As the Oceans Rise

Obama's words mesmerize a nation accustomed to leaders who use words with antic indifference to their accuracy.

By George F. Will | NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Jun 16, 2008

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  • Posted By: TheCandyPoem @ 09/13/2008 2:35:13 PM

    The Quran on the oceans:

    http://www.thekeytoislam.com/en/scientific-explanations/oceans.shtml

  • Posted By: jbfromBigD @ 06/09/2008 11:34:55 AM

    I have no idea how so many people came to the conclusion that lower taxes were the be all end all of economic inspiration. There is no doubt that the lower the taxes the better. However, the taxes should always be as low as possible coupled with a balanced budget, otherwise, we are just passing an inevitable tax onto our children.

    Neither candidate is exactly beating the balanaced budget drum, but at least Obama realizes how immoral it is to pass along this revenue shortfall onto our children and grandchildren. Sure we should pressure Obama to cut spending as much as possible, but tax and spend is a much more moral fiscal policy than spend and spend.

    McCain economic proposal scares me to death. I do not understand how you can look the children of this country in the face and make such a proposal. It is full of taxes that they will be forced to pay years and years - if not generations and generations - from now. This country needs to wake up and realize that there things more important than having everything now. We have to starting governing and preparing for our children's future. A real man should his own bills and not mortgage his children's future.

    Obama is not perfect, but he at least has policies prepare for our children's tomorrow.

    • Posted By: ginamlaster @ 06/13/2008 4:17:55 AM

      Honestly, I'm at a loss as to why they can't cut our taxes to put money back into our wallets and thereby back into our economy. First of all, if you sat down and added up the money that's wasted on pork barrel spending (like the $85M wasted on supplies for Katrina victims that none of the victims ever got), there's billions of dollars floating around in the economy that are just being misspent.

      Secondly, institute a flat federal tax of 10% for everyone, regardless of income bracket or corporate status so everyone pays their fair share. No H&R Block, write offs, refunds, and no need for a bloated and outdated IRS. Get rid of state income taxes (some states already have) and that puts even more money back into our paychecks. And get rid of property taxes so more people don't lose their homes and people get to keep even more of their money. That'll also make it possible for more people to get into a house. Instead hike the sales tax on everything but food, fuel and medicine, and create more toll roads to pay for roads and infrastructure.

      Instead of these bogus one-time stimulus packages, this would allow the government to collect taxes while at the same time putting REAL money back into the economy in the form of a substantially larger paycheck; money you earned, but which they are no longer subtracting from your check. You can't cheat on your taxes because if you buy any goods and services, you pay tax at the cash register.

      A flat 10% tax means that CEO's that pulled in $40M in salary have to put 10% of it back into Uncle Sam's pocket, and that corporations that made billions have to pay their fair share. But eliminating state taxes makes it much easier for them to bring much-needed jobs and money into the state without having to grease the palms of state and local officials, and that will make it cheaper to manufacture here and hopefully bring jobs back to the U.S.

      I'm sure congress will never go for something like this because those earmarks and the taxes are how they hold on to power. But I say we put the screws to them. Anyone who votes against at least a 3-year moratorium on the earmarks and flat tax will get his a$$ voted out of office and replaced by someone who'll vote our way. The people currently in office have been deadlocked and getting nothing done for years now, and most of them need to go anyway. But no one, not Obama or McCain, is going to get this economy back on its feet unless they first address the problem of bringing a steady stream of cash back into everyone's homes so we can start shopping and buying big-ticket items again. Best way to do that: Tax so that everyone has to pay their fair share, no one can cheat, and our wallets are full again.

    • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 2:00:08 PM

      and while we wait for the future of our children to come to fruition, we should just do what--suck a$$ maybe?

  • Posted By: scabo @ 06/09/2008 11:55:06 AM

    Moral my as! He ran dirty, he lied: Both with the under-the-radar campaign he launched and about the story that brought him to where he is. I am not counting all those stupid gaffes and bordering-lies who to my regret Clinton never made any issues of, unlike Obama who trashed her as untrustworthy because she helt her taxes, liar due to unaccurate account of landing when she visited Bosnia (which was a smoke screen to avoid adressing the real story, her experience oppose to Obama's). And finally, after de-facto haven won, he exploited an RFK-remark which isn't even a gaffe, to send those Obama-dogs on her, naming Clinton everything from evil, assisine and killer. I can't imagine how Obama can face McCharacter in November.

    • Posted By: ginamlaster @ 06/13/2008 3:26:58 AM

      HE'S THE LIAR?!!! Here are some classic Clinton lies:

      1. Bosnian sniper fire...not just inaccurate or misspoken. A bald face lie caught on tape.
      2. Foreign policy in Ireland that the Irish officials present say never happened. Funny they don't remember her taking part in negotiations.
      3. 35 years of experience...as what? Because it certainly wasn't as president. Her White House experience was the same as Laura Bush, Nancy Reagan, Betty Ford, etc. Unless you've already been a sitting president, NO ONE HAS EXPERIENCE BEING PRESIDENT. None of the candidates have that experience. Being married to a president doesn't make you qualified to do the job, any more than being married to an electrician makes you qualified to wire a building.Spending 35 years around experienced politicians doesn't make you a politician with 35 years of experience.
      4. The press mistreated her...except when they were calling her "inevitable".

      You don't seem to mind being lied to when Hillary's the one doing the lying. But it no longer matters. She can lie as much as she likes now because we no longer have to pay her any attention.

  • Posted By: psampson @ 06/12/2008 4:21:34 PM

    Once again, George Will holds forth in his parent-at-the-end-of-his-rope voice. That tone of voice is an ongoing temptation for conservatives, but please note: You conservatives are right about a lot of things, but I will not be lectured like a misbehaving six-year-old.

    In this particular column, it's hard to see where Will is in favor of anything said or done by anybody! That's not much a basis upon which to decide whom to vote for.

  • Posted By: dandanna @ 06/09/2008 12:48:04 PM

    Mr Will,

    I am a feminist who has voted Democrat my entire life believing that the Democratic party was best-suited to protect my interests. However, you are woefully mistaken to believe that simply finding out that McCain is pro-choice (which, by the way, I've known all along) will cause me to shed my distrust of Obama's arrogance and inexperience. The fact is, I have no idea how Obama feels about the issues close to my heart. I know what he says but what he says has changed significantly over the course of 16 months. I believe that we can exercise some control over McCain's policies -- his character is tried and true and something that I trust. However, we cannot control Obama's enormous ego -- look what has happened when we tried to control Bush's. Stop treating Hillary's supporters like the idiots you believe we are: I happen to have a graduate degree and a well-paying job. We aren't nearly as ill-informed as Obama's supporters and we will be voting for McCain in November.

    • Posted By: EveryoneHasBias @ 06/09/2008 1:24:48 PM

      The problem is that there are too many assumptions being made all around. George Will assumes you'll come around once you find out McCain's a Pro-Lifer, but then again, you assume that Obama supporters are ill-informed. Also, saying, "We're not ill-informed. It's Obama's people who are ill-informed," sounds an awful lot like "I know you are, but what am I?" In regard to Obama's shifting policies, which I'd dispute: if changing policy positions bothers you so much, how have you not noticed McCain's various shifts to align himself with the Republican Party line?

      • Posted By: dandanna @ 06/09/2008 7:35:03 PM

        i am assuming you are one of Obama's supporters who voted for his "change."

        I have seen McCain shift his policies but, you see, McCain has years and years of experience by which I can measure these political gesticulations. Obama started this campaign promising a "new kind of politics" but has proven himself to be a liar in that regard. That's the point, you see: McCain isn't trying to claim that he is somehow above the fray of American politics...Obama is. I have so much more respect for McCain for at least being real. I can only hope that my fellow Hillary supporters will stand their ground when it comes to this empty suit. Our country deserves so much better!

        • Posted By: EveryoneHasBias @ 06/11/2008 8:50:18 AM

          I am, and I did. See, one of the qualities of John McCain that made me respect him was his character, that he was willing to go against his party for the sake of what he believed. Because of various changes in this campaign (such as wanting to make permanent the same tax cuts he once called irresponsible), he seems less like the "maverick" he once did, and more like just another Republican, toeing the party line. His character, and the issues with which he differed from his party, were significant enough that I voted for him as my senator when I lived in Arizona, even though I still disagreed with him on several issues. My view on Obama is this: Yes, he inspires me with his rhetoric, but I also agree with his policies, which have changed in relatively minor ways since the start of the campaign. If he doesn't try to keep his promises, I'll vote for someone else in four years. That's the power I have as a voter. Is he a bit of a gamble, having been on the national stage for a relatively short period of time? Of course, but at the same time, there's almost no such thing as a known quantity in politics. I feel that the damage he could do to the US by not trying, or not being able, to implement his policies would be far less than the damage that John McCain could do if he is succesful at applying his. It's just an opinion, but it is based on more than, "Ooh, he talks pretty." In regard to his claims to "stay above the fray," you can want to change the way politics are done, but in order to be in a position to actually do that, sometimes you have to get down in the mud. It's disappointing to me when he does, but I do recognize the fact that he is a politician. I've never disputed that. He has high goals, but that doesn't mean he's perfect. Those (who many seem to think are the majority) who claim he is are simply wrong. That said, he has tried, and has stayed above it to a large degree. There was plenty of Clinton baggage that he could have brought up, but didn't. Sinking below one's ideals occasionally doesn't make a person a liar; it makes him human.

        • Posted By: cleareyed @ 06/10/2008 5:35:53 PM

          So you would prefer voting for a proven liar rather than take a chance that someone new MIGHT be lying. It's women like you that will set womens rights back a few years. It sounds a lot like the "a woman spurned is something to fear " stereotype is right after all.

      • Posted By: cookiegramma @ 06/09/2008 3:28:18 PM

        How can you dispute the facts? When Obama started the primaries he claimed to support universal health care for children, yet he failed to vote to support this in the senate. Now he has stated the he supports universal health care a la Elizabeth Edwards. First of all the plan was Clinton's plan, ans Obama was not in favor of it. Now he thinks it will get him votes from some of her supporters, so he changes position, but credits someone else. This man is not a candidate who knows what his position will be tomorrow. maybe that is the change he touts, shifting with the polls.

        • Posted By: cleareyed @ 06/10/2008 5:39:21 PM

          iWhat is true is that if you vote for McCain there will be no change in the ability to obtain health care period. ANYTHING that Obama can achieve will be an improvement over McCain. But I guess your need for revenge is far more important to you than the welfare of the rest of us.

        • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 4:01:07 PM

          Nobody disputes the facts, however both candidates will change their position and call each other flip-floppers until the election is over and continue to do so when elected and are in office. that is why they are called politicians...LOL

          • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/10/2008 3:05:43 AM

            Isn't Obama supposed to be playing a "new" kind of Politics? So either he is or he isn't, either way he is lying.

  • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/11/2008 1:59:12 AM

    Interesting article from RCP about the kind of Judgment Obama has.
    http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politics/2008/06/obamas_no_i_cant_moment.html

  • Posted By: anotherview @ 06/09/2008 6:24:23 AM

    With Iraq seemingly making progress toward stabilazation and the ecomomy making headlines, voters attention are liely to shift if they haven't already.

    McCain and the Republicans have not used the time they have had to put together the kind of organization that Obama has. And McCain seems stuck on Iraq and "national security" being his theme. McCain can win the White House (who would have thought that a year ago?), however his campaign already seems to be lethargic. Enter Bobby Jindahl.

    If you don't know who this man is, find out. If McCain picks him as VP, we have a whole new game. Jindahl knows how has to gets things done and can go toe to toe with Obama on oratory gifts.

    Plus unlike Obama, he has used his political position to get things done.

    So it will be telling who each candidate picks as their VP. And we count on a wait game on this one, as each candidate waits for the other to announce who their VP will be.

    • Posted By: loriw @ 06/11/2008 1:55:24 AM

      I think the VP picks will significantly influence the outcome of this election.

  • Posted By: fedpres @ 06/09/2008 3:33:53 AM

    I cannot help but be slightly indignant regarding your assumption that once women figure out that McCain is pro-life, they will all flock to Obama. I think the angst women that many women feel toward the democratic party trumps the threat of a Roe v. Wade reversal. The democratic party will hear that roar come November.
    Additionally, I would argue that as many have said, it was not voting for a woman, but voting for that woman, there are those who feel that it is not voting for a black person, but voting for that black person. Getting past his church, the comments by his wife, his failure to take posttions while in the Illinois senate, his lack of coherence in his where he plans to take this country - is enough to give many of us pause.
    .

    • Posted By: NeverSurrender @ 06/10/2008 10:59:19 PM

      Obama supporters use fear, guilt, threats, shame, and ridicule to persuade Hillary's supporters to vote for Obama. The DNC and media can select their nominee but we don't have to vote for him.They have taken away our vote and our voice. They have been disrespectful to Hillary and to us. They have shown that they do not respect our basic rights as citizens. This is a much bigger issue that Roe v. Wade. There will be no going back to the abusive DNC.

    • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 3:59:29 AM

      I think that you may be right up to a point. I think it is a matter of who is going to be on the ticket with Obama. Its not over until the lady in the pantsuit sings....LOL...something to ponder in a couple months from now when the democratic convention begins and who he choses as his vp....I enjoy watching the history of this election unfold and the impact for my Y generation daughter....she is the one that will be highly impacted with the outcomes...her generation is starting to set the tone, and that tone is coming down the pipeline faster than anything I have ever seen in my lifetime....

      • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 10:30:01 AM

        We are lost if we allow the generation that is hooked on MTV, Real World and Flava of Love to set the tone for our future. How many of them even know what the real issues are regarding national security or domestic tranquility? The like Obama because he is cool in their eyes. They don't care if he turns this country into a third world nation. As far as Roe v. Wade goes, what about some birth control? The mehtods are very effective and varied. Abortion was never meant to be on demand or as a form of birth control. I for one do not care if this becomes a state issue. That is what federalism is all about. Ask your daughter how much she knows about federalism, since she is so into government.

        • Posted By: denmill @ 06/09/2008 10:51:26 AM

          FoxyBrown, your comments are so right! we cannot allow the generation that is hooked on MTV, Real World and Flava of Love to set the tone for our future. The only reason they are rooting for Obama is because in their minds a) Obama will give them a free $4,000.00 a year to to warm up the benches in community college campuses all accross the US, 2) Obama will give their free care so that they can either do more abortion or take care of thier babies or even make us pay for their HIV drugs as a result of sexual rampages, c) Obama will legalize illegal drugs such as marijuana, crack and meth. You have hit the mark! It is all about entitlement for this wasted MTV generation.

          • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 11:41:07 AM

            when you and your buddy foxy brown read the following link, come back and then I will entertain further discussion about my daughter's generation and voting.... http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/facebooks-influences-2008-election/article57845.html perhaps you will learn some new things about what is happening and what McCain and Obama face in November

            • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 2:03:36 PM

              It's interesting that you allow yourself to be informed by your daughter and her generation. I have two sons, ages 17 and 25 and they usually come to me for advice, not the other way around. Don't you have any friends your own age to give you some input?

              • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 3:36:01 PM

                Some people may learn from the younger generation...my daughter is wise and beyond the normal maturity for a 19 yr old. Sure she is gong to continue to grow and learn. However, her judgement is as good as any adult...I am proud that I can have conversations with my daughter, and arguments about politics with her. If she had the time, she would be blogging right along with me....being a full time student and working does not allow the free time.

                I have many friends who also read, open to new input, accept differences in opinion, and yes agree to disagree. Even my wife and I look at politics differently as the moon and sun. My concern is that most people who blog who come out with a knee jerk reaction that points fingers, and really does not offer any solutions. This election is critical for our country regardless if your an Obama fan or McCain fan.. But when someone comes off with an emotional tirade in writing, without substantiating their source of information, I will challenge, and provoke arguemts.

                The article I referenced points that out. Read, and continue to read, learning never stops...hysteria does not solve the problems, however open communication between the left and right will. See dividedwefail.org....I promise you eight yrs ago, this website did not exist....why, because our country is in trouble....

                • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 4:33:24 PM

                  My sons are mature and have good reasoning skills as well, but I can guarantee you that is not the norm in that age group. I agree people shold get information from all sources and continue to learn and grow, but that doesn't mean I suspend my good judgment and common sense for new information, no matter who presents it.

                  I wholeheartedly agree that the country is in trouble. However I resent your trying to characterize my post as an unsubstantiated emotional tirade and knee jerk reactions. There is lots of substantiation for my views on the intellectual capacity of teenagers. Seems like you assume that just because I don't agree with you, I'm stupid or uninformed, while I have made no such assumption about you.

                  • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 4:42:53 PM

                    Here is my example of emotional verbage written by you. Yes it is fine to have opinions, but sarcasim shows character. I did not assume anything. I enjoy reading people's opinions. I never put anyone down, nor will I. I will challenge when sarcasim is scathing. It is funny how you even toned down your message, which is very nice, compared to this old posting....your a smart lady, and I enjoy reading your posts when they are valid, and well thought out...Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 00:25:39

                    Comment: Glad you think Obama is such a ray of hope. Now it would be good if this ray could tell us how he plans to save the world. I actually thought that was what Jesus came to do, but I could be mistaken.

                    McCain may ramble to you, but maybe your mind can't comprehend deep thoughts expressed verbally. If it's not lofty and delivered in a booming baritone it may be too much for you--like a child reaching for a shiny object because it's pretty even though it could be dangerous. Maybe someone can get you a copy of McCain for Dummies so you can understand.

                    • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 5:07:33 PM

                      That remark was taken out of context and was in response to another person's stating that Obama is a ray of sunshine and let that ray shine on the world. Any statements about Obama being the second coming, the Messiah, a ray of light, a lightworker, making the oceans abate, healing the planet, etc., will consistently bring out sarcasm in me. If a person has a post that is well thought out and reasoned, I will respond in kind (most of the time). I'll be looking for you. This will not be out last battle (probably). And I am the type who can always agree to disagree.

        • Posted By: EveryoneHasBias @ 06/09/2008 2:20:55 PM

          So, what you're saying is that an 18 year old is old enough to fight and die for his country, to wield an assault rifle in battle, but lacks the judgment necessary to vote? It's easy to downplay the opinions of the young as lacking the maturity necessary, but I don't think it's a valid argument. They deserve more credit for being free and logical thinkers than you are willing to give them credit for. You're argument seems to suggest that above the age of 25 or 30, people's tastes suddenly shift away from the brainless mush that is MTV and become sophisticated and insightful. It's simply not true. Larry the Cable Guy, anyone? Funny? Maybe, it's a matter of opinion. Sophisticated? Not by anyone's standards, but he pulls in a significant group of people over age 30. My point is that you can't pigeonhole an entire age group into a single category, such as "people who vote only on who they think is cool." Those voters exist, yes, but so do a large percentage who actually pay attention to issues. Their opinion is no less valid than your own. Only arrogance would suggest otherwise.

          So far as Roe v. Wade is concerned, there is a large segment of the pro-life community that believes any form of birth control is a sin.

          • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 2:36:08 PM

            I didn't say an 18 year old doesn't have the judgement to vote. However, I would not allow an 18 year old to set the agenda for me to do anything, except pick out the evening's entertainment . I remember my judgement at 18 and it wasn't good. I also work with a lot of people in that demographic as both a mentor and adviser and I would not hand over the keys to my car to any of them, let alone let them direct the country.

            Furthe, I don't care what the right thinks. I believe abortion should become a state issue. Let states figure it out. The right hasn't prevented anyone from getting an abortion, how could it prevent someone from getting birth control. The informed teenage electorate should not all about birth control, since it knows so much about politics.

            • Posted By: EveryoneHasBias @ 06/09/2008 4:03:26 PM

              No, you didn't, not specifically. I thought the inference was pretty clear with the "generation that is hooked on MTV" comment, though. Voting is setting an agenda, and by saying that you wouldn't trust them to set an agenda beyond entertainment, you are saying that you don't think they have the judgment to vote. I'm sorry you only have experience with untrustworthy teens, but there is an informed population out there as well.

              I didn't intend to get into a debate about abortion. I was only pointing out the idea that there are people for whom both Roe v. Wade and birth control are sinful, which is the flaw in your argument that instead of a federal law legalizing abortion, people should just wear a condom.

              In addition, abortion laws affect more people than just teenagers. Anyway, by the time they're old enough to vote, most of them do know enough to pop the pill, so your sarcasm is really unnecessary. I never said all 18 year olds have the judgment to vote, but that doesn't mean that there aren't a lot who do. Same with birth control. It works the same with adults. There are people on these posts who make me fear for our country, but they have the same right as I to voice their opinions and vote. You're trying to make blanket statements that just don't hold up.

              • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 4:26:18 PM

                There is no flaw in my argument about the federal government legalizing abortion and if you would look to my post in earlier statement about Federalism you would know that. Individual states can decide for themselves whether or not to legalize abortion and those states will presumably allow the women there to vote for or against it. The left is constantly trying to scare folks that Roe v. Wade will go away, but that's not true, it will just become a state issue. To be honest, I don't even know what you mean about the right thinking birth control is sinful and how it plays into the discussion about abortion. I guess you're saying that since the right don't want birth control we should not care if people have abortions or the federal government is responsible for making sure people can have them?

                And you keep on being informed by all those mature teenagers you know. It's not that i am surrounded by untrustworthy teenagers but much scientific evidence shows that young people lack impulse control and that the brain takes years to develop cognitive skills. Which explains the rise of so many different episodes of "Girls Gone Wild" While some young folks may have better decision making skills than others (my two sons included) I'm STILL not entrusting my future to a teenager.

                • Posted By: EveryoneHasBias @ 06/09/2008 5:13:33 PM

                  My argument wasn't with whether or not it should be a state or federal issue. My point was that there are more sides to the issue than you seem to acknowledge. By saying, "As far as Roe v. Wade goes, what about some birth control? The mehtods are very effective and varied." you are in effect saying, "Instead of legalizing abortion, how about you imbeciles learn how to use birth control." I was just saying that there is a large segment of America that thinks this is also wrong. I wasn't arguing for or against the point of view, just bringing it up.

                  • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 5:32:24 PM

                    thanks for your clafirication. I know that there are many sides to the issue. My point in bringing up Roe v. Wade is that the left is always trying to scare folks with it's demise. In 2004, I heard a lot of oooh if Bush is elected there goes Roe. v. Wade. That scare tactic is being tried again, as though there is no such thing as birth control and federalism. There will be back alley abortions by the millions because there are no alternatives if Roe v. Wade goes away, when that is actually nowhere near the case.

        • Posted By: dandanna @ 06/09/2008 1:09:03 PM

          Foxy, you couldn't be more right! It scares the hell out of me that the same people who made Britney Spears number one on the musical charts are nominating our candidate! Oy vey!

      • Posted By: bennybuddy @ 06/09/2008 12:22:45 PM

        Mark, OK I read the article. First, the article really doesn't say anything all that new about what's happening. First, the Internet and social networking sites have finally changed the game for politics and raising money. Second, it has galvanized the youth. However, you've apparently ignored the most interesting part of the story, that this election is a lot like1972, the year McGovern believed that 25 million young folks would swing the election. As we all know, McGovern didn't do so well with that philosophy. While the current climate is different in some ways, its very similar in others. The article quite cleverly speaks of below 30 and over 65 and completely ignores everyone else. The race will be decided by the people between 30 and 65, because the other groups cancel each other out. Young people will vote heavily for Obama, older folks will vote heavily for McCain. All that said, based on everything I've read about the race, young people don't have the slightest clue about who or what they are really voting for. They are naive to a fault and have been conned by the biggest empty suit I've seen in my 40 years on the planet. If, heaven forbid, Obama is elected, the kids will get to experience the painful letdown of not believing everything you are told and be wiser for it.

  • Posted By: Ofi14 @ 06/10/2008 8:20:21 PM

    Conservatives are boring. I'm out.

  • Posted By: trex257 @ 06/10/2008 12:26:53 AM

    The fact of the matter is folks, that neither John McCain, nor Barack Obama are REAL people in the public's eyes. Let me explain. We see a facade that all of their political planners and capaign managers want us to see. McCain, is no more of a maverick than George W. Bush and he will use the same fear tactics as Bush used in the last election to try to become president. At the same time, Obama, though charismatic with shades of Kennedys long since past, doesn't have the experience of a four year old child when it comes to running this country. However, this being said, Obama has something that no presidential candidate has bequeethed upon this country since Bill Clinton, and that is a vision. Obama has a vision for what this country can be, for the glory it can regain. McCain doesn't even have vision, much less a vision for the country. McCain is just about as clueless as George Bush. He has no idea how to get out of Iraq and no idea of how to stimulate the economy. The notion of McCain being a "maverick" ended when he started running for president and sucking on the Bush/Cheney power teat. Obama gives hope of a fresh start, he gives hope of someone that the American people can help to mold into the type of President that we want; not some ancient old codger who has been set in his ways since Methusula was a baby (that means McCain is older than dirt for those of you with no sense of humor). Obama is fresh, vibrant, full of life and vigor, while McCain has a look of chronic constipation on his face as if the milk of magnesia hasn't kicked in yet. Futhermore, McCain's policies will be just as stale and slow moving as his bowels. People are truly misguided and ill-informed if they believe that four years with John McCain will be any different than they last eight years with Captain "Dubya". What Obama lacks in experience he easily makes up for in intelligence and ability to adapt and unite people. That is what this country and the world both need right now, unity and the ability to overcome anything; including the unecessary war in Iraq. I just hope the American people for fall prey to the fear mongoring of the Republican party this time like they did in the last election. Concurrently, the religious right needs to sit down and shut the hell up when it comes to political policy making. This country is well on it's way to being a facist theocracy and we need to nip that in the bud before it gets any worse. Religious doctrine should in NO WAY delineate political policy. I mean, come on, the fore fathers had to have known what they were doing when they wanted separation of church and state. Well folks this is why. We have and idiot president making policies against things he knows nothing about, like stem cell research and global warming. But hey, he answers to a "higher authority". And some b.s. excuse like that makes everything okay? I DON"T THINK SO!

    • Posted By: wlbrockman @ 06/10/2008 5:31:37 PM

      Somewhere, Huey Long is smiling. Senator Obama is just another populist promising a chicken in every pot at someone else's expense. Interestingly, like the original Kingfish, Senator Obama also proposes to take most of what he needs to fix the country and make everyone feel good from that ancient evil, "big oil." At least Huey had the intellectual honesty not to pretend to be a great uniter. How anyone can preach class warfare from one side of his mouth and claim to be able to unite the country is beyond me. Of course, I am assuming that Senator Obama believes he is being logical and consistent. Alternatively, he realizes the illogic and inconsistency of his utterances and proceeds anyway knowing/hoping that the majority of Americans now believe that the federal government really should make everyone's life better rather than simply preserve our freedom so that we can pursue our own happiness. Further, he proceeds because he apprehends if he is correct, the logical inconsistencies in his statements will be overlooked. God help us, I suspect he is right.

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/10/2008 3:02:13 AM

      No they are going to fall prey to the Fear Mongering of the Democratic Party this time, and the country is going to go even more into the crapper.

    • Posted By: trex257 @ 06/10/2008 12:30:30 AM

      Sorry, I meant to say that "I hope the American people DON'T fall prey to the fear mongoring of the Republican party...."

      • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/10/2008 1:35:48 AM

        oops sorry I did not see your retraction...MiCaupa

    • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/10/2008 1:32:07 AM

      Isn't what your saying is the classic definition of a politician, regardless of political affiliation?

  • Posted By: Occam @ 06/09/2008 1:21:09 PM

    Obama campaign slogans:

    CHANGE ... what you'll have left after I raise taxes.
    CHANGE ... my hat size because very day my head gets bigger
    CHANGE ... what I do to my story depending upon whom I'm talking to.
    CHANGE ... what I do every day to my foreign policy
    CHANGE ... your lifestyle because the rest of the world doesn't like you
    CHANGE ... my friends when they turn out not to be "The person I knew"
    CHANGE ... what my radical left-wing ideologue handlers have in store for you
    CHANGE ... what I do to facts to suit my needs.
    CHANGE ... more of you into victims of something and build government programs to take care of you
    CHANGE ... your mind and believe in me for I am the Obamessiah come to save you
    CHANGE ... into sycophants; what the liberal mainstream media do under my spell
    CHANGE ... into an Obamatron; you too can join the cult if you drink the kool-aid and repeat the chant: CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE ...
    CHANGE ... part of the chant I use to control the weak-minded Obamanized masses
    CHANGE ... what I plan to do to America because it's the greatest country on the planet.
    CHANGE ... the national anthems of all the nations of the world to Kumbaya using my messianic skills
    CHANGE ... your underwear. Because you'll defecate in your pants when you wake up to find out what the left-wing liberal ideologues have done after gaining complete control of government.

    Oh yeah ... CHANGE you better freaking BELIEVE in.
    Oh yeah ... CHANGE that will WORK you.

    Obama has the AUDACITY to count on you and I being DOPEs

    • Posted By: NeverSurrender @ 06/10/2008 1:42:47 PM

      Brilliant observation of the real change we can expect to see with Obama - the DNC selected nominee..
      Hillary Clinton supporters and all other Democrats-in-Exile, here is a website for you:
      http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/an-invitation-to-democrats-in-exile/

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/10/2008 3:03:52 AM

      I like this.

  • Posted By: Madog @ 06/10/2008 11:13:33 AM

    BHO is a leftist liberal product of corrupt Chicago politics who hypocritically preaches all kinds of platitudes for others but in his public life has failed to demonstrate with his own actions. What happened to his ???Old Uncle Wright???- dumped! ??? His church of 20 years ??? dumped! A real steady guy. He will do and say whatever it takes to get the prize. The history of his political rise in Chicago is ugly. His record in the Illinois legislature and later in the US Senate contains absolutely nothing but a record of doing what is politically expedient. BHO is a product of ???Old Line Politics???. :???Change???:- into what? . Judge a man by his actions not his words

  • Posted By: Madog @ 06/10/2008 11:13:08 AM

    BHO is a leftist liberal product of corrupt Chicago politics who hypocritically preaches all kinds of platitudes for others but in his public life has failed to demonstrate with his own actions. What happened to his ???Old Uncle Wright???- dumped! ??? His church of 20 years ??? dumped! A real steady guy. He will do and say whatever it takes to get the prize. The history of his political rise in Chicago is ugly. His record in the Illinois legislature and later in the US Senate contains absolutely nothing but a record of doing what is politically expedient. BHO is a product of ???Old Line Politics???. :???Change???:- into what? . Judge a man by his actions not his words

  • Posted By: jonstorm @ 06/10/2008 8:52:47 AM

    Come on Will.

    True. You are a shamless GOP tool but You know you can't stand McCain and you secretly want Obama to Win now that Hillary is out of it. It has to just eat you up inside to have to defend McCain and bash Obama who is clearly more articulate and a man whose company you would enjoy more. Being a whore sucks sometimes but the thing about selling out is you get paid. Ain't that right?

  • Posted By: mgillon @ 06/09/2008 2:57:49 AM

    If JFK was running today, who would you vote for? If Robert Kennedy was running today, who would you vote for? We need somebody who can inspire a nation and that is Barack.. At least somebody is inspiring voters and providing excitement and hope in to the dismal US political arena. Its only 4 years at worst but could be the best 4 years ever. Its worth the risk

    • Posted By: Bill45 @ 06/09/2008 7:19:43 AM


      Inspire the nation to do ... what? Turn radically left?

      • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/10/2008 4:57:54 AM

        Hitler inspired his nation see all the good that did.

    • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 3:08:57 AM

      You have asked extremely tough questions and even in my 54 years on the planet could not answer without thinking about for several minutes. Your challenge and question are excellent.....Maybe I can think of an answer when I catch some shuteye....LOL My first reaction is I cannot see being inspired by McCain. I am inspired by both Hillary and Barak because they have broken through history barriers, one color, the other being a woman...I never expected the progress that our country has in civil rights and women's rights....even though not perfect, much better than what it was like when I was growing up. My generation Y daughter could not be happier....and yes I am male and white....and I am looking foward to the debates, and what will come out of it.... I will continue to ponder what you said....thanks for helping me learn something and think about something new today.

      • Posted By: denmill @ 06/09/2008 10:40:09 AM

        Let's not be emotional here!!! Let's be real. Barrach Hussein Ossama is wrong for America. An America that is trying to fight Muslin extremists. NOBAMA!!!!!!!

  • Posted By: lifewonders @ 06/08/2008 11:53:36 PM

    Obama is skillful with words but a good speech on cake does not put bread on my table.

    The press keeps going goo goo gaa gaa over Obama and his silver tongue but American voters need in-depth reports on his records and his agenda. The media needs to apply the same standard on him as on Bush. Obama is no baby wearing diaper and running for presidency is no beauty baby contest.

    • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 12:34:20 AM

      I don't know about you, but I already know what I need to know about this charlatan. McCain may be flawed but at least he's not plotting to overthrow the country like Obama and his merry men Wright, Pfleger, Rezko, Ayres, and Khalil. What a crock!!

      • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 3:15:06 AM

        A charlatan is a person practicing quackery or some similar confidence trick in order to obtain money or advantage by false pretenses....I guess he has fooled 18 million of us with his b.s. wow....anything else newsworthy besides hotair being spewed? What does your remarks have anything to do with the George Will article?

        • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/10/2008 4:56:38 AM

          It really doesn't take much to fool 18 million Americans anymore, have you seen the draw of American Idol lately?

  • Posted By: schaunh @ 06/07/2008 11:25:01 PM

    Obama is an inspiration and a ray of hope for the nation. Let this light shine. USA can go no further down and he will have a hard job ahead. The economy is so damaged I don't see how people are living. Give it a chance, you have nothing to loose. I honestly tried to listen to McCain speak one evening; it was so bad. It was like listening to an old person ramble on and on stuck on one idea 'I will never surrender.' On and on and on. God help us.

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/10/2008 4:54:36 AM

      Yes because Winston Churchill speak "Never Surrender" was such a bore.

      Oh yeah it pretty much saved the west from Hitler taking over...my bad.

    • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 12:25:39 AM

      Glad you think Obama is such a ray of hope. Now it would be good if this ray could tell us how he plans to save the world. I actually thought that was what Jesus came to do, but I could be mistaken.

      McCain may ramble to you, but maybe your mind can't comprehend deep thoughts expressed verbally. If it's not lofty and delivered in a booming baritone it may be too much for you--like a child reaching for a shiny object because it's pretty even though it could be dangerous. Maybe someone can get you a copy of McCain for Dummies so you can understand.

      • Posted By: Bill45 @ 06/09/2008 7:24:41 AM

        I am amused by the unthinking casual way these so-called "progressives" indulge in age discrimination.

      • Posted By: SkippingDog @ 06/09/2008 12:27:42 AM

        "McCain for Dummies" -- redundant....

        • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 12:31:43 AM

          I guess. You still haven't told me how the Messiah is going to save us. In his sermon the other knight, he spoke of how the oceans will abate upon his ascension, er I mean election to the Presidency. Maybe the scriptures can tell us. I know there was some mention of a second coming.

          • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 3:30:31 AM

            Posted By: chihhsing @ 06/09/2008 3:11:56 AM

            Comment: Will's prose style has become worthy of Robert Penn Warren. Whatever else he may have become, the continuing refinement of the manner of his expression proves that he has yet to become a cynic....you should read about Robert Penn Warren and his contributions to literature.

          • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 06/09/2008 2:53:58 AM

            Did you understand what George Will was writing about? This is not an Obama or McCain issue, rather it is all our issue regardless which side of the aisle you believe. . take the emotionally charged statements out, reread what the man said in his article. ...also, as I suggested to Denmil, read some books by him, other articles by him, and you will find that there is a lot to be learned. George Will is a very wise man....why do you think he has the :"final word"

  • Posted By: Ibrahim Musa K @ 06/10/2008 4:00:01 AM


    The Clinton-Obama race to clinch the Democrat nomination is finally over. But the negative side of their political tussle has left both badly exposed if not ???injured???.

    Now the general election campaign begins. Expect more dirty linens to be washed in public (that is what politics has been all about).

    Many whites may not be ready for an African-American who had doubtful religious background. Likewise, a high percentage of American voters may not feel comfortable to put an old man in the White House.

    The American democracy has already been in trial during the past months; it will be again, perhaps worse.
    (Ibrahim Musa K)

  • Posted By: joetraderny @ 06/09/2008 9:21:19 AM

    Elect Obama, somebody who actually has ideas about how to fix the economy and doesn't admit on national television, like mcbush, that "I know nothing about the economy, but Iraq is the real problem anyway...the economy is fine...." another denialist.....how's this workin' for ya...or mccain could be dirty johnny: "now you gotta ask yourself, did I shoot five bullets or six, and then you gotta ask yourself, do I feel lucky, well do you, punk??"....probably paraphrased not very well...but I think mcbush is a false centrist, does not work well with others, he has a history of anger control problems and other issues.....which would not produce real change...but may lead to fisticufs.....it is 95 and humid here in upstate ny in the beginning of june.....and smoggy....for the last week.....it is a new record every day.....and neocons still don't believe in global warming...we do not have any time to elect more fools...........if we are not at peak oil, then only God knows what will happen when we are? or even in china and india are the reason for more demand, do you think it is temporary???? and then ask yourself, do I feel lucky, well, do you punk????

    • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 10:26:09 AM

      What exactly are Obama's ideas on fixing the economy because I haven't heard any except raise taxes. I don't want ot go to his website to find out. I want you to tell me since you said it. And is he going to fix the economy before or after he causes the oceans to subside?

      • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/10/2008 3:31:09 AM

        I though he was going to part the ocean or something right?

    • Posted By: mooseNY @ 06/09/2008 11:19:00 AM

      Are you for real? First, Obama has not plan for the economy, just raise taxes and give more to the lazy. Raising taxes has failed 100% of the time and that is his entire plan. McCain has a 30 year record of being a maverick who challenges teh status quo, Obama has speeches but has never passed abill in the Senate to change a thing, just speeches with nothing to back it up. Now Obama will cure Global Warming too? Without China agreeing (and they have not) you can get nowhere. All we will do is make america more uncompetitive. Wake up. Obama is the most liberal member of the Senate, he is the "Partisan" candidate. Obama had visited Iraq once, his knowldege is from newspapers, what kind of leader does not go get firsthand knowledge, McCain has been there 8 or 9 times and talked directly to troops and the people. Obama is worse than Bush in that he has no interest in learning the facts before making decisions on Iraq. He was against the surge that is now working (all accounts agree on this). He NEEDS soldiers to die in order to win. He NEEDS the US to lose the war for him to win. Now that is one scary candidate.

  • Posted By: maggiethecat @ 06/09/2008 9:48:26 AM

    Do not under estimate the black vote in the General election. I work with a lot of black people and I know every black person in this country will vote for OBAMA. They would vote for an axe murder if he was BLACK.

    maggie

    • Posted By: FoxyBrown @ 06/09/2008 10:24:26 AM

      You are dead wrong here. I am Black and I am not voting for him. Are you trying to say that all black people are too stupid to see through this sham? I know groupthink is strong in the black community but cut us some slack--all of us are not on that bus.

      • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 06/10/2008 3:29:56 AM

        So your one of the 10 percent that isn't voting for Obama?
        I'm just waiting for someone like Alvy to call you racist or a race traitor or something.

    • Posted By: denmill @ 06/09/2008 11:03:30 AM

      They would vote for anyone promise them more things including a axe muder. It is all about entitlement !!!!!

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