Cyclone Nargis has brought devastation to Myanmar, Yangon and surrounding areas with tens of thousands likely dead. With global climate change these type of disasters are only likely to be on the increase in years and decades to come.
What can we do to ease the suffering for peoples affected by these type of disasters? Probably somewhere in the world there needs to be some transitional housing built. Possibly to house a few hundred thousand, for something like 2 or 3 months when these disasters hit. They can then be returned to their homeland if possible or assimilated into other nations throughout the world if the destruction is such that it would likely be and extended period of time before they could return home.
These types of things are horrible but as with everything there is a bright side and that is with much of the populations safely evacuated the cities can then be rebuilt better and more beautiful than ever. Top city planners and top engineers and construction companies throughout the world could be brought in to rebuild what would then be one of the most advanced cities and areas on the planet.
5/5/08
Cyclone Nargis has brought devastation to Myanmar
5/4/08
DAILY QUOTES:
This nation has absorbed about all it can of this so-called compassionate conservatism. What America desperately needs now and for decades to come are leaders with compassionate intelligence. -- by Steve Everett on May 4th, 2008.
5/3/08
Prostitution, time to legalize? Or not?
Quite a bit of the subject of prostitution in the news in recent months and again today in the news with the apparent suicide of the so called D.C. Madam. She had recently been convicted and was awaiting sentencing.
Just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to me. I know many will disagree and I respect that but from my point of view she was only brokering a deal between two consenting adults with little if any effect on anyone else. I see no crime in that.
With our nation now over $9 trillion in debt and desperately needed new revenue is it time to rethink our prostitution laws? There would undoubtedly be an enormous amount of tax collected from the sector. There could also be a public health benefit by regulating it.
As is often said, it's the oldest profession in the world and currently legal in some parts of the country and in many places throughout the world. It was accepted as a part of everyday life in many ancient cultures such as Greece.
Some will disagree on religious basis. Some for other reasons but I really believe this issue will not go away and in the future, as in ancient cultures, it will likely again at some point be accepted commerce in -- what we like to think is -- our modern society. Of course our descendants in centuries to come will likely view our lifestyles and society as very primitive in much the same way as we view those who came and lived centuries before us.
-- Cross posted at Daily Kos
-- Published in the print and online editions of the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
4/29/08
DAILY QUOTE:
When running a business if you don't evolve you will likely dissolve. -- by Steve Everett on April 29th, 2008.
4/26/08
DAILY QUOTE:
Without Washington and Jefferson perhaps America would have never been born, without Lincoln perhaps America would have disintegrated, without Roosevelt perhaps America would have been conquered, without Obama perhaps the greatness of America would have been lost forever. -- by Steve Everett on April 20th, 2008.
4/22/08
4/21/08
DAILY QUOTE:
George Bush talking about solutions for global warming is like Al Capone talking about reducing alcohol consumption. -- by Steve Everett on 04-21-2008.
4/20/08
Health care in America -- something HAS to be done
No, I don't think I have the answer... but over the next months, perhaps years, I will be making a few suggestions. Perhaps with enough suggestions from citizens all across America that during the next President's first term something CAN be done.
I got my attention brought to this topic last night by a PBS Frontline documentary on how health care is providing in other countries.
- (Statistic) Japan has one of the healthiest populations in the world yet they spend less than half per capita than we do in the U.S.
- Statistic: In Switzerland the administrative costs for health care are less than 6%. In the United States administrative costs for health care are around 22%.
My top ten solutions for improving the health care system in the United States. I don't have a complete list but will add to the list later. The list is not necessarily in order of importance.
- Reduce administrative costs
- Single payer system will likely be more efficient
- Without question there will have to be government oversight on medical procedure pricing
- Everyone, EVERYONE, must be covered throughout their lifetimes. Losing a job must NOT translate into losing health care.
- Preventative care made available and promoted.
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DETAILS ON EACH SUGGESTION IN THE TOP TEN LIST:
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4/11/08
"History will judge us." Yeah right.
I kind of have the feeling that historians will critic this administration in much the same way that most of the citizens of the United States and the world now judge them. History may perhaps even be harsher as it's doubtful that anywhere near what they have done is known at this point.
Somehow I have a feeling that most of the acts they have committed, hidden from Congress and the American people, will in time be uncovered because as a wise man once said, “The arch of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
-- Published in the print an online editions of the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle and the Kentucky New Era.
4/4/08
Has ANYone asked Hillary what happens if she LOSES Pennsylvania?
Every since March 5th I've always felt Barack would have a chance in Pennsylvania. I think there would be little doubt that he would be the likely winner in PA if not for the unfortunate situation with Pastor Wright. That being said as a STRONG Obama supporter I'm much happier that the Wright disquisition happened in March rather than October.
Now on to the topic of the title. I follow national politics fairly closely, especially the Democratic primary. I TIVO various daily news outlets and subscribe to a few political podcasts. I have to say, I don't believe I've heard even ONE journalist ask Hillary Clinton what her intentions are if she were to lose Pennsylvania. Why, why has this not happened? With polls in recent days showing strong movement in support to Senator Obama in Pennsylvania will SOMEONE in the so called "mainstream media" finally ask Hillary that question?
That is my challenge to "mainstream media", to ask Hillary WHAT will she do if she loses Pennsylvania. Hello Tim Russert, Chris Matthews, Wolfe Blitzer, A-N-Y-B-O-D-Y who has an upcoming interview with Hillary. Please ask and DEMAND and answer to the question.
If she says "oh I don't know, we're planning on winning there and on winning every primary we can between now and June" or some kind of evasive answer like that. If that is her answer then ask the question, "Hillary are you prepared to tell your supporters here and now that if you lose in Pennsylvania that you will continue your candidacy?" If she does not say yes, then I think we have an answer that the Democratic party deserves.
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Cross posted at Daily Kos and Talking Points Memo
4/2/08
My Obama Dream Team
Okay, I'll admit, I haven't done extensive research for this so I'm SURE there are MANY qualified people I've completely overlooked. My apologies to those folks but just had a few thoughts on who some of Barack's key people could be.
I think Senator Obama is the most capable politician in America and possibly the world at this point but I have no illusion after 8 years of the Bush Axis of Incompetence that one person alone can even begin to repair the damage to this nation. That being said I'm VERY confident that Senator Obama will put together an administration that will go down in history as being as talented and accomplished as any administration in American history. I think perhaps the number one criteria Barack will have when choosing people will be that they put the nation's best interest about they're own careers and above that of a political party.
On to the list.
VP Michael Bloomberg: I really believe an Obama/Bloomberg ticket will be looked upon favorable by the rest of the world. I also believe an Obama/Bloomberg ticket would have a chance to finally bring long lasting easing of tensions in the Middle East. I think Michael could handle the top job should that situation occur and after 8 years of an Obama administration I feel America would be in good hands with Mayor Bloomberg as president for the following 8 years.
Secretary of Defense Jim Webb: I don't think that really needs any explanation. I think almost everyone would agree the former Secretary of the Navy would be totally qualified and an outstanding Defense Secretary. However there are probably a number of others who could perform very capably.
Secretary of Education Mike Easley: North Carolina Governor Easley has done an amazing job in the state, especially in education.
Attorney General John Edwards: Many think this is a given. I don't necessarily agree with that but as of now I have to think John is a top candidate for the job. I'm VERY eager to see who will indeed be the next attorney general and I think it probably goes without saying why. I'd hate to lose Russ Feingold out of the Senate but if Russ was interested in the AG's job he would probably be my first choice. Eight years with Feingold as AG, yeah, I think that might be long enough to maybe get some answers to what has been going on the previous 8 years. I doubt if we know half of it yet.
Secretary of State Arnold Schwarzenegger: I know I'll get beat up some (maybe a lot) on this but I really believe in putting country ahead of party. I believe Governor Schwarzenegger has proven to be a very adept politician and has shown he will put what he feels is in the best interest of the citizens of his state rather than fall in line with the wishes of the current mis-administration. After the past several years of a do-nothing and unqualified Secretary of State this nation now desperately needs a VERY competent person for this job. I believe the California governor would be a great face for America to the rest of the world and I believe Schwarzenegger could ACTUALLY get some things done rather than as Donald Trump put it, just get off the plane and shake hands for a photo op.
United Nations Ambassador Al Gore: I think that would be a fantastic position for Al for the next 8 years. He could use that position at the UN to put America in the lead on the issues we all know are important to him -- and us. Gore may be happier in the private sector and he may feel he can be more effective in the private sector -- he could be right. Our next UN Ambassador will be a very important choice. The world needs a strong and engaged United Nations and the United Nations needs a strong and capable ambassador from the United States.
Other possibilities: Have to get the good governor from my southern neighboring state of Tennessee, Phil Bredesen, in there somewhere. Maybe Sec. of Treasury or Sec. of Commerce. Governor Bredesen has done some amazing things with the economy, etcetera in Tennessee. Ah yea, he brought in the Titans.
Who's out, Colin Powell: I think Powell is a brilliant and decent man but I just don't think America or the rest of the world would look forward to his participation in national or international politics due to his United Nations speech erroneously attempting justifying the invasion and occupation of Iraq. That being said I get a sense that Barack greatly admires Powell. Both have publicly stated they have had several conversations, so we'll see how that goes. If Senator Obama feels Powell's participation would be good for the nation, and ironically maybe this time help bring about a more peaceful world, and can forgive him, then maybe I can too.
That's it and I invite you to list your Obama Dream Team in comments and I look forward to seeing your choices and suggestions.
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Cross posted at DailyKos, Talking Points Memo, DailyDoseOfObamaVids.com, USA Today.
3/31/08
3/10/08
"Yes we can" and "Yes we have."
A recent editorial in The Leaf-Chronicle was titled "Dems still can't pick their nominee." Got a bit of news to send to the L-C: "Yes we can" and "Yes we have."
Barack Obama has an insurmountable lead in delegates. The race for the Democratic nomination for president is over.
Hillary Clinton can hang on hoping for a spot on the bottom of the ticket; that's her option, but I hope it doesn't happen.
George Bush has done enough to divide this country, and Hillary is a very divisive politician herself. This nation deserves better. This nation must elect better or we will continue to sink.
As far as John McCain goes, who cares. He seems to be a decent fellow, but intellectually he is so far behind Barack that the general election will not be close and will never be in doubt. Obama is already up 5-10 in polls vs. McCain, and that margin will only grow as the American people get to know more about him, just as his support in the Democratic Party grew as more in the party got to know him. There will always be some feeble minds who can't get past his name, but they are now, and will continue to be, in an increasing minority.
-- Published in the print and online editions of the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle.3/3/08
Warning: She's in full blown Survival Mode on Monday -- Watch Out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdJ7Ad15WCA
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Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos
3/2/08
Barack in Beaumont talking about education
I don't think I've ever seen him got a crowd as excited as he did in this talk recently in Beaumont. Polls are looking favorable in Texas and hopefully those who haven't voted already will do so Monday and Tuesday. How big would an Obama win in Texas be. Still some work to do in Ohio. They sealed the deal for Bushie in 2004 and I got a feeling they may do the same for Barack on Tuesday.
Obama has the details of his education policy at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/
Backup link if video fails to load
Bonus video below with Barack in San Antonio responding to the HRC 3 a.m. terrorist fear attack ad she plagiarized from the Rove playbook.
Details of Barack's position on foreign policy are at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/foreignpolicy/
Backup link if video fails to load
Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos
2/26/08
AliveInBaghdad.org; Don't forget about these guys
I have seen no better outlet providing what is really going on there than AliveInBaghdad.org. Brian Conley is the sites founder and they normally try to get out at least one video a week from Iraq. A podcast subscription is available and they also have a youtube channel.
I have no direct affiliation with the site, so with that disclosure I would like to note that the AliveInBaghdad.org gets it monetary support from readers. There's a paypal donate button on the site.
Brian, thank you for what you have done. Through your work and website I can at least feel I have some idea of how the lives are going for regular citizens in Iraq. Hopefully someday your site will not be needed or be necessary, a sentiment I think you probably also share and a sentiment that probably the good people of Iraq, whose stories you have found a way to bring to us, also share.
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Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos
2/24/08
Keith Olbermann, An American Hero Now, Tomorrow and Forever
I know Olbermann couldn't possibly done all of the research on this himself so big ups to the folks behind the scenes.
Would be great if every American could see this. Hopefully the next administration can get to the bottom of what the Bush gangsters have been getting away with.
Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos
2/18/08
Does 'Global Warming' need another name?
This issue is as important to me as any so I've taken a few minutes to make a few suggestions of my own below. Some are somewhat in jest and somewhat admittedly over the top but I feel it's time, past time, to start getting aggressive in addressing the problem that could so drastically effect so many across the planet.
GLOBAL CLIMATE PREFACE:
I tend to believe that 'ecological' instead of 'climate' may be more accurate so I've also listed the above descriptions below with 'ecological' in place of 'climate'.
GLOBAL ECOLOGICAL PREFACE:
It's time, as Mr. Holdren suggests, for a more accurate description of what intentional and avoidable human activity is having on our ecology and climate. It's time for businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide to step up and see the enormous opportunities in clean energy.
Opportunities also await just the average investors but not those with their heads in the sand in denial. As Al Gore recently said, "You need to really scrub your investment portfolios, because I guarantee you that if you really take a fine-tooth comb and go through your portfolios, many of you are going to find them chock-full of subprime carbon assets and the assumption that you can safely invest in assets that come from business models that assume carbon is free is an assumption that is about to go splat -- portfolios that truly do deserve that epithet 'subprime."
Albert Gore is right and just as another brilliant Albert said (Einstein that is) "in the midst of difficulty lies opportunity." Human climate destruction is certainly a difficult problem, but as Einstein eluding to, it is a difficult problem but within that difficult problem lies enormous opportunities for millions of people around the globe.
I look forward to any and all comments (or follow up diaries) on this most important of subjects and your suggestions for a more accurate description to what has been termed global warming.
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If you'd like more info on this topic see:
PBS-Nature: Arctic Bears
National Geographic: Six Degrees Could Change the World
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Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos
2/14/08
Silvestre Reyes -- my new hero
Reyes has just written and delivered one of the most beautiful, accurate and needed letters ever written in the history of the U.S. Congress. The letter was addressed to Boy George Bush."I, for one, do not intend to back down – not to the terrorists and not to anyone, including a President, who wants Americans to cower in fear," Silvestre Reyes.
"We are a strong nation. We cannot allow ourselves to be scared into suspending the Constitution. If we do that, we might as well call the terrorists and tell them that they have won," Silvestre Reyes.
It's as simple as the old saying, we are either a nation of laws or a nation of outlaws.
2/1/08
Just in cased you missed it. Obama Denver speech. (Jan 30, 50min)
This Denver speech may not be his best but I really think it's on par with any he's ever given. An in depth speech covering a wide range of topics with amazing clarity.
1/30/08
Jimmy Carter flirts with Obama endorsement
"Obama's campaign has been extraordinary and titillating for me and my family."
"We have four children with their spouses, we have eleven grandchildren, four or five of them are married, and all of them, except one, are for Obama."
"I think that Obama will be almost automatically a healing factor in the animosity now and the distrust that relates to our country and its government."
Notice that Carter said "I think Obama will be" and didn't say he "could be".
Carter has never endorsed anyone since leaving office. Is this as far as he will go in praising Barack Obama or will he officially endorse Barack in the coming days?
Apparently Billy Clinton seems to have some concerns about the views of Carter in regards to Senator Obama. Clinton made a lengthy call to Carter on Monday. Carter was quoted as saying about the call:
"I got off the phone with a long talk with Bill Clinton who called me this morning trying to explain that he was not raising the race issue, and that sort of thing. I won't got into detail."
"He has said a few things that I think he wishes he hadn't said."
"He doesn't call me often, but the fact that he called me this morning and spent a long time explaining his position indicates that it's troublesome to them, the adverse reaction."
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Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos
1/29/08
Barack Obama video response to Boy George state of the lame duck speech
I wasn't blogging at the time so have no proof but after listening to GW's inauguration speech back in 2001 I remember saying to myself that the next time I want to hear anything from this dude is when he's leaving office. I also remember thinking if one listened closely and read between the lines that his inauguration speech was very confrontational and thinking oh boy here we go again, another Bush, another war. I was wrong -- it was another Bush and two more wars. At least two so far, could be three if the American Congress and American people allow it.
Some highlights from Obama's video response
"What we need is a middle class tax cut, and that's exactly what I will provide as President."
"Tonight was President Bush's last State of the Union, and I do not believe history will judge his administration kindly. But I also believe the failures of the last seven years stem not just from any single policy, but from a broken politics in Washington. A politics that says it's ok to demonize your political opponents when we should be coming together to solve problems. A politics that puts Wall Street ahead of Main Street, ignoring the reality that our fates are intertwined; a politics that accepts lobbyists as part of the system in Washington, instead of recognizing how much they're a part of the problem. And a politics of fear and ideology instead of hope and common sense."
"Each year, as we watch the State of the Union, we see half the chamber rise to applaud the President and half the chamber stay in their seats. We see half the country tune in to watch, but know that much of the country has stopped even listening. Imagine if next year was different. Imagine if next year, the entire nation had a president they could believe in. A president who rallied all Americans around a common purpose."
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Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos
1/27/08
Barack Obama South Carolina Victory Speech (17 min)
This -- is a victory speech. I think it's his best speech of the campaign.
I also would hope anyone who is already supporting another candidate would be responsible enough as a voter to watch the speech because whether or not Barack wins I think there is much that all voters from all political parties could learn from Senator Obama's words.
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Cross posted at Daily Koss
1/26/08
Here we go again. Clintons try to change previously agreed upon rules
Just when we thought the Clintons had learned a few lessons with Bill Clinton saying he did go to far in attacking Obama and Hillary saying " we're going to try to bring this debate and this campaign back to the issues that are important," well they're at it again. Will it ever end and to just what lengths will these two go to in order to move back in to their old pad at 1600 Pennsylvania.
What are they up to now? Believe it or not Hillary is trying to get the delegates in Florida and Michigan reinstated -- amazing.
Hillary also seems to have been reborn as far as running a civilized and honest campaign and told CBS yesterday "we're trying to bring this debate and this campaign back to the issues that are important." Is it just me or does it seem that when things are going well for Hillary as they were before Iowa that she just thought attacks were something awful. Now that her campaigned has steadied itself somewhat it's time for everyone to back off each other again.
In other words she seems to be taking the position when she's ahead of can't we all just get along but when she's behind attacks are just the way campaigns are run.
When they continually say and agree on things only to try to later back out of their positions and agreements then how can voters trust them to carry out the platforms they are running on if elected?
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Cross posted at Daily Kos
1/25/08
Feingold criticizes Edwards again. Says he votes one way, campaigns the opposite
In an interview with the Huffington Post Feingold said "I don't understand how somebody could vote, five or six critical votes, one way in the Senate and then make your campaign the opposite positions."
The three term Senator from Wisconsin also said of Edwards, "there were opportunities to vote against the bankruptcy bill, there was an opportunity to vote against the China deal. Those are the moments where you sort of find out where somebody is. So I think, people are being taken in a little bit that now he is taking these positions."
I'm supporting Senator Obama for president and the points Senator Feingold makes about Edwards are precisely the reasons I've never even considered supporting John Edwards as the Democratic nominee. I saw this tendency even before the debates started but in debate after debate John repeatedly was apologizing for votes. It's admirable to apologize but there's just no way a person who makes that many mistakes could be expected to be a successful president.
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Cross posted at Daily Kos
1/24/08
Obama being swiftboated or swiftgoaded -- or both?
Some say if Barack can't deal with the sewer politics coming from Clinton and her cronies then he'll never be able to rebuff the republican nominee's campaign in the general election. It looks as though the repubs are down to McCain and Romney and I don't think Senator McCain would throw punches as low as the Clintons have done. Romney probably would use some of the same tactics but I don't think even he would be as blatantly untruthful as Obama's opponent in the primary has been.
Senator John Kerry said earlier this week that "We must stop the Swiftboating." Senator Kerry also said that Obama and his supporters must confront the "disgusting lies." An ABC reporter said Bill Clinton has been "spreading demonstrably false information." A Chicago Tribune columnist wrote "Bill and Hillary Clinton have lied brazenly about Obama."
Senator Durbin also said the Clintons attacks were similar to swiftboating but I think it's even more than swiftboating, I think what the Clintons are doing is also swiftgoading. Attempting to goad Senator Obama into making the race about race among other things. Goading Senator Obama into getting off his message which has been so well received by the American people and the international community. Goading Senator Obama into lowering himself to their level of cesspool politics, of politics as usual.
I think Barack is far too intelligent to fall for those tactics and I think the vast majority of the American voters are far too concerned about their lives, their families and their country and far too perceptive to have their votes determine by swiftboating, swiftgoading -- or lies.
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Cross posted at Daily Kos
1/23/08
Bill's attacks failing. Obama up 19 in South Carolina
What's going on in South Carolina? It seems Hillary Clinton's strategy of taking the leash off of her attack dog Bill Clinton is not being very well received neither by South Carolina voters or many Democratic party leaders nationwide.
Obama supporters know better than anyone not to put total confidence in polls but we all know that much more often than not they are usually very indicative of election day results. If this latest poll is even near what results are on Saturday our friends in South Carolina will have more than done their part in trying to help elect someone who I believe in decades to come could well be regarded and spoken of when historians mention the likes of Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Kennedy.
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Cross posted at Daily Kos
1/22/08
Bill Clinton barred from participating in CNN Democratic debate. Unfair?
Clinton has been campaigning ferociously lately in his bid to regain the keys to the White House. He has been attacking his opponent Senator Barack Obama almost daily as the February 5th primaries near.
Many felt it was unfair to not allow Bill Clinton to participate in last night's debate but debate organizers said the reason he wasn't allowed in is because even though he is the de facto candidate his wife Hillary's name will actually be on the ballot this Saturday.
The move seemed to appease many supporters of the former president and the former president himself said "I thought Hillary did a great job. She is dedicated to this campaign and spent several hours Monday afternoon memorizing the note cards I gave her covering the issues that are important to me. I think I might win this thing! I don't think that's false hope. It would be a fairy tale come true."
(political satire)
Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos
1/21/08
Obama gaining nationally despite Nevada
The day before Rasmussen January 18th national poll had Bill and Hillary Clinton leading Obama 38% to 31%. The day after January 20th Rasmussen national poll showed Obama's numbers increasing slightly now at 34% and the Clintons remaining the same at 38%. Not enormous movement but for Obama supporters I think certainly encouraging.
I think a lot of the country is now catching on to the tactics of the Clintons and it's leaving a bad taste in their mouths. I also think Barack has had about enough of Bill's rabid and flimsy attacks and will now begin to fiercely respond when Bill goes on a tirade.
Hillary's campaign was over until Bill began his outlandish attacks in New Hampshire and sadly the New Hampshire voters fell hook, line and sinker for his stand up act.
The Clintons appear to be convinced that they can't win a nomination against Obama by running an honest campaign focused on issues so their tactics aren't likely to change. Will the rest of the nation also fall for the Bill Clinton campaign flimflam, fraud, racket, and shell game directed at Barack Obama's campaign? Remains to be seen.