A few weeks ago I got an email from Denver asking me if I could modify an Obama poster to have the “yes we can” motto in Amharic feedels. Thus I did and sent it back.
Last week I get the same poster that I modified in an email from someone I know in Atlanta who happens to be in a group called Ethiopians for America, and then I got the same poster with modifications from someone else in DC.
So like most young people in the US we are supporting Senator Barack Obama for President.
I have modified another poster found here to have the word Yichalal using English alphabets since a lot of folks although speaking Amharic do not read Amharic. You can download a PDF print format in 24″ by 36″ here and use as necessary.
I have given a lot of money to the campaign since I was not able to take time of from work and go volunteer at the campaign headquarters in Chicago, although I have made phone calls on behalf of the campaign for every primary.
Two days ago I found a website that is planning to raise a million dollars in one minute. I thought it was a genius idea and I want to participate on behalf of all the bernos blog readers.
So I am asking each of you to donate 5$ so we can reach the goal of 100$ before April 21 at one pm at which time we will give 100$ in our name to reach the million dollar mark.
If you would like to contribute 5$ please below button to donate the money through paypal.
Thanks in advance.
Published by April 9th, 2008 in Current Issues and Design.Send this post to a friend
So far, I’ve donated $200.And to be honest, I am in regret. It was too much. I should have sent half of that to some one in need which I have a lot of in my life.
Ere that is very good man very good. I have gave a lot more than that and I am poorer than you!
ere Nolawi… how do u know you are poorer. That is why I am in regret, I gave too much, inapproriate to my need and the need of these I love. I think I could have expressed my support with far less money. btw, I like the new you…
What is the new me?
On that blog, The Last Straw..
Oh I see….
btw where is everyone when it counts? I didn’t think bernos readers were empty supporters?
[quote comment="141382"]Oh I see….
btw where is everyone when it counts? I didn’t think bernos readers were empty supporters?[/quote]
i’ve donated also…
nols, where’s your poster with the amharic feedels? is it the one that was recently featured on meskelsquare.com?
not amerikan, so not donating i’m afraid. anyway, i thought it was illegal for one to make a donation to a US presidential campaign on behalf of others. no?
[quote comment="141387"]nols, where’s your poster with the amharic feedels? is it the one that was recently featured on meskelsquare.com?
not amerikan, so not donating i’m afraid. anyway, i thought it was illegal for one to make a donation to a US presidential campaign on behalf of others. no?[/quote]
Yes that one.
You don’t have to be an american to donate, however you have to be a legal resident
Second its not illegal to bundle a fundraising on behalf of others. there is however some campaign finance rules that apply to bundlers. basically individuals can only donate a maximum of 2,300 in their name. If I was to raise 10,000 dollars from 3 people that is illegal especially if the people have already donated to the same campaign…passing their contribution allotment.
Third, the campaign finance laws are not really for small contributions- its to limit lobbyist influence
Wow, that is crazy.
I made those posters for Obama a couple months ago and put them up for free download on my website.
Here they all are: http://www.changethethought.com/obama-2008/
It amazes me that they have traveled far and wide to be translated into different languages. I made a bunch of buttons on my site as well that have a lot of different lines that were requested by someone at Obama’s office in Chicago. So you can use those as well since the source files for those are also available.
I created these posters out of my sheer belief that I believe Obama is the best candidate and should be elected. So, it’s great to see them being used exactly for what I created them.
Hi Chris, thanks they are nice and they are all over. BTW I wish you had mentioned what the font used was in you article.
Hey guys, you know in retrospect, I should have used Helvetica or something that would have been easier for other people to use.
I actually created that font custom, specifically for these posters, so it doesn’t exist as an actual alphabet or font.
Futura is the font used in the small type and would probably be what I would recommend as the accompanying font.
I hope you guys make a t-shirt of this pic. i am loving it. Please do it.
obama yichalal shirts at the soccer tourney? what say you nolawi?
I want a ‘typical white person for Obama’ t-shirt.
[quote comment="141442"]I want a ‘typical white person for Obama’ t-shirt. :)[/quote]
go to why
stuff white people like
its a blog that started 4 months ago and its very popular and they said they like obama
btw anon are you white
so far we got a few donations .. and we have a few weeks to make the 100$ but the names of the people that donated are not abesha they are american names….
mts
Me white? why would you ask? I think it would get me superficial white chicks though if I wear it.
May be my habesha sisters would too–I hope they be real though. What white people like started by this Canadian guy working in silicon valley…. its too funny. I could be: Selim Ges, Saada mask… if that is how the black face white mask goes–troubeling
Hey Nolawi…are u trying to guilt trip people? It worked anyways…I donated…
[quote comment="141382"]Oh I see….
btw where is everyone when it counts? I didn’t think bernos readers were empty supporters?[/quote]
…and u r right! We are not!
I have donated already! But I am an Ethiopian student - with a student visa and I have given for Obama. I think the impact Obama will have on the world will affect me, my country and the rest of the world anyway - so technically I do not have be a citizen to give although I am not sure if i can or can’t give legally.
What I did - I gave it to my American friend and he added it to his contribution.
Obama may not see my name on his check book but will get my contribution! That is what
counts!
Easy!
As many other good intentioned Ethiopians found in our motherland (by the way i am also in Ethiopia),the only way i have been contributing to the obama campaign has been through giving all my ears and eyes wide open to the latest developments of his campaign.
ene genzeb lawata bil gin yerasua siyarbat yegorebetuan tamasilalech aynet neger new yemimeslew.But i really apploud all the efforts that have been made by Ethiopians to put OBAMA to a place where he rightfully deserves.
Wedefit belulet yileylet!! wedefit wedefit………..(this is for OBAMA)
thanks nolawi for bringing obama’s cause and ‘face’ to bernos. just to let you know, i am a supporter and volunteer in time and money @ my school and work.
Nolawi,
Welcome! Over 1,000 of us have pre-registered for this event; we are the base of An
Obama Minute. The site is now LIVE, so go there and REGISTER
to be part of An Obama Minute on April 21st at 1pm EST. We will keep you
updated as we move closer to the Minute.
Remember, in order for An Obama Minute to be a success, we have to
SPREAD THE WORD!
Give all your friends and family the opportunity to join us for this
million dollar minute.
Forward them the link: http://www.anobamaminute.com.
And invite them to join you in our An Obama Minute groups on:
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10944980558
Linked-in
http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/85726/505C923DA9B7
Mybarackobama.com
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/48vz
Let our voices be heard!
Best,
Scott, Michelle & Adam
An Obama Minute Team
*An Obama Minute encourages donations of $100, but you are free to donate any amount you choose.
————————————————–
Great news guys we have now reached 25$ we are going to donate 100$… keep it up!
I hope you guys are not forgetting the “REAL” candidate for change, Ralph Nader.
http://www.votenader.org/
this guy is my personal hero, because he has tirelessly worked in the interests of the american people for more than 3 decades. If I could I would lure mr. nader to africa to solve our problems there.
Hi friends. We are no blacks. We are no americans. We can’t vote in this elections. But we live in this one world. And our children are from Ethiopia.
!!!Sí, podemos¡¡¡¡.
http://www.mamaetiopia.blogspot.com
[quote comment="141679"]I hope you guys are not forgetting the “REAL” candidate for change, Ralph Nader.
http://www.votenader.org/
this guy is my personal hero, because he has tirelessly worked in the interests of the american people for more than 3 decades. If I could I would lure mr. nader to africa to solve our problems there.[/quote]
oh you mean the guy that brought us Bush in 2000 byt taking away votes from gore…
excellent hero
I actually might vote for Ralph Nader, really…because he is the REAL advocate of change with REAL experience ready to be president on DAY ONE. I would feel better although I know he can’t win. That he cheated Gore is full of sh*t. Gore won all the loyal democrat states, and had he won either of the swing states, Florida or Ohio, he would had been president. We know what happened in Florida and possibly in Ohio too. It was stolen, leave Nader out. I voted for Nader then, and my some what swing state went to Gore
You got it all wrong dude, Gore brought us Bush by taking votes away from Nader. He is the real candidate of change and yes, he is an excellent hero whose contribution to the American society can’t be matched by any president since the New Deal nor will it be matched by any future president.
eeich progressives do not know how to fight for change within the status quo.
I don’t want to have this discussions with you guys.
[quote comment="141739"]eeich progressives do not know how to fight for change within the status quo.
I don’t want to have this discussions with you guys.[/quote]
Discussing change is one thing and discussing intellectually dishonest charge against Nader is another . But the fact remains that Nader consistently summons visceral knee jerk reactions from mainstream democrats. I was even confounded and disappointed to witness Obama’s magnanimousness and eloquence suddenly disappear when he heard about Nader. To say the least, that demonstrates their lack of commitment to real change. I mean I support Obama for various reasons but I have no illusions about his promise for change nor do the corporations, and wall street that support his candidacy. So I say good luck changing the status quo.
Speaking of candicates that have a snowball’s chance in hell, check out Mike Gravel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA2LgJviH9w He might be batshit crazy but how cool was that?
Nyala,
good luck with you three%
[quote comment="141746"]Speaking of candicates that have a snowball’s chance in hell, check out Mike Gravel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA2LgJviH9w He might be batshit crazy but how cool was that?[/quote]
How naive to expect change if everyone can’t help by echo and perpetuate the narrative manufactured by corporate media.
[quote comment="141747"]Nyala,
good luck with you three% :)[/quote]
you are awfully generous, thank you.
I was not trying to echo the MSM at all. When did the MSM ever mention Gravel, anyway? I do like him BTW. I think he brings up valid issues, The Industrial Military Complex for instance. He has the best videos (have you seen the ‘Rock’ Video?) I am just realistic is all. I don’t think either Nader nor Gravel have a snowballs chance in hell of being elected. How is voting for a spoiler like Nader going to bring about change? You might make a point, but you won’t make change. Nader ego trip is what lost Gore the election in 2000 and set this country down the Bush path. He is a good consumer advocate but in my opinion he would make a poor president. AS for Gravel, I didn’t mean the batshit crazy comment in a bad way. I think “crazy” people are the ones that bring about change in the world. Galileo, Gandhi, Buddha, Jesus, Darwin etc….
yeah, me no American
tho, mind you… your economic disaster is affecting us too
Why is it that when i talk to most of my habesha buddys they are all gahgah over Obama. I remeber once i had some friends over and they wanted to watch one of Obama’s speeches on CNN and they asked me if i was going to vote for him. I said that i am not sure, and i thought i was standing infront of a firing squad. I wonder what makes him so special, other than the color of his skin, which is similar to mine. Does that mean i have to support him? I find it funny coz when i ask them what are some of his policies they like, they can’t mention much.
[quote comment="141956"]Why is it that when i talk to most of my habesha buddys they are all gahgah over Obama. I remeber once i had some friends over and they wanted to watch one of Obama’s speeches on CNN and they asked me if i was going to vote for him. I said that i am not sure, and i thought i was standing infront of a firing squad. I wonder what makes him so special, other than the color of his skin, which is similar to mine. Does that mean i have to support him? I find it funny coz when i ask them what are some of his policies they like, they can’t mention much.[/quote]
dude, i don’t know about your friends, but most of us support obama not cause he is black, but becuase he is for big time change in america and the world. he is unlike anyone we have seen so far in this country. to me, my friends, and most americans he represents the new face of america. he is also the personification of the new generation of americans like you and me. if you want to know more about his policy & vision for the future, you can visit his official campaign website: http://www.barackobama.com/
Dawitm
There again is the problem. “Dude”, all i hear from you is the exact same thing i hear from my friends. They just throw around that word of the centuary “Change” and claim he’s going fix all that is wrong with this country. Now tell me what “Changes” are we talking about:
Is it “Change” when he blows out his absurd rhetoric of “It’s-about-time-we-got-our troops-out-of-Iraq” crap. If you really believe that then you need to share what- ever it is you are smoking with the rest of us.
Is it “Change” when he makes this Robin-Hood mentality where “Big Corporate CEO’s are making so much money so i will take it from them and give it to the poor ol people.” when he himself and his wife made millions. Besides, how on earth is he going to do this. Most of these so called “Big Corporate CEO’s” work for publically traded companies which the common folk owns as shares and is exchanged through public trading. So, he wants to involve the government in the business of publically owened companies and redistribute whealth. Why don’t you move to cuba if you want that coz to me that hits to close to home when Mengistu (enatu afer teblana) did the same thing to most of the hard working ethiopians (not to compare Obama to Mengistu)
Is it “Change” when he is advocating for “Medical coverage for every single person”
Give me a break. That is change alright. A change towards Socialism. Where the hell is he going to get the money for that. Right, more taxes to pay for joe schmoes insurance whome i have not relations to. Great!!! that is a bright idea.
Unfortunately, he will probably be our next president but don’t put your hopes up with all the change coz guess what, it ain’t gonna happen.
Oh and i forgot. He wants to sit down with the Ihatolas of the world and have a one to one conversation. I wonder how the conversation would go:
(Obama) Oh your excellency Ahmadinijad. It has come to my attention that you are sending your boys across the border and killing our boys. I really don’t think that is the civilized thing to do. Now, if you scratch my back, i will scratch yours. Don’t send your boys to attack my boys and i will see if i can throw some money to add to your already inflated pockets.
(Ahmadinijad) Oh Mr. President, i really didn’t believe it when you came on TV before you got hired as the president and said you would not discount the possiblity of coming to my country and talking to me about my mischevious ways. Wow, America has really “Changed”. Now, that you did come hear to my humble aboad to see me and plead with me, i really do believe you are great. I thought your long standing Policy of not negotiating with your enemies was the foundation of your country. Now that it is not the case anymore, i will make sure to capture a few of your soldiers and demand for some rediculous demands. I am sure you would be back to negotiate with me again.
FK: from implying that habesha Obama are not aware of policies, we only like him because of the color of his skin, now you are disagreeing with his policies because they are socialistic. Fair enough, as long as you now admit we have an idea of policies advocated by Obama which you dont agree with.
Anon
Never implied ALL habeshas, said just SOME of MANY of my habesha friends. Since i don’t know you well enough to consider you as a friend, i don’t know how you could assume “WE only like him because of his color” coz i never talked about you in the first place. The “We” in your sentence only signifies that you are Ethiopian. Never said you had no idea of Obamas Policies. I only wrote my opinion since this website has some of the brightest possibly mostly Ethiopian group of people sharing ideas and thoughts, That is why i wanted to share my opinion. That is all. Besides, it was a response to Dawitm.
filetew kuretew, you do make valid arguments of the socialistic inclination of obama’s policies. Personally, taxation is of huge concern to me. I also have to say Clinton’s domestic policies aren’t that different from Obama’s. The romantization of Obama’s campaign is reminescent of the goggle-eyed love affair the Republican’s had/have with George Bush. After the disaster of the past 8 years, the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction. Obama is a great man, elected or not, he has injected energy for change in this country. I identify with him on many levels, and I am very excited to see a young, mix-race, JFKenesque, MLKenesque man run in this election. THIS IS HISTORY!! The same way the possibility of the first woman president is HISTORY as well. But for the sake of History, leadership, talent, experience, and many other characters and qualities are being short changed in this campaign. McCain, Clinton, Obama, they are not the best of what this country has to offer. There are far more talented, far more capable people for that position. It is sad and a shame that those who have the ability to lead this great country on the right path will never run for office. The geo-political and domestic issues this country faces are tremendous and beyond the capabilities of the three candidates left in the ring. Obama has no track-record, maybe experience is not important anymore? maybe what we need is a great speaker? the guy seems nice…the kinda guy you would want to have a beer with. Just remember, the last one the republicans went out to have a beer with, left us with a nightmarish hangover!
“YES WE CAN”, yes we can do a lot of things… And ‘yes he can’ and will probably win the DNC nomination. I just wonder if he’ll paint the White House BLACK, and tax me for the paint??!
But those of u who think Nader is an agent of change have to keep in mind small candidates have no political pressure to compromise. Front runners like Obama have to compromise their principles at least officially and basically try to please voters.
Ye-inatu-lej
Iwunetim ye-inatu-lej. your concensus is excellent. I do agree with most of what you said. I didn’t mean to paint a gloomy picture during my previous posts, but i just wanted to know if there were others who shared my concerns about his policies. Believe me i do get caught up with his intelligence and his ability to communicate and his PIONEER status, after having Bush as the pres for the past 8 years. I am not happy with McCain either and i am not a republican but I think atleast McCain would not tax me to death and although Iraq invasion was a wrong endevour on Bushes part, i get so IRIR DIBIN when Obama and Clinton keep feeling their followers with false hope with the Iraq war issue. I am tottally with McCain on that issue. But you know what either way, we are screwed since non of the candidates in my mind qualify for the position. Especially during such an important time this country and the world is facing.
FK
filetew kuretew,
you seemed to be so sure and one who has already made up his mind about the 2008 election. i am not going to go all over the map (like you did) to define what obama stands for. for me and his supporters, he is the better candidate than clinton or mccain. btw, no one said obama is “going to fix all that is wrong with this country”. if you think a president (any president)is going to fix everything, then you don’t live in the real world.
Point taken Dawitm. My problem is that i don’t know for sure who i will vote for. I do NOT think ANY president is going to fix everything. The common folk like you and I can only fix the problem of this country. We can do it by doing our share by working, paying our taxes, and not be deterred by all the negativity being thrown at us by the media. Not Obama, Clinton or McCain. What makes a great president is one who will create less obstacles and hardships on us and help guide us in the right direction and therefore, get ourselves out of this mess that we are in. I just feel- and this is totally my opinion- that people and for that matter the media are not talking about his policies, and since most people get their info from CNN, they don’t have a full knowledge of the candidate.
FK: First let me say your assumption is correct, I am habesha and that is the only reason I am here—chit chat with you guys.
The Obama policies you mentioned on health care and international diplomacy are well publicized. Anyone who reads new papers watched Obama on CNN knows his stance on these two issues. Unless you want to air your disagreement which you have, I don’t buy that supporters/non-supporters that at the very least follow debates on TV are unaware of the policies. But many claim Obama is all talk, without policies and when the policies are made known, they are ready to disagree. So lack of policies isn’t the point, as you have demonstrated Obama is weak and a socialist. When Kerry was running, there was an attempt at mass voter’s registration drive of young people and poor people promoted by celebrities under ‘Vote or Die’. Then the standard FoxN/Republican rhetoric was why those people should vote, they don’t have an understanding of the issues. I honestly think if the republicans had their way, they would introduce Jim Crow like test: recite the issues before you can vote. Universal healthcare in America is way overdue. Yes it’s such a socialist program like universal primary education or like higher education in some countries. If you have been following discussions in memory of the 40th anniversary of MLK killing, a point was made on NPR: The middle class America is a creation of socialist programs of the 40s and 50s—to see visit FDR monument in DC. In 30 years AA closed the economics gap by only 3 cents, at that rate 500 years is needed to close that gap. MLK before his death was beginning to articulate economic justice: AA were locked out of the benefits that created middle class America, and to lift AA, economic justice requires the same level of socialist efforts. Unfortunately, there are people who choose unnecessary war over diplomacy that works, did work, who needlessly waged and will wage war when only a certain segment stand to rip big reward…. over universal health care claiming government has no place. Will Obama get the troops out, will he prevent another war? He is more likely to succeed in doing that than in universal healthcare. The alternative is McBush, who can’t tell the difference between sunni and shia, between alqaeda and insurgents… more of the same. The POTUS office has floor age and place of birth requirements; it should now include grade and ceiling age requirements—no to D-, C-, C and to dementia.
We have linked your blog in ours
http://www.mamaetiopia.blogspot.com
Anon, I second your ‘POTUS’ pre-requisites.
Filetew-Kuretew, Kudos for raising your voice.
This is a great subject, one that will affect the lives of many here, and around the world. I’m hopeful that the weaknesses I see in the candidates will be neutralized by their choice of VPs. lets not forget how powerful the current VP has become and wonder if that will continue into the next white house. Bloomberg… maybe?
Anon:
I do agree on the POTUS requirements, but my issue is the idea of Universal education and Universal health care argument. You said that AA closed the economic gap by only 3 cents (or 3%)in the past 30 years right?I didn’t know that stat, but In that case i think it argues against dependence on government assistance doesn’t it? I mean the main beneficiaries of these programs were and still unfortunately are AA’s. I believe whenever you involve government run programs like health care and education, the quality of the program is highly compromised. Did you hear or read the new report done i believe was by Colonel Powell on the absolute disaster of public education programs, that almost on average; was it one in two students drop out from public schools? Now is this really due to only their socioeconomic background (since this result was in the rural area schools and not urban schools) or is it because the system is failing them. I don’t know if you are in the D.C area, but the public school system is one of the worst in the nation, and yet has the most expenditure per student (something like 25,000 bucks per student!!!) Can you believe what kind of a private education i can get with that kind of money? I understand that affirmative action played a helpful role in helping AA’s compete better but is it really something we really need to continue in the year 2008? I think your argument stands true if we were in 1960’s. I think AA’s have come a long way and these programs seem to only benefit the people hired to run these programs, than the actual customers.
[quote comment="142057"]But those of u who think Nader is an agent of change have to keep in mind small candidates have no political pressure to compromise.
Front runners like Obama have to compromise their principles at least officially and basically try to please voters.[/quote]
Dinicho, that is exactly that is why it will be next to impossible to bring change in the current system , and that is why Obama, no matter how well intentioned, he probably wont be the great deliverer ppl make him out to be. But the fact remains that he has a lot of support amongst the youth and the that he is able to ignited some sense of idealism, energy and excitement really where I place my hope for change at. But there is a caveat to that as well, this support can easily turn into cult of personality worship and instead of demanding more out of him, his supporters might end up defending every single one of his failings and wrong policy choices. That should remind you of a candidate that also run on a platform of change and manage to really change things but for the worst. Only sad thing is very smart sensible ppl still defend him. Now it sort of understandable to overlook his short comings, panderings and alliances to some disturbing interests and his silence about some serious issues but that is not surprising because those issues will remain out of the debate as long as candidates with real alternatives are not allowed to participate in the debate. But then again that wont happen because everyone have bought the language and narrative of mainstream media. Words like “spoiler” and “bat shit crazy” are thrown around to discredit and minimize ppl who actually bring forth challenging questions both parties are complicit in ignoring.
Ultimately ppl like filetew kuretew should rest easy coz the socialist revolution ain’t gona happen any time soon. Their suggesting otherwise is known to correlate directly to the amount of time one spends watching fox news.
Boy, what’s with Fox news. They must be such a horrible news station. I always get this line of the influence of FOX news when i open my mouth about the librals “socialist revolution”. I must watch them since it seems they know what they are talking about.
Clinton for vice president….anybody?
FK: I think the lack of progress in closing economic gap argues that the 40 acre and a mule wasn’t delivered twice, not to say it was promised the second time. I am not sure AA are the main beneficiary of what you call government assistance which is a pittance, btw. If for instance affirmative action the result of civil right movement is considered government assistance, then no, AA are not the main beneficiaries no matter how much Foxnews says so. Look at any university/college, the male to female ratio slightly favors women, women got there dues, but not AA, men or women. I heard about the Powell report–pretty sad. It said in Detroit with the lowest rate only 30% graduate. Even graduate rate at its highest of something like 60%, quality is so poor those kids are not college material. I am familiar with the PA school system, there a couple of urban schools were taken over by the state from the city of brotherly love for utter failure–it was on the news a few years back.
LOL @ Nyala
[quote comment="142282"]Clinton for vice president….anybody?[/quote]
lol Dinich. only if she stops whining whenever she is not leading in the polls
Dawitm,
I kind of see that happening after all the whining is over and the dust settles…and I think together they make a strong team….She will take care of healthcare bla bla….while he goes around and delivers the inspiration…
Dinich,
i think you are right. it is about time they team up and pay more attention to the old man, who is having a free ride so far.
[quote comment="142327"]Dinich,
i think you are right. it is about time they team up and pay more attention to the old man, who is having a free ride so far.[/quote]
yeah! this is the smart thing to do….
[quote comment="142282"]Clinton for vice president….anybody?[/quote]
clinton isn’t eazy ..she wont let it go and i dont think she will take the spot.
Check us out we are on Global Voices
Its nice to see nyalasmoke eloquently state what I feebly hinted at, that Nader rocks. And the democrats lost cause they don’t rock, don’t blame ralph.
Really though, one thing i’ve noticed among ethios, and also some of my other african friends is a tendency to automatically give obama the vote and yet no one is bothered about the fact he won’t be able to deliver on iraq, universal healthcare is iffy, and this robin hood theme of course is something almost all politicians use from here to timbuktu, but as you all know, thats not gonna happen, and it shouldn’t. Hulum sew berasu sira yirka. right?
If we truly want change we have to look at candidates and not parties, and this election season I saw two candidates who I respected and viewed as able/willing to fight for the poor by bringing about affordable higher ed, keep corporations in check, gear policy that is consumer friendly and have the personal will power to follow a brave, humane policy on iraq not dictated by blackwater and their like. First one was mr. mike huckabee, who also is against abortion, sadly he is no longer in the race, so I am left with old faithful, mr. nader, to whom I again say, if the americans will not elect you president, please consider africa as your next venue of public service. Now nyala smoke will restate this in an eloquent manner
I would love to see Obama as the next Pope! I think that’s what he’s good for.
Okay, maybe I’m the only crazy here but this rush to support Obama reminds me of all the ‘black’ support OJ Simpson had garnered during his trial for murder back in the early 90’s. The celebration by the African American community when he was acquitted of murder is still fresh on my mind. After he got out,did he even bother to thank the folks that blindly supported him? I wonder if that same fate awaits the many supporters of Senator Obama that will vote along colour lines. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to associate the distinguished Senator with a murderer, and this is not meant to be direspectful to his cause. I’m just concerned by the level of race based support the candidate is currently receiving, and is that going to work to his advantage during the general elections? How is it that I don’t see any ethiopian women supporting Hillary, is she really that toxic? Or does colour over-rule sex? …okay now i’m going to go hide - shoot!
could obama also be the next anti-christ? hmmmmm ok not really but…
I am always worried when a leader achieves such popularity, especially from the youth. Even a white friend of mine, who I hoped would be critical has an obama poster, and his mom loves the guy. One thing i’ve learned about american politics is, other than a few instances, change is very slow and gradual, so anyone coming by on that theme, with only four years to do it, with a divided congress and partisan politics still alive and well……I just say i’m skeptical. Plus other than the abortion issue I find republicans and democrats to be the flip side of the same coin, partners in crime, etc…
As eloquent as Nyalasmoke’s post is I couldn’t disagree with it more. Nader’s announcement to run for president is all about his ego. What has he done the last four years to raise awareness about a third party? Having third, fourth, party would be good for America. I hadn’t seen him do anything about it the last for years. If he had worked that last four years, eight years, to get somebody from his party, even him elected so there would be somebody from his third party in congress, I would say his run for presidency is anything but about his ego. But he didn’t, the only time we hear from him is when the presidency is at stake. How does he expect to be president and govern effectively without anybody from his party in congress? If he is really interested in change he would have gotten into the race much earlier and raised awareness of serious issues that are not being talked bout. Nyala, you talk about me being naïve, but I think people’s romanticizing of Nader “pure” motives and “I would rather waste my vote” idea as being naïve. Thinking about how much Bush Co. was able to do in eight years, trample over the constitution, our freedom, the economy etc… I can’t help but hold Nader responsible for part of it (Democratic incompetence being the big part). If it wasn’t for Nader it wouldn’t have been so easy for Bush Co to steal the presidency. Just my opinion.
My argument is that those issues you mentioned above are not inconsequential. Those are issues that matter to me and affect me the most. That is why Nader’s “things have to get a lot worse in this country before they can get better” attitude doesn’t sit well with me. Things have gotten worse but at whose expense, definitely not Nader’s, but at the expense of ordinary people like me.
I didn’t find the statement offensive, condescending, but not offensive. I know a little bit about his accomplishments and every time I strap myself in my car, breath clean air, drink clean water, I say a little prayer of thanks to Nader. That is not what I meant though. What has he done to promote his third party other than promote himself. I haven’t seen the documentary you mentioned but I will check it out. Although I have read about his “secretive, mean spirited, paranoid, manipulative, and autocratic” ways from numerous former partners and acquaintances. I guess it all depends which story you want to believe. Let’s just say we agree to disagree about Nader.
helen with regards to nader not promoting himself, i saw a documentary of the presidential debates and townhall meeting from 04, hosted by the big media (i think fox, cbs, cnn, abc, nbc?) anyway it was their policy that only GW (thats goergy jr) and john kerry (dude with imaculate chin) be on these debates. I have seen footage, of nader being forcibly taken away from entering the debate, from registering, and so to criticize him as being absent is a great credit to the two parties who have succeeded in silencing him. When you take into account the success of the neo-cons (that would wonderful folks like cheney, wolfowitz, rumsefield,etc..) in imposing their agenda for america, which is to create (Yes I said it, create) an enemy (portrayed as evil vs. good) and base various policies and dialogue around this “war on terror”, then all major networks, media, print, engage in this rhetoric and cover it as fact. Where can my man nader fit. He has no place in this issue, his views, perceptions, of the world are not as manufactured and fear driven as the neo-cons (not necessarily all republicans) and many dems (who suck for allowing abortion imo).
another thing is that while bush has “trampled the country”, democrats gave tacit support all the way…so yes your representatives were giving their approval, step by tiny step. Obama made that speech against the war, but umm…what else did he do? Why didn’t he raise hell, if he was so sure going to war was a bad idea, could it be his party (as the numbers show) was by its silence in favor? Does that represent good leadership? I say no, I also say that the clinton years were no more glamorous, and that admirable leadership from the presidency is rare, I have to go way back to mr. FDR, and I like ike, and a lil of JC, Jimmy carter, otherwise, I say the interests of the people have been largely hijacked by the few that stand to benefit immensely and long term. I don’t see obama willing or able to reverse this course…
anyway you make good points against naders ego and possibly his tactics (?), but his work record/experience is untouchable, compared to ANY politician around right now, so i guess that warrants some pride right. well this is all over the place, but its nice to know people have opinions backed by knowledge. I hope we all continue to care deeply about truth. Nyala smoke, will translate this to genius soon…..
not to belabor (?) this but here is a link of what ralph had to say about obama
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=CyfSN7B4lYI&NR=1
i hope this will encourage those who care to take the time and research these candidates, and arrive at what I and nyalasmoke have already arrived at lol….anyways
Right on datdude! You said it all man! I have seen that clip too. It makes you say, democracy my ass! And I totally agree in that the democrats have become totally weak. While Bush and his buddies are unapologetic about openly promoting the agenda of the extreme right, the democrats are still mucking around in the center accomplishing nothing. Remember in 2006 when they swept the midterm election and took over congress with a clear mandate from the ppl. Soon after, they were talking big game and promising a show down. But two years later they are squirming around like castigated kids with no where to go. If they could only match the determination and zeal of the republicans in promoting the traditional democratic ideals and if they embrace their base a bit more, I wonder what would happen.
But obviously the end of the planet, or the destruction of the economy, heavy debt burden, the never ending increased spending in weapons that threaten the whole of humanity and other such heavy issues are relegated to the back burner. Rather they choose to get bogged down with stuff that basically appeal to simple minded Americans. Which the republicans are good at winning. And Obama is no different in trying to appease those reactionary forces. Gore lost 2000 and Kerry lost 2004 precisely for those reasons. You can’t take the base for granted and win on a strategy that attempts to out republicans the republicans. Twisted democrats try to suggest Nader prevented Gore from winning 2000 election but esti ask yourself, where in the world is Gore’s running mate? Hmm he is whispering sweet things into McCain’s ears.
Really come on now, Helen, do u really think that lifestyles issues such as gay marriage, the individual choice to abortion, really should be put on the same level as the total collapse of civilization or the extinction of the whole planet? I think not. All I am saying is that third party candidates like Nader are absolutely essential in broadening the debate and injecting issues that are important but consistently left off the agenda or script. If nothing else they inspire you to ask more of your candidate whether it is Hillary or Obama. Yes of course, you have the choice to ignore them, discount everything that they say, and line up with the unquestioning masses but consider that you might be marching to the tune of the fiddlers on the Titanic.
Nyala I just don’t agree with your assessment. It is not because I haven’t examined the issue, it is not because I am parroting the MSM, or too “simple minded” to understand the “real” issues. I just see it differently. Nader does bring up important issues, for that matter so do Ron Paul, Kucinich, and Gravel. However l don’t think they will be effective leaders. You still haven’t answered my question about Nader and his work to get people from his party elected to office. I have never heard of Nader campaigning for anybody else in his party (correct me if I am wrong) for any office be it for city council or congress. It seems to me he just wants to be a party of one. I do agree with you that the democrats are complicit in the crimes of this administration, except for a couple maybe. And in my opinion, to a lesser extent, so is Nader (since I believe he was instrumental in getting Bush into office.) You are right again on Leiberman, he is just doing Isreal’s bidding .
You are right that the collapse of civilization, the economy and the environment are bigger issues but to me those issues you dismiss so lightly are just as important as the big ones. Those issues have more immediate effect on me. Don’t worry about the extinction of the planet though; the plant will always be here we are the ones who will be extinct.
Nader is a one man wrecking crew, the presidency is the only position fit for this great man. Parties don’t matter to the man because he stands for specific, attainable, real issues, he is the personification of the ideal politician i’ve often dreamed about, but that doesn’t exist. Someone who actually makes the agencies work, and limits the influence of focus and special interests groups, making sure decisions are made with the citizen’s concern specifically in mind. He seriously has every candidate beat on every issue in my book. He’s even more green than al gore. As someone once said to me, in a democracy people usually get the leaders they deserve. It seems america is ready for someone to tell it a new story, different from the spooky osama gonna getcha story bush told last