politics
Karl Rove on Palin and election (video)
The Washington Post is very generous in sharing information (well, I guess that is their job). This writer believes that Karl Rove is an excellent example of someone who does things right – but seldom does the right things. This is a man who has successfully shaped American politics the past eight years. This is […]
2Sep2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Karl Rove on Palin and election (video) | Continued
Regarding Attacks on Sarah Palin
Only four days have passed since John McCain announced Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Her relative anonymity has worked for and against McCain’s campaign. With virtually no public track record she has no record to attack. On the other hand, when there is a vacuum of knowledge rumors and nonsense will fill the […]
2Sep2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Regarding Attacks on Sarah Palin | Continued
Liberty Parade Kicks Off Protests for RNC
It is a fine day in Minneapolis. 83 degrees, breezy, and the air is full of political frenzy. Downtown Minneapolis this afternoon was the host to the Liberty Parade, and it was quite a sight. Have a look: Perhaps this is a nice prelude to the theatrics of the week. We will see.
1Sep2008 | bryan | 1 comment | Continued
Barack Obama DNC speech, Video and Text, 8-28-2008
Some speeches are meant to be read, some to be heard. Barack Obama’s style punctuates his rhetoric with exponential force. Obama’s speeches are meant to be heard – delivered by Obama himself. Barack Obama’s prepared speech for the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, August 29, 2008. “Four years ago, I stood before you and […]
31Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Barack Obama DNC speech, Video and Text, 8-28-2008 | Continued
Obama and Biden on 60 Minutes
These are true statesmen. Senator Barack Obama is ready to talk policy – he does not have to attack John McCain for making the most ludicrous choice for Vice President since that guy in 1856.
31Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama and Biden on 60 Minutes | Continued
Governor Palin – a UFO
We live in a dangerous world. Our leaders must be thoughtful, careful, calculated. John McCain has proven himself to be reactionary. Republican or Democrat, we must be proactive in our approach to the world. Reactionary government is something one expects from a totalitarian dictatorship walking the line of collapse. The dictator fears only one thing […]
30Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | Continued
Dichotomies of Political Philosophy
We live in a world of politics – but politics creates strange bedfellows. The Republican nominee for President, John McCain, is about to pick Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for the Vice President spot on the ticket. What a strange turn of events. Governor Palin is a fierce conservative – and that creates a real dichotomy […]
29Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Dichotomies of Political Philosophy | Continued
Joe Biden DNC Speech Text & Video, 8-27-2008
Joe Biden was emotionally introduced by his son Beau. Beau is the Attorney General of the State of Deleware. He is also a Captain in the Army Guard – in a unit that is being activated for duty in Iraq. Beau Biden is on his way to Iraq. Here is the Biden speech: I love […]
28Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Joe Biden DNC Speech Text & Video, 8-27-2008 | Continued
Bill Clinton DNC Speech Text, Video, 8-27-2008
I am honored to be here tonight to support Barack Obama. And to warm up the crowd for Joe Biden, though as you’ll soon see, he doesn’t need any help from me. I love Joe Biden, and America will too. What a year we Democrats have had. The primary began with an all-star line up […]
28Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Bill Clinton DNC Speech Text, Video, 8-27-2008 | Continued
Michelle Obama’s DNC Speech
This is truly a lady of first class stature. This is a person who did not seek public attention – it has been thrust upon her by a successful husband. Mrs. Obama has risen to the occasion. She demonstrates an eloquence missing from the First Lady ranks since Jackie Kennedy. Here she is at the […]
26Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Michelle Obama’s DNC Speech | Continued
A Season for Hope – Ted Kennedy
This writer grew up watching the Kennedy family. We watched and followed John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. We cried with the nation when those great men were assassinated. We were saddened when Senator Ted Kennedy seemed to fail the legacy. But Ted Kennedy is a man who demonstrates that there is salvation in America. […]
26Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Michelle Obama for First Lady
Glamorous, intelligent, kind, good judgment, well spoken, great parent, good taste in men – what is not to like about this lady? She is speaking tonight at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Many people do not know or understand the power of this great lady – a lady this writer would be proud […]
26Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Michelle Obama for First Lady | Continued
Hillary Clinton comments on Joe Biden
This writer just received and email form Hillary Clinton – we will share it here: I want to congratulate Joe Biden on becoming the vice presidential running nominee. Joe is a friend and colleague, a strong experienced leader and a devoted public servant. I look forward to not only seeing him in Denver next week […]
24Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Hillary Clinton comments on Joe Biden | Continued
Obama, McCain, and Elitism
This writer finds the current political process somewhat disheartening. The sadness is that we the people are getting what we ask for. Political sniping has become an essential element of political campaigning. In this video we find Barack Obama pounding John McCain on McCain’s elitist view of the economy. McCain had been asked how many […]
22Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama, McCain, and Elitism | Continued
Broder on Political Conventions
Understanding the American political process is essential to understanding how to vote. The strategies used by candidates to win their party nomination and the subsequent quest for political office reveals a great deal about their thinking processes and their character. The Washington Post is one of this writer’s favorite places to visit for information. The […]
22Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Broder on Political Conventions | Continued
The Bush Library, Top Ten List of Locations
The George W. Bush Presidential Library is headed for the campus of the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and in full George W. Bush fashion it is bundled with a policy institue that is intended to promote the ideas and values of the 43rd President. This would not be a big deal in itself, since […]
20Aug2008 | bryan | Comments Off on The Bush Library, Top Ten List of Locations | Continued
Obama / McCain – with Rick Warren, 8-16-2006
Pastor Rick Warren, the phenomenon of modern Christianity that projects a sense of reasonableness, is hosting an interview with both Barack Obama and John McCain. This is an exciting time because a presumably reasonable man – thick with faith – is going to challenge Obama and McCain on a variety of issues. Thefiresidepost.com will be […]
17Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
McCain Drives Religious Wedge to Promote War
John McCain is driving a deeper wedge of religious animosity to promote his own version of Cowboy Diplomacy. In a speech this morning on the conflict between Russian and Georgia McCain was quick to note that Georgia is a country that has embraced Christianity. Does this religious embrace, by itself, justify their defense. No, an […]
12Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on McCain Drives Religious Wedge to Promote War | Continued
George Bush Started a Joke (Bee Gees Video)
Does anyone think for a minute that George W.l Bush will ever realize the tragedy of his Presidency? He smiles and cavorts around the world, giving profound speeches while sternly looking into the camera. Does he not realize that everyone in the world is laughing at him? Barack Obama was received in foreign lands as […]
11Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on George Bush Started a Joke (Bee Gees Video) | Continued
Eve of Destruction
Growing old does not mean growing smart. People like to say, “It took me a long time to realize that my parents were right.” The suggestion is older people are always smarter – always right. That has not been my experience. I am one who is considered ‘older.’ Some think I am pretty smart – […]
8Aug2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Eve of Destruction | Continued
John Cusack – Serendipity of War
Well now, John Cusack is up in arms. Cusack is that actor who used to make the chic flicks that even the men enjoyed watching. My favorite is ‘Serendipity.” But I like his latest work also. Check this out: [wp_youtube]NQgJl9d5KCQ[/wp_youtube] My first take was wondering what had gotten into John Cusack. I had never seen […]
13Jun2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on John Cusack – Serendipity of War | Continued
Imperialist History of the Presidency
Rarely has any President seen himself as being imperialistic. But Imperialism best defines the actions of past administrations. Rarely have we seen ourselves as “The Evil Empire.” But we should examine the facts. [wp_youtube]L8ZTTsiJupo[/wp_youtube] Alexander Hamilton, while not a President, was a founding father of this country. Hamilton advocated a strong military, and particularly a […]
30May2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Imperialist History of the Presidency | Continued
Self Image of Presidential Candidates
Theodore Roosevelt knew he was the best man for the job. He knew it in his heart and soul. H. W. Brands wrote “T. R. The Last Romantic.” While reviewing the 1904 election Brands writes candidly about Roosevelt,: “Like most great men, and like many who fancy themselves great, Roosevelt convinced himself that his own […]
30May2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Self Image of Presidential Candidates | Continued
Schizophrenic Politics – a Penrose Triangle
The observation of politics is a science and an art. The Love/Hate relationships of candidates create that schizophrenic confusion that befuddles ordinary people. The triangles of relationships is unsettling. Obama and McCain challenge each other – but what is the context? We can follow an argument, or debate if you will, along logical lines – […]
26Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Ron Paul – the Physician Metaphor
Son, Ron Paul is a physician, a doctor, a M. D. Some folks think that qualifies him to be President. He is obviously very intelligent and very well educated. I suspect he knows a thing or two about health care issues. His physician experience is as a flight surgeon in the U. S. Air Force […]
29Dec2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Democratic Debate II – October 30
I posted my last commentary after a half an hour. I was trying to capture actual quotes from the candidates. After posting that hodge-podge of information, I sat back and just listened. I am beside myself with conflict. We have some really fine people running for President on the Democratic ticket. I like Joe Biden. […]
31Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Democratic Debate II – October 30 | Continued
Democratic Debate – October 30 8-8:30 PM
Brian Williams, the moderator, set the stage with his first question to Barack Obama, asking “Why do you think that Hillary Clinton votes like a republican?” Barack answered by explaining the need for change and his take on Hillary is that she is a person steeped in the experience of Washington politics. Then John Edwards […]
31Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Democratic Debate – October 30 8-8:30 PM | Continued
Electoral College: Protecting Minorities
Son, The race is heating up. The next year will see more debate on the value of the Electoral College, the process of electing the President of the United States of America. It is sort of a big deal. The Founding Fathers established a process based on their immense knowledge and understanding of history. They […]
24Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Electoral College: Protecting Minorities | Continued
Barack Obama – Mr. Cool
Son, I’m watching Morning Joe again. They are talking about Barack Obama – Mr. Cool. The reference is to his image versus the manner he is displaying. Barack Obama hit the national scene with the stature of remembered charismatic leaders of the past. People talked about the intelligence of Bill Clinton, the charm of John […]
11Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Fred Thompson, typical modern conservative
Son, Fred Thompson smugly announced his candidacy for president on the Jay Leno Show. I think he was expecting a coronation the next day. It did not happen. I don’t know a great deal about him – mostly what the talking heads report. I do know that he was a United States Senator and then […]
9Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Fred Thompson, typical modern conservative | Continued
politicians and politicking
Son, I did an experiment with two political campaigns. I copied two of our ‘posts’ and then went to two different Presidential Campaign web sites. I ‘pasted’ the copied material into the comments section of the two sites and sent it off. I used Hillary Clinton and John Edwards as my test subjects. I should […]
24Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on politicians and politicking | Continued
Iran and War/Diplomacy
Son, Are we on the path to war with Iran? Even the French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner is saying, “We have to prepare for the worst, and the worst is war.” Robert Gates, the United States Defense Secretary, said, “…all options are on the table.” I hope that means the option of diplomacy. So what […]
24Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Iran and War/Diplomacy | Continued
Conservatives have their say
Son, Someone responded to your concern about where the liberals have gone – They commented with a definition of conservatism. Here it is: ” American Heritage Dictionary – Cite This Source con·ser·va·tism (k?n-sûr’v?-t?z’?m) Pronunciation Key n. 1. The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order. 2. A political philosophy or […]
19Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Conservatives have their say | Continued
McCain/Lieberman? Hmmm…
Dad, It is unfortunate for John McCain that he will not win a republican primary. His party will not put him on the ballot because he does not cater to their ideology. He should give it up and run as an independent on a ticket with Joe Lieberman. Now that would be something to see. […]
13Sep2007 | bryan | Comments Off on McCain/Lieberman? Hmmm… | Continued
Shifting Paradigms – Obama is On Track!
Son, What is the driving mission, vision, philosophy, whatever, of the United States of America? We look to our Constitution for the how-to’s; we look to our leaders for the why-for’s. The national media continues to look to our candidates for office for specific logistical solutions to problems. They continue to look at how-to’s. I […]
12Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Shifting Paradigms – Obama is On Track! | Continued
A letter from Barack Obama…
Dad, I just got this letter from the Obama campaign. I want to share it because it represents why I will vote for him. I believe him. Bryan. ______ Dear Bryan, Six years ago, on a bright and beautiful Tuesday morning, a new kind of enemy came to America’s shores. We will never forget the […]
11Sep2007 | bryan | 2 comments | Continued
George W. Bush Presidential Library
Son, People can be funny, creative, facetious and sarcastic. Our local newspaper has a column called “It’s your call.” They allow people to call in and leave comments. There is little editing and the column gets heavy criticism from local officials. Today there is a clever comment: How about putting the George Bush Presidential Library […]
11Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on George W. Bush Presidential Library | Continued
Liberals and Conservatives
Son, We have received comments from both the left and the right. My observation is that both are irrational. The left present themselves as more witty, more creative, more interesting. The right presented themselves as angry, frustrated, attacking, and belligerent. Such is life. Dad
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Liberals and Conservatives | Continued
Voting for Republicans…
Son, I voted for one Republican for President – and he quit. I have never voted for another. I was conflicted in 1980. I did not like the choices. I voted for the independent John Anderson. I have difficulty imagining the circumstances that would convince me to vote for any Republican for any national office. […]
10Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
So, I’m a Democrat…
Dad, I am becoming keenly aware that there are really three people that are involved in this blog. Me, you, and the reader. Unlike traditional letters, this form of communication is expressly public, and we embrace that difference so that others may benefit from the conversation that takes place here. I have changed the look, […]
5Sep2007 | bryan | Comments Off on So, I’m a Democrat… | Continued
All Politics is local – candidates for President
Son, Speaking of Social Security – who has the best plan? When Franklin D. Roosevelt came up with the idea he cleverly gave his plan a name that few could argue with. Who could argue with the idea of being socially secure – everyone wants that! Forty years later Lyndon B. Johnson added Medicare. Another […]
4Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on All Politics is local – candidates for President | Continued