write or remain silent: Barack Obama

I liked senator Barack Obama’s speech. Knowing all the things he's gone through to get where he his.When he said that his candidacy was about us, and not about him. That let me know he was looking out for our interest and benefits. Also when he said he'd eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.Cut taxes - cut taxes - for 95% of all working families. Because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class. The most important things he said that will benefit our country has a whole was that he has president will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.Investment in things that will lead to new industries and open five million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced. Invest in early childhood education. Recruit an army of new teachers, and pay them higher salaries and give them more support. And in exchange, I'll ask for higher standards and more accountability. And we will keep our promise to every young American - if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford a college education. After hearing Obama's speech it got me more amped to vote and with all the support from his wife Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton I feel there is a good chance that this November Barack Obama could win this election.

Is John McCain desperate: SNL

Is John McCain so desperate to win the 2008 presidential election that he'll do anything? Even help make fun of his own VP pick, Sarah Palin on "Saturday Night Live?" Really? It's weird I can't see Barack Obama making fun of Joe Biden. Anyways during SNL McCain speaking about not having enough money to afford a prime time infomercial like Obama. Tina Fey's as Palin even pushes a set Joe Action Figures: Joe Six Pack, Joe the Plumber and Joe Biden. Minutes later, Sarah goes rogue, pushing her line of "Palin in 2012" T-shirts while McCain is off camera he asks what's going on? Did McCain go too far appearing in a skit that makes fun of his running mate? Or not far enough? He took a desperate attempt to boost his campaign but will it cost him the win? or help him lose?This skit wasn't to long ago, will people remember his desperate attempt voting tomorrow? Guess we'll see.

Big rating on SNL: Sarah Palin

Tina Fey as Sarah Palin earned SNL the biggest ratings in 14 years. Over 17million people for the first half-hour, when Fey's Palin first came out. "Did you catch Sarah Palin on 'SNL'?" McCain asked a crowd in Toledo, Ohio. "She did a great job." In the show's opening, Fey's Palin said at a news conference: "First off, I just want to say how excited I am to be in front of both the liberal elite media, as well as the liberal regular media. I am looking forward to a portion of your questions." Moments later, the camera cut away to the real Palin watching a television monitor alongside the show's executive producer, Lorne Michaels. "Saturday Night Live" had been reluctant to do so, feeling embarrassed when it announced Barack Obama would show up for the season's first show and he canceled hours ahead of time, but the early word created heavy anticipation. Michaels owes Palin a debt of gratitude. "Saturday Night Live" so far this season has been up 76 percent over last year at this time, Nielsen said. Even beyond that, the Fey skits have gone viral over the Internet, drawing more attention to the show. One study last week said only one-third of people who had seen Fey's impersonations did so on live TV; the rest saw them on DVRs or on their computers. Will the Sarah Palin phenomenon continue after tomorrows election? If the republican lose will there still be more skits on governor Palin? Who knows what will happen, we'll see towards the days to come.

John McCain: 7 more states

McCain on monday gave a speech in Miami, Florida to over 10 ,000 Cuban American conservatives. Saying there is one more day left until we take America in a new direction. Earlier that day he spoke in Tampa with a few less people but alot of cheers and enthusiasm. McCain spoke to the people saying with this kinda of intensity we will win florida and win the elections. Next he flow over to the Tennessee Virginia border. To make sure the Virginia turns red, even with Obama trailing ahead in Virginia with electrol votes of 51% to 47%, McCain is counting on GOP, the get out the vote ground game.Sarah Palin trys to work her magic in Ohio knowing the GOP must win there, she said she could feel it that we could win this. Mccain makes one more stop to Pennsylvania before flying to Indiana then to New Mexico where he will travel some 34000 miles before going to Nevada and Arizona. This was on Monday it is now November 4th and the elections has started. Did making those last stops for the electrol votes help? or did they hurt his chances? We'll see today.

Sarah Palin: Votes in Alaska

Shes speaks with fox news saying how proud she is to be able to vote and exercise her right to vote and everything else that our great nation has to offer for todays elections. She says tomorrow she hopes to be Vice President and be able to get right into working to help us Americans. Fox's news asks governor Palin who she's voting for and she says she doesnt have to say, she has her right to privacy that's the great thing about America. She then talks about the differences between Alaska and Washington, that Alaska has cleaned up the corruption and turned their government around. That that's what she hopes to do if she Vice President, change the wallstreet mayhem in Washington with refinement and fine tuning. Governor Palin says she knows that this election will be one of the most historical moments for America.That it bolds well for us no matter which side prevails, that through shatter glasses (9/11) we stand. They ask more questions on her past she answers and then she leaves. Will this update on Sarah Palin change the minds of some voters? or not? We'll find out November 5th, if the Republicans win.

Voters concern

Problems have been reported with vote machines in parts of Connecticut and in Palm Beach County, Florida that 450 voting machines have been rejecting ballots because people are not selecting the second form of the ballot that has florida state amendment. People want to know what happens when you ballot is rejected? there's no retake. They dont want another Algore mishap, so an expert of the public policy group from NYU says it's a new protection for the formum after the elections in 2006 for states like Florida that have had problems in the past. So that if a person forgets to vote for a race they have a chance to fix it. That's why the voting machines have these protections. The problem in florida is that people leave before the ballots get spits out and dont know that it was. Are those ballots thrown away? or keep to the side? NYU expert says they should be saved and counted later not thrown away. Another big problem that have people concern especially in Philly is that some Democratic monitors had kicked out some GOP election monitors saying your the minority you dont get to monitor this vote. NYU expert says it varies from state to state, that it's unlikely for the majority party to kick out the minority party. Will people know if their ballot will be counted if it was spit out? or will it be another mishap like in 2006?

College Professors Are Losing Out

Tenure.  Such a big, fancy-sounding word, sure to get you some significant Scrabble points.  Yet, without it, you're screwed.

According to a recent story in The Huffington Post, there are many college professors who are losing their jobs - such as they are - in this time of economic downturn.  These professors, known officially as "adjunct professors", are, literally, temps.  They are brilliant men and women, with PHDs and publications and decades of experience and research behind them, that are hired like WalMart employees.  They are hired part-time, given no benefits, skimpy pay, and can be let go at a moments' notice.

Some examples from the article:

• A writer who taught for more than twenty years at a private Southern California college was paid so little, he had to work the graveyard shift at airport gift shops.
• Another professor made a 4 hour commute to teach a class for 27 years, but was only paid $3,000 a semester.  Now, he's lost his job because the school could hire someone for less, in this terrible economy.

So why do these colleges and universities, that ask for 40 or 50 grand a semester take such advantage over these people?  Simply put, because they can.  There are no laws or regulations backing up the professors, they have no unions to fight for them, and there are always others who would eagerly take their jobs if they could.  It's like swimming upstream with no arms or legs-impossible.  The professors are helpless against the power of the institution.

These colleges and universities, that bill themselves as "guardians of knowledge" and "champions of the arts", are really no better than the chain box stores that screw their employees to give the CEOs a few million more.  At least with WalMart, the employees they're screwing are in a position where the job is all they've got - the schools are screwing some of the most brilliant people of our time, who are responsible for the education of the youth of America.  I'd say, at the very least they deserve some compensation for their work.

How to Start a Cascade (or at Least Some Ripples and Waves)

After reading everyone's final essays and visiting all of the blogs and Facebook groups, I have to say, you have started some amazing projects. I know some of you may not have grand ambitions for your new blogs and Facebook groups, yet it's easy to see that quite a few of you not only have an important vision, but a plan and a desire to keep working to make a change in the world.

Even if you do not see yourself being an avid blogger now that the semester is over, I am asking all of you -- as in everybody -- for a favor. A number of you mentioned feeling disappointed that more people hadn't joined your Facebook groups. Since your group is one of the best ways to publicize your blog, the more people you can attract to the group the higher your blog's profile is likely to be.

So here's the favor: Teaching the two sections of this course this semester was very rewarding for me, and among the many things I valued about the experience is the sense of camaraderie and community that was developed in both the classroom and on the blog. As a way to continue in that spirit, I would like to encourage you all to visit your classmates' blogs and to join their Facebook groups.

This second step is really important. As you all know by now, when you join a group, this will appear to anyone who can view your feed, which in turn will allow people in your networks to learn about their existence. Simply by joining the groups, which takes no time at all, you will surely help grow the groups and increase the visibility of your classmates' blogs. Combined, you can reach thousands of others (the 11 public profiles I could view boast a combined 4,719 friends)!

Below you find links to everyone's blogs and Facebook groups. Please visit the blogs and join the groups, and make any contributions to others' efforts that you can.

Thank you!


Blogs

The Child Saver

Choice





Class Structure: The Importance of Blogging





Debate-A-Base





The Deep Blue Sea




An E-Vote Today Keeps Your Candidate Away





End Female Genital Mutilation





Gender Stereotypes






Give Red: Donate Blood





The “Ideal” Woman





In Harmful Hands








The Last of the Zoroastrians






License to Kill





Make a Difference — End Indifference






MCAS





More Trees, Less Bush





Revitalize America’s Rail Network




SAG on Strike





Save the Sharks





Social Exclusions & Inclusions of Disabled Individuals in Society




Truth Commission for the Congo





Un Gran Trecho



Facebook Groups:

1,000,000 Against Animal Cruelty

Adventures in Colombian Microcredit

American Class Structure

The Child Saver Choice

Concerned Citizens for Rail Transport

Debaters for Speed

End Shark Finning

A Fight Against MCAS Testing

Give Blood!

His & Hers

The Last of the Zoroastrians

Marine Sanctuaries

More Trees, Less Bush

PMC Watch

SAG on Strike

Social Exclusions & Inclusions of Disabled Individuals in Society

Spread Knowledge and Help End FGM

Truth Commission for the Congo

Voters in Opposition to E-Voting (V.O.T.E.)

Wake Up! End Indifference and Make a Difference

The Women’s ‘Ideal’

Blackwater Being Held Responsible

It seems that, now that Obama is the new face of America, we will finally start being responsible.  5 Blackwater guards have just been indicted by the U.S. Justice Department for killing 17 innocent Iraqi civilians on September 16, 2007.  

Blackwater, the private security firm, has been running amok in Iraq since Bush declared "Mission Accomplished".  There has been no oversight, and it seemed like the Blackwater guards were above any laws.  

However, last week the Iraqis and the Americans signed an agreement which removed the Blackwater guards' immunity.  These five guards are the first to have charges brought against them - and I would fully expect there to be more to come.

However, I would just like to take a few minutes to just let it sink in... 

GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY RESPONSIBILITY IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!

Source: The New York Times: In Iraq, Anger and Satisfaction Over Blackwater Charges

Changing Bush's Orders

There is a good chance the President-Elect Obama will overturn some of President Bush's most controversial decisions. The orders under inspection range from embryonic stem cell research to "gag" orders on international aid organizations regarding abortion, to oil and gas drilling on federal lands. 

According to John Podesta, Obama's transition co-chair, Obama's transition team has been going through "hundreds of Bush's executive orders", determining whether or not they require further review and possible turnovers. Obama may use executive orders to make his mark on Washington quickly, especially if he decides to lift the ban on stem cell research, as this would cause quite a stir not only in the political world but also religious, medical, and in the general public. 

Stem cell research in particular has been a heavily debated topic during the Bush administration. In August of 2001, Bush stopped the National Institutes of Health from providing any funding for embryonic stem cell research. Despite the fact that stem cell research could help millions of people around the globe. People with diseases such as Parkinsons, Diabetes, and even spinal injuries could be helped, possibly even cured by stem cells. These people are definitely waiting for the Bush ban to be lifted on stem cell research. The controversy behind stem cell research is that researchers require human embryos for their research, which come from recently aborted fetus's. Conservatives are against this notion, and President Bush being a Conservative stunted the ability to pursue research into the capabilities of Stem Cells.

However with President-Elect Obama coming into office in January we are likely to see some of these orders overturned. If Obama were to reverse any of Bush's orders it would be an instant example of change in Washington. 

Loan Modification Plan Allows Many to Keep Their Homes

Eddie Morrison, a truck driver making $65,000 dollars a year, was behind on his mortgage and waiting for a foreclosure letter when he received a letter from their mortgage holder, IndyMac, that informed him that he would be able to keep his home.

The mortgage holder, which had recently be seized by federal regulators, and was now being headed by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chairman Sheila Bair, put a hold on foreclosures. This freeze gave people such as Eddie Morrison the time to create an affordable loan payment plan. Bair based this plan on the idea that she thinks it is of the utmost importance to deal with the root of the economic problem by helping homeowners such as Morrison. 

Bair has proposed a plan that will "allow homeowners who are sixty days late on their mortgage a chance to reduce high interest rates and extend the length of the loan if they qualify". Some people in Washington believe that the proposal is really just a subsidy for troubled homeowners. However Bair was quoted as saying "we could prevent 1.5 million foreclosures from occurring".  She also believed that her plan could prevent thirty percent of the predicted foreclosures expected over the next two years. 

I hope that this plan is taken into consideration by politicians in Washington, because if her numbers are correct then the proposed plan could give some seriously needed stress relief to homeowners.

The Fall of the Auto Industry?

By 2009 there are estimated to be only 19,700 auto dealerships left in the United States. This is compared to the 50,00 that were in operation during the 1940s. An even more telling number is the 747,000 cars sold in November; seems like a lot? Not when compared to the 1.18 million that were sold by this time last year. This report comes courtesy of Autodata and is a frightening look at the American auto industry. 

In Miama, Florida a sign on car dealership read "buy one, get two!" This is desperation as never before seen in the auto industry. Car dealerships continue to to report record low sales level, and it seems the only hope lies in the proposed government bailout of the big three auto companies; Chrysler, Ford, and GM. Ali Ahmed, sales manager at Rob Lambdin's University Dodge in Miami, was quoted as saying, "The first thing people think when they walk in is, 'it's a fake ad. It's a normal car dealer ad. It's a gimmick". The sad fact is that it is not. The only catch is that you must buy a Dodge truck at retail price before you can receive your second vehicle at $3,000 dollars in tax, tag and dealership fees.

With auto sales at an fifteen-year low, 700 dealerships have had to shut down since the beginning of the year, and that number is expected to hit 900 by the end of the year. Annette Sykora, the chairwoman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, stated that dealers have had to cut personnel and expenses. She has had to cut staff by almost twenty percent at her dealerships. 

Sykora discussed with the school superintendent of schools in Slaton, Texas where some of her dealerships are located, and discussed what would happen if those dealerships were to shut down. She stated that "the loss of tax revenue would would force them to cut programs and teachers". Not only this but families who lost their jobs would have to leave town in search of other work, which would only further hurt the towns economy. 

This domino effect is something that not many people may relate with a dealership closing. The economy of a town would be seriously damaged, as not only would families leave, but teachers salaries would be cut, local media would take a hit as dealerships are a prime source of advertising. These are only a few examples of how closing dealership impact this particular town, imagine if towns all over the nation began to experience these consequences. 

Bill Gates Speaks on Stimulus Package

On Wednesday December 3rd, Bill Gates, the creator and CEO of Microsoft, was interviewed on his take on the current economy. He believes that President-Elect Obama must work with Congress to implement a wide-ranging stimulus package as soon as possible, as well as double the United States commitment to foreign aid. Gates was quoted as saying "clearly we need a stimulus that doesn't undermine the incentive for business to be careful about their spending and making those correct investments". This is true as if a stimulus package were to come into play companies could become comfortable with where they are, yet this cannot happen if the economy is to recover and build. For the foreseeable future companies must remain vigilant and smart in their dealings.

Another point that Gates is pushing toward Obama is the need to increase the spending on the nation's education systems, as well as attempt to increase upon technological advances which would improve agriculture, prevent disease, and promote agricultural growth in the world's poorest nations. This is also a valid point as the global South is just beginning to enter their industrial revolution as it would be of value to the United Sates if they were to help the growth now. 

Gates made another great point in saying "The key point I'd make is that in addition to that stimulus, you've got to fund the kind of scientific work and educational investments that could really have us be a much better country as we emerge from the recession". This is true as while we need a stimulus to help us out of this economic slump, we also need programs that will help us to avoid this type of situation in the future. 

Changing Interrogation Policies?

On Wednesday December 3rd, Eric Holder, President-Elect Obama's nomination for Attorney General, met with twelve retired admirals and generals about making changes to the United States current policy on interrogation. Each of the twelve officers has been against President Bush's endorsement of brutal interrogation techniques, such as the use of water-boarding. Water-boarding is designed to make the prisoner fell as though they a re drowning when in reality they are not. 

Each of the officers has expressed the need for a single, less controversial, policy for interrogation and detainment that will apply to all agencies. The meeting was also attended by Washington lawyer Greg Craig, who is one of Obama's appointment for White House Counsel, and Mary De Rosa, a member of Obama's national security transition team. 

Retired Rear Admiral John Hutson, was quoted as saying "It is (important) that the new President say up front that the United States is not going to engage in torture or enhanced interrogations". This is true as Obama needs to take a stand on a controversial issue such as the use of torture by the United States, as techniques such as these only help to strengthen a poor image of America. Another important point made by Hutson was that some inmates currently detained in Guantanamo Bay "should be treated like any other criminal" and tried in a United States district court. 

This would be a huge step in strengthening the image of the United States as Guantanamo has constantly an issue of debate among the citizens of every country. During his campaign President-Elect Obama indicated that he would like to close Guantanamo Bay and re-evaluate the Bush administrations policies on torture and detainment of suspected terrorists. Obama was quoted as saying "I have said repeatedly that I intend to close down Gunatanamo, and I will follow through on that". I for hope that this becomes a reality as the current detainment policies for Guantanamo Bay are ridiculous, containment without trial? Who knows how many innocent people are currently being housed in the facility. A change in torture policy and the closing of Guantanamo Bay would go a long way towards changing the image the world holds of America.

God Bless this American

In January Washington D.C. is going to be filled to the brim with people hoping to get a glimpse of President-Elect Obama during the inauguration. Tickets are difficult to get and are incredibly high-priced. Packages have gone for hundreds of dollars, and space to stay is even more difficult to find. Hotels have booked, and people have begun to look for rooms to rent.

However one businessman, Earl Stafford of Virginia, is making sure that some of the less fortunate people of the nation will be able to share in the historical event. Stafford has spent $1 million dollars to give hundreds of impoverished people, terminally ill individuals, and wounded men and women in uniform a chance to attend the inauguration for a cost of absolutely nothing. 

Tickets are handed out by congress and there are only 240,00 seats available. Yet Stafford has put together what is being called a "build-your-own-ball" package. HIs deal includes a high-end hotel room or luxury suite, food and drinks, a heated viewing spot above the parade route, and gowns and tuxedos to wear to the celebratory ball. He has even thrown in a beautician to help attendees get ready. Stafford invested his $1 million dollars into the JW Marriots "build-your-own-ball" package just after the election. 

The bill is being paid for by this family's nonprofit organization, the Stafford foundation, however the organization is also open to money from sponsors. Stafford was quoted as saying he hopes the balconies are filled "with those who are disadvantaged, those who are distressed, mingling with who aren't so. And we hope to see on their faces a sense of excitement." So far at least 2/3rd of the tickets will go to underprivileged people while the rest will be handed out to contributing sponsors, companies or volunteers.  

Auto Bailout Unpopular

The Auto companies proposal for a bailout, which looked strong in early November, is beginning to fail in the eyes of the American public. A recent poll has shown that six in ten Americans disagree with using taxpayers money to bail out auto companies. The poll, which was conducted on Monday and Tuesday, showed that sixty-one percent of those questioned were fully against the government using taxpayer money to aid failing auto companies, while thirty-six percent were for the auto companies receiving government aid. 

The poll also revelaed that fifty-three percent of people do not believe a government bailout will help the failing U.S. economy. This is an interesting notion as American auto-companies supply the population with millions of jobs and if they were to turn a new leaf that could result in more jobs which would strengthen the American economy. Only fifteen percent of people polled thought that they would be immediately affected if the auto-makers were to declare bankruptcy. Again this is interesting as auto-makers supply many jobs to the United States people. 

One funny aspect of this poll is that in early November there was fairly strong favor for this bailout. However after executives from GM, Ford and Chrysler performed poorly at congressional hearings, and admitted that they had taken private jets to those hearings, support dropped drastically. You would think they could have flown coach.

Where did the Ballots Go?

The recount of ballots for the senate race in Minnesota has stalled due to a large number of missing votes. An envelope from the city of Minneapolis, which contained 130 ballots, has gone missing. Deputy Secretary of State Jim Gelbmann has decided to give the city until December 16th to find the missing votes, if the votes are not found by then the canvassing board will meet that day and decide upon a course of action. Gelbmann was quoted as saying "We won't meet our goal to have all the ballots hand-counted by the end of the day [Friday] unless the envelope returns in the 24 hours". Andy Barr, the spokesperson for Democratic candidate Al Franken, has said he is "glad that Minneapolis election officials now acknowledge that these ballots are missing and that they are committed to finding them". 

However, Fritz Knaak, the spokesperson for Republican candidate Norm Coleman, has stated that it was "premature and simply irresponsible to suggest that there were missing ballots". He accused the Democratic Minneapolis Mayer R.T. Rybak of giving the Franken campaign news of the situation before the Coleman campaign. Going so far as to suggest the partisanship may cause an unfair advantage for the Democratic candidate by saying that "...the Secretary of State's office will refrain from any activity or action that can be perceived as partisan or supportive of the Franken campaign's overblown rhetoric about missing ballots". 

The recount began when unofficial results from the November 4th general election had Coleman, a freshmen Republican, ahead of Franken by 215 votes. How an envelope with 130 votes goes missing we may never know, but hopefully they will be found soon and Minnesota can find out who next represent their state in the Senate. 

Amerian's Agree with Obama's Plan for Troop Withdrawal

A recent poll of Americans has shown that the majority agree with President-elect Obama's plan for U.S. troops currently in the Middle East. As it stands his plan now involves a 16-month drawback of troops from Iraq, while transferring troops into Afghanistan.  A recent CNN poll shows that fifty-five percent of people polled agreed with his plan to lower the number of troops in Iraq and increase the number in Afghanistan. 

The poll also revealed that sixty-three percent of those polled are against the war in Iraq, while thirty-six percent agree with the war. Interestingly enough fifty-two percent are in favor of a war in Afghanistan, while forty-six percent are against military involvement in Afghanistan. CNN Senior Political Advisor put the situation into the best terms i have heard yet, "To the American public, Afghanistan is the good war, and it's going badly. Iraq is the bad war and it's going fairly well". I believe that the poll results reflect these numbers, as people think we need to be in Afghanistan and while the war in Iraq may be going fairly well, we still are not supposed to be there. 

President Obama is still standing by his plan, he has been quoted as saying that 16 months is the still the "right time frame" for a withdrawal. However, the some political analysts believe that the dispute between Pakistan and India may be the next big flair up in the world. So far Americans has stated that they want to remain out of this conflict, yet if the terrorist groups responsible continue to target American's, it is a possibility that we may see some American military forces in the area; so far Obama has been against this type of action, which is a good sign for Americans. 

Rights and Bailouts

"If I knew for a certainly that a man was coming to my house with the conscious design of doing me good, I should run for my life, as from that dry and parching wind of the African deserts called the simoom, which fills the mouth and nose and ears and eyes with dust till you are suffocated, for fear that I should get some of his good done to me,-some of its virus mingled with my blood"

- Thoreau

As I consider the ultimate effects of our governments continuing bailout of various business interests in the country I am disheartened by a few facts. One, We have no idea what it will ultimately cost. Two, we have been convinced that is imminently necessary. Leaving aside the economic arguments for and against for a moment let us consider the ominous effects of ceding so much of our rights to the government. We Americans guard are right jealousy, in times of peace and prosperity no one can generally shake us from an understanding of what is our due as citizens. It is only in times of trouble, when the mass of people is frothing at some nameless fear, can the government, with all the best reasons, rapidly grow in size and potency. In the infancy of our Republic the threat of war with France gave us the Alien and Sedition Acts. Our Civil War brought about the rise of a grand bureaucracy, the draft, and the first income tax in the victorious North. World War I gave us a modern standing army and the Sedition Acts With the Great Depression, which the government  and prolonged through tariffs and interference, we saw an attempt to pack the Supreme Court and a massive expansion of Government power which brought us everything from redlining to the Farm bill. During this same period the crime wave that came with government enforced prohibition was used to justify the creation of the FBI headed by Mr. J. Edgar Hoover. This dreary list continues on to present day, and I would continue, but who wants to get a file started at Carnivore? The point is that the consequences of these programs and infringements generally far outstrip the urgency with which they were called for. What will be the consequences of large portions of the banking world remaining under government control?  (Some of these banks, it should be noted, accepted Government funding against their will.)  Who can say with any certainty? But mark well where the benign hand of our government flits and tarries in these days of panic. 

Conservatives are Whiny People

Conservative groups are currently latching onto a piece of the Constitution that makes Senator Hillary Clinton ineligible to be Barack Obama's Secretary of State. Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution states: "No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time." This basically means that  no lawmaker can hold a position if the salary for that position has been raised while that lawmaker was in office. 

This is a problem for Senator Clinton as in January, President Bush raised the salary for the Secretary of State and other cabinet positions by $4,700 dollars. Senator Clinton has served in the Senate since January of 2001. The conservative advocacy group Judicial Watch says that the case is closed and shut, that Hillary Clinton cannot be the Secretary of State. Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton was quoted as saying "There's no getting around the Constitution's ineligibility clause, so Hillary Clinton is prohibited from serving in the Cabinet until at least 2013, when her current term expires".

However many legal scholars are claiming that there are ways around this clause. One such solution is to lower the salary of said position to its previous amount. This happened in 1974 when Ohio Senator William Saxbe was appointed attorney general by President Nixon. CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin listed off several other solutions, such as, for Senator Clinton to accept a lower salary, for the Senate to vote on a lower salary, or to simply ignore the problem based on "...the idea that no one has the right, has the standing, to sue to stop her from becoming secretary of state". 

The clause can say what it says, as far as the Obama administration is concerned there are plenty of ways around it. In fact, Obama has said that he was well aware of the clause when he nominated Senator Clinton for the position. Also the public has fully agreed with the decision as a poll showed that 71% of Americans agree with Obama's decision. Overall the conservative groups such as the Judicial Watch Committee need to get over the fact that they lost and allow the Obama administration to move ahead unhindered. When there is clearly precedent to accept Clinton to her nominated position, the conservatives should allow it to happen and stop whining.

What's a Proper Reaction?

So India has suffered an embarrassing and horrific attack on its citizens, on its' soil, on one of the best known symbols, the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai.  Now what?  India has two options: it could do like the U.S. did after 9/11, and just go wild, using military force to defeat a guerilla foe.  Or, it could do what the U.S. should have done, and work with the leadership of the country where the terrorists came from.  Let's examine the two scenarios.

Option 1: Respond Like the U.S.

Well, it certainly seems to be a popular idea.  All of the pundits and reporters and TV commentators seem to be stuck on the metaphor of "India's 9/11".  And there certainly are parallels.  Like 9/11, it was a devastating attack on India's soil, with a high number of civilian casualties, on a national landmark, with shocking swiftness, preparedness, and surprise.  If India chose to go the route of the U.S., they would likely raid Pakistan to destroy the training camps, because it is the country of the terrorist's origin.

Option 2: Diplomacy and Cooperation

The Indian government could, instead, work with Pakistan to take down the terrorists in a more lasting and damaging way, by building up security and intelligence and then sharing information with Pakistan.  It's not like the Pakistani government was behind the attacks; it was an entirely solo attack by the terrorists.  Pakistan's government is weak at this time, and is unable to effectively root out the terrorists hiding within its borders.  It needs help from other countries, especially India, to fight it's terrorists.  Plus, Pakistan has had some horrible attacks of its own, such as the September attack on the Islamabad Marriott.  It's not like the government enjoys having such dangerous chaos-makers inside its' borders.

So what'll it be?  Go on a reckless military offensive, attacking other countries mercilessly and needlessly?  Or will it be a diplomatic approach, working with other countries to counter-act the terrorists and root them out?  So far, it seems that India is going with route # 2.  I'd say that it's by far the right choice.

Now, what about the Pakistanis?  The terrorists came from their country, and they claim to be waging a jihad against the forces of evil.  What should the people of Pakistan do?  Should they sit by, let the governments make big, sweeping statements about how this cannot be tolerated and the terrorists will be dealt with?  Or should they act on their own, and show the terrorists that they are not helping their Muslim sisters and brothers?

Do you remember when the Muslim world rose up and protested the offensive Danish cartoon about the Prophet Muhammed?  What if the Muslim world rose up again and protested the killing of innocent civilians?  Most of Pakistan is not under the control of the radical fundamentalist Imams who preach hatred of the West.  They can show the terrorists that killing others is not the way to get to heaven and the promised 72 virgins.  

So far, there have been some positive signs of a repudiation of the terrorist's ideology.  The Pakistani government has responded with sincere seriousness and has shown no link to the group involved.  In addition, many of the prominent political and cultural leaders have stated their outrage and dismay and horror at the attack. Now, however, it is time for the rest of Pakistan and the Muslim world to step up.  Because its' one thing for a politician to say something.  It's quite another for the people to rise up as one and agree.

SOURCES: New York Times Op-Ed Column

India's 9/11?  Not Exactly

Calling All Pakistanis

Rice Visits Pakistan

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a brief stop in Pakistan today. Rice met with President Asif Ali Zardari, her purpose being to strengthen the lines of communication between India and Pakistan, in light of the recent attacks on Mumbai. Her stop in Pakistan cam on the heels of a stop she made in India just a few days ago. The purpose of the meeting was to again speak about the recent attack on Mumbai. 

President Zardari promised Rice that Pakistan would be investigating whether or not Pakistani militants were involved in the Mumbai attacks, he also vowed to take strong action against anyone that is found to have been involved. This statement was made after India accused Pakistani militants of being responsible for the attacks and requested that Pakistan find and turn over twenty suspects to the custody of authorities in India. 

The Pakistani paper, The Daily Times, stated that "Rice herself has made no such accusation, saying that she wouldn't make conclusions until more evidence has been gathered". Despite this Pakistani cooperation in the matter would go a long way towards improving relations between India and Pakistan. While it is still unclear as to who exactly carried out the attacks, many believe it was Pakistani militants, while others blame it on Indian Muslims, on thing that is certain is that it will take cooperation from everyone to find the people responsible and bring them to justice. 

Secretary of Defense Gates to Stay on for Obama Cabinet

Current Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has agreed to stay on during the Obama administration. While the two have had their differences on certain issues, such as the Iraq war, secretary gates was quoted as saying he was "impressed" with comments made by president-elect Obama. Gates has already stated that he has no intention of being a "caretaker secretary" and listed off several challenges that Obama will face including the budget and war strategy, while also stating that he will be involved in all of these issues. 

Gates has said that he does not necessarily disagree with Obama's withdrawal plan for Iraq, stating that "he [Obama] wanted to have a responsible drawdown, and he also said that he was prepared to listen to his commanders." This is frankly great news as it shows that Obama truly is open to suggestions from people that have had more experience in government. Gates has so far stressed the issue of the Iraq war, specifically in regard to the length of a soldiers duty and the implementation of stop-loss. Stop-loss refers to the involuntary extension of a soldiers tour of duty. 

Obama to Choose Richardson for Secretary of Commerce

A Democratic source close to president-elect Obama has told CNN that Obama is likely to choose New Mexico governor Bill Richardson for his Secretary of Commerce. According to this source Obama has had Richardson on his list for cabinet members and also spoke to him about the position during November. CNN senior political correspondent Candy Crowley was quoted as saying "He brings to this plate, in particular in an era where the economy is the focus of attention, a lot of skills that could be put to use -- perhaps opening up marketplaces for U.S. products abroad". If this is true to be one of the reasons that Obama is seeking him then it shows that the economy is still first ad foremost on Obama's agenda. 

Richardson was considering running for the 2008 presidential election, however after a poor showing the New Hampshire primaries he dropped out and later endorsed Obama. 

Saxby Destroys Hopes for Filibuster Proof Seante

When the 2008 general election began results on the senate races began to indicate something that has not happened for over thirty years; a filibuster proof senate. The democrats were beginning to have hopes that they may not only have control of the senate but also be filibuster proof. However this dream was shot dead on Tuesday, December 2nd, when Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss was elected over his opponent, Democrat Jim Martin. 

Chambliss was reported as saying that the "people all around the world truly had their eyes on Georgia, and you have delivered tonight a strong message to the world that conservative Georgian values matter". The election, which has been going on since November 4th, due to Chambliss's inability to win the majority vote in a three-person race, marks the end of the dream for a filibuster proof senate. An interesting fact is that this is the first time since 1992 that Georgia has held a run-off election.

The New Ambassador

Susan Elizabeth Rice was born on November 17, 1964. She is a foreign policy expert and is now the American Ambassador to the United States. The two ambassadors who came before her were Kofi Annan, and Ban Ki-Moon.

Barack Obama has chosen Susan E.Rice to be the ambassador of the United Nations. According to a recent article in The New York Times, Ms.Rice will hopefully help stop major problems even if it means using armed forces to help solve those problems. Problems can include the recent genocide cases that have taken place in Darfur. According to this article, Experts believe that Obama is serious about spreading positive change, the reason they believe such a statement is because he chose Susan E.Rice who is Obama's "closest advisors, so it underscores how much of a priority he's making the position." She is a good candidate for this position because she is not afraid to face whatever she has to in order to prevent a crisis from happening. “Admirers said she is a good listener and able to stand up to strong personalities, including foreign autocrats and militants in volatile regions of the world.” (www.nytimes.com) The reason I believe Ms.Susan Rice is going to be an excellent United Nations Ambassador to the United States is because, according to the article, she visited Rwanda in 1994 right after the genocide. After she saw millions of bodies lying on the ground, she promised herself that she would never let this happen if she ever was in charge of managing or even being part of the UN. “I swore to myself that if I ever faced such a crisis again, I would come down on the side of dramatic action, going down in flames if that was required,” she told the Atlantic Monthly in 2001.

 

For more information, please click here. 

Jimmy Carter and Human Rights

The world was ecstatic when it heard that Barack Obama was going to be the next president of the United States. With Barack Obama as president, everyone knew that everything was going to be okay whether it was ending the two ongoing wars or defending and properly understanding Human Rights worldwide. Jimmy Carter, the founder of The Carter Center, has said in a recent interview with CNN, “a high priority will be the restoration of human rights, which have been badly eroded in recent years.” The reason Jimmy Carter decided to focus and address this topic is because he believes that the United States should focus more on enforcing Human Rights around the world. According to Jimmy Carter, activists from around the world join his annual conferences and say that the US is not advocating and encouraging other countries to engage in Human Rights acts. Because the US is not encouraging those acts, countries do not feel the need to do so. “For years, these activists have told us that when the United States engaged in torture and indefinite detention, their decades of struggle for rights began to erode. Dictators who had felt pressure from the United States to improve rights were suddenly off the hook. With new leadership in Washington, a clear and principled message on the centrality of human rights can help set a new tone.” Jimmy Carter believes that the United States is the main and higher power in which developing countries can look up to when it comes to issues regarding Human Rights. The main purpose of Jimmy Carter’s interview was to show that when humans are taken advantage of, used and abused, peace could never be achieved. He also encourages people to listen to Human Right activists when they speak about problems within their own communities. We need to be aware of those problems and help solve them before they escalate and become more dangerous and harder to handle.

For more information, please click here.

 

Guaranteed Paycheck

Here's a reason for some why the Army is so appealing: a guaranteed paycheck. In an officially receding economy in which we are now hearing that A-Rod is starting to feel the difficulties of economic struggle, the view switches to everyday youth who would rather risk their lives in the Army rather than risk testing the waters of the slumping job market. According to an MSNBC report, the retention rate of soldiers in their early careers has been steadily increasing since 2004 and now rests 20% higher than in 2004. One soldier was identified as not hesitant in re-enlisting for 5 years after serving in the 82nd Airborne Division which suffered the highest one year total of the units sent since the fighting between Iraq and Afghanistan started (MSNBC). The soldier reasoned, "I want a stable life for my wife in a very shaky economy. There were no other options. I figure if do another five or ten years in the Army, the economy will turn around and I can get a truck-driving job." Others who were noted in the report for enlisting as a result of the sagging job market included a factory worker being laid off and a 21 year old who wanted to get a 2 year college degree but opted to enlist in the army for security.

In turn the economic crisis has been a big help to the Pentagon, which had its strongest recruiting years since 2004. David Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness admitted, "We do benefit when things look less positive in civil society. What difficult economic times give us, I think is an opening to make our case to people who we might not otherwise have."

This may seem upsetting at first, to see America's jobless youth resorting to enlisting in the Army for job security because of the lack of other options. But when all is said and done, serving in the Army is a much better use for Americans than say, working at a dog racing track, which sparked debates recently about closing and eliminating jobs. And the job security that soldiers get is by far not the only benefit they receive. Many learn skills while serving in the Army that could serve them use once they finish their service. A Marine Staff Sergeant, Angela Mink stated her reason for deciding to re-enlist even after suffering a helicopter related injury, "Equivalent pay is nonexistent, once you factor in insurance premiums, housing costs...and we would definitely have had to relocate. I have a child with a disability and what civilian employer is going to take that into consideration when they think of moving you somewhere?"

At the same time people could argue that it is not right for people to have to put their lives in mortal danger in order to get better financial and employment security. It comes down to whether or not you would risk your life for a number of years instead of financial adversity, and no matter how many people join the Army, it is one job that will always be hiring.


"Soldiers choose war over bleak economy". Associated Press. 2 December 2008. MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28019406/

guess foreign policy is a big deal after all...

So, the economy is still a pretty big deal, but after the terrorist attacks in India, foreign policy has jumped to the forefront of a lot of peoples minds. So whats going to happen?

Well, Obama has defended his belief that, if terrorists flee the US into Pakistan, they can be pursued. But it will be interesting to see what his opinion is about India pursueing terrorists into Pakistan, which is where the attacks are believed to have originated from.

But besides other issues like Russia, Al Queada, Iran, and Iraq, Obama will also have to deal with one of the worlds new great powers: China.

In recent years China has had an economic growth rate 3 times that of the US, and while it is estimated that both will drop in the next few years, the best estimates are that the US will have a growth rate of 1%, while China will have a rate of 5%. If China is growing five times faster than the US, then it will not be long until the US is surpassed as the worlds leading power.

As if Obama didn't have enough on his plate with the economy, he now has to deal with all of this to? The task laid before him was already more difficult than any President has ever faced, but this is almost impossible. Hopefully he live up to expectations. Because it is very possible that America as we know it is at an end. Will the US continue to be a leading power, or will constant economic decline, terrorist attacks, and the success of other nations lead to us being the beggar of the world?

Where will Hillary go from here?

Even though she lost out to Obama in the primaries, being the newly nominated Secretary of State sure isn't that bad. But what does it mean for her career? As Secretary of State she is in a prime position to demonstrate her political effectiveness, but then again she is also in a great position to usurp Obama and cause dissent among his followers.

Clinton's options are to either work with Obama and put the past behind her, or to work to undermine him. If she works with him she will show a unified force in the White House, and will demonstrate a lot of qualities people will look for. But, if she works against Obama, and leaks information that she is displeased with the way he is handling a situation that goes badly, then she can almost gaurantee herself the Democratic nomination in the next election. Of course, if she does do that, then there is no telling what will happen to the countries economic position.

But, with either position she chooses, her performance as Secretary of State will determine what happens to her political career. If she does a good job, then she opens up more doors for herself, and, again, could have a chance at running again for President in a few years.

Regardless, Hillary Clinton is part of Obama's new powerhouse cabinet. She is intelligent, and she is capable, and while she is the most controversial of Obama's selections, she is also probably one of the best candidates ever nominated to that position. Where ever she goes from here, the nomination to Secretary of State has the potential to be a huge boost for her. While she will never overshadow Obama, she has the potential to ride the wave all the way to another presidential ballot.

Black Friday

Jdimytai Damour, a 34-year-old salesman, died during what was considered to be a crowd of customers of about 4-5,000 shoppers at Walmart. “An autopsy showed that Damour died of asphyxiation after being trampled, Nassau County officials have said.” A lady who was there at exactly 3:50 am said, “It was a real mob.”  The reason for his death is that Walmart did not have enough security and was not assuring people that they will all be able to enter the store and get what they are looking for. It all happened on Friday, which was also called “Black Friday”, in New York. Two customers are suing Walmart because they thought that Walmart should have been more prepared because it should have known more about “Black Friday.” The two customers were both injured during the rush early in the morning. The two customers were father and son, also known as the Messadieus. They were “literarily carried outside the store, and are now suffering from pain in their neck and back from being caught in that surge of people.” (cnn.com) The lawyer said that the police visited the site several times but never even bothered to really look into it. The Messadieus’ lawyer says that there should have been better security, and Walmart should have known of what was going to happen. According to CNN, a video that was taken of the scene showed customers being stepped on and being thrown to the ground. This did not only happen in New York, it also happened around the country in many other shops. In Boston, one man died in the downtown-crossing district and many were injured. Storeowners need to accept the fact that whenever black Friday comes along, chaos is bound to happen. They should know to set up security.  What is ironic is the fact that people are dying and being injured when they are shopping for a happy and joyful holiday. 

Bye Bye to bushisms

Im going to miss Bush. How could you not? I mean we have calenders and books based solely off of the 'Bushism'. I mean, Bush might have actually been a very competent man, whom will be remembered badly simply because we couldn't inderstand what the hell he was getting at most of the time. take this for example:


"The system is becoming unthawed, and it's going to take time for the system to become unthawed. What the American people have got to know is we've taken the steps to unthaw it, which is the first step to recovery."

If something is becoming unthawed, doesnt that mean its freezing? We dont want to have the system to freeze. that would be very bad Mr. Bush. Honestly though, I cant tell if he's a smart guy who cant talk, is just stupid, or is a criminal mastermind who openly admits his devilish schemes to 'unthaw' the Earth.

Of course, one of the good things is that we wont have to deal with his confusingly adamant nature anymore. I mean the guy has found every reason possible to make the Iraq war justified, but in a recent interview said himself that going to war was a mistake. But later in the same interview, when asked if he would go to war again, stated "that is a do-over I can't do". Say what? I'de like Bush as a clown, or maybe a stand up comedian, but a President needs to be a bit more concise.

Anyways, I am still glad I can finally say farewell to Bush. It's been a long strange trip, but we're starting a new one. Hopefully Obama will do better, but hes already off to a good start.

School Choice

The news recently has been that the President-Elect and his wife have decided to a send their two children to the exclusive Sidwell school in Washington D.C. The future first couple have acted prudently, in a manner not dissimilar to how the rest of the transition has been run. The children will undoubtedly receive a fine education and Sidwell seems well equipped to deal with the special needs that will arise regarding the daughters of the most powerful man in the world. One question though remains, if the Obamas recognise the superiority of private education, why then do they deny that choice to thousands in our nations capital and millions around the country by going against school choice vouchers. Vouchers  would allow parents to take the total or a large portion of what it costs for the state to educate their child and apply that money to a private institution. They are currently being tested in the capital, and for every one child who has applied for the program, three are denied. The average income of the families these children come from is 23,000 dollars. The state has failed these families, D.C. public schools rank at the bottom of  11 major city school systems. The same article notes that half of the children attend schools that are described as "persistently dangerous", and that the cost per pupil is among the highest among major cities at close to 13,000 dollars a year. That parents line up to receive a check for a little more then half of that is certainly telling. I may just be naive, but I can't see any reasonable argument for not extending this program across the country and giving the gift of hope and decent education to the most impoverished of our citizens. this would not only help to level the playing field between public and private education, the worst public schools would simply cease to exist, but it would give poorer families a far greater choice as to how their children are educated. Wouldn't that be change we could believe in?

Justice and Law

Great nations, it is said, are not destroyed from without until they are weakened from within. With the myriad of topics and grave national discussions this country is engaged in the most far reaching effect of this next election has been obscured. The opinion of the judges appointed during the coming presidency, particularly those placed on the Supreme Court, will shape the way our constitution is understood and enacted upon well into the next century. The effects of which will be felt long after the next president, with all his promises and hopes, passes into history.
The basic stability of our country is based on the simple not overly long document, ratified by the states, known as the United States Constitution. It enumerates ways which laws can be enacted and repealed; defines the rights of its citizen; and lays out a system of checks and balances which have brought this country, in the span of roughly two hundred years, from a new world back water to unarguably the greatest power on earth. The continued belief in and protection of the Constitution is an integral part of ensuring that our Republic remains the potent force and garuntee of freedom that it has become. As Thomas Jefferson said, "the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. "

The major candidates presented two stark interpretations of the judges necessary to maintain our rights and check any unlawful usurpation of power. Senator Obama believed in a "living constitution" that is a constitution whose interpretation changes over time. Senator Mccain believed in strict constitutionalism or in a "dead constitution" that is an interpretation where the founders "original intent" is given heavy weight. Now the idea of a living constitution is on the surface an atractive one. It allows a judge to take present mores into account and allows him or her greater leeway in correcting wrongs that are not specifically noted in the constitution. It is this changing understanding of the prohibition against "cruel and unusual punishment" that evolves the methods by which we execute our prisoners, from strait forward hanging and firing squads to the use of more ingenous gases and injections. Of course, there is a great danger in this method, because just as such leeway can be used to do good above and beyond the letter of the law, it can just as easily be used to commit evil. The proper role of Judges is to interpet the laws that are passed by the legislative branch, not create new rights or penalties based on their own opinions. Some judges have begun to site the rulings of foreign courts, like those in Zimbabwe, as a justification for their decisions, this is completely wrong. The temptation is great to cheer the appointment of those judges that will act in accord with one's political persuasion, but Democrat and Republican alike should fear the increasing power that is placed in the hands of these unelected officals. If new rights are needed or old laws are wanting, the best place for change is in the ballot box.

Deterrence, Terrorism...Raskolnikov

Todd brought up an interesting point in one of his comments, the West has yet to come up with an adequate form of deterrence against terrorist assaults that is both effective and morally acceptable. The idea that a strong well prepared armed forces is the best guarantee to peace, and as an extension of that, that a balance of power makes War too awful to contemplate ( An idea that came to the fore with the ghastly result of World War I but was then refined and simplified to produce the horrific "Mutually Assured Destruction", where the certainty of a global nuclear holocaust was meant to chasten those among the super powers who hoped for a first strike. ) is an idea that has no power against a stateless terrorist entity. This is particularly true to a group which is dedicated to giving their lives for their cause. What threat is potent enough to stay such determination? Adolf Hitler wrote that in regards to partisan attacks in the territories his armies occupied "whatever worked" was what was to be done. This evolved in France, but even more violently in the East, into a system of hostages held in certain townships who would be shot in many multiples for every German killed or act of sabotage perpetrated. While surely monstrous, one wonders if it was even effective, for it doesn't seem to have appreciably slowed partisan activity and assuredly turned the populace more heavily against the occupying armies. Echos of this extreme response exist in present day. Seven years ago Thomas Friedman wrote an Op-Ed in the New York Times describing the father of the current Syrian "President's" method in dealing with terrorist attacks emanating from a certain city, Hama. He ringed the city with troops, and then shelled it into submission, 15,000 to 20,000 Syrians are estimated to have died. The Op-Ed went on to note that Terrorist attacks from that city ceased. A few years later a Wall Street Journal Op-Ed tackled the problem more squarely and finished by considering the idea that the United States should publicly state that if a terrorist attack involving WMD occurs on American soil the response would be a Nuclear strike on the Muslim holy city of Mecca. It would seem to me that such a declaration would not be believed, but if it was would create such fear and loathing in the Muslim world as to completely negate the statements purpose.
There is something in the human psyche, perhaps particularly in the West, that craves the simplicity of the action unhampered by morality and law, as if such limits inherently impede just accomplishment. In our future considerations of how best to protect ourselves from terrorist attacks and in our responses to attacks here and abroad, we should not be so quick to accept policies which go against our country's understanding of morality and justice in hopes of greater safety. It would cheapen what we fight to save. Still, the problem of deterring those men and women who would do us harm and die for it will not fade quick, as the somber, bloodied hotels of Mumbai unfortunately reveal.

Barack Obama's Cabinet: Part 2

Barack Obama has just announced that he will be nominating Bill Richardson as Secretary of Commerce for his cabinet. It seems Obama's new strategy is to employ his former opponents from the Democratic primaries into positions of power. 4 out of the 8 candidates are now going to be in the cabinet this Spring. What's next? My guess, John Edwards as Secretary of Energy, Dennis Kucinich as Secretary of Transportation, Chris Dodd as Secretary of Health and Human Services, and my personal favorite, Mike Gravel as Secretary of Agriculture. Then again, Mike Gravel after the primary jumped ship, endorsed a Green party candidate, and then joined the Libertarian party. Talk about reaching across the aisle...