<![CDATA[VQTE - All Forums]]> http://www.vqte.com/ Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:04:06 -0400 MyBB <![CDATA[Third Debate]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7528.html Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:09:27 -0400 sunken http://www.vqte.com/thread-7528.html
And will being passive anger his base?]]>
And will being passive anger his base?]]> <![CDATA[McCain endorses Obama?]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7527.html Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:05:45 -0400 sunken http://www.vqte.com/thread-7527.html
Of course, this goes against his own campaign strategy of painting Obama as a scary liberal with ties to shady organizations, etc. I think McCain is upset because he is starting to realize that there is a good chance he will lose the election, and not only that, but has lost the reputation that he has run on in his political career. I read a story today how there is a bit of infighting going on in his campaign, as Palin wants to hit Obama hard on Ayers, Wright, etc, and McCain doesn't want to go there.]]>
Of course, this goes against his own campaign strategy of painting Obama as a scary liberal with ties to shady organizations, etc. I think McCain is upset because he is starting to realize that there is a good chance he will lose the election, and not only that, but has lost the reputation that he has run on in his political career. I read a story today how there is a bit of infighting going on in his campaign, as Palin wants to hit Obama hard on Ayers, Wright, etc, and McCain doesn't want to go there.]]> <![CDATA[McCain advertising meets Bizarro World]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7526.html Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:21:03 -0400 Taopoet http://www.vqte.com/thread-7526.html
I sat here and looked at this ad for quite some time, trying to figure out what kind of joke it's supposed to be. I mean, honestly, is anyone going to see this and think, "Oh, yes of course. I have to vote for McCain because Obama supports him"? What's the marketing message here? I'm in advertising, so I see a lot of ads and spend a lot of time thinking about audience/user experience and behavior, and I'm simply flummoxed. Here's why:

a. Even if you know next to nothing about the election, the one thing you know for sure is that Obama and McCain are opponents, and both want to win the election in order to lead the country in their own version of the right direction. Therefore, one candidate is not going to "endorse" the other, and so the ad is suspect on its face as a misrepresentation of truth.

b. Anyone who actually watched the debate or is interested in the election at all knows that there are -- and should be -- strengths in both candidates that can -- and should -- be acknowledged by both candidates. Furthermore, there are -- and should be -- any number of issues that elected officials agree upon. Therefore, it's natural, polite, diplomatic, and even presidential for a candidate to acknowledge a statement that addresses common ground. That would be known as an example of "reaching across the aisle," which is, again, not an "endorsement."

c. Taking points a and b as axioms (if you'll forgive me that stretch), what we're left with is the joke, the irony, even the sarcasm of the advertisement. By poking fun at Obama to the extent of calling his graciousness an "endorsement," knowing full well that Candidate Obama has absolutely not endorsed Candidate McCain, the McCain-Palin campaign has effectively belittled the election, the very real notion of endorsement, and the campaign itself. Were I an undecided voter (which I am not), this ad would seal the deal for me. I have no interest in a president who brings belittling sarcasm to the highest office in the land. If McCain, whose ad spending is at the most generous report 33% of Obama's, wants to make a mockery of his own campaign in this way, I shudder to think of what kind of mockery he'll make of the serious matter of running the country.

d. Finally, not only does this ad not actually represent any type of factual information, other than the generalization that Obama did utter those words (before going on to explain the differences between their two positions), it makes the A #1 mistake in advertising: It promotes the competition. By showing Obama's smiling face and calling him "great," this ad clearly shows reciprocal respect for the Obama campaign and actually puts the image of Obama and "vote blue" in a reader's mind.

What are they thinking? Are they thinking? [attachment=21]]]>
I sat here and looked at this ad for quite some time, trying to figure out what kind of joke it's supposed to be. I mean, honestly, is anyone going to see this and think, "Oh, yes of course. I have to vote for McCain because Obama supports him"? What's the marketing message here? I'm in advertising, so I see a lot of ads and spend a lot of time thinking about audience/user experience and behavior, and I'm simply flummoxed. Here's why:

a. Even if you know next to nothing about the election, the one thing you know for sure is that Obama and McCain are opponents, and both want to win the election in order to lead the country in their own version of the right direction. Therefore, one candidate is not going to "endorse" the other, and so the ad is suspect on its face as a misrepresentation of truth.

b. Anyone who actually watched the debate or is interested in the election at all knows that there are -- and should be -- strengths in both candidates that can -- and should -- be acknowledged by both candidates. Furthermore, there are -- and should be -- any number of issues that elected officials agree upon. Therefore, it's natural, polite, diplomatic, and even presidential for a candidate to acknowledge a statement that addresses common ground. That would be known as an example of "reaching across the aisle," which is, again, not an "endorsement."

c. Taking points a and b as axioms (if you'll forgive me that stretch), what we're left with is the joke, the irony, even the sarcasm of the advertisement. By poking fun at Obama to the extent of calling his graciousness an "endorsement," knowing full well that Candidate Obama has absolutely not endorsed Candidate McCain, the McCain-Palin campaign has effectively belittled the election, the very real notion of endorsement, and the campaign itself. Were I an undecided voter (which I am not), this ad would seal the deal for me. I have no interest in a president who brings belittling sarcasm to the highest office in the land. If McCain, whose ad spending is at the most generous report 33% of Obama's, wants to make a mockery of his own campaign in this way, I shudder to think of what kind of mockery he'll make of the serious matter of running the country.

d. Finally, not only does this ad not actually represent any type of factual information, other than the generalization that Obama did utter those words (before going on to explain the differences between their two positions), it makes the A #1 mistake in advertising: It promotes the competition. By showing Obama's smiling face and calling him "great," this ad clearly shows reciprocal respect for the Obama campaign and actually puts the image of Obama and "vote blue" in a reader's mind.

What are they thinking? Are they thinking? [attachment=21]]]> <![CDATA[The Endgame]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7524.html Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:54:06 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7524.html
They have two weapons left:

1) Personal race-tinged attacks on Obama

2) Subversive tactics at the polls and with voter reg paperwork.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081010/ap_o...ter_purges

Why does the GOP time and again sue the election board to NOT register more people? Are they not American? Wanting all Americans to vote should be bipartisan. The GOP has always shown ambivalence or even suspicion towards voter registration. Drives to register voters are viewed as an attempt to manipulate the system.

I am in California and so am not in a swing state. It does bug me that I sent in my registration a few weeks ago and still have not received my ballot. I must have it by October 20 or I will not be able to vote.

Here is the rub. They count on me and you to not follow-up and just get submerged in our routine lives (work, childcare, food prep, gardening, yakking with friends) and wait passively. Follow-up on these issues needs to be done during hours when most of us are working.

Not this year.

My preparations to vote will be with room to spare. I am starting to raise hell with the county registrar today. I am not calling. I told work I have a doctor's appointment and am going down there in person.

This is probably the most important vote I will cast in my lifetime.

Obama has likely won California but I do want the popular vote to reflect a landslide and a MANDATE for change.

Join me and make your vote count. Make sure your paperwork is in order. If each of us then does the same work with a person who is confused about the voting process we could increase the rolls by tens of millions.

If in doubt go down to the county registrar and get it straightened out in person. Keep all documentation - especially if you are in a swing state.]]>
They have two weapons left:

1) Personal race-tinged attacks on Obama

2) Subversive tactics at the polls and with voter reg paperwork.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081010/ap_o...ter_purges

Why does the GOP time and again sue the election board to NOT register more people? Are they not American? Wanting all Americans to vote should be bipartisan. The GOP has always shown ambivalence or even suspicion towards voter registration. Drives to register voters are viewed as an attempt to manipulate the system.

I am in California and so am not in a swing state. It does bug me that I sent in my registration a few weeks ago and still have not received my ballot. I must have it by October 20 or I will not be able to vote.

Here is the rub. They count on me and you to not follow-up and just get submerged in our routine lives (work, childcare, food prep, gardening, yakking with friends) and wait passively. Follow-up on these issues needs to be done during hours when most of us are working.

Not this year.

My preparations to vote will be with room to spare. I am starting to raise hell with the county registrar today. I am not calling. I told work I have a doctor's appointment and am going down there in person.

This is probably the most important vote I will cast in my lifetime.

Obama has likely won California but I do want the popular vote to reflect a landslide and a MANDATE for change.

Join me and make your vote count. Make sure your paperwork is in order. If each of us then does the same work with a person who is confused about the voting process we could increase the rolls by tens of millions.

If in doubt go down to the county registrar and get it straightened out in person. Keep all documentation - especially if you are in a swing state.]]> <![CDATA[He needs a lesson in being a fine upstanding citizen]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7523.html Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:28:30 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7523.html http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081008/ap_o...lin_hacked

Maybe he can learn from Levi Johnston or Charles Keating how to behave.]]> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081008/ap_o...lin_hacked

Maybe he can learn from Levi Johnston or Charles Keating how to behave.]]> <![CDATA[Latest News]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7522.html Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:13:43 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7522.html
AGAIN. TOO STUPID. AND YOUR CHILDREN GET PREGNANT AND GO TO THE MILILARY TO FIGHT ILL CONCEIVIED WARS.

YOU CANNOT BE PRESIDENT BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY.

SARAH PALIN IS A BACKWARD ROTE LEARNER. Want none of it. Wasilla? Not my reality here in Los Angeles. Go away.
You are not at a national level and not the best of America. McCain? From an irrelevant age.


GO AWAY.
Bye Bye.]]>
AGAIN. TOO STUPID. AND YOUR CHILDREN GET PREGNANT AND GO TO THE MILILARY TO FIGHT ILL CONCEIVIED WARS.

YOU CANNOT BE PRESIDENT BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY.

SARAH PALIN IS A BACKWARD ROTE LEARNER. Want none of it. Wasilla? Not my reality here in Los Angeles. Go away.
You are not at a national level and not the best of America. McCain? From an irrelevant age.


GO AWAY.
Bye Bye.]]> <![CDATA[Wedge Issue]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7521.html Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:43:00 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7521.html
Sarah Palin says that the child from rape or incest can be adopted.

Here is adoption in George Bush/GOP America:

http://www.amfor.net/KillerAdopters/

And consider the date of each story. It was Bush post 9/11 America where "small government" did not staff adoption agencies or CPS agencies.]]>
Sarah Palin says that the child from rape or incest can be adopted.

Here is adoption in George Bush/GOP America:

http://www.amfor.net/KillerAdopters/

And consider the date of each story. It was Bush post 9/11 America where "small government" did not staff adoption agencies or CPS agencies.]]> <![CDATA[Bi-partisanship will get you Tent City, We need Change]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7520.html Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:49:35 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7520.html
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008....tent.kmbc

Last night in the debate Palin says that you go to your kids soccer game and discuss the stock portfolio and small business challenges with your fellow parents there and realize that times are tough. I wonder if these folks had a TV in that tent to so they could follow Palin's economic analysis method.

Note to Palin: There is a large portion of America that has no stock portfolio, no small business, and a third job that prevents them from attending their kids athletic events. They have lost their homes, cars, education, and health care dollars for their children to the stockbrokers. John McCain since his days in the Keating Five Scandal is a great friend of Wall Street and the deregulation of the Mortgage Bank.

McCain's adviser Gramm is a champion bank de-regulator and calls folks in their tent cities whiners. The couple above had their credit ruined by being given a loan to buy house that never should have been given. Now their credit score is so low and they cannot rent an apartment.

WITH NO BANK LOAN THEY WOULD AT LEAST BE IN AN APARTMENT.

The "reform" that Palin and her running mate McCain (yes in that order on that pathetic ticket) talk about will come from landsliding the GOP out of politics for a generation.

Forget bi-partisanship. The GOP is fundamentally flawed right down to their "rebellious mavericks".

The reason Obama does not vote against his party as much as McCain is because the Democrats have had it right most of the time but for their support of the Iraq War (with the stellar exception).

Forget the Hockey Mom, Soccer Mom, Walmart Mom wrapping paper on the tax break agendas for billionaires and their corporations.

Get real people or we will lose it all and be living in tent cities.]]>
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008....tent.kmbc

Last night in the debate Palin says that you go to your kids soccer game and discuss the stock portfolio and small business challenges with your fellow parents there and realize that times are tough. I wonder if these folks had a TV in that tent to so they could follow Palin's economic analysis method.

Note to Palin: There is a large portion of America that has no stock portfolio, no small business, and a third job that prevents them from attending their kids athletic events. They have lost their homes, cars, education, and health care dollars for their children to the stockbrokers. John McCain since his days in the Keating Five Scandal is a great friend of Wall Street and the deregulation of the Mortgage Bank.

McCain's adviser Gramm is a champion bank de-regulator and calls folks in their tent cities whiners. The couple above had their credit ruined by being given a loan to buy house that never should have been given. Now their credit score is so low and they cannot rent an apartment.

WITH NO BANK LOAN THEY WOULD AT LEAST BE IN AN APARTMENT.

The "reform" that Palin and her running mate McCain (yes in that order on that pathetic ticket) talk about will come from landsliding the GOP out of politics for a generation.

Forget bi-partisanship. The GOP is fundamentally flawed right down to their "rebellious mavericks".

The reason Obama does not vote against his party as much as McCain is because the Democrats have had it right most of the time but for their support of the Iraq War (with the stellar exception).

Forget the Hockey Mom, Soccer Mom, Walmart Mom wrapping paper on the tax break agendas for billionaires and their corporations.

Get real people or we will lose it all and be living in tent cities.]]> <![CDATA[Diary of an Idiot]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7519.html Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:16:35 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7519.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/01/b...index.html

The bankers have stolen everything that is not tied down. Whole offices from Merrill, Lehman, and the whole of companies like Halliburton literally ran to Dubai and Europe 3 months ago - before we checked the till and found that it is empty.

Remember Halliburton was paid OUR TAX money to provides services to the US troops in Iraq and then the company flees the US to avoid paying those very same taxes. OUR TAX MONEY CREATED BUSINESS FOR HALLIBURTON. A company that thrives on non-competitive government contracts now decides to leave the US to protect its assets from who? FROM US and our inconvenient societal request for taxes for the healthcare of the same veterans that Halliburton made money from.

These companies are not running from Socialism Glenn. They are running like thieves in the night who have stolen our house, our cars, our kids college fund, and yes got our ATM code and emptied that out as well - little by little with $1.00 service fees.

And now the slightest talk of regulation and Glenn Beck and others throw their "we're becoming socialist" hissy fit.

Yes regulation Glenn. If you have trouble stomaching it implant the visual of 7 tobacco company CEOs swearing before Congress that cigarettes are not addictive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQUNk5meJHs

The Free Market will poison the blood and the lungs of Americans and then lie about the poison if there is a profit to be made in it. It took our "big government" 50 years to rein in big tobacco. Thats 50 years of profits since the cigarettes and lung cancer data was published. The government could have regulated in 1960 and did not. I would say that is because of our "free market".

Yes Glenn: The Free Market will not find the cure for cancer if there is more money in treating cancer. Cure could get in the way of profits from selling cancer treating drugs. Cure and research. Its called the National Institute of Health funded by our tax dollars to do the R & D that is not necessarily profit driven but will enrich and prolong our lives.

The slightest talk of Universal Health Care and they call it socialized medicine and say "we want to choose our own doctors". Do you really? In the current system how many of you have your one chosen trusted doctor that you have been choosing to go to for routine care most of your life.

I'll gladly give up the personal choice of my primary care doctor for the flus and tongue depressions and antibiotic scrips during youth and middle age for the guarantee that a hip replacement or other surgery at 68, 78, or older does not bankrupt me.

Some regulation of bankers and business is needed to ensure public safety and fair practices. It is the only sane option in a democracy.

We are a democracy not a stock exchange Glenn. Stock Exchanges go up and down, democracy is supposed to a set of principles that endures regardless of conditions.]]>
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/01/b...index.html

The bankers have stolen everything that is not tied down. Whole offices from Merrill, Lehman, and the whole of companies like Halliburton literally ran to Dubai and Europe 3 months ago - before we checked the till and found that it is empty.

Remember Halliburton was paid OUR TAX money to provides services to the US troops in Iraq and then the company flees the US to avoid paying those very same taxes. OUR TAX MONEY CREATED BUSINESS FOR HALLIBURTON. A company that thrives on non-competitive government contracts now decides to leave the US to protect its assets from who? FROM US and our inconvenient societal request for taxes for the healthcare of the same veterans that Halliburton made money from.

These companies are not running from Socialism Glenn. They are running like thieves in the night who have stolen our house, our cars, our kids college fund, and yes got our ATM code and emptied that out as well - little by little with $1.00 service fees.

And now the slightest talk of regulation and Glenn Beck and others throw their "we're becoming socialist" hissy fit.

Yes regulation Glenn. If you have trouble stomaching it implant the visual of 7 tobacco company CEOs swearing before Congress that cigarettes are not addictive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQUNk5meJHs

The Free Market will poison the blood and the lungs of Americans and then lie about the poison if there is a profit to be made in it. It took our "big government" 50 years to rein in big tobacco. Thats 50 years of profits since the cigarettes and lung cancer data was published. The government could have regulated in 1960 and did not. I would say that is because of our "free market".

Yes Glenn: The Free Market will not find the cure for cancer if there is more money in treating cancer. Cure could get in the way of profits from selling cancer treating drugs. Cure and research. Its called the National Institute of Health funded by our tax dollars to do the R & D that is not necessarily profit driven but will enrich and prolong our lives.

The slightest talk of Universal Health Care and they call it socialized medicine and say "we want to choose our own doctors". Do you really? In the current system how many of you have your one chosen trusted doctor that you have been choosing to go to for routine care most of your life.

I'll gladly give up the personal choice of my primary care doctor for the flus and tongue depressions and antibiotic scrips during youth and middle age for the guarantee that a hip replacement or other surgery at 68, 78, or older does not bankrupt me.

Some regulation of bankers and business is needed to ensure public safety and fair practices. It is the only sane option in a democracy.

We are a democracy not a stock exchange Glenn. Stock Exchanges go up and down, democracy is supposed to a set of principles that endures regardless of conditions.]]> <![CDATA[Debate #1 - Mississsippi]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7518.html Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:11:45 -0400 AAF http://www.vqte.com/thread-7518.html
Is this some kind of debate strategy that may have been consciously planned?

Or was it really McCain's inept social ability and bitter, angry side?
If so, what explains his intense dislike of Obama, who has only been in the senate a short time?

Any thoughts?]]>
Is this some kind of debate strategy that may have been consciously planned?

Or was it really McCain's inept social ability and bitter, angry side?
If so, what explains his intense dislike of Obama, who has only been in the senate a short time?

Any thoughts?]]> <![CDATA[The bailout...]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7517.html Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:56:37 -0400 sunken http://www.vqte.com/thread-7517.html
The worrisome part is that every bank will want in on this and Secretary Paulson has said that he would also bailout solid companies, besides those failing. This seems like a bad idea and costly to the taxpayers. I would think it would also lead to abuse for every company that wants to cash out at our expense. Any bailout should be extremely limited to what is necessary and not what is wanted.

It should be an interesting week all around, with House Republicans saying they won't vote for a bailout that gives out money. They prefer the insurance on mortgate loan defaults, which honestly seems like a more tempered approach, but we'll see how that works out. The biggest problem, IMO, is not that they are rushed because of the global markets, but many politicians especially all those in the House are running for re-election and want to get out of Washington to campaign. This could cause a more expedient approach which could in the end be a bad thing, as well as a good thing. Only time will tell. Unfortunately, that time will most likely be after the election.]]>
The worrisome part is that every bank will want in on this and Secretary Paulson has said that he would also bailout solid companies, besides those failing. This seems like a bad idea and costly to the taxpayers. I would think it would also lead to abuse for every company that wants to cash out at our expense. Any bailout should be extremely limited to what is necessary and not what is wanted.

It should be an interesting week all around, with House Republicans saying they won't vote for a bailout that gives out money. They prefer the insurance on mortgate loan defaults, which honestly seems like a more tempered approach, but we'll see how that works out. The biggest problem, IMO, is not that they are rushed because of the global markets, but many politicians especially all those in the House are running for re-election and want to get out of Washington to campaign. This could cause a more expedient approach which could in the end be a bad thing, as well as a good thing. Only time will tell. Unfortunately, that time will most likely be after the election.]]> <![CDATA[Paul Newman and John McCain]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7516.html Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:42:25 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7516.html
Paul Newman got me thinking about McCain/Palin and their administration. Take Newman's longevity and subtract 1 year for POW injuries and 2 years for recurrent melanoma's and you get one result:

President Sarah Palin

She will be ready to lead in a few weeks after she learns to field impromptu questions from reporters.

I hope they count the ballots this time.]]>
Paul Newman got me thinking about McCain/Palin and their administration. Take Newman's longevity and subtract 1 year for POW injuries and 2 years for recurrent melanoma's and you get one result:

President Sarah Palin

She will be ready to lead in a few weeks after she learns to field impromptu questions from reporters.

I hope they count the ballots this time.]]> <![CDATA[Here's what happens when you ditch Dave, John...]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7515.html Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:10:39 -0400 Taopoet http://www.vqte.com/thread-7515.html
On 9/24, John McCain was scheduled to appear on Dave's show, but he bailed at the very last minute, citing the deep need to rush back to Washington to save the country from the cratering economy. Not only, as it turned out, was McCain not on the Finance Committee, where a Senator would have had the ability to help out, he was also not even en route to Washington. He skipped the Late Night taping to hop over to Katie Couric's set to give an interview for CBS News. Sure, sure, it's a high profile news opp where he can look more presidential, but could he have not just told Dave the truth when he bailed?

In this clip, a collection of great moments from Dave's show that night, our host really lets McCain have it for the decisions to slight him, and more seriously, cancel his campaign to go make an effort to save the day (which turned out to be just so much noise, I heard from major news outlets yesterday).

http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/latesh...5633.phtml

What do you think? Where does a maneuver like this leave McCain? Where does it land Letterman, who admitted to Obama that political discussion makes his head hurt?]]>
On 9/24, John McCain was scheduled to appear on Dave's show, but he bailed at the very last minute, citing the deep need to rush back to Washington to save the country from the cratering economy. Not only, as it turned out, was McCain not on the Finance Committee, where a Senator would have had the ability to help out, he was also not even en route to Washington. He skipped the Late Night taping to hop over to Katie Couric's set to give an interview for CBS News. Sure, sure, it's a high profile news opp where he can look more presidential, but could he have not just told Dave the truth when he bailed?

In this clip, a collection of great moments from Dave's show that night, our host really lets McCain have it for the decisions to slight him, and more seriously, cancel his campaign to go make an effort to save the day (which turned out to be just so much noise, I heard from major news outlets yesterday).

http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/latesh...5633.phtml

What do you think? Where does a maneuver like this leave McCain? Where does it land Letterman, who admitted to Obama that political discussion makes his head hurt?]]> <![CDATA[Bush: "Our economy is in danger"]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7514.html Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:43:29 -0400 Jed K http://www.vqte.com/thread-7514.html -CNN

---

President Bush:

Good evening. This is an extraordinary period for America's economy.

Over the past few weeks, many Americans have felt anxiety about their finances and their future. I understand their worry and their frustration.

We've seen triple-digit swings in the stock market. Major financial institutions have teetered on the edge of collapse, and some have failed. As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending, credit markets have frozen, and families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money.

We're in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action.

We boosted confidence in money market mutual funds and acted to prevent major investors from intentionally driving down stocks for their own personal gain.

Most importantly, my administration is working with Congress to address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets.

Financial assets related to home mortgages have lost value during the house decline, and the banks holding these assets have restricted credit. As a result, our entire economy is in danger.

So I propose that the federal government reduce the risk posed by these troubled assets and supply urgently needed money so banks and other financial institutions can avoid collapse and resume lending.

This rescue effort is not aimed at preserving any individual company or industry. It is aimed at preserving America's overall economy. Video Watch Bush warn of the consequences »

It will help American consumers and businesses get credit to meet their daily needs and create jobs. And it will help send a signal to markets around the world that America's financial system is back on track.

I know many Americans have questions tonight: How did we reach this point in our economy? How will the solution I propose work? And what does this mean for your financial future?

These are good questions, and they deserve clear answers.

First, how did our economy reach this point? Well, most economists agree that the problems we're witnessing today developed over a long period of time. For more than a decade, a massive amount of money flowed into the United States from investors abroad because our country is an attractive and secure place to do business.

This large influx of money to U.S. banks and financial institutions, along with low interest rates, made it easier for Americans to get credit. These developments allowed more families to borrow money for cars, and homes, and college tuition, some for the first time. They allowed more entrepreneurs to get loans to start new businesses and create jobs.

Unfortunately, there were also some serious negative consequences, particularly in the housing market. Easy credit, combined with the faulty assumption that home values would continue to rise, led to excesses and bad decisions.

Many mortgage lenders approved loans for borrowers without carefully examining their ability to pay. Many borrowers took out loans larger than they could afford, assuming that they could sell or refinance their homes at a higher price later on.

Optimism about housing values also led to a boom in home construction. Eventually, the number of new houses exceeded the number of people willing to buy them. And with supply exceeding demand, housing prices fell, and this created a problem.

Borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages, who had been planning to sell or refinance their homes at a higher price, were stuck with homes worth less than expected, along with mortgage payments they could not afford.

As a result, many mortgage-holders began to default. These widespread defaults had effects far beyond the housing market.

See, in today's mortgage industry, home loans are often packaged together and converted into financial products called mortgage-backed securities. These securities were sold to investors around the world.

Many investors assumed these securities were trustworthy and purchasers of mortgage-backed securities were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Because these companies were chartered by Congress, many believed they were guaranteed by the federal government. This allowed them to borrow enormous sums of money, fuel the market for questionable investments, and put our financial system at risk.

The decline in the housing market set off a domino effect across our economy. When home values declined, borrowers defaulted on their mortgages, and investors holding mortgage-backed securities began to incur serious losses.

Before long, these securities became so unreliable that they were not being bought or sold [by] investment banks, such as Bear Stearns and they could not sell. They ran out of money needed to meet their immediate obligations, and they faced imminent collapse.

Other banks found themselves in severe financial trouble. These banks began holding on to their money, and lending dried up, and the gears of the American financial system began grinding to a halt.

With the situation becoming more precarious by the day, I faced a choice, to step in with dramatic government action or to stand back and allow the irresponsible actions of some to undermine the financial security of all.

I'm a strong believer in free enterprise, so my natural instinct is to oppose government intervention. I believe companies that make bad decisions should be allowed to go out of business.

Under normal circumstances, I would have followed this course. But these are not normal circumstances. The market is not functioning properly. There has been a widespread loss of confidence, and major sectors of America's financial system are at risk of shutting down.

The government's top economic experts warn that, without immediate action by Congress, America could slip into a financial panic and a distressing scenario would unfold.

More banks could fail, including some in your community. The stock market would drop even more, which would reduce the value of your retirement account. The value of your home could plummet. Foreclosures would rise dramatically.

And if you own a business or a farm, you would find it harder and more expensive to get credit. More businesses would close their doors, and millions of Americans could lose their jobs.

Even if you have good credit history, it would be more difficult for you to get the loans you need to buy a car or send your children to college. And, ultimately, our country could experience a long and painful recession.

Fellow citizens, we must not let this happen. I appreciate the work of leaders from both parties in both houses of Congress to address this problem and to make improvements to the proposal my administration sent to them.

There is a spirit of cooperation between Democrats and Republicans and between Congress and this administration. In that spirit, I've invited Senators McCain and Obama to join congressional leaders of both parties at the White House tomorrow to help speed our discussions toward a bipartisan bill.

I know that an economic rescue package will present a tough vote for many members of Congress. It is difficult to pass a bill that commits so much of the taxpayers' hard-earned money.

I also understand the frustration of responsible Americans who pay their mortgages on time, file their tax returns every April 15, and are reluctant to pay the cost of excesses on Wall Street.

But given the situation we are facing, not passing a bill now would cost these Americans much more later.

Many Americans are asking, how would a rescue plan work? After much discussion, there's now widespread agreement on the principles such a plan would include.

It would remove the risk posed by the troubled assets, including mortgage-backed securities, now clogging the financial system. This would free banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses.

Any rescue plan should also be designed to ensure that taxpayers are protected. It should welcome the participation of financial institutions, large and small. It should make certain that failed executives do not receive a windfall from your tax dollars.

It should establish a bipartisan board to oversee the plan's implementation, and it should be enacted as soon as possible.

In close consultation with Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and SEC Chairman Chris Cox, I announced a plan on Friday.

First, the plan is big enough to solve a serious problem. Under our proposal, the federal government would put up to $700 billion taxpayer dollars on the line to purchase troubled assets that are clogging the financial system.

In the short term, this will free up banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses, and this will help our economy grow.

Second, as markets have lost confidence in mortgage-backed securities, their prices have dropped sharply, yet the value of many of these assets will likely be higher than their current price, because the vast majority of Americans will ultimately pay off their mortgages.

The government is the one institution with the patience and resources to buy these assets at their current low prices and hold them until markets return to normal.

And when that happens, money will flow back to the Treasury as these assets are sold, and we expect that much, if not all, of the tax dollars we invest will be paid back.

The final question is, what does this mean for your economic future? Well, the primary steps -- purpose of the steps I've outlined tonight is to safeguard the financial security of American workers, and families, and small businesses. The federal government also continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money.

The Treasury Department recently offered government insurance for money market mutual funds. And through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000.

The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit, and this will not change.

Once this crisis is resolved, there will be time to update our financial regulatory structures. Our 21st-century global economy remains regulated largely by outdated 20th-century laws.

Recently, we've seen how one company can grow so large that its failure jeopardizes the entire financial system.

Earlier this year, Secretary Paulson proposed a blueprint that would modernize our financial regulations. For example, the Federal Reserve would be authorized to take a closer look at the operations of companies across the financial spectrum and ensure that their practices do not threaten overall financial stability.

There are other good ideas, and members of Congress should consider them. As they do, they must ensure that efforts to regulate Wall Street do not end up hampering our economy's ability to grow.

In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. Despite corrections in the marketplace and instances of abuse, democratic capitalism is the best system ever devised.

It has unleashed the talents and the productivity and entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. It has made this country the best place in the world to invest and do business. And it gives our economy the flexibility and resilience to absorb shocks, adjust and bounce back.

Our economy is facing a moment of great challenge, but we've overcome tough challenges before, and we will overcome this one.

I know that Americans sometimes get discouraged by the tone in Washington and the seemingly endless partisan struggles, yet history has shown that, in times of real trial, elected officials rise to the occasion.
advertisement

And together we will show the world once again what kind of country America is: a nation that tackles problems head on, where leaders come together to meet great tests, and where people of every background can work hard, develop their talents, and realize their dreams.

Thank you for listening. May God bless you.]]> -CNN

---

President Bush:

Good evening. This is an extraordinary period for America's economy.

Over the past few weeks, many Americans have felt anxiety about their finances and their future. I understand their worry and their frustration.

We've seen triple-digit swings in the stock market. Major financial institutions have teetered on the edge of collapse, and some have failed. As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending, credit markets have frozen, and families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money.

We're in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action.

We boosted confidence in money market mutual funds and acted to prevent major investors from intentionally driving down stocks for their own personal gain.

Most importantly, my administration is working with Congress to address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets.

Financial assets related to home mortgages have lost value during the house decline, and the banks holding these assets have restricted credit. As a result, our entire economy is in danger.

So I propose that the federal government reduce the risk posed by these troubled assets and supply urgently needed money so banks and other financial institutions can avoid collapse and resume lending.

This rescue effort is not aimed at preserving any individual company or industry. It is aimed at preserving America's overall economy. Video Watch Bush warn of the consequences »

It will help American consumers and businesses get credit to meet their daily needs and create jobs. And it will help send a signal to markets around the world that America's financial system is back on track.

I know many Americans have questions tonight: How did we reach this point in our economy? How will the solution I propose work? And what does this mean for your financial future?

These are good questions, and they deserve clear answers.

First, how did our economy reach this point? Well, most economists agree that the problems we're witnessing today developed over a long period of time. For more than a decade, a massive amount of money flowed into the United States from investors abroad because our country is an attractive and secure place to do business.

This large influx of money to U.S. banks and financial institutions, along with low interest rates, made it easier for Americans to get credit. These developments allowed more families to borrow money for cars, and homes, and college tuition, some for the first time. They allowed more entrepreneurs to get loans to start new businesses and create jobs.

Unfortunately, there were also some serious negative consequences, particularly in the housing market. Easy credit, combined with the faulty assumption that home values would continue to rise, led to excesses and bad decisions.

Many mortgage lenders approved loans for borrowers without carefully examining their ability to pay. Many borrowers took out loans larger than they could afford, assuming that they could sell or refinance their homes at a higher price later on.

Optimism about housing values also led to a boom in home construction. Eventually, the number of new houses exceeded the number of people willing to buy them. And with supply exceeding demand, housing prices fell, and this created a problem.

Borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages, who had been planning to sell or refinance their homes at a higher price, were stuck with homes worth less than expected, along with mortgage payments they could not afford.

As a result, many mortgage-holders began to default. These widespread defaults had effects far beyond the housing market.

See, in today's mortgage industry, home loans are often packaged together and converted into financial products called mortgage-backed securities. These securities were sold to investors around the world.

Many investors assumed these securities were trustworthy and purchasers of mortgage-backed securities were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Because these companies were chartered by Congress, many believed they were guaranteed by the federal government. This allowed them to borrow enormous sums of money, fuel the market for questionable investments, and put our financial system at risk.

The decline in the housing market set off a domino effect across our economy. When home values declined, borrowers defaulted on their mortgages, and investors holding mortgage-backed securities began to incur serious losses.

Before long, these securities became so unreliable that they were not being bought or sold [by] investment banks, such as Bear Stearns and they could not sell. They ran out of money needed to meet their immediate obligations, and they faced imminent collapse.

Other banks found themselves in severe financial trouble. These banks began holding on to their money, and lending dried up, and the gears of the American financial system began grinding to a halt.

With the situation becoming more precarious by the day, I faced a choice, to step in with dramatic government action or to stand back and allow the irresponsible actions of some to undermine the financial security of all.

I'm a strong believer in free enterprise, so my natural instinct is to oppose government intervention. I believe companies that make bad decisions should be allowed to go out of business.

Under normal circumstances, I would have followed this course. But these are not normal circumstances. The market is not functioning properly. There has been a widespread loss of confidence, and major sectors of America's financial system are at risk of shutting down.

The government's top economic experts warn that, without immediate action by Congress, America could slip into a financial panic and a distressing scenario would unfold.

More banks could fail, including some in your community. The stock market would drop even more, which would reduce the value of your retirement account. The value of your home could plummet. Foreclosures would rise dramatically.

And if you own a business or a farm, you would find it harder and more expensive to get credit. More businesses would close their doors, and millions of Americans could lose their jobs.

Even if you have good credit history, it would be more difficult for you to get the loans you need to buy a car or send your children to college. And, ultimately, our country could experience a long and painful recession.

Fellow citizens, we must not let this happen. I appreciate the work of leaders from both parties in both houses of Congress to address this problem and to make improvements to the proposal my administration sent to them.

There is a spirit of cooperation between Democrats and Republicans and between Congress and this administration. In that spirit, I've invited Senators McCain and Obama to join congressional leaders of both parties at the White House tomorrow to help speed our discussions toward a bipartisan bill.

I know that an economic rescue package will present a tough vote for many members of Congress. It is difficult to pass a bill that commits so much of the taxpayers' hard-earned money.

I also understand the frustration of responsible Americans who pay their mortgages on time, file their tax returns every April 15, and are reluctant to pay the cost of excesses on Wall Street.

But given the situation we are facing, not passing a bill now would cost these Americans much more later.

Many Americans are asking, how would a rescue plan work? After much discussion, there's now widespread agreement on the principles such a plan would include.

It would remove the risk posed by the troubled assets, including mortgage-backed securities, now clogging the financial system. This would free banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses.

Any rescue plan should also be designed to ensure that taxpayers are protected. It should welcome the participation of financial institutions, large and small. It should make certain that failed executives do not receive a windfall from your tax dollars.

It should establish a bipartisan board to oversee the plan's implementation, and it should be enacted as soon as possible.

In close consultation with Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and SEC Chairman Chris Cox, I announced a plan on Friday.

First, the plan is big enough to solve a serious problem. Under our proposal, the federal government would put up to $700 billion taxpayer dollars on the line to purchase troubled assets that are clogging the financial system.

In the short term, this will free up banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses, and this will help our economy grow.

Second, as markets have lost confidence in mortgage-backed securities, their prices have dropped sharply, yet the value of many of these assets will likely be higher than their current price, because the vast majority of Americans will ultimately pay off their mortgages.

The government is the one institution with the patience and resources to buy these assets at their current low prices and hold them until markets return to normal.

And when that happens, money will flow back to the Treasury as these assets are sold, and we expect that much, if not all, of the tax dollars we invest will be paid back.

The final question is, what does this mean for your economic future? Well, the primary steps -- purpose of the steps I've outlined tonight is to safeguard the financial security of American workers, and families, and small businesses. The federal government also continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money.

The Treasury Department recently offered government insurance for money market mutual funds. And through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000.

The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit, and this will not change.

Once this crisis is resolved, there will be time to update our financial regulatory structures. Our 21st-century global economy remains regulated largely by outdated 20th-century laws.

Recently, we've seen how one company can grow so large that its failure jeopardizes the entire financial system.

Earlier this year, Secretary Paulson proposed a blueprint that would modernize our financial regulations. For example, the Federal Reserve would be authorized to take a closer look at the operations of companies across the financial spectrum and ensure that their practices do not threaten overall financial stability.

There are other good ideas, and members of Congress should consider them. As they do, they must ensure that efforts to regulate Wall Street do not end up hampering our economy's ability to grow.

In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. Despite corrections in the marketplace and instances of abuse, democratic capitalism is the best system ever devised.

It has unleashed the talents and the productivity and entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. It has made this country the best place in the world to invest and do business. And it gives our economy the flexibility and resilience to absorb shocks, adjust and bounce back.

Our economy is facing a moment of great challenge, but we've overcome tough challenges before, and we will overcome this one.

I know that Americans sometimes get discouraged by the tone in Washington and the seemingly endless partisan struggles, yet history has shown that, in times of real trial, elected officials rise to the occasion.
advertisement

And together we will show the world once again what kind of country America is: a nation that tackles problems head on, where leaders come together to meet great tests, and where people of every background can work hard, develop their talents, and realize their dreams.

Thank you for listening. May God bless you.]]> <![CDATA[What ARE they prepared to do?]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7513.html Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:33:44 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7513.html
2) John McCain does not want to debate. He already said he has no strength on fixing the economy but is now going to drop everything and go to Washington to stand next to Barney Frank as he tries to fix it?

YOUR CONCERN ABOUT OUR ECONOMY WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE REAL WHEN YOU WERE A SENATOR WORKING IN WASHINGTON EVERYDAY! AS IN DURING 2007, EARLY 2008.


3) And now Palin is fudging around on disclosing her taxes?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080925/ap_o...n_finances

Note to McCain/Palin:

1) OBAMA GAVE UP HIS FINANCE RECORDS ON REQUEST!

2) The average American can get their W2 and bank records in order within an afternoon at the request of a miscreant in the mortgage finance office.

I want to see the "disorganized" version of the McCain-Palin personal taxes and finances.

NOW! Before GOP lawyers scrub them clean.]]>
2) John McCain does not want to debate. He already said he has no strength on fixing the economy but is now going to drop everything and go to Washington to stand next to Barney Frank as he tries to fix it?

YOUR CONCERN ABOUT OUR ECONOMY WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE REAL WHEN YOU WERE A SENATOR WORKING IN WASHINGTON EVERYDAY! AS IN DURING 2007, EARLY 2008.


3) And now Palin is fudging around on disclosing her taxes?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080925/ap_o...n_finances

Note to McCain/Palin:

1) OBAMA GAVE UP HIS FINANCE RECORDS ON REQUEST!

2) The average American can get their W2 and bank records in order within an afternoon at the request of a miscreant in the mortgage finance office.

I want to see the "disorganized" version of the McCain-Palin personal taxes and finances.

NOW! Before GOP lawyers scrub them clean.]]> <![CDATA[Translation]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7512.html Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:19:53 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7512.html http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/200...-gorgeous/

When the Pakistani President calls Sarah Palin "Gorgeous"?

I see joke, menace, and even a cocky air of disrepect Zadari. Its like the way these guys laugh and ignore Condoleeza Rice when she goes over there.

Palin is not about foreign diplomacy inexperience - she would be an unmitigated DISASTER.]]> http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/200...-gorgeous/

When the Pakistani President calls Sarah Palin "Gorgeous"?

I see joke, menace, and even a cocky air of disrepect Zadari. Its like the way these guys laugh and ignore Condoleeza Rice when she goes over there.

Palin is not about foreign diplomacy inexperience - she would be an unmitigated DISASTER.]]> <![CDATA[Michael Moore's new film is online for free]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7511.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:38:14 -0400 Taopoet http://www.vqte.com/thread-7511.html
Before the 2004 election, I went to see Michael Moore speak at an arena in Seattle. It was his "Slacker Uprising" tour, in which he traveled around the country urging people to vote. He talked about the laziness of America, the complacency of our approach to government. He told us that while liberals fight tooth and nail for every percentage point, the reality is that people who identify as liberals and democrats and populists are by far the vast majority of the country,,, we just can't be counted on to vote. It's a sad commentary on the way we mistreat our right, our duty, to participate in our democracy, which we tout as the greatest democracy on Earth.

Now, Michael Moore is releasing a documentary about the Slacker Uprising tour -- and it's free! 100% free, downloadable online as of midnight tonight (September 23, 2008). Here's what Michael has to say about it, and I invite you to grab a copy of the film and watch it yourself. Me? I can't wait!

See links embedded below or visit the site here: http://slackeruprising.com/

Michael Moore, in an email to his mailing list Wrote:Friends,

This is it. The time has arrived! At midnight tonight, you can be one of the first people ever to legally download, for FREE, a brand new, feature-length film. It's my new movie, "Slacker Uprising," and I'm giving it to you as a gift of thanks for coming to my films over the 20 years I've been a filmmaker.

It's also one of my contributions to help get out the vote November 4th. That's why I'm giving you my blanket permission to not only download it, but also to email it, burn it, and share it with anyone and everyone (in the U.S. and Canada only). I want you to use "Slacker Uprising" in any way you see fit to help with the election or to do the work that you do in your community. You can show my film in your local theater, your high school classroom, your college auditorium, your church, union hall or community center. You can have your friends and neighbors over to the house for a viewing. You can broadcast it on TV, on cable access, on regular channels or on the web. It's completely free -- I don't want to see a dime from this. And if you want, you can charge admission or ask for a donation if it's to raise money for a candidate, a voter drive, or for any non-profit or educational purpose. In other words -- it's yours!

"Slacker Uprising" chronicles the 62-city tour I did leading up to the 2004 election. It is electrifying to see the tens of thousands of young people who were ready then for the uprising -- and who, this year, are actually making it happen. This is my concert film tribute to the young voters who are going to save this country from four more years of Republican rule.

There are a number of ways, beginning at midnight tonight, that you can download or stream "Slacker Uprising" thanks to our distributor, Brave New Films:

1) Blip.tv will provide standard resolution streaming, free of commercials and advertising.
2) Amazon Video on Demand will provide a high quality version of the above stream.
3) iTunes will make it easy for you to download "Slacker Uprising" on your iTunes, iPod, or Apple TV, and view it there or transmit it to your television. This way, the film can be portable as well as for home viewing.
4) Hypernia is providing bandwidth, servers and management to host "Slacker Uprising" online, so you can download the film and view it at any time or burn it onto a DVD.

I'm planning to watch the film tomorrow night, and I'll pass along the message about its availability to my friends and neighbors who are as frustrated with voter apathy as I am. Then, I'll come back here and talk about it. I hope some of you will watch it and return to discuss, as well. Highfive]]>
Before the 2004 election, I went to see Michael Moore speak at an arena in Seattle. It was his "Slacker Uprising" tour, in which he traveled around the country urging people to vote. He talked about the laziness of America, the complacency of our approach to government. He told us that while liberals fight tooth and nail for every percentage point, the reality is that people who identify as liberals and democrats and populists are by far the vast majority of the country,,, we just can't be counted on to vote. It's a sad commentary on the way we mistreat our right, our duty, to participate in our democracy, which we tout as the greatest democracy on Earth.

Now, Michael Moore is releasing a documentary about the Slacker Uprising tour -- and it's free! 100% free, downloadable online as of midnight tonight (September 23, 2008). Here's what Michael has to say about it, and I invite you to grab a copy of the film and watch it yourself. Me? I can't wait!

See links embedded below or visit the site here: http://slackeruprising.com/

Michael Moore, in an email to his mailing list Wrote:Friends,

This is it. The time has arrived! At midnight tonight, you can be one of the first people ever to legally download, for FREE, a brand new, feature-length film. It's my new movie, "Slacker Uprising," and I'm giving it to you as a gift of thanks for coming to my films over the 20 years I've been a filmmaker.

It's also one of my contributions to help get out the vote November 4th. That's why I'm giving you my blanket permission to not only download it, but also to email it, burn it, and share it with anyone and everyone (in the U.S. and Canada only). I want you to use "Slacker Uprising" in any way you see fit to help with the election or to do the work that you do in your community. You can show my film in your local theater, your high school classroom, your college auditorium, your church, union hall or community center. You can have your friends and neighbors over to the house for a viewing. You can broadcast it on TV, on cable access, on regular channels or on the web. It's completely free -- I don't want to see a dime from this. And if you want, you can charge admission or ask for a donation if it's to raise money for a candidate, a voter drive, or for any non-profit or educational purpose. In other words -- it's yours!

"Slacker Uprising" chronicles the 62-city tour I did leading up to the 2004 election. It is electrifying to see the tens of thousands of young people who were ready then for the uprising -- and who, this year, are actually making it happen. This is my concert film tribute to the young voters who are going to save this country from four more years of Republican rule.

There are a number of ways, beginning at midnight tonight, that you can download or stream "Slacker Uprising" thanks to our distributor, Brave New Films:

1) Blip.tv will provide standard resolution streaming, free of commercials and advertising.
2) Amazon Video on Demand will provide a high quality version of the above stream.
3) iTunes will make it easy for you to download "Slacker Uprising" on your iTunes, iPod, or Apple TV, and view it there or transmit it to your television. This way, the film can be portable as well as for home viewing.
4) Hypernia is providing bandwidth, servers and management to host "Slacker Uprising" online, so you can download the film and view it at any time or burn it onto a DVD.

I'm planning to watch the film tomorrow night, and I'll pass along the message about its availability to my friends and neighbors who are as frustrated with voter apathy as I am. Then, I'll come back here and talk about it. I hope some of you will watch it and return to discuss, as well. Highfive]]> <![CDATA[Promotional ideas?]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7510.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:10:33 -0400 Jed K http://www.vqte.com/thread-7510.html
There is also a 468x60 banner for your use on other message boards and/or your own sites located @ http://www.vqte.com/thread-7160.html

If you have any additional ideas don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks.]]>
There is also a 468x60 banner for your use on other message boards and/or your own sites located @ http://www.vqte.com/thread-7160.html

If you have any additional ideas don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks.]]> <![CDATA[The unlikeliest of the unregistered]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7509.html Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:11:41 -0400 pallas_m http://www.vqte.com/thread-7509.html
Gallup says they do the following. Poll only those who are currently registered and then only count the one's who are "likely" to vote where "likely" is determined by a battery of questions Gallup has designed.

Uh huh.

This is grassroots movement time people. Between now (as of this minute) and the election do us all a favor and find 2-3 "unlikely and unregistered" folks and get them to vote.

Do whatever it takes.

Remember the "unlikely and the unregistered" represent that 45% of AMERICA WHO COULD VOTE BUT DO NOT.

The unlikeliest of the unregistered need CHANGE the most and in this election the rest of us registered likely voters are right there with them. The GOP knows the thirst for change and so are putting the wolf of banking-military status quo in a sheeps clothing of change. Don't be fooled. McCain and Palin are controlled by the Oil Industry. They chanted "Drill baby drill" at their convention.

Keep your eyes open locally. In my local area it is only the Obama people who are working voter registration. Why? The GOP won't touch it. They win or get close enough to manipulate (Add the 2000 election to your "we will never forget" list) based on status quo currently registered voters.

I am thinking tonight about the unlikeliest of the unregistered voters who don't get to make a blip on CNN's "Poll of Polls" or the election.

Reminds me of those folks talked about in a poem I read a long time ago:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"]]>
Gallup says they do the following. Poll only those who are currently registered and then only count the one's who are "likely" to vote where "likely" is determined by a battery of questions Gallup has designed.

Uh huh.

This is grassroots movement time people. Between now (as of this minute) and the election do us all a favor and find 2-3 "unlikely and unregistered" folks and get them to vote.

Do whatever it takes.

Remember the "unlikely and the unregistered" represent that 45% of AMERICA WHO COULD VOTE BUT DO NOT.

The unlikeliest of the unregistered need CHANGE the most and in this election the rest of us registered likely voters are right there with them. The GOP knows the thirst for change and so are putting the wolf of banking-military status quo in a sheeps clothing of change. Don't be fooled. McCain and Palin are controlled by the Oil Industry. They chanted "Drill baby drill" at their convention.

Keep your eyes open locally. In my local area it is only the Obama people who are working voter registration. Why? The GOP won't touch it. They win or get close enough to manipulate (Add the 2000 election to your "we will never forget" list) based on status quo currently registered voters.

I am thinking tonight about the unlikeliest of the unregistered voters who don't get to make a blip on CNN's "Poll of Polls" or the election.

Reminds me of those folks talked about in a poem I read a long time ago:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"]]> <![CDATA[University of Arizona teen stabbed 23 times...]]> http://www.vqte.com/thread-7508.html Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:41:38 -0400 Jed K http://www.vqte.com/thread-7508.html http://edition.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/09/19/...index.html

There is so much hate in this world. I really worry sometimes.]]> http://edition.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/09/19/...index.html

There is so much hate in this world. I really worry sometimes.]]>