Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Government Blob minus Steve McQueen

Does anyone remember the movie "The Blob"? I know there was at least one bad remake, maybe two.

The current Blob remake is the worst yet.

Has Washington ever, ever, ever gotten hold of anything that didn't blob? It grows, it consumes, it takes over and unfortunately once it's taken hold there's nothing that can kill it.

Currently those in Washington are trying to start another alien Blob, this time it is so alien to our American values that we are in the process of trying to freeze it before it takes hold. I'm not sure we are going to be successful given the collaboration between Nancy Pelosi, Barnie Frank, Henry Paulsen, President Bush and Chris Dodd (strange bedfellows, hmm?).

My favorite quote: Republican Rep. Paul Broun of Georgia described the bill as "a huge cow patty with a piece of marshmallow stuck in the middle. I'm not going to eat that cow patty."

Here's my HUH??? Say What??? for the day:
From Forbes Magazine on-line: After a week and a half of marathon
negotiations extensively modified the original $700 billion proposal from the
Treasury, and leaders on both sides of the House aisle had expressed their
support, the legislation was voted down 228-205. Had 12 legislators switched
their votes, the measure would have succeeded. The bill won the support of 140
Democrats and was opposed by 95. It was House Republicans that stymied
the legislation, voting 133-65 against it.
(bold emphasis mine)
http://www.forbes.com/business/2008/09/30/credit-bailout-bush-biz-beltway-cx_bw_jz_0930bailout2.html


How in the world can anyone write that 95 Democrats voted against it, 12 legislators yes votes were needed to pass, yet it was the Republicans that stymied the legislation???

I'm glad for the Republicans and Democrats who voted no, and frankly, I'm surprised that all of a sudden these free-market Wall Street guys who hate it when government steps on their toes is all of a sudden ready to cozy up with regulation, politics and oversight when they goof.

Let's hope that the cooling off time today and tomorrow (not sure about whether tomorrow is also a day off?) will have given Republicans a chance to fine-tune a different plan and tactic.

How John McCain came out of this mess looking bad surprises me, although I guess it shouldn't since the media isn't on his side.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Let Sarah be Sarah!

It is so clear that some of the guys who think they know everything are holding the real Sarah hostage! I've seen her past stuff, before she hit the VP trail. I saw her stuff before they finally got to her.

Jeez, we don't care if she doesn't know everything there is to know about foreign affairs, she'd the veep for goodness sake, not the top guy. She knows more than a heck of a lot of our past Presidents did when they took office. All she has to say is that's John McCain's job and I'll be ready by the time we take office in January. She has from November 4th until January 1 to get up to snuff on all the stuff.

She's probably putting a ton of pressure on herself to try and be the whiz kid, too. She's used to excelling in everything she does and this is a big chunk of change to handle. Everyone else who has ever run for veep or for prez has thought about it for years and they've studied the issues knowing where they were hoping to end up someday. Sarah Palin hasn't had that luxury and so she's not up on every little stupid nuance or item that the press wants to trip her up on.

The ditsy Kathleen Parker on National Review should know she's now the darling of the liberal media for doing what they've wanted conservatives to do all along, which is to jump on Sarah Palin. Finally they have someone who's willing to jump ship on the conservative side and to me it's traitorous. Think what you want in the privacy of your home, but no conservative journalist should ever give the liberals something that inflammatory to crow about deliberately.

We don't want perfection, we want honesty. We don't mind someone who has a lot to learn. If Kathleen Parker had been thinking straight she'd realize that Palin has more experience than Barack Obama and has made fewer gaffs than Joe Biden.

John McCain's dudes and dudettes need to leave Sarah alone and let her be Sarah.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Going after Sarah Palin

The media is continuing to go after Sarah Palin. In this fragile world where polls fluctuate and the media rules the roost, every upward lift of Sarah's eyebrow is tracked and attacked.

I don't know how anyone can handle being in the political limelight these days.

Can you imagine having your family attacked continually? having every bit of your life parsed and dissected and then perverted to fit someones preconceived notions of how they want it to be? having every friend and enemy you've ever had put on television to talk about you?

On top of all that, imagine going non-stop with minimal sleep in strange places.

Imagine having your brain crammed full of data non-stop when all you really want to do is kick back and rest for fifteen minutes on the bus or plane between meetings.

Think about being followed everywhere you go by hoards of photographers and reporters who are willing to follow you into the toilet stall if they can get an exclusive photo or comment.

On top of all that, the people who are on your side have varying opinions they're not shy about sharing on your clothing, the way you talk, who you talk to, where you shop, how you fix your hair or makeup and probably the type toothpaste you use. They want to mold you into whatever image they think "sells" best to the American public.

I would think it might even be worse knowing you had huge numbers of fans who looked to you as a role model or had you up on a pedestal.

I hope that every praying person in this country is sending positive thoughts toward and positive prayers upward for Sarah Palin and her family.

John McCain and all the others are used to the trashy media and have developed thicker skins. Our Sarah seems to have pretty thick skin and be a strong, strong lady, but there are going to be times when she's down and needs all the support we can give!

Let's stick together and let's stick with Sarah!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Joe Biden's Double-back, twisty face with Katie I Love Biden Couric

So Joe Biden's biggest "problem" is that his mouth gets ahead of his mind at times. The Obamazombies call it "honesty", refreshing honesty. They've given it a name "bidenism". So what does Obama try to do with that "honesty"? He perverts it.

That is if you beleive in Biden's honesty in the first place . If George W. Bush made statements and gaffs like Biden it wouldn't be called refreshing honesty...

Katie Couric asked Joe Biden in lib-speak about the horrible ad Obama put out about John McCain not being able to do Rubic's Cubes and use a computer. (Note to those who don't know about the ad --- John McCain's war injuries don't allow him to type or do some of those actions. The ad made fun of him.)

Biden rightfully said initially that it as "terrible" and he didn't have anything to do with it, wouldn't have or something along those lines. There's the honesty. Then Katie asks another question about Obama approving the ad and Biden realizes what his mouth has just done.

He starts to do his double-back, about face, try to save face sputtering. You can see in his eyes that he realizes he has just gotten himself caught in another deep, deep hole so he starts spinning, goes on to attack

Later he released an official statement saying he was wrong. He stands by the ad, he hadn't seen it at the time he talked about it... It's the statement the Obama campaign made him put out. It's posted below. One comment on the so-called negative ads --- there are groups keeping tabs on who's put out more negative ads and who's stretching the truth the most and guess what? Obama's winning that particular race.

The body language and touching was something I found interesting. At one point Katie reaches over and lightly pushes Biden's leg in a jokingly chiding manner. Anyone think she'd be so chatty and cuddly cute friendly with John McCain or Sarah Palin? She's going to interview Sarah Palin so that one should be interesting. Think she's going to call her girl-friend?

Here's some info I found on the Internet about the interview (just the top 3 or 4 on Google's list when I put in "biden statement couric ad" while looking for the official statement (which I've posted at the end):

Couric Has Cushy Chat with Biden, Will She Be as Warm with Palin ...
Sep 22, 2008 ... COURIC: Did Obama approve that ad? He said he did, right? BIDEN: The answer is I don't think ... Katie's first statement to Average Joe was. ...newsbusters.org/blogs/brent-baker/2008/09/22/couric-has-cushy-chat-biden-will-she-be-warm-palin - 79k - 10 hours ago - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Media Matters - Couric didn't challenge McCain's false claim that ...
Aug 24, 2008 ... John McCain, Katie Couric did not challenge McCain's false claim that Sen. ... BIDEN: I think I stand by the statement. [end video clip] ...mediamatters.org/items/200808240008 - 26k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Behind The Scenes With Joe Biden, CBS News Anchor Katie Couric ...
I just think that was- COURIC: Did Obama approve that ad? ... Politico - Joe Biden offered perhaps his most off-message statement yet since being tapped as ...beltwayblips.com/story/behind_the_scenes_with_joe_biden_cbs_news_anchor_katie/ - 48k - 10 hours ago - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Video - Biden: Obama ad attacking McCain "Terrible" - White House '08
Sep 22, 2008 ... Joe Biden, D-Del., distanced himself from an Obama-Biden TV ad. Katie Couric asked Biden about the "tone of the campaign" adding that "you ...beltwayblips.com/video/biden_obama_ad_attacking_mccain_terrible/ - 10 hours ago - Similar pages - Note thisMore results from beltwayblips.com »

Biden Deplores Own Campaign's Ad - September 23, 2008 - The New ...
Sep 23, 2008 ... "I thought that was terrible," Mr. Biden told news anchor Katie Couric after she made reference to the ad while asking about the tone of the ...www.nysun.com/national/biden-deplores-own-campaigns-ad/86380/ - 8 hours ago - Similar pages - Note this

Biden's official statement:

“I was asked about an ad I’d never seen, reacting merely to press reports. As I said right then, I knew there was nothing intentionally personal in the criticism of Senator McCain’s views which look backwards not forwards and are out of touch with the new economic challenges we face today. Having now reviewed the ad, it is even more clear to me that given the disgraceful tenor of Senator McCain’s ads and their persistent falsehoods, his campaign is in no position to criticize, especially when they continue to distort Barack’s votes on an issue as personal as keeping kids safe from sexual predators."

Monday, September 22, 2008

Hope, Change and Lies, for distribution from McCain Palin '08 blog

Hope, Change, & Lies: Orchestrated "Grassroots" Smear Campaigns
********************DISTRIBUTE********************
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/194057.php

Hope, Change, & Lies: Orchestrated "Grassroots" Smear Campaigns Extensive research was conducted by the Jawa Report to determine the source of smears directed toward Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Those smears included false allegations that she belonged to a secessionist political party and that she has radical anti-American views.

Our research suggests that a subdivision of one of the largest public relations firms in the world most likely started and promulgated rumors about Sarah Palin that were known to be false.

These rumors were spread in a surreptitious manner to avoid exposure.

It is also likely that the PR firm was paid by outside sources to run the smear campaign.While not conclusive, evidence suggests a link to the BarackObama campaign.

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/194057.php

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Moose Shootin' Mama Sarah Palin

The song is Written and Performed by Pat Garrett, his website is: http://www.patgarrett.com/

This is the Number FOUR download right now! Cool.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Obamatactics

Obama mobilizes rapid response on Web
Campaign targets media when attacks aired
By John McCormick Chicago Tribune reporter
12:32 AM CDT, September 17, 2008
Much of Barack Obama's political success can be traced to a database listing contact information for millions of people, a tool that has proved invaluable in raising record sums of money and organizing a national volunteer network.Now Obama's presidential campaign is increasingly using the list to beat back media messages it does not like, calling on supporters to flood radio and television stations when those opposed to him run anti-Obama ads or appear on talk shows.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama-mediasep17,0,6325137.story

Friday, September 19, 2008

Tidbits of news on Sarah Palin, John McCain and Barack Obamation

Found this on another Read My Lipstick blog, Draft Sarah Palin I think (http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/) but I just read a bunch of them so could be wrong easily!

http://www.palinfightscorruption.com/palin/

Well worth tagging as a favorite and checking often.

They caught the guy who hacked into Sarah Palin's email!!! The son of a Democratic Representative, like we didn't know it was going to have ties to the Dems, right? Talk about messing up the rest of your life! Course, the Dems are going to make him a hero albeit a pretty dumb one given he only set up one proxy before hacking. Duh. The kid is in college? Must be making his dad real proud. One thing that is frightening is how easy it must be to hack into someone's email account!

Heard McCain gave a stellar, rousing speech this morning that was played on Fox News. I haven't heard it but I've rec'd emails and calls about it so it much have been fantastic.

Sarah's interview with Sean Hannity was great! So much better than the sham hit job Gibson's crew tried to do on her and failed. There were so many subtle ways Charlie Gibson set her up it's worth a study class in a college class. The lighting, the chair, the placement of the chair and Gibson, the way he asked his questions, the play on his face, the room setting, I could go on and on.

If you 're bored, go pull up the interview with Gibson and the one with Sean and pretend like you're playing that game where you try to spot the differences.

There are subtle things that are tells about how someone feels or thinks. For instance, in my last paragraph / sentence I called Charlie Gibson "Gibson" and Sean Hannity "Sean". I'm more comfortable and like Sean better thus I automatically call him by his first name.

Nobody calls Barack Obama "Barack". Even the people who like him don't like him .

The thing with the Spanish ad is typical and despicable. I heard Limbaugh did an op ed in the Wall Street Journal about it, not sure when it's going to run. I have to read it!

Is anyone hearing anything about Obama's talk with the Iraq mucky-mucks about not decreasing troops until after he's elected? I heard something about it but it sure hasn't been much of a news story (who's surprised?).

There is so much going on in the political world right now! I don't remember ever being this involved or concerned about the future of our country! I am fired up and out there working every which way I can go make sure people VOTE for MCCAIN-PALIN! We're not going to be able to do it unless we have enthusiastic people who're willing to put some action with their words.

Saw that one of our new Read My Lipstick Network members has a petition going. It's at www.McCainPalin2008.blogspot.com. Go check it out and sign it! After you sign it there's a page where they ask for money --- that is NOT money for the petition or the blog or blog owner, that's just a donation the site doing the petition is asking for and you do NOT have to donate.

Back to the grind for this gal. Have a wonderful day, go get a couple of votes for McCain-Palin!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Interesting discussion on Greta Van Susteren's program last night

I could have listened to an hour on this topic! Greta talked with Cathy Young, Reason Magazine on why the fems hate Sarah Palin. (I've included a link at the bottom of this post to the transcript from last night's show.)

I don't think they quite hit on the real reasons the Fems hate Sarah Palin but they did bring up some interesting thoughts.

There was a point in my life when I was a bra-burning-babe (well, I never burned it, just didn't wear it ;-) and considered myself a feminist. I realized fairly quickly that I didn't need group-think and that I was perfectly capable of being a strong woman without getting nasty (not that I was ever nasty, either).

Yes, women aren't necessarily paid the same as men in similar jobs. Yes, we need changes in some areas, but I don't subscribe to a one-size-fits all description of how women "should" be.

If the Fems were truly "liberal" they'd have a bit bigger umbrella and be willing to allow women to be the way they want to be, rather than trying to smush us all into one mold. It really does boil down to some core values. They want abortion. Period. Why that makes a woman more a woman I'll never understand. Seems to me that a "real" woman with any brains would make sure she didn't get pregnant in the first place.

I love the individuality of women who make choices that suit their abilities, values and lifestyles.

Sarah Palin is a woman's woman ;-) Whether I agree with every stance of hers is a moot point. She is very obviously a happy person and that just seems to steam some of the libs who are angry, angry people.

I'm out of time to delve into this any further. It's a huge topic and one that typifies the divide between angry lefties and the normal folks who make up the majority of the country. Unfortunately, angry people with a cause make a lot of noise and get a lot of attention. The rest of us go about our daily lives and don't need a group of irritated women who are out of touch with the mainstream to give our lives meaning.

---

This is a rush transcript from "On the Record ," September 16, 2008. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,423847,00.html

GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOX NEWS HOST: ...
But first: They hate her. Yes, some feminists hate Governor Sarah Palin. There's no question many women love the governor, but some very vocal women have become downright nasty attacking her. Here's an example. A female religion professor at the University of Chicago named Wendy Doniger recently wrote this about Governor Palin. "Her greatest hypocrisy is in her pretense that she's a woman." Yes, that's a quote from a religion professor. Now, you might disagree with her political positions, but why the hate?
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,423847,00.html

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

99 percent say Sarah Palin is being picked on!

Greta Van Susteren had a poll tonight and asked:

It is one thing to disagree with Gov. Palin about her policies or her experience, but are some people just being downright nasty to her?

As of just a few minutes ago:

Yes 99% (41852 votes)
No 1% (600 votes)
Total Votes: 42452

Have you noticed the hype has died down just a bit? It's because they may be slow, real slow, real real slow, but finally some on the left are realizing they're kicking themselves in the butt. I don't think anyone's going to get through to the Huffington Post, Koz, Salon and all the rest, but the Dem's will get their talking points to their mass leaders and the masses will fall into step.

The poll is very telling about the perception of the public.

I watched the Todd Palin interview last night and tonight. It is clear he is one cool dude. Sarah and Todd are everyday Americans living on the frontier with the values some are working hard to make disappear. We need Todd, Sarah, Cindy and John in the White House!

One of the things Greta talked about tonight was why so many women's groups hated Sarah. I think it's because they are threatened by a truly strong woman. Women are the world's worst at being jealous of superior women. A lot of women have a hard time having a woman for a boss and you all know we pick on other women's clothes, their hair styles and the way they act unmercifully.

Groups like NOW spawn a sense of worth and give some women a cause. They are often bitter, mad and angry people who feel the world has hurt them and dumped on them. Rather than move ahead and do better they glomb into a group and yell together. They are weak but because they yell a lot and have others to support them and give them an identity, they feel strong.

Sarah Palin is independent, smart, a go-getter and she's pretty to boot. She has it all and they are jealous. It wouldn't matter whether she had their same values or not, just by virtue of being a strong woman she lost their vote and support.

Monday, September 15, 2008

"A Debate Obama Cannot Win" (but Sarah Palin & John McCain CAN!)

Barack Obama has two books out and a public record that is easy to follow, yet everyone seems to think he's going to do something different when he's in office than he has up to this point. The media has given him a pass and has not scrutinized him anywhere near the amount they've dissected Sarah Palin and skewered John McCain. They "say" SHE is an unknown and they're just doing their job. Right. I read the stories, I hear the slant and the way they couch their questions and comments. I know more about Sarah Palin after a few short weeks than I know about Joe Biden and Barack Obama combined and I listen and read and have been involved in politics for a long, long time (just call me a junkie!).

-----

"Many voters and critics are still asking: Who is Mr. Obama? He has told us who he is through his record and deeds: a liberal politician who will abandon all his principles at the drop of a hat in order to be elected. This is not new or fresh: It is precisely the 'failed policies of the past' that he brilliantly identified, but cannot surmount." -- The Washington Times

"A Debate Obama Cannot Win
"The Washington Times
Editorial
September 14, 2008

Mr. Obama's "new kind of politics" - which was based on telling the truth, being a principled politician and treating one's opponents fairly - collapsed once he secured the nomination in June. He reversed course with dizzying speed on NAFTA, FISA, public financing of campaigns, whether the D.C. gun ban was constitutional, meeting with rogue leaders without preconditions and the unity of Jerusalem. He even qualified his Iraq policy by stating it would be "refined" according to "conditions on the ground." Most recently, in light of the economic downturn, Mr. Obama stated he might reconsider implementing the tax increases in his economic plan.

Mr. Obama appeared authentic during the Democratic campaign as a liberal champion: In running to the left of Hillary Clinton, he was passionate, fiery and convincing. Yet since his mad dash to the center, he appears uncomfortable: He stammers and stutters in response to questions rather than speaking forthrightly. The polished, Ivy League-educated senator now uses "folksy" expressions. This downhome speaking manner is geared toward attracting white, blue collar voters - and is not in consonance with his impeccable oratory. He is now packaged and artificial.

Instead of being a genteel campaigner, Mr. Obama and his surrogates have spent days attacking Mr. McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, for her inexperience. He has been charged with leveling low blows and sexism. Highlighting Mrs. Palin's inexperience is a foolish strategy for one whose level of experience is, at best, equivalent to hers.

Mr. Obama has also assaulted Mrs. Palin for not being a true reformer. Yet it is he who has a record of requesting $936 million in earmarks. Mr. Obama's record reveals that he is part of the Washington problem, rather than its solution.

The Illinois senator no longer represents generational change and the future: He selected a vice president that is mired in the past. Sen. Joseph Biden is a Washington insider whose voting record is symmetrical to that of the nominee: liberal and partisan. Together, they fall far short of the "bipartisanship" that was pledged.

Instead of "The Dream Team" Obama-Clinton ticket many Democrats hoped for, the Obama-Biden ticket appears to be the "The Snooze Team," they dreaded.

Mr. Obama stated that voters need not be spooked by his thin foreign-policy resume, but should look to his judgment. These statements were cheered throughout the primaries when the Iraq war was going badly. But once the surge succeeded, Mr. Obama has been unable to convince Americans that his judgment is in fact sound.

For weeks, Mr. Obama refused to acknowledge the success of the surge. Now, he acknowledges it at last, but still does not admit that he was initially wrong in his opposition. Clearly, his judgment on foreign affairs is often overcome by prejudices or expediency. Again, he set the terms of the debate and then failed his own test.

Many voters and critics are still asking: Who is Mr. Obama? He has told us who he is through his record and deeds: a liberal politician who will abandon all his principles at the drop of a hat in order to be elected. This is not new or fresh: It is precisely the "failed policies of the past" that he brilliantly identified, but cannot surmount.

Read The Editorial

Tucker Bounds on Barack Obama Statement

"Only Barack Obama would take a statement about the strength, ingenuity and resilience of American workers and American industry and turn it into a political distortion and attack," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said. "Barack Obama's short career as a public servant has been defined by pessimism, defeatism, and weakness in the face of the great challenges of our time. His lack of faith in American workers may explain his willingness to raise taxes during a struggling economy, but it is no way to lead our country."

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Watched part of the CNN smear show tonight

I watched part of the smear program CNN showed tonight on Sarah Palin. Their main source of info seemed to be the mayor she BEAT... TWICE... who doesn't like her quite obviously...

CNN let him say she tried to ban books at the library... then they said they tried to talk to her but she wouldn't... and they tried to talk to the librarian but she wouldn't... How funny. Other's have talked to the librarian and she's basically said it was a bunch of malarkey, that Sarah never tried to ban any books... she simply asked how the librarian would react if someone wanted to do so...

The third time they went back to the mayor Sarah BEAT... TWICE... for his take on her I had to finally click it off. I was hoping for fair and balanced but gee, I guess I was on the wrong station...

Last time I ever watch CNN. The libs can say Fox is to the right, but that's only because they are SO far to the left anything in the middle is right to them.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

John McCain Proposes Service to America Initiative

Building On His Long Commitment To Expanding National Service, John McCain Is Proposing A Service To America Initiative.

As President, John McCain will create a Service to America initiative to strengthen the teaching and understanding of American history, culture and core ideas, and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their own self interest. Civic participation by citizens over a lifetime, working in neighborhoods and communities, and service of all kinds -- military and civilian; full-time or part-time; and national or international -- can renew America's civic purpose and heal our fractured patriotism.

John McCain's Record Of Supporting Service To Our Nation

· John McCain Was An Original Cosponsor With Sen. Bayh (D-IN) Of The Bipartisan National Call To Service Act That Established A National Service Plan With Incentives To Enlist In The Armed Forces. Under the plan, participants must meet all eligibility requirements for military service and may choose one of the following incentives: $5,000, payable after completing 18 months of active duty; and 18 months of reserve service; repayment of student loans up to $18,000; educational allowance at the Montgomery GI Bill monthly rate for one year; or educational allowance of one-half of the GI Bill monthly rate for three years. The bill also expanded volunteer opportunities in civilian organizations, including AmeriCorps. John McCain reintroduced the civilian components with Sens. Bayh, Kennedy and Mikulski in 2003, after the military service component became law in 2002.

· John McCain Sponsored The Troops-to-Teachers Improvement Act. The Act strengthened and extended the Troops-to-Teachers Program encouraging retired military personnel to become teachers, particularly in schools located in disadvantaged or rural areas facing a shortage of teachers.

John McCain Issues A New Call To Service -- The Service To America Initiative
Highlights

· Bolster volunteerism with an energetic and comprehensive national service initiative designed to increase opportunities for people willing to serve their communities and their country.

· Ensure coordination of all service efforts across the federal government and make certain that all these service programs are effective and on equal footing.

· Convene "Volunteerism Summits" so people can share with others the best ideas and most effective programs currently underway in their own communities.

· Increase focus of our volunteers on urgent situations such as the high school dropout crisis and job retraining.

· Boost opportunities for service overseas to increase understanding and communication among diverse cultures.

· Create opportunities for families to spend service opportunities together at home and abroad.
· Increase service opportunities for the disabled community.

· Coordinate a network of private sector "venture capital" funds matched with government grants to support job retraining or vocational training efforts in high schools and targeted communities where job loss persists.

· Allow faith-based organizations to improve their volunteerism numbers by allowing them to hire consistent with the views of the respective organization without risking federal funding.

Utilize The Wisdom And Experience Of Our Retirees And Veterans

· With Boomers entering the retirement ranks, provide more opportunities to senior Americans by expanding SeniorCorps with a focus on mentoring at risk students, assisting community-based homeland security programs, and overseas teaching of American history to bridge cultural divides.

· Develop opportunities for returning veterans to reintegrate immediately through a civilian service opportunity and continue to serve their country upon returning home.

A Call To Service Is A Call To Educate

· Engage more college students in community service through the Federal Work-Study program; current law only requires seven percent of recipients to perform community service.
· Engage Americans in disaster preparedness and response by providing education and training resources for effective community-based efforts.

· Use AmeriCorps and SeniorCorps volunteers as tutors and mentors to address the high school dropout crisis in America.

· Create a realistic teaching certification requirement for outstanding individuals with years of service and work so they have the opportunity to tutor or teach without jumping through unreasonable bureaucratic hoops.

· Strengthen the teaching of American history and civics education through volunteers in our communities and schools who are able to tutor and teach with a teaching certificate equivalency.

In The United States Senate, John McCain Is An Original Cosponsor Of The Hatch-Kennedy Service Bill That Includes:

· Service Learning: Authorizes new grant program to make direct competitive grants to eligible partnerships to carry out service-learning programs with disengaged youth in secondary schools and authorizes the Corporation for National Service to designate up 20 institutions each year as "Campuses of Service." While the grants authorized under this section come directly from the Corporation to the recipients, state service commissions and departments of education are listed as eligible applicants, allowing state agencies to compete alongside school district partnerships.
· Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Establishes a "Commission on Cross-Sector Solutions to America's Problems," Community Solutions Funds and Innovation Fellowships.

· Service Corps: Directs the Corporation to establish new accounts to fund grant programs including Education Corps, Community Health Access Corps, Clean Energy Corps, Opportunity Corps and Reserve Corps.

· Civic Health Index: The Corporation will establish a "Civic Health Index" and will provide data on the progress and effectiveness of various civic programs and initiatives.

· Serve America And Encore Fellowships: Serve America Fellowships are administered almost entirely at the state level, allowing the states to continue to be laboratories of innovation for volunteer service programs. Eligible organizations also include faith-based organizations. Encore Fellowships provide another incentive to Baby Boomers to utilize their experience in the volunteer sector. Reports indicate that the transferrable education award is a significant incentive for potential participants.

· Volunteer Generation Fund: Directs the Corporation to award competitive 3-5 year grants to support the recruitment, management, and training of volunteers to carry out activities benefitting low-income individuals.VGF will increase the capacity of smaller groups, including churches and faith-based organizations, to engage more Americans in helping their communities.

· International Programs: The bill will improve upon and expand the existing Volunteers for Prosperity Program, providing opportunities for international volunteer service. The bill will expand the Peace Corps, allowing for the improvement of its long-standing mission to provide service in developing countries.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Barack and his lipstick smear campaign

I was kind of leaning in a "so what" direction on Barack Obama's attempt to smear Sarah Palin's lipstick.

Until I saw the entire soundbite.

Whether HE intended it to be like it sounds or not, it's REAL obvious those listening to him took it as a smear against Sarah Palin.

He owes her an apology.