My relative wrote this after sending her political e-mail one too many times:OK .... so I get it ..... you are for Obama and don't want to hear anything about anybody else. But enough already !!! I am getting more mail from you than anyone, and it's all crap I am not interested in. I will make up my own mind --- don't need some of your propaganda to influence me. And ..... you also need to double check some of your info ---- it is not all accurate, believe me.My Response:Oops. It looks like I angered the only kin folks I have. And you are wrong. I am not so much for Obama as against 4 more years of Bush policies, which have been a disaster for the Country. I do like Obama, because he has some good answers, and he is running a populous campaign and not taking money from special interests. I was not political at all until I saw how Bush was running the Country into the ground and breaking laws and subverting the Constitution. I really sincerely believe that we are currently moving toward a fascist State run by corporations and the wealthy. As a person who loves his Country, I want to do whatever I can to see that this does not happen, even if it means bothering my relatives.If you really think this is CRAP, I will take your name off the list if you tell me to. I urge you to really take a serious look at the issues and realize that we are at a critical turning point for the Country and everyone in it. As someone from Detroit who has seen the Auto industry fall on its ass due to Nafta, free trade policies, which only benefit Republican campaign contributors, loss of jobs overseas, and tax breaks for the rich, I would think you might have second thoughts about voting for a continuation of the Bush policies.As American voters, we can no longer afford to vote Party line with out looking deeply behind the rhetoric. We need to understand what is happening to the Country and to us. We are much worse off than 8 years ago. We have lost Constitutional rights, standing in the World, over 4,000 soldiers and 10 times that in wounded, lower standard of living due to high gas and food prices, stagnant wages, lost real estate value and the lost of value in the dollar. The only people who have done well are the wealthy like George Bush and John McCain and their friends.You are wrong that I "don't want to hear anything about anybody else". Please PLEASE tell me what I am missing. I try to listen to all the opinions and candidates so that I can make a rational decision based on fact, not "Paris Hilton" attack ads. Every time I listen to McCain he seems less intelligent and his plans less meaningful.This criticism is extremely important to me. You said "you also need to double check some of your info ---- it is not all accurate, believe me". I try very hard to get to the truth, so please tell me what points are inaccurate.Whether you vote Obama or McCain, I feel like I have accomplished one of my goals. That goal is to engage other people in thoughtful, intelligent, and polite conversation of the issues. Hopefully we can do this with open minds and all learn something from others. I am doing volunteer voter registration and I am happy to sign up Republicans, as I feel it is more important to get people involved, than to promote the agenda of one party over the other.I am appalled by the lack of involvement and knowledge of the American people in general and I am sure that we can both agree that an informed, involved electorate is the best way to preserve our Democracy.Here are some more quotes for you:----------- A Nation’s best defense is an educated citizenryThomas JeffersonA popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.James Madison--------------------I don't claim to know all the answers, but I have strong opinions based on research and observation during the last 7 years. Before Bush was elected, I was the typical low information voter, and sometimes I didn't make my final decision until I walked into the booth. I just wasn't that interested. The Bush Presidency definitely politicized me. I am not a Democrat. I am actually an independent and more often than not, I voted Republican. In my opinion the current administration has totally abandoned the ideals of the Republican Party, which attracted me in the past. If Ron Paul was the nominee, we might be on the same side of the coin in this election. Unfortunately John McCain has adopted almost all of the positions of the Bush administration in order to garner support from his perceived base.Bottom line- We can not afford to continue down the same road and take a chance on John McCain
OK .... so I get it ..... you are for Obama and don't want to hear anything about anybody else. But enough already !!! I am getting more mail from you than anyone, and it's all crap I am not interested in. I will make up my own mind --- don't need some of your propaganda to influence me. And ..... you also need to double check some of your info ---- it is not all accurate, believe me.
Why is no one else contributing? I made my last $50 contribution when the total was at $805. Before this current contribution, the total was $855, so I am the only contribution since 6/28/08. That is pretty sad.
In my opinion one of the great things about the Obama Campaign is that he is not accepting lobbyist or PAC money. Since that is the case, he needs the support of the people. We complain about special interests running the government, but the only way to take our Country back from the special interest groups is to support a candidate who is not beholding to big donors.
If you truly want CHANGE, this is the best way to get it. Otherwise it is business as usual in Washington.
It is time for Durangotangs to step up. We are a long way from our $5,000 fund raising goal. There are 125 members of Durangotangs for Obama and only 27 have made a contribution.
Ten Reasons Why Volunteering for Obama is More Important Than RaftingI know, I know. Sacrilege, right? This is Durango. Rafting, climbing, surfing Corner Pocket - it's a way of life. It's what we all love about this town. Who can resist the siren song of Smelter in thoseperfect hours before the afternoon thunderstorms move in? Nonetheless, consider this a kick in the wetsuit - a plea to you river rats to leave your gear at home today and pick up a phone or a voter registration packet instead. Here are ten reasons why you should act now to get our boy Barack elected instead of going rafting today.1. McCain's proposals for combating global warming look to be about as comprehensive and up-to-date as plastic-wrap rubbers. Winters like this last one will become a thing of the past. What will you do when it's May and (the soul quakes at the thought) the river tops out at 1500 because the snowmelt is nonexistent?2. You can show off your scar from that one time you wiped out under Main Street bridge to all the chicks who dig Obama supporters.*3. *Trust me on this. It rates just below having an accent and just above playing guitar.4. Colorado is basking in the limelight this year due to its swing-state status. Our nine electoral votes? They actually matter this time around. We have a legitimate shot at making this longtimeRepublican state go blue. So when you convince that elderly woman to register to vote despite her fear that something will climb out of your dreadlocks and bite her, it could actually be the decidingfactor.5. You know how to size up a situation, go for it if it looks promising, and bail if it starts to get ugly. You'll be a natural at going door-to-door.6. We can't make the mistake of thinking that no one pays attention to this stuff until fall. What happens later may well hinge on what happens on the ground in July and August. With Durango's transient young population, mail-in voting is huge, which means we need to get out the vote long before the election even happens. Yeah, I'm talking about you, deadbeat sleeping on your friend's couch.7. That tan line says you could really use a day wearing something other than your life vest.8. Calling McCain supporters will help you later when you need to talk that six-year-old out of jumping into a deceptively calm eddy.9. Today, we have the chance to elect a man who will mean a new direction for the United States and the world.10. The river will still be there tomorrow.~ Emily Johnson, Obama neighborhood leader
As of today, I'm officially a Neighborhood Outreach Leader. Or Coordinator, I forget the title. I should really get that down, because (as Mary freely admitted when offering me the gig), a title is all she can offer me. That and job satisfaction.My first assignment was to retool a little press bulletin about a volunteer organizational meeting that will take place this coming Saturday and run it down to the Durango Herald. I also fired it off to a contact I have at the Durango Telegraph on the off-chance it'll make this Thurday's issue. If anyone interested is reading this, here's the essential info:La Plata County Volunteer Organizational MeetingWhen: Saturday July 26 at 1:00 PM. Where: 701 Camino Del Rio (Commons Building). Look for signs pointing you in the right direction.
Please come on out! Colorado is such a crucial state for Obama. It's a great opportunity to make some serious ripples.
It's time for the uncommitteds to come out, and I realized that my representative is among them. As posted through John Salazar (CO)'s web site:
Congressman Salazar,It's been over two months since Senator Obama won the Colorado caucus, by a 2:1 landslide. Here in Durango, the support for Obama is even greater (almost 5:1 in the caucus I attended).After the election, I thought I'd get to know you a bit better, to make sure we were in good hands, and was very pleased by what I found on your web site and in your biography.Given your values, I was left with no doubt that would you feel the same as your constituents in this matter.It's time for this battle to end, however, and the battle for the White House to begin. We need your help to make that transition. I'd like to ask you, on behalf of the the 3rd district, to hop down off the proverbial fence and ratify the will of Colorado Democrats.I'll be watching, and hope to see an announcement soon.Regards,
I'm going to post my pics from the state convention on my Obama Brigade page if anyone is interested in looking at those. The quality isn't the best; my camera/phone sucks. I'll be getting a new phone soon and I've dropped the hint to my son that momma needs a digital camera ;>)
Obama Brigade Link:
http://www.obamabrigade.com/profile/ElizabethBethMcKinley
I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO BLOG ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE AS A DELEGATE TO OUR STATE CONVENTION!!
As many of you know, I was unable to attend the Third Congressional District Assembly or the State Convention. While sad, the decision was a good one for my family etc.
However, we have Durangotangs for Obama on the ground in Colorado Springs who are reporting in! It seems the Assembly yesterday was crazy with some people standing in line for 6-7 hours! It appeared to be very disorganized and reports are that some delegates stood up and left. However, I haven't heard the results for Mark Udall and will report back when I do!
A victory for Obama is a victory for the people! We won North Carolina by 14 points and only lost in Indiana by 2 points. Its very clear who our Democratic Nominee is but I will say it again "Obama will be the nominee". Here are the delegates for last night - North Carolina- Obama 65 delegates to Clintons 50 , Indiana- Obama 34 to Clintons 38.
Here is where we stand. Obama's total delegate count is 1852 to Clintons 1700. We have won 32 states to her 16 and now have 259 superdelegates to her 276. The math does not lie folks.
Pueblo for Obama supports Dr. Paul MccAffrey for National delegate and all other Obama National delegate hopefuls!
Delegate information: For more info go to www.coloradodem.org
Delegates to Congressional District 3 will be held on May 16, 2008 at 6pm.at Doubletree Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO. Registration is from 1-7pm.
Delegates to State Convention will be held on May 17, 2008 at 10am at the World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO. Registration starts at 7am.
Delegates to National Convention will be held on August 25-28, 2008 at Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
Obama campaign news
National Voter Registration Drive – Ian Bassin, Obama HQ, Terrence Batson, Pueblo Coordinator, Dave Poulin, Data manager, Keegan Buchanan, Obama team will coordinate and kick off the National Voter Registration Drive on May 10, 2008. Please contact Terrence Batson for volunteering opportunities. VRD training will be held at Democratic HQ at 10am .
Events
May 8, 2008 - Pueblo Democratic Party Planning meeting for Delegates and Alternates at Steelworkers Hall, 1414 E. Evans at 6pm. If you know you will not be attending the State or 3rd CD convention please notify Dem HQ at 546-2745.
May 10, 2008 - National VRD at 10am at Dem HQ with canvass to follow.
May 16, 2008 - 3rd CD convention/assemblies at Doubletree Hotel, Grand Ballroom, at 6pm. Registration is 1-7pm.
May 17, 2008 - State convention/assemblies at the World Arena at 10am. Registration begins at 7am.
Coordinated Campaign VRD update Mid May – Offices will be opening for Coordinated Campaign in Pueblo. May 1st they will be hiring staff (local) and need resumes. (100 Staff by June 1, 2008). VRD- target minority (40% of Hispanics are NOT registered according to Atlas Project), lower income, and students. They will have VRD at both PCC and CSU. They will have their own VRD# and trainings in Pueblo.Democratic Party will focus on early registration and mail in ballots.
Tatsue Maekawa
Admin. Pueblo for Obama VRD,
OPC, Obama Delegate to County and State
PuebloforObama@aol.com719 562-0141
Shelia Canfield-Jones
Obama For America
Delegate Team
Denver, CO cell:303 249 4114
scanfield@barackobama.com
Terrence Batson
County Coordinator
OPC, Obama Delegate to State and National hopeful
cougarsfang@yahoo.com
719 582-0226 cell after 6pm
Please make the time to call Indiana before May 6th! The campaign needs us more than ever right now as Indiana is undecided at this point according to the polls!! If each of us can convince one Obama supporter to get to the polls that wasn't going, or sway an undecided voter to Obama's side, or change someone's mind.....just think about our impact, if each of us does this, he'll win Indiana! Fired up and ready to go!!
Hey all,
As some of you already know from the meeting this past Saturday, I will no longer be the Pueblo County Coordinator. I have resigned this position due the my mothers (Ayako Robinson) recent passing (4-14-08). I will be a volunteer and limit my grassroots efforts.
I want to thank all of you who have supported my efforts since March 31, 2007 when there were only 5 or 10 of us at each event or meeting. I also want to thank all who gave me kind words of comfort (via emails or cards) during my loss and also the donations in my moms honor. Obama has set up such great people in this movement that I feel we are all connected somehow whether we know each other or not. You are all part of MY OBAMA EXTENDED FAMILY.
I will always fight for Obama and will continue my efforts via other avenues i.e. Democratic party, Coordinated Campaign and other key Pueblo candidacies. Obama has taught me a lot and I will use the tools he gave me to make positive change in Pueblo as well as the campaign. Obama has changed my life forever. I can never go back to doing nothing if I have the power to change things for the better. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things is with me forever.
I will continue to make orders for Obama items every month on the 3rd and will continue to have buttons, bumper stickers and rally signs free of charge to any supporter. If you need other items and need a donation form please contact me and I will send one out to you. I can no longer supply free shirts and yard signs but will order them for you at your expense.
If you have any further questions please feel free to continue to contact me but if you need direct attention to the campaign please contact Terrence Batson or Sheila Canfield Jones. Thank you all for your support! Obama 2008!!
Admin. Pueblo for Obama
OPC, Delegate to County and State
PuebloforObama@aol.com
719 562-0141
Pueblo County Coordinator
OPC, Delegate to State and National hopeful
Sheila Cansfield Jones
Obama for America
Delegate team
Denver, CO
Scanfield@barackobama.com
303 249-4114 cell
Wow. I just watched the entirety of the Bill Moyer interview (Online at http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04252008/watch.html ), and I couldn't be more impressed with both PBS and Reverend Wright, particularly as it includes the full sermons of his most controversial three sermons, along with discussion on each. It was fascinating. For the RNC to pull 3 and 7 word sounds bites out of context for the sole purpose of inflaming the American public (and then stand behind that decision!) is far more shocking and vulgar to me than anything Reverend Wright said. Any republican with integrity must be giving serious thought to rejecting AND denouncing the RNC about now. P.S. This interview was far more informative and interesting that anything I've seen on the MSM in a very long time (and no commercials!!!)
UPDATE
I just re-read the transcript of Jeremiah Wright's "Chickens coming home to roost" sermon (and the discussion of Psalm 137 just before that), and I have to say on second read, several thoughts came to mind:
First, the most shocking words actually come straight out of the Bible. As the sermon was given the Sunday after 9/11, and addressing those events, it's not terribly surprising that rather intense sections of the Bible were invoked.
Second, that the sermon is actually pretty dang good, helping to put 9/11 into historical and biblical context.
Third, that it's goal was to strongly convey a morale message: "Violence begets violence. Hatred begets hatred..."
Lastly, given Hillary's recent comments about "Obliterating Iran," I think she would be well advised to watch to this sermon and seriously consider its lesson.
