There is one thing that both Republicans and Democrats can agree on during this contentious election cycle: The Bush Administration has completely undermined the US Constitution. While most Republicans will not admit it publicly( I happen to be one of the ones that will. ), President Bush has willfully tip-toed around, loopholed through, and outright taken scissors to the Constitution.

What I once thought was just a bunch of ranting by leftover Vietnam war protesters has turned out to be true. It took the latest financial bailout for me to put it into perspective. I have long opposed the Federal Reserve, and the fiat currency that this nation has been based on for so many decades. This latest abuse of the system being championed by the President pushed me to revisit some of the arguments against this administration’s abuses of power.

Let’s start with the Patriot Act, a piece of legislation designed to take our rights away, and turn us into a surveillance society. I was okay with this when it first passed, because the government promised to spy only on the “bad guys”. The problem is that the Patriot Act builds on FISA, which allows circumvention of the 4th amendment’s granting of a warrant based on probable cause. The newest legislation expands those powers. Where the 4th Amendment doesn’t apply-like phone companies, utilities, etc.-it has been used to threaten these companies into giving up private information. The reason that the Patriot Act was not declared unconstitutional, is because the 4th amendment is subject to suspension due to national security concerns.I think that if the amendment were to be suspended in that case, that the Congress would have said so in the amendment.

Then, there’s his use of Executive Orders to bypass the need for Congressional approval of his actions, or even redefine what constitutes torture. He’s used them to redefine the manual of Courts Martial several times and to establish a National Counter-terrorism Center. He’s issued tons of them, some innocuous, some controversial. Basically, any legislation he wants to pass, he just issues an executive order. It’s exempt from judicial review or congressional oversight. At the very least, it is an abuse of power. At worst, it is an grossly unconstitutional concentration of power in the Executive branch. I guess this is what we can expect from a President who is widely reported to have said in 2005 “Stop throwing the Constitution in my face. It’s just a g-d*****d piece of paper!”

This disregard of the Constitution extends to the Vice-President’s office, who has redefined his role in the grand scheme of things as a member of the legislative branch. While this is fine if contained within his philosophy of government, the implementation of this philosophy within the governmental administration is a slap in the face to any intelligent American. The reason that VP Cheney has adopted this stance, is to keep the National Archive from viewing and recording the communications of his office. It keeps the rest of America from insights into the logic, actions, and oversight of his office.

Now we have the bailout, which gives unconscionably vast power to the Treasury and Federal Reserve. This is now law, and will not be challenged, even though it is subject to Judicial review. This law was only spawned because of the Bush Administration’s paradigm regarding the Constitution.

During the bailout, certain lawmakers have testified that they were told, unless the bill was passed, martial law would be declared. You can understand why it was passed now. Who wants to give a President with no regard for the Constitution an opportunity to suspend its powers, and declare himself supreme ruler?

As someone who voted for him twice ( and regrets the second time most bitterly ), I can tell you that we have not yet seen the erosion of our rights realized. The impact of these infringements on liberty and national sovereignty will be apparent in the near future, and will burden or empower the next Administration. We can only pray they have the common sense and wisdom to begin rebuilding the liberties and security the Constitution once offered us.

In closing, I offer this prayer: May God save us from our Government’s attempts to save us.

Kurt Hartman is for strict construction of the Constitution, and an advocate for religious liberties and free speech. He is head of Employee Training at Mobile Fleet Service/ BuyBigTires.com. They sell otr tires for the mining and construction industries.

Property developers and investors consider North Cyprus to be the most attractive property market in Europe right now, with property prices starting low and already rising in line with the reunification talks that are going on between Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

Prices in the Turkish controlled North of the island are low because of the conditions that the North has been in for the last thirty years, specifically in regard to international trade embargos and the refusal of international airlines to fly directly into the North. However with both leaders now aiming to heal the division that has separated the island’s two communities, property prices in the north – which are, at the moment, currently between a third and a half of those in the Republic of Cyprus – are all beginning to rise, and the extent of developer and investment interest in both North Cyprus properties and land highlights the jump in property values that will almost immediately follow a successful reunification blueprint being tabled.

The current round of negotiations have met with huge approval from the international community – a community who remained largely indifferent, if not disillusioned, during the stalled attempts at delegation that defined the leadership of Christofias’s predecessor - the conservative, anti-reunification Tassos Papadopoulos.

Of course, the international community’s support for the reunification talks- talks that are now taking place on a weekly basis until a solution is reached – is a fantastic indicator that the talks really are moving ahead, and that the early bird investors – the people who buy property in North Cyprus now – are likely to reap the benefits of an investment opportunity that simply could not have been made anywhere else in Europe.

The European Voice, a highly regarded newspaper owned by the Economist group, has galvanised the spirit of support that the two leaders now evoke around the world, by short-listing them for their ‘Europeans of the Year Award’ in recognition of the effort that both men have made in moving toward a reunified Cyprus.

The other nominees for the award include Nicholas Sarkozy, in recognition of his efforts to broker a peace between Russia and Georgia, Boris Tadic, the Serbian president, in recognition of bringing Radovan Karadzic to trial and Donald Tusk, Poland’s prime minister for restoring his country’s position in the EU.

The shift in diplomatic attitudes reflects a genuine opinion change in both of Cyprus’ communities – Turkish Cypriot voters chose to oust the long standing Rauf Denktash in favour the left wing Republic Society Party who ran with their pro-reunification solution mandate, as did Greek Cypriot voters choose to bring in the left-wing, pro-reunification Demetris Christofias this February. The feelings have not abated ; according to one poll, quoted in the International Crises Group’s report ‘Reunifying Cyprus, The Best Chance Yet’, three quarters of Greek Cypriots still backed their leader’s pro-reunification stance three months into his presidency. Considering that it was this community who, just four years ago, rejected the Annan plan, there has indeed been a shift in opinion.

The potential that will be released from idyllic North Cyprus upon reunification is huge, and for this reason many property investors are looking at properties and developments for their fantastic investment opportunities. The reunification process, now being supported by both leaders, the international community and – most importantly perhaps – the people themselves, looks to be the best chance for bringing an end to the islands long entrenched problems, and the beginning of a new era for property in North Cyprus.

Want to read more about the North Cyprus Property? Visit www.whiterocksbafra.com where there is a regularly updated property news section along with several property investment opportunities in North Cyprus.

North Cyprus has been divided from the rest of the island since 1974, and property prices in Northern Cyprus have not benefited to the same extent from the property boom which followed the Republic’s ascension into the EU. Property in the Turkish controlled north of Cyprus is, however, now gaining in value thanks to the new impetuous in reunification that has been present since the election of Demetris Christofias as leader of the Greek Cypriot side of the island this February.

Christofias, who, like his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mehmet Ali Talat, is a left winger and a politician who is all for reunification, was voted in on his progressive stance to the Cyprus problem, and in the first couple of months of his leadership the two leaders met five times before starting official reunification talks, which are now taking place – under the brokerage of the UN – each week until a workable plan for a successfully reunified state can be achieved.

The optimism in this round of reunification talks – which many people consider to be the best, and maybe last chance at reunification – has been bolstered by international diplomatic support, from the UN, the EU and this week, from the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, which this week responded to speeches from both leaders with warm approval.

After decades of mistrust – nowhere evident more than in the hostile words and entrenched diplomatic positions of Christofias’s predecessor, the five year incumbent Tassos Papadopoulos and the Turkish Cypriot Rauf Denktash – the two leaders are now striking out toward a mutually agreed future for the island of Cyprus.

The Turkish controlled North of the island is undeniably isolated from international trade and international flight routes that have secured the Republic of Cyprus as one of the Mediterranean’s most popular tourist destinations. For these reasons property prices are normally just a fraction of what they are in the Republic – around a half and a third as much on average – and also comparably far lower than those in other countries where property has been popular as both second homes and as an investment opportunity.

However, with holiday makers now able to fly into the Republic of Cyprus and drive across the border property prices have already begun to appreciate in the north, where the natural beauty and untroubled scenery posses an appeal that is simply unmatched south of the Green Line. With overall prices far lower in the North, and the warmest sea temperatures in the Mediterranean lapping against its shoreline, the Turkish controlled portion of the island is a fantastic holiday destination, and visitor numbers are increasing year on year.

With reunification will come a huge jump in house prices, and the positive attitude that both Mehmet Ali Talat and Demetris Christofias have brought to this new round of reunification talks has led to a number of early bird investors and developers firmly focusing their attention on North Cyprus. Already GDP per capita has shot up in North Cyprus, thanks to various factors, and this has had an immediate effect on property prices. With properties in Northern Cyprus bought and sold in sterling, the market is doubly attractive for UK investors, as not only are prices far lower than in other countries where investment properties are often considered, but also the investor does not lose out through the unflattering current exchange rate between the Euro and the pound.

Want to read more about North Cyprus property? The latest news and fantastic properties in North Cyprus can be found on www.whiterocksbafra.c

Grow From Middle-Class Poor to ‘Zero Debt’ to Rich in One Year

October 5, 2008 - NEW YORK, N.Y. Have you noticed how skinny and weak the average middle-class American looks lately? Nothing but skin and bone. It’s Barack Obama, not ‘Uncle Sam’, who is saying it’s time to feed the poor guy so he can do his job.

The Illinois senator plans to “relieve the burden of the middle class”. Admirable. For a start he introduces the elimination of income tax for retirees making less than $50,000 a year. For many seniors, this will eliminate the need to hire a tax preparer, resulting in even larger savings.

But he forgot a huge portion of the middle class poor. Those who make over $50,000. Those who make between $50-90 thousand per year are in the most desperate need of a tax break. They pay for all these programs that they don’t qualify for. Why the $50,000 per year cap?

A top-ten best-selling author of John Wiley & Sons is coming to the rescue…giving away his new book in protesting the plight of the middle-class poor.

Not only is he giving away a book, but a ‘flash of genius’ secret that enables the middle-class poor to be ‘zero debt’ and even be the nouveau riche in one year.

Combined with Obama’s solid start, it sounds good…which is NOT to say that it sounds too good to be true.

He is the author of the international best-seller, “The Profit-Taker: the Proven Rapid Money-Maker in Good and Bad Markets”.

The Chicago Tribune says:”THE PROFIT-TAKER: SOLID ADVICE ON THE STOCK MARKET”. The new free sequel reveals a proven strategy to grow rich - especially for late starters. It is a blueprint that awakens the self-actualizing quest to live long.

Do Abrams and Smarba have a solution? Yes! Unequivocally.

“We don’t have turkeys to hand out, but it has to start somewhere. We recognize the debt we owe for the thunderous acclaim of the first book. To that end, we wish to set an example by being credible and responsible to our book-buying public. We have a reader friendly offer as a remedy. We wish to give back. It makes good marketing sense. It’s good for the middle-class poor and for everyone.”

So for the first time ever, the revolutionary and pre-published sequel to the international best-seller is being given away. Over seven years of work in its creation. Given away. Exactly so. Free! This follow-up, “The Profit-Taker Equalizer for the Underdog: Grow from Middle-Class Poor to ‘Zero Debt’ to Rich in One Year”, is yours - with love.

During these troubled times of risky ventures and banking woes, the financial duo wish to follow Obama’s lead and unleash their refreshing, uplifting and unique concept…unencumbered by any cost to the reader, without any strings attached.

Simply click on www.profittaker.info and download the complete full-length manuscript copy of their ‘news breaking book’.

Prof. Don Abrams, the author of a number of published financial books, including the international bestseller…The Profit-Taker: the Proven Rapid Money-Maker in Good and Bad Markets. He is a 25 year Professor of Finance. http://www.profittaker.info

It has been called Issue #1. It is on the front page of major newspapers across the country, as President Bush seeks passage of a $700 billion bailout plan for financial firms. It is the struggling United States economy.

As countless Americans struggle to make ends meet as a result of rising gas prices, rising health care costs and stagnant wages, the United States economy has once again become the focal point of the 2008 presidential election. But how do John McCain and Barack Obama plan to fix the ailing United States economy and how will their proposed initiatives affect you and your family?

Obama stated, “I believe that America’s free market has been the engine of America’s great progress. It’s created a prosperity that is the envy of the world. It’s led to a standard of living unmatched in history. And it has provided great rewards to the innovators and risk-takers who have made America a beacon for science, and technology, and discovery … We are all in this together. From CEOs to shareholders, from financiers to factory workers, we all have a stake in each other’s success because the more Americans prosper, the more America prospers.”

In an effort to help Americans struggling with high fuel and food costs, McCain plans to end America’s dependence on foreign oil by ending the federal moratorium on oil exploration and drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf. The Arizona senator believes that a summer gas tax holiday from Memorial Day to Labor Day would have saved motorists $6.8 billion in taxes.

For those struggling with high mortgage costs, McCain has proposed the new “HOME Plan,” which would allow homeowners to trade their existing mortgage for a more manageable home loan.

“That plan [will require] participating lenders to forgive part of the loan principal and then write a new loan that would be backed by the federal government through the Federal Housing Administration,” wrote Tom Raum in the Tucson Citizen.

The Republican nominee favors flexible work arrangements that would allow Americans to spend more time with their families, especially their children. He plans to accomplish this by modernizing the nation’s labor laws allowing for more flexible work hours; promoting telework; which allows for less commuting; and ensuring that employees can choose the retirement plan that best fits their needs, which he thinks will boost the struggling United States economy.

Senator Obama says that the Bush tax cut to the upper-class gives the wealthiest Americans a tax cut nearly 160 times larger than tax cuts received by the middle-class, severely damaging the United States economy. He will enact a $1,000 tax cut to low-income families and eliminate income taxes for senior citizens earning less than $50,000 annually.

According to Obama’s official website, he “will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial scale renewable energy, invest in low emissions coal plants, and begin transition to a new digital electricity grid.”

The Democratic nominee plans to crack down on fraudulent lending practices by introducing the STOP FRAUD Act last year that defines mortgage fraud, increases funding to law enforcement agencies and creates criminal penalties for those found guilty of mortgage fraud. He is also proposing Homeowner Obligation Made Explicit (HOME), which provides future homeowners “a simplified, standardized borrower metric (similar to APR) for home mortgages.”

Obama also plans to assist working families by expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to allow workers more time with their family during health emergencies. He wants all 50 states to adopt a paid leave system and will provide $1.5 billion to assist states in implementing this plan. He will also expand high quality afterschool programs to help working families provide a safe environment for their children at all times.

Whether Obama or McCain is the next president, the United States economy will continue to be Issue #1 to many voters. The question is can either candidate do enough to provide a stable financial future for many U.S. families?

Todd A. Smith is the publisher of http://www.regalmag.com, an online magazine dedicated to issues affecting African American men. The website tackles such topics as social and political issues, health, relationships, business, sports and entertainment.

The War in Afghanistan

Once the communist government of Afghanistan fell in the year 1992, a civil war was being fought between various groups of fighters, the Mujahdeen, who were ant-communist. It was in this chaotic realm that Mullah Mohammed Omar became a leader of a new fighting group. He called them the “Taliban.”

The Taliban

The word Taliban translates to “student.” Many of Omar’s first recruits were students of Islam. Those members of the Taliban were also part of the ethnic group the Pashtun and they were seeking to impose their version of Islamic law on the country. They were extremists to put it mildly. Under the laws of the Taliban women could not go to school nor could they work outside of their homes.

The men had to grow beards and regularly attend religious services and those that belonged to a religious minority had to wear clothing that identified them as non-Islamic. No television, no statues or idols that were not Islamic were allowed. These artifacts were destroyed resulting in the destruction of many valuable ancient relics.

Osama Bin Laden & the Taliban

The new Taliban rule under Omar attracted many other extremists and one of these was Osama bin Laden. He was the leader of the terrorist group called al-Qaeda. As a wealthy Saudi Arabian son, he decided to help and financially support the Taliban ruled government.

Osama bin Laden’s history with Afghanistan dates back to the invasion of the Soviets in the year 1979. He supported the jihad that was part of the resistance against the Soviets and it was an ironic note that during that time period the United States was a huge supporter of the resistance of Afghanistan. They helped to set up in Pakistan, schools for refugee children that ironically turned into a place for the radicals of Islam to train.

The Conflict in Afghanistan Today

After the terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda on September 11th, 2001 on the U.S. Pentagon and the New York City World Trade Center, the United States under the leadership of President George Bush began the campaign called “Operation Enduring Freedom” a conflict with Afghanistan. The war in Iraq later on distracted the carrying out of the goals in Afghanistan and the fugitive Osama bin Laden is still at large. Many argue that the U.S. should never have engaged in conflict in Iraq, but instead should have focused all their military might to finishing what was begun in Afghanistan.

Currently many of those members of the United States government are calling for an end to the Iraq conflict in order to focus all the military’s attentions on finishing what was started with the campaign “Operation Enduring Freedom.” Many of the citizens of the United States agree with this assessment as more than 10 billion dollars a month is going towards these conflicts. The only goal reached in Iraq was getting rid of Saddam Hussein. The government is still not stable and doesn’t appear to be so any time soon.

Afghanistan is supposedly where Osama bin Laden has been hiding out and for many Americans capturing the man responsible for the deaths of more than 3000 Americans in a most vicious terrorist attack is much more important than what the military is trying to accomplish in Iraq.

Article brought to you by Thompson Outdoor Supply, seller of US Marine Corps knives and Military Survival Gear.

Many people in modern society are very politically motivated. They belong to a political group and as a result have strong opinions about most current events and topical issues, not surprisingly most of which are usually shared by all the other people who belong to the same group. Sometimes it’s as though they have to check with the group to find out what they actually think about something.

Does that seem sad to you? Me too. However there are times when being politically slanted can come in handy. It isn’t all just sounding like a clone produced by an idealistic cult. Sometimes those of us who actually think about things before responding have a disadvantage.

This seems counter-intuitive to us normal people who don’t run every single thing everybody says through a political filter. I mean, we actually listen to people and don’t suspect a hidden agenda when the person behind the counter at Denny’s asks us for our order. We think that getting into an argument with the waitress at the point because she didn’t address global warming is a bit nuts. But we are a bit short-sighted, and don’t understand how being a political nut can actually be a benefit in many situations.

For example, let’s say you find yourself in a group of starving people that are waiting for food to be distributed by some government authority. Now let’s say that you are really against the killing of certain sea mammals. OK, so they announce on the loudspeaker that the expected food shipment didn’t come today but a small group of natives managed to club one of these mammals to death and it has been grilled up medium-rare. However there is only enough for about 60% of the people. Because you are so appalled at the whole notion, you know not to bother stampeding with most of the other starving people towards the front.

OK, lets go with a more realistic example. Let’s say a scientist stops by your work and wants to demonstrate a new power source which uses human anger as it’s fuel. None of your co-workers care much about politics and thus are pretty easy going people. When the scientist tries to demonstrate the product, there is no fuel at hand for it. So your boss makes a slanted statement in support of the opposite political party as you, and now you are the one who gets to fuel the new energy source.

All right, all right, here is an even more realistic example. A co-worker accidentally states that she thinks Americans should support whoever happens to be President regardless of which party you belong to. Now you can finally put that person in their place and let them have it. Justice will at least temporarily be done, and no doubt you will gain the respect of everyone in your office.

Basically whenever unwarranted anger is needed, or lashing out at people who don’t deserve it will save the day, your political affiliations will be a needed and much appreciated resource. Don’t bother waiting around for thanks. Just be happy that you are helping to save the world a little bit at a time.

For more twisted looks at social issues please visit http://www.stupidityinsociety.com

During the 2004 presidential campaign, the Iraq War was the hot-button issue separating John Kerry supporters and George W. Bush supporters. The insurgency was raging, and people on the left and the right were adamant about their candidate’s position on the issue.

Fast forward to 2008, and the Iraq War has taken a back seat because of the success of the troop surge, which has quelled the sectarian violence. Nevertheless, the war is still a crucial element of this campaign because the next president will likely determine how long American troops will remain in the Middle East. Regal Magazine looks at Barack Obama and John McCain’s stance on the war and how it will affect the security of Americans abroad and at home.

“Here is the truth: fighting a war without end will not force the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own future,” Obama said. “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.”

According to Obama’s official website, more than 1,000 American troops have died since the surge began, despite the increased security, and the Iraqi government has not stepped forward to assume responsibility of leading their country. The website goes on to say that more than 1.75 million soldiers have served in the Iraq War or in Afghanistan, and of those troops, more than 620,000 have completed multiple deployments. Furthermore, military equipment is wearing out at nine times the normal rate as a result of wear and tear in the harsh environment of Iraq.

Senator Obama believes the decision to invade Iraq prevented Americans from going after Osama bin Laden and others involved in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Iraq War has lasted longer than World War I, World War II and the Civil War with more than 4,000 Americans killed and more than 60,000 wounded.

Obama’s campaign says the removal of American troops will be responsible and phased with the consultation of military commanders and the Iraqi government. His website states that military commanders believe combat brigades can be safely redeployed at a pace of one to two brigades per month, meaning all would be removed within 16 months of him taking office.

However, Senator McCain believes a speedy withdrawal of American troops would only lead to instability in the Middle East, making it less safe for Americans at home.

“I do not want to keep troops in Iraq a minute longer than necessary to secure our interests there,” McCain said. “Our goal is an Iraq that can stand on its own as a democratic ally and a responsible force for peace in its neighborhood. Our goal is an Iraq that no longer needs American troops. And I believe we can achieve that goal, perhaps sooner than many imagine. But I do not believe that anyone should make promises as a candidate for President that they cannot keep if elected. To promise a withdrawal of our forces from Iraq, regardless of the calamitous consequences to the Iraqi people, our most vital interests, and the future of the Middle East, is the height of irresponsibility.”

McCain has been a leading advocate of the troop surge since day one. According to his official website, sectarian violence has been reduced by 90 percent from June 2007 to March 2008. Deaths of civilians and coalition forces have also been reduced by 70 percent.

McCain believes it is imperative that the Iraqi government be able to support themselves before the end of the Iraq War and he believes that is possible through an improved Iraqi economy. He believes that if there are more jobs for Iraqis, fewer citizens will be interested in joining insurgent groups. Until that occurs, he is against ending the War in Iraq.

Todd A. Smith is the publisher of http://www.regalmag.com, an online magazine dedicated to issues affecting African American men. The website tackles such topics as social and political issues, health, relationships, business, sports and entertainment.

Whether Barack Obama becomes the next president of the United States, he and his Republican counterpart, John McCain, have turned the 2008 showdown into must-see television.

The suspense leading up to the selection of Joe Biden as Obama’s running mate created the kind of debate usually reserved for March Madness, with fans arguing why certain candidates would survive to the next round and others would fall by the wayside.

Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention on August 28 was one of the most viewed television events of the year, but was almost immediately overshadowed the next day when McCain picked Alaska governor, Sarah Palin, as his running mate in an attempt to lure disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters to the GOP.

Nevertheless, like Obama’s resounding speech, the pick of Palin and the Republican National Convention was almost immediately overshadowed by coverage of Hurricane Gustav hitting the New Orleans area.

Now that the dust has settled on a dramatic week of events, Obama’s selection of Joe Biden and the “healing” process that took place at the Democratic convention in Denver, should give the freshman senator from Illinois the slight advantage heading into November.

Throughout this election process, conservatives have criticized Obama’s lack of foreign policy experience. However, when he chose Biden to be his running mate, many said the choice only magnified his lack of experience in foreign affairs.

I often say that an effective leader knows his weaknesses and is humble enough to surround himself with people that help him become strong in a weak area. When John F. Kennedy faced the same criticism over his so-called lack of experience and lack of popularity in the South, he sought a running mate that was strong in those areas, Lyndon Johnson.

When McCain showed his vulnerability among evangelical Christians, he chose a candidate that would be able to appeal to conservative Christians on issues such as abortion. Furthermore, he picked a 44 year old, quieting those who believe 72 is too old for a first-term president.

An effective leader must also be humble enough to listen to others and sometimes follow them, because all are weak in some area. Ultimately, Biden gives Obama an outspoken leader who is known for his bluntness and is willing to speak out against his own boss.

According to his official Senate website, Biden has represented the state of Delaware since being elected to the United States Senate at the young age of 29 in 1972. He is recognized by his Democratic and Republican colleagues for his work in foreign policy, terrorism, drug policy and crime, offering an exit strategy for the Iraq War, which was overwhelmingly supported in the Senate by a 75-23 vote.

Biden is leading a Congressional effort to end genocide in Darfur, Sudan and authored The Second Chance Act, which assists federal, state and local governments in providing inmates with tools needed to successfully reintegrate into society after their release. The bill was signed into law on April 9, 2008.

Biden’s adversary, Sarah Palin, became the first female governor of Alaska on December 4, 2006. According to her official website, while in office she has overhauled education funding and implemented the Senior Benefits Program, which provides support for low-income senior citizens in Alaska. The governor also created Alaska’s Petroleum Systems Integrity Office, which provides oversight and maintenance of oil equipment and the Climate Change Subcabinet, which is developing a climate change strategy for her home state.

Palin has also been a role model for her most important job, being a mother to five children, including a pregnant 17 year old and a newborn son with special needs.

However, the fact that the Republicans have a female on their ticket should work in Biden’s favor during the debates. Known for his outspokenness Biden will be forced to tone it down while debating Palin, in order not offend millions of female voters who felt Hillary Clinton was treated unfairly during her campaign. Regardless of who wins, history will be in November and the glass ceiling that Clinton spoke of will be completely shattered.

Todd A. Smith is the publisher of http://www.regalmag.com, an online magazine dedicated to issues affecting African American men. The website tackles such topics as social and political issues, health, relationships, business, sports and entertainment.

In what has been a strikingly bitter and divisive US election campaign, one of the most distasteful forms of personal attack has been left-wing bloggers labeling VP candidate Sarah Palin as bipolar. These commentators apparently believe it is possible to diagnose Governor Palin as a closet sufferer of manic-depressive illness, without ever having met her or going through a formal diagnostic process. Bipolar is actually a specific medical term and the criteria for bipolar is set forth in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

For those of us who do have bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness), or who advocate on behalf of the bipolar community, this is a disturbing development that epitomizes the extent to which bipolar has become synonymous with bad behavior. Increasingly, lay people feel free to sling the term bipolar around as a pejorative, and seem to believe they have, through pop culture osmosis, become experts on this very complex illness. The term bipolar has become contemporary cultural shorthand for anything we interpret as extreme or obnoxious in light of our own personal belief system.

In reality, bipolar is a spectrum of mood disorders, characterized by mood swings between mania and depression.

The symptoms of mania include excessive risk taking, hypersexuality, reckless financial spending, gambling or investments, and incoherently rapid and disjointed speech. Another common bipolar symptom is grandiosity, a grossly inflated sense of one’s abilities and entitlements.

The bipolar community has disproportionately high rates of marriage breakdown, financial problems, substance abuse, obesity, and career under-achievement. During depressive phases, bipolar people may become withdrawn, unmotivated, despairing, or even suicidal.

Governor Palin has a very happy and successful marriage, her personal finances have been scrutinized and found above reproach through the VP vetting process, she has maintained a successful career, and does not abuse alcohol or drugs. Instead of grandiosity, Palin drives herself to work, listed the Governor’s jet on e-Bay, and dispensed with an executive chef. Like many Alaskans, she does use a tanning bed during the long dark winters to fend off vitamin deficiencies and Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD), a far cry from clinical depression.

Of course, not all Americans are pro-life feminists like Sarah Palin. Some voters disagree strongly with her on the important issues of the day, and will choose to support her opponents instead. It should be possible to go through this process without further caricaturing sufferers of manic-depressive illness. Invoking the specter of mental health disorders to denigrate individuals with a different political perspective is ignorant, hurtful, and childish.

Governor Palin is a hard working, high functioning politician, with views some do not share. Labeling her bipolar in order to express ideological disapproval is taking a medical term already overloaded with cultural baggage, and using it to further marginalize millions of fellow citizens who bravely struggle against this misunderstood disease every day, and who are already subject to a heavy burden of stigma and ignorance.

To learn more, see Bipolar Symptoms. Sarah Freeman is an attorney with manic-depressive illness, and webmaster of Bipolar Lives - one of the Internet’s leading sites on bipolar disorder.