Burnt Orange Report Endorses Barack Obama for President

Yes we can! (3.00 / 2)

Barack has inspired a new generation of activists to get organized and work for change.  This tidal wave of support will not only help Barack take back the White House, but it'll also help down-ballot Democrats in Texas and across the country.

Here's a photo slide-show from last night's little meetup at Scholz Garten as we watched election results roll in from Virginia/DC/Maryland.  This event was advertised on Monday, and on Tuesday, over 100 volunteers showed up.  Just imagine how big this grassroots movmeent will grow now now that our paid staff has arrived in Texas.  Maybe we might actually advertise our events with more than 24 hours advance notice!

If you haven't yet joined this exciting grassroots movement, then sign up today to volunteer.  Yes we can!

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by: Ian @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 15:31:00 PM UTC

Great video, Ian! (3.00 / 1)

Thanks for turning it around to quickly.  

DeeceX: making Texas safe for democracy

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by: DeeceX @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:34:08 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

¡Obamaonos! (3.50 / 2)

I'm going to steal Ian's new word he used yesterday.  I like it.  It's a good forward action word.
¡Vamonos con Obama!

¡Obamaonos!

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by: sonia @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 15:51:39 PM UTC

Can't take credit (0.00 / 0)

Not sure who came up with that fun phrase, but it sure is spreading like wildfire.  I've already seen a bumper sticker that says "Obamanos".

Obamanos to the White House!

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by: Ian @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 17:47:40 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Burnt Orange Endorsement (3.00 / 1)

I respectfully disagree with your decision to endorse Barack Obama. I see him as nothing more than the messenger of empty rhetoric. I can hear the old Wendy's slogan playing over and over in my head "WHERE'S THE BEEF"??
If and when he is ever looked at in the same depth that Hillary Clinton has been looked at you and millions of others will see there is nothing to the candidate but hollow words and empty promises. The "vast right wing conspirators" will wreak havoc on this latter day Eugene McCarthy and the Republicans will retain control of the White House or even worse they will regain control of the Congress within two years.
This truly is a sad day for this life long Democrat who will regretably not be able to vote, for the first time for the Democratic nominee for President, if it is the charlatan Obama. I may need to also rethink my remaining a member of the Democratic Party.  

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by: pices312 @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 15:57:59 PM UTC

Interesting (3.33 / 3)

We at Burnt Orange Report will be 100% behind Senator Clinton should she win. We also have looked closely at each of their candidates -- this endorsement was not made lightly.

Your previous comments have indicated support for Sen. Clinton -- which we wholly respect. But you've also signed off one of your comments as "a loyal Democrat." Its interesting that there's something about Senator Obama that makes you leave what I assume must be a loyalty that has been built over a lifetime --- and what's even more interesting, is that you'd abandon this loyalty to the Democratic Party for who? Senator McCain?

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:03:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Wow (2.75 / 4)

This truly is a sad day for this life long Democrat who will regretably not be able to vote, for the first time for the Democratic nominee for President, if it is the charlatan Obama. I may need to also rethink my remaining a member of the Democratic Party.

Can we say, "a little too melodramatic?"  What exactly on the Republican side would make you want to jump on board and not vote for Obama?  Or you just won't vote at all?

I'm not the biggest fan of Clinton but I'll vote for her if she is the nominee.  I hope you'll reconsider and do the same.  

Todd  

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:17:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

No vote for Obama (0.00 / 0)

I will not vote for John McCain under any circumstances. I have only voted for a select few Republicans in over 40 years as a registered Democrat. I see Sen. Obama as a "Johnny come lately" who has a great gift for delivering a punch line like Yes We Can. I don't share the same enthusiasm for what people say is his ablity to unite. I see an oportunist who has the "endorsement" of the Mainstream Media and many of the "talking heads" like Russert, Blitzer, Matthews, et al. I have seen the enmity towards the Clintons turned into a cause celebre. The claim made repeatedly early in the campaign for nominee that Barack was not the "Black" candidate flies in the face of what Michelle Obama said to the black women of South Carolina.
I just find him to be inexperienced and in my opinion disingenuous.
I believe that Hillary, despite her "baggage" is by far the best candidate.
One Man's Opinion

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by: pices312 @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:36:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Our Endorsement (2.67 / 3)

All I can encourage is that every reader of BOR goes and votes.  Then at 7:15, they take the time to caucus for their candidate.

Our endorsement is only as powerful as our readers, and by no means is it knock to other candidates.  What it is, is our endorsement.  The e-mails I have received in response to the opinion we have voiced supporting Obama have been interesting.

Nobody can argue that March 4th will be a historic day in Texas.  Glen Maxey predicted almost a year ago that Texas would matter more than ever and may select our next president.  He was right.  What is more interesting is we have the honor to vote for two amazingly qualified people-- one could be the first female president and the other could be the first African-American president.

In either case, our endorsement is our preference.  However, regardless of the nominee, I will bust my ass to get our democratic candidate for president elected. We can all agree that any Democrat is better than any Republican in the White House.

Help build a progressive movement in Texas. Join Progress Texas.

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by: Matt Glazer @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:47:05 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Let's use this primary excitement to raise money for the local party (2.00 / 1)

I've been trying to real hard to find my volunteer counterpart in the Clinton campaign.  I can't seem to find any "Texans for Hillary" meetups, so it'd be great if you could enlighten me.

Team Obama would like to challenge Team Clinton to a friendly game of Texas kickball at Zilker Park.  We've had beautiful weather here in Austin, so we should drop the attacks for a day and come together as proud Texas Democrats.  It'd be fun to have a friendly rivalry game.  We could charge $5 each of our particpants and donate it to the Travis County Democratic Party.  So if you or any other Clinton supporters want to have some fun with this now-exciting Texas primary, shoot us an email at texasobamavolunters@gmail.com.  Thanks!

Just to be clear...
I got nothing against Hillary.  She would make a good president.  But Obama will make a great president.  He will unite the country, inspire a new generation of activists and build a governing majority that will get real results for working families.

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by: Ian @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 17:59:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

hah, Ian (0.00 / 0)

This might be one of the Travis County contests Hillary might win.  I am the kickball king!  Actually, now that I think about it, the Obama crowd will probably be a lot younger.    How about a game of bridge instead? :)

Kedron

ps.  I stopped by TFN last friday but you had already left for the day.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 21:55:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Empty Rhetoric? (2.00 / 2)

 I agree that our party should be proud to have two excellent and strong choices for the Presidency. This is a very exciting year for our Party, too.   However, I strongly disagree, based on the comment above, that Obama is:... "nothing more than the messenger of empty rhetoric."  This is a very unfair and inaccurate characterization.  Obama has been clear about where he stands on a number of issues.  He has articulated his ideas on the campaign trail, in his speeches and in the debates.   He has been honest with the American people.  Last night in Wisconsin Obama admitted to his audience that it would not be easy to bring about change.  Transformational change will take a lot of hard work and personal sacrifices on the part of all Americans.  He is absolutely correct about this.   He did not offer a magic bullet solution because Obama respects his listeners and his supporters.   Those $4,000. college tax credits, for example, will not be freebies.  Students will have to participate in community service and/or outreach programs in exchange for the credits.

I seriously doubt that Obama is winning the extraordinary support he is with empty rhetoric.  I think the numbers below tell us a great deal.  

Washington - 68% Obama, 31% Clinton
Nebraska - 68% Obama, 32% Clinton
Louisiana - 57% Obama, 36% Clinton
Virgin Islands - 90% Obama, 10% Clinton
Maine - 59% Obama, 40% Clinton
Virginia - 64% Obama, 35% Clinton
Maryland - 61% Obama, 35% Clinton
D.C. - 75% Obama, 24% Clinton

For those who say they know little or nothing about Obama, one might want to take a quick look at the link below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P...

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by: Libby Shaw @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 19:06:44 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Endorsement premature (0.00 / 0)

While I am impressed with how Mr. Obama presents himself, I feel that Hillary Clinton is far more qualified to be president.  For an interesting viewpoint on this race, please see today's Huffington Post article by Joe Wilson who correctly points out that Mr. Obama is really not equipped to handle a race against the Swift Boat party.

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by: Mike Holmes @ Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 07:19:51 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

While I think that BOR is wrong with it's endorsement (3.00 / 1)

one thing for sure is that we have TWO great and ground breaking candidates.

However, in my opinion Senator Barack Obama is not the better of the two.  I do not believe his plan for Healthcare is a plan for ALL of America, or that his foreign policy is a policy that will protect and project America back into prominence.

I had been a "on the fence" Sen. Clinton supporter up until a few weeks ago, but I want to share the main reason she won me over for sure and when I knew she was the right person to lead me, my family and my country.

In my family, we have been taught that words have meaning. A leader motivates and inspires through words. A person involved in a conversation can solve or instigate a whole host of problems with just a few words. The words my life foundation was built upon are simple yet bedrock words.

Duty. Honor. God. Country.

I will never abandon, nor subjugate either for the sake of any, and I believe that Senator Clinton best embodies these traits. During one of the debates, Senator Clinton expressed how, those countries that still turned their eyes away from those terrorist groups that operated in their countries, yet they did nothing to stop or deter them, that we would hold them responsible. Senator Clinton has worked her entire adult life for the children of America-Duty. She sacrificed for her family and in her own personal life do the things she felt were right for her and her family-Honor. She is religious in her own personal way, and worships as she deems is right for her. Being from Texas, where we do not like anyone telling us how to do or that we have to do things a certain way, she is observing her connection with her God in the way she feels is right for her-God. And as I stated above, the commitment to keep America not only safe by enacting the new Homeland Security measures from the 9/11 report, but the promise that we will be safe, and those that wish to think they may continue to stand idle on the sidelines of the War on Terror, know that they can not. That America can again speak softly, but still carry a big stick, and that she will protect America and my family from all enemies. Both foreign and domestic and that my children will be safe not only from terrorists and those who wish to do us harm, but those who will sacrifice my children's health or welfare for the almighty dollar - Country.

These are my reasons for endorsing and supporting Senator Hillary Clinton.

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by: TXDem08 @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:19:20 PM UTC

Surely Not (2.00 / 1)

I too support Obama, simply because Hillary will indeed be more of the same. But I will support her without hesitation rather than McCain.

I'm sure pices312 didn't mean a support of McCain, rather a position of non-support for Obama.

John McCain was a hero of the Viet Nam war and any man that survived that many years in captivity deserves our respect and admiration.

It does not however give him a pass on future actions. His attacks on American citizens rights, freedom of speech,his insistence on amnesty and more indentured servitude programs,his support of unfair tax breaks and Bush trade policies,his support for starting the war......goodness gracious who could vote to continue these policies.

I'm sure there would be no support for McCain. But there are positions taken by the party that could indeed force many lifelong Democrats to retink their loyalties. No one follows blindly.

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by: Geezerthink @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:20:42 PM UTC

Absolutely (3.00 / 1)

I think we should always be rethinking our loyalties -- not abandoning them, necessarily, but at least thinking about them and understanding them. I think that's key to moving forward.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:24:22 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Endorsement List (0.00 / 0)

Has someone compiled a list of the Texas endorsements?

I know that the AAS endorsed Obama, but what about the Houston Chronicle, DMN, et al?

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by: Jeb @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:34:53 PM UTC

ObamaBlog Post (3.00 / 1)

well, underneath ObamaBlog's post about BOR's endorsement is the endorsements of another Texas newspapers including the El Paso Times, DMN and San Antonio Express-News.

http://my.barackobama.com/page...

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by: Sal D @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 17:23:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Updated list of Obama endorsements (0.00 / 0)

We're also trying to list all the latest Obama endorsements on the top right section of our Texans for Obama blog.  Here's some of the State House Reps who've joined Team Obama:

Rep. Rafael Anchia
Rep. Eddie Lucio III
Rep. Mark Strama
Rep. Pete Gallegos
Rep. Juan Garcia
Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer
Rep. Garnet Coleman
Rep. Mike Villarreal

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by: Ian @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 18:04:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Rep. Ana Hernanez endorsed Obama as well (2.50 / 2)

n/t

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by: Joe @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 18:14:04 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

another endorsement (0.00 / 0)

Senator Kirk Watson

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by: davew @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 18:40:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I thought I remembered Eddie Lucio III endorsing Clinton ... (3.00 / 2)

then I looked it up and remembered why: his father, state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr, endorsed Hillary Clinton.

Man, this race is even dividing families!

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by: David Mauro @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 19:38:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I have stated (2.50 / 2)

my support for Hillary Clinton a number of times, most recently here (http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4940).  

However, this is a turning point in the US for Democrats, and there's nothing about Mr. Obama that would prevent me from voting for him, should he win the nomination. After all, it's not like there's major differences in Hillary and Barack's stand on the issues.

If you are a "lifelong" Democrat, and truly want to see change for the better in the US--you need to support qualified Democratic candidates.  I say "qualified" because I guess the only Dem I can think of that I probably could not vote for is Mr. Gravel. Even then, I probably would just not vote--since I could never bring myself to vote for a Republican.

It's a great year to be a Democrat!

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by: Judith Ford @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:41:24 PM UTC

Obamanos! (4.33 / 3)

Best. Word. Ever.

After Edwards withdrew, I had a really tough time coming around to who I was going to support.  (Sen. Dodd was my second choice, the beginning of January -- not photogenic, but great on issues).

The last debate between Clinton and Obama was a tough one.  They're both compelling candidates, for different reasons.

But my decision is for Obama, because I truly believe he can bring about transformational change, the kind that can reverberate for at least a generation, as opposed to mere political/policy change.  

Transformational change of the type we haven't seen since Reagan was elected.  There.  I've said the R word again.

That type of change, this time flavored with a "D", will restore this train back to the track it was on before it got de-railed by Bush/Cheney and the neocons.

I will enthusiastically vote for Obama on March 4 (earlier, actually).

And I will support the Democratic nominee in November -- no matter who that may be.

I'll give you six reasons why everyone should:

John Paul Stevens, age 88
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, age 75
Anthony Kennedy, age 72
Antonin Scalia, age 72
Stephen Breyer, age 70
David Souter, age 69

Not convinced you should vote Democrat even if Senator Clinton wins the nomination?  Here's three more reasons:

Clarence Thomas, age 59
Samuel Alito, age 57
John Roberts, age 52

Source:  http://usgovinfo.about.com/blc...

Obamanos!!!!  Con ganas!

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by: carmelita @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:44:57 PM UTC

Well said (3.00 / 2)

this election is too important to not vote for the Democratic nominee. We MUST have a Democrat in the White House.

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by: David Mauro @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 16:58:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Absolutely (3.00 / 1)

I could not agree more.  We have to pull together, no matter who the ultimate nominee is.  

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by: Libby Shaw @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 19:12:24 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

It was SCOTUS in 2000 (3.00 / 1)

And it's even more important now.  We absolutely have to guarantee a win to fix that court.  That court needs some new members and they need to be our picks - not John McCains!

I too will support the party nominee in November.

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by: sonia @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 21:12:21 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Front Page of barackobama.com (5.00 / 1)

congratulations, guys! you made the front page of barackobama.com and the obama blog.

http://my.barackobama.com/page...

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by: Sal D @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 17:18:57 PM UTC

Burnt Orange Report is blowing up! (3.00 / 1)

That's awesome.  Congrats on getting front-paged on the national Obama blog.

It's very cool to see Texas Democrats and Texas progressive blogs finally getting a chance to show the world that we're working hard to turn Texas blue.  Yes we can!

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by: Ian @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 18:09:00 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Why this Latina Support Obama (3.67 / 3)

As a first generation Latina American, I agree that actions speak louder than words. These actions are what makes Obama the clear choice in my mind:

1) Obama marched with illegal immigrants in Chicago on May 1, 2006. Just like his opposition to the Iraq war, again Obama is not afraid to stand up publicly for what he believes in, even if it could cost "political points."

2) Obama's cosponsorship of the DREAM Act. This would allow our immigrant sons and daughters to get the education they need to obtain the American dream and go to college!

3) Obama's support of reversing and reducing the amount of money it costs for processing of immigration applications. He joined Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) to introduce the Citizenship Promotion Act.

4) Tax cut for Working Families - creation of the "Making Work Pay" tax credit with a credit of $1000 for families.

I go with the facts, Obama has marched arm in arm with our Latino cousins and has worked on the streets for civil rights.  Working side by side on the streets speaks louder to me than being part of the Washington establishment.  He did this even when no one was looking!!!

Thanks Burnt Orange, you made the right choice!

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by: jennidallas @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 18:14:08 PM UTC

In Spite Of (0.00 / 0)

jennidallas is proof that we can win this with Obama or Hillary. I will support Obama in spite of her reason 1 while she supports him for it. Though we disagree on some things, we can agree on what really matters and thats to elect Obama and keep McCain out.

Or if the folks that favor Hillary prove right, then we'll both support her I have no doubt.

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by: Geezerthink @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 22:36:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Obama (3.00 / 1)

Iknew this election  in Texas was the past versus the future when I get a robo call for Hillary from Bob Slagle, former State Chair. Senator Obama reflects the future and hope. His abilty to energize new voters will lift up all Texas Democrats especially, Rick Noriega.Further he can go after the McCain-Bush Gop on the War. Futher, her argument she will be ready on day one is questionable. In,1993, she played a leading role in 3 areas. The Administration was embarrassed by needing 3 nominees before getting an Attorney General confirmed. They lost support over the handling of gays in the military and lastly, the failed job on healthcare. These misteps significantly contributed to Democrats losing the House in 1994. These failures by Hillary and the Administration contributed to Tom Delay being elevated to Majority Whip. While. I have worked with the Clintons since 1972,I have serious concerns of de ja vu in 2010. I am convinced Senator Obama offers the inspiration, leadership, and ability to expand our party and lead our nation.  Don Bankston, SDEC#18

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by: donaldbankston @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 18:33:47 PM UTC

wait... (0.00 / 0)

didn't you just make an argument against inexperience?  Or, are you saying that Hillary is too stupid and incompetent to learn from prior mistakes?

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 22:02:40 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Who wrote the endorsement? (0.00 / 0)

If the endorsement was written by BOR staff, then it's a damn good piece of writing, a fitting call to the Obama cause. I just hope it wasn't written by the Obama campaign. People who endorse have a responsibility to explain their own reasons, and not just be a mouthpiece for others.  

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by: LSadun @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 19:43:01 PM UTC

wow, that is a compliment -- followed by a back-handed straw-man stab! (2.00 / 1)

hey LSadun

no disrespect, but you give a weird compliment ; )

-my comments at BOR are mine, and do not represent anything official from LFT.

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by: mariochampion @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 19:52:46 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Obama's campaign didn't write it... (0.00 / 0)

Promise!

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 19:55:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Glad to hear it! (0.00 / 0)

My first reaction on reading your endorsement was to be both moved and impressed. My second was to think "Whoa! This is TOO Obama-esque", and smell a rat that wasn't there. I apologize for being too suspicious.

Good political rhetoric is saying what YOU really believe in, but in a way that connects with your audience and changes their world view. Done right it can lifts the soul, and that's the joy of listening to somebody like Obama! Too often, however, political rhetoric just rings hollow and leaves me feeling cheated.

For an example of "hollow", take a look at Kirk Watson's endorsement of Obama. I love the Watson Wires and their folksy charm, but Watson's endorsement doesn't have any of that, just campaign boiler plate about hope. It either was aimed at an out-of-town audience that doesn't know Watson, or it wasn't written by Kirk Watson. (sigh)

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by: LSadun @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 23:20:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

We have good writers (3.00 / 1)

Sometimes we write some good stuff. :)

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 05:33:04 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

and sometimes (3.00 / 1)

we don't.  Sad but true. :)

Help build a progressive movement in Texas. Join Progress Texas.

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by: Matt Glazer @ Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 05:37:04 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Endorsement of Obama (0.00 / 0)

It is easy to dream a book as it is hard to write one! Dreams are fine; they are a start.  I much prefer goals with clearly stated strategies; they get the job done!  

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by: sharlynkelley @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 19:57:08 PM UTC

I disagree (3.00 / 1)

As a lifelong dreamer, having the dream can be the most difficult part. When I write a research paper, for example, it takes me about 4-5 days to think of what to write, and about 4-5 hours to write it.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 20:14:40 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

How about this for a goal? (0.00 / 0)

Let's not attack countries who haven't attacked us and pose no imminent threat to us.  It's a waste of blood and treasure, and we're less safe now because our Iraq occupation has futher inflamed the Muslim world.

I'm not sure why folks try to imply that just because Obama talks about hope means he doesn't also have clearly stated policies and strategies.

Sen. Obama laid out very clearly back in 2002 how disasterous the Iraq war would be, and it's unfortunate that the DC Democrats voted to support Bush's "dumb" war.  It's eerie how right Obama's prediction turned out to be.  

We need someone in the White House who has the necessary judgment to lead us in the 21st century.

Barack Obama - 2002 Iraq War Speech
Wikipedia:

Good afternoon. Let me begin by saying that although this has been billed as an anti-war rally, I stand before you as someone who is not opposed to war in all circumstances.

The Civil War was one of the bloodiest in history, and yet it was only through the crucible of the sword, the sacrifice of multitudes, that we could begin to perfect this union, and drive the scourge of slavery from our soil. I don't oppose all wars.

My grandfather signed up for a war the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, fought in Patton's army. He saw the dead and dying across the fields of Europe; he heard the stories of fellow troops who first entered Auschwitz and Treblinka. He fought in the name of a larger freedom, part of that arsenal of democracy that triumphed over evil, and he did not fight in vain.

I don't oppose all wars.

After September 11th, after witnessing the carnage and destruction, the dust and the tears, I supported this Administration's pledge to hunt down and root out those who would slaughter innocents in the name of intolerance, and I would willingly take up arms myself to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

I don't oppose all wars. And I know that in this crowd today, there is no shortage of patriots, or of patriotism. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz and other arm-chair, weekend warriors in this Administration to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne.

What I am opposed to is the attempt by political hacks like Karl Rove to distract us from a rise in the uninsured, a rise in the poverty rate, a drop in the median income - to distract us from corporate scandals and a stock market that has just gone through the worst month since the Great Depression.

That's what I'm opposed to. A dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics.

Now let me be clear - I suffer no illusions about Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal man. A ruthless man. A man who butchers his own people to secure his own power. He has repeatedly defied UN resolutions, thwarted UN inspection teams, developed chemical and biological weapons, and coveted nuclear capacity.

He's a bad guy. The world, and the Iraqi people, would be better off without him.

But I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors, that the Iraqi economy is in shambles, that the Iraqi military a fraction of its former strength, and that in concert with the international community he can be contained until, in the way of all petty dictators, he falls away into the dustbin of history.

I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al-Qaeda.

I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars.

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by: Ian @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 20:15:03 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

And then he continued to fund that 'dumb' war (0.00 / 0)

time after time after time, when he had to put his name to a vote, not just make a speech.

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by: TXDem08 @ Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 13:45:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Phenomenal news! (0.00 / 0)

It is good to see the netroots coalesce around the one candidate who can bring monumental progressive change to this country.

p.s. Donna Edwards won, too. It is indeed a good a time as any to be a progressive in these United States!

"There's nothing new except for the history that you don't know."
-HST

Justice Addict

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by: Colin Kalmbacher @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 20:43:22 PM UTC

Need bumperstickers? Signs? (0.00 / 0)

Hey everybody!

I just got about 40 bumperstickers and a handful of yard signs in the mail today.

If you want one or know someone who does then please send me an e-mail ASAP. I only have one yard and no car so we need to get these things out and about!

"There's nothing new except for the history that you don't know."
-HST

Justice Addict

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by: Colin Kalmbacher @ Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 22:55:37 PM UTC

Sorry Hillary, I've Changed My Mind (0.00 / 0)

I was looking forward to voting for Hillary for quite some time.  Not any more.  Senator Clinton had the opportunity to vote against AT&T's spy machine, but chose to not even show up and vote on FISA.  Hillary's indifference to AT&T's illegal activities may not make her as bad as AT&T minion, Mindy Montford, but neither will get my support.

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by: rustysands @ Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 10:46:47 AM UTC

Oh Wow. I didn't see this one coming. (0.00 / 0)

If I had woken up with my head sewn to the carpet I wouldn't have been more surprised.

:)

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by: johncoby @ Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 12:19:19 PM UTC

Posting on CNN (0.00 / 0)

I have been trying to post on Jack Cafferty's blog the past two days. Unlike this blog, where I can disagree with the authors, CNNsor as I like to call them, keep deleting my posts. Have any of you had a similar experience?

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by: pices312 @ Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 22:06:35 PM UTC

I do not support Obama... (1.00 / 1)

...just to clear up some confusion, since I've been asked about it today in the context of this endorsement. This was a "collective" endorsement and does not imply that I, a Clinton supporter, have endorsed Obama.  

Vince Leibowitz

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by: Vince Leibowitz @ Wed Feb 20, 2008 at 23:11:57 PM UTC