Obama, McCain Debate was a “TIE”

This was not a very good debate by either Presidential Candidate; there were a lot of sound bits as answers but no real substance. McCain should have done better with Foreign Affairs questions but didn’t, and Obama didn’t really do well with domestic issues either. Both candidates got a little flustered with each other it showed with Obama face turning red and McCain face changing shape and twitching. Both candidate’s raised good questions about there opponent but neither one of them addressed those concerns.
Obama on a question of him not holding hearing on Afghanistan referred to Joe biden being better equipped to handle foreign policy was a bad answer. John McCain referring to Governor Palin as the person that understands foreign policy was also a bad answer. I believe, as mush as I don’t like to say it, that Hillary Clinton would be a better President then these two people. Neither one of these two candidates get it.

Michigan wakes up to tax increases

A look Back to Oct 2007 In Michigan where a Democratic Governor Raises Taxes then and now did it help Michigan

Paychecks will shrink starting this week
Charlie Cain and Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
LANSING -- Michiganians went to bed Sunday night with the state nearing its first government shutdown and awoke to a $1.35 billion tax hike, among the largest in state history.

An 11.5 percent income tax increase and expansion of the 6 percent sales tax to a strange brew of services will close most of the $1.75 billion hole in the state budget year that began Monday.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm billed it Monday as a $1 per person increase per week for the average state household.

"This is a solution, not one of celebration but one of resolve," Granholm said after the state avoided a full shutdown with a budget deal that called for the tax hikes and as-of-yet unspecified budget cuts of $440 million and long-range government reforms. The state constitution requires a balanced budget.

"This puts the state on solid fiscal footing and will allow Michigan to move forward," she said

State Treasury officials estimated the income tax increase from 3.9 percent to 4.35 percent, which took effect Monday, will cost the average family of four $157 a year after typical deductions.

The income levy begins to ratchet down gradually in 2011 and returns to 3.9 percent by 2015. The service tax -- on items such as landscaping, ski lifts, janitorial services, investment advice, carpet cleaning and tanning -- will cost that same family about $50 a year when it takes effect Dec. 1.

Sherry Pyszczynski, a 40-year-old business owner from Hazel Park, had a different take on the budget solution, particularly the service tax.

"I'm really shocked. It upsets me terribly," she said. "I own a janitorial service and now I have to pass that cost along to all my clients. I don't know how the people in Lansing consider that a luxury."

Robert Smith, a Ford Motor Co. retiree from Northville, said he wished the state shutdown had occurred with full force to wake up politicians and make state employees endure the same sacrifices that have befallen the private sector.

"People would have been mad, but my expenses have risen and my health benefits have been reduced," Smith said. "Everybody is giving out here, but I don't see it happening in the public sector. It needs to happen."

Taxes 'slightly above' U.S. average
State Treasurer Robert Kleine said the new taxes move the state's overall tax burden "from slightly below the national average to slightly above the national average."

It's difficult to compare income taxes across states because most states with such a levy have a graduated tax with varying rates. Using the top rates in each state, the Treasury claims Michigan's 4.35 percent makes it the fourth lowest in the nation. It's the highest rate in Michigan since 1999. The higher rate is expected to generate about $760 million annually.

The tax on 23 new services -- which will generate $725 million over a full year -- means Michigan now taxes 49 services, according to the Treasury. The state already taxes some services, including storage and auto leasing. That puts the state at 27th in the country in the number of services taxes, up from 36th, Kleine said.

Another measure of tax burden is state and local taxes as a percentage of personal income, with the national average at about 11 percent. Kleine said the new tax boosts mean Michigan edges up from slightly below 11 percent to slightly above 11 percent.

But the Tax Foundation in Washington, D.C., which tracks such data, takes a different view of Michigan's ranking. The combination of the sales and income tax hike puts Michigan's tax burden at 11th-highest in the nation, up from No. 14, the institute says.

Sports, concert tickets spared
The list of services to be taxed can be kindly called unusual. Services on the list were meant to be discretionary, mainly by the affluent. But nonessential items such as sports and concert tickets and cable TV won't be taxed. The Detroit Tigers, who drew more than 3 million fans this year, reminded fans before games to protest the proposed hike with lawmakers. Tigers tickets were excluded.

Ski lifts are on the ledger; golf fees and boat slips are not. Personal services, such as astrology, massage, dating and fortune-telling are now subject to the tax.

Asked about how the list was drawn up, Kleine said: "We had to look for a certain amount of money and we looked for services we thought we could get votes for."

Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, likened the selection of the services to be taxed to a "Chinese food menu where you pick a la carte from the list. It's not scientific at all. You identify your revenue target then go down the list and make selections."

Bishop also said he wouldn't be surprised to see a citizens' referendum to try to repeal the service tax.

"There will be outward rebellion when some of these interest groups and industries impacted by it see exactly what it means," he said.

The tax increases were ushered in almost exclusively with Democratic votes. The service tax drew no Republican votes in the House and two in the Senate. The income tax hike attracted two GOP votes in the House and four in the Senate.

"Republicans refused to put up votes for anything," said House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township. "Basically, this entire package was delivered by Democrats."

House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche, R-Novi, said he expects outrage about the tax increases in general.

"This is a victory for the bureaucracy and special interests and a loss for families struggling to make ends meet," DeRoche said. "It's one of the largest spending sprees in Michigan history."

today has Michigan Worst Performance in Nation

Michigan is now in this vicious cycle. Over the past year U.S. personal income increased by 6.3 percent. In some states income grew faster. In others, it grew slower. Michigan has the dubious distinction of having the worst economic performance of all 50 states.

Michigan now has the slowest growth in income and the highest rate of unemployment. And this was the case before Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) insisted on and won a major new increase in taxes, which promises only to make things worse.

While Michigan tax receipts should increase in response to the latest tax hikes, the increase will be temporary. It takes time for businesses to relocate. As they relocate, Michigan will lose jobs and income to other states. Before long, Michigan's politicians will again be faced with a shortfall of revenue. With less revenue, they will once again be forced to cut government services and jobs.

To reverse this vicious cycle, Michigan must do what other states have done to attract jobs and businesses. Lawmakers must significantly reduce the tax burden on citizens. Doing so will help reverse the economic deterioration of the past 40 years.

Another case of Joe being Joe.

by Aaron Bruns
WASHINGTON, DC — Another case of Joe being Joe.
The Delaware Senator took issue with an attack ad from his own side in an interview with CBS, telling Katie Couric that the Obama hit on McCain’s ignorance of computers and technology was “terrible.” The ad paints McCain as out of touch — and all but calls him ancient — but doesn’t mention that the Arizona Senator’s war injuries actually prevent him from using computers for an extended period.
Asked whether he’s disappointed with the tone of the campaign, including the ad that Couric characterized as “making fun of John McCain’s inability to use a computer,” Biden said “I thought that was terrible by the way.
“I didn’t know we did it and if I had anything to do with it, we would have never done it”
“While the New York Times and other media outlets were silent in the face of Barack Obama’s shameless and dishonorable attack on John Mccain, even Obama’s own running mate has now condemned the ad as terrible,” said spokesman Brian Rogers in a statement. “Barack Obama has brought the sleazy gutter politics of Chicago to our national stage, exposing his call for a ‘new politics’ as a lie and embarrassing even his own running mate with the low road campaign he’s running.”
Looks like the stage is being set for Biden’s exit and…Hillary’s re-emergence?

Hype the Obama Effect Movie 2007

30 Second Television Ad


A movement is sweeping the nation. Frenzied crowds gather in every state. Young people chant and sing. Women swoon. The result is record voter turn out and a rare political enthusiasm. At the head of this unprecedented phenomenon stands a charismatic figure intent on becoming the President of the United States.

"I'm asking you to believe."
"We are the ones we have been waiting for."
"Yes, we can!"
"Change."
"Hope."

These words, from Barack Obama, have inspired everything from outrageous videos to the largest campaign fundraising success in history. He has taken what was considered a sure bet Clinton machine and turned it on its head. His supporters claim he is the new Martin Luther King, Jr. He is hailed as this generation's John F. Kennedy. This documentary explores the HYPE behind Barack Obama.


Movie Trailer


The Long Haul for Democrats



http://www.hypemovie.com/

Obama's top economic advisors have ties to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AND Lehman Brothers

In an ad, the Obama campaign goes hard after John McCain for employing big-time lobbyists in high ranking positions. Obama should be careful about throwing stones.

Jim Johnson was the CEO and Vice Chairman for Fannie Mae as well as managing director at Lehman Brothers who is currently Barack Obama's economic advisor.

Franklin Raines was CEO of Fannie Mae 1999 to 2004. Mr. Raines also is currently Barack Obama's economic advisor and has not yet been forced to resign. He is accused by The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), the regulating body of Fannie Mae, of abetting widespread accounting errors, which included the shifting of losses so senior executives, such as himself, could earn large bonuses. Raines was sued for wrongdoing but was able to settle. An editorial in The Wall Street Journal called it a "paltry settlement" which allowed Raines and the other two executives to "keep the bulk of their riches." In 2003 alone, Raines's compensation was over $20 million. [ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10977075... ].


Raines *also* has ties with Countrywide. In June 2008 Wall Street Journal reported that Franklin Raines was one of several politicians who received below market rates loans at Countrywide Financial because the corporation considered the officeholders "FOA's"--"Friends of Angelo" (Countrywide Chief Executive Angelo Mozilo). He received loans for over $3 million while CEO of Fannie Mae. [ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB12127997... ]

The federal takeover of mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae may stabilize the economy and help the housing industry.
But some politicians could take a hit too, most particularly Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.
The money has gone to both Republicans and Democrats.
But Obama is the recipient of the 2nd largest individual money, at $111,849, according to federal campaign finance reports compiled by Times researcher Maloy Moore. The person in first place is Senator Chris Dodd this was the person getting special loans from Countrywide Home loans.

Biden's Son, Brother Named in Two Suits

Hunter Biden was made president with an annual salary of $1.2 million, despite his inexperience in the hedge fund industry, the lawsuit said. Before that, he had been part of the Washington law firm Oldaker, Biden & Belair, which earned $1.76 million in lobbying revenue in the first half of 2006, according to Congressional Quarterly's CQ MoneyLine. One of its biggest clients is the National Association of Shareholder and Consumer Attorneys, a District-based group representing law firms specializing in investment and corporate law.

Hunter Biden is one of many children and relatives of prominent members of Congress who have made their careers as lobbyists. He returned to lobbying after less than a year with Paradigm.

Lotito's lawsuit alleges that James Biden called him in January 2006 to arrange a job for Hunter Biden. It says James Biden told him that his brother (Sen. Biden) "was concerned with the impact that Hunter's lobbying activities might have on his expected campaign for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination," and, "Biden told Lotito that, in light of these concerns, his brother had asked him to seek Lotito's assistance in finding employment for Hunter in a non-lobbying capacity."

Lotito does not provide any direct evidence of the senator's involvement and offers no witnesses to the assertion.

The campaign of Sens. Barack Obama and Biden declined to comment on the case, referring questions to Nicholas Gravante Jr., a lawyer representing Hunter and James Biden. Gravante said assertions that Joseph Biden told his brother he was concerned about his son's lobbying are "absolutely false."

"This lawsuit has nothing to do with Joe Biden, and there is absolutely no truth to those allegations," Gravante said. "It is a business dispute between former partners. The suit is baseless."

Brian C. Wille, an attorney for Lotito, said the lawsuit alleges no wrongdoing by Sen. Biden, only that his concerns set in motion the business deal.

"There was a concern that Hunter Biden's role as a lobbyist would have an impact on the senator's proposed presidential run," Wille said. "That's what James Biden told Mr. Lotito. . . . Was it true? Who knows? There is no allegation the senator was involved in any of these events."

In an affidavit, Hunter Biden said his father had nothing to do with the deal and that it is Lotito who swindled the Bidens.

He said Lotito lied about being a "fully licensed and accredited securities professional" with hedge fund experience.

In addition, he said Lotito recommended a lawyer to vet the business deal who was under investigation and was ultimately convicted on several felony charges of conspiracy and wire and mail fraud in a scheme to steal millions from a computer company.

By Kimberly Kindy and Joe Stephens
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, August 24, 2008; Page A09

A son and a brother of Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.) are accused in two lawsuits of defrauding a former business partner and an investor of millions of dollars in a hedge fund deal that went sour, court records show.

The Democratic vice presidential candidate's son Hunter, 38, and brother James, 59, assert instead that their former partner defrauded them by misrepresenting his experience in the hedge fund industry and recommending that they hire a lawyer with felony convictions.

The legal actions have been playing out in New York State Supreme Court since 2007, and they focus on Hunter and James Biden's involvement in Paradigm Companies LLC, a hedge fund group. Hunter Biden, a Washington lobbyist, briefly served as president of the firm.

A lawsuit filed by their former partner Anthony Lotito Jr. asserts in court papers that the deal was crafted to get Hunter Biden out of lobbying because his father was concerned about the impact it would have on his bid for the White House. Biden was running for the Democratic nomination at the time the suit was filed.


In the hedge fund business deal, Lotito and the Bidens created a company called LLB Holdings USA and together agreed to pay $21.3 million for 54 percent interest in Paradigm.

In the lawsuit, Lotito said that soon after creating LLB, the Bidens crafted a "secret deal" to create their own company that was designed to buy out his shares in Paradigm for a low rate, to which he agreed. He said he knew nothing of the secret deal until later and now believes he was defrauded out of millions of dollars and his share in the company.

In the second lawsuit against the Bidens, which was filed in June, Lotito is also named as a defendant. Stephane Farouze, now an executive with Deutsche Bank, seeks $10 million, saying the Bidens and Lotito promised to buy his shares in the hedge fund company but reneged.

Barack Obama contends that he is more experienced then Gov. Sarah Palin because he has managed his presidential campaign

Barack Obama contends that he is more experienced in executive matters than Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin because he has managed his presidential campaign for the past 18 months.

I had too re-read this article because I didn't believe it, I thought the spin by the media and the obama campaign was that he had more then enough experience to be President. But Obama has now settled that question for of us. Read below


Speaking on a cable news channel Monday night, the Democratic presidential nominee said he is better prepared to handle a disaster like Hurricane Gustav because of his pursuit of the White House.

“Well, my understanding is that Governor Palin’s town of Wasilla has, I think, 50 employees. We’ve got 2,500 in this campaign. I think their budget is maybe $12 million a year. You know, we have a budget of about three times that just for the month. So I think that our ability to manage large systems and to execute I think has been made clear over the last couple of years,” Obama said.

John McCain’s spokesman called the suggestion “laughable.”

“For Barack Obama to argue that he’s experienced enough to be president because he’s running for president is desperate circular logic and its laughable. It is a testament to Barack Obama’s inexperience and failing qualifications that he would stoop to passing off his candidacy as comparable to Governor Sarah Palin’s executive experience managing a budget of over $10 billion and more than 24,000 employees,” said spokesman Tucker Bounds.

Republican National Committee Victory 2008 Chairwoman Carly Fiorina also blasted the Democratic campaign.

“I am appalled by the Obama campaign’s attempts to belittle Governor Sarah Palin’s experience. The facts are that Sarah Palin has made more executive decisions as a mayor and governor than Barack Obama has made in his life,” Fiorina said, adding that the Obama camp’s attacks raise the question of sexism.

Thank you Obama for clarifying your experience for us but I don't think you running for president compares to any Governors record running a state or even Governor Palin for record 2yrs listed below But good try.

But here are things Gov. Palin has done in less then 2yrs as Gov.:
1. Palin canceled "Bridge to Nowhere"a contract for the construction of an 11-mile (18-kilometer) gravel road outside Juneau to a mine.
2. She also followed through on a campaign promise to sell the Westwind II jet purchased (on a state government credit account) by the Democrat Murkowski administration. In August 2007, the jet was sold for US$2.1 million.
3. In June 2007, Palin signed into law a US$6.6 billion operating budget—the largest in Alaska's history. At the same time, she used her veto power to make the second-largest cuts of the construction budget in state history. The US$237 million in cuts represented over 300 local projects, and reduced the construction budget to nearly US$1.6 billion.
4. She also helped pass a tax increase on oil company profits.
5. In March 2007, Palin presented the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA)
6. In August 2008, Palin signed a bill into law giving the state of Alaska authority to award TransCanada Pipelines US$500 million in seed money and a license to build and operate the US$26-billion pipeline to transport natural gas from the North Slope to the Lower 48 through Canada.
7. In response to high oil and gas prices, she gave Alaskans US$1,200 directly, paid for from the windfall surplus the state is getting because of the high oil prices. As well as suspended the state gas tax for Alaskins.
These are just some I have shown above.

Experience Obama VS Palin who is not Running for President

I have received a lot of emails regarding the none experience of Governor Palin so here is my answer to all you not knowall the facts.

Obama was sworn in as a senator on January 4, 2005 his first sponser of legislation was 1/31/07 with no legislation passed see below and go to the website. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery
Here is a sample of sample legislation he has sponsored. "Obama passed no legislation since coming to office" (please see at the bottom of this page)


But here are things Gov. Palin has done in lees then 2yrs as Gov.:
1. Palin canceled "Bridge to Nowhere"a contract for the construction of an 11-mile (18-kilometer) gravel road outside Juneau to a mine.
2. She also followed through on a campaign promise to sell the Westwind II jet purchased (on a state government credit account) by the Democrat Murkowski administration. In August 2007, the jet was sold for US$2.1 million.
3. In June 2007, Palin signed into law a US$6.6 billion operating budget—the largest in Alaska's history. At the same time, she used her veto power to make the second-largest cuts of the construction budget in state history. The US$237 million in cuts represented over 300 local projects, and reduced the construction budget to nearly US$1.6 billion.
4. She also helped pass a tax increase on oil company profits.
5. In March 2007, Palin presented the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA)
6. In August 2008, Palin signed a bill into law giving the state of Alaska authority to award TransCanada Pipelines US$500 million in seed money and a license to build and operate the US$26-billion pipeline to transport natural gas from the North Slope to the Lower 48 through Canada.
7. In response to high oil and gas prices, she gave Alaskans US$1,200 directly, paid for from the windfall surplus the state is getting because of the high oil prices. As well as suspended the state gas tax for Alaskins.
These are just some I have shown above.
Now your at a disadvantage first because O'bama is not a Govenor, the Govenor helps to create and pass legislation which Gov. Palin has Done so I personally believe that the Govenor has more experience then O'Bama with working with Democrats and Repblicans and Independents in regards to getting Legislation passed. I knew the answer before I asked you to come up with something.


the National Journal ranked O'bama as the "most liberal" senator based on an assessment of selected votes during 2007.

Obama Legislation

Items 1 through 100 of 129
1. S.CON.RES.5 : A concurrent resolution honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic chemistry and the first and only African-American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 1/31/2007) Cosponsors (5) Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 1/31/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
2. S.CON.RES.25 : A concurrent resolution condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 3/29/2007) Cosponsors (7) Committees: Senate Foreign Relations Latest Major Action: 6/26/2007 Held at the desk.
3. S.CON.RES.44 : A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued honoring Rosa Louise McCauley Parks.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 9/12/2007) Cosponsors (22) Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Latest Major Action: 10/19/2007 Referred to Senate subcommittee. Status: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security.
4. S.CON.RES.46 : A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 9/17/2007) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Latest Major Action: 9/17/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
5. S.CON.RES.96 : A concurrent resolution commemorating Irena Sendler, a woman whose bravery saved the lives of thousands during the Holocaust and remembering her legacy of courage, selflessness, and hope.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/29/2008) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 7/29/2008 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
6. S.RES.133 : A resolution celebrating the life of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 3/28/2007) Cosponsors (4) Latest Major Action: 3/28/2007 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
7. S.RES.268 : A resolution designating July 12, 2007, as "National Summer Learning Day".Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/11/2007) Cosponsors (4) Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 7/13/2007 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
8. S.RES.383 : A resolution honoring and recognizing the achievements of Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major American city, in the 40th year since his election as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 11/15/2007) Cosponsors (2) Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 11/15/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
9. S.RES.600 : A resolution commemorating the 44th anniversary of the deaths of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi, while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which has become known as "Freedom Summer".Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 6/24/2008) Cosponsors (3) Latest Major Action: 6/24/2008 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
10. S.RES.628 : A resolution expressing support for the designation of Disability Pride Day and recognizing that all people, including people living with disabilities, have the right, responsibility, and ability to be active, contributing members of society and fully engaged as citizens of the United States.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/25/2008) Cosponsors (1) Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Latest Major Action: 7/25/2008 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

I do agree that the governor has no foreign policy experience but neither does Obama and going on a trip to speak with citizens of other countries doesn't give him the experience either. That’s why he put Joe Biden on the ticket.