Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Casting notice for Sarah Palin porn movie

An adult film company in Los Angeles is casting a Sarah Palin look-a-like for God knows what. (No anal- oh well.) Well, they were casting. The ad was posted Sept 10th, and for reasons we'll never understand, we missed it.

read more | digg story

Nose Cutting, face spiting, foot shooting: Obama's way is better

Imadeamesss.com-The failure of the House to pass a $700 billion financial intervention bill Monday not only held back billions for Wall Street, but also was a major blow to Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign, according to a report by CNN.com.

read more | digg story

Let's not go down the same path--this time

Monday, September 29, 2008

Amazon forest destruction speeding up, officials say

The Amazon is being deforested more than three times as fast as last year, Brazilian officials said Monday, acknowledging a sharp reversal after three years of declines in the deforestation rate.

read more | digg story

OBAMA CAMPAIGN ALERT!

Pay attention Hoosiers (and all interested parties!)
Members of the Obama family will be at the Gary,Indiana Barack Obama for President Campaign Office, 201 E. 5th Ave., October 4, at 10 a.m. to kick-off a canvass effort.
Members of the Obama family will canvass with volunteers as well.
Feel free to bring your camera and please, BE FIRED UP!
LET'S TURN IT BLUE INDIANA!

West
Head east on 12/20 which is 5th Avenue, cross Broadway and look right for the Obama sign. The campaign office is across the street from the Fire Station.
East
Head west on 12/20 you will be on 4th Ave. Turn left at Broadway (where City Hall sits) and turn left at 12/20 (first signal) or 5th Avenue and look to the right for the campaign office sign.

"Going back to the drawing table"

Congress promised to "go back to the drawing table," as soon as possible to hammer out another deal.Meanwhile, as of 2 p.m. CT the Dow sunk to -575.93 points. Now it's down more than six, closer to seven.

read more | digg story

Uggh! An "Imperfect bill" does not pass House vote Dow tanks

Imadeamesss.com--U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota) said he has a friend who tried to float a loan for her charter school to meet payroll as she has done in the past. She could not do so.

read more | digg story

Friday, September 26, 2008

Toni and Leslie's blog post on the first presidential debates

The lines told the story. The blue and green lines moved congruently. Only when John spoke to the Republican base did the red line rise and stay steady. Other than that, his rambling statements drew nothing. All three lines would suddenly go flat when Barack stopped talking and John started talking.

Reward people who succeed, John McCain? Do you mean Wall Street and their CEOs?

Obama countered with what about Main Street?" Where you and I live1 Pointed out McCain said the fundamentals of the economy were sound a few weeks prior.

John McCain was only speaking to people who make over $250,000 a year.

Then John began to lie.

Obama said he would be investing in energy because it would bring jobs and cut our dependence on foriegn oil.

Then John said something like a spending freeze. Obama said he would stop that bleed called Iraq war.

After john's insults about what Barack knows and doesn't know about military terms Barack said John gave a blank check to the president and didn't make a way to give the troops any of the money. Their own tax dollar.

Barack talked of de-occupying Iraq and John said it would be dangerous. So in other-words, the Republicans have gotten us in a war-like situation that we cannot get out of because it is dangerous. The Republicans did this. This is why we have to borrow $700 billion in the first place.

Then John said, blah, blah, blah, blah. And Blah. HE's NOT EVEN IN THE MILITARY ANYMORE. NO ONE CARES ABOUT WHAT HE WOULD DO IF HE WAS THERE. HE IS NOT THERE.

Other people's kids and dads and moms are there. And we need a plan that is not dangerous that can bring these families back together.

John talked about how many junkets he took overseas to looky-loo. Barack had a plan to eliminate the U.S.A.'s problems.

It's a debate, don't insult the person, challenge your opponents position on the issue, John McCain.

Barack is holding back his ideas, why??? So President Bush and the Republicans take ownership and use to turn the economy around!!!!!

John started lying and putting words in Barack's mouth soon after.

Barack picked up all three lines during his response to the question about Russia, effectively winning the debate.

John effectively lost the debate at this point. He lost all three lines during his response.

The lines tell the story. Anytime John opens his mouth all three lines go flat.

Dave is a former Hoosier, he graduated from Ball State University and We love him! Turn it Blue, Indiana!

IT'S ALL about Dave


Chris Rock, Bill Clinton



Top Ten



Keith Olberman



Paris Hilton


Completely unrelated but off-the-chain funny! Happy belated b-day Will!
Dave comedy bit


And Paris

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Barack press availability on Thursday

Katie interviews Barack Obama


Watch CBS Videos Online

Barack wants to debate the issues

Wednesday morning Barack called John McCain to suggest a joint statement of principles that would help Congress resolve the immediate financial crisis.

Then John McCain went on television and said he was suspending his campaign and that Friday's presidential debate should be postponed.

Barack spoke about the crisis and took questions from reporters.

He also made it clear that -- with only 40 days left for the American people to decide who will be responsible for leading our economic future -- it is more important than ever that the scheduled debate takes place.

Ghost in the gym

Where is the funding for Gary schools in math and science?

Indiana schools, colleges partner to promote student achievement in math and science

$2.4 million in federal grants to support programs in 16 school corporations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Media Contacts:
Kelly L. Nelson, 812.345.1027, klinz@doe.in.gov
Sue Becker, 317.226.3527, BeckerS@ips.k12in.us
Jason Bearce, 317.232.6618, jbearce@doe.in.gov



Sixteen Indiana school corporations will share $2.4 million in federal funds designed to increase student achievement in math and science through partnerships with state colleges and universities.

“Studies show a clear link between student proficiency in math and science with later success in college and the workforce,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed. “These grants offer an important opportunity to help Indiana schools promote high achievement in these subjects.”

The Indiana Department of Education awarded the competitive two-year Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) Grants to schools whose proposals emphasized measurable results for student achievement through professional development that is classroom-focused and aligned with state academic standards for math and science. Each school corporation’s program is developed and implemented in partnership with a state college or university.

2008 Mathematics & Science Partnership Grants Awardees

* Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation, in partnership with University of Southern Indiana – Science Performance Improving through Reading and Learning (SPIRAL) – $273,672

* Indianapolis Public Schools, in partnership with Ball State University – Passport to Science – $565,142

* Lake Ridge School Corporation, in partnership with Charter School of the Dunes, Griffith Community Schools, Lake Station School Corporation, River Forest School Corporation, School City of East Chicago, School City of Hammond, Purdue University Calumet, the Northwest Indiana Education Service Center, the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center, Indiana University Northwest, and I-STEM Resource Network – Integrating Science and Literacy: Achieving New Dimensions (ISLAND) – $409,524

* Michigan City Area Schools, in partnership with Purdue University North Central – Science for Life Long Learning and Leading (S4L) – $323,973.30

* Vigo County Schools, in partnership with Indiana University – Vigo County Mathematics Initiative Plus – $292,442

* White River Valley School District, in partnership with Eastern Greene Schools, Bloomfield Schools, Linton-Stockton Schools, MSD Shakamak Schools, Greene County Grant Professional Development Consortium, and Indiana University – Greene County Math Advancement Partnership Project (Greene MAPP) – $532,741

Local Success Story

Since the 2003-04 school year, the Indiana Department of Education has supported over 20 school corporations in developing innovative math and science partnerships through the federal MSP program. The Indianapolis Public Schools’ Passport to Science program serves as one example of a local partnership that has produced significant results.

IPS administrators credit Passport to Science as a driving force behind increased student achievement on state science assessments at the three elementary schools where the program was first introduced. ISTEP+ science passing rates for fifth-grade students at Harriet Beecher Stowe School 64, William McKinley School 39 and Francis Bellamy School 102 have increased by over 20 percent over the three-year grant cycle.

“Science education is important in preparing students for careers in Indiana and for making life decisions. We feel that success was due to the combined efforts of administrators and teachers in the MSP schools who recognize this and with grant support worked together to increase student learning,” said Sue Becker, Indianapolis Public Schools Administrator for Science Education.

IPS plans to use the latest round of federal MSP funding to expand the Passport to Science program to additional elementary schools in the corporation. To learn more about the Passport to Science and other local programs supported by the grants, visit www.doe.in.gov/esea/mathscience.

Don't push the wrong button, John (not that he'll have access to them anyway)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Watch over your money, the FDIC insures to 100,000 per customer

Obama stands firm on promise to America, McCain runs from a fight (debate)

Headlines found on Huff Post

MCCAIN WANTS A "TIME OUT"

Pre-Shock: McCain: My Campaign Manager Had Nothing To Do With Freddie Mac Since 2005... "And I'll Be Glad To Have His Record Examined"

SHOCK: Freddie Mac Paid McCain Campaign Manager's Firm Through Last Month

Our Troops Don't Get a Time-Out for the Financial Crisis

Bob Cesca: McCain's Economic Plan: Blurt Out Random Crap

Obama: The Debate Is Still On... This Is Exactly The Time When The American People Need To Hear From Their Leaders... Presidents Are Going To Have To Deal With More Than One Thing At A Time...

Ole Miss Official: Debate Cancellation Would Be Financially "Devastating"

What Else Would President McCain Postpone in a Crisis?

Laura Bush: Palin Lacks Foreign Policy Experience

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Senator Obama's statement on President Ahmadinejad's Remarks...

I strongly condemn President Ahmadinejad's outrageous remarks at the United Nations, and am disappointed that he had a platform to air his hateful and anti-Semitic views. The threat from Iran's nuclear program is grave. Now is the time for Americans to unite on behalf of the strong sanctions that are needed to increase pressure on the Iranian regime.

Once again, I call upon Senator McCain to join me in supporting a bipartisan bill to increase pressure on the Iranian regime by allowing states and private companies to divest from companies doing business in Iran. The security of our ally Israel is too important to play partisan politics, and it is deeply disappointing that Senator McCain and a few of his allies in Congress feel otherwise.

A "Great Depression Scenario" looming?

I heard only bits and pieces but the guy from Mad Money said something to the effect of " I believe we will have a Great Depression scenario."
This was a segment on Hardball. I looked up the Great Depression on Wikipedia. It doesn't sound good at all.

Today Show interview 9/23 and Obama in Wisconsin

Today Show interview 9/23



Obama in Wisconsin

Monday, September 22, 2008

Strippers on the Pole knew...

The exotic dancers of lower Manhattan knew a few weeks ago of the pending Wall Street meltdown.
Read more

I don't understand how Americans think

Why don't people in America think?
Anyone who voted Republican in the past eight years can look in the mirror and blame themselves for this de-regulated financial debt we are now facing.
These people put our current president in office TWICE.
TWICE, I TELL YOU, TWICE.

These same people have a chance to put a Democrat in office and believe it or not, there is some hesitation--based on purely esoteric points.
I have run into more than my share of people building a case against Barack for President--and for the stupidest reasons.
People actually considering putting YET ANOTHER REPUBLICAN IN OFFICE need to re-read the newspapers for the past eight years.

The poor will always be with us and if God can take care of the birds in the sky, then He will care for the poor. We don't want much.

It is the rich man who stands to lose either a little or a lot--depending on if he votes Democrat or not. If I were them, I'd pay the small tax increase with a smile because after all, I make in excess of $250,000. If I were greedy, I would not want to pay the minor increase. It's like paying tithes. Ten percent is still 10 percent whether it is 10 percent of a dollar or 10 percent of $1 million. However it seems more difficult to pay $100,000 rather than a dime. I wonder why? Greed? Nah. It's got to be something else. But I digress.

Paying a small tax increase is better than having to go through this financial situation again. Many investment accounts are NOT FDIC insured. You should check the information your financial institution sends you.

If you cannot read, pay someone or ask someone you can trust to read it to you.

And as far as CEOs whose job it was to do what they did (they all were just following orders) they deserve every penny they are being paid. There is a contractual obligation to pay these CEOs these millions of dollars that they have earned.

They should sue whoever does not want to pay them per their contract.
The people who elected and put in place our current administration in effect told them TWICE that yes, you can manage this nation's money. You can manage my money.
so now we went from a surplus with the Democrat Bill Clinton to a deficit and the people who elected our current administration TWICE, HAVE THE NERVE TO COMPLAIN AND THEN HESITATE TO VOTE DEMOCRAT.

Vote for Barack and save yourself some money. Don't vote Democrat and keep paying and paying and paying and paying.
Think about it.
The middle class can turn this election their way by voting Democrat this November.
Let us see what happens.

Volunteer at your local Obama for President campaign office

I registered people to vote today as I volunteered at my local Barack Obama for President campaign office.
I ran into some youth-two of them- who said to me, "I'm voting for McCain. He gone win anyway!"
I thought the first youth was joking with me but somehow I don't think she was. I urged her to change her mind and bid everyone inside the Laundromat farewell. Everyone else was voting for Obama anyway and said they'd give some thought to volunteering at their local office on Saturday.
I ran into another who said he was "voting for McCain" for the same reasons. Then he said he was joking.
Not that I think anything in this election cycle is a joking matter, I signed the young man up to vote in Indiana anyway, hoping that he really was joking.
I urged them as well to volunteer at the local Obama for President office.
None of the people in my age range 40s were laughing and joking about registering people to vote or volunteering and seemed to give my urgings to volunteer some serious thought.
There are barriers to volunteering.
First, you have to leave your home, your comfort zone and go talk to people you don't know.
People who overcome this, obviously know helping put Barack in the White House is way more important than our personal comfort--especially when volunteering begins and ends when you say it does--it's volunteer work!
Second, expenditures of personal time is an important decision.
Either there are children to attend to or work considerations that make one say either: yes, I will give up X number of hours on this day of this week or I will not. The easiest way is to donate an hour of your downtime after work.
If you workout for two hours, give one of those hours to Obama. If you go to the local tap for three hours, give one of those happy hours to Barack--then return to your normal schedule.
The benefits of volunteering is that you meet new people who can later become business contacts or friends. Another benefit is that you learn stuff when you talk to people who don't live or work with you.
Once you volunteer, you can talk to your friends about the experience--they may want to volunteer too.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

The Chronicle, U.S.A. questions a Yahoo poll

Poll: Racial views steer some white Dems away from Obama-or as I like to call it, we need two Americas.(We don't really need two Americas but we do need to try to get along better and be understanding of each other and talk to each other and listen to each other, etc.--like what the Bible/Jesus says--"Love one another.")

read more | digg story

Way to go Chris Dodd!

Friday, September 19, 2008

The Chronicle, U.S.A.

The Chronicle, U.S.A.

Homeless encampments dubbed "tent cities" are springing up across the US, partly in response to soaring numbers of home repossessions, the credit crunch and rising unemployment, according to a report.
Posted using ShareThis

Thursday, September 18, 2008

'Reporters Without Newsrooms' - How to Stay Afloat After Buyouts and Layoffs

A free afternoon seminar Sept. 24th sponsored by the Eric Friedheim Library at the National Press Club and the Alicia Patterson Journalism Foundation

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was issued today by the National Press Club:

WHY? Journalism is undergoing one of its biggest brain drains in history.

The Eric Friedheim Library at the National Press Club and the Alicia Patterson Journalism Foundation want to help journalists who have faced, or are facing, buyouts or layoffs.

WHO? Reporters, editors, photographers, etc. are invited to a seminar in the NPC's new Broadcast Studio (fourth floor of the Press Club, 14th and F Sts. NW) from 1-5 p.m.

Hear practical how to advice from journalists who have made the transition to "encore" careers outside of newsrooms.

WHEN? Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 1-5 p.m.

WHERE? Broadcast studio, 4th floor, National Press Club, 14th and F Sts. NW

SIGN UP: There is no cost, but space is limited. Sign up at: jschoo@press.org, or phone (202) 662-7507.

Line-up for Journalism 2.0, the Sequel:

Session I


Eugene Meyer, writer and former Washington Post reporter - How to make a living as a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.

Margaret Engel, director of the Alicia Patterson Foundation - How to connect with fellowships, grants and writer's associations that provide assignments and group health/dental insurance

Cheryl Arvidson, Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers - How to get into association work

Susan Garland, Kiplinger Washington Editors - How to switch to newsletters

Session II


Jan Schaffer, executive director of the J-Lab, The Institute for Interactive Journalism, American University - Learning journalism's new technologies/the news biz in cyberspace

Don Bates, GW University Graduate School of Political Management - Making the switch to public relations

Gary Cohen, Orpheus, LLC - Making the switch to private investigative work

Session III


Joe Pichirallo - Breaking into the film business - How a former Washington Post investigative reporter became a Hollywood studio executive and film producer. Recent films, "Lakeview Terrace," a thriller with Sam Jackson and "The Secret Life of Bees," with Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Dakota Fanning. Joe is with The Gold Co., a Los Angeles-based film production company.

Barack Live!

Help Barack Help You!

Democratic Presidential Nominee, Senator Barack Obama, speaks at a rally at Cashman Ballpark in Las Vegas, NV on Wednesday, September, 17, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)

Barack Live!
Live TV : Ustream

Let Barack work for You, America!

Democratic Presidential Nominee, Senator Barack Obama, speaks at a rally at Cashman Ballpark in Las Vegas, NV on Wednesday, September, 17, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)

[Listen] McCain's Fear of Palin Presidency caught on Tape

A tape of McCain fearing a Palin Presidency has been leaked.

read more | digg story

Obama in Las Vegas 2008

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell speaks out on "White Privilege"

"White privilege is when you can get pregnant at seventeen like Bristol Palin and everyone is quick to insist that your life and that of your family is a personal matter, and that no one has a right to judge you or your parents, because "every family has challenges," even as black and Latino families with similar "challenges" are regularly typified as irresponsible, pathological and arbiters of social decay."
Read more

Obama looking to turn Indiana blue

Republican Secretary of State Todd Rokita, the state's chief elections officer, said Sen. John McCain's campaign had better take notice."They have a fight here in Indiana and it is real," Rokita said.The numbers are dramatic: In 2004, 2.5 million ballots were cast for president in Indiana. This year, the number is already in excess of 562,000 and given the recent spike in activity by campaigns and other organizations, Rokita tells CNN he expects to hit a record 750,000 by the state's October 6 registration deadline."I will say that this is the first time I have ever seen a Democratic presidential campaign this engaged in this state. Usually Indiana is No. 1 for the red states on election night when it comes to president," Rokita told CNN in an interview in his state Capitol office in Indianapolis.

read more | digg story

To Sag or Not to Sag

http://www.imadeamesss.comNorthwest Indiana residents comment on lawmakers across the country looking to make it illegal to wear clothing that shows underwear.

read more | digg story

Do your pants hang low?

If so then you could go directly to jail!

read more | digg story

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Foreclosing On Black Voters, Lose Your House, Lose Your Vote

According to the Michigan Messenger, James Carabelli, the chairman of the Macomb County, Michigan Republican party says, "We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure those people aren't voting from those addresses."

read more | digg story

The Chronicle, U.S.A.

The Chronicle, U.S.A.

Posted using ShareThis

Monday, September 15, 2008

"Hidden racism from voters" stand to undermine Obama campaign

According to this article, "hidden racism from voters " will be why the GOP will get an opportunity to finish raping this country. Is this the "American" way?Don't let it happen.

read more | digg story

Obama points out how Wall St. crisis is brought on by eight years of Republican policies

"The challenges facing our financial system today are more evidence that too many folks in Washington & on Wall St weren't minding the store... 8 yrs of policies that have shredded consumer protections, loosened oversight & regulation, & encouraged outsized bonuses to CEOs & brought us the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression!"

read more | digg story

Brits Back Obama, Remain Skeptical Of US Politics

"This election is more symbolic than anything else," said Dave Roe, a graduate from my alma mater (The University of Kent) with a degree in politics...

read more | digg story

Mad Over Sarah Palin? Time To Get Busy for Obama

Sarah Palin has got Democrats and independent voters mad as hell that McCain would gamble with the future of our country so recklessly. So what to do? How can progressives channel our outrage over the prospect of an unqualified, dangerously far-right wing ideologue, rabidly partisan pitbull with lipstick like Palin a heartbeat from the presidency?

read more | digg story

Obama: "John McCain Doesn't Understand" Education

Obama is accusing Republican rival John McCain of failing to do anything to improve the quality of public education during nearly three decades in Washington. "Not one real proposal or law or initiative. Nothing," Obama said.

read more | digg story

Jared Bernstein: You Can't Fool All the People All the Time

A great analysis on why McCain's campaign of lies will backfire.

read more | digg story

Warning sounded on future of web

The internet needs a way to help people separate rumour from real science, says the creator of the World Wide Web.

read more | digg story

Humor Black Comic Introduces McCain - 236.com - The Room

Sheeet, you already got money, beer and pussy! What the fuck you want with the presidency? Quit while you're ahead! You're 72 years old--just drink, fuck, and play golf, you dumb white motherfucker!

read more | digg story

Friday, September 12, 2008

Whites lift McCain to slim lead over Obama in poll

An overwhelming advantage in experience and lopsided support from working-class and suburban whites have lifted Republican John McCain to a slender lead over Barack Obama less than two months from Election Day, a poll on the presidential race said Friday.

read more | digg story

Voting for Vaginas

Former Supporters of Hillary Clinton for McCain/Palin… 'cuz women don't think.

read more | digg story

Kanye out of jail

Obama defends kid-friendly legislation, why won't McCain?

Obama to appear on 'Saturday Night Live'

The Democratic presidential nominee's campaign said Thursday that he would be making his second appearance on SNL, for the season premiere this weekend.

read more | digg story

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Sunflowers are pretty "A Study in Sunflowers"

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY LESLIE JONES MCCLOUD
-all flowers grown by hand courtesy of Mother Nature







Kanye in Jail

Good natured Sen. Obama Sticks to the issues

Sen. Obama on Late Night with Dave Letterman


Sen. Obama's Outstanding Education Speech

For the nuance-impaired

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Go Obama!

LEAKED: McCain's Voicemail to the New York Times (listen)

McCain's scary voice mail to the NY Times has been leaked. Take a listen!

read more | digg story

I HAVE HEARD SEN. OBAMA MAKE THE LIPSTICK COMMENT BEFORE PALIN ENTERED THE RACE

WHY IS HE BEING CALLED ON TO THE CARPET FOR A WELL-WORN SAYING THAT HE HAS MADE WITHIN THE TEXT OF HIS CAMPAIGN SPEECHES AGAIN AND AGAIN--BEFORE PALIN ENTERED THE RACE?
I HEARD HIM MYSELF!
MAYBE IT IS THE MEDIA THAT IS CALLING THIS WOMAN A PIG BECAUSE SHE IS NOT STICK-THIN!
Now, that I can believe!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Cage in Bangkok Dangerous tops weekend at box office

The Nicolas Cage action-thriller "Bangkok Dangerous" grabbed $7.8 million to take the top spot at the box office.

read more | digg story

You tell 'em, Joe!



Hear, watch the rest

Thursday, September 04, 2008

A fact-filled letter from Barack and MoveOn.org

From Barack to me,
Leslie --

Why would the Republicans spend a whole night of their convention attacking ordinary people?

With the nation watching, the Republicans mocked, dismissed, and actually laughed out loud at Americans who engage in community service and organizing.

Our convention was different. We gave the stage to everyday Americans who hunger for change and stepped up to make phone calls, knock on doors, and raise money in small amounts in their communities.


Dear MoveOn member,
Did you watch Sarah Palin's speech last night? The speech told us a lot about her.
It told us that she can distort the facts and deliver mean-spirited zingers with the best of them. It told us that if Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter ever need a stand-in, she'd be a great pick.

It told us that she can be condescending and dismissive of the real work Barack Obama did helping real people on the South Side of Chicago. It told us that she can uphold the long Republican tradition of lying about Democratic tax cuts—even though Obama's plan would give Americans a bigger break than McCain's.

But the speech—written by one of President Bush's speechwriters—didn't tell us the truth about Sarah Palin's extremist positions. And the more that people know her far-right views, the less they support her. (There's a partial list below.)

One of the best ways to get the word out about Palin is to write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Today's a great day to write because this is very relevant—it just happened last night. Plus, our online tool makes it easy and has great tips.

Palin's speech and the reaction to it also made clear why McCain picked her. It wasn't a decision about who's most qualified to serve a heart-beat away from the presidency—it was a political decision about pleasing the far-right base of the Republican party.


Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task." She's even admitted she hasn't thought about the war much—just last year she was quoted saying, "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq."
1,2
Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin told members of the group—who advocate for a vote on secession from the union—to "keep up the good work" and "wished the party luck on what she called its 'inspiring convention.'" 3
Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools. She hasn't made clear whether she thinks evolution is a fact.4
Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming. Speaking about climate change, she said, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being manmade." 5
Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP. 6
Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest. 7
Palin opposes comprehensive sex-ed in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches. 8
As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor." 9

She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere (before she opposed it). Palin claimed that she said "thanks, but no thanks" to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But in 2006, Palin supported the project repeatedly, saying that Alaska should take advantage of earmarks "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." 10
The plain fact of the matter is that Sarah Palin did a bang-up job delivering a Karl Rove-style political attack speech last night. That makes her a skilled politician but it doesn't make her views any more palatable for voters. Americans don't really want another far-right, anti-science ideologue in the White House.

–Nita, Ilyse, Wes, Karin and the rest of the team
P.S. If you haven't seen it, check out the Daily Show clip on Palin. It's worth a watch.

Sources
1. "Palin: Iraq war 'a task that is from God'," Associated Press, September 3, 2008

2. "Palin wasn't 'really focused much' on the Iraq war," ThinkProgress, August 30, 2008
3. "The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/palin-digest/
4. "McCain and Palin differ on issues," Associated Press, September 3, 2008

5. Ibid
6. The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008

7. Ibid
8. Ibid.
9. "Mayor Palin: A Rough Record," Time, September 2, 2008

10. The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008

Palin as scapegoat (the speech was a hard listen)

I think the decision to bring Palin on as VP was a passive aggressive dig at Obama. McCain has personalized these truths hurled at him during the campaign as attacks on him as a person. It is not personal, only politics.

The U.S. election process is no place for gimmicks or attack dogs. I thought each candidate was supposed to seriously consider who could best run the country in case the worse were to happen--not find who could best attack each other. McCain is slumming the U.S. election process.

McCain as a war veteran had some debriefings after his tours of duty, some counseling for post traumatic stress injuries, I'm sure but are there long-term studies on the affects of war-related illnesses?

The gimmicky idea of selecting Palin--who comes off as a stereotype of a woman more so than an educated woman whose background and record I can look at and take seriously--was inappropriate for a presidential candidate to make.

It was if McCain said to himself: "I'm going to find me someone who is easy on the eyes, has a thin political background and who is a great speech maker within the GOP and compare and contrast her to Obama--that'll stick in his craw!"

I guess Sen. Obama is right: John McCain is out of touch with what his role is as a presidential candidate, the whole American Public and he doesn't know Obama that well.

The last time I checked, it was no walk in the park to graduate from law school and then know enough about it to practice it and then teach it. Or to pass the Bar.

Sen. Obama is a constitutional law attorney. Before being elected to office, Palin was a weekend broadcast sports reporter. And then, she worked at her husband's business--fishing. That seems to be hard physical labor. I dunno, maybe she worked in the office keeping books. Whatever. I can't see how any of that knowledge helps her form legislation, understand what is in violation of the constitution, etc.

What does this woman know of the law? It seems as if advisers would easily be able to manipulate her into whatever it is they would have her do--like a puppet.

Not that her message was directed to me, (even though I am an American Voter) I don't trust her with national security issues. I could see her getting herself/us/the U.S. in trouble or getting scapegoated due mostly to her attitude of what America means to her--which was summed up during a speech that held lots of empty patriotism and lip service to the veterans.

(I swear it reminded me of a high school essay contest winner. Hey remember when Lois ran for office on "Family Guy" and Brian gave her some talking points? It was kind of like that.)

Wearing a jewel encrusted flag pin and saying all of the right things are not enough. What is it exactly she has done for the natives in Alaska? I gleaned nothing about her track record from her speech.

Her voice is hard to listen to and running this country--even as VP--is not like being a hockey mom or being on a high school sports team.

Obama's speeches are inclusive and leave the listener feeling good about themselves and the world around them--hope-filled.

I felt angry and excluded after listening to Palin's speech and it left me feeling hopeless.

May God bless each of Sen. Obama's votes so that it will be he that leads the country and leave the point of Palin and McCain moot.