Comments for Obama defends his patriotism, quarrels with McCain »
Posted By not2needy 1 year, 6 months ago in NewsWearing a flag lapel pin, Sen. Barack Obama emphasized his patriotism and support for a strong and humane military Monday, while Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton implored West Virginians to sustain her hopes of somehow denying him the Democratic presidential nomination.
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not2needy1 year, 6 months ago
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FTA:
Pointing to the Bush administration, he said, "we know that over the last eight years we've already fallen short of meeting this test." He cited once shabby conditions at such facilities as Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and long waits and bureaucratic obstacles facing many who seek care from the Veterans Administration.
"When our troops go into battle, they serve no faction," Obama said. "They serve no party. They represent no race or region. They are simply Americans."
He proposed expanded veterans' benefits for health care, education, housing and psychiatric treatment. He said McCain opposes a Democratic-crafted bill in Congress to expand education benefits "because he thinks it's too generous."
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not2needy1 year, 6 months ago
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Also FTA:
McCain's campaign said the Arizona senator backs a Republican alternative that is better because it enhances benefits for those who stay longer in the military, thereby encouraging recruitment and retention of troops.
So, this would lead me to believe that unless a Vet spent 20 years in the military, or were paralyzed from the neck down, Vets wouldn't qualify for VA benefits under McCain.
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Goppy1 year, 6 months ago
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I must say that I was not a huge Obama supporter in the beginning.
But he has continued to impress me in ways that I did not anticipate.
He is RATIONAL where other politicians are crazy to pander.
That is unprecedented and totally refreshing.
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not2needy1 year, 6 months ago
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anioklyComment removed: Spammer24 Replies
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cushi1 year, 5 months ago
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I was always in Barack's corner. I am a pretty good judge of character and my instincts immediately moved toward him. I took a test sent to me by an email buddy, to see if I could separate serial killers from computer geeks, and got every one of them right! (Maybe I should be a profiler?) Anyway, I had no quarrel with Hillary becoming the nominee if that happened. However, since she and Bill have proven themselves to be no better, and in some ways, worse, than the repubs in their desperate bid to return to the Oval Office, I am loathe to think of them back in the WH. The ONLY way she will get my vote is if by some turn of events, Obama is eliminated (and I pray not!)
They have been forever tarnished in my eyes. In my gut, I believe Hillary is a closet repugnicon. Certainly her actions and statements of late are more closely aligned with them than with her fellow democrats.
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scott42611 year, 6 months ago
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GWHayduke1 year, 5 months ago
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I STILL think that Bill Richardson is the most qualified man to lead the turnaround of this country.
I guess he just didnt have the physical appeal that the voters need to get through the superficial election process.
Still, Obama wants to redirect the ship. It needs to be redirected.
Clinton and McCain both represent more of the same......can we go back to 1996?
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ProudBlueTexan1 year, 6 months ago
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I felt from the outset that Hillary was a divider, with good reason; that it would prevent her from having an effective administration. She and Bill are so hated by so many in an out of power. And she is proving my point these days by stooping pretty low to get that prize.
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rightfromwrong1 year, 5 months ago
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Hillary is desperate and showing what "white trash" the Clintons are. Let's try and get a word from the late Vince Foster who likely died because he knew too much about them.
Obama gives Americans hope and I pray that he doesn't nominate her for V.P.
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not2needy1 year, 6 months ago
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HAHA! This FTA may shut up some of the people who think Obama is a loser because he can't bowl!
"After the speech, Obama stopped at Schultzie's Billiards hall, where he showed greater skill at pool than he had at bowling last month in Pennsylvania.
As a small crowd oohed and ahhed at his third consecutive good shot, Obama said his skill was "the sign of a misspent youth. I wasn't doing wholesome things like bowling."
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jordan111 year, 6 months ago
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not2needy1 year, 6 months ago
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I wasn't allowed to go bowling when i was a kid. I think my parents thought it was a bad place for young people to hang out. Then again, i wasn't allowed to go to the pool rooms either, HAHAHA!! I have friends who have pool tables, and i have tried it, but i am no good at it, my son is very good though and so is my husband. I always made sure my son was able to do the things i was never allowed to do, no regrets!
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Mdiar1 year, 5 months ago
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I bet I'm worse at pool then you are! I can't bowl either... my few redeeming features in sports include being rather strong and a sort of football build (I was a decent football player, though I never wanted to play it) and a decent basketball player! Oh, I played soccer to... and baseball. Its best not to go there. Heheh. I suppose my real talents lie in academic pursuits more then in sports. Oh well... I could never draw either.
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ETproductions1 year, 5 months ago
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Lord help America if we ever elect a President who can't cover a 7-10 split or continuously run the table playing 9 ball. Who cares what they plan to do about the monumental problems that face this country today. Just so long as they can perform well at meaningless sports, or pop back a boilermaker, all will be fine.
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automan9091 year, 5 months ago
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Obama trying to show his patriotism is the joke of the day.
How can a man who's friend and mentor says "God Damn America",and said that we did all of those other horrible things be patriotic? Obama worshiped with him for 20 years.
Not to mention his being friends with Ayres and his girlfriend. The bombers that wished he did more bombing.
And his own wife who has never been proud of America.
And he wants to make a Socialist nation out of us.
He won't do the Pledge of Allegence.
Won"t wear a flag pin.
I see nothing patriotic about this man at all.
He has way too much dirty laundry to be our President.
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JohnQPublicComment removed: Retracted by user11 Replies
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cowboygrandpa1 year, 5 months ago
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automan909:
Yeah I guess Bush really showed his patriotism during Nam huh? Spent what part of his hitch he served in Texas. Now there is a patriot for you huh?
I wonder if he will get the time he served in the military as part of his government pension. Cause you know he needs the money more than the returning wounded vets right?
Clown!!!!!!!
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cowboygrandpa1 year, 5 months ago
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I have to wonder why the GOP is trying to sling mud when their guy is so open to a mud bath. History on McCain is something he can't hide from. How patriotic was he during the Keaton Five Whammy. He cheated pensioners and older Americans many of them WWII vets out of their lifes savings.
Yeah McCain real patriotic to steal from older retired people.
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nikkibabe1 year, 5 months ago
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cowboygrandpa:
Correction. It was Keating 5 scandal in which McCain and Charles Keating partnership that bilked thousands of small depositors, pensioners, senior citizens out of their life savings in 80's. Charles Keating went to prison, McCain did not because the Republicans shielded one of their own LIKE Bush is protecting the criminal elements in his administration today.
McCain is no angel. Today he is surrounded by more lobbyists than any other candidate in US history. Practically everyone in top positions in his campaign is a lobbyist or works for a lobbying firm.
So this does not make him patriotic just because he puts a flag lapel on his jacket. He is scum inside like many in the current administration with external hypocritical show of patriotism.
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oldgringo1 year, 5 months ago
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Here is what happened to the rest of the Keating 5:
From Wikipedia:
"..Cranston, who was nearly 80 years of age, had already decided not to run for re-election in 1992. DeConcini and Riegle continued to serve in the Senate until their terms expired, but they did not seek re-election in 1994. DeConcini was appointed by President Bill Clinton in February, 1995 to the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. [6]
Glenn did choose to run for re-election in 1992 and it was anticipated that he would have some difficulty winning a fourth term in the Senate. However, Glenn handily defeated Lieutenant Governor R. Michael DeWine for one more term in the Senate before retiring in 1999."
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Albmore1 year, 5 months ago
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I think we have seen where this is headed. Billary would ruin the entire party for a win if they could pull it off.
I have to admit Obama is the only one who seems to be talking common sense on the issues. I disagree with his tax raise, but I do trust him to have good economic advisors in his cabinet. The summer tax break is exactlt what he said and both Billary and McCain tried to use it. It is time America realizes where it is and stop putting make up over the problems thinking they will somehow go away.
We are NOT number one in education, trade, health care, enviormental issues and our nations dollar is loosing its value over the entire world. WAKE UP and deal with the issues!
With all respect to his service McCain knows little on all of these issues.
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JohnQPublicComment removed: Retracted by user1 Reply
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Tcaros1 year, 5 months ago
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McCain is an elitist and social climber. He divorced his first wife and married a billionare Heirest. She inherited the Hensley fortune.
Anyone who thinks McCain is a patriot is crazy. Elistism is a form of social climbing that sells out all values. He's an elitist who doesn't give a rat's butt about the average American.
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Poulenc1 year, 5 months ago
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Kville, if, as you say, we need change, and we want change, let us do our best to ensure it happens.
As for those those who criticize O's patriotism--why is love of country so often "determined" by adherence to superficial rituals like flag-pin wearing or pledging allegiance to the flag, or by the politics of one's associates, rather than by individual CHARACTER, judged overall.
Does a pol seem to have integrity? Has he or she thought long and hard about what is ACTUALLY best for his/her country? What sorts of investments in the future does he or she propose? Can he or she sort out what is right and productive for his or her country to identify itself with rather than what is wrong?
Like that.
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not2needy1 year, 5 months ago
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I find it completely amazing that the conservatives in this country will judge a presidential candidate on whether they will wear a pin make in China! Have any of you ever seen a flag pin that was made in the U.S.?? I haven't, and i have looked for them.
If flag pins are a prerequisite to being a viable candidate, how in the world did any of the former presidents get elected, BEFORE flag pins?? Good Grief.
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JohnQPublicComment removed: Retracted by user
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Poulenc1 year, 5 months ago
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Actually, I'm disappointed that O. (seems to have) caved on the flag-pin issue.
It was a sign of integrity to have gone without...
...which doesn't mean he's any the less (or more) patriotic than he was last week or the week before that...
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IanFraigun1 year, 5 months ago
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If you follow the history of the campaign Obama has always worn a flag pin when speaking to veteran groups as a sign of respect for what they have done for the country. Been doing it since long before it was any kind of a invalid republican charge against his patriotism.
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cushi1 year, 5 months ago
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Tangent0011 year, 5 months ago
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The vet wanted Obama to wear the pin he gave him. Details are sketchy, so I don't know if 'begged' is the correct term anyway. Maybe Obama simply wore the one given to him in lieu of one he was already planning on wearing. Maybe he wasn't planning on wearing one at all.
Hey, maybe that should be the lead question at the first Obama/McCain debate! But then McCain would have to answer for why HE sometimes fails in lapel area. God forbid we should let Lapel-gate go unsettled!
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Tangent0011 year, 5 months ago
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The one that he was wearing was given to him by a vet. Who knows whether he was intending to wear one in the first place.
McCain doesn't always wear a lapel pin, neither does Hillary.
Yet again, it's a bunch of ruckus over nothing!
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IanFraigun1 year, 5 months ago
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Neither has to be wrong. The specific pin could have been given by a veteran for that occasion, but he still wears the pin whenever he seaks to veterans. Bottom line though pin or no pin is irrelevent to what he will do to turn this country back around and support our people rather than only the wealthiest of the wealthy.
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cushi1 year, 5 months ago
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You know what trips me out? Every time Shrillary points out that her main base is uneducated blue collar workers and the elderly. In one foul swoop, she is calling her backers ignorant and old, yet they don't seem to pick up on the fact that they are being insulted. On the other hand, McCain gets all bent because Obama says he's losing his bearings, and the easily swayed voters in PA flocked to Hillary because Obama rightly stated that some of them were "bitter" and cling to their religion (aren't we believers supposed to do just that?)! Some people are so easily had!
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badstick1 year, 5 months ago
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I hope before general election time that the American voting public will take the time to truly understand why we are fighting the war in Iraq. To all of you out there who are voting on personalities....WAKE-UP!
Everbody wants some kind of change. And,"change" is an easy word to use in the heat of political battle.
I've been around for a lot of elections. Voted for some guys who turned out good and some who really sucked.
The one thing I've learned through all these years is know who you are voting for. Try your best to look at their past records and vote on that...not what they say when trying to get elected. Then, and this is most important..
understand the world as it is, not how it is in our dreams.
Life is tough, young people. It's not going to get much better. The United States will no longer be the power it was when your parents were your age.
Come out of your dream world,face reality, and vote accordingly.
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Poulenc1 year, 5 months ago
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I'm not sure that H. has ever referred to her blue-collar base as "uneducated"--do correct me if I'm wrong.
And calling them working class, as well as calling the elderly elderly isn't libelous, IMO. It's just a (refreshing, to me) acknowledgment of who they ARE, at least partially.
Always horrified by euphemisms like "physically challenged" for "disabled," for example. The euphemisms end up saluting the very thing they're meant to finesse....
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Tangent0011 year, 5 months ago
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Hillary did say her supporters were 'hard-working white Americans', leaving open the interpretation that Obama supporters were neither white nor hard-working.
I haven't seen the avalanche of criticism akin to the Obama 'Bitter'-gate. Seems to me the Obama campaign is simply not interested in going after his rivals simply for mis-statements. Well, at least not yet...
I don't recall, did Obama make any sort of comment about Hillary's sniper-fire lie?
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joeblowe1 year, 5 months ago
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Tangent0011 year, 5 months ago
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Did you read any of the posted comments? The pin was given to him by a veteran at the event. Why is it 'pandering' (or worse 'unpatriotic') to honor a veteran?
BTW, according to the federal flag code, a flag lapel pin is most certainly allowable, as long as it's always worn on the left lapel.
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joeblowe1 year, 5 months ago
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From the department of Veterans Affairs:
Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never:
* dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
* display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.
* let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise.
* carry it horizontally, but always aloft.
* fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.
* place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.
* use it for holding anything.
>>>>* use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters.
* use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.
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joeblowe1 year, 5 months ago
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There ARE however other references that REFER to the wearing of a "flag pin" on the left lapel - so I guess it's perhaps a bit ambiguous. I think the MAIN thing is probably the rule: "show no disrespect for the American flag." And, there is no penalty imposed for failure to follow this regulation. The only problem I really see is that Barry first did NOT wear such a pin, then after being criticized decided he SHOULD wear one. I think that would fall under the heading of "pandering", yes? We'll see if he CONTINUES to wear it. Not really sure what, if anything, any of this proves..?? I don't wear a flag pin every day, but certainly consider myself to be "patriotic" to a fair degree.
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joeblowe1 year, 5 months ago
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I'm not sure how this got to be an issue anyway. Some knee-jerker decided that Barry's level of patriotism somehow depended on whether or not he wears a particular item of "flair?" Folks, they are not related. A terrorist could just as well pin on a flag before blowing up the Washington Monument. If you believe a person's patriotism is defined by a piece of jewelry, you don't understand patriotism at all. Sorry.
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JohnQPublicComment removed: Retracted by user3 Replies
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joeblowe1 year, 5 months ago
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Here's a little something for D.C. citizens:
Any person who, within the District of Columbia, in any manner, for exhibition or display, shall place or cause to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, or any advertisement of any nature upon any flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America; or shall expose or cause to be exposed to public view any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign upon which shall have been printed, painted, or otherwise placed, or to which shall be attached, appended, affixed, or annexed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, or drawing, or any advertisement of any nature; or who, within the District of Columbia, shall manufacture, sell, expose for sale, or to public view, or give away or have in possession for sale, or to be given away or for use for any purpose, any article or substance being an article of merchandise, or a receptacle for merchandise or article or thing for carrying or transporting merchandise,
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joeblowe1 year, 5 months ago
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upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign, to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court. The words 'flag, standard, colors, or ensign', as used herein, shall include any flag, standard, colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either,
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joeblowe1 year, 5 months ago
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made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.
Whew!
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automan9091 year, 5 months ago
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JohnQPublicComment removed: Retracted by user13 Replies
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Tangent0011 year, 5 months ago
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I'd think you'd be quite used to a politician with an arm's-length relationship with the English language. Well, perhaps Obama will have a "foreign-handed foreign policy".
"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2008
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taciturnman1 year, 5 months ago
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I think we have seen where this is headed. Billary would ruin the entire party for a win if they could pull it off.
I have to admit Obama is the only one who seems to be talking common sense on the issues. I disagree with his tax raise, but I do trust him to have good economic advisors in his cabinet. The summer tax break is exactlt what he said and both Billary and McCain tried to use it. http://www.youtube.com/user/NiceBedroomFurniture It is time America realizes where it is and stop putting make up over the problems thinking they will somehow go away.
We are NOT number one in education, trade, health care, enviormental issues and our nations dollar is loosing its value over the entire world. WAKE UP and deal with the issues!
With all respect to his service McCain knows little on all of these issues.
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greenmac1 year, 5 months ago
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To refer to the 57 states statement as a reflection of Obama's intelligence, is reflection on your own intelligence. It was words that were misspoken .... I think you all know that.... 57 is a long way off the mark.... not a matter not knowing the real number. So Automan you were making a joke ..Right?
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Poulenc1 year, 5 months ago
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To set the record straight, in re what H. actually said concerning her "base," see above, please:
"There was just an A. P. article posted that found how Senator Obama's support among working, hardworking [god!] Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states [god II!] who had not completed college [as opposed to "uneducated," stated previously] were supporting me."
Talk about "misspoken!"
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unome21 year, 5 months ago
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The funny thing about elections in America is it really doesn't matter who is elected President in that nothing is really going to change. The Republican and democratic partys will bring to us more of the same. Whether it's unjustified wars or unscrupled covert CIA operations or ridicules comodities crisises you can be asured that the Dem-Repub- Cartel will be behind it. Sure , it would be easier listening to someone who can string a few words together and who is capable of forming a cohesive sentence and/or thought beyond "the terrorists are going to get you".
But lets be realistic , America is no longer ruled by its people, it is ruled by the international corporations that control our two party system. They care as much about you as they do the Chinese or South American worker.
There goal is not a Better world, but instead the consolidation of wealth into the hands of a few.
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