On June 27th we will be supporting OFA's National Health Care Day of Service by hosting an educational healthcare community event. Please visit FIND EVENTS for June 27th events or in the zip code of 33004. This event stems from this past Saturday's National Kick-Off of Health Care Reforum events to begin the Grassroots movements and to pull the communities together to take action. It was a great turn-out and I hope to see this group grow.
A meeting is scheduled for this weekend day & time forthcoming. If you are interested in attending, volunteering or being a participate please contact the event host.
Early Voting for the entire state of Florida has just been extended.
Every Early Vote location in Florida will now be every day from 7am-7pm up through November 2.
Please pass along this great news to everyone you know who will be voting in Florida. Click here to find your nearest early vote location.
Here's the release:
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS ~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~October 28, 2008Contact:GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008. "I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote." Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting. Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting. Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29. Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217. STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217 WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties; WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; andWHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008. GOVERNORATTEST:SECRETARY OF STATE
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS
~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~
October 28, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
"I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote."
Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.
Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.
Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.
Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217.
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217
WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and
WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and
WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and
WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties;
WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008.
GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE
Friends, colleagues: I've just discovered a documentary that is going to change this election! It's called "Who Is This Guy?" I am a news junkie and it's a take on Barack Obama and this election like I have never seen before. Anyone who cares about this country needs to see this film before November 4th. Who we choose as the new leader of the free world has never been more important. This film tells the historic narrative of this election with factual analysis and real people without ever demonizing or belittling anyone. The production is stunning -- it'll make you angry, make you laugh, cry and wonder "how did I miss this? I don't know where else this film is available but I found "Who Is This Guy?” at my local Blockbuster! It answers: Who is Obama...what drives him...how did he get here, and describes the monumentally historic reality of this election and its reach. This is what I discovered about it: SYNOPSIS: Narrated by Blair Underwood, the film is an in-depth look at Barack Obama as a senator, family man, steward of the community and presidential candidate through the prism of luminaries, politicos, academics, politically active celebrities and former friends and associates of Barack Obama. "Who Is This Guy" is a snapshot of Barack Obama's candidacy for president and the spin that factored into this historic 2008 election leading up to the DNC. The film captures the imaginations of luminaries and regular Americans as they describe Barack Obama, some having worked with him in the trenches of Chicago politics, Obama supporters in his movement for change and others who simply want their voices heard -- answering two often asked questions: Who is he? Why Obama now? Send this to everyone you know and ask them to send out their own email blast reaching at least 100 people more...to buy it, rent it, and then go vote!
LET'S GET FIRED UP & READY TO WIN!!!!!!
Recently I have been seriously thinking about writing a series of articles and statements to send out to newspapers, television stations, and campaigns on my own. I am tired of the half-truths being told and the negativity that is being displayed in this election. This election is about the issues and it is about hope and change. It is about fairness and opportunity. This election is about more than just me, but it is also about my husband who works hard everyday and my sons who are young but full of life. There is so much at stake in this election and I want people to stand up and fight. We have to get out there and fight for what we believe in, but we must do it in a positive and dignified manner. We must show that we can rise above all of the negaitvity, the lies, and the mocking of important work that is being done in the community by community organizers. It's time that we get ourselves together, organize our commuities, and show everyone what the phrase "power of the people" truly means. Enough is Enough!!
It's official, Barack sent out the email this morning, did you get it?
Friend --I have some important news that I want to make official.I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate. Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:Welcome Joe Thanks for your support,Barack
I have some important news that I want to make official.
I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
Welcome Joe
Thanks for your support,
Barack
Send Joe a note! Welcome Joe!
Make sure to turn on your TV at 3:00 p.m. to join Obama and Biden in Springfield, Illinois. Or, watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.
My Friend,
These are not my words but those of our first Drug Czar so don’t shoot the messenger please. Share with everyone you can and help me spread the truth and stop the War on the American People. Save 100 billion that is wasted putting Americans in jail for being Americans! One in three blacks in jail this is the future unless you help stop the madness!
I can say with forty years of personal research these are all racist lies. Marijuana is a cure-all for people with insomnia, depression, chronic pain, and many other problems, it can cure, with no side effects! Lets change the name from marijuana (a Spanish sounding name used to demonize bud) lets call it cureallX or CAX for short. Now it sounds like the so called legal drugs millions take every day.
Cherokee Fred Hussein
VOTE OBAMA 08
Most people do not know why marijuana was made illegal read the thoughts of our first DRUG CZAR. He used lies and our countries racism to further his career and demonize marijuana it was all a bunch of BS. It was all to save the white women from the darkies, it was said marijuana made darkies uppity!!
Today it is for pure greed everyone wants part of the 100 billion of our money spent to keep the myth and lies alive and keep putting the darkies in jail!! Stop the madness end this racist war save the 100 billion. It is estimated that universal health care for all Americans would cost 70 billion a year. We could take the 30 billon left over and party!!!
Harry Jacob Anslinger(May 20, 1892 – November 14, 1975) held office as the Assistant Prohibition Commissioner in the Bureau of Prohibition, before being appointed as the first Commissioner of the Treasury Department's Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN) on August 12, 1930.
It appeared that Anslinger was also responsible for racist themes in articles against marijuana in the 1930s:
"Colored students at the Univ. of Minn. partying with (white) female students, smoking [marijuana] and getting their sympathy with stories of racial persecution. Result: pregnancy"
"Reefer makes darkies think they're as good as white men."
"Two Negros took a girl fourteen years old and kept her for two days under the influence of hemp. Upon recovery she was found to be suffering from syphilis."
"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others."
"Marijuana makes Negroes eat other Negroes when they get the munchies."
"...the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races."
"Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death."
"Marihuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing"
"You smoke a joint and you're likely to kill your brother."
I love Luda -- Lord knows I do -- but don't you just want to take out a belt and just whup his behind this week?
Mr. Obama please go to the URL and read about our fellow Americans. That have been put in jail by the War on Drugs AKA War on the American People. Blacks will have one in three in prison or on probation due to this war. We must do more to correct this error started by racist and perpetuaded by the greed of our elected officials. The site also has a cost clock on the home page. It will allow you to see your money being wasted on a thirty year war that cannot be won. It infringes on our rights as Americans and we 71% say stop the war, the other 29% don't have a clue what is going on... Mr. Obama please help our people, stop the war against us, thank you.
PLEASE VISIT: http://www.november.org/thewall/men/male01.html
Written by a mother about her only son in prison for a non violent drug offense that hurt no one..
The "War on Drugs" is a guise to control and confuse It's a war against the rights that they want us to lose
As the losses mount up and the prisons continue to fill I sickeningly wonder how much more blood they'll spill
By far, the most debilitating loss I'd personally face Are the years stolen from my child, that I can't replace
Weigh in on this cover which attempts to satirize the stereotypes of Barak and Michelle Obama rampant in this campaign. Clever or offensive? Is it speaking power to truth? Written for a "Manhattan Elite" audience, as Joe Scarborough often refers to Left Liberals, will West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania get the joke? What about Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Southwest Georgia?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/13/yikes-controversial-emnew_n_112429.html
Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.Barack Obama
Over the weekend, Senator Obama has been dealing with his "base" concerning his recent decisions to move closer to the center on certain positions such as faith-based initiatives, patriotrism, campaign financing, wire tapping, and most recently, the Iraq War. Reportedly, the Left Blogosphere is alarmed and outraged and feels betrayed.
I'm pleading today for the Left to step away from the ledge. He wants to WIN, and so should you. One thing that you should have learned from W winning both times when he should have been blown away is that Republicans know how to win elections. Period. The Republicans are already moving to paint him as left and "strange" as possible. He needs to counter that early and often.
OF COURSE he will refine his timetable when he talks to generals. Didn't you already know that he's not privy right now to the same info that W has about the differences between what you WANT to happen and what CAN happen? Has he EVER retracted from our desire to END that war? NO.
A few of us have been communicating and we'd like to try something with you. Starting at 8 a.m. EDT on Wednesday (April 30), we'd like to see if we can get this site RAMPED UP ON HOPE for 24 hours. What's that mean?
Can we get postings for 24 hours that ONLY talk about how we've been changed by this campaign; or how our view of politics has changed FOR THE BETTER; or how we've connected with new people, expecially those we'd never otherwise come in contact with (through posting, calling, rallies, etc.); or how we have had our hopes for our country and the world raised by this movement.
Can we get postings for 24 hours that mention NO piece of negativity? No depression, no critcisms (justified or not) of the MSM, or individual coverage, or of Senator Clinton, or her campaign, even of Senator McCain.
If you agree with this then, sometime during today, copy this message and post it under your name. And, separately, start the ball rolling at 8 a.m. EDT on Wednesday with a message of hope for the rest of us.
We can do this! And, remember -
Barack Obama is going to be the next President of the United States!"
The Compassion Forum was held on the campus of Messiah College in Pennsylvania to discuss faith and politics. The candidates did not appear together during the questioning process. Sen. Hillary Clinton won the coin toss and was questioned first by CNN moderators.
The first question to Clinton was about Obama's "Bitter" comments that flooded the news this weekend. Clinton's first response was that Sen. Barack Obama should be given the chance to speak for himself. Perhaps she thought the American people were asleep while she was campaigning this weekend. After grossly distorting Obama's message and peddling misinformation to the media and the people of Pennsylvania, how disingenuous can you be? Only when one of the moderator's reminded her that she criticized Obama publicly for his comments did she elaborate.
Clinton went on to answer other questions. While I think that it is important to listen to all sides, I find it increasingly difficult to listen to her, especially after noting that her words do not mirror her actions. Moreover, she is doing an exceptional job of living up to a commitment to "do whatever it takes to win." She made that statement during one of the debates when defending a criticism of Obama. Credibility wise, Clinton is no longer in the running.
Don't get me wrong. My intention is not to undermine Clinton's service to our country or issues that she has passionately championed. I simply believe that truth is relevant and I think that there are times when one must draw the line. A campaign in which deception, inciting anger and peddling misinformation are used as part of a campaign strategy is where the line must be drawn.
I hope you were tuned in. Barack Obama was more comfortable, genuine, and, as one CNN analyst reported, "fluent" in his discussion as compared to Clinton.
Warm regards,
Marti Johnson, Obama'08 Supporter
