Posted with permission from Virginian Charles J. Brown:
Letters to the Editor by GR4Obama's very own Gloria Depew:
The polls tell the story. People are hurting in their pocketbooks and becoming complacent about the war as the visible toll of violence in Iraq has subsided. Never to let such an opportunity escape, Hillary Clinton has rolled out an ambitious economic package that she hopes will resonate in the next set of caucuses and primaries to restore her electoral edge. The immediate and most prominent part of her package is the three month moratorium on foreclosures, a doubtful proposition barring voluntary compliance. This makes Hillary the shining knight on the white horse. Clever that, resurrecting Bill Clinton's old war cry: "It's the economy, stupid".
Not so fast. Why are we in such bad shape econmically, with a growing chorus of experts predicting recession, if we are not already there? The proximate cause appears to be the sub-prime mortgage shakedown. But that is merely the leading edge of our economic crisis. Dig deeper and you will find that regular mortgages, commercial loans, and the investment borrowing that underwrote the M&A/LBO frenzy, are all affected seriously as well. In fact, in the face of inflationary pressure, the Fed's attempts to mitigate the financial crisis that is slowing down our economy are not working reliably.
There is a reason for that. And Hillary Clinton does not want to be reminded of the real reason for this economic disaster. It's simple really, it is Bush's war on Iraq. Like all wars, it has produced unintended consequences. Congress authorized the invasion having just passed a massive tax cut early in the first Bush term. There was no cushion to fund a war, and there subsequently has been no serious effort to raise the money to pay for the prolonged occupation of Iraq. In the meantime, both U.S. business activity and government services have suffered. And we have become more, not less dependent on imported energy, and crude oil is through the roof. The next President will inherit an unprecedented and burgeoning national debt. We won't even know the final cost untill we have taken proper care of every veteran or affected family member.
George Bush did not ask Americans, other than the men and women of our armed forces, to make the necessary sacrifices for this failed foreign adventure. And now the bill is coming due. All of Hillary Clinton's economic proposals are mere palliatives, and conveniently distract from the real issue. Ending the War in Iraq is the first most important step in getting this country back on track economically. And ending our energy dependence on foreign sources is the long term objective for securing and stimulating our economy.
All the Democratic candidates can devise appealing short term steps to alleviate some of the pain that is out there on Main Street. But this is an election about the long term future of this country, and the solutions to our fundamental problems. Unfortunately, no amount of lipstick on this pig will change the fact that: It's The War Economy, Stupid!
A Youthful Perspective from Keyanna - Valuable Insights for ALL:
Today, I was asked by a colleague to explain why I am “SO FIRED UP” and “READY TO GO” for Barack Obama. All of you are well aware of my support for Barack Obama and it allowed a moment for me to express my views.
To begin, I want to stress the importance of my age and ask that you step into the eyes of my generation. I am overcome with sadness because I draw a blank when trying to think of even one inspirational leader of my generation. You see, many of you came along not too long after the civil rights movement. This movement allowed you the ability to dream and to hope for a better future. You had the opportunity to glance back and envision leaders of those times such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Bobby Kennedy, etc. You also had the opportunity to connect with their passion and hard work to later become destined to make your mark in America.
Well, times have changed! My generation looks back and sees King’s dream as thing of the past. We see that we have overcome certain challenges and no longer need to hold on to this myth that we have been told. It does not help that our parents have fought a good fight and now feels the obligation to shield us from that fight. They wanted a better life for us so they worked tirelessly to provide us with that life. Nevertheless, they have forgotten that it was that fight that taught them character and meaning in this world.
So again I have been looking for those leaders who can reach our youth. I find that many individuals who have climbed the “ladder” of success often forget that they were once standing at the bottom looking up and dreaming about climbing. I challenge them now to climb down that “ladder” for moment and think about when they were at the bottom. Now, envision the current youth at the bottom and tell me what you see. The world has changed and new problems and obstacles are waiting to tackle those young minds before they even start to think about climbing that “ladder.” This is a NEW day with NEW problems that face our youth and we need a NEW leader with the vision of HOPE. What worked for your generation going up no longer applies to the challenges that we face today. What worked in the ‘90’s is no longer applicable to the challenges that we face today.
Presently, my generation lacks leaders to inspire and give us hope. Consequently, we turn to the entertainment and sports industry and idolize these individuals instead. The net result is that our children are growing up not wanting to be “The Great Debaters” but rather the new Jay-Z, 50-cent, Kanye West, or “American Gangsta”. This is a problem that cannot be overlooked. You must understand that these are individuals that you will be turning this country over to very soon. The crisis that we face requires every individual to stand up and make a CHANGE! At age 23, I have attended many more funerals than desired. “How many more funerals must I attend before you decide that this is something of grave importance?
I realize that my friends and I are the minority who are blessed to transcend this epidemic and mobilize ourselves up the “ladder.” However, I feel the need to emphasize that there are too many people not attempting that mobilization and that should open your eyes to the world you are leaving your children. As we all know, you may raise your children in the correct manner, but when they leave your presence they are in someone else’s territory. I am familiar with that territory and to answer your questions, it is as bad as it seems and it is not getting better. I want you to really see the black community and tell me if your children do not deserve better.
Through all of the despair there is still HOPE. I was reminded by a friend that not all children have hope. Some are born into a cruel world and were not fed hope, inspiration, or motivation. Some were fed the realities of this brutal world, which leads to destruction. We need our youth to have HOPE again. We need our youth to believe in the beauty of a DREAM. It was this belief that pushed me along and I am afraid that we are losing that by the day.
When I first listened to Barack Obama, something came alive within me. It was only then that I was fully aware of the desperation from which we suffer. I saw what he was offering the world and realized that it is what we have been missing all along, HOPE. I believe so strongly that this generation deserves the right to have a leader who can inspire us to become better. This is a movement that is long overdue. Many people show concern for the state of our nation but I show concern for the state of our race. I long for the day that African-Americans grace the polls in massive numbers. As you vote, I want you to take your children and express to them that you are casting a vote for the first African-American President. They may display cynicism by the thought, but the day is coming when they will turn on the television and see the first African-American President being inaugurated into office. I pray that many will say, “Jay-Z is cool, but I want to be like Barack Obama.” We have the opportunity to bring our dreams into reality and give our children the right to dream again. Just think about it…
By Mark Keam, Fairfax for Obama:
Nevada is about to make Democratic history in so many ways. Not only is it the first time that this swing state is holding a caucus so early in the process – which puts the entire Western region in a more significant role – but it is also the first time that so many Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans and union members will have a say about who the Democratic nominee will be so early in a presidential election year. Nevada has held caucuses in the past, but because they took place so late in the year, very few voters in the state have actually participated in a caucus before.
This means that the biggest challenge for any campaign in Nevada is to educate their supporters on what a caucus is, where it takes place, what to expect there, and to make sure they arrange to free up their schedule on Saturday, January 19, from 11 am to 1 pm. Just like Iowa, it's all about having bodies in the room, so it's not enough for supporters to say they like your candidate. Since they can't vote absentee, even the strongest supporter is no good if he or she is going to be out of town or working that day. This means it takes tremendous labor and follow up time to keep every voter eligible.
Having grown up in neighboring California, and being very familiar with both northern (Reno – skiing) and southern (Vegas – well, Vegas) parts of the state, I decided to volunteer my time and resources there instead of working in the much colder states of Iowa and New Hampshire. I was on the ground from 12/16-1/2, working alongside incredibly dedicated and hard working staff and dozens of volunteers based out of the North Las Vegas office, on 4080 N. Martin L. King Blvd. This is one of 11 offices that the Obama campaign has opened in Nevada, which I believe is about the number of all the offices of all other candidates combined!
What I found on the ground in NV mirror the many anecdotes I heard from friends who spent the same week in IA, NH, and SC – incredible and undeniable momentum building for Barack, especially as voters got to know him better. Most voters who were really excited about supporting Barack made it clear that they were going to caucus for him. We made them sign pledge cards, and offered to arrange child care (even pet care) or transportation, especially for elderly voters. And we held "mock caucuses" and trainings with precinct captains to make everyone as comfortable as possible with the process. The spectrum of supporters spans every demographic category of age, gender, race, disability, and socio-economic status. It is incredible to see with my own eyes the unity and desire for positive change that Barack inspires among every segment of our country.
While Hillary is by far the most well known candidate in the state, there was surprisingly low amount of excitement for her among voters I spoke with. For a lot of Hillary voters, I felt they were expressing their familiarity with name recognition more so than their depth of support. In addition to making hundreds of phone calls, I spent four days canvassing single family homes, condos, apartments, and trailer homes in many parts of northeast Vegas, but I barely saw more than a dozen Hillary yard/window signs. I saw just as many Ron Paul signs, which was surprising. And even more surprising, I saw no Richardson signs, even though he's the governor of a neighboring state. The one X Factor in the state is how labor endorsements will play out, especially for the thousands of culinary and hospitality workers along The Strip. Because turnout is so critical, it remains to be seen whom the key labor unions like Culinary will endorse, and how much they will mobilize behind their candidate.
The national focus will be on Nevada as soon as NH is over. The Democratic Party has scheduled a debate with MSNBC on 1/15, which will lead to lots of activities leading up to 1/19. If anyone can spend even a day or two in the state, please contact Krish Subrahmanian, Nevada Border State Director, at (702) 469-9026 or krish@barackobama.com. Or folks can contact me at mark.keam@gmail.com and I can help put you in touch with key staff, especially those working out of the suburban North Vegas office. Mark Keam
Greater Richmond for Obama made calls to SC voters about this event: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/tneil/CBx3/group_list
Listen to Obama's chief strategist: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17416007&ft=1&f=1102 Take a look at the inspirational first comment.
Congressman Bobby Scott endorses Obama: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2007/12/congressman_scott_set_to_endor.html#more
Fairfax Co. supporters, check out your new group: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/FairfaxVAforObama Thanks Roy!
Tuesday, December 11th @ 7 PM open meeting for supporters at the Democratic Party of VA Headquarters. Click on "View All Group Events" at Greater Richmond for Obama for details or call Megan at (804) 869-0326.
Released by Obama Press Office:
Governor Tim Kaine joined Obama volunteers this morning to announce that Barack Obama will file today for the Virginia ballot. Following the annoncement outside of the Patrick Henry building, volunteers walked the petitions over to the State Board of Elections. Obama is the first presidential candidate to qualify for the Virginia ballot this election cycle.
"This campaign is not about me, it is about the hundreds of volunteers across Virginia who gathered signatures, and the millions of people across this country who deserve a voice in the White House," said Barack Obama. "I am honored to have the support and guidance of my friend Tim Kaine and I look forward to continuing to get to know the people of Virginia so that together we can change this country."
"I am excited about the successful volunteer petition effort in Virginia and the hard work of so many great volunteers," said Kaine. "Senator Obama's leadership and commitment to bring people together to work towards common goals is reflected in the campaign's growing momentum in Virginia and across the country."
Through the efforts of Obama's Virginia supporters, the Obama campaign submitted nearly 20,000 signatures to place Barack Obama on the ballot for Virginia's February 12th Presidential primary -- the first Presidential campaign to file in the Commonwealth. Obama's signature total, achieved by volunteer efforts alone, reflects his strong grassroots support in Virginia. The signature total is nearly double the required signature total under Virginia law and nearly four times the amount generally required by the Democratic National Committee.
Governor Tim Kaine endorsed Barack Obama for President in February and he currently serves as a national campaign co-chairman. During Obama's last visit to Virginia in late October, he joined Governor Kaine for a Countdown to Change event in Charlottesville with more than 4000 people.
VA, take pride: http://iowa.barackobama.com/page/community/post_group/IowaHQ/CxJ5
Barack personifies change. He is the bridge to the 21st century, long overdue for our country. Seize this moment in time. Read http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama
Petition drive exceeds 1000 signatures at the National Folk Fest. A pat on the back to all "hard-working" GR4Obama members who have been key in the success of the ongoing VA petition efforts.
Our country is hungry for real leadership:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid353515028/bctid1231000424
