Violence is a method of choice by Republican extreme Right Wing elements. What should be done to minimize this type of violence?

I have been watching and listening to some news stories showing some real crazy points of view. The nut jobs views are expressed by people like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly and even some comments from our former Vice President, Dick Cheney. These crazy views include some who believe President Obama was not born in the United States but in Kenya or some other place. This was the view of the killer, James Von Brunn, who killed the guard, Stephen T. Johns, at the entrance of the Holocaust Museum. We have seen Right Wing extremists front and center during the 2008 Presidential campaign, if you remember. And if you don't let me refresh your memory.

According to news reports back on October 10, 2008 one supporter of Sen. John McCain claimed candidate Barack Obama was a Muslim and an Arab. Senator McCain corrected the woman and said Obama was not a Muslim, nor Arab, and was a "decent person." “Come on, John!” one audience member yelled out as the Republican crowd expressed dismay at their nominee for trying to minimize the emotions of supporters. Others yelled "liar," and "terrorist," referring to Obama. Fearing the raw and, at times, angry emotions of his supporters, may damage his campaign, John McCain urged them to tone down their increasingly personal denunciations of Barack Obama. "I have to tell you. Sen. Obama is a decent person and a person you don’t have to be scared of as president of the United States," McCain told a supporter at a town hall meeting in Minnesota who said he was “scared” of the prospect of an Obama presidency and of who the Democrat would appoint to the Supreme Court.

If you remember earlier, there were threats to then candidate Barack Obama after he announced he was running for President and then the Secret Service had to increase their security of the candidate during the Democratic Primary process. My point of raising all this is that it is the very Right Wing of the Republican Party, which is supportive of the NRA, which promotes gun ownership over everything else, and has done more to facilitate violence in American society than any other organization of the past 40 years. Yes, this group took away many of the other Constitutional rights of Americans by endorsing Wire Tapping of Americans, deceiving the Country about Iraq and Weapons of Mass Destruction and the build up of the war and authorizing the use of torture. Democrats who were appalled by the actions of President Bush and Vice President Cheney never did any acts of murder based upon ideology. It is clear that the Republican Party has lost control of its more radical members and their language does not try and stop it and they need to denounce the extreme rhetoric, as well as that of Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly of Fox and others. Then President Bush and Vice president Cheney did all they can to scare the heck out of every citizen just before going into Iraq and then continuing it throughout their term in office. As Bill Maher said last night, "They tried to scare us all of the Boogey man and it worked.

It was never Democrats and Independents turning violent these past 8 years of the Bush/Cheney Administration. They had plenty to be violent about as their Constitutional rights were trashed by Bush and Cheney. But they didn't. They obeyed the laws most of the times and only did peaceful Civil disobedience and protests. It says something about Independents and Democrats and yes it says something about the gun loving Republican extreme Right Wing nut jobs as well.

So to answer the question posed in the title, "What should be done to minimize this violence?" Well just maybe we should have their worse fears come true. Maybe we should take away their guns by a more contemporary interpretation of what the Second Amendment really means. We don't have a well regulated militia today, other than the National Guard. so I don't mind them having arms, but that's it! But that is going to take some new Supreme Court Justices. I don't know much about Judge Sonia Sotomayor. I hope she is as good as the press is on her. Besides, the Bush Administration, and especially Dick Cheney, had no problem suspending parts of the Constitution they didn't like, such as Habeas Corpus, Privacy (approved wire tapping of U.S. Citizens without approval of the FISA Court) and other parts which support our treaties and things like the Geneva Convention. They redefined what torture is, to suit their ideology and their cause, when it suited them. It suits me just fine to have a legal view by the Obama Administration General Counsel, which says that common citizens do not have the right to bear arms, unless they are in the National Guard or other Police or Military jobs requiring it. The government could outlaw assault rifles like the AK-47 and go as far as they like to protect us. How's that Extreme Right Wing nut jobs!?

Been waiting 8 very long years for today! VOTE!

This day hasn't come soon enough for me. Have you ever waited 8 years for anything, let alone replacing a President? These past 8 years have been an exhaustive and often demoralizing period of time in my life. In this country I love so much, I thought I would never see a President choose a war that was really an unnecessary misadventure, over a diplomatic solution. The costs alone were staggering and will be paid off in my children’s lifetime. That doesn't even come close to the cost to the families who lost a loved one unnecessarily or had a family member maimed for life.

Then there was the arrogance our President showed to everyone here and abroad. He didn’t need the world to support our invasion of Iraq basically alone. I am so tired of a cocky President and Vice President. Self-confidence is one thing, but arrogance is totally intolerable, especially for a President or Vice President.

The last straw for me was when President Bush and his inner circle decided on their own to redefine torture in such a way that they were then justified to do what they wanted to do with those in the grasp of their clutches. Sure we had some really bad, nasty guys. But we as a Country swore an oath to uphold the Geneva Convention, not because it was trying to appease others but rather it was agreed to, to help protect our troops if caught by an enemy, should they be captured. I was so angry when McCain, who was tortured, caved under pressure from President Bush and Vice President Cheney and went along with them and dropped his objection to legislation, which would provide cover to the both of them.

Yes, I have been waiting for a very long time to be able to listen to the TV and the words of a President I could once again respect, instead of muting the sound when they spoke. I have been waiting to hear words of honesty where I could once again believe what they said. I have been waiting a very long time to break the secretive nature of this Vice President and President and once again to obey and respect the Constitution, rather than looking for ways to go around it or suspend some of its protections for our rights hard fought.

Yes, it’s time for a change all right. The excesses of the past 8 –20 years have caused our economy and stock market to crash. Yes the Middle Class will be hurt a lot by more unemployment. But we will get through this and be a better people. We will watch over the weakest among us. We will provide charity to the needy as individuals because we know we are all in the same boat and those who have been blessed will step up to the plate. It’s a new day. It’s your new day if you choose it. Vote, as the well being of you, your family and your country need you to vote. This election is the most important election since the 1930's.

I know we will still have 2 1/2 months before the actual change of President and Vice President takes place on January 21st. But I have waited for 8 very long years, I can wait 2 1/2 more months, but today we take the first giant step.

There was one good thing that these past 8 years have initiated for me. It started me blogging as I was so frustrated I needed a way to release my feelings. Blogging helped me do that and find a new joy: writing!

Being a Class Act and doing the right thing for Hillary

Well we are in the final days before a historic election of epic proportion. We may see a reenergized youth the likes of which we haven't seen since JFK. In examining why Barack Obama has done so well, there are several important events that have shaped his ascendancy. The first was the writing of his book, The Audacity of Hope. My wife and I listened to his book on tape several years ago and I was impressed with several things. The first was how well he spoke with confidence, but in a quiet, peaceful tone. Secondly, I was surprised at his openness, vulnerability and the detailed revelations he decided to include in the book. I strongly recommend reading it if you haven't already. I was so impressed with him and what he said, it lasted me for months.

The other major event that shaped and honed his skill, as a new politician on the National scene, was his debates with Hillary Clinton. She helped him hone his message, handle difficult and skilled assaults, which would prepare him for his campaign against John McCain and the Bush Administration.

Hillary could have packed up and retreated in the past months as well as Bill Clinton, but they didn't. They have done all they could, especially Hillary, in helping bring supporters to Barack Obama. She has done everything asked and more. Now those here who have read my many posts know that I have never been a fan of Hillary Clinton. However, I feel much is due her and the best thing that Barack and the rest of us can do is to help her now and pay off her debt from the Primary. I am not sure how this can be done legally, but I am sure there are ways. One of Barack's first actions after the election should be to help her with her debt. It will pay off in the healing in the Democratic Party and show Hillary there Are rewards in life for doing the right thing. She did the right thing and that has caused me to reevaluate my view of her in a much more positive way. Thanks Hillary!

Campaign Financing: Did Obama buy this election?

Much to do today on CNBC's Morning Joe Show stating that Obama has "bought the election", and suggesting, after the election, something should be done about Campaign Finance Reform. They say Obama has a 7 to 1 advantage in TV advertising compared to McCain, who opted for Federal Funding. Obama, who first said he would join McCain and use Public Financing, changed his mind and opted out. He mounted a very effective Internet campaign and raised most of his money by small contributions.

I believe Obama won the hearts and minds of the American people first and that caused people like me to send a contribution to him, where he won our wallets too. That's not buying an election. That is gaining the support of the American people versus Corporate Lobbyists and Special Interest groups. If an election were to be bought, I would rather it be bought by the American people. It seems to me that Republicans haven't figured out how to capture internet contributions yet, so they are calling foul. It just won't work for the Republicans this time.

Near the end of the market drop and the beginning of restored confidence

We are closer to the end of this market drop than we were a week ago. Back in the Fall of 2002 through to March of 2003 we hit the bottom of about 7,200-7,400 level on the Dow. That is the bottom and with each day and another notch on the Index marking the time, we keep getting closer to the end of this market crash. As the Dow approaches the 8,000 level it will be a time to start selectively buying stocks again. We can all help shorten this downturn by the actions we take collectively. That means not over reacting to news. The volatility we have recently seen as determined by the VIX Index, are a result of investors emotional swings of fear and greed to the extremes.

Many have asked me when do I believe that confidence will start to return to financial markets. My answer is very simple. It's November 5th, if Obama gets elected President. If McCain gets elected confidence won't return for a very long time, years is my best guess. There are 12 days left before the election so make sure you vote early and avoid the lines in States where voting early is allowed.

Post debate analysis

I guess both candidates did what they wanted to accomplish in this final debate. Barack handled the attacks from McCain with a certain calmness and respectfulness for McCain in spite of the attacks. I learned one thing tonight, I have no fear with Barack talking to world leaders in difficult times. I feel more confident tonight he listens well and can clearly articulate his differences with the other person while still staying engaged in the topic. No one should underestimate his ability after this debate tonight. He does have a gravitas and is the type of person who will inspire Americans in the difficult times ahead.

I am very happy this was the final debate and I am glad we are about to vote. I just wish it were tomorrow instead of a couple of weeks. Wait a minute, I forgot, I vote absentee and will vote tomorrow.

McCain's self-importance view is so archaic

A few minutes ago John McCain said he was suspending his campaign to go work on the financial crisis in Washington and said he wanted to cancel the debate schedules for Friday night. This from the man who said he really wasn't up on economics. The American people deserve to have the debate held as scheduled on Foreign policy this Friday night. It isn't like McCain can really add anything to the debate.

My advice to John McCain: Let the debate go forward and learn to multitask. THIS IS ABOUT YOUR JUDGEMENT SENATOR!

McCain says he will cut government spending. See how he's penny wise and dollar foolish!

Let's face it, McCain has a good line for the part of the population that doesn't think much. He says he's going to cut the millions in Pork Barrel spending and make their supporters names public. Sounds good but what's the truth. The truth is the largest government spending going on is the war in Iraq, which is costing us about $12 Billion a month. Talk about wasteful spending. McCain wants to continue to spend this indefinitely, as he has said he wouldn't mind it if we stayed in Iraq for 100 years. How does he expect to pay for the war? It won't be by cutting back on what he calls "pork". One man's pork is another's important local project. The true cost cutter will be Barack Obama as he will get us out of Iraq responsibly and as soon as possible. That's savings you can count on!

See story on "Why John McCain Really Wasn't Tortured" as claimed

This is a must read at Kiko's House, by Shaun Mullen. Thanks Shaun for making the issue so clear and why the Republicans, John McCain, Bush and Cheney can't have it both ways. Everyone should read this.

Apathy of the American voter: Will this time be different?

Only 55% of the eligible voters in the U.S, actually vote. Can you believe that something as important as who will be our next President and the person who decides whether we are allowed to exercise our Constitutional freedoms (or not, as in the case of Bush/Cheney) and only 55% go vote. You see the problem my friends isn't just the Republicans or the Democrats. It's the people who could care less to vote and it turns out they represent almost half of us. This means that about 26-27% of the entire voting age public (52% of actual voters for one Party to win vs 48% of the other Party) will be the "deciders". We promote democracy everywhere around the world, except here at home. Some countries make it mandatory to vote. I'm not sure that is any better than not voting. Must things get far worse to wake these people up? How could they get any worse? Oh, I forgot, Bush and Cheney still have almost 5 months to do more damage, if that's possible. God help us all.

You think I am kidding? The Bush/Cheney duo almost decided the Pakistani Presidency today in favor of our enemies, by sending U.S. forces by using helicopters into the rugged region of Pakistan adjoining Afghanistan. It seems Bush wants to capture Osama Bin Laden in his final months and most likely knows where he has been hiding all along. It almost worked, but while the Pakistani people were very angry at our intrusion to their sovereign country they also seem pretty smart and still voted for Bhutto's husband, a friend of the U.S. But Bush almost turned the whole country against us by this latest unannounced move into the rugged mountains of Pakistan. Why would he do that? Bush wants to have an October surprise so that the Republicans, under John McCain can get re-elected in November. If that is true, think about how many waisted lives he has lost in Iraq and the cost to our treasury of Trillions of dollars. Then ask yourself should the Republican Party be rewarded this November. I think not! If he knew where Osama was and didn't even pursue him these last 7 years, shame on him for using him as a political trophy to capture at the most convenient time, while many of our soldiers are fighting an elective war of choice that should be stopped.

So this election period, let's have "New Rules" as Bill Maher would say. If you don't vote, you can't complain after the election or you will be thrown into jail and the key thrown away, with the only possibility of parole if more than 75% of the public votes in any election.

Did Palin do the job? It depends on your choice of politic

Sarah Palin did what she was supposed to do last night and she did it well: She read the teleprompter and was able to unite the base. But not for one second of the speech did she inspire me like Obama had with his speech of change last week. Her speech was aimed at camouflaging the accusations against the Bush/Cheney Administration and their failed policies of the past 8 years and to get the listener forget it was the Republican Party that brought this failed policy to us all. We are supposed to forget that John McCain supported the policies of the Bush/Cheney Administration over 90% of the time. And when it counted most, on the issue of torture, John McCain let the nation down, and caved in to the Bush/Cheney Administration requests to squash his opposition to the Bill the Senate was trying to pass which would clearly have stopped torture. I remember McCain's initial rebuttal of the Bush Administrations policy of torture when Gonzales and company redefined what torture was. But as the Bill got a bipartisan support in favor of rebuking Bush, McCain caved.

The speeches by Palin, Giuliani, Romney and others were not inspiring but more of the divisive rhetoric we have had for the past 8 years. It is time for a change in the politics as usual, as Barack Obama has asked for. But the tack the Republicans have decided to take, clear Karl Rove politics, are tiring at best. I really tried to be unbiased last night. I was looking to be inspired and instead I walked away feeling disgusted. I even watched C-Span so I wouldn't be influenced by the media, one way or another. How disappointing to see that about half the country relishes the politics of the past. It's so Neanderthal. I want a real change. I want Barack Obama and Joe Biden to win in November!

Lieberman's speech for McCain and against Obama

Whatever your politic, Republican guests on CNBC's Chris Matthews segment today claim that Sen. Lieberman is as maverick as John McCain and that both put Country over Party and politic. I think that statement is true in part for John McCain but not Joe Lieberman. Joe puts the State of Israel above the United States every time there is a choice. That is Lieberman's reason for supporting McCain and the only reason.

You want to read more? Read this.

Hillary, Hillary, where were you during the Primary!

What a speech last night at the Democratic Convention. I have never heard her speak like that and she moved the Convention Hall and the Party to Unity. For the first 5-10 minutes I wondered if it was going to be another speech about Hillary, but then as magical and as smooth as one could do she brought it seamlessly to total support for Barack Obama. It was as skillful as the master himself, her husband Bill. It will be remembered long from now at future Party gatherings. I would not want to be her husband tonight, as she is an impossible act to follow.

The party IS united now and can make the distinctions clear between the Bush/McCain plan for the future and the Democratic Party's with Barack Obama and Joe Biden's leadership. Now it's up to all of us to Vote in 2 months.

Would Barack Obama, when he becomes President, grant immunity to a departing George W. Bush?

This question is of significant importance because this is what Barack Obama would face as one of his first decision as President, just as President Gerald Ford was faced with the same issue and chose to pardon Richard Nixon. The reason this is important is because Obama has said he will be a uniter not a divider. He said he will work to bring the country together. This single act facing Obama has the potential of causing a significant rift after the election. The same is true if John McCain becomes President, but we know he will grant immunity to Bush. No matter what, if either grants immunity to George W. Bush then we are lost as a country because all due process for the alleged crimes of President Bush, VP Cheney and others will be stopped and the American people will be the losers as well as the Constitution of the United States of America.

This is very important as we are at a decision point in America and God help us if we make the wrong decisions regarding immunity.

Are voters shallow thinkers?

Are voters shallow thinkers or are they just trying to make sense from all the spin out there? It seems to me that those that want to get above the fray can do so by taking the time it takes to learn about the issues independently from the spoon feeding we get from the media at large. The problem is that most are busy working trying to feed their families and take care of their needs and have little time left to do more than just survive.

What also contributes to this problem is that the greed in Corporate America is rampant. CEO's paychecks are way out of line to their contribution to the bottom line of their businesses. For example, Forbes has listed top CEO's and their Executive pay packages. I looked up one in particular and calculated what their hourly rate would be assuming they worked a 40 hour week. Now I know they work more hours but it still makes the point. Can you guess what their hourly rate might be assuming they work for all 52 weeks, where they really don't because of vacations they take? Well it will amaze you but the hourly rate for just one of the CEO's was $25,000 per hour. Now compare that to what an average worker makes and you get a sense at the outrage. As long as we keep the gap this large we are undercutting the middle class and the future tax base of this country.

Voters normally don't have the time to even think. Many eligible voters don't even vote as they don't believe their vote for any candidate will make any difference at all in their lives. One casual review that this is nonsense is to look at what happened over the past 7 plus years of President Bush. We need to choose our President more wisely or our fate, as well as our families and those generations to come, are doomed.

As a society, we think going up the corporate ladder is the way to be "successful". That is not true and is the source of a lot of our troubles. One answer is to work for yourself. That takes time too but at least you are in control of the outcome, not someone else. That is what's wrong with the Primary process. We don't control the outcome with our votes. It is decided by others who have self interests at stake and will not vote what we want but what's best for them individually. You see our Democracy has been bought and paid for by Corporate America as the ultimate bosses of most of the candidates. That is the one good reason to vote for Barack, as he is the least beholding to Corporate interests than either McCain or Hillary. Barack has the least combined income of the 3 candidates and is more like us than any candidate of my memory going back to Eisenhower.

Prominent Republicans support and praise Hillary. Why?

The big question today: Who do the Republicans really want to run against, Barack or Hillary? It looks as though Chris Matthews, of CNBC's Hardball, has nailed it. He has noticed several prominent Republicans coming to the rescue of Hillary, namely Bill Kristol in his article this Monday in the Washington Post, also, Pat Buchanan and Rush Limbaugh, to name just a few. I think Chris is right on this one. They are all saying Hillary deserves more respect. They say she a candidate who is fighting to compete and deserves praise and credit for what she has done and would make a more formidable candidate, according to these Republicans. But why would they be raising her candidacy? What's their reason? What do they gain if she does better and becomes the nominee? Is Karl Rove nailing this one too and giving the playbook to Republicans in hopes of getting more Independents to vote for her in the remaining primaries? Do they just want to see this go on, as it is good for them?

I think they would love to run against Hillary because, as many have said, the war in Iraq is the issue in the background, but very much there, and Republicans know that if things get worse, they have a chance against Hillary, as she voted as McCain did to give the President authorization to go to war with Iraq. If the war is not a front issue, they know that McCain and Hillary are on the same page on so many issues like suspending the gas tax for the summer months to help consumers temporarily ( Barack is against it as it is a gimmick), and other issues like Energy policy, to name just two issue. They know that the electorate can be fooled, as they have been many times. They are counting on those that are listening to the news and still engaged to consider Hillary for their choice.

To me that is another good reason to vote for Barack Obama. What do you think about the Republicans speaking out in praise of Hillary? And don't just tell me, "Well she has done so well recently and deserves it." Tell me more about Republican motives here.

Are you ready to exert your power in this Election?

They say Barack Obama is caught between a rock and a hard place regarding the weekend comments by Rev. Wright at the NAACP meeting and other media events. They want us to believe that even though Barack has admonished his former pastor's comments, the American people will blur them together including each of their positions with no distinction. When they still haven't made up their mind who to vote for, they will acquiesce and vote for Hillary. If that is so, then the American people will get who they deserve for President.

It is my firm belief that there is at least 30% of the American people who don't think at all. Those are the ones who still approve of President Bush's policies in Iraq and here at home. They are not worth discussing any issue with as they have drunk the Kool-Aid and now are zombies. Then there are about another 15-17 % that will vote for John McCain because he is a Republican. That gets John McCain to 45-47%. The Democrats have given a majority vote for Barack which gives him about 28% and Hillary has about 24%, with Independents the final choosers in the Fall Election. Many Independents have joined with Barack, as they see a new hope not seen since John F. Kennedy.

The only question that truly remains is the following: Are we going to let the media dictate the issues we talk about during the next 6 months? If so then we will decide the election based upon associations and distractions, rather than substantive issues like the war in Iraq, getting a better Energy policy that helps liberate us from the dependence on Middle East Oil and our own Oil companies, giving tax breaks for Middle and low income people and increasing the tax on the wealthiest, helping to solve the Social Security financial crisis by ensuring it is there for our next generation, paying down the National Debt, solving the home foreclosure and subprime loans problem for so many Americans, passing a GI Bill to help support the troops who have given so much for their country, and so many other issues on foreign policy to help restore America's greatness in the world. This is up to us, not someone else. Change the channel of your TV when you here anything that isn't real issue oriented, with the emphasis on the word REAL! When the media ratings drop, maybe they will do something better, like cover real issues. If you speak to others about the Primary, discuss issues, not distractions. Start speaking out about what you want this election to be about or we all lose. And when we lose, the rest of the world does too. Remember, only we can give power to Swift Boat ads when we listen to them and alter our positions as a result.

UPDATE:

I almost forgot this action. Anyone, in the remaining States to still hold their Primary, should help end this folly, by voting overwhelmingly for Barack Obama. That will at least stop the rhetoric till September.

Polls are misleading the American people

That's right, the media is misleading the American people and not one person has made a case to refute the current numbers comparing the outcome of a Barack/McCain match-up versus a Hillary/McCain match-up. Here's the fallacy in their reasoning. They have the results of those polls as almost a dead tie, no matter which match-up occurs. Here's why.

Imagine there are 300 people going to be polled and 100 are supporters of Barack and 100 are supporters of Hillary and 100 are supporters of McCain. When they are asked who they support in the match-ups they will see 50% for Barack and John McCain and the same for Hillary. But what isn't taken into account is the sheer numbers of new Democrats registering to vote. In this case there are 200 voting for a Democrat and only 100 voting for McCain. Do the math.

So don't believe the current match-ups as equal. They aren't and the Democrats have a very large advantgae by all the new registered voters.

Which single issue will determine the Democratic nominee and ultimately President?

It comes down to that single issue. Which issues do we select the next President on. Here are some choices and you can vote in my mini poll on the right side of the page.

• Iraq war
• Economic recovery
• Healthcare
• Immigration reform

There are several possible outcomes and the calendar plays an important role here as does which States are left to vote in the Primaries. Which candidates are the best match-up?

Let's take the first one: Iraq war. The best match-up is McCain versus Obama.

John McCain wants us to stay in Iraq until we've won and has supported the President's strategy. Obama wants to get troops out and was never in favor of the war in the first place. Hillary now says she wants our troops to come home but had voted to give the President the authority to go to war in Iraq.

Economic recovery: Best match-up Hillary or Obama vs. McCain

McCain wants to make tax cuts permanent and both Hillary and Obama want to let them expire so that the wealthiest pay their fair share. They also both want tax cuts for middle class Americans.

Healthcare: Best match-up? First you must decide do you want Hillary's plan which includes penalties for those that don't purchase health insurance and fines they buy it or Obama's which is similar to Hillary's except no mandates. Both want to look for ways to reduce costs but no one really wants Universal Healthcare where our taxes pay for the Healthcare system and the Insurance companies become extinct and not in business anymore as we know them. Johm McCain wants to manage costs down by dealing with the Insurance companies to get them to contain more costs. We have been unsuccessful doing this since Managed Care (HMO’s) came into existence 15-20 years ago, and I don't think any will be successful in working with Healthcare providers. The system doesn't work. But Hillary claims her plan is Universal Healthcare, and it isn't. Many will be disappointed no matter which person is elected on the basis of this issue, as all have problems.

Immigration Reform: All the candidates are basically the same on this issue. All want tighter borders and all want the current system to be reformed so that legal immigration is easier than illegal immigration. And all want those undocumented (Illegal entry) persons to get at the back of the line of those that have been waiting and to pay a fine to get on the path to return.

So as you can see there isn't much difference in who you vote for in the remaining Primaries unless the main issue is the Iraq war. If you combine the Iraq war and the economy there are clear distinctions between the Republican position promoted by McCain and the position of Obama. The choice seems like a simple one. The economy is tied into the Trillions of real dollars that will be spent in Iraq, on the cist of the troops there and the cost of taking care of the nearly 30,000 seriously wounded Veterans that are returning with so much need for help. It also contributes to the price of Oil which has gone from $20-$24/barrel to $105/barrel under this President. That is a fact and it is killing the economy.

Obama wins big in Potomac races.

Yes, Barack Obama wins in an impressive fashion on his message of change and hope for a better politic (photo from Kiko's House). He has been right on many issues in which I follow voting records of Senators. I think it is time in this campaign that Barack needs to put some meat on the bones of his Foreign policy, Economic policy and Energy policy in preparation of the General election. He needs to do this because he has the media attention right now and to capture more people in the General election, he needs to show some creative solutions that get Independents and some Republicans to abandon McCain.

I am interested in what happened between McCain and Barack during the 2006 Congress when Barack crossed the aisle to reach out to McCain and there was a snub. Don't know what happened but McCain had said something about Barack and vice versa. That interaction will come back in this campaign when the two candidates go mano a mano.

Nevertheless, Barack Obama has ignited this country with hope and there is no denying he is a different type of candidate from the typical we are used to, and a refreshing change at that!