Friday, August 29, 2008

Sarah Palin for VP is McCain's gamble

Chuck Todd couldn't keep reminding us how much McCain loves craps and to gamble. I think the American Voter would do well to keep this in mind.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/29palin.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

The entire media world is a buzz and in shock over this announcement. I think there are various comments floating to how "cute" she is and about her inspiring family story. As a story, you can't deny the human interest story where she recently gave birth to a baby who has Down's Syndrome. However, I don't believe this warrants justification as qualification to be VP of the United States. Pundits and politicians alike are critiquing McCain's choice, and the opinions range from the ecstatic to the perplexed.

I think this is all a circus, and of course this acts like catnip for the MSM. So they will be discussing and analyzing this to death.

Speaking of circus, I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the forum at the Nutter Center, which is where my high school graduation took place. I think about when Obama made his VP announcement in Springfield, outside the steps where Lincoln once made great speeches, and was speechless to see McCain's pep rally to announce his VP choice. I kid you not, there were cheerleaders to get the crowd excited about McCain's arrival, as it did not start promptly at noon, unlike Obama's rally which did. I couldn't believe it, for a "historical" announcement, we might as well have been at a basketball game!

There are those who will say it's a great choice, and a gamble for McCain to pander to Hillary voters and answer the call of change. Clearly, McCain, like Hillary, has realized the argument for experience for Obama is not working, given the high caliber of his intelligence, and his fast rising experience on the national political stage. So now, McCain is on the "change" bandwagon.

The problem I see for McCain, is that this was never about change for change sake. Furthermore, if McCain thinks that sticking any woman to the VP slot is what women want, then he is seriously mistaken. To compare Sarah Palin as being more qualified than say Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Christine Whitman, or Hillary Clinton, is laughable.

The election has always been about the disgust of the American voter with the economy, and that "change" is required to bring about new leadership. If McCain wanted to regain his "maverick" brand, I would have respected him more if he had selected Lieberman. Palin does not represent change, rather she is just a female version of George W. Bush. So from my perspective, McCain STILL does not get it.

Both were relatively new comers to the political scene, very homey and western, loves hunting, and have very conservative social values. Neither are known for their keen intellect, although to be fair to Palin, I don't know how intelligent she is, so I guess I will have to see her in action. What I know of her, is that she has a B.S. in Journalism, so I assume she can write and speak publicly to some reasonable ability.

Sarah Palin, a former runner-up Miss Alaska, has NO experience on the national level, nor does she have any exposure to foreign policy. Now I am sure this self-professed "hockey" mom is a great family person, however, I am not confident of her leadership skills not knowing how her term as Governor has gone. In addition, prior to being a governor of only 18 months, she was a mayor of a small town with a population of less than 7,000. This is not to disparage small town mayors or governors, but I struggle to see how with her background and education, she will stand toe to toe against the likes of Putin or Chavez.


What's laughable is that they are trying to beef up her credentials by giving her Governor's title a make-over. They are saying she has Chief Executive experience. Chief Executive experience for all of 18 months??? This is supposed to reassure us that she can step in as President of the United States?

Ironically, the pundits and reports are asking for opinions about her, and saying "we should be fair". So wait, we are supposed to baby her because she's a woman?? How insulting, if she can't take the criticisms, and if she isn't tough enough to stand on her own merits, she has NO business being a VP Candidate.

For the Republican party who tried to paint Obama as risky, this is beyond the pale, and typically hypocritical of the party. And to try and compare Palin to Obama is insane. Obama had more experience and political awareness than Palin before he has even run for President of the United States. Four years ago, Obama was the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention, and he has 6 years experience in the Senate, and voters have been aware of Obama for almost two years - about the same amount of time she has spent as Governor.

In addition, she herself is under legislative investigation for abuse of power. What is it with these Alaskan politicians who seem to think they are above the law? What's interesting is that the Anchorage Newspaper made this observation:


But there is something in Sarah Palin's personality that prohibits her from saying, "I screwed up." She seems to obsess on something and will do almost anything to get her way.

The sad part of it is if she would at any point just come clean, Alaskans would forgive her... But nobody likes someone who cannot admit when they are wrong. Sarah Palin is a classic example of that.

http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/fagan/story/496302.html

As a female voter, to select this woman who's political platform goes against every single modern woman's concern, I am in disbelief over McCain's out right patronization. After Obama's brilliant speech last night, which was seen by more than 38 Million Americans, those Independents and Hillary supporters who kept an open mind, clearly saw what's at stake, and for those I think Obama has been able to reach out to them.

For the few remaining die-hard PUMAs, this choice doesn't change anything for the Obama. If they were unwilling to vote for Obama after his speech, this VP announcement doesn't really take anything away from the voters that Obama was able to reach. However, the risk for McCain, is that the die-hard PUMAs may take a look at Palin's clear social conservative values, and realize that this is not for them.

The very fact that this VP Candidate is a heart-beat away from the Presidency, for a 72 year old candidate, disturbs me greatly.

Frankly, I don't mind if McCain goes to Vegas to gamble, I just prefer he does not do this with America's Future with a clearly inexperienced, untested, and unqualified candidate such as Palin.
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Barack Obama our Next President!

Throughout these past four days, as I watched the convention, all I could do was shake my head in bemusement, as the commentators and "analysts" made a drama of the Hillary/Bill/Obama story, and questioned the lack of "red" meat. In addition, nit-picking every little aspect - like whether or not it was a good idea to have the speech at the Mile High Stadium, whether the "greek columns", that the Republicans were making fun of as being too grandiose. It became so ridiculous, I had to switch to C-SPAN just to be able to watch the speeches.

But tonight, the end of the Democratic National Convention culminated with an amazing speech by Obama, where he framed the current problems we face, his solutions, and put out some punches to McCain for all the attacks that Obama has gone through. It showed that Obama was a fighter, and that you can attack him, but he'll take your attacks and smartly lob it back. His speech spoke to the American People, and sent a message of understanding and unity.


Check out his full speech:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26446638/

This was an amazing convention, with unquestionable support from the Clintons given to Obama. In addition, we saw the passing of the political torch to the next generation by Teddy Kennedy. Obama's speech had hit the sweet spot, and I truly felt that I was watching history, and I could see even from my TV, how Obama was able to inspire the 75K + crowd!

At the end of his speech, with his family and Biden's family on the stage, the streamers and fireworks ended the Convention with a pomp and circumstance. It was quite exciting with the streamers and confetti raining down accompanied by the score from "Remember the Titans". The team at MSNBC were comparing it to the feeling of an Alan Sorkin's "The American President", the protagonist throwing down the gauntlet.
President Andrew Shepard: "We've got serious problems, and we need serious
people, and if you want to talk about character, Bob, you'd better come at me
with more than a burning flag and a membership card. If you want to talk about
character and American values, fine. Just tell me where and when, and I'll show
up. This is a time for serious people, Bob, and your fifteen minutes are up. My
name is Andrew Shepherd, and I *am* the President
."
Quite frankly, I think the McCain Campaign is freaked out right now. I did turn to the Fox News channel, they looked stunned, and tried to marginalize with superficial comments, but I think even Bill Kristol knew that his party was in trouble.

In addition, when I switched back to C-SPAN, and callers across the country were calling in, you heard the range of voters such as the Obama voter, the Hillary Voter, and of course, the issue voter such as the evangelical who couldn't vote for McCain, but couldn't find herself to vote for Obama due to Abortion and Gay rights issues conflicting with her religious viewpoints. I found it quite interesting that some people who are typical Fox News viewers or Limbaugh listeners, saw the convention on C-SPAN, and when they saw the Tribute of the Retired Generals, and saw large, distinguished group of Admirals and Generals all supporting Obama, realized that Obama could be a Commander-in-Chief. It's unfortunate but a lot of the core conservative voters tend to get their news from Fox News which considers itself "fair and balanced", but is usually accompanied with a lot of rhetoric and opinion, and quite often does not show the whole facts, which is why for example 12% of Americans think Obama is a Muslim.

I think the Independents and those against Obama, if they kept an open mind, and were able to see the convention and the various speeches, without interference from pundits, they may see the possibility in Obama. But I also know there will be those out there who still hang onto their hate and fear, and their irrational superiority of thinking that they know all they need to know about Obama and his policies. Those types of voters are a lost cause, but that's the nature of our democracy, we are all entitled to our opnion, and all of us have an opportunity to vote for what we believe.

Ironically and sadly, there is another hurricane, Gustav, headed for Lousiana, on the 3rd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The Republicans are all beside themselves about having their Republican Convention, partying it up, while another hurricane pounds the Gulf Coast. What's ironic, is that the "Family Focus" group had idiotically put out a video that encouraged members to pray for rain on the Democratic Convention during Barack's acceptance speech at Mile High Stadium. If these are the types of Christians that Republicans represent, I certainly don't identify with them, nor can they be considered any true Christian. So I wonder if they think that God is punishing the Republicans by putting another hurricane in their middle of their Convention?

Overall, I thought the Convention was an amazing one, and certainly filled with many memorable speeches, and for myself, I am so excited both by the sense of history, but the sense of hope, that after 8 years of division, fear tactics, greed, and idiodicy in the White House, we have a chance to elect a smart President with integrity that American can be proud of!
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Thursday, August 28, 2008

Al Gore Stole My Comments!

Just kidding...I am not accusing him of plagerizing :-)

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2008/8/28/64423/0565/5#c5

But interestingly enough, I made a comment on the dailykos earlier today on the very same example that Al Gore provided in his Key Note speech at tonight's Democratic National Convention.

Al Gore mentioned that there was once a great President who had minimal experience, but became of the nation's greatest President - Abraham Lincoln.

I made the exact same point this morning, when I was trying to counter the questions that people have about Obama's lack of experience.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Obama's Nomination - A Historic Moment




It's been mentioned a couple times throughout this Democratic convention, the historic nature of this year's Campaign for the two Democratic Nominees. On Aug 26th, we had the anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, allowing women to vote, and we also have the 45th anniversary of the great "I have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr, a leader of civil rights for ALL MEN AND WOMEN.

Given these two significant moments in time, it can not be understated, how momentous and historic this Democratic Convention has been. This Democratic Party is a testament and a shining example of what makes America so great. We had this year, two very serious and different candidates for the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States. We had not only the first female nominee, but also the first black nominee.

If you were to go to any Developed Nation, you will not find anyone who would not be amazed by this. Having lived and travelled outside the US, the most common perception that the International Community held of the US, is that in America, anyone can have the opportunity to make something of themselves, and to accomplish great things. America has always been considered the "land of opportunity", even though it hasn't always treated it's incoming immigrants with open arms.

In addition to this great legacy, the US is also known for it's democratic values and fierce devotion to freedom. In this respect, America is apart from other countries, especially with regards to freedom and individual rights. In a specific example, we can look at the judicial process. In the US, the Constitution as crafted by our founding fathers, makes it very clear that unreasonable search and seizure is not permitted. Unlike in other countries, even Canada, the litmus test for search and seizure is not as stringent as in the US. This is how unique our Constitution is - the founding fathers were very focused on the rights of men and the role of democracy. Take for example, the Freedom of Speech. In other countries, you don't have such a clear cut freedom of speech. So it makes me both sad and angry to see how America's moral responsibility and the principles of our Constitution are being systematically destroyed by the Bush Administration.

They were able to do this, by crafting shady and grey loopholes where the argument of "national security" trumped everything. Using the concept of fear, in light of 9/11, the Bush Administration has kidnapped all reasonable thinking, and perverted our Constitution, and made a mockery of the Geneva Convention. Our moral standing in the world has fallen, and it makes it very difficult for us to influence other countries and tell them "Do as I say, not as I do". What moral leg do we have to stand on to tell dictators and fascist nations to stop suppressing human rights, and to stop torture, for example China.

The reason why Barack Obama was so popular in his European and Middle Eastern Tour was not because he was some empty-headed lightweight, but rather, what amazed and intrigued everyone was his sincere interest, his intellect, and open mindedness. Moreover, in many of the countries, the general population were just simply in awe of what this man represents, and what he has accomplished. As much as we disparage the "race card", we simply can not ignore the fact that we have an extremely qualified candidate to be POTUS, and who happens to be black. In many Western Countries, the idea of electing as a President or Prime Minister, a black candidate, is unthinkable. As much as the French pride themselves on equality and egality, this simply would not happen. They, like other Western Countries, are homogeneous nations, but for America, the melting pot, it has not only become a possibility, but a reality.

Yet while we have made huge strides in civil rights, and respecting others regardless of race, sex, or religion, we still have more to do. And while we should be celebrating the fact, that Obama is living proof, that when you study and work hard, and you take control of your destiny, anything can happen. Sadly there are those who in the darkest parts of their minds, will wonder - "how did he get to Harvard? How come he had it easy? How dare he, a black person, have a better life than me?" There are those who will vehemently deny that they are racist, but oftentimes, it's given away in the statements they make, and the comments they make to disparage Obama.

I honestly don't know what will happen on election day. My hope is that Americans will be able to look beyond race, and choose the candidate that truly reflects the best future for America.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Democratic Unity! No Way. No How. No McCain

Everyone was talking today about what Hillary was going to say tonight, and she didn't disappoint.

She did an amazing job to unify the Democratic Party and put the focus back on why this election is so important, not only for women, but for families, for the ones who are invisible to the concerns of the Republicans.

She did it with humor and with grace, and her line "No Way - No How - No McCain" will be remembered!
"I am honored to be here tonight. A proud mother. A proud Democrat. A proud New York Democrat. A proud American. And a proud supporter of Barack Obama," Clinton began.

"My friends, it is time to take back the country we love. ...Whether you voted for me, or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines. This is a fight for the future. And it's a fight we must win.

"I haven't spent the past 35 years in the trenches advocating for children, campaigning for universal health care, helping parents balance work and family, and fighting for women's rights at home and around the world . . . to see another Republican in the White House squander the promise of our country and the hopes of our people.

"And you haven't worked so hard over the last 18 months, or endured the last eight years, to suffer through more failed leadership.

"No way. No how. No McCain.

"Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our President."

Democrats who were calling for more attacks and "red meat" were not disappointed:
She later called McCain her "friend" who "has served our country with honor and courage. But we don't need four more years of the last eight years."

And she was just getting started.

"John McCain says the economy is fundamentally sound. John McCain doesn't think that 47 million people without health insurance is a crisis. John McCain wants to privatize Social Security. And in 2008, he still thinks it's okay when women don't earn equal pay for equal work.

"With an agenda like that, it makes sense that George Bush and John McCain will be together next week in the Twin Cities. Because these days they're awfully hard to tell apart."




I think we can consider "PUMA" officially dead.


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Monday, August 25, 2008

Michelle Obama & the American Dream

Having just watched Michelle Obama, and listening to her words, I couldn't help but be emotionally affected, as I thought of my own father. My father passed away from cancer, but even to the end, his thoughts were for his family, for how they would be cared for.

Her message and story for how her parents sacrificed and worked hard to give their children every opportunity, resonated with the sacrifices my own parents made.

We grew up being taught how important education was, in addition, my father spent many hours teaching us math, to help us get ahead. My parents were always proud of their children's accomplishments, and I know that our success validated for them, all the sacrifices they had made on our behalf.

I thought of my mother, and how much she focused on her children's happiness, and Michelle's same focus on her children, brought tears not only to my eyes, but to several women in the DNCC audience. Women of all ages and races get this. This reminded me of the song "Bread and Roses", a song that we sang at my alma mater, Bryn Mawr.

"Bread and Roses"
As we go marching, marching, in the beauty of the day,
A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill lofts gray,
Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,
For the people hear us singing: Bread and Roses! Bread and Roses!
As we go marching, marching, we battle too for men,
For they are women's children, and we mother them again.
Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes;
Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses.
As we go marching, marching, unnumbered women dead
Go crying through our singing their ancient call for bread.
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew.
Yes, it is bread we fight for, but we fight for roses too.
As we go marching, marching, we bring the greater days,
The rising of the women means the rising of the race.
No more the drudge and idler, ten that toil where one reposes,
But a sharing of life's glories: Bread and roses, bread and roses.
Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes;
Hearts starve as well as bodies; bread and roses, bread and roses.

This is where I struggle with McCain and his sincerity to understand what American Dream is all about - creating opportunities for all Americans, being the land of opportunities.

There are so many families out there, trying to make ends meet, trying to make a better life for their children. America's direction has been going in the wrong direction, and our ability to continue to be a strong economy will depend on the investments we make not only in our foreign and domestic concerns, but the future we leave for all children.

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Direct From General Petraeus's mouth!

Today I came across a Newsweek Article, where the writer interviewed General Petraeus - the man who McCain continually praises, and whose advice he would always heed.

Well there is no doubt, that with Rumsfeld out of the picture, and not micro-managing his generals, leaders such as Petraeus are able to focus on putting in the right strategy and doing their job without being snow-flaked to death by Rumsfeld.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/154587

The MSM (Mainstream Media) has questioned whether the surge has worked to no end. The funny thing is, until this article, I haven't seen any response to what Petraeus thinks.

Here's some VERY interesting points that Petraeus makes:

A. Has the SURGE Worked? Can we say Mission Accomplished now?

He [Petraeus] will not consider it a complete victory, the defeat against Al Qaeda and the insurgency.

Nordland:" Why then don't we just say it?: Al Qaeda in Iraq has been defeated.”
Petraeus: "You won't find a single military leader in this theater who will say that."
Nordland: "You could be the first, general."
Petraeus: "Yeah, I could, but I won't be."
Nordland: "At least can't we say 'strategically defeated'?"

Petraeus: "We'll leave that to the academics. "

What you might ask??? I don't understand - McCain told me that the surge worked!

B. Is the surge the success factor for why we saw a reduction in the violence?
Petraeus is careful not to credit all the progress to the surge of U.S.
troops in 2007. The sea change came last year from a series of movements now known as the Awakening, when Sunnis, organizing around traditional tribal leaders, decided to turn on Al Qaeda
as "an organization that embraces an extremist ideology, employs indiscriminate violence, and practices oppressive social customs," in the general's words. One of those customs was a ban on smoking. "That was the turning point when they cut the fingers off the first person who was smoking," he jokes. "Can you imagine an Anbar sheik being told he can't smoke?"
Oh so Obama was right - there were other factors for why the surge helped! The Sunni Awakening happened FIRST, then was supported by the surge. So McCain, who is supposed to be a foreign policy expert, got it wrong!


C. So would the Sunni Awakening have continued WITHOUT the surge???
Possibly, he concedes, but the surge came at that time and helped empower Sunni leaders, paying their fighters and backing them up on the streets. This is where Seneca the Younger comes in: "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

There was also, Petraeus says, "a civilian surge—[U.S. Ambassador Ryan]
Crocker has seven ambassadors on his staff" and in the economic section of the embassy alone, staffing went from 130 to 200 this year with State Department augmentees; for the first time, all of the American Embassy's vacancies are filled, and with volunteers rather than draftees. And Iraqis have had an even bigger surge in their own security forces.

Oh so the "military" surge HELPED, but it WOULD NOT have been successful without the Sunni Awakening and the CIVILIAN surge, and most importantly, paying the Iraqis to fight against Al Qaeda and NOT our troops!

Has McCain read this article I wonder? I keep going back to the point, if McCain doesn't understand the situation on the ground, how can we expect to trust him to put in place the RIGHT strategy and policies???

Personally, I don't feel safer with some academically challenged candidate, who graduated 894 out of 899 in his class, and probably spent more time drinking and partying, and was only able to graduate from the Naval Academy because his father and Grandfather were Admirals in the US Navy!

What is it with the American Voter who is uncomfortable with an intelligent Presidents? Aren't presidents supposed to be smart??? Why do we scorn and diminish a man like Obama, as an "arugula eating elitist"? Here is someone who worked hard to get to where he is, graduating with honors from Harvard, all with STUDENT LOANS - isn't this the American story? Apparently not.

Apparently McCain's wealth is the ultimate American Dream - according to the idiots at Fox News ("what's wrong with being rich?"). McCain got to where he is and got his wealth honestly. He got into the Naval Academy, because he was a "legacy", and was fortunate to have married a Wealthy Heiress. He got his money the easy way, he married into it!

As someone who loves eating arugula, I prefer my Presidents to show a high level of intelligence, and ability to reason with cool thoughtfulness. But in a ridiculous commentary, I heard one pundit say, that "the American Voter wants to elect a President they can have a beer with." Are you kidding me???? I hope that the American Voter is smarter than that - but who knows??

I don't want a tempermental, cranky man who is known for his explosive temper, with his finger on the trigger. But don't take my word for it, see what his OWN Republican colleagues have to say about McCain! Tom Delay was pretty harsh when he said that "There are no redeeming qualities about McCain - he's a hypocrite" I guess it takes one to know one.



McCain is well know to send nicely worded apologies to those he loses his temper with, but the thing to keep in mind, is that after you push the button, there is no way to take it back!
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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Republicans for Obama

I just learned of this website, and found it quite interesting! Obama's platform resonates with intelligent and reasonable Republicans :-)

http://www.republicansforobama.org/?q=consider


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It's the Economy Stupid!

As I look at the state of our Economy, it’s incredible how much has changed in 8 years, and not for the better. This is not only my opinion, but the opinion of countless Americans. From the various polls that have been mentioned and discussed, we know that a majority of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. In fact, when it comes to the Economy, more Americans believe by a significant majority, that Obama is more qualified to tackle the issues on Economy, Taxes, Health, and Energy (Gas).

The economy is an important issue facing Americans today. It impacts them on a micro level – personally, in terms of their ability to literally have a home, to buy necessities, and save.


From the Wall St. Journal, we can see the declining trends in income, during the Clinton Administration, we saw a real (inflation adjusted) and steadily increasing rise in income. But in 6 years since Bush has taken office, we’ve seen a drop in income for median Middle Class Income.






And while Bush has lowered Taxes, the middle class has seen the value of their tax cuts being eaten away by inflation, represented in higher food and fuel prices. Furthermore, it’s visibly shocking to see the decline in National Savings Rate. So Americans are consuming, but using debt to drive consumption!

In addition, I had mentioned in an earlier posting, that the Tax Cuts that the Bush Administration has put in place, effectively benefited the top 1% of the earners more than the middle class.


To give you an idea of what that means, we look at the 2006 income distribution as referenced by US Census Bureau.

Median Income Ranges
1st Quintile $ 0 - $ 26,999
2nd Quintile $ 27,000 - $ 46,999
3rd Quintile $ 47,000 - $ 71,199
4th Quintile $ 71,200 - $109,150
5th Quintile > $109,151
Top 5% Income $191,060 – and higher

Essentially, 22% of the population, on average for 2006 incomes, make more than $191,000.

However, what’s striking to me is 51% of the population, in 2006, made less than $72,000, many having families. Given the rising costs of fuel, food, and housing, it is no wonder that many families continue to struggle. In addition, excluding the top 5% Income, we have, on average ,about 78% of the population making $191,060 or less.

When we talk about our personal economy, we can not ignore the impact of Taxes. Everyone dreads paying taxes, and it is a large factor driving disposable income. So let’s put it all on the table, once and for all. McCain continually puts out false information on who is hurt and benefits between the two candidates Tax Plans. What puzzles me is that Average Americans continue to be deluded that McCain is going to go to bat for them! He doesn't understand nor does he care about the middle class, otherwise his policies would reflect his priorities.

From the Washington Post (a conservative newspaper), they put in a nice chart to compare average impact of the two candidates’ tax policies. This is coming from the Tax Center Policy of the Brookings Institute. I have read the tax analysis, and have come up with slightly different numbers depending on the year 2009 vs 2012.

However, the Washington Post does give a fairly accurate comparison.



My one problem with Washington Post's chart, is that it does not further breakout the $603,403 to $2.87 million income bracket, because it gives a false impression that people making $603,403 an increase of $115,974 in taxes under Obama's plan. One has to keep in mind that it's an average, and that of course the incremental tax will be vary for those making $603,403 vs. $2.87 Million.

On a blanket statement, yes we can say McCain’s tax plan does in total give a higher tax cut than Obama. However, the devil is always in the detail, and if you look to see how much the Top 5% and top 1% Earners benefits vs. the middle class, it is very clear that Obama’s tax plan would benefit the majority of the population, more than McCain. McCain provides a disproportionate tax cut to an income bracket, to whom it has less an incremental impact, than to the middle class.

Paul Krugman noted economist, provides an layman’s perspective on the tax hoopla, and the McCain Lies regarding tax-cuts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/opinion/22krugman.html

Why do I care so much about the other people’s income? Simply put, without average American incomes being sufficient to purchase goods and everyday consumer items, I am out of a job. I work for a Large Consumer Packaged Goods Company, we place a lot of emphasis on brand, quality, and performance of our products, but our products are not on an infinite price elasticity curve. At some point, consumers will turn away, and buy cheaper knockoffs.

Henry Ford had it right; he is recognized with being the father of modernizing industrial assembly and production, as well as recognizing the benefits and efficiency of improving the quality of his employees, thereby reducing turnover and improving productivity. Although he can not be by any stretch of imagination labeled a socialist, as he opposed unions, he did however advocate “welfare capitalism”, and had a policy to pay his workers a wage, where they could also afford to buy the very items they produced.

There is a cycle in our capitalistic economy. Wages and Income are tied to consumption rates, and in turn, those consumption rates grow our GDP, and when our GDP and overall incomes rise, everyone benefits.

Obama understands this, this is why his focus is more on increasing Average American's disposable income, and truly growing the economy, rather than focusing on the deficit, which was what Bill Clinton did. Bill Clinton and Robert Rubin, felt that the key to the economy, was to get the deficit undercontrol, and they were right. However, we are in a period of both a recession and an inflation, and the primary focus is the get the economy back on track, and here Obama's Chicago Economics background comes very much in play.

McCain with his "I don't know much about Economics" mentality, has been poorly advised by his economic advisors. But with such people like Phil Gramm famous for castigating Americans as "whiners" and saying the recession is all in our heads, and who sits on the board of UBS, one of the major banks involved in the mortgage and securities investigation, I'm not surprised at McCain's cluelessness.

I’m not done on the subject of Taxes, but we need to also take a look at Macro issues, such as the Deficit!
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