J Street The Other Lobbyists

Listening to the speech given to the United Nations, by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reminded me of an article I was trying to write a month ago about a lobbying group not readily known. This organization touts itself as a Pro Israel group promoting peace and diplomatic stability in the Middle Eastern region. The groups name is J Street. I discovered the existence of this organization while reading the blog American Thinker. At first, I could not believe that Israel would have to take this avenue for our attention since we regard this Middle Eastern Nation our closest ally next to Great Britain. As a Nation, with our Christian beliefs, Israel is an extension of us, in an area of the world which can become extremely volatile in a heartbeat. But, in our society, politics plays a major role in what makes the world go around. It is because of these politics, lobbying for legislative support, becomes imperative. Such lobbying is in full swing today as the threat of a Nuclear Armed Iran, threatens the security of Israel and all of the Middle East.

The following is a statement from the J Street website; http://www.jstreet.org/about/about-us
J Street is the political arm of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement.
J Street was founded to promote meaningful American leadership to end the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts peacefully and diplomatically. We support a new direction for American policy in the Middle East and a broad public and policy debate about the U.S. role in the region. J Street represents Americans, primarily but not exclusively Jewish, who support Israel and its desire for security as the Jewish homeland, as well as the right of the Palestinians to a sovereign state of their own - two states living side-by-side in peace and security. We believe ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the best interests of Israel, the United States, the Palestinians, and the region as a whole.J Street supports diplomatic solutions over military ones, including in Iran; multilateral over unilateral approaches to conflict resolution; and dialogue over confrontation with a wide range of countries and actors when conflicts do arise. For more on our policy positions, click here.J Street will advocate forcefully in the policy process, in Congress, in the media, and in the Jewish community to make sure public officials and community leaders clearly see the depth and breadth of support for our views on Middle East policy among voters and supporters in their states and districts. We seek to complement the work of existing organizations and individuals that share our agenda. In our lobbying and advocacy efforts, we will enlist individual supporters of other efforts as partners. J Street is itself a 501(c)(4) organization and is part of the J Street family of organizations, which includes an independent, legally unconnected Political Action Committee, JStreetPAC.

The following is a Policy Statement from J Street;
http://www.jstreet.org/page/policy
Policy
J Street advocates for American policies that, in our view, advance the national interests of the United States, as well as the long-term interests and security of the state of Israel.
With hundreds of thousands of troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, instability in nuclear-armed Pakistan, an economy deeply dependent on Middle Eastern energy imports, and the possible development of nuclear weapons by Iran or others, the United States clearly has serious national, security and economic interests at stake in the Middle East.
The following links lead to J Street policy positions in nine different areas related to the Middle East – each outlining our key positions and principles.
J Street believes the policies it endorses improve the chances that America can promote a more stable and secure Middle East, an outcome that would serve the U.S. national interest, as well as Israel’s.
Our policy platform is based on the view that American interests require robust and strong diplomatic engagement to promote the interests of our allies and potential allies, and to check and try to alter the unhelpful actions of our adversaries. We firmly believe that engaging with problematic leaders and states is the basis of a smart and tough foreign policy that promotes American interests, deploys a full diplomatic tool-box, and avoids precipitous and unnecessary military conflagrations. We favor - where possible - diplomatic solutions over military ones and multilateral over unilateral action.
Central to our approach is a negotiated end to the Arab-Israeli conflict, which we believe must be an American foreign policy priority and can lead to a much-needed new regional security architecture.

Now, like all organizations, there is opposition to J Street and their beliefs. The following is an article from Commentary Magazine written by Noah Pollak. Feel free to click on his name to view his continuing commentary on this group and American Israeli relations. (Interesting reading);
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/pollak/48751
J Street: An Anti-Israel Group
Noah Pollak - 01.02.2009 - 9:49 AM
Rabbi Eric Yoffie is president of the Union for Reform Judaism, and is a very liberal fellow. Yet even for him, J Street’s campaign to undermine and discredit Israeli self-defense has gone too far. Taking J Street out to the woodshed over its statements on Gaza, Yoffie says that the group
could find no moral difference between the actions of Hamas and other Palestinian militants, who have launched more than 5,000 rockets and mortar shells at Israeli civilians in the past three years, and the long-delayed response of Israel, which finally lost patience and responded to the pleas of its battered citizens in the south. “Neither Israelis nor Palestinians have a monopoly on right or wrong,” it said, and it suggested that there was no reason and no way to judge between them: “While there is nothing ‘right’ in raining rockets on Israeli families or dispatching suicide bombers, there is nothing ‘right’ in punishing a million and a half already-suffering Gazans for the actions of the extremists among them.”
These words are deeply distressing because they are morally deficient, profoundly out of touch with Jewish sentiment and also appallingly naïve. A cease-fire instituted by Hamas would be welcome, and Israel would be quick to respond. A cease-fire imposed on Israel would allow Hamas to escape the consequences of its actions yet again and would lead in short order to the renewal of its campaign of terror. Hamas, it should be noted, is not a government; it is a terrorist gang. And as long as the thugs of Hamas can act with impunity, no Israeli government of the right or the left will agree to a two-state solution or any other kind of peace. Doves take note: To be a dove of influence, you must be a realist, firm in your principles but shorn of all illusions.
J Street’s appalling missive concludes: “This is our moment to show that there is real political support for shedding a narrow us-versus-them approach to the Middle East.” What if you shed an us-versus-them approach to Hamas, but Hamas doesn’t shed its us-versus-them approach to you?
J Street in the past has been unrealistic, silly, and dishonest. But its treatment of the Gaza crisis is simply contemptible. Are there any limits to the group’s capacity for self-delusion about the nature of Hamas? May we now conclude that J Street is incapable of recognizing when it is staring genocidal fanatics in the face?
It is time that thinking people started calling J Street what it actually is — an anti-Israel group.

In previous articles I have written about K Street and C Street lobbying groups. I can now add J Street to a list I am sure will continue to grow as I study and write about politics, government and just about anything else that I wish to give an opinion on with this blog. I do believe Israel is, and should always remain, as staunch an ally as Great Britain and all other nations of practicing Christian beliefs. Though I do believe in diplomacy, I hope the Administration of President Obama, does not handcuff Israel if, that nation feels it needs, to exert force to protect itself and the interests of the free world. The development of Nuclear Weapons that could end up in the wrong hands needs to be addressed aggressively and with finality. I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu sees and believes the same. I support whatever force Israel needs to use to eliminate any and all threats in their region. Are you listening Iran?

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://www.americanthinker.com/
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/08/j_streets_arab_and_muslim_dono.html
http://www.jstreet.org/
http://www.jstreet.org/about/about-us
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/viewarticle.cfm/they-re-doing-the-j-street-jive-15103?search=1
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/12/sorosinfluenced_groups_make_in.html
http://www.americanthinker.com/static/about_us.html
http://www.jstreetpac.org/pac/about_the_pac
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/pollak/48751
http://www.jstreet.org/page/policy

Righting A Wrong

Massachusetts Governor Duval Patrick named a successor to the Senate Seat vacated by the late Ted Kennedy. The successor’s name is Paul G. Kirk. The following from USA Today is a brief biography about Mr. Kirk. http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/09/meet-us-sendesignate-paul-kirk-dmass.html
Meet U.S. Sen.-designate Paul Kirk, D-Mass.
Who is Paul G. Kirk, Jr., the man Masschusetts Gov. Deval Patrick selected as the state's interim U.S. senator? Kirk, 71, has never run for political office, but he has been involved in politics and around Washington for a long time. Born Jan. 18, 1938, Kirk met the late Sen. Edward Kennedy early in his career. After graduating from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he served as a special assistant to Kennedy from 1969 to 1977. At that time he became a partner at the law firm of Sullivan & Worcester LLP in Boston until 1990. During the 1980s Kirk served in various positions in the Democratic Party – first as treasurer from 1983 to 1985, and chairman of the party from 1985 to 1989. In 1987, Kirk founded the Commission on Presidential Debates with Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., former chairman of the Republican Party. The commission organizes high profile debates between presidential and vice presidential candidates, and has organized debates during each general election since 1988. Kirk was a registered lobbyist, too. Because of his new position he would be banned from lobbying activities for two years after his term ends -- not that he has indicated any intention of becoming a lobbyist. Among his various board appointments, Kirk is a founding member of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation’s Board of Directors, where he now serves as chairman. Kirk also followed Kennedy’s endorsement during the 2008 presidential election by casting his superdelegate vote for then Sen. Barack Obama. He currently resides in Marstons Mills, Mass. with his wife Gail.

Normally, an action of this nature, by the Governor of a State would not be so controversial. However, there is a little history to the actions recently taken by the Massachusetts State Legislature that paved the way to this appointment. During the Presidential Election in 2004, Massachusetts Junior Senator John Kerry was the Democratic Nominee. At that time, Republican Governor Mitt Romney would have had the opportunity to nominate a replacement Senator had Mr. Kerry been elected. To avoid the appointment of a Republican to the seat, a predominantly Democratic State Legislature, voted to rescind the power from the Governor’s hand. Now, four years later, this same State Legislature reinstates the power to a Democratic Governor in Mr. Patrick. The Republican Minority is up in arms over these events but, they do not have the votes to stop it. By restoring the powers of appointment to the Governor, Massachusetts is now in step with the remainder of the States that all carry this Law. Some critics say that this was strictly political. GEE YA THINK?

The Obama Administration wants an appointment as soon as possible so it will have the votes needed to pass the Healthcare Reform Legislation that is desperately needed. In Massachusetts, there is Political fallout due to many who felt the Kennedy Family had too much input in the appointment of Mr. Kirk. Many democrats believe Michael Dukakis should have been appointed instead. Regardless of the decision, Governor Patrick will be scrutinized and criticized by members of both parties when all is said and done.

On January 19, 2010, a special election will be held to elect a new Senator to represent the people of Massachusetts. This election will make Senator John Kerry the Senior Senator while it may bring the first Republican Senator from this state since 1979. Ironically, that Senator was Edward Brooke, the first African American to be elected by a popular vote to the United States Senate.

For me, I just have to update my score card and try to keep track of, the entire goings on, in Politics today. I have spent all my life following our Government and Politicians to make sure when I use my vote, I will use it wisely. In January, I will use it again.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_G._Kirk,_Jr.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/09/meet-us-sendesignate-paul-kirk-dmass.html
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2009/09/kirk.html
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/gallery/09_24_09_Kirk/
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/16/approval_in_works_to_appoint_a_senator/
http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN1826314020090918
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Dukakis
http://images.google.com/images?q=Michael+Dukakis&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=iuO7SpjwEIqulAe8j4SuDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20090923paul_kirk_jr_michael_dukakis_top_senate_list_successor_bill_poised_for_governors_desk/srvc=home&position=recent

His Nuclear Option

President Obama is focusing strongly on his Healthcare Reform Policy. Making speeches across the country and appearing on various talk shows, the President is making his case. In an attempt to gain support in all demographics, President Obama has unleashed his secret weapon. His wife Michelle could be the driving force that tips the scales permanently in favor for Healthcare Reform. While the Republican Party plays to the Insurance Companies and Corporate America, they are showing a total lack of care for the group they should be looking out for the most, the American People. In particular Woman, Soccer Moms and Single Moms.

Michelle Obama was born in 1964 in the Chicago area. She is a graduate of Princeton University class of ’85. She continued to Harvard Law School and received a degree in ’88. Between her humble beginnings in Chicago, obtaining her education and finally becoming the Mother of two daughters, Mrs. Obama has the understanding and ability to reach the demographic her husband needs to make that final significant push to obtain affordable Healthcare for all American Citizens.

The following is an article from CBS News.com. This article lays out my exact feelings on Mrs. Obama’s influence; http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/09/18/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5320221.shtml
Michelle Obama: Health Care is a Women's Issue
Posted by Stephanie Condon
First Lady Michelle Obama made the case Friday morning that health care reform is a women's issue and called on female activists to support President Obama's reform plan. "Health insurance reform and what it means for our families is very much a women's issue," Obama said, speaking to a group of female advocacy leaders at the White House. "If we want to ensure women have opportunities that they deserve, if we want women to be able to care for their families and pursue things they could never imagine, then we have to reform the system." Women play a unique and increasingly significant role in families, she said, with eight in 10 mothers reporting they are the ones responsible for choosing their children's doctors. More than 10 percent of women in this country are caring for a sick or elderly relative, she said. "Being part of the sandwich generation, raising kids while caring for sick or elderly parents, that's just not a work-family balance issue anymore... it is a health care issue," Obama said. Speaking before the first lady, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that insurance companies can charge women more than men for the same coverage. She noted that insurance companies in some states can deny coverage to women who are victims of domestic violence because they are considered to have pre-existing conditions. "A system that treats women like that is unconscionable," Sebelius said. Obama said she approached the health care debate as both a mother and a daughter. She related the story of how her daughter Sasha had to be taken to the emergency room as an infant. She also spoke about her father, who had multiple sclerosis since he was in his 20's. "I find myself thinking, what would we have done as a family on the South side of Chicago if we hadn't had insurance?" she said. "What if he had lost his job, which fortunately he never did." Obama said she heard from millions of women with less fortunate stories along the campaign trail. Still, she said, it is understandable that many people want to keep the status quo. "There will always be folks who will want things to stay just the way they are," Obama said. "I am here today standing before you as the First Lady of the United States of America because you all didn't settle for the world as it is... Health care is the next step." She described the elements of her husband's plan, including the formation of a health insurance exchange, coverage for routine check ups and preventive medicine, and the limitation of out-of-pocket expenses. "I think this is a pretty reasonable plan," she said. "No longer can we sit by and watch the debate take on a life of its own. Now more than ever we have to channel our passions into change."

While the Republican Party and a few Democratic fools have decided to smoke their Nopium and line their pockets with the bribe money being thrown at them by the Insurance Lobbyists, they have forgotten about the citizenry that the Healthcare Industry has affected in a negative way. The President and his staff have not forgotten and the Nuclear Option has been deployed in the guise of the First Lady. Right Wing talk can try to induce fear in those too ignorant to understand what reform is all about. Tea Parties and rallies can bring out protesters screaming “no” and carrying signs of racial overtones, but the average family, who has a true understanding of what is at stake, may finally have their voices heard.

Old Republican Fools like Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama and South Carolina Congressman Joe “You Lie” Wilson stand to lose much more than this battle. I believe their obstructionist actions are taking the Republican Party to the precipice of destruction. I do not believe the GOP will make a recovery in the 2010 mid term elections. In fact, I believe the Right Wing Talk Shows that claim this recovery, are just trying to stir up support. Support I believe will wane and falter because the Average American can see the Corporate Poison that has infected the Republican Party. Gains will be made in some areas but, the GOP needs to amputate the Neo Conservative arm of their party. An arm that claims Fascism from the Left but, cannot recognize or refuse to acknowledge their own “F”, when they look at themselves in the mirror.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Obama
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Columnists/Van_Dusen_Lisa/2009/09/19/10991286-sun.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/09/18/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5320221.shtml
http://www.cbsnews.com/2718-250_162-209.html

Be Careful What You Wish For

Yesterday an event took place in Washington D.C. I thought might have some impact on the political front. At first, I was under the impression; this was another event being instigated by FreedomWorks and their golden boys Matt Kibbe and Dick Armey. Along with Think Progress, all the crooked Republican Politicians who are receiving bribe money from the Health Insurance Companies were also involved (yes, I know Baucus and the Blue Dogs share the same bed). But, other than some minor reporting on this event, all the links lead to one person. That person is Glenn Beck. In fact, I found a website called the 9/12 Project. I have signed up for this website however, after reading this article; Mr. Beck may reject my application.

The 9/12 Project appears to be a brain child of Mr. Beck. Originating on his Fox News Program, the following is the Mission Statement found on the 9/12 Project Website; http://www.the912project.com/2009/03/24/mission-statement-2/
Mission Statement
Posted by 912ADMINISTRATOR0809 on March 24, 2009
This website is a place for you and other like-minded Americans looking for direction in taking back the control of our country. It is also a place to find information that will assist you in navigating the rough waters we face in the days, weeks and months ahead.
We suggest that you start in your own homes. Talk to your family about the Values and Principles. Discuss the importance of what the Founders designed for America.
Hold or attend a weekly meeting in your neighborhood or town. Communication with your neighbors is vital to the process of protecting our country. Gather in living rooms, coffee houses or restaurants. Share your thoughts and ideas.
Visit this website often. Make use of the resources that are linked here. Share the ideas and resources that have worked in your home or town.
This is a non-political movement. The 9-12 Project is designed to bring us all back to the place we were on September 12, 2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with Red States, Blue States or political parties. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the greatest nation ever created.
That same feeling – that commitment to country is what we are hoping to foster with this idea. We want to get everyone thinking like it is September 12th, 2001 again.
Ask yourself these questions:
* Do you watch the direction that America is being taken in and feel powerless to stop it?

* Do you believe that your voice isn’t loud enough to be heard above the noise anymore?

* Do you read the headlines everyday and feel an empty pit in your stomach…as if you’re completely alone?
If you’ve answered YES, then you’ve fallen for the Wizard of Oz lie. While the voices you hear in the distance may sound intimidating, as if they surround us from all sides—the reality is very different. Once you pull back the curtain, you realize that there are only a few people pressing the buttons, and their voices are weak. The truth is that they don’t surround us at all.
We surround them.
At the origin of America, our Founding Fathers built this country on 28 powerful principles. These principles were culled from all over the world and from centuries of great thinkers. We have distilled the original 28 down to the 9 basic principles.
So, how do we show America what’s really behind the curtain? Read The 9 Principles . If you believe in at least seven of them, then we have something in common.
Welcome.

The following are the 9 Principles as reported on; http://www.squidoo.com/the9-12project
The 9 Principles from The 9-12 Project
1. America Is Good.
2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.God "The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the external rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained." from George Washington's first Inaugural address.

3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.Honesty "I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." George Washington

4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.Marriage/Family "It is in the love of one's family only that heartfelt happiness is know. By a law of our nature, we cannot be happy without the endearing connections of a family." Thomas Jefferson

5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.Justice "I deem one of the essential principles of our government%u2026 equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political." Thomas Jefferson

6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit of Happiness "Everyone has a natural right to choose that vocation in life which he thinks most likely to give him comfortable subsistence." Thomas Jefferson

7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.Charity "It is not everyone who asketh that deserveth charity; all however, are worth of the inquiry or the deserving may suffer." George Washington

8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.On your right to disagree "In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude; every man will speak as he thinks, or more properly without thinking." George Washington
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.Who works for whom? "I consider the people who constitute a society or a nation as the source of all authority in that nation." Thomas Jefferson

In my research for this article, I find it puzzling that Fox News was insulted when CNN reported the Teabagging Events, this past summer, as Fox promoted. When, here is a Commentator employed by them, who was personally involved with those events as well as this website and they want to know why anyone would think they are involved? Well all I can say is I strongly urge Fox News, FreedonWorks, Think Progress and The Republican Party to reconsider what they are doing and take a very close look at the type of people they are attracting to these events. I realize the bribe money from the Health Insurance Companies must look good. I also realize, as a Party, the rejection from the American People in the last election, has cut extremely deep. But, beware of the Pandora’s Box you could open here. To instigate civil unrest and disobedience as in the Town Hall meetings and try to brainwash ignorant, weak minded individuals in an attempt to generate support to obtain power again could backfire. Remember the Revolution you speak of and the secession of individual states you promote could occur with consequences much more severe to your party than you think.

As for Glenn Beck, he has gone through quite a lot in his life. He has faced personal tragedy, overcome substance abuse issues and supports his family in Connecticut. He has become extremely successful and has to be admired for his personal and business achievements. As a commentator, I do not know if he truly believes in what he promotes night after night on his Television and Radio Shows. I know I do not agree with the way he goes about his business though there are some things I could support along with him. I caution you Mr. Beck as I have others, be very careful who your audience is. You could very easily become the target of the same people you wish to seek against your political opponents. These people are not the kind to know right from wrong. Their ignorance only tells them to respond to a stimulus. I am sure you would hate to have that turned against you because reasoning is not in their vocabulary.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://www.the912project.com/
http://www.the912project.com/2009/03/24/mission-statement-2/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/01/stephen-colbert-rips-apar_n_181673.html
http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.blogspot.com/2009/09/as-many-two-million-912-project-and-tea.html
http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/9jxqc/i_just_returned_from_glenn_becks_912_project/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42448313@N03/sets/72157622224474669/
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/22802/
http://www.squidoo.com/the9-12project
http://www.examiner.com/x-19545-Anchorage-Liberal-Examiner~y2009m9d12-VIDEO-912-teabaggers-flaunt-racism-ignorance
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-19545-Anchorage-Liberal-Examiner~y2009m9d10-Did-Glenn-Beck-rape-and-murder-a-young-girl-in-1990
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/09/12/912-signs/
http://washingtonindependent.com/58811/demint-blames-lack-of-crowd-diversity-on-timing-media
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/09/13/2009-09-13_glenn_becks_rightwing_rants_go_way_too_far_critics_charge.html
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Desperate-for-ratings-Bill-OReilly-buddies-up-with-Glenn-Beck-59173402.html
http://blogs.ajc.com/cynthia-tucker/2009/09/08/even-glenn-beck-manages-to-get-one-right-occasionally/?cxntfid=blogs_cynthia_tucker
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Beck

The Passing Of The Torch

With the recent death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and the announcements of no other Kennedy family member running to be his replacement, the passing of the torch will officially take place. This reference to a power shift in the Democratic Party began when a young Chicago Politician walked onto a stage during the 2004 Presidential Democratic Convention. Today, that politician is the leader of the most powerful nation on this world. President Barack Obama was supported by Senator Kennedy dating back to his term as Senator representing Illinois as well as an earlier State Senator representing the South Side of Chicago. This support ultimately was credited to President Obama’s ability to defeat Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic Presidential Primary in 2008.

Senator Kennedy was a polarizing figure in politics as were his brothers, President John Kennedy and Attorney General Robert Kennedy. Like his brothers, his personal life was not without controversy as well. Most notably was the automobile accident in which MaryJo Kopechne, a staff member of Robert Kennedy’s Presidential Campaign, was found dead in a submerged vehicle owned by Senator Kennedy. The vehicle apparently drove off the Chappaquiddick Bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts. Details of what really happened that night will forever be debated. However, it is believed that this incident was the single event in the Senator’s life that probably prevented him from reaching the Presidency.

Remaining in the Senate until his death, Senator Kennedy carved a stellar career that was acknowledged by politicians from both sides of the political aisle. For most of us here in Massachusetts, especially in the city of Boston, it is believed his personal influence was the support behind the Big Dig Highway Project. Even though this project was plagued with over budget issues and corruption, it was the biggest economic boost the city had ever received at that time. This Project was credited with keeping the employment numbers above average nationally, in the Boston Area, during a slow economic time in the early years of the highways construction.

Love him or hate him, Ted Kennedy tirelessly spent his life, trying his best to make life better for everyone in this country. As for the citizenry, some say the Kennedy family will be missed in public service, others say it is about time someone else carried the torch. The truth of the matter is the Kennedy family was committed to public service throughout all of the generations. You can be assured that any absence of a Kennedy in public life will probably be temporary. It is in the family blood to want to serve and be apart of the ongoing life of our country. Stay tuned; I’m sure another Kennedy is readying him or herself to once again emerge as a leader and servant of the public cause.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Kennedy
http://www.projo.com/news/content/KENNEDY_HONOR_09-10-09_TVFM2C6_v12.3b3ea6b.html
http://kennedy.senate.gov/
http://kennedy.senate.gov/senator/
http://www.iop.harvard.edu/About-Us/IOP-Tribute-to-Senator-Edward-M.-Kennedy
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/us/politics/27kennedy.html
http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=K000105
http://www.masspike.com/bigdig/background/index.html
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://urbanhabitat.org/files/images/boston%2520177.jpg&imgrefurl=http://urbanhabitat.org/node/315&usg=__LQhjpsU9s7bDEmHcVYSQbyEfaok=&h=768&w=1024&sz=325&hl=en&start=9&um=1&tbnid=LJaWjbvhsxKz6M:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBig%2BDig%2BBoston%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26sa%3DX%26um%3D1

Joe Wilson's War

“You Lie” is today’s shot heard around the world. South Carolina Republican Congressman Joe Wilson’s outburst, during a speech to the Legislature given by President Obama, is the typical reaction of today’s rabid Republican Party. Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Barney Frank, said in an interview, how this shows the inability of the GOP to be able to deal with the situation they find themselves in. Congressman Wilson’s outburst was typical of the Town Hall style civil unrest, which the GOP promotes, to cause what ever disruption they can to derail the Obama Administration policies.

Researching many articles on this event, the following represents exactly how I feel about Congressman Wilson and his party;
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/10/politics/main5300232.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody
Lawmakers Condemn Outburst at Obama
Rep. Joe Wilson Apologizes for Screaming "You Lie" during President's Speech
(AP) Democrats and Republicans alike are denouncing Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie" at President Barack Obama during his speech to Congress, an extraordinary breach of decorum for which the South Carolina Republican swiftly apologized. "I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love," Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America." "It demeaned the institution." House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., told ABC on Wednesday: "Obviously, the President of the United States is always welcome on Capitol Hill. He deserves respect and decorum. "I know that Congressman Wilson has issued an apology and made his thoughts known to the White House, which was the appropriate thing to do," Cantor said. Wilson's outburst came after Obama said extending health care to all Americans who seek it would not mean insuring illegal immigrants. "You lie!" Wilson shouted from his seat on the Republican side of the chamber. After the speech, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said, "There'll be time enough to consider whether or not we ought to make it clear that that action is unacceptable in the House of Representatives." "Let's see what he does," Hoyer told WTOP radio before Wilson issued an apology. "Then there's time enough to consider further action." Wilson's behavior caused a political hangover for him and possibly for the Republican critics Obama had cast as shrill and more interested in killing any health care overhaul than finding a way to provide it. Later, Wilson was contrite. "This evening I let my emotions get the best of me," he said in a statement. "While I disagree with the president's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility." He then tried to call Obama to apologize personally, but ended up talking with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel instead, Wilson's office said. Biden said Thursday that he hadn't spoken with Obama, but, "knowing the president, I'm sure he accepted the apology." By late Wednesday, though, the congressman's Web site had crashed, he had taken a beating on his Twitter page and Democrat Rob Miller had raised thousands of unexpected dollars online for a possible rematch with Wilson in next year's midterm elections, according to Lachlan McIntosh, Miller's campaign manager. "Everybody was stunned," Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said of Wilson's eruption. "It was just something that nobody had ever witnessed before. We all felt embarrassed." Republicans froze; several glanced in Wilson's direction. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi directed a fierce frown at him; first lady Michelle Obama pursed her lips and shook her head from side to side. Biden looked down and shook his head too. Obama, meanwhile, looked toward the outburst and replied, "That's not true" before going on with his speech. Wilson appeared to consult his Blackberry for much of the rest of Obama's speech. He shook his head defiantly after several of the president's statements. When Obama finished, Wilson bolted from the chamber. Wilson's behavior was "totally disrespectful," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who had been Obama's rival in the 2008 presidential election, said on CNN. "There is no place for it in that setting, or any other, and he should apologize for it immediately."

Congressman John Boehner and Senator John McCain appear to be part of the final few, in the GOP, that understand what it means to be in the Legislature. To understand the responsibility and integrity that needs to be maintained in order to conduct the people’s business. Representatives like Congressman Wilson and up and coming Senator Eric Cantor, are slowly eroding the Republican Party to a point where, the only constituency will be at a level of ignorance and disrespect towards the core values and decency of our great nation. This, to me, is not a demographic capable of electing a Presidential Administration and turning around a party bent on self destruction. The continuing call for revolutionary arms, secession among some states and protests to cause civil unrest, will be the final undoing of a political party that is floundering in their own demise.

Unless the Republican Party reverses the direction it is going in, I for one will never support them again. As I converse with many others on and off the internet, I find I am not alone in that feeling.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://www.bloggernews.net/122208
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/10/politics/main5300232.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/11/AR2009091103918.html?hpid=moreheadlines
http://www.joewilson.house.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Wilson_(U.S._politician)
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/10/joe-wilson-s-dirty-health-care-secret.aspx
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27025.html

Only In America

The Freedom of Speech

If you web search my name, you will find this blog and my listing under many different social networks. You will find my Facebook, Myspace and even Classmates account. You will also find my comments offered on many other blogs from Representative John Boehner’s website to Politico, the Daily Beast, many less known blogs and numerous newspaper comment sections. The one you will find the most prevalent is the one I can be found on, when not blogging an article. That network is Twitter. Now, I follow far more people than follow me. I do not follow as many people as I would like to but, I am working on it. Slowly I am adding people with a wide range of opinions. Mostly political opinions but, I am open to all topics and subject matter. Of late, I have slowed down a bit with the articles on this blog because I have been extremely busy with my work (must pay bills) and running a household. So, to give quick opinions and hear what others are saying, I will Tweet here and there and read what is going on around the world. I realize that most of the conversation is overall varied, depending on who is active at the moment. The one thing I am always amazed with is the opinions given, at whom they are directed at and to what extreme of emotion is presented with the commentary.


When Iran had their Presidential election a few months ago, it was the internet, in particular Twitter, that kept the world abreast of the appalling events that took place in the streets of that torn country. Facebook and Myspace played a part as well. I think of how it was reported, that the government of Iran, was attempting to stop any news from reaching out to the world. How all of us hung on to every piece of information that was released, mostly through Twitter, showing the chaos and at times carnage of that brutal regime.

I also remember, fairly recently, of how debate had taken place about Google and the problems they have had with the Chinese government, trying to dictate the content allowed, from their search engine. To finally realizing the Chinese government was blocking sites that they felt were derogatory to their regime and what was felt to be the betterment of the Chinese people.

The following is the First Amendment as it is written in the Bill Of Rights from the following; http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/Teach/freeResources/FoundingDocuments/Docs/TheBillofRights.asp
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I enjoy the Freedom of Speech observed every time I log onto Twitter. I enjoy giving my opinion, as well as, reading the opinions of others, whether I disagree with them or not. People talk about everything and anything. I can get financial advice, pet advice, spousal advice (no wait, I get that at home) criticism of the Republican and Democratic view points, along with direct attacks at President Obama under the claim of patriotism. Even comments are made about the past administration and politicians overall. Who is a crook (which is just about all of them) who is not (cannot quite answer that one).

Healthcare is being kicked around harder than a soccer ball in a championship game. I read the Tweets of people who call themselves patriots and for the conservative movement, while calling the present administration Socialists or even Communists. I picture Nikita Khrushchev in my mind banging his shoe on the table in the early sixties when I hear Communism. I think about the Minuteman Missile Silo, that was located a mile from my childhood home, ready to launch during the Cuban Missile Crisis when I hear the word Communism. Yet, due to freedom of Speech, I read how loosely people use this term and others to give their personal opinions. A right that only a very few nations of democracy allow.

So, whether abused for an agenda, or used to make a civilized point, freedom of speech is a right that we can never afford to lose. So, unlike any other right that could be threatened, when this one goes, so go them all. Let us try not to abuse it but we damn well better make sure we always fight for it.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikita_Khrushchev
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/26/opinion/26iht-edtaubman_ed3_.html
http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/Teach/freeResources/FoundingDocuments/Docs/TheBillofRights.asp