My friend Ben’s uncle produced this movie, which I saw this evening. It was good. Reminiscent of the corporation, but adding depth and detail on this very important issue. A worthwhile watch.
In Painful Past, Hushed Worry About Obama
// February 25th, 2008Political Memo – In Painful Past, Hushed Worry About Obama – NYTimes.com.
An article about the possibility of an assassination attempt on Barack Obama. I’ll admit, its been in the back of my mind. The aticle does a good job of dissuading that realistic, but for that reason can’t do so entirely. One good thing I learned:
“Mr. Obama has had Secret Service agents surrounding him since May 3, the earliest a candidate has ever been provided protection. (He reluctantly gave in to the insistent urging of Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, and others in Congress.) As his rallies have swelled in size, his security has increased, coming close to rivaling that given to a sitting president.”
The Triumph of Narrative
// February 20th, 2008The Triumph of Narrative | The American Prospect.
My dad sent me this, along with the following note:
“I thought this was a very perceptive take on the concept of frames seen in a a broader and more universal context.”
While I do see some connections to framing, I see this more about being able to use a narrative to “box out.” Hillary Clinton became reactionary because Obama’s narrative demanded so much attention that the only way she could get attention is to respond to it. That’s never a good position to be in…
What was Clinton doing?
// February 17th, 2008Posted on Politico.com:
Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term (6yrs.), and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law, (20) twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years. These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress (www.thomas.loc.gov), but to save you trouble, I’ll post them here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O’Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men’s Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men’s Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty.Only five of Clinton’s bills are, more substantive.
16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11
18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.There you have it, the fact’s straight from the Senate Record. Now, I would post those of Obama’s, but the list is too substantive, so I’ll mainly categorize. During the first (8) eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced 233 regarding healthcare reform, 125 on poverty and public assistance, 112 crime fighting bills, 97 economic bills, 60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills, 21 ethics reform bills, 15 gun control, 6 veterans affairs and many others. His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded **the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 (became law), **The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, (became law), **The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate, **The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, (became law), **The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, (In committee), and many more. In all since enter the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to the spin meisters and mindless twits.
Some lake campgrounds to stay closed
// February 17th, 2008STLtoday – News – Illinois News
Our country just has pathetic leadership right now. How can they claim compassionate conservatism when they won’t put up to maintain our great land?
Obama proposes to “give” college students a $4,000 annual grant which they would earn through public service. I’m sure college kids could, and would be happy to, do most of the jobs necessary to operate a campground.
In an Internet First, Americans Abroad Cast E-Votes in Democratic Primary
// February 17th, 2008In an Internet First, Americans Abroad Cast E-Votes in Democratic Primary
Internet voting for democrats abroad…I’m wary of this for security reasons.
Fallen Soldier’s Bracelet Inspires Obama – New York Times
// February 17th, 2008YouTube – Barack Obama on 60 Minutes
// February 11th, 2008YouTube – Barack Obama on 60 Minutes
the google reference was a great way to reframe the experience debate
Hillary’s broke
// February 6th, 2008hillary’s just about broke and senior staffers are working without pay for the month of february. meanwhile, obama raised 3.4 million dollars since yesterday.
moreover, she infused $5 mill of personal funds presumably just for super tuesday, which she now officially lost. Obama won more states and more delegates.
Top of the Ticket : Los Angeles Times : Breaking News: Maria Shriver backs Barack Obama
// February 3rd, 2008Breaking News: Maria Shriver backs Barack Obama
This will dominate the news in CA tomorrow, and Schwarz’s response will be on Tuesday. Bodes quite well for Obama, who is now tied in national polling:
Gallup Poll