Indie Majority

< Politics > Could the 2010 Political Storm Save America?

2010-11-13T22:09:00.000-08:00

Alan Simpson, co-chair of the President's Fiscal Commission, answers reporter questions on the newly released plan to reduce the deficit.

After you listen, go to The New York Times Budget Puzzle to become the CEO of America and make the tough choices needed to shrink the deficit. Special thanks to The New York Times for putting the app together.

< Life > Daniel Pink's famous question: "What's your sentence?"

2010-11-08T15:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a new rallying question for next generation leaders and thinkers. If you take even a few moments to reflect on this question, I'm sure you and those around you will benefit.

Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.

Why Donald Trump Matters

2010-10-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, Donald Trump's name along with several questions about him in a political context were slipped into a phone poll that went through New Hampshire a few weeks back.

New Hampshire = first presidential primary in the country and usually the launching pad for any candidate.

When questioned, Trump said he was not responsible for it; but that now would be a great time for him to consider running.

Cue the record scratch. Why does this matter to you?

Hint: it's not necessarily because he's an ideal candidate...

It's because a man with a megaphone the size of his can stir the national pot by saying what everyone is already thinking, but won't say directly. He can take the national debate from what it's stuck on - "the economy stinks" - to someplace even bigger; in this case, that America is losing its greatness.

Take this Time interview excerpt, for example:

"I have never had any interest [in running for office] before. If I ever did, this would be the time. That's not to say I have interest, but if I ever did, this would be the time, because we've never had a country that's sunk and that's gone to levels as low as it is right now."

On the state of the country:

"We're getting that inferiority complex which we've never had."

"I'm very upset about what is happening. I've expressed that to various journalists and I guess that's probably what happened -- somebody wanted to see how my views, which are very strong on China ripping us off, which are very strong on OPEC and the illegal monopoly that it should be called... and I'm very opposed to various other things. And I state that opposition and I state it I think clearly and sometimes bluntly. I guess people like that and it resonates.

On his qualifications:

"I think I'm qualified because I deal with countries that are taking us to lunch in a negative sense. I deal with Chinese. I know the Chinese. I understand the Chinese. They laugh at our stupidity. That laugh at how stupid our leaders are."

(Beta) Week in Review Newsletter #1 10/3/2010

2010-10-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

This week's Indie Majority Must-Reads - understand what's driving the dialog:

The Big Picture

Third Party Rising: Opinion Editorial by Thomas Friedman

"There is a revolution brewing in the country, and it is not just on the right wing but in the radical center. I know of at least two serious groups, one on the East Coast and one on the West Coast, developing “third parties” to challenge our stagnating two-party duopoly that has been presiding over our nation’s steady incremental decline."

Obama In Command: the Rolling Stone Interview

"I still remember going over to the Republican caucus to meet with them and present our ideas, and to solicit ideas from them before we presented the final package. And on the way over, the caucus essentially released a statement that said, "We're going to all vote 'No' as a caucus." And this was before we'd even had the conversation.

Being Glenn Beck: Where is He Coming From Really?: The NYTimes Magazine Interview

"At some point in the past few months, Beck ceased being just the guy who cries a lot on Fox News or a “rodeo clown” (as he has described himself) or simply a voice of the ultraconservative opposition to President Obama In record time, Beck has traveled the loop of curiosity to ratings bonanza to self-parody to sage. It is remarkable to think he has been on Fox News only since January 2009."

Election 2010
See what the man and the model, who predicted Obama's victory down to the electoral vote in 2008, see in the crystal ball for Nov 2010. As an independent, you are exected to stay home. Don't make them right! Get engaged!

Senate Data by State

House Data by State

Governor Data by State

Understand the Terrain

Democrats: disaffected, disengaged, disenfranchised (?)

The Atlantic: 5 ways Obama can ignite the Liberal Base

Republicans: enthusiastic, feeling good about their prospects, poised to gain some control (?)

Republican Pledge to America

Presidential Job Approval Via Gallup: http://www.gallup.com/poll/113980/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Job-Approval.aspx

Repeal: an utterly empty, unfulfillable promise

2010-03-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Do not believe the hype. In a possible scenario, Republicans can win 10 Senate seats in November 2010. That puts them at 51. Then, let's say they somehow muster to peel off 9 Democrats to side with them to break a filibuster and repeal the health insurance reform law. Do you believe that Obama would sign it? Not on your life.

Without 67 Senate votes, and 2/3 of the House, Republicans would hit a dead end, unable to override the veto. Even after 2013, with perhaps a Republican president, mustering 2/3 of Congress around giving everyone free donuts - let alone repealing health insurance reform - would be next to impossible. And by then, some of the benefits will be clearly understood and the American people will be loathe to throw out the totality of "good enough" legislation on the promise of a better plan.

Republicans will sadly be shilling "Repeal and Replace" as their slogan this Fall. They feel it speaks to their base and injects them with passion. But large victories for their party depend on you, the Independent voter. Go into the voter's booth informed. Repeal is not going to happen.

Better still for the Republicans would be to tell voters how they could improve upon the bill that exists. That would at least win the ear of an Independent voter.

Until then, stay informed, Indies!

Obama's Big Message In Iraq

2009-04-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Obama touched down in Iraq unannounced today, and said the words some Americans have been waiting 10 years to hear, ""It is time for us to transition to the Iraquis. They need to take responsibility for their country."

This is a huge departure from Bush's, "We'll stay until the job is done," line of rhetoric. However, it's not surprising. Nixon did the same thing in Viet Nam after taking the reigns of the presidency from Linden B. Johnson. However, it's a welcome relief to many of our troops who have been fighting over seas for longer and longer tours.

The big question is, when they get home, will they have a job outside of the military?

Open Primary Gaining Ground in CA

2009-02-23T20:14:00.001-08:00

Here is something that Indie Majority could throw its weight behind - as part of the Democratic concessions on the new California budget deal, Republicans got an agreement to put an open primary initiative on the June 2010 election ballot.

It's being called the Voters' Choice Initiative because it would remove ideology from the process. Any voter could choose any candidate in the primary. The two top vote-getters, regardless of party, would square off in the November election.

I think this is a fantastic development, and if written correctly this initiative would get my full support. It's possible that you wouldn't see a major party on certain ballots, or that you wouldn't see a Democrat or a Republican in certain parts of California.

Certain elections wouldn't harp on the same old party-based issues. Normal, independent-minded people could run and stand a chance. It would all be based on how much support you could garner with your message. Politics could become regionalized.

“It's not good for politics,” Schwarzenegger said. “But remember, what is not good for politics is good for the people. That's the bottom line here.”

Getting the News

2009-02-17T14:23:00.001-08:00

Someone recently asked me how I keep tabs on what is going on in Politics, and all the interesting stories that relate to current major issues. Well, I must confess, I am not Washington Insider. I do not even work in government. I try to stay informed via the media, as I am sure most of you do. However, I do not form my opinions based on what I read. I form them based on conversations I have with people of differing opinions.

However, it is an interesting question. "How do you stay informed?" One person told me recently that the 'links' her friends post on Facebook is how she gets a lot of her 'news'. I myself get my news through a mix of the following sources: NPR radio, CNN.com, Yahoo News, BBC News, Fox News. However one source is quickly becoming my favorite, DIGG.com. It's a user content supported news and link site. It gives you a wide range of topics and stories to pick from. Especially now days.

So, it's an interesting question... How do your get your news?

Socialism Warnings Are Important!

2009-02-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

If you have been watching this Stimulus debate, you know that in many ways it's built to help the middle class and the poor. It's a generous thing to do for those who have little to no hope left as the low end jobs are getting slashed at an alarming rate.

I was on a site recently that had a 'break down' of the stimulus bill. Those who commented on it were pretty dire about the Stimulus. My favorite quote was, "Remember, when the government provides all you want, it can take all you have."

Now some of you may think that the statement above is ridiculous, but it is important that Americans understand we must maintain a balance as it pertains to government regulation of services and industries. Many folks are just staring at the Federal Government as their only hope towards salvation, and that's not necessarily a good thing. The Fed Gov has to be a temporary bandage to revive the private sector. It cannot be a permanent solution to our economic woes.

Those in the dire "we're becoming socialist" bell ringing camp are in many ways (while as annoying as they can be) helping us stay rooted in a fundamental belief that this country has in a free market economy. That being said, I'm in favor of Massive Health Care reform, because the current system is incredibly broken.

The Great Crisis of My Generation

2009-02-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

It appears as if the largest economic stimulus bill passed today, which means that Congress has met the deadline put down by President Obama. The stimulus as you should know is a whopping 838 Billion dollars and dwarfs the previously record setting TARP Credit Bailout by over 100 billion dollars, or roughly what Bill Gates keeps in his back pocket.

This is a very big deal, and it is so important to El Presidente that he took over network television last night to talk about it. He was heavy on point and on the plan. He outlined his three phases towards ecomomic recovery. 1) Pass this Stimulus Bill, 2) Fix the Credit Industry, 3) Stabilize the Values in the Housing Market. He also fielded questions about foreign policy and a left fielder from a reporter about the A-Rod scandal (pun totally intended.)

The Stimulus Bill proved to be the biggest disappointment in the era of 'bi-partisan' negotiations. The votes in Congress have basically been split right down the party lines, with Republicans once again championing tax cuts over spending (the Stimulus actually carries both). So despite the party voting being split the Republicans did get their tax cuts; however, Obama gave the cuts to the poorer and lower middle class, instead of the wealthier Americans that the Republicans like to stay buddy buddy with. However, it goes to show you that when America is at it's worst points, the 'parties' like 'unions' only look out for themselves and their constituents (or at least the most wealthy amoung them). Despite the in-fighting we have a Stimulus plan, an 'imperfect' Stimlus plan, but it's what we have none the less. For the first time, a Politican and a President no less was honest about what we have in our hands. It's a plan that will succeed in some areas and fail in others, and hopefully the failures will be fewer than the victories.

There are many critics of this plan. Read a dissenting opinion here. This guy actually argues that our current crisis is not as bad as former recessions in the 1970's and 1980's. However, what is disturbing to me, an average Joe (not a dumb Joe the Plumber), is that there are so many 'expert' economists out there on the news talking about 'facts' that are actually just therory. So, my little word of advice here is to understand that economists are like philosphists or theologists, a lot of what they talk about it is their opinioin and not the facts.

The biggest fact that would lead one to argue for a stimulus is that our economy faces the Largest Rate of Job Loss seen since these statistics were officially recorded over the last 90 day period. Last month alone over half a million jobs were cut in downsizing moves. On one single day 150,000 jobs were cut across the nation. This is a sure sign our ecomomy is contracting. That is a bad thing. The more the ecomomy recedes the more we are in danger of bypassing inflation and heading towards the dreaded deflation, which is far worse.

I am just a simple blogger. I have no crystal ball. I hear the facts the way you hear or can hear them. Via news reporting and some of my own personal historical research. What I know about this problem, is that it is diverse, and cannot be completely solved by this Stimulus. The most I think this Stimulus could do, is exactly what Obama discussed last night, Stop the downward spiral and finally place a 'rock bottom' to our problem so that Americans can finally say, well... it's as bad as it could get.

The reality is that the past 16 years, we've overinflated corporate stock values, and we've overinflated property values in the country, and those bubbles have burst. We are now faced with the reality of understanding that we have a recession that will stick with us for at least two years. That is a long time for Americans to hear bad news time and time again. I say this, without a sense of impending doom. I say this with an understanding that the level headed among us have to see the course and continue to tow the line, if we want to see our country enjoy more prosperous times. As a Gen Xer, I see this time as my own Generations challenge to re-build our nation. It was the same challenge my Grand Father's generation faced preceding and following World War II. This is my challenge, As my neighbor, it is yours as well.

The Collars Come Undone

2009-01-29T20:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a fascinating article from the New York Times about the Obama adminstration's fresh, updated take on business dress code and etiquette. Very introspective.

"Thus did a rule of the George W. Bush administration — coat and tie in the Oval Office at all times — fall by the wayside, only the first of many signs that a more informal culture is growing up in the White House under new management. Mr. Obama promised to bring change to Washington and he has — not just in substance, but in presidential style."

Slow Down Mr. Prez!

2009-01-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Or don't? What are your thoughts? I posted last week on a story that proved Obama was not kidding when he said he was going to bring about Change to the Oval Office. However, what is surprising me is how fast Obama is making those changes. While his initial actions are small, they show that he actually meant what he said during his 20 month long stump tour. We posted on his closing of GITMO, but here is list of other things your president has done since then.

Forced CitiBank Group (who received a government bail out) to stop the purchase of a 50 Million dollar private jet. CitiBank obliged.
Made his first interview since taking office, he told the Islamic People living in the Middle East, "America is not your enemy" and showed a much more conciliatory tone in his rhetoric towards countries like Iran, stating he was ready to talk to Iran. (that's kind of a big deal).
Started his steps toward economic recovery by urging for bi-partisan colaboration for a stimulus package meant to stabilize the shakey economy while new industries have a chance to get on their feet. He says this package will be ready by February.

These moves are the beginnings of radical changes from his predecessor. However, while I agree with many of the moves, they strike me as simply "The Opposite" of what Bush did. However, given Bush's track record, doing anything 'the opposite' of Georgie Porgie is probably a good idea.

However, if he truly is hoping to finally break down bi-partison walls, he has to be cautious that his policies do not reflect a simple left wing agenda. The more he reaches to the middle the more support America will lend to him, and the more confident everyone will become. This is a page out Reagan's book, the last president to take office under dire times in America.

Monday, Bloody Monday

2009-01-26T19:51:00.000-08:00

71,400 jobs lost today, scattered across several industries: pharma, telecomm, finance, retail... The list goes on. Economists are predicting an uptick by third quarter 2009, but that may not be in the ballpark.

I want to broach the subject of government intervention - is it necessary? Should we let this play itself out? If this recession is the response to the quick-growing bubble we've been riding for 5-7 years, wouldn't our intervention be merely a band-aid that covers the scar, but doesn't go to the source of the ill?

If this were true, could any politician say it and stay in office?

Questions, questions...

The Bell Tolls for Stimulus

2009-01-25T09:11:00.001-08:00

Senator McCain is back on the Sunday morning show circuit. This morning, he drew his marker in the sand by revealing he cannot allow himself to vote for the new stimulus bill as has been written by House Democrats.

His reasoning: too much wasteful spending. It appears that the term "wasteful spending" could be a misnomer this time around - with certain political factions more readily accepting distinct types of spending as important and others seeing it as unnecessary.

I highly doubt we'll see bridge to nowhere funds this year; but let's hope that there won't be intentional gridlock created by Republicans just to make Democrats look wasteful. Let's hope it's principled and rationed gridlock that leads to a higher discourse about turbo-charging our country's job creation rate - the true meaning of stimulus.

Oh, and let's make it quick, yes? The economy just might be tanking.

Obama's First Friday News Dump

2009-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

As has become commonplace in Washington, this Friday was a day to "dump" stories on the media that could be potentially damaging to people of power. The theory is that most people unplug from the news on Friday afternoon and don't tune in until Monday, so a truth that might not align with a Washington-ite's PR message can fly under the radar.

As the NY Times writes, Obama's folks delivered a waiver to Capitol Hill exempting William J. Lynn from Obama's newly signed executive order regarding registered lobbyists in positions of leadership.

Lynn, as it turns out, was s registered lobbyist for a military contractor. Now he will be the Pentagon's number 2 honcho.

Two things concern me about this - 1) That Obama would take part in this "dumping" practice during his first week in The White House and 2) That he's already requesting an exemption for a "hard and fast" rule he just created.

I hope there won't be more exceptions in the future. And I don't like that the first week started out with one.

He Said He'd Do It

2009-01-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

Well, he said he'd bring about change, and apparently he isn't wasting any time. Obama has put in place administrative initiatives to shut down GITMO and appointed new diplomatic envoys for the Middle East. On the day that saw Hillary Clinton take her post as Secretary of State, change happened.

The 2004 election was all about Iraq and how the candidates would handle the War. The 2008 election was no different. While the economic downgrade was atop the minds of U.S. citizens, our state of diplomacy in the world was the second big issue. Obama said he would shut down the torture tactics at GITMO and open new diplomatic channels with Axis of Evil members like Iran.

Today, he took a step to make that a reality. The idea of intelligence gathering techniques through the use of torture has been a blight on U.S. foreign relations under the Bush Administration. The legal Black Hole of camps like GITMO showed the 'take no prisoners' attitude Bush had towards terrorism. Many of his Detractors speculated that this created an image of "The Big Bully" that we Americans managed to solidify by forcing a war in Iraq.

Obama critics will go on record saying this move will weaken our dealings with tough countries like Iran and North Korea. Others site, it shows we've become vulnerable to terrorists attacks. I think these thoughts are short sighted and born of the rhetoric of fear we've been used to hearing from Bush and Cheney.

The true impact of these moves will show over time. How long? We'll wait and see.

However, these actions today by Obama show us one thing. The man is going to do what he said he was going to do. This battle was an easier win since he has direct control over the moves and he is not subject to judicial or legislative review. However, a move like this on only his 2nd day, is fairly monumental and I for one find it encouraging.

Obama to Regulators: Put on the Brakes

2009-01-21T12:08:00.001-08:00

As has become standard for incoming presidents, Obama issued an executive order effectively halting any unfinished and in-process regulation from the Bush administration.

Before moving ahead, he and his team want to take a look under the hood:

Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel dispatched a memo yesterday afternoon to federal agencies and departments, directing them to stop pending rules until the new administration has time to conduct a "legal and policy review" of each one.

2009-01-20T11:36:00.001-08:00

Posting via blackberry -
Okay, America, let's get to work. And let's have a vigorous debate about our new direction.

The Best and Worst Inaugural Addresses

2009-01-19T13:03:00.001-08:00

For your reading pleasure, and to get you charged up for tomorrow's speech, here are links to the worst and best inaugural addresses in U.S. history.

Some teasers -

Worst:
Thomas Jefferson (2nd inaugural), William Henry Harrison (whose long-winded rhetoric basically spurred on his death by Pneumonia), James Buchanan

Best:
Thomas Jefferson (1st inaugural - oh, the irony!), JFK, FDR, and of course -- Lincoln's post-Civil War address.

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

Looking Forward With Caution

2009-01-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

Election Day was an enigma for me. I knew that Barack Obama would be president, and yet, I didn't know for sure. It wasn't until about 8:00pm, that I knew history had been made. However, I still remember the anxiety over the uncertainty of Obama's election and whether or not a radical shift in social and political dynamics was actually about to happen. Now, I sit here waiting for a dream to become a reality. We are less than 24 hours away from this monumental event in our nation's history. So, why am I more nervous today than I was a few months ago?

(Read more After the Jump)

I keep asking myself this question in the back of my mind, "What if he fails?"

It's a scary thought. I have many friends who have been looking at all of the crisis facing our country, and they all say the same thing... "Once Obama is in, things will change." The question I have is, "Really?" I do not want to discount the achievements or potential of our president elect. He has a truly inspiring presence. He is charismatic. He seems to be walking the walk more today than others before him. However, can one man really change everything?

Many of our issues (especially in the economy) are influenced by other global markets and resources. It seems in many regards, we're not asking our president elect to fix America. We're asking him to fix the planet. Can one man make that huge of a difference.

Then I look at George W. Bush. This man and his administration squandered all of our diplomatic credit on the global stage. He entrenched us in a War that did nothing more than anger and legitimize several terrorist factions in the middle east. He stood by and allowed Easter Asian companies to build competing industries to the U.S. while depleting environmental resources and destroying local habitats. He torpedoes the value of the U.S. dollar. He hamstrung military benefits to an all time low, while simultaneously placing thousands of our troops in harms way under unjustifiable means. He created an inflated real estate bubble that in turn created the greatest credit and stock exchange crisis since the Great Depression. He botched the handling of the largest domestic natural disaster (Hurricane Katrina) and the all relief efforts there in. Worst of all, when we needed him to be the leader we hoped he would, he did nothing time and time again. If it didn't benefit a corporate entity who wrote him a check during his campaign. Bush never lifted a finger.

If one man can do so much to negatively impact a country, then couldn't one man do so much to impact a country in a positive way?

I don't know. I wish I did. I wish I can say with confidence that anything is possible. The Great Democratic Experiment known as the United States of America has not failed. Perhaps it has not. Perhaps we are entering a new era in the United States. However, change is so hard. Obama must build bridges, and the Bush Administration has shown, it's much easier to destroy greatness than it is to build it, or in this case re-build it.

Mr. Obama has such a huge mountain to climb. However, the only way to climb a mountain is by bravely taking a step towards the foot and marching ahead. In my head, I have reserve, in my heart, I have hope.

Hey Obama - what about public transit?

2009-01-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hi, Folks! I'm back, well-rested, and ready to engage again in public discourse.

By starting out a few days before our president's inauguration, I'm finding there are plenty of topics to choose from; but I'd like to inaugurate Obama in '09 by discussing what's not in his stimulus plan: public transit support.

Obama has said repeatedly that we must stimulate the economy today while placing down payments on the future. Yet take a look at his proposed stimulus plan. You will hear that plenty will be allocated to roads, bridges, tax cuts for new energy companies, etc; but you won't see an ounce of money for public transit proposals.

Don't get me wrong - hybrid cars, new fuels, and strong bridges are important. But ask any New Yorker or San Fransican what a gift public transit is; how many jobs it can provide; how efficient it is; how cheap it is and how simple it is to maneuver in metropolitan areas. While you're at it, ask Western Europe, too.

I've always thought that America's worst moment was dismantling public transit, proving that we value independence over efficiency and the environment. Looks like that won't change any time soon.

Bush drops the Cowboy Hat

2009-01-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like the gunslinger is hanging up his boots, hat and six shooters. Now, that he doesn't have to pretend to be a down home tough as nails cowboy anymore, George W. Bush has decided that his post presidency residence should be a little more comfortable. He's moving to a posh place in a Dallas Suburb. I guess he doesn't care that he completely changed the landscape and lives of the residents of Crawford, Texas, who often came to his defense during his most troubled and criticized moments of his presidency. Why stay in peaceful calm Crawford, when you can live it up in big 'D' with Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson, who also should have a clear social calendar for the next few months.

Being Called a Liberal

2009-01-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

There is one problem with being a self professed moderate independent. No one is on your side... ever. It's like being a member of the green party, but instead of people laughing at you, they tend to attack you instead. (Sorry Greenies, I have to pick on someone)...

Hey, what's the best part about the Holidays? Family? You might be right.
Hey, what's the worst part about the Holidays? Family? You are definitely right.

I came from a pretty conservative family. My Grandmother was the only registered Democrat, and she was so militant in her Blue Collar support of the Dems that no one questioned her, because she'd stab you. However, everyone else was a hard core Republican. I myself was a hardcore Republican until I was about 20 years old. As I watched Bob Dole fumble through his campaign in 96 I realized that supporting party ideals for the sake of being loyal to party was pretty ridiculous if the party wasn't going to bother running a decent candidate.

I also have a fairly compassionate side that I found clashed with some of the more rigid restrictions of the Conservative party. For example, when I see the trouble my Grandparents have with paying for medical coverage and in some cases worrying if they have to pick medication over food, I realize that a Federal or State Regulated Healthcare system would be probably a good idea. The Constitution says we have the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Well, a broken health care system can prevent a citizen from hitting two out of those three.

However, I'm not a 'bleeding heart liberal'. For example, I do not believe in affirmative action. I feel it marginalizes talented members of a minority group for the sake of providing opportunities for people who rarely choose to take advantage of them.

So, as you can see, I'm not 100% right or left. It's why I write for this site. I try to be as we state in our banner logo, pratical and sensible when it comes to politics. However, during the great Family Herding around Christmas it was leaked out to my family that my I voted for Obama. This came after someone made the remark, "Well, we can only look forward to Sarah Palin in 2012." This made me throw up a little in my mouth. It's not that I am anit-conservative, it's that I'm anti-Palin. She's ridiculously underqualified to even be a state congressman, let alone a governor and let alone president. When the family member who said it saw that the sour look on my face, we engaged in a conversation, to which he eventually said the following to me... "When did you become a bleeding heart liberal."

It was at this moment that I drew pause. Most of us Indies do when we are hit with this. I'm not a liberal. A liberal is someone who lives on the extreme left, just as a neo con lives on the far right. I am an as issue person. If I don't like a candidate, I'm not voting for them, because they are registered Republican or Democrat or Green or even Independent. I'm voting for them when I feel they are qualified to do the job, or believe in issues as I believe in them. This doesn't mean every candidate will match up perfectly with me... guess what? I know that. I'm pragmatic, perfection isn't possible. I can't possibly agree with everything a candidate says unless... I'm the candidate (now there's a thought).

It's why I fired back at my accusor so vehemently... "I'm not a liberal. I'm independent."

Blago and Bubba Have One Thing in Common!

2009-01-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hey, guess what Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Bill Clinton have in common? If you guessed "They've both been Impeached" then you win a Gold Star. Doesn't it feel good to win a gold star?

There is a singular difference here, Clinton's impeachment in 1998 was a clear example of the GOP using blowing a small issue (Clinton lying to protect an affair he had from getting out) and blowing it into Mount St. Helen in order to cast a dark cloud of 'corruption' over the Clinton Administration prior to the elections in 2000. For Blago, he actually... well... probably... broke a law that would include actual corruption, selling Obama's vacant Senate Seat to the highest bidder.

I believe that Mr. Blago (I hate spelling the whole thing) is the first victim of the full effects of a sentiment brought on during Obama's Change campaign. The premise is simple, The American People are tired of Public Servants only serving themselves. Hopefully this trend continues for the next 8 or 12 or forever amount of years, so that the old guard of slippery glad handing career politicians will start to look for other gameful means of employment that allow for false agrandization and the ability to wear a sweet suit.

Situation in Gaza is Out of Hand!

2009-01-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

This situation is sick and devastating, and I don't care what side you think you are on, when children are being murdered in their homes by stray rocket fire, there is no right side. Wars should be fought between standing armies on battlefields, not in neighborhoods. Read the article linked after the jump at your own discretion.

The U.S. seems helpless in this area as we have taken on a policy of support for Israel, which may prevent a president from formally stepping in. Bush definitely will not saddle Obama with an issue of intervention with weeks left in his presidency. Obama is powerless to do anything here. Makes you wonder where the rest of the world is on this issue. Click Here for the article. Warning! There are some graphic and sad photos.