As a proud and loyal Maine Democrat, and an equally proud and loyal Barack Obama supporter, I just want to thank Jennifer DeChant for upholding the vote of the people and coming out in support of Obama. Anyone else hoping to hear from Mike Michaud soon?
Thank you Congressman Tom Allen from Maine for finally endorsing Barack Obama.
Although I'm still a little disappointed that he took so long to make his mind up to actually back up the majority of voters from this great state, I'm sure I'll get over it. It just seemed to me that he was waiting to figure out which candidate would most help him in his election with Susan Collins, instead of being a voice of the people like he was elected to be.
There...I'm over it now! Now I will be campaigning for and contributing to the Tom Allen campaign in this fall's election.
Now how about the others??
My reply:
Dear Mr. King,There is nothing in this world I desire more than change in Washington.Since Feb. 10th, I have been waiting for Congressman Allen to prove to me that he truly does represent change and represents me as a citizen of Maine. As the chair of our town's caucus on that snowy day in February, I had the privilege of witnessing history in the making. More people came out to caucus in the slush and snow that day then there had been in years. The vast majority wanted change...they wanted Barack Obama.Congressman Allen could easily convince the the voters of Maine that he represents change by backing them with an endorsement of Barack Obama. By remaining uncommitted, he seems reluctant to distance himself from the "same old politics of the past" that has plagued our nation. Just as soon as Congressman Allen endorses Barack Obama, I will campaign for him, I will canvas for him, and I will contribute to him. Until then, my time will be spent doing whatever I can for Barack Obama.Fred Ireland
It's time for the uncommitted superdelegates from Maine to step up to the plate and do what's right for the Democratic party and the people of the great state of Maine.
The people of Maine have spoken, now it's time for Tom Allen, Mike Michaud, Sam Spencer, and Jennifer DeChant to uphold the will of the people and endorse Barack Obama!
Thank you Gov. Brad Henry!
I so wish my own Governor had the same intestinal fortitude!
The following is a newsletter from Maine's Penobscot County Democratic Committe:
With more than 44,000 Mainer's braving wintery weather to cast their vote for a Democratic nominee - we sent a signal to Maine Republicans - not only are we going to keep Maine blue, we're going to take back a US Senate seat to help build a working majority in the Senate!This newsletter update is a first of a series of that will be going out this year as the campaign moves into full swing. This year we'll see the largest, most comprehensive coordinated campaign in Maine's history.
I want to encourage everyone, in every town to consider how you can make a difference. We're building municipal and regional committees throughout the county and a campaign office opening in Bangor this week providing everyone with plenty of options about how to get connected and involved.
The energy and excitement runs deep this year in Maine and around the country. We need to capitalize on that energy to send a strong message to the nation - Maine is no longer Bush/Cheney/McCain/Collins country. We're standing up and taking America back.
Jim Martin, ChairPenobscot County Democratic Committeehttp://penobscotdems.org/
Thank you Governor Bill Richardson on that glowing endorsement of Barack Obama!
YES WE CAN!!
Although most speeches are considered "just words"...the words spoken today by Barack Obama just may be the most important words that I've heard in my lifetime.
I believe we have witnessed history here today. Years from now people will be referring to this speech as one of the most memorible political speeches of our time.
Just words...Indeed!
I know this has been posted before, but I think every person should get a chance to see this a cappella version of Yes We Can performed by a group of students from Lewis and Clark college in Portland, Oregon.
Watch this every day and I guarantee you'll stay inspired no matter what the day brings. These students Ba-ROCK!
After enduring record amounts of snowfall here in Maine, the weather forecast called for 3 to 6 inches of snow today. Although the day started out gray and gloomy, we didn't get the snow in my town and now the sun is shining bright.
Kind of reminds me of the way things are around here at times; the days may start out all gray and gloomy, and then end up with bright sunshine. That ray of glorious sunshine in non other than Barack Obama. He always seems to be able to lift us all up when other things try to take us down. We need to reaffirm our belief in him, and our belief in HOPE and CHANGE!
Barack Obama IS that ray of sunshine we all desire and we all deserve! YES WE CAN!
Someone on another thread asked for a roll call of Obama supporters. I decided to make a pledge for Obama and urge others to do the same:
I, Fred Ireland, do solemnly swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as a Barack Obama supporter , according to the best of my abilities and understanding, agreeably, to the rules and regulations of the constitution, and the laws of the United States of America - So help me God.
It's all in fun, but as part owner of this campaign, I feel it is my duty to take this oath to prove to Barack that I'll support him no matter what...all the way to the White House.
The following is an official response to my letter asking Congressman Mike Michaud (superdelegate from Maine) to follow the lead of Maine voters and endorse Barack Obama:
Dear Fred:
My congressional office is in receipt of your letter in regard to campaign or political issues. Please be advised that Members of Congress are prohibited from using official resources, directly or indirectly, for campaign and/or political purposes. I am therefore forwarding your letter to my campaign committee for response. I am sure that you will be hearing from the committee soon.
With warmest regards,
Michael H. MichaudMember of Congress
With all due respect to Congressman Michaud, I don't think I'll hold my breath.
Just wanted to post a few quotes from the first woman ever to have her name placed in nomination for the Presidency at a major party's convention. (1964 Republican convention, won by Barry Goldwater.)
"My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration, that constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought, that smears are not only to be expected but fought, that honor is to be earned, not bought."
~ Margaret Chase Smith (Dec. 14, 1897 - May 29, 1995)
H. Clinton and G. Ferraro could have learned a thing or two from this moderate republican from Maine.
The following is a letter to the editor in response to a letter bashing Barack's patriotism:
Dear Editor,
With all due respect to Cheryl Baillargeon, and her opinion of Barack Obama, I feel I can help answer some of the questions she has asked in her letter to the editor on 3/13/08.
The picture of Obama that she has alluded to was taken during the National Anthem, not during the Pledge of Allegiance. This story was part of a smear campaign started after Obama announced his decision to run for President. Obama has said, “My grandfather taught me how to say the Pledge of Allegiance when I was 2…during the Pledge of Allegiance you put your hand over your heart. During the National Anthem you sing.” Obama has also voted to require the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited each school day by students in secondary education institutions that are publicly funded. Barack Obama is a patriot who loves his flag and his country.
The following quote is attributed to three retired generals in the U.S. military:
“As you may have seen, vicious smears are being circulated in anonymous emails attacking Sen. Obama’s patriotism. These accusations are outrageous. As retired generals in the U.S. military, we know something about patriotism, and Sen. Obama is one of the most deeply patriotic Americans we know.”
It seems the experience that Obama is up against right now is Sen. Clinton’s 8 years as First Lady. Just because I’ve lived with my wife for 23 years, does not mean I am qualified to manage a restaurant any more than she would have the experience to build a fireplace because she has lived with me. No person has the experience to be president unless they have done it before themselves. George Bush had experience going into his second term and look where that has gotten us. Barack Obama is the only candidate that can reach across party lines and reunite the country back to its greatness once viewed by the rest of the world.
For anyone that is interested in knowing the FACTS, you can log onto BarackObama.com and click on issues. The answers to these questions and many more can be found there. I respect anyone’s decision on who they vote for, but for something as important as President of the United States, I would hope that decision is not based on false accusations or innuendo.
Fred Ireland
The following is an email I just sent to Congressman Mike Michaud of Maine:
Congressman Michaud,As someone who I feel has best represented my views in Congress, I need to ask for your help or at least your opinion. As an elected delegate to the Maine Democratic Convention in support of Barack Obama, I urge you to follow the lead of the majority of the voters in Maine and publicly endorse Obama.I'm not trying to put undue added pressure on you as a superdelegate, but I fear the Democratic Party is being torn to shreds by the tactics being utilized by the Clinton campaign. The last straw, in my opinion, was when Sen. Clinton said John McCain was more suited to be commander-in-chief than Barack Obama. This just goes against all that I believe is right with the Democratic Party.If you feel you can not endorse Obama at this time, I will respect your decision. I would, however, be very appreciative of an explanation. We as a party have to move on and focus on the general election with John McClain before it is too late.Respectfully,Fred Ireland
How eloquent was our next Commander-in-chief in his response to the Clinton VP rhetoric?
I am so proud to be working for Barack Obama for PRESIDENT in 2008!
YES WE CAN and YES WE WILL!
