Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Governor Huckabee shares his holiday greeting on what really matters this Christmas season.



Whats your opinion on this message from Governor Huckabee.
In the midst of campaigning for the Republican Presidential nomination,
the former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, is rising in the polls.
Does he have a shot at winning the Republican nomination?

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Ky. Gov. Fletcher Loses Race To Democrat

We Kentuckians are not easily fooled.
Looks like Moses showed up a little to late at the KY. State Capitol.
Sorry Ernie, Kentuckians don't fall for those last ditch theatrics.

Friday, September 14, 2007

President George Bush Speech on Iraq: Full Text (9-13-2007)

Bush Iraq speech: Full text
US President George W Bush has announced plans for a partial withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. The following is the full text of his televised address:

Good evening. In the life of all free nations, there come moments that decide the direction of a country and reveal the character of its people. We are now at such a moment.

George W Bush delivers TV address from Oval Office
President Bush said success was vital
In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival. Terrorists and extremists who are at war with us around the world are seeking to topple Iraq's government, dominate the region, and attack us here at home.

If Iraq's young democracy can turn back these enemies, it will mean a more hopeful Middle East and a more secure America.


Our success... now allows us to begin bringing some of our troops home

This ally has placed its trust in the United States. And tonight, our moral and strategic imperatives are one. We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its future and also threaten ours.

Eight months ago, we adopted a new strategy to meet that objective, including a surge in U.S. forces that reached full strength in June. This week, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testified before Congress about how that strategy is progressing. In their testimony, these men made clear that our challenge in Iraq is formidable.

Yet they concluded that conditions in Iraq are improving, that we are seizing the initiative from the enemy and that the troop surge is working.

'Diplomatic surge'

The premise of our strategy is that securing the Iraqi population is the foundation for all other progress. For Iraqis to bridge sectarian divides, they need to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.


We kept the pressure on the terrorists
For lasting reconciliation to take root, Iraqis must feel confident that they do not need sectarian gangs for security. The goal of the surge is to provide that security and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain it.

As I will explain tonight, our success in meeting these objectives now allows us to begin bringing some of our troops home.

Since the surge was announced in January, it has moved through several phases. First was the flow of additional troops into Iraq, especially Baghdad and Anbar province. Once these forces were in place, our commanders launched a series of offensive operations to drive terrorists and militias out of their strongholds.

Finally, in areas that have been cleared, we are surging diplomatic and civilian resources to ensure that military progress is quickly followed up with real improvements in daily life.

'Return to normal'

Anbar province is a good example of how our strategy is working.

Last year, an intelligence report concluded that Anbar had been lost to al-Qaeda. Some cited this report as evidence that we had failed in Iraq and should cut our losses and pull out.


The changes in Anbar show all Iraqis what becomes possible

Instead, we kept the pressure on the terrorists. The local people were suffering under the Taleban-like rule of al-Qaeda, and they were sick of it. So they asked us for help.

To take advantage of this opportunity, I sent an additional 4,000 marines to Anbar as part of the surge. Together, local sheikhs, Iraqi forces, and coalition troops drove the terrorists from the capital of Ramadi and other population centres.

Today, a city where al-Qaeda once planted its flag is beginning to return to normal. Anbar citizens who once feared beheading for talking to an American or Iraqi soldier now come forward to tell us where the terrorists are hiding.

Young Sunnis who once joined the insurgency are now joining the army and police. And with the help of our provincial reconstruction teams, new jobs are being created and local governments are meeting again.

'A decent life'

These developments do not often make the headlines, but they do make a difference.

During my visit to Anbar on Labor Day, local Sunni leaders thanked me for America's support. They pledged they would never allow al-Qaeda to return. And they told me they now see a place for their people in a democratic Iraq.

The Sunni governor of Anbar province put it this way: "Our tomorrow starts today."

The changes in Anbar show all Iraqis what becomes possible when extremists are driven out.

They show al-Qaeda that it cannot count on popular support, even in a province its leaders once declared their home base. And they show the world that ordinary people in the Middle East want the same things for their children that we want for ours - a decent life and a peaceful future.

'Success replicated'

In Anbar, the enemy remains active and deadly.


Ordinary life is beginning to return

Earlier today, one of the brave tribal sheikhs who helped lead the revolt against al-Qaeda was murdered.

In response, a fellow Sunni leader declared: "We are determined to strike back and continue our work."

And as they do, they can count on the continued support of the United States.

Throughout Iraq, too many citizens are being killed by terrorists and death squads. And for most Iraqis, the quality of life is far from where it should be.

Yet General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker report that the success in Anbar is beginning to be replicated in other parts of the country.

'Killings down'

One year ago, much of Baghdad was under siege. Schools were closed, markets were shuttered, and sectarian violence was spiralling out of control.

Today, most of Baghdad's neighbourhoods are being patrolled by coalition and Iraqi forces who live among the people they protect. Many schools and markets are reopening.


Iraq's national leaders are getting some things done

Citizens are coming forward with vital intelligence. Sectarian killings are down. And ordinary life is beginning to return.

One year ago, much of Diyala province was a sanctuary for al-Qaeda and other extremist groups, and its capital of Baqubah was emerging as an al-Qaeda stronghold.

Today, Baqubah is cleared. Diyala province is the site of a growing popular uprising against the extremists. And some local tribes are working alongside coalition and Iraqi forces to clear out the enemy and reclaim their communities.

One year ago, Shia extremists and Iranian-backed militants were gaining strength and targeting Sunnis for assassination.

Today, these groups are being broken up and many of their leaders are being captured or killed.

'Getting things done'

These gains are a tribute to our military, they are a tribute to the courage of the Iraqi security forces and they are a tribute to an Iraqi government that has decided to take on the extremists.

Now the Iraqi government must bring the same determination to achieving reconciliation. This is an enormous undertaking after more than three decades of tyranny and division.

The government has not met its own legislative benchmarks and in my meetings with Iraqi leaders, I have made it clear that they must.

Yet Iraq's national leaders are getting some things done.

For example, they have passed a budget. They are sharing oil revenues with the provinces. They are allowing former Baathists to rejoin Iraq's military or receive government pensions.

And local reconciliation is taking place. The key now is to link this progress in the provinces to progress in Baghdad. As local politics change, so will national politics.

'Increased co-operation'

Our troops in Iraq are performing brilliantly.


As terrorists are defeated, civil society takes root

Along with Iraqi forces, they have captured or killed an average of more than 1,500 enemy fighters per month since January.

Yet ultimately, the way forward depends on the ability of Iraqis to maintain security gains. According to General Petraeus and a panel chaired by retired General Jim Jones, the Iraqi army is becoming more capable, although there is still a great deal of work to be done to improve the national police.

Iraqi forces are receiving increased co-operation from local populations. And this is improving their ability to hold areas that have been cleared.

Five-brigade reduction

Because of this success, General Petraeus believes we have now reached the point where we can maintain our security gains with fewer American forces.

He has recommended that we not replace about 2,200 marines scheduled to leave Anbar province later this month.

In addition, he says it will soon be possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas.

And he expects that by July, we will be able to reduce our troop levels in Iraq from 20 combat brigades to 15.

Training plan

General Petraeus also recommends that in December, we begin transitioning to the next phase of our strategy in Iraq.

As terrorists are defeated, civil society takes root, and the Iraqis assume more control over their own security, our mission in Iraq will evolve.

Over time, our troops will shift from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and eventually to overwatching those forces.


The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is 'return on success'

As this transition in our mission takes place, our troops will focus on a more limited set of tasks, including counterterrorism operations and training, equipping, and supporting Iraqi forces.

I have consulted with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other members of my national security team, Iraqi officials, and leaders of both parties in Congress.

I have benefited from their advice, and I have accepted General Petraeus' recommendations.

I have directed General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to update their joint campaign plan for Iraq so we can adjust our military and civilian resources accordingly.

I have also directed them to deliver another report to Congress in March.

At that time, they will provide a fresh assessment of the situation in Iraq and of the troop levels and resources we need to meet our national security objectives.

'Return on success'

The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is "return on success".

The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home.


The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States

And in all we do, I will ensure that our commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to defeat the enemy.

Americans want our country to be safe and our troops to begin coming home from Iraq. Yet those of us who believe success in Iraq is essential to our security, and those who believe we should bring our troops home, have been at odds.

Now, because of the measure of success we are seeing in Iraq, we can begin seeing troops come home.

'Enduring relationship'

The way forward I have described tonight makes it possible, for the first time in years, for people who have been on opposite sides of this difficult debate to come together.

This vision for a reduced American presence also has the support of Iraqi leaders from all communities.

At the same time, they understand that their success will require US political, economic, and security engagement that extends beyond my presidency.

These Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we are ready to begin building that relationship in a way that protects our interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops.

'We must succeed'

The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States.


America has a vital interest in preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East

A free Iraq will deny al-Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will counter the destructive ambitions of Iran. A free Iraq will marginalize extremists, unleash the talent of its people, and be an anchor of stability in the region.

A free Iraq will set an example for people across the Middle East. A free Iraq will be our partner in the fight against terror and that will make us safer here at home.

Realizing this vision will be difficult, but it is achievable. Our military commanders believe we can succeed. Our diplomats believe we can succeed. And for the safety of future generations of Americans, we must succeed.

'Humanitarian nightmare'

If we were to be driven out of Iraq, extremists of all strains would be emboldened.

Al-Qaeda could gain new recruits and new sanctuaries.

Iran would benefit from the chaos and would be encouraged in its efforts to gain nuclear weapons and dominate the region.

Extremists could control a key part of the global energy supply. Iraq could face a humanitarian nightmare.

Democracy movements would be violently reversed. We would leave our children to face a far more dangerous world.

And as we saw on September 11 2001, those dangers can reach our cities and kill our people.

Whatever political party you belong to, whatever your position on Iraq, we should be able to agree that America has a vital interest in preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East.

We should be able to agree that we must defeat al-Qaeda, counter Iran, help the Afghan government, work for peace in the Holy Land, and strengthen our military so we can prevail in the struggle against terrorists and extremists.

Message to Congress

So tonight I want to speak to members of the United States Congress: Let us come together on a policy of strength in the Middle East.

I thank you for providing crucial funds and resources for our military. And I ask you to join me in supporting the recommendations General Petraeus has made and the troop levels he has asked for.


We encourage all nations to help

To the Iraqi people: You have voted for freedom, and now you are liberating your country from terrorists and death squads.

You must demand that your leaders make the tough choices needed to achieve reconciliation. As you do, have confidence that America does not abandon our friends, and we will not abandon you.

To Iraq's neighbours who seek peace: The violent extremists who target Iraq are also targeting you.

The best way to secure your interests and protect your own people is to stand with the people of Iraq. That means using your economic and diplomatic leverage to strengthen the government in Baghdad.

And it means the efforts by Iran and Syria to undermine that government must end.

To the international community: The success of a free Iraq matters to every civilized nation. We thank the 36 nations who have troops on the ground in Iraq and the many others who are helping that young democracy.

We encourage all nations to help, by implementing the international compact to revitalize Iraq's economy, by participating in the neighbours conferences to boost cooperation and overcome differences in the region, and by supporting the new and expanded mission of the United Nations in Iraq.

'Extraordinary sacrifices'

To our military personnel, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilians on the frontlines in Iraq: You have done everything America has asked of you. And the progress I have reported tonight is in large part because of your courage and hard effort.

You are serving far from home. Our nation is grateful for your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of your families.

Earlier this year, I received an e-mail from the family of Army Specialist Brandon Stout of Michigan. Brandon volunteered for the National Guard and was killed while serving in Baghdad.

His family has suffered greatly. Yet in their sorrow, they see larger purpose.

His wife, Audrey, says that Brandon felt called to serve and knew what he was fighting for. And his parents, Tracy and Jeff, wrote me this: "We believe this is a war of good and evil and we must win even if it cost the life of our own son. Freedom is not free."

This country is blessed to have Americans like Brandon Stout, who make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe from harm.

They are doing so in a fight that is just, and right, and necessary. And now it falls to us to finish the work they have begun.

Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al-Qaeda. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win.

Good night, and God bless America.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

What's Hot !: John Edwards - Post-Debate Webcast (The Real Issues)

What's Hot !: John Edwards - Post-Debate Webcast (The Real Issues)

John Edwards - Post-Debate Webcast (The Real Issues)

John Edwards - Standing with Organized Labor

This video will make you proud to be an American.
John Edwards is good for America and is
not afraid to take a stand!

Fighting for One America - Q&A: Character & Integrity

Health Care - John Edwards

Edwards Iowa Bus Tour Begins

EDWARDS 2008 He's Hot!

Seven-Day Trip Will Take Edwards'
Message of Bold Change
to 30 Counties and the Iowa State Fair
Des Moines, Iowa – John Edwards will kick off a week-long bus tour across Iowa on August 13, 2007, stopping in 30 counties and meeting with thousands of caucus goers. The 2007 "Fighting for One America" bus tour will take Edwards from the Iowa State Fair to town hall meetings and community gatherings across the state, culminating in the August 19th Democratic Presidential Debate at Drake University.
"I'm looking forward to this trip and talking with Iowans about our fight to build One America — an America where everyone has a chance to get ahead and where the needs of regular Americans come before the needs of powerful special interests," Edwards said. "This will be a great opportunity to meet with Iowans from across the state and share with them my vision for bold change in America."
During the 7-day tour, Edwards will once again drive the Democratic agenda by leading with bold vision and transformational ideas, including discussions of his specific plans to fight for real change in Iowa and all across America.
The route and communities Edwards will visit are listed below.

"Fighting for One America" Bus Tour Day 1 - MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007Des MoinesPerryJeffersonCarrollDenisonOnawa
"Fighting for One America" Bus Tour Day 2 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007Sioux CityIda GroveRockwell CityPocahontasClarionClear Lake
"Fighting for One America" Bus Tour Day 3 - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007ManlyOsageCharles CityWaterlooWaverly
"Fighting for One America" Bus Tour Day 4 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2007Grundy CenterAmesDes MoinesOskaloosaOttumwa
"Fighting for One America" Bus Tour Day 5 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2007CentervilleBloomfieldKeokukBurlingtonWapelloIowa City
"Fighting for One America" Bus Tour Day 6 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007DubuqueDavenportCedar Rapids
"Fighting for One America" Bus Tour Day 7 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2007Des
Moines

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Citizentube from YouTube is Hot!

Introducing Citizentube

What issue matters most to you? What do you think about the politics of your neighborhood, your district, your state, your province, your country…your world? And what are you going to do about it?

This week we're launching Citizentube, a channel designed to explore these questions and inspire more. As YouTube's political video blog, Citizentube's mission is to add fuel to the revolution that is YouTube politics.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Apple's iPhone

The iPhone from Apple is all that it is crack up to be.
This phone will change the way we think of phones forever.

Friday, June 29, 2007

IPHONE

The new iphone is amazing!
Watch this video to learn all about iphone...
It's Hot!


Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Immigration Bill

Boxer's vote switch helps revive immigration bill
San Francisco Chronicle - 44 minutes ago
(06-27) 04:00 PDT Washington -- The Senate's mammoth immigration overhaul was resurrected Tuesday in a big test vote -- aided by a reversal by California Sen. Barbara Boxer -- but the strange alliance of business, unions and ethnic groups supporting ...
Immigration bill passes major hurdle Bridgeton News
Immigration and the GOP Wall Street Journal
The Ledger - New York Times - Reuters - SI.com

Philadelphia Daily News

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Funny Bush

Stop the WAR!

War a new Low!

Poll: War support at new low

Poll: War support at new low

Public support for the war in Iraq has fallen to a new low and Republican support is beginning to waver, a poll published Tuesday found. In the latest CNN-Opinion Research Corporation poll, 69 percent of those polled believe things are going badly in Iraq, and anti-war sentiment among Republican poll respondents has suddenly increased.

Bush prompts rare 'what-he-meant-to say' e-mail

Last update: June 26, 2007 – 10:05 PM

At every opportunity, President Bush has said -- emphatically -- that the legislation he favors to overhaul the nation's immigration laws does not provide amnesty to those who are in the United States illegally.

On Tuesday morning, he said it did -- and his comment prompted a rare acknowledgment from the White House that the president had made a mistake. Speaking to government officials and others in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next door to the White House, Bush said: "You know, I've heard all the rhetoric -- you've heard it, too -- about how this is amnesty. Amnesty means that you've got to pay a price for having been here illegally, and this bill does that."

What? It provides amnesty? That's what the president's critics have been saying all along.

Bush's words began to light up the blogosphere just as the Senate was about to vote on moving ahead with the legislation. As soon as it became clear the errant language was making news, the White House press office moved to tamp down the mini-furor. Spokesman Tony Snow dispatched a "what-the-president-meant-to-say" e-mail to reporters, stating the obvious: "Today, in speaking about comprehensive immigration reform, President Bush misspoke."

Repeating the president's words, Snow added: "This has been construed as an assertion that comprehensive immigration before the Senate offers amnesty to immigrants who came here illegally. That is the exact opposite of the president's long-held and often-stated position."

Indeed, at least 18 times in the past two months Bush has spoken publicly about the legislation, noting each time that, in his view, it would not grant amnesty. As recently as Saturday, Bush made that point, saying the legislation would resolve the status of the estimated 12 million people here illegally. "Under this bill, these workers will be given an opportunity to get right with the law. This is not amnesty. There will be penalties for those who come out of the shadows," the president said. On Tuesday, he got it backward.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

GOP Skepticism On Iraq Growing

Key Senators Urge Reduction in Troops

Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, June 27, 2007; Page A01

Key Republican senators, signaling increasing GOP skepticism about President Bush's strategy in Iraq, have called for a reduction in U.S. forces and launched preemptive efforts to counter a much-awaited administration progress report due in September.

In an unannounced speech on the Senate floor Monday night, Sen. Richard G. Lugar (Ind.), the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, said the U.S. military escalation begun in the spring has "very limited" prospects for success. He called on Bush to begin reducing U.S. forces. "We don't owe the president our unquestioning agreement," Lugar said.



In seeking a reduction of U.S. forces into a support role in Iraq, Sen. Richard Lugar (R) said President Bush and his team
In seeking a reduction of U.S. forces into a support role in Iraq, Sen. Richard Lugar (R) said President Bush and his team "must come to grips" with reality. (By Lauren Victoria Burke -- Associated Press)

Friday, June 15, 2007

What will you ask the presidential candidates?


Search
What will you ask the presidential candidates?

* Be original -- choose your own approach.
* Be personal -- your perspective is important.
* Choose your focus -- you can address one or all of the candidates.
* Keep it quick -- your question should be less than 30 seconds.
* Make it look good -- speak loudly and keep that camera steady.
* Provide context -- in your question or video description, include your name & home town.
* Please note -- all videos are subject to the YouTube Terms of Use.

Turn your question into a video and you could
see it broadcast and answered on live TV!

This summer and fall, YouTube, CNN and a few engaged and engaging citizens will make political history by having the presidential candidates answer questions submitted via YouTube videos.

The first debate will feature the Democratic candidates on July 23rd in Charleston, South Carolina. Submit your question for the Democrats between June 14 and July 22 (the earlier the better). The CNN political team will choose the most creative and compelling videos, and if yours is one of them, you may get the chance to fly to Charleston to watch the debate live and offer your reactions afterward on YouTube's political video blog, Citizentube.
So if you've always wanted your voice to be heard, now's your chance -- grab a camera and get rolling.
enter




© 2007 YouTube, Inc.

MSNBC Politics and The WEB

Thursday, June 14, 2007

MUSIC ("I got a crush on OBAMA")

Learn Guitar for Free on YouTube

Learning Guitar for Free (for Now) on YouTube

Listen to this story... by Frank Langfitt

Justin Sandercoe plays a B minor bar chord in a video teaching how to play a Coldplay song.

What's That Chord? Justin Sandercoe plays a B minor bar chord in a video teaching how to play the Coldplay song "Trouble."

A Video Mrs. Obama Might Not Want to Watch

A Video Mrs. Obama Might Not Want to Watch

The most risque thing I had ever seen in politics -- until today -- was when a candidate for Liberal Party leader in Nova Scotia had a bevy of girls dressed a la Robert Palmer's video for "Addicted to Love" standing behind him, complete with fake guitars, during his speech to the convention. He lost.

But now he's got some competition: Obama Girl, a rather comely young woman singing in this YouTube video about her love for Barack Obama in a way that leaves little about her intentions to the imagination.

If I ever ran for politics and somebody made a video like this about me, I don't think I would ever let my significant other see it.

BarelyPolitical.com also offers some, er, interesting deleted shots from the video. Obama Girl even has her own MySpace page and blog ... of course.

But Obama Girl is just make-believe, a gimmick. ABC News reports that the song was performed by Leah Kauffman, a student at Temple University in Philadelphia, who wrote the lyrics with advertising executive Ben Relles and the music with Rick Friedrich. Actress and model Amber Lee Ettinger lip-synched for the video.

As Frank James observes at The Swamp, just imagine if YouTube had been around in the days of John Kennedy and Bill Clinton's presidencies.

Spotlight on Barack Obama



Click here to find out more!

Barack Obama YouTube Spotlight


OXmedia (It's Hot)

OXmedia What's Hot!

"I Got a Crush...On Obama"

By Obama Girl