Dupage for Obama

OFA Volunteers Take Part in DNC Video Shoot Downtown at the Pegasus

Matthew Elias — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:49:50 EST

Earlier this evening a small group of Organizing for America Illinois volunteers gathered at the Pegasus Restaurant on S. Halsted in Chicago to take part in a video shoot for an upcoming Democratic National Committee project.

Everyone involved had a great time - Stephanos, the owner of Pegasus, was more then accommodating, and the lunch we had prior to the shoot was absolutely delicious.Here are some "behind the scenes" pictures from the days event.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find an OFA Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Organizing for America National Training Weekend: Rogers Park

Matthew Elias — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:49:48 EST

Saturday was a busy day for everyone involved with Organizing for America Illinois. The Organizing for America Illinois office in Rogers Park served as headquarters for one of the many training sessions running across the state.

Brian Gorman, an OFA Illinois regional field organizer, hosted this event and provided us with a summary of what the group was able to get accomplished:

"Saturday's training was an excellent blend of community organizers, neighborhood team leaders and new volunteers to OFA Illinois. If I had to choose one word to sum up the day’s events it would have to be productive. We as a group have a full two months of activities planned, taking us through January and we made sure to place a hard emphasis on recruiting and developing new volunteers. The goal is to find new folks to lead yet unplanned events throughout the month of February. This group really gets the long term view of OFA and I'm really excited to see what we can do."

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Organizing for America Illinois"Supporter Sound-off"

Matthew Elias — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:38:28 EST

This past weekend, OFA Illinois hosted training events across the state as part of the National Training Weekend being conducted by Organizing for America. In the end, over 100 attendees successfully completed the session and are ready to hit the field running, with many of the attendees having already planning their first phone banks, canvasses and organizational meetings.

Organizing for America National Training "Supporter Sound-off" is a collection of highlights from the attendees in their own words.

"The camaraderie that we the participants developed during the training session was amazing and refreshing. All of the personal stories were very inspiring and educational as well."
-Gwendolyn, 12/05/09, attended the Hyde Park training event.

"I've never felt more hopeful of contributing positive, constructive change to America- OFA has once again given me hope! Many thanks to OFA and the memory of the great Ted Kennedy!"
-Bob, 12/05/09, attended the Brighton Park training event.

"I really enjoyed the personal story section of the training, as well as learning how one's personal story is a strong building block for making connections with people in the community."
-Leroy, 12/05/09, attended the Homewood training event.

"The event was absolutely tremendous! There was a great deal of positive reactions to the materials shown and the format of the training. People were really excited and impressed with the individual “break-out” sessions."
-OFA Illinois Community Organizer Camille, 12/05/09, hosted the Hyde Park training event.

"Being a Vietnam veteran, I am really excited to create a stronger connection between Homeless and Disabled Veterans. The training taught me that many of our wounded warriors may benefit from the grass root level where door knocks can and will make a difference. I am looking forward to making sure veterans like me keep voting for change."
-Virgil, 12/05/09, attended the Brighton Park training event.

"Sharing war stories from the campaign with other volunteers was great fun -- almost as fun as discussing ways to beat back health care opponents!"
-Michael, 12/06/09, attended the West Loop training event.

"We had a compact but mighty group at the OFA Greenleaf office on Saturday! The networking was brilliant, we outlined some exciting events already on the calendar for 2010"
-Janet, 12/05/09, attended the Roscoe Park training event.

We would like to also take a second to thank the Organizing for America regional field directors, community organizers and neighborhood team leaders who worked tirelessly to make sure this weekend was nothing short of a glowing success. Without these dedicated folks, our organizational growth would be impossible.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Wednesday "Snapshot": 12/02/2009

Matthew Elias — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:41:21 EST

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

OFA Illinois Volunteers Serve Families for Thanksgiving at the Holy Family Food Pantry

Matthew Elias — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:01:06 EST

On Tuesday, November 24 the Organizing for America Illinois Springfield team spent time with the Holy Family Pantry at their Thanksgiving Food Bank. Holy Family Food Pantry is an organization that provides food, clothing, shelter and resources to the homeless and low-income families.

Holy Family Food Pantry is a community outreach program that provides food basics for meal preparation to an average of 800 families per month to those in need, their soup kitchen is a community outreach program that provides a meal for 165 families per night, four nights per week to those in need in the surrounding area. October marked a record month for Holy Family Food Pantry as they served a total of 964 families.

Joshua Blessman, an Organizing for America Illinois Community Organizer who works out of the Springfield area writes about the teams volunteer efforts:

"The OFA Springfield Team donated food and helped to serve families in the community for Thanksgiving. Thirteen Team Members volunteered to donate food and serve at the Holy Family Pantry. The team and the pantry staff bonded well. Camaraderie was luminous; some team members served, while other others were dropping off food items for the Thanksgiving baskets. Enthusiastically performing designated duties; the team shared the activities of sorting and serving an assortment of Thanksgiving foods. While cars were pulling up the team members proudly wheeled out baskets brimming with Thanksgiving trimmings and the spirit of the helping hands permeated throughout the holy pantry."

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Wednesday "Snapshot": 11/25/2009

Matthew Elias — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:50:12 EST

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

RSVP for an Organizing for America Illinois Training Session Near You

Matthew Elias — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:44:37 EST

On December 5th and 6th OFA Illinois will be holding multiple training sessions across the state. These trainings are a great chance to learn how to make the biggest impact in your community, ask questions, and learn specific skills such as how to talk with your neighbors about health reform and use OFA's technology to organize most effectively.

During the election last year, we learned that when we build a dedicated community of volunteer leaders, we can bring about powerful change.

RSVP now to reserve your spot in an OFA National Training event near you.

This training is part of building our momentum on the ground -- strengthening our community in every part of the country by bringing volunteers together, learning and sharing best practices, and refining our plan to move forward with our vision for the future.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Snapshot of the Week: 11/12/2009

Matthew Elias — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:45:14 EST

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Rep. Debbie Halvorson: The 11th District; Health Insurance Reform

Matthew Elias — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:01:19 EST

After countless meetings with constituents, and hearing their health insurance horror stories, (D-11th) Rep. Debbie Halvorson's mind was made up - change was needed.

Organizing for America Illinois would like to thank Rep. Debbie Halvorson for her strong support of health insurance reform, and share a brief video put together by Rep. Halvorson and her staff that relays some of the health care stories from the Illinois' 11th Congressional District.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

"By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" West Loop Watch Party

Matthew Elias — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:47 EST

Organizing for America Illinois vounteer, and long time Obama supporter Jeremy Cohen held "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" watch party earlier this evening in Chicago with a group of 15 friends and fellow supporters. Here are some of the event highlights that Jeremy provided for us:

A group of fifteen of us gathered tonight (November 4, 2009) in the West Loop of downtown Chicago for a watch party of the documentary "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama." Prior to viewing the film, we reminisced over the events of the past year. While November 4, 2008 at Grant Park seemed like an eternity ago, we realized the great strides Organizing for America, the President, and our country has gone through. At the same time, we all realized the hard work that still needs to be done to achieve the change we need. The attendees had a real upbeat attitude on health care reform. While the specifics still need ironing out, we all plan on continuing to voice our support of reform to our elected representatives until it is signed into law.

After our discussion, we began the documentary. The film brought back emotionally powerful memories of the entire 2008 presidential campaign. Whether it was the Iowa primary or the announcement of Barack Obama becoming President-elect on election night, all of the memories from one-year ago came back to the surface. The watch party had members who worked the voting stations, campaigned on the President's behalf, and/or were in Grant Park one-year ago to the day. For that reason, the memories were particularly strong and personal. Overall, we all greatly enjoyed the film. It rekindled warm memories from the past, but also re-focused the need to create the change we voted for going into the future.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Wednesday Evening "Snapshot": Election Anniversary Edition

Matthew Elias — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:27:02 EST

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Election Day Memories: Tiffany S.

Matthew Elias — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:33:53 EST

Organizing for America Illinois volunteer Tiffany reflects on her 2008 Election Day experience:

"November 4th 2008 starter as usual, I headed in to the OFA office located in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago where a large groups of volunteers myself gathered for the final push of the campaign. As the day began we had a steady stream of people of all ages come into the office we were working out of asking if they could help.

Throughout the day we focused mainly on phone banking into neighboring states such as Indiana and Wisconsin. I will never forget watching all of the kids who had come into the office looking to help, and wondering if they realized the historic nature of what they were taking part in."

As they day progressed on groups of people left and began their journey to Grant Park where the post election festivities were going to take place. A handful of us decided to instead stay back in the office and make last minute phone calls to make sure everyone had made it to the polls. I spoke with a few people who wanted to get out and vote, but needed a ride to the polls due to their age and lack of transportation Needless to say; we managed to get them to their polling place in time to cast their votes.

"By this time we had a feeling our hard work had paid off, and let me tell you – it was a feeling I cannot really describe other then saying it is something I will never forget. We had done it – our new leader was President Barack Obama."

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Election Day Memories: Juan

Matthew Elias — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:11:20 EST

University of Chicago student and Organizing for America Illinois intern Juan, recants his 2008 election day experience:

"Throughout 2008, I had some odd, subconscious feeling that Barack Obama was going to win. So as then Senator Obama cleared each major obstacle, I had a sense that events were flowing in the path of least historical resistance. This of course culminated on Election Day, which I was lucky enough to be in Chicago for.”

"As I arrived at Grant Park, I began the trek past the winding mile of security checkpoints. It was during this time that screen confirmed President Obama’s victory – and needless to say crowd erupted in cheers.

"As the atmospherics cooled and the crowds scattered, I caught a glimpse of the distant stage: a blurry miniature in a blue suit, taller than the others and even then, the Obama presidency still hadn’t sunk in.”

"Since the election, I haven't experienced that single, overpowering moment of being struck by the magnitude of the event. Its meaning has come gradually, in quieter guises in various forms such as the outright reasonableness of much of foreign policy. Its instances like this that make me realize how nice it is to have a President like Barack Obama.”

“ I feel as though the tide has turned - that there is finally the possibility of addressing the mounting challenges that burden this country, and I look forward to the passing of health insurance reform legislation. The historical achievement that bill will represent may be the only thing comparable to what so many of us felt one year ago on Election Day."

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Election Day Memories: Cathy F.

Matthew Elias — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:45:48 EST

Cathy Foster has been involved with Organizing for America Illinois since day one. Below she talks about her 2008 Election Day experience:

"On Nov. 4, 2008, I voted early. I was on pins and needles all day. I felt like Obama was going to win, but I hardly dared believe it. I had a ticket to Grant Park, but it was already jam-packed when I got there. I will never forget that night. Shoulder to shoulder with people who had fought, worked, prayed and hoped for Obama's victory just as I had. We cheered as election results from CNN showed state after state going to Obama.

At 10 p.m., I saw the words "Barack Obama elected president" beamed on the jumbo screens. It was real. We had done it. Tears started trickling down my face. Was anybody NOT crying? The jubilation, the euphoria, the electricity was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. But Obama's quiet, low-key, almost somber address helped underscore the enormity of the task that lay before him and us.

I'm 53 years old and I've never been moved to get involved in a campaign before or follow the issues as closely as I do now. I write letters to the editor that have been published and call and write my legislators. I'm always exhorting my friends and family to do the same. I've gone to rallies for health care. I hosted my first call party on Oct. 20. It's not much compared to what others are doing, I know. But this is Obama's true gift that he inspires people like me, people who never bothered to do anything at all before. I have taken to heart his words:

"I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington. I'm asking you to believe in yours."

On the one-year anniversary of Obama's election, I renew my commitment to working for the change that only we can help make possible--Obama can't do it without us.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

"By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" Watch Party

Matthew Elias — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:17:25 EST

Organizing for America Illinois Sarah Frankiewicz shares some of highlights from last night's event "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" which took place at the Clarion Inn, in South Holland, IL:

Sheena Patton, the OFA Field Director and I started out planning for the November 3rd Watch Party of the documentary By the People expecting a decent turnout, weeks ago. We began building for this event by inviting former election volunteers and supporters, as well as current Organizing for America Illinois volunteers from all across Chicago.

People began to arrive at 7:00pm, there was plenty of food and drink, all of which was donated by local area businesses and the volunteers themselves. I was amazed at how many people showed up to the event and the level of excitement they had over what they were about to watch. Former election volunteers spent a good chunk of time before and after the film getting reacquainted with one another, rehashing campaign stories, and updating each other on their post election life.

Eventually the film began, and the reactions of those in attendance were priceless. There were tons of laughs when the film gave a glimpse into President Obama's candid side, one of the attendees even said that it made her feel like she was more like the President then she thought. "He is a real man, with real issues, like every-one else, family, bills, and life." She also commented that the film reaffirmed for her that the President had her best interests at heart, as he serves the greater community. There were a few teary eyed moments, one in particular came when candidate Barack Obama addressed a crowd of people and mentioned the passing of his dear grandmother. All attendees said the really connected with the film, and they felt it truly embodied the electoral experience.

Leaving that night I have to admit, I felt good – really good about the outcome. Everyone was charged up and ready to go forward in volunteering for Organizing for America.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Election Day Memories: Camille M.

Matthew Elias — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:30:08 EST

Organizing for America Illinois Community Organizer Camille Mitchell talks about last year’s election, and everything that has changed in her life happened since:

“I guess it started around November 3rd - I have to admit I was skeptical - not of Barack’s ability but of his chances with the American public. Then it was the big day - November 4th. I woke up and immediately ran out to vote and then returned back home with buzzing with excitement. Some of us in the neighborhood (and yes, unfortunately this included me too) still thought that this couldn’t happen -- THANK GOD I WAS WRONG!!!!!

As the day turned to night I decided that my daughter Jolie and I had to get downtown. By some stroke of luck we managed to find an AMAZING spot and began to watch as history was being made. The atmosphere in Grant Park was electric, and even with the crowd as large as it was I did not see any arguing or fighting what so ever - and that my friend is A LOT to say about any large crowd in Chicago.

Once the Grant Park celebration began winding down Jolie and I decided to head over to one of my friend’s house to immerse ourselves in more of the news. As my friend and I watched, we both began crying and jumping around singing “Obama…Obama…Obama…Obama”.

I have to admit that my volunteer numbers weren’t all they could have been. I had an 8 year old and was working full time in the financial district downtown - I guess you could say that I was even somewhat apathetic. However on that night, I vowed to myself that I would do more - serve more, and not ask for anything in return.

This past July I was became a Community Organizer with Organizing for America Illinois and have treated it as though it was a full time job. While there has been rough times for me and my daughter over the past year, I have to admit that this ride, and working within my community – from working food banks, to organizing my neighborhood – has really changed my life and now that light at the end of the tunnel, no longer looks too far away. And for that thank you Mr. President, Organizing for America – you have changed my life forever.”

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Election Day Memories: Kathy G.

Matthew Elias — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:34:52 EST

Organizing for America Illinois volunteer Kathy G looks back at last year’s historic election and shares her November 4th memories:

“Many of us volunteers brought cameras to the office and throughout the day photos were taken. We also exchanged hugs. We all wanted the campaign to end but many of us did not want the experience to end. I think you can understand what I mean.

We wanted Sen. Obama to be elected, and we wanted the negativity to end. We didn't want to lose the spirit and the relationships we volunteers had developed. We spent some of the time reminiscing of the experiences we had shared over the last 18 months.”

"We watched the results for each state and cheered as one by one they were called for Sen. I don't remember exactly when MSNBC and CNN called Pennsylvania for Sen. Obama, what I do remember is that we suddenly heard a cheer from the room next door and within a minute Pennsylvania was called for Sen. Obama. What was next door? The people who were monitoring the exit polls and precinct totals, which was a really big moment because we felt we were on the way to a win."

"Shortly thereafter one of the staffers started a cheer. He said, "Whose house?" The response to this is "our house." He then said "what house?" We then responded the "White House." The first time I'd heard this cheer was the night of the Iowa caucuses, needless to say I got chills."

"About 8:30 Katy called and we were able to meet nearby and head to the rally at Grant Park. We walked through the crowd across the bridge to the south and were able to find the entrance for people with tickets and got in. As the electoral vote count rose for Sen. Obama, it became clear that 10:00 would be the magical moment, and the crowd was very anticipatory. The roar from the crowd when his election was announced was electric. I shed a few tears with a smile on my face. We cheered and hugged and took photos."

Civility was the order of the day; strangers talked to and hugged strangers. Entrepreneurial vendors were selling new t-shirts and buttons. On the way out they were half price. The streets were awash with people, moving like lemmings to the sea but with smiles on their faces. People stopped and sat on the medians on Michigan Avenue. People danced; people sang. I had a feeling that the country had somehow changed in one evening. AMAZING."

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Weekly Address: Milestones on the Economy and the Recovery Act

Matthew Elias — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:51:29 EDT

While there is nothing to celebrate until job numbers turn around, the President cites the recent dramatic turnaround in gross domestic product as a sign of better things to come. He also applauds the fact that the Recovery Act has now created or saved more than a million jobs.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Wednesday Evening "Snapshot": 10/27/2009

Matthew Elias — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:46:34 EDT

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Wednesday Evening "Snapshot": 10/21/2009

Matthew Elias — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:14:14 EDT

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Time to Deliver in Illinois: Ladies Night Call Party

Matthew Elias — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:36:41 EDT

Last night was ladies night in the Organizing for America Illinois Homewood office as groups of women gathered for a Time to Deliver call party. Below is an overview of the event courtesy of OFA intern Sarah Frankiewicz:

“Ladies night phone bank in Homewood was a huge success. From 4-8 pm volunteers streamed in and made calls urging others in their neighborhood to support the President’s plan for health insurance reform.

When the clock hit 7 pm we took a break from calling and watched the President’s address to volunteers on the web. It was a moment of solidarity as we realize that across the country groups like us were coming together to make real positive change.

We are all connected; - small efforts become a bigger as we collaborate together. We can constructively get work done without screaming like brutes at open forums, or distorting the truth in an attempt to grab some short term gain. Yes we can. We ARE part of the change that needs to happen!!! We can, and we are making our voices heard.”

Over 330,000 calls! Check out the call count meter: CLICK HERE
Watch this special message from the President CLICK HERE

Time to Deliver in Illinois: Albany Park Health Reform Now Call Party

Matthew Elias — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:48:56 EDT

Albany Park volunteers did their part and helped continue the trend of successful Time to Deliver call parties. Here's a quick rundown courtesy of the events host Terrie Albano:

"What a great night. Five of us Organizing for America ladies made 200 calls from a home in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago and the response we received was overwhelmingly supportive. We got total of 43 new people to commit to call their members of Congress and urge them to support the President's plan for health insurance reform, and 11 new volunteers for Organizing For America Illinois. Along with the pizza, cookies and tea, we celebrated being part of this movement for change."

285,928 calls and counting! To follow the current call count meter: CLICK HERE
Check out the Organizing for America blog for Time to Deliver updates from across the country: CLICK HERE

Time to Deliver Illinois: 32nd Ward Democrats Call Party

Matthew Elias — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:37:41 EDT

The 32nd Ward Democrats incorporated food and friends into their Time to Deliver call party in Roscoe Village earlier this evening:

The outdoor patio at the Village Tap, a neighborhood bar in Roscoe Village, was filled with the hum of Organizing for America Illinois volunteers making calls encouraging their neighbors to get behind the President's plan for health insurance reform. Two dozen folks from all walks of life settled down with food and drink and enlisted the President's supporters to join in the push to for real change. The President's web cast was displayed on a big screen TV located in pubs main dining room. Everyone crowded around, and watched as the President spoke -- one lady was overheard saying "we really are helping make this happen!"

285,928 calls and counting! To follow the current call count meter: CLICK HERE
Check out the Organizing for America blog for Time to Deliver updates from across the country: CLICK HERE

Time to Deliver Illinois: Smilin' and Dialin' in Chicago

Matthew Elias — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:12:38 EDT

Organizing for America Illinois intern Juan Velez fills us in on yet another Time to Deliver success story:

Ten volunteers spread around Susan Kytola's cozy apartment on Damen St., calling supporters of health care reform and encouraging them to voice their support to Congressmen Shock, Durbin and Burris. Susan's friends and relatives made up half of the motivated callers, three others found the event through OFA IL. After crowding around a laptop for President Obama's address, the group toyed with the idea of making "grab a mop!" shirts.

Faminta Zamen, a psychologist, spoke about her reasons for getting involved: "A lot of the populations I work with are uninsured, such as refugees and the homeless. I've had first hand experience seeing what happens when people can't get medicine... how much they suffer, especially their mental health."

At around 8:45, everyone crowded around the dinner table while the results where tallied: 165 commitments in two hours!

200,000 calls and counting! To follow the current call count meter: CLICK HERE
Check out the Organizing for America blog for Time to Deliver updates from across the country: CLICK HERE

Time to Deliver Illinois: Democrat Party of Oak Park Call Party

Matthew Elias — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:25:30 EDT

Another Time to Deliver call party success in Illinois. Event host Jerry Delaney provides us with highlights:

"The phone bankers at the Democratic Party of Oak Park filled each other with hope tonight! We had almost 30 volunteers show up to make calls for health reform! It was an overflow group with some volunteers having to make calls from chairs in a parking lot.

We had overwhelming positive responses from those we called with some of them thanking us for doing this important work. One person called us back to let us know that when he called Congressman Danny Davis he actually talked to the Congressman!"

285,928 calls and counting! To follow the current call count meter: CLICK HERE
Check out the Organizing for America blog for Time to Deliver updates from across the country: CLICK HERE

Time to Deliver in Illinois: Homewood Seniors are Ready for Their Voices to be Heard

Matthew Elias — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:50:38 EDT

Volunteers across the state of Illinois are taking part in a national day of action to support President Obama’s plan for health reform, calling on their neighbors to ask them to tell their representatives that it's time to deliver on health reform.

At this event in Homewood, Illinois, senior citizens got together and made calls to fellow seniors in the area urging support for the President's plan. Needless to say, the response they received was great, and this group of seniors are ready for their voices to be heard!

200,000 calls and counting! To follow the current call count meter: CLICK HERE
Check out the Organizing for America blog for Time to Deliver updates from across the country: CLICK HERE

Illinois Physicians for Health Insurance Reform Press Conference

Matthew Elias — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EDT

Last week, as he stood side by side with doctors from all 50 states on The White House lawn, President Barack Obama said:

"When you cut through all the noise and all the distractions that are out there, I think what most telling is that some of the people who are most supportive of reform are the very medical professional who know the health care system best -- the doctors and nurses of America."

"These men and women here would not be supporting health insurance reform if they really believed that it would lead to government bureaucrats making decisions that are best left to doctors. They wouldn't be here today if they believed that reform in any way would damage the very critical and sacred doctor-patient relationship. Instead, the reason these doctors are here is because they have seen firsthand what's broken about our health care system."

This was the sentiment yesterday when a group of physicians held a press conference outside Cook County Hospital to declare their unwavering support for health insurance reform. Accompanied by Organizing for America Illinois State Director David Seman, Doctors Dan Felten, Suneel Udani, Philip Verhoef and Badewa Fatunde shared stories of patients who couldn't get the care they needed because their coverage had been severely attenuated, stories of patients who failed to receive regular screenings or checkups because their insurance would not cover the cost, The same sentiment was shared by all; the system currently in place needs to be fixed.

They have seen firsthand what's broken in our health care system and that's why they have decided to join the President in pushing for health insurance reform now. You can help them by signing up for our day of action events. We've come a long way, but we can't stop now. As health reform legislation moves to the full House and Senate, we need your help now more than ever.

Sign up for a "Time to Deliver" Call Party in Your Neighborhood: CLICK HERE
Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Care Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Wednesday Evening "Snapshot": 10/14/2009

Matthew Elias — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:15:36 EDT

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Care Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Organizing for America Illinois "Volunteer Spotlight"

Matthew Elias — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:30:45 EDT

This week’s "Volunteer Spotlight” is focused on Organizing for America Illinois community organizer Tom O'Connor. Having been involved with OFA throughout the primaries and general election, community organizing is nothing new to O'Connor, who credits the sense of fulfillment he feels when working with people on a grassroots level as being the key motivation behind his continued work with Organizing for America.

When then Senator Obama announced his candidacy for President I knew right away that I was going to do all in my power to get him into the White House. Shortly after I traveled to Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana to canvass during the primaries, and when I couldn’t travel to other primary states, I phone banked from my home.

I spent the last three weeks of the general election in Indiana, which turned blue for the first time since 1964. This made me especially proud.Since the summer of 2009 I've been concentrating on health insurance reform just like everyone else.

I am ready to continue with whatever the next issue happens to be, whether it is Education, Energy, or bringing reform to the financial sector.I truly believe that the 2008 election was just the start of a transformation in our country, and I am happy to be a part of it through my work with Organizing for America.

1) How long have you been involved with OFA?
I first volunteered for the Presidential campaign back in 2007, prior to the Iowa caucus. I began volunteering with Organizing for America Illinois as soon as the state staff hit the ground in early 2009.

2) What got you involved with Organizing for America?
Sheena Patton, an Organizing for America Field Organizer, whom I worked with throughout the campaign, called me around the time that the health insurance reform opponents began receiving a lot of attention in the news. Then, when I found out that Organizing for America was focused on building support for health reform at a grassroots level - block by block - I signed on to help.

3) What have you found to be effective in getting new volunteers mobilized?
It's gotten to the point where opponents of health insurance reform have given us a motivational gift as their behavior and outright lies have been so over the top that people are itching to do something to counter them. Turning the anger we feel toward those tactics into positive action requires almost a counseling type approach.Most of the people I talk to at first blow off a lot of steam and anger at the opposition. Their initial notion is usually to fight fire with fire, but after a conversation about the tactics that put Barack Obama in the White House – inclusion instead of rejection and calm over chaos - they tend to come around and begin focusing their energy on making calls, knocking on doors and letting their representatives know that they support the President.

4) What's been the highlight of your time with Organizing for America?
In September I had a chance to spend a few hours helping to train some of OFA's interns. I was really impressed by their enthusiasm and desire to improve this country and our world. It gives me great comfort knowing that we have great leadership on the horizon.

5) What issue/issues matters most to you and why?
I am one of the millions of Americans without any health coverage, so health insurance reform strikes a very personal note for me. Energy and environmental policy are also very important to me and I look forward to working on those issues with the same vigor.I know that powerful interests are invested in the status quo, so folks like us are going to have to be activists from now until 2012, then until 2016 and on to our next president and for the sake of our country. President Obama helped get me interested in politics but it is important now to remember that we all have a stake in our country’s future. I hope you will join me in helping out with Organizing for America in Illinois.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Care Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

The Nobel Peace Prize - A Well Deserved Recognition of President Obama

DRNC — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:31:18 EDT

For All those who think that the recent Award of the Nobel PEACE Prize to President Obama is ‘undeserved’ – you clearly do not have a clue as to what this award is about, nor the CRITERIA for it! It is NOT for being President of the United States, and just because he happens to be the President does not mean his work should not be Acknowledged and REWARDED.

NOBEL PRIZE – LESSON 101: There are six categories for this prize, Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Economics and Physiology & Medicine. Of these six, which one do you think would be appropriate for President Obama’s ‘EXTRAORDINARY” Efforts to Strengthen International Diplomacy and Cooperation between Peoples (even here in the US)? To further help those of you who may need a little more knowledge read the following.

NOBEL LAUREATES FACTS: On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace – the Nobel Prizes. In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank) established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. Starting in 1901, the Nobel Prizes have been awarded for over 100 years to more than 800 Nobel Laureates.

FACTS ABOUT THE NOBEL “PEACE” PRIZE: As described in Nobel’s will, one part was dedicated to “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses . . .If none of the works under consideration is found to be of the importance indicated in the first paragraph, the prize money shall be reserved until the following year. If, even then, the prize cannot be awarded, the amount shall be added to the Foundation’s restricted funds".

OK. Now that you have knowledge on what the Nobel Peace Prize is about, maybe you can read the following OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT with a better understanding and realize that it is Indeed Well Deserved by President Obama.

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons. Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened. Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population. For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."

BE WISE BEFORE YOU CRITICIZE!

Organizing for America /Democratic Party of Evanston/Organizing for America Phone Bank for Health Insurance Reform

Matthew Elias — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:29:46 EDT

There was a packed house at the Evanston Democratic Party Headquarters last night.as Volunteers with phones and laptops in hand went to work talking to citizens all over the state, enlisting them to join the fight for Health Insurance Reform.

Organizing for America and the Democratic Party of Evanston have transformed Wednesday nights into one of the most productive, phone banks in the state. Each week, the number of volunteers in attendance grows in size as the debate for health insurance reform continues on. The focus has been on contacting voters outside of Cook County, and build Organizing for America into an even larger statewide force.

Wednesday nights with Organizing for America Illinois and the Democratic Party of Evanston is the perfect time for anyone who has been thinking about, or waiting for the right opportunity to get involved with the push towards health insurance reform.

For details including the location, time, and dates of the Wednesday night phone banks for health insurance reform click HERE.

Join the OFA Illinois Facebook Page: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow OFA Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Health Insurance Reform Phone Bank at The Village Tap in Roscoe Village

Matthew Elias — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:03:41 EDT

Supporters gathered at the Village Tap in Roscoe Village for what has become a weekly Organizing for America phone bank.

Volunteers called through local constituents in Roscoe Village and spoke to them about the President's plan for health reform, encouraging them to voice their support for the President's plan to their member of Congress, Rep. Danny Davis.

While Rep. Davis is an unwavering supporter of health insurance reform, Organizing for America wants to encourage members of Congress who support health reform to maintain the momentum on the debate as the legislative process takes its course.

Phone banks are a key part of the grassroots effort that is helping to finally make health insurance reform, and the rest of President Obama's agenda, a reality.

If you or anyone you know are interested in joining us at next weeks Organizing for America phone bank at the The Village Tap, or if you want to check out the event details please go ahead and CLICK HERE. Hope to see you there!

Join the OFA Illinois Facebook Page: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow OFA Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

"Walk/Run/Roll for Health Insurance Reform" in Grant Park a Huge Success

Matthew Elias — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:14:20 EDT

Content contributed by Illinois Campaign for Better Health Care

This past Saturday, the Campaign for Better Health Care (CBHC) organized 55 individuals to take part in the "Walk/Run/Roll for Health Insurance Reform," part of the Chicago AIDS Run/Walk. CBHC runners and walkers gathered in Grant Park in downtown Chicago for the event and carried signs calling for the choice of a strong public health insurance plan.

At the CBHC tent, team members also distributed literature calling for a strong public option. Response was overwhelmingly positive, and participants left ready to keep racing for reform.

This serves as another example of how the Illinois Campaign for Better Health Care and Organizing for America volunteers are committed to serving their communities and directly involving themselves in the process.

Join the OFA Illinois Facebook Page: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Weekly Address: Health Reform Urgent for the Economy

Matthew Elias — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:25:14 EDT

The President discusses ongoing efforts to spur job creation. He also explains why health insurance reform is needed not just for long-term economic stability, but in the immediate future, discussing statistics on how costs will continue to skyrocket and hurt small businesses even next year. October 3, 2009.

Join the OFA Illinois Facebook Page: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Care Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Organizing for America Illinois "Volunteer Spotlight"

Matthew Elias — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:58:32 EDT

This week’s edition of 'Volunteer Spotlight' features not one volunteer, but three. Our the lean, mean volunteering machines are collectively known as the "Mary Todd’s". Kathy Gallo, Janet Taylor, and Susan Gottlieb (L to R in the image below) began volunteering at the campaign headquarters call center in April of 2007. Since then they have made the transition from Obama for America to Organizing for America without as much as a hitch in their step, and just last month completed the OFA community organizer training together.

Nicknamed after Abraham Lincoln's wife, each member of the "Mary Todd’s" plays a distinct role. Kathy was the driving force behind the founding of Organizing for America Illinois Lincoln Chapter and is in charge of maintaining their volunteer database and heads up manages all call center alumni activity. Susan acts as group liaison on the coordinating committee which works with OFA groups in the South Shore and Oak Park. Janet manages a lot of the day to day affairs - this includes setting up phone banks with new volunteers, the planning of neighborhood canvasses and recruiting new folks to help with their organization's efforts.

Susan Gottlieb: I grew up here, also on the South Shore. I had spent many years supporting progressive causes – civil rights, opposing the Vietnam War, but not as a front line activist. When it became clear that I had the opportunity to participate in a historic campaign, I wanted to shift thoughts into action and be a part of it.

Kathy Gallo: As a Chicago native from the South Side, I’ve been politically aware and active as a matter of course throughout my adult life, volunteering regularly with the 46th Ward Democratic Organization since I’ve been a resident of the ward. Watching the President as a state legislator and then working for him as Senate candidate, I was impressed with his serious potential. When he declared, I knew I had to come along for the ride.

Janet Taylor: I’ve been involved in politics since I was an 11 years old. I knocked on doors for my father’s campaign for district judge in 1967 -- he was running as a Democrat in Kansas, so I got used to getting doors slammed in my face early. When I heard Obama’s convention speech in 2004, I said “that guy’s going to be President someday.” I felt the same gut-level commitment that I had felt as a kid watching Bobby Kennedy speak. I wanted to work for the candidate that spoke for me.

How long have you been volunteering with Organizing For America?
KG: We all became a Headquarters Call Center Volunteers in April of ’07.
JT: I remember the night of the Iowa primary, watching from headquarters, when Kathy and I looked at each other and said, "Well, I guess we’re in it for the long haul."

Why did you get involved volunteering with Organizing For America?
KG: As the campaign was winding down, it started out as a plan for an inaugural party for those who were not going to D.C., but it became something more quickly. We wanted to make sure that we all kept in contact -- this core group of people who were willing to be the voice of the campaign one call, one email at a time. It was grassroots politics at its best. So I collected phone numbers and emails of those people who were interested in keeping the ball rolling.
SG: Since I had canvassed in Indiana during the campaign, I knew that the post-election the battles would be even tougher. Gaining the White House was only step one. The momentum from the campaign was too important not to harness. Kathy has been the catalyst and the collective momentum is infectious.
JT: Kathy was willing to keep the records and keep asking “who wants to be involved?” She rolled us from OFA v.1 into OFA v.2. We had a membership in place and waiting for Organizing for America.

What are some of the more effective practices you have found that work in getting people mobilized with Organizing For America?
SG: Sharing the work load and always having a sounding board keeps the three of us motivated and focused. As long as we keep giving volunteers concrete, measurable tasks that move the legislative agenda forward, it makes the next steps apparent. Also, the terrific communication infrastructure is invaluable, constant communication amongst group members is the key to our success.

What has been the highlight of your time volunteering with Organizing For America?
ALL: The President’s address to Congress, the watch party was pretty good. Passing a health care bill will be a highlight.
JT: There are many times when it is difficult to see the big picture – the terrific camaraderie and good humor of these two women are a big reason I’m still here.

What issue/issues matters most to you and why?
JT: I’m an underinsured, self-employed person so health insurance reform matters most right now.
SG: Education – once a teacher, always a teacher.
KG: Cap and trade and the enviroment -- we’ve got a lot of work to do to make up for the past eight years.

Join the OFA Illinois Facebook Page: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Care Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Rep. Jan Schakowsky & Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Hold a Heath Care Update Forum in Lakeview

Matthew Elias — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:06:37 EDT

Content contributed by Juan-Pablo Velez

Over 300 people packed in to the Holiday Club in Lakeview this past Saturday to hear Governor Pat Quinn and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky give an update on the current status of health care reform. Governor Quinn took the microphone first and spoke at length about the current push to get health care reform through Congress. Quinn, who walked across Illinois in support of health care reform in 2001, re-emphasized the importance of health care reform:

"When you're talking about the Land of Lincoln, we understand that everybody should be covered," Quinn said. "This is not something that is an option. This is something that is a fundamental right."

Up next was Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who promised that strong legislation would be on the President's desk by the end of the year. Congresswoman Schanakowsky went on to describe the mindset of Democratic lawmakers as they returned to Capitol Hill from their town care hall filled summer recess:

"Some members came back from recess even more determined," she said. "You know, when you're hanged in effigy it kind of makes you mad!"

Also speaking at the event were a half dozen local Democratic candidates, including State Senators Greg Harris and Heather Steans.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE

Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE

Find a Health Care Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE

Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Organizing for America Illinois "Volunteer Spotlight"

Matthew Elias — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:25:54 EDT

This weeks Volunteer Spotlight shines on Chicago's own Antonia Ruth. This tireless south-sider has been involved with OFA since the Democratic Primaries last year. President Obama's election was just the beginning of Antonia Ruth's relationship with OFA - whose involvement over the past eight months has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

When discussing who would be subject to this weeks Volunteer Spotlight, everyone involved was in full agreement that Antonia Ruth was long over due, and had to be this weeks recipient. So with that said, here is her story:

Antonia M Ruth joined the campaign out of a duty to honor her grandmothers, Elizabeth Palmer and Mary Alice Ruth. Both of her grandmothers were active in their communities, advocated for human rights and frequently campaigned for their person of choice.

Since either is no longer with us, she decided to do the work on their behalf. With every call, trip to Indianapolis, and engaging my neighbor in the dialogue of change, it was to honor them. Once the election was over yes the duty ended, however, the seed of change that she helped to plant in many took root in her. The first House Party request went out in December; Antonia was waiting to see if someone else would plan an event. When no such invitation came, she decided to host the Change is Coming House Party.

To prepare for the event, she took a bus stop poll asking people if they knew who their elected officials were. About two-thirds did not. She decided to create an informational booklet that each attendee could use for reference. Once the meeting concluded, she was asked “when are you going to have another meeting?” Since then with every call to action for phone bank, canvass, community service or house meeting, Antonia answers.

By day, Antonia is an Office Manager for Headstrong Inc. As soon as the clock strikes 5:00, she becomes the Community Organizer for the 2nd Congressional District City. There are 2 listening tours scheduled for September 30th, a forum on October 10th, and an adult education expo soft dated for October 24th. She expects that once the soil has been cultivated, the seed for real change in Washington will take root and bloom on the South Side of Chicago.

When asked why she has committed herself to Organizing for America, she simply states:

“I believe in the President’s agenda and his ability to facilitate real change in Washington. My grandmothers helped the leaders of their time to bring about the change that I freely enjoy. It is my responsibility to help my president to invoke and invite change so that my nieces, nephews along with their friends can have an even brighter future.”

Here’s to positive energy, growth and the reinforcement needed to assist the President in his endeavors. South Side, are you ready

How long have you been volunteering with OFA?
My journey with the Obama campaign began the morning after the New Hampshire Primary.

Why did you get involved volunteering with OFA?
When I saw President Obama’s quote “I am asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change to Washington…I am asking you to believe in yours” was when I decided to carry the legacy my grandmothers left me forward. Those 2 activists helped the leaders of their time to bring about a change that I freely enjoy. I now have the fiduciary responsibility to help my president, to invoke and invite change so that my nieces and nephews can have an even brighter future.

What are some of the more effective practices you have found that work in getting people mobilized with OFA?
Two words…”follow up.” It pays to send a personalized email to all who have confirmed for an event. Sometimes people just forget a need to be reminded. If they have provided you with a phone number or go the extra step and get their phone numbers from VAN. Most people do appreciate the phone call. At the event, there are those who are so passionate that they would attempt to dominate the conversation. I make sure that all voices are heard and all issues are addressed. The smaller the attendance, the more personable you can become with the volunteer thereby building a relationship.

If you had to choose, what would you say has been the highlight of your time volunteering with OFA?
Two things: 1) Watching the faces of the people while the President was speaking. It showed me that hope will prevail. 2) I was able to share the podium with the President at the July 09 POTUS event in Chicago. What an awesome moment for me! I wished my grandmothers were alive to witness the moment with me.

What issue/issues matters most to you and why?
Health Care and Education are issues that matter to me most. I have insurance but each year, the insurance companies trim coverage. This should not be. I have come across people who have no coverage or poor benefits. I have seen oxygen rationed to a patient. Oxygen! The thing we take for granted someone has to use sparingly, and forbid the day if he decided to have a productive life. Education should be fair and equitable for all. I eagerly await the opportunity to engage in the full discussion on education reform.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Care Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

President Obama Visits the Late Show with David Letterman

Matthew Elias — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:30:17 EDT

Last night President Obama stopped by the Late Show with David Letterman and discussed various issues ranging from foreign policy to heart shaped potatoes.

The President's Plan

Matthew Elias — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:57:36 EDT

The "Obama Plan in Four Minutes" video outlines the basic principles of President Obama's health insurance reform plan as presented to the joint session of Congress on September 9, 2009.

Read the full transcript of the President's remarks.
Watch the full video of the President's remarks.
Read the full plan for health insurance reform.
Download a concise, printable version (pdf)

The President's Weekly Address: Progress in the Global Economy

Matthew Elias — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:44:35 EDT

President Obama goes over the progress in stemming a global economic crisis, discusses the impact of the Recovery Act, and pledges that lobbyists for big Wall Street banks will not prevent real reform for the future, including a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency.

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Representative to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Care Reform Event Near You: CLICK HERE
Follow Organizing for America Illinois on Twitter: CLICK HERE

Fired Up, Ready To Go!

Matthew Elias — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:42:33 EDT

South Shore Democrats Gather to Watch President Obama's Speech on Health Care Reform

Matthew Elias — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:50:29 EDT

A group of South Shore Democrats gathered to watch President Barack Obama's address to Congress about the his plan for health care reform. Prior to the speech, the group discussed health care reform and what they as a group planned to do support the President.

Pictures provided by Melvin Adams of Have Faith Productions

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Members of Congress to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Learn More About the President's Plan for Health Care Reform: CLICK HERE

The President's Health Care Address Watch Party in Roscoe Village

Matthew Elias — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:25:09 EDT

Last night Organizing for America Illinois and the 32nd ward Democrats hosted a watch party for President Obama's Health Care Address to Congress at The Village Tap, in the Roscoe Village. Over 100 supporters, both young and old, were in attendance to watch the President address Congress on his plan for health care reform.

To say the crowd liked what they heard would be something of an understatement, in fact, one gentleman was overheard saying "I hope is that there's much cheering in here on Sunday for the Bears game as there was tonight during the speech."

Pictures from the Roscoe Village Watch Party:

Join Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Tell Your Members of Congress to Support President Obama's Plan for Health Reform: CLICK HERE
Learn More About the President's Plan for Health Care Reform: CLICK HERE

Organizing for America Illinois "Volunteer Spotlight"

Matthew Elias — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:30:25 EDT

Organizing for America Illinois is proud to announce the kickoff of our brand new feature entitled; Illinois "Volunteer Spotlight". Each week we'll profile a volunteer from across the state who has gone above and beyond what was asked of them.

The inaugural OFA Illinois volunteer profile will focus on Matt Flamm, a lawyer and a dad from Palatine, Illinois whose dedication to both OFA and his surrounding community are second to none.

Volunteer Profile:

Matt Flamm, a 55-year old resident of Palatine, is married and the proud father of two daughters. Flamm, an attorney by profession became active in Democratic politics in the northwest suburbs back in 2001 when he volunteered for local Congresswoman Melissa Bean’s campaign. From that point on Flamm was hooked – and has has since become the Vice President of the Palatine Township Democratic Organization.

Back in February of 2007, Flamm attended Barack Obama’s Springfield announcement which he announced his entry into the Democratic Presidential primaries. Later that month, Flamm joined the NW Suburbs of Chicago for Obama and later became the head Administrator of the group - which currently has more than 700 active members. After being approached by Field Organizers in the area, Flamm became an organizer for the Obama campaign focused on the 8th Congressional District in August 2007.

Matt organized dozens of trips to Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania; as well as phone banks focused on contacting voters in battleground states. Given his legal prowess, Flamm also served as a voter protection attorney for the Obama campaign in rural South Carolina and in urban Milwaukee and Cleveland and was an active volunteer during the Democratic National Convention in Colorado. To top it off, a well deserving Matt Flamm and his wife, Betty, were in attendance at both the election-night celebration in Grant Park and the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C.

Matt Flamm remains an active volunteer with Organizing for America and has been working closely with Health Care for America Now (HCAN) in organizing phone banks and other action events aimed and bringing new folks on board in supporting the President's health care reform proposals. Some of the action events have included several parades, calling and meeting with Representatives in Congress and door to door canvases in and around their neighborhoods.

5 Questions:

1) How long have you been volunteering with OFA?
Since my first trip to Iowa back in August of 2007.

2) Why did you get involved volunteering with OFA?
I wanted to identify other progressive residents of the northwest suburbs of Chicago (a traditionally conservative area). I had heard Barack Obama’s call for concerned citizens to become part of the process. And I believed that he represented the best chance for progressive change in our country.

3) What are some of the more effective practices you have found that work in getting people mobilized with OFA?
The OFA website is a great tool. We’ve posted many events and people have signed up, many of whom had never been involved before. The NW Suburbs of Chicago for Obama has become a very effective organization. An email sent to the group brings forth many volunteers. And encouraging other volunteers to take responsibility for events and activities multiplies what we can do and carries out our goal to get people involved in the process.

4) What's been the highlight of your time volunteering with OFA?
There are two highlights. The first was the Iowa caucus, which I spent in a town of 500 people. We won the caucus in Lamont by two votes in a tight three-way race. The second was our “Unite for Change” party in my backyard in June 2008. The party was attended by 140 people, including people who had supported Clinton, Edwards, and Dodd.

5) What issue/issues matters most to you and why?
Health care reform is a critical issue. Too many lives have been ruined because people weren’t able to afford proper medical treatment. I also believe that we need to restore President Kennedy’s philosophy of “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” For too long, people have been focused on what’s good for them or their families. We need to refocus people on what’s best for all of us.

Become a part of Organizing for America Illinois: CLICK HERE
Find a Health Insurance Reform Now event near you: CLICK HERE
Pictures & stories from Health Insurance Reform Now events from across the country: CLICK HERE

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's Town Hall Meeting in Skokie, IL

Matthew Elias — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:19:52 EDT

Last night Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky held her highly anticipated town hall meeting at the at Niles West High School Auditorium in Skokie, Illinois. The health care reform supporters made up a heavy majority of both the 1,300 plus people who made it into the meeting as well as the 600 plus who remained outside the auditorium due to the building reaching maximum capacity.

The loudest cheers erupted from the packed auditorium when Congresswoman Schakowsky declared; "I believe by the end of 2009 we will have affordable, quality health care for all Americans".

Here are some images from last nights event in Skokie.

To see images from Health Insurance Reform Now events taking place around the country, or to find a HIRN event in your area, please click here.

SUCCESSFUL MEETING - by Amy Ruppert (Batavia, IL)

DuPage-ROC — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:27:22 EDT

On Saturday, June 11 we had 27 people show up for our health care reform (HCR) kick-off. We had a productive meeting with everyone willing to take action. As a result of this meeting our group has decided to hold a town hall meeting in Batavia on August 4th that will inform and educate the attendees. We are in the process of securing the Batavia City Hall chambers that holds 200 people and has a full audio system in it. We will have several health care professionals speaking on a panel at this town hall meeting.

We will be announcing the town hall meeting at Swedish Days in Geneva on June 27th by having volunteers pass out fliers that have info on the meeting on one side and HCR facts/info/resources on the other. Those interested in attending will be asked to submit their HCR questions to the panel via email prior to the meeting. This will ensure that we have an orderly and informative meeting where we can address FAQs.

The estimated numbers at Swedish Days runs at about 250,000 people over the course of four days. Our volunteers have set the challenge for themselves to learn as much as they can before then about HCR and also have committed to having conversations with at least 25 people before then about HCR so they can be ready and fully prepared to talk to people in the crowd at Swedish Days while passing out fliers.

If anyone wants to be put on our mailing list for volunteers at Swedish Days please email me at ARuppert@Comcast.net.

Spring Into Action!

Justin J. Major — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:05:30 EDT

Spring into Action/OFA Pledge Project Canvass

Time: Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Host: Democratic Party of DuPage County
Contact Phone: 630-629-1125
Location:
Democratic Party of DuPage
1000-7 Rohlwing Rd
Lombard, IL 60148

http://www.dupagedemocrats.com

Put a little spring in your step as you enjoy refreshments and walk for your township and COD. Join us at 10 and we will provide breakfast snacks, coffee and juice, plus lunch treats after you've walked your area.

WIN GREAT PRIZES!

RSVP to 630.629.1125 so that we can prepare your walk materials.

Bailouts! Bailouts? Where's my Bailout?

Princetta — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:03:04 EDT

I'm so tired of hearing about the latest bailout request without getting any of the facts on how the company got to that position in the first place. All I hear is that "the sky will fall" unless they get billions in tax payer relief. Well I think it's time I pass along some info about companies requesting bailouts, how they got there, is the sky really falling and what the tax payer should expect in return for it's money. So I've scheduled a Bailout 101 information meeting at the Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien Illinois on April 5. Voters need the facts so they can make informed decisions. That's my mission. Not to tell people how to vote but to give people the facts about what's going on (hopfully with a strong dose of humor to keep our blood pressure in check) . Then the following month (May) I'll be having an information meeting for Universal Healthcare. Finally in June, I'll be hosting a meeting for reviewing the Economic Recovery Plan and "Where Are We Now" (everyone is encouraged to bring their red pencils).

Enough is Enough

Pat from Elmhurst, IL — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:23:36 EST

I had regained some of my trust in politicians during the election and inauguration, only to have it be trampled once again by low-life politicians.

I watch those who are being very vocal against the stimulus bills, looking for signs that they are truly concerned about the welfare of their constituents and their nation, only to be repeatedly disappointed. I get the sense that most of them are playing to a camera - that they know the bill will eventually pass, but they want their day to day their say. They surely couldn't say what they're saying if they didn't think the Stimulus Bill will pass - how could they face the reality of a bankrupt nation, with people out of work and out on the street! They are playing to the cameras, and getting their fifteen minutes.

But don't they realize that so many people are hearing them and are believing them - that we will be OK if we just get $600 like last year. Yeah, that really solved the problem, didn't it? They are talking out of the other side of their mouth for their own private gain and glory, assuming that the Bill that MUST be passed, will be passed, and this gives them permission to act up like 5 year old children!

The wages of selfishness have led us too close to disaster. When we our leaders, on the right side of the aisle, remember their promises to work "across the aisle" for the good of the nation. I think I heard that. Didn't any body else.

I will pray and I will hope, but I have lost such respect for the small minded, biddies on the Republican party. Only 3 in the Senate and NONE in the House that could try to work out something that would be in the best interest of our nation. God save us from this type of hypocracy!

Judy's Christmas Raise

Ed Rafacz — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:49:52 EST

I Guess Judy doesn't think our economy is bad enough to stop from giving herself a raise. No help for the working middle class though. She decided not to help the Automakers unless the workers took more pay cuts.

Congress gets $4,100 pay raise

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress members in 2008 will receive salaries of $169,300, a boost of $4,100 over the salary they have had since January 2006. That 2.5% increase is mirrored by similar raises for associate justices of the Supreme Court, who will see their pay go from $203,000 to $208,100, and Chief Justice John Roberts, whose pay will rise to $217,400 from $212,100. The salary figures were published in Tuesday's edition of the Federal Register. Last year was the first since 1999, when the pay was $136,700, that members of Congress did not receive a cost-of-living allowance raise along with other federal employees. Democrats, newly elected to the majority, had vowed to block an increase in their paychecks until Congress raised the minimum wage. With the minimum wage increase accomplished last year, House Democratic leaders joined with their Republican counterparts to oppose a procedural vote to bring the COLA issue to the floo r, leaving the way clear for their automatic raise. The congressional COLA is linked, under a complicated formula, to the cost-of-living increase awarded civil servants. As part of a 1989 ethics bill, Congress gave up its ability to accept pay for speeches and made annual cost-of-living pay increases automatic unless lawmakers voted otherwise. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, a leading critic of the COLA process, said in an interview that he's not proposing that members of Congress never get a pay raise. But he said that, in a time of budget deficits when many people are undergoing economic hardships, "at least we ought to have an up-and-down vote on it. The whole process appears so secretive." Reluctance to openly discuss the salary issue comes at a time when Congress has been suffering low public approval ratings. In a December AP-Ipsos poll, 25% of those surveyed approved of the job Congress was doing. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will also a pa y boost from $212,100 last year to $217,400, the same as Chief Justice Roberts. The majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate and Senate president pro tempore Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., will get increases from $183,500 to $188,100. Dick Cheney, in his last year as vice president, will receive $221,100, up from $215,700. President Bush's salary of $400,000 is unchanged.

Hooray For Democracy!

Mackey — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:03:57 EST

My dad voted today at my old elementary school. Now, I can't vote yet (coughAGEDISCRIMINATIONcough) but if I could, I would have been up in that polling place too.

Good job, Dad. Good job, voters. Good job, Democracy!

I will update later tonight, hopefully with a video from the Obamacon (outsiders' view, of course.) so... see you then!

KEEP VOTING, AMERICA! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

You Can Vote However You Like

Mackey — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:39:01 EST

SO I finally saw the CNN coverage the the kids from the school that sing that one song.

Wow. How specific can I get?

Anyway, it has over 1mil views, so you better know what I'm talking about.

SO CUTE. <3

Election Day is tomorrow. omgomgomg! My mom says that we might go down to Grant Park anyway, even though we don't have any tickets. Like, for sure, we are ticketless. But I do want to hang in the Park, bring my video camera, etc. =D

Well. I've jumped in and did It.

Mackey — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:34:11 EST

My spiffy t-shirt is on it's way!

I hope that I will win the ticket to the Grant Park-a-palooza / Obamacon. But then my awesome friend who I promised I would go with would feel very unhappy... I dunno. I think it would rock. Front row seats!!!

Anyway, I can't wait for my t-shirt. I hope the size S wasn't an adult Small, but we'll see. Maybe I can make it shrink a lot...

Also, fivethirtyeight.com says that Obama has a 93.7% chance of winning. I guess there is a 93.7% chance I will go to school on Wednesday and not wear black.

Dear God, I hope there isn't a crazy voting scandal like the last two elections.

I watched a great video featured on boingboing.net about how if one controls who votes, then one controls who wins an election. So true. I think it was for videothevote.com? I dunno. But I do know that I am going to skip out on orchestra practice on Tuesday so I can plunk down and watch CNN for 7 hours straight. =D

Signing off, Ms. A

Adopt a field office

Kristi K — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:04:13 EST

Want to help out in the swing states, but can't actually go there for the day? Here's another option for helping out. Pick a field office from the swing state of your choice. All the field offices & their phone numbers are listed on the my.barackobama.com web site under the "States" pull down menu option. Currently CNN lists the following states as swing states: Ohio, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Missouri, North Carolina & Florida.

Call up the field office & offer to buy them a pizza. Or a Subway platter. Or whater ever else you can buy them on-line or over the phone. It's a great way to show your appreciation for their efforts & adds a personal touch to making a campaign donation! Plus campaign workers are really happy to have a free lunch.

Barack Morning Buzz-10-30-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:53:13 EDT

Barack Morning Buzz-10-30-08
On to Victory on November 4th

(1) "American Stories-American Solutions"-Obama's Prime Time Presentation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtREqAmLsoA&eurl=http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gGgklx

(2) Obama's 30 Minute Infomercial Covers All Bases
Abdon M. Pallasch-Chicago Sun-Times
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1250745,CST-NWS-obama30.article

(3) Obama Informercial Well Received by Media
U.S. News & World Report-Campaign News
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_081030.htm

(4) This Guy Obama was Everywhere Last Night including "The Daily Show"
Andrew MalcolmLos Angeles Times-Top of the Ticket
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/10/obama-daily-sho.html

(5) Obama Holds Leads in Key Swing States as Election Day Nears
Michael Duffy-TIME
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1854898,00.html

(6) Obama and McCain Visit Close States
Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081030/ap_on_el_pr/campaign_rdp_100

(7) Bill Clinton Backs Obama at Midnight Rally in Coveted Florida
Ewen MacAskill-Guardian-UK
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/30/barack-obama-bill-clinton-florida

(8) Poll Predicts Obama Landslide in California
Carla Marinucci-San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/30/MNPR13QI21.DTL&type=politics

(9) In the South, Obama and McCain Spar over Taxes
Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/10/30/in_the_south_mccain_and_obama_spar_over_taxes/

(10) How They Would Lead
David Von Drehle-TIME
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1854818,00.html

(11) LeBron James and Jay-Z Rally for Obama
Tom Withers-Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081030/ap_en_ot/lebron___jay_z_obama_1

(12) University of Kentucky Students and Leaders Decry Effigy of Obama
Beth Musgrave-Lexington Herald-Leader
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/748028.html

Early Voting

Ready for Change and Ready to Serve! — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:41:49 EDT

I voted yesterday!! It was an absentee ballot and it was on paper. I would like to invite all to vote early and to report any actions that don't seem right. As an election judge in DuPage county I can tell you that noone sould be unduely burdened from voting. Make sure that they are told where they should be voting if they wind up at the wrong polling place. Also encourage people to check to make sure they have what they need to vote. They can check online. You can help them.

use www.maps.google.com/vote

www.voteforchange.com

If you see any questionable activities: electioneering to close to polling place, poll watchers being given a hard time etc. report it to at least two election judges from different parties and CNN also has a number to call the number is 877-GOCNN08

I don't know how old this url is but it is working: http://reportvotingproblems.org/

Now that you have voted early and asked friends to do the same, please consider going to a battle ground state and help get out the vote. Or even make some phone calls.

Be Well,

Lois

One dead, two wounded.

Pat from Elmhurst, IL — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:24:47 EDT

I have been a member of the romancatholicsforobama Listserv since early February, and consider myself one of the founding members of the www.romancatholicsforobama.com website. So, when I heard this comment from Denver, Colorado's Bishop Chapot, who has been very critical of our thinking and our efforts, I had to respond

I quote: "You also have to have a reason for voting for a “pro-choice” candidate that is proportionate to the issue of abortion. We have had 40 million abortions in the U.S. since Roe v Wade. That’s nearly 4,000 unborn children killed each day. There’s not much proportionate to this."

Yes, truly staggering figures. Makes about 1,000,000 a year, according to the statistics I have found.

We also have approximately 900,000 unborn babies annually due to miscarriage and still births.

My heart goes out to those almost 2,000,000 unborn babies each year, and to those mothers and families that grieve them. As far as I know, little is done to bless them and commend them into God's kingdom, and I feel we, as Church, need to respond to this lack. "From the moment of conception" is our belief, and this calls on US to make sure that unborn babies are not done away with like other "body parts."

2nd, we need to consider how many babies were being aborted illegally before Roe v Wade, as well as how many will again be aborted illegally by back alley butchers and other unsafe methods after a repeal. The problem will NOT go away by simply repealing the court finding.

The problem is women without options - women who, for so many different reasons, are unable to provide for new life, and take the worse way out. Women who have to live with those decisions for the rest of their lives.

The numbers of babies being aborted is almost equal to the numbers of unborn babies due to other causes. The travesty of all of these unborn and uncared for ones screams out to us to provide a more compassionate and humane society where women can have what they need to be the loving mothers God created them to be.

The numbers are even more staggering if you look at them in this light: 1,000,000 abortions, 900,000 miscarriages and still births, = 1,900,000 women with empty arms and broken hearts.

So, for a start, let's get rid of the white crosses, and reach out to these families with other options. Let’s replace those white crosses with red hearts, full with love and compassion for all the unborn and all their grieving family members, remembering the maxim: "1 dead, 2 wounded."

Peace,

Pat Millet (from Elmhurst, Illinois)

GOP spent more than $150K on Palin's clothes and makeup...

Jessica — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:41:41 EDT

Talk about a "redistribution of wealth..."

Via the Huffington Post (emphasis added):

Since her selection as John McCain's running mate, the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, and even her infant son, it was reported on Tuesday evening.

That entertaining scoop -- which came by way of Politico -- sent almost immediate reverberations through the presidential race. A statement from McCain headquarters released hours after the article appeared bemoaned the triviality of the whole affair.

"With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it's remarkable that we're spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses," said spokesperson Tracey Schmitt. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."

But even the most timid of Democrats are unlikely to heed this call for civility. For starters, the story has the potential to dampen enthusiasm among GOP activists and donors at a critical point in the presidential race. It also creates a huge PR headache for the McCain ticket as it seeks to make inroads among voters worried about the current economic crisis.

Mainly, however, Democrats (in this scenario) are not prone to forgiveness. After all, it was during this same campaign cycle that Republicans belittled the $400 haircut that former Sen. John Edwards had paid for with his own campaign money (the funds were later reimbursed). And yet, the comparison to that once-dominant news story is hardly close: if Edwards had gotten one of his legendary haircuts every singe week, it would still take him 7.2 years to spend what Palin had. Palin, in the end, had received the equivalent of $2,500 in clothes per day from places such as Saks Fifth Avenue (where RNC expenditures totaled nearly $50,000) and Neiman Marcus (where the governor had a $75,000 spree).

Beyond the political tit-for-tat, however, the revelation of the clothing expenditures offers what some Democrats see as a chance not just to win several news cycles during the campaign's waning days but to severely damaging Palin's campaign-driven image as the small-town, 'Joe Six-Pack' American.

"It shows that Palin ain't like the rest of us," Tom Matzzie, a Democratic strategist told the Huffington Post, when asked to game plan how the party would or could use the issue. "It can help deflate her cultural populism with the Republican base. The Plumber's wife doesn't go to Nieman's or Saks."

Indeed, the story could not come at a more inopportune time for the McCain campaign. During a week in which the Republican ticket is trying to highlight its connection to the working class - and, by extension, promoting its newest campaign tool, Joe the Plumber - it was revealed that Palin's fashion budget for several weeks was more than four times the median salary of an American plumber ($37,514). To put it another way: Palin received more valuable clothes in one month than the average American household spends on clothes in 80 years. A Democrat put it in even blunter terms: her clothes were the cost of health care for 15 or so people.

There are, in these cases, legal questions surrounding campaign expenditures. Though, on this front, Palin and the RNC seem to be in the clear.

"I don't think it's taxed," said David Donnelly of Campaign Money Watch. "I don't think she can keep it. It's owned by the RNC. They had to use coordinated funds to pay for the clothes."

And certainly the possibility exists that this issue can be effectively swept under the rug. Palin is not known for taking impromptu questions from the press. Moreover, the media, at this juncture, has other major story lines (see: upcoming election) to grapple with, thus denying the piece the relative vacuum that accompanied the Edwards' story. Finally there is little desire among conservative writers or pundits to litigate the matter, even if they were more than happy to jump on board when a Democrat was in the spotlight.

Several hours after Politico posted its findings, the topic remained nearly untouched by the major right-wing outlets. Though as Marc Ambinder at the Atlantic opined: "the heat for this story will come from Republicans who cannot understand how their party would do something this stupid ... particularly (and, it must be said, viewed etroactively) during the collapse of the financial system and the probable beginning of a recession."

Lets get it done

Beth Penesis, State Central Committeewoman 14th Congressional — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:49:14 EDT

http://www.dipdive.com/dip-politics/wato/

I'm in Ohio

Princetta — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:17:12 EDT

Wow! I arrived in Ohio last Wednesday morning and I have been going non-stop ever since. I haven't even had enough time to update my blog.

Last Wednesday morning when I arrived, I took a taxi to the Lakewood office and was immediately put to work on a statewide mailing that had to go out that week. I worked on the mailing for two days. Then I went out canvassing; talking to voters and registering new people to vote. I canvassed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We walked and knocked on doors until we couldn't move. Friday the first day we canvassed we knocked on over 200 doors; after that I lost count but someone was counting. Sunday I made telephone calls and when I had "free time" I helped enter data to update the database.

Today we are doing another mailing. It's raining outside and no one is doing canvassing.

More later.

Obama Debate Party a Success

Beth Penesis, State Central Committeewoman 14th Congressional — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:31:57 EDT

http://www.kcchronicle.com/articles/2008/09/27/news/local/doc48de144661190170041546.txt

Thanks to everyone who attended!

MoveOn.org 10th b-day party

Ready for Change and Ready to Serve! — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:25:53 EDT

This is my first post but I couldn't let the day go by without talking a little about the calling event I hosted yesterday. 6 people came to my house to call MoveOn.org members in Minnesota. We called 240 numbers. Reached 33 people got 13 volunteers! The greatest thing for me is the great people I met. People with jobs and families got in their car and drove to my house to meet other concerned people and roll up their sleeves and pitched in. We were different religions and backgrounds. One thing we all had in common: we all want a country were the strong help the weak. A country of justice and fairness and peace. Hosting this party helps me beleive in people again.

They will be doing it again on October 5. I feel truely blessed to have the opportunity to contribute.

Lois Bugg Shadrick

My Life's Mission: A World That Works 4 Everyone - Love, Joy & Peace!

A Zen poet said, " A person who is a master in the art of living makes little distinction between their work and their play, their labor and their leisure, their mind and their body, their education and their recreation, their love and their religion. They hardly know which is which and simply pursue their vision of excellence and grace, whatever they do leaving others to decide whether they are working or playing. To them they are always doing both."

I'm Going to Ohio

Princetta — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:23:37 EDT

Whoooo Ha! I'm going to Ohio. You guys didn't think I'd let a little thing like no car stop me from participating in this campaign did you? Rosie, the Director of Out-of-State volunteers in Ohio assured me that they could use me with or without a car so I've got my Amtrak ticket and I'm leaving on the evening of the 23rd. The train will arrive on the 24th and I can't wait to get there. Oh by the way, I'll be in Lakewood, Ohio where they coordinate efforts for the whole state. What a rush! I'll be in Ohio for six whole weeks. I can't wait to see what adventures await.

Meanwhile, there's lot's to do here in Illinois. I'll be making calls through the Neighbor to Neighbor program to voters in Illinois and Wisconsin and preparing for my big trip by taking care of some pressing personal matters before I go.

Even though I haven't gotten any contributions to my trip so far, I know you all are with me in spirit and I just want all of you to know that "I GOT IT COVERED!" Since I don't need a car I feel I have more than enough money to cover my own expenses. After all what kind of expenses can you have when you are campaigning 24/7? So if you still want to send money, send it directly to the Obama Campaign. Like I said, "I'm passionate about Obama's candidacy and I'm desperate to make a difference."

The Neighbor to Neighbor Program

Princetta — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:08:17 EDT

I just signed up for the neighbor to neighbor program and boy is it a blast! So far I've signed up to make calls to Ohio and Illinois and I don't even have to leave the comfort of home.

Walk in Indiana

Beth Penesis, State Central Committeewoman 14th Congressional — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:23:25 EDT

Hi all,

With the Presidential race surprisingly close, Obama needs your help in Hammond, Indiana on Sat Oct 4th. Please e-mail me to let me know if you are available to walk for Obama. We can work out car pooling. If you can transport people, please let me know. Lets elect someone we can be proud of!

Thanks!

Beth Penesis

Canvass times:

Saturday: 10a, 2p

Campaigning with Sarah Palin

Sarah — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:10:25 EDT

I have found since Sarah Palin has been added to the ticket that she is attached to the hip of John McCain. Since McCain has added Sarah to his ticket, his audience size has increased dramatically. The audience has just come right out and stated that they are there to see Palin, not McCain. Now McCain's camp says Sarah is only campaigning with John for the moment so she can prepare to campaign by herself. My thoughts (And I do hope if viable will reach David Plouffe): 1. If Sarah does break away from John on the campaign trail, then John's audience will practically be a ghost town and Sarah's will be a packed house. Barack can use that in his favor to point out that the people voting for the McCain/Palin ticket are truly voting b/c of Sarah, not McCain the possible President. 2. If Sarah does not leave McCain's side b/c the McCain camp truly knows the size will diminish for McCain, then Barack's camp could possibly say along the lines that McCain doesn't trust Sarah to be by herself, handle herself alone, has to have McCain to look after her, etc. comments. I hate to say to attack Sarah being a weak female if she does not leave his side, but sometimes you have to fight fire with fire and I feel Barack's supporters could possibly point this out while campaigning. I truly feel sorry for Palin. I feel she has worked so hard to get where she is and she is just being used as a pawn by McCain just to get him elected. Once he is elected, I feel McCain won't pay attention to her and just shove her aside and tell her to pose for pictures and keep out of his way. Any thoughts?

Putting a Stop to the Myth

Pat from Elmhurst, IL — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:55:56 EDT

Sarah Palin has captured the imagination and souls of many folks this past week. She has presented a picture of this Warrior Woman, Seductress, Emasculating Woman, and Sacred Mother all at once. She has captured the imagination and the souls of many who have been grieving over the loss of a dream. 18,000,000 voters who cast their votes for a woman they believed in, looking for somewhere to go with huge feelings of anger, despair, and hopelessness, and along came Sarah.

How do we begin to De-mythologize Sarah so that we can see who she really is? The most effective way to break through the "myth" is to simply have her interviewed. Right now everybody is reading what they want to into Sarah. Lots of disenfranchised voters out there are looking for something/someone to believe in. Once she speaks, she will put definition on Reality, not Myth.

Let's hope the media is strong enough to insist that she be interviewed on THEIR TERMS. Not only on her turf on 9/11, a day when he son is being sent out to Iraq!!! What a setup to continue the Myth!

But that's what we've gotten so far. We need to persist to insist that she sit down and be interviewed like everyone else, about who she is and what she believes, to put the projections to rest!!

Perseverence, and prayer is what we need now!

Peace, Pat

Donate Frequent Flyer Miles for Obama! TravelforChange.org

Alisa W — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:42:49 EDT

There are hundreds of volunteers who want to work for Barack Obama this fall in the swing states, but a lot of these volunteers, students and recent college graduates like myself (Stanford 2008), don't have the resources to get where they are needed.

If you have 25,000 miles on any airline, you likely have enough miles to sponsor a verified volunteer's trip to work in a swing state! Registering new voters and talking to undecided voters face to face is the best way to fight all the smear campaigns and attack ads we are facing.

In the primaries one woman with a phone line raised two million miles for Obama! For the general election we can raise even more!

To get involved as a sponsor or volunteer please email alisa@travelforchange.org or just visit TravelforChange.org and please pass this on!

"I put in on ebay"

Lincoln Park — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:15:08 EDT

Really Sarah? Funny how facts sometimes get in the way of a good story.

September 05, 2008
Categories: John McCain

Not selling on eBay

Sarah Palin, in her speech, told a carefully stated -- but accurate -- story of putting a state-owned jet up for sale on eBay.

Palin did not, as the ADN reported at the time, succeed in selling it on eBay; she tried and failed.

She didn't actually claim to have though:

While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.

That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.

And she did put it on eBay, which seems like a good piece of symbolism and a clever stunt, even if she wound up selling it through more traditional channels.

But McCain, retelling the story, misstated it today:

"You know what i enjoyed the most? She took the luxury jet that was acquired by her predecessor and sold it on eBay -- made a profit," he said, introducing Palin.

Well, no. And the state sold it at a loss of half a million dollars.

By Ben Smith 12:57 PMhttp://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/Not_selling_on_eBay.html?showall

Palin Slashes Special Education Funding 62%

Katra — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:26:49 EDT

I found this over at Kos, and had to share it with everyone. I know several of you are aware of our story, and struggle to get proper care for Kyle - who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Please spread the word - this woman does not support special needs families.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/3/163229/8631

Sarah Palin Slashed Special Needs Education by 62%

For those of you who seem so enamored with Gov. Sarah Palin, it might be worth noting that she oversees the budget for the Department of Education and Early Development Special Schools in Alaska.
These funds provide supplementary educational services to students with severe disabling conditions and the Alaska Challenge Youth Academy. The resident school where the child would normally be placed does not have the resources to provide an adequate educational program. Without the supplementary services the child’s needs would not be met by the local school district in most cases.
The following programs are included within this component:
Special Education Service Agency (SESA)

The Annual budget for 2007, which preceded Gov. Palin was $8,265,300.

The Annual budget for 2008, enacted by Gov. Palin is $3,156,000.
The Annual budget for 2009, enacted by Gov. Palin is $3,156,000.
This is a cut in special needs services to children in Alaska of 5,109,300 , or 62%.

So, as the Alaska State Budget description states, "Without the supplementary services the child’s needs would not be met by the local school district in most cases."

Did 62% of all of the special needs children in Alaska stop having needs once Gov. Palin took office?

Before we get so excited about Gov. Palin bring her "Reformer" agenda to Washington, perhaps we should get to know a little more about what exactly that means to our children, and the opportunities that she would "Reform".

Call to Hillary

Pat from Elmhurst, IL — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:25:02 EDT

We need Hillary to take the center stage right now to address Sarah Palin. Sarah claims she is speaking like a wife and a mother, and is asking the women of America to support her plan to be the next Vice President. To follow through in breaking the ceiling marked with 18,000,000 cracks!

We need you, Hillary, because you have a heart for the people, and you have a program that speaks to their needs and their welfare. This "upstart" is trying to pick up where you left off, and appeal to all the disappointed, disgruntled women who are still grieving your loss. They are so vulnerable. They need you to step in and speak out, to tell them that she is so far from what you are, what you stand for - to remind them again that their vote was not for you, but for your program - especially the universal health care - that is sloughed off by McCain and Sarah. They need to hear your voice to remind them what you stand for.

You touched my mind and my heart with your fervor for the good of our country, for all of our suffering poor who deserve better, for all the minorities who have been invisible too long. They need your voice to speak out loud and clearly - NOW.

Pat from Elmhurst, Il

OBAMA BIDEN!

Mooncurtain — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:13:33 EDT

After briefly watching Palin's speech at the RNC convention, I made up this limerick:

Am a first time voter in 2008

Got HOPE, volunteered and donated in haste

Now here comes Palin

On the news her speech is blaring

Obama WILL WIN and I still have faith

BELIEVE 1.20.09

Obama & Biden pics from Saturday

Katra — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:05:06 EDT

My husband and I were fortunate enough to be two of the 35,000 that turned out to see Obama introduce Joe Biden as his VP Running Mate on Saturday, in Springfield. We arrived at 7:30AM, and finally got in to the gated area of the Old State Capitol a little after 10:30 AM. Obama took the stage sometime around 2PM. It was a very hot day, and once we got in - there was very little access to water. We were just to the right of the podium (facing), along the fence line. Unfortunately we were just out of reach as the stage seperated too far from the fence line as you got closer to the podium. Obama was able to reach down to someone just a couple people down though.

We decided to have my cousin babysit the boys, since it was entirely too hot for them to be out for that long (plus the crowd size was expected to be big). Special note of thanks to the volunteers that brought water out. We needed more in our area, but again - access was difficult. What we did get, was shared with those most in need (big thanks to everyone that thought of others first).

When Obama took the stage - the once tired and dehydrated crowd came to life. The screams were deafening, hands in the air - people on rails - some even managed to jump up and down. And wouldn't you know it - the breeze came out about that time as well. A cool wind blew over us, as Obama & Biden drove home their most powerful points. I even manged to get chills a few times. It was an experience I will never forget.

Below are some of my favorite pictures from the event, along with a link to more photos on my flickr account.

Obama reaching down to the person two down from me

Joe Biden just passing by, LOL

I loved this shot

Karl & I... Behind me is a crispy-fried Obama Fan

My Favorite Biden Photo

Great Smile

Driving the point home

The always beautiful, Michelle

Obamalac

Crowd

See the lamp posts? Everyone inside the Old State Capitol grounds entered through that 5 foot space.

Cute Kids on the way home. They stayed with a sitter while we were at the event (too hot for them).
Ian - 18mo, this has to be the only time he slept while we were there.

Kyle - Happy to be going home.

Medicare Gap Leads to Elderly Skipping Drugs

Katra — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:49:47 EDT

I found this article so disturbing. It's important that we contact our reps & senators to ensure that this issue is tackled immediately.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26329915

updated 10:06 a.m. CT, Thurs., Aug. 21, 2008

WASHINGTON - Many people in Medicare with diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions stop taking their medicine when faced with picking up the entire cost of their prescriptions, researchers say.

About 3.4 million older and disabled people hit a gap, known as the doughnut hole, in their Medicare drug coverage in 2007. When that happened, they had to pay the entire costs of their medicine until they spent $3,850 out of pocket. Then, insurance coverage would kick in again.

About 15 percent of those hitting the coverage gap stopped their treatment regimen. That rate varied depending upon illness. For example, about 10 percent of diabetes patients stopped buying the medicine, as did 16 percent of patients with high blood pressure and 18 percent of patients with osteoporosis.

McCain Unsure How Many Homes He Owns

Katra — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:22:26 EDT

New Hard Hitting ad by Obama, based on Recent McCain Gaffe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpmFd25tRqo

McCain unsure how many houses he owns

By JONATHAN MARTIN & MIKE ALLEN | 8/21/08 6:34 AM ES

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.) said in an interview Wednesday that he was uncertain how many houses he and his wife, Cindy, own.

"I think — I'll have my staff get to you," McCain told Politico in Las Cruces, N.M. "It's condominiums where — I'll have them get to you."

The correct answer is at least four, located in Arizona, California and Virginia, according to his staff. Newsweek estimated this summer that the couple owns at least seven properties.

In recent weeks, Democrats have stepped up their effort to caricature McCain as living an outlandishly rich lifestyle — a bit of payback to the GOP for portraying Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) as an elitist, and for turning the spotlight in 2004 on the five homes owned by Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) and his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry.

Obama in Springfield, IL 8/23

Katra — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:28:01 EDT

Just picked this up, and wanted to share. It looks like details are still in the works, but for those in the area and those willing to travel - time to start making plans.

My husband and I have family in the area, and if we can nail down a sitter for the boys, we'll be there. I'm beginning to wonder if he'll unvail his VP pick then - maybe announce in advance, and bring him out for the rally? Wouldn't that be exciting for Illinois?

http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/08/19/obama-returning-to-springfield/

The Obama team, in the run-up to the Democratic convention, will showcase the new Obama ticket Saturday in Springfield at the Old State Capitol, where presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) officially kicked off his campaign in February, 2007.

State of Illinois authorities have beens asked permission by Obama folks to reserve the historic spot at noon. This does not mean that this is the time and place where Obama announces his running mate; that could happen any time from Wednesday morning on. Obama’s time frame is shrinking, so the announcement is coming soon. The new vice presidential contender will jump on the road with Obama to showcase the new partnership. Springfield is a leg on the Obama roots tour.

Katra Knoernschild

MUST WATCH "The Real McCain" VIDEO!!!!

Bev in Wheaton — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:20:59 EDT

Y'all will just be amazed at how striking this video is! Please copy the link after you watch it and pass it on to those who NEED TO SEE IT!

http://therealmccain.com/?utm_source=rgemail

Thanks in advance!

Bev in Wheaton

Please Help Obama

Beth Penesis, State Central Committeewoman 14th Congressional — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:20:33 EDT

MAKE PHONE CALLS FOR BARACK!Join us at the Kane County Democrats office, 700 E. Main St., St. Charles. Every Monday and Tuesday, 6:00-9:00 PM we'll be calling supporters to recruit for canvassing and GOTV in Iowa. (Bring your cell phone if possible.)Please RSVP; so, we can plan ahead! Contact Linda Pille at lpille@obamafd.com. Pass this invitation along to 10 people and something wonderful will happen! (Barack will win Iowa and you can say you helped make it happen!)THANKS!

We need Your Voice...Please Join us.

Lincoln Park — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:51:13 EDT

The DNC has a PArty Builder site for Democrats to blog and support their Party.

After the Convention many Democrats and Independents and even some Republicans will come to the Party Builder site to learn more about our Party and blog..or just read the blog.

Obama will need all the Democrats he can get at all elevels of the ticket. The DNC Party Builder site helps one to promote support for local and sate candidates. National and world topics are discuissed on thsi blog as well.

Please create a profile and blog with us to spread the positive Democratic message and support of Obama. We need help.

http://www.democrats.org/page/content/partybuilder/

New video - a "must watch"!!!

Bev in Wheaton — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:29:26 EDT

This one many of you may have already seen, but it's cute and hilarious! It's called "The Commander In Chief Test."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgF39TRCPPE

Bev

States Finding Ways to Stop Voters from voting

Lincoln Park — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:13:28 EDT

In swing-state Colorado, the Republican Secretary of State conducted the biggest purge of voters in history, dumping a fifth of all registrations. Guess their color.

In swing-state Florida, the state is refusing to accept about 85,000 new registrations from voter drives – overwhelming Black voters.

In swing state New Mexico, HALF of the Democrats of Mora, a dirt poor and overwhelmingly Hispanic county, found their registrations disappeared this year, courtesy of a Republican voting contractor.

In swing states Ohio and Nevada, new federal law is knocking out tens of thousands of voters who lost their homes to foreclosure.

My investigations partner spoke directly to Barack Obama about it. (When your partner is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., candidates take your phone call.) The cool, cool Senator Obama told Kennedy he was “concerned” about the integrity of the vote in the Southwest in particular.

http://www.gregpalast.com/obama-doesn%E2%80%99t-sweat-he-should/

McCain's Responsibility

Lincoln Park — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:29:25 EDT

There is only one candidate in this race who thinks it was a mistake to go to war with Iraq in the first place. There is only one candidate in this race who stood up against the war before it even started. And now, more than five years later, there is only one candidate in this race who is pushing to end it.

The other candidate advocated waging a war that claimed the lives of more than 4,000 American troops and caused injuries to tens of thousands more.

For that candidate to attack the other's commitment to the troops is the ultimate dishonor and disgrace. It reveals the sinister ambition that has invaded his soul.

http://www.jedreport.com/2008/07/mccains-respons.html

I'll take judgement over experience any day.

POWER IS ON

swimmer — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:57:46 EDT

Thank you to the generous linemen from Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, and various parts of Illinois who came to our devastated 3 county area to help get 90,000 people back up and running with electricity. Although there are still about 4,000 withour power yet today, we are hopeful that all will be back up and running by midnight tonight.

We were without our power for 4 full days and it has finally been restored. It takes a horrible thing like this to remind one of how truly precious electricity is in this modern day. I can honestly say that once again, the people from the Quad Cities area united to help one another out with generators, ice, places to sleep, food, and more often lending them a helpful hand to rake, chain saw, clean up, and be there for moral support.

It pained me so to throw out so much food from the freezer and the refrigerator. Today I was able to go to the grocery store and purchase items to replace those long tossed. I think about how spoiled we are in this country. All of the conveniences we have. All of the technology. We are over indulged to say the least. Always looking for bigger and better instead of appreciating what we have.

Anyway, they have been so many people who have extended help whether in deeds or words! Thank you to all of you.

(Funny how none of this was ever mentioned on the national news)

Forum on Woman's rights

Lincoln Park — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:01:41 EDT

We will have a forum on woman's rights Friday night, begining at 6 Eastern time.

Please join our discussion on this very important issue at PB Bloggers on the Obama site.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/PartyBuilderBloggers

Do we have a Choice?

Pat from Elmhurst, IL — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:58:29 EDT

I have a problem….

I can’t support the Iraq war.
Our boys are being damaged and need to come home.
We are killing innocent women and children, all in the quest for Oil.
We are giving our jobs to Third World “sweat shops.”
Thousands of our US families have no health care.
We, the U.S., are doing torture!
Oil companies reap $44 billion profits while our gas prices soar.
We offer no plan for legal entry to illegal immigrants while exploiting them in our homes and businesses.
We give huge tax cuts to the wealthiest, while turning our backs on the poor and disabled.
We allow our basic rights and freedoms to be suspended.
And, we put people in concentration camps with no charge or conviction, with no due process of law, which we as a nation fought for and defended.

This is my problem: Everyone tells me I have no choice as a Catholic but to vote for a “pro-life” candidate. BUT I can’t support these positions that go against basic human rights and dignity. And, the viable candidate that holds acceptable positions on all of these issues is “Pro-Choice.” That is my problem. I believe I have found an answer, and want to share it with everyone I can. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ statement did not say that we can’t vote for a Pro-choice candidate. Here’s what it did say:

34. A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter’s intent is to support that position. In such cases a Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in grave evil. At the same time, a voter should not use a candidate’s opposition to an intrinsic evil to justify indifference or inattentiveness to other important moral

issues involving human life and dignity. And,

35. There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate’s unacceptable position may decide

to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons. Voting in this way would be permissible

only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil. Check it out for yourself. Don’t just believe it when people tell you that you “don’t have a choice.” Look up “Letter from the Bishops: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” http://www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/FCStatement.pdf Check sections 34-37 for yourself to see what our choices are.

We do have a Choice!! AND, we are responsible for making an

informed one.

F'ing Jesse Jackson (We don't need this!)

Bev in Wheaton — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:59:46 EDT

Jackson apologizes for his comments about ObamaBy Associated Press 4:54 PM CDT, July 9, 2008

CHICAGO - The Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized Wednesday for comments he made about Barack Obama's speeches in black churches during what he thought was a private conversation with a reporter.

Jackson told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday that his comments made Sunday were in response to a question from a Fox News reporter about speeches on morality the Democratic presidential candidate has given at black churches.

The civil rights leader said Wednesday he felt there were other important issues to be addressed in the black community, such as unemployment, the mortgage crisis and the number of blacks in prison.

He was being interviewed about health care by a Fox News reporter on Sunday when he was asked his opinion about Obama speaking in black churches. Jackson said Wednesday he was not aware that his microphone was still on.

Jackson told The Associated Press he doesn't remember exactly what he said Sunday but that he was "very sorry" for his comments about Obama. He called his comments "a side light in a broader conversation about urban disparities."

"My appeal was for the moral content of his message to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of black males, but to deal with the collective moral responsibility of government and the public policy which would be a corrective action for the lack of good choices that often led to their irresponsibility," Jackson said in a written statement.

Jackson said he has called Obama's campaign to apologize and that he supports the candidate unequivocally.

Messages seeking from Obama's campaign and a Fox News spokeswoman were not immediately returned.

Unite for Change in Wheaton, IL

Diane, Donna and Denise — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:55:17 EDT

Almost forty supporters from the Western Suburbs of Chicago attended our backyard event today. Everyone shared their reasons for supporting Barack, and most enthusiastically signed up to volunteer for future projects, such as the Border Buddies road trips to canvass in swing states surrounding Illinois. Wheaton is a very Republican city in a very Republican county, so our turnout was impressive.

The success of the event can best be summed up by the story of one guest who arrived a rather disappointed Democrat, as she was a Hillary supporter. She left the event having purchased an Obama button and bumper sticker. YES WE CAN!

I love-a de Obama.

Carly Casper — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:56:23 EDT

Maybe I've been a bit misleading. At times I seem to hint that I might not exactly be an Obama supporter to the maximum. In truth, I do support Senator Obama. Anyone who I've met along my journey of supporting him knows that I do. However, an inquisitive mind is always the best to have.

With every issue that I've had, every problem I've found, I've found a large amount of support from other Obamanites, and a satiating answer from Mr. Obama's politics. He has found a way to answer the most pressing questions in America in a reasonable (Sorry, Mr. McCain, but I will not pay a dime of tax money to some nerd who can make a cool battery) and pleasing way that gives me and my peers hope.

Keywords in this campaign have been "change" and "hope". Mr. McCain claims he is a "change", but I ask you to question that stance. He has vowed to continue some of the current administration's policies, the policies that are failing, the policies that make no progress, the policies that are wasting tax dollars and plunging us further and further into a valley of debt that seems more and more like a hole each day. We, America, need the fleeting hope that possibly, someone out there has a smart mind, a clear mind that can see through political smokescreens and attack America's problems where they lay: the domestic policies.

As a high school senior, the most important issue to me is education. Everything in America is expensive, and college is becoming less and less attainable. I am one of the classic cases of the smart underachiever who dreams bigger than her GPA. I'm slightly ashamed, but not afraid, to claim a lowly 2.1 GPA, but a 31 ACT. I know I will not get any scholarships. I know I have to pay fully by myself. I am in the middle class (the few, the proud), and paying for college all by myself is out of the question. Senator Obama's plans for higher education delight me, and my checkbook. My parents can afford some college for me, but I don't want them to empty their bank accounts for me. I want to earn it. I'm hoping that with the Senator's plans, prices will go down, and college can become more attainable for me.

What about after college? We are going to have families, and we will have to work in the real world. I, personally, am grateful to have a candidate like Senator Obama running in this campaign, because when he is elected, I can feel proud again. I can feel proud to live in a country that does not discriminate against race; to live in a country run by a smart man that is truly a person. With Obama in office, he will return the government to it's rightful owners: "for the people, by the people". Senator Obama is one of us: a person. A real, flawed person who is not above his supporters.

I have no fear to grow old, to go out into the real world. With Obama as our leader, we will march out of an economic downturn, and we will not fight any more. I have the utmost confidence that if Obama is elected to be the president of these beautiful United States, we will move. We will move up, and we will prosper.

Now, a call to all my fellow students out there (holler!). As students, we need to be the biggest supporters of Senator Obama. This is our future that the government is taking away. They are taking away social security, and they are taking away our money. I've lost my optimistic hopes of living in a middle-class suburb with a decent home. I either need to be rich, or settle for struggling with finances for the rest of my life. I refuse. I refuse to let Senator McCain focus only on the adults. For too long, the future of our country has been shorthanded by rising college costs, by the failure of the No Child Left Behind Act, and by the cost of living. I was told in 2005, my freshman year of high school, that my children would be born into a lower standard of living than I was.

We must refuse. We must prove this statement, this fact to be incorrect. As students, we need to assemble and support the person who seems to be making the best effort to help us, the person who seems to recognize the best that we are the future, and that us "kids" are just as important as adults: Barack Obama (let's face it: Ron Paul isn't going to win). We have all heard about the activism of the 1960's, and how students rallied behind Bobby Kennedy and Gene McCarthy. We need to get off of our obese behinds, and reclaim our status as the future. We need to move. We need to be active. If we don't make an attempt for change, who will?

Thank you, I'll be here all week.

Barack Evening Buzz - 6-24-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:23:40 EDT

Barack Evening Buzz-6-24-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Associated Press Campaign Minute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3QvYlZ5Bgk

(2) Obama Leads McCain by 15 Points As Voters Reject Republicans
Heidi Przybyla-Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=agCTbSDJ83rc&refer=home

(3) Obama Holds 15 Point Lead over McCain
Doyle McManus-Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-poll25-2008jun25,0,412890.story

(4) Oh Boy! Obama Camp Announces a "Big Role" for Bill Clinton in Fall
Andrew Malcolm-Los Angeles Times-Top of the Ticket
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/06/bill-clinton-1.html

(5) Bill Clinton Backs Obama-Kind Of
Agence France Presse-AFP
http://www.smh.com.au/news/us-election/bill-backs-barack--kind-of/2008/06/25/1214073282609.html

(6) Age Likely to be Key Factor in Presidential Campaign
Linda Wertheimer-National Public Radio-NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91853809

(7) Clinton Turns Attention Back to Senate
CNNPolitics-ElectionCenter2008
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/24/clinton.senate/

(8) Michelle Obama and Senate Candidate Jeanne Shaheen to Campaign in New Hampshire on Thursday
Associated Press
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/24/michelle_obama_jeanne_shaheen_to_campaign_in_nh_on_thursday/

(9) Michelle Obama and George Bush Get Their Media Closeup
Project for Excellence in Journalism
http://journalism.org/node/11632

(10) Election Season Contest-Can You Predict the Electoral College?
Jay Bookman-Atlanta Journal-Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/bookman/entries/2008/06/24/can_you_predict_the_electoral.html

New Obama Video! Please watch it!

Bev in Wheaton — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:29:25 EDT

This new video is just so awesome! I love it! Please have a look and spread it to as many people as possible. Perhaps the Obama campaign will pick it up!

Tks,

Bev

From the creator:

Hi there fellow Obama supporters!

I am excited to send you the links (below) to our latest self-driven
production, "I've Got a Name (Obama)" music video and song.

Please take a look, listen and help this Portland, OR based, totally
donated, non-profit production get exposure in hopes the national
Obama Media folks will use it.

History - It occurred to me this big hit from the 70's, by Jim Croce,
was a perfect foundation to create a musical message.
After securing the rights from the publisher (Warner-Chappell), we
adapted the lyrics, recorded the song at Kung Fu Bakery, mixed the
song, and edited the video, in the hopes of helping further the
positive messages the "Obama" campaign delivers.

Take a moment to check it out. I am sure you'll enjoy the three
minutes spent listening or viewing it.

If at all possible, PLEASE forward this to any and all people you
normally e-mail.
For our project to help raise awareness, we need to get it out there
to a lot of people;
your forwarded e-mails will truly help!

I, as I know you do, strongly feel NOW is the time to move forward
on so many fronts.
I believe Senator Obama can and will inspire us to be better,
stronger and wiser.

okay, and now the links...
compressed video - (highly accessible to the masses, but with less
quality and "sadly" added branding by said websites)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZJLSsZa-tA (after watching, be
sure to RATE IT, and submit it to be a featured video, favorite, etc.)

full resolution widescreen video - (if you experience any playback
issues, please try different link or site)
http://www.IndiependenceMusic.net/danielwork (various QT and Flash
versions are available by scrolling down my artist's page a bit to
see the links)
http://www.smileynote.com (various QT & Flash versions)

higher quality .mp3 of the song only -
http://www.indiependencemusic.net/player.php?songId=8099&artistId=35
http://www.smileynote.com

lryics & credits PDF file -
http://www.smileynote.com/Video/IGAN_Obama.pdf

feel
free to add these links anywhere you'd like!

Thanks again and enjoy...

Daniel Work - SmileyNote Studios, inc.
daniel@SmileyNote.com
www.IndiependenceMusic.net/danielwork

"Striving for a kinder, more gentle world."

The Truth About Obama

Jessica — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:09:30 EDT

I love how this article makes a great point about the way campaign rumors are spread, but is also written with a sence of humor as well...

The lines about Barack's skin being the "color of American soil," and him traveling "mostly by forklift" are my favorites!

Maybe we should all start forwarding an email like this to everyone in our address books :)

---------------------------

The Barack Obama presidential campaign introduced a new site last week, FightTheSmears.com, that it hopes will debunk persistent myths about the senator: that he's a Muslim, that he won't say the Pledge of Allegiance, etc. As we have argued before, restating the myths often reinforces them, no matter how persuasively they've been refuted.

Rather than restate untruths about Obama, the campaign would do better to start some rumors of its own. Here's a template e-mail the Obama campaign might consider disseminating.

From: [Redacted]
To: [Redacted]
Subject: WHO IS BARACK OBAMA?

There are many things people do not know about BARACK OBAMA. It is every American's duty to read this message and pass it along to all of their friends and loved ones.

Barack Obama wears a FLAG PIN at all times. Even in the shower.

Barack Obama says the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE every time he sees an American flag. He also ends every sentence by saying, "WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL." Click here for video of Obama quietly mouthing the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE in his sleep.

A tape exists of Michelle Obama saying the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE at a conference on PATRIOTISM.

Every weekend, Barack and Michelle take their daughters HUNTING.

Barack Obama is a PATRIOTIC AMERICAN. He has one HAND over his HEART at all times. He occasionally switches when one arm gets tired, which is almost never because he is STRONG.

Barack Obama has the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE tattooed on his stomach. It's upside-down, so he can read it while doing sit-ups.

There's only one artist on Barack Obama's iPod: FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.

Barack Obama is a DEVOUT CHRISTIAN. His favorite book is the BIBLE, which he has memorized. His name means HE WHO LOVES JESUS in the ancient language of Aramaic. He is PROUD that Jesus was an American.

Barack Obama goes to church every morning. He goes to church every afternoon. He goes to church every evening. He is IN CHURCH RIGHT NOW.

Barack Obama's new airplane includes a conference room, a kitchen, and a MEGACHURCH.

Barack Obama's skin is the color of AMERICAN SOIL.

Barack Obama buys AMERICAN STUFF. He owns a FORD, a BASEBALL TEAM, and a COMPUTER HE BUILT HIMSELF FROM AMERICAN PARTS. He travels mostly by FORKLIFT.

Barack Obama says that Americans cling to GUNS and RELIGION because they are AWESOME.

Christopher Beam is a Slate political reporter.

Article URL: http://www.slate.com/id/2193798/

R.I.P. Tim Russert

Bev in Wheaton — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:53:12 EDT

I am overwhelmed on this overcast Friday in Illinois, as the news has shockingly come that Tim Russert has died.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25145431/

So young.

So fair.

And what those of you who are not in my group of Illinois Women for Obama don't know ... he and MSNBC did the campaign a favor a few weeks ago. We were all up in arms about Mike Huckabee's comments at the NRA meeting regarding Barack Obama supposedly running for gunfire. Huckabee, I'm sure you all know, thought it was funny.

We waged a campaign, knowing Huckabee would be on "Meet the Press," that Sunday and we inundated MSNBC requesting that either Tim Russert grill Huckabee about his comments or that they throw Huckabee off the Meet the Press panel.

It was an awesome accomplishment and we so appreciate Mr. Russert totally grilling Huckabee that Sunday morning and telling him that Obama supporters are "very upset with you for your comments, and what do you have to say about it?" Huckabee issued his first televised apology to Barack Obama.

I hope all of you will take just a minute to thank MSNBC and Tim Russert (post-mortem) for what he did for us.

I still don't have a grasp on this man who never seemed to go over the top as a journalist like so many others did. He was, indeed, a cool man who has died too young.

Bev in Wheaton

Belgian weblog for Obama

Tom — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:49:30 EDT

Hello friends,

From the heart of Europe one weblog is supporting Barack Obama since February 2007. In that month Barack started his campaign in Springfield.

Now this weblog is growing very fast. It is fighting for a top 10 position in the political blogs of Belgium.

Help us to kick this weblog into the top 10!

Please visit http://barackobama.skynetblogs.be

Yes we can!!!

Tom

Belgium for Obama

Please forward this message

Barack Morning Buzz - 6-10-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:28:11 EDT

Barack Morning Buzz - 6-10-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Obama Likens McCain to Bush on Economics
Perry Bacon Jr.-Washington Post-The Trail
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/09/AR200806090

(2) Obama Sends North Carolina a Message It will be a Contested State in Election
Rob Cristensen-Raleigh News & Observer
http://www.charlotte.com/breaking_news/story/662154.html

(3) Obama Kicks Off Economy Tour in "Red" State of North Carolina
Maria Gavrilovic-CBS News-From The Road
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/06/09/politics/fromtheroad/entry4163156.shtml

(4) Can Clinton on Ticket Hurt Obama?
Alan Fram-Associated Press
http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/could-clinton-on-ticket-hurt-obama/20080609173209990001

(5) Democratic National Committee Says Obama Can Win Virginia
Peter Hamby-CNN Political Producer
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/09/democratic-party-obama-can-win-virginia/

(6) Feisty Campaign Start-Obama and McCain War on Economy
Jitendra Joshi-Agence France Presse-AFP
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080610/pl_afp/usvote_080610021621

(7) Obama Rally and Fundraiser in the Works for Detroit on June 16th
Rochelle Riley-Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/NEWS01/806090351&imw=Y

(8) Obama and McCain to Speak at NAACP Convention
Marc Ambinder-TheAtlantic.com
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/06/us_sen_john_mccain_the.php/

(9) To United Nation, Obama Must First Unite His Party
San Jose Mercury News-Editorial
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_9537916

(10) Surge in Northern California Political Giving
Erin McCormick-San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/09/MN07115R66.DTL&type=politics

(11) Obama is $100 Million Man
Alexander Bolton-TheHill.com
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/barack-obama-is-100m-man-2008-06-09.html

(12) Will Obama's Hopes Be Tied to "Angry White Women"?
Anna Greenberg-Huffington Post
http://www.alternet.org/election08/87497/

(13) Clinton Interest in VP Complicates Obama's Task
Walter R. Mears-Associated Press-Special Correspondent
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004468390_apondeadline.html

(14) McCain Questions Obama VP Vetter
Foon Rhee-Boston Globe-Political Intelligence
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/06/mccain_question.html

"Stinking Thinking"

Pat from Elmhurst, IL — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:58:43 EDT

You tell me! Things have gotten twisted around in the last 15 months of primary contests. But let me assert the obvious:

A vote for Hillary is not a vote against Obama. It is a vote for Hillary.

Nor is a vote for Obama a vote against Hillary. It is a vote for Obama.

If Hillary wins a state 2:1, or Barack wins a state 55% to 42%, does that mean that Barack or Hillary couldn't win strongly against a Republican? It just means that the Democrats liked that one Democrat better!

WHY do we say, "What's wrong with _____ that they can't win _______ state?"

It's not that they don't like the one, they like the other one BETTER!!

This is doubly true with Barack and Hillary whose basic positions are so similar, yet both are so very different from Bush's administration or McCain's platform. If Barack doesn't get the nomination, although I am NOT a Hillary supporter, I will vote for her rather than McCain. Not that I like her, but I SUPPORT HER POSITIONS.

And think about it we must when we're discussing electability! It's not what Democrat can beat what Democrat, but what Democrat can beat the Republican nominee!! A vote for Clinton is a VOTE FOR CLINTON, a vote for Obama is a VOTE FOR OBAMA.

It's time to straighten out our "stinking thinking" now, and focus on casting our VOTE FOR THE DEMOCRAT running against A REPUBLICAN. For the sake of our nation!

Pat from Elmhurst

Beyond exasperation

Pat from Elmhurst, IL — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:22:21 EDT

Have we all lost our bearings (or marbles?)

You tell me. Did the DNC make a ruling that any states that did not cooperate with the primary schedule would not be counted? Did not Florida and Michigan understand that? Did not Clinton and Obama agree to that?

So- WHAT'S THE PROBLEM! Rules apparently state if something like this happens, the State's delegates CAN be reinstated at 50%!

So- WHAT'S THE PROBLEM!

Why are hearings going on today about how many ways you can slice an onion? The issues are clear. Hillary is throwing a tantrum, and people are trying to calm her down.

We need to have the courage to see the TRUTH of what happened here, and the COURAGE to stand up to the pressures of the Clintonians who want to pitch a fit, and have people rush to "cover her back."

Do you remember when Obama won the South Carolina primary by 55%? It was on a Saturday.
The next day, would have been Sunday, the 27th, Hillary headed down to Florida to campaign.
I remember wondering what was going on, because I knew the candidates had agreed not to
campaign in Florida (and Michigan, right?) So, Hillary had Sunday and Monday, and of course
Tuesday the 29th, Primary Day, to electioneer in Florida.

Do you remember the Florida Primary returns coming in, and commentators saying that of course the Obama numbers were very low, because his followers were told the election wouldn't count.

If this were football, wouldn't there be a foul or something called?

And, then, of course, in Michigan. Obama removed his name as they had agreed to, and 40%%
of the votes were "unaccounted for." She left her name on the ballot when Obama and Edward took theirs off, and now feels only she is entitled to "her" votes.

Another red flag go down?

Scratching my head, and waiting for Truth and Justice to prevail!

Pat in Elmhurst

Obama Inducted into Crow Indian Tribe!

Bev in Wheaton — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:57:35 EDT

This is such an essential constituency in the west, plus probably the neediest of all the minorities in the United States, and if you didn't see the video, they really honored him.

Obama Adopted Into Crow Nation

Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) arrives for a campaign rally in Crow Agency, Mont., May 19, 2008. (Reuters)

By Matthew Mosk
CROW AGENCY, Mont. -- Sen. Barack Obama became the first American presidential candidate to visit the reservation of the Crow Nation and in doing so was adopted into the nation under the Crow name "One Who Helps People Throughout the Land."

Drums pounded and the crowd cheered as Obama was escorted to the podium by his "new parents," Hartford and Mary Black Eagle, in the manner of a groom being walked down the aisle. Obama beamed. His adoptive parents gave Obama hugs as he stepped onto a riser to speak.

"I want to thank my new parents," he said. "The nicest parents you could ever want to know. I like my new name. Barack Black Eagle. That is a good name!"

For all the symbolism -- members of the tribe wore colorful traditional clothing and feathered head-dresses -- Obama addressed some issues of serious concern not only to the 12,100-member Crow Nation but to many Native American tribes around the country.

Obama told those gathered that he intended to acknowledge the "tragic history" of Native Americans over the past three centuries. They "never asked for much, only what was promised by the treaty obligations of their forebears," he said, promising to honor those treaties.

Moreover, he pledged to bring sorely needed "quality affordable health care and a world-class education to reservations all across America. That will be a priority when I'm president."

The visit was meaningful, said Darrin Old Coyote, a member of the tribe who wore an elaborate headdress. "To have us left out all these years, and then for him to come here, it shows respect, and it makes us optimistic," Old Coyote said.

The visit also had political value for Obama. The members of the Crow Nation vote as "a close-knit bloc," Old Coyote said. "Now that Senator Obama is part of the family, that is where we will go."

How I Became a Democrat, circa 1976

Brian Lawrence — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:46:28 EDT

The year was 1976. Our country was to celebrate it’s Bicentennial anniversary with festivals, speeches, events, and of course, fireworks.
At the time, if most Americans could judge the state of our Union on appearances alone, they might have been able to conclude that on most fronts, we were doing well.
Jobs were in good supply, our country was not at war, many middle class families like my own were able to own their own homes, drive good cars, attend reasonably safe public schools, and take a vacation now and then. But underneath the celebrations, beyond the green lawns of suburbia, around the kitchen tables, and at the family gatherings, a new skepticism and unrest was brewing.

Just two years before, we had witnessed for the first time in our history, the resignation of a sitting U.S. President. I remember going to a friend’s house and watching the live telecast of Richard Nixon’s resignation speech. Remember, there were no VCR’s then, you had to show up in front of the t.v. at the appointed time, or you missed your show.
I was 9 years old when Nixon resigned. Like most 9 year old boys, my time was divided between playing baseball with my neighborhood buddies, watching the Cubs lose some truly heartbreaking ball games, and trying to pedal the wheels off of my yellow Schwinn Sting Ray.
As amusing as these activities were, somehow I was in tune to the adult conversations of that era.
I heard my father’s remarks about Nixon and his gang being “a bunch of crooks”, as well as the talk around the family barbeque get togethers that expressed doubts as to whether Americans could trust our government again.
We had all seen the results of an OPEC oil embargo that caused gasoline prices to spike. After that, we witnessed our troops return from Vietnam in 1975 to a disillusioned country after the sad ending to a horrific and tragic war.All was not roses for America in 1976. Then something happened.

A new man stepped onto the political scene who spoke in a measured, sophisticated Southern dialect about how America was indeed disappointed in her leaders. How we had been through a sad point in our nation’s history,yes, but that was no reason to lose hope for America.
He had plans on how to deal with the energy crisis, reduce demand for foreign oil, and pursue peace as a foreign policy rather than rattle our sabers and create more world unrest.

My family bought into his message. We even had our own t-shirts printed up with the message “I’m for Jimmy Carter”, which we proudly wore.
My dad’s shirt went further saying- “Vote for Jimmy Carter.”
We watched his speeches with excitement and enthusiasm.
I’ll never forget what became his famous opening line in campaign speeches-

“My name is Jimmy Carter, and I’m running for President”

In my grade school that year, our social studies teacher announced that we would be having a mock debate. Two students would be chosen to debate the issues of the campaign from each candidate’s perspective.
Our school district in the suburban Chicago area was still strongly Republican, so no one seemed anxious to represent the Democratic point of view .I chose to represent Jimmy Carter.

My mom went with my to Jimmy Carter’s campaign headquarters and we gathered information. I read my candidate’s stances on every issue, and the more I read, the more I liked. We practiced diligently, my mom asking me questions as I practiced my responses. Soon the day of the big debate came.

I was nervous, but answered every question our teacher (the moderator)
Posed as best I could, referring to my notes to guide me on my answers.
Our class held a mock election the day before the General Election, in which Jimmy Carter lost. My vindication was coming, though.

Election night came, and I stayed up late with my mom to watch the returns. It was a close race. The later the night got, the more anticipation we had. Finally, after midnight, some networks were calling the election for Jimmy Carter. We were ecstatic! Our candidate won!
More importantly, I felt like I played a part in his victory. Sure, I couldn’t vote, but I spoke out in the best way I knew how, at least as a 6th grader.

The next day at school was interesting. My opponent in the debate was disappointed, but gracious. Others were not so nice. Sure, I rubbed it in a bit with the few folks who backed Gerald Ford with fervor. So much so that the day ended with a good old fashioned fistfight behind the backstop after school. Who says we Dems are wimps? Myself and the boy I fought with made peace a few days later, with no bruises to anything but our egos.

I’m proud of what I did in 1976 for Jimmy Carter, and I’m even more proud to support another truly great Democrat in Barack Obama.
Jimmy Carter’s presidency didn’t turn out like many expected, for a number of reasons. That’s a story for another time. I have a feeling that this campaign will yield a wealth of stories about why we chose to join,why we love our candidate so much, and why we know the world can be changed by getting him elected. My question is this:
What is your story? Why did you choose to be a Democrat, and what do you think we will accomplish with Barack Obama as our next President?

Meet the Press/Huckabee (Our Success!)

Bev in Wheaton — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:16:50 EDT

Hi Everyone!Well, if you didn't watch Meet the Press this morning, I wanted to let you all know that our emails and phone calls made a difference! While they kept Huckabee on the show, Tim Russert told him "Barack Obama backers are very upset with your comments on Friday," and then he showed the video of the comments. It forced Huckabee to make a televised apology, and he said "Sometimes I say stupid things." Huckabee did try to say "We all say stupid things and tried to list other politicians who had done so, as if he were in good company, but at least we got him put on the spot.I want to thank all of you who emailed and called MSNBC to let your thoughts be known and to protest Huckabee.Strength in numbersBev in Wheaton

Please write to MSNBC!!!!!

Bev in Wheaton — Sat, 17 May 2008 08:00:56 EDT

I am sure that most of you have heard Mike Huckabee's insane comments yesterday (Friday) regarding a gun being pointed at Barack Obama. Such comments, IMHO, should NEVER be made about anyone, especially a candidate for the Presidency of this country.

I am asking everyone to write to MSNBC to protest because Huckabee is on their "round table panel" on Sunday. The address is letters@msnbc.com. I will post the letter I wrote below and would appreciate any help you all can provide in spreading the word on this. Huckabee doesn't deserve to be a "commentator" after the remarks he made yesterday.

If anyone is unfamiliar with the remarks, you can e-mail me at lilolldyfrmpsdena@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your help in writing to MSNBC and spreading this message to everyone.

Bev

Letter I wrote:

Subject:Meet The Press/Mike HuckabeeTo:letters@msnbc.com

Dear Sir/Madam:Like most people in this country, I was appalled Friday to read Mike Huckabee's remarks before the NRA regarding Barack Obama having a gun pointed at him. Mr. Huckabee evidently thought his remarks were funny. They were not. They were irresponsible and pathetic, to make such a statement regarding a candidate running for the presidency of the United States.I am writing to ask that you either remove Mr. Huckabee from your panel on Sunday, or that Mr. Russert nail him into the ground regarding his remarks and set him straight. If one or the other of these options doesn't happen, I and millions of others who are organizing against Mr. Huckabee's statements, will not watch your show in the future.Thank you for your consideration.