Ron Mills- News And Commentary

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John McCain: Unfit To Be President

John McCain:
The Manchurian Candidate connection: McCain was subjected to 5 ½ years of Soviet driven "brain perversion techniques." Is he fit to be President and Commander in Chief of the military? . . . Read more

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

GAO:Administration Delusional About Iraq

GAO reports, the American plan for a stable Iraq lacks a strategic framework that meshes with the administration's goals, the administration is not dealing with the realities on the ground and it's execution contains serious flaws in its operational guidelines.

Read The GAO Report Here

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Saturday, June 21, 2008

Obamaphobia

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http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/fellowhousing

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

How To Help Elect Obama

BARACK OBAMA IS HEADED TO THE WHITE HOUSE...BUT WE NEED HELP ... YOUR HELP to get him there.

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- THE BASICS -
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Here are a few ways you can learn more, get the latest news, and share information with friends:

PHONEBANKING FROM HOME:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankmap

GET OUT THE VOTE
Your fellow supporters are coming together across the nation to knock on doors, make phone calls, and Get Out The Vote in their communities. You can have a major impact on the race for the Democratic nomination. Sign up now and help organize for Barack in your community.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

MEET BARACK
Watch a brief video and learn about Barack's early years, his education, his work as a community organizer and civil rights attorney, and his years in the Illinois and U.S. Senate. This is a great introduction to share with your friends:
http://my.barackobama.com/meetBarack

OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN BLOG
Catch up on the latest news, photos, and videos from the campaign trail and share your thoughts on our official campaign blog:
http://my.barackobama.com/blog

ISSUES
Learn more about Barack's positions on a variety of issues, from his opposition to the war in Iraq to his plan for universal health care:
http://my.barackobama.com/issues FACTCHECK ACTION CENTER
Barack Obama stands for a new kind of politics -- without the smear tactics that we're all fed up with. You can help push back against negative attacks and distortions right now by telling people about Barack and his background. The truth is only as strong as your voice:
http://my.barackobama.com/factcheckaction

VIDEOS
Watch a few of the more than 500 videos from the campaign trail on our YouTube channel:
http://my.barackobama.com/youtubechannel

OBAMA MOBILE
Our movement is ready to go wherever you are. Text HOPE to 62262 (OBAMA) to receive text updates on your mobile phone and advance notice about local Obama events:
http://my.barackobama.com/mobile

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- ORGANIZING -
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Barack Obama got his start as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, and since he declared his candidacy in 2007, a nationwide network of supporters have taken this campaign into their own hands, organizing online and their local communities. Here are some ways to get involved:

LOCAL GROUPS AND EVENTS
My.BarackObama is an organizing tool that empowers you to take this campaign into your own hands. Connect with other supporters in your area and find out about local events, or create your own organizing group and schedule your own events:
http://my.barackobama.com

SPREAD THE WORD
Introduce your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers to Barack Obama. Let them know why you support Barack and encourage them to join our movement for change:
http://my.barackobama.com/invite

BLOGS
There are more than 25,000 supporter created blogs on My.BarackObama where they chronicle their campaign experience and interact with other supporters. Find one for your community or launch your own today:
http://my.barackobama.com

NATIONAL CALL TEAM
More than 2,000,000 phone calls have been made by volunteers using the online calling tool. Sign up for our National Call Team and you can reach out to supporters all over the country from your home:
http://my.barackobama.com/callteam

POSTERS, FLYERS, AND ORGANIZING RESOURCES
Print your own posters, flyers, fact sheets, supporter cards, and dozens of other resources from our online resource library:
http://my.barackobama.com/resources

COMMUNITIES
LGBT for Obama, Students for Obama, Veterans for Obama, Women for Obama and People of Fatih for Obama are just some of the many communities large and small supporting Barack Obama. Explore a few of them them here:
http://www.barackobama.com/people

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- FUNDRAISING -
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Barack Obama does not accept donations from Washington lobbyists or special interest groups. Instead, we depend on a network of grassroots supporters giving whatever they can afford.

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING PAGE
Take the fundraising process into your own hands. Help support the campaign by reaching out to people you know and asking them to give through your personal fundraising page:
http://my.barackobama.com/outreach

MATCH SOMEONE'S DONATION
This campaign has always been about reaching as many people as possible and bringing them into the political process. When you make a matching donation you'll learn the name and hometown of the person whose gift you match, and even exchange a note with them through our unique system:
https://donate.barackobama.com/match

STORE
Let everyone in your community know that you support Barack. All purchases through our online store go to support our campaign and are considered political donations. Show your support in style:
http://store.barackobama.com

Monday, June 09, 2008

Cracking The Ceiling

On Saturday, thousands of people joined Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) as she ended her historic run for president. "Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it," Clinton told her supporters. "And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time." Her campaign may be over, but the effects of her candidacy will continue to pave the way for progressives. "She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams," said Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL). Even First Lady Laura Bush said she "admired Hillary's grit and strength." Because of Clinton's candidacy, women analysts were featured by the media more frequently, women's issues rose prominently in the national debate, and the need for more women office-holders entered the national consciousness. Even while facing intense displays of misogyny, as the New York Times's Paul Krugman noted, Clinton continued to stay focused and put forth policy proposals that were "surprisingly bold and progressive."

Helping the Campaign this Summer

Here are a couple of ideas for helping the campaign this summer and winning your state for Obama:

http://action.barackobama.com/page/s/volunteer/

Voter Registration drives near you:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/vfchome

or events near you

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Watch Bill Moyers Speech from Minneapolis

Watch Bill Moyers

Legendary journalist Bill Moyers electrified an audience of more than 3,500 in Minneapolis this morning calling the media reform movement "the most significant citizens' movement to emerge in this new century."

Watch Moyers' speech now:

Moyers said that the work of activists like you has "challenged the stranglehold of mega-media corporations over our press" and fostered "alternative and independent sources of news and information that people can trust."

"You're not alone, and you know what we need to know," he told the audience. "So it's up to you to tell the truth about this country we love. ... It's up to you to remind us that democracy only works when ordinary people claim it as their own."

Help Spread the Word.
Tell Your Friends to Watch This Powerful Video.

Moyers was speaking during the second day of the National Conference for Media Reform, an event that has gathered thousands of people dedicated to making our media system more democratic, diverse and accountable.

You can follow breaking events from the conference and watch speeches from such luminaries as Larry Lessig, Representative Keith Ellison and activist Adrienne Maree Brown by visiting www.freepress. net/conference/ video. Stay tuned to the Web site for upcoming speeches by Dan Rather, Arianna Huffington and Van Jones.

The Web site also features full audio clips from the more than 60 panels and live blogging (sign up to post your own blog and comment on others).

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Friday, June 06, 2008

Obama reaches out to Clinton’s gay supporters

Sen. Barack Obama's campaign reached out to gay supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton in a conference call today, acknowledging the devoted following Clinton enjoys among many gay voters, while asserting Obama's commitment to gay rights.

Steve Hildebrand, Obama's deputy campaign manager, hosted the call that was joined by about 1,200 listeners, and promised that within two weeks Obama would host a follow-up call to address gays directly. In his remarks, Hildebrand emphasized Obama's "rock solid commitment to gay equality."

"We know there are a lot of people who have supported Sen. Clinton on the call," Hildebrand said, "we recognize the pain that goes with some of this, but we need your help, we want your help … we'll take it when you're ready."

Hildebrand made several staffing-related announcements. Brian Bond, who currently serves as the gay outreach director for the Democratic National Committee, will move to Chicago to become director of constituencies for the Obama campaign. That role will involve outreach to a broad range of voters, not just gays.

Lesbian musician Melissa Etheridge will serve as a co-chair of Obama's 50-state voter registration campaign. Joan Garry, former executive director of GLAAD, and Kevin Jennings, founder of GLSEN, will serve as co-chairs of Obama's LGBT finance operations.

Elizabeth Birch, former executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, spoke about her strong support for Clinton.

"I was asked by the Obama campaign to try to articulate what the Hillary Clinton people are feeling now," she said. "I was surprised by my own reaction." Birch said she burst into tears on June 3^rd when Obama clinched the nomination. She asked for patience from Obama's supporters, saying that Clinton's gay backers would come around to Obama, not within hours, but within days.

HRC President Joe Solmonese, speaking by phone from the AIDS LifeCycle ride in California where he is more than 400 miles into a 545-mile ride, also praised Clinton. He said gay Americans have no greater ally in the U.S. Senate than Clinton, then praised Obama for including gays in his vision of America. HRC announced its endorsement of Obama today and Solmonese vowed the organization would work to mobilize its members "like never before" to defeat Sen. John McCain in November.

Longtime gay rights activist David Mixner, who initially endorsed John Edwards, also spoke. He said that Obama opposes the November ballot initiatives in California and Florida that would ban same-sex marriages in those states.

Posted at Express Gay News

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Democratic National Committee Swings Behind Obama, Declares Him Nominee

A Statement by Democratic Leaders on the End of the Presidential Primary Process

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DGA Chairman Joe Manchin and DNC Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement:

"We have come to the end of an exciting primary and caucus process - the voters have spoken. As the Democratic leaders of the Senate, House of Representatives, the Governors and the Democratic National Committee we commend all of the participants of the 2008 primary process, especially Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, for making this such a transformational election. Because of the enthusiasm our candidates have inspired, our party has brought record numbers of voters to the polls, gained millions of newly registered Democrats and now has advantages in states many thought were difficult to win. We are grateful to the millions of Independents and Republicans who have crossed over to vote for a Democratic candidate for President.

"Democrats must now turn our full attention to the general election. To that end, we are urging all remaining uncommitted super delegates to make their decisions known by Friday of this week so that our party can stand united and begin our march toward reversing the eight years of failed Bush/McCain policies that have weakened our country.

"We once again congratulate all of the candidates for their leadership and dedication to providing this country with a New Direction. We look forward to working with them and with all Democrats to win the White House, congressional seats and state capitals so we can deliver the change the American people deserve and demand."

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The General Election, Day One

The Primary and Caucus Season is now officially over and a potentially fascinating General Election campaign is finally underway.

Just 17% Say Federal Government Represents Will of the People
As Election 2008 draws ever closer, it is hard to overstate the disconnect between the American people and their government. Just 17% of voters say that the federal government represents the will of the American people.

More..

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Media Blows it Again: Clinton NOT Conceding Befor the Votes Are Counted

Clinton Camp Says Concession Reports False --Voting Under Way In Montana, South Dakota 03 Jun 2008 The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Hillary Rodham Clinton will concede Tuesday night that Barack Obama has the delegates to secure the Democratic nomination, but her officials refuted that report. However, Clinton's campaign chairman, Terry McAuliffe, said reports that she will concede are "100 percent incorrect."

Harold Ickes, Clinton chief strategist, is stating that the AP story is incorrect. Sen. Clinton will continue to 'make her case' to uncommitted superdelegates. (MSNBC interview)

Media Blows it Again: Clinton NOT Conceding Befor the Votes Are Counted

Harold Ickes, Clinton chief strategist, is stating that the AP story is incorrect. Sen. Clinton will continue to 'make her case' to uncommitted superdelegates. (MSNBC interview)

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Sunday, June 01, 2008

AGs from 10 states seek stay of California same-sex marriage ruling

Can AGs convince California Supreme Court to stay its same-sex marriage ruling?

Earlier on this blog, I reported on the case of In re Marriage Cases decided May 15, 2008 by the California Supreme Court holding that two state laws that had limited marriages to opposite-sex partners are unconstitutional and that single-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry.

The attorney generals of ten states (Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah) have petitioned the California Supreme Court to stay its decision which would legalize same-sex marriages as of June 17, 2008.

Here are some additional details from Jesse McKinley, States Seek Delay in California Marriage Ruling, NY Times, [They] asked that the marriages be put off until after the November election, when California voters are expected to vote on a measure that would ban same-sex marriages.

The attorneys general said that allowing same-sex marriages now could unnecessarily open the door to legal challenges from gay residents of other states who get married in California. Upon returning to their home states, the newlyweds could demand equality in everything from tax-filing status to testimonial privileges in civil suits, the attorneys general said. * * *

The court is expected to issue a ruling on the stays by the end of business on June 16, said Matt Dorsey, a spokesman for the San Francisco city attorney, Dennis Herrera. * * *

The California attorney general, Jerry Brown, said on Friday that a stay was unnecessary. "Same-sex marriage is a deeply contentious issue, but in California the matter has now been resolved by the state Supreme Court," he said.

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/printable.php
Ten US state attorneys general have petitioned [brief, PDF] the Supreme Court of California [official website] to postpone implementation of its May 15 decision [opinion, PDF; JURIST report] legalizing same-sex marriages until after state elections in November. California is slated to allow all same-sex couples, regardless of state citizenship, to wed in California, but each of the 10 petitioning states bans recognition of same-sex marriages. The attorneys general - from Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah - wrote Thursday that if California starts issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples [JURIST report] on June 17 as announced, many same-sex couples in their states would become "marriage tourists" in California and the states' courts would then face unfair, extensive and burdensome litigation on whether to recognize the marriages. The AGs also joined conservative Christian legal advocacy group Alliance Defense Fund's recent petition [text, PDF; JURIST report] in saying that deciding the issue before California citizens vote in November on a likely proposed amendment to the California state constitution banning same-sex marriage could lead to legal havoc. Attorneys for the city and county of San Francisco have responded [press release; opposition brief to ADF petition, PDF] that a stay would mingle judicial and political processes and would deny rights based on a merely proposed state constitutional amendment. The New York Times has more. The San Francisco Chronicle has local coverage.

More>>>>>>>>>>>>

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