Oklahomans for Obama

The "White Glove" Challenge

Rea Baldridge — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:50:25 EDT

White Glove Challenge
You can send Congress and the Administration your personal healthcare message, scrawled, printed or engraved, not on tea bags, but on WHITE GLOVES, the universal symbols of good manners, good taste and civility...

Send these white gloves, (or facsimiles thereof) to respectfully challenge your representatives, and insist, "in the nicest possible way", that they follow their "better angels" and do the public good.

The message is yours, but this medium is a message in itself. The power and privilege conferred upon our elected representatives carries with it the responsibility to serve all the people. How better than to ensure the well-being of all our citizens and our country than by supporting universal healthcare?

We will lay down these gleaming gauntlets in the service of truth and justice in the best American way"!

Socialite Party of America
"Noblesse Oblige"

Socialite Party of America
"Noblesse Oblige"

Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh say there is no drug use in America

amadeusmax — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:23:32 EDT

I am amazed at how desperate the far right media has become the very thing they claim the left media was. Now they refuse to recognize the huge amount of drug use that is happening in America. It's like they want to take a blind eye on crime to further a political Agenda. They refuse to see the drug use done by Americans. They want to pretend it isn't happening. They are saying it's un American to recognize the harm buying drugs causes. This is going to cause a conflict with their own followers since some of them have to in real life defend themselves from the very drug business that puts their republican followers into harm.

I can understand why Rush Limbaugh doesn't want to recognize illegal drug use, it's great way to cover up his own indiscretions. Sean Hannity is now completely gone insane. It's almost like they are trying to sweep the drug problem in America underneath the rug. I'm sorry but most of America know where the drug cartels are, and know they travel to America to sell their product.

To say that we as American aren't buying drugs is saying that there is no drugs in America. That would mean all the deaths didn't happen from overdoses, all the cops that died from drug dealers and those stoned on drugs didn't happen.

Why is Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity trying to make the Drug Dealers look good by saying it's UnAmerican to say what the problem really is? Why are they defending drug dealers?

Does Rick Perry have the Right to Terminate 23 million American Citizenships?

amadeusmax — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:19:05 EDT

Does Rick Perry really have the right to even hint at seceding from the US without speaking to the constituents first. There have been a lot of people who have died for America from Texas, and I'm sure their families don't want somebody trying to use their citizenship as a bargaining chip for one persons political career.

As a matter of fact I am sure there are many in Texas who don't want anyone in the Texas Government messing with their US citizenship at all. Taking your personal beliefs and expecting your constituents to follow them is not the democratic way. The Texas governor is not in a seat of royalty. He is to follow the will of the people. He does not have the right to determine who is to be a US citizen.

Not to mention the Dollars and Federal Military bases. Maybe the Federal Government should talk to Texas about withdrawing all the United States faculties such as military bases, and the Airports that were built with all 50 state American Tax Money.

If Texas leadership doesn't want to be apart of the United States, isn't that about being UnAmerican. Does the Governor have the right to terminate the Citizenship of millions of Americans? Since he has been given this thought, will he allow people to leave Texas if they wish to remain US Citizens? Will he pay back the US Government for all their faculties, equipment, roads, and funding that has been spent in Texas?

Happy St. Patrick's Day from O'Bama!

Mike W — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:37:30 EDT

Happy St. Patrick's Day from O'Bama!

The winning [Rush] billboard

Mike W — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:08:06 EDT

The winning billboard
Thursday, March 12, 2009
http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

We gave you the opportunity to respond directly to Rush Limbaugh's desire to see President Obama fail, and you responded overwhelmingly.

The votes are in for the billboard you'd like Rush to see.

Find out which billboard we'll put in Rush's home town and make a donation to help send Rush the message:

See the winning billboard
http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

The winning slogan, submitted by William C. of Camden, New Jersey, will let Rush -- and the Republicans who've decided to follow his lead -- know that Americans aren't hoping for failure.

They voted for a new direction in November, and they're ready to leave behind the failed partisan attack politics of the past.

See the winning billboard now and help us get out the message:
http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

Your billboard for Rush

Mike W — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:36:50 EST

If you're anything like me, then you've had the urge to talk back to a right-wing talk radio host more than a few times. Now you can.

Rush Limbaugh has made waves lately about his desire to see President Obama fail. And he's unapologetic, even though Americans voted in November for the very kind of change the President is bringing to Washington. As even Limbaugh must know, if the President fails, America fails.

Incredibly, Republican leaders have yet to condemn Limbaugh for his destructive comments. In fact, Republicans like Congressman Eric Cantor, a leader in the House, have adopted the Limbaugh strategy, telling the Washington Post recently that their strategy on the President's jobs plan was "just saying no."

The only Republican leader to challenge Limbaugh -- the chairman of the Republican National Committee -- even called Rush to apologize just a few days later.

But we have no apologies for Rush, just a message. We need you to come up with a slogan, in ten words or less, that we'll put on a billboard where he can't miss it -- in his hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida.

Can you help us come up with a message for Rush that we'll place on a billboard right in his hometown?

We'll go through all the slogans we get, and the winner will have his or her message appear on the billboard -- and receive a free T-shirt featuring the winning slogan.

If Republican leaders aren't willing to tell Rush, then we will. Americans want President Obama to succeed. Our country's future depends on it. Rooting for the President's failure is rooting for our country to fail.

To get America back on a path to prosperity, we'll need to leave behind the failed partisan attack politics of the past. Americans voted for a new direction in November. Choosing Rush Limbaugh to be the voice of their party -- as Republican leaders have done -- is not the answer.

Send in your suggestion of ten words or less for a billboard and we'll choose the best one to put in Rush's own "backyard":

http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

DemocracyForAmerica.com Blog: Howard Dean is BACK!

Mike W — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:48:31 EST

DemocracyForAmerica.com Blog: Howard Dean is BACK!
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/blog_posts/27900-howard-dean-is-back

Written by: Charles Chamberlain on Mar 2, 2009 2:20 PM EST
Linked to groups: Blog For America

You may have heard by now that Gov. Howard Dean is coming back to Democracy for America. Today we made the official announcement. Here's some of what the good Doctor sent to DFA members today:

I'm returning to DFA and I have to admit, it'll be nice to work out of my old office in Burlington. I'll also be hitting the road with you, stumping for grassroots candidates and advocating for the issues that matter most to you and me. For one, I think you know that healthcare for all is an important issue to me. I look forward to working with you to pass meaningful reform that makes sure that every American has the care they need.

TW: [Oklahoma] Democrats' leader hammers both parties

Mike W — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:52:20 EST

Democrats' leader hammers both parties
By RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer
Published: 3/1/2009 2:33 AM
Last Modified: 3/1/2009 3:36 AM
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090301_16_A17_StateD346449
or
http://tinyurl.com/Holmes20090301

State Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes has a Ph.D. in communications and he's not afraid to use it. Friday he hammered the Republican Legislature and tight-fisted Democrats about the head and shoulders for an hour at the Democratic Luncheon Club in downtown Tulsa.

"There is no democracy going on at the Capitol in Oklahoma City," Holmes said. "Our House and Senate people are getting so beaten down, the Republicans are almost dictatorial. They're blatant about it and they don't care."

The GOP, he said, is "ruthless, organized and they've got money."

But Holmes was also critical of fellow Democrats.

He said that two years ago, when he became chairman, only 17 individuals gave as much as $1,000 a year to the party. That's up to 150 now, but isn't nearly enough to compete with the Republicans or to compensate for the money the state received from the national party under former national chairman Howard Dean.

"Our party has no money," he said, noting that the Democratic Senate caucus' political action committee ended the last election cycle $25,000 in debt and the House PAC is almost broke, too.

And, he said, the trial lawyers say they'll no longer contribute to the legislative PACs because of last year's poor election results.

"We have to raise $750,000 by 2010 to be viable," Holmes said. "You can't run a party like we have."

Holmes said President Obama's organization appears to be concentrating national party resources on "target states" -
which Oklahoma, after giving Obama only 34 percent of the vote, is not.

"What we've got to do is convince the Obama people we ought to be targeted," Holmes said

Holmes is not seeking a second two-year term but said he will continue to work for the state party as a volunteer.

Floored By Oklahoma Democrats Buy Into Neocon Stock

DSLev — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:04:44 EST

I'm posting this as the result of an unbelievably unreal discussion on the Oklahomans for Obama group.

First, I'm shocked at how many Democrats, Oklahomans and not, believe in this unicorn called "toxic assets". Clue number One should have been all the characterizations of "credit flow" as some type of clogging, arterial or intestinal. The problem is the bundling of defaults into Accounts Receivable status when they are in fact a loss, and should be entered in accounting practice as such. The problem is that the Statute of Limitations runs out on collecting on defaults in 7 years, but a company can, every 7 years, show automatic attempt to collect and keep the default on the books for another 7 years into perpetuity, and, yes, clog the system that way.

Companies constipate themselves when they perpetually enter losses as assets. They're losses and it's healthier for the bank to write it off as a loss than to perpetuate the illusion of having a loss as an asset. And until Democrats including Obama realize they've been played, Democrats are going to continue to be just as much a part of the problem as Republicans have been and run this country into the ground by simply throwing money at it even with added conditions.

There is no such thing as an asset that is toxic and your emperor really has no clothes. Really.

############

Additionally, Oklahoman Democrats on that listserv have been convinced that nationalized banking is socialism, and not one of them has been able to cite which part of socialism pertains to banking. Unless and until Democrats realize that they're just as much at fault for our current situation as Republicans have been, that Obama called for ALL hands on deck and not just the diminutive Democrat base, well........we're screwed.

DNC Announces Clyde Williams as New Political Director

Mike W — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:20:47 EST

DNC Announces Clyde Williams as New Political Director

Democratic National Committee
For Immediate Release
February 20, 2009

Washington, DC – The Democratic National Committee today announced the appointment of Clyde Williams as DNC political director. Williams -- who previously served as a senior policy advisor at the Clinton Foundation, Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at the Center for American Progress, and deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- brings a unique combination of policy and political background to the position.

"We’re thrilled that someone with Clyde’s immense skill and unique combination of experience with domestic policy issues and grassroots political organizing will be joining the DNC’s leadership team," said DNC Executive Director Jen O’Malley Dillon. "Governor Kaine has stated his goals of helping advance the President’s agenda and promoting broader participation in the civic dialogue. Having Clyde serve as our political director is an important part of our effort to engage more Americans in our effort to implement practical solutions to the challenges facing our country."

"I look forward to a great opportunity to work with Governor Kaine, Jen O’Malley Dillon, and of course the White House to advance the President’s agenda and continue to strengthen our Party," said Williams. "These challenging times demand real leadership from Washington and a renewed commitment to truly engaging the American people in the effort to move our country forward. I am honored by the opportunity to help Governor Kaine with this historic effort."

Clyde Williams, Democratic National Committee Political Director

Clyde Williams joins the DNC after four years as founder and president of his own business development firm, Certus Advisors based in New York City. Williams served as a top domestic policy advisor at the Clinton Foundation from 2001 to 2005, advising President Clinton on the development of programs targeting underserved communities. Williams also served as Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at the Center for American Progress and as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the second term of the Clinton Administration. Prior to entering national politics, Williams worked for District of Columbia City Council Chairman John A. Wilson.

###

I wanted my daughter to go to Washington

amadeusmax — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:33:23 EST

My daughter, who is in her junior year in college applied for the state intern program, to be in a congressman office. Unfortunately, Oklahoma is all republican on the congressional level. While I don't know for a fact if that had any bearing on the selection process, I have to wonder if that was a reason why she wasn't selected. And I know that being her father I'm biased, but she is an outstanding student, and she has studied abroad. She studied in the Middle East for a summer in Amman, which tells me she has more of an understanding of the middle east than most of Oklahoma's congressional representatives. We are a poor family, she has to pay her own way for these things.

What frustrates me is the possiblillity that she is being barred from a great learning experience because she isn't republican. I wish america was more about freedom of ideas than a bipartisan state that we have become. I am not a man of influence or wealth, so there is no way I can give her an edge in. It shouldn't have to be that way and I wish it wasn't. Nicole would be a great person to be the leader of the future we need.

But I am sure that of the 4 people selected to be in this program, probably deserved it. So I bear them no ill will, but the level of bipartisanship in this country sometimes makes me wonder.

Welcome to Recovery.gov

Mike W — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:42:51 EST

Recovery.gov is a website that lets you, the taxpayer, figure out where the money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going. There are going to be a few different ways to search for information. The money is being distributed by Federal agencies, and soon you'll be able to see where it's going -- to which states, to which congressional districts, even to which Federal contractors. As soon as we are able to, we'll display that information visually in maps, charts, and graphics.

---

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be carried out with full transparency and accountability -- and Recovery.gov is the centerpiece of that effort. In a short [1:22} video, President Obama describes the site and talks about how you'll be able to track the Recovery Act's progress every step of the way.

YouTube: Working with Faith [President Obama]

Mike W — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:09:35 EST

Working with Faith
By whitehouse
February 06, 2009; 4:01
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZayeDj5CX18

On Thursday, February 5, 2009, President Barack Obama delivered remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast then, he signed an executive order establishing the new White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In a short video, Executive Director Joshua DuBois explains how the office will operate and what role faith-based and community groups have to play in the economic recovery. (This video is public domain)

Obama grassroots network meets over stimulus

Mike W — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:27:36 EST

Obama grassroots network meets over stimulus
By Matthew Bigg
[Sun Feb 8, 2009 10:15 pm EST]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090209/pl_nm/us_obama_grassroots

ATLANTA (Reuters) – Thousands of groups of ardent fans of U.S. President Barack Obama met across the country during the weekend in hopes of converting the grassroots energy that fueled his election campaign into a durable movement.

The meetings were the first test of Organizing for America, a body that wants the army of 13 million people who signed up for Obama's record-shattering campaign to be harnessed to his presidential agenda.

Democrats take control of Obama's Web.org

Mike W — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:20:41 EST

Democrats take control of Obama's ‘Web.org’
DNC aims to nourish Internet-based organization that helped elect him
By Tom Curry
National affairs writer
msnbc.com
updated 10:40 p.m. CT, Sat., Feb. 7, 2009
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29069515

RENTON, Wash. - The gathering Friday night in Daryl Berry’s house in this suburban city 20 miles south of Seattle was both a dozen people sitting around talking in a den and a history-making political event.

The talkfest, one of some 3,000 taking place this weekend at houses, churches and coffee shops across the country, marked the first time that the Democratic National Committee has summoned the supporters of President Barack Obama using the Web-based tactics that got him elected.

---
complete copyrighted story at above link

Host/attend an Economic Recovery house meeting

Mike W — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:00:17 EST

Host/attend an Economic Recovery house meeting
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/economicmeetings

Governor Tim Kaine Answers Economic Recovery Questions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP9ZOQ5gIYw
February 06, 2009; 13:07
Governor Tim Kaine answers questions sent in by Organizing For America members ahead of February 7th house parties.

President Obama addresses Economic Recovery House Meetings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HvC0IqNoBg
February 06, 2009; 4:36
President Barack Obama talks directly to the American people about the immediate need for action on the economy. Join your friends and neighbors at an Economic Recovery House Meeting in your community: http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryplan

Obama: This is my hope. This is my prayer.

Mike W — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:34:47 EST

"This is my hope. This is my prayer."
Thursday, February 5th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/this_is_my_prayer

"The particular faith that motivates each of us can promote a greater good for all of us," President Obama said this morning to a crowd of several thousand people gathered for the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in the nation's capital. "Instead of driving us apart, our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife and rebuild what has broken; to lift up those who have fallen on hard times."

A dozen foreign leaders attended, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who delivered the keynote address.

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) read from Scripture, Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO) delivered a prayer for national leaders, Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) delivered a prayer for world leaders, and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) delivered the closing prayer. Casting Crowns, a Christian rock group, performed at the event.

The National Prayer Breakfast, currently co-chaired by Reps. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) and Heath Shuler (D-NC), is a yearly event held in Washington, D.C., on the first Thursday of February each year. The event has taken place since 1953 and every U.S. president since Dwight D. Eisenhower has participated in the breakfast.

The President is set to sign an executive order regarding the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, which we'll have more on later today.

Read the President's remarks below.

I am not happy with the stimulus plan

amadeusmax — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:23:01 EST

First when Bush and the house republicans had the stimulus package, they gave the money away with no strings attached. Obama part is spending it on this that will not stimulate the economy. Both sides have gotten wrong in my opinion.

I wouldn't give money to a drug addict and expect them to cure themselves. Why would I expect a companies leaders of a failing business know how to do any better with more money? Bad habits in each case will continue to happen.

What we need to do is invest on the working or new business models. IF we want more jobs and stimulate the economy, I suggest we give stimulus money to those companies that are succeding in these difficult times. Those companies that knew how to plan for the future. Instead of investing in companies that are failures by their own design, we should invest in those that are surviving on their own prudent practices.

We also need to set free those ideas that are locked up. Possibly come up where money is given to Universities and think tanks to make open source technology and patents on things such as Cars that are ran off of water. Better and cheaper solar and wind power.

Open source technology means technology that would have a patent that would be open for all to use. Many know this in the software world as basically freeware. But Benjamin Franklin opened up the patents on many of his inventions so the whole world could benefit, from his lighting rod to his stove.

For those that don't understand open source, think of it like this. If Apple allowed anyone to make and use the technology of the Ipod, what would happen? There would hundreds if not thousands of companies making Ipods. The ipods would be more variety, more technologically superior, cheaper and used in everything. This would stimulate jobs because of the all companies that would jump into this market. But apple won't do that, and an Ipod can't drive you to work.

But an Imagine a Car that can do 50 to 100 mpg. If the research was paid for, and the patents were open for anyone to use. Or it could be a car that ran on water, or solar panels system that powered your house during the day, and stored enough to power your house through the night.

If we spent the stimulus money an opening up technology, making it open source then we would be helping American businesses. We could offer grants to univiersities to help educate our children, if they contribute towards this open source collaboration.

But instead of investing in the whole of America, were buying new vehicles for thte government why I have to drive in my 11 year old car, and pay for the senators new ride. Not only that, but spend billions on Washington DC, while I watch my own house devalue before my eyes.

The only part of the stimulus package I like is rebuilding the infrastructure of the roads and bridges in America. Probably because that's the only part of the stimulus that benefits us all.

President Obama: The Action Americans Need

Mike W — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:17:32 EST

The Action Americans Need
By Barack Obama
Washington Post
Thursday, February 5, 2009; A17
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/04/AR2009020403174.html

By now, it's clear to everyone that we have inherited an economic crisis as deep and dire as any since the days of the Great Depression. Millions of jobs that Americans relied on just a year ago are gone; millions more of the nest eggs families worked so hard to build have vanished. People everywhere are worried about what tomorrow will bring.

What Americans expect from Washington is action that matches the urgency they feel in their daily lives -- action that's swift, bold and wise enough for us to climb out of this crisis.

Because each day we wait to begin the work of turning our economy around, more people lose their jobs, their savings and their homes. And if nothing is done, this recession might linger for years. Our economy will lose 5 million more jobs. Unemployment will approach double digits. Our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse.

That's why I feel such a sense of urgency about the recovery plan before Congress. With it, we will create or save more than 3 million jobs over the next two years, provide immediate tax relief to 95 percent of American workers, ignite spending by businesses and consumers alike, and take steps to strengthen our country for years to come.

This plan is more than a prescription for short-term spending -- it's a strategy for America's long-term growth and opportunity in areas such as renewable energy, health care and education. And it's a strategy that will be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability, so Americans know where their tax dollars are going and how they are being spent.

In recent days, there have been misguided criticisms of this plan that echo the failed theories that helped lead us into this crisis -- the notion that tax cuts alone will solve all our problems; that we can meet our enormous tests with half-steps and piecemeal measures; that we can ignore fundamental challenges such as energy independence and the high cost of health care and still expect our economy and our country to thrive.

I reject these theories, and so did the American people when they went to the polls in November and voted resoundingly for change. They know that we have tried it those ways for too long. And because we have, our health-care costs still rise faster than inflation. Our dependence on foreign oil still threatens our economy and our security. Our children still study in schools that put them at a disadvantage. We've seen the tragic consequences when our bridges crumble and our levees fail.

Every day, our economy gets sicker -- and the time for a remedy that puts Americans back to work, jump-starts our economy and invests in lasting growth is now.

Now is the time to protect health insurance for the more than 8 million Americans at risk of losing their coverage and to computerize the health-care records of every American within five years, saving billions of dollars and countless lives in the process.

Now is the time to save billions by making 2 million homes and 75 percent of federal buildings more energy-efficient, and to double our capacity to generate alternative sources of energy within three years.

Now is the time to give our children every advantage they need to compete by upgrading 10,000 schools with state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries and labs; by training our teachers in math and science; and by bringing the dream of a college education within reach for millions of Americans.

And now is the time to create the jobs that remake America for the 21st century by rebuilding aging roads, bridges and levees; designing a smart electrical grid; and connecting every corner of the country to the information superhighway.

These are the actions Americans expect us to take without delay. They're patient enough to know that our economic recovery will be measured in years, not months. But they have no patience for the same old partisan gridlock that stands in the way of action while our economy continues to slide.

So we have a choice to make. We can once again let Washington's bad habits stand in the way of progress. Or we can pull together and say that in America, our destiny isn't written for us but by us. We can place good ideas ahead of old ideological battles, and a sense of purpose above the same narrow partisanship. We can act boldly to turn crisis into opportunity and, together, write the next great chapter in our history and meet the test of our time.

---
The writer is president of the United States.

1-21-09 National Prayer Service: Harmonies of Liberty

Mike W — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:22:22 EST

General Minister And President Preaches At National Prayer Service
http://www.disciples.org/tabid/58/itemid/176/General-Minister-And-President-Preaches-At-Nationa.aspx
or
http://tinyurl.com/Watkins20090121

(Washington, D.C. - DNS - Jan. 22, 2009) - People from a variety of faith perspectives have reacted enthusiastically to General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins' sermon at the National Prayer Service in Washington D.C. The sermon took place on Jan. 21, the day after the inauguration of the nation's 44th president.

Disciples and faith leaders from around the globe have congratulated Watkins through e-mails, web postings and phone calls. "How inspired I was by your sermon," said Judy Furber, one e-mail respondent. "It touched my heart and my mind profoundly."

Watkins spoke at the National Cathedral before a crowd of 3,000 that included newly elected President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Watkins was the first woman selected to give the historic address, a tradition that dates back to President George Washington. She was chosen to deliver the sermon by Obama, the nation's first African-American president. Cynthia L. Hale, Senior Pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Decatur, Ga., gave the scripture at the service.

Charles A. Howell III, a member of Woodmont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nashville, Tenn., said he heard both Sharon Watkins and Cynthia Hale speak and described both as terrific.

The service was carried live by several national news networks, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and C-Span. Watkins' sermon touched on several themes relating to both our country's civic and religious life. Her sermon was drawn in part from Isaiah 58:6-12, where God declares to the people of God that appropriate worship is through practicing justice. Watkins also quoted from Matthew 22:36-40, where Jesus gives the greatest commandments of all: to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and to love your neighbor as yourself.

In a portion of her sermon, Watkins also related a story attributed to Cherokee wisdom about the two wolves that struggle inside each one of us. "One wolf is vengefulness, anger, resentment, self-pity, fear..." she preached… "The other wolf is compassion, faithfulness, hope, truth, love... Looking directly at President Obama, who was sitting in the front pew, Watkins said, "We need you to feed the good wolf within you, to listen to the better angels of your nature, and by your example encourage us to do the same."

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Read the transcript of Dr. Watkins' sermon, "Harmonies of Liberty."
http://www.disciples.org/OfficeoftheGeneralMinisterandPresident/NewsandUpdates/HarmoniesofLiberty/tabid/483/Default.aspx
or
http://tinyurl.com/HarmoniesOfLiberty

Watch the National Prayer Service online with Windows Media.
http://video1.cathedral.org/wmv/Inaugural2009.wmv

Online video courtesy of the Washington National Cathedral at
http://www.nationalcathedral.org

Oklahoma Democratic Party, 2009 conventions

Mike W — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:27:42 EST

Oklahoma Democratic Party, 2009 conventions
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OklahomaDemocrats/message/7853

PRECINCT MEETINGS
March 12, 2009

77 COUNTY CONVENTIONS
April 4, 2009

5 DISTRICT CONVENTIONS
May 2, 2009

STATE CONVENTION
Oklahoma City
May 16, 2009

Mike W
Tulsa+
Who has these dates on his personal calendar

OFA Economic Recovery actions

Mike W — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:11:26 EST

Telephone Town Hall, Tuesday 2-3-09 9:30 pm EST
http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/economicrecovery

Please join us for a Telephone Town Hall at 9:30 pm EST on Tuesday, February 3 with David Plouffe, Campaign Manager for Obama for America, and Mitch Stewart, Executive Director of Organizing for America. This call is for neighborhood team leaders and other key volunteers.

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Host a House Meeting [February 6-8, 2009]
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/economicmeetings

President Obama and members of Congress have a plan to put nearly four million Americans back to work, but they need your help. The economic crisis can seem overwhelming and complex to many, but you can help the people you know connect the recovery plan to their lives and learn more about why it's so important by hosting a house meeting. A special video will outline details of the plan, how it will help your community, and impact working families.

Mike W
Tulsa+
Who listed generic URLs above

NYTimes: Melding Obama’s Web to a YouTube Presidency

Mike W — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:44:08 EST

Melding Obama’s Web to a YouTube Presidency
By JIM RUTENBERG and ADAM NAGOURNEY
New York Times
Published: January 25, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/us/politics/26grassroots.html

WASHINGTON - Lyle McIntosh gave everything he could to Barack Obama’s Iowa campaign. He helped oversee an army that knocked on doors, distributed fliers and held neighborhood meetings to rally support for Mr. Obama, all the while juggling the demands of his soybean and corn farm.

Asked last week if he and others like him were ready to go all-out again, this time to help President Obama push his White House agenda, Mr. McIntosh paused.

“It’s almost like a football season or a basketball season - you go as hard as you can and then you’ve got to take a breather between the seasons,” he said, noting he found it hard to go full-bore during the general election.

Mr. McIntosh’s uncertainty suggests just one of the many obstacles the White House faces as it tries to accomplish what aides say is one of their most important goals: transforming the YouTubing-Facebooking-texting-Twittering grass-roots organization that put Mr. Obama in the White House into an instrument of government. That is something that Mr. Obama, who began his career as a community organizer, told aides was a top priority, even before he was elected.

His aides — including his campaign manager — have created a group, Organizing for America, to redirect the campaign machinery in the service of broad changes in health care and environmental and fiscal policy. They envision an army of supporters talking, sending e-mail and texting to friends and neighbors as they try to mold public opinion.

The organization will be housed in the Democratic National Committee, rather than at the White House. But the idea behind it — that the traditional ways of communicating with and motivating voters are giving way to new channels built around social networking — is also very evident in the White House’s media strategy.

Join MyBo group Oklahoma CAN

Mike W — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:56:36 EST

Join MyBo group Oklahoma CAN

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

Oklahoma.CAN is the Oklahoma Statewide MyBO Community Action Network Group. We are organizing .CAN Groups in all of our 77 Counties in Oklahoma. Further, each MyBO Group in Oklahoma is welcome to join us, and elect two representatives - one voting delegate, and one alternate. The Membership of our Oklahoma.CAN Group is responsible to create and organize all their "CountyName".Oklahoma.CAN Groups, and call each County Community Action Network Group to meet once each month, according to our two year national schedule. The first two year national schedule is posted below in our Group Blog. See California.CAN as an example of a State organized into county groups. Every County.Oklahoma.CAN Group will host a Quarterly Meeting of all MyBO Members who wish to participate. Our County.Oklahoma.CAN Groups welcome participation from all MyBO Group Members in that Quarterly Meeting in their County. We are a cooperative umbrella set of groups now organizing across all 3,071 Counties in America, and we do not compete with each other. Rather, we strive to work with all local MyBO Groups to coordinate our "Organizing for America" to implement our Blueprint for Change, at our Local City and County Levels of Government, as well as within our Great State of Oklahoma. Oklahoma.CAN will meet in Assembly twice a year at Oklahoma City, our State Capitol: Once in January and once in June in advance of the National USA.CAN Citizens Congress, which we call to assembly in Washington DC once each year. Each CountyName.Oklahoma.CAN Group shall elect their Delegates to our Oklahoma.CAN State and National USA.CAN Groups to join in actions agreed to by each Group's membership. Every State and County Group in our American Network shall remain both autonomous and fully self supporting.

Ready to Witness History

Candace from Yukon — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:10:35 EST

I am making preparations to get to Washington D.C., next Sunday, January 18th. I am lucky to fly into Dulles, as I made my plane and hotel reservations in September. Hope does spring eternal!

It's the logistics that concern me - getting from the airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to the Metro, and from the Metro to the Capitol, and back to the Obama Blogger's Convention, and back to the hotel, then be up at 4:00 am to catch the Bus, to get to the Metro, to ride the subway into D.C., to get through the security check points, to get into the area where are tickets say we can go - and be there in time to see the Inauguration! Then... Maybe a glimpse of the parade? The problem is there will be no Taxi service in D.C. on the day of the Inauguration!!! Walk 5 miles; ride the bus; or suffer "crush-level"people on the metro. Our hotel is only 12 miles from the Capital and we have been told it could take us 4 hours to get there.

So, I have my IPod and my camera and my cell phone all fully charged. I have mapped out where to go and when and hopefully it will work. With all of us coming in at different airports, trains, cars and such, I wonder if we will be able to meet at all! However, I will be at Murphy Irish Pub on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA on Mon 19th from 4-6:30 or so. If we have an idea how many Okies might want to meet there, let me know and I will see what I can do. I have also found a place for the 20th, for those not attending a Ball.

I wish us all a Blessed trip to watch history, and our dreams, take shape before us. This is a once in a lifetime moment i shall cherish forever. Yes We Can.

Ben & Jerry's Flavor in Honor of President Obama's Inauguration!

Mike W — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:11:27 EST

NEWS: Ben & Jerry is re-releasing a Flavor with a new name in Honor of oncoming President Obama's Inauguration! The name is absolute KITCH that will make you roll-your-eyes!

The name of Obama's flavor is: "YES PECAN!"

From the Ben & Jerry's Website
http://www.benjerry.com/features/yespecan
claims that this is: An Inspirational Blend! Amber Waves of Buttery Ice Cream With Roasted Non-Partisan Pecans.

If you decide to indulge in some "Yes Pecan" in Scoop Shops during the month of January, Ben & Jerry's is donating the proceeds to the Common Cause Education Fund.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization founded as a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process. They are committed to honest, open and accountable government, as well as encouraging citizen participation in democracy. Their Education Fund conducts research, education, and outreach activities. Check out http://www.commoncause.org to take action.

New Obama Poster for Inauguration

Mike W — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:05:41 EST

New Obama Poster for Inauguration
By Katharine Q. Seelye
The Caucus | A New York Times Blog
January 8, 2009, 11:36 am
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/new-obama-poster-for-inauguration

If anyone is realizing the marketing potential of Barack Obama, it is Mr. Obama’s marketers themselves.

After all, Advertising Age, the bible of Madison Avenue, named the Obama campaign "Marketer of the Year" last fall, citing in particular its ability to brand itself. Obama beat out marketing heavyweights like Apple, Nike and Coors. And that was before he got elected.

Mr. Obama’s inaugural committee is now marketing a new version of the iconic "Hope" poster that became a phenomenon during the campaign and helped brand the candidate, certainly in the minds of the young.

The new poster was created by Shepard Fairey, the California street artist who created the original image.

He designed this one specifically for the inauguration. "Be The Change," the poster instructs. It takes the now-familiar red and blue image of Mr. Obama and sets it against a backdrop of the Capitol and the White House.

Library of Congress Seeks Public Help

Candace from Yukon — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:58:21 EST

The Library of Congress is seeking your help in documenting Barack Obama's historic Inauguration. In a press release last week they said:

"Individuals and groups interested in contributing to the Inauguration 2009 Sermons and Orations Project are asked to submit audio and video recordings made in digital or other approved formats. To be accepted into the collection, the recordings must be of sermons and orations that were delivered to congregations and other audiences between Friday, Jan. 16 and Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009.

In addition to audio and video recordings, the AFC is collecting written texts of sermons and orations (submitted in the form of print or electronic media), as well as printed programs from the events during which the sermons and orations were delivered. All submissions must be postmarked by Feb. 27, 2009, and must be accompanied by a signed release form and completed data form, found on the AFC Web site, www.loc.gov/folklife/.

Pass this along to your ministers, pastors, professors, anyone who would like to be included.

Inauguration 2009 Sermons and Orations Project

Mike W — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:52:08 EST

Inauguration 2009 Sermons and Orations Project
http://www.loc.gov/folklife/inaugural

On January 20, 2009, the United States will inaugurate Barack Obama, the country’s first African American president. In anticipation of citizens' efforts to mark this historic time around the country, the American Folklife Center will be collecting audio and video recordings of sermons and orations that comment on the significance of the inauguration of 2009. It is expected that such sermons and orations will be delivered at churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship, as well as before humanist congregations and other secular gatherings. The American Folklife Center is seeking as wide a representation of orations as possible.

Hope For the Holidays!

Candace from Yukon — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:21:29 EST

Merry Christmas!

Print-your-own: President Obama! sign

Mike W — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:34:18 EST

Print-your-own: President Obama! sign
http://tinyurl.com/PresidentObamaSign
8 1/2 by 11 inch, horizontal, color

Striving for a Better World

Candace from Yukon — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:46:23 EST

We all want it, if not for ourselves, then for others. As we struggle to bring together our ideals and our reality, the gap grows: the stock market drops, jobs are lost, our savings are gone, schools deteriorate.

Merry Christmas? In my best moments of self pity I just want to be angry. Wall Street has hyjacked Santa like the Christian Right has hyjacked my religion. I'm between the proverbial rock and hard place.

Or am I?

What if this is the best Christmas ever? There's not much worry about what to get who when the gift-giving list shrinks to just the children!

In my perfect world, more stuff is not the goal anyway. My goal is to have healthy grandchildren who go to healthy schools. And that is not going to happen if I don't do my part. In my perfect world, elected leaders really listen and care about the least of us, not their biggest contributors. Oh, I see a bit of light on the horizon!

A better world can only be created if we stand together on the basics. We can sit our social differences aside and concentrate on participating in our Democracy. Join grops like Change Oklahoma, come to discussion meetings like the Health Care Discussion on the 29th. Our participation is our gift to the world.

Oklahoma Discusses Health Care Community Event

Candace from Yukon — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:30:41 EST

Join Change Oklahoma at a community-wide health care event,

Monday, December 29th 5:30 -7:30

Mayflower Congregational Church

3901 NW 63rd, Okla. City

Bring you concerns about our health care system. We will draft resolution to be submitted to the Transistion Team's Health Care Policy Team.

NPR: Oklahoma Republicans Shift Political Expectations

Mike W — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:35:53 EST

NPR: Oklahoma Republicans Shift Political Expectations
by Linda Wertheimer
NPR 12-15-08
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98290100

Listen Now [5 min 16 sec]
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=98290100

Map: Election night results from Oklahoma
http://media.npr.org/news/images/2008/dec/15/map.jpg
On this map of the Oklahoma results, the dark red indicates that Obama got less than 30 percent of the vote. The intermediate pink color shows that he got 30 to 35 percent of the vote. The lightest color shows where he got more than 35 percent. -Robert Benincasa/NPR

All Things Considered, December 15, 2008 -- On a recent biting cold night in the small city of Durant, Okla., residents held their annual Christmas Day parade: a small-town tradition with many floats, bands and young children on a flatbed trailer towed by a giant green John Deere tractor.

But despite the festivities, Durant will not get the president it wanted for Christmas.

Oklahoma is a conservative state, where voters focused on issues such as small government and abortion rather than the president-elect's mantra of "change." In fact, Oklahoma was the reddest state in the union in this election, with Republican John McCain carrying every single county. No other state can make that claim.

Now, residents are shifting their political expectations as Obama prepares to take office. While some say they are concerned that Obama is more rhetoric than action, others say they have been impressed by his choices so far.

Over 60 Pledges for Change!

Candace from Yukon — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:48:35 EST

Our first Change is Coming event was a huge success. We had standing-room-only in the upstairs conference room at Java Daves. Over one hundred people came, the majority of whom have never been to a precinct meeting. It was a meeting focused on the nuts and bolts of how to bring change to our state.

Listening to the concerns of those who spoke, it is evident that people are ready and willing to do what is necessary to make changes, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones! Over 60 people turned in pledges to attend their precinct meetings March 12th.

Our next Change Oklahoma! meeting is Feb 19th . Email me directly at crich1254@yahoo.com for a copy of our handout or a pledge sheet!

Change Oklahoma!

Candace from Yukon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:39:24 EST

Change is coming. That is the format Barack Obama has given us. He has challenged us to keep the unity and use the enthusiasm we felt during his historic campaign to create change. No other state needs change more than Oklahoma.

While the rest of the country rallies behind our new progressive President-elect, we have to deal with the conservative "majority" in Oklahoma.

Which issues trouble you? Or do you just feel the national embarrassment of being the only totally red state?

Change begins at the bottom and moves up. We have the best example of how that works -Barack Obama. This Thursday, be a part of history in Oklahoma. Change begins when you decide to make it happen.

If you can't come to Oklahoma City for this first meeting of Change Oklahoma, write to me at crich1254@yahoo.com. We need people in every precinct, in every county, in every district in this state. You matter.

See you Dec. 11th, at Java Daves, 10 NE 10th, OKC, 5:30 - 7:00pm. Parking is available and the meeting is open to all Democrats who want to see our candidates win, our values promoted and support our President Obama!

Hope For the Holidays Begins Dec 11

Candace from Yukon — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:59:00 EST

The news may be bad: so many jobs lost, the stock market continues to fall. But we have Hope for the Holdays this year, Hope like we have never had or ever needed. Dispite the gloom and doom of the news reports, we know we can make it through by sticking together and insisting out state leaders hear our voices.

It seems to me the huge disconnect between us and the people who work at our statehouse and represent us in Washington is only compounded by the disconnect of Oklahoma voters who chose to vote against their own economic well-being. We can do something about that!

Come to the grassroots meeting in Oklahoma City on Dec 11. Bring your concerns. Bring you enthusiasm. Bring your Hope for Oklahoma. Bring your solutions. Your involvement is a gift to all of us.

See You at Java Daves, 10 NE 10th (one block west of Broadway Ext) at 5:30. There is a parking lot and an elevator!

Your COUNTY Needs You! Here's the Link

Candace from Yukon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:14:23 EST

Yes, your County, as well as your Country, needs you and We need numbers. We need everyone who volunteered for Obama and who believe in the prospect of Change, to stay involved. We are as grassroots as we can be. We want your input.

Even if you have never attended a political meeting in you life, join us! We will educate you as to the process, we will train you as to the organization, we will hook you up with a buddy/mentor so you don't have to go alone!!!!

Come to our meeting at Java Daves in Oklahoma City (10 NE 10th, 1blk west of the Centenial Expressway) upstairs (elevator available) and learn about our grassroots organization that will strengthen the progressive voice in Oklahoma, educate our neighbors and promote our Democratic values.

In addition to helping our state, you will find the greatest group of people who think like you think. That in itself is why you need to join us!!!!!!

Here is the link

my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/changeiscoming/gsxbff

We need aggressive Transparency in Government

amadeusmax — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 23:43:26 EST

I understand right now that President - Elect Obama is not in office, we need to see some ground work for Transparency into government. I would also like to see a move that would investigate and examine against corruption in washington, which in my humble opinion, transparency would help us see.

A lot of things are hidden in the name of National Security and I believe they are falsely classified as a means to hide illegal activity. As much as I would love to have job of being in charge and exposing all the corruption, coverups and mismanagement in our federal government, I know I do not have the surgical knowledge needed to do this quickly and efficiently. But I am sure there many out there that do, and that there are many people like me that would enjoy the job of bringing to light many if not all government activities.

One major step towards transparency, is to eliminate corrections to federal records. Many probably do not know this, but when our Representatives speak on the floor they are allowed to go in afterwards and change the Federal Record. In other words change what is recorded what they said. If they want to say this is what I meant, then they can add an amendment after the context of their speech. Showing us what they meant to say. But I and I'm sure you too, what to know what they actually said.

Second we need and easily searchable way to look at each and every bill the government has voted on. We need to see each and every ruling done by the supreme court in the same manner, and everything the executive office signs off on.

Thirdly, no government agency, should have the right to hide everything indefinitely. I think the most the government should be to keep something top secret is 20 years. FISA would be admended to allow this. By doing this we are keeping the US Goverment accountable for it's actions. We do not need to show the world our plans on how to build a nuclear weapon, but we need to show when the decesions was made and by whom to make them.

Anything that would need top secret clearance longer than that would need to be approved by a committee, that is made up of one person from the executive office, one from the judiciary, and at least 20 from the house, 10 reps and 10 senate. They would meat once every year and vote on each item that requires to maintain top secret clearance that is already 20 years or older in that status. This would require the government to report each item that requires top secret. If it isn't reported to this committee than it is offically not a secret and therefore open for public review.

Grassroots Rising - December 11, 2008

Candace from Yukon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:45:47 EST

We have in Barack Obama, not only a President-elect, but a role model. He has shown us, and the world, that working together for a common goal, empowering people by listening, reaching out and including everyone who wants to speak, is a strategy that works.

If you are one of the half- million voters in Oklahoma who voted for Barack Obama, we have something in common. We believe in hope. We believe the status-quo is stagnant. We believe change begins with a decision to get involved.

Using the same principles that propelled a little known state senator to the highest office, we believe the strength of the Democratic party in Oklahoma can be revived. Our state party is in disarray. Our state Democratic leaders have allowed voters to be hijacked by the Republican party by their refusal to challenge conservative issues. They simply throw their hands in the air and exclaim defeat. That is why Obama lost in Oklahoma. That is why we lost every race.

Where was Gov. Henry? Where was Mike Turpin? Where was David Boren? Where was Ivan Holmes?

Not on the campaign trail for Andrew Rice nor Jim Roth nor Barack Obama. They were not writing articles, not giving speeches, not scheduling press conferences. No one stood on the capital steps and said: "He is not a Muslim." Not one of our Democratic "leaders" publicly stood up for our slate of candidates or Barack Obama.

On December 11, 2008, at 5:30pm, we will have a brief meeting in Oklahoma City at the upstairs conference room of Java Daves, 10 NE 10th (just west of the Broadway Extension on 10th St). It is time to stand up for our Democratic values. It is time to move this party in a new direction.

We invite you to join us and continue to work for change. Channel your hope, because WE KNOW what can be accomplished when people come together united by a common goal! Email me at crich1254@yahoo.com for more information and to RSVP for Dec 11th.

Graditude List

Candace from Yukon — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:40:30 EST

I could easily make a list of all the ills that face our nation as Barack prepares to take command. But, I'd like to submit a list of things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving.

1. Our Bill of Rights

2. Open Minds

3. My family

4. Supportive friends

5. Stephen Colbert

6. Books

7. the internet

8. My Dogs

9. Colorado turned blue

10. Over 1/2 million people in Oklahoma voted like I did.

Hillary Is the Perfect Choice- Who will be the Surprise?

Candace from Yukon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:58:14 EST

Election rhetoric is a war of words. In this election the best man won, and he wants the best woman to take a position in his administration. Hillary Clinton is a perfect fit for the position of Secretaty State. She is strong, she is well travelled, she is used to hosting foreign dignitaries. She is clear-headed, but not meek. She could take that 3:00 a.m. call!

As the Obama transition team presses towrd Inauguration Day, more names are released. Soon we will have the full picture of Barack's cabinet appointments. I expect we will be presented with a team that is comprised of experienced Washington insiders, Chicago organizers, a rogue, surprise person from left field, and one or two Republicans.

If Stephen Colbert doesn't get tapped for a position with the Obama organization, I hope we can interst him in coming to Oklahoma and run for the Chairmanship of the Oklahoma Democratic Party!

Intolerance Begins at Home

Candace from Yukon — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:02:36 EST

In Oklahoma, racism is alive and well. It is spoken out loud inside church buildings, discussed at restaurants, yelled from cars and screamed at street corners. What used to be a dirty little secret, now seems compelled to be brought into the light for everyone to see.

And perhaps, that is a good thing.

Once an issue is brought to the surface, it can be dealt with. You can't fight a probem you can't see. So all you people who had no idea you harbored such racist feelings, I hope you recognize the hate you spew for what it is and let it go. It is ugly and it speaks more to your insecurities than it does about your target -our next President -Barack Obama.

Our Victory Lap

Candace from Yukon — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:49:00 EST

Obama supportes in Central Okahoma have had bittersweet feelings after watching our state fall to last place in support of our new President. Not to be deterred, we sat out this afternoon to remind the 150,000 plus people in Okahoma City who voted for Barack Obama, that we are happy, hopeful, and PROUD.

Our group of 30 cars circled down NW Expressway, down to the southside and up MLK. Each car was decorated with red, white and blue streamers, Obama stickers and placards. "Yes We Did," "Obama '08," "Got Hope!" were painted on the windows.

The afterwork crowd honked back and waved. Our victory lap was as much for us as it was for them. We are proud!

My first experience as a volunteer

T.K. (Tall Karen) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:31:17 EST

I carpooled to Kansas City, MO., with another resident of Oklahoma County. We both worked all day on Saturday. I made phone calls all morning and then went out to canvass in the afternoon. My friend Jeff, whom I rode with to MO., was not able to work the following morning due to his traveling from there to another state with his wife's family members. He did not make it back in time to work on Sunday.

I teamed up Sunday morning with a man named Andy. We were busting through our turf pack so I could meet Jeff back at headquarters in the afternoon and secure my ride home to the OKC area. Suddenly, I found myself laying in the road, in Raytown, MO., with a broken right hip. I needed emergency surgery and had to be left behind in Kansas City Research Medical Cntr.

The volunteers from the Obama office in KC brought me 2 cards which they all signed. I also received a special card from Star Jones. Many of the volunteers sent me their phone numbers and one lady, Donna, even brought me a special Teddy Bear with Kansas City written on it. Andy and his wife kept in close contact with me during my hospital stay and did everything possible to help me and make things comfortable for me. One of the ladies where I fell who was a nurse came to visit me in the hospital and another slipped her phone number in my purse as I was being loaded in to the ambulance.

I had ordered two Kansas City "Yes We Can" T-Shirts before leaving for the canvass on Sunday morning. Andy made a special trip to retrieve them for me and told me I would recieve my money back. I feel very fortunate to have worked with Andy that day, he and his wife are remarkable people and they helped me secure a ride home when I was released from the hospital.

The moral of this story is that even though I injured myself in my efforts to help the campaign, I was fortunate enough to hae made several new friends in the KC area. These people, especailly my partner Andy and his wife, proved to be true friends, even to a stranger. My partner Andy wrote a story about my adventure and posted it on the internet. Andy's wife printed the story and brought it to me in the hospital. When I read the story, even though it was about me, I cried. Andy is a great writer and I'd like to share the story he wrote with the rest of y'all. I was very blessed to have found these new friends in a strange city. All things will work toward my good, and I believe that serendipity will occur from this experience.

Thank You to all the wonderful volunteers who befriended me and helped me in my time of need while I was away from my family and local friends in Oklahoma. Thanks Andy, I was blessed to have you for a canvassing partner on that fateful day. When Andy's wife dropped me off to meet the young democrats from OU, whom I rode home with, she handed me back the $20.00 that I paid for the T-shirts.

To read this story, please visit the link below.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/2/223552/669/466/650408

Stay Involved!! Find Your County Meeting!

Candace from Yukon — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:34:13 EST

Tonight is the scheduled monthly meeting of the Canadian County Democrats. No doubt there will be a substantial discussion about the election. We will look at our numbers, find the smallest glimmer of Hope and move forward with that.

As our state party members tear apart this election (and each other), we Obama Volunteers must get involved, we must do our part to bring change to this state.

I know. First I was mad. Then I wanted to move. Then I wanted to blame. Now I want to change this. I can only hope that, if anyone from the national campaign reads this, they will know WE PROGRESSIVE THINKERS ARE A HALF MILLION STRONG. Those are powerful numbers. What if each one of those voters actively campaigned? What a difference it would male. We need to identify our new supporters and and welcome them.

The NY Times had a map online that showed several Oklahoma counties actually voted More Democratic than in 2004: Canadian, Oklahoma, Cleveland and Logan to name few. That means we did make a difference. I will take that small amount of positive and run with it!

The Biggest Party Ever!!

Candace from Yukon — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:15:42 EST

I have my airline reservations and my hotel booked for the biggest Obama party ever: January 20, 2009 in Washington D.C.!

This past year has been a fascinating, frustrating, inspiring journey. I have met the best people in Oklahoma: true forward-thinking people who understand the meaning of progress. Our journey is not at an end. With this site remaing open, we can continue to reach out to each other, continue to meet and develop strategies.

If we look far enough to the horizon - It's a new day!

Cabinet

Max Federman — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:51:01 EST

Has any word been said about possible cabinet members?

Time to put me on your executive committee

amadeusmax — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:38:31 EST

That's right I've been supporter since the beggining. And tonight of all nights hope conquers cyncism. I saw the impossible happen. Motivated by the sheer idea that All americans can succeed in America, that idea now cemented in a reality that is now fact. It was really a war of fear versus hope, wasn't it. I am glad there are many Americans who could see that. I was amazed at the incredibe grateful and eloquent speech given by John McCain. I will give him credit for making probably the best concession speech of all time.

Now it's time for next impossible project. That's right president elect Obama, it's time to put me on in your executive committee. I can be the secretary of the people. The voice of the people that has a seat in the oval office. The voice that speak not in politics, but of those of the citizen.

Well Done

Candace from Yukon — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:15:46 EST

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard in Oklahoma. We are our own odds. We are our own encouragment and we know we did everthing we could possibly do. Well Done!

CURRENT NUMBERS FROM THE COVC

Jeff Bezdek — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:00:10 EST

The Obama COVC has made-

30,000 Phone Calls in two weeks

Reached 1/3rd of Constituents

Called only registered Democrats and Independents

Based on our computer calculations we are getting about 42% - 44% of the total vote in Oklahoma conservatively.

We do have a reasonably high undecided rate. We do not know which way these people will break.

Therefore, our GOTV efforts could potentially affect undecideds.

I hope this helps you guys. This is the most wide spread and comprehensive data collection in Oklahoma thus so far. With potential recalcitrant GOP voters, high new voter turn-out,and no significant GOP GOTV program to match ours, it is concievable that the margin is closer than we think. if you think your volunteerism or vote does not have an affect in Oklahoma, think again.

THE COVC NEEDS YOUR HELP WITH GOTV IN OKC NOW!

Jeff Bezdek — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:41:09 EST

Ok fellow bloggers. It's time to leave your computers and help us out in the field. The COVC has planned a comprehensive GOTV program all accross the metro. We have plugged in Susan McCann's volunteers and have locations stretching from far south OKC to Edmond/from Council Rd area to Midwest City. Based on the data that we have derived from our calling program, I have designated visbility and drive locations. The data we ammassed showed us where the highest density of Obama support exists, high traffic counts, polling locations, ect. It is a very comprehensive program. Three prong= 1. Call voters that we have identified at the COVC 2. Visibility 3. Drive people to the polls. We need your help. And I will be honest, if you are a serious Obama supporter and are not working, you should GOTV with us. This is it folks.

In some states, you can register to vote at the polls...

Misty — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:06:02 EST

Just wanted to let you know that if you live in Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin or Wyoming you can register to vote at the polls ON Election Day.

http://www. voteforchange. com/

Please spread the word; only a few more days to go.

Thank you!

GOVERNOR HENRY TO VISIT OBAMA COVC

Jeff Bezdek — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:37:27 EDT

Please tell your friends and family to come down to the COVC and Phone Bank for Obama with Governor Henry. He is set to make an appearance around 11:00. We need the place filled up for the camera's and to put us ahead! Come on down and visit with him about the Oklahoma political race.

Lies?

Misty — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:36:22 EDT

Things Obama has lied about... There is an e-mail and bulletin going around about lies Senator Obama has told the American people (and yes, we are all aware that the name he was given at birth is Hussein, as pointed out in this particular right-wing post; so what?)

If Obama was a socialist, a terrorist, an extremest...why didn't anyone point this out as he was on his way to and elected to our U.S. Senate? Why are so many strong Republican politicians, aides, supporters, etc. jumping off the McCain ship? We don't mind, welcome...

My friends know that I have gathered sources from all news sources, Republican-supported, Democrat-supported, Independents, and the ones who try to remain unbiased.

Here's the bottom line. If you really want to know the facts, look both ways.

http://www. snopes. com/politics/obama/50lies. asp
www. factcheck. org

And again, if you wish to support your candidate, I am so proud of you. But please say ANYTHING good about your candidate instead of attacking the man we should be proud to call our President.

Thank you.

COVC to Dispatch Significant Print Media

Jeff Bezdek — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:21:07 EDT

I am pleased to inform the general public that the fundraising efforts of the COVC have allowed us to place a full page add in today's Gazette and OKC Sentinel. We have just recieved confirmation on additional funding that will enable continous adds encourging volunterism for Obama in the Norman Transcript and Edmond Sun. We will continue to attempt our local marketing efforts in strategic markets as funds continue to emerge.

Go Obama!

Jeff M. Bezdek

COVC Director

Election Day -Every Vote Counts - Be Prepared

Candace from Yukon — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:11:04 EDT

Please make sure every person you come into contact with knows:

They can vote early at every county election board beginning October 31st from 8:00am -6:00pm; Saturday, November 1st from 8:00am - 1:00pm, and Monday, November 3rd from 8:00am - 6:00pm.

Election day: be prepared for long lines - take your I.D.

Volunteers: help at polling places with potential crowds, stick lawn chairs in your car, have cold water on hand, we don't want anyone giving up and walking away without voting!

Remember: Don't wear Obama gear near the polls.

Understand and be able to explain the ballot: To vote straight party, you must fill in four areas on page one of the ballot!

Any questions or complaints call the Democratic Party Hotline: 1-800 -547- 5600

Everyone votes! Ask for a provisional ballot if you are not allowed to vote. Document your experience by calling the phone number above.

My experience with ignorance

Ewok — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:12:15 EDT

The other day I went out to eat breakfast with my Mom. Waiting for our food a lady who was 72 years old asked..that's putting it mildly!!...the waitress WHY she didn't like Palin. Our waitress said simply she doesn't have the experience for being VP or stepping in as President if god forbid something happened to McCain. That should have been the end of it but not even close. This lady was spewing such hatred in the middle of the restuarant that everyone stopped eating and were listening. I had finally had enough when she compared Obama to Hitler. When I spoke up I shocked my mother and the rest of the ppl there but I couldn't help it. I explained with as much conviction as I could that the McCain/Palin campaign was the dirtiest I had seen in years and that yes Palin didn't have the experience needed as VP esp. since she didn't know what a VP's job really is and what they really do. I stated if I'm going to vote for someone based on the VP choices and not the President choice I'd still be voting for Obama/Biden. Biden has 30+ years while Palin only has a few years. Then she said simply that I haven't lived a long enough life to really make a choice. Heck, just because I'm 29 doesn't mean I'm ignorant of the issues at hand. After this amazingly hatefilled argument on her side by the time my Mom and I had left she was hanging her head until we walked out the door. I had told the 72 year old lady since she wasn't going to vote this year then she shouldn't be complaining and keep her mouth shut when she doesn't even know anything about Obama or Biden. It's so different from reading that kind of stuff on the internet but to be faced with it here in my small town of Poteau, Oklahoma, I'm truly amazed and sad that some ppl will still believe what they want. But hey at least I got several claps when I walked out. LOL.

OH, what is this, Oklahoma isn't a swing state yet I'm getting these robocalls about Obama and Bill Ayers! Has anyone else in Oklahoma got any??

ObamaFest Chicago Grant Park

Paul Tay — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:31:58 EDT

Who wants to go to the real deal Obama vic party in Chicago's Grant Park? We can leave on a Greyhound bus, 6:30 p.m., 3 November and arrive Chicago 10:00 a.m. 4 November. One-way tix: $119.

Special note to Oklahomans going to Missouri this weekend

Mike W — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:37:52 EDT

If you [or anyone else you know in Oklahoma] is interested in going to Missouri this weekend to volunteer in one of their many Obama HQs, be sure to let them know of the car-pools meeting on Saturday 25-Oct-08 at 7:30 am in Oklahoma City and joining up at 10 am in Tulsa.

FIRED UP, AND READY TO GO TO MISSOURI! (Drive for Change)

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gprct9

Team, I know that some of you would like to travel in carpools to Joplin, Missouri to assist in turning the tide in a very competitive battleground state for Barack Obama. That is why I’m asking you all to please meet-up together in the rear parking lot at the Oklahoma Democratic Headquarters at 4100 N. Lincoln BLVD., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma no later than 7:30AM on Saturday 10/25/2008. I will be there to give you a nice little send off. You should be able to park your vehicles there and proceed in your carpools to Joplin, Missouri. Please make sure the doors of your vehicle are locked and secure. The Oklahoma Democratic Party, entities in residents in the building, or individuals are not responsible for the security of your vehicle. I do know that a group out of Tulsa will be leaving at 10AM. Please refer to the links below, and reserve your time so that we will have a good idea who all will be coming. This is a wonderful time for all of us, and I personally like to thank you all for the time and support that you have put forth on this and all efforts toward getting Barack elected President. I can honestly say that this has become one of the happiest times of my 38 years, and your energy has kept me going. Thank you all for what you do.

GO TO JO' TO DO MO FO' BO #3 (Drive for Change)

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs5swr

Some Tulsa-area volunteers plan to go to Joplin, Missouri, to campaign in that battle-ground state for Barack Obama [BO]. A car-pool leaves from Oklahoma City about 8 am and joins with us about 10 am on Saturday 25-Oct-08 at the Tulsa County Democratic Party HQ, 3930 East 31st; please park across the street or BEHIND the HQ. Some may return that night and others may stay over-night in free housing provided by the Obama HQ in Joplin and return late on Sunday 26-Oct-08. Tulsa volunteer Jack Francis has offered to drive and even pay for gas and tolls for the first 4 firm over-night volunteers that make commitments to go. Future road trips with the same details will leave Tulsa for Joplin every Saturday until the general election: November 1. This webpage can also be viewed at tinyurl.com/mofobo3

Mike Workman

Tulsa+

Who knows that this road trip is more fun when more make the trip

Racist t-shirt seen in Oklahoma City

Mike W — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:23:44 EDT

Regret that this racist t-shirt was seen on a public street in Oklahoma City, OK.

The person who sent this asserted that it's not racist. Really? How can anyone even defend this stuff?

Mike W
Tulsa+
Who knows that racists usually shrink from the spotlight of broad daylight

Class Warfare

Roni — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:36:30 EDT

So since the envoking of the spirit of "Joe the Plumber", the big claim by the McCain campaign is that Obama is a socialist who wants to engage in class warfare.

Now, I'm a believer that class warfare is indeed in play. What I disagree with is by whom and against whom.

In the last eight years, we've seen wages decrease, the middle class shrink, and the distance between those who make the most and those who make the least increase dramatically. We've seen foreclosures rise sharply and unemployment increase heavily as a result of tremendous job losses. Energy prices have also risen sharply. It is anticipated that the cost of living will continue to rise at an alarming rate, making it more difficult for those in the throws of poverty and beyond. The tax policies of the Bush administration, which will be continued by the McCain administration, would favor the very wealthy and CEOs. It blatantly ignores those who are in the most dire need.

We've seen the last eight years unfold. This economic policy of trickle down economics does not work. Deregulation (of which McCain has been a fervent supporter) has allowed greedy corporations to run wild, and forced this incredible tax burden upon the American people.

Class warfare is happening indeed. The weapons have been pointed directly at the lower and middle classes for the last eight years. It's time for a change.

Instead of Red and Blue states, why not purple states?

amadeusmax — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:31:12 EDT

When I was in the military I never was fighting for the red states or the blue states. I was fighting for the United States. I greatly like the Audacity of Hope speech given by Barack Obama at the 2004 DNC convention in which he spoke about there should be no blue states, no red states but the United States.

Instead of encouraging lines of division we should be, patiently, trying to get more and more people to know what Barack Obama is about and how he will help the United States. While clearly the desparate acts of John McCain are to throw up walls of division any way he can, we must be the ones to reach that hand across.

I live in Oklahoma, and it's thought to be a red state. And I am one of those that think that way, but this year I am encouraged that I may even be wrong with this perception. As I drive around I see a lot of Barack Obama/Joe Biden signs. You never use to see any Democratic signs. And it may be just a Tulsa thing, but I can see where were no longer a completly red state. It's red and blue, making it purple.

As much as some may not like to hear this, but we need both conservatives and liberals. It's like you need rainy days just as much as sunny ones in order to make things grow. What I want is Barack obama as president, but let's reach out to our fellow citizens, that may not share our beliefs, but let's give them a thought to ponder.

GOTV: It's time to put feet to our Faith

Candace from Yukon — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:42:11 EDT

GOTV is a fancy acronym for Get Out The Vote. It's what we do in the waning days of the campaign. Knock on doors, brochure in hand, a smile on our face and one simple question: "Can we count on your vote for Senator Obama?"

There are those folks who will cling to their excuses and choose to believe that a Muslim terrorist with an agenda will fill the White House with Black Folk and remove anything that remotely resembles a flag. Have I covered them all? OH - and he'll have that "uppity" wife with him!

As Barack has said, it is time to turn off the tv. I would encourage folks who get their news from CNN HEadline News and Fox News, turn off the propaganda and enroll in a history, government, civics, ethics and criticle thinking class at a university level.

Our low-end educational system has produced a population of under-thinkers. Just give me the answers and I'll pass the test - who cares how it works or why - or how we got in this mess - just fix it, bomb it, kill it, smear it, but Oh, no - don't try to figure it out!!!! Believe everything BAD because someone really cound't be that good could they??? Naw.

I am a proud Alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago where Bill Ayres is professor. He teaches Social Justice. Will you dare to listen to some of his words? Or is it just too scary? Click on the link to hear about 7 minutes of Bill Ayres speaking at a 40 year reunion of the Students for a Democratic Society:

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

As the Bush/Cheney regime moved us closer to a closed system, took freedoms we willingly gave - increased wiretaps, search and seizure without due process of law, torture of political prisons who are held with out due process, the very things that, because of our strong Constitution, made us a great county, have turned us into a police state. Those who scream for our Free Market System, willingly handed it over to the government -first we help the banks, now we are buying the banks. First we help the mortgage crises, now McCain wants the government to buy your mortgages. This is not a sixties-throw-back acid trip, though it does feel like I have fallen into Alice's Wonderlan.

This is our county. The fate of it is in our hands. I hope you will join me and the thousands of volunteers here in Oklahoma who are preparing to hit the streets and spread the message of Senator Obama's plans to face these crises: the economy, healthcare, eldercare, veterns care, dependence on foreign oi, and most important to me - our poor excuse for learning - public education. The War. The Wars. The impending conflicts with nuclear-minded adversaries.

Deepak Chopra said something this week that made sense: The higher a man rises the more his enemies want him to fail. The more the polls learn toward an Obama win, the more discusting the attacts upon his character.

This is our time. Not to choose someone just like us. This is the time to choose someone who can handle things BETTER than us. Someone with good judgemt, good advisors, a strong base who will watch every move he makes. And we will.

Take a step. Take your belief that the Obama/Biden ticket is the right choice for our country, take a step onto someone's porch and share your belief with them. Every vote counts. One Step, One Vote. This is happening right here in Oklahoma. GOTV: Get the people out to the polls by motivating them, educating them and sometimes, driving them to the polls. This is our time and we need all feet on the ground!

Go to States, click on Oklahoma and on the right side click on More Events.

Join us then get ready to PARTY!!!!!! ON NOVEMBER 4!!!!!!!!

An Open Letter to John McCain

terry — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:04:28 EDT

Mr. McCain,
You have famously said that you would rather lose an election than lose a war, but ultimately it seems, you would rather lose your honor & dignity than lose an election.

How shameful of you to impugn Senator Obama's character with rumor & innuendo. The vague questions & implications from your campaign serve no useful purpose other to incite the most dark & depraved instincts of some who choose to hate anyone or anything they don't understand.

How could you allow yourself to be involved in something so despicable?

Mr. McCain you have spent much of your life standing strong in your convictions. You have been an inspirational role model to many & a Hero to many more. I cannot understand why you would throw it all away in this dishonorable fashion.

Senator Obama has a Family Mr. McCain, 2 precious little girls who will undoubtedly hear at some point the hateful & Derogatory comments made by surrogates & supporters at your rally's & events.
Is this really the legacy you want to leave?

Our Country is facing some of the most difficult problems since its inception. Our economy is collapsing as is our crumbling infrastructure. Scores of people are losing their homes & jobs. We are involved in 2 wars, & our healthcare system is in crisis.
We need real leadership Mr. McCain, & you can help. It's not too late. Turn away from the politics of hate. Be the leader you once were.

Sincerely,
Terry Kerr

a(nother) new low for the mccain campaign

Roni — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:51:55 EDT

I'm going to stop saying it can't get any worse. I had made a pact with myself this morning: no more harsh feelings toward McCain supporters. After all, what we need now is unity, a brotherhood. We're all in this together, right? Obama has been a beacon of positivity and unity, and I wanted to emulate that mature, respectful attitude.

Then I read this:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/10/10/1529529.aspx

This statement, issued by the McCain campaign, defends the unbelievable, xenophobic, violent words of many McCain supporters at their rallies, which have become nothing more than a lynch mob gathering. I am absolutely aghast. To defend words like "kill him!" with regard to your opponent is abhorrent. There is no excuse for it. Condoning bigotry is a step 50 years backward, McCain. Wake up.

Watch the election results

Stefanie Martin — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:54:19 EDT

Within Comanche County are there going to be watch parties as the results come in? I was hoping that all Obama supporters can get together, watch the results, and celebrate as we finally take back the White House. I was thinking that maybe somewhere like Buffalo Wild Wings, Mike's Sports Grill, or some other restruant. Just let me know if this sounds like a good idea and if we want to get together and party?

Distractions, Disfunctions

Stephen — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:44:58 EDT

It seems to have taken awhile, but we have finally entered the phase of the general election cycle where get to know the real timbre of the candidates. I, of course, am refering to the character attack ad portion of this season. At this point, I am sure everyone and their dog has heard Sarah Palin trying to tie Barack Obama to terrorism, or to racism against whites. We've heard John McCain say Barack Obama only wants to raise taxes, and that he is somehow to blame for the current economic. The best instance of this is when a surrogate for McCain mentioned Barack Obama helping pass a deregulation bill involving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The claim had two major problems. First off, the bill was attributed to a Democratic majority of congress, but passed in 2003, when Republicans still controlled both houses. This leads right into the second problem, the bill passed 18 months before Barack Obama took office as a Senator. For the record, John McCain voted for the bill.

Now that we've gotten the distactions on the tables, let's move to disfunctions. They are abound in the McCain campiagn. After accusing Obama of not knowing the difference between strategy and tatics, McCain unveiled his "strategy" for winning against Obama. Unfortunatley for him, his strategy is little more than the same campaign tatics that have brought down campagins in the past. That is, smear attacks, some of which border on defamation are being unleashed. Accusing Obama of consorting with terrorists, veiled accusations of racism, as well as sexism. Unfrotunately for McCain, these tatics are almost always the last resort before total defeat. Even though this has been around since before the RNC, the picking of Sarah Palin is another symptom of disfunction. She was not vetted, her background was not fully explored, her past associations were not discussed, and most of all, whether she is qualified to be president. It seems she was only picked because she might swipe some women votes from Obama. The plan backfired, and not McCain looks like a fool with a bimbo running mate.

There is more, but since I am somewhat absorbed by the debate, I will finish with this. One measure of whether or not a candidate is ready for the office of president is to look at the campaign they run. Obama has run a highly organized, grassroots, and fiscally reponsible campaign. One that has taken him from fringe candidate status to being on the cusp of the presidency. By that standard, Obama is more than ready for the white house. McCain, on the other hand, has been disorganized, disjointed, and erractic. He had to use taxpayer money to finance his campaign. He has lobbyists running his campaign with little of his own apparent imput. He has failed this presidential test miserably, and as such, should never be elected.

My parting thought. Desperate times call for desperate measures. i never really understood that little nugget, until I looked at the situation we as a country are in. We are in desperate times, and we require desperate measures. Would we panic and elect John McCain, or dive into new territory, and elect Barack Obama. It is a desperate measure to elect Obama, but desperate measures are measures that come because nothing else will work. We're taking a chance, and maybe even taking our futures into our hands. However, considering how bad things have gotten, the chance we are taking has a good chance for success. Barack Obama may be the right person at the right place at the right time. It's our future, so let's make it.

The debate tonight

Ewok — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:57:10 EDT

What I want from Obama tonight is for him to bring it, hit hard and keep going. I want to see how passionate he is about the issues and how he wants to bring things to a better standing then they are now with the economy, etc. I want to see McCain struggle and show who the right choice is by a calm, passionate man that Obama is.

Czech Festival Parade - Huge Success!!!!!

Candace from Yukon — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:04:07 EDT

Small town Oklahoma received a healthy dose of "Hope," this weekend as 107 Obama supporters marched in the local Yukon Czech Festival parade, Saturday, October 4th.

The parade draws thousands of watchers to this small town just west of Oklahoma City. Chanting "Yes We Can," "O-BA-MA!," "Democrats Care," we were met with cheers, a few thumbs down, but mostly, awe and surprise! No one expected to see so many Democrats in this Republican stronghold.

Because of our visibility, we gave away 300 Obama/Biden yard signs, 250 bumper stickers and 1000 stickers!!!!!!! We signed up 27 brand new Democrats and overwhelmed the Republican booth when we went in mass to their booth to vote in their straw poll.

Over and over we heard how happy people were to see us participate in this event.

Prior to the parade, we had a sign making party. Twenty-two people arrived at our volunteer headquarters at NW 39th & Classen, Tuesday, Sept., 30th, in Oklahoma City to make the greatest parade signs!

Just for the record, we who have been working in the field here in Oklahoma, have registered thousands of new Democrats, people ages 30 and up, who have never voted before. People are switching to the Democratic party.

Despite what you may be hearing from the State Headquarters, we in the field are seeing a much more optimistic view. We see strong support for Barack Obama, not only with Democrats, but with Republicans and Independents. I am not exaggerating when I say, across this state, we could have given away 100,000 yard signs. People are hungry for change here.

Hide and Watch, you will be surprised on November 4.

Check my blog at www.candacericherson.com in the coming days for pictures of the event!

Voter Transportation on Election Day

Cynthia from Oklahoma City, OK — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:00:02 EDT

Is anyone organizing a voter transportation pool around the state? One of the critical components to winning the election is getting voters to the polls. I for one am willing to donate my SUV to pick up voters (especially seniors or others with transportation issues) and getting them to the polls. I think it is absolutely magnificent that we have seen community voter registration activities carried out in several cities across this great state but is anyone working to ensure that these new voters (especially seniors) have a way to get to the polls? I'm in OKC in district 3 and will be happy to pick up folks and take them to the polls as well as give them a ride home on election day. I'm planning on voting early so that I can avail myself and my vehicle to getting others to the polls. If the Obama HQ could organize a Voter Transportation Pool to know where the transportation needs are greatest I would certainly donate my time/vehicle for this purpose.

Mixed Feelings

Stephen — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:38:41 EDT

Like many in this country right now, I have mixed feelings about all this bailout stuff. A part of me wanted to leave these banks out to dry, and another part feared the economy would collapse if that were the outcome. Like many, I've been worrying that any money that I had tucked away would be there by years end. I already figured my 401k was doomed, and now I even fear for my bank accounts. Now that the bailout is passed, I still wonder if it was a good thing or a necessary thing. I pride myself on my serenity, but it almost seems that it is failing me even now. I'm angry over the whole situation, and still wonder if I, like so many others, am about to be financially ruined. Oddly enough, I know Obama voted for the bailout, but I'm not holding it against him. I believe he voted yea, because he thought it was the right thing to do. I don't really agree with that sentiment, but then again, I have more socialist tendacies than Obama. I think this current crisis proves that capitalism doesn't work, and it's time to try something new. Obama offers that much at least, as opposed to John McCain, who seems to believe that the same people who caused this mess, can clean it up. I'm done for today. Hopefully an hour of Tai Chi will clear my head.

KOCO MINI-TOWN HALL IN MUSTANG 10/2/08

Candace from Yukon — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:18:35 EDT

With just about an hour's notice, we received word that KOCO wanted to have a town hall meeting - a debate before the debate - in Mustang, OK. We had six Democrats and only three Republican show. Paul Folger, KOCO anchor, asked us question during the 5 and 6 pm news. There was a significant difference in our answers!

The questions were basic, what did we want to see out of the debate, what about the bailout, how has the economy affected our own lives. What was remarkable to me was the total disconnect of the three Republicans! One man said "The economy in Oklahoma is strong." (ring a bell? I guess he didn't see the later sound bites to pick up McCain's new concern for the economy!) He also said he was most concerned about whether Biden would treat Palin nicely, because Joe is usually so condescending to people. Incredible. The only Republican woman when asked what she wanted in a President read the script to a tee: A man with Christian values who is patriotic. Ha! If that is her only criteria - she will be so happy with Barack who is still married to his first wife, attends and professes his Christian faith is so patriotic he wears the flag pin every day!!!!

We responded to the questions with answers about issues. Jody Harlan spoke about the bailout, Carol Ruth talked about the middle class economy, Richard Ruth emphasized health care, and I took the light weight question of how the economy has effected me personally. (I sold my SUV and bought a Honda Fit!).

Throughout the hour, we had 2 people come to the coffee house who wanted to get bumper stickers and yard signs for OBAMA. No other Republicans showed up. Those three Republicans were so arrogant. They hurled insults at us and taunted us with disparaging remarks. They are so convinced McCain is going to win, they stand on their self-righteous judgement of us "liberals." I will be thinking of them on November 5th when Barack Obama wins the election!

YUKON PARADE - Great Response!

Candace from Yukon — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:43:30 EDT

It seems everytime Sarah Palin speaks, more people sign up for the Yukon Czech Festival Parade! Oklahomans understand the importance of NOT electing "those people," which is the term I often hear about our remarkable ticket. The tide is turning. People who have never been interested in politics are marching with us on Saturday. I predict Oklahoma will be a huge surprise! If you haven't signed up yet, come join us and show your pride and support of the Democratic ticket and our Democratic values here in Oklahoma!

Good response phone banking to NC, third day in a row!

Patrick Frank — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:46:11 EDT

Black and white for Obama! Except for one lady who said he does not believe in God!!! I had a good talk with her about him being a Christian, etc...Patrick from SC

Happy "Barack-tober"

Mike W — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:59:35 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) - Sen. Barack Obama is making some campaign promises we can be pretty sure he won't keep.

Appearing Thursday [1-24-08] on the Late Show With David Letterman, the Democratic presidential candidate delivered a tongue-in-cheek list of his top 10 campaign promises, including a pledge to rename the 10th month of the year "Barack-tober."

---
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Top Ten Barack Obama Campaign Promises presented by Senator Barack Obama
http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/index/php/20080124.phtml

#5: "I'll rename the tenth month of the year 'Barack-tober'"

Great response phone banking from SC to NC!!!

Patrick Frank — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:22:59 EDT

All I spoke to, black and white, supporting Barack today!!!

Patrick

The Great Schlep [Jews to Florida!]

Mike W — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:06:46 EDT

The Great Schlep

http://www.thegreatschlep.com

Graphic http://s3.amazonaws.com/schlep/images/1_01.jpg

WELCOME TO THE GREAT SCHLEP

4:22 video Sarah Silverman and The Great Schlep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgHHX9R4Qtk

The Great Schlep aims to have Jewish grandchildren visit their grandparents in Florida, educate them about Obama, and therefore swing the crucial Florida vote in his favor. Don’t have grandparents in Florida? Not Jewish? No problem! You can still become a schlepper and make change happen in 2008, simply by talking to your relatives about Obama.

---

# When is the The Great Schlep?

Columbus Day weekend from October 10–13, 2008.

# How do I go?

Call up your grandparents and tell them to get the couch ready.

---

Jews Vote http://jewsvote.org

The Republican Depression

amadeusmax — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:01:20 EDT

The nation leaders were called together to solve a crisis. IT was thought that it would be impossible to get such bitter rivals to work together.

Then in the most bizzare change in history, the Republican party has now left Bush holding the bag and turenred their backs on their repsonsibilities to get some good news play. The first sign of dessention to the bipartisan ship came from the presidents own party in which they set the tone in congress by stating that they would not follow their president.

Now the stock market has a record drop, the largest in history. The new black monday. And what will be the coming of the nations next depression, should be named after the party that should be held responsible for not getting it resolved, and for creating the mess to begin with.

Maybe I'm Naive... But there are TENS OF THOUSANDS

Candace from Yukon — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:06:57 EDT

Maybe I'm naive, but I think we have solid base of supporters in Oklahoma who are doing a tremendous amount of work.

I take issue with the less than enthusiastic article in today's Oklahoman which outlined the Obama campaign through the eyes of Jed Green and Ivan Holmes. I am sure it is no surprise to YOU that we have been unable to keep up with the demand for yard signs and bumper stickers! It is a surprise to ME that they are surprised!!!!!

What will make the campaign in Oklahoma successful is you - all of you who have given of your time, showed up to events, created events, written letters, attended watch parties, registered people to vote, put a bumper sticker on your car for the first time ever. And, we are not finished yet! Today, there are 42 events in Oklahoma you can participate in. You may think you are alone, but you are not. There are thousands, no tens of thousands of people in Oklahoma who believe Obama should be the next President of the United States.You know who you are, even if some people don't.

McCain is not going to win a 30 point landslide in Oklahoma. That just isn't going to happen. We must be the best kept secret in Oklahoma!!! Keep up the good work!

Election night celebrations

Stefanie Martin — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:43:37 EDT

Does anyone know if any group in Oklahoma is hosting an Election night watch party (and then celebration) for November 4th? If you know of any party let me know and I will make the drive to anywhere in Oklahoma where a watch party is located!

And the Winner is... US!!!

Candace from Yukon — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:39:52 EDT

High praises for the Senator, who answered Jim Lehrer's questions with confidence, composure, intelligence, candor and a just the right touch of humor!

Our watch party was electrified when Obama put McCain in his place about Iraq, taxes, meeting with heads of state - loved it that Obama brought up the Spain incident!! Loved it that he brought up McCain's singing about bombing Iran after JM said he wouldn't "say" he would bomb a country out loud!!! That was just funny.

We must not take this victory as a reason to rest on our laurels. More that ever, we must be good stewards of our remaining days to continue to register people to vote. Victory is within our reach and we must not waste one precious moment. If you haven't signed up for an event DO IT NOW!!! We have only two weeks to register voters. Find an event. Join us as we win this one vote at a time!

My email to the Chicago Sun-Times

Patrick Frank — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:37:43 EDT

I am a grassroots volunteer for Obama from South Carolina. I was a VISTA Volunteer in Chicago and trained for my assignment in Chicago.

I want to thank the people of Chicago and Illinois for electing Barack Obama to the Senate, because he is an exceptional man and politician who will do a great job as president. He impressed me with his intelligence, creativity, and wisdom. Also, his humanity and empathy skills. He spoke in my small town in South Carolina during the primary, and did a tremendous job connecting with folks. We live in the poorest region of the state but the people here are good people struggling to stay afloat in this devastated economy. If you could see our shuttered business and the plethora of pay-day loan outfits, you would be disgusted.

Obama set forth his program to reform education and the economy. He also spoke directly to African-American parents, urging them to do everything possible to encourage their kids to study hard and stay in school. His message, "Turn off the computer, turn off the video games, turn off the TV was well received.

Thank you, again, for giving us Barack Obama.

P.S. I read the Sun-Times every chance I could get when I was living in Chicago.

My email to Walmart

Patrick Frank — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:43:27 EDT

I am a frequent Walmart customer from Kingstree, South Carolina. I shop at the Walmarts in lake City and Florence, among others. It has been reported to me that Walmart has engaged, or plans to engage, in an attempt to pressure employees or influence them to vote for McCain. I hope that this is not accurate. But if it is, I urge you in the strongest possible terms to cease and desist from such a practice.

I will never shop at Walmart again if this is confirmed, you engaging in such practices, between now and November 4th. I would also urge others to not shop Walmart if this is confirmed.

Thank you for listening.

Patrick Frank
Teacher-counselor, freelance writer
Grassroots volunteer for the Obama campaign
Box 1283
Kingstree, SC 29556
(843) 372-8851
patrickgfrank@yahoo.com

Attend a Debate Watch Party This Friday, September 26th

Mike W — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:06:36 EDT

Attend a Debate Watch Party This Friday, September 26th

http://my.barackobama.com/debate

On September 26th, Barack Obama and John McCain will have their first debate of the election. Whether you host or attend a party, this is an important moment -- and a great opportunity to bring people together, talk about the issues, and build this movement for change. Check out our Host Guide to learn more and set up an event today, or search for one to attend in your area.

---

Michelle on Debate Watch Parties

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfb8fcyTnXg

2:06

From: BarackObamadotcom

Added: September 21, 2008

Michelle Obama asks supporters to attend Debate Watch Parties for the first presidential debate on Friday, Sept. 26th at 9pm EDT. Visit my.barackobama.com/debate and sign up to attend or host a party in your community.

---

Attending or hosting a Debate Watch Party is a great way to connect with folks in your community and share Barack's message of change. If you've never attended a house party before, don't worry. With just six weeks left before Election Day, November 4th, this important first debate is the perfect time to get involved. And if you want to host an event, no experience is required. Our host guide will help you put together a successful event, walking you through each step and providing all the resources you need.

Use our zip code search on the right [of link below] to find a Debate Watch Party in your community or create an event of your own.

http://my.barackobama.com/debate

Media "Deference"?????

Roni — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:26:16 EDT

The McCain campaign is repeatedly calling for and insisting upon media "deference" for Sarah Palin. Today, as Palin met with foreign leaders for the first time, reporters were denied access. In nearly four weeks of campaigning, she has yet to give a press conference. The vice presidential debate has been reformatted with shorter question and answer sessions, to accommodate Palin's lack of debate experience.

Since when, in any political season, are we creating situations that mask or accommodate the inexperience and lack of preparedness for candidates seeking office? It's absolutely unacceptable. The American people have a right to know exactly what each and every candidate is about-their experiences, their values, their knowledge, their opinions, and their plans. To continue ducking the media under the ridiculous battle cry of "unfair treatment from an elite media" is an absolute outrage. Sooner or later, Palin will have to stop running and hiding from the media, and will have to speak. To demand any less is an absolute atrocity.

My email to the President of NBC and NBC News

Patrick Frank — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:31:05 EDT

Dear Mr. Griffin and Mr. Capus:

I am a grassroots Obama volunteer from rural South Carolina. I have been an NBC News devotee for many years. Please make sure that the coverage of this campaign is fair and balanced.

*When hard questions are called for, Ask hard questions of BOTH SIDES.

*Give equal time to each side.

*Do not simply talk about groups of voters that favor one candidate. For example, in the Today report from Philadelphia today, all the talk was of such groups as "working class whites." What about young voter, better educated voters, African-Americans. These voting groups should also be mentioned.

*When you interview voters, try to keep the representation balanced.

*Avoid focusing on unfounded rumors, gossip, character assassination, tabloid-like stories. Focus on the issues, the candidates' basic perspectives and the positions they take or have taken in the past. temperment, intelligence, mental fitness are also relevant factors to discuss.

Thanks for listening.

Patrick Frank
Box 1283
Kingstree, SC 29556
(843) 372-8851

McCain Keating 5 member wants to fire SEC chair, IRONIC

amadeusmax — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:02:49 EDT

Is it just me or does it seem Ironic that McCain wants to hold the Sec Chairman responsiblie for all the banking problems in the us.

I mean where does McCain hypocrosy end. First he has stated time and time again how Industries, like banking, should "monitor themselves" to avoid costly government regulation.

Not to mention his involvement in what was the biggest S&L scandal previous to the current bank crisis. IS it just me or does it look like McCain is just seeking revenge against the agency that showed us his own, and I qoute from the SEC review, john mccain bad judgement?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keating_5

McCain / Palin trying to sound like democrats

amadeusmax — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:39:07 EDT

It's amazing that all of sudden McCain Palin are doing everything they can to sound like Democrats. I mean in Florida today Palin just stole the line of the Concerns of "Wall street should match the concerns of Main street". She just stole the Obama line.

All of sudden the McCain / Palin ticket is suddenly all about regulating the Banking industry, something McCain and palin who have universally against. They have countless said how the banking industry is better off policing themselves, and yet this week they have done 180 on that philosphy.

Not to mention the fact that they are doing everything they can to become the "change" party. You know for a couple trying to be the mavericks, they are more like the copy cats.

The one thing they have been consisted on is finding new ways to add trillions to the national debt. And of course their answer to solving that is not to, instead of finding better ways to get that billed paid, they endorse a policy of ignoring that debt.

my america

Jim and Lisa Martz — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:27:31 EDT

I know how you all feel about the racism out there. And living in Oklahoma a RED state it's harder than ever to make change happen. This election has a personal inpact on me. let me give a brief story on how Obama changed me. It began when lisa and I went to washington DC to protest the war on iraq. We were surrounded by thousands of people like you. I felt so good to stand up and shout out loud my feelings. Mostly in Bushes back yard. But my life changed forever that day when Lisa and I visited the vietnam memorial. As we looked at this site the silence was to hard to take being outside and with many people around us I do believe you could of heard a pin drop. I stood there and i noticed a man standind there stareing at the wall with a sign in his hand." END THE WAR" the sign was dropped down to his side like he was overtaken by the loss of life on this wall. As I stood there I felt the same sadness come over me I couldent bare it any more. All the people ,sounds, and sights had faded and one thought had entered my mind."This must never happen again" I was over taken by the sadness and I told Lisa 'this is why we're here. To stop this war and never have another wall like this again" I was so over taken by this I sat on a park bench lisa beside me and I cried I cried so hard I do believe my sole cried as well. This changed me forever.

This is my America to and I have a say in who I want to lead this country. And to have some people shoot me down or who I vote for is worth fighting for.The Republican party wanted the war in iraq and they got it.Now, when it comes my turn to fight for something I believe in if it's a war they want then it's a war their going to get!. I love this country and it's my home it's not freedom i'm fighting for it's HOPE!

Snapshot of the campaign from rural SC

Patrick Frank — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 09:08:37 EDT

Last night I went downtown to help at the Obama headquarters in Kingstree, located in a rural area of South Carolina. Barack spoke here during the primary, a great thing for him to take the time to visit with folks in our small town. At that hour, 7:30 PM, we had one volunteer there, holding down the fort. (During the day we have more folks available, phone banking and organizing ) That man may have been there for quite a while, alone. This election is incredibly important for the people of Kingstree--African-Americans, as well as whites, like me.

A sign of the times: downtown, near our campaign headquarters, are several shuttered businesses, along with four high interest loan companies, within one block. I have seen a number of poor folks walk furtively in and out of these financial prisons, glancing to left and right, apparently not wanting to be seen. Our headquarters is located in a former shoe store that used to be a viable business.

We need change in this country. I want to see predatory lending banned in this country, and more job opportunities, not only in Williamsburg County, but across South Carolina and the nation.

That is why I work hard to ensure that Barack Obama is elected President of the United States.

Patrick Frank

Grassroots volunteer

Box 1283

Kingstree, SC 29556

(843) 372-8851

Grassroots Victories in Oklahoma!!!!

Candace from Yukon — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:27:37 EDT

Hide and watch. We are making some solid progress here in Oklahoma with our voter registration drives!

I stopped in at the Oklahoma County Election Board today to pick up more voter registration forms. While I was there, I asked the workers if they were noticing an increase in voter registration. "OH YEAH!" they said. "We are getting between 1000 and 1500 registrations each day."

I was in shock! This was for Oklahoma County NOT the state of Oklahoma!!!!!

We are out here, we are vocal and we are making a huge difference. We have until October 10th to get folks registered. Volunteer! Let's make sure everyone who wants to vote gets the chance.

Email to Matt Lauer re a fair NBC interview

Patrick Frank — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:54:16 EDT

Thank you for a balanced interview of Fleisher and Dee Dee Myers and the economic crisis and political implications.

All I ask is that NBC be fair and balanced in its coverage, avoid tabloid journalism, and focus on the issues facing America.

I was heartened to see how you handled that interview. And neither Fleisher nor Dee Dee Myers were not strident and were civil in their advocacy. That helps a lot--a wise choice of the pundits or analysts that you choose to interview.

Patrick Frank
Grassroots Obama volunteer
Kingstree, SC
(843) 372-8851
patrickgfrank@yahoo.com

September 17 is Constitution Day

Mike W — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:41:51 EDT

September 17 is Constitution Day.

On this day in 1787, the Constitution was signed by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.

Celebrate by reading your Constitution.
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.txt

Graphic at
http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/OWP/2329B~Constitution-Posters.jpg

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

...

Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth. In Witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names.

George Washington - President and deputy from Virginia

New Hampshire - John Langdon, Nicholas Gilman

Massachusetts - Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King

Connecticut - William Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman

New York - Alexander Hamilton

New Jersey - William Livingston, David Brearley, William Paterson, Jonathan Dayton

Pennsylvania - Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson, Gouvernour Morris

Delaware - George Read, Gunning Bedford Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom

Maryland - James McHenry, Daniel of St Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll

Virginia - John Blair, James Madison Jr.

North Carolina - William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson

South Carolina - John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler

Georgia - William Few, Abraham Baldwin

Attest: William Jackson, Secretary

WaPo: The Ugly New McCain, by Richard Cohen

Mike W — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:42:48 EDT

The Ugly New McCain
By Richard Cohen
Op-Ed Columnist
Washing Post
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/15/AR2008091502406.html

Following his loss to George W. Bush in the 2000 South Carolina primary, John McCain did something extraordinary: He confessed to lying about how he felt about the Confederate battle flag, which he actually abhorred. "I broke my promise to always tell the truth," McCain said. Now he has broken that promise so completely that the John McCain of old is unrecognizable. He has become the sort of politician he once despised.

The precise moment of McCain's abasement came, would you believe, not at some news conference or on one of the Sunday shows but on "The View," the daytime TV show created by Barbara Walters. Last week, one of the co-hosts, Joy Behar, took McCain to task for some of the ads his campaign has been running. One deliberately mischaracterized what Barack Obama had said about putting lipstick on a pig -- an Americanism that McCain himself has used. The other asserted that Obama supported teaching sex education to kindergarteners.
ad_icon

"We know that those two ads are untrue," Behar said. "They are lies."

Freeze. Close in on McCain. This was the moment. He has largely been avoiding the press. The Straight Talk Express is now just a brand, an ad slogan like "Home Cooking" or "We Will Not Be Undersold." Until then, it was possible for McCain to say that he had not really known about the ads, that the formulation "I approve this message" was just boilerplate. But he didn't.

"Actually, they are not lies," he said.

Actually, they are.

McCain has turned ugly. His dishonesty would be unacceptable in any politician, but McCain has always set his own bar higher than most. He has contempt for most of his colleagues for that very reason: They lie. He tells the truth. He internalizes the code of the McCains -- his grandfather, his father: both admirals of the shining sea. He serves his country differently, that's all -- but just as honorably. No more, though.

---
complete copyrighted story at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/15/AR2008091502406.html

DNC Updates "Count the Lies" Counter: #55

Mike W — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:34:14 EDT

ADVISORY: DNC Updates "Count the Lies" Counter: #55
DNC Press
Democratic National Committee
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 16, 2008
http://www.democrats.org/CountTheLies

Graphic at
http://www.mccainpedia.org/images/2/2b/Countlies55.jpg

Washington, DC - The Democratic National Committee today updated the Count the Lies counter after the Associated Press called John McCain's and Sarah Palin's claims on energy exaggerated-- "some wildly so." This latest article is at least the 56th fact check to debunk a McCain campaign lie since he promised to run a respectful campaign in February. Visit http://www.democrats.org/CountTheLies to see the updated Count the Lies counter.

AP Fact Check: McCain-Palin Energy Claims Exaggerated, "Some Wildly So." "Palin and the McCain campaign repeatedly have claimed her status as governor of an energy-producing state as a national security credential, most recently in the interview with ABC News anchor Charles Gibson. But Palin has been sloppy in how she states her argument that Alaska is a major player in the energy market. In the interview, she claimed the state 'produces nearly 20 percent of the U.S. domestic supply of energy.' McCain, too, has said Palin is 'in charge of 20 percent of America's energy supply.' More recently, Palin modified her claim to '20 percent of the U.S. domestic supply of oil and gas.' THE FACTS: The statements are exaggerated, some wildly so, according to figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration." [Associated Press, 9/16/08:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PALIN_ENERGY_FACT_CHECK

NOTE: CNN Debunks McCain Claims on protecting kids from Sexual Predators, Energy Policy, The Bridge To Nowhere, Earmark Spending, And Governor Palin's Foreign Travel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAInJKu1yQU [CNN, 9/16/08]

###

Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee http://www.democrats.org This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Please see this video. And forward.

Calvin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:38:29 EDT

Please forward the following video on community organizing. Very powerful. It has sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpniuotfpR8&feature=related

For obama, and a principled McCain

Patrick Frank — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:25:32 EDT

I am a grassroots volunteer in the Obama campaign, but the following letter represents my personal view.

Obama has slipped back ahead of McCain by two points in the Gallup poll. I think that he will regain momentum but can't be sure. It is necessary to keep up the fight...no matter the ultimate outcome. We have been moving toward a kind of neo-fascism in this country. All who perceive this trend have a responsibility to keep up the struggle.

This campaign is not about Obama...as he himself says, repeatedly.. At it s core, It is about freeing America from the grip of right-wing extremism...restoring some political balance. It is not liberalism I necessarily want to see. Rather, it is a dynamic interplay of principled liberalism and conservatism. I would like to see the regeneration of a dynamic form of moderate politics in Washington .

McCain could be an ally in this struggle, if he were not in the grip of a political party that has been co-opted by the extremists. They will seek to constrain him if he makes any move to the center, if he expresses any willingness to compromise with Democrats. And if he defies them, they will attempt to squash him like a bug.

I am tempted to say that McCain has sold his soul. Yet, I know that he has a conscience. And he has demonstrated great courage, which he revealed while imprisoned, and when he spoke out forcefully against the torture of detainees. But since launching this campaign, the voice of his conscience has been mostly stilled. I hear it again, from time to time...for example, when he defends Obama against vicious attacks, again emanating from the extreme right

I call on Democrats to support Obama, the candidate who has consistently stated that he wants to bring the political parties together, as well as people from all walks of life around the country. I call on principled Republicans and Independents to stand up for dialogue and reconciliation in D.C.. Consider voting for Obama; if not that, support any effort by McCain to move to the center of the political spectrum.

Let's all put a stop to the demonization of our opponents. Let us seek common ground. Let us remove from office those who are addicted to power and control and strive to manipulate the electorate.

It is time to take a stand--for reason and civility in politics.

Rovian Push Polling In Florida Links Obama To PLO

Mike W — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:03:47 EDT

Rovian Push Polling In Florida Links Obama To PLO
By: Nicole Belle
Monday, September 15th, 2008 at 9:00 AM - PDT
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/09/15/rovian-push-polling-in-florida-links-obama-to-plo

It is stories like this that make me weep for my country. When people so low, so completely divested of a moral compass, can impact an election to the detriment of the whole nation. John McCain knows only too well how these kind of sleazy, win-at-all-cost tactics work and should be the FIRST person to stand up and speak against them.

    Key West resident Joelna Marcus received a phone call today. She was asked if she is Jewish, and she replied in the affirmative.

    She was asked if she was religious.

    She was then asked if her opinion of Barack Obama would change if she knew that Obama had given lots and lots of money to the PLO.

There are no perjoratives strong enough to describe the kind of slimeball that would do this.

Not This Woman Not This TIme

Candace from Yukon — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:45:28 EDT

We, as women, have had the vote for less than 100 years and this election may strip us of many of the rights we have come to accept as part of our pursuit of happiness. We owe it to the women who fought so hard for us: the suffragettes of the 1900's, the early Congressmen and women who voted for bills that would make our lives more bearable, the feminists who battled for women to have control of their own reproductive systems., we owe it to thier memory not to forget. Just as a soldier goes to war, so those women fought the battles we take for granted today. We are free to structure our families according to our abilities, our means and our choice. We are also free to have as many children as we wish - unlike in many Asian countries where you can only have one child. To tell me I must have more children than I can manage is as barbarian as telling me I can only have one.

Government, no government has the right to make that choice for us. We have candidates in McCain/Palin who do not believe this. They seek to tear down the laws that protect us. The seek to overturn RoevWade. Women of all color, economic status, education, married, non-married - we all have a stake in this, one way or another. You know someone who has had an abortion. You know someone who has chosen to keep an unintended pregnancy. You have seen the hardships and joys of both decisions. They are deep and personal choices, based on hours of deliberaton. Choices are not easy and bringing a life into the world is not easy. We make choices we regret either way. BUT THOSE CHOICES ARE OURS TO MAKE. Not the government.

A vote for Sarah Palin is a vote to distroy all that women have worked for, for the last 85 years we have had the vote. She is too wrapped up in her little world, with her little mindset, living far-way from the lower 48, so far that she thought Alaska should be its own country. Her ideas are a bridge to nowhere.