THE CLASSROOM. #28. FROM- HILLARY CLINTON. THIS SUPREME COURT DECISION POISONED OUR CAMPAIGN FINANCE SYSTEM.

Almost a decade ago, I learned that a film called “Hillary: The Movie” was being released by a conservative group called Citizens United. It took aim at me and other progressives. What we didn’t know at the time was how much damage this 90-minute film would do to our country -- because the movie set in motion a legal roller coaster that affected our entire democracy.

Citizens United -- a special interest group -- argued that the First Amendment protected their right to spend unlimited money to influence the outcome of elections. The case made its way to the Supreme Court. And on January 21, 2010, the Court handed down its landmark ruling, "Citizens United v. FEC," clearing the way for special interest groups to bankroll campaigns.

In the years since, we’ve seen the aftermath of that decision. Let’s be frank: that ruling has perverted and poisoned our campaign finance system. It has stifled the voices of ordinary Americans. Instead, it has amplified the opinions and interests of corporations and billionaires.

David, I used to teach law students -- and nowhere in the Constitution does it say that corporations and wealthy special interests have the right to control our elections. A Fortune 500 CEO should not have more sway ​over an election than an elementary school teacher.

That’s why, as your president, I will work tirelessly to put in place a constitutional amendment reversing that Supreme Court decision. I'll put that process in motion within the first month of my tenure in the Oval Office.

We cannot have people like the Koch brothers buying our elections. We need to work as hard as we can, for as long as we must, to protect the sanctity -- and transparency -- of our democratic process.

...And that’s part of the reason I’m so honored to have End Citizens United’s endorsement.

HILLARY.

THE CLASSROOM. #27. FROM: BARACK OBAMA. HILLARY CLINTONS NOMINATION AS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTIES CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT.

David --

On Wednesday night I gave my final speech to a Democratic convention as president. I’m grateful I got to spend it talking about why Hillary is the right person to succeed me in the White House. She is going to be an exceptional leader because she is an exceptional person.

David, Hillary has my trust because I know her, and I know her heart. 

My respect for Hillary has been reaffirmed time and time again by those who have known her for decades.

In 2012, we traveled to Burma together and met people she remembered from the time she was First Lady nearly twenty years before -- and they hadn’t forgotten her, either. A year later, when we flew to South Africa in 2013 to pay our respects at Nelson Mandela’s funeral, I could see in the eyes of his family how much she had meant to him.

Hillary commands any room she enters because her wisdom, her patience, and her generosity of spirit are impossible to deny. I counted on her advice on everything from foreign policy to how to raise my daughters in the White House. She treats everyone she encounters with decency and dignity, whether the cameras are on or off.

I am proud to see Hillary become our party’s nominee, and I can’t wait to see her win this election and become our 45th President.

Thanks, 

           

BARACK.

FICTION- Stories, Myths, and Legends. THE LEGEND OF THE VANISHING LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS. PT 1.

The Captain of the Hesperus peered through his Spyglass and spoke

to the man next to him. "Sorry Moore," he began,"I still don't see any sign of life,
and we've hailed them three times."

Joseph Moore was standing next to Captain Harvie and along with the Helmsman, were the only three occupants on the Bridge.  It was the day after Christmas, but there was no feeling of "Peace on Earth" or "Good will to Men" inside Moore.  The Lighthouse on the island of Eilean Mor was still dark, and there was no sign of his three comrades.

Captain Harvie continued, "When were about 150 yds out, I'll heave to and send in a landing party to investigate.  I assume you'll want to be part of it?"

Moore nodded without looking at Harvie. "What could have happened," he thought to himself, "Why can't we make contact?" Moore knew that the bare flagpole, which was located near the living quarters, was a bad sign.

Distress signals indicating problems on the island, could be relayed to neighboring islands or passing ships by raising certain signal flags available to the Keepers stationed on the island.

Captain Harvie was usually annoyed when someone aboard his ship did not answer his questions with a prompt verbal reply. He considered it to be a breach of etiquette and disrespectful to his command.  However, this was different. He was familiar with the type of man it took to be a Lighthouse Keeper, and confrontation over this matter would lead to no good.  Ultimately, it was his responsibility to get the Light working again, and to find out why it went out.  He, therefore, would not risk antagonizing Moore.  This man was his best bet in finding the truth.

End PT 1.

FICTION- Stories, Myths and Legends. A STORY OF TRUE LOVE, AND FAITH. PT 1.

Many years ago there lived a man who traveled about the countryside. He was a Peddler, and made his living selling merchandise to local villages.  As time went on, he realized that he must expand his customer base, or go out of business.

This worried him, for it meant conducting trade with people he did not know, and who did not know him.  Nonetheless he set out, planning to call on towns and villages that were beyond his normal territory.

However, as fate would have it, he ran into immediate bad luck. As he approached the first village, a great storm erupted. Wind, rain and lightning made travel most difficult. Even worse, he carried his wares upon his back, for he could not afford a pack animal.

As he approached the first home, he thought to himself, " I just need shelter, and will ask no more." The Peddler arrived at the front door of a small , but well maintained cottage. Shivering, he knocked feebly on the front door.  After a few moments it opened and a stout and formidable looking man of no more than thirty years, answered.

"What do you want?", asked the figure in the doorway.

" Kind sir,"  replied the Peddler,  "I seek shelter from the storm. I am new to this Township, but hope to find new friends and customers from the good people who live here."

The Man frowned slightly, and with a sneer asked; "Do you accept Jesus as you lord and Savior?"

The Peddler was taken aback. No one had ever asked such a question.

"I am not a religious man,"  he stammered, "but I believe there is good in all of us, regardless of how we find it."  The man shook his head and with a sly smile closed the door. His last words, as the door was closing, chilled the already cold and frightened Peddler to the bone.

''We don't want your type around, you are godless."

End of PT 1.