NationalPlatforms.com. Presidential Canidates. 2007. 2 November 2008 http://www.nationalplatforms.com/2008_presidential_candidates_issues_stances.html.
Obama-McCain.info. Obama-McCain Comparisons . 2008. 2 November 2008 http://www.obama-mccain.info/index-obama-mccain.php.
OnTheIssues.org. 2008 Presidental race speculation . 2 November 2008 http://www.ontheissues.org/2008.htm.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
McCain and the Issues
Abortion
o Pro-Life
o I've never imposed a litmus test on Supreme Court nominees. (Oct 2008)
o Obama voted no on partial-birth ban & born-alive treatment. (Oct 2008)
o Pro-life and an advocate for the Rights of Man everywhere. (Feb 2008)
o Abortion issue shows what kind of country we are. (Aug 2007)
o Supports federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. (May 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
Budget/Economy
o We've laid a $10 trillion debt on our young people. (Oct 2008)
o Energy independence & tax cuts for all. (Oct 2008)
o Stabilize mortgage industry so people stay in their homes. (Oct 2008)
o Cut down on earmarks & establish priorities. (Oct 2008)
o Can't pass trillions of dollars of debt to our children. (Jul 2008)
o Recession is partly psychological and not inevitable. (Jan 2008)
o Will be able to reduce war costs & have a stable Middle East. (Jan 2008)
o Reform insurance to cover violent weather patterns. (Jan 2008)
o To avoid recession, stop out-of-control spending. (Jan 2008)
o Loss of economic strength leads to losing military strength. (Dec 2007)
o Republicans have forgotten how to control spending. (Nov 2007)
o FactCheck: Obama's new programs cost $286B; McCain's $211B. (Oct 2008)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
Civil Rights
o Equal pay for equal work case was a trial lawyer's dream. (Oct 2008)
o FactCheck: Pay discrimination still subject to time limits. (Oct 2008)
o Voted against MLK holiday in 1983; now calls that a mistake. (Apr 2008)
o Don't ask, don't tell is working; don't tamper with it. (Jun 2007)
o Confederate flag on top of capitol was wrong; in front is ok. (May 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
Defense/Homeland Security
o John McCain strongly supports the development and deployment of theater and national missile defenses. Effective missile defenses are critical to protect America from rogue regimes like North Korea that possess the capability to target America with intercontinental ballistic missiles, from outlaw states like Iran that threaten American forces and American allies with ballistic missiles, and to hedge against potential threats from possible strategic competitors like Russia and China. Effective missile defenses are also necessary to allow American military forces to operate overseas without being deterred by the threat of missile attack from a regional adversary.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com
Education
o Achieved equality in schools; but failing schools don't help. (Oct 2008)
o I want schools to answer to parents and students. (Sep 2008)
o Pay bonuses to teachers in the most troubled schools. (Jul 2008)
o Target funding to recruit top graduates as teachers. (Jul 2008)
o Direct $750 million to build virtual schools. (Jul 2008)
o Give parents easier access to obtain help for their children. (Jul 2008)
o Teaching creationism should be decided by school districts. (Jun 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
Energy and Oil
o Supports alternative energies
o Wants to look at more nuclear possibilities
o Recently supported off shore drilling as a way to address the rising prices of oil and gas. This is a contradiction to his earlier opposition to the drilling
o http://www.obama-mccain.info
o GovWatch: Build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030. (Jun 2008)
o GovWatch: Gas tax cut goes to oil companies, not consumers. (Jun 2008)
o Public pressure on oil industry to invest in alternatives. (Oct 2007)
o Reinvest oil profits in nuclear power. (Jun 2007)
o Energy Independence
Energy independence will create millions of jobs. (Oct 2008)
All of the above: nuclear, wind, tide, solar, gas, coal. (Oct 2008)
Offshore drilling & nuke power instead of $700B to enemies. (Sep 2008)
Attack the energy problem on every front. (Sep 2008)
Job creation program with alternate energy & nuclear power. (Aug 2008)
Address both the supply and demand sides of imported oil. (Jun 2008)
Lexington Project: invest to achieve energy security. (Jun 2008)
End moratorium on offshore oil drilling. (Jun 2008)
FactCheck: Oil independence will take 25 years, not 5 years. (Dec 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Enviroment
o John McCain has a proud record of common sense stewardship. Along with his commitment to clean air and water, and to conserving open space, he has been a leader on the issue of global warming with the courage to call the nation to action on an issue we can no longer afford to ignore.John McCain believes that America's economic and environmental interests are not mutually exclusive, but rather inextricably linked. Our economic prospects depend greatly upon the sustainable use of ample and unspoiled natural resources. A clean and healthy environment is well served by a strong economy. History shows that poverty is a poor steward.By addressing this problem responsibly, John McCain believes we can meet our obligation to be proper caretakers of creation, in a manner of which we can be proud - by protecting our country, strengthening our economy, and addressing the challenges of our time, rather than leaving a much worse problem for our children.
o http://nationalplatforms.com
Gay Marriage
o Supports CA Prop. 8: one-man-one-woman marriage. (Jul 2008)
o Leave gay marriage to the states. (Jan 2007)
Gun Control
o John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect. We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens. Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals - criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway.
o http://nationalplatforms.com
Health Care
o Opposes universal health care
o Supports importing prescription drugs to lower costs
o Would offer a refundable $2,500 tax credit and $5,000 for families
o Would open health care markets b allowing the purchase of health care insurance across state lines
o http://www.obama-mccain.info
Immigration
o Supports amnesty/permanent legalization for illegal aliens and temporary legalization for illegal aliens as guest workers
o Advocates tightening of border by increasing patrols
o Would increase the number of visas issued for agricultural workers
o Supports relaxing the restrictions barring legal immigrants from using social programs such as food stamp, health care and housing
o http://www.obama-mccain.info
Social Security
o Future retirees cannot get what current ones get. (Oct 2008)
It's not that tough to fix Social Security, if bipartisan. (Oct 2008)
Looming challenges of entitlements need personal accounts. (Feb 2008)
We need personal savings accounts. (Oct 2007)
Willing to compromise on raising cap above $90K. (May 2007)
Save benefits by bipartisan agreement; but without new tax. (Apr 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Taxes
o Keep tax rates the same; let's not raise anybody's taxes. (Oct 2008)
o Worst thing in bad economic climate is to raise taxes. (Sep 2008)
o Double the child tax exemption from $3,500 to $7,000. (Sep 2008)
o FactCheck: $7,000-per-child tax EXEMPTION, not tax CREDIT. (Aug 2008)
o Double the personal tax exemption for every dependent. (Jul 2008)
o Terrible mistake to raise taxes during an economic downturn. (Jun 2008)
o Veto any tax increase; worst thing now is to raise taxes. (Feb 2008)
o Require a 3/5 majority vote in Congress to raise taxes. (Feb 2008)
o Opposed to the Bush tax cuts as spending got out of control. (Jan 2008)
o Reform the tax code that nobody trusts and believes in. (Dec 2007)
o Won't sign no-tax pledge; focus on cutting spending. (Sep 2007)
o Opposed Bush tax cuts, but must extend them now. (May 2007)
o New tax cuts account for contingencies and over-spending. (May 2007)
o Bush tax cuts fiscally reckless & favored rich;but keep them. (Apr 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
War
o Global War on Terror
In Afghanistan, employ same winning strategy as in Iraq. (Sep 2008)
Don't threaten Pakistan; it's part of Afghan strategy. (Sep 2008)
Follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell. (May 2007)
Prefers not to take troops out of Afghanistan. (Jan 2007)
o Iraq War
Bring our troops home with victory and with honor. (Oct 2008)
We now have a great strategy & are winning in Iraq. (Sep 2008)
Costs will be far greater should we fail in Iraq. (Feb 2008)
Not a matter of how long in Iraq, but a matter of casualties. (Feb 2008)
Support the surge and bring troops home with honor. (Jan 2008)
Timetable for withdrawal is a white flag of surrender. (Jan 2008)
Staying for 100 years OK, if US casualties are low. (Jan 2008)
The Iraq war was worth the price in blood and treasure. (Jan 2008)
Ok with American presence in Iraq for 100 years. (Jan 2008)
I would much rather lose a campaign than lose a war. (Oct 2007)
Stategy in Iraq: defeat al-Qaeda; limit Iran's influence. (Sep 2007)
Bring troops home the right way: home with honor. (Sep 2007)
Surge is working; let it continue until it succeeds. (Sep 2007)
Tragic mistake of Iraq: no plan to deal with success. (Aug 2007)
Support the surge even if benchmarks are not met. (Aug 2007)
If new strategy not working by Sept., we still must succeed. (Jun 2007)
Willing to be last man standing for US involvement in Iraq. (May 2007)
Timetable would be catastrophe, even if Iraq wants it. (May 2007)
War has been mismanaged, but we are now on the right track. (May 2007)
War in Iraq has not gone well: dire but not hopeless. (Mar 2007)
Prefers more troops for surge, but 20,000 is sufficient. (Jan 2007)
Generals advising "no more troops" was a failed policy. (Jan 2007)
McCain Principle: Committing troops means completing mission. (Jan 2007)
If we leave Iraq, terrorists will follow us home. (Jan 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Welfare
o Lower and middle income Americans need more help. (Jan 2008)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
o Pro-Life
o I've never imposed a litmus test on Supreme Court nominees. (Oct 2008)
o Obama voted no on partial-birth ban & born-alive treatment. (Oct 2008)
o Pro-life and an advocate for the Rights of Man everywhere. (Feb 2008)
o Abortion issue shows what kind of country we are. (Aug 2007)
o Supports federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. (May 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
Budget/Economy
o We've laid a $10 trillion debt on our young people. (Oct 2008)
o Energy independence & tax cuts for all. (Oct 2008)
o Stabilize mortgage industry so people stay in their homes. (Oct 2008)
o Cut down on earmarks & establish priorities. (Oct 2008)
o Can't pass trillions of dollars of debt to our children. (Jul 2008)
o Recession is partly psychological and not inevitable. (Jan 2008)
o Will be able to reduce war costs & have a stable Middle East. (Jan 2008)
o Reform insurance to cover violent weather patterns. (Jan 2008)
o To avoid recession, stop out-of-control spending. (Jan 2008)
o Loss of economic strength leads to losing military strength. (Dec 2007)
o Republicans have forgotten how to control spending. (Nov 2007)
o FactCheck: Obama's new programs cost $286B; McCain's $211B. (Oct 2008)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
Civil Rights
o Equal pay for equal work case was a trial lawyer's dream. (Oct 2008)
o FactCheck: Pay discrimination still subject to time limits. (Oct 2008)
o Voted against MLK holiday in 1983; now calls that a mistake. (Apr 2008)
o Don't ask, don't tell is working; don't tamper with it. (Jun 2007)
o Confederate flag on top of capitol was wrong; in front is ok. (May 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
Defense/Homeland Security
o John McCain strongly supports the development and deployment of theater and national missile defenses. Effective missile defenses are critical to protect America from rogue regimes like North Korea that possess the capability to target America with intercontinental ballistic missiles, from outlaw states like Iran that threaten American forces and American allies with ballistic missiles, and to hedge against potential threats from possible strategic competitors like Russia and China. Effective missile defenses are also necessary to allow American military forces to operate overseas without being deterred by the threat of missile attack from a regional adversary.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com
Education
o Achieved equality in schools; but failing schools don't help. (Oct 2008)
o I want schools to answer to parents and students. (Sep 2008)
o Pay bonuses to teachers in the most troubled schools. (Jul 2008)
o Target funding to recruit top graduates as teachers. (Jul 2008)
o Direct $750 million to build virtual schools. (Jul 2008)
o Give parents easier access to obtain help for their children. (Jul 2008)
o Teaching creationism should be decided by school districts. (Jun 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
Energy and Oil
o Supports alternative energies
o Wants to look at more nuclear possibilities
o Recently supported off shore drilling as a way to address the rising prices of oil and gas. This is a contradiction to his earlier opposition to the drilling
o http://www.obama-mccain.info
o GovWatch: Build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030. (Jun 2008)
o GovWatch: Gas tax cut goes to oil companies, not consumers. (Jun 2008)
o Public pressure on oil industry to invest in alternatives. (Oct 2007)
o Reinvest oil profits in nuclear power. (Jun 2007)
o Energy Independence
Energy independence will create millions of jobs. (Oct 2008)
All of the above: nuclear, wind, tide, solar, gas, coal. (Oct 2008)
Offshore drilling & nuke power instead of $700B to enemies. (Sep 2008)
Attack the energy problem on every front. (Sep 2008)
Job creation program with alternate energy & nuclear power. (Aug 2008)
Address both the supply and demand sides of imported oil. (Jun 2008)
Lexington Project: invest to achieve energy security. (Jun 2008)
End moratorium on offshore oil drilling. (Jun 2008)
FactCheck: Oil independence will take 25 years, not 5 years. (Dec 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Enviroment
o John McCain has a proud record of common sense stewardship. Along with his commitment to clean air and water, and to conserving open space, he has been a leader on the issue of global warming with the courage to call the nation to action on an issue we can no longer afford to ignore.John McCain believes that America's economic and environmental interests are not mutually exclusive, but rather inextricably linked. Our economic prospects depend greatly upon the sustainable use of ample and unspoiled natural resources. A clean and healthy environment is well served by a strong economy. History shows that poverty is a poor steward.By addressing this problem responsibly, John McCain believes we can meet our obligation to be proper caretakers of creation, in a manner of which we can be proud - by protecting our country, strengthening our economy, and addressing the challenges of our time, rather than leaving a much worse problem for our children.
o http://nationalplatforms.com
Gay Marriage
o Supports CA Prop. 8: one-man-one-woman marriage. (Jul 2008)
o Leave gay marriage to the states. (Jan 2007)
Gun Control
o John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect. We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens. Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals - criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway.
o http://nationalplatforms.com
Health Care
o Opposes universal health care
o Supports importing prescription drugs to lower costs
o Would offer a refundable $2,500 tax credit and $5,000 for families
o Would open health care markets b allowing the purchase of health care insurance across state lines
o http://www.obama-mccain.info
Immigration
o Supports amnesty/permanent legalization for illegal aliens and temporary legalization for illegal aliens as guest workers
o Advocates tightening of border by increasing patrols
o Would increase the number of visas issued for agricultural workers
o Supports relaxing the restrictions barring legal immigrants from using social programs such as food stamp, health care and housing
o http://www.obama-mccain.info
Social Security
o Future retirees cannot get what current ones get. (Oct 2008)
It's not that tough to fix Social Security, if bipartisan. (Oct 2008)
Looming challenges of entitlements need personal accounts. (Feb 2008)
We need personal savings accounts. (Oct 2007)
Willing to compromise on raising cap above $90K. (May 2007)
Save benefits by bipartisan agreement; but without new tax. (Apr 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Taxes
o Keep tax rates the same; let's not raise anybody's taxes. (Oct 2008)
o Worst thing in bad economic climate is to raise taxes. (Sep 2008)
o Double the child tax exemption from $3,500 to $7,000. (Sep 2008)
o FactCheck: $7,000-per-child tax EXEMPTION, not tax CREDIT. (Aug 2008)
o Double the personal tax exemption for every dependent. (Jul 2008)
o Terrible mistake to raise taxes during an economic downturn. (Jun 2008)
o Veto any tax increase; worst thing now is to raise taxes. (Feb 2008)
o Require a 3/5 majority vote in Congress to raise taxes. (Feb 2008)
o Opposed to the Bush tax cuts as spending got out of control. (Jan 2008)
o Reform the tax code that nobody trusts and believes in. (Dec 2007)
o Won't sign no-tax pledge; focus on cutting spending. (Sep 2007)
o Opposed Bush tax cuts, but must extend them now. (May 2007)
o New tax cuts account for contingencies and over-spending. (May 2007)
o Bush tax cuts fiscally reckless & favored rich;but keep them. (Apr 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
War
o Global War on Terror
In Afghanistan, employ same winning strategy as in Iraq. (Sep 2008)
Don't threaten Pakistan; it's part of Afghan strategy. (Sep 2008)
Follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell. (May 2007)
Prefers not to take troops out of Afghanistan. (Jan 2007)
o Iraq War
Bring our troops home with victory and with honor. (Oct 2008)
We now have a great strategy & are winning in Iraq. (Sep 2008)
Costs will be far greater should we fail in Iraq. (Feb 2008)
Not a matter of how long in Iraq, but a matter of casualties. (Feb 2008)
Support the surge and bring troops home with honor. (Jan 2008)
Timetable for withdrawal is a white flag of surrender. (Jan 2008)
Staying for 100 years OK, if US casualties are low. (Jan 2008)
The Iraq war was worth the price in blood and treasure. (Jan 2008)
Ok with American presence in Iraq for 100 years. (Jan 2008)
I would much rather lose a campaign than lose a war. (Oct 2007)
Stategy in Iraq: defeat al-Qaeda; limit Iran's influence. (Sep 2007)
Bring troops home the right way: home with honor. (Sep 2007)
Surge is working; let it continue until it succeeds. (Sep 2007)
Tragic mistake of Iraq: no plan to deal with success. (Aug 2007)
Support the surge even if benchmarks are not met. (Aug 2007)
If new strategy not working by Sept., we still must succeed. (Jun 2007)
Willing to be last man standing for US involvement in Iraq. (May 2007)
Timetable would be catastrophe, even if Iraq wants it. (May 2007)
War has been mismanaged, but we are now on the right track. (May 2007)
War in Iraq has not gone well: dire but not hopeless. (Mar 2007)
Prefers more troops for surge, but 20,000 is sufficient. (Jan 2007)
Generals advising "no more troops" was a failed policy. (Jan 2007)
McCain Principle: Committing troops means completing mission. (Jan 2007)
If we leave Iraq, terrorists will follow us home. (Jan 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Welfare
o Lower and middle income Americans need more help. (Jan 2008)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Obama and the issues
Abortion
o Pro-choice
o Obama strongly supports a woman's right to have an abortion and stated in May 2007, "A woman's ability to decide how many children to have and when, without interference from the government, is one of the most fundamental rights we possess. It is not just an issue of choice, but equality and opportunity for all women.”
o He is a strong supporter of the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 and stated, “I have been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. I oppose any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case."
o In the Illinois Senate, he voted against a bill to ban late-term abortions because it did not contain a clause to protect the life of the mother.
o Obama strongly opposes restrictions on medical procedures used during late term abortions.
o http://www.obama-mccain.info/
Budget/Economy
o When Bush came in, we had a surplus; now we have a deficit. (Oct 2008)
o Middle class needs a rescue package with tax cuts. (Oct 2008)
o Bailout will unfreeze credit & allow businesses to function. (Oct 2008)
o Can't do anything at home with $12 billion a month on Iraq. (Feb 2008)
o Protect consumers with Credit Card Bill of Rights. (Feb 2008)
o Bush stimulus plan leaves out seniors & unemployed. (Jan 2008)
o Lack of an energy policy is a financial burden. (Jan 2008)
o Release people in bankruptcy due to health care problems. (Jan 2008)
o Bush & GOP dug budget hole; need years to dig out. (Dec 2007)
o Save $150 billion in tax cuts for people who don't need them. (Dec 2007)
o Rejects free market vision of government. (Oct 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
Civil Rights
o Senator Obama worked with civil rights leaders to help secure the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. Also, working with such civil rights stalwarts as Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, Senator Obama has been a leading Senate opponent of onerous photo ID provisions that disproportionately disenfranchise the poor, disabled and minority voters who are less likely to have a drivers license or other government-issued forms of identification.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com
Defense/Homeland Security
o Senator Obama is a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and has supported efforts to base homeland security spending on risk rather than pork-barrel politics. He has also introduced legislation to strengthen chemical plant and drinking water security and to enhance disaster preparedness.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com
Education
o Barack Obama is committed to strengthening our public schools to maximize our country's greatest natural resource - the American people. However, right now, six million middle and high school students read at levels significantly below their grade level. A full third of high school graduates do not immediately go on to a community college or university. America now has one of the highest high school dropout rates in the industrialized world. Obama believes that we must equip poor and struggling districts, both rural and urban, with the support and resources they need to provide disadvantaged students with an opportunity to reach their full potential.The very first bill Barack Obama introduced in the U.S. Senate was a bill to help make college more affordable by increasing the maximum Pell Grant amount to $5,100. Barack Obama will also eliminate wasteful subsidies to private banks under the federal student loan program. Reforming this program will save taxpayers billions of dollars each year -- money that Obama will direct to fund need-based grants, such as the Pell Grant.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com
Energy/Oil
o Barack Obama has proposed bold initiatives to put America on the path to a clean and secure energy future. Obama supports implementation of a bold market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce dependence on foreign oil and nonrenewable, polluting sources of energy. Obama will also dramatically increase federal investment in advanced clean-energy technologies and energy efficiency. The Obama plan to create an energy independent America will cut U.S. oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels of oil per day, take 50 million cars worth of pollution off the road, and save American consumers more than $50 billion at the gas pump.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com
Enviroment
o Barack Obama believes that we have a responsibility to our children to leave this Earth better than we found it. He has a plan to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to turn the global warming crisis into a moment of opportunity for innovation and job creation. And as president, he will restore America's promise of a clean and beautiful environment by cleaning up our air and water, building healthier communities with fewer toxins, and preserving our forests and other national treasures. In doing so, Obama will make sure that our environmental laws and policies balance America's need for a healthy, sustainable environment with economic growth.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com
Gay Marriage
o Opposes CA Prop. 8, one-man-one-woman marriage. (Jul 2008)
o Decisions about marriage should be left to the states. (Oct 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
Gun Control
o Ok for states & cities to determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
o FactCheck: Yes, Obama endorsed Illinois handgun ban. (Apr 2008)
o Respect 2nd Amendment, but local gun bans ok. (Feb 2008)
o Provide some common-sense enforcement on gun licensing. (Jan 2008)
o 2000: cosponsored bill to limit purchases to 1 gun per month. (Oct 2007)
o Concealed carry OK for retired police officers. (Aug 2007)
o Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
o http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
Health Care
o Barack Obama believes we live in the greatest country in the world and that when it comes to health care, America can and must do better. The Obama plan will save a typical American family up to $2,500 every year on premiums. The Obama plan both builds upon and improves our current insurance system, upon which most Americans continue to rely, and leaves Medicare intact for older and disabled Americans.Barack Obama believes that protecting and promoting health and wellness in this nation is a shared responsibility among individuals and families, school systems, employers, the medical and public health workforce, and federal, state, and local governments.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com/
Immigration
o Barack Obama believes the immigration issue has been exploited by politicians to divide the nation rather than find real solutions. This divisiveness has allowed the illegal immigration problem to worsen, with borders that are less secure than ever and an economy that depends on millions of workers living in the shadows. Obama believes we must rise above divisive politics and act in the interests of our national and economic security. Obama has played a leading role in crafting comprehensive immigration reform and believes that our broken immigration system can only be fixed by putting politics aside and offering a solution that strengthens our security while reaffirming our heritage as a nation of immigrants.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com/
Social Security
o Opposes privatization of the social security system
o He believes the system is faulted but can be fixed with relatively minor changes
o http://www.obama-mccain.info/
Taxes
o Wants to allow the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 to expire as scheduled for Americans earning more than $250,000 a year
o Would raise taxes on capital gains dividends and give tax breaks for low and middle- income Americans.
o Supports a universal mortgage tax credit of 10 percent
o Obama advocates the elimination of income taxes for seniors making less than $50,000 and would simplify their tax filing process.
o He wants to close corporate tax loopholes and end deductions for industries such as oil and gas.
o He plans to introduce tax penalties for US companies that keep their profits overseas. http://www.obama-mccain.info/
War
o More aid to Pakistan; but pursue bin Laden over their border. (Oct 2008)
o Prevent Iran from attacking Israel, but keep military option. (Oct 2008)
o Afghanistan needs more troops and resources. (Sep 2008)
o Engaging in tough diplomacy with Iran is a sign of strength. (Jul 2008)
o Iran is biggest strategic beneficiary of invasion of Iraq. (May 2008)
o Military surge in Afghanistan to eliminate the Taliban. (May 2008)
o Take no options off the table if Iran attacks Israel. (Apr 2008)
o Committed to Iran not having nuclear weapons. (Oct 2007)
o Deal with al Qaeda on Pakistan border, but not with nukes. (Aug 2007)
o FactCheck: Yes, Obama said invade Pakistan to get al Qaeda. (Aug 2007)
o Focus on battle in Afghanistan and root out al Qaeda. (Jun 2007)
o Iraq has distracted us from Taliban in Afghanistan. (Apr 2007)
o Iran with nuclear weapons is a profound security threat. (Apr 2007)
o We did the right thing in Afghanistan. (Mar 2007)
o Iraq War
oFactCheck: Opposes surge--hasn't produced political solution. (Sep 2008)
Unwise war in Iraq distracted us from catching Bin Laden. (Sep 2008)
The surge is a tactic to contain 4 years of mismanaged war. (Sep 2008)
FactCheck: Promised 16-month exit; now 16-month reduction. (Sep 2008)
I will only send our troops into harm's way when necessary. (Aug 2008)
Situation has improved in Iraq; but it's still fragile. (Jul 2008)
Surge reduced violence; but distracts us from long-term goal. (Jul 2008)
$10 billion a month spent in Iraq should be spent in the US. (Jul 2008)
$2.7 billion each week of Iraq spending is unsustainable. (Feb 2008)
The Iraq war has undermined our security. (Jan 2008)
Iraq is distracting us from a host of global threats. (Jan 2008)
End the war, and end the mindset that got us into war. (Jan 2008)
The Iraq war was conceptually flawed from the start. (Jan 2008)
Get our troops out by the end of 2009. (Jan 2008)
Surge strategy has made a difference in Iraq but failed. (Nov 2007)
Leave troops for protection of Americans & counterterrorism. (Sep 2007)
Hopes to remove all troops from Iraq by 2013, but no pledge. (Sep 2007)
Be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. (Jul 2007)
We live in a more dangerous world because of Bush's actions. (Jun 2007)
War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment. (Apr 2007)
Open-ended Iraq occupation must end: no military solution. (Apr 2007) http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
Welfare
o Barack Obama has been a lifelong advocate for the poor -- as a young college graduate, he rejected the high salaries of corporate America and moved to the South Side of Chicago to work as a community organizer. As an organizer, Obama worked with churches, Chicago residents and local government to set up job training programs for the unemployed and after-school programs for kids.Barack Obama believes that all Americans who want to work should not only be able to gain meaningful employment, but should also be able to move up the career ladder to further support their families.
o http://www.nationalplatforms.com/
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Prospectus: Mental Illness
I will argue that, in today's modern and "informed" society, there still remains a stigma concerning mental illness. Many people today are suffering from mental illnesses, but still people are ignorant of the topic. Due to this ignorance, people with mental illnesses are judged and portrayed differently. I personally suffer from depression and I have seen how some people react to it. There are the few that understand it, but many people look at my differently because of it. Some believe that I can control whether I am depressed or not, but that’s not the case at all. The same is believed about other mental illnesses; that it is “all in the head”. Some people even go as far as to say that it’s the mentally ill person’s fault that they are that way. Mental illness is no different than physical illness. I hope that this paper helps to inform those people who are mental illness ignorant. I will be writing this paper as a blog. With a blog, more people can be reached. My audience will be people involved with mental illness so that they can pass it along to others that need to be informed and also to people that would like to be informed of mental illness. I will use sources from people within the mental illness community, preferably psychiatrists/psychologists, and people’s blog pages to add a personal touch to the argument. These sources will help give creditability to my paper and real life examples to relate to.
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