Making principled leadership a reality is a good sound bite; but doesn't matter if there is no integrity and honesty. Some candidates for office feel that it is a necessity to distort the truth by the way of half truths. Some may claim that their opponent will raise taxes because they are a Democrat; or if they are a Republican that they will cut personnel or services to save money. If this is truly the truth then I would assume it is fine. Produce quotes and statements made to prove your point. But if they are just innuendo, then where is your principled leadership. If a person cannot be trusted to tell the truth while campaigning; how can that person be trusted when and if they were to get into office.
Tell it like it is and take your occasional hits; but make sure you are fair and tell it like it is for everyone - then you have integrity. Then you can be trusted as an honest elected official.
A person can maintain principled leadership along with integrity and honesty with truthful & hard campaigning, or they could just become another political hack and distort the truth.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Is the American Dream DEAD?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/07/john-thain-its-unfortunat_n_312524.html?show_comment_id=32575182#comment_32575182
Demonize the American Dream? It seems that you sir view "GREED" as the American Dream; when most middle class families just want to prosper and live happily. Your rags to riches story is very impressive except for that fact that you have seemed to forget where you came from. You seem to belittle your friends who -pump gas or sell insurance or the unfortunates who have gone to jail. Do you ever think of them while you sit comfortably on your throne in your $30K commode. The American Dream will continue because unlike you there are successful people who - give back, encourage and are compassionate towards others and want to see them succeed. Pinch yourself sir and consider yourself lucky.
Demonize the American Dream? It seems that you sir view "GREED" as the American Dream; when most middle class families just want to prosper and live happily. Your rags to riches story is very impressive except for that fact that you have seemed to forget where you came from. You seem to belittle your friends who -pump gas or sell insurance or the unfortunates who have gone to jail. Do you ever think of them while you sit comfortably on your throne in your $30K commode. The American Dream will continue because unlike you there are successful people who - give back, encourage and are compassionate towards others and want to see them succeed. Pinch yourself sir and consider yourself lucky.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Why the people voted for you....
Dear Mr. President and all the other Democrats who were swept into office since 2006; remember why the people voted for you and got you the majority you needed? We all wanted change... Change from what was going on under Republican rule. Change from not being heard and dealt lip service from those who could care less. If the Democrats are so concerned with what the Republicans are saying , then why did we vote them (Democrats) into office. We could have at least been abused by people who we know really don't care about us. Now we have to figure if the people we voted in are just the same.
Could it be - just maybe - possibly - that there really isn't that much difference between the two parties after all. Could it be that the one thing that they are both concerned about before the people is money. Money from the almighty health care system they are trying to fight. Money from the true "Death Panels"; the insurance company executives; the men and women who really decide who will die due to rejection of a claim. Why oh why do our politicians think they have to be beholding to these bloodsuckers? It was proven with the last election that the people have the power and even, believe it or not the money to get someone elected. I hope Mr. Obama never forgets the grassroots that put him over the top and got him into the White House.
It is time for both Democrats and Republicans to look in the mirror and realize who they are truly beholden to. Get some integrity and guts and do what is right. Realize that you will only hold that office for a temporary basis and when the time comes for you to leave - leave holding your head up high. Is getting blood money so that you can run for reelection so important that you forgotten what you were put there for. Stop being corrupted by the power of money; and instead be inspired by going down as a Congress who really served the people. Maybe it is time to get a copy of "Profiles in Courage" and read about those who really stuck their necks out. Also remember what Judas did after he got his gold pieces?
Could it be - just maybe - possibly - that there really isn't that much difference between the two parties after all. Could it be that the one thing that they are both concerned about before the people is money. Money from the almighty health care system they are trying to fight. Money from the true "Death Panels"; the insurance company executives; the men and women who really decide who will die due to rejection of a claim. Why oh why do our politicians think they have to be beholding to these bloodsuckers? It was proven with the last election that the people have the power and even, believe it or not the money to get someone elected. I hope Mr. Obama never forgets the grassroots that put him over the top and got him into the White House.
It is time for both Democrats and Republicans to look in the mirror and realize who they are truly beholden to. Get some integrity and guts and do what is right. Realize that you will only hold that office for a temporary basis and when the time comes for you to leave - leave holding your head up high. Is getting blood money so that you can run for reelection so important that you forgotten what you were put there for. Stop being corrupted by the power of money; and instead be inspired by going down as a Congress who really served the people. Maybe it is time to get a copy of "Profiles in Courage" and read about those who really stuck their necks out. Also remember what Judas did after he got his gold pieces?
Monday, August 24, 2009
Learn from the Master
Can't emphasis enough... Please President Obama, study and learn from LBJ... It will work.... Just try it...
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-22/how-lyndon-would-have-passed-health-care-reform/?cid=hp:beastoriginalsL2
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-22/how-lyndon-would-have-passed-health-care-reform/?cid=hp:beastoriginalsL2
Sunday, August 16, 2009
How about NO Health Care?
It seems like some people are getting so riled up over giving every American affordable health care. Who are these people? Do they have such great coverage that they feel they are giving up something special? Do they have a job which makes the layoff-proof or fire-proof? Are they all multi-millionaires who can afford any doctor or medical care out there? Do they have elderly parents or grandparents who are on that awful socialist system called Medicare?
People have to wake up and stop showing their ignorance and have a civil dialogue about this very important issue. The best thing to do when making a decision like this is to put yourself in the worst possible situation. Those lucky to have medical care at the moment, envision yourself without it. Your have been fired or laid off; your company is going bankrupt; your in and industry that is downsizing or coming to an end. Now what do you do? Your child has the flu; you have high blood pressure or diabetes. What do you do? Your elderly parent needs expensive heart medicine. What do you do? Well I guess if you listen to the people who happen to have insurance (that is until their time may be up); be tough and suffer a little.
Apparently some feel that government - even at the local level - doesn't need to take care of it's people. That the unfortunates want to be that way by choice. That the sick and dying want to live that way - a way without hope of getting better. The simple thing to do is to ask themselves the question(s), is that what they would want for them and their family members? Some even feel that the government will take all the old people and kill them; maybe they saw the move "Solent Green" too many times.
Are these people even asking who is disseminating this information? How about big health insurance companies; pharmaceutical companies; politicians who get big money from both; and multi-millionaire commentators who could really care less about you. There is more of us normal everyday folks then there is them, but these small but rich groups are the ones dictating for all. Filling people's head with their keep on getting richer propaganda.
Maybe we have been approaching this the wrong way. Instead of trying to give all Americans affordable health care, let's take health care away totally. That's right eliminate all health insurance for a month; week; heck for just one day; and then let people feel the crunch. This was a country founded on unity - United we stand and divided we fall. Well if we divide some will fall thru the cracks - 45 to 50 million perhaps - but the rich will still get richer and the poor or even the middle class will just get sicker.
People have to wake up and stop showing their ignorance and have a civil dialogue about this very important issue. The best thing to do when making a decision like this is to put yourself in the worst possible situation. Those lucky to have medical care at the moment, envision yourself without it. Your have been fired or laid off; your company is going bankrupt; your in and industry that is downsizing or coming to an end. Now what do you do? Your child has the flu; you have high blood pressure or diabetes. What do you do? Your elderly parent needs expensive heart medicine. What do you do? Well I guess if you listen to the people who happen to have insurance (that is until their time may be up); be tough and suffer a little.
Apparently some feel that government - even at the local level - doesn't need to take care of it's people. That the unfortunates want to be that way by choice. That the sick and dying want to live that way - a way without hope of getting better. The simple thing to do is to ask themselves the question(s), is that what they would want for them and their family members? Some even feel that the government will take all the old people and kill them; maybe they saw the move "Solent Green" too many times.
Are these people even asking who is disseminating this information? How about big health insurance companies; pharmaceutical companies; politicians who get big money from both; and multi-millionaire commentators who could really care less about you. There is more of us normal everyday folks then there is them, but these small but rich groups are the ones dictating for all. Filling people's head with their keep on getting richer propaganda.
Maybe we have been approaching this the wrong way. Instead of trying to give all Americans affordable health care, let's take health care away totally. That's right eliminate all health insurance for a month; week; heck for just one day; and then let people feel the crunch. This was a country founded on unity - United we stand and divided we fall. Well if we divide some will fall thru the cracks - 45 to 50 million perhaps - but the rich will still get richer and the poor or even the middle class will just get sicker.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
LBJ knew the way......
So much news and hub-bub in the last week that what seems to have been already forgotten is the Democrats have 60. Yes, Senator Al Franken has finally be legitimatized. Now that the Dems have what they have waiting so long for, all I keep hearing is that don't think it will so easy getting all 60 to agree to pass certain things. Certain things like health care. What??? I always thought the reason that the Dems wanted 60 was to get some legislation past for the good of the people who elected them. If they are still uncertain about what can be done - then the people have to be uncertain with who then elected. Now that the power has shifted will the Democrat controlled Congress be the congress of NO ALSO? I hope not.
Maybe President Obama should take a few pages or the whole book from LBJ. Why? Cause before he was consumed and done in by the Vietnam War, LBJ passed more legislation for the Great Society than any president before or after him. He knew how to pass laws; maybe because before president he was "Master of the Senate" (another good book President Obama) and knew what it took to convince senators to pass laws. He took that knowledge to the White House and parlayed into good for the people. He cajoled, intimidated, twisted the proverbial arm to get things done; but things got done. If he had the 60 that Pres. Obama has now - who knows what would get passed; but I am sure the first item would be health care. Don't squander this opportunity Pres. Obama.
Also - maybe instead of Press Secretary Gibbs arguing with Helen Thomas he should read her column more often and forward it to you Mr. President. Helen has been around longer then both of you and believe it or not ..... She gets it.... Read and learn
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/helenthomas/19790472/detail.html
Maybe President Obama should take a few pages or the whole book from LBJ. Why? Cause before he was consumed and done in by the Vietnam War, LBJ passed more legislation for the Great Society than any president before or after him. He knew how to pass laws; maybe because before president he was "Master of the Senate" (another good book President Obama) and knew what it took to convince senators to pass laws. He took that knowledge to the White House and parlayed into good for the people. He cajoled, intimidated, twisted the proverbial arm to get things done; but things got done. If he had the 60 that Pres. Obama has now - who knows what would get passed; but I am sure the first item would be health care. Don't squander this opportunity Pres. Obama.
Also - maybe instead of Press Secretary Gibbs arguing with Helen Thomas he should read her column more often and forward it to you Mr. President. Helen has been around longer then both of you and believe it or not ..... She gets it.... Read and learn
http://www.thebostonchannel.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Read a newspaper - save good reporters.....
If we keep losing newspapers at this fast paced rate, will we ever have a reporter of this caliber again... From Socialized medicine to war in Vietnam to the Palestine/Israeli conflict; seems like all the news of the past is in some way still the news of today.
If you have the time - enjoy the video....
From Democracy Now.... June 18, 2009
Twenty years ago today, I.F. Stone died at the age of eighty-one. He was the premier investigative reporter of the twentieth century, a self-described radical journalist. I.F. Stone’s legacy of work spanned the New Deal, World War II, McCarthyism, the Cold War, Israel/Palestine, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and beyond. He scooped reporters right and left. As the FBI tracked him, he tracked down the story. He is best remembered for his self-published I.F. Stone’s Weekly. At its peak in the 1960s, the one-man publication had a circulation of about 70,000. We speak to his biographer, D.D. Guttenplan, and air historic recordings of I.F. Stone at the 1965 Vietnam teach-in in Berkeley, CA, and on The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. [includes rush transcript]
If you have the time - enjoy the video....
From Democracy Now.... June 18, 2009
Twenty years ago today, I.F. Stone died at the age of eighty-one. He was the premier investigative reporter of the twentieth century, a self-described radical journalist. I.F. Stone’s legacy of work spanned the New Deal, World War II, McCarthyism, the Cold War, Israel/Palestine, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and beyond. He scooped reporters right and left. As the FBI tracked him, he tracked down the story. He is best remembered for his self-published I.F. Stone’s Weekly. At its peak in the 1960s, the one-man publication had a circulation of about 70,000. We speak to his biographer, D.D. Guttenplan, and air historic recordings of I.F. Stone at the 1965 Vietnam teach-in in Berkeley, CA, and on The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. [includes rush transcript]
To read, listen to, or watch the whole story:
http://www.democracynow.org/
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