Disqus - Latest Comments for serena1313

Re: Obama Tops Final Democratic Power Rankings, Edwards and Clinton Tie for Second

serena1313 — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 05:00:57 -0000

Experience vs judgment Many believe experience is the defining issue without qualifying it. Every individual has experience. But unless that experience translates into wise decision-making based on sound judgment it is otherwise useless. Obama's experience working in the trenches as a community organizer dealing with people with intractable demands and resolving problematic situations provided invaluable insight and knowledge that has been tried, tested and true which gives me confidence in his leadership and problem-solving skills.

Obama's strengths including sound judgment tempered with intelligence, a sense of balance and justice are admirable qualities, not readily seen in the other candidates. In stark contrast to the cookie-cutter-type answers most politicians give Obama's are measured and thoughtful. Patience and reasoned logic indicates someone who is responsive rather than reactive. The current administration's reactive policies proved ineffective and dangerous. And after 7 years of that the nation is more than ready for change.

Experience is not an end to itself. Although Obama has plenty of experience it is his judgment that makes him stand out from the rest of the contenders. Instead of using military power Obama is more apt to utilize a host of tools available that actually solve problems rather than create more. What a welcomed change.

A commitment to competent governance necessitates objective reality. Pure politics, ideology, and/or party loyalty create false narratives. Those claiming to care about people without acting on are paying lipservice. However organizing poor neighbourhoods, taking on genocide in Darfur, opposing military action in Iraq are proof Obama is a man who acts on his convictions.

Furthermore not only does he appear to understand the complexity of issues that challenge the nation requires someone with communication, negotiation and diplomacy skills, Obama has those skills. Equally important with his sincere desire and yearning to lead the country in a different direction Obama can and will do so successfully given the opportunity.

Insofar as Hillary's "experience":

Extensive research including "an interview with Mrs. Clinton, conversations with 35 Clinton administration officials and a review of books about her White House years" establish Healy's credentials. Healy's research supports the argument that being a First Lady does not qualify as "experience." Indeed it

"... suggest[s] that she was more of a sounding board than a policy maker, who learned through osmosis rather than decision-making, and who grew gradually more comfortable with the use of military power."

http://www.nytimes.c...

Re: Obama Tops Final Democratic Power Rankings, Edwards and Clinton Tie for Second

serena1313 — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 05:05:57 -0000

Ken, Obama's voting record proves otherwise I copied and pasted this from the web. I do not know who wrote it, but it is well worth reading if you want to know what Barack Obama has accomplished in the US Senate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"This article entitled "37 Bills That Barack Obama Has Written or Co-Sponsored in Just 2 Years in the US Senate!" showed up on the website DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND way back in January. Very good reading.

"This link (http://www.democrati...)

"takes its information from Obama's own Senate website.

"SO if somebody really wanted to know about him, I am sure they could just do the research.

"Obama has shown great strength in the U.S. Senate.

http://www.huffingto...

"Obama has been one of the authors of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (S. 2180) and

"co-sponsored The Congressional Ethics Enforcement Commission Act (S. 2259),

"The Curtailing Lobbyist Effectiveness through Advance Notification, Updates, and Posting Act (The CLEAN UP Act) (S. 2179),

"The Transparency and Integrity in Earmarks Act (S. 2261),

"the Medicare Informed Choice Act (S. 1841),

"the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act (S. 1151),

"the Combat Meth Act (S. 103) which provides more money for fighting methamphetamines,

"Dru's Law (S. 792) which creates a nationwide sex offender database and extension of Violence Against Women Act (S. 1197).

"Obama has successfully pressured Environmental Protections Agency to change to issue rules for home remodeling and renovation "that could prevent 28,000 lead-related illnesses each year, resulting in an annual net economic benefit of more than $4 billion."

"Senator Obama introduced the Lead Free Toys Act (S. 2048), requiring the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban any children's product containing lead (before it all blew up a few months ago, which shows his vision and foresight).

"He introduced the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2006 (S. 3822).

"Senator Obama successfully passed legislation in the Senate to force the Pentagon to work towards an efficient electronic medical records system that will help ensure better care for our nation's troops, helped pass legislation that requires all soldiers to be assessed for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) after they return from deployments,

"introduced the Spent Nuclear Fuel Tracking and Accountability Act (S. 1194).

"He authored the Sheltering All Veterans Everywhere Act (SAVE Act) (S. 1180),

"introduced the Homes for Heroes Act (S. 3475), which would expand access to long-term affordable housing for homeless veterans by setting aside $225 million to purchase, and introduced an amendment that became law providing food services to wounded veterans receiving physical therapy or rehabilitation services at military hospitals.

"Previously, service members receiving physical therapy or rehabilitation services in a medical hospital for more than 90 days were required to pay for their meals.

"Senator Obama passed an amendment to ensure that all service members returning from Iraq are properly screened for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and introduced the Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 3988) which would help veterans transition from the DOD health system to the VA system.

"All of this in a matter of 3 years, not including everything he did in my home state of Illinois as a state legislator. If the next president can get as much done in 3 years as Obama has, I say we will be in great shape. He is the right person for the right job at the right time, and he should be our candidate."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So those claiming not to know what Obama stands for, do now. I suggest further checking out the links provided.

Too often people complain before doing their homework.

Re: Obama Tops Final Democratic Power Rankings, Edwards and Clinton Tie for Second

serena1313 — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 05:48:23 -0000

Exactly! Experience is not an end to itself. I couldn't agree more. Experience is not an end to itself.

The experience Rumsfeld, Cheney, and others Bush surrounded himself with got us where we are today! Americans lost confidence in Bush and his cabinet because they lack intelligent reasoning and have been less than truthful to the electorate. Likewise Clinton's lack of candor leaves little to be desired. Americans want a president who is forthcoming and someone they can trust.

Although Obama has plenty of experience it is his judgment that makes him stand out from the rest of the contenders. Instead of using military power Barack Obama has the intelligence, patience and reasoned logic to draw on a host of tools available that can actually solve problems rather than create more.

Judgment cannot be overemphasized.

Re: Obama Tops Final Democratic Power Rankings, Edwards and Clinton Tie for Second

serena1313 — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 07:51:13 -0000

Hillary is a viable candidate, I agree ... allyourbasearebelongtous

Hillary is smart, her intelligence and other admirable qualities make her a viable candidate. She demonstrates an air of confidence which is a strength. She claims to be the most experienced, but to what ends?

Experience is a false narrative without success. Perhaps Hillary knows her way around the annals of government, but so did Rumsfeld and Cheney. Obviously they never learned from their experiences. That alone ought to give one pause.

And what about Hillary Clinton's judgment? Even if she has the experience it has not translated into wise decision making or sound judgment in several incidences: her foreign policy is very similar to Bush's. Take Iraq and Iran as example. Her full support of waging war and continuing the occupation of Iraq is troubling.

At this crucial time when we need change innovative, creative thinking is needed more than ever. Hillary is probably the least who has demonstrated that quality. She has not made bold and tough choices nor is she a political risk-taker.

Equally important I do not doubt Hillary has a lot going for her, but we may want to also take into consideration that when Bill was president the far right made so much noise against him it made it difficult to maneuver. I believe Bill Clinton did a lot of positive things for this country he also made a lot of decisions that were not healthy. Take NAFTA, GATT and other policies for instance. At no fault of his, the far right made every issue into a huge battle.

Going into this election, there is no doubt in my mind they will not hesitate to replay that scenario. The damage it did to the country will further deepen. While she is not entirely to blame, Hillary is fodder for that kind of negativity. That is an important factor we ought to consider, too.

Obama is no greenhorn. He represents "change" rather than more of the same. Moreover he will not be as polarizing.

If you believe justice is a strength and the rule of law matters, accountability and transparency are vital components for a healthy democracy, and that sound judgment, reasoned logic, intelligence tempered with forethought and foresight reflect the qualities of a leader, support Obama.

Obama is uniquely qualified and prepared to lead the country as President of the United States.

I trust him to lead and move the country forward in a different direction

Last but not least do we really want another Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton?

Re: Term Limits, Sen. Kennedy?

serena1313 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:18:14 -0000

Has cynicism really blinded people from not seeing what is rally taking place? Obama is uniting people, inspiring young and old, moderate republicans and democrats, liberals and conservatives, black and white, asian and native american, latinos and all cultures to vote for him.

Others complain that he is going to talk to conservatives and republicans to get them on board. I wonder how many of those people have read about his record? His record of working with some of the most conservative republicans that successfully passed legislation without compromising his principles puts that argument to rest.

Others think Obama is not "experienced" enough. Obviously they are not taking into account Obama has had more years as an elected official that Hillary. His "experience" is much more conducive to changing "politics" as usual because he is not entrenched in Washington politics.

Some say he is too young: Bill Clinton was two years younger than Obama when he took office.

This election is not about race; it is not about "experience;" it is however about making wise decisions based on sound judgment & common sense. We've had an excruciating 7 years of trickery and deceit with "experienced" . Do we want more?

Which candidate is more likely to bring change: a candidate entrenched in the Washington political establishment or the one whose experience is outside Washington?

Last but not least: With a deep understanding of the human psyche and a grasp of world events and how the two are inseparable indicates Obama is uniquely qualified to become the next president.

Let's not allow cynicism to blind us to a unique opportunity for real change.

Re: Term Limits, Sen. Kennedy?

serena1313 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:26:31 -0000

sorry meant "really" rather than rally.

Re: A Different Kind of Insurgent

serena1313 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:38:21 -0000

Has cynicism really blinded people from not seeing what is really taking place? Obama is uniting people, inspiring young and old, moderate republicans and democrats, liberals and conservatives, black and white, asian and native american, latinos and all cultures to vote for him.

Others complain that he is going to talk to conservatives and republicans to get them on board. I wonder how many of those people have read about his record? His record of working with some of the most conservative republicans that successfully passed legislation without compromising his principles puts that argument to rest.

Others think Obama is not "experienced" enough. Obviously they are not taking into account Obama has had more years as an elected official that Hillary. His "experience" is much more conducive to changing "politics" as usual because he is not entrenched in Washington politics.

Some say he is too young: Bill Clinton was two years younger than Obama when he took office.

This election is not about race; it is not about "experience;" it is however about making wise decisions based on sound judgment & common sense. We've had an excruciating 7 years of trickery and deceit with "experienced" politicians and look where it got us. Do we want more?

Which candidate is more likely to bring change: a candidate entrenched in the Washington political establishment or the one whose experience is outside Washington?

Last but not least: With a deep understanding of the human psyche and a grasp of world events and how the two are inseparable indicates Obama is uniquely qualified to become the next president.

Let's not allow cynicism to blind us to a unique opportunity for real change.

Re: McCain’s Path: A Tale of the West

serena1313 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:35:27 -0000

McCain says he walks the walk, but he doesn't. He was described by one of his republican colleagues as "deceitful."

When McCain reverses positions on issue after issue, both large and small, and knowingly says things that are not true it mostly goes unreported in the traditional media which is unfortunate.

His most recent claims that offshore drilling would bring oil prices down almost immediately and even went further saying off-shore drilling is safe environmentally are both irrevocably wrong.

Not only would offshore drilling have little effect on the price of oil -- pennies -- production would not start before 2017. Furthermore oil prices are determined on the international market. Moreover off-shore drilling is much more expensive than on-shore drilling. Consider too that McCain collected $724,000 through May from the oil companies.

Equally important to note is McCain's statement

Re: Truth & Consequences for CIA on Torture

serena1313 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:58:27 -0000

A few days ago a poll showed 44 percent of the American public think it is okay to torture "terrorists." That is shocking and deeply disappointing. I cannot believe we are even having this conversation. The people who engaged in carrying out the orders, those who re-wrote the laws and those who gave the orders must be brought to Justice.

Since most of our legislators have no intention of taking action others are. "A conference to plan the prosecution of President Bush and other high administration officials for war crimes will be held September 13-14 at the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover."

"This is not intended to be a mere discussion of violations of law that have occurred," said convener Lawrence Velvel, dean and cofounder of the school. "It is, rather, intended to be a planning conference at which plans will be laid and necessary organizational structures set up, to pursue the guilty as long as necessary and, if need be, to the ends of the Earth."

"We must try to hold Bush administration leaders accountable in courts of justice," Velvel said. "And we must insist on appropriate punishments, including, if guilt is found, the hangings visited upon top German and Japanese war-criminals in the 1940s."

Vincent Bugliosi, who successfully prosecuted Charles Manson, claims to have an airtight case against Bush for committing murder. He lays out the case in his newest book "The Prosecution of George W Bush for Murder" and despite the media's silence it is already on the top seller list. It has been documented that over 100 prisoners have died while being tortured.

Once out of office Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Yoo, Gonzales, Bybee, Addington in addition to all the others involved will not be able to travel outside the US; they will be arrested. Charges have already been filed in several European nations. Rumsfeld was minutes away from getting arrested in France, but made a quick getaway.

Since there is no statute of limitations on murder that means Bush and the rest could be summoned, tried and prosecuted at any time. For the remainder of their lives they will always be looking over their shoulders never knowing when. That alone is punishment, but not nearly enough! They deserve far, far worse.

It is a question of when, not if, Justice will be served.

Re: The Military Record Attack

serena1313 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:02:57 -0000

At the outset let me say I honour McCain's service, but the point Clark was making about serving in the military does not automatically qualify a person to become a president was not an attack on McCain personally or on his record. But McCain would like everyone to think otherwise thus distract the public from the issue.

Clark's statements are important:

Re: McCain’s Arizona Woes Continue

serena1313 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:47:21 -0000

McCain evidently is enjoying the same media deference given to Bush. The media rarely made demands on Bush to answer questions surrounding his scurrilous past and dropped the ball on his (scrubbed or destroyed) military records. The media's silence on McCain's refusal to release his entire naval record and Cindy's complete financial records is puzzling and implies a double-standard: one for McCain and Bush and the other for Kerry and Obama.

Uninformed voters went to the polls unknowingly elected a media creation to run the country might do so again unless reporters hold McCain to the same standard as they do Barack Obama.

Had voters known beforehand every business undertaking went bankrupt Bush probably would not be in the WH today and our economy would not be in a meltdown on the brink of recession.

How confident can we be that the next President will refrain from manufacturing intelligence to wage unnecessary war; will not suppress, censor or hide reports containing environmental, science, medical information; will not make decisions based on ideology for political gain, etc. etc. etc... Separating the wheat from the shaft is an impossible task when the media withholds pertinent information and/or frames a narrative couched in terms intentionally meant to obfuscate the facts.

While Obama receives unrelentless criticism for alleged policy changes based on a false media narrative, yet McCain's 180 degree changes on 61 separate issues concerning national security, the economy, immigration, energy, domestic and foreign policies, et al goes scott free... See here:

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/1...

In addition to the 61 reversals, earlier this week, McCain originally agreed with Phil Gramm that Americans are whining about a recession that amounts to nothing more than a "mental" recession. Of course later he sought to distance himself from Gramm's remarks. But understand, Gramm, McCain's senior economic advisor, has been advising McCain, I believe, since the inception of his campaign. [painting Barack Obama as out of touch and elitist gives new meaning to hypocrisy and hubris].

However not all voters are in the dark. After touting a record for supporting the troops McCain found himself in an awkward situation with a Viet Nam veteran who took umbrage at McCain's audacious dishonesty. With documented evidence in hand the vet effectively disassembled McCain's entire speech. I do not know how many times McCain has purported to have done one thing when his record and other evidence clearly illustrate the opposite, however, it's well-documented that was not his first time. Voters need to know this.

The upside is ultimately the media's double standards along with McCain's unpresidential and unstatesman-like conduct, ever-changing positions, conflicting statements will become wider known thru YouTube and alternative sources of information that will suffice, at least for now, for a media in absentia.

Re: McCain Courts the Female Vote at Women-Centric Town Hall

serena1313 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:23:44 -0000

Matthew

I'd bet if the women mentioned in your column had known about McCain's voting record it would probably dampen their enthusiasm.

Although McCain tries to sell himself as a pragmatic politician his record clearly proves he is is neither a moderate nor a maverick. I suspect his definition of pragmatic differs from many people's, mine included. If you consider Bush to be pragmatic, McCain is your guy.

Women and men both care about women and family issues -- between now and November, I suggest research some of the legislation McCain voted against and voted for.

After 25 years in the Senate: he is consistent:

voting against women's issues:

Equal pay; discrimination; women's health plans; insurance coverage to include birth control; family assistance programmes -- and of course women having control over their own bodies.

Veteran's Affairs

While McCain's record is a little better on veteran's affairs he votes against veteran's healthcare, housing, education so on and so on ....

Social Security:

Iam flummoxed by the fact, that a US Senator lacks a fundamental operational-working knowledge on Social Security. McCain argued that younger workers ought to voluntarily put their money into a separate account because

"They pay their taxes and right now their taxes are going to pay the retirement of present-day retirees. That's why it's broken, that's why we can fix it."

The system is not broken; doesn't he realize that is how SS was set-up on day one.? Social Security is one of the more successful programmes and continues to be wildly popular.

Habeas Corpus:

After the SCOTUS voted to restore habeas corpus McCain seemed confused. He adamantly railed against it, he seemed to be under the impression the prisoners at Guantanamo would be released?

Reversing positions:

When McCain reverses positions (tally of 61 times) on issue after issue, both large and small, why isn't it reported? He knowingly says things that are not true yet that mostly goes unreported, too which is unfortunate.

Humans are multi-faceted made up of both strengths and drawbacks. McCain is no different.

However voters need to be informed on his positions. Otherwise a majority will go to the polls uneducated about their candidate. That is a sad referendum on the elections and politics in America.

Re: Obama’s World Stage Debut

serena1313 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:01:20 -0000

Great article.

I agree it is a smart move on Obama's part.

Obama will do great. There is no doubt that he will be greeted warmly -- opposite from the throngs of protesters greeting Bush.

McCain wants it both ways -- he criticized Obama for not visiting Iraq. Then after Obama announced his plans to go overseas McCain started complaining about that. Apparently he is envious that the press from all 3 networks are traveling with Obama for a couple of reasons: 1) they did not accompany him to South America. 2) Obama is getting free press and a lot of attention.

What McCain fails to understand is that this is history in the making. The first African American US presidential candidate who is not only charismatic, but intelligent, gracious and popular is making his first debut on the international stage is exciting and historical. McCain cannot compete with that!

The whole world is already impressed by Obama. Wooing foreign leaders will be no problem. Obama has already improved America's image on the world stage. This trip will solidify his credentials as a statesman and as a world leader and quell any lingering doubts in the voters' minds.

Yes, a very smart move indeed.

Re: NashuaTelegraph.com: Blogs

serena1313 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 11:26:21 -0000

I commend the Nashua Telegraph for endorsing Barack Obama.

Obama is one of the first decent , principled politicians running for America's highest office.

There is something special about Obama that transcends party, race, gender et al. Americans are sick of the partisan bickering. Playing politics at the expense of the country is doing great harm to our nation. We cannot afford to allow that to continue.

Obama inspires hope for better days ahead not just for Americans, but the world according to headlines worldwide.

I hope all Americans recognize the extraordinary opportunity we have and what is at stake.

The Nashua Telegraph made the correct choice.

Will Americans?