What I really want is someone who will address parenting issues, the growing number of mental health issues in this country and the funding of govermental programs like child support, walfare, ex-con programs. How do we take care of ourselves?

i’m not advocating people to vote for obama, but i cannot ride with hillary. for oen thing, she seem so programmed and appear more apart of the problem as to why things are this way rather than the answer. also, just the thought that we’re approaching 20 years of bush, clinton, bush bothers me. this cycle gotta be broken. it’s not even a secret on the parasitic realtionship betweent he bush’s and the clintons. especially with bill proclaiming if his wife get elected that himself & senior bush will become foreign advisors-which is ironic when they’re the ones that set-up this mess that we’re in

@69

Sis, I just find it funny that you wrote me a paragraph in response and you didn’t even attempt to answer my question until the end of it, and you really didn’t answer the question. That tells me that you either had no understanding of why you were there, or you realized why you were there when you got there and had to make the best of a bad situation. Honestly, you nor any other “American soldier” can justify your presence in Iraq because your commander and chief cannot even justify it (Psa 12:8, Prov 29:2, Ecc 10:5-7). If the people acted “happy” to see the U.S. troops, it was due to the realization that any conquered country has when an unbeatable military force enters their land, that they must kowtow and hope for mercy. Based off of the hysteria that overran America; especially white America, after the alleged “9/11 attacks” and the subsequent “ni**erization” of the Arabs, I’m sure that you saw as many bugged out white boys from middle America taking out their frustrations on the Iraqi elderly, young men, and women as you did feel-good stories. The havoc that America has wreaked since they’ve gone into Iraq is irrefutable, no matter how big of a patriotic shill you are. You’re right about one thing though, those troops are not coming home.

Your point about the English language is relevant only because it showcases the confusion of this land. America has too many issues and too many forces battling for control and preeminence. It’s reminiscent of the latter stages of the Roman empire. Just like the romans built walls to keep back the barbarian tribes, the people that control America are trying to keep the original Native American Mexicans out of the land with propaganda pertaining to language and “history”, and walls as well. They want them to lose their identity on put on the proverbial toga. The same way that Julius Caesar used “aiding” certain Gallic tribes as a pretext to obtain the gold mines of the Celts to fund his takeover of Rome is the same way the white man has used “aiding the Kuwaitis/Iraqis/soon to be Sudanese” as a means to obtain the oil, poppy fields and other natural resources. You can go to and watch as many caucases and primaries as you want for entertainment or edification, and smile and carry on. It will not have an effect on the turn that this country is taking. No one is willing to seriously address the pervasive problem in this country because they know that there is no way to solve them. There is no way to solve them because the elite (of which all serious political candidates are part and parcel) profit off of confusion, not truth or honesty.

I’m still on the fence myself with Hilary and Obama. Both are real poised and have great points on certain issues so I support either one. Itll be a historic moment either way whether its a woman or African American representing the Democrats. Thanks for the post because I wasnt even clear on the importance of this event or what a clause was.

@ 73

Right, I get it. And I am very aware of the “so-called” free school.

Good work J. I would also like to encourage folks to look at all the candidates as well. I, too, as a young professional black woman in Chicago, the assumption is that I (and most of my peers) are for Obama. Surprisingly, I am in line with a Republican candidate too, but just like many others, I am hesitant to vote this way because of the past 8 years. But, as someone mentioned above, the key points these candidates are talking about are just that: key points. Think about when you build your resume for a job. It looks as pretty and strong as you can make it and you very well may have all the skills, but you are going to position your resume that makes it look good for the job you are applying to. Same thing here. I must say that even though Clinton initially voted for the war, I am impressed with her long experience and the fact that she’s been exposed to the nooks and crannies of White House politics (and buffoonery) so she may be able to come up with strong strategies to get things DONE.

great post dakar!!

I am ready to vote this year. In the 2005 election i was not able to vote because i wasn’t 18. I only missed it by a few days i was so upset!!!!!

Visit http://www.speakout.com/VoteMatch/ to find the candidate that best agrees with your values. John Edwards came up first for me, followed by Obama… I think Obama has a better chance of beating all the republican candidates, so I’m leaning towards him…. not to mention Obama is articulate…. I love a man who can put words together beautifully…

JUDAH

You made my point. Just about Anybody can join. And yes there were some people who did some bad things, but hey we teach hate in this country as a school subject I think. We have people doing crazy things to people here on the say so of others, the police. Should we stop fight crime? I believe for every person who is not killed because they dont believe in Islam, they have sex before they are married, they disagree with their government, or they are just different, is a person worth saving. And yes bro there are WMD’s in Iraq, we know because we gave it to them. Remenber they were once on our side. And America always takes care of her friends. You and me are never on the same page, but its cool stay blessed.

Barack all the way, although, i wouldn’t mind voting for hilary. But Barack is my choice. like many people say, its time for a change.

Well said @ 81 GG Boo.

OBAMA NEEDS IOWA~

GO OBAMA!

And Judah no one wants to control the mexican population or steal there language. The war over the boarder was faught a long time ago. everyone has accepted the terms. If you are going to come here be productive. If not stay home. You and can’t hold office in Mexico, Kenya, China or Kuwait, but they may come here and after a few year be the Governer of California. The least they can do is adhere to the rules, Learn the language, pay taxes like everybody else, and plegde to the country where they WANTED to live. This is not a free country this is a company, and when you chip from the side and overload expenes you weakin the middle and it falls apart

Good luck Barack. I’m a bit nervous because this caucus will give us a true indication to how people in the US feels about a minority in the White House (or the Brown House, lol). People down in Dixie are probably on alert cause it looks like their choices are between a black man, a woman, or a morman. This is gonna be an election talked about for years to come!

Hillary or Barack or Edwards. Just no more of those money grubbing GOP’s. I am waiting for Bush to take his silly ass back to Texas and oil prices can go back down

@84

Sis, you sound desperate and silly. If there are weapons of mass destruction, where are they? Where’s Osama Bin Laden? The U.S. government has laser and fiber optic equipment that can spot gnat on a goat on a mountain from space but they can’t find a 6′6″ Arab with a kidney ailment on a goat. Do you believe that? I know that you don’t. You can’t. What do the police fighting crime have to do with the planned invasion, takeover, and religious and cultural decimation of an entire country? At least law enforcement is intended to do good. The occupation of American forces in the Middle East was never any good from the start, and you know it because you’ve seen it. Like I’ve said, your commander and chief can’t justify it, a trained mind-controlled drone like Condoleeza Rice cannot justify it, and you certainly cannot. The point of the “political process” is to convince the peons that they have a say. This is why people are so captivated by the caucases and the primaries. It makes them feel like they’re hob-nobbing with the real movers and shakers, lol.

Can someone explain to me why Obama will not be on the Michigan ballot???

People are saying they want change and I refuse to believe Obama is the only Democrat representing change. After our current President and administration, almost anyone would be a breath of fresh air.

Folks, don’t fall for this Bush/Clinton partnership word game. A Bush has been a President or Vice President for 20 years. Clinton was President for ONLY 8. Do not be fooled in to believing the Clintons were in office for a long time and that there is no difference between the Bush’s and the Clintons because it is a big lie.

It is so funny that Black folks as a whole loved the Clinton’s until Barrack Obama showed up. Suddenly they are the worst people on the planet.

Obama is playing the same games as the rest of them but people can’t seem to see it because he drowns everything in ‘hope and change’. He has conveniently missed KEY Senate votes, and continuously brings up the fact Hillary voted for the war. Well, since then he has voted in favor to FUND the war. He is just as guilty as she is. He has also taken money from lobbiest, yet he scolds Clinton and Edwards for doint it.

Wake up black folk. I don’t believe Obama is a bad guy. I actually like him, but a man who is not ready to be the leader of the Free World, is fooling into believing he is by playing word games.

White people like Obama…..but they will never put his black ass in the white house.
They like him they don’t love him

#92: Obama, John Edwards, Joe Biden and Bill Richardson pulled their names from the ballot in October because the state violated Democratic National Committee rules by moving up its election.

Some of the Democratic candidates even threatened to sue if their names were restored to the ballot. All eight Democratic candidates have agreed not to campaign in Michigan and Florida because they broke DNC rules by moving their primaries ahead of Feb. 5.

Peace and blessings,
J. Dakar

Good look CL! I am usually togglig between CL and Huffington Post to get juicy news on these crazy politicians…LOL Politicians have more drama going on than these celebs!

OBAMA 08!

#93
Why not vote for the black man, I ask you? Why not? The President is nothing more than a figurehead, the personification of a country…It’s all quite retinal, really… Nothing he says springs from his own mind, nothing he does is entirely of his own volition. He sits and waits to be told what to do and in the meantime he reads books to children or answers calls from his daughter and the Ellen show. So why not a black man? Or a woman?

Bottom line, they’re still politicians, politicians = crooks, may the best crook win.

@97

That’s the best reason I’ve read thus far on why not just Obama, but anyone should be president.

VOTE BARACK OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GEM

presidents do take a lot of orders and if you believe in all the conspiracies they are just figureheads.

but thats moslty because america (or the global elite) choose idiots as if this is a popularity contest,

Obama,Clinton,Romney Guiliani have no policies.

They havent explained how or what they are REALLY going to do.

also all this talk of change. First: hitler probrably said im going to change germany, then began arresting political dissenters. What kind of change is obama proposing.

Use your brain a little people, if yall still have one

#101
Einstein could have been President and he still would have been little more than a caricature, as the Constitution (and covert practices i.e. conspiracies, I guess…though I do not believe in them…there’s no need of them…) makes it so… The President should be thought no more responsible for the fate of a nation than you people and your “vote now” campaigns should be thought the democractic bomb come to life… It won’t work because very smart men put a system in place that is never really accessible. Now, have I said that’s for better or for worse? NO…I haven’t… Do I believe in change? Certainly. But more reactionary…no, that’s the wrong word..gradual, maybe…yes, gradual efforts, I guess I should say…(I mean, by that…I do not believe in mass epiphanies).
The global elite you spoke of…I’m glad you did…The fact is many people seem to believe that demons and opportunists are an exclusively American sort. Not true. If your own leaders seem professionals in beguiling you, what should you expect of another nation’s head??? Do you believe they operate differently? Are they less self-involved? Less self-aggrandizing? More responsive? More honest? The answer to those questions are meaningful only in that they provide some realistic lens, I guess, through which you can look at politics and officials. All the problems and injustices are human, not American, not British…they represent human ideals and machinations. You have to accept, as I said, that change might only be reactionary. You cannot overthrow a system, you cannot destroy and build again…it is the way the world not the country works. And, the fact that globalization works yet international treaties/courts do not does nothing to disprove any of this…

I just hope that Rudy “the Tyrant” Guiliani’s campaign plan continues to backfire on his cross dressing ass and he pulls out sooner than expected.

I just turned 30 last November, I’ve been voting since I’ve been eligible (18).

I’m riding with Obama, no if ands or buts about that. Edwards is second and Clinton is a last resort - extremely low on my totem pole (and i’m a woman). I’m over the clinton’s manipulation of the black community and as a New Yorker, I can say first hand that she’s been a dissapointing senator.

I live in Iowa and on my way to the caucus…. Obama 2008!!

Overall, politics feed people nothing but lies and for the most part people eat it up like shit will change, it doesn’t change anything people. The plan has been set in motion since the constitution declared that black people were 3/5 of a human being, wake up and stop believing Obama is gonna change the face of politics… why even believe such a thing? Then you have black people siding with Clinton because of Bill, did you know under Bill Clinton’s presidency more black males were incarcerated in prisons and jails then at other point in the nation’s history?

Thank you J. Dakur, that was very informative. This is going to be an exciting year!

ANNNNDDDD, I’ll end with this: I said all that to say vote. Sure…vote…it serves some function. A sense of security, a place in it all (place as in function) and the act is ennobling. It feels good.
So, vote and why not…to ask that rhetorical question again…for the black man? Why not Obama? I’ve got to look at a face, why not his? I like it.

Rudy Guiliani is the front runner for the republicans. Dont be fooled, and remember what happen in 2004 when Dems went at each other, and Bush sat back and watched. Obama campaign is looking like Kerry’s Oparah=P Diddy Young black youth target = working women target. And all them have issues. Most dont apply to everybody but they have a platform. Lastly be carefully of those talk about change and what they would have done and should have done. Talk is cheat. That another reason I cant get behind Obama. Too much talking I want to see what you have done.

You can’t think like that…(every poiticians are crooks)
There are things us regular folks HAVE no CLUE about. I can’t judge a man on how to run a country because I wouldn’t know the first thing to do.

You vote for a candidate who has your interest and your concerns at hand, THEN PRAY FOR THEM.

Not everything can be changed and done how each and everyone of us wants things to be especially with the billions of people you have to make happy. There are rules laws, and regulations they have to follow. Get your history and research on.

this is a GREAT addition to the site

Also, Iowa has 13% black population. That’s slightly higher than the nationwide average. And this morning Barack was ahead by 10 points I believe.

Great first post!

I’ve always been an Obama fan but when I saw him at the NAACP presidential debate in Detroit, I knew. I mean, I knew. This man is the truth. He blows everybody out the waters. He WILL win. But if he were White, he’d be leading by far more than he is. But I still believe it baby, he is the truth.

Do it big or go home. OBAMA 08!!!!!

Hey. For the people who are really know whats going on, can someone break down why Obama isn’t on the Michigan ballot? I’ve been reading on it but haven’t grasped exactly why.

#115: Obama, John Edwards, Joe Biden and Bill Richardson pulled their names from the ballot in October because the state violated Democratic National Committee rules by moving up its election.

Some of the Democratic candidates even threatened to sue if their names were restored to the ballot. All eight Democratic candidates have agreed not to campaign in Michigan and Florida because they broke DNC rules by moving their primaries ahead of Feb. 5.

WookinPuhNub…InAwDAWongPwaces also mentioned that on Fox 2 News this morning, the political analyst advised that if you want to vote for someone [who] does not appear on Michigan’s ballot, select the correct party ballot and choose the “noncommitted” option.

Peace and blessings,
J. Dakar

RON

PAUL

IS THE LAST HOPE

FOR US !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VOTE FOR DR. RON PAUL !!

Something of substance! Thanks CL for the “upgrade.” Keep your readers at least aware of what’s about to no doubt be a history-making election. Evaluate people and by all means VOTE!!! Peace.

116

you know what it is

RON PAUL FOR THE WIN

Great article ConcreteLoop! It is refreshing to see political commentary on a Hip-Hop site because it is an important part of the music and our culture.

I have been a Democrat since I started voting (basically because my parents were and I thought because I was black that it was where my allegiance should me). However, I recently had a change in my thinking on what our federal government should be. The Constitution was written to give us all Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness and limit the power of the Federal Government. We have gotten so far from this that it is very sad.

After doing intense research on all the candidates, the person I want to be President is Ron Paul. He wants to:
End the Iraq War and bring US Troops back to the US from all over the world
Eliminate the Income Tax that taxes productivity
Back the US Dollar by the Gold Standard
Give the choices and opportunity to the citizens rather than companies
check out the issues @ http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Make sure you research for yourself before you decide your candidate!

Thanks Concrete Loop for the New Political Commentator:

Read Your Posts: He’s A Great Connect!

Going to Watch the Caucus Now………….

Did everyone also get a chance to Check Out Roland Martin from CNN & Essence:

http://essence.typepad.co...sletter-RolandRepportLink

We Are Going to Vote! & Thanks Again CL….

YOU RON PAUL FOOLS GO HOME!

OBAMA HAS AN AURA THAT JUST GLOWS!!!! I THINK HE’S VERY GENUINE.

PLUS, ANY CANDIDATE WHO HAS STRUGGLED WITH THEIR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS KNOWS WHAT AMERICA IS GOING THROUGH..LOL

OBAMA 08!!

i hope the americans vote wisely for the best candidate, cus us non-americans do still feel the repurcutions of a bad one even though were on the other side of the world (i.e. george braindead bush).

its about voting for the best candidate irrespective of race, gender, class etc

a part of me would love for barack to win it, but if he does i know i’ll be nervous for him cus as a black man anything he does wrong will be amplified a million times more than any white or non-black candidate. the same sort of applies to hillary, being a woman shes in a vulnerable position as well.

Since I can’t register I’m going to comment via my girlfriend.

I think that folks are misinformed if they think Obama represents the most change. I like much of what Obama says, but I don’t think he represents change…in fact I think he’s more of the same ol’, same ol’. If you want true change you should be paying attention to Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich. True both are on different ends of the spectrum, but these guys represent real change…they would shake things up if elected.

Obama concerns me because regardless of how he say’s he feels he voted for the Patriot Act and the War on Iraq. Paul and Kucinich on the other hand both voted against those and have not wavered from that stance one bit. Obama says he is against those things now, but his voting track record says otherwise. Anyway just wanted to point that out since it’s been a heavy love fest for Obama. I’d love to see a black man become president and if I have to choose between him and a snake oil salesman like Romney then I’ll probably vote Obama, but he does not represent vast change IMO.

Mad props to CL for having someone come on and break down the political game. I admit I am not as informed as I should be and I’ve already learned a lot from reading the political pieces.

I really appreciate what this site is doing to help keep us in the know. I remember during the Bush/Gore election a lot of people were coming back feeling they voted incorrectly because they were not up on thier politics and sometimes the ballots can be confusing. Great job on putting this information out here for us. J Dakar has done a great job thus far.

i must say that h clinton comes across as being very manipulative there is something about her that makes me go eeeerrrgh. she just has a vibe that is not positive, i wouldnt trust her at all

Obama voted against the War on Iraq and was the only DEM running in this election to do so

I was thinking Run Paul, but I can’t do his politics. income tax pay for a lot of things like, the Military, Federal Police, funding for state government office like Attorney (child support, Consumer protection) General, schools overseas for American soldier kids, programs like Head start, health care for kids and elderly, welfare, WIC, Programs like Fannie Mae, The Department of Vet affairs, Job Co-op, HIV AIDS awareness programs, Court appointed Attorneys. Oh yea most inportant Financal Aid. I think we need all these things. And I dont think you can bring Every soldier home from Everywhere. IEven if he where for real and he’s not, Congress would laugh.
He is also against abortion good luck with that. READ UP ON ROE V WADE ( abortion case) from the 60’s Claton Trotter is tryig to get it back to the supreme court .

Actually Iowa has GOOD percentage of black folk, for those that don’t know?

They are projecting that Obama will will the Iowa caucus….hmmm

I just can’t get with people of color voting for republicans… Makes no sense to me… Especially when you think of the people who died so we can vote… voting for a republican just seems immoral.

Not to say democrats are saints… Actually, all people of color should be voting green… but since our democracy is flawed, we know that’s not a good realistic option.

I’m a teacher in an urban public school with 90% students of color and 20% of our students live in public housing… every time taxes are cut and I get an extra $20 in my paycheck because of the “tax break”, my job gets more difficult and more of my students end up dropping out because we don’t have the financial resources to give them the education they deserve. so i know tax cuts sound exciting, and as long as we are spending billions on the war, i would like some of my tax money back too… but in general, tax cuts hurt those of us at the bottom the most.

anyway, that’s just my opinion as a public school teacher. need to know which candidate you agree with the most??? take a quiz at this link to find out… http://www.speakout.com/V...Match/Senate2006.asp#sec0 (i posted the wrong one earlier…)

another quiz you can try….

http://www.gotoquiz.com/c...didates/2008-results.html

im glad yall got Dakar to give us the 411 on this presidential stuff…honestly i dont understand it and maybe this year i can vote because i understand whats goin on and why that candidate is important for me to cast a vote for him/her. Nice breakdown on Iowa too.

#128 - Ja
Income tax does pay for many things - a WAR we shouldn’t be in, space exploration most of us don’t give a damn about, FEMA that did a terrible job with Katrina, companies getting contracts because of closed door deals, etc.
The only way we can eliminate the income tax is to reform government spending. You probably wouldn’t keep giving money to someone who didn’t use it intelligently. The American people would naturally help each other and community programs would succeed if they didn’t feel like they already did their part when the taxes come out of their hard earned check. The harder we work, the harder we get pimped by the government. That fundamentally is wrong! And Ron Paul isn’t for laws against abortion! He wants that to be decided at the state level, like many other issues.

#131 - Katrina
Our people died for our right to VOTE. I looked the word up and it means…
a formal expression of opinion or choice, either positive or negative, made by an individual or body of individuals.
I point this out because when you VOTE, you must consider all options, don’t assume that a certain political party has your interests in mind and be a SLAVE to its agenda. I support Ron Paul, who is running for the Republican nomination, but I don’t consider myself a Republican at all. I really like Obama, but don’t think more government can give us the answer to our problems. The federal government doing too much is the problem! Please don’t feel obligated to vote for a particular party because of your skin color. That is the essence of racism.

We need to realize that as Americans, we should be in control, not servants to our government. These politicians are taking advantage of our fears and giving them more money and power is not freedom. It is startlingly reminiscent of slavery.

This is an historic day for America. It goes to show that indeed, America is ready for change. The US is ready for a new name in the White House, and a fresh type of politics. This is a political message based on inspiration. A candidate such as Obama has not inspired and promised such radical change since JFK; he was the first Catholic or ( other ) to become president. JFK had the unyielding support of the American-Irish. Yet Afro-Americans STILL need to weigh their options? Iowa has made it clear, Obama can, and may win this. How is that for an option ?

@ Erick
you almost right, but when you talk about the War and money being spent, it is inportant for you to understand Payroll trumps all. The majority of the “wasted money” goes to soldiers risking their lives. And lets not forget that North Korea, Iran, China, Japan, and Cuba tooling up. And the reason you feel so safe is all the money we are wasting on deveolping tech to perpare just in case. Yes money is being wasted on somethings like FEMA which is a bad idea I agree. I may be bias because I am a soldier and I believe in The American dream. And for working hard. A whole lot of us are not working hard at all, that’s why we have government programs. I think paying government worker to trackdown people who dont pay their child support is wrong, but what can you do. We dont even take care of our own kids, so I know any community program left to be funded by “the People” wont last ten min. Most people care about Space programs, I do for one. And the People of houston really care because they work there for a living. And so do all the people from Katrina who settled in Houston living off of the property taxes that are paid by those very some people, that has nothing to do with income tax. And remenber congress decides where money goes. So you’re congressman or woman is voting for these programs. Thats who you need to talk to.

AND YES RonPaul Is against Abortion. His cop out is to say let states handle it, but we tried that already in the 60 ’s and it didnt work ( Roe v wade; Sandra Cano) Please read his page and find his quates on the issue.

“He also opposes the Patriot Act, the federal War on Drugs, and gun control. Paul is strongly pro-life, and advocates overturning Roe v. Wade to let states determine the legality of abortion.”

And if there is no income tax who is going to pay the president, congress, and all that boarder watching he wants to do. Who paying for the wall?

And this whole lt the state take care of themselves is extra funny. We saw that with New Orleans.

“Paul has long been known as “Dr. No” because he votes against most legislation that involves federal spending, expanding government or reducing privacy protections. He voted against giving medals to Rosa Parks and Pope Paul II because he objected to the use of taxpayer dollars to make them.”

“Paul sponsored 68 bills and eight amendments in 2003 and 2004 but none passed, according to the Almanac of American Politics.”

Examples:
Iran and Syria: H.Con.Res. 43, 2007-01-23. Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should implement Recommendation 9 of the Iraq Study Group Report. Urges the President to implement Recommendation 9 of the Iraq Study Group Report, recommending direct engagement with Iran and Syria toward constructive results.

Taxpayers’ Freedom of Conscience Act of 2007. H.R. 1095, 2007-02-15, originally H.R. 1548, 2003-04-01. To prohibit any Federal official from expending any Federal funds for any population control or population planning program or any family planning activity.

Market Process Restoration Act. H.R. 1789, 1999-05-13. To repeal the Federal body of statutory law commonly referred to as `antitrust law’, which limits cartels and monopolies. [10]

We the People Act. H.R. 300, 2007-01-05, originally H.R. 3893, 2004-03-04. Forbids all federal courts from hearing cases on abortion, “same-sex marriage”, sexual practices, and government display of religious symbols, texts, and images. Makes federal court decisions on those subjects nonbinding as precedent in state courts,[15] and forbids federal courts from spending money to enforce their judgments.

Sanctity of Life Act of 2007. H.R. 2597, 2007-06-06, originally H.R. 776, 2005-02-10. Defines human life as beginning from conception, removing abortion from federal jurisdiction and effectively negating Roe v. Wade.[16] Such laws permit states to declare abortion to be murder and to outlaw new fetal stem cell research and some contraception and fertility treatments.[17][18]

Opposes federal use of capital punishment.

Make College Affordable Act of 2007. H.R. 193, 2007-01-04, originally H.R. 401, 2005-01-26, cosponsored since H.R. 1631, 1999-04-29. Creates full tax deduction for higher education expenses and interest on student loans.

Parental Consent Act of 2007. H.R. 2387, 2007-05-17, originally H.R. 5236, 2004-10-06 (Let Parents Raise Their Kids Act). To prohibit the use of Federal funds for any universal or mandatory mental health screening program.

H.R. 7245, 1980-05-01. A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act that would abolish government intervention in regards to the dumping of dredged or fill material into navigable waters. [24]

H.R. 3735, 1998-04-28. To disapprove a rule requiring the use of devices designed to protect non-targeted species from being caught in the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico.[25]

“He also opposes the Patriot Act, the federal War on Drugs, and gun control. Paul is strongly pro-life, and advocates overturning Roe v. Wade to let states determine the legality of abortion.”

#67 and all others who actually believe that their vote doesn’t matter. So many people rejoice in the fact that you feel the way that you do. When you don’t vote, you give others permission to make decisions for you. Voting is one of the most important things that you do as a citizen. Even if the candidate that you support doesn’t win, it is your opportunity to voice your views. For example, a supporter of Edwards must have felt a small victory tonight, because the votes showed that people are demanding a change. Now, all candidates, democrat and republican, must be responsive to that.

People like you choose not to vote. How would you feel if you were told that you could not vote? It has the same effect; you’ve just been brainwashed instead of repressed. How could you give away your power? How could you sit back and allow others to make a choice, no all of your choices, for you? A president influences policies, laws and regulation that WILL affect you. So when you don’t participate you essentially say that you don’t care and you are willing to do whatever others decide.

It is exactly the happenings of the last 8 years that should make you run, not walk, to the polls. However, if you choose not to, then you have no right or reason to complain for the next 4. People like you run to vote on American Idol, or for 106 & Park’s top 10 and Who Rock’d It Better, but choose to be complacent in something that will actually affect your life.

On a final note, It is sooooo irresponsible for you to advocated political complacence on this forum, because you may be influencing someone else. On most subjects, I feel that everyone is entitled to voice their opinion, but this is so important. You may truly feel that voting is irrelevant, but tell me what important has been achieved by anyone by NOT voting?

@129 Iowa’s population is almost 95% white and 2.5% black.

More posts like these CL, thank you. I enjoyed reading everyones comments, even if I disagree with some.

@ 126: I agree. It’s just when I hear her speak, there is just something slick about her. She claims & claims… however… I just cant trust her yet…. Must be female intuition (sp?/ it’s like 2:30am…lol). I honestly dont know who I am going to vote for yet because some of these people thought that they were just going to skate their way into the white house. I do like Obama. His view kinda fit mine. I also like Edwards, but I wonder is he a case to bring drama with him (remember the whole Kerry saga & know the thing with his wife’s cancer). Also… sadly to say… there are a few rep. candidates that are quite persuadeable :-l . I guess only time will tell. Keep us updated, CL !

She is so nice, at least in my mind. Her profile and photos were found on a interracial dating site interracialloves.com last week.

@131

While you and I may not agree with a person’s character or moral choice to vote Republican, you must agree that the only way for Black people to be fully represented in this government is to be present on both sides. Why should one party continue to get our support decade and decade out?

Big up to Obama i still think America is not ready for a Black President.

http://www.whatsthe411.net

Obama by 4%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this really says alot!

131….black people were originally republican

THANK YOU FOR THIS INFO.

[...] nomination process for both the Democrats and Republicans. You can read all about that in my first political post over at Concrete Loop. Check it out and stay in the [...]

#142 - you’re right. the democratic party does take the black vote for granted. which is why we should vote green. i don’t see how it will ever be beneficial to black people to have representation with the republican party. let me take that back– i can see why it would be beneficial to rich black people… and again, i think that’s immoral. it used to be an essential part of black communities (in africa and all parts of the diaspora) that you have a responsibility to take care of your community. sadly, we have moved away from that notion. if harriet tubman would have had the same values of today’s black republicans, should wouldn’t have been so active with the underground railroad. she’da been like, “i got mines… the rest of them need to get it together.” and i disagree with that. the only reason i went to college was because some other black person was killed for trying to enroll in all white university’s 60 years ago. the only reason i have the right to vote is because someone else was killed trying to register. i have sooooooo much privilege, and with that, i have a right to use that for my community, not myself. hence the reason i’m underpaid and overworked at a public high school in the hood.

so, i still think that being a person of color (black, brown, yellow, red… cause as far as i’m concerend, we are all in this together) and voting republican is disrespectful to all the progressive people who lost their lives to give us all the privilege we have today.

#145
i know. that’s irrelevant. we were also slaves originally. times change. and again… i don’t think the democrats are great. i live in california where most city wide elections are almost always between the green party and the democratic party. the republican party doesn’t have much representation locally. and i always vote green. so i definitely prefer them to the democratic party… but nationally, i know my green party vote doesn’t hold much weight, so i still vote democratic. but republican…? never.

[...] senator from North Carolina and 2004 vice presidential nominee, finished second to Obama in the Iowa caucus before dropping out in late [...]