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Title: Obama: 'We are a better country than this' [excerpts of tonite's speech]
Source:
Boston.com
URL Source: http://www.boston.com/news/politics ... ce/2008/08/obama_we_are_a.html
Published: Aug 28, 2008
Author: Foon Rhee
Post Date: 2008-08-28 20:58:17 by a vast rightwing conspirator
Keywords: None
Views: 564
Comments: 43
Obama: 'We are a better country than this' Email|Link|Comments (227) Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor August 28, 2008 06:45 PM Senator Barack Obama will promise change -- and spells out specifics such as tax cuts for the middle class and an end to dependence on foreign oil in 10 years -- as he accepts the Democratic presidential nomination tonight. Obama also warns that Republican John McCain would mean four more years of President Bush's flawed policies, declaring “America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this.” Here are excerpts of the speech, titled "The American Promise," just released by Obama's campaign: “Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story – of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren’t well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to. “It is that promise that has always set this country apart – that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well. “It is why I stand here tonight. Because for two hundred and thirty two years, at each moment when that promise was in jeopardy, ordinary men and women – students and soldiers, farmers and teachers, nurses and janitors -- found the courage to keep it alive. “We meet at one of those defining moments – a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more. “Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can’t afford to drive, credit card bills you can’t afford to pay and tuition that is beyond your reach “These challenges are not all of government’s making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed presidency of George W. Bush. “America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this.” *** “This moment – this election – is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look just like the last eight. On November 4th, we must stand up and say: “Eight is enough.” “Now let there be no doubt. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude and respect. And next week, we’ll also hear about those occasions when he’s broken with his party as evidence that he can deliver the change that we need. “But the record’s clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush ninety percent of the time. Senator McCain likes to talk about judgment, but really, what does it say about your judgment when you think George Bush was right more than ninety percent of the time? I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to take a ten percent chance on change.” *** “You see, we Democrats have a very different measure of what constitutes progress in this country. “We measure progress by how many people can find a job that pays the mortgage; whether you can put away a little extra money at the end of each month so that you can someday watch your child receive her diploma. We measure progress in the 23 million new jobs that were created when Bill Clinton was President – when the average American family saw its income go up $7,500 instead of down $2,000 like it has under George Bush. “We measure the strength of our economy not by the number of billionaires we have or the profits of the Fortune 500, but by whether someone with a good idea can take a risk and start a business, or whether the waitress who lives on tips can take a day off to look after a sick kid without losing her job – an economy that honors the dignity of work. “The fundamentals we use to measure economic strength are whether we are living up to that fundamental promise that has made this country great – a promise that is the only reason I am standing here tonight.” *** “That’s the promise we need to keep. That’s the change we need right now. So let me spell out exactly what that change would mean if I am President. . “Change means a tax code that doesn’t reward the lobbyists who wrote it, but the American workers and small businesses who deserve it. “Unlike John McCain, I will stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship our jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America. “I will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. “I will cut taxes – cut taxes – for 95% of all working families. Because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class. “And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as President: in ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East. “Washington has been talking about our oil addiction for the last thirty years, and John McCain has been there for twenty-six of them. In that time, he’s said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investments in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels. And today, we import triple the amount of oil as the day that Senator McCain took office. “Now is the time to end this addiction, and to understand that drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution. Not even close. “As President, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I’ll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I’ll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I’ll invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy – wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and five million new jobs that pay well and can’t ever be outsourced.” *** “We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don’t tell me that Democrats won’t defend this country. Don’t tell me that Democrats won’t keep us safe. The Bush-McCain foreign policy has squandered the legacy that generations of Americans -- Democrats and Republicans – have built, and we are to restore that legacy. “As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm’s way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home. “I will end this war in Iraq responsibly, and finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts. But I will also renew the tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. I will build new partnerships to defeat the threats of the 21st century: terrorism and nuclear proliferation; poverty and genocide; climate change and disease. And I will restore our moral standing so that America is once more the last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future.”
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#1. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)
After you've done all this, may I have a new Lexus? Thank you, my savior. (Where do I pick up the keys?)
A nation of idiots, ruled by tyrants.
Odin promised me my 2001 'Stang will last 130K miles but Obama and McCain are sadly absent when it comes to my self-serving bullshit.
And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking every one after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness. - T. S. Eliot
Translation... "Bush and I agree, the Army and Marines need 100,000 more men. We will need "volunteers" to serve their country."
:))) I got a 2001 'Stang GT. Black. Serious leather. I believe it's close to 100,000 but it feels as good as new. Not one major failure yet. I think It'll reach 130,000 easy.
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
Where is my new Lexus? Dammit! BHO, I want my new ride. Now!
A nation of idiots, ruled by tyrants.
You realise I'm gonna call you Richie Rich from here on out don't you? :) Seriously though, I drive my V6 hard, and it's never left me stranded, or even required anything more than scheduled maintenance. Like Lido said: if you can find a better car...
And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking every one after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness. - T. S. Eliot
Held up at Southern Poverty Law Center nuisance trial?
And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking every one after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness. - T. S. Eliot
Pretty quiet 'round these parts tonight...are the REST of you actually WATCHING this BS on the tube tonight???
Well... the last set of tires, I got from Walmart so, I don't mind if you call me Richie Rich.
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
sunbeams are never made like me And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking every one after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness. - T. S. Eliot
Should I have scotch or cognac with the speech?
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
I love hi-mileage touring tires. I'm not looking to shave .003 off my E/T, it's a lot more fun to get the car closer to being out of control.
And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking every one after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness. - T. S. Eliot
i think not. i think alot of folks have tuned out completely.
Do You Know What Freedom Really Means? Freedom4um.com
Either, in massive quantity, should do the job. Cheers!
A nation of idiots, ruled by tyrants.
I think 4 fingers of "Four Roses" would be a more appropriate beverage. Not that I would drink it myself but then I refuse to watch the Circus as well. I have a strong stomach but there are limits.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
AH....I'm watching college football. The nation isn't ready for HIM, but afa a recruitment tool, he's a poster boy. Go BO!
I would think this would be a cognac evening for Obama supporters...
Anybody who votes for Obama just for this right here is insane, we all saw what happened to the Clinton middle-class tax cut: largest peace-time tax hike in U.S. history.
It's OK. I'm sure that after two or three years of an O'bummer administration, the average American will feel the same amount of raw, seething liquid anger that I currently feel for the RepukingCons. Only it won't just be for the Pederast Child-Raping Corporate Whorebait RepukingCons, it will be for BOTH parties. At that point, with any luck, things will start to get really interesting...
#2. To: lodwick (#1)
#3. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)
. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts.
#4. To: Dakmar (#2)
(Edited)
#5. To: Dakmar, all (#2)
#6. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#4)
2001 'Stang GT. Black. Serious leather.
#7. To: lodwick (#5)
Where is my new Lexus?
#8. To: lodwick (#5)
Remember...G-d saved more animals than people on the ark. www.siameserescue.org
#9. To: Dakmar (#6)
#10. To: who knows what evil (#8)
#11. To: who knows what evil (#8)
#12. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#9)
the last set of tires, I got from Walmart
#13. To: who knows what evil (#8)
#14. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#11)
Should I have scotch or cognac with the speech?
#15. To: a vast rightwing conspirator, who knows what evil, all (#11)
Should I have scotch or cognac with the speech?
#16. To: who knows what evil (#8)
Pretty quiet 'round these parts tonight...are the REST of you actually WATCHING this BS on the tube tonight???
#17. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#11)
Remember...G-d saved more animals than people on the ark. www.siameserescue.org
#18. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)
tax cuts for the middle class
-Schweizerische Schutzenseitunt (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
#19. To: Original_Intent (#15)
 | Gold and silver are REAL money, paper is but a promise. |
#20. To: who knows what evil (#17)
I am having French cognac. Obama is ripping McCain a series of new a-holes, in real time. He's almost as good as Hitler and he's getting better every day while McCain is a ridiculous imitation of Mussolini and all he does is he's marching to the grave or maybe to some insane asylum.
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
#21. To: lodwick (#1)
No but Obama promised you a new Chevy tonite.
After you've done all this, may I have a new Lexus?
"A leader, for a change." - Jimmy Carter, 1976 campaign slogan. Sound familiar? Here it comes again!
#22. To: Elliott Jackalope (#19)
Well said! Very well said. Thanks.
I'm sure that after two or three years of an O'bummer administration, the average American will feel the same amount of raw, seething liquid anger that I currently feel for the RepukingCons. Only it won't just be for the Pederast Child-Raping Corporate Whorebait RepukingCons, it will be for BOTH parties. At that point, with any luck, things will start to get really interesting...
A nation of idiots, ruled by tyrants.
#23. To: Elliott Jackalope (#19)
It'll take more than Obama passing new anti-2nd Amendment laws, Clinton proved that his first term.
I'm sure that after two or three years of an O'bummer administration, the average American will feel the same amount of raw, seething liquid anger that I currently feel for the RepukingCons.
-Schweizerische Schutzenseitunt (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
#24. To: mirage (#21)
Turd - I wanted a Lexus. Lying creep.
No but Obama promised you a new Chevy tonite.
A nation of idiots, ruled by tyrants.
#25. To: X-15 (#18)
If Obomber is coming after the real perps of 9-11, does that mean he'll light up DC? I can buy into that.
#26. To: Jethro Tull (#25)
unlike mcCain, obama's gonna go git that bin laden 911 perp in the cave where he lives!
Do You Know What Freedom Really Means? Freedom4um.com
#27. To: lodwick (#24)
At least Obama will let you have the gun of his choice - not yours. I'm watching the speech here and I see the Federal Register doubling in size as a result. Oh, at least he threw Affirmative Action under the bus. There is SOME good to him.
Lying creep.
"A leader, for a change." - Jimmy Carter, 1976 campaign slogan. Sound familiar? Here it comes again!
#28. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)
I didn't know your hero had that kind of money. Maybe he can "invest" some of it in books like The Law and he and his old lady can take some time out from thinking up more socialist schemes and actually learn something honest. Of course an actual thought, especially an honest one, would probably bust their heads.
And I’ll invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
Lord Acton
#29. To: christine (#26)
I understand he sells magic carpets at local Afghanistan bazaars. I think this can be done.
#30. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#20)
By the time his term is over, assuming he gets elected, you may even say that he is every bit as "good" as Hitler. I think he is more along the lines of Lenin and Stalin but he might secretly admire Hitler too--and Napoleon.
Obama...He's almost as good as Hitler...
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
Lord Acton
#31. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#11)
I think you should drink a gallon of each. And chug them.
Should I have scotch or cognac with the speech?
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
Lord Acton
#32. To: James Deffenbach (#30)
Has anyone ID'd that little lapel pin he's wearing?
#33. To: Jethro Tull (#29)
i believe. i believe.
Do You Know What Freedom Really Means? Freedom4um.com
#34. To: who knows what evil (#8)
I would think anyone who had any grass they could watch grow or paint they could watch dry would have something better to do than listen to any of the establishment whores like Obama and McCain.
Pretty quiet 'round these parts tonight...are the REST of you actually WATCHING this BS on the tube tonight???
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
Lord Acton
#35. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)
What about, "as Commander-in-Chief" you get a declaration of war from the Congress before you send any troops into harm's way, you dumb b@$tard? Another eftard who thinks that the oath they are all required to take is just for show and doesn't apply to him.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm’s way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
Lord Acton
#36. To: Jethro Tull (#32)
Not me. I don't look at him any more than I have to and that isn't much.
Has anyone ID'd that little lapel pin he's wearing?
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
Lord Acton
#37. To: christine (#26)
Yeah, sure he is. And going to invest a ton of his own money--"$150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy"--and not expect other people to pay for his schemes and inventions. Who woulda thunk it, eh?
unlike mcCain, obama's gonna go git that bin laden 911 perp in the cave where he lives!
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
Lord Acton
#38. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)
Give me a hint as to why I should care what he says. You're worse than arguing about a tempest in a teacup. I'd scream, but I have no mouth.
We cannot afford peace at any price. - Newt Gingrich, May 29, 1998
#39. To: mirage (#21)
No but Obama promised you a new Chevy tonite. Oh, goody. The official ride of the Barrio - "It's a Chehvee man". "Nice fuzzy dice too."
After you've done all this, may I have a new Lexus?
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
#40. To: Original_Intent (#39)
You're about as likely to get one of those new Volkswagens as win the lottery. Go through Government and SHUT DOWN programs? I'll let the Bunny do the speaking for me. 
"A leader, for a change." - Jimmy Carter, 1976 campaign slogan. Sound familiar? Here it comes again!
#41. To: James Deffenbach (#30)
More like Mussolini. The Italian Fascists invented merging Corporations and Government. What did Obama propose tonite in his speech? Yep. Exactly that. He'll subsidize everything and everyone! Il Duce lives!
I think he is more along the lines of Lenin and Stalin but he might secretly admire Hitler too--and Napoleon.
"A leader, for a change." - Jimmy Carter, 1976 campaign slogan. Sound familiar? Here it comes again!
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