Freedom’s Nest

I live in Illinois, where Barack Obama is currently Senator.  During the election for Senate, I was working for the Teamsters Union.  The Teamsters have been huge supporters of Obama’s, and as such, we all took part in the Election Day process.  For most of us, it was a way to get out of the regular workday and be outside.

I had hoped after hearing Obama speak that he would one day run for President.  He moved me in ways no other politician ever had.  I was doubtful it would be so soon, but I had hope for his running.  One of the things that I liked about him early on was his call for reform of Political Donations.

Prior to his run for President, he had been discussing this need for reform and really pushing for it.  He recognized the likelihood of corporations and special interest groups to donate large sums expecting or trading for a politician in their pocket.  He realized how this corruption could damn this country and deteriorate the People’s faith in Government.

When he announced his run for President, I wondered how he would stand on this issue.  He stood firm.  I was impressed.  I think many others were as well.  He does not take from lobbyists and special interest groups, only individuals.  He has raised mass amounts of campaign funds in this way.  More than the other candidates.

His website states: “This campaign is about building a different kind of politics. We don’t take money from Washington lobbyists or special-interest political action committees. Instead, our broad base of individual donors ensures that this campaign answers to no one but the people.”

Here is the thing with politics.  No candidate will ever make everyone happy.  It’s not going to happen.  We all differ on the issues.  Some of us are to the extreme left or right, but most of us are on a spectrum somewhere in the middle.  We swing to whichever candidate fits closest to our beliefs.  Some of us choose the lesser of two evils, some choose the one we think is best suited for the job, some choose to make history or to change the present.

One thing I think we all can agree on is the need for politicians with integrity.  Barack Obama has integrity.  I think this is evident in many ways, but the most obvious is his stance on Political Donations.  I think this alone makes him stand out and has pulled so many to his side. 

Never in my lifetime has a candidate created such a wave of excitement about politics, especially among the young voters.  I think some of this has to do with the dislike for George W., but I think a lot has to do with the man himself. 

I was originally for Hillary; Partly Woman Power, partly what she stands for and partly my concern that Barack was too green.  I knew I would support him, though, if Hillary didn’t make it.  I am not one to declare myself as a Democrat; I prefer to judge the individual merits of the candidate.  In this campaign, however, there was never any question of party.

That initial interest in Barack Obama’s call for reform on Political Donations has continued my interest and that of so many others.  That unique declaration was like the call to arms for so many tired of the current state of things.  That integrity which has allowed so many to feel confident that he is the man to give us the Change we can Believe in.

Political donations are the backbone of any presidential campaign, without them there simply is no campaign.

Assumed Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain is finding direct donations a bit tough to come by. Reports have circulated about the big money institutions, which supported George W. Bush, being less than receptive to McCain and his presidential aspirations. Financial and energy sectors have been reluctant to toss their money or support behind McCain mainly because they him see as the underdog in November. McCain must find a way to demonstrate he is a serious contender, a daunting task. But his camp faces an even larger conundrum; motivating the conservative base.

McCain has yet to receive the type of individual donations that President Bush tapped in 2000 and 2004. Unlike Bush or his opponent Barack Obama, the individual voter has yet to embrace McCain. His records indicate a total of $144 million raised, compared to Obama’s $295 through May, but most McCain’s money has come from special interests groups. On the flip side, Obama has been rolling in the individual contributions.

McCain is lacking in thisbell wheather indicator, which is a troubling trend for the McCain people. Unlike interest groups, which often donate to both sides, an individual contribution will translate into a vote.  

Although individual donations are dwarfed in amount by the large group contributions, on Election Day one vote is one vote. The money gap between McCain and Obama will be filled by the Republican National Committee, which typically is an efficient money machine. The problem for McCain is what or who is going to fill the motivation gap between the two party bases. McCain’s fate in Novermber will determined by finding an answer to this question.

How much do you know about the Civil War? Can you name intense battles that occurred during the struggle? What areas of the United States were home to the bloodiest Civil War battles? The Civil War had a profound effect on the United States society, beliefs, and actions. It is important to understand the role the Civil War played in the interactions of cultures and industry today.You might have touched upon the Civil War in your high school History class. However, in college you majored in mathematics or engineering and your history repertoire fell by the way side. Don’t fret. You can make up for your lost history knowledge by learning about the Civil War from audio books. Audio learning is great because you don’t have to spend hours reading thick textbooks on the subject. You can listen while you clean your house or enjoy lemonade and sandwiches on your back porch.

Let’s assume that you scratch your head when asked any questions about the Civil War. If that’s the case then you will want to start by listening to “Don’t Know Much about the Civil War” by Kenneth C. Davis. This audio book covers basic information about the Civil War. In addition it answers detailed questions involving the Gettysburg Address, Robert E. Lee, and the Emancipation Proclamation. You will understand the components of the Civil War by listening to this title which is available in audio CD, audio cassette and digital download formats.

Once you know the general aspects of the Civil War take time to listen to a documentary chronicling the Civil War. You can do this by listening to “The Civil War Collection” from Topics Entertainment. Audience members ranging from history enthusiasts to those new to the history of the Civil War will be in awe at the comprehensive timeline presented. It will take you from the start of the war through the very end.

Another great title to add to your Civil War collection is “The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I” by Shelby Foote. Learn about battles, issues, and conflicts from Fort Sumter to Perryville. This is an intriguing listen as the story is related through the point of view of its own characters. This makes the reader feel close to and engrossed in the story. Follow up this first comprehensive narrative with “The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume II” and “The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume III“, also by Shelby Foote.

An exciting opportunity to listen to the experiences of those directly associated with the Civil War is available to you. Listen to “The Last Civil War Widows” by Joe Richman. These two women married Civil War soldiers that were much older then they were. They married into history and give accounts of their husband’s experiences in the war. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to learn more then just the explanations of historians. Listen to the Civil War insiders themselves.

Brush up on your Civil War history by listening to these audio books. This will help you to jump in on the all-too-common dinner party discussion about the Civil War where you can discuss the battles with confidence and astound your friends with your historical knowledge.

About The Author: Jillian Gregory writes for LearnOutLoud.com, an online portal for educational and self-development audio and video material which can be found at http://www.learnoutloud.com.