Like many of you, as if on clockwork, I opened up my email today. It is part of my daily routine. Oh I also have kids to feed, toys and clothes on the floor, homework needs to be done. My life does not vary day to day.
Here it is in my inbox. Yes another email about healthcare reform. Come make calls TONIGHT.. call your Senators! Is this health care thing still going on and when will it be over? Oh that starting time is not good for me....
If you have not done a thing or many things NOW IS THE TIME to ACT. Yes today and tomorrow is crucial and if you have a thought or want to lend your voice THIS IS THE TIME TO ACT. Life does get in the way but everyday life will be there tomorrow and the day after. But this opportunity of health care reform with teeth and substance will NOT.
I urge you- pickup fast food for the family, leave the shirt and toys on the floor, bring your cell and drive over to lend your voice to the millions calling for change. Cannot make the whole time or stay that long? Hey we will take whatever you can give!
yes NOW IS THE TIME to ACT. Make a Change for America Tonight. Join us- information is below.
Mid America Mom
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As the Senate Finance Committee debates the 564 amendments to Senator Max Baucus' weak health care bill, major decisions are being made about affordability, cost, and the choice of a public health insurance option - and could be done by this Thursday.Wednesday is a National Call-In Day for health care reform.Call Toll Free, 877-264-2664Please be sure to call your Illinois Senators ASAP and ask them to fix the Baucus bill to include a public health insurance plan either in committee or on the House Floor.Then please join us for this Tuesday or Wednesday's scheduled phone bank to help us mobilize hundreds of Illinois voters to call the Senate before Thursday. There will be no phone banks next week.Please RSVP: Email the contact person below.Phone-banking for Health Care - THIS WEEK ONLY!We're gathering at the following dates/times to make calls for health care reform and looking for data entry volunteers during phone banksWednesday, Sept 30th:1) Elgin Painters Hall, 2400 Big Timber Road, Elgin; 6 - 9 pmContact: Kaye Gamble, mkgamble@ameritech.net2) Schaumburg IFT Ofc, 1622 E. Algonquin Rd (just east of Meacham); 5 - 9 pmContact: Damian Christiansen, damianactive@357.com3) Northbrook, Hel's Kitchen Catering, 3027 Commercial Ave; 5 - 8 pmContact: Kevin Roos, krooster1234@yahoo.com4) Aurora Painters Hall, 1905 Sequoia Drive, AuroraContact: Earl, Aurora.dem@mindspring.comCall Jessica, 312-427-2114 x 206 for more details.
TO BE FREE?
Hello from my temporary home in the North, our 51st State ;) One thing I will tell you is that NOT ONE Canadian I have met ...has said they would rather have our system. Interesting isn't it?
I want medical freedom. I want to know that there is an affordable and logical plan that ANYONE can have. Including those countless children that have no voice or choice. I want medical freedom I want to take a job I love or like instead of choosing it just for coverage. I want to see people taking a second job not because of medical care but for just simply getting ahead or paying off a debt. I want to know that if I am laid off that my family has care. I want medical freedom. This house of cards healthcare system we have takes our time, energy, conversation, and yes our loved ones. Why must we cling to the familiar? Why can't we get past this fear? Where is the American ingenuity to make our healthcare system truly the BEST? I want to be free. Don't you?
I want to know that there is an affordable and logical plan that ANYONE can have. Including those countless children that have no voice or choice. I want medical freedom I want to take a job I love or like instead of choosing it just for coverage. I want to see people taking a second job not because of medical care but for just simply getting ahead or paying off a debt. I want to know that if I am laid off that my family has care. I want medical freedom. This house of cards healthcare system we have takes our time, energy, conversation, and yes our loved ones. Why must we cling to the familiar? Why can't we get past this fear? Where is the American ingenuity to make our healthcare system truly the BEST? I want to be free. Don't you?
Taking up the fight has never been easy. But if we let this opportunity pass then it means well maybe we never really wanted it at all. And who says we, your plain jane and joe's cannot do it? WE elected OUR President. If it was not for us we would be talking about John or Hillary. Join the chorus of millions calling for change. TODAY!!!! Get ON THE PHONE to the reps, send your EMAILS, CANVASS the neighborhood, HOST an EVENT for change.
No matter who you are
or
where you are
you can be the change
YES GET OUT THERE and never forget that YOU ARE THE CHANGE.
Mid America Mom Moms for Obama
The ACT. This is one of the biggest plans to come out of Washington that will probably touch everyone. The size alone is intimidating.
You got fear? So many losing jobs or fearful of it, others seeing their retirement slip away, some losing their home, and then the kids leaving college as their family no longer can help. I feel it. It is one of the things that are keeping me up at night. Thinking how did it get so bad? What could have I done? Why did I make certain choices? But looking back takes time. But I know that to move on I need a plan. Something that I can do that is positive. A plan to get me on the right track and hey bumps and turns will be there but that is OK. It is better than Nothing or sulking! Get Fired Up! Yes time to find that POWER within!
Do not let Congress, President, or the media own this. This moment is OUR moment. This is OUR economic survival- they will still have a job next week. Take 5 minutes or 5 hours to ACT.
Start simple. Truth is we do not like the folks in the Senate and Congress. But it is time for them to earn their keep! No matter what you think of the act- ACT. Let your reps know your feelings! After that maybe you can do a little more. Host a meeting this week for folks in our network, talk to friends and family and encourage them to make a call or email to their reps, send a note to the DNC/RNC, and let the PRES know your thoughts too. Do something that works for you. Do it today.
YOU can be the change.
Doubt it? Look at who is in the White House.
Mid America Mom who is FIRED UP and READY to GO!
*Looking to join in an economic meeting in your area? Go to EVENTS on this site*
Hello fellow Peorians and friends from all of central Illinois.
I wanted to update you on an event that I started a little over 3 weeks ago; Giving from the Heart
This is an ongoing event, every Sunday morning at 8:30am, we head downtown Peoria and take sack lunches, beverages and anything else someone without a place to live might need, ie. blankets, warm socks, warm clothing, any non-perishable food item that doesn't need cooked or opened with a can opener and doesn't require an eating utensil, and backpacks or tote bags.
This is a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming opportunity to do one little thing for those who don't have what we have.
This past Sunday was very special. Some of the people that I've been seeing are starting to talk to me. I even got 2 hugs. This meant a lot to me.
I hope you'll join us one of these Sundays.
There is also a need for this on Mon., Wed. and Thurs. evenings at 6pm. On those days, people who work, yet don't have a place to live, can't check in early enough to receive a dinner. Please let me know if you would be available and interested in helping on those evenings. gail.newtson@gmail.com
thanks to all of our wonderful President's supporters, we are making a difference one little step at a time.
Gail/Obama in the Heart, Peoria, IL/Illinois Chapter of Families for Obama and Phi Theta Kappa member 4 Obama.
Yesterday, Sun. Jan. 18th, 5 Peorians, met downtown and searched for homeless and/or hungry people in our community. We handed out 35 sack lunches, 48 bottles of water and 3 bags of clothes to those in need. This was our service project for today's National Day of Service called for by our, soon to be, 1st Family.
We met 28 men, 5 women and 2 children in downtown Peoria. It was heartbreaking while it was heartwarming, as well. It was a small deed. But to see their smiles, and hear their words, is an experience that I will not forget, nor will my niece, age 19, and her boyfriend, age 23(who started this project over a year ago), my daughter, age 20 and my 'adopted' granddaughter, age 10. It was a family affair! I am thankful and proud of my family. I wonder where the families of those we met are.
We will continue to try to end hunger one little step at a time. Fellow Peorians, will you join us?
I know that many of you have or will be participating in a service project that is near and dear to your heart. Let me say to you, keep up the good work, don't slow down, continue to spread the word and the love to others. TOGETHER we can "be the change that we've been looking for."
Tomorrow our next President will be out in the roots.
Did you know? Fresh out of school Barack Obama could have chased the dollar but the roots is where he found a place to connect as an organizer. It was not glamorous, didn't really pay, but there was something in doing something good with others for others. It was in this job he found a community and sense of pride and ownership. Many of us wish to connect more or do more for our community but find the BUT. Well tomorrow take the time! President Elect Obama is. Yes during this economic mess and transition he is spending a little time in the community doing some good.
BUT NO! No excuse today as it has never been easier. Take 15 minutes or hours. From home or not. Join something organized (if you want to find an event near you try this site or usa service ) or not. The secret? What you choose to do is up to you.
Tomorrow Be the Change.
So for those of you looking for ideas I have posted an earlier thread but put this together tonight.
*Shovel the drive of a neighbor or maybe give them some seeds for their garden.
*Give some time to a local shelter (be it animal or person!) or $44.
*Visit some old folks and watch TV or play a game with them at the local home or senior center.
*Donate goods, food, or services to homeless or community food bank or outreach center (Yes you can buy a big mac or sandwich and give it to a homeless person).
*Are you going to the grocery, buying gas, or going out for fast food tomorrow? Pay some toward the purchase of the person behind you in the line.
*Write a letter to someone in the military or send them a care package.
And even if none of the above appeals to you there is something out there that does. Ask us on the headquarters blog, maybe a coworker -family- or neighbor (or read the story below). You will find something.
Thing is Do something, one thing, to help your town and your one, and mine, and others will add up to CHANGE.
Thing is Do something, one thing, to help your town
and your one, and mine, and others
will add up to CHANGE.
*Inspiration from Michele in 'burbs of Chicago below
To all of my friends on this website:
You have worked so hard, met so many other people with the same goals, became active in your communities and united around a common goal................and you did it!
Please find me and add me as a friend on any or all of these websites:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=651620712&ref=profile
http://www.change.org/profile/my_profile
Please add me as a friend so that we can stay in touch and continue being a part of this amazing change in America!
Gail
Welcome to the 21st century!
Our time has come!
I feel that we will, finally, be moving America into the 21st century when President-elect Obama is sworn in!
I will be watching the inauguration on CNN from my television. If you have a facebook account you can join others watching CNN here:
Congratulations to all of you who will be there in person! Enjoy, and please share your stories and photos with the group! We would all appreciate it!
As you may know, Mon. Jan. 19th is a national day of service, as well as Martin Luther King, Jr. day. Those of us who are busy on Mon. will be participating on Sat. and/or Sun.
In Peoria, on Sun., the 18th, at 8am., some of us will be going downtown, taking food, clothes, blankets, etc. for the homeless. You can sign up to join us here:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpt87m
Hope, Pride, Honor, Justice: just a few adjectives that describe America's new course, to me.
What adjective would you use?
Happy New Year
Happy New Day: January 20, 2009!
Tonight I watched that new ball at Times Square drop on the TV. What a sight- the different panels and all the lights! With most changes it takes some getting used to and a leap of faith.
And then tradition takes over. It is that time once again for The New Year Resolution. Will it be- eat better and exercise? Take that trip you have dreamed of but never could get the plans together? Spend more time with the family or in church. Eat out less? Buy a family pet ;) ?
It is winter. The cold settles like a blanket over the bed- the air softly whistles through the trees- and you look outside your window and see no one or living thing.
Is anyone doing anything?
I just wanted to let all of you know that I'm in Florida for the winter!
I'll be involved here (looking for fellow supporters in the Daytona Beach area!) and I'll see you in the spring!
I know all of you will keep up the great work that you do and volunteer in your community this holiday season!
Gail/freedom4u_n_me
It is time to revel in the moment; to reflect on the history that has been made this Nov., to ponder 'our future' and to look forward to the change that President elect Obama will bring to 'us', our country and the world!
It's not over, though. This is the beginning!
I welcome you to the 21st century (we've finally gotten there!)!
Be ready, stay involved. 'Our journey through all the months of this campaign has challenged all of us. It has made us think about what 'we' can do when we work together. Our voices being heard in America and around the world has brought us to this new America!
President elect Obama has made me so proud of him, of 'us' and of our country again! Yet, he can't do it alone! Who will be there to help in our communities, our states, our country when he asks?
WE WILL! YES WE CAN! YES WE WILL bring change to America!
I look forward to working with all of you again soon!
WILL YOU SAY: I WILL?
Gail/Obama in the Heart
This campaign has been so exciting! I am so proud of everyone and all the work they have done! I'm especially proud of the young people and kids who are paying such close attention to this historic election and doing whatever they can to make Senator Obama our next President! I'd like to share a few short stories about some of the kids in my life that are making a difference!
My grandson turned 2 yrs old today! He doesn't talk much yet, but he says Hi, Momma, Dadda and Bama! He's been saying Bama longer than Hi! My daughter, his Mom, has an Obama calendar hanging on the wall, so, when he sees Barack on TV, he gets so excited saying "Bama" and pointing to the TV and then the calendar!
My granddaughters watch everything they can about the Senator! Then they call me, "Grandma, did you see Obama on TV?" Then they tell me what they liked about his speech or interview and ask me if I liked it. They talk to their friends, too, and if they don't support Barack, they talk to them about it and then call and tell me all about what they said to convince them that Barack is the best candidate!
My 10 yr old cousin is very convincing with her friends and their families. If they don't support Barack she says, "Do your parents make more than $250,000 a year?" Not too many say yes, but if they do she still tries to convince them to vote for Barack or tell their parents to!
My daughters attend rallies, talk to everyone they know about Barack and have done some canvassing and voter registrations!
I'd love to hear stories about your Obama Kids!
It both saddens me and disgusts me that these 2 are using so much anger, fear, hate and lies to divide us at a time when understanding, honesty, unity and courage are what we need. That is what would be best for our country! So, I'm asking them to follow their own 'slogan' and put our country 1st for a change!!
Not to mention the RNC and their robocalls! Unethical and unacceptable!
What would you ask them to do to show us that they are putting 'country 1st'?
looking forward to hearing from you!
Gail/Obama in the Heart, Peoria, IL
To be clear - all of us will be worse off if wall street colapses. Even if it is thier own fault.
I agree with most people who understand there is no government bail out available for the regular guy or small business, but at the most basic level think of it this way.
If your mother or father is nearing or in retirement. Will a colapsing stock market help them retire or hurt them? Bankers aside, there are a lot of baby boomers that are going to be in a world of hurt if we don't do something to rescue these banks.
It isn't the deposits I'm concerned about. Most of those are covered. It is the retirement plans that are tied up in stocks that have taken the hit.
These are the times when leaders are tested and the best of them are needed now to stave off a major, global catastrophy.
Someone once asked me if the government should impose a windfall tax on the company I work for because we achieved record profit last year.
My answer was simple. The company I work for manufactures things out of raw material & sells them to the world.
Oil companies pump an American resource, owned by the United States of America out of the ground via lease on the land and sell that oil. The oil they sell does not belong to them, it belongs to you and I. Why should they be allowed to take windfall profits on our natural resources and you and I see nothing bu higher gas prices?
