It's the logistics that concern me - getting from the airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to the Metro, and from the Metro to the Capitol, and back to the Obama Blogger's Convention, and back to the hotel, then be up at 4:00 am to catch the Bus, to get to the Metro, to ride the subway into D.C., to get through the security check points, to get into the area where are tickets say we can go - and be there in time to see the Inauguration! Then... Maybe a glimpse of the parade? The problem is there will be no Taxi service in D.C. on the day of the Inauguration!!! Walk 5 miles; ride the bus; or suffer "crush-level"people on the metro. Our hotel is only 12 miles from the Capital and we have been told it could take us 4 hours to get there.
So, I have my IPod and my camera and my cell phone all fully charged. I have mapped out where to go and when and hopefully it will work. With all of us coming in at different airports, trains, cars and such, I wonder if we will be able to meet at all! However, I will be at Murphy Irish Pub on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA on Mon 19th from 4-6:30 or so. If we have an idea how many Okies might want to meet there, let me know and I will see what I can do. I have also found a place for the 20th, for those not attending a Ball.
The Library of Congress is seeking your help in documenting Barack Obama's historic Inauguration. In a press release last week they said:
"Individuals and groups interested in contributing to the Inauguration 2009 Sermons and Orations Project are asked to submit audio and video recordings made in digital or other approved formats. To be accepted into the collection, the recordings must be of sermons and orations that were delivered to congregations and other audiences between Friday, Jan. 16 and Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009.
In addition to audio and video recordings, the AFC is collecting written texts of sermons and orations (submitted in the form of print or electronic media), as well as printed programs from the events during which the sermons and orations were delivered. All submissions must be postmarked by Feb. 27, 2009, and must be accompanied by a signed release form and completed data form, found on the AFC Web site, www.loc.gov/folklife/.
Pass this along to your ministers, pastors, professors, anyone who would like to be included.
We all want it, if not for ourselves, then for others. As we struggle to bring together our ideals and our reality, the gap grows: the stock market drops, jobs are lost, our savings are gone, schools deteriorate.
Merry Christmas? In my best moments of self pity I just want to be angry. Wall Street has hyjacked Santa like the Christian Right has hyjacked my religion. I'm between the proverbial rock and hard place.
Or am I?
What if this is the best Christmas ever? There's not much worry about what to get who when the gift-giving list shrinks to just the children!
In my perfect world, more stuff is not the goal anyway. My goal is to have healthy grandchildren who go to healthy schools. And that is not going to happen if I don't do my part. In my perfect world, elected leaders really listen and care about the least of us, not their biggest contributors. Oh, I see a bit of light on the horizon!
A better world can only be created if we stand together on the basics. We can sit our social differences aside and concentrate on participating in our Democracy. Join grops like Change Oklahoma, come to discussion meetings like the Health Care Discussion on the 29th. Our participation is our gift to the world.
Monday, December 29th 5:30 -7:30
Mayflower Congregational Church
3901 NW 63rd, Okla. City
Bring you concerns about our health care system. We will draft resolution to be submitted to the Transistion Team's Health Care Policy Team.
Our first Change is Coming event was a huge success. We had standing-room-only in the upstairs conference room at Java Daves. Over one hundred people came, the majority of whom have never been to a precinct meeting. It was a meeting focused on the nuts and bolts of how to bring change to our state.
Listening to the concerns of those who spoke, it is evident that people are ready and willing to do what is necessary to make changes, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones! Over 60 people turned in pledges to attend their precinct meetings March 12th.
Our next Change Oklahoma! meeting is Feb 19th . Email me directly at crich1254@yahoo.com for a copy of our handout or a pledge sheet!
Change is coming. That is the format Barack Obama has given us. He has challenged us to keep the unity and use the enthusiasm we felt during his historic campaign to create change. No other state needs change more than Oklahoma.
While the rest of the country rallies behind our new progressive President-elect, we have to deal with the conservative "majority" in Oklahoma.
Which issues trouble you? Or do you just feel the national embarrassment of being the only totally red state?
Change begins at the bottom and moves up. We have the best example of how that works -Barack Obama. This Thursday, be a part of history in Oklahoma. Change begins when you decide to make it happen.
If you can't come to Oklahoma City for this first meeting of Change Oklahoma, write to me at crich1254@yahoo.com. We need people in every precinct, in every county, in every district in this state. You matter.
See you Dec. 11th, at Java Daves, 10 NE 10th, OKC, 5:30 - 7:00pm. Parking is available and the meeting is open to all Democrats who want to see our candidates win, our values promoted and support our President Obama!
The news may be bad: so many jobs lost, the stock market continues to fall. But we have Hope for the Holdays this year, Hope like we have never had or ever needed. Dispite the gloom and doom of the news reports, we know we can make it through by sticking together and insisting out state leaders hear our voices.
It seems to me the huge disconnect between us and the people who work at our statehouse and represent us in Washington is only compounded by the disconnect of Oklahoma voters who chose to vote against their own economic well-being. We can do something about that!
Come to the grassroots meeting in Oklahoma City on Dec 11. Bring your concerns. Bring you enthusiasm. Bring your Hope for Oklahoma. Bring your solutions. Your involvement is a gift to all of us.
See You at Java Daves, 10 NE 10th (one block west of Broadway Ext) at 5:30. There is a parking lot and an elevator!
Yes, your County, as well as your Country, needs you and We need numbers. We need everyone who volunteered for Obama and who believe in the prospect of Change, to stay involved. We are as grassroots as we can be. We want your input.
Even if you have never attended a political meeting in you life, join us! We will educate you as to the process, we will train you as to the organization, we will hook you up with a buddy/mentor so you don't have to go alone!!!!
Come to our meeting at Java Daves in Oklahoma City (10 NE 10th, 1blk west of the Centenial Expressway) upstairs (elevator available) and learn about our grassroots organization that will strengthen the progressive voice in Oklahoma, educate our neighbors and promote our Democratic values.
In addition to helping our state, you will find the greatest group of people who think like you think. That in itself is why you need to join us!!!!!!
Here is the link
my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/changeiscoming/gsxbff
We have in Barack Obama, not only a President-elect, but a role model. He has shown us, and the world, that working together for a common goal, empowering people by listening, reaching out and including everyone who wants to speak, is a strategy that works.
If you are one of the half- million voters in Oklahoma who voted for Barack Obama, we have something in common. We believe in hope. We believe the status-quo is stagnant. We believe change begins with a decision to get involved.
Using the same principles that propelled a little known state senator to the highest office, we believe the strength of the Democratic party in Oklahoma can be revived. Our state party is in disarray. Our state Democratic leaders have allowed voters to be hijacked by the Republican party by their refusal to challenge conservative issues. They simply throw their hands in the air and exclaim defeat. That is why Obama lost in Oklahoma. That is why we lost every race.
Where was Gov. Henry? Where was Mike Turpin? Where was David Boren? Where was Ivan Holmes?
Not on the campaign trail for Andrew Rice nor Jim Roth nor Barack Obama. They were not writing articles, not giving speeches, not scheduling press conferences. No one stood on the capital steps and said: "He is not a Muslim." Not one of our Democratic "leaders" publicly stood up for our slate of candidates or Barack Obama.
On December 11, 2008, at 5:30pm, we will have a brief meeting in Oklahoma City at the upstairs conference room of Java Daves, 10 NE 10th (just west of the Broadway Extension on 10th St). It is time to stand up for our Democratic values. It is time to move this party in a new direction.
We invite you to join us and continue to work for change. Channel your hope, because WE KNOW what can be accomplished when people come together united by a common goal! Email me at crich1254@yahoo.com for more information and to RSVP for Dec 11th.
I could easily make a list of all the ills that face our nation as Barack prepares to take command. But, I'd like to submit a list of things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving.
1. Our Bill of Rights
2. Open Minds
3. My family
4. Supportive friends
5. Stephen Colbert
6. Books
7. the internet
8. My Dogs
9. Colorado turned blue
10. Over 1/2 million people in Oklahoma voted like I did.
Election rhetoric is a war of words. In this election the best man won, and he wants the best woman to take a position in his administration. Hillary Clinton is a perfect fit for the position of Secretaty State. She is strong, she is well travelled, she is used to hosting foreign dignitaries. She is clear-headed, but not meek. She could take that 3:00 a.m. call!
As the Obama transition team presses towrd Inauguration Day, more names are released. Soon we will have the full picture of Barack's cabinet appointments. I expect we will be presented with a team that is comprised of experienced Washington insiders, Chicago organizers, a rogue, surprise person from left field, and one or two Republicans.
If Stephen Colbert doesn't get tapped for a position with the Obama organization, I hope we can interst him in coming to Oklahoma and run for the Chairmanship of the Oklahoma Democratic Party!
In Oklahoma, racism is alive and well. It is spoken out loud inside church buildings, discussed at restaurants, yelled from cars and screamed at street corners. What used to be a dirty little secret, now seems compelled to be brought into the light for everyone to see.
And perhaps, that is a good thing.
Once an issue is brought to the surface, it can be dealt with. You can't fight a probem you can't see. So all you people who had no idea you harbored such racist feelings, I hope you recognize the hate you spew for what it is and let it go. It is ugly and it speaks more to your insecurities than it does about your target -our next President -Barack Obama.
Obama supportes in Central Okahoma have had bittersweet feelings after watching our state fall to last place in support of our new President. Not to be deterred, we sat out this afternoon to remind the 150,000 plus people in Okahoma City who voted for Barack Obama, that we are happy, hopeful, and PROUD.
Our group of 30 cars circled down NW Expressway, down to the southside and up MLK. Each car was decorated with red, white and blue streamers, Obama stickers and placards. "Yes We Did," "Obama '08," "Got Hope!" were painted on the windows.
The afterwork crowd honked back and waved. Our victory lap was as much for us as it was for them. We are proud!
Tonight is the scheduled monthly meeting of the Canadian County Democrats. No doubt there will be a substantial discussion about the election. We will look at our numbers, find the smallest glimmer of Hope and move forward with that.
As our state party members tear apart this election (and each other), we Obama Volunteers must get involved, we must do our part to bring change to this state.
I know. First I was mad. Then I wanted to move. Then I wanted to blame. Now I want to change this. I can only hope that, if anyone from the national campaign reads this, they will know WE PROGRESSIVE THINKERS ARE A HALF MILLION STRONG. Those are powerful numbers. What if each one of those voters actively campaigned? What a difference it would male. We need to identify our new supporters and and welcome them.
The NY Times had a map online that showed several Oklahoma counties actually voted More Democratic than in 2004: Canadian, Oklahoma, Cleveland and Logan to name few. That means we did make a difference. I will take that small amount of positive and run with it!
I have my airline reservations and my hotel booked for the biggest Obama party ever: January 20, 2009 in Washington D.C.!
This past year has been a fascinating, frustrating, inspiring journey. I have met the best people in Oklahoma: true forward-thinking people who understand the meaning of progress. Our journey is not at an end. With this site remaing open, we can continue to reach out to each other, continue to meet and develop strategies.
If we look far enough to the horizon - It's a new day!
Please make sure every person you come into contact with knows:
They can vote early at every county election board beginning October 31st from 8:00am -6:00pm; Saturday, November 1st from 8:00am - 1:00pm, and Monday, November 3rd from 8:00am - 6:00pm.
Election day: be prepared for long lines - take your I.D.
Volunteers: help at polling places with potential crowds, stick lawn chairs in your car, have cold water on hand, we don't want anyone giving up and walking away without voting!
Remember: Don't wear Obama gear near the polls.
Understand and be able to explain the ballot: To vote straight party, you must fill in four areas on page one of the ballot!
Any questions or complaints call the Democratic Party Hotline: 1-800 -547- 5600
Everyone votes! Ask for a provisional ballot if you are not allowed to vote. Document your experience by calling the phone number above.
GOTV is a fancy acronym for Get Out The Vote. It's what we do in the waning days of the campaign. Knock on doors, brochure in hand, a smile on our face and one simple question: "Can we count on your vote for Senator Obama?"
There are those folks who will cling to their excuses and choose to believe that a Muslim terrorist with an agenda will fill the White House with Black Folk and remove anything that remotely resembles a flag. Have I covered them all? OH - and he'll have that "uppity" wife with him!
As Barack has said, it is time to turn off the tv. I would encourage folks who get their news from CNN HEadline News and Fox News, turn off the propaganda and enroll in a history, government, civics, ethics and criticle thinking class at a university level.
Our low-end educational system has produced a population of under-thinkers. Just give me the answers and I'll pass the test - who cares how it works or why - or how we got in this mess - just fix it, bomb it, kill it, smear it, but Oh, no - don't try to figure it out!!!! Believe everything BAD because someone really cound't be that good could they??? Naw.
I am a proud Alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago where Bill Ayres is professor. He teaches Social Justice. Will you dare to listen to some of his words? Or is it just too scary? Click on the link to hear about 7 minutes of Bill Ayres speaking at a 40 year reunion of the Students for a Democratic Society:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNzYDnlpBDc
As the Bush/Cheney regime moved us closer to a closed system, took freedoms we willingly gave - increased wiretaps, search and seizure without due process of law, torture of political prisons who are held with out due process, the very things that, because of our strong Constitution, made us a great county, have turned us into a police state. Those who scream for our Free Market System, willingly handed it over to the government -first we help the banks, now we are buying the banks. First we help the mortgage crises, now McCain wants the government to buy your mortgages. This is not a sixties-throw-back acid trip, though it does feel like I have fallen into Alice's Wonderlan.
This is our county. The fate of it is in our hands. I hope you will join me and the thousands of volunteers here in Oklahoma who are preparing to hit the streets and spread the message of Senator Obama's plans to face these crises: the economy, healthcare, eldercare, veterns care, dependence on foreign oi, and most important to me - our poor excuse for learning - public education. The War. The Wars. The impending conflicts with nuclear-minded adversaries.
Deepak Chopra said something this week that made sense: The higher a man rises the more his enemies want him to fail. The more the polls learn toward an Obama win, the more discusting the attacts upon his character.
This is our time. Not to choose someone just like us. This is the time to choose someone who can handle things BETTER than us. Someone with good judgemt, good advisors, a strong base who will watch every move he makes. And we will.
Take a step. Take your belief that the Obama/Biden ticket is the right choice for our country, take a step onto someone's porch and share your belief with them. Every vote counts. One Step, One Vote. This is happening right here in Oklahoma. GOTV: Get the people out to the polls by motivating them, educating them and sometimes, driving them to the polls. This is our time and we need all feet on the ground!
Sign up for canvassing events at www.barackobama.com.
Go to States, click on Oklahoma and on the right side click on More Events.
Join us then get ready to PARTY!!!!!! ON NOVEMBER 4!!!!!!!!
Small town Oklahoma received a healthy dose of "Hope," this weekend as 107 Obama supporters marched in the local Yukon Czech Festival parade, Saturday, October 4th. The parade draws thousands of watchers to this small town just west of Oklahoma City. Chanting "Yes We Can," "O-BA-MA!," "Democrats Care," we were met with cheers, a few thumbs down, but mostly, awe and surprise! No one expected to see so many Democrats in this Republican stronghold. Because of our visibility, we gave away 300 Obama/Biden yard signs, 250 bumper stickers and 1000 stickers!!!!!!! We signed up 27 brand new Democrats and overwhelmed the Republican booth when we went in mass to their booth to vote in their straw poll.Over and over we heard how happy people were to see us participate in this event.Prior to the parade, we had a sign making party. Twenty-two people arrived at our volunteer headquarters at NW 39th & Classen, Tuesday, Sept., 30th, in Oklahoma City to make the greatest parade signs!Just for the record, we who have been working in the field here in Oklahoma, have registered thousands of new Democrats, people ages 30 and up, who have never voted before. People are switching to the Democratic party. Despite what you may be hearing from the State Headquarters, we in the field are seeing a much more optimistic view. We see strong support for Barack Obama, not only with Democrats, but with Republicans and Independents. I am not exaggerating when I say, across this state, we could have given away 100,000 yard signs. People are hungry for change here. Hide and Watch, you will be surprised on November 4.
Check my blog at www.candacericherson.com in the coming days for pictures of the event!
