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Wednesday, 14 January 2009

Candidates Hold Forum

Editor's note: We are participating in the Quad-City Times First Vote, where students are able to attend political forums and report on them.

Recapturing the American Dream As Americans, we share common hopes and dreams. And we all deserve the same chance.

"I'll take away President Bush's tax cuts," Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama said.

"Distribution of wealth will start to close the widening gap between upper and lower class. And in correlation, the economy will flourish. We can only withdrawal troops after establishing diplomacy in Iraq. So far, we have spent one-hundred-twenty billion dollars on the war. The extra income, wont hurt."

"As your next president," Obama said. "I will recapture the American Dream."

The headlining banner for the forum that hangs overhead Obama's podium. The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, in Bettendorf, IA, is where supporters gathered to listen.

By cleaning up irresponsible government spending, Obama outlined that education and healthcare can be solved.

Obama gave a detailed and inspiring speech about his family and the fortunate life that America, gave him. And how we can all work to achieve dreams we all have and want to share with others.

Obama likes to compare checking out presidential candidates to looking over a used car, saying, that he knows voters like to look under the hood and kick the tires before we take it for a ride. In hopes, he can convince America that his ride is for change.

Better Veteran Care

There are occasional stories in the news about army veterans not receiving the benefits they need.

The Washington Post published an article of inspection at the Walter Reed Medical Center. It was reported, "Mouse-droppings, belly-up cockroaches, stained carpets, cheap mattresses," were among some of the common sights. Walter Reed is a representation of how the current administration is taking care of our veterans.

Democratic Presidential Candidate, Bill Richardson, spoke about this issue at the Adler Theater two weeks ago.

Third Party capital gains would save us twenty-five billion dollars. Richardson will take that money, and like Robin Hood, he will spread the wealth.

Under Richardson, veterans will receive a Heroes Card. Which means no more long lines at the VA. They get care wherever they want.

For their first year back, veterans won't pay federal income tax. If they are severely wounded, paid leave is offered up to a year. And education is free for the family. With a detailed plan laid out, there would still be nine and a half billion saved.

Richardson is also interested in topics of the current headlines. Stating that we need to get out of Iraq as soon as possible to start diplomatic establishment.

"Seventy percent of Iraqis think there is nothing wrong with shooting a U.S. soldier," Richardson said. "That says there's something wrong in our current policy."

He believes in diplomatic resolution in Iraq and Iran. Which are both turning into unforeseen problems.

"I'm an advocate for high-speed rails," Richardson said. "I would reverse our current funding in the highway bill for the commuter bill."

Richardson has many plans to control 'out of hand' government spending.

U.S. Needs Credibility First The Hat Pub in Davenport was packed of Joe Biden supporters last week one afternoon.

Democratic presidential candidate Biden has served in the Senate for thirty-six years.

Meaning, his resume is quite impressive when compared to any candidates, democratic or republican running.

"I'm the most qualified for this job," Biden said. "We need to regain credibility in the world if we want to lead the world to peace. That means that the conflict in Iraq must be resolved before massive withdrawal."

Roadside bombs cause Seventy-Five percent of troop deaths. So, Biden wants to fund troops with the necessary tools.

"I don't play games," Biden said. "Iraq is a more important issue. It is paralyzing us as a country."

The new fortified vehicles give soldiers a three hundred percent increase in survival. He touched on the current issue of Iran and its nuclear capabilities.

"Yes, it is a concern," Biden said. "But Pakistan is a bigger threat. They have nuclear warheads and radical fundamentalists are taking over."

Saying, that we don't need to fear about the 'what ifs.'

"That is what partially got this administration where it is now," he said.

We have spent one-hundred-twenty billion dollars on the 'War in Iraq,' so far.

"And republicans talk about values," Biden said. "Show me your budget and I will show you your value."

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