BlogHer - John McCain - Comments

Actually, all it shows...

zchamu — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:31:41 -0500

is that she can copy and paste. :)

This is the same kind of attack that bore the "obama is a muslim" rumours. It's garbage. When you say "a source said" or "an attendee said", it's crap. It's partisan nonsense, made up to smear because you can't find anything of substance to actually call Obama to task on. Unlike the Keating 5 scandal where John McCain was proven to have been influenced by money and was admonished by his own government as having shown poor judgement, which is a matter of public record.

Visit my blogs at ThreeSeven (all that's irrelevant and amusing) and
ecochick (all that's green, cool and Canadian).

And the band played on...

Crunchy Carpets — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:05:16 -0500

I think Naomi right...my husband thinks there won't be an election...they will come up with somethine ELSE to stop it.

They tried with the bail out bill..the panic in the streets.

Read up on fascism....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XgkeTanCGI

Look for me at http://crunchycarpets.com or check out the ladies at www.wetcoastwomen.com

You've got to be kidding

MJ2007 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:01:55 -0500

You've got to be kidding me? You are trying to say that Obama voted with Bush 90% of the time? Did you make this up yourself? It sounds like McCain's record that you are quoting. I think you need to check your facts. Better yet, log into Obama's website (or an Independent site, if you'd like) and take a look at his record for yourself. It is all smoke and mirrors. The Republicans use it frequently. It detracts from discussing the real issues. And frankly, I'm tired of the discussion. What this country needs is REAL change. Heaven knows that we are in a world of hurt right now -- outrageous gas and food prices, banks failing, a mortgage crisis. But let's keep blaming it on the Democrats when we've had 8 years of Republicans. Sure, just what we need -- more of the same. The real discussion should be centered on how these issues are going to be solved and by whom instead of partisan bickering.

Senator McCain does have the experience, but Palin has none. Unfortunately, with a Repub president, there would be no real change in those that are running this country. The list of indictments and questionable practices is lengthy. These are the real issues that need to be addressed. We have to be willing to think "out of the box" to get to that discussion though. This is something I believe a new administration would do for this country and something Obama has alluded to. This is something that he will address when he's elected.

And let's set the fear-mongering aside. Our country is no safer now than it was on September 11th. Either president is going to keep our country safe. That is what they are appointed to do.

Being a Woman Does Not Make Her Qualified

craftyncer — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:40:39 -0500

I am all for a woman in the White House or in any position that shows we are just as capable as men. However, Sarah Palin is not capable to be VP. The difference is not their vaginas but one shows she has brains (Hilary) the other doesn't. Just listen to the way Sarah Palin talks, very little coherencies.

Cathy

Obama's record??? which day???

LeeAnn — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:39:11 -0500

The flip-flop king has a record of talking about one thing to one audience and another thing to another audience... and that's the kind of record you want to brag about? If you will check the actual facts, you will see that Obama has voted along with President Bush's position over 90% of the time.

It's simply amazing to me how the Democrats fall into the party line. Senator Biden stated very clearly in the primaries that Senator Obama did not have enough experience to lead this nation and yet now, he's on the ticket. Now, Senator Obama has the experience I guess.

Senator McCain does have the experience and furthermore, I believe that he and Governor Palin will lead this country in a direction that we can all be proud of; he and Governor Palin will help to keep this country safe from the many threats we face.

A vagina doesn't make her qualified to be VP

MJ2007 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:30:34 -0500

I'm not being disrespectful of your post. I'm all for backing women and working for the cause. Believe me! I browbeat my family incessantly about how we women need to help women. But what it comes down to is Sarah Palin is just not qualified to be VP. She looked silly next to Joe Biden. And no, she doesn't represent a "Washington outsider" either (which is how she referred to herself). She didn't even know what Joe Biden was talking about. It was so apparent. So, yes, I'd love to see a woman in the White House (Pres or VP). Just not her. Not as the "first" woman in history to be appointed to one of these very important offices. She just doesn't have the qualifications.

My sources are linked.

Toto — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:20:52 -0500

If I'm wrong, please show me were the errors are? Simply yelling "liar" is not enough.

Where did you come up with this? It's garbage!

MJ2007 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:29:22 -0500

I have an email that was sent by some unknown Republican organization, and it shows these exact (MADE UP) figures. I verified it with Obama's tax plan, and this is absolute garbage!! Just thought I'd let everyone know. Why are people stooping to lying in this election? I think you need to verify your figures Toto.

Now that you mention it...

Mom101 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:21:18 -0500

McCain's good buddy is convicted terrorist and felon G Gordon Liddy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/05/g-gordon-liddy-john-mccai_n_100...

"Last November, McCain went on his radio show. Liddy greeted him as "an
old friend," and McCain sounded like one. "I'm proud of you, I'm proud
of your family," he gushed. "It's always a pleasure for me to come on
your program, Gordon, and congratulations on your continued success and
adherence to the principles and philosophies that keep our nation
great."

He is pretty much his generation's Timothy McVeigh.

Thiis isn't a casual relationship. This is a long term friendship.

Are you okay with this?

Mom-101

The answer is YES

Toto — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:16:06 -0500

Yes, I condemn any University that would hire a known unrepentant terrorist of the United States to teach our children.

An ad hominem attack ...

Toto — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:52:46 -0500

is a typical Liberal tactic used when you can't logically defend your argument.

I suggest you Google it and prove that you can read.

PUMA? Lol I'm a Republican sweetie. ;-)

I'm for a 'fair' tax system

Toto — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:41:32 -0500

I think you missed my point. I'm not anti-income tax. I'm for a "fair" tax system, not a system that wants to punish some Americans by redistributing their wealth to the middle class or the poor, (who btw, currently don't pay income taxes). I'm not for a system that says ‘we need to raise taxes on the wealthy because they need to be more patriotic.' Obama's tax plan is bordering on socialism. Obama's tax plan will hurt many small businesses. The simple answer to this dilemma can be found in the IRS Statistics of Income Bulletin (Table 1.4, for those who are interested).

The data says this -

In 2006 (the latest year available), $706 billion of such income was reported to the IRS. Of this, about half was reported by households in the top marginal income tax rate. Interestingly, two-thirds of this income was reported by households making $250,000 per year or more - the very same households that Obama wants to increase taxes on.

The Obama campaign maintains that the number of small-business owners is what's important. Economists know what matters is the tax rate that's applied to the bulk of small-business income. Make no mistake about it: Obama's plan to raise taxes on households making more than $250,000 will raise taxes on most small-business profits in America.

With this current economic crisis in America is raising taxes the answer? Raising taxes will not help ease the financial burden; instead it will hurt us more.

Answer this important question; of what impact do higher taxes have on work and productivity (and hence the economy), especially among our most industrious and innovative citizens?

Would you rather have an April 15th with McCain or with Obama?
Here's the comparison: (sorry for the length)

Top Tax Rate
Current: 35%
McCain: 35%
Obama: 39.6%

McCain would keep the top tax rate on earned income at the current 35%. Obama would raise it to 39.6%.

Lowest Tax Rate
Current: 10%
McCain: 10%
Obama: 15%

Currently - and under a McCain Administration - the lowest tax rate on earned income would remain at 10%. Under Obama, the lowest rate would increase by half - 50%. Clearly, people at this tax level are not the much-maligned "rich people."

Capital Gains Rate
Current: 15%
McCain: 15%
Obama: 20%

For taxes on capital gains from the sale of a house or your other assets, McCain would keep the rate the same. Obama would raise it from 15% to 20%.

Dividends Rate
Current: 15%
McCain: 15%
Obama: 39.6%

On dividends from stocks or mutual funds you own, McCain would keep the tax rate the same. Obama would more than double it.

Death Tax
Currnet: 0% by 2010 (Repealed)
McCain: 15%/$10 million
Obama: 55%/$1 million

Under McCain, the first $5 million ($10 million for a surviving spouse) of Inheritance (Death) tax on an estate would be death tax-exempt McCain would tax at a rate of 15% on estates worth over $10 million. Obama would tax at a whopping 55% on estates over just ONE million dollars.

Marriage Penalty
Current: None Under $150,000
McCain: None Under $150,000
Obama: Full Penalty from Dollar One

The "marriage penalty" refers to a married couple paying a higher amount of combined income tax than if they each filed taxes as single. McCain wants no marriage penalty for couple making less than $150,000. Obama wants the penalty to start with the first dollar they earn.

Child Tax Credit
Current: $1000
McCain: $1000
Obama: $500

Basically, Obama would cut the current child tax credit in half. McCain would let it remain the same.

AMT Rate [Alternative Minimum Tax]
Current: 28%
McCain: 0% (Repealed)
Obama: 28%

The "alternative minimum tax" (AMT) requires taxpayers to calculate their taxes two ways, and pay whichever method results in a higher tax owed. McCain would do away with the ATM

Self-Employment Rate
Curreent: 37.9%
McCain: 37.9%
Obama: 54.9%

Self-employed taxpayers pay both ordinary income tax and self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare). Under Obama, the rate would rise from 37.9% to 54.9%. Under McCain, it would stay the same.

Corporate Income Tax
Current: 35%
McCain: 25%
Obama: 35%

The U.S. corporate income tax is currently the second-highest in the developed world. The average European corporate income tax rate is about 25%

Business Infrastructure
Current: Long and Complex Depreciation
McCain: Full Expensing
Obama: Long and Complex Depreciation

Depreciation/Expensing: It takes larger businesses several years to deduct machinery and equipment, even though they purchase the business asset in year one (e.g. a computer must be slowly-deducted over six calendar years)

1 The first $5 million ($10 million for a surviving spouse) of an estate would be death
tax-exempt
2 The "marriage penalty" refers to a married couple paying a higher amount of
combined income tax than if they each filed taxes as single
3 The "alternative minimum tax" (AMT) requires taxpayers to calculate their taxes two
ways, and pay whichever method results in a higher tax owed
4 Self-employed taxpayers pay both ordinary income tax and self-employment tax
(Social Security and Medicare)
5 The U.S. corporate income tax is currently the second-highest in the developed world.
The average European corporate income tax rate is about 25%
6 It takes larger businesses several years to deduct machinery and equipment, even
though they purchase the business asset in year one (e.g. a computer must be slowlydeducted
over six calendar years)

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/11670.html
http://atr.org/content/html/2008/june/0616-obama_mccaintaxes.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST20080609...

And this is supposed to show

shelleyp — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:07:58 -0500

And this is supposed to show something other than you can read?

Or do you want to also condemn the entire University of Illinois, since he's a respected professor of education?

Would you also like to condemn the entire system of education in the United States -- yes, every teacher, every principal--since he has appeared with many and in front of many on various panels?

Since we're talking about casual associations, how many of us want to vet every person we serve with on boards, committees and so on, because we may be condemned for these associations at some future time? Perhaps we should include Sarah Palin in this list, since her husband, Todd Palin is a former member of a group urging that Alaska succeed from the union.

You attack the person on the flimsiest grounds because you know, in your heart, that if it came to the issues, McCain would lose. I would rather have Obama, who represents hope, than that pathetic creature who has given up all of his dignity and ethics in a desperate political bid.

All we see now is a petty, bitter old man desperate to be president -- so desperate that he resorts to the most dispacable of character assasinations and gimmicks, just to win.

And you can take that back to PUMA and tell them to put it where the sun don't shine.

Reputable Resources

Toto — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:24:54 -0500

In 1995, During Obama's First State Senate Campaign, William Ayers And Wife Bernadine Dohrn Hosted A Meeting Of Chicago Liberals At Their Home For Obama, Which One Attendee Said Was Aimed At "Launching Him." "In 1995, State Senator Alice Palmer introduced her chosen successor, Barack Obama, to a few of the district's influential liberals at the home of two well known figures on the local left: William Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. While Ayers and Dohrn may be thought of in Hyde Park as local activists, they're better known nationally as two of the most notorious -- and unrepentant -- figures from the violent fringe of the 1960s anti-war movement. ... 'I can remember being one of a small group of people who came to Bill Ayers' house to learn that Alice Palmer was stepping down from the senate and running for Congress,' said Dr. Quentin Young, a prominent Chicago physician and advocate for single-payer health care, of the info rmal gathering at the home of Ayers and his wife, Dohrn. '[Palmer] identified [Obama] as her successor.' ... Dr. Young and another guest, Maria Warren, described it similarly: as an introduction to Hyde Park liberals of the handpicked successor to Palmer, a well-regarded figure on the left. 'When I first met Barack Obama, he was giving a standard, innocuous little talk in the living room of those two legends-in-their-own-minds, Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn,' Warren wrote on her blog in 2005. 'They were launching him -- introducing him to the Hyde Park community as the best thing since sliced bread.'" (Ben Smith, "Obama Once Visited '60s Radicals," The Politico, 1/22/08)

From March Of 1995 Until September Of 1997, Obama And Ayers Attended At Least Seven Meetings Together Relating To The Chicago Annenberg Challenge. (Chicago Annenberg Challenge, Board Of Directors Meeting, Minutes Of The Board, 3/15/95, 3/31/95, 4/13/95, 6/5/95, 9/30/97; National Annenberg Challenge Evaluation Meeting, List Of Participants, 5/24/95; Chicago Annenberg Challenge, Chicago School Reform Collaborative Meeting, Minutes, 10/23/96)

NOTE: Bill Ayers Was Asked To Help Obama Formulate The Chicago Annenberg Challenge By-Laws. (Chicago Annenberg Challenge Board Of Directors Minutes, 3/15/95)

In 1997, Obama Praised Ayers' Book On The Juvenile Justice System. "The two men were involved in efforts to reform the city's education system. They appeared together on academic panels, including one organized by Michelle Obama to discuss the juvenile justice system, an area of mutual concern. Mr. Ayers's book on the subject won a rave review in The Chicago Tribune by Mr. Obama, who called it 'a searing and timely account.'" (Jo Becker and Christopher Drew, "Pragmatic Politics, Forged On The South Side," The New York Times, 5/11/08)

Obama On William Ayers' "A Kind And Just Parent: The Children Of Juvenile Court": "A searing and timely account of the juvenile court system, and the courageous individuals who rescue hope from despair." (Chicago Tribune, 12/21/97)

"[Obama And Ayers] Have Also Appeared Jointly On Two Academic Panels, One In 1997 And Another In 2001." (Russell Berman, "Obama's Ties To Left Come Under Scrutiny," The New York Sun, 2/19/08)

From 1999 To 2002, Obama Served With Ayers On The Board Of Directors For Woods Fund Of Chicago." [Ayers] served with [Obama] from 1999 to 2002 on the board of the Woods Fund, an anti-poverty group." (Timothy J. Burger, "Obama's Chicago Ties Might Fuel 'Republican Attack Machine'," Bloomberg, 2/15/08)

During The Time Obama And Ayers Served Together On The Woods Fund, Ayers Was Quoted Saying "I Don't Regret Setting Bombs ... I Feel We Didn't Do Enough." "'I don't regret setting bombs,' Bill Ayers said. 'I feel we didn't do enough.' Mr. Ayers, who spent the 1970's as a fugitive in the Weather Underground, was sitting in the kitchen of his big turn-of-the-19th-century stone house in the Hyde Park district of Chicago." (Dinitia Smith, "No Regrets For A Love Of Explosives," The New York Times, 9/11/01)
NOTE: Obama, Born August 14th, 1961, Was 40 Years Old When Ayers Was Quoted. (Obama For America Website, www.barackobama.com, Accessed 10/6/08; Dinitia Smith, "No Regrets For A Love Of Explosives," The New York Times, 9/11/01)
While Obama And Ayers Were Serving On The Woods Fund Together, Ayers Posed Standing On An American Flag For An Article In Chicago Magazine Entitled "No Regrets." (Marcia Froelke Coburn, "No Regrets," Chicago Magazine, 8/01)

Obama And Ayers Are Neighbors In Chicago's Hyde Park Neighborhood. "Twenty-six years later, at a lunchtime meeting about school reform in a Chicago skyscraper, Barack Obama met Mr. Ayers, by then an education professor. Their paths have crossed sporadically since then, at a coffee Mr. Ayers hosted for Mr. Obama's first run for office, on the schools project and a charitable board, and in casual encounters as Hyde Park neighbors." (Scott Shane, "Obama And '60s Bomber: A Look Into Crossed Paths," The New York Times, 10/4/08)

Obama Spokesman Ben LaBolt Told The New York Times That Last Year Obama And Ayers "Bumped Into Each Other On The Street In Hyde Park." "[Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt] said they have not spoken by phone or exchanged e-mail messages since Mr. Obama began serving in the United States Senate in January 2005 and last met more than a year ago when they bumped into each other on the street in Hyde Park." (Scott Shane, "Obama And '60s Bomber: A Look Into Crossed Paths," The New York Times, 10/4/08)
Neighbors Have Said "It's Only Natural" That Obama Would Know Ayers, Who Often Opens His Home For Gatherings, As Obama And His Wife "Are A Part Of Our Neighborhood And Part Of Our Social Circle." "Since coming out of hiding in 1980, the couple have raised three boys in Chicago and become part of the fabric of their liberal South Side neighborhood. Neighbors said it's only natural that Obama would know Ayers and Dohrn, who often open their homes for gatherings filled with lively discussions about politics, arts and social issues. Obama and his wife 'are part of our neighborhood and part of our social circle,' said Elizabeth Chandler, a neighbor of Ayers'." (Trevor Jensen, Robert Mitchum and Mary Owen, "Bill Ayers' Turbulent Past Contrasts With Quiet Academ ic Life," Chicago Tribune, 4/17/08)

Ayers' Organization, The Weather Underground, Was A "Violent Left-Wing Activist Group":

"William Ayers ... [Was] A Founding Member Of The Group That Bombed The U.S. Capitol And The Pentagon During The 1970s." (Russell Berman, "Obama's Ties To Left Come Under Scrutiny," The New York Sun, 2/19/08)

Ayers' Group, The Weather Underground, Is A "Violent Left-Wing Activist Group." "Senator Obama's ties to a former leader of the violent left-wing activist group the Weather Underground are drawing new scrutiny as he battles Senator Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination." (Russell Berman, "Obama's Ties To Left Come Under Scrutiny," The New York Sun, 2/19/08)

The Weather Underground Produced A Manual Which Begins, "We Are A Guerrilla Organization. We Are Communist Women And Men, Underground In The United States For More Than Four Years." "The coalition was said to be a violence-prone faction inspired by the Weather Underground's ''Prairie Fire,'' a guerrilla warfare manual published in 1974. The manual begins, 'We are a guerrilla organization. We are Communist women and men, underground in the United States for more than four years.'" (Paul L. Montgomery, "2 Women In Brink's Case Identified With Weathermen From Start In '69," The New York Times, 10/ 22/81)

Let's talk experience

TrishFromCanada — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:40:10 -0500

Wow, it's amazing that some of you say Palin doesn't have the experience to run for VP. yet, Obama is running for President and he has far less experience than she does.

It's sad when people, and particularly women, fall into the trap of pitting Sarah's experience against Barack's. They are running in two different positions, in case this has gone unnoticed. I guess its a comfort thing, better to pit the man against the woman rather than against another man.

Remember folks, Obama is running against McCain. Keep it in perspective, if you have the knowledge required to do this. And please educate yourselves on who has what experience. So you can sound at least semi-intelligent on the topic.