Organizing for America | Obama by The Sea

Obama community activists, artists, farmers, organizers, educators, doctors, veterans and business leaders wanting to bring hope, change and action to the California Democratic Party, because change brings with us! We are continuing the advocacy of the Obama campaign with a strong and personal commitment to our communities and our issues. With Team Change, You get more than a votes, you get PROVEN & EFFECTIVE WORKER BEES FOR POSITIVE CHANGE!!!

What does Team Change stand for?

¨ Single payer/universal healthcare

¨ Federal & State Funded Stem Cell Research

¨ Fully funding education

¨ Protecting the environment and our natural resources

¨ Equality for all

¨ Taking care of our veterans and their families by honoring our commitments, providing highest level quality programs and services and capacity building to new veterans needs

¨ Greening of business, green energy and products through incentives and regulations

¨ Growing our economy through WPA like programs, small businesses and get Californians back to work with living wages and benefits

¨ Community and national service

¨ Affordable housing, increasing homeowership, government intervention to help individuals and families from foreclosures

¨ Bring more programs and services to our Region

Why come to the Caucuses and vote for Team Change?

To continue the advocacy of the Obama campaign with the leaders who made our movement so successful here locally and nationally. Team Change activists and organizers did not stop on November 4, they continue the fight for positive change everyday in their personal lives, careers, community and philanthropic endeavors. It is important to have these leaders lead the fight for change at the state-level. That’s why we respectfully ask for your vote! This vote is just as important as Nov. 4th, because President Obama will need strong leaders and worker bees for change inside the California Democratic Party to move our Platform foreward!

Where to vote for Team Change?

AD 73 – South Orange County & Oceanside – Saturday, January 10 at 10 am

San Clemente Community Center – Fireside Room

100 N. Calle Seville

San Clemente, 92672

AD 74 – North County San Diego – Sunday, January 11 at Noon

CWA Local 9511

1525 Simpson Way, Escondido, 92029

AD 75 – Central San Diego – Sunday, January 11 at 11 am

SpringHill Suites – Scripps Room

12032 Scripps Highlands Drive

San Diego, 92131 (Scripps Ranch)

AD 76 – Downtown San Diego & Beaches – Saturday, January 10 at 9 am

Belmont Park Community Room

3115 Mission Blvd

San Diego, 92109 (Mission Beach)

How to vote for Team Change?

Pre-register for the Caucus at www.cadems.org on the right side of the page. Come to the Caucus meet Team Change delegate candidates and they will hand you a slate card. Then proceed to the Registration Table to get your ballot.

Team Change Delegate Candidates

AD 73

Erin Gilligan-Morin

Raad Ghantous

Anna-Maria Mannino

AD 74

Benjamin Bates

Martha Sullivan

Rachel Rott

Carla Mays

Charles “Charlie” Imes

Fabio Marchi

Gabriel Mendez

Nanci Oeschle

Rebecca Leo

Rick Hall

AD 75

Michael "Mickey" & Holly Foster

Drs. Robert and Yvonne Frisby

Maurice and Roma Weaver

Gerold Firl

Gerry Senda

AD 76

Dr. Michael McQuarry

Gail Mackler

Mike Russell

Larry and Donna Dawson

Greg Bolian

Brian Polejes

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Post Election Thoughts, Inauguration, Military and Veterans Outreach

By Carla Mays - Dec 18th, 2008 at 2:00 pm EST

Also listed in: 6 groups

My concerns are that the military families and veterans that have worked so hard, may not be able to participate in the inauguration that they made possible! It upsets me that I have NOT heard back from Brian Bilbray, Senator Feinstein or any other representatives that I have contacted regarding tickets. We have made various request for volunteer opportunities, discounted and free tickets to balls and events, and we are still in a wait and see pattern. It is very costly and bureaucratic, and I fear that the group may not be able to attended this most historic event, that again they made possible. As we wait for information, housing and airfare become more difficult and out of reach. But, I am hopeful that we will find sponsors to sponsor our local military families and veterans to the inauguration. We currently are in need of air miles and lodging sponsors. We currently have a proposal into the Earl Stafford Foundation for inaugural travel assistance for our 32 member OC (Orange County) and San Diego Military and Veterans for Obama, a local group of Blue Star Military Families and Veterans for Obama. Which I serve as lead organizer for, and founded this summer.
We are extremely excited about attending the Obama Inaugural after traveling to 37 states and Puerto Rico, hosting over 180 events and raising over $25,000 collectedly for the campaign and for philanthropic organizations. The group finished the campaign in Florida, where we worked with Obama organizers deliver all 27 electoral college votes for Obama!
I am also very upset that local party organizers are not making inaugural parties affordable to students, seniors, the disabled or military families and veterans! It is very sad to see that even theSan Diego County Democratic Inaugural Party is out of reach for most at $85/$100 per ticket! This is NOT the Obama way! We are a movement of inclusion, not exclusion based on socioeconomic status. I personally have helped get plane tickets and organized travel for over 850 students, veterans, military family members, unemployed folks and those who could not afford to be a part of this movement, but wanted to volunteer. It is the roll of us as organizers to be mindful of the current economic conditions and plan events accordingly. We have to work on getting underwriters and sponsors for underrepresented groups.

As a 33 year old recent graduate school graduate, I understand all to well about the struggles of trying to find a job in this economy and trying to make ends meat. And this campaign trail, has given me much to be thankful for and to work toward. As a young black woman, I often was brought to tears thinking of my mother (who died of pancreatic cancer in 2005) would be saying or the shear enjoy of my grandparents to see this day come to come to pass, when not color but charisma, brilliance, political savvy and philanthropy motivated the Nation to elect the 44th President of the United States of America! And I feel that same way in being elected delegate in my congressional district where blacks make up only about 2% of the population! That is was I felt an obligation to fundraise and take San Diego's Finest with me!
My proudest moment in this campaign was being elected the National Delegate from the 50th Congressional District to the Democratic National Convention and taking a Military Families and Veterans Delegation of 26 with me! The best event of the whole week was working with the group to packing boxes for our troops at Camp Pendleton with Michelle Obama, her daughters, her mother and her brothers! I cried when we (Benjamin Bates, my fiance, managed the Delegation while I was on the floor of the Convention) were able to get all the families and their extended families into the Invesco Field for the ending ceremonies! This is what the Obama campaign and movement is all about philanthropy and service.
The group is focusing our attention on on the California Democratic Party's Assembly District Delegates races, where we are running our Blue Stars and Veterans in the their AD's to represent military families and veterans issues on the state level. We are working to establish military family members and veterans as a strong lobby with the CDP thru the Veterans Caucus and appointments to various committees with in the CDP. Our group has now found a home in the La Jolla Democratic Club. We are very excited to be joining forces with such an active and well established Democratic Club. The new president, Dr. Michael McQuarry has been a great advocate of our work and is helping us develop Democratic Military and Veterans outreach and assist us with our philanthropic work. Here in San Diego we are working with philanthropic organizations by volunteering, hosting events or raising money.
I am very interested in changing Democrats and Progressives feelings and views on the military and veterans. I believe we have much to do on the local level to constituency build among military families and veterans. San Diego County is a military county, and we must work with them, advocate for them and provide them a seat at the policy table. I see this is my new role in the movement. The military families and veterans are our pride and enjoy, and are what makes San Diego "America's Finest City." But thru out the nation it is NOT only our duty to work to end the war, but to support the military families and veterans that were innocently caught up in this conflict also!!! For to long Democrats have been sleeping at the wheel on outreaching to military families, troops and veterans. They overwhelming supported Obama this is our opportunity. It will not be easy because we have been MIA so long, and letting Republicans set the agenda. If you want a real rewarding challenge join us in helping and working with our troops, military families and veterans! Being Democrat, progressive or liberal does NOT mean anti-military, military families or veterans!!! Pro-Obama, Pro-Military!!!!!

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'NYT' Profile of Cindy Draws Angry McCain Response -- Including Release of Email and Facebook Message

By Dr. Barbara Palmer - Oct 21st, 2008 at 8:45 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

By Greg Mitchell

Published: October 18, 2008 9:00 AM ET

NEW YORK The New York Times published today a lengthy profile of Cindy McCain, including material on some of her misstatements and former drug addiction. The McCain spokesman Michael Goldfarb has now labeled it "gutter journalism" and a "trash report" and released copies of what it says is an email and a Facebook message from a Times reporter allegedly "trolling" for information.

LINK:

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003875515

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Thoughts of a Progressive American

By Gabe - Sep 25th, 2008 at 2:24 pm EDT

Also listed in: 7 groups

A reply to Carla and Heather note on Birk's Economic Recovery Plan- .... and I too don't like to forward emails but this one needs to be addressed. First, we are all frustrated with the current mess with our economic situation. But now is not the time to turn into angry populism and unfocused energy or selfish demands of checks or money for us. Birk wrote "Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend." I am no economist but I can do math and $80 Billion divided by 200 Million americans is not $400,000.00. It is $400. Even if you take the total of the proposed Bailout plan being discussed today of $700 Billion and the closer approximation of the US adult population of 250 Million we would only be $2,800 for each U.S. individual. Birk wrote "What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family? Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved. Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grad (etc)" Sounds like a good idea except we already did this. We Americans have been living on money binge for the last 8 years. It was called easy financing. WE KEPT MORTGAGING and borrowing from OUR HOMES TO MAKE US THINK we were RICH. And we spent the money homes we thought of as "money-making" investments some even leveraging 2 or 3 homes (nine last count for McCain) driving the outrageous boom. We spent the money on Gas guzzling SUV and Hummers that sent our wealth to foreign monarchs and dictators and sent trillions of tons of carbon into the air accelerating global warming to a point that may not be reversible. We bought self-gratifying toys such as I-PODS and I-PHONES, Plasma Flat Screens HDTV's, we spent our money on consolidating or making the next credit card payments. The whole time crying about higher taxes and letting our childrens schools become breeding grounds for learning mediocrity, structure dilapidation and lost hope by our youth. We let our cities with its deteriorating bridges and grid locked traffic clogged roads with wasted hours of human existence better spent on our families and community service. We neglected our brothers and in some cases ourselves by ignoring healthcare costs and skyrocketing unemployment by by putting our faith in unregulated greed called capitalism with winners and losers and were the winners become bigger winners if more people are losers. were sending our jobs and money overseas and rewarding CEO, wall street companies, and even ourselves with our hope that our pension funds will be there to help us survive our golden years. As Hemingway wrote , "don't ask for who the bell tolls.... the bell tolls for you" or as Barack Obama says "we are the ones we've been waiting for" or in this case "we can blame". No, now is not the time for asking for personal cash gifts for pedestrian squander. No, it's time for a REAL CHANGE from the ground up. And I don't just mean giving in to hysterical populism because believe me I was in LA during the Rodney King Riots and I have seen how fragile society truly is. Let's get this financial mess fixed with the safeguards that insure we get repaid and maybe even make a profit and we fix the regulation that the the so called deregulating "Right" and the greedy 1% capitolists populations and start to take care of the real cause and bigger problem of society. Have smart, responsive, and accountable true democratic government that will invest in society, in us. On Schools that work, on jobs that are meaningful and decent paying that produce real value and true good for people (and not just to our pleasure seeking cerebellum that want shiny new toys to fill some lacking emotion of true humanity). Lets cure disease by not just treating the symptoms but the causes and stop making drug companies rich on how sick we are. Have we forgotten Katrina and our urban and rural citizens? Poverty and poor education lead to in-balances and ignorance. How about this UNJUST WAR for OIL and sacrificed life? What do we owe them? Let's fix this problem by making sure we don't get suckered by wall street again. Tight regulations is Paramount and so is repayments. And "Demand" Wall Street and Government begin putting the money into CLEAN and NON FOSSIL Based fuels that will preserve our children's world and quality of life. Let's invest in our American children (all not just the select few) with quality education and healthcare. Let's value science and the light it sheds on ignorance and extremist religious views and face our future with eyes wide open. Let's provide affordable housing and retirement with out having to worry about the gambling mentality and greedy excess of speculation and investment derivatives. Let's get public transportations and electric cars and energy once and for all. Let's elect Obama and congressional representatives and local government that look out for society's needs not just the individual which usually mean the rich and influential. You may be saying I am un American or that I am a Socialist or even a Communist and I would say you are totally wrong! I do believe in peoples ability to live their lives and of human creativity and american individualism and even the market place (if managed) and entrepreneur . Yes I am 100% American and I do believe in the American way. But the difference between me and those that use the cover of the American Value "of self reliance" and "individualism" to not want to seek a solution or real progress to solving society's problems and its needs. These are the same people that blame the least of our brothers for all that is wrong and hail themselves as morally better because they some how have made it in this society while mortgaging our future and wasting our resources. These are the same people that blame the poor, the person of color, or the most vulnerable our undocumented "WORKER" or homeless for all our woes. It's time to change the way we think and the way we act and what we value. This economic crisis will pale to the challenges we will be facing in the next century and it's time to think of ourselves not just as individuals and family units which is still the backbone of American but also of a new responsibility in an ever shrinking and intertwined worlds and co inhabitants and fraternal members of a society and countrymen and World citizens. Enough with the me first society and lets start saying WE. and YES WE CAN! Yes We Can ask for a better future for all, Gabe Mendez Progressive American -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:43:27 -0400 To: CarlsbadforObama@groups.barackobama.com From: swensonheather@yahoo.com Subject: [CarlsbadforObama] Sounds like a Plan - read this! I never forward anything, but like I said who knows ~ could happen, good idea!? (easy light-hearted reading ;-) And after watching his speech tonight, just might. If there is any criticism, send it to the owner at the end. "Success means having the courage, determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be." Subject: The Birk Economic Recovery Plan I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend. To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bona fide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.. So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00. My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend. Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00. What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family? Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved. Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads Put away money for college - it'll be there Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs. Buy a new car - create jobs Invest in the market - capital drives growth Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces. If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President. If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+! As for AIG - liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up. Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work." But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party! How do you spell Economic Boom? I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We Deserve a Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC . And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam. Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest. Kindest personal regards, Birk T. J. Birkenmeier, A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic PS: Even if the number is 250 million adults, the share is $340,000 gross each!!! ($238,000 net after that estimated 30% federal tax rate) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to 76 members of Carlsbad for Obama This email was sent from Heather Swenson swensonheather@yahoo.com Listserv email address: CarlsbadforObama@groups.barackobama.com Your reply will be sent to: CarlsbadforObama@groups.barackobama.com Unsubscribe or change your email settings: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/CarlsbadforObama/listserv-unsub -------------------------------------------------------------------------

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McCain a Lousy Chameleon, Same as the OLD BOSS!

By Gabe - Sep 16th, 2008 at 12:11 pm EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

McCain a Lousy Chameleon, Same as the OLD BOSS!

It would be funny if the stakes weren't so high but McCain and the Republicans are once again trying to pull the wool over the American electorate. John McCain may be a lousy Chameleon but he is no reformer! It absurd for the Party that has gotten us into this economic mess to now say they are for the "hard working Americans". Give me a break! Who believes that the GOP has ever been for the American Worker? With the collapse of Wall street and the mortgage industry that have been the tools of Bush McCain to prop up an economy while we spend Billions a week in a stupid war and send our hard earned dollars to the middle east to make Oil Industry executives and stock holders wealthy FAT CATS and we are deafened by the sucking sound of our jobs to China and India it so so ridicules to hear now that John McCain cares for the middle and lower class. He can't even remembers how many houses he owns!

This is a fact. The Democratic party is the party of workers and the middle class. The GOP is the party for the rich and so called entitled. Say a prayer for the American people that they will not be fooled again. McCain is the epitome of this line from the WHO, "Here comes the new boss same as the old boss!" Obama know who we are because he is us. Everybody get MYBO and start calling swing states using "Neighbor to Neighbor" tool online. its easy and needed.

There is nothing more important action you can do for your and America's future.

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Join our group to help Obama win Nevada

By Gabe - Sep 15th, 2008 at 5:01 pm EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

Join our newly formed action orientated group to make calls and visits to Las Vegas to help our brothers and sisters make Nevada's 5 electorate votes go for Obama. Join us at "Help take Nevada: North County San Diego Phone Bank and travel coordination to Las Vegas/Nevada" a MyBO local group in North County. We need you and we are getting weekend carpools/busses and local call parties. Meet supporters like yourself and have fun too!

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Help call Nevada for Obama in North Co San Diego

By Gabe - Sep 12th, 2008 at 2:54 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

Me and and friends for Obama have started a new MY BO group in North County San Diego (50th CD) called "Help Obama Take Nevada: North County San Diego Phone Bank and Travel Coodination to Las Vegas-NevadaReport"
http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/NorthCountySDtophonebankandtraveltoNevad

If you live in No Co SD Please join if you are interested in helping call or travel to Las Vegas for Sen. Obama and sign up for our group events all this weekend and week. we are very organized and sanctioned by the Barack Obama California. Thanks, Gabe

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I think Levi might have a real shot at a deputy cabinet position

By Nate & Tanya - Sep 5th, 2008 at 12:28 am EDT

Also listed in: Obama by The Sea

"I'm a f - - -in' redneck" who likes to snowboard and ride dirt bikes.” -- On the MySpace page of Bristol Palin’s boy friend Levi Johnston. Before it was redacted his page said: "I'm a f**kin' redneck who likes to snowboard and ride dirt bikes. But I live to play hockey. I like to go camping and hang out with the boys, do some fishing, shoot some sh*t and just f**kin' chillin' I guess. Ya f*ck with me I'll kick ass." It also mentioned that he was "in a relationship," but then states, "I don't want kids." 9.01.08

Or maybe even ambassador to Finland or Ukraine.

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Obama's Speech in Berlin

By Paulo Mattioli - Jul 24th, 2008 at 11:43 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

Hi Blogosphere!

Just a quick share of how inspirational I found Baracks speech in Berlin today! The concept that we all need to come together, that no country can make the kind of change we need by itself, the call for unity, absolutely touched me to the core.

I have never been so inspired, nor have I ever felt so much hope for this country. I think it is great that we can use the net to connect! It seems the media, with the exception of Keith Oberman/ countdown MSNBC, really is not representing Obama, his message, his mission in a fair and balanced way.

Thanks for supporting a brighter future and for reading this.

Blessings,

Paulo

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Obama Visibility at TGIF Jazz in the Park in Carlsbad

By Nate & Tanya - Jul 21st, 2008 at 1:18 pm EDT

Also listed in: 4 groups

It is fantastic to see so much visibility for Obama here in Carlsbad, California! My family and I attended TGIF Jazz in the Park at Poinsettia park on Friday and Obama people were everywhere. We saw at least a dozen Obama shirts and even someone with an Obama flag. Thanks to everyone who came out to the event and represented. GObama!

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New Yorker Cover - Another Distraction - Get Over It!

By Nate & Tanya - Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:34 pm EDT

Also listed in: 7 groups

People! We need to keep our eye on the ball. We are the very core of Barack's support and we can't let ourselves get caught up in every worthless story the MSM and their pundits try to push upon us. The cover of the New Yorker will have zero real impact on this race. However everytime we choose to discuss something like this vs. plan our next event we are hurting ourselves! What have you done for this campaign today?

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FISA - Chill Out Everyone!

By Nate & Tanya - Jul 15th, 2008 at 9:09 pm EDT

Also listed in: 6 groups

Everyone just needs to chill out over the FISA vote that Barack made. Just because our elected representative(s) make a vote that we don't support doesn't automatically mean they are not doing what they believe to be in the best interests of our nation. We as voters need to become far less willing to through our leaders under the bus just because we don't agree with them on every issue. Until we all become less cynical and more willing to follow our chosen leadership we will never be able to move the country forward.

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Keeping it HOPEFUL

By swimmer - Jul 13th, 2008 at 9:53 am EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Why I support my Senator? Why wouldn't I? Why wouldn't any intelligent American?

HOPE

 INTEGRITY

INTELLIGENCE

JUDGMENT

CHANGE

BELIEVE

INSPIRE

ELOQUENT

CHARISMA

PRESIDENTIAL

FAIR

PASSION

COMPASSION

 HUMANITY

 HONEST

 EMPATHY

 CHARACTER

TRUTH  

KNOWLEDGEABLE

URGENCY

NOW

LEADERSHIP

ENVIRONMENT

PEACE

WITHDRAWL

UPLIFTING

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New Discussion Group for Americans Out of the US

By Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com - Jun 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Hi!!

Do you know about the new discussion group for people around the world?

Democrats_Worldwide - has members in Afghanistan, Thailand, Serbia, Korea, England, France....Virgin Islands, etc.

If you are an American away from the U.S., please come talk.

This is not a typical chatlist. It's for intelligent conversation with Democrats. No personal attacks are allowed. Not too many messages, we have 57 members.

Democrats_Worldwide-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

If you are outside the U.S., please come talk to other Democrats out of the U.S.

Democrats_Worldwide-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Looking forward to meeting you!

Carole

www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com

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Frank Schaeffer's call to Unite!

By ♍ Christi, Vote for Change ☮ -CA - May 17th, 2008 at 4:32 pm EDT

Also listed in: 6 groups

Anyone who has read my many pro-Obama essays on the Huffington Post knows that I believe that Senator Obama will make a great president. They also know that I've been less than kind to Senator Clinton. Clinton's supporters have responded with their comments.

Those of us who voted for Obama and who are still working hard to get him nominated, have done so because we believe in the truthfulness and decency of his character, the sincerity of his words, the power of his compassion and intellect and have been inspired by his call to move beyond politics-as-usual in order to save our country from the aftermath of Bush, war, greed and stupidity.

Now--and I'm including myself here--it's time to act as if we actually believe in what Senator Obama has been saying and act upon his inspiring vision. As the nominating process plays out it's time to stop vilifying Senator Clinton. America needs her. America needs her supporters.

We Obama and Clinton supporters are like kid brothers squabbling in the living room over the TV remote while a predator is breaking into the house. The squabble is petty compared to the real fight ahead. Let all sane Americans concentrate on saving our country from the looming disaster of a Bush/McCain presidency.

Note: I say this as a former lifelong Republican and someone who, in 2000, worked hard for McCain when he was running against Bush. I went on numerous conservative talk stations--at the request of Religious Right activist Gary Bauer--to argue for McCain. And McCain later wrote a glowing endorsement of one of my books on the military.

The once "straight talking" McCain that I did my bit for in 2000, has become a mere shadow of his former self, and has tragically (and bizarrely) morphed into a semi-coherent Bush clone trying to force a third--make war, cut taxes, pander to the religious nuts--Bush term down our throats. To do anything to jeopardize a Democratic Party win in November isn't just bad politics--it's bad citizenship.

McCain knows that Al Qaeda wasn't in Iraq until we opened the door to them. He knows that we'll lose in Afghanistan, if we stay in Iraq. He knows Bush has severely damaged our military, not to mention our standing in the world, thus endangering our country. But McCain is now so bent on ill-defined post Vietnam-syndrome "victory with honor" that he's even agitating against Senator James Webb's new GI Bill, which would (at long last!) improve college benefits for soldiers.

McCain parrots the Pentagon's dishonorable and silly claim that the terms are too generous and that the new GI Bill would make it hard to "retain troops" for Bush's never-ending war that McCain now proposes to keep fighting. (Speaking as the proud father of a United States Marine who fought in Bush's wars, McCain and the Pentagon brass have it wrong. A good educational benefits incentive would be a great recruiting tool. It also is the right thing to do for our troops.)

The confused and calcifying McCain is also kissing up to the lunatic fringe of the lunatic fringe--the far right of the Far Right. He's in bed with the charlatan TV preacher vermin he once called "agents of intolerance." And these agents of intolerance are about to launch a disgusting lies-driven campaign against Obama (they would have done even worse to Clinton) the likes of which hasn't been seen in America since the fascist leader, priest and radio personality, Charles Coughlin, went on a 1930s pro-Nazi smear tirade against FDR and the New Deal.

A "vote" for McCain--by fomenting and continuing disunity in the Democratic Party--is also a vote against a viable and sane Republican Party. It's a vote for the poisonous lunatic fringe that's taken over the heart of the Republican Party, and driven people like me--and tens of thousands more--out. (Of course the inspirational attractiveness of Senator Obama has also inspired we former and/or dismayed, Republicans to vote for a Democrat this year.)

This Republican fringe--the unholy alliance of warmonger neoconservatives, fundamentalists, and other ignorant haters, has made the Republican Party into a reactionary, know-nothing habitat for an odd collection of racists, pro-torture sadists, advocates of eternal war, rubes persuaded Jesus is about to show up and/or making lots of money selling books and TV programs claiming same, and the instigators of a skyrocketing national debt exacerbated by a failed imperial dream of Middle East "democratization."

Both Republicans and Democrats have a stake in working to make sure the Republicans lose this year. They need to rid themselves of some very nasty folks then rejoin diverse, tolerant, compassionate and vibrant America.

We Obama supporters don't like the way Senator Clinton conducted parts of her campaign. Clinton's supporters don't like us either. Get over it! And if Obama is the Democratic Party nominee we Obama supporters and Clinton's supporters alike must swallow our pride, swallow our temptation to gloat and/or our temptation to sulk, that or learn to love a Bush/McCain presidency.

Frank Schaeffer is a writer and author of CRAZY FOR GOD-How I Grew Up As One Of The Elect, Helped Found The Religious Right, And Lived To Take All (Or Almost All) Of It Back.

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ABC digs into Clinton trade hypocrisyClinton camp responds with more deception

By ♍ Christi, Vote for Change ☮ -CA - May 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm EDT

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This post by Sirota in the Huff blog illustrates a new issue that I haven't heard in the MSM; please read this and spread the word:

ABC Digs Into Clinton Trade Hypocrisy - Clinton Campaign Responds With More Deception

Posted April 30, 2008 | 03:42 PM (EST)

On Monday, I wrote about Hillary Clinton airing an ad decrying the closure of a defense manufacturing factory that her husband, Bill Clinton, helped close by approving the sale of the company to a Chinese state-owned firm. Now, ABC News is running with the story, and uncovers some more ugly details. The Clinton campaign has responded not by fessing up, but by putting out more dishonest deceptions.

From Jake Tapper:

"A memo prepared for [Indiana Senator Evan] Bayh by the non-partisan Congressional Research Service earlier this year stated that the Clinton administration could have objected to the sale under CFIUS, but it did not...In 2000, also during Bill Clinton's presidency, Magnequench purchased from UGIMAG the factory in Valparaiso that manufactured the Neo magnets. President Clinton's administration took no steps to stop the purchases in 2000, either."

The sale was a pretty serious national security issue, not so much because the technology was sensitive, but because the sale means our military has to rely on foreign companies for critical weaponry. Here's Tapper:

The two Chinese companies were headed by the husbands of the first and second daughters of then-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. One of those daughters was at that time "vice minister of China's State Science and Technology Commission, whose responsibilities included acquiring military technologies by whatever means necessary," according to David Cay Johnston in Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Corporations Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (And Stick You With the Bill).

"Complaints about the sale of Magnequench were made to the U.S. government because of the military applications for the magnets," Johnston reports. "Still, the Clinton administration, an ardent proponent of globalization, approved the sale."

Around that time, Shingleton says, "there was talk about the national security issue and the loss of jobs because they were leaving. Some of the higher-wage jobs left immediately [in 2000]. I knew personally some people who were managers and who lost their jobs."

Not surprisingly, the Clinton campaign is compounding its deception with more deception as it tries to explain away this latest controversy. McClatchy today quotes Clinton spokesman Jonathan Swain claiming that "In 1995, when this group bought Magnequench, there were assurances made that production would stay in the United States." But as ABC recounts, the Congressional Research Service reports that the state-owned Chinese company that Clinton allowed to purchase Magnequench "promised to keep those Anderson, Ind., jobs in the U.S. only until 2005."

This is about as pristine an example of Clintonian deception and parsing as you are going to find. First comes the pander - an ad that conveys that signature Clinton bite-the-bottom-lip, feel-your-pain message of empathy and outrage. Then comes the revelation that the whole thing Clinton supposedly feels bad about was originally brought about by the Clinton administration, which she endlessly touts. And finally there is the lying - pretending that there were "assurances" that what happened wouldn't happen, when in fact those assurances were not what's being claimed.

With both Indiana and North Carolina being among the two worst-hit states by the Clinton-backed NAFTA/PNTR policies that this Magnequench controversy epitomizes, you would think this would make a perfect issue for Barack Obama to start talking about.

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Stop Wright 's Buffoonery !!!

By Carla Mays - Apr 29th, 2008 at 11:11 pm EDT

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We supporters need to speak out now, especially those of us who are black! Wright is on a destructive path and is hell bent on undermining Barack's bid for the White House.

As a black woman, I was appalled by Wright's performance at the NAACP Dinner that aired worldwide on both CNN and Fox News on Sunday evening. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the black church, I have been saddened by the statements and view of the black church that Wright and some members of the black clergy have casted. Their views are NOT shared by majority of black Americans like myself. We have been outraged at Wright and others who use God and faith to go from advocating for civil rights and social issues to preaching hate, division and colorism. His charactures of JFK, black people singing and dancing, and acting like a fool were an outrage to say the least! I for one was mad as hell!

As a young black woman in this country who is working hard to buck stereotypes, his performance only aids in making us as black people look unprofessional, racist and foolish! Barack and this campaign is about unity, positive activism and social change. Not the racist cynicism the that Wright is preaching. Wright is out to build his own notoriety and financial gain at the cost of this campaign and the much needed change Obama seeks to bring. Its a shame to see another black person working so hard to bring another down! We MUST TAKE ACTION to stop Wright and his buffoonery by speaking out in blogs on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, BBC America, PBS and talk radio, before more damage is done!

Sincerely,

Carla Mays, MPA

Team Leader, Team Deliver Puerto Rico for Obama

California District Obama Pledge Delegate CD 50

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My Time in Pennsylvania

By ♍ Christi, Vote for Change ☮ -CA - Apr 24th, 2008 at 3:10 pm EDT

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I flew into Pittsburgh on April 10th for what was supposed to be 6 days of volunteering for the campaign. I met with Adam Delahanty the out of state volunteer coordinator who was so nice and accomodating. The first day I spent making calls to Allegheny county voters. The next day was spent helping imput data and making volunteer recruitment calls. Saturday & Sunday I canvassed McKeesport suburb a depressed area. Adam then asked me to go to Westmoreland County and work as office manager for the Greensurg Hq office. I then decided to stay unitl after the 22nd. Living in California and the west most of my life, western PA was like walking back in time for me. I encountered many nice people but also many mean people who threw things at me, chased me and yelled obscenities. I stayed with the nicest couple in their 50's who treated me like family, he's a doctor and she's a Realtor. It was perfect fit for me as I am a Realtor too. I worked for the next 10 days with the greatist team of Organizers headed by Joe Boswell. Joe was so easy to work for and he is incredibly good with people. He worked tirelessly for 16-20 hours a day to help Barack do well in PA.

Westmoreland PA is a very conservative small town area, the people were mostly friendly but not very worldly or open to change. I heard the some of the dumbest statements from people there about why they could not vote for Barack Obama. When I would tell them the facts surrounding the dumb statement it fell on deaf ears. The supporters were educated, worldly, intellegent and commited to Obama and his message. We tried hard to show people that this campaign was in the best interests of PA and we closed the gap. We did not win or even come close in Westmoreland, but it was a first step in opening the eyes of the state. I will always cherish this incredible experience and can not wait until I get to work hard in my own town for the general election.

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What we need to do to win Puerto Rico!!!!!

By Carla Mays - Apr 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm EDT

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Puerto Rico is very important and we must have a good showing there. This means opening headquarters across the island, providing Spanish campaign materials, supporting Puerto Rican and Hispanic volunteers to come back to the island, and campaigning in the way Puerto Ricans are used to by investing in carvanas and real grassroots efforts. By doing this we can take Puerto Rico's 63 delegates. Starting late, not providing enough signage, focusing only in the North and not reaching everyone on the island is a winning strategy for helping Hillary win the island. We need to get FIRED UP and get on HQ's open all over the island and help Puerto Ricans to deliver Puerto Rico 63 delegates, but they NEED US to get on it! Especially in the East, West and South of the island! We need to use traditional Puerto Rican campaign strategies like carvanas. It is critical that we get on the ground now and work hard up until the evening of Sunday, June 1st. This Primary is historic in that Puerto Rico will play a role in the choosing the Democratic nominee. By deliver PR it shows that Barack can win with Hispanic, women and senior citizens. This PR Primary can prove that he can buck this issue. But, that means we must get there and work hard, EARLY!!!! Not the traditional 2 week run in/run out! This DOES NOT WORK with our challlenging voter demographics! We must be more hands on, provide more campaign materials, do more constituency building, learn the Puerto Rican way of campaigning and GET ON THE GROUND NOW ALL OVER THE ISLAND! We have enough money and folks in the campaign to fight in all of the remaining contest equally hard. Coming to PR late, not having a presence all over the island, not having enough signage and not using PR campaign strategies is a WIN FOR BILLARY! We must encourage the campaign to have Barack circle the island, and stump in Ponce, Humacao, Mayaguez, and Carolina. As well as to have Barack give speeches at the University of Puerto Rico cmapuses and Rio the big stadium at Rio Piedras. Join us to help Puerto Rico deliver all 63 delegates for Obama. We need YOU to set up Spanish call banks, send Spanish campaign materials to the island, and support volunteers travel and lodging on the island, and the pay for carvanas to canvass the island to get our message out around the island. With you YES WE CAN IN PUERTO RICO!!! Sincerely, Carla Mays, MPA Team Leader, Team Deliver Puerto Rico for Obama

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