I am disappointed that my child won’t be hearing President Obama’s address to students with her fellow students on Tuesday AM. I would think that any President, Republican or Democrat , taking his time to address American students with a positive message about the value of education merits a change in schedule and routine. President Obama is a shining example of what you can achieve when you work hard in school. What a missed educational opportunity for teachers and administrators to discuss not only his message, but the American political process and what it means to be a citizen in a Democracy. By speaking directly to students, any public leader, regardless of political affiliation, contributes to their self esteem, since such an address sends the message that our children are important and valued members of our society.
Thank you ,
I received a thoughtful reply from the school administrator who agreed with me but said that they were so inundated by parents protesting that they would have had to get signed permission slips for kids to view the speech - is this happening only in Red States? I think that the protestors are just so much more vocal then those who support and want their children to hear his speech in schools. So if you have a child and your district is in the uproar mine is, let your principal no that you want your child to hear the speech!
Friends,
Thank you so much for sending in your notes to Senator Cornyn regarding health care issues.
I have just printed 34 beautiful notes to carry with me to the meeting today.
Including DJ Mark Anthony’s request for the Senator to report the lies on TV commercials and the colorful picture of Pat Boone.
It is not enough to write President Barack Obama, we have to contact our elected officials, in particular the ones that are not supporting our Prez.
It is not too late, send in your notes to me anytime, John Cornyn's office is 5 minutes from my front door.
Also attend the town hall meetings being organized by our reps.
Yesterday Julie and I attended the one in the Fifth Ward, it was an interesting experienced actually being there vs. watching on TV.
Our Madam Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee did a fabulous job! She came prepared with presentation boards and handouts of the bill.
SJL was very clear and to the point on issues. She was kind and listen to the speakers and promised to take back to Congress our views and concerns.
She kept control of the meeting beautifully! The folks that spoke out without being called on were not addressed and ended up looking disrespectful and foolish.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee clearly sorted thru some of the creative fabrications, lies, and misconceptions floating out there. It was difficult for me to keep a straight face listening to some of the comments from confused and angry audience.
I think some folks are just extremely disappointed we have a Democratic government in place now. They display anger and frustration using the usual rhetoric.
I posted the pictures from the meeting on http://www.facebook.com/maria.isabel and will add to Flickr later after my meeting today.
Here is the town hall for today with SJL:
For your protection and the protection of our elected officials you need to RSVP to be admitted in the room:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpfcqh
It’s not just about me and my family, I care for you too, Mom says it’s a sign of being a Democrat!
Maria Isabel
Organizing for America Pledge Project
President Obama needs our support and help to prove to Washington DC that we are still supporting his "Change" campaign.
If you still believe he has the right ideas and plans, and want to be part of our own recovery please fill out this pledge note and sign it. You can return to me or send directly to the Pledge Project.
Pledge Project Page:http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/pledgeprojectcanvassguide/This site has all the information and forms you need to be clear about the issues.
Pledge Card:http://obama.3cdn.net/f33182f2a60434cfcf_olm6b1dtc.pdf
We are all busy with our families, businesses, and local campaigns, and to support this project is easy. You do not have to knock on doors or make phone calls if you do not have the time. Just send the card in!
Standing for our President Obama!
Maria Isabel713.542.0721713.547.0681 Fax
Barack is asking us to stay in the game…it is only the beginning!!!
If you have not yet signed up to attend one of the 4,000 + "Change is Coming" events around the country, it's not too late.
Hi ~ I so look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.
This gathering will be a celebration of our historic victory against politics as usual, and a festive holiday diner party.
After so many months of hard work attending meetings, canvassing, making phone calls, writing checks, traveling to other states,
and pressing for change in America, it is still surreal that we did it...and you made it happened,
you are responsible for this extraordinary historic experience called:
Barack is our next president!
Nikki Sutton and the transition team is in place and running. They want to hear from us regarding details on issues that are important to each one of us.
Barack is calling for community organizers all over the country to continue establishing relationships with local elected officials to press for change.
He has requested we take on a community service project before inauguration day to let them know we are not going away.
Bring your ideas to the party.
Also, we will be playing "Dirty Grab", a gift exchange game. If you would like to join in, bring a wrapped gift.
Recycled presents are encouraged, shop in your own closet. Gift to be $15 or less in value.
Barry and I will be cooking for you tomorrow and we are delighted you have signed up to attend.
Obama '08,
We Don't Have to Wait!
Maria Isabel has sent you an invitation to 'Change IsComing - Houston 6th Ward House Party' -- click here toview the invitation and submit your response: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsxb5r
"We are one people, and our time for change has come!"
~ Barack Obama
Quick question about the bailout of the auto industry.
Since we gave Wall Street and big banks a huge bailout why doesn't the Government instruct the banks who receive a portion of the bailout to loan a percentage of that money to the auto industry with the interest accrued on that loan to be paid back to the Government and the principle applied back to the bank?
That way the banks would begin lending money, the auto industry would get the money they need saving thousands if not millions of jobs, and not just one bank is responsible for carrying the loan. (I think it would be a small percentage of the money the banks received if it was equally distributed among all the banks receiving bailout money from the government.) Further the money is still coming from the Government through the banks; therefore, tax payers will not have to support yet another bailout. Of course we would still need Congressional and Treasury oversight on the banks and the big 3 but at least we would know where the money we gave the banks went and how it was used.
I'm not an expert by any means but from watching news, I think we want the banks lending money, the auto industry needs a loan, and the Government should try to recover the money as quickly as possible to pay for programs and provide middle class tax relief. I believe that if the Government has enough assurance to consider giving more tax payer money to the big 3, then banks should also have assurance to use a portion of their bailout money to loan money to the auto industry. Does this make sense?
If you are planning to be in DC Jan 15th please come to my party. Just received a note from Susannah Perlman, my first celebrity to RSVP.
Maria Isabel has sent you an invitation to 'HOLTInauguration Party - DC' -- click here to view theinvitation and submit your response: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsx22m
About Susannah Perlman:
http://www.nicejewishgirlsgonebad.com/newsite/girls.html
Hi ~ Barry and I just got back from a moveon.org gathering aimed at keeping the momentum of the campaign moving.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25714894@N08/
We have accomplished so much by getting Obama elected, but like Barack told us, the job is not done. We need to continue to pressure our elected representatives to support the changes that we aspire to. MoveOn is organizing a campaign to send 100's of thousands of photos of real Americans holding signs declaring "I Stand with Obama for" ... (Clean Energy, Health Care, Ending the War in Iraq, Diplomacy, or your own issue). The plan is to send thousands of photos to Congress, etc. and to plaster DC with select photos to let people know that this movement is not going to lay down. Let me know if you want to get involved in this effort.
mariaobama@gmail.com
In case you missed it.
Four segments, here is the first:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4608198n
So look forward to the Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball........Hope to see you all there!
Sweet victory for Harris County TX!!!
Thanks everyone...and you know who you are.....
Barry and I just had a breakdown with our attentive stay reservation in DC. Any diehard democrats want to share their room? We are small people, just need a spot for our sleeping bags...
Obama Love!!!
713.542.0721
http://flickr.com/photos/25714894@N08/
Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball corporate sponsorships are available. Details on securing sponsor tickets and benefits, including sponsorship forms, can be found at the TSS web site, www.texasstatesociety.org in our special BT&B section. Find out how you can become a corporate sponsor to "The Hottest Ticket in Town" during Presidential Inauguration Week. Interested corporate sponsors can also contact Jackie Alafoginis at 202-237-0099, ext. 20 or by email at jackie@websterconsulting.com
President Elect Barack Obama and Vice President Elect Joe Biden,
Wow, congratulations to President Elect Obama and Vice President Elect Biden! Although I send my deepest sympathies and prayers to the Obama family for their recent loss, I would also like to say thank you to the greatest inspirational leaders I have ever had the pleasure to hear. Thank you so much for awakening a spirit of patriotism and service that, although always present, has become stronger and more resolute within me. It has been a pleasure volunteering and offering support for this campaign. It is also my sincerest hope that the technologies developed here will extended beyond this election cycle and into a movement of local and national service to move this country forward. Congratulations and again, thank you for all that the two of you have done and will do for this great country. God bless the two of you and your families.
Justin
Thank you OFA fellow community organizers....we are almost there!
But today there is still a few more things you can do to help finish the job until the polls close.
Your "Precinct Chair" has a list of folks in your precinct that have not yet come to the polls, this is a great opportunity.
If you do not know who your precinct chair is, here is how to find him or her in Houston: http://www.hcdp.org/precinctchairs.php
Contact your precinct chair and see what you can do to help.
Our neighborhood last night only had a list of about 100 folks that had not voted yet. Split the list with other community organizers in your area and call these folks or put a reminder to vote today on their door!
Ken from the DNC has vote reminder lit at our OFA Headquarters - 4300 Lyons Houston 77020, we must GOTV!!!
Another option if you would like to volunteer today, you can be an Obama Precinct Captain by standing outside your polling location wearing your Obama gear ready to greet voters.
Remember, these are your neighbors and if lines are long tonight they may be encouraged to stay if they see you there.
During the Primary some of the folks that came to vote stayed with us for part of the day.
If standing and greeting is not your thing, MyBO will be updating the battleground state calling list throughout the day.
The campaing is planning to post the names and numbers of specific pockets of voters in strategic battleground areas that have not made it to the polls.
This you can do in the comfort of your own home.Also there are busy call banking locations all over town, you may want to find one near you and bring snacks or drink to the volunteers.
The Harris County Democratic Party is phonebanking today, and also OFA has several locations, here is how to find an OFA call banking location near you in Houston: http://gotv.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpvvv4
In a few hours we will know who the next president will be, Obama and his campaing strategists had a plan for this election, they did a great job mobilizing folks, and you did the rest.
My heartfelt thanks for all you have done so far and will do today.
Feel free to email me or call anytime today.
With Obama Love,
Hey Guys,
We are almost to the end of this incredible journey…..I have had the time of my life with you!
We have made so many great friends all across the country, good people brought together by Barack Obama and this "Change" thing.
My heartfelt thanks to you for your precious contribution to this terrific effort, your friendship, and love. Thanks for all you are doing!!!
I know there are many parties, and fancy get-together plans around town for after the closing of the polls on Nov 4th, but I hope you will stop by and have one last dance with me to the "Thunder" of DJ Mark Anthony.
Please join us at the OFA Houston Headquarters, 4300 Lyons for one last "Staff Meeting", you know how I love meetings... and Election Celebration!!!
Maria Isabel has sent you an invitation to 'Staff Meeting- Election Day Celebration' -- click here to view theinvitation and submit your response: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpvjv2 Personal Message: (Optional)
Almost there.....
While the Senator is away this weekend our orders from Chicago is the urgency to call Ohio.
We have several phone banking locations in Houston, find one near you:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple
If you can not get to a phone bank location but have time to call from home, email me:
What about Texas? Here is my plan: between 9 am and 9 pm we are calling Ohio, but our family members, our friends, our neighbors, and local contacts we can reach anytime by emails.
911 - Call Now!!!
This is an invitation to a final presidential debate watch Party Wed Oct 15th.
At the OFA Houston Office
4300 Lyons Ave, Suite 200 - Houston TX 77020
The debate starts at 8:00 PM, but you are welcome to come early, socialize with fellow Obama volunteers, and help us phonebank.
We are serving Chicago Style Hot Dogs with the trimmings, sponsored by Super Volunteer Gretchen Lindquist.
Please RSVP on MyBo: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs5bc7
Display Your Obama Gear!
Decorate your life in this presidential election season, stop by the office anytime and pick up an "Obama Supporter Bundle".
We have six different styles of Obama shirts including an awesome full color Andy Warhol inspired T, 10 different Obama button designs, 6 different Obama bumper stickers, lapel stickers, yard signs, and aprons.
Obama '08 America Can't Wait!
Thank for all you are doing,
Maria
Houston Obama Leadership Team ~ OFA Houston Office is Opening Tomorrow Oct 11, 2008
Come and meet the local staffers and your fellow supporters.
Lets Rally Up Houston With Obama Love and Hope!!!
This is a great opportunity to get involved with the local campaign!
Time: Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 PM - 3 hours
Location: OFA Houston Office
4300 Lyons Ave #200
Houston, TX 77020
Directions:
North side of I-10 and East of Hwy 59
You can view the details of this event at any time by going to:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs5y77
Re: Early Voting
Early Voting Hours of Operation
Oct 20th - Oct 24th 8 am - 4:30 pm
Oct 25th 7 am - 7 pm
Oct 26th 1 pm - 6 pm
Oct 27th - Oct 31st 7 am - 7 pm
Map of your Precinct: http://hcdp.org/precinctmaps.html
Contact your Precinct Chair: http://hcdp.org/precinctchairs.php
Some Precincts are not active. If your Precinct Chair does not respond, contact the Harris County Democratic Office and volunteer to be Leadership in your community.
Harris County Website: http://hcdp.org/index.html
eSlate Voting Information: http://www.1960area.com/voting/index.html
eSlate Classes in Harris County:
http://www.harrisvotes.com/docs/eSlate%20Training%20Classes%202008.pdf
Event on MyBO
Support Barack by volunteering for
Early Voting In Your Community' -- click here to view the invitation and submit your response:
Yes We Can!
Obama For America Houston Office Opening Sat Oct 11 at 1 PM
4300 Lyons Ave #200 - Houston TX 77020
North Side of I-10, East of HWY 59 In the Fifth Ward
This is your office, come and get informed on the local Obama campaign happenings, and meet the awesome staffers.
Obama '08, America Can't Wait!!!
The OFA Staffers in Houston/Harris County are looking for a super awesome volunteer that that will assist with communications. Website knowledge is a must.
Respond to this email or call me,
Just joined one of the Alaskans for Obama groups and they have made 6,535 calls.
We better get busy!
M
Obama/Biden Family,
The OFA team strategists have designed a comprehensive and aggressive focused plan for the general election.
This plan has two components and many elements:
1. For Barack to win the “General Election”, “We Must Win Battleground States”.
2. We can win Texas.
We are 375,000 committed volunteers in Texas ready to participate and contribute to this effort.
Working together we can coordinate and move forward.
Top Assignments:
Five Weeks Commitment to travel out-of –state
Weekends out-of-state
One weekend out-of-state
Anytime out-of-state
You have the “time” but need resources such as transportation and or housing
You know someone in a Blue State that will travel for Texas to a “Battleground State”
If you have housing in a “Battleground State” to offer a volunteer
If you can not travel but can financially contribute to the “Texans to the Battleground” Fund.
Home team:
Become a Deputy Registrar – Houston Training Wed Sep 10th at 7:00 pm – Travis and Alabama, Midtown Office.
Mon - Friday between 9 am and 3 pm at 1001 Preston, second floor. Bring your voter registration card.
Become a Precinct Captain – Houston Training Wed Sep 10th at 7:00 pm - Travis and Alabama,
Midtown Office.
All our moves will be reported to Chicago.
For Houston and surrounding areas answer this email or contact: ashleyforobama@yahoo.com.
Thank you for all you're doing!
Important Voter Registration Information:
STATEWIDE INFORMATION
Sept. 5 MAIL BALLOTS: **First day to apply to County Clerk for ballot by mail for General Election.
NOTE: Persons wishing to Vote By Mail Ballot from within Harris County must first call the Clerk's Office at (713) 755-6411 and request an Application to Vote By Mail.
VOTING FROM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: NOTE: Persons wishing to Vote By Mail Ballot from OUTSIDE the United States must first call the Clerk's Office at (713) 755-6411 and request The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in order to apply for a Mail Ballot. ** The request for a FPCA can be made anytime for there is not a date as to when this request can be made.
Oct. 6 Last day to register to vote in general election.
Oct. 20 Early voting for General Election begins.
Oct. 28 Last day for County Clerk to receive application for ballot by mail. NOTE: All applications to vote by mail must be received by the early voting clerk before the close of regular business or 12 noon, whichever is later on Oct. 28th.
Applications to vote by mail must be submitted by mail, common or contract carrier, or fax (if the applicant is absent from the county and a fax machine is available in the office of the early voting clerk).
Oct. 31 Last day of Early Voting. Nov.
4 General Election.
NOTE, from Clara:
One of our Project RAVEN members was asked to leave a Metro rail stop where he was attempting to register voters.
The Metro policeperson who asked him to leave that site did so in violation of his civil rights.
Please be advised that you have the right to register voters on public property without a permit.
If anyone approaches you and attempts to violate your rights to do that, please write down that person's name, job title, and in the case of a law enforcement officer, his or her rank and badge number.
Also, write down the date, time and location of the incident, as well as the names [addresses and phone numbers too if they will give them to you] of any witnesses who personally saw and/or heard what occurred.
Project RAVEN will go through the appropriate channels and file a complaint on your behalf. Sometimes, problems like these are due solely to ignorance and can be readily rectified by having supervisors properly instruct their personnel. We don't want anyone to get into any arguments--certainly not any physical confrontations--with authorities; however, we do want you to be firm in courteously asserting that you have the right to be on public property and to register voters there.
If the person insists that you leave, you should ask why he or she is insisting that you leave public property.
If you have any such problems please let us know.
Clara Loraine Meek
John McCain doesn’t have the desire or will to fix our economy and Sarah has proven to be an incapable manager, how can we trust these two with the challenges we face?
The OFA Captainship Program is in place in every City in America, jump in!
We have until Oct 6th to register potential voters, we want the peoples voices to be heard.
In Houston, OFA Captainship Program will have a meeting Wed Sep 10th at 7 PM at Travis and Alabama, including a Mega Deputization.
Email me for more information.
