http://www.wtamu.edu/kwts/
Hey everyone, if you are around a radio tomorrow morning and want to hear something unusually great.....tune in to the WTAMU radio station, KWTS - 91.1 - the One! from 8:15 till 9:00 am to hear the Panhandle Young Democrats for a full 45 minutes.
You'll get some great info on upcoming events, including the huge/amazing/spectacular "Watch/Victory" Party that will be at the Nat Ballroom on Tuesday night at 8:00.
Support your locals Democrat "Buds"........tune in!
Turning Texas Blue...it's up to you!
We will be gathering together again on Saturday, October 25, to canvass neighborhoods around Amarillo for Obama! We need to get the word out about early voting and remind people how important it is to vote.
If you are serious about getting Obama elected and can talk (or just walk with a group!), this is your chance to make a difference and help Turn Texas Blue!
I know some of you are scared to canvass and think you can't do it, but hasn't Obama showed us all that anything is possible if we just do it? Volunteers across the country, and especially across Texas, are out there canvassing neighborhoods for Obama. Amarillo is no different than the rest of the country in that we too want change!
This is our chance to show Amarillo that we are here and actually working for change! Please be assured that no one will be out there by themselves as we will canvass in groups in targeted neighborhoods. We will have informational packets put together to hand out to folks also (and a lot more this time!).
We will meet up at the Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office Saturday morning around 11:00 a.m. to distribute packets and form groups before heading out. And yes, once again we will have donuts, and even coffee this time!!
Please RSVP to tnjraphael@suddenlink.net so that we know how many volunteers are willing to canvass so we can plan accordingly. Remember, we can't canvass if we don't have volunteers and change won't happen from our living rooms or on our couches! Any amount of time that you can help out on Saturday would be greatly appreciated!
Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office address is:6141 Amarillo Boulevard WestPhone number is 331 - 6299
The office is just southwest of the Veterans Hospital a few blocks and across the street from the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. There is a large red, black, and white for sale sign on the street, and Obama signs to mark the spot!
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=6141+amarillo+blvd+w+amarillo+tx+&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=52.020054,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=35.200841,-101.907152&spn=0.006619,0.009613&t=h&z=17
If you've received this email and no longer wish to be included, please email us at tnjraphael@suddenlink.net to be promptly removed from future emails.
Thanks for all your support,
Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office
If you need more info, please call the office at 331-6299 or Tony & Jane Raphael at 373 - 7884 .
Obama/Biden '08Change We Can Believe In
I'm bringing 40 yard signs to Canyon today, Sunday, Oct 19, after 5pm!
I'm getting them @ $4 per sign from the Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office, http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/Amarillo4ObamaGrassrootsOffice, (bulk discount for 40 signs), but thanks to generous contributions from dedicated supporters, you can claim one for a $2 donation.
Please contact me if you want to snag some yard signs for Canyon and surrounding areas! And, tell your friends!
Also, please let me know ASAP if you, or someone you know, would take advantage of opportunities to place 4'x8' Obama Biden signs in high visibility areas around Canyon.
Finally, there may still be time to order Obama Biden signage from the various online sites:
1) http://store.barackobama.com/product_p/ys29682.htm
2) http://www.bluetexasstuff.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65&zenid=iavnp5qc7fujflprfmuo8fqcj3,
3) http://www.democratnationalcommittee.com/candidates/barack_obama.htm,
4) http://signs.cafepress.com/obama_outdoor-signs.
And here are two do it yourself sites:
1) http://plushgraphics.com/obama/index.php.
2) http://www.austinforobama.com/
Thanks!
Lisa
655-1508
Dr. Don Albrecht, VP of Student Affairs, said that political signage posted on campus must be prominently sponsored by a current student organization (at least 30% of the visible area of the sign, able to be distinguished from a distance, clearly identifying the sponsoring organization).
Once that criterion is met, the sponsoring org may place flyers and yard-signs all across campus. Yard-signs must be the kinds on wires, not 4'x8', nor any size needing stakes that would damage the grounds.
Work's been started on a promotional sample for signs and flyers, with a message suggested by Dr. Don Albrecht, Vice President for Student Affairs, as acceptable for student organizations to promote: WT DEMOCRATS SAY VOTE FOR OBAMA BIDEN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008! (All promos placed on campus should be removed when they expire, 11/5/08.)
Once the promo sample is agreed on, we'll need quick printing and distribution of the flyers and signs (and buttons?)!
Volunteers for any aspect of this project are welcomed and shook warmly by the hand! :0) Many thanks to those volunteers already in action!
Donations for signage are gratefully being offered (thank you!), and accepted (thanks, again!). To be covered under any reporting regulations, here (http://obama.3cdn.net/4e02daa548d6c3352d_yvlfmvuue.pdf) is the in-kind contribution form we can and should fill-out and send in to the campaign.
Does anyone remember if we should keep the total number of flyers to 500 to be in compliance with other specific campaign regulations?
*********************************************************************************************************
Thurs, October 16: HELP! Perhaps you saw it? The "sign"?
Well, it's there, today, the McCain Palin sign, bigger than Dallas, on the Ped Mall! (Aside: Icky!)
Volunteers are on the job to get a response sign, (see the design here http://www.bluetexasstuff.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65), planted on the Ped Mall ASAP! Gratitude to the Blue Texas Stuff staff for the image we can print, and to the WT Democrats for signing off on any required paperwork!
Y'all - PLEASE let us know, like, yesterday, if you have ANY leads on a fast, professional, Obama/Biden sign-maker that we can contact to help make our sign for the Ped Mall grass, (Ped Mall seen here: http://www.wtamu.edu/about/improvements.aspx)!
Muchos gracias!
lcaidalphabravo@yahoo.com
The Amarillo4Obama Grassroots organization will be holding our weekly meeting Monday, October 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at our regular location.
Purpose: to discuss our progress and plan for upcoming events (phone banking, canvassing, park rally).
If anyone has any other ideas that they'd like to share with everyone, please email us ASAP so that we can include your ideas on the agenda!
Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office address is: 6141 Amarillo Boulevard WestPhone number is 331 - 6299
The office is just southwest of the Veterans Hospital a few blocks and across the street from the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. There is a large red, black, and white for sale sign on the street, and some Obama signs too!
Tony & Jane Raphael 373 - 7884 Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Office Obama/Biden '08
Iras Grayson of Amarillo wrote and sings this anthem (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hO7KIccUuc) to the Democratic way in support of Barack Obama's Presidential campaign. Dedicated to the children of America.
"Say Yes We Can" will be available for donations of $7 CD and $12 DVD. She will be happy to autograph your CD or DVD. Contact the Amarillo Area Headquarters, http://www.amarilloareademocrats.org/pages/Club.html, Steven Cost at 206-0099, or Iras Grayson at 373-5474.
Reminder: This Monday, October 6, we will have a special guest attending our weekly Amarillo4Obama meeting. Ken Bailey of the DNC and the Barack Obama Campaign will be here to speak with us. He will be sharing a wealth of information to help guide us forward to November 4. We will also be discussing canvassing and phone banking and our upcoming rally. As our meetings get larger each time we meet, we are expecting (and hoping for!) a larger group than usual due to Ken's visit. In anticipation of a larger turnout, we have decided to hold this meeting at the Amarillo United Citizens Forum, located at 903 N Hayden Street, Amarillo. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last approximately one hour. The doors will be open beginning at 6:00 p.m. and light refreshments will be served.
Let's show Ken that Amarillo is truly Obama BLUE by getting every Obama supporter involved!! If you know that you will be attending, an RSVP will be appreciated (just reply to the sent email).
Please help us spread the word - All of the area offices (Amarillo4Obama/Panhandle Young Democrats/Amarillo Area Democrats) now have Obama buttons, tee shirts, bumper stickers, yard signs, and literature.
Thank you,
Anthony (Tony) & Jane Raphael & All the Great Volunteers at Amarillo4Obama/PanhandleYoungDemocrats/AmarilloAreaDemocrats
Tony & Jane 373 - 7884
The Amarillo United Citizens Forum is in the area of Amarillo Blvd West & N Hughes Street, corner of NW 9th Ave & N Hayden Street.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=Amarillo+United+Citizen+Forum&fb=1&cid=8168817786121642637&li=lmd&z=14&t=m
(lipstick)
****
After watching the debate last night, I'm more certain than ever about that.
From: Anthony Raphael <tnjraphael@suddenlink.net>Subject: Roger Waun Press Conference 10/03 NoonDate: Thursday, October 2, 2008, 5:40 PM
To All. Roger Waun will be holding a press conference tomorrow at noon. The conference will be held on the west side of the Potter County Court House. One of the things Roger will be doing is announcing his intent to donate $1,000.00 per week of his Congressional salary to non-profit charities in District 13. When Barack takes the White House he will need people like Roger Waun to help support his policies, so if any of you can spare a lunch hour to come to support him, please do.
Anthony & Jane Raphael Amarillo4Obama Office 806-331-6299
From: Steven Cost <cost-s@actx.edu>Subject: No parade for us SaturdayDate: Thursday, October 2, 2008, 10:52 PM
Fellow Democrats...We as Democrats, at least as the P-R Club, will not be participating inthe WT Homecoming Parade this Saturday in Canyon. Why? Well, I goofed up thinking that I had made arrangements with theCanyon Chamber of Commerce months ago for we Democrats to be inSaturday's homecoming parade in Canyon. When I had not heard from theChamber I called and asked for details. The Canyon chamber told me thatI had registered for us to have a booth/tent at Fair on the Square thisSaturday...but the parade had to be arranged through the WTA&MU policedepartment. Shoot!!!!! So I called WT and the department head of theparade organization told me it was too late for us to get in. Sorry everyone. Jim Perkins would not have made this mistake. And surelyyou new president next year will not make such a mistake. I only hopethat you all will pass the word immediately and make sure no one comesfrom a long ways off to be in the parade with us, such as Roger Waun, orthat anyone spends money needlessly. Roger and anyone of our Democraticcandidates and friends are certainly welcome at our booth, but therewill not be a Democratic section marching or driving in the parade. Noconspiracy folks. My fault entirely. I should have been on the ball.Please spread the word that we will not be in the parade.Jim Otto is in charge of Fair on the Square for our HQ booth and will begetting the booth set up early Saturday. Thanks, Jim and Theresa. Letsall try to go down and help them on the Square register voters andpromote our Democratic Party cause for the election coming soon. And wewill all have the VP debate to discuss, too. See you. Again, myapologies.Thanks,SteveSteven CostAssociate Professor of Art and Graphic DesignAmarillo College806-345-5546/Box 447, Amarillo, TX 79178
From: Anthony Raphael <tnjraphael@suddenlink.net>Subject: Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Meeting 10/6 Ken Bailey, DNC attending!Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 11:18 PM
This Monday, October 6, we will have a special guest attending our weekly Amarillo4Obama meeting. Ken Bailey of the DNC and the Barack Obama Campaign will be here to speak with us. He will be sharing a wealth of information to help guide us forward to November 4. We will also be discussing canvassing and phone banking. As our meetings get larger each time we meet, we are expecting (and hoping for!) a larger group than usual due to Ken's visit. In anticipation of a larger turnout, we have decided to hold our next meeting at the Amarillo United Citizen Forum, located at 903 N Hayden Street, Amarillo. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last approximately one hour. We are also tentatively expecting Roger Waun, our local Democratic candidate for the United States Congress. Let's show Ken that Amarillo is truly Obama BLUE by getting every Obama supporter involved!! Light refreshments will be served.
Please help us spread the word - All of the area offices (Amarillo4Obama/Panhandle Young Democrats/Amarillo Area Democrats) now have Obama buttons, tee shirts, bumper stickers, yard signs (yard signs in limited quantities until next week), and literature.
Anthony (Tony) & Jane Raphael
From: Amarillo Young Democrats <amarilloyoungdemocrats@gmail.com>Subject: You Can't stay Neutral on a Moving TrainDate: Sunday, September 28, 2008, 3:39 PM
To all YD's ,
First and foremost , Thomas and I want thank each and everyone one of you for helping to build the Panhandle Young democrats to the political powerhouse we have become . I consider each one of you a cornerstone of our organization . We have acheived alot in the short time we have been together and we could not have done it alone . There are a couple people in particular that needs to be mentioned . The Rapheal family , The Powell Family , Leslie , Lisa , Devany , William Seewald , The Otto Family , Roger Waun , Kelly Mestas , The McDaniel Family , Jason and Baily , Ash , Micheal , Levin , Nicole , Matt , Lauren , Allen , Donna and if I missed a couple I do apoligize but if you've known me for more than 15 secs you know I am kinda scatterbrained , however you know who you are and you know I love ya .
We have a good and bad news . The bad news : we are not going to be able to throw Aware a fundraiser on the 3rd , due to the fact the bands in this town are more intrested in money than helping out in their community . But thats okay , they'll come around . And I honestlly believe that , sometimes it may take a little longer for some people to open up their eyes and see how messed up our world is . And once they have become awaken to the injustices that occur everyday ,( not just in the world , not just in America , but also right here in the panhandle ) eventually, with a little coaching ,they will rise up and proclaim enough is enough . And then want to get active here in our community . I know how frustrated we have all been when you look at all these people and their ego inflating "causes" that will not have a direct impact on anything . However to quote Robert Wuhl , " Judge slowly. " By that he means , we may not be able to get them involved today but when they are ready it is up to us to hoan in on their passions and make them effective members of the human race. To that end , that is why it is important to have a place to send them , to have people who can train them and a cause for them to fight for . And when they are ready it is up to be there for them and direct their passions . With that being said the PYD's are not going anywhere . There is work to be done and we are ready , willing and able to do it . So next time you hear someone bitching about how jacked up our world is and you present to them how they can help out to make it better and they want no part of it . Don't get mad and start an arguement , as much as you want to just shake them silly or put them in a choke hold til they pass out , just say " well when you change your mind I'll be here ." Next step is to actually Be There for them .
Ready for the good News ? Despite not being able to throw this event for Aware now , it gives us a chance to throw them one at a later date , with bigger bands , more media and by proxy a better turn out . I am talking to 2 or 3 bands that would draw said crowds . And no i am not going to say which ones ,it'll be a surprise . That was part one of the good news , part two is we have Obama swag ie; T shirts , buttons literature and the likes , so if anyone needs anything , call me . Part three , The Texas Roadhouse in Amarillo has graciouslly donated a eight burner commercial stove to the PYD's . It is used and looks a little worn , but it is roughlly a 3-4 thousand dollar stove that we can donate to a charity that needs it . If anyone knows of such a charity , let me or thoam know . The sooner the better .
Do not forget about the PYD's first fundraiser to be held at Beef O'Bradys the 30th ( this tuesday) . I have already gotten confirmation on all the speakers , which include ; a speaker from LULAC ,COBO ,Jim Otto , Equality Texas , Equity Texas and Roger Waun . Fellowship starts at 5:30 and the speakers begin at 6:30 . It is gonna be a great night . And I will see you all there .
If anyone needs any more information about the event , Obama gear or anything at all , please do not hesitate to call me 319-210-1156 . Thanks again for everyones hard work thus far but there is still alot of work to be done in the future . I love you all , or I guess to Texasfy it , I Love Yall
Brandon David Dix
President Panhandle Young Democrats
319-210-1156
From: Anthony Raphael <tnjraphael@suddenlink.net>Subject: Obama Grassroots Meeting Notes & Upcoming EventsDate: Monday, September 29, 2008, 11:17 PMAttached [below] are the minutes from tonight's Obama Grassroots Office meeting, which had a great turnout. Please make sure to review for current events as well as those that are in the planning stages. All volunteers are welcome at any event and are encouraged to bring others! All events are joint efforts with the Obama Grassroots office, the Amarillo Area Democrats, and the Panhandle Young Democrats.
Thank you all for your continued support,
Tony Raphael
Obama/Biden '08 Fired Up, Ready To Go!
<<...>>
Attendees: 28
Anthony Raphael-Host
Special Attendees:
Randall County Chair Jim Otto
Potter County Chair Abel Bosquez
I. UPDATE - 36 days to go
Questions/Issues are to be addressed at these weekly meetings, each Monday through November 2, 2008.
Thanks for the great work these past few weeks. Registered over 500 new voters.
II. Office hours. – until the election the office will be open every day during the week from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, the office will be closing early due to the Amarillo Young Democrats fundraiser at Beef O’Brady’s at 5.30 p.m.
III. Moving forward!
IV. Discussion/ Ideas!
Jim Otto: Poll Watchers must be designated by County Chairs.
Randall Co. Poll watcher training on Wednesday, Oct 29, time TBD.
Poll Watchers must stay at the polls at least 5 hrs.
Duties- make sure things are conducted properly according to FEC Regs
From: Anthony Raphael [mailto:tnjraphael@suddenlink.net] Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2008 1:20 AM Subject: Obama Headquarters Meeting.
The Amarillo4Obama Grassroots organization will be holding a meeting Monday September 29 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Purpose: to Discuss our progress, and plan for upcoming events. Lots of exciting news to share with everyone.
The address is: 6141 Amarillo Boulevard WestPhone number is 331 - 6299 The office is just southwest of the Veterans Hospital a few blocks and across the street from the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
Should you desire details on the copesetic Nation4Change rally held April 19, at WT, please call and we'll discuss.
Thanks, thanks, thanks!
The BWA/CTFO Voter Reg Drive at WT, last Thursday, was successful because of your efforts! Many thousands of thanks for the work everybody did to bring in voters and BWA/Obama supporters!
Event sponsors, volunteers and organizers deserve credit, much credit, representing this drive, as well as other great, dedicated organizations in Amarillo, Canyon and at WT, with an admirable enthusiasm. Our distinguished drive sponsor and invaluable volunteer contributors are gratefully acknowledged here:
Black Women's Association,
Melodie Graves,
Chanity Bolden,
Brandon Dix,
Thomas Penna,
Jason Barrett,
Jacklyn Cargill,
Randy Coetzee,
Paul Coleman,
Carol Coleman,
Devany Ellis,
Cherry Heffner,
Ed Hinders,
Dana Hinders,
Jennifer Hinkle,
Dick Jackson,
Lauren Johnson,
Donna Mason,
Lorita Montgomery,
Megan O'Neal,
Sylvia Perkins,
Donna Raef,
Anthony Raphael,
Jane Raphael,
Monica Shaffer,
Bebe Terrell,
Cloyce Terrell,
Janice Cranmer,
and Laurie McSpadden, who provided serious moral, artistic and physical support!
Thank you to everyone!
Now a favor, please. If you were a volunteer deputy registrar working the WT drive, could you please call or email me with the number of voter registrations you collected? I want to gather and report the on the number of voters you registered all day!
Sincerely with gratitude,
Last night I logged off I thought long and hard about many things. I was reminded of Obama and the frustration I feel because regardless of the attacks he withstands he remains a gentleman yet when pushed to the edge he merely states facts. That is what I will do at this point. Set the record straight. Afterwards I will no longer log into the BO site as I can obtain the latest news from media outlets or the main page of the BO site.
I have not and do not post anything that is false. I never have and would not. If anyone would ever wonder, question, or ask and give me the information of what is being discussed I would be more than happy to deliberate the information. Yet attacks are the only thing that I have received.
The blogs I have deliberately with forethought deleted belonged to a man who was aiming to further his web presence and own career by using Barack Obama’s name, materials, and the campaign to generate web traffic to his site so the site would be lucrative once Barack Obama was in office. I did this only after the guiding of OFA input and the legal team. My concern was not for the man but selfishly for myself as administrator of the site and I did not want to be held responsible for such actions. Upon contacting OFA they in turn asked the OFA legal team and asked me to simply delete the blogs. Any other time the only blogs that have been deleted have been outdated blogs as I do not log in daily.
The last issue that I will set the record straight on is the long detailed false accusation which was publicly posted. No such incident transpired and no withholding of information was ever discarded. I will detail all that I am aware of on my end and let you be the judge.
Last year I was the founder of the West Texas A&M University Democrats. I was extremely honored and it was a privilege to lead such an incredible group of my peers. I was the President at the time.
I was contacted by the University as someone was on campus using the group name. I contacted a majority of my leaders from Vice President down, yet not one of them had any knowledge of an event which was planning on being held on campus or in our name. I took a drive from Amarillo to Canyon to meet with officials as I was concerned as this was clearly something we all would desire to be involved in yet not any person within the organization was aware of the event which was being planned in our name.
I was later contacted by our Events Chair to find that we were being used in name only and that not only was the group’s name being used but the leaders were not to be involved, give input, or attend.
After speaking with campus officials other issues remained as inaccuracies which were communicated directly from Lisa Caid who was leading and coordinating this event. She was not at the time a member or leader within the West Texas A&M University group.
The campus officials in charge of any campus events have specific regulations they must abide by and as the President I was now more than concerned not only for the group but the leaders as we had for months been working on events to bolster and cement the group. In one action this event not only cut out every leader while using the group name the event coordinator spoke with officials of the university making plans they were not even comfortable with such as claiming to make hundreds of cookies for the event. This was merely one issue as any event which serves food must be catered by the university and in their eyes the event was clearly not following the requirements all students follow.
I did try to contact Lisa Caid to resolve such issues and was greeted in a hostile manor to put it lightly. I spoke with our Events Chair and though he apologized for what had transpired I was later called and ensured that our group name was being used and our group was not involved and even asked not to attend and to let our leaders know that such a presence was not needed.
At that point I had to make some difficult decisions. Though I had worked hard to finally get a democratic organization established on campus I felt I had to resign. I could not knowingly approve of such even though I am an Obama supporter and have been a leader for the Obama campaign here. I am no longer the President of the West Texas A&M University democrats due to the Nation of Change event which was held at WTAMU void of the group.
No blogs were deleted and no events were ever scheduled on BO. There were many administrators at the time on all the groups. If any such blog was deleted it may have simply been an oversight as it has been customary to delete events if they are posted and not seen till well after the date. The only way to ensure an event is to post the event within the BO site under event listings. I was not the only one maintaining the site. Unfortunately, the event from what I understand did not have but a few people show up. I simply cannot take responsibility for this and even when I heard later what had transpired my heart went out to Lisa Caid.
So much so I contacted her several times as of that incident to invite her to be a part of all we had been doing in the area and had discusses such with current leaders as we desired her skills and involvement. As a leader I contemplated I had no idea what she had been going through in her own personal life and I would not hold the series of events against her as there are bigger issues at stake. Though at the time it forced me to step down I have always taken the stand that she may have been going through a difficult time and though it not be a justified reason I did not want to be the one to stand in the way of any future success we could have in the community. I asked her to lead Canyon and even be a leader at WTAMU. I asked her to join us in making a bigger impact as we had people and resources. To my dismay she continued to decline.
As for the blogs that were deleted of my own. I wrote three blogs. When I write blogs I do not seek out blogs to cover up or take off the front page. One blog was speaking of a valid event which was being held to watch the debate Friday night at Amarillo College. I did not hold this event nor had anything to do with it but as it was close to center city Amarillo I felt that many in Amarillo may be interested and some in Canyon if a watch was not being held there. Nothing at the time was posted for Canyon. The other was to give away free DNC signs. This I believed may be important as some may have wanted a sign as they are so hard to come by and I had an excess. And, yes. . . the final post was a frivolous one as it merely thanked all for the support I have received as I have gone through one of the most difficult time of my life as my family and I face tragedy. The list of events which were mentioned after research were all listed on one blog which were not listed on my own page or the Amarillo site ensuring I was unaware. After research, however, I did find that one blog of my own could have been deleted from the Canyon site and still left the urgent blog administrator, Lisa Caid, wanted on the front page listing the events. The fact is that all three of my blogs were not needed to be deleted to ensure the list of events was on the front page, only one yet this unpleasant attack has now gotten out of hand and it stops with me.
I have set the records straight. I wish Lisa Caid and every other person the very best. I leave and disbanded the groups as it is more important to get Barack Obama into office than to use this forum for anything less. That has always been my goal. I have my family I need to tend to. I wanted to be sure the full measure of the truth was posted as my name and credibility has been slandered. As for any events, situations, or circumstances beyond what I have listed I am simply unaware and cannot account for. It is disappointing that this has happened and I have been heartbroken this happened at this most difficult time, yet everything happens for a reason. My time with this campaign is come to an end and my stay in politics is over as I have never been involved before and return to my life as it were having made just a slight impact in the world around me. I am better for such. Thank you for your time.
I am writing today to wish all of you well and tell you I am thankful for the many I have had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside. The time has come for me to part ways. A few weeks ago I had a horrific family emergency arise which to date has only become exasperated. The personal situation has been so trying I was forced to step away from all involvement in any activity not directly related to my family. The situation has been so difficult I have almost had to make the decision to forgo my dream of gaining my Masters. It is all I can do to care for my family.
For those of you who have called, written, and expressed support I thank you as you will never understand how so little has aided me and my family so much. Thank you for all your prayers.
Unfortunately, when things are difficult . . .well sometimes they only become worse before this too passes. I logged on Friday as I had decided to take my mind off things by the Big Debate. After weeks of a trying situation I was excited about becoming involved once again. I posted several blogs and anticipated the coming event. Unfortunately, for the second time in a week I was personally attacked by someone I do not even know and chose not to reveal herself. The first time I offered to answer questions and give her the information needed after claims that I had posted incorrect information. No response was ever received. The second time I recognized the name and realized I was being harassed in this public forum.
Tonight I logged on to find I had been slandered and personally publically falsely attacked with blatant lies yet again on the Canyon site. After consideration I decided my work here is done. I will no longer be administering the three groups Amarillo College for Obama, Amarillo Texas for Obama, or West Texas A&M for Obama. I simply to not have the stomach or the strength to maintain my composure. I would rather walk away and care for my family in our time of need and encourage all to seek current local groups enjoying the memories cherished. I had hoped to slowly become reengaged, yet now I am aware that this was only for a season and it is time for me to bid all a final farewell.
I would like to send out a very personal thanks to you, Lisa Caid for the remarkable work you have done this past few weeks. With her help organizing voter drives in Canyon and helping us to register voters in Amarillo we have registered over 500 people. She is an inspiration to me and part of the reason we have been so successful since our reorganization. Her tireless work and endless enthusiasm is only shadowed by the fact that she never thinks she does enough.
Thank you Lisa, for all your hard work.
Anthony (Tony) Raphael
Dear Canyon Texas for Obama (CTFO) and other local group members and administrators,
For your consideration, I offer the below pasted formal complaint registered, with various Obama contacts and the MyBO administrators, in April 2008.
Today, September 27, there were approximately 8 legitimate (and successful!) voter registration drives held over Amarillo from 10am (and noon) to 4pm, which needed front page advertisement on the CTFO home page.
This morning, taking editorial, and obligitory site liberties as CTFO administrator, 3 less significant posts, which unnecessarily reserved all the CTFO home page blog space, (space vitally needed to promote the drives today), were deleted.
Sincerely,
From: Lisa Caid <lcaidalphabravo@yahoo.com> Subject: Assistance with a Complaint and Action Request To: "Mario Champion" <mario.champion@texansforobama.com>, "Ian Davis" <ian.davis@texansforobama.com> Cc: "Menno Goedman" <mgoedman@barackobama.com>, "Ryan Harper" <rharper@barackobama.com>, "John La Rue" <jlarue@barackobama.com>, "Palak Shah" <palakshah@obamafd.com> Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2008, 11:01 PM
Dear Ian and Mario, [Xx Xx, name witheld], the Nation for Change State Point of Contact for Texas, Louisiana & Mississippi, gave me your contact information, in hopes that you could perhaps forward the complaint and action request below to the appropriate Obama campaign officials. (I have submitted the following complaint and action request in a web-form with the subject "I'm Interested in Reporting a Problem with the Website" at the link: http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/contact2, FYI.)
I am writing to register a formal complaint about Veronica Fuentes, the group administrator for the site "West Texas A&M University for Obama" (www.my.barackobama.com/page/group/WestTexasAMUniversityforObama) and a group administrator for the site "Amarillo Texas for Obama!!!" (www.my.barackobama.com/page/group/AmarilloTexasforObama). I'm also writing to request that V. Fuentes be officially removed as group administrator from these two regionally significant sites in the Texas panhandle. I am a member of the two sites mentioned above, I've worked as a secretary in the Office of Information Technology at West Texas A&M University for four years, and I helped organize the Amarillo-Canyon Nation 4 Change Nationwide Obama Rally held 4/19/08 at West Texas A&M University. My formal complaint about V. Fuentes follows. As group administrator for the two sites referenced above, V. Fuentes is withholding relevant and non-objectionable Nation 4 Change rally posts to the West Texas A&M University for Obama site most certainly, and to the Amarillo Texas for Obama!!! site most probably, which I sent for inclusion at those sites from my blog (www.my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/lisacaid) on 4/19/08 and 4/20/08. Historical network site administrator evidence must exist that substantiates my complaint about V. Fuentes withholding my relevant and non-objectionable rally blog posts. I believe that V. Fuentes's unneccessary and unwarranted site censorship is at best contrary to the principles the Obama campaign is founded on, and at worst damaging to the regional campaign in the Texas panhandle, including Amarillo and Canyon. There exists a documented history of similar and equally relevant complaints about V. Fuentes within our regional organization of Obama supporters. As such, I am obligated to register this formal complaint requesting that V. Fuentes be officially removed as group administrator from the "West Texas A&M University for Obama" and "Amarillo Texas for Obama!!!" sites. Thank you in advance for your consideration and investigation of my complaint and action request. I respectfully await your reply. Sincerely, Lisa Caid 806-655-1508 lcaidalphabravo@yahoo.com
