Obama, Why Do you Hate the Voters in Michigan?
It was reported to day that there are four factions working toward getting a revote for in Michigan. Clinton has already come out in favor, while Obama has remained silent. Which only leads me to believe that his is either he is afraid or that he hates the voters of Michigan.
The governor, state representatives, many Democrats, and businesses have been working to make it possible for Michigander votes to count. The people in the state, who weren't involved with decision to move up the date, want their voices heard. The 12million dollars have been pledged. It will not cost the National Democratic Party or the state a cent. All that needs to be decided is the manor of the revote and the date.
Clinton honored the agreement by not campaigning in Michigan; however, she showed the residents respect by not removing her name from the ballet. She has been asking for the revote, even though she originally carried the state.
Removing his name was optional, yet Obama chose to over look the millions of voters in Michigan. Since then he has continued to snub the state, by remaining silent and subtly discouraging the revote. So is he afraid of loosing and giving Clinton momentum or does he simply hate the people of Michigan.
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Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Craig or Karsnia? Police Abuse or Sexual Solicitation?
Craig or Karsnia? Police Abuse or Sexual Solicitation?
Is Senator Larry Craig gay? Don't know. Don't care. However, the more I hear and read about his arrest, the more I question the ethics of the Sgt Dave Karsnia, the arresting officer and the legalities of the arrest. There is nothing on the tape that could be considered a legitimate reason to arrest Craig. But there is evidence that the officer did mislead and bully the Senator.
According to an article by Steve Karnowski an Associated Press Writer, “Roll Call, citing the report, said Sgt. Dave Karsnia made the arrest after an encounter in which he was seated in a stall next to a stall occupied by Craig. Karsnia described Craig tapping his foot, which Karsnia said he "recognized as a signal used by persons wishing to engage in lewd conduct."
Karsnia claims that Craig deliberately caused their feet to bump. Craig claims it was accidental. In the past few years, bathroom stalls have shrunk in size to maximize the number of facilities, without increasing the size of the bathrooms. Even a moderately size person has difficulties with bumping their elbows on the walls these days. A larger person finds these accommodations even more confining. Since when are two feet touching a sexual act? Without any verbal confirmation of the Craig’s intent, how could the officer determine his motivation? Karsnia further states that the Senator reached under the divider to get his attention. Craig claims that he was picking up a piece of paper; on the tape, the officer called him liar. Again, Karsnia has no way of knowing what Craig’s motivation were, unless his claiming to be mind reader.
Craig’s critics claim there was more damning evidence in the police report. However, the report was written by the officer and contains only his perspective; it isn’t real evidence, merely his half of the he said-he said situation. There is no concrete evidence Craig actually solicited a sexual act. On the tape, Karsnia did become rude and borderline abusive when Craig refuse to admit the allegations were true. In an article, Joshua Freed an Associated Press Writer reported, “Just 29, his record has been that of a rising young officer. He joined the Minneapolis Airport Police in 2000 as a community services officer, just out of college. Three years later, he was named the department's Officer of the Year, and in 2005 he was promoted to sergeant. Last year, he finished his master's degree. The last time Karsnia was in the media spotlight, it was because of his efforts to get speeding electric carts carrying passengers and luggage at the airport to slow down. The issue came to light last year when a young boy was run over and dragged by a cart and suffered a second-degree carpet burn.” It makes one wonder what Karsnia motivations were. Was he actually trying to protect and serve the public or was he just ambitiously seeking more national attention? How many others did he bully or manipulate into pleading guilty in order to inflate his arrest statistics? Instead of solely focusing on Craig, maybe more attention should be focused on Karsnia’s actions.
Is Craig gay? Don’t know. Don’t care? Is there evidence that he solicited sex in the Minneapolis-St Paul Airport men’s room--not according to the tape. However, the tape does prove that once again a law enforcement officer jumped the gun and made arrest without cause or the evidence to back it up.
CNN -- The following is an unedited transcript of an interview between police Sgt. Dave Karsnia and police Detective Noel Nelson with Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, regarding a June 11 incident at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Audiotapes and a transcript of the interview were released today.
Investigative Sgt. Dave Karsnia #4211 and Detective Noel Nelson of the Minneapolis Police Department intert 1162
(NN) INTERVIEW WITH Larry Craig (LC) Case 07002008
Larry Craig: Am I gonna have to fight you in court?
Dave Karsnia: No. No. I'm not gonna go to court unless you want me there.
LC: Cause I don't want to be in court either.
DK: Ok. I don't either.
(inaudible) DK: Urn, here's the way it works, urn, you'll you'll be released today, okay.
LC: Okay.
DK: All right. I, I know I can bring you to jail, but that's not my goal here, okay? (inaudible)
LC: Don't do that. You You
DK: I'm not going to bring you to jail
LC: You solicited me.
DK: Okay. We're going to get, We're going to get into that. (inaudible)
LC: Okay.
DK: But there's the, there there's two ways, yes. You can, you can, ah, you can go to court.
You can plead guilty.
LC: Yep.
DK: There'll be a fine. You won't have to explain anything. (inaudible) I know.
LC: Right.
DK: And you'll pay a fine, you be (inaudible), done. Or if you want to plead not guilty, ah, and I, I can't make these decisions for you.
LC: No, no. Just tell me where I am (inaudible) I need to make this flight.
DK: Okay. Okay. And then I go to people that are not guilty, then I would have to come to court and end up testifying. So those are the two things, okay. Did I explain that part?
LC: Yes
DK: Okay Urn, ah, I'm just going to read you your rights real quick, okay? You got it on?
Noel Nelson: Yep.
DK: Okay.
DK: Ah, the date is 6/11/07 at 1228 hours. Urn, Mr. Craig?
LC: Yes.
DK: Sorry about that. (ringing phone)
DK: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer now or have a present, a lawyer present now or anytime during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you without cost. Do you understand each of these rights the way I have explained them to you?
LC: I do.
DK: Do you wish to talk to us at this time?
LC: I do
DK: Okay Urn, I just wanna start off with a your side of the story, okay. So, a
LC: So I go into the bathroom here as I normally do, I'm a commuter too here.
DK: Okay.
LC: I sit down, urn, to go to the bathroom and ah, you said our feet bumped. I believe they did, ah, because I reached down and scooted over and urn, the next thing I knew, under the bathroom divider comes a card that says Police. Now, urn, (sigh) that's about as far as I can take it, I don't know of anything else. Ah, your foot came toward mine, mine came towards yours, was that natural? I don't know. Did we bump? Yes. I think we did. You said so. I don't disagree with that.
DK: Okay. I don't want to get into a pissing match here.
LC: We're not going to.
DK: Good. Urn,
LC: I don't, ah, I am not gay, I don't do these kinds of things and...
DK: It doesn't matter, I don't care about sexual preference or anything like that. Here's your stuff back sir. Urn, I don't care about sexual preference.
LC: I know you don't. You're out to enforce the law.
DK: Right.
LC: But you shouldn't be out to entrap people either.
DK: This isn't entrapment.
LC: All right.
DK: Urn, you you're skipping some parts here, but what what about your hand?
LC What about it? I reached down, my foot like this. There was a piece of paper on the floor, I picked it up
DK: Okay.
LC: What about my hand?
DK: Well, you're not being truthful with me, I'm kinda disappointed in you Senator. I'm real disappointed in you right now. Okay. I'm not, just so you know, just like everybody, 1,1,1, treat with dignity, I try to pull them away from the situation
LC: 1,1
DK: and not embarrass them.
LC: I appreciate that.
DK: And I
LC: You did that after the stall.
DK: I will say every person I've had so far has told me the truth. We've been respectful to each other and then they've gone on their way. And I've never had to bring anybody to jail because everybody's been truthful to me.
LC: I don't want you to take me to jail and I think.
DK: I'm not gonna take you to jail as long as your cooperative but I'm not gonna lie. We...
LC: Did my hand come below the divider? Yes. It did.
DK: Okay, sir. We deal with people that lie to us everyday.
LC: I'm sure you do.
DK: I'm sure you do to sir.
LC: And gentleman so do I.
DK: I'm sure you do. We deal with a lot of people that are very bad people. You're not a bad person.
LC: No, I don't think I am.
DK: Okay, so what I'm telling you, I don't want to be lied to.
LC: Okay.
DK: Okay. So we'll start over, you're gonna get out of here. You're gonna have to pay a fine and that will be it. Okay. I don't call media, I don't do any of that type of crap.
LC: Fine.
DK: Okay.
LC: Fine.
DK: All right, so let's start from the beginning. You went in the bathroom.
LC: I went in the bathroom.
DK: And what did you do when you...
LC: 1 stood beside the wall, waiting for a stall to open. I got in the stall, sat down, and I started to go to the bathroom. Ah, did our feet come together, apparently they did bump. Well, I won't dispute that.
DK: Okay. When I got out of the stall, I noticed other other stalls were open. LC: They were at the time. At the time I entered, 1,1, at the time I entered, I stood and waited.
DK: Okay.
LC: They were all busy, you know?
DK: Were you (inaudible) out here while you were waiting? I could see your eyes. I saw you playing with your fingers and then look up. Play with your fingers and then look up.
LC: Did I glance at your stall? I was glancing at a stall right beside yours waiting for a fella to empty it. I saw him stand up and therefore I thought it was going to empty.
DK: How long do you think you stood outside the stalls?
LC: Oh a minute or two at the most.
DK: Okay. And when you went in the stalls, then what?
LC: Sat down.
DK: Okay. Did you do anything with your feet?
LC: Positioned them, I don't know. I don't know at the time. I'm a fairly wide guy.
DK: I understand.
LC: I had to spread my legs.
DK: Okay.
LC: When I lower my pants so they won't slide.
DK: Okay.
LC: Did I slide them too close to yours? Did I, I looked down once, your foot was close to mine.
DK Yes.
LC Did we bump? Ah, you said so, I don't recall that, but apparently we were close.
DK Yeah, well your foot did touch mine, on my side of the stall.
LC: All right.
DK: Okay. And then with the hand. Urn, how many times did you put your hand under the stall?
LC: I don't recall. I remember reaching down once. There was a piece of toilet paper back behind me and picking it up.
DK: Okay. Was your was your palm down or up when you were doing that?
LC: I don't recall.
DK: Okay. I recall your palm being up. Okay.
LC: All right.
DK: When you pick up a piece of paper off the ground, your palm would be down, when you pick something up.
LC: Yeah, probably would be. I recall picking the paper up.
DK: And I know it's hard to describe here on tape but actually what I saw was your fingers come underneath the stalls, you're actually ta touching the bottom of the stall divider.
LC: I don't recall that.
DK: You don't recall
LC: I don't believe I did that. I don't.
DK: I saw, I saw
LC: I don't do those things.
DK: I saw your left hand and I could see the gold wedding ring when it when it went across. I could see that. On your left hand, I could see that.
LC: Wait a moment, my left hand was over here.
DK: I saw there's a...
LC: My right hand was next to you.
DK: I could tell it with my ah, I could tell it was your left hand because your thumb was positioned in a faceward motion. Your thumb was on this side, not on this side.
LC: Well, we can dispute that. I'm not going to fight you in court and I, I reached down with my right hand to pick up the paper.
DK: But I'm telling you that I could see that so I know that's your left hand. Also I could see a gold ring on this finger, so that's obvious it was the left hand.
LC: Yeah, okay. My left hand was in the direct opposite of the stall from you.
DK: Okay. You, you travel through here frequently correct?
LC: I do
DK: Um,
LC: Almost weekly.
DK: Have you been successful in these bathrooms here before?
LC: I go to that bathroom regularly
DK: I mean for any type of other activities.
LC: No. Absolutely not. I don't seek activity in bathrooms.
DK: It's embarrassing.
LC: Well it's embarrassing for both.. I'm not gonna fight you.
DK: I know you're not going to fight me. But that's not the point. I would respect you and I still respect you. I don't disrespect you but I'm disrespected right now and I'm not tying to act like I have all kinds of power or anything, but you're sitting here lying to a police officer.
DK: It's not a (inaudible) I'm getting from somebody else. I'm (inaudible)
LC: (inaudible) (Talking over each other)
DK: I am trained in this and I know what I am doing. And I say you put your hand under there and you're going to sit there and...
LC: I admit I put my hand down.
DK: You put your hand and rubbed it on the bottom of the stall with your left hand.
LC: No. Wait a moment.
DK: And I, I'm not dumb, you can say I don't recall...
LC: If I had turned sideways, that was the only way I could get my left hand over there.
DK: it's not that hard for me to reach. (inaudible) it's not that hard. I see it happen everyday out here now.
LC: (inaudible) you do. All right.
DK: I just, I just, I guess, I guess I'm gonna say I'm just disappointed in you sir. I'm just really am. I expect this from the guy that we get out of the hood. I mean, people vote for you.
LC: Yes, they do. (inaudible)
DK: unbelievable, unbelievable.
LC: I'm a respectable person and I don't do these kinds of...
DK: And (inaudible) respect right now though
LC: But I didn't use my left hand.
DK I thought that you...
LC: I reached down with my right hand like this to pick up a piece of paper.
DK: Was your gold ring on your right hand at anytime today.
LC: Of course not, try to get it off, look at it.
DK: Okay. Then it was your left hand, I saw it with my own eyes.
LC: All right, you saw something that didn't happen.
DK: Embarrassing, embarrassing. No wonder why we're going down the tubes. Anything to add?
NN: Uh, no
DK: Embarrassing. Date is 6/11/07 at 1236 interview is done.
LC: Oka
Is Senator Larry Craig gay? Don't know. Don't care. However, the more I hear and read about his arrest, the more I question the ethics of the Sgt Dave Karsnia, the arresting officer and the legalities of the arrest. There is nothing on the tape that could be considered a legitimate reason to arrest Craig. But there is evidence that the officer did mislead and bully the Senator.
According to an article by Steve Karnowski an Associated Press Writer, “Roll Call, citing the report, said Sgt. Dave Karsnia made the arrest after an encounter in which he was seated in a stall next to a stall occupied by Craig. Karsnia described Craig tapping his foot, which Karsnia said he "recognized as a signal used by persons wishing to engage in lewd conduct."
Karsnia claims that Craig deliberately caused their feet to bump. Craig claims it was accidental. In the past few years, bathroom stalls have shrunk in size to maximize the number of facilities, without increasing the size of the bathrooms. Even a moderately size person has difficulties with bumping their elbows on the walls these days. A larger person finds these accommodations even more confining. Since when are two feet touching a sexual act? Without any verbal confirmation of the Craig’s intent, how could the officer determine his motivation? Karsnia further states that the Senator reached under the divider to get his attention. Craig claims that he was picking up a piece of paper; on the tape, the officer called him liar. Again, Karsnia has no way of knowing what Craig’s motivation were, unless his claiming to be mind reader.
Craig’s critics claim there was more damning evidence in the police report. However, the report was written by the officer and contains only his perspective; it isn’t real evidence, merely his half of the he said-he said situation. There is no concrete evidence Craig actually solicited a sexual act. On the tape, Karsnia did become rude and borderline abusive when Craig refuse to admit the allegations were true. In an article, Joshua Freed an Associated Press Writer reported, “Just 29, his record has been that of a rising young officer. He joined the Minneapolis Airport Police in 2000 as a community services officer, just out of college. Three years later, he was named the department's Officer of the Year, and in 2005 he was promoted to sergeant. Last year, he finished his master's degree. The last time Karsnia was in the media spotlight, it was because of his efforts to get speeding electric carts carrying passengers and luggage at the airport to slow down. The issue came to light last year when a young boy was run over and dragged by a cart and suffered a second-degree carpet burn.” It makes one wonder what Karsnia motivations were. Was he actually trying to protect and serve the public or was he just ambitiously seeking more national attention? How many others did he bully or manipulate into pleading guilty in order to inflate his arrest statistics? Instead of solely focusing on Craig, maybe more attention should be focused on Karsnia’s actions.
Is Craig gay? Don’t know. Don’t care? Is there evidence that he solicited sex in the Minneapolis-St Paul Airport men’s room--not according to the tape. However, the tape does prove that once again a law enforcement officer jumped the gun and made arrest without cause or the evidence to back it up.
CNN -- The following is an unedited transcript of an interview between police Sgt. Dave Karsnia and police Detective Noel Nelson with Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, regarding a June 11 incident at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Audiotapes and a transcript of the interview were released today.
Investigative Sgt. Dave Karsnia #4211 and Detective Noel Nelson of the Minneapolis Police Department intert 1162
(NN) INTERVIEW WITH Larry Craig (LC) Case 07002008
Larry Craig: Am I gonna have to fight you in court?
Dave Karsnia: No. No. I'm not gonna go to court unless you want me there.
LC: Cause I don't want to be in court either.
DK: Ok. I don't either.
(inaudible) DK: Urn, here's the way it works, urn, you'll you'll be released today, okay.
LC: Okay.
DK: All right. I, I know I can bring you to jail, but that's not my goal here, okay? (inaudible)
LC: Don't do that. You You
DK: I'm not going to bring you to jail
LC: You solicited me.
DK: Okay. We're going to get, We're going to get into that. (inaudible)
LC: Okay.
DK: But there's the, there there's two ways, yes. You can, you can, ah, you can go to court.
You can plead guilty.
LC: Yep.
DK: There'll be a fine. You won't have to explain anything. (inaudible) I know.
LC: Right.
DK: And you'll pay a fine, you be (inaudible), done. Or if you want to plead not guilty, ah, and I, I can't make these decisions for you.
LC: No, no. Just tell me where I am (inaudible) I need to make this flight.
DK: Okay. Okay. And then I go to people that are not guilty, then I would have to come to court and end up testifying. So those are the two things, okay. Did I explain that part?
LC: Yes
DK: Okay Urn, ah, I'm just going to read you your rights real quick, okay? You got it on?
Noel Nelson: Yep.
DK: Okay.
DK: Ah, the date is 6/11/07 at 1228 hours. Urn, Mr. Craig?
LC: Yes.
DK: Sorry about that. (ringing phone)
DK: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer now or have a present, a lawyer present now or anytime during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you without cost. Do you understand each of these rights the way I have explained them to you?
LC: I do.
DK: Do you wish to talk to us at this time?
LC: I do
DK: Okay Urn, I just wanna start off with a your side of the story, okay. So, a
LC: So I go into the bathroom here as I normally do, I'm a commuter too here.
DK: Okay.
LC: I sit down, urn, to go to the bathroom and ah, you said our feet bumped. I believe they did, ah, because I reached down and scooted over and urn, the next thing I knew, under the bathroom divider comes a card that says Police. Now, urn, (sigh) that's about as far as I can take it, I don't know of anything else. Ah, your foot came toward mine, mine came towards yours, was that natural? I don't know. Did we bump? Yes. I think we did. You said so. I don't disagree with that.
DK: Okay. I don't want to get into a pissing match here.
LC: We're not going to.
DK: Good. Urn,
LC: I don't, ah, I am not gay, I don't do these kinds of things and...
DK: It doesn't matter, I don't care about sexual preference or anything like that. Here's your stuff back sir. Urn, I don't care about sexual preference.
LC: I know you don't. You're out to enforce the law.
DK: Right.
LC: But you shouldn't be out to entrap people either.
DK: This isn't entrapment.
LC: All right.
DK: Urn, you you're skipping some parts here, but what what about your hand?
LC What about it? I reached down, my foot like this. There was a piece of paper on the floor, I picked it up
DK: Okay.
LC: What about my hand?
DK: Well, you're not being truthful with me, I'm kinda disappointed in you Senator. I'm real disappointed in you right now. Okay. I'm not, just so you know, just like everybody, 1,1,1, treat with dignity, I try to pull them away from the situation
LC: 1,1
DK: and not embarrass them.
LC: I appreciate that.
DK: And I
LC: You did that after the stall.
DK: I will say every person I've had so far has told me the truth. We've been respectful to each other and then they've gone on their way. And I've never had to bring anybody to jail because everybody's been truthful to me.
LC: I don't want you to take me to jail and I think.
DK: I'm not gonna take you to jail as long as your cooperative but I'm not gonna lie. We...
LC: Did my hand come below the divider? Yes. It did.
DK: Okay, sir. We deal with people that lie to us everyday.
LC: I'm sure you do.
DK: I'm sure you do to sir.
LC: And gentleman so do I.
DK: I'm sure you do. We deal with a lot of people that are very bad people. You're not a bad person.
LC: No, I don't think I am.
DK: Okay, so what I'm telling you, I don't want to be lied to.
LC: Okay.
DK: Okay. So we'll start over, you're gonna get out of here. You're gonna have to pay a fine and that will be it. Okay. I don't call media, I don't do any of that type of crap.
LC: Fine.
DK: Okay.
LC: Fine.
DK: All right, so let's start from the beginning. You went in the bathroom.
LC: I went in the bathroom.
DK: And what did you do when you...
LC: 1 stood beside the wall, waiting for a stall to open. I got in the stall, sat down, and I started to go to the bathroom. Ah, did our feet come together, apparently they did bump. Well, I won't dispute that.
DK: Okay. When I got out of the stall, I noticed other other stalls were open. LC: They were at the time. At the time I entered, 1,1, at the time I entered, I stood and waited.
DK: Okay.
LC: They were all busy, you know?
DK: Were you (inaudible) out here while you were waiting? I could see your eyes. I saw you playing with your fingers and then look up. Play with your fingers and then look up.
LC: Did I glance at your stall? I was glancing at a stall right beside yours waiting for a fella to empty it. I saw him stand up and therefore I thought it was going to empty.
DK: How long do you think you stood outside the stalls?
LC: Oh a minute or two at the most.
DK: Okay. And when you went in the stalls, then what?
LC: Sat down.
DK: Okay. Did you do anything with your feet?
LC: Positioned them, I don't know. I don't know at the time. I'm a fairly wide guy.
DK: I understand.
LC: I had to spread my legs.
DK: Okay.
LC: When I lower my pants so they won't slide.
DK: Okay.
LC: Did I slide them too close to yours? Did I, I looked down once, your foot was close to mine.
DK Yes.
LC Did we bump? Ah, you said so, I don't recall that, but apparently we were close.
DK Yeah, well your foot did touch mine, on my side of the stall.
LC: All right.
DK: Okay. And then with the hand. Urn, how many times did you put your hand under the stall?
LC: I don't recall. I remember reaching down once. There was a piece of toilet paper back behind me and picking it up.
DK: Okay. Was your was your palm down or up when you were doing that?
LC: I don't recall.
DK: Okay. I recall your palm being up. Okay.
LC: All right.
DK: When you pick up a piece of paper off the ground, your palm would be down, when you pick something up.
LC: Yeah, probably would be. I recall picking the paper up.
DK: And I know it's hard to describe here on tape but actually what I saw was your fingers come underneath the stalls, you're actually ta touching the bottom of the stall divider.
LC: I don't recall that.
DK: You don't recall
LC: I don't believe I did that. I don't.
DK: I saw, I saw
LC: I don't do those things.
DK: I saw your left hand and I could see the gold wedding ring when it when it went across. I could see that. On your left hand, I could see that.
LC: Wait a moment, my left hand was over here.
DK: I saw there's a...
LC: My right hand was next to you.
DK: I could tell it with my ah, I could tell it was your left hand because your thumb was positioned in a faceward motion. Your thumb was on this side, not on this side.
LC: Well, we can dispute that. I'm not going to fight you in court and I, I reached down with my right hand to pick up the paper.
DK: But I'm telling you that I could see that so I know that's your left hand. Also I could see a gold ring on this finger, so that's obvious it was the left hand.
LC: Yeah, okay. My left hand was in the direct opposite of the stall from you.
DK: Okay. You, you travel through here frequently correct?
LC: I do
DK: Um,
LC: Almost weekly.
DK: Have you been successful in these bathrooms here before?
LC: I go to that bathroom regularly
DK: I mean for any type of other activities.
LC: No. Absolutely not. I don't seek activity in bathrooms.
DK: It's embarrassing.
LC: Well it's embarrassing for both.. I'm not gonna fight you.
DK: I know you're not going to fight me. But that's not the point. I would respect you and I still respect you. I don't disrespect you but I'm disrespected right now and I'm not tying to act like I have all kinds of power or anything, but you're sitting here lying to a police officer.
DK: It's not a (inaudible) I'm getting from somebody else. I'm (inaudible)
LC: (inaudible) (Talking over each other)
DK: I am trained in this and I know what I am doing. And I say you put your hand under there and you're going to sit there and...
LC: I admit I put my hand down.
DK: You put your hand and rubbed it on the bottom of the stall with your left hand.
LC: No. Wait a moment.
DK: And I, I'm not dumb, you can say I don't recall...
LC: If I had turned sideways, that was the only way I could get my left hand over there.
DK: it's not that hard for me to reach. (inaudible) it's not that hard. I see it happen everyday out here now.
LC: (inaudible) you do. All right.
DK: I just, I just, I guess, I guess I'm gonna say I'm just disappointed in you sir. I'm just really am. I expect this from the guy that we get out of the hood. I mean, people vote for you.
LC: Yes, they do. (inaudible)
DK: unbelievable, unbelievable.
LC: I'm a respectable person and I don't do these kinds of...
DK: And (inaudible) respect right now though
LC: But I didn't use my left hand.
DK I thought that you...
LC: I reached down with my right hand like this to pick up a piece of paper.
DK: Was your gold ring on your right hand at anytime today.
LC: Of course not, try to get it off, look at it.
DK: Okay. Then it was your left hand, I saw it with my own eyes.
LC: All right, you saw something that didn't happen.
DK: Embarrassing, embarrassing. No wonder why we're going down the tubes. Anything to add?
NN: Uh, no
DK: Embarrassing. Date is 6/11/07 at 1236 interview is done.
LC: Oka
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
Police Abuse: Wiccans Beware--
Your Civil Rights are not guaranteed
By
Theresa Chaze
Police ignoring civil rights has become a harsh reality for not only Wiccans and Pagans, but also every other minority. No longer does the First Amendment provide freedom of religion, speech, to gather and engage in peaceful demonstration. No longer does the Fourth Amendment guarantee your home, car or business will not be searched without a warrant signed by a judge. Instead, there are a growing number of law enforcement officers who believe they are above the law; they see themselves not as public servants, but public masters who should not be questioned or criticized. Instead, they should be blindly and meekly obeyed. To do otherwise is to risk being harassed, physically attacked and jailed with little cause.
Under the banner of self-defense, police have used traffic stops to justify warrant less searches. Such was the case of a northern Michigan Wiccan Priestess. Returning home from work, she was stopped. The Deputy initially refused to disclose why she was pulled over. Instead, he ordered her from her vehicle and searched it without her consent. In the bottom of her purse, he found a small athame set--the largest knife was under three inches, but it had a double edged blade. He arrested her; however, he refused to notify her of the reason for the stop or the arrest until they reached the jail. At that time, she was informed she was stopped for swerving twice in the several miles he had followed her, but she arrested and charged for felony-concealed weapon for having daggers in her purse. She did not threaten him, nor was she given an opportunity to explain why she had the athames. Several attempts were made a paying her bond, however the deputies on duty misrepresented the facts and she was held for over fifteen hours. During such time, she was denied medication for her asthma and proper nutrition for her hypoglycemia. Instead, the wheels of justice rolled over her civil rights. Although she had a clean record and the officer had a history of alcohol abuse, lying on the stand and violence against women, her court appointed attorney informed her that she would not win in spite of the illegal search and her religious path. In Michigan, double edge knifes, no matter what size are illegal. The attorney’s stance was that nothing else was pertinent to the case. Eventually the case was settled and the charges dropped to much lesser charge. But justice was far from being served.
Physically an athame is usually a double edge blade of varying sized, frequently with a black handle and a dull blade. However, its magical definition is ritual knife that is use only for the direction of energy. It is used in ritual for creating protective circles and calling the elements. Using it for a mundane purpose would contaminate it and make it unsuitable for ritual work until it had been cleansed and reblessed. A Boline is used for cutting and all other ritual needs. Kitchen witches are an exception to this rule; they believe that by using their tools daily increases their connection to them. Whether an athame or Boline, neither are to be used as a physical weapon. To do so would destroy their positive spiritual quality and attract the negative aspects of the universe.
In the case of the northern Michigan Priestess, if it hadn’t been for the illegal search of her purse, the athames wouldn’t have been an issue. They could have not been produce or used to threaten the officer or anyone else without destroying their religious power. The District Attorney’s office was informed of their religious significance; initially they agreed she had a defense under the First Amendment, however their stance changed without reason, claiming the Priestess told the officer they were for self-defense. By sheer definition of her spiritual beliefs, it is obvious that statement was untrue and the officer lied. Yet, even though he violated her First and Fourth Amendment rights, his word would carry more weigh by the court even though he had a history of deceit and violence against women.
Every state has their own laws pertaining to the legalities of what is considered a weapon. Before carrying your religious tools make you know what the specific requirements of your state are. In some cases, it would be wise to obtain a concealed weapons permit if you will be traveling with your Athame and Boline. By going to http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm you can find an abridge listing of knife laws by state. It is only a starting point and should not be considered definitive legal advice.
Your Civil Rights are not guaranteed
By
Theresa Chaze
Police ignoring civil rights has become a harsh reality for not only Wiccans and Pagans, but also every other minority. No longer does the First Amendment provide freedom of religion, speech, to gather and engage in peaceful demonstration. No longer does the Fourth Amendment guarantee your home, car or business will not be searched without a warrant signed by a judge. Instead, there are a growing number of law enforcement officers who believe they are above the law; they see themselves not as public servants, but public masters who should not be questioned or criticized. Instead, they should be blindly and meekly obeyed. To do otherwise is to risk being harassed, physically attacked and jailed with little cause.
Under the banner of self-defense, police have used traffic stops to justify warrant less searches. Such was the case of a northern Michigan Wiccan Priestess. Returning home from work, she was stopped. The Deputy initially refused to disclose why she was pulled over. Instead, he ordered her from her vehicle and searched it without her consent. In the bottom of her purse, he found a small athame set--the largest knife was under three inches, but it had a double edged blade. He arrested her; however, he refused to notify her of the reason for the stop or the arrest until they reached the jail. At that time, she was informed she was stopped for swerving twice in the several miles he had followed her, but she arrested and charged for felony-concealed weapon for having daggers in her purse. She did not threaten him, nor was she given an opportunity to explain why she had the athames. Several attempts were made a paying her bond, however the deputies on duty misrepresented the facts and she was held for over fifteen hours. During such time, she was denied medication for her asthma and proper nutrition for her hypoglycemia. Instead, the wheels of justice rolled over her civil rights. Although she had a clean record and the officer had a history of alcohol abuse, lying on the stand and violence against women, her court appointed attorney informed her that she would not win in spite of the illegal search and her religious path. In Michigan, double edge knifes, no matter what size are illegal. The attorney’s stance was that nothing else was pertinent to the case. Eventually the case was settled and the charges dropped to much lesser charge. But justice was far from being served.
Physically an athame is usually a double edge blade of varying sized, frequently with a black handle and a dull blade. However, its magical definition is ritual knife that is use only for the direction of energy. It is used in ritual for creating protective circles and calling the elements. Using it for a mundane purpose would contaminate it and make it unsuitable for ritual work until it had been cleansed and reblessed. A Boline is used for cutting and all other ritual needs. Kitchen witches are an exception to this rule; they believe that by using their tools daily increases their connection to them. Whether an athame or Boline, neither are to be used as a physical weapon. To do so would destroy their positive spiritual quality and attract the negative aspects of the universe.
In the case of the northern Michigan Priestess, if it hadn’t been for the illegal search of her purse, the athames wouldn’t have been an issue. They could have not been produce or used to threaten the officer or anyone else without destroying their religious power. The District Attorney’s office was informed of their religious significance; initially they agreed she had a defense under the First Amendment, however their stance changed without reason, claiming the Priestess told the officer they were for self-defense. By sheer definition of her spiritual beliefs, it is obvious that statement was untrue and the officer lied. Yet, even though he violated her First and Fourth Amendment rights, his word would carry more weigh by the court even though he had a history of deceit and violence against women.
Every state has their own laws pertaining to the legalities of what is considered a weapon. Before carrying your religious tools make you know what the specific requirements of your state are. In some cases, it would be wise to obtain a concealed weapons permit if you will be traveling with your Athame and Boline. By going to http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm you can find an abridge listing of knife laws by state. It is only a starting point and should not be considered definitive legal advice.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
We the People--As Powerful As We Chose To Be
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.....
Declaration of Independence
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Preamble to the United States Constitution
So many people have forgotten that "we the people" are the ultimate source of power in the government. From the President to the local city board members, they are all elected by the people. Yet they have forgotten the definition of public servant and have set themselves up as masters of society. Instead, of serving they use the privileges and power temporarily granted to them to further their own greed, bigotries and lust for power. Yet on their own without the machinations of the government, many of them are nothing.
Above excerpts are part of the Unites States History and government, but they are no longer a reality. The Civil Rights original afforded and those, which have been hard fought for, have been eroded by petty individuals, large corporations, and public servants who see themselves as above the law. Phone calls and bank accounts are monitored without obtaining search warrants. Individual are no longer safe from unreasonable searches in their homes, cars or on the street. Religious, medical and sexual decisions have been usurped by bigots in their attempt to force their religious and moral values on others.
The Scales of Justice System are no longer balanced as individuals from the Justice department to the local deputy sheriff have their fingers on their end. Based more on financial and personal ambition, the justice no longer is fair or balanced. Mike NiFong is only an example of the increasing problems in the judicial system. His personal ambitions were more important to him than the representing the truth. The college boys and the local woman are all equal victims of his lust for power. Yet he is only one of many prosecutor who are more concerned about building a reputations and racking up convictions than protecting the public or being representatives of justice. Law enforcement is worse. No longer serving and protecting, they use their power to intimidate, harass and humiliate those members of society they see as weak. Incidences law enforcement abusing individuals on the bases of racial, religious or lifestyle have been rapidly increasing. For most of them, promotions and job security is based on arrest track record. Yet there are those who see the badge as a source of personal power over others. It is all about have control over others. However, even with undisputable documentation, these officers are rarely held accountable for the harm they do. The blue wall protects its own even to the point of lying, altering records and intimidating. Enforcement of the laws are on longer based on laws, civil rights or common sense, but who can afford the best legal council.
The greed of big business has polluted the environment, manipulated the political system, and eroded the middle class. Companies who deliberately damage the environment receive only minor retribution in comparison to the damage they do. Whether it be contamination of ground water or release of toxic waste through improperly filtered smoke stacks, the companies pay small fines, while the public moneys clean up the hazardous situations. Oil, insurance and drug companies have manipulated prices and available of necessary product and services to insure they maintain a monopoly and thereby maximize their profits. Although alterative fuels like bio-diesel, solar, and wind are viable options, their availability has been limited by legislation and lack of governmental support. Drug companies’ sole goal is to maximize their profit margin. It is why they attack alternative healing methods and solutions, such as herbs, so aggressively. If they can’t sell it for a large profit, then it must be debunked or made illegal. It is the same tack they use to prevent individuals from buying the same drugs across both borders for sometimes less than half the cost. While medical insurance used to be an automatic benefit of having a full time job, many companies are no longer covering the costs of the premiums or not offering the benefit at all. With the reduction of coverage, the addition of co-pays and the increase in price, few individuals are able to avoid medical insurance on their own. Yet at the same time, insurance company’s profits are sky rocketing. The economic structure of the country is top heavy. CEO make obscene salaries, while the workers, who actually produce the services and products, are forced to struggle as wages and benefits are rapidly reduced. No longer can a single income support a family; at the same time, CEOs are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars as retirement bonuses or part of separation packages after being fired. Both the Japan and Germany have thriving economies, yet the difference in the salaries between the CEO and the person who cleans the bathroom is approximately 20%.
Whether financial, political or legal, intimidation only works if people back down. When we the people remember that we have the power to create change than change will happen. However, we all have to have the courage to say no more. 2008 is the next Presidential election. It is time to stop voting against an individual and start voting for the person who will represent the best interest of all the people of this country, not just special interests or big business. On a local level, we the people can hold law enforcement responsible by reporting abuses and speaking publicly. By being frightened into silence or by defending the abusers, the violence will only escalate. Bullies are bullies with or without a badge or a title. The only way to stop this is to stand up to them. We the people have the power. We the people can make changes. If we the people chose to have courage.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.....
Declaration of Independence
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Preamble to the United States Constitution
So many people have forgotten that "we the people" are the ultimate source of power in the government. From the President to the local city board members, they are all elected by the people. Yet they have forgotten the definition of public servant and have set themselves up as masters of society. Instead, of serving they use the privileges and power temporarily granted to them to further their own greed, bigotries and lust for power. Yet on their own without the machinations of the government, many of them are nothing.
Above excerpts are part of the Unites States History and government, but they are no longer a reality. The Civil Rights original afforded and those, which have been hard fought for, have been eroded by petty individuals, large corporations, and public servants who see themselves as above the law. Phone calls and bank accounts are monitored without obtaining search warrants. Individual are no longer safe from unreasonable searches in their homes, cars or on the street. Religious, medical and sexual decisions have been usurped by bigots in their attempt to force their religious and moral values on others.
The Scales of Justice System are no longer balanced as individuals from the Justice department to the local deputy sheriff have their fingers on their end. Based more on financial and personal ambition, the justice no longer is fair or balanced. Mike NiFong is only an example of the increasing problems in the judicial system. His personal ambitions were more important to him than the representing the truth. The college boys and the local woman are all equal victims of his lust for power. Yet he is only one of many prosecutor who are more concerned about building a reputations and racking up convictions than protecting the public or being representatives of justice. Law enforcement is worse. No longer serving and protecting, they use their power to intimidate, harass and humiliate those members of society they see as weak. Incidences law enforcement abusing individuals on the bases of racial, religious or lifestyle have been rapidly increasing. For most of them, promotions and job security is based on arrest track record. Yet there are those who see the badge as a source of personal power over others. It is all about have control over others. However, even with undisputable documentation, these officers are rarely held accountable for the harm they do. The blue wall protects its own even to the point of lying, altering records and intimidating. Enforcement of the laws are on longer based on laws, civil rights or common sense, but who can afford the best legal council.
The greed of big business has polluted the environment, manipulated the political system, and eroded the middle class. Companies who deliberately damage the environment receive only minor retribution in comparison to the damage they do. Whether it be contamination of ground water or release of toxic waste through improperly filtered smoke stacks, the companies pay small fines, while the public moneys clean up the hazardous situations. Oil, insurance and drug companies have manipulated prices and available of necessary product and services to insure they maintain a monopoly and thereby maximize their profits. Although alterative fuels like bio-diesel, solar, and wind are viable options, their availability has been limited by legislation and lack of governmental support. Drug companies’ sole goal is to maximize their profit margin. It is why they attack alternative healing methods and solutions, such as herbs, so aggressively. If they can’t sell it for a large profit, then it must be debunked or made illegal. It is the same tack they use to prevent individuals from buying the same drugs across both borders for sometimes less than half the cost. While medical insurance used to be an automatic benefit of having a full time job, many companies are no longer covering the costs of the premiums or not offering the benefit at all. With the reduction of coverage, the addition of co-pays and the increase in price, few individuals are able to avoid medical insurance on their own. Yet at the same time, insurance company’s profits are sky rocketing. The economic structure of the country is top heavy. CEO make obscene salaries, while the workers, who actually produce the services and products, are forced to struggle as wages and benefits are rapidly reduced. No longer can a single income support a family; at the same time, CEOs are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars as retirement bonuses or part of separation packages after being fired. Both the Japan and Germany have thriving economies, yet the difference in the salaries between the CEO and the person who cleans the bathroom is approximately 20%.
Whether financial, political or legal, intimidation only works if people back down. When we the people remember that we have the power to create change than change will happen. However, we all have to have the courage to say no more. 2008 is the next Presidential election. It is time to stop voting against an individual and start voting for the person who will represent the best interest of all the people of this country, not just special interests or big business. On a local level, we the people can hold law enforcement responsible by reporting abuses and speaking publicly. By being frightened into silence or by defending the abusers, the violence will only escalate. Bullies are bullies with or without a badge or a title. The only way to stop this is to stand up to them. We the people have the power. We the people can make changes. If we the people chose to have courage.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Research for article on Spirituality--Wiccan, Pagan, Earth based religions
I am doing research for an article on life as a Wiccan or Pagan. If you have the time or a story to tell, please fill out the following questions and email them back to me at Tirgana@yahoo.com
Thanks
Theresa
How would you describe your spiritual path?
Are you in or out of the broom closet? Why/when did you make your decision to come out?
How has your spirituality affected your life? Work? Relationships? In society as a whole?
What have been your positive experiences?
What have been your negative experiences?
How do you feel about the availability of information available to you? From the first time you started on your spiritual path to now, how as the quality and quantity of information available to changed?
Are you involved in the political process?
How does your spirituality influence how you see the candidates?
If you could get a message to the political leaders both in and out of office, what would it be?
Do you feel the legal system afford you the same protections as other religions? Why or why not?
What would you like to see changed in Society?
What changes would you like to see in the Wiccan/Pagan/Earth based religions as a whole?
What are you willing to do in your own life and your community to bring about positive changes in society?
I am doing research for an article on life as a Wiccan or Pagan. If you have the time or a story to tell, please fill out the following questions and email them back to me at Tirgana@yahoo.com
Thanks
Theresa
How would you describe your spiritual path?
Are you in or out of the broom closet? Why/when did you make your decision to come out?
How has your spirituality affected your life? Work? Relationships? In society as a whole?
What have been your positive experiences?
What have been your negative experiences?
How do you feel about the availability of information available to you? From the first time you started on your spiritual path to now, how as the quality and quantity of information available to changed?
Are you involved in the political process?
How does your spirituality influence how you see the candidates?
If you could get a message to the political leaders both in and out of office, what would it be?
Do you feel the legal system afford you the same protections as other religions? Why or why not?
What would you like to see changed in Society?
What changes would you like to see in the Wiccan/Pagan/Earth based religions as a whole?
What are you willing to do in your own life and your community to bring about positive changes in society?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Democratic You Tube Debate--A successful experiment.
The Democratic You Tube Debate not only informed the public what the candidates stood for, but also revealed who they are as people. It showed who had the courage to answer the uncomfortable questions and who chose to dodge with clever dialogue or stubborn antagonism. Most of the candidates came off as wise, clever professionals who had the country’s best interests at heart. Clinton, Edwards and Obama benefited the most. All three were well informed and approached the questions with courage and directness. The three of them clearly had an energy and mutual respect connection. However, Senator Mike Gravel came off as angry and bitter; his focusing on the money came off more as sour grapes than any real concern for political change. The rest of the candidates made themselves and their issues more real to the public by not only showing their knowledge about the challenges the country faces, but also their human side and their passion for change.
Senator Hillary Clinton came off as very practical, informed and human. Those who have called her cold and distant in the past will have difficulty finding traction in the future. Senator Clinton was quick and direct with her answers. She clearly was attempting to be not only the leader of the pack but the unify factor between them. The only time this became a negative was at the end when she refused to directly say anything about Senator Obama. Her body language while he spoke and the issues they agree upon revealed the great respect she has for him. However, her refusal to directly address him was more of a political ploy than a personal snub. It was quite evident she likes him as a person and as a public servant, yet he is the one nipping at her heels. The quips with Senator Edwards about her jacket also showed their underlying respect for each other. It seemed to be a private joke between them. Senator Clinton’s laughter was not only genuine, but gave the public a peek into her as person. It was an unguarded moment, which showed the person behind the politician. Her willingness to address the environment issues directly were to her credit, as were her realistic expectations about the withdraw from Iraq. She took the time to investigate the practical limitations and challenges of moving not only personal, but also the equipment and civilian staff.
Senator John Edwards was also very informed, direct and sensible. His focus on poverty, the environment, and health care spoke directly to the needs of majority of the country. His video revealed not only his wit, but also the silliness of his critics. However, he did fall a little short on the foreign issues. It was not so much of what he said, but his lack of participation that caught my attention. He was never really engaged on the topic; however, he was very passionate on health care, the environment, alternative energy and education. It was very evident that his knowledge and passion lies with domestic issues. The changes Senator Edwards proposes in alternative energy are quite doable with the current technology. In addition, his comments on his religious beliefs showed his respect for civil rights and the need of a president to represent the whole country not just special interest groups. He is very passionate about helping lift up the disadvantaged of the country, not as a political agenda, but to fulfill a promise he made to himself and his God. He sees this country’s strength coming from its diversity, its civil rights, and its heart. His shining moments can when he answered the difficult questions, not by dodging them but by defining them on a more specific level that addressed the underlying issue.
Senator Barack Obama has a fresh perspective on the political arena. He sees the web of corruption behind the political scene and how the conglomerates have corrupted the country for their own greedy ends. Repeatedly he pointed out how the oil, drug, and insurance companies have been given special political privileges, which have hurt the individual as well as the pubic in general. However, instead of allowing his frustration and anger to dominate, he has channeled his energy into alternative solutions. His approach to the questions presented to him and his stance the issues is very reminiscent to that of Bobby Kennedy. Like Senator Edwards, his is focused on the health care, education, and the environment, but he was more outspoken on internationals issues. This could have simply been the result of the questions asked him. Although, he was questioned more on foreign policy, his answers revealed his inexperience as well as his passion to restore the country’s image worldwide.
Senator Joe Biden could be best described as practical. His solutions to both the country’s and the world issues are realistic. Although he is very passionate about resolving the conflict in Iraq, he understands the challenges involved in bringing personal and equipment home. He also was the most military supportive of the candidates; by asking that the military have the most effective technology and equipment, he’s focus is on getting the job done, while keeping personal safe. Unlike the current administration, he doesn’t see military personal as expendable. On occasion, his frustration with several other candidates seeped through the political facade on this topic. The conflict in Darfur changed his perspective of the world and made him question his own values. It was a turning point in his life that changed his personal and professional ambitions. With his experience and knowledge, he would be an excellent organizer of the withdrawal from Iraq as well as determining which world issues the country should become involved in.
Governor Bill Richardson was also greatly influenced by Darfur. The cease fire between al-Bashir and leaders of several rebel factions was only one of his diplomatic successes. As with Senator Biden, his trips to Darfur have changed him. But instead of becoming angry, he uses the energy to create alternative solutions. His passion for change and for peace made some of his solutions unrealistic, especially when it comes to troop withdrawal. He was knowledgeable about country’s issues. As Governor of New Mexico, he has already created changes in the educational system, energy resources and civil rights. Although he supported the marriage act, he fully supports civil unions. He is very protective of civil liberties; medical, religious, lifestyle, and legal rights are not optional nor is it the governments business to made personal decisions for the individual.
Senator Christopher Dodd is politically aware and sees the broad picture in foreign affairs, yet his solutions aren’t sensible or feasible. His long political service gives him the inside practical knowledge of how the system works and helps him navigate the turbulent waters of personal egos and special interests. When he was the new kid on the block, he had the spunk to fight windmills, yet that passion has mellowed into practical solutions and the ability to compromise. He believes that a nationwide public service program will redirect the growing lethargy of the American public and reigniting their patriotism as well as reawakening the nation’s adventurer spirit. Although he originally supported the war, he changed his position when the truth came out. He as since become an outspoken advocate of holding President Bush fully responsible for eroding the nation’s reputation and for the increase terrorist threat around the world.
Former Senator Mike Gravel focus on following the money, initially came off as sour grapes as he financially failed to gain traction. He came off angry and frustrated, yet it was only by listening to him and doing research that I found that wasn’t the source of his anger. He has spent decades fighting political corruption only to find the same issues reappearing. He has fought for truth in government and personally helped end the draft. He fought for alternative energy while it was unpopular to do so. He took on the White House and forced them make the Pentagon Papers public. His long service has been exceptional; yet he no matter how much work he has done, nothing seems to change except the faces of the politicians. Many of the same issues he fought for and against at the beginning of his career have again resurfaced as if nothing had been achieve. It would make anyone angry to look back at their career with all the personal and professional sacrifices only to find that so little has changed.
Representative Dennis Kucinich is a one issue candidate. Every issue relate back to the war. His is the only candidate who has consistently voted against the war, but that is all he could really talk about. Every topic was quickly diverted back to Iraq and how he was right. Although he was very passionate, he offered no realistic solutions to domestic or foreign issues. He is strong advocate of civil freedoms, alternative energy sources, and the environment; however, his stances on these issues get lost in the passion to end the war.
The experiment was an over all success. Candidates were able to speak out on the issues and the public was able to get to know them without the preparedness of the traditional debates. Generally the candidates knew what the topics would be, the questions were not screened and their responses for the most part were spontaneous. Although there was some disagreement on the details, all the candidates supported the withdrawal from Iraq, alternative energy, restructuring the educational system and civil rights. Their combined message was that of hope through positive change. For the most part, all the candidates benefited as did the public.
The Democratic You Tube Debate not only informed the public what the candidates stood for, but also revealed who they are as people. It showed who had the courage to answer the uncomfortable questions and who chose to dodge with clever dialogue or stubborn antagonism. Most of the candidates came off as wise, clever professionals who had the country’s best interests at heart. Clinton, Edwards and Obama benefited the most. All three were well informed and approached the questions with courage and directness. The three of them clearly had an energy and mutual respect connection. However, Senator Mike Gravel came off as angry and bitter; his focusing on the money came off more as sour grapes than any real concern for political change. The rest of the candidates made themselves and their issues more real to the public by not only showing their knowledge about the challenges the country faces, but also their human side and their passion for change.
Senator Hillary Clinton came off as very practical, informed and human. Those who have called her cold and distant in the past will have difficulty finding traction in the future. Senator Clinton was quick and direct with her answers. She clearly was attempting to be not only the leader of the pack but the unify factor between them. The only time this became a negative was at the end when she refused to directly say anything about Senator Obama. Her body language while he spoke and the issues they agree upon revealed the great respect she has for him. However, her refusal to directly address him was more of a political ploy than a personal snub. It was quite evident she likes him as a person and as a public servant, yet he is the one nipping at her heels. The quips with Senator Edwards about her jacket also showed their underlying respect for each other. It seemed to be a private joke between them. Senator Clinton’s laughter was not only genuine, but gave the public a peek into her as person. It was an unguarded moment, which showed the person behind the politician. Her willingness to address the environment issues directly were to her credit, as were her realistic expectations about the withdraw from Iraq. She took the time to investigate the practical limitations and challenges of moving not only personal, but also the equipment and civilian staff.
Senator John Edwards was also very informed, direct and sensible. His focus on poverty, the environment, and health care spoke directly to the needs of majority of the country. His video revealed not only his wit, but also the silliness of his critics. However, he did fall a little short on the foreign issues. It was not so much of what he said, but his lack of participation that caught my attention. He was never really engaged on the topic; however, he was very passionate on health care, the environment, alternative energy and education. It was very evident that his knowledge and passion lies with domestic issues. The changes Senator Edwards proposes in alternative energy are quite doable with the current technology. In addition, his comments on his religious beliefs showed his respect for civil rights and the need of a president to represent the whole country not just special interest groups. He is very passionate about helping lift up the disadvantaged of the country, not as a political agenda, but to fulfill a promise he made to himself and his God. He sees this country’s strength coming from its diversity, its civil rights, and its heart. His shining moments can when he answered the difficult questions, not by dodging them but by defining them on a more specific level that addressed the underlying issue.
Senator Barack Obama has a fresh perspective on the political arena. He sees the web of corruption behind the political scene and how the conglomerates have corrupted the country for their own greedy ends. Repeatedly he pointed out how the oil, drug, and insurance companies have been given special political privileges, which have hurt the individual as well as the pubic in general. However, instead of allowing his frustration and anger to dominate, he has channeled his energy into alternative solutions. His approach to the questions presented to him and his stance the issues is very reminiscent to that of Bobby Kennedy. Like Senator Edwards, his is focused on the health care, education, and the environment, but he was more outspoken on internationals issues. This could have simply been the result of the questions asked him. Although, he was questioned more on foreign policy, his answers revealed his inexperience as well as his passion to restore the country’s image worldwide.
Senator Joe Biden could be best described as practical. His solutions to both the country’s and the world issues are realistic. Although he is very passionate about resolving the conflict in Iraq, he understands the challenges involved in bringing personal and equipment home. He also was the most military supportive of the candidates; by asking that the military have the most effective technology and equipment, he’s focus is on getting the job done, while keeping personal safe. Unlike the current administration, he doesn’t see military personal as expendable. On occasion, his frustration with several other candidates seeped through the political facade on this topic. The conflict in Darfur changed his perspective of the world and made him question his own values. It was a turning point in his life that changed his personal and professional ambitions. With his experience and knowledge, he would be an excellent organizer of the withdrawal from Iraq as well as determining which world issues the country should become involved in.
Governor Bill Richardson was also greatly influenced by Darfur. The cease fire between al-Bashir and leaders of several rebel factions was only one of his diplomatic successes. As with Senator Biden, his trips to Darfur have changed him. But instead of becoming angry, he uses the energy to create alternative solutions. His passion for change and for peace made some of his solutions unrealistic, especially when it comes to troop withdrawal. He was knowledgeable about country’s issues. As Governor of New Mexico, he has already created changes in the educational system, energy resources and civil rights. Although he supported the marriage act, he fully supports civil unions. He is very protective of civil liberties; medical, religious, lifestyle, and legal rights are not optional nor is it the governments business to made personal decisions for the individual.
Senator Christopher Dodd is politically aware and sees the broad picture in foreign affairs, yet his solutions aren’t sensible or feasible. His long political service gives him the inside practical knowledge of how the system works and helps him navigate the turbulent waters of personal egos and special interests. When he was the new kid on the block, he had the spunk to fight windmills, yet that passion has mellowed into practical solutions and the ability to compromise. He believes that a nationwide public service program will redirect the growing lethargy of the American public and reigniting their patriotism as well as reawakening the nation’s adventurer spirit. Although he originally supported the war, he changed his position when the truth came out. He as since become an outspoken advocate of holding President Bush fully responsible for eroding the nation’s reputation and for the increase terrorist threat around the world.
Former Senator Mike Gravel focus on following the money, initially came off as sour grapes as he financially failed to gain traction. He came off angry and frustrated, yet it was only by listening to him and doing research that I found that wasn’t the source of his anger. He has spent decades fighting political corruption only to find the same issues reappearing. He has fought for truth in government and personally helped end the draft. He fought for alternative energy while it was unpopular to do so. He took on the White House and forced them make the Pentagon Papers public. His long service has been exceptional; yet he no matter how much work he has done, nothing seems to change except the faces of the politicians. Many of the same issues he fought for and against at the beginning of his career have again resurfaced as if nothing had been achieve. It would make anyone angry to look back at their career with all the personal and professional sacrifices only to find that so little has changed.
Representative Dennis Kucinich is a one issue candidate. Every issue relate back to the war. His is the only candidate who has consistently voted against the war, but that is all he could really talk about. Every topic was quickly diverted back to Iraq and how he was right. Although he was very passionate, he offered no realistic solutions to domestic or foreign issues. He is strong advocate of civil freedoms, alternative energy sources, and the environment; however, his stances on these issues get lost in the passion to end the war.
The experiment was an over all success. Candidates were able to speak out on the issues and the public was able to get to know them without the preparedness of the traditional debates. Generally the candidates knew what the topics would be, the questions were not screened and their responses for the most part were spontaneous. Although there was some disagreement on the details, all the candidates supported the withdrawal from Iraq, alternative energy, restructuring the educational system and civil rights. Their combined message was that of hope through positive change. For the most part, all the candidates benefited as did the public.
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