Here are some notes I took from today's conference call, May 28, 2009.
Mind you, I came in after the conference had already started.
Also, this is not verbatim. I have done some paraphrasing but I still think it's pretty accurate.
David Plouffe was introduced at 1:12 p.m. by Mitch Stewart.
David Plouffe thanked everyone for working for Obama to help him get 365 electoral votes. Although we accomplished so much in Nov., this cleared the way for the opportunity to make change. In essence, it was just the first step. We worked very hard for the opportunity to have real healthcare reform for businesses and families that are being crushed by healthcare costs. The President ran on reform to healthcare and education. It had been talked about for so long but nothing had been done. So, now is the time.
David Plouffe went on to say that the President is defying the cynics, skeptics, and critics but this change is not going to happen in D.C. alone. It will come from other parts of the country to Washington. We will be asked to spend precious time that many of us have little to spare, but we need to implement this into our lives where we will be calling of lists, and knocking on doors.
We need to speak with our family members and colleagues. Nothing is more powerful than human beings talking to other human beings. We need to be passionate about why healthcare reform is so important. So, we need to take ownership of this. (House parties on June 6, service on June 27). If the country is demanding healthcare reform, we’ll get it done and Washington will not have any option but to follow us.
We need to get costs under control and make sure everyone can have affordable healthcare coverage. As we head into the summer, we all can’t focus on just relaxing. We will have to roll up our sleeves and go out there and make healthcare happen. There is huge interest in this. This is not some distant Washington debate. Most people have health insurance but they know they are paying more for themselves and so are their employers. It affects everyone.
So, spread your net wide. This shouldn’t be a lonely affair. You can lead it in your community. If we all work together, we can make the promise of the election a reality.
From the President of the United States:
President Obama says hello, Mitch…calling from Air Force One line, I think. Mitch tells President, you are talking to the President.
President: It is great to talk to everybody. I want to start off by saying thanks to everyone who knocked on doors and registered voters. You had the confidence that we could reclaim the sensibility in Washington, that we could restore a sense of fairness and stability to our economy. We have to keep ourselves safe but be true to our ideals. That is the kind of change you voted for and that is why I am President, and I will never forget this.
Economic Recovery Act was successful because of us. Hundreds of thousands of pledges were signed by all of us. Americans from coast to coast were committed to making investments in energy and healthcare. We passed a budget plan and Economic Recovery Act. Now, we have the task of passing a healthcare reform act. Healthcare costs are crushing families.
Businesses and families are also getting hammered each and every day. Millions of Americans have lost their healthcare. The President has heard these stories via email and other forums from the citizens of the United States. The President cited an example of a lady who is fighting an insurance company who threatens to cut off her health insurance, and she’s already depleted her savings.
We need healthcare reform legislation that fixes the things that are broken. The status quo is unacceptable, and we need to get it done this year, or we won’t get it done. All of us need to educate our friends, relatives, and neighbors. We can protect choice of doctors, hospitals, healthcare providers, and ensure affordable healthcare. The President greatly appreciates all our support.
Question from Mary Alice in Grand Rapids, MI. She mentions her county went blue for the first time since 1968.
Mary Alice asks, as volunteers, what do you need us to do in order to grow this grassroots movement?
Answer by PBO: We need you to stay involved. The election only gave us an opportunity for change. We need to remobilize, reach out to friends and neighbors in support of our agenda. On 6/6, host a kickoff event to help launch healthcare reform. We need to refute arguments as to why we can’t drive down costs. The most important thing is to mobilize people in local communities block by block, neighbor by neighbor to make sure everyone understands. When that happens, Congressmen will take notice. Some are in districts or in states where right now politicians are resistant. We need to mobilize and telll them it’s not acceptable to preserve the status quo. To get involved, go to the Organizing for American website on www.barackobama.com.
Bonnie from Portland:
Question: My son has graduated from college this past winter, and he is burdened with college loans and cannot afford healthcare. What will you make available to young people like my son?
PBO: I have personal experiences and know how tough it is. We want to make higher education more affordable by increasing PEL grants. This year, the Administration will implement an income-based repayment loan and are dedicated also to simplifying the student loan application. We need to eliminate middle men in the current student loan programs who get fees off the top. As to the issue around healthcare for these young people, we must ensure young people can stay on their parents' health insurance plan up to age 25.
From Leanne in Birmingham, AL
Question: In a state as conservative as AL, what is the most important goal that can be accomplished ?
PBO: Keep organizing and talking to people, especially young people (who historically haven’t voted as much.) What I think the American citizens want, even in the most conservative communities, is action. It’s not a red or blue state thing. It is an American recognition that Washington needs to get off the dime. Inaction on healthcare leads to costs everywhere, including AL. If we want to cut our deficits, and a lot of conservative communities are concerned about all the debt we are building up, the most important thing we can do to close our budget gap is to rein in healthcare costs. Change comes from the bottom up, when people in their communities are out there talking, persuading, presenting facts, supplying information. Grassroots work makes a difference primarily because people trust their friends, neighbors, relatives, coworkers as opposed to talking heads on tv. So, having the tone of reasonably presenting the case of why change is needed, that will work everywhere. That is why I was successful, and that’s why we will keep on being successful.
The President thanks us all for a great job and then hangs up.
Mitch:Two more things to go over.
For more info, check out the website.
As we prepare to begin the Memorial Day weekend, it is important for each of us to pause for a moment and reflect on the meaning for the day.
While it can be viewed as the unofficial start of summer and a chance to enjoy a family picnic, we all should recognize Memorial Day is truly a day for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make our Nation free.
Our brave, selfless, and devoted men and women have fought and died to protect the rights and freedoms we all enjoy every day. This is our opportunity to honor them.
As a Americans and a Democrats, we should set an example and educate our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Memorial Day and remind them of the tremendous privileges we Americans enjoy thanks to the valiant service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.
As you enjoy the long weekend with friends and family, I ask you to remember the ideals that make our country great and those who have sacrificed to protect those ideals.Attend one of the many memorial services across the state. Proudly display the Flag. If you see a veteran or person currently serving our Nation in the Armed Forces, tell them "thank you," because we owe a debt to them that can never fully be repaid. And say a prayer for all those currently serving our Nation in harm's way.
Happy Memorial Day and may God continue to bless Virginia and the United States!
Esam Omeish
Dr. Esam Omeish is running for the House of Delegates in Virginia's 35th District here in Fairfax County. He is also the Chief of Surgery at INOVA Alexandria Hospital, a first generation immigrant, a father of four, a community leader, and a long time advocate for quality healthcare and job creation. Please come help us get this amazing leader elected!
Call it a sign of the times. Despite his stellar record in the community as both a physician and activist for the needy, there is a vocal minority with extreme views in the blogosphere and media who want to distort and tarnish the good name of Dr. Esam Omeish. Read below a few direct comments made by a variety of well-respected community leaders and professionals about Dr. Esam Omeish as they defend his character: Virginia's Governor Tim Kaine: "Dr. Omeish is a respected physician and community leader." Father Jerry Creeden, : "Words of support from the Faith community, the Commonwealth (of Virginia) is for all of us." Rabbi J. Moline: "I am sorry that the juggernaut of prejudice" "I would welcome your defense. This is an extended hand from my community, let us do something together." Attorney Vic Glasberg: "You have handled with grace the indignity visited upon you. What you said was understandable and suitable for its context, and its misuse is regrettable and an injury to us all." Kate Hanley, Virginia Secretary of State: "Dr. Omeish is one of two elected from his peers from among more than 300 physicians, and he was the recipient of the "Outstanding Physician of the Year Award" for 2007 in Alexandria Hospital". Many doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, and patients who know Dr. Omeish personally also felt compelled to write their words of support for him. Below is just a couple of statements exemplifying how strongly his colleagues support him. Dr. L. Kerness: "I have known you (Dr. Omeish) as a caring and skilled surgeon, a gentleman, and a family man. It is hard to imagine you as anything other that a pacifist. Rest assured that I, and all those I have spoken to, have not waivered in our support of you as a person and a surgeon, and are not swayed by media hype and political propaganda. I wish you and your family peace during this stressful time, and remember that this too shall pass." E. Bushmiller, RN, CNOR, B. Engler, BSN, CNOR, C. Hortman, RN: "The one thing we would like to make clear is the commitment Dr. Omeish has to democracy and more importantly peace. He is a committed family man, hard working and capable surgeon, and a good person. He is knowledgeable in basic tenets of the three Abrahimic religions and points to areas where they intersect, always searching for common ground. We are upset and disheartened with what has happened to Dr. Omeish. We wish to speak up on his behalf." As the Chief of General Surgery at Alexandria Hospital, Dr. Esam Omeish has earned the highest praise from his colleagues and patients because of his tireless and unconditional advocacy for the highest quality patient care, regardless of a patient's financial status. With your assistance, Dr. Esam Omeish will represent Virginia's 35th District with the same passion as a healthcare advocate at it's General Assembly. He will bring to Richmond his same caring ethical standards and proven leadership skills that have led Dr. Omeish to winning the "Outstanding Physician of the Year Award" in 2007. We must be able to compete and deliver our winning message of building on the successes of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. The time to make a much-needed investment in our campaign is now.Even a small contribution of $10 or $20 makes a real difference.DonateOver the past few days, Esam has withstood attacks and has continued to focus on talking to voters about his fresh ideas, chairing his comprehensive plans for Accessible quality healthcare, improve NoVA transportaion, Conscientious environmental stewardship, and Continued excellence in education. With just less than one month to go, we need your help to make sure Esam can be heard over the chorus of attacks, and spread his positive message throughout the 35th District.To take a stand with Esam, please make a contribution today.Let's give Dr. Omeish the opportunity to be the same role model for Virginians for which he has already been awarded by his medical peers at Alexandria Hospital. Help Dr. Omeish to give excellence in healthcare to all Virginians.
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Together We Can!
I realize that Virginians are facing the toughest economic times since The Great Depression. Because the nation's economic downturn has taken it's toll on Virginia's workers, I support President Barack Obama's recently passed Stimulus Package (Congress' American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). I support it because it provides Virginians with $4 billion to improve it's state infrastructure while it puts more Virginians back to work. The bill also allows for $125 million in assistance to extend insurance benefits and provide retraining assistance to unemployed Virginians. Given the opportunity to serve Virginia as the 35th District Delegate, I would not elect to send the Stimulus funds back to Washington. Instead I would support Gov. Tim Kaine's statement that an additional $4.50 per worker annually is manageable for Virginia's employers.This is particularly true since the additional $4.50 per worker would only be paid for those Virginians still unemployed 2 years after the Stimulus funds have taken their effect on Virginia's economy. This is a relatively small price to pay to avoid a worsening middle class economic meltdown that would otherwise translate into more suffering for our Virginia neighbors across the board. I would instead seek to provide immediate relief for unemployed Virginian workers to help them manage their financial affairs during what is the worst economic crisis they have suffered since The Great Depression.Looking ahead, I see Virginia's 35th District as a vibrant, diverse, and progressive community with much untapped economic potential. I would seek to help generate more "green" jobs to lead Virginia towards a renewable energy economy while we respect and protect Virginia's natural beauty and environment. I would also seek to invest more funds for providing greater internet access to further develop Virginia's electronic infrastructure. Additionally, I would support more research and development funding for Virginia's universities. This would encourage a Virginia economy based on "the best and the brightest" it has to offer it's citizens. Expanded funding for small business and entrepreneurship programs will also help Virginia continue as a national leader in job innovation.With your help, I will be able to help Virginia's citizens heal their economy as I represent it's 35th Delegate District. I will work to have Virginia's General Assembly consider policies that will encourage even greater opportunities and prosperity for Virginia's businesses and workers as we strive for a complete and full economic recovery. Help me be Virginia's next 35th District DelegateTo GET INVOLVED! To Contribute
Together, we can!Esam
When I came to the United States as an ESL student, I chose to apply myself academically in order to meet my personal goals in life. I realized that to make my dreams of being both a doctor and a public servant in America come true, I would need to work extra hard to learn English as well as all other required high school subjects. Despite the great language challenges that I faced, I was able to excel at school. I graduated from Fairfax County's J.E.B. Stuart High with honors and a perfect 4.0 grade point average.I have appreciated from an early age the opportunities that hard work combined with a quality education can provide to anyone living in America. I pursued my education with a double major in Biology and Government at Georgetown University, making the Dean's List each year. I then completed my schooling at The Georgetown School of Medicine. With the support of my nearby parents and siblings, I was proud to become the first doctor ever in the Omeish family.I am now raising the next Omeish generation as students of the same Fairfax County public school system that I attended. As the beneficiary of a system nurturing academic excellence, I would like my children to have the same quality education I was fortunate enough to have available growing up. I will work hard to preserve the same high standard of education I benefited from as a Fairfax County student for my own children as well as for all of the students of Virginia.With your help, I would like to represent Virginia's citizens on education issues as Virginia's 35th District Delegate. I will work to have Virginia's General Assembly consider policies that will encourage even greater opportunities for our next generation of students. I know that the brightest future possible for Virginians will only be through a Virginia education system that provides our youth with a solid foundation critical for it's success.
GET INVOLVED! Help me be Virginia's next 35th District Delegate
Omeish For Delegate Web siteContribute
Today, as Virginians and residents of the 35th District celebrate Earth Day, it’s a great opportunity to take this time and reflect where we are and where we are going in terms of responsible, renewable green energy that both protects our environment and provides jobs for the Commonwealth. As we look to the future of our families, community and Commonwealth, we can all agree that strengthening Virginia’s economy, protecting our precious natural resources and building an exciting, renewable energy future will be the key to ensuring a healthier community in which to live and work. The future of our environment is an issue which transcends politics. However, as delegate it would be my responsibility to fight for policies which protect our environment, strengthen our economy and compliments the efforts people make on a daily basis to make Virginia a better place. According to a recent poll, 76% of Virginians think that global warming is real and will adversely affect our environment. Capitalizing on alternative energy sources and investing in smart, green technology that taps into local talents and resources will help ensure Virginia becomes and remains a leader in the stewardship for a better community for us all.
The campaign could use your help so please sign up today to volunteer! Any amount of time will help us reach our goal. After all, TOGETHER WE CAN!
Esam
Click here to sign up with Esam Omeish For Delegate Click here to contribute.
Special political guests who came to congratulate Dr. Esam Omeish included Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Bulova, State Senator of VA 39th District George Barker, Drainesville District Board of Supervisors John Foust, and Maryland State Delegate Saqib Ali.
Click here to see photo gallery
The otehr day my mom sent me the following email. I just wanted to know if someone could confirm or deny the information in it. I apologize in advance for the formatting, I just did not have time to fix it.
Thanks!
Parents,
We've put together both a Web site and easy-to-download one-page flyer that shares tips & tacticsfor supporting the campaign in the final two weeks. Please read, print, post, share with others. Juggle young kids and campaign? YES WE CAN!
p.s. If you find these tips useful, please let us know.
Teaching is an honorable, under-respected profession. As a teacher I listen to people say often that "anyone can teach," "those who can't teach," and other such comments. Those kinds of comments are WHY we have poor teachers and the good ones get a bad rap! We need...
Obama will be airing on several stations a 30 minute ad on Oct. 29th. Here's the story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5glxLRJGYXl2qCzirOL_o5HIuXamAD93N9IS80
Apparently the right wing knew about this in advance and are flooding the voting with YES votes.The poll will be reported on PBS and picked up by mainstream media. It can influence undecided voters in swing states.Please do the following:1) Click on http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html and vote.2) Then send this to every Obama-Biden voter you know, and urge them to vote and pass it on.The last thing we need is PBS saying their viewers think Sarah Palin is qualified.
Attention at-home parents...
The new group - Obama Mamas & Papas (kid-friendly) - kicked off Friday Oct 3 at a great indoor play place (Monkey Business) in Falls Church, VA. Our kids had fun and we met our objective - sharing and motivating from the at-home parent campaign trail. Join our group & stay motivated! Coming soon... one-sheet flyers on "Campaigning with Kids."
Interested in planning a similar event? Click "Read More" for lessons learned and contact info.
There’s the John McCain campaign of lies, distraction, grandstanding, and political maneuvering. What happened to you, John?There’s the Sarah Palin show that despite her bravado and her well honed skill, reading a speech off a monitor, this irresponsible VP Hail Mary choice has left our nation with egg on our face.There’s the war we were MISled into.And then there’s the world waiting with baited breath as our economic future is held in ransom by the very people who are supposed to protect our future.
Barack Obama believes in thinking before acting – and he has demonstrated this on numerous occasions.Barack believes in compromise and working with people of all colors – and by this I mean red, blue and green.He believes in working for the common good of all people – trying to make his community and his country a better place to live.Barack Obama believes in a healthy debate and uses good judgment - that does not include attacks on character and underhanded tactics - to the chagrin of others at times.
Barack Obama believes In communication, problem solving, and diplomacy. Though he’s often accused as being professorial and cool – I’ll take level-headed intelligence over charismatic ignorance any day!And best of all, Barack Obama believes in us. And he won’t sell us out just to win an election.
As I was driving down 123 I couldn't help but notice that there are numerous McCain signs, some rather large but there are not many Obama signs.
We need signs! Route 123 (Cahinbridge Rd.) is traveled by many and we need signs. I ordered a supporter pack but for some reason it has not come yet. I emailed the store, but no response so far!
It is disappointing...my neighbors have McCain sign, but on my street there is only 1 Obama/Biden sign.
If anyone has signs that they are willing to depart with, please let me know. I will come get them and put them out on 123.
It seems America has become smitten with the idea that just any average person can become president. On some level, me too. Any person – say you or even me – can come within a heartbeat’s distance to leading our country. You see, Sarah Palin’s appeal seems to come not just from her ability to connect with you and me – but more from the fact that she could BE you or me. Inspiring? Of course! Frightening? Without a doubt!This week, like many parents, I had the opportunity to meet my children’s teachers. I sat amongst an audience of mostly working moms, Ms. Palin’s seeming crusaders. I wondered - would these same moms (or dads) afford similar latitude to their child’s teacher should it become evident that though they were likeable, they were far from qualified?Picture this: The Chemistry teacher smiles wide and fervently extols that she’s been known to experiment with a few extra ingredients in her family’s meatloaf recipe, thus - she’s ready to be your child’s next science teacher!Or the Algebra teacher shares that he can balance his checkbook like no one’s business, and looks forward to the coming years as “on the job” training. Still, he assures you. - he’s ready to be your child’s next math teacher!How about the new principal who has never taught in a classroom, not familiar with all the research regarding best practices in education, but after being room-mom in her son’s classroom, feels she’s seen enough! After all, she deadpans, she’s even attended a school or two in her time! She is prepared to lead the school and become your next principal!
By the way - they believe in a closed classroom. In other words, beyond this formal "back-to-school" introduction, you will have limited further opportunities to get to know them.
The uproar from my fellow parents who realize the Chemistry teacher isn’t quite sure the significance of Dalton's theory, or even what it is . . . The fury from this crowd should they discover that the Algebra teacher gave misleading information in his speech and exaggerated a few things on his resume . . . The outpour of letters from fear stricken parents a school board would likely receive regarding a principal who knew no more about education and teaching methodology than they, themselves.Add insult to injury when you discover that this person was chosen over many more qualified. This person was hired with only one interview and a background check hastily done. And finally, this person was chosen not because they were the best choice for your children, but for reasons more politically motivated.You see, I think I can speak for most parents in saying that I don’t want someone who knows only as much – or less – as me, leading my children in the classroom. I’m not willing to allow even a year of my son or daughter’s life to be “on the job training” for a rookie teacher who has a winning smile, but no one really knows. And I would be far from forgiving of any school leader who padded a resume with a series of half-truths!Parents would be outraged and should be outraged! The stakes are too high and all our children are too important and deserve far better. We should be equally outraged now!
The stakes are equally high and this is not some political game where Karl Rove writes the rules and referees. This same man served us George Bush 8 years ago. Our lives and the lives or our children are too important and deserve far better. I find the choice of Ms. Palin for VP irresponsible and frankly, more than insulting.
