Include, Respect and Empower!
There were approximately 60 people in attendance Saturday at our Irving St. Library 'Change is Coming' meeting.
Opening Remarks- As one might expect the meeting opened with congratulations all around for our incredible efforts on behalf or the Obama campaign and an acknowledgement that in spite of the President Elects' inspirational leadership much of the change needed in our country needs to happen with the support and efforts from local grassroots organizations.
Change Video/DVD- Next on the agenda was scheduled to be a 10 Minute DVD presentation from the campaign but since the DVD hadn't arrived and because the general consensus was that the content of the DVD was likely; 'Thanks for your efforts', 'Your continued involvement is important', 'Your efforts moving forward are vital' etc. and since we had clearly come together in the spirit of what was likely conveyed in the DVD we moved forward.
History of Change- There was a brief overview of examples of grassroots citizens organizations creating change throughout the history of our country i.e. The American Revolution, The Women's Suffragette Movement, Labor Movement, Civil Rights Movement, The 18 Year Old Right to Vote. It was pointed out that this particular moment in our nation's history could well be the most significant moment since the birth of our nation.
Dear Adams & Broomfield County Supporters,
Nicholas Kowalski has asked me to share the message of encouragement and guidance below. In his message he also stated that he continues to monitor the email traffic, blogs and other news from Adams County and considers Colorado his second home.
Nick's Message:
To the Obama Supporters and Volunteers Who Helped Win Colorado and Turn it Blue,First, let me reiterate and extend a sincere 'thank you' on behalf of the campaign and the staffers who worked with you.Two, a general update. Obama For America is deliberately working toward building a solid and focused structure to capitalize on the hard work you put into building a powerful grassroots organization and utilizing the strength of this organization to help President-elect Obama govern and to help you advance issues in your own community. This process will take time and patience to succeed; we ask you to please maintain your enthusiasm while being patient with the process. There are many details and policies that have to be worked out in order to achieve a mission of community organizing while not being overly political or partisan. I can promise you that a structure and organization will come your way to help you out. Three, moving forward and a vision. With all that said about the next version of Obama For America, I recommend you think about and establish a mission for yourselves with some long-term goals in mind. Some long-term goal suggestions:A. Build an organized structure to conduct the 2012 caucuses in an orderly, proper and fair fashion.B. Designate a few individuals to become involved in existing political structures such as city council, county administration and local political parties.C. Aim for a few community activism goals such as organizing students to do community service or draft a ballot measure to improve parks and community areas in your city or county. D. Continue to register votersFour, some humble advice and basic recommendations:A. Re-Watch President-elect's Election Night speech at Grant Park in Chicago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jll5baCAaQUB. Remember, we organized with respect to no party affiliations. Think about it and look back at all the literature you handed out and the scripts you used to make calls...they did not include, anywhere, that Barack Obama was a "Democrat." You can't take the 'Democrat' out of Barack Obama, but you can take Barack Obama out of 'Democrat." We organized on a non-partisan basis. Don't forget that Republicans and Independents helped made this Change real--include them and respect their views by not getting bogged-down in the details of Democratic Party politics. C. Adams County Democratic Party -- it's small potatoes compared to what we are trying to do. Don't get me wrong, having an organized and effective Democratic Party in your county is important. With that said, we won't find the change you seek by going through that party structure. It seems to me that some folks who are deeply committed to the Adams County Democratic Party should go ahead and seek leadership positions within this structure. But, I caution our volunteers to exercise restraint in letting this objective be the objective of the day. Remember, we have a diverse group of enthusiastic volunteers who care about issues, not party politics. Closing Remarks:Obama for America is undergoing a number of organizing operations including a National Day of Service on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Field Organizers are volunteering their time to call other Field Organizers across the entire country to make sure they are following up with their Neighborhood Team Leaders. This effort reflects the campaign's deliberate efforts to appreciate your investment and commitment. The process of migrating our mission from winning an election toward a broad community acitivism and organization structure will take time, but it will happen. Former campaign officials at the highest levels appreciate all the effort and sacrifice you made during the campaign and your continued effort in the wake of our victory. Please stay-tuned for more emails from David Plouffe and other campaign leaders. I have copied our field organizers on this message so they are privy to this update and advice. If you have any questions or would like to communicate directly with your field organizer, please let me know. I'll be out of the country over the holidays, but I promise to follow up with you as soon as I can.Thank you for everything you have done.Regards,Nicholas F. Kowalskinick.kowalski@gmail.com-- Nicholas F. Kowalskihttp://nfkowalski.blogspot.com/
I would like to thank everyone able to attend the Change is Coming - House Meeting yesterday. In light of the snow we had a very good turnout. For our neighbors not able to attend the meeting I did receive your emails and thank you for contacting me. The meeting was about staying in touch in our community. Bringing out issues in our community and discussing those issues to see if they could be most handled on a local level or national level. The meeting was about getting in touch with our local representatives on a local and state level to let them know about our meeting and our issues. The issues addressed were 1. Education, 2. Healthcare, 3. The Economy, 4. Energy Independence. Everyone in the group were concerned about job creation, jobs for women, clean energy, funding, bipartisanship, technology creation for small businesses with creativity and innovation, also Fast Track - trains that run on diesel in some areas of our community which cause health issues. The trains should run on electric which are more health friendly. The issue I will work on now because there is a vote coming up in January of 2009 is Fast Track to see if there is anything we can do as a community. If by chance anyone has anymore information regarding any issue they would like to include feel free to contact me. I am still in the process of organizing all the information I took yesterday.
Please let me know if you want to stay informed. We will have our next meeting in January. The day still to be determined and we have another person willing to open their home in Westminster for our next house meetings. I would also like to hear feedback from any and everyone who attended a Change is coming Meeting.
Linda
In a few hours here in Adams County we will have our 'Change is Coming' house meeting. It looks more as if it will be as much a community gathering as anything, with 60 attendees signed up.
While making coffee and watching the sun come up it occurs to me just how much the sunrise looks just as it did on election day November 4th. Full of excitement, full of hope and full of possibilities for the future.
There can be no doubt that indeed we are standing on the threshold of a new era for our nation and for the world.
I just wrapped up a session of voter calling. Over the weekend, my wife and I did some data entry at a local Obama office. My daughter was even able to help out by putting labels on mail. This is the most I've ever participated in a political campaign, and it feels good to know that I'm helping.
Obviously, my contributions are small, but I know I'm not alone. In the 2004 election, Bush only barely beat John Kerry (despite what the Republicans will tell you, with their talk of a "mandate"). If enough people like me had put just a little more effort into Kerry's campaign, maybe things would have turned out differently.
So come on, Obama supporters... You don't have to make a job of it. This web site gives you all the tools you need to write a letter to an editor, knock on a few doors, or make a few phone calls. You can do it for ten minutes at a time, and never leave your couch. If enough of us give a few dollars here, a few minutes there, then maybe we can finally take this country back!
Shawn
Hi.
Historically, my political views have been fueled by opposition. It's more about being against one thing than for another. In 2004, I was firmly in the "Anyone-But-Bush" camp. I didn't care who took his place, I just knew that I didn't want W in office anymore. I grew to genuinely like John Kerry, but even if I hadn't, I would have voted for him without reservation.
This year was much the same. I didn't much care which Democrat won the nomination, so long as they could beat whomever the Republicans put up. When McCain became the presumptive nominee, and it became clear that he was running on a more-of-the-same platform, this need for change only intensified.
The last 8 years have not been good for me nor my family. I have so many reasons to be the best volunteer I can to help Barack Obama win Jefferson County. One of the republicans on TV said this election is not about issues. When I heard that I thought why are you even in anyone's office. During Barack's speech I did attend the DNC and I was so emotional touched I felt like just sitting were I was at the time and just cry. I was so deeply touched. It is simple for a person to say something and it is hard to know when someone is sincere from the heart. I truly believe Barack gave that speech from his heart. He spoke and then he told all of us what he was going to do to help us.
I am a African American Female born in Chicago, well educated and I have experienced so many issues Barack spoke about during the DNC. I would also like to point out it was and still is an insult to me and I am sure others for Sarah Palin to demeanor a community leader. Barack went into the worst areas of Chicago to let people know they have rights. He let people know things they never would have known unless someone like himself came along and explain you have options. Speak up for yourself you have a voice.
It is time for Change and it will take Barack Obama to make that change.
Linda Cerva, Westminster - Team Leader - For Barack Obama's Campaign for Change in Colorado
Please try to attend my house meeting on Sept 20, at 11031 Kendall Drive, Westminster starting at 5:00 pm.
Fellow Obama Supporters:
If you live in Arvada, or in the area, and want to help, please attend the upcoming ALL VOLUNTEER MEETING this Sunday (TOMORROW) in McIlvoy Park (in Olde Town Arvada).
Go here for more details and to RSVP:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpgtvw
Remember that we have basically a month before Mail-in Ballots are sent out, so this is a CRITICAL TIME OVER THE NEXT 4-5 WEEKS!
Hope to see you on Sunday!
Mic
This was one detail I've been wanting to confirm to have available whenever anyone does VRD's. IF you're doing a VRD and someone asks about getting a form for a friend or where to check their voter registration status, tell them to go to:
http://www.elections.colorado.gov/
On that site, there are links to "Verify your Voter Registration" and download a Voter Registration Form. This is a great site to memorize and share with everyone!
For anyone who hasn't already seen it, check out the Low Road Express website and pass it along! The way that Barack has run his campaign in this general election season is leaps and bounds better than the Democratic presidential campaign of four years ago, but I believe it's up to us, the voters, to ensure that the word gets out at the grassroots level. It is our repsonsibility to use every tool at our disposal (including of course, Fight the Smears and yes, even Michelle Obama Watch) to defeat the outright lies, smears and innuendo that the rethuglicans seem to relish throwing at our candidates. I'm just grateful that we now have a candidate who is willing to stand up to it, and he needs us to have his back.
Equally as important, I believe that we should all carefully consider the idea that a willingness to compromise DOES NOT EQUAL weakness. This is a notion the Republicans would have us believe, and if we fall for it, then once again we've done their job for them by effectivley dividing ourselves. I'm not advocating a blind, unquestioning belief in every single one of our candidate's ideas or motives, the fact that we don't do that is what separates us from the other side. Like many others, I was a bit alarmed when I first heard that Barack had reversed himself on the idea of additional offshore oil drilling. But upon a closer reading of the issue and of his words, I came to realize that the reason he cites for allowing additional offshore drilling, a willingness to open the door of compromise in order to help get sound alternative energy policies passed, would be far more beneficial to The American People (and is far more economically savvy) than McSame's naive idea that it will result in lower gas prices in the short term, and lessen the depenence for foreign oil in the long term.
As reasonable, thinking people I believe that we will of course remain vigilant in this campaign, and that we will hold Barack's feet to the fire on all issues just as diligently as we call McSame on his myriad lies. This intellectual task is not and will not be easy, especially compared to the other side. All they have to do is swallow and regurgitate everything their candidate comes out with. But like I say, we are all thinkers. We are the ones to whom Barack has his greatest appeal. And as our numbers grow, so will our advantage as we get closer to November.
In addition to the erosion of the 4th amendment that we have seen with FISA, once again as has been the case in the past several election cycles we will see some draconian restraints placed on the 1st amendment rights of activists who wish their voices to be heard by the Democratic party.
Make no mistake, in addition to the 20,000 or so credentialed delegates and special guests there will be equal or even greater numbers of representatives/activists from a wide number of special interest groups in the streets seeking to have their voices heard in addition to which. because the acceptance of the nomination will now be held at a 75,000 seat stadium, we can likely expect an even larger influx of “non-credentialed persons” hoping to gain access to INVESCO Field at Mile High.
If the media decides to focus on conflicts between protesters and an overly zealous “security forces” then the mainstream media coverage will detract from our candidate’s message, detract from the party’s platform and possibly alienate people from the party itself.
Under the guise of ‘security’ we have seen the development of “Free Speech Zones” that isolate the voices of our citizens rather than embraces them. The very idea of “Free Speech Zones” flies in the face of everything our party and this country are about.
Historically, those who have elected to not be herded into “Free Speech Zones” like cattle and have instead chosen to fully exercise their first amendment rights have been subjected to tear gas, mace, beatings and arrest. The drama of these actions are quite fully covered by the mainstream media while the substance of the issues that these activists try to bring to the attention of convention delegates go largely ignored.
Additionally, when activists rebelling against the abhorrent concept of “Free Speech Zones” become the focus of media attention our candidate and our party’s platform dissolve into the background rather than being at the forefront.
Whether you are a grassroots supporter who will be watching the 2008 DNC & RNC Convention from afar, an Obama supporter who is also an activist of whatever stripe or a delegate to the DNC you have the opportunity to help create a new kind of atmosphere for the upcoming convention.
Currently Denver authorities are gearing up for 1,200 arrests per day. Shy of people voluntarily allowing themselves to be herded into “Free Speech Cages” authorities also are withholding information from activist groups as to what sort of activities might instigate an arrest or what sort of activities might result in an escalation of physical force/violence on the part of the police making it impossible for activist to be able to judge what forms of speech or expression will be permitted without the person’s action resulting in arrest or a possible wide spread sweep by the police. In the past these sort of scenarios have resulted in not only activists and protesters being swept up by police but by-standers and even delegates. The authorities in Denver in conjunction with Federal authorities are creating a scenario where the only safe way to exercise freedom of speech is to volunteer be imprisoned in a cage a considerable distance from the convention site blocked from sight by the area where the media will be set up.
The hope is that collectively we can develop ideas which will create a safe and just environment for freedom of speech to take place and a respectful atmosphere overall during the course of the convention for the country and world to witness.
Footnote: Yesterday a personal friend of mine who is a local attorney attended a special training for lawyers who are willing to provide legal assistance to activists arrested for attempting to exercise their 1st amendment rights. One of the things that became abundantly clear is the perception that the Denver Police Department has that they have been led to believe intent of protesters is primarily to create chaos and disruptions including flinging feces and urine at the police. Obviously this perception does not bode well for the mindset being created within the police department. Also of note is the fact that the various groups that are operating under the umbrella of Recreate68 have been undertaking non-violence trainings in preparation for possible conflict while at the same time reaching out to Denver authorities to create some common understandings and dispel the many myths and rumors floating around about the intent of organizers and participants, so far those attempts have fallen on deaf ears.
Ernest Holmes' writing for July 13th is especially pertinent during these trying times.
I Judge, and Am Judged, With the Justice of God
"My judgement is just; becasue I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hat sent me." John 5:30
Jesus, the greatest of all the illumined, said, "Judge not that ye be not judged, for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged," by which he meant that we cannot judge others harshly without receiving back into our own consciousness and experience the very things we claim for others. While Jesus was the most compassionate of all people, he was also the most just, for he knew that our lives are governed by an exact and immutable law of cause and effect. He knew, and we all must learn, that it is impossible to wish something for someone else without at the same time willing it for ourselves. If we all were to follow this rule we should become more kind, if only for the purpose of self-preservation and personal happiness, for no one wishes to injure himself. Always, then, we are placed in this position--we dare not wish anything for anyone that we would be unwilling to accept for ourselves. If everyone were to live by this rule there would be no injustice in the world.
http://milfandcookies.mypodcast.com/2008/06/Episode_13_Stuntcast_T_Minus_2-116553.html
It's spread throughout the show, and much of the language is not work safe (but it's NOT porn, I swear!)
I go into more detail there, but to summarize, my Top 3 list is;
As we all may have heard by now, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak has used her Superdelegate vote to endorse Barack Obama for President. As many of us as possible should send her a thank you note, just to show appreciation for her leadership, and confirm to the voters of Colorado just how much support there is here for Barack. There should be no question in the mind of any Colorado voter that this state is turning true blue in November!
We have persevered!
Now that we are home form Colorado Springs invigorated from seeing the energy our efforts have created, it's time to start thinking about next steps.
Not only do we need to be prepared to show the DNC what Colorado can do (read: lots of work for those of us involved), but we need to ramp up to support our down ticket delegates in the districts we live in.
We will get our president elected. We will have opportunities to register voters, walk precincts, hold bar-b-ques and parties, and canvas, canvas, canvas. But, we have tons of opportunity to make our down ticket democratic message heard. We need to not only elect a president, but to give him (or her ;-) the tools needed to implement a bold vision. That means down ticket candidates.
Please contact your county office and find out who the chairs are for you HD and CD races. Then, get involved. Donate time, donate money, donate materials. A little bit of extra effort will go along way. We need Udall, we need Eng, we need Perlmutter, we need Hudak, we need to increase our majority national and state congresses. That is the change we CAN make happen. That is how we CAN give our next president the tools needed to change our national direction.
Can we do more than elect a President? Can we provide a brighter future? Can we get back on the right track? YES WE CAN!!!! and we will!!!
My journey to the Obama campaign has taken a long and winding road. I began my support of a potential presidential candidate back at the end of 2005, when I joined the national “Draft Al Gore” group based in Nashville, Tennessee. As the New Year approached, most of the attention in my community was rightfully being paid to the upcoming congressional elections. Still, I collected articles, sent out emails and generally kept a close watch on any possible political activity by Vice President Gore. In 2006 I went to work for a congressional candidate in my area, but kept an eye out for anything Mr. Gore might be doing relating to politics or any possible presidential aspirations. Throughout 2007, I helped to organize and participated in awareness-raising activities surrounding events such as Earth Day and screenings of An Inconvenient Truth as a part of my membership in one of the growing numbers of “Draft Gore” organizations that had sprung up nationwide during that year. Our own group, “Colorado 4 Gore”, had grown to almost eighty members between January and November.
However, during the fall of 2007 when Vice President Gore sent a representative to New York and had his name removed from that state’s primary ballot (New York had gathered the requisite number of signatures), all of us in the Draft Gore movement realized that our dream was over and that we had but to move on. I moved on to John Edwards, who I thought to be the best populist candidate in the race to that point. Many former Gore supporters thought the same way. But of course, before anyone I knew could really get out in their neighborhoods or even behind a keyboard on his behalf, Mr. Edwards quit the race. Well, I knew then and I know now that I had every intention of supporting, in whatever capacity I could, a Democratic candidate for president. After closely examining both remaining candidates, I decided that Senator Obama was the best one. It might appear from my experience as I’ve shared it that Senator Obama was my third choice, and I suppose that’s true. But my support of Mr. Gore and then Mr. Edwards has had to do with the character and characteristics I knew about these men, populism being first and foremost. But once the resonance of the early primary race had died away to a great extent, and I was able to read and listen to Senator Obama’s words, I found that he possesses the same qualities as my previous choices, and even more. Since January, the choice for me has been an easy one.
