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A Moderate Voice in an Extreme Environment
The discussion inside the White House includes at least two distinct debates: Should Mr. Obama assume a more populist or centrist theme in his message? And should the White House do what it takes to pass compromise legislation or should it force votes, which even if unsuccessful can be used to carry an argument against Republicans in the fall?I think that Obama should take a centrist stance, bringing himself back to the base that elected him in the election of 2008. This should be followed by compromise legislation that is truly reform minded. Obama should ignore politicians on both extremes and actually accomplish what he set out to do.
Almost 10 years ago, in Bush vs. Gore, the five conservative justices for the first time decided a presidential election. One would have thought that decision would have laid to rest the notion that judicial activism is a tool of liberal judges and revealed that the real judicial activism today is from the right. Perhaps Thursday's decision will finally reveal the truth.~Ori
Yesterday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that corporations can spend freely in federal elections.You can add your name through this link:
It's a green light for a new stampede of special interest money in our politics, giving their lobbyists even more power in Washington. Now, every candidate who fights for change could face limitless attacks from corporate special interests like health insurance companies and Wall Street banks.
While the GOP is celebrating a victory for its special interest allies, President Obama is working with leaders in Congress to craft a forceful response that protects the voices of ordinary citizens.
Please add your name right away to help show that the American people support strong, urgent action to prevent a corporate takeover of our democracy.
The Supreme Court decision overturned a 20-year precedent saying that corporations could not pay for campaign ads from their general treasuries. And it struck down a law saying corporations couldn't buy "issue ads" -- which only thinly veil support for or opposition to specific candidates -- in the closing days of campaigns.
The result? Corporations can unleash multi-million-dollar ad barrages against candidates who try to curb special interest power, or devote millions to propping up elected officials who back their schemes.
With no limits on their spending, big oil, Wall Street banks, and health insurance companies will try to drown out the voices of everyday Americans -- and Republicans seem ecstatic.
While opponents of change in Congress are praising this victory for special interests, President Obama has tasked his administration and Congress with identifying a fix to preserve our democracy -- and we need to show that the American people stand with him.
[Obama's Guantanamo task force] evaluated any evidence against each man, the perceived threat he might pose if released, and the possibility of successfully prosecuting him.If a detainee's prosecution is unfeasible, his release is required. The Obama administration is deluding itself and misleading the American people by permitting the military to hold these men without giving each and every one due process and the ability to fight the charges (or in some cases accusations) against them.
The real solution lies in getting the court’s ruling overturned. The four dissenters made an eloquent case for why the decision was wrong on the law and dangerous. With one more vote, they could rescue democracy.~Ori