by Marvin J Markus
Barack Obama was born on August 4th of 1961 in biggest city in Hawaii (Honolulu.) Obama's father was a black man (also named Barack Obama) born in Africa and his mother was a white woman born in Kansas.
Obama's father and his mother separated and divorced when Obama was a young child. His mother remarried in 1967 when Obama was 6 years old to a man named Lolo Soetoro.
His family moved to Soetoro's home country which was Indonesia. Obama lived there until he was 10 years old when he returned to live in Hawaii with his maternal grandparents who raised him from then on.
Obama moved to Los Angeles for college. After two years he transferred to Columbia University in NYC. Obama graduated from Columbia in 1983.
Obama then moved to Chicago where he worked as a community organizer for three years until the age of 27 when he moved to Massachusetts so that he could attend Harvard Law School. In 1990, during his second year, he was elected President of the Harvard Law Review. He was the first black person elected President of the Harvard Law Review. This remarkable feat was widely reported upon. He graduated from Harvard Law School magna cum laude in 1991.
He moved back to Chicago at that time and married Michelle Robinson in 1992. They have had two daughters, the first Malia Ann was born in 1998 and the second Natasha was born in 2001.
Obama began teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School in 1992 and continued doing so for 12 years. During this time he also directed the Illnois' Project Vote which registered 150,000 African Americans in the state.
In 1996 Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate. While a State Senator Obama was able to gain support for ethics reform and health care laws. Obama re-elected twice and held the position until he was elected as one of Illinois two US Senators in 2004.
In 2000 Obama unsuccessfully ran for congress. He lost in the primary to Bobby Rush who is an African American Democrat who has been a congressman since 1993. He is still in the House today. Despite being rivals in 2000, Rush has supported Obama in his campaign for the Senate in 2004 and in his campaign for the Presidency in 2008.
In 2004 Obama easily defeated Republican Alan Keyes to become a US Senator. In fact his 70% to 27% defeat of Keyes set the Illinois record for margin of victory in a statewide election. The election between Obama & Keyes was also noteworthy as it was the first Senatorial election in US history in which the two major candidates were both African Americans.
During that 2004 campaign Obama was selected to be the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention and the speech is considered by most to be responsible launching his national political career. His speech was so well received that he was immediately considered to be a rising star in the Democratic party.
On February 10, 2007 Obama announced his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic nomination. At the time Hillary Clinton was considered a huge favorite to win the nomination.
The race for the Democratic primary became a battle between Obama & Clinton as the other challengers quickly fell by the wayside. The battle continued on into June as Clinton would not give in until the very end despite Obama's clear mathematical advantage beginning in February.
In the general election Obama selected Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential running mate and they faced Republican John McCain who made a huge mistake by selecting the unqualified Sarah Palin as his running mate.
On November 4th Obama easily defeated McCain became the first black person (biracial to be more accurate) to be elected as President of the United States.
Barack Obama is scheduled to become the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009.
About the Author
Marvin J. Markus recommends that you get your information on US Presidential elections at http://www.ThePresidentialCandidates.us
Rabu, 10 Desember 2008
Islamic Militancy - Seed for the Next Dark Ages
by Rev Michael Bresciani
People who have their wits usually try to learn from their past mistakes. Whole nations work to avoid the pitfalls of yore. But will the entire globe learn from its past dark history. Sadly, it doesn't look that way.
We teach our collegians well about the period known as the dark ages but do we thoroughly explain what brought on this horrible period across the globe? With little fanfare the answer to that question is an unequivocal no.
Let's do the math here. The marriage of civil and ecclesiastical power is without dispute the singular cause of the horrors of the dark ages. When the authority of the state and the church are wed, people suffer. The equation goes like this. If I am a Muslim, Christian, Catholic or Jew I may practice my religion without fear of persecution, reprisal or rejection. I still must obey civil law but the judicial body won't besiege me with charges for the beliefs I hold about God and faith.
When any particular religion becomes the state sanctioned religion then I can be prosecuted for my lack of compliance. Once Catholicism was the state sanctioned religion and for one thousand years the Pope ruled across the globe, with an iron hand. Some say the reformation ended that and some like to call it the recovery, that is, the recovering of the simple gospel message and the abandoning of the burgeoning religious rules and mandates of the church. Is Islam bringing this kind of terror into civilization again?
In America the idea of the separation of church and state is all that stands between us and that kind of tyranny. Of course the separation of church and state is mostly a perception and not actually a law. The law in America simply states that the congress will not make any laws governing religion. This is a law we can live with in the most literal sense of the word. In Islamically ruled nations not believing in the state sponsored religion can and does cost lives.
News agencies have reported that an Iranian man, Mr. Issa Motamdi has been arrested and charged with apostasy. His crime was giving his son a Christian name. Even before his trial which is not likely to be any more than a travesty there is talk of execution.
In the Central Sulawesi area of Indonesia it is reported by the BBC News that three girls were attacked on their way to school. The three who traversed through a cocoa plantation on their way to a Christian school were beheaded. Dozens of Christians have been brutally murdered in this region since 2001 as militant Muslims seek to set up another Islamic state there.
Most people in what still might be referred to as a civilized world take exception to this kind of brutality in the name of any religion. With all her faults, excesses and problems America could be counted upon to deal seriously with this kind of brutality especially toward children. No religious preference would keep the perpetrators of such crimes from being prosecuted and most likely jailed for life or executed.
To the Christian it is sad thing when someone turns to another religion or another God and misses the salvation that comes only from the Saviour of the world. Yet, no where in scripture are they called upon to execute any form of summary judgment against those who choose not to believe. Jesus Christ may have been many things but he is never any less than civilized, perhaps we could say he is a gentleman.
The constitution of the United States could also be said to be a gentleman if it had human attributes. It provides the security to believe the dictates of our conscience without fear of tyranny.
Most of the presidents in our history have been protestant and in the last twenty five years Protestants have met and surpassed the number of practicing Catholics in America. It would be hard to imagine the absurdity of making Protestantism America's state religion. We would then be very busy prosecuting Catholics and those in other religions. We can only thank God that something this absurd has never been found appealing to even the most confused factions of our body politic.
Rev Bresciani is the author of two Christian books and columnist for several political news sites online. Visit http://www.americanprophet.org
People who have their wits usually try to learn from their past mistakes. Whole nations work to avoid the pitfalls of yore. But will the entire globe learn from its past dark history. Sadly, it doesn't look that way.
We teach our collegians well about the period known as the dark ages but do we thoroughly explain what brought on this horrible period across the globe? With little fanfare the answer to that question is an unequivocal no.
Let's do the math here. The marriage of civil and ecclesiastical power is without dispute the singular cause of the horrors of the dark ages. When the authority of the state and the church are wed, people suffer. The equation goes like this. If I am a Muslim, Christian, Catholic or Jew I may practice my religion without fear of persecution, reprisal or rejection. I still must obey civil law but the judicial body won't besiege me with charges for the beliefs I hold about God and faith.
When any particular religion becomes the state sanctioned religion then I can be prosecuted for my lack of compliance. Once Catholicism was the state sanctioned religion and for one thousand years the Pope ruled across the globe, with an iron hand. Some say the reformation ended that and some like to call it the recovery, that is, the recovering of the simple gospel message and the abandoning of the burgeoning religious rules and mandates of the church. Is Islam bringing this kind of terror into civilization again?
In America the idea of the separation of church and state is all that stands between us and that kind of tyranny. Of course the separation of church and state is mostly a perception and not actually a law. The law in America simply states that the congress will not make any laws governing religion. This is a law we can live with in the most literal sense of the word. In Islamically ruled nations not believing in the state sponsored religion can and does cost lives.
News agencies have reported that an Iranian man, Mr. Issa Motamdi has been arrested and charged with apostasy. His crime was giving his son a Christian name. Even before his trial which is not likely to be any more than a travesty there is talk of execution.
In the Central Sulawesi area of Indonesia it is reported by the BBC News that three girls were attacked on their way to school. The three who traversed through a cocoa plantation on their way to a Christian school were beheaded. Dozens of Christians have been brutally murdered in this region since 2001 as militant Muslims seek to set up another Islamic state there.
Most people in what still might be referred to as a civilized world take exception to this kind of brutality in the name of any religion. With all her faults, excesses and problems America could be counted upon to deal seriously with this kind of brutality especially toward children. No religious preference would keep the perpetrators of such crimes from being prosecuted and most likely jailed for life or executed.
To the Christian it is sad thing when someone turns to another religion or another God and misses the salvation that comes only from the Saviour of the world. Yet, no where in scripture are they called upon to execute any form of summary judgment against those who choose not to believe. Jesus Christ may have been many things but he is never any less than civilized, perhaps we could say he is a gentleman.
The constitution of the United States could also be said to be a gentleman if it had human attributes. It provides the security to believe the dictates of our conscience without fear of tyranny.
Most of the presidents in our history have been protestant and in the last twenty five years Protestants have met and surpassed the number of practicing Catholics in America. It would be hard to imagine the absurdity of making Protestantism America's state religion. We would then be very busy prosecuting Catholics and those in other religions. We can only thank God that something this absurd has never been found appealing to even the most confused factions of our body politic.
Rev Bresciani is the author of two Christian books and columnist for several political news sites online. Visit http://www.americanprophet.org
Insider politic news in Malaysia Today
by Abhinav Sidana
A place where the true facets of Malaysian politics are talked about and discussed not by the politicians but by the people whose lives are affected by the politicians, the people of Malaysia.
There are many ways by which the people of Malaysia wants to be heard, for instance Raja Petra Kamarudin, a prominent opposition activist and editor that he claims would have insider information about the dark circles of the country's political arena and the various comments he has made that caused his incarceration under the Malaysian Seditious Act.
Issues like the murder of the Mongolian Model Altantuya Shaariibuu and the accusations of Razak Baginda, a former political analyst with the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who many claimed is related to the case. The trial is on-going with Razak still under charged with abetting two police officers who is accused of murdering the model and subsequently blowing her body to pieces using C4 explosives.
Issues arises like the petrol hikes have caused a major uproar among citizens not so much about the petrol hikes but more so are talked about on the issues involving the hike. The government of Malaysia today are being said to have not done enough to keep the price low, thereby increasing the people's burden. Words of advice like 'changing the lifestyle'of the people by the Malaysia Prime Minister are being shot back for being too naïve. The people want to know where the profits of the national petroleum company Petronas have been channeled to if not to help curb the rising price of fuel. The former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his dissatisfaction on his successor and how he claims the Primer to be a puppet to his son-in-law Khairy Jamalluddin, who has many corporate directorship under his belt. The former prime minister, who has alleged to have tried to control the judicial system too are being talked about, but many voiced that the past is gone, and more focus should be put on the present, which many believe that the government is incapable in managing Malaysia's economy and administration.
These issues are discussed in detail in Malaysia Today as it comes from the people themselves. Most of the people would give their insights and suggestions to be heard and understood. As a channel of interaction, Malaysia Today provides a place for Malaysians to talk about what they feel and think about politics that affects their everyday lives and everything else that don't. News on Malaysia Today are relevant, so much so that it allow the readers to comment on the current news as the topics are contemporary and up to date.
About the Author
Dahleen Julie is the editor in Portal Malaysia Today and have made the portal a success. Click here to know more about Malaysia Today .
A place where the true facets of Malaysian politics are talked about and discussed not by the politicians but by the people whose lives are affected by the politicians, the people of Malaysia.
There are many ways by which the people of Malaysia wants to be heard, for instance Raja Petra Kamarudin, a prominent opposition activist and editor that he claims would have insider information about the dark circles of the country's political arena and the various comments he has made that caused his incarceration under the Malaysian Seditious Act.
Issues like the murder of the Mongolian Model Altantuya Shaariibuu and the accusations of Razak Baginda, a former political analyst with the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who many claimed is related to the case. The trial is on-going with Razak still under charged with abetting two police officers who is accused of murdering the model and subsequently blowing her body to pieces using C4 explosives.
Issues arises like the petrol hikes have caused a major uproar among citizens not so much about the petrol hikes but more so are talked about on the issues involving the hike. The government of Malaysia today are being said to have not done enough to keep the price low, thereby increasing the people's burden. Words of advice like 'changing the lifestyle'of the people by the Malaysia Prime Minister are being shot back for being too naïve. The people want to know where the profits of the national petroleum company Petronas have been channeled to if not to help curb the rising price of fuel. The former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his dissatisfaction on his successor and how he claims the Primer to be a puppet to his son-in-law Khairy Jamalluddin, who has many corporate directorship under his belt. The former prime minister, who has alleged to have tried to control the judicial system too are being talked about, but many voiced that the past is gone, and more focus should be put on the present, which many believe that the government is incapable in managing Malaysia's economy and administration.
These issues are discussed in detail in Malaysia Today as it comes from the people themselves. Most of the people would give their insights and suggestions to be heard and understood. As a channel of interaction, Malaysia Today provides a place for Malaysians to talk about what they feel and think about politics that affects their everyday lives and everything else that don't. News on Malaysia Today are relevant, so much so that it allow the readers to comment on the current news as the topics are contemporary and up to date.
About the Author
Dahleen Julie is the editor in Portal Malaysia Today and have made the portal a success. Click here to know more about Malaysia Today .
A Quick Glance at Political Cartoons
by John Thompson
Political cartoons have a great ability to satirize politics, current events leaders' life and political trends. These types of cartoons rely on political stereotypes and common social symbols offering a peculiar image of this identity. They mix irony, humor with outrage and civil unhappiness.
Many newspapers and magazines have among their pages such cartoons with political allusive context. People usually enjoy reading daily political cartoons in their newspaper especially when there is a big political event involved, like around elections.
They also like reading good political cartoon books. These may be directed in particular toward a certain political character or toward a typical nowadays political system or situation.
Another reason for the existence of these political cartoons is to inform people in a more amusing and educating way and to promote politics among younger generations. Today, newspapers are employing more and more political cartoonists than before. These political cartoonists, a combination of politics with artistic and journalism skills, have shaped public political opinion for centuries. They rely very much on symbolisms and caricature, helping people think in politic terms.
Political cartoons must have good artistry, genuine sentiment, uncomplicated imagery and a lasting nature according to Charles Press. This lasting attitude is very important for the cartoon to be understood by next generations. They also have to convey some truth through their message; otherwise people are not interested in.
It is also known that political cartoons may change political views, because they are attractive and effective enough and they convey a well defined message and mood linked to the social or political event in question.
Connoisseurs of political cartoons and books can discover an exquisite selection of online sources. Here you can find political cartoons that you look for at affordable prices and even cartoon prints. Cartoon Bank is a permanent political cartoon resource.
About the Author
Cartoon Bank has the best political cartoons for you
Political cartoons have a great ability to satirize politics, current events leaders' life and political trends. These types of cartoons rely on political stereotypes and common social symbols offering a peculiar image of this identity. They mix irony, humor with outrage and civil unhappiness.
Many newspapers and magazines have among their pages such cartoons with political allusive context. People usually enjoy reading daily political cartoons in their newspaper especially when there is a big political event involved, like around elections.
They also like reading good political cartoon books. These may be directed in particular toward a certain political character or toward a typical nowadays political system or situation.
Another reason for the existence of these political cartoons is to inform people in a more amusing and educating way and to promote politics among younger generations. Today, newspapers are employing more and more political cartoonists than before. These political cartoonists, a combination of politics with artistic and journalism skills, have shaped public political opinion for centuries. They rely very much on symbolisms and caricature, helping people think in politic terms.
Political cartoons must have good artistry, genuine sentiment, uncomplicated imagery and a lasting nature according to Charles Press. This lasting attitude is very important for the cartoon to be understood by next generations. They also have to convey some truth through their message; otherwise people are not interested in.
It is also known that political cartoons may change political views, because they are attractive and effective enough and they convey a well defined message and mood linked to the social or political event in question.
Connoisseurs of political cartoons and books can discover an exquisite selection of online sources. Here you can find political cartoons that you look for at affordable prices and even cartoon prints. Cartoon Bank is a permanent political cartoon resource.
About the Author
Cartoon Bank has the best political cartoons for you
The Assassination of the United States President?
by Daryl Green
INTRODUCTION
As the rhetoric heats up in the presidential election, partisan politics create passionate environments that demonize other candidates. Clearly, this is politics as usual. Under the ‘anything goes’ gamesmanship, talkshow hosts and political operatives are allowed to attack a candidate’s character. Will it be enough to galvanize the extremists to physically carry out an assassination on a presidential figure? In August, Senator Barack Obama was the first biracial candidate in history to represent a major political party. When you mix the characteristics of being very liberal and his racial background, Democratic president candidate Obama stands as a likely candidate for these types of attempts. Clearly, race will play a critical role whether he can win. Can Americans trust Obama with his Chicago machine connection or his different background?
Newsweek columnist Jack Weisber argues that race shapes this year’s presidential campaign: “…let be honest: the reason Obama isn’t ahead right now is that he trails badly among one group, older white voters. He lags with them for a simple reason: the color of his skins.� According to a New York Times/CBS New polls in July, 24% of voters said the country is not ready for a black president. As the media seeks to increase their rating with more drama, will it foster the climate for another presidential assassination? At the Democratic National Convention, law enforcement arrested three men for plotting Obama’s assassination. One suspect explained that the plans were to shoot Obama “from a high vantage point using a rifle sighted at 750 yards.� According to authorities, the men’s conversation was filled with racist slurs. One suspect stated, “He [Obama] don’t belong in political office. Blacks don’t belong in political office. He ought to be shot.� The men were released. No charges were made.
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Unfortunately, assassination becomes an inescapable part of American History. However, it is something that is fairly common for our neighbors across the globe. For example, Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead a Muslim state, was assassinated December 27, 2007 during her presidential campaign in Pakistani. In America, more than 17 assassinations have been attempted on past, present, and future presidents and presidential candidates. The four American presidents who were assassinated include Abraham Lincoln (the 16th president), James Garfield (the 20th president), William McKinley (the 25th president), and John F. Kennedy (the 35th president). Yet, presidential candidates are also at risks. Senator Robert Kennedy, the Democratic presidential candidate, was killed in 1968. In the modern era, assassinations were attempted on the following presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Therefore, being a United States president or nominate carries a dangerous risk for assassination attempts.
TODAY’S CHALLENGES
As the politic propaganda escalades, an assassination becomes more imminent. Many blacks fear for Obama’s life and hope that history does not repeat itself. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell was considering a presidential campaign but declined primarily due to his wife’s concern that he would be assassinated. Yet, other Americans fear for Obama safety due to the extremists. Evidence for concern arose in February 2008 when British Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing predicted Obama’s assassination: “He would probably not last long, a black man in the position of president. They would kill him.� Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee made an off color joke about Obama at an annual National Rifle Association meeting. When a loud bang was heard off- stage, Huckabee remarked, “That was Barack Obama. He just tripped off a chair. He was getting ready to speak. Somebody aimed a gun at him and he...he dove for the floor.� By making this harmless joke, Huckabee appeared to quiet the reality of this possible occurrence. Yet, other opponents continue to flame the fire of political rhetoric.
CONCLUSION
Conservative media heavy weights, such as Fox News and Rush Limbaugh gain traction by launching personal attacks on Obama that he’s unpatriotic, un-American, and radical. Unanimous sources launch emails about him that he’s a racist or a secret Muslim which create an atmosphere ripe for an assassination. The negative campaign strategy appears to be working. Will 1968 repeat itself in 2008? Let us pray that it doesn’t happen.
About the Author
Daryl Green, a Knoxville College professor, is a nationally recognized lecturer and author of several books, including Awakening the Talents Within. If you have any questions, you can contact them at www.darylgreen.org and www.darylandestraletta.com.
INTRODUCTION
As the rhetoric heats up in the presidential election, partisan politics create passionate environments that demonize other candidates. Clearly, this is politics as usual. Under the ‘anything goes’ gamesmanship, talkshow hosts and political operatives are allowed to attack a candidate’s character. Will it be enough to galvanize the extremists to physically carry out an assassination on a presidential figure? In August, Senator Barack Obama was the first biracial candidate in history to represent a major political party. When you mix the characteristics of being very liberal and his racial background, Democratic president candidate Obama stands as a likely candidate for these types of attempts. Clearly, race will play a critical role whether he can win. Can Americans trust Obama with his Chicago machine connection or his different background?
Newsweek columnist Jack Weisber argues that race shapes this year’s presidential campaign: “…let be honest: the reason Obama isn’t ahead right now is that he trails badly among one group, older white voters. He lags with them for a simple reason: the color of his skins.� According to a New York Times/CBS New polls in July, 24% of voters said the country is not ready for a black president. As the media seeks to increase their rating with more drama, will it foster the climate for another presidential assassination? At the Democratic National Convention, law enforcement arrested three men for plotting Obama’s assassination. One suspect explained that the plans were to shoot Obama “from a high vantage point using a rifle sighted at 750 yards.� According to authorities, the men’s conversation was filled with racist slurs. One suspect stated, “He [Obama] don’t belong in political office. Blacks don’t belong in political office. He ought to be shot.� The men were released. No charges were made.
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Unfortunately, assassination becomes an inescapable part of American History. However, it is something that is fairly common for our neighbors across the globe. For example, Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead a Muslim state, was assassinated December 27, 2007 during her presidential campaign in Pakistani. In America, more than 17 assassinations have been attempted on past, present, and future presidents and presidential candidates. The four American presidents who were assassinated include Abraham Lincoln (the 16th president), James Garfield (the 20th president), William McKinley (the 25th president), and John F. Kennedy (the 35th president). Yet, presidential candidates are also at risks. Senator Robert Kennedy, the Democratic presidential candidate, was killed in 1968. In the modern era, assassinations were attempted on the following presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Therefore, being a United States president or nominate carries a dangerous risk for assassination attempts.
TODAY’S CHALLENGES
As the politic propaganda escalades, an assassination becomes more imminent. Many blacks fear for Obama’s life and hope that history does not repeat itself. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell was considering a presidential campaign but declined primarily due to his wife’s concern that he would be assassinated. Yet, other Americans fear for Obama safety due to the extremists. Evidence for concern arose in February 2008 when British Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing predicted Obama’s assassination: “He would probably not last long, a black man in the position of president. They would kill him.� Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee made an off color joke about Obama at an annual National Rifle Association meeting. When a loud bang was heard off- stage, Huckabee remarked, “That was Barack Obama. He just tripped off a chair. He was getting ready to speak. Somebody aimed a gun at him and he...he dove for the floor.� By making this harmless joke, Huckabee appeared to quiet the reality of this possible occurrence. Yet, other opponents continue to flame the fire of political rhetoric.
CONCLUSION
Conservative media heavy weights, such as Fox News and Rush Limbaugh gain traction by launching personal attacks on Obama that he’s unpatriotic, un-American, and radical. Unanimous sources launch emails about him that he’s a racist or a secret Muslim which create an atmosphere ripe for an assassination. The negative campaign strategy appears to be working. Will 1968 repeat itself in 2008? Let us pray that it doesn’t happen.
About the Author
Daryl Green, a Knoxville College professor, is a nationally recognized lecturer and author of several books, including Awakening the Talents Within. If you have any questions, you can contact them at www.darylgreen.org and www.darylandestraletta.com.
Langganan:
Komentar (Atom)
