Fiber Artists for Obama

TOOT's passing

glassbottomboats — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:46:08 EST

This is the FIRST blog I'VE EVER done ANYWHERE but I HAD 2 do this NOW! I just heard @ the passing of Barack's Grandma "Toot". Having lost many loved ones myself, I know what gets U thru is UNWAVERING faith & a strong SUPPORT system. I determine 2 B part of that strong system for Barack & his family & CONTINUE 2 hold them DEEPLY in my prayers.

We Have a Lot of Work to Do

Janice NJ HQ — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:46:41 EST

This election is coming down to the wire and we need to make sure everyone is doing all they can to elect Barack Obama as our next President.

Please help us call voters. You can phonebank from home and help get out the vote in key states.

To join Mobile Obama, text NJ to 62262 (OBAMA) on your mobile phone to receive important updates and opportunities.

New Jersey Gets out the Vote for Barack Obama

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:02:13 EST

Throughout the Garden State, the movement of change has inspired millions. This is a defining moment in our history. We have a chance to bring the country together in a new majority — to finally tackle problems that Washington has ignored for too long. And that is why New Jerseyans are answering the call of the Obama campaign to become involved and volunteer during the final days of the campaign.

This weekend, volunteers contacted nearly half a million voters in New Jersey and battleground states across the country to personally deliver Obama’s message of Hope and Change. With over 2,000 volunteers signed up, New Jerseyans heard and answered the call to travel to Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in this election.

Volunteers have shown dedication, crowding NJ Campaign for Change offices sharing stories of why they believe in Barack Obama and the historic importance of this election. They also talked about how this campaign is bringing people together.

Arthur Thomas from Princeton explained, “I was calling a woman named Stephanie Watkins in North Carolina and a man answered. I identified myself as Arthur Thomas a volunteer for the Obama campaign and the response I received was completely unexpected: ‘Uncle Arthur is that you? This is your nephew Derek. Stephanie Watkins is my wife.’ I had called my nephew who I hadn’t seen in twelve years due to distance. We had a conversation about the election and the need for Obama to be our next president. I told him to pass the word on to his friends and coworkers. If they needed anymore information about Obama then he should feel free to give them my home phone number and I will talk to them personally.”

Volunteering with Arthur was his wife Linda. She shared her thoughts about the election: “As a baby boomer I think about the progress in our lifetime and what an honor it is to work on this campaign. This is the culmination of things we’ve worked for since our college days of demonstrating and fighting for civil rights."

“This is the first time that the world gets a chance to see America actualize its ability to be nonbiased by electing Obama to the presidency of the United States.”

Linda and Arthur Thomas urge you to make history and vote.

With one day left before the election, there’s still time for you to become a member of the team and be part of history. Volunteer today by visiting your local NJ Campaign for Change Office or signing up here. If you aren’t able to go in person, set up your own phonebank and make calls from home or with a group of your friends.

"Change We Need Rally" with President Clinton in Cranford

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:01:47 EST

On a beautiful fall day in Union County College, President Bill Clinton headlined a rally for change with Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and other members of the Democratic team.

The long lines began to form at 10 a.m. and by the time the event started at 1p.m. nearly 2,000 Democratic supporters were fired up and ready to go.

“Presidential elections I can tell you having been there, should be decided by philosophy, positions on the issues, the decision making capacity of the candidates, and what we feel about their ability to turn a decision into real change in our lives,” said President Clinton. “Barack Obama clearly has the right philosophy. The economy grows from the ground up not from the top down. Senator Obama’s positions on the economy, on energy independence, with a clean efficient energy future, the key to creating more jobs and higher incomes.”

“Bill Clinton is a phenomenal force. Ten words from Clinton are a thousand words for McCain. He knows how to electrify an audience. His job today is to electrify the crowd and get them ready to knock on doors, make phone calls and get out the vote for the NJ democratic ticket,” said Diane Edkins from Westfield.

When asked how she felt about the upcoming election, Diane Edkins from Westfiled responded, “I feel nervous. We have to keep the pressure on and the push going especially in battleground states. We need to remember Pennsylvania. It’s very important for people to travel to Pennsylvania and do whatever they can. I have many friends who are traveling to New Hope, Pa. and Ohio to volunteer their time and help the Obama campaign.”

“I’ll be canvassing in Summit this weekend,” Clemens Gunther from Mountainside added. “I was undecided until this week, but now I know. I will definitely be voting for Barack Obama. There’s too much at stake not to.”

NJ elected officials joining President Clinton included Governor Jon Corzine, Congressman Rush Holt, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman Steve Rothman, Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan, Senator Raymond Lesniak, Senator Teresa Ruiz, and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Please spend a few hours, a day, or even the next two days fighting for change in our neighbor state Pennsylvania. The people you talk to could be the ones that make the difference. Find a free ride to Pa. now at http://nj.barackobama.com/PArides.

Tricia Mueller Urges NJ Volunteers to Travel to PA

Janice NJ HQ — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:22:48 EDT

An important note from Tricia Mueller, Obama for America NJ State Director.

“We’re going to win in Pennsylvania,” John McCain told supporters on Wednesday before traveling to a rally in North Carolina.

In 4 days, this race is going to be won or lost in a few crucial battleground states.

We need you now more than ever to help secure our sister state Pennsylvania’s 21 Electoral votes.

Please go to Pennsylvania the critical days leading up to Election Day! If you need a ride, or have a ride to share, visit

http://my.barackobama.com/ridesPA.

This election is down to the final stretch, and we're too close to slow down now.

Can we count on you to help get out the vote for Barack in Pennsylvania? Sign up now to do your part and go to PA.

Thank you for all that you do.

Tricia Mueller
NJ State Director
Obama for America

PS: If you aren’t able to go to PA, please help get out the vote here in New Jersey. Sign up now at http://nj.barackobama.com/njgotv1.

Obama Endorsements Keep Adding Up

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:46:09 EDT

Major NJ newspapers endorsed Barack Obama for president today, adding to the overwhelming consensus that Barack Obama is the best candidate to bring about real change in Washington.

Obama for president
Sunday, October 26, 2008

WHATEVER HISTORY makes of the Bush presidency, its immediate legacy is an administration that turned budget surpluses into deficits, launched a pre-emptive war in Iraq and left us divided by politics, ideology and economics.

We cannot stay this course. We need a leader: Barack Obama....

The Record endorses Barack Obama.

To read the full article, click here.

Barack Obama for president
October 25, 2008

When voters went to the polls in 1932, Herbert Hoover's Republican Party had been in power for 14 years. The GOP's policies hadn't prevented the crash of 1929, and life for most Americans was still grim by the time the president sought reelection. Voters that year opted for change, trusting that a confident Franklin Delano Roosevelt would deliver on his promised New Deal.

The parallels today are inescapable.

Making the right choice for president is just as vital to the nation's future today as it was in the midst of the Great Depression.

Barack Obama offers America an opportunity to get back on track. His uniquely American story can inspire people from all walks of life to once again believe in what their country can accomplish.

John McCain came into the campaign with a well-deserved reputation for fighting for what he thought was best, even if it meant taking on his own party. Yes, he was a maverick. The tag has become a cliche, but at one time it was spot on. Now, however, he has reversed himself on many of the positions he fought for, jettisoning long-held principles, in a seemingly impulsive manner.

Obama, on the other hand, has demonstrated an ability to stay cool and level-headed amid a grueling election campaign, a quality that should well serve his presidency.

On each of the crises confronting the nation -- two wars, chaos in the financial and housing markets, the need to reform health care, energy consumption, an increasingly inadequate education system -- Obama has more to offer….

We believe Barack Obama offers the best hope for what he has called the promise of our ideals at a time when we most need to reaffirm what it means to be Americans.

To read the full article, click here.

For the change we need, elect Obama

The Democratic presidential nominee has the ideas, vision and temperament to get this nation back on track.

In this presidential election, the important question each American voter needs to ask is this: Is she or he better off now than four years ago?

Some Americans have been able to weather the financial storm better than others, but few have been untouched by the nation's roiling economy. If voters are dissatisfied with where they are now, with where the country stands today, this is an election in which they can do something about it. They can vote for change.

We believe Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is the candidate who can bring about the change that Americans want and need. We endorse his candidacy to be the next president of the United States.

To read the full article, click here.

Obama can bring change America sorely needs
October 26, 2008

By now, American voters are probably tired of hearing candidates promise to change the federal government.

But change in government is what the country needs — a change in the overall culture of special interests and irresponsible spending and a change from the specific public and foreign policies of the past eight years.

Cultural change may be too much to hope for, but a change from the direction of the past eight years is within reach and can be grasped with the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.

Obama, the Democrat, would bring to the presidency an intellectual grounding, a thoughtfulness, a sense of balance that has been lacking for too long; he would not bring self-righteousness, bravado, disregard for human and civil rights, or a foreign policy based on saber rattling and name calling….

It's time for a change. It's time for Barack Obama.

To read the full article, click here.

For president:
Sunday, October 26, 2008

In the last few weeks, the economic foundation of the United States has been ebbing like sand sucked up by the sea. Despite the erosion of confidence and commerce, one man has stood firm among those shifting sands. Sen. Barack Obama's leadership and calm command have distinguished him, as they have time and time again throughout his campaign for the presidency.

We're proud to lend our voice to the many others endorsing the Democratic candidate and his bid to be the 44th president of the United States….

Republican contender Sen. John McCain has served his country well and honorably for many years as a serviceman and a senator. Sen. McCain has been a good captain, but Sen. Obama is clearly the commander we need.

To read the full article, click here.

Obama best-suited to lead America
October 19, 2008

Our nation is facing its gravest economic crisis since the Depression. It is bogged down in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The standard of living for most Americans, which had been largely flat during the 1980s and 1990s, has fallen during the past decade despite an economic expansion.
The meltdown on Wall Street has eroded the life savings of many Americans by a third. The fallout from the real estate bust could result in a loss of home equity of a third or more. We are far more dependent on foreign oil today than we were 35 years ago, when the oil embargo failed to awaken us from our slumber.

And thanks to a Bush administration that arrogantly chose to go its own way in Iraq and employed bullying tactics rather than reason and diplomacy to achieve its ends, we have alienated many of our longstanding allies around the world.

Change is needed — badly. Since World War II, there has never been a greater need for leadership, for a president who can pull a deeply divided nation together, someone who can help restore our self-esteem at home and help repair our tattered reputation abroad. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama is better equipped than Republican Sen. John McCain to meet that challenge….

Obama is keenly aware of how badly this nation needs to chart a new course — one that is respectful of other nations. He is committed to rebuilding the middle class, working to align America's policies with its long-cherished ideals and making the country the beacon for prosperity and justice once again.

To read the full article, click here.

Revealing the Hidden Attacks by the McCain Campaign and its Partners

Janice NJ HQ — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:00:49 EDT

The McCain campaign has been flooding swing voters with mailers and "robocalls" -- automated phone calls smearing Barack's character. Most recently, they've launched another round of these false, dangerous attacks across the U.S.

New Jerseyans are saying enough and fighting these dishonorable campaign tactics.

Don't let these under-the-radar fear tactics continue to spread, visit Radar.BarackObama.com to report attacks and find the facts about smears you've heard.

New Jersey voters are facing issues too important to allow this election to be focused on character attacks and fear tactics.

Visit Radar.BarackObama.com and fight back today. You can also join your neighbors at a Last Call for Change phonebank near you. Just one call from you is enough to counteract dozens of these dishonest "robocalls."

Rally for Change in Edison this Saturday at 10 a.m.

Janice NJ HQ — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:21:41 EDT

On Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m., Edison Mayor Jun Choi, one of the first elected officials in N.J. to endorse Barack Obama, will host a Rally for Change in Edison. Joining Mayor Choi at the rally will be Governor Jon S. Corzine, Congressman Frank Pallone and Assemblywoman Linda Stender who is running for the U.S. Congress in the 7th district.

With Election Day quickly approaching, Obama supporters are encouraged to attend the event. After the rally, there will be phonebanks and canvasses taking place. Remember, it is our job to translate the vigor for Obama into votes on Election Day. Let’s get fired up and ready to go!

WHAT:    Rally for Change hosted by Edison Mayor Jun Choie featuring Governor Jon S. Corzine, Congressman Frank Pallone and Assemblywoman and congressional candidate Linda Stender

WHEN:    Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:    1907 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820. Click here for directions.

RSVP:   http://my.barackobama.com/edisonrally

At the rally, the first 50 people to sign up to volunteer November 1 – 4 will receive a free Obama lawn sign. Invite an undecided friend. RSVP today by clicking HERE.

Moms for Obama Phonebank in Princeton

Janice NJ HQ — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:03:52 EDT

Last night members of Moms for Obama, an online grassroots constituency group created through MyBO, gathered at the Obama Campaign New Jersey headquarters to make phone calls and speak with voters about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s campaign for change.

“The mothers in our organization are supporting Senator Obama because he has spoken to our concerns about the economy, healthcare and family leave,” said Michelle Schultz, a New Jersey member of Moms for Obama. “We are committed to doing everything we can over the next two weeks to elect Senator Obama, because he’s the only candidate committed to changing Washington in the ways that are important to us.”

Cara Laitusis and Dana Kooistre call voters for Obama.

"In March 2002, I watched the U.S. march into a war in Iraq. My husband and I were astonished that we heard a call for war over and over again from President Bush without any sound explanation,” said Dana Kooistre, a mom from Lawrenceville. “I’m very excited to vote for Barack Obama who has the judgment and temperament to be able to know when to use military force. I have two sons. I don’t want a president who would commit American troops to war unless all other options were exercised.”

Read Barack Obama’s plan to end the war in Iraq.

Featured Super Volunteer: Angie Stith

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:40:10 EDT

During the past 20 months millions have been inspired by Barack Obama’s message of change and have demonstrated their commitment to the campaign by volunteering. NJ Campaign for Change has been fortunate enough to have a number of extra special people who we call “Super Volunteers.” These individuals are powered by Barack Obama’s vision, probably lots of coffee, and desire to bring about real change in Washington. They are pushing themselves to do everything they can to help elect Obama as our next president.

One of these Super Volunteers is Angie Stith from Willingboro. “Angie is the heart and soul of the office. Volunteers come for Obama and return repeatedly because Angie makes everyone feel valued and at home,” said Adam Goldfarb, regional field organizer for NJ Campaign for Change. “She always has a smile on her face and it’s contagious.”

Angie has volunteered everyday since February. She serves as the volunteer coordinator, and local grassroots captain, and has organized a number of successful campaign events. For Angie’s first Obama meetup event this summer, she drew over 80 people to her cookout in Mill Creek Park. She also helped to lead her team’s successful voter registration drives. Since July 4th, her team has registered thousands of new voters in Willingboro.

When asked why she is so devoted to the campaign, Angie responds: “I have been waiting all my life to witness what is happening in this great country now. Obama represents what has been needed for so long. Obama is all-inclusive and he wants to bring everyone to the table. As a child, I was very much aware of the plight of poor people, especially people of color. Maybe now, for once and for all, we can live as one people coming together for a just and fair society. If there were eight days in a week, I probably would volunteer my time just as much. So, I pray my God continues to give me strength and guidance to push on until Obama becomes our next President of the United States.”

Angie was first drawn to the political process earlier this year by Obama but since then has become completely immersed and will now be engaged in the long term. In June, Angie’s name was written in for the office of Democratic Committee Vice Chair, a non-paid elected position, and she won.

“She’s the perfect mix of professionalism and enthusiasm,” explained Democratic Chairwoman Lavonne Bebler Johnson. “She’s a chairwoman’s dream.”

If you are interested in matching Angie’s enthusiasm to elect Obama, visit your local NJ Campaign for Change office and volunteer today.

Asking for the help we need

Michele H — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:31:17 EDT

You never know unless you ask.

A very wise man from Ohio gave me some of my all time favorite advice in life – it was his “you never know unless you ask” story. His story was all about dating girls – how guys worry about not being cute enough or smart enough for the girls to like them and want to date them. But he finally figured out – you could sit at home wondering about lots of things – or you could get out there and ask lots of girls for a date and eventually one would say yes. It was about how action trumps! No girl will ever go out with you if you don’t ask. Simple as that really. You have to ask to get what you want. And the worst that happens is they say no. But if they say YES! – Then you have a date and isn’t that the goal.

Well, we have a date – the date is Nov. 4th and we need the American public to make a date to vote for Barack Obama as our next president. What I need from each of you is for you to help me do the asking all across America in the last 4 weeks of this campaign. Here’s what I need your help with:

We need Registered Voters! Deadlines are approaching as early as tomorrow.

We need Votes – many states can vote early.

We need to Get Out Voters On Nov. 4th

We need more volunteers to help with all the above.

We need donations.

We need you to continue to speak to your friends, neighbors, and family.

And, we need you to ask your fellow American’s to do more in the following ways:

You never know if someone will volunteer for the campaign – unless you ask.

You never know if someone will donate to the campaign – unless you ask.

You never know if someone will travel to another state to help – unless you ask.

You never know if you friends are registered to vote – unless you ask,

You never know if your neighbors know about early voting – unless you ask.

You never know if they will vote for Obama – unless you ask.

Circles of influence growing

Michele H — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:25:17 EDT

How the circles of influence grow via grassroots campaigning

The campaign officials like to talk about sewing the seeds to grow the grassroots of the campaign –a great metaphor, but I actually think it is more fun than this farming metaphor proposes and takes less time than waiting for the seeds to germinate– I think it is a lot more like skipping stones on the water- or dropping a pebble into the pond and watching the ripples grow.

And it is amazing to see how quickly the ever widening ripples reaching out to spread from sea to shining sea. Each pebble into the water sends out a ripple that grows and hopefully touches another. Each pebble represents a volunteer who will help reach out to at least 10 more people. And that is how we grow a grassroots campaign all across America.

Just to show you how something as simple as this blog has grown the grassroots in just one week, here’s a list of what you’ve been inspired to get involved doing for this campaign – and for America! – THANK YOU!

1. New attendee in Ohio at an Obama organizing event- former Edwards supporter -- donated too!2. Neighborhood house party in Ohio to help organize Shaker Heights volunteers3. Mentions in a Neighborhood newsletter in Cleveland 4. New Voter registration volunteers in Virginia and Michigan5. Voter registration efforts in London and Home Counties re-confirmed with new info from campaign6. Missouri friend looking for other Dems --now that she knows there are local events7. Another donation from another Ohioan! Columbus, Ohio8. Postcard writing in several states and Canada9. Neighborhood debate watching party set up in CA.10. Two new Phone banking volunteers in MA and NH11. Another IL volunteers to start a beauty shop carpooling group to go to WI12, Another Mamas for Obama volunteer to call family and neighbors in WI from IL13. A group of Florida Faith supporters reaching out in the greater Orlando community14. Another canvasser signed up in Ohio15. An American in Canada spreading the word to other American’s living there

Ideas to use locally

Michele H — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:33:33 EDT

Grassroots means it is up to you!

Here are some ideas to inspire you to help in creative ways. If yard signs are in short supply – make your own.Have a painting signs party. OR…The BarackObama.com website even has downloads of Logos, signs, and posters to use: http://www.barackobama.com/downloads/

Here’s an eco-friendly way to share your support:http://steppingstonesforobama-barb.blogspot.com/ If it is buttons you need – button making parties are going on too all across the country – look on the MYBO site for an event near you: www.My.BarackObama.com Many schools and scout troops have the machines – all you need is the time.Here’s a link for some artwork on Registering to Vote for the next 2 weeks. REGButtons.pdf
321K View as HTML Download

Special thanks to Chet Farley for helping with this artwork.

Lastly, here’s my latest idea: do you remember the days when trees all across America had big Yellow Ribbons tied around them? It was all about supporting our troops coming home from a different war in another era. They were everywhere – all across America!

What if we all tied big Purple Bows around our trees this time? – in support of Barack Obama?

Purple – because we no longer want to be Red versus Blue!

Purple – because we want to bring home another generation of our troops!

Purple – because it is my favorite color!

I will work on getting Tony Orlando to re-write the lyrics to the song too!

Now it is up to you to get creative and come up with your own idea of how to spread the word and show your support for this campaign.

Please write back with your ideas and I will happily spread the word.

4 out of 10 women need your help

Michele H — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:50:10 EDT

But, everyone I know is already registered to vote!

I know we hope and pray everyone around us is registered to vote, but guess what the numbers say this can’t be so. The national statistics say that only 6 out of 10 women are registered to vote. So that leaves 4 out of 10 who need to register soon to be able to vote in this upcoming election.

Maybe they moved. Maybe they forgot that you have to both register and vote to stay on the registration rolls. If you haven’t voted in the last 5 years – you may not be able to vote this year—even if you were registered in the past.

So it is a simple thing to do in over the next few days – ask everyone you know if they are registered to vote. If they say yes – thank them and move on. If they say no, please help them get registered to vote.

Here’s the link we like to recommend:

http://www.voteforchange.com/

Remember – friends don’t let friends get to November 4th without being registered to vote!

Reaching out for your Neighbors Today

Michele H — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:23:56 EDT

Reach out and touch your neighborhood today!

The other day I asked you to reach out and touch the campaign, to get to know what resources are available on the website and how to find answers at www.BarackObama.com and create your own site on www.My.BarackObama.com or MyBO – which will help keep you in the info loop with the campaign as well as give you ways to get involved each day.

Today, I would like to share with you another tool to help you to get involved right in your own neighborhood:

Neighbor to Neighbor. This internet tool is easy to use and oriented towards get you to reach out to others in your local area.

http://my.barackobama.com/modules/votercontact/login_signup.php

Neighbor to Neighbor is a new campaign internet tool that allows you to put in your own address and obtain a list of local undecided voters for you to reach out and touch in your very own neighborhood. It will either give you a list of names and addresses for a walking around the block, door knocking, canvassing for the campaign locally or a list of people to call. These are people who are mostly UNDECIDED as of yet.

The information provided to you will also include talking points, or a script, and even some questions to get the ball rolling easier. It is always a good idea to read through all the info first – before you head out or pick up the phones. Sometimes there are flyers to print out as well if you are knocking on doors. Other times there are key questions to ask in your calls.

The key thing this does is make the political neighborly; and therefore, personal – in a very friendly and open way. It is about neighbors reaching out to neighbors about issues that affect them and their communities. It is about friends reaching out to friends, and it is about family reaching out to friends. .” This is not about badgering anyone – it is all to be done with kind persuasion as well as listening.

It is about you stepping forward and saying “Hey, I am your neighbor, here’s why I support Barack Obama, and I am hoping you will too! Now how can I address any issues or concerns you might have before you vote?”

Please help make America better for all

Michele H — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:08:33 EDT

50 days and 50 ways to be involved- Please give America ONE!

This election is just too important to not get involved. Today’s the day to commit to helping make America better for all. Today is the day to know you can’t just sit idly by waiting for someone else to do the work. Today is the day to think about how you will commit to GIVING AMERICA JUST ONE! -- one day, or one half day, or one hour, or one phone call, or letter to the editor, or one email blast, or even one dollar -- yes, I am only asking for 1 from each of you. Each day I will try to share ways to get involved—but today I would like to start by giving you the 3 guidelines and 5 basic goals to keep in mind in the days ahead as you step into involvement in this critical election. This campaign has the 3 guiding principles and we sure hope each and every one of you can not only agree with them, but honor them as you commit to getting involved:

1. Respect 2. Empower 3. Include

We work to show Respect to all people we encounter, no matter what their views --- we show proper, polite, respect for all. We also work towards Empowering all, giving all people the ability to work towards a better America within this political process. Lastly, we try hard to Include all who want to help in these efforts to make America better, no matter what color, creed, party, beliefs, orientation, or economic place in the great American Dream.

The five goals in the last few weeks are pretty easy to outline:1. Register voters – and make sure all who want to vote in this election can and will vote in this election;2. Make this an election about the issues (– not the lies) by broadening and deepening the discussion;3. Reaching out to your fellow Americans to encourage their involvement and inclusion—listening to their concerns;4. Building up our communities via organizing; and,5. Making America a better place for all.These efforts stand a chance of really changing America for all Americans, but it can’t happen without your help and involvement. I believe in each or your abilities to help America!

Obama the new face of America

ODEH ODEH — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:15:36 EDT

It was not for no reason that the world greeted the nomination of Sen. Obama as the presidential flag bearer of the Democratic Party in the United States of America and welcomes his overseas trip with conspicuous excitement and fanfare. Surprisingly the level of excitement, anticipation, hopes and dreams that have emanated from every corner of the world since his nomination is better imagined than described as evident by the many turn outs and especially the rally in Berlin Germany.

Obama pragmatically epitomizes the new face of America, that which will forge ahead in a humane, aggressively and thoroughly diplomatic and articulate manners that will help restore the image of the country while at the same time repairing the unfortunate and inimical relations that the country has with many other nations which is by far the worst ever since the inception of the modern USA.

The high level of acceptability and appeal that the inspirational and God gifted Obama has garnered world wide let alone at home is a classical examples of the anticipated potentials that he will usher into the political landscape and therefore win over nations to join the USA in the fight against terrorism, poverty and man inhumanity to man.

The Sowing of Seeds

Destiny — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:06:39 EDT

<< 2 Corinthians 9:10 >>International Standard Version (©2008)
Now he who supplies seed to the farmer and bread to eat will also supply you with seed and multiply it and enlarge the harvest that results from your righteousness.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
God gives seed to the farmer and food to those who need to eat. God will also give you seed and multiply it. In your lives he will increase the things you do that have his approval.

King James Bible
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

American King James Version
Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

American Standard Version
And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:

Bible in Basic English
And he who gives seed for putting into the field and bread for food, will take care of the growth of your seed, at the same time increasing the fruits of your righteousness;

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he that ministereth seed to the sower, will both give you bread to eat, and will multiply your seed, and increase the growth of the fruits of your justice:

Darby Bible Translation
Now he that supplies seed to the sower and bread for eating shall supply and make abundant your sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:

English Revised Version
And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:

Webster's Bible Translation
Now may he that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Weymouth New Testament
And God who continually supplies seed for the sower and bread for eating, will supply you with seed and multiply it, and will cause your almsgiving to yield a plentiful harvest.

World English Bible
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;

Young's Literal Translation
and may He who is supplying seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

Isaiah 55:10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

Hosea 10:12 Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD Until He comes to rain righteousness on you. (NASB ©1995)

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

he. Ge 1:11,12 47:19,23,24 Isa 55:10

multiply. 6 Pr 11:18 Ec 11:6 Php 4:17

increase. Ho 10:12 Mt 6:1 Eph 5:9 Php 1:11 1Th 3:12 4:10

Geneva Study Bible

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the {i} fruits of your righteousness;)

(i) There is no inheritance as good to the godly as bountifulness is.

People's New Testament

9:10 He that ministereth seed to the sower. God, who can, and does, bless charitable giving, will do so in the case of the Corinthians.

The fruits of your righteousness will be increased, for your means will be increased.

Wesley's Notes

9:10 And he who supplieth seed - Opportunity and ability to help others. And bread - All things needful for your own souls and bodies. Will continually supply you with that seed, yea, multiply it to you more and more. And increase the fruits of your righteousness - The happy effects of your love to God and man. Isa 55:10

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

10. Translate, as in Isa 55:10, "He that ministereth (supplieth) seed to the sower and bread for food" (literally, "bread for eating").

minister-rather future, as the oldest manuscripts, "Shall minister (supply) and multiply."

Todays work

Wyn — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:25:44 EDT

I wii go to the Boulder Colorado Democratic Headquarters today to price items for the rummage sale on Saturday in front of the Buffalo Exchange, 17th and Walnut. I will be at a sale supporting the Longmont Symphony Orchestra over the weekend. I plan to get some bumber stickers to give away there.

When I worked at the Dem's booth at the local fall fest last weekend we ran out of stickers. And all the buttons were for sale...not giva away. The only thing I found to give away were the fliers for the rummage sale, so I hope it goes well.

Crawling back out of my abyss

Andi — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:43:25 EDT

I have a confession to make. I've been living with clinically diagnosed "Major Depression" for more than 3 years. For the most part, the meds do their job and I'm a functional member of society. For the most part... Sometimes, however, the meds don't quite do the trick and I find myself spiralling downward into a very dark place. I'm fortunate, I have health insurance with reasonable mental health coverage. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I didn't. I know that one of my prescriptions costs over $700 a month of which we currently pay something like 20% thanks to prescription coverage. I know that, given that price tag, I would probably be living without medication. This is part of the reason that this election is so important to me. Health care. As seems to have been my habit before falling over the edge, I'm up way past when I should be in bed and my mind is running in circles around things that I want to say but can't type fast enough to pin down. Consider this a place-holder... Let's talk about health care...

After that, let's talk about education. I've been thinking a lot about education recently, since my daughter just started her academic career with her first day of preschool.

Photos of 7th Generation Obama Flags

Peggy Hartzell — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:38:15 EDT

Just loaded photos of the flags I created for Manifest Hope on Flickr if anyone is interested in seeing them.

http://flickr.com/photos/12443684@N04/

Obamaarts Brainstorming

Peggy Hartzell — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:25:12 EDT

The Manifest Hope Art Gallery/competition for Democratic Convention the has really gotten me thinking about how we can use the arts in a creative way to support the campaign. It inspired me to create a set of Cyanotype/sunprint "prayer flags" with images and words. The visionary edge of artist's creativity is powerful fertile ground. I especially am excited about collaboration with other supporters in creating effective art work.

Does anyone have plans for having a presence at art events or festivals this Fall to raise $$, energy and creative excitement/play and register voters? Wearable art is great . is there any thing else we can create?

Mail Art:Rubber stamps for snail mail and bills. Art at the gas pump? Give away pennies for people thoughts?

Can we keep it green? Recycle your coffee cup sleeve for Obama? Public transportation Obamaarts?

quick, down, and dirtee

JA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:04:05 EDT

Got 2 run=modern life in these United States. Remember to be the Light, feel the Change, and realize that YOU are the missing ingredient to the realization of what we all can become in our best dreams. Nothing in our life is as inportant as our word and the word became! ACTION. aSK YOURSELF EACH DAY, WHAT CAN i DO TO MAKE THIS LIFE BETTER ? and then DO IT! Talk with that stranger waiting to be a friend, volunteer in anything -there is need everywhere so follow your heart and make yourself and this country PROUD! We are better than the commerce portray us. We are the WAY. Barack the Vote and your Life.

What day is it, anyway?

Andi — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:43:32 EDT

I spent all day ~~today~~ yesterday thinking that it was Monday. This is just one of the side effects of spending a long weekend in the woods with no television and no news. I think that, on some level, I expected to come home after my camping trip to find that something momentous had happened and that I had missed it. Instead, almost everything is as I left it. I guess that's why it seemed so much like ~~today~~ yesterday, the first day of my week, had to be monday and like I still had plenty of time to get ready for the first actual Dayton Mamas for Obama volunteer shift. I was even trying to schedule a playdate for ~~tomorrow~~ today with family friends. Oops!

It looks like our first kid-friendly volunteer session will be small. But that's ok. We'll build in size with word of mouth and will find the right niche for moms in this campaign. I received a call today from one of the Obama staffers at the Dayton office asking me to contact a couple of potential volunteers to talk to them about the Mamas for Obama idea and ways that they can be involved. I'm hoping that with a little time, but not too much, we'll be able to build something substantial.

Obama in art/craft

Andi — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:25:23 EDT

I was talking to someone recently and was reminded that some of the things which I take for granted as understood are not quite so transparent as I believe. For example, I had to explain to my mother (who watches Home and Garden Television 10 hours a day) that DIY meant "Do It Yourself" and that it was often used to describe "Indie" artists and craftspersons making things themselves (sometimes from found or repurposed items) rather than buying them.

Placemarker for thoughts on DIY

Andi — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:52:56 EDT

Do a search on Etsy.com for "Obama" and you will probably be amazed at the amount and types of art/craft being made and inspired by the Obama campaign. As we approach this landmark election season artists and craftspersons are feeling inspired to bring the grass-roots elements of the campaign into their studios. As an artist/craftsperson myself, I'm excited to see it and to participate in it.

A wonderful post lost to the ether

Andi — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:18:21 EDT

I had this, in all modesty, fantastic post that I'd written about the significance of each and every person involved with the campaign and the ways that we can contribute to the effort to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States. It's gone. It took me too long to write it and my log-in timed out. The post, and all my brilliant insight, is lost forever. At almost 1 am, I'm too tired to try to reconstruct it. Instead, I'll post the most important part of what I was trying to get out there, a list of items needed by the Dayton, Ohio campaign office. The bulk of this list consists of things that are needed in any office environment, including the campaign offices nearest you. Check with your local campaign office to find out what is on their list of needed items. See below:

Dayton Mamas for Obama

Andi — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:28:03 EDT

I've had a busy week. The drop spindle that I talked about in my last post came out of the kiln yesterday afternoon. I put it together as quickly as I could and started spinning a red-white-and blue blend of wools at my knitting group last night. This afternoon, I met with a fellow/volunteer coordinator at the Dayton Obama Headquarters about my ideas about getting moms more involved with the campaign. Below is a copy of a post that I wrote in the forums at 937moms.com.

Rolling Stone's A Conversation with Barack Obama by Jann Wenner

Prosy — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:44:55 EDT

Rolling Stone
A Conversation With Barack Obama
The Candidate Talks About The Youth Vote, What's On His iPod and His Top Three Priorities As President

By JANN S. WENNER

Shortly after Barack Obama claimed victory in the fight for the Democratic nomination, I joined him aboard his chartered 757 campaign plane as a member of the press corps. He was flying from Chicago to Appleton, Wisconsin, for a town-hall meeting, one of a series he was doing in Midwestern and swing states to address constituencies he might have missed during the primaries -- and, of course, to get some warm-up practice for any town-hall debates he has with John McCain.

The first thing I notice about the plane is how low-key it is, all coach seating from back (the press) to front (the candidate). There is no separate compartment for this potential president; he just holds down the second row for himself and his newspapers. There are no more than 10 staffers on the plane, and a dozen or more rows are empty, separating the senator from the Secret Service contingent and two dozen members of the traveling press corps. It's not a big day or a big event: The primaries are done, and none of the media big names are along.

So far in this campaign, despite their evident admiration, Obama has held the press at a respectful distance. The limit for our interview is going to be 50 minutes, which I think says a lot about him and his campaign. Most every other presidential candidate I've met and interviewed has tended to be gregarious, talkative almost to a fault, eager to please and eager to impress. Obama, by contrast, is quiet, collected and effortlessly precise.

His calmness is reflected in the smooth and controlled campaign he is overseeing. In conversation, his thoughtfulness is punctuated by an easy wit, much as his clockwork campaign is a stage for his eloquence and charismatic gifts as a leader.

I am often asked, "What's he like?" If you really want to know, read Dreams From My Father. It's all in there, and it's a wonderful piece of writing in its own right.

When we are done, his parting words are delivered with a dazzling smile: "OK, brother -- take care.

You were endorsed by Bob Dylan a few days ago. What's that mean to you?
I've got to say, having both Dylan and Bruce Springsteen say kind words about you is pretty remarkable. Those guys are icons.

Do you have any favorite Dylan songs?
I've got probably 30 Dylan songs on my iPod. I think I have the entire Blood on the Tracks album on there. Actually, one of my favorites during the political season is "Maggie's Farm." It speaks to me as I listen to some of the political rhetoric.

When did you begin to think you could or should be president? At what stage in your life did that idea first dawn on you?
I would distinguish between thinking that, in the abstract, I could make some better decisions being president than the current occupant, and believing that, in a very concrete way, being president was something I would pursue. I would say that it wasn't until I won my Senate primary and then went to the Democratic convention in 2004 that I had a sense that the message I was delivering might resonate with a broad cross section of the American people.

So it was that response at the Democratic convention that year?
It wasn't just at the convention. We had gotten a pretty powerful response while I was running in the primary in Illinois. After I won, there was a real sense that people were eager to move beyond some of the old arguments.

Is he perfect? Does he never kowtow to political expediency and tell audiences what he thinks they want to hear? No, guilty on both counts. So he isn't perfect. But he's ten-thousand fold better than what we've got.

Read the entire interview in the new issue of Rolling Stone, on stands June 20, 2008.

Comments
mackb | June 25, 2008 10:21 PM EST
smithncustom: Why I have hope with Obama:
1) He's survived a primary season without dropping into the most execrable political attack mode, even as he's been called every name in the book, including "elitist," a ridiculous charge to make of a man who came from a biracial and financially-unprivileged background during a time when being biracial left you open to attack from nasty elements in both the black and white communities. 2) He's a veteran community organizer with a knack for listening to all points of view without abandoning his own viewpoint or principles. 3) He was an effective state senator in Illinois and a respected teacher at UC Law School. 4) He's liberal (yes) without being dogmatic or narrow-minded.

The Sermon on the Mount

Destiny — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:00:12 EDT

http://www.biblepath.com/beatitudes.html

That Matthew has Jesus sit down might indicate this is not meant to be a public address, and Jewish leaders in schools and synagogues would always sit when delivering a lesson. Matthew also appears to indicate that the disciples were intended to be the main recipients of the address, and so the traditional view, as depicted in art, is that the disciples sat near Jesus, with the crowd beyond but still able to hear, while Lapide feels that Jesus' sermon is directed at three circles of listeners, his disciples, the crowd, and the world in general. John Chrysostom was of the opinion that the sermon itself was delivered to the disciples, but that it was intended for wider distribution, which is why it was written down.

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

The sermon comprises the following components:

Introductory narrative (Matthew 5:1-2)
A large crowd assembles due to Jesus healing the sick, so he climbs a mountain and speaks.

Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
Main article: Beatitudes
They describe the character of the people of the kingdom. These are Christ's promises of coming blessings. In Matthew, there are eight (or nine) blessings, while in Luke there are four, followed by four woes. In Matthew, more than in Luke, the Beatitudes refer to moral or spiritual qualities of Christian discipleship.

Metaphors of Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
Main article: Salt and Light
This concludes the picture of God's people drawn in the beatitudes, as well as an introducing to the following section.

Expounding of the Law (Matthew 5:17-48)
Main article: Expounding of the Law
Jesus fulfills and reinterprets Mosaic Law and in particular the Ten Commandments, contrasting with what "you have heard" from others, also known as the Antitheses.

Discourse on ostentation (Matthew 6)
Main article: Discourse on ostentation
Jesus condemns the "good works" of fasting, alms, and prayer, when they are only done for show, and not from the heart. The discourse goes on to condemn the superficiality of materialism and call the disciples not to worry about material needs, but to "seek" God's kingdom first.

Lord's Prayer
Main article: Lord's Prayer
Within the discourse on ostentation, Matthew presents as an example of correct prayer. Luke places in a different context.

Discourse on judgementalism (Matthew 7:1-6)
Main article: Discourse on judgementalism
Jesus condemns those who judge others before first judging themselves.

Discourse on holiness (Matthew 7:7-29)
Main article: Discourse on holiness
Jesus concludes the sermon, warning against False prophets, and giving amphasizes the inability to do right ("bear fruit") apart from God. The Foundation must be on the Rock.

Spinning for Obama

Andi — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:46:57 EDT

I am, in my everyday life, a ceramic, metal and fiber artist. I have enjoyed finding ways to combine my interests (making shawl pins in bronze with ceramic accent beads, for example) in new and challenging ways. Recently, I began using my miniature potter's wheel to make wheel thrown spindle whorls for spinning. Once thrown, the whorls are decorated with carving and then fired/glazed/fired again before being placed on a shaft. So, what does this have to do with Obama?

Art Without Walls Arizona

JA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:07:57 EDT

This group aspires to combine the talents of artists with the benefits of service to the greater community beyond . I am hoping to brainstorm our individual abilities into a fundraising juggernaut for Barack Obama. I invite all artistic disciplines and forms of expression to put our art where our heart is!

Welcoming Namaste

JA — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:02:53 EDT

I am here because I have been overwhelmed by other emails. What I find is that these emails are sometimes a cover story for the person writing them, supposedly in the name of Barack but only because then the writer can do their personal dog and pony show complete w/website and fotos on flikr.

I like to remember that this opportunity is not about me. I am not the focus of the energy provided by this forum. I am trying to remember that this is about being the better person without the need for accolades from my fellow visionaries for my choice of candidate or my efforts in attracting the vote using my unique abilities.

Take the energy expended by all the bloggers(myself included) , emailers etc. and stop the madness of online self reflection and self congratulation and place this focus on the issues and the future steps needed. We dont have the luxury of time to waste in repetitive 'lookie loo-ism'.

Be secure in the knowledge that you are valued and heard and move on. Doing the right thing does not require advertising online or otherwise. Focus=meaningful movement=meaningful change. Cheerleading doesn't win the game; effort wins the game, strategy wins the game.

One love.

A NEW DAY OF THANKS!

Michele H — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:45:53 EDT

It is a day to reflect and a day to give thanks. I know campaigns are famous for asking for money, asking for time, asking for your vote, asking for your support, asking you for more money. And sometimes we need to remember to give thanks, because people did give with heart, soul, out of piggy-banks, and hard-earned paychecks. I know the Senator has given speeches with thanks abundant, but I would like to share a bit more thankfulness tonight.

I want to give thanks for all those Americans who went out and voted or caucused! It was the best display of democracy in action that the world has seen in a while. America finally got our Democracy ON! and it was an awesome thing to see --- in all 50 states and even the territories.

I also want to thank all the newly registered voters! I was amazed in state after state when we would run out of materials to register voters -- we kept topping our best estimates of how many forms we would need. Then we would get creative and send our volunteers out for more or find a way to make copies on site. We never wanted to run out if there was another person to register!

I would like to thank the staff who helped run an amazing campaign. Their professionalism and new standards for a POSITIVE and Passionate campaign will be remembered as a highlight in our American history--- of this I am certain! I don't know all of them by name, but last September I cooked a kick-off BBQ for about 200 HQ staffers. Maybe I should do it again -- since I am sure they have been living off too much caffeine in the last 5 months. Just have someone at HQ let me know when you would like the next thank you meal delivered!

Then there are all the hundreds and thousands of volunteers -- in each and every state I was touched by the outpouring of support and help. It was inspiring -- most were new to this political arena like myself. All were ready willing and able to to pitch in calling, canvassing, and getting out the voters. In every place it made a difference.

Lastly, donors -- we know it takes a lot of money to make it all happen. So yes, I do want to thank you too. I am so proud that most of the millions of dollars came in small donations -- it means more people cared enough to become involved and contribute. It means that big money isn't going to have as much a say in Washington as in the past --- because you have sent a new message about how to fund raise for Change! Thank you for sending the money and the message! It will make a difference.

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

A Joyce 4BO/MO — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:05:22 EDT

We, on the MyBO network, know better than most the tumultuous times we are in. There are those in positions of political and economic power in the USA who would see the nation and its people destroyed, and would hasten that destruction, rather than give up their selfish ambitions and greed. There are Americans whose unnatural hatred leads them to seek and participate in the destruction of United States. There are others who seem to be blinded by the light - by which they SHOULD see more clearly.

This event unites us to pray for America. We will come together at the same hour, 6:00am, this Sunday, June 1, 2008 all around the Americas and around the world in our network, and pray together - ON ONE ACCORD.

Please, INVITE YOUR MyBO NETWORK "FRIENDS" to go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4bd8 to join together for the following unified experience:

1. Empty our hearts of all bitterness.
2. Pray for forgiveness for all the wrong things we have done (recall them and repent!)
3. Forgive all the wrongs that have been done against us (forgive as best we can and our Father will understand our earnestness.)
4. Ask for the wrongdoings of our ancestors, forebears, and immediate families to be forgiven.
5. Give thanks for the good things our ancestors, forebears, and immediate families tried to do and for their prayers, in the past, for us here today.
6. Give thanks for our being called and chosen and named among those who love and want to change ourselves and the government of the land to better serve humanity.
7. Give thanks for our gift, Barack Obama, and pray for his, and his family's continued divine protection, safety and health.
8. Pray that the hard-hearted will be touched to know the truth and be set free.
9. Pray for our children and our posterity that they will not suffer in the future for our failures and messes that we might be passing on to them.
10. And continue to pray and praise in our own effective, fervent anointed manners.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land."

I need some spirit lifting

SusanLovesBooks — Mon, 26 May 2008 19:49:32 EDT

I have become increasingly disheartened and upset with the latest junk that has been flowing out of you-know-who's mouth, as well as the mouths of her henchmen...it is completely unacceptable for her to have made such an obnoxious comment - tying her staying in the race because " we all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June, right?" THEN trying to dismiss her comment because "the Kennedys have been on her mind" (A LIE ! she been spouting the same thing for months!), and THEN having her puppets try and spin it to become Senator Obama's fault that this story has been "enflamed" - by him !!!

What in the world is going on? Why can't EVERYONE see through her lies and tap-dancing? She has absolutely ZERO respect for anyone in this country - people who have been fooled ( or hypnotized, or brainwashed...) into supporting her are merely a means to an end. She wants the POWER of being President and EXPECTS AMERICANS TO FOLLOW HER BLINDLY. no matter what. I don't understand why her comments are allowed to "be explained away" and die out. Why has no one called her on her "right wing conspiracy" B.S. or her "dodging bullets in Bosnia" fairy tale?

Can't anybody stop this shrew? She is being allowed to go on and on, ad nauseum.

Sorry - I know this campaign is supposed to stay positive - but I'm afraid I've become saddened by all the negativity coming from every other side. Has anyone got ONE GOOD THING to share with me today??

Crow ask Obama to support Indigenous peoples by Jodi Rave of the Missoulian

Prosy — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:12:44 EDT

Crow ask Obama to support indigenous peoples

By JODI RAVE of the Missoulian

The Crow Nation welcomed Sen. Barack Obama on Monday afternoon before thousands of people, marking the Democratic presidential candidate's first campaign visit to a U.S. reservation.

“It was exciting - you felt like you were a part of history, where you can be a part of change that matters, that we matter,” said Del Laverdure, a Crow tribal attorney who attended the rally on the Crow Reservation.

Obama spoke to a estimated audience of 4,000 people, mostly Native, who arrived at Crow Agency in southeastern Montana. The event was open to the public at the tribe's Apsaalooke Veterans Park. Crow elder Barney Old Coyote, one of the most decorated Native veterans in the country, provided the opening prayer.

Before Obama spoke, Crow Tribal Chairman Carl Venne asked the presidential candidate to support three proposals on behalf of Indian Country, including defending indigenous rights worldwide, appointing a Native to lead the Interior Department and honoring treaty concessions. Obama was invited to visit the tribe's homeland after leaders of the Crow, or Apsaalooke, decided to endorse the Illinois senator last week.

When he took the stage, Obama announced he was proud to have been adopted - in Crow tradition - by the Black Eagle family. And he was also given a Crow name, which translates as “That Person Who Goes Throughout Our Land And Tries To Help People,” said Laverdure.

Obama's visit to the Crow Reservation marks an unusual presidential campaign foray into tribal lands. Bobby Kennedy is arguably the last known presidential candidate to do so, campaigning on South Dakota's Pine Ridge Reservation in 1968. He was assassinated the same year in California.

In welcoming Obama, Venne prepared a statement:

“This park is dedicated to our leaders who have fought for the United States in every war since World War I,” Venne said. “You know, during wartime bullets don't discriminate based on the color of your skin. Currently there are over 40 Crow men and women fighting in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan. We honor all those serving today, and we also honor Senator Barack Obama as the man who can bring them home safely.

“We want change in America today,” Venne said. “Instead of pouring billions of dollars into Iraq and quadrupling foreign aid to Africa, we need to spend money taking care of our needs at home, especially the forgotten first Americans.”

Venne asked Obama to join more than 140 other countries who have adopted a worldwide declaration to respect and establish human rights standards around the world.

The United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia - countries with significant indigenous populations - voted against the declaration last September.

“We want America to be the leader it should be around the world, and we ask that you, Senator Obama, commit to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Venne said.

As part of his campaign policy on Native issues, Obama has said he will create a tribal presence in the White House.

“We respectfully ask for tribal representation in formulating the policies that affect us - a tribal adviser to the president in the White House, regular meetings with tribal leaders and tribal officials in key positions. We hope to see during your administration the first Indian secretary of the Interior. It is only right.”

Crow Nation leaders asked Obama to visit their reservation, where tribal communities reflect the living conditions experienced by most large, land-based tribes in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.

The Crow live in the fourth-poorest county in the United States. Tribal citizens depend heavily on the Indian Health Service for “life or limb” health care. And the unemployment rate hovers at 47 percent.

Venne asked Obama to consider multimillion-acre land concessions tribes made during the U.S. treaty-making process, which ended in 1871. Tribes like the Crow gave up tens of thousands of acres in exchange for education and health care.

“In Indian Country, we want new and better programs in health, education and housing,” Venne said. “We don't want to have to leave our homeland to get a job or a place to live. We want to have places for our children and grandchildren to live.

“When we send our children out into the world for their educations, we want them to be able to come home again. We have protected our homeland for seven generations, and we ask your help in protecting it for seven generations more.”

Reach reporter Jodi Rave at 800-366-7186 or jodi.rave@lee.net.

Rally in Crow Agency by Caitlin Harvey

Prosy — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:15:09 EDT

Rally in Crow Agency By Caitlin Harvey - May 19th, 2008 at 6:45 pm EDT Also listed in: Montana for Obama Comments | Mail to a Friend | Report Objectionable Content

After holding a town hall meeting in Billings, Barack headed to the Crow Nation Reservation in Crow Agency, Montana, where he was formally adopted as a member of the Crow tribe. He was given a Crow name, AWE KOOTA BILXPAAK KOOXSHIIWIASH, which translates to "he who helps all people of the land."

Here are some of his remarks to the crowd:

This is one of the most important events that we've had on this campaign. It is truly a great honor. I've traveled across the country and made a point of meeting with tribal leaders everywhere I go. The government to government relationship is so critical, it's something that is going to be a top priority in my administration.

I often talk about how the needs of the American people are going unmet in Washington. Few have been ignored as long as Native Americans', the first Americans. Too often Washington has paid lip service to working with tribes while not taking care of their needs. That will change when I am President of the United States.

...My Indian policy starts with honoring the unique government to government relationship with tribes. Ensuring that our treaty obligations are met, ensuring that Native Americans have a voice in the White House.

...I believe treaty commitments are paramount law, I'll fulfill those commitments as President of the United States. I'll provide quality healthcare to those on reservations. That's why I'm fighting to ensure full funding of Indian health services.

...As president, I will never forget what this park is meant to honor, the service and sacrifice of generations of Native Americans throughout this country. We will keep our sacred trust.

...We have a lot of work to do in this country for all people: black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American. We are all one people.

...It starts with a sense of respect. It starts with the belief that all people are worthy of respect. I will never forget you. You will be on my mind every day that I'm in the White House.

...We can make sure that we have a President who's committed to what's right: respecting you, honoring you. And now that I'm a member of the family, you know that I won't break my commitment to our family.

Photos of Oregon Rally ( Source: Daily Kos )

Prosy — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:23:41 EDT

<http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/5/18/20037/6285/661/518011>

Qwotz — May 16, 2008

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:14:31 EDT

“The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to ourselves they find their own order: the continuous thread of revelation.”

“Never think you’ve seen the last of anything.”

“A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.” — Eudora Welty, American short story writer and novelist (1909-2001)

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself a fool.”

“If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.”

“Nature has no principles. She makes no distinction between good and evil.” — Anatole France, French writer, (1844-1924)

“True merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes”

“Those who are of the opinion that money will do everything may reasonably be expected to do everything for money.”

“Ignorance makes most men go into a political party, and shame keeps them from getting out of it.” — Edward F. Halifax, English statesman; (1881-1959)

Edwards endorsement pays off for Obama ( Associated Press )

Prosy — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:43:39 EDT

Edwards endorsement pays off for Obama

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER – 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama collected the support of five of John Edwards' Democratic convention delegates on Thursday, then gained the backing of four superdelegates and a large labor union as he marched steadily toward the party's presidential nomination.

The fresh support brought Obama's overall delegate total to 1,896, compared to 1,718 for his rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton. It takes 2,026 to clinch the nomination at the party convention in Denver this summer.

Edwards, who bestowed his long-sought endorsement on Obama on Wednesday, won 19 delegates before departing the presidential race in January.

Within hours, Obama picked up the backing of three of them from South Carolina, one in New Hampshire and one in Iowa.

In addition, three superdelegates — Reps. James McDermott of Washington, and Henry Waxman and Howard Berman of California — endorsed Obama.

"I believe now is the time to unite behind Barack Obama so we can be in the strongest place possible to win in November," McDermott said.

Waxman said in a statement: "I have the greatest respect and admiration for Senator Clinton and former President Clinton ... It is now clear, however, that the Democratic Party is nearing a broad consensus on our nominee."

Edwards had been backed by the United Steelworkers Union, which announced it would now support Obama. The union has 600,000 active members, many of them blue-collar workers of the type that have favored Clinton in recent primaries.

Obama also picked up the personal endorsement of superdelegate Larry Cohen, the president of the Communication Workers of America union.

Campaigning in Rapid City, S.D., Clinton spoke for the first time about Edwards' endorsement.

"I have a great deal of respect for Senator Edwards," she said in response to reporters' questions. "He and I have a lot in common ... I imagine that Senator Edwards' endorsement will be of some help to Senator Obama in Kentucky, but I think that what matters are the people who actually vote."

Clinton said she had not spoken with Edwards but had spoken with his wife, Elizabeth, about the endorsement. Clinton declined to discuss their conversation.

The delegate and labor support came despite Obama's overwhelming defeat in Tuesday's primary in West Virginia, and suggested that Clinton's argument that she would be a better general election candidate was not finding a receptive audience.

The former first lady is favored to win next week's primary in Kentucky, while Obama is expected to win in Oregon the same day.

The delegates won by Edwards are not bound by his endorsement of Obama, but several said it is important to their decision.

"I will cast my vote for who John Edwards asks me to," said Robert Groce, a South Carolina delegate won by Edwards.

Arlene Prather-O'Kane, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, said she is a backer of Edwards but "I will support who he is endorsing — which is Barack."

With the primary season winding down, both Clinton and Obama have turned their attention increasingly to the superdelegates, the members of Congress and other party officials who have seats at the convention by virtue of their positions.

Obama long trailed Clinton among superdelegates, but overtook her last week, and has pulled further away despite suffering one of his worst defeats in the campaign in West Virginia.

Clinton spent the day campaigning in South Dakota, one of two states that closes out the primary season on June 3. Obama was home in Chicago.

Both rivals had avidly sought Edwards' endorsement, particularly in the weeks after he dropped out of the race. The former North Carolina senator and 2004 vice presidential nominee had campaigned as a champion of the working class, and in the wake of his departure, Clinton consistently drew more blue-collar votes than Obama did.

"We are here tonight because the Democratic voters have made their choice, and so have I," Edwards said Wednesday to thunderous applause from an audience in Grand Rapids, Mich. He said Obama "stands with me" in a fight to cut poverty in half within 10 years, a claim Obama confirmed moments later.

Associated Press reporters Matthew Daly and Jesse J. Holland in Washington, Jim Davenport in Columbia, S.C., Amy Lorentzen in Des Moines, Iowa, and Sara Kugler in Rapid City, S.D., contributed to this report.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann Endorses Barack Obama ( Source: Honolulu Advertiser )

Prosy — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:07:29 EDT

Thursday, May 15, 2008 Mayor Mufi Hannemann endorses Barack Obama function

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann today endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for president.

"With the Democratic Party's state convention a little more than a week away, I wanted to let the delegates know where I stand on the presidential contest," Hannemann said in a statement.

"While I had said earlier that Hawaii and the nation would be well-served by either (Sen.) Obama or Sen. Hillary Clinton, the substance and style of (Sen.) Obama have had very strong appeal to me. Sen. Clinton has great aloha for the people of Hawaii, and would make a fine president. But I feel that Barack Obama offers the best hope for our nation during these troubling times."

In a statement released by his campaign, Obama thanked Hannemann for the endorsement.

"I have known Mufi since my basketball playing days in high school, and I appreciate all of his efforts to make Honolulu a better place to live," Obama said in the statement.

Hannemann said he also feels "a kinship for this man who grew up in Hawaii and whose heart is still in the islands. Barry, as he was called then, played basketball for Punahou while I was coaching the same sport for Iolani. I have met personally with him and come away impressed with his intellect, strength, and character."

The Obama campaign also released a statement by Maya Soetoro-Ng, Obama's sister and a Honolulu resident, on the endorsement.

"We are very grateful for Mayor Hannemann's endorsement of my brother's campaign," the statement said. "I admire Mayor Hannemann's industry and commitment to the people of Hawaii. He has worked hard to preserve the serenity of our home and to enhance the great potential of these islands as we stride into the future."

Why John Edwards Endorsed Obama Today ( Source: Huffington Post )

Prosy — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:35:30 EDT

Dawn Teo Why John Edwards Endorsed Obama Today

Posted May 14, 2008 | 06:01 PM (EST)

A lot is being said right now to the effect of, "What took him so long?" Some people are criticizing John Edwards for not endorsing sooner. I happen to think that today is the perfect day for Edwards to endorse, not so much because he was trounced in West Virginia yesterday, but because of the current state of the race and because of past statements made by John Edwards and his top advisers.

John Edwards said that he would not make an endorsement until the race was over -- until the nominee was determined. Then, today, after Obama received a trouncing in West Virginia, he announces his endorsement.

Some have questioned this, asking why he is going back on his word and endorsing before the race is over. I don't think he is going back on his word at all. He is sending a message, and that message is, "The race is over."

John Edwards is saying, let's circle the wagons. Obama is our guy. The people have spoken. The race for Democratic presidential nominee is over.

Yesterday, I wrote a Daily Kos diary about an article that Joe Trippi wrote in Campaigns and Elections Magazine. He expressed regret that he had advised Edwards to follow his heart when asked for advice of whether to withdraw from the presidential race. He said he wished he had told him to stay in the race. But, he added (and this is important):

"The senator questioned why he'd be remaining in the race. Would he be grinding out delegates only to be in a position to cut a deal at the convention for his own gain? That wasn't why he had gotten into the race for president. He had entered it to push causes like ending poverty, championing health care for every American and fighting for working people, and it just wasn't him to turn it into a selfish quest. I really respect that, and it helps explain why I so fervently wanted John Edwards to become president. The man cared deeply about those causes, and he did not want to see them tarnished because of a string of embarrassing losses."

Trippi would not have written such an article without running it by Edwards first. They are reportedly close friends, and insiders say that Trippi is extremely loyal to Edwards. This seems to be a concerted message, "When it is clear you cannot win, staying in the race is for personal gain."

Trippi's admission that he wishes he had advised Edwards to stay in the race could be taken as a nod to Hillary Clinton that it's ok to stay in the race, but I don't think so. I think it was simply meant to soften the blow of these specific words:

"Would he be grinding out delegates only to be in a position to cut a deal at the convention for his own gain?"

Of course, Trippi will be on the media circuit over the next few days, answering questions about Edwards, and I'm sure this will come up. We'll see how it plays out, but I'm betting that he'll be asked about these words. I'm betting that he'll say over and over that Edwards exited the race for the good of the country -- this will be a hint to Clinton.

Of course, this also takes the wind out of Clinton's sails from her win yesterday.

Yes, the timing is perfect.

Dawn Teo posts at Daily Kos. She's a supporter of Barack Obama.

I found this so funny.....

Prosy — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:23:50 EDT

Jason Linkins The Huffington Post GOP's New Slogan Already Being Used To Market Anti-Depressant

May 12, 2008 03:41 PM

Leave it to the tone deaf GOP to find a way of attaching themselves to this election cycle's "change" mandate that simultaneously reinforces the fact that their failed policies have messed up the world to such an inhuman extent that many Americans now live their daily lives in a state of free-floating panic and paralyzing anxiety.

In today's New York Times' Caucus blog, Carl Hulse reports that House Republicans have got themselves a brand-new slogan:

It looks like Republicans will counter the Democratic push for change from the years of the Bush administration with their own pledge to deliver, drum roll please, "the change you deserve." The first element of the party agenda developed over the past few months by the leadership and select party members will focus on family issues.

"Through our "Change You Deserve" message and through our "American Families Agenda," House Republicans will continue our efforts to speak directly to an American public looking for leaders who will offer real solutions for the challenges they confront every day," said the memo prepared for lawmakers.

What the GOP doesn't seem to realize, because they are idiots, is that "the change you deserve" is the registered advertising slogan of Effexor XR, a drug that many of you might have started taking as a result of all the...you know -- terrorism. (Hat tip to Bluestem for catching this gem.)

Effexor, also known as Venlafaxine, is approved for the treatment "of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in adults." Its common side effects are very much in keeping with the world the House Republicans have striven to build: nausea, apathy, constipation, fatigue, vertigo, sexual dysfunction, sweating, memory loss, and - and I swear I am not making this up - "electric shock-like sensations also called 'brain zaps.'"

Its less common side effects are equally awesome in their appropriateness.

And when the Food And Drug Administration reviewed the ad copy that included the tagline, "The change you deserve," it took issue with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures Effexor, saying that the company made "unsubstantiated superiority claims." Sounds like the GOP have picked an ironically accurate tagline for their efforts!

Freakonomics — Parsing the Indiana and North Carolina Primaries

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:12:28 EDT

If you haven't read it (and why the hell haven't you?), "Freakonomics," by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt, is a study of how people get what they want, or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing. Freakonomics has been expanded by the authors from a semi-regular newspaper column, to a book (now in an expanded 2nd edition), to a collection of Freakonomic blogs that are always a fascinating read.One blog entry by Justin Wolfers, supplies an economic perspective on this week's races:"A few highlights:With Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton trading victories in North Carolina and Indiana, it’s tempting to call Tuesday’s primary vote a split decision. Instead, political prediction markets have declared Senator Obama a clear winner.Senator Obama began Election Day rated a 76 percent chance to win the Democratic nomination. By the time the poll results were finalized, the markets had reassessed his chances at 89 percent. This 13 percentage-point rise makes Tuesday’s primaries the best day of the campaign for Senator Obama since the surge of momentum he enjoyed after the Iowa caucuses.On the flipside, Senator Clinton’s chances of securing the nomination were cut in half, falling from 22 percent to 10 percent.The political junkies amongst us will be easily recognized today: we are the bleary-eyed folks hovering over the coffee pot.For more, go to:<http://tinyurl.com/4wlsyq>

McCain's Folly — His Health Insurance Plan Leaves Too Many Behind

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:41:30 EDT

[From The New Republic]"A few months ago, when John McCain decided to address the public's anxiety about unaffordable medical care, he gave the sort of speech we've grown accustomed to hearing from Republicans over the years. Let's encourage people to drop their employer insurance and shop for coverage on their own, he said, since that will create a vibrant market in which people can find better bargains. And since some people will still have trouble paying for insurance, let's give them a tax credit that would help offset the cost.A big problem with this scheme, as critics like me pointed out, was that it wouldn't do much for people who were already sick. Insurance companies generally won't offer coverage directly to people with "pre-existing conditions," since they represent such bad financial risks. (It turns out people with medical problems need medical care!) So buying insurance on their own really isn't an option." To read the story, go to:
<http://tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=a88ab4f7-d570-47ad-ab80-a7e817ddab6b>

Qwotz — May 3, 2008

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Sat, 03 May 2008 07:03:18 EDT

“Too many people expect wonders from democracy, when the most wonderful thing of all is just having it.”

“An optimist is someone who gets treed by a lion but enjoys the scenery.”

“A pessimist is one who builds dungeons in the air.” — Walter Winchell. American newspaper and radio commentator (1897-1972)

“The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.”

“Never neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant.”

“No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.” — Colin Powell. American General, US Secretary of State, (b.1937)

“We must dare to think about unthinkable things because when things become unthinkable, thinking stops and action becomes mindless.”

“In a democracy dissent is an act of faith. Like medicine, the test of its value is not in its taste, but in its effects.”

“In the long course of history, having people who understand your thought is much greater security than another submarine.” — J. William Fulbright, American Senator (1905-1995)

Help Obama's Arts Policy Committee reach out to voters!

*Arts Policy Committee* from Chicago, IL — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:32:28 EDT

Obama's National Arts Policy Committee will be distributing the campaign's official arts policy platform to the Indiana and North Carolina arts community in order to cultivate a base of arts voters before the fast approaching primary. Obama is committed to the arts, and it's important we, as writers, artists, performers, and musicians, do our part to help win these importnat states!

Do you know any arts professionals in these states? Write me at obamaarts@gmail.com to get a pdf of the platform and a letter from our committee chairs, Margo Lions and George Stevens, Jr., to send out to your personal contacts. Or send me email and professional affiliations of people you know working in the Pennsylvania art community and we will send those documents out to your contacts. Any emails submitted will be kept private will only be used to send the official letter and policy document.

Do you have time to help us do some online research? I am looking for volunteers to help me do some online research for this big project. We need to find all the arts organizations in these states and get emails for the staff of those organizations. We will be working on this right away, but since it's just online research, you can do this from home and at any time of day. If you have some time to help out, please reply back via email to obamaarts@gmail.com.

Thanks so much,

Shawnee Barton
Obama for America Arts Policy Committee Member

Earth Day - Green Matters

Christi Teasley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:50:01 EDT

Hello friends and fellow Obama supporters. I just took another step towards owning a piece of the political process; I made a special Earth Day donation to Barack Obama's presidential campaign. I chose today to make this contribution to let Senator Obama know how important issues of both ecological and cultural sustainability. These issues stretch far beyond a presidential campaign. Senator Obama recognizes the far reaching implications for us and the future of all generations of all species. For more information about Obama's environmental stand, visit http:// www.envirobama.com/ a site created by Environmentalists for Obama. A link to "Green Matters" a mass, one day donation through the Obama site can be found there in addition to a wide coverage of Obamas take on environmentatl issues and his Earth Day address. Consider a donation this Earth Day to get the word out that "Green Matters" to Obama and his supporters. Thanks, Christi

How to Win Friends and Influence Voters

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:43:28 EDT

It all started as a phone call to a friend last night, nominally to see whether she had signed her kids up for swimming lessons this summer. She had, and then she mentioned that we hadn't gotten together in a while. I told her that I had today off, but that my boring plans for the day included cleaning the house, cooking a big batch of venison chili, and watching the PA primary returns with my kids.

She said, "Yeah, us too!", except that she was planning on ordering pizza. So of course I asked if she wanted to haul the kids over tonight, turn them loose in the backyard, and the adults could chill in front of the TV while getting our politics on. She liked the idea — except that she was going over to her sister's house.

[famous_last_words_MODE_ON] "Why don't you invite them over here?" [famous_last_words_MODE_OFF]

Push came to shove, and now it looks like there will be about twenty adults in my living room, and who knows how many kids in my yard tonight. Guests (some of whom I've never met!) to the "PA Primary Potluck" are bringing all kinds of food, beer and Obama gear, and it looks like a Good Time WIll Be Had By All.

So now I guess I have to clean the damned house.

Qwotz — April 21, 2008

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:15:08 EDT

“The whole effort of a sincere man is to erect his personal impressions into laws.”

“Man associates ideas not according to logic or verifiable exactitude, but according to his pleasure and interests. It is for this reason that most truths are nothing but prejudices.”

“Very simple ideas lie within the reach only of complex minds.” — Remy de Gourmont, French novelist, poet, playwright, and philosopher, (1858-1915)

“Journalism without a moral position is impossible. Every journalist is a moralist. It’s absolutely unavoidable.” — Marguerite Duras, French novelist, screenwriter, playwright and film director, (1914-1996)

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

“There’s a world of difference between truth and facts. Facts can obscure the truth.”

“In all my work what I try to say is that as human beings we are more alike than we are unalike.” — Maya Angelou, American poet, (b.1928)

Qwotz — April 20, 2008

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:48:12 EDT

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”

“Look up, and not down; Out and not in; Forward and not back; And lend a hand.”

“Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.” — Edward Everett Hale, American clergyman and writer, (1822-1909)

“Education is hanging around until you’ve caught on.”

— Robert Frost, American poet, (1874-1963)

“Every religion is true one way or another. It is true when understood metaphorically. But when it gets stuck in its own metaphors, interpreting them as facts, then you are in trouble.”

“Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.”

— Joseph Campbell, American author, editor, philosopher and teacher, (1904-1987)

Clinton prefers McCain over Obama?

Susan — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:26:21 EDT

Wow Please go and digg this commentary.

excerpt:

Now answer this question: do you believe that the Clintons actually believe that Obama is an effete, ineffectual elitist piece of roadkill for John McCain ... but still somehow impossible to beat by the rules of the Democratic primary system? Or do they think he's better than that? Are they cynics or narcissists? Or, as anyone with an eye and the stomach can see, some horribly perfect combination of the two?

Free Obama Redwork Quilt Pattern Block

Kyra — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:55:17 EDT

Hello - For those of you who would like to make a quilt block featuring Senator Barack Obama, feel free to stop by www.BlackThreads.blogspot.com. Just uploaded a free pattern.

Best, Kyra

THIS ECONOMY SUCKS!

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:10:37 EDT

Another friend just lost a job. This is what I wrote to her.

Sue, I am so sorry to hear about your job loss! I've been there all too many times, and the gut-wrenchingness of it is hard to take. We, and particularly you, are victims of a political system that rewards sending jobs overseas, cutting or eliminating healthcare benefits, failing to give working parents child care assistance, and much more. The nation lost over a quarter million net jobs last quarter — you'd think someone in this administrationcould staple on a pair of balls and call it a "recesssion," which it truly is. When we work for Obama, we work for all of us.

Respect For Everyone in All Places

Susan — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:03:54 EDT

I think WE could take some advice from the Dalai Lama. Seriously some Obama supporters are going a little over the top. We need to be respectful in our interactions. Respectful in blog posts. Respectful when commenting on posts in our community newspapers. Respectful on forums. We can win this whole thing if we stay on track with Barack Obama's message of Truth and Respect.

Dalai Lama: dialogue, respect are tools for transforming enemies

By MANUEL VALDES – 1 hour ago

SEATTLE (AP) — Dialogue and respect are the tools for transforming enemies, the Dalai Lama said Friday, while sidestepping a specific question about the turmoil in his native Tibet.

"The only way to transform our enemy to become our friend is dialogue, respect," the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said in response to a question. "That's a way of compassion."

Fiber Artists for Obama - News from Kyra

Lisa — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:10:05 EDT

Hello Group - This post is from FAFO group member Kyra Hicks... enjoy! --- lisa www.CulturedExpressions.com/blog

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

Hello!

This is Kyra in Arlington, VA. Just wanted to check in to see if the creative juices for the campaign has inspired anyone to stitch pieces about the campaign or candidates yet!

May I invite you to my blog, www.BlackThreads.blogspot.com? Do a search on Obama and you'll see some examples I've found on the web. I purchased the cutest Obama Felt Finger Puppet! I also purchased a GORGEOUS quilted wallhanging from a local Washington DC artist that's focused on Senator Obama and is about the campaign process. I'll post a photo soon on the blog.On the blog is also a simple, simple block pattern that spells out "HOPE." You're welcomed to download for free.

Finally - can you share if you're seeing campaign fiber arts in video? I just learned how to upload a short (less than 2 min) video to YouTube. Easy as pie! I wanted to capture the Harriet Powers Bible Quilt in it's last week on display at the Air & Space Museum here in DC. Here's the link, if you'd like to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZKwP7W9Op8

Would love to hear the news from other Fiber Artists for Obama!

Best, Kyra
Black.Threads@yahoo.com
www.BlackThreads.blogspot.com

Kyra Hicksauthor, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoriawww.BlackThreads.com - autographed copieswww.BlackThreads.Blogspot.com - African American Quilting news blog

Beautiful

Susan — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:05:16 EDT

Beautiful

Words count! This video is a great fan-made video to fill you up inside with Hope!

Hillary's Universal Health Care Doesn't Include Her Staff

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:25:15 EDT

Another case of "Do as I say, not as I do!" for Hillary. Universal health care is only "universal" if someone else has to pay for it, right? Once again, Ms. Clinton fails to put her money where her mouth is, and fails to pay for the health insurance for her own staff —

<http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9274.html>

I think we're seeing a pattern here, folks.

Was Chelsea Out of Line? Yes, According to CNN

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:31:30 EDT

For those of you who haven't seen it yet, here's a link to the CNN video interview of the college student who asked the hard question of Chelsea ...

<http://tinyurl.com/2coq6p>

Judge for yourself.

Qwotz — March 27, 2008

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:06:30 EDT

Albert Einstein, German born American physicist (1879-1955) —

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding."

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"

"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.

"The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything."

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."

Barack O'brownie Bake Sale

Susan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:16:45 EDT

When Stephen Clobert challenged Barack Obama supporters to show some love to Pennsylvania Schools. We stood up, banded together and held a Bake Sale to raise over $66,000! Way to go!

success

(by "we" I mean - all Obama supporters - not me personally - I am only one of many)

So much to learn from Barack Obama

Sue — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:59:23 EDT

In reaction to Barack's faith speech...

Maybe for the first time in history those that want to throw stones and use hate and mis-trust as their rite of passage; as their strongest tool of communication; as their way to belong to something; as their "easy way out" of true thinking; as a mask to hide behind; as a method to cure their own ills; as a curtain to hide behind --will be left in the dust---while the rest of us who want to believe---will find there really is no place like home. So put on your ruby slippers and click your heels together and believe in your fellow man; believe in yourself; know that it is true that we can live in a better world---because Barack's wise words have led us to realize that the truth is --it was always up to us--we just didn't realize until he told us to believe in ourselves. YES WE CAN.

Let's talk about race

Susan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:58:38 EDT

I am an innercity high school teacher (I guess innercity is kind of a stretch because I work in Minneapolis - that isn't really a big city like Chicago or NY). Minneapolis Schools are struggling - like the rest of the country - with making sure ALL kids succeed. There is a huge divide between the graduation rates of the white kids and the black kids. Years ago, I said, "It is a cultural thing".

www.EnvirObama.com - Green Matters

Christi Teasley — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:29:14 EDT

Elect a President as if the Planet Matters!

Here is some information about the website, www.envirobama.com and a special project for Earth Day, Green Matters.

One of the founders and primary designer of the web presence notes...

EnvirObama is a completely grassroots endeavor, started by a group of strangers who were brought together by their concern for the environment and the fact that they recognize that Barack Obama is the only candidate with enough visionary leadership to tackle the immense environmental challenges of the 21st century.

EnvirObama was formed by members of Environmentalists for Obama to encourage voters, the media, and the 2008 presidential candidates to recognize the vital importance of addressing issues affecting our environment. We realize Senator Obama hasn't addressed every environmental issue that plagues our world, and many of us even feel like he could do better in some areas, but despite our differences, each of us believes that he is willing to listen and make changes based on sound judgment, rather than special interests and party politics.

At this stage in the presidential race, there are not a lot of ways to attract attention, however, the Obama campaign has garnered great media recognition due to the impressive size of his campaign rallies and his unsurpassed online fund raising success. Our idea is to combine concern for the environment with Barack Obama's wide appeal and extensive grassroots support by recruiting people to make an official campaign donation in support of Barack Obama and the environment, on Earth Day - April 22, 2008, to show that green matters!. The success of this endeavor will show that the environment, while usually relegated to the bottom of the list of people's top ten concerns, is in fact a strong viable issue in the 2008 campaign.

GREEN MATTERS: We are the change we've been waiting for!

PURPOSE: The "Green Matters" event is a grassroots organized one-day mass donation with the sole purpose of bringing the ENVIRONMENT into the forefront of the 2008 Presidential race.

HOW IT WORKS: The "mainstream media" has proven in this election cycle that they will cover how much money the Presidential candidates can, or have raised. Therefore, a massive one-day donation organized around environmental issues, by individuals concerned with the state of the planet, and on a nationally celebrated day of environmental awareness (Earth Day) will penetrate the national dialogue, once again moving the environment to the forefront of Presidential politics.

WHO BENEFITS: Everyone benefits when our environmental issues are discussed on a national stage, therefore anyone concerned about the future of our planet is encouraged to participate in this event regardless of race, age, gender, or political affiliation. However, this event has been organized by independent grassroots supporters of Barack Obama and all donations benefit the Obama campaign. As President, Barack Obama will reduce carbon emissions, encourage developments in clean energy, support next generation biofuels, work to gain oil independence, improve energy efficiency in buildings and restore U.S. leadership on climate change.

Help Obama's National Arts Policy Committee Reach Pennsylvania Arts Supporters

*Arts Policy Committee* from Chicago, IL — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:14:54 EDT

Obama's National Arts Policy Committee will be distributing the campaign's official arts policy platform to the Pennsylvania art community in order to cultivate a base of arts voters before the primary. Obama is committed to the arts, and it's important we, as writers, artists, performers, and musicians, do our part to help win Pennsylvania!

Do you know any arts professionals in Pennsylvania? Write me at obamaarts@gmail.com to get a pdf of the platform and a letter from our committee chairs, Margo Lions and George Stevens, Jr., to send out to your personal contacts. Or send me email and professional affiliations of people you know working in the Pennsylvania art community and we will send those documents out to your contacts. Any emails submitted will be kept private will only be used to send the official letter and policy document.

Do you have time to help us do some online research? I am looking for a few volunteers to help me do some online research for this big project. We need to find all the arts organizations in Pennsylvania and get emails for the staff of those organizations. We will be working on this right away, but since it's just online research, you can do this from home and at any time of day. If you have some time to help out, please reply back via email to obamaarts@gmail.com.

Thanks so much,

Shawnee Barton
Obama for America Arts Policy Committee Member

It was only a matter of time...

Daniel — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:59:35 EST

Not that I started this campaign with any particular adoration for Hillary Clinton, but I hoped that, at the very least, things would remain in civil, if not substantive, terms. Now that things are approaching what could be a tipping point, though, the Machievellian 'do-whatever-it-takes' attitude is coming to the surface.

everyone is an artist

Erin W — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:53:15 EST

check out this video...

Join Artists and Creative Industry for Obama!

*Arts Policy Committee* from Chicago, IL — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:41:50 EST

We invite you to join Artists and Creative Industry for Obama! It is moderated by Obama for America's National Arts Policy Committee and has the most up to date information about where Obama stands on the Arts.

While you're there, read Obama's official policy platform in support of art and culture and articles written by Art Policy committee members Michael Chabon and George Stevens, Jr.

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

Another Fiberista for Obama

Gloria from Ponca City, OK — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:54:19 EST

I am a weaver in the Navajo and Chimayo traditions. Also, I do needle-felting. I am 56 and I have never, ever had a chance to vote in a more exciting - or more important - election.

It is also amazing to me that, for the first time I can remember, presidential candidates are running ads, and actually coming to Oklahoma! In fact, I heard a national news anchor refer to the Oklahoma vote as important.

Here's a question: Did anyone else notice that Hillary was a no-show on the talk shows afterward the State of the Union? At least on MSNBC. I think they said she did do a short interview with somebody. Her people cancelled on MSNBC. At best it looks petty. At worst it almost seems like a concession. I doubt that, really, but it did strike me as odd.

Sincerely,

Gloria

A Note from Wendy R...

Lisa — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:39:24 EST

Thank you so much for your message, and yes! isn't it gret that not only did Barak win in South Carolina , but received 55% of the vote!!!!!!! Marvelous. I have already donated, but another site for I am part of Artists for Obama, but I hope all of you on the Fiber Arts site will donate, even if it $!0.00, all of it adds up. Peace, Wendy Rabinowitz . e-mail : wrshalom@aol.com ; www.LivingThreadsJudaica1.citymax.com

South Carolina!!

Lisa — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:33:02 EST

This is a great night! I'll be going thru the speech transcript for fabric transfer quotes. I know of at least one fiber artist on our list who lives in SC, and I can imagine the excitement where you are right now!

I can't wait til February 5 when we vote in NJ and 20+ other states -- GO-bama!!!

lisa

illinois fiber artists

Erin W — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:28:18 EST

i've noticed that there some members of the FAFO group that live in the chicago area. anyone interested in getting together? we could share project ideas and talk politics. let me know what you think.

erin in chicago

Welcome to the Fiber Artists for Obama BLOG

Lisa — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:10:47 EST

Hello Group - This seems to be the only way for us to keep a running conversation, and to allow new members to catch up with any earlier messages... So below I've listed the emails that have come in so far, with the most recent at the top.

Please use this blog to communicate so we can all stay up to date.

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Fri 1/11/08 - Hello all -- I'll be meditating on this over the weekend, too, Karen...

Erin, I like your idea about pieces that depict where we are from, since Obama is such a unifying force. Have you all browsed thru the types of groups on the site? It's a very interesting mix of people...

I was also thinking about his speeches, and how many people, even the media, say that his victory speech in Iowa gave them "chills", including me. I thought about taking a favorite part of the speech and featuring it in a quilt block (printed from the computer and photo-transferred to the fabric.) It could be a single sentence or phrase that really speaks to you, or even the entire text of the speech - imagine that as a wall hanging in the White House!

Most of my stash is West African fabrics, but it would be great to incorporate a piece from Kenya along with the text. I'm wondering about Michelle's color scheme - so, do you think she's picking out swatches already? I would be, on the bus, in between campaign appearances...; )

Just a thought...looking forward to hearing from others!

Unfortunately, my schedule prevented me from seeing Obama in Jersey City, NJ on Tuesday night, but he spoke to 3,000 plus inside, and an overflow crowd of about 2000!! Did anyone on our list attend??

happy weekend,

lisa
lisa shepard stewart

NJ's Primary is FEBRUARY 5!!!!Fri 1/11/08 - Hi Mickie and everyone, I'm also in Kentucky, Louisville to be exact...and my brother lives in Midway and I get to Berea at least once a year. The KY primary is in May and it would be great to have a record turn-out for the primary here. I'm talking about it to everyone and anyone just as a way of placing it on the minds of people.

Stitching for Obama...I'll be meditating on this today! :)Thanks Lisa for starting this group!Peace,Karenhttp://karoda.typepad.com

Thu 1/10/08 -- hi lisa, mickie and everyone else, i was so excited to receive your emails. its great to see some activity in this group. there isnt anyone in my day to day life that shares my love of fiber art so its wonderful to connect with others who share the same passion. not to mention we are all like minded in our ambitions for our country. lisa i like your idea about creating a wall hanging and i thought since we are all from different states we could each contribute to it with fiber art that represents where we are from. just an idea. i've been wanting to have an old-fashioned type of quilting bee that would encourage political discussion, but unfortunately i don't know enough quilters in my area. have any of you done events involving fiber arts and politics? any ideas?

hope to hear more from you girls soon,erin in chicago

Wed 1/9/08 -- Hello everyone -

Welcome, and thanks for joining FIBER ARTISTS FOR OBAMA. I planned to send a more detailed Welcome note this weekend but I wanted to reply to Mickie promptly.

I recently decided that Barack Obama was my choice for president, after attending a small local gathering here in central New Jersey just before the Iowa caucus. When I got home and checked out his website, I decided to form this group. I've never been involved in politics beyond simply voting, so this is new and kind of exciting for me.

Right now, our group is barely one week old, and I'm glad to see some interest building. Once he is elected, my vision is for any interested members to help to create a wall hanging for the White House. Please share with the group any particular ideas you might have in the meantime. We can simply chat through the group, or inform each other of any fiber-related events that will further the cause. Or, simply introduce yourself to the group. In the end, I felt this would be a fun way to combine two of my interests. Let us hear from you, and be sure to invite your fiber-loving friends to join, too! Quilters, knitters, crocheters, fabric crafters and sewers of all beckgrounds and experience levels are welcome.

Also, to Mickie: Just as I created this group, remember that in addition to being a part of our group, you can create a group that suits your own interests, (maybe like "Lexington, KY Seniors for Obama") too, and you can join as many as you like. Be creative and have fun...

Thanks again, and keep in touch!

Best regards...

lisa
www.CulturedExpressions.com

Wed 1/9/08 -- Hi- I have just joined your group. I am in Ky., about 15 miles east of Lexington. I have been a quilter for 20 yrs. or so and it just gets better and better. I am 60, female, on S.S.Disability, and a widow. There doesn't seem to be a group I fit in around here. I have found a few high school and college groups. There are no older adult groups or senior groups that I can find. So I will join your quilters for Obama group if you don't mind. Please tell me what you are all doing and perhaps I can help. Mickie in Ky.