I'm taking it upon myself to ask for those whom have not publicly endorsed a Presidential candidate to go for Obama by writing my Oregon Elected officials.
I urge you to do the same soon. These elected officials are "superdelegates" whom may change their vote as they like. However, once they publicly announce, it's difficult for a superdelegate to retract their choice.
All the more reason to get them now, and specifically before 5 February.
It's not a regular thing, for me to apologize. Rather than attempt to soften the blow of not logging in regularly over the last year since starting my Obama Blog, I will simply drop the pltitudes and get to writing.
Fortunately, I'm not the only one in a meek mood. Today, Black Entertainment Television (BET) Founder, Robert Johnson, issued an apology to Senator Barack Obama for his controversial comments made last Sunday while stumping for the Clinton campaign in South Carolina.
Today I made another small contribution to support Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Consider doing the same. Senator Obama’s historic campaign for the White House – a run based on values – is fueled by small-time contributors and not the DC powerbrokers. I want Barack Obama in the White House because of his positions on Iraq, the environment, poverty and health care. Please join me this week as a person of faith supporting Barack Obama.
- The Rev. Chuck Currie
Well Maria and Ginnie have done such a great job in Iowa. I figure its time to throw a few Oregonians at the good State of Nevada that will be holding its caucus on January 19, right after Iowa and New Hampshire.
Well I finally got the "go" from Nevada HQ.
Dec 8, 2007. 10th day of volunteering in Fairfield, Iowa.Today, I came to the office to find my field organizer printing and sorting campaign materials in fast forward mode. He said 10 volunteers are coming from Peoria, Illinois to canvass. So I helped him sort out maps and directions, sign-in sheets, volunteer sign-up forms, caucus brochures, and Michelle Obama's Dec 11 event flyers. The last time I canvassed, it really helped to place all the materials in a bag, so we scrounged around for 10 grocery bags, one for each canvasser. I thought we sure can use nicer bags, but that's wishful thinking.Then the Illinois volunteers came in, bright-eyed and smiling. Mind you, it was very cold, the streets were icy, and they've driven over three hours.Here's a picture of Graham, giving instructions to a couple of the volunteers. They came earlier than the rest because they had to drive back sooner for previous commitments.The rest of the volunteers came, Graham objected to me taking pictures - "There's no time for that" - but not before I took this one.The young man (he's barely out of his teens)with the leather jacket is Jos Muzuma, one of the Muzuma Twins. I love love their music, which I'm playing right now. I remember the campaign using their instrumental piece called "Generation Obama" or was that "President Obama." Just in case you want to listen to some of their unique music, and friend them, here's a link to their MySpace.comhttp://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=39135738What else happened yesterday? I'll write about it, but beware this is my recollection and opinion, thus it's subjective, even biased.
I do not pretend to be a writer or a photographer, but I wrote notes and took pictures to share with everybody here in my blog.Well, five of us were carpooling to Cedar Rapids for the Oprah-Obama event, but after several phone calls and weather checks, they decided not to go. "It's too risky." So much for the rally, Graham already printed me a long list of phone calls for the evening, and I would have been happy to do phone banking. My secret wish though is to go to the rally. The phone rings, and one of the local supporters asks if by chance we have extra tickets, since he heard about people cancelling due to treacherous weather. As we talked, I asked him if I can carpool with him and his wife, and without preamble, he said yes. He had met Barack, he hasn't watched Oprah. He said "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." And "Don't worry, I've been driving since I was 14. This is a once in a lifetime event, we don't want to miss. We'd drive back if the roads get too dangerous." I was so scared and almost told them I had changed my mind, when I saw that their van had no back seat, no seatbelt, instead there was a futon mattress for me to sit on with my legs stretched out. They got pillows for me to lean on. It was a two-hour drive, and the windshield iced, but we made it to Cellular Center. We were there over a couple hours early, but the lobby was already packed. The energy was electric. Little girls all dressed up were chanting "I-O-W-A Barack Obama All The Way". And now and then somebody would lead the chant "Fired Up, Ready to Go". I chatted with a lady, who said she was host to a volunteer from Oregon, his name is Kevin. We were able to get one of the best seats on the preferred seating section. They -Eric and Kathy- were puzzled that I wanted to leave very early; seeing the crowds streaming in (9,575 of all colors and ages, there were babies and toddlers) they said they were glad we did that. They were meditators, so they meditated while waiting for the program to begin. They were concerned that it's starting late. I told them that Barack et al are coming from a previous rally in Des Moines. We waited, appreciating the singers who had us swaying and dancing on our seats and the students who presented a caucus skit that had us laughing, and informed. As it turned out, Kathy has never caucused although she's lived in Iowa for 25 years as an adult. When somebody passed out supporter cards, I encouraged her to sign up which she happily did. Then after a while, Kathy said "Oprah is in the building, I can feel her."When Michelle came out, the audience gasped because of her model looks and stylish dress and boots. There were loud, loud cheers for her. She introduced Oprah who came out to thunderous cheers. She seemed humbled by the crowd. Nobody can ever question that the audience loves Oprah. I thought the building might collapse because of the loud noise that won't stop. How she spoke about Barack was very persuasive, dignified and compelling - you probably have seen this on youtube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaQ3w_QSqEwOprah is credible and people trust her because her words come straight from the heart. She is a class act. She's genuine and real, just like our candidate. There were a few people who were curious about Oprah, and came out convinced the lady is just fine.Oprah brought the crowds in to get to listen to Barack. For those undecided people: If Oprah can't convince someone to caucus or vote for Barack, nothing will.When Barack came out, again I thought the building would break down due to the loud cheering and screaming. He said "Thank you, Honey" to Michelle -that's when he was acknowledging the two strong women with him. His speech was great, very powerful as you must have now seen on youtube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTDTXdCVyLY&feature=userIn person, it was radioactive, yes definitely radioactive. I saw Oprah wipe her tears at some point during his speech. Both Barack and Oprah had some of the audience, including me. crying, because what they say is touching and true. They inspire hope. They empower. They uplift. They connected fully with the audience. He looks younger, very handsome. Kathy said that Barack (paraphrase) is at the zenith of his spiritual and intellectual powers, and like Oprah said, he is The One to lead the U.S. and the world at this moment in history. I agree.We brought extra clothing and food in case we got stranded in Cedar Rapids, but we made it back. It took us over two hours to get out of the parking garage. We watched people go to their cars, chanting O-O-O Obama, still high energy from the rally. We talked and waited, until it was our turn to drive out. On the way home, we saw at least three cars that had fallen into the ditch, and one accident. We hope there were no serious injuries.I'm glad I decided to go. I feel blessed to witness this moment in history.
I'm a stay a home dad with a 2 year old son and we travel to play group everyday with Barack Obama on his diaper bag. It's a great conversation starter. Stop by and say hello. If your looking for a fundraising page please consider mine.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/Seang70
The race is over? Well the national media is bombarding us with messages that the frontrunner has an insurmountable lead. They apparently haven't read the latest Universitiy of Iowa poll showing Barack gaining 7 points and now being in a statistical tie with Hillary in Iowa. http://news-releases.uiowa.edu/2007/october/102907poll-topline.pdf Yet the spell of the national media may encourage us to sit back and eat our popcorn and simply watch the presidential campaign in the early voting states. However, if you really pay attention, you will begin to notice that the Obama campaign’s battle for the Democratic nomination has entered a new phase. I hope that this may motivate you to put down the popcorn, get off the couch and get involved.
A controversy has erupted over the scheduled appearance of a gospel singer at a concert event for Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Donnie McClurkin, a well know gospel star, reportedly has views that run counter to the Senator's on the issue of gay rights. Senator Obama restated his views on the subject in a statement issued yesterday:
"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country. I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."
"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country.
I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."
Senator Obama has a strong record of support for the GLBT community. America needs leaders who will confront these issues head-on and who also keep lines of communication open to others who might disagree. I'm confident that Barack Obama is that kind of leader.
Statesman Journal Newspaper, Salem Oregon
October 8, 2007, Oregon's same-sex couples can enter into marriage-style domestic partnerships in January, after critics of the 2007 law failed to gather enough petition signatures to force a public vote on the measure.
Critics fell a mere 116 signatures short of making the ballot, based on a signature-verification process completed Monday by Oregon county elections offices.
A group of religious conservatives, led by Brooks activist Marylin Shannon, turned in 60,531 total signatures seeking to put the domestic partnerships law on the Nov. 2008 ballot. But the signature review found that 55,063 of the signatures, or nearly 91 percent, were valid. To qualify for the ballot, critics needed 55,179 valid signatures.
Elections officials haven't completed signature verification of a second referendum. That one aims to force a public vote on a companion measure enacted by the 2007 Legislature, which banned discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people.
Shannon has said that if the two referenda fail to qualify, her group will start anew with signature-gathering for an initiative campaign. That also could put the measures on the Nov. 2008 ballot. But it would mean the laws would be in effect for 10 months by the time Oregonians get to vote.
Japan has cars that are required by law to burn only about five liters per one hundred kilometers (5.2 l/100km). For Americans, that translates to more than 45 miles per gallon, which is about nineteen kilometers per liter (19 km/l). Europe is not far behind, and has passed new laws designed to surpass Japanese standards. Our friends in Canada and Australia are moving toward higher requirements of seven liters per one hundred kilometers (7 l/100km). For Americans, that translates to more than 30 miles per gallon, which is about fourteen kilometers per liter (14 km/l).
Yet the United States is dead last. Our low standards allow our gas-guzzling cars to consume about ten liters per one hundred kilometers (10 l/100km). For Americans, that translates to less than 25 miles per gallon, which is only about ten kilometers per liter (10 km/l).
We are told that we have to protect our automobile companies from competition in places like China where, it is said, their leaders do not care about the environment.
In fact, Chinese emissions standards have been raised and already far exceed our own. Ironically, we cannot sell cars made in America to China because we do not meet their environmental standards.
In California, the state legislature has taken the initiative to require higher standards for cars sold in California. But the auto companies are suing California to prevent this state law from taking effect because it would mean that ten years from now, they would have to manufacture cars for California that are almost as efficient as China is making today.
How much would you pay for fuel in your American-bought car compared to a car meeting the standards in Japan? Most Americans learned in school that such a drive from coast to coast would be roughly three thousand miles. Let us say you want to drive 4,791 kilometers from Albany New York to Salem Oregon? (I would love a visit from Obama supporters living on our East Coast.)
As of October 1, 2007, AAA says the current national average for regular unleaded gasoline is $0.74 per liter ($2.79 per gallon), so if your vehicle guzzles about ten liters per one hundred kilometers (10 l/100km) which is just over twenty-three miles per gallon (23 mpg) you would burn about 480 liters of gas and you would spend over $350 on that fuel. I bet the average vehicle in American right now gets even worse fuel efficiency than that.
But if our government would raise our standards to that of Japan, you would burn about 250 liters of gas in this hypothetical road trip and you would spend only about $185.
If you were to weigh 75 kilograms, would you think you were overweight or underweight?
If you were two meters tall, would people call you Shorty or would the NBA attempt to recruit you?
If the nurse pulled the thermometer out of your mouth (or from somewhere else) and said that you have a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, would you have reason to be alarmed?
Did you know that the temperature at which water freezes is zero degrees Celsius?
Did you know that the temperature at which water boils is 100 degrees Celsius?
I have lived in the United States over forty years, and I still do not know, nor do I really care how many feet are in a mile, but any non-US school kid around the world can tell you that there are one thousand meters in a kilometer.
You might be interested to know that the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth at 400 meters below the level of the Mediterranean Sea.
An Astronomical Unit (AU) is the distance between Earth and Sun, about 150 gigameters (149.59 Gm).
A nanometer is the most common unit used to describe the manufacturing technology used in the semiconductor industry.
What about ounces, pints, gallons and how they relate to each other? You have a lot of odd numbers to remember in our out-dated US measurement system. Well, you might be interested to know that a kilogram is a thousand grams because the prefix kilo means a thousand. So a kiloliter is, well, you get the idea.
Metric prefixes consistently modify the basic units: meter (m), gram (g) and liter (l):
dekameter (dam), dekagram (dag) and dekaliter (dal) = 10 times the basic unit.
hectometer (hm), hectogram (hg) and hectoliter (hl) = 100 times the basic unit.
kilometer (km), kilogram (kg) and kiloliter (kl) = 1000 times the basic unit.
megameter (Mm), megagram (Mg) and megaliter (Ml) = 1,000,000 times the basic unit.
We use the following prefixes for fractions of the basic units:
decimeter (dm), decigram (dg) and deciliter (dl) = a tenth of the basic unit.
centimeter (cm), centigram (cg) and centiliter (cl) = a hundredth of the basic unit.
millimeter (mm), milligram (mg) and milliliter (ml) = a thousandth of the basic unit.
Check out Metric System Advocates and please consider joining: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/MetricSystemAdvocates
Here is a handy site for Conversion Factors: http://mdmetric.com/tech/cf.htm
Here is a handy on-line Unit Converter: http://www.mobilefish.com/services/unit_converter/unit_converter.php?c=length
Reinhold Niebuhr was the leading American theologian of the last century. His views shaped the opinions of world leaders and inspired figures such as The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Religion News Service reports this week that his views even today are shaping American politics - starting with the campaign being waged by Barack Obama:
Niebuhr is widely regarded as one of the most significant Christian intellectuals of the 20th century. Born in 1892 in Missouri to German parents, Niebuhr was ordained in the German Evangelical Church, then later had standing in the United Church of Christ, and taught for more than three decades at Union Theological Seminary in New York. He was a founder of the liberal anticommunist lobbying group Americans for Democratic Action, and in 1948, he appeared on the cover of Time magazine....Niebuhr's unrelenting gaze inward -- at a United States he refused to herald as the world's unquestioned savior -- runs counter to the renewed sense of American exceptionalism that followed the 9/11 attacks.Niebuhr's Christian realism -- his recognition of the persistence of sin, self-interest, and self-righteousness in social conflicts -- highlights the distinction between the acknowledgment of evil's existence and America's own involvement in that evil."As Niebuhr famously said, we always use evil to prevent greater evil," said Peter Beinart, who advocated a Niebuhr-inflected American humility in his recent book "The Good Fight: Why Liberals -- and Only Liberals -- Can Win the War on Terror and Make America Great Again.""The recognition that America is capable of evil has been brought home to a new generation, in things like Abu Ghraib, in the most topical way since Vietnam."As the 2008 election heats up, Obama has emerged as perhaps the most visibly Niebuhrian candidate. At a June forum on faith for Democratic candidates, he spoke of the peril inherent in seeing America's actions as always virtuous and in drawing battle lines too neatly between good and evil.In his keynote address to the UCC's General Synod that same month, he called the challenges of poverty, racism, war, and unemployment "moral problems rooted in societal indifference and individual callousness, in the imperfections of man, the cruelties of man towards man" -- in other words, the inescapable fact of sin.But his UCC speech also captured Niebuhr's insistence that neither sin's inevitability, nor the idea that worldly justice can only ever approximate divine justice, should give rise to a "Christian pessimism which becomes an irresponsibility." University of Virginia religious studies professor Charles Mathewes suggests Niebuhr "is the best theologian to think about things if you want to think about sin without being cynical." Mathewes said he sees in Obama "the complexity of the Niebuhrian outlook," but he also believes Hillary Clinton possesses "theological depth I think people don't pick up on."
Niebuhr is widely regarded as one of the most significant Christian intellectuals of the 20th century. Born in 1892 in Missouri to German parents, Niebuhr was ordained in the German Evangelical Church, then later had standing in the United Church of Christ, and taught for more than three decades at Union Theological Seminary in New York. He was a founder of the liberal anticommunist lobbying group Americans for Democratic Action, and in 1948, he appeared on the cover of Time magazine....
Niebuhr's unrelenting gaze inward -- at a United States he refused to herald as the world's unquestioned savior -- runs counter to the renewed sense of American exceptionalism that followed the 9/11 attacks.
Niebuhr's Christian realism -- his recognition of the persistence of sin, self-interest, and self-righteousness in social conflicts -- highlights the distinction between the acknowledgment of evil's existence and America's own involvement in that evil.
"As Niebuhr famously said, we always use evil to prevent greater evil," said Peter Beinart, who advocated a Niebuhr-inflected American humility in his recent book "The Good Fight: Why Liberals -- and Only Liberals -- Can Win the War on Terror and Make America Great Again."
"The recognition that America is capable of evil has been brought home to a new generation, in things like Abu Ghraib, in the most topical way since Vietnam."
As the 2008 election heats up, Obama has emerged as perhaps the most visibly Niebuhrian candidate. At a June forum on faith for Democratic candidates, he spoke of the peril inherent in seeing America's actions as always virtuous and in drawing battle lines too neatly between good and evil.
In his keynote address to the UCC's General Synod that same month, he called the challenges of poverty, racism, war, and unemployment "moral problems rooted in societal indifference and individual callousness, in the imperfections of man, the cruelties of man towards man" -- in other words, the inescapable fact of sin.
But his UCC speech also captured Niebuhr's insistence that neither sin's inevitability, nor the idea that worldly justice can only ever approximate divine justice, should give rise to a "Christian pessimism which becomes an irresponsibility."
University of Virginia religious studies professor Charles Mathewes suggests Niebuhr "is the best theologian to think about things if you want to think about sin without being cynical." Mathewes said he sees in Obama "the complexity of the Niebuhrian outlook," but he also believes Hillary Clinton possesses "theological depth I think people don't pick up on."
Click here to read the full story.
Niebuhr attended Eden Theological Seminary, a fact that as an Eden graduate myself I would be remiss in not pointing out.
