Northern Exposures

Where to go from here?

akmk — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:02:30 EST

The question of the moment is where do we go from here? As Alaskans? As a nation? As my.barackobam.com participants?

For my part, I have updated my profile, dropped some groups, maintained some groups, and altered E-mail settings on some groups. Would like to continue to build alliances among Alaskans and others for a more healthy, just, peaceful, and sustainable planet, peoples, and all our relations.

We've built some invaluable alliances here and it will be interesting to see if this site remains active and influential in the future for building upon the movement of change and mutual support begun here.

What does everyone think about the best ways to move ahead from here? In Alaska and elsewhere?

Inviting Participation in Change

akmk — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:55:33 EST

Barack Obama, our President-elect is inviting your participation in change with your ideas through his new website:

http://change.gov

Sweet Celebration and Moving Forward

akmk — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:49:25 EST

Sweet celebration to all. Goal #1 (check). Onward.

Hope we can continue to network here to brainstorm, gather information, share information, set new goals, and implement new policies--for the good of all.

One Nation Shifting Blue and This is Why

akmk — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:49:03 EST

If McCain and the Repubs picked SP for VP, (with the blessings of Bush and Cheney) who are they going to pick for: Department Heads, Supreme Court Justices, other judicial appointments, other government positions???

It’s not just SP becoming President that is terrifying, it’s the entire weight of reckless, irresponsible political appointments and catering to the CEO’s and lobbyists and bankers and insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies and Big Oil.

It’s about corporate welfare and loss of privacy and about people for clean air being added to terror alert lists. And if you’re not for the Patriot Act and loss of your rights as citizens then you’re not a real American.

It’s about wanting to criminalize women and their doctors for making decisions that are best made by women and their doctors.

It’s about regressing back to the darkest of dark ages with intolerance being the rule of law.

Obama/Biden in '08 promises change:

**smarter energy policy and investment in jobs and workers
**national unity
**diplomacy skills and a more peaceful and safe world
**your health and the health of the planet
**a steady hand at the helm

In Memory of Paul Wilson

akmk — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:46:21 EDT

A beloved Tlingit elder in our rural community passed away this weekend. Paul Wilson, Kadashaan, embodied love, kindness, and compassion. He practiced his cultural traditions and always put his wife and family first.

Paul was a member of our Obama family. He came to the caucus on a cold, snowy evening last winter where with 77 folks (100 total) cast his primary vote for Obama and stated with a bit of awe. "All these people for Obama, I can't believe it."

There is a photo of Paul (that he gave me permission to post) illustrating the "Rural Alaskans for Obama" group on the my.barackobama.com site. In the photo, Paul is in his backyard stringing hooligan for the smokehouse. Hooligan (eulachon) are small smelt-like fish rich in healthy oil that return to many Alaskan rivers from their mostly ocean life for a few days each spring to renew their life cycles.

I chatted with Paul on the street just a week ago or so. He was still an Obama supporter, though his family and the local tribal community are not united in this. He also spoke of the place he loved above else, a beautiful valley above Skagway where he used to hunt goats. "When I win the lottery, we'll fly over there and get a picture of that place so I can look at it when my mind starts drifting away," he told me.

To have a look at Paul's photo and to join the "Rural Alaskans for Obama" group (rural Alaskans and anyone anywhere), here is the link.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/RuralAlaskansforObama

Paul, I hope your spirit can feel the love surrounding your spirit coming back to ya.

More to Offer than Smears and Fears

akmk — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:01:23 EDT

Senator Obama honors his parents, grandparents, and his extended family in Kenya, Kansas, and Hawaii. He has been married to one beautiful woman for sixteen years and has two delightful young daughters. He's worked in communities to better the lives of children, teenagers, and families. He respects women and works to uphold their rights. His economic proposals are designed to help and lift up working families. He has detailed plans to make health care more available and affordable for all families. He has his own Christian faith, but does not impose that faith on others. He leads by example, with integrity and compassion.

Obama has outlined clearly his economic priorities. Invest in diverse energy sources; invest in fuel-efficient automobile technology; invest in American jobs; invest in small businesses and the middle class; provide tax-relief to 95% of working Americans; invest in Head Start and in students pursuing higher education; invest in preventive health care. He’s done his part in this campaign, letting us know who he is and what he stands for.

The Obama/Biden team has more to offer than smears and fears.

Real America--Grab a Tissue

akmk — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:01:58 EDT

This just came around from down south.

"I Didn't Vote For Obama" by kentuckyscott
Monday, October 20, 2008

"I'm a middle-class white guy living in Jacksonville, Florida. I've got a wife and two kids. Because the kids had no school today, I took a vacation day from work, and took the kids downtown to vote early. Fifty-nine minutes later, two smiling children and I proudly sported "I Voted" stickers. But I didn't vote for Obama.

I voted for my ancestors, who believed in the promise of this country and came with with nothing as immigrants. I voted for my parents, who taught in the public schools for decades. I voted for Steve, an acquaintance of mine from Kentucky . (Killed by an IED two years ago in Iraq ). I voted for Shawn, another who's been to Iraq twice, and Afghanistan once, and who'll be going back to Afghanistan again soon -- and whose family earned eleven bucks a month too much to qualify for food stamps when the war started. I voted for April, the only African-American girl in my high school -- it was years before it occurred to me how different her experience of our school must have been. I voted for my college friends who are Christian, Jewish, Mormon, and yes -- Muslim. I voted for my grandfathers, who worked hard in factories and died too young. I voted for the plumber who worked on my house, because I want him to get a REAL tax break. I voted for four little angels from Birmingham. I voted for a bunch of dead white men who, although personally flawed, were willing to pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, and used a time of great crisis to expand freedom rather than suspend it. I voted for all those people and more, and I voted for all of you, too.

But mostly, I voted selfishly: I voted for two little kids, one who has ballet in an hour, and one who has baseball practice at the same time. I voted for a world where they can be confident that their government will represent the best that is in this country, and that will in turn demand the best of them. I voted for a government that will be respected in the world. I voted for an economy that will reward work above guile. I voted for everything I believe in. Sure, I filled in the circle next to the name Obama, but it wasn't him I was voting for -- it was every single one of us, and those I love most of all."

Obama Leads on Values/Priorities

akmk — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:52:38 EDT

Senator Obama exemplifies family values. He honors his parents, grandparents, and his extended family in Kenya, Kansas, and Hawaii. He has been married to one beautiful woman for sixteen years and has two delightful young daughters. He's worked in communities to better the lives of children, teenagers, and families. He respects women and works to uphold their rights. His economic proposals are designed to help and lift up working families. He has detailed plans to make health care more available and affordable for all families. He has his own Christian faith, but does not impose that faith on others. He leads by example, with integrity and compassion. In recent debates, Obama has outlined clearly his economic priorities. Invest in diverse energy sources; invest in fuel-efficient automobile technology; invest in American jobs; invest in small businesses and the middle class; provide tax-relief to 95% of American individuals and families; invest in Head Start and in students pursuing higher education; invest in preventive health care. He’s done his part in this campaign, letting us know who he is and what he stands for. For a positive change for the future, let’s do our part by voting for Obama/Biden on Nov. 4.

It's About Us

akmk — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:14:36 EDT

The 2008 election, as Sen. Obama has stated repeatedly, is about us. It is about our believing in ourselves. It is about our being willing to become involved and to work for the issues that are important to each of us. It is about our own personal integrity and capacity for empathy for others.

The 2008 election is about working people standing up and speaking out for themselves. It is about believing that our own health and welfare is as important as corporate health and welfare. It is believing that trickle-up economics is stronger than trickle-down economics. It is about demanding affordable and accessible health care for all, as a right.

The 2008 election is about a smarter and more diverse energy policy that will help create new American jobs, boost the national economy, and reduce world tensions. It is about hope, not fear. It is about the better America we know we can be when we work together for the common good. If America is to have the change we want, it is our votes that will lead the country in a new direction. We are the change we have been looking for. It is about us.

Obama Clearly States His Priorities

akmk — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:17:47 EDT

In the Town Hall debate, Obama clearly stated his priorities.

#1 A smarter and more diverse energy policy to invest in jobs, turn the economy around and stabilize world tensions.

#2 Health care is a right. An emphasis on prevention will reduce costs of health insurance and Medicare.

Obama Exemplifies Family Values

akmk — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:33:43 EDT

Senator Obama exemplifies family values. He honors his parents and his grandparents. He honors the stories of his extended family in Kenya. He has been married to one beautiful wife for sixteen years and he has two beautiful daughters. He honors his wife, works at his marriage, and supports his children. He respects women and works to uphold their rights. He's worked in communities to better the lives of children, teenagers, and families. He has his own Christian faith, but does not impose that faith on others. He values his own family and honors the families of others. His economic proposals are designed to help and lift up working families. He is working for a better health care system with an emphasis on prevention that is affordable and accessible to all--for families. He understands that families need clean air, clean water, healthy food, and adequate shelter. He leads his family and his country by example, with honesty and compassion.

Biden Scores a Knockout

akmk — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:23:17 EDT

The Economy and Taxes--Biden

Healthcare--Biden

Energy, the Environment and Global Warming--Biden

Connected with Main Street--Biden

Human Compassion--Biden

Foreign Policy--Biden

Got his Facts Right--Biden

Answered the Questions Asked--Biden

Women's Issues--Biden

Supreme Court Justice Appointments and Ideology--Biden

Role of the V.P. (Cheney's Interpretation Dangerous)--Biden

Supports his/her Running Mate--Biden

Closing Comments--Biden

Did I miss anything? Please continue.

Obama on Hunting and Fishing

akmk — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:52:34 EDT

“Hunting and fishing are not just recreational pursuits, they are part of our national heritage. America’s hunters and anglers uphold a tradition that connects generations and brings families and friends together across our great nation. Today, we celebrate this tradition and the conservation legacy of hunters and anglers. “National Hunting and Fishing Day is a time to reaffirm our commitment to America’s sportsmen. As President, I will protect the right to bear arms, increase access to places to hunt and fish, take on polluters and clean up our streams and lakes, and protect our nation’s important wildlife habitat and wetlands. I will enhance programs that encourage young people to hunt and fish and respect and protect the outdoors. “Our nation’s sportsmen have made sure that this and future generations can enjoy our natural resources and wildlife. As President, I will stand with them and ensure that America’s hunting and fishing heritage endures.”

The Universal U.S. Newspaper Link--Voices for Obama

akmk — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:01:00 EDT

Instead of waiting for others to send you links for letters to the editor of various newspapers across the country, this site lists all U.S. newspapers by state.

http://www.50states.com/news/

Write a short a letter of why you support Obama/Biden. Comment on McCain/Pain if you wish. Pick your states and pick your newspapers. It sometimes takes a few minutes to find the "Contact Us" link--but it's always there somewhere.

Just a few weeks left. Your voice can make a difference. Pick swing states. Pick states where people know you. Pick states that you think your letter will resonate with. If necessary, tailor your comments to specific states.

Alaskans Support Obama/Biden Team

akmk — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:05:27 EDT

I'm an Alaskan who supports the Obama/Biden as being best for Alaska, the nation, and the world. At this critical time in our history, we need responsible leadership that will stabilize our economy, commit to a more diverse and smarter energy policy that will create jobs, and bring ethics and honesty back into our government.

Kathleen Menke, Haines, Alaska

Seattle Times, A Pacific NW Conservative Newspaper, Endorses Obama

akmk — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:12:44 EDT

seattletimes.nwsource.com — Obama should be the next president of the United States because he is the most qualified change agent. Obama is a little young, but also brilliant. If he sometimes seems brainy and professorial, that's OK. We need the leader of the free world to think things through, carefully. We have seen the sorry results of shooting from the hip.

Conservative Editor Shifts to Obama

akmk — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:51:32 EDT

Please digg and send this man an email thanking him for his honesty and sanity. Hopefully more and more sane Republicans will keep coming out like this! This is one of the best pieces I've read recently.

<http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Former_conservative_writer_and_editor_shifts_to_Obama>http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Former_conservative_writer_and_editor_shifts_to_Obama

A Conservative for Obama

My party has slipped its moorings. It's time for a true pragmatist to lead the country.

Leading Off By Wick Allison, Editor In Chief

THE MORE I LISTEN TO AND READ ABOUT "the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate," the more I like him. Barack Obama strikes a chord with me like no political figure since Ronald Reagan. To explain why, I need to explain why I am a conservative and what it means to me.

In 1964, at the age of 16, I organized the Dallas County Youth for Goldwater. My senior thesis at the University of Texas was on the conservative intellectual revival in America. Twenty years later, I was invited by William F. Buckley Jr. to join the board of National Review. I later became its publisher.

Conservatism to me is less a political philosophy than a stance, a recognition of the fallibility of man and of man's institutions. Conservatives respect the past not for its antiquity but because it represents, as G.K. Chesterton said, the democracy of the dead; it gives the benefit of the doubt to customs and laws tried and tested in the crucible of time. Conservatives are skeptical of abstract theories and utopian schemes, doubtful that government is wiser than its citizens, and always ready to test any political program against actual results.

Liberalism always seemed to me to be a system of "oughts." We ought to do this or that because it's the right thing to do, regardless of whether it works or not. It is a doctrine based on intentions, not results, on feeling good rather than doing good.

But today it is so-called conservatives who are cemented to political programs when they clearly don't work. The Bush tax cuts--a solution for which there was no real problem and which he refused to end even when the nation went to war--led to huge deficit spending and a $3 trillion growth in the federal debt. Facing this, John McCain pumps his "conservative" credentials by proposing even bigger tax cuts. Meanwhile, a movement that once fought for limited government has presided over the greatest growth of government in our history. That is not conservatism; it is profligacy using conservatism as a mask.

Today it is conservatives, not liberals, who talk with alarming bellicosity about making the world "safe for democracy." It is John McCain who says America's job is to "defeat evil," a theological expansion of the nation's mission that would make George Washington cough out his wooden teeth.

This kind of conservatism, which is not conservative at all, has produced financial mismanagement, the waste of human lives, the loss of moral authority, and the wreckage of our economy that McCain now threatens to make worse.

Barack Obama is not my ideal candidate for president. (In fact, I made the maximum donation to John McCain during the primaries, when there was still hope he might come to his senses.) But I now see that Obama is almost the ideal candidate for this moment in American history. I disagree with him on many issues. But those don't matter as much as what Obama offers, which is a deeply conservative view of the world. Nobody can read Obama's books (which, it is worth noting, he wrote himself) or listen to him speak without realizing that this is a thoughtful, pragmatic, and prudent man. It gives me comfort just to think that after eight years of George W. Bush we will have a president who has actually read the Federalist Papers.

Most important, Obama will be a realist. I doubt he will taunt Russia, as McCain has, at the very moment when our national interest requires it as an ally. The crucial distinction in my mind is that, unlike John McCain, I am convinced he will not impulsively take us into another war unless American national interests are directly threatened.

"Every great cause," Eric Hoffer wrote, "begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket." As a cause, conservatism may be dead. But as a stance, as a way of making judgments in a complex and difficult world, I believe it is very much alive in the instincts and predispositions of a liberal named Barack Obama.

A Native American from Alaska Shares His Views

akmk — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:50:50 EDT

Shared with permission: An Alaska Native’s take on his Governor

Hello. My name is Matt Gilbert. I am originally from Arctic Village, Alaska. I am Alaska Native: Gwich’in Athabascan. I visited Sarah’s campaign office and spoke with her before she became Governor. We talked about the hunting & fishing rights of Alaska Natives. We didn’t get anywhere.

In general, I believe Sarah Palin is another version of Bush, just as inexperienced, but more impulsive. She is very dangerous and scary.

Wake up America ! Send her back to Alaska. She has plenty of un-finished work here. She hasn’t even gotten funding to move the town of Shishmeraf. It’s falling into the ocean from an eroding coast due to Global Warming, which she wants to fuel more by encourage more coal and oil development. She fuels the fire, and now they want her to do it on a national level.

Palin has done a lot of irrational things up here as Governor. She supports drilling Off-Shore which would utterly destroy the livelihood of the Inupiaq people on the North Slope . They rely on Whale. She supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. My people, the Gwich’in have kept this area closed from development for 30 years. We rely on the Porcupine Caribou Herd and if drilling takes place in the Arctic Refuge, our caribou goes and so does our culture. We are the last stand for Indian Country. The prior chapters were bad, so make this last chapter a good one and vote for Obama.

It’s crucial we have food off our land because the western foods, processed foods, give us diabetes if we eat them alone. The subsistence foods not only feed our bodies, but our culture, spirit, social lives, and minds. Our way of life off the land is everything to us. Sarah Palin doesn’t care about this. She wouldn’t care if our culture eroded before her eyes. She’s like Nero, sitting in Juneau putting on lip-gloss as Alaskan villages suffer.

Her hometown Wasillia, has been a hot-bed for racist and Anti-Native attitudes.

Our hurricanes and disasters are getting worse due to Global Warming, our Stock Market is dangerously shaky, our healthcare is getting so bad it may cause a revolution soon, and the War in Iraq is draining our resources and working families to depression-levels. We need a Change! We need Barack Obama.

Support Obama/Biden and Wolves in Alaska

akmk — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:31:46 EDT

Please donate to my fundraising page to support Obama/Biden and wolves in Alaska http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/dashboard/main/AlaskanWolves

National Organization of Women Endorses Obama

akmk — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:37:35 EDT

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The National Organization for Women (NOW) said Tuesday it had been pushed by the Republicans pick of Sarah Palin as vice presidential nominee to back Democrat Barack Obama for the White House.

"NOW is going to be endorsing the Obama-Biden ticket," NOW head Kim Gandy told National Public Radio (NPR), referring to Obama and his running mate Joseph Biden.

The 500,000-strong women's movement, which "very, very rarely endorses in a general election", broke with its tradition of neutrality after "the addition of Sarah Palin gave us a new sense of urgency," said Gandy.

"She is being portrayed as a supporter of women's rights ... as a feminist when in fact her positions on so many of the issues are really anathema to ours," Gandy said.

Comments from AK Dem Chair, Patti Higgins

akmk — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:51:13 EDT

The following comments from AK Dem Chair, Patti Higgins, are worthy of consideration:

"While we can appreciate the attention to Alaska, Governor Palin is not the reformer that McCain claims she is. When she was Mayor of Wasilla, Palin hired a lobbying firm to secure federal earmarks. As Governor she has continued to seek and accept federal earmarks, the very practice that McCain has fought, despite her claims that she now opposes them. Palin is under investigation for abuse of power, and now it appears she is stonewalling the Legislature's investigation of Troopergate, after she previously said she would cooperate. In Alaska, and in the nation, it is Democrats who have led the way to reform and change. Ultimately, the national race is about the choice between McCain and Obama, about who will be the better leader for our country, and what direction our country will go in. Will we have change or more of the same? Barack Obama will focus on the needs of middle class and working people, not special interests and the wealthy. Obama has empathy with the thousands of Alaskans are struggling to get by, because he has been there himself. John McCain can't remember how many houses he owns. At the Republican convention this week, McCain and Palin didn't offer any solutions to help families meet the challenges of high prices and rising costs of everything. They didn't offer any solutions for jump-starting the economy, making health care more affordable, or keeping good jobs here in America. The Bush/McCain agenda has brought us an endless war in Iraq, the highest gas prices in the country, and companies getting big tax breaks to move American jobs overseas. John McCain thinks we've made great economic progress. Sarah Palin fully supports his agenda. Alaskans, and the country as a whole, are ready for change. John McCain won't give us the change we need. We can't afford four more years of the same failed policies of George Bush. For these reasons, I hope you will join me in voting for Democrats at every level."

Obama/Biden the Best for Alaska

akmk — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:47:42 EDT

Gov. Palin's candidacy for Vice-President is going to bring attention to her and to Alaska in the coming weeks. Now is the time to tell our stories once again and why we support Obama/Biden for Alaska. I support the Obama /Biden team for their empathy for all people and their plans to create healthy, sustainable economies within our communities and our nation based on trickle-up principles, for their leadership credentials in world affairs and national security, for working to protect social security, for their plans to create a health care system that affordable and accessible for all Americans, for their work on behalf of women's issues including equal pay for equal work, a woman's right to choose, and domestic violence legislation, for their plans for a smarter and more diverse energy policy, and for sharing the respect for clean water, healthy watersheds, wildlife, and a healthy natural environment on which our lifestyles depend.

Obama Best at Ethics and Transparency/Palin Not So Hot

akmk — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:48:40 EDT

McCain is pandering to the oil executives and the conservative base. Don't underestimate this.

I predict the largest voter turnout this nation has ever had--on both sides!! And lots of dirty politics to come. We are going to have to work extra hard.

Don't let your guard down. Palin is same old politics in new packaging.

Her Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell is in a dead heat for Rep. Don Young's House of Representatives seat. (with Sara Palin's open support)

Parnell was responsible (with Palin's complicity no doubt) for manipulating the wording on important citizen initiative ballots in the primary we just had last week.

As a result of this inaccurate wording (transparency/ethics Ha Ha Ha) and big money, Alaskans just voted to shoot more wolves, bears and wolverines from airplanes, not support clean elections, and not support clean water (in order to support mining and big oil.) About 55% to 45%.

Alaska has a long way to evolve and so does this nation. Stay alert and keep working!!

No Palin, No How, No Way

akmk — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:33:55 EDT

We don't want Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin running this country. No how. No way.

She's Dick Cheney wrapped in a snappy, scrappy package. She shoots wolves. She has her Lt. Gov. manipulate the wording on citizen initiatives to deceive the public. She can't manage something as basic to Alaskans as the ferry system. She's about cronyism--appointing loyal conservatives, regardless of their qualifications to public office. Recently involved in Troopergate--getting a public official fired because he refused to fire her former brother-in-law who is involved in a custody battle with her sister. Her husband works for British Petroleum. We don't want her part of a team appointing Supreme Court justices, or Dept. of Interior head, or promoting tired old energy policies, or running a health care system. Nothing new about this politician, but the packaging.

Primary is Over, On to November

akmk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:42:43 EDT

The primary is over. On to November. Support your D's (Democrats) and B's (Barack/Biden, Begich, and Berkowitz) and Tim "The Best" June for House District 5.

Alaskans for the B's!!

akmk — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:57:49 EDT

Looks like it's going to be the year of the B's for Alaska. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Barack

Biden

Begich

Benson

Berkowitz

Vote in the Primary, Tuesday, August 26.

Obama/Biden Team Good for Alaska

akmk — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:41:10 EDT

Though a long distance from Alaska, Delaware is a coastal community. It is good to have someone on the team from a coastal community who understands the importance of healthy fisheries and sustainable economies. The Obama/Biden team is going to be great for Alaska!!

Rural Alaska Weighing In

akmk — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:23:41 EDT

Rural Alaska weighing in here. We live close to the land and appreciate wild fish, healthy watersheds, clean air, a smart energy policy, healthy lifestyles for all, health care for all, ethics and transparency in government, and a more peaceful planet. Thanks, Sen. Obama for leading the way!

Initiatives/Alaska's Primary/Tuesday, Aug. 26th

akmk — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:38:01 EDT

Please remember to vote in the primary election, Tuesday, August 26th.

A number of excellent candidates on the Democratic side are running for U.S. Senate (Ted Steven's seat) and U.S. House of Representatives (Don Young's seat).

There are also four citizen-based initiatives on the ballot. I support Initiatives 2, 3, and 4.

Initiative #2 places places reasonable limits on airborne hunting of wolves, bears, and wolverines.

Initiative #3 (Clean Elections) provides for public funding of candidates willing to meet certain requirements and reduces the influence of corporate funding and lobbying in the political process. It is modeled after the successful programs initiated in several other states.

Initiative #4 (Clean Water) supports healthy clean water in Alaska, healthy food (salmon) for Alaskans, and protects the jobs of fishermen.

Regards, Kathleen Menke, Haines

Obama Economics--Trickle Up

akmk — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:19:38 EDT

Support yourself and your economic advancement by voting for Barack Obama who supports tax credits for individuals and families and tax changes that force the wealthiest Americans to pay a bit more of their share.

The alternative, with McCain, is more tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and an increase in payroll taxes for the working person.

Trickle up or trickle down? You decide what works best for you.

Networking in Southeast Alaska

akmk — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:01:44 EDT

Attempting to bring together networking among Southeast Alaska communities--so join these groups to stay in touch with each other.

Ketchikan for Obama

Sitkans for Obama

Juneau for Obama

Haines-zanians (Haines, Alaska) for Obama

Southeast Alaskans for Obama

Alaskans from House District 5 for Obama (rural communities extending from SE to Kenai Peninsula)

Alaskans for Obama

Alaska Action Team

Fairbanks Mayor (Republican) Endorses Obama

akmk — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:39:25 EDT

*REPUBLICAN MAYOR OF FAIRBANKS-NORTH STAR BOROUGH ENDORSES OBAMA*

*Jim Whitaker has served as mayor since 2003*

*FAIRBANKS, AK -* The Barack Obama campaign in Alaska today announced the
endorsement of Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker. Whitaker is
a registered Republican.

*Whitaker said*, "Barack Obama has the unique ability to bring people
together from all political backgrounds--Democrats, Republicans, and
independents. Partisan business-as-usual has crippled Washington. It's
time for a president who will work to unite our country and bring about the
change we need.

"Barack Obama will stand up for Alaska's families. As president, he'll
support the Alaska natural gas pipeline and work to lower the skyrocketing
fuel prices that have caused an energy crisis here in Fairbanks. He has a
plan to move this country forward and will be a president who is as
independent as Alaskans are."

*Barack Obama said*, "I'm grateful for Mayor Whitaker's support. Fairbanks
residents are paying some of the highest energy prices in the country.
Mayor Whitaker knows firsthand the importance of solving our energy crisis.
He believes as I do that we need to bring people together in order to solve
the many challenges our country is facing right now, from energy to the
economy."

Jim Whitaker was elected mayor of the Fairbanks-North Star Borough in
2003. He served as a Republican member of the Alaska House of
Representatives from 1999 to 2003. From 1999 to 2000, Whitaker served as
Chair of the Special Committee on Oil and Gas.

Three New Alaska Local Groups

akmk — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:29:58 EDT

I have created three new groups: Southeast Alaskans for Obama, Alaskans from House District 5 for Obama, and Haines-zanians (Haines, Alaska) for Obama. Please join any and/or all these groups as applicable to help with networking this election season.

Message to Alaskans

akmk — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:52:19 EDT

To all Alaskans, SE Alaskans, and Haines-zanians, let's do what we can this election cycle get as many new registered voters as possible and as many people as possible to vote Democratic this year.

We have a great set a candidate nationally and statewide:
The B's:
Barack
Begich
Benson
Berkowitz

I'm also impressed with Ray Metcalf's efforts to fight corruption in politics.

In House District 5, Democrat Tim June is challenging Republican Bill Thomas. I trust Tim to be a good listener, to work for wild fish and healthy watersheds, to help promote sound energy policies in Alaska, and to be free of lobbying influences.

Please stay active on the Obama website with your own thoughts, ideas, group connections, and communications with other Alaskans.

This is a great tool for ideas and communications. Good to meet so many of you at the caucus in Haines and at the convention in Palmer and through the Obama friends network.

Keep up the good work. Let's grow our network and enthusiasm for the excellent candidates running as Democrats this year--nationally, statewide, regionally, and locally.

Regards, Kathleen

Obama Advocating for Consumers

akmk — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:37:17 EDT

Hi All. Back from Alaska State Convention (77% Obama!!) and marathon photography and photo book marketing road trip.

Good on ya, Sen. Obama--Mr. President--for taking on the credit card companies. This one should resonate with every consumer dealing with the low-ball tactics of credit card companies, their fine print, and ever-changing terms.

Keep it coming!!

Alaska State Convention Warming Up

akmk — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:32:53 EDT

In Palmer for Alaska State Convention which is warming up and officially begins tomorrow. Alaska's two superdelegate holdouts finally committed to Obama two days ago giving Alaska's representation three superdelegates for Obama and one for Clinton.

Carry On, Obama Family

akmk — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:29:19 EDT

Carry on, Obama family. Off to Alaska State Convention, May 23-25, via the scenic route with Obama bumper stickers on the CRV and big red dog in the back. No phone. No computer. Will be connecting with folks in Alaska and Yukon on the ground, in person. Catch up with you all again in mid-June.

Springtime in Alaska/Seeds of Change

akmk — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:08:15 EDT

A hundred roiling sea lions and one humpback whale in Lutak Inlet yesterday. The hooligan (eulachon)--smelt-like little fish--are making their annual spring return to the Chilkat and Chilkoot Rivers.

Community garden plots are all spoken for and seeds are being planted. This year I'll think of them as "seeds of change".

Alaska State Convention is May 23-25 in Palmer. I leave Thursday, May 15, to drive the thousand or so miles to get there via the scenic route, photographing and marketing photo books along the way.

Sen. Obama, you are hereby invited (by me and all your Alaska supporters) to attend the banquet on Saturday night in Palmer so you can finally say you have visited all 59 states!!

Seeds of change in Alaska to bring us President Obama, Senator Begich, and Representative Benson or Berkowitz!!

Upbeat Report from Haines

akmk — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:38:58 EDT

Sun is out. Gulls are in chasing hooligan in the Chilkat River. Shorebirds have arrived. Replaced new plant starts where the old ones froze a few days ago. Obama energy is tops! Character, positive energy, a unifier!

Commendations to the Early Endorsers

akmk — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:56:09 EDT

Commendations to all early endorsers of Sen. Barack Obama. You have a taken a stand for character and fresh Democratic party energy, rather than holding out for old-style party politick of waiting for the best back-room deal. We are taking note of who you are!!

Dem Primary Voters in Alaska Up 1169%

akmk — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:48:04 EDT

A Google News headline report is a blog by Marc Ambinder of the Alantic at Atlantic.com/Atlantic Online.

It incorrectly states (as headline news!) "Alaska had a measly 18% increase," when referring to the surge in Democratic voters across the nation this year. Being from Alaska, I knew this was way off the mark. I checked the actual memo that he cited. It stated Alaska's increase in Democratic primary caucus participants from 2004 to 2008 was actually 1169% .

I sent them a correction by E-mail. But they need to hear from more on this.

This is important because the truth that Alaska Democrats are vigorous this year because of Sen. Obama's leadership.

Below is the link to the bad story:
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/05/the_democratic_surge.php

Regards, Kathleen

PS Late Breaking Note: Ambinder corrected his error. It's Arkansas, not Alaska, with the measly 18% increase.

Significant Endorsement/Significant Reasons

akmk — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:45:47 EDT

"ABC News has learned that David Bonior, the campaign manager for the 2008 presidential race of Sen. John Edwards, D-NC, will endorse Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, today.

Bonior is also said to like Obama's general positive tone, as well as Obama's message of change and stance against taking money from federal lobbyists."

Yep. Let us watch now to see who in Washington D.C. and elsewhere is in favor of positive tones and a stance against taking money from federal lobbyists,

It's about Ethics and Fresh Energy

akmk — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:36:52 EDT

Keep on working to send the message this election is about ethics and fresh energy. It's not about math, money, or back-room deals anymore. Sen. Obama wins hands down on ethics and fresh energy.

Cheers to Captain Obama

akmk — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:43:58 EDT

Sen. Obama's speech last night was strong and electrifying. Sen. Clinton's talk fell flat--repeating the gas tax vacation mantra and looking desperately to Michigan and Florida.

The Clintons will be winners again when they realize that the nation and the party will be strongest with Obama at the helm and the people as the crew. I kept hoping that she would acknowledge this and take the opportunity last night to become part of the team as a leader. I was disappointed.

There is a tension between old and new party politics. Clinton's speech made it clear that is not over yet. Also, the many superdelegates who have not yet declared an endorsement underscore it.

But perhaps there is hope. Unification is a strong word. We need all hands on deck. Cheers to Captain Obama.

At-Large Superdelegate DNC Endorsement/Choctaw Nation Member

akmk — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:00:13 EDT

CHICAGO, IL -- Kalyn Free, an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee, today announced that she supports Illinois Senator Barack Obama for the party’s presidential nomination. As a DNC member, Free will serve as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention. Free is also founder and President of INDN’s List, an organization dedicated to recruiting and training American Indian candidates.

“Today, I am casting my support for a new kind of leadership and a new possibility of what America can be. Barack Obama is a once-in-a-generation kind of leader and the best hope the American people have to rebuild the erosion our collective foundation has endured the last eight years. In 2008, we must elect a President who will restore our faith in the possibilities of each and every American, including the First Americans.

“As a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, I am proud of what it means to be an American Indian. I am proud Barack Obama is committed to our unique issues and willing to tackle our toughest problems, from historical inequities and injustices to contemporary issues, like protection of our right to tribal self-determination, access to health care for our elders, and education for our children. Despite the threats that have faced our culture and our people, hope has lifted Indian people through the most difficult times. Because we remain connected to our past, our culture and our communities, we never gave up that hope. American Indians need not just progressive ideas but new and visionary leadership that inspire us to build a better future for all Americans. No President alone can rebuild the American public after eight years of George Bush’s disastrous policies and poisonous politics. I support Senator Obama because I believe the only way to rebuild America is to rebuild what makes us great – the hope and drive of the American people.

Working Class Voters

akmk — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:55:59 EDT

Sen. Obama is doing an excellent job appealing to all voters--including working class voters. Polls and media headlines sometimes have their own corporate agendas.

Here is how Sen. Obama appeals to the working class:

Opposed the war in Iraq from the start. Money spent on Iraq could be better spent on the home turf in multitudes of ways to provide more jobs in the U.S.

Supports green jobs.

Is sensitive to lower income working class and their economic challenges--color of skin unimportant.

Takes the long term view for real solutions to consumer and working class problems--ie: Social Security, Health Care, Consumer Issues.

Is honest, courageous, hard-working, and ethical himself.

A family man.

Cheers!

Happy May Day! Good news of the day!!

akmk — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:36:23 EDT

Hi All. I drive out on May 15th to Alaska State Convention in Palmer, May 23-25, as delegate from House District 5 for Obama. Although Alaska Democratic superdelegates are still standing by the wayside for the most part, the good news of the day keeps me (and the other Alaska and red state Obama supporters) motivated.

A reminder to those who have written off the red states. Alaska has never, ever had a Democratic primary caucus that inspired attendance like the one for 2008--where over 50% of the voters were newly registered voters and/or newly registered Democrats. And the state voted 74% for Sen. Obama. Cheers to the Democratic party leaders who get it!!!

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A leader of the Democratic Party under Bill Clinton has switched his allegiance to Barack Obama and is encouraging fellow Democrats to "heal the rift in our party" and unite behind the Illinois senator.

Joe Andrew, who was Democratic National Committee chairman from 1999-2001, planned a news conference Thursday in his hometown of Indianapolis to urge other Hoosiers to support Obama in Tuesday's primary, perhaps the most important contest left in the White House race. He also has written a lengthy letter explaining his decision that he plans to send to other superdelegates...

Bill Clinton appointed Andrew chairman of the DNC near the end of his presidency, and Andrew endorsed the former first lady last year on the day she declared her candidacy for the White House...

"While I was hopeful that a long, contested primary season would invigorate our party, the polls show that the tone and temperature of the race is now hurting us," Andrew wrote...

Andrew said the Obama campaign never asked him to switch his support, but he decided to do so after watching Obama's handling of two issues in recent days. He said Obama took the principled stand in opposing a summer gas tax holiday that both Clinton and McCain supported, even though it would have been easier politically to back it...

Andrew's decision puts Obama closer to closing Clinton's superdelegate lead. Clinton had a big advantage among superdelegates, many of whom like Andrews have ties to the Clintons and backed her candidacy early on. But most of the superdelegates taking sides recently have gone for Obama, who has won more state contests.

Right On, Senator Obama!

akmk — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:53:43 EDT

Right on, Senator Obama. What we need are sound energy policies, not temporary gas tax relief that gets us nowhere for the the long term. Imagine if the money being spent on war in Iraq were instead being directed to green jobs and sound long-term energy policy.

On Earth Day, Vote Obama for a More Healthy & Peaceful Planet

akmk — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:33:19 EDT

Hi on Earth Day to all of you Pennsylvania voters and to all who are working so hard for the issues you believe in. Vote for Barack Obama for fresh leadership that will support our collective efforts toward a more healthy and peaceful planet, along with healthy sustainable economies that put citizens and people first!