Organizing for America | Students for Obama

Students for Obama

This group is dedicated to Barack Obama and all of the students who support him in his journey to the White House.

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The God Of my Understading.. An Essay of Random thoughts on Religion

By Tony - Jul 10th, 2009 at 11:08 am EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

During my childhood I had the privilege of being exposed to Jews, Muslims, Catholics and Protestants. At different times I learned valuable lessons from each of these traditions.

While living in Indiana I attended a Full Gospel Christian church. I can remember the youth minister making assertions that “Jews and Italians were responsible for the Crucifixion of Jesus” and how “Catholics worshipped the Pope”. None of these statements were said in a spirit of love or with any rationale behind them. Even at age 12, I understood the harm of these comments, but despite my attempts at correction, this man of God was very happy to continue proclaiming these ideas as part of the “Good News” or portion of the deposit of faith.

One of the most consequential relationships in terms of my formation was with a Roman Catholic Priest in Richmond, IN. I was 16 and living in half way house. At the time I was troubled by the history of Christianity and European Colonialism. I needed to hear a less definitive and more inclusive view of salvation, God, and faith. He provided that and much more. His explanation of Christianity was given with the spirit of love, ecumenicalism, and thoughtfulness not with the harsh and judgmental undertones of the white evangelical churches in rural Indiana I attended.

Even before I ever attended church I can remember living in a west Baltimore neighborhood and watching the Reform and Ultra Orthodox Jews participate in the various traditions of their communities. The differences between the two were night and day, but equally interesting. I was disappointed to learn that the prevailing Christian understanding of Rabbinical Judaism only extended to the foundational Judaism practiced during the Antiquities period.

By the time I entered Seminary, my spiritual understanding had grown from that of my peers. My own faith was grounded in themes of social justice, universality, and personal holiness. I felt that Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism were relevant and deserved respect. I was opposed to the soul winning “You’re going to Hell!” language of my contemporaries. I soon rebelled against that brand of Christianity and felt alienated or marginalized by people who should have shown me love

I believe that we are only accountable for what we know, and that God responds to all who seek him in a spirit of humility, whether we use Father , Yahweh, or Allah to cry out to him.

God responds to the condition of the heart whether it belongs to a Muslim youth left orphaned by A.I.D.S in Nigeria, a devout Orthodox Jew, who seeks to know the God of Israel, or a socially progressive Christian, who is focused on the social and moral implications of the Gospel.

Jesus is my savior, however I cannot blame a young person who when confronted with Christianity thinks of the historical examples of the crusades or slavery or colonialism and rejects Jesus. The problem with religion is that people get involved.

In theory one could say, religion is neither good nor bad, but is dependent upon the interpretation of the adherent.

Religion at its finest should lead us to a better understanding of ourselves, bring us closer to God, and create a greater desire to serve others.

The religious right continues to bring a conversation to Christianity that is unhealthy and unsound. When dealing with human behavior one cannot assert his / or her own belief as though it came directly from God, but instead needs to incorporate careful study and understanding about these modern issues, or else we do more harm than good.

After the Terrorist attack of 9/11 I was determined not give any weight to Pat Robertson and read the Quran for myself. I think many Christians would do well if they followed the Quran since they fail miserably at adhering to their own biblical tenants.

There is fault to be found in both Christianity and Islam and in all humanity in general.

I have ancestral roots in both faith communities and wish that all Christians would educate themselves to what is truly contained in each of the monotheist religions (including there own)

St. Francis of Assisi Said “Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words”

And

Mahatma Gandhi Stated: “If it were not For Christians I might have become one”…..Because Gandhi saw that Christians weren't following Jesus' teachings or principles. ... If Jesus taught love and peace, many Christians have not done a very good job of embodying it.... He might have had a different perception of Christians had they done so

I admire Rabbinical Judaism for how it has allowed itself to develop. It is lacking the dogmatic unquestioning pronouncements found in certain sects of Christianity, but oozes thoughtful debate found amongst its “Intellectual Fathers”. That’s not to say that Judaism lacks certainty, but it enjoys a level of honesty providing an avenue on how it has arrived at its conclusions, not found so easily in Christianity.

Honestly, I find goodness in every religion I’ve looked into

We can learn something from everybody! There is a mysticism found in Eastern rite Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, that is almost entirely absent in the Latin rite and Protestant circles for one example

I have a politically progressive vent, but personally live a moderately conservative lifestyle. I Don’t like Hate. I think about difficult issues like Abortion and Homosexuality and cannot with confidence impose judgment one way or another

Unlike some theologically minded people the more I learn the less I know. When one question is answered I think of three more to ask.

I don’t know why God hasn’t enlightened me as he has Jerry Farwell or Pat Robertson. Perhaps I’m not listening hard enough. Anyway until I hear Otherwise I’m going to remain open to learning from everybody, every faith and every culture.

Love is universal. And a religion that is not practiced with a spirit of love is being imposed not really practiced...Light should shine from within looking outward and lastly a smile isn’t specific to any language or dialect it is global:)

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Florida Early Vote EXTENDED statewide

By Kristen Psaki - Oct 28th, 2008 at 3:32 pm EDT

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Early Voting for the entire state of Florida has just been extended.

Every Early Vote location in Florida will now be every day from 7am-7pm up through November 2.

Please pass along this great news to everyone you know who will be voting in Florida. Click here to find your nearest early vote location.

Here's the release:

GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS
~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~
October 28, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.

"I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote."

Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.

Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.

Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.

Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217.

STATE OF FLORIDA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217

WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and

WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and

WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and

WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties;

WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008.

GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE

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Video smear watch site

By Brian from Oviedo, FL - Oct 20th, 2008 at 2:30 pm EDT

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I have augmented my web site regarding GOP smear tactics, voter fraud and caging with a related youtube report. The name of the report is SmearWatch.

The place to go on smearwatch is the playlist:

<A href="http://www.youtube.com/profile_play_list?user=SmearWatch">SmearWatch Playlists.</A>

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Campaign '08 information portal

By Brian from Oviedo, FL - Oct 15th, 2008 at 11:57 am EDT

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I am concentrating my efforts to make the public aware of various trends in the media and elsewhere regarding this campaign. I have a portal site full of links to articles and videos at this URL:

http://web.me.com/macrutan/Campaign08/

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Obamarama is Friday Night 17 October

By Brian from Oviedo, FL - Oct 15th, 2008 at 11:48 am EDT

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For information on the concert event go here:

http://www.endagon.com/events/festivals/obamarama

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Excited about Obama's 30 min commercial

By Ruth - Oct 13th, 2008 at 8:18 pm EDT

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Wow, a sit com length commercial from Obama, to be aired almost right before election. I have to say I am pretty excited about this one, almost like waiting for the fist epiosde of a new show (hopefully this metaphor is a sign of things to come, keep your fingers crossed guys)

Check for more details here: http://kronomy.com/event/2bLnWX5swt/

Ruth

www.Fight4Obama.com

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2nd Debate

By Ruth - Oct 9th, 2008 at 2:12 pm EDT

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Just looking at the debate, I really can't say who I feel performed better. It's all pretty standard from both sides, no earth shattering new policies revealed and no major bloopers besides both sides stretching the facts a little, but that's to be expected in all political debates. What do you guys think?

http://kronomy.com/event/7GKhrYmWFt/

usbattle.com

Fight4Obama.com

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My Friends, It's Over For John McCain

By GirlsGab - Oct 8th, 2008 at 11:25 am EDT

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Anyone watching last night’s debates knows the McCain-Palin ticket is for all intensive purposes over. He walked around as if he were a lost, senile old man. Oh wait, HE IS!! He was repetitive, avoided questions (as did Obama, i.e. mandated healthcare), seemed out of breath, and stumbled around with words as if he were flustered. This was his “setting”! The town hall setting that he so has begged for for months! So why did he fail to do what he needed to do?

Poor judgement also was a key to McCain’s downfall last night. He seemed dehumanized when calling Obama “That One”. What a washed up piece of republican trash. We don’t live back in the day where it’s ok and perfectly acceptable (not that it EVER was in my book) to treat people so poorly McCain. It’s time to man up and treat EVERY human being as just that, A HUMAN BEING. It wouldn’t doubt me in the least bit if it came out that you are calling Obama the “N” word behind closed doors along with all of your red-neck, good-ol-boy supporters.

Get back on message to what the majority of American people want and care to talk about (energy, healthcare, education, jobs), not what the small percentage of small-minded, ignorant Americans in this country think, because guess what, THEY WON’T WIN YOU THIS ELECTION! American’s are sick of the negative campaigning and have been for a while now. You can’t even call Obama out to his face. You have to have a woman do the dirty work for ya, ya know? Darn right ya do! Wink Wink… Pathetic. Sad and pathetic.

Guess what? The winner of the debate…. “THAT ONE”!

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Palin: Obama a terrorist at 8! We reply: How stupid do you think we are?

By Ruth - Oct 6th, 2008 at 8:27 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

Come on, seriously, she expects people to believe Obama is related to terrorism at the age of EIGHT? Guess Palin got no other options besides spreading obvious lies about Obama as a last desperate attempt to drag him down.

See full report here: http://kronomy.com/event/iTmUDKoPnk/

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Things are looking good for Obama!

By Ruth - Oct 2nd, 2008 at 5:51 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

See full coverage on Obama’s bipartisan message at http://kronomy.com/event/XCeB4NcMrq/, including pictures, videos and text. “A new survey conducted by Quinnipiac University over the weekend shows Obama leading McCain in Florida 51 percent to 43 percent, in Ohio 50 percent to 42 percent and in Pennsylvania 54 percent to 39 percent. Since 1960, no president has been elected without winning two of those three states.” Things are looking good for Obama!

Again, good message, nice gesture at this turbulent time from both sides. Just wish it didn’t take a financial meltdown to bring this spirit of cooperation around. Drop me a line at my blog, thanks.

Go to Fight4Obama.com, grab his 3D timeline and embed it everywhere. Spread the word of this educational online bumper sticker to your friends! Help Obama win the fight for US presidency!

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Obama responding to Rejected Bailout

By Ruth - Sep 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pm EDT

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See full event here: http://kronomy.com/event/s2aE0odrK9/ .

So Obama responded to the rejection of the bailout plan. I like that he is encouraging people to stay hopeful, and I like that he is encouraging the Congress to actually do their job. But, I am curious about how active a role he is taking in coming up with the next bill. Beyond calling for more regulations, I would like to see him offer some more concrete details of what he thinks THE bill should include.

Go to Fight4Obama.com, grab his 3D timeline and embed it everywhere. Spread the word of this educational online bumper sticker to your friends! Help Obama win the fight for US presidency!

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Clarification

By Kristen Psaki - Sep 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm EDT

Also listed in: 69 groups

There was a message circulating some of our groups in Florida yesterday that spread incorrect information conerning the the ID needed to vote. We're going to clarify below.

A message from the Florida Campaign for Change chief election lawyer:

I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false.
Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:
http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330
See the last bullet:
· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.

Please feel free to email florida@barackobama.com with any questions or concerns.

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College Events (Valencia/UCF/Full sail)

By Chris - Sep 18th, 2008 at 12:38 pm EDT

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It's getting close to November and I would really like to do something in our key battleground state to excelerate the momentum for Obama. Valencia has alot of students that are uninformed and therfore are unsure of what decision to make come election time. I feel that hosting an event at my campus, or any other campus for that matter, would be beneficial to the message of change in our community.

I have never organized anything before and would really like to find some veterans of communtiy organization to help me get started. I am here and ready to donate my time. I am also available to further the cause at other campuses as well. If you can help get this going or just need an extra hand for your even then feel free to email me at csmith197@live.com or send me a message here. Thank you.

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Welcome Joe!

By Kristen Psaki - Aug 23rd, 2008 at 8:15 am EDT

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It's official, Barack sent out the email this morning, did you get it?

Friend --
I have some important news that I want to make official.
I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
Welcome Joe

Thanks for your support,
Barack

Send Joe a note! Welcome Joe!

Make sure to turn on your TV at 3:00 p.m. to join Obama and Biden in Springfield, Illinois. Or, watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.

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Free Obama Button from Movenon.org

By Beverly - Jul 23rd, 2008 at 6:50 pm EDT

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Hey,

Want a free Obama button? MoveOn's giving them away totally free--no strings attached. I just got mine, and wanted to share the opportunity with you.

Click this link to get a free Obama button:

http://pol.moveon.org/obamabuttons/?id=-198874-bSbi1lx

Pass it on

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Write a slogan, win an iPhone

By Beverly - Jul 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Today the League of Conservation Voters enthusiastically endorsed Barack Obama for President. "From this day forward, we will make it a top priority to help him win the White House and bring the change we need."This is good news for Obama.

They are looking for a slogan that will fit on a bumper sticker. Go here:

http://action.lcv.org/campaign/obama_iphone

to enter your suggestions and maybe win an iPhone

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American Hunters and Shooters Association Endorses Obama

By Beverly - Jul 18th, 2008 at 8:35 pm EDT

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This is really fantastic news! Check it out at http://www.thejnotes.com/blog1/american-hunters-and-shooters-association-endorses-obama/

They feel he supports hunters having guns as well as the need to keep communities safe. They also support his environmental stand.

Pass this on if you can.

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Tickets to Obama Events

By Shan, Ormond Beach, Fl. - May 15th, 2008 at 2:06 am EDT

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This Post was set up for anyone with information on where to get tickets for President Obama events. So if anyone has any information on how to find tickets and where to go for any events, especially in Florida, please feel free to post a comment. Thanks!

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Here's something I posted at another site about our modern day "Robber Barons"

By Carol Sladon - May 7th, 2008 at 2:20 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

I hope Sen. Obama reads this!

We can not all come together, like Obama wishes, because the "Folks" that control America these days will never change or let go of Power!

It's ever so more encompassing! These greed mongers (special interests rep-ping corporations & great wealth), that own the Republican Party & this country, & the hearts & minds of most Americans; have caused the Fall of America!!! They are the unpatriotic ones! Pushing our Democracy closer & closer to Fascism & causing the decline of our Great Middle Class, thus the decline of America! These depraved special interest monsters with the Carl Rove type propaganda have won over the American People. How stupid we are! We have no Federal or State Governments left to protect "The People" or the peoples interests. We have no Infrastructure, we have no Health Care, A wasted & crippled Military, An unbalanced, unfunded & lousy Educational system, No good paying manufacturing jobs left. Or any of the good paying jobs they can screw the working Middle Class out of. ..........These "folks" are patriots? Making America a second or third rate country?

We are on a downward spiral. I look at the candidates issues, I don't see any Democrat running with the guts to lead this country away from greed & special interests, including Obama! All I see is deal makers not anyone that will save America & tie up Unleashed capitalism with something to balance it like euro socialism. Someone who GETS IT!!!!!

I still hear the same people complain about our government not working .... How can it? Since Regan it has been torn down! The last 7+ yrs. Our Federal & State Governments have been stripped - raped & pillaged!!! Our State & Federal tax money given over to private business's & no bid contracts, who rip us off like no tomorrow!!!!!!

& the environment??? Ethanol??? Dependency on oil??? Mass transit??? where should I start!

We need a leader who will just say NO, NO to the powers that be! Not a Deal Maker with the power brokers. Trying to please everyone! You can't please everyone! & we need a great leader to side with the People & their welfare, best interest for all, not the few.

When the Republicans & fox news made Democrat a bad word I became Liberal Democrat, when Liberal Democrat became another bad word I became a liberal democratic Euro-Socialist!!!!!!

The only thing that can counteract Unleashed Capitalism or just plain Capitalism is Euro-Socialism!

Let Big Government fear the people! Let big business & the greedy fear the punishment of the peoples Government!

But do you think for one moment our lazy, uninterested average American gets it? Not until he loses his job & then his home does he begin to wonder. He still won't get it without the leadership of someone like a John Edwards, who isn't interested in making deals with the powers that be or want to bring us all together in Friendship.

Any good person concerned with keeping America a beacon to the world, would never befriend the likes of CEO Kravis & other robber barons, or health for profit, Corporate welfare & it's take over of America. Or the super rich who take no fiscal responsibility for this country. & the stupid little brainwashed average Joe who screams / chants with the rich & corporations, "NO MO TAXES", "NO MO BIG GOVERNMENT" Well ya all are getting what you types have consistently voted for!!!!! Especially if we have another Republican pres.

An angry, Carol Sladon

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Thank You Bruce Springsteen!

By Lisa at ParaProductions - Apr 16th, 2008 at 9:20 pm EDT

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I am so thrilled that Bruce Springsteen has endorsed Barack Obama! I grew up in New Jersey and was in high school in the 1970's. Bruce Springsteen at that time expressed how I felt as a teenager. We lived by the words that Bruce wrote and moved to the beat of his music. Bruce has now expressed how I feel as someone in my 40's and so does Barack Obama. Go Barack! Go Bruce! Baby, We Were Born to Run!

Lisa Walker
ParaProductions Database & Website Design
Owner, President, and Database Guru
lisa@paraproductions.com
http://www.paraproductions.com
(407) 401-7296 – Orlando (386)
956-6926 – Cell

National Association of Women Business Owners
Orlando Chapter Past President 2006-2007
http://www.nawboorlando.org

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