Organizing for America | Arlingtonians for Obama

Arlingtonians for Obama

We're the LARGEST local grassroots My.BarackObama.com group in Virgina and we're turning VA BLUE in 2008! Come take part in 80 in '08. That's 80% voter turn-out with 80% delivered to Senator Obama and future-Senator Mark Warner along with the rest of our great candidates.

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The dawn of a new era.

By jgunnink - Nov 5th, 2008 at 10:49 am EST

Also listed in: Arlingtonians for Obama | Families for Obama | Virginia for Obama

I remember where I was when I got my first real introduction to Barack Obama. It was February, 2007. I was in SFO, getting ready to fly back to Virginia after a company offsite, looking for something to read at one of the airport book kiosks, when I saw his face staring up at me from the jacket of his latest book "The Audacity of Hope." I had heard about his fabled senate race though I had missed his historic speech at the 2004 DNC. I thought, what a marvelous American story, so I bought the book. For the next 5 hours in the air I read, and read, and with each page became more and more convinced that Barack should be our next president. I know that sounds incredibly premature, but that's how convinced I was of his integrity, his judgement, his intellect, and his ability to lead.

When I got back to Viriginia I tried to convey to my wife Susan how excited I was about him and that I was thinking about doing some political volunteer work for the first time in my life. She worked for Ted Kennedy in the nineties and had seen all sides of politics, so while she was encouraging I could tell that she was understandably cautious about such a fresh face, particularly in the dog eat dog world that modern politics had become. I gave her the book to read while I picked up "Dreams from my Father" at Barnes and Noble and started to learn even more about this amazing man.

Within a few weeks I had registered with his website and signed up for an event to meet up with others hopeful for change. I remember being struck by the diversity of people at that event - people of all races and age groups had showed up. The people I met that day would set the stage for my involvement in the campaign over the next year. Within a few months, Susan and I had hosted a kickoff house party, marched in a parade with Obama supporters, and I had attended several fundraising events including one in D.C. where I got to see Barack in person and shake his hand. In June I spent several nights at the Arlington County Fair collecting signatures to get Barack on the primary ballot in VA. I was blogging and raising money. By the end I tallied that between personal fundraising and the house party, I had helped raise close to $4,000 for his campaign.

I couldn't believe the energy at every event, though it never surprised me given the man and the power of his message. When primary season began, I was thinking that America didn't even know yet what a candidate they had. Some were surprised by Iowa, but I wasn't. When Barack swept the Beltway, including a Virginia primary that had the highest voter turnout ever and which even saw conservative neighbors of mine voting for Obama, I couldn't have been more proud of my new adopted state, and I knew that it was just the beginning.

After Barack was nominated at the DNC, many of our old doubts and fears resurfaced, with people talking about the Palin bump and how the Republicans were going to outmaneuver us again. Throughout this time I maintained an optimistic viewpoint. I just knew there was way too much substance there for people to ignore. When pundits call this or that debate a draw, I was like "which debate were they watching?" In the end the American people spoke, and spoke loudly.

I want to thank everyone for enduring my emails over the last year and a half. This was a long a grueling campaign and I know the road ahead will be even harder. But I am convinced that that Barack Obama will go down as not just the first African-American president, but as one of our great presidents. I have always felt that he is a once a century politician, and that we are all lucky to be alive to experience this. He is not just our Kennedy, he is our FDR. So join me today in a toast to him, but more importantly to the American people, who finally found the courage to reclaim their country.

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Yes, We Can! in every language -- Yes We Did!

By Kevin Vincent - Nov 2nd, 2008 at 1:09 am EDT

Also listed in: 7 groups

Back in January before the Virginia primary -- what seems like years ago now -- I posted a blog with translations of "Yes We Can". Since the primary, I have gotten a few additional translations. Now almost on the eve of this historic election, when we will all get to proudly cast our ballots for Barack Obama, it is time to post an updated version. I wish I also had translations of "Yes We Will" to add and then on Wednesday that I could add "Yes We Did!" translations, but we'll have to do that after November 4.

If you want to see the updated translations, here's the link --

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/kevinvincent/CjTS

I have been so proud to be part of this amazing movement for Change and Hope. And like you, I can't wait to see Barack in the White House.

Thank you so much for everything you all have done for the past two years, and for everything else I know you will do during the next three days, to make this dream for all of us come true. We still have much work to do, but I know that --

Yes We Can!

Yes We Will!

Kevin Vincent, Coordinator

Arlingtonians for Obama

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Absentee in person ends TODAY

By J. Scott - Nov 1st, 2008 at 12:59 pm EDT

Also listed in: 25 groups

Virginia, this is it. Millions of people have already voted absentee for Barack Obama and today is the last day for eligible residents to vote absentee in person in Virginia.

Registrars are open across Virginia today, click here to find out where and when your registrar is open for absentee voting.

After you vote, you should make sure that others get out and vote by signing up here. And if you do not have time today, you can still vote on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4th!

Enjoy these pictures of people voting absentee in Richmond!

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Our final challenge

By J. Scott - Oct 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm EDT

Also listed in: 29 groups

We just sent out this e-mail:

Dear Scott,

This is it. Get out the vote -- the final stage of a historic campaign here in Virginia -- has begun. This is when we prove that what we've built is real and can deliver the change America needs.

We've talked to thousands of undecided Virginians and formed neighborhood teams to spread our message of change throughout our communities. But all of this work means nothing if we don't get people out to vote.

Watch this short video about our strategy to win the commonwealth and sign up for a volunteer shift to get out the vote:

We have the chance to make history here in Virginia. This is your chance to be a part of it.

This plan won't work without you. What you do or don't do in the next two weeks will decide the outcome of this race.

We can't risk waking up on November 5th to four more years of the same failed policies and the same cynical politics.

Sign up for a shift and do your part in bringing this campaign across the finish line:

http://va.barackobama.com/GOTV

This is our moment. We've worked too hard to let this slip through our hands now.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Virginia State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- If you will be gone from your locality on Election Day, or will be commuting to work 11 out of the 13 hours on November 4th, you can vote right now. Find out how:

http://va.barackobama.com/voteearly

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OBAMA PUMPKIN STENCILS!!!

By Obama4Me - Oct 15th, 2008 at 5:27 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

CARVE A PUMPKIN AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR SENATOR OBAMA!!! THIS IS TOO CUTE!! LETS DO OBAMA PUMPKINS ACROSS THE US!!

http://yeswecarve.com/category/stencils/page/2/

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Blue Obama Biden Wallpapers

By Dan - Oct 10th, 2008 at 5:59 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

I've create some common sized wallpapers using the Obama Biden logo set on a blue background. Click on the screen to to select the screen size...

Available in the following standard screen sizes: 1600x1200, 1280x1024, 1024x768 & 800x600. As well as the following 2 wide screen sizes: 1920x1200 & 1680x1050

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My first women-to-women postcard writing event

By Jill - Oct 4th, 2008 at 6:46 am EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

September 29, 2008. Alexandria, VA. 15 women. 2 hours. 300 Virginia travel postcards.

This was the first women-to-women postcard writing event I’ve hosted (and given the feedback, probably not the last—though time is of the essence for getting things into the mail). I heard about them during the primaries and was intrigued by the idea. I’ve sought out events to host that tap into those who are anxious to take action in support of Obama, but reluctant to try phonebanking and canvassing.

I have to say I was surprised, impressed, and delighted by the fact that this amazing group of women (I’d only met 4 of them before this event) poured their hearts out in support of Obama and completed all 300 postcards. Using pens & clipboards, provided by some who could not attend, they were intent on getting the job done--at times so intent, the only thing that could be heard was the “Yes We Can” CD playing in the background. I’m not sure some of them stopped writing log enough to get anything to eat or drink. We’re talking some goal-oriented women! We ended the evening with all the cards written, stamped and ready to be dropped off at the local Obama office for addressing and mailing to undecided women voters.

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Free Printable Obama Signs

By Dan - Sep 29th, 2008 at 1:21 am EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Here are updated versions of the signs, now featuring the Obama Biden text with the "O" logo. All of these signs are ready-to-print PDFs and currently sized for standard letter paper (8½ by 11 inches). The contents are all vector based and should scale up nicely if you wish to print at larger sizes.

Print some out and tape them up in your car, in your house, give them to other supporters or use them as signs! Email your friends and family asking them to do the same!

If you find these signs useful, then please consider helping Barack & Joe by making a donation to Obama for America and help me reach my personal fundraising goal (all donations are directly to the campaign).

It's secure, very easy and takes just a minute. Every dollar helps Barack and Joe get out their message especially in tight battleground states.

Click on any of the thumbnails below to go to the download site.

Landscape on a white background...

Landscape on a blue background...

Portrait on a white background...

Portrait on a blue background...

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Today's Obama Works event

By Jill - Sep 20th, 2008 at 9:53 pm EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

Jones Point Park Clean Up

On a perfect early fall morning, more than 20 energetic volunteers, inspired by Sen. Obama's call to service, pitched in to clean up Jones Point Park Alexandria, VA on Sept. 20. Jones Point Park, the largest open space in the Old Town Historic area, encompasses 60 acres in the southeast corner of Alexandria, Virginia, at the site of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The Park is owned by the National Park Service and managed by the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Because of the somewhat remote location along the Potomac River, it doesn't receive some of the attention given to other open spaces in the city. Volunteers showed up with work gloves and enthusiasm for the event. The park is used primarily as a dog walking area and several regulars let us know what a great job we had done in beautifying the shoreline. What a great morning it was and what a terrific group of people answered the call to service.

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Obama and sustainability seen from Tibet and Korea

By David Berry - Sep 17th, 2008 at 10:11 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

I arrived in Korea on the Chusok holiday, when families honor their departed predecessors with celebratory family dinners like thanksgiving. Last week I was with a wonderful family in Drikung Tibet. Back on e-mail I’m sad for American families that McCain is ahead of Barack Obama in the polls. The personalities don’t matter to me; it’s the policies and results. I am restless to contribute to the awareness we need to move toward sustainability. I can't think of anything we could do for sustainability whether making speech or publishing a paper, making a green investment or running a workshop that would make as much difference as an Obama Administration over a McCain Administration.

Here are a few things we can do:

1. We can each think of at least one person we know who may not vote because they think it doesn’t make a difference, they are not enthusiastic about Obama, they supported Hillary, or they will be out of town. Rather than argue we can gently support them in seeing the stark differences on the economy, environment, social equity and foreign policy between McCain and Obama. McCain is supported by lobbyists and big oil for a good reason.

2. We can go to our county office and vote early at a poll booth. We sign a form saying we may be out of town on Election Day. Take a wavering friend or two with you. You will avoid the lines on Election Day and you will be sure you and your friend get a vote in.

3. I have created a group and page on the Obama site “The Spirit of Sustainabilty” http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/TheSpiritofSustainablityEconomyEnvironme From there we can raise the profile of environment and sustainability in the campaign. The Obama Energy and Environment web page has been improved since I sent e-mails to campaign advisors and I will keep going. I set up a fund raising for sustainability page on the Obama web site: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/davidberry . The funds go straight to the campaign as a signal that many Obama supporters favor policies that promote sustainability.

4. If direct campaign activity is of interest to you, after registering at the Obama site through either of those web links there are opportunities to write letters to the editor and otherwise help with the campaign in your area. I am writing to friends to encourage them to support the Obama campaign in recognizing the importance of sustainability and to pass the word on to their friends.

Some content: Regarding economic fairness, an Obama Administration would cut taxes for everyone making under 112k much more than McCain and about the same for those under 160K. He would raise taxes for those making more than 600K per year. The McCain tax plan gives tiny tax cuts to average working Americans and gives large tax cuts to the top 10% of incomes. Why are these facts so hard for the American people to see when it is available in the press and on line?

Regarding environment, Obama has better proposals including on climate change and renewal energy. These are outlined on his web site at http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy .The more frequent stronger hurricanes climate scientists predicted since the early nineties are here and Sarah Palin doubts a human factor in global warming. McCain poses as green but the League of Conservation Voters gives him a lifetime voting score of 24% compared to Obama’s 86%. http://lcv-ftp.org/LCV/omchart.pdf Obama is also better on air and water quality.

Obama is better on health care http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/ and the Iraq war where the Iraqi government now insists on a timetable for troop withdrawal like what Obama has proposed. This race should not be close. What awful chord in American culture resonates with the distortions of the McCain ads and doesn’t bother getting the facts? Let’s each do what we can to get the result that will support sustainability now.

You can forward this e-mail to friends. From the web page at http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/davidberry folks can sign on to the Obama site and read his detailed proposals themselves.

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A Nice Note

By Brenda - Sep 17th, 2008 at 7:38 pm EDT

Also listed in: 7 groups

While pulling out of a parking spot after grocery shopping, I noticed a handwritten note on my windshield. I'm think... great, somebody wrote something nasty in response to my Obama bumper sticker. I was pleasantly suprised. It read "Great bumper sticker. Obama... our next president!" I drove home with a smile on my face! I think I'll make a habit out of writing notes myself.

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Obama and McCain Income Tax plans

By David Berry - Sep 17th, 2008 at 5:54 am EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Some e-mails have been circulating with false information about the tax plans of Obama and McCain. The Tax Policy Center a joint project of the Urban institute and the Brookings Institution has analyzed the plans and finds the following percentage changes in after tax income based on the two plans. McCain’s tax cuts favor the upper brackets and those folks may favor his plan. While the Obama plan will neither cut nor increase my taxes, I strongly support it out of fairness:

Family Income

above $2.87 million: McCain tax cut 4.4% Obama tax increase 11.5%

603,403 to 2.87 million McCain tax cut 3.4% Obama tax increase 8.7%

226,982 to 603,402 McCain tax cut 3.1% Obama no tax change

160,973 to 226,981 McCain tax cut 3.0% Obama tax cut 1.9%

111,646 to 160,972 McCain tax cut 2.5% Obama tax cut 2.1%

66,355 to 111,645 McCain tax cut 1.4% Obama tax cut 1.8%

37,596 to 66,354 McCain tax cut 0.7% Obama tax cut 2.4% > 60% of taxpayers

18,982 to 37,595 McCain tax cut 0.5% Obama tax cut 3.6% > are in the bottom

Up to 18,981 McCain tax cut 0.2% Obama tax cut 5.5% > three groups

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Why I’m Voting for Obama

By D Theus - Sep 16th, 2008 at 5:55 pm EDT

Also listed in: 4 groups

I’m a moderate, middle class, working mother and small business owner who has voted both Democrat and Republican over the past 24 years. Despite being a diligent voter, until this election I’ve never been politically active because I generally find things in both candidates to admire; where I think they fall short, I have trusted in our democracy to be a check on their power to do really stupid things. And so I've never felt the need to become active - until now. Why now? Why am I now stumping for Barack Obama?

I like to "vote on the issues," but this is the first election I've participated in that I don't think is primarily about "the issues." Both Senators running for President have a reasonable position on many issues - with the exception of McCain's position on the the economy. I think this election is about values, the economy and how our leaders conduct themselves on behalf of us, the voters, citizens and residents of the USA. I am not talking about "stated values," but "demonstrated values," in how our leaders behave. I have become extremely dissatisfied with the way the GOP leaders currently in office run our country, as have many Americans, and I believe the change they brought to Washington eight years ago has morphed into serious compromise of American values. After eight years of the GOP and Bush/Cheney governance, including lack of regulatory oversight especially in the financial and environmental sectors, I no longer have faith that even our great democracy can withstand such poor judgment in our Chief Executive and his primary Lieutenant. As a result I’m adding my voice to those who want to see our country in the hands of people who not only talk about our values, but who live them as well. I want REAL change in Washington.

I believe Senator Obama can bring the change we need back into power and that, by virtue of how he's running his campaign, Senator McCain cannot. In short, here’s why.

Why I Will Vote for Sen. Obama

I like Obama’s values, shaped by a life dedicated to public service and in situations and circumstances that make him able to appreciate the issues that concern me such as those facing middle class working and socioeconomically diverse families in urban America.
I like Obama’s substance, especially on the economy, representing thoughtful and realistic pluralist positions that factor in the complexity of our world today in which economic security and national security are entwined.
I like Obama’s tactics, demonstrating that even when he plays rough he does not compromise his values and behaves in a gentlemanly way, respectful and courteous of his opponents and the American people.
I like Obama’s running mate, Senator Joe Biden, showing that Obama understands his weaknesses and is shrewd enough to shore them up in a way that makes him stronger and enables him to better serve the nation should be he be elected and should he be incapacitated.

Why I Won't Vote for Sen. McCain

I like what McCain used to stand for, independent thought and a willingness to take on the GOP extremists, but that makes me all the more disappointed in his capitulating to the extremist right wing in his selection of Sarah Palin that allows the GOP who's stumping for him to engage in hypocrisy on everything from teen pregnancy to “celebrity” campaign tactics.
I don't like McCain's tactics - he no longer stands for 'change' in the GOP - succumbing to the same smear tactics such as distorting facts and taking statements out of context that Karl Rove used so effectively on President Bush's behalf in the last two elections (to the point that even Rove says McCain is going too far). To me, by giving in to such tactics tarnishes the Senator's 'maverick' credentials and demonstrates that nothing in Washington will change, tactically or with respect to fundamental policy positions that have put our economy at such risk.
I believe that McCain's position on taxes is irresponsible. McCain's proposal to provide tax cuts across the board is a 'hail Mary throw' that the richest Americans and corporations will "trickle down" their wealth to save our economy, which is currently buckling under the missteps resulting from the GOP's ineffective government oversight and policy these last eight years (which McCain supported as Senator 90% of the time). I am a small business owner and I know the value of a balanced set of books and manageable debt. Sound fiscal management is what enables us to weather economic challenges we can't avoid and invest for the future. Our country's budget numbers are just too unbalanced, and our economic vulnerability too acute, to support the "less income and more spending" fiscal approach McCain espouses through his tax plan. The U.S. cannot afford to continue growing our already huge deficit at a time when we need resources to respond to the war, failing economic sectors, natural disasters and the rise of formidable economic peers in the form of China, India and the European Union.
I believe that McCain’s choice of Governor Sarah Palin for Vice President is irresponsible. Regardless of where either McCain or Palin actually stand on the issues, putting anyone (man or woman) “one heartbeat from the presidency” who has so little leadership experience representing the large and diverse populations that comprise our country; anyone whose actual record of accomplishments are both uncertain and preliminary; and anyone who (admittedly) has so little understanding and knowledge of the major issues facing our nation – putting anyone like this so close to assuming one of the most powerful positions in the world is irresponsible. It is irresponsible because no matter how good Sarah Palin could be, she is not seasoned enough yet to be that effective and the result is that it will be others – who have not been elected – who will be calling the shots in the event that McCain, a 72 year old cancer survivor, cannot perform his duties. For a conservative's view on her lack of experience, read David Brook's NY Times 9/15/08 Op-Ed )

What am I going to do?
With this message I'm becoming politically active for the first time in my adult life. I'm walking door-to-door, calling my neighbors, emailing my friends. I'm asking YOU to think about what is important to you this November and I'm asking you to get active too in whatever way you can.

What am I asking you to do?

If you agree with this statement, forward it to all your friends and add your thoughts
Learn More
Donate to Obama
Register to vote by October 6 (for VA voters)
Vote on November 4
Vote for the demonstrated values you want to represent you
Feel free to contact me to discuss this election more: Dana Theus, Arlington, VA [dana (at) theus (dot) com]
Vote for Barack Obama!

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because politics are personal

By Jeannie Biniek - Sep 7th, 2008 at 11:42 pm EDT

Also listed in: Arlingtonians for Obama | DC for Obama | Fairfax for Obama

I have never considered my parents to be very political people. My dad has always voted and he even took us with him when we were younger to the polls. Politics were not, however, something we discussed at the dinner table - or really at all, for that matter. I was drawn to politics on my own. I saw Mark Warner speak as a senior in high school and decided that i needed and wanted to do something to get him elected. I wasn't old enough to vote that year, so I made sure my mom voted. At the time, she was what I now recognize to be a "sporadic voter". She paid attention to what was going on, but didn't always actually make it to the polls. (that has since changed)

In the past year, my parents have shown me that they're actually more political than I ever thought. I love to talk politics, and these days I can almost always find an audience, but with my parents the conversation is a bit different. Its more than just talking points and academic arguments; its more than idealistic 20-somethings talking about their view of the world. Its hard for me to really articulate what exactly it is, but it just feels more real. Its grounded in their own experiences - that life isn't fair, but if you work hard and never give up, that if you support and love you friends and family unconditionally, that you will be able to make somthing of your life. For them, politics is personal. Its about the effect campaigns have on people's lives. Its about what happens after election day.

In the last year my parents have answered my request to get involved on numerous occasions. They have donated money, attended events, and my mom even traveled out of state to canvass for the primaries (her first campaign volunteer experience in her life). Every weekend they let me borrow their car so I can go canvass. They cook me dinner, even buying stuff they know I like because they know I'll be there. And today they agreed to open up their house to be a staging location for the campaign. They don't stop their lives to participate in politics. Instead, politics is something that's just part of them. My mom forwards me links to articles; my dad tells me about who was on Meet the Press or a particularly cleaver Daily Show skit. I never thought my parents were political. But I just didn't quite get it.

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Obama's 570 bills!!

By delantero - Sep 5th, 2008 at 9:19 am EDT

Also listed in: Arlingtonians for Obama | Boulder for Obama

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/21/164117/783?new=true

Of the 570 bills Senator Obama introduced into the Senate during the 109th and 110th Congress (Senate Bill numbers are in parentheses), they can be summarized as follows:

25 addressed Energy Efficiency and Climate Change
Suspend royalty relief for oil and gas (115)
Reduce dependence on oil; use of alternative energy sources (133)
Increase fuel economy standards for cars (767, 768)
Auto industry incentives for fuel efficient vehicles (1151)
Reduce green house gas emissions (1324)
Establish at NSF a climate change education program (1389)
Increase renewable content of gasoline (2202)
Energy emergency relief for small businesses and farms (269)
Strategic gasoline and fuel reserves (1794)
Alternative diesel standards (3554)
Coal to liquid fuel promotion (3623)
Renewable diesel standards (1920)
Reducing global warming pollution from vehicles (2555)
Fuel security and consumer choice (1994, 2025)
Alternative energy refueling system (2614)
Climate change education (1389)
Low income energy assistance (2405)
Oil savings targets (339)
Fuel economy reform (3694)
Plug-in electric drive vehicles (1617)
Nuclear release notice (2348)
Passenger rail investment (294)
Energy relief for low income families (2405)

21 addressed Health Care
Drug re-importation (334)
Health information technology (1262, 1418)
Discount drug prices (2347)
Health care associated infections (2278)
Hospital quality report cards (692, 1824)
Medical error disclosure and compensation (1784)
Emergency medical care and response (1873)
Stem cell research (5)
Medical Malpractice insurance (1525)
Health centers renewal (901, 3771)
Children’s health insurance (401)
Home health care (2061)
Medicare independent living (2103)
Microbicides for HIV/AIDS (823)
Ovarian cancer biomarker research (2569)
Gynological cancers (1172)
Access to personalized medicine through use of human genome (976)
Paralysis research and care (1183)

20 addressed Public Health:
Violence against women (1197)
Biodefense and pandemic preparedness and response (1821, 1880)
Viral influenza control (969)
End homelessness (1518)
Reduce STDs/unintended pregnancy (1790)
Smoking prevention and tobacco control (625)
Minority health improvement and disparity elimination (4024)
Nutrition and physical education in schools (2066)
Health impact assessments (1067, 2506)
Healthy communities (1068)
Combat methamphetamines (2071)
Paid sick leave (910)
Prohibit mercury sales (833, 1818)
Prohibit sale of lead products (1306, 2132)
Lead exposure in children (1811, 2132)

14 address Consumer Protection/Labor
Stop unfair labor practices (842)
Fair minimum wage (2, 1062, 2725, 3829)
Internet freedom (2917)
Credit card safety (2411)
Media ownership (2332)
Protecting taxpayer privacy (2484)
Working family child assistance (218)
Habeus Corpus Restoration (185)
Bankruptcy protection for employees and retirees (2092)
FAA fair labor management dispute resolution (2201)
Working families flexibility (2419).

13 addressed the Needs of Veterans and the Armed Forces:
Improve Benefits (117)
Suicide prevention (479)
Needs of homeless veterans (1180)
Homes for veterans (1084)
GI Bill enhancement (43)
Military job protection
Dignity in care for wounded vets (713)
Housing assistance for low income veterans (1084)
Military children in public schools (2151)
Military eye injury research and care (1999)
Research physical/mental health needs from Iraq War (1271)
Proper administration of discharge for personality disorder (1817, 1885)
Security of personal data of veterans (3592)

12 addressed Congressional Ethics and Accountability
Lobbying and ethics reform (230)
Stop fraud (2280)
Legislative transparency and accountability (525)
Open government (2180, 2488)
Restoring fiscal discipline (10)
Transparency and integrity in earmarks (2261)
Accountability of conference committee deliberations and reports (2179)
Federal funding accountability and transparency (2590)
Accountability and oversight for private security functions under Federal
contract (674)
Accountability for contractors and personnel under federal contracts
(2147) Resctrictions awarding government contracts (2519)

10 addressed Foreign Policy:
Iraq war de-escalation (313)
US policy for Iraq (433),
Divestiture from Iran (1430)
Sudan divestment authorization (831)
Millennium Development Goals (2433)
Multilateral debt relief (1320)
Development bank reform (1129)
Nuclear nonproliferation (3131,977,2224).

9 address Voting/Elections
Prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections (453)
Voter access to polls and services in Federal elections (737)
Voter intimidation and deceptive practices (1975)
Senate campaign disclosure parity (185)
Require reporting for bundled campaign contributions (2030)
Election jamming prevention (4102)
Campaign disclosure parity (223)
Presidential funding (2412)
Integrity of electronic voting systems (1487)

11 addressed Education
Increase access of low income African Americans to higher education (1513)
Establish teaching residency programs (1574)
Increase early intervention services (2111)
Middle school curriculum improvements (2227)
Public database of scholarships, fellowships and financial aid (2428)
Summer learning programs (116)
TANF financial education promotion (924)
Higher education (1642)
Build capacity at community colleges (379)
Campus law enforcement in emergencies (1228)
Support for teachers (2060).

6 addressed Hurrican Katrina
Hurricane Katrina recovery (2319)
Emergency relief (1637)
Bankruptcy relief and community protection (1647)
Working family tax relief (2257)
Fair wages for recovery workers (1749)
Gulf coast infrastructure redevelopment (1836)

5 addressed the Environment
Drinking water security (218, 1426)
Water resources development (728)
Waste water treatment (1995)
Combat illegal logging (1930)
Spent nuclear fuel tracking and Acountability (1194)
Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act (Introduced in Senate)[S.726.IS ]

4 addressed Discrimination
Claims for civil class action based on discrimination (1989)
Domestic partnership benefits (2521)
Unresolved civil rights crimes (535)
Equality or two parent families (2286)

4 addressed Homeland Security
Judicial review of FISA orders (2369)
National emergency family locator (1630)
Amend US Patriot Act (2167)
Chemical security and safety (2486)

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Obama's Senate Record

By delantero - Sep 5th, 2008 at 9:17 am EDT

Also listed in: Arlingtonians for Obama | Boulder for Obama

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/21/164117/783?new=true

Of the 15 bills Senator Obama sponsored or co-sponsored in 2005-7 that became law:

Two addressed foreign policy:
Promote relief, security and democracy in the Congo (2125)
Develop democratic institutions in areas under Palestinian control (2370).

Three addressed public health:
Improve mine safety (2803)
Increased breast cancer funding (597)
Reduce preterm delivery and complications, reduce infant mortality (707).

Two addressed openness and accountability in government:
Strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (2488)
Full disclosure of all entities receiving federal funds (2590)

Two addressed national security
Extend Terrorist Risk Insurance (467)
Amend the Patriot Act (2167)

One addressed the needs of the Armed Forces
Wave passport fees to visit graves, attend memorials/funerals of veterans abroad (1184).

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The Blue Tide is Coming

By Brandon - Aug 31st, 2008 at 9:11 am EDT

Also listed in: 4 groups

I knocked on over 100 doors yesterday in South Arlington and I was really blown away by the encounters I had. This was far and away the best day of canvassing.

I ran into at least 6-8 people who either previously voted with the GOP or were undecided but who are now voting for Obama. A pregnant woman and her neighbor were discussing how Palin was the last straw- she's now voting for Obama while her husband votes McCain.

I registered two new hispanic citizens to vote and told them about
Obama and Warner...they can't wait to vote.

On almost every street people stopped me to say hi and talk about the campaign, people drove by in cars with fist pumps and shouts of "Obama!" There is an Obama yard sign on almost every street.

The stories go on and on. The blue tide is coming to NOVA, but we need everyone's help. Please get out there and canvass if you can...you won't regret it.

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If you missed it.

By Arusha Gordon - Aug 30th, 2008 at 10:53 am EDT

Also listed in: 14 groups

In case you missed Thursday's night historic speech, you can watch it here. More than 80,000 people joined Barack in Denver to be part of the moment, and tens of millions more shared the experience across the country.

This campaign belongs to supporters like you who have built a movement for change across the commonwealth and across the nation. We have an unprecedented opportunity this weekend to capture the interest and momentum from the convention - please join us during our Weekend of Action.

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Virginia volunteer to speak tonight

By Arusha Gordon - Aug 27th, 2008 at 10:34 am EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

From today's Virginian-Pilot. One of our super-star volunteers will be taking center stage tonight.

Chesapeake woman speaks tonight at Democratic convention
A Chesapeake woman is set to take the stage tonight at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Beth Robinson, who was invited last week by Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign, plans to speak on behalf of military wives and families. Robinson’s husband, Matt, is a Marine who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Robinson has multiple sclerosis and has said that she plans to talk about healthcare.
“Unless you’re a healthy person, the system doesn’t work well,” she told the Virginian-Pilot in an interview last week. “They don’t make it simple for people, especially for a person who hasn’t learned to be an advocate for themselves.”
Robinson will speak as part of the convention’s American Voices Center Stage feature. She is scheduled to speak at about 9 p.m. EST. She will be appearing after former President Bill Clinton and before U.S. Sen. John Kerry.

Beth introduces Michelle at a roundtable for military families last month in Norfolk. Thanks to Stephanie of Lawyermama.com for this great photo.

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TOP TEN TIPS FOR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR especially for the Dem Convention:

By chicagoexpat - Aug 26th, 2008 at 11:56 am EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

Increase the media coverage of your favorite moments about the convention by writing a letter to the editor on behalf of your favorite candidate for president!

(As one follow-up to the blog post "Don't whine about the news/polls/attack ads... ORGANIZE!" http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/chicagoexpat/gG5FMS )

TOP TEN TIPS ON PUBLISHING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

1) It is best to keep the letter short, to the point, and polite. Remember you are trying to persuade your undecided neighbors to vote for Barack Obama for President.
a) Newspapers generally don't print anything over 200 words, or about 20 lines
b) Stay on message, and stay with one message per letter

2) Write informally and conversationally in tone, you’re writing for your neighbors. Use your own language, don't try to sound like a reporter or an editorial essay writer. Be yourself.

You can appeal to people’s emotions with your own style, imagery, phrasing, or varied sentence structure if you want. Passion is fine, but be polite. A letter from a young person, noting their age or grade, is also very effective.

Also, successful "letters to the editor" are often based on a strong news hook or a timely response to a current issue covered by your news outlet (like the political conventions, or when Obama comes to your state for an event, or an article about the campaign, or when the Presidential debates are held).

But if you want to write a letter, you don't have to wait for this to happen: JUST DO IT!

3) You can personalize it with something specific that happened to you or something in your community. Did you hear the Obama give a speech somewhere?

The important thing is to write about something that matters to you about supporting Barack Obama for President.

4) Send it on appropriate letterhead. That is, if you're speaking only for yourself, don't use your business or organization letterhead but only your personal letterhead (if you have any).

If you're announcing an endorsement or official position of your organization or business, then you can use organization letterhead (check with the boss though!).

5) Include your contact information to verify you wrote the letter; some outlets do not publish letters until they verify who wrote the letters sent to them.

6) In general, letters should be typed up (newspaper editors will not want to decipher anyone’s handwriting). Also proofread and spell check your letter before sending it.

7) Choose the newspaper to send it to. Check your local paper for the correct address and editor to send it to. Many papers now have on-line, internet access for sending letters-to-the editor.

Don't forget weekly community newspapers. The major daily newspapers in your area have the most readers, but the smaller, weekly community newspapers are also important. They are also usually more likely to print your letter than a major newspaper.

One site list newspapers across the nation, broken down by state and locality, at http://www.newslink.org/

You can find others by using any web search engine. For finding addresses for community weekly papers, e.g., you can go to a search engine like Google and type in your metro area and keyword, like "Pullman, Washington, news media" or "Vancouver, Washington, news media."

8) If you don't get your letter published, it may not have been published simply for space or deadline reasons. You can always send it again, or send it to a different daily, weekly, or community newspaper.

9) Please send a copy of your letter to your local party HQ or Obama campaign, it will lift their spirits.

10) Example of letters people have already written include:

"Another Pro-Obama Letter To the Editor" that was published as a blog post.
(at http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/dobrocat/gGx42L )

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