tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369533832024-03-23T14:04:50.746-04:00The Commonwealth CommentNews from the streets of Boston to the halls of Washington through the eyes of a young journalist.James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-72315439323608207872009-12-18T15:20:00.001-05:002009-12-18T15:20:53.435-05:00AHS student newspaper moves online | SouthCoastToday.com<a href=http://shar.es/aDJ5h>AHS student newspaper moves online | SouthCoastToday.com</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-27683051475489662082009-12-03T15:55:00.004-05:002009-12-03T16:30:07.528-05:00Afghanistan, Time to Finish the Job<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.onepennysheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/chat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 308px;" src="http://www.onepennysheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/chat.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On Tuesday evening, President Obama set out on keeping one of his main promises, refocusing the United States' attention on Afghanistan.<br /><br />In the face of vicious conservative critics who relentlessly screamed about the president taking his time on making a decision on the next move in Afghanistan, Mr. Obama kept his cool. At West Point, he laid out a plan for an additional 30,000 U.S. soldiers on the group in Afghanistan, in addition to several thousand more NATO ally troops. He also noted that depending on the situation like to handover control of the war torn country's security to Afghan forces, and begin withdrawal of troops in July 2011.<br /><br />Here's my take:<br /><br />The president has angered folks on either side of the aisle. Conservatives who have been praying for the president to fail, are actually willing to support him. But, they're shouting that he should not have set a date for a troop withdrawal...in other words don't have an exit strategy...like another country the U.S. is currently occupying. Scare tactics at their worst.<br /><br />Liberals are upset with sending thousands of soldiers to Afghanistan to fight terrorist cells and the oppressive Taliban, both of which have reemerged in the country since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. They would rather focus on the domestic agenda.<br /><br />In my mind, President Obama has made the right call. For the last six years, Afghanistan has been virtually ignored in the shadow of Iraq. Al-Qaeda and the Taliban have come back along the boarder or Pakistan, and pose a greater threat. The addition of 30,000 troops will help dismantle and destroy the terrorist group's operations and force the Taliban out again. In 2001, U.S. forces accomplished these goals in a matter of months, and practically had Osama bin Laden in their grasps. But, the Bush administration took their eye off the ball.<br /><br />Setting a timetable for the transfer of power and the withdrawal of troops is necessary. It signals to the people of the United States that the government is committed to ending the conflict. But more importantly, it sends a strong message to the people of Afghanistan that the United States is not an occupying power, and to the Afghan government that the country and its security will soon be its own responsibility.<br /><br />It may be hard to realize it in the midst of an economic recovery, becommitting the country to Afghanistan is extremely important if we as a nation are truly determined to defeat Al-Qaeda. In the 1980s, when the United States helped the Afghans defeat the occupying Soviet Union, we made a major mistake. We did not follow through and help the Afghan people establish infrastructure and build their country. It left Afghanistan's government, but more importantly, its people vulnerable to Islamic extremism and anti-American sentiment.<br /><br />After 8 long years of this war, and 6 years of little or no progress, it is time to finish the job.James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-32791342901923791662009-10-09T15:51:00.009-04:002009-10-09T16:39:55.279-04:00Obama's Nobel Shocker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdnovaGTh4kXrxpzEQz_DY4iUwQCy603__FNSjTDaUj1vuiOEwARoZrUeBDoq1bOza5cOmtoXlyNzhL2FhyEqG3_xFS0JMvDlZx4RAgHvbDLpICZISuZmImW3wI_dPGEaLJsRxA/s1600-h/obamapeace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdnovaGTh4kXrxpzEQz_DY4iUwQCy603__FNSjTDaUj1vuiOEwARoZrUeBDoq1bOza5cOmtoXlyNzhL2FhyEqG3_xFS0JMvDlZx4RAgHvbDLpICZISuZmImW3wI_dPGEaLJsRxA/s200/obamapeace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390702440193203426" border="0" /></a>
<br /> <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/jamesoleary/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";" >This morning, the president and the rest of the world woke up to some pretty surprising news.<span style=""> </span>He had been selected as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";" >President Obama joins only a select few U.S. Presidents in the category of Nobel Peace Prize winners.<span style=""> </span>Only three other presidents have received the honor.<span style=""> </span>The first was Theodore Roosevelt for the Portsmouth Treaty, which ended the Russo-Japanese War.<span style=""> </span>Woodrow Wilson earned his prize for the Treaty of Versailles, ending World War I.<span style=""> </span>In 2002, former President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work through The Carter Center.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";" >President Obama has been selected for creating, “a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts.”<span style=""> </span>The Nobel Committee went on to say, “Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Already the question is being asked, “Does President Obama deserve this award?” After all, he’s been in office for less than a year and has accomplished very little thus far. Additionally, he’s in the middle of deciding a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, which may involve a surge in troops to the region.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >The president himself said this morning, “To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize — men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >I’ve taken some time to think about the arguments for and against the president winning this award, and after thinking about it for the last several hours; I have to agree with the Nobel committee.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >He has completely changed course in terms of international politics from his predecessor.<span style=""> </span>There appears to no longer be a mentality of “you’re either with us or against us” when we think of our allies in the world.<span style=""> </span>President Obama has reached out to people of all nations, creeds, and religions in hope of a more peaceful world.<span style=""> </span>At home, he has inspired a new generation of young Americans to be involved in the political process.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >So, while it may be true that the president has little accomplishments to hang his hat on just yet, he is absolutely correct when he says this award should be viewed as a call to action.<span style=""> </span>The international community is behind the United States’ peace efforts and this honor to our president is one big “Yes We Can”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNbtHq3Ocf6kCz6fp4RZf01Z7qZF2tD3MKWjPhsFCkzBqTiIWynJzqS8xfBjN8spN2x2yAHtVwoqhFWwZF8X0LmgAre4qVinOCtqvYf-0uCQXyBzyJjN2oKBPAJjSQpocOAkZuA/s1600-h/obamapeace.jpg"> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></p> </a><object height="340" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/52b5IHxqHrk&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/52b5IHxqHrk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="400"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-14557984215763618602009-08-28T12:50:00.005-04:002009-08-28T14:21:02.492-04:00And the dream shall never die<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2008/08/27/f-ted-kennedy260.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2008/08/27/f-ted-kennedy260.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My alarm clock buzzed at 6:00 this morning. I wanted to get to the <a href="http://www.jfklibrary.org/">John F. Kennedy Presidential Library</a> early. The line waiting to pay respects to the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy stretched across the UMass Boston campus the night before and thousands of people waited long hours for only a few moments to say goodbye. I pinned a Kennedy campaign button to my shirt and headed out the door.<br /><br />I met my friend, Nicolette, at the Park Street T station at 7:30 and we were on the red line to JFK/UMass in no time. Once we arrived in Dorchester, we were squished onto a shuttle with other Kennedy admirers to bring us to the JFK Library.<br /><br />Our stint in the long line started at 8:00. It was a tremendous group of diverse people. Young, old, black, white, Asian, and even more. There was even a large <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/gallery/082709_kennedy_lays_in_state?pg=16">Native American man dressed in full Pequot robes</a> present to pay tribute to the senator. The Reverend Jesse Jackson even made his way along the line shaking hands before making his way into the library.<br /><br />As Nicolette and I made it through the doors (after about 45 minutes in line), we were immediately greeted by large photos of Ted Kennedy as a boy with his brothers Jack and Bobby, and as an older senator. The flag draped casket was sitting in the Smith Room overlooking the ocean, Boston's skyline was silhouetted beyond the water. There is no better place for the senator to lie in repose.<br /><br />The room was in complete silence as we circled around the casket. I said a short, silent prayer for the senator and his family. The whole tone was extremely respectful. I got to the far side of the room and was greeted by the outstretched hand of Kara Kennedy, Ted's daughter. She thanked me for coming, and I in return thanked her for sharing her father with all of us. She then notice <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=390085392034">my button</a>, which reads "If I were 21, I'd vote for Kennedy". With a smile she jokingly asked if I was 21 yet. I laughed and told her yes, and that I voted for her father in his last campaign.<br /><br />Once I was back outside, I walked over and placed a small thank you note to the senator among the flowers sitting against the building.<br /><br />The Kennedys have so much money and influence. They could keep it all to themselves and live down on Cape Cod without a care in the world. But instead, they use it to advance the cause of all people and that those in need. They live by the bible verse Luke 12:48, "Of those to whom much is given, much is expected." So, he has championed civil rights, women's rights, higher minimum wage, education reform, universal healthcare, among countless other issues.<br /><br />If we all do our best to live our lives in the service of others, we can assure that Senator Ted Kennedy's dream will never die.<br /><br />God Bless you, Senator Kennedy, and thank you for your service.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a2r9mQ7bUco&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a2r9mQ7bUco&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="344"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-44776821184463639442009-08-17T23:44:00.003-04:002009-08-18T00:28:26.797-04:00Weapons at Obama Rallies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/08/17/obama.protest.rifle/art.obama.gun.pool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 246px;" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/08/17/obama.protest.rifle/art.obama.gun.pool.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Heathcare reform is a touchy subject in the United States these days. But outside of events where the President of the United States is speaking in favor of heathcare reform, some opponents are packing heat.<br /><br />In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, an opponent of President Obama's proposal had a handgun strapped to his leg. Today outside of the president's speech at the VFW convention in Arizona, 2 protesters were carrying automatic assault rifles. One of them was in possession of an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR-15">AR-15 assault rifle</a> and shouted anti-Obama rhetoric.<br /><br />Sounds illegal, right? Wrong. Arizona is called an <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/USA_Carry_Map.jpg/700px-USA_Carry_Map.jpg">open-carry state</a>, which means people are allowed to carry firearms in public as long as they are visible. So, these folks are being defended as just exercising their Second Amendment rights...<br /><br />The Second Amendment to the Constitution reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."<br /><br />Last time I checked, a couple of guys shouting about the president while holding assault rifles doesn't qualify as a militia, and it is far from being well regulated.<br /><br />Guns and flaring tempers are a bad mix, especially when the first African-American president in the nation's history is the target of the outrage. NO ONE SHOULD BE ALLOWED NEAR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WITH A LOADED FIREARM!<br /><br />How about instead of exercising Second Amendment rights, the people opposed to President Obama's healthcare reform proposal try exercising some common sense?James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-21736358737061123072009-07-08T22:50:00.004-04:002009-07-08T23:28:12.853-04:00Baker Joins the Race<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/28/2009/07/08/320x240/charliebakerPIX.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/28/2009/07/08/320x240/charliebakerPIX.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Just days after Timothy Cahill announced he's leaving the Dems in the dust for a likely run at governor is 2010, another man has thrown his hat into the ring. </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_Pilgrim_Health_Care,_Inc."><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Harvard Pilgrim</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> CEO, Charlie Baker says he is the Republican for the job.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Baker served as an aide to former </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Weld"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Governor Bill Weld</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Baker says he will be stepping down from his position at Harvard Pilgrim. "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am either the CEO of Harvard Pilgrim -- or I'm building a campaign organization. I cannot do both," he said. His resignation is effective on July 17th.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He will be competing with former gubernatorial candidate, </span><a href="http://www.christy2010.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Christy Mihos</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, for the GOP's nomination. In 2006, Mihos ran as an independent against now Governor Deval Patrick and then Lt. Governor Kerry Healy. Mihos garnered only 7% of the vote.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Baker had originally planned to make his announcement after Labor Day, but Cahill's announcement pressured the health insurance CEO to move his announcement up.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Baker is not new to Beacon Hill, and may be the man to knock down a severely weakened Democratic governor and put a Republican back in the the executive office.</span></div>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-37365978482468428862009-07-07T12:09:00.004-04:002009-07-07T12:52:52.267-04:00Independence Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.thephoenix.com/secure/uploadedImages/The_Phoenix/News/Talking_Politics/POL_TimCahill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="http://cache.thephoenix.com/secure/uploadedImages/The_Phoenix/News/Talking_Politics/POL_TimCahill.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Following the weekend marking the anniversary of the U.S.'s independence, another man has declared his own, Massachusetts Treasurer Timothy Cahill. He has announced he is leaving the Democratic party, and is currently un-enrolled. Many are considering this to be the first step toward a run for governor.<div><br /></div><div>This is a strong move from the Commonwealth's treasurer. Not only does this separate himself from the more fiscally liberal Democrats on Beacon Hill, but it also means he won't have to take Deval Patrick one on one in a Democratic primary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, this potential candidacy could also spell disaster for the Dems' hopes of holding on to the governorship. Cahill would likely take Democratic voters away from Patrick, dividing the party and possibly allowing a Republican back into the corner office.</div><div><br /></div><div>Governor Patrick certainly has his work cut out for him in his 2010 re-election campaign. He has failed to pass several key pieces of legislation, most importantly casino gambling, which he has been advocating for years now. He has also proposed an increase in the gas tax, taxes on soda, candy and alcohol, and has raised the state's sales tax from 5% to 6.25% (effectively 7 cents per dollar). All of these issues have left Patrick's approval ratings in shambles. Seems like a perfect moment for Cahill to strike.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a lot to swallow for Bay Staters, but they may forget all about their governor's short comings (much to Mr. Cahill's dismay) when he rolls out some of his close, popular friends from Washington. You know, like President Barack Obama.</div><br /><br /><object width="400" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iZZ_WVT8Vys&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iZZ_WVT8Vys&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="344"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-85324647907642103432009-06-04T11:05:00.003-04:002009-06-04T11:20:03.234-04:00Obama Gets It Right<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2009/06/03/chairs__1244054195_5885.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2009/06/03/chairs__1244054195_5885.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The president recently traveled to Cairo to address the United States' relationship with the Islamic world. I must say I think Mr. Obama's <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/06/obama_addresses_7.html">speech</a> was outstanding. His address followed a careful strategy. It was inclusive to Muslims, pointed out that the main target of Islamic terrorists have been other Muslims, and he even quoted the Koran to drive his point of peace between the West and the Middle East home. But, he also was strong in his defense of the war in Afghanistan and the right of the United States to defend itself. He struck a careful balance, hopefully folks on both sides were listening.<br /><br /><br /><object id="flashObj" width="420" height="376" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/16977198001?isVid=1&publisherID=245991542"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=25275784001&playerID=16977198001&domain=embed&"><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com"><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/16977198001?isVid=1&publisherID=245991542" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=25275784001&playerID=16977198001&domain=embed&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="420" height="376" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" swliveconnect="true" allowscriptaccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-10983971088227052132009-04-15T09:26:00.002-04:002009-04-15T09:47:23.039-04:00New Bedford Harbor Cleanup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etawful.com/images/cuttyhunk/fleet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 278px;" src="http://www.etawful.com/images/cuttyhunk/fleet.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/04/millions_from_s.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Boston Globe</span></a> is reporting today that the cleanup effort for New Bedford Harbor will be receiving quite the chunk of change. The project could get up to $35 million is federal stimulus funds. That would give New Bedford Harbor the largest slice of the $600 million Superfund pie, which is for various sites around the country. EPA administrator, Lisa Jackson is expected to travel to the Whaling City to make a formal announcement.<br /><br />The 18,000 acre harbor and surrounding contributaries are heavily polluted with suspected cancer causing agent PCBs and other heavy metals.<br /><br />Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry have advocated the cleanup of the harbor for decades. So, it came at no surprise that the two wrote letters to Jackson requesting funding for the cleanup.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2095/25/87/34504268/n34504268_32477518_6371.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 143px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2095/25/87/34504268/n34504268_32477518_6371.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Congressman Barney Frank, who represents New Bedford also wrote a letter to Jackson requesting similar funding. In an <a href="http://blog.emerson.edu/political_pulse/2009/01/talking-with-barney-frank.html">interview I did with Rep. Frank</a> the day after President Obama's Inauguration, he told me about projects he'd like to see in his district....funding to clean New Bedford's Harbor was among them.James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-90013632546371921202009-04-14T08:24:00.008-04:002009-04-14T09:37:25.052-04:00Boston T Party<a href="http://www.trainstation.com/Boston.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.trainstation.com/Boston.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The MBTA is the only reasonable mode of transportation for many people. It's convenient, fairly inexpensive, and good for the environment. But there's one overriding problem with the T. It is probably the most grossly mismanaged agency in the Commonwealth! Riders should not be punished with reduced service and increased fares for mistakes made by the T.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>The T has seen an dramatic increase in ridership over the last year due to high gas prices. With such high ridership and fares ranging from $1.70 to $2.00, one would think the T would be sitting pretty. You'd be wrong. In fact, the MBTA is facing a $160,000,000 budget deficit. This gap may result in T officials cutting commuter rail service after 7pm, halting all commuter train service on the weekends, hacking away 6 stops along the Green Line. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Riders could even see a 25% increase in fares.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>So, the question arises...how did the T get into this mess? It all comes back to management or lack thereof for MBTA projects.<br /></div><div>New projects for the T are almost all over budget and way over schedule. <a href="http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/18749863/detail.html">WCVB</a> reported on the issue back in February. Their investigation found several projects are months and even years behind their scheduled completion dates and all were more than 20% over budget. If the projects were within their budgets and completed on time, it would have saved the agency over $100 million, or more than half its current deficit.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>What seems to be even more perplexing is that despite the proposed cuts and overrun budgets, the T still wants to move forward on proposed expansion projects! One of the most contentious proposals is an expansion for the <a href="http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/default.asp?id=1072">Silver Line</a>. The MBTA's record on such projects has won them more enemies than allies in their endeavor, including <a href="http://media.www.berkeleybeacon.com/media/storage/paper169/news/2008/09/25/News/Mbta-Silver.Line.Plan.Would.Rip.Up.Boylston-3452844.shtml">Emerson College</a>. </div><div><br /> </div><div>If the MBTA ever wants to be credible in the eyes of its riders, they need to stop and look at themselves in the mirror before passing the burden along to the folks waiting (for what seems like forever) for the squeaky trolley to come around the corner at Boylston Street. The buck stops here MBTA. It's time to get a handle on the projects you have before starting anything new. That's how you got into this mess in the first place.</div>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-81305092619448805412009-02-23T15:04:00.019-05:002009-04-14T09:35:00.095-04:00Socks the Cat: A Life of Politics and Chocolate Labs<a href="http://politicsoffthegrid.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/socks_cat_11.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://politicsoffthegrid.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/socks_cat_11.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This isn't the most important political story to come out of the Washington, D.C. area this weekend. But, for me it was sad to hear. Socks, the official First Cat of the Clinton days in the White House died.<br /><br /><div>Socks was adopted by Chelsea Clinton back when her father was still governor of Arkansas.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/news.aol.com/political-machine/media/2007/10/socks.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/news.aol.com/political-machine/media/2007/10/socks.jpg" border="0" /></a> When the family moved to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the black and white kitty became a rock star. He had his own stationary, had a muppet made in his likeness, and was supposed to have his own <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socks_the_Cat_Rocks_the_Hill">video game</a>. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_%28dog%29">Barney Bush</a> was no where near as popular. Maybe it was Socks' willingness to talk to reporters rather than bite them that set him apart... </div><div></div><div> </div><div>In 1997 the Clintons introduced a chocolate lab named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_%28dog%29">Buddy</a> into the family. This did not bode well with Socks. According to Hillary Clinton, Socks"...despised Buddy from first sight, instantly and forever." Bill Clinton said, "I did better with ... the Palestinians and the Israelis than I've done with Socks and Buddy."</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Upon their departure from Washington, Socks went to live with the president's secretary, Betty Currie. Socks, like most cats, grew ill as he grew older. On February 20th, 2009, cancer forced the Currie family to put Socks to sleep. He was about 20 years old. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>This icon of 90's culture is at rest and will be missed. I just hope no one told him that all dogs go to heaven...that means Buddy too.</div>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-60913436366884442112009-02-20T00:00:00.006-05:002009-02-20T00:25:49.689-05:00No More Monkey Business<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WAAwEoPJ7JKptF0gi_p6EhyphenhyphenPwoW1IIg8vXtCVW_UekfxzIEb9wUGrKI2AI2eZMb6ZEtnyw_NDkox_1_Iuy5Sk_JzYg0TrWpqhcv6FIJ4KbshRDAcRfT0b44XYdcktCQdQ1uTcQ/s1600-h/deadmonkey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WAAwEoPJ7JKptF0gi_p6EhyphenhyphenPwoW1IIg8vXtCVW_UekfxzIEb9wUGrKI2AI2eZMb6ZEtnyw_NDkox_1_Iuy5Sk_JzYg0TrWpqhcv6FIJ4KbshRDAcRfT0b44XYdcktCQdQ1uTcQ/s320/deadmonkey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304745628971930770" border="0" /></a>When I first saw the now famed money cartoon on the news I could not believe my eyes. My jaw quite literally dropped. It wasn't until later that I tried (unsuccessfully) to put it into the context of the recent <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgS0KgT5APc">chimpanzee attack</a> in Connecticut.<br /><br />This cartoon is so openly racist it is hard to understand how the editors at the <span style="font-style: italic;">New York Post</span> failed to notice its blatant meaning. I know this tabloid isn't exactly the bed of journalistic integrity, but there must be at least some shred of journalistic judgment in that newsroom, right? It is comparing the first African-American President of the United States to a chimp! How can the racial meaning not come through almost immediately?!<br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Post </span>has since <a href="http://wbztv.com/watercooler/stimulus.cartoon.protest.2.938787.html">apologized</a> for publishing the offensive piece. But in an editorial in the "newspaper" actually lashes out at media critics it says saw the cartoon as "an opportunity for payback." It goes on to refer to them as "opportunists" and flatly states that those people are due no apology.<br /><br />It is sad to see that in a country that has broken down one of the largest racial barriers in its history with the election of President Obama can be reduced to such petty, childish, offensive, and disgustingly low levels.James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-44714739572252277102009-02-05T00:04:00.002-05:002009-02-05T09:54:03.466-05:00Oui, nous pouvons!<a href="http://media.nowpublic.net/images//dc/1/dc110e4ec062acdb384af1a477a8cac4.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://media.nowpublic.net/images//dc/1/dc110e4ec062acdb384af1a477a8cac4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I recently spoke with a friend via Facebook who is living and studying in France for the semester. She's been away for close to a month now. I asked her what it was like to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama from another country.<br /></div><div>She said she felt something she hasn't felt for a while...pride in her country.<br /></div><div>"I think I felt more emotional about it because I was in France...I am so proud to call Obama my president, I kind of feel like an ambassador of our new Obamified nation," she said.</div><div> </div><div>She said in the days leading up to January 20th that Obama's face was plastered on almost every newspaper and magazine cover, and that she's hopeful the new president can improve our strained foreign relations with with France and the world.</div><div> </div><div>"I didn't watch the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjnygQ02aW4">inauguration speech</a> itself with many French people, except for a few of my professors, and they seemed really amused by us. A bunch of us were crammed into the only office in the building that had working speakers so we could watch the live feed on <a href="http://www.cnn.com/">CNN.com</a>. I think the French were more interested in OUR interest in the speech than they were in the actual inauguration, but there is definitely a huge air of excitement about Obama here."</div><div> </div><div>Based on my friend's account, it looks like Obama has the whole world saying "Yes We Can!" in just about every lanuguage there is.</div>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-37722562944225859192009-01-29T09:00:00.005-05:002009-01-29T09:35:49.385-05:00America, The Beautiful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2121/98/11/662185330/n662185330_5630090_4160.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 309px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2121/98/11/662185330/n662185330_5630090_4160.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Last week I saw America.<br /><br />The 6:40AM train took me from the luxury brownstones of Boston to the run down, boarded up duplexes of Baltimore. I must say I was surprised and even saddened to see people in the United States living in these conditions. Yet, after 4 days at my destination (Washington, DC) my hope and faith in my country was restored.<br /><br />I traveled to the nation's capital with a group of Emerson journalism students to cover the Inauguration of Barack Obama. We all bonded through the long hours and freezing cold temperatures on the streets of DC with little food and even less sleep.<br /><br />I stood on the National Mall on the frigid Inaugural morning by the Washington Monument with my 2 friends and colleagues Ryan and Valeria. We were joined by another 2 million people who had come from miles around and from all walks of life to witness history in person. Everyone shared in the same hopeful spirit of the day. We all knew things were going to be better, that change had indeed come to America.<br /><br />The crowds were peaceful. Over 2 million people had flooded the city and there was not a single arrest! How remarkable to think that a nation focused on a common goal can achieve such a feat. This is what I see in America's future: I see cooperation between different people striving to help one another succeed. I see average citizens setting their political differences aside to help move America forward. I can only hope our political leaders can put aside childish things and see the renewed optimism and hope the American people still hold for their country.<br /><br />On my way home to Boston on the 7:25AM train (which is another story in and of itself) I felt better knowing that I had truly seen America that week.<br /><br />"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage." - <span style="font-style: italic;">President Barack Obama<br /><br /><br /></span><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0NYNcjB2Ifg&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0NYNcjB2Ifg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-31080372693334993012009-01-14T20:55:00.002-05:002009-01-14T21:29:56.710-05:00SO HELP ME GOD!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pythonline.com/files/pythonline/images/GODSWALL.preview.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="http://www.pythonline.com/files/pythonline/images/GODSWALL.preview.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I understand there is a separation of church and state, and I respect the choice of some people to not believe in any religion. But I do have an issue with one vocal atheist trying to dictate what President-elect Obama can or cannot say during his Inauguration.<br /><br />Michael Newdow is an atheist from California who is suing Chief Justice John Roberts in federal court in an attempt to block Obama from saying "so help me God," after he takes the oath of office. Newdow is not new to this battle. He lost similar cases during President George W. Bush's inaugurations, and he also lost a Supreme Court case to ban the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance.<br /><br />I have serious issue with Mr. Newdow trying to prevent Barack Obama or any president from saying these words. It is a personal moment in their lives that should not be dictated by the public. Thankfully the Justice Department and attorney generals from all 50 states have asked for this lawsuit out.<br /><br />The oath reads:<br /><br />"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of <span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1231980896_11">president of the United States</span>, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the <span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1231980896_12">Constitution of the United States</span>."<br /><br />It is historical fact that George Washington added "so help me God," after he was sworn in, and it has been the choice of his successors to add the phrase. It is not written in the oath and therefore Mr. Newdow has no case...unless he wants to restrict the President-elect's freedom of speech.<br /><br />Throw this lawsuit out, or so help me God!James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-44544196933018812712009-01-13T21:16:00.004-05:002009-01-14T11:47:37.340-05:00Judging George<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.faithmouse.com/president_george_bush_portrait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 506px;" src="http://www.faithmouse.com/president_george_bush_portrait.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When Barack Obama swears to uphold the Constitution at noon next Tuesday history will be made in more than one way. Obama will become the nation's first African American president, and George W. Bush, after 8 long years will no longer be Commander-in-Chief. But, it remains to be seen how history will judge the 43rd president.<br /><br />In many ways George W. is the reason I decided upon a career in journalism. I saw the country's policies shifting and America changing as I'd never seen before.<br /><br />In 2000, when I was on the 8th grade, Bush was elected President of the United States of America thanks to a 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court. The court's bizarre vote discounted hundreds of thousands of votes in Florida. In an even odder twist, the court stated their decision would apply on to <span style="font-style: italic;">Bush v. Gore</span> and would not hold as precedent for any future cases.<br /><br />Less than a year later, as I was just starting high school, the world stood still as the United States was attacked. I remember hearing about the World Trade Center at the end of my biology class, and then in my next period (choir) we all crowded around the television in room 104 and watched as the towers collapsed. The U.S. stood as one nation, and the War on Terror had officially started.<br /><br />In 2003 I sat in my World History II class watching a statue of Saddam Hussein topple from its pedestal. Almost 6 years and 4,000 U.S. soldiers later, the war rages on as democracy struggles to take root in Iraq.<br /><br />Shortly after my graduation in 2005 I watched in horror as a major city in the United States of America drowned under the waters of hurricane Katrina, and devastated the Gulf coast.<br /><br />These are just some of the changes we have all witnessed in the last 8 years. As I watched these events unfold I found myself asking: "What are we doing? Where's the accountability?!"<br /><br />That's why I chose journalism. To hold those who make the decisions accountable to those who elected them.<br /><br />So, President Bush does not receive high marks in the history book of my personal recollection, and ultimately I think how ordinary Americans were affected by his presidency is a far more vital piece to judging his administration than any historian's research.<br /><br />Going off of the election results from last November, it would seem as though the American people have made up their minds as well.James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-16964406102196879202009-01-12T14:19:00.003-05:002009-01-12T14:38:46.089-05:00Joe the Foreign Correspondent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/12/gal.wurzelbacher.gi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 419px; height: 274px;" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/12/gal.wurzelbacher.gi.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So, it appears as though our friend Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher is stretching his 15 minutes of fame a little longer than any of us thought possible. As we speak, Joe is reporting from Israel as a foreign war correspondent for the conservative media outlet, Pajamas Media.<br /><br />But while Joe has taken up the Israeli cause to help combat slanted, elitist, and apparently anti-Israel journalism in the U.S. he reportedly told a group of journalists he believes they shouldn't be allowed to report on wars or on anything for that matter.<br /><br />“I think media should be abolished from, you know, reporting,” he said. “You know, war is hell. And if you’re gonna sit there and say, ‘well, look at this atrocity,’ well you don’t know the whole story behind it half the time, so I think the media should have no business in it.”<br /><br />For such a freedom loving American, Joe certainly has an un-American stance when it comes to freedom of the press. I guess he overlooked that amendment to the Constitution. What number was it? Oh, yea the first one!<br /><br />"Congress shall make <span style="font-weight: bold;">no law </span>respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or <span style="font-weight: bold;">abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press</span>; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."<br /><br />Joe, if I may be so bold as to apply your own words to your new found career in "journalism"...<br /><br />You don't know the whole story behind it and have no business in it.James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-59385012289961291512009-01-11T17:26:00.002-05:002009-01-11T17:50:53.602-05:00The New New Deal?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/19/78319-004-545F8CDD.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/19/78319-004-545F8CDD.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />President-elect Barack Obama doesn't take the oath of office for another week, but he is already stressing the need for a strong economic stimulus plan. He says his proposal could create and save anywhere between 3 to 4 million jobs, but at a tremendous cost to the American taxpayers; almost $1,000,000,000,000.<br /><br />History shows that the original New Deal, which was implemented by President Franklin Roosevelt helped turn the economy of the 1930's around, but it wasn't until World War II that the United States' economy was back to pre-depression levels. So, will Obama's plan to invest in the nation's infrastructure be enough?<br /><br />Like most students graduating in May I am uncertain of what the job market will look like, especially in the journalism industry. We are all hoping that Obama's stimulus pays off and gets the economy back on track, so we don't wind up moving back into our high school bedrooms under our parents' roofs.<br /><br />It is at this time that I'm reminded of words from the founder of the New Deal:<br /><br />"<span class="body">It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.</span>" - FDRJames O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-22806479021793683912009-01-11T01:18:00.002-05:002009-01-11T01:33:05.446-05:00One Week LeftI've been selected to cover the 56th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20th with a group of other journalism students from Emerson. It should be the experience of a lifetime, especially for a political junkie like myself. We will be under the supervision of former ABC World News anchor Carole Simpson.<br /><br />We will be on the rails next Sunday (6:40 am). We'll be scattered around the city and the surrounding neighborhoods through the 22nd. I'll be staying in Arlington, VA with the brother of one of the other students going.<br /><br />Being an eyewitness to the historic swearing in of Barack Obama is going to be very exciting. I think it will stir a great deal of emotion, patriotism and hope in myself and in all of those crammed onto the National Mall. It will undoubtedly be one of those rare moments in history where people will remember exactly where they were and what they were doing. But unlike those earlier events, most of which were negative (Pearl Harbor, JFK's assassination, 9/11) this one day will mark a positive change in our society. A moment that will move us all closer to a more perfect Union.James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-5928732778114496092008-11-11T23:38:00.003-05:002008-11-11T23:45:12.670-05:00One Step Forward...On November 4th we elected the nation's first African American president. While one civil rights barrier was demolished, another reared its ugly head. Anti-gay ballot initiatives were passed in Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, and surprisingly in California. Gay marriage was banned in Florida, Arizona and California. Arkansas banned the adoption of children by gay couples.<br /><br />I've voiced my opinion on this subject several times. I think our friend Keith sums it up best...<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27652443#27652443" frameborder="0" height="339" scrolling="no" width="425"></iframe>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-5511307226225008672008-11-07T23:45:00.004-05:002008-11-08T14:23:18.647-05:00"Change has come to America"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://file.shanghaidaily.com/News/Image//2008/2008-11/2008-11-05/20081105_379537_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 301px;" src="http://file.shanghaidaily.com/News/Image//2008/2008-11/2008-11-05/20081105_379537_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here is my most recent blog post on <a href="http://www.theroadtothewhitehouse.net/">The Road to the White House</a>.<br /><br />Tuesday night I watched the world change before my eyes.<span style=""> </span>I was standing in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><br />Massachusetts</st1:state></st1:place> Democratic headquarters at 11:00pm preparing to interview Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray when the presidential race was called for Senator Barack Obama.<span style=""> </span>The room erupted with cheering that was deafening. The emotion was simply overwhelming.<span style=""> </span>People were hugging, smiling, and some even broke down crying.<span style=""> </span>I had to hold back the tremendous emotion I felt as I was working as a member of the press; the historical significance of Obama's election was awesome.<span style=""> </span>In the streets of Boston and around the globe thousands of the young and old, black and white, gay and straight celebrated as one people; one community; one nation.<span style=""> </span>They celebrated not only a victory for the next president, but a victory for hope and optimism; a victory for <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>I've never seen anything like it before. <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>President-elect Obama revolutionized campaigning through his utilization of the internet.<span style=""> </span>The power of the web was outstanding during this election cycle.<span style=""> </span>The Obama campaign organized thousands of volunteers to travel to swing states, make phone calls, knock on doors, and plead Barack Obama's case to regular people. His campaign was very well organized and worked like a well oiled machine; each cog, gear, nut and bolt doing its part to contribute to the larger goal.<span style=""> </span>His website raised hundreds of millions of dollars from millions of donors; their small contributions of five, ten, or twenty dollars helped make the difference.<span style=""> </span>His funds for the month of September were unprecedented and astounding; over $150 million!<span style=""> </span>But, these are not the primary factors as to why he is the 44<sup>th</sup> President of the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>Barack Obama is the president because he inspired a generation of new voters to go to the polls in record numbers, and has reengaged the public in the political process.<span style=""> </span>He made us feel as though we were all a part of his journey to the White House, and in a way were all were.<span style=""> </span>He did not just campaign in Blue America or Red America, Real America or Fake America; he was not concerned for the issues facing one <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place> over the other. Instead, he brought his message of change and hope to all of the people in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i style="">United States</i> of America</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>He is the JFK, RFK, and MLK for the 21<sup>st</sup> century.<span style=""> </span>In his short time in politics, he has destroyed the ultimate racial blockade, and has finally ratified the foundation of our nation: that indeed all men are created equal.<span style=""> </span>He is a man for all Americans, all creeds, and all nations.<span style=""> </span>The faith he has instilled in Americans will change the culture in this nations of ours.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;">The road of course will not be easy.<span style=""> </span>Democrats and Republicans are going to have to compromise and work together to move this country in a new direction.<span style=""> </span>We all have to work together to show the world that <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place> is in fact back, and ready to lead again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;">Wednesday morning I was still marveling at the history I had witnessed the night before.<span style=""> </span>People throughout the city of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Boston</st1:place></st1:city> walked down the streets with big smiles on their faces (you would have thought all four sports teams won every championship at the same time!).<span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>It was then I reached the conclusion that over the course of this campaign we have all seen that nothing is impossible; that the American Dream still exists and really can come true. <span style=""> </span>Our country is back on course. We're going to unite this nation. <span style=""> </span><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> will lead again. <span style=""> </span>We're going to repair our world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;">Yes, we can.<span style=""> </span>Yes, we will.</p>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-75675949073965925692008-11-07T23:42:00.003-05:002008-11-07T23:44:23.608-05:00Boston Rocks the VoteHere is a report I did on election day for EIV News' Election Special. I spoke with Senator John Kerry about Barack Obama's chances and saw those long lines at the polls up close and personal.<br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1ROISDzWkQ0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1ROISDzWkQ0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-83974085884282550642008-11-05T23:42:00.002-05:002008-11-05T23:49:19.724-05:00Boston Celebrates Obama's Victory!Bostonians took to the streets shortly after the presidential race was called for Senator Barack Obama. The Boston Police Department kept the revellers under control as they celebrated the election of Obama on the steps of the Boston Public Library. This is my video which was featured on CNN's iReport. I'll have more thoughts on the outcome of the election soon.<br /><br /><object height="370" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.ireport.com/themes/custom/resources/swfplayer/mediaplayer.swf"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="flashvars" value="height=370&width=448&autostart=false&autoscroll=false&showstop=false&showicons=false&showdigits=total&controlbar=34&backcolor=0xFFFFFF&screencolor=0x000000&frontcolor=0xDEDEDE&lightcolor=0x00A2FF&logo=http%3A//www.ireport.com/themes/custom/resources/swfplayer/data/images/ireport_wm.gif&file=http%3A//ht.cdn.turner.com/ireport/big/prod/2008/11/05/WE00138341/287916/Anon1225911756-ObamaWinsBostonCelebrates788898.flv&image=http%3A//i.cdn.turner.com/ireport/sm/prod/2008/11/05/WE00138341/287916/Anon1225911756-ObamaWinsBostonCelebrates788898_lg.jpg"><embed src="http://www.ireport.com/themes/custom/resources/swfplayer/mediaplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" menu="false" flashvars="height=370&width=448&autostart=false&autoscroll=false&showstop=false&showicons=false&showdigits=total&controlbar=34&backcolor=0xFFFFFF&screencolor=0x000000&frontcolor=0xDEDEDE&lightcolor=0x00A2FF&logo=http%3A//www.ireport.com/themes/custom/resources/swfplayer/data/images/ireport_wm.gif&file=http%3A//ht.cdn.turner.com/ireport/big/prod/2008/11/05/WE00138341/287916/Anon1225911756-ObamaWinsBostonCelebrates788898.flv&image=http%3A//i.cdn.turner.com/ireport/sm/prod/2008/11/05/WE00138341/287916/Anon1225911756-ObamaWinsBostonCelebrates788898_lg.jpg" height="370" width="450"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-55853949440209297282008-10-23T17:34:00.002-04:002008-10-23T17:38:33.906-04:00Choosing ObamaOn October 17th two friends and I went on Boston Common to get thoughts from voters and tourists on who they believe should be the next President of the United States. Everyone who spoke with us says Obama is their man. This montage was done for our <a href="http://www.theroadtothewhitehouse.net">Road to the White House</a> class.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6MqSfLXTiOs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6MqSfLXTiOs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36953383.post-78750440331531129462008-10-20T23:16:00.003-04:002008-10-22T18:40:37.594-04:00Obama Rallies News Hampshire SupportOn October 16th, I traveled to Londonderry, New Hampshire to cover a Barack Obama rally. Here is the final product! Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tdkmMfjsqgo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tdkmMfjsqgo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>James O'Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466996008682494705noreply@blogger.com0