“If violence is wrong in America, violence is wrong abroad. If it is wrong to be violent defending black women and black children and black babies and black men, then it is wrong for America to draft us, and make us violent abroad in defense of her. And if it is right for America to draft us, and teach us how to be violent in defense of her, then it is right for you and me to do whatever is necessary to defend our own people right here in this country.”
Speech, Nov. 1963, New York City. (link)

As an aside, and I hesitate to make the comparison, but the beginning of this response/question remindsme of the discussion of Obama’s message of hope, i.e the attack that it is hogwash to invoke.

Malcolm X became increasingly effective, smart, and inpspirational as his worldview broke free from black nationalism and broadened to an international human rights framework.  Listen in.

Food for thought . . . self-hatin is a problem in need of attention.

Folks . . . stop hatin.

Malcolm also gives the love to black women.

Food for thought from history – whether you generally agree with the man or not.

Anybody who gives any thought to race in America and what it means, should give Baldwin your ear for a few minutes. Brilliant mind, brilliant stuff.

I’m still thinking about the words.

If you’re too busy to watch the entire thing, you should listen to Baldwin’s last question (beginning at 5:23).

It’s still unanswered.

The plan sounds like a pretty fair list of demands (well almost all of them) . . . don’t you think? Interesting thought experiment. How many of the ten points of the plan have been achieved as of 2008?

So say conservatives.

Did you know that black people caused the credit crisis, and collectively toppled Wall St?

Well . . . somehow . . . we pulled it off.

Who knew?

Just after CNN asks the McCain campaign to free Sarah Palin, we’re forced to ask the Republican nominee to free himself.

According to John McCain, although:

“I’m going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated,” McCain told the Wall Street Journal in late November. (link)

he’s desperately needed in Washington to negotiate a bailout agreement that McCain’s pro deregulation policy stance helped create. Indeed, despite the fact that there are 98 or so other senators working on the issue, despite the fact that Democrats (the majoriry party) have essentially agreed on a plan, and despite the fact that McCain has done literally nothing to assist the last week’s negotiations on the crisis, and despite the fact that the crisis began last week but he didn’t hear anything about suspending a debate until his number tanked, 48 hours before the first debate he is desperately needed.

John McCain is a loser.

He can’t win on any issue so he tries to capture people’s imagination by simply doing unpredictable things.

Well my friends, being unpredictable is not being a maverick in any positive sense of the word. A maverick doesn’t just go a long with the crowd to be a contrarian, but does not do so for a good principled reason.

McCain is just trying to be unpredictable for unpredictability’s sake.

Moreover, this unpredictableness has no relation to actual policies, it’s only campaign tactics. While the political talking heads might praise these tactics, think of how such a politician would govern. Trying to keep the opposing party on their toes, McCain would govern erratically, by way of erratic political tactics and maneuvering. If that doesn’t alarm you , just think of this tactical approach applied to Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea.

Imagine going back in time to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Although Obama is about as even tempered as they come, imagine a leader of a potentially dangerous nation reacting to one of McCain’s stunts. McCain simply flunks the Cuban Missile Crisis test for President I discussed in an earlier post.

In any event, I don’t think McCain’s little stunt will do him much good. Most Americans think it was the wrong move, and nobody likes a loser.

McCain will always be the guy who backed down. Somehow, despite all the experience he campaigned on for so long, he can’t manage two important tasks at once.

McCain’s position is that he cannot get on the telephone and talk to members of Congress, while also preparing for a debate.

He needs to be physically present to help fix an issue even the people on Wall St. don’t fully understand, all the while while his campaign manager was on the books of those responsible to the tune of almost $2 million. That’s a credibility problem from hell where most American never see 2 million dollars . . . ever.

At the end of the day, McCain is conceding he (and his VP nominee) can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, and that his younger less experienced opponent can.

Man, I’m just happy my candidate can execute two tasks at once.

That’s a huge concession, and the Obama campaign should implicitly press the point until November 4, 2008.

I leave with a comprehensive history of John McCain’s endless quotes deriding the benefits of regulation, that he now wished to simply cover up now that deregulation of Wall St. may risk the next big depression.

Quotes can be that inconvenient sort of truth . . .

Progressive Accountability.com:

John McCain: The Deregulator

I don’t think anyone who wants to increase the burden of government regulation and higher taxes has any real understanding of economics and the economy and what is needed in order to ensure the future of this country.”
– John McCain [McCain Town Hall in Inez, Kentucky, 4/23/08]

McCain Is An Avid Supporter Of Lax Rules For Financial Institutions

McCain Supported A Banking Bill Because It Eliminated “The Tremendous Regulatory Burden Imposed On Financial Institutions.” While speaking in favor of bank deregulation on the floor of the senate, John McCain said, “This legislation takes a small but important step toward eliminating the tremendous regulatory burden imposed on financial institutions… One principal reason banks are unable to make loans is the bewildering array of statutory and regulatory restrictions and paperwork requirements imposed by Congress and the regulatory agencies. While a case can certainly be made that every law and regulation is intended to serve a laudable purpose, the aggregate effect of the rapidly increasing regulatory burden imposed on banks is to cause them to devote substantial time, energy and money to compliance rather than meeting the credit needs of the community.” [Congressional Record, 11/19/93; emphasis added]

McCain Supported A Bill To “Takes A Small Step Forward Toward Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens Imposed On Banks.” While speaking in favor of bank deregulation on the floor of the senate, John McCain said, “While a case can certainly be made that every law and regulation is intended to serve a laudable purpose, the aggregate effect of the rapidly increasing regulatory burden imposed on banks is to cause them to devote substantial time, energy and money to compliance rather than meeting the credit needs of the community … This bill recognizes this fact, and takes a small step forward toward eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens imposed on banks.” [Congressional Record, 11/19/93; emphasis added]

McCain Said The Best Thing Government Can Do For Business Is “Stay Out Of Its Way.” While speaking about the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act on the floor on the Senate in 2000, John McCain said, “I am convinced that the best thing government can often do to advance the fortunes of the private sector is to stay out of its way. I support this bill because it makes progress toward that end, by improving companies’ flexibility to hire the talent they need, while providing for the regulatory framework and new educational opportunities to protect and promote American workers.” [Congressional Record, 10/3/00; emphasis added]

In 1999, McCain Supported Phil Gramm’s Banking Deregulation Bill. In 1999, John McCain voted for passage of the Senate version of a bill that would eliminate current barriers erected by the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act and other laws that impede affiliations between banking, securities, insurance and other firms. The bill also would exempt small, non-urban banks from the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), revise the Federal Home Loan Bank system and require that owners of automated teller machines (ATMs) provide notice on the ATM and on-screen of any charges imposed for the use of the terminal. The bill passed 54-44. [S. 900, Vote #105, 5/6/99]

McCain Missed The Vote For Final Passage Because He Was Campaigning In New Hampshire. John McCain missed the final vote on Phil Gramm’s banking deregulation bill because he was campaigning in New Hampshire. [NPR, “Morning Edition,” 11/5/99; S. 900, Vote #354, 11/4/99]

McCain Has Based His 2008 Campaign On Promoting Less Regulation

McCain: “I Don’t Think Anyone Who Wants To Increase The Burden Of Government Regulation And Higher Taxes Has Any Real Understanding Of Economics.” During a McCain Town Hall in Inez, Kentucky, John McCain said, “When we come out of this recession and we will because I believe that the fundamentals of our economy are good … Sen. Clinton wants the government to make the decisions for you on your health care, I want the families to make the decisions on their health care. I don’t think anyone who wants to increase the burden of government regulation and higher taxes has any real understanding of economics and the economy and what is needed in order to ensure the future of this country.” [McCain Town Hall in Inez, Kentucky, 4/23/08; emphasis added]

McCain: “I Understand Why The AFL-CIO And Maybe Other Unions May Oppose My Free Market, Less Regulation, Right To Work.” During an appearance on Fox’s “Special Report with Brit Hume,” John McCain said, “I understand why the AFL-CIO and maybe other unions may oppose my free market less regulation right to work. I think we have honest differences of opinion. I respect those labor unions, but I’m sure that those differences are very intense and very real.” [Fox News,” Special Report with Brit Hume,” 3/12/08]

McCain: “Let’s Reduce Regulation.” While speaking about the economy in St. Louis, Missouri, John McCain said, “I’m asked all the time are we in a recession or not in a recession. And I don’t know the answer to that because it’s kind of a technical term… I do not believe we should raise your taxes. I think it would be the worst thing we could do. And that means to me I think the tax cuts need to be made permanent. When you’ve got a bad economy, the worst thing you can do is increase people’s tax burden. Let’s reduce it. Let’s reduce regulation.” [CNN, “Ballot Bowl, 3/15/08]

McCain: “We Need To Return To The Reagan Years… We Need Less Regulation.” As shown on PBS’s “Washington Week,” John McCain said, “We need to return to the Reagan years. We need to have fiscal conservatism. We need less government. We need less regulation. We need to end of spending spree which has eroded our base of Republican support.” [PBS, “Washington Week,” 1/25/08]

McCain Promised To “Give Them Lower Taxes, Less Regulation, Less Government In Their Lives.” As shown on CNN’s “CNN Newsroom,” John McCain said, “We’ve got to do the other things necessary to encourage business and give them lower taxes, less regulation, less government in their lives, and that means a simpler, fairer — tax code. The tax code in America is broken and it needs to be fixed.” [CNN, “CNN Newsroom,” 2/14/08]

To Fix the Economy, McCain Would “We’ve Got To Take Specific Actions, Keep Their Taxes Low, Less Regulation.” As shown on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” John McCain said, “That our economy is in terrible shape, that we’ve got to take specific actions, keep their taxes low, less regulation, get – start exploring and exploiting offshore oil deposits.” [ABC, “Good Morning America,” 7/2/08]

McCain Said The Difference Between Obama & Himself Would Be “More Regulation Or Less Regulation.” During a media availability in Phoenix, Arizona, John McCain said, “I think the important thing is that there will be stark differences between either Senator [Clinton] or Senator Obama and me because they are liberal Democrats and I’m a conservative Republican… whether we pursue the present strategy in Iraq or whether we — or whether we set a date for withdrawal, which will mean Al Qaida wins; whether we have more regulation or less regulation.” [McCain Media Availability via CQ Transcriptions, 3/3/08; emphasis added]

McCain: “Less Government, Lower Taxes, Less Regulation, Safer America Is What I Can Give America.” During an appearance on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” John McCain said, “I can make a case that a less government, lower taxes, less regulation, safer America is what I can give America. But I don’t underestimate the size of the challenge.” [CBS, “60 Minutes,” 3/9/08]

McCain Is Long-Time Supporter Of Deregulation

McCain: “I Am A Deregulator. I Believe In Deregulation.” While speaking about the cable and satellite television during an appearance on CNN’s “On the Money,” John McCain said, “I am a deregulator. I believe in deregulation.” [CNN, “In the Money,” 7/13/03]

McCain: “The Basic Core Principles Of The Republican Party… Less Government Is Best Government, Less Regulation.” When asked how the Republican Party can recover after the losses in the 2006 election, John McCain said, “By returning to the basic core principles of the Republican Party, very careful stewardship of tax dollars, less government is best government, less regulation, lower taxes, strong national defense, community and family values.” [CNN, “CNN Newsroom,” 11/8/06]

McCain: “I Have A Long Voting Record In Support Of Deregulation.” The St. Petersburg Times quoted McCain at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing as having said, “I have a long voting record in support of deregulation.” [St. Petersburg Times, 6/5/03]

McCain: “I Continue To Believe In A Strong National Defense, Free Trade, Deregulation.” During an appearance on CNN’s “Wolf Blitzer Reports,” John McCain said, “I continue to believe in a strong national defense, free trade, deregulation. I’m pro-life. There are many, many issues that I feel would make it very difficult for Democrats to embrace me.” [CNN, “Wolf Blitzer Reports,” 5/8/02; emphasis added]

McCain: “Keep The Regulation Of The Government As Much As Possible Out Of People’s Lives.” During an appearance on PBS’s “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” John McCain said, “If you inspect my 17-year voting record, it’s a proud conservative Republican who acts on principles and one who obviously has a very strong commitment to the leadership role the United States has to play… I think that’s probably one of our first efforts – keep the regulation of the government as much as possible out of people’s lives.” [PBS, “NewHour with Jim Lehrer,” 2/2/00]

McCain: “I Believe In Smaller Government… Less Regulation.” During an interview on PBS’s “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” John McCain said, “, I would argue that I have 17 years of legislative experience with a clear voting record of a strong conservative. I believe in smaller government, stronger defense, lower taxes, less regulation, encouragement of entrepreneurship, encouragement of legal immigration. I think that my fundamental philosophies and beliefs are very clear, and I’ve articulated them for years and years. And most importantly, I voted on them.” [PBS, “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” 10/15/99]

McCain: “I’ve Been A Good Party Member. I Agree On Most Issues, Fundamentals Of Lower Taxes, Less Regulation.” During an appearance on CNN’s “Crossfire,” John McCain said, “I’ve been a good party member. I agree on most issues, fundamentals of lower taxes, less regulation, smaller government, coherent foreign policy, strong national defense.” [CNN, “Crossfire,” 9/13/99]

McCain Supports Deregulation Whenever Possible. The Journal of Commerce reported, “A McCain aide notes in the past he has supported deregulation of other industries. ‘Any time you can responsibly deregulate, Sen. McCain wants to deregulate,’ the aide said.” [Journal of Commerce, 1/6/97]

Here’s a quick link . . .

Update: Here’s the amazing video . . .

Perfection.

“Tonight I call on the McCain campaign to stop treating Sarah Palin like she is a delicate flower that will wilt at any moment,” said Brown. “This woman is from Alaska for crying out loud. She is strong. She is tough. She is confident. And you claim she is ready to be one heart beat away form the presidency. If that is the case, then end this chauvinistic treatment of her now. Allow her to show her stuff. Allow her to face down those pesky reporters… Let her have a real news conference with real questions. By treating Sarah Palin different from the other candidates in this race, you are not showing her the respect she deserves. Free Sarah Palin. Free her from the chauvinistic chain you are binding her with. Sexism in this campaign must come to an end. Sarah Palin has just as much a right to be a real candidate in this race as the men do. So let her act like one.”

A new respect for Campbell Brown I never had before.

Free Sarah Palin! FREE HER DAMN YOU!

So far in the campaign there has been a surprising lack of attempts to tie the cost of the Iraq conflict to the flagging economy or to compare what these resources could have otherwise accomplished. Of course, it’s hard for the average citizen to conceive the million or effect of a billion dollars.

What is a billion dollars. I don’t know off the top of my head. When I hear it’s been spent it just sounds like a lot of money. It also sounds like a lot of money when I hear 10 billion was spent. Same with 100 billion.

After the amounts of money exceed what the average citizen can conceive spending themselves, it loses most of its meaning.

As a result, here is my advice to the Obama campaign. In the lead up to each debate (through commercials), during each debate, and following each debate (through commercials) the Obama campaign should cite the amount of money the Iraq war costs that state, and could have done if applied to other ends.

This feat is easily accomplished by a short review of thecostofwar.com. This incredible resource computes the effective cost of the Iraq conflict.

I’ll do a little work for the campaign and compile these figures for Oxford, Mississippi, the location of the first Presidential debate via the University of Mississippi.

Population 14,911

Total Cost to Oxford, Mississippi $6.9 Million

1,555 People Would Receive Healthcare For A Year

5,117 Homes with Renewable Electricity for One Year

1,502 Scholarships for University Students for One Year

102 Affordable Housing Units

4,074 Children with Health Care for One Year

1,152 Head Start Places for Children for One Year

142 Elementary School Teachers for One Year

124 Port Container Inspectors for One year

The national numbers are astonishing:

10,777,823 Elementary School Teachers for One Year

193,370,980 People with Health Care for One Year (almost four times the amount of uninsured)

679,232,570 Homes with Renewable Electricity for One Year (more than twice the entire US population)

101,437,848 Scholarships for University Students for One Year

5,103,740 Affordable Housing Units

289,177,337 Children with Health Care for One Year

90,037,052 Head Start Places for Children for One Year

10,777,823 Elementary School Teachers for One Year

9,479,502 Port Container Inspectors for One Year

It is more than a slight understatement to say that in these tough economic times I think this messaging will be effective.