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Are you taking money from lobbyists? Unrelenting Assassinations of Honduran Journalists Stop the Keystone XL Pipeline Project The PEOPLE are Coming – The Game is Up What kind of President would allow this to happen? U.S. Support of Israel is Insane Bigger dance party planned at Jefferson Memorial This IS America?? Violent Cops You Cannot Sweep the Truth Under the Carpet Reasons Why You Are Unlikely To Be Reelected What are you hiding? The truth? Of the Corporation, By the Corporation, For the Corporation Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal Finally CHANGE We Can Believe In Perhaps you have lost your mind! You, sir, have sold out to the Right! It's time to earn your Nobel Peace Prize How many civilians need to die Get America out of Afghanistan Now The Choice for Change – Handfuls or Millions Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to watch Occupation 101 Stop supporting the Israeli government Pressing Questions about Afghanistan Stop the illegitimate government in Honduras NOW Political Prisoners I urge you NOT to Apologize Single-Payer Universal Healthcare Prevent Bloodshed in Honduras America needs Health CARE not Health INSURANCE Healthcare is NOT Socialism |
FREE Don Siegelman 9/11/2012 - President Obama - FREE Don
Siegelman - Don Siegelman, the former governor of Alabama, returns to
federal prison today to resume his six-and-a-half-year sentence on a
controversial bribery conviction that has been compared to a political
witch hunt. Siegelman and his supporters say he was the target of a
plot, in part orchestrated by former Bush administration deputy Karl
Rove, for belonging to the Democratic Party in a state with a
Republican majority. "No one wants to go to prison for something that
is not a crime, and especially one orchestrated by Karl Rove,"
Siegelman said. "Everyone remembers the eight U.S. attorneys who were
fired by Rove during the Bush administration because they would not
pursue political prosecutions. Well, the U.S. attorney in Alabama,
appointed by Bush, vetted by Rove, pursued a political prosecution."
Siegelman has already served over nine months in prison, one month in
solitary confinement and three weeks in a maximum security prison.
(From Democracy Now)
http://www.democracynow.org/2012/9/11/former_alabama_gov_don_siegelman_speaks Stop American Imperialism
8/17/12 - President Obama - Julian Assange has spoken and the entire World is listening. Your attempt to crush Freedom and Truth has failed! Hundreds of millions of citizens of the U.S. and the World are ready and willing to stop American Imperialism. There is absolute unity and determination in the response. Stop the pursuit of journalists who are not leaking state secrets - if anything they are bringing to light the Truth about the lies your government has been foisting upon the World for too many years. It is time drop the trumped-up charges against Bradley Manning, time to tell the UK and Sweden that the game is up, time to allow Julian Assange the freedom he so rightly deserves. Watch him speak, listen to what he says, read his words. You, sir, are on the wrong side of history. http://www.countercurrents.org/assange190812.htm Freedom Now, Are you taking money from lobbyists? 10/27/11 – President Obama – One of these statements is a lie. Which is it? Your campaign letter of September 29 or the headline reported today on Democracy Now from the NY Times? Thomas –
I'm the national finance director here at OFA. From the beginning, we've refused to
take money from D.C. lobbyists and corporate special interests. Our
operation is fueled by people inspiring each other to take ownership
of this campaign. That's
why we've been emailing this week, and that's why I'm obligated to
remind you once more that the deadline is coming up in a matter of
hours. Obama Relies on Lobbyists to Raise Millions for Campaign (Democracy Now Headline from NY Times)In campaign news, President Obama is relying on a group of prominent supporters who are active in the lobbying industry to raise millions of dollars for his re-election bid, despite a pledge not to take money from lobbyists. The New York Times reports at least 15 of Obama’s “bundlers” are involved in lobbying for Washington consulting shops or private companies. They have raised more than $5 million so far for the campaign. Bundlers are supporters who contribute their own money to a campaign and solicit it from others. A number of the bundlers have hosted Obama at fund-raisers, while also visiting the White House on policy matters and official business. Obama’s bundlers include Sally Susman who leads Pfizer’s powerful lobbying shop, and David Cohen, who oversees lobbying at Comcast. Thomas Daly Unrelenting Assassinations of Honduran Journalists 10/12/11 – President Obama – Last week you met with Honduran President Porfirio Lobo. Here is what the Washington Post said about that meeting: “WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is praising what he calls the “profound” relationship between the United States and Honduras. Meeting with Honduran President Porfirio Lobo in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Obama said that under Lobo, Honduras has restored democratic practices and seen a commitment to the country’s reconciliation. Lobo was elected in 2009 after the previous president was driven from office by a coup.” The Post failed to state that the coup against President Zelaya was supported by the U.S. and nothing was said about the continuing violence against Honduran citizens, particularly Honduran journalists. To say that Honduras has “restored democratic practices” is a lie. The Council on Hemispheric Affairs, in their recent report on Honduras says, “President Lobo, who is killing the journalists?” is the question that is being raised by various national and international bodies, though they are only answered with silence and impunity. This prolonged state of deeply disturbing uncertainty has all but eliminated freedom of expression and investigative journalism in the country, two concepts that Hondurans badly need to protect their fragile, budding democracy and extremely delicate human rights situation. The dark forces behind this wave of menacing injustice comprise a broad collection of foreboding tactics ranging from common violence to political violence to the activities of drug cartels, which have silenced journalists reporting on the subject of corruption and other crimes related to narco-trafficking out of fear of losing their lives.” Shame on you for praising the “profound” relationship between the United States and Honduras. Like Bahrain and Yemen, you are praising and supporting governments who massacre their citizens and trash all civil and human rights. Thomas Daly Stop the Keystone XL Pipeline Project 10/11/11 – President Obama – The proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project is in your hands and it should be stopped! There is ample evidence that Keystone XL is not in the publics interest. During the 10/7/11 public hearing in D.C. I listened to the first 50 speakers. 46 people from all walks of life spoke eloquently against the pipeline while 5 people who have a direct financial interest in the project spoke in favor. More than 250,000 comments have been lodged with the great bulk against the project and millions have expressed their outrage as well. Sadly individuals from your campaign and Secretary Clinton's campaign have been hired by the pipeline company to lead the lobbying effort in support of this toxic project and it appears from emails that these individuals have severely compromised the supposed U.S. position. The Department of State claims that it has not made a decision on the project, but few believe that to be true. I could go into great detail as to just why you should veto this project, but instead direct you to the video of the 10/7/11 D.C. Hearing where you can and should listen to the impassioned pleas by the People against this project. Thomas Daly The PEOPLE are Coming – The Game is Up 9/27/11 – President Obama – America is at a turning point and your actions in the next few weeks will determine whether there will be an American Spring or an American Fall. The People are angry. The People have been mislead and lied to. The People have been shuffled aside while Washington embraces corporatism to its fullest. The banksters have profited while the People have suffered and Congress has lost the will and the ability to govern. You and Congress care only about your reelection and clinging to power. The People have taken off their bedroom slippers. Recently 1200 People were arrested in front of your House for peacefully protesting the planned Canada/Texas Pipeline and you remained silent. http://www.countercurrents.org/hansen030911.htm Last week Troy Anthony Davis was murdered in Georgia while a phalanx of heavily armed police intimidated the Davis family and more than 1000 peaceful protesters. They ran cars up and down the road with sirens blaring. They had helicopters hovering overhead. They were prepared to kill everyone in the crowd. At the last moment Justice Clarence Thomas, a white racist stuck in a black man's body man declared that the Supreme Court would not stay what was surely the murder of an innocent man and you were silent. http://www.democracynow.org/2011/9/22/democracy_now_special_report_from_troy Over the past weekend police officers in New York City intimidated, sprayed, brutalized and arrested innocent peaceful Wall Street protesters and you were silent. http://thelastword.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/26/7978720-rewrite-police-vs-protesters In one week thousands of People will begin to occupy Washington D.C. They will be peaceful and non-violent and they will remain until their demands are met. Will you remain silent? Will you allow the D.C. Police to brutalize and arrest these peaceful protesters or will you listen to their voices with compassion and understanding? Will you act like the president of a free, democratic country or will the entire World see America use the same tactics as Assad, Mubarak, Ben Ali, Gaddafi, Saleh, or Al Khalifa? You can arrest and brutalize all the
People you want, but they promise to keep coming and the World will
be watching and listening. http://october2011.org/issues
http://october2011.org/standwiththemajority/ Thomas Daly What kind of President would allow this to happen? 9/25/11 – President Obama – Your country is going to Hell and you are the leader! Over the past few weeks nearly 2000 people have been intimidated, beaten, sprayed, and arrested for the crime of Peaceful Protesting. 1200 in front of the White house. Hundreds in New York City and hardly any major media coverage at all. America today is headed toward Fascism - severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition. Look at the photos - Watch these videos – Is this the kind of CHANGE you meant when millions voted for you? http://gothamist.com/2011/09/25/video_nypd_uses_pepper_spray_force.php#photo-1 Shame, Shame, Shame! Thomas Daly Arab Spring and American Fall 9/14/11 – President Obama – Apparently you are living in some dark spot surrounded by hawks who are completely out of tune with the rest of the world. You are hoping to be reelected and the Democrats are hoping to recapture the House in 2012. Public opinion shows it will probably not happen. Poll
after poll show that: Six in ten Americans believe that that the U.S. weakened its economy by overspending in its responses to the 9/11 attacks. Six in ten see the Arab-Israeli conflict as one of the five most important issues for U.S. interests. A clear majority (61%) says that the U.S. should not take sides in its efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while just 27% want the U.S. to lean toward Israel (5% toward Palestinians). WorldPublicOpinion.org. Along with earning the lowest monthly job approval rating of his presidency, 41%, in August, President Barack Obama received term-low monthly job approval ratings from Hispanics (48%) and whites (33%) and tied his lowest rating from blacks (84%). Congressional job approval is now 15%, up slightly from the record-tying low of 13% recorded in August, while disapproval is 82%, compared with 84% last month. Gallup ...Thus in many nations where fears of American power have been so pervasive in the decade since Sept. 11, there are now concerns about the relative decline of American power. Initially, the exercise of U.S. military strength in Iraq and Afghanistan, coupled with the perception that the U.S. disregards the interests of other countries, led to a backlash against American power. But today, the rise of China and the uncertainty surrounding global economic leadership are creating new anxieties about a world where, many believe, American power is weakening. Pew Research Center In Kabul United States ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker said Wednesday that his embassy was hit with six grenades in a Taliban attack, but played down the insurgents’ raid as “not a very big deal”. 27 people died in a 24-hour battle, but Crocker says it was “not a big deal.” In remarks by Secretary Panetta at the Pentagon during the recent 9/11 Commemoration for Pentagon Personnel, he said, “We must never stop being vigilant. We must never stop keeping the pressure on. We must never stop fighting to protect the safety of this country. We must never stop until we have been able to ensure that terrorists have no place to hide and that they no longer represent a threat to this country.” In other words he just declared unending war. Americans and the entire World population want Peace. The American position on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict flies in the face of World opinion. The one-sided support of Israel is insane. American threats to veto Palestinian Statehood and threats to cut aid to Palestine are being met with worldwide revulsion. Jews around the World are rallying against America's support. There is a critical difference between support for Israel in the past and today. American Jews routinely participate in protests against the Israeli occupation. In Europe Jews have become reluctant to publicly show their support for Israel. Many have joined the BDS movement which can be summed up as the struggle against Israeli colonization, occupation and apartheid. BDS is a rights-based strategy to be pursued until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and complies with the requirements of international law. Israel now occupies all but 13 percent of the West Bank. They are continuing to construct new illegal settlements. Their walls cut right through Palestinian homes and farms. As a result of their failure to have the courage to say, “I'm sorry,” they have totally alienated their ties with Turkey and Egypt. And that alienation has led to further unhappiness with Israel from many of their other neighbors. In the face of all of this, American one-sided support will only exacerbate the problem. American Jews in New York abandoned the Democratic party last night when they overwhelming voted for a Republican to replace Anthony Weiner. Republicans are trying to spin this as a vote against your “anti-Israel policies”, but, if you talk to the voters, you will find the majority want peace in the Middle East. You have alienated the Hispanic vote with your failure to act on immigration reform. Max Baucus single handedly torpedoed health care reform. Baucus was also one of 5 Democrats who killed the Dream Act and Hispanics know that your campaign manager previously worked for and advised Max Baucus. Under your leadership more people have been deported than ever before. Private prisons and detention centers are raking in millions harassing and housing legal and illegal immigrants. Black Americans feel completely abandoned by you and the Democrats. Their unemployment record is out of sight. Your popularity ranking continues to plunge. If Troy Anthony Davis is executed next week, you will see your ranking plunge even further. If you had any courage you would immediately grant Davis clemency and/or commute his sentence to life while the truth about his wrongful conviction winds its way through a terribly biased Georgia justice system. Troy has always maintained his innocence, and there was never any physical evidence linking him to the crime. 7 out of the 9 non-police witnesses have since recanted or changed their testimony. New witnesses have come forth identifying another suspect. As to jobs, it is obvious that Republicans will never cooperate with you. You should explore the sale of a new class of Treasury bonds, called JOB BONDS to fund the creation of new American jobs. See my previous letter on the subject here: http://www.tomasdaly.com/PresidentObamaEmails2.html. Americans voted for you because you promised CHANGE. Sadly a Republican will probably replace you. You have just 14 months to right the ship of fools you are currently piloting. It's time to lead. It's time to quit trying to compromise with a group who has publicly stated their goal is to do anything that will defeat you. It's time to dust off those promises you made. It's time to clean out the financial advisors who support only corporations and bankers. It's time for CHANGE. Thomas
Daly JOB BONDS 9/6/11 – President Obama – This Thursday you are scheduled to give a speech about American jobs. Here's a suggestion I think you can use. Have Congress create a new class of Treasury bonds – JOB BONDS. Everyone knows that currently, under the dysfunctional government we have in Washington, there is no way any Republican will support even one dime in new taxes or increased spending. Everyone also knows that without increased revenue and increased spending there will be no new jobs created. The Republicans have you over a barrel. They are determined to do anything and everything to make sure you are not reelected next year. Unfortunately many of your actions have lead Democrats and Independents to begin casting about for a replacement as well. Americans need jobs and you need to do something dramatic that the Republicans can't torpedo in the way of creating those desperately needed jobs. During WWII the U.S. Government sold War Bonds very successfully. It's time for something similar. If Congress or the Treasury were to create a new class of Treasury Bonds, called Job Bonds and designated every dime raised toward new jobs in alternative energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects, I believe average Americans would jump at the opportunity to support this effort. The new Job Bonds could have a yield of between 3 and 4% over a 10-year life. I believe billions could be raised because the citizens genuinely want to be employed and the Job Bonds would allow an end run around the Republicans and give millions an avenue to build their savings. I think many Republicans will have a hard time not supporting a program such as this that does not include raising any taxes. They may argue that America would be accumulating new debt by selling these bonds, but I believe cleaver economists can quickly point out the financial benefits of such a program in the long run and I leave those details in your hands. American voters supported you because
you offered real hope and CHANGE. You and I both know that you have
failed to deliver on many of your promises and much of that failure
can be squarely laid at the feet of the Republican party. America is
tired of failure. Americans want action. Americans want jobs. U.S.
Job Bonds can make their desire a reality. Job Bonds represent real
CHANGE. I have started Job Bonds petitions on the Internet at: U.S. Support of Israel is Insane 7/5/11 – President Obama – Yesterday Gregory Delavekouras, Greek Foreign Ministry Spokesman said, "It is first and foremost an issue of security, for the people themselves and for stability in the region. And this is why the international community in its entirety has taken the same position, everybody believes that there is a real threat for life for those who participate in the flotilla, and also a real danger of escalation in the region which is right now in a very fragile position." He says everyone believes there is a real threat for life for those who participate in the flotilla. The threat he is talking about is killing by Israel with the full support of America. Surely you are not so blind as to see that Israel is the problem – not the flotilla members. The flotilla desires to enter Gaza traveling through Gazan waters. Everyday more people join the plight of the Palestinians. Everyday more American Jews join in condemning your support of Israel. Everyday your chance of being reelected diminishes. Everyday the Arab Awakening grows and all you and Secretary Clinton do is pay it lip service. American imperialism is dying. Throughout the World people are yearning to be free. Throughout the World people are finally realizing that America and Israel are the problem. Movements are growing, but you seem to be oblivious to their causes. How many more innocent civilians will you allow Israel to kill? Will you stand by if they attack and kill American flotilla members saying that Israel has a “right” to defend itself? Against what? Against who? Wake up Mr. President and show the World that you really deserved the Nobel Peace Prize by telling Israel enough is enough! End the occupation of Palestine. Negotiate with ALL Palestinian factions including Hamas. The time is here. The time is now. Tell Netanyahu you've had enough killing and lies and settlement construction. What are you afraid of? Not being reelected? Believe me, if you force Israel's hand, the entire World will beat a path to your door in open support of a Peace that has been a long time coming. Thomas Daly Israeli or Gazan Waters? 6/28/11 – President Obama – You are clearly on the wrong side of history when it comes to the Israel/Palestine Conflict. You and Secretary Clinton have given Israel the go ahead to violently confront peaceful protesters who are attempting to sail to Gaza. If there is blood, it will be on your hands! The 10 ships and hundreds of peaceful protesters – many of them Jews – are desiring to sail into Gazan waters. Perhaps you should look at a map where you will notice that the water Israel claims to control is actually off the coast of Gaza, Palestine. Israel's claims are bogus. A perfect example would be if America were to prevent anyone from reaching Cuba simply because America has a base at Guantanamo. The recent Arab Awakening including two attempts by Palestinians to return to their homeland, should be a wakeup call for America. As I have said in previous emails, Israel is close to being overwhelmed. Protesters in Egypt are calling for the closing of the Israeli Embassy and severing all ties with Israel. The Rafah Crossing is now open. There is tremendous unrest in Syria and Lebanon and Jordan are both continuing to suffer from citizen pressure to force Israel to come to terms with the Palestinians – many of them refugees living in their countries for decades. Palestine will probably receive a majority of votes in the UN this September and you and Israel cannot simply sweep that under the carpet. Your government is threatening to arrest or otherwise sanction any American citizens who participate in any flotilla attempting to enter Gaza by sea. Talk about bogus! How about the threat from Israel that any journalist who covers the event will have their equipment seized and will be barred from entering Israel for 10 years. Are these the statements of Democratic countries who recognize the rights of people to protest and the freedom of the press? Viva Palestine! Thomas Daly Bigger dance party planned at Jefferson Memorial
6/1/11 – President Obama – On January 18, 2009, you held an Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. Surely this must have been against the law, but I didn't see the U.S. Park Police bullies arrest anyone. In 2010 a group of American students were prevented from singing the National Anthem at the same Memorial. You were allowed to celebrate, but they were threatened with arrest. Do you see anything wrong with this picture? Yesterday I wrote to you about the violent arrest of peaceful dancers at the Jefferson Memorial and asked you to do something about the terrible treatment doled out to these innocent people. This coming Saturday, you have the opportunity to do something right. As of this moment more than 2000 people have said they will attend a new dance party at the Jefferson Memorial. Will you support the People or will you stand by while Capitol police brutalize these peaceful protesters? Will you allow them to be thrown to the floor? Will you allow them to be choked? Will you allow the police to use live ammunition or teargas against these peaceful protesters? Do you really support CHANGE or is it all a show? You can't have it both ways. You can't talk about repression in Libya, Syria, Egypt, Yemen, and other democracy seeking countries, while condoning repression in your own capitol. While I can't attend the
dance-in this Saturday, I will be there in spirit. Thomas Daly This IS America?? Violent Cops 5/31/11 - President Obama - You speak about Peace and Freedom while your U.S. Park Police are brutalizing citizens at the Jefferson Memorial. #$%* the Police! This is just plain wrong. Arresting someone is one thing, violently throwing them down on the ground is quite another! This video has gone viral Worldwide and makes America into a laughingstock. I urge you to watch this video and then take serious action to tell these rogue cops that they are wrong and that this type of activity will not be tolerated. I'm sure you won't, but I can always hope for CHANGE! Shame on America for having such an idiotic law. Shame on the U.S. Park Police. Shame on you if you don't do something about this. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/30/jefferson-memorial-dancing-arrests_n_868719.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PDhjNF9eUQ&feature=player_embedded Thomas Daly Just another comma in history 5/28/11 – President Obama – In Poland you said, "I want the American people to understand we've got to leave room for us to continue our tradition of providing leadership when it comes to freedom, democracy, human rights." Congress failed that test when it gave Prime Minister Netanyahu 29 standing ovations this week. Everyone can see that Israel is the leading cause for the denial of freedom, democracy, and human rights for Occupied Palestine and more than 1.5 million Arab and Christian citizens living in Israel. While Congress has been sucked in by Netanyahu's lies and half truths, the rest of the World is not listening. 130 countries have declared their recognition of Palestine as a country and Egypt opened the Rafah Crossing into Gaza. You said that the U.S. will not support a UN vote in September, but it is likely that there will be enough support to override any veto. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Palestine On May 15 thousands of Arabs gathered on the Israeli borders to show their support for Palestine. As a direct result of the Arab Awakening their numbers are sure to increase. Israel will soon face an extraordinary challenge as hundreds of thousands gather at their borders demanding Peace. Will it be peaceful or will Israel turn it into a U.S. Supported bloodbath? Yesterday Hanan Ashrawi addressed the
Carnegie Endowment. She gave a Palestinian perspective of your recent
1967 borders statement and the future of Palestinian refugees, and
commented on Netanyahu's recent speech to a joint meeting of
Congress. It is imperative that you listen to this honest assessment
of the situation and finally adjust America's position to truly
represent the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the
Palestinians. The one-sided support for Israel must
end. The views of AIPAC do not represent those of American citizens
and particularly those of the vast majority of Jewish-Americans.
AIPAC is using you as a doormat and Netanyahu is laughing. In a
recent article Fareed Zakaria said, “[Netanyahu] acts like a local
ward boss, far more interested in holding onto his post than using it
to secure Israel’s future...he will be remembered only as a person
before the person who made peace, a comma in history.” Will you be the one to bring Peace or just another comma in history? Thomas Daly Israel Does Not Want Peace 5/21/11 – President Obama - I was pleased with some of your latest Middle East/North Africa speech. Unfortunately, you failed to mention that all of the repressive dictators in the region were supported for decades by America. What will it take for you to finally pull the carpet out from under Bahrain and Yemen? How many people need to die? How many need to be arrested, tortured, and jailed? The same can be said about Syria. While you showed a modicum of support for the Palestinians, you still pledged your undying support for Israel. Israel does not want peace. Israel is the problem. Following your speech, you met with Netanyahu and, once again, he gave you the proverbial finger. He has absolutely no intention of making peace with anyone. See the maps which show the borders between Israel and Palestinian territory: http://www.infiniteunknown.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/israel_stealing_palestine.jpg You'll notice that no maps say “Palestine” after 1948. And it's hard to deny that Israel continues to isolate Palestinian land every day. See the map of the current “Israel Wall.” The future Palestine looks like a slice of Swiss cheese. http://www.vtjp.org/background/wallgraphics.htm Israel has literally cut Palestinian farms in half. Israel continues to build new settlements. Following your speech an Israeli commission yesterday approved the construction of 1520 new settlements in two districts of East Jerusalem, the Palestinian area occupied by Israel since 1967. Netanyahu says the 1967 borders are “indefensible.” That's an absolute lie. Netanyahu says Israel will never negotiate with a Palestinian government that includes Hamas. Israel claims that Hamas refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist, but Hamas says it wants its recognition of Israel's right to exist to coincide with Israel's recognition of a Palestinian state. Obviously there IS room for negotiation here. America and Israel need to admit that no matter what, Hamas will be a part of Palestine and they MUST be included. Tomorrow you will address AIPAC. Hopefully you will not cave in to Israeli pressure. Hopefully you will reinforce your remarks with even stronger support for the plight of the Palestinians. Peace in the region will NEVER happen unless and until Israel agrees to reasonable and realistic terms for a settlement. It's only a matter of time until the Arab Awakening overwhelms Israel. Make Peace! Thomas Daly Power Not Fully Engaged 5/16/11 – President Obama – Today on Democracy Now Amy Goodman played a recent interview with Harry Belafonte. Belafonte said, “And when you ask me about Barack Obama, it is exactly what happened to Kennedy. We, the American people, made the history of that time come to another place by our passion and our commitment to change. ...what is sad for this moment is that there is no force, no energy, of popular voice, popular rebellion, popular upheaval, no champion for radical thought at the table of the discourse. And as a consequence, Barack Obama has nothing to listen to, except his detractors and those who help pave the way to his own personal comfort with power—power contained, power misdirected, power not fully engaged.” Amy asked, “"If you want President Obama re-elected, you will undermine him if you criticize him?” To which Belafonte responded, “I think we will not only undermine him, but undermine the hopes of this nation, if we don’t criticize him. Absence of protest in the times of this kind of national crisis—Theodore Roosevelt once said, "When tyranny takes over the national agenda, it is that time that the voices of protest must be awakened. And if you don’t raise your voice in protest, you are a patriotic traitor." And I believe that patriotism is betrayed by those voices that are not heard.” I couldn't agree with him more. And so I protest frequently. I cry frequently. I worry that the man I helped to elect has let Americans and the World down. You hold in your hands the power to Change the course of history. Throughout the Middle East the Arab Awakening is showing the World that Change is possible. While you will not publicly admit it, you must realize that the cause of disharmony in the World is the continuing occupation of Palestine by the Apartheid Israeli government. Over the weekend IDF forces killed a number of non-violent protesters during the Nakba and stopped another ship that was attempting to bring aid to the Palestinians. Obviously Israel will only allow peace if they are forced into it. The recent joining of competing factions in Palestine and the growing verbal displeasure of the Arab communities should give you reason to finally change course when it comes to American support of Israel. I urge you to choose wisely, to listen to your heart and not your advisors. Peace is in your hands ...or will you start a Cairo moment in America? CHANGE! Thomas Daly You Didn't Mention Banish 05/01/11 – President Obama – Last night during the White House Correspondence Dinner, you finished your speech with this, “You know, in the last months, we've seen journalists threatened, arrested, beaten, attacked, and in some cases even killed simply for doing their best to bring us the story, to give people a voice, and to hold leaders accountable. And through it all, we've seen daring men and women risk their lives for the simple idea that no one should be silenced, and everyone deserves to know the truth.” You didn't mention Banish, but that is exactly what your Administration has done to Chronicle reporter Carla Marinucci. Here is the Chronicle's Update on the event: Update: In a pants-on-fire moment, the White House press office today denied anyone there had issued threats to remove Carla Marinucci and possibly other Hearst reporters from the press pool covering the President in the Bay Area. Chronicle editor Ward Bushee called the press office on its fib: Sadly, we expected the White House to respond in this manner based on our experiences yesterday. It is not a truthful response. It follows a day of off-the-record exchanges with key people in the White House communications office who told us they would remove our reporter, then threatened retaliation to Chronicle and Hearst reporters if we reported on the ban, and then recanted to say our reporter might not be removed after all. The Chronicle's report is accurate. If the White House has indeed decided not to ban our reporter,
we would like an on-the-record notice that she will remain the San
Francisco print pool reporter. Obviously your words at the Dinner ring hollow. If Carla Marinucci or any others remain on a banned list, then you're no better than the Middle East dictators who also claim they are being “fair” and are allowing the free flow of information. I close with your own words, “....no one should be silenced, and everyone deserves to know the truth.” Thomas Daly From Facebook to Hypocrisy 04/29/11 – President Obama – It's bad enough that you made some unfortunate remarks last week about the deplorable condition of Bradley Manning, but then you really stooped to your lowest point by having the temerity to ban one of the best political reporters in the country from the approved pool of journalists covering presidential visits to the Bay Area for using now-standard multimedia tools to gather the news. The Chronicle's Carla Marinucci - who, like many contemporary
reporters, has a phone with video capabilities on her at all times
-shot
some protesters interrupting an Obama fundraiser at the St. Regis
Hotel. To quote Bronstein, “Just the day before Carla's Stone Age infraction, Mr. Obama was at Facebook seated next to its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, and may as well have been wearing an "I'm With Mark" t-shirt for all the mutual admiration going back and forth.” "The main reason we wanted to do this is," Obama said of his appearance, "first of all, because more and more people, especially young people, are getting their information through different media. And historically, part of what makes for a healthy democracy, what is good politics, is when you've got citizens who are informed, who are engaged." ...“What's worse: more than a few journalists familiar with this story are aware of some implied threats from the White House of additional and wider punishment if Carla's spanking became public. Really? That's a heavy hand usually reserved for places other than the land of the free."
Thomas
Daly PS – Now that you have severely prejudiced the case against Manning by claiming he is guilty without trial, I suggest that you drop the bogus charges against him and set this American Hero free. You Cannot Sweep the Truth Under the Carpet
04/25/11 – President Obama – Today WikiLeaks released a new batch of documents pertaining to the unfortunate handling of “detainees” at Guantanamo. Last Thursday you were confronted at a $5000 per plate fund raiser by a group of your supporters who questioned you about the Change you promised. They also brought up Bradley Manning, a hero in the eyes of most people, who is being held in deplorable conditions by your government. In a conversation after that event an attendee asked, "Isn’t that just the same thing as what Daniel Ellsberg did?" Your response was, "No, it wasn’t the same thing. What it was, Ellsberg’s material wasn’t classified in the same way." That is true. Ellsberg's material was classified Top Secret, while Manning's alleged material was marked “secret” or “classified,” among the lowest-level secrecy designations. You, the military, and the Justice Department can spin this any way you wish, but the reality is, if Manning is guilty of anything, it is that he possibly released the truth. Hopefully you can see that the treatment of Manning is, and continues to be terrible, and his treatment will eventually be just another reason why you are unlikely to be reelected.
Thomas Daly
04/25/11 – President Obama - Here are just some of the reasons why the people who voted for you in 2008 will possibly not support your reelection: Guantanamo is still open; America continues to support repressive dictators in the Middle East with a double standard; America continues to support the Apartheid Israeli government in their illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory and the senseless slaughter of innocent Palestinians; You have alienated the Hispanic community by failing to bring about comprehensive immigration reform and by the deportation of hundreds of thousands who should not be separated from their families; You have failed to open and normalize relations with Cuba; You continue to allow dangerous offshore deep well drilling and you continue to support nuclear power rather than boldly going forward with a job creating alternative energy program; You are in bed with the pirates and bandits on Wall Street and have allowed and supported these crooks as they have lead America to the brink of bankruptcy; You promised to march with unions if they came under attack, and then abandoned them when it became a reality in Wisconsin; You lead Americans to believe that you would bring about real health care reform and then helped the HMOs and big pharma to increase their stranglehold on a system that is severely flawed; Rather than end wars, you have lead America deeper into expanding conflicts; You claimed your campaign was “grassroots,” while taking millions from the very corporations who, today, are largely responsible for America's economic dilemma; Furthermore, you appointed many of these people to top positions in your cabinet undermining any claim to transparency; Your education program is leading to every child being left behind; You have totally ignored the Progressive wing of your party and their intelligent 2012 budget proposal; And, finally, you have chosen Jim Messina, former Chief of Staff for two of the Senate's most conservative Democrats to manage your reelection campaign.
Thomas Daly TSA is Out of Control 4/14/11 - President Obama - Below is
the message I have tried to send to TSA. Even after waiting 5 minutes,
my message does not go through. This Agency is totally out of control
and have cleverly set up their site to refuse to process complaints.
Please be sure to read my comment which TSA refuses to accept . What are you hiding? The truth? 3/11/11 – President Obama - "They assured me that they are." That was your response today about the Pentagon's treatment of Bradley Manning. "I have actually asked the Pentagon whether or not the procedures that have been taken in terms of his confinement are appropriate and are meeting our basic standards," you said at today's news conference. Then you said, "I can't go into details about some of their concerns, but some of this has to do with Pvt. Manning's safety as well." Why can't you go into some (or more properly all) of the details about our concerns? What are your basic standards? What are you afraid of? What are you hiding? The truth? You were supposed to be the anti-torture President, opposing Bush-era policies of indefinite detainment and inhumane treatment. While you were defending torture today, Assistant Secretary Of State For Public Affairs P.J. Crowley, speaking at an MIT seminar in Boston said Manning is being "mistreated" in the military brig at Quantico, Virginia. "What is being done to Bradley Manning is ridiculous and counterproductive and stupid on the part of the Department of Defense," he said. I don't know where Crowley got his information, but it is much closer to the truth than the pablum the Department of Defense is feeding you. Before America invaded Iraq, the same Pentagon officials “assured” your predecessor that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. THEY LIED! And, they are lying again. As sure as there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, the military is now torturing Bradley Manning and you, sir, are culpable. What is it about truth that the American Government fears? If Manning is responsible for the release of documents, you should be rewarding him with some sort of medal. In fact, if you had any courage, you would give Manning your richly undeserved Nobel Peace Prize. American intelligence lied about Iraq. American intelligence lied about Afghanistan. American intelligence was completely asleep when the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions swept across the Middle East. And the Pentagon was right there helping to foster the lies and lack of real information. Instead of believing these lying bastards, I suggest that you actually visit Bradley Manning and see with your own eyes that the treatment of this American hero has nothing to do with HIS safety. Thomas Daly Of the Corporation, By the Corporation, For the Corporation – Part 1 3/5/11 – President Obama – In his famous Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln finished his speech thusly, “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Sadly his words are no longer heeded by the American Government. They have changed into – That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of tyranny – and that government of the corporation, by the corporation, for the corporation, shall not perish from the earth.” How did this happen? The American economy is in a shambles and yet no bankers have gone to jail or even been charged. The same can be said for oil and mining execs. American media is dominated by a handful of corporations who present news as if it were scripted by the Pentagon's Psy-Ops team. The People are fed spoonfuls of, doublespeak, disinformation, and out-and-out lies. Last week federal jury in Salt Lake City convicted environmental activist Tim DeChristopher of two felony counts for disrupting the auction of more than 100,000 acres of federal land for oil and gas drilling. He could be sentenced to 10 years in prison. He wasn't allowed to tell the jury that he offered the payment to the BLM. All he was allowed to talk about in the trial was what happened on December 19th and nothing else. And it wasn’t because of his participation, but because of the way that BLM had operated and locked the public out of the decision-making process for public land, that the auction was invalidated. But again, that’s something that the jury was not allowed to know. The judge said that it was irrelevant and that it would confuse the jury, so they shouldn’t be allowed to know it. In other words, the jury was not allowed to hear the truth and, while bankers, oilmen, and mine owners walk free, Tim DeChristopher has been railroaded by the corrupt system. Continued in Part 2
Thomas Daly Of the Corporation, By the Corporation, For the Corporation – Part 2 3/5/11 – President Obama - WikiLeaks has opened the World's eyes to the truth and your government is doing everything possible to label them as someone who is aiding the enemy. Your government is holding Bradley Manning in a hell hole for 23 hours per day and now you've stooped to taking away his clothes – he is left naked to protect him from harm according to your torturers. Who is the enemy that he has aided? If he is responsible for the leaks, those leaks have helped liberate millions in the Middle East during the last few weeks. The only reason Bernie Madoff went to jail is because he ripped off rich people. The bankers and the regulators knew what he was doing for years before he was apprehended. The governors of Wisconsin and several other states are currently waging a war upon unions. As a candidate you told a crowd that you were proud to wear the “union label” and that if workers were denied rights to organize or collectively bargain when you were elected, “I'll put on a comfortable pair of shoes myself, I'll will walk on that picket line with you as president of the United States of America.” The whole world is waiting for you to make good on your words – or were they just empty rhetoric to help you win the election? Millions of Americans have lost their homes and millions more are slated to be lost this year. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs. CEO of 3M, George Buckley recently said, “There is a sense among companies that this is a difficult place to do business. It is about regulation, taxation, seemingly anti-business policies in Washington, attitudes towards science.” ...Politicians forget that business has choice. We’re not indentured servants and we will do business where it’s good and friendly. If it’s hostile, incrementally, things will slip away. We’ve got a real choice between manufacturing in Canada and Mexico – which tend to be pro-business – or America.” He was spouting the corporate view, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce view, the screw the People view and your government is doing everything possible to enable him and his ilk. The Supreme Court has insanely given corporations the right to buy politicians and elections and the corporations were only too happy to thank the Court with the endless dollars they poured into last November's election. Government of the corporation, by the corporation, for the corporation.
Thomas Daly Why Don't We End Wars? 3/4/11 – President Obama - On Friday, February 25, the U.S. Defense Secretary told cadets at the Military Academy that the Army will have to restructure its budget and refocus its mission parameters, such as “prevent festering problems from growing into full-blown crises,” according to the Wall Street Journal. “Any future defense secretary who advises the president to send a big American land army into Asia, or into the Middle East or Africa should ‘have his head examined,’ as Gen. [Douglas] MacArthur so delicately put it,” said Gates. I think he could have added that the present administration and Congress should have their heads examined for continuing the losing folly of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Neither war is “winnable,” and far more could be accomplished by removing all troops and then offering realistic non-violent aid to these countries to set them on a real path toward some type of democracy. Only a blind man could not see that the current government in Iraq is anywhere near to being a “democracy.” Their people are oppressed, they continue to use torture, their infrastructure is in shambles. The same, only worse, can be said for Afghanistan. Throughout the Middle East protests continue to rage against corrupt dictatorial governments who have been openly supported by the U.S. For decades. The people have spoken, but Washington appears to be totally deaf. Selling arms is far more important than peace. Your administration has, at best, given only half-hearted support for these fledgling attempts at true democracy. One of the biggest problems in the region is the continued occupation of Palestine by Israel and the one-sided support of Israel by the U.S. A veteran Israeli diplomat has resigned in protest of what he calls Israel’s "wrong" foreign policy. The diplomat, Ilan Baruch, spent more than 30 years in the Israeli government, most recently as ambassador to South Africa. Baruch says he stepped down in opposition to the occupation of Palestinian land. He also criticized Israeli government officials for longtime efforts to label opposition to Israeli polices as "anti-Semitism." As Mr. Gates has said, it's time for America to have its head examined. It's time for America to make peace, not war. It's time for America to reach out a strong hand to those in need. It's time for Peace. Thomas Daly President Obama Responds HERE Where is the Apology? 3/3/11 – President Obama – On February 18 I wrote to you about the the double standard of arresting peaceful protester Ray McGovern simply because he turned his back on Hillary Clinton as she gave a speech. Government thugs wrestled him to the ground and dragged him from the room. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. That illegal charge was dropped om March 2, but where is the public apology? Following the dropping of the charge, Ray McGovern made the following statement, “The Constitution lives. I am hugely grateful for the widespread condemnation of the brutal treatment I encountered two weeks ago for exercising my First Amendment rights. It strikes me as an empowering example of what we can do together in standing for Justice and against the violence of war. If Defense Secretary Robert Gates is spared arrest when he acknowledges the folly of committing U.S. troops to a land war in Asia, we too should be spared arrest and brutality at the hands of those for whom the Constitution is merely a piece of paper.” On Democracy Now Mr. McGovern had this to say, "I was standing up in silent witness to the fact that Hillary Clinton is responsible, partly responsible, for countless thousands of Iraqis, Americans, Afghans and, God help us, Iranians—I hope not—and that she should not get the idea that everybody is going to sit down and applaud politely when there are so many of us that are usually excluded from these sessions who are feeling very, very, very sad and very angry at the foreign policy of our government." Shame on you Mr. President for not speaking out in support of Mr. McGovern's right to free speech. Shame on Secretary Clinton for not speaking up when his Constitutional Rights were violated in front of her own eyes. Shame on the American Government for continuing to maintain a double standard when it comes to free speech. Thomas Daly Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal 2/19/11 – President Obama – That is what the United Nations said yesterday with 130 nations sponsoring the resolution and 14 of the 15 Security Council members voting for it. Unfortunately America vetoed the resolution. America caved in to pressure from Israel and some backward thinking members of Congress. America told the entire World Screw You! U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said that while the United States agrees about "the folly and illegitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity..." If that is true, why the veto? There is no plausible explanation of America's actions. If anything this resolution, if passed, would put tremendous pressure on Israel to finally sit down and negotiate a peace settlement with the Palestinians. The recent Palestine Papers have clearly shown that it is Israel who refuses to negotiate. Six months ago this may have been expected, but the Middle East has awoken from decades of U.S. supported dictators and country after country has spoken loudly that they will not take it any longer. Your administration held out until the last moment in support of the Tunisian and Egyptian regimes, before finally speaking out in favor of peaceful protests. Your administration is now sitting on your hands while Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Bahrain, and Yemen are holding daily protests that have resulted in numerous innocent people being killed by the very dictators you are supporting. Last Tuesday your Secretary of State never even missed a beat when American thugs tackled a peaceful protester while she was giving a speech. She was telling the audience how America loathes governments who don't allow their citizens to peacefully protest. She said nothing as an American, whose only crime was to stand up and turn his back to her, was violently assaulted and arrested. What's wrong with this picture. Surely you cannot be so blind that you cannot see the damage America is doing with its double standards and one-sided support of the continuing illegal activities of the Israeli government. Everyday the hatred of America justifiably grows and yet you do nothing to reverse what can only result in a devastating outcome for America. Thomas Daly A Double Standard 2/18/11 – President Obama – On Tuesday, while Hillary Clinton was speaking about other governments beating and arresting peaceful protesters, she did not even pause as a government thug and a uniformed officer violently tackled a member of her audience who stood with his back to her. The wrestled him to the ground and dragged him from the room. He was arrested and taken to jail. His crime – Peaceful Protest! As he was dragged off, he shouted , “So this is America.” The video of this unfortunate event has gone viral and, once again, America is the laughing stock of the entire World. Ray McGovern is owed a very public apology. There can be no possible excuse for the actions taken against him. Those actions represent the double standard that the American government operates under. How much longer can this charade go on before there is a “Cairo” moment in Washington? I hope you will take the time to look at the video and read the numerous comments about this most egregious act of aggression against non-violent protest in America. I hope you will take immediate steps to end the double standard. http://www.democracynow.org/2011/2/18/ex_cia_analyst_ray_mcgovern_beaten Thomas Daly You call this a Democracy? 2/17/11 – President Obama – You have gone on record attacking Iran for the way they are handling their protests. You chastised them for using force and killing protesters while leaving the impression that the Egyptian protest was peaceful. You forgot to mention that at least 365 people were killed by pro-Mubarak forces during the 18-day revolution. Even worse, you still appear to be supporting the regimes in Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria, Morocco, and Libya. These countries all feature U.S. supported dictators who have clearly shown that they are only too willing to turn their police forces against peaceful protesters. The same can be said about the Zionists Israeli government who have abused the Palestinians for 60 years. They all have blood on their hands and they are all using American made weapons against their people. Your silence and twisting of the truth rings loud among the growing list of countries who despise the U.S. For their hegemony and imperialistic tendencies. How long will you stand by? How many people have to die in the name of peace and democracy – killed by U.S. supported thugs? Here's a rhetorical question for you. If Americans occupied Washington for 18 days of peaceful protest, how many would now be dead and imprisoned by America's totally out-of-control military and police? If Wisconsin's Governor calls out the National Guard on the thousands of peaceful protesters, will you stand idly by while the “law” wades into the crowds with batons and tear gas? Will you let your military abuse women and children who are a large part of the Madison protest? What is the line you will not cross? Thomas Daly So Much for Free Speech 2/12/11 – President Obama – Yesterday you spoke about the events in Egypt. You talked about free speech. You said, “ And above all, we saw a new generation emerge — a generation that uses their own creativity and talent and technology to call for a government that represented their hopes and not their fears; a government that is responsive to their boundless aspirations. One Egyptian put it simply: Most people have discovered in the last few days…that they are worth something, and this cannot be taken away from them anymore, ever.” Eleven students who disrupted Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren's speech at the University of California, Irvine in February 2010 were charged with one count of misdemeanor conspiracy to disturb a meeting and one count of misdemeanor disturbance of a meeting last Friday. Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas claims this is an issue that extends beyond free speech. "These defendants meant to stop this speech and stop anyone else from hearing his ideas, and they did so by disrupting a lawful meeting." We cannot tolerate a pre-planned violation of the law, even if the crime takes place on a school campus and even if the defendants are college students." The defendants are Mohamed Mohy-Eldeen Abdelgany; Khalid Gahgat Akari; Aslam Abbasi Akhtar; Joseph Tamim Haider; Taher Mutaz Herzallah; Hakim Nasreddine Kebir; Shaheen Waleed Nassar; Mohammad Uns Qureashi; Ali Mohammad Sayeed; Osama Ahmen Shabaik; and Asaad Mohamedidris Traina. They were simply stating their views. They were non-violent. They were expressing their displeasure at Israel's continuing illegal occupation of Palestine. To paraphrase your own words, they are a generation that uses their own creativity and talent and technology to call for an Israeli government that represented their hopes and not their fears; a government that is responsive to their boundless aspirations. This is clearly a case of racial profiling driven by the outcries of a handful of Zionists organizations. It took DA Rackauckas nearly a year to file these ridiculous charges. I urge you and the Justice Department to immediately intervene in this totally unjust case before Rackauckas and his Zionist supporters are able to ruin the lives of these free speech seeking students. http://www.investigativeproject.org/2566/irvine-students-charged-with-disrupting-oren Thomas
Daly 2/10/11 – President Obama – The teargas containers clearly state Made in U.S.A. The tanks and arms also are supplied by the U.S.A. The Egyptian Revolution, now occurring, was Made in the U.S.A. as well. For 60 years America has supported a repressive government in Egypt. For that same period America has also supported the equally repressive apartheid government in Israel. And now, it has all come home to roost. Today President Mubarak once again stated his intention to remain in power. Hopefully this does not lead toward a bloody confrontation between the Egyptian people and the U.S. equipped Egyptian military. Every drop of Egyptian blood drawn or yet to spill will be on America's hands. It's too late to take back the arms and the teaching of torture America has supplied to the Egyptian military, but it is not too late to do something right. America has supported Egypt and numerous other repressive regimes for far too long because of an insane pact with a relative handful of Zionists who are determined to eliminate the Palestinian people. While Israel illegally occupies Palestinian territory and crushes Palestinian homes, and kills Palestinian people, America stands by like a waiting lapdog. This insane support of Israel, at the expense of World Peace, is the leading cause of the unrest in the the Middle East. It is the real cause of so-called “terrorism.” How many revolutions will it take to wake you and the American government up? How many more innocent people will have to die before you realize that Made in U.S.A. IS the problem? The U.S. And Israel are apparently supporting Omar Suleiman in the hopes that he will eventually become the new Egyptian president. Suleiman is nothing more than an American trained thug and will never bring stability to Egypt. No one knows for sure just what the outcome of this revolution will be, but everyone will know what kind of a hand America and Israel have in it if the same backward thinking and support continue. I urge you to vocally support real peace in Egypt. I urge you to not attempt to fix the outcome of this people-lead revolution. I urge you to finally take a long hard look at what America's one-sided support of Israel has had and will continue to have on World Peace. The time is right. The time is now. The time for real CHANGE is in your hands. Thomas Daly Finally CHANGE We Can Believe In 1/30/11 – President Obama – The changes unfolding in the Middle East are necessary and welcome. For far too long the United States has backed and supported ruthless and corrupt dictators simply because the American government believed it was in its best interest. Much of this support has come as a result of America's one-sided defense of Apartheid Israel and a desire to do anything to protect this defiant government who stands in the way of real peace. Fortunately the meltdown has begun as Algeria, Albania, Tunisia, Yemen, and now, Egypt begin to throw off the shackles of their U.S. Supported dictators. And, this represents only the tip of the iceberg. Not only are these countries attempting to rid themselves of these rulers, they are also sending a message to you and the American government which says, “keep your hands out of our business.” The World has reached a turning point and your actions in the next few weeks will be very telling. Will you urge these burgeoning democracies to choose Pinochet-type leaders or will you allow them to freely choose their new leaders and their new forms of government? You urge the current governments to refrain from the use of violence against peaceful protesters while your own government turns a blind eye to the brutality that happens all to frequently in the U.S. against “peaceful” protesters. Look closely at the recent Democrat and Republican Conventions or perhaps, the Mayday mayhem practiced by the Los Angeles police in 2008 or the Battle for Seattle WTO conflict in 1999 or pick any G20 conference. During your campaign and frequently since your election you have talked about Change, but the only Change Americans have seen is less jobs and growing poverty. Mr. President, I urge you to truly listen to the people who are currently rebelling. They are tired of a lack of jobs and unrealistic wages. They, like Americans, can see the growing disparity between rich and poor, between Wall Street and Main Street. The protests you see in the Middle East are bound to spread and may even flare up in America. Your decisions and actions in the coming weeks can change history for the good or the bad. Which will you choose? Thomas Daly Perhaps you have lost your mind! 1/4/11 - President Obama - I
celebrated when Rahm Emmanuel left. Now, it appears you are poised to
appoint William Daley to fill his shoes. Perhaps you have lost your
mind! The last person you need in Washington right now is another Wall
Street executive and, especially, the brother of Mayor Daley. Surely
there must be other more intelligent choices. And please, please, stop
considering former Clinton people for ANY job in your Administration.
America needs people who care about The People - William Daley does not
fit that description in any way or fashion. I urge you to look
elsewhere - not on Wall Street and not on the Beltway. Michael Moore
has volunteered for the job and, while it is not possible, he would be
far and away a better choice than Daley. You, sir, have sold out to the Right!
12/9/10 - President Obama - You, sir, have sold out to the Right! I'm
seriously tempted to swear here, but will refrain in respect to your
position. Your newest tax proposals are not what you are claiming.
Rather than try to fill my 2500 word message, I will simply ask that
you please look at the Special Comment from Keith Olbermann on MSNBC on
December 7th. A stain on the American Judicial System Say NO to Compromise Ending Support for Israel Will Make the TSA Unnecessary 11/20/10 – President Obama – You were quoted today in Lisbon as saying, "I understand people’s frustrations, and what I’ve said to the TSA is that you have to constantly refine and measure whether what we’re doing is the only way to assure the American people’s safety. And you also have to think through are there other ways of doing it that are less intrusive." You also acknowledged some travelers' "frustrations" with having to go through full-body pat-downs and scans at airports, but you said the enhanced security measures are necessary to keep America safe. You are wrong! These scans and the sexually-explicit groping used as an alternative are a violation of the 4th Amendment. If you really want to do something to assure American people's safety, I strongly urge you to look to Israel and the Palestinian problem. More than anything else, this 60-year conflict is what is driving World insecurity and the main culprit is the Israeli Government. Year in and year out they continue to stonewall the peace process. In addition to literally building walls, they flagrantly violate every U.N. Resolution regarding the formation of a separate Palestinian State. As occupiers and killers, they continue to demonstrate that peace is the furtherest thing from their warped minds. By continuing to build settlements on illegally occupied land, Netayahu is clearly telling you and the American Government where to go. Their actions are nothing short of sending you a one-finger salute! Every country has stated the need for a resolution between Israel and Palestine as the quickest way toward World Peace; and yet, America, with its undying support of Israel is actually preventing the needed solution. Jews worldwide are finally lending their voices to the cause of World Peace by speaking out loudly against the resistance of the Zionist government in Israel to once and for all sit down with the Palestinians and negotiate a real and fair Peace. Invasive body scans and pat-downs are intrusive and unnecessary. Look where your “compromise” position with the Republicans has got us. Multiply that attitude a thousand times with your compromising attitude toward Israel at the expense of the Palestinians and World Peace. Tell Israel no more American dollars until they negotiate Peace with the Palestinians. This will be your greatest accomplishment if you only have the courage to move forward. Thomas Daly Spinning Out of Control 11/20/10 – President Obama – John Tyner is just the tip of the iceberg in America's downward spiral into Fascism. Fascists believe that a nation is an organic community that requires strong leadership, singular collective identity, and the will and ability to commit violence and wage war in order to keep the nation strong. Fascism rejects the concepts of egalitarianism, materialism, and rationalism in favor of action, discipline, hierarchy, spirit, and will. Hence Homeland Security and the Transportation Safety Administration – TSA. Because there is copious amounts of information available about TSA abuses, I won't go into it, however I think it is important to point out that TSA Administrator John Pistole has lied, and continues to lie, about the resultant pictures of naked people from the new, invasive full-body scans. Pistole claims that, as each new scan is made, the previous scan is erased and can't be recalled. He claims that all of these scans will never be available for public viewing. The reality is that the scans ARE kept and CAN be retrieved. Simple logic tells anyone that the scan MUST be available if someone is to be prosecuted for allegedly carrying something concealed which is discovered as a result of the scan. Furthermore, every television station in the world has been showing the naked results of these scans. This is not about supposed security, it is about the Right of the People. The 4th Amendment clearly states, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” During the Holocaust Nazi
guards were only to happy to do whatever they were ordered. As long
as they were not headed for the ovens, they willingly became
tormentors who helped mercilessly kill their loved ones and friends.
According to Holocaust expert Professor Sidney Bolkosky of the
University of Michigan-Dearborn, Remember those words – complicity and brutality. This is what the TSA screeners are doing now. What is the next step? Thomas Daly End Bush Tax Cuts NOW! 11/19/10 - Mr. President - For almost 2 years you and the Democratic Party have made caving in to Republicans your specialty. It's time for this insanity to stop. The Republicans do not wish to work with you, are not willing to compromise, and have made it widely known that their only goal is to make sure you do not return to Washington in 2012. Currently the nation is faced with the possible expiration of the Bush Tax Cuts and I see a rotten compromise in the future. Instead, why not simply let ALL of these tax cuts expire - as they should - and then work on a new tax policy that is fair for all taxpayers. There is a new group, Patriotic Millionaires For Fiscal Strength, who are asking you, "For the fiscal health of our nation and the well-being of our fellow citizens, we ask that you allow tax cuts on incomes over $1,000,000 to expire at the end of this year as scheduled." This group is not alone in their belief that the time has come to stop caving in to the Republicans. Do what's right - END the Bush Tax Cuts NOW! Thomas Daly Retired California Newspaper Publisher http://www.fiscalstrength.com/ Emmanuel leaving is Good News 9/30/10 - President Obama - Rahm Emmanuel leaving is the BEST news to come out of the White House since you took office! Hopefully you will replace him with someone who actually cares about the American PEOPLE; with someone more in tune with Progressive ideals. That Larry Summers is also leaving is the 2nd BEST news. Now, if you could get Timothy Geithner to resign, you will be on the real road to recovery. Summers and Geithner have always been part of the problem, never part of the solution and Rham Emmanuel has always simply been a problem. While I'm thrilled he is leaving Washington, it will be tragic if he actually becomes Mayor of Chicago. Rham is truly a rotten person and no job or title will ever improve him. Please, please think long and hard about his replacement. Thomas Daly Retired California Newspaper Publisher It's time to earn your Nobel Peace Prize 6/1/10 - President Obama - What a shame that you surround yourself with sleazeballs like IDF member Rham Emanuel. Did you tell Emanuel to give the Israeli's the green light to kill innocent peace activists on the high seas when he visited Israel last week? Are you paying any attention to worldwide public opinion about this act of murder? Do you care? With each moment that you fail to come down hard on the Apartheid Zionists controlling Israel, you make enemies of thousands more people throughout the world. Here are just a few of the thousands of articles about this high seas crime: Israel Assaulting Our Future By Satya Sagar http://www.countercurrents.org/sagar010610.htm Once again the Israelis have carried out a despicable act of wanton destruction... The Rachel Corrie MV Continues To Sail Towards Gaza In Defiance Of Israeli Threats By Michel Chossudovsky http://www.countercurrents.org/chossudovsky010610.htm Passengers Recount Mid-Sea Horror By Aljazeera http://www.countercurrents.org/aljazeera010610.htm Israel has started releasing some of the 700 activists it captured after it troops stormed a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. http://www.countercurrents.org/ananda010610.htm Yesterday, Israel added to its war crimes by attacking a Gaza humanitarian aid ship in international waters. My Letter To The President By Mirza Yawar Baig http://www.countercurrents.org/baig010610.htm My question to you Mr. President is, ‘How do you want to be remembered by your daughters? As a man who stood for what is right even though it cost him his job? Or…… Attack On Freedom Flotilla- Come On Obama, Earn Your Nobel! By Dr. Shah Alam Khan http://www.countercurrents.org/alamkhan010610.htm The Israeli attack on the Turkish boats carrying humanitarian aid to the caged people of Gaza is an opportunity thrown by history towards President Barrack Obama to earn his Nobel Peace Prize Brussells Tribunal Petition Against Apartheid Israeli Piracy By Dr Gideon Polya http://www.countercurrents.org/polya010610.htm The eminent Brussells Tribunal has issued a powerful statement over the latest Israeli mass murder and piracy and urges good people to sign the Petition It's time to end all support for Israel. Do the right thing. Speak up now. Thomas Daly Retired California Newspaper Publisher Stop Israel Support Now! 5/31/10 - President Obama - Where is your strong condemnation of Israel over the criminal killing of Peace Activists on the high seas? Were U.S. supplied arms used in this act of terrorism by the IDF? I urge you to take immediate steps to cancel all aid and support to Israel. By their actions they have shown that they have no interests in Peace. They have also said that they will not honor the recent NPT vote and they will not participate in any NPT conference. Anything short of full condemnation of Israel for this wanton act of high seas piracy will only signal that you, along with the Israelis do not want Peace! I await your action. Thomas Daly Retired California Newspaper Publisher How Many Civilians Need to Die?
1/06/10 - President Obama - You continue to amaze me with your lack of understanding about the real problems in the world. I hope you will take the time to view two recent segments from Democracy Now. The first, an interview with Glen Greenwald, contains valuable incite into why your wars are failures and will continue to fail. http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/31/glenn The second program, an interview with Allen Nairn, reviews your first year in office and offers concise points about the harm you are bringing to the world. “I think Obama should be remembered as a great man because of the blow he struck against white racism,” Nairn says. “But once he became president…Obama became a murderer and a terrorist, because the US has a machine that spans the globe, that has the capacity to kill, and Obama has kept it set on kill. He could have flipped the switch and turned it off, but he chose not to do so.” He continues, “In fact, as far as one can tell, Obama seems to have killed more civilians during his first year than Bush did in his first year, and maybe even than Bush killed in his final year.” http://www.democracynow.org/2010/1/6/obama_has_kept_the_machine_set As a person who has seen with my own eyes the terrible destruction wrought upon others by the U.S., I agree with both Greenwald's and Nairn's viewpoints. You have surrounded yourself with many of the same people who started these wars. Your continued support of apartheid Israel is unforgivable and is probably the leading cause of Arab and Muslim rage. I see no Change in what you are doing and agree that you are only making the situation worse. Please read or listen to these interviews. Thomas Daly You Are Wrong 12/01/09 – President Obama – How can I adequately respond to your Afghanistan speech when you have now recently limited citizen input to just 2500 characters? Whose brilliant idea is/was that? Everything you said tonight is wrong and you, sir, are a fool. The only people you have pleased are a handful of evangelical, right wing, war hawks. You said, “We are in Afghanistan to prevent a cancer from once again spreading through that country. But this same cancer has also taken root in the border region of Pakistan. That is why we need a strategy that works on both sides of the border.” American (and other foreign) occupation in Afghanistan is a cancer! You say that comparing this to Vietnam “depends upon a false reading of history.” You are wrong! As one who lived through and protested that failed effort, I can tell you that there is much more in common with Vietnam than there are differences. During the Bush years I refused to register to vote or to vote. When you came along with such wonderful rhetoric, I believe you and registered as a Democrat. Tonight I have just decided to change my registration to an Independent. It is truly a sad day for America and the World. Rather than correct a mistake and prevent the deaths of additional American soldiers, you have chosen to sacrifice them because you are afraid the Republicans in Washington (The Party of NO) will call you weak. The Republicans in Washington didn't vote for you, nor do they support you. The people voted for you believing that you represented Change. Tonight you let them down. Thomas Daly Whitewash in Honduras 11/28/09 – President Obama – Tomorrow Honduras will hold an illegal election and it appears that the far right candidate will win. Every Latin American country except Panama and Costa Rica have declared that they will not recognize this election. Americans elected you on a promise of
Change. That change includes Latin America, but it appears you have
caved in to the corporate right and thrown Honduran Democracy under
the bus! You have squandered a magnificent opportunity to show that
America actually cares about people. By recognizing this coup d'etat
led election you are saying to other hopeful right wing dictators
that the door is now open for them to do the same thing. You are
encouraging turmoil in Latin America and you are doing irreparable
harm to America's already tarnished reputation in the region. Day by
day my hope fades that you would actually be a man of your word.
Tomorrow will be a sad day for Latin America and the World. Thomas Daly Political Insanity 11/25/09 – President Obama – Who is running America? It has become readily apparent that you intend to deploy more troops to Afghanistan in the near future. The only possible reason I can see for this unfortunate move is that you and the do-nothing Democrats are afraid of being called chicken by the Party of No. Sacrificing additional military and civilian lives in Afghanistan is not the brave thing to do. Enlarging this conflict is insanity. Today it was announced that the United States will not sign the Treaty to Ban Land Mines. How sad and how stupid. Obviously the Pentagon is calling the shots in Washington. There is absolutely no justification in not signing this ban. And, where was/is the transparency on this important subject. You promised transparency and then throw it under the bus. The U.S. should reverse this decision and announce to the World that it will sign the Treaty during the Land Mine Summit in Columbia next month. Speaking of Columbia, U.S. support there represents more political insanity. President Uribe does not represent democracy. Far from it, he is the last of the right wing sudo-dictators in Latin America. His military and paramilitary forces, with U.S. support, are responsible for the deaths and disappearances of thousands of innocent civilians. Your decision to place American troops on seven Columbian military bases is undermining the stability of Latin America. More political insanity – Why is the U.S. planning to recognize the fraudulent elections to be held in Honduras? Your actions can and will only lead other right wing despots to attempt to overthrow their governments. Will you support them? As someone who has years of firsthand knowledge of U.S. complicity in dozens of Latin American dictatorships, I find it appalling that you are letting this illegal coup in Honduras continue. The elections will not end this conflict. Who will you go after next? Bolivia? Venezuela? Peru? Ecuador? Is any country safe from the U.S. Military/Industrial/Terrorist complex? Thomas Daly
Get America out of Afghanistan Now 10/29/09Mr. President - I urge you to make the right decision and get America out of Afghanistan. We need to make peace not war. Send a letter of condolence 10/27/09 - President
Obama - Today another governmental flaw raised its ugly head on
Democracy Now. I was shocked to learn that soldiers who commit suicide
in Iraq or Afghanistan do not deserve a letter of condolence from you. The Choice for Change – Handfuls or Millions 09/27/09 – President Obama – You were elected by millions of Americans who genuinely wanted Change. Sadly you are not delivering and America and the World are suffering. To win last November, millions gave you handfuls of dollars while a handful of corporations gave you millions of dollars. It appears that the corporate millions actually won the election, and while average Americans fall further down the economic ladder, the corporations just grow fatter and remain unregulated. Rather than go with Universal Health Care (Medicare for all), you have chosen to support the health insurance industry at the expense of all Americans. You say we can't start all over. Why not? And what part of starting over would be involved in simply expanding Medicare to cover all Americans? Sadly the millions from the handful are driving your decisions and the people be damned. Rather than remove troops from Iraq and Afghanistan you have chosen to basically expand America's imperialists views. Everyday Americans are dying for a lost cause. Your government and the one before you claim it is to fight against “terrorism.” In addition to the American deaths there are thousands of civilian deaths, men, women and children slaughtered in the name of “freedom.” Unfortunately the only freedom you are protecting is that of defense contractors, arms manufacturers, and corporate hustlers who will do anything for a buck. Rather than force Israel to toe the line by returning to the 1967 borders, accepting the Arab Peace Plan, and make peace with the Palestinians, you have chosen to support, not Israel's desires, but those of a handful of Israeli and American Zionists whose only desire is to see every Palestinian perish. Israel has violated more UN regulations than any other nation. Prime Minister Netanyahu has literally given you the finger when it comes to stopping settlements and you do nothing. How about cutting off all aid to Israel? With the possible exception of Iraq where billions have literally disappeared, Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. aid – most of it to provide the means for Israel to continue their apartheid, genocidal aggression against Palestinians. Surely this is not what you meant when you promised Change? Rather than open relations with Latin America, you have chosen to extend the blockade against Cuba. It was fascinating the other day to see you chairing the Security Council meeting, with Vietnam, China, and Libya sitting there supporting you and, yet, you can't find it in your heart to stop the madness against Cubans. The entire World, including the Organization of American States, is against you in the continuation of America's inhumane punishment of Cubans. You have chosen to give half-hearted support to Honduran President Zelaya. While cutting some aid, you still maintain military relations and train Honduran torturers on American soil. You have chosen to limit some Honduran visas, but are doing nothing to force the handful of Honduran businessmen supporting the coup to drop their support. How about freezing their assets, and placing punishing tariffs upon their products being imported into the U.S.? How about just declaring that the coup is a military coup? How about stopping being afraid of Republican reactions? In fact, don't you think it is high time to simply stop trying to copse the Republicans into some bilateral agreements? Let's face it, the Republican Party is an impediment to every Change you have talked about. Rather than surround yourself with people who actually care about the plight of average Americans, you have chosen to keep the very people who drove America into its current dilemma. Having anyone from Goldman Sachs in your government is like having the fox guard the hen house. The money given to the banks (much of which cannot be accounted for) has only emboldened these Wall Street thieves. While the economy needed bailing out, you chose to give the money to the wrong people. The money currently being squandered upon the military could easily provide health care for everyone. It could also provide enough green electricity to totally eliminate America's dependence on foreign oil in as little as 10 years. The green electrification would also produce millions of new jobs. Rather than restore freedom to Americans, you have chosen to expand the invasive policies of the FBI, CIA, Homeland Security, and many other organizations who are practicing wanton spying upon innocent American civilians. Rather than cancel the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, and numerous other overreactions of the American government, you have chosen take even more rights away. The handful profits while the millions suffer from made up laws and made up facts. Rather than work for peace, you have chosen to support war to the benefit of the handful. Is this why you were elected? Or did you actually have real Change in mind when you convinced Americans to support you? While you're still trying to make nice with Joe Lieberman, he, like the rest of his Republican buddies, could care less about you and Change. They don't want Change. They want to continue the unopposed looting of everything American. They don't give a damn about the economy, the health of America, and, especially, you. While you deny it, the racist right is out to stop any Change you will ever attempt. My father taught me to turn the other cheek, but there comes a time when a person needs to fight back. So, what will it be? Change for the millions who voted for you? Or status quo for the handful who gave you millions hoping they could wreck your train of Change? Right now, sadly, it looks like the train wreckers are winning. Freedom has no cash value! Thomas Daly Palestinians and Cubans 9/20/09 – President Obama – While you were busy today on the talk show circuit, you may have missed the monumental cry of more than one million Latinos singing (in English) "It's time for a Change." I'm sure they could hear it 90 miles away in Miami where most of the Cuban opposition lives. The “Peace Without Borders” concert was beyond compare. Artists from many countries gathered in Havana, dressed in white ( as were most in the audience) to sing the praises of Peace. On Tuesday you will meet with the Netanyahu and Abbas to discuss peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. The concert in Havana today reminded me that the U.S. has a 60-year history with Cuba that is similar to the history Israel has with the Palestinians. America, suffering from an immense dose of testosterone, just can't seem to see their way into negotiating a peace agreement with the Cubans. This is not to say that the situations are the same; fortunately America does not occupy Cuba as the Israelis occupy Palestine, America is not killing Cuban civilians on a daily basis, and, while Palestinians every movement is controlled, Cubans have much greater freedom of movement. If you truly desire peace in the Middle East, I strongly suggest that you announce Monday or Tuesday, before your scheduled meetings, that the U.S., in the spirit of desiring peace, is ending the blockade of Cuba. I have no idea how you can expect Netanyahu to do anything constructive when America cannot accept the people and their government in a country that is just a stone's throw from its own borders. In addition to the million gathered in Havana, many, many millions of others watched the powerful Peace Without Borders Concert thanks to HITN-TV who broadcast the concert live. In Havana and in front rooms throughout Latin America, as well as Latin U.S. there was a universal call for peace. Peace in the Middle East, peace between Israel and Palestine, peace in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, most importantly, peace between Cuba and America. The people of the world want peace. You are in the unique position to make it happen. Recognize Cuba and tell Netanyahu that he must recognize the Palestinians. Thomas Daly Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to watch Occupation 101 9/19/09 - President Obama – I'm pleased that you are going to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday. America has stood behind Israel's every move for 60 years while contributing billions in the process. Anyone who speaks out against this one-sided support is immediately labeled Anti-Semitic. Nothing could be further from the truth. The dictionary defines Antisemitism as: a term used to describe prejudice against or hostility towards Jews, often rooted in hatred of their religious/cultural/ethnic background. To complain about Israel's criminal occupation of the Palestinian Territory has nothing to do with hostility towards Jews, based on hatred of their religious/cultural/ethnic background. It is based solely upon their failure, as a country, to abide by international laws and United Nations regulations. Israel, with the absolute complicity of America, has squandered every opportunity to bring peace to the Middle-East. Their occupation and total control of Palestine is actually worse than the apartheid state that South Africans suffered under. Before your meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, I strongly suggest that you obtain a copy of the excellent documentary, Occupation 101. “A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict -- 'Occupation 101' presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions. The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the role of the United States in the conflict, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. The roots of the conflict are explained through first-hand on-the-ground experiences from leading Middle East scholars, peace activists, journalists, religious leaders and humanitarian workers whose voices have too often been suppressed in American media outlets. The film covers a wide range of topics -- which include -- the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880's, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as many heart wrenching testimonials from victims of this tragedy.” I would love to travel to Gaza with you so that we could see first hand the truth of the illegal Israeli occupation. I also strongly suggest that you ask Netanyahu to watch this compelling documentary. Of course he won't, because he does not wish to confront the truth, but the truth will not go quietly away. Information about this remarkable film is available here: http://www.occupation101.com/ Israel's failure to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians is the leading cause of all Mid-East tensions as well as the leading cause of so-called terrorism against the West. There have been numerous talks; now is the time for action, for real Change. You must be firm in your resolve to solve this worldwide problem. Netanyahu and the Israeli government must be made to understand that they have run out of time. They need to stop all settlement construction and vacate all existing settlements. They need accept the Arab Peace Initiative. The plan offers Israel recognition and permanent peace with all Arab countries in return for an Israeli withdrawal from lands captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. It also calls for setting up a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and a just solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees. It not only offers peace to the Israelis and long suffering Palestinians, but offers peace and hope to the entire World. There is no more time to waste. Peace is the only road you should travel. Thomas Daly Stop supporting the Israeli government “We came to the conclusion, on the basis of the facts we found, that there was strong evidence to establish that numerous serious violations of international law, both humanitarian law and human rights law, were committed by Israel during the military operations in Gaza,” the head of the mission, Justice Richard Goldstone, told a press briefing. “The mission concluded that actions amounting to war crimes and possibly, in some respects, crimes against humanity, were committed by the Israel Defense Force (IDF).” Reaction to this report has been swift by people whose only mission is to confuse the issue claiming that it is Anti-semitic in its views. Nothing could be further from the truth and it is high time that America wakes up to this fact. Israel, which had refused to cooperate with the investigation, claimed Goldstone’s investigation was biased against Israel. Everyday more and more Israeli people join in the protests against their government and here in the West, there is a breakup of liberal Jewish support for Israel. Again, this has nothing to do with Anti-Semitic views. This is simply a case of Jews worldwide who are fed up with the efforts of the Israeli government. The slaughter of civilians in January and the continuing construction of settlements in the Occupied Territory, coupled with the UN report should give you all the ammunition you need to Change direction in America's attitude and support of Israel. You are not supporting the people of Israel, you are only giving billions in dollars and arms to a criminal government. America's support of Israel's government plus America's occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan are the leading cause of every so-called “terrorist” threat. I applaud you for canceling the insane plan to put missiles in Poland. Now you need to take the same kind of bold steps to force Israel into accepting peace and getting America's troops (and private contractors) out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Thomas Daly Pressing questions about Afghanistan 9/17/09 – President Obama – Today Senator Arlen Specter posed a number of pressing questions about America's continuing involvement in Afghanistan. The specific questions he asked are: “What are the prospects for military success in Afghanistan against al-Qaida and the Taliban? What will the requirements be in the next year as to additional U.S. troops and the cost of our involvement in Afghanistan? What may we reasonably expect NATO or other allies to contribute in troops and dollars to our efforts in Afghanistan? What other areas around the world are open to al-Qaida as potential bases for another attack on the United States? What will be done besides military action, such as nation building and stabilizing and developing Afghanistan, so that they will be prepared to handle their own problems so we can withdraw? What assistance can we reasonably expect from Pakistan in fighting al-Qaida and the Taliban and stopping both from seeking refuge by moving in and out of Pakistan? How does the questionable legitimacy of President Karzai's status as result of allegations of proof of election fraud impact on our ability to succeed in Afghanistan? How does the illegal drug trafficking and alleged involvement of high-ranking officials in the Karzai government in such drug trafficking impact on our efforts in Afghanistan? What does U.S. intelligence show as to any possible plans by al-Qaida to attack the United States or anyone else? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether India poses a real threat to attack Pakistan? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether Pakistan poses a real threat to attack India? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether Pakistan could reasonably devote additional military force to assist us in the fight against the Taliban? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether the Government of Pakistan or influential officials in the Pakistani Government would consider negotiating with India for reducing nuclear weapons or other confidence-building measures to diffuse the tension with India if actively encouraged to do so by the United States? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether the Government of India or some influential officials in the Indian Government would consider negotiating with Pakistan for reducing nuclear weapons or other confidence-building measures to diffuse the tension with Pakistan if actively encouraged by the United States to do so?” His entire remarks can be found Here: I hope you will read them and consider their importance. Afghanistan is rapidly turning into your Vietnam. This occupation, like the one in Iraq, need to be ended now. Thomas Daly Stop the illegitimate government in Honduras NOW
8/14/09 - President Obama – While in
Mexico the other day you said people could not have it both ways when
it comes to U.S. intervention in Latin America. I agree with you,
however I don't believe taking extra steps to force the illegitimate
government now in Honduras to allow their elected President to return
would be wrong. America needs to sever all ties with the illegitimate
government. Removing the American Ambassador and American Military
and cutting all financial and trade support should be done
immediately. Furthermore the Honduran troops being trained at the
infamous School of the Americas should be sent home now.
Taking these steps will only be looked
down upon by a handful of Honduran elite and their American corporate
supporters. Assisting President Zelaya to return is in the best
interest of America and all other countries in North, Central, and
South Americas. Honduras elections are already scheduled for November
and they will then have a chance to elect a new president. In the
meantime Hondurans deserve having their democratically elected
president to lead them. If he returns and the Honduran courts wish to
charge him with some crime, so be it. At the very least he deserves
to have his day in court in Honduras.
Allowing the situation to remain in a
status quo position can and will only harm America's already
tarnished reputation as an imperial power. You need to take steps now
to help solve this problem. If Zelaya is not returned you will soon
see other elites attempt coups in their countries. They will do this
because they see that America is once again unwilling to support
democratically elected governments.
As one who has witnessed with his own
eyes the terror inflicted by many Latin American dictators, I can
tell you that I hope to never see a repeat of those days. You were
elected on a strong platform of Change. I don't see that happening in
Honduras. Do something!
Thomas Daly Retired California Newspaper Publisher Political Prisoners I Urge You NOT to
Apologize
Frankly I'm glad that you
weighed into the fray as police misconduct is a subject which is
completely under reported. If you would like to conduct an
interesting and informative experiment, have the Justice Department
for a Commission and then offer total immunity to any and all police
officers (particularly retired officers) to testify about police
misconduct. As a newspaper publisher and reporter I have done this
off and on the record a number of times and was amazed at the amount
of information retired police and public officials would like to get
off their chests. The claims run from murder to entrapment, to
beatings, to filing false reports backing up other officers protected
by the Blue Line.The spokesmen (all white)
for Massachusetts Police Organizations all said that racial profiling
was not a problem in their departments. I'm willing to bet there are
hundreds of thousands of Blacks and Latinos in Massachusetts who
would disagree with that statement.Police have tremendous
power and, like military personnel, tend to blindly follow orders
without thinking nor caring about the consequences of their actions.
“I was just following or enforcing the law,” is a common refrain.
A perfect example of this in the recent Democrat and Republican
Conventions held last year. Police activity was outrageous. Anyone
who speaks out against them is immediately labeled as “soft on
crime.” Unfortunately Congress, who has the power to change a lot
of this abuse, is trapped under this “soft on crime” myth and
refuses to introduce any legislation that might negatively affect
their reelections. I don't think Sgt. Crowley is a bad cop, but I think he made a poor call when he decided to arrest Professor Gates. I wonder if he would have done the same thing if the situation had occurred at the home of Ted Kennedy? I doubt it. I think cooler heads would have prevailed and no arrest would have been made. Thomas Daly Single-Payer Universal Healthcare 7/22/09
- Members of the Blue Dog Coalition – I urge you to take another
look at your apparent stand against single-payer universal health
care. America does not need Health Insurance, it needs Health Care
President Obama's Longtime Physician Opposes White House Health Plan, Advocates Single PayerDr. David Scheiner was President Obama’s doctor from 1987 until he entered the White House. Today Dr. Scheiner is publicly opposing Obama’s health plan and is calling for a single-payer system. [includes rush transcript] Uninsured Travel from Across US for Free Healthcare from Relief Group Remote Area MedicalAs debate continues in Washington over healthcare reform, thousands of Americans in neighboring Virginia are preparing to line up this weekend to receive free healthcare provided by a relief organization called Remote Area Medical. We speak to the group’s founder, Stan Brock. Additionally, I hope you will also take the time to view or read from the following: 7/16/09 - As the debate over healthcare reform intensifies on Capitol Hill, we spend the hour with a former top insurance executive who’s now exposing the industry’s dirty secrets. Wendell Potter once served as the head of corporate communications at CIGNA, one of the nation’s largest health insurance companies. We speak to Potter about his own transformation from industry mouthpiece to whistleblower, the healthcare industry’s extensive PR and lobbying machine, the campaign to discredit Michael Moore’s film Sicko, and the insurance industry’s most pressing task: the fight against a public option, let alone a single-payer system. [includes rush transcript Howard Dean on His Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform 7/17/09 - “I don’t give a damn about the health insurance people being in business or out of business. I want a system that works,” said Dean, physician, six-term Vermont governor, Democratic presidential candidate in 2004, and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee. We speak to Dean hours after the House Ways and Means Committee approved legislation to overhaul the nation’s healthcare system and expand insurance coverage. By a 23-to-18 vote, the committee backed key elements of President Obama’s blueprint for healthcare, including the creation of a new government health plan and requirements for employers to offer health insurance to workers or contribute to its cost. To help fund the changes to the healthcare system, the House committee also agreed to impose a surtax on families with incomes of more than $350,000 a year. Meanwhile, the conservative American Medical Association has just come out in support of the House bill, saying “the status quo is unacceptable.” Howard Dean’s solution embraces President Obama’s healthcare plan but argues that the reform bill is “not worth passing unless the American people have the choice of signing up for a public option—a real public option.” [includes rush transcript] Prevent Bloodshed in
Honduras Thank you, America
needs Health CARE not Health INSURANCE Medicare
beneficiaries are overwhelmingly satisfied with their Medicare
coverage. The Universal nature of Medicare brings affordable health care to a large number of people. Medicare protects the rights of its beneficiaries to receive quality, affordable, and essential health care. If a Medicare type plan
were made available to all Americans, the overall costs of health
care could be significantly lowered. Administrative costs would be
reduced, advertising costs would be eliminated. Drug costs could be
reduced through large contracts. The total costs of health care could
also be reduced through broad based wellness programs. I've never heard a Congressman or Senator call Medicare “Socialism,” but that is exactly the term they use when talking about single-payer health care. They are practicing Brave New World and 1984 newspeak tactics in their efforts to confuse the American people. Fortunately the People are not buying it. Poll after poll signify that a broad majority of Americans favor a Medicare type plan for all Americans. Single-Payer Health Care is Change Americans believe in. Thomas Daly Healthcare Is NOT Socialism Thank you, changed 8/19/12 Thomas Daly |
