Obama takes on McCain's jabs about Ayers

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

The tale is true.  Names were changed to protect the innocent.

Last evening Mister Gregory had a chance to speak to Mister Fairbanks of the issue.  "Who is Barack Obama?"  Barry thought he might introduce the topic delicately.  The two men were in a car together.  They had traveled across the country to meet with school Principals, Superintendents, and other professional educators.  The hour was late, and dinner was on the agenda.

As the gents drove to the restaurant, Barry began the conversation; "Just as Barack Obama might not have known Bill Ayers background, who would think someone in this car was a member of SDS, Students for a Democratic Society?"  Sean smiled and quickly replied, "I would."  He then revealed that he was in fact a member of the largest and most influential radical student organization of the 1960s.  The devout Republican, a man who might represent the Corporate Class belonged to an organization, which was "initially concerned with equality, economic justice, peace, and participatory democracy."  Sean recounted stories.  He told tales of his participation in anti-war protests.  Mister Fairbanks helped to close his college.  Sean showed "determined resistance," he was a radical, a rebel.  He could be considered a less visible, and less violent, Bill Ayers.

Palin, Biden on Roe versus Wade

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Some have become decidedly lax as they reflect on the Presidential election.  A few presumed to be excited by the polls.  Barack Obama has pulled ahead, ever so slightly.  Progressives play with the numbers and feel a sense of exuberance.  Frequently, Democrats and Independents who lean "Left" fail to recall; complacency will not increase the vote count.  Sarah Palin has come far in her career.  Often, in the past, she has shown herself to be a competent challenger.  Sarah Palin is a formidable force.

Sarah Palin Interview with CBS News' Katie Couric- Day 1

Sarah Palin Interview with CBS News' Katie Couric- Day 2

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Americans each have an opinion on Sarah Palin.  The Alaskan Governor has been the topic of conversation for weeks.  The Press pours over her record.  Average Americans read.  Some say she is sensational.  Sarah Palin has sizzle.  Many hockey Moms relate to the woman who worked her way up.  Governor Palin has cracked the glass ceiling.  She has become a celebrity of sorts.  

Several scorn the lovely lady.  Others imitate the daughter of Eve.  No one disputes, Sarah Palin has style.  Yet, few have the opportunity to make an informed judgment.  Less are able chat one-on-one with the Republican Vice Presidential nominee.  Fortunately, two did.  First Lady Laura Bush shares her thoughts after a conversation with Palin.  ABC News Anchor, Katie Couric offers an objective view.  Only a read from interviews with Ms Bush or Ms Couric reveals what each might think.  Please peruse the reflections and dear reader, decide for yourself.  Who might Sarah Palin be to you.

Brutal

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund asks each of us to consider our values and the ethics of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.  Environmental experts also join these protectors of the natural world when they inquire, would we rather have science survive or the ideology of a singular prominent person, Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin.  A woman who could potentially be a heartbeat away from the presidency holds dear a practice that might cause some to cry or cry out.  Governor Palin, as an elected official, a churchgoer, and as a citizen promotes her personal fondness for aerial wolf and bear hunts.  

Temple

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat the cry is the same, "We want change!"  For well over a year Americans have heard the words.  Barack Obama is "The change we can believe in."  Currently, the cry is McCain is the change candidate, and certainly, he is.  This Presidential aspirant, a celebrated "maverick," has altered the conversation and transformed his candidacy.  More than once, the media counted the former prisoner of war, John McCain, down and out; yet, the Arizona Senator rose as a Phoenix from the flames.  Many Americans trust that the formidable fellow who fought for his country with blood, sweat, and tears is the best person to serve as President of the United States.

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Once more Cable News Network hosted a Democratic Debate.  I cannot begin to express how I felt about the exchange or the analysis that ensued.  Anderson Cooper, who in an earlier Democratic Debate expressed his disdain for Dennis Kucinich, helped to assess the performances in a program that followed the main event.  Two pundits, James Carville a political consultant to Bill and now Hillary Clinton and David Gergen, counsel to President Clinton shared their "objective" views  on the candidates.  Interestingly, Journalist John Roberts divulged that in Nevada, and perhaps in the hall, fifty-one percent of the Democratic voters support Senator Clinton.  

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Sit down my child and you shall hear the tale I tell of what was once revered.  I know you are sleepy and need your rest.  Perhaps, this parable will be the best anecdote for a body too busy to slumber.  Close your eyes and count the sheep, as I whisper words that might make you weep.  The fable is horrific, as most fantasies are.  Nonetheless, my hope is the narrative will bestow great wisdom.  When we contemplate the harsh realities of life we learn lessons.  There are principles to digest, my darling.  Too few discover; too many forget.

Once upon a time, on the morning of October 4, 2007, The New York Times reported, the United States government endorsed the use of severe and cruel methods during interrogation.  The decision was delivered in secret.  

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

In Iraq, the war is waged.  Bombs and bullet soar overhead.  Often a missile lands, a mine explodes, and people perish.  Daily life in the Persian Gulf life is perilous.  I claim to care, and in actuality, I do, deeply.  However, a casual observer would never know.  I live well with the knowledge that those in Iraq die daily in heart, mind, body, and soul.  The contrast between the quality of my life and the life of those in the Middle East haunts me.

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Health care is in the news again.  This week, Senator, and Presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton proposed the latest cure for what ails this country.  Clinton declared medical insurance must be mandatory.  Under her plan, all Americans will be covered.  Days later, President George W. Bush spoke of how he believes we can best heal the ills of impoverished children in this country.  Mister Bush proclaimed parents must pay for the care of their progeny.  The medical system must remain in the hands of private industry.  There are no handouts here.  If Moms and Dads have income, they must provide for their children.  While the plans may seem drastically different, they are very similar.  

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

On this auspicious occasion, the nominee for America's Attorney General is announced, I cannot help but notice the lack of enthusiasm in the voice of the President of the United States.  As the George W. Bush introduced Michael B. Mukasey, it was obvious, he felt no connection to the man he met for the first time only weeks ago.  

George W. Bush solemnly noted with little passion the "remarkable" record of the man that stood before him and the nation.  Expressionless,  the President apathetically proclaimed the Judge brings impressive credentials to the office of Attorney General.  Mister Bush selected a candidate that was able to assure allies and appease foes.

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

The mantra may be "teach tolerance."  Yet, we teach our children intolerance.  In America, we see Historic Reversals, [and] Accelerating Resegregation, so says a report released in August 2007.  This study, conducted by Gary Orfield and Chungmei Lee, of the Civil Rights Project, University of California, Los Angeles documents what is evident throughout the country; racism is alive and well in America.  Indeed, racial discrimination grows stronger each and every day.  The most recent Supreme Court decision, handed down in June 2007, endorsed further racial divides.  Parents Involved in Community Schools versus Seattle School District Number 1 et al, sanctions school segregation.  For the most part, parents and the population at-large embrace this ruling.

Each evening I go to sleep and hope that in the morning when I awake, the nightmare will be over.  I am unsure whether it has been days, weeks, months, or years since I felt as though there was reason to expect all would be well.  I contemplate the plight of many, and my heart bleeds.  I wonder; can we say we live for the Seventh Generation or must we accept that our progeny will not survive.  

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Again, I stood alone on the corner, as I had for months.  My intent was as it has been for years; I seek to achieve world peace.  However, after a short while I realized, today was like no other.  I received the usual smiles and signals of serenity; nonetheless, the number of shuns, shrieks, and screams were as they had never been before.  I held the same sign that I embrace each Saturday.  The words "Love Not War!" are displayed for all to see.

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Tonight, I am reminded of how the results of a report resonated throughout America earlier in the year; 51% of Women Are Now Living Without Spouse.  As the Gay and Lesbian population prepare to discuss issues important to their community, inclusive of their desire for more than a "civil union;"  I wonder.  Why, or when is marriage desirable.  Why and when is it not.  Presidential hopefuls plan to delicately touch on the subject of "same sex marriage."  One might muse, matrimony no matter the mix, is a difficult dynamic to consider.

Weeks ago, I discovered the term "Mrs." is a source of much angst.  Apparently, the title in the minds of many dishonors a woman, rather than reveres her.