Well, friends, the time has come for me to take the SkyeWire offline. I started this blog in the midst of a period of hyper-intellectualism and political anger, I end it in a period of creativity and overwhelming optimism. It was 3 years ago exactly when the SkyeWire started, and it has evolved side-by-side with its author. An important outlet for a troubled youth.
This evening, I proudly present my final tidbits of knowledge, opinion, and battle orders.
There are a few key things an American citizen must know: 1)You are a people with extraordinary potential; 2) ALL cable news (CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc) belongs in Communist Russia; 3) Democrats and Republicans are on the same corporate team; 4) Barack Obama is not and will never be a revolutionary; 5) Republicans are still extremely dangerous; 6) It's going to be OKAY! Live Life!
There are big mid-term elections coming up, and I expect every able citizen to cast a vote. Get registered!! Democrats might be tools who lost their progressive values, but the country will survive longer with them in charge. Keep the jerks in power, otherwise war with Iran will come closer to reality than you think. Not that Dems aren't militant, they are. Just not as much.
Never forget the Iraq War. An attack planned by a small group of radical nationalists and facilitated by almost every Democrat and Republican in the Senate. In my opinion, every person who voted for this unnecessary and devastating war ought to lose their seat. Over a million Iraqis are dead, and the citizens of America need to take responsibility for it. We did not march in protest like the millions around the world. It is our fault for not being vigilant and critical enough.
President Obama has shown his true colors in recent weeks. He has declared the end of the Iraq War, yet my friend Eric Shoopman still fights. Indeed, 50,000 troops remain... many of the others have simply been replaced by private military contractors (i.e. Blackwater mercenaries). Obama is no Martin Luther King or Gandhi. He is a corporate Democrat who runs a moderate government. I am still rooting for the man, but everyone needs to know the difference between the maintainers of the status quo and truly transformational leaders who direct a civilization. We will have our leader one day.
These are the state of affairs, but do not despair. The country is slowly pulling itself together, progress is happening. The best we brothers and sisters of the world can do is act for each other. We must vote, we must debate. That is the calling of the people who founded the United States of America. Thomas Jefferson wanted the Revolution to be ongoing, and I plan to keep it up in my own way.
Together we will bring down the industrial-congressional complexes that so paralyze progress.
With that, I'm off to be an artist or something. Honestly, I plan to make beautiful, thought-provoking, controversial films. One day a political epic...starring a blogger who brings down the whole system through the power of words in cyberspace.
No, that'd be damn silly. Bloggers are truly ineffectual beings.
SkyeWire OUT.
Showing posts with label Republican. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Republican. Show all posts
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
We Will Work Against You
For hours I've been watching the Senate Finance Committee debate two different amendments calling for a public health care option. Both proposals have failed, and I'm angry, a bit sad too... but not particularly surprised.
Though SkyeWire's frequent posts may bother some of my Facebook friends, you should know that I only write such things because I believe that these issues are of vital importance. As a citizen of the United States of America I feel a certain duty to remember the sacrifice and struggle of the founding fathers; to remember that this government was to be THE finest product of the Western Enlightenment-- a government created for people and of people.
The genius of Thomas Jefferson and the others was in giving individuals the power to take control over the fate of governance. Indeed, the expectation was that ordinary people would take this responsibility to heart... that civic duty would reign supreme over any and all detrimental interests.
But something has gone terribly wrong.
My friends, times have never been worse. As this nation fights to reclaim its identity, we are faced with the most catastrophic environmental threat of our existence. As the ice caps melt faster and faster, we sit idly... tweeting about silly boys and girls. While the interests of the few dominate our government's decisions, Facebook takes precedence for the apathetic masses who feel too impotent to do anything.
Allow me to put this into perspective.
...When the glacier that feeds into India's Ganges River melts away and dries
...and leaves half a billion of the world's
poorest
without drink and irrigation
...When the trees you loved so much as a kid
...and the crops you depend upon for nourishment
shrivel and die
in a rapidly changing ecosystem...
...when the health system fails for good
...when Wall Street gets away with losing
everyone's money for the
...second
...third
...sixth
time
...when you realize that this country is no longer a leader of
morality
and freedom
...when such things happen, you will wish you had said...
something.
anything.
You'll wish you had stood for something when there was still something worth fighting for.
Like the man who watched in silence as
Jews
gays
Jehova's witnesses
Romani
dissenters
got rounded off to death camps...
...only to find himself a victim in the end.
Like him, you too will regret when these forces begin affecting your life.
So I'm sorry for being bleak at times, but these are realities; and insulating yourself in the Facebook bubble will not change them.
Don't get me wrong, we can change things... we really can. But if you're heart isn't in it, it will not happen! During Vietnam there was a revolution in this country. Millions marched and some died in a revolution of peace... how remarkable. Can you just imagine? Can you imagine if the masses used the internet for unprecedented citizen involvement and organization? A taxpayer revolt against the Congress that persistently fails to represent the people.
You have to fight and argue and VOTE!! You must learn the issues and find out if your Senator or congressperson is representing good things. Democrat or Republican or whatever.
If they aren't... work against them. Find like-minded others. Spread the word. Grow. Believe. Take back the power. Before it's too late. This is our responsibility.
Yes we can.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Why We Shouldn't Fear the Public Option
People often forget, either due to distractions, blinding cynicism or a lack of education, how unique this country really is. The United States of America is a nation forged and grounded in a rich tradition of protest and persistent refusal to accept the status quo. In many ways this tradition has been in hibernation--recent decades will never be known as the years of particularly impressive citizen participation in government and policy. Indeed, the American people have become increasingly apathetic and stupid, but I believe that the spirit has remained alive--in fact, I predict that the drive to change our most negative aspects of society is building momentum; isn't it obvious?
Take the town halls on health care, for instance. Though CNN, FOX and MSNBC only cover the crazies, there is some remarkable dialogue going on--and not just by the supporters of health care. When it comes to the Public Option, there is a genuine philosophical debate to be had. Remember that the whole point of the American Revolution was to establish independence from an abusive and invasive government that taxed excessively and unfairly. We have come a long way since then, and have perhaps gone full-circle in many ways. I share many Libertarian concerns of the expansion of the U.S. government, excessive spending and the limitations placed upon civil liberties; not to mention our often tyrannical foreign policies. Indeed, the United States became the very empire its citizens died to defeat. People think I'm a big gov liberal, but the fact of the matter is that the federal government IS WAY TOO BIG! The War on Drugs is a fiscal and societal disaster, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are squandering our treasure. The IRS ought to be torn down and replaced with a simpler tax code, and the Patriot Act ought to make every single American extremely wary of what leaders know about our personal lives. Not to mention the militarization of government that has seeped into the media and saturated our culture.
So when people say to me: "I just don't believe the federal government should expand! It's already too massive" I agree! The problem is that in this modern world, there are modern problems that require state intervention. Spying on Americans is not one of these exceptions. Drug abuse isn't either. Nor is Saddam Hussein or Ho Chi Minh! But to the people who believe the Public Option is some kind of government takeover and the onset of communism: should we not fight to end the excessive federal policies that actually hurt people? The War on Drugs fuels a culture of crime in the inner-cities. At least a million Iraqi citizens are dead because of the current conflict--not to mention the 4,339 dead American soldiers. But now you oppose a public health plan? A plan that will help your fellow citizens get the care they need? A report by the Institute of Medicine suggests that as many as 22,000 American citizens die annually due to the lack of an insurance policy--one that either could not be afforded or was cut by employers!
And let us not forget that the Public Option is an OPTION! While the true Left wing of this USA would really like a single-payer system, it is simply not going to happen with this legislation. Big Insurance is the most powerful lobby in Washington, and certainly has great influence on the bill--in other words, the argument that people will be forced to take the government plan is bullshit. The truth of the matter is that most people will keep their private plans; plans, by the way, made more consumer-friendly due to other reforms that will be in the final legislation (including the preexisting condition issue and the ability to choose your own doctors).
Though this is an expansion of government services, I want to tell you how the Public Plan is actually more economical and sustainable than the current system. You see, being private enterprise, Big Insurance seeks to charge as much as possible while providing as little as possible. I have no problem with capitalism (I am a Capitalist), but this is the reality of the basic operations of a firm. While this is perfectly acceptable in most sectors, health care is an entirely different beast. Since 2000, insurance premiums have nearly doubled! In 2007, the U.S. spent about $2.2 trillion on health care,* which comes out to approximately 16.2% of GDP--nearly twice the amount of the rest of the developed world! ** If you aren't worried yet, then you have read these numbers: by 2025, costs are expected to rise 25%; by 2082, 49% ! *** Oh, and did you realize that every GM vehicle is $1,525 more expensive because of employer-based health care coverage? Insurance is by far GM's biggest expenditure--even more than steel! ****
And the numbers go on and on. This is the financial argument, and it is all tied to the Big Insurance practice of driving up costs for higher profit margins, and making up for their clunky and inefficient administrative costs. Medicare costs are skyrocketing because they are subsidizing these inflating premiums, and this must be replaced. The Public Option must establish a much simpler and transparent system that injects competition into this stale and unsustainable market. It is fiscally sensical and it is moral.
But just any Public Option will not do. Next week I will tackle the question of "what must a Public Option look like in order to drive competition and cut costs?"
Absorb it, discuss it, and hopefully support it. Leave your comments below.
*Office of the Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditure Data for 2007. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, available at: http://www.cms. hhs.gov/NationalHealthExpendData/02_NationalHealthAccountsHistorical.asp#TopOfPage
**Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. OECD Health Data 2008.
***P.R. Orszag, Growth in Health Care Costs: Statement Before the Committee on the Budget, United States Senate, (Washington, DC: Congressional Budget Office, Jan 31 2008), available at http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=8948
****R. Wagoner, Testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, December 5, 2008.
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/05/gm-health-care-reform/
Take the town halls on health care, for instance. Though CNN, FOX and MSNBC only cover the crazies, there is some remarkable dialogue going on--and not just by the supporters of health care. When it comes to the Public Option, there is a genuine philosophical debate to be had. Remember that the whole point of the American Revolution was to establish independence from an abusive and invasive government that taxed excessively and unfairly. We have come a long way since then, and have perhaps gone full-circle in many ways. I share many Libertarian concerns of the expansion of the U.S. government, excessive spending and the limitations placed upon civil liberties; not to mention our often tyrannical foreign policies. Indeed, the United States became the very empire its citizens died to defeat. People think I'm a big gov liberal, but the fact of the matter is that the federal government IS WAY TOO BIG! The War on Drugs is a fiscal and societal disaster, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are squandering our treasure. The IRS ought to be torn down and replaced with a simpler tax code, and the Patriot Act ought to make every single American extremely wary of what leaders know about our personal lives. Not to mention the militarization of government that has seeped into the media and saturated our culture.
So when people say to me: "I just don't believe the federal government should expand! It's already too massive" I agree! The problem is that in this modern world, there are modern problems that require state intervention. Spying on Americans is not one of these exceptions. Drug abuse isn't either. Nor is Saddam Hussein or Ho Chi Minh! But to the people who believe the Public Option is some kind of government takeover and the onset of communism: should we not fight to end the excessive federal policies that actually hurt people? The War on Drugs fuels a culture of crime in the inner-cities. At least a million Iraqi citizens are dead because of the current conflict--not to mention the 4,339 dead American soldiers. But now you oppose a public health plan? A plan that will help your fellow citizens get the care they need? A report by the Institute of Medicine suggests that as many as 22,000 American citizens die annually due to the lack of an insurance policy--one that either could not be afforded or was cut by employers!
And let us not forget that the Public Option is an OPTION! While the true Left wing of this USA would really like a single-payer system, it is simply not going to happen with this legislation. Big Insurance is the most powerful lobby in Washington, and certainly has great influence on the bill--in other words, the argument that people will be forced to take the government plan is bullshit. The truth of the matter is that most people will keep their private plans; plans, by the way, made more consumer-friendly due to other reforms that will be in the final legislation (including the preexisting condition issue and the ability to choose your own doctors).
Though this is an expansion of government services, I want to tell you how the Public Plan is actually more economical and sustainable than the current system. You see, being private enterprise, Big Insurance seeks to charge as much as possible while providing as little as possible. I have no problem with capitalism (I am a Capitalist), but this is the reality of the basic operations of a firm. While this is perfectly acceptable in most sectors, health care is an entirely different beast. Since 2000, insurance premiums have nearly doubled! In 2007, the U.S. spent about $2.2 trillion on health care,* which comes out to approximately 16.2% of GDP--nearly twice the amount of the rest of the developed world! ** If you aren't worried yet, then you have read these numbers: by 2025, costs are expected to rise 25%; by 2082, 49% ! *** Oh, and did you realize that every GM vehicle is $1,525 more expensive because of employer-based health care coverage? Insurance is by far GM's biggest expenditure--even more than steel! ****
And the numbers go on and on. This is the financial argument, and it is all tied to the Big Insurance practice of driving up costs for higher profit margins, and making up for their clunky and inefficient administrative costs. Medicare costs are skyrocketing because they are subsidizing these inflating premiums, and this must be replaced. The Public Option must establish a much simpler and transparent system that injects competition into this stale and unsustainable market. It is fiscally sensical and it is moral.
But just any Public Option will not do. Next week I will tackle the question of "what must a Public Option look like in order to drive competition and cut costs?"
Absorb it, discuss it, and hopefully support it. Leave your comments below.
*Office of the Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditure Data for 2007. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, available at: http://www.cms. hhs.gov/NationalHealthExpendData/02_NationalHealthAccountsHistorical.asp#TopOfPage
**Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. OECD Health Data 2008.
***P.R. Orszag, Growth in Health Care Costs: Statement Before the Committee on the Budget, United States Senate, (Washington, DC: Congressional Budget Office, Jan 31 2008), available at http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=8948
****R. Wagoner, Testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, December 5, 2008.
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/05/gm-health-care-reform/
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Time to Act has Come, Reaffirm Your Commitment
My friends, I apologize for taking an extended summer break, but now the wheels are turning once again, and I must say that never before have I felt this necessity to write for cause. We elected the progressive candidate, though not without a healthy degree of skepticism by many (including myself), and the calling for responsible and energetic citizenship has never been greater. For in the words of the President:
But today we reaffirm our commitment to transform this country into what it ought to be. When this country decisively elected Barack Obama, he was given a mandate to bring about progressive reform, and now we must help him. Right now, the most powerful lobby in Washington is fighting the fight of its life to destroy any kind of true reform of its corrupt system. The right-wing and conservative Dems have taken the stand that change mustn't come to American health care, and they have effectively waged a crusade of fear and lies against the President's plan--against the President's promise.
If this country wishes to survive, her citizens must become informed on the topics and fight for truth. Indeed, this health care battle is a test: can the people who voted for something transformational actually make it happen? Do we have it in us to bring down the congressmen and women who have prostituted themselves out to the insurance giants? I believe we do; because nothing is stronger than a nation of motivated and optimistic citizens. And right now I want to reaffirm my commitment to this country's potential--that I will do all in my power to be a part of the grassroots of change. Because I voted for it. Because it is my responsibility to walk the walk.
And now I ask my readers--my fellow citizens--will you join me in this commitment to fight for reform by pressuring your reluctant representatives to support President Obama's agenda? Will you fight the myths with your colleagues, classmates and family? If so, I hope that you will leave a declaration of support for this cause below in the comments section. Tell others what you believe in and how hard you are willing to fight. And after your declaration, you must act on it. You must make the calls, attend the town halls and go door-to-door. It is this movement that determined the election, and now it must live on to determine our future. There really are better things on the horizon--indeed, they are within our grasp!
In the coming days and weeks, I will be rolling out a series of articles on the healthcare debate. My hope is to lay out the arguments and contextualize the controversy. Because if you know the facts, you will realize that Obama really is on the right side of things. And after we pass healthcare--with the public option included--it is on to the next fight.
Till next time.
What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.For those who voted Obama/Biden on election day, this calling is especially directed towards you! The President is powerless to create fundamental change without his foot-soldiers and right now you are failing. And so am I.
But today we reaffirm our commitment to transform this country into what it ought to be. When this country decisively elected Barack Obama, he was given a mandate to bring about progressive reform, and now we must help him. Right now, the most powerful lobby in Washington is fighting the fight of its life to destroy any kind of true reform of its corrupt system. The right-wing and conservative Dems have taken the stand that change mustn't come to American health care, and they have effectively waged a crusade of fear and lies against the President's plan--against the President's promise.
If this country wishes to survive, her citizens must become informed on the topics and fight for truth. Indeed, this health care battle is a test: can the people who voted for something transformational actually make it happen? Do we have it in us to bring down the congressmen and women who have prostituted themselves out to the insurance giants? I believe we do; because nothing is stronger than a nation of motivated and optimistic citizens. And right now I want to reaffirm my commitment to this country's potential--that I will do all in my power to be a part of the grassroots of change. Because I voted for it. Because it is my responsibility to walk the walk.
And now I ask my readers--my fellow citizens--will you join me in this commitment to fight for reform by pressuring your reluctant representatives to support President Obama's agenda? Will you fight the myths with your colleagues, classmates and family? If so, I hope that you will leave a declaration of support for this cause below in the comments section. Tell others what you believe in and how hard you are willing to fight. And after your declaration, you must act on it. You must make the calls, attend the town halls and go door-to-door. It is this movement that determined the election, and now it must live on to determine our future. There really are better things on the horizon--indeed, they are within our grasp!
In the coming days and weeks, I will be rolling out a series of articles on the healthcare debate. My hope is to lay out the arguments and contextualize the controversy. Because if you know the facts, you will realize that Obama really is on the right side of things. And after we pass healthcare--with the public option included--it is on to the next fight.
Till next time.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Republicans: Fearing themselves to insignificance
The Republican Party is truly the ignorant, xenophobic fear-mongering party. See this video released by the Minority LEADER John Boehner... I think you will see why I am going to enjoy watching these radicals implode.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Goodbye Señor Bush, Hello Ambiguous Future
As an eleven year old, I wasn't much into politics. I had a faint grasp that Clinton got into trouble over something with a lady (not his wife), that we had bombed someplace far away (which my family watched on the news... in night vision), and that Bush beat Gore after some confusion in Florida. Yes, George W. Bush claimed the presidency before I became politically aware; and for millions of young Americans like myself, this is truly significant.
Tomorrow we say goodbye to the man who played a crucial role in shaping the views of so many in this country. After 9/11, I remember the leadership the President showed... I remember how much support he had. Bush was confident and on message-- he assumed the role of valiant leader during a time when so many were confused and afraid... including myself.
W. told me to stand with the country. He assured me that this great nation would prevail and defeat evil. I believed and defended him for many years. But George Bush did not teach me how to be a patriot-- he did not teach me the inspirational power of our ideals. Instead, he showed me that in times of terror, we must fear and act with that fear in our hearts. No, Bush will never be known as the man who reassured us, once again, that "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself--nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror..."
George Bush, along with nearly every member of the Congress, taught me that the United States could do whatever it wanted. That our government is free to spy on Americans. To torture. I was duped, and became cynical. Bush's words brought American arrogance to center stage, and his blunt style made this country a laughing-stock. He is an embarrassment to liberty and to the Republic... forever a stain on the American tale.
But in this final night of his presidency, perhaps it is time to put a hold on the character assassination; perhaps a moment of self-reflection is in order. Let's start with a question: Who is truly responsible for the last 8 years? The blame-game is fun, but not so much in a democracy-- for in a democracy, the people get the government they deserve.
It was ultimately American apathy, disillusionment, and ignorance that brought us Bush. Our inability to understand clear threats to the democratic fabric, and unwillingness to demand the best possible representatives has put us in a truly unfortunate position--one where the very essence of our ideals are slipping away.
But perhaps we are beginning to wake up... Obama did win an astonishing victory. He seems too good to be true, and maybe there is more truth to this statement than people would like to admit. Americans have, at the very least, denounced the ways of the Bush Administration, which is a start. But the complicit Democrats have escaped the wrath of voters, and will one day have to be reckoned with.
It is clear that Americans are ready for a new day, and tomorrow the next chapter of our story begins. The new President must help lead us out of the darkness that we have brought upon ourselves, but as he has said time and time again: this movement is about what we can do ourselves. President Bush is no more responsible for the economic crisis than a weatherman is for the weather, and a President Obama will not be able to fix the world. We must demand receptive and honest lawmakers. We must fight for reform and for our vital causes. We must rethink what place corporate America has in government, and what place America has in this world. And, indeed, we must develop the tools of the Internet so that we may enter an age of unprecedented civilian involvement in government.
President-elect Obama has taken serious strides, but America must be wary. Simply electing new people will not be enough. The restoration of responsible citizenship is the only way for us to survive.
With optimism and resolve.
Tomorrow we say goodbye to the man who played a crucial role in shaping the views of so many in this country. After 9/11, I remember the leadership the President showed... I remember how much support he had. Bush was confident and on message-- he assumed the role of valiant leader during a time when so many were confused and afraid... including myself.
W. told me to stand with the country. He assured me that this great nation would prevail and defeat evil. I believed and defended him for many years. But George Bush did not teach me how to be a patriot-- he did not teach me the inspirational power of our ideals. Instead, he showed me that in times of terror, we must fear and act with that fear in our hearts. No, Bush will never be known as the man who reassured us, once again, that "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself--nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror..."
George Bush, along with nearly every member of the Congress, taught me that the United States could do whatever it wanted. That our government is free to spy on Americans. To torture. I was duped, and became cynical. Bush's words brought American arrogance to center stage, and his blunt style made this country a laughing-stock. He is an embarrassment to liberty and to the Republic... forever a stain on the American tale.
But in this final night of his presidency, perhaps it is time to put a hold on the character assassination; perhaps a moment of self-reflection is in order. Let's start with a question: Who is truly responsible for the last 8 years? The blame-game is fun, but not so much in a democracy-- for in a democracy, the people get the government they deserve.
It was ultimately American apathy, disillusionment, and ignorance that brought us Bush. Our inability to understand clear threats to the democratic fabric, and unwillingness to demand the best possible representatives has put us in a truly unfortunate position--one where the very essence of our ideals are slipping away.
But perhaps we are beginning to wake up... Obama did win an astonishing victory. He seems too good to be true, and maybe there is more truth to this statement than people would like to admit. Americans have, at the very least, denounced the ways of the Bush Administration, which is a start. But the complicit Democrats have escaped the wrath of voters, and will one day have to be reckoned with.
It is clear that Americans are ready for a new day, and tomorrow the next chapter of our story begins. The new President must help lead us out of the darkness that we have brought upon ourselves, but as he has said time and time again: this movement is about what we can do ourselves. President Bush is no more responsible for the economic crisis than a weatherman is for the weather, and a President Obama will not be able to fix the world. We must demand receptive and honest lawmakers. We must fight for reform and for our vital causes. We must rethink what place corporate America has in government, and what place America has in this world. And, indeed, we must develop the tools of the Internet so that we may enter an age of unprecedented civilian involvement in government.
President-elect Obama has taken serious strides, but America must be wary. Simply electing new people will not be enough. The restoration of responsible citizenship is the only way for us to survive.
With optimism and resolve.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Unity, Organization, HOPE
Two months ago, Ron Paul appeared alongside Ralph Nader on CNN to discuss their plans for a third party/independent presidential debate. The debate is irrelevant at this point, but I want to convey the united message that the two shared as a continuation of the message from my last post.
They agreed that immediate action must be taken on the following issues:
A.) Foreign Policy
-We do not want the empire!
-We cannot afford the empire!
-No more unjust wars!
-Cut the outrageous military budget!
-The President cannot declare war without congressional approval (see Constitution)!
-Bring our military home!
B.) Civil Rights
-No more torture!
C.) Federal Deficit ($56 trillion)
-Stop using the deficit for reckless government adventurism!
-Control the spending!
D.) Reform or Abolish the Federal Reserve
-It is funded and controlled by the banks!
-Totally out of control!
So these are 4 issues that are critical to the survival of our country, and activists on all sides need to come together to push them into the Obama agenda. Somehow the millions of activists around the country MUST come together for common cause. People need to be thinking about this and leaders must begin establishing the framework for grassroots organization. The Congress is only 535 people... they have lives and personalities just like you and me... they can be persuaded. Imagine the possibilities.
But this week we rest to admire the remarkable history that has been made. By electing a man whose ancestors we once called "slave," we have proven once again that the American Dream is real. The age of cynicism and fear has come to an end, and the world can once again look to the United States as a beacon of hope and leadership. We must remember that in no other place in the world could this have happened. It is like the French electing a citizen of Algerian descent to their highest office! Ce n'est pas possible!
Coming of age during perhaps the most cynical period of American history prevented me from recognizing why our country truly is special. It is because of this nation's ability to change that gives me newfound hope. Today let the world know that the United States can be better, and I believe will.
And to the Americans who have been disenchanted by our nation's failures and betrayals: I ask you to believe once more in the Dream that is our legacy, and in the government that we cherish so deeply. Do not let it fail.
Much work is ahead of us, but it can be done.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Unity '08: The Answer to the Problems?
In the Presidential election of 1860, a relatively new political party offered something new to the United States of America. The country was dominated by two parties that had lost the faith of the American people—the newcomer that changed everything and united the nation was the Republican Party—its candidate was Abraham Lincoln.
A movement known as "Unity '08" uses this example as a comparison to America's current politics. They argue that today is much like 1860. The system is broken. The top-tier candidates take extreme positions. Lobbyists dominate—corruption plagues our government. Two parties have controlled for too long, and it’s time for change. Perhaps Unity ’08 is the answer.
Unity ’08 is a political party formed specifically for the 2008 election—it has no long-term aspirations, and has absolutely no corporate ties. Founded by bi-partisan moderates, it seeks to break through and disrupt the power-hold the Republicans and Democrats have on our government. How they plan to do this is truly revolutionary. By utilizing the vast influence of the Internet, Unity ’08 will hold the first ever online presidential convention. Members (YOU) will vote for the issues they believe are most important; they will hear out the candidates and decide for themselves who will be most suitable to lead the country—choosing a President, Vice President, and even cabinet members. It gives the vote back to the voters.
Unity is currently trying to recruit as many people as possible—it will be quite a task to get on the presidential ballot in all 50 states. Many distinguished politicians have endorsed Unity ’08, and it has been rumored that Mayor Michael Bloomberg will go for the Unity ticket. Even Sam Waterston, the actor from Law & Order, has become a spokesman (not a candidate) for the movement. Check out his brief video:
The Internet Revolution has brought us to this point—the point at which the Web can trigger true change in a democracy. Perhaps this is our opportunity to become an effective part of how this government is run. Maybe, through Unity '08, the people can enact true change and to reform a terribly corrupt system.
I encourage you to check out what Unity ’08 has to offer at: www.unity08.com …read up on it and research what it seeks to accomplish in further detail. Check out its videos on YouTube. Maybe this is what our country needs--maybe not, but it's definitely worth a consideration.
A movement known as "Unity '08" uses this example as a comparison to America's current politics. They argue that today is much like 1860. The system is broken. The top-tier candidates take extreme positions. Lobbyists dominate—corruption plagues our government. Two parties have controlled for too long, and it’s time for change. Perhaps Unity ’08 is the answer.
Unity ’08 is a political party formed specifically for the 2008 election—it has no long-term aspirations, and has absolutely no corporate ties. Founded by bi-partisan moderates, it seeks to break through and disrupt the power-hold the Republicans and Democrats have on our government. How they plan to do this is truly revolutionary. By utilizing the vast influence of the Internet, Unity ’08 will hold the first ever online presidential convention. Members (YOU) will vote for the issues they believe are most important; they will hear out the candidates and decide for themselves who will be most suitable to lead the country—choosing a President, Vice President, and even cabinet members. It gives the vote back to the voters.
Unity is currently trying to recruit as many people as possible—it will be quite a task to get on the presidential ballot in all 50 states. Many distinguished politicians have endorsed Unity ’08, and it has been rumored that Mayor Michael Bloomberg will go for the Unity ticket. Even Sam Waterston, the actor from Law & Order, has become a spokesman (not a candidate) for the movement. Check out his brief video:
The Internet Revolution has brought us to this point—the point at which the Web can trigger true change in a democracy. Perhaps this is our opportunity to become an effective part of how this government is run. Maybe, through Unity '08, the people can enact true change and to reform a terribly corrupt system.
I encourage you to check out what Unity ’08 has to offer at: www.unity08.com …read up on it and research what it seeks to accomplish in further detail. Check out its videos on YouTube. Maybe this is what our country needs--maybe not, but it's definitely worth a consideration.
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