Well, it's been ten days since Barack Hussein Obama was elected President of the US of A.
Barack Obama is MY President-elect.
As I walk past the press kiosks I see enlarged magazine covers with My New President-elect smiling. I sillily smile back like a baby.
I have recieved acknowledgements from everyone I know --from the veteran of a war for independance, to the doctoral candidate, to the supermarket cashier. None of them American but all of them hopeful that change in America will also mean change in the world.
Already the transition team has stated that there will be criminal trials for Guantanamo POWs/criminals/ detainees. Other priorities include unblocking research on stem cells, stopping the drilling for oil in some environmentally sensitive areas, and allowing the state of California to tighten vehicle emission regulations.
....And it's only been ten days.
Yesterday, in Tirana, the capital of Albania it was organised a feeler, with a question "Obama or McCain ?" In the feeler have vote 500 persons, and the rezult was:
75% 375 Barack Obama
25% 125 John McCain
Albanians,belive,not just in Obama's ability to bring about real change in Washington, but in the Obama's ability to bring real change in the world.
WOW!!
Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama!
That's just absolutely wonderful!
It is so nice that General Powell had the luxury to sit back and watch months of Democratic and Republican Party infighting during the primaries...and not make an endorsement. That he could know who the prospective Democratic and Republican Presidential nominees selected as their running-mates...and not make an endorsement. To see delegates at the different conventions nominate their Presidential candidates and hear those candidates' acceptance speeches...and not make an endorsement. To see the public's enthusiasm and fervor for a candidate like none other before...and not make an endorsement. To lean back all comfy and watch all of the Presidential and vice-Presidential debates...and not make an endorsement. To be able to follow the daily/weekly polls showing a certain candidate maintaining the top position over a period of months...and not make an endorsement, until 2 weeks before the election.
Perhaps one shouldn't be so hard on Colin Powell. Perhaps this is an attempt at atonement for choosing to go before the world, at the UN, where he was trusted and respected to present bogus intelligence information as a motive for a war, rather than resigning. A war which has so far killed 4,629 Americans (http://www.antiwar.com/casualties) and 1,273,378 Iraqis (http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/iraq/iraqdeaths.html). Perhaps he now wants to do something on the side of humanity by supporting Senator Obama who was opposed to the war from the start.
Let me clearly state that I in no way am representing the opinions of the Obama/Biden campaign. Senator Obama is one who is truly blessed to be humble and appreciative in all circumstances. He is quoted as saying that he is “ ...beyond honored and deeply humbled to have the support of General Colin Powell” Unfortunately, I am not as blessed as the Senator. I say, go home General Powell. Go home and piddle around with your classic Volvos. Your eleventh hour endorsement is not needed. I doubt if anyone is impressed that you, a Republican, have 'turned' against your party and endorsed a Democrat. Many dedicated Republicans put aside partisan politics long-ago and chose to support Senator Obama. We, the supporters of Senator Obama, are comprised of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and 'Others'. That union beyond party lines is one of the greatest strengths of this campaign.
Most Obama supporters are not former Secretaries of State nor are we all retired four-star generals. However, we have shown true bravery during this Presidential campaign. We made our endorsements with only hope on our side, not probability. We have risked out jobs our property, and in some our cases safety to openly show our support for Senator Obama. Supporters overcame fear and shyness to knock on the doors of strangers and cold call thousands of potential voters.
We are real people facing real issues who needed to choose the candidate that we believe can improve our lives and improve our country. We had to get behind that candidate, Senator Obama, when it made a difference. Few of us have public name recognition or access to the media nevertheless, we endorsed Senator Obama to our friends, family, neighbors, and even to total strangers. We took time from our jobs and families, scrimped to donate money that we really didn't have, and gave it to the campaign in the knowledge that through our efforts we might be able to change America for the better. We supported Senator Obama when a successful candidacy seemed like an impossible dream. We did it because it was right not because it was convenient.
So General Powell, remember that the only way Senator Obama could get to the point where it is now in your best interest to bestow him with your endorsement is because millions before you have already given him theirs.
The Obama campaign was proud to announce today the rollout of 12 European and Mediterranean American Leadership Committees. Leaders from across the country joined Jim Messina, Chief of Staff for the campaign, and Senator Tom Daschle, Campaign Chair, Obama for America and former Majority Leader of the US Senate, to confer their official endorsement of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
The members of the Albanian American National Leadership are as follows:
Albanian American National Leadership Committee
· Harry Bajraktari, Founder, National Albanian American Council
· Donika Bardha, Founder, Albanian Arts Foundation
· Ekrem Bardha, Albania Honorary Consul in Michigan
· Representative Eliot Engel (NY)
· Ilaz Kadriu, Former President, Democratic League of Kosova
· Fron Nahzi, Vice President, East West Management Institute
· David Phillips, Professor, Columbia University
· Dr. Sami Repishti, Former President, National Albanian American Council
· Ilir Zherka, Former Executive Director, National Albanian American Council
The deadline for Voter Registration in Michigan is Monday, October 6-TOMORROW!! Please check in one last time with your friends and family members to make sure they're registered. If they're not, click on the link to follow and get them registered today! https://voteforchange.com/
We have only 28 days left until the election, so the time to get involved is now! Below are some ideas for things you can do. Michiganders can click on the link below to find and sign up with a local Campaign office now!http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/mioffices
-Phone Bank-call on neighbors to vote for Obama/Biden, you can phone bank from a Campaign office or from home!-Canvass-go door to door for Obama/Biden! (If you live near Novi, please join me at 4pm on Saturday's and Sunday's! We'll meet at the strip mall on the NW corner of 10 Mile & Novi Rd)-Host a House Party-invite friends and neighbors over to learn more about Obama/Biden!-Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper sharing why you support Obama/Biden!-Absentee Voting-please click on the link below to get the information to help any of your friends and family members from Michigan that quality for absentee voting to do so!http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633-21037--,00.html-Debates-tune in for the final debates, as scheduled below. The debates are a great opportunity to host a house party for Obama/Biden:Second presidential debate: Tuesday, October 7, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Third presidential debate: Wednesday, October 15, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Regardless of where you live, the Campaign Toolkit below will allow you to get to work for Obama/Biden instantly and easily! Check it out!Obama Outreach Toolkit:(1) Sample letter to the editor http://my.barackobama.com/page/speakout/ealetter(2) Tools for house parties/canvassing/phone banking: (a) Neighbor-to-neighbor -- log-in for printer-ready lists of people in your neighborhood to call and canvass: http://my.barackobama.com/modules/votercontact/login_signup.php (b) Phone banking system: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/PBHouseParty/ (c) Sign-in sheets: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/actioncenter/signinsheets/ (d) Please pass out the Obama economic compare/contrast sheet (3) Online voter registration link -- to email out: https://voteforchange.com/(4) Additional resources to print up -- flyers, issue sheets, etc.:http://origin.barackobama.com/downloads/Please also ask all of your friends and fellow Obama supporters to join "Albanians for Obama" on this website! They can log on to http://my.barackobama.com/page/group (type in Albanian as your keyword search and sign up for "Albanians for Obama" so that we can continue to organize and work together!)
In case you missed National Field Director Jon Carson's email the other night, he's urging supporters to host or attend a debate watch party for the first debate of the election this Friday at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time. This debate, the first of three presidential debates, will focus on foreign policy.
Gather your friends and family for good food, good fun, and a great debate where you'll learn more about why Barack Obama is the best choice for your community and, more broadly, for America and the world. Our easy online guide allows you to download everything you'll need for your Debate Watch party from start to finish, including sign-in sheets, customizable issue flyers, and videos of Barack's speeches on a range of issues if you and your guests are curious about learning more.
From day one of this campaign, the neighborhoods that make our country so strong have been some of the major forces behind our movement for change. Gather your neighbors together this Friday night to continue to let your voices be heard. Make sure to send us photos and stories about how your community celebrated the event and we'll be sure to post the most unique ones on our website!
Americans of all backgrounds -- yes we can!
September 19, 2008
National Albanian American Council
Dear Friends,
As President, I will continue to pay close attention to the Balkans. I support Kosovo’s independence and its desire to move towards full sovereignty. I believe the United States should help the development of a vibrant democracy in Kosovo, secured through the rule of law that ensures the interests of all people. I endorse Kosovo’s integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, which will be advanced through the establishment of a free, tolerant and prosperous society that promotes minority rights and protects religious and cultural sites.
My administration will also work towards the development of a prosperous market economy in Kosovo by focusing on economic development and job creation, and assistance to build Kosovo’s infrastructure and its energy sector. I applaud the significant achievements of Albania and hope that Albania’s aspiration to join NATO can be realized in the near future.
I wish you all the best as you work to increase the political involvement of Albanian Americans and support democracy in the Balkans.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN:
SUPPORTING ALBANIAN AMERICANS
There are more than 500,000 Albanian Americans in the United States. Barack Obama has a strong record on issues of concern to Albanian Americans and has always supported this vibrant and active community. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will work with the Albanian American community, and all communities, to stand up to special interests, bring America together to reclaim the American dream, and restore America’s standing in the world. Together with this community, they will build upon the ties and shared values that have bound Americans and Albanians for over a century.
Promote Democracy and Prosperity in the Balkans: Barack Obama supports Kosovo’s independence and its desire to move towards full sovereignty. The United States should help the development of a vibrant democracy in Kosovo, secured through the rule of law that ensures the interests of all people. He endorses Kosovo’s integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, which will be advanced through the establishment of a free, tolerant and prosperous society that promotes minority rights and protects religious and cultural sites. Obama’s administration will also work towards the development of a prosperous market economy in Kosovo by focusing on economic development and creating jobs, as well as via assistance to Kosovo’s infrastructure and its energy sector. Obama applauds the significant achievements of Albania. He supports Albania’s aspiration to join NATO and hopes to see that dream realized in the near future.
Provide Quality Affordable Health Care to All: Barack Obama is committed to signing legislation by the end of his first term to ensure that all Americans have affordable, quality and portable health care coverage. Obama’s plan will save a typical American family up to $2,500 on medical costs every year by modernizing the U.S. health care system and promoting disease prevention and strengthening public health.
Obama and Biden will also create a middle class tax cut of up to $1,000 for 95 percent of workers and their families. They will eliminate income taxes entirely for seniors making less than $50,000. Obama will make college affordable by providing his American Opportunity Tax Credit that will provide a fully refundable tax credit that will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans.
Paid for by Obama for America
