Barack Hussein Obama represented his state of
Illinois as a junior senator. He was the only African American serving
in the US Senate before he was elected president on November 4, 2008.
Almost two weeks later, he gave up his US Senate seat.
Education Policy
The National Education Association gave Obama an A rating in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Elections and Government Policy
Obama has been an advocate of ethics as well as election and campaign finance reform.
Economy Policy
Obama
wanted to federally fund rebuilding New Orleans as well as the Gulf
Coast communities after Hurricane Katrina. He pushed for hearings
because he felt like the Bush administration was slow in responding to
the needs of the people.
He had pushed for creating 5 million new
green energy jobs within his first four years. This idea was first
pushed for by Senator Hillary Clinton.
National Security and Foreign Policy
Iraq
Barack was one of the loudest opponents of the Iraq War, calling it
a \\\"stupid war\\\", even before it began in 2002. He waivered on that
opposition during the elections 4 years ago. He introduced a bill to
get troops out of Iraq within 16 months. He still holds this position.
He has spoken against ending the war but has voted against a bill to
fund the troops.
Hoshyar Zabari, an Iraqi Foreign Minister, said
that Barack tried to get the Iraqi leader to halt a troop withdrawal.
In July 2008 he tried to delay an agreement until after a new president
was elected.
Veterans and Soldiers Conditions
Obama voted to increase standards and oversight of VA programs.
Obama has challenged the Bush administration to back a UN or NATO force in Darfur.
Energy and Environment Issues
In
2006, Obama wanted the US automakers to take 10% of their billions of
dollars in health costs for retirees in exchange for making more
fuel-efficient cars and trucks. He criticized the Bush administration
for not pushing hard enough for energy independence.
Labor, Immigration, and Retirement Policy
In
2006, Barack pushed forth a bill that would keep congressional raises
at the same rate as increases in the federal minimum wage.
Liberties, Rights, and Courts Issues
Barack
supported the interests of Leadership Conference of Civil Rights,
American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for the Seperation of
Church and State, Human Rights Campaign, Association of Community
Organization for Reform Now (ACORN), Iranian American Political Action
Committee, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People,
National Council of La Raza, and the Arab American Institute.
Food and Agricultute
Barack
supported the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National
Council of Agricultural Employers, American Farm Bureau Federation, and
the National Farmers Union.
Health Policy
Barack supported
the Alliance for the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, American
Academy of Family Physicans, Academy of General Dentistry, American
Public Health Association, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, the
American Nurses Association, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, and
the St. Joseph Health System.
Tobacco Control Policy
There
were many tobacco laws Barack pushed for. In one of them, Barack voted
for the \\\"Display of Tobacco Products Act\\\" and that makes it unlawful to
offer for sale, give away, or display tobacco products where customers
can get products through self-service.
Science, Communications, and Intellectual Property
Obama is in favor of network neutrality legislation.
Infrastructure and Transportation Policy
Barack was in favor of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.
Social Policy
Barack was in favor of the Children\\\'s Defense Fund, Family Research Council, and American Family Association.
Writer
and editor, Freddie Brister, is a former high school football coach of
25 years. His love of the game of football is reflected in his words
and memories of growing up in the South and playing football in the
back yard with his brother, cousins and neighborhood friends. His
biggest thrill is watching former high school players he has coached
play at the college level. His favorite pastime is watching college
football on tv and attending the games in person every chance he gets.
Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the Barack Hussein Obama. Check out
his Obama T-Shirts