Speech on Service

Tim — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:08:41 EDT

Obama's recent speech in Colorado Springs laid out a long list of certainly ambitious goals to obtain by 2012. I couldn't help but notice a stronger sense of pride when speaking of military affairs during this speech. Perhaps this was due to the criticisms set forth from his service speech back in May.

Here are my favorite points from his service plan:

-Americorps from 75,000 slots to 250,000 slots

-Double the size of the Peace Corps

-4,000 tax credit for college in return for 100 hours annual service (we invest in you, you invest in us)****

-Social Investment funds (leaders from all sectors commune to see which approaches work and which dont)

Favorite Line:

"When it comes to the challenges we face, the American people are not the problem, they're the answer!! .......... We cannot continue to rely solely on the military in order to achieve the national security objectives which we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful...just as strong...and just as well funded."

I'm really glad to see the warm reception from the veterans in the audience. Obama's stance on the military has always been the same: We need a strong military who can act when called upon, but never as a first resort. We need to give them adequate resources to get the job done, provide reassurance that their families will be cared for while they're there, and ensure adequate insurance for the soldier upon their return.

It's no secret that military powers have been severely abused over the last 8 years, which is unfortunate for our troops. And unfortunate for all of us whose American values are questioned when we stand up and say something about it!

I also couldn't help but notice the reference to Jim Webb. VP bells, anyone?

Up, Rollin, and Off the Ground! :D

Tim — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:11:13 EDT

Welcome to my blog. This is the first of many posts to come this exciting election season! Recently I created this organization, the 'Southwest VA Youth League for Obama' to fulfill my desire to change the face of American politics in 2008. I'm currently getting it up and off the ground. I feel that this is the perfect way to serve my country. The youth vote is going to make up over 1/5 of the general electorate this year, and this organization is about bringing together a network of youth here and around the new river valley fiercely dedicated to the Obama campaign. Virginia is up in the air this year. Polls look decent right now, but there is work that needs to be done. Anyone interested in joing the organization, please contact me. Everyone who has already joined: THANK YOU!!!! Together we can change the face of this election here in SW VA. The rest, as they say, is history. Please check out our first event, 'SW VA Unite for Change Day' in Bissett Park from 12-3. See ya there!!!!

Thanks,

Tim (organizer)

SW VA Youth League for Obama

Speech on Service

Up, Rollin, and Off the Ground! :D