Edwards launches pledge

pat huntington ny — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:03:46 GMT

I guess this just proves that the republicans are correct on one thing...democrats are good at attacking each other. When will we learn that the only way for dems to win is to unite with each other and not attack one another during primaries...attack the republicans only, or else, dems end up giving the repukes ammo against them for the general election.

Edwards launches pledge

Jimmy Chicago IL — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:07:32 GMT

I like this idea. Maybe it will put those politicians with thier hands(HRC) out in the spotlight, and prod them to change thier ways.
As we all have experienced for the past decade and a half, how horribly the influence peddlers have destroyed the quality of life for the average American.

Edwards launches pledge

Robert Stelling, Chandler, AZ — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:24:39 GMT

Does this mean that Edwards will not support the Democratic nominee if he is not the candidate?

Edwards launches pledge

Dazed and Confused in DC — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:24:45 GMT

How about a pledge not to support hypocrites who take millions from money-grubbing trial lawyers, who take millions from law firms that include lobbyists among their members, who take six-figure jobs with a hedge fund purportedly to study the financial industry, who charge tens of thousands of dollars for a speech to students at a major university about poverty, and who invest a significant portion of their personal wealth in a hedge fund that is foreclosing on mortgages of middle and low income families in New Orleans and elsewhere?

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:30:43 GMT

Edwards is too good to be true. I have a feeling that we are going to be seeing a Dean-like Edwards type populist candidate in the primaries for some time to come. These candidates will always be pacifiers for the left (which I'm a part of). We'll never run a democrat with guts, and messiah candidates (read Obama, Bobby Kennedy, and would be Dr. King) will never be allowed the nomination. We wind up with crap, watered down, Diet Republicans, just one calorie not enough. The truth is behind this entire charade sits the corporate lobbyists, and the companies they work for. The Edwards and Deans of the world will always remind us that these people are the problem, but Democracy has been whipped, America is but a hollow shell, with no resemblence of the principles that once caused our great country to flourish. The Bush's, jerrys, Dave from TN, of the world have ruined our great country. If you think that life and the world was supposed to look like this I question the devils who must have raised you.

Thank you war mongering Republicans.
Thank you spineless Democrats.
Thank you ignorant and hypocritical Christians.
Thank you apathetic and well fed LCD 1080p owners.

This country is no longer about us, the people. John Edwards wants to bring it back. Good luck John, that ship has long since sailed.

Here's a question to all the filth out there waiting to bash John Edwards for haircuts and other such nonsense.

DO YOU WANT YOUR COUNTRY TO BE RAN BY CORPORATE LOBBYISTS (Aristocracy) OR DO YOU WANT YOUR COUNTRY RAN BY THE PEOPLE (Democracy)?

Let's have some answers, no brow-beating, mud-slinging, name-calling, deflecting about haircuts, let's discuss the substance of the issue. I'll repeat...

DO YOU WANT YOUR COUNTRY TO BE RAN BY CORPORATE LOBBYISTS (Aristocracy) OR DO YOU WANT YOUR COUNTRY RAN BY THE PEOPLE (Democracy)?

Edwards launches pledge

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:31:02 GMT

Edward's support and money is all from the Trial Lawyer's, the BIGGEST special interst PAC and IS the lobbyists.

Edwards launches pledge

George, Seattle — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:34:47 GMT

How about not supporting politians whose husbands were paid $41 million by lobbiests and corporations while she was serving in the Senate?

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2007/clinton-speeches/

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:35:02 GMT

Dazed and Confused in DC can be added to the list of the worthless human beings who have ruined our country? Apparently he lacks any reasoning skills what so ever and chooses to deal in 3rd grade name calling as his method of debate.

Dazed, I'll ask again. Do you want the country to be ran by corporate lobbyists, or do you want it to be ran by the people?

You're such a tool I doubt you even respond.

Edwards launches pledge

Amazed, Atlanta — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:44:31 GMT

United we stand, divided, we fall.

The democrat have always had more diversity, more opinions, more discourse.. which is great. However, their discourse can sometimes throw them off message, and as a result, we end up with fools like GWB in the Whitehouse. While I agree with this in theory, I would not pledge to not to support a democrat in the general should John E be defeated. Sorry, my son's future is too important.

Edwards launches pledge

Dave, Tn — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:45:22 GMT

That's right Dazed. Only Lawyers and Unions should have the right to lobby congress. Welcome to John Edwards' America. Now get in line for your government mandated anal exam.

Edwards launches pledge

Dave, Tn — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:00:41 GMT

WOW Desperate in KS is really upset with us "little people" Must be a union member, a lawyer, or a lawyer for union members. I gotta "ran" away from his/her contempt for inferior people now.

Edwards launches pledge

sick of "washington" — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:01:23 GMT

"to be ran"?

nice grammar.

at least I didn't mention Edward's haircut

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:01:24 GMT

It's an easy question guys...

DO YOU WANT YOUR COUNTRY TO BE RAN BY CORPORATE LOBBYISTS (Aristocracy) OR DO YOU WANT YOUR COUNTRY RAN BY THE PEOPLE (Democracy)?

Stop dodging.

Edwards launches pledge

Yolanda, Maryland — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:02:39 GMT

Going to that website now to sign up!! I don't care who is the person who brought it about, i care more about the cause!! Good job.

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:10:08 GMT

okay, any way you want it to be run, to be ran, who should get to elect the leaders of our country the people or corporate lobbyists?
I'm waiting for one honest and sincere answer.

Also to Dave in TN who wrote this...
WOW Desperate in KS is really upset with us "little people" Must be a union member, a lawyer, or a lawyer for union members. I gotta "ran" away from his/her contempt for inferior people now.

I'm upset with the people...what? Where'd you get that from.

Can you answer the question, WHO SHOULD ELECT OUR LEADERS, THE PEOPLE OR THE CORPORATE LOBBYISTS? Do you have the ability to discuss the issue or just obfuscate and name call?

Edwards launches pledge

John, San Anselmo, CA — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:10:40 GMT

"It's the economy stupid!"

This campaign season started with the candidates jockeying amongst one-another to see who had the strongest anti-war position. As the year has progressed, we see leading economic indicators telling us that we are heading toward a recession and even worse, possible stagflation. Edwards should learn from history and understand that, although Govt. corruption and special interest influence are still a valid issues, economic policy and taxes will rise to the top as the general election approaches. Bill Clinton understood this and won the election based on sticking to the underlying premise that people ultimately vote their pocketbooks - especially in times of economic insecurity. Edwards is a strong candidate and has a better general election profile than both Clinton and Obama and the people of Iowa are going to figure this out. It's time for him to start focusing on the issues that will attract Independents in the New Hampshire primary, as well as Republicans come the gerneral election.

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:20:51 GMT

For the record Christian hypocrites, the likes of Ted Haggard, George W., and Pat Robertson are inferior people. They lack any substance what so ever. I'd dismiss Christians off hand as well, except of course for those who adhere to and practice the teachings of Christ (which happen to be some of the most liberal principles ever recited). Any Christian who thinkgs that believing in Christ is grounds for getting into heaven like believing in Santa is grounds for getting a present this Christmas is an inferior and spiritually devoid human being.

BUT STILL I HEAR NO ANSWERS TO THE QUESTION, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN REPHRASED TO HELP ALL THE HATERS OUT THERE. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT CORPORATE LOBBYISTS SHOULD ELECT AND CONTROL OUR LEADERS OR SHOULD THAT BE THE JOB OF THE PEOPLE.

Edwards launches pledge

SoCal for Edwards — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:33:36 GMT

Unions, whether your are in one or not do make this country better. They increase wages for non-union workers as well. The last thing an employer wants is for his employees to go union. Giving raises and better benefits keep unions out. EVERYONE BENEFITS. With the middle class disappering I will vote for the candidate that supports unions. Edwards/Obama in '08.

Edwards launches pledge

Richard, Washington State — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:34:12 GMT

Once a person signs up for americabelongstous2008.com, aside from the immediate request for financial support, what will be the average number of follow-up contacts, phone, mail or otherwise, for donations?

Just another mailing list. Maybe I'll sign up just to bleed their resources.

Edwards launches pledge

Bruce, NV — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:37:22 GMT

Johhny is good at gimmicks. No ideas though.

Oh, and Desperate is a bigot. Highly unlikely he knows any teachings of Christ, much less follows them. I'm Jewish and probably know more.

I'm convinced after reading the knuckleheads posting here, that we really do get the ggovernment we deserve.

Edwards launches pledge

sick of "washington" — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:40:48 GMT

why do you point out just corporate?

Of course 'we the people' should be the ones to elect our officials. You're question, even if the grammar is "better", is still just silly since it's coming from someone who follows up with a statement that a tort lawyer is the "be all, end all" candidate.

That and your use of ALL CAPS.

Don't you know that most people ignore the screaming lunatics in the streets?

Edwards launches pledge

Richard, Washington State — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:41:52 GMT

Desperate:

Based on what I see on this blog on a daily basis, which I assume represents a cross section of "the people", including you, I'm inclined to give the edge to the corporate lobbyists.

For example, I just can't imagine relying on your endorsement of anyone as a basis for my vote.

Just like there are good Christians, there are good corporate lobbyists out there too.

Relative to God's standards, we are all inferior. And that's the challenge.

Edwards launches pledge

Richard, Washington State — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:45:05 GMT

John, Anselmo:

Bill Clinton was elected because Ross Perot purported to represent the same thing. And if the economy is currently an issue, it's because the Democrats desperately wish it.

Edwards launches pledge

Kelly (from PA) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:47:36 GMT

John, The economy is a very important issue. But corporate influence and the war, are part of the economy problem.

As for Edwards electibility- if he can't win Iowa after all thge time he's spent there, he can't win anywhere.

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:55:42 GMT

You call ME a bigot sir, how dare you? I've read the Bible from front to back and I'll discuss any of the teachings therein.
George W., Pat Robertson, as well as modern day hypocrite Christians are the embodiment of the Pharisees that Christ himself discussed several times in the Bible, most notably in Matthew.
You have no clue what you are talking about. A rich man has a better chance of getting a camel through the eye of a needle then getting through the gates of heaven. We can start any where you want buddy. You better watch your mouth.
You want to call me a knuckle head but do you want to address the issue. Should we have an aristocracy where officials are elected by the elite corporate lobbyists or a democracy? Do you have the intelligence to respond or are you the punk that your post shows you to be?
We don't even have to go over the Bible I'll take you to task on the Torah if you'd rather. Any time punk.

You say Johnny is full of gimmicks and no ideas though. WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT. LOOK IN THE MIRROR. Edwards has just put forth an idea. It is you who refuse to discuss issues and would rather lob ad hominem attacks. You are obviously devoid of reason and thusly you have failed as a human being.

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:57:52 GMT

Thank you Richard for being the first person to actually discuss the article and the idea put forth by Edwards.

I'm a little shocked though that you would prefer an Aristocracy to a Democracy. Any reason why?

Edwards launches pledge

Ellis B. Kingman, Az. — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:04:46 GMT

The presidency is not about hair cuts, how a person has made a living or about what celebrities support who. It is about electing someone with integrity who can fix a broken system that is stacked against mainstream America, stacked against those who toil hard to make ends meet and make outrageous payments for shelter. The greatest problem facing America is not Iraq, it is making the system work for the whole, sharing the wealth and reinstating the oppertunity for prosperity to all. As long as we allow our representatives in Gongress and state legislatures to post " loyalty for sale" signs on their doors only the most wealthy will have a voice. Free enterprise is a great system, but it cannot work for the whole without " equal access". There is only one candidate of any party who recognizes the importance of removing big money influence from our political system, which in turn will return representative loyalty to the rightful constituents "YOU". Good laws and ideas that are not watered down cannot happen until someboby cleans up the cesspool our political system is embroiled in, and Edwards seems to be the only candidate who knows that

Edwards launches pledge

Jonathan Austin TX — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:11:46 GMT

edward's supports clean elections. So if he has his way, neither trial lawyers or big corporations will send money any more. it will be up to the people.

Thats the world that I want to see

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:13:08 GMT

To Richard from WA...I'm not affiliated with candidates. I discuss ideas.
That being said what are these standards of God that you refer to? Is it your God or my God? How do you define God? Don't just reel off some empty statement like we are all inferior to God's standards. I won't let that nonsense slide.
Your religion may make you feel inferior, but mine does not. For the record I feel sorry for you, I was raised with the guilt, the God who we must fear and love, but then I stopped believing in Santa.

Edwards launches pledge

pmorlan, Louisville, KY — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:17:57 GMT

I just signed up! Here are the outrages of the day posted on the new site:

Today's Outrage - 11/28/07

American Families Are Struggling with Costly Debt: American families are working harder, saving less, and borrowing more just to make ends meet. Credit card debt has more than tripled since 1989 to $876 billion. Most big credit card companies advertise low rates but reserve the right to change rates at any time for any reason, and a single late payment can trigger penalties that raise interest rates to an average of almost 25 percent. Consumers often fail to understand the basic terms of their cards due to complicated and confusing disclosures. [Demos, 2007; Demos, 2007; GAO, 2006]

Credit Card Companies and Banks Spent $750 Million on Washington Influence: Credit card companies and commercial banks have spent $747 million on campaign contributions and lobbying since 1998. Credit card companies have spent $196 million lobbying and $51 million on campaign contributions. Banks have spent $310 million lobbying and $191 million in campaign contributions. [Center for Responsive Politics, viewed 11/27/07; CRP, viewed 11/27/07; CRP, viewed 11/27/07; CRP, viewed 11/27/07]

John Edwards Will Take on the Credit Card Industry to Help American Families: He will pass a Borrower’s Security Act to restore minimum protections to credit card borrowers. He will create a new Family Savings and Credit Commission to put someone on families’ side, ensuring that financial products are not abusive or predatory. And he will reduce families’ reliance on costly credit by helping families save and creating new non-profit sources of emergency loans.

For more information on John Edwards’ plan to take on abusive lenders, please visit http://www.johnedwards.com/issues/debt/

Lobbyists have taken control in Washington and America’s hard-working families pay the price. They've stopped universal health care. They've secured unfair and unsafe trade deals that have cost America good middle-class jobs. They've left our children at risk from unsafe toys. They've sabotaged clean energy legislation that would address global warming. And they've squashed efforts for cheaper generic prescription drugs. Enough

Edwards launches pledge

Ron, TX — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:21:59 GMT

Does this mean that Edwards will not support the Democratic nominee if he is not the candidate?
Robert Stelling, Chandler, AZ (Sent Wednesday, November 28, 2007 12:24 PM)

====

LOTS of people will not be supporting the democratic nominee if it is Clinton. Obama and Edwards are in the same court- neither has accepted lobbyist money during their presidential campaigns. Clinton, on the other hand, it's just a simple fact that not very many people like her...

Edwards launches pledge

Lura, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:23:26 GMT

Great summary of the issue, Ellis. No matter what their past was, Edwards is now the only candidate who is truly challenging the staus quo, and staking his candidacy on it. It's a fair question: Do we really want to, or believe that we can, get rid of the undo influence of lobbyists?

Edwards launches pledge

Bruce, NV — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:47:48 GMT

Desperate, you do not post "ideas". You attack those with whom you disagree. If, for example, you knew anything about Christ, you'd know that he didn't find people to be "inferior".

I'd suggest professional help, but it'd probably fail.

Edwards launches pledge

Christian, Missouri — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:48:40 GMT

Any Christian who thinkgs that believing in Christ is grounds for getting into heaven like believing in Santa is grounds for getting a present this Christmas is an inferior and spiritually devoid human being.
Desperate, Overland Park KS (Sent Wednesday, November 28, 2007 1:20 PM)

You call ME a bigot sir, how dare you? I've read the Bible from front to back and I'll discuss any of the teachings therein.
George W., Pat Robertson, as well as modern day hypocrite Christians are the embodiment of the Pharisees that Christ himself discussed several times in the Bible, most notably in Matthew.
You have no clue what you are talking about. A rich man has a better chance of getting a camel through the eye of a needle then getting through the gates of heaven. We can start any where you want buddy. You better watch your mouth.
You want to call me a knuckle head but do you want to address the issue. Should we have an aristocracy where officials are elected by the elite corporate lobbyists or a democracy? Do you have the intelligence to respond or are you the punk that your post shows you to be?
We don't even have to go over the Bible I'll take you to task on the Torah if you'd rather. Any time punk.
Desperate, Overland Park KS (Sent Wednesday, November 28, 2007 1:55 PM)

Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes unto the Father but by me."
I didn't say it Jesus did. And I don't believe in Santa either. Believing in Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven. Again I didn't say it, God did.
Now, who's the Pharisee spewing such hatred? Certainly not a Christian, who identifies with Christ. True Christians are those who are doers of the word, and not just hearers. When you put into practice in your daily life the teachings of Christ, then what will show forth is Love, not Hate. Because even though God doesn't tolerate sin, He still loves the sinner.

Edwards launches pledge

Kato in Des Moines — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:53:53 GMT

I understand what Edwards is trying to do, but I don't understand why it's wrong, on the one hand, to take money from corporate lobbyists, but it's okay for him to take money from the labor unions. Seems a bit hypocritical. Sure, unions serve a purpose and everyone wants to be the friend of organized labor, but come on. Union money is influence peddling as well. Signing a petition is a nice symbolic gesture, but it doesn't stop the flow of money.

Philosophically, I think Biden has the more reasoned approach. The better way to stop influence buying is to have public financing of federal elections. This evens the playing field so you don't have to be independently wealthy to run for federal office and you don't have to rely on corporate or union contributions and poetntially be beholden to anyone.

Edwards launches pledge

Richard, Washington State — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:01:45 GMT

Desperate:

I'll try to make this simple.

The Christian God sets standards. One that is in the bible you read, or rather 10, are the commandments of the Old Testament. The new testament condenses these into the greatest commandment, generally suggesting that you love God with your whole heart and mind and your neighbor as yourself, a biblical golden rule, if you will.

While not impossible, it is rare that humans live up to these standards. You gave a few examples, all of whom, I might add, would probably readily agree with you. However, the anger and arrogance that intentionally or otherwise permeates your posts leaves me to believe that you, like me, haven't met the standards, either. In that way we live in a way that is inferior to God's standards.

The Christian faith acknowledges this inferior status by making available, through God, forgiveness and reconcilement, which we seem to need on an ongoing and repetitive basis.

Frankly, I think that if you believe that you've got it all figured out, you are placing yourself in equality with God. I think there is something in the bible about that, but I don't spend as much time with the bible as you apparently do, so I'm sure you can find it somewhere.

For the record, don't worry about feeling sorry for me. It's also presumptuous to believe one can define God, so I'm sure not going to try. I also don't associate God with desperation, Desperate in Overland Park, Kansas.

As for the Edwards/Aristocracy/People thing, he's being simplistic in the interests of running for office. Individual people, institutions, entities representing collective interests for the benefit (and detriment)of individual people and representatives elected by the people all meld together in a very complicated way to make things work, for better or worse.

Your question is simplistic and one-dimensional and really can't be answered "yes or no" or "one to the exclusion of the other".

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:17:06 GMT

Someone posted this garbage. And I must thank them...
Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes unto the Father but by me."

And here we have it folks the phrase that has turned what would have been an excellent religion into empty idolatry. This is the one and only worst Biblical quote. It is the quote that all fundamentalist Christian religions are based on. It is the emptiest of quotes, and is used only to control and get good intentioned people to submit to mindlessness. The quote is dismissed easily by any rational human being. I'll provide to you the reasoning so those of you who want to can take down other raging fundamentalists in a few quick sentences.

Hitler believed in Christ, does he get into heaven?
Does one get into heaven for believing or doing?
If you say believing then Hitler's in. If you say doing then Ghandi's in. I'd rather go to a heaven with Ghandi in it than one with Hitler, if heaven even exists.

That being said all of you haters out there still refuse to talk about the issue, which I'm glad I could show today. You'd rather focus on throwing ad hominem attacks at Edwards or myself than discussing the idea. I'll post it a final time, but I doubt any of you who feel they have to hate Edwards for some reason (maybe the brainwashing you've been getting from Fox News) will respond because then you'd have to admit that you agree with Edwards and that you dislike the Republican field at least on this issue.

Do you think we should have an Aristocracy or a Democracy? We know what I think. We know what Edwards thinks. We know what the founders of this great nation thought. But how about you haters out there? Do you believe in probably the most fundamental principle of America or are you such good Corporate slaves that you can't even respond to rebuke your master?

Edwards launches pledge

Lura, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:17:54 GMT

Kato, You're right and Edwards also supports public financing of federal elections, but right now the media has practically written off anyone who hasn't raised an enormous sum of money. So, until we make some changes, the candidates must seek money from the most tolerable sources. The difference between lobbyist money and other groups is that lobbyists have no other reason for being than to lobby, lobbying is their job. They are paid to influence, and whoever can pay the most has the biggest voice. Unions, on the other hand, are working to support the collective interests of individual workers. At times in history, unions might have been too powerful and counterproductive, but we are now in a period where the CEO's are making a disproportionate amount of the profits, and increasingly cutting back on benefits and wages, either importing or exporting cheap labor--basically ripping off both American and foreign workers. Unions need to be stronger. The global economy is turning into an international system of corporate greed, creating a small, wealthy elite and a large underclass. The middle class is shrinking. John Edwards will fight for the people, not for the corporations.

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:28:41 GMT

To Richard... overall thanks for the pretty good post, and thanks for answering the real question on this thread.
I'm sorry if you feel that I am being overly simplistic. Edwards seems to be the only candidate who believes or at least emphasizes that corporate control over Washington is a bad thing. Certainly we do all come together in complex ways, but when elite corporate interests run governments that is called an Aristocracy, see Aristotle's book Politics. I think that you would be hard pressed to argue that Corporate influence in Washington today is a good thing.

You also wrote...
For the record, don't worry about feeling sorry for me. It's also presumptuous to believe one can define God, so I'm sure not going to try.

I will continue to feel sorry for you. HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE IN SOMETHING IF YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS THAT YOU BELIEVE IN? Your logic eats itself. If you really have no idea what you believe in then how can you have any foundation or principles? You want to say that we are all inferior to God, but again you refuse to say what it is that we are all inferior to. Thusly, your words are empty and you make no sense, which is something to pity someone for.

Edwards launches pledge

John, New Hampshire — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:30:42 GMT

All of the talk here, simplistic, ignorant, academic, or philosophical will not cause change.

I have just signed the pledge because it's an action that has potential to cause change. I believe one can equivocate or one can take action.

http://www.johnedwards.com

Edwards launches pledge

Patty Morlan, Louisville, KY — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:37:09 GMT

Edwards started the fight to take back our country. He has now given all of us an opportunity to tell the lobbyists that we don't want them running our government.

This website is not just for Edwards supporters. It is a website that provides a forum for the American people to express themselves on this issue. Are we going to take advantage of this opportunity or are we going to cut off our nose to spite our face?

I know that both Edwards and Obama don't accept washington lobbyist money (I'm not sure about Biden, Dodd, Kuchinich & Richardson..hopefully their supporters will let us know). And for the Clinton supporters out there you can still participate. Use your influence to convince your candidate not to take lobbyist money going forward.

No matter who wins this nomination this opportunity that Edwards has provided for all us gives our party a chance to say in the general election that we are the party of the people not the lobbyists. The Republicans will not be able to make the same claim. This pledge is not a pledge to vote for Edwards (although as an Edwards supporter I'd certainly welcome anyone who wants to do so). This pledge is to send a strong message that most of us in the Democratic Party would like to send. If you don't speak out now, when?

Edwards launches pledge

s_vitreus, St.Cloud, Minnesota — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:49:19 GMT

WOW, it is amazing how a simple blog entry turned about cleaning up Lobbyist and PAC money turned into an all out religious war. I mean we went from a good discussion about the problems facing the financing of politics to Old Testament to New Testament theology class. Guess what guys; the figures you speak so highly about in your bible are nothing more than political hustlers. Same goes today. Everyone is positioning themselves to be more holy than the other guy (kinda’ sounds like you two). Debate the issues not the bible, which is all interpretation anyway. Our current KJ version is just the selected text that the Catholic Church wanted in it anyway. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are only the “cliff notes” version of the life of Jesus anyway (am I getting under your skin yet).

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:01:06 GMT

s_vitreus...I agree entirely. Both with your analysis on the Bible and your call to discuss the issue. Somebody called me a bigot so I figured I'd rearrange there brain for a few posts, I'd like to know where you stand.

Aristocracy or Democracy?

Edwards launches pledge

Ron, TX — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:02:24 GMT

All I know about religion is that it is very likely that Hillary Clinton is the anti-Christ, and I support any democrat but Hillary!

Edwards launches pledge

Ellis B. Kingman, Az. — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:04:19 GMT

Lura, yes we can undo the influence of Washington lobbyist. I have been in contact with the Edwards campaign and have offered a solution. Many attempts have failed to limit dollars raised and spent on campaigns, but the issue is really not about dollars, it is about loyalty. As an attorney Mr. Edwards' knows his loyalty to a client is guaranteed by a " conflict of interest" ethical code. An attorney may not accept money or favors from those whos interests may be in conflict with the cliet an attorney has pledged to represent, or represent those who are not clients in a matter related to the interests of a client. A representative is a representative whether in court or a legislature, and their loyalty to their constituents ( clients) must be unchallenged. A representative who campaigns for or holds a particular publicly elected office is only empower to speak or act on behalf of a particular constituency the said office is empowered to represent, and therefore should not be allowed to accept moneies or favors fROm those one is not empowered to represent.......Yes we can do it.....".BRING BACK THE SOAP BOXES"

Edwards launches pledge

s_vitreus, St.Cloud, Minnesota — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:15:41 GMT

I agree with John Edwards. The system is corrupt, and I don’t think either of you (Desperate or Richard) would disagree with that.

The reason why corporate lobbyists have more influence than unions is because the corporations can threaten to leave or move from congressional areas that employ voting constituents and move that industry to another area offering a better pork barrel deal or better long term tax advantage. All the union can offer is support and to fight for what rights the workers have left. No thanks to the current Corprate Democrats that have served in the congress since 1980 who have done nothing to preserve workers rights.

I would say the union lobby is lousy; after all they have given more money than any other industry and still continue to loose ground to every other lobbying effort. Don’t believe me, look it up !!!!!

http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/list.asp?order=A

As one goes down the list you can see that far more legislation has been crafted favoring industry other than labor. I repeat, all the current labor movement is now, is a shell of its former self struggling to keep what rights the workers actually have. While, corporate lobbyist donations are getting laws crafted exactly how they want.

UNLIKE RICHARD – I WILL ANSWER THE QUESTION !!!!!

I WANT A DEMOCRACY !!!!!

I WANT JOHN EDWARDS TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT LIKE THE TRIAL LAWYER HE IS, NOT GO INTO DAMAGE CONTROL MODE LIKE “HRC” THE CORPORATE LAWYER SHE IS !!!!!

THAT’s RIGHT FOLKS, I WOULD TAKE A TRIAL LAWYER THAT WILL FIGHT RATHER THAN A CORPRATE LAWYER THAT CAN ONLY PANDER !!!!!

Edwards launches pledge

Dave, Tn — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:43:53 GMT

Aristocracy or Democracy?

A Republic, but not like what France has turned into. Spoiled rotten union thugs protecting jobs from the minorities stacked up in slums and tossed enough welfare to buy their self respect. BTW Hitler was a Socialist who rewrote the bible to serve his own ends.

Edwards launches pledge

Richard, Washington State — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:55:56 GMT

Desperate:

Your last paragraph to me is childish in so many ways that any more time spent on you seriously calls into question any sanity that could possibly be attributed to me. Well, call me crazy.

I am grateful for your pity, however. I'll try to find some useful way to use it. It might take awhile, though, because such a gift should be savored, cherished and carefully considered before passing it on to some other deserving recipient.

Oh hell, why wait? You can have it now! Use it wisely.

So go ahead and take your self-important, arrogant, faux intellectualism and stuff it in a John Edwards ballot box. I want a Democracy, but the socialist John Edwards isn't the answer any more than any other candidate. Ron Paul actually comes closer.

By the way folks, my apologies for whatever contribution I made to the religious war here. I thought I was offering a personal view that applied to me. I haven't read the Bible from front to back any more than I have read the Revised Code of Washington front to back. Desperate seemed desperate for attention, so I took pity and obliged. Don't worry, it won't happen again.

Damn, spent too much time on this.

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:22:20 GMT

Dave, for the record all rulers rewrite the Bible to serve their own ends. Who do you think King James was buddy? Ever read the Jeffersonian Bible? Want to guess who wrote it? Hmmmm, is it me or does every single ruler appear to know the word of God, that seems strange. It also seems strange that all of the words of God are different, well that can't be so because God is infallible right? Whoopsy Dave, maybe you should just let sleeping dogs lie and stay out of my way.

Oh and by the way your point is not a succesful counter to the argument that I originally used Hitler in. Think about it...think about it. It would be nice to say Hitler's name and then nuh uh behind it, but unforntunately such babble doesn't refute logically thought out arguments.

Edwards launches pledge

Desperate, Overland Park KS — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:37:31 GMT

AAAhhh poor richard. With that I too will apologize for getting a bit off topic but I just needed to hand Richard his head since he wanted to name call and obfuscate instead of discuss the issue at hand.

For the record Richard calling something childish is not an acceptable response to a cogent logical argument. How sad it is that you have no idea what you believe in. Maybe you should think about what you believe in before you just go popping off. I'd ask you how old you are, but is there really an acceptable answer. If you are young then you are naive. If you are old then you are uneducated, ignorant, and naive.
Have you ever strived to answer any difficult questions? Or do you just like to take things on a surface level? You poor, poor creature. Doesn't your kind believe that God gave you a brain to be used or is it just to be used to remember the rules that those who pose as God tell you to follow.

Again why do you keep asserting that I'm voting for Edwards. I haven't made up my mind yet. I certainly agree with him on this issue though. See I can do things like evaluate the candidates and judge them on issues, that's because I look at their platforms and research their thoughts. I care about these issues. You don't spend any time on this. You are right, you've wasted your time. Go away.

Edwards launches pledge

Jim, Chicago, IL — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:47:18 GMT

Desparate,

My only objection to your question is your use of "aristocracy" to describe the form of government that coporate lobbyists are trying to form. The Aristocracy is a class of persons which is made up of members of the royalty and court in a monarchy. It seems to me that a government who exists for the benifit of corporate interests, especially if seeks to control the general population through propoganda and lies, is Fascist.

Edwards launches pledge

s_vitreus, St. Cloud, Minnesota — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:13:05 GMT

Excellent point Jim !

I would agree that it is more fascist than anything. I had a professor in college that was teaching an economics class that touched on a subject that I think we can see happening in today’s business climate, and it is the position where many of the business represented PAC’s are lobbying from.

It was the idea of “Corporate Communization”. It is the idea that in an unregulated capitalist market everything gets narrowed down to a single product in that market, much like a monopoly. Only this takes it even a step further where those single products then getting absorbed through mergers to become subsidiaries of even larger companies.

For example, take a look at our current media climate (I know this is one of those subsidiaries). It is scary that they are all owned by some of the largest corporations in the world. It is scary to think that they are paying themselves to advertise their products on what is essentially their own air waves (and expensing it of course). Not to mention, they are setting the advertising rates for our candidates running for election (or should I say “THEIR CANIDATES” running for election). This is not saying that they can charge different rates, or not offer time based on party (I think this would be illegal, but don’t really know), but what it can do is price 3rd party candidates out of the candidacy process of getting their message out to the masses (not the electoral process). Or by keeping 2nd tier party candidates behind in the polls because everybody knows that they cannot keep face time with the potential voting electorate if they are not plastered on the TV screen.

Lets also look at candidates that have opted into the public financing in the primaries. John Edwards is in a statistical dead heat in Iowa, and gaining with independents and undecided voters in NH, SC, & NV (not to mention having wider margins than Hillary & Obama in General Election Polling against top GOP Canidates), but he has gone nearly unmentioned in the last 2 weeks. Is this because; if it truly ends up being a "HRC" and Obama primary race they are the only 2 candidates with huge war chests for the advertisers. It is just plain scary to me that everyone else is left in the dust.

This is why we have speed up the primary process, and lumped the majority of them together. This is why every state should be a caucus based on a 3 party minimum. At least we could have stronger numbers on who is polarizing and who is strong in 2nd and 3rd place inside of each party (with according delegates). It would make the national party conventions what they are supposed to be rather than what they have become. A place where delegates from each state decide who should be the national parties nominee based on the results of the substantive state process.

Edwards launches pledge

Richard, Washington State — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:23:35 GMT

Desperate:

Aw, Desperate, why can't I quit you!!!???

I would have gone away if you hadn't been ridiculous one more time.

Why are you wasting your time here? Is it a social studies assignment? Are you applying for a "First Read internship? Are you auditioning to take Murray or Domenico's place? (Look out guys!)

It's obvious that this little forum is far beneath you, which I have apparently proved time and time again, just today.

Your talents are needed elsewhere, not here with us cretins! We'll tarnish you if you hang around too long and not even someone with your powers and insights is likely to help.

You should go away before it's too late and you are trapped here repeating mediocrity after mediocrity. I mean, you have absolutely reduced me to the point that I have no resort but sarcasm and cheap shots.

And now that my head is back in my possession after apparently being possessed by someone possessed, (thanks for handing it to me, next time try not to drop it!) where, pray tell, did I assert anywhere that you are voting for Edwards?

I did tell you to take your self-important, arrogant faux intellectualism and stuff it into a John Edwards ballot box, but that has nothing to do with who you might be voting for. Use a Romney ballot box if you want, but stuff it with said qualities nevertheless.

It's not logical to make such assertions about something I didn't say. Your assertion about my assertion isn't credible and you temporarily misplaced your cogency.

And where do you get that brash confidence to actually assert things about me with no knowledge whatsoever? And the ability to research the THOUGHTS of other people? Are they wearing 1" or 2" platforms?

On the age question: I'm old enough to vote. Will you be in November?

Nighty night.

Edwards launches pledge

leon houston — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 01:32:53 GMT

thank you overland park, ks. you have stated the way millions of beat down middle class families feel.

we don't blindly follow the democrats, we just know their programs are best to help most of us try to get back on our feet. republicans just blindly follow party line no matter what the outcome.

we dont think of edwards as some kind of saviour but we do think of him as returning to his middle class roots as the son of a mill worker. i think he can still relate to us and i am not so cynical as to think that he is just saying whatever to get elected. He has a hard row to hoe but I just say: God bless him and Elizabeth.