The future 44th President of the United States of America...

It is time to support our soon to be 44th President of the United States of America and come together as a nation.

May Barack Obama be successful in bringing our nation together and represent the will of the people of our great country.

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

What will Politics look like in the future?

Who will elect our world leaders in the future?

Global Electoral College...Obama sweeps the board

From Economist.com

Barack Obama wins a substantial victory in the Global Electoral College

Is this the new world order that George W. Bush's father suggested?

What will the role of the United Nations be in the World, post Bush?

What if the whole world could vote, if The Economist ran the election on November 4, 2008.

If you want to really vote in Iowa on Election Day - November 4, 2008.

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

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

Is Iowa staying Red or returing to Blue in 2008?

In 2000, Gore defeated Bush by 2 votes per precinct. In 2004, Bush defeated Kerry by 3 votes per precinct.

So, will Iowa be Blue or Red in 2008?

Do you know where to go on Election Day in Iowa?

Let me know how you feel about the Election?

peace

Does this quote from Thomas Jefferson define the differences between Obama and McCain better than any other?

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."- Thomas Jefferson

I think brother87 is right!

Don't forget to vote on November 4, 2008.

peace

Will the Transaction Priviledge Tax go national under Mr. Obama?

Will current Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano be in the first Obama Cabinet as some in Arizona believe, if Mr. Obama is elected on November 4, 2008?

Will the Transaction Privilege Tax be the future for business climate under a Napolitano influenced Obama Presidency?

Like many states, State of Arizona spending exceeds revenues and the deficits may be on the rise, rather on the decline. In our own State of Iowa, Iowa faces more than a $500 million hole in the budget that Governor Chet Culver and the Democrat majority will have to overcome.

What is the future tax climate in the USA? There may be reasons why the United States Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the prospects of more power in the hands of the Democrats.

Business climate with transaction privilege taxes and an attack against small business appears to be on the rise. Further, in the State of Iowa you have Fair Share legislation, which will reduce Iowa's Right to Work laws. On a national level, the Employee Free Choice Act will expand efforts to grow unions in the USA.

An Obama Presidency doesn't appear to be pro-Small Business as Obama preaches. Of course, the expansion of government at all levels certainly isn't a formula for expansion of Small Business in the United States. We need Limited Government at all levels... smart government, not expansion of government.

What impact will the expansion of government under Obama and the Democrats have on the vitality of the private sector?

peace

Watch your driving this weekend... you never no what you may see?

Found this on the internet and it was clearly good for a laugh.

It's nice to see Mr. Obama and Hillary having a good time together with Joe and Michelle!

After a long campaign... too long... it's nice to find something to provide a little humor.

Have a Great Weekend!

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

November 4 - Good, Bad and the Ugly

November 4 -

The Good -

After eight years of President George W. Bush, the United States will be getting a new President. While President Bush has led us through a very difficult time, with 9/11 and terrorism, much of his economic and bi-partisan approach to government that Bush was successful as Governor of Texas hasn't been delivered as President.

A renewed push for Limited Government and reduction of the size of government. Government isn't the solution for every thing. But, change alone doesn't guarantee that things will get better in Washington DC, Des Moines or even locally.

The Bad -

A lack of candidates for November 4th.

The two party system we have doesn't always field candidates for every race or strong candidates for those that have races.

The Flood of 2008 and the change in the form of government locally have clearly lead to leadership being stuck in a vacuum.

Sometimes a decision is better than waiting for the best answer.

The Ugly -

The future is cloudy at best.

The majority is likely to remain in power. Congress has lowest ratings ever, but is likely going to remain the same. How ironic.

The mess is on both sides of the aisle. Budgets in Washington DC are expanding, expanding and expanding... both sides have lacked restraint.

Des Moines appears to have a budget shortfall. So, the majority has some problems in the State of Iowa too... Mediacaid and shortfall.

Don't forget to Vote on November 4, 2008. The candidates we choose may have a major impact on our pocket book and way of life.

peace

We have a Finanacial Crisis, not an Economic Crisis for now

Where will the public go for leadership in 2008? We have an important presidential election in 2008, as well as important local, state and federal races.

The fundamentals of the economy are strong. But, we clearly have a financial crisis.

We are clearly in difficult times.

But, economically, we do have positive indicators in the economy...

• Worker productivity
• Trade balance is moving favorably the right direction
• Unemployment

However, if we don't resolve the financial crisis properly, we will impact negatively our economy.

The Subprime mortgage financial crisis is a serious problem. We are in difficult times and the government is making important moves to protect our financial system.

Business ethics is alarming.

Lobbying and ethics in government continue to be out of control.

Our tax system has created a burden and has moved the Fortune 500 companies is the wrong direction.

Increasing in the size of the Federal Government is the wrong direction for this country to take. But, are we going to move towards socialism in the near future? The upcoming presidential election certainly is in play for our country to do so.

We need to wake up America. Who we elect at all levels of government do directly impact our lives. Look locally, the concerns we are facing right now. The impact is due to our own votes and those we have representing us today.

We voted to change our Form of Government in Cedar Rapids. We voted to elect the leadership we have at the local and state level. We elect our representatives who go to Washington DC to represent us. We do it at all levels, from school boards to legislative bodies.

The future of our governance is in our hands every two, four and six years. If there is a time in our history, when it is vital for the public to get to the polls, it is 2008.

A Limited Government is vital to the success of our democracy. Get informed and vote...

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

Back from Las Vegas and the Hawkeye Game

It was an interesting week of business in Las Vegas. No question, we are suffering from a eight year presidential cycle economically.

Iowa beats Iowa State 17-5 at Kinnick on Saturday to take the Cy-Hawk Trophy in football for 2008.

The real races will soon begin. Nationally, statewide, locally and of course in-conference on the football field.

On Iowa!

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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