Hello to all my fellow Obama-ites. We had a successful campaign and election! The work is not over. The County and State governments still need our help. Get involved in your local politics, join committees and boards, volunteer and work strongly with OFA.
For those in Iowa, in particular Linn County; the Linn County Democrats meet the 4th Wednesday of every month. Longbranch Hotel/Convention Center, 7pm.
The Linn County Democrats are hosting a Pancake breakfast fundraiser on May 2. 8 am to 1 pm at the Fairfax American Legion, 216 Main St Fairfax IA.
Further Info Needed, contact me; ebony.luensman@msn.com.
Remember, "We are the ones we have been waiting for!"
This just in from my friends at Planned Parenthood of Iowa, thought I'd encourage you all to check and see what YOUR governor is doing about it!!
Gov. Culver joins the opposition to this rule click here to read
Birth control = Abortion? If a new rule proposed by the Bush Administration is enacted that would become U.S. policy.
A proposed rule which sidesteps the legislative process is currently in the works at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This rule would redefine birth control as abortion! It would also make it easier for doctors and pharmacists to refuse to provide contraceptives.
Iowa Planned Parenthood Affiliate League (IPPAL) knows this is a vital public health issue and has created multiple actions you can take right now to fight this new measure.
Birth Control is NOT Abortion Action Center
Send an e-mail to President Bush telling him why this new rule is a bad idea.Click here to send Pres. Bush an e-mail
The major news media in Iowa have not picked up this story yet! Click here to write a letter to the editor in opposition to this new rule.
Gov. Culver recently opposed this new measure.Click here to send Gov. Culver a thank-you letter
Your help is essential to blocking this new rule change. Changing the definition of birth control and making it abortion will severely impact family planning services in Iowa, and across the nation.
Blocking access to family planning services for millions of women and families is just wrong. Do your part today and take action!
http://www.thereitis.org/displayarticle804.html
this article is from a Kerry supporter who talks about abortion and the reality that other countries areactually having LEGAL abortions also have a LOWER abortion rates....go figger!
http://www.thereitis.org/displayarticle785.html
this one is by a STAUNCH CONSERVATIVE who talks about how abortion rates rise under a Reblican administration; and this man's wife would have, had anyone been a candidate for it, been a perfect candidate for an abortion.
I printed these off and shared them at caucuses. I also share them with all Catholics who have conflicts.
please also see my other blog about the verbiage about abortions, i thikn it's called "it will come up." i wrote it in the primaries.
First I want to say I am bummed. All but 3 of my blogs have disappeared from my "space" here.
I suppose they needed the room, it was getting to full.
How can I express my feelings the other night, the night that the democratic nomination took the final turn towards Obama. The night I sat for 5 hours watching MSNBC, refusing to turn to any other station. I did not want to have any type of Clinton hype on this night. My calander was cleared, my kids were fed and watching a movie downstairs (they are 14 and 15) Every now and then they would come up and check to see how it was going.
I did not eat supper, I snacked on some crackers and squeeze cheese! lol ( I never eat it, but I needed something!)
To me it just seemed like it was just a game, sitting there and watching the number of delegates needed as it went down and down. I thought to myself, "this is like when I wanted the campaign to put up signs all over Iowa and they waited till the week before the caucuses, It made such a big impact. Much more than if they would have been there all along" They did the same thing with the super delegates. It made such an impact, it was exciting to watch 14, 13, 11, 10, 9.....4! What a wonderful plan. I decided then an there to once again have faith in the campaign, they really do know what they are doing. There are few times that I have doubted them, I knew there had to be a plan. Slow and steady wins the race.
As they announced that Barack had won the needed delegates to become the "presumtive nominee" I just held my breath. I held it in, waiting for something, something to happen. My daughter came up stairs yelling "Barack won! Barack won!" I breathed out. I cried, I smiled, I thanked God above, I sent text messages to every Obama supporter I had programed into my phone. I spent the next half hour talking on the phone and sharing the news. I still had an astrick of my own NOT next to Obamas name, but next to Hillarys name. In my brain I was still wondering what was going to happen with her.
Hillary disappointed me. I have not held much against the Clintons, trying hard to keep that bridge intact. I was saddened, but still tried to understand her point of view ONCE AGAIN! I was very sad that she leaked out there the possibility of a VP slot. Of course it took up most of the news cycle for the last several days. I felt like she was trying to steal the thunder of Baracks nomination and the monumental task that he had accomplished. What of the 18,000,000 votes that he obtained when running against a "presumtive" winner. Barack ran and WON against "THE MACHINE". There was very little talk of this. Here and there you would hear about this ground breaking accomplishment. For the last two days on MSM and talk radio, it has all been about this "dream ticket"
I no longer believe she should get this nod. She was thinking of herself and not the party. It was arrogant and stubborn. It was driven from anger and clouded judgement. We must look at this as what would have happened if she had been given the presidency and came apon a decision that angered her and one that she may not get her way with. What would her "clouded judgement" gotten us into? This was a very telling speech that she gave. I have no mercy in my feelings. One must be a good loser as well as a good winner. Of all the things that Barack has gone though in this campaign, he has shown good judgement and an even temper. I trust him with my life. I trust him with my country, and I trust him with my world.
Watching the man I have come to feel is a part of my family, tell the country he was now the nominee of the democratic party, made me feel so much pride. The pride of a nation that by majority looked beyond the color of a mans skin to the what lies beneath the surface. They took a listen to his story and a good look in his eyes. The people may not have liked everything that was said, they may not have liked some of the stories that came out about Barack and some connections he had made in the past. But what they made was a connection, a connection to someone that that was real. Someone who was just trying his best to make some really big changes, someone that had the mentality, enthusiasm and spirit to make things happen.
Barack is calm, cool and collected. I believe that to him there is no choice that is a small one. I think that Barack will never jump to conclusions because I have seen him through-out this campain, take his time, ask the right questions to the right people and deliver an appropriate and correct answer over and over again.
This is a pivitol time in American history. We have made history, we are part of history. Because of Barack Obama the man, we have become a stronger nation already. Many more people are registered to vote than ever before, people are excited about POLITICS, senate and house seats are being won by democrats!
Let us give credit where credit is due. Lets let the campain pick the VP. Lets cover ourselves in the warm light that comes with making history. Lets not worry about things we do not have control over. Lets work together to keep the light shining.
We have millions of people to talk to, we have millions of people to register to vote.
What is your plan for today? This weekend? Next weekend? We only have 22 weeks!
Many of you may know me from the blogs. Lately I have been absent. Mostly because the atmosphere had become negative, but lately just because I love to be outside and the children have also had many things going on at the end of the school year. (Plus my house is a wreck now that I am looking at it and not the computer or TV! I had to clean it up! lol)
Laura
Ahhhh back to where it all started! Finally.
Sorry it took a couple of days to get this written. BUT>>>> I did not get home until 230 AM and the alarm went off at 5AM. OUCH! I worked all the next day and came home to a sewer backed up, which by the way is still not completely fixed. But on to other things.
I was not going to go. No I wasnt. Then I was going to go. I called Sandi4Obama on Sunday night to check if she was going to go. She said she just talked to John Columbo and yes they were going to get together with a group and go. We talked about going earlier because we wanted to get up front. I went to bed happy and excited. When I was at work Monday and thought about how tired I would be and how much gas money I would be spending....I changed my mind and decided not to go. I did not want to tell Sandi as I knew I was the "early ride" for her since the others had to work. When I got home Sandi called me and told me to look in my email for a "pass to change" a special pass from the campain (I bet they gave out a thousand of them, I did not know that then) when I saw it in my mail, I changed my mind again and said. OK we are on!
I had to take my daughter to the Orthodontist first and then get home and get ready to go, which shirt to wear???lol. Then off I went a bit later than I wanted to leave, but I had to get somethings done like charge my camera battery! I met Sandi in Clear Lake and we were off, excited and talking all the way. Sandi is such a hoot and such a wonderful person, she does so much for others all the time, she gives blood every 60 days, and helps raise money for so many local charities I can not remember them all. We talked about our life history and have much in common. Who knew I would meet up with people from all over Iowa that I would have never gotten to know had it not been for this campaign.
We got there about 130 and went through the capitol, I had never been. We took pictures of the senate and some of the old marble fixtures and then walked down the steps all the way to the main street. We got behind the scenes and checked out where Barack would be speaking. We talked to some press and other "over excited and early" supporters. We ended up meeting up with a friend of Sandi's I can not remember his name because I am bad with names. He has a suit on in the pictures you will see. We called him Senator.(I dont think he ever was, he was a teacher-retired). We talked to him about his support of Obama and the times he had met him.
We went to a place called "The House of Bricks" and had a Coke and waited. This was about 230 or so, we kept our eyes out as the line got longer, and went outside and figured out that we had our own line for "pass for change" we met a couple of girls there that had chairs and were first in line. We talked to them and started our long wait til 730. The line got bigger and bigger and we started directing people to the correct line across the street for those without passes. Soon it was about 5:30 or 6:00. We had a problem on our hands, people were just showing up and making the line "wider" and not just getting in the back of the line as would be respectful. We had our hands full, but a sweetheart Joe the Secret Service guy who had been hanging out with us for an hour or so helped us out a bit, but people are just rude. ANYWAY....
They let us in early because the street was just too full of people. We went to our assigned area and were a little discouraged because it was in back of and to the right of the podium. But at least we were close. A band played and when they started out with Super Freak, I said...hmmmm does this make anyone think of someone in particular? (ok that was rude, sorry Hillary) we sang and danced around and watched as the MIB, SS and then the snipers all filled up the place. First a woman named Candy spoke. She had a story just like mine. A disinterested, non political Iowan. A Mom, a hard worker and someone who just went along with the tide. She too has been motivated by Baracks candiacy. She is now going back to college, in her 40s to study political science.
We knew that Barack would be there soon. We thought he would come from the left but he ended up coming from the right, with Michelle, Sasha and Malia. What a wonderful and beautiful family. They did not quite get to us. I was bummed....but more to come. As Michelle and the girls left the stage so Dad could do some talking the girls came running down and I have a great shot of that in my pictures, they were ready to get out of there, being little girls I am sure they tire of the whole ordeal. The girls waited right in fron of us with the SS and then Michelle came over and shook hands and gave an older woman a big hug. People just love Michelle. She is absolutly gorgous. That Barack is a lucky man considering he is so skinny and he has such big ears...lol
Baracks speech was one that showed what a statesman he is. Very gracious to Sen. Clinton and to her accomplishments. I was proud. He thanked Iowa and went on to tell us that he now had the majority of pledged delegates. The crowd went wild! It was like something I had never felt. We all have worked so hard, we have litterly put blood, sweat and lots of tears and sleepless nights in for this one man. To tell me that we should not believe in him is just like saying that I should not believe the sun will come up tomarrow. I have thrown in so much of my life in this, it is truely something that I have staked so much in. The fact that some people can not see the light, does not mean that EVERYONE will not see it if given the chance. I know now more than ever that this fight is the one worth fighting.
Barack took on McCain with an iron fist, I for one have been so glad to see Barack going after McCain. This fight will not be easily won against the right sided wing nuts, but we ARE GOING TO DO IT! That is what we are all here for! I am ready and I know that you are too. Nothing can silence the voice of a million voices calling out.
Michelle came back out and when they left the stage they went forward and I thought we missed our chance again to shake his hand. But slowly they came back towards us. I shook his hand and smiled at him smiling at me. Sandi talked about her being a Obamacain. And Barack was pleased and said "Thank You". I got a great picture of Barack coming towards us, but his ears look like they are glowing because of the lights.
We watched him leave and I realized that never in my life had I met a president 4 times personally in my life. I had just done it. I have seen him 6 times. I thanked God again that I lived in Iowa. Then I thought to myself that Barack knows how lucky he is that we love him so much here. Iowa started it all. I had a part in it. We all did. Wow!........
Sandi, the man we called senator and the girls whe had met in line decided to go back to "The House of Bricks" as I was leaving I heard someone call my name. I did not recoginze anyone, then she introduced herself as Meave! I was so happy. I wish I could have spent more time talking. I felt kinda bad but the crowd was moving and my group was leaving. We went and watched the results come in and watched some people singing Karoke. We left about 11PM and I got home about 230. It was all worth it. What a night to remember.
I know I am probley leaving some out. But Sandi can fill you in with a post or two. I may update it as it comes back to me. Right now I need to catch up on some sleep! lol
Here are the pictures!
http://community.webshots.com/album/563536255VHoQVZ?vhost=community
I am a proud Obama delegate (state only -- running for national). Some of you have heard my story -- the fact that I used to be a republican and the journey I have been on over the last 5 years -- the journey that led me to this amazing democratic party.
Along with my job (and issues of poverty) and the death of a dear friend of mine in Iraq in 2005 -- another major reason I became a Democrat was because of my 60 year old Republican father.
My dad is my hero...he spent 24 years in the Air Force and has the most amazing outlook on life. I attribute my sense of humor and passion for life to my dad. Last December, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. While I realize this isn't a "death sentence" -- I still understand the road my dad has ahead of him and how the symptoms of Parkinson's can quickly consume someone. I have always been an outspoken advocate for expanded stem cell research -- but with my dad's diagnosis, it has made this issue a top priority for me. Recently, my dad was also diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. This was especially a difficult diagnosis for us all to deal with.
All the while, my dad has been very optimistic -- and now has a newfound passion for expanded stem cell research. And his sense of humor always rises above everything else...which is the thing I love the most about my dad.
Since the day I caucused for Barack, I've been talking to my dad about him. So, for 5 months, my dad and I have had constant dialogue about what Barack Obama stands for. I've helped answer questions my dad has -- and was thrilled that at the beginning of May, my dad shared that John McCain does not represent him and that he will cast his vote for Barack Obama on November 4th.
That's not where this story ends...first, I should mention that my parents live 12 hours from here...in Michigan. Last Sunday (Mother's Day), I get a phone call at 8:15am...it's my dad. I answer it and he says "What's Barack's stance on gun control?". I say "Well, good morning and Happy Mother's Day..." and then share his stance. Little did I know, Dad was meeting with some guys from church -- who had express interest in voting for Obama but were concerned that he was going to ban all guns (???...I know!). My response to them was exactly what they needed to hear and it appears they might be in the Obama camp now!
On the morning of May 14, I received a text from my mom....and she actually said "Why won't Obama say the pledge of allegiance". I IMMEDIATELY called her at work -- and she was laughing -- she'd placed a bet with her co-workers that I would call her in less than 30 seconds. I beat that by several seconds -- but then, was put on speaker phone with her co-workers who asked me questions about the pledge of allegiance and why Obama won't be sworn in on the Bible. I was able to answer these questions in a very matter of fact way -- and told them that I would be very willing to answer any questions they might have in the future. Mom said when she got off the phone with me, her co-workers sat around and talked about how "that girl sure knows her stuff..." and all had a constructive conversation and came to the conclusion that they really hadn't taken the time to educate themselves and really were leaning towards Obama.
About 1/2 hour after that....my mom called again. My dad had called her to see if she would PLEASE take the afternoon off. You see, Barack was speaking in Grand Rapids, MI that day -- which is about an hour from my parents' house. My dad isn't able to drive long distances...and REALLY wanted to go to the rally. So, my mom (a former Edwards supporter) was glad to oblige. She took the afternoon off -- and she, my dad and my sister and her 2 year old daughter made the trek to Grand Rapids.
This was an amazing day for my family -- not only because they had the opportunity to see Barack speak...but, they were witness to the Edwards endorsement. My mom was in tears -- partly because of her prior support of Edwards, but also because she really felt my grandmother's presence (my grandma was an outspoken Edwards supporter until her unexpected death in October 2006).
Even after this LONG blog...I haven't even gotten to my point! I'm in tears right now...for the 10th time tonight! My dad called -- and after a lifetime of being a republican, is changing his party affiliation because he realized at the Obama rally that he is really a Democrat.
Through adversity -- we sometimes find out who we really are....what a journey my family has been on. I am so thankful to be a part of this party and am so thankful to stand shoulder to shoulder with each of you as we work to do what we can to elect Barack Obama as our next president. May 14th will be a day I will remember for the rest of my life...
I know I am gonna get jumped on but here it is.
I really think that Hillary Clinton really really thinks that she is the best. I do not think that she holds any real contempt for Barack except for the fact that he is young, exciting and is winning right now. She believes that she has the knowlege, connections and experience to get the job done. She believes that out of all the people that were running for president, she really is the one who can get things done.I used to believe that she hated Barack. But I think this does not come from contempt, but just from the fact that she feels in her heart that she has worked for this most of her life. And she has.She and Bill can not understand why others just cant see that, and it makes them mad. They only know how to fight this fight politically and the people they are trying to reach out to are not politicians so thier arguement falls flat. Barack is talking to a new audience, one that is immune to the political process and really is new to it all together for the most part. Barack has a hard time getting his arguement to stick with those who are politial because they can not and do no want to believe that someone can change things and that Hillary is the one who knows the ropes and is the best bet.
These two groups of people have a large divide and somehow we have to get a bridge there. Hillary and Barack can not do it. We have to. We have to be the bridge. We need to stop the divide and stop harping on one another.
If anyone can bring this together is it us. And it only can be WE THE PEOPLE.
WHO answered the CALL TO CALL?
I did! I did! I did!!
After a minor meltdown I had this afternoon (note Blog "I get it Hillary") I decided to use my time more effectively. I did what I hate to do. GO OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE. But I did that way back on Jan 3rd when I caucused for Obama in Iowa, so I did it again!
I made calls to the toughest group of all. Women in Indiana! My first call I was a nervous wreck but she was sweet and a huge Obama Supporter~both her and her husband! Whew!
Next call was super sweet, undecided but thanked me for my call and said she'd really consider Obama and she had never been called at all by the Obama campaign but a ton of Hillary calls. Whew!
My favorite BY FAR was Majorie, 87 yr old who had been ill, can't leave the house, and didn't get an absentee ballot in time, but LOVES OBAMA AND IS A REPUBLICAN!!!! She and I talked so long and she was so encouraging to me, I had goosebumps and tears!!! She said my voice was sunshine and she said to call as many people as I could to share my joy of Obama. WOW, teary teary!! She said she was also going to say a prayer for me for my calling tonight and she ended with "Obama just has to be our president! I've never voted Democrat in my entire life, but I will in November!" I wanted to stay on that call all night, but there was work to be done!!!
It got a lot rougher, but it also was a chance for me to remember why I am supporting Barack Obama, and whatever happens tomorrow, I am glad I may have made a small difference in Princeton IN.
I tried to remember what Sister Suzi said.....SLOW DOWN!!! ha! I talk as fast as I write, so most of the night I tried to keep it calm, and keep it real! I had some wonderful calls, and even if they didn't support Obama, or were undecided, I knew how they felt, and we shared some laughs and WE AREN'T AS DIFFERENT AS WE THINK WE MIGHT BE.
Only ONE hung up on me, out of 30 calls! That is success!!!
And then I enjoyed a cold Michelob Golden! I deserved it!!!!
I want to thank INDIANA WOMEN for the wonderful conversations! All of them! They were awesome!
YES WE CAN (still call tomorrow.....who's with me????)
GObama 08
Now is the time.
Barack Obama will be our next President.
Champions win in the fourth quarter.
As someone who DESPERATELY needs relief at the gas pump, I am appalled at how out of touch Clinton and McCain are with the issues that are affecting the American people. My husband and I commute 75 miles round trip a day -- separately (different shifts) -- we are spending right around $1,000 a month on gas. It's KILLING us.
This "gas tax holiday" is completely ludicrous and is banking on the ignorance of the American people to rally behind it. Seriously....it would save me $50 a month -- I would much rather they spend the time and energy to get something more comprehensive passed. And because this tax is primarily used for roads maintenance -- one would think that anyone who drives on ROADS might think the tax was better spent on maintenance!
As for the diesel tax relief, it would help the companies, but we wouldn't see the results in the grocery store until the fall -- when prices will surely rise again anyway. The American people are smarter than Hillary and McCain think they are. Good for Obama to stand up against this stupid plan.
Obama is my first choice as a new Democrat. (Having voted 25 yrs as a REPUBLICAN) I volunteered at the caucus to be an Alternate Delegate for Obama, giving the lifelong Democrats first choice of having the honor. LUCKILY for me, I was seated at the County Convention as an Obama Delegate! It was an honor to stand for Obama there. AGAIN, I voluneteered to be an Alternate to the District Conventions as many were very interested in holding that honor. LUCKILY AGAIN FOR ME, I was asked to take the place of a delegate who was unable to attend! SO I again stood for Obama on April 26th!
I left that morning very early with two other delegates, John (a very talented volunteer and delegate coordinator, and friend) and Mike (a middle school track coach who now is a friend). We had quite an adventure finding the fairground, my going through a red light which they didn't let me forget! I WAS JUST EXCITED TO GET THERE!
Once there, we got registered, and were early enough for great seats!! Cerro Gordo County was pretty much up front (alphabetical order). ONCE the party started, we heard from President of the Iowa Senate Jack Kibbie who told us they had just finished their session at 3 am in the morning! WOW. Some things passed were, IOWA SAME DAY REGISTRATION FOR VOTING (huge!) among many wonderful things! Next were a few candidates for the House of Rep. now held by Tom Latham.
Between the Credential reports, we had many wonderful speakers. Lt Governor Patty Judd and then Senator Tom Harkin Senator Harkin is an undeclared SuperDelegate. He had very strong words for us. HE told us we would be united in the end. HE said he talked to Hillary and told her "yes, let the other states continue to vote, HOWEVER RULES HAVE TO BE FOLLOWED AND MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA BROKE THE RULES AND CANNOT BE COUNTED. We cheered because we agree! HE WENT ON TO SAY, "IF you don't follow the rules, and they are not enforced, NO ONE WILL EVER FOLLOW THE RULES!" To cheering he left the stage. I digg Harkin. I always voted for him even as a Republican. I love my Iowa Senators Grassley and Harkin. They are my ODD COUPLE!!!
When the first report from the Credentials committee came, out of 507 delegate, Obama had 231, Hillary had 147 and then Edwards had 42. Next came the seating of the alternates and the next report was (this was after an hour or so) Obama 274, Hillary 175 and Edwards 52. The Credentials guy said NEVER IN THE HISTORY OF DISTRICT 4 had they ever sat every delegate with alternates left over!
Next came our alignment. That was a time of drama. Speaking for Obama, was Dr. Spencer, a former candidate for House of Representatives who lost in 2006 to the Republican. ANYWAY it was a dramatic time because we heard rumors, the Clinton campaign were going to add some of their delegates to Edwards to make them viable (viability was 76 and would give Edwards ONE delegate) In exchange for 24 delegates, Edwards delegates would have to send one of those Hillary ones to the National Convention. I say DUH, sounds like a crappy deal. I sat next to this wonderful lifelong Democrat named Larry who told me that's how politics are played. I said it was DIRTY and I felt like a shower. He told me to trust that's how it's always been done and these people are savvy and know what they are doing. WELL, my buddy Laura as a much better description of the next events, but all I know is ALL OF A SUDDEN, people were coming down the isle! 42 Edwards supporters to OBAMA!! I was teary, and cheering as was everyone! I captured the moment in photos I am going to share. HOPE WAS RESTORED! I was hugging the Edwards people and I tell ya, it was one of the most wonderful moments in my adult life.
In the end, it was Obama 316, Hillary 187 and Edwards 2. (some were uncommitted) Which meant in delegate counts Obama 2 (men) 2 (women) and 1(woman alternate) and Hillary 1(man) 1 (woman) Obama also got more delegates on the State Committees which make policy.
It was a fantastic day! We stayed to vote for the National Delegates. There was a lot of speeches, and a lot of voting, voting again and again to narrow it down to the best representatives. FOR THE MEN, Eddie Diaz won. A young man who offered to keep us all in the loop by blogging each day from the convention and the other fellow who won, I can't remember. I am thinking it was Tom Harrington, the person we voted the Obama Chair. *wow, brain dead!
Next we voted for the 2 women. There were many dynamic qualified women. A few that stood out to me were #36 Molly (a very young woman who said she is a Democrat because her parents raised her well and also how dedicated she is to getting the vote out to the youth) #71 (the first african american woman elected to the Iowa House from FortDodge Iowa). #98 Semone Turner (she got a birthday kiss and new years kiss from Obama. she was so hilarious) and #110 Amelia (a young, funny very talented girl who really loved Obama and she also said since she was the last speaker, she expected very loud applause! i digg that!! so did the boys I was with, they loved Amelia!!) IN THE END after voting voting voting voting, it was MOLLY and Rep MILLER and the ALTERNATE was a beautiful black woman who's son (age 5 or 6) was with her. It would have been an honor to go, but I didn't even try out for the position. Again, I believe as a new democrat, it's really an honor for the ones who have really served the Obama campaign and it was so refreshing to see the variety of the group. Nothing cookie cutter in this bunch! We represent the entire country with the diversity of our people. White, black, male, female, all races all religions, all ages!!! It's a smorgasbord!!!
After the election of the national delegates, there were State committees to vote on. State Rules, State Credentials, State Arrangements, and of course the State Platform Committee. Per our agreement with the Edwards delegates, we agreed to give them 5 out of the 6 seats for their delegates. It was a no brainer because Edwards has a HELLUVA plan for Veterans, the needy, healthcare. And those delegates have a chance to further Edwards platform which is so similar to Obama's!!
Then came the ratification of the District 4 Platform. Most of the Platform was approved but a couple of things were controversial and had to be debated and voted on. (It was actually very cool) One of the disputed things were*WE SUPPORT Possession of a firearm is not allowed while a person is under a noncontact order. That was highly disputed by people who said it interfers with a persons 2nd amendment right. (sounded very republican) It passed after much heated debate.
*WE SUPPPORT Making Clergy required to mandatory reporting That one was heated too about the separation of church and state. It passed after MUCH debate. Many more.......
Then it was time to leave. It was a very wonderful HISTORIC moment and I wouldn't change a thing. HERE ARE THE PHOTOS to enjoy and join in with me. Thanks for reading this, I am honored to share!!
PICTURES http://picasaweb.google.com/sandidandi/BarackObamaDelegateDistrict4Convention2008
Hi! Although I didn't get elected on Saturday, I had some good support and encouragement to try again at State, and so I will.
Thanks to EVERYONE who helped me out at the CD4 convention, especially (but not only) Laura, Jean, and Rachel.
There were some fantastic and strong candidates running, and it was an honor to be among them. Eddie Diaz is a very impressive man, in particular, and I'm thrilled that he is attending the national convention.
Lots of people are working so hard for the Senator, and for Iowa, and it was humbling to be surrounded by it Saturday, and lots of us had tears in our eyes when those Edwards folks came trotting up the aisle. It was awesome!
Thanks again ---
Alan Feirer
Here is the site to Iowa state conventions: Looks like Edwards got one from CD1. I think they fell for the Clinton "deal".
http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/04/iowa-update.html
Back from the district convention yesterday!
Day started at 5 AM for me, in the shower and ready to go by 530. Waited for the two peole riding with me.
In the car and on the road at 6AM. It takes about 3 hours to get to Boone from where I am. As we drove we talked about everything you can think of...(ME TALK???lol)
After enjoying a week of 70 degree weather it was actually spitting flurries this morning~ But it went away as we were driving. We got there about 830 (so we did good on time~~fast driving!)
Waited in a short line and checked in, several of the people running for congress where there passing out water and coffee(no cream and sugar~~my complaint!) as we went into the room and people were checking us in by alphabet(last name) I noticed that a majority of the people checking in folks were wearing Obama shirts and buttons (yay). I of course had lost my letter to get in (I have EVERY OTHER piece of paper from this campaign, but not that) I used my voter registration and drivers licence, they let me in. the next table we spent 7 dollars on a box lunch, to be decided later, so we got a ticket.
As we walked in the main room, it looked like a mini National convention. Our counties were up high on signs, alphabetical. I found Howard Co. and we set our things down. We then were approached one by one as the morning went on by the people running for national delegates from both sides. Mostly Obama people. They need to have at least 6 signatures from delegates to be recognized. You can sign any sheet, but do not need to vote for that person in the end, so I signed them all.
There was a young girl with a mini booth set up with her picture and other pictures of her doing her Obama thing, setting up students for Obama in her school, canvassing, calling, meeting Obama and the like. Some people had business cards and one woman had a very elegant long card with "I Believe" and the Obama "circle" on the back and her story on the front. some had flyers. All would need to give a speech after the alignments were final and we knew how many delegates we were sending. Some of those peole were so impressive. A 50 something woman with the last name Miller was there, she is the first elected woman and the first elected black woman to represent any county in Iowa! She was awesome. I voted for her in the end. I hope she went. I left before it was over.
Here in district 4 it was 3 delegates for Barck 2 for Clinton and 1 for Edwards. We had 507 people there, all alternates were seated because of missing delegates for each side.
there were 274 people for Barack 187 for Clinton and 56 for Edwards.
As the day went on we heard from representatives for both candidates and voted on special platform groups. People that wanted to go on to nationals had flyers and cards, free cookies and pens to give away (it was pretty cool)
By 130 in the afternoon we were ready to spit into groups.
Then we split into preference groups and cast our first vote on a ballot after one hour of deliberation(not needed). The votes were counted.
The people in the Edwards group went into a special room. The chosen few from Obama and Clinton went in to talk to these people. There were rumors flying everywhere as to the deals. Then the Clinton group on the other side of the room cheered and we were a bit dejected as a few Edwards people came to them. We thought thru the rumor mill that they had accepted a deal that Clinton then offered them 12 delegates to make them viable. That was all the talk! We were dejected, but knew that we at least would not lose a delegate.
The story that came out from the Edwards people was that indeed the Clinton people had offered them 12 delegate to keep them viable, but that was only if they choose one of those people to go to nationals! Then the Edwards people asked if they would stay with them at the state level to keep them viable and the Hillary people would not do that. We offerd them 5 of the 6 platform committee spots at state since our platforms are the same essentially and that the reason they were there for Edwards is because they want him to have a voice. We gave it to them, and they came to us.
As time went on suddenly the doors flew open the Edwards people came out and all the rest came to us! We only needed 25 people to get to another delegate, we got it as we recieved 32 of them! They were gladly received and were smiling, I of course hugged all that would be hugged!
The final count 306 for Obama, 199 for Clinton and 2 for Edwards (non viable)
SO now district 4(there are 5 districts in Iowa) is Obama 4 Clinton 2!!!!
Pictures here:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563227563CUrRuS?vhost=good-times
I am dying to know how the other 4 districts went? I heard rumors that Hillary picked up a delegate? But from what district?
FIRED UP!
I am not going on to nationals,,,but to state. There were people MUCH MORE deserving and qualified than me to go I can assure you! Let me tell you something. Be careful who you send to nationals. Study those people and assure yourself that they will not be swayed. If there is any chance they can be swayed and I am sure the national convention will be much more contintious than this district was, there will be some dirty deeds trying to be delt there. Make sure you send your strongest!
