The Day after the Election of 2008...

What lies in the future?

Today's link comes from the Wednesday, November 5, 2008 edition of The Wall Street Journal. It features an article titled, "Polls Show CA Prop 8 Ahead." Here's an interesting read on ballot initiatives from the 2007 article in Limits titled, "Unprecedented Danger in One of the Proposed California Ballot Initiatives."

States Rights vs. Central Government?

"The Founding Fathers were highly suspicious of unregulated majorities. Hence,
they deliberately created the Electoral College to constrain the will of the
majority and to ensure that the votes of those in less populous States were
heeded." - Paul M. Weyrich

McCain's Concession - Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard

The Age of Obama: Will He Govern as He Ran? - Jon Meacham, Newsweek

Ten Reasons Why Obama Won - Carl Cannon, Reader's Digest

Tide Turned as Economic Crisis Peaked - Monica Langley, Wall St. Journal

Barack Obama will soon take the role as our 44th President of the United States of America. There is a lot of work to be done at all levels of government. Public policy discussions will be imperative and what discussion with come of the thought of reducing or limiting the role of government?

peace

Barack Obama and the Democrats defeat George W Bush

The Economist proclaimed "America should take a chance and make Barack Obama the next leader of the free world."

Barack Obama ran a race against George W Bush and the past eight years. The Democrats jumped on the band wagon for Federal and even State races as a vote for or against George W Bush.

For the highest office, Barack Obama ran against George W Bush and it stuck with the majority of voters.

John McCain brought experience and was a veteran, but traditionally, the United States voters have never gone with experience to the degree that Sen. McCain brought to the table.

What will we get with a Barack Obama presidency? On Jan. 20, 2009, we soon will find out.

peace

Iowa Polls are Open until 9 PM; Some States are closing at 6 PM Iowa Time

Where do I go to Vote in the State of Iowa on Election Day: November 4, 2008? We encourage you to Vote in the General Election.

Polls in the State of Iowa are open until 9 pm.

Six States are closing at 6 pm or 6:30 pm Iowa time. A big stake for the presidential candidates on the line as the polls close there.

I had the opportunity to vote earlier today... lucky #608 at my polling place.

Some articles I plan to read...

Four Election Day Scenarios - Carl Cannon, Reader's Digest

McCain the Choice for Freedom, Prosperity - Deroy Murdock, Union Leader

A Dark Secret: I Still Like President Bush - Andrew Breitbart, Wash Times

We hope you got your vote in... if in Iowa, you still have time!

peace

Last Day of Campaigning for the Presidential Election

From the Economist: John McCain makes a last-ditch against Barack Obama.

From RealClearPolitics: Candidates Put 11th-Hour Focus on Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Clearly, John McCain needs to do well in Pennsylvania and Ohio tomorrow to be competitive in the race for president. Pennsylvania is typically a blue state. Could it be the state to turn the tide for the underdog on November 4, 2008?

Don't forget to vote on Election Day - November 4, 2008. Actually, ABC reported this morning that both candidates plan to continue to take their campaigns to the people even through Election Day.

peace

The Gazette endorses John McCain for November 4th

Why did The Gazette endorse John McCain for President?
‘It’s the economy, stupid” taking from the political phase from 1992 campaign of President Bill Clinton.

"The United States and the world are on the brink of a major economic
recession. Our nation also is troubled by unending war against terrorism,
immigration laws in desperate need of reform and spiraling health care
costs." - The Gazette

However, at the top of "the mountain" is the Economy.

"Comparing the two major presidential candidates, Sen. John McCain’s
approach is best aligned to spur economic recovery. This is the overriding
reason The Gazette Editorial Board endorses the Republican Arizona senator over
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill." - The Gazette

Neither candidate is an expert on economics. However, The Gazette says the following on McCain...

"McCain, like Obama, is no expert in economics. But his proposals to retain
most of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts make sense for businesses that are struggling
to survive and Americans who need jobs. McCain also wants to cut the corporate
tax rate to help U.S. businesses compete in the increasingly global marketplace.
His estate tax revisions would help family businesses avoid being swallowed by
corporate giants."

"Growing business here means more jobs for more Americans. That is the
single-best way to get our economy back on track."

John McCain was right on S. 190 [109th]: Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005 (GovTrack.us). As the following tracking blog mentions of McCain's call for more oversight of Freddie and Fannie. It is important to have checks and balances in our governement.But, the Democrats controlled by Congress were against more oversight.

"Certainly, business leaders who take irresponsible or illegal
actions
should be held accountable through fair, effective government
oversight
instead of expecting taxpayer-backed bailouts." - The
Gazette

The support for John McCain on the Economy is due to Tax Policy of the
two candidates. The Gazette wrote...

That said, higher taxes won’t fix our shameful national debt of $10
trillion. The marketplace must not be shackled. It must prosper responsibly,
which in the long run will increase tax revenue faster than slapping a higher
tax rate on all but the very smallest businesses, as Obama has proposed.
“Spread opportunity,” McCain has said. He’s right.

Support for John McCain by The Gazette goes beyond his economic policies...

"His 20 years of military service, including heroism as a prisoner of war and
a quarter-century serving in Congress provide perspective that Obama cannot
match."

The Gazette went on to discuss the following strengths for John McCain.

• Understanding of international issues and how to learn from mistakes and balance our interests with the world’s.
• McCain’s record demonstrates he will cross his own party, even the president...
• His energy plan is pragmatic and forward-looking...

The Gazette did reflect on "compelling reasons to consider Obama for president."

"His intellect, oratory and ability to inspire people from various walks of
life are extraordinary. He has re-engaged much of the younger generation into
politics. His message of healing our nation’s divisions resonates. He has our
respect."

Like with any endorsement, The Gazette does have a reservation on McCain. For John McCain, it is his selection of Sarah Palin. The Gazette talked about reservations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well.

"But Obama has offered no clear plan to deal with our country’s staggering
debt. His tax plan could stifle the economic rebound we desperately need. His
lack of experience with international issues is troubling. And running mate Sen.
Joe Biden’s frequent gaffes don’t inspire confidence." The Gazette

On Saturday Night Live last night, John McCain suggested that Barack Obama certainly has a future ahead of him. Mr. Obama is 47 years old. Hopefully, the public will take a pause before Election Day, and really question the timing of a selection of Mr. Obama at this time. As the Gazette closed it's endorsement of John McCain...

"Critics of McCain say he’s “lost his way,” and he’s not the candidate he
was in 2000."

"We believe the real McCain is alive and well. The McCain who is a proven
defender of his country. The McCain who knows how to reach across the political
aisle and international borders to find common ground. The McCain whose
rock-solid commitment to this country can reinvigorate our economy, maintain our
security and revive the world’s respect for America and how we play our critical
leadership role."

While I was writing this blog post, I was watching the local program Ethical Prospectives on KCRG-TV, the ABC affiliate here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The program is a community affairs program drawing from people within the community.

The program focused on Economics and the Role of Government during difficult times. One highlight from the program was the fact that government typically doesn't reduce its size in good economic times. Typically, once a government program is created... it isn't sunset or eliminated. This is quite alarming, due to the overall size of government today. Further, the impact of international investment in our debt.

Don't forget to vote on Election Day - November 4, 2008!

peace

Can John McCain close the Election out on November 4th?

Does the USA go for the American Idol or does the USA settle for a seasoned presidential candidate, who lives by the creed... Country First... Who will win the 2008 Presidential Election?

"History tells us that either McCain or Obama could possibly make a good
president. But this campaign, uniquely, has given us no basis for knowing
whether this is likely. Electorates have always been concerned about character
in political leaders, but the traditional proofs of character - steady
commitment, solid achievement - have given way to the fraudulent tinsel of
celebrity."

"This is American politics as American Idol. And that's a giant step
backwards." - The Australian

Where are the candidates today?

Does the Zogby Poll indicate a shift for John McCain in the final weekend of the 2008 Presidential Campaign? Mr. Obama is the leader, but John McCain is within the margin of error.

What really matters comes on Election Day - November 4, 2008.

peace

Mr. Obama: Man of the World?

There has been plenty of spin this election year. We have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Many have been frustrated with the lack of his openness, but that has been clearly by design by the front runner. I read the following link recently. The writer from the NY Times wrote:

In foreign policy as well, Mr. Obama would bring to the White House an important
experience that most other candidates lack: he has actually lived abroad. He
spent four years as a child in Indonesia and attended schools in the Indonesian
language, which he still speaks... (while)... So, granted, Mr. Obama lacks the extensive experience at top levels of diplomacy...

But, experience is very important, especially in these times were are in.

So, what are we really getting with Mr. Obama? Redistribution of Wealth Makes Us All Poor and there is clearly concerns over that side of Mr. Obama. Further, idealism that was a challenge during the Carter Presidency and it appears to be on the horizon with Mr. Obama?

Here's some commentary about idealism, in regards to Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain. The writer is critical of both candidates. Later, in another article, he picks up on the lie or illusion of the front runner.

His speech (Mr. Obama's acceptance speech of his party's nomination) last night was
brilliant and perfect. It is too bad that the whole thing was a lie, which
depended on the smoothness and apparent sincerity of Senator Obama's delivery to
lull the listener into a state of credulity and prevent him from asking too many
questions.

Couple the fact, the media wants Mr. Obama, the prevention of asking too many questions receives a major boost for the front runner.

Later, the role of the media in wanting Mr. Obama and going after Mr. McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as Vice President. The writer defines the selection of Palin:

Her appeal is non-ideological: it is the fact that she represents the outlook of
the "regular people" as opposed to the "elites."

The problems on Main Street vs. the problems on Wall Street. Again, "regular people" vs. what can be called Ivy League "elites"... who are a byproduct of ethics being removed in the classroom in the 1970s-80s-90s, as compared to local colleges, like Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.

Over the past 20 years of Bush-Clinton-Bush, we have seen an elevation in class warfare. Both political parties have expanded public policy favoring the expansion of large corporations and new "iffy" non-profits. Small business in middle America and elsewhere have paid the price.

Now, looking ahead to November 4th, we may witness the President's office and both houses of Congress in the control of one party. We look ahead to a possible president who may lead our country to the following...

It has not been derived from equalizing wealth through progressive taxes (a
socialist economy). When anyone of the three pillars of wealth is
confiscated, producers lose the incentive to produce more. Those who receive
unearned, redistributed benefits have no incentive to produce at all. When
the incentive to produce is lost, we all become less wealthy.

A good recommendation on who our next president should be. Read the following editorial on the Presidential Campaign of 2008...

As inspiring as Mr. Obama's history-making presidential bid has been, it is
risky to take a chance on an untried leader at this point in our history.

We need to bring about bipartisanship back to all levels of government. Once a Democrat or Republican is elected, they need to put the Country First. John McCain can help lead by example in bringing back a focus on reducing Washington spending habits.

They need to put what is in the best interest of the people, not the party. We have lost that in Washington DC and we have lost that in Des Moines. We need to encourage groups like this, but more importantly, we need get Congress and State Houses working together again for the best interests of our States, while remembering a limited government is often the best solution.

peace

How do Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama differ on healthcare?

A look at the health care policies of Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama.

peace

The Election nears... November 4, 2008...

Is there Hope for November 5, 2008 or will we just have to immediately turn around and get ready for the next election in November 2010... those exciting mid-term elections?

The media has screwed our lives up plenty in 2008. The nomination process was moved up and lengthened. The Presidential Campaign has lasted too long, actually beginning before 2008 by the media.

The negatives and the spin have reached epic proportion.

We have political ads that are mixing Federal issues with State candidates here in Iowa. We have candidates and parties looking to win at any cost. If the ends justify the means... it's certainly fair in love, war and politics... right?

Eighteen million voters supported the front runner's chief opponent in the primary. Heck, with super-delegates and the hot start in Iowa on January 3, 2008 we have unique situation on November 4, 2008.

What do the polls really tell us? Not much really, since we don't elect our President by popular vote. We elect our President through the Electoral College.

Stay tuned... who will graduate on November 4, 2008? Will it be the chosen one? Or will it be the right one? What type of grades will you be handing out in the Election?

Well, we should know something in time for Inauguration Day on January 20, 2009.

Have a great weekend... it's only 11 more days until November 4, 2008!

peace

Final Presidential Debate Tonight

So, who will win this race in 20 days? By the way, don't forget to Vote '08 - Election Day is November 4th.

The Presidential Debates have left a lot to be desired this election cycle. Certainly substance has been lacking.

So, is it a recast of 1976 with Obama or McCain?

In 1976, the public went with Obama (Jimmy Carter). So, will Obama (Jimmy Carter) win again in 2008?

Congress will likely stay with the Democrats, since the White House is currently Republican. So, will the Democrats have both the Executive and Legislative branches after the results of the '08 election?

peace

McCain & Palin to be in Cedar Rapids for Thursday Rally

Join Senator John McCain & Governor Sarah Palin for a Victory Rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on September 18th, 2008. Doors open 8:00 am. For ticket information.

Held at:
PS Air Hangar
The Eastern Iowa Airport
3411 Wright Brothers Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

It's nice to see the Republican ticket is making a stop here in Cedar Rapids to greet supporters and introduce themselves.


peace

"Service Above Self" - words mentioned tonight

It's the Republicans turn for their national convention in St. Paul, Minnesota.

John McCain - Country First motto!

President George W Bush commented about "Service Above Self" a motto used by Rotarian's when he was describing Senator John McCain, the Republican presumptive candidate.

The RNC paid tribute to Ronald Reagan today. The Midwestern sportscaster, who used to cover the Iowa Hawkeyes, who moved onto Hollywood and then, into politics.

A simple platform... lower taxes, less regulation and "getting government off our backs..."

John McCain... a man influenced by two conservatives...

• Barry Goldwater and
• Ronald Reagan

Will America seek another conservative in 2008? We will find out on November 4, 2008... when we vote for our next President!

peace

Not enough experience for Vice President?

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's experience is stronger, from an executive standpoint than some of the candidates and one of the office holders in the 1980's for Vice President in the past.

One clear message she brings to the ticket on the Republican side... she is a person outside the Washington Beltway and a Reformer, which clearly makes John McCain's selection interesting.

Discussing the Vice Presidential candidates without talking about the Ticket as a whole, seems a little silly, especially, when you consider the experience of a forty-fourth Vice President of the United States of America.

peace

One, a Vice President is an Advisor to the President

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin appears to be a very strong candidate as an advisor to Presidential Candidate John McCain. On the surface, she appears to be a very interesting pick for the Republican Vice President position. It's going to be an interesting Presidential Race in 2008.

peace

Denver's DNC Convention: What could have been...

Tonight, we will see Hillary Rodham Clinton speak at the Democrat National Convention. Tomorrow, we will see Joe Biden become the Vice President of the 2008 Presidential Race for the Democrat party.

What could have been...

Eighteen million strong supported Mrs. Clinton. Now, we will likely see Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden moving forward with the Obama agenda for the 2008 Presidential Race.

Let the race begin... we are heading into Labor Day and the Fall Presidential Campaign. Game on!

peace

Barack Obama: Take off the white shirt...

Getting ready for work earlier today, the news was reporting that Barack Obama is fighting a head cold.

Catching the images on the TV, I noticed Mr. Obama in a white shirt and sneezing. As the hottest media figure in the USA right now, I think we need to remind him that he needs to be a better role model.

Mr. Obama, please don't forget to sneeze properly. Drop the white shirt and remember to avoid sneezing improperly, which it clearly appeared he was doing...

"Most people put their hands in front of their mouths and noses to stop germs
from getting into the air. Unfortunately, this technique puts the germs on their
hands."

As we all know, candidates are known to be a strong users of the hand sake, so for the sake of your supporters... don't forget to sneeze properly, Mr. Obama. Wearing a darker shirt may be a smart move, when trying to battle a head cold.

peace

Interesting Service from Google.

Was going on Internet Explorer today and I noticed a link for Google Reader. Listed underneath the Google search panel.

New! Read what Barack Obama and John McCain are reading with Google
Reader.

The Link headline "Explore news sites read by McCain, Obama and political
journalists."

"See articles the campaigns and political pundits are sharing
with Google Reader this election season."

Interesting story on Mr. Obama. Amanda Carpenter: Obama Calls Pro-Lifers Liars via TownHall Latest columns on
8/18/2008.

The power of the Internet. Wow, do I need a local paper delivered to my home anymore?

peace