Old Obi-Wan Kenobi's last words just popped into my head. Not that the conversation was about Star Wars at all -- we were actually taking about charges of impeachment and war crimes on George Bush and Dick Cheney . . . but the "Obi-Wan Kenobi syndrome" is nevertheless applicable: "If you strike me down, I shall become powerful than you can possibly imagine."Blame the above-mentioned, pseudo-insightful analogy on my self-induced sleep-deprived 4-day road trip from Oregon to D.C. for tomorrow's historic Inauguration. But it seemed to strike a chord with Laura, so I figured: What the hell. I'll share it with you too.I suppose it's now somewhat of a moot point -- considering today is President Bush's FINAL day in office (!!!), but if our party is to engage in further charging the 43rd president with treasonous war crimes (of which, yes, I do believe there is a strong argument to make in regards to his abuse of executive power, privilege, and blatant lies to the American people), then we risk making an already pathetic GW even more pathetically appealing to a public that's proved time and time again how much we love to forgive. You see, by stoking the fire of impeachment/investigation, we actually risk elevating the party of a man whose political capital is so spent and whose name and reputation is so tarnished; we risk a potential comeback for the Republicans to rally around.It's a risk Democrats can't afford. Like American moviegoers did when we saw Olive Stone's bitingly clever "W" this last fall, empathy may kick-in and families -- entire communities of Joe six packs and Plumbers and whoever would feel sorry for G.W. and Poor President George would be the sad sentiment of forgiving short-term memory America. That attitude would dangerously pave the way for a Jeb or a Newt or a Jindal to lead the charge of rallying behind their washed-up past president. I'll say it again and in bold print: It's a risk we can't afford. After all, when one leaves the highest office in the land with the lowest approval rating (22%) since the Gallup Poll started taking ratings over 70 years ago, we should recognize that geez, all George and the G.O.P. can do is go back up.Barack Obama must be aware of this. Believe it or not, there are larger fish to fry than grilling Bush and seeking political payback (something many Dems have been longing to see for a long, long time). But we must be patient. And for the sake of our nation, we MUST move forward.There's a photo-shopped pic of Barack Obama (with a lightsabre in-hand) on our local county party's refrigerator. Though the President-elect Obama looks pretty cool among a sea of molten lava with the weapon of a Jedi in hand, Obama is no Jedi. He's no deity. He's no divine entity. We may like to think so, but no. He's just a man like you and I. But unlike you and I, tomorrow he will hold the most important and honored keys to the kingdom: executive powers, privilege and the Constitutional responsibilities of the President of the United States. However, thanks to the constitutional terrorists Dick Cheney and George W. Bush, a President Obama and future executives governing from the Oval Office can now wield a rather dangerous authority and a most unprecedented Patriot Act of power. When the Obama/Lincoln parallels are drawn, I'll admit, even as a true-blue, National Obama Delegate, I'm a bit alarmed when considering Abraham Lincoln's Civil War suspension of the Constitution. Realizing exactly how much authority team Bush-Cheney has granted the office of our president, I -- and every free thinking American -- should raise an eyebrow. Wire-tapping, suspension of habeas corpus, Orwellian monitoring of U.S. citizens under ANY administration is cause for serious concern. Unlike this past, most failed administration that has successfully waged war on our freedoms and declared Jihad on the Constitution, President Obama's team will undoubtedly be forced to rise above. At least, we hope so.I trust Obama to do what's right. More importantly, I trust in our ability as American to rightfully ensure that our president remains the Barack Obama we celebrate today and fought so hard in so many frigid and brutal primaries to nominate and elect as our 44th president of these United States. Yes, indeed, America, we did. And, as this National Day of Service illustrates, we most certainly will continue to do! Clearly, I'm quite glad to be in D.C. to see, firsthand, the ultimate highlight to this most storied journey. Weeping, like I was in the Helena office for the announcement of our victory the evening of Montana primary; weeping, like I was in Denver with our dynamic Oregon Delegation; and weeping like I was -- like you were too -- on the evening of November 4, 2008, tomorrow, I'm sure I'll shed a tear or two of joy and sorrow . . . of hope and change . . . of trust and recognition of this beautifully historical impact we've made for our future.Thank you, Mr. President -- Obama, that is! (And hell, I suppose we owe the last guy a thank you as well.)
Live from Washingtion, D.C. (at the Old Ebbit Grill - sitting next to Kim and Leslie from Dallas, Texas), Matt Keating, Delegate (OR-4)
I would like to encourage every Obama supporter, if you are so inclined, to make calls to help get out the vote for Jim Martin in Georgia. I just did a few and the call script is specifically designed just to ensure his voters show up and no knowledge of Martin or convincing of voters is required. As many of you may already know turn out is key in run off elections. Martin only lost by 3% on election night and if we can ensure all of his voters show up while maybe a few Chambliss voters do not we can get that much closer to that filibuster proof 60 vote Senate. Not to mention the "Remember Max Cleland" call needs to be heard throughout this country by getting Chambliss out of the office he never deserved to have in the first place. Chambliss has vowed to block Obama's and our vision for this country so this is one of the first ways we can ensure the change we want happens.Luckily My Barack Obama has created an easy way for all of us to help out. The call lists are available using the neighbor to neighbor tool we used during the campaign and the link is included below this paragraph. Please check it out and make a few calls prior to the election on 12/2. Note early voting has ended in all but one county(Coweta and only part day this Sat 11/29) from what I can tell, so the idea is to remind people of the run off and get them to the polls on 12/2. No persuasion is required so it is very simple and unobtrusive, though you can find out more about Martin at http://www.martinforsenate.com/home.html.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/votercontact/landing
Good luck everyone! and Happy Thanksgiving! We sure have a lot to be thankful for this year, as despite the hard times, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks,Wayne
Hyperbole aside, our voice — our VOTE mattered! I truly believe our collective efforts have helped save our city, save our community college, save our county, save our state, save our country and save our planet. For that, we thank you.
President-elect Barack Obama’s in-box will undoubtedly be monstrous. His team, already being assembled, will certainly have their hands full of an unfathomable economic, domestic and international mess. But locally - right here in Lane County - we can assist our 44th president by staying actively involved. We must remain as dedicated to the cause of change as we were leading up to that most memorable Tuesday, Novemeber 4. Yes, we did - but now we must buckle down and “be the change we want to see.”
Join fellow Dems/Eugene for Obama-Biden/Lane Student Democrats/Lane Students for Obama on Thursday, November 20 at the monthly Democratic Party of Lane County Central Committee meeting. Stay plugged-in to local, state and national politics and celebrate, with great revelry, our long path to victory. (DPLC Central Committee meetings are normally held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at EWEB. The Novemeber DPLC meeting/volunteer “thank you” pot-luck, however, is at the Woodworkers Union Hall at 1116 S. “A” Street in Springfield -- 6:30 p.m. -- RSVP at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsx2jw.)
With your help, we will not only implement president-elect Obama’s environmental awareness, education reform, health care and social improvement plans on a local level, but we must also hold ALL our elected officials accountable. Stay engaged. Be the Change.
See you Thursday, Novemeber 20 at the Woodworkers' Union Hall in Springfield for our DPLC volunteer “thank you” potluck. Yes, Lane County, we did! And as Rep. Chris Edwards likes to say, "Now let’s get to work!"
Matt Keating, Candidate for Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Lane County
Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy, Matt Keating and Mario Parker-Milligan at the Lane County Elections Watch Party, 11-4-08 (photo by JB BOTWINICK/The Torch).
And if you haven’t voted yet - DO IT! And do it “down-ticket” PLEASE!
Finally, see y’all after our final GOTV push at the Lane County Fairgrounds from 8PM-10PM. Following the Election Watch Party at the Fairgrounds, we’re slated to gather at Davis’ Restaurant in Eugene from 10:30PM-2AM. The good folks at Davis’ are kind enough to offer $3 beer specials and $3 well drinks for Obama backers!
Good luck to Obama, Merkley, Kitty, the LCC Bond Measure, our Lane County and State of Oregon down-ticket Dems!
Matt Keating - chowing on Pegasus Pizza Pie @ the Obama office before my final GOTV canvass of the 2008 season . . . !
Something I sent to friends and family. Thought I would share in case some others liked some of what I wrote.
Everyone, I just want to encourage you all to vote no matter what party, person, etc. that you may be for. By voting for what you believe in regardless the outcome your voice is counted. While that one vote does not always directly determine the end result of the election the aggregate of yours with everyone else's does. Not only that, but by voting you are listed as such and thus your demographic, whatever it may be, has to be listened to. For instance for many years young people have not voted, while senior citizens have. This has led to most legislation being passed based on this reliable older demographic of voters the politicians have to have to win. Just something to keep in mind for why you need to vote. Also do not forget that many times your vote on local ballot initiatives, mayors, commissioners, etc. actually impact your life more than that of the President or Congress. Finally, too many of our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, aunts, mothers, friends, those included in this e-mail, etc. have served, sacrificed and/or died for our right to vote, for us not to exercise that right. "Freedom is Not Free" so go Vote!Now for my Obama sell. I realize I have written some of you a few times over the past 4-5 months, but have tried to keep things to a minimum. These are my own thoughts and not a forward based on rumors or non-factual information. The main thing I ask is that you base your decision on policy and the actual qualities of these two men and not rumors that have been proven time and time again to be false. That goes both ways, but particularly for Obama who has horrible rumors spread that he is not a US Citizen, that he is a Muslim, that he has "deep ties" to terrorism (Bill Ayers), that he does not say the pledge of allegiance, he is a "socialist" and many more. All of these have been proven false by all media and fact check organizations. If you do not believe just click the links I imbedded or visit the following sites, the first two are independent well respected 3rd party sites and the third is the Obama site: www.factcheck.org, www.politifact.com, & www.fightthesmears.com. Again do not believe smear chain e-mails that provide no 3rd party verification, but just state things that are completely untrue as fact.Now for why you should vote for Obama. There are many reasons I have: from his stance on Iraq War from day one in 2002; to his energy, education & health care policies; to his working "across the aisle"; to just the way he is trying to bring our country together. "Someday we may be able to tell our grandchildren about the Election of '08 when we, the people, turned away from anger, hate and greed and once again embraced the better angels of our nature." By Joseph L. Galloway | McClatchy Newspapers / Barack Obama The one policy I will share in depth is his economic policies and how he has had the foresight to both see the problems coming and react appropriately with actions and policies. It is just too bad he was not already President to ensure these were done quicker to eliminate much of the pain we all will have to endure in the months to come. As Obama has said in many speeches, "Now, make no mistake: the change we need won't come easy or without cost. We will all need to tighten our belts, we will all need to sacrifice and we will all need to pull our weight because now more than ever, we are all in this together.". Again while I do hope you are all voting for Obama, my main hope is that you all vote. This election is too important to sit on the sidelines. Thanks for your indulgence in reading this and I wish you all the best. Feel free to forward or use any part of this e-mail if you wish.
Everyone, I just want to encourage you all to vote no matter what party, person, etc. that you may be for. By voting for what you believe in regardless the outcome your voice is counted. While that one vote does not always directly determine the end result of the election the aggregate of yours with everyone else's does. Not only that, but by voting you are listed as such and thus your demographic, whatever it may be, has to be listened to. For instance for many years young people have not voted, while senior citizens have. This has led to most legislation being passed based on this reliable older demographic of voters the politicians have to have to win. Just something to keep in mind for why you need to vote. Also do not forget that many times your vote on local ballot initiatives, mayors, commissioners, etc. actually impact your life more than that of the President or Congress. Finally, too many of our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, aunts, mothers, friends, those included in this e-mail, etc. have served, sacrificed and/or died for our right to vote, for us not to exercise that right. "Freedom is Not Free" so go Vote!
Now for my Obama sell. I realize I have written some of you a few times over the past 4-5 months, but have tried to keep things to a minimum. These are my own thoughts and not a forward based on rumors or non-factual information. The main thing I ask is that you base your decision on policy and the actual qualities of these two men and not rumors that have been proven time and time again to be false. That goes both ways, but particularly for Obama who has horrible rumors spread that he is not a US Citizen, that he is a Muslim, that he has "deep ties" to terrorism (Bill Ayers), that he does not say the pledge of allegiance, he is a "socialist" and many more. All of these have been proven false by all media and fact check organizations. If you do not believe just click the links I imbedded or visit the following sites, the first two are independent well respected 3rd party sites and the third is the Obama site: www.factcheck.org, www.politifact.com, & www.fightthesmears.com. Again do not believe smear chain e-mails that provide no 3rd party verification, but just state things that are completely untrue as fact.Now for why you should vote for Obama. There are many reasons I have: from his stance on Iraq War from day one in 2002; to his energy, education & health care policies; to his working "across the aisle"; to just the way he is trying to bring our country together. "Someday we may be able to tell our grandchildren about the Election of '08 when we, the people, turned away from anger, hate and greed and once again embraced the better angels of our nature." By Joseph L. Galloway | McClatchy Newspapers / Barack Obama
The one policy I will share in depth is his economic policies and how he has had the foresight to both see the problems coming and react appropriately with actions and policies. It is just too bad he was not already President to ensure these were done quicker to eliminate much of the pain we all will have to endure in the months to come. As Obama has said in many speeches, "Now, make no mistake: the change we need won't come easy or without cost. We will all need to tighten our belts, we will all need to sacrifice and we will all need to pull our weight because now more than ever, we are all in this together.". Again while I do hope you are all voting for Obama, my main hope is that you all vote. This election is too important to sit on the sidelines. Thanks for your indulgence in reading this and I wish you all the best. Feel free to forward or use any part of this e-mail if you wish.
Then I added my economic sell on Obama that is posted at my blog http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/WayneCassidy/gGgkhl
This note comes on the heels of an inspiring visit to Eugene by DNC Chairman Howard Dean. As Governor Dean just exclaimed a few hours ago, "Live from Eugene -- it's Sunday night!" Before launching into our Eugene-Springfield plan for Tuesday's final Get Out The Vote push, I'd like to share with you some highlights of the last 24 hours . . . As great as it is to get a visit from the man responsible for our current campaign's savvy use of the internet and architect of the Democratic Party's 50 State Strategy, Saturday night's conference call with Barack Obama was the highlight of weekend highlights!"You are the lifeblood of this campaign," Senator Obama reminded yours truly and 20,000 volunteers, community organizers, and campaign workers across the country via conference call. "Keep up the good work but don't get complacent," Obama announced. "It'd be a shame to work so hard for so long and see history slip through our hands." Our future 44th president encouraged us to keep spirits up, stay positive, double our efforts, bring new friends into the fold, keep folks engaged and vested in the political process and turn out millions of new voters on Tuesday. Ultimately, Obama offered this: We can rest on Wednesday! (Yes, we will!)That's the last 24 hours: A Howard Dean visit to our campaign office and a kick-@%# Barack Obama conference call sandwiched by two canvass shifts (over 120 doors knocked), a Saturday Market booth staffed, over a dozen new volunteers recruited, around 100 calls made, and half-a-dozen ballots collected. Truly, the Eugene students and staff at the Lane County Obama office feel that our future president would be so pleased to see our team diligently "working as if we're twenty points down."Monday is our last full day to effectively educate voters about the importance of down-ticket Democratic voting, offical drop-box locations, etc. Let's not waist a moment of the final Merkley Monday of the 2008 campaign! And, of course, there's Tuesday. Our combined GOTV efforts during the FINAL 24 hours of this historic movement must be focussed on organization and mobilization before celebration.
Here's a breakdown of Election Day activity if you'd like to join us:
4AM-6AM -- Join us for a "silent knock" reminder to voters that today is the LAST day to drop your ballot at an official drop box location in Lane County. Please be at the Campaign for Change HQ (150 W. Broadway) by 4AM.7AM-9AM -- Sign waving/visibility @ Ferry St. Bridge. Please join us for Election Day sign-waving for Obama, Merkley, Kitty and down-ticket Dems at the Ferry St. Bridge. Signs will be provided. Homemade signs are welcome - stay positive, please!10AM-11AM -- Sign waving/visibility at 30th near Albertson's for "YES!" on Lane Community College's Bond Measure 20-142. 11:30AM-12:30PM -- Securing space for Lane Student Democrats/Lane Students for Obama at the Fairgrounds for Election Results Watch Party. 1PM-4PM -- Final day of ballot collection and tabling at LCC for Obama/Merkley/Piercy and LCC's Bond Measure 20-142.5PM-7:59PM -- Final GOTV action! Canvassing and quality ballot collection!8PM-10PM -- Election Results Watch Party @ the Lane County Fairgrounds! YES, WE CAN!10PM-2AM -- Election Results Post Party @ location to be determined. But please, fellow Obama enthusiast and dedicated Campaigner for Change, let's make this THE most historic moment of our life. Do more than you've ever done in a single day for any candidate ever! Knock on doors, make critical phone calls. Get out the word and GET OUT THE VOTE!Thank you for all you do, all you've done and all we'll accomplish in the next crucial 24 hours of this campaign.Fired up!. . . And ready to go!Matt Keating
youtube.com/mkeating2008
Well I want to post some information on Obama’s economic plans that will work to get our economy out of the difficultly it is in now. First I want to start with the Tax Calculator so you can determine your savings under Obama’s plan versus McCain’s. Remember for those making under $250,000 there will be no tax increase and for people under around $200,000 there will be a tax cut. Check this out to see where you stand. For almost all of us we will see bigger number under Obama’s than McCain’s plan. (for 3rd party verification go to the Tax Policy Institute at http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/ with a full report and summary).
http://taxcut.barackobama.com/
Now I will show and discuss briefly information on Obama’s response to the various economic problems. As you may have noticed when the crisis struck Obama was prepared while McCain initially was still stating the “fundamentals” of our economy are fine. That McCain speech was given on the day Lehman Brothers failed and Merrill Lynch was purchased by Bank of America showing how weak our financial system was and still is.
In comparison here is the statement Obama gave on the bank failures the same day. http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5qKN
In addition Obama sent the following letter to Secretary Paulson regarding corporate “golden parachutes” http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5qWh
Some of you may have also seen the advertisement Obama ran following that discusses his economic plan, with the link shown on the ad and the second down.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGg42R
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gGgmlK
Article on the above Obama ad, his plans and their contrast with McCain’s. http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/09/17/on-wall-street-obama-is-all-wonk-and-mccain-is-all-words.aspx
Now finally here is the actual economic plan and this is not new. Obama has believed in many of these plans and warned and submitting proposals for regulation of Wall Street for months/years. Please take a look to see how Obama has been prepared for and continues to be prepared for the economic crisis. Since I compiled many of these he helped get the “rescue plan” with real protections for tax payers, ability to modify home mortgages, elimination of “golden parachutes” and other good items for our country passed by working behind the scenes rather than making empty dramatic gestures like suspending his campaign. He proved yet again he can “walk and chew gum” at the same time and get real legislation passed with real leadership, but you can read it for yourself needless to say there were things put in the speech to keep some “blue dog” Democrats in the House on board for this Senate version of the bill.
October 2008:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/economyplan & http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/
In March 2008 he said:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june08/obamaeconomy_03-27.html
In September 2007, Obama gave the following speech at Nasdaq.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/17/us/politics/16text-obama.html?pagewanted=print
Jolene Loudon of Junction City writes, “Clipboards and voter registration forms in hand, the most diligent workers of the political season — unpaid canvassers — are the finest symbol of democracy in action.”
Awesome.
In support of Lane’s critical Bond Measure 20-142, Lane Student Dems/Lane Students for Obama encourage fellow students to canvass and/or phone-bank for your candidate of choice — especially if you’re a student in support of Lane’s Bond (even if it’s just for a few hours). Volunteer opportunities to help support LCC’s Bond Measure are available at www.yesforlcc.com.
Also, this Monday, October 27, is another Lane Students for Obama Merkley Monday! From the Forward Oregon office on 12th and High, Lane Student Dems will make phone calls in support of Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate. Join us from 6PM-8:30PM (pizza provided!) Contact Justin at jcox@forwardoregon.org for more information.
And, of course, at our Lane Students for Obama table in the LCC cafeteria, we provide students with quite a bit of crucial voter information from the League of Women Voters (http://www.lwvor.org/votersguide.htm) and the Democratic Party of Lane County (DPLC.org). We also have plenty of Obama T-shirts, stickers, and Obama-Biden lawn signs from the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO.org).
OK, here’s the calendar of activity for the Lane Student group through Election Day . . .
Monday-Friday (9AM-3PM) - Providing ballot pick-up at LCC and tabling at Lane Community College for Obama-Biden, Jeff Merkley, Kate Brown, Kitty Piercy, down-ticket Dems and “YES!” on Lane’s Bond Measure 20-142.
Monday, October 27 (6PM-8:30PM) - Merkley Monday - Phonebanking from Forward Oregon office at 12th and High for Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate.
Tuesday, October 28 (6:00PM-8:30PM) - Phonebanking from SEIU for Kitty Piercy for Mayor. Details: visit http://www.kittypiercy.com/volunteer.htm, e-mail jessica@kittypiercy.com or call 334-6727 to sign-up!
Wednesday, October 29 (6PM-6:30PM) - Obama on TV watch party @ World Flavors. Barack Obama has purchased a half-hour of TV-time on the anniversary of the 1929 stock market crash to address the issues of job creation and our current economic situation.
Wednesday, October 29 (7pm-8:30pm) - Phonebanking from SEIU for Kitty Piercy for Mayor. Details: visit http://www.kittypiercy.com/volunteer.htm, e-mail jessica@kittypiercy.com or call 334-6727 to sign-up!
Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy welcomes Barack Obama to the University of Oregon (Spring, 2008)
Thursday, October 30 (4:30PM-8:30Pm) - GOTV canvassing/phonebanking from Obama’s Lane County Campaign for Change HQ at 150 W. Broadway in Eugene.
Friday, October 31 (4PM-6PM) - Phonbanking for Obama-Biden and Jeff Merkley from 150 W. Broadway.
Friday, October 31 (6PM-8:30PM) - Canvass in Costume!!! (Please, NO political costumes. Thanks!) Meet at the 150 W. Broadway office to Barack the Vote on Halloween!
Friday, October 31 (11PM-2AM) - Barack-O-Lantern “Bring Your Ballot Halloween Party” @ Eugene’s historic McDonald Theater. Show starts at 11pm, tickets: $10 - advance; $12 - door. All ages.
Friday, October 31 - Last day to mail your Oregon ballot!!!
Saturday, November 1 (10AM-3PM) - Saturday Market voter information booth. Volunteer opportunities available. Contact Matt at mkeating@studentsforbarackobama.com.
Sunday, November 2 (10AM-2PM, 2PM-6PM) - GOTV canvass shifts for Obama-Biden and down-ticket Dems from 150 W. Broadway. E-mail DAguilar@Oregon4Change.com to volunteer!
Also, appearing at the Obama office on Sunday, November 2 (7:30PM) - DNC Chair Howard Dean! Admission to see Governor Dean is a completed walk-packet canvassed earlier that afternoon.
Monday, November 3 (10AM-2PM) - Ballot collection/tabling at Lane Community College
Monday, November 3 (2PM-6PM, 6PM-9PM) - GOTV canvassing for Obama-Biden and down-ticket Dems!
Tuesday, November 4 (10AM-2Pm) - Ballot collection/tabling at Lane Community College
Tuesday, November 4 (2PM-5Pm, 5PM-8PM) - ELECTION DAY!!! Final day of GOTV canvassing!
Tuesday, November 4 (8pm-1opm) - Election Results watch party @ Lane County Fairgrounds
Tuesday, November 4 (10PM-2AM) - Post Election Party @ McDonald Theater. 21+ please.
Remember, VOTE by 8PM on November 4. To find your nearest official ballot drop box, visit www.voteforchange.com.
Thanks!
Matt Keating
First things first: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEFF MERKLEY!
Lane Students for Obama/Lane Student Dems president Mario Parker with U.S. Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley at the University of Oregon.
CALENDAR:
Tonight: Meeting/phonebank with Eugene for Obama-Biden memebers and Lane Students for Obama. “FREE PIZZA FRIDAY” from Pegasus Pizza @ 150 W. Broadway (Eugene - 7PM).
Saturday: Canvassing for Lane’s Bond Measure 20-142 from the parking lot of South Eugene High School (400 E 19th) on Patterson across from the YMCA. Coffee will be provided (10AM).
Saturday: GOTV Obama-Biden/Merkley canvassing from Guido Batista’s house @ 140 Hardy Ave. in Eugene 97404. Start time: noon. Please RSVP by calling Noah Dorson at 503-449-1440.
Sunday: “LCC Sunday” phonebanking from O.E.A. (2815 Coburg Road) - just north of Costco from 1PM-3:30PM; 3:30PM-6PM; 6PM-6:30PM. Details and RSVP on http://my. barackobama. com/page/event/detail/gprqgm.
Monday: “Merkley Monday” phonebank from Forward Oregon office on 12th and High (Eugene - 6PM). Please RSVP: http://my. barackobama. com/page/event/detail/gprqqb.
Oregon Delegate/Lane Students for Obama Chapter Coordinator Matt Keating interviews U.S. Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley for www.youtube.com/mkeating2008
Fellow Obama-Biden and Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate enthusiasts,
We need a Secretary of State who will fight for all Oregonians and who will fight for fair elections. Kate Brown has a proven track record, 17 years of progressive legislative experience and a clear vision of where she would lead Oregon as Secretary of State.
This Friday, right here in Eugene, please come cheer Kate on as she debates Republican Rick Dancer at the Downtown Athletic Club. Let’s show Oregon voters that Eugene supports a progressive champion like Kate Brown for Secretary of State!
For more information on Kate Brown, please visit http://www.katebrownfororegon.com/. Thanks!
-Lane Student Democrats/Lane Students for Obama
PS - For video of Kate Brown speaking directly to Lane Community College students and staff about the importance of voting, down-tcket participation and supporting higher education, please visit www.youtube.com/mkeating2008.
PPS - If you're a voter in Lane County, please VOTE "YES" on LCC's Bond Measure 20-142 to help aid the efforts to repair the aging infrastructure at Lane Community College. Measure 20-142 keeps an already existing bond on the books that does NOT significantly increase taxes and directly benefits the students, the community, and the state! Thank you! More info on Lane's bond measure 20-142 can be found at www.yesforlcc.com and/or www.lanecc.edu/bond.
I just posted a :60sec Students for Merkley video from Jeff’s visit to the University of Oregon with Senator Russ Feingold and Rep. Peter DeFazio on Tuesday, October 14: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEGUQtpV9W4.
Speaker Merkley is neck-n-neck with Gordon Smith, the Republican incumbent. Please, IF YOU BACK BARACK, JOIN JEFF! Volunteers are needed - especially tonight when Lane Student Dems participate in another “Merkley Monday phonebank” at the Forward Oregon office on 12th & High in Eugene. E-mail jcox@forwardoregon.org for more information.
Oh! This Friday, Vice President Al Gore and Jeff Merkley will be in Portland (Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd.) for a reception for change at 5:30pm. General admission is $50 and preferred seating is $250. More details are at www.jeffmerkley.com.
For those of us staying in Eugene on Friday, please visit the Lane County Campaign for Change HQ at 7pm for another FREE PIZZA FRIDAY PHONEBANK FOR OBAMA! Courtesy of Pegasus Pizza, free eats will be provided to Eugene for Obama-Biden and Lane Student Democrat volunteers participating in our weekly get-together/phonebank session at the Eugene Obama office!
Thanks,
Barack Obama’s brother-in-law, OSU basketball coach Craig Robinson and fellow Eugene/Springfield Obama enthusiasts shared a brief rendezvous this afternoon at the Lane County Campaign for Change HQ (150 W. Broadway, Eugene). “Coach” (as I call Michelle Obama’s older brother) and his wife Kelly helped the Eugene field office kick-off our 1st day of Get-Out-the-Vote canvassing for the 2008 election.
“The game’s not over till it’s over,” Coach Robinson announced. “I know we’re up in the polls, but that’s like being up (by) eight with about four minutes to go . . . so we’ve got to continue to work through the fourth!” And the crowded Campaign for Change office erupted into applause.
Privately, Coach Robinson echoed his all-too-important 4th quarter analogy by addressing my laptop and the collegiate YouTube community about the importance of casting every vote, “While it seems like we’re up now — we’re not up by much and every vote’s gonna count . . . It would be really exciting,” Coach Robinson continued, “to have a turnout like we’ve never had here in Oregon and you guys can be a part of it!”
For video of Coach Craig Robinson’s visit to Eugene’s Campaign for Change HQ, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baHZVCupjjs.
Oh! I should add that the Beaver basketball coach’s pep-talk worked: Our team immediately hit the streets of Eugene/Springfield and engaged the community in quality Get-Out-the-Vote canvassing!
. . . It’s just past 6pm and I’m at Allen Bros. (on Hilyard) taking a quick coffee break from my South University area canvassing for Obama-Biden and Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate. The bad news: my shoes (after canvassing in Oregon, Montana and Colorado) are finally starting to wear. The good news: We already collected one ballot! Yeahhh!!! As Coach Robinson remided us, EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!
For those that don’t know, our G.O.T.V. goals are simple: educate voters on the importance of early voting, down-ticket Democratic support and using $0.59 worth of postage if they choose to mail their ballots. We’re also providing a toll-free hot-line for the few folks whom have yet to receive their ballot or have specific voting questions/concerns. The number: 888-969-7622 (888-MY-OR-OBAMA).
Thanks for the read, the support, and the enthusiasm surrounding the MOST historic election and transformational movement in the history of American politics.
. . . Now go out there and do a G.O.T.V. canvass shift! Barack needs EVERYONE’s involvement — and that means YOU!
Thank you,
Matt Keating, 4th Congressional District Delegate (OR)
"Obama is the first African American to be nominated by a major political party for president.[1] A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he served as president of the Harvard Law Review, Obama worked as a community organizer and practiced as a civil rights attorney before serving three terms in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. He taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004. Following an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, he announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate in January 2003. After a primary victory in March 2004, Obama delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in July 2004. He was elected to the Senate in November 2004 with 70% of the vote."
It's interesting to see these smears and people bringing race into the equation. That is an ignorant, uninformed argument. Let the undecided, unregistered, and uninterested become educated! Get out the word!
What supporters need to do now is know that this period of time before the election is most important. Vote for Obama, get the word out. Let those undecided know WHY you support Obama. We are asking for a nation not just focused on "policing" nations but rather improving our own at the same time. We need a strong, powerful, patriotic nation... not one swayed by the propaganda the Bush Regime wants you to believe. Be the change you believe in.
Best,Travis
Sunday, Oct. 12 - 11:30am - Mayoral Debate at KLCC (Selco Building). Call KLCC at (541) 463-6000 to be in the audience for the Noon broadcast of the live debate between Kitty Piercy and Jim Torrey - LIVE on KLCC at noon!
Sunday, Oct. 12 - 2pm - GOTV Summit Training (includes Vote by Mail training, Get-Out-The-Vote Canvassing instructions, and Election Day plans. Join us at Lane County’s Campaign for Change HQ at 150 W. Broadway in Eugene for student volunteer training, priorities and programs geared toward our critical GOTV effort).
Sunday, Oct. 12 - 3:30pm - North Eugene/Bethel canvass for Obama-Biden and Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate. Meet at 150 W. Broadway in Eugene.
Monday, Oct. 13 - Tabling for Obama, Merkley and down-ticket Democrats with the Lane Students for Obama/Lane Student Democrats at Lane Community College cafeteria (10am-3pm).
Monday, Oct. 13 - “Merkley Monday” Phonebanking from Jeff Merkley’s Forward Oregon office at 12th & High St. in Eugene (6p-8:30p).
Tuesday, Oct. 14 - LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE!!! Join Lane Students for Obama for our final day of voter registration tabling at LCC (10am-1pm).
Tuesday, Oct. 14 - Rally for Jeff Merkley with U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, Congressman Peter DeFazio, and Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy at the ERB Memorial Union (1pm - 2:30pm).
Tuesday, Oct. 14 - “Kitty Tuesday” - Phonebanking for Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy from SEIU on 11th and Franklin (6pm-8:30pm). To volunteer, e-mail volunteer@kittypiercy.com or call the campaign at 541-334-6727.
Wednesday, Oct. 15 - 3rd and final Presidential Debate Watch Party @ World Flavors Pizza in Eugene. World Flavors is located at 1044 Willamette - just three doors down from the McDonald Theater (5:45pm-7:30pm).
Thursday, Oct. 16 - Post Debate Day of Action canvassing! Meet at 150 W. Broadway in Eugene at 5pm. Contact Diana Aguilar at daguilar@oregon4change for more information or to schedule yourself for a volunteer shift!
Friday, Oct. 17 - 7pm - FREE PIZZA FRIDAY courtesy of Eugene’s Pegasus Pizza! Meet with grassroots group Eugene for Obama and the Lane Student Democrats/Lane Students for Obama for some free pie at the Lane County Campaign for Change HQ - 150 W. Broadway in Eugene (7pm). Immediately following our meeting, we’ll make a final round of Friday phone calls to voters the day ballots are mailed out to Oregonians.
Saturday, Oct. 17 - 10am - FIRST DAY OF GET-OUT-THE-VOTE!!!
Sunday, Oct. 19 - “LCC Sunday” - Phonebanking in support of Local Ballot Measure 20-142 (LCC’s Bond Measure) from 1p-3:30p, 3:30p-6:00p, and 6:00p-8:30p. E-mail Trevor at trevor@yesforlcc.com. For more Measure 20-142 information, please visit www.yesforlcc.com.
Matt Keating here. (And, yes, I’m at the Lane Student Democrats/Lane Students for Barack Obama table at LCC!)
As anyone regularly registering voters and/or working on a political campaign this election cycle knows: THIS WEEK HAS BEEN NUTS! First off, it’s the final Friday to register to vote. And tonight, Lane’s SFBO group meets for a FREE PIZZA Friday @ 4pm with Senator Wyden at Pegasus Pizza (near UO campus on 14th). At 7pm this evening, Eugene for Obama and Lane Students for Obama get together for an evening of action at 150 W. Broadway (between Charnelton and Olive).
Also, along with Sen. Ron Wyden, we’re preparing to launch a huge Merkley for Senate canvassing effort from the Forward Oregon office on 12th & High St. (10am) on Saturday morning. On Sunday there’s a Bethel canvass scheduled at 2pm from the Lane County Obama HQ @ 150 W. Broadway and that evening we’ll be phonebanking for Local LCC Measure 20-142 from OEA (off Coburg past Costco) from 3:30-6:00p and 6:00-8:30p.
OK . . . Last night’s Merkley-Smith debate. Did ya see it? If not, you really missed out!
After a solid day of voter reg, I spent my ever-so-cold October evening at Davis Restaurant in Eugene with fellow Lane County Democrats (including U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio) in support of Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate. As Jon Issaacs, Jeff Merkley for Oregon Campaign Manager said, Speaker Merkley “laid out a clear vision for Oregon’s future and how he will team up with Ron Wyden and Barack Obama to bring our nation the change it deserves.”
My thoughts: Let’s do this! This Saturday morning, 10am, at 12th & High, Lane Student Democrats/Lane Students for Barack Obama are invited to kick-off a Forward Oregon/Campaign for Change Canvass for Obama-Biden ‘08 and Jeff Merkley for Senate with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. Please sign-up at our table in the LCC cafeteria or call Speaker Merkley’s Eugene office at 541-686-3504.
Oh! One more thing. For Lane’s please visit www.lanecc.edu/bond . Volunteer opportunities are open for our LCC Day of Action on Sunday, October 19. Phonebank shifts are slated for 1-3:30pm, 3:30-6:00pm, and 6-8:30pm. Please e-mail Trevor at trevor@yesforlcc.com.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95439252
Biggest news story or event coming politically for this country. I can't help but think that the biggest issue for voters is race. Let's band together and look at the issues and not get brainwashed by the political rhetoric that exists on TV Ads today.
Best,
Travis Hartman
Democrat
In my opinion the democrats are still winning these Election 2008 debates. The reason being is that it appears to me that the republicans are too hung up on foreign policy. Work ON OUR NATION FIRST! Then worry about bombing the middle east or whatever war they want to conduct. That's at least how I see that this nation should be run. Sub prime morgages shouldn't exist! Fix our nation before trying to try and "fix" the others!
McCain's camp's arguments are old rhetoric. Choose a President not tied to the oil industry. Obama 2008.
THIS WEEK (OCT. 6 - OCT. 10) . . .
Join the Lane Students for Obama as we "table" daily on the campus of Lane Community College. Shifts are open from 10am-2pm. E-mail mkeating@studentsforbarackobama to volunteer!
OK - This week in Eugene:
Monday - "Merkley Monday" Phonebanking from the Forward Oregon Campaign HQ at 1178 High St., Eugene (6pm-8:30pm).
Tuesday - "Obama Crawl" Sign-waving prior to the 2nd Presidential Debate at the Hult Center. Meet fellow Obama enthusiasts in front of markee on Willamette and 6th in Eugene. Bring your Obama gear and we'll march through downtown Eugene stopping at Joggers for the Women for Obama Debate Watch Party, Cosmic Pizza for the Campaign for Change Watch Party and ending up at World Flavors Pizza for the Students for Obama Debate Watch Party (4pm-5pm).
Tuesday - Debate Watch Party @ World Flavors Pizza at 1044 Willamette St., Eugene (5:45pm-7:30pm).
Wednesday - "Kitty Wednesdays" Phonebanking to help re-elect Kitty Piercy for Mayor (6pm-8:30pm). Please call 541-334-6727 for more information.
Thursday - "John Lennon for Obama" at Kesey Square on Broadway and Willamette in Eugene (6pm). Come celebrate John Lennon's birthday, register voters, and recruit volunteers!
Friday - Eugene for Obama and Lane Students for Obama meet at the Lane County Campaign for Change HQ at 150 W. Broadway, Eugene (7pm).
Saturday - Canvassing with Sen. Ron Wyden to help elect Jeff Merkley to U.S. Senate. Come by the Froward Oregon Campaign Headquarters at 1178 High St., Eugene to promote progressive candidates and important ballot measures such as 20-142 that supports Lane Community College (10am-2pm).
TONIGHT! TONIGHT! TONIGHT!
Every Friday evening Lane’s Students for Obama group and E4OB meet at the EMU Fishbowl on the campus of the University of Oregon (13th and University). And you’re invited!
What is E4OB? Eugene for Obama-Biden. Working as a community support group Lane Students for Obama, E4OB is the grassroots organizational effort in Eugene that strongly supports progressive candidates and values.
In addition to voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden on November 4th, E4OB and Lane’s SFBO group suggests fellow Obama backing Oregonians support Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Kate Brown for Secretary of State, Rob Handy for County Commissioner, Kitty Piercy for Mayor of Eugene, and State Ballot Measures 54, 55, 56 and 57 (the 1st four - then NO MORE).
Further, there are incredibly important Local Measures to pass such as 20-142 that updates facilities/improves technologies for Lane Community College and Local Measure 20-137 that provides an external review and Police Complaint Board. 20-137 also gives the City Council the ability to hire an Auditor and appoint a review board. A “YES” vote on both measures 20-137 and 20-142 are STRONGLY recommended!
For more Democratic recommendations (wisely based on the Democratic Party of Lane County’s Platform), please visit www.DPLC.org and/or join us this — and every Friday at UO’s “Fishbowl” @ the EMU on 13th and University.
See ya tonight - and every Friday evening at 7pm!
-Matt Keating
What: Lane Students for Obama with Eugene for Obama-Biden @ UO’s Fishbowl (EMU)
Date: Friday, October 3, 2008 Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm Where: University of Oregon’s EMU “Fishbowl” Street: 13th and University
