The wonder of the 2008 presidential contest between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain is that it is still a contest at all. Of course, we may tote the tired line that polls prior to the political parties’ conventions mean little or nothing. But one can’t help but wonder why this race is a contest at all.

You can bet your horse, if you have one, Democrats are very nervous already. Some party leaders are still questioning Barack’s judgment. “Why didn’t Obama put Hillary on the ticket as his VP, if winning the presidency was his number objective? How will Joe Biden help him win those angry Hillary supporters, not to mention those battleground states?”

Here is why John McCain should be trailing Barack Obama by at least 10 percentage points at this point in the game:

Economic Recession: The economy is in the tank, with failing banks, high gasoline price, rising food price, and floods of foreclosures as the housing sector swims in the sewer of recession. Unpopular President: For months now, President George Bush’s job approval rating has been in the 20s and low 30s. As of August 24, a CNN poll showed the president with a 30 percent approval by Americans. McCain Attachment to the Bush Agenda: If you can believe some of the reports and talking points, Senator John McCain has voted with Mr. Bush about 90 to 95 percent of the time. That means, there is no way McCain can be regarded by American voters as a change agent, since he may be able to only deliver a 10 percent change different from the Bush agenda.
In spite of all these factors favorable to a Democratic landslide in November, Barack Obama is in a dead heat with Senator McCain. If this trend continues – Barack losing his lead over McCain, then tied with McCain, and now trailing McCain in the latest Gallup poll – the Democrats may actually see another Republican in the White House, to continue what Democrats like to call “a third Bush term”.

What is going on? Political pundits are awash with theories as to the reason for the close contest between Obama and McCain. Here is my best bag of speculation.

One reason is that domestic issues have been truncated by international concerns. The leading culprit is Russia’s invasion of Georgia. To make matters worse, Russia is on track to annex parts of Georgia. Such a turn of affairs usually favors the Republican hawkish tendency. It may actually be Vladimir Putin of Russia who who defeats Barack Obama on November 4th. What does not seem to make sense about America’s preference for McCain in dealing with the Russian-Georgian crisis, though, is that Russia has boldly marched into Georgia under the very nose of a Republican president, despite President Bush’s warnings, rebukes and threats aimed at Russia. What is a President McCain going to do to the Russians that President Bush has not been able to do – start bombing Moscow?

Another reason: The harsh attacks on Barack Obama by fellow Democrats during the primary season have come home to roost. Those relentless attacks have taken their toll on the political junkie, and they may yet do further damage. The McCain campaign has seized the audios and videos of the repeated pounding against Obama of “lack of experience” and “not ready to lead” by Senators Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton during the Democratic primaries. McCain does not even need to use his own words, except to say, “I am John McCain, and I approve this message”, every time they play the words of Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden (now Obama’s VP), slamming Barack for his perceived inexperience.

A third reason: Clever underhand maneuvers by the Clinton wing of the Democratic Party are starting to undermine Obama’s chances of winning this race. As some of us have maintained for months now, it does not serve Hillary’s presidential aspirations for Obama to be elected President of the United States. If Barack wins, Mrs. Clinton may have to wait for 8 years before she can make a second run for the White House. But if McCain wins, she can run again as early as 2012.

Fourth reason: Hillary Clinton supporters have now gone beyond partisan politics to religious zeal and devotion to their defeated candidate, whom they now treat as a feminist deity, a goddess, whose worship deserves any level of sacrifice they can make, even if it means the forfeiture of the presidency by the Democrats in 2008. There is hardly anything Mrs. Clinton can say to dissuade these ardent worshipers, not to mention that, to these disciples, Clinton’s hidden actions and visible body language speak much louder than any clarion call she may send forth for her followers to vote Obama for president. Besides, the Clintonites will love nothing less than to suck it to the likes of Michelle Obama, Ted Kennedy and Nancy Pelosi, and the entire Barack wing of the Democratic Party. Barack’s loss will amount to the biggest “We told you so” from the Clinton establishment.

Sixth reason: The Rev. Jeremiah Wright hangover has helped to create or confirm doubts about a black man that may be too liberal for America. Though from everything the nation has observed so far, Barack does not seem to share Rev. Wright’s militant spirit, a good number of white voters may harbor sufficient doubts to tilt the elections in McCain’s favor. At present it seems the only black man some white voters can accept is someone like General Collin Powell, who has an approval rating in the 70s.

True, there is enough time for things to change, but right now, one cannot but ask, “Is there still hope for Barack Obama to win on November 4th?”

If there is such a hope, it may come from two sources. One is Obama’s own “audacity” to hope against hope. Boy, does he need that “audacity of hope” right now?!

The other source of hope is something that some die-hard Obamaians have floated. They suggest that the traditional polls being taken by CNN, Gallup, and other pollsters are missing an important demographic ~ the cellphone generation of young (college) voters, who proved to be firebrands for the Obama movement during the primary elections. Those who hold this view say that traditional pollsters normally call landlines, not cellphone numbers, to poll voters. Mr. Obama can only hope that there is some truth to that rumor, which may serve as his trump card come elections day. We shall see.

Note: Your comments to this article are more than appreciated.

Is it really possible to always mind your business? There is a place around here that pays GREAT! But I have heard from several people that is terrible for gossip. I want to apply there then, if I get the job, just keep focused on work and keep to myself as much as possible. But I am nervous that will alienate me. What would I do if someone tells me something I don’t want to hear?

I’ve been out of college for two years and have a Bachelors Degree in English.
About the Author: Read more about this and other topics related to sell surplus wedding goods

Lights off, spotlight on you, a hundred eyes popping in your face and you have to deliver a speech. Possible? For famous people like presidents, prime ministers, spokespersons, media channel anchors very possible. But for local people who have never stepped on to a stage knees start to crumble and the voice chords seem to go on a strike.

The same is not with personalities that can talk at hours on length to hundreds and thousands of people staring at them. In fact they can deliver the speech so well that it shakes the ground beneath your feet. They hook you on to every word they speak and quivers can run down your spine when they say something true to your very being.

Speakers are present in every generation. History records Queen Elizabeth for all her defining speeches to her soldiers and subjects that led her to be the most powerful country in the world. This is what she said when she addressed the English army at Tilbury Fort – 1588 when Spanish invasion was imminent.

“Let tyrants fear; I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects. And therefore I am come amongst you at this time, not as for my recreation or sport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live or die amongst you all; to lay down, for my God, and for my kingdom, and for my people, my honour and my blood, even the dust.

I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realms: to which, rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms; I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.”

America has always had great speakers as presidents like John F. Kennedy. Here is an extract from one of his speeches, “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

John F. Kennedy’s words have been immortalized with his famous line, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Which is still used to date in many variations. A powerful statement like that always makes the onlooker think for himself.

Even India has had stupendous speakers like P. Nehru, Indiara Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi and more. Gandhi is known to move not only a nation but the entire world with his philosophy. Here is an extract from his quit India speech, “I believe that in the history of the world, there has not been a more genuinely democratic struggle for freedom than ours. I read Carlyle’s French Resolution while I was in prison, and Pandit Jawaharlal has told me something about the Russian revolution. But it is my conviction that in as much as these struggles were fought with the weapon of violence they failed to realize the democratic ideal. In the democracy which I have envisaged, a democracy established by non-violence, there will be equal freedom for all. Everybody will be his own master. It is to join a struggle for such democracy that I invite you today. Once you realize this you will forget the differences between the Hindus and Muslims, and think of yourselves as Indians only, engaged in the common struggle for independence.”

Hi, I tried searching for the answer in couple of sites including encyclopedias, but I still couldn’t find the answer I was looking for. Do any of you know the answer? Thanks.

wedding fans

G.O.P. candidate Rudy Giuliani made an appearance at Daytona International Speedway over the weekend announcing – “I want a ride in a pace car.”

Giuliani spoke to reporters in the garage stall of Rusty Wallace Racing, wanting to climb in one of the team’s race cars. Rudy was denied the opportunity because, according to Rusty Wallace, Giuliani wouldn’t fit through the window. “I said, ‘Rudy, the problem is I’m too big to get in there, and you’re too big to get in there.”

Wallace told reporters, “If he’s really serious about it, I’ll find a car for him to get in. He wants to get in the real car and get on the race track.” Rudy ended up riding in his campaign bus around the track but vowed to return during the campaign to hitch a ride in a pace car.

Kevin Harvick, the defending Daytona 500 champion said Monday (January 21) he started watching MSNBC coverage of the presidential primaries and said he found it “pretty entertaining.”

“Politics is a dirty sport,” Harvick said. “I thought our sport was backstabbing. Man.”

During a news conference at Daytona International Speedway, where the second week of Sprint Cup testing got under way Monday, Harvick was asked if he has a favorite among the Presidential candidates. When asked about the Democrat candidates, Harvick replied, “No, please. I don’t want my president to cry,” referring to Sen. Clinton, who misted up on the campaign trail in New Hampshire.

Who does Harvick like? Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican.

“I like Huckabee, to be honest with you,” Harvick said. “I just like the way he presents himself and the way he talks. Giuliani has been to a lot of NASCAR races, but I just like the way Huckabee presents himself – whatever that matters for.”

Let’s burst the redneck NASCAR fan myth and look at why politicians will continue to romance Nascar fans.

According to a NASCAR survey, published in 2004, about 40% of fans are female and their numbers are rising. About 75% have attended college and more than 25% own their own homes. About 36% of NASCAR fans make more than $50,000 a year.

Surprised?

NASCAR fans are evenly distributed across the country. For example, 20% of NASCAR fans live in the Northeast U.S. This is in line with the general population. 20% of the U.S. population lives in the Northeast.

While the largest base of NASCAR fans live in the Southern U.S., only 38% of the NASCAR fans live in the South. Again, this is in line with the general population. 35% of the population lives in the South.

If you think that most NASCAR fans are redneck and caucasian, think again. According to the same NASCAR survey, about 10% of NASCAR fans are African-American, which is a slightly smaller percentage of Blacks than in the general population. This compares to the NFL, where Black NFL fans represent about 11.7% of the total NFL base.

The percentage of African-American NASCAR fans has grown by 86% since 1999. There have also been some attempts by NASCAR to bring in more African-American fans into the seats, and drivers into the races. The survey did not indicate what percentage of fans are Hispanic.

What can we conclude? NASCAR fans are everywhere and number in the millions. In a close race, they could make the difference as to whom is chosen the next President of the United States.

Often politicians running for office will write books, and many of them will use these books to rally their base of supporters. It’s always been an excellent tool for high-power politicians in the House and Senate or perhaps even running for president. Often governors of states will also write books and they use these books to propel their notoriety, and help establish themselves as experts of integrity and credibility.

Not long ago, I pulled an old book off my bookshelf by a politician that later became president. You will know his name he was once governor of Arkansas and his running mate at the time was a Senator from Tennessee just like his father, a man who would later also run for president and lose. Of course, you already know who I’m talking about, but the book that I like to recommend is;

“Putting People First; How We Can Change America,” by Gov. Bill Clinton and Senator Al Gore, 1992

Now before I explain this book, I’d like you know that I am conservative, and I doubt I would have ever voted for the gentleman. Although history has done Bill Clinton well except for his little escapade with that intern. In this book he talks about agriculture, arms control, the degradation of our cities, civil rights, the ADA, healthcare, immigration and all the problems and challenges in the Middle East. Yes, they’re still going on.

In hindsight, much of what he wrote in the book didn’t turn out all that well with him as president. His Agriculture initiatives turned into corporate welfare. His arms control ideas only caused North Korea to lie about its missiles and when it was his turn to catch Osama bin Laden; he missed. His civil rights initiatives turned into just more political correctness. And his healthcare concepts merely subsidized HMOs and created many billionaires.

As far as the American disabilities act, it’s been used all over the country by lawyers to sue small businesses. When it came to immigration he didn’t do anything, not that any other president did either, but it is interesting. He also was unable to solve the problem between Israel and Palestin, as if that was ever solvable or if there will ever be peace there.

He did indicate in the book that we need a civilian advanced technology agency, and I believe he was right about that. Anyway, it’s fun to read these old political books, because you can look at the history behind the words and see if they mean anything. Please consider all this.

bride and groom gifts

Aren’t you glad you purchased Alaska? You got a bargain, you know. You purchased it for 2 cents per acre for all 586,000 acres of it.

By “you” I mean you as a tax payer. Back in 1867, under President Andrew Johnson, successor to Abraham Lincoln, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.

Purchasing Alaska was not an impulsive decision. The U.S. Congress had been discussing it for several years. Alaska represented a huge parcel of land and nobody really knew what was up there in that part of the world. Russia was motivated to sell. Alaska was too far away for them to be able to do anything worthwhile with all that territory. And, after all, Russia had gotten Alaska for nothing, so they knew that they would realize a nice profit no matter what price they sold it for.

So, finally, on March 30, 1867, the purchase was finalized. The man responsible for negotiating the purchase was William H. Seward, Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. The land deal was immediately named, “Seward’s Folly” and “Seward’s Ice Box” and “Walrussia” by folks who thought that the United States had purchased a wasteland. It was also referred to as “Johnson’s Polar Bear Garden.”

In fact, the deal almost did not go through. The Alaska Purchase was ratified by a margin of only one vote.

William Seward, of New York, envisioned the ownership of Alaska as part of a bigger plan. Seward dreamed that the U.S. would someday own all of North America.

Most people do not recall that on the night that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated an attempt was made on Seward’s life by Lewis Powell, an associate of John Wilkes Boothe, who broke into Seward’s bedroom and stabbed him multiple times.

Today, Alaska is recognized as a state rich in resources and not as a frozen wasteland. Alaska produces almost 20 percent of the nation’s oil and it is home to several outstanding gold mines. Alaska also leads the nation in seafood production and soon will be home to the largest natural gas pipeline project in North America and the world. Alaska now exports over $3 billion worth of natural resources.

So, it should be no surprise that one of Alaska’s most picturesque, thriving cities, Seward, is named after the shrewd negotiator of the Alaska Purchase. And on the last Monday in March, Alaska celebrates a State holiday, Seward’s Day.

joomla themes

Present Barack Obama is seriously considering doing away with a lot of the social security benefits program and he actually has people listening to that kind of talk. It indicates that government is not listening to what elected officials in the validly-operating US Democracy must do, the voters.

US Government is a regal power in itself. It follows its own plans. It often will not listen to the people.

The president and people in Congress are up against the largest single group of people in the country- -the now-retirement-age-reaching baby-boomers and others already retired. In a real democracy this group would make any elected official shake in his/her reptilian leather boots; yet here are some elected officials scheming to give these baby-boomers an incredible wallop in their financial arrangements for retirement.

Say, we have a baby-boomer who started paying into social security since age 15 in the year 1962) as help in a hamburger joint. This individual has effectively paid 50 years into the social security funds and, all along, expects to reap the benefits of all his sacrifices each year when he reaches 65 years of age in the year 2012. This poor individual may very well see all his sacrifices go up in smoke.

What is going to happen if President Barack Obama gets his way; and what will happen to this above-mentioned worker if this individual had never been able to save money for retirement? How is this person going to survive? Is the government going to reimburse him for the unfulfilled contract? No, because social security payments are considered by government to be part of the general tax base. What, if he is unable to work? He cannot qualify for disability because he is of retirement age.

Why is the key item of our now well-established, socialist-government system under such severe attack? What would be left of our great expectations of socialism and the Great Society? Were these only propaganda schemes to begin with? He is obviously a mouthpiece for individuals behind the scenes of government!

Also, why invite millions of uneducated people into the country by providing all sorts of socialist benefits to them while at the same time neglect domestic groups of people needing help. Illegal aliens are, politically, not truly welcome. So why open the borders to help millions of them over the border.

We now have well over 14,000,000 illegal aliens in the country. This is a scandal. I do not mind them coming, but then make it official. Give them a green card and make them pay taxes and social security payments.

Why would the president want to disadvantage the single largest political identifiable group of voters to help people who have never been officially productive in the US at all? It seems to me that social contracts such as social security, once established in law and put in operational status where people are forced to make weekly contributions to the system, is frozen in political concrete. Such a law, affecting every working person in America, was intended to last perpetually as long as the present system of government is in effect.

It is terrifying that such social security can be uprooted and its root system trimmed to get a dwarf system that will not do anybody any good. What is left of our confidence in government? The military is not financially strangled, why would the taxpayers be?

If such a proposal can actually be brought about so that the largest voting group in the nation is seriously harmed thereby, one can begin to understand how futile it is continue to have confidence in our government.

US government and all its state governments are bankrupt. The Federal Reserve System is these entities’ holding system and owner. The national debt is well over 10 trillion. It took government only some 15 years to run the national debt from the first trillion of debt to get to a 10 trillion national debt. What will the debt be in 2020? It must be well over 30 trillion. You can see that our present method of managing the national currency must destroy America.

Remember, the entity that controls the national currency could not care less who is in command in government. Elected national officials are now only used as mouth pieces for the Federal Reserve System.

Why is Obama, instead, not fighting to pull US armed forces from the wars US government is now involved in and so begin to restore government’s financial recourses?

It is true that the cost of benefits to this group of retiring baby-boomers may be overwhelming, but the past members of Congress and the president who placed the system into law should have considered such items before they put Social Security into operation.

If US government would cease its incessant war-mongering there would be plenty of money for the social security system. It is not the people but government that is always warring; never for the sake of the people or even for US government, but for the United Nations which is but a subsidiary of the owners of the world, the International Monetary Fund.
About the Author: personalized favors

Please!!!!!!!!! I need your help. It’s dead week at my school and we can’t take books home. 10points to anyone who answers this question to great potential.
About the Author: never say never