I became a Great Aunt today at 5:30 pm and besides being a happy family event it has only served to strengthen my resolve to see Barack Obama elected! My new Great Niece deserves a better country and future than John McCain represents. She deserves to live in a country that cares for people more than war or corporate profits. She deserves a President who will protect her reproductive rights and give her equal pay; who will improve her educational opportunities; who will make sure her family has adequate healthcare; who will help to protect the environment she will grow up in so that she won't suffer the health problems associated with pollution or poisoned food or a planet in peril from global warming. She deserves an economy that values the work done by her parents and provides jobs so that one day she won't face the economic hardship that comes from being unemployed. She deserves to be valued more than just as an incidental worker bee for some corporate slave master who makes billions while employees struggle to get by. She deserves to live in a country that does not live in fear of harm from nations we have attacked unprovoked or that we have tried to micro-manage for our benefit without regard for their people, their culture, and their own needs. In short, she deserves a President whose ambition is to protect the rights and welfare of his countrymen and country rather than seeking power and wealth through cronyism at the expense our childrens futures. My new Great Niece's future is more important than John McCain's selfish ambition.
[reposting from an email I received]
HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET.....IF ....WE EVER KNEW......WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTEThis is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago.
Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.
Lucy Burns)And by the end of the night, they were barely alive.Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.
(Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.Thus unfolded the'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.
(Alice Paul)When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeksuntil word was smuggled out to the press.http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/suffrage/nwp/prisoners.pdfSo, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote.Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself. 'One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said.'What would those women think of the way I use, or don't use, my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again..'HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.History is being made.
To even consider putting Palin on par with Joe Biden is an absolute OUTRAGE and insult to Senator Biden who has been in the Senate nearly 40 years, is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a Constitutional law expert, has been involved in thousands of policy initiatives throughout the years, knows and has known global leaders personally from all over the world. WHAT in heavens name are these people thinking who took CNN's poll and have a more favorable rating for Palin than Biden? What dream world do they live in??? I interned for Joe Biden when in high school (way back in the 70's) and Palin was a CHILD then!! The difference in their world and political experience is NIGHT AND DAY! Heck, there are more people in the tiny state of Delaware than ALL of Alaska!
What experience does she have with a global economy, the war, healthcare, education, immigration, crime, the mortgage crisis and the impending credit crisis to follow, campaign finance reform, pending legislation on numerous issues of policy, or anything else ON THE ISSUES? Why is she hiding from the press? Do you know why; so she can be coached on all these issues where she has NO EXPERIENCE, and knows NOTHING. Granted McCain is the top of the ticket but seeing as he offers nothing new beyond the Bush Administration, and is elderly, has senior moments, and has cancer....what happens when he dies in office and we are left with this neophyte to run the country???
Days since Palin has refused to talk to anyone in the media following the RNC:
Countdown Clock
A heartbeat away.... 1) She is presently under investigation in Alaska for abuse of power 2) She strongly supports big oil (her husband works for oil company BP) 3) On August 14, 2008, she claimed she really doesn't know what "the plan" is or too much about Iraq or foreign policy. Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4) She is adamantly opposed to reproductive rights for women. She is against abortion even in cases of rape an incest. 5) She's willing to pump out 5 kids as long as the nanny will raise them while she's away doing government business. 6) She is pro-war, pro gun and . . . pro life? 7) She believes creationism should be taught in public schools 8) She supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and anywhere else big oil wants 9) She supports Pebble Mine which will destroy the richest salmon run in the world 10) She supports aerial shooting of bears and wolves in Alaska 11) She believes global warming is a farce and is opposed to listing the polar bear as an endangered species 12) She has no federal or international experience. Prior to being governor (for less than two years) she was only the mayor of a small town and a beauty pageant contestant! 13) She stands for everything that Hillary Clinton stood against.
14) And she says "NOOK-ya-ler" and "EYE-RACK" just like BUSH!
Here is our submission for the Hope & Change Site: (the kitty in the picture is no longer with us)
Submit your own here:
The storm raged outside young Justin's window. The thunder sounded like explosions and rattled the old wood frame windows. The lightening threw frightening shapes on the wall in his bedroom just long enough to make his heart skip a beat wondering if what he had seen was real or imaginary. He wanted this night to be over. He wanted to run and crawl in bed with his parents but his ego wouldn't allow it. He was a big boy now and had finally gotten his own room separate and apart from his baby brother Adam. No, he would tackle this fear of storms and the dark by himself.
Thank heavens he had his trusty Monster Shield quilt, handmade for him by his Aunt who had also been afraid of the dark and storms as a child. She told him it would ward off monsters and evil spirits. That it would keep him safe until the morning light. He snuggled further down under his Monster Shield quilt, pulling it up over his nose. He dared not cover his eyes with it in case something lurked in a dark corner and he couldn't see it.
His Aunt had sewn a special token onto each square to combat any type of monster there may be stalking children in the night, in the storms. There were scenes of sunny days, prayers to keep one safe, hearts to radiate love and friendship. She gave him a special prayer to recite in his head, "Lord, keep us safe this night, secure from all our fears; may angels guard us while we sleep,till morning light appears."
The morning broke with radiance and birdsong, streams of sun pouring through the window. Justin awakened and realized he was safe and had weathered the monsters and the storm alone...with the help of his angels and his special Monster Shield quilt. Proud of his accomplishment, he silently thanked his angels and his Aunt for their help while he made his bed and headed down for breakfast.
Remember when a quilt could make you feel safe, and warm, and comfy? Well a group of talented ladies across this great country have been hard at work making a quilt for one lucky Obama supporter who will win this special treasure in a drawing. While it will be warm and comfy, it won't bring back the memory of fighting monsters in the night but it will make you proud to be an American voting for Obama, voting to take this country in a new direction. It will be a Presidential collectible for sure. Check it out here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/QUILTERSFOROBAMA
Has everyone seen the top border piece yet? After fits and starts; disasters with a dirty-pawed cat, power outages, a fussy machine, and a dead duck (don't ask)...here's what resulted in the end. Will have bottom and sides to share soon.
Slideshow:
http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/barkway/Obama/?action=view¤t=27f46956.pbw
(DON"T KNOW WHY, BUT SITE NO LONGER ALLOWS EMBEDDING OF SLIDESHOWS)
Across the country, volunteers held Unite for Change events today. Two such events took place in the small housing development of Rock Creek in Cooper City, FL. The first was at the home of Steve Wall, a former Republican turned Obama supporter. There were approximately 17 people, each of whom took a turn introducing themselves and explaining why they had come. The group went on to have a lively discussion of the issues, the candidates, issues specific to Florida and voter registration. There was a mix of young and old, former Republicans , Independents and Democrats. There were former Hillary voters and those who had not voted in the state's Primary. The Mayor of Cooper City Debbie Eisinger addressed the gathering and answered questions.
Later in the day, there was another Unite for Change event in Rock Creek, this time at the home of Marty and Caryl Shuham. The Shuhams also hosted the introduction of the Obama Fellow for Cooper City, Eduardo Lara, a young Hispanic man from Los Angeles who will be in the area with the other Fellows flown in from across the country to help organize volunteers. Mr. Lara is an adjunct Professor from Pepperdine University who graduated from George Washington University and participated in the Teach for America Program.
There were approximately 31 people at this event who were surprisingly more subdued than those at the earlier event. They listened as Mr. Lara introduced himself and told his personal story as Fellows were trained to do. Mr. Lara had seen Barack Obama's speech at the 2004 Convention and was impressed with his knowledge and demeanor. His grandfather had helped to raise him and being interested in politics, discussed the issues of the day that he had read in the newspaper with Mr. Lara. Shortly before he was to join the Fellowship program, Mr. Lara's grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. Even as he lay in the hospital, he would ask his grandson how Obama was doing. Shortly before he died, he told each of his grandchildren to follow through on their commitments and dreams. Though Mr. Lara had to request an extension on joining the Fellows to attend his grandfather's funeral, he followed through because of his grandfather's dying request.
The crowd was shown a brief video from the campaign which described why Obama is running for office and depicted volunteers from across the country explaining why they were volunteering. One older woman in the video explained that "for the first time in her life, she felt compelled to do something like this." Another woman, a young mother, choked back tears as she explained why she was doing this for her kids' futures.
The Mayor of Cooper City addressed this second gathering as well and stressed the importance of grassroots organizing. After a brief answer and question period where there were few questions, Mr. Lara closed by saying, "let's have our desires be put forth into action."
Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama was the keynote speaker at the luncheon for the Us Conference of Mayors in Miami, FL. While the Mayors' issues and Obama's address were the issues and highlight of the day, there was a special group in attendance by invitation for whom The Senator's messages truly hit home. In the back of the luncheon hall was a gathering of high school students from Miami's Young Women's Preparatory Academy, the first single sex public school in the County. (Cont'd below pictures)
The official George W. Bush Countdown Clock!
http://www.backwardsbush.com
Courtesy of Foster & Lloyd
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aG6w72Q-dUE
In its most recent twisting of words to suit their needs, the RNC is now putting out a press release "Obama's Reversal on Iran", trying to make Senator Obama look like he's flip flopping on meeting with the President of Iran because he has said that just because he said he would meet with world leaders who may not be our allies doesn't guarantee those leaders a meeting with him.http://newsblaze.com/story/2008052706130300002.pnw/newsblaze/POLITICS/Politics.html
This will be the issue being touted this week and that we will need to combat by stressing that Obama never said he would guarantee these leaders an audience with him. The opposition is replaying the debate tape where Obama said he would meet with leaders of non-ally nations in defense of their postion. Obama was stressing that by NOT talking to your enemies, you virtually guarantee they will remain your enemy and NOT that he would take on as his first order of business in the WH, the meeting of leaders of hostile nations.
Sheesh! Four hours to upload these videos to Google Video but they are finally up and viewable!
Part 1
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8774046036119530055&hl=en
Part II
Ok, I'm a little late but my camera and PC were not cooperating in getting the pics off one medium onto the other so I'm posting my sister in law's photos that she sent me in email. They're not as exciting as those from our group who secretly got chosen to meet the Senator at the airport but we had a blast nonetheless. If I can get my video up on photobucket, I'll add a link later.
When the NY Times appealed the lower courts decision in Times v. Sullivan, the US Supreme Court overturned the Alabama decision. Writing for a unanimous high court, Justice William Brennan said, "Alabama's libel law did not adequately safeguard freedom of speech and press as required by the First and Fourteenth Amendments." At issue was a "profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open, and that it may well include vehement, caustic and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials."< [367 U.S., at 270 (S.Ct. 39 1964)]
*Please join me in encouraging the administrators and moderators of this site to honor our Constitutionally protected freedom of expression.
**(All posted work reflects the opinions of the various writers and artists and does not necessarily express the opinions of Barackobama.com, its organizers, or the candidate that is the subject of the site. No postings made are intended to offend or otherwise harm or defame and are the sole responsibility of the author of the post. If any reader of any post by the writer is offended, please accept apologies in advance. )
Ducks Storm the White House: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24548042#24548042
(they must be members of our Ducks for Obama group! hehehe)
