Michael Collins

On Sunday August 30 voters in Japan did something that most thought would never take place a change of government. Unlike previous times one Liberal Democratic Party leader wasn't replacing another. In a complete about face voters took a huge leap of faith and voted in the opposition Democratic Party of Japan led by Yukio Hatayama.

Promoted. Originally posted 2009-07-04 09:09:21 -0400. -- GH

A Nation on the Brink Mexico's
July 5 Legislative Elections

Part 2 of a three part series (Part 1)

Michael Collins and Kenneth Thomas

Mexico approaches this election confronting the rise of a narcostate, growing economic chaos, social inequalities, citizen disenchantment--or worse

As Mexico approaches the July 5^th mid-term elections, the nation confronts two critical problems. An expanding an increasingly violent "war on drugs" threatens to convert Mexico into a narcostate. This will lead to the inevitable compromise of the members of all political parties. An expanding economic crisis in the wake of NAFTA and the global financial situation, threatens private companies, the Central Bank, and government programs -- as well as the income and employment of most citizens. Rising social inequality and a workforce crisis mean that many, perhaps most, Mexicans live in conditions parallel to those of sub-Saharan Africa.

Disenchantment and dismay reign. The volatile political situation foreshadows a change in the air. Close to 80% of Mexicans voted in mid-term elections in the 90's. Tomorrow, turnout is expected to be less that 50%. An attempted "no confidence" vote on the government looms. Members of the various parties engage in what has been called "fratricide." And there is talk -- talk which hearkens back to the Revolution of 1910 -- that it's time for the people to ignore the major parties and take matters into their own hands.

Cross-posted at The National Gadfly

Every morning on my walk to the bus, I pass the windows of a shop called Bazar.  They sell imports, womens' clothing, shoes, etc.  I often look at the dresses on display with an eye for something my wife would like me to surprise her with.  They often have some posters for bands or performances that I assume the owner fancies. 

Posted with permission of Nicholas Benton, owner/editor of the Falls Church News Press.

 Back to the Mountaintop

by Nick Benton

The delayed fulfillment of a dream interrupted by assassins' bullets in 1968 was realized 40 years later with the resounding and epochal victory of President-elect Barack Obama this week.

The back-to-back assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and presidential hopeful Robert Kennedy in the spring of 1968 put the struggle for racial, social and economic justice on a long, slow march. But when the self-serving machinations of the worst opponents of those hopes began to break down in the last four years, the world discovered that the spirit was still alive, as it burst forth into the most magnificent explosion of the highest of human aspirations perhaps ever seen.

The campaign of Barack Obama was the perfect vehicle for this profound resurgence, the man's evident gifts to inspire and motivate underpinned by a humble personal background, razor sharp intellect, and a body language of quiet resolve, commitment to the public good, and confidence.

Promoted by roxy - originally posted 2008-11-05 13:26:10 -1000. Our friend from across the pond makes some excellent points. Discussion?

To many, many Americans, the meaning and deeply powerful significance of Barack Obama becoming President elect lies so completely in the history of their families and their communities and their nation that any comment from Wales is little more than an impertinence.

Of course, it is not such a remote thing I am not tremendously moved.

Ohio:  Suit Filed for Election Observers,

"Dial Up" Provisional Ballots, and a Comment

Michael Collins
"Scoop" Independent News

ACLU Stops Illegal Voter Purges in Michigan

Right & Left Wing Election Models

Agree on Winner

Votemaster" 10/21

Votemaster, TruthIsAll, & Election * Projection Call it for Obama - Big!

SNAP! "White Shift" for Obama in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida

Palin's Dominance Dooms McCain

The distinguished professor falls for a carnival headliner. From The Blue Angel --
"the downfall of an enamored man" Image

obama on capitol hill

::

cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama

the obama family returns to des moines, iowa on may 20, 2008

::

gary, indiana

Yes.

MAKE.IT.WORK.....

That is what this campaign is about, Making it Work, for Americans.

::

I could have titled is differently, but you know what I mean.

Time to get busy.

cross-posted @ Daily Kos

Here we go again, a sorry ass debate about NOTHING.

In fact it is a "Gotcha Debate" more than anything else.

And why should George Stephanopolous who once worked for The Clintons be a moderator? Conflict of interest?

And these questions are the worst, which brings back memories of my diary about CNN=Clinton News Network.

::