I have been canvassing and rallying for OFA in support of healthcare reform at the Golden Farmers Market. In those efforts I have listened to many intelligent people that were misinformed by the media as to the details of the plan. I have also convinced several of those people to become educated on the issue by reading the bill and read under the "issues" tab on www.barackobama.com. for more concise information. I've been thanked by Republicans and people on the fence for sharing some information that will allow them to educate themselves. I have also heard people who are basking in ignorance and spewing hate at people because they know no other tactic than to attack people who think and feel differently. I have been reading a really good book on Healthcare Reform that everyone would benefit from. The title is Healthcare Will Not Reform Itself by George C. Halvorson. He is the CEO of Kaiser Permanente and supports many of the reforms we are supporting. My point is...This is good information to arm yourself with when being confronted by these wingnuts that just want to hate you. Most frontal assaults on peoples ignorance will only end badly, but if you can baffle them with brilliance, they may walk away thinking about some real facts instead of Limbaugh Speak.
As the campaign has progressed its focus has switched from issue to issue. Sometimes this change in focus has been intiated by the perception of scandal in the media or because of external pressure from various competitors for the Demcoractic nomination or Presidency. I think this has had the effect of making the campaign appear to have no central focus other than Obama himself. For us to win this election with the mandate for change that we need to turn this country around we have to win and we should win big. Eking out a victory over McCain with some marginal majority is effectively a loss as this will not translate, readily, into a political momentum for change. To win big it is necessary to communicate a vision to the voting population that unites the myriad of powerful problems before the electorate that has made this election so historic. The primary issues include: healthcare, immigration, the Iraq War and terrorism, the economy, the environment, and the energy crisis. To simply address each of these problems as an individual mess to be corrected won't do. I think it is necessary to recognize and state that these problems are interrelated and to focus on the underlying cause from which many of these problems can be viewed as symptoms. The causal force here is energy.
Ultimately, the instability in our economy arises from its dependecy on foreign sources for its energy needs. This weakens the dollar and puts our money in the hands of groups ideologically opposed to our way of life. A domestic solution to the energy crisis would not only solve our energy dependency issues but also strengthen the dollar, reinvogorate American industries, and mitigate anthropogenic global warming. The focus should be to create a new American industry around the manufacture of clean energy domestically. If we can revolutionize our energy infrastructure the side effect will be an American industrial capability that can be used to export energy to other countries instead of importing it. This is the 'Space Race' of our time. This should be the central focus of Obama's campaign. Such a direction should unify his statements at the debates on domestic policy as this will be the candidate's chance to unveil his economic vision for the country. This is primarily a fundamental economic issue and should be presented as such. I think it is time we all made some noise for Obama to unite the country under this banner at the debate in a few weeks.
I finished this spreadsheet I was working on thought you all might be interested. I was frustrated at the idea of people moving from Hillary supporters to McCain. I was trying to find a comparison of how the candidates voted since Obama has been in the Senate. The results are not surprising but I think this presents the data in a very accessible format. People should be more concerned with the issues that are important to them and America rather than who they want to have a beer with.
To the many volunteers who worked incredibly hard to get the nomination for Barack, and who, for whatever reason,did not get tcikets to his acceptance speech:
I have heard from many of you and I wish there was more I could do. I'm a grass roots coordinator, and I have no leverage with the campaign. In my view the campaign's decision to distribute credentials (not guaranteed) to volunteers who filled 2 shifts during the last two weeks (Aug 2-15, roughly) was a problematic one. I can only assume that they saw this as an opportunity to radically increase the number of volunteers at a critical time in the campaign. If this was their goal, they succeeded.
A bit about me: I have no experience with anything remotely political prior to this. I have never met the Senator or shaken his hand. All during the last year, and especially during the long convention season, I half-unconsciously wanted and even expected some kind of reward, something I could feel was a true acknowledgment of what I, like you, had sacrificed and accomplished to get this man elected. After all I am a volunteer with two young children. I'm an artist, and I have not done any artwork since December. I have not always been inspired, fired up, ready to go. I'm tired.
And yet what inspired me to work for Obama in the first place was the hope of electing a leader who would facilitate the engagement, activation, mobilization, empowerment, of ordinary cilizens. This is aleady happening. Our reward will not be the emotional high or the recognition we crave, but the realization of the vision that, at a fundamental level, drives our work.
I got to see Barack at a high school this spring. I was excited, honored and gratified to hear him speak in such a small venue. But, to my surprise, my joy dissolved when it turned out that my afternoon schedule was too full to allow me to spend time afterward with my friends , who have worked so hard alongside me. What I realized was that the excitement and joy I get from doing this work comes now from them, from the people I've connected with, because they're the ones I know, and they are the ones who give me hope. One of the reasons I still believe in Barack Obama is that I think he gets his hope and his inspiration from the same source. Us. I think the General Election season is brutal, especially for those of us who knocked ourselves out (literally) to get him the nomination. I think the Obama Campaign at this point feels the urgency of numbers, which are so close right now. I know that the field organizers don't sleep or eat. So I can't blame them; they're doing what they need to do. One the other hand, I certainly do not fault anyone who has been working for this cuase over the last year for feeling bitter disappointment over not getting a ticket to Milie High. This is a historic event that you deserve to be a part of.You are a part of it. You know, and your family knows, and I know, the part you have played. It may not help much, but thank you.
Hello supporters,
Pueblo for Obama has a new phone number 719 406-6141. I am officially the Convention Captain for the DNC for Pueblo County. I am in charge of many pre, during and post events. Please take a moment to find these events on www.barackobama.com and get involved and help make this historic event resonate here in Pueblo County.
I will be needing many volunteers starting on August 22 through September 1st. Events include VRD, canvassing, parade involvement, community service, volunteering at the Denver Convention Center and even a Speech Acceptance Watch Party. Please help me make all events a success and show what Pueblo Democrats can do when they get together.
EVENTS
August 18th -GOTV meeting at noon at Dem HQ, 305 N Santa Fe. Updates from Forward CO and Obama campaign will be discussed.
August 22nd to September 1st - VRD at CO State Fair, shifts are 11a-3p, 3p-7p and 7p-11p. Contact Norma Oldham at 546-2745 for shift confirmation.
August 23rd - State Fair Parade Obama visual and VRD canvass. Will meet at 9:30a between 5th and 6th Main St. across the street from US Bank. We will be standing or sitting behind the Obama banner while others will canvass the street and register voters.
August 23rd and 25-28th - Registration volunteers needed at Denver Convention Center. Contact Julie Steeler at SteelerInternJ@demconvention.com for shift confirmation.
August 27th - Statewide Community Service spearheaded by Michelle Obama and Jeanne Ritter in Denver. Pueblo will do a Neighborhood Canvass for Community. Collecting canned goods and non perishable items which will be donated to the Pueblo Soup Kitchen. Drop off location for food items are the Dems HQ and Obama campaign offices. More info for times of drop off at link.
August 28th - Acceptance Speech Watch party at Democratic HQ, 305 N Santa Fe, from 4p-8p. Refreshments will be provided and potluck is encouraged.
August 30th - Kids Day Parade Obama Visual. We will meet at 9:30a and place TBA
August 30th -Fiesta Day parade float decorating. Time and place TBA.
August 31st- Fiesta Day Parade. We will be in the parade marching behind the Obama banner. Those who cannot walk can ride on the float. We will meet at 9a with place TBA.
August 30-31st- Post convention canvass with Obama campaign, 109 W B st. at 9:30a, 778-9976. Please contact the campaign for your Team Leader in your neighborhood for canvass info.
Thanks for all of your support! "Respect, Empower, Include" Obama 2008!!
Tatsue Maekawa
Convention Captain for DNC Pueblo County
Admin. Pueblo for Obama
PuebloforObama@aol.com
719 406-6141
This was one detail I've been wanting to confirm to have available whenever anyone does VRD's. IF you're doing a VRD and someone asks about getting a form for a friend or where to check their voter registration status, tell them to go to:
http://www.elections.colorado.gov/
On that site, there are links to "Verify your Voter Registration" and download a Voter Registration Form. This is a great site to memorize and share with everyone!
Mic
Wow what an evening it was. There were approximately 100 people who attending the opening on July 15, 2008 at the Pueblo Obama office opening located at 109 W B St. There was standing room only and plenty of food and drink to go around. Everyone enjoyed themselves.
Cathy Connor began the opening by singing the National Anthem. She was fabulous and what a voice she has. Thank you Cathy for your contribution.
Keagan Buchanan, Obama Team Leader, introduced our many guests to include Sal Pace, Abel Tapia, and Buffy McFadden to name a few. Many introductions were made to include Terry Hart, Tatsue Maekawa, and all Obama fellows also to name a few. The press was there as well as many Pueblo activists carrying various petitions.
A total of 4 offices in Colorado opened that day with many more to come so stay tuned. One may show up in your city!
I would like to thank all of the Obama supporters who made various food donations to feed the masses. Thank you all for helping me, I could not have done it without ALL of you! Contributions made were from Tatsue Maekawa, Kelly Wilson, Sandi and Ken Lewis, Lynda Carter, Donna and Charles Paulsen, Erik Segal, Dorothy Garcia, Angelica Holloway, Pearl Chavez, Diane and Gilbert Ortiz, Mark Oreskovich, Shirl Bates, James and Audrey Villegas, Judy Martinez, Mary Beth Corsentino, Norma Oldham, Rose Cogley, Rita and Dave Marquez, and William and Marie Thomas.
Dont forget to attend the Organizational Meeting this Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 6p.m. at Smitty's Greenlight Tavern. Hope to see you all there!
719 565-7129
Pueblo Obama office
109 W B St
719 778-9976
Hello Obama supporters,
Pueblo for Obama has a new phone number. Please note it is 719 565-7129.
Pueblo for Obama wishes everyone a Happy and safe 4th of July. Along with your celebrating and barbeque, I hope that you are all getting out the vote and participating in the VRD during this Independence Day. What a great day for community service. Show your support for your country and Obama. Obama 2008!!! Thank you.
"RESPECT, EMPOWER, INCLUDE"
Happy Birthday Miss Rolan Craig. Miss Craig was my great aunt who would have been 110 years old today! She sadly passed June 17, 2008. She was born July 1, 1898 in Ardmore, OK and came to CO by way of covered wagon in 1916 to the Dry in Manzanola.
She lived a full life of 109 years and will sadly be missed by many. She lived long enough to see a Black Man become the nominee for President of the United States and was proud. Barack Obama also sent her a Happy Birthday greeting before she passed.
RIP Miss Rolan Craig. I love and miss you dearly.
Article from Pueblo Chieftain
Rolan Craig
On June 28, 2008 I had my Unite for Change event. I would like to thank everyone who attended and donated food and drinks (Ruth Steele, Roberta Aragon, Dorothy Garcia, Kelly Wilson, and Joe Dingman) a special Thanks to Dr. William and Marie Thomas for letting me use their lovely home for this event. Many supporters attended to include Independents who are now Democrats and Obama supporters and Hillary supporters who are now Obama supporters.
We started out with a little food and conversation and then a pop quiz given by myself to see how many people knew about Barack Obama. I asked 5 questions with 5 t-shirt and rally sign prizes. I am still amazed at how little people know about Barack. It was fun and we all shared our stories on why we support Obama. One of our Organizing Fellows Samantha took over and showed the Unite for Change video.
The goal of this event was to UNITE in order to work together to get Barack Obama elected and to continue to give our time in volunteering to Get out the Vote. We need more volunteers to accomplish this goal. If anyone has any free time to register people to vote please contact the Obama office so that we can get you trained and ready to go. Thats all it takes. Once you are trained you can keep registration forms with you at all times and if you are somewhere just ask people if they are registered and get them involved. We can really have a lot of fun with this.
There will be several events in the near future that we can also attend to get out the vote but we must work together. I know there is confusion regarding the different campaigns in Pueblo (Obama camp, Coordinated camp, Democratic party)and which to be involved with. It doesnt matter which one you choose as long as you choose one and get involved.
Just a reminder that tomorrow, June 30, 2008 is the last day of this months fundraising. Please make a donation online at www.barackobama.com by midnight and you could receive an Obama logo car magnet ($15)or a logo t-shirt ($30). We must continue to fund this campaign in order to compete with the Republicans.
If you would like to host your own Unite for Change event please contact the Obama office and speak to Keagan Buchanan our Team leader. Thanks for your support!! Obama 2008!! "Respect, Empower, Include"
Dont forget to stop by the new Obama office and meet all the new staff!
REMINDER - June 30, 2008 - GOTV meeting at noon at Democratic HQ.
Keagan Buchanan - Team leader
719 562-0141
Here are pictures from the Juneteenth event in Pueblo, CO. Pueblo for Obama set up a table with Obama items and a life size cardboard Obama next to it. There was food, music, fun and Obama supporters!! We had a great time registering voters.
Makoto Robinson and Leondro Mexdoza held the flags for this event wearing their TEAM OBAMA shirts.
Sal Pace, Buffy McFadden, John Cordova and Dorothy Butcher also stopped by in support of this event.
Ruth Steele, CEO and founder of the Martin Luther King Cultural center along with Dr. Carl Bartecchi donated 1000 books on health issues in support of Barack Obama's healthcare plan.
We sold all of our Obama items and received several donations.
I am hosting a Unite for Change event this Saturday, June 28, 2008, at 6:30p.m. at 24 Robertson. Dr. William and Marie Thomas are hosting this event with me at their home. RSVP is mandatory for space is limited. There will be food, Obama items and new Obama staff will conduct the show for this event. Hope to see you all there!
Dont forget to stop by the new Obama office and meet all the new staff. We are currently looking for a few good men and women to volunteer for the campaign. If you are interested, please contact Keagan Buchanan.
Events
June 27, 2008 - Grand Opening Coordinated campaign "Forward Colorado" office, 315 W 8th St, 719 994-6386
June 28, 2008 - Unite for Change at 6:3-p.m. at 24 Robertson, RSVP mandatory
June 30, 2008 - GOTV meeting at noon at Dem HQ 305 Santa Fe
On June 7th Pueblo for Obama attended the Blues, Boats and BBQ at the Riverwalk where we registered voters all day. We paused for lunch at Mineral Palace Park where we had lunch with Mark Udall. To date since the VRD Kickoff we have been working with the coordinated campaign “Forward Colorado” and have knocked on 2000 doors and registered 563 voters. We will be attending the Juneteenth Celebration this Saturday, June 21, 2008 at the State Fair grounds where we will continue to register voters.
What is Juneteenth? It is the celebration of the last day of slavery in the United States. When Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves, the state of Texas refused to free their slaves until June 19, 1865. Three years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is June 19th and is one of the oldest national holidays celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. This year will mark the 143rd anniversary of this holiday. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society. © 1996-2007 Juneteenth.com.
Looking for volunteering opportunities to help Barack Obama? We are re-opening the Obama office which is located at 109 B St. Keagan Buchanan is leading the team here in Pueblo. We need many supplies and volunteers for future events. If you can help make a donation of any kind please contact me.
If you would rather do something from home, you could host a Unite for Change event on June 28, 2008. It is to unite Demorats and to encourage involvement in the campaign. Log on to www.BarackObama.com for more details.
We have a lot of work to do so please take some time to participate.
June 21, 2008 - VRD at Juneteenth event at State Fair grounds from 12p-8p.
June 28, 2008 - Unite for Change event. Time and place TBA
June 30, 2008 - GOTV meeting at noon at Dem HQ, 305 N Santa Fe
The deadline for this months fundraising is near. Please make a donation by June 30th.
Thank you for all of your support!! Obama 2008!! "Respect, Empower, Include"
Just in case you missed it. I was in the Pueblo Chieftain again due to Obama. Here it is!
Published: June 04, 2008 03:12 am | No comments posted.
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Ray Kogovsek
Terry Hart
Ruth Steele
One thing was certain about the hard-fought Democratic primary battle between Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton - the end would bring exultation for the victor's supporters and bitter disappointment for the losers.Though she has not conceded the battle to Obama, Clinton told colleagues Tuesday she would consider joining Obama as his running mate, and advisers said she was withholding a formal departure from the race partly to use her remaining leverage to press for a spot on the ticket."I really had faith that he could win it, I really did," Tatsue Maekawa laughed Tuesday afternoon as news reports indicated Obama was wrapping up the final delegate totals to be the Democratic nominee. "I wouldn't have committed myself and my family to this effort if I didn't believe he could do it."Maekawa, 46, is biracial (Japanese and African-American) and has been Obama's Pueblo chief volunteer since the underdog Democrat started campaigning in February 2007. A newcomer to politics, she represents the kind of first-time activist the Obama campaign seemed to have mobilized by the millions.Maekawa was quick to offer an olive branch to Mrs. Clinton's supporters Tuesday, saying the New York senator would make a strong running mate for Obama. "We will definitely be a stronger ticket if Mrs. Clinton is on it," she said. "I know how disappointed I would be if the tables were turned. You invest so much of yourself in a campaign."Former U.S. Rep. Ray Kogovsek was one of those early Clinton supporters who watched his candidate lose her commanding early lead to a challenger - Obama - no one expected to materialize.Kogovsek acknowledged that Mrs. Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, seemed to antagonize as many voters as they energized."I think the media fell out of love with the Clintons and in love with Obama," Kogovsek said, echoing some of the bitter criticism the former president has repeatedly made of his wife's news coverage. "But there's no question, the Clintons can be their own worst enemies."That said, Kogovsek argued that Mrs. Clinton is essential to the final ticket as Obama's running mate."She has almost 50 percent of the Democratic vote," he insisted. "He's going to need her for all those groups he didn't do well with in Ohio and Pennsylvania - older women, blue-collar workers, those Democrats who may not vote without her."Terry Hart, Pueblo County Democratic Party chairman, said he is deeply relieved the primary fight is finally over. The clash between Obama's army of young "first-timers" and Mrs. Clinton's strong base among women voters has been driving fractures into the party that must be healed before November, he said."I think they would make a powerful ticket together, but if she's not on the ticket, the Obama people need to conduct a serious outreach to the Clinton camp to make sure their issues are heard," Hart said. "You're talking about a Democratic Party that is almost evenly split between these two candidates."Hart also praised the Obama campaign as being an unexpected phenomenon, an energizing force that reminded him of the John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy campaigns of the 1960s."No question about it, Obama has turned out thousands of new voters in all these states," he said. "Who would have predicted 18 months ago that he would win this thing? Not me."Ruth Steele, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission and Cultural Center, called Obama's victory on Tuesday "truly historic.""I always had faith that one day a black man would win the presidency of the United States, but I never thought I would see it in my lifetime," she said. "I'm just grateful we've come so far."Does Obama need Mrs. Clinton on the ticket to win? At first, Steele started to protest that wasn't necessary, but then she stopped and laughed cautiously."I don't know. Maybe she would help with some of the older voters out there," Steele said.
Yes We Did! Comgratulations Barack Obama and supporters!
Barack Obama Democratic nominee!!
Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for the President of the United States! My predictions have been blogged and now it is reality. I am very proud and this is truly a historic time in history. I never thought I would live to see a Black Man in the White House. This is beautiful.
Today is the beginning of our future. Our work is not done. Change dont come easy. Please celebrate this moment and continue to work and support Barack Obama the next 6 months. Please remember our motto "RESPECT, EMPOWER, INCLUDE. A victory for Obama is a victory for the people! Power to the people in 2008!!
Dont forget to make a donation!!!
The State convention was great! I was proud to represent Obama as a State delegate. Do you remember the Obama supporter with the cardboard Obama that went around the whole arena cheering supporters on? That was ME! Yes I am that crazy lady.
Shannon Green Tatsue and Obama
Roberta Aragon Ruby Generally
Crowd at convention
On May 29th we joined Mark Udall. on the steps of the County court house. to start his campaign Kickoff. I was able to meet with him and will have lunch with him on Saturday, June 7th!!
Me and Mark Udall Erik Segall and Tatsue
June 7, 2008 - VRD and lunch with Mark Udall at 9a.m. at 315 W 8th St. Training will be provided before the canvass.
June 14, 2008- Taste of Bessemer with Pueblo County Dems. Info TBA
June 16, 2008 - GOTV meeting at noon at Pueblo County Dems HQ, 305 N Santa Fe.
June 21, 2008 - Juneteenth celebration at Bessemer Park. VRD and other info TBA
I don't know if this idea has been floated before, but wouldn't it be a GREAT idea to do a voter's registration drive at a gas station rather than a grocery store?
Consumers are paying record prices for gas today. This would seem to be an ideal place to get sympathetic voters.
Well, from my limited experience helping yesterday morning at the CD6 Convention, I'd say that we were more prepared for the CD Convention compared to the JeffCo convention, however...
We didn't get enough Obama Delegates (and especially Alternates) to show up for the convention. Yes, the results were still good: about 65% for Barack to 35% for Hillary. But, we lost a little ground on the percentages (although the delegate numbers didn't change -- there was HOPE that we could have ADDED a delegate).
I know tremendous efforts were made to contact all Delegates and Alternates. Thanks to all who worked so hard on calling! I think we need to emphasize the importance of Alternates attending the upcoming CD conventions -- and expecially State.
IMPORTANT: Make sure every Delegate and Alternate indicated their status for the upcoming CD/State Convention/Assemblies here:
http://www.colorado.barackobama.com/
YES WE CAN!
