Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jason Haeger on January 7, 2008 at 1:57pm

It sounds like a lot of nothing to me. "you did this". He doesn't mention anything concrete.

And on that note, I'd suggest a little extracurricular reading.

http://www.nowpublic.com/obama-cfr

The CFR wants to take individual liberties down(the very reason the Constitution was written as it was). It is also important to note that Democracy does NOT equal Freedom, despite how they are often used in such a way as to imply that they are the same in more political speeches than I care to count.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Shipley on January 8, 2008 at 5:53pm

I see your points...

Certainly the foreign policy issues the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) (wikiCFR) in DC deal with are extremely important. Like most important issues they're controversial. The CFR's member base is huge: politicians, academics, celebrities, corp. executives... The majority of the 08 presidential candidates are members.

I would also add that though I respect your opinions Jason; I don't trust "chet" the author of the article you linked. He didn't site his article at all and his argument is rather loose.

As for Obama's speech I found it moving. He is strongly criticized for not having enough experience and not open on the issues. That's healthy, we should be on our politicians asses. In his defense though, the speech wasn't about policy...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jason Haeger on January 8, 2008 at 6:14pm

Humor me.

I'm genuinely curious. What is Obama's concrete stance on the issues? Is there a concrete stance? It just comes across to me as a generic statement... "anything to win". The ability to make an emotionally moving speech does not necessarily imply adequate skill or integrity for the White House.

I'm more than sick of the 2 party system, frankly, and I'm not entirely convinced that it's coincidental in nature.

Jefferson once said that if you vote for a new candidate based on change, and nothing changes, there is likely a conspiracy.

Historically, the CFR has been socialist in nature, and nothing but. What is presented is not always what is intended. I'm more interested in what is intended than in what is being sold. I personally don't see a lot of intention from Obama, and that's a little scary.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Shipley on January 9, 2008 at 3:58am

I think the ability to make a motivating and emotionally moving speech is ONE sign of a true statesman...

Here are a couple of good sites with information on candidates issue positions.

ontheissues.org - this one is particularly good, look up your state reps too!

NY Times - this is my favorite

on medical marijuana - just for giggles

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ryan T on January 9, 2008 at 10:32am

OK - while I respect your decision, and you're entitled to make it anyway you want, you shouldn't link speechmaking with leadership, or the ability to lead. Obama doesn't write those speeches to begin with. Yes, he has input, but his issues are poll tested talking points that he simply reads off. Abe Lincoln, one of our best leaders was a horrible speaker.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion