Frisco For Obama

Sign My Petition! Reform Social Security Disability SSDI and SSI Determination Processes

AmericaForgotMe — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:04:38 EDT

Please Sign Petition to Reform Social Security Disability SSDI and SSI Determination Processes

Take Action! Sign My Petition! Reform Social Security Disability SSDI and SSI Determination Processes - http://tinyurl.change.org/zXUto Thanks! I won at the hearing level 2006, but got cut off soon after that due to husband making too much $ for SSI/Medicaid. Now hubby left, have to reapply all over again in April! Just got first denial notice... Here we go, reconsideration, again. Not so sure I'll make it for hearing again this time. It is ridiculous. You must First become a supporter of Poverty in American, then click on sign my petition button.

Let's get it done - OFA tour bus in Dallas TOMORROW

Cindi in Prosper — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:22:54 EDT

OFA's "Let's Get It Done" bus has been making its way across the country calling for real health care reform. On Monday, the bus stops in Dallas for a rally rain or shine.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for the event that begins at noon.

Please stand with fellow Texans on Monday to show your support for the President's reform efforts. A quarter of all Texans are uninsured, and too many others risk losing insurance if they lose their jobs or get sick. The time for action is now!

Please rsvp to:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkwxm

Gilley's is located at 1135 S. Lamar, just south of the Dallas Convention Center. Free public parking available. Gilley's also can be reached by taking DART light rail to the Cedars station (red and blue lines) and walking approximately one block north on Lamar.

Government Bureaucrat or Insurance Profiteer?

Tony K. — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:43:22 EDT

http://tonyspoliticalworld.blogspot.com/

Government Bureaucrat or Insurance Profiteer? I find myself both perplexed and laughing at the latest GOP commercials on health care in my area. The big push shows a bureaucrat between a doctor and patient denying coverage. Without much being run for ads against it in Texas, it isn't surprising that the push in Texas seems to support opposing it. Yet, one has to wonder where the commercial or discussion is about that insurance company between a doctor and their patient.

No matter which way the health care debate goes, there is going to be someone between you and your doctor. That is inevitable in 99% of all cases. To illustrate, my brother-in-law has had a mass found in his brain. The doctors think it may have spread there from somewhere else and the insurance company balked at a spinal MRI, and are still disagreeing with its necessity after the fact even though it showed a mass in his spine. The doctors think that may have spread from elsewhere, but the insurance company is balking at doing an MRI on the rest of the body to find out the full story because it is expensive. My brother-in-law's doctor's need for the tests to get a full picture of what is going on appears to be secondary to the insurance company's profits.

It serves to illustrate the key point, someone is always between the doctor and the patient. The question really should be do you want a private person who is only responsible to their boss who is only responsible to a board seeking dividend payouts that come from profit margins; or should it be a person who is responsible to the people you vote for every 2, 4, and 6 years?

Given the difference in health care treatment that my father gets on his federal government health care in contrast to what my brother-in-law's private insurance company, I am both strongly in favor of the federal bureaucrat and his federal rules, and grateful that my health has been good enough to not have to test the system personally.

National Day of Service - Healthcare in Collin County

Cindi in Prosper — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:22:22 EDT

Saturday, June 27th with a focus on Healthcare and giving back to your community. OCC and volunteers from Collin County will be holding a Health Fair, with clinicians, social services, nutritional and informative handouts for services in the Collin Community for our needy, for them to obtain basic healthcare check ups, provide immunization guidelines, and allow them to sign up for federal programs that they are eligible for based on income such as WIC and CHIPS.

To sign up or find out more information, please go to:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpc4fd

Make Washington Hear Your Voice

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:47:38 EST

It's no surprise Republicans in Washington thought they could stay the course and keep government running the way they liked it, slow and inefficient without accountability. They are testing President Obama's voice of change and that means ours too.

Don't sit idle and let the forces that drove us into an economic ditch get what they want. Make calls to your Congressional leaders. Tell them about the letters arriving in the mailbox everyday with credit card companies and banks changing the rules of credit, such as raising lending rates even on their best customers. That while American taxpayers bailed them out economically and continue to do so and for what? They are content to keep the money and make more money as the situation worsens and Americans can't pay their credit card debt due to unemployment and trying to keep food on the table.

Ask why Congressional Republicans and some Democrats are willing to make the economic situation worse. Ask them when they will freeze their salaries and drop some of their perks to save money. Just as in the campaign, President Obama, nor his staff can do it alone, we have to stay involved and keep reminding our leaders that we are their bosses not the other way around. Republicans are content to add amendments to offer more corporate tax breaks while leaving the middle class and those without jobs or health care stranded.

Step up, take a stand and don't be shy about making repeated calls. President Obama has three million volunteers that aren't shy and can make a difference. The right has Rush Limbaugh and no other plan except to get in the way of change.

Yes We Can again.....again and again! Groups like Move On.org and AARP are among those sending emails with phone numbes attached and petitions for us to electronically sign to put pressure on Congress for real change, not just something they pledged on November 5th. Republicans don't want to be bi-partisan, as in Abraham Lincoln's time, they want to become the Do Nothing Party.

Speaking of President's Day, this year on the 200th anniversary of President Lincoln's birth, celebrate on February 12th, his true birthday, not the government holiday. He deserves that and more for facing challenges that inspire President Obama to stay strong and bring better days to America and the World.

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln!

Janet Webb, Frisco, Texas

Renewing America Together

Cindi in Prosper — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:11:03 EST

Answer Obama's Call to Renew America Together: Volunteer for the King Day of Service, Jan. 19th.

If you can't volunteer on the 19th, there are multiple ways to help now and in the future. Please go to www.usaservice.org and sign up. FInd an event or host one yourself. This is just the beginning of the journey, and there is lots of work to do. President Elect Obama and your fellow neighbors need your help.

Collin County Inaguration Gala

Cindi in Prosper — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:57:14 EST

An Inaugural Gala to celebrate the incredible victory of President-elect Obama will be held on January 20 from 7-11 pm at the Plano Center off Spring Creek parkway; over 150 RSVP's so far and they are still coming in. Live Music with Memphis Soul Live, Dancing, Food, Cash Bar, along with live TV Coverage of Inaugural Events and more.

Come celebrate this historic moment.

Please go to www.obamacollincounty.com to learn more and to RSVP.

Collin County Green Day

Cindi in Prosper — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:06:01 EST

Let's celebrate our green builders, green realtors, and green companies. Join us in learning more about "green" entities here in Collin County, and how to be greener in your daily living.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpthl7

Collin County Green Day

Cindi in Prosper — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:04:51 EST

Let's celebrate our green builders, green realtors, and green companies. Join us in learning more about "green" entities here in Collin County, and how to be greener in your daily living.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpthl7

Inaguration Gala

Cindi in Prosper — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:21:39 EST

Save the Date! 1-20-09 An Inaugural Gala to celebrate the incredible victory of President-elect Obama will be held on January 20 from 7-11 pm in Collin County:Music, Dancing, Food, Cash Bar, Live TV Coverage of Inaugural Events and More at the Plano Centre on Spring Creek Parkway. As soon as all details are finalized, information will be sent out throught the listserv.

European Worldview on Obama

Valerie — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:41:05 EST

I'm sitting here in Munich, Germany right now on November 6, 2008. We left the USA on Friday, October 31, 2008 for a 1-week stay in Germany. Of course I voted ahead of time through the early voting process. (Stood in line for 20 minutes at the new Frisco Lakes Senior Citizen development)

Since I'm a native Californian living in Texas, it's hard to find those of progressive like-mind..even though there are a few Obama supporters in Texas. lol.

I watched CNN and BBC News (only 2 TV stations in Germany in English) as they covered the election. What is interesting to note is the World opinion on Obama. They love him.They would prefer him over any others any day. CNN reported and showed people in Kenya (Obama's Father's hometown) dancing in the streets both before and after the election. I also liked watching the honest and open reporting that demonstrates the truth of how Europeans felt about the disastrous Bush adminstration.

I've been saying for years that Bush is a typical Texas whack job. But of course no one out here will dare talk against Bush. Californians should know that out here in Texas they look askance at you if you are from California. They assume you are a "liberal" and assume you are this or that...they are pretty close-minded and petty and mean-spirited out here...even if Frisco is considered an afflluent, white upper middle-class community you will find that it's all superficial.

It's obviousl McCain country out in Texas. I saw the voting results for all the various United States and noted Texas had a 55% for McCain and 44% for Obama. Oklahoma and Kansas and Wyoming had percentage numbers in the 60's in favor of McCain.

Only the District of Columbia and California had percentage numbers in the 60's in favor of Obama.

All that aside, I have never cared about what Texans think of anyone else as they are so backasswards in their worldivew. Many of them should be eating crow about now but no doubt they'll be whining and blaming (boy how they love to blame and not take personal responsibility) on Frisco Online--an online community full of arrogant hateful and intolerant medieval minded morons. I'm sure they are finding ways to blame Obama for his win rather than accept the fact that their republican "hero" McCain lost.

My bitching about Texans and Frisco comes from 12 years of living here and experiencing this shit firsthand.

Back in 2004, I had neighbors of Asian descent (the wife had relatives in California) who were harassed by their neighbors for not putting up a Bush yard sign. These polite friends of mine said that it was not so much about who they were for but they just didn't want to put up ANY yard sign. So this small group of arrogant Texans gossiped about this family and made them feel harassed. Eventually the family sold their home and moved to another community in North Texas where they are fine. I point this one incident out to show you all just a small sampling of the kind mentality that exists out here. It's sad to say that the stereotypes about Texans unfortunately ring true.

I'm surprised I haven't had harassment for proudly displaying my Obama car sticker on my back window. As I drove around white-collar Republican Frisco Texas I rarely would see Obama car stickers let alone yard signs. Maybe just a few.

Even my 13-year-old daughter told me what the mindset is like in her school. Only 3 of her 20 Orchestra members were for Obama. The rest parroted what their parents must've taught them and that was to support McCain in a blind party effort to keep repugnant republicans in office.

My daughter went to a birthday party and while the kids were playing a game talk came up about the presidential race. One girl mentioned something about how bad Gays in general are because the Bible "says gays are bad and wrong"...my daughter said there is nothing bad about Gays and further if there is love involved between 2 people of the same gender it should not be looked upon as "bad". Well that just set this little white Texas girl off who went on to say that McCain is a good guy because he believes in the Bible and the Bible says gays are bad people...some kind of circular reasoning which of course makes no sense except to a die-hard arrogant texan. Then my daughter said she was more in favor of Obama because he is generally accepting of people regardless of the color of their skin or their personal beliefs and so on. The other kids at the party were too initmidated to get involved with the conversation and so ran off. This left my daughter and the other girl to finish off their heated debate.

I could go on and on with some of the narrow-minded fanatical mindedness of Texans in general that I've experienced but since I've travelled the world a lot already in my 47 years, I can say that only this one slice of America is this retrogressive in their worldview. Bush's failed policies and other idiotic actions he has demonstrated over the past 8 years have helped to actually cement this view that Texans are backasswards in their thinking and incapable of governing anyone or anything in an intelligent, rational manner.

Now I realize my blog comments can be interpreted as inflammatory (especially by native Texans) but it's my blog and I'll call it as I've experienced it.

What I can hope for is that a President like Obama who has a wide worldview will help shape society in such a way that those with the narrow-minded view will wake up someday to realize they haven't grown, they haven't learned what real life is all about. It's not about their tiny little keyhold view of the world but about a larger door to a larger planet that we all share and should join together with the highest ideals of the human spirit.

I just need to blog how screwed up I think Texans are in general. They really should never be allowed to govern people nor anything larger than their own grocery list. They really have demonstrated over and over how petty and small minded their view of the world is.

Pray for our new President and Vice President

Anita — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:02:17 EST

Congratulations President Obama and Vice President Biden.

President Obama read Psalm 91 daily. Hold on to the promises that God makes in Psalm 91.

God’s presence

God’s protection

God’s peace

God’s perspective

God’s provision

God’s power

Psalm 91

Safe in the Lord

1 Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty.2 I will say to the Lord, "You are my place of safety and protection. You are my God and I trust you." 3 God will save you from hidden traps and from deadly diseases. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you can hide. His truth will be your shield and protection.

5 You will not fear any danger by night or an arrow during the day.

6 You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark or sickness that strikes at noon.7 At your side one thousand people may die, or even ten thousand right beside you, but you will not be hurt.8 You will only watch and see the wicked punished.9 The Lord is your protection; you have made God Most High your place of safety. 10 Nothing bad will happen to you; no disaster will come to your home.11 He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go.12 They will catch you in their hands so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.13 You will walk on lions and cobras; you will step on strong lions and snakes. 14 The Lord says, "Whoever loves me, I will save. I will protect those who know me. 15 They will call to me, and I will answer them. I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them.

16 I will give them a long, full life, and they will see how I can save."

Let us all pray for our President and Vice President tomorrow at 12:00 CST.

REGULATION OF DISPLAY OF POLITICAL SIGNS IN TEXAS

Teresa from Allen, TX — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:17:09 EDT

Reports indicate that a number of home owners associations have been removing Obama signs from homes and condos using deed restrictions as an excuse. This violates Texas Property Code. If your HOA gives you grief, provide them with a copy of the law.Texas Property Code - Section 202.009. Regulation Of Display Of Political Signshttp://law.onecle.com/texas/property/202.009.00.html202.009. REGULATION OF DISPLAY OF POLITICAL SIGNS. (a)
Except as otherwise provided by this section, a property owners'
association may not enforce or adopt a restrictive covenant that
prohibits a property owner from displaying on the owner's property
one or more signs advertising a political candidate or ballot item
for an election:
(1) on or after the 90th day before the date of the
election to which the sign relates; or
(2) before the 10th day after that election date.
(b) This section does not prohibit the enforcement or
adoption of a covenant that:
(1) requires a sign to be ground-mounted; or                     & nbsp;& nbsp;
(2) limits a property owner to displaying only one
sign for each candidate or ballot item.
(c) This section does not prohibit the enforcement or
adoption of a covenant that prohibits a sign that:
(1) contains roofing material, siding, paving
materials, flora, one or more balloons or lights, or any other
similar building, landscaping, or nonstandard decorative
component;
(2) is attached in any way to plant material, a traffic
control device, a light, a trailer, a vehicle, or any other existing
structure or object;
(3) includes the painting of architectural surfaces;
(4) threatens the public health or safety;               ; ;
(5) is larger than four feet by six feet;
(6) violates a law;
(7) contains language, graphics, or any display that
would be offensive to the ordinary person; or
(8) is accompanied by music or other sounds or by
streamers or is otherwise distracting to motorists .
(d) A property owners' association may remove a sign
displayed in violation of a restrictive covenant permitted by this
section.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1010, 1, eff. June 18, 2005.

America the Beautiful

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:16:38 EDT

I write this as I am about to pick up the phone and start calling into Ohio. I am a child of Kansas and its golden wheatfields, Colorado and its majestic mountains, Oklahoma and the Cherokee history of my ancestors, Missouri and the "Show Me" attitude and now Texas for nearly 20 years as an adult of independence built on strength, resolve, character, challenges and above all faith.

You see, like all of us I am a rainbow of colors, sunrises, sunsets, tremendous losses and unbelievable miracles. When I think of Barack Obama's campaign his message of hope for the future and faith in what we can all do as Americans inspires me to believe that people of a cascade of experiences and backgrounds can come together for the common good of this wonderful nation.

It is hard for me as a former Republican to see the party that Abraham Lincoln held so dear and fought so hard for in order to keep the Union together to come apart at the seams. It is being pulled apart by hatred and bigotry from within.

Divided we fail is surely its fate I believe because win at all cost is the GOP's motivation. I admit to election anxiety and to a disbelief in polls, having been in the meda for my whole career I discredit swings from double digit leads to single digit "too close to call" in the matter of a day or two. As I have said before in my blogs, don't believe a single thing the media says, believe in Senators Barack and Biden and their words because that's what America wants to hear and see in action in the White House.

In Texas we seem to be the land of stolen Obama signs and the land of discounted electoral votes. We have the backs of every battleground states. Once this weekend, a simple request, call into Texas and ask a voter to give Barack and Joe their support. On Election Day work like it is a marathon not for you but for your children, nieces and nephews and friends. Let the other side do what they will attempt to steal the election, they won't succeed, because have worked too hard, given all we can and done so as Barack says not for him but for us and for our believe in America the Beautiful with its spectacular tapestry of people who love this country and love each other.

God Bless You All and Thank You!

Janet Webb (Frisco)

9 days and counting

Cindi in Prosper — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:34:55 EDT

THIS IS IT. We are 9 days out from the day we have been waiting for. #1 every single dayPush early vote. Every time you talk to someone on the phone, send an e-mail, have a conversation. Send an e-mail to everyone you know reminding them, and tell them to pass it on, and on and on and on.LocallyIf you have free time, be a greeter or a poll watcher. The early vote locations need help in both areas at all locations. Help with these important functions and volunteer. Training is still be provided for both; e-mail gotv@tdwcc.org for information on training. They also still need help for the 4th. No experience necessary, just a willing and enthusiastic spiritNationallyCall swing states. This is vitally important and the Obama campaign needs our help. You can easily learn how to call voters on MYBO; the neighbor to neighbor tool is easy to use and has detailed instructions and is crucial in this last week. Some states do ALL their voting on the 4th; there is still time to make a vital impact in this campaign.http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/makecallsThe change we have been waiting for is right around the corner; it's up to us to continue this last week and follow through to the end. Isn't change worth it?

Yard signs

Cindi in Prosper — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:31:34 EDT

I have yard signs and would love to hand them out; please come participate in the mega canvas this Saturday and help get out the vote, and get visibilty for your yard at the same time!

LOCATION: Wal-Mart US 380 (University Dr) & Custer Road in McKinney (meet us on the South Side of the Wal-Mart parking lot near the L strip mall)

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/canvass/gsh97f

LAST CANVAS - All hands on deck!

Cindi in Prosper — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:20:42 EDT

This is the last major canvas effort in Collin and we need all hands on deck. The more people that come out, the more doors we can hit. There are still people out there that are uninformed about the early vote time and locations; we have this Saturday to push all that info out and get them to the polls for the last week of early vote.

Please join us in what will prove to be a great final canvas effort for Senator Obama and the down ballot candidates; it is such a small effort with such a huge payoff! It's our time!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsh97f

TCBD-SOULS TO THE POLLS SUNDAY

Teresa from Allen, TX — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:08:48 EDT

OBAMA SUPPORTERS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR AREA PLACES OF WORSHIP TO ADVISE THEM OF

EARLY VOTING "SOULS TO THE POLLS SUNDAY" ON OCTOBER 26, 2008 FROM 1:00-6:00PM.

THIS WILL ALLOW CHURCH FAMILES TO PROVIDE RIDES AND ASSIST THE ELDERLY WITH EARLY VOTING.

OBAMA WORKERS PLEASE VOLUNTEER AS GREETERS AND POLL WATCHERS ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 26, 2008 TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING RUNS SMOOTHLY FOR SOULS TO THE POLLS.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEMOCRATIC GROUPS TO VOLUNTEER AS POLL WATCHERS. THERE WILL BE POLL WATCHER TRAINING CLASSES ALL WEEK SO CHECK YOUR COUNTY DEMOCRATIC WEBSITES.

WEEK OF OCTOBER 20, 2008 PRECINCT-CHAIR TO-DO LIST

Teresa from Allen, TX — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:58:12 EDT

1. VOTE EARLY!

2 SIGN UP TO BE AN ELECTION WORKER FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2008.

3 SIGN UP TO BE A GREETER OR POLL WORKER DURING EARLY VOTING.

4 COMPLETE TRAININGS FOR JUDGE, CLERK, AND POLL WORKER.

5 NOTIFY CHURCH'S OF SOULS TO THE POLLS VOTING ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2008

6 POST EARLY VOTING PLACES AND TIMES AT BEAUTY AND BARBER SHOPS!

7 POST EARLY VOTING PLACES AND TIMES AT CHURCH AND IN CHURCH BULLETINS.

8 REVIEW THE HANDBOOK FOR ELECTION JUDGES AND CLERKS.

9 PURCHASE OR RENT OR BORROW A LAPTOP COMPUTER FOR ELECTION DAY.

10 PRAY. PRAY. PRAY SOME MORE!

URGENT OBAMA TO DO LIST FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 20, 2008

Teresa from Allen, TX — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:58:54 EDT

1. GO EARLY VOTE THIS WEEK AND DON'T VOTE ALONE. TAKE A FRIEND OR TWO OR THREE!

2. KNOW YOUR VOTER RIGHTS!

3. CONTACT FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MAKE SURE THEY VOTE EARLY.

4. ENCOURAGE YOUR GROUP ASSOCIATIONS TO VOTE EARLY.

5. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHURCH TO PARTICIPATE IN SOULS TO THE POLLS BY VOTING ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 26, 2008 FROM 1:00PM-6:00PM

Important Early Voting Information for Frisco, Little Elm and The Colony

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:49:48 EDT

Here's a real head scratcher but the Early Voting Locations closest to our communities in Denton County have special hours. Please note the changes and share the news with others.

Friendship Baptist Church in The Colony is conducting Early Voting only the first week, starting October 20th. That means you'll have to vote during the week there.

Del Webb's Frisco Lakes Community Center is the site of Early Votes for us the second week starting Monday, October 27 through the 31st from 7am to 7pm.

I view this as another way to confuse voters. If you have questions, contact the Denton County Elections office directly. Also if you are interested in becoming a Poll Watcher during Early Voting and on Election Day, November 4th, please email me at janetew1961@sbcglobal.net

Let's Get Ready, Texas here we go!

YES WE CAN!

Janet

The time is now; 2 weekends left to get out the vote

Cindi in Prosper — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:29:29 EDT

Senator Obama needs us.

We have 2 weekends left to help get the vote out, and the time is now.

Not next month, but now.

We had an exceptional push for Voter Registration here in Collin County, over 23,000, yes thousand voters were registered between March and the beginning of September.

Now we need to get them to the polls.

The most effective way to reinforce this is by canvassing and talking to voters. If you aren't comfortable with that, you can be part of the first shift of dropping literature at Democratic doors. The doorknockers include pertinent information on the down ballot candidates and early vote locations and times; we are putting all the important information right in the hands of the voters.

Two weekends which will effect the next 4 years of our lives. Collin County needs all of us to step up and help.

12 hours of your time to change the next 4 years of your life.

Don't you want change?

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsh953

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsh97f

Multi-Precinct Blockwalking - 3500+ touched last Saturday!

Cindi in Prosper — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:02:11 EDT

Over 3500 Democrats were touched last Saturday by over 50 volunteers that came out to help GOTV and get Senator Obama elected. We have 3 more weekends to help continue to turn Collin County blue. More than ever, this blockwalking is going to make or break us, and it's up to all of us to contribute in any way we can.Join in this mega-blockwalking event with local candidates, Obama Collin County, the DPCC and TDWCC. Come out to the staging area at the Northwest corner of 75 and McDermott; depending on the # of RSVPs, we will pick how many precincts we can cover and give you instructions upon your arrival. 6:45 - 9am - Drop & Walk - Just put doorhangers on identified "friendly" doors. 9am - 1pm - knock & talk - remind "friendly" homes to come out and vote for Obama and all of our local candidates. What to bring: - wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes - bring a bottle of water - bring a knap sack or back pack to carry materials - bring a pen to record voter information Most important, bring your winning spirit. We can do it Collin County! Further instructions will be sent to RSVPs by Friday morning. Please sign up athttp://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/canvass/gsh953

ATTENTION STRAIGHT PARTY VOTERS!

Teresa from Allen, TX — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:19:29 EDT

THIS INFORMATION IS DIRECTLY FROM THE TEXAS DEMOCRATIC WEBSITE.
http://www.txdemocrats.org/389
http://www.txdemocrats.org/389
http://www.txdemocrats.org/389
Attention Straight Party Voters!

If you wish to vote for all candidates of a particular party:

EITHER

Mark the straight party box of the party of your choice
and then cast your ballot

(This will allow the machine to mark all

candidates of your chosen party.)

Do not mark a straight party selection and mark each
individual candidate for whom you wish to vote
DOING BOTH WILL RESULT IN YOUR VOTE NOT
BEING CAST IN SOME RACES! DO NOT SELECT
“STRAIGHT PARTY” AND THEN SELECT INDIVIDUAL
CANDIDATES OF THE SAME PARTY!
Carefully read the review screen after marking your selection
and before casting your ballot.

Any Questions?

Ask an election judge for assistance

http://www.txdemocrats.org/389

COLLIN COUNTY-POLL WATCHER TRAINING

Teresa from Allen, TX — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:52:33 EDT

Poll Watcher and Greeter Training - 8 sessions to choose fromTrue or false:

Candidates and Poll Greeters can have literature and information to share as long as they are 100 feet from the polling place.
Poll Watchers and Poll Greeters need to have a Certificate of Appointment to present to the presiding judge at the polling place.
No electioneering or loitering is allowed inside the Distance Marker.

Want the answers to these and other rules governing greeters and poll watchers? Sign up for a 1 1/2 hour training session.

Even if you are working on Election Day, we need you to be a visible Democratic presence at all 17 polling locations for the 12 days of Early Voting (10/20-10/31).In the sessions we will review the rules and procedures for Poll Watchers and Greeters. Classes are open to any Democrat who can volunteer two hours or more at any polling location during Early Voting or on Election Day.

Invite family and friends to attend.
Schimelpfenig Library Program Room, 5024 Custer Rd, Plano 75023
Session 1: Sunday, October 19, 1:00-2:30 pm,
Session 2: Sunday, October 19, 3:00-4:30 pm,
Session 3: Sunday, October 19, 5:00-6:30 pm,
Session 4: Sunday, October 19, 7:00-8:30 pm,
Haggard Library Program Room, 2501 Coit Rd Plano 75075
Session 5: Wednesday, October 22, 2:30-4:00 pm,
Session 6: Wednesday, October 22, 4:30-6:00 pm,
Session 7: Wednesday, October 22, 7:00-8:30 pm,Collin College Preston Ridge Campus in Frisco, 9700 Wade Blvd, Founders Hall, Rm F148 Session 8: Saturday, October 25, 10:00 am -12:00 pm

RSVP: gotv@collindems.us or office@collindems.us or 972-578-1483
Class size minimum is 15. If not enough sign up for that session, you will be notified to re-schedule for a different time. Don't stop at the top of the ballot! Barb Walters, GOTV Coordinatorgotv@collindems.us214-477-5183 (c)DPCC Office 2504 Ave K at Park972-578-1483 (o)

TO DO LIST Week of October 12, 2008

Teresa from Allen, TX — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:21:24 EDT

1. SIGN UP TO BE AN ELECTION CLERK!

2. ATTEND ALL TRAININGS FOR ELECTION CLERK, ALTERNATE JUDGE, AND ELECTION JUDGE.

3. SIGN UP AS AN ELECTION CLERK BUT TRAIN LIKE AN ELECTION JUDGE! MORE INFORMED is always better than less informed.

4. STAY FOCUSED ON THE GOAL: STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC TICKET!

5. UNITED WE STAND TALL. Divided we will fall short.

CORNYN NORIEGA DEBATE!

Teresa from Allen, TX — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:09:16 EDT

Incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Democratic challenger Rick Noriega square off in this important debate to be aired live on television and radio across Texas, and worldwide via streaming video at this Web site.

The debate will be moderated by KERA News Director Shelley Kofler, and will feature questions from panelists Maria Renée Barillas of KUVN Univisión 23 television, Paul Burka of Texas Monthly and Gromer Jeffers, Jr. of The Dallas Morning News.

Where to Watch:

(will air live unless noted)

AmarilloKACV-TV (PBS) - Channel 2
(delayed - will air at 9 p.m.)

HoustonKUHT-TV (PBS) - Channel 8

KRIV-TV (FOX) - Channel 26
(delayed - will air at 10:30 p.m.)

AustinKLRU-TV (PBS) - Channel 18

KilleenKNCT-TV (PBS) - Channel 46
(delayed - will air at 9 p.m.)

BeaumontKBMT-TV (ABC) - Channel 12
(delayed - will air at 10:30 p.m.)

LubbockKTXT-TV (PBS) - Channel 5

College StationKAMU-TV (PBS) - Channel 15

Lufkin/NacogdochesKTRE-TV (ABC) - Channel 9
(delayed - will air at 11:05 p.m.)

Corpus Christi
KEDT-TV (PBS) - Channel 16

KDF-TV (Ind.) - Channel 47

OdessaKPBT-TV (PBS) - Channel 36

Dallas/Fort WorthKERA-TV (PBS) - Channel 13

KUVN-TV (Univisión) - Channel 23
(delayed - will air Sat, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.)

San Antonio Tyler/Longview/
Jacksonville

KLRN-TV (PBS) - Channel 9

KLTV-TV (ABC) - Channel 7
(delayed - will air at 11:05 p.m.)

El PasoKCOS-TV (PBS) - Channel 13
(will air live at 7 p.m. MT)

WacoKWBU-TV (PBS) - Channel 34

HarlingenKMBH-TV (PBS) - Channel 60

Wichita FallsKSWO-DT (ABC) - Channel 11.3
(will air live, with replay on Fri., Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.)

Central Texas
(Austin, Fredericksburg, Killeen, Temple, Waco) Time Warner Cable News 8
(will air live; replays on 10/16 at 10:30 p.m.
and 10/17 at noon; also available on News 8
On Demand - TWC Channel 1408)

Where to Listen:

(will air live unless noted)

Bryan/College StationKEOS - 89.1 FM

Dallas/Fort WorthKERA - 90.1 FM

CorsicanaKAND - 1340 AM

MarfaKRTS - 93.5 FM

VOTER PROTECTION SEMINAR

Teresa from Allen, TX — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:52:15 EDT

VOTER PROTECTION SEMINAR

Time: Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: CCCC-Preston Ridge Campus

9700 Wade Blvd

CCCC EVENT CENTER

Frisco, TX 75035

The Democratic Party of Collin County is pleased to announce the Voter Protection Seminar.

Esquire Frederick Barrow, an attorney who is experienced with the Election Protection Coalition, will conduct the seminar.

The Election Protection Coalition is the nation’s largest, non-partisan voter protection coalition. Their interest is to ensure that every voter, regardless of party or candidate preference, is able to cast a ballot that counts for the candidate of their choice.

Although the seminar is planned to assist in educating Election Workers for the upcoming election, everyone in the community is invited to attend.

Please call the DPCC Headquarters Office 972-578-1483 or e-mail office@collindems.us

DOWN TO THE WIRE-VOTER REGISTRATION

Teresa from Allen, TX — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:00:27 EDT

LAST DAY VOTER REGISTRATION

Host: Teresa Mcgowan

Time: Monday, October 6 at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: BROOKSHIRE'S SUPERMARKET

109 N Greenville

Allen, TX 75002

PLEASE FOWARD THIS INFORMATION TO ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO RESIDE IN COLLIN COUNTY AND STILL NEED TO REGISTER TO VOTE. WE CAN ALSO REGISTER DALLAS AND TARRANT COUNTY AS WELL. PLEASE COME OUT AND SUPPORT A SUPERMARKET THAT SUPPORTS ITS COMMUNITY.

YOU KNOW MY MANTRA...UNITED WE STAND TALL! DIVIDED WE FALL SHORT!

Fight or Fight

Valerie — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:48:13 EDT

I'm so damn disgusted with the American mentality that says we must FIGHT...fight fight fight like a bunch of dysfunctional aggressive cheerleaders leading a team on even if it's losing.

The Republican right has always brainwashed their constituents with the FIGHT mantra. It works. People who believe life is all about fighting will believe it.

I hate to see Obama's campaigners having to "fight" back simply because the agro McCain supporters lure everyone into a fight.

On the flip side this doesn't mean that I think we should all be pacifists and take it "like a man..." like a Republican man that is! lol

This whole fight mentality stems from America's long history of participating in Wars. We are taught that War is Good, War is Akin To God, Americans Love God therefore We Must Fight. something like that slippery-slope warcry.

What ever happened to rising above the fray?

And focusing on the real issues?

Why does every debate have to always have the word fight in it...especially when the word change is connected in there somewhere.

I'd like to see the 2 words "positive action" be used in place of the nasty old word "fight".

Let's be assertive and proactive.

Let's not be reckless reactionaries.

Let's see Barack Obama win and take this nation into a truly better state of the nation.

REPORT ON ALLEN TEXAS BLOCK WALKING

Teresa from Allen, TX — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:21:34 EDT

THANK YOU TO THE 40+ COLLIN COUNTY AREA VOLUNTEERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE ALLEN TEXAS BLOCK WALKING EVENT. EVERYONE GIVE DPCC VOLUNTEER MONICA READUS A HIGH FIVE WHEN YOU SEE HER FOR TAKING THE LEAD ON THIS EVENT. ALSO THANK YOU TO CANDIDATES GLEN MELANCON AND VICTOR MANUEL FOR THEIR BLOCK WALKING PARTICIPATION AND OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY. ALLEN TEXAS BLOCK WALKING (Canvass)Blockwalking Event in Allen - BA-Rock the Vote! Block walking for our Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama and Vice President Nominee Joe Biden. Block walking for our Congressional and County Commissioner Candidates - Glenn Melancon and Victor Manuel WE WILL HAVE FREE CANDIDATE SIGNS . COME JOIN US IN THE PARK FOR THE BIGGEST BLOCKING WALKING EVENT ALLEN HAS EVER SEEN! DPCC We will provide the maps, the walk lists, the candidate literature and the water. Allen Tx for Obama will provide the donuts and gatorade. You provide good walking shoes, sunscreen, hat and enthusiasm! We will blanket the area in pairs. Melancon/Manuel Team Captain: Monica Readus, monica@maloyandassociates.comTime:Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 AMDuration:4 hoursHost:Teresa McgowanLocation:BETHANY PARK PAVILLION (Allen, TX) 745 S Allen Heights Dr
Allen, TX 75002

COLLIN COUNTY EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

Teresa from Allen, TX — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:33:33 EDT

November 4, 2008
General and Special Elections
Early Voting Locations, Dates and Hours

Refer to the calendars and polling places below for Early Voting Locations, Dates, and Times.
To review the sample ballot or to find your election day polling location,
please refer to the Election Day Polling Locations & Sample Ballots page.

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdayOct 19

Oct 20
Early Voting
8 am – 5 pm

Oct 21
Early Voting
8 am – 5 pm

Oct 22
Early Voting
8 am – 5 pm

Oct 23
Early Voting
8 am – 5 pm

Oct 24
Early Voting
8 am – 5 pm

Oct 25
Early Voting
7 am – 7 pm

Oct 26
Early Voting
1 pm – 6 pm

Oct 27
Early Voting
7 am – 7 pm

Oct 28
Early Voting
7 am – 7 pm

Oct 29
Early Voting
7 am – 7 pm

Oct 30
Early Voting
7 am – 7 pm

Oct 31
Early Voting
7 am – 7 pm

Nov 1Nov 2Nov 3Nov 4
Election Day
7 am – 7 pm

(see election day pollinglocations)
Nov 5Nov 6Nov 7Nov 8Polling Place Address City Directions

Collin County Elections(Main Early Voting Location)

2010 Redbud Drive, Suite 102 McKinney S. of Wal-Mart

Allen Municipal Courts Facility301 Century Pkwy. Allen E. of Hwy 75/S off McDermott

Collin County Government Center210 S. McDonald StMcKinneyHwy 5 (McDonald & Davis)

Carpenter Park Recreation Center6701 Coit Road Plano Btwn Legacy and Spring Creek

CCCCD-Preston Ridge Campus 9700 Wade Blvd. Frisco Off Preston Road

CCCCD-Spring Creek Campus2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy PlanoE. of Hwy 75

Christ United Methodist Church3101 CoitPlanoSW Corner of Coit and Parker

Harrington Library1501 18th St PlanoE. of Hwy 5

Murphy City Hall206 North Murphy RdMurphyN. of FM 544

PISD Administration Center2700 W. 15th StPlanoBtwn Custer & Independence

Parr Library6200 Windhaven ParkwayPlanoOff Communication Drive

Renner Frankford Library6400 FrankfordDallasHillcrest and Frankford

Wylie Municipal Building2000 N. Hwy 78WylieN. of Downtown

* The following temporary early voting locations are only open on specified days.

Temporary Branch LocationsPolling Place Address City Directions

Celina City Hall Council Chambers, Oct 20 & Oct 21 only *302 W. WalnutCelinaSE Corner of Square

Anna City Hall Administration Building, Oct 22 & Oct 23 only *111 N. Powell Pkwy.AnnaNorth of FM 455 & Hwy 5

Farmersville City Hall, Oct 24 - Oct 26 only *205 South MainFarmersvilleSouth of Town Square

CCCCD-Central Park Campus,Oct 27 - Oct 31 only *2200 W. University DriveMcKinney W. of Hwy 75

Important Note: Eligible Collin County registered voters (with an effective date of registration on or before November 4, 2008) may vote at any of the above early voting locations.

ROBERT F KENNEDY JR

Teresa from Allen, TX — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:37:14 EDT

From: brasschecktv@aweber.com [mailto:brasschecktv@aweber.com] On Behalf Of Brasscheck TV
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 1:11 AM
To: McGowan, Teresa
Subject: Brasscheck TV: The right wing media's war against America

Teresa

The US news media has always been seriously compromised. But in the last twenty years, things have declinedto a level that's practically beyond belief.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explains how we got wherewe are - and some of the consequences: http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/326.html

A+ VOTER REGISTRARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Teresa from Allen, TX — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:16:15 EDT

US Naturalization Ceremony - Voter Registration (Voter Registration Drive)As part of Obama Dallas' community service, we will assist the League of Women Voters as they register new citizens right after their swearing in ceremony. This is truly a heart-warming experience. You must be deputy voter registrar. If you are not, please note on your RSVP and we can arrange for you to be deputized prior to the event. This is a non-partisan event (no Obama t-shirts, buttons, etc.)Time:Monday, September 15 at 9:30 AMDuration:3 hoursHost:Gillian ParrilloContact Phone:916-747-4140Location:Ruthe Jackson Community Center (Grand Prairie, TX) 3113 S. Carrier Parkway
Grand Prairie, TX 75052

OUR SMALL TEAM OF GILLIAN PARRILLO, DEBORAH HYATT, ROSARIO ESTRIDGE AND TERESA MCGOWAN REGISTERED APPROXIMATELY 100+ NEW VOTERS AT THIS EVENT! THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ALSO REGISTERED 100+ NEW VOTERS AS WELL. WE MANAGED TO ALSO PASS OUT APPROXIMATELY 50-100 WHITE CARDS.

The Orion Project

Valerie — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:55:40 EDT

Colossal Profits and More Drilling is NOT the Answer!

On August 18th, an article appeared in the New York Times titled As Oil Giants Lose Influence, Supply Drops. It described the absurd dilemma facing the major oil companies today:

“The scope of the supply problem became more clear in the latest quarter when the five biggest publicly traded oil companies, including Exxon Mobil, said their oil output had declined by a total of 614,000 barrels a day, even as they posted $44 billion in profits. It was the steepest of five consecutive quarters of declines.”

Vision – Integrity – Courage – Leadership

Dr. Steven Greer has long predicted the current crisis on the global energy front. It is not only a crisis of limited resources, skyrocketing demand and environmental pollution. It is now also a pressurized political problem, as countries desperately hoard their dwindling supplies of fossil fuels in the face of intense pressure to sell on the open market.

“This is an industry in crisis,” said Amy Myers Jaffe, the associate director of Rice University’s energy program in Houston. “It’s a crisis of leadership, a crisis of strategy and a crisis of what the future looks like for the supermajors,” a term often applied to the biggest oil companies. “They are like a deer caught in headlights. They know they have to move, but they can’t decide where to go.”

The Vision of The Orion Project is clear; deliver small, sustainable, non-polluting energy generating systems to individual homes and businesses throughout the world. Such a goal has multiple benefits:

Ends the major sources of pollution destroying our environment
Greatly reduces the cost of power and energy, thereby reducing global inflation
Creates whole new industries to produce the devices, reinvigorating a troubled economy
Frees the U.S. from dependence on foreign oil
Liberates the world from control and manipulation by an handful of powerful corporations
Provides all countries the energy they need to prosper and develop

This brings us to one of the main goals of The Orion Project, necessary to develop the robust technologies needed to change the present energy paradigm. That is, as soon as we have several technologies that we can prove to be breakthrough energy developing technologies, we at TOP will put together a research facility to bring together experts in different aspects of the technology.

For example, if we win the bid for the Stan Meyer technologies, we will bring a number of researchers who have studied and partially replicated his technologies to the TOP research facility, where they will be able to interact and study not just the patents, but the real thing with fellow researchers. We have already met with several of these scientists and many of them are ready and willing to join the TOP research lab for a period of time to immerse themselves in the technology and make it work.

It will be this in-depth immersion with fellow colleagues that will allow TOP researchers to rapidly assess and build on the shoulders of others to bring out energy producing technologies to literally change the world energy paradigm.

Dr. Greer and his team have held this vision for over 18 years. He has demonstrated the courage to bring this message forward to the public. And he has the integrity and strategic leadership to deliver such a breakthrough to the world at large.

Your contribution to The Orion Project will help make this future a reality.

Dauntless Resolution

As the New Year dawned in January of 2008, Dr. Greer and his core team met on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, nearby Kitty Hawk where the Wright Brothers made their historic flights in 1903. Out of that meeting came the vision for The Orion Project and the Breakthrough Campaign; the idea that the public at large could support the research and development of such new energy systems.

To date we have raised over $200,000 in cash donations. We have pledges for another $350,000. We have supported basic research with Pulsed Motor Generator systems. We remain actively engaged in acquiring the winning bid for Stanley Meyer’s water-fuel technological legacy. And just recently have engaged with a very promising inventor in Canada with a resonant frequency generator, creating non-polluting electric power through an ingenious solid state device.

In their day, the Wright Brothers worked tirelessly to fulfill their vision of man being free to fly, often in the face of disbelief, naysayers, and outright ridicule. For years they remained steadfast and diligent, focused on their single objective. The monument to their ultimate success is wrapped with the following inscription:

IN COMMEMORATION OF THE CONQUEST OF THE AIR
BY THE BROTHERS WILBUR AND ORVILLE WRIGHT
CONCEIVED BY GENIUS
ACHIEVED BY DAUNTLESS RESOLUTION
AND UNCONQUERABLE FAITH

We have adopted “Dauntless Resolution” as the motto of our team to muster the sustained determination to achieve these results in the face of apparently overwhelming odds. With the planet in crisis however, we MUST succeed, we ARE succeeding, and we WILL succeed in bringing these promising technologies to the world – lifting all humankind into a new era of peace and abundance on this planet.

Your donations have allowed us to make the progress we have thus far. Please continue to support us in fulfilling this vision for mankind’s breakthrough to a new and brighter age. Please Make a donation today!

URGENT TO DO LIST FOR SEPTEMBER

Teresa from Allen, TX — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:55:00 EDT

1. REGISTER TO VOTE ASAP!

2. FIND YOUR VOTING LOCATION ASAP!

3. EARLY VOTING STARTS OCTOBER 20,2008. EARLY VOTE.

4. INFORM YOU DEMOCRATIC NEIGHBORS OF VOTING DATES.

5. DONT EARLY VOTE ALONE. TAKE A FRIEND OR MAKE IT A FAMILY EVENT.

6. NOTIFIY YOUR COLLEGE AGE KIDS TO VOTE BY MAIL.

7. CONTACT YOUR CHURCH TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO HAVE A VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE.

8. DONATE TO THE OBAMA CAMPIAGN.

9. VOTE A STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC TICKET.

10. ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN AREA BLOCK WALKING EVENTS!

ALLEN TX PRECINCT 59, 80, 114 ROCK THE VOTE-BLOCK WALKING

Teresa from Allen, TX — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:03:37 EDT

PRECINCT 59, 80, 114, ALLEN TX BLOCK WALKING (Canvass)

Blockwalking Event in Allen - BA-Rock the Vote!

Block walking for Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama and Vice President Nominee Joe Biden.

Block walking for our Congressional and County Commissioner Candidates - Glenn Melancon and Victor Manuel.

DPCC will provide the maps, walk lists, candidate literature and the water.

Allen Tx for Obama will provide the donuts and Gatorade.

You provide good walking shoes, sunscreen, hat and enthusiasm!

Melancon/Manuel Team Captain: Monica Readus, monica@maloyandassociates.com

Time: Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 AM

Duration:4 hours

Host:Teresa Mcgowan

Location:BETHANY PARK PAVILLION (Allen, TX)

745 S Allen Heights Dr

Allen, TX 75002

PRECINCT #80 HOUSE CALLS FOR OBAMA!

Teresa from Allen, TX — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:08:23 EDT

HOUSE CALLS FOR OBAMA

IF YOU RESIDE IN COLLIN COUNTY, ALLEN TEXAS, PRECINCT #80 AND NEED AN OBAMA SIGN FOR YOU FRONT YARD SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AT teresa4obama@rocketmail.com AND I WILL DELIVER A SIGN TO YOUR RESIDENCE.

IF YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION OR YOU NEED TO REGISTER TO VOTE SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AT teresa4obama@rocketmail.com AND I WILL COME BY AND DO A VOTER REGISTRATION.

IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO DO VOTER REGISTRATION AT YOUR CHURCH BEFORE OR AFTER CHURCH SERVICE SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AT teresa4obama@rockemail.com.

SIGNS GIVEN OUT 21 NEW VOTERS REGISTERED 6

WHAT MAKES PEOPLE VOTE REPUBLICAN?

Valerie — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:43:11 EDT

http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/haidt08/haidt08_index.html

and some responses from The Reality Club

http://www.edge.org/discourse/vote_morality.html#harriss

McCain, Obama to Speak to AARP Life@50+ Event Attendees

Teresa from Allen, TX — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:21:34 EDT

AARP Exclusive: Obama and McCain Speak at Life@50+ Event!
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A weekly publication from AARPVisit AARP.org Read Today's News Join AARP Send To A Friend AARP Breaking NewsMcCain, Obama to Speak to AARP Life@50+ Event Attendees

Don't Miss this AARP Exclusive!
Watch LIVE on www.AARP.org

Saturday September 6
Obama: 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
McCain: 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

AARP CEO Bill Novelli will host separate, live Q&A sessions via satellite with Senators Barack Obama and John McCain at the AARP Life@50+ National Event.

Watch live at AARP.org as each senator discusses how to tackle the health care and financial security challenges facing the nation. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear their positions on the issues that matter most to you.

Can’t catch the live streaming broadcast? Watch a replay of the talks anytime at www.AARP.org

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Attacks, praise stretch truth at GOP convention

Valerie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:38:10 EDT

By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press Writer Wed Sep 3, 11:48 PM ET

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her Republican supporters held back little Wednesday as they issued dismissive attacks on Barack Obama and flattering praise on her credentials to be vice president. In some cases, the reproach and the praise stretched the truth.

Attacks, praise stretch truth at GOP convention

Some examples:

PALIN: "I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending ... and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress 'thanks but no thanks' for that Bridge to Nowhere."

THE FACTS: As mayor of Wasilla, Palin hired a lobbyist and traveled to Washington annually to support earmarks for the town totaling $27 million. In her two years as governor, Alaska has requested nearly $750 million in special federal spending, by far the largest per-capita request in the nation. While Palin notes she rejected plans to build a $398 million bridge from Ketchikan to an island with 50 residents and an airport, that opposition came only after the plan was ridiculed nationally as a "bridge to nowhere."

PALIN: "There is much to like and admire about our opponent. But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform — not even in the state senate."

THE FACTS: Compared to McCain and his two decades in the Senate, Obama does have a more meager record. But he has worked with Republicans to pass legislation that expanded efforts to intercept illegal shipments of weapons of mass destruction and to help destroy conventional weapons stockpiles. The legislation became law last year. To demean that accomplishment would be to also demean the work of Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, a respected foreign policy voice in the Senate. In Illinois, he was the leader on two big, contentious measures in Illinois: studying racial profiling by police and requiring recordings of interrogations in potential death penalty cases. He also successfully co-sponsored major ethics reform legislation.

PALIN: "The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes, raise payroll taxes, raise investment income taxes, raise the death tax, raise business taxes, and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars."

THE FACTS: The Tax Policy Center, a think tank run jointly by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, concluded that Obama's plan would increase after-tax income for middle-income taxpayers by about 5 percent by 2012, or nearly $2,200 annually. McCain's plan, which cuts taxes across all income levels, would raise after tax-income for middle-income taxpayers by 3 percent, the center concluded.

Obama would provide $80 billion in tax breaks, mainly for poor workers and the elderly, including tripling the Earned Income Tax Credit for minimum-wage workers and higher credits for larger families.

He also would raise income taxes, capital gains and dividend taxes on the wealthiest. He would raise payroll taxes on taxpayers with incomes above $250,000, and he would raise corporate taxes. Small businesses that make more than $250,000 a year would see taxes rise.

MCCAIN: "She's been governor of our largest state, in charge of 20 percent of America's energy supply ... She's responsible for 20 percent of the nation's energy supply. I'm entertained by the comparison and I hope we can keep making that comparison that running a political campaign is somehow comparable to being the executive of the largest state in America," he said in an interview with ABC News' Charles Gibson.

THE FACTS: McCain's phrasing exaggerates both claims. Palin is governor of a state that ranks second nationally in crude oil production, but she's no more "responsible" for that resource than President Bush was when he was governor of Texas, another oil-producing state. In fact, her primary power is the ability to tax oil, which she did in concert with the Alaska Legislature. And where Alaska is the largest state in America, McCain could as easily have called it the 47th largest state — by population.

MCCAIN: "She's the commander of the Alaska National Guard. ... She has been in charge, and she has had national security as one of her primary responsibilities," he said on ABC.

THE FACTS: While governors are in charge of their state guard units, that authority ends whenever those units are called to actual military service. When guard units are deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, for example, they assume those duties under "federal status," which means they report to the Defense Department, not their governors. Alaska's national guard units have a total of about 4,200 personnel, among the smallest of state guard organizations.

FORMER ARKANSAS GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE: Palin "got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska than Joe Biden got running for president of the United States."

THE FACTS: A whopper. Palin got 616 votes in the 1996 mayor's election, and got 909 in her 1999 re-election race, for a total of 1,525. Biden dropped out of the race after the Iowa caucuses, but he still got 76,165 votes in 23 states and the District of Columbia where he was on the ballot during the 2008 presidential primaries.

FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOV. MITT ROMNEY: "We need change, all right — change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington — throw out the big-government liberals, and elect John McCain and Sarah Palin."

THE FACTS: A Back-to-the-Future moment. George W. Bush, a conservative Republican, has been president for nearly eight years. And until last year, Republicans controlled Congress. Only since January 2007 have Democrats have been in charge of the House and Senate.

___

Associated Press Writer Jim Drinkard in Washington contributed to this report.

Sam Harris Gets It Right

Valerie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:15:00 EDT

Sam Harris: Sexist Pig and Liberal Shill

I've received more than the usual amount of criticism for my recent opinion piece on Sarah Palin, most of it alleging sexism and/or an unseemly infatuation with Barack Obama. For those who care, I'd like to briefly respond:

My alleged sexism: It is true that I used some hackneyed, gender-slanted language in the piece ("get sassy," "girl-next-door," etc.). This was deliberate. Clearly, I played this game at my peril. I can say that if Sarah Palin were a man of similar qualifications, I would have used equally slanted language to describe him. I might have called Mr. Palin a "frat-boy" or a "lumberjack." I would have invoked some silly macho phrasing like,"Watch Cousin Jim flip Putin the bird." My concern is not that Mrs. Palin is a woman. My concern is that she is a totally unqualified and poorly educated woman who was added to the Republican ticket as a token woman (and Creationist wacko). For what it's worth, the article was vetted by the two women closest to me (wife and mother) and by two female editors at the LA Times. If anything, the editing at the Times made the piece even more "sexist."

My alleged Obamamania: Many McCain supporters have written to say that (1) Obama is also unqualified (or even less qualified than Palin) and (2) I have shown myself to be a hypocrite by not objecting to Obama's religiosity. Briefly: My criticism of Palin should not be construed as uncritical acceptance of Obama. Needless to say, I find Obama's religious pandering repulsive. The suspicion that he is pandering, out of obvious necessity, and not quite as religious as he makes out, is somewhat comforting, however. But even if Obama were precisely as religious as he appears, he is not a Creationist, Rapture-Ready blockhead. Palin, by all appearances, seems to be one. This is a difference worth noting. Whatever you may think of his politics, Obama is very intelligent and reasonably well educated. Palin thinks the universe is 6000 years old. Unfortunately, I wrote my article before some of the most disturbing signs of her religious extremism came to light.

So, let me simply declare that I would be overjoyed to have a qualified woman in the White House. I would, likewise, be overjoyed to have a qualified African American in the White House. In fact, I would be overjoyed to have a qualified WASP man in the White House. I will be guardedly optimistic to have a very smart (and somewhat qualified) Barack Obama in the White House. And I would be frankly terrified to have a religious bumpkin like Sarah Palin in the White House. I think you should share this last conviction. Hence my latest opinion piece.

Best,
Sam

email: author@samharris.org web: http://www.samharris.org/

Media Hypocrites Flip-Flopping Once Again

Valerie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:09:37 EDT

Comedian Jon Stewart puts together a witty and funny segment regarding the spin on Palin

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184086&title=sarah-palin-gender-card

KUDOS AGAIN TO DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF COLLIN COUNTY

Teresa from Allen, TX — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:39:19 EDT

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF COLLIN COUNTY KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK YET AGAIN. IF YOU MISSED THE DPCC WATCH PARTY LAST NIGHT YOU MISSED A LOT. THE DPCC AND TDWCC PASSED OUT

BARACK OBAMA SIGNS

RICK NORIEGA SIGNS

TOM DALEY SIGNS

VICTOR MANUEL SIGNS

GLEN MELANCON SIGNS

POWER SIGNS

DEMOCRATIC PARTY SIGNS

THE DEMOCRATIC GROUPS IN COLLIN COUNTY ARE UNITED, FOCUSED, DETERMINED, AND WORKING TO TURN COLLIN COUNTY BLUE. VOLUNTEER. VOLUNTEER. DONATE.

REMEMBER, VOTE A STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC TICKET SO WE CAN HAVE REAL CHANGE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. TTB...TURN TEXAS BLUE!

Tuesday, August 26 2008: Renewing America's Promise

Teresa from Allen, TX — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:01:47 EDT

Tuesday, August 26 2008: Renewing America's Promise

Hour #1 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (LOCAL)
Call to Order
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia

Invocation
Reverend Cynthia Hale
Disciples of Christ - Decatur, Georgia

Presentation of Colors
The American GI Forum
Mile High Chapter, Colorado
Congressionally chartered Mexican-American veterans & civil rights organization

Pledge of Allegiance
Koby Langley
From Fort Mead, Maryland, he received the Bronze Star for leadership in the US Army
Credited with design & implementation of 1st Foreign Torts Claims Policy Act - Iraq

National Anthem
Rocky Mountain Children's Choir
A multicultural, multiracial choir committed to forming community around music

Remarks/Video
The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton
Non-voting Member of the US House of Representatives, District of Columbia

Remarks
Ted Sorenson
Special Counsel, advisor and speechwriter to President John F. Kennedy
Researched and drafted Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage"

The Honorable Mike Honda
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Dr. David Gipp
Member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
President - United Tribes Technical College

The Honorable Linda Sanchez
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Chet Culver
Governor of Iowa

The Honorable David Patterson
Governor of New York

The Honorable Patrick Leahy
US Senator, Vermont

Hour # 2 4:08 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Chris Van Hollen
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland

Remarks
Cecile Richards
President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Daughter of the former Governor of Texas, The Honorable Ann Richards

Congressional Black Caucus
The Honorable Carolyn Kilpatrick
Member of the US House of Representatives, Michigan
The Honorable Charles Rangel
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable John Conyers
Member of the US House of Representatives, Michigan
The Honorable Bennie Thompson
Member of the US House of Representatives, Mississippi

Moment of Silence

Video – “In Memoriam”

Remarks
The Honorable Dennis Kucinich
Member of the US House of Representatives, Ohio

The Honorable John Chiang
State Comptroller, California

The Honorable Jim Doyle
Governor of Wisconsin

The Honorable Ted Strickland
Governor of Ohio

DGA - Remarks
The Honorable Joe Manchin
Governor of West Virginia

Hour # 3 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)
US Senate Women
The Honorable Barbara Mikulski
US Senator, Maryland
The Honorable Barbara Boxer
US Senator, California
The Honorable Mary Landrieu
US Senator, Louisiana
The Honorable Blanche Lambert Lincoln
US Senator, Arizona
The Honorable Debbie Stabenow
US Senator, Michigan
The Honorable Maria Cantwell
US Senator, Washington State
The Honorable Claire McCaskill
US Senator, Missouri
The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
US Senator, Minnesota

Remarks
The Honorable Ed Rendell
Governor of Pennsylvania

The Honorable Tammy Baldwin
Member of the US House of Representatives, Wisconsin

The Honorable Xavier Becerra
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

John Sweeney
President of the AFL-CIO

Robin Golden
Autoworker from Michigan scheduled to lose his job

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

Remarks
The Honorable Rahm Emanuel
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

Live Performance
Alejandro Escovedo
Vocals & guitar

Hour # 4 6:01 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Steny Hoyer
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland
Democratic Majority Leader

Katherine Marcano
Cedar Rapids, Iowa flood victim

Anna Berger
Officer with SEIU & 1st Chair of America's newest labor federation, "Change to Win"

Pauline Beck
Homecare worker & member of SEIU from Oakland, California

The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Governor of Arizona

America’s Town Hall - Economy
Moderator: The Honorable Jennifer Granholm – Governor of Michigan
Panelists: Aimee Christensen, Jim Rogers, Jim Bauer, Jerome Ringo

Remarks
Jim Whitaker
Republican Mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska

Pamela Cash-Roper
Unemployed nurse and lifelong Republican from North Carolina

The Honorable Nydia Velazquez
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York

Hour # 5 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas

The Honorable Frederico Peña
Former Secretary of Energy and former Mayor of Denver, Colorado

Nancy Floyd
Founder of Nth Power – an energy technology investment firm in Portland, Oregon

The Honorable Robert Casey, Jr.
US Senator, Pennsylvania

Lily Ledbetter
Her actions against Goodyear Tire led to the passage of the Fair Pay Restoration Act

Keynote Speech
The Honorable Mark Warner
Governor of Virginia

Remarks
Ret. Rear Admiral John Hutson
President, Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire
Lifelong Republican

The Honorable Deval Patrick
Governor of Massachusetts

Hour # 6 8:02 PM – 9:04 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
Gloria Craven
Laid-off North Carolina textile worker with huge medical bills

The Honorable Brian Schweitzer
Governor of Montana

Hillary Clinton Segment - Video/Remarks
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
US Senator, New York

Benediction
Revs. Jin Ho Kang, Yoougsook Kang
Methodists - Aurora, Colorado

Recess
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia

Back in the loop

Pam Webb - Denton Precinct 0223 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:21:21 EDT

I've been out of the loop recently due to health care concerns personally and in my family. I guess you can say I'm learning more and more about the health care crises we face. My most recent situation was dealing with carpal tunnel surgury on my right hand. I'm about to get full used of the had back, but the endurance has a while to go.

I was delighted to learn that Joe Biden has welcomed the VP nomination. I realize a lot of folks had hoped it would be Hillary, but I thing there are some bigger opportunities coming up for her that such a nomination would prevent her from taking.

The sling shots are really starting to be thrown now that the olympics are over. I hope Barack can retain his unity plea while dealing in a straight forward, courage way of saying "enough already! These lies and accusations have got to stop. we need to spend out time on real issues of the day not the nightmares of those who can't anyone but themselves. I believe Joe can model this kind of behaviour for Barack, or simply be the designated scapegoat who knows what he's doing and clearly meet those accusers face to face.

I'm realizing we've only got a few weeks to go before a life changing decision will be made by the public. And I'm eager to get back in the loop during this convention and do my part as I'm able.

So sorry my surgury came up so fast and had me cancel my volunteer service in Denver. I look forward to watching, calling, talking, etc to get the Obama/Biden message across. Best wishes to all of you who gather there. I look forward to you reports back home.

KUDOS TO DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF COLLIN COUNTY

Teresa from Allen, TX — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:10:37 EDT

IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A DPCC MEETING LATELY YOU ARE REALLY MISSING OUT. LAST NIGHT THE DPCC EXECUTIVE COMMITTE MET AT COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THE MEETING WAS ORGANIZED, FOCUSED, GOAL ORIENTED. THIS WAS THE BEST DPCC MEETING YET. DPCC HAS FILLED OVER 85% OF THEIR PRECINCT CHAIRS WITH A DIVERSE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS AND MORE PRECINCT CHAIRS POSITIONS WERE FILLED LAST NIGHT. THERE WAS ALSO RECORD TURN OUT FOR THE ANN RICHARDS FUND RAISER DINNER.

WHO SAYS THERE ARE NO DEMOCRATS IN COLLIN COUNTY.

WE ARE HERE.

WE ARE ORGANIZING.

WE ARE FOCUSED.

YOU KNOW MY MANTRA....UNITED WE STAND TALL. DIVIDED WE FALL SHORT.

COLLIN COUNTY NATURALIZATION CEREMONY

Teresa from Allen, TX — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:53:14 EDT

The Collin County Naturalization Ceremony at the Plano Center included 500 people at the morning ceremony and 500 people at the afternoon ceremony. Our small Non-Partisan group managed to register 200-250 people with only 7 people:

Winston&Rosario Estridge,along with their daughter;

Uvolin Graham;

Deborah Hyatt;

Ken Johnson (Belinda's husband)

Teresa McGowan.

We registered people from Dallas and Collin County. We also managed to pass out approximately 100+ white registration cards as well. We did not have to chase anyone to register to vote. They actually chased us:)

The League of Woman Voters was also at the event and registered voters as well.

All in all I think we had a good day:)

You know my mantra:) UNITED WE STAND TALL. DIVIDED WE FALL short.

KUDOS-BELINDA WOOLFOLK-JOHNSON

Teresa from Allen, TX — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:28:51 EDT

Everyone,

Belinda Woolfolk-Johnson and volunteers knocked it out of the park this past weekend. Belinda and her volunteers were able to register 120+ new voters this past weekend at Walmart

. CONGRATULATIONS BALINDA WOLFOK-JOHNSON AND CREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF OBAMA UNITY AND PARTY STRENGTH.

Host:Belinda Woolfolk-Johnson

Location:WalMart - Spring Creek

Hwy. 75 (Plano, TX) 6001 N. Central Expy
Plano, TX 75074

EXCELLENT EVENT-ANN RICHARDS DINNER

Teresa from Allen, TX — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:11:27 EDT

ANN RICHARDS DINNER
Time: Saturday, August 16 at 7:00 PM - 2 hours
Location: HERITAGE RANCH COUNTRY CLUB
Country Club Dr ( @ Old Stacy Rd)
FAIRVIEW, TX 75069

If you missed the Annual Ann Richards Dinner last night in Collin County you missed history in the making. There was well over 200+ Democratic Supporters in attendance.

The following Texas Candidates were also in attendance:

RICK NORIEGA-US SENATE

MARK THOMPSON-RAILROAD COMMISSIONER

TOM DALEY-US CONGRESS DISTRICT 3

GLEN MELANCON-US CONGRESS DISTRICT 4

DON CHAE-JUSTICE 5TH COURT OF APPEALS

VICTOR MANUEL-COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 3

JEAN POWER-COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 4

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR TEXAS DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES BY VOTING A STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC TICKET IN NOVEMBER 2008.

REMEMBER, UNITED WE STAND TALL! DIVIDED WE FALL short.

YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE

Teresa from Allen, TX — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:48:52 EDT

To make sure you get to vote and your vote counts, you can prepare yourself possible intimidation tactics. Voter intimidation and suppression have been around for a long time. We've seen an increase in these tactics over the past six years. When a qualified voter is prevented from voting, democracy is the real loser. Here are things to watch out for, and ways you can protect your vote if someone tries to intimidate you to stop you from voting.

Examples

You might see flyers, notices, signs or door hangers whose information conflicts with what you read on Protect My Vote. You could be told that the date to vote is different from the actual election date of November 7th. You may hear reasonable sounding information on TV or in radio ads that could be in error. If in doubt about information being correct, contact one of the hotlines listed on this website. Or call your local political party office.

If someone comes to your home and offers to collect your absentee ballot to deliver to the Elections office, do not give them your ballot under any circumstances. If you are visited by individuals that question whether you are legitimately registered to vote, or that hassle you in any way, call a hotline number and explain what happened. Also contact your local political party office with your story.

If you should receive any intimidating phone calls where someone is trying to scare you or keep you from voting, hang up immediately and call the police if you feel comfortable doing so, or call a voter hotline, and then your political party office to report the call.

If someone tells you that if you have outstanding parking tickets, or court related matters, you could be arrested when going to vote - contact a hotline number and your political party office as soon as possible.

If you are in line at the polls and it is closing time, you still can vote. So don't let anyone dismiss you before you exercise your right. Call toll free for help in English and En Espanol: 1-(866) our-vote / 1-(866) 687-8683.

When you receive your sample or absentee ballot in the mail, please look it over carefully and make sure that your name, address, and your chosen party is printed accurately. If anything is in error, please contact your local party office as soon as possible to receive advice.

If you are at home when a registered letter arrives, do you sign it or not? If you don't it is possible that the “undeliverable” letter will serve as proof that you don't really live at that address and therefore are not a legitimate registered voter - if the intent is to keep you from voting. By signing the letter your chances of being “challenged” at the polls are far less.

Tip: Take a cell phone, camera and / or video camera with you when you go to your polling place. Call to report problems and video the interaction between you and anyone who tries to “challenge” your right to vote.

The Change is Coming

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:42:46 EDT

Here we are, just days away from making history in the United States. To the delegates attending the convention in Denver, savor every moment of the experience. For those of us not there we will be thinking ahead and getting our organizational efforts ready for the big push. Denver is great, I went to high school in the foothills of the city. The elevation change will tax you a bit and please drink plenty of water, believe me it will help. We'll be there with you in spirit watching on a big screen television and know that what once seemed impossible is happening. Celebrate! This is a reminder of all things are possible if we believe. I know God is guiding all of us and pray safe travel for those on the road to Denver. God Bless.

Janet

We Are One - Democratic Anthem

Amy — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 01:35:54 EDT

Sing along with this new Democratic anthem that I wrote and Michael Brown at Lightning Bear Productions in Denton, TX turned into a great video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dJQt-MWRns

Here are the Lyrics and Chords so that you can sing along:

We Are One by Amy Manuel - copyright 7/11/2008
Chorus:
       D              Bm7
We are Democrats. We are one.
Cmaj7             G
We are united under the sun.
       D                               Bm7
Call us progressives. You know that we are.
Cmaj7             G
We are united under the stars.

Verse:

        D              Bm7         Cmaj7              G
Like the petals of the wildflowers spreading cross the hills
          Gm7           A                Bm7
Like the needles of the pine trees in the Big East Texas Thicket
      A               Asus             Cmaj7
Like feathers of the mockingbird, unique we fly together
         G            Bm7        G                  Bm7
From the many, we are one in the bright North Texas Sun
          G              Cmaj7        A
From the many, from the many, we are one

Chorus:
       D              Bm7
We are Democrats. We are one.
Cmaj7             G
We are united under the sun.
       D                               Bm7
Call us progressives. You know that we are.
Cmaj7             G
We are united under the stars.
          G            Bm7        G                  Bm7
From the many, we are one in the bright North Texas Sun
          G              Cmaj7        A
From the many, from the many, we are one
        D              Bm7
We are Democrats. We are one.
Cmaj7             G
We are united under the sun.
       D                               Bm7
Call us progressives. You know that we are.
Cmaj7             G
We are united under the stars.
       D              Bm7
We are Democrats. We are one.
Cmaj7             G                   D
We are united under the sun. We are one.

All Frisco Precincts (Meeting)

Anita — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:31:03 EDT

Frisco Precincts: It's time to get Fired Up! Please join us for a Meet and Greet event. This will be a great opportunity to meet individuals from your own precinct, your Precinct Chair and local candidates. We will be meeting in the McCallum Meeting Room. Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, August 9 at 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Frisco Public Library, McCallum Room (Frisco, TX)

6101 Frisco Square Blvd
Frisco, TX 75035

Tom Daley and Victor Manuel will be there.

You've been invited to attend All Frisco Precincts. Go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44tfv#rsvp to RSVP.

OBAMA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Teresa from Allen, TX — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:19:41 EDT

-----Original Message-----
From: My.BarackObama.com [mailto:info@barackobama.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 6:03 PM
To: McGowan, Teresa
Subject: Event Confirmation: OBAMA VOLUNTARY PUBLIC SERVICE

OBAMA-VOLUNTARY PUBLIC SERVICE

DA N U BARBER SHOP

Time: Saturday, August 16 at 12:00 PM - All Day Event Location:

DA NU U Barber Shop aka The New You!

13999 Goldmark Dr. Keystone Ct II Suite 310

Richardson, TX 75240

You can view this event at any time by going to: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44f2k

The owner of a barbershop here in my building stopped by this afternoonand asked if I could help him out. Every year he hosts a "back-to-school" event at his barbershop for the kids and families that frequent his business. This year the event is scheduled for Saturday August 16, 2008and is expected to be the biggest and most well attended yet. Complimentary food and soft drink, fun and festivities What this business owner is hoping to do is have a presence from theObama campaign at the event...signage, fundraising, voterRegistration, the works. The event will take place at the barbershop (parking lot and grassyareas) located in the Richardson / Dallas area near US75 (CentralExpressway) & Spring Valley. What I'm in need of is contact information for some folks that can behelpful in arranging the desired presence and participation at thisevent. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Jerome Moore

OBAMA SUPPORTERS,WE NEED VOLUNTEER DEPUTY VOTER REGISTRARS TO WORK A BOOTH AT THIS EVENT. SHOOT ME AN EMAIL IF YOU ARE INTERESTED AT OR SIGN UP AT http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44f2k

Teresa4obama@rocketmail.com or teresa.mcgowan@experian.com

VICTOR MANUEL FOR COLLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Teresa from Allen, TX — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:13:14 EDT

On The Radio And In The Flesh!
First area forum for the Commissioner race, Social Hour with VictorOn the Radio and in the flesh!

This weekend you can hear the first forum of the season - Joe Jaynes and myself discuss the pros and cons of the issues with Trey Graham on his radio show. It will broadcast at noon on Saturday, July 26 and 8pm on Sunday, July 27. Listen on 90.5 FM or at http://treygraham.com.

You can meet your candidates in person at a picnic to benefit Tom Daley this Sunday in Bob Woodruff Park. Tom and I will be there from 3pm until sunset. Brink a picnic basket and enjoy the day! 2601 San Gabriel Drive, Plano TX.

Take a break from the campaign trail with me at Prince Bistro in Plano next Friday! We will take over the Prince Bistro at Hwy 75 and Spring Creek Pkwy from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, August 1st. Enjoy happy hour and a chance to relax with Victor and his staff! 1201 East Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano TX.

Ever Onward,Victor Manuel,Candidate for County Commissioner, Pct 3votevictor@gmail.com www.victor4collincounty.com

Holding Congress Accountable

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:13:08 EDT

It's been awhile everybody, but I thought I would touch base to say hello, Go Obama and talk about something that can be easily missed during this Presidential Election season. I just recently became eligible for Medicare under disability at the age of 47 because of injuries and subsequent conditions from a car wreck in 2005. Congress recently overrode a Presidential veto of a Medicare/Medicaid improvement bill. What I want everybody to hear from me not as a lecture but as a point of reference is that there are members of both parties trying to thwart improvements in this all important legislation. My GOP senator reluctantly supported the override not because she is against improving the system, but rather because members of the Democratic controlled U.S. Senate would not allow amendments to be added or even considered that would have improved our access to doctors that take Medicare and improve the timeliness by which doctors are reimbursed for taking care of us. This is crucial. I had a doctor I wanted to see that would not even consider seeing me until the legislation is resolved. This is wrong. The system needs not been seen as a Democratic or Republican initiative but rather as long term legislation to fix a broken system that reduces every year the number of doctors who will treat Medicare patients or even consider treating me under my supplemental plan because of the wheels of government moving so slow to reimburse them. They want to treat us, help us, but are frustrated as am I. Make this an issue, ask candidates where they stand on the long term improvements needed to fix the system and ask them that as Senator Obama leads us all as Americans not as partisans if they are willing to take his lead and do the right thing when they go to Washington. Don't let them worm out on their answers.

Hold them accountables, it is time for change and if your rep or senator isn't ready to stand with you, vote for somebody who will.

Safe travels for those going to Denver. I barely survived the Texas Democratic Party Convention and am ready to read the blogs of those going and enjoy my big screen television for once, LOL.

Rock on and God Bless.

Janet

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE 2008 ELECTION

Teresa from Allen, TX — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:25:41 EDT

2008 ELECTION PREPERATION CHECKLIST:

1. SIGN UP ON THE OBAMA WEBSITE. CHECK

2. DONATE AT LEAST $10.00+ EACH PAY PERIOD TO THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN UNTIL ELECTION DAY. CHECK

3. BECOME A DPCC PRECINCT CHAIR OR CO-CHAIR. CHECK

3. GET A DPCC SUSTAINING LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP. CHECK

4. ATTEND THE PRECINCT CHAIR MEETINGS AND TRAININGS AT DPCC. CHECK

5. REVIEW AND PRINT THE DEPUTY VOTER REGISTER INFORMATION. CHECK

6. MAKE A DEPUTY VOTER REGISTRAR INFORMATION FOLDER. CHECK

7. REGISTER TO BE A VOLUNTEER DEPUTY VOTER REGISTRAR AT THE COUNTY OFFICE OR AT

ONE OF THE MANY TRAININGS CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED. CHECK

8. SIGN UP TO BE A DEPUTY VOTER REGISTRAR IN MORE THAN ONE COUNTY. PENDING

9. SIGN UP AND ATTEND A TRAINING TO BE AN ELECTION JUDGE OR CLERK. PENDING

10. VOLUNTEER AT A VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE AT LEAST 2X PER MONTH. CHECK

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT TOP 10!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need people to RUN the Elections!

ChezJay — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:48:06 EDT

Remember all the "fun" you had in the Democratic Primary? Standing in line for hours, being sent to a different line, for another hour, while very harried election workers were conferring with people about whether they were registered, whether they could vote there, or whether they could vote at all? There were a lot of reasons for the mess that was the Democratic Primary in Texas, but one of the major ones is NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE VOLUNTEERING TO WORK THE ELECTIONS!

Perhaps you didn't know this, but the people who work at the elections are mostly retired people, who volunteer their time to learn the legal process of certifying voters and how to work the voting machines. Usually, there are so few people volunteering to do this, that many times a polling place has to host more than one precinct - sometimes as many as four! This is causing a crisis in running the elections - sure, a lot of people are working for certain campaigns, people are working for the parties, but there is a desparate need for people to work the elections themselves.

The work itself is not difficult - matching certificates to names in the rolls, asking someone if they're still at their address, writing their name in another list, coding a ballot to use in a voting machine, and ensuring that the voter knows what they're doing in the voting booth - all of this is set down in law, and can be taught in 1-1/2 hours. Yet without the people who have these skills, we run the risk of disenfranchising voters this coming November.

If you want to learn how to do all this, an opportunity is coming up for registered voters in Frisco this weekend - the current run-off election for Frisco City Council Place 5, to be held Saturday, June 14. If you want to learn how to run the election (or just to get the handbook), the classes will be held in McKinney this Thursday:

University Drive Courts Facility
Central Jury Room
1800 North Graves Street
McKinney, TX 75069
2:00 PM June 12, 2008

and look for Santa in the Frisco Democrat t-shirt. If you want to talk to me, call 972-658-7434, or you can call the Collin County Elections office at 972-547-1990 to determine if you qualify to be an election worker. Oh, and even though people volunteer to do it, they're paid minimum wage for the election day worked, more if you qualify as an Election Judge.

Please consider helping us run the election - our democracy depends on it!

What are we? Are we Democrats or Republicans?

Debb — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:42:42 EDT

This was the question tossed out at our dinner table earlier this week by our 5th grade daughter and echoed almost immediately by her younger brother, our 3rd grader. This simple question was fodder for an amazing family dinner conversation as to why we are DEMOCRATS. And yes, we told both of them that when they are 18 they get to decide.

I let our daughter know that as a Democrat, I am responsible for my body and that through my vote I hope that she has that right as well. That I don't want a bunch of people in Washington DC deciding which medicine I can or can't take or which medical procedure I can or can't or must have.

That we, as a nation, must take care of our brothers and sisters that work hard. That fuel and food and housing and jobs are all terribly important.

And yes, that mama will vote for OBAMA.

Be well... d

A child of the 60's coming full circle

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:01:22 EDT

To the heavens above, I praise God and say Amen that in my lifetime as a 47 year old woman who attended integrated schools in the 1960's and 70's I watched Senator Obama win the Democratic Presidential Nomination last night. His speech was beyond compare. It was historic and is he.

My children don't see color, gender or sexual orientation when they make friends, they see people who become their friends because of their character and special qualities as people. I have hope for them and pray in the coming months the members of earlier generations predating even mine can look beyond their own past of racism and bigotry to elect Senator Obama. I come from a family of well intended people, but nontheless who carried racism in their veins even though they were with one exception, my Cherokee Great Great Grandmother not truly native Americans. Their Welsh, English and German ancestors started families in American on a hope and a prayer. It is my vow to work actively within the campaign to convince my fellow Texans and Americans that a once in a life time candidate can make our lives better and bring something better for my children.

Reach out, as a cross over Republican in this campaign other Republicans are looking for the same thing and will support Senator Obama. Reach out not only to Hillary supporters but to all Americans, we can all make a difference, just like Abraham Lincoln did in 1861, one hundred years before Senator Obama and I were born.

Now onto to Austin for the Texas Democratic Party State Convention. Safe travel to all delegates and staff.

It's refreshing today to wake up and realize truly, truly All Things are Possible if you believe.

Congratulations Senator and Mrs. Obama and to all of us for working so hard for so long to bring a vision to life.

Go Obama.

Janet Webb

Lift Up Your Voice and Vote

Amy — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:26:48 EDT

Please enjoy our Denton City Councilwoman Charlye Heggins singing Lift Up Your Voice and Vote.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHr3SdALrAs

Lift Up Your Voice and Vote Charlye Heggins sings an inspiring song to the tune of Lift Every Voice and Sing that encourages all to vote.

So close and Yes We Can

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:22:32 EDT

This is a special thanks to the voters in Kentucky and Oregon who voted for Senator Obama Tuesday night, who stepped up and voted for change and for a man who believes a new day can dawn in America for all of us. To the volunteers in all 50 states and territories, your work is tireless, yet so rewarding. I am awakened with email from people doing extraordinary things to make this campaign succeed. As we go to our state conventions we go with pride in the work we've done and with the spirit of Jefferson and Lincoln in our midst, Presidents who made our country better not for personal benefit but because it was the right thing to do. I hope Hillary regains her reality and knows great Americans put their own interests aside for the betterment of the nation and the world. She can do great work in the Senate and help Senator Obama in the fall. She needs to bridge the generational gap that separates many of her supporters from real change. I hope she will do so in the days ahead, letting us get ready for November and to take a moment to embrace the wonder of what this year has brought to all of us.

Yours in Texas.

Janet Webb

At Large Alternate

DEPUTY VOTER REGISTRAR

Teresa from Allen, TX — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:40:04 EDT

Everyone,

Here is the State of Texas information website if you would like to become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar:

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/pamphlets/deputy.shtml

1. Print the Deputy Registrar Guide.

2. Carefully read the information and high-light important information.

3. Place this information in a binder.

4. Contact the County Registrar and make an appointment to complete a Deputy Voter Registrar application.

The process takes about 30 minutes. You will complete the application and the County Clerk will review the Deputy Registrar requirements with you and have you sign an oath.

IF ENOUGH PEOPLE REQUEST A TRAINING THEN I WILL DO A TRAINING THIS WEEK.

Texas Volunteer Deputy Registrar Guide

Office of the Secretary of State
www.sos.state.tx.us
Elections Division
1.800.252.VOTE (8683)

Dear Volunteer Deputy Registrar:

Acceptance of the duties of volunteer deputy registrar places you in a position of trust and responsibility to the citizens you will register to vote.Please become familiar with the instructions and guidelines in this brochure and carry it with you while you perform your duties.

If, in the course of your service, a question should arise which you are unable to answer, please contact the Elections Division for assistance.Again, thank you for your service to the state of Texas. Office of the Secretary of State Elections DivisionVolunteer Deputy Registrars are entrusted with the responsibility of officially registering voters in the State of Texas. They are appointed by county voter registrars and charged with helping increase voter registration in the state.

Qualifications

A person must be at least 18 years old and never have been convicted of failing to deliver a voter application to a voter registrar.

How to Become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar

Contact the voter registrar in your county.
If you are eligible, the voter registrar will issue you a certificate of appointment and give you a receipt book.

Duties of a Volunteer Deputy Registrar A volunteer deputy voter registrar may distribute and accept a voter registration application form from any resident of the county who is:

A United States citizen;
A resident of the county;
At least 17 years and 10 months of age;
Not a convicted felon (unless the person's sentence has been completed, including probation or parole);
Not a person who has been declared mentally disabled.

A volunteer deputy voter registrar may distribute and accept applications from voters who wish to change or correct information on their voter registration certificate (such as name or address).

Checklist for a Volunteer Deputy Registrar

You should have:

A certificate of appointment;
A pen;
This brochure;
Plenty of voter registration applications; and
A receipt book.

The Texas Voting brochure provides information useful to you and applicants. It may be obtained from the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.state.tx.us or by calling 1.800.252.VOTE(8683).

Accepting Applications

You may help a person fill out an application.
Voters may correct or update information on their current voter registration certificate by filling out a new registration form and checking the "change" box.
You may help a person fill out the registration form if he/she cannot read or has a physical disability.
If an applicant cannot sign his/her name on the form, the applicant may make a mark on the signature line. Print the name of the applicant beside the mark. Sign your name and address as the witness and state the reason the applicant is unable to sign.
You may allow another registered voter (or anyone who has submitted a registration application) to fill out and sign an application for his or her spouse, parent or child. That person must sign the application as "agent" and state the relationship to the applicant on the registration form. The "agent" must have the permission of the applicant to do this.
Fill out a receipt for each applicant. Give the applicant the receipt. The duplicate receipt must be delivered to the voter registrar along with the application. You may wish to keep a copy or stub for your records.

Reviewing the Application

While the applicant is still in your presence, be sure to review the application for completeness. Be sure the application includes the following:

Full name, including any middle, maiden, or former name;
Residence address must be a street address or a description of the location of the residence;
Valid mailing address, if mail can't be delivered to the residence address;
Signature of applicant and date of signing;
Date of birth, including month, day, and year;
Citizenship question is answered either yes or no;
Be sure the applicant has read the statements that he is signing regarding qualifications to register; and
If an agent is registering for an applicant, be sure the agent provides his/her relationship to the applicant.

What you cannot do:

Determine if the applicant is actually qualified to register to vote;
Make the applicant provide his/her gender, social security or driver’s license number; or
Make the applicant provide his/her telephone number.

When is the Registration Effective?

Tell the applicant that he can vote as soon as the 30th day after submitting the application. This 30-day waiting period starts when the volunteer deputy registrar receives the application form.
If the applicant is under 18, the registration will become effective on the 30th day after the voter registrar gets the application or on the applicant's 18th birthday, whichever comes later.

How long is the Registration Effective?

Tell the applicant that the registration will be automatically renewed every even-numbered year unless:

the voter moves to another address; or
is convicted of a felony and has not completed the sentence, probation or parole.

Address Changes

The voter must update the address on the registration if the voter moves within the county.

The voter can make the change on the back of the voter registration certificate and mail it to the county voter registrar;
Submit a new application form to the voter registrar and check the box for "change"; or
Write a letter to the voter registrar explaining the change of address.

Tell voters that if they move to another county, they must re-register in the new county.

Name Changes

Voters can make the change on the back of their voter registration certificate and mail it to the county voter registrar; or
Submit a new application form to the voter registrar and check the box for "change"; or
Write a letter to the voter registrar explaining the name change.

Delivery of Applications

You must deliver completed registration applications and receipts in person to the voter registrar no later than 5 p.m. on the 5th day after the date you receive them. FAILURE TO DELIVER AN APPLICATION IN A TIMELY MANNER IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

SPECIAL NOTE: To be eligible to vote, a person must be registered 30 days before Election Day. When you receive a completed application after the 34th day and before the 29th day before the date of any election in the county, you must deliver the application to the county voter registrar no later than 5 p.m. of the 29th day before Election Day. If the 29th day falls on a Saturday or Sunday or on a legal state or national holiday, the deadline for delivering the applications is extended to 5 p.m. of the next regular business day.

Length of Appointment You may be appointed a deputy voter registrar at any time. However, your appointment as a deputy voter registrar can be terminated by the appointing authority if:

You fail to deliver a completed voter registration application to the registrar; or
If you failed to properly review a voter registration application.
All election materials issued to a deputy registrar, including the certificate of appointment, receipt books, receipts, applications and other forms in the volunteer deputy's possession, must be returned or accounted for upon termination of appointment.

For more information, Contact: The Secretary of State’s office, your County Clerk, County Elections Administrator or the Voter Registrar in your district.SECRETARY OF STATE
Elections Division
P.O. Box 12060
Austin, Texas 78711-2060
512.463.5650 or 1.800.252.VOTE (8683)
Fax 512.475.2811, TTY 7.1.1
www.sos.state.tx.us

Here is the contact information for Collin County Elections Department.

ElectionsAppointed Official
Sharon RoweCollin County Elections Department
2010 Redbud Blvd. map
Suite 102
McKinney, TX 75069

Email: election@collincountytx.gov

Phone: 972-547-1990 (McKinney) 972-424-1460 ext. 1990 (Metro) 800-687-8546 (Toll Free)Fax: 972-547-1914

Our Mission

The Office of Elections Administrator was created by the Collin County Commissioners' Court on August 18, 1980, pursuant to Section 31.031 of the Texas Election Code. The duties of the Elections Administrator are to facilitate voter registration and conduct elections.

Requested Audacity of Hope Exerpt

Jeff F — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:52:44 EDT

this was requested earlier in a comment on one of the HQ blogs - excerpt from The Audacity of Hope:

And then, for the next hour or so, I answer to the people who sent me to Washington.

Attendance varies at these meetings: We've had a few as fifty people turn out, as many as two thousand. But however many people show up, I am grateful to see them. They are a cross-section of the counties we visit: Republican and Democrat, old and young, fat and skinny, truck drivers, college professors, stay-at-home moms, veterans, school teachers, insurance agents, CPA's, secretaries, doctors, and social workers. They are generally polite and attentive, even then they disagree with me (or one another). They ask me about prescription drugs, the deficit, human rights in Myanmar, ethanol, bird flu, school funding, and the space program. Often they will surprise me: A young flaxen-haired woman in the middle of farm country will deliver a passionate plea for intervention in Dafur, or an elderly black gentleman in an inner-city neighborhood will quiz me on soil conservation.

And as I look out over the crowd, I somehow feel encouraged. In their bearing I see hard work. In the way they handle their children I see hope. My time with them is like a dip in a cool stream. I feel cleansed afterward, glad for the work I have chosen.

At the end of the meeting, people will usually come up to shake hands, take pictures, or nudge their child forward to ask for an autograph. They slip things into my hand-articles, business cards, handwritten notes, armed-service medallions, small religious objects, good-luck charms. And sometimes someone will grab my hand and tell me that they have great hopes for me, but they are worried that Washington is going to change me and I will end up just like all the rest of the people in power.

Please stay who you are, they will say to me.

Please don't disappoint us.

Robert Byrd endorsement - Audacity of Hope

Jeff F — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:26:12 EDT

Here is a brief excerpt from Senator Obama's book The Audacity of Hope regarding a meeting he had with Senator Byrd: "So few people read the Constitution to day," Senator Byrd said, pulling out a copy from his breast pocket. "I've always said, this document and the Holy Bible, they've been all the guidance I need." Before I left, he insisted that his secretary bring in a set of his Senate histories for me to have. As he slowly set the beautifully bound books on the table and searched for a pen, I told him how remarkable it was that he had found the time to write. "Oh, I have been very fortunate," he said, nodding to himself. "Much to be thankful for. There's not much I wouldn't do over." Suddenly he paused and looked squarely into my eyes. "I only have one regret, you know. The foolishness of youth... " We sat there for a moment, considering the gap of years and experience between us. "We all have regrets, Senator," I said finally. "We just ask that in the end, God's grace shines upon us." He studied my face for a moment, the nodded with the slightest of smiles and flipped open the cover of one of the books. "God's grace. Yes indeed. Let me sign these for you then, " he said, and taking one hand to steady the other, he slowly scratched his name on the gift. Thank you Senator Byrd.

For those of you that have not had a chance to read Senator Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope, I strongly recommend it.

What a Night! Let's keep rockin!

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:07:38 EDT

Thank you North Carolina and Indiana for believing in a dream long forgotten by the children of the 70s, that one man can take our beliefs and go to Washington and bring government back to the people.Yes We Can! Thanks for the people on the ground who took their faith and turned it into a movement of change.

My letter to Super Delegate Donna Brazile

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:50:13 EDT

Donna replied to the following and said to get the word out so I am. Pass it on.

Let's keep up the battle to put Americans first ahead of politics.

Janet Webb

Dear Ms. Brazile:

First let me say thank you for your wonderful analysis of the Democratic Party nominating process and the state of the contests between Senators Obama and Clinton.

I am an at large alternate delegate to the Texas Democratic Party Convention in Austin in June. I became an Obama supporter early this year after watching his grassroots campaign build momentum and organization. I don’t consider myself a latecomer since 1980 when at the age of 19 I voted in my first Presidential election. I am a cross over Republican for Senator Obama having cast GOP presidential votes since 1980. I am a moderate, but have felt abandoned by the party for some period of time. I am pro choice, not because I favor abortion, I am the parent of an adopted son, but because I favor less government interference in my life. At the same time I am not in favor of pork barrel spending or a lifetime terms in Congress.

I am 47 years old, white, married with two sons, one born by God’s grace through me biologically at the age of 42. However following a 2005 car wreck in Memphis while in route from Texas to Connecticut our car was hit at high speed by an uninsured motorist. I am now disabled and had to seek disability as I developed fibromyalgia and other conditions as a result of that wreck and one again as a passenger in November 2007. I was denied health insurance three times and would have had to pay 18-hundred dollars a month to be part of the assigned risk pool of coverage in Texas.

I tell you this to share perspective, not all white women want Hillary Clinton in office. Senator Obama is of my generation, his birthday is just over a month before mine. His health care strategy is sound and doesn’t require people with good insurance to give their coverage up in favor of a government mandated system. Mrs. Clinton talks often about promoting Children’s Insurance coverage while in the U.S Senate yet that very coverage in Texas in 2001 while I was a newly divorced mother of a ten year old left it unaffordable for me to buy.

Please feel free to share my thoughts with other Super Delegates. Senator Obama is the future of what leadership is needed in Washington. The media wants the race to go to the bitter end to help ratings. I know the inside workings of the media, I was a news reporter and news manager for nearly 25 years. This is the first time I have been able openly to participate in a campaign since my college days at the University of Oklahoma.

I welcome this opportunity and would above all like people like me to open their minds to a change that is uplifting, positive and creates one nation, where party affiliation isn’t topic number one, but a nation in which we are all Americans first regardless of social background, income, race, gender or sexual preference. With Senator Obama comes change for the better and hope, with Senator Clinton comes a win at all cost, never give in philosophy based on somehow being entitled to be President of the United States. Voters decide not back door power brokers.

Best Wishes and God Bless.

Janet Evans Webb

Obama At Large Alternate Delegate/Texas

The Language of Politics

Jeff F — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:46:42 EDT

I am just now beginning to understand some of the language of "politics" and what these "politicians" are actually saying. Let me offer up a few of my favorite phrases, with my translations of what these politicians are actually trying to say with their veiled statements

"He has not been vetted" - translation - "He has not 'paid his dues' like the good ol' boys. (girls)"

"He is an elitist"- translation - "He is an uppity ..."

"That guy CAN NOT get elected" - translation - "Can't you all see that he is BLACK?"

I can understand if this was all coming from the other side (Republicans), but ALL of these statements have come from our democratic opponent. Who needs Carl Rove.

Yes We Can - change politics and Washington

"It is not a day for politics"

Jeff F — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:53:59 EDT

If you have not heard Bobby Kennedy's "Mindless Menace of Violence" speech, it can be heard here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8vm6AsZw40&feature=related

It can also be downloaded from iTunes.

It is the speech given by RFK on April 5 - the day after the assassination - in Cleveland.

His first words "It is not a day for politics." Still appropriate in many ways. I trust the judgement of Senator Obama to be in Indiana on this day. I am looking forward to hearing his message.

Rocky Balboa

Jeff F — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:31:21 EDT

Today Senator Clinton compared herself to Rocky Balboa.

Senator Clinton, I (trained) with Rocky Balboa: I knew Rocky Balboa; Rocky Balboa was a friend of mine. Senator Clinton, you're no Rocky Balboa

(Thanks to Lloyd Bentsen)

vent. cry. rest. recoup. re-inspire. RENEW for SPRING...

jensmiles — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:23:33 EDT

So much to say after yesterday Texas County Conventions. I attended mine and will soon post a full blog comment...but this is what I sent my fellow local Texans and thought you might be in need of some RENEWED inspiration too..

Dear Texas Democrats:

We should all take 2 days. Take some well deserved rest for everyone, take a nice long shower and wash off the disappointments, lost opportunities, mistakes, and frustrations of March. Rest our weary eyes from computer reading and late nights. Rest our weary voices from phone calling, screaming to be heard, and talking with new friends. Rest our minds from holding in our frustrations and anger in the name of solidarity, from trying to wrap any logic around a complex system of democracy Texas-style, from feeding our paranoia both unfounded and confirmed.

Watch this. http://www.youtube.com/user/AkinScribe5 Have good cry. I did.And it helped me remembered WHY I bothered to show up March 4th or yesterday. Why I decided to ANSWER my call...

See you in APRIL. It is officially SPRING. Silly season CAN be over. The SPRING of DEMOCRATS United for Obama can BEGIN!

~ jensmiles

Denton County TX Precinct 216 Senate District 12.
We sent 1 high school government teacher for OBAMA to State Convention as our Delegate. Small victories. Small victories.

For the most up-to-date TX Caucus results: http://www.burntorangereport.com/

experience essay

jensmiles — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:23:59 EDT

Barack Obama has the experience to be the President of the United States because in the 21st Century experience is NOT:

endurance at clinging to your rank among the politicians and the pockets of your PACs rather endurance at successfully living your values and principals while fulfilling your duty as a representative of the American people.
fight that creates divides because of hubris and distrust rather fight to stand your ground in the face of lies and character assassinations without compromising your principles or striking back.
strength for strengths sake laced with intimidation but strength to ignore the sirens of temptation, greed, and power and remain steadfast in your humanity.
life experience at being a politician, life experience at being a leader.

Read the beginning of this essay at: ObamaBlog by jensmiles - Experience

~ jensmiles
DentonDelegates4Obama in GoogleGroups
Jennifers for Obama on barackobama.com

out of the mouths of babes

jensmiles — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:45:08 EDT

MY BLOG WILL NOW BE AT: http://jensmiles3.blogspot.com

Leave it to my son to bring me to my knees in laughter with the best thing I've heard all campaign season.

Son: Who is this Obama guy anyway?
Me: He is a man running for President.
Son: What happens if someone get there before he does?

Let it sink in....now L...A...U....G...H!

http://jensmiles3.blogspot.com/2008/03/from-mouths-of-babes.html

Keep Charging in Wyoming and Mississippi

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:25:12 EST

We are not saddened in Texas by the popular vote, because the caucuses were attended in all kinds of conditions that were horrible, yet we did our work and delivered the delegates. Wyoming and Mississippi Obama supporters the spotlight is on you. I've encouraged family members in Wyoming to caucus. Barrack the vote folks. Let's go. Fire up. Hillary can't stop a moving train of faith and hope in America's future. I'd say let her go back to Arkansas, but she doesn't live there does she, even though her husband's presidential library is there. If you are new to the Obama campaign, welcome, work hard and help him with every bit of energy you've got.

Janet Webb

Pay it Forward

Jeff F — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:28:59 EST

After the dust settled from Tuesday's primary and caucus, I know many folks, myself and family included, were wondering "what next". Well we are just as "Fired Up in Frisco" as ever, and here are some things we have done, and are planning to do:

1) Wednesday I donated $10 to each of my MYBO friends that had already set up a fundraising page. I asked them to "Pay the Energy Forward"

2) My wife and I are attending the Obama Volunteer appreciation event in Addison this evening. It should be fun.

3) I sent Jimmy Carter (an unpledged "superdelegate") an email asking him to endorse Senator Obama. I am a long time admirer of the work President Carter has done - in fact our son's name is Carter!

4) Our entire "Team Wester" group (precincts 87, 146, and 118) have been in touch and are planning a get-together

5) My family is going to continue to help call - Wyoming, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.

Just some ideas -

Yes, We Can!

Collin County Caucus Story

Jeff F — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:39:30 EST

From my perspective - Precinct captain (87) and Convention Chair (87) - I thought the process was awesome, invigorating, and exciting!

We had three different caucuses (87, 146, and 118) at our polling location, Wester Middle School in Frisco. I would guess that all told, there were over 600 people at our location. All things considered, the evening was fairly orderly, while maintaining an air or excitement. We did have to move locations, and were able to thanks to the helpfulness of the school principal and custodian. We first were scheduled to meet in the band room, but were able to move into the cafeteria, which was still crowded!

After moving to the cafeteria, we were able to, without much consternation of fussing, select the temporary convention chairs and get the packets from the election judge. Each caucus ran fairly smoothly, and people, generally, were understanding as we worked through the proceedings. We did have many volunteers (from both camps) at the site. The Obama volunteers were especially helpful since most of them had been through the training. A special tip of the hat to Rand Huguely, who really kept our site organized and energized all day/ night.

Most of the caucuses were finished by around 10:30 or so. Rand was elected convention chair of precinct 146, the largest of the three at our site. I think they had over 300 people that attended the caucus. I believe the final delegate count was 17 for Obama and 4 for Clinton. I was elected convention chair in my precinct, 87, which was the smallest of the three. We had 100 people caucus, and the final delegate count was 5 for Obama and 2 for Clinto. I do not know who was elected convention chair in precinct 118, but I believe the final count there was 8 for Obama and 6 for Clinton.

All in all it was an unbelievable day, a day, frankly, I did not think I would ever see in Collin County, TX! I was very happy and thankful that I had the chance to meet so many great people and see this process in action. I am also very grateful that my 17 year old son had the chance to witness this as well!

Thank you! Yes, We Can

The wee hours of morning on March 5th.

James from Frisco, TX — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:02:08 EST

I arrived home from a long day supporting Barack in Precinct 117 of Collin county well after midnight. Out of pure exhaustion I fell asleep after having watched the major news networks call Texas for HRC. Exhaustion kept me asleep till sometime around 4:45am this morning when I felt compelled to get up and see what the wee hours of the morning had brought as it relates to last night's primary.

This is what I found.

In Collin county 72335 people voted in the Democratic primary election. The Republicans also showed up in record numbers with 51437 people enjoying the privilege to vote. This represents roughly 32% of the registered voters in Collin County. In 2004 6493 folks voted in the Democratic primary vs. 6494 in the republican. These numbers are even more impressive when you take into account that Collin County, TX is considered one of the most republican counties in nation.

During the 13 hours I stood at our precinct location I most have heard 100 times comments expressing disbelief that this many democrats actually live in Collin County.

The great news for those of us who support Barack is that with 100% of the precincts reporting we won Collin County 55/45 and will have an even stronger showing in the caucus results.

At the level where my energies and efforts were focused the strong team working in Precinct 117 delivered a GREAT result.

A key focus for us was to get folks out early. Our efforts resulted in a landslide victory of 74% to 26% for Barack. We all saw HRC surge late in the campaigning with some negative campaigning and scare mongering - Our team reacted with a very focused , neighborhood by neighborhood, action plan designed to get us out and talking to as many likely democratic voters as we could. During the last 72 hours the team spent countless hours walking the neighborhood and making calls. Our precinct captains were out in the streets canvassing Sunday afternoon even as the thunder crashed and lighting struck. If that wasn't enough it snowed on Monday in Frisco - and this snow didn't stop my intrepid brother and sister volunteers from hitting those doors and walking those routes. When walking became impossible the team lit up the mobile phone airwaves (AT&T thanks you) making calls as late into the night as we felt comfortable doing with a typical conversation at the end of the day focused on squeezing out that last minute of productive calling time!

This effort resulted in delivering a strong victory on election day 57% to 43% - even with all those Republicans crossing to vote for HRC just to disrupt our process.

Even as we delivered on our GOTV goals we also made sure our supporters understood the importance of the caucus process and committed to be back at our polling location - I am glad to say that our efforts delivered a 73% / 23% victory from our caucus efforts, showing that when we reached voters and made personal contact with them we were able to 'connect'.

So, after a long post I come to the point of my soul searching. I believe that our team made a difference in Precinct 117. I will be combing through my rolodex (more accurately LinkedIn) to find my personal contacts that can be part of a group of volunteers in Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Mississippi that will help deliver a victory for us in those state. Please, please do the same.

To our local organizers (Alex, Erik, and Danielle) thanks for all the help and guidance - and just let me know when and where I need to show up for the work ahead!

Thanks

James Trotter

Precinct Captain - Collin County Precinct 117.

GOTV

Jeff F — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:49:24 EST

It is 10:15 am on Tuesday, March 4. I have just returned from my first shift at our precinct (87) In Collin County, TX ... and let me tell you I am FIRED UP and READY TO GO!... and a little cold, too!

Voter turnout - especially on the Democratic side has been great! I have met my fellow precinct captains, and their teams which has been uplifting. We have been able to explain the Texas Two Step to many voters - many Obama supporters so far this morning.

With only two voting stations for the Democratic primary (four for the Republicans - based on last election voting) lines have been long for folks wishing to cast their ballot for a Democrat. We are anticipating that tonight will be a zoo! But it all is very exciting.

Please, keep calling, canvassing, offering rides, talking to neighbors, and make sure we GOTV.

Well, I am heading back out - more later!

It's up to the Undecided voters again

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:26:37 EST

After attending my Election Day Training meeting, I came home, got a friend who couldn't register in time to canvass for Obama. Yea Linda! She moved to Texas from Ohio. I started making calls, and am coming across call after call from people who didn't vote early, why I don't know, but apparently can't make up their mind. If you are reading this from out of Texas, please keep calling into our state and telling undecided voters your stories. We are on the phones and streets and gearing up for Tuesday. We need the Obama nation, I'm a NASCAR fan too, so I like the idea of the way that sounds but I like Dale Jr. too. Anyway, help us call so we can pound the streets.

Thanks from all Texans for Obama.

Janet Webb

Precinct 117 Team Member and Pct. Captain

Demographics

Jeff F — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:40:53 EST

OK, hang with me on this one.

Last night our family was watching "Lost". During a commercial break, an Obama for President commercial (actually a very good one) came on. I made the comment that I thought it was interesting that they chose to air a commercial during "Lost" - that it must have something to do with the demographics they were targeting.

Carter, my 17 year old son, responded immediately "Yes, Obama's demographics - EVERYONE!"

How accurate - and wonderful!

Work hard this weekend - call - attend events - get ready to vote (if you have not done so already) and caucus on Tuesday.

My wife voted today - long lines in Collin County!

Dreamin' of Barack!

Carmen Martinez — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:31:05 EST

I have a 9-going-on-20-year-old who has caught the Barack Bug! He loves Barack Obama! He had a dream recently that he was at an Obama rally. He decided to yell out "Keep hope alive!" and Barack Obama heard him and asked him to come on stage. Barack told him, "Yes, we do need to keep hope alive" and then gave him a million-dollar college scholarship!

My son is dreaming about receiving a college scholarship from Barack Obama!

I know that's it's not difficult for a mom to influence her 9-year-old's political views--don't get me wrong--but I wonder, have I expressed my support of Barack to my family, friends and neighbors in the way I've obviously expressed it to my son? Have I told them why, for the first time in my life, I've donated to a political campaign, I've volunteered my time and made phone calls to voters in Washington state? Barack Obama has given me hope for our country and an ownership in the political process that makes it impossible for me to sit on the sidelines this time.

The clock is ticking down to March 4th. Let's not waste any opportunity to influence even 1 voter to cast their vote for Obama!

Yes, we can!

Collin County Volunteer Opportunities!

Carmen Martinez — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:09:30 EST

Another email from a Frisco Field Organizer. We are in the final days before this very critical primary election. If you are looking for an opportunity to get involved and help Barack Obama in Texas, this is it!

YES, WE CAN, COLLIN COUNTY!

Hi everyone,

The Texas Two Step is NEXT TUESDAY, March 4th. All of the many days spent making calls and talking to your friends and family come down to one day! This is it! And we need your help!

We need YOU to make sure that Barack Obama gets every vote and all of our supporters go and caucus in Collin County ! Join us and volunteer THIS WEEKEND and on Primary/Caucus Day!

This weekend is the most important of the Texas campaign. We will be focusing all of our efforts on going door to door and making phone calls to get our neighbors out to vote and to caucus. Volunteers are needed every day starting tomorrow Friday, February 29 to Tuesday, March 4th – Primary/Caucus Day.

The following times are when we need people. Please reply to this email with which day and when you are available.

On each of these days, we will be meeting at 4577 Ohio Dr , Frisco , TX . Please enter to the door at the left, not the main door, and park at the right of the building.

Friday, February 29, at 4pm

Saturday, March 1, at 11 am (following volunteer meeting at CCCCD Spring Creek Campus)

Saturday, March 1, at 2pm

Sunday, March 2, at 12 noon

Sunday, March 2, at 4pm

Monday, March 3, at 4pm

Tuesday, March 4, all day from 7am – caucus time!

RSVP: Danielle Cendejas <dcendejas@barackobama.com>

Last Collin County E-Day Training! This Saturday!

Carmen Martinez — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:55:34 EST

I received this email from one of the Field Directors here in Frisco. Let's get friends, family and neighbors out for this training. If your work schedule permits, please consider taking the day off on Tuesday to help with visibility at your precinct. We need to make sure every voter knows to come back for the precinct convention/caucus on Tuesday evening at 7pm!

Here is the email:

All precinct captains and interested volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend! Because of the importance of the subject matter, and because our venue is huge (!) -- Mike Huckabee spoke there last week -- we are looking to you, the Precinct Captains, to help recruit interested volunteers. So bring yourself, bring a notepad, and try to bring two friends, family members, or neighbors from your precinct. We squeezed nearly 500 people into the Irish Rover two weeks ago -- we've got space now, in Plano, and intend to use it.

Listed below is the event info, which you will see when you sign up to attend online:

Countdown to Change: E-Day Training and Mock Caucus
Sat., March 1, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

CCCCD Spring Creek campus (Plano, TX)

2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Plano, TX 75074
For event-related questions, call 214-434-2273.

See you Saturday!

Running for the tape in Texas

Janet Webb, Changing Government One Voice at a Time — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:37:14 EST

As I write this I'm listening to a Matchbox 20 song, my favorite group as a 40 something woman who likes the lyrics of their songs, with words like "Let's see how far we've come" Inspirational huh?It is a tiring day in North Texas and in Denton and Collin Counties. The good news? We have a campaign office in Frisco, finally. The bad news, no landline and we need copy paper. A gain is a gain nontheless.

There are remarkable people doing truly remarkable things, such as a mother who took her eight and four year old sons to the early voting in The Colony following what Victoria and I did yesterday during our excellent adventure. They held signs in support of Senator Obama and talked wtih voters just outside the 100 foot marker. That is truly democracy in action.

Victoria was there by herself at times today and again canvassed her neighborhood with a friend, putting fliers on the doors of people in the neighborhood. That's what is happening in Texas, we are ready for the stretch run, but want a little favor......it's not so big, or maybe it is. We need big campaign signs to post at our polling precincts leading up to and including March 4th, but can't get anything close.

Some people say signs don't matter, but in Texas they do as do placards, buttons and bumper stickers. It is an impression just like a billboard for a radio station, a reminder and a touching point for people who will never have the chance to shake the hand of Senator Obama much less meet him on the campaign trail. He is coming to Ft. Worth in a couple of days. We are so excited but the large crowds will mean that anybody that doesn't camp out for half a day will likely not get in to see him. This is our way of saying we're glad the people of Iowa and New Hampshire had the pleasure of having in house visits by candidates. We don't know what that is like here, yet we will keep working hard to make sure Texas is the state that gives Barrack Obama the nomination.

We keep believing and thanks to those who are boosting our tired spirits. We are in the stretch run of a three week long campaign in which we don't only vote, but have to caucus and explain that to people, who in many cases, are first time voters. That is the true inspiration and wonder of this campaign, people are excited about Barrack and the opportunity to be part of change.

Good night from Texas

Janet Webb

Important Info about Texas Primary-Caucus

Carmen Martinez — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:37:47 EST

Many Texans are unaware of or have questions about the state Primary and Caucus process. Here is a link to a document with information about this process:

Texas Primary-Caucus

Remember every delegate counts! Let's get out to caucus! On Tuesday, March 4th at 7 pm, go to your precinct and support Barack Obama! You have to vote in the Primary to be eligible to caucus. Early voting is available in Frisco for Collin County residents until Friday, Feb. 29th at CCCC-Preston Ridge campus. And, you can vote at your precinct on Tuesday, March 4th from 7am-7pm.

If you are unsure of your registration, precinct, and you are a Collin County resident:

Look up your Voter Registration Card

Hope this information helps!

Early Voting in Collin County

Carmen Martinez — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:35:20 EST

I received an email from Danielle Cendejas, my field organizer, and she had this to say about early voting:

"reports indicate that early voting has jumped in Collin County by as much as 1400 percent since this time in 2004."

A change is coming, Collin County!

Volunteer at CCCC, Preston Ridge!

Carmen Martinez — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:33:21 EST

Tomorrow the polls are open at CCCC, Preston Ridge for early voting from 1-6. Please consider coming out to wave signs and remind voters to caucus at their precincts on Tuesday, March 4! It's a great opportunity to meet other Obama supporters. I'll be there at 1pm with lots of extra signs. Hope to see you there!

Collin County Obama Office Opens in Frisco!

Carmen Martinez — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:27:48 EST

The Obama office is located on the southwest corner of Ohio and Lebanon. It's actually on Ohio on the far left side of the Stonebriar School. It's a big, 2-story building a little south of Lebanon on Ohio.

Early Voting At CCCC, Preston Ridge

Carmen Martinez — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:17:31 EST

What an amazing afternoon! I went out to CCCC, Preston Ridge with my whole family to wave Obama signs and ask voters to remember to caucus on the 4th. There were lots of friendly faces out voting today. It was exciting to see and speak with supporters. Barack Obama has given so many of us hope that this country is going to change. He's inspired in us a sense of ownership and responsibility to get out there and become an active part of this process. I'll be back at CCCC tomorrow to show my support and do what I can to get out the vote!