The next president of the United States of America will be sworn into office on January 20, 2009, less than one year from now. Whom do you want to see sworn in that day? I am not necessarily asking you to think of the name of a particular person? Think of what type of person you want to see sworn in as president. Do you want a politician or a leader? Have you ever considered that question? Please consider it now...
A politician...concerned with winning elections. concerned with doing what it will take to win elections. concerned with the latest poll numbers. changes position to fit the situation. changes position based on the latest polls or the audience in front of them. will not directly answer most questions asked. caters to large $ supporters and PACs that helped put them in office.
A leader...high-level of self-awareness. focused on listening to a variety of people and opinions (including dissenting opinions). focused on building a strong team of people with a variety of perspectives and strengths. concerned with developing individuals to be their best and empowering people to get involved. creates and maintains credibility through honesty and openess. openly, honestly and directly answers questions. focused first on serving others. builds trust. promotes valuing and developing people. shares power and status for the common good of all. creates a situation where others grow as individuals. people served, especially the least privileged, benefit.
What type of president do you want sworn in on January 20, 2009?
Barack Obama '08 Let's Go Change the World!
First, let me say that I am relatively new to the blogs on this site. However, I am not new to supporting Senator Obama. When I first watched his speech in 2004 at the DNC convention I told my husband "this guy is one to watch". I have been impatiently waiting to cast my vote for Barack Obama for President ever since. I created my profile on this site nearly a year ago. My goal is to do what I can, in my own small way, to help bring his presidency to reality.
There have been many exchanges on various blog threads involving what people have believed to be supporters of other campaigns or trolls. In some cases, there have been people that have posted extremely rude and disrepectful, even threatening, comments on the blogs. Please understand that in no way do I condone any kind of rude, disrespectful or threatening comments on this website made by anyone - Obama supporter or otherwise. I also do not condone someone whose true purpose in posting on this site is to distract supporters from the real work to be done.
The category of people I am discussing in this blog posting are those people who are new comers to this website for a variety of reasons:
Someone new to the political process trying to learn more about the process and Senator Obama
An undecided voter who is trying to learn more about Senator Obama (remember, they may also be trying to learn about other candidates, too)
Someone who has been supporting a candidate who has or may be dropping out of the campaign and is looking to throw their support behind another candidate
Someone who is a supporter of another candidate, but wants to be informed about all of the candidates
Members of the media looking for information about what Obama's supporters are saying (there have been at least two people whose comments on the blogs ended up reported in the media)
There are probably other categories I'm not thinking of, but they will come to this site.
So, here is my advice. Let's make Senator Obama proud. If someone is being rude or disrespectful, there is no need to engage them in dialogue. However, for those who don't fit that description, let's treat them with kindness and respect. They may not agree with us and they may ask questions we find frustrating or disagreeable. We can agree to disagree. Senator Obama encourages us to engage in conversation with those whose opinions differ from ours. This needs to happen to unify our country.
Please remember that everything we do or say while representing this campaign reflects on this campaign and on Senator Obama. When we are posting comments on blogs, making phone calls, sending letters to the editor, sending letters to elected represenatives asking for endorsements, when we are talking with family and friends we are representing the campaign. When we are anywhere in public wearing Obama gear or carrying an Obama sign we are representing the campaign. Right or wrong, people will make judgements about this campaign and Senator Obama based upon our actions and behavior.
Let's make Senator Obama proud! Let's treat everyone with dignity and respect. Let's act in a way that moves us toward unity in this country. Let's act in a way that causes others to say "I want to be a part of that movement!"
Let's Get Fired Up and Ready to Go! Let's Go Change the World! Together We Can!
Yes We Can!
As a member of a United Church of Christ (UCC) congregation, I have been angered and disheartened by incorrect characterizations made about the UCC and in particular Trinity UCC in Chicago where Senator Obama is a member.
Please follow the link http://www.ucc.org/news/thomas-denounces-smear-1.html to read the statement by Rev. Thomas, president of the UCC. Please read the full article for a great history of the denomination, informaiton about our beliefs, and a list of other political leaders who are member of UCC churches.
As supporters of Senator Obama, it is important to be informed about the smear campaign and to know the facts. This will allow you to respond accurately and intelligently to misprepresentations you may hear about Senator Obama's faith and church.
The UCC is a denomination with a long history of supporting education and fighting for issues of peace, social justice and equality. I stand proud as both a member of the UCC and a supporter of Senator Obama.
Please contact your elected represenatitives, especially members of Congress and ask for their support of Senator Obama's candidacy for President. I sent emails today to Senators Kohl and Feingold. These endorsements can help the campaign gain momentum in Wisconsin!
Concern for Barack Obama's safety is not new. I have heard concern for his safety as early as there was speculation he may launch a presidential campaign. Concern over his safety is on the rise and I have read several posts on the blogs tonight that indicate that we, as his supporters, are concerned. We are not naive. We know there are those in this world who never want to see anyone other than a white male in the Oval Office.
Senator Obama's supporters are a diverse group of people. We represent a wide variety of religions, faiths, belief systems. Regardless of our backgrounds, I believe we all agree that we want our candidate, his family and those near them to be safe.
Whatever your spiritual background, please lift up your concern for Senator Obama's safety and that of his family. Lift up your concern for those charged with their protection. Also lift up concern for Senator Obama's health and continued strength and energy throughout this campaign. Lift up requests for the continued health, well-being and strength of the Obama family. Whether your practice is prayer, meditation, positive imagery, or another form I have not mentioned - please lift up your concerns to whatever power you believe in.
Personally, I am a Christian and believe in the power of prayer. I know that the Obama family are faithful members of Trinity United Church of Christ and believe in the power of prayer.
We have proven that when we unite around a common cause, we can achieve amazing things. Let's unite in prayer/mediation/concern for the safety of Senator Obama, Michelle, Malia and Sasha, those near them and the Secret Service members who are protecting them.
I believe in the power of prayer. Do you?
