Rejoice that your Thorns have Roses
By Geneva Gamble
The only thing we can really change in this life is our attitudes. We should try to remember that all we are dealing with are thoughts, and thought can be changed. We may not have control over our circumstances, but we do have control over our thoughts, and we can choose how we will respond to the things that happen to us.
For the first time in the 57 years of my life I want to visit the White House! You see as a little girl, I always wondered why the only roles blacks could play or have in the white house was that of a servant or to support the president.
Well time has changed and I would love to be a guest of President Barack H. Obama and his gorgeous wife First Lady Michelle.
My total outlook has changed, I no longer just go through the motions of saluting the flag, singing the national anthem etc. With honor I do so now mainly because I am impressed with how our nation has embraced the first family and it seems for the first time the nation has embraced me.
To see President Obama walk up to the Helicopter that is waiting for him on the lawn at the White House and later walk up the steps of Air Force One, turn around and wave then duck and enter into it and take off is such a joy.
When I see their lovely daughters it reminds me of my daughters and granddaughters. I am happy, happy, and happy. You see we are as deserving as anyone else as I have always believed! I never let anyone define for me what being black in america meant. I fought against negative stereotypes. I realized the struggle of my elders and took it personally to do all I could in homage of their sacrifices. Primarily that of teaching my sons and daughters to also believe!
I am pleased with the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.
America, America God sheds his grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.
Yes it is "My country tis of thee sweet land of liberty ...! "
I am one of the ticket holders that did not get into the blue section!
It all started one evening while watching the 2004 Democratic Convention. A Senator
from Illinois with an unusual first and last name was introduced. But what was most unusual was when he took the stage was how he looked. His presence did not match the name. I wanted to see and hear what this was about. Then it happened. He opened his mouth and began to expound upon what I consider to be one of the most aspiring speeches ever. My phone rang and it was my mother. She was excited as well. I got one call after another speaking of this astute young man. “Wow”, we said. My 74 yr. old mom expressed that she would like to meet him one day and let him know how inspired she was by him. She is a word person and she was impressed by how he used his words.
Well, she was granted that opportunity when I got tickets for her to attend a book signing of his book, “Audacity of Hope”, held in Los Angeles, CA at the African American Museum October 27, 2006. My Mom, Geneva Gamble, was 76 at the time.
I flew into Los Angeles and escorted my mom to the event. She got to meet Obama, kissed his hand, got her book signed, and encouraged him to run for President. We told him that we would support him100 percent. Oh what a day! My mom was very happy. But the most important part was that she went home and actually read his book. Half way through the process of reading “Audacity of Hope”, my daughter Angela shared “Dreams from my Father”, with mom. She paused to read it to see how he arrived in the path of writing “Audacity of Hope”. By the time she was finished with the books, she was awestruck.
I must admit, I am my mother’s child and I as well was impressed by the man. My journey was catapulted by becoming a Texas Student for Barack Obama. I attempted to start a chapter at Texas A&M University Texarkana, but there were guidelines that were a little more involved than I needed them to be at the time due to time restraints. I continued on my own with little to no support from anyone but my mother who wholeheartedly believed in my efforts to change his title from Senator Barack Obama to President.
In the meantime, I joined the Grassroots Finance Committee in late 2007. What an awesome experience. I’ve canvassed for Obama locally and nationally, raised funds, hosted voter registration & Barack the Vote events, attended rallies, spoke at engagements, (in Clow, Arkansas and Chantilly, Virginia), black history programs, and any occasion where I was asked to speak on behalf of then Senator Obama. During the primaries, the opportunity to open a volunteer office for Barack Obama was presented to me by members of TSFBO. They said, “Help was on the way to Texarkana”. Samuel L. Jackson came, then Mabus of Mississippi and Forrest Whittaker. Cathy Conley–Van Hook and I were joined by members of the community in our efforts to educate and train the voters on the Texas 2-step. Our efforts were reported on the front page of the New York Times (March 3 article by Randy Kennedy). “I just felt if I could be the dot on the “i” of this thing, I should be,” said, Alfie Obama-Grandmamma. Before that, I made a trip to Austin to attend a rally at the Backyard November 2007. That resulted in me being interviewed and was quoted by Austin 8 News (Nov 18) as saying “As a matter of fact, I consider him my President.”
A trip to California in July presented an opportunity to canvass and work on the Campaign Platform with San Bernardino Women for Barack Obama. Ameenah Fuller was founder and candidate for State Senate. Ameenah informed me that her mother and the Oklahoma Women for Obama would be hosting a Unity Rally on August 2. Oklahoma was my next stop. These women had it going on. The rally was great and contacts were made that provided a wonderful opportunity to attend Senator Barack Obama’s Acceptance Speech on August 28, where I met Sonya Doctorian of the Rocky Mountain News who videotaped me at the Convention. It was a spectacular occasion and a wonderful birthday gift.
My journey with Obama culminated with a 10-day excursion to Montgomery County in Dayton, Ohio. A group of four (Jay, Bob, Virginia and me) answered the call from Nat Troy with the Obama Campaign to meet at Headquarters in Texarkana, Texas with approximately 12 hours to prepare for the venture. The four of us met the demand and off we went to support others in the campaign in efforts to turn Ohio blue.
There was much anticipation, excitement and an overwhelming sense of purpose. We all shared a tenacious desire to play a momentous role in the “Get Out The Vote for Obama/Biden”. The ride didn’t seem long because our motivation was strong. Downtown Dayton Headquarters was well organized. People had come from all over the nation to make a dream come true. There was a general feeling of something great is about to happen and we all wanted to play a pivotal role in making it a reality. Some came to canvass, phone bank, do data entry, or whatever was needed. There were people on crutches, in wheelchairs, a man with one leg and a woman that was legally blind. Their circumstances were not enough to stop them.
Babies and children in preschool were chanting Obama. High school students spent their flex-time working on the campaign. Lawyers, doctors, educators, professionals, everyday people, the homeless and near homeless were out in numbers. People of all races, ages, and creed came together. I heard so many wonderful stories; some were sad, but most were uplifting.
Nine days to count down was an intense sense of being. We knew this was a crucial focus, but had no idea what was really to come. Things started happening so fast it made our heads swim. Everyday something different occurred. There were no dull moments. We worked tirelessly 10-11 hrs. The people of Ohio were appreciative and accommodating. A local Lisa took several of us to a “Rock the Vote” concert and paid for floor tickets. By the time we put our heads to pillow, the clock seemed to tick so fast it was time to get up and start again. We did so gladly.
I didn’t know what to expect when Andrew Spaulding asked me to be his White Team Captain for the last leg of the campaign. The staging location would be at the North River Coffee House and Eatery owned by Judge Little John and managed by Angela and Tianna. Andrew would be the staging location manager, and I in return asked Sharon Rose from Temple, Texas by way of London, England, to co-manage with me. There was a Red Team and a Blue Team. Each team had specific duties to help with GOTV.
Obama Packs the Backyard with Supporters - Austin 8 News, 11/18/2007
In Texas Clinton’s Veterans, Test Obama Rookies - New York Times, 3/3/08
Alfie Dixon Always Believed http://rockymountainnews.com/videos/detail/alfie-dixon-always-believed
We are the American Dream Rocky Mountain News http://rockymountainnews.com/videos/detail/alfie-dixon-we-are-american-dream~Videos by Sonya Doctorian August 30, 2008
At last, at last a dream fulfilled http://www.rockymountainnews.com/videos/detail/barack-obama-denver-democratic-convention/ ~ Video Rocky Mountain News/ Media Storm August 30, 2008
This is Baracktober! Yes we can and will register enough people and encourage them and others to get out and vote on or before November 4.
We will also encourage those that have difficulties to sign up to vote absentee ballot.
We can help accommodate those that have no transportation. If need be we will assist people with helping them get proper identification. By removing all possible barriers we will aid in having a smooth operation for this 08 election!
November 4, will produce the results of a hard fought battle!
Remember:
"Being able to share our worries, fears, hopes, joys and triumphs with people who understand, care, and empathize is very healing. Whether it’s family, friends or “strangers,” we all need a support group. We don’t have to travel the journey of life alone."
Can anyone tell me what’s up with all these Cialis and Viagra commercials? I mean enough is enough. I think we should wonder if these commercials are influencing our children. We encourage them to watch the election and become informed.
Well in the interim a commercial comes on about ED well try and explain that … and another thing; one of the contraindications of one of the drugs is that it could cause something … to do something … for more than 4 hours. Ouch!
Well Rap Music has nothing on this. I am all for a person having a good time but this is a bit much.
This is a perfect example of how pharmaceutical companies and lobbyist control our way of thinking.
My daughter who has 3 children and I discussed how disturbing this was a few days ago. I know if I was a kid I would wonder what the heck? My mom says “those commercials are disgusting and should be taken off the air … what kind of example is this setting!”
This has come up in the Presidential Election what responsibility is there when these men take this stuff are they using protection is some one else using protection also is this the sex education our children need.
There is something wrong with this picture. We need to talk about more than Lipstick.
On Wednesday August 27, I will celebrate my Birthday in Denver where the action is. I was given a Cardboard Obama and a trip to Denver as a birthday gift from my family. After a stop in Oklahoma to pick up two more excited Women for Barack Obama we will continue on to Denver arriving there Tuesday afternoon/evening.
Keep us in your prayers, we are on a mission. It is all about getting folks registered and encouraging them to vote for Obama/Biden.
I am also excited to see Michele as First Lady.
I just hoped we could receive the text message of who the vice presidential candidate was without it being leaked ahead of time.
What about the element of surprise? Some things need to be kept secret until the parties involved want to do the reveal. I may seem naive but ... I wonder how much do we really need to know?
TMI (too much information) shhhh! Hmmm.. Let's just wait and see!
PS Isn't Barack's baby brother absolutely gorgeous and articulate? Well maybe now he will be rich and famous! What was meant for evil is "gonna' turn for good." And another thing his father must have some good qualities, look at his handsome sons. Both of them are smart, well read, deep and methodical.
I am ending a month long trip to California, it has been quite exciting, there is no place like my home here.... but there is still work to do elsewhere ... I will return to AR/TX on the 22.
I have met many wonderful people on my visit. I am a registered voter in CA. During my trip I attended many events. I always do visibility, Obama has many wonderful and unique supporters. He has set the example of how to engage others. I am so thankful for the awesome experience of attending meetinsgs, voter registrations, and platform discussions. We are joined together with a passion and a desire to Barack the vote for Obama. Thanks California Obama supporters for showing me a great, enriching, nourishing, informing and encouraging time.
I want you all to know that "Alfie" works hard for Obama, I want to do my part in making it happen! I don't just talk about it ... I be about it :). Go 'Bama Yes We CAN, I am FIRED UP and spreading the fire across the nation. Oh Yea!
My forefathers were slaves, they were denied many of their rights, they were not allowed to stand up and fight for their freedoms and protect their families, and all they could do was work ... work ... work with very little reward for their labor. But they learned how to pray for a better day. This is a better day!
This is a message to Barack and all that love and care for him. I want him to stop condoning Hillary's behavior. I understand he want to take the high road, but enough is enough. She has not earned the right to just do and say anything and expect to get a nod of approval.
This race for the White House has revealed a lot of hidden animosity. Wow! I am very concerned. Obama you have proved you are qualified and no matter what some will feel it's not enough. Let's focus more on those of us that believe in you. A lot of people have gone to great heights in proving their love and dedication to your candidacy for president.
The focus is all ways on those that are rebelling against you. Draw from your strengths. Accentuate the positive. They will see and we will win them over in the end. We must not compromise.
I will end this with a story. I had arrived in California and my daughter picked me up from the airport and my grandchildren were with her. I got caught up in the moment and we went to the drive through window at Mc Donald's and I purchased Happy Meals for them. Well to my disdain they were fighting over the toys and just cutting up.
I intervened and said, "Momma will never ... by you all another Happy Meal", they inquired "why" and I told them because the meal did not make them "Happy". That got their attention, but it is 4 years later and I still refuse to by them a Happy Meal. I have since bought them a Mighty Meal but I remind them of their behavior with the happy meal.
I had to let them know that their behavior was unacceptable. Hillary and Bill Clinton need to know their behavior is unacceptable and the behavior of those encouraging them is also disturbing.
We have come along way baby, but we have along way to go! The Burden is not only on your shoulder we all need to shoulder this burden.
Thank-you Barrack and Michelle Obama for doing your part, Now it is up to the rest of us to do ours ... Yes We Can because you represent a Change We Can Believe In!
We must sleep with "one eye open" !!!!!