Who Is Trying To Spread The Wealth? by Akindele Akinyemi

People are so excited about this year's election. However, while people will be going to the polls next week to vote on their candidate of their choice I would like to remind you several things.

First, all politics are local. Regardless of who is going to be the next President we still have work to do on a local level. Every Democrat here in Detroit do not sound like Sen. Barack Obama and every Republican is not a Maverick like Sen. John McCain. We need to be realistic about our approaches to solving the problems in our community. While Obama has presented an urban policy agenda McCain has NOT presented any urban nothing. That's a black eye for Black Republicans who are now crossing over the vote for Obama.

Second, the economy will not be fixed overnight. I strongly disagree with Obama's "income redistribution" plan. The media has been calling it "spreading the wealth." The basic premise of the redistribution of income is that money should be distributed to benefit the poorer members of society, and that the rich should be obliged to assist the poor. Thus, money should be redistributed from the rich to the poor, creating a more financially egalitarian society.

This is bull because this "Robin Hood" economics will further keep us from being independent on government. If Obama would preach less government intervention and more free markets in our community I would have probably supported him (at least in theory).

84% of Americans oppose Obama's plan of income redistribution. That could cost him the election next week.

Americans' lack of support for redistributing wealth to fix the economy spans political parties: Republicans (by 90% to 9%) prefer that the government focus on improving the economy, as do independents (by 85% to 13%) and Democrats (by 77% to 19%).

The other thing is the fact that while Obama supporters want more government the fact remains that Americans more likely to believe government is doing too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses (50%) as opposed to saying government should do more to solve the country's problems (43%).

Most conservatives accept and advocate voluntary charitable giving as necessary to alleviate social problems, and believe government should not interfere, but rather should encourage personal involvement and personal giving to the underprivileged, elderly, disabled, and other hardship cases. Also, many conservatives view some forms of government redistribution as an impingement on personal rights, leading to unjust expropriation of property, fostering irresponsible social conduct and acting as a disincentive for personal involvement to alleviate social problems.

Those who are liberal (like some of our Obama supporters) generally support income redistribution based on their belief that individual charitable giving cannot be relied upon and tends to advocate some degree of compulsory redistribution of resources as necessary.

For example, welfare and progressive taxation. Liberals believe that increased redistribution and consequent reductions in inequality lead to better outcomes for individual welfare and freedom.

What I have learned from Sen. Obama and his supporters is this...when you hear that Obama is offering a tax cut to 95 percent of Americans what is he talking about? Studies show that only 62 percent of Americans pay federal income tax, meaning that 38 percent get a 100 percent refund of any taxes withheld. So Sen. Obama's 95 percent that will receive money from the government includes roughly 33 percent of Americans who pay no income tax. One-third of Americans pay no income taxes yet would receive a government check of perhaps $1,000 or more.

Maybe people like Sean Hannity and others have a point when they call Obama's tax plan a socialist plan.

You tell me if this is right..anyone please who may be reading this.

Having the government take money from business entities or affluent individuals and giving it to those who pay no federal income taxes. What is that called?

According to Wikipedia the definition of Socialism is a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating state or collective ownership and administration of the means and production and distribution of goods, and the creation of an egalitarian society. Socialists mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital and creates an unequal society.

So are people like Sen. John McCain or Gov. Sarah Palin WRONG when they call Obama's Tax Plan "socialist?"

A recent Gallup poll shows that 53 percent of Americans believe that Sen. Obama would raise their taxes. A recent Zogby poll shows a majority of Americans understand that raising taxes will hurt the economy. So what is going on? How come so many Americans who are supporting Obama are ignoring this fact?

How can anyone ignore the fact that energy prices and Wall Street has crippled the American economy? With the current debt situation, spending trends, the cost of combating global terrorism, along with the energy crisis, leaves our economy in a truly vulnerable position.

Sen. Obama says he wants to cut rates for lower-income Americans, but will more than offset that by raising taxes on dividends, capital gains, higher incomes, corporations, estates, and payrolls. While most Americans own stock, either directly or through their IRA, 401k or union pensions dividends will take money from all those. I ask you again is it fair that those Americans on Main Street who own a house or have other investments will be punished by a capital gains tax increase?

Whatever happened to teaching our children about working? I mean, if you need the extra money why not work two jobs? What about taking up a skill in school or going back to get your degree to help you advance your career? Obama's tax plan is BAD for the inner cities here in Michigan. All this would do is reinforce laziness and handouts. I agreed with former Gov. John Engler when he cut off General Assistance in 1991 here in Michigan because we were handing out checks to men to sit on their asses when they needed to go work. It's bad enough that some of our men sit at home playing XBOX 360 and Sony Playstation while their women are working 16 hours a day only to come home to see that the dishes have not been washed, every single dish has been used, clothes everywhere and their men are hanging out with the boys while the children need help with their homework.

The third thing is the fact that places like Michigan are still in a recession. Our economy has gotten worse and while people are emotional about voting for Obama next Tuesday because the media has demonized the Republican Party when the smoke clears we will be mad at Obama just like those who re-elected Gov. Granholm in 2006 because we felt that she needed a second chance. With unemployment damn near 9% you would hope that people would vote AGAINST the Democratic Party but the Republican Party has NOT done any better. We need a bi-partisan approach to fixing the economy here in Michigan FIRST not wait on whoever from Congress or the White House to fix it.

Sen. Obama's plan for universal health care (a scary thought) will cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Who is going to foot this bill? In order to execute his plan to provide those things while eliminating the deficit and giving checks to lower-income families, he will have to raise taxes by hundreds of billions of dollars. Is this the way we should be moving in America? Are we thinking?

Regardless of who wins next week we still need practical approaches to solving problems in our local communities. I HOPE people will FIND out the facts about BOTH candidates (like I did) before they vote on Election Day.

I am with the Darkside of the Force. That is why I remain strong.

Do Not Let The Light Die In This Election by Akindele Akinyemi

In Michigan, we, as Republicans, are facing some serious political challenges. In Oakland County alone we are witnessing a seismic shift in the political landscape that we have never seen before. It is possible that Oakland County can turn blue next week thanks to Sen. Barack Obama's Change and Hope Machine that has people buzzing around the political world.

While that is going on I want people to concentrate on the City of Farmington Hills and Farmington. You see, there are only three African Americans in this state that are elected to anything. One is Oakland County Commissioner Mike Rogers. The Commissioner represents District 14 in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Forget about the negative stereotypes about what you hear about Black Republicans in this country. Commissioner Rogers is strictly fiscal. Economic development is his top priority in Oakland County. His peers has learned to look past the skin and realize that his experience on the Oakland County Commission is valuable and that is why he is the Chairman of the Finance Committee.

So how come Gov. Granholm and Commissioner Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) who is also the Chair of the Oakland County Democratic Party want Mike Rogers gone? So the Democrats can control the Commission. My question to you is do you want Oakland County looking like Wayne County? It will if you give control of the commission to the Democrats.

While Commissioner Rogers have knowledge of issues related to growth, including development and the environment, budget constraints, accountability to the public, and leadership qualities that not even his liberal counterparts can find fault it is necessary that we look past all of the Obama-wave and realize that Oakland County is a goldmine for families.

What I do know about Commissioner Rogers, from a personal perspective, is the fact that he is about coordinating countywide on addressing major issues. He feels that we need to take the politics out of decision making and focus on results. Too often, we pit one side against the other instead of finding common ground.

The Commissioner strongly believes in Oakland County, its residents and resources. He is seeking the opportunity to help focus these resources on keeping our jobs and growing our local economy to create new jobs.

On November 4, we need to pull together as one and help re-elect Commissioner Mike Rogers for Oakland County Commission.

I am with the Darkside of the Force. That is why I remain strong.

Cynthia McKinney challenges Obama and McCain on the issues

Green Party Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney challenges the Democratic and Republican Presidential nominees Senators Barack Obama and John McCain on the issues.

Boulware playing in new (political) arena--Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Three years after his retirement from the NFL, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Peter Boulware is tackling politics.

The four-time Pro Bowler and Ravens all-time sack leader is on the campaign trail this fall attempting to earn a seat in the Florida House of Representatives in Tallahassee, where he was once an All-American at Florida State University.

Boulware decided to enter politics about a year ago. Even his closest family members and friends were surprised Boulware wanted to make the jump into politics.

"I don't really like the public attention or the public spotlight, so it caught everybody off guard," Boulware said. "But I just felt like it was the right thing for me to do. If you would have asked me two and a half years ago if I thought I would be going into politics, I would have told you 'No way possible.'"

But Boulware is less than a week away from possibly obtaining his goal. He overwhelmingly won the Republican primary in August. Yet by most accounts Boulware is considered an underdog on Election Day against Democratic candidate Michelle Vasilinda, in part, because the Democratic ticket is more popular in Tallahassee.

Boulware believes his ability to bring people together will help cross party lines. His biggest platforms are continuing to improve his district's school system, featuring Florida State, Florida A&M and Tallahassee Community College. And he is passionate about home affordability and the economy, which are both major concerns locally and nationwide.

Boulware is studying these issues like he once did opposing offenses. He admits his popularity is a big boost to his campaign, but that alone is not enough to win a seat in the state house.

"In order to get somebody to vote, they want to know exactly who you are, what you stand for, and what are the issues that are close to your heart," Boulware said. "So the name recognition kind of gets you in the door, but after that you have to let people know that you're serious. You have some issues and concerns about them and that you want to help."

Boulware is not alone. He joins a growing list of former NFL athletes who have translated their natural love for competition into public service in government and politics.

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Heath Shuler and Hall of Fame receiver Steve Largent are among the former NFL players to enter the political arena. Boulware says he's studied some of those success stories and hopes he can add his name to that list.

When it comes to leadership, Boulware has a close confidant nearby in longtime Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden. By choice, Boulware is not parading the popular Bowden around Tallahassee to help him earn more votes in next week's election. But Bowden remains a calming influence in Boulware's life.

"He's kind of been in the background of it," Boulware said. "I don't want to drag coach Bowden into politics. But I talked to him before I got in and he encouraged me and said, 'I think you will do a good job and I'm here for you.'"

Retiring from football was one of the toughest things Boulware said he's ever had to do. Like many NFL players, playing was something he's done all his life and what was most natural to him.

Boulware felt he still had a few good years left, before his career was cut short after eight seasons by knee, toe and foot injuries. He tried to come back for about a year but was never the same player who registered 70 career sacks and was a cornerstone of one of the best defenses in NFL history.

Now Boulware's newfound passion for politics has helped the former linebacker move on from his first love and into the next phase in his life. Just like football, there are many challenges ahead in state government and Boulware hopes to have a chance to work through them.

"It's a great way for me to get involved with the community," Boulware said. "It's really kind of a way for me to tell the community and the state, 'Thank you.' I had a great opportunity to get a scholarship and do well here in Florida, and I want to give back and say, 'I'm here, and I'm here to help out and make this a better place.'"

Obama... Is he a Socialist or not?

Campaign speeches are misleading. Candidates have to tell audiences what they want to hear in a vague manner in order to get elected. But before the Presidential campaign, Obama shared his beliefs on public radio.

Dear Mr. Obama: Above Your Pay grade? Ad

Obama has declared personhood is above his pay grade. I find that ironic since our Founding Fathers indicated that personhood was self-evident.

I would suggest the Presidency is "above his pay grade" as well as self-evident.

Warner Cuts Radio Ad

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia is on the radio telling voters why they should support John McCain for President and how his tax plan will help many American’s.

Obama Praising McCain

John McCain’s latest campaign ad where Obama is praising McCain for his work on a energy bill with Liberman and how it what should be used to expand on the energy policies that America needs.

Crist Ad

Florida Governor Charlie Crist telling voters why they should vote for John McCain for President and why he supports McCain.

Freedom Ad

John McCain’s latest campaign ad where he talks about what freedom means to him and how he will always protect America’s freedom if he’s President.

"Crist Wealth" Radio Ad

John McCain’s latest campaign ad that is on the radio airwaves in Florida and other states where it has Florida Republican Governor Charlie Crist talking about McCain’s tax plan and plan to cut spending in Washington in order to create jobs and build a wealthy America.

Obama's rise reflects a dream realized--BY CASSANDRA SPRATLING, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Serving proudly in the Army in the 1940s, Samuel Green sought to exercise a basic right of citizenship. He wanted to vote.

While stationed overseas, he requested an absentee ballot. But officials in his hometown of Montgomery, Ala., said no.

He had not paid the poll tax, the roughly $2 fee that kept many black people from voting.

"Here I was overseas, fighting in World War II, and they denied me the right to vote," said Green, who moved to Detroit in 1945. "We could hardly afford to live, let alone pay a poll tax."

For African Americans like Green -- who lived through segregation and the country's hottest stretch of racial violence since slavery -- the rise of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama as a viable candidate for president is more than amazing. It represents the realization of a future they never thought they would live to see.

They are elated, not just because a black man is the presidential front-runner, but because voters appear to be judging Obama for his qualifications, not his skin color.

Today, at 85, Green is proud once again.

"I think this was what Dr. King was talking about when he had that March on Washington," Green, a retired Detroit Department of Public Works supervisor, said of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "I never believed in my lifetime I would witness this."

Obama's run signals the significant maturing of the American voting public, said DeWitt Dykes Jr., associate professor of history at Oakland University.

Although Congress passed the 15th Amendment granting all American men the right to vote in 1869, it was nearly 100 years later before the Voting Rights Act made it illegal to hinder black people from voting.

"Until recently, most persons of African descent would not have been considered by the majority of white Americans as the nominee of a major party, and that he was able to convince people to look beyond race and to look to program and qualifications and ability is remarkable," said Dykes, who specializes in civil rights history.

"For all its shortcomings of the past ... for even some of the shortcomings for some citizens today ... America is now ready to look to individual ability, individual appeal and to promote, as much as possible, those who are capable."

'It's history'
John Hardy's Detroit home is filled with Obama paraphernalia -- a collection of buttons, T-shirts and hats.

"If my mother and father were alive, they would be shouting in the streets that we've come so far in a relatively brief period of history," said Hardy, who voted absentee a couple of weeks ago.

"I feel a lot of emotion bubbling up when I think of the fact that here we are in 2008, I'm 68 and I've just voted absentee for an African American for president of the United States," said Hardy, an actor and retired Detroit teacher. "And I've voted for him not solely because he's an African-American candidate, but because he's the candidate that best represents the high standards people would expect for a leader. I'm beaming with pride.

"No matter how it goes, it's history."

For Hardy, Obama's story is especially sweet.

As a college student at what today is Tennessee State University, Hardy participated in sit-ins to desegregate lunch counters and went into rural towns in Mississippi to encourage and teach black people to vote.

On Sept. 7, 1961, Hardy had to escape the small town of Tylerton, Miss., after he escorted two black people to the Walthall County courthouse to register to vote. The registrar took a pistol and brutally hit Hardy about the head. Afterward, Hardy was arrested for "bringing an uprising among the people" and breaching the peace.

A few days later, he was released from jail. One of the townspeople put him on the floorboard of a pickup and covered him with a blanket to get him out of town to safety.

Ultimately, attorneys from the U.S. Justice Department intervened, and the charges against Hardy were dropped.

'So proud and so happy'
Detroiter Geraldine Blackwell Bledsoe grew up in one of the few black families in Mississippi that could vote. Bledsoe's father was a widely respected dentist in Meridian, Miss., and he could afford to pay the poll taxes.

But she, too, learned the dangers of fighting for the right to vote.

In the early 1950s, she drove civil rights activist Medgar Evers around town as he tried to organize black people to register to vote. Years later, a Klansman gunned Evers down in the driveway of his home.

"I knew it was dangerous, but I didn't think it was that dangerous," she said. "I drove him around, and I didn't dream he would reach this fate."

Today, the retired teacher is overwhelmed by the possibility of the first black president.

"I'm so proud and so happy," she said. "I feel that all this voting I've been doing has been worth it, however it turns out."

'It brought tears to my eyes'
Mary Upshaw McClendon, 84, a Detroit community organizer and retired domestic worker, had her voting precinct delegate review her absentee ballot with her because she wanted to make sure she cast it correctly for Obama.

"I just felt uplifted and everything," said McClendon, who never voted until after moving to Detroit from Red Level, Ala., in 1955 at the age of 32. "It was like a flash of freedom, like when I first voted in the city of Detroit."

"I believe our ancestors prayed for this day to come," said McClendon, whose grandmother had been a slave. "They used to say, 'Things goin' to be all right in the by and by.' Obama done made the by and by come."

McClendon's precinct delegate is Pearl Reynolds, a neighbor in a senior citizens apartment building. At 91, Reynolds still actively volunteers in political campaigns and encourages people to vote.

When Obama clinched the Democratic nomination, she was at a victory party at Bert's Marketplace in Detroit's Eastern Market.

"It brought tears to my eyes, tears of happiness," said Reynolds.

Reynolds, a retired laundry factory worker, didn't vote until after moving to Detroit from Oak Ridge, La., in 1941.

M. Juanita Walker McGill, 83, also has already voted.

"The ballot came one day. I read it, signed it and posted it the next day," said McGill of Detroit, a retired social worker. "I wanted to make sure it got back in time to be counted.

"I feel if you don't vote, you're missing a golden opportunity," said McGill, who helped black people in Virginia register to vote when she was a Hampton University student in the 1940s.

'One of the highlights of my life'
When Joe Greene began teaching in the early 1960s at the South Panola Colored School in his hometown of Batesville, Miss., not one of the approximately 60 teachers was registered to vote.

"I thought because we were teachers and we were teaching students about being citizens, we should be registered to vote," Greene, 70, said.

He convinced 11 teachers to go to the courthouse one morning to register to vote. Only one followed through -- Greene.

"Fear either paralyzes you or it makes you do things you should be doing," Greene said. "I was always afraid, but I was also afraid to sit around doing nothing."

The clerk asked Greene to copy a portion of the Constitution. He carefully copied it word for word, knowing that even a misplaced comma could disqualify him.

The clerk took Greene's copy, read it and handed him a registration form. Greene signed it; he was officially registered to vote. He has voted ever since.

A few weeks ago, Greene cast his ballot for Obama.

"To be able to vote for him was one of the highlights of my life," Greene said. "Where I grew up, there were no rights for African Americans -- not to vote, not to run for anything. To come this far to where an African American can not only run, but be seriously considered for president, is to come a long way."

Contact CASSANDRA SPRATLING at 313-223-4580 or spratling@freepress.com.

Cosby: Black Colleges Should Demand More from Alumni

Noted author and humorist Bill Cosby recently took historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to task for not making their alumni give back.

Cosby was the keynote speaker during the Oct. 7th dinner session of the three-day, ''Straight Talk Symposium — Securing the Financial Future of North Carolina HBCUs and Their Communities,” sponsored by several foundations, including the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development, the Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute, and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

Cosby chided Black university officials for “begging” their alumni to contribute to their institutions, saying instead that administrators should “make them feel bad,” and demand better support from past graduates to insure a good education for coming generations of students, The Wilmington Journal reported this week.

“Do things with pride, and a sense of history,” Cosby told college presidents and administrators in attendance. “How dare you, dare you, think that you’re not worthy to raise money for your school.”

The conference focused on ways to secure the financial viability of HBCUs — many of which are struggling to stay open during tough economic times amid a worldwide financial crisis. But participants also discussed ways in which Black institutions of higher learning are closing the racial achievement gap, addressing high dropout rates and leveraging community resources.

Notable guests included the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History John Hope Franklin, and Dr. Johnnetta Cole, president emeritus of both Spelman College in Atlanta and Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

Cosby, who holds a 1976 doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts, spoke intimately and at length about the declining state of Black America, and the desperate need for HBCUs to reclaim their historic sense of mission and purpose.

What’s lost today in the African-American community, Cosby said, is pride, knowledge of self and history, reported The Wilmington Journal, a weekly newspaper with a largely African-American readership.

“The community knew each other,” he said, referring to the years before desegregation in the late ’60s and early ’70s. “We had that pride. If something's wrong, you fix it.”

He talked about the high standards of achievement in business and vocations set by the Black family and community, which placed getting a good education at a premium.

But in recent years a number of HBCU, like Morris Brown College in Atlanta, have either lost their accreditation because of financial mismanagement or were on the brink of closing, like Bennett College in 2002.

In Bennett’s case, Cole, who had previously served as president of Spelman College, came in as president, and in five years put the all-women’s college back on sturdy financial and academic ground before leaving last year.

Cosby said beyond financial mismanagement, a key reason many HBCUs are in trouble is because alums aren’t giving back to their alma maters like they should, and should be held accountable for their failures.

He spoke of the late CBS newsman Ed Bradley, who graduated from Cheney State College in Pennsylvania, and how much Bradley cherished and supported what wasn't generally considered a top school.

“Ed was not afraid to say '’Cheney,’” Cosby said, adding that HBCU alums need to display that same kind of undying pride and support of their institutions.

While telling alums that they can afford to send more, the humorist chided HBCUs for not demanding more.

“You have no right to be begging,” Cosby told HBCU administrators present. “They can afford it…you have to make them feel bad.”

American Stories, American Solutions

Barack Obama did the first 30 minute infomercial in any campaign history. It cost him $4 million dollars to be put on primetime on all the networks except ABC but it was an effective informative piece that talked about all the issues that are important to so many Americans. Visit http://www.BarackObama.com for more information.

"Rearview Mirror" Ad

If voters wonder where John McCain will take the economy, "Rearview Mirror" explains why they just have to look behind them because he will simply continue George Bush's failed policies. On the air.

A Black Voter’s Guide To The Tax Debate--by William E. Spriggs, NNPA Guest Columnist

Originally posted 10/29/2008

Campaigning in Florida, Sen. McCain described Sen. Obama’s plan to cut taxes for 95 percent of American families by saying, “His plan gives away your tax dollars to those who don't pay taxes. That's not a tax cut; that's welfare.''

McCain argues that 40 percent of American families don’t pay taxes. More accurately, he means that many American workers in the bottom 40 percent of earnings do not have a positive income tax liability because they get a refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit that is bigger than the income taxes withheld from their paychecks.

However, that is not the same as not owing taxes. In fact, workers with the lowest earnings have a net positive federal tax liability from their Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax. The FICA tax goes to support Social Security, but currently also builds up a surplus used to buy U.S. Treasury notes that finance the general operations of the government. In fact, after the individual income tax, the largest source of federal revenue is the FICA tax; last year the government took in $1.2 trillion in personal income tax and $870 billion in FICA tax, and took in roughly equal money from both income and FICA taxes in 2003.

Workers pay more than twice in FICA tax than the government receives from corporate income taxes. So, when Senator Obama promises to cut taxes he is only being fair to Latisha the practical nurse, and letting her share in tax relief as much as Joe the plumber would.

Senator McCain has argued to continue President Bush’s tax cuts for those making above $250,000 a year, arguing that those Bush tax cuts set to sunset in 2010 are vital to creating jobs. But, letting those tax cuts sunset would return the marginal tax rates for the wealthiest five percent back to what they paid when Bill Clinton was president.

With those higher tax rates in place, President Clinton generated almost 23 million jobs in his eight years of office. With the Bush tax cuts put in place, the economy under President Bush has generated fewer than five million jobs in eight years. So, I think the real plumbers and small business owners know that with falling new construction, declining construction jobs and two straight months of falls in retail sales, a tax cut that gets them more customers buying their goods and services would be a good and productive thing.

And jobs and job creation are clearly important for African-Americans. When the economy was generating those 23 million jobs with those higher tax rates, the unemployment rate for African-Americans fell to record lows, the share of African-Americans who were employed reached record highs, and so family incomes for African- Americans grew to record highs while poverty levels fell to record lows. Under the Bush tax cuts, today the unemployment rate for African- Americans is in double digits, poverty rates have climbed and incomes are still lower than the peak levels reached under President Clinton eight years ago.
Senator McCain is not offering tax cuts to those he thinks earn too little to deserve tax cuts. This is of great concern to African-Americans, because about 48 percent of African- American households fall in that category, roughly one out of two. As for the privileged households with incomes above $250,000 a year that Senator McCain thinks deserve a tax cut, less than one-half of one percent of African-American households fall in that category—one in two hundred!

But, it is also necessary to understand what those tax cuts mean. The Tax Policy Institute, an initiative of the widely respected Brookings Institute and the Urban Institute, project that cutting the tax rates for those high income brackets would cost the U.S. Treasury $1.6 trillion over ten years.

To put that in perspective, the government, under President Bush’s current budget, spent a little less than $500 billion on all discretionary non-defense items—meaning expenditures like Veterans health care, border and transportation security, civil and criminal prosecutions, the National Institutes of Health (as opposed to mandatory expenditures like Social Security, Medicare and Veteran’s retirement benefits).

Or, put another way, this is enough money to fund all federal programs in education, highway construction, small business assistance, space and science technology research, and veterans health benefits for ten years. So to off-set those tax cuts with cuts in federal spending would mean either wiping out broad categories of federal programs, or cutting back those programs and those of other domestic programs by one-third.

So, unlike the freeze for federal programs that Senator McCain has proposed in the presidential debates, his tax cuts would require draconian cuts in some very basic government functions—just to cut the tax rates for the five in one hundred Americans who are America’s wealthiest.

It simply isn’t straight talk to tell the American people that $1.6 trillion can be taken out of the federal government’s budget without inflicting some very painful elimination of programs that many Americans think are good, like research to solve our health care problems.

While the government must be pushed to do things as efficiently as possible, we have seen over the last eight years, whether it is the need to build solid levees, repair bridges or fund flu shots, that we have not been making enough public investments into things vital to a modern global nation.

What is also clear is that despite McCain’s stated promise to cut government expenditures, Americans simply cannot afford less Veterans’ health care, fewer roads or less support for our schools or student aid for our college students.

So, it is more likely that, like George Bush, Senator McCain will not be able to cut enough government expenditures to fund tax cuts for the wealthy. So, like George Bush, it is more likely that Senator McCain will simply run up the federal deficit.

The problem facing the economy with current job losses is a drop in demand from consumers. Senator McCain’s tax cuts exclude almost half of American families. That is not a formula for keeping consumers buying, and providing the revenue firms need to make profits and hire workers.

So, it is likely that like President Bush, Senator McCain’s plan to extend the Bush tax policies and force continued under investment in our schools and roads will also lead to the same rise in federal deficits and weak job creation of the last eight years.

Only for African-Americans eight years of double digit unemployment rates would push us back to the 1980s when African-Americans endured prolonged weak labor markets. That really is not a choice we can afford.

Dr. Bill Spriggs is chairman of the Department of Economics at Howard University.

Rich, Poor, Racism, Election-Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley interview with Campbell on “No Bias, No Bull” on CNN.

Charles Barkley interview with Campbell Brown on “No Bias, No Bull” on CNN


Charles Barkley speaks about racism, black and white issues, and more...
Part 1 of 5...will update descriptions soon as we move forward with this interview with CNN's Campbell Brown and Barkley.


Part 2 of 5...will update descriptions soon as we move forward with this interview with CNN's Campbell Brown and Barkley


Part 3 of 5...will update descriptions soon as we move forward with this interview with CNN's Campbell Brown and Barkley.


Part 4 of 5...will update descriptions soon as we move forward with this interview with CNN's Campbell Brown and Barkley.


Part 5 of 5...will update descriptions soon as we move forward with this interview with CNN's Campbell Brown and Barkley.

Hillary & Bill Clinton on GOTV

New York United States Senator & 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton and the 41st President & former Governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton speak to voters about “Getting Out The Vote!”

Obama Pal Eyes Bid to be First Black Ala. Governor--By PHILLIP RAWLS, Associated Press Writer

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Barack Obama's Alabama campaign chairman is a lot like him - a Harvard-educated black lawyer with designs on winning a public office never held by anyone who wasn't white.

U.S. Rep. Artur Davis is eyeing the governor's suite in a Capitol where Jefferson Davis took the oath as president of the Confederacy, where Gov. George Wallace declared "Segregation forever!" 45 years ago in his first inaugural address.

Artur Davis wasn't even born when that happened. He grew up in an Alabama with integrated schools and with blacks filling one-fourth of the seats in the Legislature.

As the nation weighs whether to elect a black president in November, the prospect of a Davis candidacy for governor of Alabama in 2010 quietly grows. The 40-year-old's proven abilities to raise funds and woo white voters - knacks that are not unlike Obama's - have convinced some that the question isn't whether he has the tools to win a statewide campaign.

It's whether the state is ready for him.

"He is a unifier, but is he enough of a unifier to overcome the history of Alabama?" asked D'Linell Finley, a black political scientist at Auburn University Montgomery.

Davis, a moderate Democrat, is reaching out to potential donors and making speeches far outside his majority black 7th District, which curves southwest from Birmingham through some of the nation's poorest counties in west Alabama and ends just past Selma, a proving ground in the voting-rights movement.

He's built up nearly $1 million in his congressional campaign account that he could spend on a bid for governor.

Yet he is a realist: "Nobody like me has ever been governor of Alabama. But I was inspired by other people who didn't let that stop them," he said recently.

Davis cites former Gov. Douglas Wilder in Virginia and two-time gubernatorial candidate Tom Bradley in California, both black. But only two black candidates have been elected to statewide office in Alabama in modern times.

In 2002, Davis defeated Earl Hilliard, Alabama's first black congressman since Reconstruction by attracting Jewish voters upset by the incumbent's visit to Libya and his vote against a pro-Israel resolution. Davis then delivered the same message at predominantly white civic clubs and chamber of commerce meetings as he did at black churches.

"We've had very strong support across racial lines in my district. Frankly, that, from a political standpoint, is the thing I'm proudest of," he said.

Merle Black, a political scientist at Emory University in Atlanta, said Georgia has elected an African-American attorney general and labor commissioner because they ran as centrists, just like Wilder.

"If Artur Davis is going to have a chance to win a statewide race, he's going to have to have biracial appeal and not just be a spokesman for black advancement," said Ferrell Guillory, director of the University of North Carolina's Program on Southern Politics, Media, and Public Life. "He's got to run like Barack Obama, not Jesse Jackson."

Davis describes himself as more conservative than his friend Obama. When he talks about issues, he doesn't appeal to people's altruism. He makes a practical argument he calls "enlightened self-interest."

At the stately Vestavia Hills Country Club, literally and figuratively over the mountain from Davis' district in neighboring Birmingham, he recently told a mostly white audience of business people that they need to care about more than just their local schools. He told them that if their mothers have to be admitted to the hospital in Birmingham, the orderlies changing the sheets, the cooks fixing the meals and the technicians drawing the blood will likely be products of Birmingham's inner-city schools.

"If you want them to know what they are doing, you have just discovered your linkage to the Birmingham city schools," he said.

People lined up for more than 20 minutes to talk to him afterward, even though they don't vote in his district.

Davis agreed to be Obama's Alabama chairman shortly after the Illinois senator entered the race, when Hillary Rodham Clinton had a strong lead in the polls in Alabama and the support of some of the state's top black politicians.

When the predominantly black Alabama New South Coalition met to make an endorsement in December, Davis got to the meeting early and personally lobbied each member. The group surprised itself by voting to endorse Obama rather than making a joint endorsement.

Like Obama, Davis' parents divorced when he was young. His father, a nurse, moved to California. His mother, a teacher, and his grandmother raised him in a small home next to railroad tracks on Montgomery's west side.

"I was painfully shy as a child growing up," he recalled, hitting on one big difference between himself and Obama.

Davis spent many days in the public library reading books rather than hanging out with friends. He still grimaces when he talks about those days.

"I had a giant Afro way past the point where they were fashionable. I had glasses, which are fine when you are older, but they are not so great when you are 16 and 17," he said.

Those hours in the library were Davis' ticket to Harvard, where his shyness continued. It was not until he got hired as an assistant U.S. attorney in Montgomery that he began to feel comfortable in front of an audience.

"Being a lawyer and standing up and arguing in front of juries, that was probably the best political training I got," he said.

A measure of Davis' appeal is found in Hueytown, best known as the hometown of former NASCAR stars Bobby and Donnie Allison. In a predominantly white, working-class precinct in 2004, Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry got 23 percent of the vote. Further down the ballot, Davis got 77 percent.

"That happened because they saw me as someone who represented their interests and didn't see their interests as divergent from the African-Americans who lived behind the corner from them or lived in the rest of the district," said Davis.

On Thursday in Mobile, well outside Davis' district, welder and registered voter Warren Kelly said he had not heard of Davis, but that in "this day and age" race would not be a factor in a Davis candidacy.

"There's a black man running for president," said Kelly.

Joe Bearrentine, a construction subcontractor from Montgomery who's white, said Thursday that if Davis ran for governor, race would not be a factor - at least not for him.

"I could vote for a black person as easily as a white person," Bearrentine said. "But I don't think most people feel that way."

Associated Press writer Garry Mitchell in Mobile contributed to this report.

Special Ad

John McCain’s campaign ad about the special interests of an Obama candidacy in the fact of a tough economic crisis.

Preconditions Ad

John McCain’s Latest campaign ad about Barack Obama’s plan to not have preconditions regarding meeting with America’s quote unquote enemies.

Obama | African-American News Clips | Tuesday Morning |

Oct. 28, 2008

Obama/Assassination plot: New York Times “Arrests in plan to kill Obama and Black schoolchildren”: Two young men who are believers in “white power” have been arrested and charged in Tennessee in what federal officials described as a plan to assassinate Senator Barack Obama and kill black children at a school. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/us/politics/28plot.html?em

Obama/GOTV: Black America Web “Don’t get too cocky, Obama urges supporters in closing days”: Eight days before an historic presidential election, the Obama campaign has a stern warning for black folks everywhere: Don’t get your party on just yet. http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=articles/news/moving_america_news/1713

Obama/GOTV: St. Louis American “U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and Obama Campaign Missouri State Director Buffy Wicks Continue on Day 2 “Closing Argument” Tour”: U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and Obama campaign Missouri State Director Buffy Wicks will continue the three-day Missouri “Closing Argument” tour with stops in Warrensburg, Sedalia, Boonville, Jefferson City, Kirksville, and Hannibal.The tour continues as the Obama campaign has announced that Barack Obama and Joe Biden will return to the Show-Me State this Thursday and marks the beginning of the final push to Election Day and a major ramping up of field operations in the Show-Me State to turn out every last vote. http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2008/10/28/news/local_news/localnews00000000000000001.txt
Obama/GOTV: Atlanta Journal-Constitution “Black voter registration’ rise in Ga fueling Obama’s chances”: As the number of black Georgians registered to vote has increased, so have the chances of a Democratic victory in the coming election, Republican and Democratic political observers said Tuesday. African Americans represent 29.9 percent of the state’s registered electorate as of Monday, according to data from the Secretary of State’s office. In November 2004, it was 27.7 percent. In raw numbers, there are 25 percent more black registered voters today than when President George W. Bush cruised to re-election in 2004. http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/stories/2008/10/28/georgia_voter_registrations.html
Obama/GOTV: Panama City News Herald (FL): “Obama team marches to rally support”: With Florida's 27 electoral votes up for grabs, we cannot afford to wait until the last minute to vote in this historic election," Adora Andy, director of African-American media, said in the news release. http://www.newsherald.com/news/team_69150___article.html/marches_obama.html

Obama/Black voters: CNNPolitics.com “Black vote isn’t monolithic” (commentary): If you think African-Americans will come out in greater numbers than ever before to vote for Barack Obama, you're probably right. If you think you know how they'll vote in the almost 500 House, Senate and gubernatorial races, you could be in for a surprise. http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/28/liggins.vote/

Obama/Voter suppression: EbonyJet.com “Voter oppression”: Now that we know the polls for the Presidential election are looking increasingly worse for John McCain of Arizona, those on the ground, working the streets of voter America, trying to get the vote out, and most importantly, the votes counted, expect a tsunami of voter challenges on Election Day. It is, as many have asserted, one way the Republicans can make it close. And the GOP is aware if they can make it close, they can win it. The bogus election of 2000 tells them so. http://www.ebonyjet.com/politics/national/index.aspx?id=10118

Obama/Surrogates (multiple): Vibe.com “Open letter from Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Kevin Liles and Diddy”: With only 7 days left before we vote for change, let's hold ourselves accountable and responsible. No more excuses, no more mistakes and no more time to waste. If you have the opportunity to vote early in your state then vote today. If you are voting on November 4th, make preparation today. http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2008/10/openletter_jayz_maryj_diddy/

Obama/Surrogates (multiple): SOHH.com “Jay-Z, Diddy & Mary J. Blige unite for your vote”: With one week to go until election day Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Kevin Liles, and Diddy have released a joint open letter urging Barack Obama supporters to vote, and vote early where possible. http://www.sohh.com/2008/10/jay-z_diddy_mary_j_blige.html

Obama/Frederick Douglass: Huffington Post “Obama draws from the wisdom of Frederick Douglass” (commentary): Last night, at a rally in Pittsburgh which I attended with my wife and two sons, Barack Obama ended his speech with an allusion to a famous quote by Frederick Douglass, telling the audience: "Don't believe for a second this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power will concede anything." Of course, Senator Obama was then loosely quoting from Frederick Douglass who famously said in 1857 that "If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation...want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightening. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.... Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-kovalik/obama-draws-from-the-wisd_b_138550.html

Obama/Reggie Love: The Guardian (UK) “The man behind the man: Obama and the aide who makes his campaign tick”: As some of you know, I have a body guy named Reggie Love, who is very famous because he's young and good looking. You know, cooler than the candidate," he began. "But the reason I'm raising his name is that the other day, somebody said to him, 'Hey Reggie, how are you?' He said: '20 days!' And so, from here on out, any time someone asks Reggie what's going on, it's '17 days!' After two years of campaigning, that is basically our entire perspective." http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/29/reggie-love-barack-obama

Obama/International impact: The Press Association (UK) “US ready for black president”: Almost three quarters of people in the UK think the United States is ready for a black president, a survey found. The Reader's Digest survey found 70% of those in the UK favoured Democrat Barack Obama over his Republican rival John McCain and 74% thought the US was ready for its first black president. http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iJa4GB7dKFlR8gIJO1s_DrPrjBGA

Obama/Jennifer Hudson: TheRoot.com “What hope can’t fix”: As Jennifer Hudson closed her eyes, holding that last note of the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention in August, one can only imagine what she was dreaming in that brief moment. Certainly not about the nightmares October would bring. http://www.theroot.com/id/48585

My Perspective: Real Talk on Real Issues

Hate it or Love it, I'm going to give to you real talk about real issues. I might not have all the solutions to the problems or issues that plague us but I am willing to listen as well as work with you so that together we can finally address these issues and leave no stone unturned in solving these problems long term instead of short term.

My Perspective: This Election

This election has been like no other but regardless of who wins or who loses, we still have work to do. We can't let up for a minute. We can't think that everything will be alright because we have to continue to hold our politicians accountable. We cannot celebrate one victory and think we have really done it. We have to continue to fight each and everyday and be responsible for holding our politicians accountable. We have to be responsible people because if we are not responsible for holding our politicians accountable than how can we expect our politicians to be responsible for their actions. One week from today, there is still a job to do regardless of who wins and who loses.

My Perspective: Getting Along

We cannot continue to be divided by rheotric. We can disagree in a respectful way and that is why this time, we will not allow politicians, political parties or anyone to divide us in the sense of disliking each other to the point where we disrespect each other with name calling. We have to get along no matter who wins any political race. We have to find a way to respect each other no matter who we voted for or supported during any election. We have to get along people so let's do it now rather than later.

My Perspective: It's My Generation's Time

Once in a GENERATION, a voice comes along that speaks for us. We have the power to make that voice be heard because ONE VOICE can make a difference so can ONE VOTE. So make sure you vote in EVERY ELECTION and allow that voice as well as your own voice to be heard.

Remember Each One, Reach One, and Teach One so America's and the world's future continues to prosper.

This is my Generation's mission and this is our time to stop truly make a difference in the lives of so many others. This is what we were born to do and this is our task. Generation X and Hip-Hop Generation, our time is not now but right now.

My Perspective: Get Off the Corner

It is time for us to get off the corner and get invovled in our communities. It is time for us to get off our porches, out of our homes and start taking action to make a difference. We can't simply talk about it any more but we have to start taking action to make a difference in this world we live in. We can't sit on the sidelines any longer. We have to get off the corner and start making positive differences and changes in the lives of others. We have to start taking care of others.

My Perspective: America's Election System

America's Election System is not perfect and it needs help. We have to find a way to make our elections truly democratic and fair for all because all votes should be counted and all voices need to be heard in all elections that they participate in. So election laws and rules need to be explained better than they are.

My Perspective: Keep Ya' Head Up

We all are dealing with so much in our life but we must keep our head up despite all that we are facing. We have to walk with our heads held high and we must walk with dignity as we deal with all the things that are plaguing us. We have to remain strong as we deal with the good and bad no matter what obstacles we may face. We have to keep our head up as we face adversity head on and beat it in its tracks. So "Keep Ya' Head Up!"

My Perspective: Environment

Our environment needs saving and we are the one's who need to save it. So start recycling, start picking up and start advocating for cleaner air. We can't survive without clean air so we need to stop as much of the toxic and pollution that is put in the air as possible. Save our environment.

My Perspective: Victory

I got the victory each and every day that I wake up. I got the victory to make a difference and to make a change in the lives of others each and every day that I am allowed the opportunity to wake up. Victory is on my side and I am proud to be here to achieve my goals and each and every day that I am granted this privilege to wake up. I got the victory and you got the victory too so let's be victorious.

My Perspective: Teen Pregnancy

We have a Brenda who has a baby in our communities and this is a growing problem that has existed for a while now. However instead of trying to face the problem head on and help improve it, it has gotten worse and it definitely out of control. While our young ladies should be commended for their efforts in trying to complete school and raise a child. Our young men need to step up and be men more so now than ever. This is a problem plaguing America and it is an American problem rather than a particularly race or ethnic group problem. We find ourselves at a moment when we can change this situation for once and for all but the reality is that we all must work together to correct this problem not now but right now.

My Perspective: Real Talk

I'm giving you real talk about issues I see happening right now so if you agree with me or not, at least I am keeping it real and giving it to you honestly.

My Perspective: Do You Love it?

Ask yourself do you love your neighborhood, do you love your city, do you love your state, do you love your country? If you love it than what can you do to make a difference. If you love it than ask yourself what is really needed in your neighborhood, city, state or country? If you truly love it than start to make the difference that you want to see in your neighborhood, city, town, state, or country. Start making a difference right here, right now. Do you love it?

My Perspective: Until the End of Time

We have to take back our country, our states, our cities and our neighborhoods. We have to make time to make change. We have to take action. We have to make a difference.

My Perspective: Love

Love is truly a special feeling. When you say you love someone, you love them for life. You don't stop loving someone no matter what but you can stop being in love with somone. However that doesn't mean you don't love them any more. Love is one of the greatest gifts God could give us.

Sweat Equity Ad

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Life Savings

John McCain’s latest campaign ad called “Life Savings.” McCain speaks about protecting the American people’s life savings.

Take Election Day Off

Take Election Day off from work or school and volunteer to help get out the vote for Barack. Sign up to join fellow supporters on Tuesday, November 4th: http://www.barackobama.com/taketheday/

Music by Velvetron.

It's Down to The Wire in NC

The cast of "The Wire" needs you to get out and get involved at http://NC.BarackObama.com/

Early Vote in Florida

Jay-Z, Wyclef, Rosie Perez, and Keri Hilson want you to vote early in Florida. Visit http://www.VoteForChange.com to find your polling place.

Barack Obama: Closing Argument (Full Speech)

Barack Obama made his closing argument speech in Canton Ohio, making the choice in this election starkly clear.

The Top Ten Reasons Conservatives Should Vote For Obama

10. A body blow to racial identity politics. An end to the era of Jesse Jackson in black America.

9. Less debt. Yes, Obama will raise taxes on those earning over a quarter of a million. And he will spend on healthcare, Iraq, Afghanistan and the environment. But so will McCain. He plans more spending on health, the environment and won't touch defense of entitlements. And his refusal to touch taxes means an extra $4 trillion in debt over the massive increase presided over by Bush. And the CBO estimates that McCain's plans will add more to the debt over four years than Obama's. Fiscal conservatives have a clear choice.

8. A return to realism and prudence in foreign policy. Obama has consistently cited the foreign policy of George H. W. Bush as his inspiration. McCain's knee-jerk reaction to the Georgian conflict, his commitment to stay in Iraq indefinitely, and his brinksmanship over Iran's nuclear ambitions make him a far riskier choice for conservatives. The choice between Obama and McCain is like the choice between George H.W. Bush's first term and George W.'s.

7. An ability to understand the difference between listening to generals and delegating foreign policy to them.

6. Temperament. Obama has the coolest, calmest demeanor of any president since Eisenhower. Conservatism values that kind of constancy, especially cmopared with the hot-headed, irrational impulsiveness of McCain.

5. Faith. Obama's fusion of Christianity and reason, his non-fundamentalist faith, is a critical bridge between the new atheism and the new Christianism.

4. A truce in the culture war. Obama takes us past the debilitating boomer warfare that has raged since the 1960s. Nothing has distorted our politics so gravely; nothing has made a rational politics more elusive.

3. Two words: President Palin.

2. Conservative reform. Until conservatism can get a distance from the big-spending, privacy-busting, debt-ridden, crony-laden, fundamentalist, intolerant, incompetent and arrogant faux conservatism of the Bush-Cheney years, it will never regain a coherent message to actually govern this country again. The survival of conservatism requires a temporary eclipse of today's Republicanism. Losing would be the best thing to happen to conservatism since 1964. Back then, conservatives lost in a landslide for the right reasons. Now, Republicans are losing in a landslide for the wrong reasons.

1. The War Against Islamist terror. The strategy deployed by Bush and Cheney has failed. It has failed to destroy al Qaeda, except in a country, Iraq, where their presence was minimal before the US invasion. It has failed to bring any of the terrorists to justice, instead creating the excresence of Gitmo, torture, secret sites, and the collapse of America's reputation abroad. It has empowered Iran, allowed al Qaeda to regroup in Pakistan, made the next vast generation of Muslims loathe America, and imperiled our alliances. We need smarter leadership of the war: balancing force with diplomacy, hard power with better p.r., deploying strategy rather than mere tactics, and self-confidence rather than a bunker mentality.

Those conservatives who remain convinced, as I do, that Islamist terror remains the greatest threat to the West cannot risk a perpetuation of the failed Manichean worldview of the past eight years, and cannot risk the possibility of McCain making rash decisions in the middle of a potentially catastrophic global conflict. If you are serious about the war on terror and believe it is a war we have to win, the only serious candidate is Barack Obama.

If Obama wins, Jackson Jr. should take Senate seat

America will soon elect a new president. If that new president is Barack Obama, and we sincerely hope that it is, Illinois will need to quickly fill one of the most famous seats in the U.S. Senate.

If that’s the case, the Chicago Defender strongly endorses Congressman Jesse L. Jackson Jr. as Senator Obama’s successor.

We believe that Congressman Jackson has proven to be the very best person to carry on Barack’s legacy and to represent all Illinoisans in the Senate.

Not only that, Jesse Jr. would serve as a stalwart and loyal advocate in the U.S. Senate for the new administration, which could critically prove important in the tough years ahead.

Congressional Quarterly once named Congressman Jackson one of the “Top 50 Lawmakers” in Congress, noting that “no doubt he sees one of his roles as that of spreading his liberal message to a wider audience than just the House.”

During his 13 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Jackson has been a passionate and progressive leader.
Like Senator Obama, Jackson has been an inspiring, effective and dedicated public servant from Chicago’s South Side.

His record demonstrates a commitment to advocating for innovative and profound changes that America needs, both at home and abroad.

Like Obama, Jackson is a skilled and seasoned lawmaker whose worked effectively with both Democrats and Republicans to promote and further Illinois’ interests on Capitol Hill.

And like Barack, Jesse Jr. is a proven vote getter and coalition builder who finds support across political and demographic lines.

Thus, Jackson is imminently electable in two years. He consistently receives strong support among Black, white, Hispanic and Asian voters; among Christians, Jews and Muslims; city, suburban and even rural residents; business and labor; and the young and old.

While few may know this about him, Jackson has compiled one of the best voting records in the House—missing only two votes throughout his entire career.

That voting record means Jackson brings almost unprecedented know-how and expertise to the job.

As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee for the past nine years, Jackson has led efforts to increase domestic investments in health care, education, infrastructure and national security.

For his district, he’s secured more than $600 million in federal aid for schools, hospitals, clean water, infrastructure and more. This money has served as a catalyst for growth and development, often in communities suffering from neglect and disinvestment.

On the world front, Jackson has gained invaluable international experience and insight as a senior member of the congressional committee responsible for foreign aid.

A staunch and early opponent of the Iraq War, he believes in direct, principled and tough diplomacy, knowing that military force should always be used as a last resort.

As a member of Congress, he has traveled the world—including trips to Israel, Darfur and Liberia—highlighting the need for American engagement in promoting sustainable peace, development and democracies.

It was this depth and breadth of experience—bringing resources to his district, legislating progressive programs in DC, and exporting good-will overseas—that prompted Senator Obama to name Jesse Jr. as one of his 10 national campaign co-chairs.

Finally and significantly, there is the issue of diversity in the U.S. Senate.

Senator Obama is the only African-American Senator. If the Senate has any hope of reflecting today’s face of America, this seat (once held by Carol Moseley-Braun) should be filled by an African-American.

Congressman Jackson, like Obama, is a member of Congress’ new generation of Black leaders—leaders who transcend race, who embrace and encourage dynamic and diverse views, and who have moved beyond the fight for civil rights to the pursuit of human rights for all.

Coincidentally, at 43, Congressman Jackson would be the youngest member of the U.S. Senate—even though he has 13 years of legislative experience and relationships.

So while he’d give up considerable seniority in the House, Jackson is young enough to serve long enough in the Senate to acquire the seniority and influence necessary to truly benefit Illinois.

In short, his experience and qualifications uniquely prepare him to hit the ground running and immediately take on the critical challenges facing our nation, our new president and our world.

Without reservation, we believe that Congressman Jackson would be an outstanding U.S. Senator, able to serve our state with integrity, dignity and honor.

Thus, if the opportunity arises, we strongly urge Governor Blagojevich to appoint Jesse Jackson Jr. to the U.S. Senate.

References:
Jesse Jackson Jr. Would Be "honored And Humbled" To Replace Obama
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/26/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4546402.shtml

Jesse Jackson Jr. Begins Salivating
http://blog.indecision2008.com/2008/10/27/jesse-jackson-jr-begins-salivating/

Jesse Jackson Jr. seen as Senate favorite
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/10/27/Jesse_Jackson_Jr_seen_as_Senate_favorite/UPI-48941225121423/

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Eyeing Obama's Senate Seat
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7012802757

Who will fill Obama's seat?
http://media.www.lewisflyer.com/media/storage/paper638/news/2008/10/27/News/Who-Will.Fill.Obamas.Seat-3507308.shtml