Introduce Yourself Here

Introduce yourself here to everybody and tell us which presidential candidate you will vote for whatever country you live in.  We will see if some of us will change our mind and vote for another perhaps as we enlighten each other on who might be the best candidate as time pasts.  Please respect other people's choices and respect the candidates as well.  Feel free to post any new topics you would like others to comment on whether you are political or not.  Thank you all for joining and posting.
zen

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi Everyone! I'm Zach, the founder of a youth-lead organization called Youth for Change International, the Youth Campaign for a Better World. I also work with many numberous youth organizations as well.

As I am not old enough to vote, I will be supporting Barack Obama (so far).


Thanks,
Zach

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Hi everyone,

My name is Marc, and I'm the Cultivator of the Pod “The Law of Attraction / Change here on the Zaadz site.

I've been on this planet long enough to remember the last “good” president the U.S. had (John F. Kennedy), and watched the NEXT good president be assassinated on TV before he was elected ( Robert F. Kennedy).

Can we as voters effect the outcome of elections enough to get someone in office that REALLY gives a dam about ” WE the People”?? Personally, i don't think it is possible as long as we have an “Electoral College”. The “popular vote” doesn't necessarily mean the winning candidate will be their winner as long as the Electoral College is still here.

Can we tell if the candidate is a good , just, and MORAL man based on his campaign promises ? Hardly. Especially if we depend on personality contests, mud slinging, and well crafted political sound bytes.

”Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I'm Karen and even though I've voted in every election since 1976, I admit to being disgusted with politics in recent years. However, I have a new attitude in part because the it looks like the last several months have seen a turn about in American politics. I hope so anyway. Right now, I'm supporting Dennis Kucinich ( a long shot for sure ) but he's most in line with my beliefs. I like Obama and Edwards as well. I need to do more research.
karen

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Hi guys, I’m Being, currently residing as this personality known as Simon.

I have one or two thoughts about presidential candidates and politics. In no particular order.

I experience the US process of choosing a president as an ‘auction’, not an election. I think the experience needs to change so that candidates are free to project their unique passions and not answer to their sponsors.

I experience political leadership worldwide as a reflection of the frequency vibration of the collective. Although some individuals may be vibrating at ‘higher’ levels, our politicians are only as ‘enlightened’ as we are collectively. I think the more we evolve and purify - dissolving our own dishonesties and duplicities in the process, the more our politicians will begin to exemplify and demonstrate the evolution.

On a personal note. Denis Kucinich I believe is in the vanguard of political thinking in the US. I believe that he is running as a presidential candidate, not because he thinks he will win, but because he knows that just by Being present in the conversation he is helping our evolution. Based on my personal experience of him I can say that he is a Mystic.

And finally …. how fun to watch the Obama phenomenon!

Namaste to you all
Simon

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Thank you Simon, great post.

I checked out Dennis Kucinich, and remember his advocacy for a cabinet level Peace Department, to “make non-violence an organizing principle within our society.”

I will be watching him!

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I'm Lauren and new to politics, however, I am now president of the Green Party at my university and try to remain an informed citizen. I've been hearing of Obama's brilliance for the past few years and although I like what I hear and realize I should do more research, I almost have given up on American politics. I no longer see elections (presidential or local) as legitimate. I felt that in a democracy, the people should have the power. But as Orwell said, “some are more equal than others” leading me to believe the people with the most money who have no reason to change anything, are those who control what happens to the rest of us.
There's my rant…more to come I'm sure.

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Hello all. My name is Daniel and I am relatively new into politics also. Up until about five or six years ago, I was one of those apathetic voters, who just couldn't care less, just knew it was my civic duty (which too many people don't even realize that). But, since then, I entered university and finishing up a degree in Public Affairs.
I have not done enough research in these preliminary days to see where the candidates stand. 
I will say that I agree with everyone else here that our elections have been trivialized. Serious reform is needed on all levels. I know here in my state, we have the archaic government of township, which I think personally is useless, but I can also see the old point. Just in modern society, it should be done away with. *steps off soapbox*
There are so many ways in which to reclaim our democracy, and unfortunately, it takes those same “representatives” to change the rules for how our country operates. I have mainly voted Democratic in the past, but I identify more with a Green / Socialist bent. So, it'll be interesting to see who will first of all, win my vote, but more importantly, win the whole horserace.
I am also very interested in foreign elections also because of the interconnectedness of modern society. So, hopefully we will get more than just Americans on this thread for a real rawkus time! :D
Anyway - I've said more than my bit for an intro… good to meet you all.

Peace,
Daniel

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Hello.  I'm Cathy.  I am going to probably stay in the USA for a while, even though about four years ago I thought I wouldn't be able to live in the country of my birth for another week.  Since November 2000 I have felt that everything I was taught to believe about my country, its founding principles and its “checks and balances” was all a lie.
It might be.  In order to proceed, however, I need to believe in those principles and in the ability of the American people to effect desperately needed changes in how our country is run, especially the person we choose to occupy the highest office in the land.
I don't have wealth; I have no fame.  But I need to do everything in my power to never allow what has happened over these past several years to happen again.
Anyway!  It's grand to have a pod where we can discuss the candidates (my current favorite is Barack Obama, but like others, I will see what happens as I learn more about all the candidates, including Mr. Obama), discuss the electoral process, and hopefully grow together in understanding and hope.
All the bes to all.

Stuff

Hi my name is codee. I live in the united states an I will be voting for Maynard James Keenan and supporting the us peace government.

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Hey everyone, I'm Leeda (fishlegs) I have never been really politically motivated because I have never met a politician that motivated me.  I am still hesitant to hand authority to any human that is holding a gun.  But I also realize that it is no longer an issue of protecting a certain life style, or ideology…. our whole planet is at stake and change is not just desirable, it is inevitable if we are to survive as humans here on this earth.  I am in this group, not to take a position for or against any candidate, but to take a stand for what is needed and to be educated by others about the qualities they see in the various candidates.  I think we need to drop all the political posturing and start evaluating each candidate, not by their party or even their chance of winning…  but by their vision.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello,
My name is Farzad.
I will vote for anyone who would use logic and diplomacy instead of war.
Obama seems like a nice person, but he has no chance, niether does Hillary.
My guess is that Giuliani would win the elections (big support from lobbyists), but I would never vote for him as he  has already supported the idea of attacking Iran.

Peace.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi, everyone. My name is Dan Shafer and I've been a political activist and commentator for more than 40 years, so I guess that makes me (so far at least) unique in this pod. Like most of you, I am a citizen of the United States.

I could easily become discouraged by the observations of several early pod-members who have expressed the view that voting doesn't and can't matter, that the process is fundamentally broken, that we can never get to know the political candidates at a national level anyway. But I want to suggest gently that it is the holding of such views that lends that energy to the planetary and national consciousnesses that ultimately determine who will lead us. I want to encourage us in this pod to hold a higher vision, a higher consciousness about both the process and its outcome. If enough of us put real energy behind a belief system that runs in the direction of positivity and change…if, indeed, we will be the change we want to see, I believe we can alter the fabric and foundation of the process by which our leaders are elected.

In the last presidential election, I put much energy and support behind Rep. Dennis Kucinich, whose views very closely echo my own. As a long-time activist, I dared to hope he could win the nomination but I knew that, at a minimum, he would influence the party and the process positively. I believe he did that.

I am intrigued by Sen. Barack Obama and I don't believe his relative inexperience will be a handicap this time around. This may in fact be a unique chance in American history to elect a non-white President. I am watching him closely because we know so lilttle about him due to his relative newness on the national political stage.

Sen. John Edwards offers much to admire as well. He is more experienced and convincing than any other of the Democratic candidates. I think he has a real chance of winning the nomination.

Sen. HIllary Clinton will not get my support; her waffling on the primary issue of world peace disqualifies her from my perspective. I wish that weren't the case because historically a matriarchy is inherently more peaceful than a patriarchy and I would have loved to support wholeheartedly a woman for President of the United States.

Two more quick points by way of introduction.

First, I disagree with the sentiment that JFK was our last good President Jimmy Carter was awesome and will be judged so by history.

Second, I think that it is essential that we do, in fact, take into account the issue of winnability as we decide where to place our political energies. That doesn't mean it should trump other more important considerations but it is important that we at the very least believe in the electability of the candidate we back.

I look forward to many positive, clean and uplifting discussions here in the next year or so.

Peace to all peoples.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi Dan,
I also think Jimmy Carter will be judged to be an exceptional president.
karen

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi guys,
I'm very excited about the opportunity to share with all of you in this endeavor.  I do believe that we can make a difference, sometimes almost wholeheartedly I believe!  It's difficult I know.  I am very interested in the discussions about this topic and participating when I can.  I also felt like leaving the USA after the last election, I woke up the next morning wondering what the heck?  (Actually, I used stronger thoughts than that!)  Could it be true that even 49% of the voting public actually feel this way?  Heartbreaking.  And the heartbreak turned out to be warranted in my opinion.

I am hoping that our country will find a way to get a bit more peace this next time around more than anything.  I'm not into bashing these folks who make a run for this job, they're in many ways admired by me for caring enough (even if misguided in my view) to give a whole lot of themselves for our country/world. 

I am here to help where I can, and look forward to all of the wonderful discussions you guys are no doubt, gonna bring!

As far as Jimmy Carter goes, he gets my vote in so many ways I love this guy.  Always have.  I just had some boiled peanuts tonite! 

warmest regards.
bobJuan.

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my name is dougo, originally from the us (ny/nj) and have been living in singapore for the past 14 years and travelling around quite a bit.     for now, the us elections still create a considerable impact around the world, so i am still very interested. 

of the main candidates at this time, the only one i could see myslf supporting would be obama….i like his energy and ideas and the freshness he would bring to the role.

i sometimes get discouraged about the political  “system” that seems to have emerged in the us at this time, and want to be hopeful that a higher order system will emerge and want to be part of that in some way.

i look forward to seeing what unfolds on the big stage and in this group.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello All,

I am open to llstening to all opinions. I have not started my decision making process, just research. I LOVE Jimmy Carter!!

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Thanks for the invitation to join this pod and broaden my perspective. I must say that I am not one who keeps up on current events as I got burned out on the media many years ago after the Gulf War. Politics is not an area that I pay much attention to, but felt drawn to be here today.

The few times that I have voted in the US where I now reside, I really made an attempt to learn something about the candidates, so that I could make an informed decision.

Reading everyone’s post so far, I am familiar with and like Dennis Kucinich who I first became aware of through Marianne Williamson’s work.

Thanks to you guys, I now have another name to go check out - Barack Obama.

Looking forward to learning so much more from everybody here.

Nicola

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     I am 55, I always vote, and like many here have found myself in the minority more often than not. I feel things are truly turning. However I remember that amazing change when Clinton won and two years later watched in dismay. I really didn't like Reagan and the culture of the 80's!
     I hope the Democrats emphasize 'internation law' as the foreign policy issue.
     I believe in democracy and believe we are ultimately to blame for the problems that have arisen. I believe we can learn great lessons from mistaken directions.    Scott

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Yes, I think it can matter. It doesn't always. It hasn't always. But it can. What we need, though, at least in the context of this conversation, is more emphasis on positive possibility and less on bemoaning problems and finding conspiracies.

In every society there come turning points when major change can be embraced by many, perhaps most, of the people who comprise that society. I believe we are on the verge of such a turning point in our society.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Joshua, I am loving your input, thanks for sharing your ideas. I don't know exactly how I would like to see things evolve from here, but I am definitely aware of the bigger picture you speak of.

Everyone……. I'm listening intently to your thoughts. I'm Canadian, so I can't vote in the US election. However, my interest in its progress is keen–it affects my country and the world. This pod is exciting. Thank goodness we're not all saying the same things : )  We need many voices. Vive la difference.

What I discover by studying the huge canvas of US politics informs my decisions regarding my own country's concerns. The two have close ties and share many issues.
 
bows,
crow

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

One Mind….I like your posts.  I have been reading the posts at this pod, hoping to gather more information about the presidential candidates.  We all could probably say many negative things about government in general, but the words don't create postive change.  You are right I think.  If we want positive change, we think positive change…we create positive change.  “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”  Negativity infects…….

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I agree with you that international law should be part of the discussion in foreign policy. But being the sole hegemon in the world, we have turned into a bit of a bully, and I don't know how many politicians believe in the rule of international law.
International law, since it is relatively a new concept, doesn't sit well with a semi-nationalistic country like the US. We have problems with our own rules and laws that to submit ourselves to the scrutiny of international law is almost unfathomable. 
But I agree… that international law needs to have its place in our political culture.  

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

The American economy is certainly an important aspect of almost any discussion lately and how it affects our foreign policy certainly plays into politics. The K Street PAC's and the notorious lobbying is awful, as is Haliburton and all the no-bid contracts in Iraq. Think what that money could do for Katrina victims! For health insurance! pitiful!!!

I believe we have to start somewhere if we're going to see any change - I would personally like to candidates argue issues and present plans, instead of the awful mud-slinging sound bite commercials we've seen over the last several years.

For right now, and it's nearly two years out and that's a long time to listen to politicians and pollsters, I'm encouraged by many of the candidates and what they're bringing to the table. There were many elections when I thought all the candidates so much like alike that there would be no real difference if any of the field were elected.

Ohio's economy has been totally ruined, jobs beyong the service industry have fled, our state government riddled with corruption and scandal - reaching to the national level. We just elected the first Democratic Governer in (i believe) 12 years because people were sick of the business as usual attitude. There were some nasty ads and big business as well as special interest groups were out in force, but too many people have been “burned” here and enough got out and voted for change. We'll see how well that change works. I 'm hoping that it will also work on a national level.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

      
                          I wil vote for peace

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi,

I'm Ernie, I walked down Pennsylvania Avenue saying” Nixon Eats___.  Anyway, let's home for a more evolved president int he future and let's make it happen.  E.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

It's too soon for me to know which candiate to choose.

I wonder if anyone is going to give Hillary Clinton a chance. As a woman running for President in this crucial election, it seems that Obama has stolen her thunder. Or are people just not taking her seriously? I would never vote for her just because she is of my gender, but I do want her to be given just as much consideration as the rest will get.

Well, that's where I am at this point.

Love.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi

My name is Wolf.  I am an Internet Security Success guru in the Atlanta area.  I do not yet have a favourite candidate yet, but I am pretty-much locking Hillary out because she appears to be a product of the RNC political machine. Bill had very tight connections to HRH George Bush and the family.  It is hard to see how Hillary could be untouched by that connection.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

RNC = Republican National Convention?

rnc

republican national convention. yes

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

hard to argue with a guru of any sort, but color me stupid, I have never heard of this crossbreeding between the RNC (republican nat'l committee?) and the Clintons. Do you have any references to enlighten me?

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Always argue with gurus.  IT makes them soggy and hard to light.

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/02/12/18361704.php

I want to write history-based science-fiction and whenever I come up with a really good plotline with legs strong enough to make it into a novel, I find in my research that the governments of the world are already there, have been doing (whatever) since 1967 and it is not “fiction” per se.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello everyone,
I feel it is too soon to make a decision yet - although I am leaning toward Hillary. I think she will garner more votes than Obama - but I am not sure she can defeat Rudy. This should be an interesting election year.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I am hearing a big NO to Hillary Clinton in the Tampa Bay area.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

hello! thank you for providing this forum.

I am politically alert, wary of information, wary of agreements and causes.

like simon says (I like that!), the unenlightened tend to wield the weighted hammer in this pseudo-democracy.

I am not judgmental. Just awake and a little weary of superficial arguments supporting the visceral ego-agendas of the fear-mongering jackals we tend to elect.

I am heartened by the way peace-lovers almost won in 2004, and the recent victory in November. I am hoping for a good, clean discussion here that helps us to make the complex observations and subtle distinctions necesasry for a good decisions, and befitting an enlightened society.

- I like Hillary so far, she is intelligent, hard-working and knows her shit, but she is awfully good as a politician. Can we trust that?
- I like Obama, but he has little experience with the jackals and hyenas in the rough and tumble of Washington politics. Personally, I like my ideas, too. But could I survive in that pit? Could you?
- I like Joe Biden, he has been consistent and strong since very early after 9/11. Very complex thinker and strong personality. Vulnerable to the criticism of those who dislike ambiguity.

And there are so many others. I have nowhere near enough information for a decision. I am hoping that we will help each other, there. And I haven't the energy to begin speculating and betting on them like horses, which I feel cheapens the exercise, trivializes the fact that many, many gallons of blood are hanging in the balance. No fun day at the races for me.

May we all find what we need…

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I love that he is independent, and that is my hope as well. But what concerns me is his untested stability against the unscrupulous tactics that characterize life in the pits.

I believe that his character will survive, but it his candidacy and ability to wield power that concern me.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

If we have so much power, what have we done with it? And what does it mean that absolute power corrupts absolutely? If everyone has so much choice, who is cleaning the toilets? And have you tried to buy a loaf of bread lately with some different kind of currency? I know there are some alternative exchanges out there, but nothing I can use at my local co-op.

What is it that you are challenging? The power of which I speak is the power of balance in the crossfire. My point is that I have not seen Obama tested. Does this offend you somehow?

I am interested in furthering discussion, not defending statements of my own opinion. My opinion means nothing, and certainly has no power to offend the truth.

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Thank you for the information. I will check it out as soon as I have time.

My main concerns in this election are to install the kind of leader who is capable of thinking clearly under pressure, is guided by a strong sense of justice and who exhibits true compassion. This person can set the tone for specific initiatives.

I would hate to see everyone splinter into what is in it for themselves. Not when there are innocents in the crossfire, thank you very much. I want us to get our priorities straight: We may not get the pharmaceuticals or the gun or the abortion legislation we want until the nuclear dominos stop falling in the middle east and asia.  So lets at least get someone who has some integrity and knows what they are doing, someone we can trust to stay awake and do the right thing, someone who can uphold the dignity of human nature.

For a change.

My point is that there are many specific examples of the unjust distribution of goods and services, and many streams of inaccurate information. But they are symptoms of a more endemic pathology of corruption and egoistic materialism. I want to address the pathology.

I don't want to argue logistics about who wants what until we stop shooting at babies, until not one family is trapped behind the lines…

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My heart is warmed by Obama and he just “feels” right. I am not locked into a decision yet however. I will be watching and researching like the rest of you. :)

May the best future win. :)

erin

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi All,

I am really happy to find some pods that are discussing political world issues.  I notice the expressed desire to keep it going in a positive vein.  I embrace the same spirit and yet feel it is important to allow healthy expression over the things that are bothersome to us as individuals.  It all comes down to balance.  We must focus on the power of the positive to face and take action but must be willing to see the reality of the world of which our leaders are existing in.  It is necessary to find balance.

If we allow what we don't like about our government to overwhelm us we disconnect from the place within that holds our own power to make a difference - the power of our light.  If we over focus on the darkness it causes us to feel dark, as we all have the shadow self.  If we attempt to see everything as a good thing then I think it can be a bit like Disney World - illusion.  A Polly Anna attitude is as based in fear as a negative pessimistic attitude is.

I see it as being willing to see the darkness of what is going on and yet at the same time allow the fullness of our light to break through that darkness.  This is our greatest task, for what good is our light if we are unwilling to open the door so the light can expose the darkness.  At the same time we must be vigilant to not let the darkness snuff our light out or we then find ourselves joining the darkness instead of transforming it.

Debby

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello there.

I’m Christina. I’ve lived in a Red State my entire life, but I’m working towards making a difference. Right now I’m getting on board with John and Elizabeth Edwards and the One Campaign. I think that it just takes young students to get other students engaged and ready to vote…especially for 2008.! :)

Grace and Peace

In Lak'ech, I am another YOU....

Blessed BE

Hello everybody❃!!
I am Radiate Soul Light, commonly known to many, as Roni….

It is a pleasure to be here, with all of you, light players ushering in OUR world anew….

A little of me…..politically…
okay so first word that comes to mind is “yechchchck”
actually, i shunned the entire political arena for over a decade, completely disenchanted by the TRUTH of it all….
No NEWS, radio, television, newspaper, or internet……
and come election time, I always voted GREEN, or any other party representing, even if illusory, the people, WE.

I have since graduated, {mentally, intuitively, self discovery..} and have come more into ME, thus WE, and have since come to the TRUTH, for WE to affect change in the greatest way, is to NOT participate in that which we know to be ILLUSORY, such as the governing bodies - globally.
{truthfully, they send WE to death, whilst eating kaiser buns and golfing on the monies raised by providing our death sentences, globally…….n’est ce pas??? who owns the companies manufacturing warfare anyhoo….}

And yes, ‘tis true, I have taken to informing self of the actions of our governing bodies, in light of my inspiration, waved the need for me to see, that which is illusory, that WE may TRUTHFULLY stand united as the Universal Family, that which is WE, divinity, eternity, Globally, Cosmically, Universally, we are FAMILY.

Blessed BE
ARE
ALL of WE,
Angels Divine,
within the Embracing Light of
Peaceful Loving Serenity….
and a Fantabulous Adventurous PARTY!!!

Radiate Soul Light
roni
sanctuairesoulssanctuary.com

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

hello everyone,
My name is Mary Jo. I'm from Michigan. When choosing our soon to be President, I will be looking to make sure he/she can stand up against the big drug comanies and keep us safe. He/she will be willing to protect our rights, that this country was based on. Like the first and secound amendment. I think you should look back at the last 10 years and the laws that have been past, you will find our right to free speach and our right to keep and bear arms are being  taken away little at a time. “Those that do not know history are doom to repeat it.” Remember Hitler.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi, I’m from Arizona. What I really want to say is that THIS thread constitutes The Most sincere and energetic civic dialogue I’ve heard or seen in the Longest time! This discussion is so heartening!

Dennis Kucinich was my pick last election, and continues to be. I find him to be a man of great integrity, humility and heart. I see him as a brave man who is willing to say unpopular things and do what needs to be done, even if it means that not too many people will vote for him.

Barack Obama is also a person who has great potential to be a leader of this country. I’m reading his book.

Peace and time for reading, thought and dialogue to you all.

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      I don't know much about Barack Obama, I think Hillary has proven herself to be able, I like Joe Biden's maturity and familiarity with the issues, John Edwards is definately in the race, Bill Richardson will bring something to the debate and I'm glad Howard Dean is Chairman of DNC. I need to hear some debates between these guys. Right now, I don't see the Republicans having a chance :-)

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Hi All,


Glad to see this pod start up……. And

I hope this pod comes up in the POLITICS tags b/c my pod  BARACK OBAMA    is not showing up in the POLITICS tags….  I hope for all of us that we can all visit all of the presidential discussions on zaadz with ease…. & contribute where ever we are moved to do so….

I'll introduce myself by saying that last week I read Hillary's bio THE AMERICAN EVITA & whew! I could not put it down.  It made me run to the Internet & start reading about all of the candidates I could… especially Obama…. 

Then I read Barack Obama's THE AUDACITY OF HOPE which even more I could not put down & which set me on the course of starting the Barack Obama pod…………….  I am certain now that I will support Obama wholeheartedly! 

Peace, Good researching, reading, & discussions to all,
Peggy J

PS  OPS!  I just checked & both of these political pods are showing when the search box is used & one types in politics, but the BARACK OBAMA pod does not show up when I click the blue tag - politics.  Just for your info…
      

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Hi Everyone,

My name is Marcya and I am a singer/songwriter. I support John Edwards for President. The reason I support him is because he is taking action to make changes in our country today. His One Corps organization is made up of people all across the country doing things to help make things better. Also, he is the only candidate so far who has put out a Universal Healthcare plan. Furthermore, I agree with his position on Iraq, energy and poverty. In my opinion he understands the needs of this country and I think he will be the best person to take our country in a positive direction.

Peace and Blessings,
Marcya

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

your pod rocks, peggy!

Greetings from Sacramento

Hi Everyone,

My name is Marie.  I am an executive assistant to the CEO of a major trade association in Sacramento, California.  I love the hustle and bustle of the political scene, although I'm not a very “political” person.  Although I'm from a long line of Republicans and will probably never change my party, I may very well, for the first time, vote for the Democratic candidate…but only if it is Mr. Obama or someone better.  I do not support Hiliary Clinton…it's just a gut feeling.  I haven't followed her closely, but my impression is that she is in this for ego, not to help mankind.   I support whomever is going to help us evolve and move us closer to building God's kingdom…on earth as it is in heaven, right? 

I agree with a lot of you who say it is way too early to endorse a candidate…However, I caution all of us that, like it or not, we are a two party system still.  The likelihood of this changing in THIS election is probably nil–but, hey, I've been wrong before.  When voting or supporting candidates in the Green, Independent, Peace & Freedom, etc. parties, you are actually strengthening the Republican party.  So, as long as you know this is what is being accomplished, go for it!

Speaking of party lines…before I get too much hate mail for saying I'm Republican…really it's like this–I'm conservative on some issues, liberal on others, but I'm ALWAYS an American first and foremost!

Re: Greetings from Sacramento

Thank you very much and thank you very much Marie. I love your statement:”Although I'm from a long line of Republicans and will probably never change my party, I may very well, for the first time, vote for the Democratic candidate…but only if it is Mr. Obama or someone better”. You are principled and you have a vision and I'm sure you always look for better 'material'. We should not just vote for the sake of voting. That what actually happens in Uganda's politics. ”Me am a …ist (refering to a certain political party) , I can't vote other parties (rigidity and ignorance)”, or ”Mr…. gave me a kilo of sugar, why can't I vote him? (bribery and corruption now come in)”, etc are some of the statements from the electorate in Uganda. Please keep up your spirit.  

Saidi, With love from Uganda.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Ha, here I am. It's me rocking this earth like a Tsunami but this time round in a constructive and not destructive fashion. I hail from Uganda, not a staunch politician but a peace loving global citizen.
Have you ever heard of Idi Amin Dada, Dr. Milton Obote, General Yoweri Museveni?
Whom do you know of all these?

Some passed away, like Amin (3 years ago) and Obote (last year) both in exile while Museveni is the current president. They have contrasting characteristics all in the vicinity of  Military, politics and dictatorship in their own ways. Only Obote was no military president.

Please take your time and have a look at the links above especially the one of Museveni as it contains more information in an almost detailed way.

Yes let's carry on and see how to eliminate positionary leadership of most African leaders and other countries.

Certainly I would prefer Barak Obama as I've followed his profile, and he's incomparable to … in terms of vision.

Great luck.

To know a bit of the current president Museveni (compared to the one of 1986-2001), click here and keep watch for more in my next writing.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi ~ I’m Stacy and from the USA. I grew up in a family of Republicans. They decided I HAD to be one too. So, when I was 18, I voted for Ronald Reagan and called my-self a Republican.

Now? I don’t know WHAT I am. In fact, I prefer not to label my beliefs. I don’t belong to any specific party. There are issues on the Republican side that I believe in; issues on the Democratic side I believe in; and issues on the Independent side.

WAR sucks. Can I say that? Hehe.
I don’t want to tell anyone what to do with their own body ~ That’s their business.
I want to help people in other countries, as long as we help our own here too.
Let there be gun control and gender and racial equality.

Did I say too much?

I’m not sure who I’ll vote for this time around.

Just my thoughts… I look forward to hearing yours! ~ Stacy

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello I see lot of good people here…I am a lover of universal Truth, Knowledge and Wisdom
and creator of Seek2know.net

I like a candidate who is not politically entrenched like most incumbents are…one who has very high level of integrity, Vision, discriminatory spiritual awareness and the indomitable moral courage to carry out the vision. I love both Dennis Kuccinich and Barak Obama, the latter has more presidential appeal. Together they present a viable alternative to the pitiful situation of both parties.

I feel Dennis Kucinich would be very effective as a founder of a non-partisan grassroots level third party with Barack Obama as the presidential candidate and together they can harness the power of conscious citizens, cultural creatives, and disillusioned democrats and republicans to pull off the presidency from the banker fed power elite.  I think Hillary is too entrenched with the power elite to be effective as the president of the people.
Also the citizens needs to initiate changes in the economic monetary system.

Please join my conscious capitalism pod (see profile), if you want to be part of a global and local solution to war, poverty, pollution, injustice and loss of freedom.

We the conscious citizens have the power to make the great shift NOW!
Cheers

Mita

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I absolutely agree, Susmita!


I feel Dennis Kucinich would be very effective as a founder of a non-partisan grassroots level third party with Barack Obama as the presidential candidate and together they can harness the power of conscious citizens, cultural creatives, and disillusioned democrats and republicans to pull off the presidency from the banker fed power elite.  [I think Hillary is too entrenched with the power elite to be effective as the president of the people. - This is extremely on target!  Have you read the book AMERICAN EVITA, Hillary's bio?]

I like the Kucinich - Obama ticket idea!

Yea!!!
PJ

Independent in the US

Hi!
     I'm Ed.   I'm an independent non-partisan U.S. citizen who can usually see both sides of the coin.   I'm working for raising the consciousness of people and helping them to evolve beyond conditioned thinking and subconscious prejudice.   I'm a global thinker and a positive thinker.   Let's all take responsibility to discuss and inform ourselves based on solid values and premises.   We can build a global community with security and opportunity for all persons.   

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Greetings One and All.

Mad Rambling Post:

My name is Daibhidh here on Zaddz (or David, if you prefer) and I am a resident of Scotland.  My interest in politics however spreads far and wide, as more specifically, I shall be re-locating to the U.S.A in the not so distant future.  Therefore, both countries concern me politically. 

Until recently I was a member of the Scottish National Party (SNP) but severed my ties due to personal reasoning and dissapointment.  The elections are just around the corner, as is the referendum for Scottish Independence from the U.K. 

For a long time, Scottish Independence meant a great deal to me.  The SNP meant a great deal to me.  But promises are as the saying goes, merely promises, and I have seen nothing in the lead up to this election that shows any kind of substantial promise whatsoever.  What does that lead one to believe will happen when and if Scotland does achieve independence?

Anyway.  My political views have swayed dramatically thanks to my mulitple stays and visits to the U.S. 

It's hard to explain -but I experienced a greater sense of community in America than I ever have here in Scotland (which I love as a country, don't get me wrong) I just feel our passionate “William Wallace aka Braveheart” days are over, thanks, not soley, to the unconcerned youth. 

Although I shall not be able to vote for a U.S presidential candidtate, I look forward to studying the process and baring the outcome, for better or for worse, with the people of America, who I have come to respect greatly (at least those I have met) over the last few years.

Thank you.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

HI. I am Michelle, author of “Healthcare for Less”….my mission is to help people save money in healthcare and help translate our healthcare system to the public in an easier way.  I am not sure who I am going to vote for since it is too early to tell and in the past elections, many promised to the healthcare community have been broken….however, some of the speeches have been great!!!!   Yeah speech writers!  Unforuntately, they are not the ones implementing policy and  I am unsure those reading these speechesdo not know what they are reading…too bad.  I have found that many on Capitol Hill are clueless to healthcare and don't reach out to those that are working in the field everyday!  So it all depends on who will listen, and since I am in DC, I will find out quickly.  The person who responds to the resources I am able to provide to them to help them make better decisions will get my vote and many others…..this may also help us learn who is reaching out for the $$$$$ for their campaign and who is reaching out to actually listen to the people that have the resources in what they are campaigning about!  HMMMM??!!

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello everybody.  It seems really early to be talking seriously about who the next president will be.  The ultimate goal should perhaps be surviving the next months with our current leadership.  I am really hoping Al Gore throws his hat into the ring as he seems to be most in-tune with what I believe, especially about the environment and he also has the experience that seems to be missing with the other announced candidates.  This is going to be a critical election and will probably help define the direction this country is headed for the next couple of decades.  I hope the country can have a good constructive discussion of the critical isues we face and avoid the politics of money and mudslinging.  Let the best person win.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi, everybody,i am liping, come from south of China.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

hi all.

my name is sullivan. i've recently made the decision to go to graduate school for the purposes of studying international law, and i have this spring and summer to really prepare my beliefs for undergoing that rigorous 3-year scrutiny. reading your posts, and occasionally participating in this discussion, is going to be part of my preparation.

i fully understand those of you who refuse to be involved in the political process or who believe that your involvement is worthless; i accept the institutional grudge where it lies within you because i have a strong one myself. [i wrote something about how it felt last fall and i'm going to post it somewhere else around here for comment, criticism, whatever.] it's very difficult for people who are passionate about so many other things in our lives to force ourselves to consider political arguments as watered down and simplified as they often are.

with that said, i'm loving this discussion at the moment because it's already transcending the base argument of apathy versus involvement.  of course we need to be involved, even in as basic a manner as taking time to consider what policy changes might matter to us in the future, or finding our information outside of the media outlets that help to so trivialize the importance of the issues.

and i really hope more people from outside the U.S. will shed light on how things are in their homes. i joined this site primarily because it seemed like there were a lot of you here.

for the US: i want to hear more about kucinich. he has very little exposure where i'm from, all i remember is he was great on education reform in the last election. at the moment i'd have to go with obama over clinton for the democratic nomination, and i'd be interested in learning about any republican candidate who's come out and blamed the current government for lying so regularly to the country. has anyone done this?

thanks everyone, peace.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello people,

I'm Albert, I live in the US, but I'm a citizen of the World.

At this point my vote would go Barack Obama.  If he stumbles badly my next choice would be Hillary Clinton.  They both have their strengths and weaknesses, but given the rather dim view I have of the other candidates they look downright wonderful in comparison.

Actually, that does them a disservice, particularly Obama.  He's the first candidate I'm actually excited about in years.  Maybe I can finally go to the polls and not cast my vote for the “lesser of two evils.”

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I agree with you about Obama, at least basically. His lack of experience for me is a plus this year. We need fresh thinking and the longer one is inside the Beltway, the less fresh one's thinking tends to become.

But I can't back Sen. Clinton because she's so over-packaged and guarded in her policy statements that she remains too much an enigma. That's complicated by her wrong-headed (IMNSHO) position on the Iraq War.

How about Edwards? He seems to me to have a lot of Obama's charisma and style, more substance, and he's a clearer thinker and more articulate speaker than Clinton.

Today, I'd rank my choices:

Kucinich
Obama
Edwards

Kucinich is an issues candidate whose role is going to be confined to shaping the debate and forcing key issues into the open. He has practically no shot at the nomination (a real shame, in my view) but if he got it, I'd quit my job, sell all my earthly possessions and go to work full time to see that he got elected. Obama will get my vote and some money and maybe some support time, as will Edwards.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I’m not an American citizen, but if I were I would vote for a Republican president.

I inevitably find myself among people who lean Democrat because of certain personality traits and interests, but I have come to be an anti-rationalist (in the strict philosophical sense) and anti-utopian (which is nearly the same thing) and feel that in the last few decades we have basically thrown the baby out with the bathwater on cultural issues. I think the Democrats have been wrong on many social issues, on education, immigration and foreign policy.

I also think that the free countries of the world should take more of a stand against the tyrants, something that the cynical politicians of Europe (especially France) will not do because of financial interests. There’s always a great focus on the current American administration, but I defy anyone to demonstrate to me that today’s French government is any less cynical than Nixon with Kissinger as Secretary of State. Look who they do business with, look who they sell arms to. Ditto the Russians.

As an immigrant to the United States I have especial gratitude to the country. There is plutocracy everywhere in the developed world, but America remains more democratic than the crushing bureaucracy of the European Union. And for all the talk of the erosion of rights by George Bush, Americans are freer than Europeans. In Europe you can be punished and imprisoned for what you write. In America you can arm yourself for defense. In Europe one’s rights are far more limited, and anybody legitimately defending himself is likely to be punished.

I’m sickened by the magnification of everything Americans do wrong. Perhaps the best example of this is the hysteria over Abu Ghraib, although there is an endless stream of examples. If the reader doesn’t understand what I mean by the hysteria over Abu Ghraib I submit that the reader isn’t thinking with reasonable perspective and probably has a very poor grasp of history. For example, the United States military has conducted itself better in Iraq than during any other conflict, with regard to the overall behavior of the troops and with regard to care in harming non-combatants.

With regard to George W. Bush and Iraq, my view is that something had to be done, and if the French and Russians didn’t have heavy financial interests, they would have agreed. The course chosen was a risky one, and one I wouldn’t have chosen. But it has an element of nobility that is seldom recognized. It would have been far easier for the Americans to simply go in, destroy Saddam Hussein’s regime and leave the Iraqis with the mess. Right now Americans are trying to help Iraq to democracy. I respect people who nevertheless think the policy unwise. I don’t respect people who dwell on every American mistake, make some offenses out of whole cloth and meanwhile don’t trouble themselves about the constant atrocities committed by the other side. In recent times people have been very sloppy and inconsistent in their application of the principles of the Geneva Conventions. One last comment on the president: know George W. Bush by his enemies.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Thanks for your post. I deeply appreciate the viewpoint of someone who hasn't lived their entire life within the context of the American philosophy and its socio-political accompaniment.

I must say, however, that I am at a loss to understand what you mean when you say the Left (a word I substitute for Democratic for reasons best left for another discussion) have misfired on social issues. Take, as one example, the minimum wage. The Right, with its strong pro-business bent, nearly always opposes any raise in the standard of living of the less privileged while facilitating the increase in wealth (sometimes to today's fabulous standards) for those in power and control. I have a difficult time squaring that with principles of spirituality and Oneness.

Perhaps you might clarify by example some of the social issues you find yourself disagreeing with the Left about.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi, onemind.

I’ll throw some things out there. No doubt, I’ll get into trouble for generalizing too broadly. I invite readers to distance themselves from any vice mentioned below, and to correct my overgeneralizations. However, I would ask them to bear in mind that the question was general in nature and I’m seeking to talk about tendencies, which are essentially broad.

Minimum wage is not an issue I’ve ever felt very strongly about, though I have been in the position of earning it. You seem to think that the right has an inhumane view dedicated solely to increasing the wealth of the already wealthy. No doubt there are people on the right who are simply protecting their economic interests without regard to others, but there is a humane argument against a minimum wage: it reduces job creation. It’s hard to doubt the justice of that objection, since the minimum wage makes jobs artificially more expensive to employers.

I think the left has aggressively attacked the family as an institution in any number of ways. If there is an opportunity to undermine the strength of families (defined as being principally parents taking care of their own children), the left can be counted on to support it. This is true all over the Western world. Most people on the left will affirm
“alternative lifestyles” as a demonstration of their open-mindedness. I believe that such people are open-minded and generous, but they are mistaken in viewing the traditional family as an expendable institution. The consequences of that view have been enormous. I would just add, however, that it is not just the left that takes this position, but the left has been and remains in the vanguard.

The generosity of people on the left has also led them into supporting rent control, which, as a Swedish government practitioner of rent control later commented after he had learned the folly of the practice the hard way, is the most efficient way to destroy a city short of bombing.

The left also tends to take what has been called a “multiculturalist” view, which has also been damaging in many ways, for example as it influences immigration and educational policy. One might say the error is to emphasize the E pluribus at the expense of the unum. Knowledge of other cultures is great, neutralizing hostility to other cultures is great, learning foreign languages is great; but citizens need to share a common culture, however enriched with the seasoning, so to speak, of other perspectives. Cultures are not all equal. Some have more to offer than others. In fact, cultural relativism tends to dull the intellect because if all cultures are equal, one need not strain to observe and carefully compare cultures’ respective attributes and make informed judgments about their relative merits.

Multiculturalism has been a disaster for education for the above reason, as well as how it has served to undermine affirmation of the good qualities of Western and American culture. Multiculturalism has made a joke of humanities faculties all over the West, and certainly in the United States. The harder-left elements in education have over-politicized education largely through Marxist rejection of all that isn’t Marxist, as well as identity politics. The left is generally reflexively and irrationally anti-American, which it owes to vestigial Marxist ideas and lingering notions from warmed-over Soviet propaganda and European prejudices. In a similar vein, the left tends to over-estimate the intelligence, rationality and decency of Europe and tends to underestimate its intellectuals’ raw resentment of upstart America.

The left has harmed education at lower levels by emphasizing “self-esteem” over accomplishment. The left has also undermined educational performance by attacking standardized testing and pushing bilingual education (note: I am not opposed to bilingual education; I think it works up to a point. However, children need to be encouraged to learn the new language and not given opportunities to delay that learning).

The (moderate) left led the way one of the great social issues of our time, the Civil Rights struggle. But unfortunately that movement has to a great extent curdled into something very different. People are encouraged not to play their role as equal citizens, but rather to seek benefits based on victim status, and not as individuals but as members of some identify group. Affirmative action is the conferring of benefits based not on “the content of one’s character,” but the color of one’s skin.

The left is generally weak on crime owing to behaviorist and Marxist deterministic explanations of social phenomenon. The criminal is the victim of the system, rather than a free actor choosing to victimize others. Perversely, criminals rights end up taking precedence over the rights of and protections for actual victims, who tend to be poorer members of society. One day on The McNeil-Lehrer Report (as I believe it was still called at the time), commentator Mark Shields (himself a Democrat) acknowledged this tendency by telling a classic joke, a kind of Good Samaritan Story, liberal style: Two liberals are walking down the street and come across a man who has been beaten very severely. One looks at the other and says, “We need to find who did this!” His companion nods and replys, “Yes, he needs help!”

I don’t consider this an exhaustive list, but it ought to be extensive enough to start a conversation.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Anthony,

I suspect we ought to take this discussion to a new thread. This place is for introducing ourselves to one another; prolonged dialogs like this might have a damping effect on the willingness of newcomers to take the time to say a simple “hello.” My fault for initiating a response to your initial post here.

So I created a new discussion topic and continued the discussion there. I hope that’s OK with everyone.

Dan

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Well, (despite secretly hoping otherwise) reading through these introductions, it appears I am one of the very few political conservatives. (Please note: Despite the popular notion that conservatism is about “red and blue states” it is actually about less government and more action on the part of people like ourselves who devote our lives to service, caring about our neighbors, our environment and extending a hand up to those in need.)

Thus, my vote will go to Fred Thompson, should he decide to run for the office of President of these United States (which have become more and more divided during the last two presidential elections).

I had the privilege of serving on staff for the U.S. Senate during the Reagan administration as well as being a citizen-lobbyist for many of the last 23 years. Said experience fueled a variety of personal conclusions regarding our ability as a country to protect the principle of “liberty and justice for all.”

However, I remain convinced that the strengths of our form of government (a Republic) outweigh the weaknesses — especially when we participate in respectful dialogues such as this!

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I'm probably jumping protocol, replying before introducing myself, so I'll just have to do both at once.

I'm Sally, and (being a philosopher) always think for a long time before committing myself to any one position.  I wanted to respond to this particular thread, because it seems you are one of the few who keeps mentioning Edwards, who is really my favorite.

Don't get me wrong, I think Obama is wonderful, and I am delighted by most of the values promoted by Kucinich, but I worry about electability–I just feel we cannot afford another term of this type of leader, and I'm not sure either of those first two could last in a presidential race.

I like Edwards because he comes across with all of the savvy intelligence and wit that (Bill) Clinton does, but he doesn't seem burdened by the same character weakness that so overshadowed Bill's years in office.  I think he is idealistic and shares many of my values (and, given his personal history, I know that he knows what it is to feel terrible personal pain), but I also see him as being very practical and on-his-feet articulate, and I soooooo miss that. 

I am so tired of being embarrassed for our country when hearing the messages that come from our current leader.

I'd be interested to hear other thoughts…

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

This is great i Love it!Absolutely this is a great way to put it.Bill i Love Bill,don't approve what he did…………..hey do you know what's Bill Clinton's favorite beach when he visits the West Coast?Have a guess…..Santa Monica Lewinsky…huh?!
Too bad its a mad habit,nothing compare to Bush of  course,however i agree with your point about being a real man. to be a president.I see Madonna as a better president than Obama (and he's the peak of the litter).
Talking about politics is trying to tell the future,lets ask the prophet.Whats a better way than to ask Our Heavenly Creator,its the opinion that counts!
Hope you have a great weekend.Namaste.



                            Peace&Light,
                                             R.S.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello, my name is Josef.  I am only 21 and been into politics since i was 18 and could vote.  I am not sure who i will vote for.  But I do not think i know enough about politics at this stage of the game anyway.  I do know what i would want in a leader however.  So i hope there is plenty of discussion here.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello everyone,

My name is John Zimmerman and I live in Tulsa, OK.  If you read NEWSWEEK magazine, my letter to the editor was printed (edited of course) in the June 11, 2007 issue re: “The Bill Factor” of Hillary's campaign/presidency.  Yes, I'm a Hillary fan, even though I live in the “buckle” of the Bible Belt…(or should I say BECAUSE I live in the buckle…?) 

America, nor the world, has time for on the job training.  Hillary has the experience, knowledge and leadership abilities to hit the ground running.  She and Bill are highly respected around the globe and have a handle on what is needed internationally as well as domestically.  Hillary knows and is known, with respect, by foreign leaders; she knows events, history, situations, security, military, etc and will not have to take a crash course to learn all this it required by the Commander-in-Chief.  She knows it and Bill is an incredible resource for her and our country.

I would love to see Barack as her running mate and Vice President, which would give him the experience, with his incredible philosophies, to win the presidency after Hillary's second term.

I welcome intelligent, respectful dialogue and discussions about our leaders and the direction of our country and the world. I appreciate this site for that purpose.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

When I turned 18, I couldn't wait to vote. At one time, I was an election worker–one of those people who hands you the ballot and makes sure you understand the process. I've taken my kids and even my students to the polling place, all in the belief that voting is important.

But, for the first time in my life, I'm not sure if I'll bother voting. I lean Democrat, but I don't see anyone in the field I can really trust. Bill Richardson probably impresses me the most, but I don't expect him to get the nomination.

I first voted in 1976 for Eugene McCarthy. Few of my votes have gone to the winning candidate. But in the past I always had hope. After 2000, and 2004, that's gone.

Will we even have fair elections in 2008?

Jamilah

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I can understand your despair, but I'd encourage you strongly not to drop out of the process. That is one of the things the Right really wants those of us who oppose them to do. They are not a majority in this country and they only win elections by fraud or by persuading us that there is no hope, that our votes don't count.

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I agree! Kucinich is the only one that has been strong on all the issues that matter, and hasn't played along in the politics… me before what's best for the world…. game. 

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Cornflower here.
I am a Dennis Kucinich supporter.
He is not only electable, but he will be the next President.
The way this will happen is when people realize that the “lesser of 2 evils” candidate won't work anymore.

Kucinich has the MOST distinct differences from the Republicans than any other Democrat running.  He has no strings attached, meaning not bought out by any big corporations.

Obama is another wolf in sheeps clothing.  He has other people in his pockets.  He had a lot of potential in the beginning, but somewhere he got bought, and you can feel it in his presence since his announcement for his candidacy for President.
Please don't be fooled by the “phenomenon”.  Wall Street has become very good friends with him. Clinton is in the Military-Industrial Complex's pocket as well, ever since she became a part of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Edwards had completely different policy positions in his last run for Presidency.
His words have no heart, just money and power.

Kucinich has the actions and record to support his policies and positions.

When we rise together and stop eating the tainted propaganda of electability from the Corporate owned Mainstream Media.

Alright, before I rant to much longer.

Listen to your Heart!
Cornflower
www.cornflowermusic.com

Re: Introduce Yourself Here

I lost a lot of respect for Kucinich when he proved to be an aggressive advocate of the so-called “fairness doctrine.” The instinct to shut up one’s opposition is a bad sign.