http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsieAmgCbUE&feature=player_embedded
Women across the country have lost a champion today. The cold-blooded murder of Dr. George Tiller this morning in church is a stark reminder that women's bodies are still a battleground, and health care professionals are on the frontlines.
This kind man and skilled doctor braved blockades, harassment, assault, and countless threats, including an attempted murder in 1993 when he was shot in both arms. He knew his life was in constant jeopardy, and that he would likely die at the hands of an anti-abortion terrorist -- yet he continued to protect his patients and provide safe and legal abortions to women in often-desperate circumstances. Those who are behind this murder may believe that the killing of George Tiller will mean that these women will have nowhere else to turn, but they are wrong. On the contrary, I believe their depraved acts will inspire another doctor to take up the torch, and another, and another.
Dr. Tiller's slaying is the most recent in a string of murders in the service of the anti-abortion cause, and hundreds of people have been injured or threatened because they provide legal abortion services. Bringing the killers to justice is not enough - the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security must root out and prosecute as domestic terrorists and violent racketeers the criminal enterprise that has organized and funded criminal acts for decades. We call on the new attorney general Eric Holder and head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to treat these murders in the same way they would treat politically-motivated domestic terrorism of any other kind and put the full resources of their two departments behind that effort.
Today is a Day of Mourning for Dr. Tiller as well as a National Day of Commitment for all who believe abortion must remain both safe and legal -- who believe women have the right and indeed the moral obligation to make their own childbearing decisions. We urge individuals to wear white armbands all day tomorrow, Monday, June 1, in memory of Dr. Tiller and as a visible expression of determination to redouble our commitment to protecting the right to safe and legal birth control and abortion.
A new Mason-Dixon poll in Florida shows Sen. Barack Obama edging Sen. John McCain in the critical battleground state, 47% to 45%."If Obama wins here, he is virtually assured the presidency. If McCain loses, his candidacy is all but dead."
We must keep fighting. If you can't volunteer with the campaign and make important calls in these last days, then talk to everyone you know - family and friends. Ensure that they all know what is at stake.
The time is now! Obama 2008!
Early Voting for the entire state of Florida has just been extended.
Every Early Vote location in Florida will now be every day from 7am-7pm up through November 2.
Please pass along this great news to everyone you know who will be voting in Florida. Click here to find your nearest early vote location.
Here's the release:
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS ~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~October 28, 2008Contact:GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008. "I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote." Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting. Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting. Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29. Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217. STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217 WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties; WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; andWHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008. GOVERNORATTEST:SECRETARY OF STATE
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS
~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~
October 28, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
"I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote."
Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.
Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.
Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.
Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217.
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217
WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and
WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and
WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and
WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties;
WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008.
GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE
I reached my fundraising goal! But I cheated by donating more than half of that at the last minute.
Time is running out. If you happen to be online and catch this in the next 45 minutes, and you haven't spent the amount of time making phone calls or going door to door that you hoped (like I did), make up for it by making a donation.
Now! Go! You have like 40 minutes left!
Join Michelle Obama outside the Hippodrome Theater in downtown Gainesville on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 2:30pm. People can start arriving as early as 1pm. Streets in the area will be closed to accomodate the expected crowd. The Hippodrome is located at the point where SE 1st Street dead-ends into 2nd Place.
Michelle's visit is part of a statewide effort to encourage Florida voters to voter early. Early voting in Florida starts Monday. Given the length of the ballot this year, and the surge in new registrations, election day (Tues. Nov. 4th) is expected to be crowded (which is great news!). By voting early, we can all help ease the crunch on election day, and perhaps volunteer an hour or two election with the Obama campaign--driving older voters to the polls, handing out literature, making sure friends or family members and especially new voters turn out to vote.
"This is a 51/49 country, not a 60/40 country... If you want to elect Barack Obama, go to Florida, go to Ohio. Go to the battleground states."
Obama supporters are more confident now than at any time this year. (Who even remembers the depressing days right after Sen. McCain chose Gov. Palin?) The media echo chamber is largely reinforcing this confidence, just as they have in months past. The powerful endorsement by Colin Powell today on Meet the Press will likely dominate press coverage for a day or two, with only two weeks and two days left to election day. That is huge.
But we should keep our eye on the ball! Lets focus our attention on the battleground states, because if Obama wins only one of these, we likely win the whole ballgame: Florida, Colorado, Ohio. And the single thing that will tip the balance is a significant move by older voters, particularly in places like Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The Great Schlep
Sarah Silverman gives a funny take on our mission: go to your grandparents, your parents, your friends and family in these toss-up states, and make sure they are on board. It would be great to win North Carolina or Virginia, but it is essential that we will our share of toss-ups.
Fair warning: this humorous video does contain expletives.
http://www.thegreatschlep.com/
Conservatives sing the praises of Barack Obama
"I sense in this guy a first-class mind who might just do smart things." --Christopher Buckley
"Barack Obama is the sharpest knife in the [Democratic] drawer." --Rush Limbaugh
Colin Powell is now endorsing Barack Obama on Meet the Press.
"I have gone back and forth between someone I have the highest regard for, John McCain, and someone I have been getting to know, Barack Obama." Both candidates would be good presidents.
However, Barack Obama displays "intellectual vigor, intellectual curiosity", and he is surrounding himself with people that will give him the advice that he needs. "I think he is a transformational figure... I will be voting for him."
While Powell continues to love and admire John McCain, who he has known for more than 20 years, he is very concerned about the rightward direction of the Republican Party. "We must stop polarizing our country. John McCain is an non-polarizing as anyone I know, but there is a polarizing element in the Republican Party."
The effort by the McCain campaign to tie Obama to terrorism (via his relationship to Bill Ayers) is a "terrible stretch, its demogogary" and its further evidence that the McCain campaign has been "narrow, ... too narrow for America." Powell tells a compelling story about a young man who was 14 at the time of 9-11. This young man was born in New Jersey, and waited until he was of age to join the military and serve his country. That young man was killed in combat, and is buried in Arlington Cemetary. His gravestone has the star and crecent of his Muslim faith, just as others there have a cross or a Star of David. The McCain campaign effort to tar Obama as Muslim (despite the fact that it is not true) insults the memory of this young man, and the millions of American Muslims who should be able to aspire to serve this country, and yes to become President of the United States.
Barack Obama will electrify this country, and the world. He has established himself as the right candidate. At this point in history, we need a president who will be transformational, a generational change. That is Barack Obama.
Dear Friends,
Please come over to our house (820 NE 5th Ave) this Thursday at 7pm for a presentation on the Wild Spaces/Public Places sales tax initiative. Wild Spaces/Public Places is a citizen-led effort to protect natural resources and improve public recreational facilities in Alachua County, and will also be on the ballot Nov. 4th. If approved, it would add a one-half cent to the sales tax for two years. Half the funds would pay for a specific list of park improvements in Gainesville, Alachua County and the county’s smaller cities. The other half would pay for Alachua County and City of Gainesville land conservation. (See http://WildSpacesPublicPlaces.org for more information.) This is an important opportunity to continue investing in our public parks and natural areas. The meeting gives you a chance to ask questions of primary sponsors of this initiative—and we hope to lend your support to the effort. Please RSVP to conexos@gmail.com or 335-8874. Your comments on this or any other matter are welcome. Thank you, Randy and Ondine Wells 820 NE 5th Ave tel: 352-335-8874 conexos@gmail.com PS—If you would like to receive future notices (like this) on the economic vitality, environmental health, and social wellbeing of our community, please e-mail conexos@gmail.com. Your e-mail will never be shared or spammed. Thank you.
There was a message circulating some of our groups in Florida yesterday that spread incorrect information conerning the the ID needed to vote. We're going to clarify below.
A message from the Florida Campaign for Change chief election lawyer:
I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false. Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330 See the last bullet:· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false.
Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330
See the last bullet:
· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
Please feel free to email florida@barackobama.com with any questions or concerns.
Sandra Bernard-Bastien – Historian, Coral Springs
“I was thrilled to receive my text message this morning. I believe a selection like this demonstrates Senator Barack Obama’s good judgment. Senator Joe Biden is an accomplished, extremely bright and talented public servant.”
Elaine Bloom – former State Representative & former Hillary Clinton supporter, Miami Beach
“Joe Biden is a superb choice for V.P.! He has a proven record of real leadership and extensive foreign policy experience. I’m sure that those concerned about Israel’s safety and security will be totally comfortable, as I am, with Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House.”
Jeremy Branch – Jackson County Commissioner, Grand Rdige
“Senator Obama and Senator Biden may have different backgrounds but they share the quintessential American story. Obama was raised by a poor single mom and his grandparents. Biden was born of humble roots into a working class family in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Both men believe in the strength of the American family and take pride in their faith and values. Senators Obama and Biden understand the challenges working families face today, and that is exactly the kind of leadership and change that we need.”
Luis Garcia - State Representative, Little Havana
“I am thrilled with Senator Obama’s selection of Joe Biden, who I have admired for over 25 years. He’s somebody that won’t be bullied by anybody. Senator Biden walks the walk and talks the talk – a defender of America’s working families and a proponent of freedom everywhere. In South Florida, I know that the diverse Hispanic, Jewish and Caribbean constituencies will see Senator Biden as a perfect compliment for this campaign to bring change.”
Luis Garcia - Representante Estatal, La Pequeña Havana
“Estoy muy entusiasmado de que el senador Obama escogió a Joe Biden, una persona que he admirado por más de 25 años. Él no será intimidado por nadie. El senador Biden practica lo que predica-es un defensor de las familias trabajadoras en este país y proponente de libertad por todo el mundo. En el sur de La Florida, yo se que los diversos grupos como los hispanos, judíos y caribeños verán al senador Biden como perfecta adición a la campaña para lograr el cambio.”
Edna LaRoche – President, Haitian American Democratic Club, Miramar
“I am an enthusiastic and excited Democrat today! Senator Obama has totally hit the ball out of the park with this choice. Thank God, we are on our way to the White House.”
Mike Novosel, Jr. – CW4 U.S. Army (Ret.), Fort Walton Beach
“Besides being an expert on foreign policy, Joe Biden is a father who raised his children to love and serve their country. As a military family member, Joe Biden understands the challenges and fears that all military families face. His son volunteered to serve his country and will shortly be deployed to Iraq. I applaud Senator Obama for his decision to choose this fine patriot! He is my choice, too.”
It's official, Barack sent out the email this morning, did you get it?
Friend --I have some important news that I want to make official.I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate. Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:Welcome Joe Thanks for your support,Barack
I have some important news that I want to make official.
I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
Welcome Joe
Thanks for your support,
Barack
Send Joe a note! Welcome Joe!
Make sure to turn on your TV at 3:00 p.m. to join Obama and Biden in Springfield, Illinois. Or, watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.
Here is Cliff Stearns' latest vote against the working people of Florida, and the United States.
Here's what your Congressman, Cliff Stearns, does for YOU
Yesterday, with a vote of 247 to 178, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Fairness Act. This bill would update and strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963, closing loopholes and improving the law’s effectiveness.
Cliff Stearns voted NO;
This is an invitation to all of you in Western Duval, Clay, Bradford, Alachua, Gilchrist, Marion, Lake and Levy counties in the Florida 6'th Congressional District to come and visit the site, and see who is running here as your next Congressman, Tim Cunha. We are fighting a 20 year incumbent Republican, Cliff Stearns, and, this year, with all your help, we WILL succeed. Check here for local apperances by Tim, events, and his site is completely interactive with this group .
Please, sign in, be a member, and Tim would love to hear from you, what your concerns are, and how we can all work together finally taking back North Florida from yes men in Washington
Stay tuned, and thanks
Marty
