Carey Parks's Blog

Calls

Carey from Kentucky — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:28:19 EDT

When calling battleground states, please have information on early voting available. It is imperative to get people who can vote early to go now and avoid the lines on election day. And if they choose to wait, expect long lines and ask them to be patient. Also have information available as to what to take for ID to the polls. The informed voter is the best voter and they usually pass information to others so we need to arm them with the truth.

Please take an hour out of your day and call a state. Don't be afraid. Yes people will hang up on you but most are very respectful even if they disagree. We have 20 days left and its time to step up. Barack has called on us to help and I am urging you to do so.

Lets win this election and as always, pray or send up positive thoughts to the Obama's, Biden's and the campaign.

Here's to turning the electorial map blue.

Raise The Roof Fundraising

Carey from Kentucky — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:27:20 EDT

Join me and the Quilters the week of August 25th through the 28th, anytown, USA can participate in the biggest fundraising week ever for the Obama campaign. I am asking all to bombard the campaign with our dollars for this historical week. With Barack Obama being the first African American to formally accept the democratic nomination for President and on Dr. King's 45th anniversary of I Have a Dream speech and on the day Hillary Clinton is to speak, August 26th, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the ratification of women's voting rights 88 years ago to that date. Be a part of history in the making. Together, we can change America.My FR page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/ReRe Quilters FR page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/QUILTERSFOROBAMA

All inclusive

Carey from Kentucky — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:23:36 EDT

However you worship, I am asking all of you to send a prayer, meditation or reflective thought up for Senator Obama, August 28th. This moment is large on so many scales and I think the more prayers go up, blessings come down. Will you join me?Here's the link:http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpgdvr

Neighbor to Neighbor

Carey from Kentucky — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:35:21 EDT

For those who don't have the cool neighbor to neighbor tool bar in our dashboard, the campaign now has another feature to help reach voters in your area by canvassing. Here's the link: http://my.barackobama.com/page/votercontact

There are a few glitches in the system and if your neighborhood isn't listed, please email: n2nhelp@barackobama.com. This is a quick and easy tool to help out your own community.

I have done canvassing and if I can help, please O-mail me.

Voter Drives

Carey from Kentucky — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:24:21 EDT

With colleges gearing up to come back, our young voters participation is going to be huge. If you have a college in your town, contact there student government association and see what you can do to help. Or ask permission to give out Obama related materials.

Visablity is going to be crucial from now on and change starts in your own communities.

What are you doing to help the campaign?

Carey from Kentucky — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:02:02 EDT

1. Register voters - Please be aware of all the rules and regulations when registering voters.
2. Canvass - Contact your local Obama office or your local democratic party office to see how you can volunteer to canvass neighborhoods.
3. Make phone calls - You can call Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado. Be aware of their voting rules as well. Remember to stress Unity because Hillary supporters are now on our list. The campaign is need of those who speak fluent Spanish to make calls and register voters. If you know of anyone who can and are willing to help, have them sign up here and volunteer. Here's the link to the phonemap:Link If you are not comfortable making calls, find a blogger who will make them for you for a small donation to the FR pages.
4. Host an event - These are great events for undecideds and republicans turned Obamacans. With the convention coming up, this is a great way to celebrate history and make new friends.
5. Don't forget to fight the email smears with our site fightthesmears.com and factcheck.org. These are great debunking sites.
6. Don't forget to email MSM. This email campaign has worked wonders.
7. If you answered yes to most of the above suggestions, keep up the good work. If you answered no, I have laid out some of the things you can do to help in your own community.
8. Take November 4th off. Volunteer to be a precinct captain or poll watcher. If you are an attorney or know someone who is an Obama supporter, please have them sign up. Here's the link for the attorney's. http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/vpcintro

9. Last but not least. Don't forget to donate. Donate here and the DNC. You can buy gear as well and it counts as a donation.

If you have more suggestions please add them as suggestions to the post.

Obama gear

Carey from Kentucky — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:41:55 EDT

Of course I have encouraging watch night parties for the convention but I would also encourage you to purchase Obama gear to give away. This is a great time to invite undecideds and new supporters in. And another great way to make a monatary contribution to the campaign.

Gear for less still has shirts available and all orders should be delivered right around the time of the convention.

Convention

Carey from Kentucky — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:08:30 EDT

August 28th is approaching fast. On that day, our candidate, Barack Obama, formally accepts the democratic nomination for President of the United States. That day is historic on two fronts: Being outside amongst 75,000 supporters and accepting the nomination forty-five years to the day of Martin Luther King's I have a dream speech.

For those of you who aren't going to Denver, I would like to encourage you to host watch night parties with neighbors and friends. Rent a space, open your home or yard, go to a bar and celebrate being a witness to history. I would also like to encourage you to have your children attend the event with you. This moment is to be shared by everyone especially your children. This is the time to teach our children about dreams and aspriations. That anything is possible if you have ambition and the desire to do so.

Phone lines are open

Carey from Kentucky — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:20:00 EDT

The phone lines are open to call: Iowa, Ohio, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Nevada. Its time to kick it up a notch. This campaign is now in full swing for the general elections and I challenge all of you to make 50 calls.

If you know of any family members or friends who are fluent in Spanish, please have them volunteer. The campaign is in need of their services.

Here's the link to the call map http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankmap/

Meeting

Carey from Kentucky — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:44:21 EDT

Last night at a local pub we held a meet and greet event with local Obama supporters. It was nice to meet other locals who were as excited about Barack as I am.

We spoke about what we wanted to do during the acceptance speech at the convention (even though I am holding out hope that I am one of the 10 invitees) and how to get the community more involved and reach out to Hillary supporters as well. The dilemma we have is there isn't a democratic party office open in Richmond and materials are few and far between. The material from last night came from my personal stash.

I held a drawing for free Obama gear as a small incentive for coming. We are planning another meeting the second Saturday in August and I am actually hoping that we conduct an ice-cream social.

The atmosphere was great and the owner is an Obama supporter which made my night. I also collected $150.00 in donations as well for the campaign.

I am hoping in the next month that the Berea and Richmond groups meet up and have an event together.

Now is the time. As Barack says, "This is our moment, this is our time" to shine.

I urge all of you to plan or attend an event!

Change starts with you!

Voter Drive

Carey from Kentucky — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:12:59 EDT

I do hope most of you are hosting or attending a voter drive. This is imperative to the campaign's success. Its easy and well worth the investment. The only requirement is knowledge of voter rules and regs and time. That's it. And as many of you blog daily, you could take four to eight hours a week and help a friend who has an event or create one of your own.

Time is of the essence now and we must be ready to dig our heals in. The campaign will need each and everyone of us to make this a great success.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your local county clerk's office or the state board of elections in your state.

Together, anything is possible.

Event

Carey from Kentucky — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:35:06 EDT

The forecast for today was severe thunderstorms but I decided to go ahead with the event outside anyway. It thundered for sometime but I was determined to move forward. Some started showing up so we gathered and spoke about what to do from this day forward.

We exchanged phone numbers and will make calls about upcoming events such as festivals, fairs, etc. The more we put ourselves out there to be the face of the campaign, the more involved the community will be.

So I have a group which I created a couple of weeks ago that will be meeting every two weeks to discuss what event will be taking place the next two weeks. At the end of July, plans are to have a greet and meet type of event. Discuss GOTV, getting people to the polls, etc. It was great to meet people from different backgrounds.

So the shy girl (me) is the lead coordinator for Obama for Richmond.

I do hope that those of you organizing events in your area, come here to share information or ideas about how to get your community involved in the GE process.

In August, I am working on a plan to hold an watch party event for Barack's inaugration speech for the nomination. I want to invite the community in for popcorn, drinks and to witness history with our children and parents. I hope others around the country will be doing the same but instead of intimate gatherings that everyone will want to share in this moment with the country.

Enough already - We are human and we won't always agree

Carey from Kentucky — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:52:11 EDT

You know what.............We get that folks are upset but I want to intervene here.

You can disagree but for heaven's sake. Stop the madness. This is a man. Let me say it again. He is a man and man will make mistakes along the way. That's life.

We can express ourselves in many meaningful ways but this is getting totally out of hand. Obama needs to do this, Obama needs to do that.

Can folks just back up for one sec and take a good look in the mirror? Have you ever made a decision and had second thoughts? This fisa issue hasn't caused death to anyone right? IMHO, we as supporters (those of you who claim to be) understand that he said we wouldn't agree on everything. That's a fact.

Many bloggers here have held back in commenting about some of the negativity here and I won't allow those who come here just to stir up the pot to continue with this idiotic behavior.

I don't know how he does it but I am so glad to have Barack Obama as the democratic nominee for POTUS. And he has my un-waivering support.

Unite for Change

Carey from Kentucky — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:32:49 EDT

The Unite for Change event coming up on Saturday, is going to test my readiness about speaking. I am quite nervous yet excited too. I know why I support Senator Obama and I want my community to be just excited as I am. The primary was a blow-out and I am hoping to convince others that change can't happen with anyone other than Barack Obama. I am giving away Obama gear and books as door prizes. And I am registering as many voters as I can.

I have two children, Kennedy 13, and Gimel 5. Gimel has autism and in four years, Kennedy will be 17 and going to college. These next four years are critical to my children's well being. The economy being what it is, makes it scary. I want to afford college for her and be able to help my son as well and being a full-time working mom, is difficult enough without the added pressure of high gas and groceries. My 73 year old mother has Alzehimer's and my life somedays is turned upside down because respite care is so few and far between. Waiting lists are so long here and I am counting on Senator Obama, to make life easier for those who do have ailing parents or children with disabilites. Not just for us, but I want to see my son be the best he can be.

Wish me luck so I don't embarass myself :)

Carey

I got to see the next first lady of the United States

Carey from Kentucky — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:01:54 EDT

I had the privilege of seeing Michelle Obama last night. It was unbelievable. When I first arrived, there were about thirty people just standing around. So I thought, I better stake out my place so I won’t be last. And I was standing about 15 feet away from her. I wasn’t directly in front and I am glad I wasn’t. She was looking more to the side I was on because we were more vocal. Of course, the secret service agents were walking around and telling people what not to do when she comes in. The crowd was anxious so I and another lady who I had been conversing with started the cheers to get the crowd fired up. That was so fun. It was like being at a game. My side versus the other. We had older people even chiming in. There were children, elderly, black, white, hispanic, asian……..people from every walk of life were there. This was a thank you rally to MVP of the Obama campaign in Kentucky.

Jonathan Miller, who is the Kentucky State Democratic Party Chair, fired up the crowd with his message of seizing the opportunity to make change this year. And it was Kentucky’s moment to grab it. Then he introduced Michelle Obama. The crowd went crazy. Here stands this tall, elegant, African American woman, with no make-up on. Flashes popping off every two seconds, just to get a snapshot of history in the making. Then Michelle explains that when she was in Hopkinsville earlier that evening, she spoke to veteran spouses and how they cried together for about an hour. Spouses worried that their mates won’t come home or their homes being foreclosed on. Spouses doing three and four tours of duty. Spouses being single parents and children missing their parents. All of their issues, are American issues.

She also spoke about misconceptions or generalizations that people have. Michelle explained how most people have been warm and kind, even if they disagree. And also told of how we have more in common than what divides us. During her speech, I could see her looking directly at me. Wondering if she is thinking, this lady has a lot of red hair and yes, its natural. Anyway…….. I’m not sure if anyone can understand that connection. It was real. Not the I am trying to get my husband elected type of talk. But real talk. As the speech started to wind down and she said thank you Kentucky, I got all nervous. In my mind, I am thinking, I am going to be shaking the hand of the next first lady of the United States. She made her rounds and on the other side of me was an AA lady who was 88 years young. She reaches out to Michelle and says, “my mom and dad are looking down from heaven so proud. It is an honor to actually witness history”. Then she breaks down and starts crying. Michelle hugs her and tells her “it’s going to be okay.” And hugs her for quite sometime. Someone tells the elderly lady to sit down a minute and she puts her head in her lap and continues to cry. Well being the sap I am, I am now balling too. Michelle is rubbing her back as though to say I understand. And we are going to get there together…. Then it’s my turn. She reaches out and hugs me too and says thank you for working so hard. The lady on the other side of me, is praying with her and now here goes the cry fest. She notices more children and goes back to talk to them. They are smiling so big. And she takes pictures with them. Makes another round to shake hands of those who didn’t get to the first time. And then is whisked away by agents. I did get her signature on two Obama books before she left. I will have pictures before the end of the week.

And today, I went and cast my vote for the next POTUS. I kept going over it to make sure that I selected Barack’s name. I pushed the button, smiling and saying a tiny thank you Jesus prayer as I walked out the booth. I want to say thank you to all of my friends for their calls to Kentucky and to those who came to canvass and volunteer. It has been trying yet encouraging all in the same breath. It has been an event to remember for the rest of my life.

Peace and blessings,

Carey Parks

Meeting Michelle Obama

Carey from Kentucky — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:15:57 EDT

Tonight, I got an invite to meet Michelle Obama in Lexington. I am so excited. I didn't get much sleep last night antcipating the meeting today. I hope I don't get all tongue twisted meeting our next first lady of the US.

Wish me luck :)

Phone Banking Tips

Carey from Kentucky — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:35:57 EDT

Alright bloggers..........Its time to focus on KY. We need you to call or come to the state. Please make every effort to call. Unlike West Virginia, Kentucky is more diverse. If I may offer a few tips when calling:

1. Vet issues are huge here. Barack is on the Vets committee in Washington and is committed to the issues that affect vets.

2. Gas prices - Please explain the gas tax holiday. According to the exit polls in WV, 62%thought the holiday was a good idea. Please explain that HRC plan wouldn't pass Congress. Bush would NEVER sign it. Explain that Barack's remedy is a $1000 tax credit to alleviate that burden. This issue is big for farmers as diesel fuel is over $4.50 a gallon here and also for the trucking industry as well as for ordinary people who use gas.

3. Coal - Kentucky is a coal producing state. Please explain Barack's policy on that. If you are unsure, go to the issues link and select energy.

4. Education - Tuition hikes have been approved and is affecting parents who want to send their kids to college. Barack's plan is to offer a $4000 credit every year in exchange for service. He also wants to reward our teachers with PD (Professional Development) money to enhance their skills. He wants them to be paid more. Barack can identify with teachers as he taught constitutional law in Chicago. So he knows first hand what they need. Wants to improve headstart and K-12 programs.

5. Faith - There are some and let me emphasize some that don't know that Barack is a Christian. This is mainly in Eastern Kentucky. Reiterate that point.

6. If you call and get a chance to talk off subject, talk sports. I know that sounds crazy but Kentucky is basketball crazy. UK and UL are the prominent schools here and that goes over big here. In my opinion, I think this will make people think that he's more like them.

7. Healthcare - Explains Barack's mothers death of cancer. Here's a link to the flyer talking about healthcare. http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/harperlee/gGBdkJ

These a just a few ideas to engage in that will give the people of Kentucky something to chew on and not necessarily pick her. All anyone needs is clear direction. Just point them here and hopefully this helps. If you want anymore tips just O-mail me.

Yes He Can Win Kentucky

Carey from Kentucky — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:12:41 EDT

Kentucky has voted Republican in the last two elections. But this election is different on several fronts.

1. We have a democratic and uncommitted superdelegate in Steve Beshear.

2. Two of Kentucky congressman Yarmuth and Chandler have endorsed Sen. Obama.

3. The Senate seat of Mitch McConnell (R) is up for grabs. He is the Senate majority leader in Congress right now. He's up againist Bruce Lunsford who is a Republican turned Democrat who is backed by HRC which is not being made public but on air commericals for HRC and Lunsford are running back to back. Three weeks ago Huff Post mentioned that Shumer had his hand in it. The other dem running is Greg Fischer whom I hope Obama supporters back in the GE.

4. Tuition hikes among Kentucky colleges have gone up drastically due to budget cuts. This has taken a huge hit because parents can't afford to send their children to school.

5. Gas prices, gas prices, gas prices. Its hitting the trucking industy hard as well as groceries, utility, farmers, etc. Don't count KY out. That is why I am asking all of you to make calls. They do make a difference when you come down to the bread and butter issues. And Barack is the leader among those issues.

6. Obama on Vets issues - He is working tirelessly on behalf of Vets. He sits on the committee in Congress. That's huge here too.

Come and volunteer and see what Kentucky brings to the table.

Kentucky's Primary

Carey from Kentucky — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:01:20 EDT

To the cynics and doubters..................he can win Kentucky. Is it going to be hard fought? You bet but its worth fighting for and Senator Obama will be here, no doubt.

How do we do it? I would suggest a bus tour of the state with townhalls. The more intimate the setting the better. Secondly, be comfortable. Wear jeans or khakis but a polo shirt would be great. Visit Richmond (of course I would say that because I am here). We would love to see Michelle if we can't get you. Talk about how high groceries and gas are. Discuss your FMLA plan about that including time for parents to attend school funtions such as award cermonies or volunteering at school. Farmers are hurting here too.

Nothing is impossible. And I for one will not stand by and do nothing. I will not be one of those who talks a good game and then complains later. I am in this for all of our children.

Another vote

Carey from Kentucky — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:45:14 EDT

I just wanted to share a conversation that I just had with a co-worker. I came in to work with my Obama button on that came in the mail yesterday. And she said, "I can't believe you support him". My reply, "Tell me why I shouldn't?" "I won't vote for Hillary because she has been so negative and John has flipped flopped on so many issues. Your candidate is a Muslim so I can't support him either".

I couldn't wait to show her pictures of his swearing in ceremony and give her literature as to why I support him. We talked for about 15 more minutes and she said, "Now that I know, he has my support".

That's why I am always telling everyone to wear Obama gear and that it invokes conversation. We won over and educated another voter which is extremely important. And I am always happy to speak on Barack's behalf.

Just wanted to share the story and reiterate to everyone how important even one vote can be. Now she can take what I have told her and pass it on to family members who had doubt as well.

Let's go to work

Carey from Kentucky — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:23:36 EDT

~~Barack~~ spoke earlier in Columbus, Mississippi and had the crowd fired up. But more importantly, he addressed some of the questions that recently came up over the past week. Being VP - he said, he's not interesting in running for VP, he is running for President of the United States. He addressed the NAFTA issue as well. Today, I hope that the waffling that had been going on by some of his supporters, inspires them again. But should a down week indicate weakness? No. He fell down and he got back up again and dusted it off as we all should. Its hard for some folks but when hope is all you have, you have to hold on to it.

Faith = Believing a certain variable will act or has the potential to act a specific way despite the potential influence and probability of known or unknown change.

As his supporters, thats all we have. And Barack has shown that through thought and deed. Now its time for us to sow the seeds of hope and faith for our children and grandchildren.

As he says, "we are the ones we have been looking for".

Today

Carey from Kentucky — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:58:49 EDT

Let us call upon Mississippi to help in the fight againist "by any means necessary" tactics of the other campaign. I never thought Malcolm X's words would be so true. The other campaign will do anything for a win even if it means destroying the Democratic Party.

What we as supporters need and should be doing: wearing Obama gear everyday - exposure is key; especially going up againist the Clinton name; knowing where Barack stands on issues - tout the FMLA leave act about including going to children's events at school; healthcare; education; pulling out of Iraq is key because some of the funding will be used domestically; talk about ethics reform and how the lobbyists have such a hold on Washington; especially about pharmacutical companies powerful influence; social security is huge for seniors; and remind folks that just a few years ago, he was struggling too. He didn't come from money.

If we stay steadfast and understand that he truly cares about issues that we care about, it puts in perspective that what has asked us to do such as donate, call and canvass that much more rewarding.