Organizing for America | Mason City for Barack Obama

Mason City for Barack Obama

A group for Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota supporters of the next president of the United States, Barack Obama. Let's organize to support Sen. Obama.

Page 1 of 3 | Next | Last

My Obama yard signs were a target of vandalism

By Jeremy Skarr - Aug 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am EDT

Also listed in: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Voters for Barack Obama | Mason City for Barack Obama

In the days leading up to the Iowa Caucus I had two Obama signs in my yard at a busy corner. one sign faced North to oncoming traffic and was affixed to my fence. The other was a regular sign on a metal pole in the ground. Only hours after the sign was stapled to my fence was it ripped off and never seen again. Later that night the Obama sign in my yard was pulled off of the metal and gone for good. At least the metal was left, that should be a good thing?

The Mason City, Iowa Obama office called and told me that they had a GIANT sign with lights on it. I took the sign and drilled it onto an old door (I am renovating my house) and staked it in the ground. This sign was left alone. Apparently vandals can take the normal signs but when it is on a door and staked in the ground they really don't care for the effort.

Now that September is coming I plan on voicing my support for Obama by placing more signs in the yard when they are available. Hopefully I get a better welcome than before.

Final note: It's a sign. Seriously. As an American I have the freedom to stick a sign in my yard just like a guy in town has Ron Paul slapped all over his house, yard, and truck (although Ron Paul really doesn't stand a chance?). Let the signs speak and leave them alone!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

The Obama Cart Story

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Aug 26th, 2008 at 12:03 am EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

When I saw the story of the Obama Cart and the Johnsons (Bill and Dixie) I thought how great it would be to be part of it but figured that my little town is never a place "on the way" to anywhere. I emailed Bill and he wrote right back that they would be pleased to come through our town. I could not believe it! They were coming here!

Let me tell you about Bill and Dixie. They are down to earth and the sweetest people, "salt of the earth" some may say. Proud Americans. Easy to talk to and ready with a smile and a story. They instantly connected with the people at the event and mingled easily.

Bill and Dixie made me proud to be an Obama supporter. I have been lagging as the campaign drags on. I have always been a supporter and I always will be. But as you are involved with a campaign I have found the rollercoaster ride can make your stomach sick!

These people, Bill and Dixie not only bring the Obama Cart with them, they bring the heart and souls of all die hard Obama supporters with them. The true America that is in them and around them is something to see and feel.

Everyone that was there was so impressed with the journey that these two have decided to take for all of us. The miles and meals on the road, the new people and the attention. I think that what I took away from this visit is that the America we used to know is still here, it is just hidden away from the light. Barack Obama will bring us all back into the light. He will give the people that are willing to hold up the least of us the tools and resources they need to get it done. He will give the least of us a chance to work and feel like there is a tomorrow to look forward to.

The parts of my heart that felt fear have begun to heal, thanks to Bill and Dixie. Two people that ask for nothing but to spread the words of Barack Obama.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03552.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03553.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03554.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03555.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03556.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03557.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03558.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03559.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03562.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03563.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03564.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03565.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03568.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/DSC03569.jpg

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (3) | Report Objectionable Content

The Obamacart is coming, The Obamacart is coming!

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Aug 15th, 2008 at 11:38 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

I have been asked to host the makers of the "OBAMACART" in my home over night during their trip across the country from Division, MT to Unity, NH. A man named Bill Johnson from Montana made this cart and decorated it with paint resembling the Obama trademark "rainbow" symbol before the primaries were held in Montana and decided that a way for people to come together in unity was to make a big statement and take us all from Division to Unity...literally! Bill and his wife will begin their trip in a few days and will make stops in small towns along the way. I e-mailed them and asked if they would like to stop here. They were all for it! So we are the lucky recipients of a piece of history. The Obama campaign is involved in this and we are getting the press here to get it all on tape and in the papers. We hope to have a surrogate for the Obama campaign here as well. This will be the biggest rally Cresco has ever seen! I am proud have been considered for this event. They will be collecting donations for Obama AS WELL as LOCAL candidates before heading out to Milwaukee in the morning.

We plan to be at Beadle park (train park) on HWY 9 in Cresco at 7pm on the 25th of August. Bring your friends and neighbors.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (5) | Report Objectionable Content

McCains resume

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Aug 13th, 2008 at 6:08 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- In his frivolous Paris and Britney ad, Sen. John McCain
has asked the right question: Is Barack Obama ready to lead this country?

Since last January, Sen. Obama's fitness for the presidency has been the only
question that matters in American politics. The pollsters and pundits agree that if
Obama can show the voters that he's up to the job, he'll win. If not, he won't.

But that begs another question: Is McCain fit to lead America?

That question hasn't been asked, nor has it been answered.

The assumption seems to be that McCain's years of experience in the military and in
Congress of course give him the background and tools he'd need in the White House. As
Britney might say, "Duh! For sure he's qualified!!! He's Mac!!!"

But is that true? Does McCain have the right stuff?

A careful look at McCain's biography shows that he isn't prepared for the job. His
resume is much thinner than most people think.

Here are some reasons why McCain would be a mediocre president.

Lack of accomplishments

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Like the current occupant of the White House, McCain got his first career breaks
from the connections and money of his family, not from hard work.

The son and grandson of Navy admirals, he attended Annapolis where he did poorly.
Nevertheless, he was commissioned as a pilot, where he performed poorly, crashing
three planes before he failed to evade a North Vietnamese missile that destroyed his
plane. McCain spent more than five years in a prison camp.

After his release, McCain knew his weak military record meant he'd never make
admiral, so he turned his sights to a career in politics. With the help of his new
wife's wealth, his new father-in-law's business connections and some powerful friends
had made as a lobbyist for the Navy, he was elected in 1982 to a Congress in a
district that he didn't reside in until the day the seat opened up. A few years
later, he succeeded Barry Goldwater as a senator.

McCain hasn't accomplished much in the Senate. Even his own campaign doesn't trumpet
his successes, probably because the few victories he's had still rankle Republicans.

His campaign finance law failed to significantly reduce the role of money in
politics. He failed to get a big tobacco bill through the Senate. He's failed to
change the way Congress spends money; his bill to give the president a line-item veto
was declared unconstitutional, and the system of pork and earmarks continues
unabated. He failed to reform the immigration system.

Every senator who runs for president misses votes back in Washington, so it's no
surprise that McCain and all the others who ran in the primaries have missed a lot of
votes in the past year. But between the beginning of 2005 and mid-2007, no senator
missed more roll-call votes than McCain did, except Tim Johnson, who was recovering
from a near-fatal brain aneurysm.

Shallow

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

McCain says he doesn't understand the economy. He's demonstrated that he doesn't
understand the workings of Social Security, or the political history of the Middle
East. He doesn't know who our enemies are. He says he wants to reduce global warming,
but then proposes ideas that would stimulate -- not reduce -- demand for fossil
fuels.

McCain has done one thing well -- self promotion. Instead of working on legislation
or boning up on the issues, he's been on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" more than
any other guest. He's been on the Sunday talk shows more than any other guest in the
past 10 years. He's hosted "Saturday Night Live" and even announced his candidacy in
2007 on "The Late Show with David Letterman."

McCain has not articulated any lofty goals. So far, his campaign theme has mostly
been "McCain: He's None of the Above."

In the primaries, he campaigned on "I'm not that robotic businessman, I'm not that
sanctimonious hick, I'm not that crazy libertarian, I'm not that washed-up actor, I'm
not that delusional 9/11 guy." In the general election, he's emphasized that he's not
that treasonous dreamer.

No leadership

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

McCain has frequently taken on near-impossible missions that go against the grain of
his party. It's the basis of his reputation as a maverick. But McCain has never been
able to bring more than a handful of Republicans along with him on issues such as
campaign finance reform or immigration. Democrats on the Hill have accepted McCain's
help on some issues, but except for a few exceptions (John Kerry and Joe Lieberman),
they've never warmed to him.

To achieve anything as president, McCain would have to win over two hostile parties:
The Democrats and the Republicans.

Living in the Sixties

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

McCain is still fighting the Vietnam War. But he's not fighting the real historic
war, which taught us the folly of injecting ourselves into a civil war that was none
of our business. We learned that, in a world where even peasants have guns,
explosives and radios, a determined and popular guerrilla force can defeat a modern
army equipped with the mightiest technology if that army has no vital national
interest to protect.

Instead, McCain is fighting an imaginary Vietnam War, where a sure victory could
have been achieved with just a little more bombing, just a little more
"pacification," just a little more will to win at home. This fantasy clouds McCain's
judgment on foreign policy.

Most of the other high-profile politicians who fought in Vietnam -- Colin Powell,
Chuck Hegel, John Kerry, and Jim Webb -- aren't stuck in the past, and they don't
view the Iraq War as a chance to get Vietnam right.

No principles

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

After years of honing a reputation as a guy who'll say the truth regardless of the
political consequences, McCain has crashed the Straight Talk Express. On almost every
issue where he took a principled stand against the Republican line -- taxes,
immigration, oil drilling, the Religious Right -- he's changed his views.

We ought to like politicians who change their mind when the facts change; it shows
maturity, judgment and flexibility. But politicians who change their mind to suit the
prevailing winds show the opposite.

The bottom line

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Successful presidents come from two molds: visionaries, or mechanics. The
visionaries -- think Reagan or FDR -- see what others can't and say 'Why not?" to
inspire the country. The mechanics -- think LBJ or Eisenhower -- know the ins and
outs of government and are able to harness the power of millions of humans to
accomplish great things, or at least keep the wheels from coming off.

McCain fits neither style. He's neither a dreamer, nor a detail guy. His major
accomplishment, in Vietnam and in the Senate, has been merely to survive.

Just surviving doesn't make you're a hero, or a decent president. America needs to
do more than survive the next four years.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (2) | Report Objectionable Content

Unite for Change Party Decorah Iowa

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Jun 30th, 2008 at 8:14 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

I was unable to hold a Unite for Change party of my own this weekend due to prior engagements. But I decided to check out what events were coming to my area (there are usually none, I live in such a rural area) I was happy and excited to see that in the neighboring town of Decorah there was a Unite For Change party scheduled for Sunday.

Kathy was gracious and had a wonderful home acreage. The area was carved out neatly from the surrounding corn fields and seemed like everything Iowa should be.

As people began to show up it was nice to see people I had talked with on the blog as well as people I had seen through the campaign back in Jan. Even though this party was out of my county I was happy to be involved with supporters who were proud to be helping out and excited to get things started. It gave me some great ideas for my upcoming party on July 19th.

We all introduced ourselves and told our stories about how we became "hope-mongers". Sometimes I forget that I was not involved in politics before this campaign until I tell my story and hear myself speaking the words. That "LBB" Life Before Barack seems like a million years ago.

There were people there that were close to 90 and the young and up and coming. One of the younger people there brought up the idea of a "happy hour" for Barack every week at a local bar/restaurant as an opportunity for people to get together in a "less organized" and "less threatening" way. Although calling it happy hour is out of the question she thought of calling it "Barack Hour" but thought that sounded like an evangelical "hour of power" kind of thing. I am not sure what the final name will be but what a wonderful idea to get people to be comfortable and talk about Barack and for those who may not know him to get to know him.

We decided that the biggest problem for most people is that they just have not spent enough time getting to know Barack and what he stands for, especially some of the supporters of other candidates. There were woman there that struggled themselves with the choice between the first woman and Barack as well as Edwards supporters that have all come to read up on Barack and fully support him.

I know I have not spent a ton of time researching Hillary or McCain so I assume that of others and their lack of information on Barack. We are hoping that we may, by being in a public place, pull others into the conversation or at least get the information in their ears from across the room.

There is a huge 4th of July celebration in a neighboring town and some of the people are going to set up a table with information and hope to get some attention there. I think that the opportunity we have on such a patriotic holiday, the one in which we celebrate the biggest CHANGE America ever struggled through, is a great starting point for getting ourselves out their and introducing the biggest force of change this country has seen in 40 years!

I know this is not my normal "exciting" post, but I thought the ideas we had might be shared.

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view¤t=DSC01872.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view¤t=DSC01871.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view¤t=DSC01870.jpg

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (2) | Report Objectionable Content

The nominee is.......

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Jun 5th, 2008 at 8:52 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

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!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (4) | Report Objectionable Content

How Barack Obama helped me become a democrat.

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Jun 1st, 2008 at 12:54 pm EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

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)

I started out over a year ago as just another carbon producing, world populating, world polluting human. I did not belong to any particular "party" let alone to any type of organization that was taking a view, stance or opinion on anything besides the normal things that parents do for their children in school..Band boosters, sports boosters ect.

Like most of the world Baracks candidacy was as surprising to me as it was to the world. When I heard Barack speak, he was speaking TO me not AT me. I realized that I had missed out on so many things in my life, chances to speak up and speak out. I missed the point so many times that I had that right to speak out. No one made me feel like I was important to the my local government let alone the US government. This one man, Sen. Barack Obama was letting me know that I was important. His life a testament to real change and hope. I know those words get used a lot in all sorts of circles. But they are the things that we need right now.

We need change in a real and decisive way. We need hope to get us there. Barack Obama will give us the tools we need, but we have to step up and take them AND use them. The real world is not a sweet and lovely place. There are people crying, starving, hurting, killing and dying all around us. We can not sit back and ignore this because it is not in most of our backyards. If we do that for much longer it will be in our back yards and it will be much harder to get ourselves right again.

Barack Obama has brought out in me the person I should have always been. Maybe you say, that if I had been active all along I would not have been drawn to such a candidate, that I would have gone right to Sen. Clinton. I think that in my heart I know for a fact that Sen. Clinton has done a lot of good for this country and during this campaign I have tried to stay mercilessly positive about her and her husband. I was not aware of the many things they had done because I was not paying attention. They did not want me to pay attention because there were also a lot of things they did that hurt the country. I think that they really did try in their time to do what they thought was right. I know that Barack will make mistakes too. I think that he will own up to them and not try to hide them. I think that he will fix the problem and not sweep it under the rug or try to blame someone else. That is the difference between the two candidates to me.

Barack Obama as asked me to do something. To be responsible for my own change and my own hope. Because if we take the responsibility of ourselves and pass it on to others the world will begin to make real changes. We have waited to long for our president and congress to do it for us. We have to be the ones standing up, we must stand up with our new president and let the world know that America is back. We are a democratic nation of hope mongers and change agents. We have always been, but sometimes it was being beaten out of us by the fear mongering they we were sold.

We have a real chance this time. There can be a landslide victory for Sen. Obama in the fall. We just have to get the people to the polls. We have to continue the excitement and the hope mongering. We have to continue to believe that we as Americans are better than what the world sees us as right now.

John Mcain is really just George W. Bush in older and stiffer clothing. He tends to fly off the handle when questioned and has changed his mind on so many things since 2001 that it is incredible for anyone to think that Barack Obama could not win against him in the fall. We must be diligent in our knowledge and in our persistence to make sure things are done right during the general election right up to the voting booths and counters. We need to volunteer to be a part of the process, we need to get in there and make sure our votes are counted. We will not be denied the White House because we had something better to do that day than make sure everyone that wants to vote, gets to vote. Take the day off work, sit at your local voting station. Get your friends to come. If you are not outspoken enough, find someone who is. We must STAND UP. Stand up and not be held down. We are the people! I can not say that enough. It is in our hands, win or lose it is in our hands.

So yes, Barack Obama took a woman who had no way of knowing what the political world meant and made me look it up, become involved and yes, save the world. I am a democrat, I am a proud democrat.

Thank You Sen. Barack Obama. I was almost lost to the world. You helped save me. And for this I am eternally greatful. I will repay you with my help in securing you the highest office in the land. President Barack Obama.

Now doesn't that sound great?

Laura

Laura

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (1) | Report Objectionable Content

Barack is back in Iowa, May 20th 2008.

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - May 22nd, 2008 at 8:14 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

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

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (9) | Report Objectionable Content

We are the bridge.

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - May 8th, 2008 at 9:24 am EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

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.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (5) | Report Objectionable Content

A Day in the Life of an Obama Delegate in IOWA

By SANDI HOCKEY MOM'S FOR OBAMA - Apr 28th, 2008 at 5:34 pm EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

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

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (7) | Report Objectionable Content

The bigger win for Obama in PA.

By John Colombo Jr. (Iowa District 4 State Delegate) - Apr 22nd, 2008 at 11:36 pm EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

While we all know that Clinton will walk away with the "win" in PA what you might not know is how big of a win this really is for Obama. We started out as trailing in the polls by 20% and it looks like we managed to widdle that down to a mear 8% loss. That equates to a net gain or something like 18 delegates, not even close to the 150 some needed to move ahead of Barack's massive lead.

Not only is it a smaller than expected victory, we now move on to North Carolina where Obama has held a sizable lead, and it dosn't look like that will change any time in the next two weeks. We also are heading into Indy where they are neck in neck, and as we all know the moment Obama steps foot in any state Clintons numbers drop, and ours skyrocket!

The big win coming out of tonight is the money. The Clinton campaign is broke, and desperate for money. They are 1million dollars in debt, and all their major contributors tapped out. That leaves them with small internet fundraising, the kind we have all shown clearly belongs to Obama. The Obama campaign is sittin on something like 41 million dollars as of right now, heading into Indy and NC.

That's not me saying don't worry about it Obama's got the money to compete, on the contrary I want you all to go donate whatever you can spare right now! What I am saying is Hillary Clinton isn't going to win, she dosn't have the money to compete anymore, and there is no way she can keep up with our amazing grass roots fundraising!

Want to know how you can put the nail in the Clinton Coffin? Donate a few bucks to the Obama campaign right now! When we wake up tomarrow and Clinton says she made a couple million bucks, we can say we made double. When the FEC reports come out in a few weeks time we can say we raised more money than here once again!

Show the rest of the Nation that we have not stopped supporting our candidate, but rather we are supporting him more now than ever!

Remember that money is the backbone of any campaign, and tonight we broke the backbone of the Clinton campaign!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Iowa Democratic Party

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Apr 22nd, 2008 at 7:09 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

This is the address to the Iowa Democratic Party:

http://www.iowademocrats.org/ht/d/Home/pid/315115

here you can click on your county and print off your convention information (mine was 57 pages long!) and get other information on how to get more involved with your county and state.

Lets do this for Senator Obama( President Obama) lets join, get our "activist" on and make some changes! It will take all of us to be a part of this movement of taking America back!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!! (not pushy am I? lol)

Cant wait to meet you all!!!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

PA Debate watching party Mason City Iowa

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Apr 17th, 2008 at 1:14 pm EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

Here are some pictures from the PA debate watching party. We were joined by a few of those running for office in the 4th district. And the local news.

Although it was a unsatisfactory debate, something I would hardly call a debate, we had a good time connecting with everyone. I was so happy to see Sandi Lincoln, and Native there! Everyone was so nice and it was just as I imagined it would be if all of us got together. I still think the campaign should send the top 200 people on here somewhere to meet.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2746047490101683170hRKdKV?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2308154540101683170VLbWHC?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2336935580101683170UBeHmA?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2343394340101683170BKODhU?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2370792660101683170NhCiyi?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2105417290101683170AEFYXV?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2639035370101683170FjAZHs?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2170939700101683170IslGzx?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2986645210101683170UGeCEF?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2819519820101683170xEQknQ?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2601790010101683170JiUnLO?vhost=good-times

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (1) | Report Objectionable Content

HI this is me! just wanted to say HI

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Apr 15th, 2008 at 5:08 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

I just got a video camera for my computer, and have had fun listening to myself talk!

Just wanted to make a personal HI! to everyone here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNt3cCVeczA

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (2) | Report Objectionable Content

Who are we?

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Apr 14th, 2008 at 11:35 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

have you found yourself pondering what happened to you?

I sometimes wonder what happened to the woman who ran her job, her children and life with skill. The woman who watched the local news at night just for the weather. The woman who had absolutly no idea that Iowa voted first. I did not even know that there were primarys and the general election. Why? what? who? where?

How did the television programs like "Morning Joe", "Hardball", "Countdown", "John Stewart"," Steven Colbert" "Dan Abrams" and any other show end up on my TV. I just figured out that FOX was republican, WHAT?! I also found out that Carvel is married to that Mary lady....

I am finding out more and more everyday, and I am totally bitter! I was the American that the Clintons and the republicans dreamed of. I was totally unaware and they were counting on me to just stay in my little world and trust them to "just take care of everything" with thier hedge funds, corperate contracts, dirty money and fake promises.

Why should they tell the truth? no one is payiing any attention. No one wants the truth, it is way to scary. We are just to stupid to handle the truth. We will all get scared and start asking questions.

Then came the skinny black guy with the funny name. I heard him speak. He was different. He is different. I have heard this man get attacked over and over again for telling the truth. This only makes him stronger in Americas eyes. An American president that stands up and tells the truth, what a breath of fresh air.

We have lost over 4000 Americans. LOST. as in not getting back, ever. This is a deep scar on America. A wound that can not be easily healed. Thanks to the republican rule of the last 8 years we can not take time off of work to march in the streets, lord knows we can not afford the gas money to get to D.C!

I want to make pertectly clear that my intention on writing this is out of pure frustration and bitterness. I want to let the world know that I am an average American. I am not a latte drinking, Prius driving, white collar, Birkenstock wearing liberal. I am new to this. I am as I said, the average American. I work full time, I raise children, I own my home, I drive a American car. I have 4 dogs that live outside on my farm. I was raised in California, I have lived in NV, MD, DC, FL, NC, VA and IA. I know who I am. Or at least I think I do.

I know who I used to be. I was a sleep walking through my life. A walking political dream. Now I am considered an "activist" for the entire hospital I work for. WHAT!! everytime someone comes to talk to me, I smile. I think it is funny. Especially when they ask me a question and I have the answer....easily. I spent a day traveling with my boss. We rarely have the time to talk at work. AS soon as I got in the car, she started on the political thing "so" she said "tell me about this race, so like, who is who and what is going on" I let her ask me questions for the entire hour. If I did not know the answer, I passed on the question and let her know that I did not have the answer. I then decided that thank God she was with me asking questions and not someone who was republican, then I was taken back by my thoughts. "I am a liberal" I am influencing people. I need to make sure I am keeping up on this stuff. I need to be right! I now have a responsibilty. It is a huge one. If I misspeak just once, I will lose credibility. I was a little freaked out. I have really gotten myself into it deep.

I am proud of myself and of everyone who has gotten involved in this movement. I am glad to take this on. I will raise my awareness of this process like I have raised my children, to the best of my abilty, with the best of intentions and with the upmost of hope for the future.

Thank you Barack Obama for this opportunity. Thank you fellow bloggers for the encouragement to keep it up. Thank you to my husband and children for putting up with me and listening to me.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (8) | Report Objectionable Content

District Convention sites, and contact information

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Apr 3rd, 2008 at 6:57 am EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Let us know you're attending your Congressional District Convention

On Saturday, April 26th, Iowa's five congressional districts will each hold a Congressional District Convention. We need as many Obama supporters as possible to attend and help make sure we win as many delegates as possible.

Convention locations are below.

Please note: by signing up below, you are NOT registering for your Congressional District Convention.

Iowa Congressional District Convention Locations

Congressional District 1
Dubuque Senior High School
1800 Clarke Dr.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Contact: Nathan Blake
515-783-6190
nblake@barackobama.com

Congressional District 2
Mt. Vernon High School
731 Palisades Rd SW
Mt. Vernon, IA 52314
Contact: Kevin Geiken
515-745-4969
kgeiken@gmail.com

Congressional District 3
Valley High School
3650 Woodland Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Contact: Nathan Blake
515-783-6190
nblake@barackobama.com

Congressional District 4
Boone County Fairgrounds
Community Building
Boone, IA 50036
Contact: Kevin Geiken
515-745-4969
kgeiken@gmail.com

Congressional District 5
Mid-America Center
1 Arena Way
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Contact: Kevin Geiken
515-745-4969
kgeiken@gmail.com
RSVP to let us know you are coming

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (1) | Report Objectionable Content

The first unrevised portion of my speech for state. Please leave comments and suggestions

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Mar 30th, 2008 at 4:35 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

There was a time when politics meant absolutely nothing to me. I was like everyone else I knew. I sat around and complained about what was happening but felt like there was nothing I could do. I am scared of the way things are changing for the worse. I am tired of America trying to save the world by going over to other countries and bombing them. I know, just like most of the rest of the world, that this has not worked and will not work. We have a chance, a once in a generation chance, a chance to choose something different. I call it real change.

How can we as Americans, look real change in the face, and let the chance pass us by? How do you argue against change? Why would you argue against positive change?

Just because someone has many years being exposed to politics it does not give them the building blocks for change. Not for positive change. I know that not being involved for most of my life makes be seem like a naïve fool for making these statements to those of you who are dyed in the wool democrats. But I am a citizen of the United States of America and I have lived here my entire life. I have lived in 8 states from coast to coast. I have visited more than 23 of those states and met people from all 50. I like to talk, and have engaged in many a conversation. I have been a student, a military veteran who served my country for 10 years, I have worked in hospitals for 24 years. I have lived an American life. Married, divorced, remarried, children, birthday parties, insurance payments, house payments, living paycheck to paycheck. I have done it all.

I feel that maybe my life spent away from politics has given me a perspective that matches that of 90 percent of the people in America. I believe that what we have seen in America this primary season is the activation of so many people, people are watching. Do you think that this many people would have registered to vote if Barack Obamas campaign, driven by a strong grassroots organization, was not in action? Can you not see what he and his message are doing?

People all over the country are tuning in. Some 600,000 more people have voted for Sen. Obama than Sen. Clinton so far. That is not just a few. By the end of this race there will be probably be over a million! Republicans are switching to democrats just to vote for Obama. Yeah, I know, there are those Rush Limbaugh Republicans that switched to vote for Hillary. But not for the general election, they are there to bloody up Obama for now. This should tell you all something. The republicans are afraid of Obama. They know he can win. And I believe so do you.

Right now there are so many people upset because they want their candidate to win. So many are saying “I won’t vote for Obama if Clinton is out or I won’t vote for Clinton if Obama is out” We really have to think this through. McCain is getting free reign right now. Have you heard what he is saying? He said he was in Germany the other day with their president Putin! Putin is in Russia! He said that Iran is training Iraqis! He was corrected by Lieberman 4 times in one week with this! He admits that he doesn’t know anything about the economy, the people he has surrounding him for advisors are Bush clones! We do not need a puppet for a president. I know Clinton is better than even this. But she too is a puppet with many debts and favors owed to many lobbyists and other high profile politicians. This is what being in politics has done to her. She is political minded and this does not work to our benefit. We need someone who is not afraid, for political reasons, to do what is right. We need someone who does not distance themselves from the truth just because it would be politically damning. The truth can hurt when you’re doing the right thing. But once it is out there, the relief is wonderful. We would not have gotten this far in our nation without all of the voices calling for change. The Civil War, The World Wars, Vietnam, the civil rights movement, the 60’s, all voices calling for change. Here we sit 2008 calling for change. Will that call be answered? Or will we be stuck in the past refusing to move on? I do not think the people of this nation will allow it. If I have to I will start a people’s movement. I am one person yes, but it only takes one voice calling for change to start something big.

Barack Obama has asked us not only to stand for him, but first he has asked us to stand up for each other. His call to service is something I have not heard in my lifetime. I am 43 years old. How can this much time have gone by without someone asking us all to give something? Everyone has it in them to make a difference. We were just waiting for someone to make us feel that doing something would actually make a difference. That someone is Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton does not move me to do anything for my country. She makes me want to stay home and let her just do whatever it is she does. We need a president that makes our country work for itself. Not someone who just wants us to sit back and not pay any attention while they do whatever it is that they do in Washington behind closed doors. We have a better chance at becoming a great nation again with Barack Obama at the helm.

I am not alone in my belief. I am not alone. There are millions of “me’s” all over the country. We will not be silent!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (7) | Report Objectionable Content

The Speech

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ - Mar 18th, 2008 at 10:18 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

The Speech:

That is what people will say, "The Speech" of the 21st centry was the one that Barack Obama gave on the 18th day of March 2008. The speech was one of truths, a one that opened up the conversations between all races. The speech also opened some wounds, wounds that will heal more completely once the scar tissue is removed and the old and tired tissue is gone. The new fresh wound will take care to heal completely. It is a big wound, it will take time to heal. With proper care it will heal though. There will be a scar there so that we will all remember what happened so that we will not return to that horrible past and repeat our mistakes. We will be able to look apon that area and tell our children and grandchildren about it.

We can cry over things lost, people hurt, hearts broken and the bitterness that may linger in our heart of hearts. But the truth remains. Although Barack did not HAVE to give this speech, he did GIVE it. He gave it to us all. A present. What we choose to do with it is our choice. What are you going to do?

I plan on thinking about what I say, what I do. Tiny little things that I still hold in my mind. I am a white woman. I do not consider myself racist. If I go to a bigger city and pass by a group of black men, yes, I too feel a bit of fear. Why? because I have watched to much TV, I have been taught to be afraid, I have lingering thoughts. I wonder now, how would I feel if everytime a woman walked past me and a group of friends she grabbed her purse and looked away and walked a little faster. I would wonder why? What have I done? Imagine a lifetime of this treatment. I would begin to resent those type of people. Next time, I must look up and look at each one in the face. It will be hard, I will be learning.

This is a great time in this country. That this man would take the great leap of faith in the American people. He has nothing to gain from this except the knowledge that maybe someone learned something today.

I did Barack, I did. I let your words get to my heart, my soul. I sat and cried, I prayed that everyone in the world could hear your words. I wanted a healed America NOW! I must be patient. I must do what I must do to get you to the White House.

Please let this be done!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (1) | Report Objectionable Content

Keeping Hope Alive!

By SANDI HOCKEY MOM'S FOR OBAMA - Mar 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

Just wanted to share with you all the experience I had as a Delegate for Obama at the Cerro Gordo Democrat County Convention on Saturday.

OBAMA WON IOWA on Jan 3rd but Hillary actually won our county. On that day delegate count was Hillary 85, Obama 71 and Edwards 71.

For some reason 25 of Hillarys delegates didn't show up! Imagine that.

Well, some of our Obama ones didn't either, but the alternates filled (I heard between all three 50 seatings)in.

So on Saturday, the delegate count was Obama 75, Hillary 60 and Edwards 44. In the end, going on to District Conventions is Obama 19, Hillary 15 and Edwards 12 (and he's dropped out even!)

I am on both the Delegate list and alternate list, (I told someone at the very end I would go for them), but I am still officially a alternate~but going either way and taking people with me, because we are going to fill those empty spots at Districts, too!! All is fair in love and politics because if a delegate doesn't show up, an alternate, even not for Hillary or Edwards can take the spot if no one shows up! HOW COOL IS THAT! Dogged determination will take our future in our own hands!!

I am going to do this all the way to the State Convention (and heck, I am even scheduling around Denver, baby!!)

Just wanted to let everyone know one thing. This Pastor Wright thing is not good, but just to reassure everyone..we knew all the video's and everything out there when Iowa went to convention on Saturday. And that is the real test. All these "white" people who stood up for Obama in January, STOOD UP AGAIN even knowing and seeing the video's and having most of the information. WE DIDN'T LET THAT AFFECT US because we believe in Obama. He is still authentic to us. That's why we stood inline again, 200 of us where normally they said it was just a handfull of people. And WE STOOD UP AND SAID HE'S STILL OUR GUY AND WE ARE TAKING THIS TO THE END! If a Republican (who changed to Dem's for now~ha~and maybe forever) can see past this situation and still believe in Obama's authenticity...many many more will, too!

Overall in Iowa, Obama is now up to 52% of all the delegates while Hillary is somewhere around 32%. (He went from 39% to 52% up 9 new delegates. She went from 29% to 32% and actually lost one delegate! THAT'S HOPE BABY!)

Thanks for your time reading this, and THANK YOU THE OBAMA WORKERS OUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE! I just signed up to go to South Dakota and take 4 other's with me and register voters. I am waiting for my further instructions!!!

Oh, almost forgot...I also signed up for the www.running4obama.com Running the Chicago Marathon on Oct 12th. Those who know me, know this is huge as I have to shed 40 lbs to run!! LORDY, I'VE GONE MAD! But I love the number 44 and wanted to celebrate my 44th birthday in a spectacular way..so I am running the Chicago Marathon. I turn 44 in 08. Barack becomes the 44th President in 08. That is a sign!!!!!

HUGS and Bless you in your work!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

The State of Iowa

By John Colombo Jr. (Iowa District 4 State Delegate) - Mar 16th, 2008 at 4:28 pm EDT

Also listed in: Iowa Delegates for Obama | Iowans for Barack | Mason City for Barack Obama

Yesterday was the day that Iowa's 99 counties held their county convention, we all know that Obama picked up something near 10 delegates to the national convention out those county conventions. I want to thank all the people who worked so very hard for this to happen. I know that our presence here in Iowa is just as strong, and even stronger now than it was in January when we started this thing!

I have been looking at the numbers state wide today, and amazingly Hillary Clinton is ahead in only 5 counties in Iowa (5 out of 99 isn't bad right? That's like 5%). I was shocked to see support slipping for Clinton in a few counties most notably Cerro Gordo my own county where she lost 6.2% of her delegates. I haven't finished computing all the numbers yet but I know that in District 4 there wasn't a single county that Obama didn't gain support in. The lowest gain was around 6% and the highest was 36.78%!

Obviously the people of Iowa have spoken, and they stand behind Barack Obama!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (1) | Report Objectionable Content

Page 1 of 3 | Next | Last

Posts

Content on blogs in My.BarackObama represents the opinions of community members and in no way should be interpreted as endorsed or approved by the campaign.