Michael Powe's Blog

Michael Powe Commented on Obama Spokesperson: He Doesn't "Hold Any Grudges" Against Lieberman, Won't Take Position On Whether To Oust Him From Committee by Greg Sargent

2008-11-11T16:35:17Z

I don't agree with the premise of the article that this "hands off" comment means that Lieberman is "safe." I think it means just what it says -- Obama is not going to be involved in the internal workings of the Senate. That can easily be taken as saying "Do with him what you will."

You can write, call or fax the members of the Democratic Steering Committee and give them your opinion about Lieberman. If a big enough stink is made, they may feel more inclined to act on their own dislike of Lieberman's antics.

Particularly, I would note that Lieberman is unlikely to do a 180 in his domestic voting patterns just because he "crosses the aisle." It's possible, but unlikely. Therefore, we don't lose his vote on those issues -- we just eliminate his dangerously destructive behavior within our own caucus.

Thanks.

Michael Powe Commented on Election night music mix? by Alex39

2008-11-04T14:56:23Z

Two from Emmanuel Jal, Ceasefire.

Dance a Jig On Election Night

Baai by Emmanuel Jal
Hadiya by Adbdel Gadir

These are my picks for election-night music because they celebrate reconciliation and "building up the land."

thanks.

Michael Powe Commented on Dozens Of Call Center Workers Walk Off Job In Protest Rather Than Read McCain Script Attacking Obama by Greg Sargent

2008-10-28T01:41:11Z

Well, kudos indeed to the individuals who said "I'm not going to take it anymore," but I can't get all into the high-fivin' and backslapping here, because these are some of the same people on whom a majority of you bang the phone down with a withering snide remark when they ring through to you.

Liberals and "progressives" are no more noted for their politeness to telemarketers than any rednecked Republicans, and perhaps even less so. It's such a simple thing to say, "Thank you, no. I'm not interested." What's your excuse for not so doing?

They are people struggling to get by ... single mothers, high-school dropouts working on a GED, students at the local CC trying to get a certificate or Associate, and the occasional citizen fallen into the well of hard times. Give yourself a high-five the next time you're nice to one of them when the call comes through. You probably won't need to, though -- just having behaved like a decent human being will be reward enough.

Thanks.

Michael Powe Commented on Obama: Transformational - but How? by TheraP

2008-10-20T13:34:51Z

Well, he's transformational because he is Democratic candidate who is ahead in the polls at 2 weeks out and therefore, by judging from past elections, has the best chance of winning this election.

I think a lot of people imbue his candidacy and successful campaign as transformational because he is black. Umm ... not so much. If he had been campaigning in the primaries against a competent, well-heeled white man, instead of against a competent, well-heeled woman, he would not be sitting in the catbird seat right now. I'm sorry to say that, IMO, for a large-enough portion of the electorate, it came down to voting for a man vs voting for a woman; and color of skin was secondary to gender.

Overall, I don't expect much from him as President. I expect he'll be competent and up to the task. Anything beyond that will be good-tasting gravy.

Thanks.

Michael Powe Commented on Colin Powell Endorses Obama by Greg Sargent

2008-10-19T17:24:48Z

Colin Powell, then a 31-year-old Army Major, was charged with investigating the letter, which did not specifically reference My Lai (Glen had limited knowledge of the events there). In his report Powell wrote: "In direct refutation of this portrayal is the fact that relations between American soldiers and the Vietnamese people are excellent." Powell's handling of the assignment was later characterized by some observers as "whitewashing" the atrocities of My Lai.[25] In May 2004, Powell, then United States Secretary of State, told CNN's Larry King, "I mean, I was in a unit that was responsible for My Lai. I got there after My Lai happened. So, in war, these sorts of horrible things happen every now and again, but they are still to be deplored."

My Lai

This whitewash assured the success of Major Powell's career as an Army political insider. I'm glad for whatever benefit may accrue to Obama's campaign from this endorsement. But, it would not sway me.

Never forget.

Thanks.