Obama speaks about Cuba, Colombia, and Latin America

CatGirl says on May 23, 2008, 18:35:

Thanks Mitch: Clip was a bit choppy (what's up with that BTW? I am finding that to be more often these days...)

I wonder what he is like in person. As I have stated before, there is something about him I can't quite put my finger on. I think I know what it is now after watching this....at least from a filming perspective, he does not pull me in. A talking head. He speaks well, but does not grab my attention.
Ever hear of Willie Brown? He comes across pretty self absorbed in media/film, but I met him and he is totally different in person. He has a lot of Charisma.

Anyway, maybe that is the case with B.O. - dunno. Still a talking head to me and I will wait to see what happens.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 18:57:

Sounds like something I would say.....

Some very strong words and promises.

Go OBAMA!

You can argue against Obama, but he is the BEST candidate available for U.S. President.

The stakes could not be higher for the future of AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL and our Latin American friends.

The second richest man in the world is a Mexican, not a Mexican't.

Obama supports the Colombian people, vote Obama hermano.

TODOS SOMOS AMERICANOS, AMIGOS!

MitchAlvarez, gracias por el video.......

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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aztec says on May 23, 2008, 18:59:

Medellin Traveler that is BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 19:03:

He is the BEST choice we have available in THIS election, PERIOD!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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romy says on May 23, 2008, 19:07:

is there a transcript of what he says on Colombia? I just can't be bothered to watch a half hour video right now.

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durito says on May 23, 2008, 19:08:

Anyone would be a better choice than 4 more republican years.

I think Obama is our best choice for at least since i've been able to vote -- which isn't very long, but I'm excited to do it.

Anyone know how to register to vote from Colombia? Last time i had my mom fill in my absentee ballot for me, but that's probably not what you are supposed to do.

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CatGirl says on May 23, 2008, 19:21:

Hey guys...I argue not about O.B. - But I always have big concerns for anyone that makes promises they most certainly cannot keep. Talking heads all of em. I don;t like any of the candidates and I feel empathy for whoever does get elected - it is a high risk lose-lose situation. Expectations are too high - waaaay too high. So if it is the first female pres she is screwed, the first African American male he's screwed, the first Elder and repeat Republican hes screwed.....cause they got a lot of stuff to cut through before they can be effective and then - 4 years will be over. Sorry I am in denial on this election and have them all on ignore. Maybe I will change as things unfold.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 19:25:

aztec,

I am completely aware of the fact that Obama is a politician, and politicians have a reputation for saying whatever people want to hear, while playing many games in the process. I happen to like the game Obama's playing.

I also happend to believe in alot of the what he had to say, so I would have to agree with him.

Obama did not tell the Cuban community what they wanted to hear, he told them what his approach would be in dealing with Cuba, which is more reasons for me to support him. He said what he wanted to say, regardless of what many Cubans think they want to hear.

No one knows what the future holds, but we as Americans need to be better prepared to deal with whatever comes our way; good, bad, or otherwise.

CatGirl, good comments, in agreement. But, something needs to change.

Do The Right Thing, Vote OBAMA!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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durito says on May 23, 2008, 19:30:

The next President is most certainly screwed no matter who it is.

I've yet to hear all these promises that people are saying Obama's made. His campaign on reuniting the country is actually pretty damn similar to what was said by GBW in 2000 and we all know how different that turned out.

I like Obama because he is smart and he represents what is great about the US: that is a giant melting pot of people from all over the world and that anyone can succeed there.

There needs to be a change in US policy towards Cuba (and most Cubans agree), regardless of what some wealthy people from Miami think.

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miamimike says on May 23, 2008, 20:24:

Obama(and Hillary) is everything Bush isn't!! A Cigar Store Wooden Indian would be an *** Improvement**** over the Empty Suit currently occupying the WH Seat presently.The Wooden Cigar Store Indian at the least wouldn't have got us into that Iraq Mess and may actually have taken Seriously the PDB of Mid August 2001 Warning us that ME Terrorists may use Airliners as WMD, which my Idol below KNEW of but chose to ignore as "Historical Data" and of no "Significance" Right,,,of no Significance 9/11,,,I'm not so interested in what Obama does for Foreign countries and MORE of what he will do FIRST here in the US of A to right the ship back on course,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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Lcacique says on May 23, 2008, 20:41:

CatGirl: I am in total agreement with respect to the soaring expectations and overwhelming obstacles that will loom over the future president's term in office.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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miamimike says on May 23, 2008, 20:44:

McCain may be in for real trouble if he thinks he has the Miami Cuban Exile Vote in a Lockbox. There seems to be a sea change going on with the Younger Generation Cubans born here in the USA as well as those Cubans who came post Mariel(1980s). They are steamed at Bush for cutting back family visits from whenever they wanted to go to once every 3 years. And McCain says he will keep the same family Unfirendly restrictions in place which is very unpopular in Miami. And Bush cut how much money they(family members) can remit to destitute family members. Yesterday, the ACLU filed a Suit on behalf of the Cubans in Vermont Federal Court to repeal these Bush Restrictions. Below you see more and more comments posted by Cuban-Americans in the Miami Herald such as the one below posted by Raul in 50


From today's Miami Herald:

Obama was great. Obama will carry Florida and The Cuban-American vote will go Democrat.
We have had enough of The Cuba talk of The Local Politicians.
This Election is about The Future of America, the future of our grandchildren.
This Election is about The Economy, our roads and bridges, about the 4080 Amrican lives lost in Iraq.
This Election will be about American workers loosing their homes.
Today The GI Bill passed and McCain was absent.
McCain wants us to be in Iraq 100 years. And McCain cannot vote for The GI Bill
Shame on you McCain.
It is Time for Change. It is Time for Obama.
January 20 2009 Will be The End OF AN ERROR

Posted by: raulin50

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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CatGirl says on May 23, 2008, 20:51:

MM '- I can only guess, but I am not 100% sure so... kitty is curious....what do the following mean ..PDB, ME & WMD ??

Oh and your quote is hillarious

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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miamimike says on May 23, 2008, 21:03:

PDB--presidental daily briefing(daily report the Prez receives concerning terrorist attacks) as well as other important data to conduct the Nation's Business

ME--Mid East

WMD--weapons of mass destruction

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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CatGirl says on May 23, 2008, 21:08:

Gracias ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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ColombianoGringo says on May 23, 2008, 21:12:

Here are a few things he said specifically about Colombia. This is an unedited block starting at about 16:55 in this video.


"For the people of Colombia, who've suffered at the hands of killers of every sort, that means battling all sources of the violence. When I am president, we will continue the Andean Counter Drug Program and update it to meet evolving challenges. We will fully support Colombia's fight against the FARC. We'll work with the government. We'll work with the government to end the reign of terror from right wing paramilitaries. We will support Colombia's right to strike terrorists who seek safe haven across its borders. And we will shine a light on any support for the FARC that comes from neighboring goverments. This behavior must be exposed to international condemnation, regional isolation and if need be strong sanctions. It must not stand and it will not when I'm president of the United States of America. But we must also make clear our support for labor rights and human rights, and that means meaningful support for Colombia's democratic institutions. We've neglected this support, especially for the rule of law for far too long."

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CatGirl says on May 23, 2008, 21:17:

CG - on your post about what OB said
Geez - he's all over the place. He also says he's going to be "The president that brings home the troops". What do you think?

I think he has got himself a really good advisor on topics that create emotive reactions. Smart guy....wonder if he is RESULTS ORIENTED?

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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durito says on May 23, 2008, 21:19:

nm

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CatGirl says on May 23, 2008, 21:23:

nm?

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Lcacique says on May 23, 2008, 21:26:

This is the first time I have heard Obama speak at length about the Americas. I think he has a much greater understanding of the issues in the region, the multidimensionality of the problems, than any of the other candidates. It was nice to hear him emphasize the importance of dealing with all of the violent actors. He nailed it for me by addressing many of the members of this website when he stressed that many people get caught up focusing on either the FARC or the paramilitary. Jesus, I get tired of the monochromatic views expressed on pbh.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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durito says on May 23, 2008, 21:28:

There's a post I agree with entirely.

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Lcacique says on May 23, 2008, 22:04:

CatGirl: I do not follow you? What do you mean he seems all over the place?

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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CatGirl says on May 23, 2008, 22:26:

Lcac: Again...he is hitting all the emotive issues for the demographics he needs to pick up.

Example: One of the Topics- There was big media coverage regarding Cuban voter support and Latin America...(more so in Florida) at the time this occured most people asked pretty much stated - he did not impress them (they were pro Hilary at the time).

He is taking big bites. I have seen this before. Later he may eat crow (sorry to say). I hope it is not true, though. (no fooling) I truly enjoy your optimism. I just think he is taking big bites out of all the big issues and all issues that will help his demos...that's all. Let's see if he can walk the talk. If he is elected, I support him, as the people have spoken.
Hope that makes better sense

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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miamimike says on May 23, 2008, 22:29:

Obama said: "I have repeatedly said that being against Castro and being against Chavez that is not a Latin American policy. We should be talking about trade. We should be talking about opening up bigger relationships and student exchanges and education.''

But Obama is not supporting the proposed free-trade agreement with Colombia. He said: "I'm concerned frankly about the reports there of the involvement of the administration with human rights violations and the suppression of workers. I think it is very important for us in our free trade agreements with any country to ensure that basic human rights are being observed, basic worker rights are being observed, basic environmental rights are being observed.


http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2008/02/clinton-talks-c.h...

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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Lcacique says on May 23, 2008, 23:34:

That's an interesting take, CatGirl. I did not really get that from the speech. His points lined up with the kind of vision that he has expressed throughout his campaign. I also don't feel that he was simply pandering to the emotions of his audience. But I do respect your point of view.

Clinton should, however, win Florida. And that's fine. She's a good candidate who appeals to a wide range of people.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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goin_south says on May 23, 2008, 23:43:

....while McCain has invited the likes of the recently-elected, very young, of Eastern Indian descent ( I think that's correct)Governor of Louisiana, BOBBY JINDAL... to Arizona for the weekend... He's a bit young to be V.P.... but you gotta think McCain might be trying to make an appeal to 'those of darker skin', in general....., most of the Eastern Indian people I have known in the USA do pretty well for themselves.. so,... a good group specifically also to draw appeal.

Ciao! Gustav.

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 00:16:

What's up with Rice? Is she still on the table?

Damn...lol...that is funny on so many levels...Anyway, I expected that she would be the obvious choice, but maybe she's to close to the old guard.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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goin_south says on May 24, 2008, 00:39:

I think she's fried

Ciao! Gustav.

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 01:10:

Nice, lol.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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robi666 says on May 24, 2008, 05:18:

Obama...
which is his position about American sex tourists, perverts and peds in Colombia, Cuba and other SA destinations?

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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Medellin Traveler says on May 24, 2008, 05:20:

Good for the Americas, not so good, and 8 to 12 will get you 20.

Next question :O)

Do The Right Thing, Vote OBAMA!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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slguy says on May 24, 2008, 05:57:

the most telling comment in the obama campaign came from rev. wright who, when asked his reaction to obama's repudiation of him, responded ( i paraphrase, maybe) "he's a politician. he'll say what he needs to say".

this from his longtime spiritual leader.

cg is correct, imho.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Medellin Traveler says on May 24, 2008, 06:13:

Again, I am completely aware of the fact that Obama is a politician, and politicians have a reputation for saying whatever people want to hear, but Obama did not tell the Cuban community what they wanted to hear, he told them what his approach would be in dealing with Cuba, which is more reasons for me to support him.

He said what he wanted to say, regardless of what many Cubans think they want to hear. This is not what politicians usually do when trying to get elected.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Medellin Traveler says on May 24, 2008, 06:13:

Obama le dará la mano a América Latina

La frase fue pronunciada ayer por el precandidato demócrata a la Casa Blanca.
Anunció también un posible cambio frente a la política cubana.
Dijo que no tolerará que las Farc reciban ayuda de países vecinos.



AP-Miami, E.U.
Barack Obama aseguró ayer en Miami que en caso de llegar a la presidencia de Estados Unidos, cambiará radicalmente la política de Washington hacia América Latina, incluyendo una nueva estrategia con Cuba que alentará la "diplomacia directa", autorizará los viajes de familiares a la isla y el envío de remesas sin límites.

Advirtió también que no tolerará que las Fuerzas Armadas Republicanas de Colombia (Farc) reciban ayuda de los gobiernos de países vecinos, y destacó que los fondos destinados a la iniciativa de Mérida no son suficientes.

Asimismo, criticó duramente la política del gobierno del presidente George W. Bush hacia Latinoamérica y la posición del virtual candidato republicano a la presidencia, John McCain.

En un almuerzo organizado por la Fundación Nacional Cubano Americana (FNCA), Obama manifestó que su gobierno se comprometerá de manera directa con el hemisferio americano para alentar la democracia y lanzará una iniciativa regional de seguridad para combatir el narcotráfico, la corrupción y la delincuencia.

"Es hora de una nueva alianza de las Américas", dijo Obama en su presentación ante unos 850 asistentes que pagaron 150 dólares para almorzar mientras escuchaban al precandidato demócrata a la presidencia. "Es hora de que Estados Unidos vuelva a extender una mano de ayuda y sea un rayo de esperanza", consideró.

"Después de ocho años de políticas fracasadas necesitamos liderazgo nuevo para el futuro. Después de décadas de promover reformas desde arriba, necesitamos una agenda que promueva la democracia, la seguridad, y la oportunidad desde las raíces", expresó en una indirecta referencia a la política aplicada por el gobierno de Bush.

"Después de ocho años de políticas desastrosas de George Bush, ha llegado la hora para avanzar la diplomacia directa, con amigos y enemigos, sin precondiciones", manifestó el senador de Illinois. "Jamás dejaré de defender la libertad", aseveró.

Para Obama, que supera a su rival demócrata Hillary Clinton en número de delegados y en voto popular, "es hora de ir más allá de la retórica dura que no trae resultados. Es hora de una nueva estrategia".

Durante su alocución, Obama advirtió que su gobierno llamará la atención "a cualquier apoyo que reciban las Farc que provenga de gobiernos vecinos" y dijo que ese tipo de comportamiento debe ser denunciado internacionalmente, "aislado al nivel regional" porque "esta situación no puede seguir así".

"Apoyaremos completamente la lucha de Colombia contra las Farc", sostuvo.

En una referencia indirecta al Tratado de Libre Comercio de Estados Unidos con Colombia, que permanece estancado a la espera de que el Congreso estadounidense lo apruebe, rechazó "por completo el punto de vista Bush-McCain (de) que cualquier acuerdo comercial es un buen acuerdo".

De inmediato, agregó que "si John McCain cree, como dijo el otro día, que el 80 por ciento de los americanos piensan que estamos en rumbo negativo como país porque no hemos aprobado libre comercio con Colombia, no entiende al pueblo americano".

Refiriéndose a su estrategia con Cuba, Obama negó que haya intentado reunirse con el actual presidente de la isla Raúl Castro, como habría manifestado su rival republicano McCain, y dijo que alentará una "diplomacia directa" con el gobierno cubano.

El senador dijo que de llegar a la presidencia, de inmediato autorizará los viajes de familiares y el envío de remesas a la isla sin límite.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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miamimike says on May 24, 2008, 07:27:

MT--To everyone's surprise here in Miami, Obama got a pretty good round of applause from the CANF Crowd yesterday! The Younger Cuban generation which knows what "End" is up isn't falling for the tired old line "Fidel is the devil" bla bla bla. Their numbers(extreme right wing) get smaller each passing day and the younger Cubans want someone who is focused on helping them with mainstraem issues like Energy, healthcare, ending the Iraq war. Local Pundits say Obama will peel a lot of these votes away from McCain as he does NOT represent what Issues the younger Cubans feel is important today. They don't want a "One Trick Pony" who only comes into Little Havana to drink cuban coffee at the Versaille on calle 8 and who only talks about Castro with the old Guajiro crowd. Those days thankfully are passing and the young cubans are wising up,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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CatGirl says on May 24, 2008, 11:34:

Lcac: "That's an interesting take, CatGirl. I did not really get that from the speech. His points lined up with the kind of vision that he has expressed throughout his campaign. I also don't feel that he was simply pandering to the emotions of his audience. But I do respect your point of view."

Maybe I have not been too objective with him after hearing an elaborate over the top speech he made months ago. It turned me off in a bad way. I also had trouble with this clip (choppy) To be honest....not sure if I would say that my comments are an actual opinion - more of a feeling right now that I can't quite put my finger on. I have learned to trust my gut....been pretty accurate. The worst is when I don't listen to it ;) That's why I am just waiting this out unitl there are just 2 Indians standing face to face. (maybe side by side for that matter jeje)

Thanks for respecting my comments and please continue to post your very insightful thoughts and opinions. - Beso

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 13:48:

slguy: So now you are trusting the words of Reverend Wright...that's interesting. I guess when it is convenient, right? We all tend to search out the things we want to hear and ignore the rest, I guess.

Still, I completely agree with you that he is a politician and he naturally will play the role of a politician. It should be noted, however, that the comment you refer to was made with respect to Obama distancing himself from Reverend Wright. That move was absolutely political. To be honest, it pissed me off. Nevertheless, ignorant people are easily swayed by superficial propaganda pumped out by the right-wing; therefore, it may have been necessary. Much of what the Reverend said was correct...God does not bless the killing of innocents (even if you disguise such atrocities by renaming the deed collateral damage). When the US bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, God did not smile down on the US and say "Damn, I love that country!" Yet politicians love to talk about God in times when they are ordering atrocities. Bollocks! Americans also love to believe that our actions are somehow justified, that we are fighting the good fight. And of course, at times, there is a grain of truth to this belief. But God doesn't give a damn about whether you kill innocent people with good intentions or with bad intentions. And our actions throughout the world (and especially in Latin America during the Cold War) have often been worse than the actions of our "enemies," many of whom we love to call godless. Quite frankly, I would prefer that politicians refrained from using religion in any speeches. It is preposterous to think that God blesses a country and even sillier for a politician to ask for his/her blessing when that very politician acts in a way that completely contradicts the teachings of the bible.

But, slguy, I know you are a wise and intelligent person and that you agree with at least some of what i am saying (as we have discussed similar topics before); therefore, please recognize that todays rant is not directed at you.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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slguy says on May 24, 2008, 14:09:

lcacique, no problem. when last we discussed the reverend, your points were well taken, and i think i said so. that was before the obama renunciation, and the reverend's rebuke.

what bothers me now is the character of the rev's response. what i saw was an undercurrent of deep personal disappointment on the rev's side. and understandable, given the length/intimacy of the relationship. so...it's not the rev. i'm bothered by...

rather - it strikes me that the cause of the rev's pain/personal disappointment is greater than it should have been, if obama had previously given the rev reason to feel that obama disagreed with the more radical of wright's positions.

to publicly dismiss obama as "a politician saying what he needs to", after their long, close relationship, indicates to me wright's substantial belief/disappointment in obama's hypocrisy.

i wonder what other semi-radical beliefs obama is hiding?

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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dwmte7 says on May 24, 2008, 14:59:

frankly, guy, i don't think he's hiding anything....he's very wise and knows full well that anything mis spoken, hidden or contrived will be his waterloo.

i see him as the most statesmanlike, poised and clear politician that has entered the u.;s. political arena in decades. he really represents our opportunity to re enter the international areana and generate--anew--respect in that forum.

we are without representation on the international scene. mr. bush is a grudge holder and refuses to open dialogue with the so called enemy...that never works. keep your eye on your friends. keep a closer eye on your enemys.

he's able to disagree without chastising his opposition. he covers others mistakes and takes the lead. he is a diplomat of the first quality.

as for ms rice. she's an uncle tomasina. a yes girl for bush, inc.

dwmte

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CatGirl says on May 24, 2008, 15:34:

Dw: About Rice, yep.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 15:48:

Reverend Wright's statement, and I can post the video of it once again, indicated that the two remained friendly and that Wright was completely aware of the reasoning behind the renunciation. More importantly, Wright was emphasizing the fact that he is a religious leader; therefore, the bible is what guides the direction of his speeches. Obama, on the other hand, is a politician; therefore, there are a different set of rules that apply to the way that he conducts himself publicly.

Wright's disappontment was due to the fact that Obama joined the bandwagon of people who condemened Wright (erroneously) for a thirty second soundbite that SOME feel was radical. Wright spoke out publicly to clear his name which was muddied by a bunch of ignorant people with NO background in theology and absolutely NO knowledge of the Trinity United Church of Christ. Wright and his church were an extremely vital and positive force in a community that was once a hell. Wright is apatriot that served in both the Marines and the Navy. But nobody wants to talk about how this veteran turned reverend helped change a rotting community. The Reverend was not SO bothered by Obama's renunciation, as by a whole countries erroneous condemnation of his character for the sole purpose of taking down a politician. But Wright is not stupid. If the whole country thinks that Wright is an EVIL bastard and that he is pulling the levers in Obama's campaign, then it is obvious why Obama would step away from the Reverend. Why battle this unimportant issue when there are so many things that Obama needs to address?

But if he was SO disappointed in Obama as you suggest, why does he continue to support him? Maybe, because he is the only person in the race with a little blood from the homeland (not my belief...I am just certain that a similar thought would be expressed if I did not say it sarcastically).

p.s. you cannot have it both ways, slguy. You want to imply that Obama is still harboring radical beliefs, yet you say that the Reverend is angered because Obama seems to have separated himself from Wright's radical ideas (I should put radical in quotations because most of what Wright has said is far from radical). Now, wouldn't Obama simply have called Wright and told him to chill if he still shared this radical ideology that everyone fears?

Is radical a bad word?

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 17:05:

slguy...as I said before, I am not attacking you. Just stating my view of the situation. I know you realize that, but I want to make it clear.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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johann911 says on May 24, 2008, 17:41:

wright is a bigot.
i'll have to admit obama is brilliant, at blowing smoke up people's a$$e$

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Frank Rizzo says on May 24, 2008, 17:48:

Obama is a facist.

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 18:08:

johann: instead of making ignorant claims, explain how Wright is a bigot. Inform us instead of simply throwing out disparaging terms.

Same goes for you Rizzo, educate those of us who aren't as wise as you.

p.s. it is fascist, not facist.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Medellin Traveler says on May 24, 2008, 18:11:

Frankie, thinks we should have just bombed Iraq and wiped 'em all of the map.

I think he drank the Kool-Aid at Bush's party :O)

Frank, Do The Right Think, Vote OBAMA!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Frank Rizzo says on May 24, 2008, 18:18:

Thanks for the spelling lesson Lacacique......i'm sure it pays well...no??

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slguy says on May 24, 2008, 18:27:

" You want to imply that Obama is still harboring radical beliefs, yet you say that the Reverend is angered because Obama seems to have separated himself from Wright's radical ideas "

the key for me is - wright gives me the impression that he's both shocked and dismayed at obama's repudiation. if wright knew that obama disagreed, he would not have as shocked. nor, i believe, angered sufficiently enough to basically call obama just another lying politician.

i admire much about obama - but i worry about his sincerity, given wright's dismay.

and for me, accusing the US government of intentionally spreading AIDS in the black community is pretty radical.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 18:27:

Don't worry, I don't mind volunteer work. In addition, this way maybe you'll look the term up in the dictionary so that you will be able to use it correctly in the future.

Have you thought about going back to making prank phone calls?

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Medellin Traveler says on May 24, 2008, 18:29:

slguy says, "and for me, accusing the US government of intentionally spreading AIDS in the black community is pretty radical."

It's pure lunacy.

Lcacique says, "Have you thought about going back to making prank phone calls?"

Thanks for the comedy relief :O)

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Frank Rizzo says on May 24, 2008, 18:29:

jaajajaja....yeah...prank phone calls are always a digger.....

I'm sure you're very familiar with volunteer work.........

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CatGirl says on May 24, 2008, 18:33:

Me tooooo I almost choked on my dinner!....especially the facist part...LOL

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Frank Rizzo says on May 24, 2008, 18:34:

Thanks mom and dad...

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 18:42:

The Aids comment is lunacy, I agree with you both about that. But I must admit that there were and still are many African Americans that believe it, sadly. Given the very real Tuskegee experiments, it is at least partially understandable how some would believe what we all seem to agree is nonsense.

Wow Rizzo, you are an interesting chap. As if I should be ashamed of volunteering in my community.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 18:44:

The first Jerky Boys tape was great. It fell apart from there. So forget about going back to prank calls, Rizzo. Anyway, you are more entertaining here.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Frank Rizzo says on May 24, 2008, 18:46:

Thanks dad...

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Lcacique says on May 24, 2008, 18:48:

You beat me to it, rubito...

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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billyb says on May 24, 2008, 18:57:

Frank Rizzo says on May 24, 2008, 18:18: flag

Thanks for the spelling lesson Lacacique......i'm sure it pays well...no??

jajaja, that reminds me of the story of the old paisa who had 6 large farms and he always spelled them a-c-i-e-n-d-a on his paper work, then one day his accountant pointed out to him that hacienda is spelled h-a-c-i-e-n-d-a, and the old paise replies, I have 6 aciendas without the H, how many do you have with an H?

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CatGirl says on May 24, 2008, 20:06:

BB - that's a good one!

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Lisa Zee says on May 24, 2008, 21:42:

Obama is the man. Great speech. I admire him immensely.

VOTE FOR OBAMA!

If you want THE SAME.... vote for Mccain.......

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billyb says on May 24, 2008, 21:44:

Lisa check out this thread, i am sure i will make you very happy.

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/hostages-will-be-released/

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YTO SAN says on May 24, 2008, 21:46:

NOBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vote NO on Barack Hussein Obama. he is against free trade with Colombia.
He did not pay respect to the US flag nor the Anthem during a public event, stating he forgot. forgot my A**.

well, like the econimists says, let's vote for Obama so we can blame the black guy for the economical situation and the oil situation. LOL

Also, Obama considers Iran a minor threat and said he will not pay attention to that matter. no threat is small or minor against the US. Obama get your crap straight.

McCain will be the next president of the Great US

=======YTO SAN

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Lisa Zee says on May 24, 2008, 21:53:

"He did not pay respect to the US flag nor the Anthem during a public event, stating he forgot. forgot my A**". Boy this sounds so stupid (sorry).

GOD save us! McCain for president?????? God can not be that cruel!! 100 years of war?, do you have children? would you like to have them in a body bag?

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Medellin Traveler says on May 24, 2008, 22:05:

YTO SAN must be from Kentucky.

All you racist pigs must be exterminated without prejudice!

The world is changing with or without you.

Get YOUR crap straight!

"Barack Hussein Obama." You actually believe all the fear mongering by the Bush(it) Administration. You get no vote in this election.

Do The Right Thing, Vote OBAMA!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Lisa Zee says on May 24, 2008, 22:11:

I am really sorry about the trade with Colombia, but maybe in the future he will change his mind.
I can not even believe that a person with the right mined can even consider voting for "el viejito" OMG!.

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Frank Rizzo says on May 24, 2008, 22:14:

I agree....grandpa is way too old.... no free trade with colombia will hurt every day colombians.... i can tell you i'll not lose profits in colombia...i'll reduce wages to minimum and cut people....make others work harder for the same money......so i can buy what i want it colombia at inflated prices....it's just life.

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Medellin Traveler says on May 24, 2008, 22:26:

I don't believe Obama is against trade with Colombia, just has issues with the current agreement.

I actually believe things will change for the better "if" he is elected, with respect to free trade with Colombia.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 00:09:

The FTA w/ Colombia will go forward if the country continues the path it is on with respect to improving worker's rights and ending its sad history of tolerating the assassination of union leaders. Obama supported the FTA w/ Peru. With the great strides that Colombia has been making, why wouldn't they be included in a trade agreement? Whether or not it will be good for Colombia is another story. Lets hope it will be.

Damn Rizzo, you are in fine form tonight! I am looking forward to your explanation of how Obama is a fascist.

What kind of terminology can we think of to describe this attitude:

"i can tell you i'll not lose profits in colombia...i'll reduce wages to minimum and cut people....make others work harder for the same money......so i can buy what i want it colombia at inflated prices....it's just life."

Do you mind telling us the name of your company? What a great advertisement opportunity you have here on the web...

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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billyb says on May 25, 2008, 00:17:

I think that no matter who the next president is, the FTA with Colombia will get signed, as the only reason that Obama and thrill hill are against it at the moment is to curry favor with the unions (which will become a non-issue after the elections) and Pelosi is actually for it, but is holding it up so as not to give Bush a victory.

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Frank Rizzo says on May 25, 2008, 00:28:

hahahaha.....yeah...Lcacique.... my work is only to remodel personal homes....don't need or want any more work..... I hope Obama does go with a FTA.....as one thing you're right about...he'll be our next president...no question about that..

The attitude is a < 40 retired person if i so choose, because of agressive business tactics.

What do you do in colombia?, Dad

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Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 00:30:

Do you really think the passage of the FTA w/ Colombia would be seen as a victory in the US? The average citizen could careless about it. Of those that do care about it, do you really think the majority support it? Most people seem to be pretty apprehensive of FTAs. Did Bush's approval rating jump when the Peru FTA passed?

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 00:37:

Vacation.

You mind cooling it with calling me dad...it's a little creepy.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Frank Rizzo says on May 25, 2008, 00:42:

okay, fair enough. my apology.

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Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 00:51:

Apology accepted.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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aztec says on May 25, 2008, 07:23:

Letter is too long to post but read it anyway. You might find different perceptions of your flawed candidate.

An Open Letter to Barack Obama

Manda Zand-Ervin and her daughter Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi are Iranian-American human rights activists and co-founders of the Alliance of Iranian Women. Earlier today they posted the following open letter to Barack Obama at Pajamas Media.

http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2008/05/open-letter-to-barack-obama....

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slguy says on May 25, 2008, 07:39:

informatiive post, aztec, above and beyond the obama component. thanks!

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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gatogris says on May 25, 2008, 09:24:

Some people think that Kennedy's sit-down 'negotiation' with Kruschev, the first of the cold war between US and USSR leaders, directly led to an escalation in tensions and ultimately the Cuban missile crisis, because Kruschev perceived JFK as vulnerable and soft. Pastranita the mariposa certainly didn't get anywhere with Pedro Marin. Therefore, some believe, screw negotiation, it has no function in the world of realpolitik. This is the viewpoint that condemns Obama's willingness to negotiate with all comers, an argument based on the notion that negotiating with bad guys empowers them, as this Open Letter referred to above claims.

But what's the other option, ignore the Iranian Mullahs or Castro II? Grab your scrotum, squeeze, stick out your tongue and flip them the bone? C'mon. It's not about whether or not to negotiate, its how to go about it. Camp David was a handjob, but the Dayton Accords stood. Caguan was a dog-and-pony show, but the M-19 came in from the cold.

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sanandressi says on May 25, 2008, 11:30:

If you like Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro, Che Gueverra, Evo Morales and other leftist socialists then by all means vote for Barry Obama. Raul Reyes and Chavez interchanged emails praising Obama as "one of us".

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sanandressi says on May 25, 2008, 11:31:

If you like Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro, Che Gueverra, Evo Morales and other leftist socialists then by all means vote for Barry Obama. Raul Reyes and Chavez interchanged emails praising Obama as "one of us".

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gatogris says on May 25, 2008, 11:33:

Your so right. Better dead than red. Let's ressurect ol Joe McCarthy and blacklist all the 'fellow travelers!'

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Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 11:59:

That's so funny, sanandressi!!!

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 13:44:

aztec, the letter is interesting. But I thought you were against trusting human rights activists, these organizations are just fronts for the terrorists. I guess when they say something that you want to here they can be trusted.

Nervertheless, I personally am more trusting of human rights organizations and feel that the authors of the letter in question make some valid points (even if it is posted on a blog that is anti-islamic by someone who goes by the name of a science fiction character). But nothing that they write condemns Obama.

The following exerpt is tremendously flawed:

"On September 24, 2004, while a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Illinois, you suggested that 'surgical missile strikes' on Iran may become necessary. 'Launching some missile strikes into Iran is not the optimal position for us to be in' given the ongoing war in Iraq, you told the Chicago Tribune. You continued: 'On the other hand, having a radical Muslim theocracy in possession of nuclear weapons is worse'.

Your change in approach is now stunning for many Iranians. It is not that we want our country to be bombed, but the point is, why did you so suddenly and without explanation go from that extreme to the extreme of 'unconditional dialogue'?"

I'm having trouble seeing the STUNNING change that they claim has been made with respect to his approach. Originanlly, he says that missile strikes MAY BECOME necessary (this does not mean that dialogue could not have been utilized before, after, or during does it?). Then, he says that given our current situation in Iraq, it would not be an OPTIMAL SITUATION for the US to be bombing Iran at the same time (this does not rule out the fact that it MAY be necessary as the last quote clearing emphasizes: Iran w/ nuclear weapons would be worse). Now, his emphasis on "unconditional dialogue" in NO WAY suggests that missile strikes will not be used if necessary in the future. Where is the alleged dramatic change in policy? There isn't one.

Talking with your enemys does not rule out other tactics. Nor does it give legitimacy to these regimes. Guess what, they do not need us to give them legitimacy they create a false legitimacy through force with or without us. Talks have backfired but so have militaristic measures. Regardless of wheter or not an "enemy" is full of shit, it is still useful to carry out dialogue with them. This does not mean that you simply accept everything they say and capitulate to all of their demands as some have implied.

To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

What are McCain's proposed solutions to the Iranian issue? Have they been 100% fruitful in the past? Should we simply bomb the country as Rizzo suggests and dispose of their president? Maybe economic sanctions like Cuba will be effective...What is so novel about McCain's position?

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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CatGirl says on May 25, 2008, 13:48:

Dang Lcac! I must say I really love reading your comments and opinions (truth).
Kitty has a question - Are you familiar with the area of Risk Management? if so, have you ever worked in this area or know someone who has?

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 15:10:

Thank you kitty, I also appreciate your curiosity, openmindedness and your willingness to consider views that do not necessarily mesh with your own. I also enjoy reading your comments which often cause me to think more deeply about a given perspective.

I have never worked in the field of Risk Management. The courses I took in international politics centered around these kinds of issues and discussed game theory and other strategies. Generally, however, these ideas and theories do not float into my head when I'm responding to comments here on pbh.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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CatGirl says on May 25, 2008, 15:56:

Lcac: I wanted to first ask before I commented on the fact that there was a time when I was more passionate (maybe black and white so to speak) about many more views. I do have a few chosen, but after working in Risk Mngmt. coupled with having worked in the Media...I learned much about taking one side. This may be why sometimes I can be a bit "let's see and wait" and ask many questions and ask where the info came from etc...

I learned that after dealing with other peoples dirty work and errors and having to go into the trenches to investigate "wot happened"......that many times it is not a person issue, it's a systems issue.
On the other hand, you will find most of the time what you see on the surface is Nothing compared to what is below and what the true cause of the problem or the driving force behind what is happening. So on that note....there is a saying...I think Mohammed Ali stated it?

Something like..
"It really doesn't matter what a person says, because in the end you will find out what they really intended to do from the begining" ...or something like that....
Again - I enjoy any intellectual debate;)) I learn much from different persectives; )). I don't think our perspectives dont mesh either..BTW.
Just wanted to put that bee in your bonnet ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 17:23:

Kitty, I was not speaking exclusively about our perspectives, and I realize and agree wholeheartedly that you and I have quite a bit in common with respect to such things.

In addition, I genuinely agree with what you have written above. There are systemic issues that cannot be solved or avoided by Obama or any of the other candidates. And what is on the surface does not always reflect what is below.

Not to mention, I have been pondering the point you made about feeling sorry for whomever is elected because they stand to inherit an enormous pile of sh!t. One wonders how anyone could clean up such a mess. I doubt that the Brawny man and Mr.Clean would even offer their services for such a futile job. A tremendous amount of excrement has been splattered across this country as well as abroad (i.e. the Middle East, obviously). He or she who inherits the throne will not only have to dispose of this monumental heap of human waste, but they will also have to sanitize the infected area. But given the severity of the virus unleashed by the current occupants of the outhouse on the hill, there is the serious possibility that it is already spreading to other areas; therefore, the future leader of this country may find himself battling a pandemic which will inevitably produce more waste. Not to mention, this virus is highly susceptible to mutations and it is possible that it may have the ability to survive undetected in a dormant state for long periods of time (possibly several generations). No matter who wins the election, it is likely that his or her legacy will likely smell like a honey bucket regardless of what they do in office.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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CatGirl says on May 25, 2008, 17:41:

:))) Besos Lcac

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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dwmte7 says on May 26, 2008, 05:24:

touche', cacique. couldn't have pointed out the forthcoming problem/issue better. one has to have at least a bit of sympathy for the future 'man who would be king'. the waste trail and generator that must be dealt with is no small issue. as you know, shit always flows downhill and the ones who need it least, get most of it. that being, the poor, disenfranchised, ignorant, et al. "watch out below!" cause the shit's headed your way.

dwmte

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aztec says on May 26, 2008, 09:17:

How are we supposed to take this man seriously for the position of commander in chief?

On Friday Barack Obama spelled out his Latin America policy:

Since the Bush Administration launched a misguided war in Iraq, its policy in the Americas has been negligent toward our friends, ineffective with our adversaries, disinterested in the challenges that matter in peoples' lives, and incapable of advancing our interests in the region.

No wonder, then, that demagogues like Hugo Chavez have stepped into this vacuum."

This is pathetic. Hugo Chavez came to power during the Clinton Administration, and was first elected President of Venezuela in 1998, two years before the Bush Administration took office.

And how about this?


On Thursday Obama told the Orlando Sentinel that he would meet with Chavez and "one of the obvious high priorities in my talks with President Hugo Chavez would be the fermentation of anti-American sentiment in Latin America, his support of FARC in Colombia and other issues he would want to talk about."

OK, so a strong declaration that Chavez is supporting FARC, which Obama intends to push him on.

But then on Friday he said any government supporting FARC should be isolated.

"We will shine a light on any support for the FARC that comes from neighboring governments," he said in a speech in Miami. "This behavior must be exposed to international condemnation, regional isolation, and - if need be - strong sanctions. It must not stand."

So he will meet with the leader of a country he simultaneously says should be isolated? Huh?

Good thing he's not a Republican. He'd be laughed off the stage. People would say he's an empty suit, unprepared for the White House.

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slguy says on May 26, 2008, 10:10:

"People would say he's an empty suit, unprepared for the White House."

ummmmm...yep.

strikes me that his considerable oratorical skills have taken him places 2 years in the senate can't justify, especially when most of one of those years has been spent on the caampaign trail.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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CatGirl says on May 26, 2008, 10:26:

Sorry Rubito Amor, a slight back turn to address Lcac's response to me ;))

Back to the topic of the "mess"?....I just hope the American public (majority) gives the new Chief a chance. Historically, they get bored and start the blame game or allow the press to get out of control and either get turned off for the wrong reason or allow the person to be sabotaged.

For kitty.....The Chief that stands their ground and shows a spine (even against the majority) and does not allow the media to manipulate...I respect more.

Clinton was a great example of this. In my eyes, he lost his spine. I would have had much more respect for him if he would have just publicly fessed up and then told everyone up in his business off in a big way (get outta my business!!) and getting back to Real business. His wife's public response caused me to disrespect her too. He may not have been all that popular, but he may not be viewed as he is now. ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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aztec says on May 26, 2008, 14:38:

At no time did I ever wonder if Bush would fail to defend this nation against attack, meet with our enemies with no preconditions and attack the very institutions that made him possible. That so many of you blindly ignore this mans naivety because he says what you want to hear is sophistry at it's peak. I disagree with Bush on many issues and I will state that openly anytime. In fact, I know of no conservatives that would sit idly by. However, the minions of the left follow the Pied Piper in ignorant bliss? How else can you explain embracing this socialism in the first place?

Perhaps one of you Obama supporters will actually define "Change you can believe in"?

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gatogris says on May 26, 2008, 15:27:

Supporting Obama, Hillary, and other presidential candidates (see Bush's victory as related to how many people filled in his name when asked to name "the candidate you would most like to have a beer with"), is largely a question of style. Substance is notoriously difficult to measure without the clarity of hindsight.

There are three key talking points that Democratic political candidates emphasize when talking with the electorate. Most candidates (good ones anyway, like one of the two we are left with) often reveal an in-depth knowledge of their constituents’ problems, particularly financial difficulties; they work up righteous anger by emphasizing how those problems are caused by elite groups aquiring wealth on the backs of ordinary people; and they unveil detailed policy proposals that, if passed, would supposedly address these problems and put the powerful groups in their proper place - at the service of the people they claim to represent. Obama usually doesn't do any of this. He tends to downplay his intelligence and not overwhelm his audience with political jargon. He doesn't point fingers as much as other candidates, and he tends to talk about difficulties in the passive voice, identifying a general national malaise, even going so far as to suggest that our problems have been in part created by our own actions.

As a campaign strategy it has been strikingly effective. Obama is a conciliator most off all. This is why I support his candidacy. My personal belief is that all particular policies aside, the political culture of the US has become highly polarized, even fragmented, and is at times in danger of descending into factionalism (evidence of which this site is only one among an enormous number of examples), which I believe could have seriously bad long term effects for the nation as a whole. Obama's stated position (which if you wanted to, you could connect to the slogan "Change you can believe in") and his admittedly limited track record, both point to a commitment to attempt to address this trend. If he succeeds with this project while in office, even if only to a limited extent, the US will be a happier and a stronger country.

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Lcacique says on May 26, 2008, 16:21:

kitty: the Chief, regardless of who it is, will not be given a chance in my opinion. I think your worries will quickly turn into a sad reality. And I think things are bound to get a lot worse (as a result of the current president's misdeeds) before they get better. But all of this will be blamed on whoever is in office and not on those who really are guilty.

aztec: twisting words again...Maybe Obama should adopt a thick southern accent so that he is more easily understood. Where to begin...Obama did not say that he would enact a policy of diplomatic isolation (I am not in his head, maybe he would do so at a certain stage...I do not know). I assume that by regional isolation, Obama wishes to cut off Venezuela from markets in the region. At the same time, he probably wishes to form more meaningful agreements with friendly governments in order to strengthen ties to these entities as well as to strengthen democratic rule in these countries.

I would argue that all US presidents have backed lopsided policies in Latin America. So feel free to tear apart Clinton's policies toward Latin America, including Plan Colombia for that matter. Nevertheless, Clinton was in office for two years with Chavez whereas Bush had eight years to deal with him. In addition, Clinton (despite his poor policy decisions with respect to Latin America) never provided Chavez with the bullets to strengthen his cause...Bush, on the other hand, has not only created anti-American sentiment (which enables Chavez garner support for his cause) in Latin America but throughout the world. And Obama is absolutely correct, when the US neglects to focus on the needs of the masses of poor in the region, we offer Chavez and similar leaders the opportunity to exploit the situation; therefore, they fill the vacuum!

Anyway, implying that Obama has flip-flopped is silly. McCain claims that he has no knowledge of economics and needs to be educated. Then, he flat-out lies on television that he ever said that. Then, he claims that he is an expert with respect to economics. Reverend Hagee's reputation as a religious nutcase has been long established, but McCain sought his support despite this fact. Now that it is a problem, McCain claims that he had never heard of the sick comments made by Hagee (sound familiar?). Nevertheless, when he accepted Hagee's support McCain mentioned that he did not agree with Hagee's "anti" views, demonstrating that he infact knew beforehand that Hagee was controversial (I am being very generous by not choosing a more descriptive term here). Hagee is a televangelist and his views have been known for a long time. I predict that McCain will also try to distance himself from George Wallace's son and Richard Quinn soon since they are both racists now that he will most likely be running against an African American. Then again, it might look pretty bad this late in the game.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Lcacique says on May 26, 2008, 17:08:

Nice points, gatogris.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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dwmte7 says on May 26, 2008, 17:27:

bravo, both of you, sensible, thought-out points, well taken, cacique and gatogris. aztec, i'm not sure that finger pointing is part of change you can believe in....rather, in a sort of obama-.esque way, bringing all the folks together in a clear, logical, common cause, which concerns the welfare of us all, from rich to poor, of all colors and religions...that, i think, is change we can all believe in. mr. obama is truly an american centrist. he has my vote and my support.

his whole delivery is not about this or that, you or me, 'they' or 'them', but about us. all of us. united in the common cause of reestablishing constitutionality and our bill of rights. diplomatically making the american position--as brought forth 250 years ago--clear to the world...and, if and when necessary, defending that position.

dwmte

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CatGirl says on May 26, 2008, 18:20:

;))

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Lcacique says on May 26, 2008, 21:04:

Agreed, doc.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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aztec says on May 27, 2008, 04:54:

"...one of the obvious high priorities in my talks with President Hugo Chavez would be the fermentation of anti-American sentiment in Latin America,"

Is Obama suggesting here that he wants to address or to encourage "fermentation"?

Also, shouldn't it be the "ferment" rather than "fermentation"?

We've now seen the "most intelligent black man on earth" has dissed and destroyed "the most intelligent white woman on earth". Isn't it time for the "oldest white man on earth" to get some revenge?

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billyb says on May 27, 2008, 11:07:

Actually the word he is seeking in that context is FOMENTATION.

see deffinition #3 below:

http://www.yourdictionary.com/fomentation

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cali373 says on May 27, 2008, 11:26:

Obama is definitely the best candidate that has run for the U.S. presidency since Bill Clinton.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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Lcacique says on May 27, 2008, 11:36:

aztec: Obama is playing dirty politics against Clinton...you are a real joker. He has destroyed her? Really? Where in the heck to get your information? Most all news outlets have all agreed that Clinton has been playing the dirty politics. And it is completely obvious that he hasn't DESTROYED her. I believe she has been blowing him away in several states. Bring on the propaganda.

Yes, aztec...It is Obama's goal to increase hate towards the country that he seeks to govern. What a brilliant plan! I wish I could take you seriously.

p.s. with respect to speaking to your enemies...maybe Kennedy shouldn't have negotiated with Khrushchev (a greater threat than Chavez) and maybe Reagan shouldn't have negotiated with Gorbachev.

My fellow scholars, I think he probably chose the correct word: FERMENTATION. It means unrest/agitation. See definition #2 below:

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/fermentation

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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aztec says on May 27, 2008, 11:38:

"The great Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes said that a good catchword could stop people from thinking for 50 years. The big catchword this election year is "change"-- and it has already stopped many people's thinking in its tracks."

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aztec says on May 27, 2008, 11:43:

"Following the threads of the Obama movement is like a flashback from a bad 60s drug trip — an old, unwelcome nightmare."

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Lcacique says on May 27, 2008, 11:51:

aztec: I did a little search of the internet for the phrase in question...and to my surprise I found this little piece originally written by Jake Tapper an ABC News Correspondent about Obama's speech:

"'We will shine a light on any support for the FARC that comes from neighboring governments,' he said in a speech in Miami. 'This behavior must be exposed to international condemnation, regional isolation, and - if need be - strong sanctions. It must not stand.'

So he will meet with the leader of a country he simultaneously says should be isolated? Huh?"

Wow...you guys have a lot in common...Isn't that exactly what you wrote above...word for word in fact? That is amazing. I guess there is the possibility that you both would choose the same words in the same order to describe the same event. Or are you Jake Tapper?

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Lcacique says on May 27, 2008, 11:59:

Hilarious aztec...did you just go back and edit your last two comments by placing quotation marks around them? So, your intention was to pass these off as your own as well. Why not acknowledge the source as well since you've arrived at the decision to disclose the fact that the thoughts are not your own?

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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billyb says on May 27, 2008, 12:09:

Fermentation is the process unrest/agitation, but Fomentation is the causing of that process of unrest/agitation, which would be more corect in that sense.

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Lcacique says on May 27, 2008, 12:11:

But isn't the anti-american sentiment already in existence and Chavez is simply agitating the situation. Chavez did not create it himself.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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