A story was reported this week with very little fanfare from the media.  President Bush is planning on following recommendations to withdraw around 8000 troops from Iraq by January of 2009.  He would also send a small group of Marines to Afghanistan in November; No, not to add troops but to replace the ones leaving.
 
Folks, military commanders in Afghanistan are asking for ‘more’ troops, not less, not the same -- more.  President Bush and John McCain are failing their jobs.  Bush and McCain have both promised to provide everything to the generals on the ground that they ask for – they’ve failed in that mission.

What isn’t noticed as much during this news report are the words, “at least one Marine battalion will leave (Iraq) and not be replaced, as well as a few thousand support forces”.   Don’t you wonder how many ‘thousands’ that number is?  I do.

Two weeks ago General Petraeus wanted to maintain current levels in Iraq – about 146,000, including 15 combat brigades and thousands of support forces through June.

There’s no telling exactly how many troops we still have in Iraq because the news reports never match up.  We’re never told the truth.  But if it’s true that in January of 2007, before the ‘surge’, we had 130,000 total troops there in Iraq, and if it’s true that there’s been an 80 percent drop in violence – why then do we continue to have, at the very least, 16,000 more troops there than what we had before the ‘surge’?  

If the ‘surge’ worked and we have ‘victory’ why aren’t the Iraqi soldiers taking charge?  Why isn’t the Iraqi government solving its problems politically?  Last but not least, why aren’t our troops heading home by now in great masses?

That is the most important question to ask Senator John McCain.  He and his surrogates kept talking about having ‘victory’ in Iraq during their GOP convention this past week. 

Victory means war is over; Troops go home.  It doesn’t mean troops stay – in greater forces than what were there before the so-called victory.

As a side note; I predicted that Bush would be giving an announcement just in time for Election Day about troop withdraw, to give John McCain something to 'brag' about.  8000 troops is a lot of troops and I'm sure each one is estatic about leaving; but 146,000 are still there folks.  Never, Never forget that.


http://coonsey.wordpress.com/

People talk about Barack Obama saying this campaign is not about HIM, it's about YOU.  Well, apparently John McCain disagrees.  What's new huh?

John McCain thinks it's about HIM instead of YOU!

John McCain said during his speech at the Republican Convention the following:

I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your President

McCain promised a VP who was ready on Day 1.

It's Day 8 and she's still not ready.

All the political media outlets, Hardball, Anderson Cooper 360, Countdown, Campbell Brown Election Center, Rachel Maddow Show, Inside Edition, etc.. should begin their own Count Down for an appearance by Sarah Palin to their shows.  She is John McCain's running mate.
 
Just as Fox News Sunday did to complain about Barack Obama not appearing on their show, these shows should create a countdown in the corner of their screens waiting for their first interview of Sarah Palin - she could be after all, the next Vice President (and God forbid, the next President) of the United States.

Start the countdown as of September 5, 2008.  Just 8 weeks before Election Day.

After Barack Obama's walking us through his step by step plans for each of the issues of today during his acceptance speech last week, and after John McCain's spending his whole convention this week telling us about his 'life experience' and his 'Rocky' spirit as a 'fighter' - giving absolutely no specifics on what he will do for American's (except "fight" for them) -- the media still continues to ask even more from..guess who; Yup, Barack Obama.

So, I've decided it's time to ask for a list of what voters want most from their candidate.

Besides getting out of Iraq -- what do you want from your next President?

Apparently we have to prove that Barack Obama's answered those questions and it is John McCain that is lacking in 'details'.

I will try and summarize your comments at a later date.

Perhaps having a specific list - we can confront BOTH Obama and McCain on how they will provide those things.

Here are a few of Obama's plans mentioned during his Convention speech:

I will stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America.

I will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.

I will cut taxes - cut taxes - for 95% of all working families. Because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class.

And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as President: in ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.

I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I'll invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy - wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and five million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced.

I'll invest in early childhood education. I'll recruit an army of new teachers, and pay them higher salaries and give them more support. And in exchange, I'll ask for higher standards and more accountability.

If you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don't, you'll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves.

Now is the time to help families with paid sick days and better family leave, because nobody in America should have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for a sick child or ailing parent.

Now is the time to change our bankruptcy laws, so that your pensions are protected ahead of CEO bonuses; and the time to protect Social Security for future generations.

And now is the time to keep the promise of equal pay for an equal day's work, because I want my daughters to have exactly the same opportunities as your sons.

Now, many of these plans will cost money, which is why I've laid out how I'll pay for every dime - by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens that don't help America grow. But I will also go through the federal budget, line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less.

Individual responsibility and mutual responsibility - that's the essence of America's promise.

As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.

I will end this war in Iraq responsibly, and finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts. But I will also renew the tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and curb Russian aggression. I will build new partnerships to defeat the threats of the 21st century: terrorism and nuclear proliferation; poverty and genocide; climate change and disease. And I will restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future.

Now - to the media -- exactly what is lacking from this list of issues and plans to change them?

Poll being taken online about Dem and Repub conventions and candidates -- so far McCain seems to be winning.

If you support Obama - go and vote for him:

John McCain's speech was meant to be a 'inspirational' speech -- not an 'informative' one.

I heard just one detail of what the man will do different then what George W. Bush has promised over the past 8 years.

You might as well have put George W. Bush on that stage -- McCain said the very same things about education, serving your country, energy independence and tax cuts as Bush does each 4 years.

Voting for over 90% of what Bush wanted these past 8 years -- does NOT make you a maverick!  It makes you a Party lapdog!

Voters need to remind themselves of what they were promised back in 2000 and 2004 by the current President, George W. Bush and his Republican Party.  You might see a few similarities to this week’s speeches by Sarah Palin, Rudy Guiliani, Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney.

2000 Convention Acceptance Speech by George W. Bush: 

2006 Convention Acceptance Speech by George W. Bush:

The theme in both:

Lower Taxes

Reduce the deficit

Free Trade

Energy Independence

 

Folks, we didn’t get any of this, in fact the opposite.  Oh sure, we got a little tax relief; but when you add back in the higher cost of gasoline, natural gas bills and higher food costs --those tax cuts some of us got…..were wiped out.

They promised energy independence over 8 years ago.  Guess who was begging Saudi Arabia to increase supplies a month or so ago; George W. Bush that’s who.  Guess who waited just 3 months before election day to announce he's lifting the ban to drill oil on coast?  George W. Bush.

I would also like to remind voters that yes Democrats control Congress; but the Senate is controlled by one vote and guess who supports Bush most of the time; Independent Joe Lieberman.  It’s kind of hard to get things past with that majority and a president that promises to veto any bill he gets.

The most recent President to ever promise something and deliver on that promise was Bill Clinton.  We had a surplus in 2000 when he left office and 20 million jobs created.

That’s no longer the case thanks to the Republican Party – of which John McCain/Sarah Palin belong to.

Where was all the love being expressed by Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Guiliani and Sarah Palin in 2000?

John McCain was more of a maverick back then, then he's been the past 8 years.  Why the switch-a-roo of support now?

Who did Mitt Romney support in 2000?  Who did Mike Huckabee support back in 2000.  Who did Rudy Guiliani support back in 2000?  And most important, who did Sarah Palin support in 2000?

Where was the LOVE in 2000?

What's CHANGED since 2000 with John McCain?  Not a darn thing -- except that he voted and supported George W. Bush and Dick Cheney over 90% of the time while in office.

Where was the LOVE in 2000?

Sarah Palin quoted the Majority Leader Reid in saying that he "couldn't stand John McCain".  Sarah Palin then said, "we chose the right man my friends".

What happened to John McCain's PROMISE to WORK ACROSS PARTY LINES?

Where was all this LOVE in 2000?

Folks -- these same people IGNORED this so-called GREAT MAN back in 2000.  They chose INSTEAD a man that went AWOL from the National Guard.

If they didn't want him in 2000 --- why in hell should we want him now?

Barack Obama should immediate gather up as many previous 'community organizers' that he can find, the more famous the better, and create an Ad showing who were Community Organizers and then show Sarah Palin make FUN of and DOWNGRADE their service to their nation.

Barack Obama needs to gather up as many 'community organizers' that he can, the more famous they are the BETTER! He needs to create a commercial showing how Sarah Palin and John McCain LOOK DOWN on Community Organizers!

Where was all the love being expressed by Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Guiliani and Sarah Palin in 2000?

John McCain was more of a maverick back then, then he's been the past 8 years.  Why the switch-a-roo of support now?

Who did Mitt Romney support in 2000?  Who did Mike Huckabee support back in 2000.  Who did Rudy Guiliani support back in 2000?  And most important, who did Sarah Palin support in 2000?

Where was the LOVE in 2000?

What's CHANGED since 2000 with John McCain?  Not a darn thing except that he voted and supported George W. Bush and Dick Cheney over 90% of the time while in office.

Where was the LOVE in 2000?

Sarah Palin quoted the Majority Leader Reid in saying that he "couldn't stand John McCain".  Sarah Palin then said, "we chose the right man my friends".

What happened to John McCain's PROMICE to WORK ACROSS PARTY LINES?

Where was all this LOVE in 2000?

Folks -- these same people IGNORED this so-called GREAT MAN back in 2000.  They chose INSTEAD a man that went AWOL from the National Guard.

All during the Democratic Primary you might remember seeing Hillary Clinton give John McCain ammunition to use later for his campaign against Barack Obama.  Throughout the primaries, both Hillary and John expressed nice comments toward one another constantly.

Their ultimate goal – get John Elected in 2008, then have Sarah Palin his VP and Hillary Clinton go at it in 2012 when John McCain steps down because of health reasons.

John get’s his name in lights finally and Hillary gets another chance at the White House in 2012, and another chance at making history again (first general election with two women up against one another).

That is why you see Sarah Palin as John’s VP.  He’s probably promised the GOP that he would step down in 2012 – giving them the chance to elect the first woman president.

John would also be helping his friend, Hillary Clinton by giving her another shot at the top before she’s too old.

Before I get jumped on by Hillary supporters – think about what I’ve said.  You gal could once again run for President.  If this is truly John McCain, Hillary Clinton and the GOP’s secret plan – you should be jumping for joy!

Questions to ask Sarah Palin:

Who will be financially responsible for Bristol Palin's new family?  Does Sarah Palin intend to make Bristol the biggest 'welfare queen' in history by providing for the new teen pregnancy pinup family with taxpayer dollars?

If elected, will Sarah Palin move the soon to be newlyweds into the Vice President's residence? 

Has Levi Johnston been assigned secret service protection now that he is joining his girlfriend on the campaign trail?   Are Bristol & Levi waiting to marry until after the election in hopes of having a lavish wedding financed by taxpayers?

Anybody keeping tabs of questions like these and her answers?

Has anybody asked the simple question of why the Republicans weren't as supportive as they are now toward the truly "maverick" Senator John McCain -- just 8 short years ago when he went up against George W. Bush?

One could argue that McCain was much more of a maverick back then, then he is now.  McCain's own words tell us that he's supported Bush 90% over the past 8 years.  I wouldn't call that being a maverick.

John McCain's POW status was the same in 2000 as it is today.  His heroism was the same in 2000 as it is today too. I don't remember Republicans bragging about that back then.

As Fred Thompson pointed out last night, being a POW doesn't qualify you to be President; but it 'does' show you the 'character' of the man --- so Fred, why didn't that 'character' matter back in 2000 up against a man that went AWOL from the Guard?

In 2004, Republicans attacked a man, John Kerry, for 'his' Vietnam service, but in 2008 the Republicans are bragging about another man's Vietnam service.

John McCain is the SAME MAN today - but less of a MAVERICK then he was in 2000.

So what's 'CHANGED' Republicans?

Is this yet another flip flop?





http://coonsey.wordpress.com/

Has anybody asked the simple question of why the Republicans weren't as supportive as they are now toward the truly "maverick" Senator John McCain -- just 8 short years ago when he went up against George W. Bush?

One could argue that McCain was much more of a maverick back then, then he is now.  McCain's own words tell us that he's supported Bush 90% over the past 8 years.  I wouldn't call that being a maverick.

John McCain's POW status was the same in 2000 as it is today.  His heroism was the same in 2000 as it is today too. I don't remember Republicans bragging about that back then.

As Fred Thompson pointed out last night, being a POW doesn't qualify you to be President; but it 'does' show you the 'character' of the man --- so Fred, why didn't that 'character' matter back in 2000 up against a man that went AWOL from the Guard?

In 2004, Republicans attacked a man, John Kerry, for 'his' Vietnam service, but in 2008 the Republicans are bragging about another man's Vietnam service.

John McCain is the SAME MAN today - but less of a MAVERICK then he was in 2000.

So what's 'CHANGED' Republicans?

Is this yet another flip flop?





http://coonsey.wordpress.com/

I want to tell you about a man that served his nation well.
 
He was born in Lockport, New York.   He was the middle child of three, and the only male child. His family was Irish Catholic.

In his senior year, he was named the school's "Most Promising Computer Programmer.  After graduating high school with honors, he became intensely interested in gun rights and the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.

He was affiliated with the Republican Party when he lived in New York, and was a member in the National Rifle Association while in the military.

He enlisted in the Army in 1988.  He was a decorated veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Gulf War, where he was awarded a Bronze Star.

He had been a top scoring gunner with the 25mm cannon of the light-armored Bradley Fighting Vehicles used by the U.S. 1st Infantry Division to which he was assigned. He served at Fort Riley, Kansas, before Operation Desert Storm.  At Fort Riley, he completed the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC).  He had special lifesaving training and may have saved the life of a comrade who had life-threatening shrapnel wounds.

While his service to his nation doesn’t make him qualified to be President, it does tell you a lot about the man’s character. (a comment by Fred Thompson at GOP convention about John McCain).

This man was Timothy McVeigh.  He bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  He was convicted of 11 United States federal offenses, and was sentenced to death and executed for his role in the April 19, 1995 bombing.  His act, which killed 168 people, was the deadliest event of domestic terrorism in the United States, and the deadliest act of terrorism within United States borders until the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Has anybody noticed the biggest difference between the Democratic Party's convention and the Republican Party's convention yet?

Take note of the dress code.

Democrats were wearing anything from shorts, jeans to suits.  Republicans, including women, are wearing mainly dresses and suits.

It appears the Republicans have done well for themselves over the past 8 years.

Now tell me who the 'elitist' really is!

While it's exciting to hear about all these polls showing Barack Obama's receiving large bumps and they seem to be increasing; I hope folks don't get fooled.

The GOP convention is being held this week.  McCain's poll numbers will get a bump, they all do, by having Obama's way high then seeing that number shrink -- pundits will say Obama's losing again.

So don't brag too much people.  Remind folks that the polls are a daily picture -- not a picture of the election itself.

There are those saying that John McCain picked Governor Sarah Palin because he needed the evangelical voters.

After hearing about the pregnancy of Palin’s 17 year old daughter I must admit my first thought was, “and they tell us how to live our lives?”; but later it occurred to me that perhaps McCain and his camp are hoping for a religious fight.

Think about it.  Palin is pro-lifer, against gay marriage and she’s being called a inspirational mother for keeping her special needs son even after hearing he would be one and before she had him.

What was the major story back in the beginning of this year about Barack Obama?  It was all about his minister, his religion and race.

What better way is there to rally your base but to discuss religion, faith, ethical actions and moral values?

Perhaps Republicans want to make this race all about religious beliefs and moral values.

Perhaps that is why McCain chose to keep Palin as his VP after finding out about her daughter’s pregnancy?  Take on the liberals and pro-choice folks.

The main platform of the Republican Party’s always been abortion and gay rights.  Even though they had several years of complete control of congress and the White House and chose to ignore those things; perhaps they will once again use them to divide the nation.

Perhaps along with using the same arguments Hillary used about being attacked for her sex, Palin will be used to take on religious beliefs of voters?

It appears that Senator Barack Obama is either reading my posts or we think alike.  I suggested these very things earlier today.

Politico’s Ben Smith reports the following:

    Sen. Obama gathered the pool outside after services at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. He told us that his campaign plans to mobilize its huge e-mail list of supporters to volunteer or send money once the impact of Gustav becomes apparent and authorities know better what kind of help is needed. He said his campaign is coordinating with local authorities.

    “We can activate an e-mail list of a couple million people who want to give back,” he said. “I think we can get tons of volunteers to travel down there if it becomes necessary.”

    Your pooler asked him if McCain’s visit now is appropriate.

    His response: “A big storm like this raises bipartisan concerns and I think for John to want to find out what’s going on is fine.“

    “The thing that I always am concerned about in the middle of a storm is whether we’re drawing resources away from folks on the ground because the Secret Service and various security requirements, sometimes it pulls police, fire and other departments away from concentrating on the job.“

    “I’m assuming that where he went that wasn’t an issue. Were going to try to stay clear of the area until things have settled down and then we’ll probably try to figure out how we can be as helpful as possible.“

Sarah Palin – John McCain’s choice for his public relations  She was educated in journalism and political science.  She will be able to help bring excitement to his McCain’s campaign; something of which he lacked.

Sarah Palin – John McCain’s choice for sports anchor.  She was a sports anchor for Anchorage broadcasting and she played point guard basketball in high school.  She will draw in the sports minded men (those that just care about sports and not the state of their country).

Sarah Palin – John McCain’s choice for gun lobbyist.  She and her father would sometimes wake at 3 a.m. to hunt moose.  Note the 3 A. M. time.  She will draw the gun lovers to the campaign (those that care about nothing else).

Sarah Palin – John McCain’s choice for lobbying women voters.  She was Miss Wasilla Beauty Contest winner and is a mother of 5 children (she’ll draw women that are pro-life only).

Sarah Palin – John McCain’s Prime Minister Putin (after meeting her once he could see her inner soul).

Watch Palin and McCain while they campaign together.  You’ll be seeing Palin taking control of the conversations.  She IS after all – his public relations expert; his “celebrity”.

Perhaps it’s time for Senator Barack Obama to rally the troops.  He has something like 2 million, if not more, donors that are supporting his candidacy financially; which means he has direct access to them.  Why not use that base of support to help victims of Gustav the hurricane charging into New Orleans and surrounding areas on Monday.

Senator Obama should do two things.  He should hold a press conference on Tuesday (after getting the facts on the ground in Louisiana.

He should point out that he will not be coming down to Louisiana because President Bush is the current commander-n-chief and he would just cause more havoc (knocking Senator John McCain and Gov. Palin for hogging press and security time down there during what must already be a mass of confusion).  He might mention what it takes to lend security to a presidential candidate and that Senator McCain’s idea of giving a political speech during or immediately after a massive hurricane - makes him (Obama) just speechless.  He should however, report that he’s talked to the White House and gotten a briefing on the situation.

Secondly, he should call upon his supporters to volunteer their services and money to the folks that are suffering down there.  He should announce a special fund and website that he’s had created for those that want to help by donating money or their time.  He should announce the phone number and website to visit on television and have a link placed on his website.  All donations will be directed for a specific need.

Lastly, he should ask that his supporters donate at least $5 or more to this fund.

Ask Americans to sacrifice -- one big thing Bush never did.