Obama Address to Public School Children – Parents Growing Opposition Cause Schools to React – It’s a Matter of Public Trust.

School districtsacross the nation have been fielding calls from parents who would prefer their children not view the President’s speech next week. According to Politico’s article, the problem lies in the fact that “Conservative” parents feel that they would prefer to vet the speech prior to allowing their children to participate.

First, it is unprecedented that the President of the United State’s would make a speech for the entire United States Public School System. Barack Obama has, to date, failed to instill trust in the general public as regards to financial, health and welfare and foreign policy issues – therefore, it is no wonder that parents who are not politically left of center might be a bit suspicious of this type of address; viewing it more as political indoctrination rather than a simple “message from the President”.

Perhaps a better, and less costly to the taxpayers, method would have been to send a memo to public school teachers encouraging their students to watch the Presidents address before Congress, while taking this opportunity to teach a bit of civics, and include the opposition response/remarks at the end, for perspective. Students would then be able to discuss the speech (message) in class.

The charge is that the President might try to indoctrinate the children (although they are already indoctrinated as most educators are of a liberal mindset and teach politics in every class, regardless of subject or age – ask a child, any child.) and the most recent “evidence” came from Utah. The Salt Lake Tribune recently reported on parents who were upset because a video was shown to students in the public school system in Framingham. The video, featuring the President and several A and B List Celebrities, had the following theme: “Service to Obama, as the President”, rather than Service to the Country. It goes without saying that if this video were shown in Salt Lake, it is also being shown in municipalities and towns across the nation, with children most likely not talking with parents about the content. (Video available with SLTribune Article and On You-Tube). This, followed by an address to the nations children by the President, would appear to be – indoctrination of sorts, asking American Children to offer allegiance to a person, not to the nation (see John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you….”).

To be fair, the video will be broadcast on C-Span, which would allow the parent to tape, and or watch the speech, and discuss any and all aspects with their children.

John Kerry’s “Managed” Health Care Town Hall – Tightly Controlled with Advocacy Groups & Unions Dominating Attendance.

Senator John Kerry, (D-MA), held a town hall meeting in Somerville, MA yesterday, which was surprisingly well attended – by supporters of Health Care Reform. The event, which was pushed by Organizing for America (MyBarackObama.com), gave Kerry a platform to pontificate that he would be carrying the torch for the late Ted Kennedy dream of Universal Health Care (public option), a move that Harry Reid can appreciate.

The interesting aspect of this particular pro-health reform event, were the attendees: according to the Boston Globe: “Spectators arrived early, many carrying pro-health care overhaul signs, which were prohibited inside for security reasons. Advocacy groups on hand included the Service Employees International Union, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, and Mass-Care, a state group pushing for a single-payer plan. . The question arises: Although the Globe and like-minded press, have heralded this event as a pro-health care rally (one of the first of its kind), it was not the general public in attendance, rather advocacy groups who were urged to get there early and fill the auditorium by the Obama Campaign, - played as throngs of regular folk by the press – will this charade be bought by the American people, most of whom do not support any form of government controlled health program? Unlikely.

For perspective : live blogging of the event by the Mass. DNC (Blue Mass Group)

Yet Another Obama Prime-Time Health Reform Address – Method Has Been Time-Tested – Network Ratings in Peril.

Barack Obamais planning two key addresses next week, one a prime-time address to Congress on Health Care Reform, and the other a mid-day address to the nations public school children (also available on C-Span). The address before Congress, encouraged by Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Reid, will attempt to sell Obama’s Health Care Reform to the public.

The premise of this particular address is to explain to the nation what it is that Obama envisions as Health Care Reform, and understanding that the public option (government run program) may be off the table, may or may not (depending upon those who elect to watch in the first place) aid in his falling poll number. Old adage: familiarity breeds contempt – may apply. Add to that, a public school address, the contents of which will be based on “service” may or may not be similar to a video shown in a Framingham, UT public school. The video talks to students about service, to Obama, not to the public, and is complete with celebrity endorsements. Parents took umbrage at, what amounts to a paid (by tax dollars) political speech, aimed at the next generation. (Video below)

That said, polls will tell, should the President have a successful prime time show, it will be reflected in the polls and should he fail in that endeavor (over-exposure), then it will be interesting to see if the Congress continues to push for a vote on reform, or if the legislation will come off the table completely. (Saved for a more “popular political atmosphere”.)

As New Jersey Goes – So Goes the Nation – Gubernatorial Race: Christi Maintains Poll Leads Despite Best Efforts of Media and DNC - Analysis

John Corzine with Barack Obama, Corzine Trailing Despite Bombs Thrown at Republican Opponent

A report fromPolitico this morning, suggests that despite the best efforts of embattled New Jersey Governor, Democrat Jon Corzine and the general media, Republican challenger, Chris Christie continues to maintain a sizable lead in the polls. The premise of the article, “Christie Holds Lead Despite Bad News”, is that Corzine remains behind, even though several allegedly damaging revelations about Christie have come to light. These include: failing to disclose a loan made in 2007 to a colleague (while employed at the U.S. Attorney’s office in NJ, racking up several parking tickets, and the kicker: talking to Karl Rove about the possibility of running for Governor while still a U.S. attorney. Based on these “crimes and misdemeanors”, Christie is a saint compared to the bevy of issues facing high profile incumbent Democrats, that, although underreported, have made national news. From Chris Dodd’s Mortgage Issues, which, ethics complaints brought in the Senate, have apparently disappeared due to his peers judgment and dismissal, to the former Louisiana Democrat, Congressman William Jefferson of cash in the freezer fame, to a host of characters, most recently, Obama nominees for cabinet positions who had issues of tax returns.

Parking Tickets? Is that all you’ve got?

As the media has excused almost every indiscretion by anyone remotely connected to a particular party of the years; attempting to point a finger for a similar or lesser issue, is not going to fly with John Q. Public – they have become: immune. Additionally, there may be other “bombs” that worked in the past that will no longer hold water with the all-important Independent Voters, chief amongst them in the charge: “Right Wing Republican”. This has developed most recently due to those “Health Care Town Hall Informational Sessions” where average citizens, many of whom are independents, Libertarians, and even Democrats, have been characterized by the administration, high profile members of Congress and the media as “mobs, Republican’s and paid for by Conservative Groups”. Apparently, those who were none of the above began to see the light in respect to the media’s inability to separate itself from news versus personal ideology of the various editors, producers, journalist and anchors.

Therefore, as all politicians, regardless of party, and apparently indiscretions, are now on a level playing field, what on earth will they campaign on? Simple Answer: The issues that are currently favored by the majority of the public, some of which are not in concert with the current Party in Power. Stimulus spending and Government run entities and control come to mind, in a word, the economy and sticking to the U.S. Constitution are leading factors among, amazingly, regular citizens who vote, and will, therefore, dictate how they vote. The politician, regardless of party, (but face it, most often a Conservative Republican or Libertarian), will do well in the 2009 and 2010 gubernatorial, U.S. House or Representative and Senate races.

The Polls: Looking at the data from Real Clear Politics, one finds that out of all 2009 matchups, Republicans are currently leading across the board. In those 2010 matchups being polled, Republican’s lead in early polling, with exceptions being polls conducted by the Daily Kos (no surprise there), and the states of Ohio and New Hampshire and Pennsylvania (current match-ups, including primaries) currently favoring the incumbent or Democrat running. That said, even Liberal Massachusetts, with incumbent Deval Patrick, (advisor and mentor David Axelrod, who is currently the advisor to Barack Obama), the Republican Candidate, Christie Mihos, is leading Patrick in the polls.

Therefore, the age of dismissing indiscretions for one, while playing up the indiscretions of the other, may be at an end – It may now be incumbent upon politicians, regardless of party affiliation and the media, to actually let the voting public know where they actually stand and not make campaign promises, based upon what may be popular, while being either inept or unable to make those promises happen fast enough for the “American Idol” voting block. It’s one thing to be a Rock Star, or run on the coat tails of a Rock Star, but one must realize that in America, Fame is fleeting, and once the bloom if off the proverbial rose, substance is what the voters will demand. If it cannot be delivered, they will go elsewhere, no matter how hard the media pushes, or the ads attack, the public now wants to know where a particular politician stands on issues, and should that politicians not fulfill his or her promised ideology, they will, undoubtedly, be out of a job.

Massachusetts Special Election to Fill Vacant Kennedy Seat Set for 1/19/09 – DNC – Banking on Liberal Massachusetts to Elect a Democrat

Former U.S. District Attorney, Michael Sullivan, mentioned as a possible candidate for Kennedy's Seat- image bostonherald

There is a great deal of speculation regarding Senator Ted Kennedy’s vacant senate seat; specifically who his replacement might be. One constant theme is that the seat will be filled by a Democrat – this is based on several assumptions, the most interesting being the fact that Massachusetts is a Democrat controlled state.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, although run almost exclusively by one party, has an interesting make-up when it comes to registered voters. Only 36 percent of the registered voters are designated as Democrat, with the largest percentage (50 plus %) designated as independent (unenrolled). Additionally, according to the latest Zogby Poll, President Obama’s approval rating is now at 42% - as 52% of the nation voted for Obama, one might theorize, that 1 in 8 voters (mostly unenrolled) are shopping elsewhere for their politicians.. Therefore it is not inconceivable that, given a special election, a Republican might take the seat.

Historically, however, the last Republican Senator elected in Massachusetts, was was Edward William Brooke in 1966(incidentally, Brooke's was also the first African-American elected to the Senate “since the reconstruction”.) As the decades passed, Massachusetts voters have chosen several Republican governors, (Weld, Swift and Romney the most recent), yet not one Federal representative has emerged since Brooke.

The Replacements: On the Democrat side, the following names have been bandied about in the press: especially Victoria Kennedy and Joseph Kennedy III – the thought process being that the seat “belongs to the Kennedys”, and that no matter which Kennedy runs, the people of Massachusetts will pull the lever (branding)for any "Kennedy". Other names on the DNC list: Rep. Michael Capuano and Martha Coakley (Attorney General) - of the two Capuano would be in lockstep with the administration, Coakley appears to be more independent minded – similar to a Hillary Clinton.

On the flip side, the Republican potential candidates (thrown in as an afterthought by most media), are former Lieutenant Governor, Kerry Healy, who ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign against Deval Patrick (negative advertising and the Republican Brand led to her demise), and more interesting Michael J. Sullivan, a former U.S. District Attorney who resigned his position on April 9, 2009. At the time, Sullivan took a position with John Ashcroft's Law Firm. Sullivan, has the credentials and name recognition (positive) to prove assumptions false.

Although anyone who is contemplating a run at the seat, has little time in which to prepare (the primary is set for December 9, with the general January 19th. That said, the wild card in Massachusetts will be the independent vote, it would behoove the GOP (which consistently abandons Massachusetts on the false belief that it is a “lost cause” due to the overwhelming majority of Democrats!”)to take note. Should a Republican run, in this climate, one with the credentials and branding of a Sullivan, come out early and run on merit, then all bets may be off. Republican Federal Representatives from the State of Massachusetts are not unlike Hurricane's. They do occur, infrequently, true, but historically certain.

Harry Reid – Looking at Unemployment in 2010 – Las Vegas Review Journal Slaps Reid Down.

Publisher Hero - Sherman Frederick - Las Vegas Review Journal - Stands for Integrity

Sherman Frederick, , the Publisher of the Las Vegas Review Journal had a few words for Harry Reid, his State Senator (D-NV) and Senate Majority Leader in a recent op-ed piece. One thing is certain, if there is a shoe around lately, Senator Reid manages to insert it into his mouth. It is enough that he has repeatedly mischaracterized those who oppose the current version of Health Care Reform, and most recently, stuck his nose into Massachusetts States Politics, where it does not belong, but he had the gaul to attack the largest newspaper in his home State. These actions may lead some to believe that Harry has lost his mind, and may not longer be fit to legislate.

Harry Reid Looking Befuddled - photo: americanhellenic

Harry may be a bit disconcerted over the recent polls, which show Reid trailing Republican Danny Tarkanian, by an astounding 11 points – astounding because Mr. Tarkanian just announced his candidacy within the past month. Perhaps this is why, when at a business luncheon on the campaign trail, Senator Reid told an advertising salesperson for the Las Vegas Review Journal that he hoped the paper would go out of business.

The Las Vegas Review Journal is one of the few newspapers left in this nation that has any integrity what-so-ever, and continues to report, not editorialize the news. This means that when Reid does something noteworthy, he gets praise, or if he pulls a stupid stunt, then he is called on it. Other newspapers can be counted on to treat Reid, (and by extension, others in the Democrat circle of Obama) as some sort of second coming, with never a word that would condemn or criticize any of the aforementioned in anyway (see New York Times.)

Speaking of Las Vegas, if one is putting any money on Harry Reid’s re-election - it is a long-shot, and although the payoff would be high, some might consider it a wasted opportunity. (and cash). Mr. Reid, like Mr. Daschle before him, will become but a footnote of history. Only Senator Reid can choose how the residents of Nevada (not the New York Times, the DNC, etc.) will choose to remember him. Perhaps wishing a large employer, and a member of an embattled industry ill, is not the way to go about ensuring one’s legacy will be kindly treated in one’s home state.

To be applauded for pluck, and calling it as he sees it, the publisher of the Review Journal and President of Stephen’s Media, Sherman Frederick.

John Kerry (D-MA) to Hold “Health Care Reform” Town Hall Meeting Sept. 2nd, Somerville, MA - Public Service Announcement

John Kerry (hits the slopes) to Speak on Health Care and Global Warming in New England - photo people.com

From Kerry@Senate.gov

Join Senator John Kerry and discuss the issues at an open Town Hall in Somerville, MA. The seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to make sure you get in!
With so much interest in the health care debate, we're sure there will be many questions on that, but you are welcome to ask about any issue you would like. Our economy still needs to work better for all Americans, the Senate will take on the issue of energy reform and global climate change in the fall, and our foreign policy still faces many, many challenges. You can bring up those or any other issue at this open Town Hall.
The details:
Somerville Town Hall
September, 2 2009
7:30pm-9:00pm
Somerville High School Auditorium
81 Highland Ave
Somerville MA
Open to all!


Hope to see you there!

Massachusetts residents that live in the Somerville Area (Boston Suburbs), or anyone in the Bay state that is interested in learning how Senator John Kerry stands on the issue of Health Care Reform (specifically the public option), should attend this particular event. Senator Kerry is also suggesting that constituents may be interested in asking about other issues, such as the Cap and Trade legislation (energy), global climate change in the fall (Frost predicted in early October this year), how he stands on foreign policy and possibly other challenges that we face (the economy and specifically the deficit ($2 Trillion More than originally estimated)).

Those who may be interested in protesting should be aware of a Massachusetts General Lawc. 272, § 40, referring to willful disruption of the peace at a school and/or legal assembly. (Just in case - video cameras are suggested) As support for the current proposed legislations (several versions) has fallen significantly with the public, and more recently with U.S. Senators; it may be interesting to hear Senator Kerry’s take on reform, and what steps would be considered a viable option in order to insured those who are without (basically those in the middle that have lost their health insurance due to high costs or unemployment), such as offering them the option of joining the program that the government offers its employees, including the Senator (multiple options, run by private insurers), or the extensions of COBRA benefits in cases of long-term unemployment (see new deficit numbers due out today). Those in the lower income brackets who cannot afford insurance, or those who did not legally enter the nation are currently eligible to receive either Medicaid or Social Security Benefits in some instances (or are able to go to a hospital for treatment without the threat of being turned away – (a burden on our health care providers). There are several interesting options available, among them legislation offered by House Republicans: which includes tort reform, tax credits, and specifically allowing those who are currently uninsured (or insured) to purchase health care across state lines(which would increase competition and reduce premiums).

With all seriousneedss, one has to give Senator Kerry credit for holding a town hall style meeting at all. Not all Democrat Senators or Congressmen held Town Hall Meetings this recess, and with enormous opposition to Health Care Reform (aside from the staged pro-reform rallies by “Organizing for America”), from constituents - kudos to John Kerry for having the gumption to get out there and not only talk about that one issue, but offer constituents the opportunity to sound off on other disasters (Stimulus, War in Afghanistan, Cap and Trade) created by the current administration.