What is Sarah Palin Doing?

The media is a buzz with Sarah Palin as she scoots around Washington DC this Memorial Day weekend on the back of a motorcycle. This is the kick off for her bus tour in which details are very sketchy. The purpose of the tour seems odd. Titled the “One Nation Tour” she is launching a campaign to “Educate and energize Americans about our nation’s founding principles, in order to promote the Fundamental Restoration of America.” All this with her family in tow. Lofty goals for a former vice presidential candidate.

I do not have an issue with Sarah Palin wanting to educate American’s about its founding principles or really anything for that matter. I think that educating Americans is a noble act in any form. However, I’m greatly confused by Sarah Palin’s intentions. Part of me wants to believe that she simply wants to check out the east coast historical sites, and teach people about fundamentally restoring America. However, it just doesn’t exactly add up.  It seems odd that she would want to launch this bus tour that she claims is not a tour bus, stating that, "This isn't a campaign bus, this is a bus to be able to express to America how much we appreciate our foundation.”

Seems like a big bus and a big deal just to express thanks. Seems awful campaigny to me. Pair the bus with speeches, very public stops, and pandering to the likes of bikers and veterans this just feels like she wants to be running for president. Although her comment was that she’s still “contemplating that.”

Today she’s going to be in Philadelphia, but the rest of her trip details are pretty out there. If you visit her website advertised on the side of her bus http://sarahpac.com you will not find an itinerary, rather you find information about Palin along with a request for donations. It seems strange that she needs to request donations for essentially a family vacation.

 Basically, if she isn’t planning to launch a campaign then she’s really wasting lots of time and money. Secondly, if she is planning to launch a campaign it seems ridiculous that she isn’t even giving significant media interviews and drawing attention to real campaign issues. She does immediately have media attention. All eyes seem to be on her instantly whenever she decides to do anything. I guess I just am looking for more answers in regards to what this whole tour means. Does it mean she’s going to run or is this just some pre-run run, or is it simply an educational tour? Which also raises a question. How is she qualified to educate about the foundations of America?

Do you think that Sarah Palin is going to run for 2012 or not? Please go visit http://thevotereffect.com and visit this issue and answer this question. Interact with others who agree or disagree with you politically. Join the effect!!!

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/30/palin-swings-national-archives-presidential-plans-remain-mystery/?test=latestnews

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The Appeal of the Donald

A couple of weeks ago Donald Trump announced the he will not be running for the GOP nomination in 2012. I was quite frankly not surprised about this announcement. Do I like Donald Trump? I’m sure you are just dying to know this humble blogger’s opinion. As an entertainer? Yes. As a political candidate? Not hardly. However, the past couple of weeks have me reflecting on Trump as we’ve seen him the past few months and 

I have come to terms with him and some of the things that he said.

Donald Trump was never going to run for office. A presidential candidate has a lengthy financial disclosure form to fill out. Actually form is not completely true. It is more like a financial disclosure book they have to fill out. That alone would cause the multi-billionaire who has filed for bankruptcy to shy away from the candidacy. He was never planning on running for president.

 I think most Americans were well aware of that fact. Donald Trump loves nothing more than publicity. He doesn't even care if he sounds a little crazy to get it. Just look at his hair. He’s not afraid of critics, that’s for sure. That is where the charisma of Trump comes in. Because he never planned on running for president he had the freedom to say whatever struck him. He was not concerned about upsetting anyone. He wasn’t trying to get elected; he was trying to get attention. He achieved his goal in short order. He had the attention of all major media outlets, most of the American people, Twitter, and even the President of the United States. Not bad for a reality TV star/entrepreneur.

Other candidates could learn from Trump. Not the outlandish comments that he made. Most people didn't agree with the pressure he put on Obama to release the long form of his birth certificate. However, what they could learn from is his willingness to share his opinion no matter what others thought. I believe that we mostly saw and heard the real opinions of Donald Trump. I do not think we often get the real opinions of candidates. They live in fear of not getting elected. Candidates, I challenge you to run as if you don’t care if you get elected. Say what’s on your mind no matter what anyone thinks, and let us know the real you. 

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Political Frustration

I have to admit. I am typically very positive about our political officials. I believed long before the Gabby Gifford’s tragedy that Congress people have a difficult and dangerous job. I have always believed that they wanted what was best for the United States and take their job seriously. I’ve often felt that in the general scheme of the United States they really don’t make THAT much money for the important job they do. However, I’m feeling quite different at this point. Mostly in part to following the government much more closely on http://thevotereffect.com.

Through my monitoring of this site I am quite frankly annoyed and disappointed in Congress. Seems to me that they have accomplished very little, budget compromise aside, this session and I’m beginning to feel that very little is usually accomplished in Congress. I’m also beginning to greatly understand the phrase, “It will take an act of Congress.”  Anytime I feel like the ball might be rolling and important conversations might be starting it is time for a House or Senate recess. They seem to recess more than they work. How’s that for a cynical statement?

I often used to be frustrated by people who liked to rip on the government, but I find myself becoming one of those people. When becoming informed I think that the outrageousness of our government really becomes apparent and glaring. First, we have partisan battles waging when we face a major crisis if we do not raise the debt ceiling. Additionally, we face a crisis education that has not been addressed despite the fact that it was an Obama campaign promise along with countless other representatives. Lastly, if you watch any form of news all that is being talked about right now is the 2012 presidential candidates. Yes, 2012 is right around the corner, but I think that so much more could be done long before that. The American people wait patiently as Congress does whatever it is that Congress does and really get very little return on our vote for them.

I know that I sound grouchy right now because I am.  The good news is that with all of my frustrations lead me to a logical and comforting solution. I can keep track of my Congressperson easily and make sure that they are doing what I sent them to do. I do this through The Voter Effect. http://thevotereffect.com is a site where anyone can follow bills, vote on bills, and track and follow their representatives. Becoming informed is the key to becoming a more informed citizen. Many say that ignorance is bliss, however, I find it incredibly important to be informed. Information is really bliss, and having access to information about our government that is unbiased is relatively new for the American people. It is time for all of us to get informed, get involved, and maybe get a little outraged. It is time for Washington to change rather than Washington changing everyone who goes there. This change will be driven by social media and http://thevotereffect.com is just the change social media can bring.

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A Letter to the President

Dear President Obama,

During the 2008 election you revolutionized campaigning by tapping into social networking sites and generating a following that has never been tapped into before.  Through your use of email, Facebook, Myspace, texting, and Youtube you were able to captivate an audience that was relatively untouched by your opposing party and candidates. Undoubtedly you were able to receive information and feedback from using these sites when typically you would not have had the opportunity to receive this information.  Would it not be great to have access to a social networking site that blends politics, giving legislators and political leaders’ access to real time information while they are in office?

You might be interested to know that a site exists that does just that while is revolutionizing the way constituents interact with their government. The site is called The Voter Effect (http://thevotereffect.com) This site is social networking meets politics in a most interesting way.  The people who use the site are given access to bills that are introduced in Congress. Members of the site are able to vote on the bills and that information is then passed onto their representatives. Representatives can receive real-time information on bills that are in Congress. In addition to bills users at The Voter Effect are able to raise issues. Issues that are discussed range from Bin Laden to healthcare. Through the raising of issues Representatives and other constituents are able to get a pulse on how the American people are feeling in regards to issues facing their government. Plus, our country will be stronger overall if all of our citizens become more active in their government.

You proved during the 2008 election that a vast number of people can become politically involved if those people are found, informed, and given the opportunity to give their feedback. The Voter Effect is taking this theme and inspiring people to believe that they can have a voice in their government. The site is also holding representatives accountable and showing them that can do a better job of representing their constituents and listening to them rather than special interest groups.  During your January State of the Union you charged Americans with the responsibility of following their representatives and holding their feet to the fire. The Voter Effect is helping people become more active in their government as we speak. Stop by, check it out, get access as an official today and see how people are voting and feeling about issues and bills that are facing America today!  Mr. President, we believe in your words, that “innovation will lead the way.”

Respectfully yours,

The Voter Effect

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Obama is the Hero for Today

…But, will it be enough to carry him through 2012? President Obama will go down in history as the president who did what Clinton and Bush Jr. could not do. He and his intelligence were able to take down the man behind 9-11 and numerous other terrorist attacks. Most importantly for Obama, he was able to make good on one of his campaign promises, a feat which has proved to be difficult for Obama amidst a divided Congress and the emergence of the Tea Party.

According to John Brennan, the Deputy National Security Advisor, the call Obama made “one of the gutsiest calls of any president in recent memory.” He was also quoted saying that this is a “defining moment in the war on terror.”Most Americans agree that this is an incredible victory for the military, president, and American people. Obama decided to take a risk when it wasn’t certain that they knew exactly where Bin Laden was. The timing of all this isn’t bad either considering that Obama is up for reelection in 18 months. 

Obama is not using this for his own gain. He humbly spoke about what happened and how it affects each of us as Americans. He delivered huge on one of his major campaign promises. However, he is making little to no mention about any of these points. Instead he thanks and credits the US Military forces.  In his speech he reminds us that even in our darkest moment we were united regardless of religion or where we came from as one American family after the 9-11 crisis. He reminded Americans of our resolve to protect our nation and bring those who launched the attacks to justice. He was poignant and reflective, rather than cocky and arrogant. It was one of his finest moments and most defining moments of his presidency.

Yes, there are people out there that are criticizing Obama and saying that he deserves little credit for what was done, but at this moment no matter what your political affiliation it is a time to celebrate our president for making the tough decisions, and our military for carrying out the mission. There is no time to criticize today. Plus, the comment that Obama only did this to raise his ratings is utterly ridiculous. All of that aside people will definitely take this into consideration as they have the opportunity to vote for Obama in 2012.

As Obama reminded all of us during his Sunday night speech the war on terror is not over, and it is important to remember that Bin Laden was not the only anti-American leader in the world. Rather there are more and I caution Americans before they celebrate too much. As the munchkins celebrated the killing of the Wicked Witch of the East they were not suspecting the arrival of the Wicked Witch of the West. What was worse for the munchkins is that the Witch of the West was far worse than the Witch of the East. Although some feel safer with Bin Laden gone, it is important that we remember that he wasn’t the only and certainly won’t be the last to threaten our security. At http://thevotereffect.com the question asked was, “Is the safety of our nation at greater risk with the death of Bin Laden on our hands?” 68% of users agreed that yes, US safety is at greater risk with the death of Bin Laden on our hands.  As for the 32% who believe that our safety is not at risk I caution them to not be too confident. All in all today is a day that will be remembered for decades to come and one that will ultimately define Obama’s presidency.

According to John Brennan, the Deputy National Security Advisor, the call Obama made “one of the gutsiest calls of any president in recent memory.” He was also quoted saying that this is a “defining moment in the war on terror.”Most Americans agree that this is an incredible victory for the military, president, and American people. Obama decided to take a risk when it wasn’t certain that they knew exactly where Bin Laden was. The timing of all this isn’t bad either considering that Obama is up for reelection in 18 months. 

Obama is not using this for his own gain. He humbly spoke about what happened and how it affects each of us as Americans. He delivered huge on one of his major campaign promises. However, he is making little to no mention about any of these points. Instead he thanks and credits the US Military forces.  In his speech he reminds us that even in our darkest moment we were united regardless of religion or where we came from as one American family after the 9-11 crisis. He reminded Americans of our resolve to protect our nation and bring those who launched the attacks to justice. He was poignant and reflective, rather than cocky and arrogant. It was one of his finest moments and most defining moments of his presidency.

Yes, there are people out there that are criticizing Obama and saying that he deserves little credit for what was done, but at this moment no matter what your political affiliation it is a time to celebrate our president for making the tough decisions, and our military for carrying out the mission. There is no time to criticize today. Plus, the comment that Obama only did this to raise his ratings is utterly ridiculous. All of that aside people will definitely take this into consideration as they have the opportunity to vote for Obama in 2012.

As Obama reminded all of us during his Sunday night speech the war on terror is not over, and it is important to remember that Bin Laden was not the only anti-American leader in the world. Rather there are more and I caution Americans before they celebrate too much. As the munchkins celebrated the killing of the Wicked Witch of the East they were not suspecting the arrival of the Wicked Witch of the West. What was worse for the munchkins is that the Witch of the West was far worse than the Witch of the East. Although some feel safer with Bin Laden gone, it is important that we remember that he wasn’t the only and certainly won’t be the last to threaten our security. At http://thevotereffect.com the question asked was, “Is the safety of our nation at greater risk with the death of Bin Laden on our hands?” 68% of users agreed that yes, US safety is at greater risk with the death of Bin Laden on our hands.  As for the 32% who believe that our safety is not at risk I caution them to not be too confident. All in all today is a day that will be remembered for decades to come and one that will ultimately define Obama’s presidency.

Go to Washington every, single, day. Join http://thevotereffect.com today!

Mr. Trump, You’re being Ridiculous!

I think everyone is hesitant to take on The Donald. Especially given what happened to Rosie O’Donnell during the 2006 fight where Trump personally, professionally, and even financially threatened her on television. All this because O’Donnell gave her opinion on Trump giving a beauty queen a second chance. I have written one other blog about Trump and swore no more no matter HOW MUCH he tries to work his way into the spotlight. I vowed I was done giving him my attention in anyway shape or form. However, this week I feel that Trump was utterly ridiculous. Ridiculous to the point of offensive. Sometimes you just go too far, you know? So despite what we’ve seen happen before when someone calls Trump out, I’m calling him out.

 No one would argue that Trump is opinionated and oftentimes ruthless. He says what he means, and means what he says. Obviously he’s gained all new traction with his recent birther movement, DEMANDING that Obama show his birth certificate. (Yes, in addition to the one he’s already shown that Trump did not deem worthy enough.) So Obama eventually gives into the birthers, despite telling them numerous times that they had too much to do to worry about items so trivial, and sends his lawyer to Hawaii to obtain a copy of the long form of the birth certificate. Beaming with pride, Trump credits himself for being the only one who could ever make this happen. Just when we think Trump can’t top his “beating a dead horse issue” for the year he decides to start an additional campaign. To get Obama’s grades and figure out WHY he would ever be welcomed into an ivy league for no other reason than affirmative action. Quite frankly I find it disgusting.

If Trump would like to attack Obama then attack on the issues. There are many, many issues to attack him on that are relevant and actually pertinent to his reelection. Making a big deal out of an issue like his birthplace or grades is so 2008. Attack on the real issues, such as the fact that Obama promised to close Guantanamo, promised to raise taxes on the richest of Americans, or promised to end no-bid contracts for over $25,000 all of which are campaign promises broken. Those are issues where Trump could gain some ground against Obama. Real ground. Not petty fake ground where he only rallied those who believe in conspiracy theories. If he wants to attack the man attack him with the truth, not waste of time lies.

Currently at http://thevotereffect.com a couple issues surrounding Trump have been voted and commented upon. The first being, “Is Donald Trump a viable presidential candidate?” According to The Voter Effect users, 72.6% say no, 27.4% saying yes. Check out the full issue and comment here: http://www.thevotereffect.com/public_issues/ That’s close to only a quarter of users agreeing that Trump would make a good candidate. Early last week the issue was raised, “Is the birther issue old?” http://www.thevotereffect.com/public_issues/ Overwhelmingly 79.2% said yes it is old while only a mere 20.8% said no it isn’t old. You can vote on this issue and countless others as well as comment  at http://thevotereffect.com.

I’m not sure what Trump will do. He may keep crying foul on Obama and yip at his ankles like a maladjusted yorkie demanding the attention of the president. Or he may wake up and realize that in fact this country does have bigger fish to fry than if our president made the grades to get into Harvard. I hazard a guess that the GOP cringes when Trump aligns himself with their party because quite frankly I doubt that many of the true members of the GOP agree with anything that he’s doing at this point. Many people don’t have jobs, we are in two wars with an unstable Middle East, crazy weather keeping everyone on their toes, and a Congress that has done next to nothing since they began their session in January. So, Mr. Trump we don’t have time for your antics, name calling, and busywork creating for the President. Please move on and talk about something serious for a change.  

Go to Washington every, single, day. Join http://thevotereffect.com today!