D. Ames's Blog

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT - DEMONSTRATION:

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:38:36 EDT

To support President Obama's Health Care Reform, here's a suggestion:

Plant a *Memorial Garden* with markers to show the number of dead & dying due to NO HEALTH CARE. We did this at SOU (Oregon) with Iraq casualties - it stretched for blocks. It was an astounding sight. You could not NOT be affected by it.

www.CHANGE.org - get on board! Feel Powerful!

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:06:05 EST

* Let's put this on Myspace, Facebook, and all the social networks & blogs:
.......................................http://www. change. org - this is how MODERN government leads!

- See what's happening
- meet people
- join a cause
- tell President Obama what you want him to change
- Lots of great features & links

What are you interested in?
- ENVIRONMENT: global warming, clean air, clean water, etc.
- JUSTICE: criminal justice, all kinds of legal stuff
- Stop Global Warming - 4971 Members
- Stop Genocide - 1860 Members
- Animal Rights - 1578 Members
- Humanitarian Relief - 1178 Members
- Women's Rights - 1023 Members
- End Homelessness - 906 Members
- Gay Rights - 884 Members
- Fair Trade - 819 Members
- Social Entrepreneurship - 667 Members
- Criminal Justice - 492 Members
- Peace in the Middle East - 345 Members
- Immigration - 294 Members

Looking forward to working with some of you on some of these!

GOD BLESS AMERICA - LAND THAT I LOVE ....

* CELEBRATE PURPLE *

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:00:58 EST

Just got an invitation to a "BLUE BASH" for tomorrow. WRONG! Someone did not get the full extent of Barack Obama's vision. We are not red or blue ... we are UNITED. We need to understand PURPLE. In the words of a famous Republican, Mr. & Ms. partisan person, tear that wall down!

Let's celebrate the future of America TOGETHER because we need every single person on board to make the changes we need in order to have a future. No more clubs of "us against them" We MUST END THIS MENTALITY ONCE AND FOR ALL. We need everyone on the same page. I see an America where there are NO MORE invitations to Democrat or Republican events ... UNITED WE STAND. How about an "I LOVE AMERICA" party? With all viewpoints invited. What part of that do labelers, dividers and cliques not undertand? Let's move into the 21st centure - it is no longer every man for himself. GREED IS NOT GOOD !! There is no "trickle down" if the water is turned off altogether.

Maybe one day we will have one party ... full of liberals & conservatives & opposing opinions. Barack Obama teaches us that we do not have to agree in order to work together. We find common ground and build from there, because if we are HUMAN, there is common ground. We need a leader who understands this - we all need to understand this.

Blogger asks the question on all our minds ...

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:42:00 EDT

"No matter who wins, will there be any change?"
My answer:
Will there be? CHANGE HAS BEGUN already .... look around. People voting for principle, not party; Republicans embracing Democrats, people coming together to save our country & protect our future. Obama changing our thinking from division to unity; from red/blue to purple. YES!!

I see people with HOPE in their eyes & on their faces. I see behaviors shifting and people suddenly thinking about values such as respect and responsibility. Lights are coming on, motives & agendas are being exposed. Look how many people are involved and INVESTED in our country. Look how many have been revived and are now praying and WORKING for the future of America. We are creating totally new paradigms and the dinosaurs are no longer ruining us.

CHANGE began as soon as Barack was introduced in 2004. Some really huge foundations are splitting -- corruption is threatened -- selfishness is being harnessed -- the little guy now has a chance. No longer is this a country for the wealthy with everyone else begging for crumbs. "Trickle Down Economics" has been proven disastrous. Obama's vision will rebuild a foundation solid as a pyramid ... from the ground up. America will once again be of the people, for the people and BY the people. Finally genuine leaders & role models this time. Hallelujah. God Bless the United States of America!

broken link - sorry

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:56:32 EDT

Please disregard the Halloween Newsletter post - it has been removed. My bad
The more desperate the times, the more humor we need.... D. Ames (missdeal.com)

Rolling Stone: 5 Myths about John McCain

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:26:33 EDT

Here are five major McCain myths debunked.

http://www.rollingstone.com/videos/video/23356460/five_myths_about_john_mccain

News Media Email Addresses

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:40:38 EDT

* BREAKING NEWS * John McCain's transition team headed by Sadam Hussein Lobbyist & Supporter! Unbelievable! *WRITE THE MEDIA* and make sure this news is out!

....................................................
Associated Press, Ron Fournier: rfournier@ap.org
NBC - Brian Williams: nightly@nbc.com
NBC - Chuck Todd: chuck.todd@nbcuni.com
MSNBC - Rachel@msnbc.com
MSNBC - Shuster@msnbc.com
Kieth Olbermann: countdown@msnbc.com
Chris Mattherw: hardball@msnbc.com
FOX: friends@foxnews.com
FOX Brit Hume: special@foxnews.com
FOX Shepard Smith: studiob@foxnews.com
FOX Greta: ontherecord@foxnews.com
FOX Major Garrett: major.garrett@foxnews.com
FOX Alan Colmes: Colmes@foxnews.com
FOX Sean Hannity: Hannity@foxnews.com
Tom Brokaw: mtp@nbc.com
ABC - George Stephanopoulos: thisweek@abc.com
CBS Katie Couric: evening@cbsnews.com
CNN Weekends: weekends@cnn.com
CNN Live: cnnnewsroom@cnn.com
CNN Anderson Cooper Comments: 360@cnn.com
CNN Candy Crowly: candy.crowley@turner.com
CNN Situation Room - Wolf Blitzer http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?65

...................................................

The story courtesy of Huffington Post online:

William Timmons, the Washington lobbyist who John McCain has named to head his presidential transition team, aided an influence effort on behalf of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to ease international sanctions against his regime.

The two lobbyists who Timmons worked closely with over a five year period on the lobbying campaign later either pleaded guilty to or were convicted of federal criminal charges that they had acted as unregistered agents of Saddam Hussein's government.

During the same period beginning in 1992, Timmons worked closely with the two lobbyists, Samir Vincent and Tongsun Park, on a previously unreported prospective deal with the Iraqis in which they hoped to be awarded a contract to purchase and resell Iraqi oil. Timmons, Vincent, and Park stood to share at least $45 million if the business deal went through.

Timmons' activities occurred in the years following the first Gulf War, when Washington considered Iraq to be a rogue enemy state and a sponsor of terrorism. His dealings on behalf of the deceased Iraqi leader stand in stark contrast to the views his current employer held at the time.

John McCain strongly supported the 1991 military action against Iraq, and as recently as Sunday described Saddam Hussein as a one-time menace to the region who had "stated categorically that he would acquire weapons of mass destruction, and he would use them wherever he could."

Timmons declined to comment for this story. An office manager who works for him said that he has made it his practice during his public career to never speak to the press. Timmons previously told investigators that he did not know that either Vincent or Park were acting as unregistered agents of Iraq. He also insisted that he did not fully understand just how closely the two men were tied to Saddam's regime while they collaborated.

But testimony and records made public during Park's criminal trial, as well as other information uncovered during a United Nations investigation, suggest just the opposite. Virtually everything Timmons did while working on the lobbying campaign was within days conveyed by Vincent to either one or both of Saddam Hussein's top aides, Tariq Aziz and Nizar Hamdoon. Vincent also testified that he almost always relayed input from the Iraqi aides back to Timmons.

Talking points that Timmons produced for the lobbyists to help ease the sanctions, for example, were reviewed ahead of time by Aziz, Vincent testified in court. Proposals that Timmons himself circulated to U.S. officials as part of the effort were written with the assistance of the Iraqi officials, and were also sent ahead of time with Timmons' approval to Aziz, other records show.

Moreover, there was a major financial incentive at play for Timmons. The multi-million dollar oil deal that he was pursuing with the two other lobbyists would only be possible if their efforts to ease sanctions against Iraq were successful.

(continued after the break)

For the first time in 72 years, The Record is endorsing a Democrat for president.

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:19:11 EDT

Here is the link:

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080928/A_OPINION01/809280301/-1/A_OPINION

Calculate your Obama Tax Cut

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:26:24 EDT

This is a handy tool to get a ball park figure of how much tax relief your family can look forward to with Barac Obama's economic policy. It also shows how much McCain will tax you.

http://alchemytoday.com/obamataxcut/

National Security - Biden Trumps McCain

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:51:47 EDT

From today's Huffington Post [link]: "McCain's experience has apparently taught him that pretty much every problem in the world has a military solution." This is the McCain story in a nutshell...that and his POW credit card which is due to expire any time now.

Excerpt:

Yes, he voted for the war (a decision he says he regrets), but he made it clear that our goal in Iraq should be limited to ending Iraq's weapons programs -- not achieving "rogue state rollback."
What's more, right before the war vote, Biden reached across the aisle and, with the help of Dick Lugar and Chuck Hagel, two of his Republican colleagues on the Foreign Relations committee, helped craft a proposal that would limit the president's ability to wage war on Iraq, forcing him to seek UN approval. And, if the UN had said no, Bush would have had to return to Congress and prove that the Iraqi WMD threat was so "grave" that only military action could eliminate it.

Senator Obama's choice of Joe Biden is a strong display of leadership, and dedication to solving America's problems. Experience: It's about "QUALITY". Joe Biden trumps McCain easily on this.

Biden's national security experience is just what we need! He understands the challenges, and can help Barack accomplish the changes necessary to make America strong and healthy. This is a marriage of CHANGE plus the MECHANIC who can help get things done. Brilliant!

*BRAVO, BARACK*

WE ARE WITH YOU 100% - and look forward to your White House with HOPEFUL anticipation! All blessings to you and your family, as well as Obama appointees. May all those exiting the big house do so with grace and applomb. May Clintons find their niche in this new administration and choose to be a help rather than a hindrance.

God bless usa all - God bless the U.S.A.

OBAMA NATION - REBUTTAL EXCELLENT

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:44:21 EDT

Obama for America - online .pdf rebuttal of the swiftboat book "Obama Nation" -- Here's the link:

http://markhalperin.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/unfit_for_publication.pdf

Can we get this out in book form? Democrats can buy up cases & force the book onto the "Best Seller" list sitting right there next to the swiftboat book. People can buy them both and compare. The author of 'Obama Nation' has publicly declared war on the Obama campaign. It is his mission to sabotage Obama. Jerome Corsi needs to be condemned and run out of town - like STAT!

Why McCain is not ready to lead on National Security

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:21:00 EDT

Thanks to Arianna Huffington for this excerpt:

So every day between now and November 4th voters should be reminded that:

McCain has been among the most ardent supporters of the war in Iraq -- the most disastrous foreign policy decision in American history.

McCain falsely claims that, from the beginning of the war, he called on former Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to resign. He should have, but he didn't.

McCain thinks it's "not too important" when American forces come home from Iraq.

McCain has repeatedly claimed that Iran was training members of al-Qaeda in Iraq, showing a fundamental misunderstanding of the key players in the war. He doesn't understand the difference between Shiites and Sunnis, and even after being corrected he still doesn't get it.

McCain falsely claimed that the surge was what led to the Anbar Awakening, even though the Sunni revolt against al-Qaeda in the province began months before Bush even announced his plan to send more troops to Iraq.

McCain falsely claimed at the end of May that American troops in Iraq were down to "pre-surge levels" (brandished as proof that the surge was "succeeding") -- even though two-thirds of the additional surge troops were still in Iraq. And, when called on his mistake, he refused to acknowledge that he was wrong.

McCain falsely claimed that the war in Iraq was "the first major conflict since 9/11" -- either forgetting about the war in Afghanistan or deeming it not major enough. This is not all that surprising, since McCain's policies on Afghanistan -- the real central front in the war on terror -- have been all over the map. Indeed, McCain first attacked Obama's policy on Afghanistan, then adopted it for himself.

McCain has a long history of paying lip service to supporting America's troops but voting against their interests. His handling of the new GI bill was the latest example of his hypocrisy: he consistently and vocally worked to defeat it, then, once it passed, tried to take credit for it.

Need more proof of why McCain is not "ready to lead"? Do you want a president who thinks there is an "Iraq/Pakistan border"? Who believes Darfur is in Somalia? And that Czechoslovakia is still a country?

GOLD at the gas pumps

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:32:39 EDT

Here is a sample of brilliant campaigning - per "politicalinaction.com"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obama Registering People At Gas Stations in Ohio

Pretty genius effort. They did this around 8 cities in the state. In my local city of Toledo, the event was a huge hit according the local news station WTOL.

Think about it.....people are basically stationary for 5 minutes. If you hit low income areas of town, you capitalize on their anger at the pumps and you give them an avenue to voice their displeasure in November. Given that gas was $1.25 before oilmen Bush and Cheney took office, and now it is $4 a gallon, and John McCain is going to continue those same energy policies, pretty good chances they'll be voting Democratic.

Everyone must get gas. Probably the only place in America where people of all political leanings go.....and a great way to nail unregistered voters. Now, we could use this in a couple of ways.

1. FUNDRAISING - have a combo car wash and voter registration - donate money to Obama

2. OBAMA WORKS - a bigger statement to the community: *FREE* car wash in the name of Obama Works (see www.whyobamaworks.com), combined with voter registration & invites to meetings, the web site, solicit donations, etc. This would be great with T-shirts and local media notification. What a great statement for the community. We could make it a big event - important thing is to display our faith in Barack Obama and his vision for America.

If we can find organizers, I will help -- any takers? RSVP: D. Ames - ladyolove@hotmail.com

When is a flip NOT a flop?

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:58:12 EDT

We need to help bloggers & media people stop & take a look at the *BIG* picture in order to understand how Barack Obama thinks. He is always a couple steps ahead of us - we need to catch up! Obama spends way too much time explaining what he said, or what he meant. He is truly & sincerely capable and determined to take us in a better direction and start creating policies to repair our nation. Why are so many people acting like petulant children or cynical, grumpy old farts?

I used to get concerned when I read about Obama "refining" his position and appearing to change his thinking on major issues. Then it dawned on me ... we Americans are so used to being neglected and abused, lied to and screwed over by our leaders, we have become reduced to a skeptical nation of whiners obsessed with details and completely oblivious to the larger scenarios facing our country, not to mention the complex multi-leveled thinking it will take to get us back on track. Barack Obama is enlarging us!

When is a flip not a flop? When you must *compromise* in order to GET THINGS DONE. The best plans & ideas are worthless if you cannot get them into action! Obama constantly challenges us to look UP for God's sake! Study the *big picture*, like he does. Don't get snagged with the petty details ... to see where he is trying to take this country and to understand his vision. Otherwise we are still part of the problem, not a vital, active part of the solution, and we are doomed to chaos. I choose HOPE and will do my best to help my blog friends think on a broader scope, to listen more carefully to Barack Obama, instead of trying to find something to debate about. We need to let him do his job and work with him! Remember in "A Beautiful Mind" - the governing law of dynamics; when we work together we all win.

50 lies - debunked

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:36:50 EDT

Snopes posted 50 lies circulated in email -- Last updated: 6 June 2008
URL: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/50lies.asp
.........................................................

Rumor/Smear: Selma Got Me Born - LIAR, your parents felt safe enough to have you in 1961 - Selma had no effect on your birth, as Selma was in 1965.

Truth:
This criticism is based on an overly-literal interpretation of Barack Obama's 2007 speech in Selma, Alabama, which we covered in a separate article.

Rumor/Smear: Father Was A Goat Herder - LIAR, he was a privileged, well educated youth, who went on to work with the Kenyan Government.

Truth:
These attributes are not mutually exclusive: Barack Obama's (biological) father was all of these things at different times in his life, as Obama described in his book, Dreams from My Father: [My father] was as African, I would learn, a Kenyan of the Luo tribe, born on the shores of Lake Victoria in a place called Alego. The village was poor, but his father — my other grandfather, Hussein Onyango Obama — had been a prominent farmer, an elder of the tribe, a medicine man with healing powers. My father grew up herding his father's goats and attending the local school, set up by the British colonial administration, where he had shown great promise. He eventually won a scholarship to study in Nairobi; and then, on the eve of Kenyan independence, he had been selected by Kenyan leaders and American sponsors to attend a university in the United States.

Rumor/Smear: Father Was A Proud Freedom Fighter - LIAR, he was part of one of the most corrupt and violent governments Kenya has ever had.

Truth:
We are unaware of Barack Obama's ever having claimed his father was a "proud freedom fighter." Obama has written (and spoken) at length about his father's returning to Africa from America to work for the Kenyan government, with that country's political turmoil eventually leaving him a "bitter drunk" and "a defeated, lonely bureaucrat."

Rumor/Smear: My Family Has Strong Ties To African Freedom - LIAR, your cousin Raila Odinga has created mass violence in attempting to overturn a legitimate election in 2007, in Kenya. It is the first widespread violence in decades.

Truth:
As we discussed in a separate article, Kenyan politician Raila Odinga has recently claimed to be Barack Obama's cousin, but there is no substantive evidence documenting his claim, and the two men share no meaningful familial connection.

Rumor/Smear: My Grandmother Has Always Been A Christian - LIAR, she does her daily Salat prayers at 5am according to her own interviews. According to the New York Times: "I am a strong believer of the Islamic faith," Ms. Obama, 85, said in a recent interview in Kenya.' Not to mention, Christianity wouldn't allow her to have been one of 14 wives to 1 man.

Truth:
The author seems to be unaware that Barack Obama, like most people, has two sets of grandparents. Obama was speaking of his maternal grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, not his paternal grandmother.

Rumor/Smear: My Name is African Swahili - LIAR, your name is Arabic and 'Baraka' (from which Barack came) means 'blessed' in that language. Hussein is also Arabic and so is Obama.

Truth:
The author seems to be unaware that many Swahili words and names are of Arabic origin (just as many English words originated with other languages). "Barack" is a Swahili name that entered the language via historical trade and cultural ties with Arabia.

Rumor/Smear: I Never Practiced Islam - LIAR, you practiced it daily at school, where you were registered as a Muslim and kept that faith for 31 years, until your wife made you change, so you could run for office.

Truth:
The topic is already covered in our separate article about the (false) claims that Barack Obama is a Muslim.

Straight Answers - AFL sponsored brochure - link

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:37:29 EDT

Color Brochure

Answering the 5 most common rumors/smears:

1. Does he wear a flag pin on his lapel? (not always)
2. Is he a Christian? (Yes)
3. Was he sworn in on the Bible? (Yes)
4. Was he born in America? (Yes)
5. Does he place his hand over his heart when he says the pledge [of allegiance]? (Yes)

......................................

This is a good start! Printable brochure (pdf file) here: http://www.nationaljournal.com/img/hotline/AFL08043_AFL_FINAL_FPO.pdf

McCain & Diplomacy

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:55:55 EDT

Just read this on Jonathan Martin's "Politico" blog ... Some of the comments are pretty interesting as well. http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0708/Thad_Cochran_not_helping_the_cause.html ...................................................
Cochran said he observed McCain engage in a physical confrontation with a Sandinista while participating in a diplomatic mission led by Sen. Bob Dole and others in the fall of 1987. Cochran, McCain — who had won election to the Senate the year before after serving in the House — and other members of a bipartisan committee of lawmakers called the Central American Negotiations Observer Group met with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, head of the left wing political party known as "Sandinistas," about tensions in the region. The atmosphere was tense, as the U.S. was pressing the countries involved "pretty hard."

In response to fear-peddling e-mail I received

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:17:45 EDT

Letter to my Bro & Sis ...

I have shared my campaign activity photos with you, but in order to avoid any drama, have not voiced my political opinions. We are now down to 2 candidates, thankfully. I received an email filled with hate & fear mongering. That prompted me to send you this brief synopsis of why I made my choice. I don't try to persuade you, just share with you how I came to my decision and what makes sense to me. We do not have to agree -- I refuse to let differences of opinion disrupt my love and devotion to you. Having said that, here is my offering: ======================================================================

WHERE WERE YOU THIS NIGHT IN HISTORY?

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:22:12 EDT

*********** YAY and HOORAY!! ***************

HOPE is alive and well in the United States of America!

Now we need to put aside the bitter residue of the agonizing preceding months, and take a deep breath ... relax, take a vacation. Then we need to come together and get some work done!

HRC can continue her drama ... sooner or later she has to sit down.

Meanwhile, we have a VISION -- Americans working together to clean up some of the Washington corruption, end the war, improve the economy, and make so many more changes to better our lives and our country's international image.

WE ARE ON OUR WAY! CONGRATULATIONS, SENATOR OBAMA, for running a clean, classy, phenomenal campaign. Millions of people have been inspired to become involved in the voting process - many for the first time. This movement of HOPE will continue all the way to the White House and beyond.

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

LINK -- Enjoy! This is an incredibly proud moment in the history of our country.

8 Reasons McCain will not change Washington

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:00:04 EDT

Huffington Post - Tuesady, June 3 Link

"Here are eight major reasons why McCain won't change or reform Washington (feel free to add your own in the comments section):

1. A McCain presidency would continue to allow big money donors and well-connected lobbyists to call the shots because McCain has refused to take a pledge to pass comprehensive public financing for all federal offices if elected.

2. McCain has refused to cosponsor legislation to fix the presidential public financing system event though he had once authored it himself.

3. He's already opted in and out of the public financing system for president, using a shady loan to float his campaign. The matter is subject to two FEC complaints. Though complicated, the maneuvers he made exposed that he was only willing to take public money in the primary to bail out a losing campaign despite signing a letter agreeing to abide by the law. Now he'll grandstand about his decision to opt in for the general election. That's complete rhetoric, not principles.

4. He has surrounded himself with 118 lobbyists who are advising, staffing, and raising money - and conflicts of interest - for his campaign. For example, just yesterday he proposed a divestiture policy in his speech about Iran, but five lobbyists or advisors on his campaign have worked for companies that profited from trading with the Iranians, including former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina and lobbyist Charlie Black, who lobbied for General Electric.

5. McCain's campaign claims its so-called conflict of interest policy is the strictest ever in place. Then why does it prohibit lobbyists from lobbying him as a candidate but says it's okay to lobby him as President? That's backwards. What do you expect from a conflict of interest policy drafted by a lobbyist.

6. McCain is raising millions of dollars through a loophole for $70,000 campaign donations - 30 times larger than what the law that bears his name otherwise allows.

7. He has pledged to appoint Supreme Court justices in the mold of Roberts and Alito - two justices who have already begun dismantling those past reforms he once supported.

8. McCain once called his home state's successful Clean Elections public financing policy a national model. Now he opposes its adoption for federal races.

And the list goes on.

Perhaps at one point in the past, John McCain could claim he was a reformer. But he no longer deserves to carry that mantle."

Good-Bye Clintons - Hello Obama's !!

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:24:32 EDT

PRE-VICTORY CELEBRATING ...

No more free passes for Clintons. Link Finally, the powerful Clinton machine has been broken - by them! The extortion tactics of their entire reign has come to an end. People see them for what they are - everything that is wrong with politics. Absolute power corrupts absolutely - they are the example. This Vanity Fair article is a good read. Link
Finally we can move on - turn the page - begin with a new vision. We can begin to heal this nation and as my former fiance', the late great James Brown use to say, "Get on the good foot". For the first time in my life there is HOPE ... hope for the people to once again feel like they are an important part of the democracy under which we live; hope that some of the political corruption that has run rampant for the last several decades will be curbed and in some cases, corrected; hope that some of the essential elements of our life will improve with new policies and ideas; hope that our international image will be repaired and America will once again be respected; hope that honor does have a place in leadership and in the role models we emulate. This can only be manifest when Clintons are gone.

Michelle Obama - Quote of the Day

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:39:38 EDT

May 27th - Phoenix - responding to a questioner asking about the safety of Barack Obama:

Link

"Then she reminded the crowd what we are fighting for, and why it is important to forge ahead without fear.

'Fear is the reason this country is where it is today.
Fear is a useless emotion.
Don't ever make decisions based on fear.
Make decisions based on hope and possibility.
Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn't.
Don't ever make decisions based on fear.' "

From the Observer - A recap

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:02:14 EDT

This was one of the best blog posts I've seen, so am pasting it here
........................................................................................................................................... Much has been made over the last several months about how the Democratic party can possibly nominate Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. She was the frontrunner, the inevitable candidate, the pre-ordained leader of the Democratic resurgence for the year 2008 and onward. But a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. Senator Clinton, and the rest of the voters in the U.S., discovered there were others who wanted the Democratic presidential nomination just as much as she did, if not more. What! Are you kidding me? Senator Clinton was going to have to compete for delegates, to actually campaign in states leading up to and after February 5th? What kind of nonsense was this? Senator Clinton would actually have to work for the Democratic nomination? Surely, you jest. Well, Senator Clinton welcome to the world of men . . . and women . . . and political power . . . now, an even playing field, where here you and your feminist forebears have labored endlessly for your right to compete. And you blew it. Here\\\'s a thought: perhaps Hillary Clinton has, for all intents and purposes, lost the Democratic nomination because (at least under the current DNC rules) . . . she got beat.

Medford Victory Party - Pix

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:54:33 EDT

Over the hump .... YAY!!! Let's work hard to get every vote we can in the next 2 weeks! Obama's website and blogs are great for links and inspiration to get you going.

**May 20th Victory Party in Medford** -- pics on Ringo: http://ringo.com/photos/album.html?albumId=43097595

More Southern Oregon photos: www.ringo.com/profile/obama08.html

WAY TO GO OREGON!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK.

We are sad to say good-bye to some of the local organizers. We have come to know you like family. Please come back and visit soon - many of us would open our doors & offer our homes for hospitality. We welcome you any time! We hope to see many of you during the general election!

Love, Peace, and God Bless Us, Every One!

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:11:16 EDT

OREGON ROCKS!

75+ THOUSAND OBAMA SUPPORTERS!

McCain - a peek into his character

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:00:08 EDT

Why *NOT* John McCain? Here's one reason: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c
The video shows clips of his "flip-flopping" and of course his mumbling & fumbling for words.

Is it his age & onset of dimentia, or a lack of integrity? But don't rely on montage videos alone - do the research & see what he's about.

In a word: Navy
In two words: military cronyism
In three words: out of touch
In four words: He does not care.
In five words: beautiful, filthy rich wife's money
In six words: 8 houses and a good life
In seven words: looking at the sunset of his life

We honor his service - we honor ALL service to our country. He is not the only war hero.

Vetting - of Obama and of ourselves

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:46:44 EDT

VETTING OF THE OBAMAS - AND US

He’s Every Man & Woman. Barack Obama is the consummate multi-cultural American. His diverse family ethnicity, his early travels and life abroad, and his free spirited mother who truly believed in POSSIBILITIES, set the young Obama on an identity journey from day one. We all go through an identity crisis at some time in our life, but usually we have a clear foundation that places us in well-defined categories. Obama had no such safe cubicle from which to explore life. He did not fit neatly into any category. Obama's inclusive heritage contributed much to his global understanding and tender compassion. His search for TRUTH concerning himself, and more broadly, about human nature, led him on a research expedition which continues to this day. He processes life from many perspectives. This is huge - both on a personal level and also as a potential world leader. People sense his sincerity, his intelligence, and his viable resolutions.
.... continued after the break

* SIGN YOUR VOTER ENVELOPE *

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:43:33 EDT

I must have been so excited to be voting for the first time in 40 years - I forgot to sign the back of the voter envelope when I mailed it! I wish my friendly postal clerk would have signed it for me! It came back in today's mail.

PLEASE ... VOTERS ... SIGN THE BACK OF YOUR ENVELOPE BEFORE YOU MAIL IT!

We are almost out of time - if possible, hand deliver it to HQ as soon as possible.

* sign the back of the envelope *

----------don't forget---------------

* sign the back of the envelope *

----------don't forget---------------

Why Hillary Must Keep Running

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:04:56 EDT

Hi Y'all ...

I follow several major political e-zines, e-papers, and weBLOGS. I have deduced the following, regarding HRC's "fight to the finish". This post is in response to the many who just don't seem to understand why she doesn't drop out.

1. Clintons are beholden to lots of mega donors. The only way she can save face is to say "I didn't quit". It's all she has left to offer them.

2. It's not "gumption", but sheer will that keeps her going. She is a 5-planet Scorpio -- everyone knows scorpions do everything to the death -- multiply that times five. She can't bow out gracefully.

3. Hillary's life-long dream - her relentless quest for money, power, importance - her throne.

4. Bill's need for relevance; he's the actor that will not get off the stage. They both are addicted to items mentioned in #3.

5. HRC has not created enough damage on her way out. Those 5 stingers must have their day, and she will inflict as much destruction as possible on her way out of the race.

6. DEBT! Clintons have wracked up quite a tab on the campaign trail - she needs ongoing contributions to help offset all those invoices and loans.

7. FEAR - It's a funny cycle. People continue to support her because of fear. That support fuels her to go another day, spew more poison, and cause more damage to her political future, her husband's legacy, and her own party, the Democrats.

Remember the movie, Sunset Boulevard?

OREGON WALK FOR BARACK - April 29

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:06:12 EDT

Come rain or come shine, we are part of the millions of voices calling out for CHANGE!

Today several Southern Oregon (Jackson County) Obama volunteers gathered at the Triangle Park, southern end of OSU campus, to begin a "Walk for Barack" down the main street (Siskiyou Blvd.) all the way to the Plaza, where we mingled with clipboards & voter registration forms. Here are photos.

Today is the last day for Oregonians to register to vote in the May 20th primary. You must be registered Democrat to vote in this closed election.

For more event photos in Southern Oregon, goto: www.ringo.com/profile/obama08.html

YES WE CAN!

OBAMA '08

PS: Did you know oregano comes from Oregon? (just kidding)

New Oregon Obama Pics April 25, 2008

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 03:37:53 EDT

Ashland library party with Senator Alan Bates and Representative Peter Buckley.

http://www.ringo.com/photos/share/photo.html?photoId=262915425&id=htghlvbk2wk0

More Oregon Obama event photos: http://www.ringo.com/profile/obama08.html

The message: Barack Obama brings something new and different to politics - something we have not seen since the 60's - a movement from the ground up. Together we will change the way Washington does business and create a better America.

Oregon is FIRED UP & READY TO GO!

*Don't Forget* ... last day to register is April 29th. You must be registered Democrat to vote in this 'closed' election. Update your voter status - contact any Obama group for more info.

YES WE CAN! OBAMA '08

Jackson County, Oregon - Obama HQ - pics

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:15:36 EDT

Two new photo albums up on ringo: www.ringo.com/profile/obama08.html

Earth Day celebration at SOU Student Union building

Jackson County Obama HQ in Medford - Worker Appreciation *BARACK-O-RAMA*

Updates by Jonathan M. - a great auction - door prizes - gnoshes

TALENT, OR FOR OBAMA - PICS

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:23:23 EDT

More pics on Ringo:

These are from Sunday, April 13 - Voter registration, phone banking & canvassing in
Talent, Oregon.

www.ringo.com/profile/obama08.html

Check this page for more Southern Oregon *OBAMA* event photos & updates.

HERE COMES THE SUN

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:13:47 EDT

HERE COMES THE SUN - THE OBAMA MOVEMENT OF HOPE
From a Hippie's Perspective
..............................................................................

I was a full tilt Flower Child, married to a rock musician in the 60's. There were definite factions of the hip movement back then - (1)political activists; (2)repressed creative people; (3)escapests & partiers; (4)humanitarians; (5)journalists & anthropologists; (6)many other groups.

When years passed & the culture shifted to rap music bringing anger, hostility, disrespect, and agression into our daily lives full force, the love and gentility of the 60's was but a haunting echo in the hallways of time. I created a website in tribute to the 60's era, with a quote from John Lennon in 1971 that said,

"....Young people are apathetic.

They think there is nothing worthwhile to do and everything is finished. They want to take refuge in drugs to destroy themselves. Our work is to tell them that there is still hope and still a lot to do.
We have to change their minds. Things can change and just because flower power did not work
it doesn't mean that everything is finished.
It is only the beginning.
The revolution has only just begun."

NEED PEOPLE FOR TALENT

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:30:17 EDT

Hi All ...

We are still looking for people to come to Talent,Oregon Sunday, April 20th - 1-4pm

We'll be doing all 3: voter registration / phone bank / canvass

If you can spare just an hour or 2 that would be great - bring friends!

Address: 220 Holiday Lane Office Rec Room (1.5 blocks south of W. Valley View on Talent Ave.)
Phone: 512-1516

Psst: A gift awaits all participants!

Oregon - Photos!

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:16:22 EDT

*Photos*

Voter registration at the Plaza - Ashland, OR
Sunday, April 13, 2008

It was a beautiful day - we had fun! Check this page for more Oregon pix.
http://www.ringo.com/profile/obama08.html

If you have event photos, send them to me & I'll create your album on the page. Enjoy!

CONTACT LINKS - MEDIA

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:49:25 EDT

Links to national newspapers & magazines

... very useful if you want to send a message like "No more Wright articles!" or "Tell superdelegates to adhere to the people's choice" .. etc.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/links.html

Reply to Lanny J. Davis,WSJ - RE: Wright

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:47:05 EDT

Response to Lanny J. Davis (Wall Street Journal) (and any forthcoming articles) on Obama & Wright:

............................................................................................................................

Fuggeddaboudit!

The only reason a person would keep trying to breathe life into this dead Wright story would be to swiftboat Barack Obama. It's not even subtle. Let's break this down - for the 1 trillionth time ...

1. Rev. Wright, for over 30 years, has been part of a church that does lots of community work - that's how Obama met him and became a member.

2. Wright's worst sermons were condensed into sound bites that give a false representation of the man and his work. Sure - he's a scarred Black man in America - we have lots of them - so what? A few rants of a "crazy uncle" does not deserve all this concern and media attention.

3. Obama is HIS OWN MAN. He can be in the midst of a city/country of angry people and not be thrown off center. Obama has been on an open-ended learning curve with humans all his life ... he watches, listens, learns ... about the human condition, how it affects communities, and how it can be helped. Pay attention to the important things!

4. Wright was on the eve of retirement - no need to make a fuss.

5. If we must be accountable for the rants & ravings of our associates, we all have some explaining to do! If we close our ears to all sides of the human condition, we choose to be ignorant, fearful and detrimental to ourselves & our fellow man. We are not part of the solution; we are the problem! As Pogo says, "We have found the enemy and he is US!"

World Wants Obama.com

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:57:21 EDT

Check it out!

There are letters from people around the world supporting Obama and naming their babies after him. They are talking about the international influence Obama has already - and how much they want him for POTUS. They also have a channel on You Tube with lots of cool videos.

Way cool!

http://www.theworldwantsobama.org/

Mark Penn, Clintons, Dirty Money

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:00:21 EDT

This needs to be played to the hilt - until the fog lifts and people see OLD Washington business as usual here. Bill & Hillary get money from Colombia just like Mark Penn. Who knows how many shady deals they are in together. It's a pattern of corruption. Can you say, "CONFLICT OF INTEREST" ??

5 Reasons Richardson Endorsement Boosts Obama Campaign

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:23:34 EDT

source: Washington Post March 21, 2008
[my comments in brackets]
...............................................................

1. TIMING ..."Richardson's endorsement won't eradicate all the problems that have sprouted up around Obama's candidacy, but his timing could not have been more helpful."

2. MESSAGE TO SUPERDELEGATES & OTHER DEMOCRATS: ..."Richardson empowers other superdelegates to begin moving toward Obama now..." [I wish 400 of them would just endorse Obama and get this part of the election over with!]

Response to Peter Wehner, "The Wright Stand - Judgment, character and Barack Obama.

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:33:06 EDT

What frustrates me is:

- Obama tried to explain the appeal of his church which reaches far beyond the pulpit; namely, it's community contributions. Why are people not talking about that? CONTEXT MATTERS !!

- It is petty and ignorant to make anyone accountable for the ramblings of their associates; if that were the case, we would all have a lot of explaining to do.

RE: "A More Perfect Union" speech March 19, 2008

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:32:44 EDT

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Clear Politics - March 19 -Obama Speech Not Enough By Mark Davis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My response to people who thought Obama's speech wasn't enough (nothing will ever be enough):
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*PEOPLE* !!

First of all - there is a difference between anger and hate.

Obama tried to explain that to us from both sides of the racial divide. He talked about how angry people can love this country but hate the wounds of the past. The speech: Link

What people are totally missing is this: Many, many times a righteous person will be placed into a situation of turmoil (i.e. a "hate" situation) in order to calm it down and bring the situation forward. Have you noticed how Barack Obama's presence alone is a calming effect? Have you ever heard hate in his words? Heck no! Why are people not paying attention? I'll tell you why ...

OBAMA STENCILS

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:53:55 EDT

We have just started working up some Obama stencils - first one: http://www.4starbiz.com/obama/ObamaStencils.doc

1. print out on heavy card stock (or go to step 1a)

... 1a. print out on paper, glue to heavy card stock or cardboard

2. cut out design

3. spray away! (only on legal surfaces, please - no graffiti!)

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

When is SPIN good?

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:19:39 EDT

Did you notice how Barack Obama is able to take a negative news topic, reiterate it, break it down and put it in the proper perspective? He took the dreadful Wright statements and raised them up as a starting point to explain:

(1) People have different life experiences (and wounds) that color their views;

(2) Reject & hate the message, not the person;

(3) "Hateful comments are totally unacceptable and this is why .. etc." (He explains this exquisitely.) - they DIVIDE US and cripple us.

Barack then takes great care to show what is the (painful) past, and then points us to the HOPEFUL future & assures that we can get there if we work together.

Brilliant! This is leadership.

This is the kind of guidance that does not denigrate or tear down a person, but helps us lean toward understanding & tolerance, even as we reject their nasty deeds. It is critical in BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER - with all our flaws and misguided precepts & baggage - all so we can build a better America TOGETHER! This is VISION. This is the kind of president that will help heal this nation.

OH YES, OBAMA, '08 !!

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

Laundry

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:02:38 EST

I know we are running a positive campaign and all that, but it is also important to know what kind of people we are running against - and to hold the TRUTH, for better or worse. We are not blind followers, and neither should be the supporters of our opponents. To that end, the following links bring to light various behind-the-candidate information.
Please use wisely.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

5. *************************************************************
Judiciary Chief of Staff: Hillary Clinton Fired For Lies, Unethical Behavior ... why?
****************************************************************
... "Because she was a liar," Zeifman said in an interview last week. "She was an unethical, dishonest lawyer. She conspired to violate the Constitution, the rules of the House, the rules of the committee and the rules of confidentiality."
.............
I Hope news media gets the Zeifman diary
** Link **
to peruse. As he says, it shows a pattern of corruption, deceit, disregard for any rules or laws. She first stole & hid files at age 27 - and then went on to become "experienced" in Arkansas and then Washington.

What I don't get is - how & why does she get away with it? Maybe this article would be good to share with women and Latinos who still think HRC is something wonderful. Who knows - maybe not. People who condone and ignore evil are complicit in said evil.

I hope it all stops with Obama for president!

Let the TRUTH set us free - from the Clinton reign. Let BARACK OBAMA bring ethics to Washington! I can hardly wait to see how far reaching his influence will be - already he has inspired thousands of American people to find their higher self ... take a higher path ... reach for POSSIBILITIES within ourselves and in our world. A truly gifted leader.

OH YES, OBAMA, '08

...................................................................................................................

4."While Hillary Clinton battles Barack Obama on the campaign trail, a judge in Los Angeles is quietly preparing to set a trial date in a $17 million fraud suit that aims to expose an alleged culture of widespread corruption by the Clintons and the Democratic Party."

read article

...................................................................................................................

3. "... only a handful of people remember the details of Cindy McCain's 1994 "outing" for drug addiction and drug pilfering, and the work of the McCain machine to protect her. "

read article

This is not so much to highlight poor Mrs. McCain's affliction (and theft) as it is to show her husband's way of manipulating the system, and trying to cover it up.

...................................................................................................................

2. Hillary Clinton: positively unpresidential

read article - this is a good one.

...................................................................................................................

1. Hillary - the Movie

In case you haven't seen this - campaign contribution fraud. See the trailers.

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

Flip-Flop

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:58:38 EST

By Starstar Feb. 24 at 12:55 pm EST
.........................................................................

Hillary's Record:

1) I Served on the Board of UNION HATING Wal-Mart
But I am Pro Union.

2) I voted for the war in Iraq
But I am against Iraq War

3) I Voted for Kyle-Lieberman to extent the war to Iran
But I will bring soldiers back home in 60 days

4) I will provide universal health insurance
But I will force you to buy it to boost insurance company’s profits.

5) I Supported NAFTA
But now I oppose NAFTA

6) I am a strong woman
But I cry and complain when I lose

7) I can stand the republican heat
But I cannot stand the Democratic heat

8) I am vetted and experienced
But I have no clue how to run a presidential campaign.

9) I am a fighter
But I cry when I don't win

10) I will be fine because I am on both sides of the issues
But the question is will you be fine.
[end]
......................................................................................

Simple, clear, facts. Verifiable facts. Truth.
The pen is mightier than a calculated, tantrum-throwing exhibition.

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

2 great Spanish videos

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:09:35 EST

This is upbeat and fun! Mariachi band

Viva Obama

This one is poignant and moving - pass along to all our Texas friends. Si Se Puede Campiar.

Click here

Todos Latinos de Texas y Ohio por Obama! SI SE PUEDE!

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

Spoofs are fun ...

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:30:42 EST

* want a chuckle? *

Here is a McCain spoof of the "Yes We Can" video ... it's really cute.

Click Here

author: john.he.is - just like HOPE ... only different

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

BRINGING ETHICS BACK TO POLITICS ...

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:17:08 EST

Deafness - calousness - FEAR .... things that keep TRUTH from reaching the ears, minds and hearts of American citizens. For decades, we have been aware of the dirty Clinton legacy and their "Good Ole' Boy" brand of politics. It's the "I" in their mindset as opposed to Obama's "We". Now, on the outset of the make-it-or-break it elections in this campaign, Clinton's miscreant machine has come up with their most evil campaign tactic to date: the ignoble "American Leadership Project".

This is money laundering agency of, by, and for the Clinton campaign which solicits unlimited campaign funds to promote their cause - which, of course, is to be elected President of the United States. It's yet another example of Clintons twisting the rules of their self-proclaimed "game" and thumbing their noses at ethics, fairness, rules, guidelines - anything else that might hinder their all out quest for power.

You may have heard that Clintons are due in L.A. court this week on charges of campaign contribution fraud - but nothing stops the lust for power. We can only hope if we give them enough rope .....

This is part of the HOPE that Barack Obama offers us - to curtail political corruption. He has already created and passed legislation in Illinois to make politicians accountable and open with their procedures. He has established a clear and critical agenda to take steps which will bring politics into the light - accountable to the PEOPLE, revealing what goes on behind closed doors. He is very definitely THE PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT - and symbioticly working with all of us to create better leadership - better government practices - better communication - better goals & ideals.

IS THIS NOT THE VERY LEADER WE NEED AT THIS "FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW" ??

I say it is, and I urge all supporters to print out fact sheets (no need to memorize - just know where the information is & have it ready) - to explain to would-be Obama voters in simple, clear terms, what they need to know in order to understand what the Presidential choices are. Listen to them to identify what their particular need is and then point to Barack's plan to fulfill that need. Then kindly walk them through the donation process and if applicable, their voting agenda.

I wish character and ethics received more spotlight in the campaign - not just in times of attack or smear tabloid rumors. There is just no comparison to the role models in this race. Obamas stand out shining like the stars they are -- teaching us how to make wise choices in our lives and aspiring to be the best that we can be - inside and out. Isn't that the kind of leadership we are crying out for? Is this not the voice of the people across the land - HELP US! HEAR US! HEAL US! The way Obama does that is to teach us how to HEAL OURSELVES. This is the real deal.

VIVA OBAMA!

Most important differences between Obama & Clinton

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:45:33 EST

You will find this very compelling.

http://blip.tv/file/647623

PASS IT ON ... it is perfect for people who:

- need just facts not a "vision" or "inspiration"

- can't see past the excitement to hear the message

- are blinded by Clinton double talk

- do not respond to emotion and just want to understand facts

- cannot make a stand against Clinton corruption and dishonesty

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

Message from John Kerry: "Swiftboating"

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:49:04 EST

by Sam Graham-FelsenTuesday, January 22, 2008 at 04:35 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Sam,

I support Barack Obama because he doesn't seek to perfect the politics of Swiftboating -- he seeks to end it.

This is personal for me, and for a whole lot of Americans who lived through the 2004 election.

As a veteran, it disgusts me that the Swift Boats we loved while we were in uniform on the Mekong Delta have been rendered, in Karl Rove's twisted politics, an ugly verb meaning to lie about someone's character just to win an election. But as someone who cares about winning this election and changing the country I love, I know it's not enough to complain about a past we can't change when our challenge is to win the future -- which is why we must stop the Swiftboating, stop the push-polling, stop the front groups, and stop the email chain smears.

The truth matters, but how you fight the lies matters even more. We must be determined never again to lose any election to a lie.

This year, the attacks are already starting. Some of you may have heard about the disgusting lies about Barack Obama that are being circulated by email. These attacks smear Barack's Christian faith and deep patriotism, and they distort his record of more than two decades of public service. They are nothing short of "Swiftboat" style anonymous attacks.

These are the same tactics the right has used again and again, and as we've learned, these attacks, no matter how bogus, can spread and take root if they go unchecked.

But not this time -- we're fighting back.

And when I say "we," I mean that literally. I know Barack is committed to fighting every smear every time. He'll fight hard and stand up for the truth. But he can't do it alone.

We need you to email the truth to your address books. Print it out and post it at work. Talk to your neighbors. Call your local radio station. Write a letter to the editor. If lies can be spread virally, let's prove to the cynics that the truth can be every bit as persuasive as it is powerful.

The Obama campaign has created a place where you can find the truth you'll need to push back on these smears and a way to spread the truth to all of your address book.

Take action here:

http://my.barackobama.com/factcheckaction

So when your inbox fills up with trash and the emails of smear and fear, find the facts, and help defeat the lies.

Barack Obama is committed to bringing our country together to meet the challenges we face, but he knows that power gives up nothing without a struggle -- and to win the chance to change America, we must first defeat the hateful tactics that have been used to tear us apart for too long.

With your help, we can turn the page on an era of small, divisive politics -- but only if next time you hear these attacks on Barack, you take action immediately:

http://my.barackobama.com/factcheckaction

The fight is just heating up -- we won't let them steal this election with lies and distortions.

Thank you,

John Kerry

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

Kerry urges Obama supporters to fight the lies

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:36:25 EST

by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor
www.boston.com.news/politicaintelligence/2008/0/kerry_urges_oba.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, who endorsed Barack Obama earlier this month, is now coming to Obama's aid to rebut what he calls "disgusting lies" that Obama is a secret Muslim and refuses to observe the Pledge of Allegiance.

In an e-mail to Obama supporters today, Kerry reminds them of what happened to him in 2004 when a group called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth challenged his Vietnam War record.

"As a veteran, it disgusts me that the Swift Boats we loved while we were in uniform on the Mekong Delta have been rendered, in Karl Rove's twisted politics, an ugly verb meaning to lie about someone's character just to win an election," Kerry writes. "But as someone who cares about winning this election and changing the country I love, I know it's not enough to complain about a past we can't change when our challenge is to win the future -- which is why we must stop the Swiftboating, stop the push-polling, stop the front groups, and stop the email chain smears.

"The truth matters, but how you fight the lies matters even more. We must be determined never again to lose any election to a lie," Kerry writes.

The email includes links to an Obama campaign truth-squadding website, and Kerry urges recipients to use the material to email friends, post printouts at work, call radio stations, and write letters to the editor.

"So when your inbox fills up with trash and the emails of smear and fear, find the facts, and help defeat the lies," Kerry says.

__________________________________~*~*~*~*~_____________________________________________

D. Ames's Blog

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT - DEMONSTRATION:

www.CHANGE.org - get on board! Feel Powerful!

* CELEBRATE PURPLE *

Blogger asks the question on all our minds ...

broken link - sorry

Rolling Stone: 5 Myths about John McCain

News Media Email Addresses

For the first time in 72 years, The Record is endorsing a Democrat for president.

Calculate your Obama Tax Cut

National Security - Biden Trumps McCain

OBAMA NATION - REBUTTAL **EXCELLENT**

Why McCain is not ready to lead on National Security

*GOLD* at the gas pumps

When is a flip *NOT* a flop?

50 lies - debunked

Straight Answers - AFL sponsored brochure - link

McCain & Diplomacy

In response to fear-peddling e-mail I received

**WHERE WERE YOU THIS NIGHT IN HISTORY? **

8 Reasons McCain will not change Washington

Good-Bye Clintons - Hello Obama's !!

Michelle Obama - Quote of the Day

From the Observer - A recap

Medford Victory Party - Pix

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!

McCain - a peek into his character

Vetting - of Obama and of ourselves

* SIGN YOUR VOTER ENVELOPE *

Why Hillary Must Keep Running

*OREGON WALK FOR BARACK* - April 29

*New Oregon Obama Pics* April 25, 2008

Jackson County, Oregon - Obama HQ - pics

TALENT, OR FOR OBAMA - PICS

HERE COMES THE SUN

NEED PEOPLE FOR TALENT

Oregon - Photos!

CONTACT LINKS - MEDIA

Reply to Lanny J. Davis,WSJ - RE: Wright

World Wants Obama.com

Mark Penn, Clintons, Dirty Money

5 Reasons Richardson Endorsement Boosts Obama Campaign

Response to Peter Wehner, "The Wright Stand - Judgment, character and Barack Obama.

RE: "A More Perfect Union" speech March 19, 2008

OBAMA STENCILS

When is SPIN good?

Laundry

Flip-Flop

2 great Spanish videos

Spoofs are fun ...

BRINGING ETHICS BACK TO POLITICS ...

Most important differences between Obama & Clinton

Message from John Kerry: "Swiftboating"

Kerry urges Obama supporters to fight the lies

OBAMA NATION - REBUTTAL EXCELLENT

GOLD at the gas pumps

When is a flip NOT a flop?

WHERE WERE YOU THIS NIGHT IN HISTORY?

OREGON WALK FOR BARACK - April 29

New Oregon Obama Pics April 25, 2008