Inauguration Toliets

'Father of Potty Parity' calls 5,000 johns 'inadequate'
January 13, 2009 - 10:29am

WASHINGTON - The masses heading to the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama could spend a lot of time in line for a port-a-potty.
A George Washington University law professor says the 5,000 port-o-potties planned for Inauguration Day will be "grossly inadequate."

Professor John Banzhaf, the so-called "Father of Potty Parity" sent a letter to the Presidential Inaugural Committee warning of potential lawsuits.

He says women, who take longer in the restroom, could be forced to wait in longer lines than men, and that amounts to discrimination.

Banzhaf says waiting in long lines is not just an inconvenience. It can trigger medical problems. He's asking the Presidential Inaugural Committee to make the toilets gender-neutral so that women do not have to wait longer than men.

(Copyright 2009 by MetroSource. All Rights Reserved.)

WASHINGTON - The masses heading to the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama could spend a lot of time in line for a port-a-potty.
A George Washington University law professor says the 5,000 port-o-potties planned for Inauguration Day will be "grossly inadequate."

Professor John Banzhaf, the so-called "Father of Potty Parity" sent a letter to the Presidential Inaugural Committee warning of potential lawsuits.

He says women, who take longer in the restroom, could be forced to wait in longer lines than men, and that amounts to discrimination.

Banzhaf says waiting in long lines is not just an inconvenience. It can trigger medical problems. He's asking the Presidential Inaugural Committee to make the toilets gender-neutral so that women do not have to wait longer than men.


WASHINGTON - Here's a tip for the masses heading to Washington for Barack Obama's inauguration: BYOTP - bring your own toilet paper - and be prepared to hold your breath.

The bathroom facilities being hauled onto the National Mall and along the Pennsylvania Ave. parade route will be functional, but not exactly charmin'.

About 5,000 unheated, unlit, nonflushing "standard" portable toilets are being deployed by inaugural planners for the estimated 4 million folks expected for the historic swearing in.

"Our goal is to make it as enjoyable a day as possible. That means having the resources [portable johns] on hand," said Inaugural Committee spokesman Kevin Griffith.

He said each portable toilet will be "serviced," or bailed out, at least once during the events.

The rule of thumb for the National Park Service is one portable toilet for every 300 people at outdoor events, which would translate into an expected crowd of about 1.5 million.

The largest previous record crowd for an inaugural was believed to be the 1.2 million at the 1965 inauguration of the late President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Most of the 12 museums around the Mall, and their restrooms, also will be open. But the bathrooms on the Metro subway system will be closed.

Some 4,000-5,000 National Guard troops have been assigned to crowd - and porta-john line - control. "We're planning for this to be a very peaceful process," said National Guard Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz.

VIPs will be able to answer nature's call in the lap of luxury compared to the masses. The senators, representatives and lucky ticket-holders permitted inside the tightest security cordon around the Capitol building will have access to portable toilets that are heated and well-lit, have hot and cold running water - and flush.

Complete Story

Inauguration Information

SECRET SERVICE ANNOUNCES SECURITY INFORMATION FOR THE

2009 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL

Parade Route Road Closures and Entry Points Released

(Washington, D.C.) – The United States Secret Service in cooperation with its local, state and federal security, public safety and military partners, has developed an overall security plan for the 56th Presidential Inauguration. Inaugural activities will take place beginning on Saturday, January 17 through Wednesday, January 21, 2009, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, January 20.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated the Inaugural as a National Special Security Event (NSSE). When an event is designated an NSSE, the U.S. Secret Service assumes its role as the lead federal agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan. The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Park Police, as well as a number of other federal and local agencies, will play a critical operational role in securing the Inauguration and resources will be deployed to maintain the necessary level of security.

The following security measures will be in place for the 56th Presidential Inauguration:

Downtown Area Road Closures: A map detailing specific road closures is attached. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 19, through 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, vehicle restricted zones will be put in place in downtown. All vehicular road closures in Washington, D.C. will be instituted by the Metropolitan Police Department. Inquiries pertaining to road closures should be directed to the MPD Office of Public Information at (202) 727-4383. Details will also be available online at www.inauguration.dc.gov and at www.secretservice.gov. A detailed transportation plan will be released listing additional road closures for Inauguration day.

Security Screenings: All attendees, including general public and ticketed guests, are subject to a thorough security screening before entering the Inaugural parade route, the White House reviewing stand and the Inaugural balls. Please allow for additional time for this security screening, as it is expected that lines may be long.

Prohibited Items: As a security precaution, the following items will be prohibited from the Inaugural parade route, the White House reviewing stand and the Inaugural balls: firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons of any kind, aerosols, supports for signs and placards, packages, coolers, thermal or glass containers, backpacks, bags exceeding size restrictions (8"x6"x4"), laser pointers, animals other than helper/guide dogs, structures, bicycles and any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard. With respect to signs and placards, items must be made of cardboard, poster board or cloth and have dimensions no greater than three (3) feet in width, 20 feet in length and one-quarter (1/4) inch in thickness. Surrendered items will not be returned, nor available for pick-up.

Parade Route Entry Points: The following 13 public entry points will open at 7:00 a.m. on January 20, 2009, and will remain open until the parade route can no longer accommodate additional people. A map detailing entry point locations is attached.
2nd Street NW and C Street NW
3rd Street NW and C Street NW
Indiana Avenue NW between 6th St NW and 7th St NW
7th Street NW and D Street NW
10th Street NW and E Street NW
12th Street NW and E Street NW
E Street NW just east of 13th Street NW
13th Street NW just North of E Street NW
14th Street NW just North of E Street NW
12th Street NW between Constitution Avenue. and Pennsylvania Avenue
10th Street NW between Constitution Avenue. and Pennsylvania Avenue
7th Street NW between Constitution Avenue. and Pennsylvania Avenue
Constitution Avenue between 6th Street NW and 7th Street NW

NOTE: Access to the parade route from south of Pennsylvania Avenue, including the National Mall area, will only be available via 14th Street NW or 12th Street NW at Constitution Avenue.

All parade route security screening entry points will be able to accommodate persons with disabilities. There are additional screening entry points for the ticketed seating at the U.S. Capitol and the White House viewing areas. Details for the swearing-in at the Capitol are available at www.inaugural.senate.gov.

Individuals attending the Inaugural parade may enter at any of the designated entry points on the north or south side of Pennsylvania Avenue. Between 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the following intersections will be open to the general public as crossover points:

3rd Street between Constitution Ave and Pennsylvania Avenue
Pennsylvania Ave between 6th Street NW and 7th Street NW
Pennsylvania Ave between 11th Street NW and 12th Street NW

Air Security: A combined air security plan will be implemented to provide airspace security for the Washington metropolitan area. Enhanced airspace restrictions on general aviation have been released and can be accessed online at the Federal Aviation Administration web page at www.faa.gov. Pilot inquiries should be directed to 866-598-9522.

Water Security: There will be an enhanced security presence on the waterways around Washington, D.C. Inquires should be directed to the U.S. Coast Guard at 410-576-2693 or via marine band radio VHF channel 16 or the Metropolitan Police Department Harbor Patrol at 202-727-4582.

Obama's New Ride

First Test: Russia

As reported on here at www.roszaks.com back on September 29, 2008, the new President will face some serious security issues, one of which is the missile defense shield in Poland. It seems that Russia is wasting no time in engaging President-Elect Obama. Russia announced earlier this morning that it plans to station new missiles near Poland's border and employ missile jamming devices that will make any US missile shield inoperable.

Russia to station missiles near Poland
By Michael Stott

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pledged on Wednesday to station new missiles near Poland's border in response to U.S. plans for an anti-missile system and proposed extending the presidential term to six years from four.

In an assertive first annual address to the nation, he defended Russia's war with Georgia, appealed to nationalism and attacked Washington's "selfish" foreign policy and "economic blunders" which he said caused the global financial crisis.

The harsh tone and repeated attacks on the United States the day after Democrat Barack Obama's electoral victory surprised some observers who had expected a more liberal style and more detail on how Russia would tackle a financial crisis.

"To neutralize -- if necessary -- the (U.S.) anti-missile system, an Iskander missile system will be deployed in the Kaliningrad region," Medvedev said, referring to a Russian enclave bordering European Union members Poland and Lithuania.

Russia would electronically jam the U.S. system, parts of which are due to be deployed in Poland and the Czech Republic, and Moscow would scrap plans to stand down three Cold War-era nuclear missile regiments, the president said.

Free Ice Cream, Donuts, and Coffee!

Companies give free coffee, ice cream for election

By EMILY FREDRIX
Published: Today
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Americans will pick a new leader for the country on Tuesday, and will be able to pick up some free coffee, ice cream and other goodies too.

Starbucks Corp. is offering a free cup of brewed coffee to anyone who asks on Tuesday, while Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. is giving away star-shaped doughnuts. Ice cream maker Ben and Jerry's is offering a free scoop as part of a celebration of the election.

Seattle-based Starbucks had originally planned to give away the "tall" brewed coffees to anyone who reported that they voted, saying in an ad: "If you care enough to vote, we care enough to give you a free cup of coffee."

The company broadened its offer to all customers to ensure it was in compliance with election law, spokeswoman Tara Darrow said Monday evening.

"We hope there is a record turnout on Tuesday and look forward to celebrating with our customers over a great cup of coffee," she said in a statement.

Complete Story

Obama Will Pay for My Gas and My Taxes

Renewable Energy, The Election and The Stock Market

Green Energy Likely Winner, Big Oil Loser In US Senate Races
Oct 24, 2008 15:12:36 (ET)
By Ian Talley

Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--A strengthened Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate will likely boost the outlook for renewable-energy companies while large oil companies could be socked with a multi-billion dollar windfall profits tax next year.

Many polls predict Democrats will win a half-dozen or so U.S. Senate seats from Republicans in the Nov. 4 general election. This could give Senate Democrats a voting edge needed to approve a Renewable Portfolio Standard, or RPS, a requirement for greater alternative energy production from wind, solar and biomass.

Many Democrats promise a "new direction" in energy policy, supporting a move away from fossil fuels.

If elected, these candidates could allow Democrats to pass a windfall profits tax for Big Oil companies such as ExxonMobil (XOM), Chevron Corp. (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP), according to a Dow Jones Newswires review of campaign promises and polls.

There would also be more political mass to set stricter energy market regulations and to pave the way for congressional intervention of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Given the polling numbers, "the RPS is almost a certainty," said Dave Hamilton, Sierra Club director of its Global Warming and Energy Program.

The Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, supports a 25% renewable portfolio standard by 2025. Obama, who leads in most major polls, also backs a windfall profits tax for the petroleum industry and tapping the nation's emergency stocks when oil prices are high.

Sen. Obama - as well as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. - believe spurring the renewable industry would help the country recover from its current economic crisis. Republican candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona doesn't support a national renewable energy standard.

Southern utility companies, including Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) and Southern Co. (SO), have lobbied against a federal renewable portfolio standard. Wind turbine manufacturers such as GE Energy, a unit of the General Electric Co. (GE), India's Suzlon Energy (532667.BY) and Denmark's Vestas Wind Systems (VWS.OS), as well as solar firms such as Norway's Renewable Energy Corp. ASA (REC.OS), and U.S.-headquartered First Solar Inc. (FSLR) and Evergreen Solar Inc. (ESLR) would benefit under a renewable portfolio standard.

Based on previous votes, Capitol Hill watchers estimate the number of senators who are highly likely to remain in their seats and who would vote for a renewable standard is between 53 to 59. As the House has already passed such a standardseveral times, the Democratic leadership needs 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a Republican filibuster. Although support isn't strictly along party lines, the GOP has largely been opposed to a federally mandated renewable standard.

Complete Story Here

Notice to All Employees

This email has been floating around out there the last few days, figured I would post it.

As of November 5, 2008, if President Obama is officially elected into office, our company will instill a few new policies which are in keeping with his new, inspiring issues of change and fairness:

1. All salespeople will be pooling their sales and bonuses into a common pool that will be divided equally between all of you. This will serve to give those of you who are under-achieving a fair shake.

2. All low level workers will be pooling their wages, including overtime, into a common pool, dividing it equally amongst yourselves. This will help those who are too busy for overtime to reap the rewards from those who have more spare time and can work extra hours.

3. All top management will now be referred to as the government. We will not participate in this pooling experience because the law doesn't apply to us.

4. The government will give eloquent speeches to all employees every week, encouraging its workers to continue to work hard for the good of all.

5. The employees will be thrilled with these new policies because it's good to spread the wealth. Those of you who have underachieved will finally get an opportunity; those of you who have worked hard and had success will feel more patriotic.

6. The last few people who were hired should clean out their desks. Don't feel bad, though, because President Obama will give you free healthcare, free handouts, free oil for heating your home, free foods stamps, and he'll let you stay in your home for as long as you want even if you can't pay your mortgage. If you appeal directly to our democratic congress, you might even get a free flatscreen TV and a coupon for free haircuts (shouldn't all Americans be entitled to nice looking hair?)!!!

If for any reason you are not happy with the new policies take it up withyourselfon November 4th while you are still free to do so.

Obama's Citizenship - The Debate Rages On

Is Senator Obama a natural born citizen, a naturalized citizen, or neither? The debate rages on. A court case is now pending in the Pennsylvania Eastern District Court:

BERG v. OBAMA et al - Case Number 2:2008cv04083

Plaintiff Philip J. Berg alleged that Defendant Barack Obama is not eligible for the Office of the President because Obama lost his U.S. citizenship when his mother married an Indonesian citizen and naturalized in Indonesia. Plaintiff further alleged that Obama followed her naturalization and failed to take an oath of allegiance when he turned 18 years old to regain his U.S. citizenship status.

Court Documents Click Here

Palin to Appear on SNL!

Palin to appear on 'Saturday Night Live'

The Associated Press and CNN report that Gov. Sarah Palin will appear on this week's edition of "Saturday Night Live." A spokeswoman for the McCain-Palin campaign confirmed that Palin would appear.

This week's host is Josh Brolin, who plays President George Bush in the new Oliver Stone movie "W."

In an interview earlier this week, Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of "Saturday Night Live," said that Tina Fey would return to do her Palin impression before the election, but he didn't say when.

UPDATE: Here's footage from Defamer of Fey on Friday's Letterman show talking about her Palin impression.
We may see Fey-as-Palin and Palin-as-Palin side by side this week. Or we may see the real Palin in a skit with Brolin's George Bush. Or we may see something completely different. Either way, it is safe to say that we will all be watching!

Here is the SNL take on the final debate:

Joe the Plumber?

HOLLAND, Ohio -- Joe the Plumber's story sprang a few leaks Thursday.

Turns out that the man who was held up by John McCain as the typical, hard-working American taxpayer isn't really a licensed plumber. And court documents show he owes nearly $1,200 in back taxes.

"Joe," whose name is Samuel J. Wurzelbacher, was cited repeatedly in Wednesday night's final presidential debate by McCain for questioning Barack Obama's tax policy.

Wurzelbacher instantly became a media celebrity, fielding calls during the debate and facing reporters outside his home near Toledo on Thursday morning for an impromptu nationally televised news conference.The burly, bald man acknowledged he doesn't have a plumber's license, but said he didn't need one because he works for someone else at a company that does residential work.

But Wurzelbacher still would need to be a licensed apprentice or journeyman to work in Toledo, and he's not, said David Golis, manager and residential building official for the Toledo Division of Building Inspection.

State and local records show Wurzelbacher has no license, although his employer does. Golis said there are no records of inspectors citing Wurzelbacher for unlicensed work in Toledo.
And then there was the matter of his taxes.

Wurzelbacher owes the state of Ohio $1,182.98 in personal income tax, according to Lucas County Court of Common Pleas records.

Complete Story

Debate Preview: Mean McCain?

It has been a little harder than normal to get a pulse on the 3rd and final debate this week. For one thing, I have been in Philadelphia – and everyone is obsessed with PHILLIES MANIA – Given the fact that the debate is up against the Phillies game tonight, the general consensus, at least here in Philly was indifferent. Some folks said that they plan on tivo-ing the debate and watching it later, others said they planned on celebrating a Phillies win tonight – forget the debate.

However, from what I have manage to gather during the past week, McCain needs to make a strong showing. Many feel that he needs to come out swinging and hit hard. No more dancing around the issues and light footing about Obama’s questionable relationships – if there is an issue about any of Obama’s qualifications then McCain needs to raise it, and make it front and center tonight.

The economy has hurt the McCain campaign, and it looks as though this financial mess is not going away any time soon. Therefore, McCain really needs to attack Obama on his taxation policies. Who will be taxed, how much, and what will the consequences be. Obama often says that he is going to leave taxes alone, or lower them, for 95% of us – McCain needs to take Obama to task on this statement. If you raise taxes on businesses or business owners who will really feel the effect? Higher taxes on companies mean higher product prices, thus higher burden on the everyday consumer.

After today’s grim consumer spending report one thing is clear – we need to sell more products, not less. Also, Mc Cain needs to flush out exactly what the Obama health care plan will be. Is Obama going to penalize employers who do not provide health insurance to their employees? How much will that cost – and what choice will businesses make?

As always, it should be an interesting debate. I am always amazed how many time McCain says “my friends” and how many times Obama drags out the word “and”.
Hopefully this third and final debate is more lively than last weeks. I will be watching, and hope you will be too!

Middle Class Candidate

As the battle for the White House heats up, one thing is certain - both parties are trying to connect with the middle class. So, which of the candidates truly feels the needs and pains of the middle class?

Last Friday Sarah Palin released her tax returns and personal financial disclosure report. The Palin Family, Sarah and Todd, had a combined adjusted gross income of $166,000 in 2007, and $128,000 in 2006.

Interestingly, according to tax documents, John McCain paid more for household help last year—$270,000—than his running mate and her husband earned.

Barack and Michelle Obama reported income of $4.2 million in 2007.

The Biden Family reported $320,000 in adjusted gross income last year.

Complete Story

Vice Presidential Debate - Time to Party?!?

Election Season in D.C. is like the Superbowl elsewhere, even the bars get into the elections. For this week's VP debate, many of the D.C. bars are hosting specials, here is just a snippet of what is available.

Complied by the Washington Post:

DC

At the 1331 Bar in the JW Marriott hotel, try some partisan wings—the “left” come with a spicy Asian lacquer, and the “right” have a Texas barbecue sauce—or an “undecider slider,” and sip on some red, white, and blue cocktails. The lounge will host happy hours every Tuesday through November 4 and will also show the presidential debates.

At Ventnor’s, customers can pick a word they think the candidates will say, and every time it’s uttered, shots will be $1.

At Capitol Lounge, enjoy $10 pitchers of Budweiser, Bud Light, Capitol Amber, and Yuengling while watching Biden and Palin duke it out.

DC for Obama is hosting a VP Debate Extravaganza at Mezza Luna. It has one 100-inch and four 32-inch flat-screen TVs in the main area, which guarantees you’ll be able to hear the debate. Reservations are required, but you can reserve a space only for yourself and one other person. Click here to RSVP.

While airing the debate, Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue will also be hosting a Democratic fundraiser. The suggested donation is $100, with a $25 minimum. There will be a cash bar, and pizza and appetizers are free; 8 to 11:30.

The Progressive Happy Hour Crew will host a debate/dance party at Left Bank Bistro Lounge in Adams Morgan.

The couch-filled executive rooms at Lounge 201 will be available after 8 for debate watching, but you can also see it at the bar.

Capitol Hill’s 18th Amendment will offer its regular happy-hour specials.

For last week’s debate, Hawk & Dove was packed by 7:30, so arrive early and take advantage of the happy-hour specials while waiting for the main event. Miller Lite drafts are $1.75, and pitchers are $7.

At Stetson’s Famous Bar & Grill, a big crowd is expected for the debate, so show up early.

Head to the Lobby Bar in the Ritz-Carlton to try a campaign cocktail such as the Elegant Elephant, Delicate Donkey, Obamaretto Sour, or Sugar (Mc)Cain Mojito. These specials and more will be offered through Election Night.

Because of the high demand last week, Timberlake’s American Bar & Grill will show the debate on three flat-screen TVs.

B. Smith’s will raffle off a dinner for two during its debate-viewing party. Guests can enjoy two specialty drinks: the Obama Bahama Mama and the McCain Mojito.

VP Moderator In the Tank for Obama-Biden?

Tuesday, September 30, 2008
ELECTION 2008
WorldNetDaily Exclusive
VP debate moderator Ifill releasing pro-Obama book
Posted: September 30, 2008
8:35 pm Eastern

By Bob Unruh
WorldNetDaily

Gwen Ifill
The moderator of Thursday's vice-presidential debate is writing a book to come out about the time the next president takes the oath of office that aims to "shed new light" on Democratic candidate Barack Obama and other "emerging young African American politicians" who are "forging a bold new path to political power."

Gwen Ifill of the Public Broadcasting Service program "Washington Week" is promoting "The Breakthrough," in which she argues the "black political structure" of the civil rights movement is giving way to men and women who have benefited from the struggles over racial equality.

Ifill declined to return a WND telephone message asking for a comment about her book project and whether its success would be expected should Obama lose. But she has faced criticism previously for not treating candidates of both major parties the same.

During a vice-presidential candidate debate she moderated in 2004 – when Democrat John Edwards attacked Republican Dick Cheney's former employer, Halliburton – the vice president said, "I can respond, Gwen, but it's going to take more than 30 seconds."

"Well, that's all you've got," she told Cheney.

Ifill told the Associated Press Democrats were delighted with her answer, because they "thought I was being snippy to Cheney."

Complete Story

Preparing for the Next President

Walked by the Capitol today - the side that faces the mall is all shut down to pedestrian traffic. According to the sign, they are getting ready for the inauguration.

Missile Defense System

As stated yesterday, the recent actions by Russia have highlighted the need to get the proposed missile defense system in place soon. Now, because of the economy issues facing the USA, it is unclear when and if the proposed missile defense shield will be in place. This issue is causing the Polish to take a second look at the issue, and the candidates.

Both candidates, in fact, back the plan. Obama, however, has said that he would want to test the effectiveness of the missiles before they are activated.

According to Poland's foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski:

""I have spoken personally to both Senator McCain and twice by telephone to Senator Obama. We are confident that President McCain would continue with the deal. Senator Obama told me that he is conceptually in favor of missile defence," he said.
"My interpretation of that is that it is a higher than 50 percent chance that he (Obama) would go along because we are pretty confident that it is not directed at Russia," he told reporters at an EU meeting in Avignon, France."

The Czech foreign minister, Karel Schwarzenberg on Friday, September 26th said that Czech officials had been in contact with the campaigns of both presidential candidates, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain, to discuss the future of the missile shield. He said a delay would be more likely if Obama wins the November 4 election.

Days after Russia's military intervention in Georgia this month, Poland and the United States signed a long-awaited deal to station parts of the shield on Polish soil.

The 10 interceptor rockets in Poland, along with a radar complex in the Czech Republic, will form the European part of a global system Washington says will be able to shoot down missiles from enemy states or groups such as al Qaeda.
Despite U.S. assurances to the contrary, Russia sees the ballistic missile shield as a threat to its own security and some Russian politicians and generals have said Poland must be prepared for a preventive attack on the site in the future.

This missile defense shield is not popular with the Russians. On Friday, September 26th, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, visited Warsaw, the first visit by a senior Russian official since Russia’s war with Georgia in August to an EU member state. Mr. Lavrov spoke of Warsaw’s deal with Washington for 10 interceptor missiles in the north of Poland:

“A simple military analysis proves that a US base in Europe for global anti-missile defence has no other, and for many years will have no other, target but Russian missiles “All objective experts understand that Iran’s missiles pose no threat to Europe and even less to the United States.” He added that Poland had naively been drawn into a dangerous game “perhaps not fully understanding the ramifications of its decision.” Complete Story

One of the sights for the proposed missile defense program is Slupsk, Poland – Slupsk is 65 miles away from Gdansk, (which we all know) was home of the Solidarity labor movement which helped overturn Poland’s communist system. Complete Story

Under the defense deal, 10 missile interceptors will be placed in underground silos at Redzikowo airfield, on the outskirts of Slupsk. By 2011 to 2013, they will work in conjunction with U.S.-run radar based in the Czech Republic to thwart a potential attack by Iran. In an attempt to quell the Kremlin’s worries, The U.S. Missile Defense Agency says the system cannot be used for an offensive attack without obvious modification of the football-sized field it will occupy.

"The people of Slupsk are more interested than ever in the U.S. election," Mayor Maciej Kobylinski said.

It will be interesting to see how this issue plays out in the future, especially given the weak state of the US economy. In the meantime, one thing is certain - both Poland and the Czech Republic will be watching closely.

Election 2008 - Polish Priorities

Polish News has offered this list of Polish-American priorities for the 2008 election:

- Immigration-law reform enabling Polish immigrants to obtain legal status – permanent residence or US citizenship;

- Ensuring more Federal Government appointments, including cabinet posts, for Polish Americans;

- Vigorous prosecution of anti-Polonism through the creation of a special Polish anti-defamation unit at the US State Department similar to that which now monitors anti-Semitism;

- More student, academic and cultural exchange programs with Poland;

- Increased US military aid for Poland in exchange for its agreement to host parts of the anti-missile shield on Polish territory.

- Increasing business opportunities for Polish companies in the United States;

- Making good on the F-16 offset program, whereby the US pledged to promote investments in Poland in exchange for Poland’s purchase of F-16 jet fighter planes;

- Inclusion of Poland in the visa-waiver program, enabling Poles to visit the US without having to apply for an American visa; the US is now the only NATO country that still discriminates Poles in this way.

I suppose it goes without saying, but the recent actions by Russia have highlighted the need to get the proposed missile defense system in place soon. Now, because of the economy issues facing the USA, it is unclear when and if the proposed missile defense shield will be in place. This is becoming a big issue in Poland, and I will be blogging about it tomorrow.

Napierdalać Się - Election 2008 Debate 1

Ah, Poland made it into last nights debate!

Senator Obama:
"It is absolutely important that we have a unified alliance and that we explain to the Russians that you cannot be a 21st-century superpower, or power, and act like a 20th-century dictatorship.

And we also have to affirm all the fledgling democracies in that region, you know, the Estonians, the Lithuanians, the Latvians, the Poles, the Czechs, that we are, in fact, going to be supportive and in solidarity with them in their efforts"

Yet on July 16, 2007 when Obama met with Polish President Lech Kaczynski - Obama made the following comments Link Here:

“Not long ago, we looked to Poland as a country that needed American help in its own efforts to be free and secure; now we look to Poland as a critical partner in building a safer, freer world." and

"“Poland has been a steadfast champion of liberty in the countries to its east. America and Poland should stand together to help Ukraine build a strong and stable democracy, and to help the people of Belarus regain their human rights." and

“Since joining NATO in 1997, Poland has become one of America’s most important strategic partners, dedicating troops and resources to our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

So why, then, did Obama refer to a Poland as a 'fledgling democracy' during the first presidential debate. Let's review the definition of 'fledgling' -
–noun
1. a young bird just fledged.
2. an inexperienced person.
–adjective
3. young or inexperienced

It seems odd to say that Poland is a critical partner and that Poland should help Ukraine build a strong and stable democracy, and then call them inexperienced in the next breath. Perhaps this was a misstatement by the 'fledgling Senator'.

What if Obama Loses?

Randall Kennedy has a piece in the opinion section of today, September 14, 2008, Washington Post (link posted below). In the piece, he speaks about what it will mean to him if Obama loses. His piece starts off by talking about how he was moved to tears on the night of Obama's acceptance speech.

He then questions, "Yet the possibility is very real: Barack Obama could lose. If that happens, then what? How will I feel? How will other black Americans feel? How should people like me feel?"

He opines that if Obama loses, then the African American community will have to decide if the presidency was won on the issues, or if it was decided due to prejudice.

"Whether black onlookers believe that this election was decided "on the real issues" and that Obama was "judged fairly" will be shaped in part by future developments, including the nature of the campaign in its closing weeks (will race-baiting intensify?) and the demographics of the final voting tally (will people who have traditionally voted Democrat vote differently this time around?)."

"I anticipate that most black Americans will believe that an Obama defeat will have stemmed in substantial part from a prejudice that robbed 40 million Americans of the chance to become president on the day they were born black."
"... deep in their bones, they will believe -- and probably rightly -- that race was a key element, that had the racial shoe been on the other foot -- had John McCain been black and Obama white -- the result would have been different."

He went on to say: "My mother will be sorry if Obama loses, but she won't feel disillusioned, because she hasn't allowed herself to get her hopes up. She has insisted throughout that "the white folks are going to refuse one way or another to permit Obama to become president.'" and he further continued, "...the climate of this election year so clearly favors the Democrats, because this was supposed to be an election the Republicans couldn't win, and because in my view, the Obama ticket is obviously superior to McCain's."

In other words....

So basically, it has nothing to do about the debates, the issues or the experience levels that both candidates bring to the table. If this is true, perhaps we should just save the time, energy, and money and cancel the debates now. Seems like the decision is already made.

Of course, this is an interesting twist - because this now frames the election in a racial light. I, for one, am not quite ready to concede the point that the Obama-Biden ticket is the superior ticket. I will reserve my judgment until after we learn more about the policies of the candidates.

One of the most disappointing things for me is that we have essentially known for 18 months who the potential candidates would be. Yet, we are still yet to hear about the ISSUES, the real problems facing America. However, we have heard all about which candidate goes to what church, and which candidates have crazy pastors and who is pregnant and who wears lip stick - come on. America is looking for better than just a reality show about the candidates - Americans are looking for real debate and real solutions to challenging issues. The debates are great, but how much can we really learn about a candidates policy preferences in a 30 second sound-byte?

What Mr Kennedy has provided us with here is an excuse. An excuse in case Obama is defeated. Obama's defeat, of course, would have nothing to do with his light resume or his questionable decision making skills or people's disagreement with his proposed policies - it was merely because he was black. So the excuse is set. Now, what should the response be? Mr. Kennedy has framed the response to an Obama defeat for us as well:

"This conclusion will be accompanied by bitter disappointment, and in some quarters, stark rage." ""Obama is a once-in-a-lifetime black candidate," wrote a black student in a memo for my course, "our one shot, probably the only real contender that my parents and grandparents will ever see, and maybe the only contender my generation will see. All my hopes ride with him." Imagine the pain of such hopes dashed."

He continued: "If Obama loses, I personally will feel disappointed, frustrated, hurt. I'll conclude that a fabulous opportunity has been lost. I'll believe that American voters have made a huge mistake. And I'll think that an important ingredient of their error is racial prejudice" "If Obama is defeated, I will, for a brief time, be stunned by feelings of dejection, anger and resentment."

If Obama is defeated, then people will feel frustration, anger, maybe even RAGE? Oh my, does this scenario have the makings of another L.A. Riot? It sure sounds like it to me. The table is set, we now have an excuse for if Obama loses - he was black, and now have a proper response - hate, rage, anger, frustration. Emergency Managers take note - Police overtime may be needed on election night!


Washington Post Article