Slavery Apology: Will it Affect YOUR Tax Dollars?

While Obama is uniting us here in the USA – youths raise their fists in Nigeria as the airwaves emit the lyrics “Obama the Lord is your strength, we believe in change.” Obama is currently the most popular man in Nigeria.

A banner hung in Lagos which is the most populous urban area in Nigeria (pop. over 8 million)

Obama’s first major appearance since returning Saturday from a 10-day trip abroad was to address a crowd of thousands of journalists of color at the UNITY convention in Chicago last Sunday, July 27, 2008. The event was broadcast live on CNN.

When Obama walked on stage-although told beforehand not to applaud-journalists leapt to their feet and applauded with zeal.

Questions were posed regarding BO’s stance when it comes to reparations. Would he take it a step further, in terms of apologizing for slavery or offering reparations to various groups?

Obama said,

“I consistently believe that when it comes to whether it’s Native Americans or African-American issues or reparations, the most important thing for the U.S. government to do is not just offer words, but offer deeds.”

BO went on to say the government  should focus on providing jobs, education and health

Journalists ran to the stage to snap photos of Obama during the two-minute break midway through the event.

While at the convention he (again) expressed his approval of the Senate’s passage of a major housing bill to help homeowners avert foreclosure. (see my post entitled Mortgage Foreclosure Act and YOUR tax dollars)

Two days later a bill passed in the House of Representatives in the form of a formal apology for slavery. Now, it’s said, we need to make reparations with our deeds because the argument is — talk is cheap.

UPDATE: Career voting records: Currently, Senator Obama has voted 94 times to raise taxes. Senator McCain has NEVER voted to raise taxes.

The Obama Prayer

“What initially seemed to be a journalistic scoop of dubious moral propriety now seems to be a case of an Israeli paper being played by the Barack Obama campaign,” reported the Israel Insider.

On July 24th, on an early Thursday morning, Senator Obama visited Jerusalem’s holiest place. The 2,000 year old Western Prayer Wall. He solemly placed a prayer between the stones at the wall. It’s considered a direct communication to the Creator.

Dozens of people were waiting for Obama as he arrived for the pre-dawn visit that was not announced to the public.

The second most popular newspaper in Israel, the Ma’Ariv, got hold of his piece of paper and published the very private prayer.

“Lord – Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will.”

Across America headlines like Student apologizes for taking Obama prayer; Yeshiva Student Who Dug Obama’s Prayer Note from Western Wall Feels Guilty, Atones; What Did Obama Learn on His Overseas Trip?; Rabbi condemns release of purported Obama prayer note;

But when a Jerusalem lawyer petitioned the attorney general to order a police investigation regarding the incident the truth came out.

A statement from a spokesperson from Ma’ariv, the newspaper that published the private note said:

“Barack Obama’s note was approved for publication in the international media even before he put in the Kotel, a short time after he wrote it at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. In any case, since Obama is not a Jew, publishing the note does not constitute an infringement on his right to privacy.”

It appears that the religious note was intentionally “leaked.”

UPDATE 7/30/08 — A new editorial has been released this morning from the Israel Insider explaining the mixed messages which includes a VIDEO  showing the person who took the prayer.

A “…video appeared on YouTube that blended Obama’s Western Wall prayer with various church scenes, crosses, a dove of peace, and a soundtrack based on Amazing Grace. The video closes with a “vote” button and an invitation to visit the official campaign website.”

If I were running for President

Lead By Example

If I were running for President…

I’d have a low key National Convention and explain to the public beforehand–so the press doesn’t spin it–that it’s not in good taste to spend money with vigor when the rest of the country is having to cut back.

I would express that I’m a man of courage who is willing to take a stand for the hardworking taxpayers. I would lead by example and express that the modest convention is a display of my commitment to use the same respect and good judgement with their tax dollars as President.

I would make it known to the American public that I felt the government has enough of their tax money and now it’s time for the government to start looking within for ways to conserve because we’re all in this together.

I would vow to make senators famous who are trying to pork the system.

Money Buys Everything: Will the Homeless or Snubbed Wounded Soldiers Bite?

Newly Painted 757

As we all know, BO is spending a week overseas. Presumably to add foreign policy credentials to his resume. With him hiring 300 (THREE HUNDRED) foreign policy advisors how could he do wrong? How much did that cost I wonder.

I heard bits and pieces of his speeches while he was away. I found it disingenuous that he told our foreign friends that he was not there to campaign but rather there as an American citizen. He went on to say “he looked different” – I take offense to him throwing out the race card – yet again. I don’t believe Condilisa Rice or Colan Powell say that when they visit our foreign friends. Shame on you Obama.

Then, while in Germany, two different military base visits to wounded soldiers were cancelled. The story varies-depending on who’s telling it.

The Pentagon issued a statement that regulations prohibit a candidate for office from being accompanied by campaign staff when visiting a military base.” Senate staff would have been OK, but, as it turns out, campaign staff is all he had in tow. Clearance for his plane to land on the base was authorized. Could he have left his campaign staff on board the plane for awhile or was visiting the soldiers becoming too much of an inconvenience?

The Obama campaign has indicated the Pentagon interfered with its decision to visit U.S. troops at the Ramstein and Landstuhl U.S. military bases in Germany. Well… in BO legal speak that’s technically true.

So… If Mr. Obama was not overseas to “campaign” to foreign countries-as he stated in his speeches–why is it that the only staff he had on board his newly painted plane were campaign staff?

I’ve also heard rumblings that while in Afghanistan, Obama snubbed the soldiers – although I can’t verify the validity to that rumor.

And while I’m on the subject of Obamas’ behavior. Is it just me or does he seem to be trying to demonstrate all the suggestions printed in the book titled “The Secret”?  (Didn’t his good friend 0prah have a show about it?) He’s ACTING like he’s already President — just like the book would suggest. He’s calling his plane “O Force One.” His staff was overheard referring to him as “President Obama.” Isn’t this behavior a bit too much make believe? Or is it arrogance?

Today while BO is in London I can’t help but reflect how much money he’s been spending. He raised $52 million in June and will NEED every penny because his campaign has 1,400 workers on the payroll and is still hiring more. If you’re with the “change” machine — money is no object. Is there anything that leads you to believe there will be a “change” of spending habits once he has access to your tax dollars?

Here, back in the states, whispers of how Denver plans on hiding the 4,000 homeless people who call downtown Denver “home” has started erupting in the news.

Is the Democratic National Convention trying to sanitize the streets of Denver for the big event? Denver states “They will not ’sweep’ homeless people away or try to hide them, but will seek to engage them in the process.” That process is to offer free movie tickets and free bus tokens to the homeless. Others will stroll around the Denver Zoo or Museum of Nature and Science. And others will play bingo.

“This isn’t unusual … The whole homeless provider community routinely offers access to public events for people experiencing homelessness,” a spokesperson said.

Wouldn’t it be a gas if a reporter went undercover as a homeless person to see if they sign them up for the vote like rumours allege?

Why don’t they invite the homeless to the DNC events for the community experience? Everyone else seems to be going.

It’s not just the Denver homeless. Advocacy groups and shelters across the country have stepped up efforts to register the 3.5 million  homeless for this years’ vote.

Has anyone stopped to consider the vast amounts of money being spent?

Has a single voter – in a lucid moment – stopped to consider a single thing that BO has done that indicated a reigning in of our tax dollars? What makes you believe he will treat your tax money any differently than his campaign money? It’s all “free” money, right?

Every time I turn around I see more money being poured out. His campaign promises will all cost not only more tax dollars but will include hiring of more government employees.

Has anyone stopped to think who’s going to pay? Those will be YOUR tax dollars.

Do you really believe that after he’s squeezed every cent out of “them” he isn’t going to come after YOU through added EXCISE taxes?

My question remains the same…

Do you believe the government has enough of your tax money to accomplish what they need to do?

By your deeds you shall be judged

This week while BO was in Israel he was quoted saying Israelis could be certain of his commitment to Israel’s security by looking at “my deeds.”

He went on to say …”Just this past week, we passed out of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, which is my committee, a bill to call for divestment from Iran, as a way of ratcheting up the pressure to ensure that they don’t obtain a nuclear weapon.”

BO is NOT on the US Senate Banking Committee. He didn’t have anything to do with it. He didn’t even vote on it.

Should we judge you by that deed BO? Because you knowlingly lied when you made that statement.

Do you really believe we’re THAT stupid BO?

 Let’s take a look at BO’s “deeds.”

Headlines started trickling out late yesterday that the committee hosting the Democratic National Convention in Denver has used the city’s gas pumps to fill up and avoided paying state and federal fuel taxes. The city also has car wash facilities being utilized by the committee.

Is that an example of acceptable deeds within your circle BO?

And all the while when they are finding ways to avoid paying taxes that the rest of us pay there is currently legislation in congress right now to raise the FEDERAL EXCISE TAX on GASOLINE by ten cents per gallon. That’s over a 50% increase in the excise tax from the current 18.4 cents per gallon now imposed by the Federal Government. It’s suggested that the EXCISE tax should be indexed to construction cost inflation.

Is that an example of acceptable deeds within your circle BO?

Last May, your staff put port-a-potties on the police memorial in Portland, Oregon where a flag was still set at half mast from an annual memorial service held five days earlier. Is there no respect or common sense within your circle BO?

Should we judge you by that deed BO?

What about the Mortgage Rescue Bill that you urged the President to sign, yet you never blew the whistle about the trial lawyers benefiting from it?

Should we judge you by that deed BO?

What about that bill to help the Congo that you introduced the same year you were elected to the US Senate? Should we count that as one of your deeds — to the tune of $52 MILLION dollars of our tax money?

Should we judge you by that deed BO?

How about the Global Poverty Act you recently introduced? $845 BILLION dollars is estimated to be spent helping other countries.

Should we judge you by that deed BO?

Shortly after you were sworn into office you introduced legislation for Juneteenth Independence Day. An annual event to celebrate with appropriate ceremonies, activities and programs the African Americans who had been slaves. Should we just surrender July 4th and replace it with your Juneteenth Day BO – because it sure sounds like you’re pushing for the same kind of celebration.

Should we judge you by that deed BO?

Through his political career in the US senate he hasn’t shown up 23% of the time. Would YOU still have a job if you didn’t show up 1/4 of the time to do it?

Should we judge you by that deed BO?

I agree with BO. Judge him by his deeds.

I implore my fellow Americans to look at his deeds. Don’t just read the headlines about what he plans to do. Read the legislation. A lot of the campaign promises he makes reference to are already going through congress. You might find that these bills that sound glowing on the surface aren’t what they appear to be. And while you’re reading the legislation, ask yourself “how and who is going to pay for this?”

My question remains the same…

Do you believe the government has enough of your tax money to accomplish what they need to do?

Equatable press coverage?

I was reading yesterday about how the three top anchors from NBC, ABC and CBS are traveling with BO overseas.

Am I the only one who feels the media is WAY biased? Am I the only one troubled by what’s going on?

John McCain took three foreign trips in the past four months, all unaccompanied by a single network anchor. Where were they when Big John went abroad?

Does anyone else see how biased the press is?

Then today I woke up to the news saying that BO had 300 – THREE HUNDRED – policy advisers.

BO wants the presidency SO bad that he’s hired THREE HUNDRED policy advisors?

BO raised $52M for his campaign in June. The press focused on his fundraising in California. Not a peep was said about his two fundraisers in China. Did YOU know BO was fundraising in China? Legally only a US citizen can contribute to a campaign.

Did you know that according to the Federal Election Commission says “If you contribute more than $200 to a committee, the committee is required to USE IT’S BEST EFFORTS to collect and publicly disclose on a financial report your name, address, occupation and employer, as well as the date and amount of your contribution.”

The BO campaign “prides” itself on all those small donations.

BO won another election by running his opponent out of funds. Will he do that again in this election?

I couldn’t put my finger on it …until today (conclusion)

A cactus -- Fascinating or Dangerous?

Today I finish my thoughts about the epiphany.

This morning when I woke up I heard a montage on the radio of BO speaking about the war. It was filled with all his position statements. Even the one saying he’s never changed his position. I lost count past 18

Does he really believe we’re that stupid?

Earlier this year when he was making a televised speech I remember yelling back at the TV at the time. The statement he made is still vividly etched in my memory. Because at the time I commented about his specific statement to a friend who was standing in the next room. I repeated what BO had said because I was so shocked.

Again… I could kick myself for not making a note of the specific speech so I could find it again on u-tube.

At the time, BO was talking about the war. Back in the days when BO was saying that he’d end the war and bring our boys/girls home right away. His statement was something to the effect of:

 …as Commander-in-Chief I will give the orders. They won’t tell ME what to do (referring to the US military generals) – I’m in charge and tell THEM what to do.

I was SO shocked that someone would be so full of themselves to say something like that that it started a whole commentary by me at that moment.

He doesn’t say that now of course. And denies any other stance than the one he has now.

BO talks in legal speak. Which brings me back to the topic of this post.

He’s telling us that he is going to lower our INCOME taxes. That may be true. Technically. In legal speak. But from what I’m seeing in Chicago it appears that that town/state has gone EXCISE tax crazy. And that’s the area where I went back to snoop around to see what’s going on in the state that he says he has helped so much.

I’m beginning to wonder if Obama is promising to lower the income tax on most citizens and in the back of his mind he intends on issuing new “types” of taxes to impose on goods and services on the federal level that will hit everyone – the same way Illinois is raising revenue. I mean, TECHNICALLY he won’t be raising income taxes, right?

Unemployment as of May was at 6.4% in his state of Illinois.

I’m concluding this series (I couldn’t put my finger on it … until now) with the list I’ve compiled, although there are more excise taxes I’ve run across — which I haven’t further researched — because, frankly, I’ve seen enough to reach a conclusion. Excise taxes that have either been imposed or proposed in Chicago include:

Gas tax — Illinois’ gasoline tax stands at 39.5 cents per gallon, which ranks 4th highest nationally. Additionally, the state’s general sales tax is applied to gasoline purchases. Add to that a county tax of a 6 cents per gallon.

State general tax — Illinois  levies a 6.25% general state sales or “use” state tax on consumers.

County general tax – Cook county (Chicago area) imposes a 1.75% sales tax

City general tax – (Chicago) imposes a 1.25% sales tax

RTA (Regional Transit Authority) tax = 1%

Total Chicago general sales tax = 10.25%. Chicago currently has the highest tax in any major US city

Liquor tax – depends on the type of liquor.  Late 10-07, Chicago City Hall proposed an added taxes on wine, beer and spirits that would amount to more than an 85 percent tax increase on alcohol in the past three years. The concoction of seven different taxes already means more than 40 percent of the price of beer, wine and spirits is attributable to taxes.

Cigarette tax – Chicago’s combined tax total of $4.05 per pack is the highest in the nation
 
Bottled water tax – 5 cents per bottle

Property tax – at the state AND local levels

Ambulance tax – was up for referendum

Amusement tax — City amusement tax of 7% and a county amusement tax of 3%. Apparently there was a lawsuit Illinois has filed against eBay, Inc., alleging that the company is liable for Chicago amusement tax

Robin Hood Tax – (april 2008) Currently voters will be asked to decide if people making more than $250,000 a year should have their Illinois income tax doubled

The city of Chicago, State of Illinois and County of Cook continue to run with deficits and are searching for more ways to gain revenues

My question continues to remain the same…

Do you believe the government has enough of your tax money to accomplish what they need to do?

UPDATE: Career voting records: Currently, Senator Obama has voted 94 times to raise taxes. Senator McCain has NEVER voted to raise taxes.

PEPFAR 2 and YOUR tax dollars

Do you believe the government has enough of your tax money to accomplish what they need to do?

Obama co-sponsors bill to open USA borders to HIV/AIDS carriers

United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 is a Bill that BO has co-sponsored. This bill will cost taxpayers somewhere to the tune of $50 BILLION dollars.

“To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to provide assistance to foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and for other purposes.”

I just love reading these bills that include “and for other purposes” in the headline text. Remember that feeling when you were a child and you found that surprise in the box of cereal? That’s how I feel reading these bills – there’s always an interesting surprise.

When they bury “amendments” within a new bill, I’ve found it usually means adding more appropriations to something else without drawing any attention. If you read this bill text you will see that this time is no exception.

Burried within this bill is an amendment to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to lift a ban on HIV/AIDS carriers from entering the U.S. or obtaining legal permanent residency.

Train, retain, and support at least 140,000 new African health workers

…the President shall give priority to those countries in which there is a high prevalence or significantly rising incidence of HIV/AIDS, countries with large populations and inadequate health infrastructure, countries in which a concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemic could become generalized to the entire population of the country, and in countries whose governments demonstrate a commitment to combating HIV/AIDS.”;

The new bill would link AIDS services to other health services women need, such as family planning and maternal- child services

Reauthorizes existing programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including the vaccine fund, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and the malaria vaccine development program for Fiscal Years 2009 to 2013 and also provides new authorization for a U.S. contribution to tuberculosis vaccine development programs

Amends the 2003 Leadership Act regarding U.S. contributions to the Global Fund. Specifically, the bill would:
Increase the annual authorization for U.S. contributions to the Fund from $1 billion to up to $2 billion for Fiscal Year 2009 and such sums as necessary for Fiscal Years 2010 through 2013;

Include a Presidential waiver to allow the Global Fund to work in Southern Sudan without incurring a deduction in the U.S. contribution;

Establish a policy that instructs the Global AIDS Coordinator, in conjunction with the Global Fund, to work to prevent the imposition of duties, tariffs and taxes on goods and services provided by the Global Fund; and Assistance to combat tuberculosis.

 S. 2731 would amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to support the achievement of the goals established in the Global Plan to Stop TB. It includes a requirement to provide assistance to combat tuberculosis and a list of activities to be carried out, including diagnostic testing and counseling, treatment, and implementation of protocols to address drug resistance and also establishes targets and includes increased reporting requirements for TB activities.

Further, the bill would authorize a total of $4 billion for Fiscal Years 2009 to 2013 for assistance to combat tuberculosis.

Assistance to combat malaria. Amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to ensure that treatment is part of U.S. efforts to combat malaria. It would amend the 2003 Leadership Act to authorize a total of $5 billion for Fiscal Years 2009 to 2013 for assistance to combat malaria.

Authorization of appropriations. The bill would increase the authorization under the 2003 Leadership Act to $50 billion for Fiscal Years 2009 to 2013, to allow for gradual expansion of the program

This bill is currently in congress. It’s also called the PEPFAR Reauthorization Bill or PEPFAR 2

The  U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (commonly called PEPFAR). PEPFAR would be expanded dramatically by legislation that would be tripled to $50 billion over the next five years

Barack is spearheading the gifting of our hard earned tax dollars to another country when the United States can’t afford to take care of it’s own people. Is this his way of cleaning up Washington? Is this his idea of “change”?

This is what his campaign site says:
As a U.S. Senator, Barack Obama  says he has spearheaded the effort to clean up Washington. “I’m not asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington … I’m asking you to believe in yours.”

What about your American countrymen Senator Obama? What about the citizens of THIS COUNTRY? That would have kept him consistent with his campaign promises.

Just words?
Obama says he will raise taxes on “certain groups” With that being said are you SURE you’re not part of that “group”? If you’re sure you’re not part of that group are you SURE he won’t tax your “group” if he doesn’t get enough from “them”?
 
McCain continues to say government has taken enough of everyones’ money and won’t raise taxes for anyone. He asserts that government spending needs to be reined in.
 
Is Senator Obama giving America a preview of the priorities he would pursue if elected president?

S. 2731

UPDATE: Career voting records: Currently, Senator Obama has voted 94 times to raise taxes. Senator McCain has NEVER voted to raise taxes. Currently, Senator Obama has inserted over $750,000,000 (750 million dollars) earmarks into bills. Senator McCain has NEVER inserted an earmark.

Bar Stool Econ

Do you believe the government has enough of your tax money to accomplish what it needs to do?

How much "change" can YOU afford?

As I continue my series about YOUR tax dollars I thought I’d start a new series to run alongside it called “how much will THAT cost?“

In this new series I will go down the list of promises B.O. has made, comment, cite statistics and give a better idea of just how much of an economic impact each promise is going to make to our pocket “change.”

To kick off the new series I thought I’d give a lighthearted analogy called “Bar Stool Economics” I picked up somewhere on the internet. Thank you Dr. Kamerschen, Professor of Economics, University of Georgia.

Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that’s what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.:
‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.’ Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.

But what about the other six men – the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’

They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.

So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free.

But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings:

‘I only got a dollar out of the $20,’declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,’ but he got $10!’

‘Yeah, that’s right,’ exclaimed the fifth man. ‘I only saved a dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I got’

‘That’s true!!’ shouted the seventh man.. ‘Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!’

‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four men in unison. ‘We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!

‘ The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction.

Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore.. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

…to be continued

I couldn’t put my finger on it …until today (part 3)

A cactus -- Fascinating or Dangerous?

In previous posts I’ve made reference to my V-8 moment. I’ve tried to research all I can about B.O. For me, it’s important to see his voting record and legislation introduced first hand to get a good feel for who he is. As I’ve mentioned before, the press isn’t playing fair. The press can’t be trusted for unbiased information anymore.

I started by going to his senate bio and work from there.

My intrigue and suspicions became deeper when “things” started changing out here on the internet. “Things” that probably wouldn’t have made much difference to me and  would have probably gone unnoticed had “someone” not changed facts.

These days when I think of BO, that’s the only “change” I can believe in. Well, that and the last bit of change in my pocketbook he wants to take.

But a digress.

I started my research at the Senate website. His biography was my first stop. It was what you would expect, dry, boring and short. Nothing stood out. The basic facts. The one thing that did catch my eye was that he made a point of saying he was a member of the “Trinity United Church of Christ” in his bio. Well, gee, BO, if your church is THAT important to you – then it’s important for me to take a look see at this church you’re so proud of.

In writing this post, I could kick myself because I knew better. “Change” has happened again.

I had originally read his bio BEFORE the whole Rev. Wright incident.

After the incident blew up  in his face I went back to the Senate website and the church name had been changed from “Trinity United Church of Christ” to “United Church of Christ.” I didn’t think much of the “change.” Now…there is no mention whatsoever about his religious belief structure.

The Senate bio page has “changed” again into what I term “a vote for me flyer.” Our BO has wised up that people like me are researching people like him.

I should have saved that Senate bio page on my hard drive – like I’ve started saving everything else on my hard drive about BO. -because of the “change” that keeps happening.

I digress, again.

Did you know that during his reign in 2000, gasoline prices were highest in Chicago history? A new requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency for cleaner-burning gasoline hit Chicago especially hard. Add to that a county tax of a 6 cents per gallon motor fuel in his county. The American Automobile Association reported that Illinois gas prices were the highest of any state in the continental United States.

I would guess that is when “he” initiated the gas tax holiday and it failed. That’s why he criticized Senator McCain and Senator Clinton for the crazy azz idea. He neglected to tell all of America he’d already tried that scheme and the outcome was horrible.

…to be continued

I couldn’t put my finger on it … until today (part 2)

A cactus -- Fascinating or Dangerous?

Yesterday I made a blog statement describing how, after endless researching, I had a V-8 moment. I made a u-turn to see what kind of “wake” B.O. (Obama) left behind in Illinois, right? Have you looked to see what’s going on over there?

If you agree with me that looking at Chicago could be a window into what the whole country could look like if given the opportunity to expand Obama’s ideas than we’re both on the same track.

Politicians and lawyers always seem to have the same type of language when they talk. They speak in a very precise way. What I mean when I say that is, for instance, when President Clinton stood in front of millions of Americans and said, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” Well… technically he was right, in politician/legal speak.

I’ve watched the campaign speeches and find it interesting how B.O. also seems to ride on the political/legal speak bus. He rides a fine line on semantics. (semantics — loosely, deliberate distortion or twisting of meaning, as in some types of advertising, propaganda. etc.)

Remember when the whole Rev. Wright thing exploded? B.O.’s public reply was “I never sat in that church and heard him say those things.” Well, technically, I’m sure he was speaking truthfully – if put on the “stand.”

Technically he never SAT IN CHURCH and heard those words. I have no doubt he did hear those words — B.O. plays semantics games. Those tapes were proudly on sale to the public via his church website, Trinity United Church of Christ of Chicago. I’m certain he knew about those tapes. I’m certain he heard the talk before – he just never SAT IN THE CHURCH and heard that particular sermon.

Just words. If you watch his speeches and listen to the words – the specific words he uses — you’ll find that there is a special style that he uses.

Remember how he told you that he will lower your payroll tax? I believe he is speaking in semantics.

Firstly, after looking over his campaign promises I can’t imagine how he can lower your payroll taxes and still provide all the campaign promises. Even if we didn’t have a war we are running in the negative figures financially. How then would the government generate all that revenue? (the V-8 moment)

Has it ever occurred to anyone that the government will start generating revenue in a steep fashion in other ways?

Did you know that Chicago currently has the highest tax in any major US city at 10.25 percent?

I’ve uncovered some very interesting ways they generate revenue 

~to be continued

I couldn’t put my finger on it … until today

A cactus -- Fascinating or Dangerous?

Today I reached an epiphany as I was doing my endless research on the unknown presidential presumptive nominee.

 

I had made an abrupt u-turn from my seemingly endless drudgery through legislative bills that he has had his hands on. I haven’t been impressed.

 

Instead, I chose to go back to Chicago. It was like a V-8 moment – you know – when you realize you’ve been looking for that missing piece of the puzzle and realize it was right there in front of you the whole time but you couldn’t see it because it was being dragging around under your sleeve?

 

The reason I chose to go back to Chicago was because I wanted to see how Illinois is faring these days after he touched their lives politically. After you read what I’ve found you might have an epiphany also.

 

 

 

…to be continued.

 

I’m not part of that tax group. Or am I?

Obama says he will raise taxes on “certain groups” With that being said are you SURE you’re not part of that “group”? If you’re sure you’re not part of that group are you SURE he won’t tax your “group” next?

 

McCain continues to say government has taken enough of everyones money and won’t raise taxes for anyone. He asserts that government spending needs to be reined in.

I can no more support Barack Obama for president than I could support Rev. Jeremiah Wright for president.

I can no more support Barack Obama for president than I could support William Ayers for president.

I can no more support Barack Obama for president than I could support Father Pfleger for president.

I can no more support Barack Obama for president than I could support Antoin Rezko for president.

I wouldn’t allow my daughter to date someone who associates with those people – why would I vote for someone like that?

Barack Obama and Me

Todd Spivak writes an excellent editorial giving his personal account of Barack Obama from a perspective of a journalist just starting out back in 2000. No one really knew who Barack Obama was. Spivak worked half of Obama’s tenure in the same District 13 area of Chicago as a reporter.

Spivak relates his story as a Forrest Gump moment and regrets not having a tape recorder handy. …history was being made.

The Obama Poem

When we hear Obama speak
We hear him speak of change
Change he’ll do
Change we’ll see
Change for all he claims to be

He brings relief for the weak
Over and over the same old speak
Never details. Nothing real
It’s just the way he makes you feel

He pulls you in as if on a rope
Vote for him if you believe in hope
He’ll give you everything money can buy
Listen to him cause he won’t lie

Town hall meetings he has been asked
Not gonna happen it’ll shatter his mask
Meet his rules or he’ll say no
He’s too smart to even go

Don’t ask for details he’ll have a fit
What you hear he’ll say is sh!t
They lie, they cheat, they even steal
I’ll fix all things he says with zeal

Vote for him we will unite
But it won’t happen over night
A second term is what he’ll need
He’ll ask more time for the deed

His resume is thin at best
There’s no denial you must attest
No corporation would let him lead
He has no experience to succeed

But lead our nation he wants to do
He has the press and money too
We vote for him we are fools
He doesn’t even have the tools

~WillNeverGiveUp

 

UPDATE: Career voting records: Currently, Senator Obama has voted 94 times to raise taxes. Senator McCain has NEVER voted to raise taxes.