These are the comments I wrote for CNN earlier today. They are still awaiting "moderation" and will probably not be published:
If you want substance, vote for Obama.
Barack Obama has authored 152 bills and co-sponsored over 400 more while serving in the U.S. Senate. These include bills on government ethics, immigration reform, the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act and the Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act.
And during his eight years in the Illinois state legislature he sponsored over 800 bills.
He also taught constitutional law for ten years at the University of Chicago.
Oh, and he wrote a best-selling book about modern American politics.
That's substantial.
Apparently my comments are too substantial for CNN. Published comments include ridiculous attacks against Obama's character. The latest, plagiarism, is the worst and the most ridiculous. Most news networks aren't even taking it seriously. How many different ways can politicians express their thoughts before they're accused of copying? There are only so many words.
Barack Obama is running a fair campaign but he is being met with one smear after another. I continue to pray that truth wins out over falsehood.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Choosing Wisely
Tomorrow millions of Americans will go to the polls or caucuses and vote for a Democratic presidential candidate. Unfortunately I won't be among them--our primary isn't held until May--but I will be watching closely to see what happens, especially in my home state of Missouri.
I'm doing what I can to make sure voters know about Barack Obama. He's more than a few nice slogans and campaign rallies. Much more.
I just finished reading Obama's first book, Dreams From My Father. He wrote that book when he was in his 30s and already by then he had vast experiences that prepared him for leadership.
Most people know that Obama attended school in Indonesia when he was young. I've always laughed at the concerns about the 'madrassah'--the main reason being that Indonesia is very secular and even their Islamic schools would be considered liberal compared to Islamic schools elsewhere. I've been to Indonesia and visited Islamic schools.
What Obama did learn was that people can live vastly different lives and still have the same basic concerns. That lesson was reinforced by the time he's spent in Kenya with his relatives. Unlike other politicians, Barack Obama didn't travel to Indonesia and Kenya as a foreign dignitary, being greeted by the leaders in ritual ceremony. He lived among the people. He knows how people live in different parts of the world.
After eight years of "with us or against us," don't you think it's time for a leader who seeks negotiation over confrontation, someone who understands that people are people whether they live in brick mansions or grass huts?
And don't you think it's time for a leader who reaches across boundary lines of race, ethnicity, and party politics? We've had enough division in this country these last few years. How much more partisanship can we sustain?
I've read Senator Obama's policy statements and listened closely as he's outlined his positions in speeches. He provides a balanced approach--health care that is provided but not mandated, international relations that start with negotiation while leaving force as an option, economic solutions that start from the bottom down instead of the top up. (We've done that for 28 years and it still hasn't worked.)
Yes, he provides excitement and that's great. As a former social studies teacher I think it's wonderful that young people are buying back into the democratic process. He also provides hope. Most importantly, he will come to the White House with well-developed plans to raise this nation from the depths and help us reach our potential.
For all these reasons and more, I hope and pray that Barack Obama is the next president of the United States.
I'm doing what I can to make sure voters know about Barack Obama. He's more than a few nice slogans and campaign rallies. Much more.
I just finished reading Obama's first book, Dreams From My Father. He wrote that book when he was in his 30s and already by then he had vast experiences that prepared him for leadership.
Most people know that Obama attended school in Indonesia when he was young. I've always laughed at the concerns about the 'madrassah'--the main reason being that Indonesia is very secular and even their Islamic schools would be considered liberal compared to Islamic schools elsewhere. I've been to Indonesia and visited Islamic schools.
What Obama did learn was that people can live vastly different lives and still have the same basic concerns. That lesson was reinforced by the time he's spent in Kenya with his relatives. Unlike other politicians, Barack Obama didn't travel to Indonesia and Kenya as a foreign dignitary, being greeted by the leaders in ritual ceremony. He lived among the people. He knows how people live in different parts of the world.
After eight years of "with us or against us," don't you think it's time for a leader who seeks negotiation over confrontation, someone who understands that people are people whether they live in brick mansions or grass huts?
And don't you think it's time for a leader who reaches across boundary lines of race, ethnicity, and party politics? We've had enough division in this country these last few years. How much more partisanship can we sustain?
I've read Senator Obama's policy statements and listened closely as he's outlined his positions in speeches. He provides a balanced approach--health care that is provided but not mandated, international relations that start with negotiation while leaving force as an option, economic solutions that start from the bottom down instead of the top up. (We've done that for 28 years and it still hasn't worked.)
Yes, he provides excitement and that's great. As a former social studies teacher I think it's wonderful that young people are buying back into the democratic process. He also provides hope. Most importantly, he will come to the White House with well-developed plans to raise this nation from the depths and help us reach our potential.
For all these reasons and more, I hope and pray that Barack Obama is the next president of the United States.
Monday, January 28, 2008
An Endorsement
The big news today was the endorsement of Senator Ted Kennedy for Barack Obama. Very big news.
My endorsement means nothing in the world of politics and I've been debating whether to mention it on this blog or simply stay quiet. A news story prompted me to speak up.
The National Organization for Women (NOW) is very upset with Ted Kennedy for failing to endorse Hillary Clinton as the first woman president. Personally, I agree with Ted Kennedy. It's not enough to be the first woman president. The first woman must also be the best woman to hold the office of the presidency. I'm not convinced that Hillary Clinton is that woman and I prefer to hold out for someone else who would be better suited. I do hope she appears within my lifetime.
Sorry, NOW. I think the time is now for Barack Obama. I've followed his candidacy for months and I'm reading his book, Dreams From My Father. It's not only his writing style that impresses me, but the breadth and depth of his experiences. He is not simply a politician reaching for the brass ring. His very parentage and his upbringing helped prepare him. His youth and college days helped prepare him. He has worked hard to mobilize and build coalitions and I have every confidence that his hard work and vision will benefit the people of the United States. And, as Caroline Kennedy said, he is the first candidate to inspire in the way her father, and her uncle Bobby, did.
I was eleven years old when Bobby Kennedy was shot and I looked to him for hope. I remember the morning my mother woke me and told me he was dead. I mourned him. I had never felt this alive, as a U.S. citizen, until I heard Barack Obama speak and read what he had to say.
We truly must look beyond race and gender. Barack Obama is the best person for the office of the presidency in 2008.
I'm not famous or well-known. My opinion won't appear in any newspapers. I do encourage you to look at all the candidates. Seek the one who promises a vision rather than simply more of the same.
My endorsement means nothing in the world of politics and I've been debating whether to mention it on this blog or simply stay quiet. A news story prompted me to speak up.
The National Organization for Women (NOW) is very upset with Ted Kennedy for failing to endorse Hillary Clinton as the first woman president. Personally, I agree with Ted Kennedy. It's not enough to be the first woman president. The first woman must also be the best woman to hold the office of the presidency. I'm not convinced that Hillary Clinton is that woman and I prefer to hold out for someone else who would be better suited. I do hope she appears within my lifetime.
Sorry, NOW. I think the time is now for Barack Obama. I've followed his candidacy for months and I'm reading his book, Dreams From My Father. It's not only his writing style that impresses me, but the breadth and depth of his experiences. He is not simply a politician reaching for the brass ring. His very parentage and his upbringing helped prepare him. His youth and college days helped prepare him. He has worked hard to mobilize and build coalitions and I have every confidence that his hard work and vision will benefit the people of the United States. And, as Caroline Kennedy said, he is the first candidate to inspire in the way her father, and her uncle Bobby, did.
I was eleven years old when Bobby Kennedy was shot and I looked to him for hope. I remember the morning my mother woke me and told me he was dead. I mourned him. I had never felt this alive, as a U.S. citizen, until I heard Barack Obama speak and read what he had to say.
We truly must look beyond race and gender. Barack Obama is the best person for the office of the presidency in 2008.
I'm not famous or well-known. My opinion won't appear in any newspapers. I do encourage you to look at all the candidates. Seek the one who promises a vision rather than simply more of the same.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Suggestions?
It's a new year and I'm not quite satisfied with this blog so I'm thinking about how I can revamp it. I will take at least one week off, or possibly two, to come up with a new approach.
Of course, I always appreciate your suggestions.
Of course, I always appreciate your suggestions.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Who Benefits?
I'm still on vacation, but as I sit here in my Florida motel room and listen to the reports on CNN I feel I must make a statement.
On many points I haven't agreed with Benazir Bhutto. However, her assassination has left me also shocked and disappointed. I'm also deeply troubled as I try to understand all the forces at work here.
I don't believe Bhutto's assassin was a single mad gunman. There are too many other forces at work. I know the pieces, but I don't yet know how they fit together into the puzzle.
These are the facts:
1. Bhutto presented a serious challenge to Musharraf
2. Musharraf, who seized control of Pakistan several years ago, has repeatedly received endorsement from the current administration. He is one of America's favorite dictators.
3. Bhutto indicated in an email that Musharraf was her greatest threat.
4. Even though the Pakistani public has pointed to Musharraf as the force behind Bhutto's assassination, these claims are being ignored.
5. Instead, the emphasis has swung to blame of Islamic "extremism." Throughout the evening CNN has run a special program about the dangers presented by Muslims in Pakistan.
6. And don't forget that Pakistan has a nuclear weapon. This has been brought up repeatedly.
I don't know how people will treat me tomorrow when I go out and about. I expect a change in attitude. After all, I'm an "extremist." I pray five times a day (three while traveling) and wear a head scarf. My husband wears a kufi. I guess our headwear makes us dangerous.
Who has benefitted from Benazir Bhutto's assassination? The Pakistani people? Muslims throughout the world? Or people who would like to seize control of Pakistan, wresting power from its Muslim citizens?
For the last several weeks, American pundits have discussed the need for change in Pakistan. This is their opportunity. And I don't believe in coincidences.
On many points I haven't agreed with Benazir Bhutto. However, her assassination has left me also shocked and disappointed. I'm also deeply troubled as I try to understand all the forces at work here.
I don't believe Bhutto's assassin was a single mad gunman. There are too many other forces at work. I know the pieces, but I don't yet know how they fit together into the puzzle.
These are the facts:
1. Bhutto presented a serious challenge to Musharraf
2. Musharraf, who seized control of Pakistan several years ago, has repeatedly received endorsement from the current administration. He is one of America's favorite dictators.
3. Bhutto indicated in an email that Musharraf was her greatest threat.
4. Even though the Pakistani public has pointed to Musharraf as the force behind Bhutto's assassination, these claims are being ignored.
5. Instead, the emphasis has swung to blame of Islamic "extremism." Throughout the evening CNN has run a special program about the dangers presented by Muslims in Pakistan.
6. And don't forget that Pakistan has a nuclear weapon. This has been brought up repeatedly.
I don't know how people will treat me tomorrow when I go out and about. I expect a change in attitude. After all, I'm an "extremist." I pray five times a day (three while traveling) and wear a head scarf. My husband wears a kufi. I guess our headwear makes us dangerous.
Who has benefitted from Benazir Bhutto's assassination? The Pakistani people? Muslims throughout the world? Or people who would like to seize control of Pakistan, wresting power from its Muslim citizens?
For the last several weeks, American pundits have discussed the need for change in Pakistan. This is their opportunity. And I don't believe in coincidences.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Enjoy!
I won't be posting for the next two weeks. (Did I hear a cheer in the background?) Eid ul Adha starts on Wednesday and after Eid we plan to travel a little.
I don't think you'll be spending as much time on the internet, either. The kids are off from school. That in itself will keep you busy. And either it will snow so hard you'll be struggling to stay warm or the weather will be unseasonably warm and you won't feel like hanging around the house.
When I was in elementary school we thought it was a great joke as we told our friends, "I'll see you next year." My humor appreciation level has improved since 6th grade, but it's still a nice thought. A new start.
I'll see you next year, insha Allah.
I don't think you'll be spending as much time on the internet, either. The kids are off from school. That in itself will keep you busy. And either it will snow so hard you'll be struggling to stay warm or the weather will be unseasonably warm and you won't feel like hanging around the house.
When I was in elementary school we thought it was a great joke as we told our friends, "I'll see you next year." My humor appreciation level has improved since 6th grade, but it's still a nice thought. A new start.
I'll see you next year, insha Allah.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Who's a Racist?
While browsing CNN headlines I noticed a story about Oprah. Apparently she's being blasted for her support of Barack Obama and even being called a racist.
So it's okay for white people to support other white people but it's not okay for black people to support other black people?
First of all, I don't even see the Obama campaign as a "black thing." I'm about as white as a person can be and, personally, I think Barack Obama is the most promising of the mainstream candidates. He has energy and ideas and insight and he won't bully and bluster his way through one crisis while he's creating another. I believe he has integrity--a very rare commodity among politicians.
Anyway, I am sick of all the personal politics being played. We are searching for the next leader of this country, and most of us are sincerely hoping we get someone who can do the job this time. Does gender matter? (I won't support Hillary just because she's a woman--and I would never ask anyone for support on the basis of my gender either. That's still sexism.) Does race matter? Does religion matter? (I am sick and tired of hearing about how a Mormon can't run this country. My only beef with Mitt Romney is that I lived in Massachusetts while he was governor and he seemed to spend most of his time outside of the state, setting up the support for his presidential candidacy.)
Let's grow up. Forget about race. Forget about religion. Forget about gender. Can the person do the job?
And I think the racist is the one who faults Oprah Winfrey for supporting a candidate who happens to be a black man.
So it's okay for white people to support other white people but it's not okay for black people to support other black people?
First of all, I don't even see the Obama campaign as a "black thing." I'm about as white as a person can be and, personally, I think Barack Obama is the most promising of the mainstream candidates. He has energy and ideas and insight and he won't bully and bluster his way through one crisis while he's creating another. I believe he has integrity--a very rare commodity among politicians.
Anyway, I am sick of all the personal politics being played. We are searching for the next leader of this country, and most of us are sincerely hoping we get someone who can do the job this time. Does gender matter? (I won't support Hillary just because she's a woman--and I would never ask anyone for support on the basis of my gender either. That's still sexism.) Does race matter? Does religion matter? (I am sick and tired of hearing about how a Mormon can't run this country. My only beef with Mitt Romney is that I lived in Massachusetts while he was governor and he seemed to spend most of his time outside of the state, setting up the support for his presidential candidacy.)
Let's grow up. Forget about race. Forget about religion. Forget about gender. Can the person do the job?
And I think the racist is the one who faults Oprah Winfrey for supporting a candidate who happens to be a black man.
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