Barack Obama: "A More Perfect Union" / Jeremiah Wright

“We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.”

Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.

The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution – a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part – through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.

This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign – to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren.

This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story.

I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I’ve gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world’s poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners – an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.

It’s a story that hasn’t made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts – that out of many, we are truly one.

Throughout the first year of this campaign, against all predictions to the contrary, we saw how hungry the American people were for this message of unity. Despite the temptation to view my candidacy through a purely racial lens, we won commanding victories in states with some of the whitest populations in the country. In South Carolina, where the Confederate Flag still flies, we built a powerful coalition of African Americans and white Americans.

This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either “too black” or “not black enough.” We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well.

And yet, it has only been in the last couple of weeks that the discussion of race in this campaign has taken a particularly divisive turn.

On one end of the spectrum, we’ve heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it’s based solely on the desire of wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. On the other end, we’ve heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike.

I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy. For some, nagging questions remain. Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely – just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed.

But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country – a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam.

As such, Reverend Wright’s comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems – two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all.

Given my background, my politics, and my professed values and ideals, there will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation are not enough. Why associate myself with Reverend Wright in the first place, they may ask? Why not join another church? And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way

But the truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man. The man I met more than twenty years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor. He is a man who served his country as a U.S. Marine; who has studied and lectured at some of the finest universities and seminaries in the country, and who for over thirty years led a church that serves the community by doing God’s work here on Earth – by housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

In my first book, Dreams From My Father, I described the experience of my first service at Trinity:

“People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend’s voice up into the rafters….And in that single note – hope! – I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion’s den, Ezekiel’s field of dry bones. Those stories – of survival, and freedom, and hope – became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. Our trials and triumphs became at once unique and universal, black and more than black; in chronicling our journey, the stories and songs gave us a means to reclaim memories that we didn’t need to feel shame about…memories that all people might study and cherish – and with which we could start to rebuild.”

That has been my experience at Trinity. Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety – the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity’s services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America.

And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions – the good and the bad – of the community that he has served diligently for so many years.

I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love.

Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I can assure you it is not. I suppose the politically safe thing would be to move on from this episode and just hope that it fades into the woodwork. We can dismiss Reverend Wright as a crank or a demagogue, just as some have dismissed Geraldine Ferraro, in the aftermath of her recent statements, as harboring some deep-seated racial bias.

But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America – to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality.

The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through – a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.

Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. As William Faulkner once wrote, “The past isn’t dead and buried. In fact, it isn’t even past.” We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.

Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven’t fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today’s black and white students.

Legalized discrimination - where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments – meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today’s urban and rural communities.

A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one’s family, contributed to the erosion of black families – a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods – parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement – all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us.

This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. What’s remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them.

But for all those who scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream, there were many who didn’t make it – those who were ultimately defeated, in one way or another, by discrimination. That legacy of defeat was passed on to future generations – those young men and increasingly young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future. Even for those blacks who did make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician’s own failings.

And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright’s sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races.

In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience – as far as they’re concerned, no one’s handed them anything, they’ve built it from scratch. They’ve worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.

Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.

Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.

This is where we are right now. It’s a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naïve as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy – particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.

But I have asserted a firm conviction – a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice is we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.

For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances – for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man whose been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for own lives – by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny.

Ironically, this quintessentially American – and yes, conservative – notion of self-help found frequent expression in Reverend Wright’s sermons. But what my former pastor too often failed to understand is that embarking on a program of self-help also requires a belief that society can change.

The profound mistake of Reverend Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country – a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know -- what we have seen – is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds – by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper.

In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world’s great religions demand – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother’s keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister’s keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.

For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle – as we did in the OJ trial – or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright’s sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she’s playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.

We can do that.

But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we’ll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.

That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, “Not this time.” This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can’t learn; that those kids who don’t look like us are somebody else’s problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.

This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don’t have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together.

This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn’t look like you might take your job; it’s that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit.

This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should’ve been authorized and never should’ve been waged, and we want to talk about how we’ll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.

I would not be running for President if I didn’t believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation – the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election.

There is one story in particularly that I’d like to leave you with today – a story I told when I had the great honor of speaking on Dr. King’s birthday at his home church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta.

There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there.

And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that’s when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.

She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.

She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too.

Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother’s problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn’t. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.

Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they’re supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who’s been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he’s there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, “I am here because of Ashley.”

“I’m here because of Ashley.” By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children.

But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the two-hundred and twenty one years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins.

News Round Up 2

Obama, Clinton brace for deadlock
The Democratic race has entered its World War I phase, a bloody fight between two adversaries making only the most incremental of gains. And there is no reason to think either side will emerge from the trenches anytime soon.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9053.html

Bill Clinton defends stance on Obama
NEW ORLEANS — Former President Bill Clinton told college journalists assembled Sunday by mtvU that the push for change in this election has caused experience to look like a liability instead of an asset. “This is the first election in history that I can remember where experience — and having, actually, experience as a change maker — should be a disability for being elected,” Clinton told four undergraduate journalists from across the country at the debut Editorial Board of the College Media Network started by mtvU, a college-oriented channel of MTV.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9064.html

Obama's church accuses media of character assassination
CHICAGO – The church attended by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) fought back Sunday against mounting criticism of its pastor, accusing the media of character assassination and “crucifixion.”
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9062.html

'Fox News Sunday' Prods Obama on No-Show
WASHINGTON -- Hoping to prod Barack Obama into appearing on its show, "Fox News Sunday" launched the "Obama Watch," a weekly update on the number of days the Democratic presidential candidate has failed to appear on the program.
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/obama_fox_news/2008/03/16/80812.html

News Roundup

Obama, Clinton teams exchange fire
CHICAGO - Strategists for Barack Obama pressed an attack on Hillary Rodham Clinton over accountability and ethics on Sunday, demanding that she release more documents on income taxes and foundation donors. The New York senator's campaign pushed back, accusing her rival of stepping up personal attacks.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080316/ap_on_el_pr/obama_clinton

Peace activist launches fast to protest Nader presidential bid
San Francisco Chronicle - CA, USA
His goal: Persuade Ralph Nader to drop his quadrennial bid for the presidency — or at least explain to Rubin why he's running again in 2008. ...

Rumor Has It
By Susan(Susan) Mike Gravel has endorsed a Green Party candidate for president (among several running for the job, including Cynthia McKinney), Jesse Johnson. I can't say I blame him. The Democratic primary season has been a total mess. ...
Random Thoughts from Reno - http://snunes.blogspot.com/

Peace activist launches fast to protest Nader presidential bid
KESQ - Palm Desert,CA,USA
Jerry Peace Activist Rubin is fasting to persuade Ralph Nader to drop his bid for the presidency - or at least explain to Rubin why he's running again in ...

Wikinews Interviews US Green Party Presidential Candidate Cynthia ...
By tim(tim) Wikinews held an exclusive interview with Cynthia McKinney, one of the candidates for the Green Party nomination for the 2008 US presidential election. Continue reading 'Wikinews Interviews US Green Party Presidential Candidate Cynthia ...
Green Left Infoasis - http://demleft.blogspot.com/

Zogby Poll: McCain Bests Both Obama, Clinton
NewsMax.com - West Palm Beach,FL,USA
The introduction of long-time activist Ralph Nader into the mix is having an effect on the race, as he wins enough support to make a difference, ...

Independents Fighting On - Call for Candidates
OpEdNews - Newtown,PA,USA
First Ralph Nader continues our fight for ballot access and is getting a little less abuse from the mainstream media than usual. ...

Obama’s Church Plays The Victim Card
After blaming America for everything from HIV to 9/11, it was inevitable that the church would continue playing the victim card. Now they accuse the media for character assassination! But as others point out, isn’t it character suicide when the “victim” provides the posion?
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/john-stephenson/2008/03/16/obama-s-church-plays-victim-card

Nader means real action, far-fetched hope
University of Evansville Crescent online - Indiana, United States
The name is Ralph Nader. You may have heard it before—say, in every presidential election from 1992 onwards. Unfortunately, Nader’s name has become ...

Democrat Gravel endorses Green Johnson for President
By revtony There are four candidates seeking the Green Party’s nomination: Johnson, former Democratic US Cynthia McKinney, Kent Mesplay, and Kat Swift. Ralph Nader is running an independent campaign for president. In his endorsement for Johnson, ...
Sunflower Chalice - http://www.sunflowerchalice.com

Clinton, Obama backers tone down rhetoric
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Backers of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama toned down their rhetoric on Sunday for fear party infighting might turn voters against Democrats and deliver their votes into the hands of Republican John McCain.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080316/pl_nm/usa_politics_dc

Philadelphia-area students hold a mock election
Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia,PA,USA
"Where's Ralph Nader?" a student asks, looking over the ballot. Actually, somebody else corrects, Nader just dropped in. "Can we vote?" asks Leah Coan, 17, ...

The Nadir of Nader
In These Times - Chicago,IL,USA
Yes, Ralph Nader has thrown down that withering, raggedy old gauntlet in one more tiresome bid for the presidency. Our modern-day Don Quixote will mount his ...

Any state could require majority vote, solve “spoiler” dilemma
Capitol Weekly - Sacramento,CA,USA
How about: “Spoiler Dilemma, Take Three,” starring Ralph Nader? It’s like a horror movie that keeps coming back. Once again, the audience is on edge.

Contrary to Claims, Obama Very Close With Racist Preacher, Wright
Many in the newsmedia are reacting with quite restraint to the revelations of comments by Obam's racist "spiritual mentor," Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. Imagine if this were a Republican politician linked to such outrageous talk and you'll realize how the MSM has been studiously underplaying this controversy. A benefit of the doubt seems to be the rule of thumb for how the media is treating Obama, a benefit that would be denied a GOP candidate.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2008/03/16/contrary-claims-obama-very-close-racist-preacher-wright

The return of Nader
Daily - University of Washington - Seattle,WA,USA
Another is the Democrats’ greatest hit from that year, “Ralph Nader Cost Gore the Presidency.” Both songs are annoying, and I’m embarrassed for anyone ...

News Roundup

Obama expands delegate lead over Clinton
DES MOINES, Iowa - Democrat Barack Obama expanded his fragile lead in delegates over rival Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday, picking up at least seven delegates as Iowa activists took the next step in picking delegates to the national convention.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_el_pr/democrats_iowa

Rolling Stone Changes Headline From Obama's 'Radical Roots' to 'Destiny's Child'
Back on Feb. 22nd, Rolling Stone published their in depth story (6-pages on the net) about Barack Obama's "charisma" under the title, "The Radical Roots of Barack Obama." However, the story has lately been retitled "Destiny's Child." One might wonder why Rolling Stone made the sudden change avoiding the word "radical"... unless, that is, one were living under a rock and isn't aware of the trouble Barack is lately having with the anti-American and racist ranting of his "spiritual mentor," the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. Many hard questions arise over Rolling Stone's self-censorship
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2008/03/15/rolling-stone-changes-headline-obamas-radical-roots-destinys-chi

Clinton, Obama clash despite plan to talk issues
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic U.S. presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama clashed on Saturday over his ties to an indicted Chicago businessman and her tax records, despite their agreement two days earlier on the need to focus on issues.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080315/pl_nm/usa_politics_dc

Pelosi's delegate stance boosts Obama
WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it would be damaging to the Democratic party for its leaders to buck the will of national convention delegates picked in primaries and caucuses, a declaration that gives a boost to Sen. Barack Obama.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_el_pr/pelosi_delegates
Note from SNEN: So why have super delegates at all? If they're simply going to toss their votes to the one with the highest number of delegates, why not let the voters decide? Makes NO sense whatsoever...

Clinton backs Michigan revote plan
SCRANTON, Penn. - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton Saturday said she supported an effort by Michigan Democrats to hold a new primary in June.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_el_pr/clinton

Polarities persist in Democratic race
WASHINGTON - Something happened to the feel-good, way-cool Democratic presidential contest in the months since a woman and a black man began their path-breaking race for the White House. By the millions, black voters voted for the black candidate and women voted for the woman. White men seemed torn, by the millions.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_el_pr/polarized_politics

Deconstructing Obama's lawyerly evasions on Wright
Barack Obama desperately needs to distance himself from his spiritual mentor and pastor of two decades, Jeremiah Wright, Jr. But the man who wants America to believe his promise of unspecified change adopts the carefully-parsed language of a Harvard-trained lawyer. There is a fundamental discordance in spirit between a canny, evasive lawyer inserting loopholes, and the smiling vision of unity and change you can believe in.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/03/deconstructing_obamas_lawyerly.html

Is Media Biased to the Right With McCain/Hagee vs. Obama/Wright Stories?
As you should know by now, Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama has a Wright problem. That would be a Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. problem. It turns out that Barack Obama's "spiritual mentor" has a long, long history of hatred against whites and the history of the U.S.A. But, late last week, news began to surface that one of John McCain's religious supporters, John Hagee, has made many harsh anti-Catholic statements in the past.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2008/03/15/media-biased-right-mccain-hagee-vs-obama-wright-stories

The AP Style Guide on Defending Barack Obama
The Associated Press editors tasked in-house "writer" Phillip Elliott to write an article that dispels the "rumors and outright lies" concerning Barack Obama and the perception that Mr. Obama's support of Israel is questionable. The product of that task is what you'd expect from any number of left leaning story tellers in the mainstream media who write about Obama as opposed to journalists, reporters and political observers that actually take the time to research, study and honestly discuss that which they have found.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/terry-trippany/2008/03/15/ap-style-guide-defending-barack-obama

Have the Networks Reported McCain's Anti-Catholic Endorser?
If you have liberal friends who try to rebut you and say that the same networks that had largely ignored Obama’s pastor Jeremiah Wright also ignored John McCain being embraced by harshly anti-Catholic evangelist John Hagee, you can first say that there’s a huge difference between someone’s selected pastor of two decades and a new endorser. A search through network transcripts shows that ABC has not reported on Hagee, although they broke the Wright flap. But CBS has done two stories and NBC, half a one.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2008/03/15/have-networks-reported-mccains-anti-catholic-endorser

Super Delegates Lining Up for Barack Obama
A funny thing is happening. While Hillary and Bill appeal to super delegates to override the will of the voters and back Hillary, the super delegates are doing just the opposite.
The latest delegate count posted on realclearpolitics.com shows that Hillary’s lead among super delegates, once a comfortable 60 votes, has now been cut almost in half to 36 delegates. The latest tally has Hillary leading among super delegates by 247 to 211. So, with 57 percent of the super delegates decided, Hillary’s lead is shrinking.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DickMorrisandEileenMcGann/2008/03/15/super
_delegates_lining_up_for_barack_obama

Obama Attempts Damage Control, Fallout Over Pastor’s Sermons Unclear
The presidential contenders have all had their share of supporters whose insensitive remarks forced the campaigns to issue disavowals. This week, it was Barack Obama’s turn.
After a series of recorded sermons by Obama’s longtime pastor the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. sparked controversy over Wright’s fiery views on race, America and the Sept. 11 attacks, Obama responded Friday by firmly repudiating Wrights’ views in lengthy written statement and a round of cable news interviews.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/15/fallout-from-pastors-sermons-unknown-as-obama-attempts-damage-control/

Lots of Talk, No Resolution on Michigan Revote
Negotiations among Michigan Democrats led to little more than broad principles Friday as all the players worked toward a plan that would allow Michigan to seat its delegation to the Democratic National Convention in August. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) had stripped Michigan of its delegates for violating party rules.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002688702

Democratic rivals agree to play nicer
WASHINGTON - On this presidential rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton can agree: They sometimes disagree with their trash-talking supporters and will try to cool it. Advisers to the Democratic candidates shed some light Friday on the private chat the two candidates had Thursday on the Senate floor.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080314/ap_on_el_pr/obama_clinton

House Newcomers Get Quick Assist from Dems’ Campaign Unit
Democrats Bill Foster of Illinois and Andre Carson of Indiana, whose special election wins over the past week made them the two newest members of the U.S. House, are on a short turnaround to prepare for competitive contests in this fall’s general elections. And nationally, Democratic Party campaign strategists are moving quickly to try to buttress their political security.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002688665

Retirement Surprise Turns Alabama House Race Into Tossup
The retirement announcement Thursday by nine-term Democratic Rep. Robert E. “Bud” Cramer caught Alabama’s political establishment by surprise. But both parties are already hustling to prepare for a hotly competitive and unexpected open-seat race in the state’s 5th Congressional District.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002688659

Obama Announces Support for Plan to Address Housing Crisis

Senator Obama released the following statement on joining with Senator Chris Dodd to introduce legislation for a new FHA Housing Security Program.

“The subprime lending crisis continues to threaten the American Dream for millions of working families. Over two million households are at risk of foreclosure. The impact on our economy as a whole has been devastating, with a substantial and disturbing deterioration in our job market, housing market, and credit market in recent days. The decline in the housing market has left millions of people with mortgages that are larger than their homes are worth. Many Americans are choosing to walk away from their mortgages, which worsens the foreclosure problem, hurts property values for entire neighborhoods, and also substantially aggravates the credit crisis among lenders. That is why we urgently need a new strategy that allows homeowners to obtain mortgages with reasonable and fair terms, prevents foreclosures, and eases the credit crunch.

“It is past time for the federal government to take direct and decisive action. To provide immediate relief, I am proud to join with Chris Dodd – the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee – to introduce legislation creating a new FHA Housing Security Program, which will provide meaningful incentives for lenders to buy or refinance existing mortgages, and to convert them into stable 30-year fixed mortgages so that homeowners facing foreclosure can keep their homes. This will provide a federal backstop for lenders to reduce the principal of loans that are priced higher than the value of a home so that they are affordable for homeowners. It is not a bailout for lenders or investors who gambled recklessly. It is not a windfall for borrowers. Instead, the Dodd-Obama bill is a responsible and fair way to help bring an end to the foreclosure crisis facing the country.

“This is part of my comprehensive mortgage agenda, which includes resources for pre-foreclosure counseling, a tax break to working families on their mortgage interest payments, and tough penalties on fraudulent lenders. We must provide immediate relief to American families and to the American economy, while also taking the necessary steps to prevent this crisis from happening again.”

Feb. 19th: "Hardball" Way Too Hard for Obama Supporter Kirk Watson

Nader News

Nader blasts corporate influence in government
The Times of Trenton - NJ.com - Trenton,NJ,USA
by Eric Dodds/The Times PRINCETON BOROUGH -- Two weeks after announcing his decision to enter the 2008 presidential race, independent candidate Ralph Nader ...

Nader is not a spoiler; more an alternative
The Tennessean - Nashville,TN,USA
Ralph Nader’s announcement that he is running for president as an Independent has led to a resurfacing of the “spoiler” label. Ralph Nader did not cost Al ...

The Nader factor riles up the far-left media
GwinnettHerald.com - GA,USA
So Ralph Nader is running for president again, and there is no truth to the rumor that the nominating convention will be held in his garage. Too spacious. ...

Senate Democratic hopefuls fall to sniping
The Register-Guard - Eugene,OR,USA
Merkley took shots at Novick for once publicly praising Ralph Nader, for “taking the Republican bait” and accepting the notion that Social Security’s ...

Nader to speak at Princeton U.
The Times of Trenton - NJ.com - Trenton,NJ,USA
by Central Jersey News Updates PRINCETON BOROUGH -- Presidential candidate, longtime consumer activist and campaigner for Arab-American justice Ralph Nader ...

This could be Nader's year
Canton Repository (subscription) - Canton,OH,USA
BY DOUGLAS SCHOEN When Ralph Nader announced he was running for president — again — commentators and political strategists were scornful. ...

Getting to know Ralph Nader
Boston Globe - United States
"Nader vs. the Democrats" asked whether Ralph Nader had any good reasons to run for president. After reading your editorial, ...

Talking to Nader
The Nation. - New York,NY,USA
Ralph Nader announced his selection of San Francisco lawyer and activist Matt Gonzalez as his running mate, February 28. Like Nader, Gonzalez--a former ...

Nader advances enterprising alternative
St. Olaf College Manitou Messenger Online - Northfield,MN,USA
By Natalie Neal
Ralph Nader recently announced that he is throwing his hat into the presidential ring. Democrats are no doubt experiencing deja-vu, ...

Ralph Nader to speak on democracy
Princeton University - Princeton,NJ,USA
Consumer activist and Princeton alumnus Ralph Nader will deliver a lecture on democracy at 1 pm Saturday, March 8, in McCosh 50 on the Princeton University ...

Nader is expected to visit West Chester on Sunday
Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia,PA,USA
Ralph Nader on Sunday plans to take his nascent presidential campaign to West Chester, where he hopes to find throngs of backers willing to sign a petition ...

Once the spoiler, Nader no longer seen as a threat
Michigan Daily - Ann Arbor,MI,USA
...political activist and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader declared his candidacy in the 2008 presidential election, running as an independent. ...

How Nader crushed my dreams
Michigan Daily - Ann Arbor,MI,USA
... back-logged New York Times articles while listening to MSNBC, you may have missed Ralph Nader's recent announcement on "Meet the Press. ...

The Bush legacy? It's Ralph Nader's, too
San Francisco Chronicle - CA, USA
Once again, the alleged progressives who walk around in trances for Ralph Nader fail to take responsibility for George W. Bush's election. ...

Nader's a welcome voice in marketplace of ideas
Palm Beach Post - FL, United States
...on Ralph Nader's decision to run for president ("Nader: Wrong in 2000, and delusional in 2008") continues the smearing and name-calling against ...

Nothing for Nader
BrooklynPapers.com - NY, United States
By Gersh Kuntzman How the Daily News may play the Gersh Kuntzman–uncovered fact that Brooklynites will not be falling into the Ralph Nader trap this time. ...

Nader - righteous but wrong
Guardian - UK
But Ralph Nader's promise of a late intervention doesn't seem to have had the kicking it deserves among British progressives keen to support whoever turns ...

Ralph Nader, Please Don't Run
Atlantic Free Press - Groningen,Netherlands
by Jerome Grossman Ralph Nader told Tim Russert of NBC on "Meet the Press" that he was running again for President of the United States. Why is he running? ...

How Nader Has Made Himself Irrelevant
The Daily Voice - New York,NY,USA
Ralph Nader seems to equate himself with the independent political movement and to define it relative to his positions, his aspirations and his critiques of ...

Glad for Nader
Salt Lake Tribune - United States
As a pro-peace voter, I am delighted that Ralph Nader is running for president as an independent. Sens. Clinton, Obama and McCain all voted to fund the ...

Nader Enters the Race
Harvard Independent - Cambridge,MA,USA
By Marissa Babin 3/6/08 Ralph Nader just announced that he is running for president. On NBC’s Meet the Press, Nader said he would “shift the power from ...

A WAY OUT OF THE NADER DILEMMA
Philadelphia Daily News - Philadelphia,PA,USA
By STEVEN HILL WITH RALPH Nader in the race, Democrats are fuming and no doubt preparing to use the same legal tricks they used in 2004 to keep Nader off ...

Nader campaign is about ballot access
The News Journal - Wilmington,DE,USA
By DAVID McCORQUODALE The News Journal chose to print a cartoon and an editorial critical of Ralph Nader's decision to run for president as an independent. ...

The real reason Nader shouldn't run
Twin Cities Planet - Minneapolis,Minnesota,USA
by James Clay Fuller, 3/5/08 • It is a bit of a shame that Ralph Nader has declared again for the presidency of the United States. ...

Darth Nader
New Haven Advocate - New Haven,CT,USA
By the Editors Here's someone other than Ralph Nader to blame for Al Gore's loss in 2000: Al Gore. And for John Kerry's loss in 2004: John Kerry. ...

John Reilly column [March 9] — 2008: The return of Darth Nader
The Stamford Times - Norwalk,CT,USA
No. it's not Jack Nicholson, it's Ralph Nader, son of Winsted, defender of truth, justice and the American Way. Sorry about that — that was Superman, ...
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Statement of Senator Barack Obama on President Bush's Veto of the Intelligence Authorization bill

"We need a Commander in Chief who has never wavered on whether or not it is acceptable for America to torture, because it is never acceptable. While I have consistently opposed torture, in the course of this primary campaign Hillary Clinton has flip-flopped from her past position of tolerating torture. I believe that we must reject torture without equivocation because it does not make us safe, it results in unreliable intelligence, it puts our troops at risk, and it contradicts core American values. When I am President, the American people and the world will be able to trust that I will outlaw torture, because unlike Senator Clinton I have never made an exception for torture and I never will."

Right Wing, Left Wing: Our Chickens Have Wings on Both Sides

STUART, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Haunted by hanging chads and disqualified delegates, Hurricane Grill & Wings wants to help the state of Florida participate in the national election for the president of the free world and show that its citizens count. On Thursday, March 6, 2008, all Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurants in the state of Florida will give a FREE Crispy Wing Appetizer to anyone who comes in with a valid Florida voter registration card.

“The right to vote is not only a fundamental right of all Americans; it’s also a fiduciary responsibility,” said Lori Cuonze, Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “We just want to do our part to show our fellow Floridians that their vote counts with us.”

Hurricane Grill & Wings is also currently franchising in the state of New York, Senator Clinton’s headquarters and has recently signed two franchisees to develop the Chicago area, Senator Obama’s home turf. “If they have another primary, maybe the candidates could use our office in Stuart,” added Cuonze. “We have a coffee pot, a copy machine, and a donut-maker right next door…everything they need to put their best foot forward in a rematch.”
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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News Round Up

Back on trail, Obama and Clinton trade digs
CHEYENNE, Wyoming (Reuters) - U.S. Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton questioned each other's sincerity and leadership on national security and the economy on Friday as they geared up for the next tests in a grueling struggle for the White House.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080308/ts_nm/usa_politics_dc

What Will Happen in Wyoming on Saturday?
Wyoming uses a two-tier system for awarding delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver this August. On Saturday Wyoming Democrats will undertake the “first determining step” that uses a combined caucus/convention process to allocate pledged delegates.
Each of the state’s 23 counties will hold their convention throughout the day, with the last one scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. MST (6 p.m. EST), where attendees will participate in a “presidential preference vote.”
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002684033

Dems Prospect for Votes in Weekend Wyoming Caucuses
Its population may be sparse, but in a seemingly never-ending Democratic primary season, Wyoming for once is claiming its share of high-stakes national attention.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/07/dems-prospect-for-votes-in-weekend-wyoming-caucuses/

Clinton lowers expectations in Wyo.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - A day before Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama were to compete for a small scattering of delegates in Wyoming, Clinton cast herself as the underdog and said the odds are not in her favor. Clinton's campaign has sought to set low expectations for the Saturday caucuses in Wyoming as well as next week's primary in Mississippi, states where her campaign believes Obama has a better shot at winning.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080308/ap_on_el_pr/clinton

Obama, Clinton Campaigns Quietly Work Toward Compromise on Fla., Mich. Delegates
Very quietly and very delicately, the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigns have begun back-channel communications to find common ground that can break the stalemate over the seating of Florida’s and Michigan’s delegates.
Discussions are in very early stages, with more expected over the weekend, sources tell FOX News. The players at the national and state parties, and state governments, understand that any fix will have to be acceptable to both candidates. Neither side wants to give the other a possible advantage.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/07/obama-clinton-campaigns-quietly-work-toward-compromise-on-fla-mich-delegates/

How Does Obama Feel About America?
Barack Obama's words are often attractive but oddly concealing. His speeches are all balm and mood. It's all very well to seek, as Obama claims, to transcend old categories, to reject the "old politics." But then what? This graceful rhetorician leaves you wondering: Who is he really? What does he want for himself and for his country?
In search of answers that go deeper than the Congressional Record, I read his first book, "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance." Once you get past the happy surprise of finding a politician who can actually write, the book contains some disquieting elements.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MonaCharen/2008/03/07/how_does_obama_feel_about_america

Obama defends ability to handle crisis
CASPER, Wyo. - Looking ahead to Saturday's caucus, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama had to cope with some pesky issues of the recent week, defending himself against an ad that ran in Texas and the fallout from a former adviser's remarks. His presidential rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, won the Ohio and Texas primaries Tuesday after questioning Obama's fitness to handle crises.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080307/ap_on_el_pr/obama

Obama rejects adviser's comments
WASHINGTON - A former adviser to Barack Obama who resigned Friday after calling rival Hillary Rodham Clinton "a monster" said Obama may not be able to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from Iraq within a year as he has promised on the campaign trail.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080307/ap_on_el_pr/obama_adviser

Obama Adviser Resigns Over Monster Comment
WASHINGTON -- A Barack Obama adviser resigned Friday after calling rival Hillary Rodham Clinton "a monster."
Samantha Power, an unpaid foreign policy adviser and Harvard professor, announced her resignation in a statement provided by the Obama campaign in which she expressed "deep regret."
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/Obama_Adviser_Resigns/2008/03/07/78686.html

Enthusiasm Tilts Toward Obama in Pa.
STROUDSBURG, Pa. -- For Edwin David, who served with the famed World War II unit of black fighters known as the Tuskegee Airmen, Sen. Barack Obama is an easy choice.
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/pennsylvania_voter_voices/2008/03/07/78565.html

Obama Aide Resigns After Calling Clinton a ‘Monster’ in Interview With Scottish Paper
An adviser to Barack Obama who called Hillary Clinton a “monster” during an interview has resigned, apologizing for the remark amid pressure from the Clinton campaign.
Samantha Power, an unpaid foreign policy adviser to Obama and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, made the offending comment during an interview with the Scottish newspaper The Scotsman.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/06/obama-aide-calls-clinton-a-monster-in-interview-with-scottish-paper/

Obama: “We Will Not Leave Any of Our Veterans Behind”

Senator Barack Obama hosted a town hall meeting with Texas veterans today at the American G.I. Forum’s Veterans Outreach Program, a transitional facility for homeless veterans in San Antonio, to talk about his commitment to combating homelessness among veterans and pledged a zero-tolerance policy for homeless veterans when he is President.

“We need to have zero tolerance for homeless veterans,” Obama said. “On any given night in America, while we go to sleep in our homes, there are hundreds of thousands of Americans who have fought for our freedom who go without their own home. Veterans make up 11 percent of America’s adult population, but 26 percent of the homeless population. Already, we are seeing homeless vets from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s just not right. That’s just not who we are as a country.”

Obama, who sits on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has passed legislation to expand and improve services for homeless veterans including increasing rental vouchers to bring homeless veterans off the street, expanding treatment for veterans with mental illnesses, and facilitating transfer of property from the Veterans’ Administration to homeless shelters. Obama has also introduced the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act – a bill that would provide supportive services like mental health counseling, financial planning, and job training to ease the transition from military service to civilian life and prevent veterans and their families from sliding into homelessness.

“There is a U.S. military principle that we all admire: leave no one behind,” Obama said. “That’s the principle that we need when it comes to homeless vets. That is what I have fought for in the Senate. And that is why I have recently introduced the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act, so that our vets have the skills and tools that they need to build a life after their service. This is not a partisan issue. This is a moral obligation. When I am President, we will not leave any of our veterans behind.”

As President, Obama will maintain a zero-tolerance policy for homeless veterans. The Obama plan would:

Increase access to long-term, affordable housing for veterans and their families
Focus on preventing homeless by targeting at-risk populations with housing supportive services
Expand rental assistance programs to get homeless veterans off the streets
Create a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In addition to his work on veteran homelessness, Obama has compiled a track record of standing up for veterans on a range of issues. His accomplishments include:

Obama passed legislation in the U.S. Senate to improve care and slash red tape for our returning wounded warriors and their families who face deplorable conditions at places like Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Obama passed a bill to give family members health care while they care for wounded troops and introduced legislation to provide them a year of job protection, so they never have to choose between caring for a loved one and keeping a job.

Obama passed laws to provide comprehensive supports to homeless veterans.

Obama led a bipartisan effort in the Senate to try to halt the military’s unfair practice of discharging service members for having a service-connected psychological injury.

Obama passed an amendment to give recovering service members free meals and free telephone calls at military hospitals.

Obama passed legislation to stop a VA review of closed PTSD cases that could have led to a reduction in veterans’ benefits.
Obama passed an amendment to ensure that all service members returning from Iraq are properly screened for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Obama Statement on Women's History Month

Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on Women’s History Month.

“Women's History Month isn't just a chance to celebrate women's history; it's a chance to honor the extraordinary role women have played in shaping American history. From midnight journeys on the Underground Railroad to marches for women's suffrage and civil rights, from the bomber assembly lines of World War II to the boardrooms of today, women have always shown us what we can achieve when we refuse to settle for the world as it is and choose to remake the world as it should be.

“But despite the achievements we honor this month, we know we still have challenges to overcome. We need to build an America where women earn the same pay as men for the same work, and have time off to care for a loved one who's sick; where women have control over the health care decisions that affect their lives, and don't have to choose between their kids and their careers. It's not enough to have a holiday that honors women if we don't also make sure our laws value women.

“This holiday is particularly meaningful to me because I would not be the person I am without the women in my life. I was raised by a single mother across two continents, and by a grandmother who instilled in me her own Midwestern values. And my wife Michelle - a woman who's overcome a number of challenges as a lawyer and hospital executive - continues to make me a better man.

“Every night I'm home, Michelle and I tuck two little girls into bed. And we want to make sure that they have the same opportunities as every little boy in this country. That's the dream that women have fought for throughout our nation's history, and that's the dream I'll fight to make real as President of the United States.”

SENATOR ROCKEFELLER ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA

2/29/08 Today, Senator Jay Rockefeller, the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his judgment on the Iraq war and national security issues, and calling him the right candidate to lead our country during a time of instability at home and abroad.

Senator Rockefeller said, “Today, I’m proud to lend my support and strong endorsement to Barack Obama and his candidacy for President of the United States. Barack Obama is the most qualified person – Democrat or Republican – to lead our country in the face of enormous challenges – the very real threat of terrorism, economic uncertainty, and instability at home and abroad.

“As Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am all too aware that the threats we face are unconventional. They are sophisticated. They are constantly changing and adapting. And they are very serious. What matters most in the Oval Office is sound judgment and decisive action. It’s about getting it right on crucial national security questions the first time – and every time.

“The indisputable fact is Barack Obama was right about Iraq when many of us were wrong. It was a tough call and the single greatest national security question, and mistake, of our time. Today, we remain a country at war, and countless mistakes over the last six and a half years have made us less safe. The stakes have never been higher, and that is why we must take a stand.

“I am not just supporting Barack Obama because of his strength on national security. I am equally proud of his commitment to rebuild America – so that we’re a country of equality and prosperity – where no segment of society is left behind. I know Barack Obama will fight and win the battle for health care, good paying jobs, and energy security.

“Barack Obama is a uniquely gifted, brilliant and strategic thinker, who genuinely understands the hopes and desires of the American people. There is nothing sheltered about his life; he’s always had to work hard, and he’s always fought to make his community and his country better.

“A leader like Barack Obama just doesn’t come along very often, and as voters who care passionately about the future of our country, we cannot afford to squander this opportunity.”

Senator Obama said, “Senator Rockefeller’s leadership in the Senate has strengthened our national security and advanced economic opportunity, and I am honored to have his support. Nobody understands the unconventional threats of the 21st century better than Jay Rockefeller, and I look forward to partnering with him as President to strengthen our intelligence community and protect our homeland. Together, we will work to reclaim the American Dream for working families at home, and to restore our security and standing abroad.”

Obama Shares Vision to Strengthen Economy

2/28/08 Speaking to voters at a town hall meeting in Austin, TX today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama reiterated his commitment to take on the special interests and discussed his specific plans to help working families burdened by rising costs, disappearing jobs, and stagnating wages. Obama’s plan – titled “Keeping America’s Promise” – includes cutting taxes for workers, eliminating taxes for seniors making less than $50,000 annually, and ending tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas.

“It was a failure of leadership in Washington,” Obama said. “It’s a Washington that has thrown open its doors to lobbyists and special interests who’ve riddled our tax code with loopholes that let corporations avoid paying their taxes while you’re paying more. They’ve used money and influence to kill health care reform at a time when half of all bankruptcies are caused by medical bills, and then they’ve rigged our bankruptcy laws to make it harder to climb out of debt. They don’t represent ordinary Americans, they don’t fund my campaign, and they won’t drown out the voices of working families when I am President.”

Obama has spent more than twenty years standing up to special interests and fighting for working Americans – since his days as a community organizer on Chicago’s South Side. He has expanded access to health care, cut taxes for low-income workers, and passed historic ethics reform legislation in both Illinois and Washington. As President, Obama will keep America’s promise and bring change that working families can believe in to Washington.

“At a time like this, the American people need real change – the kind of change that’s about more than switching the party in the White House,” Obama said. “They need a change in our politics – a leader who can end the division in Washington so we can stop talking about our challenges and start solving them; who doesn’t defend lobbyists as part of the system, but sees them as part of the problem; who will carry your voices and your hopes into the White House every single day for the next four years. And that is the kind of President I want to be.”

Obama also outlined his plan to reclaim the American Dream by easing the financial burden on working families and creating millions of good, new jobs. The Obama plan will:

Close corporate loopholes and shut down tax havens
Cut taxes for middle-class Americans by up to $1,000 per working family
Eliminate income taxes for any senior making less than $50,000 per year
Implement a universal health care system to cover every American and cut costs for the typical family by $2,500
Create a college tuition tax credit worth $4,000 each year in exchange for community or national service
Establish a Credit Card Bill of Rights to protect consumers from spiraling into debt
Reform bankruptcy laws to give Americans who fall into debt a chance to get back on their feet
End tax breaks for companies who ship our jobs overseas, and give them to companies who create good jobs with decent wages in America.
Generate millions of new jobs through investments in infrastructure and renewable energy

Each town hall attendee received a “Keeping America’s Promise” booklet which outlines Senator Obama’s economic proposals in detail. To view the booklet in its entirety, click HERE.

SENATOR BARACK OBAMA'S STATEMENT ON THE PAKISTANI ELECTIONS

2/19/08 Senator Barack Obama released the following statement today on the results of the elections in Pakistan.

Statement from Barack Obama:

"Yesterday, a moderate majority of the Pakistani people made their voices heard, and chose a new direction. For far too long, America's Pakistan policy has prized stability over democracy and got neither. That is why I have consistently called for a policy that advances U.S. interests by advancing the interests of the Pakistani people, not just Pakistan's president. We can build a more effective relationship with Pakistan if we condition aid on the Pakistani government's progress in fighting al Qaeda and restoring democracy, and focus more assistance on supporting strong democratic institutions, secular education, and the development of Pakistan's border region. A democratic Pakistan will be a better ally in the fight against terror and extremism, and will be better for the Pakistani people."

STATEMENT OF SENATOR BARACK OBAMA ON FIDEL CASTRO STEPPING DOWN

2/19/08 Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on Fidel Castro stepping down.


Statement from Barack Obama:
“Today should mark the end of a dark era in Cuba's history. Fidel Castro's stepping down is an essential first step, but it is sadly insufficient in bringing freedom to Cuba.

“ Cuba's future should be determined by the Cuban people and not by an anti-democratic successor regime. The prompt release of all prisoners of conscience wrongly jailed for standing up for the basic freedoms too long denied to the Cuban people would mark an important break with the past. It's time for these heroes to be released.

“If the Cuban leadership begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change, the United States must be prepared to begin taking steps to normalize relations and to ease the embargo of the last five decades. The freedom of the Cuban people is a cause that should bring Americans together.”

STATEMENT OF SENATOR BARACK OBAMA ON BEEF RECALL

2/18/08 Senator Barack Obama released a statement on the Department of Agriculture’s decision to recall 143 million pounds of frozen beef that came from “downed” animals. The consumption of downed cattle can pose a higher risk of contamination from E. coli, salmonella or mad cow disease.

Senator Obama released the following statement:

"Senator Barack Obama released a statement on the Department of Agriculture’s decision to recall 143 million pounds of frozen beef that came from “downed” animals. The consumption of downed cattle can pose a higher risk of contamination from E. coli, salmonella or mad cow disease.
"Senator Obama said: “Although the Department of Agriculture has now recalled the tainted beef, an estimated 37 million pounds has gone to school lunch programs, and unfortunately, officials believe that most of the meat has already been consumed by schoolchildren. This incident demonstrates yet again the inadequacy of the food recall process. Far too often, tainted food is not recalled until too late.

"When I am President, it will not be business as usual when it comes to food safety. I will provide additional resources to hire more federal food inspectors. I will also call on the Department of Agriculture to examine whether federal food safety laws need to be strengthened, in particular to provide greater protections against tainted food being used in the National School Lunch Program.

"As the parent of two young daughters, there are few issues more important to me than ensuring the safety of the food that our children consume. I commend the Humane Society of the United States for bringing this important issue to the public attention and believe that the mistreatment of downed cows is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to public health.”

Obama Outlines Plan to Keep Ohio Jobs from Being Sent Overseas

2/18/08 Senator Barack Obama visited Niles, Ohio today to tour a titanium plant, RTI International Metals Inc., and to meet with workers about job security and the state of the economy in Northeast Ohio. After the tour, Obama outlined his plan to help employers retain and create good jobs in Ohio and across the U.S.

“In the last year alone, 93 plants have closed in this state. And yet, year after year, politicians in Washington sign trade agreements that are riddled with perks for big corporations but have absolutely no protections for American workers,” Senator Obama said. “It’s bad for our economy, it’s bad for our country, and it will not happen when I am President.

Too many American companies are off-shoring good paying U.S. jobs—including many manufacturing jobs—and many are using overseas tax havens to avoid paying taxes here in the U.S. In 2006 alone Ohio lost 32,337 manufacturing jobs and 93 plants, according to the Manufacturers Directory. Rather than providing incentives for employers to outsource and expand their operations overseas, Barack Obama believes we should encourage corporations to be patriot employers that create good jobs with good benefits for American workers.

End Tax Breaks That Reward Companies for Shipping Jobs Overseas: Our current tax system provides incentives for U.S. multinational corporations to invest their profits overseas rather than here in America. The tax code allows these companies to defer paying taxes on the profit they make in foreign countries for as long as they keep the money abroad. Barack Obama will work to change this rule so companies can't avoid paying taxes by keeping their profits overseas indefinitely. Obama has also called for cracking down on abusive tax havens and increasing enforcement powers.

Reward Companies that Create Good Jobs Here at Home: The revenue raised from ending tax breaks that reward companies for shipping jobs overseas will be used to reduce the corporate tax rate for companies that invest in the U.S. and its workers. Obama’s “Patriot Employers” plan puts the tax code on the side of companies that treat American workers best. His proposal will reward companies that:

Maintain their headquarters in the United States
Maintain or increase the number of full-time workers in the United States relative to full-time workers outside of the United States
Provide an adequate level of health coverage for all employees
Maintain neutrality in employee organizing drives
Provide full differential salary and insurance benefits for all National Guard and Reserve employees called to active duty
Provide all employees with a certain level of compensation and retirement benefits

Statement by Barack Obama on the Independence of Kosovo

2/17/08 Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the independence of Kosovo and its implications for Serbia.

"Today’s announcement of independence by the leadership of Kosovo ends a chain of events that began with the bloody break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Kosovo’s independence is a unique situation resulting from the irreparable rupture Slobodan Milosevic’s actions caused; it is in no way a precedent for anyone else in the region or around the world.

"Kosovo’s independence carries with it important responsibilities. The international community has devoted enormous resources to Kosovo’s political, economic and social development for nearly a decade, with results not always meeting expectations. I hope that Kosovo’s government and people act with urgency to ensure that Kosovo becomes a positive example of democratic governance and the rule of law. All the people of Kosovo, be they of Albanian, Serb or other origin, must be able to live in a free, tolerant and prosperous society where minority rights and religious sites are fully protected, and the people of Kosovo have a stake in one another’s success.

"Serbia and its people have also suffered terribly over the past two decades. Serbs deserve a more peaceful, prosperous, and hopeful future. This month’s re-election of President Boris Tadic was a critical step in moving Serbia closer to the goal of full integration into the democratic West, including membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions that can help bring more stability and prosperity to the people of Serbia. Serbia ultimately belongs in the European Union. The EU and Serbia should rapidly deepen their ties, a move that would help demonstrate to the Serb people that they are indeed genuinely part of the West.

"I honor the service of all Americans, military and civilian, who have worked so hard to bring peace to the Balkans. The United States must continue to work with our European allies on behalf of the security and prosperity of the entire region. I am convinced that, with our support, Serbia and Kosovo can emerge as models of democratic and economic growth, and their people can know a bright future."

OBAMA OUTLINES PLAN TO STRENGTHEN AMERICA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES AT NORTHCENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2/15/08 t Northcentral Technical College, Senator Barack Obama today outlined his agenda to strengthen America’s community colleges by making higher education more affordable, matching community college degrees to the needs of local industry and national goals, and providing the American people with a critical resource to help them live their dreams.

“Wisconsin families are finding it harder and harder to get ahead,” Senator Obama said. “Workers need new skills to compete, and everything – especially education – costs more. That’s why it’s time to call upon our community colleges once again, and put a little wind at the backs of the American people.”

Obama was joined today by two Northcentral Technical College students whose stories highlight the importance of community colleges and the opportunities they can provide. Kimberly Whitewater is a human services student who grew up in a family without the resources to pursue a higher education. She is attending NTC to gain new opportunities in the workforce. Andrew Straub is a 21-year-old Electronics student. Having earned a degree in Electromechanical Technology, Andrew returned to NTC to continue his education because of the valuable training opportunities the school provides.

Obama’s comprehensive agenda to strengthen America’s community colleges includes:

Create The American Opportunity Tax Credit: Obama will make tuition at community college completely free for most Americans by creating a new American Opportunity Tax Credit. This fully refundable credit will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is free. The credit will be available to families at the time of enrollment by using the prior year’s tax data to deliver the credit at the time the tuition is due. Recipients of this credit will be required to conduct 100 hours of public service a year, either during the school year or over the summer months.

Create A New Community College Partnership Program: Obama will create a Community College Partnership to strengthen community colleges by providing grants to (a) conduct thorough analysis of the types of skills and technical education that are in high demand from students and local industry; (b) implement new associate of arts degree programs that cater to emerging industry and technical career demands; and (c) reward those institutions that graduate more students and increase their numbers of transfer students to four-year institutions.

Support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Programs. Obama will support the authorization of the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program at $100 million, a critical program that that has helped support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs in community colleges.

Make it Easier to Apply for Financial Aid: Obama will simplify the financial aid process by eliminating the FAFSA and its complicated calculations altogether. Instead, aid would be based on a much simpler yet equally accurate formula, so that students can predict their eligibility well in advance. The aid process will be streamlined by enabling families to apply simply by checking a box on their tax form, authorizing their tax information to be used and eliminating the need for a separate application.

Expand Pell Grants For Low Income Students: Obama will work to ensure that the maximum Pell Grant award is increased for low income students by ensuring that the award keeps pace with the rising cost of inflation.

Reauthorize The Workforce Investment Act: Obama supports reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act with a focus on providing high-quality education and training services and creating pathways to skills and credentials that have value in the labor market. There must be a shift in focus from adult education to postsecondary education, which could include remediation, GED preparation and English-language training. Obama believes we must make clear that WIA supports this transition training

Increase Workforce Development Funding: Obama will ensure that the Perkins Vocational Program is adequately funded. Community colleges depend on workforce development funding from these grants that are used for innovative occupational education curricula; helping students meet challenging academic, vocational, and technical standards; training first responders and public safety officers; purchasing equipment; supporting professional development; and strengthening important links between the institutions and businesses.

Promote Life-Long Learning In Partnership With Organized Labor: Obama will direct his Department of Labor to expand its support for and partnership with organized labor on its programs for life-long learning, including successful programs that seek to reach untapped pools of talent among women, people of color, older workers, individuals with disabilities and disadvantaged communities.

Senator Obama’s plan is available online at: http://obama.3cdn.net/516099fccb1a1574bc_4pytmveej.pdf

Report: Kenyan Elders May Demand Clinton Pay Cattle Fine for Photo Smear
Just when Hillary Clinton started swimming in campaign donations, she could be facing down a hefty fine. This time in the currency of cattle.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/01/report-kenyan-elders-may-demand-clinton-pay-fine-of-cattle-for-photo-smear/

Morning News Roundup

FOX News Poll: Clinton Leads in Ohio; Obama Up in Texas
Hillary Clinton has an 8-point lead over Barack Obama heading into Tuesday's Ohio Democratic primary, due largely to the support of white women, seniors and working-class voters, while the race is virtually a tie in Texas, where Obama tops Clinton by a slim 3 points, according to a FOX News Poll released Friday.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,333991,00.html

Democratic voters more diverse this year
WASHINGTON - The Democratic presidential race between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama has not only coaxed far more people to vote than in the past, it's also changed the mix of those showing up.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080301/ap_on_el_pr/democrats_who_s_voting

Can Clinton overcome Obamania?
WASHINGTON - A year ago, Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-Inevitable, was joshing about whether she could appoint her husband secretary of state when she became president, and Barack Obama was urging a throng to be realistic about his own chances. "Let's face it," he said. "The novelty's going to wear off."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080301/ap_on_el_pr/democrats__amazing_race

McCain seeks distance from pastor
PHOENIX - John McCain is refusing to renounce the endorsement of a prominent Texas televangelist who Democrats say peddles anti-Catholic and other intolerant speech.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080301/ap_on_el_pr/mccain_pastor

Obama and Clinton deadlocked
SAN ANTONIO (Reuters) - Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are deadlocked in Texas and Ohio heading into potentially decisive presidential showdowns, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Houston Chronicle poll released on Saturday.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080301/pl_nm/usa_politics_poll_dc

The Nader Factor
So Ralph Nader is running for president again, and there is no truth to the rumor that the nominating convention will be held in his garage. Too spacious.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/BillOReilly/2008/03/01/the_nader_factor

Bailing Out Barack
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Supporters of Sen. Barack Obama concede that Sen. Hillary Clinton's aggressiveness rescued him from a serious blunder in last Tuesday's presidential debate at Cleveland, when he hesitated at rejecting a lavish endorsement of him by black Muslim leader Louis Farrakhan.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/RobertDNovak/2008/03/01/bailing_out_barack

Obama's Truthiness About Farrakhan
Transfixed by the two-candidate "horse race," maybe we didn't focus precisely on what happened in the home stretch of the last Democratic debate when Barack Obama tried to pick and nuance his way through a straight-ahead question from MSNBC's Tim Russert.
Q: Do you accept the support of Louis Farrakhan?
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DianaWest/2008/03/01/obamas_truthiness_about_farrakhan

Bloomberg Lies: 'I Am Not Running'
Executive Intelligence Review (EIR) - Leesburg,VA,USA
When everyone was touting Rudy Giuliani as the GOP top choice for the Presidential nomination, LaRouche declared the Giuliani candidacy dead in the water. ...

Huckabee tries to lasso votes in Cowtown
Fort Worth Star Telegram - Fort Worth,TX,USA
Perry is backing McCain after initially backing former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has dropped out. "They didn't get me in the race, so they can't get ...

Dropouts still on Ohio primary ballot
The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com - Cleveland,OH,USA
Active campaigners John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul will still compete with dropouts Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. ...

McKinney’s Platform: Why Aren’t Blacks Taking A Closer Look?
By BHblog There is also Alan Keyes, a Republican whose candidacy is virtually ignored by that party and most in the public, and there is also Cynthia McKinney, former Georgia congresswoman who was a long [...]
Black House News Blog - http://bhonline.org/blog

Why Did Gonzalez Join Nader's Ticket?
NPR - USA
Day to Day, February 29, 2008 · Presidential hopeful Ralph Nader announced his running mate Thursday. Madeleine Brand talks with San Francisco politician ...

Lawyers ask federal judge to approve Nader lawsuit against former ...
WSLS.com - Roanoke,VA,USA
(AP) - Lawyers for Ralph Nader asked a federal judge Friday to let a lawsuit proceed against former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, ...

Ralph Nader for President
Associated Content - Denver,CO,USA
On Meet the Press, February 28th 2008, Ralph Nader announced his run for Presidency. Though Nader may be common knowledge to some, many still are asking who ...

Nader’s Running Mate Was Not Such a Fan in ‘04
New York Times Blogs - New York,NY,USA
As a prominent Green Party member, Mr. Gonzalez was asked how he felt about Ralph Nader taking another shot at the presidency. And what he said back then ...

Nader brings courage, integrity, ideas to presidential race
Statesman Journal - Salem,OR,USA
Like it or not, Ralph Nader is running for president . . . again. Why shouldn't he? While many of the rest of us defer to the Democratic and Republican ...

Greens Respond to Ralph Nader's Decision Not to Seek the Green ...
Common Dreams (press release) - Portland,ME,USAWe wish Ralph Nader and [running mate] Matt Gonzalez well in their independent campaign," said Clifford Thornton, also a co-chair of the Green Party. ...

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