November 26, 2008 by Jeremy.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!I know I have way too much to be thankful for and God has blessed me and my family abundantly.He has blessed us far more than we deserve and for that I am extremely grateful.

Posted in Jeremy, Other, Coherent Thoughts | Print | No Comments »

November 24, 2008 by RBuffordTJ.

If a man cuts his finger off while slicing salami at work, he blames the restaurant.

If you smoke three packs a day for 40 years and die of lung cancer, your family blames the tobacco company.

If you crash into a tree while driving home drunk, you blame the bartender.

If your grandchildren are  brats without manners, you blame television.

If your friend is shot by a deranged madman, you blame the gun manufacturer.

If a street racer crashes into a law  abiding citizen and kills them, you blame the police for not cracking down.

If your unable to pay your mortgage on a house you could never afford in the first place, you blame the mortgage company.

If a teenager goes on a shooting spree at his school, you blame video games.

If you gain too much weight and become diabetic you blame McDonalds for their “Super Size” meals.

And if a crazed person breaks into the cockpit and tries to kill the pilot at 35,000 feet,  and the passengers kill him instead, the mother of the crazed deceased blames the airline.

If you lose your job you blame the government, even though you don’t work for the government.

If I die while my butt is parked in front of this computer, I want all of you to blame it on Bill Gates.

WAKE UP AMERICA!  It is time to stand and take responsibility, lets stop playing the balme game.

Bufford

Posted in Entertainment, Gas Prices, Decision 2008, RBuffordTJ, Other, Politics, Coherent Thoughts, Current Events | Print | 1 Comment »

November 19, 2008 by Jeremy.

How Obama Got Elected… Interviews With Obama Voters

Zogby Poll: Almost No Obama Voters Ace Election Test

Posted in Decision 2008, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts, Politics | Print | 2 Comments »

November 6, 2008 by Jeremy.

Don’t let my last entry fool you. I am not going to give up in defeat. All this election has shown me is that it is time for COMMON SENSE more than ever and that’s what I will fight for in the coming days!

It is time that the Conservative movement really take hold and become TRUE CONSERVATISM once again!

Posted in Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts | Print | 5 Comments »

November 5, 2008 by Jeremy.

Well it is obvious that I am not happy with the results of the Presidential Election. (I did pretty good on the local level though).

I am disappointed that I had many people GLOATING in my office this morning. I thought the idea of Barack Obama was to be above that. If McCain had won I would never have thought about rubbing it in the faces of those of you that supported Obama. That is a childish act and makes me more proud that I voted for McCain and Palin.

I have to say that Obama ran the campaign that he needed to run in order to win this election. He got the college kids to buy into what he was selling and they voted for him in droves. Many of them are easily swayed to his ideals because the college kids are inundated with liberalism on a daily basis in the education system that we have in America. The colleges and universities are so swayed to the left it is really scary.

I am shocked that so many Americans wanted to elect the most liberal Senator in the Senate. Generally the candidate must be more middle of the road to win a national election. Then on top of that, all these new voters voted to give a gain of seats for the Democrats in the House and the Senate. That’s what is really scary.

The polling showed that a lot of people voted based on emotion in this election and its hard to fight against something like that. People wanted to believe in this Hope and Change message but now we’ll see if it can be delivered. I’ll bet not and you can quote me on that.

All that being said, I have one last thing to say:

Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama.

Posted in Decision 2008, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts, Politics | Print | 3 Comments »

November 3, 2008 by Jeremy.

PRINCIPLES & VALUES

Senator John McCain

• I am not President Bush; so don’t run against him!. (Oct 2008)
• Governors Clinton & Reagan were underestimated too. (Sep 2008)
• America is an idea and a cause worth fighting for. (Sep 2008)
• I’m running for president because my country saved me. (Sep 2008)
• Serve a cause greater than yourself. (Sep 2008)
• I’m a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth. (Sep 2008)
• Palin has governed our largest state & 20% of US’s energy. (Sep 2008)
• Obama lacks judgment, not experience; Palin has judgment. (Sep 2008)
• Reform, prosperity, and peace. (Aug 2008)
• My most basic conservative principle: liberty comes from God. (Feb 2008)
• Disagrees with his mom; he can unite the party. (Feb 2008)
• Anticipates spirited debate on differences with Democrats. (Feb 2008)
• Proud of Justice O’Connor; favor Roberts and Alito. (Jan 2008)
• Reagan knows that I stick with my principles. (Jan 2008)
• GovWatch: No, Constitution says we’re not a Christian nation. (Jan 2008)
• Able to work with others with own set of principles. (Dec 2007)
• Op-Ed: Unexamined as both straight-talker and as maverick. (Oct 2007)
• Most important part of decision-making is self-awareness. (Aug 2007)
• If I lose capacity for anger, I lose capacity to serve. (Apr 2007)
• Needs independents to win ‘08 primary; but GOP dislikes them. (Oct 2005)
• Courage is the capacity for action despite our fears. (Apr 2004)
• Humility from surviving veterans is remarkable. (Apr 2004)
• Just government is derived from the consent of the governed. (Apr 2004)
• We need moral courage to be honest all the time. (Apr 2004)
• Do the thing you think you cannot do. (Apr 2004)
• The allure of pride affects adults like it affects children. (Apr 2004)
• We are indebted to those who shed blood for us. (Apr 2004)
• It’s love that makes courage necessary. (Apr 2004)
• Political style is to be straightforward. (Sep 2002)
• Principles are more important than personal happiness. (Sep 2002)
• Temper is same as other senators–he’s just more famous. (May 2002)
• Keep tight reign on emotions–not to high nor too depressed. (May 2002)
• Fight to restore the pride and principles of our party. (Sep 2008)
• Faith bridges unbridgeable gaps in humanity. (Feb 2000)
• Calls himself conservative who attracts political center. (Feb 2000)
• Foreign policy should not be shaped by photo-ops & polls. (Jan 2000)
• Restore, renew, reform, & reinvigorate government. (Sep 1999)
• “New Patriotic Challenge”: stand against cynicism. (Sep 1999)
• Public officials have failed to set example for society. (Aug 1999)
  

  Campaign Themes

• I fight for Americans; I fight for you. (Sep 2008)
• Warning to Washington crowd: Change is coming. (Sep 2008)
• Fight for what’s right for our country. (Sep 2008)
• I’m a mainstream conservative; judge my record as a whole. (Feb 2008)
• This 2008 election is about hugely consequential things. (Feb 2008)
• The vision, knowledge, and background to be president. (Jan 2008)
• People want the truth, even if they disagree. (Jan 2008)
• I didn’t manage for profit, I led for patriotism. (Oct 2007)
• Philosophy of worthy sacrifice from For Whom the Bell Tolls. (Oct 2007)
• Hard Calls: consider stakes; time; preparedness; confidence. (Aug 2007)
• Reform gov’t, fight Islamic extremism; & restore integrity. (Apr 2007)
• I am here to serve, but not necessarily as president. (Apr 2007)
• Looks to Reagan, Teddy Roosevelt, & Eisenhower as models. (Apr 2007)
• Loyalty is important, but performance should come first. (Apr 2007)
• Man of the People: happy to be a Republican and a Reaganite. (Jan 2004)
• Straight Talk focuses on appeal via authenticity. (May 2002)
  

  Iraq War

• Obama broke his word on public campaign financing. (Oct 2008)
  

  Past Campaigns

• GovWatch: 2002: Religious Right are “agents of intolerance”. (Feb 2008)
• FactCheck: Won NH & SC via independents, but lost GOP vote. (Jan 2008)
• 1983: Claiming Hanoi residency ended carpetbagger accusation. (Oct 2007)
• Keating Five scandal converted him to champion of reform. (Oct 2007)
• Keating Five: investigated during 90s Savings & Loan scandal. (Oct 2007)
• Absent from Values Voter Presidential Debate. (Sep 2007)
• GOP lost 2006 due to corrupt spending, spending, spending. (Jun 2007)
• Straight Talk America PAC endorses 60 House candidates. (Dec 2006)
• McCain’s PAC endorses 19 Senate & 17 governor candidates. (Dec 2006)
• Denounces “Swift Boat Vets” ads as dishonest. (Aug 2004)
• 2000 race: More grass-roots populism than Republicanism. (Jan 2004)
• 2000 race: Maverick positions became threat to GOP. (Jan 2004)
• Residual bitterness at Bush from 2000 campaign. (May 2002)
• Time for closure on a bizarre situation. (Nov 2000)
• Suspends campaign, citing Republican preference for Bush. (Mar 2000)
• Will take reform crusade back to the Senate. (Mar 2000)
• Leaves race, urging service to country. (Mar 2000)
• Reagan Republican: simplify taxes, stop waste, pay down debt. (Mar 2000)
• Support conservative issues, not far-right leaders. (Mar 2000)
• The GOP should be inclusive. (Feb 2000)
• Campaigning to return government to the people. (Sep 1999)
  

  Personal History

• Favorite movie: “Viva Zapata”, a heroic tale of sacrifice. (Sep 2008)
• Inspired by Reagan while in the North Vietnam prison camps. (Jan 2008)
• Spent 10 years “doing everything I can to control my temper”. (Oct 2007)
• As teenager, inherited obligation to attend Annapolis. (Sep 2007)
• Admiral Slew McCain set John’s standard for grit & courage. (Sep 2007)
• Born at a Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone. (Sep 2007)
• Relationship with father was one of respect, more than love. (Sep 2007)
• Not youngest candidate, but certainly the most prepared. (May 2007)
• Admiral McCain’s health failed after retiring from the Navy. (Sep 2002)
• Spent nearly 23 years on active duty in the Navy. (Sep 2002)
• Survived as POW by faith to a higher cause. (Nov 1999)
• Refused release to hurt Vietnamese & remain loyal to POWs. (Nov 1999)
• Graduated 5th from bottom of Naval Academy class. (Nov 1999)
• “Profligate rake” during Academy and Junior Officer years. (Nov 1999)
  

  Voting Record

• Voted with Republican Party 87.3% of 165 votes. (Sep 2007)
• Vote based on character, not issues. (Jan 2000)
• Voted YES on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
• Voted YES on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
• Religious affiliation: Episcopalian. (Nov 2000)
• Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
• Rated 33% by the AU, a mixed record on church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Senator Barack Obama

• Bill Ayers is not & will not be involved with my campaign. (Oct 2008)
• FactCheck: Spoke at ACORN events, as well as court case. (Oct 2008)
• Ordinary people found the courage to keep the promise alive. (Aug 2008)
• The Ownership Society really means “you’re on your own”. (Aug 2008)
• Measure progress by observing how ordinary people are doing. (Aug 2008)
• Our government must keep the promise of America. (Aug 2008)
• Fulfilling America’s promise means individual participation. (Aug 2008)
• To John McCain: We all put our country first. (Aug 2008)
• The Republicans make a big election about small things. (Aug 2008)
• The American promise is our greatest inheritance. (Aug 2008)
• We have to demand more from ourselves. (Jul 2008)
• I revere the American flag; I don’t refuse to wear flag pins. (Apr 2008)
• FactCheck: Yes, refused to wear a flag pin, last year. (Apr 2008)
• Actions can be seen in 20 years of my public service. (Feb 2008)
• Wouldn’t be running if I didn’t think I was prepared. (Feb 2008)
• FactCheck: Ranked most liberal in Senate, based on 99 votes. (Feb 2008)
• The Clinton years were undeniably better than the Bush years. (Jan 2008)
• Turn the page on the failed politics & policies of the past. (Jan 2008)
• Made the right decisions that were not politically popular. (Jan 2008)
• Gave away all Rezko “boneheaded” donations to charity. (Nov 2007)
• 2 years older than JFK when JFK ran for president. (Nov 2007)
• On “inexperience”: he wrote policy books that media ignores. (Oct 2007)
• Don’t know if life beyond earth; focus on life here on earth. (Oct 2007)
• Criticizes voter cynicism from decades of disappointment. (Oct 2007)
• Voted with Democratic Party 96.0% of 251 votes. (Sep 2007)
• The Plan: Raise Obama’s profile, including African adventure. (Aug 2007)
• Assigned RFK’s Senate desk; invokes RFK regularly. (Feb 2007)
• Convention speech understood country yearns for unity. (Oct 2006)
• Post-1960s politics more about moral attitude than issues. (Oct 2006)
• Americans dislike partisanship–not solution like Dems think. (Oct 2006)
• Enlist the American people in the process of self-government. (Jan 2006)
• Be strong or be clever and make peace. (Aug 1996)
• Guilt is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (Aug 1996)
  

  Campaign Themes

• We’re more decent & compassionate than last 8 years. (Aug 2008)
• The destiny of all Americans is inextricably linked. (Aug 2008)
• ¡Sí, se puede! Yes, we can!. (Jun 2008)
• Key issue is McCain following Bush on war & economy. (Jun 2008)
• This union may never be perfect, but can always be perfected. (Mar 2008)
• Go beyond the divisions so that the government can work. (Feb 2008)
• Life experiences taught me how to bring people together. (Feb 2008)
• People understand we must bring the country together. (Feb 2008)
• I have shown the right judgment to lead. (Feb 2008)
• Labels like “most liberal” prevent problem-solving. (Feb 2008)
• Overcome politics of demonizing opponents. (Jan 2008)
• End politics of division; make it about addition. (Jan 2008)
• We are choosing hope over fear. (Jan 2008)
• Hope is the bedrock of this nation. (Jan 2008)
• If you join me I promise you we can change America. (Dec 2007)
• Resounds with American theme of overcoming burden of history. (Nov 2007)
• Cultivates comparison to Jack Kennedy. (Nov 2007)
• Campaigns assiduously in black churches. (Nov 2007)
• Viral video “I Got a Crush on Obama” by Obama Girl. (Nov 2007)
• Community politics: merges Alinsky & political activism. (Oct 2007)
• Apply lessons from both Goldwater and McGovern. (Oct 2007)
• Invites supporters to join him on “This Improbable Quest”. (Oct 2007)
• Resolve “most electable” vs.”most progressive” by being both. (Oct 2007)
• Turn the page: invite GOP & independents to join in agenda. (Sep 2007)
• Seen as both critical outsider and establishment insider. (Aug 2007)
• People have an urgent desire for change in Washington. (Jul 2007)
• A “hopemonger”, having seen the power of hope. (Jun 2007)
• Washington can change if we say: Yes we can. (Mar 2007)
• Replace partisan bickering with politics of hope. (Feb 2007)
• I’ve been in DC long enough to know that it must change. (Feb 2007)
• Portrayed as a multiplier instead of a divider. (Oct 2006)
• Progressives should recognize common morality with religion. (Oct 2006)
• “Audacity of Hope” to change politics to reflect common good. (Oct 2006)
• Seek common ground, not a moral crusade. (Oct 2004)
• Offer real hope-not blind optimism-to the American people. (Jul 2004)
• I’m living my parents’ dreams and the American dream. (Jul 2004)
• Greatness based on Declaration of Independence, not military. (Jul 2004)
• We are one people all defending the United States of America. (Jul 2004)
• Want common-sense solutions, not liberal-conservative labels. (Jul 2004)
  

  Past Campaigns

• Campaigning on change from the bottom up that King stood for. (Jan 2008)
• Ran for Congress in 2000 & lost. (Nov 2007)
• 1990: Elected Law Review president with conservative support. (Aug 2007)
• State Senate opponents disqualified on technicality. (Aug 2007)
• Senate 2004 campaign theme: “Yes we can”. (Aug 2007)
• 2004: Won Senate seat against Alan Keyes, 70%-29%. (Aug 2007)
• Lost Congressional primary in 1999 to Bobby Rush. (Feb 2007)
  

  Personal History

• Favorite movie: “The Godfather”, for respect & family. (Sep 2008)(Or that’s totally how Chicago Politics work and Obama was looking for some ideas)
  
• GovWatch: “Worked his way thru college” meant 2 summer jobs. (Jul 2008)
• In no other country is my story even possible. (Mar 2008)
• FactCheck: Took Rezko’s donations, but never represented him. (Jan 2008)
• “Dreams From My Father” is an archetypal search. (Dec 2007)
• Obama REPRESENTS something; doesn’t have to DO anything. (Dec 2007)
• Won Grammy for recording “Dreams from My Father”. (Nov 2007)
• Real estate deal with felon was “boneheaded” but ethical. (Oct 2007)
• First major politician of the post-Baby Boom generation. (Oct 2007)
• Most decisive moment: transition from high school to college. (Aug 2007)
• High school jock–played football as defensive lineman. (Aug 2007)
• Goal as youth: Leave the world a better place. (Aug 2007)
• Planned on presidency since well before 2004 Convention. (Aug 2007)
• Dreams from My Father originally about Harvard Law Review. (Aug 2007)
• Favorite authors: E. L. Doctorow & Shakespeare. (Aug 2007)
• To understand Obama, understand Hawaii’s cultural mix. (Aug 2007)
• Father was first African exchange student at U. Hawaii. (Aug 2007)
• Met Michelle Robinson at law firm; married in 1990. (Aug 2007)
• A reformed smoker but occasionally burns one. (Mar 2007)
• Traces ancestry to Jefferson Davis, President of Confederacy. (Feb 2007)
• Personal story is basis of political desire to unite. (Feb 2007)
• Greeted as hero on visit to ancestral Kenya. (Feb 2007)
• Father died in car crash before Barack got to know him. (Feb 2007)
• Moved to Illinois as community organizer, for $13,000 a year. (Feb 2007)
• Born in Hawaii; lives on Chicago’s South Side. (Nov 2006)
• Full name: Barack Hussein Obama; family calls him “Barry”. (Oct 2006)
• First black president of the Harvard Law Review. (Jul 2004)
• Poverty of political organizers was proof of their integrity. (Aug 1996)
  

  Racism & Race

• Taking a black candidate for granted is measure of progress. (Jun 2008)
• Rev. Wright and flag pins re distractions from real issues. (Apr 2008)
• FactCheck: William Ayres never killed anyone with bombs. (Apr 2008)
• This candidacy is not just an exercise in affirmative action. (Mar 2008)
• We’ve never really worked through complexities of race. (Mar 2008)
• Working together we can move beyond some old racial wounds. (Mar 2008)
• Intertwined search for father and racial identity. (Dec 2007)
• A Bound Man: inner turmoil of 1960s black nationalism. (Dec 2007)
• Rooted in African-American community but also more than that. (Dec 2007)
• Embodies smothering racial power in individual democracy. (Dec 2007)
• More influenced by his race than public perceives. (Dec 2007)
• In college, rejected multiracialism for black identity. (Dec 2007)
• Whites sense that Barack grants them “benefit of the doubt”. (Dec 2007)
• Fans see Obama as opportunity to vote for redemption. (Dec 2007)
• Bradley effect: black candidates poll above actual votes. (Oct 2007)
• Veiled racism in dismissing Obama as “unqualified”. (Oct 2007)
• Catching a cab, no one questions he’s “authentically black”. (Jul 2007)
• Issue of race has given Senate a black eye. (Mar 2007)
• Convention keynote speech highlights party’s black targeting. (Jul 2004)
• America’s race and class problems are intertwined. (Aug 1996)
• There is some hope of eventual reconciliation between races. (Aug 1996)
• Racism wasn’t merely the cruelty involved, but arrogance too. (Aug 1996)
  

  Religion

• FactCheck: Did not say “I will stand with the Muslims”. (Aug 2008)
• GovWatch: never a Muslim, but school listed him as Muslim. (Jun 2008)
• I joined church to commit to Christ, not to Rev. Wright. (May 2008)
• In hard times, people take refuge in traditions, God & guns. (Apr 2008)
• I am a person of faith; and I reach out to people of faith. (Apr 2008)
• Blacks are angry; but I dissociate myself from Rev. Wright. (Apr 2008)
• Religion is foundational; not clinging nor elitist. (Apr 2008)
• Rev. Jeremiah Wright helped bring me to Christianity. (Apr 2008)
• Exposure to Islam taught me that Muslims can partner with us. (Apr 2008)
• I am a proud Christian who believes deeply in Jesus Christ. (Jan 2008)
• Despite attack email, pledges Allegiance & uses Bible. (Jan 2008)
• Attends church with press, to dispel rumors that he’s Muslim. (Dec 2007)
• Joined church that emphasized a “Black Value System”. (Dec 2007)
• Madrassa myth perpetuated by false email & fabricated story. (Oct 2007)
• Uses prayer to take stock of his moral compass. (Oct 2007)
• Reach out to faith community;faith has role in public square. (Sep 2007)
• Active in the Trinity faith community. (Aug 2007)
• Carries Bible on campaign trail, & refers to it weekly. (Aug 2007)
• Embrace Christ as an ally. (Mar 2007)
• Source of his book title “Audacity of Hope” was a sermon. (Feb 2007)
• Raised secular, but with working knowledge of world religion. (Oct 2006)
• Baptized as an adult in the Trinity United Church of Christ. (Oct 2006)
• Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values. (Oct 2006)
• There’s a call to evangelize in politics. (Apr 2004)
• I’m a big believer in the separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
• Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools. (Aug 1996)
  

  Voting Record

• Biggest mistake was intruding in Terri Schiavo case. (Apr 2007)
• Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
• Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
• Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
• Reject Bush’s Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
• Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Governor Sarah Palin

• By working with all parties, never had to compromise. (Oct 2008)
• Admires Geraldine Ferraro & George Bush Sr. (Oct 2008)
• Favorite movie: “Hoosiers”, for underdog tenacity. (Oct 2008)
• Shares McCain world view of US as shining city on the hill. (Oct 2008)
• OpEd: Vetting process for V.P. included no one in Alaska. (Sep 2008)
• Proud of being a Washington outsider. (Sep 2008)
• Good-old-boy networks are created by both parties. (Sep 2008)
• Americans are just getting sick & tired of politics as usual. (Sep 2008)
• When I hear our National Anthem, I get a lump in my throat. (Sep 2008)
• Came of age in the era of Reagan; thinks about him daily. (Sep 2008)
• There is a plan for this world and that plan is for good. (Sep 2008)
• Small towns produced Harry Truman as V.P.; and produced me. (Sep 2008)
• OpEd: shores up McCain as a conservative AND as a maverick. (Sep 2008)
• Before selection, questioned role of vice president. (Sep 2008)
• Gained political prominence as a whistleblower. (Aug 2008)
• Shatter that glass ceiling once and for all. (Aug 2008)
• Leadership is a responsibility to prepare for tomorrow. (Jan 2008)
• Top priorities for AK include ethics & balanced budget. (Mar 2007)
• Decries “politics as usual” of attacking opponents. (Nov 2006)
• Endorsed by Sen. Ted Stevens. (Oct 2006)
• Endorsed by United Fishermen of Alaska (commercial group). (Oct 2006)
  

  Mayorship & Governorship

• Known to Wasilla residents as personable multi-tasker. (Sep 2008)
• Embraced “City of Character” religious program as mayor. (Sep 2008)
• Signed up for PTA; then ran for City Council; then Mayor. (Sep 2008)
• Trounced incumbent governor in 2006 on platform of reform. (Aug 2008)
  

  Personal History

• Miss Congeniality in statewide beauty pageant in 1984. (Aug 2008)
• Star high school athlete in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. (Aug 2008)
• Voted “Miss Wasilla” in local beauty contest; eloped at 24. (Aug 2008)
• Husband left oil job to avoid conflict; now works for BP. (Aug 2008)
• Husband is part Eskimo; won Iron Dog snowmobile races. (Aug 2008)
• Raises kids with network of relatives, plus Todd as Mr. Mom. (Aug 2008)
• Had 6 months to adapt & prepare for Down syndrome baby. (Aug 2008)
• Studied journalism; ran for office to make a difference. (Aug 2008)
  

  Religion

• OpEd: Core values defined by political ambition plus church. (Sep 2008)
• I’m one of those bitter people clinging to guns & religion. (Sep 2008)
• Religion: non-denominational Bible-believing Christian. (Aug 2008)
• Declare a National Day of Prayer in Alaska. (Apr 2008)
• The Bible has profoundly influenced America. (Oct 2007)
• Recognize America’s historic and founding Christian heritage. (Sep 2007)
• Fight for freedom of religion and freedom of expression. (Oct 2006)
  

  Troopergate

• OpEd: Popularity hurt by Troopergate and at-home per-diem. (Sep 2008)
• Troopergate: brother-in-law tasered child, but still trooper. (Sep 2008)
• Fired controversial state trooper for threatening family. (Aug 2008)
• Investigated for firing ex-brother-in-law in custody battle. (Aug 2008)
• Independent prosecutor probing Cabinet firing. (Jul 2008)
• Replaced Public Safety commissioner based on lack of results. (Jul 2008)
• Denies all allegations in Department of Public Safety affair. (Jul 2008)

 Senator Joe Biden

• As VP, I’ll be point person in Congress. (Oct 2008)
• Cheney has been most dangerous VP in history. (Oct 2008)
• Models his role on LBJ’s vice presidency. (Oct 2008)
• Favorite movie: “Chariots of Fire”, for real heroism. (Oct 2008)
• 35-year track record of accomplishments. (Oct 2008)
• McCain no maverick on education, health care, and debt. (Oct 2008)
• Failure is at times inevitable but giving up is unforgivable. (Aug 2008)
• Everyone is your equal, and everyone is equal to you. (Aug 2008)
• We need a wise leader like Obama, not just a good soldier. (Aug 2008)
• We should embrace change just like the previous generations. (Aug 2008)
• Focus on Iraq, ending torture, healthcare, and education. (Dec 2007)
• Insulted Indian-Americans in attempt to compliment vibrancy. (Nov 2007)
• Giuliani is truly not qualified to be president. (Oct 2007)
• MoveOn.org has not changed politics. (Sep 2007)
• Prayer gives you strength, but doesn’t prevent crises. (Aug 2007)
• Most decisive moment: engaging in civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
• Next president has no margin of error, post-Bush. (Aug 2007)
• Politics is a noble calling. (Jul 2007)
• Childhood stuttering strengthened me. (Jul 2007)
• 1970: won first election, to County Council, in GOP district. (Jul 2007)
• 1972: beat GOP incumbent; 2nd youngest Senator ever elected. (Jul 2007)
• 1972: Wife & child killed in pre-inauguration auto accident. (Jul 2007)
• Remarried in 1977, willing to give up Senate for Jill. (Jul 2007)
• 1988: Presidential run intended as base-building for 1992. (Jul 2007)
• 1988: plagiarized law school paper, but not malevolently. (Jul 2007)
• 1988: suffered aneurysm requiring brain surgery. (Jul 2007)
• Religion informs my values; my reason dictates outcomes. (Jul 2007)
• His book “Promises to Keep” written before presidential race. (Jul 2007)
• Apologized for saying Barack Obama was clean and articulate. (Apr 2007)
• Embellishment forced withdrawal from 1988 presidential race. (Apr 2007)
• Biggest mistake was thinking he could work with George Bush. (Apr 2007)
• Knocked out of 1988 race due to plagiarizing a speech. (Oct 2005)
• Plans to seek presidential nomination in 2008. (Jun 2005)
• Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
• Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
• Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
• Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Source: http://www.issues2000.org/default.htm

Posted in Decision 2008, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts, Politics | Print | No Comments »

October 31, 2008 by Jeremy.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Senator John McCain

• FactCheck: Pushed for immediate withdrawal from Somalia. (Oct 2008)
• FactCheck: Voted against Lebanon deployment, but post-hoc. (Oct 2008)
• Credit Bush, troops, & luck, for not another 9/11. (Sep 2008)
• I hate war; it’s terrible beyond imagination. (Sep 2008)
• Clinton & Bush missed opportunities to get bin Laden. (Sep 2008)
• Disagrees with Bush often; but credits no attacks since 9/11. (Aug 2008)
• Applying habeas to Guantanamo let 30 terrorists attack US. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: Only 13 Gitmo recidivists & none attacked US. (Jun 2008)
• Improve human intelligence to get Osama bin Laden. (Jan 2008)
• Surveillance of overseas communications is ok. (Dec 2007)
• Ok to hold even US citizens as enemy combatants. (Dec 2007)
• Consult lawyers on war decisions; no half-cocked war basis. (Oct 2007)
• Ran the largest squadron in the US Navy. (Oct 2007)
• After 9/11, ask Americans to join military or AmeriCorps. (Oct 2007)
• Let loose smart, tough spies to catch Bin Laden. (Oct 2007)
• His Military Commissions Act ended up denying habeas corpus. (Oct 2007)
• 1973: Spokesperson for Operation Homecoming. (Oct 2007)
• 1977:Appointed as Navy liaison to Congress. (Oct 2007)
• I’ve spent my life leading on national security issues. (Sep 2007)
• Radical Islamic extremism is a hydra-headed challenge. (Aug 2007)
• I support the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war. (Jan 2006)
• We must provide our children a strong, better country. (Aug 2004)
• A lack of complacency shouldn’t provoke a lack of confidence. (Aug 2004)
• We don’t have as much to fear as we had in the past. (Apr 2004)
• Those who gave their lives deserve to be remembered. (Apr 2004)
• First reaction to Sept 11: “This is war”. (May 2002)
• Argued for base closings even in the wake of 9/11. (May 2002)
• Channel fear into productive missions and activities. (May 2002)
• “Rogue state rollback” avoids use of US troops. (Mar 2000)
• Accepts gays in military under current policy. (Jan 2000)
• Military’s political leaders need military backgrounds. (Jan 2000)
• Women have proven themselves in combat-no restrictions. (Dec 1999)
• Bombing useless targets in Vietnam destroyed US morale. (Nov 1999)
• Pres. needs experience more than briefing books. (Sep 1999)
• Discard ABM Treaty and develop a missile defense. (Apr 1999)
• Use force, with US control, only for vital interests. (Apr 1999)
  

  Defense Spending

• Make all defense contracts fixed-cost; costs out of control. (Sep 2008)
• Cited 245 pork projects, or $3.5M waste in defense bill. (Oct 2007)
• Clean up waste in defense acquisition. (May 2007)
• Eliminate defense pork, but increase most other defense. (Nov 2004)
• Terminate C-130, B-2, and Seawolf; use funds to modernize. (Dec 1999)
• Politicians keep unneeded bases open for political purposes. (Dec 1999)
• Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
• $6.4B of military spending waste is a disgrace. (Oct 1999)
• Raise military pay to avoid military draft. (Aug 1999)
• Military personnel on food stamps is a national disgrace. (Aug 1999)
• Europeans should spend more on defense, within NATO. (Apr 1999)
  

  Torture

• Bush administration’s waterboarding was torture. (Aug 2008)
• Hiding torture is wrong, and harms US credibility abroad. (Dec 2007)
• Waterboarding is torture; we’re not going to torture people. (Nov 2007)
• Waterboarding is torture; & as A.G., Mukasey will declare it. (Nov 2007)
• Torture supported only by people without military experience. (Sep 2007)
• Torture is ineffective as interrogation & for world opinion. (May 2007)
• Close Guantanamo Bay prison; announce no-torture policy. (Apr 2007)
• Torture has never worked throughout history. (Apr 2007)
  

  Vietnam

• Experience has taught me: the US military must not fail. (Sep 2008)
• Inappropriate to lie to public; tell Americans what we face. (Sep 2008)
• Vietnam generation still haunted by specter of Vietnam. (Oct 2007)
• Casualty of Vietnam was loss of America’s faith in herself. (Oct 2007)
• Worked with John Kerry on Vietnam POWs. (Oct 2007)
• Immutable principle of war: luck is unreliable. (Aug 2007)
• Vietnam not wrong, but how it was fought and led was. (Sep 2002)
• Disagrees with Perot: No more POWs in Vietnam. (Feb 2000)
• Vietnam was a worthy cause despite losing. (Nov 1999)
  

  Voting Record

• Keep “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy - it works. (Jan 2000)
• Voted NO on limiting soldiers’ deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
• Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
• Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
• Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
• Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
• Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
• Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
• Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Sponsored bill giving higher priority to rail security. (Jul 2005)
• Sponsored bill banning torture of terrorists in US custody. (Jul 2005)
• Innovate intelligence-gathering for future hard targets. (Mar 2005)
• Assessments of al Qaida in Afghanistan in 2001 were accurate. (Mar 2005)
• CIA needs more focus on counterterrorism. (Mar 2005)
• So-called Legal Issues are myths; not real CIA hindrances. (Mar 2005)
• Intelligence community shares information poorly. (Mar 2005)
• CIA should work more with scientists to understand WMDs. (Mar 2005)
• Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
• Improve educational assistance for veterans. (Apr 2008)

Senator Barack Obama

• Obama Doctrine: moral interest as well as national interest. (Oct 2008)
• Strategic issue is where to send & how to fund our troops. (Sep 2008)
• Inappropriate to lie to public; just don’t answer questions. (Sep 2008)
• Disrupting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan prevented another 9/11. (Sep 2008)
• Islam in 1970s was not opposed to West & rule of law. (Jul 2008)
• Go after al Qaeda but also shrink pool of potential recruits. (Jul 2008)
• No torture; no renditions; no operating out of fear. (Apr 2008)
• Al Qaida is stronger now than in 2001 as Iraq distracted us. (Jan 2008)
• Colleges must allow military recruiters for ROTC on campus. (Jan 2008)
• No presidential power for secret surveillance. (Dec 2007)
• No holding US citizens as unlawful enemy combatants. (Dec 2007)
• Congress decides what constitutes torture, not president. (Dec 2007)
• No torture; defiance of FISA; no military commissions. (Dec 2007)
• Restore habeas corpus to reach Muslims abroad. (Dec 2007)
• Human rights and national security are complementary. (Nov 2007)
• Don’t allow our politics to be driven by fear of terrorism. (Nov 2007)
• 2006: Obama-Lugar bill restricted conventional weapons. (Oct 2007)
• Judgment is as important as experience. (Oct 2007)
• If attacked, first help victims then prevent further attacks. (Oct 2007)
• America cannot sanction torture; no loopholes or exceptions. (Sep 2007)
• Repeal Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell. (Aug 2007)
• 2005: Passed bill to reduce conventional weapon stockpiles. (Aug 2007)
• We are no safer now than we were after 9/11. (Aug 2007)
• Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus. (Jun 2007)
• Homeland security must protect citizens, not intrude on them. (Mar 2007)
• America must practice the patriotism it preaches. (Mar 2007)
• Personal privacy must be protected even in terrorism age. (Mar 2007)
• Get first responders the healthcare and equipment they need. (Mar 2007)
• Need to be both strong and smart on national defense. (Oct 2006)
• Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules. (Oct 2006)
• Battling terrorism must go beyond belligerence vs. isolation. (Oct 2006)
• Going after Al Qaeda in Pakistan is not Bush-style invasion. (Jan 2006)
• We are currently inspecting 3% of all incoming cargo. (Oct 2004)
• Balance domestic intelligence reform with civil liberty risk. (Jul 2004)
• Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available. (Jul 2004)
  

  National Service

• Serving America doesn’t mean going out shopping. (Oct 2008)
• $4,000 tuition tax credit in exchange for community service. (Jun 2008)
• Expand Peace Corps and AmeriCorps to 266,000 slots. (Feb 2008)
• Put forward a national service program. (Jan 2008)
• Give 18-year-old women opportunity to serve. (Dec 2007)
• Register women for draft, but not for combat. (Jul 2007)
  

  Nuclear Weapons

• Seek the peace of a world without nuclear weapons. (Jul 2008)
• Pursue goal of a world without nuclear weapons. (Feb 2008)
• Rebuild a nuclear nonproliferation strategy. (Jan 2008)
• Protecting nuclear power plants is of utmost importance. (Mar 2007)
• Rebuild the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. (Jan 2006)
• Increase funding to decommission Russian nukes. (Jul 2004)
  

  Veterans

• Unacceptable to have veterans drive 250 miles to a hospital. (Feb 2008)
• Improve veterans’ mental health treatment & PTSD benefits. (Feb 2008)
• Support veterans via the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act. (Aug 2007)
• Address the deficiencies in the VA system. (Jun 2007)
• The cost of the Iraq war should not shortchange VA benefits. (Jun 2007)
• Make sure the outpatient facilities work for veterans. (Jun 2007)
• Comprehensive plan for our veterans healthcare. (Mar 2007)
  

  Voting Record

• FactCheck: Promised to repeal Patriot Act, then voted for it. (Jan 2008)
• Wrote law to secure & destroy world’s deadliest weapons. (Feb 2007)
• Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
• Voted YES on limiting soldiers’ deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
• Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
• Improve mental health care benefits for returning veterans. (Jun 2008)
• Study & address suicides among veterans. (Apr 2008)
• Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)
• Establish global strategy to defeat al Qaeda. (Feb 2008)

Governor Sarah Palin

• Economic sanctions on North Korea for nukes. (Oct 2008)
• Terrorists in Iraq are the biggest threat to Americans today. (Oct 2008)
• Pakistani people & leaders want to get rid of terrorists. (Sep 2008)
• Fight terrorism to spread democratic ideals in world. (Sep 2008)
• Any country that houses Islamic terrorists is a danger to US. (Sep 2008)
• Energy is a foundation of national security. (Sep 2008)
• Only a very small percent of Islamic believers are extreme. (Sep 2008)
• Agrees with Bush Doctrine, if enough legitimate intel. (Sep 2008)
• Focus on fighting Al-Qaeda terrorists, not on reading rights. (Sep 2008)
• Strong military and sound energy. (Aug 2008)
• Armed forces, including my son, give us security and freedom. (Jan 2008)
• Ask all candidates “Are you doing all you can for security?”. (Oct 2007)
• Visits Kuwait; encourages Alaska big game hunting to troops. (Sep 2007)
• Obligation to support our troops, even if criticizing war. (Jun 2007)
• Proclaim “Loyalty Day” to reaffirm loyalty to America. (Apr 2007)
• Promote from within, in Alaska’s National Guard. (Nov 2006)
• Let military personnel know how much we support them. (Nov 2006)

 Senator Joe Biden

• We spend same in 3 weeks in Iraq as 7 years in Afghanistan. (Oct 2008)
• Obama worked with Republicans to reduce nuclear weapons. (Oct 2008)
• Greatest security threat is from al Qaeda in Pakistan. (Oct 2008)
• Cut $350B in military programs, from Star Wars to F-22’s. (Dec 2007)
• Universal national service, in military or Peace Corps. (Dec 2007)
• Talks about nations acquiring uranium are more complicated. (Oct 2007)
• Commitment to never use torture; no part of our policy, ever. (Sep 2007)
• Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is antiquated & unworkable. (Aug 2007)
• Missile defense is perfect metaphor for neo-isolationism. (Jul 2007)
• Urged Pres. Bush to return to Washington on 9/11. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
• Voted YES on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls. (Feb 2008)
• Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
• Voted YES on limiting soldiers’ deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
• Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
• Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
• Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
• Voted YES on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
• Voted NO on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
• Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
• Rated 80% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Give higher priority to rail security. (Jul 2005)
• Apply habeas corpus to Guantanamo detainees. (Jul 2007)
• Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)
• School assistance to survivors of injured federal police. (Oct 1996)

Source: http://www.issues2000.org/default.htm

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