Showing posts with label obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obama. Show all posts

Friday, June 13, 2008

Obama on guantanamo

Today's Supreme Court decision ensures that we can protect our nation and bring terrorists to justice, while also protecting our core values. The Court's decision is a rejection of the Bush Administration's attempt to create a legal black hole at Guantanamo - yet another failed policy supported by John McCain. This is an important step toward reestablishing our credibility as a nation committed to the rule of law, and rejecting a false choice between fighting terrorism and respecting habeas corpus. Our courts have employed habeas corpus with rigor and fairness for more than two centuries, and we must continue to do so as we defend the freedom that violent extremists seek to destroy. We cannot afford to lose any more valuable time in the fight against terrorism to a dangerously flawed legal approach. I voted against the Military Commissions Act because its sloppiness would inevitably lead to the Court, once again, rejecting the Administration's extreme legal position. The fact is, this Administration's position is not tough on terrorism, and it undermines the very values that we are fighting to defend. Bringing these detainees to justice is too important for us to rely on a flawed system that has failed to convict anyone of a terrorist act since the 9-11 attacks, and compromised our core values.


Congratulations: we still have a constitution, and a presidential candidate whose policies will adhere to it.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

1600 pennsylvania avenue


We're one step closer.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

A speech

You may remember a couple of months ago, when Barack Obama was in the midst of the scandal created by his vociferous pastor, he gave a speech on race in America that dealt with that controversy. That was how the speech was billed, but in reality it was so much more. This is perhaps the most accurate assessment of race and what it means to be seeker of social justice in modern America that I have ever read. 


You can say that I'm a senseless supporter, that I've "drank the kool-aid" so-to-speak. That may be the case. Texts like this, though, are the reason. It is a bit long, but I am hoping that you will read it. I want you to make an informed decision, and nothing has been more affirming for me of my choice than the eloquence, balance, and reason that is put forth in this speech. If you like it, send it to your friends. 

The most disappointing thing, for me, is the degree to which statements of this merit are ignored in favor if sensational sound-bytes, mis-statements and out of context remarks, on either side of the race. It's depressing that the majority of our nation is willing to judge a candidate, positively or negatively, without researching his positions, character, or intelligence. I am only glad that Obama has achieved so much this far; and I, for one, am committed to doing what I can to elect a man of so many good qualities into the white house.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Barack Obama!

I took quite a few photos at the rally, and they're all up on a public album. I picked a few good ones to put up here.



Turnout was very high. Liz and her new boyfriend Onur arrived at around 6:15 and were turned away because Van Andel was packed full.



The event was loud, energetic, and a bit like a rock concert. When Obama arrived, the whole arena went manic.



Obama came on stage and quickly introduced Edwards, who was there to announce his endorsement. We didn't realize Edwards would be there until we were already seated and Erin's dad Lou called.



There was a lot of cheering for John Edwards, especially from the cute girl in the seat next to me.



Barack really stole the show though. He is probably the greatest public speaker I've ever had the pleasure to watch. He was electrifying, humorous, and if not detailed and specific at least substantive. The speech focussed on the economy, jobs, and poverty, three things that are very important to the people of Michigan and meshed well with Edwards' ongoing message.

All in all it was a good time, very inspirational and filled with plenty of Bush bashing (which always makes me smile). Let's hope he can win in November. I'll be volunteering if any out there would care to join me!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Obamania

Erin and I attended the electrifying Obama rally at the Van Andel Arena earlier this evening! We were lucky we got there early- by the time Liz arrived the arena was already full to capacity. I will post pictures soon. I "live-blogged" via Twitter the whole time, and you can read the posts here (in reverse order, naturally).

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Nice Shirt

Yay! Another open mind, slowly gestating.