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If you haven’t seen this video of Obama supporter, Catholic Priest Michael Pfleger, you can watch it here:

Can anyone say nut job?

For those of you who don’t recall his name, this is the same priest that used to protest the Jerry Springer show in the late 1990’s, and this is also the same guy who urged his parishioners to “buy time” with prostitutes to preach the gospel.

So to recap, this is a priest who will fight TV producers, work to ‘heal’ hookers, and try to heal as many societal wounds as possible. However, when it comes to one of the biggest divides in the United States, the black/white divide, this joke of a theologian is only making matters worse.

Based on what I’ve read about him, his missions, his sermons, etc, he seems to be “cherry picking priest,” only taking verses of the Bible that help him further his causes.

For the most part, his causes are noble and have a solid purpose, however it’s quite clear that he feels that white people should give up the ‘benefits of being white’, based on actions that happened generations ago.

Maybe Rev. Pfleger should flip his Bible to the Book of Ephesians and read 4:31-32:

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

And no, I’m not getting rid of my 401(k).

Update (5/30): Pfleger appologises for comments after condemned by Obama (via CNN.com)

Odds are, if you’re a commuter, there is one thing that is more painful these days than any traffic jam - gas prices.

Obviously, you’re not alone when it comes to resenting these extremely high fuel costs. However for most folks, it’s just assumed that there is nothing that they can do to lower these costs.

For some, people have changed their routines to make their drive times as efficient as possible. For others, they have decided to take public transportation to work instead of driving. Then there are those who simply want to avoid the stress and cost altogether and give up driving completely.

It’s not just a small handful of people who are making these various adjustments to save a buck either, just check out these statistics from CNN.com:

The Department of Transportation said Monday it had seen the sharpest monthly drop in driving since it began keeping records. In March, Americans drove 11 billion fewer miles than in March of 2007.

I have no doubt that when the data is released for April and May, the number of miles driven will continue to decline significantly.

While I think it’s great that Americans are driving less, there are many who simply can’t make these adjustments, whether that be due to location, schedule, etc. What about these people? How do they fight the pain at the pump?

The truth is, the American people DO have the ability to lobby their members of Congress to fight more aggressively to reduce the price we pay at the pump.

Just today, a new website was launched serving that very purpose - giving Americans the ability to sign a petition that urges Congress to suspend the federal gas tax, increase American oil production, and expand U.S. refineries.

If you’re tired of high gas prices, and want those you have elected to take action, you should sign this petition.

I’m confident that this petition will take off soon, and hopefully, instead of Congress spending hours questioning oil executives, they will use their power and creativity to pass legislation that eases gas prices immediately.

Here is a great post examining one Congresswoman’s mortgage problems and why she creates the perfect example of what the real problem with the housing market is.

I couldn’t have said it any better myself.

I hope this storyline changes soon (from CNN.com):

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. Barack Obama raised millions more than his Democratic rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain in April. Obama brought in $31 million, his campaign announced Tuesday.

 Clinton, the New York senator and former first lady, raised $22 million in April, campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson said. McCain’s take of more than $18.5 million was a new high for the Arizona senator, according to his campaign’s monthly finance report.

Though it’s not so bad for the party as a whole (from AOLNews.com/AP).

The RNC, which is the party’s main political arm, had nearly 10 times more cash on hand than its Democratic counterpart at the end of April, a notable GOP advantage in what has otherwise been Democratic fundraising dominance this election.

The committee on Tuesday reported having $40.1 million in the bank. The Democratic National Committee had $4.4 million.

The RNC raised $15.7 million in April compared to $4.7 million by the DNC.

Significantly, the financial disparity comes in a presidential election year when the candidates rely on the parties to mobilize voters and promote their message. Overall this year, the RNC has raised more than $52 million, the DNC has raised more than $22 million.

This shouldn’t be a reason for us to get cocky, because once the Democrats have their nominee, it should be no shock to anyone that they will probably match us dollar for dollar, especially if their Democratic White House Victory Fund idea actually takes off. This new concept will give the DNC the ability to maximize donor potential even before there is a nominee.

As part of the unusual pact, donors can contribute up to $33,100 to the newly created Democratic White House Victory Fund. The money would benefit whichever candidate becomes the nominee. Some Democrats said the deal would permit some of Clinton donors to get behind Obama without having to write a check directly to his campaign.

The fundraising success of the RNC is something that should be evaluated further. Does this suggest that the RNC is simply being more aggressive in their fundraising tactics? Does this mean that Republicans are more comfortable giving their money to the RNC than they are to John McCain?

Or, does this simply mean that the McCain campaign is doing its fundraising in segments - building the RNC war chest now, and waiting to do the more aggressive campaign fundraising when more people are mobilized behind his campaign and the mud starts flying?

I think it’s probably a little of each.

Today I had the opportunity to get a rare glimpse into just how powerful and revered certain members of the Senate can be, amongst “politicos” from both sides.

As I’m sure you all have heard Senator Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Taking his age, previous health problems and overall severity of brain tumors into account, there are many who are wondering what the future will hold for the Senator.

Tuesdays are normally busy and chaotic days here in Washington, where lunch hot-spots are usually bustling with activity and the conversation is centered on the latest policy of the day.

However, this afternoon was different. What was already a gloomy day, was made even more morose by the news of Senator Kennedy’s health concerns.

I was just speaking with a friend who was having lunch with some Republican leaders this afternoon at an establishment that is frequented by many Republicans, and he told me that the main topic throughout the course of their late lunch and throughout the dining room was the health Senator Kennedy.

Now, my friend mentioned that this isn’t the first time that Senator Kennedy has been this popular, but he did say it was the first time that he saw leaders from both sides, truly concerned about the wellbeing of another member.

No matter what your thoughts on Senator Kennedy and his politics are, this is an impressive showing of just how powerful he has become over the decades. In terms of Republicans commenting on Senator Kennedy, I think that John McCain, who has spent many years with Kennedy, said it best (from CNN.com):

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to him. We hope and pray that they will be able to treat it and that he will experience a full recovery.”

“I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate. And I have held that view because he remains the single most effective member of the Senate.”

While there are many who might not think of him as the most effective member of the Senate, I’d argue that if there was ever one person who could help a bill pass, it’s Senator Kennedy.

Either way, Senator Kennedy will be in the prayers of many and I wish him a speedy recovery.

It looks like ‘Vito Power’ Fossella won’t be seeking reelection for a sixth term in November. This is just another addition to what could easily be classified as the worst month of May any one person could have.

For those who haven’t followed the story, it started with a drunk-driving arrest, then an admission of having an affair and fathering a child with his mistress.

May isn’t over yet…

In a written statement, Vito Fossella stated (via CNN.com):

“This choice was an extremely difficult one, balanced between my dedication to service to our great nation and the need to concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family”

Even though drunk driving and cheating on your wife aren’t the best ways to ensure a successful reelection, there are people who have been reelected after doing much worse.

I honestly believe that if Fossella wanted to run again, he would probably get reelected. He’s a popular conservative, who usually votes well and seems to represent the political ‘best-interests’ of his Staten Island constituency.

But, it makes sense why he wouldn’t run – choosing to focus on healing the wounds with his family first.

It’s unfortunate that this had to happen when it did. This is a horrible year for the NRCC as it is and now another open seat is going to make things event tougher.

With all the problems aside, I still have a great deal of respect for Vito Fossella. Professionally, he’s a leader and a statesman, whatever he does during his personal time doesn’t matter to me.

I guess it could have been worse… at least it wasn’t a hooker.

I don’t think this is the end for Vito Fossella. He’s young, energetic and is still well liked. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him reemerge, seeking another political office in the near future.

Original Source

Over the past few weeks, Senator McCain has received a relatively small amount of attention from the media, while the majority of the headlines have been dominated by stories regarding the campaigns of Senators Clinton and Obama.

However, there has been one story that has received more attention than it should have over the past few days, this time regarding another member of Senator McCain’s campaign that has had to step down due to business ties related to previous lobbying activities.

While this latest departure is just one of a handful of staffers to step down for similar reasons, I can’t help but wonder why they are making such a big deal of this?

Furthermore, I have now found myself pondering the question of which associations are more important in campaign politics, personal or professional?

Based on the way that the media has covered Senator McCain’s problems with his top advisors, many would be under the impression that it is the professional ties that are more problematic in campaigns.

Then there are others who would use the example of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright for Barack Obama, making the argument that it is personal ties that weigh heavier than those that are professional in nature.

In my opinion, both have their place in the campaign, but it seems that there is a bias that both sides are experiencing, making each association more or less important for the other, based on their political party.

For the Democrats, they have continued to paint the Republican Party as a group of politicians that are “fat cats,” who are chummy with some of DC’s top lobbyists.

Then you have certain Republicans who have tried to paint the Democratic Party as one that sees patriotism as a dirty word and doesn’t value religion, the constitution, etc.

Overall, both sides have done an excellent job of putting the opposition into these boxes.

However, who is this hurting more?

Some would argue that this is hurting the Republicans more, because they already poll lower when it comes to being trusted, and of course there are still the ties to the Bush Administration that can and will hurt some of the candidates.

While this might be true in some instances, I think that overall, these attacks are going to hurt the Democrats, simply because it’s Barack Obama making these statements directly, which creates a whole new dynamic.

One thing that John McCain has been doing very well, is keeping the heavy mudslinging at a minimum until the time is right , asking judgment questions instead of making “in-your-face” statements.

Obama on the other hand, has made reference to Senator McCain’s lobbyist ties on many occasions, using that as a springboard for painting himself as the candidate who hasn’t become a DC insider.

The problem this poses for Obama is that it creates many different media streams that WILL be used to attack him.

The fact of the matter is that regardless of how long you’ve been in DC, there have and will be many instances where you will do favors for friends, it’s the unfortunate nature of politics these days.

Sometimes that will mean securing funding for a hospital that your wife works at, or pushing through an earmark that your friend or top donor is behind.

No matter how you spin, those elements are the things that make someone a DC insider.

Furthermore, Obama is painting himself as someone who is anti-lobbyist. In fact, I’ve heard people try to make the argument that Obama has never even met with a lobbyist, which is completely false, but it’s a sign that his strategy is working well… for now.

Eventually someone is going to get their hands on his Senate calendar, illustrating the number of meetings he’s had with lobbyists, as well as the frequency. The results shouldn’t be surprising to anyone who has seen the inner-workings of Congressional politics.

Instead of all of this back-and-fourth based on ties, I think that both of the candidates should stay focused on the issues, presenting real solutions, with real implementation strategies. This is what the American people want to hear.

If the Republicans can stop attacking McCain and embrace his ideas (even if it’s hard to do), the party will be in a position where they are seen as unified, thus giving people something to be confident in.

If that doesn’t happen, these attacks by Obama will seem more legitimate, simply because the message of “change” is much easier to swallow then the message of “internal chaos” that seems be affecting the GOP. No matter what the attack is, if the GOP doesn’t seem like it has its act together the attacks will seem much more credible.

Here is a great article by Dr. Wayne Brough, discussing the implications of the Farm Bill. Click Here.

Just a taste of the article:

Farm policies in the United States continue to distort markets through government interventions that benefit farmers at the expense of consumers. Despite rhetoric to the contrary and the sentimentality of saving the family farm, the subsidies and crop programs Congress is peddling do little for the small farmer.

Amen.

It seems like $300,000,000,000 is the magic number these days in Washington.

First Congress wanted to allocate $300billion for a mortgage bailout, and now they want allocate another $300billion of YOUR money to subsidizing farmers and a variety of other state pet-projects.

Even though President Bush had promised a veto on this legislation, the House continued to charge ahead at full speed, passing the Farm Bill and all the pork attached.

From CNN.com:

“This bill has been under consideration for a long, long time, and yet still we have earmarks that have been ‘air dropped’ into the legislation,” said Arizona GOP Rep. Jeff Flake.

So what exactly is included in this package? Here is just a taste:

The bill also contains a few home-state projects, including tax breaks for Kentucky racehorse owners, extra help for farmers in Hawaii and Alaska and dollars for salmon fishermen in the Pacific Northwest.

Sadly, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

In the coming days, I’ll try to get a more complete list of some of the additional pet-projects that are included in this enormous package, as well as who requested them.

Unfortunately, the vote in the House was 318-106, which means that there is already enough likely-’yays’ for a veto override. However, if 28 of the 100 Republicans who voted for the Farm Bill would grow a pair and focus on principle, and not the outcome in November, then maybe people would start to see the Republican Party as one that is actually unified behind a set of core values.

Welcome to campaign 2008.