"I AM the One For Whom You Have Been Waiting"

Obama was waxing lyrical about last week's trip to Europe, when he concluded, according to the meeting attendee, "this is the moment, as Nancy [Pelosi] noted, that the world is waiting for."

The 200,000 souls who thronged to his speech in Berlin came not just for him, he told the enthralled audience of congressional representatives. "I have become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions," he said, according to the source.

Holy Cow. Now, I should admit that I was GOING to write some more about Kaine and his BFF, Obama, as well as their joint BFF, Joe Lieberman, but honestly, how can I resist THIS??

"(T)his is the moment, as Nancy [Pelosi] noted, that the world is waiting for."

And:

"I have become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions."

Well, YEAH, if what the world has been waiting for, and what represents America returning to its "best Traditions" is an arrogant, narcissistic, sexist, thuggish, unethical, pandering, coercing, power-hungry Messiah-wannabe, then, yes - Obama is our guy!!! I must be some kind of heathen, though, because I just don't buy it (and before I go on, PLEASE, Oborgabots - PLEASE don't waste "Comment" space going on and on about how that is not a full quote, and is taken out of context. Frankly, I don't give a damn if what comes before it is, "somehow" and ends with, "but it should be CLINTON if it is 'returning' to its best traditions," it is the absolute HEIGHT of arrogance and narcissism. Now, go away - let the grown ups talk.). Obama has made the classic mistake - he now believes his own Axelrovian hype. He really DOES think he is The One For Whom We Have Been Waiting! Wowie zowie!!

Last night, I was reading a book by Kathy Reichs, a professor at UNC-Charlotte. Her books are the basis for the show, "Bones." In this particular book, Death Du Jour, the question of cults comes up. Now her main character, Tempe Brennan, is also a professor art UNCC, a forensic anthropologist. Because of a case on which she is working, she goes to a sociology professor at UNCC (and the information in this books on cults is legitimate - it comes from another UNCC professor of Religious Studies, James Tabor). Because I care, I am going to type out the dialogue for you. Once you read it, you will see why. Dr. Brennan's comments will be in italics. Red, the Sociology professor's, will be in regular typeface. Okey dokey - ready? Here we go:

"All right. What's a cult?"

"Cults are not just groups of crazies who follow weird leaders. At least the way I use the term, they are organizations with a set of common features." (On age 295, Red makes the point that cults can also be political parties.)

"Yes." I leaned back in my chair.

"A cult forms around a charismatic individual who promises something. This individual professes some special knowledge. Sometimes the claim is access to ancient secrets, sometimes it's an entirely new discovery to which he or she alone is privy. Sometimes it's a combination of both. The leader offers to share the information with those who follow. Some leaders offer utopia. Or a way out. Just come along, follow me. I'll make the decisions. All will be fine."

"How does that differ from a priest or rabbi?"

"In a cult it's this charismatic leader who eventually becomes the object of devotion; in some cases he's actually deified. And as that happens, the leader comes to hold extraordinary control over the lives of his followers.

"Cults are totalistic, authoritarian. The leader is supreme and delegates power to very few. The leader's morality becomes the only acceptable theology. The only acceptable behavior. And, as I said, veneration is eventually centered on him, not on supreme beings or abstract principles.

"And often there is a double set of ethics. Members are urged to be honest and loving to each other but to deceive and shun outsiders. (Emphasis mine.) Established religions tend to follow one set of rules for everybody."

"How does a leader gain such control?"

"That's another important element. Thought reform. Cult leaders use a variety of psychological processes to manipulate their members. Some leaders are fairly benign, but others are not and really exploit the idealism of their followers.

"The way I see it, there are two broad types of cults, both of which use thought reform. The commercially packaged 'awareness programs'" - he gestured quotation marks - "use very intense persuasion techniques. These groups keep members by getting them to buy more and more courses.

"Then there are the cults that recruit followers for life. These groups use organized psychological and social persuasion to produce extreme attitudinal changes. As a result they come to exert enormous control over the lives of their members. They are manipulative, deceptive, and highly exploitative."

Amy here - hmmm, let's just guess which one I think Obama is?!?! Ahem. The discussion continues, but I thought this was significant:

"I still don't see why anyone but a nutcase would fall for such crap."

"Not at all." He shook his head. "It's not just marginal people who get sucked in. In some studies approximately two thirds of the respondents come from normal families and were demonstrating age-appropriate behavior when they entered a cult."

"Has your research shed light on why people seek out these movements?"

"Often they don't. These groups seek you. And as I've said, these leaders can be incredibly charming and persuasive."

AMY here - the discussion continues, and then this question: "I just don't get it, Red. How can people be so gullible?"

"It's seductive to think that you're elite. Chosen. Most cults teach their members that only they are enlightened and everyone else in the world is left out. Lesser in some way. It's powerful stuff." (Kathy Reichs, Death Du Jour, 1999, pp 295 - 300)

See what I mean?? Do you see it?!? To me it is crystal clear. Obama has been engaging in "thought reform," as discussed in this book, and has taken it to a massive level. For him to come to the House of Representatives as The Anointed One, elevating himself to a height neither deserved or REAL, says a lot. And it says just as much about all of the House members who clapped themselves silly. They want to bask in the glow of The One, they want to show they, too, are in his employ. It is frightening stuff, and we cannot allow him to take over this country. There is no telling what will happen if he does. I thought Bush was bad, but I fear Obama more. He has demonstrated time and time again that he is beholden to no person, no position. He can dismiss even relatives with seeming ease, and change positions as the wind blows. He is a dangerous man, and his followers likewise. Not all of them, mind you, but enough of them seem to have this mentality, which is mighty scary. (The lengths to which some of them have gone is truly scary - hanging a dead rabbit on someone's door and slashing their tires, for example. That is one extreme, but stealing caucus packets to ENSURE the victory of their One is in the same realm - they will stop at nothing to ensure their Master's success.)

Again - Superdelegates - this man has flown off into incredibly heady flights of fancy, and cannot be trusted with the most important job on the face of the planet. A cult leader is not what we need to lead us out of our current climate. We need someone whose feet are on the ground, who is clear-headed, who stands with ALL Americans, not just her cultish gathering. There is time. Start now. Lay the groundwork. And come the end of August, protect us from this self-proclaimed Messiah. This heathen has no use for him.

GO TO IOwnMyVote.com and take the survey on Platform Reform for the Democratic Party. Let YOUR voice be counted (well, maybe - this IS the Democratic Party I'm talking about here, but have FAITH that it will matter!).

Weigh In On the Platforms

I got the following email from IOwnMyVote.com the other day. It is an important action, and I strongly urge you to take five minutes to do the survey:

Welcome to the Platfom Committee Issue! One of the missions of IOwnMyVote.com is to make sure that the Platform Committee of the Democratic National Convention hears Hillary's 18 million voters.

We've been derelict in our duty. While we were distracted by Obama's Rainbow Tour we ignored emails from the Obama campaign asking us to hold primary platform meetings and to submit our ideas to the DNC and the campaign. Forgive us. We look at all Obama campaign requests with a heavy dose of skepticism.

That was a a mistake. After some thought we've realized that we should never shrink from an opportunity to be heard. Moreover, while most Obama supporters probably had between 20 and 100 people at their meetings, we can send a message of what Hillary supporters all over the country want.

Take action now! Tonight we ask that you take part in our Virtual Platform Committee Meeting.

Right now, click on this link and take five minutes to tell us which planks you want in the platform and which ones you don't. You will be heard.

As always, continue to tell people to sign up at http://www.IOwnMyVote.com.

And find our past actions and newsletters by clicking here.

New BFFs, and More Under the Bus

My, my - funny how things happen. You would have to be living on the moon to not hear about ALL of the people Obama is considering for his Patsy, uh, I mean Vice President. All kinds of names have been thrown out from Chuck Hagel to Joe Biden. The current major leak (but really you are all supposed to know about it - shhhhh!) has Tim Kaine, Governor of VA, as a likely candidate. Never heard of him? Yeah, well, we lived in VA when Mark Warner was governor, and he was GREAT. Kaine was his Lt. Governor, so when Warner's terms was up (VA permits ONE six year term - that's it), Kaine rode in on his coattails. He hasn't done a whole lot since then, at least not a lot of positive changes for which he is receiving any accolades. BUT - Obama stumped for him in VA, and Kaine has been stumping for Obama around the world, uh, I mean, COUNTRY, and now they are BFFs! Woohoo!!!! Kaine has now moved to the short list for VP!! Gosh - he must be really experienced, and his constituents must really love him, right?? Uh, no. Like Obama (wow - I almost typed "Bush" then - I am not kidding, and it isn't just because I'm tired!), Kaine isn't all that experienced, certainly not in important matters like foreign affairs. Which would help since Obama has no experience, even with his NINE DAY trip!!!! A whole nine days - that is enough, right??? No. No, Obama, it is not even anywhere in the same ballpark as REAL experience, like Clinton's. But you know that already. You're just trying to appease your cultists, um, ah, I mean FOLLOWERS. Oh, that isn't right, either - SUPPORTERS! Yes, that is what politicians are supposed to have - supporters Okay. Got it. Anywho...

Ahem. Since you may know NOTHING about Gov. Kaine, he is personally opposed to the death penalty as a practicing Catholic, but when he campaigned as a gubernatorial candidate, he assured people he would not impose him personal beliefs on the state. In other words, he would not prohibit death penalty executions. Wow - what a stand up guy. He was not going to allow his personal faith to supersede the Commonwealth of Virginia's laws (and I hasten to say that I am completely opposed to the death penalty - always have been). Well, okay then.

Oh, but wait - there is more. While Governor Kaine wouldn't impose his religious beliefs on the death penalty, he had/has NO problem imposing them on the issue of - wait - for - it, yes, ABORTION!! So, a woman better not kill a zygote, but it's A-OKAY to kill a full-grown adult. Yes, indeedy! That makes sense, right?? Oh, yeah, NO. Governor Kaine, before he was governor, said he had a "faith-based opposition" to abortion, and vowed to promote ABSTINENCE focused education - you know, the one that doesn't WORK. And to ban so-called partial-birth abortions. This was a more popular position in VA than his opposition to the death penalty. In other words, his faith-based opposition takes a backseat to political aspiration. One was not politically expedient - the death penalty issue. The other one was - abortion. Regardless, now that Obama has secured the endorsements of NARAL, and even more importantly, for the second time ever in presidential politics, Planned Parenthood's, it makes PERFECT sense that he would target an anti-choice candidate to run as Vice President. It highlights that some of the very few times Obama exposed his true colors was his exceedingly patronizing comments to/about women and when they can/not choose to have an abortion.

What's that I hear? Oh, it is Planned Parenthood being thrown under the bus. And NARAL. Couldn't happen to two more deserving organizations supporting OBAMA over CLINTON after all of the work she has done on behalf of women, and the sexist, patronizing, arrogant way in which Obama has treated women, especially on choice!

So, all of you Obamabots trying to hold Roe v. Wade over our heads, what say you NOW, huh??? Really think he is not going to turn back the clock on women's rights like you claim McCain will do, and Obama won't? Because I think you are dead wrong. He doesn't give a damn about women and our health. He has made that abundantly clear. In the same way he proved he doesn't give a crap about the Constitution voting for FISA and telecom immunity (AT&T welcomes you to the Denver Democratic National Convention - I kid you not!), oh, and PLEASE stop calling him a "Constitutional Scholar" - he was a lecturer at the same law school he had just attended. It's like being a TA, for crying out loud. And he has made it clear as day - HE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION! He cares about getting money, and getting elected. Your lives will be SO much smoother once you accept that! He will say and do whatever he has to do to accomplish those two tasks. So, quit with the whole Roe v. Wade scare tactic, because Obama DOES NOT CARE ABOUT WOMEN and our health. He does not. Too bad Planned Parenthood and NARAL apparently cared more about publicity (and money?? Does anyone know if Obama's "Hope PAC" gave them money?) than they did about supporting the candidate who would work the hardest for the issues about which they claim to care. Thanks a whole lot for the capitulation there, PP and NARAL. How do you people sleep at night?

So, Tim thinks we should care what he thinks about abortion, like so many other men. And he wants to impose HIS "faith-based opposition" on VA, and presumably, the country, should the world got to hell in a handbasket and Obama gets into the White House with him. Holy Cow.

These men, and obviously, Tim Kaine in particular, reminds me of when I was in seminary in NYC, and got to go see Whoopi Goldberg's one woman show on Broadway. One of her characters, a drug addict with a PhD in English Literature from Columbia University ("what else are you going to do with a PhD in English Literature?") said when confronted by some Operation Rescue-like people, something along the lines of, if you men are so opposed to abortion, "why don't you take that tired ol' piece of meat down to the ASPCA and get it gassed??" In other words, Tim, if you are against abortions, don't have one. Stop trying to impose your "faith-based opposition" on us. Same goes for you, Mr. "Feeling Blue" "Mental-distress-isn't-physically-threatening" Obama. Just spare us the patronizing pandering already.

And once again, SuperDelegates, pay attention!! The best candidate on this issue is: HILLARY CLINTON. Get with the program already. Go watch GeekLove's "Follow the Money" video and see why these SuperD's voted against their own constitutents, many of whom overwhelmingly went for Clinton. We're on to you, and we won't forget it!!

GeekLove: Money Changes Everything - Superdelegates For Sale?

This is another amazing video from GeekLove (ShutTheFreduUp Productions). She also brought us the outstanding, and powerful, "Mad as Hell/Bitch" video. In her words,

"I was approached by Dr. Lynette Long and Real Democrats USA to work with them on exposing the pay off of superdelegates by Obama’s Political Action Committee, the Hope Fund. The superdelegates featured in the video, after receiving significant contributions from Obama, endorsed Obama despite Hillary Clinton winning their states and Congressional Districts."

GeekLove's website is: http://comealongway.wordpress.com/.
You will be SHOCKED by the numbers, trust me!

Rock on, GeekLove! You rule!!

Update on Tennessee Valley UU Church

As you may know by now, the gunman who opened fire at the TVUUC on Sunday did so because of their liberal policies. He has been arrested, and charged with first degree murder. The police think he had planned to kill himself since he had a several page letter detailing why he was doing it.

I received the following from the UUA.org today:

Knoxville Relief Fund

Stewardship and Development Department
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

July 29, 2008

Dear Friends,

We are all deeply saddened by the news this weekend of the tragedy at the Tennessee Valley UU Church (TVUUC), which also affected members of the Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

President Sinkford and the UU Trauma Response Ministry Team are now on the ground in Knoxville. For more information on the UU response, click here.

Below, you will find a copy of the press release from President Sinkford. Information is also available at www.uua.org. To subscribe to the UUA news announcement listserv, click here.

What you can do to help:

The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in collaboration with the Thomas Jefferson District has established the Knoxville Relief Fund to bring ministry, spiritual care, and practical financial assistance to those affected by the tragedy in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Read more.

Donate Now.

Those killed and injured were from two area congregations that were participating in a joint worship service at TVUUC. Letters of sympathy may be mailed to both Knoxville congregations:

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
2931 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919-4624


Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
616 Fretz Road
Knoxville, TN 37934-1604

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have at (888) 792-5885 or campaign@uua.org.

In faith,


Catherine Lynch


UUA President William G. Sinkford Released this Statement on July 27, 2008:

"I am shocked and sorrowed by the terrible shootings in the sanctuary of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. My heart is heavy and my prayers are with our injured sisters and brothers in Knoxville. While many details of this tragedy remain unclear, our Association will do all we can to support Unitarian Universalists in Knoxville in the hard days to come.

A tragedy such as this makes us acutely conscious of the beauty and fragility of our lives and those of our loved ones. I am especially saddened by this intrusion of violence into a worship service involving children and youth. I know that many people, both in Knoxville and around the country, are struggling with shock and grief right now. I pray those so affected will find strength and comfort.

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry are on their way to Knoxville to offer additional ministry to the congregation as it grieves. And Unitarian Universalists around the world are sending love and prayers to the Tennessee Valley congregation to tell them they are not alone on this dark day."
Director of Campaigning

The Economy

So, the blaring headline today is that the next president is going to inherit a GAZILLION dollars in debt. Okay, that was not the exact figure. The actual figure is $482 BILLION, which does not include $ for the war.

So, once again, here is a video of Jim Cramer, from Mad Money on CNBC, telling Ellen Degeneres who is the BEST candidate for president in terms of dealing with the economy. That candidate is HILLARY CLINTON!!!!

OKAY, Superdelegates - REALLY - open your eyes! It is not Amateur Hour here. We already had one of those, and it has been DISASTROUS. Heck that guy was way more experienced than the guy the DNC is pushing now!! We simply cannot AFFORD another president who is getting on the job training. We need someone who has a good handle on the economic issues confronting the country, and the ability to lead us into economic stability. Hillary Clinton is the ONLY candidate to be able to do that. And really, there will be no hard feelings for your brief foray into the Obama camp. Unlike the Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s of the Obama camp, we will forgive and forget, as long as you come to your senses already, and realize this was just a crush, a passing fancy. But now it is time to get SERIOUS, and support the candidate who is best for the country. And who can beat John McCain with one hand tied behind her back. Don't worry - we'll have your backs against those rabid cultists. You can do it. We're right there with you. We NEED Clinton as the nominee. The COUNTRY needs Clinton as the nominee. All right. You can do it! We know you can.

You know - come to think of it, the DNC completely breaking with tradition and moving the Convention to August might be one of the best things they have done in a year. It has given the Superdelegates, and the rest of the country, the opportunity to see that Obama is not at all ready, or able, to lead this country. It has made it abundantly clear that only Hillary Clinton can beat John McCain. And that her plans and policies are what this country needs. Who woulda thunk it?!?

Okay, SDs - just come on back to the reality-based community. We are here for you!

Standing WIth Us!

I received this from the Servicemembers Legal Defense Fund today. This video is from last Wednesday, July 23, 2008. The following is from the SLDN email:

Staff Sergeant Eric Alva, U.S. Army Major General Vance Coleman, and Navy Capt. Joan Darrah all testified on the devastating impact of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on the military today.

But one of the hearing's most stirring comments didn't come from the testimony - it came from Representative Patrick Murphy. As an Iraq War veteran and former West Point Professor, Murphy said:

"You're basically asserting that straight men and women in our military aren't professional enough to serve openly with gay troops while completing their military missions. You know, as a former Army officer, I can tell you I think that's an insult to me and to many of the soldiers."

Rep. Murphy is correct: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is an insult to all of our troops. It's also a danger to the American people, since thousands of qualified, capable members of our armed services are losing their jobs for no other reason that their sexual orientation.

Discussions like these on Capitol Hill are an important first step for SLDN to build momentum through the election, and into the next presidential administration.

You can write those who stood with the SLDN and against this horrible policy at the following link: Standing With Us.

THANK YOU to those in the SLDN not just for their courage in fighting for our country, but for fighting against discrimination.

I Dunno - Was It Too Much?

So, my sister sent me the following email last night:

I noticed your more, ah, political posts as well! If it comes down to Obama or McCain, though, surely to Goddess you wouldn't vote for "McSexist"! You know, the one who called his wife a cunt in front of reporters, all because she teased him gently about his thinning hair? (What a jerk!) More to the point, he has a ZERO rating with both NARAL and Planned Parenthood going back to 1983 *and he is proud of that*. Obama may not be the greatest thing since sliced bread (whole wheat, of course), but at least HE won't set women's rights back to the 1930's or worse! I guess you got the article I forwarded yesterday, written by Kate Sheppard. Very interesting comments, esp the ones by a former POW.

And then there's John Sidney McCain III's lack of understanding of the economy... and about almost every thing else! (He thinks Iraq and Pakistan have a common border?! Sheesh!) He's voted with W 95% of the time. And Goddess knows we don't need "Bush III"!

If Obama wins, and at this point, I sure hope so, given the choices, I'd love to see Al Gore as an energy czar, John Edwards as AG, and Hillary in the Cabinet. Secretary of State, perhaps? Or Health and Human Services? What do you think?

Oh Dear. Well. below is my response to her. Was it too much??

Are you sure you want to know what I think? If so, read on - and bear in mind that I could have GONE on with more examples, but am just trying to hit some of the high (or is that LOW?) lights. If you don't want to read it, well, okey dokey! That's certainly your prerogative! But it will help you to understand why I "Just Say No Deal" to Barack Obama.

I cannot bring myself to vote for Obama. I won't be voting for McCain, but Obama has been very sexist in this campaign season. He pays the women on his staff less than the men. He pats his wife on the ass in front of thousands of people. He said that progressives do not understand how difficult a choice it is for a woman to have an abortion, a page STRAIGHT out of the Right-Wing playbook. He said that women who are "feeling blue" shouldn't have an abortion, and that mental distress does not qualify as endangering the health of a woman. He voted "Present' on bills that dealt directly with choice, and rape. PRESENT rather than taking a stand. And NARAL endorsed THIS guy??? Not to mention Planned Parenthood, which, coincidentally did so the DAY AFTER he said this crap abt "feeling blue," etc. Makes me wonder who paid them off. I don't trust him to stand up for women's rights at ALL. He got to where he is by the MSM engaging in massive cheerleading for him, and blatant misogyny and sexism. He benefited from it, and never said WORD ONE about it. Don't believe me? Check out this video, "We've Come A Long Way." If you do watch this one, let me add a little footnote abt Rep. Cohen of TN - he was elected in no small part because of the support of Bill Clinton, who did fundraisers for him, and stumped for him. (And for a bonus one of all of the crap said abt her by MSM talking heads: "Mad As Hell/Bitch") There are many, many more, sadly...If the things that were said about her, and women in general, were racist statements about Obama in the same vein, people would have gone NUTS and rightly so. But women are very much fair game still, and Obama used that to his advantage (and oh, by the way - comparing McCain and borders, Obama thinks there are 58 states - I am not kidding you).

And he is HORRIBLE on gay rights. Surely you have heard about his close associates, like IL State Senator James Meeks, who isn't just homophobic, he is ACTIVELY anti-gay. He is also aligned with an organization to end separation of Church and State, which includes James Dobson's group. Oh, wait - didn't Obama say he wants to EXPAND the Faith-based Initiatives?!?! Something progressives railed abt with BUSH? But back to the GLBT thing - he brings along his "reformed " gay friend to SC, another one who preaches against gay people. He asked SF Mayor Gavin Newsome to host a fundraiser for him, but then would not allow him to have a photo taken with him because of Newsome's support of gay marriage, even though he isn't gay.

And, he has NO qualifications for president. He is far less qualified than BUSH was, and we ALL screamed abt how unprepared he was! Everything Obama has ever done has been embellished beyond recognition - even his "autobiography" is largely made up. He has no legislative accomplishments of his own to speak of (unless you count getting a post office named, and having some relief sent to Congo), he voted FOR the Bush/Cheney Energy Bill, he voted FOR FISA, and besides one speech he allegedly made back in 2002 (there was no documentation of it - they went and RECORDED it in a studio), he has voted to fund the war, said Bush was doing a good job, and that he doesn't know HOW he would have voted on the resolution (which had war as a LAST RESORT - if you ever read Clinton's statement on this, she makes it abundantly clear that she was not voting to go to war, but to empower the UN to return and do its work! She was quite eloquent abt it, but for some reason, ONLY HILLARY is held responsible for voting for it - not Edwards, not Kerry...). WHAT has he ever done? He has thrown just about everyone who has helped him along the way under the bus, including the woman who helped get him into politics in the first place, Alice Palmer. He had a bunch of attorneys and volunteers comb the petitions for signatures overnight before his first election, and had EVERYONE thrown off the ballot but himself - signatures that were written in cursive instead of printed were thrown out, and he did it the DAY before the election, so they didn't have time to challenge him. David Axelrod, or should I say, AxelROVE, got his real Republican candidate off the ballot for US Senate by exposing his SEALED divorce settlement, so they brought in Alan Keyes, who is BATSHIT crazy. My coffee table could beat Alan Keyes!! Every "accomplishment" Obama has has come on the backs of others - even when he was in the IL legislature - Emil Jones put his name on legislation on which HE had not worked, and others had, because Jones wanted to be a "Kingmaker." Even his speeches are ones taken from someone else (and his speechwriter is a 26 yr old white guy, just so you know).

And the way he treated Hillary during the election was reprehensible. Him flipping her the bird during a speech in NC, brushing off his shoulder, and his shoes in terms of her, playing a gangsta rap song abt "99 Problems But a Bitch Ain't One" as his Iowa victory song, are just a few things. Not only did he take all of her policies and claim them for his own, sometimes without even bothering to change any words (and since WHEN did we stop caring abt plagiarizing in this country??), but he attacked HER personally, being very sexist in his depictions of her, and charging her, and Bill, with being racists for stating FACTS. When Hillary said LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act into law, she was charged with being a RACIST for pointing that out. Apparently, he did not watch enough School House Rock on how a bill becomes a law. BOTH Bill and Hillary have worked TIRELESSLY for he AA community for their entire adult lives. It was just shocking, and that so many Dems bought into it as a way to disparage them both is also shocking. If he does win (and hey - Chuck Hagel, his new BFF is a co-owner of Diebold, so it is certainly possible!), I don't want Clinton anywhere NEAR his cabinet. Why should a far more qualfied, experienced woman have to answer to such an incredibly inexperienced empty suit?? That is the ULTIMATE insult, and one women have had to endure for far too long - being far more experienced, and having to work for the guy who gets brought in over them. Hell freakin' no.

I might add, Hillary did NOT attack him in her speeches - not only did I attend two of them, but I watched them online. She talked abt POLICY differences, not personal issues.

Finally, for an alleged Democratic nominee to praise the Republican president who was the worst thing for the country, and the African American community, as transformative, to use his words in Berlin; to say he wants to return to the foreign policy of George H.W. Bush, i.e. DONALD RUMSFELD'S policies without a murmur from the progressives is ASTONISHING!!! NOW, he wants to have a Republican woman, with whom the Dems fought constantly, as a possible VP?? Seriously?? And Democrats are okay with this? WHY?? HOW???

There is still time for the SDs to come to their senses and support the person who got the most votes of any candidate in HISTORY - that would be Hillary. Even though she was outspent in every state, she won all of the big states except IL, and many of the swing states. STILL, she beats McCain in a match-up nationwide. Obama? Not so much.

I cannot support a Party that has willfully engaged in voter disenfranchisement, voter fraud, and allowed voter intimidation. When a Party starts taking votes cast for one candidate and gives them to another who wasn't even on the ballot by his own CHOICE, that is simply criminal. It is certainly not democratic The Party sat by as documented report after report came in about how the caucuses were run, how Clinton supporters were being locked out, how the numbers were changed to support Obama that, if not favoring Clinton, were tied (50 - 50 to 80-20 after a power outage), how the Obama campaign stole the packets for the TX caucuses and got signatures on them during the day, etc., etc. They KNEW this, and did nothing. There is much, much more that went on in the caucuses, and that is the ONLY way Obama even got close. WA state - huge difference in caucus, only 2.6% difference in the VOTE; TX - Clinton wins VOTES, but Obama edges in Caucus (see above), NV - Clinton wins, Obama gets more delegates. if it happened FAIRLY, fine, but it didn't - this election has been rigged since the beginning - it is no accident that for the first time, the Convention was moved from JULY to AUGUST, culminating with the last day being on the 45th anniversay of MLK's "I Had A Dream" speech (and it is insulting beyond belief to compare OBAMA to JFK and MLK - he has done NOTHING to deserve that comparison - he has not had to work hard for where he is, he has not put his life on the line like BOTH JFK and MLK did, he has done NOTHING in his life to make such a comparison even valid).

Don't even get me started on Donna Brazile, whose BFF is KARL ROVE - no kidding. She said back in 2004 that sometimes you have to destroy a Party to make a Party, and that is just what she, and Howard Dean, have done. She said in June that the Party doesn't need working class people, Hispanics, old people, and a couple of other groups (can't remember now), because NOW it is the party of young, urban people. Oh, and she didn't want Gay people to be some of the DNC Civil Rights delegates to the Convention because it was an affront to Civil Rights. This is the new face of the DNC. No thank you.

Aren't you glad you asked what I think?!?! Assuming you are still reading this now...Neither one of them will get my vote. It's Hillary, or No One.

Truly, I hope this doesn't affect our relationship, but I do want you to know why I have taken the stand I have, and will continue to take.

Love,
Amy

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

Some of you may have heard already that there was a shooting today at a UU Church in Knoxville, TN. The gunman opened fire during a children's production this morning, though no children were hurt. Two people were killed, and others injured. If you have not seen the story, here is a LINK. The TN Valley UU Church has a long history of social justice, and from statements the gunman allegedly made, they think this might be a hate crime.

Below is a statement from the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association:

UUA President Releases Statement on Tennessee Shootings
July 27, 2008

Statement from Rev. William G. Sinkford, President, Unitarian Universalist Association

I am shocked and sorrowed by the terrible shootings in the sanctuary of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. My heart is heavy and my prayers are with our injured sisters and brothers in Knoxville. While many details of this tragedy remain unclear, our Association will do all we can to support Unitarian Universalists in Knoxville in the hard days to come.

A tragedy such as this makes us acutely conscious of the beauty and fragility of our lives and those of our loved ones. I am especially saddened by this intrusion of violence into a worship service involving children and youth. I know that many people, both in Knoxville and around the country, are struggling with shock and grief right now. I pray that those so affected will find strength and comfort.

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry are on their way to Knoxville to offer additional ministry to the congregation as it grieves. And Unitarian Universalists around the world are sending love and prayers to the Tennessee Valley congregation to tell them they are not alone on this dark day.

My heart goes out to this congregation as it struggles to understand what happened in their sacred space, how a stranger could desecrate it so by spilling their blood. My prayers go out to all of those who were present, and especially to the families who lost loved ones, as well as for those who were injured.

And really, they were all injured, all of the members of this congregation, by this one man's hate. We are all injured by this senseless act of hate against good people doing good work. We are, all of us, connected, one to another, and when those who are working for social justice are attacked without provocation, it is an affront to us all.

Again, my heart and prayers go out to this congregation. And my deepest, deepest sorrow and sympathy for your losses...

"Hillary Clinton: Love It or Fix It"

This is a really nice video of Hillary's life and numerous accomplishments, ones she obtained through hard work and perseverance. For instance, did you know that The National Law Review listed her as one of the TOP 100 Most Influential Lawyers in the country in 1989 and 1991? Yeah, me neither. Anyway, lots of good information on her. Here is the link to "Hillary Clinton: Love It or Fix It."

And LOTS of excellent reasons why the SuperDelegates SHOULD be giving HER their votes instead of the Accomplishment-Deficient-Dilettante Obama who cares more about advancing his personal agenda than working as a tireless, dedicated public servant. Or maybe they should be giving her their vote since Obama got his numbers largely through crooked caucus numbers (if you didn't hear the radio show at No Quarter Radio on this top with SusanUnPC, Truthteller, and Pacific John, I strongly urge you to give it a listen. You will be shocked with the authenticated stories out of the caucus states.). Or because she actually cares about the integrity of the Constitution. About the PEOPLE in the United States, all of them. Because she is scary smart, capable of integrating a number of factors into her decisions and policies. Oh, and because SHE WON THE MAJORITY OF VOTES!!!

If you, too, are sick of the sycophantic media fawning over the most unqualified candidate to ever run for the presidency, remind yourself why you still support Hillary Clinton. Remind yourself why you are still fighting for the DNC to return to being democratic again, and for it to care about the will of the People. Heck - just enjoy watching a cool video about Hillary Clinton. It will help to take the edge off of all of the Obama glorification, or it did for me. Hope it does for you, too.

"Senator Obama: Why They Don't Want You Now"

After all of the heightened media fawning over Obama and his Magical Mystery Tour ("Get Enough Foreign Policy Experience To Be President In Just NINE Days!"), I felt like I needed a long, long hot shower to wash off all of the Obama crapola. I had no plans on posting ANYTHING on him today. In fact, I was going to post something just on Senator Clinton, a true public servant (and I'll get to that). But, GeekLove came out with this awesome revised video, and I just felt compelled! I have given up on YouTube ever getting it here, so this is the LINK.

Great work as always, GeekLove!

It's All Smoke And Mirrors, Baby (Or Is That "Sweetie"?)

According to the majority of the American "press," Obama's Magical Mystery Tour was met was fawning, adoring fans everywhere he went. Oh, they just FLOCKED to him, didn't they? Especially in Berlin - oh, yes, never mind the free food and two hottest rock bands in Berlin playing first, they were there to see HIM!! Yes, they were!!! At least according to what WE were told. Well, I know this will just surprise the bejesus out of you, but that is not exactly true. I know, say WHAAA??? Yeah. Susan Nieman had an Op-Ed in the New York Times, of all places (what us be sycophants?), telling the REAL deal in her piece, "Change Germans Can’t Believe In."

In her very good piece Ms. Nieman had this to say:

Barack Obama's speech in Independence, Mo. (6/30/08)WITH gestures that ranged from a wink to a sneer, most anyone you met here this week volunteered the view that Barack Obama’s visit to Europe caused unprecedented frenzy. But it’s been hard for me to find a European, aside from two Harvard-educated friends in Paris, who confessed to excitement — not just about the visit, but the prospect of an Obama presidency.

It is true that Der Spiegel, the German newsweekly, featured Mr. Obama on its cover, topped by the words “Germany Meets the Superstar” — but the cover was satire, and nasty satire at that. The editors managed to find the ugliest photograph of Mr. Obama ever taken. It caught the senator at a moment that might be exhaustion but looks like conceited smirking. When Der Spiegel featured Mr. Obama on its cover in March, the cover line was “The Messiah Factor.” Must one add that this, too, was not meant to be taken at face value?

Europeans will be as relieved as 72 percent of Americans to see the end of the Bush administration, but their attitudes toward the Democratic candidate are far from being the same as the ones he arouses at home. Mr. Obama makes Europeans uncomfortable.

Well, yes - of course Europeans, and the REST Of the planet, will be relieved when Bush is out of office. One little problem with that - Congress. Most of those Bush Enablers will still be IN office once he is gone. And heaven knows, they have done BLESSED little to rein him in. Nope - rather, they have gone along with just about every single thing he has requested, including shredding the Constitution, and I don't just mean with the recent FISA debacle. Anywho, more than Bush need to leave office before there is REAL change: Pelosi, Hoyer, Reid, Dodd, Kerry, Leahy, to name just a very, very few, but I digress...

From our media, would you have ever gotten that the Berliners were anything less than thrilled, or that the Der Spiegel cover was a SATIRE?? Um, no. No, you wouldn't. I don't know about you, but I am pretty damn sick and tired of the media manipulating us to promote Obama. Sick of it. And I am not overstating the Berlin case. Here's a little more:

In Germany, politicians in front of large, shouting crowds evoke images that nobody wants to see repeated. But genuine worries about demagoguery are not all that’s at issue. The mocking undertone that accompanies most descriptions of Mr. Obama in the European news media signifies a trans-Atlantic divide. George W. Bush made matters far worse than they ever were, but the neoconservatives who advised him were right about one thing: Europe is gripped by a world-weariness that resists American dreams.

There's more, particularly about Obama's speech and from where he drew his "inspiration, " but you can go read about it if you wish. The point is that it was not all a bed of roses for Obama, despite the attempts to paint it otherwise (remember how when Obama went to Iraq, all of the newspapers were blaring how the Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki supported his plan?? Then come to find out, not so much, but they did not blare THAT correction, oh no...).

And to address this whole US Military Hospital in Landstuhl that Obama did not visit, since I am talking about Germany. He is now claiming that it was the Department of Defense that derailed his big plan to go visit our wounded soldiers there. I guess in a sense, they did - they said that he could go as a SENATOR, but not as a CANDIDATE. He could take a few of his staff, but not his entire entourage of staff and press. That is to say, he could not use a visit to the wounded warriors as a freakin' PHOTO OP for his campaign. How DARE they!!! So, instead of going to see them, as a US Senator, he went and worked out in the Ritz Carlton hotel where he was staying. Oh, if I was in the military, that would sure make ME want him as my Commander in Chief - NOT!!!!

And now, for more smoke and mirrors. By now, you have probably heard that Obama is considering yet another Republican to be his running mate. Before I get to that, allow me to digress - again - by bringing up Chuck Hagel, whose name was ALSO floated as a potential Obama VP choice. Hagel, the one who accompanied Obama on his "fact-finding" tour and demurred to him all along the way, even though HAGEL has actually been in the Senate for a while. But wait, there's more - Hagel is one of the owners of Diebold. You know, as in the Diebold VOTING MACHINES. As in he won re-election in 2002 with a whopping 83% of the vote. It was unprecedented. Care to take a guess what kinds of voting machines they use in Nebraska?? Well, I imagine it came as a surprise to Ol' Chuck that the Obama people are looking at another Republican, this time, a woman. Someone who served in BUSH'S administration. Ann Venman, the Secretary of Agriculture, is the person at whom they are currently looking. Amie Parnes and Ben Smith have written a comprehensive article on her, and the Democrats reaction to this news, in this article, "Obama Considers GOP Running Mate". Thanks to my buddy, Diamond Tiger, for sending this to me this morning. She warned me to not be drinking anything when I read it - I suggest that to you as well. (There will be more posts on this, to be sure!)

See, here's the thing. I have long thought that Obama was more Republican than Democratic anyway. When he started praising Ronald Reagan as a "transformative" president, a president who did VERY little for the African American community, and DISSED Bill Clinton's two-term presidency, I became very suspicious indeed. When he went further and said that he wanted to return to the Foreign Policy of George H.W. Bush, i.e., Donald Rumsfeld's policies, I knew, just KNEW, that he was a closet Republican (and if rumors can be believed, that is not the ONLY thing about which he is in the closet, if you know what I mean!). And of course, choosing a WOMAN is supposed to both appease all of us Hillary supporters (as if that is the ONLY reason we want her - it's all about her being a woman, not that she is far more qualified) and to prove that they aren't a bunch of misogynistic pigs. Oh, yes - choosing a Republican woman just covers ALL of those bases - they get cross over votes, and appease all of us PUMA people mad that the woman in the race was treated like pure-T crap. Yes, we ARE mad that Senator Clinton, and by extension, all women were treated horribly in this election season by the DNC and the MSM, but just picking any ol' woman, especially a REPUBLICAN woman, is not going to change the fact that they trashed the most qualified candidate in the field. And it does not give Obama any more experience, or integrity, or honesty.

Wow - they must really think we are stupid.

One last little smoke and mirror for your entertainment. And by entertainment, I mean another way a SD was arm-twisted to support Obama. That would be John Edwards. Yes, this is about John, his mistress, and his love child. Apparently, this has been known for some time in DC circles. Had it been anyone else (whose name happened to be Bill or Hillary), it would have been screamed all over the media 24/7/365. But the Obama/R/DNC could use this to their advantage, and boy, did they ever!! I trust that now the cat's out of the bag, it might make it to the MSM, but there again, I'm not holding my breath on that. You know we cannot cast any aspersions on Obamessiah, without being damned for all eternity, that is. I always liked Elizabeth way more than John anyway, but especially now - it makes her disappearance from the public eye that much more telling. I guess she knew this was coming down the pike. I hate it for her, though. She doesn't deserve this. Frankly, John was lucky to have her. She was what made him seem more believable. Well, that mirror is broken, and the smoke cleared now.

Holy cow - talk about your hoodwinking bamboozling. Please, please, PLEASE tell me why all of these so-called progressives (and I consider myself very progressive - and I make my own cappuccinos every single day. Oh, and I am highly "edumcated" too!) are supporting this Republican Lite?!?! I sure don't get it. His version of "change" is looking more and more like the Same-o Same-O to me, especially if you are a REPUBLICAN. Way to go R/DNC!! We now have ONE party in this country (nod to you, WorkingClassArtist and rosieriter)!! Wait, that isn't a good thing, is it?? Yikes.

I Don't Recall...

OK, let me say, I was going to write about another article I saw at memeorandum.com in the LA Times entitled, "Obama's Path To Presidency Is Far From Clear," by Peter Nicholas. It IS a good article, though he certainly leaves out some things, but what he DOES include is that Obama is loosing steam in some of the states in which he led McCain, but has now fallen behind. It is an interesting read, so I commend it to you when you get a chance.

But what I do not recall Obamessiah talking about while he was in Iraq was a story CNN covered entitled, "Gays In Iraq Terrorized By Threats, Rape, Murder." Maybe I missed it, but I do not recall him mentioning this issue at ALL when he was in Iraq on our time getting his photo ops. Oh, he would do whatever his handlers told him to do would LOOK good for him, but deal with real issues?? C'mon, he doesn't have time for things like that! Sheesh - there's only one of The One, after all!!

Ahem. As you might guess, life for gays is a far, far cry from, say New York City (which has the largest gay population in the USA):

Kamal was just 16 when gunmen snatched him off the streets of Baghdad, stuffed him in the trunk of a car and whisked him away to a house. But the real terror was about to begin.

The men realized he was gay, Kamal said, when he took his shirt off and they saw that his chest was shaved.

"They told me to take off my clothes to rape me or they would kill me immediately. This moment was the worst moment in my life," he said, weeping as he spoke of the 2005 ordeal.

"I was watching them taking off their clothes, preparing to rape me. I did not know what to do, so I started shouting loudly, 'Please do not do that! I will ask my family to give you whatever you want.' " Watch the tormented life of gays in Iraq.

His pleas went unheeded. "The other two kidnappers took off my clothes by force, and, at that time, I saw them as three dirty animals trying to tear my body apart."

His story continues:

He was held for 15 days, released only after his family paid a $1,500 ransom. He was raped every day. Only once, he said, was he allowed to talk to his family during captivity. "I told my family that I was beaten by them, but I did not dare to tell my family that I was raped by them. I could not say it, it's too much shame."

This is just one man, I understand. And really, Obama, despite his (unfounded) claims to be a big supporter of LGBT rights (just in case there is any question, he is NOT). But, the fear there is real, and founded. This article is pretty powerful, so I present the rest of it to you below:

CNN spoke with Kamal, now 18, and his 21-year-old friend Rami about what it's like to be gay in Iraq. Coming out as gay is not easy in any country, but to do so in Iraq could mean a death sentence or torture.

The two men rarely show feelings toward each other in public. They spend a lot of time in Internet cafes in Baghdad, surfing gay chat rooms and seeking contacts with other gay men in Iraq and elsewhere.

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the situation for gays and lesbians in Iraq has deteriorated. Ridiculed under Hussein, many now find themselves the targets of violence, according to humanitarian officials.(Emphasis mine.)

Lesbians are also victims of harassment and violence, but not nearly as often as gay men.

It's unknown how many homosexuals have been killed by militias in the lawless streets of Iraq's cities, but some Web sites post pictures of Iraqis they say were killed for being gay.

One photo on the Iraqi Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender site shows a group of men standing around three male bodies sprawled on a street, blood pouring from their heads. "Gay Iraqi victims of the police and death squads," the site says.

A U.N. report on human rights in Iraq reinforces the accusations of violence. Although gays are supposed to be protected by law in Iraq, it says, they face extreme brutality.

"Armed Islamic groups and militias have been known to be particularly hostile toward homosexuals, frequently and openly engaging in violent campaigns against them," the report said, adding that homosexuals have been murdered.

"Militias are reportedly threatening families of men believed to be homosexual, stating that they will begin killing family members unless the men are handed over or killed by the family," it said.

The report was issued at the end of 2006 and is the last U.N. study to touch on the subject.

Human rights experts say homosexuals are targeted for cultural reasons as well.

"Gay men and lesbians in Iraq face a lot of risks right now, because homosexuality is sometimes interpreted by people in Iraq as being a Western import," said Scott Portman with the Heartland Alliance, a group that promotes human rights worldwide. "So they can sometimes be targeted by insurgent groups or militias, in part, because of animosity toward the West and, in part, because homosexuality is not well-accepted in Iraqi society."

He added, "the biggest threats right now are from militia organizations, who will attack and actually sometimes kill gay men and women."

Kamal and Rami say the dangers are all too real in Baghdad -- and they live in secrecy not to shame their families.

"I would rather commit suicide than allow my family to find out I am gay," Rami said.

Kamal said he often pretends to have girlfriends in social settings and tells his friends he's dating girls. "I am also careful with the way I dress -- not to show them that I am gay, especially my family."

What would his family do if they found out?

"They will force me to give it up, and I cannot do that," he said. "The 'normal' people cannot live in Iraq. Imagine how the life is for gays."

Rami added, "I do not know why people hate gays even though so many have this tendency. But still they hate it."

Homosexuality is a touchy subject for many Iraqis. When CNN asked Iraqis in Baghdad how they felt about homosexuals, we found intolerance to be widespread.

One man said he considers gays no different from "criminals and terrorists." Another claimed that homosexuality was "illegal under Islamic law, and [gays] should be punished by law like criminals."

Rami said he once fell in love with a man who was part of the Mehdi Army, a Shiite insurgent group loyal to the radical anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Their relationship eventually soured.

"One day he told me he would come over to my house and kill me in front of my family," Rami said. "I told him I would come outside and be killed in the street because I do not want my family to find out I am gay."

Both men hope to escape Iraq. They say their ideal destination would be San Francisco, California. For now, both of them keep their feelings secret.

Kamal is still tormented by what happened to him nearly three years ago.

"During my sleep, I only see nightmares, and I start crying. My family thought it was because they were beating me."

He paused. "Only my close friend Rami knows about this secret."

A video is also available HERE.

Like I said above, I don't recall Obama saying word one about this issue, but I am not the least bit surprised by that. I am more surprised that CNN actually did some real investigative journalism, to tell you the truth, something sorely lacking these days. At any rate, this is one of the pieces that gets lost in all the hoopla, in all of the grandstanding. But these people's lives are actually at stake there, and we are the ones who opened that door. It is up to us to close it, fix it, make it right. You can bet Senator Clinton would. Will Senator Obama? I think we all know the answer to that question...

The "Shell Game"

Obama continues his Master of the Universe tour,today landing in Germany. He has a big ol' speech planned to wow them in Germany, and to get their votes. Oh, wait - they can't vote for him! No matter, he is bound and determined that he will get massive support there. He even went so far as to come up with a handy little poster for them all in German and everything! Of course, that is because his campaign BANNED any other posters. Yes, he did. He is trying to act like JFK, but I think he might remind the Germans of some other leader instead with his stringent requirements and grandiose expectations. But that's just me.

Meanwhile, back in the United States, the US Senate is actually in session!! I bet you didn't realize that since Obama is on his World Tour! But Obama not being in the Senate does not stop him from claiming credit, falsely, for one of the big committees in the Senate, the Banking Committee. He flat out said - with hand on his chest to make the point - that the Banking Committee is HIS committee! Here's the kicker - he ISN'T EVEN ON IT!!! Wowie zowie - with all of the lies this man has told about his experience, especially his legislative experience, it is sure a good thing that his supporters have finally woken up and realized what a lying, conniving, scheming, Chicago-style politician he is!!! Oh, wait - that hasn't happened yet. But we can hope that SOMEDAY they will realize they have been had. Of course, it would help if the media actually did their job to facilitate that awakening. This is me NOT holding my breath.

So, yes, the US Senate is in session, and there is someone who has been knocking herself out for her constituents, and all Americans. Oh, shoot - I have already given a clue by the use of the pronoun. I can assure you, it is not Claire McCaskill, one of Obama's sycophantic "my children convinced me" supporters. No, of course not - you know who it is. Hillary Clinton.

That's right, Hillary Clinton is currently fighting in the US Senate to get us relief from these exorbitant gas prices. Oh, and to argue against offshore drilling. What a silly little woman - worrying about the little people! Yet, she spoke about this on the Senate floor:

Senator Clinton urged her colleagues to support The Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act to provide short term relief to Americans feeling the pain of rising fuel prices and also called for bold new steps to break the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and achieve long term energy independence based on clean, renewable alternative energy.

Say WHAT? Gee willikers - it seems that all of her talk during her campaigning wasn't just TALK! She CARES about these issues because she cares about us, energy independence, and the environment. Well, I'll be darned! She went on to say:

“I believe we can lower gas prices in the very near term by taking smart, practical, sensible steps to address rampant oil speculation,” Senator Clinton said. “And let's lead our nation to embrace the great next American endeavor, a national effort to change the way we produce and use energy. It’ll serve our economy. It will strengthen our security. It will bring us together as a nation.”

Oh, she just needs to stop - energy independence AND economic recovery? It's madness, I tell you!!! Maybe that's what Jim Cramer of CNBC's "Mad Money" responded EMPHATICALLY when asked by Ellen Degeneres which candidate would be best for the economy: "That's actually, hands down, Hillary Clinton." HERE is the link for the interview on YouTube.com. It's short, but powerful.

But Senator Clinton doesn't stop there, oh no. She goes on to tackle the issue of offshore drilling:

“Drilling is the wrong answer. It will do nothing right now. It is literally a Shell game, or an Exxon Mobile game. It's designed to serve the political interests of vulnerable Republicans and the financial interests of profit-rich oil companies. Average Americans will not see a dime,” Senator Clinton said. “The oil companies say, ‘Drill,’ and the President and the Vice President say, ‘How deep?’ I don't think that's the smartest, most effective answer.”

Crazy talk, I tell ya! WHAT is she thinking?? Energy independence? Get the economy on track?? NO offshore drilling?!?!? She is out of control!!!

It seems there is some precedent for these wild ideas of hers:

Senator Clinton has previously cosponsored the Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act and the Close the Enron Loophole Act, which would protect consumers from unscrupulous energy profiteers and increase transparency in the retail and wholesale markets.

What has gotten INTO this woman?? Concerned about price gouging at the pump? While ExxonMobil continues to rake in record-breaking profits?? What is WRONG with her?! I swannee, as we say down here in the South, she just seems hell-bent on HELPING people! Not in self-promotion! Or being Master of the Universe and pretending to be former American heroes! Good grief.

So, Senator Clinton was on the floor, talking away, pushing this:

Senator Clinton outlined her proposal to create a Strategic Energy Fund to jump start research and investment in clean energy technologies to promote job growth, energy independence and a cleaner environment. She also underscored her support for providing energy relief to low-income families in New York and across the country. Senator Clinton has long been an advocate of fully funding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

How dare she? She wants a program that will help the people of New York and all Americans? Including low-income people?! She has just gone too far. Apparently, she did not get the memo that her REAL job was to engage in narcissistic, selfish, egotistical, arrogant, CYA actions, not to actually do things that would HELP people, the economy, and the environment! Well, no wonder Kerry, Reid, Dodd, et al, in the Senate didn't want her!! It has all become clear to me now!

Grrrr. So, to recap: Obama is off on his European vacation on TAXPAYER'S dime, pretending to be JFK but missing the mark by a universe, and Clinton is in the Senate fighting for US.

Once again, Automatic Super Duper Delegates: PICK THE PERSON WHO IS FIGHTING FOR US, who has the intelligence, the passion, the COMMITMENT, to restoring this country to economic health, and to take us to energy independence. HILLARY CLINTON is the only one who will do that. Grow a spine, stop worrying about getting more money for your pet projects, and DO THE RIGHT THING already. Have some integrity. Have some GUTS. Do not foist yet another Pretender on us. Seriously.

For an added bonus, here is the LINK to her speech on YouTube.com. Get a cup of coffee, tea, whatever your beverage of choice is, and watch a REAL leader, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Hillary Wants To Hear From YOU!

William Bowers, of PUMA08 and JustSayNoDeal.com
sent me an email about this today. He, and I, believe that she really wants to hear if we are still behind her for the Convention. I wrote her and asked her to bear in mind the 18,000,000 voices who want HER in the White House; that she is the only one who can help this country get back on the right track, and to please make sure she is on the Convention ballot (or something along those lines).

PLEASE click on the link below, and let her know what you think!

Since 2001, I have served as the honorary chair of HillPAC, an organization dedicated to helping working families. It is our goal to fight for a better future for every child, and for every family. To keep fighting for those who get up every day, no matter what the odds, and never give in. For those who never back down, and those who always stand their ground. HillPAC works to elect Democratic candidates to office who share these same ideals and goals and I'm proud to serve as the honorary chair and I hope you will join me in this mission.

Together, we began this campaign by starting a conversation with the American people, a conversation about where our country was headed and how we could work together to bring about the change America needs.

Our campaign for the White House may be over, but I hope that conversation continues through HillPAC. I'm so grateful for everything you did to help me over the past year and a half, and I want to make sure that as we keep fighting for change, you are just as deeply involved now as you were then.

So let's keep the conversation going. I want you to tell me about the issues that matter to you. I want to hear what's happening with you and your family -- how high gas prices, the war in Iraq, and the struggling economy are affecting you. Your feedback will help steer the direction of HillPAC and how we are going to tackle America's problems together.

Click here to tell me about the issues that matter to you and your family today.

I'm so proud of the campaign we ran together because we focused on the issues that make a difference to people in their everyday lives. And I heard every day on the campaign trail what that meant to the people we're fighting for. All the stories I heard shaped the campaign we ran.

In the weeks, months, and years to come, I won't let my dedication to our values waver and by fighting to make sure Barack Obama is our next President we will finally have a Democrat in the White House who is also dedicated to the things we care so deeply about. I'm going to work as hard as I can between now and November to help Barack Obama win the White House and Democrats win bigger majorities in Congress. I hope you will continue to fight with me because together, if we don't back down and don't give up we can make all the difference.

So let's continue our vital conversation about the direction America is taking. Tell me what you're concerned about right now: the issues that affect your life and the principles you want to keep fighting for.

Let's keep the conversation going -- tell me what you think.

Thank you so much for all you are doing. I'm really looking forward to continuing our great conversation.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Taking A Page From Obama's Playbook

Sports Edition!! Since I wrote about Obama hanging out and playing basketball ON YOUR DIME, here is another basketball related post. Some of you may have seen the "lowlights" from last night's game between the LA Sparks and Detroit Shock. It all began when one player tripped over another player, and that player then plowed over the first player. All hell broke loose then, and it was a bench-clearing brawl. It was short-lived, but a brawl nonetheless. In the MIDST of it, the assistant coach of the Shock, Rick Mahorn, a LARGE man, got into it, and shoved Lisa Leslie down. Don't take my word for it - watch the video.

Now, if you have been living in a cave, and do not know who Lisa Leslie is, she has been a basketball star for YEARS (in the pros since 1997), an Olympic Gold Medalist, a model, and a mother. She has been a spokeswoman for women's basketball for quite some time. Unlike Obama, she can dunk, and was the first woman to do so in a professional basketball game.

So, this Mahorn guy shoves her down, and was ejected from the game after the referees reviewed the tape to see who was responsible for the melee. Afterwards, he said:

"I was trying to protect the whole game, the integrity of the game. The WNBA is very special to me because I have four daughters. I don't even raise my hand to them, and I would never push a woman. This game, I love this game too much."

Wow. That's the kind of convoluted logic that would make Obama PROUD!! I mean, really - he is ON VIDEO pushing her, and then he claims he would NEVER push a woman?? So, what, is he saying Lisa Leslie isn't a WOMAN, because that is the ONLY other explanation for his inane WORM-like statement.

As an added bonus, we have the Shock's head coach, BIll Laimbeer, telling us we didn't see what we saw. Oh, no - Mahorn is a PEACEMAKER!!!

I swear - ever since Bush took office, people have completely FLIPPED the actual definitions of words. He has done it constantly, Obama does it constantly, and now men are doing it when they shove women around - they are making PEACE, not PUSHING them! C'mon, what's WRONG with you?!?!

Seriously, though - after watching Obama this entire election season, especially in the debates and his WORMing after talking to the press, along with his TAX-PAYERS funded romp through the Middle East and Europe (hey - will you tax payers send ME to Europe?? Please?? I'll find some facts, I promise!), telling Katie Couric that she clearly does not understand him because he is trying his damndest to WORM around the whole SURGE issue, playing both sides, and if she would just PLAY ALONG already, and bow down to him, his point will be CLEAR - he was "against-it-before-he was-for-it-but-he-wouldn't-have-done-it-even-if-it-worked-and-it-is-working-isn't-that-great!" logic, it makes Mahorn's claim that he did not push Lisa Leslie down seem PLAUSIBLE. Watch any one of the replays on ESPN or YouTube or wherever - every commentator, especially the ones who WERE THERE said he pushed her. Heck - it is pretty darn clear he pushed her. Like Obama, Mahorn does not seem to realize we have VIDEO and REPLAY. Holy freakin' crap - what is the world coming to, I ask you?!? Just because he SAYS he didn't push him, we are supposed to listen to him, not believe our own eyes and ears? Well, that is EXACTLY what OBAMA has done for eighteen months now, so it shouldn't be all that surprising...

Good heavens, is this to what we have to look forward? Men behaving badly and then telling us they would NEVER behave badly despite all evidence to the contrary? Apparently so. This past year has pretty much demonstrated that by Obama and the MSM, though it wasn't Lisa Leslie who bore the brunt of it - it was all women, with the primary target being Hillary Clinton. That is simply unacceptable to me. This Obama Playbook, and the men who use it, are intolerable. We need to stand up, step up, and stop this. We cannot let them get away with this kind of Switcheroo Flip Flop Blame Us For Seeing What Is Happening Before Our Eyes. Not only MUST we have Hillary Clinton as our president to start correcting this brutish behavior, but WE need to stand up when we see/hear/experience it. Call attention to it. Make it clear that this is UNACCEPTABLE, no matter how much we are told we aren't seeing what we are seeing. We can do that. And we must.

Oh - and when was the last time you saw the WNBA get this much coverage?? Yeah. That's what I thought...

Petition for Women's Health

In case you did not get this from Hillary, below is an email she sent out today:

Dear Amy,

Since 2001, I have served as the honorary chair of HillPAC, an organization dedicated to helping working families. It is our goal to fight for a better future for every child, and for every family. To keep fighting for those who get up every day, no matter what the odds, and never give in. For those who never back down, and those who always stand their ground. HillPAC works to elect Democratic candidates to office who share these same ideals and goals and I'm proud to serve as the honorary chair and I hope you will join me in this mission.

Right now, I'm working with HillPAC to lead the fight on one very important issue, and we need your help.

The Bush White House is working to rewrite the definition of abortion in federal regulations to include common forms of birth control. This would undermine women's health and put family planning services in danger. Simply, it puts women at risk -- it could even prevent victims of sexual assault from receiving emergency contraceptives.

I need your help to speak up for the health of millions of American women who are in danger, once again, from the latest assault from the Bush administration.

Will you join me in sending a strong message to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to put women's health ahead of right-wing ideology?

Click here to send a message to the Bush administration asking them to protect women's health.

Imagine being told common forms of contraception like birth control pills could now fall under the definition of an abortion. This is another assault by the extreme right on the rights and health of women everywhere. They will do anything in their power to impose their beliefs -- no matter what the risk to women.

We've worked hard to guarantee women have access to a full range of health and family planning services, and we can't let the right wing undermine those efforts. This issue is far too important not to act, so I hope you'll join HillPAC and me today in speaking out to protect women's health.

Tell Bush's HHS Secretary to protect women's health!

Thank you for all your support. I'm so happy that we are still working together on vitally important issues like this one.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Dress Code and New Presidential Term

OK - I realize that some of you may not know that Obama has issues a "dress code" for the FEMALE journalists traveling with him. Yes, you read that right. Below is an excerpt from Ben Smith's Blog at Politico.com:

Obama press told to cover up, not wear green

Politico's Carrie Budoff Brown, accompanying Obama on his trip to the Middle East and Europe, emails:

Reporters traveling overseas with Sen. Barack Obama were thrown a bit of curve last week when the campaign emailed a “dress code” for Israel and Jordan. Aides had passed along as a courtesy the list that they had distributed to their staff to follow.

But some of the tips raised a few eyebrows, particularly among the female reporters.

“Do not wear green.” (Explained later as the color of Hamas)

“Do not wear nail polish.”

“Women should only wear a limited amount of jewelry.”

“Shoulders and arms must be fully covered (no strapless tops, no tank tops, no short sleeve shirts.)"

“Closed-toe shoes, women should also wear stockings.”

At historical and religious sites, a suit or slacks should be worn, shoulders and arms must be covered (“no strapless tops, no tanks tops no short sleeve shirts”), shoes might need to be removed, and women may be asked to cover their heads and “should be prepared with a scarf/pashmina,” the email stated.

As the traveling press prepared to depart tonight from Chicago for Jordan, there was a dash to cover toes and arms – or at least be prepared upon arrival in the Middle Eastern country tomorrow. Still spotted on the bus en route to the airport: plenty of jewelry, tank tops, and nail polish.

ALSO:

New for the trip: The campaign's remodeled 757, which, in atypical Obama style, carries the campaign's logo and slogan. (Obama was unusual during the primary for not decking out his campaign bus in shrink-wrap.) But interestingly, his name is barely noticeable - it's seen only in the web address written just under his slogan "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN" . The plane's tail simply carries the logo.

Obama, of course, is not with us.

Oh, yes he did!! Both for the dress code (apparently, Israel, according to Obama, is a Taliban-like country. I bet that's news for the women who LIVE there!), and for the PLANE piece. Yes, he repainted his plane to put the Magic "O" on it, and his Hope-Change-y message!! I do not think this man could possibly be more narcissistic. Seriously!

And now for Obama's "New and EXTENDED!" presidential term from Jake Tapper: Barack Obama's Butterfly EffectJuly 20, 2008 4:45 PM

Today on CBS's Face the Nation, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in Afghanistan, told the paparazzi-pursued correspondent Lara Logan that "the objective of this trip was to have substantive discussions with people like President Karzai or Prime Minister Maliki or President Sarkozy or others who I expect to be dealing with over the next eight to 10 years.

"And it's important for me to have a relationship with them early, that I start listening to them now, getting a sense of what their interests and concerns are."

Eight to ten years, you say?? Um, have you actually READ the Consitution that you claim to know so well (your FISA vote alone would signify the answer to that is NO)? A presidential term is only FOUR years, Barack - that is 4 years! IV years!! I don't know how else to write it for you. But seems like you have a little reading to do!!!

Though, honestly, I hope that isn't even an issue, and that the American people who think you are THE ONE stop drinking the Kool Aide and come out of their stupor. Then again, since McCain and Obama are essentially tied, with the RNC doing VERY little until after the delayed Democratic Convention (look it up - see in what month the DNC USUALLY has its convention. Oh, all right - I'll save you the trouble - JULY!!! Yes, it is usually in JULY!!!!), I'd say he's toast. Seriously - the RNC has done essentially no real campaigning until they are damn sure McCain will be facing the Junior Senator. Then the fireworks will begin, I think.

So, yes - Obama thinks we have 58 states, and thinks presidential terms can range from 4 -5 years. Now, WHO was it who said he was so damn smart?? He can read a teleprompter, but other than that, WHAT proof do we have?? Judging from his debate performances ("Uh, Um, Uh, Well, Look..."), I am not convinced. Add to that finding out that his speeches are written by two 26 yr olds, and a 30 yr old, and he cannot even take credit for the so-called eloquence of his speeches! I kid you not. The story is HERE. Oh, and that he has to tell seasoned journalists who have probably traveled a helluva more than HE has how they should dress - oh, I mean, how the FEMALE journalists should dress. What a guy. What a SCHOLAR!! What a joke...

Doing The Work...

While Obama is doing his cram session on the Middle East, using our tax-paying dollars to beef up his very, very thin resume (and frankly, one trip does NOT make him any more qualified on the Foreign Policy front) Senator Clinton continues to do the work of the People.

Senator Clinton, along with Senators Schumer, Lautenberg, and Menedez, are pushing the Bush Administration to keep the 9/11 Health Expert currently in place. Senator Clinton had this to say:

"The brave responders and residents who suffer from 9/11-related ailments deserve the best leadership and expertise from the federal government as it responds to these pressing problems. Unfortunately, by abruptly removing Dr. Howard, the administration is risking leaving these vital programs adrift at a critical time. We have asked for answers that the Administration has so far failed to provide, in a troubling display of indifference to the suffering of so many who sacrificed their health in the aftermath of these attacks," Senator Clinton said. "By extending Dr. Howard's contract, we can ensure continuity and competence at the federal level and reaffirm our commitment to helping those who helped New York in its hour of need."

Plenty is being written about Obama's little jaunt, including his NEW claim that he will be working with these people in Iraq and Iran for "8 - 10 years" (again, this guy is SUPPOSED to be a CONSTITUTIONAL scholar - but we have already seen how he over-inflates his resume, and apparently did so here as well), and telling the women journalists how they should dress while in the Middle East (oh, yes he did), so I will spare you more ranting about all of that - for now!! (And I will provide links to those articles later on - gotta run for now!) So, for the moment, I want to keep reminding us, and those pesky little SDs, why CLINTON needs to be the nominee!!

What A Contrast

There is a great YouTube Video of Hillary Clinton responding to Bush on issues of choice for women. There seems to be some technical difficulties, so if you want to see it, here is the link: Hillary Tackles Bush on Abortion

So Barack Obama is finally making his highly touted trip abroad. What does he do when he gets to Afghanistan, the country about which he could not be bothered to actually hold a meeting? He plays basketball. Hoops. Roundball. We are currently fighting a war in Afghanistan, and he spends part of his less than two whole days there playing a game. Wow. Have we not had enough of almost eight years of an adolescent in the White House?? Do we REALLY want another one?? From what I understand, he isn't even all that great!! Yet, he spends all of this time on the campaign trail playing basketball. Have a debate?? Oh, he is WAY too busy for that!! But he can sure find time to go shoot some hoops! Bush has his bicycle, and Obama has his basketball. It boggles the mind.

MEANWHILE, Hillary continues to work for women and the military. That is what SHE has been spending her time doing. Not hanging out and playing some game, but actually working. In this video, she is fighting for the rights of women particularly as it relates to choice.

And, she took the time to mark the 160th Anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention. This is her statement:

July 19, 2008

Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on the 160th Anniversary of the Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York

Washington, DC – “Today we honor the trailblazers who 160 years ago rejected the status quo and gathered together in Seneca Falls, New York, to demand economic and political opportunities for American women. Thanks to the courage of 68 determined women and 32 brave men, generations of Americans who followed in their footsteps pushed our democracy closer to fulfilling the promise of opportunity for all. It took almost 75 years for women to win the right to vote, and another century for women to see gains in employment and education and economic status. But the ideal of women's rights never died, and those fighting for it never gave up the struggle.

This anniversary gives us the chance to reflect on our progress, assess the present, and look to the future. Just as we are the beneficiaries of brave generations past, we must also be the benefactors to generations to come. We must appreciate our progress, but also acknowledge areas where we still fall short of our ideals.

As a nation, we’ve widened the circle of freedom and opportunity but while we’ve come a long way, there is still so much work to do. It is our responsibility to those who gathered in Seneca Falls to keep their spirit of determination alive -- to keep standing up to inequality, shattering glass ceilings, breaking down barriers, and opening doors for women across the country and around the world.”

While Obama gallivants around in his "O" plane, playing games and pretending that all of the world leaders support his plans (which are HILLARY'S plans he stole), Clinton is working hard in the Senate for the American people. I don't know about you, but I want the hard worker as president, not the game player. But that's just me. And about 18,000,000 others...

Hillary : We've Come a Long Way, Baby!

In recognition of the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848... As I said yesterday, yes, we have come a long way, but as this video demonstrates, we have a HELLUVA long way to go. We can get there, but it is going to take a lot of hard work. I had no idea how much until this election cycle in which I have been truly shocked by the level of sexism and misogyny. By our politicians. By the Democratic Party. By the media. By Obama's supporters. Shocking, and appalling.

Hillary Clinton is the role model we need. Her continued grace under fire, her ability to stand strong in the face of the rampant sexism, is awe-inspiring. No doubt, she is exactly the kind of woman who fought for our right to vote. She has demonstrated time and time again her willingness to fight for us - women, children, veterans, lesgianz, gay men, bisexuals, trans-gendered, Native Americans, elderly, poor, middle class..Let her be an inspiration to continue this struggle for women's equality.

Again, Happy Anniversary! Now, let's get to work!

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks the 160th anniversary of the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention. Susan B. Anthony, one of the most renowned women from that time said, "It was we, the people, not we, the white male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union." Amen, sister!

We've certainly come a long way from that time, baby - we have the right to vote, e are CEOs, doctors, lawyers, priests, rabbis, ministers, accountants...And we continue to make up a large percentage of nurses, teachers, retail help...Our sports are now funded on a par with the boys thanks to the diligent work of women in the 1970's to raise up girls and women in sports. And we now have women represented in the US Senate and House, not to mention a number of governorships. The most qualified candidate in the presidential field this year was a woman, and she got more votes than any other candidate EVER. That is pretty remarkable.

Bill Kristol said, "White women are a problem, that's you know - we all live with that." And so it is that in the 21st century, while we may have come far, we have men yelling at a US Senator, a Former First Lady of the US and Arkansas, "Iron My Shirt!" You have college kids wearing t-shirts that claim, "Bros before hos!" You have TV newscasters calling the same senator a whore, and her daughter a pimp, on national television, and when he is rebuked for it, other male commentators lash out in anger. You have a network selling nutcrackers with the female senator on top, another station having an organization on - twice - whose acronym is an incredibly derogatory term for women. You have major party candidates making sexist statements to not only his fellow candidate, who is older and far more accomplished, but to reporters and other women. And it is brushed aside. You have rampant sexism, even misogyny, eminating from newspapers, magazines, television, and rallies. You have the female speaker of the U.S. House claim she is too busy to document the sexism that has gone on during the campaign, dismissing it, and her female colleague, out of hand.

Women athletes have to sue the Olympic Committee for not having their sport represented, though their male counterparts have theirs. But in Canada, where the Olympics will be taking place, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex.* O, Canada! You rock!

Boston now has an operation designed to reduce the number of sexual predators on its subway lines with cameras, as well as involving the people to help stop these abusers. Way to go, Boston!!*

And, there is still a disparity between girls and boys in math and science in countries that do not offer equal access to education.*

There's an "abstinence-promoting" magazine for high school girls, as well as one for boys, that presents inaccurate information as "facts," and suggests the girls should dress "modestly."* (*Facts taken from skirt.com, July 2008 Issue.)

So, yes, baby - we have come a long way, but we have a long way to go yet before that glass ceiling is truly good and shattered, before women are seen as full, equal human beings to men, before women stop being measured AGAINST men, with men being the standard (Anna Quindlen writes about that beautifully), before women do not have to fear for their safety when walking alone, whether in broad daylight or nightfall, before women no longer have to endure sexist jeers and attacks by our own media. Yes, we have a long way to go yet, but at least we are on the road. Thanks to women like Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Bloomer, Lucretia Mott, and many, many others, for getting us going. Thank you for the struggles to the women in the early 1900s, some who sacrificed their very lives for us to be able to vote. To the women in the '70's who pushed against the restrictive standards, who fought for equality, who showed women as capable human beings who were more than the sum of their parts, I thank you. And to the men who supported us as we broke through some of the barriers. We have more work to do, my sisters and brothers. Much, much more work to do, as this primary has shown us. But together, YES, WE CAN!!!!

Contact Superdelegates!

I have been asked to post this on my blog (it is also available at No Quarter in Excel, if you prefer, under the title, "Action! Contact These Superdelegates"). It is a list of the SuperDelegates who are planning to vote for Obama despite the way the people in their states voted. Click HERE for the list, and see if any of your Superdelegates are on thie list. If so, LET THEM HEAR FROM YOU!!!

Will The Real Hillary Please Stand Up?

Oh, wait - it is the same Hillary we have known and respected for all of these years. Yes, she has been pretty consistent in her positions for years now, not that you would know it from how Obama, the DNC, and the MSM have treated her.

One of my favorite writers is Anna Quindlen. Not only has she written some mighty fine novels, but she has great commentaries every other week in Newsweek (I know - I can hardly believe they still have her there either since they became an Obama mouthpiece). Quindlen is also a big Hillary supporter, smart woman that she is. I came across one of her older pieces today, THE SAME OLD (NEW) HILLARY: AFTER YEARS OF FREE-FLOATING PROPAGANDA, HER COLLEAGUES ARE ASTONISHED TO DISCOVER THAT SHE IS COLLABORATIVE AND CONGENIAL. It is a prescient piece in terms of the issues raised in this primary. From the outset, it addresses faith - something people, okay, Obama trolls, have claimed Clinton has talked up since she decided to run for president. Those of us who have followed her career knew this wasn't true, but hey - what do we know? A lot, apparently:

In 1992 I spent part of the day with the wife of the putative Democratic candidate for president. We covered the issues, the campaign and her husband's plans for the future. And we talked about faith, about how both of us believed our religion had led us toward a heightened interest in various social-welfare issues.

That's the real Hillary Rodham Clinton. A lifelong Methodist, she's as reticent about her faith as a Sunday-school teacher--and she once did teach an adult class, back in Arkansas. Yet recently when she's mentioned God, knowing snickers have erupted. Ultraconservative pooh-bah Gary Bauer was quoted as saying it was "the ultimate makeover."

Then there have been the constant attacks we have all heard about her going into the Senate - no way people were going to work with her, especially Republicans, she was a dragon lady, etc., etc. Well, nothing has been further from the truth:

Actually, a makeover has been underway since the former First Lady went to Washington under her own steam as a senator. It's just not the one Bauer means. People are finally seeing past the stereotypes and fabrications. In New York state her approval rating is just shy of 70 percent. After years of free-floating propaganda, her colleagues in the Senate are astonished to discover she is collaborative and congenial. "Those people wanted to hate Hillary so bad," Harry Reid said when she visited Nevada. How disappointing: she's likable, not to mention smart and hardworking.

Well, no kidding. Yes, she seems to be "likable" enough. And she has worked her heart out on the issues that affect real people's lives - veterans, those with HIV/AIDS, women, not JUST since she became a senator, but for her entire adult working life. For over 30 years. But hey, some folks don't worry about letting facts influence their opinions:

The so-called Hillary truth squad is ratcheting up again for her re-election race in 2006 and the widely rumored run for the presidency in 2008, suggesting that on all kinds of issues the senator is changing her tune to a hummable version of "Hail to the Chief." The truth is that she is now who she has always been. The suggestion that common ground needs to be found on abortion, common ground around better access to contraception, is nothing new. Her concern that the culture is deadening our kids to sex and violence has been one that she has discussed before.

Consider these sentiments:

"Our ancestors did not have to think about many of the issues we are now confronted with. When does life start, when does life end? Who makes those decisions? How do we dare to infringe upon these areas of such delicate, difficult questions? And yet, every day in hospitals and homes and hospices all over this country, people are struggling with those very profound issues."

If the senator had made those comments last week, every story about them would suggest positioning for the presidency. But they are taken from a speech delivered 12 years ago, a speech in which she spoke of a "spiritual vacuum" that government cannot begin to answer, of the thirst to "feel that we are part of something bigger than ourselves."

Say what? She's been saying the same thing for the past 15 years (this article was written in 2005)?? How DARE she!!! Why, doesn't she know she is supposed to change her positions whenever the wind blows? Especially if it involves important matters like health care?? Oh, oh - better, yet - if it involves shredding the Constitution, now THAT'S a good one on which to change up! Yippee!! What kind of politician IS this woman, anyway?!? Quindlen continues:

A stroll down the memory lane of news clippings shows pundits didn't know what to make of that speech. It conflicted with the chilly-Hillary iconography that reporters reflexively adopted, big government combined with the ever-popular secular humanism and a healthy dose of dragon lady. Occasionally there was the obligatory counterstory--She's warm! She's funny! She prays!--culminating after her election in the breathless report that her Senate colleagues liked her. Now, however, the monorail is back on track. No matter what she says, no matter how long she's been saying it, everything will be refracted through the lens of a run for the White House.

Like most complex and intelligent people, the senator is difficult to categorize neatly: idealist and pragmatist both, a person who believes in personal freedom and personal responsibility, a moderate described as a liberal and reviled as a radical. This makes her like so many who reject either/or, who believe in both strong families and good day care, both prenatal care and the morning-after pill. It has also made it easy to demonize her by those who prefer black and white to gray (and any man to a strong woman). An article she wrote about the rights of children in fractious families was twisted into the allegation that she thought kids should be able to divorce their parents. The suicide of her friend Vince Foster was wreathed in fringe-group suggestions of murder. If the woman cured cancer, there would be complaints that she'd ignored heart disease. And not just from the right. Within her own party, power brokers suggest that she is too polarizing, too hated, to run for president. You could say exactly the same about George W. Bush, but no one said he shouldn't stay in the race because he was reviled or divisive.

Oh, heck no - men don't have to get out if they are perceived as divisive, or polarizing or whatever. And here's the thing - Bush WAS divisive and polarizing, just like Obama is. The only thing that is polarizing about Clinton is the Right Wing Smear Machine that has painted her as such, a machine the Obama Campaign took over, being the good Democrats they are (cough, choke). By all means, use the Right Wing's taking points against one of your own who has worked her heart out to serve the people. What an upstanding thing to do - not.

See, if the Obama camp, or the Right Wingers, didn't smear Clinton with false characterizations, they'd be in a world of hurt, and they know it:

Here's a sense of what happens when people pay attention to the real Hillary Rodham Clinton. In New York state, which consists not only of the city but also of a whole lot of upstate counties not so different from Nebraska, close to one out of three residents had a negative opinion of her three years ago; today that figure is down to almost one in five. If she can't become the first female president, it ought to be because voters reject what she really believes, what she really stands for, what her real plans for the future may be, not because they got suckered by a smear machine or easy oversimplification. In that 1993 speech she spoke of changing the national ethos to the golden rule, so Americans "truly begin to try to see other people as they wish to be seen and to treat them as they wish to be treated." Perhaps there she was being prescient.

No FREAKIN' KIDDING! "See people as they wish to be seen, and treat them as they wish to be treated." Huh. Now there's a concept. And no wonder the DNC, Obama and the Right Wingers are scared to death of this woman - her brilliance, her competence, her commitment to serve all put her in a league of her own.

And speaking of that - while Obama is out sticking his foot/feet in his mouth, twisting this way and that, shredding the Bill of Rights, and WORMing on everything under the sun, Senator Clinton continues to do the work of the people. Yesterday, she spoke at a rally on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a bill she sponsored. In case you are unfamiliar with bill, it is based on a real case:

Lilly Ledbetter, whose Supreme Court case led to the reversal of decades of precedent in wage discrimination cases, spoke of her hope that the bill will become law so that women in the future will have the ability to seek the redress that the Supreme Court denied her. Ledbetter worked for Goodyear for 19 years before discovering that she was paid significantly less than her male counterparts with the same or less experience. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the complaint had to be filed within 180days of the initial salary decision even if the victim is unaware of the discrimination until much later...The intent of this bill is to provide more effective remedies to victims of wage discrimination based on gender. It also amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect wage data based on gender.

But that's not all. She also had a number of amendments added, and passed, to (t)he Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008
That's just been in the past couple of days.

I think we can ask Obama, in the immortal words of Janet Jackson, "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" I know the answer to that - lied, and lied, and lied...

So, here is yet another damn wake up call to the Superdelegates. PAY ATTENTION, already!! Enough with the head in the sand crapola - grow a spine, think for yourselves, stop letting yourselves be bullied by the Obama thugs and the DNC hacks. Seriously. Act like adults. And pick the adult to be the Democratic nominee - the one who can play well with others; can think for herself; has integrity; can make a well-informed decision, and stick with it; is constant; and who truly cares about the people to whom she has devoted her life. THAT is who we need now, not the spoiled brat adolescent who wants everything without having to work for it, and who cannot take a stand to save his, or anyone's, life. Please. Get with it, SDs. Earn your title.