Over the past 18 month's Barack's message of change has inspired students, mothers and fathers, grandparents, union workers, waitresses, teachers, including many an Irish-American.
Recently, State Rep. Erin Murphy sat down with Liz Carroll and Daithi Sproule before an evening performance in St. Paul for a "jam session" about the importance of this election.
Liz, the daughter of Irish immigrants, is one of the nation's most reverred Celtic musicians, often appearing with Daithi, who is an accomplished guitarist in his own right.
Check out the video:
From our many backgrounds, we are unified behind a single goal: to work alongside Barack Obama to restore the promise of our nation – a nation that combines our many roots into collective strength — and give Americans of all backgrounds the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
The outcome of this election is too important to just wait and see what happens. Our time is now.
Help us "Get Out the Vote" for Barack Obama over the next 12 days, and be a part of the change you want to see in the world.
In Hibbing last night, Hillary Clinton drew on her years of public service and made a lucid observation on the choice Minnesotans have in this election.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden. With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
Barack Obama has a plan to jumpstart the American economy, provide middle class tax relief, and provide quality, affordable healthcare to every American. This fact, and the reality that on every one of these issues John McCain is disturbingly out of touch with middle class families, was not lost on Hillary:
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion. But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong."
Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground
and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion.
But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
"The evidence is clear," continued Hillary, a champion for working families in her own right, "Barack Obama and the Democrats are for you. And that's why I hope you will be for the DFL candidates up and down the ballot to delivver the change we need."
Folks in Minnesota are struggling to cope with a failing economy and looking for real leadership from the next President. Since President Bush has taken office, health care costs have risen 4.3 times faster than average wages in Minnesota, and over 430,000 Minnesota residents – and over 45 million nationally – lack health insurance today.
The situation in Minnesota is just a microcosm of what's happening across the country, a situation which will only get worse if John McCain is allowed to continue the failed policies of the last eight years.
That's why we have to take action to prevent that from happening:
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream. I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket. That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream.
I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket.
That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
"So I hope each and everyone of you will go out and talk to those who are yet undecided. Maybe try to persuade those you think are heading in the wrong direction," added Hillary.
Join the tens of thousands of volunteers across Minnesota who have responded to Barack's call to service. You can phonebank, go door-to-door, volunteer in your Campaign for Change office, or even clean up a local park or roadway in your community.
It's all about making change in your community, and we're proud that you're making a difference.
Or, as Hillary put it in Hibbing last night: "This is our moment, this is our time."
Barack Obama invokes a lot of different meaning to so many of us.
In fact, his name represents characteristics that are most desirable in a person that seek to be a leader, especially of the USA.
Below is a schematic presentation of what the name and person of Barack Obama mean to my family and me. We jointly came up with this expression, as a way of trying in our own little way to figuratively bring to light the leadership and loving character he possesses.
BARACK OBAMA STANDS FOR:
B – Blessed
A- Authentic
R- Reasonable
A- Articulate
C- Compassionate, Consistent, Courageous and Confident
K- Kindhearted
O- Obedient
B- Benevolent
A- Analytical and Attentive
M- Munificent, Magnificent, Matured and Meritorious
A- Adorable, Ardent, Attractive.
God bless the USA,
Earlier today, DFL Associate Chair, Donna Cassutt sent out the email below promoting the Campaign for Change's Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort...
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to. Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4? This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket. Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up. Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now. Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing. I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now. We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4. You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in. Click here to find an office near you. Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state. Sincerely, Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to.
Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4?
This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket.
Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up.
Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now.
Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing.
I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now.
We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4.
You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in.
Click here to find an office near you.
Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state.
Sincerely,
Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
Photo Credit: Bemidji Pioneer - Submitted photo
Ray Schoenke, the founder and president of the American Hunters and Shooters Association, is in Minnesota talking to rural Minnesotans about Barack's respect of the rights of sportsmen and women and the Obama-Biden plan to restore the economy.
From the Bemidji Pioneer:
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama won’t take away Americans’ guns, says the head of the American Hunters and Shooters Association. “We’re a gun rights organization and we are stating Obama’s not going to take away your guns,” Ray Schoenke, who is founder and president of the AHSA, said in an interview Thursday night. Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Washington, D.C., total ban on handguns as unconstitutional. In overturning the ban, Justice Antonin Scalia said that “the individual right is confirmed, that law-abiding citizens have the right to own a gun,” Schoenke said. “That pretty well set the issue aside,” he said. “He basically said government cannot confiscate your guns. Congress cannot enact laws that can take your guns away. Which means Obama can’t take your guns away, nor can McCain. That whole issue is over with.” Coming up with laws for rural American and for urban centers “takes away their fear issue,” he said of the NRA. “To me, it’s misrepresentation, distortions and lies. It’s the only thing they have. It’s unfortunate that McCain and Palin buy into it.” “The gun rights issue is behind us and conservation is important,” he said. “Obama is ahead of McCain, and I think he’s clearly ahead when it comes to the economy. That’s why I strongly urge hunters and shooters throughout Minnesota to look to Obama and support him.”
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama won’t take away Americans’ guns, says the head of the American Hunters and Shooters Association.
“We’re a gun rights organization and we are stating Obama’s not going to take away your guns,” Ray Schoenke, who is founder and president of the AHSA, said in an interview Thursday night.
Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Washington, D.C., total ban on handguns as unconstitutional. In overturning the ban, Justice Antonin Scalia said that “the individual right is confirmed, that law-abiding citizens have the right to own a gun,” Schoenke said.
“That pretty well set the issue aside,” he said. “He basically said government cannot confiscate your guns. Congress cannot enact laws that can take your guns away. Which means Obama can’t take your guns away, nor can McCain. That whole issue is over with.”
Coming up with laws for rural American and for urban centers “takes away their fear issue,” he said of the NRA. “To me, it’s misrepresentation, distortions and lies. It’s the only thing they have. It’s unfortunate that McCain and Palin buy into it.”
“The gun rights issue is behind us and conservation is important,” he said. “Obama is ahead of McCain, and I think he’s clearly ahead when it comes to the economy. That’s why I strongly urge hunters and shooters throughout Minnesota to look to Obama and support him.”
Rather than relying on attack ads and distractions, Barack is focused on dealing with the economic challenges Americans are facing.
Barack will give tax cuts to 95% of middle class families. He'll end the tax breaks for companies shipping jobs overseas, and put them where they belong by cutting taxes on small businesses that grow local economies.
But we need your help to make sure people know the truth, and are focused on all the issues.
Log on to My.barackobama.com to get involved. Be sure to check out the brand new “Neighbor to Neighbor” canvassing campaign that makes it easy to reach out to voters in your own neighborhood.
WASHINGTON - Americans' retirement plans have lost as much as $2 trillion — or about 20 percent overall — in the past 15 months, Congress' top budget analyst estimated Tuesday.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27073061/
Sen. McCain supported the economic policies of the incumbent over 90% of the time and see where it has led the country into? The reality is simple put, he does not have the capacity to help transform the prevailing inimical and very detrimental econoic squalor that the American people are facing, which may not easily give way for prosperity in the near future.
On the other hand, Sen. Obama has exemplified the kind of leader that is most desirable at this time of crisis, by remaining largely calm and calculated making sure that every Americans feel confident and at the same time realizing that we are in a tough situation that demands pragmatic leadership and not character assassinations and defamation prone type.
The fact that McCain and his surrogates will rather discuss Obama's personality rather than the pressing socio-economic situations in the country should signal in a very concrete term their lack of interest in the well being of Americans and they are rather filled with egocentricism and power monger mentality.
Imagine what could have happened if the present situations have continued to be hidden from the American people even after series of attempt by Sen. Obama to highlight the economic time bomb that is waiting to explode? Nevertheless, the about $2 trillion in retirement account that have been lost cannot be replaced easily without having to give up so many other ventures.
This is the time for all Americans to rally behind the candidate that have been consistent in handling the situation so far and who have surrounded himself with pragmatic, objective and positive experts in the field in order to help articulate the plan of rejuvenating and renovating the ailing economy. As we all know am economically vibrant country is the sure recipe for global influence and leadership role.
Obama is the key to the much needed transformation.
God bless USA
God bless Obama & Biden
Below is an interesting read from Washingtonpost.com:
There was a revealing exchange about midway through the debate. When asked whether Americans other than our men and women in uniform should be asked to sacrifice for the country, McCain spoke almost entirely about cutting or freezing government programs. It was a strange answer from a man whose military career was characterized by years of punishing patriotic sacrifice.
Obama caught the idealism behind the query, criticizing President Bush's call for Americans to shop after the Sept. 11 attacks. He spoke of the need for individual energy conservation; called for expansion of service programs, including the Peace Corps; and described the hunger among young people to serve their country. McCain sounded like a legislator, Obama like a president.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/07/AR2008100702438.html
A word is enough for the wise.
With just 33 days until Election Day we need to step up our efforts to convince undecided voters to vote for Barack Obama.
To put him over the top here in Minnesota, Barack needs us to step up in our own communities, because we know our neighbors better than anyone.
Sign up now to join a weekend canvass in your area and make a difference in your community.
Over the course of nearly eight years in office without an iota of doubt and based on the pragmatism of the articulations and implementation of the Republican Party designed leadership of President George Bush, this country has indeed witnessed the most detrimental and inimical socio-economic squalor in modern time since the 1930’s.
Within the horizon of realism, this party has orchestrated policies and agendas that holistically damage the image of the country, while at the same time dehumanizing the essentiality of the idealism of America’s dream of being the land of freedom, opportunity, prosperity and symbiotic diversity.
The latest economic crisis did not just originate overnight but as a matter of fact was a sequel to the much recklessness, irresponsibility, greed and the lack of patriotism on the part of those responsible for protecting the fundamentals of the country’s goal of being an abode of haven for mankind.
It is rather ridiculous and at the same time contradictory for the Republican Party congress members to all of a sudden wanting to give the impression to the American people that they are fiscally responsible and are siding with the American people over the prevailing economic woes and the necessity of bailing out Wall Street.
Where were the same congress members when President George Bush was asking congress to immediately pass legislation that will warrant the perpetuation of reckless spending on the war in Iraq and so many other projects that have little or no realistic bearing on the people of this great country? There action is nothing short of mere hypocrisy and design to create the image that they have since lacked during the height of the tenure of the incumbent administration.
The bottom line is that the Republican Party has failed America and by deduction those who help it failed in such a woeful fashion must be accountable to the people one way or the other. We have seen this nonsense of the executive arm of government cajoling and perpetuating the campaign of fear and desperation before and while I am not in the position to understand the exact gravity of the situation, nevertheless inaction may not be the exact solution to the ongoing crisis.
We must all stop fooling ourselves and get down to the business of appreciating the necessity to act in a fashion that will protect Americans and the country and not the corporate executives, lobbyists and their surrogates.
John Wesbrook, a resident of Detroit Lakes, writes to the Detroit Lakes Tribune:
I am very surprised the recent polls came out with Sen. McCain leading Sen. Obama in North Dakota by 14 points, and with both candidates pretty even in Minnesota, considering that McCain voted against the recent farm bill. I traveled North Dakota and Minnesota for 38 years as a representative for Lee Jeans and Data Transmission Co., so I indirectly and then directly depended on the farmers’ income. I think a lot of people are like me in one way or another — we depend on the farmer as a source of income. Pray tell me, then, why would you vote for somebody who voted against the farm bill? There is an old saying: “How the farmer goes, so goes Main Street.” I voted for President Bush, but I believe it is time for a change. Take a look at your sons or daughters or grandchildren. There is a good chance they will be in a war if McCain is elected. President Bush and many deceptions got us into this mess and McCain will most likely continue his ways. I am not a total peace activist, I spent four years in active duty and my wife spent three years. I am tired of our young people dying and money spent for nothing. Voting for Sen. McCain will most likely continue these policies.I don’t think he is like you and I — he has seven homes and 13 cars. The Obamas have one car between them. Who is more like you and I?— John Wesbrook, Detroit Lakes
I am very surprised the recent polls came out with Sen. McCain leading Sen. Obama in North Dakota by 14 points, and with both candidates pretty even in Minnesota, considering that McCain voted against the recent farm bill.
I traveled North Dakota and Minnesota for 38 years as a representative for Lee Jeans and Data Transmission Co., so I indirectly and then directly depended on the farmers’ income.
I think a lot of people are like me in one way or another — we depend on the farmer as a source of income. Pray tell me, then, why would you vote for somebody who voted against the farm bill?
There is an old saying: “How the farmer goes, so goes Main Street.” I voted for President Bush, but I believe it is time for a change. Take a look at your sons or daughters or grandchildren. There is a good chance they will be in a war if McCain is elected.
President Bush and many deceptions got us into this mess and McCain will most likely continue his ways. I am not a total peace activist, I spent four years in active duty and my wife spent three years. I am tired of our young people dying and money spent for nothing. Voting for Sen. McCain will most likely continue these policies.
I don’t think he is like you and I — he has seven homes and 13 cars. The Obamas have one car between them. Who is more like you and I?
— John Wesbrook, Detroit Lakes
I am just tired of the McCain’s campaign accusing Obama without substantiating the facts of their ads and campaign of calumny and maliciousness against him. On the other hand, Obama has continued to meticulously and articulately hammers McCain on issues of national concern and all we get from the McCain’s is a dogmatic and archaic mentality of reciprocating by denigrating and fallaciously accusing Obama of distortions.
How does McCain respond to the fact that he had voted and is indeed in support of the privatization of social security? As Obama rightly pointed out in Florida, let to McCain the Millions of dollars accruing as benefit for those who had earned it may as well be down the drain as a sequel to the near collapse of the financial market.
Read Obama hammers McCain on Social Security by visiting the link below:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/20/campaign.wrap/
In his zeal to present to the people of this country his maverick nature- which in reality may be synonymous to the stubbornness and pigheadedness that we have often seen in the fading Washington that he has been part of for close to three decades, McCain has as a matter of fact catapulted his mediocrity to such an alarming peak in context of his economic articulations and understanding that I believe the country will not be able to find any logical excuses to return the Republican Party back to office again.
Nick Kimball, the Obama campaign's Minnesota spokesman issued the following statement regarding the brief McCain-Palin airport stop planned for this Friday:
We welcome Senator McCain and Governor Palin back to Minnesota for their brief stop at the airport. Senator McCain's stubborn insistence that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" shows that he is disturbingly out of touch with what's going on in the lives of middle-class Minnesotans.And, unfortunately, not leaving the airport grounds won't do anything to change his out of touch perspective. Barack Obama understands the fundamentals of the economy and will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans.
We welcome Senator McCain and Governor Palin back to Minnesota for their brief stop at the airport. Senator McCain's stubborn insistence that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" shows that he is disturbingly out of touch with what's going on in the lives of middle-class Minnesotans.
And, unfortunately, not leaving the airport grounds won't do anything to change his out of touch perspective. Barack Obama understands the fundamentals of the economy and will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans.
In remembrance of the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Senator Obama released the following statement:
Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad. On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.
The Heartland for Change RV Tour is making its way through 24 communities across Minnesota, talking with folks in coffee shops, senior and community centers, and in their homes about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plans to bring the change Minnesotans need. Click here to find a stop near you or to follow our travels across the state.
Located near the border of Minnesota and North Dakota, Moorhead is one of Minnesota's regional centers, and the location of the Heartland Change RV's next stop. Mark Altenburg, DFL candidate for the State House and farmer Trent Eidem, joined Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper and State Senator Tarryl Clark and about 25 other people to talk about the future of family farmers and the economy.
Trent opened the discussion by sharing that he's been working a farm started by his grandparents for the last five years. Trent is concerned about the future of family farmining if John McCain is becoming president, and said that only Barack Obama has a strong record of supporting family farmers and supports programs to ensure that the next generation can continue America's great tradition of family farming.
Trent said that it was important for folks to think about where the two candidates stand on issues like the Farm Bill, country of origin labeling, and rural health care. Here's where Barack Obama and John McCain stand on those issues and others important to farmers like Trent:
BARACK OBAMA
JOHN MCCAIN
2008 FARM BILL
Obama Supported Passage Of The Current Farm Bill But Said He Wanted More Reform. [Bar ackObama.com, 5/15/08]
McCain Opposes The Farm Bill, Saying He Would Have Vetoed It Just As Bush Did. [Wall Street Journal, 6/2/08]
AGRICULTURE FUNDING
Obama Repeatedly Voted To Fund Agriculture Programs. [Vote 108, 5/3/06; CQ, 5/3/06; Vote 66, 3/16/06; Vote 69, 3/17/05; Vote 345, 11/17/05]
McCain Repeatedly Voted Against Funding For Agriculture Programs. [Vote 108, 5/3/06; CQ, 5/3/06; Vote 66, 3/16/06; Vote 69, 3/17/05; CQ Today, 3/18/05; Gannett News Service, 3/18/05; Vote 345, 11/17/05; Vote 261, 7/31/01]
COUTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING
Obama Would Establish Country of Origin Labeling. [Real Leadership for Rural America, 10/17/07]
McCain Repeatedly Voted Against Country Of Origin Labeling. [Vote 443, 11/6/03; Vote 30, 2/13/02; Vote 103, 5/8/02; Des Moines Register, 2/14/02; Vote 267, 9/14/98]
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS
Obama: Repeatedly Voted For Emergency Assistance For Farmers. [Vote 271, 12/5/06; Vote 240, 9/22/05]
McCain: Repeatedly Voted Against Emergency Assistance For Farmers. [Vote 271, 12/5/06; Vote 240, 9/22/05; Vote 25, 2/12/02, Vote 261, 7/31/01]
LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Obama: Repeatedly Voted For LIHEAP. [Vote 239, 9/21/05; Vote 349, 11/18/05; Vote 30, 3/2/06; Vote 33, 3/7/06]
McCain: Repeatedly Voted Against LIHEAP. [Vote 239, 9/21/05; Vote 349, 11/18/05; Vote 30, 3/2/06; Vote 33, 3/7/06]
RURAL HEALTH CARE
Obama Supports Increasing Access To Care In Rural Areas By Investing In Health Information Technology And TeleMedicine. [BarackObama.com, Rural Plan Fact Sheet]
McCain, When Asked About His Rural Health Care Plan, Admitted It Does “Not Sound Too Serious”; Voted Against Funding For Rural Medicare Providers. [National Journal, 5/1/08; Vote 89, 3/25/03]
Barack Obama knows that instead of honoring that core American value – opportunity for all – we've had a system in Washington where our laws and regulations have carved out opportunities for the corporate growers, at the expense of family farmers. As president, Senator Obama will restore fairness to this system, and invest in rural communities by improving rural infrastructure, increasing the availability of high-speed internet access and cell phone service, and supporting rural small business and family farmers.
Here are some more photos from the Moorhead event:
State Senator Tarryl Clark, Former Agriculture Commissioner Jim Nichols, and Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper toured the Biomass Gasification Facility and a wind turbine at the University of Minnesota's Morris campus after an incredibly productive town hall on renewable energy in rural Minnesota.
UM-Morris is a leader in renewable energy initiatives, both in Minnesota and America, and is home to the first large-scale wind research turbine ever constructed in the United States, which produces 5.6 million kilowatt hours of power each year--more than half of the campus' annual energy requirements.
The wind turbine and biomass gasification facility are an example of what can be done to secure our energy future, and it's going to require far more than the same old Washington gimmicks proposed by John McCain and Sarah Palin. It will require a sustained and shared effort by government, businesses, education and research facilities, and the American people. With the clean tech research being done at UM-Morris, Minnesota proves that, with clarity of direction and adequate resources, Americans poses the insight, courage, and determination to build a new economy.
The Biomass Gasification Facility is a testament to the potential of partnerships between communities, universities, and state and local governments, as Senator Obama calls for. What started with the Minnesota Legislature's appropriation of funds to build the facility in 2005, is on track to reach its goal of energy self-sufficiency on the UM-Morris campus by 2010.
Biomass technology allows crops such as corn stover and other fibrous plants to be used as fuel sources, sources which don't produce greenhouse gases and emit fewer pollutants than coal, oil, and wood. Click here to take a virtual tour of the Biomass Gasification Facility
The facility at UM-Morris generates steam to meet 80% of the campus heating and cooling needs--proof that, with proper investment, Americans can rise to the energy challenge and transform our energy economy.
Senator Obama has a comprehensive energy plan that provides immediate relief to struggling Minnesotans, and summons the nation to confront our dependence on foreign oil, address the moral, economic, and environmental challenge of global climate change, and build a clean energy future that benefits all Americans. You can learn more about Barack's New Energy for America plan by clicking here.
Here are some more pictures of the tour of the biomass gasification facility and wind turbine at UM-Morris.
The Heartland for Change RV Tour is making its way through 24 communities across Minnesota, talking with folks in coffee shops, senior centers, and in their homes about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plans to bring the change Minnesotans need. Click here to find a stop near you or to follow our travels across the state.
The Minnesota Campaign for Change is hittin’ the road on a Heartland for Change listening tour. 24 cities in 7 days, with one message: change is coming! Follow the Heartland Change RV on its journey through Greater Minnesota by visiting MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandTour. You can also follow the RV on Twitter: twitter.com/heartlandchange.
After leaving Winona, the Heartland Change RV headed for Austin and El Mariachi restaurant, where a crowd of over 50 supporters greeted State Senator Tarryl Clark and Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper.
Among the topics discussed during the Austin roundtable was renewable energy, and the fact that investment in alternative energy technology will strengthen our economy in the short-term by creating millions of green-collar jobs, many right here in Minnesota, and in the long-term by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
Barack Obama has been one of the strongest proponents in Congress for increasing the national supply of home-grown American renewable fuels. As president, Senator Obama will ensure that rural areas continue their leadership in this arena. On the drive to Austin, the Heartland Change RV passed by a wind farm.
Several of the participants recommended providing tax credits for families who invest in green technologies and fuel-efficient vehicles. Senator Obama's New Energy for America plan does just that, providing a tax credit to families that purchase a car getting more than 50 mpg and a $1,000 emergency energy rebate to help families deal with skyrocketing energy costs.
As the event was ending, one of the participants in the roundtable recommended that folks who wanted to get involved in their neighborhoods sign up for the Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool, which lets folks print out lists of Democrats in their neighborhood to canvass on behalf of Barack Obama. To learn more about Neighbor-to-Neighbor, click here.
Here are some more pictures from the Heartland for Change event in Austin:
The Minnesota Heartland for Change RV tour still had six full days of stops left. Click here to find a stop near you!
By JULIE PACE and STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writers 37 minutes ago
CLAIRTON, Pa. - Five days a week, Linda Graham trolls tattered neighborhoods of this once thriving steel city outside Pittsburgh for unregistered voters she can sign up as Democrats — one of thousands of unknown volunteers whose work outside the limelight has already altered the basic arithmetic of the November election.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080907/ap_on_el_pr/voter_registration;_ylt=Arn_MaFXX2z.YAoL9hwdEtSyFz4D
This development is real and not subject to any kind of polls or permutations that can be influenced by the syndicated organs that are deliberately trying to make the curren dispensation a tight race whereas in reality there is actually nothing tight about it.
Let the people decide on whether they want to remain in their present socio-economic abysmal conditions or support the candidate for hope and change and help resurrect the country to become a key player again!
Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change will be hitting the road next week, with the launch of a Greater Minnesota Heartland for Change RV tour across the state, highlighting Barack’s comprehensive plans to bring jobs, health care and economic resurgence to Minnesota’s small towns, cities and middle-class families.
Find a Heartland for Change stop near you by visiting http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandChange.
The Heartland Change RV has been making its way across the country listening to voters who have been hit hard by the failed Bush/McCain economic policies of the last eight years.
In addition to local elected officials at each stop, several other Minnesota leaders will headline events at various points on the tour:• Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher• State Auditor Rebecca Otto• Minnesota House Majority Leader Tony Sertich• Assistant Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark• Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland• Former Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Jim NicholsThe RV will make stops in 24 towns, giving folks an opportunity to share their concerns, talk about the issues they're dealing with, and hear Barack's ideas for making the economy work for Minnesota families once again.
If you aren't able to make it to one of the 24 scheduled stops, you can track the Heartland Change RV's journey online at http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandTour starting next week.
Whether combating anti-Semitism in post-World War II Minneapolis or standing up for farmers facing foreclosure and the loss of their livelihood during the Farm Crisis of the mid-80s, community organizers like Hubert Humphrey and Paul Wellstone empowered ordinary people to do extraordinary things on behalf of the common good.
During the Republican National Convention, thousands of ordinary Minnesotans came together, driven by their belief that America can't afford another four years like the last eight, to support for Barack Obama and Joe Biden's campaign for change.
These "everyday organizers" developed their community organizing skills at Camp Obama, where over 500 grassroots supporters from every corner of Minnesota learned the techniques and strategy that will drive this campaign to victory.
And while the Republicans were in St. Paul talking to their special interest and lobbyist friends, these ordinary Minnesotans were making phone calls and going door-to-door talking to their friends and neighbors about Barack Obama's plan to make the economy work for American families.
Women reached out to women and neighbors to neighbors, with remarkable success. Over the last three days, more than 1000 volunteers knocked on over 25,000 doors and identified thousands of Obama supporters across Minnesota, spreading Barack's message of change directly to the people.
While the Republicans were in town, deriding community organizing, the Campaign for Change was out in the community doing just that--bringing new voices into the process by registering voters, encouraging folks to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav, and coming together at benefit concerts and on college campuses to change this country.
Tomorrow, after the lobbyists and the McCain attack squad have left St. Paul, the Minnesota Campaign for Change will still be out in the community, making phone calls, knocking on doors, and spreading Barack's message of hope and change.
For years, Minnesotans have proved that when ordinary folks devote part of their busy lives to organizing and building their communities, they have the power to affect change. And that's what's happening today across this state, and across this country.
If you haven't already, please sign up to volunteer in your community and consider joining your neighborhood Team Obama. Together, we can bring change to Minnesota and to America.
Check out some of the best photos from Minnesota's Week of Action:
Below is a pictural representation of how some Nigerians came together to help the course of history!
Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke speaks to people at a fund raising campaign for American presidential candidate Barack Obama in Lagos, Nigeria, Monday Aug. 11, 2008. The event, held by a group calling itself 'Africans for Obama 08,' drew hundreds of people from the Nigerian business elite. Each paid more than $2,000 to munch on grilled snails, sip from flutes of Veuve Cliquot and Moet & Chandon and join in a lively, if poorly executed, series of the 'fist bumps' popularized by Obama and his wife, Michelle
The fact that almost from every continents the Obama- Biden ticket is making the world to feel good again is a victory for both the Democratic Party and essentially the people of this great country.
God bless Obama
