****ATTENTION ALL VOTERS - VOTE BARACK OBAMA!***

[FrenchieCat]

It is crucial that this nation becomes the country that it claims to represent!

Barack has clearly stated that he will appoint judges empathetic to those being Poor, Old, Gay, Women, Disabled, and underpriviledge and who will protect the right for women to choose. He isn't politically "vague" about it.
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/FrenchieCat/165


Because he practices the politics of “Do” versus the Policies of “Say”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4054504

Because He was the one who stood up while the others running coward behind George Bush on Iraq.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3956050

Because, Obama doesn't just talk about fighting a good fight, he actually does it.

Obama Says Gitmo Facility Should Close

The Democratic presidential hopeful pledged to work side-by-side with the rest of the world on issues like nuclear proliferation, poverty, economic development in Latin America and the violence in Darfur.

"While we're at it," he said, "we're going to close Guantanamo. And we're going to restore habeas corpus. ... We're going to lead by example _ by not just word but by deed. That's our vision for the future."

Habeas corpus is a tenet of the Constitution that protects people from unlawful imprisonment
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/24/AR2007062401046.html

---------------
Human Rights Should Be Bigger than Politics
Senator Barack Obama delivered this speech on the floor of the US Senate, in reaction to Senate passage of S. 3930, Military Commissions Act of 2006, which approved US torture of detainees and strips Constitutional rights away from detainees.
Senator Obama decries the placement of politics over human rights, and condemns S. 3930. He states, "This is not how a serious Administration would approach the problem of terrorism."
http://usliberals.about.com/od/extraordinaryspeeches/a/ObamaTorture.htm

excerpts from Obama's statement...

In the five years that the President's system of military tribunals has existed, not one terrorist has been tried. Not one has been convicted. And in the end, the Supreme Court of the United found the whole thing unconstitutional, which is why we're here today.

We could have fixed all of this in a way that allows us to detain and interrogate and try suspected terrorists while still protecting the accidentally accused from spending their lives locked away in Guantanamo Bay. Easily. This was not an either-or question.

Instead of allowing this President - or any President - to decide what does and does not constitute torture, we could have left the definition up to our own laws and to the Geneva Conventions, as we would have if we passed the bill that the Armed Services committee originally offered.

Instead of detainees arriving at Guantanamo and facing a Combatant Status Review Tribunal that allows them no real chance to prove their innocence with evidence or a lawyer, we could have developed a real military system of justice that would sort out the suspected terrorists from the accidentally accused.

And instead of not just suspending, but eliminating, the right of habeas corpus - the seven century-old right of individuals to challenge the terms of their own detention, we could have given the accused one chance - one single chance - to ask the government why they are being held and what they are being charged with.
http://usliberals.about.com/od/extraordinaryspeeches/a/ObamaTorture.htm

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9845595-7.html
For one thing, under an Obama presidency, Americans will be able to leave behind the era of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and "wiretaps without warrants," he said. (He was referring to the lingering legal fallout over reports that the National Security Agency scooped up Americans' phone and Internet activities without court orders, ostensibly to monitor terrorist plots, in the years after the September 11 attacks.)

It's hardly a new stance for Obama, who has made similar statements in previous campaign speeches, but mention of the issue in a stump speech, alongside more frequently discussed topics like Iraq and education, may give some clue to his priorities.

In our own Technology Voters' Guide, when asked whether he supports shielding telecommunications and Internet companies from lawsuits accusing them of illegal spying, Obama gave us a one-word response: "No."

Including this:
In 1992, was the Director of Illinois Project VOTE, which registered approximately 150,000 mostly Democratic voters in Chicago's Cook County
Opposes the death penalty and school vouchers
http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/individualProfile.asp?indid=1511

Obama noted that he sponsored successful death-penalty-reform legislation as a lawmaker in Springfield. That legislation, among other things, required the videotaping of homicide interrogations, and he promised to advocate for similar reforms on a national scale.

He backed federal legislation that would ban citizens from carrying weapons, except for law enforcement. He cited Texas as an example of a place where a law allowing people to carry weapons has "malfunctioned" because hundreds of people granted licenses had prior convictions.

said mandatory sentencing laws should be overturned to give judges more discretion and provide more equitable treatment for minorities.
http://www.icadp.org/page236.html
--------------------
Obama cites role in death penalty reform
Barack Obama can honestly claim to have made a difference on a matter of life and death.

While an Illinois state senator, Obama was key in getting the state's notorious death penalty laws changed, including a requirement that in most cases police interrogations involving capital crimes must be recorded.

The changes enacted in 2003 reformed a system that had sent 13 people to death row, only to have them released because they were later determine to be innocent or had been convicted using improper methods.

"Without Barack's energy, imagination and commitment I do not believe the very substantial and meaningful reforms that became law in Illinois would have taken place," said author Scott Turow, a member of the state commission that recommended many of the changes.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/12/obama.death.penalty.ap/

-------------------------
Listen to Obama himself in this in-Depth Interview -Immigration, Environment, Oil, the Pentagon, Veep, Economic policies
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4089397
-------------------------

VOTE FOR BARACK, BECAUSE TO VIEW THE FULL PARTICIPATION OF OUR ELECTORATE IN THE NEXT ELECTION
IS A DREAM REALIZED.

ONLY BARACK TRULY CAN ENERGIZE THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THAT END. :patriot:




VOTE FOR BARACK, A MAN WHO'S BEEN AN ACTIVIST FROM DAY ONE, AND WANTS ALL OF US TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS NATION'S AS IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED!

VOTE FOR OBAMA AND MAKE OUR ENTIRE NATION A NEW BEACON IN THE WORLD OF TODAY!

AND MORE THAN ANYTHING, ELECT A LEADER THAT WILL PROVIDE US ALL WITH NOT ONLY THE AUDACITY TO HOPE, BUT WITH THE WHEREWITHALL TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

[Mythsaje]

1. No thanks.

:)

[calico1]

23. I admire your determination,

but I am not voting for him.

[FrenchieCat]

38. That's OK.......Because he got it right....and that will make a difference in beating our opponent..

unlike so many others, including those running!

Delivered on 26 October 2002 at an anti-war rally

I don’t oppose all wars. And I know that in this crowd today, there is no shortage of patriots, or of patriotism. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz and other arm-chair, weekend warriors in this Administration to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne.

What I am opposed to is the attempt by political hacks like Karl Rove to distract us from a rise in the uninsured, a rise in the poverty rate, a drop in the median income – to distract us from corporate scandals and a stock market that has just gone through the worst month since the Great Depression.

That’s what I’m opposed to. A dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics.

Now let me be clear – I suffer no illusions about Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal man. A ruthless man. A man who butchers his own people to secure his own power. He has repeatedly defied UN resolutions, thwarted UN inspection teams, developed chemical and biological weapons, and coveted nuclear capacity.

He’s a bad guy. The world, and the Iraqi people, would be better off without him.

But I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors, that the Iraqi economy is in shambles, that the Iraqi military a fraction of its former strength, and that in concert with the international community he can be contained until, in the way of all petty dictators, he falls away into the dustbin of history.

I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al-Qaeda.

I am not opposed to all wars. I’m opposed to dumb wars.

So for those of us who seek a more just and secure world for our children, let us send a clear message to the president today. You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s finish the fight with Bin Laden and al-Qaeda, through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a homeland security program that involves more than color-coded warnings.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to make sure that the UN inspectors can do their work, and that we vigorously enforce a non-proliferation treaty, and that former enemies and current allies like Russia safeguard and ultimately eliminate their stores of nuclear material, and that nations like Pakistan and India never use the terrible weapons already in their possession, and that the arms merchants in our own country stop feeding the countless wars that rage across the globe.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to make sure our so-called allies in the Middle East, the Saudis and the Egyptians, stop oppressing their own people, and suppressing dissent, and tolerating corruption and inequality, and mismanaging their economies so that their youth grow up without education, without prospects, without hope, the ready recruits of terrorist cells.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to wean ourselves off Middle East oil, through an energy policy that doesn’t simply serve the interests of Exxon and Mobil.

Those are the battles that we need to fight. Those are the battles that we willingly join. The battles against ignorance and intolerance. Corruption and greed. Poverty and despair.

The consequences of war are dire, the sacrifices immeasurable. We may have occasion in our lifetime to once again rise up in defense of our freedom, and pay the wages of war. But we ought not – we will not – travel down that hellish path blindly. Nor should we allow those who would march off and pay the ultimate sacrifice, who would prove the full measure of devotion with their blood, to make such an awful sacrifice in vain.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Barack_Obama's_Iraq_Speech

[Tellurian]

120. NO THANKS! We're NOT Voting anymore Crooks into the WH..

BREAKING: ABC News Reports $100,000 From Rezko That Obama Hasn't Returned/Given Away.

Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 06:53:21 PM EST

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/1/25/185321/547

and video..

[FunkyLeprechaun]

121. I think Hillary is a crook

Because of her actions regarding the NH and NV polls. She sent out fliers misrepresenting Obama's view on women's rights and tried to get the caucusing changed in NV.

*sigh*

Obama's the best choice for us and I don't know why people cannot see it.

[TheDeathadder]

151. Obama is not the best choice

yeah there's going to be fights about this during the primary, but Obama is not the best choice. It's not personal and there is nothing wrong with our ability to see.

[Tellurian]

154. Obama can't even keep himself "straight" in Chicago..

How in the World is he going to resist the Temptations of the GOP.. He's NOT!

and he is NOT what we consider qualified as Presidential material.

[FunkyLeprechaun]

184. You really have to consider the factors

Coming into this election. I had looked into how I could support any of them and I came into the conclusion that Obama was the best choice. I thought exactly the same way with Dean and he turned out not to be our nominee.

Hillary's really reinforcing why I don't support her. Below is my reasoning on how I came to support Obama.

Edwards: I had considered him my first choice as soon as he announced he was running. However, as time went on, I felt that he was a bit like the stereotypical white male Presidential candidate and that's all I've known throughout my lifetime. He just doesn't inspire me as much as Obama does. That's why his support is so low. I do agree that Edwards could be a lovely President but... sorry...

Hillary: The very FIRST thing that came to my mind was... Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton. She did have the name recognition, I'll give her that. But as time goes on, she is looking less and less likeable. Why is it that the states she's won in, she's only won by single digits? Even in Michigan, she only won by 15%. And she's demanding the delegates be given to her... in a state where she was the only name on the Democratic ballot? Her supporters here say, "SEXIST!" to try to shut up the opposition. I think Hillary's a real bitch now (especially as I'm saying that as a 26-year-old American female living in the UK).

Obama: at first I really didn't think he would be so successful with the grassroots and ground support. His speeches are so inspiring and you can't not admire the guy. Sure he's got his flaws but he can learn as he goes along. He is the epitome of change.

I really don't like how the Hillary supporters here are acting... calling the Obama supporters "Obamanuts" "Obamorons" "Obama cultists" and other names. I'm sure we've got the same kind of name-calling Obama supporters here but as Obama is getting more successful each day I've seen the Hillary supporters ratchet up their name-calling.

It's downright disrespectful.

[MaryRN]

164. ditto

[thetaoofterri]

176. Me, too

I am not voting for him either.

[Bicoastal]

2. Um, I wouldn't post this if I were you...nt

[fenriswolf]

3. no thanks

but thanks for the "invitation"

[dchill]

4. No, thanks.

Edwards 2008.

[Fredda Weinberg]

5. We're gonna win. I don't want another Jimmy Carter. Pure at

heart and incompetent in DC

[FrenchieCat]

39. You cite incompentence?

What's the most telling sign of incompence than the actions of those making "mistakes" on the subject of War and Peace? :shrug:

[Fredda Weinberg]

60. Over and over we go ... HRC succeeded in getting UN inspectors

back. * had to order them out to invade. We did the best we could at the time.

[FrenchieCat]

72. No we didn't do the "Best that we could"......

I always had the Audacity to hope that we could do better!

That's why I marched against the War. Because even I knew that we were about to committ the biggest fiasco in our history.

You should read up on the Levin Amemdment, the one that Hillary didn't vote for.

The Senate’s Forgotten Iraq Choice

By LINCOLN D. CHAFEE
Published: March 1, 2007
Providence, R.I.

AS the presidential primary campaigns begin in earnest, the Iraq war is overshadowing all other issues, as it did during the midterm elections. Presidential candidates who were in the Senate in October 2002 are particularly under the microscope, as they are being called upon to justify their votes for going to war.

As someone who was in the Senate at the time, I have been struck by the contours of the debate. The situation facing the candidates who cast war votes has, to my surprise, often been presented as a binary one — they could either vote for the war, or not. There was no middle ground.

On the contrary. There was indeed a third way, which Senator James Jeffords, independent of Vermont, hailed at the time as “one of the most important votes we will cast in this process.” And it was opposed by every single senator at the time who now seeks higher office.

A mere 10 hours before the roll was called on the administration-backed Iraq war resolution, the Senate had an opportunity to prevent the current catastrophe in Iraq and to salvage the United States’ international standing. Carl Levin, Democrat of Michigan, offered a substitute to the war resolution, the Multilateral Use of Force Authorization Act of 2002.

Senator Levin’s amendment called for United Nations approval before force could be authorized. It was unambiguous and compatible with international law. Acutely cognizant of the dangers of the time, and the reality that diplomatic options could at some point be exhausted, Senator Levin wrote an amendment that was nimble: it affirmed that Congress would stand at the ready to reconsider the use of force if, in the judgment of the president, a United Nations resolution was not “promptly adopted” or enforced. Ceding no rights or sovereignty to an international body, the amendment explicitly avowed America’s right to defend itself if threatened.

An opponent of the Levin amendment said that the debate was not over objectives, but tactics. And he was right. To a senator, we all had as our objectives the safety of American citizens, the security of our country and the disarming of Saddam Hussein in compliance with United Nations resolutions. But there was a steadfast core of us who believed that the tactics should be diplomacy and multilateralism, not the “go it alone” approach of the Bush doctrine.

Those of us who supported the Levin amendment argued against a rush to war. We asserted that the Iraqi regime, though undeniably heinous, did not constitute an imminent threat to United States security, and that our campaign to renew weapons inspections in Iraq — whether by force or diplomacy — would succeed only if we enlisted a broad coalition that included Arab states.

We also urged our colleagues to take seriously the admonitions of our allies in the region — Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. As King Abdullah of Jordan warned, “A miscalculation in Iraq would throw the whole area into turmoil.”

Unfortunately, these arguments fell on deaf ears in that emotionally charged, hawkish, post-9/11 moment, less than four weeks before a midterm election. The Levin amendment was defeated by a 75 to 24 vote. Later that night, the Iraq War Resolution was approved, 77 to 23. It was clear that most senators were immune to persuasion because the two votes were almost mirror images of each other — no to the Levin amendment, aye to war. Their minds were made up.

It was incomprehensible to me at the time that the Levin amendment received only 24 votes. However, there were some heroes, like Paul Wellstone, Democrat of Minnesota, who even in the midst of a very difficult re-election campaign voted to slow the march to war. And then there was the moving statement by Robert Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, in support of the Levin amendment and against the administration-backed resolution: “This is an unprecedented and unfounded interpretation of the president’s authority under the Constitution of the United States — not to mention the fact that it stands the charter of the United Nations on its head.”

Americans are gravely concerned about Iraq, and yearn for leadership to stabilize the situation there and gradually end United States involvement. Calling on presidential hopefuls to justify or recant their vote authorizing the president to take us to war almost misses the point.

The Senate had the opportunity to support a more deliberate, multilateral approach, one that still would have empowered the United States to respond to any imminent threat posed by Saddam Hussein.

We must not sidestep the fact that a sensible alternative did exist, but it was rejected. Candidates — Democrat and Republican — should be called to account for their vote on the Levin amendment. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/01/opinion/01chafee.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[Fredda Weinberg]

74. I marched too ... with other DUers in fact

Although I wasn't here in NYC when * disregarded the bill that eventually passed and took us into Iraq. That legislation also called for us to go to the UN for another authorization. If * ignored this law, what makes you think he'd care about Levin's bill?

[FrenchieCat]

75. Neither Edwards who co sponsored the Lieberman-Bush Blank Check

nor Hillary Clinton voted for the Levin Amemdment. It's not about what Bush would have done, it is much more about what we could have done.

[Fredda Weinberg]

77. Sometimes, whatever your efforts, bad things happen. I doubt

any language would have stopped *. I know HRC tried.

[FrenchieCat]

83. And so you think she tried.....

I believe that she didn't stand up. And she didn't bother reading the NIE either. So she didn't even do her homework...which is why I don't consider her "ready from day one". Same with Edwards, except he was on the Intelligence Committee....which frankly, considering that most Dems on that committee voted against the IWR, I'm not sure what John Edwards was even thinking.

[Fredda Weinberg]

85. And you don't know if Obama would be any different. I'm OK w/HRC's

position and so is the rest of my state.

[FrenchieCat]

112. Obama has been different.....

I've looked closely, and so I know.

[indimuse]

149. Why then...When Obama had ample opportunity

to STAND UP in US Senate and /or write legislation to STOP funding the War(which is what he said in a speech 2003...that helped him get elected to the Senate!!!)HE chose to fund ever piece of legislation and Bill that was brought forth..YES! NOT "present"...YES! He lied to get elected! He lied about Hillary...He lied about Rezko...NO_bama!NO_bama!NO_bama!NO_bama!

[Cardboardurinal]

163. problem is...

It is not as simple as de-funding the war and bringing troops home. I am sure there is this fight going on in his head telling him, and many other Democrats who keep voting to fund the "war," that we broke therefore we cannot simply leave it that way. This is not a black and white issue...it is not as simple as deciding to stay or leave. There are a lot of things that need to be addressed before we are able to leave responsibly. It is not a contradiction to have been against it in the beginning and against leaving without some sort of closure. My definition of closure is not the abstract idea of "winning" that the GOP keeps throwing out either.

I am not saying this because I support this endeavor, but I do believe that Colin Powell was right when he said, "if you break it you own it." We certainly did break Iraq and we do have an obligation to help them fix it...whether or not troops can help in that is something that needs to be debated. I think to have so many troops in hurts...but I am not going to agree with many of the Democrats (like HRC) and simply blame the Iraqi people for not standing up. Because if you look at our country, how long did it take for our Democracy to work? Look at the failures of the Articles of Confederation.

Again, I must also say that I am Edwards supporter and that I don't particularly care for Obama, for reasons I will not discuss here, but to lambaste him for not cutting off funds entirely is intellectually dishonest.

I am sure I will take some heat for not being completely "anti-war" and called a troll or something, but these are my views as a veteran, pragmatist, and liberal. I don't agree with the war, I do believe it should end, but there has yet to be a meaningful debate on how to end this. And we as liberals should understand that no problem is as simple as what is being expressed by some. Isn't that what we decry the GOP for? Don't we see their lack of comprehending complex issues as troubling?

[otohara]

42. JC

didn't negotiate with terrorists for oil, nor would he have voted to occupy and bomb the shit out of the wrong country.

[Fredda Weinberg]

59. And Iran humiliated us. Sorry, it wasn't a good year for America n/t

[avaistheone1]

117. *** ATTENTION *** Obama voted just like Hillary to fund the war.

Obama you can not both fund the war and stop the war...We learned that from Vietnam.

Obama, you are worse than Clinton because even though she voted for the Kyle-Liberman bill, you did not have the courage or the concern to even SHOW UP and VOTE....which is a pattern you started in the Illinois Senate. Shame on you, Obama. SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!

[Hutzpa]

181. Oh yeah, your candidate

is a FLIP-FLOP, how about that....voted one way in the Senate,
then come out and say I made a mistake, even when he had a
$400 haircut, he said I made a mistake.

My question is, how many mistakes is it gonna take before
Edwards can stop making them.

Don't throw shit when you have loads of it.

We already have a mistake in the WH, don't need another one.

Goddam it!

[otohara]

119. Blowback Is A Bitch

God forbid the mighty USA ever suffer any humiliation for it's meddling in foreign countries.

[toadzilla]

6. sorry, no.

[SammyWinstonJack]

8. ...

:thumbsup:

[rox63]

7. I plan on voting for him on 2/5 n/t

[FrenchieCat]

46. Yo go! An Intellectually honest , well informed and insightful citizen!

[IndianaJones]

9. Obama will nominate moderate judges. nt.

[FrenchieCat]

32. Well as a constitutional Scholar, I believe him on this and you can ask

Judicial Chairman Senator Leahy from Vermont!

[IndianaJones]

35. I take Obama at his word. nt.

[TankLV]

101. as will Hillary...

[THUNDER HANDS]

10. don't worry, all these naysayers will come around

Obama 08 baby.

[bobbolink]

18. You may be in for a real surprise, on that.

There's just no way for me to do that, and that's the case of all I've spoken with.

But, keep dreamin....

[THUNDER HANDS]

29. fine, you can still come around after he wins the presidency

I'll save a seat on the O-train for you. :)

[bobbolink]

30. When you see the country continue to decline, remember your words to me.

[cooolandrew]

146. woo woooo. Next train leaves for DC.

[FrenchieCat]

41. Yes you have spoke....although you have always claimed that your

priority was eradicating poverty; not belonging to a Fan Club of those with good close ups.

[bobbolink]

155. Your nastiness speaks ever so well for your candidate.

Your level of hatred has solidified my opposition to Obama, and I thank you for making it clear just how little he cares about folks like me.

[AtomicKitten]

11. Brava, FrenchieCat!!!

[FrenchieCat]

48. Great Pic!

I see Good People!

[indimuse]

152. yeah..

buh bye...ha!

[enigmatic]

I'm voting for Edwards

Clinton, if Edwards drops out.

[Jane Austin]

12. He's got my vote!

Thanks for your post.

[FrenchieCat]

52. you are welcome!

Good to hear!

You will sleep well in your decision. He is an accomplished man, who has come far against all odd!


. OBAMA Senate bills sponsored :
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/thomas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.CON.RES.53 : A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that any effort impose photo identification requirements for voting should be rejected.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/20/2005) Cosponsors (23)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 9/20/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.697 : A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve higher education
, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/5/2005) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 4/5/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.918 : A bill to provide for Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) refueling capability at new and existing refueling station facilities to promote energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/27/2005) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.969 : A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preparation for an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic
, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/28/2005) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 4/28/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1180 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reauthorize various programs servicing the needs of homeless veterans for fiscal years 2007 through 2011,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/7/2005) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/9/2005 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1194 : A bill to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish guidelines and procedures for tracking, controlling, and accounting for individual spent fuel rods and segments.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/8/2005) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1426 : A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize and extend provisions relating to contaminant prevention detection, and response.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/19/2005) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1630 : A bill to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the National Emergency Family Locator System.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/7/2005) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 9/7/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S1638 : A bill to provide for the establishment of programs and activities to assist in mobilizing an appropriate healthcare workforce in the event of a health emergency or natural disaster.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/8/2005) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 9/8/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1685 : A bill to ensure the evacuation of individuals with special needs in times of emergency.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/12/2005) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 9/12/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1770 : A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for advance payment of the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit for 2005 in order to provide needed funds to victims of Hurricane Katrina and to stimulate local economies.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/26/2005) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 9/26/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1920 : A bill to amend the Clean Air Ac t to establish a renewable diesel standard, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 10/25/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 10/25/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.1975 : A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/8/2005) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 11/8/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


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S.2045 : A bill to provide incentives to the auto industry to accelerate efforts to develop more energy-efficient vehicles to lessen dependence on oil.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/17/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 11/17/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


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S.2047 : A bill to promote healthy communities.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/17/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 11/17/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


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S.2048 : A bill to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to classify certain children's products containing lead to be banned hazardous substances.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/17/2005) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Major Action: 11/17/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


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S.2125 : A bill to promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 12/16/2005) Cosponsors (12)
Committees: Senate Foreign Relations; House International Relations
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 109-456


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2149 : A bill to authorize resources to provide students with opportunities for summer learning through summer learning grants.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 12/20/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 12/20/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2179 : A bill to require openness in conference committee deliberations and full disclosure of the contents of conference reports and all other legislation.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 1/18/2006) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 1/18/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2201 : A bill to amend title 49, United States Code , to modify the mediation and implementation requirements of section 40122 regarding changes in the Federal Aviation Administration personnel management system, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 1/26/2006) Cosponsors (38)
Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Major Action: 1/26/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

26. S.2247 : A bill to promote greater use of information technology in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/6/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/28/2006 Referred to Senate subcommittee. Status: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

27. S.2257 : A bill to provide for an enhanced refundable credit for families who resided in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area on August 28, 2005.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/8/2006) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 2/8/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28. S.2259 : A bill to establish an Office of Public Integrity in the Congress and a Congressional Ethics Enforcement Commission.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/8/2006) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Latest Major Action: 2/8/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

29. S.2261 : A bill to provide transparency and integrity in the earmark process.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/8/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 2/8/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2280 : A bil l to stop transactions which operate to promote fraud, risk, and under-development, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/14/2006) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/14/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2286 : A bill to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to eliminate the separate work participation rate for 2-parent families under the temporary assistance for needy families programs.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/14/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 2/14/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

32. S.2319 : A bill to provide for the recovery from Hurricane Katrina, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 2/16/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 2/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

33. S.2348 : A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require a licensee to notify the Atomic Energy Commission, and the State and county in which a facility is located, whenever there is an unplanned release of fission products in excess of allowable limits.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/1/2006) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Senate Reports: 109-347
Latest Major Action: 9/25/2006 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 637.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

34. S.2358 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/2/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/2/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

35. S.2359 : A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative under the Medicare program to assess and report on health care quality in hospitals.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/2/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 3/2/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

36. S.2441 : A bill to authorize resources for a grant program for local educational agencies to create innovation districts.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/16/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


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37. S.2446 : A bill to promote the national security and stability of the economy of the United States by reducing the dependence of the United States on oil through the use of alternative fuels and new technology, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/16/2006) Cosponsors (2) Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


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38. S.2484 : A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit the disclosure of tax return information by tax return preparers to third parties.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/30/2006) Cosponsors (8)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 3/30/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.2506 : A bill to require Federal agencies to support health impact assessments and take other actions to improve health and the environmental quality of communities, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/4/2006) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 4/4/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


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S.2984 : A bill to require certain profitable oil companies to expend 1 percent of recent quarterly profits to install E-85 fuel pumps in the United States.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 5/23/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


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S.3475 : A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/7/2006) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/7/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.


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S.3554 : A bill to establish an alternative diesel standard,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/21/2006) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 6/21/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


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S.3627 : A bill to prohibit the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy from selling, distributing, or transferring elemental mercury, to prohibit the export of elemental mercury, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/29/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 6/29/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


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S.3631 : A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to phase out the use of mercury in the manufacture of chlorine and caustic soda, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/11/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 7/11/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.3694 : A bill to increase fuel economy standards for automobiles,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/19/2006) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


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S.3757 : A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 950 Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois, as the "Katherine Dunham Post Office Building".

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/27/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/27/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Note: For further action, see H.R.5929, which became Public Law 109-333 on 10/12/2006.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.3822 : A bill to improve access to and appropriate utilization of valid, reliable and accurate molecular genetic tests by all populations thus helping to secure the promise of personalized medicine for all Americans.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 8/3/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 8/3/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


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S.3969 : A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to assess and reduce the levels of lead found in child-occupied facilities in the United States,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/28/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 9/28/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


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64. S.3988 : A bill to amend title 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism
, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 9/28/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 9/28/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.4069 : A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/16/2006) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 11/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.4102 : A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the use of telecommunications devices for the purposes of preventing or obstructing the broadcast or exchange of election-related information.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 12/7/2006) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Major Action: 12/7/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


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S.AMDT.159 to S.CON.RES.18 To prevent and, if necessary, respond to an international outbreak of the avian flu.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/15/2005) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 3/17/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 159 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


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S.AMDT.390 to H.R.1268 To provide meal and telephone benefits for members of the Armed Forces who are recuperating from injuries incurred on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 4/13/2005) Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 4/14/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 390 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.AMDT.670 to H.R.3 To provide for Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) refueling capability at new and existing refueling station facilities to promote energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 5/11/2005) Cosponsors (9)
Latest Major Action: 5/12/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 670 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.AMDT.808 to H.R.6 To establish a program to develop Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuels from Illinois basin coal.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/20/2005) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 6/23/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 808 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


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S.AMDT.851 to H.R.6 To require the Secretary to establish a Joint Flexible Fuel/Hybrid Vehicle Commercialization Initiative, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 6/22/2005) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 6/23/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 851 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.AMDT.1264 to H.R.3057 To support a United States contribution to the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/18/2005) Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1264 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


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S.AMDT.1362 to S.1042 To require a report on the Department of Defense Composite Health Care System II.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/21/2005) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 11/8/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1362 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.AMDT.1453 to S.1042 To ensure the protection of military and civilian personnel in the Department of Defense from an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 7/25/2005) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 11/8/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1453 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.AMDT.2301 to H.R.3010 To increase funds to the Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program and to the Office of Special Education Programs of the Department of Education for the purposes of expanding positive behavioral interventions and supports.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 10/26/2005) Cosponsors (6)
Latest Major Action: 10/27/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2301 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

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S.AMDT.2605 to S.2020 Expressing the sense of the Senate that the Federal Emergency Management Agency should immediately address issues relating to no-bid contracting.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/17/2005) Cosponsors (5)
Latest Major Action: 11/17/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2605 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S.AMDT.2930 to S.2349 To clarify tha t availability of legislation does not include nonbusiness days.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/7/2006) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 3/29/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2930 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.AMDT.2965 to S.2349 To ban employment negotiations to become lobbyists by Members of Congress and required recusal for senior congressional staff while in office.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/8/2006) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 3/29/2006 Amendment SA 2965 ruled out of order by the chair.


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S.AMDT.2995 to S.2349 To expand the prohibition on lobbying in the year after leaving service to the Senate to include a prohibition on paid coordination activities.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/9/2006) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 3/29/2006 Amendment SA 2995 ruled out of order by the chair.


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S.AMDT.3144 to S.CON.RES.83 To provide a $40 million increase in FY 2007 for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and to improve job services for hard-to-place veterans.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 3/16/2006) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3144 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

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OFFICAL SENATOR BARACK OBAMA EXPERIENCE THREAD
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4027627


Obama - Handy guide on the issues
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/zulchzulu

More....
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=3957420

[indimuse]

153. A+ 4 effort Frenchie...

would want you on my team... tis not enough though.

[MadBadger]

13. K&R

[jefferson_dem]

14. Wonderful post.

Thanks FrenchieCat!

[William769]

15. When hell freezes over.

[Maddy McCall]

19. Mississippi froze over on January 19, 2008.

But I'm still not voting for Obama.

:D

[FrenchieCat]

58. That's looks like how the soul of America has looked for a long, long time.....

Until Barack came along,
and I took the time to research him,
and only after that did I choose to support him,
Before I chose Barack, I felt politically cold and barren!

I have always wanted a leader at the helm
that was right on the big issues.

This trillion dollar war really is truly the biggest issue,
as it has effected everything in its path.

for my children and that of others, I am truly glad
that if nothing else, many voters have found that Barack
is the leader that we have been yearning for.

And no apology will ever make me see it any different.

:hi:

[Maddy McCall]

91. Frenchie. That's just not so. You were every bit as enthusiastic about Clark.

Or you posted as if you were. I was in awe of you enthusiasm for Clark.

:hi:

[FrenchieCat]

107. Clark chose not to run, and I never equated supporting Clark as

being a transferable situation.

So yes, I very much did and do respect and admire Wes Clark.

It is those qualities I found in Clark that I find in Obama......

that's why I support Barack Obama. He stood up for what was right,
when few others would.
I am simply consistent.

[Maddy McCall]

182. You said, "Before I chose Barack, I felt politically cold and barren!"

And I don't think that this is so. Because you were every bit as enthusiastic a Clark supporter in the past primary. I was there, remember? I was in awe of your enthusiasm for Clark.

Are you saying that you were "politically cold and barren" when you were supporting Clark? If so, I just really find that hard to believe.

[Bodhi BloodWave]

124. Hate to tell you this but Hell freezes over fairly regulary :P

Hell is a small village in Stjørdal, Norway with a population of 352. It has become a minor tourist attraction because of its name, since people like to take the train there to get photographed in front of the station sign, which reads "Gods-expedition", an old spelling of the Norwegian word for "cargo handling" (godsekspedisjon would be the current spelling). The norwegian word for "god" is gud.

Temperatures in Hell can reach -20°C during winter.

[Warpy]

16. No thanks.

but suit yourself.

[bobbolink]

17. No, thanks.

All your loving posts have not been a very good advertisement for your candidate.

As you can see from the responses.

You might want to consider that before bashing people.

You know... kinda like having an Obama bumpersticker on, then cutting people off and flipping them off. Just doesn't sit well.

Edwards for '08!

[FrenchieCat]

43. That Giant pic of Edwards and the fact that you felt compeled to

post twice in this thread only tell me that you really really like John Edwards' face.

[bobbolink]

157. Better than I like yours.

edited to say, I'm sure you'll find something hateful to say, also, about my Harriet Tubman sig line.

Please feel free to put me on ignore, since you are so disturbed by my postings. It's the only sane thing to do.

Ta-ta.

[babylonsister]

20. GOBAMA!

:applause: for him and FrenchieCat! :thumbsup:

[Nedsdag]

98. GOBAMA indeed!

God bless you, FrenchieCat!

[thoughtcrime1984]

116. Keep the faith Obama supporters!

He's a strong, smart man, with a great support system- Michelle, Axelrod, John Kerry, and millions of constituents that believe in him! :toast:

[AndyA]

21. No way.

Barack Obama is a hypocrite and a bigot. He says one thing about gays, but does another by allowing Donnie McClurkin to preach about how prayer "cured" him of homosexuality.

Right. :eyes:

Barack Obama said that Bush and Cheney hadn't committed any "grave" offenses, and that he was not for impeachment.

OK, Barack. :eyes:

American can do better than Barack Obama. A lot better.

[movonne]

22. I thank you...I have not been a supporter of Obama and luke warm

about him...but this sure does make me feel better...I am not a supporter of Clinton either and would probably vote for Obama in the election and hope for the best...I am an Edwards supporter and really wish it would be him...

[FrenchieCat]

27. you are welcome!

:hi:

[mathewsleep]

24. go barack

i'll vote for him or edwards. but hillary's dirty tactics thus far has really turned me off to her. more likely then not though, the repuplicans will attack hillary enough that i'll vote for her to spite them, nit i don't want to vote out of spite.

[monmouth]

25. No thanks...Some other time perhaps....

[jenmito]

26. K&R!

THANK YOU!

[Yael]

28. No, but thanks for "asking"

[magatte]

A lot of FACTS for those that can handle FACTS! Great job.

[MoonRiver]

31. No in the primary. Yes, if he is our nominee. eom

[FrenchieCat]

61. I repect that!

:hi:

[Blackhatjack]

33. EVERY POLL HERE AT DU SHOWS EDWARDS BEATS OBAMA EVERY TIME!!!!

Deal with it!

[bluedog]

34. No Thank-you n/t

[Kucinich4America]

36. If and when he's the nominee, I would vote for him in November.

That's all I can promise. Obama has been a big disappointment, so far.

[FrenchieCat]

63. I believe that this country has been a much bigger disappointment

than Barack Obama could ever be.

And like Kucinich eloquently stated, Foreign policy is a Domestic Policy.

I'm sure that out of all running, Kucinich undertands that in Barack he found someone who saw through the bullshit in Washington in reference to this war.

That's what I believe.

have a lot of respect for Congressman Kucinich, and I’m honored that he has done this because we both believe deeply in the need for fundamental change,” said Senator Obama. “He and I have been fighting for a number of the same priorities -- including an end to the war in Iraq that we both opposed from the start, reforming Washington and creating a better life for America's working families.

[tokenlib]

37. At least you ask people to vote FOR someone and not AGAINST someone!

Thanks for the passion and energy. I remember your positive efforts for Clark. I'm praying for a good day tomorrow.

[FrenchieCat]

64. If we all do, we can make it happen!

[quakerboy]

168. OK

I would hate to face that many signs with my name on them. I guess someones gotta do it.

[onehandle]

40. If he's the nominee in the GE, I will. nt

[The River]

44. No Way No How

too young, too inexperienced.
besides, he's a media created "star"
like American Idols.

[FrenchieCat]

67. So you believe that the "Media" created him, hey?

Maybe he's just always been a remarkable individual who has always worked to try to make this a better nation.

Maybe he's turned down the millions that he could have earned simply because he has always cared enough to want to leave a positive mark on this world. And I think that win or lose, he's doing just that to this day.


Vote of Confidence
A huge black turnout in November 1992 altered Chicago's electoral landscape—and raised a new political star: a 31-year-old lawyer named Barack Obama.

In the final, climactic buildup to November's general election, with George Bush gaining ground on Bill Clinton in Illinois and the once-unstoppable campaign of senatorial candidate Carol Moseley Braun embroiled in allegations about her mother's Medicare liability, one of the most important local stories managed to go virtually unreported: The number of new voter registrations before the election hit an all-time high. And the majority of those new voters were black. More than 150,000 new African-American voters were added to the city's rolls. In fact, for the first time in Chicago's history-including the heyday of Harold Washington-voter registrations in the 19 predominantly black wards outnumbered those in the city's 19 predominantly white ethnic wards, 676,000 to 526,000.

None of this, of course, was accidental. The most effective minority voter registration drive in memory was the result of careful handiwork by Project Vote!, the local chapter of a not-for-profit national organization.

"It was the most efficient campaign I have seen in my 20 years in politics," says Sam Burrell, alderman of the West Side's 29th Ward and a veteran of many registration drives.

At the head of this effort was a little-known 31-year-old African-American lawyer, community organizer, and writer: Barack Obama.

To understand the full implications of Obama's effort, you first need to understand how voter registration often has worked in Chicago. The Regular Democratic Party spearheaded most drives, doing so using one primary motivator: money. The party would offer bounties to registrars for every new voter they signed up (typically a dollar per registration).

The campaigns did produce new voters. "But bounty systems don't really promote participation," says David Orr, the Cook County clerk, whose office is responsible for voter registration efforts in the Cook County suburbs. "When the money dries up, the voters drop out." Nor did the Democratic Party always vigorously push registration among minorities, Orr says. "It's not that they discouraged it. They just never worked hard to ensure it would happen."
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-1993/Vote-of-Confidence

[The River]

89. Do You Not Remember

the 04 Convention?
After his speech the talking heads started
building him up for 08.
What a charismatic "rock star" quality he had.
How we're going to see great things from him in the "future".
How, someday, he could be the first black president.
Sure enough, here he is 3 years later, a decent man but
a sure loser in the GE.

For 3 out of every 4 years this board posts millions of
comments about how the "MSM" lies and misleads.
Then, in that 4th year, all of a sudden the media is believable????
They don't create hype for candidates?
They don't create false drama, false negativity?
No "2-way horse races"?
No infotainment or celeBritany?
This is my 10th Presidential election.
I've never seen a primary that so resembled
an episode of "American Idol" X "Survivor" than this one does.
Ever see idiots here say that just because someone didn't
get enough votes in just one "episode" (primary) that they should
just drop out?
Barack reminds me, a bit, of "Sanjaya". Very likable with some talent
but not what it takes to win against real talent unless, of course,
a media meme intervenes and convinces people to vote in huge
numbers just to keep him looking like a winner (until the finals
when he loses to MittCain.)


IF the GOP can't find a real leader (and they haven't since Nixon),
they make sure we run someone so over hyped, so under qualified,
in the pocket of and/or generally so assailable that their
candidates win by default (or vote theft).

Race shouldn't be an issue...but it will be.
Gender shouldn't be an issue..but it will be.
The GOP, famous for the "southern strategy " (and worse)
will make race or gender the meme-de-jour, depending on the nominee.
The "frame" is set, the actors have their lines, Diebold stands ready.
All they need is an easy target or cooperative pawn. (we got both)

Run Hillary or Obama at your own risk.

[DemCam]

45. No...not this time

[SaveElmer]

47. Uhhh....NO...actually what I meant to say was...

HELL NO!!!

[FrenchieCat]

69. Well you can use your large letters if it makes you feel whole....

Personally, I started out much more in Hillary Clinton's corner. After all my guy endorsed her very early....and I mean, Wes Clark, who I have championed for nearly 5 years on this forum. Anyone who knows me, would take pause that I would choose to back a Barack Obama over a candidate dangling Wes Clark in front of my face for the Veep slot like a carrot.

I've looked and thought about Hillary Clinton, and I can only repeat your own words back at you.....

[1corona4u]

49. Uh huh, no thanks.

[flpoljunkie]

50. Great post, FrenchieCat! Voted early here in Florida for Barack Obama, last week, in fact.

[FrenchieCat]

71. Thanks!

and Excellent that you voted for an intelligent and down to earth great Citizen of these United States of America. :hi:

[Lucinda]

51. Nope.

[SeattleGirl]

53. I'll make up my own mind, thanks.

Wait, I actually HAVE made up my mind.

I'm voting for Edwards.

[judaspriestess]

54. thank you for the post

but I am still not convinced and I'm gonna have to pass.

[LiberalHeart]

55. Thanks, but no thanks.

[Clinton Crusader]

56. uh, no thanks.

[Solon]

57. No way in fucking hell! n/t

[FrenchieCat]

82. We are in fucking hell......

[Catherine Vincent]

62. I will only if he is the nominee.

And I'll hold my nose to do it!

[Scurrilous]

65. K & R

:kick:

[peoli]

66. OBAMA!!!!

[Bluenorthwest]

68. Nice work, but....

no sale. But don't worry, Obama willingly traded my vote for Aunt Tilly's at the Foursquare Church, his supporters have told me many times he does not need the votes of gay people, due to Aunt Tilly and a bunch of mythical moderate Republicans and Independents who will vote for him. So Obama never wanted nor expected my vote. Donnie and Kirbyjon are going to pray him into the White House, like they did George W Bush! Yes! So the deal as Obama made it is this: he does not want or need Democratic votes, no thanks, he said, I'm fine without them.

I'll be voting for John Edwards, who is a Democrat and sounds like one too!

[FrenchieCat]

79. I disagree with you in reference to what Obama did, and certainly I disagree with our aunt.....

A call for full equality

by Sen. Barack Obama
Published Thursday, 08-Nov-2007 in issue 1037
Gay and Lesbian Times

Over the last several weeks, the question of GLBT equality was placed on center stage by the appearance of Donnie McClurkin at one of my campaign events. McClurkin is a talented performer and a beloved figure among many African Americans and Christians around the country. At the same time, he espouses beliefs about homosexuality that I completely reject.

The events of the last several weeks are not the occasion that I would have chosen to discuss America’s divisions on gay rights and my own deep commitment to GLBT equality. Now that the issue is before us, however, I do not intend to run away from it. These events have provided an important opportunity for us to confront a difficult fact: There are good, decent, moral people in this country who do not yet embrace their gay brothers and sisters as full members of our shared community.

We will not secure full equality for all GLBT Americans until we learn how to address that deep disagreement and move beyond it. To achieve that goal, we must state our beliefs boldly, bring the message of equality to audiences that have not yet accepted it, and listen to what those audiences have to say in return.

For my entire career in public life, I have brought the message of GLBT equality to skeptical audiences as well as friendly ones. No other leading candidate in the race for the Presidency has demonstrated the same commitment to the principle of full equality. I support the full and unqualified repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. While some say we should repeal only part of the law, I believe we should get rid of that statute altogether. Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples. I will also fight to repeal the U.S. military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, a law that should never have been passed, and my Defense Department will work with top military leaders to implement that repeal.
http://www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=10906

Openly gay Latino mayor endorses Barack Obama
http://blabbeando.blogspot.com/2008/01/openly-gay-latino-mayor-to-endorse.html

if you exclude those who believe in most of the democratic tenants except for this or that thing, they have no where to turn but to the Republicans. If they are in, they can be exposed to something different than what they believe. If they are shunned, they will work with the opposite party to destroy Democratic tenants in general.

I believe that many Hispanics are also not as tolerant to Gays....just like Black folks (it is mainly the older folk and the issue of religiosity). If you start to shut out every group unless they totally agree with a 100% of everything, there will be no Democrats left.

I know that Obama does not condone Homophobia, and considering that he went to King's church on MLK day, and spoke knowing full well that millions in the Black community would be listening closely (especially after the big controversy with Hillary).

I truly believe that he is working it from all sides. There are many Closeted gays in the Black ministry, and Obama knows it (in fact, I know a few). I believe that he is working on that crumbling wall, as in "the Wall of Jericho".

Excerpt- Obama's speech at King's Church on MLK Sunday.

For most of this country's history, we in the African-American community have been at the receiving end of man's inhumanity to man. And all of us understand intimately the insidious role that race still sometimes plays – on the job, in the schools, in our health care system, and in our criminal justice system.

And yet, if we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that none of our hands are entirely clean. If we're honest with ourselves, we'll acknowledge that our own community has not always been true to King's vision of a beloved community.

We have scorned our gay brothers and sisters instead of embracing them. The scourge of anti-Semitism has, at times, revealed itself in our community. For too long, some of us have seen immigrants as competitors for jobs instead of companions in the fight for opportunity.

Every day, our politics fuels and exploits this kind of division across all races and regions; across gender and party. It is played out on television. It is sensationalized by the media. And last week, it even crept into the campaign for President, with charges and counter-charges that served to obscure the issues instead of illuminating the critical choices we face as a nation.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/CGxG9#comments

He goes to church and talk to Black folks about that specific issue, but he gets nothing for it....cause he committed the ultimate sin in not closing his doors....cause when he said unite, he means to include everybody....not just the chosen few who get along.

What is sad is that others have done much less for most of our rights, including those of the GLBT community.

[Bluenorthwest]

139. I know you are sincere

So maybe you will understand that the language Obama uses when he talks about gay people is always the language of the Exodus movement.
When he says 'embrace' that is their word, and it is a substitute for the word they and he does not use- accept. I don't want,nor do I need, an embrace from the government. I want equality in law, respect of my free self.
I have been involved for years with the very issues Obama says he is talking about. I have seen dozens of brave black ministers and Gospel stars stand up for inclusion and honesty, starting over 20 years ago. I really don't need you or Obama to tell me this dialouge is needed, what I would like to see if for Obama to actually join in, which he has not. The McClurkin tour did not involve any message of any kind, past Donnnie dumping on gays without a word to counter.
I ask you why Obama does not use Patti or CiCi? Where is Rev Bean? Why the entire bill of gay bashers? Does Obama even know what Minority Aids Project and other like groups have been doing for decades, to save lives, in churches across America?
I'd like to see your candidate speak clearly and honestly on these issues, which he has not. His statements may sound good to you, but in all honesty, he sounds to me like Bill Oreilly talking about his dinner at Sylvia's. The words seem ok, but the actual message sounds terrible to the very people he is trying to address. He seems to write his statments about gay issues not with gay people, but with DuBois and that hate filled crowd.
Obama could be doing so much better with this than he is. His backers are failing him and failing me by fawning over him and rationalizing for him instead of raising the man upward by constantly calling for him to be more inclusive, more clear, to gain my vote back for him. Kneeling to the candidate will not win it for him, you need to press him to be a better candidate. He is losing by small margins, and I'd call them small gay margins. Think about that. Is it worth losing to humor Donnnie and Caldwell and Aunt Tilly?

[WinkyDink]

70. One more cock-eyed optimist thinking he can get Republicans to compromise.

But they are Lucy holding the football.

[FrenchieCat]

81. That's why it takes a leader to get it done....

You can call it cock-eyed optimism. But in the end, fighting will not win this battle.

It would have been useful, if those who say that they will fight, actually did when they could have.

[11 Bravo]

73. If Senator Obama is my party's nominee ...

I will offer him the same level of support I am currently offering John Edwards. That will include phone banking, canvassing, and going door-to-door. My efforts will be DESPITE you and others of your ilk, not because of you. Your snarky bullshit directed at another Edwards poster on this thread frankly makes me want to puke.

[Tom Rinaldo]

76. An excellent positive post Frenchie. Well done, and thanks for this effort n/t

[FrenchieCat]

80. Hey!

Tom! :hi:

[redqueen]

86. Positive?

Really?

"Because He was the one who stood up while the others running coward behind George Bush on Iraq. "

[Tom Rinaldo]

87. More than close enough for this board

The emphasis was on providing information on Obama. That is unusual around here. I am willing to make small allowances :)

[redqueen]

88. Fair enough... that's a good point!

Peace!

:hi:

[Hobarticus]

78. Only if he's the nominee, sure. eom

[redqueen]

84. I'll be voting for John. (nt)

[Fire Walk With Me]

90. Human rights? How about America's right to a future? Impeach immediately and save the economy

from futher abuse by the war-mongering corporations.

Obama does not register where it counts. :shrug:

[usregimechange]

92. Damn good job!

[RestoreGore]

93. I'm from the sixties & seventies, and he isn't "invested" in me according to his interview in Nevada

And I don't trust him regarding the liquid coal lobby and the fact that he calls for "change" yet takes corporate donations. Also, any endorsement from the DLC or any organization that is anti-gay is not something I appreciate. Oh, and I am also not interested in the least in allowing Neocons who ruined this country a chance to sit at any table with me to do anything. The time for being "NICE" to these bastards is over. So I will be voting for John Edwards.

[Jim Sagle]

94. No.

[Evergreen Emerald]

95. Obama is divisive, inexperienced, uneducated on foreign affairs and simply...

...not Presidential material.

America can do better.

[dailykoff]

96. If he's so uneducated on foreign affairs, how come he wasn't blindsided

about Saddam's non-existent WMD the way Hilly was?

[Evergreen Emerald]

97. he WAS NOT IN OFFICE. He did not have to make ANY

decisions. When is was in office HE ACTED THE SAME WAY CLINTON DID.

Since, being on the campaign, he has flubbed foreign policy again and again.

[dailykoff]

99. Wrong on every count.

1) On Iraq: yes, he was in office. He was an Illinois state senator, and he spoke out against the war. Hilly voted for the IWR.

2) On Iran: yes, he was in the US Senate, and he did not vote for the Kyl-Lieberman amendment. Hilly did.

3) As you haven't given any evidence of his having "flubbed foreign policy," you get that one wrong too.

So I'm afraid you get a zero on this quiz.

[Evergreen Emerald]

131. Wrong again

1. Iraq: he said he was with Bush on this in 2004, after taking his speech off of his web site. When he did get to congress--did NOTHING to stop the war.

2. Iran: did not EVEN have the nerve to make a decision about Iran--refused to vote on it. But, did, in several speeches, say the very same thing the amendmend did about the guard being terrorists and about the nuclear threat that IRan posted...see again he can avoid votes, which is his pattern, and then claim anything he wants.

3. The "evidence" you require on the flubbed votes was when he accused Clinton of being responsible for Bhutto's death, and then attemtped to cover that attack by suggesting that it was Iraq that caused the unstableness of Pakistan--which is totally ignoring the volital history of Pakistan. The other is when he said he would personally meet with any head of state with no strings. Total amature.

So, I will vote "present" on your post.

[dailykoff]

170. Obama "accused Clinton of being responsible for Bhutto's death"?

Shameless wingnuttery is all you've got, and that goes for all the Clinton propaganda being spammed here.

[bagimin]

104. Sarcasim??

[TankLV]

100. NO. FUCKING. WAY. I will NOT support gay bigotry...

I proudly support HILLARY!!!

[dailykoff]

102. But you'll proudly support world-wide war and genocide.

That's really twisted.

[TankLV]

159. obama's position is almost identical to Hillary's...

sorry - no sale...

[dailykoff]

169. Right, and peace is almost identical to genocidal resource plunder.

Both your statements here are flat out false.

[zulchzulu]

109. You support a candidate who has homophobes on her web site and payroll!

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/zulchzulu/101

Good for you! So what if you are clueless about the homophobia the Clintons have brought with Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the extremely homophobic Defense of Marriage Act.

Do Rev. Harold Mayberry and Darrell Jackson ring a bell?

[FunkyLeprechaun]

125. Wow

I didn't realise that these people have publicly endorsed Hillary. Thank you for the information!

[TankLV]

158. Unlike obama and HIS BLATANT PANDERING AND SEEKING THE VOTE OF HOMOPHOBIC BIGOTS...

REPEATEDLY...

Hillary does NOT do that, no matter what you and your bots TRY - unsuccessfully - to CLAIM...

not to mention LYING about REZKO...

[TankLV]

160. that show how LITTLE you know about the subject...

CLINTON wanted to ABOLISH the gay discrimination in the Military - as the FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS as soon as he got into office...

the fucking repukes and your fellow homophobic BIGOTS wanted to pass a CONSTITUTIONAL AMMENDMENT officially sanctioning DISCRIMINATION AGAINST GAYS - DOMA and DADT was the COMPROMISE that Clinton got to PREVENT the Ammendment...

Still pushing the LIES again for obama AGAIN, I see...

[vincenzoesq]

130. Someone, PLEASE EXPLAIN

I have been listening and watching Obama, and I have not seen anything remotely connected to gay bigotry. Please clarify and cite date, place, and source, so I can see for myself.

[ClericJohnPreston]

103. Frenchie SPAM....AGAIN

ad nauseum! Well, if you can dish SPAM, I'll call you on it. Every time.

I see it is the usual collection of hyperbole, "new dawn", "beacon of audacious hope" kind of glittering generality gibberish.

Frenchie = Ms. Spamalot.

As to your entreaties? Sorry, I don't do cults, especially those which can't distinguish between sloganeering and rational thoughts.

[dailykoff]

105. No, it's a positive post with good information and links.

Spam is lame talking points and oppo research straight from the "war room."

[ClericJohnPreston]

137. LINKS,LINKS,LINKS

You Obamites are literally a caricature of yourselves. We always joke that you can't recite one thing about Obama's positions, because he doesn't have any. Try to speak extemporaneously, AND YOU CAN'T!!

Everything is Link, Link, Link.

Pathetic!

[Cha]

106. I can't wait to cast my vote for Obama here in New York..

Someone to trust who will bring our country back into the light and away from the perversion of greed that permeates the political dynasties in DC.

I can understand the Edwards supporters because I support John Edwards, too, but Obama is my first choice..and this is the reason why..thanks Frenchie for your well researched posts and doing your homework!

FrenchieCat (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-25-08 04:20 PM
Response to Reply #23
38. That's OK.......Because he got it right....and that will make a difference in beating our opponent..
unlike so many others, including those running!


Delivered on 26 October 2002 at an anti-war rally


I don’t oppose all wars. And I know that in this crowd today, there is no shortage of patriots, or of patriotism. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz and other arm-chair, weekend warriors in this Administration to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne.

What I am opposed to is the attempt by political hacks like Karl Rove to distract us from a rise in the uninsured, a rise in the poverty rate, a drop in the median income – to distract us from corporate scandals and a stock market that has just gone through the worst month since the Great Depression.

That’s what I’m opposed to. A dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics.

Now let me be clear – I suffer no illusions about Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal man. A ruthless man. A man who butchers his own people to secure his own power. He has repeatedly defied UN resolutions, thwarted UN inspection teams, developed chemical and biological weapons, and coveted nuclear capacity.

He’s a bad guy. The world, and the Iraqi people, would be better off without him.

But I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors, that the Iraqi economy is in shambles, that the Iraqi military a fraction of its former strength, and that in concert with the international community he can be contained until, in the way of all petty dictators, he falls away into the dustbin of history.

I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al-Qaeda.

I am not opposed to all wars. I’m opposed to dumb wars.

So for those of us who seek a more just and secure world for our children, let us send a clear message to the president today. You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s finish the fight with Bin Laden and al-Qaeda, through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a homeland security program that involves more than color-coded warnings.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to make sure that the UN inspectors can do their work, and that we vigorously enforce a non-proliferation treaty, and that former enemies and current allies like Russia safeguard and ultimately eliminate their stores of nuclear material, and that nations like Pakistan and India never use the terrible weapons already in their possession, and that the arms merchants in our own country stop feeding the countless wars that rage across the globe.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to make sure our so-called allies in the Middle East, the Saudis and the Egyptians, stop oppressing their own people, and suppressing dissent, and tolerating corruption and inequality, and mismanaging their economies so that their youth grow up without education, without prospects, without hope, the ready recruits of terrorist cells.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to wean ourselves off Middle East oil, through an energy policy that doesn’t simply serve the interests of Exxon and Mobil.

Those are the battles that we need to fight. Those are the battles that we willingly join. The battles against ignorance and intolerance. Corruption and greed. Poverty and despair.

The consequences of war are dire, the sacrifices immeasurable. We may have occasion in our lifetime to once again rise up in defense of our freedom, and pay the wages of war. But we ought not – we will not – travel down that hellish path blindly. Nor should we allow those who would march off and pay the ultimate sacrifice, who would prove the full measure of devotion with their blood, to make such an awful sacrifice in vain.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Barack_Obama/'s_Iraq_Speech

[zulchzulu]

108. Very cool! K&R! n/t

[Colobo]

110. Viva Obama!

[ursi]

111. Kick!

[defendandprotect]

113. "NO thanks" on Obama, but let me invite you to vote for Edwards . . .

[FrenchieCat]

114. No thanks. I was actually responding to a thread titled.....

Don't vote for Obama.

These boards are pretty depressing these days. As far as anyone looking in, all of our candidates royally suck. :(

[defendandprotect]

115. Yeah; though I really like Edwards --- I think he can do it --- but . . .

the good news is that while Dem candidates may "royally suck" ---
they don't suck as badly as the batch of Repug candidates --- yuuuuccccccckkkkkk ---!!!!

[FrenchieCat]

118. Actually, they don't really suck at all......altlhough some are acting

suckier than others.

[rodeodance]

122. No thanks

[FunkyLeprechaun]

123. I wholeheartedly agree

I really did look at all the candidates. I thought about supporting Edwards because I felt that Obama didn't have enough experience and I didn't like the idea of Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton. Then I was proven wrong over time on Obama's experience and I felt that he was the best choice for president.

He's already racking up foreign policy experience plus a really good domestic record. He hasn't brought this into his campaign but he's trying to help things out in Kenya.

Hillary's actions are nasty and hypocritical and I have NO idea what her supporters see in her. I was just thinking about a post earlier that someone was saying, "In honour of Susan B. Anthony, I'm voting for Hillary."Seriously she's one of the most anti-women candidates I've seen in this race. Staying with Bill after the scandal broke, because it was opportunistic for her. She's smearing Obama left and right and not talking about her record. She made it about gender BIG time as well as making it about race. SHE was the one that brought up race, not Obama.

Obama's always worked on gay issues and marched in Pride parades. One guy who has decided to support him and... boom... Obama is now anti-gay? That's what I don't understand. His years working with gay people and for gay people down the toilet? That is incredibly sad that people have decided to support Hillary (who backed Don't Ask Don't Tell/DOMA) over such a pro-gay candidate because of this ONE guy! I'm pretty certain that there's people in Hillary's campaign who are exactly like McClurkin. Obama didn't choose to have this guy in his group of supporters, like the same people in Hillary's camp.

All that said, if she is the nominee, I will vote for her ONLY because of women's right to choose. All the Republicans are anti-abortion and want to overturn Roe vs. Wade. That's sad that my only vote for her is to keep Roe vs Wade, not because of her other issues.

Obama's the best candidate so far. He's got his faults but his positives outweigh that.

Gobama!

[anniebelle]

126. Not in this lifetime.

Maybe next time around, but it is of the utmost importance to reclaim the WH, so I'll have to vote for the candidate I believe can be elected by an electorate that has questionable, at best, information to make an intelligent decision. The reich-wingnuts will crucify Obama. 'Nuf said.

[mnhtnbb]

127. I'll pass on the Kool-Aid. Thanks very much. John Edwards gets my vote.

[Perry Logan]

128. FrenchieCat, you are indefatigable.

[ClericJohnPreston]

141. MORE LIKE TONE DEAF

[Political Heretic]

129. I've already found someone who will do all of that BETTER.

But good luck to you and your candidate too!

[vincenzoesq]

132. Vote Obama

Thank you for this fantastic post. It should be printed out and posted on every corner in the nation.
Intelligent voters HAVE to see what an extraordinary person we can elect to be our leader. Obama is the most promising
politician I've seen in my sixty plus years.

[LWolf]

133. I'll pass, thanks.

Perhaps someday in the future if his stances evolve into something that bears less resemblance to a moderate republican and shifted an entire quadrant to the left....

from my perspective.

[acmavm]

134. Probably not even if he gets the nomination. He's a phony, a fraud, a

liar, and an opportunist.

[workinclasszero]

135. GO OBAMA!!!

I cant wait for the SC results tonight! I can't vote today but my wife and I have 2 votes reserved for Obama on Super Tuesday!!:party: :toast: :bounce: :hi:

America needs a new MOVEMENT! A break from the failed policies of the past! Machine politics are dying, join the movement people!


:toast:ALL THE WAY WITH OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!:toast:

[cooolandrew]

145. The more you find out the better it gets with Obama. Undoubtedly no Reaganite.

[Phred42]

136. FOLLOW THE MONEY! NBMC

Now Bite My Crank

I don't need nebulous 'inspiration' or 'hope'

I need someone with a track record of :kick: ing ass.

Edwards is THAT person

[Donkeykick]

138. Frenchiecat:

I only hope that it is that easy when he becomes President. I do hope that you're right.:think: :hide:

[stickernation]

140. YAY FRENCHIECAT !!!

I am so excited to have spent a few minutes getting in sync with your enthusiasm for Obama !

Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

One thing I have always thought Obama fans should emphasize:

the REST OF THE WORLD will be going WOW, what a President, should we elect him.

after *, the world will be like, whoa, that is simply astonishing.

and it wouldn't just be his race - it'd be the affability and the way he creates a collective energy with people he meets one on one.

I feel that more pro-Obama supporters should do what you have done and TESTIFY.

All Obama would have to do is proclaim a powerfully anti-war (both present and FUTURE) agenda. That is where I still support my candidate, because his attitude seems to be - let's not go into war with IRAN !

[debbierlus]

142. No thanks. No way.

Policies basically echo Clinton....thinks single payer health care 'impratical'....hawkish language on foreign policy...

NUCLEAR ENERGY?

Yeah. Pretty pics you have there. Not much else.

[cooolandrew]

143. It's in his face you can see that he loves ALL Americans and what more can a voter ask for.

[okasha]

156. Competence?

Knowlege? A grasp of world affairs?

Little things like that.

[cooolandrew]

144. To habeas corpus or not to habeas corpus trust is the question I trust Barack.

[ClericJohnPreston]

147. Punctuation ,or clarity,

are equally non-existent in Obama-Land.

[indimuse]

148. Not this time baby...

He's not ready and he and Michelle hava way too much baggage...!

[mondo joe]

150. Sorry. I'm declining to support your Messiah. If he gets the nom, which is very possible,

he'll get my vote over a Republican. But that's it.

[ShortnFiery]

161. Kick! The Truth will set us free from The Clintonian DLC running rough shod over *OUR* PARTY!

Go Obama! :patriot: :hi:

[zalinda]

162. No, and you are one of the reasons why. n/t

[SammyWinstonJack]

171. ...

:spray:

[FrenchieCat]

178. And here I thought I made no difference!

I feel stronger now! Thanks!

[MaryRN]

165. Admire your passion - I'll stick w/Edwards though thanks.

[Plucketeer]

166. Vote?

<----I will - here's the recipient.

[Mark D.]

167. Republicans

Never had it better than to hide behind a face like his. As an 'alternative' to another Republian, Hillary. The end result? A Republican wins no matter who wins, unless Edwards wins which the Republican media certainly seems to be against. Get the kids rallied about Obama, so many, like Paul supporters on the right, just vote knee jerk. Very sad. They haven't been in the world long enough to see how the right relies on manipulation. At best, a guaranteed loss against McCain is 'hope' Obama offers. Is it me or do supporters of both Barack and Hillary just not get how stupid it is to nominate a near-guaranteed loss against McCain? Pick the one who can win. And that is John Edwards.

[ernestv]

172. I will vote for obama...

Along with all of my fellow ZOMBIES!!!......

[stlsaxman]

173. No. n/t

[WyldRogue]

174. It's a sad state to see the Dems...

...so divided (thanx to Rovian tactics by ALL parties (Dem and GOP)) that now voters are gonna vote based NOT on experience but RACE instead. So far from what I gather, Obama WILL get the majority of the black vote because of why else?? He's now the BLACK candidate. Ignore the fact that he's been wishy washy concerning critical votes or the fact he's only been in the Senate for 3 years..... Oprah sure did a good job promoting the 'agenda' huh?

And I am willing to bet that more black voters will vote THIS time around. If they had voted before, maybe the Shrub would not have had the office twice... shame.

Well people, you vote and you get what you deserve if he indeed turns out to be the closet Republican I and quite a few other suspect he really is.

[ernestv]

175. You are correct Sir!!!...

[Midlodemocrat]

177. Only in the GE. I won't support him in the primaries.

[Hieronymus]

179. Which of the 3 Democratic candidates has been vague about rights?

[andyrowe]

180. K&R

[WyldRogue]

183. Poor attitudes.....

...being shown by plenty of Obama supporters....

Reading it darn near all over this place that the Obama supporters are making a stand:

"If Obama doesn't get the Nomination, they will not vote"

Now how un-Democratic is that?? Cult-like attitudes being shown. You people should be ashamed of yourselves.

I see plenty of Hillary and Edwards fans stating that if Obama gets the nod, he'll have their votes.

You Obama people need to grow the f*ck up!


Our country needs US to stand UNITED in the face of ADVERSITY to insure that we get the Repugs OUT.

*sigh* You guys are so divisive that you're fracturing your OWN party... Thank God I am an Independent that votes using intelligence instead of blind faith (did NOT vote for the Shrub at all)

[goodhue]

185. Okay, I'm on board

I'm now an Obama supporter

[Auggie]

186. I just did -- absentee ballot goes in the mail tomorrow.