Information Technology Professionals for Obama

Games and Obama

Jon Radoff — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:31:13 EST

An article onthe many positives of games (brain development, education, social skills, etc.) which includes references to the recent Obama STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) program, which will use games as a way to get kids excited about learning the skills they'll need to be successful in the 21st century: http://radoff.com/blog/2009/12/08/six-wonderful-things-about-games/

Prayer for the Obama's and the United States of America

Jim "Hussein" — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:01:27 EST

Prayer

Our Father, Who is in Heaven,
Holy is Your Name.

Your Kingdom be strengthened in Noah, #
In the earth, among your Chosen,
In the 144, 000,
In Barack and Michelle Obama,
Sasha and Malia,*
Tonya and Runako, #
Chicago,
And the United States of America
As it is in Heaven.

Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.

Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from all evil,

For yours is the Kingdom
Of the Heavens
And the earth,
And the Power,
And the Glory,
Forever, and ever.

Amen. (OM)

*Members of the Obama Family
#Members of the Khalim (Robinson) Family

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR 2009

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:06:03 EDT

Dear President Barack Obama,

Consistent with the above captioned award, I and all the members of our Non Governmental Organization, Change International salutes another cap that fits your head. May the same award endow your ability to impact people from various nations.

It is our prayers that your administration continues being source of hope, joy, good health and prosperity to mankind. Our generation will always remain proud of your achievements.

We hold you, your spouse and kids in high esteem.

Sincerely,

Jean Pierres Bassey

President

NGO Change International

P.O.BOX 27 BP 1044 Abidjan 27

Tel 00225 08288046

Cote d Ivoire

West Africa

SMART ON CRIME - A New Obama Imperative

Mett — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:37:32 EDT

One of the sad legacies of Ronald Reagan that Obama should reset with a new, smarter approach are so-called “tough on crime” policies that brought us mandatory sentencing, three-strikes, and a complete abandonment of rehabilitation. Now, America leads the world as the number one incarcerator of human beings. Most of those incarcerated are black and Latino men, and most of the crimes are for non-violent offenses such as drug possession, petty theft and burglaries associated with substance abuse and addiction.

Despite these lengthier sentences, most of these offenders are eventually released, and they are released without any effort to address the root causes that motivated them to commit the crimes for which they were incarcerated. After release, these ex-offenders become victims of employment discrimination and are unable to find work (70-90%) because of prejudice against them. Only five states currently have laws on the books that prohibit employment discrimination against ex-offenders- Hawaii, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. As a consequence, over 70% recommit crimes within three years of being released from prison. In stark contrast to this result, in most European countries, over 70% of ex-offenders “never” commit another crime in their lifetime.

This must change!

If America really is concerned about “victims’ rights”, how can we encourage a result where ex-offenders are compelled to commit crimes to feed, clothe, and house themselves? For every new crime committed, there is a new victim, and there doesn’t appear to be much thought at all about lessoning the prospect of these new victims of crime.

Vengeance for vengeance sake, has no place in an advanced democratic country. Such vengeance merely creates a cycle of more, and more crime in which no one benefits. It costs us $37,000 a year to incarcerate each inmate, and most of this money is at the expense of other priorities like K-12 education. At 2.3 million inmates currently incarcerated in the US, that is $85 billion dollars “a year” for incarceration.

All major religions seem to understand the lunacy of this through spiritual principles of forgiveness and human redemption. Jesus was fond of helping outcasts such as lepers, prostitutes, and robbers on the cross. This social gospel of Jesus seems to have been lost in much of modern day Christianity that has been redefined by “judgment” as though we have evolved and become someone elses God.

Obama must reset this “tough on crime” legacy of Reagan with a new “smart on crime” policy. This smart on crime approach must not abandon punishment - as there should be some punishment for lawbreaking - but this punishment MUST be limited to the term of the sentence, and not be “punishment for life” as some sort of perpetual vengeance against those who commit crimes. A smarter approach must include state-of-the-art rehabilitation efforts while one is still in prison. This rehabilitation must continue upon release with supportive services for substance abuse and anger management.

It is also simply smarter to involve employers in rehabilitation efforts by providing a mix of carrots and sticks to hire ex-offenders. The carrots could be tax incentives for hiring “and” retaining ex-offenders. The sticks could be laws similar to the ones in the five states that currently prohibit employment discrimination against ex-offenders. These anti-discrimination efforts force employers to relate hiring decisions to the actual work performed, so if the crime is not rationally related to such work, discrimination is forbidden. Additional measures such as prohibiting criminal history questions on employment applications until a later stage in the hiring process where an applicant is deemed “otherwise qualified” would discourage screening out ex-offenders.

Without this smarter approach, we are simply encouraging more crime, more victims, and more extraordinary fiscal irresponsibility in paying for the incarceration of those who could be tax-paying productive members of American society. As we attempt to pay for healthcare, education and other priorities, the time is now for “smart on crime” policies.

-Metteyya Brahmana

Public Option Opposition: I Hope They're Happy

Henry M — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 06:57:43 EDT

Looks like they're gonna have to end up taking the public option out of healthcare reform. Nice work by those who opposed it! Unless they're extremely rich, people one or two degrees of separation from them will suffer, as they have for years, but in greater numbers in this economy, and grannies will die without panels. "An opinion should be the result of thought, not a substitute for it." - Jef Mallett

Educate Yourself on Health Care Reform Chain Email!

Jacob G — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:56:55 EDT

Hello,I want to start a chain email for TRUTH!This is a comprehensive email of links that if you take the time to explore, you will end up fully educated on what Health Insurance Reform is. Developing your own opinion, and figuring out "truths," is the American way! Do those whom have sacrificed their lives for you freedom the minimal favor of discovering what the current reform will mean to you, not listening to self-serving industries and self-serving politicians that are not looking out for what is best for you, rather putting forward efforts to further line their pockets with your excessive payments, or neutralize the president.Link #1 is the actual legislation HR 3200. When people state that the details aren't available, you can point to this openly public document, available for you to read from the comfort of your PC, that it's simply not true. Please take the time and try to review it and know it:http://docs.house.gov/edlabor/AAHCA-BillText-071409.pdfLink #2 is the White House's "reality," or "fact check," website. Here the administration has outlined what is being said, and what is reality:http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/?e=10&ref=textLink #3 the final link, is a CBS Sunday Morning News segment that aired this morning, outlining what is truly in the reform bill HR 3200.http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5245212n&tag=related;photovideoNow, the White House is talking about dropping the public option from this legislative battle as early as Monday. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LET THE PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES DICTATE COSTS TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AT THEIR WILL!!!!!!!!! We must show up to the town halls, we must be vocal, WE MUST demand that this legislation actually trim costs, and without a viable public health insurance co-op, there is NO legislation that can stand in the way of the current insurance system. BE LOUD!!!! BE PROUD!!! IT APPEARS THAT ONLY WITH VOLUMN WILL THIS ARGUMENT BE WON!Pick up your pen, pickett sign, bumper stickers, keyboard and join me in battle!!!!Please forward this message to anyone you can!

It May Not Be Hot Where You Live, but It Sure Sounds Like GLOBAL Warming...

Henry M — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:39:49 EDT

NOAA, not exactly a bunch left-wing evironmental radical freaks, reports that:

Based on preliminary data, the globally averaged combined land and sea surface temperature was the second warmest on record for June and the January-June year-to-date tied with 2004 as the fifth warmest on record.

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2009/jun/global.html

Henry M

Not Everyone's Comfortable with Trying Something New, Even When the Old Doesn't Work

Henry M — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:03:20 EDT

Henry M

Health: It's Nothing Personal, It's Just Business

Henry M — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:58:37 EDT

If a Public Option is So Bad, Why are They So Sure that It Would Kill Private Health Insurance?

Henry M

Survey - Health Plans Deliver The WORST Experience

John Nail — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:59:02 EDT

And now from Forrester Research, Health plans rate the lowest of any industry:

In Forrester’s 2008 Customer Experience Index (CxPi), we ranked 113 companies across 12 industries. I recently published a snapshot of the health plan industry looking at the results from the eight plans on the list (Aetna, Anthem (BCBS), CIGNA, Kaiser, Medicaid, Medicare, TriCare, and United Healthcare). Here’s some of what we found:
Experiences are “very poor” and getting worse. As a group, the eight health plans ended up with a “very poor” rating of 51%; the lowest score of any of the 12 industries we examined. Making matters worse, the industry dropped three percentage points from the 2007 CxPi results.
Kaiser led the pack. With an “okay” score of 70%, Kaiser led all health plans. All of the other plans ended up with ratings of either “poor” or “very poor.”
Medicaid is as bad as it gets. With a terrible rating of 38%, Medicaid was the lowest scoring plan. It also ended up in next to last place across all 113 organizations in our rankings.
Only Kaiser improved. When we compared the 2008 results with those from 2007, only Kaiser showed an improvement. CIGNA and Medicaid, on the other hand, declined the most.
Some big shifts in CxPi components. There were five double-digit changes in the scores for the three underlying elements of the CxPi: Kaiser’s improvement in being easy to work with and enjoyability, Anthem’s decline in enjoyability, and both CIGNA’s and Medicaid’s drop in being easy to work with.

The bottom line: Put customer experience on the health care reform agenda.

Read the whole survey here.

How Pharma and Insurance Intend to Kill the Public Option, And What Obama and the Rest of Us Must Do

John Nail — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:49:54 EDT

FROM TPM:

I'ved poked around Washington today, talking with friends on the Hill who confirm the worst: Big Pharma and Big Insurance are gaining ground in their campaign to kill the public option in the emerging health care bill.

You know why, of course. They don't want a public option that would compete with private insurers and use its bargaining power to negotiate better rates with drug companies. They argue that would be unfair. Unfair? Unfair to give more people better health care at lower cost? To Pharma and Insurance, "unfair" is anything that undermines their profits.

6 Health Insurers Boards Paid More than Senate and SCOTUS Combined

John Nail — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:36:34 EDT

In updating our annual review of the executive salaries of the 7 largest publicly traded health plans , Aetna, Cigna, Wellpoint, United Heatlhcare, Humana and Coventry, we decided to look at the Boards of these firms and the compensation paid to their members.

As one would expect the 69 Board members of these six insurers are highly compensated averaging nearly $275,000 annually. All for sitting in on a few board meetings.

In fact in total the compensation paid them is greater than total salaries paid the the 1oo members of the US Senate and the 9 Supreme Court Justices combined.

Wellpoint’s 16 member Board, the most highly compensated, makes $1M more than the President Obama, Vice President Biden, all 15 Cabinet Secretaries and the 9 Supreme Court Justices combined.

The value comparisons are obvious and this represents another obvious PR problem that the for profit insurers face.

More on this in upcoming posts..

Did Barack Inspire the New Star Trek?

John Nail — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:40:33 EDT

Lessons from the New “Star Trek” On Leadership and Teamwork

Posted May 11, 2009 by theindustryradar
Categories: Business, Human Resources, Leadership
Tags: star trek

The new Star trek movie is a spectacular summer fun ride whether you are a “Trekkie”, or like my 9 year old Star Wars crazed son, a newbie to this iconic story and its characters.

I have loved Star Trek since it came out in 1966 when I was 13. Until seeing the new movie I had never really thought how revolutionary it was in 1966 presenting a crew made up of a black woman, an Asian, a Russian, a Scot, a rebellious Iowa farm boy and an alien. 1966…43 years ago..

Today a team this diverse is not that unusual and the movie is also is a great reminder, especially in difficult times like these, what is required for any organization to succeed:

Leadership
Vision
Intelligence
Competence
Creativity
Diverse opinions and discussion
Properly recruited people who are
Well trained and
Allowed to do their jobs and the
Right technology to support them

Now your business may not have Klingons or Romulans to fight but your challenges are just as real.

It is challenging times like these that demand some bold thinking and action and true team work if, as Spock would say, you want to “Live, long and prosper”.

So on this Monday morning are you ready to say – “Beam me up Scotty” – I am ready to go?

“Aye Captain!”….Have a good week!!

share this...

President Obama’s Notre Dame University Address 17th May 2009 - by James Waisbrot

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:46:23 EDT

President Obama's Notre Dame University Address 17th May 2009

youtube entire video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwJPOfIQKwA

Bill Press / Huff Post: "President Obama did not change water into wine. But he almost did. Instead, Obama changed what protesters tried to make an ugly scene about abortion into a triumphant message about faith-based politics".

Telling Thoughts:The President's speech embodies one of the finest attempts in appealing to the humanity and rationality of mankind I have been privileged to hear.

President Barack Obama gave the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame yesterday, May 17, 2009. His comments were very thoughtful and insightful - I've shared some quotes below:

"When we open our hearts and our minds to those who may not think like we do or believe what we do - that's when we discover at least the possibility of common ground."

"In this world of competing claims about what is right and what is true, have confidence in the values with which you've been raised and educated. Be unafraid to speak your mind when those values are at stake. Hold firm to your faith and allow it to guide you on your journey. Stand as a lighthouse."

"Remember too that the ultimate irony of faith is that it necessarily admits doubt. It is the belief in things not seen. It is beyond our capacity as human beings to know with certainty what God has planned for us or what He asks of us, and those of us who believe must trust that His wisdom is greater than our own.This doubt should not push us away from our faith. But it should humble us. It should temper our passions, and cause us to be wary of self-righteousness."

"For if there is one law that we can be most certain of, it is the law that binds people of all faiths and no faith together.
It is no coincidence that it exists in Christianity and Judaism; in Islam and Hinduism; in Buddhism and humanism. It is, of course, the Golden Rule - the call to treat one another as we wish to be treated. The call to love. To serve. To do what we can to make a difference in the lives of those with whom we share the same brief moment on this Earth."

Dear United States Citizens and citizens of the world-TEST post to link to facebook or other blogs - from JIM WAISBROT

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:55:22 EDT

Dear United States Citizens and citizens of the world,

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

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

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

Please donate $5 or more by midnight Sunday to fight back against these phony attacks and take our message of reform to the American people.

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

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

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

Donate $5 or more to defend healthcare reform today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/defendhealthcare

Thank you,

David Plouffe

Hey gals and fellows, pay attention: Obama seeks after judicial restraint. -- Blog/Post from Jim Waisbrot

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:09:27 EDT

SOURCE: Title: “Obama seeks judicial restraint”, Blogspot: Politics, Law, Media: Illusory Tenant. Website Link: http://illusorytenant.blogspot.com/2009/05/obama-seeks-after-judicial-restraint.html Good as of: May 16, 2009. Posted as of: May 8, 2009. Hey gals and fellows, pay attention: Obama seeks after judicial restraint. -- Blog/Post from Jim Waisbrot

Hand had evidently broadened his intellectual horizons; his article showed a heightened empathy for the economic and social arguments supporting a more interventionist role for the state.

— Gerald Gunther, Learned Hand, p. 123

When President Barack Obama mentioned he was looking for judges in possession of "empathy," many political conservatives quickly assumed that empathy was code for "activist." And "activist" in turn is a secret word for "judges who make decisions we don't care for."

The article referenced above appeared in 1908 in the Harvard Law Review, written by Learned Hand, who most observers consider America's greatest judge that never made it to the Supreme Court.

Learned Hand spent his 50-year career as a judge on the federal district and circuit courts in New York, earning a reputation as the very model of "judicial restraint," which we are told by those same conservatives is the conceptual opposite of "judicial activism."

Hand's essay criticized the U.S. Supreme Court for its decision in Lochner v. New York. In Lochner the Court, relying on theories of laissez-faire capitalism, used the doctrine of substantive due process to strike down a law regulating maximum working hours for bakers.

The Lochner majority reasoned that the law ran afoul of a constitutional freedom to make contracts that it discovered somewhere within the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

The Supreme Court downplayed the "relative strategic advantages of the two parties to the contract," as Hand put it, "of whom one is under the pressure of absolute want, while the other is not."

In other words, Learned Hand's empathy lay to the side of the journeyman bakers, whose interests were protected by their elected representatives, those who had imposed the maximum employee working hours as against the rapacious corporate baking concerns.

While the empathetic Judge Hand leveled more particular legal criticisms of Lochner, his own overarching philosophical concern — as it continued to be throughout his long career — was directed toward the phenomenon of a tiny group of unelected, life-tenured judges capriciously invalidating the democratically expressed will of the people, which Learned Hand regarded as almost a form of tyranny.

Sound familiar? Sounds practically like the late Tom DeLay.*

In opposition to that potential, Hand practiced not "judicial activism" but "judicial restraint," which is precisely the attitude conservatives will tell you they value most in a judge. And in Learned Hand's case, it had quite a lot to do with empathy for the human objects of judicial decisions, a concern which Obama apparently shares.

So when conservatives are ultimately presented with President Obama's forthcoming nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, perhaps they should be careful about what it is they're not wishing for.

“A good Read (Check the links too): Obama first president to actually read Bible”-From Jim Waisbrot

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:05:19 EDT

SOURCE: Title: Obama first president to actually read Bible, Blogspot: Politics, Law, Media: Illusory Tenant. WebsiteLink: http://illusorytenant.blogspot.com/2009/05/obama-first-president-to-actually-read.html Good as of: May 16, 2009. Posted as of: May 7, 2009 “A good Read (Check the links too): Obama first president to actually read Bible”

-From Jim Waisbrot

The twits on [“tee-vee's”] "Fox & Friends" were in quite a snit this morning, along with the professional Christians at the National Day of Prayer Task Force, and all because Obama takes Jesus of Nazareth at his word:

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”

[It] looks pretty straightforward to me. And "their reward" sounds more than a little ominous, doesn't it. Be very afraid, ye hypocrites.

Local wingnut and prominent Christian James T. Harris writes:

This president honors God with his pen, but his heart is far from Him. Evidently Obama doesn't pray.

"Evidently [,]" That's rich. So Harris is an empiricist now?

And they called it Bush Derangement Syndrome. Who knew Christianity was some sort of public piousness competition.

“Gableman drives a judicial Fiat, but Shirley Abrahamson correctly emphasizes as a threshold matter in her own concurring opinion.”- From Jim Waisbrot

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:01:19 EDT

SOURCE: Title: ”Gableman drives a judicial Fiat”, Blogspot: Politics, Law, Media: illusory Tenan., Website link: http://illusorytenant.blogspot.com/2009/01/gableman-drives-judicial-fiat.html Site Good as of: May 16, 2009. Original Posting: January 29, 2009. “Gableman drives a judicial Fiat, but Shirley Abrahamson correctly emphasizes as a threshold matter in her own concurring opinion.”- From Jim Waisbrot

Recently minted Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman this morning throws down his inaugural written opinion for the court, a partly concurring, partly dissenting contribution to a decision called Plastics Engineering Co. v. Liberty Mutual* ("Plenco").

Plenco is not a case that came up through the Wisconsin State courts. Rather, it's a federal asbestos injury/insurance lawsuit and the reason the Wisconsin Supreme Court was asked to address it is because the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago requested clarification of certain generally applicable questions of Wisconsin law that might have a bearing on the federal courts' eventual disposition in Plenco.

In other words, the federal Seventh Circuit is not going to unilaterally forge ahead with its own potentially unique interpretations of Wisconsin law that is currently unclear which may affect not only the specific Plenco controversy but also future Wisconsin litigation just in case the Wisconsin courts would have decided those questions of State (as opposed to federal) law differently.

Therefore, the Seventh Circuit "certified" to the Wisconsin Supreme Court three broad questions in insurance law.

As Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson correctly emphasizes as a threshold matter in her own concurring opinion, Wisconsin has a separate statute (§ 821.01) dealing with the Supreme Court's function under such circumstances.

That is, it is not to decide the merits of the particular case (i.e., find in favor of one or the other parties), but rather clarify Wisconsin law generally so as the federal court itself might decide the merits of the dispute before it, consistent with those broader clarifications.

A danger in determining the particular merits of Plenco, the Chief Justice suggests, is that if and when one of the parties ultimately loses in federal court, it can come back into a Wisconsin jurisdiction with a readymade Supreme Court decision in hand, a circumstance that is inconsistent with — if not contrary to — § 821.01.

As the C.J. observes:

Because the majority tries so hard to limit its opinion to the language of the insurance policies at issue and the particularized facts of the instant case, I am concerned that the majority opinion has not responded to the certified questions of law but has instead decided the merits of the instant case.

Perhaps eager to demonstrate his repeatedly advertised commitment to the "plain language of the law," Gableman, laboring in solitary dissent, goes even further, for all intents and purposes actually finding in favor of the insurance company, Liberty Mutual (surprise).

Unfortunately, he's apparently disregarded the plain language of
§ 821.01 (he never once mentions it) which is, somewhat ironically, a legislative directive intended to limit the role of the State courts, such limited role being yet another of Gableman's campaign planks.

To be sure, Chief Justice Abrahamson's approach is considerably more in accord with so-called conservative judicial principles (more specifically, "judicial restraint"). On the other hand, should the Chief Justice Abrahamson's stated concerns come to fruition back home again in Wisconsin, Justice Gableman's lone dissent will likely be of little avail.

* 2009 WI 13 (.pdf; 55 pgs.) [.html version]

To Start Understanding the “Scope of underinsured motorist insurance limited by Wisconsin Supreme Court” – From Jim Waisbrot.

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:56:13 EDT

SOURCE: By Alex De Grand, Legal Writer, State Bar of Wisconsin. Title: Scope of underinsured motorist insurance limited by Wisconsin Supreme Court. Website link: http://www.wisbar.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=News&template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&contentid=77446 Good as of: May 16, 2009. To Start Understanding the “Scope of underinsured motorist insurance limited by Wisconsin Supreme Court” – From Jim Waisbrot.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court reaffirmed on Jan. 28 a contentious 2004 holding that interprets an underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance policy against the insured.

In Lisowski v. Hastings Mutual Insurance Co., 2009 WI 11, the insurance company rejected a claim filed by the policyholder’s son after he sustained injuries in a vehicle driven by a friend. The car involved belonged to policyholder Dennis Lisowski, but the insurance in question was taken out for a tractor used in his business.

Hastings’ obligation to pay hinged on whether the coverage of Lisowski’s son followed him wherever the injury occurred or if it extended only to incidents occurring with the tractor, the vehicle specified on the policy.

Rejecting the Lisowski’s claim, Hastings cited language within the UIM endorsement and the main body of the policy for support. The Lisowskis argued that these passages were not as clear cut as Hastings asserted and that ambiguous provisions must be read in favor of the insured.

Confronted with similar facts and policy language in Crandall v. Society Insurance, 2004 WI App. 34, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals held that the insurance provisions unambiguously restricted UIM coverage to occupants of covered autos.

In this case, the court of appeals initially asked the supreme court to modify, limit, or overrule Crandall, but the high court would not accept the invitation. The court of appeals held that it was compelled to follow its precedent and ruled for Hastings.

The majority opinion

Finally before the supreme court, a majority opinion authored by Justice N. Patrick Crooks affirmed Crandall. The court said that coverage limiting an insured to just those vehicles listed on the policy is clearly based on language of the UIM endorsement stating “for a covered auto” and the declarations page restricting coverage to autos specified as “covered.”

The court dismissed Lisowski’s arguments that “for a covered auto” in the UIM endorsement is merely introductory language with no substantive effect and that the endorsement changed the “covered auto” requirements of the declarations page. The court said that an endorsement only changes portions of a policy with which it conflicts and in this instance, “for a covered auto” has a substantive effect that is entirely consistent with the declarations page.

Quoting Crandall, the court further observed that the policy in question was taken out for a business purpose and “[i]t would be unexpected for this kind of policy to cover [the insured] and his family under circumstances wholly unrelated to [his] business.”

The court turned away the Lisowski’s efforts to find ambiguity in the inconsistent reference to a “covered auto” in the endorsement and the coverage definitions. The court found no discrepancies, stating that policy terms are not read in isolation.

Likewise, the court defused the Lisowski’s argument that “for a covered auto” should be deemed an exclusion and construed narrowly against Hastings under Wis. Stat. § 632.32 (5) (j). The court said that even if it were to find an exclusion, it complies with the statutory requirements imposed by § 632.32.

Dissent

Justice Ann Walsh Bradley dissented, joined by Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. Bradley criticized the majority for ignoring essential portions of the policy and upending traditional insurance law.

Dennis Lisowski’s son was a family member residing at his father’s home, making him a Class I insured, Bradley said. Class I insureds have long been accorded coverage that follows them and not the vehicle.

Even the Hastings policy recognized the special status of Class I insureds, Bradley noted. The Hastings policy did not require Lisowski’s son to occupy a covered auto to receive coverage – that requirement is imposed on Class II insureds. The majority failed to give meaning to every part of the policy and consequently erased the established distinction between Class I and Class II insureds, she said.

Bradley also faulted the majority for disregarding the “obvious conflict between the covered auto language and the grant of coverage in the UIM endorsement.” She noted that when the court of appeals sought modification or reversal of Crandall, it said “for a covered auto” was merely introductory language and “plainly inconsistent with the provisions that follow it.”

“Although the majority proclaims that the language is clear and unambiguous, it does not necessarily make it so,” Bradley wrote. “Instead, all too often this court finds policy language unambiguous which then obviates the need for further meaningful analysis. I am reminded of the words of a nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll: ‘I have said it thrice: What I tell you three times is true.’

“Just because Wisconsin courts thrice proclaim that this language is clear and unambiguous, it makes [it] no more true than was the proclamation in Carroll’s poem,” she said.

By Alex De Grand, Legal Writer, State Bar of Wisconsin

C.J. Abrahamson Cites Foreign Law

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:43:42 EDT

SOURCE: Title: C.J. Abrahamson Cites Foreign Law, Gop3.com: The Triumvirate, Fighting Like Warriors and Thinking Right , Website link: http://gop3.com/2008/12/23/cj-abrahamson-cites-foreign-law/ Good as of: May 16, 2009.

C.J. Abrahamson Cites Foreign Law -from James Waibrot

Welcome, if you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed or subscribe to our email newsletter. Thanks for visiting!

As you may know, April 2009 will feature another election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Incumbent Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson will face the voters in her bid for a fourth ten-year term on the state’s high court. As with Justice Butler last year, I will be using GOP3.com in the coming months as a platform to critique the Chief’s jurisprudence and to comment on the race.

Today marks the start of a conversation on this blog about the Chief’s judicial philosophy, especially as expressed in her past activities, writings, and opinions. Christmas is great for many reasons, but one of them is that it allows me the free time to blog more extensive, in-depth research. So here, without further ado, is a research memorandum on Chief Justice Abrahamson’s use of decisions by foreign courts in deciding Wisconsin cases.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson has issued a bold call for greater use and citation of foreign law in Wisconsin court decisions. In her article All the World’s a Courtroom: Judging in the New Millennium (26 Hofstra Law Review 273 – 1997), she argues that American courts should begin citing court decisions from other countries:

“Why do the political borders continue to matter so much for the American legal system? Are we lawyers and judges suffering from legal xenophobia? …
“[W]hen courts from around the world have written well-reasoned and provocative opinions in support of a position at odds with our familiar American views, we would do well to read carefully and take notes. …
“Why shouldn’t our experiences as American comparatists embolden more American lawyers and judges to explore the law of non-American jurisdictions in the same spirit? Why shouldn’t we take advantage of the comparatist instincts learned in our law schools and practiced in our courts by venturing farther afield?
“[W]e can cross the divide separating us from other jurisdictions around the world. And if we do so with the modest intent to borrow ideas on classifying, discussing, and solving a particular problem, we should not be deterred by unfamiliarity with foreign legal systems. We may fail to understand a particular system of law or even misinterpret some foreign decisions. Nevertheless, we may also find unexpected answers or new challenges to domestic legal issues. … In fact, foreign opinions could function like superstar amicus briefs, offering otherwise unavailable viewpoints, delivered from unique perspectives, by some of the world’s leading legal minds. …
“I suggest that American courts, although they rightly view themselves as independent, can surely strengthen and better convey their message if they are willing to broaden their vision. Hence, we should not deride a party who cites Canadian law. We should be citing Canadian law ourselves, along with law from the rest of the world. …
“[T]he world is now our courtroom.”

Several years earlier, she had written, “We can learn from the legal systems of other countries. Judges around the world have come to know about and learn from our legal system and our case law. We must be less provincial and must learn about theirs. Cases arising in Europe, Africa and Asia offer important lessons for us.” The Consumer and the Courts, 74 Judicature 93, 95 (1991). The Chief Justice’s beliefs on this matter are more than mere rhetoric. Her desire to see foreign law cited in American cases has influenced her own work on the Court:

This is most pronounced in her opinion in the Court’s most important statutory interpretation case, where she authored what might be labeled “the Canadian concurrence.” Discussing her approach to statutory interpretation, C.J. Abrahamson says, “I agree with the approach the Canadian courts take.” She then cites two decisions from the court of appeal for Ontario and one case from the Supreme Court of Canada arguing for statutory interpretation based on “total context.” Kalal v. Circuit Court for Dane County, 2004 WI 58, ¶ 70.

In a majority opinion, C.J. Abrahamson compares Wisconsin statutes to Canadian laws. Foley v. City of West Allis, 113 Wis.2d 475, 487 n.9 (1983). Criticizing textualism, C.J. Abrahamson quotes a justice of the Supreme Court of Israel arguing for greater use of extrinsic sources in judicial interpretation. Fox v. Catholic Knights Ins. Soc., 2003 WI 37, ¶ 43, n.13 (Abrahamson, C.J., concurring). Discussing durable powers of attorney, C.J. Abrahamson says that “this area of law may be one in which we can learn from the experiences of other countries, especially England, Australia, and New Zealand.” Russ ex rel. Schwartz v. Russ, 2007 WI 83, ¶ 56 (Abrahamson, C.J., concurring). Though in none of these cases was the foreign law the deciding factor, her other writings speak very highly of the use of foreign law in American courts.

In praise of Chief Justice Abrahamson’s “perspective,” the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California has written (Ronald M. George, A Dedication to Shirley Abrahamson, 67 Alb. L. Rev. 647, 649 (2004)):

On an even more global scale, Chief Justice Abrahamson has shown herself to be intellectually curious and open-minded about ways in which she can apply the laws, decisions, and nuances of other states and nations to her own judicial body of work. She embraces the refreshing notion that narrow and provincial interpretations of the law do not make for good jurisprudence. As a human being, she can be modest and unassuming; as a jurist, those qualities translate into her generous respect for the legal systems of other states and cultures. … Aware, as always, of the rapidly-evolving legal landscape throughout the world, Chief Justice Abrahamson firmly believes that as jurists we have no choice but to adopt a global perspective.

Though Chief Justice Abrahamson’s comments and opinions are troubling standing alone, they are much more so when considered as part of the broader movement in the law towards citation of foreign decisions. Her article is part of a larger effort by judicial liberals to justify the influence of foreign courts in American jurisprudence. This judicial philosophy has even reached the Supreme Court of the United States, where opinions have cited decisions from the European Court of Human Rights, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, among others. In a major address, left-leaning Dean Harold Koh of Yale Law School described the Court’s majority as “transnationalist.” Echoing Chief Justice Abrahamson, he said that “U.S. courts should not simply look to whether something furthers the U.S. system. Now we are asking the question whether the U.S. should look to the promotion of an international system.”

Not everyone agrees with Chief Justice Abrahamson and the judicial liberals. Many prominent American jurists and scholars believe that America is a unique nation, and that her courts should refuse the twin temptations of judicial activism and foreign citations. These analysts believe foreign law is a way for American judicial activists to impose other nations’ values on Americans. Wisconsin voters should keep C.J. Abrahamson’s record on this matter in their minds as they consider whether to support her in April.

Dear Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson,

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:36:56 EDT

The letter Chief Justice Shirley Abramson doesn’t get, and that goes instead to my state representatives.

Dear state representative I want you to read what I would like to day to Shirley Abrahmson:

Dear Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson,

I did phone calling for you through the portage county office with some of the other portage county democrats in Stevens Point Wisconsin.

I am so glad, YOU HELD THE POSITION AND KEPT IT!

I called for you from the Portage County Democratic group and am so glad you won. Please I didn't get a chance to talk to you about the specifics, but for being against outside interests that do not work in our state. I hope you will continue to make sure insurance agencies do not shrink coverage because one who caused the accidents insurance has coverage too.

I was in a car accident in Wisconsin and owe American Family Insurance and they forced me into an agreement to pay 50 dollars a month when I was only on disability and as a result I may now not be able to bankrupt this bill and although I can't afford to pay it and know in a perfect world I could. Can American Family make as now a result of me having paid 50 dollars a month when I could barely afford it a contractual reason that they should be able to make me pay for another 10 years. They had me sign something when I was paying… Also if I didn’t sign, they somehow made it where the DMV would not allow me to drive my car because I could not have my car license.

P.S. Now I am going bankrupt for the second time in my life first time it was on only “only 2,500” dollars worth of credit card debt I couldn’t control. This time it is for “over 10,000” in unsecured debt along with an accident payment from an insurance company I can’t afford being over 30,000 in debt if I also count the part that is a destructed pole by the accident of the person I hit or hit me, and then hit a pole as a result of me not going through that red stop sign that should have been a stop light. When I was a member of the Wood County Traffic Commission as a student leader – one of two for the out lying counties, I attended the traffic commission decisions with a vote. I told the commission in the county near rapids this time with the help of a few DOT friends – you need a light, not a stop sign there. They didn’t listen – I hope everything stayed alright – I almost died and had requested they look into it as is my right and the law, I sure hop the he’ll they did.

You know as a reflect back on what my family has always taught me I remember – always have insurance to drive – I never realized until I learned the hard way what might just happen on some emotional level - I could see the poor pathway but not feel the consequence! I am both glad for the insurance industries existence even as private to help measure risk and then insure me and it’s my fault I wasn’t insured. I wouldn’t be able to bankrupt if the insurance company couldn’t afford to loose what I know owe them-thank God they invest soundly! ( Something I should learn from the insurance company too…) Now the government helps me pay my insurance by forcing the insurance agency to let me pay SR-22, and I am covered but pay less. I wish I would’ve had this before the accident based on my income and have been advised to apply. I also wish/see that Shirley Abramson has not bowed down to out of state special interest groups like in the area of insurance, where insurance companies are saying they should be able to say that is there is say a 200,000 and the first insured had 200,000 in insurance, while the accident at fault insured had 100,000 that their the company of the first insured’s liability to pay out should only be the 100,000 left needed to cover what they originally promised. Shirley Abrahamson points out the original insured pay premiums for 200,000 in her decisions and that the other 100,000 means the obligation between the insurance companies to solve the problem is 300,000 – 200,000 from the insured, and up to 100,000 from the at fault accident insured and that for the one company to say they can pay less or deny coverage on more than a 100,000 when the premiums were for 200,000 is not fair and not right and that that insurance company will cover up to what it promised to cover for the premiums it charged.

ONCE AGAIN, I SAY YEAH and YAHOO FOR THE ELECTION OF SHIRLEY ABRAHSON ONCE AGAIN AS WISCONSIN’s SEPREME COURT JUSTICE. I want the people to know and realize that and I want the Wisconsin Democrats to remember that next time SHRLEY ABRAHMSON runs for re-election!

Sincerely,

James T. Waisbrot

“I was there, when Sen. Barack Obama Spoke at Campaign Event in Green Bay, Wisconsin” -I still remember! -Jim Waisbrot (now Portage County Democrat district 7)

James Waisbrot PCD and OFA — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:24:06 EDT

“I was there, when Sen. Barack Obama Spoke at Campaign Event in Green Bay, Wisconsin - I still remember!”

- Jim Waisbrot (now Portage County Democrat, member-at-large on the executive board, District 7)

SOURCE: Washington Post, Title: Sen. Barack Obama Speaks at Campaign Event in Green Bay, Wisconsin. WebsiteLink: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/22/AR2008092201500_5.html Good as of: May 16, 2009.

Sen. Barack Obama Speaks at Campaign Event in Green Bay, Wisconsin

CQ Transcripts Wire
Monday, September 22, 2008; 2:36 PM

SPEAKER: SEN. BARACK OBAMA, D-ILL.

[On the Need for the End of the era of greed and responsibility on Wall Street and in Washington.]:

[*] OBAMA: The era of greed and irresponsibility on Wall Street and in Washington has led us to a perilous moment. They said they wanted to let the market run free but instead they let it run wild, and in doing so, they tramped our core values of fairness, balance, and responsibility to one another. As a result, we are facing a financial crisis as profound as any we have faced since the Great Depression. As a result, your jobs, your savings, and your economic security are now at risk.

This week, we must work quickly, in a bipartisan fashion, to resolve this crisis and avert an even broader economic catastrophe. And as we do act, Washington must recognize that true economic recovery requires addressing not just the crisis on Wall Street, but the crisis on Main Street that so many of you have been feeling in your own lives long before the news of last week. We need a plan that helps families stay in their homes, and workers keep their jobs; a plan that gives hardworking Americans relief instead of using taxpayer dollars to reward CEOs on Wall Street. And we cannot give a blank check to Washington with no oversight and accountability when no oversight and accountability is what got us into this mess in the first place.

But no matter what solution we finally decide on this week, it is absolutely imperative that we get to work immediately on reforming the broken politics and the broken government that allowed this to crisis to happen in the first place.

We did not arrive at this moment by some accident of history. We are in this mess because of a bankrupt philosophy that says we should give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to the rest of us.

We're here because for too long, the doors of Washington have been thrown open to an army of lobbyists and special interests who've turned our government into a game only they can afford to play - who have shredded consumer protections, fought against common-sense regulations and rules of the road, and distorted our economy so that it works for them instead of you.

We are here because an ethic of irresponsibility has swept through our government, leaving politicians with the belief that they can waste billions and billions of your money on no-bid contracts for friends and contributors, slip pork projects into bills during the dead of night, and spend billions on corporate tax breaks we can't afford and old programs that we don't need.

[And today, even as Congress debates an emergency plan to save our economy from the verge of collapse…]:

And today, even as Congress debates an emergency plan to save our economy from the verge of collapse, there are reports that lobbyists and CEOs are already lining up to figure out what's in it for them; to find out how they can get theirs.

Green Bay, enough is enough.

I began this race for the presidency as the one candidate who hasn't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know this - if we want a government that puts the needs of middle-class families before the whims of lobbyists and politicians; if we want to grow this economy and prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again, then the ways of Washington must change. We must reform our lobbyist-driven politics. We must reform the waste and abuse in our government. We must reform the rules of the road that let Wall Street run wild and stuck Main Street with the bill. We must change Washington now.

This has been our message from the day we began this campaign. Our opponent, on the other hand, has spent much of the last nineteen months arguing that what qualifies him to be President are the decades he's spent in Washington.

But with forty-two days left, he's had a sudden change of heart. An election-time conversion. After twenty-six years in Washington - years where he voted for the same trickle-down, on-your-own policies that got us into this mess - he now claims that he's the one who can clean it up.

Well let's be clear. When it comes to regulatory reform, Senator McCain has fought time and time again against the common-sense rules of the road that could've prevented this crisis. His economic plan was written by Phil Gramm, the architect in the US Senate of the de- regulatory steps that helped cause this mess. Even knowing what we know now, Senator McCain said in an interview just last night that de-regulation actually helped grow our economy. Well that might be true for the profits of a few CEOs, but it's certainly not true for America's prosperity.

When it comes to taking on the special interests, my opponent sounds like Fighting Bob Lafollette. But he acts like a guy who's spent three decades of his life in Washington. He's put seven of the biggest corporate lobbyists in charge of his campaign - lobbyists for the insurance industry and the oil industry; for foreign governments and Freddie and Fannie Mac, who paid his campaign manager nearly $2 million to defend them against stricter regulations. I guess they got their money's worth.

And rest assured, those lobbyists who are working day and night to elect my opponent aren't doing it to put themselves out of business.

When it comes to reforming government waste and spending, Senator McCain talks a lot about earmarks. And while he deserves credit for not requesting many of those earmarks during his time in Congress, what he never mentions is that he voted for 144 billion dollars worth in just six years; or that he voted for four out of the five Bush budgets that have been filled with special interests giveaways and left us with the largest deficit in history.

The truth is, our earmark system in Washington is fraught with abuse. It badly needs reform - which is why I didn't request a single earmark last year, why I've released all my previous requests for the public to see, and why I've pledged to slash earmarks by more than half when I am President.

But let's not pretend, as John McCain does, that proposing the elimination of 18 billion dollars of earmarks will make up for the more than 300 billion additional dollars he wants to spend on tax breaks for big corporations and multi-millionaires that don't need them and weren't asking for them - more than 300 billion dollars at a time when taxpayers are being asked to help finance two wars and a historic financial bailout. That's some pretty creative math, but it doesn't add up to is change. And change in Washington is what we need right now.

This change will not be easy. It will require reforming our politics by taking power away from the lobbyists who kill good ideas and good plans with secret meetings and campaign checks. It will require reforming our government by taking on the spending habits of both parties and going after the tax havens and loopholes that big corporations use to avoid paying their fare share while you pay more. And it will require reforming our out-dated, unfair regulatory system that favors Wall Street over Main Street but has ended up hurting both.

[On Reforming our Politics…]:

But I am ready to reform our politics because I've done it before. I've spent my career taking on lobbyists and their money, and I've won. When I was a state Senator in Illinois, if you wanted a favor, there was actually a law that let you give campaign cash to politicians for their own personal use. In the State House, they called it business-as-usual. I called it legalized bribery, and while it didn't make me the most popular guy in Springfield, I put an end to it. I brought Democrats and Republicans together, and we passed the first ethics reform in twenty-five years.

When I got to Washington, Jack Abramoff and his lobbyist pals had engaged in some of the worst corruption since Watergate. I led the fight for reform in my party, and let me tell you - not everyone in my party was too happy about it. When I proposed forcing lobbyists to disclose who they're raising money from and who in Congress they're funneling it to, I had a few choice words directed my way on the floor of the Senate. But we got it done, and we banned gifts from lobbyists, and discounted rides on their corporate jets. And I'm the only candidate in this race who can say that Washington lobbyists do not fund my campaign, you do - with donations of $100, and $10, and $5.

I also joined with one of the most conservative Republicans in Congress to end the abuse that allowed no-bid contracts to waste taxpayer dollars instead of using them to rebuild the Gulf Coast after Katrina. And we worked together to put the federal government's checkbook online - so you can see how and where Washington is spending trillions of dollars of your money.

For years, I have also pushed for reform of the same loose regulations and lax oversight that could've prevented the crisis we're in. It was two years ago that I introduced legislation to stop mortgage transactions that promoted fraud, risk or abuse. It was one year ago that I called on our Treasury Secretary and our Fed Chairman to bring every stakeholder together and find a solution to the subprime mortgage meltdown before it got worse. In March, when John McCain was saying "I'm always for less regulation," I called for a new, 21st century regulatory framework to restore accountability, transparency, and trust in our financial markets.

These are the types of reform I will pursue beginning on my very first day in office as President of the United States - political reform, government reform, and regulatory reform.

First, I'll reform our special interest-driven politics. When I am President, I will start by closing the revolving door in the White House that has allowed people to use their Administration job as a stepping stone to further their lobbying careers.

I'll make it absolutely clear that working in an Obama Administration is not about serving your former employer, your future employer, or your bank account - it's about serving your country. When you walk into my administration, you will not be able to work on regulations or contracts directly related to your former employer for two years. And when you leave, you will not be able to lobby my Administration - ever. I will also institute an absolute gift ban so that no registered lobbyist can curry favor with members of my administration based on how much they can spend on a fancy dinner.

[On Making Government Transparent:]

I'll make our government open and transparent so that anyone can ensure that our business is the people's business. As Justice Louis Brandeis once said, sunlight is the greatest disinfectant. As President, I will make it impossible for Congressmen or lobbyists to slip pork-barrel projects or corporate welfare into laws when no one is looking because when I am president, meetings where laws are written will be more open to the public. No more secrecy.

When there is a bill that ends up on my desk as President, you will have five days to look online and find out what's in it before I sign it. When there are meetings between lobbyists and a government agency, we will put as many as possible online for every American to watch. When there is a tax bill being debated in Congress, you will know the names of the corporations that would benefit and how much money they would get. And we will put every corporate tax break and every pork-barrel project online for every American to see. You will know who asked for them and you can cast your vote accordingly.

The second set of reforms I'll make will eliminate the waste, fraud, and abuse in our government.

if ( show_doubleclick_ad && ( adTemplate & INLINE_ARTICLE_AD ) == INLINE_ARTICLE_AD && inlineAdGraf ) { placeAd('ARTICLE',commercialNode,20,'inline=y;',true) ; } We are facing the largest deficit in history. We are facing the largest government bailout in history. And we are also facing some of the greatest challenges in our history. All of this will cost money - to fix our health care system, and our schools, and build a new energy economy. And the only way we can do all this without leaving our children with an even larger debt is if Washington starts taking responsibility for every dime that it spends.

We can start by ending a war in Iraq that is costing us $10 billion a month when the Iraqi government is sitting on a $79 billion surplus. We should also stop sending fifteen billion dollars a year in overpayments to insurance companies for Medicare and go after tens of billions of dollars in Medicare and Medicaid fraud. We need to stop sending three billion a year to banks that provide student loans the government could provide for less, and hundreds of millions a year in subsidies to agribusiness that can survive just fine without your tax dollars and use some of the money to help family farmers who are struggling. I will put an end to this waste when I am President.

I am not a Democrat who believes that we can or should defend every government program just because it's there. There are some that don't work like we had hoped - like the Bush Administration's billion- dollar-a-year reading program that hasn't improved our children's reading. And there are some that have been duplicated by other programs that we just need to cut back - like waste at the Economic Development Agency and the Export-Import Bank that has become little more than a fund for corporate welfare.

I understand there are parts of these programs worth defending and politicians of both parties who will do so. But if we hope to meet the challenges of our time, we must make difficult choices. As President, I will go through the entire federal budget, page by page, line by line, and I will eliminate the programs that don't work and aren't needed.

As for the programs we do need, I will make them work better and cost less. I will create a High-Performance Team that evaluates every agency and every office based on how well they're serving the American taxpayer. We will fire government managers who aren't getting results, we will cut funding for programs that are wasting your money, and we will use technology and lessons from the private sector to improve efficiency across every level of government - because we cannot meet twenty-first century challenges with a twentieth century bureaucracy.

I will also save billions of dollars by cutting private contractors and improving management of the hundreds of billions of dollars our government spends on private contracts, and I will end the abuse of no-bid contracts for good. One employee of a former Halliburton subsidiary actually admitted that he was ordered to put his company's logo on towels provided to U.S. troops because our government - our tax dollars - would pay for it no matter how much it cost. That is wasteful, that is wrong, and that will end when I am President.

And for all his talk about earmark abuse, what Senator McCain doesn't mention these days is the corporate abuse of our tax system - abuse that has cost far more than earmarks ever have. In 2003, loopholes and tax breaks allowed 28 major corporations to actually have negative tax liabilities. We lose $100 billion every year because corporations get to set up mailboxes offshore so they can avoid paying a dime of taxes in America. Imagine if you got to do that? There is a building right now in the Cayman Islands that is the address for 18,000 corporations. Well that is either the biggest building in the world or the biggest sham in the world, and I think we know which one it is. I will shut down those offshore tax havens and all those corporate loopholes as President, because you shouldn't have to pay higher taxes because some big corporation cut corners to avoid paying theirs. All of us have a responsibility to pay our fair share. That's putting country first.

Finally, the third set of reforms I will pursue are the updated, common-sense regulations of the financial market that I've been calling for since March; rules of the road that will make Wall Street fair, open, and honest; that will ensure a crisis like this can never happen again.

I've outlined six principles that such reforms should follow. First, if you're a financial institution that can borrow from the government, you should be subject to government oversight and supervision. Taxpayers who have now been called upon to spend nearly a trillion dollars to save our economy from the excesses of Wall Street have every right to expect that financial institutions are not taking excessive risks.

Second, we need to reform requirements on all regulated financial institutions, investigate rating agencies and potential conflicts of interest with the people they are rating, and establish transparency requirements that demand full disclosure by financial institutions to shareholders.

Third, we need to streamline our overlapping and competing regulatory agencies that cannot oversee the large and complex institutions that dominate the financial landscape.

Fourth, we need to regulate institutions for what they do, not what they are. Over the last few years, commercial banks and thrift institutions were subject to guidelines on subprime mortgages that did not apply to mortgage brokers and companies. This regulatory framework failed to protect homeowners, and made no sense for our financial system.

Fifth, we need to crack down on trading activity that crosses the line to market manipulation. We need regulators that actually enforce the rules instead of overlooking them. The SEC should investigate and punish all market manipulation.

Sixth, we must establish a process that identifies systemic risks to the financial system like the crisis that has overtaken our economy. We need a standing financial market advisory group to meet regularly and provide advice to the President, Congress, and regulators on the state of our financial markets and the risks they face. It's time to anticipate risks before they erupt into a full- blown crisis.

These are the principles that should guide the reforms we need to establish a 21st century regulatory system - a system that recognizes our free market economy has only worked because we have guided the market's invisible hand with a higher principle - that America prospers when all Americans can prosper.

To restore this prosperity, we must change Washington. We must reform our regulations, our politics, and our government, but we will not be able to make these changes with the same policies, the same lobbyists, or the same Washington culture that allows politicians and special interests to set their own agenda.

That's exactly what we will get from John McCain. After twenty- six years of being part of this Washington culture, all that he has changed is his slogan for the fall campaign. And the people in charge of that campaign prove that if we elect John McCain, it's not a team of mavericks we'll be sending to the White House - it's a team of lobbyists.

We can't afford four more years of that kind of politics. We need real change.

It won't be easy. The kind of change we're looking for never is. What we are up against is a very powerful, entrenched status quo in Washington who will say anything and do anything and fight with everything they've got to keep things just the way are.

But I feel good about our chances, because I've got something more powerful than they do: I've got you. In this campaign, you have already shown what history teaches us - that at defining moments like this one, the change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington.

Change has always come from places like Wisconsin - the state where the progressive movement was born; where laws were passed to regulate the railroads and insurance companies; laws that protected consumers and the safety of factory workers. It was a movement rooted in a principle that was known as the Wisconsin Idea - the idea that government works best in the hands of the people, not the special interests; that your voices should speak louder than the whispers of lobbyists.

That's the Wisconsin idea. That's the America idea. And that's the kind of government we need right now.

So if you want the next four years in Washington to look just like the last eight, then I am not your candidate. But if you want real change - if you want to shine a bright light into the backrooms of Washington; if you want to replace the special interests with your interests, if you want a government that costs less and works better for everyday Americans, then I ask you to knock on some doors, and make some calls, and talk to your neighbors, and give me your vote on November 4th. And if you do, I promise you - we will change America together. Thank you.

Emulate FRANCE: Ban Bonus to bailed out firms in USA

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:31:11 EDT

AIG and other bonus eaters transmit false values to the world in order for the American people to bear the major burdens of economic recovery. AIG does not demonstrate any key conviction that merits any further aid than bankruptcy. AIG bonus is ethically unacceptable. It’s a crime against American economic recovery. Earnestly, it's an environmental threat to Obama administration policies towards the empowerment of USA to lead. It’s contrary to human dignity most especially during this period of severe economic downturn. Seriously, bonus packages should be prohibited (banned) in every company bailed out via tax payer’s money. Likewise, GMC, Merrill Lynch etc bonus information must be disclosed to the public and immediate legal actions be taken against recipients and defaulters. Obama administration must: 1. regulate internal standing rules and regulations in AIG, GMC, Merrill Lynch etc in order to avoid tax payers money going to offshore bank accounts in Switzerland, Jersey, Lichtenstein etc; 2. lunch a crack-down on all hidden Madoffs’ in our insurance companies, in our hospitals, in our banking systems, the Madoffs’ on Wall street, in our motor manufacturing companies, and the entire Madoffs’ in our nation’s economy; and 3. enforce the law and weigh a clean war on all these bunches of refracts/bonus addicted criminals who hate America. We're determined not to relent our supportive values even in austerity times like this to help our President stop these new trends and their replicas influencing boycott of his administration economic policies even when we're aware the said Madoffs’ and their replicas are the backbone to our economic woes. Yes we can clean those messes perpetrated by George W. Bush, his cronies and their replicas etc. Yes we can salvage the world's economies from further downturn. Yes we can restore sanity to investors and confidence to consumers worldwide. Yes President Obama can and America is once again leading!

Open letter to President Obama

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:13:35 EDT

Subject: Nationalize AIG to evade skeletons in our cupboards Dear Mr. President Obama,I am deeply perturbed by the turn of events at AIG that warrants my comments on their unthankful nature and rogue attitudes towards your office. In addition, I wish to offer some insights to counter crisis and evade the insurance giant from total bankruptcy. I.e.1. Audit AIG in order to strengthen its performances and competitiveness to cope with the world’s markets.2. To our disarray, current AIG executives’ or leadership displayed gross inefficiencies and ignorance of the economics of management strategies as a result of the reduction in the level of business coursed enormous prejudices. Appointing new leadership to overhaul and restructure AIG to boost the overall effectiveness of the company in the local market will be salutary.3. Cancel with immediate effect bonus packages by instituting company regular performance appraisal under White House supervision in order to increase AIG volume of activities.4. To avoid further financial mismanagement, White House must grill AIG executives’ in-charge to declare ghost staffs strength, money laundering practices that accounted to the company’s financial woes.5. All efforts must be made to put in place effective internal control mechanism to minimize risks for the risk AIG pose is at epidemic proportions attributable to AIG executives’ astronomical spending habits.6. Bonus recipients who fail to comply to White House calls to refund their loots must be ousted from the helms of affairs and frozen their assets as they constitutes the many solely responsible for the high overhead cost of AIG. To redirect AIG to profitability, we must realize that a stitch in time saves nine. These lunatics must face justice for the scope of these enormous prejudices subdue growth, demonstrates no respect at all for human dignity. AIG executives’ and other bailed out entities must be made to understand the enormities of their distasteful behaviours in order to guarantee repayment of federal loans to support recovery plans.7. Paradoxical, AIG is at stand still. Further federal stimulus aid may prove to be not enough to salvage its dented image as absence of regulation on the Wall Street is in favour of spoliators to destroy valuable entities dragging them to mud. Your administration has a heavy legacy to bear and so many problems to tackle home and abroad. Review and advocate new financial regulations and reforms in banks, insurance companies, motor manufacturing companies etc in order to re-enforce better finance administration and fiscal governance. We support your policies which means henceforth we stand to refuse the abuse of our intellectual abilities by those who have chosen to stooge trading with our fundamental human rights for selfish ends (George W. Bush and cronies). Your administration ability to effect a rectification of these anomalies heaping miseries on the American people and the world at large will alleviate some degree of hardship and restore our human dignity.I assure you of my continued loyalty, Dear Mr. President Obama.Jean Pierres BasseyPresidentChange International (non governmental organization)P.o.box. 27 BP Abidjan 27Ivory Coast/West Africa

Tel.: 00225 08 28 80 46

e-mail: basseyjp@hotmail.com

US.CAN and National Council for Obama's Angels - Headquarters, SLC - Utah = Noble Vision

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:25:06 EDT

We refer to Lisa Lindo, National USCAN Administrator e-mail dated February 22, 2009, and wish to inform that we’re highly pleased that you (National Council for Obama's Angels - Headquarters, SLC - Utah) embark on the empowerment of the less privileged across the globe. It’s a responsible decision you’ve made. We’re readily available to partner with you and follow through. We fully share and support your initiatives, the Obama administration for its supportive/determination engagement in helping to bring about more positive outcomes, especially in the areas of rule of law and due process for the economic and social development of The United States of America and the world at large. We encourage the structural reforms that support the acceleration of economic growth and the full development of human capital resources.In Africa, the central development challenge before us is the attainment of sustained high rates of economic growth more than double that of the population (about 400 million people, accounting for about 47 per cent of the continent’s population living in absolute poverty) so that meaningful advances towards poverty reduction can be realized.We’re aware that effective mobilization of funds depends on a system of good governance being in place, especially the laws and regulations that protect the public interest without impeding unnecessarily private initiative and a judicial system that protects property rights and guarantees fair and expeditious settlement of disputes.By encouraging the growth of a socioeconomic environment that promotes entrepreneurship and industry, good governance makes investment from both domestic and foreign sources more attractive.Poverty is obviously a fundamental obstacle to education, health and overall development, especially in the least advantaged nations i.e. Ivory Coast, and among the most vulnerable population groups, and that’s where your attention is mostly needed to promote solidarity. Once again, we welcome your initiatives towards the same in particular the beneficial effect it could have on socioeconomic development, the environment and the impact on the local populace in Africa.Human resources constitutes the backbone of the development and implementation of poverty alleviation strategies at all levels. Building human resources for poverty alleviation is influenced by many factors such as the burden of disease, social and economic conditions, gender issues, demography factors and the organization of the education system. All these factors will have an impact on the number and type of poverty alleviation projects personnel, and affect the financial resources devoted to human resources. We remain very optimistic!Jean pierres basseyPresident/FounderChange International (non governmental organization)P.o.box: 27 BP 1044 Abidjan 27Ivory Coast, West AfricaPhone: 00225 08288046

e-mail: basseyjp@hotmail.com

N/B:

You may please find briefly below our objectives, targets and strategies for your perusal.May God help us through, Amen. Change International is a non governmental organization founded to take up the global challenge to turn into concrete action Aid and Humanitarian initiatives in order to alleviate the plight of the underprivileged or most vulnerable population groups in the society of least advantaged African Nations. Change International is run by eminent African nationals with proven records of integrity (i.e. from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Mauritius, RD Congo, and Kenya to mention a few).As diverse as itself, Change International is built on mutual respect, responsibility, consensus, and volunteering. A net work of educated and talented men and women from diverse walks of life embarked on building human resource for poverty alleviation, racial discriminations and social welfare: 1. education (award scholarships, build tertiary training centres and provide vocational training and adult literacy classes for drop outs) 2. health care (build health centres in rural areas, provide antiretroviral therapy to HIV/AIDS victims, reduce the burden of diseases)3. Cyber crimes (provide ample clues to fight against phenomena and mobilise forces towards anti-graft revolution in Africa)4. Climate change, pollution and environmental hazards; and
5. Promote democracy, peace and solidarity and overall development to impart valuable skills to idle and financially challenged individuals in greatest need.In a continent with an increasing variety of needs and resources untapped, the establishment of partnership between us will extend the transfer of technologies for poverty alleviation in Africa and stimulate new developments targeted to the needs of the people.How to get involved If you wish to partner with us in this quest to affect lives positively as an individual or organization with some common goals, contact:Jean pierres basseyPresident, Ngo Change Internationalpostal box: 27 BP 1044 Abidjan 27phone: 00225 08 28 80 46Abidjan, Ivory Coast/ West Africa

Help us reduce poverty in Africa (population in distress)

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:46:02 EDT

Change International is a non governmental organization founded to take up the global challenge to turn into concrete action Aid and Humanitarian initiatives in order to alleviate the plight of the underprivileged or most vulnerable population groups in the society of least advantaged African Nations. Change International is run by eminent African nationals with proven records of integrity (i.e. from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Mauritius, RD Congo, and Kenya to mention a few).As diverse as itself, Change International is built on mutual respect, responsibility, consensus, and volunteering. A net work of educated and talented men and women from diverse walks of life embarked on building human resource for poverty alleviation, racial discriminations and social welfare: 1. education (award scholarships, build tertiary training centres and provide vocational training and adult literacy classes for drop outs) 2. health care (build health centres in rural areas, provide antiretroviral therapy to HIV/AIDS victims, reduce the burden of diseases)3. Cyber crimes (provide ample clues to fight against phenomena and mobilise forces towards anti-graft revolution in Africa)4. Climate change, pollution and environmental hazards; and
5. Promote democracy, peace and solidarity and overall development to impart valuable skills to idle and financially challenged individuals in greatest need.In a continent with an increasing variety of needs and resources untapped, the establishment of partnership between us will extend the transfer of technologies for poverty alleviation in Africa and stimulate new developments targeted to the needs of the people.How to get involved

If you wish to partner with us in this quest to affect lives positively as an individual or organization with some common goals, contac:

Jean pierres bassey

President, Ngo Change International

postal box: 27 BP 1044 Abidjan 27

phone: 00225 08 28 80 46

Abidjan, Ivory Coast/ West Africa

Surveillance Self-Defense

Henry M — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:43:03 EDT

http://ssd.eff.org

The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Surveillance Self-Defense site. You owe it to yourself, your friends, and your family to check it out.

Henry Mu

KCUF, 128 Kb/s of The Most Eclectic Music on the Internet, now on Shoutcast Unlimited: http://tinyurl.com/kcuf-on-shoutcast-limited/ to play, http://www.urdomain.us/playing.html to see what's playing, and now available on RECIVA Internet-Radio receivers, http://tinyurl.com/kcuf-on-reciva

KCUF can now be listened to using a Windows Vista Sidebar Gadget:

http://gallery.live.com/results.aspx?bt=1&q=KCUF

Obama DVD's on Sale at Amazon

Henry M — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:34:27 EDT

More than a hundred DVD's featuring Barack Obama are on sale at Amazon.com

Hundreds of other DVD's and Blu-Ray discs are also on sale.

Henry M

One add to: Media - Friend or Foe? - Arm yourself against lies! (5)

! Steffen from European Union, Dr. - Together We Can! Yes. We. Can. — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:28:06 EST

Let's use the member of campaign of change to help Obama and get the change.

Cable news and right wing blogs are swarming with the revisionist history on the New Deal. Arm yourself against lies, spin and propaganda by reading info from a number of sources.

Here down a article about this topic. [Media Matters is a progressive media watchdog and fact checking organization which has received accolades from numerous sources (except the right wing media which often gets debunked by Media Matters).]

The link to digg it and for article: Conservatives Cherry-Pick 1930s Unemployment Figures

Conservatives cherry-pick 1930s unemployment figures in continued assault on New Deal

Summary: Columnists Mona Charen and George Will continued a trend among conservative media of responding to comparisons between the current economic situation and that of the 1930s and between Barack Obama and FDR by attacking the New Deal. In separate columns, both Charen and Will cherry-picked unemployment figures to assert that the New Deal did not reduce unemployment. But historians and progressive economists have noted that unemployment fell every year of the New Deal except during the 1937-38 recession; further, Nobel-laureate Paul Krugman has said it was a reversal of New Deal policies, not a continuance of them, that contributed to rising unemployment in 1937 and 1938.

Yes we can! Best wishes, Steffen

http://changeforbetterworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-way-to-say-goodbye-to-neocons-bush.html

Formal Petition to Attorney General-Designate Eric Holder to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute any and all government officials who have participated in War Crimes.

Ending Pay-to-Play Culture in Washington, Now!

Mett — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:04:56 EST

I usually don’t take Republican makeovers very seriously, as most have simply tried to re-hash some version of trickle-down, small government, Reaganomics. But the other night I was watching an infomercial by Mike Huckabee on Winning Back the Middle Class that seemed to focus on changing Washington politics as usual.

Isn’t that supposed to be Obama’s line?

Well, with two cabinet picks who have admitted to failing to pay taxes and only admitting to their tax liability “after” the nomination process had begun, and another withdrawing due to pay-to-play type accusations resulting in an indictment, ethics and undue influence in Washington may actually be an opening for the Republicans, particularly if Obama does not get REAL campaign finance done in his first term.

So what exactly is REAL campaign finance reform…the kind that doesn’t create additional loopholes for influence peddlers?

Publicly funded elections for all federal elections, and “reasonable” Supreme-Court-proof limits on the free speech of so-called independent groups like 527s so that they cannot run campaign ads for or against a candidate within 90 days of a primary or general election would be REAL campaign finance reform.

If Obama does not get this done in his first term, much of his change agenda could be thwarted by the handful of special interest groups that have dominated the agenda in Washington for quite some time. And as stated above, he could create an opening for the Republicans to portray him as a “change is only a slogan to drum up votes” type of candidate while Washington continues business as usual.

Such an appeal to ignore empty change rhetoric will resonate with the very swing voter that put Obama over the top in previously red states like CO, NV, NM, IN, OH, VA, FL, and NC. This is therefore a critical issue for Obama to pay close attention to if he wants to hang on to these voters.

With an 80% approval rating, NOW is the time for Obama to push for this kind of reform, as there are enough Democratic and Republican votes, especially if one vote meant they did not have to face reprisals from these same special interest groups in subsequent elections. Obama’s popularity will not always be this high, and if he waits until his popularity slips, it may be too late to get this done.

Let’s take money completely out of politics now!

-Metteyya Brahmana

My way to say GOODBYE to neocons, Bush and Cheney! ( 5)

! Steffen from European Union, Dr. - Together We Can! Yes. We. Can. — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:30:30 EST

You can Digg it: My_way to say GOODBYE to neocons, Bush and Cheney!

A picture from me to say goodbye from most bad president of US and all neocons.
We can only hope many people will long enough remember. Bush had a lot bad gifts for the change! Let's take care the poor and normal people will not have to pay now too much after the rich made profit in good time!
And what's with impeachment now?! What's with hidden knowledge of Sept. 11 2001?
[ Maybe an explanation of picture: it's made like an "egg laying wool milk sow" a metaphorical-idiomatic term in Germany]

Yeah, and here you can see something new about neocons were bringing to us - for me to say: don't forgive Bush and neocons and there is still a lot to work of. We will and can do this too - Yes we can!
I got now message too like "If anybody can clean up the mess bush left, it's President Obama." - Yes and Obama likes people helping still to do the work - help him! We were a big and strong movement and so people got knowledge back how strong people can be together!
Whistleblower: Bush's NSA spied on EVERYONE
(already 4255 Diggs) The NSA had access to ALL YOUR COMMUNICATIONS, regardless of who you were or whether or not you were communicating internationally.

The OFA 2.0 Thing - Links, Video, Resources & Inspiration

Brian Webster — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:28:02 EST

The OFA 2.0 Thing - Links, Video, Resources & Inspiration

I just had some rare vacation time in New York where I had time to

do lots of reading and research on what’s up with the OFA 2.0 thing.

The Dec 13th and 14th Change is Coming House Meetings that I went to

at SEIU 1021 in San Francisco were very inspiring. The first day was

for volunteers and the second day was focused on organizers. There

was a great deal of organizer talent in the room Sunday.

California OFA Campaign veterans & volunteers have created a great

new web tool www.CommunityOrganize.com to serve as an organizing

tool for teams across the state of California.

Also check out: Obama's Movement

http://progressiveresourcecatalog.org/index.php/Obama/Home

From: Progressive Resource Catalog

http://ProgressiveResourceCatalog.org

Equally inspiring was yesterday’s CA Democratic delegate elections that

I attended in my own AD 13 district, and in AD 16 where I was attending to support the Labor / Burton slate.

Next up for inspiration is a gathering of thousands in Oakland to watch

the inauguration live on large screens, where 2 million people in DC will

be gathered to watch the inauguration live on large screens, as one billion people worldwide will watch the inauguration live on small screens. Jan 20 - Inauguration Day - Oakland Arena Celebration

http://www.green960.com/pages/inauguration09.html

- http://www.coliseum.com/events/show.php?id=1229554633

OK so now here is my collection of articles, video and links and recourses

on the OFA 2.0 thing, that I hope will be helpful for fellow

community organizers and information networking geeks.

Fist here is the essential information on Plans distributed at he Dec 14th

Change is Coming meeting at SEIU 1021 in San Francisco:

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

Obama for America 2.0 Plans

The MyBO.com website will continue as an organizing tool

http://my.barackobama.com

There will be paid staff on the ground in every state, working with

unpaid staff and volunteers, just as in the election. Details are still to be

worked out, but the basics should be hammered out by late January.

They are moving with “deliberate haste”.

Obama for America (OFA) 2.0 will have 4 goals:

Organize support for legislation at all levels of government.

This includes pushing president Obama’s agenda, and it also

includes organizing around state and local laws / initiatives.

Build grassroots electoral strength at all levels, and train and

develop grassroots leaders to organize and serve their communities

Be an organ of two-way communication between the White House

and the grassroots, so that each knows and responds to the priorities

of the other.

Launch a national, grassroots-driven renewal of civic-engagement,

again at both the local and national levels.

The process of creating and structuring this organization is meant to be

transparent and open.

Feedback survey forms are at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/pesurvpage1/

Archive of every useful document from the campaign.

Send to ofa.archive@gmail.com

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

These Are My Assembled Links & Resources:

The Organizing DNC; The Future Of Obama's Campaign

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/01/the_organizing_dnc.php

Obama plans to campaign for economic stimulus package

From the Los Angeles Times December 31

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama31-2008dec31,0,2985997.story

More Hints from Chicago on Obama For America 2
By Micah L. Sifry, 12/11/2008 - 10:04pm

http://www.techpresident.com/blog/entry/33394/more_hints_from_chicago_on_obama_for_america_2

Obama testing ways to use Internet to govern

Joe Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer - November 24, 2008

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/24/MN7214842D.DTL

Obama Campaign Testing the Waters for an Ongoing Grassroots Movement
By Nancy Scola, 11/19/2008 - 11:55am

http://www.techpresident.com/blog/entry/33244/obama_campaign_testing_the_waters_for_an_ongoing_grassroots_movement

A Craigslist for Service Huffington Post - Posted by Craig Newmark

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-newmark/a-craigslist-for-service_b_150924.html

Organizing for Change Legacy Conference Participants

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

Organizing for Change Legacy Conference Participants Membership http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/OrganizingforChangeLegacyConferenceParti/members?click=group/OrganizingforChangeLegacyConferenceParti/members&#ezlist

The Democrats' New Weapon - the Obama campaign helped make the DNC's voter database 10 times larger. By David Talbot Thursday, December 18, 2008

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/21902/page1/

Joe Trippi declares political parties dead

http://www.techpresident.com/blog/entry/33393/liveblogging_the_harvard_internet_politics_conference_part_7_joe_trippi_declares_political_parties_dead

YouTube:

A conversation with Marshall Ganz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhCoz5hMhTI

Marshall Ganz on the Future of the Obama Movement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ISwjmwZ1U

Q&A with Marshall Ganz and Jeremy Bird
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jcz7awW9EX8

Marshall Ganz and his community organizing background

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NglXpj94Z2o

A conversation with Joe Trippi and Ari Melber

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0sWUI3pZ3I

Barack Speaks To HQ Staff & Volunteers

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

:) -Brian

Major Economic Speech Full Video & Transcript Links and My Comments

Brian Webster — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:25:56 EST

President.-Elect Obama’s Major Economic Speech at George Mason University on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. (January 8, 2009)

Here is the full video of the economic speech. I had a hard time finding the whole thing on video, but C-SPAN has it. The speech is mush more powerful in its entirety than the just the clips on the News Hour or news shows.

Full Video on C-SPAN of Major Economic Speech: http://www.c-span.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-R-14049 Obama’s Major Economic Speech Transcript: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/08/obama.conference.transcript/index.html And Here: http://www.inquisitr.com/14704/obama-speech-january-8-2009-video-transcript/

I urge everyone who can to watch the speech, read the transcript and then do whatever you can to move this agenda forward into citizen supported legislation and action.

This is a historic direction-changing outline for the country and the economy. It will certainly influence the global economy and the direction of the world. The themes I get from it are; intelligent leadership, common sense, a sustainable jobs based recovery, a clean energy economy, innovation and information technology, smart investments in education, smart investments in healthcare, and a refreshing focus on responsibility and working peoples needs. The whole speech inspires confidence and hope with a call to action.

The accessible YouTube presidency

debedb — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:51:15 EST

Washington Post calls it The YouTube Presidency.

Indeed, the Obama administration seems to understand and effectively leverage current Internet technology. Witness the proliferation of YouTube videos on change.gov already, and the weekly address being delivered by Internet video

Unfortunately, it is lacking English captions to make it accessible to deaf/hard-of-hearing communities, and captions in other languages, e.g., Spanish, to make it accessible to both non-English speaking US constituency and to a world-wide audience.

Yes, transcripts are provided, and we applaud the Transition team for following their commitment to accessibility. But reading the transcript is not as effective as watching a video.

I've created an "Accessibility" group here, and am waiting for approval. But for now, some captioned links:

I''ll try to see if this blog allows embeds in the next post...

still asking for more money???

Frankie — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:30:05 EST

Didn't you guys shatter every record for political fundraising this year? Didn't you collect more dough than in any previous US election, for both the Dem & GOP candidates PUT TOGETHER? Didn't you win the election over a week ago?

Why are you still hounding us for donations?

It's really Really REALLY sad that this site has not been put to better use, helping to organize community groups nationwide, energizing volunteer activists to shift from campaigning to participation in government, instead of treating it like a candy jar.

Ten Online Ideas for Obama in Government

Steven from Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:34:03 EST

Here are ten quick ideas for the coming Obama administration. The GSA commissioned this article last year. A PDF version and looong version with international examples is available.

Ten Practical Online Steps for Government Support of Democracy

By Steven Clift
Chair, E-Democracy.Org and Ashoka Fellow

This article will appear in the upcoming Intergovernmental Solutions newsletter of the U.S. federal
General Services Administration: http://tinyurl.com/2dhl9s

Does e-government have anything to do with democracy and citizen participation? Let's get
straight to the point - not yet.

Should it?

Yes. Government should be leading a charge into the increasingly and fundamentally interactive
web.

Information access, considered the safe starting point for government accountability online now
mostly presents the public a daunting needle in a huge haystack. This system is so complicated
that the valuable and substantive information that government produces is often ignored in the
increasingly interactive public lives of active citizens. . The lack of real and effective online access
to governance will substantially increase cynicism about and distrust in government among a
public that demands a more participatory representative democracy.

A bit of context: I coordinated e-government for the State of Minnesota in its early days. As a
citizen, I independently started E-Democracy.Org which created the world’s first election
information and discussion website in 1994. When “services first, democracy later” enveloped
most e-government projects, I went independent in late 1997. Since then, I've spoken and
consulted across 26 countries on "e-democracy.”

Here are the 10 things I would do in government at every level to help rescue our democracy in
the information age.

1. Timely, personalized access to information that matters.

Government decision-making information is not really public or relevant if people cannot act on it
when it still matters. Give people tools like personalized e-mail alerts based on keywords,
location, etc. and eliminate the "nobody told me" backlash government often receives due to
poor public outreach. Every government needs a “what’s new” democracy portal or a thematic
section covering all democratic processes as part of their main website.

2. Help elected officials receive and sort, then better understand and respond to email.

E-mail overload is the number one complaint I hear from elected officials around the world. Most
want to respond effectively, but simply aren't being provided the tools they need. If there ever
was an opportunity for open source collaboration among governments, this is it. In general, our
representatives and representative institutions must start to invest in the online infrastructure
they need to connect directly with the public they represent.

3. Dedicate at least 10% of new e-government developments to democracy.

Let’s define democracy starting with public input. In an e-service initiative, the 10% should start
with citizen focus groups to guide the design of the service, usability testing and studies to
generate user input and accountability, and post-transaction user surveys. If the investment is a
new content management system for information access, then use the 10% to add
personalization and survey input features or democratized navigation (those nifty menus that
show you the top ten articles viewed that day or week).

4. Announce all government public meetings on the Internet in a uniform manner.

All public meeting notices, agendas, handouts, and digital recordings must be online. The system
should be standards-based and tie state-by-state systems into a national network covering
federal, state, and local government public meetings. This is the only way for people to ask to be
pro-actively notified of any government public meetings within a certain geographic area
addressing specific topics that interest them.

5. Allow citizens to look-up all of their elected officials from the very local to national
in one search.

Along with the ability to look-up all public meetings, Americans should have the right to easily
determine who all the elected and appointed officials are who represent them currently. Just
before elected and appointed officials assume office, every government unit should be required
to submit contact information for those officials into a national database.

6. Host online public hearings and dialogues (or “e-consultations” as they are known
outside the U.S.)

As in-person public meetings begin to incorporate live online features, envision more deliberate
online exchanges to improve the outcomes of the decision-making process. If your government
agency hosts three public hearings across the country or your state, host the fourth hearing
online over a week or two and improve the format in the process. In 10 years, the legislatures,
commissions and city councils not holding hearings online will be in the minority.

7. Embrace the rule of law by mandating the most democratically empowering online
services and rights across the whole of government.

Technology itself is not forcing real institutional democratic change. I estimate that 90% of the
democratic innovations online that really share power are based on a political tradition or law
that existed before the Internet arrived. If we want all citizens to benefit universally from a more
wired democracy, then now is time to update our legal requirements and fund core online
democracy services.

8. Promote dissemination through access to raw data from decision-making
information systems.

Let’s explode decision-making data, like Congressional information and rulemaking related
content into bits via XML and open standards and make it easy to re-use public government data
from many sources to create views and searches that provide insight, understanding, and
accountability. Think “Web 2.0” interactivity built on top of government data by those outside of
government.

9. Fund Open Source sharing internationally across e-government.

Sharing and supporting open source software takes resources – a consortium of national
governments need to step up with collaborative funding. The new and less cluttered area of eparticipation tools are an ideal starting point within e-government to reduce technology costs and
build systems for use by multiple governments.. Efforts to place modules and customizations out
for community use will be key. Government and its vendors must contribute code back for the
wheels of reciprocal value to start turning.

10. Local up – a strategic approach to building local democracy online.

To build e-participation momentum, citizens need to experience results they can see and touch.
By investing in transferable local models and tools, more people will use the Internet as a tool to
strength their communities, protect and enrich their families and neighborhoods, and be heard in
a meaningful way. Every community needs an “online town hall,” E-Democracy.Org calls them
Issues Forums, for agenda-setting discussion of public issues. Comparative evaluation of access
and participation related online service and content indicators will introduce efforts for an online
"Democracy Tune-up." This same tune-up concept should be applied at the state and federal
level as well.

Conclusion

In the early days, folks thought the Internet was inherently democratic. Parts of it are, but that
mistaken sense of technological determinisms has not carried over to make constitutional and
legally-ground representative processes more open and responsive. Today, “politics as usual”
online may actually make things worse. Civically conceived e-participation efforts need to counter
such negative trends rather than being viewed as an extra option. Ultimately, each generation
needs to rebuild democracy with the special tools of their time. Our tools are online and our
democracy needs us.

Steven Clift leads the “Online Consultation and E-Participation” online community of practice at
DoWire.Org and shares numerous articles on e-democracy from Publicus.Net. An extended
version of this article with specific examples is available from that site.

Excited Obama site will remain

Jon Radoff — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:08:49 EST

I'm excited to hear the news that the Obama website is going to remain. People are going to be studying it for years (centuries?) to come as an example of how social media was used to harness grassroots efforts.

I'm hoping to see social media brought into the federal government on a wide scale. This website and change.gov are great harbingers of things to come.

GOD CAN NOT LIE

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:17:34 EST

Dear Obama Family, Every time you find the word “Go” in the bible it isn’t optional but a command, and when you adhere to it, your hearing of the words of God transmits the command “Go” you’ve heard into action. Only the man equipped with tools of soul winning i.e. the Holy Spirit, Angels and the Word of God that is truly yielded to the Wisdom of God to effect change in the world. The above mentioned tools facilitate your potentials and enhance your skills. So, your total submission of your destiny to your creator not only offers you reward to become a star but earmarked you to enjoy promotions from heaven. Lk.13:20.

However, to the saboteurs who disbelieved and rebuffed the prophesy that Barack Obama will be the 44th President of The United States of America; to the tittle-tattled who fearfully changed their minds for one reason or another in the last minutes voted against Obama; to those of you despite multitude call to support his campaign but choose to sham Obama presidential agenda for hope and change to turn around your situations from worst to good; to those of you who were very categorical and told me bluntly that Obama will never be elected the 44th President of The United States of America; to those of you I replied “thank you” to your multiple e-mails in order to make interest bearing deposits in my relationship account, on the other hand chooses to rub me and sent me heavy downpour of insults; to those of you I communicated my 101% convictions that Obama was destined to WIN November 04, 2008 elections instead you impacted me with e-mails compounded with evil invaluable courtesies; to those of you who were so brave enough and didn’t mince their words at all dropped stern warning comments in my blogs at www.my.barackobama.com ;and

Finally, to those of you whose emoluments are sealed with their sleeping partners to kill President Barack Obama, or via their paid ads across the globe to castigate President Barack Obama, I say to you ”you can no longer blame your character on your circumstances than you can blame the mirror for your looks”. There’s nothing the enemy devices against President Barack Obama that God hasn’t already made a way of escape for. I’m not an attention seeker. I’m not blaming others for their shortcomings. I was inspired by our creator the living God to prophesy Obama victory because I believed in a dream of a winning team and I’ve a burning desire to serve humanity “service that comes from the depth of my heart”. Give all the glory to God the doer of all things and not me, please.

GOD CAN NOT LIE. To those of you who turned out massively to celebrate Obama elections victory at the American Corner embedded in CIRES (Ivorian Center for Economic Research), thank you. To the American Embassy in Abidjan, thank you. To the American Cultural Center in Abidjan, thank you. I love you ALL my dear friends who shaped things and you’ve helped make good history. Dear President Bill Clinton and family, thank you. We hold you in high esteem, Sir.

Creativity is the mark of commitment. I urge you once again to join President Barack Obama “NOW”, help him meet his objectives by submitting policy solutions to issues of your chosen in order that God may prosper us for He said “if you give, you’ll get! Your gift will return to you pressed down, shaken together running over”. Let’s capture every thought and make it give up and obey Jesus Christ, for we walk by faith and not by sight.

Communication is two sided. Obama people and all the groups at large; keep momentum very, very high. Dear Susie, Debbie Fisher, Marla, John Hay, and to Alllllllll Myyyyyyyyyyyy valuable Friendsssssssss too numerous to mention across the globe, keep us posted. I have genuine reasons to believe that the presence of God will continuously be behind inexplicable favours for us all. Psalm 44:3. May God bless President Barack Obama and The United States of America. May God bless Africa and the entire globe. May God bless our noble victory now and forever more in Jesus mighty name, Amen.

Bassey Jean Pierres

President, NGO Change International

27 B.P 1044 Abidjan 27

Phone: 00225 08 28 80 46

Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa

N/B: We’ll appreciate it to count you amongst valuable membership of our newly registered humanitarian international non governmental organization. NGO Change International seeks international cooperation with other NGO’s across the globe, persons, groupings, companies or entities etc to support our activities in the following sectors:

1. Poverty alleviation and social welfare; 2. Health care (provide antiretroviral therapy to HIV/AIDS victims, build health centers in rural areas etc); 3. Education (award scholarships, build tertiary or training centres for drop outs etc) 4. Cyber crimes and racial discriminations 5. Climate change, pollution and environmental hazards; and 6. Promote solidarity/peace and democracy in less developed nations.

In view of the above outlined objectives, what do you have out there in your countries to help alleviate poverty and promote solidarity and peace in underdeveloped nations? We’re acquainted with understanding that before they can be any progress there must be training. Is it scholarships? Our brilliant kids are in dare needs but not opportuned to have one to further studies in their desired fields.

To make communication a conscious art of transmitting information and also receiving answers, we need your assistance to empower the youths in our neighbourhoods through our “computerize all schools projects” to meet their needs and find answers to their questions. I’m aware a successful venture must receive adequate training. So, offering fairly used computers to accomplish the said project is the beginning of the solutions to the problems. Partake in the exercise, please.

Is it household equipments, fairly used clothes/shoes etc? Kindly ship them to us we’ll on your behalf distribute same to the less privileged. They must be an anti-graft revolution in Africa to fight against cyber crimes. We’ll give you ample clues and assist you fight against cyber criminals.

We’ll organize colloquy and press conferences to be attended by eminent personalities to speak and create awareness in diverse sectors relating to objectives in our articles of association.

I’m aware that the levels of our successes for services we render to humanity will be gagged on how we deploy members of our NGO in their area of strength, on how we encourage same members to guarantee their zeal, and making the levels of our commitments and transparency a watch word in a team.

We intend to facilitate usage of new technologies information with other organizations, professional and individuals working in the areas of solidarity, international cooperation, problems of the planet, active citizenship, progress and human rights, social and economic justice, peace, social innovations/cultural exchanges.

2015 is now; help us enhance the capacity of the minority population in under developing countries of the world i.e. African countries in order to meet the objectives of the millennium championed by The United Nations. Help make change we need happen by promoting and speaking to your friends about us! With Barack Obama, President of The United States of America; Yes We Can!

It's not over 'til it's all over

Edward Mokurai Cherlin — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:04:30 EST

The people (speaking charitably) behind the ultra-sleaze smear campaign, claiming that Vietnam veteran and triple amputee Max Cleland was a friend of Osama bin Laden, are at it again. Through the well-worn techniques of Republican vote suppression (http://www.gregpalast.com/the-steal-you-wont-see), Saxby Chandliss, winner of that "election", is ahead in this year's Georgia Senate race against Democrat Jim Martin.

But not enough ahead. He has fallen short of 50%, with the result that this contest is going to a runoff on Dec. 2. I don't know whether that is enough time to reregister those who were illegally thrown off the rolls, or to get a court to reinstate them, as in other states this year. I mean to find out, because Chandliss may well be the final obstacle to Democrats getting over 60 votes in the Senate and a filibuster-proof majority without Joe Lieberman.

This is where you come in. Just as we phonebanked all of the swing states in the Presidential election, now we have a new task:

Phonebanking Georgia

Bring the good ol' iPod folks! We'll sing another song,
Sing it with a spirit that will start the world along,
Sing it like we used to sing a hundred thousand strong,
While we were phonebacking Georgia

Hurrah! Hurrah! We bring the Jubilee.
Hurrah! Hurrah! The ballot makes you free,
So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea,
While we were phonebacking Georgia.

"Barack's all-inclusive crew will never make the coast!"
So the saucy sleazeballs said and 'twas a handsome boast
Had they not forgot, alas! to reckon with the Host
While we were phonebanking Georgia.

So we made a thoroughfare for freedom and her train,
Sixty miles of latitude, three hundred to the main;
Oppression fled before us, for resistance was in vain
While we were phonebanking Georgia.

The change - Obama Acceptance Speech - Change is come to America (5)

! Steffen from European Union, Dr. - Together We Can! Yes. We. Can. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:15:20 EST

next post in my main blog about "Change for better world" - here i collected some movies from this day and shortly before.

(And i saved it to hard disc too. If some original will not be longer responsible in YouTube i will bring it new.)

Please, ckick this link to see the movies:

The change - Obama Acceptance Speech - Change is come to America

[But of course - it's just beginning with the change, there is a lot to do. Please stay in touch, however we do that, through these groups or some other way. ]

Barack Obama Votes and So Should You

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:17:16 EST

Find your polling location at voteforchange.com or call 1-877-OBAMA-WI

There's still time...to be part of history. Find out where here.

You Can Register to Vote and Vote On Election Day

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:55:32 EST

Polls are open. If you have not registered to vote yet, you can do so at the polls. Watch this message from actress/model Joy Bryant on how easy it is to register and vote today, Election day.

Find you polling location at voteforchange.com.

After you have voted...

Help others make their voice heard. Find the nearest location where you can make a difference here.

Fast and Pray for Obama/Biden

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:26:06 EST

Democrats across the globe, the last straw that’ll break the camel’s back is: your support, your vote, your fast and prayers for our Presidential candidate Barack Obama. "For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off’. Prov. 23:18 Democrats, all you need is to commit your faith; and when your faith is committed, God's integrity is equally committed. With your expectation in place, your faith is sure to deliver. Democrats, when faith and hope meets miracles are born. Democrats, Fast and Pray for Obama/Biden, today, November 04, 2008 is the day the Lord has made; we’ll rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 God can not lie! As we fast and pray, He will appear unto us and our desires for Obama/Biden victory shall be delivered in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Bassey Jean Pierres

President, Obamania Fans' Club Cote d'Ivoire

27 B.P 1044 Abidjan 27

Phone: 00225 08288046

Obama: Destined to WIN November 04, 2008 Presidential Elections

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:16:50 EST

Obama: Destined to WIN November 04, 2008 Presidential Elections Interests in the next American President in Africa in particular and in general across the globe are extremely very high not only due to facts of his multiracial backgrounds but for his non biased stance to world’s issues. Obama is icon of real change and hope we need, and God respects a man of such calibre who, when they get knocked down by enemies with freakish blatant tongues, bounce back with their faith intact, more determined than ever to serve humanity and to live for Him. We’ve largely been impacted by Obama’s attitudes than the Republicans’ theologies. I’d quickly remind them that they can’t seize the future while they are obsessing over his past for when God determined Obama’s future, He didn’t consult man. So, there’s nothing the enemy devises against him that God hasn’t already made a way of escape for. What’s unique about these elections is that God has ordained Obama who isn’t self-propelled to bring an end to the crises we’ve been facing since 8 years now. If in essence we value change to the core, we must vote Obama. He was born a victor, not a victim; and a conqueror, not a concern and this is our final bus stop in our search for a lasting solution to world’s crisis. With Obama/Biden in the White House, all the forces of hell militating against our progress wherever we’re on earth shall be destroyed permanently and our destinies shall be established. Democrats are destined to win these Presidential elections come November 04, 2008 simply because victory is our birthrights. Supporting with our prayers at this crucial time Obama/Biden means together we’re born to overcome the Republicans. Our good rewards can only be determined by the levels of our perseverance “NOW” and beyond. We mustn’t forget God is able ( Mark 10:27 ) God is willing ( Matt. 8:2 ) God is ready ( 2 Cor.6:2 ). So, all we need is to commit our faiths; and when our faiths are committed, God’s integrity is equally committed. With our expectations in place, our faiths are sure to deliver for when faith and hope meets miracles are born. A cheerful Democrat is a fearful voter, and working together to become a positive influence is what moves things forward.

Bassey Jean pierres

President, Obamania Fans' Club Cote d'Ivoire

27 B.P 1044 Abidjan 27

Phone: 00225 08288046

Video: Concert For Change

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:30:23 EST

This weekend the Campaign for Change welcomed Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, and Pat Sansone of the band Wilco to Madison. Joined by Senator Russ Feingold and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, the band played a short set before Congresswoman Baldwin led attendees on an Early Vote March to the Municipal Clerks office in order to vote ahead of Election Day. Watch the video below and then go vote. Today is the last day of Early Voting. Election Day is tomorrow Tuesday, November 4th.

Find your early voting location or Election Day polling location at voteforchange.com

DECLARACIÓN GENERAL ACERCA DE LA VOTACIÓN CON PEDRO COLON

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:12:18 EST

One Day To Change The World

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:16:45 EST

Let's Win This Thing. Be part of history now.

Independent Social Media : MC Yogi "Obama '08 - Vote for Hope"

Michael Gaio — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:46:19 EST

During the past few weeks, while I've engaged in deep research of new trends in internet marketing and social media for my own entrepreneurial initiatives, I've also been keeping track of much of the on-line media involved with the Obama campaign. Of all the great promotional videos that have emerged--my favorite has been this one pioneered by MC Yogi and a local California media team:

MC Yogi: Obama '08 - Vote for Hope

This high quality media production really captures the progressive edge, and may have really helped ground-in votes from the younger "hip" demographic. I've participated in helping this outstanding video go viral in it's organic distribution (nearly 250,000 views in just a few short weeks) by leveraging my own social media tool and skills across my networks.

After the video was initially released, I was told by friends that MC Yogi lives nearby, and that a few people who managed the media production are people I know and have worked with here in Marin County. I had a good feeling that I would likely have an opportunity to meet MC Yogi and congratulate him on such a successful production and contribution. That opportunity finally came last night when I attended the "Groove Garden" dance party in Fairfax--where MC Yogi did a live rendition and rap of the same "Vote for Hope" song for Obama. Directly after his performance, I approached MC Yogi, and shared with him my appreciation of the production, and let him know that it really inspired me. He is a great guy, and my further encouragement led him to also peform several more crowd-inspiring raps for Ganesha, Shiva, and other spiritual reverences.

It's great to realize that with just a few creative minds and some dedicated skill and time--nearly anyone can make significant contributions toward progressive change in this world.

See MC Yogi's website here: www.mcyogi.com

Happy Halloween!!

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:00:01 EDT

Beware of Robots!

Defeat the Robots! Sign up to volunteer for Get out the vote weekend now!

1-877-OBAMA-WI

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:01:44 EDT

Call 877-OBAMA-WI with any questions on:

1) Where to vote - Find your Early Vote Location or Election Day Polling Location
2) How to vote
3) Talk to our Voter Protection team
4) Finding a field office to volunteer
5) Get a Ride to the Polls

Call 877-OBAMA-WI and make your voice heard today!

He Said He Would Hate To Live In Milwaukee?

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:32:04 EDT

Get Involved! Help keep Wisconsin blue for Barack by volunteering here.

American Stories, American Solutions

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:06:13 EDT

There is still time to be part of history. Sign up now to help get the vote out for Barack.

Together Everyone Achieve More with Obama/Biden in The White House

jean pierres101% OBAMA — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:59:10 EDT

Dear Obama Family,His campaign is such a successful venture simply because Obama is equipped, ready and is aware that team work is corporative efforts by all to achieve a common goal. Our togetherness during the campaign is the motor making every jointure supplies contributing to the body of support growing and overflowing the borders of USA. Resourceful trainings gained from his interactions with grassroot communities prepared him sufficiently enough to know adequately the meaning of team work, human relations and communication. There is no doubt in my mind that God can’t commit into Obama hands what he’s not able to handle. The end result of his successful election to the White House on November 04, 2008 is and will remain a tool of development in our hands to anticipate matters of importance and handling same at the right time. We’ve been trained via the campaign though every training is strenuous, what matters now is to endure latest, upcoming tricks and dirty vibes from the Republicans in order to succeed in the White House. Be it paid ads sponsored by crooks or physical attacks from their agents; no matter the extent, intenseness or the heights of their mountainous slander with the media to torpedo Obama/Biden are earmarked to rule USA. It’s a divine mandate far from the handiworks of man. Anyone who dares go against them will face disaster. Republicans and their Master George Bush Jnr have a case to answer for 8 years of falsehood and vicious killer leadership style that had a base; selfishness. No wonder every selfish man keeps something alone to himself but a wise one explores. Obama is and will never be distorted. Stop castigating; Obama is just reaping rewards for good service, period. Obama leadership qualities should be a lesson to us and emulating those qualities empowers the seed sown in us to transform our living. His readiness to effect real change in USA and beyond should transmit what we’ve heard into action and become leaders of tomorrow too wherever we’re on earth. Becoming a star through the works of his hands and enjoying promotions from them is no crime. Why the assassinations plot against Obama? Handiworks of shameless short-sighted unbelievers in the change process!!! I’m not surprised human beings hate change. Human relations and communication is essential in life for without relationship you can’t communicate and without communication you can’t relate. Their 8 years rancorous policies have woefully failed because they refused to value people around them and outside USA. They despised many nations on the face of the earth i.e. their international relations genders scored 0 over 10 for lacking the basics on how to relate with people by communicating to them with clear objectives. I’m told George Bush Jnr graduated 895 out of 899? It shows simply that communication which is a conscious art of transmitting information and also receiving answers failed him. He didn’t understand the process of transmitting verbal or non verbal message. Was he not aware of the levels of communication and their impacts i.e. emotion transmits 15% of communication, voice communication 30% while corporal communication 55%? So, relating without communication which was top on his agenda ended up breaking relationships with the nations USA is to hold one. Failure to carefully assess intelligent information coming to White House leaded to baseless war in Irak. Men are in sizes but life in phases. Obama is excellent in verbal communication which is manifested by the words and ways he communicates with respect and love to friends and people under his authority. George Bush Jnr/McCain/Palin and their acolytes should avoid assumptions by admitting that Obama is the man fit to run the nation called USA. Success or failure is gagged on how you relate with people; we mustn’t terrorize people with our words and expect them in return to hold us in high esteem. Without mincing words we’re beneficiaries of the objectives and goals of team work. Be it understanding made known to each member; every member now understands the roles of team work being transparency as watch word in maintaining a team. Obama campaign is a facilitator of trust amongst members which has strengthened and guaranteed my zeal to have a desire to serve humanity. Diligence being the mark of commitment offers the insight to quickly draw our attention to these elections that is referred to as “the mother of all elections”. We must energetically even with our last breathe reject every single delay antics of George Bush Jnr/McCain-Palin and all the domineering sprits of the Republican saboteurs to rig the elections and rob Obama/Biden. We should be consistent in our team or work unit of all the groups supporting Obama in USA and across the globe in order to preserve God’s presence and victory for Obama/Biden on November 04, 2008 which is sure. I sincerely believe in a dream of a winning team,Bassey Jean PierresPresidentObamania Fans’ Club Cote d’IvoirePhone : 00225 08288046West Africa

Making calls - One Week

Steven Shults — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:37:47 EDT

One Week.

I've been making calls. It's easy. Easier than you think.

One Week.

If you're reading this between 9am and 8pm, stop reading this and start making calls via n2n. Now.

One Week.

If you're feeling complacent, here are four reasons not to.

One Week.

If McCain pulls off an upset, you'll be kicking yourself for not doing more. So do more.

One Week.

Learn How Easy It Is To Vote Early With Governor Napolitano of Arizona

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:37:26 EDT

With interest in this election growing day by day, the expectation of large voter turnout is example of the continued strength of our Democracy. Many people have taken the opportunity to vote early rather than wait to vote on Election Day, November 4th. Skipping the lines and thus skipping the hassle of waiting until one single day, voters can vote now and its easy. Why wait till Election Day, do it on your own time now.

Watch the video below and learn how from Janet Napolitano, the current two term Governor of John McCain's home state of Arizona:

Find your municipal clerks office at www.voteforchange.com

Already voted? Take the second step towards electing barack by volunteering to get out the vote.

NYT EDITORIAL - Barack Obama for President

Kelly Williams — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:33:36 EDT

October 24, 2008Hyperbole is the currency of presidential campaigns, but this year the nation’s future truly hangs in the balance.

The United States is battered and drifting after eight years of President Bush’s failed leadership. He is saddling his successor with two wars, a scarred global image and a government systematically stripped of its ability to protect and help its citizens — whether they are fleeing a hurricane’s floodwaters, searching for affordable health care or struggling to hold on to their homes, jobs, savings and pensions in the midst of a financial crisis that was foretold and preventable.

As tough as the times are, the selection of a new president is easy. After nearly two years of a grueling and ugly campaign, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois has proved that he is the right choice to be the 44th president of the United States.

•

Mr. Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early promises of hope and change. He has shown a cool head and sound judgment. We believe he has the will and the ability to forge the broad political consensus that is essential to finding solutions to this nation’s problems.

In the same time, Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so evidently unfit for the office was a final act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed the accomplishments of 26 years in Congress.

Given the particularly ugly nature of Mr. McCain’s campaign, the urge to choose on the basis of raw emotion is strong. But there is a greater value in looking closely at the facts of life in America today and at the prescriptions the candidates offer. The differences are profound.

Mr. McCain offers more of the Republican every-man-for-himself ideology, now lying in shards on Wall Street and in Americans’ bank accounts. Mr. Obama has another vision of government’s role and responsibilities.

In his convention speech in Denver, Mr. Obama said, “Government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves: protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools and new roads and new science and technology.”

Since the financial crisis, he has correctly identified the abject failure of government regulation that has brought the markets to the brink of collapse.

The Economy

The American financial system is the victim of decades of Republican deregulatory and anti-tax policies. Those ideas have been proved wrong at an unfathomable price, but Mr. McCain — a self-proclaimed “foot soldier in the Reagan revolution” — is still a believer.

Mr. Obama sees that far-reaching reforms will be needed to protect Americans and American business.

Mr. McCain talks about reform a lot, but his vision is pinched. His answer to any economic question is to eliminate pork-barrel spending — about $18 billion in a $3 trillion budget — cut taxes and wait for unfettered markets to solve the problem.

Mr. Obama is clear that the nation’s tax structure must be changed to make it fairer. That means the well-off Americans who have benefited disproportionately from Mr. Bush’s tax cuts will have to pay some more. Working Americans, who have seen their standard of living fall and their children’s options narrow, will benefit. Mr. Obama wants to raise the minimum wage and tie it to inflation, restore a climate in which workers are able to organize unions if they wish and expand educational opportunities.

Mr. McCain, who once opposed President Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthy as fiscally irresponsible, now wants to make them permanent. And while he talks about keeping taxes low for everyone, his proposed cuts would overwhelmingly benefit the top 1 percent of Americans while digging the country into a deeper fiscal hole.

National Security

The American military — its people and equipment — is dangerously overstretched. Mr. Bush has neglected the necessary war in Afghanistan, which now threatens to spiral into defeat. The unnecessary and staggeringly costly war in Iraq must be ended as quickly and responsibly as possible.

While Iraq’s leaders insist on a swift drawdown of American troops and a deadline for the end of the occupation, Mr. McCain is still talking about some ill-defined “victory.” As a result, he has offered no real plan for extracting American troops and limiting any further damage to Iraq and its neighbors.

Mr. Obama was an early and thoughtful opponent of the war in Iraq, and he has presented a military and diplomatic plan for withdrawing American forces. Mr. Obama also has correctly warned that until the Pentagon starts pulling troops out of Iraq, there will not be enough troops to defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

Mr. McCain, like Mr. Bush, has only belatedly focused on Afghanistan’s dangerous unraveling and the threat that neighboring Pakistan may quickly follow.

Mr. Obama would have a learning curve on foreign affairs, but he has already showed sounder judgment than his opponent on these critical issues. His choice of Senator Joseph Biden — who has deep foreign-policy expertise — as his running mate is another sign of that sound judgment. Mr. McCain’s long interest in foreign policy and the many dangers this country now faces make his choice of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska more irresponsible.

Both presidential candidates talk about strengthening alliances in Europe and Asia, including NATO, and strongly support Israel. Both candidates talk about repairing America’s image in the world. But it seems clear to us that Mr. Obama is far more likely to do that — and not just because the first black president would present a new American face to the world.

Mr. Obama wants to reform the United Nations, while Mr. McCain wants to create a new entity, the League of Democracies — a move that would incite even fiercer anti-American furies around the world.

Unfortunately, Mr. McCain, like Mr. Bush, sees the world as divided into friends (like Georgia) and adversaries (like Russia). He proposed kicking Russia out of the Group of 8 industrialized nations even before the invasion of Georgia. We have no sympathy for Moscow’s bullying, but we also have no desire to replay the cold war. The United States must find a way to constrain the Russians’ worst impulses, while preserving the ability to work with them on arms control and other vital initiatives.

Both candidates talk tough on terrorism, and neither has ruled out military action to end Iran’s nuclear weapons program. But Mr. Obama has called for a serious effort to try to wean Tehran from its nuclear ambitions with more credible diplomatic overtures and tougher sanctions. Mr. McCain’s willingness to joke about bombing Iran was frightening.

The Constitution and the Rule of Law

Under Mr. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the justice system and the separation of powers have come under relentless attack. Mr. Bush chose to exploit the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, the moment in which he looked like the president of a unified nation, to try to place himself above the law.

Mr. Bush has arrogated the power to imprison men without charges and browbeat Congress into granting an unfettered authority to spy on Americans. He has created untold numbers of “black” programs, including secret prisons and outsourced torture. The president has issued hundreds, if not thousands, of secret orders. We fear it will take years of forensic research to discover how many basic rights have been violated.

Both candidates have renounced torture and are committed to closing the prison camp in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

But Mr. Obama has gone beyond that, promising to identify and correct Mr. Bush’s attacks on the democratic system. Mr. McCain has been silent on the subject.

Mr. McCain improved protections for detainees. But then he helped the White House push through the appalling Military Commissions Act of 2006, which denied detainees the right to a hearing in a real court and put Washington in conflict with the Geneva Conventions, greatly increasing the risk to American troops.

The next president will have the chance to appoint one or more justices to a Supreme Court that is on the brink of being dominated by a radical right wing. Mr. Obama may appoint less liberal judges than some of his followers might like, but Mr. McCain is certain to pick rigid ideologues. He has said he would never appoint a judge who believes in women’s reproductive rights.

The Candidates

It will be an enormous challenge just to get the nation back to where it was before Mr. Bush, to begin to mend its image in the world and to restore its self-confidence and its self-respect. Doing all of that, and leading America forward, will require strength of will, character and intellect, sober judgment and a cool, steady hand.

Mr. Obama has those qualities in abundance. Watching him being tested in the campaign has long since erased the reservations that led us to endorse Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic primaries. He has drawn in legions of new voters with powerful messages of hope and possibility and calls for shared sacrifice and social responsibility.

Mr. McCain, whom we chose as the best Republican nominee in the primaries, has spent the last coins of his reputation for principle and sound judgment to placate the limitless demands and narrow vision of the far-right wing. His righteous fury at being driven out of the 2000 primaries on a racist tide aimed at his adopted daughter has been replaced by a zealous embrace of those same win-at-all-costs tactics and tacticians.

He surrendered his standing as an independent thinker in his rush to embrace Mr. Bush’s misbegotten tax policies and to abandon his leadership position on climate change and immigration reform.

Mr. McCain could have seized the high ground on energy and the environment. Earlier in his career, he offered the first plausible bill to control America’s emissions of greenhouse gases. Now his positions are a caricature of that record: think Ms. Palin leading chants of “drill, baby, drill.”

Mr. Obama has endorsed some offshore drilling, but as part of a comprehensive strategy including big investments in new, clean technologies.

•

Mr. Obama has withstood some of the toughest campaign attacks ever mounted against a candidate. He’s been called un-American and accused of hiding a secret Islamic faith. The Republicans have linked him to domestic terrorists and questioned his wife’s love of her country. Ms. Palin has also questioned millions of Americans’ patriotism, calling Republican-leaning states “pro-America.”

This politics of fear, division and character assassination helped Mr. Bush drive Mr. McCain from the 2000 Republican primaries and defeat Senator John Kerry in 2004. It has been the dominant theme of his failed presidency.

The nation’s problems are simply too grave to be reduced to slashing “robo-calls” and negative ads. This country needs sensible leadership, compassionate leadership, honest leadership and strong leadership. Barack Obama has shown that he has all of those qualities.

Its Time

stevemann — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:50:37 EDT

I have triplet daughters, aged 17 months. My wife and I were blessed to have them after 10 years of of being barren and thinking we would never have a child. Many times we were so demoralized that our marriage was suffering because of it. But what does this have to do with an election? I'll tell ya.

Finally etting pregnant and successfully having the triplets changed all that. We were a couple again, we could face the future with a sense of promise and excitement.

How important this election is for the country and my family crystallized when I heard Barack Obama speak during an event in the Primary season. He filled me with hope. He inspired me. He was intelligent and thoughtful. I realized that I didn't want just a good President to help me, protect my girls and help us grow, I wanted an exceptional President.

I turned to my wife and said, "this guy inspires me the way, my parents used to talk about JFK inspring them."

With so much at stake now, for my young daughters, my entire family, my community and our nation, its time we turned the page. Its time we we swept the decks clean and started anew. There's so much work to be done, we can't start a moment too soon to fix all that has broken in the last eight years.

Its Time.

Hope for Healthcare

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:54:42 EDT

Learn more about the Obama/Biden healthcare plan here.

Get involved - Make Phone Calls - Go Door to Door - Sign up to work on Election Day

Countering 'Tax and Spend' with 'Borrow and Spend'

Pragmatic — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:00:26 EDT

The McCain campaign has begun using the stock Republican 'Tax and Spend' slogan.

It is not unexpected. A more accurate moniker is 'Borrow and Spend', a powerful counter to the distortion.

Further, the campaign could highlight the fact that 'Borrow and Spend' has brought this country to where it is. 'Borrow and Spend' is a 'Smoke and Mirrors' ploy to 'Reduce Taxes'. 'Eliminate Borrowing' is what should be happening simply because 'Borrow and Spend' is a hidden tax.

Swing voters make decisions based on emotion, i.e. simple, repeated messages.

I perceive 'Borrow and Spend' very clear and powerful and therefore should be made more powerful than 'Tax and Spend'.

The Obama Tax Calculator

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:53:59 EDT

Barack Obama is proposing a TAX CUT for 95% of Americans. He is proposing larger TAX CUTS for Americans than John McCain is. Earlier in the week, the Campaign for Change shot a video of an undecided voter using the Obama Tax Cut Calculator. The Calculator allows Americans to enter their financial information, none of which is stored, and receive a comparison of the tax cut Barack Obama's plan is offering versus that of John McCain's.

Watch as this undecided voter uses the Obama Tax Cut Calculator to determine who they are going to vote for.

Find out how much your taxcut is today right here with the Obama Tax Cut Calculator.

Talk is Cheap

Henry M — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:22:54 EDT

Now you can have Barack Obama say what you want him to say, even with only 2 weeks before election day! And you can make John McCain say what you want without being a right-wing fundamentalist zealot preacher, or a big lobbyist with lots of money.

http://www.slate.com/id/2202493?nav=wp

If you liked this message, then please have a look at my blog, http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/henrymu and support and contribute to the campaign (it’s not over until the polls close): http://tinyurl.com/henrym4obamafundraising

Henry M

An interesting endorsement for Obama from Fareed Zakaria

Mark Webb — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:40:07 EDT

Fareed Zakaria of CNN endorses Obama: http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Fareed_Zakaria_endorses_Obama_1019.html

Chris Walla Of Death Cab for Cutie Visits Lambeau

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:06:59 EDT

Today the Green Bay Packers get ready to square off at Lambeau against the Indianapolis Colts. The team from titletown is a intricate part of the fabric of culture here in Wisconsin. But this is not just known to Wisconsinites, it is known across America. So much so that when Chris Walla, guitarist of Death Cab for Cutie, visited our Campaign for Change office in Green Bay last week to do some canvassing in the Lambeau field area, he just had to stop by.

Check out Chris' visit to Lambeau after he knocked on some doors to spread Barack's message of change.

Get involved. Sign up to volunteer to get the vote out for Barack on election day here.

Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie Canvasses Green Bay

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:13:42 EDT

Going door to door and talking to your neighbors about Barack Obama is one of the most important ways you can help the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin. It is easy to do. Even if you have never done it before the campaign will provide you with all the training necessary to achieve your goals. It is such an enjoyable and rewarding experience that Chris Walla, the guitarist for Death Cab for Cutie took time out of his recent worldwide concert tour to knock on doors in the Lambeau field area of Green Bay.

Watch the video here and then sign up to knock on doors in your neighborhood. With only 17 days left until Election Day, the time is now to join the Campaign for Change and be part of this historic movement for change which has gripped the nation.

Get started right now by making phone calls or going door to door in your community using our Neighbor to Neighbor tool.

Find your local Campaign for Change office here.

That hasnt or has seen change? Vote for more!!

Lizzie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:44:20 EDT

Who hasnt seen change when Obama took centre stage. The unity like never before, love to vote. discussion groups. the hope to realise the american dreem. every one is out on streets, everyone fees concerned with what goes on around them. everyone is eager to say what they have never said. Yes there is more to come during Obama reign. Yes Vote for more to come.

Vote Senator Obama to unravel more and better strategies. The strategies you and me have a stake, "a complete house is made of several bricks". Vote Barack the answer to you stories. Vote barack the guy to work with, in times of frustration, in desperation dont you need a good listner, cool and calm 247. Thats why i like Obama - women they like men who listen - not those who shut your idea down. in the offices staff and workers they all crave for a good listner - not a do that one. In difficulty times someone you can rely on -someone you can share your problems with.

To prove what has been achieved during the 22 months of campaign, Visit www.Barackobama.com groups - what problem hasnt been shared in these groups? What mouth has not been accessed a platform? Go youtube as young as zero months to undisclosable years lived on earth. People inside America and people outside America all eyes on Obama> Nothing special other than his love, his likes to deal with issues - clearly seen on kitchen tables he has had.

what havent we seen the past 22 months - no smoke without fire - the past 22 months - where havent we seen fire raising up, in every place Obama reached out. Who doesnt want something the smell of refreshment of new & fresh flowers. He is fresh, his ideas too - what hasnt he said what he is gona do during his reign. One many billion stories to resolve.

The unity, the love, the neighnourhood like never before. "nation building is not one person - every one has a stake - from helping to improve your children education, respect for each other, working hard, being responsible citizen, offering best attitude to whichever the work, love and respect one another no matter the colour, age, religion above all behave honestly.

VOTE OBAMA. VOTE OBAMA. VOTE OBAMA FOR PRESIDENCY 2008. THANK YOU VOTERS.

Foreign policy and women rape in the world

Lizzie — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:55:48 EDT

FOREIGN POLICY AND CHILDREN & WOMEN-RAPE IN THE WORLD. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

THIS HAS TO COME ON THE AGENDA THIS TIME AROUND!! THE STIGMA OF RAPE DOESNT GO AWAY. IW ANT TO HEAR THE CONTENDERS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS GRAVEST SIN, WHEN SOLDIDERS COMMITT RAPE TO CHILDREN, YOUTH AND WOMEN!!! HEAR THE CRIES BUT WITH NO HELP - ONCE THE HUSBANDS THEY ARE THE DEAD. PUNSIHED MORE ONE ONCE.

The screaming, the tears the pain, i hear women being raped but without help! From all nations where war takes place - i hear women crying from pain - they are raped by soldiers of honour, country men, gangs. Sadly there is very little done the foriegn policy concerns itself with food not with sex inhumanity that goes on in refugee campls, in places of war where many women give birth to unwanted children. where do you get love for such a kid however human you may. the fury, the disgust that my womb carries - a certain baby from a man unknown ,whom i cannot trace. the disgust to imagine the unimaginable - the rapist is the father of my foetus. Cry children from rape, cry women raped everyday - without anyhelp - the stigma felt in Rwanda, Darfur, Irqe, Afaghn, India, Korea, Georgia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya. East Congo, Sudan, Somalia, America, Europe just to mention but a few. Who is responsible for the unwanted children from rape - sometimes from western soldider, the peace keepers. When we talk about foreign policy this is what we mean. Women escaping persecution, women escaping hostile war only to end up in the horror of rape - the act similar to ter. Women escaing hotile wars to end up in the horror of rape, carrying wombs fromt he unknown. Foreign policy need put this on top fo the Agenda.

Foreign policy and women-rape world wide - this has to be on the agenda.

What they dont say about Senator Obama!!

Lizzie — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:22:26 EDT

People wonder what is so special about this election. They think of the big things, yet they are not that special, the bewildering economy, iraq, education, women and men, disabled and abled, health cae and insurance, unemployment, greed and corruption in washington you name it, endless wars in the world caused by General Bush. Hasnt all these been there before peoples eyes? Didnt the People see days and months but didnt have the story teller. Not a mere story teller, but of special dyanmism who would corageously lead the change. a person not only my story teller but of great action to get my story onto the shelf,and from there to the table for action.

What is so spcial what they dont say is one man telling a billion stories, everyone of the billion listens attentively as their story unravel near and far, they wait wht next. What follows it comes on the shelf where slowly is bought, then into the table and is discussed. The same man [pushing that far those billion stories. then comes the question who would take action, again comes back the same person Barack, full of determination, wisdom and above all the strategies to unravel in action the billions story he represents. That they dont say. and to take to the next step.

What they dont say - Senator Obama is Peoples President, peoples mandate by the fact he carries billion stories other people. Senator Obama listens, buys, sells and lays strategy way forward.

What they dont say, is the word thank you for no matter the end of the road the stories have unraveled and some peace of mind instilled in some hearts to the billions who had never had the hope of ever thir stories being heard.

What they dont say, he has offered pyschological healing, for the fact that at least my story, my door for once has been knocked. my vote seem it will count. what we dont say is thank you senataor Obama the first phase is done, done honourably, done successfully.

Look at this website -how many stories have been written, how much thoughts have been shared via this interaction "mybarackobama", like never before, what they dont say is thank you for what has been achieved. not all accomplished what they dont say is what so far accomplished.

The rest to accomplish waits tomorrow - For what we say today we need more, but before we get more, Barack we say thank you for telling our stories, for years ruled out, the never wanted to hear stories - today every website carries my stories, the happines you have created, relief of mind. Billion stories are being bought from the internet shelf.

Senator you started the job, we need you to fisinh it, and finsih it successfullly. You sowed the seed, we pray you nurture that seed till it bear the fruits that all Americans and the world will enjoy. the fruits that will be sweet and soothing where we shall all feel the "change".

What they dont say is that change the story teller so far achieved - the exchange of views in billions via internet, the media involvment, the earnings in different promotion activities. what they dont say the visual changes already taken place!! Yet is all crystal clear. What they dont say the billion stories already heard, the grievances shared through you ideologies of community organisation. what they dont say is the great achievement and change your leadership principles, your love for the people and concern has so brough about. How Degree of achievement are awarded, if by this kind of achievements i dont know how many you should be wearing now. the internet providers with all honest should have awarded you how many - what they dont say!!!

what they dont say the increase use of internet, the traffic flow on internet. the primary changes you have achieved where you stimulated all kinds of stories to be told in you.

Yes we can. Thank you Senator, Michelle, the democratic team, well wishers etc.

What

Video: John Kerry Fires Up Obama Supporters To Vote Early

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:21:02 EDT

On Tuesday John Kerry was in four cities promoting the importance of voting early here in Wisconsin. It is the first way you can help elect Barack Obama the next President. The second way is after you vote early to get out and volunteer with the Campaign for Change. It is easy to volunteer and no prior campaign experience is necessary. The staff for the Campaign for Change will provide you all the training you need.

Voting early is easy in Wisconsin. It is called In-Person Absentee Voting and you can do it today. You can go right now and vote early. You can vote early even if you're not registered or have never voted before. Simply go to your local municipal clerk's office and you can register to vote and then vote at the same time.

Just bring your Wisconsin driver's license with you or if you don't have a driver's license you can bring the last four digits of your social security number. You also can register to vote and vote at the same time with a friend who can act as a witness that you live where you are registering to vote.

To learn more on voting in Wisconsin visit our Wisconsin Election Center here.

To find your local Municipal Clerk's Office visit voteforchange.com

Hey, Joe: Where ya goin' with that wrench in your hand?

Henry M — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:31:51 EDT

Unlicensed plumber Joe Wurzelbacher of Holland, Ohio is worried... about some day buying the small unlicensed residential plumbing company where he works and eventually making over $250,000 a year? I'm an IT guy, and I'm so worried about paying the taxes if I ever buy Microsoft...

Something smells fishy, or is that just a stopped up toilet?

Joe the Plumber: Not a Licensed Plumber

Plumber Joe Wurzelbacher watches the presidential candidate debate in his home in Ohio on Oct. 15, 2008. (Lori King/Toledo Blade)

By Robert Barnes
Joe the Plumber is not exactly a plumber and he's "not even close" to making the kind of money that would result in higher taxes from Democrat Barack Obama's proposals.

Such is the whirlwind of information that has come out about Joe Wurzelbacher of Holland, Ohio, since Republican John McCain made him famous in last night's debate. McCain mentioned him more than 20 times to use him as a symbol of hard-working Americans who would be hurt by Obama's tax policies. Obama and Wurzelbacher met earlier in the week in Toledo, where Wurzelbacher said Obama's plans to raise taxes on those making $250,000 a year or more would penalize him in his plans to buy the plumbing business for which he works.

Wurzelbacher since then has been on Fox News, interviewed by CBS's Katie Couric and appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Not all the attention has been welcomed. Wurzelbacher, 34, told the Associated Press that he was not a licensed plumber. Because he works for a small company that does residential work, he said, he doesn't need to be licensed.

Henry M

A Special Message for Wisconsin From John Kerry

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:42:51 EDT

On Tuesday, John Kerry was in Wisconsin to promote voting early here in the Badger state. Having won Wisconsin by a margin of two votes per ward in 2004, John Kerry knows a thing or two about close elections. That's why he recorded this special message for Wisconsinites before his rally in Milwaukee Tuesday morning.

Find your early voting location here at voteforchange.com

Lets Be Clear

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:40:49 EDT

John McCain on George Bush

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:20:37 EDT

Speak Out - Write a Letter To The Editor

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:06:05 EDT

Tonight is the third and final Presidential debate. Barack has proven through the first two that he is the clear choice for the change America needs. Tonight will prove to the nation once more that Barack's judgement and leadership on the issues that matter to Americans is why he will be the 44th President of The United States.

After the debate tonight write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and tell them in your own words what you thought. Speak out about the issues that matter to you and your community. Remember that one voice, your voice, can change the world. It starts on the local level in your community. Be heard and write a letter to the editor using our online tool tonight.

Here at the Wisconsin Campaign for Change we made it easy for you to write a letter to the editor. Skip the hassle of the old days and use our online tool. It's an easy process. Just type in your zipcode select the local papers that you want your letter to be sent to, write your letter and then click send. Your letter will be instantly emailed to the editor's inbox of the papers you selected. Yes, that's all there is to it. If you don't believe it's that easy, watch the video we made below.

Get started and write a letter to the editor now.

Barack Goes Door to Door

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:04:37 EDT

Together we have grown this grassroots movement for change. By working together in our communities across the Badger state and across the country millions of volunteers have engaged in one on one contact with voters in their communities. Whether it is using our online tool Neighbor to Neighbor, phone calling at an office or online from home, or going door to door in your community, one on one contact with neighbors discussing the issues and the message of change that Barack Obama champions has shown that ordinary people can bring about change from the bottom up.

We have all heard the stories of Barack Obama's community organizing past and his belief that ordinary people who come together on a local level can change their community and do extraordinary things. However, those experiences that helped shaped Barack's character and political philosophy are still being practiced by the candidate himself.

In the video below, Barack goes door to door in Holland, Ohio to listen to people face to face about the issues that concern them. This is the embodiment of grassroots organizing that has grown the movement for change. For Barack and millions of volunteers who have joined this movement it is not just a philosophy it is also something that they put into action everyday.

Follow Barack's example and get involed today

Find your local Campaign for Change office here.

Brits Get Acorn Right; Why Not USA Media?

Henry M — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:41:49 EDT

Once a mighty oak, the ReDubyaKin Party is Reduced to Lying about Acorn:
Brits Get It; Why Not American Media Outlets?

The Republican voter fraud hoax
Donald Duck and the Dallas Cowboys won't steal the election for Obama.
Acorn's only crime is registering Democratic voters

Monday October 13 2008 20.30 BST
Barack Obama and the Democrats are stealing the election. Massive voter fraud is being carried out, even as we speak, by their henchmen, known by the innocuous sounding Association for Community Organisations for Reform Now, or Acorn. Clever bastards.

The only problem? Despite the screaming wall-to-wall coverage of "Democratic voter fraud in 11 swing states" as seen on Fox News and even the once-respectable CNN, none of it's true. None of it.
In just the last week, we've had a phoney stunt raid in swing state Nevada (where Acorn had been cooperating with officials for months, concerning problem canvassers they'd long ago fired); a Republican election official in swing state Missouri tell Fox News that she's being beseiged with fraudulent registration forms from Acorn (in a county where they've not done any registration work since August); a Republican sheriff in swing state Ohio, who, the very next day, suddenly requested the names and addresses of hundreds of early voters (with evidence of exactly zero wrong doing, but lots of Democratic-leaning college student in the particular county, and John McCain's state campaign chair as a partner in the investigation); and a screaming front page headline in Rupert Murdoch's New York Post about a guy who claims he was somehow tricked by Acorn into registering 72 times (but read the article closely to note he says he registered at the same address each time, which, even if true, would allow him - you guessed it - precisely one legal vote.)
It's an old Republican scam, but it's never been carried out with more zeal than this year. The Republicans have been putting so much time, money and resources into the propaganda leading up to this over the last four years, we should have expected no less.

As luck would have it, the Democrats have a man who, as an attorney years ago, actually had the temerity to join the US department of justice in representing Acorn in a successful lawsuit, forcing the state of Illinois to follow the law by allowing citizens to register to vote at the department of motor vehicles. What a scoundrel.

That, of course, was before the department of justice, under George Bush's corrupt command, would itself become politicised by the very Republicans so desperate to keep low-income voters from voting, that they were willing to fire their own US attorneys for failing to bring phoney charges of voter fraud in key swing states like Nevada and Missouri.

So what are the crimes that have caused all the Sturm und Drang on US television and talk radio, and in several otherwise respectable newspapers and even by the McCain campaign itself?

The only actual crime here is that Acorn managed to register some 1.3m low-income (read: Democratic-leaning) voters over the past two years. The rest is, pretty much, just made up.

But in the bloody and desperate trenches of the Republican war on democracy, that's more than enough to kick in a last minute surge of lies that may - with the help of a compliant and lazy corporate US media - wreak enough havoc, scare enough voters, confuse enough people and plant enough seeds to call an Obama victory into doubt on November 4.

If you can't win it, steal it. If you can't steal it, claim the other guy stole it. If you can't claim the other guy stole it (yet), say they're about to and then kick up smoke that maybe someone will believe you. (Heckuva job, CNN.)

Here are the facts. Acorn verifies the legitimacy of every registration its canvassers collect. If they can't authenticate the registration, or it's incomplete or questionable in other ways, they flag that form as problematic ("fraudulent", "incomplete", et cetera). They then hand in all registration forms, even the problematic ones, to elections officials, as they are required to do by law. In almost every case where you've heard about fraud by Acorn, it's because Acorn itself notified officials about the fraud that's been perpetrated on them by rogue canvassers. Most officials who run to the media screaming "Acorn is committing fraud" know all of the above but don't bother to share those facts with the media they've run to. None of this is about voter fraud. None of it. Where any fraud has occurred, it's voter registration fraud and has resulted in exactly zero fraudulent votes.

You'll hear that Donald Duck, Mary Poppins, Dick Tracy, Mickey Mouse and (new this year) the starting lineup of the Dallas Cowboys football team have all had fraudulent registrations submitted in their names. That's true. And we know this, why? Because Acorn told officials about it when they followed the law and turned in those registrations, flagged as fraudulent.

What you won't hear is that federal law requires anybody who does not register to vote in person at the county office to show an ID when they go to vote the first time. So, unless Donald Duck shows up with his ID, he won't be voting this November. You needn't worry, no matter how much even John McCain himself cynically and dishonourably tries to mislead you.

If it quacks like a duck, in this case, it's likely another Republican Acorn voter fraud lie. They haul it out every two years.
Just days before the 2004 presidential election, rightwing whack job Michelle Malkin claimed that Acorn was registering terrorists to vote in swing state Ohio. Problem was, that was a lie.

In 2006, again just days before the election, the new US attorney in swing state Missouri (recently appointed, since the one before him refused to bring such charges), filed voter fraud indictments against Acorn workers in the state. Problem was, bringing election-related indictments that close to an election was a violation of the department of justice's own written policy. And Acorn had nothing to do with it, other than turning in the employees to officials.

Getting the picture? It's a hoax. All of it.

But it's been an effective one, as it's served to distract from very real concerns about tens of thousands of voters who have been illegally purged from the voting rolls in dozens of states, as the New York Times reported in a remarkable front page investigative story. That story followed a report the week before from CBS News detailing still more wholesale purges of voting rolls in some 20 states.

That will be the November surprise, when thousands, if not millions show up to vote only to find they are no longer welcome to do so and are forced to vote on a "provisional ballot" which may or may not be counted.

These real concerns of election fraud, such as voting roll purges, electronic voting machines that don't work and so much more that actually matters, have been obscured by the smoke and mirrors and sleight of hand of the Republican party's phoney Acorn voter fraud charade.

And where they can, they'll parlay it all into new photo ID restrictions at the polls (knowing full well that some 20m, largely Democratic-leaning voters don't own the type of ID they'd need to jump over that next Republican hurdle.)

Yet, with all of the unsubstantiated, wholly bogus claims of voter fraud being carried out by Democrats, there remains at least one case of absolutely ironclad, documented, yet still-unprosecuted case of voter fraud that, for some reason, Republicans don't much like to talk about.
We can only wonder why.
© Guardian News and Media Limited 2008

If you appreciated this message, then please have a look at the rest of my blog, http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/henrymu and if you appreciate my blog, then please donate to the campaign: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/henrymu/gGgFDD

Henry M

Republican for Obama Speaks of Support at Party's Birthplace In Ripon

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:04:21 EDT

Early in the primaries, Barack talked about "something is stirring across America". He also relayed a story after the landmark victory in the Iowa Caucuses about people pouring into a Caucus location while he was standing in the corner observing the record turnout.

As Barack was standing there hours before his victory would propel his candidacy forward with the hard work of millions of volunteers and supporters around the country, a man came up to him and introduced himself. He whispered it had been a long time since he had come out to a Democratic Caucus. Barack thanked him for coming back into the electoral process and then the man whispered again "I'm a Republican." Barack answered back to the effect of that's ok, why are we whispering.

This was just the beginning of a transformative change in American politics. As we have seen since, this movement for change has brought Republicans, Independents, and Democrats together for a common goal. In Ripon, WI the Wisconsin Campaign for Change found another Republican who exemplifies this change in America. Watch the video and then sign up to volunteer and let's finish the movement we have started together.

Sign up here to volunteer and get out the vote for Barack Obama.

Security Expert Sarah Palin Used Yahoo for State, i.e. Private, Business

Henry M — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:26:26 EDT

Palin Must Save Her Yahoo E-Mails, Judge Rules

By Karl Vick
An Anchorage judge has ordered Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to preserve e-mails from private accounts she has used to conduct state business.

Superior Court Judge Craig Stowers on Friday also ordered Alaska's attorney general to recover messages from a Yahoo.com account of Palin's that was breached by hackers last month. That break-in prompted Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign to order closed at least one additional private account Palin maintained.
The judge issued the orders at the request of Andree McLeod, an Anchorage activist whose pursuit of Palin's e-mails revealed that the governor did considerable state business from a Yahoo e-mail address -- an arrangement that avoided the safeguards and accountability of the state's secure e-mail system.
Last month a second Yahoo account maintained by Palin was hacked and images of its inbox were posted publicly online. The inbox included e-mails with subject lines that seemed clearly to relate to legislation.
A Tennessee man was indicted Thursday on charges of illegally resetting Palin's password and posting several pages from gov.palin@yahoo.com.
Yet another private address outside the Yahoo system came to light earlier this month, when The Washington Post reported that Palin, her husband and close aides established last spring e-mail accounts that were apparently known only to one another. The accounts were nested within an Internet domain maintained by a Wasilla computer company. The company and the McCain campaign confirmed the existence of the accounts, although it was denied by Frank Bailey, the Palin aide who company officials said set up the accounts and had the authority to administer them.
The McCain campaign ordered those e-mail accounts for Palin and her husband frozen after the Yahoo hacking became known. The Yahoo breach also affected the functioning of state government.
"Until she was hacked, we were communicating just about daily," Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell told the Associated Press the following week. "Now I'm talking with her chief of staff."
Judge Stowers called the effort to recover and preserve Palin e-mails relating to state business "important" and noted that Alaska's public record law was last updated before the rise of the Internet.
"On one hand, I'm pleased that the judge saw fit to order the retrieval and preservation of these e-mails, to the extent of going to the providers to get them," said McLeod, a Republican who was formerly close to Palin. "But on the other hand, I'm amazed that I even have to go to court to get the governor to comply with Alaska's public record laws."

McLeod is also seeking the release by Palin of some 1,100 e-mails the governor held back from an earlier public records request, citing executive privilege. McLeod's lawyer asserts that Palin waived that privilege by routinely copying messages to her husband, Todd, who is not a state employee.

Posted at 8:11 PM ET on Oct 11, 2008

Henry M

My Birthday on Tuesday, Please Donate

Henry M — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:43:38 EDT

It's my birthday this Tuesday, 14 October.

With just a couple of weeks to go before election day, funds are needed now as much as they ever were. Your contribution through my fundraising page would be appreciated more than anything else that I can think of.

Henry M

Deregulation - wars - bank crisis - movie Bush without words - (5)

! Steffen from European Union, Dr. - Together We Can! Yes. We. Can. — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:35:24 EDT

Deregulation - wars - bank crisis - movie Bush without words

To look the movie you must go to my blog. Unfortunately the situation can still change to be more terrible and so movie is not fun like could be.

(If you have a chance give a Digg please.)

Normally this should be known since hundred of years - without regulation a lot of banks will fall for profit! The end is always the same, like Bush McCain would be the same too - we, the world need change! Of course it's now more worse like we had known last crisis because of huge amounts of wasted money in wars too.(post continued)

Young Veterans For Obama Experience Tour Continues

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:45:07 EDT

The Young Veterans for Obama Experience tour that is crossing the badger state continued yesterday. In Eau Claire and La Crosse, Corporal Zach Laporte, Specialist Abbie Pickett, and Sergeant Graham Clumpner spoke to students at the local University of Wisconsin branches about their experiences in the military and why they now are working to elect Senator Barack Obama.

The common theme amongst these Veterans for Obama was their desire to serve their country and community. Pickett, enlisted in 2000 into the National Guard at age 17. She felt a calling to serve but needed her parents signature in order to enlist. Her parents initially balked but after she reminded them that they always told her to be part of something bigger than herself and give back to her community and help others, Abbie's father and her went down to the local guard office, the papers were signed and Abbie began her service towards our country.

Clumpner and Laporte were called to serve after 9/11. Wanting to serve their country they felt the only option was to join the military as there were not that many other avenues that they saw could provide them with the opportunity to serve their community. Clumpner stated:

"Their weren't that many options for me to serve my community. Yes there was Peace Corps, but in a post 9/11 world I wanted to serve my community by serving my country. That's what's great about Barack. He was a community organizer and is providing tax credits to students who take a job serving the community. I wish there were more outlets for that and I think Barack will provide those for young people who want to give back but don't know how or can't afford to."

However, more importantly for these soldiers, their support for Barack was shaped during the battle over the recent vote on the G.I. Bill. When the bill expanding education benefits for students was raised in Congress, Barack Obama supported it straight away while John McCain took awhile to support this bill. Clumpner explains:

"As it is now, I get half of my tuition paid for. This bill will pay for 100% of Veterans education costs. What happened when 5 million G.I.'s came home from WWII, we put these Veterans through College and in 1949, 50, 51 we sent them out into the workforce and our economy and productivity exploded...We are at similar times. Our economy is hurting and we need to invest in Veterans and send them out into the workforce like we did then...McCain only voted for this bill when he saw the light because of the pressure on him because he was against it."

At each university these Veterans told their story. Their story of service to our country in uniform and now in the political process. Laporte characterized how he decided to speak out in support of Senator Obama with:

"I love my country and wanted to protect my country but then when we found out there were no WMD's I started to think about it...and it's veteran benefits. Barack has shown he supports Veterans."

Pickett echoed this sentiment by stating:

"I read John McCain's book and was for him but then I checked out his voting record through some Veterans groups. McCain got a D rating and Barack got a B. I liked McCain initially because I thought how great it would be to have a brother in Washington...but he has shown he does not support Veterans when they come home...I mean I myself overcame problems I was having with therapy through the VA Benefits and so many Veterans are having the same problems. When Walter Reed happened and Barack stood up for soldiers...you have to look at the record. Barack supports soldiers when they come home."

The crowds were sizable and despite the fact that these were hosted at Universities, there were faces of all ages who came out to hear the voices of young Veterans for Obama. They told stories of their experiences in war. They spoke positively of their experiences and their disappointment in the politicians who have exploited their service for their own personal gain.

Veterans of past wars were in the audience and at each event Clumpner, Laporte, and Pickett spent time after each event bonding with other Veterans in a way only other Veterans would understand. It was a sense of comraderie and support for one another that exemplifies the best in what America has to offer and something this writer can only observe but never fully understand.

Obama Supporters Rally in La Crosse

Thomas Kelley — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:14:34 EDT

La Crosse - When word got out that John McCain would be coming to La Crosse, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl and Congressman Ron Kind quickly took action. Holding a rally today just hours after John McCain was in town speaking to a crowd about a third of the size that Barack Obama spoke to last week in La Crosse, Senator Kohl and Congressman Kind expressed the reasons why Barack Obama represents real change and John McCain is out of touch.

Inroduced by Obama supporter Terry Brenner, a local YMCA employee, who stated:

"We need to put an end to John McCain's negative campaigning here in Wisconsin. Barack Obama has a fair tax plan and health plan that would help my family who is in a challenging situation"

After Brenner in Congressman Kind's words "best summed up the reasons we all are here", Congressman Kind spoke of his wonder in light of John McCain's recent actions why this election appears so close.

"This administration has drove us into a ditch...McCain and Bush are attached at the hip, he voted with George Bush 91% of the time...his attutude of de-regulation and trickle down thinking, that everything will work out hasn't happened. McCain does not get it. He has been erratic and inconsistence since day one. He said the economy was strong right before our current crisis. He admitted he never even read the rescue plan."

Congressman Kind continued by voicing that Barack Obama provides proven judgement and sound leadership. He stated that:

'We have 25 more days to change the focus and change the agenda. In 25 more days, working families will have a voice against the powerful corporate interest that have had a grip on Washington. It is time to turn the page on the last eight years and elect Barack Obama."

When Senator Kohl came to the podium to a resounding ovation it was clear that his presence excited the local supporters and fired up the volunteers to carry on with the movement for change they have grown in the last twenty months. Senator Kohl stated that we have a serious decision on November 4th and the issues are clear.

"With our country in trouble at home and abroad because of this administration's policies of the last eight years, here in Wisconsin we are not going to allow another eight years like this...There was a so called group of mavericks in town that aren't mavericks at all. In fact, we have a maverick of our own and he(Barack Obama) will be President on November 4th."

Check out these photos of this afternoon's rally:

Get involved! Find a local Campaign for Change office here!

New Ad - "Tested"

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:05:07 EDT

Be part of history and find a Campaign for Change office near you. Join us.

Can a Christian vote for a Democrat?

James from Hilliard, OH — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:23:46 EDT

My friends, and fellow Americans,

We are at a crossroad presently as we strive to elect a new President. This letter is not about Senator McCain and Governor Palin, nor is it about Senators Obama and Biden. This letter is to exhort ALL registered voters to go to the polls on November 4, and cast your vote for our next President.

I write this open letter to all voters, Republican or Democrat. This is a time when you need to put aside partisan politics and vote based on the issues, and who you believe will best represent us as we tackle these issues.

I also ask that you do not make your decision primarily on whether a candidate or party says they are Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. The bottom line on Abortion rights is, Roe v Wade occurred in 1973 under a Republican president. From that time forward, many people have voted primarily on that issue. I'm not placing blame, I'm stating the facts. As we all know, in this country it takes more than the President to enact, repeal, or change a law.

Over the past 35 years, many Republicans have ran for office using morality and their Pro-Life stance as the cornerstone of their campaign, claiming that they are the Christian party, and implying that to be a good Christian, you must be a Republican. I have many Christian friends who are Democrats, as well as many Republican friends who are Christian. I also have many friends from both parties who are not Christians. The bottom line, despite all these politicians running as Pro-life and saying they will overturn Roe v Wade, it is still law. Voting based on this issue has done nothing to change the law.

It is time that people stop using Christianity as a political tool, and demonizing someone for which political party they belong to. Political parties are man-made, as are the thousands of denominations of Christian churches. No where in the Bible will you find a Republican, a Democrat, a Libertarian, or any other party, no more than you'll find Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Catholics, or any other denomination in the Bible.

God does not call us to be Republicans or Democrats; God calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. How better to change the platform of a party than to belong to that party and use your Christian influence to effect change? The time for being judgemental is past. The time for showing the love of God to all is now.

I myself am a registered Republican because my father and his father before me were, but that will not stop me from voting for the candidate I believe is best suited to run our country, whether that be a Republican or Democrat, and I will not vote based on a candidates stance on abortion rights. I will vote my conscience on the issues and who I believe is best qualified to handle those, and I will continue to make my voice known on the morality issues no matter who sits in the White House. YES, you can be a Christian and vote for a Democrat, and YES, you can be a Democrat and be a Christian. No party has the market cornered on Christianity.

Christians, or non-Christians, I ask that you take this to heart, and cast your vote for the candidate you believe will help turn this country around, whether that be Senator McCain or Senator Obama.

God bless you all, and God Bless America.

James (Jamie) A. Dennis

Yours in Christ

Letter to my friends and family

James from Hilliard, OH — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:14:06 EDT

NOTE: Please read the entire post before you ask which planet I'm from or on. Sometimes I think I am from Mars, but that's a different story.

This was a letter I sent to my friends and family to tell them why I chose to support Senators Obama and Biden. Since I originally wrote it, the McCain campaign has chosen to get hateful and hurtful in their campaign. At the time I wrote this, there was just the typical Republican/Democrat sniping going on, with each side somewhat incorrect on their facts about the other.

=====================================================================

To all my friends and family,

Over the past week, the Presidential campaign has turned in to a massive smear campaign, with both sides taking shots at their opponents character. Almost all of the accusations from both sides are untrue, and have been proven to be untrue by multiple independent fact-finding organizations.

It's sad when in the interest of winning the highest political office in our country that the candidates choose to play these games instead of concentrating on what this country needs. Whether you support Senator McCain and Governor Palin, or Senators Obama and Biden, I'm sure you're as tired as I am of both sides using these tactics. What we need are both sides to give us their best plan at what they are going to do to remedy this economic crisis we are in, and to end this war. It's time for a change in the way Washington does things, and for the people we elect to govern with the voice of the people, not with the voices of special interests, lobbyists, big business, etc.

I have chosen to support Senators Obama and Biden in this Presidential election. I am not writing this to change anyones mind; I prefer that you read the facts, not listen to the rhetoric from both sides, or make a decision based on my decision.

I know there are many of my friends and family who may not support or understand my decision, and that is your prerogative. I respect and honor that. I will not send you negative campaign information about the candidates from either side, but I will continue to send you the facts from Factcheck.org and Votesmart.org, as both are very much reporting the unbiased truth, and are keeping the scorecard straight.

I don't expect anyone to vote how I vote, nor will I debate anyone on the issues. I've thoroughly researched both sides, their stance on the issues which are important to me and my family, and have researched the rumours and urban legends about both candidates. I have made the decision I feel is in our countrys best interest, not just on what will suit me best personally or financially. In reality, if the tax plans go through as published, it will be a bad financial decision for me, but I'm prepared to live with the consequences of my decision. I only wish the candidates would do the same.

You may feel differently, and I respect your feelings, and encourage you to make those feelings known on Election Day, Tuesday November 4, 2008. I also ask that you respect my feelings on this crucial election, and don't debate with me on why I made my decision. I will do the same for you. We are friends and family, and I value that relationship above all others. We should never let politics or religion divide us, and I intend to honor those relationships. Whichever way this election turns out, our country will never be the same.

I fully intend to be more vocal than ever with whomever is our next President, and all who take office this coming January. It is high time we hold those in office accountable for their decisions, and make the voice of the people known.

The time for partisan politics, and living in the past is over. It's time for we, the people who make America great, to let their voice be known.

God bless America, and God bless you all.

Best regards,

James (Jamie) A. Dennis

Get Registered and Vote!

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:57:01 EDT

Don't miss out on being part of history.

Not registered to vote? Visit voteforchange.com

Need to find your polling location? go to voteforchange.com

Need to find your municipal clerks office for in-person absentee voting? Go to voteforchange.com

Go to voteforchange.com today and make sure your voice is heard

Obama is Presidential...period

OliviaW — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:49:45 EDT

Having watched the first two debates over the last few weeks and watching the candidates as they navigate the financial crisis with the rest of us, I can firmly and emphatically state that Barack Obama is one of those individuals who is Presidential. Others include Eisenhower, JFK, Reagan and Clinton. All of these persons have an air about them that just suits the presidency. Sure, all of them made mistakes and have their place in history, but they simply had something about them that made it easy to see them as President. Now I suppose that if you find Obama's ideology completely at odds with your own, it is probably harder to see that. But I think that even folks who are not fans of Reagan, often have to admit that he was Presidential. It's an intangible, but it is real enough to me that I now fret over the idea that McCain could become President. I certainly was not hoping nor working for that, but I think I could have "gotten over it". Now, I am feeling even more strongly that if we miss this opportunity to put one of those individuals who just ooze President in the White House...we will suffer for our mediocrity. John McCain clearly has a great deal of good qualities, but he is not Presidential (to be honest Palin feels moreso than McCain).

One last thought in the "Presidential Presence" discussion. There has been a lot made of Obama's use of inspirational speeches as he seeks the office. Republicans are super cynical and say it's all a lot of bright lights and greek columns and movie style theatrics. Here's the problem with their desire to diminish his ability to inspire - almost every book on leadership written by CEOs in the past 20 years says that "a leader must inspire and motivate his employees". Most seem to contend that a good plan is just not enough. A leader has to inspire folks to work harder and sacrifice for something that they can care about. A leader has to lift them up and rekindle their belief that they can achieve the goals they seek. Funny how it wasn't movie style theatrics when Reagan did it...

That One

Mike Ely — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:53:24 EDT

"That one" what, Senator McCain? That one there? That one who's going
to be our next Commander in Chief? That one there who didn't grow up
the privileged son and grandson of admirals? That one there who had to
take out student loans in order to become one of the eminent
constitutional scholars of our time? That one, who has actual, detailed
policies that put the USA and all her citizens before the selfish
demands of the extremely wealthy? That one there, who actually knows
how to address a fellow Senator with respect? That one there, who just
showed the nation a "steady hand at the tiller" while you paced in your
agitation about the stage?

Yeah, that one. And that one has my vote in this election for the
Presidency.

Obama '08: That one, for everyone.

Wisconsin Speaks Out

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:14:43 EDT

Support for Senator Obama here in Wisconsin represents every cross section of life here in the Badger State. Coming from a single parent background who was jointly raised by his Grandparents, Barack's humble roots taught him the value of hard work and the importance of community. Turning his back on high paying job offers from Wall Street law firms after graduating college, Barack chose to go to the south side of Chicago and work as a community organizer to help people who were affected by job losses related to steel mill closings in the 1980's.

It is service to community that shaped Barack's principles and his career in politics. Ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things in their community is something Barack believes in. It is this support for serving the community that has led to his proposal of a $4000 tax break on student loans for students who choose to take on a job after college that serves and gives back to local communities. Perhaps that is the reason that people across the Badger state who provide a service to their comunity support Barack.

Watch this video below of schoolteachers, firefighters, veterans, and others who provide a service to their local community in Wisconsin and why they support the vision of a President Obama.

Stand up in your community and talk to your neighbors about your support for Barack.

Get started today with our neighbor to neighbor tool right here.

You Can Vote For Change Today

Thomas Kelley — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:56:45 EDT

As we reported on yesterday, voting has begun here in the Badger state. Across 72 counties people have begun casting their ballot for the highest office in the land. Today, you can do the same. In-Person Absentee Voting here in Wisconsin is easy and it's one way that you can avoid the lines of election day and be the first to make your voice heard.

To learn more about In-Person Absentee Voting watch this video below with Adam Brody:

Not registered to vote? Visit voteforchange.com

Need to find your polling location? go to voteforchange.com

Need to find your municipal clerks office for in-person absentee voting? Go to voteforchange.com

Go to voteforchange.com today and make sure your voice is heard

Voting Begins!

Thomas Kelley — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:02:47 EDT

Voting for the Presidential election has begun here in Wisconsin. Today, across the Badger state, ballots arrived at the municipal clerks offices and voting for the Presidential campaign kicked off. It has been four long years for hungry voters to get back in the booth and make their voices heard in an election that decides the higher office in our great country. Today, voters got an opportunity to be the first in Wisconsin to cast their ballot in an election that has seen change meet more of the same.

Eager voters for Barack Obama showed up at their local clerks office across the state. Change was on their mind and hope was in their hearts as they cast their ballot for the candidate who is providing a clear choice for a new direction on every issue from Healthcare to the current economic crisis. Voting early is easy in the Badger state, and convenient.

Termed in-person absentee voting, you can go to your local clerks office and vote early even if you are not registered to vote or have never voted before. In Wisconsin there is the ability to register to vote and vote on the same day. In-person absentee voting allows people to vote early and avoid the long lines of election day and conveniently vote on their own terms.

To utilize the convenience of in-person absentee voting just go to your local clerks office and fill out a ballot today. If you are not registered to vote go to your clerks office and register then vote. It's easy and convenient. Don't just take it from me, watch Barack Obama in the video below talk about Wisconsin's In-Person Absentee Voting.

Not registered to vote? Visit voteforchange.com

Need to find your polling location? go to voteforchange.com

Need to find your municipal clerks office for in-person absentee voting? Go to voteforchange.com

Go to voteforchange.com today and make sure your voice is heard

Dial For Change - Phone Bank Undecided Voters This Week

Thomas Kelley — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:46:25 EDT

As we enter the final month of an election cycle that has created a new movement for change, supporters and volunteers of the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin are the most important asset when it comes to persuading undecided voters to cast their ballot for Barack Obama. This movement has been built on ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things and it has shown that change happens in a community when one person takes it upon themselves to talk to their neighbors in their community about why they support Barack.

That is why we encourage you to get involved and participate in a phone bank this week with the campaign for Change. At every office this week, Field Organizers with the Campaign for Change will be working with volunteers to reach out to undecided voters and listen to their concerns as they explain why Barack is the clear choice for change on important issues like the current economic crisis and healthcare. If you have never phone banked before its easy and rewarding.

Whether it is at one of our High School nights on Tuesdays or Womens events on Wednesdays, supporters like you are gathering to make phone calls on behalf of Barack and express to their neighbors why Obama/Biden provides the change we need here in Wisconsin. If you've never phonebanked before or you are not sure what it exactly entails, watch the video below as staffers and volunteers share with you some helpful tips and success stories surrounding one of the most important ways you can reach voters and spread the message of Barack Obama.

To find your local office click here.

To get started making phone calls from home, click here to use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool.

Hockey Moms React to Palin

Bryan "SpookyX" Danek — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:15:01 EDT

CNN did an interesting segment on the reaction from Hockey Moms to Gov. Sarah Palin. You can watch the video here http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/10/05/lemon.hockey.moms.cnn. You will notice 3 out of the 4 women who agreed to be part of this focus group supported Palin. Of course, the basis of their support is not because of experience or think she has a grasp of the issues. It's because they can relate to her. I felt sorry but proud for the Hockey Mom who supported Obama. I wish she had another Hockey Mom backing her up but she was strong on her own.

One of the most frightening statements in the segment was when a McCain/Palin mom responded to a question about people who are unemployed and cannot afford health insurance. She said "Then maybe they should get a job. I mean, isn't that what America's about?" You should see the stare that the Obama/Palin Hockey mom gave her and with good reason.

It's obvious McCain/Palin Hockey Mom does not understand how many hard-working people have been put out of jobs. It's obvious she does not understand that children should not suffer just because their parents are unemployed. It's obvious that she does not understand that if the path of this country does not change that she very well may have to pass homeless and diseased people on every street corner. Actually, her statement reminded me what George W. Bush said as he stood with a single parent that was having to work two minimum wage jobs to support her family and he said something to the effect "Isn't that what America'a about?" with a smile.

Get Out The Vote Training With Students For Barack Obama

Thomas Kelley — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:46:15 EDT

This afternoon across all corners of the Badger State, the Campaign for Change here in Wisconsin conducted trainings to prepare for election day on November 4th. With volunteers showing up in all around the state to learn how to motivate identified Obama supporters and get them to the polls, there were trainings on how to prepare for every possible condition that would face these volunteers come November 4th.

In Madison, Wi, while many were preparing for the Big Ten rival matchup between the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State, over fifty students cramped into an office building basement to learn how they could successfully manage the front lines for this movement for change on election day. After a an introduction by the campaign's youth vote director, Ally Carragher, who spoke about the importance of preparing one month in advance for every conceivable and extraordinary measure that may face these young community organizers, they got down to business.

This election has succeded in the primaries and will succeed here in the general election by expanding the electorate and changing the political map that has dominated American politics in recent memory. Through voter registration and persuading undecided voters to look at Barack's unique position that affords him support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents; these students learned today about how to come together behind a common purpose and empower eachother to take control of this movement for change.

With only thirty days to go our time is now.

Get started with our online Neighbor to Neighbor voter contact tool here.

If you were the boss, who would you hire???

Joe M. — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:39:07 EDT

Think about this seriously....for a minute....

OBAMA: Harvard law Graduate, Juris Doctor of law degree, constitutional law expert, Senate committees: foreign affairs, homeland security, veterans affairs, family, education, health. Editor of the Harvard Law Journal...(no small feat there)

BIDEN: Juris Doctor of law degree, Senate committees: Foreign affairs (chair), economy, health, crime, women's affairs, education, technology, environment

McBUSH: graduated from the naval academy in the bottom 5% of his class, senate committees: economy, environment, official conduct (arguably the 3 biggest Republican failures!!!!!!!!!)

PITBULL PALIN: went to 6 different universities before finally getting a BA degree in journalism, no domestic or foreign policy experience but can see Russia from her house.

SERIOUSLY, THIS IS A NO BRAINER!!!!

If you vote McBush/Pitbull, the fate of your country will be in jeopardy. Everyone here in Europe is laughing at Americans--- America has become the butt of all jokes--- people are asking, how can they seriously consider voting for McBush and his Pitbull for another 4 years of Bush's failed policies? Don't they ever learn???

Remember the frontpage headline of London's Daily Mirror newspaper back in 2004 when Americans re-elected Bush:

HOW CAN 59 MILLION PEOPLE BE SO DUMB?

The VP Debate

Joe M. — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:42:52 EDT

Sara Palin did not look bad at all during last night's debate - but I just can't get over her winking, 'gotcha', and casual attitude while debating. I wonder whether she realizes the importance of the position to which she has been nominated or whether she is still in moose hunting mode.

Biden - on the other hand - couldn't have done better - gaffe's or no gaffe's - the man is genuine and speaks from the heart - we need more people like him in the senate and in government - whom we can identify with and who will truly represent the people and constituents in Washington D.C

Change is coming........31 days more......

Wisconsin Youth Tour Spreads Message of Change

Thomas Kelley — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:27:18 EDT

Over the course of two days and across seven colleges and one campaign sponsored high school night, Adam Brody and Joy Bryant spread the word to Wisconsin students about the importance of voting in this years election and why they support Barack Obama. Brody, best known for his role as Seth Cohen on "The O.C.", and Bryant, an actress and model who has been seen in Blockbusters Spiderman - 2 and Bobby, both felt an urgency to get involved with this particular campaign and lend their support to the grassroots movement for change that inspired them.

Speaking in front of hundreds of college students at each location through the tour Bryant shared how she was:

"moved by Barack's choice to pass up jobs that could have made him very wealthy in order to go to the south side of Chicago and organize communities that were suffering. He made a sacrifice and has shown judgment that I would want in my President."

Brody, who initally was a leaning towards Hillary Clinton but was content to let Barack and her "fight it out in the primaries", was convinced that Barack was the right choice when he watched his convention speech. Spending convention week watching the coverage proved to Brody that Barack was a good choice and:

"the change we need...clearly Barack is smart and we have seen what picking the less intelligent guy has gotten us the last eight years so maybe it's time we pick the candidate who is more intelligent to lead. I mean I look at it as who would you want performing surgery on your children...I think it's clear you want the smarter guy."

From Milwaukee to De Pere to Appleton on the first day and Oshkosh to Stevens Point and ending in Madison on the second day, Brody and Bryant were met with large crowds and enthusiastic young voters. Claire in Appleton stated:

"I came out to see what these celebrities thought. I mean, I am registered to vote but I have been undecided and it was interesting to hear what they thought. The fact that they would take time away from their lives to come here is pretty amazing. It shows that they care."

After starting the first day at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Brody and Bryant made their way to Marquette University where after speaking about "the importance of getting it right this time", they posed for pictures with the students and even sat down with the school television station for interviews. In De Pere at a local coffee shop, Cafe Luna, they were met by a crowd from local St. Norbert College that was so large the traveling crew of campaign staffers and volunteers who hosted the event had to wait outside as Brody and Bryant fielded qustions to a packed house.

"I am here because I support Barack Obama but it's amazing to have them(Adam and Joy) coming to De Pere...I just turned 18 and can't wait to vote, I'm not volunteering but maybe I will...this election is important"

These the words of Stacey in De Pere. This bolstered the decision by Brody and Bryant to hit the road for Barack. As Adam stated during each rally,

"I wish I didn't have to do this. I wish it was easier and people would see it...but I do have to do it and I choose to do it because this election is too important and our country's future is at stake."

However, the fact that they have chosen to do this shows the extension into every corner of this country the grassroots movement for change has had. People from all walks of life have been moved to stand up for change and take action towards making it happen. It is the taking action that builds momentum in every community and Barack has said "this election has never been about me, it's been about you." It's up to us and young Americans are rising to the challenge.

Join Students for Barack Obama here.

Homer Simpson Voting for Obama

Henry M — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:18:37 EDT

Even Homer Simpson wants to vote for Obama: http://www.drudge.com/news/113147/homer-simpson-backs-obama

Nice try, anyhow

Henry M

Mapping the Polls

Henry M — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:47:19 EDT

Thanks to David J for letting me know about this map of the current status of how the electoral votes are stacking up based on the results of polls: http://www.electoral-vote.com/

Henry M

Barack In La Crosse Today

Thomas Kelley — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:34:07 EDT

La Crosse - Earlier today Barack was in La Crosse and was greeted by 15,000 people at an outdoor venue in downtown. Speaking about fiscal responsibility in the federal government, Barack pledged to ensure the rescue plan works for working Americans.

Watch his comments here:

Tired of John mcCain distorting Barack Obama's economic and tax policies?

Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper here.

Change is coming......in 33 days.....

Joe M. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:32:12 EDT

Has anyone ordered and received propaganda material from the Obama Store?

I placed my order on Sept 15th - no signs of it as yet and the store still says 'Processing'

Information Technology Professionals for Obama

Games and Obama

Prayer for the Obama's and the United States of America

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR 2009

SMART ON CRIME - A New Obama Imperative

Public Option Opposition: I Hope They're Happy

Educate Yourself on Health Care Reform Chain Email!

It May Not Be Hot Where You Live, but It Sure Sounds Like GLOBAL Warming...

Not Everyone's Comfortable with Trying Something New, Even When the Old Doesn't Work

Health: It's Nothing Personal, It's Just Business

Survey - Health Plans Deliver The WORST Experience

How Pharma and Insurance Intend to Kill the Public Option, And What Obama and the Rest of Us Must Do

6 Health Insurers Boards Paid More than Senate and SCOTUS Combined

Did Barack Inspire the New Star Trek?

President Obama’s Notre Dame University Address 17th May 2009 - by James Waisbrot

Dear United States Citizens and citizens of the world-TEST post to link to facebook or other blogs - from JIM WAISBROT

Hey gals and fellows, pay attention: Obama seeks after judicial restraint. -- Blog/Post from Jim Waisbrot

“A good Read (Check the links too): Obama first president to actually read Bible”-From Jim Waisbrot

“Gableman drives a judicial Fiat, but Shirley Abrahamson correctly emphasizes as a threshold matter in her own concurring opinion.”- From Jim Waisbrot

To Start Understanding the “Scope of underinsured motorist insurance limited by Wisconsin Supreme Court” – From Jim Waisbrot.

C.J. Abrahamson Cites Foreign Law

Dear Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson,

“I was there, when Sen. Barack Obama Spoke at Campaign Event in Green Bay, Wisconsin” -I still remember! -Jim Waisbrot (now Portage County Democrat district 7)

Emulate FRANCE: Ban Bonus to bailed out firms in USA

Open letter to President Obama

US.CAN and National Council for Obama's Angels - Headquarters, SLC - Utah = Noble Vision

Help us reduce poverty in Africa (population in distress)

Surveillance Self-Defense

Obama DVD's on Sale at Amazon

One add to: Media - Friend or Foe? - Arm yourself against lies! (5)

Ending Pay-to-Play Culture in Washington, Now!

My way to say GOODBYE to neocons, Bush and Cheney! ( 5)

The OFA 2.0 Thing - Links, Video, Resources & Inspiration

Major Economic Speech Full Video & Transcript Links and My Comments

The *accessible* YouTube presidency

*still* asking for more money???

Ten Online Ideas for Obama in Government

Excited Obama site will remain

GOD CAN NOT LIE

It's not over 'til it's *all* over

The change - Obama Acceptance Speech - Change is come to America (5)

Barack Obama Votes and So Should You

You Can Register to Vote and Vote On Election Day

Fast and Pray for Obama/Biden

Obama: Destined to WIN November 04, 2008 Presidential Elections

Video: Concert For Change

DECLARACIÓN GENERAL ACERCA DE LA VOTACIÓN CON PEDRO COLON

One Day To Change The World

Independent Social Media : MC Yogi "Obama '08 - Vote for Hope"

Happy Halloween!!

1-877-OBAMA-WI

He Said He Would Hate To Live In Milwaukee?

American Stories, American Solutions

Together Everyone Achieve More with Obama/Biden in The White House

Making calls - One Week

Learn How Easy It Is To Vote Early With Governor Napolitano of Arizona

NYT EDITORIAL - Barack Obama for President

Its Time

Hope for Healthcare

Countering 'Tax and Spend' with 'Borrow and Spend'

The Obama Tax Calculator

Talk is Cheap

An interesting endorsement for Obama from Fareed Zakaria

Chris Walla Of Death Cab for Cutie Visits Lambeau

Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie Canvasses Green Bay

That hasnt or has seen change? Vote for more!!

Foreign policy and women rape in the world

What they dont say about Senator Obama!!

Video: John Kerry Fires Up Obama Supporters To Vote Early

Hey, Joe: Where ya goin' with that wrench in your hand?

A Special Message for Wisconsin From John Kerry

Lets Be Clear

John McCain on George Bush

Speak Out - Write a Letter To The Editor

Barack Goes Door to Door

Brits Get Acorn Right; Why Not USA Media?

Republican for Obama Speaks of Support at Party's Birthplace In Ripon

Security Expert Sarah Palin Used Yahoo for State, i.e. Private, Business

My Birthday on Tuesday, Please Donate

Deregulation - wars - bank crisis - movie Bush without words - (5)

The accessible YouTube presidency

still asking for more money???

It's not over 'til it's all over