Hillary Clinton: Strengthening Our Middle Class

[CatnHat]

Hillary has a plan to restore America's middle class.

After six and a half years of Bush administration policies, the middle class is struggling to succeed in an economy that is leaving more and more Americans behind.

Income inequality has risen to the highest levels since 1929, and wages have stagnated. In the meantime, health care premiums and college tuition have skyrocketed, squeezing middle class families who have largely relied on their home equity to make ends meet. The burgeoning problems in the housing market further threaten many middle class families.
Understanding that a vibrant middle class is essential to America's prosperity, Hillary will implement a broad set of policies to once again restore opportunity for all Americans.

Hillary's economic blueprint to restore the American middle class includes:

· Lowering taxes for middle class families.
· Providing quality, affordable health care to every American.
· Making college accessible and affordable.
· Confronting the growing problems in the housing market.
· Bolstering retirement security by promoting savings and investment.
· Returning to fiscal responsibility and moving towards balanced budgets.
· Harnessing innovation to create the high-wage jobs of the 21st century.
· Creating a $50 billion Strategic Energy Fund to jumpstart research and development of alternative energies.
· Strengthening unions and ensuring our trade laws work for all Americans.

For further specifics go to her website. She spells out in detail everything you want to know.

[Hart2008]

1. Bill Clinton promised us a middle class tax cut in '92 as well...It never happened. n/t

[CatnHat]

4. Bill Clinton Is Not Running

How many times do we have to explain that Bill (her husband) former president, is NOT running. Hillary Clinton has her own agenda. Why don't you read about Hillary Clinton's agenda and what SHE stands for, before sprouting off on Bill Clinton, you just might learn something.

[lligrd]

10. I Thought That Was Where Her Experience Came From

Isn't she using those days in her campaign?

[Hart2008]

12. Maybe because in '92 Hillary said they were a two for one deal.

I have yet to hear her explain why she is more trustworthy on this promise than her husband.

The obscene amount of corporate donations she has received does nothing to build my trust in her, especially since we still have enormous bills to pay because of her extremely poor decision to authorize Junior to start a war and occupation in a foreign country.

[JTFrog]

16. Has anyone told her that? I thought they were the 2 fer 1 candidates. n/t

[formernaderite]

23. actually I heard bill on the radio in knoxville

asking people to vote for him. freudian slip showing...i guess.

[sueragingroz]

36. how about you go read this?

Without mentioning Obama by name, Clinton said the Illinois senator was promoting a position that it's "actually an advantage to not have any experience because you've not made anybody mad."

"It's been very effective," Clinton said. "It's already taken four good candidates out. It would have taken Hillary out if she didn't have so much grass-roots support and so much guts."

Clinton said his wife's position is to "bridge the party divides when we can, but we also need to be prepared to fight."

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iq-qZCodhvmt3NX13kj9ugZRvaRgD8UR5TB00


Yes that's right. They tried to make change in the 90's and weren't always successful and here they are trying again... shame on them!

[Hart2008]

42. If they were real democrats, they would have been successful.

The problem is that the Clinton's promise one thing, a middle class tax cut, and then do something else, lower taxes for the richest Americans...

But maybe you wouldn't know that since you are from Bermuda.

Some of us actually lived through the 90's and remember what was happening, i.e., welfare reform, NAFTA, etc.

Bill Clinton's Presidency looks good because he is surrounded by Bush bookends, but he was hardly an example of what a Democratic President should be.

You are just another Hill Hound with an attitude.

:nopity:

[sueragingroz]

51. I like that... hill hound with attitude...

I think I'll add that to my sig line...

[in_cog_ni_to]

56. Riiiiiiiiight. He did nothing during his 8 years in office;

:eyes:


Clinton's AWESOME record:

longest economic expansion in American history--a record 115 months of economic expansion
More than 22 million new jobs: more than 22 million jobs were created in less than eight years -- the most ever under a single administration
Highest home ownership in American history
Made the Federal government smaller (a feat matched only by Harry Truman; if you like small government, vote Democratic)
Lowest unemployment in 30 years: unemployment dropped from more than 7 percent in 1993 to just 4.0 percent in November 2000; unemployment for African Americans and Hispanics fell to the lowest rates on record, and the rate for women was the lowest in more than 40 years
Largest expansion of college opportunity since the GI Bill
Connected 95 percent of schools to the Internet
Lowest crime rate in 26 years.
Family and Medical Leave Act for 20 million Americans
Smallest welfare rolls in 32 years
Higher incomes at all levels: after falling by nearly $2,000 between 1988 and 1992, the median family's income rose by $6,338, after adjusting for inflation; all income brackets experienced double-digit growth; the bottom 20 percent saw the largest income growth at 16.3 percent
Lowest poverty rate in 20 years: the poverty rate declined from 15.1 percent to 11.8 percent in 1999--the largest six-year drop in poverty in nearly 30 years
Lowest teen birth rate in 60 years
Lowest infant mortality rate in American history
Deactivated more than 1,700 nuclear warheads from the former Soviet Union: efforts of the Clinton-Gore Administration led to the dismantling of more than 1,700 nuclear warheads, 300 launchers and 425 land and submarine based missiles from the former Soviet Union
Paid off $360 billion of the national debt: under Clinton, we were on track to pay off the entire debt by 2009; what a difference a stolen election makes...
Converted the largest budget deficit in American history to the largest surplus
Lowest government spending in three decades
Lowest federal income tax burden in 35 years
More families owned stock than ever before
Most New Jobs Ever Created Under a Single Administration: Republicans really chew the rug when you mention this one, so it's worth repeating constantly
Median Family Income Up $6,000 since 1993
Unemployment at Its Lowest Level in More than 30 Years
Highest Home ownership Rate on Record
7 Million Fewer Americans Living in Poverty
Largest Surplus Ever
Lower Federal Government Spending: after increasing under the previous two administrations, federal government spending as a share of the economy was cut from 22.2 percent in 1992 to 18 percent in 2000--the lowest level since 1966
The Most U.S. Exports Ever: between 1992 and 2000, U.S. exports of goods and services grew by 74 percent, or nearly $500 billion, to top $1 trillion for the first time
Lowest Inflation since the 1960s: inflation was at the lowest rate since the Kennedy Administration, averaging 2.5 percent, down from 4.6 percent during the previous administration
The child poverty rate declined more than 25 percent
The poverty rate for single mothers was the lowest ever
The African American and elderly poverty rates dropped to their lowest level on record
The Hispanic poverty rate dropped to its lowest level since 1979
Lowest Poverty Rate for Single Mothers on Record: under President Clinton, the poverty rate for families with single mothers fell from 46.1 percent in 1993 to 35.7 percent in 1999, the lowest level on record
Smallest Welfare Rolls Since 1969: between January 1993 and September of 1999, the number of welfare recipients dropped by 7.5 billion (a 53 percent decline) to 6.6 million. In comparison, between 1981-1992, the number of welfare recipients increased by 2.5 million (a 22 percent increase) to 13.6 million people
Lowest Federal Income Tax Burden in 35 Years: Federal income taxes as a percentage of income for the typical American family dropped to their lowest level in 35 years
Higher Incomes even after Taxes and Inflation: real after-tax incomes grew by an average of 2.6 percent per year for the lower-income half of taxpayers between 1993 and 1997, while growing by an average of 1.0 percent between 1981 and 1993
AGAINST TERRORISM

# PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON developed the nation's first anti-terrorism policy, and appointed first national coordinator of anti-terrorist efforts.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold the Al Qaeda millennium hijacking and bombing plots.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to kill the Pope.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to blow up 12 U.S. jetliners simultaneously.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to blow up UN Headquarters.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to blow up FBI Headquarters.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to blow up the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to blow up Boston airport.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to blow up Lincoln and Holland Tunnels in NY.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to blow up the George Washington Bridge.
# Bill Clinton stopped cold a planned attack to blow up the US Embassy in Albania.
# Bill Clinton tried to kill Osama bin Laden and disrupt Al Qaeda through preemptive strikes (efforts denounced by the G.O.P.).
# Bill Clinton brought perpetrators of first World Trade Center bombing and CIA killings to justice.
# Bill Clinton did not blame the Bush I administration for first World Trade Center bombing even though it occurred 38 days after Bush left office. Instead, worked hard, even obsessively -- and successfully -- to stop future terrorist attacks.
# Bill Clinton named the Hart-Rudman commission to report on nature of terrorist threats and major steps to be taken to combat terrorism.
# Bill Clinton sent legislation to Congress to tighten airport security. (Remember, this is before 911) The legislation was defeated by the Republicans because of opposition from the airlines.
# Bill Clinton sent legislation to Congress to allow for better tracking of terrorist funding. It was defeated by Republicans in the Senate because of opposition from banking interests.
# Bill Clinton sent legislation to Congress to add tagents to explosives, to allow for better tracking of explosives used by terrorists. It was defeated by the Republicans because of opposition from the NRA.
# Bill Clinton increased the military budget by an average of 14 per cent, reversing the trend under Bush I.
# Bill Clinton tripled the budget of the FBI for counterterrorism and doubled overall funding for counterterrorism.
# Bill Clinton detected and destroyed cells of Al Qaeda in over 20 countries.
# Bill Clinton created national stockpile of drugs and vaccines including 40 million doses of smallpox vaccine.
# Of Clinton's efforts says Robert Oakley, Reagan Ambassador for Counterterrorism: "Overall, I give them very high marks" and "The only major criticism I have is the obsession with Osama".
# Paul Bremer, current Civilian Administrator of Iraq disagrees slightly with Robert Oakley as he believed the Bill Clinton Administration had "correctly focused on bin Laden.
# Barton Gellman in the Washington Post put it best, "By any measure available, Bill Clinton left office having given greater priority to terrorism than any president before him" and was the "first administration to undertake a systematic anti-terrorist effort".
http://liberalslikechrist.org/about/clinton.html
ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Bill Clinton issued an Executive Order on Environmental Justice to ensure that low-income citizens and minorities do not suffer a disproportionate burden of industrial pollution. Launched pilot projects in low-income communities across the country to redevelop contaminated sites into useable space, create jobs and enhance community development.

President Bill Clinton sought permanent funding of $1.4 billion a year through the Lands Legacy initiative to expand federal efforts to save America's natural treasures and provide significant new resources to states and communities to protect local green spaces and protect ocean and coastal resources. Won $652 million for Lands Legacy in the FY 2000 budget, a 42 percent increase.

Launched effort to protect over 40 million acres of "roadless areas," which include some of America's last wild places. Dramatically improved management of our national forests with an ambitious new science-based agenda that places greater emphasis on recreation, wildlife and water quality, while reforming logging practices to ensure steady, sustainable supplies of timber and jobs. Balanced the preservation of old-growth stands with the economic needs of timber-dependent communities through the Pacific Northwest Forest Plan.

Adopted a uniform tailpipe standard to passenger cars, SUVs and other light-duty trucks, producing cars that are 77 percent cleaner -- and light-duty trucks up to 95 percent cleaner -- than those on the road today. Set new standard to reduce average sulfur levels in gasoline by up to 90 percent. Once fully implemented in 2030, these measures will prevent 43,000 premature deaths and 173,000 cases of childhood respiratory illness each year, and reduce emissions by the equivalent to removing 164 million cars from the road.

# Approved strong new clean air standards for soot and smog that could prevent up to 15,000 premature deaths a year and improve the lives of millions of Americans who suffer from respiratory illnesses. Defending the standards against legal assaults by polluters.

# Accelerating Toxic Waste Cleanups. Completed cleanup at 515 Superfund sites, more than three times as many as the previous two administrations, with cleanup of more than 90 percent of all sites either completed or in progress. Secured $1.4 billion in FY 2000 to continue progress toward cleaning up 900 Superfund sites by 2002.

# Providing Safe Drinking Water: Proposed and signed legislation to strengthen the Safe Drinking Water Act and ensure that our families have healthy clean tap water. Required America's 55,000 water utility companies to provide regular reports to their customers on the quality of their drinking water.

# Established EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) that provides grants to States to finance priority drinking water projects that meet Clean Water Act mandates. To date, the DWSRFs have provided $1.9 billion in loans to communities.

# Awarded nearly $200 million in Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans and grants for over 100 safe drinking water projects in rural areas of 40 states. USDA grants and loans target rural communities plagued by some of the nation's worst water quality and dependability problems.

# Expanded Safe Drinking Water Act protections to protect 40 million additional Americans in small communities from potentially dangerous microbes, including Cryptosporidium, in their drinking water.

# Ensuring Clean Water. Launched the Clean Water Action Plan to help clean up the 40 percent of America's surveyed waterways still too polluted for fishing and swimming. Secured $3.9 billion since 1998, a 16 percent increase, to help states, communities and landowners in reducing polluted runoff, enhancing natural resource stewardship, improving citizens' right to know, and protecting public health.

# Strengthening Communities' Right to Know. Strengthened the public's right to know about chemicals released into their air and water by partnering with the chemical industry and the environmental community in an effort to provide complete data on the potential health risks of the 2,800 most widely used chemicals. Nearly doubled the number of chemicals that industry must report to communities, while expanding the number of facilities that must report by 30 percent.

# Expanded the community right to know about releases of 27 persistent bio-accumulative toxins (including mercury, dioxin, and PCBs). These highly toxic chemicals are especially risky because they do not break down easily and are known to accumulate in the human body.

# Secured $83 million in FY 2000 for two major new efforts to restore salmon in the Pacific Northwest: $58 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which provides resources for states and tribes to protect and rebuild salmon stocks; and $25 million to implement the historic Pacific Salmon Treaty with Canada, which established two regional funds to improve fisheries management and enhance bilateral scientific cooperation between the two countries and provides funding to buy back fishing permits in Washington.
# Expanding Wildlife Refuges. Added 57,000 acres, including lands along the last free-flowing section of the Columbia River, to the Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge to protect salmon habitat in Washington.

# Forging Partnerships to Protect Habitat. Completed 255 major Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), compared to 14 before the Administration took office, to protect more than 20 million acres of private land and over 170 threatened and endangered species. These voluntary agreements protect habitat while providing landowners the certainty they need to effectively manage their lands.

# Strengthening Protections for Wildlife. Signed legislation that strengthens protections for wildlife by mandating that the most important use of our nation's wildlife refuges is giving refuge to migratory birds and other animals reliant on this rich system of natural habitat.

Protecting our Oceans and Coasts

# Creating Comprehensive Oceans Policy. Directed the development of key recommendations for strengthening federal oceans policy for the 21st century and appointed a high-level task force to oversee the implementation of those recommendations. Convened a National Ocean Conference in June 1998 that brought together government experts, business executives, scientists, environmentalists, elected officials and the public to examine opportunities and challenges in restoring and protecting our ocean resources.

# Strengthening Our National Marine Sanctuaries. Secured a funding increase of over 100% to better support national marine sanctuaries -- homes to coral reefs, kelp forests, humpback whales, and loggerhead turtles. Supporting the five-year Sustainable Seas Expeditions to explore, study and document ways to better protect underwater resources.

# Preserving Coral Reefs. Issued an Executive Order to expand protection of coral reefs and their ecosystems to address issues of coral reef management, expansion of marine protected areas and increased protections for coral reef species.

# Protecting Marine Mammals. Led negotiations resulting in a multilateral agreement to protect dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Issued new standards to protect the endangered northern right whale from injuries from ships by instituting a first-ever ship reporting requirement in two areas of right whale critical habitat. Fought for creation of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, an area of more than 12 million square miles off the coast of Antarctica.

# Banning Ocean Dumping of Toxic Waste. Led the world in calling for a global ban on ocean dumping of low-level radioactive waste. The U.S. was the first nuclear power to advocate the ban.

Introduced "Better America Bonds" to generate $10.75 billion in bond authority over five years to preserve open space, improve water quality and clean up abandoned and contaminated properties known as brownfields. Local communities can work together in partnerships with land trust groups, environmentalists, business leaders and others to develop innovative solutions to their community's development challenges.

# Provided leadership critical to successful negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol, which sets strong, realistic targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishes flexible, market-based mechanisms to achieve them as cost-effectively as possible.

# Investing in Clean Energy Research. Won more than $1 billion in FY 1999 and in FY 2000 for the Climate Change Technology Initiative, a program of clean energy research and development that will save energy and consumers money. Extended the tax credits for wind and biomass energy production through 2001, reducing emissions and reliance on imported oil.

# Growing Clean Energy Technologies. Issued an Executive Order to coordinate federal efforts to spur the development and use of bio-based technologies, which can convert crops, trees and other "biomass" into a vast array of fuels and materials. Set a goal of tripling our use of bioenergy and bioproducts by 2010 to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100 million tons a year -- the equivalent of taking 70 million cars off the road.

# Improving Scientific Understanding. Increased funding for the United States Global Change Research Program to more than $1.7 billion in FY 2000 to provide a sound scientific understanding of both the human and natural forces that influence the Earth's climate system. This record research budget continues strong support for the "Carbon Cycle Initiative" begun last year to improve our understanding of the role of farms, forests, and other natural or managed lands in capturing carbon.

# Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances. Issued new energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, freezers and room air conditioners that will save consumers money and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and dependence on foreign oil. The new standards will cut the average appliance's energy usage by 30 percent and save more than seven quadrillion BTUs of energy over the next 30 years, more than seven times the annual energy consumption of the entire state of Arkansas.

# Promoting federal Energy Efficiency. Issued an Executive Order directing federal agencies to reduce energy use in buildings 35 percent by 2010, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of taking 1.7 million cars off the road and saving taxpayers over $750 million a year. Forged new partnerships with industry to develop and promote energy-saving cars, homes and consumer products with the potential to save Americans hundreds of millions of dollars in energy bills and significantly curb greenhouse gas pollution.
http://www.environmentalcaucus.org/gore.html

[Hart2008]

57. As I wrote, there was no middle class tax cut, but the top income bracket was cut for the wealthy.

Which you don't dispute.

Clinton was the first President in U.S. history to break his biggest campaign, the middle class tax cut, before taking the oath of office.

We can expect the same from Hillary.

Compared to the Bushes, Clinton looks great. but that is like comparing a hot dog to a pile of dog crap and saying that it's steak.

A shame you don't know what a real Democrat looks like.

(I'll give you a hint: They don't hire Republican strategists for advice!)

[in_cog_ni_to]

62. "A shame you don't know what a real Democrat looks like."

Hint: (They don't beg them to come into the Democratic Party so they can destroy it from WITHIN!) Mr. Reach Across the aisle is a naive fool.

I noticed you IGNORED everything else Clinton did do during his 8 years in office. Typical Obama follower.

[Hart2008]

63. Real Democrats don't hire Republican consultants like Dick Morris, David Gergen and Mark Penn.

Real Democrats don't think that "Republican Lite" is a good political marketing strategy.

Reagan had a lot of accomplishments in his 8 years in office, but I don't consider him a Democrat either.

[in_cog_ni_to]

65. I see, but "real Democrats" can use them for sources to attack Hillary on DU!

Gotcha!

Uhhh....I do believe it's the Obama camp schmoozing the repukes to vote for him...it's NOT Hillary. I'm voting for the LEFT WING of the Democratic Party, not the Right Winger "reaching across the aisle" to kiss their sorry, criminal asses.

[Hart2008]

66. We judge people by the company they keep. The facts are the facts...

The Clinton's hired these Repukes and continue to hire Mark Penn.

and you don't know what a real democrat looks like.

Hillary is less likely to hold the Bushes and Cheney accountable for war crimes.

See Bill Clinton's refusal to investigate Poppy Bush. You can expect more of the same from Hillary.

Sorry, but I am not here to speak for Obama. However, he is far more electable than Hillary at this point.



Touche!

[in_cog_ni_to]

67. Facts are facts. Obama is no Progressive. He's has already said the CRIMINALS will NEVER pay for

the CRIMES they have committed and he's reaching across the freakin' aisle to schmooze their asses. If anyone has a reason to hold these THUGS accountable, it's Hillary Clinton. Heaven knows she has years and years and years worth of reasons after the witch hunt on her and Bill.

Obama has already said he won't investigate the criminals. He told me so himself (he's my Senator). He wants to "move on." On that reason ALONE I would never vote for him for Prez.

[Hart2008]

68. When has Hillary ever said anything different? (Assuming you would believe her words...)

Look at all of the pictures of the Bushes and the Clinton's together.

These two families protect each other.

That is the history.

Clinton's don't investigate Bushes.

Bushes don't investigate Clinton's.

That is the truth here.

These people have a different agenda than what you want.

Deal with it.

[in_cog_ni_to]

69. MY point IS...Obama has already said he WILL NOT investigate the criminals.

That's a FACT. Deal with it.

[Hart2008]

70. And Hillary refuses to answer the question and that is better?

I don't know the content of your letters from Obama. Perhaps you will post them here?

I personally have more respect for someone who gives me an answer he/she knows I don't want to hear, than someone who tells me what I want to hear or simply doesn't answer the question.

If holdling the Bushes accountable for war crimes is you objective, you might consider voting for Mike Gravel.

I know he will do it if elected...

[in_cog_ni_to]

71. I have many reasons for not voting for Obama...though I DID vote for him in his Senate race.

That's before I knew he was taking money from Exelon Nuclear company...over $200,000 worth for his campaign coffers, before I knew he was FOR dumping at Yucca Mountain before he decided to run for Prez and then OOOPS...changed his mind in October 2007. Before I knew he would never hold the criminals in this administration accountable. Before I knew Exelon's BIG BUCKS meant more to him than the citizens of his state who have consumed Tritium Water leaked from Exelon's Nuclear plant and they covered it up for YEARS....before I knew Michelle Obama cares more about her and Barack than she does the Democratic Party as a whole, she's not sure she would work to support Hillary if she should win, before I knew he made a pledge to accept public financing if he was the Dem candidate and know is backtracking on that pledge.

Mike Gravel doesn't have a chance in hell of winning. I'd rather take my chances on Hillary who has MANY reasons for revenge against the thugs in this administration.

[Angela Shelley]

2. Sounds great! What about global military activity?

Will she support radically reducing military spending?

[lligrd]

24. I'll Take The Cat's Silence As A "No" nt

[ElsewheresDaughter]

34. "Obama calls for addition of nearly 100,000 soldiers and Marines.Obama talks sweetly but "Kucinch

http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=191&Itemid=34


"Obama strongly supports the expansion of American ground forces by adding 65,000 new soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines."

"All Obama really promises is to be a better, smarter imperialist."



Barack Obama has delivered the third of his long national security speeches, and has once again revealed that he is an imperialist at heart. Speaking at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Obama envisioned a century in which the U.S. would "lead the world in battling immediate evils and promoting the ultimate good." Battling "evil"..."promoting the ultimate good" - sounds very much like George Bush's rationale for doing whatever the United States pleases in the world, under the assumption that the Americans know what the "ultimate good" is.

Of course, Obama also called for more respect for the United Nations and other international institutions, and for increased efforts to forge alliances whenever the U.S. finds it necessary to go to war. But that's all empty talk, a cover for his real intention to increase U.S. capacity to meddle in other people's affairs. The U.S., he says, "must maintain the strongest, best-equipped military in the world in order to defeat and deter conventional threats." The United States already spends more on war-fighting capacity than all the other nations on the planet, combined! The U.S. maintains 730 military installations in 50 countries around the globe!. But that's not enough for Barack Obama, who calls for an enhanced "ability to put boots on the ground." He told the Chicago foreign policy crowd he strongly supports the expansion of American ground forces by adding 65,000 new soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines. In other words, while Obama gives lip service to disentangling most - although by no means all - U.S. troops from Iraq, as president he would send them elsewhere and add nearly one hundred thousand more to the mix.


This is not a man of peace: this is an imperialist bent on further U.S.BARkucinichConyersCapitolGood expansionism. Obama pratters on about the need to avoid "bullying" other countries - but bullying is precisely what armies, navies and air forces are all about. Obama talks sweetly but wants to carry an even bigger stick than George Bush. All he promises is that he will be more judicious and thoughtful in using that bigger stick. History shows such promises are never sincerely made, and are never, ever kept.

There is only one peace candidate in the Democratic primary race: Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich. He's the only one that actually voted against giving Bush War Powers in 2002, the only one to vote against providing another nearly $100 billion for the war, this year, and the only one who categorically rejects going to war with Iran.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

35. "Obama strongly supports the expansion of American ground forces by adding 100,000 new soldiers

http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=191&Itemid=34

Barack Obama has delivered the third of his long national security speeches, and has once again revealed that he is an imperialist at heart. Speaking at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Obama envisioned a century in which the U.S. would "lead the world in battling immediate evils and promoting the ultimate good." Battling "evil"..."promoting the ultimate good" - sounds very much like George Bush's rationale for doing whatever the United States pleases in the world, under the assumption that the Americans know what the "ultimate good" is.

Of course, Obama also called for more respect for the United Nations and other international institutions, and for increased efforts to forge alliances whenever the U.S. finds it necessary to go to war. But that's all empty talk, a cover for his real intention to increase U.S. capacity to meddle in other people's affairs. The U.S., he says, "must maintain the strongest, best-equipped military in the world in order to defeat and deter conventional threats." The United States already spends more on war-fighting capacity than all the other nations on the planet, combined! The U.S. maintains 730 military installations in 50 countries around the globe!. But that's not enough for Barack Obama, who calls for an enhanced "ability to put boots on the ground." He told the Chicago foreign policy crowd he strongly supports the expansion of American ground forces by adding 65,000 new soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines. In other words, while Obama gives lip service to disentangling most - although by no means all - U.S. troops from Iraq, as president he would send them elsewhere and add nearly one hundred thousand more to the mix.

"All Obama really promises is to be a better, smarter imperialist."

This is not a man of peace: this is an imperialist bent on further U.S.BARkucinichConyersCapitolGood expansionism. Obama pratters on about the need to avoid "bullying" other countries - but bullying is precisely what armies, navies and air forces are all about. Obama talks sweetly but wants to carry an even bigger stick than George Bush. All he promises is that he will be more judicious and thoughtful in using that bigger stick. History shows such promises are never sincerely made, and are never, ever kept.

There is only one peace candidate in the Democratic primary race: Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich. He's the only one that actually voted against giving Bush War Powers in 2002, the only one to vote against providing another nearly $100 billion for the war, this year, and the only one who categorically rejects going to war with Iran. Only Kucinich would withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq and withdraw the more than 100,000 U.S. "contractors" - a euphemism for American mercenaries paid for with U.S. tax dollars. Obama and the other candidates say nothing about these soldiers of fortune, although they are an integral part of the U.S. war machine.

[Hepburn]

40. Huh?

"blackagender"??? WTF???

Now there's a website that most certainly is a definitive source..NOT!

:eyes:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

52. how about Democracy Now debate on Obama ....or will you thumb your nose at this one too?

http://www.jwharrison.com/blog/category/debate/


http://www.jwharrison.com/blog/2008/01/10/democracy-now-debate-on-barack-obama/

"Though I enjoy Professor Michael Eric Dyson’s commentary and insight on most issues, I couldn’t disagree with him more in this debate. Glen Ford’s critique of Obama is spot on. I’ve always had a problem with Obama’s “There are not two Americas” campaign theme of unity since it runs contrary to his more prominent message of hope and change. Ford points out the white-friendly marketing devices used by Obama which ignore the traditional interests of the black community. I believe he’s right in stating that Obama would be critiqued more harshly on what he says concerning race if he were white. Dyson, on the other hand, seems to be arguing that the time to critique Obama is after he’s already in the White House. He argues primarily about what Obama represents rather than the substance behind who he really is, even going so far as to concede that an Obama presidency will not do much to end poverty or injustice. So why are you endorsing him? It’s really depressing to see someone as intelligent as Professor Dyson using the “lesser of two evils” logic. That’s not democracy."

Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOosCQ-pLns

[lligrd]

3. Unfortunately, Experience Proves She Wouldn't Be Able To

accomplish much if any of it. I find your emphasis on the Middle Class telling. Do you really care about the less fortunate? How about the Iraqis that Hillary has aided in killing and bankrupting?

[CatnHat]

6. You are total Jerk

[lligrd]

8. Nice Tactic

but very poor English.

[CatnHat]

14. No tactic

Just thought people might be interested in relevant things, you know, stuff that might affect American families, etc. rather than the same old dribble "how great thou art" posts that do nothing but sing to the choir.

[Angela Shelley]

25. The choir votes too!

[lligrd]

31. You Stole My Preaching To The Choir Post Too?

Mine was regarding impeaching Bush. What is yours about? American families voting? Seems they are voting and mostly for Obama.

[Omega3]

61. how about the Iraqis that Barrack has aided in killing and bankrupting? Mr. 300 BILLION approved

give me a break

[Vinca]

5. Is she going to undo Bill's trade policies?

That's what killed the middle class. No jobs, no money, no economy.

[CatnHat]

9. Pure dribble

What bankrupted the middle class, was not Bill Clinton's initial policies, it was the republicans extending those trade agreements, get your story straight. Seems the Obama crowd should be on another board, continually bashing the Clinton's. You have no intention reading or educating herself, you just here as another Clinton basher. There are other boards more accommodating to your tripe.

[lligrd]

17. Did You Give Up On Rovian Tactics So Quickly

that you had to steal mine? The "other board" suggestion was for you. Clinton set the trade agreements in place without safeguards. That was his fault. He did the same with Welfare Reform and kids are no endangered because of it.

With your weak arguments, I don't even believe you are a Clinton supporter. More likely, you are from the "other board" and are a real "Hillary hater" that thinks getting her into the National election will benefit you. It won't!!

[JTFrog]

20. Not to mention the repeal of Glass-Steigal which undid all the banking safeguards that FDR had put

in place. Folks are just about to realize the damage that has done. I noticed that they have stopped saying "recession" and started using the word "depression" in some financial analysis.

[lligrd]

22. Very True! nt

[lapfog_1]

7. How about we repeal the NAFTAs, CAFTAs and WTOs

and bring our middle class jobs BACK... and put tariffs on imported crap.

How about that?


The whole experiment that we would move manufacturing jobs overseas where cheaper labor and lax environmental standards would produce really cheap stuff that we could all buy with our shiny new hi tech information jobs (right after our labor force retrained for them!) was a failure. And you can substitute bio tech for hi tech... neither happened.

We need to admit that the new jobs are all minimum wage retail jobs, not high paying hi tech jobs.

And there aren't enough of those either.

It was a very bad experiment, not completely thought through.

There are more honors students (upper 10 percent of their class)in China than there are students here.

If we shipped every job in the US to China... all of them... there would still be a labor surplus in China.

How about that Hillary?

I've listened to the "tax credits to retrain" bullshit too long.

[CatnHat]

11. Seems that post

should be directed to the Bush administration. Is that all you do, blame the Clinton's for everything.

[Vinca]

13. I get it. "NAFTA" and the rest "don't count."

The Clinton campaign mantra is "It Doesn't Count."

[CatnHat]

18. Go back and read

or google what those trade agreements were and who expanded them, that would be more constructive than posting trash.

[Vinca]

21. It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count!

It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count! It doesn't count!

[lapfog_1]

53. It's beyond blame... how about as a proposed solution? - n/t

[LBJDemocrat]

49. Yes!

And let's not forget that the competition for those low-end jobs is fierce, thanks to importation of labor through immigration.

[Creideiki]

50. I'd rather NAFTA and CAFTA get redone

There is strength in unity and diversity, just ask the Europeans. NAFTA could have done the same for us if the sovereignty paranoiacs would've had some intestinal fortitude. Unfortunately, I don't see those ever being satisfied (and there'd have to be constitutional adjustment that I don't think could get past the fearmongers). Still, a boy can have hope, right?

[lapfog_1]

54. Europe has the advantage of

trade among equals, more or less. Canada and the US could have executed a NAFTA, but Mexico is where the problem of unequal free trade becomes an issue.

[Creideiki]

55. Just an excuse

How many EU rules have various countries had to accept because of their membership? Pick the most important ones first and let Mexico know that if they want the benefits, then they adhere to the standards. Then again, how many standards would the US have forced on them by Canada and Mexico? Those are the issues where the sovereignty types balk.

[MannyGoldstein]

15. We'll Strengthen The Middle Class By

Sending their jobs overseas - Isn't that right, Rupie? Tell 'em, Tell 'em it'll work!

[Hart2008]

19. Exporting jobs and importing workers.

Economics is all about supply and demand, so we get shafted both ways in this economic model.

[CatnHat]

26. Obama crowd

is just so well informed.:sarcasm: It's no wonder their "leader" won't debate either. Same old stuff, all together now "hope", "change", hope", "change" is all they understand. Words Obama can't deliver, and his followers tearing down others while trying to promote Obama's non-existent agenda (still don't know what that guy stands for) Yeah, that's the ticket. Sat through a few of his speeches, and was wondering when he would start addressing issues, didn't happen. Go peddle your trash somewhere else. I started this thread to debate issues, not have a bash-fest about the Clinton's.

[MannyGoldstein]

27. 18 Debates Is No Ways Enough?

As to Obama's positions or lack thereof - name three areas where Clinton has a specific policy and Obama doesn't - I suspect that you cannot.

[lligrd]

29. Go Peddle Your Trash Somewhere Else?

Since when does 152 posts allow you squatter's rights on DU? I must have missed Skinner's post on that new rule.

[CatnHat]

33. Look, I start a thread

about Clinton's agenda, and in no time it turns into a bash party. I have every right to debunk your inane posts. I posted issues that are important to Americans, instead of debating these issues, you go on a rant.

I have better things to do and other sites to deal with; so lay off the number of posts I have or don't have. For a campaign centered on "unity" you sure are a prime example of what Obama's campaign stands for. :sarcasm:

[lligrd]

39. I See Your Three For The Day Are Already Done

I wasn't for the limit but I now see the wisdom in it.

All of your posts have been thinly veiled Obama bashes. Unfortunately for you, most here at DU are not that stupid. Thanks to the 3 rule post, you will have plenty of time to get back to your "other" site and post. Enjoy.

[CatnHat]

46. Unlike you

I choose to support my candidate, not stay around and throw bash parties. Oh, in your view, posting Hillary's agenda was a veiled bash to Obama. Huh, have you totally lost it. You actually thought I posted Hillary's agenda to spite Obama. Now that's sad. :rofl:

Typical response to yet another "follower" of the self-proclaimed leader of the Democratic party. You guys are something else.

[Name removed]

30. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[lligrd]

32. That Post Ain't Gonna Win You A Duzy Award

Was that a discussion?

[Armstead]

43. Aside from the tone of some responses, they are raising an important issue

This stuff did not start with Bush. The Clintons were enthusiastic neoliberals (i.e. ultra conservatives) when it came to endorsing policies that have given corporations immense power, have stripped workers of both jobs and rights, and hollowed out the American economy and the middle class.

[workinclasszero]

28. NAFTA!!!

Yeah that REALLY strengthened the middle class Hillary!:puke:

:wtf: :dunce: :mad: :argh: :spank: :grr: :nuke:

[0007]

37. She also points out that the economy is picking up.

The homeless can be seen these days sleeping in new cardboard boxes that the new refrigerators came in.

The Middle Class today and the Working Class tomorrow, 'eh?

[Kokonoe]

38. As a member of the US senate, why just a website?

Let's take a closer look at who's really qualified and or who's really working for the good of all of us in the Senate. Obama or Clinton.

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term - 6yrs. - and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law - 20 - twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress www.thomas.loc.gov, but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive.
16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11 18. Assist land mine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.
There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.
Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.

During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced

233 regarding health care reform,

125 on poverty and public assistance,

112 crime fighting bills,

97 economic bills,

60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,

21 ethics reform bills,

15 gun control,

6 veterans affairs and many others.
His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These included **the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law, **The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, - became law, **The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate, **The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, - became law, **The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In committee, and many more.
In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096.
An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made public.
He's not just a talker.
He's a doer.

[Hepburn]

41. Wow,.....great list...thank you!

I noticed you don't have 1,000 posts, but you have been a DUer since 2002. All I can say is that when you do post, you sure as hell make it count!

Excellent post....:hi:

[Kokonoe]

44. The author is unknown but thanks

[Hepburn]

47. Hey...you found it and brought it here to share.......

...and that is what counts!

[IndianaGreen]

45. The Clintons only care about the investor class, not the working class

All the working class will get from the Clintons is the old BOHICA.

[Barack_America]

48. Didn't you guys get let-go this week?

Seriously, we heard there was a major shake-up.

Did it have anything to do with this?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KyUUx3no_gs

[dailykoff]

58. These are the new guys.

"Stick to the script fellas"

[Lex Talionis]

60. Damn! Thats got to hurt. Good shot.

[Lex Talionis]

59. "Hillary Clinton: Strengthening Our Middle Class:

I would say what that is, but I'm suppose to be polite. It comes from the backend of a bull, though. They, along with every administration since Reagan have been sticking it to the working class. Just because you create 1,000,000 low paying service jobs, to replace 1,000,000 highly paid, skilled, factory, and trade jobs that left the country because of NAFTA,doesn't mean your helping us. I wish I had a college education, so I could understand that way of thinking. Glad to see people are finally seeing what the Clinton's are all about.

[dailykoff]

64. translation -- "Hillary Clinton: Tax Cuts for the Rich"

that's our Goldwater girl! :headbang: