My daughter, Monique, is an amazing person. She refers to herself as her mother’s favorite daughter, leaving out the fact that I have only one daughter (our inside joke:0)). She is a LEAP profession and assistant director of a creative learning project in a school in the Bronx, NY. Monique works with students and their teachers in a multitude of creative expression, including, journalism and creative writing through art, newsletters, poetry slams and more. We often do not get to see Monique at holidays because her students take up most of her time – this is her passion.
Recently, on one of her visits home, Monique arrived, wearing a pair of black jeans that were hand-painted in bright pinks, metallic golds, moody purples, sunlit yellows and pure reds. When I asked about her jeans, she explained that while working on a project at school that day, some paint splatter accidently got on her jeans. Well, that lead to the students using Monique’s black jeans as if they were an empty canvass. The students did not stop there. Her shoes had similar splatters of paint in varying colors to match her jeans – Ms. Moe at her finest!
At that time, Monique had also just hired a “Reconstructionist.” Okay, what is that! Unfortunately, I do not know the woman’s name so we will just have to call her the Reconstructionist because that is what she called herself. At their first meeting, the Reconstructionist explained that she takes old jeans and turns them into something new and in the process, creates art with fabric. She showed Monique a beautiful jacket made from old jeans, lined in an array of silks, and expertly tailored. The jeans were reconstructed into the latest style with a flowing back panel – a real showstopper. The Reconstructionist is now working with a class to turn their old jeans into beautiful, one of a kind handbags.
In the process of learning how to make the bags, the students are learning so much more, including math, teamwork, positive self-expression through art, creating art with fabric, the list is endless. This is the kind of ingenuity that we need right now. This is the kind of learning that our youth need, where the purpose of learning is to become happy and create value.
As I listened to Monique, she reminded me of my mother who was a Reconstructionist in her own way. Each year at Christmas, the three younger sisters (there were seven sisters in all) received beautiful “new” dolls with the most exquisite clothes. In fact, our doll clothes were the envy of our block (Harlem, NY). One of my favorite doll dresses was a beautiful purple chiffon evening gown that came with a matching shawl with a few sequins on it.
Not too long before Christmas, my mother and older sisters would wait until the younger girls were either busy doing something or in bed. Like elves in a toyshop, they would quietly gather up our old dolls and wash them, shampoo their hair and re-curl the hair with a hot comb. They repainted new faces, using red paint for lipstick, brown and black for eyebrows, and just a gentle smudge of pink on the cheeks for rouge. My mother always kept scraps of material, old dresses, etc., and she and my sisters would set about hand-sewing beautiful new dresses for our dolls. Christmas morning, the dolls would be lined up beneath the Christmas tree. We would awake Christmas mooring to find the most beautiful array of colors and fantasy awaiting us. We thought the dolls were new until we grew older and realized what our mother and older sisters had done.
Like Mom, like Monique, I am sure there is a little reconstructionist in all of us – pass it on!
By Monday night, my voice was dry and hoarse from making phone calls in battleground states. My fingers numb from punching in the numbers on my phone. “Go to sleep!” I commanded myself, tomorrow is E Day and that meant one final day of canvassing, one final day of visibility, on final day of reminding folks to go vote. Unfortunately, I did not listen to myself and woke up every hour.
Finally, the darkness began to show signs of dawn. It’s November 4th. I got up and chanted (prayed) from the depths of my life – today, Victory.
After voting, we headed off to New Hampshire for one last canvass, for one last call. After canvassing, we did visibility on a prominent corner near the Claremont NH field office until it started to turn dark and then we drove back to Connecticut.
When I reached home, exhaustion was beginning to take hold. Then the polls began to close and the results – as well as projections – began to come in. A burst of energy renewed my senses and we went to a result watch party with friends, neighbors and family.
As I walked around, greeting familiar faces, sharing hugs and war stories, and cheering as the commentator would announce another state for Senator Obama, a sense of awe and history began to build in all of us.
I looked at my hands but not my feet. If I looked down, I might fall. This is happening. This is real. We came to the mountain and we did not walk around it or avoid it. Lead by a man who inspired us and rekindled within our hearts the natural element of self-empowerment, we moved through that mountain with clear, determined and purposeful steps until we reached the other side in complete triumph! A great sea of people, many in body, one in mind is the secret to our success. As we emerged, our battle scars transformed into golden memory jewels, expanding our lives to the far corners of 3,000 universes.
The numbers got higher – there were several ways to reach 270 and beyond. The noise level grew. We were watching several big screen TV’s in the atrium at Union Station in downtown Hartford. A vast station suddenly seemed small as the crowd filled every nook and cranny. The gap was closing, and now it was down to either of two states that would bring victory for Senator Obama. Then it happened.
High into the air, our arms raised, our voices one grand roar of eternal delight, and our feet lifted like feathers, dancing to victory’s song. This is real. Together, we changed history. We are ground warriors all and change is our right of passage!
Yes We Can. Yes We Can. Yes We Can.
HARTFORD, CT SEP 26, 2008: What better place in downtown Hartford to watch the first presidential debate than in the warmth and cheer of Mayor Mike's Restaurant and Bar! Many of Greater Hartford's elected officials, past, present and future hopefuls, and their friends, family and neighbors (just under 200) came out to Mayor Mike's to watch the debate. On hand to greet everyone was Hartford's Former Mayor Mike Peters and family.
In anticipation of standing room only, most people arrived early for dinner, eager to get the "best seat in the house" to watch the debate. The conversation was lively and filled with a sense of hope in anticipation of a strong win for Obama/Biden and all local Democrats on November 4th.
Our hosts, Tim and Gerri Sullivan, made the rounds to each table, greeting everyone and encouraging new-comers to the campaign grassroots efforts to get involved.
The excitement began to build as a large screen and video equipment was set up. Minutes before the debate was to begin, a hush fell upon this large crowd as folks began to settle in.
At the live debate, audience participants had to remain silent, but not this crowd at Mayor Mike’s! Each time Senator Obama either set the record straight or touched upon a particular point, the crowd rose up and cheered loudly, shouting words of agreement and excitement! Whenever Senator McCain spoke, spreading anger and lies about his and Senator Obama’s record, the crowd responded lively in disagreement, as well.
What impressed me, as well as those that I spoke with after the debate, was how composed and confident Senator Obama appeared. It was evident to us all that Senator Obama's strength of purpose, sound judgment and consistent/relevant stand on the issues is the person who is ready to lead us out of the economic crisis we face -- and the senseless war we are engaged in -- into a prosperous and peaceful future for all Americans.
Being a part of this movement for change has brought me so many new and wonderful friendships of people all around my home state of Connecticut and across the country, as well. A couple of weeks ago, one of my friends, Dee Marshall, emailed me to come to a fundraiser in Woodbridge CT and say a few words about our grassroots movement.
At first, I thought to myself I already have something to do earlier that morning but then I continued to read further. The theme, Hats On, hooked me. This was a ladies' garden party fundraiser and everyone was asked to wear their favorite hat for Barack.
Having grown up in Harlem and spending Sunday mornings at Canaan Baptist Church, telling me to wear my favorite hat to a ladie's garden party --- say no more! And I knew if my friend Dee Marshall would be there so would Sheila Alexander and Christine Josie and so many other wonderful grassroots volunteers decked out in their hats. This was going to be something! And it was.
When I arrived near the street of our host, Deborah Desir, there was no place to park. Cars were lined up several blocks surrounding her home. When I walked into the backyard, before me was a sea of beautiful ladies of all colors and hues, (and a few gentlemen) wearing all manner of hats with feathers and plumes, all different colors and sizes, caps and more. A group of Muslim ladies attended wearing brightly colored head scarves. It was beautiful!
State Representative Toni Walker was on hand to encourage everyone to utilize the Neighbor to Neighbor tool on the national web site. Dr. Sheila Alexander presented an action plan on getting out the vote. State Treasurere Denise Nappier also stopped by to encourage everyone to take action and help get out the vote in every neighborhood.
All those who spoke, the message was unanimous -- make sure that everyone who is eligible is registered to vote and votes on election day.
It was clear that everyone was energized, as many plans for voter registeration activities, phone banks, canvassing and more were formed by small groups of ladies in their beautiful hats, caps and scarves, clustered around the tables at their garden party.
The beat is on in Connecticut's first Congressional District! Last week, a group of grassroots volunteers took some time out of their day to visit Weaver High School in Hartford, CT. Their purpose -- register high school students who will be 18 years old by November 4, 2008. Lead by Hartford's City Councilwoman and Majority Leader, rJo Winch, the group entered Weaver determined to reach as many students as possible.
The reception by the students was awesome. They were delighted to register to vote. Members of the group explained the importance of voting and the history of just one vote.
In a manner of a couple of hours, 100 Weaver High School students became regsitered voters!
Majority Leader Winch is working out the necessary details to obtain permission to allow students to go vote during the day. Grassroots volunteers are organizing van rides to pick up the students to drive them to and from the polls on November 4th so that they can vote.
Hartford's grassroots volunteers are determined to reach out to the other high schools in Hartford and set up the same kind of voter registration drive, coupled with van rides on election day!
January 2nd has become a particular moment during Presidential primaries for Connecticut. The Secretary of State holds a ballot drawing to determine the order of appearance presidential candidates will have on the Connecticut ballot.
Yesterday morning, 16 television cameras filled Connecticut's Secretary of State Office to view the ballot drawing.
All eyes "were focused on a circular, see-through drum that turned round and round. Inside were the names of the national candidates who are vying to be president of the United States. At stake was their listing on the ballot in the Connecticut primary on Feb. 5. ... First on the ballot is Barack Obama," said Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz." The Hartford Courant, Jan. 2, 2008, by Christopher Keating.
Read the full article at http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ctballot0103.artjan03,0,6207654.story.
The article also mentions Connecticut's Get Out The Vote Kick-off that will take place at Yale University in New Haven the morning of January 12th. (See full details about Jan. 12th at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4vvl2.)
On Saturday morning, Dec 1st, 70 Connecticut volunteers car pooled to New Hampshire. Some cars started out as early as 6:00AM. Some drivers even back traced an hour to pick up canvassers. On Sunday morning, Dec 2nd, 20 more Connecticut volunteers car pooled to New Hampshire. All in All, 90 Connecticut volunteers car pooled to New Hampshire on Dec 1st and 2nd -- and the weather, although cold and blustery with a constant threat of snow, held out!
What a tremendous experience we had. The majority of volunteers hit the pavement, going door-to-door, while the rest of us manned the phones, calling voters. At the end of the canvass, volunteers returned and wrote postcards to the voters they had talked to.
The excitement in the campaign office was infectious. The laughter and smiles, the stories about their experiences was exhilerating and exciting. The commeraderie that was built this weekend turned the page for Connecticut.
That commeraderie and unity did not crop up overnight, it has been building day by day as we worked together, calling volunteers to come out to canvass, sending personalized emails to Obama supporters, friends, family and colleagues. It was challenging at times to keep track of who was riding with whom; car pool riders changed frequently as more volunteers signed up to go. Many solo drivers and those who signed up as maybes, joined in on the car pools. New freindships formed as folks worked with each other, uniting around turning the page in New Hampshire.
Out of this tremendous experience arose, "Count on Connecticut GOTV." Each weekend, Connecticut volunteers will continue to canvass in New Hampshire between now and GOTV week. We will be going primarily up to Keene NH. Each congressional district will take turns at the helm of this effort, bringing new volunteers up to New Hampshire every weekend.
We mean it when we say "Count on Connecticut to GOTV!
When I hear someone question Barack’s experience, I am compelled to ask that person to clarify what they mean by “experience.” The dictionary defines experience as “the apprehension of an object, thought, or emotion through the senses or mind; (a) active participation in events or activities, leading to the accumulation of knowledge or skill: a lesson taught by experience; a carpenter with experience in roof repair; and (b) the knowledge or skill so derived.
Each of the presidential candidates has experience on various levels. It is not enough to look at their experience but rather what has each one done with the knowledge they derived from active participation in events or activities. What did they do with lessons learned – were these lessons honed into a skill or did they become empty, null and void bearing no fruit, i.e., creating no value. The goal of experience should be to create value for oneself and others.
As the people, let's take a look at our collective experience that we have gained thus far, focusing on two vital issues in our society today:
So what have we learned from this experience? What lesson have we been taught? It’s time to elect someone who is not wedded to the special interests groups and whose decisions are not indebted to the dollars of lobbyists. It’s time to elect someone who can, is and will continue to stand up for justice and the American people. Someone who will not let the voices of millions of Americans go unheeded. That someone is Barack Obama. Barack Obama has the kind of experience we need and are looking for.
Historically, throughout his many years of public service, Barack Obama has shown sound judgment, integrity, the courage to fight for justice and true leadership. Barack is the single candidate who can genuinely change the politics of Washington, move us past partisan infighting, and build the consensus to meet the major challenges of our day.
Already, Barack has defined his brand of leadership with frank and thoughtful plans to end the war in Iraq; promote national security and rebuild alliances abroad; provide affordable, high-quality health care to every American; put America on the path to energy independence; improve teaching and learning in all of America's classrooms; and reduce the power of special interests to steer our national agenda.
The sun came out to greet us in Keene NH, yesterday, as did the wonderful Obama staff (thank you especially Damian and David) and Keene volunteers! Approximately 30 Connecticut volunteers car pooled from New Haven, Gales Ferry, West hartford and Stamford to Keene NH, with a handful going up to Noshua NH. Canvassing in Keene was a great experience. I found that voters were so willing to talk and were eager to share their concerns and their hopes in what they are looking for in the next president. I can confidently say that our campaign is way ahead of the rest. What became increasingly clear the more doors we knocked on and folks we spoke with, other presidential candidates are just leaving materials at the door and moving on. They are neither taking the time to create meaningful relationships through dialog, nor are they leaving substantive materials for voters to read. This point was driven home at the last person we visited. We talked for about 15 minutes and at the end of our conversation, I asked if he used the computer much. He mentioned that his teenage kids get on the computer most of the time, and that he did not. So, we left him copies of literature on the issues he was most concerned about. He thanked us and said that it was really great to get this kind of information, noting that other candidates leave a piece of paper with mainly their picture on it saying, "vote for me." At the end of the day, my canvass partner (my granddaughter, Electra) and I agreed, it is all about creating relationships in the small window of time that we spend with each person we talked to. It's about really "visiting" with each person we meet and forming a bond. All of us want change and there is one candidate out there who can bring about that change, Barack Obama.
It was a great day and we are looking forward to going up to canvass in New Hampshire as many times as we can between now and the New Hampshire primary.
Former Law School Dean Kronman was master of ceremonies and talked about what makes this campaign so special and historical. Special guests included Ron Smith (D-New Haven Town Council), Gina Calder (Alderman 2nd District-New Haven) and Susan Voight (New Haven Democratic Town Committee Chair). Also on hand were members from the Northeast Finance team who provided an overview of fundraising efforts.
David Plouffe called in and shared with everyone the latest update on the campaign. What made David Plouffe's call so special was that he was able to take time to answer questions from the audience. This kind of live interaction encouraged everyone who attended.
Damian Bednarz, Online Organizer New Hampshire, called in and talked about how we can have a direct impact on the campaign by canvassing in New Hampshire. Ben Lazarius, Yale for Obama, closed the program with his experience on canvassing in New Hampshire and encouraged everyone to sign up for the November 10th canvass.
The Countdown was an important moment not just for the 3rd Congressional District, but for all of Connecticut. After hearing first hand from David Plouffe and other campaign staff, attendees were eager to become more involved with campaign efforts in their District, starting with the November 10th canvass in Keene NH.
Sign up Here for the bus to Keene NH on Nov. 10th.
All of us in Connecticut are so eager to do whatever we can to ensure that Barack Obama wins the primary and then on to the election. Barack has filled us with a new kind of hope. Through his leadership, sound judgment and integrity, we have found a candidate that we can believe in. The question for us in Connecticut is what can we do to make this dream a reality.
During this primary stage of the campaign, we can have a direct impact on the results by canvassing in New Hampshire.
We're Only 3 Hours Away: That's right! Keene is only three hours away from New Haven. We are so close! On Saturday, November 10th, we're arranging a bus (if more folks sign up, we'll have more than one bus), car pools, and just about whatever it takes to help as many Connecticut folks as we can go to New Hampshire.
Why Take the Bus: Sit back and relax and let someone else do the driving. Create new relationships with other Obama supporters. It is much more fun when you don't drive alone!
Car Pool Stations: For those of you who cannot make the bus, we are setting up car pool stations whenever possible. Just let us know when you sign up if you would like to join a car pool.
Wake Up Calls: Some of us need an extra nudge in the morning so we are going to set up wake up calls for anyone who needs same. Just let us know when you sign up.
Sign up now. I'ts not too late.
“I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts [of] our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country.” Statement by Barack Obama in response to homophobic allegations that were made about some performers who are participating in the "Embrace the Change" Gospel Tour in South Carolina this month.
When I read this statement, I was put at ease about this issue. Once again, Barack rises above the fray and takes a stand that seemingly may agitate a 'key-voter base' on the one hand, in favor of another 'key-voter base' on the other hand.
Some may venture further to say that such a stand is indicative of inexperience; on the contrary. A true leader of a nation will rise up and stand on that which is right and just for the people, no matter how unpopular it may seem on the surface. Historically, throughout his many years of public service, Barack has shown sound judgment, integrity and the courage to fight for justice. It is a new kind of politics. It is about sound judgment, integrity and leadership.
We are all in this together. We cannot learn about each other from a distance. We cannot eliminate the divisions in our community by shunning each other. It does not matter whether we are black or white, young or old, rich or struggling every day, or "gay" or "straight." Each of us must come together in order for us to address and resolve the differences that divide us. And Barack Obama is showing us the way to accomplish this.
This is the mark of a true leader. This is the mark of a Commander-in-chief.
After sharing several luncheons and cups of coffee with folks, talking to them one on one about themselves, their hopes for an ideal candidate and why I support Barack Obama, I discovered that there is a great divide between those who are grassroots volunteers and what is perceived as the traditional party machine and people of influence. The disparity between the two became more apparent, the more people that I met with.
The concept of grassroots often conjures up negative images of people who are on the fringe of society; people who have done away with their self interests for the betterment of everyone else but themselves. There are other negative images, including, no social standing, low income to no income, lack of education and influence.
At first, I found myself leaving that little piece of information for the end of the conversation. “Oh, by the way, I’m grassroots.” This would be followed by a brief pause with a sigh of slight disappointment or a look of confusion, and then “Oh.”
This caused me to question just who are we grassroots folks, where do we come from and, more importantly, how did this “divide” come about.
It was mentioned to me on more than one occasion that that divide was a traditional divide and there was no way getting around it. I realized that the traditional divide exists solely to stop the groundswell of people, regardless of who they are, from taking a stand against those policies that serve to keep them out of the process, and stop them from uniting to correct that process.
This campaign is historic! It is removing those negative concepts, allowing us to all emerge victorious. Who are we? We are doctors, single moms, lawyers, laborers, students, grandparents, parents, people of means and people who struggle daily, people of all colors and ethnic backgrounds, and of all gender preferences, walks of life and religious beliefs. We are an 80 year-old man with prostate cancer that comes out to canvass in the rain. We are youth – the great promise for tomorrow with all the energy of change. We are people who are empowered to create value for ourselves and others by uniting together and becoming the change we wish to see. That empowerment is the greatest power and influence of all because it comes from within.
I am so fortunate to be alive at this time and be a part of this campaign and great waive of change. I open my conversation with pride and confidence stating, “I’m a grassroots volunteer.”
The summer is over and everyone is back at school. Some of you may be freshmen and are still finding your way around the campus, trying to get into a course before it closes, getting settled in with your roommate[s], and more. Connecticut Grassroots for Obama welcomes you back and wishes you all success!
Who are we? We are a coallition of 55+ grassroots groups in Connecticut that are volunteering our time and effort to ensure that Sen. Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States. By working together, we maximize our efforts and harness an unprecedented energy, allowing us to accomplish any goal! We join together when we need to, such as supporting a statewide event or rally. At the same time, each group has its own identity and works within its own area.
Get Hope! Get Involved! Get Active! We hope that you will get involved and get active with your university or college Obama grassroots group. You are the future of this great nation. Throughout history, it is the youth, the students at the universities and the colleges who have stood up for justice; who have called out the ills of our society and, with a united voice, have brought about change.
This is your time, your moment, your Carpe Diem! We look forward to seeing your grassroots effort take off this semester in building a waive of change that is unprecedented through this great campaign. If you need any assistance, please call us.
There are some statewide events coming up that we hope you can participate in. Announcements will be coming out shortly about a great Walk for Change Canvass on October 13th. We hope that you can join us.
Val McCallChair-Grass Roots, Connecticut Field Team Chair-CT Grass Roots for Obama'08 WebNet: www.ctobama.org Blog: www.ObamaCT.blogspot.com (860) 995-3364mccall.val@gmail.com
Please feel free to contact anyone of us. Below is a list of some of our team members who work with Generation Obama and the youth vote:
Lex Paulson lexpaulson@gmail.com
David Bachman mretramp2@aol.com
Steve Wilmarth stephen.wilmarth@gmail.com
Henry Hoffman henry@optonline.net
Mohan Sivaloganathan m.sivaloganathan@gmail.com
Hi Folks,Every group now has the ability to set a fundraising goal and work together to achieve it. To get us started, I created a customized donation page that tracks the number of donors and dollars our group has raised. As group members, each of us can then easily send emails to friends and family to invite them to give to our group campaign fundraiser. I've left the amount at the default amount, which is $5,000. There are currently 203 members in our group. We can change that amount to make it lower or higher -- the choice is yours. I will leave it at that amount unless I hear otherwise from you. The amount we raise is not as important as the process of bringing another donor into the campaign. Each of us owns a piece of this campaign. Now, we can more easily reach out to our own network of friends and family to build this movement. In the first two fundraising quarters of this campaign, a record breaking 250,000 people donated to the campaign. If we all take this opportunity to reach out to our friends and family we can break even more records and prove that it's the American people that are the strongest interest group and anything is possible when we stand up together. Here's the link http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/CTObama. Let's get a head start and make a donation in any amount today -- remember, it is not the amount of money that is important, it is the amount of people! Starting on Monday, a competition will be announced centering around the group fundraising tool. I thought we could get a head start and begin now!
Thank you for all that you do!
Val
S. Valeria McCallChair-Grass Roots, Connecticut Field TeamChair-CT Grass Roots for Obama'08WebNet: www.ctobama.orgBlog: www.ObamaCT.blogspot.com(860) 995-3364
Several members of our group are hosting house parties on Saturday, September 15th! Some of you may not have recieved a big response. We starting organizing Connecticut with just 8 people at the first meeting. It doesn'tmatter if it is only a handful of friends and neighbors -- have a great party with everyone that attends.
This is an opportunity for you and your guests to Get Hope! Get Active! Get Involved. Remeber to check out the Action Center and the Resources section to download a community sign up sheet and have all your guests sign.
Have a successful house party!
Val McCall
I am a firm believer in the separation of church and state. I also believe that there are those in certain religious communities who have used and continue to use faith as a means of division and not of unification for the people of this country, as well as around the world. History repeatedly portrays and confirms this unfortunate debacle. Just look at the crusades, the inquisition, and now those who use faith as a means of terrorizing and killingly people around the world. How many unspeakable atrocities that we, as the human race, have inflicted upon each other in the name of Faith, Allah, Jehovah, God and more.Necessary Discussion. We must have this discussion -- too much is at stake to leave faith in the closet. I asked myself, where else can one gather to have this discussion that would bear fruit of any relevance? I have had numerous discussions on a wide range of topics in the dentist chair. Or, rather, I start to but have never finished, as they always end up a one-way presentation delivered by my dentist once the novocaine kicks in and I am left with several instruments hanging out the sides of my mouth. My all time favorite discussion on politics was the night of the Regan/Carter debate. I was about to give birth to number five child and was in the middle of a rather long contraction when my doctor bounced into the room, flipped on the debate on the television and stood back to watch for a moment as I went through my panting routine that I learned in my LaMaz class. He turned on his heel and said to me, "So. What do you think of Regan?" All levity aside, you get my point. Such a discussion must take place within the faith and political arena in order to generate any valuable substance. When you bring these two elements together, only then can you come up with a sustainable perspective that will generate value for all.Of course, there are laws that have been designed and enacted for us to live by, which, no doubt, came about due to abuse of power that has repeated itself throughout the world's history. Naturally, our faith is our moral compass that guides and tempers our thoughts, words and deeds that they may be filled with a sense of creating value for oneself and others simultaneously. Unfortunately, all too often, truth and value are deemed to be one and the same. They are not. Just because something is true does not mean it either has or creates value. It is my opinion that value is what we are looking for here. We must have a value creating discussion about faith and politics on all levels.Senator Obama is the first political figure that I have heard speak about faith in a value creative manner with regard to his stand on issues of relevance to our country's well-being. In my opinion, it is obvious that Senator Obama's faith tempers and guides his decisions and conduct. Further, he speaks honestly and truthfully about his beliefs and carries them over into his actions and deeds. This is critical. We do not need someone to lead us simply because they go to a house of worship every week and then forget about the hungry, the poor and disenfranchised, as well as bully anyone who disagrees with them. That is a person that we all need to pray for as something is obviously missing in their lives. No doubt, they are among the most unhappy.
Faith has a critical role in our universe and in our daily lives. We must determine to study our faith and practice it daily. Let us open up our hearts and embark on a sustainable discussion on faith and politics that, while being mindful of the laws of our land, will create value for all.
I received an email today from someone who raised this issue. It is there opinion that marijuana should be legalized. I disagree because of the following:
When considering legalizing marijuana usage, we must ask what are the benefits and risks of such usage as one would consider with any drug. There are those who feel that as long as they are not "harming" anyone in their recreational use, they should not be penalized for same by having such usage deemed illegal. Simply because one uses the drug without "harming" anyone else, however, is not a valid reason for legalizing that usage. Such reasoning is irresponsible in my opinion because it lacks scientific research and evidence either pro or con. It does not take into account the effects (negative or positive) such use has on the user. What is important is to consider all of the facts involved. For instance, the mere burning of the smoking paper causes carcinogens, which are harmful to us no matter what we are smoking. That, in and of itself, is a concern.
Most recently, I listened to a science program on local public radio which dealt directly with this issue. The program went through in detail various scientific research on marijuana usage that had been done thus far. While legalization of marijuana was considered, it was not the main focus of the research, but, rather, what are the benefits and risks involved in the usage of same. Moreover, whether any findings of beneficial usage were of sufficient value that outweighed any findings of risks.
The scientific research had found that there is a potential of a medicinal property within the plant itself. Scientists have not, however, been able to isolate that property from those elements of the plant that are not beneficial to the user or, more importantly, that are detrimental to the user. Further, the medicinal element is negated by the non-medicinal elements. In other words, the scientific community has not be able to either concretely identify and/or isolate that potential into creating something of value that does not carry with it equal or greater risks.
Inhaling Carcinogens
In addition, I find myself asking is there another way to "consume" this plant without burning it, thereby avoiding the inhaling or ingestion of carcinogens from burning smoking paper. Perhaps the amount of carcinogens in this case is minute but when coupled with exposure to other sources of same over a period of time, does this raise a concern that constitutes a valid risk or not.
It is my opinion that when considering legalizing any drug, one must determine through valid scientific research that such legalization will create value and ensure that the benefit of such usage far outweighs any risks that might be associated therewith.
Dealing with Chronic Pain from Terminal Illnesses
It is true that there are people who suffer from terminal illnesses, such as cancer, who use marijuana as a means to alleviate otherwise excruciating pain. This fact, while true, does not mean that marijuana should become a legalized drug for recreational use for the masses. Like justice and fairness are two different concepts, so is truth and value.
Until there is concrete scientific proof of either beneficial usage of marijuana that far outweighs any potential risks, or responsible recreational use without risks -- and in a form that does not create additional risks, i.e., inhaling carcinogens no matter how small the amount -- I am not for legalizing same.
Finally, unless the scientific community, after careful study, finds that the potential in the plant warrants investing the associated costs and time to perform additional research to fully identify and isolate that potential, we should, at this time, spend our energies elsewhere -- like stem cell research.
The issue of responsible stem cell research, which has the potential to heal and improve the quality of life in so many ways, is where we should currently be investing our time and energies.
Val McCall, CT
Celebrate! West Hartford is a perfect opportunity to get out and network with 30,000 people -- average yearly attendance. This festival is FREE and open to the public. Be sure to wear your Obama gear. The focus of this event is to have great dialogs with as many people as possible to gather more supporters for Sen. Obama. Here are some helpful hints to start the conversation going and help you to network:
We will congregate in the center of the Veterans Memorial at 1:00 p.m. to take a group photo. I will send the photo to the official Obama campaign and. hopefully, they will post same on the official web site.
1. :30 Second Elevator Speech: Here's a sample :30 second speech that Tim Sunderland (Group Administration) put together: "Every politician out there talks in terms of the enemy -- us vs. them -- Republicans vs. Democrats. Obama is the only candidate who talks in terms of WE. We are in this together. Let's find the common ground, make the sacrifices and work with one another. Yes, there is a need for healthy debate and differing opinions. That is how we arrive at solutions. Sen. Obama has the intelligence to help us celebrate our differences and use them as strengths, and he has the leadership skills to help us heal the world." I'm sure Tom won't mind if we use his speech or write up one of your own.
2. Create your own handouts: The H.O.P.E. Project is a Community Blog on BarackObama.com web site. There are a host of materials, fliers, posters, buttons, logos, etc. ready and available for downloading and printing out. Go to this link: Link Here are some samples of the materials:
3. Create your Obama grass roots business cards: Be sure to create your own grass roots business cards with your name, the official web site and any other web site that you may have in support of Sen. Obama. It is a great way to network for more Obama supporters.
Thank you. S. Val McCall
