Main Street v. Wall Street

There are 120-hours to go until the 2008 Presidential Election. It's an election that has the potential to change the course of history in America and the world.

Last night Barack Obama spent 30-minutes speaking to people about who he is, what he values, how his vision for America values the middle-class, and how he plans to rescue Main Street from the greed and avarice of Wall Street during the Bush Administration.

It is against this back drop that this morning's profit report from Exxon Mobil turns my stomach:

HOUSTON - Exxon Mobil Corp., the world's largest publicly traded oil company, says it shattered its own record for the biggest profit from operations by a U.S. corporation, earning $14.83 billion in the third quarter.

And McCain's economic recovery plan is to give more tax cuts to the largest corporations? HELL NO. VOTE OBAMA on November 4, 2008.

Amen.

The Batman-Penguin Debate

pre⋅science:   /ˈprɛʃəns, -iəns, ˈpriʃəns, -ʃiəns/
Pronunciation: [presh-uhns, -ee-uhns, pree-shuhns]
Definition: (noun) knowledge of things before they exist or happen; foreknowledge; foresight.




(Hat tip to Alison for forwarding)

McCain-Palin Position on People w/Special Needs

My Balcony: Vote Obama

It may be October, but its hotter than shit in my community. So, one day after work I decide to make an Obama sign for my balcony. I go to the thrift store and buy a double sheet to paint my little sign. It's a real beauty.

My balcony has an amazing view. The building where I live is on a very busy corner which has a four-way stop. I live across the street from two city parks so there are lots of kids, lots of families, lots of folks exercising, lots of events, people walking to work, riding their bikes, taking strolls, walking their dogs.

In other words, by balcony has great visibility. The republican next door put up their dinky McCain-Palin sign and I just HAD to respond with my big, beautiful sheet-sign.

Did You Know: Republicans Are Voting For Obama-Biden

--Shella

McCain - Palin: My Favorite Photos

Below is a collection of my favorite McCain and Palin photos. All involve the completely adorable and innocent Trig Palin, who has Down Syndrome.

Enjoy!

John Kissing Trig

Cindy Holding Trig

Trig Waving "Hi"

Trig is Wide-eyed

Trig and Girls in Greeting

How You Can Help: Phone Calls for Obama

My dear friend Pat (who is "Proud To Be Blue") told me of a wonderful volunteer experience she had phonebanking for Obama. She called Nevada in a get out the vote effort in that battleground state.

I've been asked (very nicely) to post the website link that can get you all started in this very simple way to help the Obama campaign and your fellow Americans.

If you're interested solely in phone banking CLICK HERE;

If you're interested in knowing the other ways you can help, CLICK HERE.

(Are you happy now Pat?)

Good luck to all, I will be phone banking this afternoon at a location very near my office. I'll let you all know how it goes!

--Shella

Eloquent Assessment of Powell Endorsement of Obama and its Significance to McCain and World

General Colin Powell: Endorses Barack Obama

There May Be No Way To Bridge The Divide

I have been thinking for the past 20 or so hours. I honestly did not know if I would (or should) post my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs -- and frankly I needed time to process.

This is the deal. I am one of the people that saw, in real time, Republican Congressional Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN) on Hardball with Chris Matthews.

It goes without saying that I was literally in SHOCK. Yes, my jaw had dropped open. My Pulse excelerated. I sat forward in my chair. Where typically I have the where-with-all to scream at the TV (like during debates) in this instance I was, and have remained, almost speechless.

What does it mean that an honest-to-god Congressperson actually BELIEVES the lies? It was so clear that this was not simply more election-year spin. Rest assured that John McCain does not believe his own lies - he's merely sold his soul to "WIN" and will say, and do, or approve anything to win.

At the end of the day, for me, the most important question that has emerged is this:

What kind of political ideological "indoctrination" (or brainwashing) must occur for an otherwise normal person to develop, hold and repeat (with pride) such an extremeist opinion? Do the republican's have their own version of the medrasa wherein gullible new politicians are schooled in the new American Fascism?

If Michelle Bachmann is NOT insane, just what in the hell are Republican leaders teaching folks? Where are people such as this Congressperson receiving what they believe to be correct information? Who are the issue and belief framers? And why don't Republicans who see what's happening stop it? Why don't they step forward and REPUDIATE wingnuts like this?



Regardless of who is elected President on November 4, 2008 -- I fear that there may be no way to become a "united" United States. Why?

If God forbid John McCain is elected, the Presidency will have (again) been "won" by a man I believe to be a lying criminal without an ounce of integrity. How am I (and tens upon tens of millions of other citizens) supposed to overcome the lies and heinous tactics McCain has approved and employed during his campaign? How are we now supposed to respect him? How on earth are we supposed to respect those people that voted for him and that have ruined America? How are we supposed to respect what American has become?

And if Barack Obama is elected, the Presidency will have been won by a great man and leader offering hope for a new day. However, he will be wrongfully dispised, mistrusted and openly reviled by the likes of the Michele Bachmann's and other racists who actually BELIEVE the politicians who villify him daily - not because its true - but because they're trying to "WIN" an election in such a dirty way.

And precisely because the Michelle Bachmann's, Sarah Palin's, Joe Plumber's, and other's you see on video in my posts are TOTALLY FUCKING CRAZY LEMMINGS WITHOUT AN OUNCE OF CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS they don't know they're being lied to. The are true believers. They are wingnuts. And they may do violence to an innocent man.

I don't know, it's all so horrifying. I still need to process this.

--Shella

Oh. My. God. My New Favorite Song (funny)

You HAVE to see this!



(Hat tip to my friend Pat, who is PTBB)

Hate or Hope: We Decide

Please Watch.



I choose Hope.

McFear, McHate, McRacism, McIgnorance: McCain

McCain now reveals himself. His dark side comes wrapped in a flag, carrying a cross, and soiling every symbol of "America". It won't take much for you to google the frightening devolution of the McCain-Palin 2008 Presidential Campaign in these, the last weeks before the election.

McCain's last gasp is without dignity. Shameful.

As he falls head-first over the cliff, dragging his credibility with him, he revels in the frenetic embrace of frighteningly crazy, hateful, racist, and ignorant American Republicans. His smile is shark-like, encouraging the unmendable divide with silence and gesture that telegraphs his support.

The hateful feed on McCain-Palin lies. They hear the echo of it FOX and they believe. Innuendo is crafted in the sewer of spinmeister-minds, intentional, and it seeks to exploit their anger and prejudices. The cabal is given the microphone to vent, they inspire and feed off one anothers increasingly outrageous comments. They extract "promises" from McCain-Palin. "Promise us you'll name names, reveal secrets, hold those responsible accountable".... punctuated by wild applause.

The energy created by their love, and hate, is all he has left you see. He wants their approval - it is the only approval he is getting - and it sustains him. He doesn't want to give up the adoration.

Some crazy McCain-Palin supporter inspired by the hatefest (believing their lies and encourged to action by their peers) may go too far. I've told you of my fear before. When I see the video evidence of McCain-Palin supporters' irrational hate, it suspens my disbelief and turns me cold. They'll do anything. And McCain-Palin soak in the love.

While McCain will soon be one for the history books, Palin is another story. Those crazy separatist wackos will continue to embrace her. The years will go by, she may or may not survive Troopergate but she will forever be beloved by the crazy, hateful, racist, ignorant and foolish American Republicans who now get a semi at the sight of her 'do and heels. How foul.

That's all. I just needed to vent.

And by the way, the longer we talk of this mess, the less time we're examining and exposing his shitty policies, programs and politics.

American Republicans: Self-Delusional and Ignorant

Again, enough said. How sad.

HANDS DOWN: Obama Clear Winner

I realize it's early. But goddamn it, Obama is blowing McCain the-fuck-away.

'Nuf said.

--Shella

I Am Concerned: Impact of Republican Hate Mongering

My gut is telling me that Republicans have irresponsibly ratcheted up the otherwise "typical" hate talk they're already so famous for. I am seeing signs in traditional and other media of people being incited to near-violence at McCain-Palin campaign events.

Their actions and words, in conjunction with the energy of the time, the stress of the economic crisis, the emotion of the election, the relentless negativity of the right-wing radio/TV personalities is building to a crescendo - that I fear may result in actual violence and harm against Barack Obama or his family or supporters.

Can they see the harm they do? Do they even care? Can they see how the less mentally stable among their herd might spinning beyond all reason? What will be their individual justifications, or defenses, be if the unthinkable should happen? Will they disclaim all responsibility? Will they own their hate, their racism, their sexism?

May there be PEACE in our time.

If you've not already done so, PLEASE watch the below, it addresses the issue of how and why Republicans incite fear and loathing, and who among their ilk are vulnerable to the visceral impact of their hateful speech, false words, and dispicable actions.

Bill Moyers Journal (PBS): http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09122008/watch.html

John McCain: Keating Economics Redux

Some of you will recall the post of last month that describes John McCain's role in the Keating Five scandal. Below is a link to a quick video (and longer documentary, if desired) to give you a taste of McCain's role, and why its pertinent to today's economic crisis.

http://www.keatingeconomics.com/

and

Addiional MUST SEE video is Rolling Stone Magazine's "Five Myths about John McCain". Rolling Stone has published an unflinching expose' and reality check on John McCain. Note that it has taken Rolling Stone and other less traditional media (such as Mother Jones) sources to perform and publish in-depth information so that Americans may make informed voting decisions.

10-6-08 UPDATE: The 13 minute Obama documentary of McCain's involvement in the Keating 5 scandal:


--Shella

Bill Moyers Journal: Candidates and Bailout

I recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with proud Republican about a variety of current affairs. I knew this person was a Republican, and I had vowed to NOT to give in to my desire to probe the mind and reasoning behind "proud Republicanism" in the face of the destruction of the American Economy.

I mean, how on earth do you justify supporting Bush/Cheey in the wake of a failed presidency and the death of the neo-conservative world view embodied by that presidency. How do you justify support for a war based on lies? How do you justify your support torture? How do you, a middle-class person, justify your support of the financial and emotional destruction of the American middle class? How do you support the destruction of the the value of the American dollar? The real estate market? Wall Street? Retirement? Jobs? The economy? Access to affordable health care? In the end, how do you justify your support of more of the same in John McCain and Sarah Palin?

What ideological brainwashing must occur in order for an otherwise reasonable person to be so blind to the human condition and have so few moral values?

Needless to say, try as I might, I asked the questions of someone I considered to be otherwise intelligent and reasonable. It was a very unsatisfactory experience. Basically, it's all "the do-nothing congresses fault". The ultimate bullshit justification.

What I think is this: People know at some deep gut level that they support something bad and wrong. But self-preservation means they can't think of themselves as bad, so they continue to fervently and blindly hold their position. They're actually defending themselves against action which their soul knows is wrong and harmful.

I am really getting to the point of this post, but I wanted to provide you with the backstory.

Bill Moyer's Journal provides what I consider to be an unbiased analysis of both the Biden-Palin Debate as well as the Bailout. A perspective that perhaps I am biased as well, and the polar opposite of proud Republicans. Unfortunately, the video and transcript has not yet been posted. I'll update this post with that information when it's posted.

--Shella

Sarah Palin: "The Doll That Speaks For Herself!"

There is nothing, not a single thing, that has come from her mouth that represents an original (Palin-generated) thought. Pull her string to hear regurgitated Republican talking points.

It's so fucking sad. How could we have gotten to this point. Governor Sarah Palin has not answered a single question as it was asked. And, one tactic to take up time has been to quickly spew rhetoric, then ask to "go back" to continue providing talking points on an entirely different issue. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Biden has had the PERFECT respectful tone and demeanor, despite her shallow aspect, and the utter farce of the Republican candidates. GOP should be ashamed.

Fuck you Palin, don't you DARE be condescending to Joe Biden, you haven't earned the right you imposter. And you're not that cute or funny either. You are the ultimate nightmare. Your cutsey, folksy affect is demeaning. Cut it out.

The fact that I feel so negative about having a woman VP candidate is really hurtful to me, and is probably the most disturbing part of her candidacy. Forever after, when a woman might otherwise consider higher public office, the memory of Palin Past will be the spectre they must overcome.

Nothing but talking points and fucking lies. Governor Palin, below is what I think of you: