TOMORROW!!! What an exciting day with Senator Obama's announcement. You will be able to watch it live streaming on the net if you can't be there!
We will be moving our blog to his site at that time. We are truly excited to be involved and can't wait to launch our brand new blog. Let the excitement begin!
Friday, February 9, 2007
Sunday, February 4, 2007
CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS FOCUS ON RELIGION AND OBAMA?
I just read an article "Can a past of Islam change the path to president for Obama?" on a Blog and at times found myself frustrated, angry, interested, the entire range of emotion you might find in one who supports Senator Obama for President. It is interesting to me that Senator Obama is the ONLY candidate that the "pundits" "bloggers" and mainstream media seem to lend focus to his religion, as if this defines the man and his personal beliefs and how he conducts his life. I see no one writing about Senator Clinton's, religion, or how many times she goes to church, or how what church she attends affects her political agenda. No, this seems to be a specific focus on one candidate, and this is what I object too.
I live in the suburbs of New York City, the melting pot of all nationalities, of all religions and have found and met some wonderful people of ALL religions. I'd like to relay just one story for you.
I used to have a neighbor at the last location where I lived. He was around 60 but looked older due to his long battle with several illnesses. Perhaps some of these illnesses were brought about by his long time service to our country in the Army. He served well and honorably. He had difficulty walking, and did not own a car as he was living just on Disability which was really not enough to live one due to the fact he did not have the years of "work credit" which is used to figure the amount you would receive on Disability. The only thing he got for free was his medication at the local VA hospital, which since, due to cuts by the Federal Government, has moved most of it's services to a VA hospital quite a distance away from, making it difficult for him to make the trip to visit doctors and get his medications. Usually twice a month, I would drive to 2 local outreach programs, and picked up a box of food from each and drove it to his house as it would be impossible for this proud ex-soldier to walk the distance to these outreach centers and then carry the heavy boxes home.
It might interest you to know that I am a White American and he is a Black American. Such a kind, most peace loving man I have ever met, and he was a practicing MUSLIM. There are millions of Black Americans who practice the Muslim faith, in fact it is also taught in prisons. Why? Because the ACTUAL KORAN teaches peace and non-violence for to do an act of violence against another human being is a sin in the Muslim religion. I am a born and raised Baptist, and I was curious about his faith. I fondly remember many discussions we had on the differences between our faiths and although much different in fact in most instances, I found to my surprise some common ground between the two. I found that the Muslim Americans are a kind, peace loving, kind group of people. They hurt deeply when their religion is used as a weapon and "bastardized" to further the goals of terrorists, for that most certainly is not what these kind Muslim Americans are all about.
I use a Dry Cleaners that is owned and run by a Muslim family in the same town and attached to their business is the place where they hold their Muslim services. It truly saddens me to see the look on the faces of the women who wait on me. It is almost as if they are waiting for me to abuse them verbally for their "garb" and their religion. They are just an American family, who happen to be Muslims, trying to live their American dream, just like you and I, yet I see the fear in their eyes today and it saddens me.
Which brings me to my reaction to the focus of many on the 2 years Senator Obama spent in a "supposed Muslim school", which has been proven false, and the fact his natural father, grandmother and grandfather were Muslims. So what? Does this really have any bearing on the qualities of Senator Obama? He has said he also recognizes the racism against Muslim Americans, but that does not mean he is a Muslim. And since when, in America, do you have to be a certain faith to be President? I have read the constitution, have you? It does not ever state only candidates of certain faiths may run for President, or you would not have had our great President Kennedy, a catholic. I can make the same case, to be fair, about the Republican possible candidate, Mitt Romney, a Morman. Religious faith has no bearing on the quality of a candiate.
We should focus on the issues, the candidates and where we are going in America, not on the religious backgrounds of candidates, for to do so goes against everything America stands for. What if we had a Chinese American, a Latino American, a Korean American run for President? Would you also condemn them for their religion and not focus on their ability to be an effective President?
I read in this blog, mentioned above discussion on the pastor of Senator Obama's church. Exactly what bearing does a pastor who happens to preach at the church Senator Obama attends have on Senator Obama's qualities, and outlook for the future of America? Condemning the pastor, condemns the parishioner? I think not. If that were the case, you could then condemn the thousands of parishioners of the nationally known pastor who resigned in disgrace for bringing shame by his behavior on his church, whose name I will not mention here as to do so furthers the condemnation of his congregation, christians who try to live a christian life, as do Muslims trying to live by their principles, peacefully in a country increasingly hostile to them.
The terrorists in Iraq, and other countries, who claim their religion as Muslim only serves to blacken the names of the decent American citizens who are Muslim, who live in peace and unity, focusing on family and working hard, practicing their faith and suffering from racist christians who would condemn them for the acts of those who go against everything the Muslim religion stands for.
Senator Obama is a Christian, who HAPPENS, to have a mixed background of Muslim, Atheist, and Christian. But it his choice to choose his religion and is is a Christian one, but I for one care less what religion he chooses to practice, rather I care about how he will help our country regain the promise it has, helping the poor and the elderly, children, and focusing on providing a better Global image than we now enjoy. Our failure to engage other countries in our goals has suffered greatly under the watch of President Bush and it is time to regain the respect we used to enjoy in the Global community. Senator Obama has the qualities to do just that.
So I ask, what difference does it make that Senator Obama had a Muslim natual father who he had no association with most of his life? It really is a non-issue. This entire thing started with a piece in a magazine, a magazine owned by a close friend of the Clinton's, so make your own conclusion here.
As for me, I think I will keep my friends who are Muslim, for they are a joy to know, and my Jewish friends, my Protestant friends, my Born Again friends, and my Baptist friends. We are ALL Americans and I won't give up a friend because they practice a different religion. God forbid if a Jewish American wanted to run for President. I can see the outcry now in the deeply religious South, and from most Americans. Therefore, there could very well be an extremely promising young politician, who is Jewish, who knows in his heart he could never aspire to be President as he would suffer the same issues that are ascribed to Senator Obama. Being an American with great qualities doesn't count? You prefer to focus on the religion of your target rather than their quality? That is NOT what being an American is about. So look into your hearts and examine this issue.
As Senator Obama has said in his keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, "we are not a Black America, We are not a White America, nor a Latino America, we are ALL Americans."
I live in the suburbs of New York City, the melting pot of all nationalities, of all religions and have found and met some wonderful people of ALL religions. I'd like to relay just one story for you.
I used to have a neighbor at the last location where I lived. He was around 60 but looked older due to his long battle with several illnesses. Perhaps some of these illnesses were brought about by his long time service to our country in the Army. He served well and honorably. He had difficulty walking, and did not own a car as he was living just on Disability which was really not enough to live one due to the fact he did not have the years of "work credit" which is used to figure the amount you would receive on Disability. The only thing he got for free was his medication at the local VA hospital, which since, due to cuts by the Federal Government, has moved most of it's services to a VA hospital quite a distance away from, making it difficult for him to make the trip to visit doctors and get his medications. Usually twice a month, I would drive to 2 local outreach programs, and picked up a box of food from each and drove it to his house as it would be impossible for this proud ex-soldier to walk the distance to these outreach centers and then carry the heavy boxes home.
It might interest you to know that I am a White American and he is a Black American. Such a kind, most peace loving man I have ever met, and he was a practicing MUSLIM. There are millions of Black Americans who practice the Muslim faith, in fact it is also taught in prisons. Why? Because the ACTUAL KORAN teaches peace and non-violence for to do an act of violence against another human being is a sin in the Muslim religion. I am a born and raised Baptist, and I was curious about his faith. I fondly remember many discussions we had on the differences between our faiths and although much different in fact in most instances, I found to my surprise some common ground between the two. I found that the Muslim Americans are a kind, peace loving, kind group of people. They hurt deeply when their religion is used as a weapon and "bastardized" to further the goals of terrorists, for that most certainly is not what these kind Muslim Americans are all about.
I use a Dry Cleaners that is owned and run by a Muslim family in the same town and attached to their business is the place where they hold their Muslim services. It truly saddens me to see the look on the faces of the women who wait on me. It is almost as if they are waiting for me to abuse them verbally for their "garb" and their religion. They are just an American family, who happen to be Muslims, trying to live their American dream, just like you and I, yet I see the fear in their eyes today and it saddens me.
Which brings me to my reaction to the focus of many on the 2 years Senator Obama spent in a "supposed Muslim school", which has been proven false, and the fact his natural father, grandmother and grandfather were Muslims. So what? Does this really have any bearing on the qualities of Senator Obama? He has said he also recognizes the racism against Muslim Americans, but that does not mean he is a Muslim. And since when, in America, do you have to be a certain faith to be President? I have read the constitution, have you? It does not ever state only candidates of certain faiths may run for President, or you would not have had our great President Kennedy, a catholic. I can make the same case, to be fair, about the Republican possible candidate, Mitt Romney, a Morman. Religious faith has no bearing on the quality of a candiate.
We should focus on the issues, the candidates and where we are going in America, not on the religious backgrounds of candidates, for to do so goes against everything America stands for. What if we had a Chinese American, a Latino American, a Korean American run for President? Would you also condemn them for their religion and not focus on their ability to be an effective President?
I read in this blog, mentioned above discussion on the pastor of Senator Obama's church. Exactly what bearing does a pastor who happens to preach at the church Senator Obama attends have on Senator Obama's qualities, and outlook for the future of America? Condemning the pastor, condemns the parishioner? I think not. If that were the case, you could then condemn the thousands of parishioners of the nationally known pastor who resigned in disgrace for bringing shame by his behavior on his church, whose name I will not mention here as to do so furthers the condemnation of his congregation, christians who try to live a christian life, as do Muslims trying to live by their principles, peacefully in a country increasingly hostile to them.
The terrorists in Iraq, and other countries, who claim their religion as Muslim only serves to blacken the names of the decent American citizens who are Muslim, who live in peace and unity, focusing on family and working hard, practicing their faith and suffering from racist christians who would condemn them for the acts of those who go against everything the Muslim religion stands for.
Senator Obama is a Christian, who HAPPENS, to have a mixed background of Muslim, Atheist, and Christian. But it his choice to choose his religion and is is a Christian one, but I for one care less what religion he chooses to practice, rather I care about how he will help our country regain the promise it has, helping the poor and the elderly, children, and focusing on providing a better Global image than we now enjoy. Our failure to engage other countries in our goals has suffered greatly under the watch of President Bush and it is time to regain the respect we used to enjoy in the Global community. Senator Obama has the qualities to do just that.
So I ask, what difference does it make that Senator Obama had a Muslim natual father who he had no association with most of his life? It really is a non-issue. This entire thing started with a piece in a magazine, a magazine owned by a close friend of the Clinton's, so make your own conclusion here.
As for me, I think I will keep my friends who are Muslim, for they are a joy to know, and my Jewish friends, my Protestant friends, my Born Again friends, and my Baptist friends. We are ALL Americans and I won't give up a friend because they practice a different religion. God forbid if a Jewish American wanted to run for President. I can see the outcry now in the deeply religious South, and from most Americans. Therefore, there could very well be an extremely promising young politician, who is Jewish, who knows in his heart he could never aspire to be President as he would suffer the same issues that are ascribed to Senator Obama. Being an American with great qualities doesn't count? You prefer to focus on the religion of your target rather than their quality? That is NOT what being an American is about. So look into your hearts and examine this issue.
As Senator Obama has said in his keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, "we are not a Black America, We are not a White America, nor a Latino America, we are ALL Americans."
Thursday, February 1, 2007
NYC Latino Community Thows support behind Barack Obama
Bronx politicians today have come out in support of Senator Obama and are scheduling an event on his behalf. Senator Clinton had been relying on the support of the Latino community for their voting block, but community leaders are dissatisfied with her "lip service" to gain votes, but does not sit down with them and discuss their needs or issues, rather Senator Obama has done so, engaging them in discussions on where their needs lie, and incorporates their needs into his overall platform. Here is the article.
As I have stated many times in this blog, this New York resident and our website team have spoken with many minority communities, and they all echo what is said in the article. Senator Clinton pays attention, or calls on them, when votes are needed, but is not to be seen or heard from when votes are not needed. This I see is a serioius flaw; Senator Clinton's taking advantage of minority communities to gain votes, but does not seriously comtemplate their needs, or act on them. Lacking a more viable candiate, and the spending of $50 million to ensure a platform to launch her Presidential bid, these communities put their votes behind her to ensure a Democratic victory, but given the choice of a more viable candidate, Senator Clinton would have been in trouble this past election for her "supposed" base support of minority communities in New York State is "soft" and ripe for a more "tuned in" candidate such as Senator Obama.
As I have stated many times in this blog, this New York resident and our website team have spoken with many minority communities, and they all echo what is said in the article. Senator Clinton pays attention, or calls on them, when votes are needed, but is not to be seen or heard from when votes are not needed. This I see is a serioius flaw; Senator Clinton's taking advantage of minority communities to gain votes, but does not seriously comtemplate their needs, or act on them. Lacking a more viable candiate, and the spending of $50 million to ensure a platform to launch her Presidential bid, these communities put their votes behind her to ensure a Democratic victory, but given the choice of a more viable candidate, Senator Clinton would have been in trouble this past election for her "supposed" base support of minority communities in New York State is "soft" and ripe for a more "tuned in" candidate such as Senator Obama.
New York citizens gossip about Hillary
It is an interesting and unexpected bonus to live in New York, home of the would-be candidate Hillary Clinton because you get to talk to people who know things. Things in Senator Clinton's past she would rather you wouldn't know about but are certainly pertinent to one who aspires to this country's highest office. I rather hesitated to "gossip" as I would prefer to follow the example of civility that Senator Obama embraces.
However, when you come upon information that is important for voters to know you need to decide whether or not it is wise to "out" the candidate.
I just read a very long article on Hillary Clinton's choice for campaign staff, in particular Howard Wolfson and how he ever so skillfully managed to bury the misteps of Mrs. Clinton during her first campaign for the Senate in New York. I found the following passage quite informational:
"She was "banned" by Crown Heights' ultra-orthodox Jewish council for reaching out to ex-Mayor David Dinkins, who was disliked for the way he'd handled the Crown Heights black/Jewish riots. In the fall of 1999, her stock sunk even lower with Jews when, on an official White House trip to the West Bank of Israel, she embraced Suha Arafat, right after Arafat's wife charged in a speech that Israel was poisoning Palestinian children. There was more: President Clinton's offer of clemency to Puerto Rican nationalists was seen as a sop to his wife; then there was an allegation of an anti-Semitic slur. And this past fall, the campaign twice embarrassed itself, obtaining 1,400 names from a White House visitors list and accepting money from a Muslim group advocating armed force against Israel"
All of the above was skillfully handled by the staff member know to Mrs. Clinton as "Wolfie".
Here is the article
Now of course, every single aspect of Senator Obama's staff and campaign will be closely examined by the Blitz force of the Hillary Machine in the form of Howard Wolfson, and I am quite sure he is prepared for it.
Hillary is also making overtures to Andrew Coumo, Jr. for his support. If he is smart, I think he better think twice before becoming entangled in her MACHINE, and a machine it is. But this machine has a huge weakness, and that is ASSUMMING. And you know the phrase that applies to the word ASSUME. Hillary makes the assumption, that due to her husband's close ties within the Black community, he will deliver that voting block to her, wrapped up in a nice ribbon come primary time. Hillary, I have some very interesting news for you.
You see we are doing our homework. Being based in New York, we are out there already, speaking to the leaders of black communities, asking questions, taking polls, and we are finding they are reserving their decision because they want to know more about Barack Obama, and you just may lose that block of votes as we begin to inform the black communities and they get to know the candiate Senator Obama, as they are going to like what they see. We did discover one thing, they deeply resent your assumption that since former President Clinton enjoyed a wonderful rapport with the Black community and they voted for him in huge numbers, some saying he was the first Black President that they would OF COURSE vote for you. They resent the fact that so early on you are assumming you have their votes already. They don't appreciate you using their votes, then going back to your white elite "enclave" staying far away from the poor black neighborhoods, the underserved, and voters that are used for your gain rather than showing true concern for the issues they face on a daily basis. They resent the fact you spent $50 million to ensure your launching pad of a Senate seat, only to abandon the very office you were voted into practically a couple months after you were re-elected. So you really didn't want to be a Senator? Then why spend $50 million dollars to be one? If you REALLY wanted the office you committed to when you ran for it, then you would stay and do the job you were hired to do for the people of the State of New York. Wasting at least 40 million of those dollars you didn't need to spend also shows the citizens that you are willing to pay ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY for your own gain.
These are some of thoughts of the common citizen we speak with on a daily basis. Let the REAL Hillary Clinton stand up please?
However, when you come upon information that is important for voters to know you need to decide whether or not it is wise to "out" the candidate.
I just read a very long article on Hillary Clinton's choice for campaign staff, in particular Howard Wolfson and how he ever so skillfully managed to bury the misteps of Mrs. Clinton during her first campaign for the Senate in New York. I found the following passage quite informational:
"She was "banned" by Crown Heights' ultra-orthodox Jewish council for reaching out to ex-Mayor David Dinkins, who was disliked for the way he'd handled the Crown Heights black/Jewish riots. In the fall of 1999, her stock sunk even lower with Jews when, on an official White House trip to the West Bank of Israel, she embraced Suha Arafat, right after Arafat's wife charged in a speech that Israel was poisoning Palestinian children. There was more: President Clinton's offer of clemency to Puerto Rican nationalists was seen as a sop to his wife; then there was an allegation of an anti-Semitic slur. And this past fall, the campaign twice embarrassed itself, obtaining 1,400 names from a White House visitors list and accepting money from a Muslim group advocating armed force against Israel"
All of the above was skillfully handled by the staff member know to Mrs. Clinton as "Wolfie".
Here is the article
Now of course, every single aspect of Senator Obama's staff and campaign will be closely examined by the Blitz force of the Hillary Machine in the form of Howard Wolfson, and I am quite sure he is prepared for it.
Hillary is also making overtures to Andrew Coumo, Jr. for his support. If he is smart, I think he better think twice before becoming entangled in her MACHINE, and a machine it is. But this machine has a huge weakness, and that is ASSUMMING. And you know the phrase that applies to the word ASSUME. Hillary makes the assumption, that due to her husband's close ties within the Black community, he will deliver that voting block to her, wrapped up in a nice ribbon come primary time. Hillary, I have some very interesting news for you.
You see we are doing our homework. Being based in New York, we are out there already, speaking to the leaders of black communities, asking questions, taking polls, and we are finding they are reserving their decision because they want to know more about Barack Obama, and you just may lose that block of votes as we begin to inform the black communities and they get to know the candiate Senator Obama, as they are going to like what they see. We did discover one thing, they deeply resent your assumption that since former President Clinton enjoyed a wonderful rapport with the Black community and they voted for him in huge numbers, some saying he was the first Black President that they would OF COURSE vote for you. They resent the fact that so early on you are assumming you have their votes already. They don't appreciate you using their votes, then going back to your white elite "enclave" staying far away from the poor black neighborhoods, the underserved, and voters that are used for your gain rather than showing true concern for the issues they face on a daily basis. They resent the fact you spent $50 million to ensure your launching pad of a Senate seat, only to abandon the very office you were voted into practically a couple months after you were re-elected. So you really didn't want to be a Senator? Then why spend $50 million dollars to be one? If you REALLY wanted the office you committed to when you ran for it, then you would stay and do the job you were hired to do for the people of the State of New York. Wasting at least 40 million of those dollars you didn't need to spend also shows the citizens that you are willing to pay ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY for your own gain.
These are some of thoughts of the common citizen we speak with on a daily basis. Let the REAL Hillary Clinton stand up please?
OBAMA VS. FOX NEWS
I read a couple Blog articles today and some news reports regarding the fact that it appears that Senator Obama is "freezing" out Fox Reporters - See article
I am not at all surprised. Anything he would say to them would be "twisted" to report the way they want to in a negative light, yet Fox News claims that it is Senator Obama's peril not to engage in interviews with their reporters. Now, can someone explain to me just why Senator Obama should be eager to give interviews to Fox News reporters when it was THEY who proclaimed the FALSE report without doing one minute of actual research about Senator Obama's school at the age of 7 years old, hinting that he went to a "terrorist leaning" grade school? This writer does not blame Senator one bit for failing to engage Fox reporters in interviews or conversation. In fact I agree with the writer of the above linked article, that he is better off without Fox News.
I sit here today and picture the staff at Fox News appointing a staff of reporters in a "War Room" totally devoted to find SOMETHING, ANYTHING that they can use to put out as fact that would be a negative report about Senator Obama.
For those not in the know, being from New York I can tell you that the original writer of the piece on Senator Obama's school which was false, as proven by the research done by CNN, happens to be a close friend of the Clinton's. Interesting? Certainly allows Senator Clinton to put out false reports and be "above it all" in order to disclaim any knowledge. But then, those of us in New York are used to the strong arm tactics of Senator Clinton. Her staff strong arms local Democratic politicians and offices to support her, as failure to do so, will ensure she will never appear at one of THEIR fundraisers or events. And I am shocked at Senator Schumer's support of Senator Clinton. I had admired him, voted for him, and am personally shocked he would not wait and take a good look at Senator Obama, but then again, he needs her backing for his next election now doesn't he? I can't deny the fact Senator Clinton through her husband's contacts is quite good at getting huge donors for her campaign.
I believe the massive grassroots support both Internet and Real World for Senator Obama is indicative of the citizens being sick and tired of OLD TIME POLITICS, and want to choose for themselves who they will support. Fox news just hates the fact that there has been a massive grassroots groundswell of support for Senator Obama.
As was talked about on Hardball yesterday, the GOP is sadly lacking for a GOOD candidate to put up against the Democrats in 08, and even in Congress the Republicans are divided. Their party is in disarray, and whose fault is that? You can lay it directly at the feet of President Bush.
Not only has he succeeded in getting most of the citizens of this country against him, he also has been able to make a shambles of his party.
I am not at all surprised. Anything he would say to them would be "twisted" to report the way they want to in a negative light, yet Fox News claims that it is Senator Obama's peril not to engage in interviews with their reporters. Now, can someone explain to me just why Senator Obama should be eager to give interviews to Fox News reporters when it was THEY who proclaimed the FALSE report without doing one minute of actual research about Senator Obama's school at the age of 7 years old, hinting that he went to a "terrorist leaning" grade school? This writer does not blame Senator one bit for failing to engage Fox reporters in interviews or conversation. In fact I agree with the writer of the above linked article, that he is better off without Fox News.
I sit here today and picture the staff at Fox News appointing a staff of reporters in a "War Room" totally devoted to find SOMETHING, ANYTHING that they can use to put out as fact that would be a negative report about Senator Obama.
For those not in the know, being from New York I can tell you that the original writer of the piece on Senator Obama's school which was false, as proven by the research done by CNN, happens to be a close friend of the Clinton's. Interesting? Certainly allows Senator Clinton to put out false reports and be "above it all" in order to disclaim any knowledge. But then, those of us in New York are used to the strong arm tactics of Senator Clinton. Her staff strong arms local Democratic politicians and offices to support her, as failure to do so, will ensure she will never appear at one of THEIR fundraisers or events. And I am shocked at Senator Schumer's support of Senator Clinton. I had admired him, voted for him, and am personally shocked he would not wait and take a good look at Senator Obama, but then again, he needs her backing for his next election now doesn't he? I can't deny the fact Senator Clinton through her husband's contacts is quite good at getting huge donors for her campaign.
I believe the massive grassroots support both Internet and Real World for Senator Obama is indicative of the citizens being sick and tired of OLD TIME POLITICS, and want to choose for themselves who they will support. Fox news just hates the fact that there has been a massive grassroots groundswell of support for Senator Obama.
As was talked about on Hardball yesterday, the GOP is sadly lacking for a GOOD candidate to put up against the Democrats in 08, and even in Congress the Republicans are divided. Their party is in disarray, and whose fault is that? You can lay it directly at the feet of President Bush.
Not only has he succeeded in getting most of the citizens of this country against him, he also has been able to make a shambles of his party.
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