quote:gypsy wrote:
I could never vote for a man whose son slashed the throat of a dog and hung it to "put it out of it's misery."
He sounds like another graduate of the Michael Vick Academy of Cruelty, doesn't he gypsy? I was unaware of this. Sen Huckabee reminds me of Howard Cunningham. His son is no Richie.
13th February 2008 02:16 PM
gypsy
quote:*ginda wrote:
He sounds like another graduate of the Michael Vick Academy of Cruelty, doesn't he gypsy? I was unaware of this. Sen Huckabee reminds me of Howard Cunningham. His son is no Richie.
Yes, he does, ginda. Huckabee stuck up for his son, which makes him a scumbag in my book. He claimed the dog had mange, and his son was putting it out of it's misery.
Huckabee reminds me of a fat, old Kevin Spacey. And I hate to disrespect Spacey like that.
13th February 2008 07:42 PM
glencar
quote:pdog wrote:
I keep hearing about the conservative base, and all this he is not a real conservative or not... so I have to ask, knowing what real conservatism is and isn't, what the fuck is the platform for this base? And it's ironic, that those who have constantly bashed and bagged on liberal, dems and lefties, lumped them together calling them extremists, are themselves, by defintion of what "the base" is, being extremists themselves....
I hope I'm not the only one, who see's this... but it doesn't matter. A real conservative, doesn't need to stand up and scream I'm a conservative or attack other for not being a true conservative.
Small govt. lower taxes and individual freedom is the base of conservatism. It's that simple...
I don't need to cite who isn't, I know who is!!!
I think it's just the talk radio crowd trying to get him to commit to a more conservative platform. He's not as good as I'd wish for but if the alternative is Obama, then it's an easy choice, no?
13th February 2008 08:19 PM
Brainbell Jangler
quote:glencar wrote:
I think it's just the talk radio crowd trying to get him to commit to a more conservative platform. He's not as good as I'd wish for but if the alternative is Obama, then it's an easy choice, no?
quote:pdog wrote:
I keep hearing about the conservative base, and all this he is not a real conservative or not... so I have to ask, knowing what real conservatism is and isn't, what the fuck is the platform for this base? And it's ironic, that those who have constantly bashed and bagged on liberal, dems and lefties, lumped them together calling them extremists, are themselves, by defintion of what "the base" is, being extremists themselves....
I hope I'm not the only one, who see's this... but it doesn't matter. A real conservative, doesn't need to stand up and scream I'm a conservative or attack other for not being a true conservative.
Small govt. lower taxes and individual freedom is the base of conservatism. It's that simple...
I don't need to cite who isn't, I know who is!!!
A real conservative is a simply a real American. Nothing more. Nothing less. A real American/conservative believes in the individual's right over the state's desire for power. A real conservative knows that like the Founding Fathers,(note that I use the term Founding Fathers, and not the stupid assed liberal PC term Founders) that outside of its legitimate functions, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector of the economy. A real conservative believes that he or she can manage the affairs of their own lives much better than some intellectual elite in a far distant capitol. Hell, we fought a revolution to prevent this very thing!
Liberals believe that the government should always be there as our guiding nanny. The problem with that is that it always, and I do mean always, turns out wrong! When you give the state the power to control health care, education, etc. you cede power to the state that the Founding Fathers never intended the state to have. The Founding Fathers knew that no government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. This too conservatives are fully aware of. Liberals want the government to have more power over the individual for no other reason than it makes them "feel" good about helping the "masses". Liberals are short sighted and ignorant when it comes to the role of the government has it relates to the individual.
Just last year Hillary said, speaking of Exxon/Mobil Oil profits, "I want to take their profits and use them to develop alternative fuel sources." WTF!!!! A government official is saying that she want's to take a private companies profits?!?!?!?! What the hell is that all about?!?!?! But liberals have no problem with this kind of government power grab. They see it as Hillary's attempt to bitch slap that evil "big oil" monster! The truth is that Exxon/Mobil makes about 8 cents profit per gallon. You know what the government makes per gallon? Between the fed, the state, and local taxes, roughly 75 cents!!! So "big oil" is not the greedy one here! No. Big government is! I own stock is Exxon/Mobil! They make me money too! I don't own a damned thing from the government except for my right to vote the bitches and bastards out of office!
You want to know what a real conservative is pdog? Then read this. It says it much better than I ever could, but do youself a favor. Read it! Really read it. Read it!
After you read that you begin to understand why real conservatives have a genuine problem with McRINO!
Riffy
14th February 2008 08:00 AM
LadyJane
Riffy:
How do you feel about our next POTUS?
Sen Barak H. Obama that is?
My gut feeling is, he wins.
He's a rock star.
The debates between he and McRino will look like Kennedy vs Nixon.
LJ.
14th February 2008 08:21 AM
glencar
Nixon was only 4 years older than Kennedy. I just hope McCain doesn't turn into this year's Doley-Bob.
14th February 2008 08:26 AM
Riffhard
quote:LadyJane wrote:
Riffy:
How do you feel about our next POTUS?
Sen Barak H. Obama that is?
My gut feeling is, he wins.
He's a rock star.
The debates between he and McRino will look like Kennedy vs Nixon.
LJ.
I feel that nobody says nothing and it makes it sound so promissing as Barrack Obama. The man is full of nothing more than empty platitudes, and that scares me because he's so likeable, unlike Hillary. He may win, but if he does it's because of his cult of personality. Kids will vote for him because of his vague "Yes We Can" psuedo song dealio on YouTube, etc.
I have always believed that liberals tend to think with their emotions on their sleeves. I know that that's how I looked at the world when I was a card carrying lib. So, with that in mind, I think that there is no real thought process going on with many of Obama's supporters. It's all rah rah emotionalism. You kind of make my point by talking about his "rock star" qualities. I agree he has that going for him no doubt, but what of his policies? They are the very definition of "nanny state socialism" that the Founding Fathers despised enough to revolt against all those years ago.
I love the way Reagan talked about the liberal thought process,"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn't so." This is so true! Barrack plays to this liberal trait very well. If he writes another book he should title it "The Art of Saying Absolutly Nothing, and Saying It With Conviction."
LJ read the link that I provided in my previous post. It spells out exactly what I look for in a leader. It was written 44 years ago and it's just as vital now as it was back then. Perhaps even more so now. Unfortunatly there is not one true leader from which to choose this time around.
Riffy
14th February 2008 08:28 AM
glencar
I think the fact that's he's black will hurt him. Many Dems are unready to vote for a black. Also, this hilly-Barry war isn't helping either of these idiots.
14th February 2008 08:40 AM
LadyJane
Not disagreeing with ya, Riffy.
Stunned actually that Rock Star will be elected on the basis of_________________________________________Fill in the blanks. I don't have a clue.
LJ.
[Edited by LadyJane]
14th February 2008 09:51 AM
Riffhard
quote:LadyJane wrote:
Not disagreeing with ya, Riffy.
Stunned actually that Rock Star will be elected on the basis of_________________________________________Fill in the blanks. I don't have a clue.
LJ.
[Edited by LadyJane]
I hear ya, I hear ya!
I forget what thread it was that I I read where someone was talking about the Che flag that was on proud display at Obama's campaign headquarters.
Well it's true. Obamaites love their murderous communist terrorists. Here is the proof. This picture is from the Houston campaign headquarters of the possible future president. Outrageous does not even begin to express my shock at this insanity.
Oh yeah! This guy really believes in the greatness of the USA! NOT!!! The Founding Fathers will roll over in their graves should this socialist ever get into the WH!
It's too bad that so many of today's youth know next to nothing about their own country's history or it's greatness. They would flush it all away for a guy that offers nothing but socialist pipe dreams and empty promisses. Pathetic!
Be proud libs! Be very proud!
Riffy
14th February 2008 09:59 AM
TampabayStone
quote:Riffhard wrote:
I hear ya, I hear ya!
I forget what thread it was that I I read where someone was talking about the Che flag that was on proud display at Obama's campaign headquarters.
Well it's true. Obamaites love their murderous communist terrorists. Here is the proof. This picture is from the Houston campaign headquarters of the possible future president. Outrageous does not even begin to express my shock at this insanity.
Oh yeah! This guy really believes in the greatness of the USA! NOT!!! The Founding Fathers will roll over in their graves should this socialist ever get into the WH!
It's too bad that so many of today's youth know next to nothing about their own country's history or it's greatness. They would flush it all away for a guy that offers nothing but socialist pipe dreams and empty promisses. Pathetic!
Be proud libs! Be very proud!
Riffy
WTF. To me that's more a symbol of hate than even the Confederate flag. Travling through Mexico and Central America, those t-shirts were everywhere and they are not worn because of their love for peace.
14th February 2008 10:47 AM
Fiji Joe
quote:LadyJane wrote:
Not disagreeing with ya, Riffy.
Stunned actually that Rock Star will be elected on the basis of_________________________________________Fill in the blanks. I don't have a clue.
LJ.
[Edited by LadyJane]
Have you not watched him speak?...He sends shivers up my spine...Yes I can...Yes WE can
14th February 2008 11:05 AM
Gazza
quote:TampabayStone wrote:
WTF. To me that's more a symbol of hate than even the Confederate flag. Travling through Mexico and Central America, those t-shirts were everywhere and they are not worn because of their love for peace.
Same over here too. Possibly the most nauseating fashion statement in the history of western culture. Invariably worn by clueless idiots.
We have a ban in wearing sports colours or political slogans at work in case they provoke offence and get lectured and reminded all the time about it. Which I can understand to some degree even if its often a bit over the top and unnecessary. When I mentioned how offensive I find seeing people walk around the workplace wearing a tshirt plastered with the face of a Marxist terrorist responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people, it barely registers. That fucker as a trendy fashion icon is repulsive.
[Edited by Gazza]
14th February 2008 11:09 AM
Fiji Joe
quote:Gazza wrote:
Same over here too. Possibly the most nauseating fashion statement in the history of western culture. Invariably worn by clueless idiots.
Here's hoping that our clueless idiots join with your clueless idiots in a sorta "Hands-Across-the-Atlantic" thing...literally
14th February 2008 11:26 AM
gimmekeef
Im not so sure Barack is home free yet.Dont underestimate the Clinton smarm and theres those at large super delegates that can be "bought"...Amazing how the media refuses to Shine A Light (umm..lol) on his vapidness.In a debate with Mc Cain Im not so sure he's a clear winner either...Im putting it in the too close to call category for a while yet.
14th February 2008 12:10 PM
monkey_man
I think Obama's and McCain's popularity can be attributed to the fact that they are not Bush's or Clinton's. After 12 years of the Bush family and 8 years of the Clinton family, this country desperately wants to move on with someone that has nothing to do with either family. McCain is still associated with some of Bush's policies but has shown to move in his own direction when his principles dictate. Obama is a media freindly face that says none of the above. It's pretty sad as a country when you are making choices for your future leader based on the fact that they are not the predecessor. I think the Bushs and the Clintons can both share the blame for the electorate desperately wanting to move away from these families' policies.
[Edited by monkey_man]
14th February 2008 01:54 PM
wasted
quote:LadyJane wrote:
Not disagreeing with ya, Riffy.
Stunned actually that Rock Star will be elected on the basis of_________________________________________Fill in the blanks. I don't have a clue.
LJ.
[Edited by LadyJane]
Economic and social policy
Obama's current economic advisors are Austan Goolsbee of the University of Chicago and Jeffrey Liebman of Harvard University.[1]
His 2006 rating by the Almanac of American Politics (2008) on Economic Policy is 87% liberal, 0% conservative. (2005: 87% liberal, 12% conservative.)[2]
Obama wrote: "We should be asking ourselves what mix of policies will lead to a dynamic free market and widespread economic security, entrepreneurial innovation and upward mobility [...] we should be guided by what works."[3] Speaking before the National Press Club in April 2005, he defended the New Deal social welfare policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt, associating Republican proposals to establish private accounts for Social Security with Social Darwinism.[4]
Corporate governance
On April 20, 2007, Obama introduced a bill in the Senate (Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act - S. 1181) requiring public companies to give shareholders an annual nonbinding vote on executive compensation, popularly called "Say on Pay." A companion bill introduced by Rep. Barney Frank passed the House the same day.[5] Several corporations voluntarily have begun to give shareholders such a vote because of concerns about excessive CEO salaries. Some critics have said that the federal law would interfere with the traditional state oversight over corporate governance.[6]
Education
During an October 2004 debate, Obama stated that he opposed education vouchers for use at private schools because he believes they would undermine public schools.[7]
As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Obama is committed to providing every American with the opportunity to receive a quality education from pre-kindergarten to college or vocational school to job retraining programs.
Technology has created a quiet revolution by breaking down barriers and connecting the world's economies. Businesses have the ability to move jobs wherever there is an Internet connection. Countries like India and China start schooling their children earlier, keep them in school longer, and have a strategic emphasis on math, science, and technology. (The importance of educating American children for the global economy was the subject of a commencement address that Senator Obama delivered in June 2005 at Knox College.)
Senator Obama believes that we must do the same here in America. States and local school districts, as well as parents, teachers, and students must take the lead. The federal government must fund its mandates and assist in identifying and expanding the best programs.
However, while we work together to improve our schools, there is no substitute for strong parental involvement. Because education begins at home, parents must set high standards and inspirational examples for their children. As a father, Senator Obama believes we need to find the time and the energy to help motivate our kids to love learning. Parents can read to their children, discuss what they read, and make time for this by turning off the TV.
More info: Senator Obama's Speech on Reading
Early Education
Head Start is the major Federal program supporting early childhood education. In Illinois, Head Start provides tens of thousands of children with a safe learning environment, while encouraging parents to be involved in their children's education. Senator Obama believes that Congress must increase overall funding for the program, especially funding for Early Head Start and for teacher education. In his role on the Senate HELP Committee, he has also worked to preserve the essential role of parents in the operation of local Head Start agencies.
Primary & Secondary Education
Local public schools not only educate our students, they often provide a focus for community activity. Local school districts often serve as laboratories for innovation in education, but too often, the good ideas and effective practices resulting from this innovation remain localized. Although the federal role in education is limited, one way the federal government can make the most of its scarce resources is by fostering innovation - identifying the best programs and practices, and helping expand them around the country.
In the 110th Congress, Senator Obama reintroduced the Innovation Districts for School Improvement Act. Under this initiative, school districts would submit plans on how they would become centers of reform. Twenty districts nationwide would be selected based on the best plans to increase achievement for all students and put qualified and successful teachers in all classrooms. These districts would receive substantial federal resources but would be required to implement systemic reforms and show convincing results. Senator Obama will continue to work with his colleagues on the HELP Committee to realize these important changes in the new Congress.
More info: Senator's speech about Innovation Districts: 21st Century Education
Differences in learning opportunities during the summer contribute to the achievement gaps that separate struggling poor and minority students from their middle-class peers. In January 2007, Senator Obama reintroduced the Summer Term Education Programs for Upward Progress Act (STEP UP) to address the achievement gaps among schoolchildren in the early grades. STEP UP establishes a grant program to support summer learning opportunities to be offered by local schools or community organizations. The bill was included in a comprehensive proposal to improve U.S. competitiveness that passed the Senate in July 2007, and was signed into law in August.
More info: Obama Provisions to Make America More Competitive Signed into Law
The teacher is most important resource in every classroom for advancing student learning and achievement. Too many teachers, especially in high-needs schools, are inadequately prepared for the challenges they face, and so leave the profession. Senator Obama has introduced legislation to support a better way of teacher preparation. Teaching Residency Programs train those new to the profession in a way similar to recent entrants to the medical profession, through residencies, where novices learn under the guidance of skilled mentors. Such programs have shown success in preparing teachers in several cities, both increasing student success, and decreasing turnover of inexperienced teachers. Obama's proposal for Teaching Residencies Programs was passed by the Senate during reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
More info: Higher Education Bill Includes Obama Proposals to Improve Teacher Training, Fund Predominately Black Institutions; Obama, Emanuel Introduce Bills to Establish Teacher Residency Program
Senator Obama worked with Senator DeMint to introduce the Education Opportunity Act in the 109th Congress. This proposal would make grants available to low-income high school students to earn college credit at their local university or community college. Such grant support for high school students, who may not have exposure to college-level programs in their school, would allow students to qualify and earn credit for at least one college class each semester, giving them a greater chance for success on their path to a college diploma.
More Info: Obama, DeMint Introduce Bipartisan Education Opportunity Act
Post-Secondary Education
Senator Obama believes that every high school graduate should have the opportunity to go to college or vocational school. Student loans provide critical financial aid for many Americans. Not long ago, financial aid arrived primarily in the form of grants. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Graduates now have more and more difficulty keeping up with loan payments. At a minimum, our government has the responsibility to ensure that the most affordable and sensible loans are available to our students. But government and students are not the only ones who need to act. Tuition costs have been rising at an average rate of 8% per year, well above the overall rate of inflation. Colleges and universities must also do their part to rein in costs and pass those savings on to students.
To address this problem, Barack Obama's first bill as a U.S. Senator was the HOPE Act (Higher Education Opportunity Through Pell Grant Expansion Act) which would help make college more affordable for many Americans. The bill would increase the maximum Pell Grant from the then current limit of $4,050 to a new maximum of $5,100. Through his work on the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Obama has worked to increase the maximum Pell Award to $5,100 next year, and to $5,400 over the next several years, an increase of 25% over current levels.
In a July 2007 address to the National Education Association, Obama supported merit pay for teachers, to be based on standards to be developed "with teachers."[8] Obama also called for higher pay for teachers.[8] Obama's plan is estimated to cost $18 billion annually and would be partially funded by cutting funding to NASA. The bulk of the cuts would be derived from delaying the Constellation program for five years.[9]
Energy policy
Obama and other Senators introduced the BioFuels Security Act in 2007. "It's time for Congress to realize what farmers in America's heartland have known all along - that we have the capacity and ingenuity to decrease our dependence on foreign oil by growing our own fuel," Obama said.[10] In a May 2006 letter to President Bush, he joined four other midwest farming state Senators in calling for the preservation of a $0.54-per-gallon tariff on imported ethanol.[11]
Regarding the domestic use of nuclear power, Obama has expressed support: "...it is reasonable – and realistic – for nuclear power to remain on the table for consideration."[12]
Obama and other Senators introduced a bill in 2007 to promote the development of commercially viable plug-in hybrids and other electric-drive vehicles in order to shift away from petroleum fuels and "toward much cleaner – and cheaper – electricity for transportation".[13] Similar legislation is now in effect in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.[14] Obama proposes that the US Government invest in such developments using revenue generated from an auction-based cap-and-trade or emissions trading program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[15]
Obama stresses innovation as a means to improve energy efficiency, calling for a 50% improvement by 2030. He has called for a 50 m.p.g. rule, proposing tax credits to automakers in order to ease the transition. He is willing to explore the expanded use of nuclear power, though is not particularly enthusiastic about the idea. Obama opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but missed a 2007 vote on drilling off the coast of Virginia.[16]
Barack Obama's 2008 Presidential Campaign complete energy policy is available on his website. It includes:
Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent from 1990 levels by 2050
Invest in a Clean Energy Future
Support Next Generation Biofuels
Set America on Path to Oil Independence
Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030
Restore U.S. Leadership on Climate Change
Health care
On January 24, 2007 Obama spoke about his position on health care at Families USA, a health care advocacy group. Obama said, "The time has come for universal health care in America [...] I am absolutely determined that by the end of the first term of the next president, we should have universal health care in this country." Obama went on to say that he believed that it was wrong that forty-seven million Americans are uninsured, noting that taxpayers already pay over $15 billion annually to care for the uninsured.[17] Obama cites cost as the reason so many Americans are without health insurance, and claims his health care plan would cut the cost of insurance more than any of his Democratic rivals' plans in the 2008 Presidential race.[18]
In the past, Barack Obama has called for a health care plan with "everybody in, nobody out". A single-payer health care plan, a universal health care plan, but has since distanced himself from single-payer health care. [19]The United States is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, yet more than 45 million Americans have no health insurance. Too many hard-working Americans cannot afford their medical bills, and thus, health-related issues are the number one cause for personal bankruptcy. Too many employers are finding it difficult to offer the coverage their employees need.
Promoting affordable, accessible, and high-quality health care was a priority for Barack Obama in the Illinois State Senate and is a priority for him in the United States Senate. He believes firmly that health care should be a right for everyone, not a privilege for the few.
Preserving and Improving Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid represent America's commitment to take care of the elderly and the poor--some of our most vulnerable citizens. Senator Obama has voted to preserve and strengthen these programs at every opportunity. He has voted to restore funding to these programs and has voted against budgets that cut these programs.
Medicare
Some 42 million American seniors are served by Medicare, including 1.7 million in Illinois. Medicare is a promise we have made to our seniors, and along with Social Security, it is essential to a dignified and financially sound retirement. Cuts to Medicare will seriously harm those who have worked all their lives, paid into the system, and need medical care.
Senator Obama is concerned about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program and its effect on our nation's elderly and disabled. In particular, he is concerned about the difficulty encountered when enrolling and choosing among a large number of plans (more than 40 in Illinois); the restrictions on changing plan selection after enrollment; the prohibition against negotiating for the best drug price or discounts, and the high costs of the program for seniors.
Senator Obama is a cosponsor of the Medicare Informed Choice Act, which would have extended enrollment without penalty and allowed for a one-time plan change during the first year of the plan.
Medicaid
Medicaid is the nation's health safety net. Over 53 million Americans of all ages, including 2 million Illinoisans, rely on Medicaid for their health care. As a member of the Senate's Medicaid Working Group, Senator Obama will continue the fight to strengthen Medicaid, as well as help providers who care for large numbers of poor and uninsured patients.
Improving Quality of Health Care
Senator Obama is pursuing legislative initiatives to help improve health care quality.
He helped draft and introduce the National MEDiC Act, which promotes patient safety initiatives, including early disclosure and compensation to patients injured by medical errors. He also introduced the Hospital Quality Report Card Act, which will use federal hospital quality reporting requirements to inform and assist patients and other consumers in making their health care decisions.
Senator Obama strongly believes that greater use of health information technology can contain costs and improve the efficiency of our health care system. He introduced the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Efficiency Act, which would leverage the federal government's purchasing power to encourage increased adoption of technology by participating health plans.
In 2005, Senator Obama spoke at the commencement of the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine about the importance of health information technology (Click here to read that speech.)
Children's Health
An estimated 8.7 million children in the U.S. are uninsured, and this figure represents an increase for the second year in a row. Health coverage is critically important for a healthy start in life, and this is particularly true now that the rate of many diseases in children—obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, to name a few—has started to rise dramatically. This nation can and must do more to protect and promote the health of children. To address this problem, Senator Obama has been a strong supporter of expanding the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover more uninsured children.
More info:
Senator Obama’s Speech on CHIP
Senator Obama’s Statement on President Bush’s Threatened Veto of CHIP
HIV/AIDS
Promoting the prevention of HIV/AIDS domestically and abroad, as well as accelerating the research and development of treatments for the disease, is a priority of Senator Obama’s. With 8,000 AIDS-related deaths and 14,000 new infections every day, HIV/AIDS will likely become the third leading cause of death in the world.
While traveling in Africa in August of 2006, Senator Obama and his wife took a public HIV test in hopes of decreasing the stigma surrounding testing. Additionally, Senator Obama calls for an increase of at least $1 billion per year for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in order to expand our global AIDS efforts into Asia and the Middle East, enhance our work in Africa, and further address issues such as nutrition and prevention.
In Illinois, an estimated 40,000 – 42,000 individuals are living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White Care Act (RWCA) provides the majority of Federal support for those suffering from HIV/AIDS in our country. This legislation was reauthorized during the final hours of the 109th Congress, although changes in the epidemic - as well as insufficient funding - made it a difficult reauthorization to tackle. Throughout the reauthorization process, Senator Obama worked closely with RWCA service providers, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Department of Public Health to analyze and find ways to improve the program for Illinois and for the nation. Senator Obama will continue to protect the multifaceted care upon which RWCA beneficiaries depend.
Over the last few years, it has become clear that women are rapidly becoming the new face of the AIDS epidemic, both here in the United States and around the world. We are faced with the sobering statistic that by the end of the day, another 7,000 women will have been infected with HIV. In the United States, the percentage of women diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last twenty years. In fact, AIDS is now the number one cause of death among African-American women aged 25-34.
In order to expedite the availability of preventive tools for women, Senator Obama is the lead Democratic sponsor of the Microbicide Development Act, which encourages scientific leadership on this issue and strengthens research and development programs at the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The legislation would also establish a unit at the NIH specifically dedicated to microbicide research. Microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women could use to protect themselves from contracting HIV, even while conceiving children. When fully developed, experts predict that microbicides could stop 2.5 million infections over three years in women, men, and infants.
More info: Senator Obama’s Speech on World AIDS Day.
Avian Flu
Avian influenza - or bird flu - is a potentially grave health threat to the U.S. and other countries around the world. Senator Obama was one of the first members of Congress to speak out about the issue and push for greater funding to improve preparedness.
Starting in March 2005, he obtained $25 million for international efforts to combat the avian flu and called for an inter-agency task force to immediately address this issue. This funding is now being used to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in Southeast Asia.
Senator Obama introduced the Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act, which calls for collaboration and cooperation at the state, national, and international level to ensure preparedness in the event of pandemic influenza. Such preparedness includes the procurement of antivirals, development of effective vaccines, and improvement of the public health infrastructure and medical surge capacity in hospitals.
Senator Obama also worked to push $7.9 billion through the Senate to help the U.S. prepare for the possibility of an avian flu pandemic.
Environmental Health
Since coming to Washington, Senator Obama has made the elimination of childhood lead poisoning one of his top priorities.
Over 400,000 children in the U.S. suffer from lead poisoning. Lead is a highly toxic substance that can produce a range of health problems in young children including IQ deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, reduced attention spans, hyperactivity, and damage to the kidneys, brain and bone marrow. The most common source of lead exposure is lead paint in older housing.
During his first year in office, Senator Obama successfully fought to get the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish long-overdue rules for how contractors involved in the renovation and remodeling of homes should deal with lead paint hazards. To force the EPA to issue the rules, Senator Obama threatened to block the confirmation of an EPA official and passed an amendment to stop the EPA from delaying the rulemaking process. When the rules are eventually finalized, they will prevent 28,000 lead-related illnesses each year, resulting in an annual net economic benefit of more than $4 billion.
Lead is also present in many children's products. In 2003 and 2004, nearly 150 million pieces of toy jewelry were recalled because of toxic levels of lead. To address this problem, Senator Obama introduced the Lead-Free Toys Act to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban any children's product containing lead.
In December 2006, Senator Obama released a report showing that a number of souvenirs purchased in the U.S. Capitol gift shops contained large amounts of lead. Those items were promptly removed from store shelves.
Senator Obama is also an original cosponsor of the Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act, which would provide tax credits to property owners who eliminate or contain paint hazards in homes where low-income young children or women of child-bearing age live.
Recognizing that 30 years after the ban of lead in paint many of our children are still being exposed, Senator Obama also introduced the Lead Poisoning Reduction Act, which would help protect children from lead poisoning by requiring that all non-home-based child care facilities, including Head Start program locations and kindergarten classrooms, be lead-safe within five years. The legislation would also establish a $42.6 million grant program to help local communities pay to make these facilities safe.
He also introduced the Healthy Communities Act to identify and address problems in communities that are at high risk from environmental contaminants. In addition, recognizing the contribution of housing, parks, trails, roadways, and public transportation to healthy lifestyles, Senator Obama introduced the Healthy Places Act to assess and support improvements to the built environment.
Disability Policy
Fifty million, or one in seven, individuals in our country suffer from a disability. With proper support, many, if not most, people with disabilities are strong contributors to society. All Americans, regardless of disability, deserve a dignified life, and there are many government programs that are essential to this commitment. In addition to enforcement and funding of the Americans With Disabilities Act, we must also defend and strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
With the beginning of the 110th Congress, Senator Obama now serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, the committee with jurisdiction over many disability issues. This is a unique opportunity to be a key player in the policy debates to come, including over long-term care services, services in our schools, and the reauthorization of the Developmental Disabilities Act.
Genomics
Genomics is the study of how a person's genetic makeup affects propensity for disease and response to treatment. Research in this area has the potential to predict which people will get sick, diagnose illnesses earlier, and screen patients to determine which drugs will be safe and effective. In August 2006, Senator Obama introduced the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act, which would increase funding for research on genomics, expand the genomics workforce, provide a tax credit for the development of diagnostic tests that can improve the safety or effectiveness of drugs, and reaffirm the need to protect genetic privacy.
Network neutrality
In a June 2006 podcast, Obama expressed support for telecommunications legislation to protect network neutrality on the Internet, saying: "It is because the Internet is a neutral platform that I can put out this podcast and transmit it over the Internet without having to go through any corporate media middleman. I can say what I want without censorship or without having to pay a special charge. But the big telephone and cable companies want to change the Internet as we know it."[20]
Taxation
Obama spoke out in June 2006 against making recent, temporary estate tax cuts permanent, calling the cuts a "Paris Hilton" tax break for "billionaire heirs and heiresses."[21] Speaking in November 2006 to members of Wake Up Wal-Mart, a union-backed campaign group, Obama said: "You gotta pay your workers enough that they can actually not only shop at Wal-Mart, but ultimately send their kids to college and save for retirement."[22] Obama has also proposed his own tax plan, including $80 billion in tax cuts for the poor and middle class.[23]
Budget deficit
In The Audacity of Hope, Obama advocates responding to the "precarious budget situation" by eliminating "tax credits that have outlived their usefulness", closing corporate tax loopholes, and restoring the PAYGO policy that prohibits increases in federal spending without a way to compensate for the lost revenue.[24]
In January 2008, a comprehensive analysis by the National Taxpayers Union found that Obama's presidential campaign proposals would increase the federal budget by $287 billion.[25]
Lobbying
Obama has spoken out numerous times against the influence of lobbying in the United States.[26][27]
However, Obama dealt with health insurance industry lobbyists in some cases while in the Illinois State Senate.[28]
Foreign policy
Barack Obama's foreign policy advisers include Richard Danzig, Mark Lippert, Anthony Lake, Susan Rice, Gregory Craig, Dennis McDonough, Daniel Shapiro, Scott Gration, Sarah Sewall, Ivo Daalder, Jeffrey Bader, Mark Brzezinski, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Richard Clarke, Roger Cressey, Philip Gordon, Lawrence Korb, James Ludes, Robert Malley, Bruce Riedel, Dennis Ross, Mona Sutphen, and Samantha Power.[29][30][31]
His 2006 rating by the Almanac of American Politics (2008) on Foreign Policy is 85% liberal, 12% conservative. (2005: 76% liberal, 15% conservative.)[32]
His first major speech on foreign policy was delivered on April 23, 2007 to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He identified the problems the current foreign policy has caused, and the five ways America can lead again, focused on "common security", "common humanity", and remaining "a beacon of freedom and justice for the world":[33]
"Bringing a responsible end" to the war in Iraq and refocusing on the broader region.
"Building the first truly 21st century military and showing wisdom in how we deploy it."
"Marshalling a global effort" to secure, destroy, and stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
"Rebuild and construct the alliances and partnerships necessary to meet common challenges and confront common threats," including climate change.
"Invest in our common humanity" through foreign aid and supporting the "pillars of a sustainable democracy – a strong legislature, an independent judiciary, the rule of law, a vibrant civil society, a free press, and an honest police force."
During the speech Obama called for an expansion of the United States Armed Forces "by adding 65,000 soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines", an idea introduced by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
In an address on national security to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on August 1, 2007, Obama stated that as President he would consider military action in Pakistan in order to attack al-Qaeda, even if the Pakistani government did not give approval.[34] Obama said, "I will not hesitate to use military force to take out terrorists who pose a direct threat to America."[35] He also said "As President, I would deploy at least two additional brigades to Afghanistan to re-enforce our counter-terrorism operations".[36] Tariq Ali, a British-Pakistani historian, criticized Obama for his comments regarding attacking terrorists inside Pakistan and stated "Were the United States to start bombing raids inside Pakistan, there would be a massive increase of support for the jihadi fundamentalist groups in that country, and it would weaken not just secular political groups, it would weaken even the moderate religious parties who are not associated with that."[37]
In a broad October 2, 2007 foreign policy address at Chicago's DePaul University, Obama touched on intelligence concerns and government secrecy, saying, "I'll turn the page on a growing empire of classified information, and restore the balance we've lost between the necessarily secret and the necessity of openness in a democratic society by creating a new National Declassification Center. We'll protect sources and methods, but we won't use sources and methods as pretexts to hide the truth." [38]
Arab-Israeli conflict
Referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in January 2006, Obama denounced Hamas while praising former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. At a meeting with then Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom on the eve of Hamas' sweeping election victory,[39] Obama stated that Sharon's role in the conflict had always been "absolutely important and constructive."[40] At a meeting with Palestinian students two days later, Obama stated opposition to Hamas in favor of rival party Fatah, noting his desire to "consolidate behind a single government with a single authority that can then negotiate as a reliable partner with Israel." In a comment aimed at Hamas, he said that "the US will always side with Israel if Israel is threatened with destruction."[41]
Obama was also a cosponsor of the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, which in part calls on "members of the international community to avoid contact with and refrain from financially supporting the terrorist organization Hamas until it agrees to recognize Israel, renounce violence, disarm, and accept prior agreements, including the Roadmap."[42] However, on March 11, 2007, Obama said that "if we could get some movement among Palestinian leadership, what I'd like to see is a loosening up of some of the restrictions on providing aid directly to the Palestinian people."[43]
He defended Israel's response to the Zar'it-Shtula incident on August 22 in an interview with Tim Russert, saying, "I don't think there is any nation that would not have reacted the way Israel did after two soldiers had been snatched. I support Israel's response to take some action in protecting themselves." A month earlier he said, "I don't fault Israel for wanting to rid their border with Lebanon from those Katyusha missiles that can fire in and harm Israeli citizens, so I think that any cease fire would have to be premised on the removal of those missiles."[44]
Speaking to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on 2 March 2007, Obama called Israel "our strongest ally in the region," and stated: "We must preserve our total commitment to our unique defense relationship with Israel by fully funding military assistance and continuing work on the Arrow and related missile defense programs." On the Palestinian Authority's new unity government, Obama said: "We should all be concerned about the agreement negotiated among Palestinians in Mecca last month."[45]
Obama has also discussed in general terms some thoughts about Palestinians vis-a-vis the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On March 11, 2007 Obama said: "Nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people."[46] On June 4, 2007 Obama stated that "resolution [to the conflict] and a better life for all people" "is something that can be achieved, but it's going to require some soul-searching on the Palestinian side. They have to recognize Israel's right to exist; they have to renounce violence and terrorism as a tool to achieve their political ends; they have to abide by agreements. In that context, I think the Israelis will gladly say, 'Let's move forward negotiations that would allow them to live side by side with the Palestinians in peace and security.'"[47]
Immigration
Obama supports a guest worker program.[48] Obama has said that he "will not support any bill that does not provide [an] earned path to citizenship for the undocumented population."
Obama does not believe that twelve million illegal immigrants can be sent back. He said "It's not going to happen. We're not going to go round them up ... We should give them a pathway to citizenship."[49]
In September 2006, Obama voted for the Secure Fence Act, authorizing the construction of 700 miles (1,100 km) of fencing along the United States–Mexico border.[50]
In January 2008 Obama campaigned on a policy to grant drivers licenses to illegal immigrants.[51]
Iran
During his 2004 Senate campaign, Obama stated that he had not ruled out military action against Iran. In a meeting with the Chicago Tribune editorial board, Obama stated: "The big question is going to be, if Iran is resistant to these pressures, including economic sanctions, which I hope will be imposed if they do not cooperate, at what point are we going to take military action, if any?" Obama stressed that he would only use force as a last resort.[52] Obama has not declared a change in this stance since the 2004 campaign. In 2006, he called on Iran to "take some ownership for creating some stability" in Iraq.[53]
In an interview with Tim Russert on October 22, 2006 Obama said, "I think that military options have to be on the table when you're dealing with rogue states that have shown constant hostility towards the United States. The point that I would make, though, is that we have not explored all of our options...We have not explored any kind of dialogue with either Iran or North Korea, and I think that has been a mistake. As a consequence, we have almost no leverage over them."[54]
Speaking to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on 2 March 2007, Obama stated that he regards Iran's government as "a threat to all of us," stating that the US "should take no option, including military action, off the table. Sustained and aggressive diplomacy combined with tough sanctions should be our primary means to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons."[55] Diplomacy would include "more determined U.S. diplomacy at the United Nations," "harnessing the collective power of our friends in Europe who are Iran's major trading partners," and "a cooperative strategy with Gulf States who supply Iran with much of the energy resources it needs."[56] He formulated a strategy of "direct engagement with Iran similar to the meetings we conducted with the Soviets at the height of the Cold War."[57]
Obama has criticized Hillary Clinton for voting in favor of classifying the Iranian Quds Force as a terrorist organization, saying the measure could enable Bush to launch military action against Iran,[58] stating that he would have voted against it if he had not been in New Hampshire campaigning.[59]
Iraq
Senator Obama was an early opponent of Bush administration policies on Iraq, when other Democratic leaders supported the legislation that led to the war. Obama was not in the United States Senate, and was therefore unable to vote during the Iraq Resolution of 11 October 2002, authorizing the use of force against Iraq. During a fall 2002 anti-war rally at Chicago's Federal Plaza, while still an Illinois State Senator, and in a speech alongside Jesse Jackson, Obama stated: "I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars. [...] You want a fight, President Bush? Let's finish the fight with Bin Laden and al-Qaeda, through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a homeland security program that involves more than color-coded warnings."[60] Speaking before the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in November 2006, he said: "The days of using the war on terror as a political football are over. [...] It is time to give Iraqis their country back, and it is time to refocus America's efforts on the wider struggle yet to be won." In his speech Obama also called for a phased withdrawal of American troops starting in 2007, and an opening of diplomatic dialogue with Iraq's neighbors, Syria and Iran.[61]
On January 30, 2007, Obama introduced the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 into Congress. Among other things, the Act calls for capping the level of troops in Iraq at January 2007 levels, and for commencing a phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq "with the goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq by March 31, 2008, a date that is consistent with the expectation of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.[62][63] Announcing the act on the Senate floor, Obama stated that "no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else's civil war."[64]
However, Obama has not consistently supported cutting funding to the war as a way to end U.S. involvement in the conflict. He stated that, "Once we were in, we were going to have some responsibility to try to make it work as best we can".[65]
Pakistan
On August 1 2007 Obama declared in his foreign policy speech that the United States must be willing to strike al Qaeda targets inside Pakistan, with or without the consent of the Pakistani government. He claimed that if elected, "If we have actionable intelligence about high value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will".[66] On the same day in response, then-White House press secretary Tony Snow highlighted the policy's shift from the position established by the Bush Administration, he said: "Our approach to Pakistan is one that not only respects the sovereignty of Pakistan as a sovereign government, but is also designed to work in a way where we are working in cooperation with the local government".[67]
ABC News described the policy speech as "counterintuitive", and commented on how "one of the more liberal candidates in the race, is proposing a geopolitical posture that is more aggressive than that of President Bush".[68]
After weeks of discourse surrounding the policy, Obama said there was "misreporting" of his comments, claiming that, "I never called for an invasion of Pakistan or Afghanistan." He clarified that rather than a surge in the number of troops in Iraq, there needs to be a "diplomatic surge" and that if there were "actionable intelligence reports" showing al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, the U.S. troops as a last resort should enter and try to capture terrorists. That would happen, he added, only if "the Pakistani government was unable or unwilling" to go after the terrorists.[69]
Armenian Genocide
On January 19, 2008 Obama announced that as a U.S. Senator, he has stood with the Armenian American community in calling for Turkey's acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide, and supports its recognition. Two years ago Obama criticized the Secretary of State for the firing of United States Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, after he used the term "genocide" to describe Turkey's slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Armenians. Obama said that he shared with Secretary Rice his "firmly held conviction that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence".[70]
Social policy
His 2006 rating by the Almanac of American Politics (2008) on Social Policy is 77% liberal, 21% conservative. (2005: 77% liberal, 18% conservative.)[71]
Abortion and contraception
In his write-in response to a 1998 survey, Obama stated his abortion position as: "Abortions should be legally available in accordance with Roe v. Wade."[72]
While serving in the Illinois Senate, Obama had a 100 percent rating from the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council[73] due to his consistent voting in favor of legalized abortion, family planning services, and having female contraceptives covered by health insurance.[74] Since his election to the United States Senate Obama has maintained a 100 percent rating from Planned Parenthood (as of 2007) and NARAL (as of 2005).[75] While serving in the Illinois State Senate, Obama opposed the Illinois Born Alive Infants Protection Act, which requires medical care for aborted fetuses that survive. He argued that the legislation's wording defined the fetus as a child — a measure he said would "essentially bar abortions."[76]
[edit] Disability Rights
Obama was the only democratic presidential candidate to issue an unsolicited statement expressing his views on disability community issues. For example, he stated his intention to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and expressed his support of the ADA Restoration Act. He's one of the only candidates to acknowledge that universal healthcare is an issue of particular relevance to Americans with disabilities. disability statement video
Environment
Obama has taken the stance that global warming is human-caused, and that it must be addressed. He has a record of supporting environmentally friendly bills.
The issue of climate change is one that we ignore at our own peril. There may still be disputes about exactly how much is naturally occurring, but what we can be scientifically certain of is that our continued use of fossil fuels is pushing us to a point of no return. And unless we free ourselves from a dependence on these fossil fuels and chart a new course on energy in this country, we are condemning future generations to global catastrophe.[77]
He has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 by creating a market-based cap-and-trade system.[78] Obama also has plans for improving air and water quality through reduced pollution levels.[citation needed]
[edit] LGBT issues
Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment which would have defined marriage as between one man and one woman, but personally believes that marriage is defined as a religious bond between a man and a woman. He supports civil unions that would carry equal legal standing to that of marriage for same-sex couples, but believes that decisions about the title of marriage should be left to the states.[79][80][81]
Obama stated on 15 March 2007, that "I do not agree...that homosexuality is immoral."[82] During the 23 July 2007 CNN/YouTube debate, Obama further stated that "... we've got to make sure that everybody is equal under the law. And the civil unions that I proposed would be equivalent in terms of making sure that all the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for same-sex couples as well as for heterosexual couples."[83]
Obama was criticized for inviting allegedly anti-gay individuals Reverend Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary and Reverend Hezekiah Walker, to participate in a three-day gospel music campaign tour called "Embrace the Courage", as part of Obama's "40 Days of Faith and Family" campaign in South Carolina.[84] The Obama campaign responded to criticism in a press release, saying, "I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as president of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."[84] For events held Sunday, 28 October 2007, Obama added Reverend Andy Sidden, an openly gay pastor.[85]
Gun control
As a state legislator in Illinois, Obama supported banning the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic firearms, increasing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms and requiring manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.[86] He has also supported a ban on the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns.[87] He sponsored a bill in 2000 limiting handgun purchases to one per month. He also voted against a 2004 measure allowing a self-defense exception for people charged with violating local weapons bans by using a gun in their home.[88] Although out of line with most of his anti-gun voting history, in 1999, Obama voted "present" on SB 759, a bill that required mandatory adult prosecution for firing a gun on or near school grounds. The bill passed the state Senate 52-1.[89] Illinois allows lawmakers to abstain from issues by voting present instead of yes or no.
Obama was also a board member[90] of the Joyce Foundation which funds and maintains several gun control organizations in the United States.
He supported several gun control measures, including restricting the purchase of firearms at gun shows and the reauthorization of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.[91] While in the US Senate, Obama has voted against legislation protecting firearm manufacturers from liability.[92]. Obama did vote in favor of the 2006 Vitter Amendment to prohibit the confiscation of lawful firearms during an emergency or major disaster, which passed 84-16.[93]
He is rated F by the National Rifle Association.[94] The NRA describes the recipient of its F grade as a "true enemy of gun owners’ rights."[95]
] Death penalty
Obama believes the death penalty is used too frequently and inconsistently. However he is still in favor of it for cases in which "the community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage."[96] Speaking as a state senator about the Illinois legislature's constant additions to the list of factors that render a defendant eligible for the death penalty, Obama said, "We certainly don't think that we should [...] have this laundry list that does not make any distinctions between the run-of-the-mill armed robbery that results in death, and systematic killings by a terrorist organization. And I think essentially what the reduction of aggravating factors does is it says, 'Here's a narrower set of crimes that we think potentially at least could deserve the death penalty.'"[97] In his own words, "While the evidence tells me that the death penalty does little to deter crime, I believe there are some crimes--mass murder, the rape and murder of a child--so heinous that the community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage by meting out the ultimate punishment. On the other hand, the way capital cases were tried in Illinois at the time was so rife with error, questionable police tactics, racial bias, and shoddy lawyering, that 13 death row inmates had been exonerated." Source: The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama, p. 58 Oct 1, 2006.
Civil liberties
Obama voted in favor of the 2006 version of the Patriot Act.[98] He voted against the Military Commissions Act of 2006[99] and later voted to restore habeas corpus to those detained by the U.S. (which had been stripped by the Military Commissions Act).[98] He has advocated closing the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, but has not supported two specific bills that would have done so.[100] Obama opposes the use of torture[101] and warrantless domestic wiretaps by the U.S.[102] He voted against the Flag Desecration Amendment in 2006, arguing that flag burning didn't justify a constitutional amendment, but said that he would support a law banning flag burning.[103] The ACLU has given Obama a score of 80% on civil liberty issues.[104]
Religion
Obama has encouraged Democrats to reach out to evangelicals and other church-going people, saying, "if we truly hope to speak to people where they’re at—to communicate our hopes and values in a way that’s relevant to their own—we cannot abandon the field of religious discourse."[105][106]
Stem cell research
Obama supports embryonic stem cell research and was a co-sponsor[107] of the 2005 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act which was passed by both houses of Congress but vetoed by President George W. Bush. Obama condemned Bush's veto, saying, "Democrats want this bill to pass. Conservative, pro-life Republicans want this bill to pass. By large margins, the American people want this bill to pass. It is only the White House standing in the way of progress - standing in the way of so many potential cures." He also voted in favor of the 2007 bill for embryonic stem cell research that was passed but was also vetoed by President Bush.[108]
Marijuana decriminalization and medical marijuana
Barack Obama opposes legalization of marijuana, but supports easing the punishments for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Obama's campaign has said that as president, he "will review drug sentences to see where we can be smarter on crime and reduce the blind and counterproductive sentencing of non-violent offenders, and revisit instances where drug rehabilitation may be more appropriate." Obama has openly supported full decriminalization, which eliminates jail time and other penalties, including a criminal record, for possession of a small amount of marijuana,[109] but later revised his view, claiming an uncertainty over the definition of decriminalization.
Obama would support medical marijuana if the "science and doctors" indicate that it would be the best method of pain relief for the patient.[110]
Crime
Senator Obama is a strong proponent of tougher measures to fight crime and provide more resources to local law enforcement officers. He is particularly concerned about the growing problem of methamphetamine, which is ravaging many communities in Illinois.
Fighting the Spread of Methamphetamines
Senator Obama cosponsored the Combat Meth Act, which provides more money for fighting methamphetamine (meth), tightens controls on the sale of meth ingredients, and provides assistance to the children of meth abusers. The legislation would limit access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredient used to make methamphetamine. This bill passed the Senate and became law in the 109th Congress.
Senator Obama has supported greater funding to fight meth through the use of Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. The Byrne Grant program provides important funding to many local Illinois law enforcement groups. For example, the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group (SIEG), a meth taskforce that polices 31 Illinois counties, pays for 5 of its 12 agents through Byrne grants. During Senate consideration of the Department of Justice funding bill, Senator Obama cosponsored an amendment to raise Byrne funding to $900 million in 2006; the amendment passed the Senate.
Support for Local Law Enforcement
Senator Obama has been a strong supporter of efforts to increase funding and support for local law enforcement. He supported the reauthorization of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program in the 109th Congress and supports efforts to increase COPS funding. The COPS program provides local law enforcement funding for: (1) hiring and training law enforcement officers; (2) procuring equipment and support systems (3) paying officers to perform intelligence, anti-terror, or homeland security duties; and (4) developing new technologies, including inter-operable communications, and forensic technology. Since 1994, the COPS program has funded more than 5,800 additional police officers and sheriffs deputies in Illinois and over $45 million in crime fighting technology assistance.
Sex Offenders
Senator Obama cosponsored Dru's Law which creates a nationwide sex offender database and requires greater monitoring of sex offenders upon their release from prison. The bill passed the Senate in July of 2005. This legislation was incorporated into a larger bill, the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act, which Senator Obama supported and which has been signed into law.
He also cosponsored the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. This bill increases the penalties for sex crimes against children under the age of 12 and creates a national Internet site known as the National Sex Offender Public Registry. The bill would also provide grants to local law enforcement to assist in preventing and investigating sex crimes against minors.
Senator Obama is a cosponsor of the KIDS Act, which requires convicted sex offenders to provide their Internet identifiers, such as e-mail addresses and instant message addresses, for inclusion into the national sex offender registry.
Violence Against Women Act
Senator Obama cosponsored the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act which passed the Senate on October 4, 2005 and was subsequently signed into law. The Act provides important funding and assistance to help communities, non-profit organizations, and law enforcement combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Act establishes a sexual assault services program and provides grants for education programs to prevent domestic violence and encourage reporting of abuses.
Security for Federal Judges
After the horrific murder of an Illinois federal judge's mother and husband, Senator Obama and Senator Durbin worked together to beef up security at our federal courthouses. The Illinois senators secured $12 million to improve security for federal judges. Senator Obama also joined Senator Durbin in requesting a Government Accountability Office investigation into additional steps that can be taken to protect judges.
[Edited by wasted]
14th February 2008 02:48 PM
LadyJane
Thank you wasted.
I shall read intently later.
BTW, I really like your screen name!!!
LJ.
14th February 2008 02:53 PM
gimmekeef
Thanks wasted for the info....Unfortunately once a politician achieves real power they never actually do much of what they campaigned on or are on record as supporting.Most probably really try but the corruption of the whole system defeats them and we end up with empty compromises.Change?.....let me know in 2 yrs how thats workin for ya Obama
14th February 2008 02:55 PM
monkey_man
15th February 2008 07:08 AM
Riffhard
Monkey_man I do not particularly care for your sig! LOL!
Wonder where she found the old sesame street writers.
15th February 2008 01:12 PM
glencar
From wasted's post above...
Crime
Senator Obama is a strong proponent of tougher measures to fight crime and provide more resources to local law enforcement officers. He is particularly concerned about the growing problem of methamphetamine, which is ravaging many communities in Illinois.
Fighting the Spread of Methamphetamines
Senator Obama cosponsored the Combat Meth Act, which provides more money for fighting methamphetamine (meth), tightens controls on the sale of meth ingredients, and provides assistance to the children of meth abusers. The legislation would limit access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredient used to make methamphetamine. This bill passed the Senate and became law in the 109th Congress.
Senator Obama has supported greater funding to fight meth through the use of Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. The Byrne Grant program provides important funding to many local Illinois law enforcement groups. For example, the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group (SIEG), a meth taskforce that polices 31 Illinois counties, pays for 5 of its 12 agents through Byrne grants. During Senate consideration of the Department of Justice funding bill, Senator Obama cosponsored an amendment to raise Byrne funding to $900 million in 2006; the amendment passed the Senate.
So, this pointless war on drugs is going to be expanded? Let these people deal with their own problems; I don't want to arrest them & I don't want to help them. They're weak-minded pieces of crap & how much more effort has to go into this?
15th February 2008 01:14 PM
glencar
Gun control
As a state legislator in Illinois, Obama supported banning the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic firearms, increasing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms and requiring manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.[86] He has also supported a ban on the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns.[87] He sponsored a bill in 2000 limiting handgun purchases to one per month. He also voted against a 2004 measure allowing a self-defense exception for people charged with violating local weapons bans by using a gun in their home.[88] Although out of line with most of his anti-gun voting history, in 1999, Obama voted "present" on SB 759, a bill that required mandatory adult prosecution for firing a gun on or near school grounds. The bill passed the state Senate 52-1.[89] Illinois allows lawmakers to abstain from issues by voting present instead of yes or no.
Obama was also a board member[90] of the Joyce Foundation which funds and maintains several gun control organizations in the United States.
He supported several gun control measures, including restricting the purchase of firearms at gun shows and the reauthorization of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.[91] While in the US Senate, Obama has voted against legislation protecting firearm manufacturers from liability.[92]. Obama did vote in favor of the 2006 Vitter Amendment to prohibit the confiscation of lawful firearms during an emergency or major disaster, which passed 84-16.[93]
He is rated F by the National Rifle Association.[94] The NRA describes the recipient of its F grade as a "true enemy of gun owners’ rights."[95]
So, he's four square in favor of gun control? Kiss about 25 states away RIGHT NOW!
15th February 2008 01:15 PM
glencar
Environment
Obama has taken the stance that global warming is human-caused, and that it must be addressed. He has a record of supporting environmentally friendly bills.
The issue of climate change is one that we ignore at our own peril. There may still be disputes about exactly how much is naturally occurring, but what we can be scientifically certain of is that our continued use of fossil fuels is pushing us to a point of no return. And unless we free ourselves from a dependence on these fossil fuels and chart a new course on energy in this country, we are condemning future generations to global catastrophe.[77]
He has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 by creating a market-based cap-and-trade system.[78] Obama also has plans for improving air and water quality through reduced pollution levels.[citation needed]
So, this guy is an idiot! He's not as dishonest as Clinton but he's even stupider.
15th February 2008 01:17 PM
glencar
Armenian Genocide
On January 19, 2008 Obama announced that as a U.S. Senator, he has stood with the Armenian American community in calling for Turkey's acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide, and supports its recognition. Two years ago Obama criticized the Secretary of State for the firing of United States Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, after he used the term "genocide" to describe Turkey's slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Armenians. Obama said that he shared with Secretary Rice his "firmly held conviction that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence".[70]
So, pissing off Turkey is a key plank? This guy is truly moronic.
