From a Romanian Newspaper
We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about the USA
Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title 'C'ntarea Americii, meaning 'Ode To America ') in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei 'The Daily Event' or 'News of the Day'.~An Ode to America ~ Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs.On 9/ll, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the Army, or the Secret Service that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts.. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about. Instead the Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing: 'God Bless America !' I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people. How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put into collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy. What on earth can unites the Americans in such way? Their land? Their history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace, I thought things over, I reached but only one conclusion... Only freedom can work such miracles. Cornel Nistorescu (This deserves to be passed around the Internet forever.) It took a person on the outside - looking in - to see what we take for granted !
GOD BLESS AMERIC A !!!
Every issue that America faces, whether it's health care reform, war, the economy, crime, etc., also faces the students in Her schools. I am a public school teacher in Minneapolis, MN (7th grade math). The economy is having huge impact on the students in my school. Last year, out of 115 or so students on my 7th grade team, 71 were new students at the end of the year. I hope that gives you an idea of the turn-around rate of students in my room.
I believe that poverty is the biggest social issue of our time. It is the biggest injustice there is. I believe that education is a key to ending poverty.
I hope that my future blog entries will inspire readers to act to promote social justice.
Thanks for taking your time to read this.
- Ken
Note: This is written by Verity Macgruder and English Columnist whose position requires anonimity
New from America includes tid bits of a CIA contract person torturing Detaness with Fire Ands , according to Yahoo and Glen Trush blogs.. And on the British side there are reports in the London Ecomomist that former Vice-president Dick Cheney is not one bit sorry aboput torture.
Here we can only sake our heads:Gordon Brown has been forced to allow public hearings on the road to the War in Iraq--wich will do nothing to enhance former Prime Minister Toy Blairs reputation.
Mr Blair, our American readers might not know sailed under false co,lors for years-travel;ing as an Anglican high church Defender iof the faith by day,and secret confessional Catholic by night.
This,dear Americansis a residue of anti-Catholism that has lasted 500 years and is still not dune. As late as World War 2 Catholics were formally barred from high offices because Catholics took marcfhing orders from the Vatican that the loyatly to Crown and State.
Mr Blairs Dual useism sort of corvers all the bases of religious experience. Unkind folk will say this is only an extension of Mr Blair's politics: he endevoured to be all things to all people.
Still as a assertive woman I can say Mr Blair was not Bill Clinton nosying about Monica Lewinsky of the world. Mr Blair-puppy doy that he was with his eargerness to please-was emminently sensible man who kept his feet fuly planted in the public spere. And that is why this inquiry is undertaken.
Mr Obama thought has sought to sweep Mr Push under the rug. He has vigourously resisted a "tructh comission" and hearings on torture. He remebers with good reason, the Coldby-Richard Bisell era of the 70's and the dark revelations of the FBI after Watergate, and does not want to repeat the withering of crediblity.
Mr Obama took an oath of office "to take care that the laws are faitfully executed." And actually ended up taking the oath twibecuse be botched the first one. He has commented that this is a goverment of laws not men. This means that all stand equal under the law.
Mr Obama acted with out fear or favor in prosecuting the Governor's of New York and Illinois for therir indiscretions. Yet he offers a double standard of justice,a free pass to Repuclicans dfor matters of misconduct happening of their watch--exergarious behaviour of the worst sort.
Earlier today, DFL Associate Chair, Donna Cassutt sent out the email below promoting the Campaign for Change's Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort...
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to. Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4? This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket. Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up. Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now. Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing. I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now. We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4. You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in. Click here to find an office near you. Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state. Sincerely, Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to.
Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4?
This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket.
Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up.
Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now.
Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing.
I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now.
We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4.
You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in.
Click here to find an office near you.
Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state.
Sincerely,
Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
On Monday, Michelle Obama returns to Minnesoa to speak with Minnesota voters about the clear choice they have in this election between change and more of the same.
Michelle discuss the everyday challenges that working families face as our economy worsens and talk about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s long records of standing up for women and families.
Here are the details, check back for an opportunity to RSVP for these events online:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 Rochester, MN COMMUNITY EVENT WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Taylor Arena at the Mayo Civic Center 30 Civic Center Drive SE Rochester, MN 55902 Doors Open: 10:30 AM Program Begins: 12:00 PM The event is free and open to the public. Free tickets are available at on a first-come, first served basis at the following location: Ticket Location Olmstead Co. Obama Campaign for Change Office 401 16th Ave. NW, #105 Rochester, MN 55901 Right off of 52, just past the Famous Dave's and the Perkins Map & Directions Tickets Available: 12 noon - 9 pm Saturday and Sunday For more information contact the Olmstead Co. Obama Campaign for Change office: (507) 536-9785. ***For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.*** St. Paul, MN CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Macalester College Leonard Center 125 Snelling Ave S St. Paul, MN 55105 Map & Directions Doors Open: 2:30PM Program Begins: 4:00PM This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. To RSVP, please visit mn.barackobama.com. Space is available on a first come first serve basis. ***For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.***
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13
Rochester, MN
COMMUNITY EVENT WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Taylor Arena at the Mayo Civic Center 30 Civic Center Drive SE Rochester, MN 55902
Doors Open: 10:30 AM Program Begins: 12:00 PM
The event is free and open to the public. Free tickets are available at on a first-come, first served basis at the following location:
Ticket Location Olmstead Co. Obama Campaign for Change Office 401 16th Ave. NW, #105 Rochester, MN 55901 Right off of 52, just past the Famous Dave's and the Perkins Map & Directions
Tickets Available: 12 noon - 9 pm Saturday and Sunday For more information contact the Olmstead Co. Obama Campaign for Change office: (507) 536-9785.
***For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.***
St. Paul, MN
CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Macalester College Leonard Center 125 Snelling Ave S St. Paul, MN 55105 Map & Directions
Doors Open: 2:30PM Program Begins: 4:00PM This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.
To RSVP, please visit mn.barackobama.com. Space is available on a first come first serve basis.
Inspired by the grassroots movement created by Barack Obama's historic presidential run, and his call for the change Americans need, a group of enthusiastic grassroots supporters met up at the Lake Harriet Rose Gardens last Thursday to record a music video set to the Larry Long's "Be The Change."
Larry Long, who wrote and performed "Be The Change," was inspired to create the piece by U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone:
Paul and Sheila Wellstone were my friends for over thirty years. During their last Senatorial campaign, I flew with Paul & Sheila to a debate in southwestern Minnesota. On the flight home, I asked Paul how he was able to handle what I perceived to be personal attacks. Paul simply quoted Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Watch this supporter-created music video below, and sign up to volunteer.... be a part of the change we seek. There are only 25 days left, and our moment is now.
Do you have a picture, video, or story you want to see posted on the blog? Share it with us!
With just 33 days until Election Day we need to step up our efforts to convince undecided voters to vote for Barack Obama.
To put him over the top here in Minnesota, Barack needs us to step up in our own communities, because we know our neighbors better than anyone.
Sign up now to join a weekend canvass in your area and make a difference in your community.
Grand Marais is a small harbor village on the North Shore of Lake Superior where Barack has some great grassroots supporters.
The folks in Grand Marais know that change does not come from lobbyists running a campaign, but it comes from the bottom up. It comes from the ordinary Americans who stand together and fight against the divisive politics of Washington.
Check out some more pictures from the events they've held throughout the summer and a scan of a letter to the editor to the Cook County Herald Tribune:
Have a cool photo or story you want to see featured on the blog? Share it with us!
Here is a wonderfully inspiring video. This video should open even blind eyes. Watch and Share!
http://www.vimeo.com/1742831#success
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar said, "There are numerous challenges facing the Great Lakes, and they must be met with sustainable and comprehensive management practices, and with real leadership at the federal level. It's time for federal leadership on these critical issues – leadership from the White House that has been lacking as President Bush's last budget proposed significant cuts to water infrastructure and research funding. "Those of us in the Great Lakes States who have been ardent supporters of Great Lakes policies need a friend in the White House. Barack Obama has the record and innovative plan that proves he will change the attitude in Washington about the issues like these that matter in people's lives in the Midwest." Governor Jim Doyle, the Chairman of the Great Lakes Governors said, “America deserves to have a President who understands that supporting the Great Lakes isn’t just about scoring points during the election year, it’s about preserving our environment and protecting a vital economic engine in the Midwest. Our states need a partner in the White House like Barack Obama who has a proven track record of protecting the Great Lakes and advocating for our sportsmen, our tourism industry and our jobs. The Obama-Biden plan gives us in the Great Lakes states the support and change we need to grow our economy and secure our future.” Obama has been a longtime advocate for the restoration of the Great Lakes, spearheading clean-up efforts in the Illinois State Senate and leading in the United States Senate on the bipartisan Great Lakes Compact -- legislation which ensures that the Great Lakes region can create jobs and support growth in a sustainable way. Obama was also a co-sponsor of the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act and other legislation to help prevent the spread of invasive species, promote cleanup initiatives and projects, and prevent sediment pollution. Just as President Bush has failed to fund Great Lakes initiatives during the past 8 years, John McCain has stood with Bush and refused to support measures that would give the Great Lakes states the support they need. And today, while campaigning for president, Senator McCain says he supports the Great Lakes, but he has repeatedly voted against critical legislation and even opposed measures to preserve the Great Lakes, including cleanup initiatives and projects to prevent sediment pollution. He also opposed funding to complete the Asian Carp Barrier Project to prevent invasive species from reaching the Great Lakes. The Obama-Biden vision for the future of our Great Lakes will: Provide New Federal Funding of $5 Billion to Jumpstart Great Lakes Restoration: Barack Obama will provide $5 billion in new federal funds to jumpstart the restoration work and help pay for sewage repairs, toxic cleanups, and wetlands restoration. Designate a Great Lakes Coordinator to Prioritize Coordination of Federal, State and Local Agencies: To ensure the Great Lakes restoration efforts stay on track, Obama will create a position within the US EPA to oversee the funding, cut through red tape, and keep restoration efforts on track. Reduce Toxic Hotspots and Address Mercury Pollution: They will comprehensively measure current toxic loadings, identify significant sources of new toxics, and develop an integrated strategy for reducing deposits in the Great Lakes that harm fish, wildlife and people. Ratify and Fully Implement the Great Lakes Compact to Conserve Water and Protect Against Water Diversions: As President, he will work closely with the Governors and municipal leaders to encourage water conservation and avoid out-of-basin diversions in the future Aggressive Action to control and prevent Invasive Species: Under the Obama plan, we’ll stop the discharge of invasive species from the ballast water of ships. And his administration will aggressively pursue policies and dedicate federal funds to control and prevent Asian Carp and other new harmful species from entering the Great Lakes.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar said, "There are numerous challenges facing the Great Lakes, and they must be met with sustainable and comprehensive management practices, and with real leadership at the federal level. It's time for federal leadership on these critical issues – leadership from the White House that has been lacking as President Bush's last budget proposed significant cuts to water infrastructure and research funding.
"Those of us in the Great Lakes States who have been ardent supporters of Great Lakes policies need a friend in the White House. Barack Obama has the record and innovative plan that proves he will change the attitude in Washington about the issues like these that matter in people's lives in the Midwest."
Governor Jim Doyle, the Chairman of the Great Lakes Governors said, “America deserves to have a President who understands that supporting the Great Lakes isn’t just about scoring points during the election year, it’s about preserving our environment and protecting a vital economic engine in the Midwest. Our states need a partner in the White House like Barack Obama who has a proven track record of protecting the Great Lakes and advocating for our sportsmen, our tourism industry and our jobs. The Obama-Biden plan gives us in the Great Lakes states the support and change we need to grow our economy and secure our future.”
Obama has been a longtime advocate for the restoration of the Great Lakes, spearheading clean-up efforts in the Illinois State Senate and leading in the United States Senate on the bipartisan Great Lakes Compact -- legislation which ensures that the Great Lakes region can create jobs and support growth in a sustainable way. Obama was also a co-sponsor of the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act and other legislation to help prevent the spread of invasive species, promote cleanup initiatives and projects, and prevent sediment pollution.
Just as President Bush has failed to fund Great Lakes initiatives during the past 8 years, John McCain has stood with Bush and refused to support measures that would give the Great Lakes states the support they need. And today, while campaigning for president, Senator McCain says he supports the Great Lakes, but he has repeatedly voted against critical legislation and even opposed measures to preserve the Great Lakes, including cleanup initiatives and projects to prevent sediment pollution. He also opposed funding to complete the Asian Carp Barrier Project to prevent invasive species from reaching the Great Lakes.
The Obama-Biden vision for the future of our Great Lakes will:
Nick Kimball, the Obama campaign's Minnesota spokesman issued the following statement regarding the brief McCain-Palin airport stop planned for this Friday:
We welcome Senator McCain and Governor Palin back to Minnesota for their brief stop at the airport. Senator McCain's stubborn insistence that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" shows that he is disturbingly out of touch with what's going on in the lives of middle-class Minnesotans.And, unfortunately, not leaving the airport grounds won't do anything to change his out of touch perspective. Barack Obama understands the fundamentals of the economy and will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans.
We welcome Senator McCain and Governor Palin back to Minnesota for their brief stop at the airport. Senator McCain's stubborn insistence that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" shows that he is disturbingly out of touch with what's going on in the lives of middle-class Minnesotans.
And, unfortunately, not leaving the airport grounds won't do anything to change his out of touch perspective. Barack Obama understands the fundamentals of the economy and will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans.
In remembrance of the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Senator Obama released the following statement:
Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad. On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.
"SKOL VIKINGS! SKOAL OBAMA!" was the preferred chant at the home of Suzie and Jay in Osakis the Heartland Change RV stopped by for a Vikings football watch party. State Senator Tarryl Clark, Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper, State Representative Mary Ellen Otremba, and State House candidate Bruce Campbell joined Obama supporters, Vikings fans, and a few Packers fans, to watch the game and learn about the Barack's Minnesota campaign for change.
Among the thirty or so people was Claremont, a die-hard Obama supporter, who got a chance to see the Senator when he visited Fargo, ND. Claremont proudly wore his "Barack to the Future" button, which he picked up during that trip:
Here are some more photos from the Osakis Vikings Watch Party:
The Heartland for Change RV Tour is making its way through 24 communities across Minnesota, talking with folks in coffee shops, senior and community centers, and in their homes about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plans to bring the change Minnesotans need. Click here to find a stop near you or to follow our travels across the state.
With three robust roundtable discussions already under their belts, State Senator Tarryl Clark and Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper travelled to Owatonna to join State Representative Patty Fritz, House candidate Kory Kath, and House candidate Jim Jensen for a roundtable on the economy.
They were greeted by over 60 supporters from Owatonna and the surrounding area, who were eager to exchange ideas and share their concerns with the Campaign for Change. There were quite a few teachers, each of whom offered their own perspective on No Child Left Behind's and on the importance of investing in education:
Senator Obama knows that teachers are on the cutting edge of the new economy. We're not going to do that with an uneducated workforce. He gets the big picture, and that's not something you often hear from politicians. He understand that you invest in teachers so they invest in their students.
Making sure that America remains fiscally responsible was also important to the folks in Owatonna. As one person explained.
We have to stop mortgaging our children's future to the incredible debt we have going. There are many ways to do this, but we have to tell the Republicans that you have to pay-as-you-go. That we have to be responsible.
Barack Obama is proposing to pay for every plan he has... What a novel concept. He's showing how he's going to do it. To have that kind of discipline; to know that we do have to invest, but we needneeed to do it responsibly and he's doing it.
After the roundtable discussion was over, State Senator Tarryl Clark and Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper stayed to eat dinner with some of the folks who still had questions.
Here are more photos from the economic roundtable in Owatonna:
The Minnesota Campaign for Change is on the road in the Heartland Change RV, visiting 24 towns across Minnesota to make sure Barack's message of change gets to every corner of the state. Find a stop near you or follow the journey by visiting: MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandTour. You can also follow the RV on Twitter: twitter.com/heartlandchange.
Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change will be hitting the road next week, with the launch of a Greater Minnesota Heartland for Change RV tour across the state, highlighting Barack’s comprehensive plans to bring jobs, health care and economic resurgence to Minnesota’s small towns, cities and middle-class families.
Find a Heartland for Change stop near you by visiting http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandChange.
The Heartland Change RV has been making its way across the country listening to voters who have been hit hard by the failed Bush/McCain economic policies of the last eight years.
In addition to local elected officials at each stop, several other Minnesota leaders will headline events at various points on the tour:• Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher• State Auditor Rebecca Otto• Minnesota House Majority Leader Tony Sertich• Assistant Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark• Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland• Former Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Jim NicholsThe RV will make stops in 24 towns, giving folks an opportunity to share their concerns, talk about the issues they're dealing with, and hear Barack's ideas for making the economy work for Minnesota families once again.
If you aren't able to make it to one of the 24 scheduled stops, you can track the Heartland Change RV's journey online at http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandTour starting next week.
Whether combating anti-Semitism in post-World War II Minneapolis or standing up for farmers facing foreclosure and the loss of their livelihood during the Farm Crisis of the mid-80s, community organizers like Hubert Humphrey and Paul Wellstone empowered ordinary people to do extraordinary things on behalf of the common good.
During the Republican National Convention, thousands of ordinary Minnesotans came together, driven by their belief that America can't afford another four years like the last eight, to support for Barack Obama and Joe Biden's campaign for change.
These "everyday organizers" developed their community organizing skills at Camp Obama, where over 500 grassroots supporters from every corner of Minnesota learned the techniques and strategy that will drive this campaign to victory.
And while the Republicans were in St. Paul talking to their special interest and lobbyist friends, these ordinary Minnesotans were making phone calls and going door-to-door talking to their friends and neighbors about Barack Obama's plan to make the economy work for American families.
Women reached out to women and neighbors to neighbors, with remarkable success. Over the last three days, more than 1000 volunteers knocked on over 25,000 doors and identified thousands of Obama supporters across Minnesota, spreading Barack's message of change directly to the people.
While the Republicans were in town, deriding community organizing, the Campaign for Change was out in the community doing just that--bringing new voices into the process by registering voters, encouraging folks to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav, and coming together at benefit concerts and on college campuses to change this country.
Tomorrow, after the lobbyists and the McCain attack squad have left St. Paul, the Minnesota Campaign for Change will still be out in the community, making phone calls, knocking on doors, and spreading Barack's message of hope and change.
For years, Minnesotans have proved that when ordinary folks devote part of their busy lives to organizing and building their communities, they have the power to affect change. And that's what's happening today across this state, and across this country.
If you haven't already, please sign up to volunteer in your community and consider joining your neighborhood Team Obama. Together, we can bring change to Minnesota and to America.
Check out some of the best photos from Minnesota's Week of Action:
Last night in St. Paul, the Republicans demonstrated just how out-of-touch with everyday Americans they are. Instead of offering their ideas to better our economy and lift up the middle class, Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin chose to use their time to insult community organizing.
Minnesotan's know better. Minnesotans know that change happens when ordinary people work together to make it happen. This has been true throughout our history: community organizing is the foundation of every major change in our history--from the civil rights movement to women's suffrage. And that's been the promise of Barack's campaign for change since the beginning.
After eight years of George Bush, and John McCain's promise of four more years of the same, it's no surprise that Americans are coming together in neighborhoods across this country to change the course of this country and of history
Elana Wolowitz of the organization Wellstone Action writes in her blog Responsibilities of a Community Oragnizer about the nature of organizing within a community, and the tremendous responsibility that this type of organizing comes with.
Elana writes:
Being an organizer means putting the needs of the community above yourself and your ego. Your task is to influence the powerful with little more than the common will, and do so while developing the leadership of those around you. A good organizer is always working to put themselves out of a job, because many others should be prepared to step up and take their place. You listen and learn, coordinate and plan, arrive early and stay late, and do the real work that improves people's lives. It's easy to laugh at something unfamiliar, or mock something you don't understand. But community organizers have been the ones that moved our country forward during times of crisis and great change. They are ordinary people working to improve their communities - that doesn't sound very elitist, does it?
Being an organizer means putting the needs of the community above yourself and your ego. Your task is to influence the powerful with little more than the common will, and do so while developing the leadership of those around you. A good organizer is always working to put themselves out of a job, because many others should be prepared to step up and take their place. You listen and learn, coordinate and plan, arrive early and stay late, and do the real work that improves people's lives.
It's easy to laugh at something unfamiliar, or mock something you don't understand. But community organizers have been the ones that moved our country forward during times of crisis and great change. They are ordinary people working to improve their communities - that doesn't sound very elitist, does it?
If you're ready to help organize in your community, click here to join your neighborhod Team Obama.
Dear Obama families
Tonight we have wittnessed the mother of character attacks, republican ever pulled , with their new comer vp peak Sarha Paline. She was less on the polices but abondant on the character attack! I guss when you do not have any plat form to run on, the easy way out is to attack with outright lies. How can a person born and rasied in the most civilized nation of the world could think this way? dream to win by trash talk and sarcasm. It buffled me. I can clearly see how desprate John Macane and his "Conservative" in this case hypocrat, VP, win the white house with nothing but their shameless attack on Barack Obama and his supporters. However all these should not discourage us from our quest to change America, rather motivate us to work twice harder. Lets fight back her smear attack with nothing but the truth.
Yes, we can, and Yes we will
Meaza, MN
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our friends in the Gulf Coast region. As we all come together to help in the recovery efforts (click here to donate), the Campaign for Change also plans to get volunteers out into the community and talk with their neighbors about Barack Obama's ideas to bring the change we need.
Click here to sign up for a Week of Action event near you.
