew between all the candidates, but especially between himself and Hillary.

Now we await "Super Tuesday" on February 5th, where my state (MA), among many others, will make their voices heard. Hopefully Obama will win a majority of those states as well. If he wins the primaries and is the Democratic candidate for president, I will be glad to cast my first vote for him come November.

I'm not going to predict who will win which state. I'm not that obsessed (though I do plan on standing outside my local polling place with a homemade Obama sign). I do have my hopes, ok, dreams, though. I hope that Hillary will somehow lose just about everywhere on Super Tuesday, though polls say otherwise. I want Edwards to drop out and endorse Obama. I want Obama to dramatically win the majority on Super Tuesday and prove that America really wants change. I want Obama to go on to win the candidacy and pick up Edwards as his running mate. And finally, I want an Obama/Edwards Administration come January 2009. Most of this dream may be unrealistic, but I truly believe Obama could win the candidacy, and then the presidency.

America is ready for change, now hopefully we can make it happen.

Obama '08.

There's my endorsement, and hopefully my post was good news for you as it was for me.

EDIT: with 98% of precincts reporting the results stand thus: Obama 55%, Clinton 27% and Edwards 18%/ In votes Obama beat Edwards and Clinton combined. Congrats Barack!

Abortion Law Reform in Portugal

2007-06-21T11:19:00.000-04:00

Women in Portugal now have more access to abortion. An abortion can be performed without question up until the tenth week of pregnancy, less restrictive than the only for complications (week 12), rape (until the sixteenth week) or the life of the mother (no limit). The law also requires women to have a 3 day reflection period before going through with the abortion and that doctors warn of possible physical and psychological health effects. After this and the waiting period the woman may achieve an abortion free of charge at a hospital or go to a private clinic for the abortion, with complete confidentiality. Doctors may sign on to refuse to perform abortions on moral grounds, however each doctor must be able to refer a patient to a doctor willing to perform the abortion.

Portugal then does something that some may consider patronizing, and others consider intelligent. Two weeks after the procedure, the woman must attend a family planning session and learn about contraceptives.

For a Roman Catholic country this is certainly an achievement. It has opened the door to the possibility of more reform, less restrictions, and more access, which will hopefully come in time.

New York State Assembly Votes For Gay Marriage

2007-06-21T11:07:00.000-04:00

New York's State Assembly has introduced a measure that would make New York the second state to legalize gay marriage. Yesterday the Assembly voted for the measure, which moves it along to the state Senate, where it is not expected to even be introduced by the majority leader. It is an uphill battle at his point that at current moment looks as if it will be lost. However, I applaud the state assembly for taking such action even with the knowledge of the fate of the bill. It brings it to the forefront and brings recognition to the issue, espescially when even those against it for religious reasons end up recognizing the bill should be passed as occurred yesterday.

European Court of Human Rights tells Poland to Pay Up

2007-06-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

In 2000 Alicia Tysiac was refused an abortion in Poland by three doctors, although all three said there was a risk of her going blind if she delivered the baby. She took the Polish government to court stating the over-restrictive abortion laws led her to be denied her human rights. The court ruled in favor of Tysiac and ordered the Polish government to pay up $52,000. The Polish government has announced its plan to appeal the decision. Conservative president Lech Kaczyński claimed "If we didn't appeal we would have to ease the anti-abortion laws in Poland and this wouldn't be good,"

I'm sorry Mr. President, but if your citizens health is at risk, then perhaps its time to loosen the abortion laws.

Happy Father's Day

2007-06-17T10:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day everyone!
Hope you all enjoy yourselves, and be sure to thank your father for everything they've done :D

Philadelphia's Declaration Woes

2007-06-16T16:13:00.000-04:00

Just a few days ago, Philadelphia's city council made, in my opinion, the horrible decision to throw politics out the window and declare itself a "pro-choice city". Now I think that wasn't to great an idea, and the council realized that to as it soon rescinded said declaration. It would have been better for all involved to have done nothing to begin with. Individual cities should not align themselves with individual political ideologies. All it really achieves is division within the city and a great mess and hassle to deal with when people begin to call in with complaints because they, personally, do not share the same view.

I just think that using politics to advertise a city is just a horrible idea, if not for no other reason that people become divided and bitter towards one another and their government (granted, thats seems commonplace right now with the Bush administration in office), but that is not how it should be. Yes the government should be questioned/checked every once in awhile, and people aren't always going to agree on its course of action, but people should not become so incredibly bitter and divided because of it, which, from the reactions I've seen, this declaration would have done had it remained in place for too long.

I will say it again in brief in case my message has not gotten across, cities should not declare a single political decision nor should they use a political position to seemingly advertise themselves to the public. All it leads to in the long run is unnecessary anger and resentment, not to mention angry phone calls from all those in opposition.

As a pro-choicer, I am proud of Philadelphia for rescinding its declaration and seeing how much harm it could have brought to the city.

Next Possible Battle for Gay Marriage Advocates?

2007-06-16T15:28:00.000-04:00

Well, since putting the rights of gays to marry in MA has been blocked, it seems that advocates are now, supposedly, preparing for their next battle. It seems that they are taking on a statute from 1913 (supposedly based on a compromise before the complete legalization of interracial marriage) that prohibits people from marrying in MA if the marriage is illegal in their home state. This law had been held up by the court after gay marriage was legalized in MA.

I hope that the battle over this law is carefully planned by those in support of its repeal, so that a majority could be won over to vote for the law's repeal. The repeal of this law could lead to various court cases in other states with the marriage certificate from MA serving as the basis of the case. Deval Patrick has already said that if the legislature repeals it, he will let it through. Hopefully enough support will be garnered for the law to be repealed and so that many more couples will have the option to be happily married, and recognized as such.

I am certainly for the repeal of this law, espescially if it was originally based in racism, though its origins are truly uncertain. The law certainly seems to be outdated and, as far as my knowledge goes, has never been referred to after the legalization of interracial marriages until gay marriages were legalized in the state. If that is the case, I feel it is blatantly obvious that law truly no longer should apply to marriages in MA today, and it truthfully ought to be repealed. Legal marriage should be available to all gay couples, not just the few who are lucky enough to be able to get one in MA. If a single law from the early 1900s is the only thing in the way, it ought to be done away with.

Sick.

2007-06-14T18:39:00.000-04:00

I am, as I've mentioned, pro-choice. However, stuff like this makes me sick. The fact that an unqualified man, with the help of his wife (who happens to be a nurse) were illegally aborting female fetus and then disposing of them in a WELL is ridiculous. It is because of incidents such as this (even in cases such as this where the provider is UNLICENSED and providing them ILLEGALLY) that leads to the demonization of ALL abortion providers. And, even though they are licensed and performing abortions LEGALLY, people dont seem to realize they are simply doing their job.

Gay Marriage Vote Blocked

2007-06-14T14:39:00.000-04:00

The vote on a proposed Constitutional amendment that would allow the legality of gay marriage to be put to a vote was rightly blocked this afternoon. Massachusetts is still the only state which allows full fledged marriage, though many are beginning to legalize and recognize civil unions.

In the article one person claims that they are fighting for their constitutional right to vote. I have one thing to say to that.

I vote that that person is not allowed to vote.

Hopefully you all caught the sarcasm there. Voting on rights is something that is not, and should not, be done. And as marriage has been declared a fundamental right by the Supreme Court, it stands that the rights of others to marry should not be voted upon. I must admit I am proud of the legislature for realizing this.

Now to those who wish to ask why pedophiles or those who wish to participate in beastiality cannot marry their "loved ones" I say this: Marriage is a legal contract. Until a child or a dog, or any other living thing can understand a legally binding contract, they will have to wait.

I also want to take this time out and also re-enforce a piece of the above article: not all christians, or followers of any religion for that matter, oppose gay marriage, so please try to avoid those generalizations if you choose to comment

Split in the Pro-Life movement?

2007-06-14T14:01:00.001-04:00

It seems that there is a bit of a rift in the pro-life movement. Perhaps not a big one, but it is there none the less. It seems that the differences between "incrementalists" and "purists" is causing some tension. Surprisingly this stems from a "victory" for the pro-life cause, the PBA ban. The fight now going on stems from a conflict between Colorado Right to Life and Focus on the Family. (You can read more about that conflict here, you may need to poke around a bit)

First off, let me say this, I'm pro-choice. Now let's see if you can reconcile that with what follows.

My question is this, if you have the same basic beliefs, why fight yourself? Doesnt that just completely defeat the purpose? Those who want an immediate ban, and those willing to work up to it want the same eventual goal, an outlawing of abortion. Why shoot yourself in the foot?

Purists, as I see it are the unreasonable ones in the conflict. They want to save fetus' by ending abortion all together. Ok, thats all well and good, but I think it has sufficiently been proven that an immediate ban is not something the majority of American people have in mind, perhaps more restrictions, or an eventual ban, but to most Americans, an immediate ban simply doesn't seem right.

If you look now at the Incrementalists, they are trying to build up to a ban. Now, one would think that this would save more and more fetus' until it saves all, or nearly, all of them. You think most Purists would think "Hey, a chance to get our message across while at least partially achieving our goal". But apparently that is not so, as many seem to be of the "all or nothing" category. They want a full ban, nothing more and nothing less. What they don't seem to realize is that this country is built on compromise, and that most measures now in place are built on the idea of incrementalism. If they want to have any chance at a ban, best to stick together and do what they can when they can.

For those wondering why a pro-choicer would give advice to pro-lifers rather than encourage pro-choicer's to conquer the squabbling groups, my answer is this.

What fun is an unfair battle? ;)

Welcome

2007-06-14T13:52:00.000-04:00

Ok, well here it goes. Welcome to my blog. Here I'll be sharing my personal view on various events, most likely they will be political in nature. Feel free to comment or start discussions, however any personal attacks or racist,sexist, etc remarks WILL be deleted and there is certainly the possibility of being banned from commenting.