Interesting Media Reports Re: Obama Mid East Political Junket

[Guest]

There were two very interesting statements made today on MSNBC by select Democratic representatives when asked about the Obama trip.

The first was...."...on this trip the Mideast, Obama has passed the test showing he is indeed qualified as Commander in Chief...". All I can say is if he was in a limbo contest and walked upright under the bar the media would say see....he can do it...very amusing. Does anybody really believe that is all it takes is to be a visiting dignitary to an area of adversity? I think not....my opinion and anyone else who has ever ever been a visiting dignitary. Absolutely no involvement with the day to day machinations of what it takes to run the situation. NONE!

The second profound report was quoting Obama regarding bringing the troops home..."...US combat troops no longer in Iraq in the next 16 months...". Since there are 50,000 of the 140,000 troops in Iraq with a duty spec of 'combat"....what does it imply for the other 90,000? It certainly is very different from the podium speeches of "...bring the troops home from Iraq during his first four years as President. At least it shows he has the ability to change positions when he is exposed to the reality of a position.

As was mentioned on other reports this past couple of weeks...in almost every country we have been at war with....first they are better off.....second and most jermain to the subject....US troops are still stationed there...i.e...Germany/Japan....some 60 years hence!!!!

I do think one thing the trip has afforded in the get to know Obama crusade....we at least get to see him from time to time without a podium and prepared remarks. A significant difference in presentation!

The mark of a good visiting dignitary is to know your subject matter regarding who/where you visit...but with 300 advisers how could he possibly be unprepared where ever he visits?

Rock Star......not hardly when measured against the real rock stars of my generation!!! But a nice journalistic poetic licence.

I am keenly aware there are shift issues with McCain also. I prefaced my comments above as interesting.....ONLY!

BTK

[Guest]

In my opinion, there are more than just shift issues with McCain. He's becoming more of a doddering fool every time he speaks! Just my opinion. ;)

[Guest]

How many people think that as President, Sen. Obama intends to pull ALL US soldiers out of Iraq in 16 months? I'll bet the majority, including me! However, he says that he intends to withdraw all US "combat" troops. Big difference. He has gone beyond the "flip flop" of most politicians as he can hold two different positions on an issue at the same time. And we all thought that President Clinton was the master parsing a phrase.

[Guest]

I agree that Obama's trip doesn't in itself qualify him to be Commander in Chief. But from my perspective, its nice to have trust in a person (that could ultimately be representing our country ) as far as his speaking abilities in the international arena. He's a wonderful orator and is drawing huge audiences. Today in Germany there were over 200,000 for his speech. He is mesmerizing, and there are many comparisons to other past presidents such as Regan and Kennedy.

Contrast that to Bush who I find to be an international embarrasment. His remarks lately regarding the economy show how truly shallow he is:

Explaining the current economic downturn to a closed-door fundraiser last week, President Bush said, "Wall Street got drunk."

"There's no question about it," Bush said. "Wall Street got drunk, that's one of the reasons I asked you to turn off the TV cameras. It got drunk and now it's got a hangover. The question is how long will it sober up and not try to do all these fancy financial instruments."


I haven't found McCain to be much of a speaker either. His continued gaffs give me serious doubts about his mental capabilities.

[Guest]

Nothing known about Obama qualifies him to be President. An empty suit shows more substance.
What exactly do you trust about him?
I find it interesting that we hear how Bush has antagonized our allies, yet France, Germany and Italy all changed from leftist governments to right Bush supporting governments over the past few years. Maybe we are not getting the whole truth here!
Obama does not speak well, he reads well. Take his teleprompter away and he can barely speak at all.
Perhaps the rock concert that accompanied Obama's appearance in Germany attracted quite a few of those in attendance. We will never know from our mainstream news services.

[Guest]

I agree that Obama's trip doesn't in itself qualify him to be Commander in Chief. But from my perspective, its nice to have trust in a person (that could ultimately be representing our country ) as far as his speaking abilities in the international arena. He's a wonderful orator and is drawing huge audiences. Today in Germany there were over 200,000 for his speech. He is mesmerizing, and there are many comparisons to other past presidents such as Regan and Kennedy.

Contrast that to Bush who I find to be an international embarrasment. His remarks lately regarding the economy show how truly shallow he is:

Explaining the current economic downturn to a closed-door fundraiser last week, President Bush said, "Wall Street got drunk."

"There's no question about it," Bush said. "Wall Street got drunk, that's one of the reasons I asked you to turn off the TV cameras. It got drunk and now it's got a hangover. The question is how long will it sober up and not try to do all these fancy financial instruments."


I haven't found McCain to be much of a speaker either. His continued gaffs give me serious doubts about his mental capabilities.


I would hope that public speaking skills are not the determining factor in any election. If that were the case, then the candidate pool could include Julie Chen and Ryan Seacrest. They too know how to read telepromters and whip up an audience. Over the years I've seen some great actors and orators also mesmerize - and at the same time be as hollow as manicotti.

I'm not sure how the "trust" factor relates to either candidate. Sen. McCain, just by virtue of longevity on the planet, may be creditied with instances of say-one-thing-then-do-another. That can be tagged for all of us, especially in the 6th, 7th, or 8th decade of life. Sen. Obama gives a sincere expression when he says things, but so didn't the guy who sold me my first car (and what a lemon that was!). Trust must be EARNED and not just expected by virtue of an "honest face matched with the right words."

I have to admit that I'm leaning away from what's being presented by the Democratic Party - the party which considers itself more important than any State within the union. However, I do admire tthe DNC's ability to stage events and manipulate media attention - the DNC sure can put on a show - and Berlin was a good example of great stage skill.

[Guest]

No one said that oratory skills were a determining factor in governing the country. But I did say, and I repeat, that in my opinion it is nice to have a representative of the country speak like an intelligent human being. Foreigners refer to Bush as "a cowboy" in derogatory terms. What does that say about their respect for him overseas?

[Guest]

Be nice, now. We are all entitled to our opinions, and some of the most intelligent people I know never attended college.

First, I am an Independent, so no partisan bashing here.

Secondly, I believe that Talk Radio will be the biggest problem that John McCain will have to deal with, not the current media coverage of Obama.

For example, Rush Limbaugh is totally obsessed with viciously criticizing anyone whom he disagrees with. Just last year he was one of the biggest critics of John McCain, and he accuses politicians of flip-flops! I realize he is simply an entertainer getting big bucks to stir the pot, but he has a large following.

One of the most hypocritical things I have heard him say just today is that many perceive Obama as being a "Messiah" with all the answers, and that Obama enjoys that status. Rush also accused Obama of having no humility!

Excuse me, Rush, but that sounds a little more like you, Mr. Messiah with 'talent on loan from God' and your dittoheads.

With supporters like Rush, John McCain doesn't need enemies.

[Guest]

Yes we are all entitled to our opinions. George Bush was elected twice by the american people to use his judgement to enact policies and make decisions on important matters for the american people.
Liberals resort to name calling within minuets of their ideas being challenged. I'm glad they call my president COWBOY and not aristocrat or elitist. Personally I don't care what anyone in any other country thinks of us.
I can't wait to see what SMART policies are enacted if Obama is elected. Benj

[Guest]

Watching today's coverage (what else is there???)...it is so apparent Obama, as stated by someone above is a great reader, not a great speaker. Today when he was off script and had to think for himself, he was no better than the average speaker in an impromptu situation. I personally believe, he is give considerably more credit than deserved. Why else is he against the town hall format and promoting speeches and debates? Because they are much, much easier to prepare. A truly great speaker, knows his/her subject cold.
They may use notes for refreshing (usually before the speech itself). Never a script or tele prompter. Not a partisan slam, just my observations regarding more credit than deserved being being hyped.....no matter race, color, creed, male or female, dem or republican....really!!!

Myself having had to do it both ways....a scripted speech is by far the easiest. Also the least effective. But definitely can be pazzazed (sp?)...it's part of the scripting!!

As far as giving the Dems credit for being able to put on a show with the media.....why not...it is so very easy when they are all on the same team with the same agenda.

All the above are.....IMHO ;D


BTK

[Guest]

I can't wait to see what SMART policies are enacted if Obama is elected. Benj


I agree. I can't wait to see what Smart policies are enacted when Obama is elected!

[Guest]

Lll Dancer I guess we will both have to wait and see because one things for sure, Obama sure wont tell us before the election what his policy's are. It's just enough to be Lord Obama. By the way wheres the Kool-Aid dispenser.

[Guest]

McCains idea of free speech at one of his "open to the public" town hall meetings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lyaMrS0hzk

[Guest]

Interesting media is yesterdays article in the Wall Street Journal and todays in the Washington Post. How Nancy Polosi and Harry Reed are preventing Congress from voting on the off shore drilling. She knows she will lose. Our great Congress at work, helping us lower gas prices.

[Guest]

The cover from "The New Yorker" says it all.

[Guest]

ok Tony I get it.

[Guest]

How can the media ignore the fact that over 200,000 people came out to hear Obama speak in Germany. And for the first time, in a long time, they were waving American Flags, not burning them. Better yet, why should they ignore it?

Meanwhile McCain is at some German Sausage House with a party of two. What would you cover if you were in the media?

Hey, McCain asked for this himself by always goading Obama to go abroad.

Looks like McCain went "all in" as we say in Texas Hold'em, and lost.

One more point. If I was Obama I wouldn't take the bait of the town hall meeting either. Why should McCain ride in on his coattails for an audience. McCain audiences are dwindling. Obama should stick to the three televised debates. That's the smartest move.

McCain is slipping badly, and I think much more after those 3 debates. BTW, McCain is not just a poor speaker, he gets his facts very confused and that does NOT make for a good president. I'll give you that everyone has gaff's, but McCain's are really increasing and getting out of hand. Again, just my opinion. November will tell all. ;D

[Guest]

How can the media ignore the fact that over 200,000 people came out to hear Obama speak in Germany. And for the first time, in a long time, they were waving American Flags, not burning them. Better yet, why should they ignore it?.....

They also came out in similar numbers for Hitler and Mussolini.

How the Europeans feel about America and American politics is interesting, and even more interesting is how some Americans are so concerned about the European viewpoint.

For all of their "culture" the Europeans have depicted regional bias and bigotry more than just about anywhere else on earth, and have darned near brouoght the planet to end more than once in the past century. Even now, there are so many rivalries within the European Community that they still are having problems with getting agreement on their monetary unit, and the alliances among the member states to swing all sorts of issues rivals the pettiness on Big Brother 10.

I wonder when the next time "cowboys" are going to have to come over to save Europeans from each other.......

[Guest]

You are right SteveZ. Some people are pupets of the TV media, they believe blindfolded whatever the three main channels tell them. Can someone mention just one Osama, I mean Obama, accomplishment? Just ONE.

[Guest]

...and many follow the gospel of Rush and Sean without thinking for themselves. It works both ways.

[Guest]

This is too much! I can't believe how nasty politics can get, even at TV... Yes I can. Let's face it, one of the two remaining candidates is going to become the next president of the US. Is this the kind of rhetoric we want our grand children to see and hear. Any way you look at it, 50% of the country is going to be elated and other half ticked off at the results of the election. I believe the next president of the US will carry out his charge to the best of his ability, as all the past presidents have done. Some of our best past presidents were either democratic or republican. Some of them were great orators, some could hardly put two words together.

Come on people lets not mimic the political engines of the republican or democratic party. We can rise above all that nonsense.

[Guest]

you're right, Jim 007 - let's try to become educated on the facts and not blindly follow what either the media or the talk radio hosts feed us. We cannot let others do our thinking for us!

[Guest]

SteveZ, I think that analogy is beneath you. And efrahin, that Osama Obama joke is old, very old.

[Guest]

I just received this report from a very close friend of Jeff's. I am stunned.

Jeff's witness of Barack visiting the troops on our dime.
I don't know each of your personal political convictions, and apologize
if anyone finds this offensive. I thought it was important enough to share.

This is Jeff's first hand view of Senator Obama.Hello everyone,

As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along >that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to "The War Zone". I wanted to share with you what
happened. He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram.

As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and
didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the
General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service.

So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back
home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you.

I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.

If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.

In service,
CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier

[Guest]

How can we seriously talk about this. Is McCain going to defend the Iraq/Canada border...LOL...come one people, lighten up...we have two votes, one person knows it is 2008 and the other thinks that ZION is coming to assist us....LOL is it really that hard....

[Guest]

They also came out in similar numbers for Hitler and Mussolini.



For someone who "claims" they're independant, you've really shown your true colors.

[Guest]

From a guy who says how can we seriously talk about this. I agree we cant. Like I said, liberals resort to name calling if any one questions their views. From someone so fair and balanced in two short posts you say McCain has dementia, republicans want only career politicians (Pelosi or Reed anyone),Republicans put wall street investors ahead of american workers(you mean the ones working for those big company's) Republicans think american workers are a terrorist interest group, The republicans should rename themselves the USSR, The republicans want to send american workers to China to work for $2.00 an hour, Republicans are NEO Cons, McCain wants to defend the border between Canada and Irac, McCain doesn't know it's 2008 and McCain thinks ZION is coming to assist us. This is what passes as one of the enlightened open minded liberals. I hope people see why we can't seem to have a serious discussion with people like this.

[Guest]

SteveZ, I think that analogy is beneath you…..

Funny, I thought it was an accurate comparison to how politically staged events work, especially in Europe. It was no different when Pres. Kennedy pandered to the world press with the “Ich bin ein Berliner” remark. All it proved is that people will attend a free event on their way to the gasthaus.


How can we seriously talk about this. Is McCain going to defend the Iraq/Canada border...LOL...come one people, lighten up...we have two votes, one person knows it is 2008 and the other thinks that ZION is coming to assist us....LOL is it really that hard....

Let’s see – we have one Senator who agreed with the DNC that Florida and Michigan should be punished for not recognizing the DNC as the controller of all elections and not genuflecting before the Altar of Howard Dean; and we have another Senator who is being ridiculed for having lived as long as he has.

Personally, the arrogance of the DNC and the obvious acceptance of its candidate-to-be of the Florida/Michigan snub shows me that Sen. Obama will not be a person of conscience should he be elected, but instead be the puppet of the DNC – doing what the committee tells him, appointing who it tell hims and acting according to the committee’s instructions.

Whatever anyone may claim about Sen. McCain, he has shown the RNC many times that the RNC does not own him in any fashion and that he is his own man. That may be old-fashioned to some, but is in high fashion to me.

As an Independent (yep, sure am!) I’m concerned whether the candidate is truly who and what s/he claims to be, or is a walking-talking Ken or Barbie. There have been the complaints that Pres. Bush is in the pocket of Wall Street and the Houston Oil Network – and that seems to indicate the complaintants want a President who will operate independent of special interests, and that includes the most obvious of special interest groups housed at 430 S. Capitol St. SE and 310 First Street, Washington, D. C. 20003.

So, when these well-choreographed media events are staged, all trying to depict the candidate as the Second Coming in wing-tips, just take a look at who is doing the staging, writing the script, applying the make-up and pulling the strings.

[Guest]

benj,


Come on now, how can you call me a liberal. I have not said a single thing about Obama other than he knows what year it is. If you must know, I am a Ron Paul supporter. It is like the republicans to label everyone who points out how flat out crazy the republican candidate is, as a liberal. Before that, I voted for Harry Brown. Though I do not believe that we should be the police of the world (Bush 2000), I am not advocating for another candidate here. I simply want to live in a county where a president can make a complete sentence and knows the difference between Canada and Iraq. At this point, I think we are backed in a conner. As much as I blame the democrats for the neo-liberal stances that lead to NAFTA, their Iraqi terrorism that lead to 3,000 children dieing in Iraq every month Clinton was in office, as much as I blame them for creating the DLC (Democratic Leadership Committee) that ousted all non-republican leaning democrats from the party, and promoting a policy that ousted me from my Detroit automaker roots, I can not vote for a man who after 25 years of service can not keep the bordering countries of Iraq straight after being at war with them since Gulf War I (in the 1990s). Come on now, anyone can see the dangers in this....

And yes, I have a problem with republicans (because they were going to stop democratic politics and instead made it their policy). I am dieing with gas prices, food prices, and watching a 2 trillion dollar tax cut and a 1 trillion dollar war. Unlike you, I like this thing called personally wealth and I wish they would quit stealing it from my paycheck in the form of taxes (in which I have to cover the rich mans expenses with).

BTW...I am an independent that tends to lean more toward the anarcho-syndicist than anything in the Republican-Democrat spectrum. But, with that said, I will NOT vote for a man who is mentally ill!!! a former McCain supporter...he has really lost his mind...he is not suitable for this position...

[Guest]

I rest my case . The last two posts by libs jeckyl and junglejim make my point. Jim says the republicans are mentally incompetent clowns, and jeckyl says McCain is flat out crazy, cant make a complete sentence, McCain is mentally ill, and has lost his mind. And trust me you arn't covering any rich mans expenses. Benj

[Guest]

I rest my case . The last two posts by libs jeckyl and junglejim make my point. Jim says the republicans are mentally incompetent clowns, and jeckyl says McCain is flat out crazy, cant make a complete sentence, McCain is mentally ill, and has lost his mind. And trust me you arn't covering any rich mans expenses. Benj


When oil is pegged to the dollar, and the dollar drops in global value, oil is cheap to the international consumer. As a result, the price adjusts to the international market. If you look at the numbers, the increase in oil prices reflects has a positive correlation with the devaluation of the dollar. If the dollar has devalued because of the national deficit of the nation (and every economist says it has), and the national deficit is a reduction of national income (i.e. reduction of taxes with increase in spending) then the reduction of taxes is to blame for the increase in gas prices. Since I am paying more in gas, and the rich (people making above $150,000/yr) are getting a tax break, then yes, I am paying for the rich man's expenses. Sorry, but do the math...it all works out....

And again, you call me a liberal... I am so far to the right of the republicans that I end up left of the democrats... but that is okay... when Clinton was in office, I was always called a republican.... cant win can I....

[Guest]

Jeckyl Lets have some intellectual honesty here. The national deficit has nothing to do with national income. Our deficit is very low as a % of GDP, lower than in many years. Average personal debt should be so low. I hope you know that oil is down and the dollar is up (I'll bet EVERY economist says this to.). I'll bet EVERY economist will tell you that since GW's tax cuts, the amount of taxes paid by the RICH is higher than when Clinton was president, and income to the government is at an all time high. Do the math.

[Guest]

I just received this report from a very close friend of Jeff's. I am stunned.

Jeff's witness of Barack visiting the troops on our dime.
I don't know each of your personal political convictions, and apologize
if anyone finds this offensive. I thought it was important enough to share.

This is Jeff's first hand view of Senator Obama.Hello everyone,

As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along >that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to "The War Zone". I wanted to share with you what
happened. He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram.

As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and
didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the
General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service.

So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back
home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you.

I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.

If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.

In service,
CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier



Has anyone checked out the authenticity of this letter? The whole thing smacks of political dirty tricks. This "letter" is plastered on every right wing fringe website out there, not to mention every skinhead web site. This letter is very suspect to me. I guess some of you have it right, timing is everything. Talk about staging something. WOW!

[Guest]

SteveZ, yah but this time, they're not burning our flags, they're waving them. A great improvement already.

[Guest]

:agree: :agree: :agree: Jim007. Glad you commented on that. It was my same feeling exactly. :bigthumbsup:

[Guest]

Jeckyl Lets have some intellectual honesty here. The national deficit has nothing to do with national income. Our deficit is very low as a % of GDP, lower than in many years. Average personal debt should be so low. I hope you know that oil is down and the dollar is up (I'll bet EVERY economist says this to.). I'll bet EVERY economist will tell you that since GW's tax cuts, the amount of taxes paid by the RICH is higher than when Clinton was president, and income to the government is at an all time high. Do the math.



Actually it is at the highest percentage of GDP since Ike, who was reducing it from Truman. But you are correct in the idea that Bush I almost had it as high as Bush II (Bush II finally beat his father last year). Here is a graph that shows it:

http://zfacts.com/metaPage/lib/National-Debt-GDP.gif

And here is the dollar index...which...like I said...looks kind of like an inverse of our gas prices...

http://blog.goldandoilstocks.com/uploaded_images/Dollar_index_with_gold_prices-704310.JPG

Why is it so hard to understand? If you drop the price, you increase demand. You can see the China demand here: http://static.seekingalpha.com/wp-content/seekingalpha/images/crudeoil3_02.jpg

Do the math is not just something to throw out there, because I have been. You really need to calculate this because I have been.....





[/quote]

[Guest]

Jim are you saying that totv is a right wing fringe web site? And Jim how many skinhead web sites do you check out?

[Guest]

Jim,

Like most conservative emails going around.... this one is also false... I guess when people can't find actual things to criticize, they just make them up. It keeps people like Rush in a job....

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/afghanistan.asp

[Guest]

Jim are you saying that totv is a right wing fringe web site? And Jim how many skinhead web sites do you check out?


I just like to know who is foisting, on me, pure "Bull". This time it is the right wing agenda, and a bunch of skinheads. What can I tell you, I tell it like I see it. That letter is nothing more than a political fabrication. By the way, I am not saying TOTV is a right wing fringe web site, but I believe some of the people posting here get their material from those sources, and they should check their material first.

[Guest]

Jim,

Like most conservative emails going around.... this one is also false... I guess when people can't find actual things to criticize, they just make them up. It keeps people like Rush in a job....

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/afghanistan.asp


Thanks jeckyl.

[Guest]

Jeckyl, From the federal budget fiscal 2008. Gross federal debt as a % of GDP. 95-49.2,96-48.5,97-46.1,98-43.1,99-39.8,00-35.1,01-33.0,02-34.1,03-36.2,04-37.3,05-37.4,06-37.0,07-36.9,08-36.8. But I'm proud of you. We had a conversation without calling names. Benj.

By the way I lived in the Detroit area for years and I would love to have a beer with you. I appreciate people who are passionate about their beliefs. I'll bet we could argue all night.

[Guest]

I just received this report from a very close friend of Jeff's. I am stunned.

Jeff's witness of Barack visiting the troops on our dime.
I don't know each of your personal political convictions, and apologize
if anyone finds this offensive. I thought it was important enough to share.

This is Jeff's first hand view of Senator Obama.Hello everyone,

As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along >that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to "The War Zone". I wanted to share with you what
happened. He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram.

As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and
didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the
General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service.

So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back
home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you.

I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.

If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.

In service,
CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier



Retired Guy, as others have stated, the email above is false. I'm sure you don't want to be accused of spreading false rumors.

Even the Army itself debunked this smear:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/07/24/2008-07-24_army_officials_refute_claim_of_barack_ob.html

[Guest]

When oil is pegged to the dollar, and the dollar drops in global value, oil is cheap to the international consumer. As a result, the price adjusts to the international market. If you look at the numbers, the increase in oil prices reflects has a positive correlation with the devaluation of the dollar....
You are dead right! OPEC used to peg prices against the US Dollar, but that practice apparently went out the window a few years ago. If you follow the currency rates, oil seems to have been pegged to the Euro and Swiss Franc for quite a while, and the Dollar/Euro and Dollar/SwissFranc exchange rate history matches almost perfectly to the price of oil for US consumers.

Despite all of the commentary on domestic oil exploration and recovery (which we do need!), one needs to examine the currency "futures market" and examing the forecasted Dollar/Euro exchange rate to get a glimmer of what oil prices will be over the next year, or two, or three.

[Guest]

Jeckyl,...... I appreciate people who are passionate about their beliefs. I'll bet we could argue all night.

Jeckyl, as we discussed before....now the forum is really accomplishing something positive. I'm in for the first six-pack, guys.