Capital District NY for Obama

Our Favorite Thanks given Song goes something like this...

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:06:20 EST

Maata Putra se' Pyaar

Chorus: Maata putra se' pyaar

Kiya hai jitana

Kown karega itanaa (2X)

1) Now maheenee uddar me raakha

Jab duniya me' aayaa

Sardee Lage'gee chaadar

orhaos-kar

Stan doodh pilaay aa -Chorus

2) Thapak Thapak Kar

Sukh se' sulaayaa

Gaa Kar surla Bhajana

Bee maar pare' jab, Vaidya

Bulaakar (2X)

Aushadh paan karaaya

Kown karega itanaa -Chorus

3)Javaan bhaye' jab shaadee karnaa

Tab tak prem na chhoote'

Maataa ki mamtaa, aisee baree hai

Saagar bara hai Jitana.

Chorus: Kown Karega Itanaa.

Grand Opening of OFA Office in Albany NY = )

Megan Kaminski, Intern NY 21 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:58:03 EST

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

Yes We Can . . . Can't We?

John Minehan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:03:13 EST

In 2009, the message from the electorate was: "Yes, we can!" In 2009, the message from the electorate was: "You haven't yet!"

Too much can be read into these results. This is my opinion of what this may mean.

Christe In New Jersey

Jon Corzine isn't stupid: he was Chairman of Goldman Sachs. He doesn't lack heart: he is a former Marine. However, he really didn't accomplish much of anything in New Jersey. Property taxes remain the highest in the nation. Economic growth is nonexistent and recovery in sluggish, making people who are trying to re-trench financially more conscious of the excessive taxes.

Corzine was distracted as governor. He was distracted by his recovery from his 2007 auto wreak (while speeding in a state vehicle) and by coverage of his relationship with public sector union lobbyist Carla Katz. He was involved in a number of failed or embarrassing policy initiatives, like the 2006 Government shutdown and the Dubai ports controversy. While he was an honest man, indictments of several corrupt New Jersey politicians during his term reminded voters of long standing issues with municipal and public sector union corruption in the state.

Christe, in contrast, was the US Attorney who obtained multiple indictments and convictions in these cases, including Newark's infamous Sharpe James. A moderate Republican, he was pushed towards a tax reform message by the Primary challenge of tax reform crusader Steve Lonegan.

Despite the amount of time the President spent in New Jersey campaigning for Corzine, I think this is less a referendum on Pres. Obama than a sign that a Chief Executive perceived as ineffective in a high tax state or locality is at risk.

This was true, not only in New Jersey, but in New York, where long-serving County Executive Andy Spano in Westchester was handily defeated by a republican newcomer. Out on Long Island, Tom Suozzi has apparently barely survived a challenge as Nassau County Executive. Orange County, after flirting with the Democrats at the local level for a few years, is back to being rock-ribbed Republican.

Since several Blue States in addition to New Jersey (such as Michigan, California and NY) are in this same situation, this may be a potential threat to the Democrats surviving as a national party What happens to a party that controls nothing? Ask the Federalists and the Whigs.

Virginia

I see this as more of a referendum on Pres. Obama.

He just has not delivered enough on economic issues to keep the extraordinary mandate he received by being the first Democrat to take Virginia since LBJ in 1964. Additionally, the Virginia Democrats just don't have a deep bench.

NY 23d

The Conservative candidate lost, but a conservative candidate won. That is the critical take-away.

Owen is a fiscally conservative former Air Force officer. He was an ideal candidate for this District, just as Scott Murphy was for the NY 20th. In contrast, the Republican County Chairs seem not to have gotten the message that this is a conservative district and that,
outside of certain catchment areas, NY is a Red State.

The big disadvantage that NY Republicans have in 2010 is their own leadership. The new state chairman, Cox, may make a real difference. Sarah Palin and the Tea Party/Patriot movement saw and exploited this before the "wise men, " not a great sign for Republicans.

What to Do

The Administration needs to pull sharp right, especially on economic issues. You just can't solve a debt crisis with more debt, although many households tried back in the "Re-fi Economy." (Which may be why average voters know that now.)

Everyone in the Administration needs to read (and understand) these:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703932904574511250528884932.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703574604574499693726128138.html

The Democrats just can't figure out it is no longer 1932. A young working man at a political meeting I attended this summer, not a guy you would pick out as politically active, got up and said, "We want freedom, not bullshit." Democrats better figure that one out fast.

Think about how to get rid of Pelosi and Reid before Christmas. They are the death knell to any hope of Democrats keeping Congress in 2010.

Call in Rep. Paul Ryan and Newt Gingrich. Ryan's health care bills are far better than anything the Democrats have offered and the Administration needs a win.

If the economy recovers, even a bit anemically, a personally popular President can still be re-elected with a wide margin, as Pres, Reagan was in 1984, despite hard times early on.

The Republicans need to push financial responsibility and limited government. The defeat of gay marriage in Maine shows that the country is socially conservative, but you have more than enough material on the economy, Constitutional overreach by the Federal government and the debt. (Which are fundamentally related issues.)

Nothing is beyond change at this point, but the Administration better start thinking hard.

Punctilios and Prosperity

John Minehan — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:39:09 EDT

Some weeks ago, I saw a young woman at a political event wearing a tee-shirt which read: "Impeach Everyone." On Tuesday (Oct.13, 2009), the Wall Street Journal published a news/analysis piece entitled Rage at Government for Doing Too Much and Too Little by Naftali Bendavid, but which would have been more accurately titled, Rage Targets "Business and Government with Equal Fury." (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125539072998381441.html)

In short, the prevailing zeitgeist seems to be one of diminishing legitimacy for many of the institutions that dominate our society.

A New Approach for the Obama Administration

John Minehan — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:40:46 EDT

After the storm over health care reform in August, it is clear that the Obama Administration is no longer leading public opinion. In fact, the Administration and the Democratic Congress very clearly misread their mandate. Holman Jenkins recent column in the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704471504574442772173150440.html?mod=wsj_share_facebook) very accurately describes what went wrong.

The question is: how does the Administration get back on track?

My President Barack Obama Is A Mahatma = A Great Soul

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:02:51 EDT

In my opinion - My president Barack Obama is a Mahatma. A Mahatma means A Great Soul - A liberated person who is fully devoted and consecrated to The Creator = The Super Soul = God.

ANOTHER POLL FOR NEW YORKERS

Suffolk.New York.Can — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:44:45 EDT

Please check TOPIX.COM AND WRITE COMMENTS OR ANSWER SURVEYS.

Please Answer This Question Daily- Help The President

Suffolk.New York.Can — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:06:04 EDT

Barack Obama Job ApprovalHow is Obama doing as President?
Tell YouGov what you think!
www.PollingPoint.com

If you can't find it directly from here by eith clicking on it or going to their site, please search in google. Type in Wall Street Journal Poll Registration

Afghanistan

John Minehan — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:48:24 EDT

A few thoughts on Afghanistan:

---Afghanistan is a supporting attack; an operational fixing attack, not unlike the Italian Campaign in WWII.

---Commanders of supporting attacks always want more resources, just as MacArthur did in the Pacific or Mark Clark did in Italy in WWII.

---Sometimes, those commanders see genuine operational or strategic opportunity, which should be exploited. Most often they don't.

---This is an ethical issue. We are asking our fellow citizens to risk death or crippling injuries in an effort that is less important than others.

---This may be necessary. However, Monte Cassinos or Rapido Rivers are not necessary.

---MacArthur understood this. Mark Clark did not. There are, in general, more Mark Clarks than Douglas MacArthurs.

---The heart of this mission is to destroy what remains of "Big AQ" in the Pakistani Border Regions. To do this, we need to control Afghanistan as a force projection platform and as a goad for some AQ and Taliban forces to become decisively engaged. Our presence in Afghanistan is also a signal of commitment to Pakistan and the "'Stans," the neighboring former-Soviet Islamic states.

---We will need to remain engaged in Afghanistan after a military solution to AQ is achieved. In part, this is to obviate the need for any future military solutions being needed.

---You can win a war against terrorist elements. You can also drive nails with a screwdriver handle. Neither is an optimal use of that particular tool.

---The non-military side of this may take years, maybe decades. The other side is more patient. They are more used to operating effectively on a shoe-string. However, at this level, this about fair courts, roads and clean water and they are better at it than the governments we are supporting: in Somalia and Iraq, not just in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

---If they grade the roads; run the credible courts; teach the kids; and collect the taxes, they ARE the government Our guys in Pakistan seem, per news items, to be waking up to this. I hope that spreads.

---It is ALL about the "L Word" (no, not THAT one): "Legitimacy."

SIENA POLLS FOR GOVERNOR PATERSON

Suffolk.New York.Can — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:05:00 EDT

http://www.siena.edu/pages/1154.asp

Did they ask you to participate? Who is voting for or against him? I am trying to figure that one out. He isn't doing worse than any other Governor. 20% is just not acceptable, just for respect sake. Please participate in the Polls.

Voices Of The Community Open Research. - And I Say Amen! Tell It Like It Is My Brothers and Sisters.

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:50:25 EDT

Community members send me E-mails about their opinions on 9-12-09

That Reads:

"Those extremist right wing racist republicans just cannot accept the voice of the people. Americans elected Barack Obama as president and the racist republicans need to get over it and get a life."

"(About "tea party" Protest about Obama Health Care) - I think There's a new name for what these people are protesting. It's abbreviation is "PWB" - President While Black. I've been sensing this quite a lot of so-called protests recently. You can see it particularly in red angry faces of people like Joe "You Lie" Wilson

Health Care Reform

John Minehan — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:27:43 EDT

My views on this issue are shaped by my experiences, as with most people. Particularly, they have been shaped by working as a lawyer, and before that a law clerk and low-level functionary in the health care industry, beginning in the late 1990s, which was a time of great change.

Here are some things I saw and the conclusions I draw from those things.

HEALTH CARE REFORM: WHY THE OBAMA PROPOSAL IS LOSING

John Minehan — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:14:03 EDT

The other day, I heard a cogent, persuasive argument in favor of the Public Option that did not rely on the idea that the Public Option would be the first step towards a single payor system. Unfortunately, I did not hear this argument from the President; from Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius; from "Health Reform Czar" De Parle; or from Press Secretary Gibbs.

Dispatches From The Health Care Reform Front

John Minehan — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:47:00 EDT

On August 11, 2009, I was one of several constituents who met with Mr. Chris White of Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey's (22d NY) Staff on health care reform, particularly, HR 3200. Mr. White was very knowledgeable. His graciousness in dealing with an unexpectedly large group was much appreciated.

The majority of these constituents (I was the exception) supported something closer to a single payor system, as does Rep. Hinchey as a member of the House Progressive Caucus and a co-sponsor of HR 676, the single payor bill.

As when I attended Rep. Murphy's Town Halls in the 20d NY this weekend, this meeting made me see two things clearly:

almost everyone thinks reform is needed; and

no one is committed in any way to the present version of HR 3200, which seems to be without any natural constituency.

I think the current version of HR 3200 will fail. The question is: what can succeed?

Health Reform -What A Wonderful Thing- Go President Obama!!! Bravo, Bravo!!!

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:24:31 EDT

You are doing a Wonderful Job, for Health Care my President Obama We all are Proud of You, Thank You Very Much for Caring

Your Humble Friend

Mary

Yb-lem Oskowitz aka Mary

God Bless You Always.

Grassroots In Humanism

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:02:21 EDT

ü-RamaKrishna n“I see people talk about religion constantly quarreling with one another, Hindus, Mussulmans, or Muslims, Brahmos, Shaktas, Vaishnavas, Shaivas all quarrel with one another. They haven’t the intelligence to understand that He who is called Krishna is also Shiva and Primal Shakti, and that it is He, again, who is called Jesus and Allah. “There is only one Rama (God) and He has a thousand names.”

Believe it or not

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:56:39 EDT

üThe Prophet Jesus was a Sage; he used to teach people by telling them stories (parables).
Mark 4: 33-34 in The Bible’s New Testament say, “And with many such parables He (Jesus) did not speak to them, and when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples”. üJesus was a Sage and a free thinker, someone who in his own way rebel against the teachings of his time such as corruption of the church back then, and the exploitation and persecution of the Jewish community by the Romans. üSo, tired of what was going on back then, one day, over 2000 years ago, the young man, Prophet Jesus, decided to do something about it, and he proclaimed himself The King of Israel and The Son of God. He knew that this act will later cause for him to be arrested and even killed. nPeople back then saw Jesus as a Revolutionary Savior who was sent from God to save them from both the church and the Romans, but later when people realized that Jesus was not going to actually fight The Romans physically or organized some kind of revolt, the people became angry against Jesus, and quite scare of the Romans and the church leaders to turn against them, and so, they decided to turn him in, and accused him. üJesus used sarcasm by calling Himself a King of Israel, making The Romans look silly, and by calling Himself God (Hinduism and Greek Philosophical concepts God=The Self), He challenged the church. üFrom The age of 13-33 it is believed that Jesus was at the Himalayas becoming a Yogi.
He was a very brave and courage's young man, and he stood his ground for what he believed even if this would had result in his death. nOn the other hand, the people in Jerusalem did not like Jesus, and this included his own family.
This was the first time in many years that the people of Jerusalem had actually accepted him as a prophet of God; at that time people were very upset at The Romans and at The Church, and many kept their old beliefs such as that in Jerusalem one of their old rituals where to scarify a good man or their first male sons to Baal and other Gods for protection and good luck. nSo, the results were some people shouting, a few days later, crucify him and others shouting do not crucify him. Nevertheless, Jesus was a wise and brave young man who meant well, and above all he was just as human as you and me. n1 Timothy, this book of the New Testament is a leadership manual, for in it Saint Paul counsels Timothy to beware of false religious teachers, public prayer, the role of women, and the requirements for elders. ü2 Timothy is a text that teaches one about endurance in ministry.
Moreover, this book is a combat manual which is designed to build up, as well as encourage Timothy to become bold and steadfast in view of the hardships of spiritual warfare.

20th NY Congressional District Town Halls

John Minehan — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:44:42 EDT

On August 7, I attended a Town Hall sponsored by Rep. Scott Murphy of the 20th NY held at Granville, NY. On August 8, I attended a Town Hall held at Valatie, NY by Rep. Murphy. In each case other issues were discussed but the primary focus was health care reform. I have the following observations:

Ancient Prayer To Accompany An Intelligent Performance - Chant

Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:52:23 EDT

nAncient Rules Of Wisdom. n"Thou shalt worship in any way it pleases thee and let others do likewise even though ye may not understand their ways". n"Thou shalt not forget the spirit within and the spirit without are the true God." n"Thou shalt not cage another human being or free animal." n"Thou shalt not destroy or take from it without restoring that which has been taken, and though shalt keep the balance of nature intact at all times." n"Though shalt not take the life of another individual, and thou shalt not kill animals." n"Though shalt always be thyself in saying, thinking, doing, what thou truly desires' so long as it hurts no one else." n"Though shalt live in accordance to nature, nor against it, and coordinate sleep, food, physical exertion, and work with ways of nature." n"Though shalt express thyself through art, craft, music, dancing, singing, and or poetry." n"Though shalt always strike a happy balance between mind, body, and spirit, by exercising the body and mind and inner self through the interplay of body and mind, ever mindful that the spirit is above and beyond both mind and body." n"Though shalt trust your instincts (feelings)." n"Though shalt strive to understand that difficulties are but opportunities to learn." n"Though shalt stay focused and do not be intimidated by know-it-alls." n"Though shalt believe in you." n"Though shalt not be afraid to take the lead." n"Though shalt watch out for narrow minds and prejudice." n"Though shalt be your own person; remember you have a mind of your own, and you do not need anyone else's approval." n"Though shalt learn the virtues of self-discipline and team work." n"Though shalt beware of reckless irresponsible people." n"Though shalt not be afraid of rejection." n

Toyotas NOT Ladas: Markets For Health Care . . . And Health Care Reform

John Minehan — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:13:21 EDT

If you want to lower costs, increase quality and improve access to services in health care, you must leverage market forces. If you want to sell health care reform, you need to propose a plan somebody wants.

Some Thoughts on Co-Ops That MIGHT Work

John Minehan — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:43:26 EDT

A couple of my friends across the political spectrum sent me these interesting articles on the Co-op idea proposed in the Senate:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rj-esk...

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Hea...

In my opinion, Co-ops are the best approach to:

covering the uninsured, especially those with pre-existing conditions; and

replacing both employment-based and government-provided health care for many people.

The Speedbump in Health Care Reform: Patient Choice

John Minehan — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:29:04 EDT

Health Care reform, certainly any reform involving a single-payor "Public Option," is likely DOA. The interesting question is: "Why?"

Based on the people I have talked to, the overwhelming answer is the fact that people are afraid of loosing their right to choose health plans, providers and treatment options in the event the Public Option were to be enacted.

Open Letter to Rep. Murphy (NY 20th) on Health Care Reform

John Minehan — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:28:02 EDT

Dear Congressman Murphy:

I strongly support your decision on July 24th to oppose the currently proposed House and Senate Health Care Reform Bills, a decision which must have been both politically and personally difficult. While health care reform is sorely needed, we need real reform, rather than the creation of a less robust version of the troubled Canadian Medicare system.

In your letter declaring your position to your constituents, you raised several issues that needed to be addressed in the reform process. The following are some suggested practical solutions to the issues you raise.

Health Care Reform: Towards a Plan That Might Work

John Minehan — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:06:22 EDT

Many years ago, I had the (somewhat demanding) honor of serving as a Brigade Intelligence Officer in the 1st Cavalry Division when then-MG Wesley K. Clark commanded the Division. One of GEN Clark's maxims stays with me to this day:

"There are two kinds of plans: those that won't work . . . and those that might."

As it is presently constructed, the Senate and House versions of Health Care Reform are "a plan that won't work." Bringing in elements from the French and German health care systems and more room for market forces could create "a plan that might work."

Legitimacy, Resiliency and Transpartisanship

John Minehan — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:42:04 EDT

The recent death of Michael Jackson, icon of the 1980s, made me think about how much the world has changed since that time. In the 1980s, we still lived in the mass market, mass media world that futurist Alvin Toffler called "The Second Wave" in his 1980 book The Third Wave (See http://en.wikipedia.org/...

Increasingly, we live in a Third Wave world of what management thinker Tom Peters calls "de-massification" and "narrow casting," a world where there is no single "King of Pop," for example. I think that Liberals and Democrats need to consider what this increasing trend toward decentralization means for progressive causes.

National Health Care Day of Service Observations

John Minehan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:21:42 EDT

I attended National Health Care Day of Service Informational Events in two cities in Upstate New York on June 27th.

The events I attended were informational displays. I was able to talk to about 50 people from all walks of life.

The following observations may be of interest:

Reflections on the Obama Administration and the Direction of Modern Liberalism

John Minehan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:36:18 EDT

Back in December, I attended a couple of the Town Hall meetings that the Obama Transition Team had nationally. I sent the following impressions to some of my friends and family on December 15, 2008:

State Your Support

Suffolk.New York.Can — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:32:11 EDT

State Your Support
Dear Mr. President,

We strongly support your commitment to comprehensive health reform.

This is not a luxury. The continuing, sharp escalation of health care costs for families, businesses, and government is unsustainable. Reform is imperative.

We believe that health reform must be enacted this year.

Reform is needed to help America’s families struggling with rising costs and those who are losing their insurance. At the same time, real health reform is crucial to keeping American businesses competitive in the world economy and for the country’s long-term economic viability. As our country faces economic challenges, the time for reform is now.

We support health reform that follows these principles:

Protect families’ financial health
Assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans
Provide portability of coverage
Guarantee choice of doctors
Invest in prevention and wellness
Improve patient safety and quality of care
End barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions
Reduce long-term growth of health costs for businesses and government
During these extraordinarily challenging times, we need to put aside past differences and address the health and economic crisis. Our shared interest must come before narrow interests so we can achieve a health system that is affordable and provides high quality for all Americans. We will support your budget with its reserve fund dedicated to achieving health care reform in a fiscally responsible manner. Each of us must be prepared to contribute to achieving this fundamental goal.

By signing this statement we affirm our commitment to work with you and our Congressional leaders to enact legislation this year which provides affordable, high quality coverage for all Americans.

Please go to WWW.HealthReform.gov and Stae Your Support.
Thank you

Health Reform Updated Facts

Suffolk.New York.Can — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:33:37 EDT

www.HealthReform.gov

There's a link from the home page, barackobama.com, click on Health Care Reform Take Action.

Obama asks men to be better fathers than their own

Suffolk.New York.Can — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:47:22 EDT

By CALVIN WOODWARD – 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama got a basketball, his first name and ambition from his father. Little else.

The son gave back more than he received: a lifetime of ruminations about the man who abandoned the family, a memoir named "Dreams from My Father," and endless reflections on his own successes and shortcomings as a parent of Sasha, 8, and Malia, 10.

As a candidate and now president, he's been telling men what sort of father they should be. It's become his Father's Day ritual.

He's asking American men to be better fathers than his own.

The president showcased fatherhood in a series of events and a magazine article in advance of Father's Day this Sunday. He said he came to understand the importance of fatherhood from its absence in his childhood homes — just as an estimated 24 million Americans today are growing up without a dad.

Fathers run deep in the political culture as they do everywhere else, for better and worse. Michelle Obama has said many times how her late dad, Fraser, is her reference point and rock — she checks in with him, in her mind, routinely, and at important moments.

Obama's presidential rival, John McCain, called his own memoirs "Faith of My Fathers," tracing generations of high-achieving scamps. The father-son presidencies of the George Bushes were bookends on Bill Clinton, whose father drowned in a ditch before the future president was born and whose stepfather was an abusive alcoholic nicknamed Dude.

A Kenyan goatherder-turned-intellectual who clawed his way to scholarships and Harvard, Barack Hussein Obama Sr. left a family behind to get his schooling in the United States. He started another family here, then left his second wife and 2-year-old Barack Jr. to return to Africa with another woman.

His promise flamed out in Africa after stints working for an oil company and the government; he fell into drink and died in a car crash when his son was 21, a student at Columbia University.

"I don't want to be the kind of father I had," the president is quoted as telling a friend in a new book about him.

And in an interview Friday with CBS News, Obama said: "It was only later in life that I found out that he actually led a very tragic life. And in that sense, it was the myth that I was chasing as opposed to knowing who he really was."

His half-sister, Maya, called his memoirs "part of the process of excavating his father."

Obama now cajoles men to be better fathers — not the kind who must be unearthed in the soul.

His finger-wagging is most pointed when addressing other black men, reflecting years of worry about the fabric of black families and single mothers, but it applies to everyone.

Father's Day 2007: "Let's admit to ourselves that there are a lot of men out there that need to stop acting like boys; who need to realize that responsibility does not end at conception; who need to know that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise a child."

Father's Day 2008: "Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father. It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father."

Father's Day 2009: "We need to step out of our own heads and tune in. We need to turn off the television and start talking with our kids, and listening to them, and understanding what's going on in their lives."

He doesn't hold himself out as the ideal dad. No driven politician can.

"I know I have been an imperfect father," he writes in Sunday's Parade magazine. "I know I have made mistakes. I have lost count of all the times, over the years, when the demands of work have taken me from the duties of fatherhood."

He volunteered for those demands, as all people do when they want power. His years as a community organizer, Illinois lawmaker, U.S. senator and presidential candidate often kept him apart from family.

At the same time, he went to great lengths in the 2008 campaign to find time with his girls and wife, and now considers the routine family time one of the joys of living and working in the White House.

The new book "Renegade" by Richard Wolffe recounts strains in the marriage early this decade, arising from his absences and from what Michelle Obama apparently considered his selfish careerism at the time. The author interviewed the Obamas, friends and associates.

Obama himself attributed his "fierce ambitions" to his dad while crediting his mother — a loving but frequently absent figure — with giving him the means to pursue them.

"Someone once said that every man is trying to either live up to his father's expectations or make up for his father's mistakes," he once wrote, "and I suppose that may explain my particular malady as well as anything else." By malady, he meant the will to achieve.

Obama was a schoolboy in Hawaii when his father came back to visit. He gave his dad a tie. His father gave him a basketball and African figurines and came to his class to speak about Kenya. He was an impressive, mysterious figure whom Obama found compelling, volatile and vaguely threatening.

The visit took a sour turn when Obama went to watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and his father made him shut off the TV, saying he watched too much. Obama slammed the bedroom door; a loud argument ensued among grown-ups.

Not the quality time Obama has in mind in asking dads to turn off the TV now

Equal Benefits for Same Sex Indviduals

Suffolk.New York.Can — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:13:05 EDT

Is more than that necessary? Why do others need to know more than that about their personal relationship? What will/or do Wedding papers accomplish for them?

This evening the President signed a memorandum expanding federal benefits for the same-sex partners of Foreign Service and executive branch government employees. In his remarks before signing the memorandum, he said that this was a first step: "We've got more work to do to ensure that government treats all its citizens equally; to fight injustice and intolerance in all its forms; and to bring about that more perfect union. I'm committed to these efforts, and I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of these issues in the months and years to come."

The official statement released along with the memorandum itself told the sort of story that moved him to sign it, and also announced his support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009:
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM ON FEDERAL BENEFITS AND NON-DISCRIMINATION, AND SUPPORT OF THE LIEBERMAN-BALDWIN BENEFITS LEGISLATION
In 2007, Michael Guest, the first openly gay Ambassador confirmed by the United States Senate, resigned from the Foreign Service. He loved his career, but he had to leave it in the end -- because he believed that the country he served was failing to implement the principles of equality it espoused abroad. His partner was ineligible for training provided to Ambassadorial spouses; he bore the costs of his partner's transportation to his placements abroad; and his partner did not receive the overseas benefits and allowances given to spouses of Ambassadors.

It is too late to prevent Ambassador Guest from having to make the choice he made, but today I am proud to issue a Presidential Memorandum that will go a long way toward achieving equality for many of the hard-working, dedicated, and patriotic LGBT Americans serving in our Federal Government -- Americans like Ambassador Guest. In consultation with Secretary Clinton, who in her role as Secretary of State oversees our foreign service employees, and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry, who oversees human resource management for our civil service employees, my Administration has identified a number of areas in which greater equality can be achieved under existing law by extending to the same-sex partners of Federal employees many of the same benefits already available to the spouses of heterosexual Federal employees. I am therefore requesting the Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to extend the benefits they have identified to the same-sex partners of Federal employees where doing so can be achieved consistent with Federal law. I am also requesting the heads of all other executive departments and agencies to conduct a review of the benefits they administer to determine which may legally be extended to same-sex partners.

But this Presidential Memorandum is just a start. Unfortunately, my Administration is not authorized by existing Federal law to provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. That's why I stand by my long-standing commitment to work with Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. It's discriminatory, it interferes with States' rights, and it's time we overturned it.

I am also proud to announce my support for an important piece of legislation introduced in both Houses of Congress last month -- the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009. This legislation will extend to the same-sex partners of Federal employees the same benefits already enjoyed by the opposite-sex spouses of Federal employees. The legislation has a number of co-sponsors in both Houses of Congress, but among those many sponsors, I want to recognize one in particular -- Representative Tammy Baldwin, who has been a real leader on this issue, and more broadly on the LGBT struggle for equality. Representative Baldwin, I look forward to working with you to achieve the important objectives set out in this bill as it moves through the legislative process. I also look forward to working with the bill's Senate champions, Senators Lieberman and Collins; I know that they will approach this process with the same spirit of cooperation in pursuit of our shared goals that they bring to all of their work in the Senate.

Extending equal benefits to the same-sex partners of Federal employees is the right thing to do. It is also sound economic policy. Many top employers in the private sector already offer benefits to the same-sex partners of their employees; those companies recognize that offering partner benefits helps them compete for and retain the brightest and most talented employees. The Federal Government is at a disadvantage on that score right now, and change is long overdue.

As Americans, we are all affected when our promises of equality go unfulfilled. Through measures like the Presidential Memorandum I am issuing today and the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, we will advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded and continue to perfect our Union.

(President Barack Obama signs an executive order granting Federal employees with same sex partners more
benefits in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, June 17, 2009.
Offical White House Photographer Lawrence Jackson)

Incubator Meeting Results

Suffolk.New York.Can — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:31:54 EDT

Neighborhood Business owners and some new starts gathered together to discuss recovery standing. TD Financial sent a Representative to learn more about our group. Our request is for a loan to tie over until Stimulus index listed requested are addressed by the State. We are in a New York State Empire Zone which is to provide assistance to businesses within it's territory. Forgot to have them sign in at meeting. There were 10 in attendance; Waiting to hear from bank and State. Will be meeting with other TARP Banks throught the week. All exisiting businesses are doing there best to hold on.

Left Wing Federalism and The Third Wave

John Minehan — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:01:39 EDT

I happened to see Dr. Dean's interview on Morning Joe the other day. In it, Dr. Dean said that young people, the center of gravity in the 2008 Election, are Center Left on social issues but Center Right on economic issues.

That can be restated slightly to better capture the zeitgeist: the emerging Center embraces Progressive ends through Conservative means. For example, the number of states changing their laws to allow same-sex unions, a Progressive cause, is increasing. However, this is happening at the state-level, often through legislative action rather than through the Courts, a classically Federalist means.

Health Reform Facts From the White House

Suffolk.New York.Can — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:39:13 EDT

Paying for Health Care Reform$313 Billion in Additional Savings to Create a Deficit Neutral PlanWe have the most expensive health care system in the world, but do not get the best results. The rising costs of health care are a burden on our families and a drain on our long-term economic growth. If we continue on the course we are on, health care expenditures will reach 20 percent of GDP within a decade. Rapidly rising health care costs are leading our nation down a fiscally unsustainable path.For the health of the American people and the health of our economy, we must act now to bring down health care costs and reform the health care system. It is central to the long-term prosperity of the United States. That is why the President is committed to passing health care reform this year. Guided by the principle that we should fix what’s broken and build on what already works, the President wants to pass health care reform that allows one to keep their health insurance and choose their health care providers, expands coverage to the millions without, and brings down the cost of coverage.The President is committed to undertaking reform that is completely paid for and deficit neutral over the next decade. That is why he put forward in his FY 2010 Budget an historic $635 billion down payment on reform. Roughly half of this amount comes from revenue proposals, including limiting the value of itemized deductions for families making over a quarter-million dollars a year to the rates they were during the Reagan years, and about half comes from savings from Medicare and Medicaid.Since making this proposal, the Administration has worked with Congress on other ways to offset fully the cost of health care reform through additional savings and revenues. To that end, the Administration is detailing today savings proposals that will contribute another $313 billion over 10 years to paying for health care reform, bringing the total scoreable offsets put forward by the Administration to nearly $950 billion over 10 years. Together, this would extend the solvency of Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund by seven years to about 2024, and reduce beneficiary premiums for physician and outpatient services by about $43 billion over the next 10 years. The Administration hopes these suggestions will help Congress as it continues to draft legislation, and remains open to any other proposals to pay for reform that Congress may put forward.
SourceHealth Care Reserve Fund($ in billions)10 yearsFY 2010 Budget- Medicare and Medicaid Savings- Revenues$635$309$326Additional Medicare and Medicaid Savings- Incorporate productivity adjustments into Medicare payment
    updates
- Reduce hospital subsidies for treating the uninsured as
    coverage increases- Pay better prices for Medicare Part D drugs

- Other

$313$110
$106
$75$22Total$948Reforming the health care system does not end at expanding coverage and making sure that it is paid for; we also must address the underlying problems in our health care system that impede quality improvements and raise costs. The President therefore believes that in addition to scoreable offsets, we must take steps to transform the health care system, such as investing in health care information technology, patient-centered quality research, prevention and wellness, and in creating a system that pays providers for providing better care not just more care. Over time, these steps will help to produce a health care system that works better and costs less. Paying for Health Care Reform: New SavingsAs was emphasized when the President’s Budget was initially released, the reserve fund represents a substantial down payment but is not by itself sufficient to fully fund comprehensive reform. The President has insisted that reform must be deficit-neutral based on real savings and revenue estimates as determined by impartial scorers. Thus, in addition to the proposals included in the FY 2010 Budget, the Administration is putting forward policy options to further rein in federal health spending, make the system more efficient, and deliver better quality of care. When combined with the Budget proposals, these new options would extend the solvency of Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund by seven years to about 2024. These new savings include:

Incorporate productivity adjustments into Medicare payment updates. Productivity in the U.S. economy has been improving over time. However, most Medicare payments have not been systematically adjusted to reflect these system-wide improvements. We should permanently adjust most annual Medicare payment updates by half of the economy-wide productivity factor estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This adjustment will encourage greater efficiency in health care provision, while more accurately aligning Medicare payments with provider costs.

Reduce subsidies to hospitals for treating the uninsured as coverage increases. Instead of paying hospitals to treat patients without health insurance, we should give people coverage so that they have insurance to begin with. As health reform phases in, the number of uninsured will go down, and we would be able to reduce payments to hospitals for treating those previously uncovered. This would be done by establishing a new mandatory mechanism to better target payments to hospitals for unreimbursed care remaining after coverage increases. Beginning in FY 2013, payments would be gradually phased down so that by 2019, funding would equal 25 percent of Medicare/Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) funding in 2013, and updated by inflation.

Pay better prices for Medicare Part D drugs. In its meeting with the President and subsequent communication, the pharmaceutical industry has committed itself to helping to control the rate of growth in health care spending. There are a variety of ways to achieve this goal. For example, drug reimbursement could be reduced for beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The Administration is working with the Congress to develop the most appropriate policy to achieve these savings.

Other Savings

Adjust payment rates for physician imaging services to better reflect actual usage. To provide more accurate payment for physician imaging services, the Department of Health and Human Services would increase the equipment utilization factor for advanced imaging (such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) machines) from 50 percent to 95 percent. This proposal – which is closely aligned with a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommendation – would better reflect how these technologies are actually used.

Adopt MedPAC’s recommendations for 2010 payments to skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals. To bring down costs and maintain quality, we shouldupdate payments based on MedPAC’s consideration of multiple variables, such as quality, access to care, and adequacy of payment. Doing so would implement MedPAC’s 2010 payment recommendations for skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals.

Cut waste, fraud, and abuse. It is important that patients get the best care, not just more care. Unnecessary treatments are not only expensive, but also can harm the health of the patient. To discourage physicians from ordering unnecessary or excessive treatment, we should increase the scrutiny of physicians in high-risk areas or those that order a high volume of high-risk services (such as home health, durable medical equipment, and home infusion therapy) through additional pre-payment review.

Paying for Health Care Reform: 2010 Budget ProposalsThe above savings would be in addition to the down payment for comprehensive health care reform of $635 billion over 10 years detailed in the FY 2010 Budget. The reserve fund is financed roughly half through proposals to generate more revenue, and half through efficiencies and savings from Medicare and Medicaid. Based on our projections, the Medicare proposals contained in the reserve fund would extend the solvency date of the Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund by two years and reduce beneficiary premiums for physician and outpatient services by about $33 billion over the next 10 years. As a result of these proposals, Medicare beneficiaries will also see an improvement in the quality of their services. The reserve fund includes a broad array of savings proposals including:

Reducing Medicare overpayments to private insurers. The establishment of a competitive system where payments are based upon an average of plans’ bids submitted to Medicare would save taxpayers close to $177 billion over 10 years, as well as reduce Part B premiums.

Improving Medicare and Medicaid payment accuracy. By strengthening program integrity efforts, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will address vulnerabilities that have led to billions of dollars in overpayments and fraud each year.

Improving care after hospitalizations and reducing readmission rates. A combination of incentive payments and penalties should lead to better care and result in fewer readmissions – saving roughly $25 billion over 10 years.

Expanding the Hospital Quality Improvement Program: By linking a portion of Medicare payments for acute in-patient hospital services to hospitals’ performance on specific quality measures, quality of care for beneficiaries will improve, and Medicare will save approximately $12 billion over 10 years.

New Technologies and Participation in Govenment

Suffolk.New York.Can — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:23:52 EDT

Posted by Vivek Kundra and Katie StantonInnovation in social technology has created unprecedented opportunity to connect you to your government in order to obtain information and services and to participate in policymaking. If you are on Facebook or MySpace, government should be accessible there, too. This is the core of what we call "context-driven government." Government is only open if it is accessible. So we must bring the important services and issues of public interest into the online communities in which we already work, live, and play and create new communities for mutual engagement. This is why the White House has created communities on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Flickr and why we’ve established the Open Government blog for public engagement. We want to make it easy to see the latest news, photos and videos from the Obama Administration and, more important, to provide a platform for you to comment, ask and answer questions, and engage with us, your family and communities around important issues.This weekend we’ll do two postings about opportunities and impediments to adopting "Web 2.0 technologies" as they are often called– and creating context-driven government. This one focuses on technology. The next addresses policy.Innovative technologies like those referenced above are particularly relevant to this discussion because they represent new media tools that improve communication, empower users to create content, enhance information sharing, and promote collaboration. Common examples of are social networks, blogs, and wikis.How You Can Help1. Improving dissemination of government information to inform participation: The National Weather Service does a great job of taking complex satellite data and making it widely accessible to people via new and traditional channels. When you wake up, you can reach for your i-Phone, radio or newspaper and know whether it’s going to rain. How can we do this with other important government information, such as Medicaid and Medicare benefits, the state of the power grid or the Federal budget? What are the tools and techniques for democratizing access to government data?2. Enhancing public participation in government activities: New social technologies like this blog are making it possible to participate in government in new ways. With the right tools, there are opportunities to bring government decision-making to the people. What are the best technological strategies – in the public or private sector – for empowering government officials and the public to work together to:a. Gather information and data to inform a policy – Regulations.gov collects public comment on agency rulemakings.b. Generate ideas and innovations – TSA’s Idea Factory generates ideas from 40,000 employees.c. Analyze data and underlying assumptions -- The NASA Clickworkers project invites the public to sift through images of Mars.d. Solicit expertise – The Peer-to-Patent project taps the expertise of distributed scientists and technologists to inform the patent examination process.e. Draft policy statements – The Open Government blog will be starting a collaborative drafting process beginning next week.f. Resolve disputes – The Morris K. Udall Foundation, a government agency, work with citizens to engage in environmental dispute resolution.g. Distribute grants and funds - DefenseSolutions.gov allows entrepreneurs in industry and academia a way to get innovative solutions funded.h. Engage in collective action to address a problem – The Department of Transportation is funding an online bus stop design competition.Share with us your ideas, examples and stories for the best innovations that could connect government and the public over at the OSTP blog as usual.Vivek Kundra is Chief Information Officer, Katie Posted by Vivek Kundra and Katie StantonInnovation in social technology has created unprecedented opportunity to connect you to your government in order to obtain information and services and to participate in policymaking. If you are on Facebook or MySpace, government should be accessible there, too. This is the core of what we call "context-driven government." Government is only open if it is accessible. So we must bring the important services and issues of public interest into the online communities in which we already work, live, and play and create new communities for mutual engagement. This is why the White House has created communities on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Flickr and why we’ve established the Open Government blog for public engagement. We want to make it easy to see the latest news, photos and videos from the Obama Administration and, more important, to provide a platform for you to comment, ask and answer questions, and engage with us, your family and communities around important issues.This weekend we’ll do two postings about opportunities and impediments to adopting "Web 2.0 technologies" as they are often called– and creating context-driven government. This one focuses on technology. The next addresses policy.Innovative technologies like those referenced above are particularly relevant to this discussion because they represent new media tools that improve communication, empower users to create content, enhance information sharing, and promote collaboration. Common examples of are social networks, blogs, and wikis.How You Can Help1. Improving dissemination of government information to inform participation: The National Weather Service does a great job of taking complex satellite data and making it widely accessible to people via new and traditional channels. When you wake up, you can reach for your i-Phone, radio or newspaper and know whether it’s going to rain. How can we do this with other important government information, such as Medicaid and Medicare benefits, the state of the power grid or the Federal budget? What are the tools and techniques for democratizing access to government data?2. Enhancing public participation in government activities: New social technologies like this blog are making it possible to participate in government in new ways. With the right tools, there are opportunities to bring government decision-making to the people. What are the best technological strategies – in the public or private sector – for empowering government officials and the public to work together to:a. Gather information and data to inform a policy – Regulations.gov collects public comment on agency rulemakings.b. Generate ideas and innovations – TSA’s Idea Factory generates ideas from 40,000 employees.c. Analyze data and underlying assumptions -- The NASA Clickworkers project invites the public to sift through images of Mars.d. Solicit expertise – The Peer-to-Patent project taps the expertise of distributed scientists and technologists to inform the patent examination process.e. Draft policy statements – The Open Government blog will be starting a collaborative drafting process beginning next week.f. Resolve disputes – The Morris K. Udall Foundation, a government agency, work with citizens to engage in environmental dispute resolution.g. Distribute grants and funds - DefenseSolutions.gov allows entrepreneurs in industry and academia a way to get innovative solutions funded.h. Engage in collective action to address a problem – The Department of Transportation is funding an online bus stop design competition.Share with us your ideas, examples and stories for the best innovations that could connect government and the public over at the OSTP blog as usual.Vivek Kundra is Chief Information Officer, Katie

On the Holocaust Museum Shooting

Suffolk.New York.Can — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:57:42 EDT

Posted by Jesse Lee

The President and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar offer condolences.

President Obama:

I am shocked and saddened by today’s shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. This outrageous act reminds us that we must remain vigilant against anti-Semitism and prejudice in all its forms. No American institution is more important to this effort than the Holocaust Museum, and no act of violence will diminish our determination to honor those who were lost by building a more peaceful and tolerant world.

Today, we have lost a courageous security guard who stood watch at this place of solemn remembrance. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this painful time.

Secretary Salazar:

Today, we witnessed an act of violence and hatred in one of our world's most sacred sites of remembrance. This horrible crime took the life of Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns, whose courage in the line of duty saved lives and protected the hallowed halls of the Holocaust Museum. Americans' thoughts and prayers tonight are with Officer Johns’ family.

We are also reminded of the great sacrifices our law enforcement officials, including security guards and the Park Police who protect the National Mall, make every day on our behalf. This tragic act of violence only reaffirms the lessons of peace and human dignity that the Holocaust Museum teaches.

Road To Recovery

Suffolk.New York.Can — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:31:28 EDT

MON, JUNE 8, 11:00 AM EST600,000 Jobs on the Road to RecoveryPosted by Cammie Croft

It’s been a little over 100 days since the Recovery Act was signed by the President. We’ve come a long way –- we’ve created or saved over 150,000 jobs, cut taxes for 95 percent of working families, and made funds available for over 4,000 transportation projects. But while we’ve made progress, we still have a lot more work to do on this road to recovery.

To accelerate our recovery efforts, the Vice President announced the Roadmap to Recovery, ten major projects that will keep more teachers in the classroom, put more cops on our streets, and give more people access to healthcare over the next 100 days.

Fee Tuition to Harvard University

Suffolk.New York.Can — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:09:53 EDT

Harvard University Announcement

Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition. In making the announcement, Harvard's president Lawrence H. Summers said, "When only ten percent of the students in elite higher education come from families in the lower half of the income distribution, we are not doing enough. We are not doing enough in bringing elite higher education to the lower half of the income distribution."

If you know of a family earning less than $60,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. The prestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free... no tuition and no student loans!
To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $60,000 a year, visit Harvard's financial aid website at: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/ or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495-1581 .

SEND TO SOMEONE WHETHER THEY CAN USE OR NOT. THEY JUST MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN.

USAA NOT DMV: SECURING UNIVERSAL COVERAGE THROUGH THE NOT FOR PROFIT SECTOR

John Minehan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:03:48 EDT

After attending the Health Care Day of Service Organizing Meetings‏ this weekend, I begin to think we are at an impasse, as we were in 1994. Single-payor has passionate supporters, but many voters and many elected officials are almost as passionately opposed. Republicans propose fresh ideas for reform, that are, however, most likely unworkable. There may be a workable compromise, however, in the model used by an organization called USAA that provides auto insurance for active and retired military personnel. The USAA model, rather than the DMV model, may be preferable to a majority of Americans.

Meeting Results

Suffolk.New York.Can — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:43:30 EDT

Business owners that are apart of our consortium suggested a credit for or the reduction in cost of malpractice insurance. This would reduce the potential for any possible loss in revenue to Doctors. The opposition to change is motivated by greed. It was also suggested that there be more competition between HMOs to drive costs of service down. Preventive services could linclude free clinics for simple ailments such a common cold. The cost for Doctors to see patients with simple health problems is causing a great expense. Companies abilities to keep good staff is predicated on the quality of fringe benefits they are able to provide.

Discussed available RFPs to consider looking for work and trip to Washington to obain support for funding of our recovery ideas to create jobs, improve health care and education for foster children and those in a shelter.

A Few Thoughts on Korea

John Minehan — Sun, 31 May 2009 13:54:09 EDT

A couple of thoughts on Korea:

Help For Homeowners

Suffolk.New York.Can — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:38:26 EDT

WASHINGTON, May 20 (UPI) -- Bills to reform the U.S. financial and housing market and to protect U.S. consumers from fraud were signed into law Wednesday by President Barack Obama.

The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act expands an existing $300 billion program that encourages lenders to write down an individual's mortgage if the homeowner agrees to pay an insurance premium. Among other things, the program, set to expire in 2011, would swap out a homeowner's high interest rate for a 30-year fixed loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

The Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act authorizes $490 million over two years to hire fraud prosecutors, increase enforcement actions and add funds to the Secret Service and Housing and Urban Development Inspector General.

"These landmark pieces of legislation will protect hardworking Americans, crack down on those who seek to take advantage of them, and ensure that the problems that led us into this crisis never happen again," Obama said during the signing ceremony.

U.S. President Barack Obama (R) speaks as Chair of the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Paul Volcker (C), and Chairman and Founder of Pritzker Realty Group Penny Pritzker (L) listen during a meeting with members of his Economic Recovery Advisory Board in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on May 20, 2009 in Washington. The meeting was to focused on energy and green jobs.

Majority 2010: It May Not Be "Permanent" or "Republican" But It Also May Not Be Yours‏

John Minehan — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:12:21 EDT

Currently:

Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny tops the best seller list for seven weeks;

Rush Limbaugh and other conservative talkers enjoy their highest ratings in years;

MSNBC's ratings sink through the floor and the New York Times talks about offering memberships like 1970s era Public TV;

A spending referendum looks about to go down to ignominious defeat in California;

Steve Lonegan is forcing moderate, crusading prosecutor Chris Christie to campaign as a tax cutter in New Jersey; and

It becomes increasingly apparent that a lot of people have become disaffected from both the Republican Party and Democratic Party mainstream, as witnessed by 250,000 people who took time off on a work day to protest perceived excessive spending during hard economic times.

Help To Stop The Lies About Health Care

Suffolk.New York.Can — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:48:02 EDT

Natalie

We knew healthcare reform would face fierce opposition -- and it's begun. As we speak, the same people behind the notorious "swiftboat" ads of 2004 are already pumping millions of dollars into deceptive television ads. Their plan is simple: torpedo healthcare reform before it sees the light of day by scaring the public and distorting the President's approach.

We need the resources to take them head on with an urgent, grassroots campaign to pass real healthcare reform in 2009.

When the swiftboaters flood the airwaves with distortions, we'll flood the streets with volunteers armed with facts. When they send lobbyists to tell Congress to back down, we'll send millions of calls, letters, and stories from real Americans asking them to stand up.

Can you donate $25 or more by midnight Sunday to fight back against these phony attacks and take our message of reform to the American people?

The swiftboaters are once again trying to sell the American people short. As during the election, we deserve a serious conversation -- not fear-mongering and deceit. You and I see the importance of healthcare reform every day. We can't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to face one of America's greatest challenges head on.

Passing real healthcare reform will be the toughest, most important challenge we've faced together since electing Barack Obama President.

But it's also a big reason we fought so hard to get here. I know that by working together, and speaking with one, determined voice, we can prevail over the cynics and defenders of the status quo. America's families are counting on us to do just that.

Please donate $25 or more to defend healthcare reform today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/defendhealthcare

Thank you,

David Plouffe

Community Service Jobs

Suffolk.New York.Can — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:56:37 EDT

Change.org Launches "Jobs for Change"
Hey Changemakers,

We're excited to announce the launch of a major new initiative called Jobs for Change, which aims to spark a nationwide movement toward careers in the common good.

Over the past few months President Obama has inspired a renewed interest in public service, providing a historic opportunity to mobilize a new generation of Americans to address the major social and environmental problems we face.

Yet there are few resources connecting people interested in social change with careers in service, threatening to limit the potential impact of this new civic spirit. We aim to change that.

We are currently building the largest database of nonprofit, government, and social enterprise jobs on the web and have just hired a team of career advisors to provide daily advice and guidance to help people of all backgrounds find and develop a career in social change. We have also partnered with more than a dozen leading organizations that will give Jobs for Change reach to millions of people interested in deeper civic engagement.

To continue the momentum behind this movement, we need your help. If you share our vision for a world that empowers anyone with passion and dedication to find a career in service, please sign your name here and become an ambassador for Jobs for Change.

Legitimacy: The Hidden Issue in Health Care Reform

John Minehan — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:01:42 EDT

Despite all the debate about health care reform, the most basic issue remains unspoken: who can legitimately deny a person or (more importantly for most people) that person’s child, spouse or parent needed care?

The Truth About Health Care Reform

Suffolk.New York.Can — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:45:40 EDT

Please go to Health Reform.gov and State Your Support

Dear Mr. President,

We strongly support your commitment to comprehensive health reform.

This is not a luxury. The continuing, sharp escalation of health care costs for families, businesses, and government is unsustainable. Reform is imperative.

We believe that health reform must be enacted this year.

Reform is needed to help America’s families struggling with rising costs and those who are losing their insurance. At the same time, real health reform is crucial to keeping American businesses competitive in the world economy and for the country’s long-term economic viability. As our country faces economic challenges, the time for reform is now.

We support health reform that follows these principles:

Protect families’ financial health
Assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans
Provide portability of coverage
Guarantee choice of doctors
Invest in prevention and wellness
Improve patient safety and quality of care
End barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions
Reduce long-term growth of health costs for businesses and government

During these extraordinarily challenging times, we need to put aside past differences and address the health and economic crisis. Our shared interest must come before narrow interests so we can achieve a health system that is affordable and provides high quality for all Americans. We will support your budget with its reserve fund dedicated to achieving health care reform in a fiscally responsible manner. Each of us must be prepared to contribute to achieving this fundamental goal.

By signing this statement we affirm our commitment to work with you and our Congressional leaders to enact legislation this year which provides affordable, high quality coverage for all Americans

Organizing For America Helps Us to Keep Informed

Suffolk.New York.Can — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:45:49 EDT

Donate to help keep information flowing. You can e-mail us about any of your concerns.

he biggest challenges are still ahead, and meeting them will require all of us working together. That's why the President is depending on Organizing for America and people just like you to overcome the critics and the naysayers and to bring lasting change to America. So stay tuned for more ways to get involved -- this is only the beginning.

Please watch the President's remarks, and share the video with friends:

http://my.barackobama.com/100DaysVideo

Thanks for making this moment possible, and for all the victories yet to come.

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

President Obama's Results of 100 Days

Suffolk.New York.Can — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:11:21 EDT

Suffolk.New York.Can --

Tomorrow will mark the President's hundredth day in office. A lot of attention will be given to this largely symbolic day, and the truth is that what we do every day after it will be just as important -- if not more. But our accomplishments in this time have been remarkable, and they're having real effects on people and communities throughout the country.

You built the movement that made this possible, and it's up to you to show Americans that real change can happen when ordinary citizens work together.

Explore this interactive map to learn about the progress we've made in the last 100 days and the stories of real Americans whose lives have already been touched. Then spread the word by passing it along to your friends and family.

With the country in crisis, the President took office and acted quickly to restore confidence and stability to our economy. But just as important were the steps we've taken toward building a new foundation for our prosperity, so that we never go back to the system that led us to crisis in the first place.

In just one hundred days, we've made crucial investments to create jobs and improve education, energy, and health care. All of this is a down payment for a new economic vision -- one where skilled workers fuel our economy rather than debt and speculation; one where American leadership on clean energy fuels 21st century innovation; and one where families and businesses are no longer weighed down by crushing health care costs.

Delivering on the promise of change is the reason we built this movement. Now, President Obama is counting on all of us to build support for this foundation and create a lasting recovery for America.

Take a look now at these critical first steps we've taken together and pass it on for others to see:

http://my.barackobama.com/100days

This new direction would not have been possible without you. But our biggest tests are yet to come, and the future is ours to shape. Let's seize this moment together so history will show that, at this defining crossroads, a generation of Americans put their country on the path to long-term security and prosperity.

Thank you,

David Plouffe

The Real Report on Our Presidents first 94 Days

Suffolk.New York.Can — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:03:30 EDT

Our President and his Cabinet are doing a fantastic job.

Our So Called news media daily trumpet the failures of our new administration. We are led to believe this is a non-stop stream of defilement of America, lack of bipartisanship (a word clearly beyond the vocabulary of GW) and on and on. The usual lies, distortion and fairy tales bombard us by the hour.

I like many of the millions who sweat blood to bring about this revolution are disgusted with some of the President's appointment and actions. Steps that seem to be clearly contrary to his campaign promises. I may be an idealist, but I refuse to step in with the slimy right in throwing rocks at him. The right is opposed to every action, we are concerned about a few, a huge difference! I'm proud to stick with my idealism. No way am I going to give up our victory. Consider what the world would be like with McCain and friends running the sho w.

I've always believed that the real winner in the last election was not Barack, it was the millions of people he energized to create this new era. He attracted millions of people new to this process. Millions of us devoted herculean energy to bring this about. We won and it's time we started acting as winners. Sadly the Congress is tone deaf to any populace sound, we are drowned about by the kaching of the cash machines. Far too many of our elected democrats wallow in the slime and line up with the republican automatons. So many of our democrats are habitual losers, fearful of every rumble from the right.

We need to keep speaking out for the battle we won.

One needed information source that is so far nonexistent as far as I know is a simple web site of the hundreds of accomplishments in these first few days. The many reversals of Bush destruction, the return to la w and decency in many corners of government. I'd like to start with the accomplishments and build from there. Does this exist? Fox, Fox-A, Fox-C and Fox-N maintain a running list of "failures". The truth once exposed trumps lies hands down.

I know that women's health, stem cell research, talking to the "enemy" are emotionally charged issues untouchable by the MSM. Let's use the independent media to proudly tell the truth.

Where is the list?

bill

Bill Sorem
Just One Voice
Listening for the Chorus
base 952-938-8754 cell 952-239-1169

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Reply Reply to all Forward

Thomas D. Spainhour to USA.CAN
show details 4:58 PM (3 hours ago) Reply

> Where is the list?

There are some things at whitehouse.gov:

PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
OFFICIAL STATEMENTS
PRESS RELEASES

Business Incubator

Suffolk.New York.Can — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:53:37 EDT

Tuff times thens to bring people together. Ten current and some new businessowners have agreed to operate under one roof at a New York State Empire Zone location. Efforts to come together across America is necessary to assure business success and create jobs.

New York CAN Monthly Planning Meeting on April 9th

Megan Kaminski, Intern NY 21 — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:00:28 EDT

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

Clips on Torture

Suffolk.New York.Can — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:54:56 EDT

http://digg.com/politics/Republicans_to_Go_Nuclear_over_torture_memos

Just a sample of the type of attacks made on the Administration. Good writers are needed to assist with responses. They are fighting for you and me.

Clips on Torture

Campaigning for Scott Murphy

Megan Kaminski, Intern NY 21 — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:01:28 EDT

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

Pledge Project article from Huffington Post

Allie — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:31:18 EDT

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."

OFA Update - Pledge Project

Allie — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:28:40 EDT

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 Feldman
Volunteer
Organizing for America | New York
allie.feldman@gmail.com 908-370-2689

Ben Baruch
Volunteer Liaison
Organizing 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/pledgeproject

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Beware of Big Business Backlash

CardJAlb — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:48:19 EST

Closing tax loopholes, scaling back on tax breaks and liberal write-offs, and generally expecting big business to contribute to this nation's economic recovery by sharing more of their profits with the American people rather than top management all fall under the heading of "the right thing to do."

However, I sincerely hope the Obama Team has a plan for fighting back when big business instead raises consumer costs to make up for the "losses' these business will incur as a result of these policy changes. We all know that instead of sharing in the pain they will continue to find ways to covertly line their proverbial pockets while publicly proclaiming, "See, the president's economic policies are not working. They are serving only to increase costs to you, the consumer. What a shame..."

How successfull the Obama Team is in exposing and counteracting big business half-truths and deceptive tactics is the key to it all: the economic recovery, the power of the grassroots movement, the ability of the democratic party to lead this country and, ultimately, President Obama's re-election.

Organizing for America - New York Update

Ben Baruch — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:47:37 EST

Hello New Yorkers for Obama:

I hope you are as fired up as I am after President Obama’s address to congress the other night! Across the country and here in New York we are inspired by the President’s message and motivated to organize for change.

I wanted to introduce myself to those of you who I don’t yet know. My name is Bennett Baruch and I worked as a grassroots organizer on the Obama campaign. Just like many of you, I knocked on doors, made phone calls and held organizing meetings with teams of volunteers. Together we won this election.

I am excited to serve as New York’s Volunteer Liaison to Organizing for America and I'm thrilled to tell you that Organizing for America is up and running! OFA’s mission is to mobilize our grassroots movement in support of President Obama’s policies for change and to build on and strengthen that grassroots organization we have all built together. I am an unpaid volunteer (not an official OFA staffer) who has been asked to help coordinate our efforts here in New York with OFA’s national office.

I know that many of you are already utilizing the Obama network to organize in your communities. In New York, we held 198 house parties and collected 1,578 stories around the economic crisis. Your efforts helped pass the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act and your involvement will be critical to its success.

You can act today to support our economic recovery. We've put together an easy to use online tool to look up the phone numbers of your representatives who voted in favor of the economic recovery plan -- take a few minutes today to thank them for doing what's right.

Take a minute to thank the Senators and Representatives who supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and encourage them to continue working with President Obama to lift America out of this economic crisis. When you're done, report back to us about the calls you made.

Throughout the next weeks and months, I look forward to working with all of you to ensure that Organizing for America is successful here in New York. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas as we continue to organize for change.

Many thanks,
Ben

--
Bennett Baruch
Volunteer Liaison
Organizing for America | New York

Respect. Empower. Include.

Economic Stimulus Meeting

Suffolk.New York.Can — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:26:06 EST

On February 7th we meet to discuss the Stimulus Plan and to summarize the legislation in laymens terms. Subsequently, we further summarized it after approval in the Senate. If anyone has a problems with understanding the details of the legislation, please feel free to ask questions on our Blog. Small business owners also agreed to form a comglomerate to bid on projects and for business development to create jobs. If you are interested let us know.

A stitch in time saves nine

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:01:37 EST

Good morning Obama to all,

George W. Bush, the disastrous inexperienced ex president is gone forever. As you may be aware, one of man's greatest fears is lack of experience. Legendary inexperience of government affairs was under normal circumstances to help him break new grounds since he did not have any clog. Helas he was like a virgin who derived joy from the mere act not knowing whether it is skilfully done or not. Lack of experience despite being president rendered him useless hence crisis everywhere: 1. Madoff "the dubious"It makes business sense to make big impressions sensibly but on his case, Madoff took undue advantage of George W. Bush ignorance (still born presidency) to shame the entire US financial system by riding on the tiger's back. George W. Bush willingness to comply to robbers (madoff and co) orders did not guarantee safety on the Wall Street. Those thieves are ready to eliminate people if their existence constitutes poor security risk. President Obama's presidency is fortunately also designed to put an end to corporate abuse etc of teeming population of rural dwellers which is as a result of inappropriate government policies championed by his predecessor George W. Bush (20/01/2001 - 20/01/2009). 2. Irak/Angry reactionsGeorge W. Bush was politically incorrect with the entire world hence those mad shoes thrown at him in Irak. What a humiliation it was in the presence of his host. Yes, can we summarize the event by saying; creativity is no license to stand common sense on its head? 3. 911 = food for thought? No, my heart bleaks. 4. KatrinaStephen Vincent Benet said "life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways." Did unmissed George W. Bush administration relocate victims who fled their homes consequent to disaster? 5. Israel/PalestineDuring his woeful 8 years mandate, he lied; Israelis/Palestinians will have their peaceful nations in the Middle East. Helas we must commend Voltaire (1694-1778) who unveiled Bush attitudes i.e. "when the speaker and he to whom he speaks do not understand, that is metaphysics." 6. Sub-prime = food for thought? No. No thanks to his saboteur friends let loose to demolish the mainstream. God will judge George W. Bush and his cronies. He'll never have a peaceful retirement in Texas because thousands of Americans so terrified by his administration are still standing at their distance watching in awe as their dream homes, cars etc are being seized by banks. One must not because he wants to eat beef call a cow father. 7. Hot filesPresident Obama has got hot files on his office desk pending urgent actions. The combination of political will, technological innovation and a very, large investment of resources and human ingenuity in pursuit of change can produce enormous benefits to the entire world. Yes we can. Finally, President Obama should probe George W. Bush administration/republicans to be held accountable for their actions i.e. war crimes, economic crimes etc. He was given an opportunity to write his name on a platter of gold but he chosed the path of dishonour. The facts are there. Madoff and co were greedy, selfish and self-centred. They fooled mankind and not God.

It is easy to do wrong; it is harder to bear the consequence. Things that make people comfortable and secure are not acquired by foul means. Take it or leave it, today's world is no longer for the crook.

Jean Pierres BasseyPresidentNGO Change International27 BP 1044 Abidjan 27Phone : 00225 08288046Ivory Coast, West Africa

Questions on Change.gov

Trisha — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:16:43 EST

I have been reading through so many questions on Change.gov, and I have noticed so many questions that I look at and wonder...what was this person thinking.

So here are some thoughts I would like to express...

One...so many have asked the question "why do I have to pay for individuals who did things wrong, when I did everything right?" My question is why, because someone is caught up in this economic downturn, do you automatically assume that the person has done something wrong? What about the people who did everything right, but because of others greed, they are in trouble...why do you assume the people asking for help do not fall into that category?

My second thought...Maybe we should all take a step back and understand what a President can truely do. I understand, and partake in the excitement of a President who promises change from the same old politics, but all of the questions requesting things completely out of the control of a President does nothing to advance the cooperation that will be needed between the Government and the communities they serve. I understand that everyone has the right to ask what they choose, but questions that request the President to do things beyond his control are not productive.

Common questions I have come across...and my thoughts on them...Please give me your input...these are meant to get ideas going, so that we can be more proactive in our Government...

I have come across several questions that have had to do with legalizing Marijauna and taxing it the same way we tax cigarettes and alcohol. The common argument is that this would give an instant boost to the economy, both by the tax revenue this would raise and also by the billions of tax dollars saved in law enforcement costs each year. I personally see the argument, whether or not I believe in the cause, as a plausible way to stimulate the economy. What are your thoughts on this?

The next question that I have seen over and over is in regards to U.S. stimulus...Why not give a stimulus check to each American adult...the amount varries based on the questioner, but range from $30,000 each to 1 million each...included in the stimulus package to be voted on later this month. The arguement...That giving that much would allow those who have been hit hard to pay their mortgage payments and get bills caught up, and will then continue to stimulate the economy by spending, saving, or investing the rest. What are your thoughts on this?

The last question I am going to address here is whether or not we should abolish the current tax system and go to a sales tax instead of income tax system? I would like to hear all your ideas on this subjects as I am still trying to weigh the pros and cons of each. What are your thoughts on this?

The great part about this is that you can vote on which questions you want the Obama team to answer...with the questions that get the most votes being the ones they answer...if you have time you should stop by change.gov and answer a few...

Opportunities for Service Through the New Administration

Matt Beane — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:20:19 EST

I just signed up on Change.gov to let the Obama-Biden Transition Team know I'm interested in service and volunteer opportunities.

I thought you might be interested, too: http://change.gov/service

Happy Holidays in advance!

Matt

Get out the vote in GA

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:15:34 EST

Please go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/votercontact/overview and help get the vote out for the GA Democratic candidate for Senator. Make at least 15 calls to rid the senate of a member who, during his last race, accused his opponent of being unamerican and perhaps a traitor to this country. This is a man with triple amputees suffered during the Vietnam war.

Make 15 calls at least and lets get more support for the Obama program in the Senate. Thanks.

I would like Barack to...

Matt Beane — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:18:54 EST

In the short run, I want Barack to get on YouTube and make a request of his supporters:

"Find someone you know that chose to vote for another candidate and meet with them to understand their hopes and fears; try to see this country, our world and this election from their perspective. I'm not asking you to agree with each other, just to try to understand. We can't afford to surround ourselves with people who agree with us - not now, when the stakes are so high and the opportunities so great. So please join me in reaching out to everyone in America - do your bit as I try to do mine. We'll all be the better for it."

After he makes this kind of statement, direct people to a page on Change.gov where people can share their stories about this assignment. Offer up a video-blog space as well.

I've seen too many people make unsupported negative assumptions about people who voted for John McCain. I proudly voted for Barack, and feel like we have an opportunity to refresh our national culture with a spirit of openness, curiosity and collaboration. Now's the time - especially before the policy decisions fly on the 20th.

Last Day for Change

Benjamin from New York, NY — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:02:50 EST

Here's what you can do:

VOTE

GET OUT THE VOTE
Phonebanks are open tonight until 9pm to call battleground states. Come down and be a part of New York making history in this campaign.

Today's the day!

delamaine — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:55:15 EST

Hi everyone!

I have been volunteering at the Greene Co Dem Hdqtrs on Main St. Catskill....very busy!

We have 2 election lawyers here, and they are reporting over 200 instances of voter problems statewide at this point.....from signature verification problems, to volunteers campaigning too close to the polling place

If you get voters in your offic, school, etc., please ask them to make sure they have identification/and their signature when they go to vote....

If anyone wants to help out here in Catskill, we are on Main St, #326...join us! Have a good one

Please let me take the time to offer my condolences to Senator Obama and his family for the recent loss of his Tutu...

Debra

A Letter To My Republican Mother

Smart4Obama (Chris) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:50:45 EST

Good Morning,

I hope this letter finds you well. Everything is wonderful here, I cast my ballot 20 minutes ago and was excited by both the turnout and overall attitude of the voters. I wouldn't expect to find many McCain supporters in my neighborhood.

I've decided to write you for reasons other than to tell you how I am, as that is usually unwavering and remains so today. Instead, I'm asking for an open ear and mind to speak to, although it may already be too late.

Regardless; whenever you step into the voting booth today (I remember you used to do it in the evening) I want you to really stop and think about your reasons for voting one way or the other. I know you don't vote strictly by party line, and though I respect the importance of the "undercard" it is really only the Presidential Election I'm speaking about.

I understand your frustration with politics. You have been through many elections, seen many successes, many more failures, lofty dreams, broken promises, and rampant corruption. You've seen candidates promise not to raise taxes and do so, and do damage by lowering taxes and increasing spending. You've been through lame ducks, war hawks, resignations and assassinations; seen your peers in the middle class go from having 2 cars to having foreclosed homes, and seen gas go from under $1 to over $5. You have reasons to be pessimistic, and thankfully the right to do so.

This race has been no different. You have heard the promises, exposed the lies, been through the same irrelevent negative campaigning, and listened to the scare tactics. But not all is negative.

You have seen a campaign that has energized regular people, broken down traditional voting demographics, turned away from corporate control and raised millions from those who could barely afford to give pennies.

I believe, though our party affiliation doesn't agree, that our family is relatively congruent in our moral stances: we hope for Universal Health Care, are pro-choice, for gun regulation, against the war in Iraq, and believe in investment in research and development of alternative energy sources to help cure our addiction to foreign oil.

We know it is tough for anything to happen in this political world, but things need to happen if we expect to get back to a position of leadership. There was a time when the world looked towards us for direction. When it was our policies, and our leaders that helped push the world into new technological areas or against human rights violations. This world hasn't expected much from us recently as we, the voting citizens of this country, let what our country was known for slip away and become distracted in a mess of ineffectiveness. Our children aren't educated, our infrastructure is outdated, our middle class is poor, and our economy is a playground for the wealthy. We have millions of troops stationed around the globe, but a lack of interest in true areas of necessity and a President that refuses to acknowledge our most outspoken foreign critics (Chavez, Kim Jong Il, Ahmedanijad).

It is due to these dire circumstances that people like you become so important. Someone who has seen a lot, and because of it, has grown weary about the future. Someone who doesn't feel right about shaking things up because the shake ups may never pan out. But it is only with a major consensus that changes can really happen in this country, and we can begin to build our way back up. It has thus far been a terrible new century for this country. Nations that we have helped create our surpassing us in innovation and governance, while we've turned our political landscape into a reality tv program.

With all that being said, there is a chance to begin on a new path. We can't guarantee that the path is the right one, or that we will get along it far enough to make a difference but it's worth a shot. Now I know you may have already voted, and in the end given your location in an overwhelmingly Democratic state your vote won't seem to make much of a difference, but it is going to be more than just pulling a lever. When all is said and done we have already built a coalition that looks past differences and pessimism. We've started moving the gears towards making things happen in this country that so desperately need to happen, and we will continue to do so. But we need people like you; people with good moral standing, a penchant for intelligence, a desire for something different. People who gave up on politics years ago, but can remember the times when they believed they made a difference.

It may be our time now, but as the adage goes: the more, the merrier.

Here's to the hope for change!

P.S. If things do not go my way, put together some bail money, because I'll most likely be in prison by tomorrow.

Love,
Son

Something to Start Your Monday off Right.

L. Glory — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:10:24 EST

Something great to get your Monday morning started!

http://www.theobamaexperiment.com/Videos.html

Enjoy!

The Scene at HQ-The Scene for the Final Two Days

Benjamin from New York, NY — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:49:48 EST

HQ has been so busy co-ordinating all of our wonderful volunteers, the blog has taken a back seat. Here's a taste of what's been going on.

The volunteers and staff at Obama HQ New York are fired up. The excitement created by occasional special visitors (Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul and Mary in the last few days) is but a brief spike before the volunteers are back to work calling voters in battleground states:

The street team is out there inspiring you to phonebank to help Get Out the Vote on Tuesday:

Back in quieter times we had a party for the HQ volunteers:

Come down and join the excitement here at HQ or at a phonebank near you, Monday and Tuesday; all day, both days.

Change Is Coming

GerardColeman — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:24:06 EST

Some of us are guarded about it, and some are ready to sing it from the mountaintops, but it's coming and everybody knows it. I can hear it in the voice of an 84 year old retiree in a home for the elderly in Ohio and in the giggle of a college student in Colorado. We're all watching and waiting and working for it. It's coming like a tidal wave, and no one is going to stop it, not this time, no way!

And this is just the beginning of that change. We won't stop working for it and making it happen, not this time. We made that mistake before. Not this time! We're tired of the old ways and of people sliding back into them like they never left, like nothing can ever really change the way things have always been, but we can. We can, and we are. We will!

New York State: Empire State Pride Agenda 2008 General Election Voter Guide

Tommy News — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:32:12 EST

New York State: Empire State Pride Agenda 2008 General Election Voter Guide 2008 General Election Voter Guide

Introduction

The Empire State Pride Agenda is the statewide, bi-partisan civil rights and political advocacy organization dedicated to winning equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers and our families. We are committed to seizing all opportunities in the political and legislative arenas to advance our public policy goals and pursue our public policy agenda. Electing and appointing supporters of LGBT issues at all levels of government, educating candidates, and endorsing and providing campaign assistance to those who support our public policy agenda are important tools we use to achieve our goals. We believe that by supporting candidates for elected office, we increase the number of allies in government, solidify the commitment of current allies and hold opponents accountable.

Endorsement Criteria

When deciding whether to endorse in a particular race, the Pride Agenda considers a number of factors including whether the endorsement: furthers our public policy agenda, allows for coalition building with strategic allies, results in significant community or capacity building within the LGBT community, contributes to the election of LGBT candidates, and allows for specific public education on an issue of importance or has the potential to influence the outcome of an election.

We make our specific endorsement decisions based on responses to the Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire; an examination of a candidate's voting record (for those who have previously held elective office) and the voting record of their opponent; and a review of his or her public acts, statements, and consultations with other organizations throughout New York State, including local LGBT organizations. Non-incumbents are evaluated based upon the criteria above as well as the viability of their campaigns.

Candidates request consideration of an endorsement by completing and returning a Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire. Those who do not complete a questionnaire are not considered for endorsement.

About Our 2008 General Election Endorsements

The Empire State Pride Agenda has endorsed 75 candidates for the 2008 general elections on November 4.

Endorsements for the New York State Assembly

Endorsements for the New York State Senate

Endorsements for Local Races

For Informational Purposes Only

Information on Assemblymembers who did not fill out a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement, but have voted in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples, banning discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and making schools safe for LGBT youth

Information on Federal Races (President and U.S. Congress)

Key:

D=Democrat R=Republican WFP=Working Families Party I=Independence Party C=Conservative Party

Endorsements for the New York State Assembly

Candidates running for the New York State Assembly expressed support for all the issues at the top of our agenda such as: family protections for same-sex couples including the ability to legally marry; prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression; protecting youth from bias harassment in schools; increasing the availability of state funding for community based organizations providing LGBT-specific health and human services; and the unrestricted right to reproductive freedom including abortion.

Because the Assembly took up and passed bills over the past two years bills that legalize marriage for same-sex couples, combat harassment and violence in schools against LGBT youth, and ban legal discrimination against transgender New Yorkers, support for these issues was a requirement of all incumbents and non-incumbents to be considered for a Pride Agenda endorsement. For incumbents, this meant actual votes in favor of these bills.

State Assembly Endorsements:

Long Island: AD 3 (Suffolk) - Patricia Eddington (D-WFP-I), IncumbentAD 5 (Suffolk) - Ginny Fields (D-I), IncumbentAD 6 (Suffolk) - Philip Ramos (D-WFP-I), IncumbentAD 11 (Suffolk) - Robert Sweeney (D-WFP-I), Incumbent
AD 12 (Nassau) - Keith Scalia (D), Challenger
Keith Scalia is challenging four-year incumbent Assemblymember Joseph Saladino (R-WFP-I-C). Scalia, a high school English teacher, indicated in his candidate questionnaire that he would co-sponsor the marriage equality bill and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. He also stated that he believes "New York should be a pioneer in LGBT legislation." The incumbent, Saladino, is an opponent of LGBT rights who has voted against the marriage equality bill and Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Saladino did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

AD 13 (Nassau) - Charles Lavine (D-WFP-I), Incumbent
AD 14 (Nassau) - Joe Ferrara (D), Challenger
Joe Ferrara is challenging eight-year incumbent Assemblymember Robert Barra (R-WFP-I-C). Ferrara, an Account Manager for a nonprofit organization, indicated in his candidate questionnaire his support for marriage equality and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. He also stated that he thinks "LGBT rights are civil rights," and that he "would do everything in [his] power, including co-sponsoring legislation, to support the rights of the New York LGBT community." In contrast, his opponent Barra is a vocal opponent of marriage equality and was quoted in the July 20, 2006 Herald Community Newspapers as saying about marriage equality for same-sex couples, "We don't let polygamy happen. We don't let people marry animals. Where do you draw the line at for something like that?" He voted against the marriage equality bill when it passed in the Assembly in June 2007. Barra did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
AD 16 (Nassau) - Michelle Schimel (D-WFP-I), Incumbent
New York City:
AD 44 (Brooklyn) - James Brennan (D-WFP), IncumbentAD 52 (Brooklyn) - Joan Millman (D-WFP), IncumbentAD 57 (Brooklyn) - Hakeem Jeffries (D-WFP), Incumbent
AD 60 (Brooklyn, Staten Island) - Janele Hyer-Spencer (D-WFP-I), Incumbent
Janele Hyer-Spencer is running for re-election for the first time, having won an open seat in 2006 that was vacated by a retiring Republican. She co-sponsored and provided an important vote in the Judiciary Committee for a measure that became law this year that enables victims of domestic violence to seek orders of protection from non-family members and gives them the same access to Family Court as those who are married. This law covers same-sex domestic partners and achieves an objective the Pride Agenda has been working on since its earliest days as an organization. Hyer-Spencer also supported the passage of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Her opponent, Joseph Cammarata (R-C), did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
For more information on Janele Hyer-Spencer, read our extended profile here.
AD 61 (Staten Island) - Matthew Titone (D-WFP), Incumbent
Matt Titone is the incumbent for this seat, having served in the New York State Assembly since he was elected in a Special Election in January 2007. As an openly gay Assemblymember, he is a strong supporter and advocate for the LGBT community. He is also a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Titone is being challenged by Thomas McGinley (R) and Rose Margarella (I), who did not submit candidate questionnaires seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

AD 64 (Manhattan) - Sheldon Silver (D-WFP), Incumbent
AD 65 (Manhattan) - Micah Kellner (D-WFP), Incumbent
Micah Kellner is the incumbent for this seat, having served in the New York State Assembly since he was elected in a Special Election in June 2007. As the only openly bisexual Assemblymember, he is a strong supporter and advocate for the LGBT community. He is also a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. Kellner is being challenged by Georgiana Viest (R), who did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

AD 66 (Manhattan) - Deborah Glick (D-WFP), Incumbent
Deborah Glick is the incumbent for this seat, having served eighteen years in the New York State Assembly. As the Assembly's first openly lesbian Assemblymember, she is a strong supporter and advocate for the LGBT community. Glick was instrumental in passing the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) for the first time in the Assembly in 1993. She was also the prime sponsor in the Assembly of the Hospital Visitation Bill, which became law in 2004. She is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the Dignity for All Students Act. Glick is running unopposed.

AD 67 (Manhattan) - Linda Rosenthal (D-WFP), Incumbent
AD 69 (Manhattan) - Daniel O'Donnell (D), Incumbent
Danny O'Donnell is the incumbent for this seat, having served six years in the New York State Assembly. As the first openly gay Assemblymember, he is a strong supporter and advocate for the LGBT community. In addition to being the prime sponsor in the Assembly of the marriage equality bill and Dignity for All Students Act, he is also a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). The Pride Agenda worked with O'Donnell to pass the marriage bill by a vote of 85-61 in the Assembly in June 2007. O'Donnell is running unopposed.

AD 72 (Manhattan) - Adriano Espaillat (D-WFP), IncumbentAD 73 (Manhattan) - Jonathan Bing (D-WFP), Incumbent
AD 75 (Manhattan) - Richard Gottfried (D-WFP), Incumbment
Dick Gottfried is the incumbent for this seat, having served more than three decades in the New York State Assembly. He is a strong, longtime supporter of the LGBT community. In addition to being the prime sponsor in the Assembly of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), he is also a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and Dignity for All Students Act. The Pride Agenda worked closely this year with Gottfried to pass GENDA for the first time in the Assembly by an overwhelming vote of 108-34. Gottfried is being challenged by Saul Farber (R-I), who did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

Hudson Valley: AD 87 (Westchester) - J. Gary Pretlow (D-I), IncumbentAD 88 (Westchester) - Amy Paulin (D-WFP-I), IncumbentAD 89 (Westchester) - Adam Bradley (D-WFP-I), IncumbentAD 92 (Westchester) - Richard Brodsky (D-WFP), IncumbentAD 93 (Westchester) - Mike Spano (D-WFP-C), IncumbentAD 94 (Rockland) - Kenneth Zebrowski (D-WFP-I-C), IncumbentAD 95 (Rockland) - Ellen Jaffee (D-WFP-I), Incumbent
AD 100 (Dutchess, Orange, Ulster) - Frank Skartados (D-WFP), Challenger
Frank Skartados is challenging 14-year incumbent Assemblymember Thomas Kirwan (R-I-C). Skartados, a business leader who renovates properties in downtown Poughkeepsie, indicated in his candidate questionnaire his support for marriage equality and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. He stated that he is seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement "because of our common goals to treat all citizens equally and justly." His opponent, Kirwan, is a longtime, vocal opponent of LGBT rights who has voted against the marriage equality bill, Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), Dignity for All Students Act, and the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) when it became law in 2002. Kirwan did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

AD 101 (Ulster, Dutchess) - Kevin Cahill (D-WFP), Incumbent
AD 102 (Dutchess) - Joel Miller (R-I-C), Incumbent
Joel Miller never hesitates to speak out about why equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers is an important part of the promise America makes to all its citizens. When the Assembly passed the marriage equality bill in 2007, Miller was the first Republican to stand up and state his support, and the same was true again this year when the Assembly passed a bill prohibiting discrimination against transgender New Yorkers. Miller is the only pro-marriage equality Republican in the Assembly facing a challenge in his race for re-election. His opponent is Jonathan Smith (D-WFP), who also filled out a questionnaire and has stated his support for our issues. The choice is this race, however, is clear. Miller received the Pride Agenda's endorsement because he has stood with the LGBT community over and over again as an Assemblymember, through both his votes and his words.
For more information on Joel Miller, read our extended profile here.
Upstate: AD 104 (Albany) - John McEneny (D-WFP), IncumbentAD 106 (Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga) - Ronald Canestrari (D-WFP-I), Incumbent AD 113 (Essex, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren) - Teresa Sayward (R-I), IncumbentAD 116 (Oneida) - RoAnn Destito (D-WFP), Incumbent
AD 118 (Jefferson, St. Lawrence) - Addie Jenne Russell (D-WFP), Open Seat
Addie Jenne Russell is running for the open seat vacated by Democrat Darrel Aubertine, who became a State Senator (SD 48) in a Special Election in February 2008. Aubertine as an Assemblymember voted against the marriage equality bill in June 2007. Russell, an attorney and member of the Jefferson County Board of Legislators, indicated in her candidate questionnaire her support for marriage equality and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. She also stated that she would, if elected, co-sponsor these bills. Russell's opponent is Robert Cantwell (R-I-C), who did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

AD 120 (Onondaga) - William Magnarelli (D-WFP-I), Incumbent
AD 121 (Onondaga) - Albert Stirpe, Jr. (D-WFP), Incumbent
Al Stirpe is the incumbent for this seat, serving in the New York State Assembly since 2006. Stirpe, in his first term as an Assemblymember, voted to pass all three of the Pride Agenda's key bills: marriage equality, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the Dignity for All Schools Act. Additionally, he is a co-sponsor of the GENDA and Dignity bills. He is being challenged by LaFayette businessman Dave Knapp (R-I-C). Knapp did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

AD 122 (St. Lawrence, Lewis, Jefferson, Oswego) - Dede Scozzafava (R-WFP-I), IncumbentAD 125 (Cortland, Tompkins) - Barbara Lifton (D-WFP), IncumbentAD 126 (Broome) - Donna Lupardo (D-WFP), IncumbentAD 131 (Monroe) - Susan John (D-WFP), Incumbent
AD 134 (Monroe) - David Garretson (D-WFP), Challenger
David Garretson is challenging six-year incumbent Bill Reilich (R-I-C). In his candidate questionnaire, Garretson indicated that he would co-sponsor the marriage equality bill and support bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. The incumbent Bill Reilich is one of very few Assemblymembers who has voted against all three of the Pride Agenda's legislative priorities: marriage equality, banning discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and a fully inclusive safe schools bill. Reilich did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

AD 135 (Monroe) - David Koon (D-WFP), IncumbentAD 141 (Erie) - Crystal Peoples (D), IncumbentAD 144 (Erie) - Sam Hoyt (D-WFP-I), Incumbent Endorsements for the New York State Senate

With candidates running for the New York State Senate, we did not endorse any candidate who opposes any of the issues at the top of our public policy agenda. For example, we did not endorse candidates who said same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry or transgender people should not have protections against discrimination.

Unless otherwise indicated, all endorsed Senate candidates support: family protections for same-sex couples including the ability to legally marry; prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression; protecting youth from bias harassment in schools; increasing the availability of state funding for community based organizations providing LGBT-specific health and human services; and the unrestricted right to reproductive freedom including abortion.

Because the State Senate has refused to vote on marriage equality legislation and bills providing safe schools for LGBT youth and non-discrimination protections for transgender New Yorkers, endorsed Senate incumbents do not have actual voting records on these issues like Assemblymembers do. On these issues, endorsements of incumbent and non-incumbent Senate candidates are based upon the candidate questionnaire answers they provided to us. State Senate Endorsements: Long Island: SD 3 (Suffolk) - Brian Foley (D-WFP), Challenger
Brian Foley is challenging incumbent State Senator Caesar Trunzo (R-I-C). Foley is currently the Brookhaven Town Supervisor and before that served in the Suffolk County Legislature for twelve years where he worked to secure Ryan White funding for the County Health Department and supported municipal labor contracts that included partner benefits. Foley supports equality for LGBT New Yorkers, including policies that combat bias-based harassment of youth in schools and non-discrimination protections for transgender people. While he did not take a firm position in his questionnaire on marriage equality, he stated that he is not opposed to marriage for same-sex couples and is committed to working with the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community to continue learning about this issue.

The Republican incumbent, Caesar Trunzo, has served in the State Senate since Richard Nixon was President (thirty-six years). He opposes marriage equality for our families and goes a step further by being a co-sponsor of the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) that would limit marriage to a man and a woman. Trunzo is out-of-step with the needs of his LGBT constituents and votes to keep the current anti-LGBT Majority in power, a Majority that blocks movement on our community's legislative priorities and has said repeatedly it will not allow a vote on marriage equality for our families.

Brian Foley has stated his commitment to making government accountable to New Yorkers and working with the LGBT community to bring about the changes that are needed to make New York a leader in providing equality for everyone.
SD 6 (Nassau) - Kristen McElroy (D-WFP), Challenger
Kristen McElroy is challenging incumbent Kemp Hannon (R-I-C). McElroy, an attorney, indicated in her candidate questionnaire that she would co-sponsor the marriage equality bill and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. She stated that she "will do anything within [her] power" to help achieve marriage equality and protections from discrimination." Her Republican opponent, Hannon, has been in the State Senate for almost twenty years, and is a part of the anti-LGBT Senate Majority that refuses to move LGBT legislation forward. In addition, Hannon voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) when in became law in 2002. Hannon did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
SD 7 (Nassau) - Craig Johnson (D), Incumbent
Craig Johnson is the incumbent for this seat, having won it in a Special Election in February 2006. During his Special Election campaign, Johnson was openly in support of marriage equality—and was attacked by anti-gay forces attempting to turn his support for LGBT equality into a liability. Since winning the seat, Johnson has become the first Long Island State Senator to sign on as a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Dignity for All Students Act. In his candidate questionnaire, he has indicated that he would also co-sponsor the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Additionally, Johnson has a record of supporting pro-LGBT legislation during his years as a member of the Nassau County Legislature. Johnson is being challenged by Village of Plandome Manor Mayor Barbara Donno (R-I-C), who did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
New York City: SD 11 (Queens) - James Gennaro (D-WFP), Challenger
James Gennaro is challenging thirty-two year incumbent Frank Padavan (R-I-C). Gennaro is currently a New York City Councilmember, serving since 2002. He has a record of supporting pro-LGBT legislation as a Councilmember, including a vote that banned discrimination against transgender people in New York City and a vote that would make New York City schools safe for LGBT youth. In his candidate questionnaire, Gennaro indicated that he supports marriage equality and would co-sponsor bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make New York public schools safe for LGBT youth. He also stated that "every New Yorker, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be free from discrimination and enjoy the same rights and responsibilities afforded to everyone—period." Frank Padavan voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) when it passed in 2002. He is also a co-sponsor of the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA). Padavan did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
SD 13 (Queens) - Hiram Monserrate (D-WFP), Open Seat
Hiram Monserrate is running for the open seat which is being vacated by John Sabini, a Democrat who has been a supporter on all of our issues during his six years in the Senate. Monserrate is currently a New York City Councilmember, serving since 2001. He has a record of sponsoring and supporting LGBT-related legislation, including a vote that banned discrimination against transgender people in New York City and a vote that would make New York City schools safe for LGBT youth. On his candidate questionnaire, he indicated his support for all of the issues at the top of our agenda. He also stated that as Senator, he plans to create an LGBT advisory board in his District. Monserrate is running unopposed.

SD 14 (Queens) - Malcolm Smith (D-WFP), Incumbent
SD 15 (Queens) - Joseph Addabbo (D-WFP), Challenger
Joseph Addabbo is challenging incumbent Serphin Maltese (R-I-C). Addabbo is currently a New York City Councilmember from Queens and has a long record supporting LGBT issues on the City Council. This record includes a vote that banned discrimination against transgender people in New York City and a vote that would make New York City schools safe for LGBT youth. Addabbo has promised to champion these and other LGBT issues as a State Senator, including outreach to his fellow Senators to have them co-sponsor important pieces of legislation. While he did not take a firm position in his questionnaire on marriage equality, he stated that he is not opposed to marriage for same-sex couples and is committed to working with the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community to continue learning about this issue.

The twenty-year Republican incumbent Serphin Maltese is a stark contrast to Addabbo when it comes to LGBT issues. Maltese is arguably the most anti-gay member of the State Senate. Not only has he worked behind the scenes to prevent LGBT legislation from being considered by the State Senate, but he has also voted against every major piece of legislation that did eventually go before the full Senate. He voted against Hate Crimes legislation when it passed in 2000 and the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) when it passed in 2002. Maltese is a vocal and strident opponent of marriage equality for same-sex couples. He is the lead sponsor of the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) that would limit marriage to a man and a woman. In 2004, he spoke at an anti-marriage equality rally on the steps of the State Capitol where he specifically talked about our relationships in the same breath that he spoke about polygamy and incest.

As a State Senator, Joseph Addabbo has promised to meet regularly with his LGBT constituents, and to work to bring our community's legislative priorities to the forefront of the State Senate's agenda in order to bring about their swift passage.
SD 16 (Queens) - Toby Ann Stavisky (D-WFP), IncumbentSD 17 (Brooklyn) - Martin Malave Dilan (D), IncumbentSD 18 (Brooklyn) - Velmanette Montgomery (D-WFP), IncumbentSD 21 (Brooklyn) - Kevin Parker (D-WFP), IncumbentSD 23 (Brooklyn, Staten Island) - Diane Savino (D-WFP), Incumbent
SD 25 (Brooklyn, Manhattan) - Daniel Squadron (D-WFP), Open Seat
Daniel Squadron defeated thirty-year Democratic incumbent Martin Connor in the September 9 Primary Election. Connor was a consistent supporter of LGBT issues, and Daniel Squadron has indicated that he will be an even stronger champion of LGBT equality as a Senator. Squadron is a former top aide to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. In his Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire, Squadron indicated that he would co-sponsor the marriage equality bill and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. He also said that he would be an outspoken supporter of LGBT issues in his conference, and would help secure additional support on pieces of pro-LGBT legislation. Democrat Squadron is running against openly gay Republican John Chromczak. Chromczak, who did not complete a Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire, has been written up in the press as being in support of marriage equality. If elected, however, he would vote to maintain the current anti-LGBT Senate Majority in place, which refuses to bring the marriage bill to the floor for a vote.
For more information on Daniel Squadron, read our extended profile here.
SD 26 (Brooklyn) - Liz Krueger (D-WFP), IncumbentSD 28 (Bronx, Manhattan) - Jose Serrano (D-WFP), Incumbent
SD 29 (Manhattan) - Thomas Duane (D-WFP), Incumbent
Tom Duane is the incumbent for this seat, having served ten years in the New York State Senate. As the first and only openly gay Senator, he is a strong supporter and advocate for the LGBT community. He is also the prime sponsor in the Senate for the marriage equality bill, Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), and Dignity for All Students Act. Senator Duane is being challenged by Debra Leible (R), who did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

SD 31 (Manhattan, Bronx) - Eric Schneiderman (D-WFP), Incumbent Hudson Valley: SD 35 (Westchester) - Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-WFP), Incumbent
SD 37 (Westchester) - Suzi Oppenheimer (D-WFP), Incumbent
Suzi Oppenheimer is the incumbent for this seat, having served in the New York State Senate for more than twenty years. She is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and has indicated on her candidate questionnaire that she would also co-sponsor legislation that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. As a long-serving member of the State Senate, Oppenheimer has a long record of support for LGBT issues, including voting for the Hate Crimes bill when it passed in 2000 and the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) when it passed in 2002. Oppenheimer is being challenged by Larchmont Mayor Liz Feld (R-I-C), who did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
Upstate:
SD 43 (Rensselaer, Saratoga) - Mike Russo (D), Open Seat
Mike Russo is running for an open seat, left vacant by the retirement of former Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. Russo is the former district director for U.S. Congresswoman Kristen Gillibrand (NY-20). He indicated in his candidate questionnaire that he supports marriage equality and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. He is running against Roy McDonald (R-I-C), who is currently a member of the New York State Assembly. An Assemblymember since 2002, McDonald voted against the marriage bill when it passed in the Assembly in June 2007. McDonald did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
SD 46 (Albany) - Neil Breslin (D-WFP), Incumbent
SD 51 (Otsego, Schoharie, Cortland, Chenago, Tompkins, Herkimer) - Don Barber (D-WFP), Challenger
Don Barber is challenging 22-year incumbent James Seward (R-I-C). Barber is currently in his eleventh year of service as Caroline Town Supervisor. He indicated in his candidate questionnaire that he supports marriage equality and would co-sponsor bills that ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. His opponent, Seward, voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) when it passed in 2002. He is also a co-sponsor of the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) that would limit marriage to a man and a woman. Seward did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

SD 55 (Monroe) - David Nachbar (D-WFP), Challenger
David Nachbar is challenging twelve-year incumbent Senator Jim Alesi (R-I-C). In his previous position as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Bausch & Lomb, Nachbar helped the company achieve a perfect score from HRC's Corporate Equality Index by extending equal benefits to the domestic partners of employees. In his candidate questionnaire he indicated that he would co-sponsor the marriage equality bill and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth.

Nachbar's opponent Jim Alesi is against marriage equality legislation and has gone a step further in co-sponsoring the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) that would limit marriage to a man and a woman. Alesi has indicated that he is also opposed to banning discrimination against transgender New Yorkers, and although he has told constituents that he would consider supporting legislation that would make schools safe for LGBT youth, he has not taken any steps to move the bill forward. He voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) when it passed in 2002. Alesi did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
For more information on David Nachbar, read our extended profile here.
SD 56 (Monroe) - Rick Dollinger (D-WFP), Challenger
Rick Dollinger is challenging six-year incumbent Joe Robach (R-I-C). Dollinger held this seat previously, from 1992-2002, but left to serve as Brighton Town Justice. While previously serving in the State Senate, Dollinger was a champion of LGBT equality, voting to pass the Hate Crimes bill in 2000 and the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) in 2002. He has also indicated in his candidate questionnaire that he will co-sponsor the marriage equality bill and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT Youth. He stated that he will not only be a "yes" vote on important pieces of pro-LGBT legislation, but will also be an outspoken advocate in his conference and will help secure additional support on the bills.

Joe Robach has consistently acted against the interests of LGBT New Yorkers. As a member of the New York State Assembly for eleven years, he voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) ten years in a row. He frequently shows up at LGBT events in Rochester and tells his LGBT constituents that he supports their interests, but behaves in an opposite manner when he goes to Albany for the legislative session. He does not support marriage equality or a fully inclusive safe schools bill. Joe Robach took the extra step of informing the Pride Agenda that he would not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement "due to the narrow parameters of the questions."
For more information on Rick Dollinger, read our extended profile here.
SD 60 (Erie, Niagra) - Antoine Thompson (D-WFP), Incumbent
SD 61 (Genesee, Erie) - Joe Mesi (D-WFP), Open Seat
Joe Mesi is running for the open seat being vacated by fifteen-year State Senator Mary Lou Rath. Mesi, an undefeated professional heavyweight boxer and entrepreneur, has a longstanding commitment to his local community. On his Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire, he indicated his support for marriage equality and bills that would ban discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and make schools safe for LGBT youth. He stated that he will "fight for the values that are important to working families – including equal rights for LGBT working families." Mesi's leadership would make a big difference in the 61st Senate District by replacing Rath, a Republican who is publicly opposed to marriage equality for same-sex couples and who voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) when it became law in 2002. Mesi's opponent is Michael Ranzenhofer (R-I-C), an Erie County Legislator who did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
Endorsements for Local Races

Endorsements of local race candidates are based upon the candidate questionnaire answers provided to us. Monroe County Clerk - Tom Hasman (D-WFP), Challenger
Tom Hasman is challenging current Monroe County Clerk Cheryl Dinolfo (R-I-C). Hasman, a Senior Information Security Analyst for SRA International, supports marriage equality, banning discrimination against transgender New Yorkers, and making schools safe for LGBT youth. He stated in his questionnaire that he will "publicly support the LGBT community and advocate for LGBT issues." Having an ally in elected county-wide office in Monroe County would be an important advance for the LGBT community, given the County's longstanding opposition to LGBT issues. The County Legislature is controlled by an anti-LGBT Majority and the County Executive, Maggie Brooks, has refused to provide spousal benefits to county employee Pat Martinez, who was legally married in Canada to her partner, Lisa Golden. The ensuing court case, Martinez v. Monroe County, has made news nationally, and the appellate-level ruling in favor of Pat Martinez is currently the binding decision on all courts in the state. County Clerk Cheryl Dinolfo did not submit a candidate questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
Mayor of Ossining - William Hanauer (D-I), Incumbent
William Hanauer is the incumbent for this seat, having served as Mayor of Ossining for two years. When he was elected in 2006, he became Westchester County's first openly gay mayor. As mayor, Hanauer has lobbied the state legislature to pass the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the Dignity for All Students Act. Additionally, as a Village Trustee, he rejected a request from the Boy Scouts of America to use village property for a fundraiser because of their discrimination against LGBT people. Hanauer is running unopposed for his second term.
Ossining Trustee - Janis Castaldi (D-I), Open Seat
Janis Castaldi is running for an open seat for Village of Ossining Trustee. Castaldi, a career coach, is an open lesbian, and has a history of involvement with the LGBT community. Castaldi indicated support for marriage equality, banning discrimination against transgender New Yorkers, and making schools safe for LGBT youth., and wrote that she will "champion" LGBT issues and "work constantly to make our lives equal and fair."

About Assemblymembers Who Voted Correctly on Our Top Issues, but Did Not Seek Our Endorsement

Because the New York State Assembly took historic first-time votes on marriage for same-sex couples and protections against discrimination for transgender New Yorkers, we are listing for informational purposes those incumbent Assemblymembers who stood with our community on these two measures as well as safe schools legislation. These Assemblymembers, however, did not seek and therefore did not receive our endorsement.

We are providing this list so our supporters who live in thess districts can know if their Assemblymember has been a part of the historic progress our community has made on these issues in the Assembly. The names of these Assemblymembers are listed below.

Long Island:

AD 1 (Suffolk) - Marc Alessi (D-WFP-I)
AD 4 (Suffolk) - Steve Englebright (D-WFP-I)
AD 20 (Nassau) - Harvey Weisenberg (D-WFP-I)

New York City:

AD 23 (Queens) - Audrey Pheffer (D-WFP)
AD 24 (Queens) - Mark Weprin (D-WFP)
AD 25 (Queens) - Rory Lancman (D-WFP)
AD 26 (Queens) - Ann Margaret Carrozza (D-WFP)
AD 27 (Queens) - Nettie Mayersohn (D)
AD 28 (Queens) - Andrew Hevesi (D-WFP)
AD 31 (Queens) - Michele Titus (D-WFP)
AD 32 (Queens) - Vivian Cook (D-WFP)
AD 35 (Queens) - Jeffrion Aubry (D)
AD 36 (Queens) - Michael Gianaris (D-WFP)
AD 39 (Queens) - Jose Peralta (D-WFP)
AD 41 (Brooklyn) - Helene Weinstein (D-WFP)
AD 42 (Brooklyn) - Rhoda Jacobs (D)
AD 50 (Brooklyn) - Joseph Lentol (D)
AD 51 (Brooklyn) - Felix Ortiz (D-WFP)
AD 54 (Brooklyn) - Darryl Towns (D-WFP)
AD 55 (Brooklyn) - William Boyland Jr. (D-WFP)
AD 59 (Brooklyn) - Alan Maisel (D)
AD 68 (Manhattan) - Adam Clayton Powell IV (D)
AD 70 (Manhattan) - Keith Wright (D-WFP)
AD 71 (Manhattan) - Herman D. Farrell, Jr. (D)
AD 74 (Manhattan) - Brian Kavanagh (D-WFP)
AD 76 (Bronx) - Peter Rivera (D-WFP)
AD 78 (Bronx) - Jose Rivera (D)
AD 80 (Bronx) - Naomi Rivera (D)
AD 81 (Bronx) - Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-WFP)
AD 82 (Bronx) - Michael Benedetto (D-WFP)
AD 84 (Bronx) - Carmen Arroyo (D)

Hudson Valley:

AD 91 (Westchester) - George Latimer (D-WFP-I)
AD 98 (Orange, Sullivan) - Aileen Gunther (D-I-C)

Upstate:

AD 132 (Monroe) - Joseph Morelle (D-I)
AD 145 (Erie) - Mark Schroeder (D-WFP-I-C)
AD 150 (Chautauqua) - William Parment (D-I)

Information on Federal Races

The Pride Agenda does not make endorsements in federal races (i.e. President of the United State and races for the U.S. Congress) because it does not have a federal Political Action Committee (PAC) and is therefore not legally able to do so. The Pride Agenda has a state-based PAC which enables us to make endorsements of candidates running on the local level, for the state legislature and for statewide office.

To learn where the two major Presidential candidates stand on LGBT civil rights issues, go to HRC's online report card. To learn where the two major Presidential candidates and their Vice Presidential running mates stand on HIV/AIDS issues, go to GMHC's website.

More:http://www.prideagenda.org/CampaignsandElections/2008ElectionCenter/2008GeneralElectionVoterGuide/tabid/470/Default.aspx
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Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy

The Choice: Economic Common Sense or Moral Hazard?

Tom Riendeau — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:07:31 EDT

Several weeks ago I wrote a piece in opposition to the original Paulson bailout proposal. The plan, as the Bush Administration proposed it, was seriously flawed as its singular focus was to rescue the greedy investors that caused the mortgage meltdown in the first place.

I have the good fortune to be close friends with an economist who served in two presidential administrations. (Barack: call me. You should hire her. Seriously.)

She has a centrist economic philosophy with a heart that cares deeply about social justice. When she uses the word "immoral" below she means it because of the serious damage that bad policy does to vulnerable every day people. Here is part of an email that she sent to me:

Buying securities at their market value does nobody any good, because the banks could sell to anyone at their market value. The only way buying securities helps the banks is if the government overpays. And that’s exactly the same as writing Wall Street a check saying, “You made a bad investment? Here. I’ll give you the money to make it up to you.” Immoral, bad policy, and a colossal waste of government money to give away free money to the very last people on the planet – shareholders & management of Wall Street firms?! – who should be getting a subsidy.
Paulson’s plan is absolutely to overpay for these securities and prevent housing prices from going down. He will overpay – he’s lying about that, deliberately – and he won’t be able to prevent housing prices from coming down because they WILL come down until real people can legitimately – with real mortgages – afford those houses again.
His plan is going to be colossally expensive and ineffective. He’s spitting into the ocean and wasting trillions of our dollars to do it.
Plus, it just prolongs the agony. This is one of those situations where the pain cannot be avoided. It can only be gotten over quickly or prolonged into ongoing agony. That’s the choice.
Paulson is choosing ongoing agony for the economy and a handout to his pals on Wall Street. Worst of all possible outcomes. That’s what he’s doing.

I was thrilled to see Obama pivot on this to suggest a simpler, saner, more appropriate plan to unfreeze the credit markets, re-invigorate inter-bank lending, and get our economy moving again:

Re-capitalize banks in return for taxpayers gaining a share of equity.
Limit executive compensation as banks recovered.
Allow bankruptcy judges to modify individual mortgages as they can with other types of debt.

This suggestion has been tried before with much success.

Read more about Barack Obama's economic plan: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

As I wrote before, nothing about what we should be doing to helped distressed families and the overall economy has changed:

Repeal the awful 2005 Bankruptcy Act
Extend unemployment benefits
Invest heavily in education since that is a terrific and rational reaction to losing your job
Provide universal health care, especially for children
Provide universal pre-K and increase assistance for child care
Stop wasting $10B a month in Iraq

Tom Riendeau, Guilderland NY

Dems close to winning New York State Senate After 70 Years of GOP Dominance.

Tommy News — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:35:57 EDT

Dems close to winning New York State Senate After 70 Years of GOP Dominance.Please urge every New Yorker you know to vote for the Democrats in the State Senate races. Joe Bruno has left the Senate, and we only need two seats to win a Democratic majority and help Governor David Paterson enact his agenda of reform and equality. It is time to defeat and retire Caesar Trunzo, Owen Johnson, etc. Please pass this on. -TommyNew York Stae Senate Website:http://www.senate.state.ny.us/senatehomepage.nsf/Home?OpenFormG.O.P. Forced to Defend State Senate After 70 Years of Dominance

By NICHOLAS CONFESSOREPublished: November 1, 2008

ALBANY — They have sent microfilm clerks and security guards from their desks in the Capitol to the hustings of eastern Long Island and the Buffalo suburbs. They have brought in a dozen outside consultants, including a firm that produced the Swift Boat campaign against John Kerry, to cut advertisements and raise money. They have spent millions of dollars to fight for seats that were once safely Republican.

No effort is being spared by New York Republicans in the final days of this election season, which will determine whether they continue to control the State Senate, their only outpost of power in an increasingly Democratic state. Even veterans like Senator Caesar Trunzo — 82 years old and running against the son of a candidate he beat a quarter-century ago — are making eight appearances a day to shake hands and ask for votes.

"We just keep going along, doing what we have to do, and then hope for the best," Mr. Trunzo said recently as he rushed off to a campaign rally in Patchogue, on Long Island. "It's so important that we control the New York State Senate."

Republicans have held a majority in the Senate for all but one of the last 70 years, outlasting governors and presidents, Watergate and Jack Abramoff, seemingly immune to the ebb and flow of national politics. The Senate majority has helped Republicans garner millions of dollars for their campaigns and 10 times that in state aid for their mostly suburban or rural districts. It has been the party's storehouse of institutional knowledge, the career springboard for generations of politicians and operatives, and the lifeblood of some of Albany's most powerful lobbyists.

But now the Republican majority is down to a single seat, provoking the most intense, expensive and sweeping campaign in many years. Eight Republican seats are being seriously contested, double the number in most recent election years.

"It's different, because they're fighting for their survival," said Michael D. Dawidziak, a Republican consultant. "They haven't fought for survival in any of their lifetimes."

The potential loss of the Senate majority is usually mentioned only glancingly on the campaign trail, in veiled references to the need for "balanced government." But it is the urgent undercurrent to conversations in campaign offices, in the hallways of the Capitol and among local Republican activists.

"Our troops, the committeemen, the volunteers — they are very aware of the Albany piece, where they usually are not," said James P. Domagalski, the Republican chairman of Erie County. "They understand what would happen if we lose the Senate."

The long tenures of many Republican senators fighting for re-election — some came into office in 1972 during Richard Nixon's landslide re-election — is a testament to the Senate Republicans' endurance and agility. But facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, a party name damaged by an unpopular administration in Washington, and the chance that Senator Barack Obama's presidential bid will bring a surge of Democratic voters to the polls, the challenge has never seemed so great.

"This is a national tide," said Alfonse M. D'Amato, a lobbyist and a former United States senator, who has been a major fund-raiser and booster for State Senate Republicans. "Sometimes the tide comes in."

Mr. D'Amato said he was convinced that Senate Republicans would hold on this year despite the obstacles they faced. And publicly and privately, Republican senators and aides scoff at the suggestion that this will be the year the majority cracks.

"I'm confident we're going to be victorious, and I'm not thinking about 'what if,' " said Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., of Long Island. "Because we're not going to have deal with the 'what if.' "

On the campaign trail, Republicans have used their fund-raising advantage to expand the playing field, devoting hundreds of thousands of dollars to races in which Democrats have shown unexpected weakness, to offset possible Republican losses. On Friday, they sent Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, a key ally, to campaign with Senator Serphin R. Maltese of Queens, who is the Democrats' top target.

In recent weeks, Republicans have aggressively have stoked fears that communities upstate and on Long Island would suffer from a Democratic takeover of the Senate, which would leave the governor's office and both legislative leadership posts in the hands of Democrats from the five boroughs. They are blunt about what is at stake.

"The biggest fear is that if we lose the majority, all funding goes to New York City," said Mr. Fuschillo.

After a devastating loss in February in an upstate special election, Republicans revamped their campaign committee, bringing on new senior staff members, several with experience on presidential campaigns. Since that race — where much of the television advertising was handled by a firm linked to a former party chairman — the committee has broadly expanded its roster of campaign and advertising consultants, bringing in highly regarded talent from the Beltway.

"We learned from the special that the TV in particular has to be top-notch. It can't be the same old same old. You can't use the same old political tactics," said Senator Thomas W. Libous, an upstate Republican and a leader of the party's campaign effort.

Facing an unprecedented number of races, Senate Republicans have devised a buddy system — as it is known internally — to send senators from safe districts to campaign for and advise incumbents in tight races. Party officials say they have also gotten safe incumbents to contribute more campaign money than in the past to their more vulnerable colleagues.

"They now say, 'Instead of trying to drive up my margins in my district, I should spend that time trying to help one of the weaker guys win his race,' " Mr. D'Amato said.

Republicans are also preparing to unveil the kind of technology more familiar from presidential campaigns with hundred-million-dollar budgets. In several key races on Tuesday — party officials would not say which — workers will use BlackBerrys to check off Republican voters as they arrive at polling places and send the lists to a central database, making the party's turnout operation far more efficient.

In some races, the G.O.P. has resorted to methods that are lower-tech but no less intensive. In Westchester County, where Republicans are hoping for an upset victory, the Republican candidate, Liz Feld, has been sending handwritten notes to voters to ask for their support.

The loss of the majority, Republicans say, would not only put their districts at a disadvantage in Albany. It could also cripple the party itself. The majority, after all, comes with roughly $85 million in earmark spending and hundreds of extra staff jobs in Albany and in district offices. In most areas of the state, Republican senators sit atop a well-established political food chain, providing patronage jobs, smoothing political disputes and running local party organizations.

Vincent F. Liguori, who is active with the Republican committee in Islip, on Long Island, said that having Mr. Trunzo as his senator was "like having my father looking out for me."

"It's like they say: To the victor belong the spoils," he added. "There's going to be a lot of people looking for work if he loses."

More:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/nyregion/02senate.html?pagewanted=2

Last Call for Change - Final Four Days

Benjamin from New York, NY — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:22:14 EDT

This is it!

We're coming down to the final stretch and Barack Obama needs your help now, more than ever before!

Please bring your cell phone, a charger and a few fun friends who care about change and join with thousands of your neighbors in the largest ever-attempted phone bank effort in New York state history. The Obama campaign is hosting several of these "mega call centers" all over New York, so invite your friends and family to make calls to voters in key battleground states and change America for years to come.

Visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/nylastcall to find a location near you.

Last Call for Change Final Four Days

NEW YORK HQ — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:19:22 EDT

This is it! We're coming down to the final stretch and Barack Obama needs your help now, more than ever before! Please bring your cell phone, a charger and a few fun friends who care about change and join with thousands of your neighbors in the largest ever-attempted phone bank effort in New York state history. The Obama campaign is hosting several of these "mega call centers" all over New York, so invite your friends and family to make calls to voters in key battleground states and change America for years to come. Visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/nylastcall to find a site near you!

Conservatives for Change Dot Com

Matt Beane — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:22:28 EDT

A republican-party official referred me to this website today:

http://www.conservativesforchange.com/

Forward it liberally along - he said he could hear himself amongst these voices.

Necessity is the mother of Invention

ODEH ODEH — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:53:11 EDT

Obama is a child of necessity!

Obama is the epitome of America idealism!

Obama is the personification of unity in diversity!

Obama represents one United States of America and not a blue or red faction!

Obama is real and thanks be to God for him!

It is indeed a great thing that we are bless to see the anticipated transition and transformation of America and by implication the entire world as we all gravitate towards unity in diversity, tolerance, humanity and above all patriotism that is not limited by racism, discriminations, diabolism, partisanship and other forms of man inhumanty to man.

Behold the biblical Joshua is here and thanks to the many Moses of our country and world; for the sacrifices made by our ancestors is no longer in vain!

God bless USA

God bless Obama & Biden

Graham Long for US Congress; Help Defeat GOP Bushco incumbant Pete King on Long Island, NY 3rd Congressional District

Tommy News — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:24:41 EDT

Graham Long for US Congress; Help Defeat GOP Bushco incumbant Pete King on Long Island, NY 3rd Congressional District

Graham Long for US Congress; Help Defeat GOP Bushco incumbent Pete King on Long Island, NY 3rd Congressional District. The barbell shaped, heavily Republican 3rd Congressional district stretches from Long Beach in Nassau County to East Islip, New York in Suffolk.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York's_3rd_congressional_districtPlease pass this on to everyone you know on Long Island, New York. http://grahamlong2008.com/About Graham

Graham Long spends every day at work seeking solutions to Long Island's challenges. As an economic development advisor, working with Nassau County, he helps to shape a better future for Long Island.

This is his first run for public office.

Born and raised on the island, he is concerned, along with so many others, that he will not be able to afford to stay in his hometown.

With a background in suburban planning, historic preservation, & government, his goal is to restore the unique character of the island that has always been the frontier of America's future.

Graham is a regional planning specialist, and has worked with Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi on his initiatives to reduce our tax burden, create senior and next-generation affordable housing in our downtowns, strengthen our economy, and preserve our environment and the history and character of Long Island.

He has extensive background in both planning and government, starting out as an intern with The White House, working for the director of the President's National Economic Council in 2002.

While in Washington DC, Graham acted as Advisory Commissioner for the District of Columbia, focusing on regional planning, controlling development, and transportation infrastructure.

Since then he worked as an operations manager for the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City. After the current administration in Washington proved to be drifting away from the challenges our nation faces, Graham returned to Long Island and became active in local government issues.

He holds a B.A. in American Studies, concentrating in economic development and regional planning, from The George Washington University.

His family hails from Franklin Square, and Graham is a graduate of Locust Valley Central School District. He continues to reside in his hometown.

Visit and Bookmark Graham's website here:

http://grahamlong2008.com/

Graham Long By Carla Santella

Graham Long is challenging Congressman Peter T. King for his long-held seat in the 3rd Congressional District.

Graham Long

While Mr. Long has never held elected office, he is no neophyte to the governmental arena, beginning with his work as an intern with the White House, working for the director of the President's National Economic Council in 2002 and acting as advisory commissioner for the District of Columbia, focusing on regional planning, development and transportation infrastructure. Mr. Long stated that "After the current administration in Washington proved to be drifting away from the challenges our nation faces, I returned to Long Island and became active in local government."

He currently works as an economic development advisor and regional planning specialist for Nassau County, working "to restore the unique character of the Island that has always been the frontier of America's future." His initiatives have served to help reduce the tax burden, create senior and next-generation affordable housing in downtowns, strengthen the economy, and preserve the environment, history and character of Long Island. These county issues, said Mr. Long, also apply to more local governments.

Concern for Long Island's economic base has led Mr. Long to the realization that "We need to bring in high-tech research and development industries and to steer our economy in a new direction that is centered on 'green' industries, building a renewable energy network, and rebuilding and reworking our crumbling infrastructure." Long Island has the educated workforce to do that, Mr. Long added, but the economy must provide that workforce the affordability to live here. Affordable rental and condominium units in the downtowns, which are often near public transportation, will serve to encourage seniors and young adults to remain on Long Island and will promote greater use of trains and buses, thus reducing traffic, as well as gasoline usage, he said.

Mr. Long believes property taxes can be reduced not only through increased federal and state aid for our schools, but also through restructuring and consolidating local government to make the system more efficient.

Mr. Long said he is running as the candidate of change, and that Rep. King is "the candidate for the status quo." The fact that he has never run for, nor held, political office serves to his advantage, Mr. Long believes, because, "I'm not beholden to any special interests. We can no longer trust the politicians in Washington to fix the problems they helped create in the first place."

If elected, Mr. Long said he vows to help Long Island preserve the legacy, neighborhoods, landmarks and environmental resources "that make our Island unique and attractive" while continuing "to grow responsibly and bring more development into our downtowns, encourage clean energy industries to come to Long Island, and rebuild and enhance our [public and private] transportation network."

In regard to international affairs, Mr. Long said, "We must encourage the next president to re-deploy our combat forces in Iraq, give our troops the benefits and breaks they deserve, and increase our troop levels in Afghanistan where Al-Qaeda is regrouping." The U.S. should reduce combat forces in Iraq, he said, while continuing to work as peacekeepers, which could provide our nation with greater international support. Mr. Long said he will also seek to reverse the current trend in Washington to export our economic base, which he said, has "left us with an unstable economy and a government based on borrowing."

Mr. Long stated, ""I am thrilled and honored to have the support of Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature Diane Yatauro and former Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger."

At press time, Mr. Long has also received the endorsement of the Nassau Women's Democratic Caucus and the Alliance for Retired Americans.

Mr. Long is running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines. He holds a BA in American studies, concentrating in economic development and regional planning, from George Washington University. He resides in his home city of Glen Cove.

More:http://www.antonnews.com/glencoverecordpilot/2008/10/24/news/election.html

--
Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy

Gov. Palin Interview

John Minehan — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:26:09 EDT

The following interview, from Glen Beck's Website, should convince anyone that Gov. Palin may not yet be ready:

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/196/17080/?ck=1

The scary thing is that Gov. Palin's syntax was probably cleaned up to some degree.

NOW OR NEVER

eric HUSSEIN graff — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:43:20 EDT

Do or die, now or never, don't leave anything on the field, sprint to the finish, follow through, keep up the pressure, pound them with the ground game, making history, being part of history, ground zero, NORTH EAST PENNSYLVANIA, Hazleton PA, we need your help, walk for change CALL DAVE 570-951-9266 nuff said? eric HUSEIN graff

Mrs. Dunham

John Minehan — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:29:57 EDT

Mrs. Dunham

I think all Obama supporters' thoughts and prayers are with the Obama family and Mrs. Dunham at the time of her grave illness.

Grandparents being the remarkable people they are, I am sure Mrs. Dunham is more proud her Grandson is an honest, decent man who married a fine woman and is raising a wonderful family than any of his other attainments. However, I hope she able to see her Grandson elected President.

Education

John Minehan — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:50:17 EDT

Education

This is a critical issue.

No Child Left Behind seems to be more of a "Jinku" or a "Kaplan Course" approach to education and, thus, a stop-gap. I remeber Hedrick Smith wrote about 13 years ago that our system works well for Talented and gifted ("TAG") kids and Special Ed kids and fails everyone else. I don't think that is untrue, although I am neither a parent nor a teacher ... and generally avoid associations, too.

Charter Schools seem like a good idea, but there seem to be recurrent fraud and abuse issue. Private contractors like The Edison Project seem to fail everytime they get a turn-key contract.

I can't think of a more important issue and I can't think of anything with a smaller range of workable solutions.

Does anyone have any thougts?

The Third Debate

John Minehan — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:05:09 EDT

The Third Debate

Some thoughts on the Third Debate:

---"Sen. Government?" Is he any relation to "Barrack America?"

---That someone who probably has a USAA auto insurance policy in his pocket is extolling the virtues of individual over group insurance is indicative of a Health Care Reform Plan that appears to exist to fill space on the McCain'08 web-site. That this is nonsense is an understatement. Sen. McCain should have adopted the House Republicans' reform plan, which is largely cribbed from the Obama Plan with Medical Savings Accounts crammed in.

---No, Sen. McCain, Sen. Obama is not advocating a single-payor system. He has a market-based reform plan like yours. The difference is that his could work.

---I hate to tell you this Sen. McCain, but we are a lot more leveraged than we were in 1929 and taxes will have to go up to avoid the wheels from coming off. The real question is on whom and when? Sen. Obama understands that and you don't.

---If you think registration anomalies by ACORN are a major threat to the fabric of American Democracy, you don't have a lot of faith in American Democracy.

---Joe the Plumber needs a better accountant. However, he will also need a good press agent.

Long Island, NY prepares for final presidental Debate Wednesday: Eisenhower Park Rally, Debate Watching Parties, Hofstra University Spruces Up Campus, Media arrives.. There is a free outdoor pre-debate Obama-Biden rally and concert in Eisenhower Park from

Tommy News — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:56:22 EDT

Long Island, NY prepares for final presidental Debate Wednesday: Eisenhower Park Rally, Debate Watching Parties, Hofstra University Spruces Up Campus, Media arrives.. There is a free outdoor pre-debate Obama-Biden rally and concert in Eisenhower Park from 3 PM to 7 PM. The debate will be televised live at 9 PM Eastern on most major networks. - Hide quoted text - U.S. Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (R-AZ) (L) and Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) embrace after their presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee October 7, 2008Hofstra University prepares for final presidential debateFrom the massive to the mundane, Hofstra has spent millions getting ready for its national close-up

McClatchy newspapers
guardian.co.uk,
Monday October 13 2008 20.46 BST
Article history

Jorge Sanz paints a piece of the set at the site of the final presidential debate Barack Obama and John McCain at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Photograph: Jim Bourg/Reuters

After investing $3.5m in construction and planning, Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York found out there was something missing from its preparations for this week's third and final presidential debate. Water glasses. "We actually had to give the campaigns the exact water glass the candidates will be using during the debate," said Hofstra president Stuart Rabinowitz. "So they know the heft of it, I guess."

From the massive to the mundane, Hofstra has spent the last year getting ready for its close-up, re-tooling its David S Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex into the venue for a debate that will be watched by millions on television worldwide. "There are people cleaning and painting everywhere," said student Melissa Barnshaw, 17, of South Brunswick, New Jersey "And there's so much security. But it's not that inconvenient - I mean, it's not like this happens every day."

Construction crews have laid tens of thousands feet of cable and carpet, and installed thousands of phone lines and hundreds of flat-screen televisions. A television stand-up platform was built outside the Mack sports complex, where the debate will be held. Inside the arena, the university had to install equipment to reduce the noise from its air-conditioning system, after a sound crew from the Commission on Presidential Debates determined it ran too loudly.

Special vents were cut above the spot where each candidate will stand during the debate, to improve air flow so they won't perspire as Richard Nixon infamously did during the first-ever televised presidential debate in 1960. "They're still asking and we're still doing," Rabinowitz said on Friday of the debate preparations. "Whatever they want, we do."

Although Hofstra has played host to four former presidents, including Bill Clinton in 2005, officials say those events don't rival the work involved in preparing for the debate. "You can't compare anything we've ever done to this," said Melissa Connolly, Hofstra's vice president for university relations. "Absolutely nothing compares to this level of attention."

More than 3,000 media are credentialed to cover the debate. MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews will broadcast live from campus on Wednesday. Some parking lots will be closed to house television satellite trucks, Wednesday classes are cancelled, and parking will be limited to students and faculty with valid passes. Shuttles will run from four area hotels and Mitchel Field.

Resident students are being asked to Host a Commuter student on Tuesday night, to reduce traffic on Wednesday from commuter students eager to visit campus on debate day. Campus security officers are working 12-hour shifts, instead of their normal eight-hour shifts, and athletic schedules have been rearranged so most teams are playing away games.

"I knew this would be a major event," Rabinowitz said, "but until you're living through it, you really have no concept of how many media are here, the excitement for the students - how big it really is."

More:http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/13/hofstra-debate-barack-obama-john-mccainOutdoor pre-debate Obama Rally and Concert, 3 PM-7 PM Wednesday at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, Long Island Pre Debate Rally for Obama at Eisenhower Park East Meadow NY- Wed@ 3pm!! Hope to see you there!

Rally/Concert to Support Obama for President

The Last Presidential Debate is being held at Hofstra University

Musical Performers:

Francis Dunnery
Push Play
Barefoot Truth
Ryan Star

Arlon Bennett -- Jaik Miller Band -- Jeff Roberson and LIFE
John Hampson -- John Getzler -- Katy Pfaff -- Melissa Reyes(More to be announced)
Event is supported by:

"YES WE CAN! LI"
Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi -- Suffolk County Majority Leader Jon Cooper
Amalgamated Transit Union;CSEA Region 1; CWA District 1; DC 9 Painters; 1199SEIU, UHE
Long Island Federation of Labor AFL-CIO; Long Island Progressive Coalition; Long Island Sierra Club
Nassau County Democratic Committee; National Jewish Democratic Council (NY Chapter);
NY State Democratic Committee; NY State Young Democrats; New York Democratic Lawyers Council; Pakistani-American Democratic Club of NY; RWDSU Local 338; SEIU Local 32BJ;
Suffolk County Democratic Committee Chairman Rich Schaffer; TWU Local 252
Wednesday, October 15th

3:00-7:00pm

Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre (Parking areas 6 and 6A)
For more information go to www.yeswecanlongisland.com
Source:http://www.rhythmism.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73437

October 15 Presidential Debate Rally on Long Island is Official!

There will be a major rally and concert at Eisenhower Park on October 15, the date of the third and final presidential debate - at Hofstra. The support of Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper (Chairperson of the Long Island Obama Campaign) and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi has enabled this long-planned event to become a reality. Bring friends, neighbors, and family!!

Let's show the world that Long Island is Obama-Biden Country!! Wednesday, October 15th3 pm to 7pmEisenhower Park in East Meadow at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre
(Parking areas 6 and 6A) This event is free and is supported by CSEA Region 1CWA District 1 DC 9 Painters LI Federation of Labor AFL-CIO LI Progressive Coalition N.C. Democratic Committee N.C. County Exec. Tom Suozzi SEIU Local 32BJ TWU Local 252 "YES WE CAN! LI"
Nassau County Executive Tom SuozziSuffolk County Majority Leader Jon CooperCSEA Region 1; CWA District 1; DC 9 Painters; 1199SEIU, UHE
Long Island Federation of Labor AFL-CIO;
Long Island Progressive Coalition;
Nassau County Democratic Committee; National Jewish Democratic Council (NY Chapter);
NY State Democratic Committee; NY State Young Democrats;
Pakistani-American Democratic Club of NY; SEIU Local 32BJ; RWDSU Local 338;
Suffolk County Democratic Committee Chairman Rich Schaffer;
TWU Local 252 & other Long Island Barack Obama supporters

Musical Performers
Arlon Bennett--Barefoot Truth--Francis Dunnery--Jaik Miller Band
Jeff Roberson and LIFE--Katy Pfaffl--Push PlayMore:http://www.yeswecanlongisland.com/LocalNews.htmlHofstra Preps for Historic Presidential Debate on October 15, 2008Arena takes shape as debate hall, Media Center created for candidates, campaigns and thousands of journalistsHofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Hofstra's David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex is being transformed into a debate hall for the third and final 2008 presidential debate on October 15, 2008.The work at the arena is part of the elaborate preparations by Hofstra required to host this historic event. The presidential debates are presented by the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates. The debate at Hofstra is sponsored locally by the Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency and The John D. Miller Fund at the Long Island Community Foundation. The Hofstra debate, which will focus on economic policy and domestic issues, will be moderated by Bob Schieffer, CBS News chief Washington correspondent and "Face the Nation" host.Hofstra crews are busy preparing the arena as well as the adjacent Physical Fitness Center, which will serve as the Media Center for thousands of journalists from across the country and around the world who will cover the debate. Hofstra employees and student volunteers will staff the Media Center and other locations across campus. The debate itself is produced and sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that controls all aspects of debate production.Source:http://www.yeswecanlongisland.com/LocalNews.htmlDirections to Eisenhower Park:Eisenhower Park
Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554Northern State Parkway to Meadowbrook Parkway Exit M5 (RT 24 Hempstead Turnpike)

Go east on Hempstead Turnpike to the first traffic light Merrick Avenue, Borrelli's restaurant on the right side.

Make a left turn and go down about 1/2 mile park entrance on your right.

Follow the signs to parking field #6.

There also is an entrance to the park on Hempstead Turnpike

Directions to Hofstra University:http://www.hofstra.edu/About/InfoCenter/info_hofdirect.htmlCampus Map to Mack Sports Complex:http://www.hofstra.edu/About/InfoCenter/info_intmap.htmlDebate Tickets Ticket Statement

Hofstra University is very pleased to host the third and final presidential debate of the 2008 presidential campaign on October 15. The debate itself is produced and sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that controls all aspects of debate production.

Ticket availability for the debate itself will be extremely limited. In debates produced by the CPD in prior presidential elections, at most a few hundred tickets were made available to the host university in the days immediately prior to the debate. The campaigns control a significant portion of the tickets.

Virtually all of tickets allocated to Hofstra University from the Commission on Presidential Debates will be distributed to current students in the days before the debate, as recommended by the CPD and consistent with past practices of debate hosts.

Read About the Student Ticket Lottery

Tickets will not be available through the CPD or Hofstra University personnel and tickets are not available through any other means at this point in time.

Other Options to Watch the Debate
Attend a DebateWatch Event | Watch OnlineDebate-watching parties around Long IslandBY TIMOTHY ROBERTSON | Special to Newsday October 14, 2008

This time around, debate-watching parties have a bit of local flavor. With Barack Obama and John McCain ready to duke it out tomorrow at Hofstra, a few places on Long Island are hosting parties and bringing in big names to celebrate.

Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat or undecided, there is certainly a place for you to watch the final presidential debate. And if you want ringside seats, well, that's an option too - if you're willing to battle traffic.

FOR ELEPHANTS

Republican Assembly Campaign Committee

WHERE Copperfields Ale House

729 S. Oyster Bay Rd., Bethpage

WHEN 7:30-11 p.m.

PHONE 518-462-2606

WEB nyracc.com

ADMISSION $50-$250

This event certainly will be a red event, unless Democrats want to contribute to the New York Republican Party.

Party-goers will watch the debate on five plasma televisions, munch on finger food and mingle with high-ranking New York Republicans. The guest list includes: Rep. Peter King, State GOP Chairman Joseph Mondello, State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long, former Sen. Al D'Amato and many local Republican state assembly members.

"Quite frankly, it's a chance to cheer on the Republican team and cheer on Sen. McCain," says Josh Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee.

FOR DONKEYS

Brian Foley Campaign Committee

WHERE Comalapa Restaurant

85 Timberline Dr., Brentwood

WHEN 8 p.m.-closing

PHONE 917-337-7746

WEB barackobama.com (click "Find Events")

ADMISSION Free

This event is open to anyone on the political spectrum, says Jason Ortiz, a Brian Foley campaign staffer, but most in this Democrat-heavy community will be supporting Barack Obama. Besides Foley, who's running for the State Assembly, Ortiz says other community leaders are expected at this Salvadoran restaurant.

"People should come out because it would give them a sense of how much support there is in the community for Barack Obama. The message of change has resonated in the community," he says.

IN THE THICK OF IT ALL

Hofstra University Educate '08

WHERE Hofstra's Monroe Lecture Center

California Ave., Hempstead

WHEN 8 p.m.

PHONE 516-463-6600

WEB hofstra.edu/educate08

ADMISSION Free; preregister

If debate viewers want to say they were at Hofstra University at the same time the future president was, this may be the only opportunity. Though tickets to the debate itself are hard to come by, Hofstra will host expert panelists before the debate to discuss the issues and explain how to interpret the debate, followed by a viewing. Those who want to stay to talk about what they saw can join discussion groups. Parking for this event will be at Mitchel Field near Nassau Community College, and a shuttle bus will take people to the site.

for more

Come thirsty, leave political

WHERE Garden City Hotel's Rein Bar and Bistro, 45 Seventh St., Garden City

WHEN Now to Election Day for specialty cocktails; specialty menu through Saturday

PHONE 516-747-3000

WEB gardencityhotel.com

The Garden City Hotel may not be hosting an official event on the night of the debate, but it's featuring cleverly named cocktails and a "Stars and Stripes" $34.95 prix fixe menu in the week leading up to the historic event. Among the offerings, according to its Web site: "McCain's Baby Back Ribs," "Biden's Chicken Pot Pie" and "Campaign Bus Homemade Doughnuts."

For thirsty and politically inclined diners, the restaurant will offer drinks including Blue Party and Maverick martinis, the Obama Slamma' and an Alaska Cocktail until Election Day.

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/exploreli/ny-exmain5881544oct14,0,819897.story?page=2

--
Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy

Just received my absentee ballot! Have you?

Matt Beane — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:13:18 EDT

I couldn't quite believe it - I had half suspected the infrastructure would fail me, and I'd have to march down to my board of elections to demand my ballot.

Yet here it came, today, into our mailbox.

I literally let out a whoop.

I have NEVER been so excited to vote for anyone in my life. I spread out the ballot on our dining room table for everyone to see, and quickly put an "X" in the one box I've been dead sure of for many, many months now. Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

What a thrill. I dream of how I can contribute to our country and my community after this is over, and I will continue to take daily action today to ensure we elect Barack Obama our president.

Have any of you decided to vote early? If so, what was it like to get your ballot early? Where were you?

Matt Beane

ps: I just caught this video from the campaign; I highly recommend it: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/4days

JOIN LAST CALL FOR CHANGE Saturday and Sunday in NYC

Benjamin from New York, NY — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:12:04 EDT

This weekend we're holding phonebanks at campaign offices and other locations across New York so that Obama supporters can reach out to voters in swing states. No experience is needed to participate -- staff will give you all the resources you need to succeed. All you need to do is bring your cell phone. Nothing is more powerful than having undecided voters hear from ordinary folks about Barack and this campaign for change.

http://ny.barackobama.com/NYlastcall

The Current Crisis

John Minehan — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:01:50 EDT

The Current Crisis

Everyone is a fan of Schumpeter's "gales of creative destruction" until they need shelter from the storm. Everyone loves the free market, until they have made their nut and want to "lock it in."

Let's end this... together.

Matt Beane — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:37:36 EDT

Hi Everyone - I hope this finds you all very well.

I'm writing to ask you to step up your involvement in the campaign - just for these last four weeks.

My wife and I have made a commitment to each other that we're going to double our efforts for the next four weeks.

For us this means double the donations, double the calling, signing up to drive people to the polls and voting by mail. We've never volunteered for ANY political campaign before; perhaps you have. Regardless, I think our country needs a landslide.

I think we can deliver one for Barack, but only if we each set aside some time - say 15-30 minutes - each day to do SOMETHING MORE to help get Barack elected.

You may already be doing more than I am. No matter what you've done, thank you; I'd like you to ask yourself what else you can do. What one more thing could you fit in your schedule?

If you want ideas about how to do this, please write me; I've gotten pretty familiar with the options, and I bet we can figure something out.

We are on the verge of taking back our country, and the future of the world; can you stand it? Let's make this happen.

Best regards, Matt Beane

Oct 8 Barack Interview with Charlie Gibson

Matt Beane — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:19:00 EDT

In six or seven minutes, Barack reminded me yet again of his capacities as a leader. John McCain is right - we DO need a cool hand at the tiller; that hand is Barack Obama's.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video_log/2008/10/obama_interview_with_gibson.html

The Second Debate

John Minehan — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:14:57 EDT

The Second Debate

I have only two thoughts on last night's debate:

a) Sen. McCain has no interest in domestic policy other than the necessary (but insufficiant) effort to reduce earmarks: and

b) how can anyone with USAA policy (policies?) coverage on his car(s) say with a straight face that an individual will get a better deal on health insurance than a group?

Obama advantages grows

ODEH ODEH — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:55:07 EDT

October 6, 2008CNN Poll: Obama advantage growsPosted: 04:00 PM ET
From CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser
A new national poll suggests Barack Obama is taking the lead.

Likely voters nationwide:

Obama: 53 percent
McCain: 45 percent

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (CNN) – A new national poll suggests Barack Obama is widening his edge over John McCain in the race for the White House.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll out Monday afternoon suggests that the country's financial crisis, record low approval ratings for President Bush, and a drop in the public's perception of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin all appear to be contributing factors in Obama’s gains among voters.

Fifty-three percent of likely voters questioned in the poll say they are backing Obama for president, with 45 percent supporting McCain. That 8 point edge is double the 4 point margin Obama held in the last CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll, taken in mid-September.

Bill Ayers

John Minehan — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:44:19 EDT

Bill Ayers

Battle of Las Guasimas, Cuba, 24 June 1898

Joseph Wheeler, a commander of Confederate Cavalry in the West during the Civil War, appointed a Major General of Volunteers by President McKinley, creeps out the officers and men he leads in the Cavalry Division, most of whom were children during the Civil War or who were born since, by yelling, in the excitement of the the first major fighting of the war, "Let's go, boys! We've got the damn Yankees on the run again!"

When Bill Ayers was a member of the Weather Underground, Barrack Obama was not only eight years old and deeply concerned with collecting Hot Wheels Cars and playing soccer with his friends: he was living in Indonesia.

For this reason, Sen. Obama probably lacks a memory of Huntley and Brinkley talking about several of Ayers's peers blowing themselves and a Greenwich Village Brownstone up in 1970. Thus, when Mr. Obama, an aspiring politician in the early to mid-1990s, gained Mr. Ayers's support, he probably was happy to have the support of a well established progressive and educator in Chicago. He was probably glad for an opportunity to serve as a Board member of a respected, high profile progressive charity.

Just as Joe Wheeler's staff probably knew Wheeler had taken a "Rebel stand," Sen. Obama probably knew Bill Ayers had been a "1960s radical." Like Joe Wheeler's staff prior to the Battle of Las Guasimas, he probably did not know what that meant.

Many of us, most of us, have associations with people who were not always on the same side. I was a Lieutenant in the Army in the Federal Republic of Germany in the 1980s. Like most Army officers serving in Germany, I had many conversations with older Germans, all of whom seemed to have served on the Eastern Front, about how to fight a war of maneuver. Some of the insights were very useful.

Solders and Marines serving in Iraq today work with Iraqi Soldiers and Militias who had been in Saddam's Army or who had been insurgents.

The fact that our Soldiers and Marines serve with these men does not make them Baathists or Salafists. The fact that I listened to these old German Soldiers' insights and comments does not make me a Nazi. The fact that Sen. Obama served on a board, 30 years on, with a man with a radical past does not make him a radical.

To try to present this association as such does indicate that Sen. McCain's Campaign has lost its way.

AFL-CIO Attacks Racism Towards Obama

Matt Beane — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:44:28 EDT

Watch & Circulate! Racism is the quiet and dirty word in this campaign. Here is a great video made by an AFL-CIO leader taking on racism in a clear and direct and powerful message. Please view this and pass it along to your friends, includng some who might be hesitant to vote for Obama due to the color of his skin:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/04/union-president-defends-o_n_131954.html

Palin on why vets should not vote

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:28:03 EDT

Watching John McCain attack our veterans has become the norm these past few years, with his status as a symbol for the American veteran merely a weird plot twist in his history; We have watched him stand on the Senate floor for five-and-a-half hours, leading the fight against the dwell time amendment that would give our troops more time between tours. We have seen him speak out against the 21st Century GI Bill that would expand education benefits for our troops for the first time since the Senator himself used them to pay for college. Like a bizarro-world version of Mark Foley ruthlessly fighting pedophiles while being one himself, so goes McCain's inexplicable record on veterans issues.

But finally, he's put his mouth where his money is. McCain and Palin, who both have children in the Armed Forces, have declared Ohio troops and hospitalized vets unqualified voters.

I get emails from McCain's Ohio arm to try to keep an eye on what they're doing there, since the state will probably decide the election, but happens to have a Republican party establishment that would purge every voter without a butler from the rolls if it had the chance. This is what they sent out after the debate last night under Palin's name:

The Obama-Biden Democrats and their allies are exploiting loopholes in Ohio election laws that we fear may result in unqualified voters casting ballots.

The "loophole in Ohio election laws" that Palin is talking about is not a loophole at all, just a very sensible premise that is standard for absentee ballots -- that a vote is not technically cast until it is tabulated. Republican groups cited a rule that requires 30 days between registration and voting and sought to disqualify absentee ballots that were filled out on the same day as registration. Same-day registration and filling out of absentee ballots is the best option available to unregistered troops abroad and hospitalized vets in VA facilities. The "Obama-Biden Democrats and their allies" are non-partisan veterans advocacy groups like Veterans For America and IAVA that fought tooth and nail to defeat a lawsuit that challenged this very sensible notion to protect thousands of troops and vets from disenfranchisement.

With deployed troops donating 6:1 in favor of Obama, the cynic in me can see why the GOP doesn't want their votes to count. Then the decent person in me chimes in and says, "I can't see how anyone could try to block a deployed soldier's right to vote and be able to live with themselves."

Despite Gov. Palin's strange relationship with colloquialism ("Hockey Moms across America," anyone? How many are there?), the use of the term "unqualified voters" in a country that generally lets citizens over the age of 18 vote is the kind of phrase that should've been phased out long before the word "email" was phased in. With regards to the only American citizens who don't get to vote, felons, that's left up to the states. In Ohio, felons are only disqualified from voting while incarcerated, and I'm pretty sure she isn't talking about prison visitors stuffing stacks of voter registration forms and absentee ballots into God-knows-where in the name of democracy, though that would be quite the heist.

That leaves the troops and hospitalized veterans, the target of this power-grab. Nope, don't want those dangerously unqualified voters pulling the levers at all...

Thoughts on the Debate: Sarah Smiles (But That's It)

John Minehan — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:26:37 EDT

Thoughts on the Debate: Sarah Smiles (But That's It)

Gov. Sarah Palin did fine in the debate, but not good. She was telegenic, media savvy and personable. She was not well informed or presidential.

Gov. Palin has apparently made a habit of not answering questions in debates during her political career in Alaska, relying instead on homey platitudes, gentle wisdom and cutting, snarky asides. It did not transfer well on the national stage. She gave the impression of not being able to answer the questions (outside of energy policy), rather than not wanting to answer them.

She performed well on the questions on energy, answering with both knowledge and an engaged passion. This befits her unusual background as both a former State Oil and Gas Commissioner and the wife of an oil field worker. Sen. McCain could have gained the benefit of both this knowledge and Gov. Palin's "It Girl" buzz with conservatives by naming her his Energy Secretary designee, while avoiding unfortunate bumps like the Gibson and Couric interviews. That he didn't do this is a sign that Sen. McCain both lacks a strategic sense and has no feeling for personnel matters, neither of which bodes well for his potential performance as President.

Sen. Biden did well, avoiding being either pompous or condescending. He is among the most knowledgeable people on foreign policy matters and would have made an historic Secretary of State, in my opinion.

There were a few things that Sen. Biden should have emphasized that he didn't. Every time Gov. Palin said he was talking about the past, he should have said that if Sen, McCain and Gov. Palin had offered new ideas in their platform, he would talk about the future, instead of looking to the past as prologue. Every time Gov. Palin mentioned she had cut taxes, he should have simply stated that anyone whose state revenues were almost entirely dependent on oil revenues who did not cut taxes probably should not be in public life, let alone running for Vice President.

I don't think Gov. Palin's performance helped the McCain ticket appreciably and did not hurt it appreciably. Where Gov. Palin will benefit the GOP will be in galvanizing the Conservative Base that was demoralized in 2006. I think this, along with a "throw the bastards out" sensibility resulting from the Bailout, will throw some close House races to the Republicans.

A Democrat controlled White House and a Republican House in troubled times might prompt both sides to work together ... hopefully.

NOTE: Should Sen. Obama offer the Energy Secretary position to Gov. Palin? She is qualified, it would appear bi-partisan and it would erode her credentials with the Conservative base.

The forgotten security budget

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:23:43 EDT

What follows is of key interest and of serious importance. If you find this article of interest, I suggest a short book entitled, the Limits of Power, by Andrew Bacevich, a conservative historian of Boston University.

WE HAVE THE MONEY

IF ONLY WE DIDN'T WASTE IT ON THE DEFENSE BUDGET

By Chalmers Johnson

There has been much moaning, air-sucking, and outrage about the $700 billion that the U.S. government is thinking of throwing away on rich New York bankers who have been ripping us off for the past few years and then letting greed drive their businesses into a variety of ditches. In fact, we dole out similar amounts of money every year in the form of payoffs to the armed services, the military-industrial complex, and powerful senators and representatives allied with the Pentagon.

On Wednesday, September 24th, right in the middle of the fight over billions of taxpayer dollars slated to bail out Wall Street, the House of Representatives passed a $612 billion defense authorization bill for 2009 without a murmur of public protest or any meaningful press comment at all. (The New York Times gave the matter only three short paragraphs buried in a story about another appropriations measure.)

The defense bill includes $68.6 billion to pursue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is only a down-payment on the full yearly cost of these wars. (The rest will be raised through future supplementary bills.) It also included a 3.9% pay raise for military personnel, and $5 billion in pork-barrel projects not even requested by the administration or the secretary of defense. It also fully funds the Pentagon's request for a radar site in the Czech Republic, a hare-brained scheme sure to infuriate the Russians just as much as a Russian missile base in Cuba once infuriated us. The whole bill passed by a vote of 392-39 and will fly through the Senate, where a similar bill has already been approved. And no one will even think to mention it in the same breath with the discussion of bailout funds for dying investment banks and the like.

This is pure waste. Our annual spending on "national security" -- meaning the defense budget plus all military expenditures hidden in the budgets for the departments of Energy, State, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, the CIA, and numerous other places in the executive branch -- already exceeds a trillion dollars, an amount larger than that of all other national defense budgets combined. Not only was there no significant media coverage of this latest appropriation, there have been no signs of even the slightest urge to inquire into the relationship between our bloated military, our staggering weapons expenditures, our extravagantly expensive failed wars abroad, and the financial catastrophe on Wall Street.

The only Congressional "commentary" on the size of our military outlay was the usual pompous drivel about how a failure to vote for the defense authorization bill would betray our troops. The aged Senator John Warner (R-Va), former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, implored his Republican colleagues to vote for the bill "out of respect for military personnel." He seems to be unaware that these troops are actually volunteers, not draftees, and that they joined the armed forces as a matter of career choice, rather than because the nation demanded such a sacrifice from them.

We would better respect our armed forces by bringing the futile and misbegotten wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to an end. A relative degree of peace and order has returned to Iraq not because of President Bush's belated reinforcement of our expeditionary army there (the so-called surge), but thanks to shifting internal dynamics within Iraq and in the Middle East region generally. Such shifts include a growing awareness among Iraq's Sunni population of the need to restore law and order, a growing confidence among Iraqi Shiites of their nearly unassailable position of political influence in the country, and a growing awareness among Sunni nations that the ill-informed war of aggression the Bush administration waged against Iraq has vastly increased the influence of Shiism and Iran in the region.

The continued presence of American troops and their heavily reinforced bases in Iraq threaten this return to relative stability. The refusal of the Shia government of Iraq to agree to an American Status of Forces Agreement -- much desired by the Bush administration -- that would exempt off-duty American troops from Iraqi law is actually a good sign for the future of Iraq.

In Afghanistan, our historically deaf generals and civilian strategists do not seem to understand that our defeat by the Afghan insurgents is inevitable. Since the time of Alexander the Great, no foreign intruder has ever prevailed over Afghan guerrillas defending their home turf. The first Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1842) marked a particularly humiliating defeat of British imperialism at the very height of English military power in the Victorian era. The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) resulted in a Russian defeat so demoralizing that it contributed significantly to the disintegration of the former Soviet Union in 1991. We are now on track to repeat virtually all the errors committed by previous invaders of Afghanistan over the centuries.

In the past year, perhaps most disastrously, we have carried our Afghan war into Pakistan, a relatively wealthy and sophisticated nuclear power that has long cooperated with us militarily. Our recent bungling brutality along the Afghan-Pakistan border threatens to radicalize the Pashtuns in both countries and advance the interests of radical Islam throughout the region. The United States is now identified in each country mainly with Hellfire missiles, unmanned drones, special operations raids, and repeated incidents of the killing of innocent bystanders.

The brutal bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on September 20, 2008, was a powerful indicator of the spreading strength of virulent anti-American sentiment in the area. The hotel was a well-known watering hole for American Marines, Special Forces troops, and CIA agents. Our military activities in Pakistan have been as misguided as the Nixon-Kissinger invasion of Cambodia in 1970. The end result will almost surely be the same.

We should begin our disengagement from Afghanistan at once. We dislike the Taliban's fundamentalist religious values, but the Afghan public, with its desperate desire for a return of law and order and the curbing of corruption, knows that the Taliban is the only political force in the country that has ever brought the opium trade under control. The Pakistanis and their effective army can defend their country from Taliban domination so long as we abandon the activities that are causing both Afghans and Pakistanis to see the Taliban as a lesser evil.

One of America's greatest authorities on the defense budget, Winslow Wheeler, worked for 31 years for Republican members of the Senate and for the General Accounting Office on military expenditures. His conclusion, when it comes to the fiscal sanity of our military spending, is devastating:

"America's defense budget is now larger in inflation-adjusted dollars than at any point since the end of World War II, and yet our Army has fewer combat brigades than at any point in that period; our Navy has fewer combat ships; and the Air Force has fewer combat aircraft. Our major equipment inventories for these major forces are older on average than any point since 1946 -- or in some cases, in our entire history."

This in itself is a national disgrace. Spending hundreds of billions of dollars on present and future wars that have nothing to do with our national security is simply obscene. And yet Congress has been corrupted by the military-industrial complex into believing that, by voting for more defense spending, they are supplying "jobs" for the economy. In fact, they are only diverting scarce resources from the desperately needed rebuilding of the American infrastructure and other crucial spending necessities into utterly wasteful munitions. If we cannot cut back our longstanding, ever increasing military spending in a major way, then the bankruptcy of the United States is inevitable. As the current Wall Street meltdown has demonstrated, that is no longer an abstract possibility but a growing likelihood. We do not have much time left.

One percent

Mike from Lansing, MI — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:56:40 EDT

1%, or 1 vote out of 100

There have been 12 Presidential elections that were decided by less than a 1% margin; meaning if less than 1% of the voters in certain states had changed their mind to the other candidate the outcome of the entire election would have been different. More than half were decided by less than a 2% margin.

In 2004,    57,787 votes would have given us President Kerry.
In 2000,    269 votes would have given us President Gore
In 1996,    575,515 votes would have given us President Dole.

From ABC News:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/scienceandsociety/2008/09/squeakers.html

==========
"Squeakers"
Ned Potter
ABC News
September 29, 2008

How close have Presidential elections been? Closer, perhaps, than we ever guessed. Mike Sheppard, a grad student in statistics at Michigan State, has done a mathematical exercise that shows it.

He ran a computer program to answer this question: "What is the smallest number of total votes that need to be switched from one candidate to another, and from which states, to affect the outcome of the election?"

The answer: in some years, very, very few. Take a look at his analysis HERE. It shows the powerful interaction between the popular vote and the electoral college.

[...]
==========

Full article here:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/scienceandsociety/2008/09/squeakers.html

Detailed analysis here, including colored maps:
https://www.msu.edu/~sheppa28/elections.html

-Mike Sheppard

Tax comparison

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:19:32 EDT

For any of you who know undecided voters who are worried about the lies about taxes they hear from John McCain, tell them to use this site to see how their own taxes work in McCain's tax plans versus Obama's

http://www.electiontaxes.com/

The only personal information asked is a birthdate, presumably to determine if you are a senior, as under Obama's plan, seniors who make less than $50K won't pay any taxes.

McCain's PTSD

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:18:30 EDT

PHYSICIAN: McCAIN PSYCHOLOGICALLY UNFIT BY ELIZABETH McCLARD:Here is my latest essay, mercifully shorter than the last, but guaranteed to be just as controversial -- and true! Again, feel free to disseminate it in any way you wish. I suspect you all may be able to tell by now I feel a great sense of urgency about the upcoming election, and being in a swing state feel, also, a special responsibility to get out the vote for Obama. McCain’s histrionic and erratic behavior in the last few days has been exploitive, petulant, impulsive, and divisive, not to mention hypocritical as he accused Obama of exploiting the economic crisis for political gain. Respect for his heroism in war does not excuse our continued excessive deference, and we must face the painful truth that he would be plain dangerous as President. Unstable, hotheaded behavior characterizes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In my role as a physician I would also consider borderline personality disorder, or tumor as possible causes for the personality traits that lead to these behaviors. Regardless, McCain’s own volatile, defensive compulsions do make him particularly unfit as a Commander-in-Chief. Consider PTSD. We now know that a biological response to torture is shrinkage of two parts of the brain. While these changes do enable the severely tortured to survive, they make the victims forgetful, irritable and jumpy. Furthermore, loss of the part of the brain that forms new memories is later associated with senility. Loss of brain that weighs, judges, and moderates social behavior (makes us civilized), causes impulses toward aggression and sex to be acted upon before consideration of the pros and cons—forever inclining the injured party to over-quick, under-considered defensive behaviors. Sound familiar? I counted no less than nine such behaviors from McCain in the couple of days before the debate last Friday: 1) On the morning of the 24th McCain refused a telephone call from Obama proposing they make a joint statement on the economic crisis; 2) In the afternoon he changed his mind and called Obama, agreeing to making a joint statement on the economic crisis; 3) An hour before making said agreed-upon joint statement McCain went on TV unexpectedly to make his own statement; 4) A few minutes after the joint statement, not having mentioned anything whatsoever to Obama, he again went on TV to say that he was rushing back to Washington to work on the rescue plan, and would therefore be unable to attend the debate. (Note that for the whole country this event at Ole Miss was not mere politics, but one of true historic importance and at the university’s great expense.) 5) That evening he precipitously cancelled his appearance on David Letterman, again excusing himself because of the “rush” to get to work in Washington; 6) Within minutes he decided he wasn’t in that big of a rush and decided to stop in at CBS to give Katie Couric and interview; 7) Once in Washington McCain made himself more than useless, actually proving a divisive force on both sides of the aisle; 8) Perhaps realizing that the process would probably go more smoothly without him he again changed his mind and agreed to go to the debate after all; 9) After his own two and a half day histrionic extravaganza McCain accused Obama of exploiting the crisis, while Obama had held steady-as-she-goes the whole time. If we look a little closer at McCain’s record as a “maverick” in the Senate more of the same is revealed. He loves to point out how he has "reached across the aisle” to get bipartisan legislation passed. In reality, in each case he has reached out to Democrats in pay-back to his Republican colleagues when they have insulted him—as when they convicted him of "poor judgment" in regard to dealings with Charles Keating. That makes even his highest achievements motivated by impulsive belligerence. Fortunately, the large egalitarian body of the Senate has served to modulate and direct his impulsive fury (essentially acting as surrogate for functioning prefrontal lobes). We must all wonder, though, about the consequences of such defensive indecision and erratic behavior if McCain were to find himself in the White House. He is just not an appropriate choice for president of the United States of America. Not surprisingly, neither is the vice presidential candidate he has picked, another illustration of his inclination to impulsive, poorly considered commitments. Even when aware that a decision is of the highest magnitude in importance he “rushes” to do something, often messes it up, and then “lives with the consequences,” as he himself has admitted. Fear to think to what legacy such a deficit of judgment could lead.

Letter Writing Party

Valerie Joseph — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:44:21 EDT

Tonight I attended my first letter writing party at the Albany headquarters. The location is a little run down but fully decorated with many, many Obama posters and photos. As soon as I entered someone gave up their chair so I could get to work right away. I took out my favorite pen and began copying the script for an 87 year old woman. I have no idea how many letters I wrote/copied in the 2 hours. But everyone worked diligently, hardly talking. The room was too quiet for me. It would have been nice to have a radio on or some music. We worked in complete silence for at least an hour. Towards the end of the night someone passed out excellent home made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and the staff offered everyone water or iced tea. They also passed around a basket for donations but I was broke. i felt bad but then I remembered I had stamps. These were beautiful Eames special edition stamps but I was willing to give them up for the cause. Before we left we signed out and were reminded of the Thursday night watching party for the Vice-Presidential debates. The only negative part of the night for me was the schlep home because the neighborhood of the Obama office is not in a good part of town and I had to take the bus then take a long up hill walk home. But it was well worth it. i hope I can do it again next Monday.