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Sunday, June 28th, 2009
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12:41 pm - Maps of the Classics
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| Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
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9:14 pm
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| Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
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8:10 pm - Writer's Block: Cookies
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| Friday, January 23rd, 2009
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9:14 pm - On mobs, part two
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9:03 pm - Obama on Roe v. Wade
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"On the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that this decision not only protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose.
While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make. To accomplish these goals, we must work to find common ground to expand access to affordable contraception, accurate health information, and preventative services.
On this anniversary, we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work; and to have no limits on their dreams. That is what I want for women everywhere. "
--President Barack H. Obama, January 23, 2009
via ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) queenofhalves
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(3 comments | comment on this)
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| Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
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10:01 pm - On mobs
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So I've been hearing an odd stirring largely in LJ-land of people who are hesitant about the inaugural hoopla, or even flat-out scared by it. It strikes me that partly, we are frightened by mobs. We are frightened, and with good reason, of crowds that participate enthusiastically in patriotic celebration, afraid that they will be carried away by mob-mentality and that the whole thing will lead to something like Kristallnacht. Partly, too, we are a little scared to believe this could be true -- that the last eight years could be over, that something really great could be underway. And we're scared of optimism -- we're continually reminding ourselves not to get too giddy because Obama is not perfect, and he's inevitably going to do some things some of us don't like.
And others of us feel guilty for or frustrated with the intense focus on fashion.
All of these impulses are important. I think most of them are part of what make us American and of our time (in the broad view: I'm thinking post World Wars here). But let us not lose sight of the need for ceremony and celebration, which do not necessarily lead to excess. To everything there is a season, and so on. Let us celebrate for a few days, secure in the knowledge that we can (yes we can!) and will return to business as usual soon enough.
And let us remember that not all mass political gatherings are negative. Here's my request: in the comments, post the name and preferably an image from a mass gathering that was largely positive. I'll go first.
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(18 comments | comment on this)
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| Monday, January 5th, 2009
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11:26 pm - Day 7
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(Wait for the punchline)
Nursing Stephen in the rocker recliner in the usual position (he faces me, straddling one thigh) while he commences the usual fidgeting -- telling him "no wiggling during nee" and reseating him. Lather, rinse, repeat, until he has both feet on my thigh, is standing with his butt in the air, bent over to reach my breast -- and telling my mother about this over the phone, and she responds: "You need to get him a clown suit and have him balance a ball at the same time."
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(comment on this)
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| Thursday, December 18th, 2008
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2:50 pm
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| Saturday, November 15th, 2008
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1:49 pm - Snapfish
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| Thursday, November 6th, 2008
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9:36 pm - On Follow-through
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12:14 am
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So we all know Georgia stayed red in this election, but my county voted thus:
DEKALB
PR: 196
TP: 199
McCain: 65,476
Obama: 253,675
Barr: 1,890
Total: 321,041
79% of the vote here.
For Senate, a vote for which there will be a runoff as far as anyone can tell, we voted thus:
Chambliss 65,387
Martin 232,981
Buckley 8,635
Total 307,003
76% of the vote.
Vote tallies via Georgia Secretary of State Election website
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(3 comments | comment on this)
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| Thursday, October 30th, 2008
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1:41 pm - More on the Golden Calf
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Apparently the markets have crashed because of the gays. Apparently the people behind this stunt are Pat Robertson's crowd. http://www.cbn.com/700club/guests/bios/cindy_jacobs102008.aspx
Many people are fasting and praying for the upcoming elections, Cindy says. We don’t want to let up in this final press, we need to P.U.S.H. (pray until something happens) to avert financial judgment. On September 29 last month, the US stock market went down 777 points in one day. Cindy says it was no coincidence that this happened on the first day of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.
“This is so severe in the economic area because we are facing judgment from the actions, not only for our stance towards Israel, but our blatant sin against Him in passing laws such as the one allowing homosexual marriages,” Cindy said.
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(11 comments | comment on this)
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9:13 am
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| Sunday, October 26th, 2008
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9:28 pm
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| Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
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3:34 pm - If the world could vote?
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| Sunday, October 12th, 2008
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10:36 pm - That One
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What's with people stealing Obama yard signs, bumper stickers, etc.? How low can you go?
I was sorely tempted, after my yard sign disappeared after only an hour, to steal a McCain/Palin sign in revenge. There aren't *many* in my neighborhood, but they are the *only* ones still standing. But then I remembered I have some integrity.
So I'm planning to paint my mailbox instead, or maybe nail a sign made from an old sheet to some trees in my yard.
I've heard of several other people's Obama gear being stolen. Anyone else have stories to share?
ETA: I hear that smearing something on the sign helps: rubbing it with poison ivy, spraying it with pepper spray/mace, or (less aggressively) putting vaseline on the edges. I might start with the vaseline. I'm not stooping to the doggy doo level though. Pepper spray, maybe.
ETAA: Apparently you mix a little paint in with the vaseline . . .
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(12 comments | comment on this)
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| Thursday, October 9th, 2008
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1:16 am
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RECONCILING FAITH AND POLITICS
“(Obama's speech on faith) may be the most important pronouncement by a Democrat on faith and politics since John F. Kennedy's Houston speech in 1960 declaring his independence from the Vatican...Obama offers the first faith testimony I have heard from any politician that speaks honestly about the uncertainties of belief.”
— E.J. Dionne, Op-Ed., Washington Post, June 30, 2006
In June of 2006, Senator Obama delivered what was called the most important speech on religion and politics in 40 years. Speaking before an evangelical audience, Senator Obama candidly discussed his own religious conversion and doubts, and the need for a deeper, more substantive discussion about the role of faith in American life.
Senator Obama also laid down principles for how to discuss faith in a pluralistic society, including the need for religious people to translate their concerns into universal, rather than religion-specific, values during public debate. In December, 2006, Senator Obama discussed the importance of faith in the global battle against AIDS.
For More Information about Barack's Faith
Barack's Faith Principles
Read Barack's Call to Renewal Speech
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The Faith Principles PDF is well worth downloading and reading. I haven't had a chance to read the full Call to Renewal Speech yet.
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(2 comments | comment on this)
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| Friday, October 3rd, 2008
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3:31 pm - Homeland Security
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At a Glance Speak your mind and help set the policies that will guide this campaign and change the country. The Problem Nearly seven years after 9/11, our country is still unprepared for a terrorist attack. From improving security for our transit systems and chemical plants, to increasing cargo screening in our airports and seaports, the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission have been underfunded and ignored. The 9/11 Commission gave the government five F's and twelve D's on the implementation of its recommendations. Obama is a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and has supported efforts to base homeland security spending on risk rather than pork-barrel politics. He has also introduced legislation to strengthen chemical plant and drinking water security and to enhance disaster preparedness. As President, Obama will enhance our national resilience to any risk - natural, accidental or terrorist - by ensuring the federal government works with States, localities, and the private sector as an authentic partner in prevention, mitigation, and response. Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan Protecting Our Chemical Plants Chemical plants are attractive terrorist targets because they are often located near cities, are relatively easy to attack, and contain multi-ton quantities of hazardous chemicals. While a number of plants have taken voluntary steps to improve security, there are still major gaps; and the federal government has never established meaningful, permanent security regulations. Obama worked with Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to introduce comprehensive chemical plant security legislation that would establish a clear set of federal regulations that all plants must follow. The bill requires chemical facilities to enhance security, including improving barriers, containment, mitigation, and safety training, and, where possible, using safer technology, such as less toxic chemicals. Keeping Track of Spent Nuclear Fuel The nation has 103 operating nuclear power plants which annually produce over 2,000 metric tons of spent fuel that remains highly radioactive for many years. A report by the Government Accountability Office found inadequate tracking and security for spent nuclear fuel rods. Nuclear plants in Connecticut, Vermont and California have reported missing spent fuel in the last five years. Obama introduced legislation to establish guidelines for tracking, controlling, and accounting for spent fuel at nuclear power plants. Evacuating Special Needs Population in Emergencies One of the most devastating aspects of Hurricane Katrina is that most of the stranded victims were society's most vulnerable members - low-income families, the elderly, the homeless, and disabled Americans. Too many states and cities do not have adequate plans in place to care for special-needs populations. Obama introduced and passed legislation to require mandatory planning for evacuating people with special needs. Reuniting Families After Emergencies After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of people struggled to contact family and friends following evacuation. Evacuees were forced to comb through dozens of databases in an effort to reconnect with loved ones. Obama introduced and passed legislation to create a centralized, federal database to allow individuals displaced by an emergency to call one phone number or go to one website and post their location and condition. Family members and law enforcement officials would be able to use this same secure, centralized system to check the status of missing loved ones. Keeping Our Drinking Water Safe There are almost 170,000 public water systems in the United States. An attack on a drinking water system could contaminate or disrupt water service, thereby disrupting society, impacting human health and compromising critical activities such as fire protection. Obama introduced legislation to provide $37.5 million over 5 years for drinking water systems to upgrade their monitoring and security efforts. Protecting the Public from Radioactive Releases Following reports that nuclear power plants in Illinois did not promptly notify local communities that tritium – a byproduct of nuclear generation – had leaked into the groundwater, Obama introduced legislation to require nuclear plants to inform state and local officials if there is an unintentional leak of a radioactive substance. Chronic exposure to high levels of tritium can increase the risk of cancer, birth defects and genetic damage. Barack Obama's Record There have been tritium leaks at other nuclear plants, though none so extensive as at Braidwood. The uproar over Braidwood prompted the Nuclear Energy Institute to outline a voluntary policy for monitoring tritium leaks and reporting such incidents. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has vowed to continue to push for federal legislation that requires reporting. "The nuclear industry already had a voluntary policy, and it hasn't worked," he said. Exelon's past actions have helped to prove his point. — Chicago Tribune, Editorial, May 25, 2006 For More Information about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan Read the Plan
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(comment on this)
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2:39 pm - Writer's Block: Day of German Unity
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| Thursday, October 2nd, 2008
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6:01 pm - Obama on Defense
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Here's part one in a multi-part (I hope) series on my journal: I'm going to repost Obama's positions on various positions. I'm picking the positions I think those who might not be voting for Obama are concerned about, starting with Defense. These are taken right from his website, from the issues page. They are quite detailed, and as I understand it, his blueprint has more information still.
A 21st Century Military for America “Our country's greatest military asset is the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States. When we do send our men and women into harm's way, we must also clearly define the mission, prescribe concrete political and military objectives, seek out advice of our military commanders, evaluate the intelligence, plan accordingly, and ensure that our troops have the resources, support, and equipment they need to protect themselves and fulfill their mission.” — Barack Obama, Chicago Foreign Affairs Council, April 23, 2007 At a Glance Speak your mind and help set the policies that will guide this campaign and change the country. The Problem A 20th Century Structure for 21st Century Problems: We have inherited a national security structure that was developed and organized in the late 1940s to win the Cold War. It remains a rigid bureaucracy of government agencies, relying upon a restrictive and disconnected set of legal authorities. New Leadership and Vision is Needed: America simply cannot afford more of the old approach to our national defense. Instead, it needs a Commander-in-Chief with the right combination of judgment, vision, and leadership for the 21st century. A Military Under Strain: Currently, our soldiers, seamen, airmen and Marines are deployed around the globe, working valiantly to defend our nation. Yet, these heroes are under-resourced and asked to do too much by a policy that has too often taken their sacrifice for granted. Due to their incredible courage and ingenuity, they persevere, but at incredible cost to themselves and their families. Recruitment and Retention Problems: A country of 300 million strong should not struggle to find enough qualified citizens to serve. Recruiting and retention problems have been swept under the rug by an administration that does not understand the value of service to our nation. A System Not Serving our Troops as Well as They Serve Us: As the shameful events at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the recent reports on growing numbers of homeless and unemployed veterans show, we simply are not taking proper care of our wounded warriors and veterans. Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan Invest in a 21st Century Military - Rebuild the Military for 21st Century Tasks: As we rebuild our armed forces, we must not simply recreate the military of the Cold War era. Obama and Biden believe that we must build up our special operations forces, civil affairs, information operations, and other units and capabilities that remain in chronic short supply; invest in foreign language training, cultural awareness, and human intelligence and other needed counterinsurgency and stabilization skill sets; and create a more robust capacity to train, equip, and advise foreign security forces, so that local allies are better prepared to confront mutual threats.
- Expand to Meet Military Needs on the Ground: Barack Obama and Joe Biden support plans to increase the size of the Army by 65,000 soldiers and the Marines by 27,000 troops. Increasing our end strength will help units retrain and re-equip properly between deployments and decrease the strain on military families.
- Leadership from the Top: Barack Obama and Joe Biden will restore the ethic of public service to the agenda of today's youth, whether it be serving their local communities in such roles as teachers or first responders, or serving in the military to keep our nation free and safe.
- Lighten the Burdens on Our Brave Troops and Their Families: An Obama-Biden administration will create a Military Families Advisory Board to provide a conduit for military families' concerns to be brought to the attention of senior policymakers and the public. Obama and Biden will end the Bush administration's stop-loss policy and establish predictability in deployments so that active duty and reserves know what they can and must expect.
Build Defense Capabilities for the 21st Century - Fully Equip Our Troops for the Missions They Face: Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe we must get vitally needed equipment to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines before lives are lost. We cannot repeat such failures as the delays in deployment of armored vehicles, body armor and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that save lives on the frontlines.
- Review Weapons Programs: We must rebalance our capabilities to ensure that our forces have the agility and lethality to succeed in both conventional wars and in stabilization and counter-insurgency operations. Obama and Biden have committed to a review of each major defense program in light of current needs, gaps in the field, and likely future threat scenarios in the post-9/11 world.
- Preserve Global Reach in the Air: We must preserve our unparalleled airpower capabilities to deter and defeat any conventional competitors, swiftly respond to crises across the globe, and support our ground forces. We need greater investment in advanced technology ranging from the revolutionary, like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and electronic warfare capabilities, to essential systems like the C-17 cargo and KC-X air refueling aircraft, which provide the backbone of our ability to extend global power.
- Maintain Power Projection at Sea: We must recapitalize our naval forces, replacing aging ships and modernizing existing platforms, while adapting them to the 21st century. Obama and Biden will add to the Maritime Pre-Positioning Force Squadrons to support operations ashore and invest in smaller, more capable ships, providing the agility to operate close to shore and the reach to rapidly deploy Marines to global crises.
- National Missile Defense: An Obama-Biden administration will support missile defense, but ensure that it is developed in a way that is pragmatic and cost-effective; and, most importantly, does not divert resources from other national security priorities until we are positive the technology will protect the American public.
- Ensure Freedom of Space: An Obama-Biden administration will restore American leadership on space issues, seeking a worldwide ban on weapons that interfere with military and commercial satellites. He will thoroughly assess possible threats to U.S. space assets and the best options, military and diplomatic, for countering them, establishing contingency plans to ensure that U.S. forces can maintain or duplicate access to information from space assets and accelerating programs to harden U.S. satellites against attack.
- Protect the U.S in Cyberspace: An Obama-Biden administration will work in cooperation with our allies and the private sector to identify and protect against emerging cyber-threats.
Restore the Readiness of the National Guard and Reserves - Barack Obama and Joe Biden will provide the National Guard with the equipment it needs for foreign and domestic emergencies and time to restore and refit before deploying. They will make the head of the National Guard a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure concerns of our citizen soldiers reach the level they mandate. They will ensure that reservists and Guard members are treated fairly when it comes to employment, health, and education benefits.
Develop Whole of Government Initiatives to Promote Global Stability - Integrate Military and Civilian Efforts: An Obama-Biden administration will build up the capacity of each non-Pentagon agency to deploy personnel and area experts where they are needed, to help move soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines out of civilian roles.
- Create a Civilian Assistance Corps (CAC): An Obama-Biden administration will set a goal of creating a national CAC of 25,000 personnel. This corps of civilian volunteers with special skill, sets (doctors, lawyers, engineers, city planners, agriculture specialists, police, etc.) would be organized to provide each federal agency with a pool of volunteer experts willing to deploy in times of need at home and abroad.
Restore Our Alliances - Engage Our Allies in Meeting Our Common Security Challenges: America's traditional alliances, such as NATO, must be transformed and strengthened, including on common security concerns like Afghanistan, homeland security, and counterterrorism. Obama and Biden will renew alliances and ensure our allies contribute their fair share to our mutual security.
- Organize to Help Our Partners and Allies in Need: An Obama-Biden administration will expand humanitarian activities that build friends and allies at the regional and local level (such as during the response to the tsunami in South and Southeast Asia), and win hearts and minds in the process.
Reform Contracting - Create Transparency for Military Contractors: Barack Obama and Joe Biden will require the Pentagon and State Department to develop a strategy for determining when contracting makes sense, rather than continually handing off governmental jobs to well-connected companies. An Obama-Biden administration will create the transparency and accountability needed for good governance. Finally, it will establish the legal status of contractor personnel, making possible prosecution of any abuses committed by private military contractors.
- Restore Honesty, Openness, and Commonsense to Contracting and Procurement: An Obama-Biden administration will realize savings by reducing the corruption and cost overruns that have become all too routine in defense contracting. This includes launching a program of acquisition reform and management, which would end the common practice of no-bid contracting.Obama and Biden will end the abuse of supplemental budgets by creating a system of oversight for war funds as stringent as in the regular budget. Obama and Biden will restore the government's ability to manage contracts by rebuilding our contract officer corps. They will order the Justice Department to prioritize prosecutions that will punish and deter fraud, waste and abuse.
For More Information about Barack's Plan Read the Plan
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