Tampa Bay O-Train Virtual Platform Meeting

Seniors and Social Security

2008-07-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

What does Barack Obama want to do for seniors? These are his main points.

Here is what else he has to say: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/socialsecurity/

Do you have more that you would like to say to the Democratic Party Platform Committee? Comment now.

Open Forum

2008-07-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

What issue are we missing that is important to you? This is your chance to comment. Please be concise.

Immigration

2008-07-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Plan for Immigration

“The time to fix our broken immigration system is now… We need stronger enforcement on the border and at the workplace… But for reform to work, we also must respond to what pulls people to America… Where we can reunite families, we should. Where we can bring in more foreign-born workers with the skills our economy needs, we should”

— Barack Obama, Statement on U.S. Senate Floor, May 23, 2007
Read more on Obama's postions on immigration reform at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/immigration/
Tell us what you think the Democratic Party position should be on immigration. Add your comment now.

Fiscal

2008-07-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

"The cost of our debt is one of the fastest growing expenses in the federal budget. This rising debt is a hidden domestic enemy, robbing our cities and states of critical investments in infrastructure like bridges, ports, and levees; robbing our families and our children of critical investments in education and health care reform; robbing our seniors of the retirement and health security they have counted on ... If Washington were serious about honest tax relief in this country, we'd see an effort to reduce our national debt by returning to responsible fiscal policies."

- Barack Obama, Speech in the U.S. Senate, March 13, 2006

What do we need to do to restore our government to fiscal responsibility? Read more of what Obama has to say at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/fiscal/
and then share your ideas under the comment section.

Iraq

2008-07-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

Plan for Ending the War in Iraq

“Here is the truth: fighting a war without end will not force the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own future. And fighting in a war without end will not make the American people safer.
So when I am Commander-in-Chief, I will set a new goal on day one: I will end this war. Not because politics compels it. Not because our troops cannot bear the burden- as heavy as it is. But because it is the right thing to do for our national security, and it will ultimately make us safer.”

—Barack Obama, Clinton, Fayetteville, North Carolina, March 19, 2008
Read more about Barack Obama's stand on Iraq at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/iraq/

What do you think we should do about Iraq? Go to Comments and share your ideas.

Health Care

2008-07-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

According to Barack Obama the following points summarize the problem with America's health care system. Do you agree? What are the solutions?

Millions of Americans are uninsured or underinsured because of rising medical costs: 47 million Americans — including nearly 9 million children — lack health insurance with no signs of this trend slowing down.
Health care costs are skyrocketing: Health insurance premiums have risen 4 times faster than wages over the past 6 years.
Too little is spent on prevention and public health: The nation faces epidemics of obesity and chronic diseases as well as new threats of pandemic flu and bioterrorism. Yet despite all of this less than 4 cents of every health care dollar is spent on prevention and public health.

Read more about Obama's ideas for change in the way we provide health care at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/and then tell us what you think. Help the Democratic Party come up with the best plan to tackle this difficult problem. Add your comments.

Ethics

2008-07-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a summary of what Obama wants to do to help create a more ethical government and political process.

At a Glance

See more about his ideas at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/ethics/ then tell us what you would like the Democratic Party to stand for by adding your comment in 500 words or less.

Energy and the Environment

2008-07-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

Plan for a Clean Energy Future

“Well, I don't believe that climate change is just an issue that's convenient to bring up during a campaign. I believe it's one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation..."
Barack Obama in Iowa on Oct 15, 2007

Obama Proposals at a Glance

Read more on Barack's thoughts at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/energy/

What are your ideas. Get then in the party platform. Make your suggestions in the comments section now.

Education

2008-07-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

A World class education

“I don't want to send another generation of American children to failing schools. I don't want that future for my daughters. I don't want that future for your sons. I do not want that future for America.”

— Barack Obama, Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, Des Moines, Iowa, November 10, 2007
What needs to be done? What do democrats need to stand for? Read Obama's ideas on education http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/ and then tell us yours in the comment section.

The Economy

2008-07-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

The problem, according to Barack Obama is

Wages are Stagnant as Prices Rise: While wages remain flat, the costs of basic necessities are increasing. The cost of in-state college tuition has grown 35 percent over the past five years. Health care costs have risen four times faster than wages over the past six years. And the personal savings rate is now the lowest it's been since the Great Depression.

Tax Cuts for Wealthy Instead of Middle Class: The Bush tax cuts give those who earn over $1 million dollars a tax cut nearly 160 times greater than that received by middle-income Americans. At the same time, this administration has refused to tackle health care, education and housing in a manner that benefits the middle class.

Read the specifics at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/ and then tell us what you think? What positions do you believe the party needs to take to reverse the downhill slide of our economy.

Defense

2008-07-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

Obama's defense priorities include the following.

Read more at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/defense/ and add your comments in 500 words or less.

Get your voice heard on the party platform!

Civil Rights

2008-07-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

In a speech at Howard University in September of 2007 Barack Obama said:

“The teenagers and college students who left their homes to march in the streets of Birmingham and Montgomery; the mothers who walked instead of taking the bus after a long day of doing somebody else's laundry and cleaning somebody else's kitchen — they didn't brave fire hoses and Billy clubs so that their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren would still wonder at the beginning of the 21st century whether their vote would be counted; whether their civil rights would be protected by their government; whether justice would be equal and opportunity would be theirs. . . . We have more work to do.”

Read Barack's positions on civil rights at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/civilrights/#strengthen-enforcement
and consider what you would like to see added as part of the party platform. In 500 words add your "comment" below.