To who ever might be lucky enough to read this,
I am super excited about our office grand opening this Saturday Nov 14 at 2pm. Congressman Paul Tonko will be there. It is an open event so all are welcome.
Please RSVP now. Here are the details: What: OFA New York Office Grand Opening Where: OFA Offices - Albany 90 State Street, Suite 602 Albany, NY 12207 When: Saturday, November 14th 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. http://ny.barackobama.com/NYOfficeOpening
We had a very successful event today at the Mary Nelson Barbecue! It was the hottest day of the summer and people were hot on healthcare reform as well! We secured lots of signatures pledging support to President Obama's principles and encouraged others to contact their members of Congress to promote healthcare reform.
Thank-you especially to Phil who made sure we had water, John who served as our "mobile" ambassador, Chris, who made an emergency run to the library to photocopy blank pledge sheets, and Rachel who provided the much needed sunscreen! Ruth showed up in the nick of time when I was working alone and needed some coverage! Thank-you also to anyone who worked on the back pack distribution/preparation. The heat was blistering but our enthusiasm held strong.
Mary Nelson should be an inspiration to us all! She started the project on her own 8 years ago and has shown us what one person's effort can turn into! By one person doing their own small part, an idea can snowball into results! There is no end to what can be accomplished!
Keep cool & committed everyone!
Angela
It is my opinion that looking forward requires us to investigate the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" and warrantless suveillance in the Patriot Act. If these are truly violations of the Constitution, domestic laws, and/or international laws, we NEED to prosecute.
If we let transgressions of this type slide under times of emotional response, we risk a repeat of this type of violations. The reason the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and laws forbid torture and warrantless searches (as well as all the others) is precisely so we CAN'T overreact out of fear or anger. To do nothing is to set a precedent that there are circumstances where it is okay not discard the Constitution and ignore the laws.
We are either a nation of laws or we are not. By 'looking forward' while ignoring possible abuses and violations means we are not. It also undermines our ability to hold other countries and entities to this standard. We MUST abide by the standards and principles we espouse. If we don't our country is a lie.
Governor Rendell of PA is proposing a law limiting the number of guns an individual may purchase to 1 a month. Personally, I don't see why someone needs to buy this many. But, I disagree with the proposed law. We have laws that prohibit individuals from purchasing handguns in one state and selling them in another unless they are licensed gun dealers. In my opinion any non-licensed dealer buying more than 12 guns in a year is acting suspiciously and probable cause is sufficient for a warrant to surveil that individual. If they are selling them on the street illegally, bust them and send them to prison for a long time. If they have a legitimate reason, end of story. In fact, I would prefer using multiple gun purchases as a trigger for investigation. I am a hunter and member of the NRA and am in favor of throwing the book at those that knowingly and willingly arm criminals or misuse firearms. Anyone that respects the right and responsibility of gun ownership and use should support strong consequences for those that callously disregard these responsibilities.
Limiting the number of guns an individual can legally purchase will not solve the problem the Governor is addressing. These people need to be caught, prosecuted, and removed from society.
I am tired of this misinformation campaign on our current healthcare system. In 1991 during an examination for hemorrhoids, I was diagnosed with polyps. The doctor I was allowed to see by my insurance carrier at the time cauterized the hemorrhoids during the polypectomy procedure, painlessly and cheaply (less than $500).
In 1995 my company changed insurance carriers and I was not allowed to see this doctor anymore. I could not find one in the new system that performed this procedure, After several followups for the polyps without this treatment my hemorrhoids developed to the point of requiring surgery in 1998. Beside the pain invovled in the recovery, it took over a month out of work and cost thousands for the surgery.
Where is the choice of doctors? Where is the choice of procedures? Where is the cost savings by not allowing this problem from being treated in a preventative manner?
This is where my hope lies with Pres. Obama's reform of healthcare. Procedures like this will be promoted as part of the preventative measures they are talking about. This is another area where savings can come from. In my case for this one problem that amounts to thousands.
All the proposals and policies I have seen have the same flaw. They rely on major corporations and electric companies to produse the power and ignore the potential of individuals and commercial buildings entirely. Sorry, we can conserve. THAT is not good enough!!!!!! Did you know that there is over three times the surface area available today on residential buildings alone than the 100 mile by 100 mile mega facitility proposed for Nevada? That sight is said to be capable of meeting all our electrical needs. One of the big problems is transmission to areas of demand. That is the same problem with mega wind farms in the Dakotas. The other problem with both is that we are still at the mercy of companies with the ethical track record of Exxon, Enron, and electric utilities like National "Greed" in NY.
Installation of solar and wind technology on any residential and commercial building that wants it could more than meet our electrical requirements. AND it is generated where it is USED. There is no need for the vast majority of our electricity to be transmitted hundreds or thousands of miles. Throw in a smart grid that can bring in electricity to calm and overcast areas from all surrounding areas in ever increasing circumference and even localized shortages can be met with minimal net transmission distances.
Require the grid to by excess generation at wholesale prices and allow them to sell it to electricity intensive facilities at retail prices. This keeps the utilities profitable in the transmission business. If needed they can operate a drastically reduced number of power plants to meet rare power shortages.
Another area that gets a lot of hype, but is short sighted is plug in electric cars. This may be a short term necessity, but should not be looked at as a long term solution. Why should we be limited to the range of a batteries charge? Imagine trying to go cross country on battery power. There is an alternative. Wireless resonant induction is a technology that could be adapted to wirelessly powering vehicles on a continuous basis. This technology may be a decade or so off yet. The idea is that the transmitter coils be incorporated into the pavement at a depth of 3 to 5 cm. The power for these coils is supplied by local wind and photovoltaic generators along the roadside with back up from the smart grid. Photovoltaic in urban areas could be produced by CIGSS technology on the sound barriers with no noticeable change in aesthetics. The receiver/s should be mounted on wheeled, to prevent contact of receiver to pavement, extension arms at 1 to 5 cm above the pavement surface. The receivers and transmitters are sealed in waterproof casings similar to the technology used in modern electric toothbrushes. Currently efficiencies are on the order of 90% within 10 cm. The electricity needed to operate the vehicle is transmitted from the road coils to the receiver coils only when they are in resonance, like 2 bells of the same pitch. For heavier vehicles and loads, like tractor trailers, more receivers can be used to increase the power. Small battery systems can be used for brief interruptions to the wireless system or brief excursions out of the wireless network. The electrical energy is not transmitted unless the receiver is at the correct frequency so danger of electrocution or other negative effects is minimal.
MIT is working on this technology to power the appliances in your livingroom today. That requires transmission overdistances of upto 15 feet. This is done in rooms in which you are living and moving about. All without your sensing the electrical transmission. Another exampeare the wireless charging plates for cell phones and ipods, etc.
I just want to stress in closing the urgency of expanding our discussion of alternative energy to include decentralized generation. It is imperative in my opinion to develop this technology to most effectively meet future needs and as the most exportable technology to the developing world.
Hi all,
Here are the topics we discussed during the monthly meeting:
1. Health care- new bill in committee in the House and 656 single payer headed by Senator Conner of Michigan, he is the head of the health committee
2. Economy/ Jobs- military spending
3. Human Rights- sikhs in the military are being forced to violate their religious beliefs by not allowing them to wear turbans and requiring them to cut their hair. To learn more go to sikhcoalition.org .
4. Energy- PSC does not allow for solar users to get money for the extra electricity they provide for the electrical grid according to a Times Union article. We are contacting Congressman's Tonko's office about the regulations.
5. Relocating our meeting area- Next meeting is Tentatively scheduled for Thursday May 7th 7pm-8pm at the Colonie Library. it is located right off the Northway to make it easier for more people to come to meetings.
6. Community service- Contact Tony if interested in Troy Boys and girls Club; camp clean up first weekend of June..Hamd vote counting for primaries and general election in November. Need to contact DFA.
If you have any questions or comments please email me at chefmaster518@gmail.com
Peace,
Megan Kaminski
President Obama always said that the campaign was not about getting someone elected and it wasn't about him. It was about creating change in our country. Come down to the DeWitt Communtiy Library this Saturday April 11th at 1pm and hear how you can help President Obama enact that change and help our nation recover from the current economic crisis. RSVP at one of the below events on facebook or MyBo.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptw7d
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=158638970175
Hope you can make it!
John
Hi everyone,
I have been working on the Scott murphy Campaign for the last 5 weeks and it has been an amazing ride. My organizer Brian is wonderful and all of the organizers in th eTroy office Rock =)Anyways, I just wanted to make sure all of my fabulous MyBO friends know at the election.
Election day is tomorrow, March 31st. We could always use more volunteers GIve me a call at 518.322.6353 or the office at 273-2797. Also, feel free to check out the website www.scottmurphy09.com.
Take care,
Megan
We can do this, New York... Let's get charged up and get everyone we know involved. Check out the link below to Huffinton Post's great article on the Pledge Project.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/18/obama-urges-door-to-door_n_176278.html
Some key quotes from Huffington Post:
"...Getting similar levels of involvement for a budget fight is a much more difficult battle - one that proved elusive during the stimulus debate - and it should provide an interesting insight into the extent of the emotional investment of Obama supporters." "I'm asking you to head outside this Saturday to knock on some doors, talk to some neighbors, and let people know how important this budget is to our future," the president says. "And that is why I'm asking you to stay involved in the days ahead."
After the last 8 years of Trillion dollar tax cuts that only benefitted the rich, and corporate welfare for companies which used their savings to relocate overseas, it is insane to suggest that the same W Bush policies will work today.
At least 2/3rds of corporations pay NO income tax at all as it is. Through different scams and schemes, tax abatements, registering offshore in the Virgin Islands, sweetheart deals with states, counties, and cities, the amount of actual revenue collected by the government from corporations is a tiny fraction of what the nominal rate is.
The former vice-prez Dick Cheney helped Halliburton rip off the taxpayer by relocating and registering offshore to avoid paying any taxes, so Republicans are not only well aware that corporations pay little or no tax, they actually are accomplices in this tax evasion.
Some, like Republican Joe Barton did in a conference with President Obama, whine that their ideas are not being listened to. The President told Barton that if he had any real proposals, he would listen, but if the plan was to obstruct and bring the process to a halt, then the Democrats would go forward without Republican support.
I am very glad that the Budget vote will be different than the stimulus vote. A simple majority is all that is needed to pass the 2010 Budget. The House will be easy, and the Senate will only need 51 votes to pass it. That means President Obama could afford to lose all the Republican Senators and several Democratic Senators and still get his budget. No more compromise like he did on the Stimulus Bill.
Hello:My name is Allie Feldman, and I'm helping Ben Baruch with Organizing for America here in New York. We just wanted to make sure everyone sees the email and video below discussing OFA's next nationwide initiative -- the Pledge Project. Please feel free to contact me or Ben if you have any questions or concerns.Stay tuned for more updates coming by the end of the week!Thanks,Allie--Allie FeldmanVolunteer Organizing for America | New Yorkallie.feldman@gmail.com 908-370-2689
Ben BaruchVolunteer LiaisonOrganizing for America | New York
bennett.baruch@obamaalumni.com
Just over a week ago, President Obama submitted his first budget and made it clear he was ready for the fight to come.The President isn't alone. We're ready for that fight too -- it's what you built this movement for.Watch a video I recorded announcing our new initiative, the Organizing for America Pledge Project:Americans are ready for the bold new direction this plan offers. It's what they voted for in November, and it's needed now more than ever as we continue to face an unprecedented economic crisis.But the special interests and old ways of Washington won't go away easily. In fact, they'll only fight back harder.It's up to you to organize support for President Obama's plan throughout the country. It's the only way we'll get the change this country needs.Take the next step now in our fight to bring change:http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeprojectThanks,MitchMitch StewartDirectorOrganizing for America
So you want to know how it all went, the juicy details, the tidbits and stories picked up while traveling to our nation's capital to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.
Well, most of the story you already know. A movement was born 23 months ago, the hard work of millions led to the most important election of our lifetimes, and our side won! And before us lies the daunting task of rebuilding our economy, our esteem abroad and our confidence in ourselves.
We little know the big picture of what lies ahead. All we can surmise at this point is the first impression our new president gave to America and the world, and it was a mighty strong one.
Getting there, on my part, involved getting on one of Walt Dixie's two buses in the parking lot of a grocery store on Syracuse's East Side. We left just after 8 p.m., driving through the chilly night in good spirits and great fellowship, even in the wee hours.
Walt was quite right in saying that the easy part was getting to Washington. Though you had lines in the New Carrollton Metro station, we got on board quite easily, with special tickets featuring the picture of our new president, and arrived at L'Enfant Square before 6 a.m.
What followed, on my part, was a whole lot of walking in a feeble attempt to get to the security checkpoint on Constitution Avenue. Turns out, having a purple ticket wasn't all it was supposed to be, as the numerous stories have filtered out about waiting in lines and never even getting into the viewing venue near the Capitol.
The walking part consumed two hours as the sun rose over the gathering masses. Quickly, I had to decide - battle the security, or just surrender. As it turned out, the choice was quite easy.
Around 8:30 a.m., the ticket quest ended and I waded into the gathering vigil of hundreds of thousands of my fellow citizens in the National Mall, wedged in cardboard-covered grass between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. They were of all ages, all races, and every background imaginable. And every person I talked to seemed to come from a different state, welled up with pride about what they were about to witness.
Never mind that the ground we occupied stood a solid distance from the nearest Jumbotron, or that the audio from the speakers took some time to get cranked up, or that...well, it was quite cold (thank God for the sunshine). Everyone waited with anticipation, armed with the vast army of hand-held Stars and Stripes handed out by volunteers.
As the dignitaries came out to the podium, they got varied responses. Colin Powell got a nice cheer. The Carters and Clintons were warmly greeted. Dick Cheney, wheelchair-bound in his best Mr. Potter imitation, was not. And any sighting of the outgoing president triggered boos and a lot of "Na na na na Hey hey hey goodbye" singing. They were still doing it when Michelle Obama was being introduced! Not that classy, in my book.
But when it culminated with Barack Obama, splendidly attired in a dark suit and red tie, walking out to the stage, the roar was unleashed - and so were the flags. What a sight for the whole world to see - Americans, even in this down time, proud of their country and proud of their soon-to-be president. It was moving stuff, and no one had said a word yet.
Much of the ceremony itself passed like a blur. Dianne Feinstein said some great words. Rick Warren's prayer fit the moment. Aretha was..well, Aretha. Joe Biden got through his oath just fine, and yes the other musical number was mimed....but it was also 20 degrees outside.
Then, at 12:05, the moment....Barack Obama on one side, Chief Justice John Roberts on the other, Michelle, Malia and Sasha between them, Obama's left hand on the same Bible Lincoln used on March 4, 1861....and Roberts screws up the words! I knew so, and flinched a bit, but few around me likely noticed that the exact oath put in the Constitution 222 years ago was not said.
No matter, though - when Obama said, "So Help Me God", the roar was deafening, the flags waved again, and the wondrous act, perfected in our country, of a peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next had renewed itself once more. But it had never, ever meant as much as it did right now.
If you read Obama's inaugural address, it is quite beautiful. Mentions of scripture, an honest assessment of our many crises, a firm resolve to meet them, both here and abroad, a call for shared sacrifice and service from all of us, and a final evocation not of Lincoln, FDR or JFK, but the words of George Washington himself in the midst of the Revolutionary War. They faced long odds and prevailed. And YES WE CAN do the same.
The poem was nice, and Joseph Lowery's benediction was awesome. But the end part really got me. As the Navy Sea Chanters sang "The Star-Spangled Banner", I found myself singing it, too, loudly, like never before, and almost coming to tears. Never had that song, heard thousands of times before, meant so much. Never had I felt so proud to be an American than on this glorious day.
After a couple of hours drinking in the moment, it was time to head out. Getting back to Maryland, for my part, wasn't too hard (though quite cold), but it took a few hours for everyone on our buses to get back....so the drive home was mostly a lot of sleep, but we got back safely, just after 2 a.m. Wednesday morning. No parade, no inaugural ball...but we had experienced so much anyway.
When my parents called later, I recalled some of the hang-ups with the purple ticket, but Mom was right - at least I was there. I wished every American who wanted to could have been there. It felt like a pep rally for our entire nation, and when I read about how people around the world stopped what they were doing to watch this, it only made the moment more special.
Now back home, all of us, as citizens, have to live up to our part of the bargain. President Obama (it feels so good just to type those words) will do all he can, but we must do the same in our own communities - by being active in our communities, by volunteering, by doing anything we can to help our fellow man. Only by doing this can we pull through this trying time.
And there will be lots of time to hash out the issues. But if nothing else, we all got a chance to share in one of the landmark events in America's history, an event we all helped to make possible.
It's no longer a matter of months, or weeks, or even days. Now it is just hours before Barack Obama raises his right hand and solemnly swears, upon the same Bible Abraham Lincoln used in 1861, to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution.
And in that moment, America will be reborn.
You can see the rebirth happening already. The immense crowds are already gathering in Washington, and anyone who watched that HBO concert today must have found their soul stirred and their eyes moved to tears. Just the picture of Obama, at the Lincoln Memorial, speaking to the masses under the watchful gaze of our greatest of presidents...the torch passed again.
By an immense stroke of good fortune, I will be among those masses Tuesday, just a proud citizen witnessing one of the most breathtaking events in American history. It's impossible to express the emotions I will feel going there, because there's nothing in life that can compare to being at an event of this prestige.
Through 23 months of being part of this movement, what has been so beautiful to see, especially in these days leading up to the inauguration, is the sense of support and good wishes that people of all persuasions are giving Barack Obama.
To me, that goes beyond common courtesy, and even goes beyond the fact that Obama is following the disastrous presidency of George W. Bush. It relates to a theme common throughout our history - our need for a hero in tough times.
Usually, it's the kind of impulse with its roots in military struggles. It's what drove Americans to support Washington and make him our first president, and helped push men like Jackson, Taylor, Grant and Eisenhower to the White House. Immense success on one field of battle translated into votes and the Oval Office.
Obviously, the military question doesn't apply here. Instead, it's the historic oddity of having seen, twice in our nation's annals, the specatcle of a failed presidency followed by the glory of another.
James Buchanan did nothing while seeing America ripped apart by slavery, yet it set the stage for Lincoln and his incomparable achievements. Herbert Hoover did little for three years while the Great Depression worsened, but out of those ashes came FDR, arguably the best president of the 20th century.
Sound familiar? Well I believe, and surely all of you do as well, that our trying times gives Barack Obama a chance to be one of our great presidents. Look at the way he has already inspired millions to improve their own lives, and made people around the world look at the United States in a more positive light.
The work to change America only began with Obama's election and his inauguration. We know the burden he faces, but he cannot do it alone. We must, in the months and years ahead, work and strive and volunteer in our communities in the same positive, YES WE CAN spirit that made our campaign so special and successful.
First, though, comes that pep talk on Tuesday, with the whole world watching. We are all ready for it, too.
After some digging, I was able to find the name of the benediction speaker. The impetous to look came from a post on change .gov. PE Obama, kudos. It is a brilliant use of sybolism. Let me explain my thinking.
Open the Inaugural proceedings with a symbol of the old divisive politics of Reagan and Bush. This signifies the past. Then close the proceedings with a speaker that represents inclusion, unity, and human rights on all levels. This signifies the start of a new era. In between, is the actual exchange of power from the old to the new. Masterful.
The benediction is being given by Joseph Lowery.
I wrote my first response without checking all the fact and reacting emotionally. That is a mistake this new adminstration does not make. It is our best hope for the future and why I supported Barack in the first place. I don't agree with all his stated positions or disagree with all Warren' stated positions (just most). But, I am confident that Barack's are well thoughtout based on the available information. And more importantly are open to review and revision when warranted.
Everyone is SOOOO upset about Blagojevich. Why? Because he is stupid enough to talk about it while being LEGALLY wiretapped? The economic conservatives should be applauding him if they are true to their beliefs. After all, he was holding a public auction for the position of Senator. It was even fairly well advertised in the niche market.
Shouldn't we be more upset about the corruption of the Bush/Cheney mafia? Theirs was a no bid corruption. It wasn't open to free market bidding like Blago. The only consideration they made was if you were their friend or not. All the plotting went on behind closed doors and we weren't even allowed to know who showed up. And if you were suspected of getting antsy, Dick would take you BIRD hunting. Sounds alittle like going out for canollis to me.
Blago should be presecuted to the full extent of the law. If found guilty, the punishment should be sever. But, I think his transgressions pale in comparison to the level of corruption perptrated by the Bush administration. Yet NOONE will have the GUTS to do anything about it. All the players in a position to prosecute are too COWARDLY to actually pursue it.
Rick Warren giving the invocation is as appropriate as Louis Farrakhan or David Duke. All three are bigots and hate mongors. I understand that some people need to feel that there is some reason for their existence, happiness, and suffering other than that they are. But, do we need to elevate a closed, narrow minded manipulator to such national attention? Couldn't we find someone that stands for acceptance of humans because they are human? Someone that tries to lift the spirits of all? Warren tries to lift the spirits of his followers by attacking others. He openly fights to oppress members of groups that he doesn't personally agree with. He is another example of an individual that holds to his beliefs and F@!TH inspite of reality and facts. Didn't we have enough of that kind of stupidity with 8 years of Bush/Cheney?
I for one would like to see this invitation withdrawn and a clear message sent that we will not promote this type of devisive bigotry. The actual delivery of the invocation means nothing to me personally. I don't know if there is a god or not and I don't care. But, since it is important to many I have no problem with the inclusion of this ritual. My only wish is that it would be done by a true spiritual and moral leader that doesn't preach, but promotes open dialog about common morals and ethics. We don't need to hear from someone that PREACHES intolerance and bigotry. Just my opinion.
