Like many of you, as if on clockwork, I opened up my email today. It is part of my daily routine. Oh I also have kids to feed, toys and clothes on the floor, homework needs to be done. My life does not vary day to day.
Here it is in my inbox. Yes another email about healthcare reform. Is this American health care thing still going on and when will it be over? On personal matter I wonder if my Dad's recent cancer diagnosis is going to lead to a financial burden in the midst of his beloved retirement. Would he have a better experience here in Canada? I suspect at least the financial worry would be lessened and quality just as good. Why can't our fellow Americans see that change like this is worth fighting for? Living in Canada we have a little insight to what a positive change health care reform can be. Change can be good, if you do it right.
If you have not done a thing or many things NOW IS THE TIME to ACT. Yes today and tomorrow is crucial and if you have a thought or want to lend your voice THIS IS THE TIME TO ACT. Life does get in the way (yes kitty you will be fed!) but everyday life will be there tomorrow and the day after. But this opportunity of American health care reform with teeth and substance will NOT.
I urge you to contact your Senators (LINK)- email is GREAT and while at it encourage family and friends to do so before it is too late. If that is not your style or if you want to do more- Here are 5 simple ways you can help pass health care reform.
Yes NOW IS THE TIME to ACT. Even though we are not "home" yes we can make a change for America tonight.
Mid America Mom
Here it is in my inbox. Yes another email about healthcare reform. Come make calls TONIGHT.. call your Senators! Is this health care thing still going on and when will it be over? Oh this time is not good for me....
If you have not done a thing or many things NOW IS THE TIME to ACT. Yes today and tomorrow is crucial and if you have a thought or want to lend your voice THIS IS THE TIME TO ACT. Life does get in the way but everyday life will be there tomorrow and the day after. But this opportunity of health care reform with teeth and substance will NOT.
I urge you- pickup fast food for the family, leave the shirt and toys on the floor, bring your cell and drive over to lend your voice to the millions calling for change at a local phone bank (check events). Cannot make the whole time or stay that long? Hey we will take whatever you can give! None near you? Still contact your Senators - email is GREAT and while at it encourage family and friends to do so before it is too late.
Yes NOW IS THE TIME to ACT. Make a Change for America Tonight.
Here it is in my inbox. Yes another email about healthcare reform. Come make calls TONIGHT.. call your Senators! Is this health care thing still going on and when will it be over? Oh that starting time is not good for me....
I urge you- pickup fast food for the family, leave the shirt and toys on the floor, bring your cell and drive over to lend your voice to the millions calling for change. Cannot make the whole time or stay that long? Hey we will take whatever you can give!
yes NOW IS THE TIME to ACT. Make a Change for America Tonight. Join us- information is below.
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As the Senate Finance Committee debates the 564 amendments to Senator Max Baucus' weak health care bill, major decisions are being made about affordability, cost, and the choice of a public health insurance option - and could be done by this Thursday.Wednesday is a National Call-In Day for health care reform.Call Toll Free, 877-264-2664Please be sure to call your Illinois Senators ASAP and ask them to fix the Baucus bill to include a public health insurance plan either in committee or on the House Floor.Then please join us for this Tuesday or Wednesday's scheduled phone bank to help us mobilize hundreds of Illinois voters to call the Senate before Thursday. There will be no phone banks next week.Please RSVP: Email the contact person below.Phone-banking for Health Care - THIS WEEK ONLY!We're gathering at the following dates/times to make calls for health care reform and looking for data entry volunteers during phone banksWednesday, Sept 30th:1) Elgin Painters Hall, 2400 Big Timber Road, Elgin; 6 - 9 pmContact: Kaye Gamble, mkgamble@ameritech.net2) Schaumburg IFT Ofc, 1622 E. Algonquin Rd (just east of Meacham); 5 - 9 pmContact: Damian Christiansen, damianactive@357.com3) Northbrook, Hel's Kitchen Catering, 3027 Commercial Ave; 5 - 8 pmContact: Kevin Roos, krooster1234@yahoo.com4) Aurora Painters Hall, 1905 Sequoia Drive, AuroraContact: Earl, Aurora.dem@mindspring.comCall Jessica, 312-427-2114 x 206 for more details.
TO BE FREE?
Hello from my temporary home in the North, our 51st State ;) One thing I will tell you is that NOT ONE Canadian I have met ...has said they would rather have our system. Interesting isn't it?
I want medical freedom. I want to know that there is an affordable and logical plan that ANYONE can have. Including those countless children that have no voice or choice. I want medical freedom I want to take a job I love or like instead of choosing it just for coverage. I want to see people taking a second job not because of medical care but for just simply getting ahead or paying off a debt. I want to know that if I am laid off that my family has care. I want medical freedom. This house of cards healthcare system we have takes our time, energy, conversation, and yes our loved ones. Why must we cling to the familiar? Why can't we get past this fear? Where is the American ingenuity to make our healthcare system truly the BEST? I want to be free. Don't you?
I want to know that there is an affordable and logical plan that ANYONE can have. Including those countless children that have no voice or choice. I want medical freedom I want to take a job I love or like instead of choosing it just for coverage. I want to see people taking a second job not because of medical care but for just simply getting ahead or paying off a debt. I want to know that if I am laid off that my family has care. I want medical freedom. This house of cards healthcare system we have takes our time, energy, conversation, and yes our loved ones. Why must we cling to the familiar? Why can't we get past this fear? Where is the American ingenuity to make our healthcare system truly the BEST? I want to be free. Don't you?
Taking up the fight has never been easy. But if we let this opportunity pass then it means well maybe we never really wanted it at all. And who says we, your plain jane and joe's cannot do it? WE elected OUR President. If it was not for us we would be talking about John or Hillary. Join the chorus of millions calling for change. TODAY!!!! Get ON THE PHONE to the reps, send your EMAILS, CANVASS the neighborhood, HOST an EVENT for change.
No matter who you are
or
where you are
you can be the change
YES GET OUT THERE and never forget that YOU ARE THE CHANGE.
Mid America Mom Moms for Obama
If not - I bet 100% you know someone that is.
This is About YOU, us.
Cead Mile Failte! Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!
*FACT. did you know Obama is 3% Irish ? Story here
*The world wide humorous Irish video sensation “There’s no one as Irish as Barack O’bama” on Youtube
*President O’Bama is a icon around the world! “O’Bama” made an “appearance” at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Toronto Canada this year. Actually TWO did. One was complete with secret service and “the Beast”. Here are some of our pictures of the parade.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t298/tshop144/Toronto/HPIM1474.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t298/tshop144/Toronto/HPIM1514.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t298/tshop144/Toronto/HPIM1485.jpg
(Yes I had my Irish O’Bama button and my husband Mike had his O’Bama green teeshirt on though it does not show up well in the pics.)
*Today everything IS Irish in the Washington DC. Article here
Blessings: May there always be work for your hands to do.May your purse always hold a coin or two.May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane.May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.May the hand of a friend always be near you.And may God fill your heartwith gladness to cheer you.
Blessings:
May there always be work for your hands to do.
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane.
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart
with gladness to cheer you.
Moms for O'Bama
(Don't forget to host or join thousands of others in a pledge for change canvass THIS WEEKEND)
The ACT. This is one of the biggest plans to come out of Washington that will probably touch everyone. The size alone is intimidating.
You got fear? So many losing jobs or fearful of it, others seeing their retirement slip away, some losing their home, and then the kids leaving college as their family no longer can help. I feel it. It is one of the things that are keeping me up at night. Thinking how did it get so bad? What could have I done? Why did I make certain choices? But looking back takes time. But I know that to move on I need a plan. Something that I can do that is positive. A plan to get me on the right track and hey bumps and turns will be there but that is OK. It is better than Nothing or sulking! Get Fired Up! Yes time to find that POWER within!
Do not let Congress, President, or the media own this. This moment is OUR moment. This is OUR economic survival- they will still have a job next week. Take 5 minutes or 5 hours to ACT.
Start simple. Truth is we do not like the folks in the Senate and Congress. But it is time for them to earn their keep! No matter what you think of the act- ACT. Let your reps know your feelings! After that maybe you can do a little more. Host a meeting this week for folks in our network, talk to friends and family and encourage them to make a call or email to their reps, send a note to the DNC/RNC, and let the PRES know your thoughts too. Do something that works for you. Do it today.
YOU can be the change.
Doubt it? Look at who is in the White House.
Mid America Mom who is FIRED UP and READY to GO!
*Looking to join in an economic meeting in your area? Go to EVENTS on this site*
Tomorrow our next President will be out in the roots.
Did you know? Fresh out of school Barack Obama could have chased the dollar but the roots is where he found a place to connect as an organizer. It was not glamorous, didn't really pay, but there was something in doing something good with others for others. It was in this job he found a community and sense of pride and ownership. Many of us wish to connect more or do more for our community but find the BUT. Well tomorrow take the time! President Elect Obama is. Yes during this economic mess and transition he is spending a little time in the community doing some good.
BUT NO! No excuse today as it has never been easier. Take 15 minutes or hours. From home or not. Join something organized (if you want to find an event near you try this site or usa service ) or not. The secret? What you choose to do is up to you.
Tomorrow Be the Change.
So for those of you looking for ideas I have posted an earlier thread but put this together tonight.
*Shovel the drive of a neighbor or maybe give them some seeds for their garden.
*Give some time to a local shelter (be it animal or person!) or $44.
*Visit some old folks and watch TV or play a game with them at the local home or senior center.
*Donate goods, food, or services to homeless or community food bank or outreach center (Yes you can buy a big mac or sandwich and give it to a homeless person).
*Are you going to the grocery, buying gas, or going out for fast food tomorrow? Pay some toward the purchase of the person behind you in the line.
*Write a letter to someone in the military or send them a care package.
And even if none of the above appeals to you there is something out there that does. Ask us on the headquarters blog, maybe a coworker -family- or neighbor (or read the story below). You will find something.
Thing is Do something, one thing, to help your town and your one, and mine, and others will add up to CHANGE.
Thing is Do something, one thing, to help your town
and your one, and mine, and others
will add up to CHANGE.
*Inspiration from Michele in 'burbs of Chicago below
Tonight I watched that new ball at Times Square drop on the TV. What a sight- the different panels and all the lights! With most changes it takes some getting used to and a leap of faith.
And then tradition takes over. It is that time once again for The New Year Resolution. Will it be- eat better and exercise? Take that trip you have dreamed of but never could get the plans together? Spend more time with the family or in church. Eat out less? Buy a family pet ;) ?
It is winter. The cold settles like a blanket over the bed- the air softly whistles through the trees- and you look outside your window and see no one or living thing.
Is anyone doing anything?
Once again the MSM and other folks are at it again. Can you believe he picked so and so? They are not x and x enough or they did x and x and still were picked? What is he thinking?
Folks where is the TRUST?
Earlier this month President-Elect Obama had his first press conference. And yes discussion did come up on that nagging problem- the dog situation - and Obama called himself a "Mutt" ;)
Sidebar: now how many of us have had to discuss having a dog with our family? Besides the fun and joy ---there is all that the kids fail to acknowledge- the potty training and cleaning up the yard--who is going to feed it. I feel for the Obama's!
But that comment brought back to mind the historic nature of his election and how race still does play a part in our country. A point that has been lost in the economy noise. I could write a whole blog on this, but true to this series, we share two blogs... our stories from the roots.
Election Night my husband and I gathered our lifesize Obama cutout, dressed the family in our
Obama gear, and with signs and stickers headed to an election night party with Democrats in
Toronto Canada.
As a newly arrived American (my husband is attending school) I had mixed feelings last night.
My kitchen table issues are more tied to another country than my own and sentiment and foreign
relations is on the menu. It seems Canadians watch our elections more than their own...we even
had their politicians at our watch parties!
It is hard to express the feelings. We elected Senator Barack Obama our president! Joy, Pride,
Relief, HOPE. For a moment I thought NO- this is not real.
-This campaign has taken up much of my life for almost 2 years. I never would have imagined
being so passionate and involved in a campaign but how could I not with the state of affairs we
have ourselves in and such an exceptional candidate? The campaign was a family affair;
parades, canvassing, events, even the Iowa caucus.
One of my baby's first words was OBAMA and my oldest child is a veteran parade marcher. And
now I can point to the president and say there is a hero.
His message of hope and promise inspired me to ACT back then, for my family and myself and
others by starting the Moms for Obama, and still does! This is THE leader that we, America and
the WORLD, needs NOW. Election night was also a reminder of what we can do when we put our
energy and commitment to making things better. It takes a once in a lifetime leader to summon
the best from us, for all. We are ready to work on getting our country back on track with a new
engine!
Though I was with my new friends from Democrats Abroad, a few Moms, and our Canadian
supporters I missed being with all those friends I made in the Obama online world. Yes the Moms
for Obama group is still open for membership and blogs (as long as the campaign lets it),
features a daily music feature, and who knows what else will come along ;) They, we were real...
existed not just online but in person, over the phone, or personal emails. Helped to organize,
inspire, and share with for 21 months. They also were a constant for us as we moved 2 times. As
we became immediately involved in local activites (thank you NW Suburbs of Chicago for Obama
and Toronto for Obama). It truly is a community with a shared vision and determination. As a
member I look forward to taking on whatever mission President Obama sends our way.
************
And I completed a political journey on November 4. It is official. I am a Obama Republican, yep
now a moderate Democrat, and proud of it!
***********
*Back to the party- my two little girls with our Obama cutout were a big hit at the party. Those
images were picked up in the Canadian print and TV! Here they are:
CBC News story - http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/11/05/obama-election-halifax.html
PHOTO (mis quote on names- they are supposed to be Kayla 4 and Jenna 2)then VIDEO http://www.thestar.com/fpLarge/video/530871
******************************************************
Day after headlines on papers here:
What a victory! What a high!
There is no shame in taking pride for electing the next President and leader of CHANGE- Barack Obama!
How? Plenty of ways.
Have a cellphone? Try out an Obama ringtone -http://www.barackobama.com/mobile/
Have your own webpage or computer? Download wallpaper, widgets, icons http://www.barackobama.com/downloads/
Obama gear! BONUS you could get something now for reelection ;) Shirts, buttons, jewelry, bottles, bags, posters at the Obama store! Some are ON SALE now - http://store.barackobama.com/
Looking for Moms for Obama gear (the group logo)? Try cafepress -- http://www.cafepress.com/momsforobama
Enjoy.
In this series we have shared issues that have fallen on the wayside but effect many of us deeply.
Today it is healthcare... I was reminded of it with the passing of Toot- Obama's grandmother- yesterday. Our prayers are with them at this time.
I was not able to find a blog that I felt fit the overall feelings. Being with the campaign as a volunteer since Day 1 I have had numerous conversations and observations on this issue. Complex? oh yes.
Back in February 2007 when Senator Obama announced I was living in Central Illinois. In a local Moms group I knew people with good insurance at work to those with none or on a state program. Being mothers of children under 5 we all spend time at the doctors and all had an issue with healthcare. We would spend half a playdate talking about what was covered or not, access, and cost. No one really was satisifed.
My mother in law, before she passed, tried to get a private plan (she did not work). She could NOT. Not due to cost but no one would cover someone with diabetes. That is someone we all agree SHOULD be seeing a doctor and taking medication. We lost her to cancer and wonder if she sought help earlier if it would have saved her life. She was a real face of the 47 million that go without.
This past weekend I did DRIVE for CHANGE to Pennsylvania. We were put up with a nice retired couple in a small town. We learned that she had cancer a few years back and has to take medications and he has medications as well. They shared that they pay $600 a month for a plan for the two of them. Their medications alone would cost over $1000 a month without. I wondered how they could pay for it but what choice did they have?
Last Tuesday HQ shared Obama's position on healthcare here- http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/mollyclaflinblog/gGglB2
YES All of us know someone or do have a story on the failure of the current system. They say if it ain't broke don't fix it. Well America Healthcare is broken. We need CHANGE and welcome another national dialogue and finally a solution.
Moms-
This has been a long journey from that cold day in Springfield almost 2 years ago when Barack Obama announced his candidacy. Are you feeling the weight of the moment like tomorrow is graduation day for your child or grandchild? Mix of pride, excitement, and worry. All the hopes and dreams and hard work is coming to a defining moment in the journey of life. After the ceremony and party the next chapter, full of promise and support, will begin.
This weekend from coast to coast Moms and our families did our part. Holding rallies (see pictures from the various ones here- http://www.obama-mamas.com/), making phone calls, knocking on doors, reminding our family and neighbors to vote, dropping food and supplies off at the local office, leading getting out the vote activities, and some even pray.
But it is not over yet. We still need to get through the day.
Hope + Action = CHANGE
Time to dig deep to find that energy we have reserved for special times. Time to use your voice - VOTE and don't stop there.
5 more ways to make a difference
-Bring someone with you to the poll so they can vote too. Family, friend, neighbor!
-Maybe there is a long line for voting. This is an opportunity to do your part and encourage folks to stay! Bring extra or drop off: food - drink / Suduko or crossword puzzles / a lawn chair / clothing if cold or an umbrella if wet! (reminder no campaigning though...)
If you already voted:
-Watch the kids while their parents vote
-Volunteer at the local office doing whatever they need
-Make phone calls. Even from home - http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankmap/
where you are YOU can be the change.
yes Moms we can and will change the world --- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfjQujYrfEk
and the Moms for Obama
*See you after the election!
Obama "visited" us tonight for Halloween.
He spent a few moments posing for a photograph with my two.
Before he helped to pass out candy, he changed into a costume made of dress up accessories they own - beads, a boa, and rabbit ears!
The future president made quite a stir in our apartment building. Folks exclaiming "OBAMA!" when they got off the elevator. We would hear kids walking up to the door and then not knock for a minute or two. After that happening a few times, we investigated. To our amazement kids were posing with him while parents took pictures. Comments? None were negative.
What brought a smile to my face? Two kids in witch costumes, no more than 10, said "I voting for Barack Obama!"
Now if everyone could say that our work would be done ;)
Where is he tonight? Making an "appearance" at our window for the night owls.
