Obama pledges unity

[Goofyluver]

What do you think a refundable tax credit means exactly???

Ohhhhh. I get it now.

You mean like the refundable tax credit John McCain has promised each family for health care???

Gotcha.

 

[just4today]

Thats the problem....you are taking what is in black and white on his web site, and assigning some sinister meaning to it. I dare you to find in Obmas tax plan where someone who earns no money will get a check!!.....I fyou make under 250 you will get a cut...If you choose not to believe the plan, and believe the outrageous talking points of Mccain, there is nothing I or anyone else can do

Fortunately the american people are seeing through the republican scare tactics this time

No, it's nothing sinister about it. I'm going by what he has said himself. A tax cut for anybody making less than $250k / 95% of Americans. Of that 95%, 40% pay no income taxes to begin with. How are they getting a cut? Please explain that to me.

And, I do not necessarily want a cut in my own taxes if it means taxes will be raised on the 5% of our population who are already paying a disproportianate amount of their incomes in taxes. I believe this will be harmful to economic growth.

 

[Master Mason]

Tax cuts are now punishment??? Okay.

By your justification...GWB is a socialist. Child tax credit anyone???

And I used the word socialist in my post where exactly? And your also making the assumption that I am somehow in lockstep with Bush, which is simply not the case.

But to answer your question, yes Bush favored a number of socialistic policies over the course of his terms, none of which I supported btw.

 

[bicker]

How is this for uniting:

Republican for Obama Endorsements

Lincoln Chafee, former United States Senator of Rhode Island
"As I looked at the candidates in order who to vote for, certainly my kind of conservatism was reflected with Senator Obama, and those points are that we're fiscally conservative, we care about revenues, matching expenditures, we also care about the environment, I think it's a traditional conservative value to care about clean air and clean water. Senator Obama's terrific on that issue. Personal liberties, such as the first amendment, the fourth amendment, a woman's reproductive freedoms, Senator Obama's strong on that. I consider that traditional conservatism. Senator Obama is a leader in speaking out against the war in Iraq. Using the tools of government to help the less fortunate, I consider that traditional conservatism. Give everybody an equal shot. And Senator Obama is terrific on those issues. So I consider myself a traditional conservative, and Senator Obama has voted consistently in my kind of conservatism."


Donald Capoccia Vice Chair, US Commission of Fine Arts
"Our country needs a leader with a fresh perspective on foreign relations. Barack Obama is the only candidate who provides us with an opportunity for a hopeful, productive and direct dialogue with countries around the globe. He's a willing listener with an ability to achieve consensus who can strengthen the United States' pre-eminent standing among our global partners."

Douglas W. Kmiec, Head of the Office of Legal Counsel to Presidents Reagan & Bush (41)
“I was first attracted to government by Ronald Reagan, who lives in our national memory as a great leader and an inspiring communicator.

Sen. Obama has these gifts as well, but of course, mere rhetorical flourish without defensible substance would be worth little. Is there more to Sen. Obama? I believe there is.

President Reagan often said his proudest achievement was making America feel good about itself again. Sen. Obama is trying to give us genuine reason to have that feeling again. Indeed, he may have already partially succeeded. Having taught several generations of students over 35 years, I have never seen young people more alive and interested in the political process. His witness is encouraging them to look to civic and public involvement as a way of finding their own purpose—a purpose that they intuitively want to be in service to others.”


Jackson M. Andrews, Republican Counsel to the U.S. Senate. Republican nominee, U.S. Senate from Kentucky
"Barack Obama is a thoughtful visionary leader who as President will end the decline of American law, liberty, and fiscal responsibility that are the hallmarks of the extremist policies of the current Administration, now adopted by John McCain. Obama will restore traditional American values that most Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike, want reflected in their government and by their President. Electing McCain will just extend for four more years our long national nightmare, and further erode the strength of our Nation."


Jim Leach, former Congressman from Iowa
“I also have no doubt that a lot of Republicans and independents are going to be attracted to his call for a new era of non-ideological, bipartisan decision-making… For me, the national interest comes before party concerns, particularly internationally. We do need a new direction in American policy, and Obama has a sense of that. He recognizes that a long-term occupation of Iraq is not only expensive, it's extremely dangerous to the American interests.”

Rita E. Hauser, New York City, international lawyer and former member of President Bush's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board
“The invasion of Iraq was an error with serious geo-political consequences. Obama promises an orderly and responsible U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, whereas McCain will continue our combat involvement throughout his term in office. McCain will continue the wrong-headed foreign policy decisions of Bush, while Obama will take us in a new direction."

Robert A.G. Monks, Attorney
“When I have asked Barack Obama a question, I have the distinct feeling that there is a person, an intellect, a sensitivity who is responding. This is rare in politics and unique in the presidential politics of 2008.”

Don Kaul, Intellectual Property Attorney and Arts Patron
"The past eight years have been a disaster for America. Internationally, a needless war drains our Treasury and kills and maims our armed forces. Hamas rules Gaza, Hezbollah rules Lebanon, Iran and North Korea actively pursue nuclear capability, Afghanistan and Pakistan are crumbling, several countries in South America are now adversaries, Russia is resurgent, and America is despised by many former friends. Domestically, the economy is in shambles and science has been subverted to religious fundamentalist doctrine. This is the sad legacy of the Bush Administration, which John McCain supported over 90% of the time. We cannot let a McCain-Palin Administration continue with these ruinous policies. As Republicans we have to put country before party."

John Martin, Founder of RepublicansForObama.org
"The U.S. is ready for a leader like Barack Obama. For years, both parties have been more concerned with serving the special interests then they've been in addressing the long-term challenges we face. We will never be able to lower healthcare costs, become more energy independent or address our nation's outdated infrastructure needs until we change the way politics is done in our country.
Barack Obama has rejected the divisive politics that has held us back as a nation. Instead of demonizing the other side, he works to bring people together in common purpose. As President, I'm confident that Obama will help unite all Americans and get our country moving forward again."

Richard J. Schwartz, Chairman, New York State Council on the Arts"Our country has been going in the wrong direction for the past eight years. Barack Obama has the vision and the leadership ability to restore our way of life and our standard of living here at home and our stature around the world."

Todd Garrett, retired Senior VP and CIO of the Procter & Gamble Company
“The U.S. now faces some of the most serious economic and international issues ever. The Republican party over the past 8 years has failed in several critical areas of vital importance to the future of our country - clear strategic thinking and action in foreign policy, fiscal responsibility, no sensible National energy policy, health care, social security, education, immigration and the environment. Our country has now become so politically divided and polarized it is almost paralyzed. We need a leader who can help unite the American people again to move us ahead on these crucial areas. Barack Obama, (and his entire campaign team), have demonstrated the vision, leadership skill, intellect and political acumen to do this.”

Richard B. Stewart, Assistant Attorney General for Environment and Natural Resources
"Barack Obama understands how our reckless use of petroleum and other fossil fuels has deeply harmed our economy, our environment, and our security. He has the intelligence, vision, and commitment to lead a national effort to build a productive, and healthy low-carbon economy that will mobilize private initiatives to create jobs and ensure a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. This is a Republican agenda."

Jim Whitaker, Fairbanks, Alaska Mayor“
If we are as a nation concerned with energy, then our consideration should be a national energy policy that is not predicated on crude oil 50 years into the future. We need to get to it, and I think Barack Obama is very clear in that regard.”

Ambassador Thomas Graham Jr., Executive Chairman of Thorium Power Ltd."My view was and is that one should choose one of our two great national Parties and stay with your choice. But that doesn't mean that you should always vote with that Party, we are all Americans first. We live in a very dangerous and complicated world and the threats are real. In the interest of the future prosperity and security of our country, a fundamental change-which must include a change of Party-in the leadership of our country is needed. Under the current circumstances I do not believe that the Republican Party can lead our country out of the disastrous situation that we are now in, but I believe that the Democratic Party, under the leadership of Barrack Obama, can."

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/gopendorse/

 

[Master Mason]

Ohhhhh. I get it now.

You mean like the refundable tax credit John McCain has promised each family for health care???

Gotcha.

Could you point me to where I have said I support that as well? I voted for the lessor of 2 evils this election.

 

[gmboy95]

No, it's nothing sinister about it. I'm going by what he has said himself. A tax cut for anybody making less than $250k / 95% of Americans. Of that 95%, 40% pay no income taxes to begin with. How are they getting a cut? Please explain that to me.

And, I do not necessarily want a cut in my own taxes if it means taxes will be raised on the 5% of our population who are already paying a disproportianate amount of their incomes in taxes. I believe this will be harmful to economic growth.

And the last 8 years of Bush's tax cut for the rich has been great for economic growth

 

[Goofyluver]

And I used the word socialist in my post where exactly? And your also making the assumption that I am somehow in lockstep with Bush, which is simply not the case.

But to answer your question, yes Bush favored a number of socialistic policies over the course of his terms, none of which I supported btw.

You're right. You didn't use the term socialist. I apologize.

My point was that the republican party has supported many of these policies as well. And continues to do so. Including John McCain.

 

[gmboy95]

I we actually arguing about how those who dont make enough to tax will get a tax cut???......huh......could you define for me who these people are...do you mean students, and minimum wage folks, or the part-time elderly, who else could you mean...i am confused?

 

[Master Mason]

You're right. You didn't use the term socialist. I apologize.

My point was that the republican party has supported many of these policies as well. And continues to do so. Including John McCain.

you'll get no dispute from me over that. However, I was and am not one of those supporting those ideas. I would have loved to have had a decent choice on either side of the aisle, but unfortunately I had to chose between these two clowns. I picked the one I concidered to be the lessor of the two evils.

 

[Tigger Woods]

Thats the problem....you are taking what is in black and white on his web site, and assigning some sinister meaning to it. I dare you to find in Obmas tax plan where someone who earns no money will get a check!!.....I fyou make under 250 you will get a cut...If you choose not to believe the plan, and believe the outrageous talking points of Mccain, there is nothing I or anyone else can do

Fortunately the american people are seeing through the republican scare tactics this time

It's called a refundable tax credit. Google it. By the way, if you are a single filer, Obama has targeted $200K as the magic number, not $250K. $250K is the target for married couples. In other words, there will be a marriage penalty tax for the well-heeled.

 

[just4today]

And the last 8 years of Bush's tax cut for the rich has been great for economic growth

The economy did grow for a very long time, some would say an unhealthy length of time, as it defied the normal up-and-down cyclical nature of the markets. Many factors contributed to that growth, and many factors are now contributing to the recession. However, I disagree that raising taxes on the wealthiest people is the solution.

 

[Goofyluver]

Could you point me to where I have said I support that as well? I voted for the lessor of 2 evils this election.

If you're going to point one "socialist" policy out...why not point all of 'em out.

It's being dishonest to state that BO is in favor of "socialist" policies (not exact words) without pointing out that both candidates support such policies.

People here (and elsewhere) are going ape over this stuff. And it's ridiculous.

People use talking points..."Ohhhhh...be afraid...of the skeeeery Barack Obama. That dern socialist."...without truly examining the intent behind such policies.

In reality...you can't call BO a socialist without calling JM one as well.

 

[Master Mason]

I we actually arguing about how those who dont make enough to tax will get a tax cut???......huh......could you define for me who these people are...do you mean students, and minimum wage folks, or the part-time elderly, who else could you mean...i am confused?

30 to 40% of the population pays no income tax I don't have the exact number. Its those that we are talking about. They come from all walks of life, old, and young, but they still pay no income tax. If you give them a "tax break" exactly what are they getting a break from.

As for the other payroll deductions, those are mandated to pay for the social services we already have in place, you can't cut them.

 

[Goofyluver]

you'll get no dispute from me over that. However, I was and am not one of those supporting those ideas. I would have loved to have had a decent choice on either side of the aisle, but unfortunately I had to chose between these two clowns. I picked the one I concidered to be the lessor of the two evils.

Fair enough.

It's called a refundable tax credit. Google it. By the way, if you are a single filer, Obama has targeted $200K as the magic number, not $250K. $250K is the target for married couples. In other words, there will be a marriage penalty tax for the well-heeled.

John McCain is also in favor of refundable tax credits. $5,000/family for health care costs. Whether you pay or file income taxes or not.

 

[gmboy95]

The economy did grow for a very long time, some would say an unhealthy length of time, as it defied the normal up-and-down cyclical nature of the markets. Many factors contributed to that growth, and many factors are now contributing to the recession. However, I disagree that raising taxes on the wealthiest people is the solution.

Under bill clinton taxes on the wealthy where where they will be under obama...i will take that economy

 

[Master Mason]

If you're going to point one "socialist" policy out...why not point all of 'em out.

It's being dishonest to state that BO is in favor of "socialist" policies (not exact words) without pointing out that both candidates support such policies.

People here (and elsewhere) are going ape over this stuff. And it's ridiculous.

People use talking points..."Ohhhhh...be afraid...of the skeeeery Barack Obama. That dern socialist."...without truly examining the intent behind such policies.

In reality...you can't call BO a socialist without calling JM one as well.

Ok, then how about this, Barack Obama is much more of a socialist than John McCain is. A little is bad, a lot is worse IMO.

 

[Goofyluver]

Ok, then how about this, Barack Obama is much more of a socialist than John McCain is. A little is bad, a lot is worse IMO.

Well, that argument would work...if I thought either of them were socialists. But, since I don't...

My argument was not about whether or not either candidate was a socialist. It was about the bias and fear mongering spread by many who oppose Barack Obama. (conversely for John McCain of course)

People here and elsewhere buy into the anti-Obama news spin. All they see is what they are told to see...they drink the "hater-ade" and spew regurgitated talking points.

(Like I said...this can go both ways)

People need to research and do their homework. And stop buying into media bias...for either candidate.

 

[Master Mason]

Well, that argument would work...if I thought either of them were socialists. But, since I don't...

My argument was not about whether or not either candidate was a socialist. It was about the bias and fear mongering spread by many who oppose Barack Obama. (conversely for John McCain of course)

People here and elsewhere buy into the anti-Obama news spin. All they see is what they are told to see...they drink the "hater-ade" and spew regurgitated talking points.

(Like I said...this can go both ways)

People need to research and do their homework. And stop buying into media bias...for either candidate.

I agree with everything but the first point. Unfortunately we have a very uneducated voting force, they get their information in 30 second sound bites and have somehow either not learned or have forgotten how to think for themselves. This goes for both sided and too large a proportion of the population.

 

[Goofyluver]

I agree with everything but the first point. Unfortunately we have a very uneducated voting force, they get their information in 30 second sound bites and have somehow either not learned or have forgotten how to think for themselves. This goes for both sided and too large a proportion of the population.

Bestill. My. Heart.

I agree with Master Mason.

('cept for that first part...)

 

[Island_Lauri]

Well it appears that for a majority of MS, it is all about THEIR pocketbook - and making sure that those without - remain without.

Anyway, back to more unity:

Military for Obama:

John Adams, Brigadier General US Army (Ret), Former Deputy US Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee [257]

Clifford Alexander, Jr., former Secretary of the Army[195]

Susan Ahn Cuddy, first female gunner officer in the U.S. Navy and daughter of Korean Independence fighter Ahn Chang-ho[258]

Wesley Clark, former General, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, 2004 presidential candidate[63]

Tom Daniels, Texas Air National Guard[195]

Richard Danzig, former Secretary of the Navy[195]

Larry Gillespie, Brigadier General (Ret), Assistant Deputy Commanding General, (ARNG) Army Material Command[259]

Scott Gration Major General (USAF-Ret), former Director of Strategy, Policy, and Assessments of the United States European Command in Germany[259]

Donald Joseph Guter, former Judge Advocate General of the Navy, current Dean, Duquesne University School of Law, Pittsburgh[195][259]

Richard D. Hearney, former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps[195]

John Hutson, former Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Navy[260]

Jeh Johnson, former General Counsel of the U.S. Air Force[195]

Lester Lyles, former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force[195]

David 'Dave' McGinnis, Brigadier General (Ret), former Chief of Staff of the National Guard Association of the U.S.[259]

Merrill A. McPeak, four star General (Ret), former Secretary of the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Storm, [259][261][262]

John B. Nathman (Ret), former Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Vice Chief of Naval Operations[195][259]

F. Whitten Peters, former Secretary of the Air Force[195]

Hugh Robinson, Major General (Ret), Commander of the Southwestern Division[259]

James Smith, Brigadier General (USAF-Ret), former Commander, Joint Warfighting Center, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Training Analysis and Simulation Center[195][259]

Robert 'Willie' Williamson Rear Admiral (USN-Ret), served as military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition and Director, Office of Program Appraisal.

Ralph Wooten Major General (Ret), former Commanding General of the Army’s Chemical Arsenal, currently the Executive Vice President of Management Systems, Inc.

and of course:

Colin Powell, General (Ret), former General in the United States Army, National Security Advisor (1987–1989) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993)[259]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obama_endorsements