12-15-2009
Joseph LiebermanVia Fax: 202-224-9750Senator Lieberman,As a former supporter of yours during your run for the vice-presidency, I am outraged at your utterly despicable hypocrisy. Did you forget that you are on the record supporting universal health care? That you campaigned on that promise? That modern technology means we can actually find the statements you made during your most recent Senate campaign, including the text from the July 2006 debate, wherein you stated, “What I’m saying to the people of Connecticut, I can do more for you and your families to get something done to make health care affordable, to get universal health insurance”? Did you forget, or are you just a liar who’ll say anything to get elected, then do exactly the opposite.Did you forget that you very strongly opposed the use of single-Senator filibustering, to the point of being the first to co-sponsor a bill to stop that very practice? Again, did you forget that your words are available to be retrieved by today’s technology? Did youforget that you are on the record stating, “the whole process of individual senators being able to hold up legislation with a filibuster is just unfair,” and “I think the filibuster has become not only in reality an obstacle to accomplishment here [in Washington], but it also a symbol of a lot that ails Washington today”? Did you forget that you actually proposed allowing people to buy in to Medicare starting at age 55? Did you forget that technology allows us to quote you as stating, “What I was proposing was that they have an option to buy into Medicare early and again on the premise that that would be less expensive than the enormous cost. If you’re 55 or 60 and you’re without health insurance and you go in to try to buy it, because you’re older … you’re rated as a risk so you pay a lot of money.” That you have the unmitigated gall to single-handedly block health care reform legislation that this nation has desperately needed fordecades is despicable. That you have the audacity to not only ignore your immediate constituents (who overwhelmingly support health care reform with a public option), but the nation as a whole, who favors serious reform, not this watered-down garbage you’re forcing through your hypocritical and childish (maybe even paid-for) actions, is outrageous. You are a disgrace to the seat you hold and the position you’ve been trusted with. Angrily,Jill [Last Name]ANYONE WHO WANTS, CAN COPY AND SEND TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT. BE MY GUEST!
August 17, 2009
Dear Honorable Sirs and Madams,
About this time two years ago, Democrats across the country started gearing up for the fight of our lives. Primary elections were just around the corner, and it would be only a year until we would have our candidates for President and Vice President confirmed at our National Convention. Although some said that Democrats could put up an asparagus and beat the Republicans, most of us in the Democratic party knew all too well, after the disastrous results of the 2004 election, that this was going to be a hard-fought battle right to the finish line.
But this was not just about President and Vice President. This was about restoring the Democratic Party to a position of power to enact the legislation we must have to help move this country in the right direction. Millions of us in every state, took to the phones and the streets and the web. We rallied, we phone banked, we pounded the pavement knocking on doors. We talked to our neighbors, friends and business associates. We raised hundreds of millions of dollars, much of it five dollars at a time. And we did this for candidates on the Democratic ticket all across this nation.
We broke our backs, lost our voices, and some of us lost friends or other relationships, so that we could have a majority in both Houses, as well as regaining the Presidency. We gave you a huge majority in Congress and a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the Senate. We handed you the reins on a silver platter!
We did this because our party ran on what is perhaps the most important Domestic issue in many of our lifetimes; Health Insurance Reform. With people filing bankruptcy, losing their homes, and dying every single day from our broken and corrupt system, we don’t have the luxury of time to wait any longer.
You have a grave and serious responsibility before you. NOW is not the time to cave in to the Republican party! You don’t have to! You have an obligation to do the job we sent you to Washington to do – pass Health Insurance Reform, and to do it as you promised you would, with a strong PUBLIC OPTION.
To say that I am perplexed, to say that I am stunned, to say that I am angry would all be understatements. You have allowed Republicans to take over control of the message and hijack this legislation. Their constituents get to go to sleep at night knowing their representatives are fighting tooth and nail on their behalf, while we Democrats go to bed wondering why on earth we worked so hard to put you in the majority, when you’re letting us down when we need you to stand up for us the most!
Make no mistake, this legislation is going to be “make or break” for our party. If you can’t get it done when you have control of the Administration, the House of Representatives and the Senate, what’s the use of working to keep you there in the next election cycle(s)? You seem to have forgotten that you work for us – the people who put you in office, not the Republicans.
While I respect the concept of bi-partisanship, there comes a time when it simply must be abandoned. And in fact, I contend that if you show the Republicans that you will pass legislation with or without them, and they get a bill they don’t like, then next time they’ll be more likely to work with you so their voices are heard, won’t they?
It’s time.
Progressives, and even moderates in our party, you have to start putting the screws to the "Blue Dogs" who are looking more and more like the "Blue Cross Dogs" every day. And to those of you who are the "Blue Dogs", don't forget that you are Democrats. You ran as Democrats, you won as Democrats, and you have an obligation to legislate as Democrats, not moderate Republicans.
President Obama, you need to wrest back control of this message, and if necessary, write your own legislation and make sure it gets passed instead of passing the buck.
You have the power. Use it.
Or lose it.
Sincerely,
Jill K
Redondo Beach, CA
written by Barack Obama, 1990
http://www.edwoj.com/Alinsky/AlinskyObamaChapter1990.htm "Over the past five years, I've often had a difficult time explaining my profession to folks. Typical is a remark a public school administrative aide made to me one bleak January morning, while I waited to deliver some flyers to a group of confused and angry parents who had discovered the presence of asbestos in their school. "Listen, Obama," she began. "You're a bright young man, Obama. You went to college, didn't you?" I nodded. "I just cannot understand why a bright young man like you would go to college, get that degree and become a community organizer." "Why's that?" " 'Cause the pay is low, the hours is long, and don't nobody appreciate you." She shook her head in puzzlement as she wandered back to attend to her duties. I've thought back on that conversation more than once during the time I've organized with the Developing Communities Project, based in Chicago's far south side. Unfortunately, the answers that come to mind haven't been as simple as her question. Probably the shortest one is this: It needs to be done, and not enough folks are doing it. . . . In theory, community organizing provides a way to merge various strategies for neighborhood empowerment. Organizing begins with the premise that (1) the problems facing inner-city communities do not result from a lack of effective solutions, but from a lack of power to implement these solutions; (2) that the only way for communities to build long-term power is by organizing people and money around a common vision; and (3) that a viable organization can only be achieved if a broadly based indigenous leadership -- and not one or two charismatic leaders -- can knit together the diverse interests of their local institutions. This means bringing together churches, block clubs, parent groups and any other institutions in a given community to pay dues, hire organizers, conduct research, develop leadership, hold rallies and education cam paigns, and begin drawing up plans on a whole range of issues -- jobs, education, crime, etc. Once such a vehicle is formed, it holds the power to make politicians, agencies and corporations more responsive to commu nity needs. Equally important, it enables people to break their crippling isolation from each other, to reshape their mutual values and expectations and rediscover the possibilities of acting collaboratively -- the prerequi sites of any successful self-help initiative. By using this approach, the Developing Communities Project and other organizations in Chicago's inner city have achieved some impressive results. Schools have been made more accountable-Job training programs have been established; housing has been renovated and built; city services have been provided; parks have been refurbished; and crime and drug problems have been curtailed. Additionally, plain folk have been able to access the levers of power, and a sophisticated pool of local civic leadership has been developed." . . . http://www.edwoj.com/Alinsky/AlinskyObamaChapter1990.htm Yeah, I'd say there's some RESPONSIBILITY there! Will you please donate to my fundraiser? http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/JewsForBarackPart2
Dear fellow Obama supporters,
A friend of mine is an international Aid worker who until last year was stationed in Baghdad, and is now in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. He has a colleague still stationed in Iraq who has made the following plea, which I'd like to share with the generous and kind-hearted people here. . .
I am making a personal appeal to you to help this eight-year old boy, Saad Dhiab who has a congenital a birth defect, an externalized bladder. The boy needs three operations totaling $30,000 to reinsert his bladder and reconstruct his genitals, giving him an opportunity for a normal life.I don't usually ask this but there are no programs here for children with birth defects, and, frankly, he's a really nice kid. He came to our offices with his parents and I promised I would do all I could to help. Could you please make a donation? Donations can be made by credit card on the IRD website https://128bit.clickandpledge.com/default.aspx?ID=10440&cid=US&a= by selecting "Donate to the Children of Iraq". 100% of all donations made before May 15th will go to Saad. We have one month to raise the money.As you may know, our program provides medical assistance to civilian victims of violence in Baghdad, providing specialized surgery, prosthetics and rehabilitation for innocent victims. Though our funds are only for victims and not for birth defects, we are using our medical staffs' expertise and volunteer personnel to ensure that we get the best care at the best price for this boy. The team, this boy and his family, and I would be grateful for any help you can offer.Thank youPlease check our organization through our website at http://www.ird-dc.orgInternational Relief and Development, Inc.1621 N. Kent Street, 4th FloorArlington, VA 22209
I am making a personal appeal to you to help this eight-year old boy, Saad Dhiab who has a congenital a birth defect, an externalized bladder. The boy needs three operations totaling $30,000 to reinsert his bladder and reconstruct his genitals, giving him an opportunity for a normal life.
I don't usually ask this but there are no programs here for children with birth defects, and, frankly, he's a really nice kid. He came to our offices with his parents and I promised I would do all I could to help. Could you please make a donation? Donations can be made by credit card on the IRD website https://128bit.clickandpledge.com/default.aspx?ID=10440&cid=US&a= by selecting "Donate to the Children of Iraq". 100% of all donations made before May 15th will go to Saad. We have one month to raise the money.
As you may know, our program provides medical assistance to civilian victims of violence in Baghdad, providing specialized surgery, prosthetics and rehabilitation for innocent victims. Though our funds are only for victims and not for birth defects, we are using our medical staffs' expertise and volunteer personnel to ensure that we get the best care at the best price for this boy. The team, this boy and his family, and I would be grateful for any help you can offer.
Thank you
Please check our organization through our website at http://www.ird-dc.org
International Relief and Development, Inc.1621 N. Kent Street, 4th FloorArlington, VA 22209
I pray every day for the innocent victims of our atrocious actions in their country. The nightmare we have created in their lives is unconscionable. I know this child isn't a victim of the war, but certainly his family and community are, and resources being so scarce, he would otherwise not have an opportunity for this much-needed surgery.
Thank you in advance to anyone who makes a donation to help Saad and his family.
__________________
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -- Anne Frank
As a Jew, obviously the Middle East is a VERY important issue for me. Barack Obama has been a strident and vocal advocate to bringing peace to the ENTIRE REGION, including both Iraq and Israel.To help him have the opportunity to do that, we need to win the hearts and minds of those who are currently saddled with unfounded beliefs. We desperately need to reach out to them so that they can learn the TRUTH about Barack Obama and where he stands on his Middle Eastern Policies.Unfortunately, many of the lies that are making the rounds, are being targeted to Jews!For that reason, I went on a mission to spread the truth and help get Barack Obama elected President in the process. One way I've done that is by helping fellow Obama supporter, Fern, realize her $1,000 goal in her "Jews for Barack" fundraising campaign.To all those who helped put us over the top, a HUGE THANK YOU!Not only did we exceed the $1,000 goal, I'm now sending $220 worth of Obama merchandise to Texas and Ohio, which I pledged in matching contributions.THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!But it's not over yet! We are encouraged by the number of people who still want to donate to this cause. And in light of that, we have established the "Jews for Barack Part II" fundraiser.As with the first, it is in part to help combat the the ugly rumors that are circulating through the Jewish community, slandering Barack Obama with lies about his position on Israel and accusations of anti-Semitism. (See the email I composed in response, here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/jillk/Cm88 )And it's also to honor the life of a great man, Congressman Tom Lantos (February 1, 1928 - February 11, 2008), the only Holocaust survivor ever to have served in the United States House of Representatives.Our goal is $1,800. Why $1,800? The number 18 is the numeric "value" of the Hebrew word, 'Chai', which means 'Life'. The concept of chai is important in Jewish culture. The typical Jewish toast is l'chayim (to life), and gifts to charity are routinely given in multiples of 18.So we're asking you to reach into your pockets one more time. Help us help Barack Obama bring peace and prosperity -- and Chai -- to this country and this world.http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/JewsForBarackPart2Shalom,Jill & Fern
Remembering Tom Lantos: http://jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/2008021120080211lantosobituary.html
This time without the rambling commentary preceding it.
PLEASE feel free to copy this email in its entirety and SEND IT TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW.
HELP SPREAD THE TRUTH!
Dear [Fill-in-the-Blank]As we know, the Internet has become a powerful tool for obtaining information. Unfortunately, it has also become a tool for spreading misinformation and hate. Often this misinformation comes to us from trusted friends, family and colleagues who've fallen victim to the well-worded and convincing prose. When we receive something like this from someone we trust, sometimes we don't take the time and effort to ensure its validity and accuracy. All too quick to react to our greatest fears, we accept at face value, things that really deserve to be viewed with skepticism.Everyone needs to come to their own opinion as to who will make the best President of the United States. The intent here is not to endorse Senator Obama, but to ensure that the decision to support him or not, is not made based on malicious lies and outright falsehoods. As victims of this type of campaign ourselves, those of us in the Jewish community have a duty to debunk and destroy these smear pieces, and not fall into their trap, regardless of who they're waged against and whether or not we agree with their politics. In an unprecedented move, Nine Jewish organizational leaders signed on to a letter that spoke out against rumors about Barack Obama. The signatories were the top executives of the United Jewish Communities, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America , the American Jewish Committee, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Congress, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the Simon Wiesenthal Center. From that letter, "These tactics attempt to drive a wedge between our community and a presidential candidate based on despicable and false attacks and innuendo based on religion. We reject these efforts to manipulate members of our community into supporting or opposing candidates."They were joined by seven Jewish United States Senators who wrote a letter of their own. "Over the past several weeks, many in the Jewish community have received hateful emails that use falsehood and innuendo about Senator Barack Obama's religion and attack him personally. As Jewish United States Senators who have not endorsed a candidate for the Democratic nomination, we condemn these scurrilous attacks. We find it particularly abhorrent that these attacks are apparently being sent specifically to the Jewish Community. Jews, who have historically been the target of such attacks, should be the first to reject these tactics."For the full text and names of signatories to both letters, see here: http://www.pjvoice.com/v32/32101obama.aspxPlease also see, "Behind the letter on Obama: Why the Jews entered the fray" on the website of the JTA, http://jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/20080122obamaletter20080118.htmlBarack Obama is PRO-Israel. From his website: Barack Obama strongly supports the U.S.-Israel relationship, a mutually beneficial bond strengthened by common values, histories, and dedication to democracy. Obama believes that our first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must be to the security of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the Middle East. "Our job is to renew the United States' efforts to help Israel achieve peace with its neighbors while remaining vigilant against those who do not share this vision. . . That effort begins with a clear and strong commitment to the security of Israel: our strongest ally in the region and its only established democracy. That will always be my starting point."For Senator Obama's position on Israel and his plans for helping Israel attain peace inside her borders, see here: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/IsraelFactSheet.pdfFrom an article published in the Jewish Journal, Mel Levine, a former Member of Congress from California and a former member of the board of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee writes: "As a state legislator, a Congressman, and a private citizen, I have been politically active in Jewish causes, including pro-Israel causes, for over forty years, and have observed many presidential candidates. But Barack Obama is the first to so thoroughly capture the imagination of Jewish Americans. . . Obama's vision of unity makes him a natural ally to the Jewish community. Likewise, he has been a strong ally to Israel. . . In his speeches and public statements, his legislation and his voting record, he has proven himself to be a stalwart friend of Israel, committed to helping Israel in its search for peace with its neighbors, while standing strong with Israel against those who do not share this vision."Read the entire article here: http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=18832 You can also read the complete text of his March 2007 speech to AIPAC, at this link: http://obama.senate.gov/speech/070302-aipac_policy_fo/Barack Obama rebuffs George Soros, the billionaire Democratic contributor who called for the U.S. to pressure Israel to negotiate with Hamas, even without recognition of Israel's right to exist. From an article published in the New York Sun, "Yesterday, Mr. Obama's presidential campaign issued a dissent from the Hungarian-born billionaire's assessment. "Mr. Soros is entitled to his opinions," a campaign spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said. "But on this issue he and Senator Obama disagree. The U.S. and our allies are right to insist that Hamas - a terrorist organization dedicated to Israel's destruction - meet very basic conditions before being treated as a legitimate actor.". . .Rep. Robert Wexler, a Democrat of Florida who sent out an e-mail to Jewish supporters in his home state last week vouching for Mr. Obama's pro-Israel bona fides, said he too rejected Mr. Soros's comments. "Senator Obama says until the Palestinian government fulfills all three of the quartet requirements, the United States should not and would not recognize the Palestinian government. Senator Obama is clear, Mr. Soros appears to have a different position," Mr. Wexler said. See the full article here: http://www.nysun.com/article/50846Barack Obama decries anti-Semitism. In an speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the eve of Martin Luther King Day, Barack Obama excoriated anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry. "We have scorned our gay brothers and sisters instead of embracing them. The scourge of anti-Semitism has, at times, revealed itself in our community. . . Every day, our politics fuels and exploits this kind of division across all races and regions; across gender and party. . . So let us say that on this day of all days, each of us carries with us the task of changing our hearts and minds. . ." The full text can be read here: http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/01/barack_obamas_s.htmlBarack Obama denounced Louis Farrakhan, contrary to the opinions of the minister of his church. "I decry racism and anti-Semitism in every form and strongly condemn the anti-Semitic statements made by Minister Farrakhan," Obama said in the statement. "I assume that Trumpet Magazine made its own decision to honor Farrakhan based on his efforts to rehabilitate ex-offenders, but it is not a decision with which I agree." http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/15/obama_decries_farrakhan_statem_1.html?hpid=topnewsBarack Obama is a Christian, NOT a Muslim. There's not really a need to expound on this, other than to direct those still not convinced to the Urban Legends Reference Pages, which roundly debunks this myth. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.aspThank you for helping spread the truth.
Dear [Fill-in-the-Blank]
As we know, the Internet has become a powerful tool for obtaining information. Unfortunately, it has also become a tool for spreading misinformation and hate. Often this misinformation comes to us from trusted friends, family and colleagues who've fallen victim to the well-worded and convincing prose. When we receive something like this from someone we trust, sometimes we don't take the time and effort to ensure its validity and accuracy. All too quick to react to our greatest fears, we accept at face value, things that really deserve to be viewed with skepticism.Everyone needs to come to their own opinion as to who will make the best President of the United States. The intent here is not to endorse Senator Obama, but to ensure that the decision to support him or not, is not made based on malicious lies and outright falsehoods. As victims of this type of campaign ourselves, those of us in the Jewish community have a duty to debunk and destroy these smear pieces, and not fall into their trap, regardless of who they're waged against and whether or not we agree with their politics. In an unprecedented move, Nine Jewish organizational leaders signed on to a letter that spoke out against rumors about Barack Obama. The signatories were the top executives of the United Jewish Communities, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America , the American Jewish Committee, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Congress, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the Simon Wiesenthal Center. From that letter, "These tactics attempt to drive a wedge between our community and a presidential candidate based on despicable and false attacks and innuendo based on religion. We reject these efforts to manipulate members of our community into supporting or opposing candidates."They were joined by seven Jewish United States Senators who wrote a letter of their own. "Over the past several weeks, many in the Jewish community have received hateful emails that use falsehood and innuendo about Senator Barack Obama's religion and attack him personally. As Jewish United States Senators who have not endorsed a candidate for the Democratic nomination, we condemn these scurrilous attacks. We find it particularly abhorrent that these attacks are apparently being sent specifically to the Jewish Community. Jews, who have historically been the target of such attacks, should be the first to reject these tactics."For the full text and names of signatories to both letters, see here: http://www.pjvoice.com/v32/32101obama.aspxPlease also see, "Behind the letter on Obama: Why the Jews entered the fray" on the website of the JTA, http://jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/20080122obamaletter20080118.htmlBarack Obama is PRO-Israel. From his website: Barack Obama strongly supports the U.S.-Israel relationship, a mutually beneficial bond strengthened by common values, histories, and dedication to democracy. Obama believes that our first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must be to the security of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the Middle East. "Our job is to renew the United States' efforts to help Israel achieve peace with its neighbors while remaining vigilant against those who do not share this vision. . . That effort begins with a clear and strong commitment to the security of Israel: our strongest ally in the region and its only established democracy. That will always be my starting point."For Senator Obama's position on Israel and his plans for helping Israel attain peace inside her borders, see here: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/IsraelFactSheet.pdfFrom an article published in the Jewish Journal, Mel Levine, a former Member of Congress from California and a former member of the board of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee writes: "As a state legislator, a Congressman, and a private citizen, I have been politically active in Jewish causes, including pro-Israel causes, for over forty years, and have observed many presidential candidates. But Barack Obama is the first to so thoroughly capture the imagination of Jewish Americans. . . Obama's vision of unity makes him a natural ally to the Jewish community. Likewise, he has been a strong ally to Israel. . . In his speeches and public statements, his legislation and his voting record, he has proven himself to be a stalwart friend of Israel, committed to helping Israel in its search for peace with its neighbors, while standing strong with Israel against those who do not share this vision."Read the entire article here: http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=18832 You can also read the complete text of his March 2007 speech to AIPAC, at this link: http://obama.senate.gov/speech/070302-aipac_policy_fo/Barack Obama rebuffs George Soros, the billionaire Democratic contributor who called for the U.S. to pressure Israel to negotiate with Hamas, even without recognition of Israel's right to exist. From an article published in the New York Sun, "Yesterday, Mr. Obama's presidential campaign issued a dissent from the Hungarian-born billionaire's assessment. "Mr. Soros is entitled to his opinions," a campaign spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said. "But on this issue he and Senator Obama disagree. The U.S. and our allies are right to insist that Hamas - a terrorist organization dedicated to Israel's destruction - meet very basic conditions before being treated as a legitimate actor.". . .Rep. Robert Wexler, a Democrat of Florida who sent out an e-mail to Jewish supporters in his home state last week vouching for Mr. Obama's pro-Israel bona fides, said he too rejected Mr. Soros's comments. "Senator Obama says until the Palestinian government fulfills all three of the quartet requirements, the United States should not and would not recognize the Palestinian government. Senator Obama is clear, Mr. Soros appears to have a different position," Mr. Wexler said. See the full article here: http://www.nysun.com/article/50846Barack Obama decries anti-Semitism. In an speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the eve of Martin Luther King Day, Barack Obama excoriated anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry. "We have scorned our gay brothers and sisters instead of embracing them. The scourge of anti-Semitism has, at times, revealed itself in our community. . . Every day, our politics fuels and exploits this kind of division across all races and regions; across gender and party. . . So let us say that on this day of all days, each of us carries with us the task of changing our hearts and minds. . ." The full text can be read here: http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/01/barack_obamas_s.htmlBarack Obama denounced Louis Farrakhan, contrary to the opinions of the minister of his church. "I decry racism and anti-Semitism in every form and strongly condemn the anti-Semitic statements made by Minister Farrakhan," Obama said in the statement. "I assume that Trumpet Magazine made its own decision to honor Farrakhan based on his efforts to rehabilitate ex-offenders, but it is not a decision with which I agree." http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/15/obama_decries_farrakhan_statem_1.html?hpid=topnewsBarack Obama is a Christian, NOT a Muslim. There's not really a need to expound on this, other than to direct those still not convinced to the Urban Legends Reference Pages, which roundly debunks this myth. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.aspThank you for helping spread the truth.
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -- Anne Frank "Your voice can change the world" -- Barack Obama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmUUYo9o9egIn memory of Congressman Tom Lantos (February 1, 1928 – February 11, 2008), the only Holocaust survivor to serve in Congress, and Democratic Delegate Mitch Van Yahres, whose dying request was for people to make significant contributions to the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, please help Senator Obama by donating through 'Jews for Barack' -- http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/JewsForBarackPart2
But I'm showing them! Not only did I buy 1 for every day until Super Tuesday, so I can just keep replacing them, but I went to my closest campaign office and bought 2 more and gave them to neighbors! Then, after doing precinct canvassing in the morning and attending the rally in Clover Park in Santa Monica in the afternoon, I came home and stood on the busy corner where my street intersects with Pacific Coast Highway, waving my yard sign over my head until the sun went down. They can't steal it right out of my hands now, can they?!!
And let me tell you, I had the BEST TIME! People were honking and waving, giving me the thumbs up, pumping their fists in the air. It was invigorating!
Yeah, I had a couple of idiots who gave me thumbs down (why be a jerk?) and one pig who stuck his head out of the window and yelled, "A BLACK MAN FOR PRESIDENT?", to which I replied, "YES, A BLACK MAN FOR PRESIDENT!!!"
But overall it was extremely rewarding and actually a lot of fun. So if you have a sign (or can print or make a sign), and you can't make it to canvass or to a rally or do phone banking and really wish there was something more you could do, just spend a couple of hours at a busy intersection waving your sign around.
FIRED UP, READY TO GO!!
Obama '08
Jill
____________"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -- Anne Frank
"Your voice can change the world" -- Barack Obama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmUUYo9o9eg
I ordered 3 yard signs (plus bumper stickers and t-shirts!) today, and had them shipped 2-day air. If you place your order before 9AM Pacific Time, it will ship SAME DAY! I plan to knock on a few doors in my immediate neighborhood and see if I can get 2 of my neighbors to put up the extra signs I bought.
I'd like to challenge everyone in this group to buy at least 2 yard signs -- one for you and one for a neighbor. **Make sure nothing in your shopping cart is on back order, as nothing will ship until everything is available** and you won't get them in time to make a difference before the primary next week.
I want to see a TON of signs out by this weekend before Super Tuesday!
Fired Up and Ready to Go!
Yes We Can!
Dear Senator Kennedy,
I wrote to you on Saturday, imploring you to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President. Although I'd love to take credit for moving you to do so, I know that your decision was well-considered and thoughtfully made.
I would therefore like to take the time to say a profound thank you. I listened to your speech today and was moved to tears. Being only a few months apart in age from John-John, I am not old enough to remember your brother's presidency, let alone to have been touched by it, but today I was touched by you.
John, Robert and John-John would all be immeasurably proud of the stand you took today. Thank you for being a bright beacon of hope that our chant, 'Yes, we can' may indeed come true. Bless you, your niece Caroline and your son Patrick. You all did a very noble thing for our great country today.
With Deepest Respect,
With Senator Ted Kennedy's endorsement being announced, we're in a much better position to be able to persuade other powerful members of Congress to put their support behind Senator Obama, as well. California is a Superdelegate-rich state, and several key people are still uncommitted. I wrote to Senator Kennedy, and I've now just written to Senator Barbara Boxer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well. The more they hear from us, the more they'll have to pay heed to what we tell them we want from them as our elected representatives.
Below is the letter I just sent to both women, modified slightly from a previous letter I'd written to Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (which turned out to be a couple of days too late, as I unfortunately learned). But it's not too late for Boxer and Pelosi, so I implore all Californians to write, write, write, and call, call, call! And if you see other Superdelegates who represent your districts on this uncommitted list (http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegates-who-havent-endorsed.html), write them, too. In fact, let's all write all of them, regardless of location!
Dear Senator Boxer,I am writing to you to implore you to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President. It is my firm belief that he is the only candidate who can not only move this country out of the abyss we’re entrenched in, but will be able to do so with the least amount of rancor and the most amount of conciliation of any of his opponents.We desperately need the skills and the decorum of Barack Obama to bring us closer together as a nation in order to accomplish the enormous task of turning our economy, healthcare, environment and world standing around. We need a man like Senator Obama, who is able to appeal to both sides so eloquently as to effect real change. He has the ability to move people to look deeper into the issues, and into themselves, making compromise so much easier.He once made a Keynote Address called “Call To Renewal” (http://www.barackobama.com/2006/06/28/call_to_renewal_keynote_address.php). He closed that speech with an anecdote about a supporter who actually disagreed with him on the issue of Choice, who requested that he use “fair-minded words” when characterizing those whose opinions differed, and how that request moved him to change his discourse. Wrote the supporter, "I sense that you have a strong sense of justice...and I also sense that you are a fair minded person with a high regard for reason... I do not ask at this point that you oppose abortion, only that you speak about this issue in fair-minded words." And in response, Senator Obama recognized, "It is people like him who are looking for a deeper, fuller conversation about religion in this country. They may not change their positions, but they are willing to listen and learn from those who are willing to speak in fair-minded words."That is what we need in a President, not one who says, “You’re either with us or against us.” This country has had enough arrogance and divisiveness. We need to engage in dialog that will give our opponents, *especially* those who oppose Choice, a reason to listen to us and maybe even agree to support us, in spite of their ideological differences. This is a critical time in our history, especially for women. And as a woman, I look to you for your support for the one person I think can have a positive influence over the issues that will affect us all so deeply in the coming years.From the book, Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl; “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Senator Boxer, please do not wait a single moment before endorsing Barack Obama for President.Thank you very much,Jill K
Thank you to everyone for all you're doing. Yes! We! Can!
