Our Country needs, Hope … yes very much so.
Our Country also needs Competence in SO many Government Positions of power … NO more 'Heck of Job — Brownies' PLEASE!
But the one thing America needs even more than Hope and Competence — it's Real Leadership!
What is Real Leadership made up of?
More Compromise and Committee meetings? (I hope not)
Media Fanfare and soaring rhetoric? (nice, but …)
How about Honesty, How about taking a real Stand?
How about talking straight with the American People, and detailing all the 'Hard Work' and 'Sacrifice' that Real Change will ultimately require?
That's what Real Leaders do.
They tell you the Truth, and speaking the Truth eventually leads to widespread Action, and the Changes we need.
Once again John Edwards, has NOT failed to Lead on the Issues, so important to everyday Americans …
Edwards HAS been taking Stands, all along. And he continues to do so:
(1) Edwards Statement On Destruction Of Tapes By CIA
(2) African-American Leaders Discuss Edwards' “Plan For Opportunity For All Americans”
(3) Edwards talks about 14th Anniversary Of NAFTA in New Hampshire
(4) Southwest Iowa Newspaper endorses Edwards
(5) Senator Bill Bradley Interviews Presidential Candidate John Edwards
(6) Edwards confident about South Carolina
(7) Edwards: Real Leaders take Stands — on Social Security
(8) Edwards confidence about his new Administration
(1) Edwards Statement On Destruction Of Tapes By CIA
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards released the following statement on the CIA's destruction of interrogation tapes:
“I was disturbed to learn that the CIA deliberately destroyed video recordings of interrogations it conducted using extreme techniques. These tapes were destroyed during the ongoing 9-11 Commission investigation, raising deeply troubling questions about whether their destruction was intended to prevent the American people from learning the truth about the harsh interrogation techniques sanctioned by the Bush-Cheney Administration. Particularly with an issue so critical to our moral authority in the world, the American people deserve the truth, not suspicious excuses and evasions.
“Torture is morally wrong, it is illegal, it is ineffective, it endangers our own troops and citizens, and it plays into the hands of our enemies. My administration will uphold and protect the law rather than trampling over it.”
http://www.johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20071207-CIA-tapes/
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If you're wondering what kind of Commander and Chief Edwards would be on the global stage of Foreign Affairs (short answer — a good one!), here's some recommended reading:
Edwards on Bush Today; John Edwards: No Rush to War with Iran
by TomP – Tue Dec 04, 2007
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/4/8047/65160/360/417637
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Edwards: the Lesson of Iraq and a New Strategy for Iran
by jamess – Fri Dec 07, 2007
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/7/16415/8617/797/419242
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On the Domestic Front, Edwards continues to show Leadership on how to heal another kind of 'divide' in our Country:
(2) African-American Leaders Discuss Edwards' “Plan For Opportunity For All Americans”
Columbia, South Carolina – Key African-American supporters held a conference call today to discuss Senator Edwards' “Plan for Opportunity for All Americans,” which includes proposals for creating good jobs, guaranteeing universal health care and reforming the criminal justice system.
…“Too many Americans are separated from the opportunities of our country,” said Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman. “Senator Edwards has dedicated his life to building One America, where every person has the same opportunities to work hard and get ahead.“
“Senator Edwards has laid out detailed plans to strengthen African-American communities and all communities by expanding the middle class and ending poverty in America,” said Tyrone Freeman, president of SEIU United Long Term Care Workers West. “If we work together, I have faith we'll be able to lift up families and make a real difference in people's lives.”
…
Building One America: A Plan for Opportunity for All Americans
There are still Two Americas — one favored and the other forgotten. While they are not defined by race, the Two Americas have a disproportionate impact on people of color and in many ways reflect the tragic history of race in this country.
…As someone who grew up in the segregated South, Senator Edwards feels a special responsibility on the issue of race in America and has made equality of opportunity the central tenet of his campaign. To build One America and make sure everyone has the same chances that America has given to him, he supports:
– Guaranteeing Health Care for Every American– Strengthening Schools So Every Child Can Succeed
– Ending the Disgrace of Two Criminal Justice Systems
– Creating Safe and Affordable Housing
– Protecting the Right to Vote
– Ending Poverty in America
– Helping Small Businesses
– Environmental Justice
– Enforcing Civil Rights Laws
– Closing the Digital Divide
for more details:
http://johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20071207-plan-for-opportunity/
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(3) Edwards talks about 14th Anniversary Of NAFTA in New Hampshire
AP is finally following Edwards on the Trail, today they report that:
Edwards Condemns NAFTA
By HOLLY RAMER
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards says he wants to replace the empty promise that NAFTA would create millions of jobs with his own promise to be a tough negotiator on trade deals.
On the 14th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Edwards planned to condemn the deal that lowered trade barriers between the United States and Canada and Mexico, arguing that it has paved the way for a series of deals that put the interests of multninational corporations ahead of working families.
“NAFTA was sold to the American people with promises that it would grow the economy and create millions of new jobs. But today, we know those promises were empty,” he said in remarks prepared for delivery at a town hall forum in Derry. “In all three countries, it has hurt workers and families while helping corporate insiders.”
The former North Carolina senator said more than 5 million American jobs have gone overseas since President Bush took office, and that up to 30 million more could follow in the next decade.
“The folks in Washington say that trade is good for the economy, even if it hurts a few 'losers,'” he said. “That's the word they use, losers, and it tells you something about how they see regular American workers and families who are struggling to compete.”
The former North Carolina senator said the effects of NAFTA and other trade deals is evident in New Hampshire's north country, where several paper mills have closed in recent years. As president, he said he would pursue trade deals that leave most families better off and that include strong labor and environmental standards.
Edwards also has said he would make enforcing trade laws a greater priority and eliminate tax incentives that encourage U.S. companies to move overseas.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hIEvRMDdRJqX_xxlp4o1mnyPgQ5AD8TDBO4O0
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The Edwards Plan for Smart and Safe Trade:
Be a Tough Negotiator, Unafraid to Reject Bad Deals:
The American position in trade negotiations has been formulated behind closed doors with help from corporate lobbyists. Under the “fast track” procedure, Congress could not amend the resulting deals. Not surprisingly, trade agreements include special privileges for corporations, such as strong remedies for commercial rights and unprecedented rights to challenge environmental and health laws, but failed to protect workers.
As president, Edwards will pursue trade deals that:
– Make most families better off, considering its impact on jobs, wages, and prices.
– Enforce labor rights — including the right to organize and bargain collectively and prohibitions against forced labor, child labor, and discrimination – to prevent a global race to the bottom and help build a global middle class.
– Protect the environment, preventing the exploitation of weak or poorly enforced laws and greenhouse gas commitments if necessary.
– Clearly prohibit currency manipulation that puts American businesses at a disadvantage.
Demand a Level Playing Field for Trade: …
Edwards will assign top prosecutors at the U.S. Department of Justice to the job of enforcing trade laws, including the stronger labor and environment standards he will negotiate. …
Eliminate Tax Incentives to Move Offshore: …
Edwards will eliminate the benefit of deferral in low-tax countries, ensuring that American companies' profits are taxed when earned …
Revamp Trade Assistance and the Safety Net to Help Dislocated Workers and Communities: …
Edwards will fight for these workers and their communities, by modernizing unemployment insurance to cover 500,000 more workers a year and creating a new “Training Works” initiative tied to high-wage jobs.
He will help communities recover quickly from mass layoffs with better advance warning and more resources to shore up the local tax base, plans for attracting family-sustaining jobs, and help for local businesses.
Ensure the Safety of Imported Food, Drugs and Toys:
Food imports more than doubled in the last decade and Americans eat 260 pounds of imported foods a year. Nearly 80 percent of children's toys are made in China …
– Enforce mandatory country-of-origin labeling on all food, increase inspections of imported food, and require the Food and Drug Administration to assess foreign nation's food safety systems.
– Raise penalties for toy safety violations, require independent testing, authorize border detention and inspection of toys in high-risk categories and ensure the independence of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
– Mandate the pharmaceutical industry to quickly implement non-forgeable electronic “track-and-trace pedigrees” to ensure that drugs stay safe at every step in the supply chain — from factory to store and require sellers to prove that their drugs came from an authorized distributor.
http://johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20071208-nafta/
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And in case you missed it TomP covered this NAFTA anniversary, and its implications, in an excellent post earlier today:
Edwards on NAFTA Anniversary Day: “Those promises were empty”; NAFTA Failed.
by TomP – Sat Dec 08, 2007
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/8/93252/6377/604/419435
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(4) Southwest Iowa Newspaper endorses Edwards
And in Iowa, where the People know the the meaning of 'Hard Work', those important Endorsements keep going to John Edwards:
Southwest Iowa Newspaper: Edwards “Represents The Best Of What This Country Has To Offer”
Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards today received the endorsement of Valley News Today, a daily newspaper in Shenandoah, Iowa. The paper, which covers a rural southwestern Iowa community, does not typically endorse presidential candidates and has not done so in recent presidential primaries. The paper’s endorsement reflects Edwards’ appeal to rural America and his commitment to making sure Iowans in every part of the state know where he stands on the important issues facing our country. Edwards is the only candidate to visit and take questions from Iowans in all 99 counties twice, and has announced the public support of more than 1,000 rural Iowans.
“As the only Democratic candidate with rural roots, Edwards knows first hand about the daily trials and tribulations of the working poor,” reads the endorsement. “As a result of his upbringing, he has by far the most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas to improve our nation.”
http://www.johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20071207-valley-news-today/
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(5) Senator Bill Bradley Interviews Presidential Candidate John Edwards
Talk about REAL Progressives taking notice of What Edwards is saying — check this out:
Reuters
Senator Bill Bradley Interviews Presidential Candidate John Edwards — Exclusively On SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Two visionaries speak with candor on the state of politics, the importance of this election, and what the future holds
Bradley and Edwards share an optimistic view of the potential of what this country can accomplish if united under strong and compassionate leadership. Both believe in the power of the voice of the individual, and in this thought-provoking and candid conversation, Edwards shares his goals, concerns and plans if elected.
“We are by nature optimistic, strong, and courageous. What we need is a president and a leader who actually believes in the American people, and believes in the extraordinary human capital and potential of the American people,” said John Edwards.
“I want to be surrounded by really smart, talented people who say to me, 'You're wrong. Mr. President, you're just dead wrong about that.' …If we're going to make hard decisions, the last thing I need is a bunch of people around me just telling me how smart I am and how great I am. …We've seen what the result is when that's your approach.”
Senator Bradley's interview with John Edwards will air December 10th at 5:00 am, 7:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 11:00 pm, all times ET.
Visit www.sirius.com for more information.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS167471+07-Dec-2007+PRN20071207
(6) Edwards confident about South Carolina
What me worry?
Edwards confident: Presidential hopeful predicts win in S.C. Democratic primary
By RODDIE BURRIS
SENECA — Former Sen. John Edwards said Thursday he’s confident at least 75 percent of S.C. voters have not decided for whom they will vote next year.
…
Edwards predicted that when S.C. voters begin focusing on the presidential race, he will be their man.“I won it in 2004, and might I remind you that in the polls I was doing less well then than I am now.”
When voters are reminded that he grew up here, that he understands their lives and will fight for them, “they’ll respond,” Edwards assured.
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/250823.html
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(7) Edwards: Real Leaders take Stands — on Social Security
This IS What Leadership is ALL About — and John Edwards has been telling you where he Stands, all year!
UnionLeader.com
Edwards: Real leaders take stands
By PHILIP ELLIOTT — The Associated Press
MANCHESTER – Democrat John Edwards yesterday criticized rival Hillary Rodham Clinton, saying candidates who seek the White House should take strong, clear stands on difficult issues like Social Security.
Clinton has said she doesn't want to put forward a specific plan now to shore up Social Security, but would wait for recommendations from a bipartisan commission because any plan will need the support of Democrats and Republicans to be enacted.
Asked about her stance at an AARP-Divided We Fail lunch on health and financial security, Edwards told seniors: “If you want to be President of the United States, you should lead. Leadership means taking clear, strong positions for the American people. … I've said very clearly what I would do, not said I'm going to wait and figure this out later.”
http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Edwards%3A+Real+leaders+take+stands&articleId=cd9fead0-cc5d-41e2-96f4-cbdf6f05936a
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Washington Post — The Trail
Was [Edwards] suggesting that Clinton was not showing leadership? he was asked. “I'm saying I am,” he answered.
Social Security has emerged as a flash point in the Democratic debate. Edwards has proposed raising the cap on income that is taxed for Social Security, which now stands at $97,500, possibly allowing for a “doughnut hole” of income over $97,500 that is not taxed but then taxing income over $200,000. Barack Obama has also said he would favor raising the cap, on some occasions endorsing a doughnut hole approach and on some occasions referring simply to lifting the cap.
Clinton has declined to lay out specific options for shoring up the Social Security system, saying that she would start by restoring fiscal discipline and then convene a bipartisan commission to study a long-term fix.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2007/12/07/post_232.html
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(8) Edwards confidence about his new Administration
Real Leaders — Lead!
And Real Leaders start being the Change, they would want to see …
Some may think this presumptuous, to me it says Edwards has the confidence it takes to lead the greatest nation in the world:
Despite poll numbers, Edwards said he already has made a list of candidates for his running mate and his Cabinet.
The Democrats' 2004 vice presidential nominee said he would seek out “the most qualified, most competent, most independent, strong-minded people that I can find” for a Cabinet.
“I want people who will say, 'You're wrong about this. You're not right. You're going to do harm if you do this,'” Edwards said. “The goal is not to make me feel good about myself.”
He said he would consider Republicans for his Cabinet, but not his vice president.
“If I'm elected president, what that means is America is ready for my version of the future of our country,” Edwards said.
“If something happens and I couldn't complete my term, I would want to ensure that that vice president would push forward with this same vision, because that's what America is voting for.”
http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Edwards%3A+Real+leaders+take+stands&articleId=cd9fead0-cc5d-41e2-96f4-cbdf6f05936a
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Now that's Confidence!
Who's ready to Lead America on Day One — No On the Job Training required?
Sounds like John Edwards to me and to an ever growing number of forward-thinking Americans too!
Who's ready to look you in eye, and tell you what they will do, to restore America's Moral Authority — both at home, and aboard?
And who's ready to form another Committee to study the matter, and get back with you, someday?
Edwards is fighting for Equal Opportunity for All Americans — and Edwards IS doing the 'Hard Work' already, by spelling out detailed steps of what needs to be done, by spelling out the differences between himself and the other 'would-be' Leaders:
http://johnedwards.com/issues/
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Others may have the Media Spotlight, but Why is it that they frequently are playing “catch up” with the many detailed Progressive Policies, that Edwards was almost always the first to boldly declare?
Who is not afraid to Stand up for the Progressive Issues that matter to working Americans — John Edwards, that's who!
How that old saying go …
Either Lead, Follow, or get out of the Way!
(I'll give you one guess, which one of those Options, Edwards has been working overtime on, already!)