Our U. S. democracy only works if the populace maintains control. We are veering dangerously close to allowing a few corporate executives to usurp that power. Campaigning for public office has become impractical for all except those with "deep pocket" financial connections. When elected officials are beholden to a few major contributors, they lack the ability to objectively vote in the best interests of their constituents. When corporate executives can commit fraud on a large scale without fear of oversight by our public entities formed for that purpose, free enterprise is perverted. Limiting campaign spending is an action that is long overdue. Candidates should be elected for their convictions, not for how much money they can raise.
Michael Don Fess
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Political Payback - Elena Kagan
the rest of the story
A little known fact about Obama's Supreme Court nominee that somehow missed the news coverage and, it seems, the Senate inquiry. Kagan was his attorney of record in the cases filed against Obama before the Supreme Court.
Docket #09-8857 Jerome Julius Brown, Sr vs Barack H. Obama, President of the United States, et al. Counsel of Record - Elana Kagan
Docket #09-6790 Gary William Holt vs Barack H. Obama, President of the United States, et al. Counsel of Record - Elana Kagan
Docket #09-724 The Real Truth About Obama, Inc., Petitioner vs Federal Election Commission, et al. Counsel of Record - Elana Kagan
Docket #08-10382 Louis Lutz, Petitioner vs Barack H. Obama, President of the United States, et al. Counsel of Record - Elana Kagan
These facts are from Supreme Court website . . .
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Interesting Question
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?
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From the White House ?
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. _______________
2010 Elections Fallout
Now we get to see what happens in the house with the "Party of NO." Will they actually try to get things accomplished or continue to fight with Obama? The voters are watching and waiting with anxiety for job creation. Interestingly enough, with the huge amounts spent on campaigns by both parties, thousands of jobs could have been created. We heard not a single candidate propose setting a limit.
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The GOP Gets Caught
In Arkansas, the GOP filed a lawsuit over the use of free state cars for constitutional officers. GOP chairman Doyle Webb enlisted a high profile plaintiff, Dr. Johnny Rhoda of Clinton, a Republican executive committee member, preacher and financial adviser. As it turns out, Dr. Rhoda's doctorate, a Ph.D., comes from Belford University, an Internet scam operation where anyone can get a "degree" by paying a fee. As proof, Dr. Ben Mays, a Clinton veterinarian and member of the state Board of Education, obtained a "Doctorate" for his English bulldog, Max Sniffingwell, in "theriogenology/animal reproduction" by payment of $549 by money order. The dog's diploma, transcript and letter of recommendation shortly arrived from the United Arab Emirates. Fourteen states have laws that make it illegal to use this type of false credentials in one's line of work. But in Arkansas, stud dogs like Max, and unscrupulous individuals in other fields can use fake diplomas to dupe their clientele. Arkansas Times
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The Evolution of Government
Since the middle 1700s, we have experimented with a new system of government called a democracy. It incorporates some of the progress made earlier: The Concept of Self Independence and the freedoms that go with it, a Society based on Christian Principles first introduced by Jesus, and a Capitalistic Economy that has created the largest middle class in history. Of course it is not perfect and has growing pains associated with human greed and the advances in the high-tech electronic age. Instant trades on Wall Street, electronic money transfers, and the on-going conversion from paper money have out-paced our laws and oversight ability. Dubious securities and the desire for instant satisfaction seem to have dominated executive decisions in the banking world. The expanding global economy is taking us where no man has gone before. The learning curve of multinational participation in the Capitalistic System is experiencing hiccups. The big payoff will be when people finally realize that we are all on this planet together and must work in a united way. World economics may turn out to be our best friend.
We need a third party on the stage of the next presidential debate to look Americans in the eye and say: "These two parties are lying to you. They can't tell you the truth because they are each trapped in decades of special interests."
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The oil and gas industry poured $174 million into the political system in 2009. We found out during the massive Gulf oil spill that it bought influence to pay for regulators to look the other way. We must limit campaign contributions and campaign expense.
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Hillary Clinton is a possibility to replace Joe Biden as Obama's VP on the 2012 Democratic ticket.
Obama is scared to death of Hillary. He doesn't trust her . He obsesses over her almost as much as he does Fox News. He respects her though, which might be why he fears her so much as well.
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Democratic Party Strategy
The Democratic National Committee is spending an unprecedented $3 million on advertising aimed at African-Americans for the midterms this year.
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The Changing Face of Cuba
Castro now thinks he was wrong to spark the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. He believes that the United States and Iran are headed straight for a rerun. He avidly defends Israel's right to exist -- an affront to one of his revolutionary acolytes, the infamous Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Castro matter-of-factly confessed that "the Cuban model doesn't work for us anymore."
Source USA Today
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Thought for the Day
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.
