Portrait of the Politician as a Young Man on the Make
By Kirk Tofte on July 18, 2008 at 8:36 AM in Allison Davis, Annenberg Chicago Challenge, Barack Obama, Chicago politics, New Yorker, Qualifications, Tony Rezko, William Ayers
The recent article in the New Yorker about Barack Obama’s rise in Chicago politics has been overshadowed, of course, by the controversy surrounding the satirical cover illustration of the same issue. This is unfortunate in that the piece has much good information about Obama’s past. Although it is still far too fawning with respect to its analysis of his political career, the article does fill in some blanks about his checkered past.
For example, the overriding theme of the piece is Obama’s unbridled ambition. Early during his brief, three year tenure as a community organizer–whatever THAT job entailed—Obama openly discussed his long-term and very, very large political ambitions with even his newest acquaintances.
After connecting up with “king makers” like his employer, Allison Davis, and Annenberg Challenge associate, William Ayers, Obama found an opening when the Illinois state Senator from his neighborhood, Alice Palmer, decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Ironically, the seat Palmer sought was open due to recently disclosed past corruption on the part of the person that had previously held it and she was beaten in the Democratic primary to fill the seat by (of all people) Jesse Jackson’s son.
When Palmer subsequently sought to retain her Illinois state Senate seat, she was shutout by the Obama forces. A great deal of the funding for Obama’s run came from political bag men like Tony Rezko.
But once Obama was elected to the Illinois senate and began to serve in Springfield, he became bored. Two years later Obama challenged another black incumbent (the former Black Panther—Bobby Rush) for his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Obama was soundly defeated in this race. But he immediately began to work to have his state Senate district redrawn so that the could represent elements of both Chicago’s Southside and areas that would connect him to big money contributors from the city’s Gold Coast further north. Even in defeat, Obama was planning his next big initiative—a run for a U.S. Senate seat.
But Obama wasn’t in the U.S. Senate for even two years before he announced his decision to run for president. America’s only hope if Obama wins the presidency is that the victory will launch a run on his part for the office of United Nations Secretary-General within just a few months of his taking the oath of office as president.
Obama is simply an opportunist being enabled by a Party that has now is without a core. They are a perfect match for each other.
And the media is just the same, as revealed in this memo:
EXCLUSIVE: Brian Williams Writes Home…
http://preview.tinyurl.com/5kj9l8
NOTE: My nephew occasionally goes into New York for his job and last night, while walking past the GE building, he came across this note, which had apparently been dropped by Williams as he left the building following his nightly newscast. Hat tip to my nephew for typing up the note and sending the contents along to me via email.
Gee, it’s even on the actual GE memo/letterhead, too!!!
Is this true??
Sure it is…winky winky.
sound like obama peSample Chapter
Elite group controls global economy; worldwide depression planned
(Century VI, Quatrain 41)
The Elite families made their influence and fortunes in the banking and commodities industries, such as gold, oil, copper, tins, etc. This is much like the colonial barons associated with the European world empires who started their families’ fortunes exploiting the materials of the Third World nations. The Elite manipulate the economy to cause the unemployment or inflation rates to rise or fall at their whim. They have affected everyone’s life.

They are “pulling the strings” behind the scenes to manipulate world politics and economies for personal gain. These master puppeteers operate figureheads in many countries, governments, and the major world capitals. They are united but are very clever in disguising their influence. They hold positions that appear to be relatively minor, like advisors and under-secretaries and such, but are key positions of their power.
(Century II, Quatrain 96)
In the daytime they appear to be good, loyal, model citizens working for the same goals their governments are supposedly working for, but behind the scenes they band together and pool their information and contacts to work for their own ends. They do not appear to have any political power but they really have a firm grip on world affairs, like sharp teeth sunk into everything.
This secret organization has been in existence for several generations. Their existence is hinted in the family histories of the banking powers and money centers of the world. Only the families involved are aware. The leaders has been very slowly but surely building up a worldwide network of power, because they want to take over but stay behind the scenes.
Crazed leader launches nuclear bombs on Mediterranean and Europe
(Century II, Quatrains 3 and 4)
During a period of continuing unrest, the leader of a Middle Eastern country will be able to obtain a nuclear weapon. He will go to the greatest lengths over the smallest things and will not hesitate to use the weapon because of his obsessions with deadly warfare. The people he is warring against retaliate with a nuclear weapon. The country has a coast on the Mediterranean.

One of the bombs will land in the Mediterranean instead of the land, poisoning all the fish. The passages of trade in the region will be disrupted so that the people on the other coast will be desperate for food and will eat the fish anyway. It will happen near the east coast of the Mediterranean in a region of dark-colored cliffs.
(Century III, Quatrain 83)
The nuclear weapon being dropped by one of the Middle Eastern countries will spark off yet another war on top of that war. European nations will try to interfere to diminish the threat to oil supplies. When the European countries try to interfere, the crazed leader will use the rest of his arsenal on Europe, most striking the Italian Peninsula.
The European Mediterranean coast, particularly that of Italy and France, will be almost uninhabitable, and Italy will get the brunt. This leader is not the Antichrist but helps to set the stage for the Antichrist to rise to power with little or no opposition.
Volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, droughts
(Century IV, Quatrain 67)
A very bright, previously unknown comet will appear and coincide with the time of great geological troubles, with earthquakes and volcanoes erupting and disrupting weather systems. This will cause widespread famines, droughts, and social

upheavals in unexpected places. Nations that are considered prosperous and powerful, particularly western nations, will be weakened. They will be torn with civil strife and rioting as people migrate to areas that have water and can support crop-growing. The social upheaval and weakening of political structures will help the Antichrist come to power.
The United States in particular will be subject to serious natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and flooding, and flatten the nation from end to end, causing enormous conflict, despair, and misery. The US will be bankrupted attempting to deal with its disasters. Three other great nations will send aid to help the citizens survive.
(Century VIII, Quatrain 29)
Earth changes will take place that will help the Antichrist’s drive for world conquest. In central Europe, southern Europe, and in the Middle East, around the eastern end of the Mediterranean, there will be severe floods. As a result of the disruption to local governments by the natural disasters, the Antichrist will move his troops in under the guise of helping the people restore civil order, but really use this as a device to take over countries, and to use the populations like slaves.
Serious economic problems will persist along with great social unrest, contributing to the ease with which the Antichrist can seize power. The frightened and hopeful populace will be vulnerable to his rhetoric. The Antichrist will use the disasters as opportunities to overthrow governments and sneak spies into a country. Martial law will be declared in many areas to stop rioting and looting. The Middle East, the source of his power, will not be as devastated as the rest of the world. He offers assistance to other countries trying to recover but he will eventually stab them in the back.
Antichrist’s rise to power in Middle East
(Century II, Quatrains 23 and 81)
The Antichrist will take over Iran by using a human decoy to trick the Iranian Ayatollah in power. This will involve the “yes men” and puppets of the Ayatollah’s court. The Antichrist will first drive away internal supporters of the Ayatollah by starting a civil war. Then he will put forth a man as a leader, a man for Iranians loyal to the Ayatollah to concentrate their hate on. The man will be assassinated while Iran is being taken over, and his opponents will think they have foiled the overthrow of power by assassinating him. But they will find out later he was merely a decoy and that they played into the plans of the Antichrist.
The Antichrist will initially obtain power in his own sphere, Asia, and the Middle East. As he grows out of this arena, and into Europe, the next step will be into the Mediterranean, his area of strength. Because of his Middle Eastern heritage he will have already united North Africans, who are sympathetic to his cultural background, with his Asian and Middle Eastern conglomerate.
Fiasco from communication breakdown between two superpowers
(Century II, Quatrains 35 and 48)
Through a mistake, a breakdown in communications between two powerful countries will occur. The situation is a lot more complex than will appear on the surface. The leader involved will feel great regret about what happened and will want to continue his career and help correct the situation, to help make up for the adverse affects.
But he will be hung, symbolically, by others wishing to take his position in the organization. He will be hung as far as politics and his career are concerned. It will almost be like committing suicide because in the end he will be a broken man. The entire event will be viewed as a fiasco from both sides. It will have very harmful and even cataclysmic consequences.
Third world country leader creates strife
(Century III, Quatrain 60)
A “young dark man” will arise as a leader in a Third World country; his main goal is to unite the other Third World countries to do battle with the superpowers. The area of conflict will be in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, particularly around the Adriatic and the Caspian seas and Israel. No definite winner will emerge but the strife will help set the stage for the Antichrist. Many prophecies in the Bible refer to events in this region.
Antichrist profits from radar research in Europe
(Century I, Quatrain 6)
Research on a more sophisticated type of radar and sensing devices will give greater information to the operator, i.e. an airplane pilot. But the first experiments with the technology will fail in a disastrous accident, when the vibrations emitted by the device cause the chassis of the plane to become weakened and dangerous. The scientists involved with the research will have to temporarily abandon the research because of diplomatic breakdowns, the threat of war, etc.
This will take place before the Antichrist comes to full power. It will happen in Europe at the time the Antichrist is strengthening his base of power in the Middle East. The devices are currently under development but have not been tested yet. But this is another historical event that will permit the Antichrist to take over Europe.
War game simulation by Britain in Europe leads to disaster
(Century II, Quatrain 2)
In a war-game maneuver involving Great Britain and European troops a malfunctioning computer will cause the “real-world” situation to play out instead of the simulation. As a result of the error actual defenses will be activated and real bombs will be dropped on the areas of the game and cause a tragic international incidentlosi kennedy gore reid rockefeller oprah and the rest to you?
Does Barack Obama actually believe at a “Bomb fell on Pearl Harbor”?
Dude. Obama grew up in Hawaii and visited Pearl Harbor plenty of times. He’s written and spoken about it. Of course he knows what happened there.
the bomb that fell on pearl harbor. The 57 states. LMAO yeah it’s real clear that BOBO is an American
Maybe it was a cluster bomb just like his cluster F*** campaign.
Maybe it was the Germans
Jesus, he really IS a fucking idiot….showing off that HARVARD education, again, I see!! He’s flunked geography by counting up fifty seven states and putting the Great Lakes in Oregon, now he’s flunking history, too!
And if the little shit trys to suggest it’s because he went to elementary school abroad that his grasp of history is poor, he can shove that excuse up his ass–I know plenty of people, myself included, who were educated outside the US for much of their formative years, and had no problem picking up something called a BOOK and filling in the bits where the professors gave short shrift.
What is it with these nitwits with Ivy League sheepskins, who can’t put a sentence together without running their foot through their mouth?
Is STUPIDITY a new REQUIREMENT for the Presidency, now?
I said this before- Harvard needs to revoke his diploma. At least Yale had an excuse with Bush-”He was a legacy, we had to take him.” Notice how Barky and MEchelle don’t make charitiable donations to their alma maters? Users! It’s okay for them to tap into those endowments to offset their own equal opportunity educations- but don’t give one cent back.
Harvard spit out ALBERTO GONZALEZ too.
And they gave MonkeyBush an MBA.
The oldest university in our nation is apparently the primary factory for our biggest NATIONAL DISGRACES, too.
Kids, listen up–go to a state school. Take the money you save and invest it. All you get from these Ivy League joints are associations with stupid crooks!!!
here is another one of the democratic leaders crime against americans
Kerry welcomes HIV-infected immigrants Jul 18, ‘08 9:41 AM
for Chief’s network
Kerry is old news right! Well, his royal behind has reared his inflated ego again and the following post will lay out the details for you. I’m for helping out the unfortunate and so on and so on, but for some reason what he wants bothers me. Call it, just adding to the problems we already have.
-0-
Immigrants infected with HIV may no longer be banned from living in the U.S. for the first time in more than 20 years.
A $50 billion Senate bill (SB 2731) intended to combat AIDS in Africa and other impoverished areas may effectively repeal a 1987 ban prohibiting travel and immigration for people infected with HIV. The U.S. is one of several countries to have such a rule, including Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Russia, the Associated Press reports.
Supporters of the proposal say the policy is dated and must be eliminated. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass, said even China has lifted its ban against travelers with the disease.
“[It's] time to move beyond an antiquated, knee-jerk reaction” to HIV-infected people, Kerry said. “There’s no excuse for a law that stigmatizes a particular disease.”
He said even immigrants with avian flu or Ebola virus have a smoother path to citizenship than those with HIV.
Kerry and Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., have stepped up efforts to revoke the ban and have piggybacked their plan to AIDS legislation expected to pass as early as this week.
According to the AP, while HIV-infected foreigners, students and tourists are allowed to apply for permission to visit for a short period of time, such waivers are difficult to come by, and permanent residency can be nearly impossible to for them to acquire.
Kerry and Smith are proposing to make HIV, the only listed disease under immigration law, equal to other medical conditions subject to Health and Human Service Department approval before a person will be admitted into the country. However, HIV-infected immigrants who intend to live in the U.S. permanently must show that they will not become a “public charge.”
Allison Herwitt, legislative director of the Human Rights Campaign, a “gay” and lesbian rights organization, told the AP the U.S. has outgrown discriminatory travel restrictions.
The current ban was “adopted during a time of widespread fear and ignorance about the HIV virus,” she said.
Nearly 160 health and AIDS organizations recently sent a petition to Congress requesting removal of the immigration ban.
“Health care professionals, researchers and other exceptionally talented people have been blocked from the United States,” it said. “Since 1993, the International Conference on AIDS has not been held on U.S. soil due to this policy.”
While the proposal raises the cost of visitor’s visas by $1 for three years and $2 for the next five years, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., estimates lifting the restriction could impose a financial burden of more than $80 million in 10 years.
“Most people just don’t want to talk about that,” he said.
-0-
Ok, maybe they have it under control and it’s not going to jump on me like cooties. However there are stories of men and women spreading this disease through sexual relations, and the recipient didn’t know that their partner had the disease, which is showing up in high numbers according to what I read. Now add the fact that they want to bring in carriers of the disease that have education, and they believe will contribute to our society, seems to be a problem waiting to happen. Why, these normal looking carriers aren’t going out and announcing the fact that they are carriers of Aids, they don’t wear a sign reflecting that they have aids, so they spread the wealth, so to speak to others. That is documented. I don’t know, I don’t want to be a finger pointer, but why bring in a disease to the U.S. that you are trying to eliminate.
It’s also having to pay for their treatment by the American taxpayer while they are here! I think this is outrageous.
Have some compassion.
How fucking selfish and ignorant of you.
Stop being frightened of something that your immature mind cannot wrap itself around.
You are a selfish bigot with no compassion.
Nope.
These people aren’t Repugnicans at all!
Ooooh. Go figure. A sexually transmitted disease that is transmitted sexually, and without the recipient’s knowledge in some cases. Hell, the person who has the disease doesn’t even know in some cases. Again, imagine that. Yep, we should all be surprised at that.
Ever hear of syphilis, or gonnorhea? Those are sexually transmitted too! And sometimes without the recipient’s knowledge.
Yeesh!
Hey. Here’s an idea. How about educating yourself before you try to educate others. Radical idea, I know.
BTW. Are you advocating that people with AIDS should be made to wear signs??? I can’t believe other posters just let you slide on that one! Yep, you’re a true progressive, alrighty! Not!
Yes, but unlike most sexually transmitted diseases, this one has no cure and is ultimately deadly. Its high rate of mutation is creating superstrains that are not controlled by current retroviral medication. If we allow people from other countries to come here who have a variant of HIV that is more virulent due to a mutation, we have unknowingly unleashed a scourge onto the American public. Until they find some kind of vaccine or cure, they should keep the ban in place. Besides, with our luck they won’t have insurance and will burden American tax payers with their costly medications. NO. I hope Bush vetoes the ban override. They use China as an example. Ha. China has one of the fastest growing AIDS rates in the world, something we really shouldn’t want to emulate.
Your premise is flawed in that you assume we would be able to prevent a more virulent strain from developing. I don’t think science has caught up to you on that one.
I agree with you on the insurance issue, so we should immediately not allow any immigrants with diabetes to come here, no matter what their level of education.
Andrew. I completely agree with you. I have all the compassion in the world for people who are infected with HIV. And I fully support and would expect our government to do what ever possible to help them. But to bring them here would be a catastrophe in the making. Its high rate of mutation is creating super-strains and would be uncontrollable.
Do you have any idea what you’re talking about?
You know nothing about the rate of mutation or anything with regard to the subject. Please get an education, learn about self protection, and don’t close doors on people in such a bigoted and uncaring way.
If it is all as uncontrollable as you imagine — then maybe we should keep US citizens from traveling abroad. Close the borders, build walls, turn out the lights.
If it is all as uncontrollable as you imagine then the world is already doomed.
another compassion challenged and know-nothing bigot
How very charming.
Educate yourself, protect yourself. Be compassionate.
Hey, there “Tish:”
Don’t fuck people with HIV, and you’ll be fine. Or is that too hard for you to manage? Be what’s called “sexually responsible” and don’t run around banging everyone like a screen door–particularly if they’re (ooooooh) IMMIGRANTS…and their bona fides haven’t been vetted.
I don’t think Obama is a good choice for the Presidency, and I do not intend to vote for him, but that rant of yours is rude in the extreme. It also sounds like it’s coming from the mouth of a brain damaged IDIOT. Way to paint all DEMOCRATS with a broad brush, there, “Tish.” Why not insult the Independents, and the Republicans, who ALSO agree that you need to look at the WHOLE PERSON and the ENTIRE SITUATION before denying a person entry to this country?
HIV happens to people–not just due to bumping uglies. A lot of people got it from shitty blood transfusions. Some people get it from ASSHOLE spouses. Just because people have it, doesn’t mean they’re motivated to run around fucking (frankly, stupid and bigoted) people like YOU and thus causing you DANGER or HARM.
Not that they’d want to, most likely–if your face matches your soul, you’re hideous.
Looks like Team OBama’s plan B is to drown us in SPAM
Heh heh…no shit!! Racist, sexist, homophobic BIGOTED spam, too…to try, ineffectually, to tar us with that broad brush of ignorance that is their proud hallmark!
And to make matters worse, it’s bigoted spam that is ENTIRELY UNRELATED to the subject matter!!
But then, if they’ve not taken their ritalin, and they’ve overdosed on junk food and “energy” drinks, they’re probably having “concentration issues” and are “unable to stay on topic.”
They need to wipe the grease from their mouths, their grubby little hands, and their keyboards, push AWAY from the Pringles and Mountain Dew, and maybe…oh, go take a walk. Or help MOM around the house–for a change. Or get some exercise.
They really do believe that the entire universe is online. There are people in this country who do not own computers, do not use computers and do not CARE to use or own them. These stupid, hopped-up little tools aren’t reaching those people. Those people VOTE, too, in more reliable numbers than the “youth vote,” and they’re just not voting for the Messiah. It just isn’t happening…no matter how hard they try to make up lies about us, and our motivations.
Why is that so hard for these assholes to understand?
Put Sheila Jackson Lee on the ballot–I’d vote for her in a heartbeat. Why? She’s tough, she’s experienced, and she’s QUALIFIED. She’s not a whining little “Ewww, they’re being MEEEEAN to meeeeee …. and it’s because I’m BLAAAAAAAAAAAACK!” complainer. If anyone pulled that shit with her, she’d tell them to fuck off, toute suite, and then say, “Back to business.”
He can’t keep going to that “Mean To Me” well. It’s starting to make him look like a Perpetual Victim. And a cheesy WHINER.
I don’t know anything about BW, but I’m not sure about this “dropped note”. It doesn’t sound to me like something you would write to your mother. Of course, my sons aren’t superficial fools.
Obama’s S2731 Passes! Now he must share the Wealth…
Senate Bill 2 2731, introduced by Sentor Obama recently passed the Senate. Obama & John McCain did not vote on this bill. This bill passed by a majority of 80- 16 margin. Obama drafted the bill, in hopes of sending billions overseas. But it seems he must now share the wealth!
read the rest and see video..
http://nativeamericansagainstobama.wordpress.com/
Really funny, Gloria. I may not be the truth, but it COULD be. He is pathetic.
NO EXPERIENCE, NO MORALS, NO INTEGRITY, NO OBAMA
Yes, don’t forget Emil Jones taking Obama under his wing, and the entire Daley Machine, including David Axelrod. Sprinkle in some poli-social radical religious leaders, and a little Iraqi Nadhmi Auchi money, with a couple of scoops of hard-line palestinian groups, and you have your self an Obama-Chicago sundae.
And just like a sundae, it’s a lot of empty calories; all flavor and no nutrition value. Makes the country fat and lazy.
I have to say I feel part of the problem that has been going on for years is many Democratic voters have been far too complacent for far too long. They were too lazy to go vote or whatever excuse they had.
Political correctness has gone so far to the left that people are still being excluded they are just on the other end of the spectrum. It isn’t about country anymore it’s ALL ABOUT ME…
We can now see that money, greed, power is not exclusive to one group. Media is showing they too can be bought for a price. It’s a sad day when we have to rely on Fox news for anything remotely fair and accurate but that is what has happened. Do they care about us? NO, they are just cashing in on ratings like the other media outlets.
Everyone expects the Republicans to be sly, conniving, and dishonest. I have always been a Democrat because I thought it stood for honesty, character, values, you know, that old fashioned stuff. Barack Obama is anything but that.
As for the Clinton’s, they are in a very tough spot. If they don’t support Obama then they look like sore losers and even possibly all of the good they have done is tarnished. Because people won’t talk about all of the good they have done, they just like to talk about the stupid shit.
Very accurate analysis
Everyone expects the Republicans to be sly, conniving, and dishonest. I have always been a Democrat because I thought it stood for honesty, character, values, you know, that old fashioned stuff. Barack Obama is anything but that
Wodiej - You’ve stated my feelings exactly. That is why I’m on this blog and I am now a PUMA. I am fighting not so much for Hillary anymore but for the values that you speak.
What’s funny is that you guys think Obama is different than any other Democrat. He isn’t. Or do you need a refresher course in how many of the Clintons’ old Arkansas pals and allies are now doing time?
That is the point, he claimed he was different.
And yes, please give us that refresher course so we can point by point beat you over the head with it.
You comment on this, but give a pass upthread to the people talking about AIDS immigration issues as a threat to America?
Oh. Guess they didn’t use Obama in that post.
You’re a true progressive, aren’t ya? Not!
You mean the post that YOU posted under a sockpuppet name? THAT post?
True progressive, my ass–you’re a true troll, and not even a good one.
Say hi to Assholerod when you pick up your check.
Uh…Not! Nice try, but I’ve made my position entirely clear.
I am NOT “Tish”!
Whoops. This was posted in a “wtf?” moment. Sorry.
I’m not TISH. The moderators here would be able to tell you that with a simple IP search.
I’ve made my position clear:
I liked Obama’s message before the primaries. Then he took his name off of the ballot in my state, and in so doing declared his disdain for democracy.
After that, I took a closer look at the candidates left on the ballot…..Dodd, Kucinich, Gravel, and Clinton. It really wasn’t much of decision for me, as Hillary was always my second choice to begin with. I wholeheartedly agree that I should have looked into Obama’s antecedents more carefully beforehand, but I saw the light in January!
The more Obama’s campaign and the DNC tried to spin the MI and FL debacle, the more pissed off I became (and become).
I am a democrat whose eyes have finally been opened to many truths. First and foremost…..neither party has my best interests or the interests of my people at heart. Quite the contrary.
Now, I am an Independent. I fully believe that only by supporting an independent candidate will I keep my conscience clear, and my hands clean. Deride me for that, if you feel the need, and please try to read my past comments before you accuse me of being a troll.
I guess the best way to put my feelings is this….
Obama’s camp says that if you don’t vote for Obama, you are voting for McCain.
Some people here say if you don’t vote for McCain, you are voting for Obama.
The difference between those two positions??? Independent!
Well that is just an endorsement of the Republicans. If all Democrats create cults, use illegal foreign money, buy the media, and engage in election fraud, the Democrats are the most corrupt people around. They make Rovian tactics look upstanding. Get rid of all these Dems.
None of Clintons pals are in jail, when is Rezko being sentenced. And how did his buddy Ayers keep from being sentence to jail. And when is his buddy the Gov of IL being indited and his buddy Mayor Daley.
>>> Everyone expects the Republicans to be sly, conniving, and dishonest.
Still waiting for prima facie eveidence that this expectation is in error at any level, down to the scumbag(s) on my Draft Board who (pre-lottery) sent my ass off because my father was a major Humphrey supporter…and had the gall to TELL me so!
WOW
I wish the MSM would do a story on the ANNENBERG CHALLANGE GRANT, Obama was made Chairman by Bill Ayers, they had $110 million to spend improving education in Chicago. Too bad they didn’t help the students, only themselves.
Saw something awhile back about the Bush/Cheney Energy bill and how the same big companies that benefited from the billions of taxpayer dollars given to them via that piece of legislation, were also in control of the media. Sorry, don’t know where the link is at the moment. Seems like the article wasn’t recent, but it certainly predicted what is happening very well.
On recent treks to Huff n Puff, noted that the obots were arguing that bo didn’t even know Ayers. Ha ha… they’ll believe anything.
Hank 48188
I agree. This issue is screaming for further investigation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chicago_Annenberg_Challenge&printable=yes
Beginnings
The CAC’s successful grant application was written in 1993 by William Ayers, a professor of education at the University of Illinois at Chicago.[2][3] After extensive community-based discussions also involving Anne Hallett of the Cross City Campaign for Urban School Reform, and Warren Chapman of the Joyce Foundation.
At its founding, the Annenberg Challenge was made up of three constituent parts:
The Chicago School Reform Collaborative, co-chaired by William C. Ayers;
a Board of Directors initially recruited by the Collaborative, which was chaired from 1995 to 2000 by Barack Obama[4], at the time a practicing attorney.
The Chicago Schools Research Consortium, a research arm of the Challenge.
The Collaborative was the operative on the ground body of the Challenge. It was made up of representatives of various constituencies in the Chicago school reform movement. That reform movement had begun in 1987 in the wake of an unpopular strike by Chicago teachers.
Bill Ayers was active in that reform effort through a group called the Alliance for Better Chicago Schools, or ABCs.
ABCs was an alliance of various activists and reform groups that included
the Developing Communities Project which Barack Obama headed up at the time as well as Chicago United,
a business sector group, that was headed up by Thomas Ayers, father of Bill Ayers.
A key accomplishment of the reform movement was the passage in 1988 of a new state law that
established local school councils in every school in Chicago
as a competing center of power
relative to the teachers union and the Chicago school administration.
*********************************
Sen Obama’s explaining nature of his relationship with Ayers…
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/DemocraticDebate/Story?id=4670271&page=4
STEPHANOPOULOS: And, Senator, if you get the nomination, you’ll have…
(APPLAUSE)
… to beat back these distractions.
And I want to give Senator Clinton a chance to respond, but first a follow-up on this issue, general theme of patriotism, in your relationships. A gentleman named William Ayers. He was part of the Weather Underground in the 1970s. They bombed the Pentagon, the Capitol, and other buildings. He’s never apologized for that.
And, in fact, on 9/11, he was quoted in the New York Times saying, “I don’t regret setting bombs. I feel we didn’t do enough.” An early organizing meeting for your State Senate campaign was held at his house and your campaign has said you are “friendly.”
Can you explain that relationship for the voters and explain to Democrats why it won’t be a problem?
OBAMA: George, but this is an example of what I’m talking about. This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who’s a professor of English in Chicago who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He’s not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis.
And the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was 8 years old, somehow reflects on me and my values doesn’t make much sense, George.
More
Efforts to quantitatively assess the CAC’s efficacy at its stated goeals appears to have generated mixed reviews. A comprehensive study by the Consortium on Chicago School Research, for example, concludes:
“Results suggest that among the schools it supported, the Challenge had little impact on school improvement and student outcomes, with no statistically significant differences between Annenberg and non-Annenberg schools in rates of achievement gain, classroom behavior, student self-efficacy, and social competence.”[5]
The CAC managed to build a successor organization, the Chicago Public Education Fund, with a focus upon principal and teacher leadership. The Fund has supported such programs as Teach for America, Golden Apple Teacher Education program (GATE), and New Leaders for New Schools.
^ Annenberg Challenge Recognizes Chicago School Reform With $49.2 Million Grant
^ Alexander Russo, “From Frontline Leader to Rearguard Action: The Chicago Annenberg Challenge
^ Curriculum Vitae: William C. Ayers
^ Doroty Shipps, Karin Sconzert, Holly Swyers “The Chicago Annenberg Challenge: The First Three Years”, Consortion on Chicago School Research, March 1999
^ Smylie, Mark A. Wenzle, Stacy A. “The Chicago Annenberg Challenge: Successes, Failures, and Lessons for the Future. Final Technical Report of the Chicago Annenberg Research Project”
^ Transcript: Obama and Clinton Debate, April 16, 2008
*******************************************
http://www.annenbergfoundation.org/other/other_show.htm?doc_id=212990
Includes list of schools throughout country also receiving these grants.
Yeah, they have councils like like in New York City, too. What’s your problem with them?
Hi pumastic….
Its Sen Obama who has the problem with admitting his relationship to this endeavor.
Why?
That has been his style. There are so many questions that he is not answering-he doesnt think its necessary to respond to? Or…he does not want to draw attention to issues by pretending to casually dismiss them?
F O L L O W T H E M O N E Y…
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/DemocraticDebate/Story?id=4670271&page=4
OBAMA: George, but this is an example of what I’m talking about. This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who’s a professor of English in Chicago who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He’s not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis.
And the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was 8 years old, somehow reflects on me and my values doesn’t make much sense, George.
Sen Obama has so downplayed his involvement with this group to the point that makes me seriously ask…”why?”
Obama worked intimately with Ayers for years on their school “reform” movement, and on the Woods Foundation, etc. But Obama claims, when asked, “He’s not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis.”
Actually, Senator, the correct phrase is “exchange ideas WITH,” but when you’re lying and throwing yet another usavory former associate under that very crowded real estate beneath your magic bus, grammar mistakes are understandable. I’m sure a good psychologist could explain it.
Who gives a shit about NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND?
They’ve got their eyes on NO POCKET LEFT UNLINED!!!!
Hank 4818,
It appears that some journalists are paying attention…
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MTgwZTVmN2QyNzk2MmUxMzA5OTg0ODZlM2Y2OGI0NDM=
Chicago Annenberg Challenge Shutdown? By Stanley Kurtz NRO Contributing Editor, 8/18/08
Hank48188
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MTgwZTVmN2QyNzk2MmUxMzA5OTg0ODZlM2Y2OGI0NDM=
For Your Info…
Chicago Annenberg Challenge Shutdown? By Stanley Kurtz NRO Contributing Editor, 8/18/08
read more about PUMAPAC:
http://thevote.abc13.com/2008/07/puma-passion.html
old news (for me)
but I may be a few days ahead of some
The article is dated today. Please visit the link and let um know what you think.
PUMAS ROAR
Americans are beginning to notice Obama’s elevated opinion of himself. There’s nothing new about narcissism in politics. Every senator looks in the mirror and sees a president. Nonetheless, has there ever been a presidential nominee with a wider gap between his estimation of himself and the sum total of his lifetime achievements?
Obama is a three-year senator without a single important legislative achievement to his name, a former Illinois state senator who voted “present” nearly 130 times. As president of the Harvard Law Review, as law professor and as legislator, has he ever produced a single notable piece of scholarship? Written a single memorable article? His most memorable work is a biography of his favorite subject: himself.
Read the Rest:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/17/AR2008071701839.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
What a great article. It should be required reading for all voters. Thanks for the link. Here’s another tidbit:
“Amazingly, he had a quasi-presidential seal with its own Latin inscription affixed to his lectern, until general ridicule — it was pointed out that he was not yet president — induced him to take it down.
He lectures us that instead of worrying about immigrants learning English, “you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish” — a language Obama does not speak. He further admonishes us on how “embarrassing” it is that Europeans are multilingual but “we go over to Europe, and all we can say is ‘merci beaucoup.’ ” Obama speaks no French.
His fluent English does, however, feature many such admonitions, instructions and improvements. His wife assures us that President Obama will be a stern taskmaster: “Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism . . . that you come out of your isolation. . . . Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed.”
For the first few months of the campaign, the question about Obama was: Who is he? The question now is: Who does he think he is?
We are getting to know. Redeemer of our uninvolved, uninformed lives. Lord of the seas. And more. As he said on victory night, his rise marks the moment when “our planet began to heal.” As I recall — I’m no expert on this — Jesus practiced his healing just on the sick. Obama operates on a larger canvas.”
not a law professor but a lecturer in law
It turns out that it was just a rumor that Clinton won’t be on the ballot in Denver.
http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=7006
Clinton needs to have her name put in nomination. Being put on the ballot means nothing, its just symbolic. We will have her name put in nomination in order for the delegates to be able to vote for her….hi believe.
Pumastic turns out it was just a rumor that you are pumastic when we all know you are the computer program believe.
imustprotest, I believe pumastic is associated with anti-puma site. Click on the Tom Abrahams link above and you will see why I think that.
Interesting. Thanks MissE. Well, the anti-pumas are wrong. But they certainly seem to feel confident in their own sense of righteousness.
What was wrong about what I wrote? Any delegate can vote for Clinton. That’s what Dean and the rules of the convention say.
You are wrong Pumastic. This comes from The Denver Group:
When asked about the ads criticizing him and Speaker Pelosi for Clinton supposedly not being on the ballot at the convention, he [Howard Dean] scoffed. Clinton will be on the ballot at the convention, and will be speaking there. Dean indicated that the rules were so clear on this matter, that the groups running these ads and spreading these rumors must be associated with the other internet rumors going around, such as Obama being a Muslim. He also speculated that McCain supporters might be behind these rumors.
No need for you to speculate, Dr. Dean. We are happy to tell you exactly who we are, what we expect of you and the DNC, and why your comment that Senator Clinton’s name will be on the ballot is not enough. Senator Clinton’s name must be put in nomination, not just “on the ballot” and the roll call vote to be a real honest and open opportunity for superdelegates to do their job under DNC rules and select the nominee at the Convention. Just saying that Senator Clinton’s name will be on the ballot is not going to fool anyone. Being on the ballot counts for nothing if a candidate’s name is not placed in nomination. More than 18 million Democratic voters would be pleased to hear you say publicly that there will be an open convention with Senator Clinton’s name placed in nominaton and an open roll call vote.
Notice Pumasitic where Heidi Li says: …”That Clinton’s name will be on the ballot is not enough. Senator Clinton’s name must be put in nomination, not just “n the ballot” and the roll call vote be be a real hones and open opportunity of superdelegates to do their job under DNC rules and select the nominee at the Convention..
You see Pumastic, Coward Dean is trying to fool us. Bamboozle us, hoodwink us….nice guy that Howie.
Here’s the link to the Denver Group site in case you’d like to read the whole article:
thedenvergroup.blogspot.com/ -
Thanks for the link. I never saw that site before.
Well, I read at another site that for that to happen, Clinton has to sign a paper saying she wants her name placed in nomination and 300 delegates from across the country have to sign it. Any of that happening?
And why does anyone care, since delegates can vote for her whether or not her name is in nomination? She could still get the nomination if enough delegates do so.
Go to the Denver Group website. Heidi Li teaches law at Georgetown University, she knows what she’s talking about.
pumastic, read Robert’s Rules of Order because every meeting follows those general rules and so does the Democratic Party, but according to Party rules, anyone can place a name in nomination, find someone to second and then a vote follows. Any person can ask for a role call vote on that motion to allow her name to be announced on the first vote. Pretty much the same for the DNC. They will lose either way. With the voters opinion of that kind circus at the convention or a sufficient majority voting to allow her name in the first roll call. Hillary would have to say for herself if she doesn’t want her vote to be counted. Somehow, I can’t say I believe she would do that.