Saratogians for Obama

Opportunities for Service Through the New Administration

Matt Beane — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:20:19 EST

I just signed up on Change.gov to let the Obama-Biden Transition Team know I'm interested in service and volunteer opportunities.

I thought you might be interested, too: http://change.gov/service

Happy Holidays in advance!

Matt

I would like Barack to...

Matt Beane — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:18:54 EST

In the short run, I want Barack to get on YouTube and make a request of his supporters:

"Find someone you know that chose to vote for another candidate and meet with them to understand their hopes and fears; try to see this country, our world and this election from their perspective. I'm not asking you to agree with each other, just to try to understand. We can't afford to surround ourselves with people who agree with us - not now, when the stakes are so high and the opportunities so great. So please join me in reaching out to everyone in America - do your bit as I try to do mine. We'll all be the better for it."

After he makes this kind of statement, direct people to a page on Change.gov where people can share their stories about this assignment. Offer up a video-blog space as well.

I've seen too many people make unsupported negative assumptions about people who voted for John McCain. I proudly voted for Barack, and feel like we have an opportunity to refresh our national culture with a spirit of openness, curiosity and collaboration. Now's the time - especially before the policy decisions fly on the 20th.

Last Day for Change

Benjamin from New York, NY — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:02:50 EST

Here's what you can do:

VOTE

GET OUT THE VOTE
Phonebanks are open tonight until 9pm to call battleground states. Come down and be a part of New York making history in this campaign.

The Scene at HQ-The Scene for the Final Two Days

Benjamin from New York, NY — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:49:48 EST

HQ has been so busy co-ordinating all of our wonderful volunteers, the blog has taken a back seat. Here's a taste of what's been going on.

The volunteers and staff at Obama HQ New York are fired up. The excitement created by occasional special visitors (Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul and Mary in the last few days) is but a brief spike before the volunteers are back to work calling voters in battleground states:

The street team is out there inspiring you to phonebank to help Get Out the Vote on Tuesday:

Back in quieter times we had a party for the HQ volunteers:

Come down and join the excitement here at HQ or at a phonebank near you, Monday and Tuesday; all day, both days.

Last Call for Change - Final Four Days

Benjamin from New York, NY — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:22:14 EDT

This is it!

We're coming down to the final stretch and Barack Obama needs your help now, more than ever before!

Please bring your cell phone, a charger and a few fun friends who care about change and join with thousands of your neighbors in the largest ever-attempted phone bank effort in New York state history. The Obama campaign is hosting several of these "mega call centers" all over New York, so invite your friends and family to make calls to voters in key battleground states and change America for years to come.

Visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/nylastcall to find a location near you.

Conservatives for Change Dot Com

Matt Beane — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:22:28 EDT

A republican-party official referred me to this website today:

http://www.conservativesforchange.com/

Forward it liberally along - he said he could hear himself amongst these voices.

Joe the CEO

Mary Monigan — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:48:41 EDT

I wish Joe Biden or Barack would use this phrase Joe the CEO to describe the real beneficiary of McCain's tax plan. Folks in the Joe the Plumbers category would not see any break under McCain's plan while corporate CEOs and companies that ship jobs overseas would. It may be a simplistic way to capture the difference but I believe to be both accurate and effective. I bet the GOP could round up a living corporate Joe.

Mary

Just received my absentee ballot! Have you?

Matt Beane — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:13:18 EDT

I couldn't quite believe it - I had half suspected the infrastructure would fail me, and I'd have to march down to my board of elections to demand my ballot.

Yet here it came, today, into our mailbox.

I literally let out a whoop.

I have NEVER been so excited to vote for anyone in my life. I spread out the ballot on our dining room table for everyone to see, and quickly put an "X" in the one box I've been dead sure of for many, many months now. Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

What a thrill. I dream of how I can contribute to our country and my community after this is over, and I will continue to take daily action today to ensure we elect Barack Obama our president.

Have any of you decided to vote early? If so, what was it like to get your ballot early? Where were you?

Matt Beane

ps: I just caught this video from the campaign; I highly recommend it: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/4days

JOIN LAST CALL FOR CHANGE Saturday and Sunday in NYC

Benjamin from New York, NY — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:12:04 EDT

This weekend we're holding phonebanks at campaign offices and other locations across New York so that Obama supporters can reach out to voters in swing states. No experience is needed to participate -- staff will give you all the resources you need to succeed. All you need to do is bring your cell phone. Nothing is more powerful than having undecided voters hear from ordinary folks about Barack and this campaign for change.

http://ny.barackobama.com/NYlastcall

Let's end this... together.

Matt Beane — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:37:36 EDT

Hi Everyone - I hope this finds you all very well.

I'm writing to ask you to step up your involvement in the campaign - just for these last four weeks.

My wife and I have made a commitment to each other that we're going to double our efforts for the next four weeks.

For us this means double the donations, double the calling, signing up to drive people to the polls and voting by mail. We've never volunteered for ANY political campaign before; perhaps you have. Regardless, I think our country needs a landslide.

I think we can deliver one for Barack, but only if we each set aside some time - say 15-30 minutes - each day to do SOMETHING MORE to help get Barack elected.

You may already be doing more than I am. No matter what you've done, thank you; I'd like you to ask yourself what else you can do. What one more thing could you fit in your schedule?

If you want ideas about how to do this, please write me; I've gotten pretty familiar with the options, and I bet we can figure something out.

We are on the verge of taking back our country, and the future of the world; can you stand it? Let's make this happen.

Best regards, Matt Beane

Oct 8 Barack Interview with Charlie Gibson

Matt Beane — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:19:00 EDT

In six or seven minutes, Barack reminded me yet again of his capacities as a leader. John McCain is right - we DO need a cool hand at the tiller; that hand is Barack Obama's.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video_log/2008/10/obama_interview_with_gibson.html

McCain Key Role in the Keating 5 S&L Scandal

Mary Monigan — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:30:26 EDT

Hands down, the most effective expose of McCain's key role and complicity in the SnL crisis. I wish that this could be incorporated into an Obama ad. Its eerie how similar the Keating scandal is to the current debacle. With McCain's full knowledge and support, Keating violated banking rules to the tune of $650 million, the largest violation in US history. This would fantastic way to influence independent voters who may have forgotten this or younger voters who do not remember this. I wish an add could go out to the general public prior to tonight's debate (wishful thinking) Bear with the video, it stalls for a second or two a few times in the initial three minutes. Please forward to your associates and friends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDofbll86dY

Mary Monigan

AFL-CIO Attacks Racism Towards Obama

Matt Beane — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:44:28 EDT

Watch & Circulate! Racism is the quiet and dirty word in this campaign. Here is a great video made by an AFL-CIO leader taking on racism in a clear and direct and powerful message. Please view this and pass it along to your friends, includng some who might be hesitant to vote for Obama due to the color of his skin:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/04/union-president-defends-o_n_131954.html

3 Phone Banking Tips From a Professional Salesperson

Matt Beane — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:19:40 EDT

Hi Everyone - I hope this finds you well.

I think we can build more trust more quickly, get more people registered and swing more undecided voters our way with a few minor modifications to our phonebanking script. I'm specifically referring to the one where we're asking people in battleground states which way they're leaning in the election.

I'm suggesting these things based on my experience selling intangible, complex services over the phone to strangers and based on feedback from volunteers at a phonebanking party my wife and I just hosted.

1 - I mention right up front that I'm not calling to solicit donations. I say something like "Hello, is _______ there? Hi, my name is _______, and I'm a volunteer with the Obama Biden Campaign. How are you? Great! I'm not calling to ask for donations - I'm calling to see if you've made a decision about who you'll vote for on Tuesday. Nov. 4th Do you know which presidential candidate do you plan to support?" People seem to assume that I'm calling to ask for money, which injects an unnecessary amount of anxiety into the conversation. This cuts that off right away.

2 - If someone says they are undecided, I say "Wow. That must be tough. How are you going to make your decision?" This is a very powerful question - it gets them to think about their decision-making criteria, and can often help them get clearer about the information they'd need, when they'd need it, how they want to receive it, and so on. They are generally grateful for that opportunity, and I'm betting that gratitude will translate into votes for Obama.

3 - I follow number 2 up with something like "Would it be useful to you to hear why I'm supporting Obama and Biden? I'd like to share, if you're interested." The key here is I'm asking for their consent to hear my views.

I recognize that this last point might be somewhat controversial, even with the campaign - after all, I could take the opportunity to share my views about Barack's candidacy without their explicit consent. This might sway some voters to our cause.

I doubt it, though. My experience tells me that if I rattle off my views, even politely, I may sway someone our way temporarily, but that this kind of "convincing" generally wears off in the face of other "convincing" from the other side, and leaves a bad taste in the recipient's mouth about our side. In my experience, people are much more likely to change their views for the long haul if they are given a choice about whether to hear differing views at the start.

What do you all think?

Matt Beane

1002 calls to North Carolina in one night

Matt Beane — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:56 EDT

Good morning - I hope this finds you well. After a week of planning, 18 or 20 people showed up last night at a local tea shop to make calls to battleground states. We got paired with North Carolina. Sure, we dealt with a very, very small minority of people who expressed bigoted sentiments. There was a much larger minority (perhaps 10%?) of people who welcomed our calls and who were genuinely undecided. We asked them how they were going to make their decision there, and whether they would like to hear why we were supporting Barack. A fair number said they would like to hear that. THOSE were great conversations to have. You can make phonebanking calls to battleground states right from www.barackobama.com, using a tool called Neighbor to Neighbor. Let me know if you'd like some help trying it out. You can make just a few calls a day with the tool - it's quite incredible. I hope you have a great week. Matt Beane

Karl Rove's blatant deception exposed by Jon Stewart on video

Matt Beane — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:07:15 EDT

I saw this today.

It reminded me of a Law and Order or Perry Mason moment - this would have been the moment that the judge levied a perjury charge. It would at least win the case for the other side.

I'm so grateful that people with such writing skills and comedic heart are paying this much attention to our political process:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/04/jon-stewart-hits-karl-rov_n_123852.html

Only 4 minutes of your time to watch. It got me very energized today - and I had a great laugh!

Matt

Phonebanking Gathering, Ballston Spa, 9/21, 6pm

Matt Beane — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:51:09 EDT

Now's our time! Join us for an evening in Ballston Spa to support the Obama campaign (Phone Bank)

Come join us at a wonderful Ballston Spa tea house for an evening to support the Obama campaign. We will primarily be phonebanking for the campaign, so please bring a cell phone. We'll take care of the rest. If you want to support the campaign but don't like the idea of getting on the phone, please join us anyway to get involved and energized about our country's future.

Now is our time - our time to do what we can to ensure Barack Obama is the next president of the United States, and, more importantly, it's our time to create the future we all want for this country.

Together, yes we can!

Click here to RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs7rxc

ScienceDebate2008.com - McCain's failure to respond

Matt Beane — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:06:55 EDT

I've been waiting for two weeks now. I'm not stunned yet, but I'm getting close.

Ever been to www.sciencedebate2008.com? I'll share the story in a moment, but here's the punchline: Barack Obama responded some time ago to 14 well-reasoned questions that are central to humanity's future - questions about our government's role in fostering scientific discovery.

For that same time period, all I've seen on the site is that John McCain "has said he will respond" to the same questions.

I think scientific research and technological progress have the single biggest positive influence on the human condition of any human endeavor. Social and political progress are also necessary, of course, but as I look to the future, even a 5% increase in government support of basic science research will likely mean untold millions (ultimately billions) of lives extended, saved and empowered. I also believe that technologies and scientific discovery are progressing faster by far as time goes on - we'll have more technological progress in the next ten years than we had in the last fifty, for example.

But apparently not if John McCain can help it.

It's one thing to disagree about the direction or intensity of governmental support for scientific and technological research. It's another thing not to care enough about those issues to even issue a public statement. Barack Obama quickly offered detailed responses to sciencedebate2008's questions. John McCain hasn't responded at all.

We must elect Barack - even if only for this reason. And I know, I know - there are lots of other GREAT reasons to elect him.

We need a President who treats scientific research as a top national priority - with implications for national security, improving the human condition, and the strength of our economy.

I think the United States is strong because we innovate. We're creative. We invent. We discover. We attract the best minds in the world because we offer opportunity to do this kind of work in the kind of free and open society that makes it easy.

If we fail to push (and push hard) to maintain that leadership in science and technology, China and India may surpass us, and we will lose our competitive edge, then lose money, then lose jobs, then lose our standard of living. We can't let that happen.

Let's make a lot of noise about this. If John McCain saw science as a priority, he would have made it a priority to respond to sciencedebate2008's questions. We can't afford to elect a President who thinks that way. We can't even afford to elect a President who is lukewarm on science. We need a President like Barack - someone who will be aggressive about science, remind us of our obligation to it and push our country to the forefront of scientific discovery.

What action can you take today to get Barack elected? To show everyone John McCain's troubling attitude towards science?

Matt Beane

Here's a quick synopsis of sciencedebate2008's history:

In November, 2007, a small group of six citizens - two screenwriters, a physicist, a marine biologist, a philosopher and a science journalist - began working to restore science and innovation to America’s political dialogue. They called themselves Science Debate 2008, and they called for a presidential debate on science. The call tapped a wellspring of concern over the state of American science.

Within weeks, more than 38,000 scientists, engineers, and other concerned Americans signed on, including nearly every major American science organization, dozens of Nobel laureates, elected officials and business leaders, and the presidents of over 100 major American universities. See who here. Among other things, these signers submitted over 3,400 questions they want the candidates for President to answer about science and the future of America.

The Process

Beginning with these 3,400 questions, Science Debate 2008 worked with the leading organizations listed to craft the top 14 questions the candidates should answer. These questions are broad enough to allow for wide variations in response, but they are specific enough to help guide the discussion toward many of the largest and most important unresolved challenges currently facing the United States.

Two Months to Go

Aaron — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:55:18 EDT

Political capital is what we have.
The Republicans are magicians, changing reality by the day for higher polls and empty trust.
In Obama we have stability, a strong personality, the same yesterday as he is today.

The vehicles are all here for good things to happen, the opponents have no solid ground. This fight should be taken onto Republican territory, to their shortcomings, to the disasters of the past eight years, they should be echoed by all people who know that the presidency of George W. Bush will go down as the worst in history.

We were lied to after 9/11, there were no weapons of Mass Destruction, only a web of falsehoods.

Hurricane Katrina was the biggest humanitarian failure on American soil ever. Anyone associated with the response to Hurricane Katrina should be ashamed of themselves.

The firing of the State's Attorneys,

Everyone that was forced to resign for all different sordid reasons,

The economy! The failure of the housing Market, Bear Sterns,

thousands of American deaths in an endless war

There is so much more. Take this to the republicans, to the debates, to the nation.
They have failed miserably and that is where this fight should be.

Aaron

Alternative Phonebanking Script for Neighbor to Neighbor

Matt Beane — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:22:21 EDT

I started phonebanking for Obama last night (the technical infrastructure is very impressive!), and came across the suggested script for the calls. Given my experience and training as a salesperson, my view is it’s unacceptably ineffective. I’m convinced it will reduce the number of volunteers, and reduce the enthusiasm of the phonebankers.

We have a significant opportunity to boost the image and strength of the campaign with just a few changes.

I’ve made these changes, and I want to get them directly to someone who can make change on this. Would you be willing to forward it along (ideally with your endorsement)? I have a feeling you’d be able to cut through the noise much better than I would.

Here's my version (changes in brackets):

Hi, [__________,] my name is _______ and I am calling on behalf of Obama for America. [Is now a bad time? (If yes, ask when you should call back)]

[If no:] I am contacting you because you have been identified as someone who wants to get involved in the campaign. [Is that true?]

[If no: Thank you for your time. I'll let the campaign know you're not interested in being involved.]

[If yes: Glad to hear it.] The great news is that there are many ways to get involved in this campaign to elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States. Before you start, we want to know what you are interested in doing with the campaign. [I’d like to ask you five questions to help the campaign understand how you’d like to get involved. Ready to start?]

Would you be willing to travel to a battleground state for the last month or last few weeks of the campaign?

Yes

Maybe

Are you interested in taking weekend trips to volunteer in a battleground state?

Yes

Maybe

Would you be willing to call voters in a battleground state?

Yes

Maybe

Would you be willing to call voters in New York?

Yes

Maybe

Would you be interested in being a part of the national Data Team?

Yes

Maybe

Thank you very much for your support of the campaign and taking the time to speak with me. Someone will be in contact with you soon to schedule you for an activity. [Would you prefer to be contacted via phone, email or both? Please confirm your [number, email] for me.]

Half an Hour a Day Keeps the Future in Play

Matt Beane — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:41:29 EDT

Ever since Barack's speech at the Democratic National Convention, I've made a pledge to myself:

Spend half an hour a day taking action to get Barack and Joe Biden elected.

Some days this means phone banking.

Some days this means writing a letter to the editor.

Some days this means forwarding emails around, like the straightforward, powerful statement about Sarah Palin by Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood (see below).

If you haven't already made some sort of commitment to a daily practice, I think you can. Willing to give it a shot? And even if you're far more active than I am, I'm certain you know people who would be willing to donate half an hour of their time every day to get Barack and Joe elected. It's a managable amount of time, even if you have a more-than-full-time job, even if you have kids.

The way I see it, we have to treat this race like we're going to lose, and believe the whole way through that we're going to win. That means unprecedented millions of us making daily commitments to take action. Know anyone who isn't? Invite them in.

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

From Cecile Richards, National Planned Parenthood Action Fund:

"Yesterday morning, on my way back from the high of the Democratic National Convention, I learned that Sen. John McCain chose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential pick. What might have been encouraging news for women was just the opposite — somehow McCain had managed to find a woman running mate even more conservative than he is on women's rights.

It was heartbreaking news, especially on the heels of such an inspiring week. Right now there is so much shameless rhetoric from the Republicans about breaking the glass ceiling, especially from McCain and his running mate. What good does it do to break a glass ceiling with a woman who wants government to control women's reproductive health? That isn't the world I want for my two daughters.

A day later, and I'm still having trouble expressing the depth of my anger about McCain's choice of a running mate. This shameless pandering to women — with a woman who doesn't trust other women to make their own decisions about childbearing — has really got me going.

If you can only do one thing, it should be to tell every woman you meet that McCain and Palin are the most anti-choice, anti-women pair imaginable. Don't stop at just telling your friends. You can bet that I'll be telling strangers in the checkout line at the grocery store, the women I see at the gym, parents at my kids' schools.

Women trust other women to tell them the straight truth — and the straight truth is that McCain and Palin would take us back to a time when women had absolutely no right to decide whether or not to have a child ... zero.

Weathering the Storm

Andrew_Grantsville_Maryland — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:29:12 EDT

Dont Drown...some of us HAVE!

Pat yourselves on the back. We've nearly weathered 8 years of a catastrophic disaster.

Hurrican Gustav bears down on the United States as I write this and should remind us all of Hurricane Katrina 3 short years ago.

Be reminded of the SHOCK and AWE of watching our fellow citizens left to die on the roofs of their homes and in the squalor of "shelters".

Some of us have:

lost our homes, been foreclosed upon
lost our jobs, our livelihoods, our retirement, our financial security
lost our HOPE in the future
lost our FAITH in our ability to govern and the role government can play in our lives
lost our ABILITY to engage, even in a small way, in our communities and civic affairs

No matter what we believe we have lost we MUST:

come to believe that we can make a difference
regain our HOPE and our FAITH, that together, we can move forward
restore our HEALTH, physically, mentally so that we can do the work to restore those around us as well
Use what resources we DO HAVE, to our best ability, avoiding the instinct to hoard, but, instead, sharing and distributing so that what we have can be magnified

JACOB CARRYING THE TORCH!

Andrew_Grantsville_Maryland — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 09:18:14 EDT

JACOB! WAY TO GO!

Jacob Maxfield was on the front page of the Bennington Banner.

WOW DOES TIME FLY!

It just seems like yesterday that we were in the FOUR CORNERS freezing our collective butts off doing visibility in February BEFORE the March 4th PRIMARY. REMEMBER CANVASSING IN THE SNOW??? JACOB, my man, was out there with us every step of the way on this long journey.

As Barack says, we have a long way to GO, but, WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY AS WELL! GOOD JOB JACOB! GARTH and SARAH (Dad & Mom) BE PROUD!

Bennington 4th grader hiking Long Trail for ObamaView the article here!

APPALACHIAN BATTLEGROUND

Andrew_Grantsville_Maryland — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:32:38 EDT

Hi everyone. Remember Barack's comments about the people of Appalachia "clinging to their guns and their religion"?????? Well, after being back in Appalachia ( I went to college in Appalachia many years ago) for 5 weeks now, I can attest that Barack's observation is dead on target.

An apology is in order to those who have signed up on the Bennington Vermont Bennington Baracks website or have posted events there as I have been trying to set up shop in RURAL APPALACHIA and computer access to the Internet has not been an easy thing to accomplish here.

I have been working with the Garrett County Maryland Democrats http://www.garrettdemocrats.org

in bringing Barack's message of Hope to the cynical. Its pretty frightening in a lot of ways. Today at the Democrat Exhibit at the County Fair we passed out Safety Gun Locks for rifles and pistols and the number of little girls that came up and requested gun locks for their own personal guns was astounding.

REMEMBER, ITS EASY TO TAKE THE MESSAGE SOMEWHERE WHERE EVERYBODY THINKS THE SAME AS YOU DO. THE REAL WORK STARTS WHEN YOU CARRY THE MESSAGE TO PEOPLE WHO VIEW THE WORLD COMPLETELY DIFFERENTLY.

Hi Everyone - A NEW FRONT in the BATTLE 4 Obama

Andrew_Grantsville_Maryland — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:53:18 EDT

I wanted to let everyone know that a big black bear ambled through my back yard yesterday.

But, also, my backyard is now located in Western Maryland in Garrett County. If you are in the area, visit a while......http://www.visitdeepcreek.com

I've moved to Western Maryland in a rural county very similar to Bennington County Vermont. Its quite rural and rural West Virginia and rural Pennsylvania are just a stone's throw away. Everyone talks with a southern accent and drawl y'all. sooooo, immediately people know I am not 'from here"......ugh!

BARACK is not doing well in this area considered APPALACHIA which includes parts of Ohio and PA and KY etc. etc.

Barack Evening Buzz - 6-9-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:41:31 EDT

Barack Evening Buzz-6-9-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Obama Slams McCain's Economic Policies
Associated Press
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl5Dai6Dduo

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

(3) With Fall Vote in View, Obama Assails McCain on Economy
John M. Broder-New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/us/politics/09cnd-obama.html?ref=politics

(4) Candidates Focus on Economy as Gas Prices Soar
Karen Travers and Gregory Wallace-ABC News
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/TheNote/story?id=5032983&page=1

(5) Obama Recruits Team to Tackle Web Smears
Ewen MacAskill-Guardian-UK
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/10/barackobama.johnmccain

(6) Today on the Presidential Campaign Trail
Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNxTApa2sQRu0Xx99P3jt2bEXw7gD916Q1O01

(7) Obama Tells Donors That McCain Has Head Start
Foon Rhee-Boston Globe-Deputy National Political Editor
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/06/obama_tells_don.html

(8) Obama Website Has "Thank You Senator Clinton" Featured to Reap Info on Clinton Backers for Obama
Lynn Sweet-Chicago Sun-Times-The Scoop from Washington
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/06/obama_web_site_has_thank_you_s.html

(9) Obama and McCain Matchup Puts New States in Play
Michael Olson-National Public Radio-NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91265901

(10) McCain Playing Catchup to Obama's Wisconsin Operation
Scott Bauer-Associated Press
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-mccain-obama-wis.,0,6126004.story

(11) Democratic Candidate Brings Promise of Positive Change
Yahoo! News-Georgie Anne Geyer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ucgg/20080609/cm_ucgg/democraticcandidatebringspromiseofpositivechange

(12) Former GOP Candidate Mike Huckabee-Obama Has Done Great Job But Not the Best for President
Associated Press
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/09/huckabee_says_obamas_done_great_job_not_best_for_president/

Good ideas to pass along

natch59 — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:41:04 EDT

The following is from the Robin Barnes blog, click on the link and there are some thoughtful ideas listed scuccinctly. I especially like the one about volunteering for your local Congressional campaign and making it clear that you are inspired by Obama - really good in NY and other states that have voted Clinton! Object lesson in writing superdelegates By Robin Barnes - May 9th, 2008 at 1:31 pm EDT Also listed in: 7 groups Comments | Mail to a Friend | Report Objectionable Content

Please check the link under "what's new" -- Clinton supporters demonstrate how not to conduct a letter writing campaign.

www.postcardsnotpitchforks.org

A number of Clinton supporters email bombed superdelegates with threats to leave the party if Obama gets the nomination.

NC/IN Primaries

David L Cote — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:07:14 EDT

I can't wait for tonight's primaries! Only a few more left until we can put this primary season behind us and work on McCain! I am really looking forward to watching Barack and McCain debate...Obama will smoke him!

Happy Spring!

Closing the Gap in PA!

Christine — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:49:46 EDT

YES WE CAN! (CNN just posted this!)

April 10, 2008Polls: Clinton's lead down to 4 points in PennsylvaniaPosted: 01:45 PM ET

A New CNN poll of polls shows Clinton with a 4 point lead in Pennsylvania.

(CNN) — Sen. Hilary Clinton's lead over Sen. Barack Obama in the crucial primary state of Pennsylvania has dwindled to 4 points, a CNN average of recent polls calculated Thursday shows.

The New York senator now holds a 4 point advantage over her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, 46 to 42 percent. Twelve percent of likely Democratic voters there remain unsure.

Recent CNN "poll of polls" suggest the race in Pennsylvania is tightening before the state's April 22 primary. A poll of polls calculated two days ago showed Clinton with a 6 point lead in Pennsylvania, and a poll of polls last Friday showed her on top by 11 points.

“Obama is outspending Clinton by better than two to one on television ads in Pennsylvania,” said Alan Silverleib, CNN’s senior political researcher. “Combine that with Clinton’s recent misstatement over her 1996 trip to Bosnia and the escalating chorus of voices calling on her to withdraw from the race, and you get a much tighter contest.”

Thursday's poll of polls included recent surveys from Time Magazine, American Research Group, and Quinnipiac University.

Petraeus explains it all!

Christine — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:29:32 EDT

I was able to listen to yeterdays testimony on my commute home. Our local NPR station carried it live. I think Petreaus made it crystal clear that regardless of what got us there, what we are now engaged in is nothing more than a Police Action. If it were a "war on terror" or if we were at war "with Al-Quida" then he would refer to our brave Miltary as the Soldiers that they are. But I never heard him refer to them as anything but "Troopers" . Now in my neck of the world Trooper = Cop. So for all those folks who have been saying from the get go that this is another Vietnam, there you have it! Sounds like he defines it as such!

Ideas for Earth Day events

David L Cote — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:45:14 EDT

Hey all!

Please e-mail me ideas you would like to see organized locally for Earth Day. I would like to get something organized in Clifton Park AND in Saratoga as well as possibly the Albany area to show our campaign is more than just about politics.

I seem to be having problems getting Obama e-mails so please send to my direct e-mail:

dcote5@nycap.rr.com

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

Dave Cote

Family tree

B... — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:29:41 EDT

Okay.. I get newsweek and here is the family scoop.

We already know that Obama and Cheney are related. Did you know that Obama is also related to Winston Churchhill, Harry Truman and Brad Pitt ? It is in the Newsweek page 63.

And Hillary Clinton is related to Ce'lone Dion, Angelina Jolie-Pitts and Madonna.

At least this is according to Newsweek.

good resources

B... — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:53:18 EDT

Hi,
I invite you to check out the Democrats for Life and Feminist for Life web-sites. They give real, compassionate and kind solutions for both the mother and the baby.. Please check it out.
Democrats for Life has the Pregnant Woman Support Act. It helps the woman who finds herself pregnant get support all along the way.
Feminist for Life also has some very good programs that help pregnant women. If a woman has had an abortion and is feeling depressed, sad or regrets Feminist for life offers some very helpful links.
Mary Meehan in the Meehan Reports has a very well researched site all about, War, Euthanasia and abortion. Very compelling reading. Please look at all these resources they are very reliable and very educational.

Obama Magnets Anyone?

David L Cote — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:09:10 EDT

Hey Obamians!

Would anyone else be interested in getting crossed-ribbon magnets for your car that show Obama '08 on them? I haven't seen any yet but think it would be a GREAT item to sell. Maybe if enough interest, we can look into ordering them? Let me know if you are interested...

David L Cote

Earth Day Events - April 22nd

David L Cote — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:44:23 EDT

Would anyone be interested in events on Earth Day, April 22nd? Might be a good time to get out and work on a few projects in the area as well as hand out Obama info.

Please let me know if you would be interested in attending or helping to plan the event(s) and what type of event you would like to see. Don't delay as we have less than a month to plan!!!

David Cote

National Rally for Barack Obama at City Hall Park in New York City

Angie — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:43:27 EDT

Hi All!

We are all seeing information from various places regarding the One Voice for Change Across America and the information has, up until now, been a little sketchy. Just so you know there are two dates set for the National rally, April 12 and April 19. Basically we have national coordinators that are organizing rallies on these two dates across the country all to be held at the same time. We will gather to show our support for change in our country through Barack Obama's candidacy. We will say the pledge of allegiance, sing the national anthem and cheer on our next President of the United States. So far 22 states have signed up and everyone is frantically trying to get the word out.

New York now has a location for the April 12th rally which will be at City Hall Park in New York City.

We want to show massive support for Barack at a time when it is really needed.

If you can attend, please sign up at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/4r4rw.

All of our groups in New York have been working furiously to get Barack elected. Let us for one day, for two hours pull ALL of our voices together for change.

We will keep you updated as more plans are finalized.

See you all on the 12th! YES WE CAN!!

One Voice for Change Across America - National Super Rally in Support of Barack Obama

1 Voice - 1 People - 1 Day - 1 Time - Real Change

April 12, 2008 12 noon EST/11 am CST/10 am MST/9am PST

Holding hands across America as we unite our voices for Change in support of Barack Obama

SPREAD THE WORD........................................

Looking for volunteers to help organize fundraisers!

David L Cote — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:21:38 EDT

Hello Obamians!

I am looking for volunteers to get the ball rolling on a couple fundraisers for late April and May.

Do we have anyone that is experienced in fundraisers?

Please e-mail me and let me know if you would be interested.

David L. Cote

Schenectady House Party

David L Cote — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:22:23 EDT

Hey all!

Anyone planning on attending Brian Ansari's house party in Schenectady on the 3rd? I just signed up. I have never attended an Obama get together and want to see what it is like.

Many of my friends and family know how dedicated I am to Barack and tend to ask me questions about him when they come up. I have been getting an increasing number of questions and concerns over Obama's faith issues that have been in the media lately. Even my mom, a converted Republican - converted to Clinton - converted to Obama (thanks to me!) is now on the fence again because of the comments made by Obama's pastor. I, of course, have not waivered in my pledge to help Obama to the Presidency, but I feel depressed when I hear people question his faith and beliefs. It makes me want to try even that much harder to win the hearts and minds of voters the way he has with me.

Let me know your thoughts...

David L. Cote

Anyone Interested in a House Party in Burnt Hills?

David L Cote — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:25:34 EDT

Good evening everyone!

I know there are quite a few people from the Ballston Lake/Malta/Burnt Hills area...would anyone be interested in a fund raising house party that Michael Davoli has charged us to organize? If there are a dozen or so people, I will see what I can do to set up a party in a couple of weeks. Please let me know ASAP if you might be interested in attending...

Other thoughts: I find Barack's message very focused right now. While Hillary's campaign can't seem to get their act together, Barack and our campaign has seemed to gain focus. He has hit back hard when attacked by Hillary...at times making her look petty and foolish (i.e. offering him a VP position). He has also initiated a great strategy regarding PA. He knows the focus will be on PA in the next six weeks. He also knows Hillary has a strong lead there so he has shifted the focus from strictly PA to the 'next 10 contests' therefore reducing the focus on PA. I think we failed to do this prior to the OH/TX contests which ended up slowing his momentum briefly after the loss in OH and the split in TX. For a couple weeks prior to those contests, the media would discount his wins focusing on the contests in OH/TX. I think his new strategy is brilliant and will work great! Whether we win or lose in PA, the momentum will continue.

Well...enough for now. Hope to hear from some of you regarding the house party!

David L. Cote

Read what interests you.

B... — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:30:48 EDT

Here are some sites to pick and choose from. There are anti-war, anti-capital punishment, pro-life in various areas. Most are not Christian sites. Though some are. These are voices of our athiest, Jewish, Hindu, Muslin and Catholic brothers and sisters. Pick and choose what interests you. Some are sites cover more than one issue. Not all pro-lifers are christian. The pro-life movement is not one voice. There are many different voices and many different rational. Just giving the non-Christians a voice here. Though Priest for life is Catholic. I can see that the pro-life movement is painted as a religious right wing thought process but here you will find some people who do not fit into that catigory at all. And some people are all pro-life across the board. Just read what you want. This is the voice of other people who are from different ideology, religion and experience. This is other peoples stories. Again I just want to show you that this is not a monolithic thing. People have their reasons and ideas. Not all due to religion. http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Parliament/8383/atheist.html
http://www.l4l.org/library/cathchoi.html
http://www.jewsforlife.org/
http://www.spuc.org.uk/about/muslim-division/why
http://rightreason.ektopos.com/archives/2005/11/prolife_prospec.html
http://www.duncanentertainment.com/interview_rambachan.php
http://www.democratsforlife.org/
http://www.meehanreports.com/
http://www.aaplog.org/
http://www.priestsforlife.org/
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/reasons-against-capital-punishment-death-penalty.html
http://www.studen tabolition.org/
http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/vietnam/antiwar.html
http://www.euthanasia.com/argumentsagainsteuthanasia.html
http://www.starcourse.org/euthanasia.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/ethics/euthanasia/against/against_1.shtml
http://www.starcourse.org/euthanasia.htm
www.antiwar.com http://www.linkcrusader.com/antiwar.htm http://www.unt.edu/lpbr/subpages/reviews/haines.htm http://www.feministsforlife.org/

I wrote this after 9/11

B... — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:22:25 EDT

I wrote this a short time after 9/11.
WHAT IS AN AMERICAN ?BML
What is an American?An American is a personOf any race or religionAn American comes from anywhere.From any Continent From every Country -We are relatives of the worldWe are the Worlds Cousins,Brothers, Sisters, daughters, sons.We are native and from far away.So, to love or hate AmericansIs to love or hate your flesh and blood.We come from the WorldWe hold onto customs From our parent-lands. We hold onto the the religions and beliefs.We brought with us our influence.Yet, so misunderstood. We have many facesWe have many places. Now two being the same. We are different but UnitedWe stand together with Love. We have heroes We will always rememberFor their bravery. We did not create the WorldThe World created us.

Give Us A Goal!

David L Cote — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:38:10 EDT

Hey all!

I'm sitting here listening to Barack in Jackson, MS. I am imagining him in front of the world leaders at the UN invoking hope and inspiration around the world...

You know...I visit BarackObama.com every day...many times a day...and I have to say I have been pretty disappointed lately with the content of the home page. It hasn't really changed much in the past few weeks. When this campaign started, there was new stuff on there every day. Now, only news and blogs are updated. I would like to see more exciting links and videos on the home page.

Here's an idea...give us a goal! Barack has not set a goal for us that we have not met...and in most cases blown out of the water! Give us a goal! Ask us to make 1 million phone calls to PA in the next month. Ask us to raise $1 million per day until the PA primary so we can flood the channels with Barack Obama. Ask us to raise enough money to print a copy of Barack's economic recovery policy for EACH and EVERY PA resident! Heck...ask us to hand deliver them! WE WILL DO IT....YES WE CAN!

I have heard a lot of inner-bickering about Hillary and how some would rather vote for McCain than her. I have to say, I am not very fond of her either, but by making the point you wouldn't vote for her, you are saying there is a chance Barack won't win. We cannot let that happen...for OUR futures...for our CHILDREN'S futures...

One more final thought...I would like to see Obama magnets we can put on our vehicles. Maybe the 'crossed ribbon' with 'HOPE' on it? Just a thought. Would be a huge seller, I'm sure!

David L. Cote - Self Diagnosed 'Barack-a-holic'

Tomorrow's Caucus

David L Cote — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:52:13 EST

If you have read my previous blogs, you will know that I am pretty much addicted to this primary season. Which is why I am so looking forward to the Wyoming caucus tomorrow.

I can't see Barack losing Wyoming. And being a caucus, this bodes well for him as well. I am hoping he trounces Hillary in Wyoming and then Mississippi to gain back the momentum in this race.

With the month and a half between now and the PA primary, Barack needs to pour millions of dollars into the state in advertising...keeping it positive while still showing Pennsylvanians why he is the best choice. I would also recommend making the economy the MAIN focus in the next month. Stop talking about his decision not to vote for the war...at least for now. Save that fight for McCain. Stop talking about health care...that is Hillary's best ground. Concentrate on the economy and detail his plan, whenever possible, to the people of Pennsylvania. The mid and western parts of the state are fairly depressed areas....heavy into manufacturing. They are being hurt badly by the downturn in the economy. Print out millions of brochures outlining his economic plan and get those out to the volunteers. Let US get these to the people of PA and explain his plan.

In my humble opinion....this is what he must do to take PA. If he takes PA, game over...Barack is the nominee. If Hillary wins, or even comes within single digits, she will take this to the Convention and destroy the party.

Please write back and let me know your thoughts. I would like to keep this a running blog considering there will be a lack of excitment for about a month after Mississippi...

D Cote

"Barack-a-holic"

I have turned into a Barack-a-holic!!!!

David L Cote — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:42:05 EST

Well, it's been a while since I have blogged but I feel it is a good time. I have been finding myself very addcited to this Primary season! I watched the Ohio/Texas/RI/Vermont primaries last night from 6:30pm until 12:30pm non-stop. Is there a help group out there? LOL!

Although I was very disappointed with the results last night, there were some silver linings to the clouds. Barack only lost 4 net delegates last night...not bad considering the number of delegates at stake. He also won VT...small delegate count, but another diverse electorate.

I thought his speech last night in San Antonio was one of his best yet. He even managed to congratulate Hillary on her wins in RI and Ohio...imagine that! She has failed to congratulate him in her speeches since the beginning of the campaign.

I find myself wanting to do more, but lacking the ambition since the races seem so far away. Even Ohio seemed far. I am married with a two-year old and another baby on the way...plus my wife and I watch our 92-year old grandmother, so I am not able to travel out of state to canvas like I would like to. I have made some phone calls though, which, I have to admit was pretty fun! I spoke to one gentleman in VA and asked if he planned to vote for Barack. His response was "He's my MAN! I ain't voting for that B****". What do you say to that? LOL

Well, I am free tomorrow evening (wife and kid will be gone) so I am planning on making calls to Wyoming. That should be fun!!!

Please write back and let me know there are more of you Barack-a-holics out there!!!! LOL

Dave

P.S. I think someone on radio should announce they will forgo deodorant (hence be laden with B.O. --Barack Obama-- ) until Hillary concedes the race! What do you think? LOL

More BENNINGTON BARACKS NEWS!

Andrew_Grantsville_Maryland — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:53:30 EST

http://www.advocateweekly.com/ci_8382765 Open this link for Advocate article

Signing off

B... — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:18:40 EST

Hi,

I enjoyed blogging and e-mailing. Plus all the independent research. I do believe that Obama is a smart and good man. Still has my support to this date. Though I have been on the computer too much and I need to do other things.

Yes WE must leave Iraq as quickley and safely as we can. And I believe that Obama is the one who can heal the wounds of this nation.

I love the fact that Obama is going to work for people and families who have disablities. That is one of the things that keeps me in the camp.

There is so much else that I love about Obama. Everyone keep up the good work.

About the white elephant that I keep bringing up. I do believe that whether you are pro-life or pro-choice we can work on lowering the rates of abortion. We can do it by education and by more support toward women. Please work together with love and compassion for each other. And also look at the woman with love and compassion.

The problem with this subject I believe is the fault of the extremes on both sides. In order to have an open dialogue one must know where the other is coming from. neither side is monolithic.

Here is what I observe...first nobody fits neatly into one camp or other there are as many different ideas as there are people...I will start with what i have seen with the extremes and move to the moderates.

PRO_LIFE.

1. The extremes who call the mothers and doctors names and would do anything they can to stop an abortion. They picket and threaten women.

2. The group that is self rightious and goes to church and tells everyone they are going to hell

3. The religiious but not necessarily judgementle. More hate the sin love the sinner attitude. They would work at clinics and help out with women who are pregnant and help with adoptions. They don't approve of birth- control. But they won't judge anyone who uses it. They go to church and believe in a loving and forgiving God.

4. Religious. Supports birth control but not abortion. Willing to work on solutions.

5. People who look not at the religious aspect but from a humanitarian point of view. They look at world history and patterns and apply it to what is happening now. They may look at the slippery slope theory.

6. Various other reasons too many to mention here.

(Also former abortion doctors and women who regret their decisions fall into this camp)

(no person fits neatly into any catigory. Some people fit into one some into more...and some into non. the same can be true of the pro-choice camp....now for some philosopies i have run into)

PR0-CHOICE

1. The people who make money off it.

2. People who call all pro-lifers names and are willing to fight for the right to an abortion no matter what it takes. They would de-face or vandilize any pro-life information.

3. People who are not judgementle of pro-lifers. They don't think that there is really any other answer to untimely pregnancy but for an abortion. They don't like abortions but they think that they are needed. They don't want the woman to miss school or lose her job. They don't want a woman to carry a baby of a rapist. They see the poor and the abused and feel that abortion cuts down on the suffering. They can't think of another solution. They accept abortion as the norm because they grew up with it being legal. Or they hear stories of the back ally abortions and don't want them to happen anymore. The only pro-life information they ever saw or read was the horrible judgemental stuff. They are caring a and loving but don't know what else can be done.

4. People who are mildly pro-choice but if better solutions come up they would be the first in line to endorse it. They don't want women to suffer. willing to read any and all information out there.

(now some women have had abortions who are feeling okay about the choice)

Again there are so many more reasons or idea's out there and I don't have time or space to write about. But I would like the conversation go on. I think instead of fighting with each other we all have to get along. We need to work on solutions. I stated better adoption laws better maternity and paternity laws, better child care. And something we all can do when a friend or or loved one or neighbor. Or even a stranger is pregnant at a time they don't want to be. That is to give all our love and support for the woman. She needs all the love she can get. I think that if we ignore the extremes and look for honest and good information we can do it. We can find a better life.

I have done much research. I find that good places to look are Child Development Books, Planned Parenthood, Mary Meehan, Your own Church, Dr. and Mrs. Wilkes, Religious Tolerance, The history of Margaret Sanger and everything she wrote. Just the Facts web-site has information. Democrats for Life, Feminist for life, The constitution itself, Stories and books by Abortion doctors (both practicing and who have left the practice) Testimonies of women who had abortions,These and many other sites and books are available

I have to admit some sites I could not spend time looking at was The Silent Scream...that I could not handle. Or the pictures they were gruesome.

If I site said hateful things about women who I abort I avoided that site, I do have to warn you some site are just not worth taking a look at. Some sites you want to avoid.

If you want to understand the people who you disagree with, find out where they are coming from. And find out what solutions both sides can agree on. Most important is education, education, education.

and I myself do support birth control. I believe if the mothers life is endangered do what it takes to save her life, even if that means you may end up losing the baby in the process. And if a woman is raped get her in to the hospital ASAP. Don't put it off for even a day. Make sure she gets all the support that she can get...she is going to need love and support. All people need love and support.

Please let there be peace on earth (let it begin here and now with me and you)...

Peace be with you.

Keep up the good work with Obama.

(the above is true not only about abortion but can be applied to everything. Key is understand where people are coming from is the first step in working together)

YES WE CAN

LETTER TO THE EDITOR!!! WAY TO GO JER!!!!!!!

Andrew_Grantsville_Maryland — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:49:46 EST

Our own infamous Jerry Skapof got his wonderful letter into the Rutland Herald! Way to go Jer!

Please read print and distribute Jerry's letter. Thanks Jerry!

CLICK HERE TO READ JERRY'S LETTER

Please join the Capital Region NY Grouo

Michael — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:30:39 EST

Friends

It has come to my attention that some of you may not have received some of the emails from our group that have been going around recently. While I very much apologize for this I have to ask for your patience and encourage you to take some basic steps which should resolve the problem. As you all know we are a 100% volunteer operation and we only have so much time to spend on a daily basis.

If you are not receiving emails from us (mostly me) on a regular basis (about twice a week) then perhaps you may not be on our group email list. Unfortunately only you can add yourself to this list. To join the e-list go to www.albanyforobama.com. When you get to this page you will see an invitation to “Join this Group” Please join the group and be sure to select the option that will allow you receive all emails from us.

Members of this group will get emails from me automatically. If you are not getting emails from the group but you think that you are signed up I recommend leaving the group and then rejoining it and making sure you check the box asking for emails.

I hope that this information helps. We are in the process of merging all of our lists in order to get a better system for updating people. In the meantime you can always find a list of events in the area by going to this link:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_results?type=simple&circle_id=446

Thanks

Feminist For Life

B... — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:54:31 EST

Feminist For life is a pro-woman and pro-child organization working for solutions for women who do not want to be pregnant. It is a super positive and loving organization. It is a site that tries to find ways to see that women and children get the care that they need. It give tons of positive and loving solutions. If you had an abortion and you are suffering and sad they have a few links to organizations that can help you. This group is pushing for supporting women who are preganant and helping women get through the pregnancy. It is all about empowering women.

Look it up under Feminist For Life. women deserve better.

DETAILS! DETAILS! DETAILS!

Andrew_Grantsville_Maryland — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:54:35 EST

Ever hear the expression " the devil is in the details"? Apparently, some voters are vexed and perplexed by Barack. They say he is short on details. These are the very same people whose eyes glazed over 8 years ago when Al Gore was giving them an avalanche of details. Ya just can't win with some people.

Sooooooooo, lets get prepared and fill in the blanks for these folks that say that Barack is short on details.

I have one observation and an idea that works for me and maybe will for you.

Firstly, my observation. I have been doing a lot of phone banking and the voters I speak with that bring up this objection about Barack are those voters over age 65 years old. For the most part, I would say, older people are tired of change and keeping up with change gets tougher when we get older.

Now for an idea. Download some position papers from Barack's web site and put them in folders or binders and carry them with you. When you come up with this objection, as representatives for Obama our job is to overcome this objection. Use the resources here to do that. Either hand it to the person in person yourself and ask them to read it and get back to you, or mail it to them if you are phone banking and then follow up again in a few days.

Women Deserve Better than we have it

B... — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:23:27 EST

Women deserve much more respect than we get in our society. We deserve to be treated with respect. We need to be honored for what life path we choose. It seems that motherhood is not honored as much as it should be. We who spend the most time with our children (in some cases it is the mother other cases it is the father) are the ones who shape the future. Raising Children is the most important job any person can ever have. Parenthood is the toughtest and most challenging job a person can ever have.

I feel that people do not look at our choice as an honor but a burden. I feel that society does not respect motherhood. And Children are viewed as property. Children deserve honor and respect and deserve our respect. The current system I think and believe degrades women and children. Women are treated like herds of animals and children as objects. That attitude needs to change. We need more life affirming solutions and not things that can leave women suffering for the rest of their lives.

When we get pregnant sometimes it is with joy and sometimes we tell women to get rid of it. I find that very belittling to women and children. I think when women get pregnent and are not ready they need love and support not condimnation. I think that women and children need far more respect than society gives us. And we need to find a life and love giving (to both women and children) options. I would like to see our society honor women and children.

Men and women need to like each other better too. We should work together to make it a better world. Honor women, mothers, children men. Honor people who would love to have children but can't. We need to honor life.

Peace to all.

IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT BUS TRIP TO OHIO

Michael — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:18:06 EST

Bus Trip from Albany to Ohio FEB 29-MAR 2

Sign up and Make Deposits Now

Below are the details for the bus trip from Albany to Cleveland Ohio. Please review carefully and make sure you make your deposit (see below) in order to guarantee a spot on the bus.

DEPARTURE:

Friday February 29th, 4pm from the Albany Public Library (161 Washington Avenue. Albany)

The bus is planning on stopping in Syracuse to pick up passengers (exact location TBA) at 6:30pm.

ARRIVAL:

The bus will arrive in Cleveland Ohio at around 12midnight Friday evening.

RETURN:

The bus will depart from Cleveland at or before 3pm and return to Albany at or before 12midnight. It will stop in Syracuse to drop people off along the way.

HOUSING

We have reserved 14 hotel rooms in Cleveland. The rooms have 2 double beds and we are going to pair 4 people per room. Men and women will not share rooms. We appreciate your patience with us as we must keep our costs down.

Days Inn Cleveland Airport

16161 Brookpark Rd Cleveland

FOOD

We will provide breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner Saturday will be on your own. The bus will stop along the way on Friday and Sunday evenings for people to eat. We will also have some snacks available. When you sign up please let us know if you are a vegetarian.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

Your time in Ohio will mostly be spent outside, knocking on doors, and persuading voters that they should vote for Barack Obama. It will be cold outside, so everyone should be prepared to dress warmly. If some people can’t go out and knock on doors we will have some phone calls available for them to make. Since you are traveling some distance we would hope that you could stay all day. Tentatively, the canvasses will start around 10 A.M. and run until 1 or 2. Than your group can come back to the staging area, grab some lunch, and head back out there. Out of state volunteers are twice as useful as in state volunteers because you made the commitment and you can go out there again.

COST

The cost of the trip will be $50 per person and includes hotel room, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday and transportation. Additionally we are asking anyone who can afford it, to make an additional donation to cover the remaining cost of the trip. We are actively working to raise money to pay for the trip but the actual cost of the trip is far more than the $50 per person that we are charging. So please make an additional donation if you can.

RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSIT

If you would like to come on the trip you must reserve a spot on the bus ASAP. To reserve a spot please click HERE or call 518-434-0944. When you make your reservation make sure to include: 1) a phone number where we can reach you; 2) your email address; 3) if you are a vegetarian or not 4) and most importantly where you intend to board the bus (Albany or Syracuse)

Once you have signed up via the website or via the phone we need you to make your deposit on the trip. In order to guarantee a spot on the bus we need everyone to pay in advance. There are three ways you can do so.

1) Send a check of at least $50 to:

Coalition to Save Albany

C/O Anton Konev, treasurer

212 Schoolhouse Rd, Albany NY 12203

2) Send your credit card payment via PayPal.com to the address: info@albanyforobama.com

3) Bring in your check or cash to the Albany for Obama Campaign Office, 92 Lexington Ave. Albany, NY.

If you do not make your payment ahead of time we cannot guarantee yourself a spot on the bus. We will take all additional people on a first come first serve basis at the time of the bus departure.

We thank all of you for your support and hard work. With your help we can be the change that our country needs.

Bus Trip from Albany to Ohio

Michael — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:57:23 EST

Bus Trip from Albany to Ohio

FEB 29-MAR 2

We are currently in the process of organizing a bus trip from Albany NY to Cleveland Ohio to help out in Ohio the weekend before the primary. There are limited spaces available so please sign up ASAP.

Details are in the works but as of now the bus will be leaving Albany at 4pm on Friday February 29th and arriving in Cleveland late Friday night. It will potentially make stops in Syracuse and Buffalo. On Saturday volunteers will knock on doors in Cleveland and help mobilize voters. On Sunday volunteers will help with visibility and possibly knock on some more doors before departing in the afternoon. The bus will arrive back in Albany by 11pm on Sunday night. We are reserving hotel rooms and arranging all the details.

The cost of the trip will be $50 per person and includes hotel room, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday and transportation. Additionally we are asking anyone who can afford it, to make an additional donation to cover the remaining cost of the trip. We are actively working to raise money to pay for the trip.

If you are interested please RSVP as soon as possible. MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4rscd

More details will be coming soon.

Thanks

Where I think Obama will shine

B... — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:12:32 EST

I think that Barack Obama will make a difference with the way the world looks at us. I think he will be very good on an International level. I think that he will bring back some old friends and maybe even make some new friends. I think that I don't know if he will be able to pull us out of Iraq as quickly as he promised but I think he will bring us out. I think he will surround himself with people who are very good at advising him.

I think he will bring more awareness to children and adults who have disabilities and encourage us to have a better system that will help families at all ages and points.

I think that he will get people to talk to each other more and try to solve problems. I know that he is a big inspiration to me to get out and express myself more.

I think that he is a very intelligent man who cares about human beings.

Although you all know where I stand with abortion I do not think that the President really has that much impact on abortion. So I feel don't feel guilty about voting pro-choice candidate. I think that where he does have influence and the things he can do something about he is very much in line with my thinking. So I do believe that he is the best candidate out there.

I like a challange

B... — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:42:16 EST

If I were supporting a Republican I would be trying to talk about unjust wars, gun control and Capital punishment. I would tell them if they do not believe in abortion as a choice I will tell them to reconcider their thinking on the other issues. In fact my sister and I convinced our Mother that Capital Punishment was wrong. It took awhile. My Mother was stauncly against abortion. But on the other hand my sister and I asked her why she supported capital punishment? We worked together and finally she changed her opinion on Capital punishment. She than became anti capital punishment and pro-life. So If I were supporting a Republican I would be challenging the party. But I am voting for Barack Obama. But I like to challange our thinking.

If a person is anti abortion but for this war I would challenge them too. Believe me I am talking to the republicans that I know.

We all are against the Iraqi war. Most of us are against capital punishment. Most of us are for very strict gun-control (some of us may even want to get rid of guns if we could. most of us hate discrimnation in all forms. most of us care about people who live in poverty. Those are subjects that we are singing to the choir with. And MOST of us agree on many of these issues. We would like to improve our environment. We all want the world to be safe. We all want to see that nobody starves and that everyone has a safe home. I believe that homosexual couples need to be respected and have rights. I would like to see Amtrack getting more funds and that we would be able to take it more often. I would like to see more Autotrains. I would like to have better city planning instead of hodgepodge building. I would like our towns, cities and suburbs to be more pedestrian friendly. And I would like to be able to walk for most of my errands. I would like life to be a little more simple. I would love to see a back to nature move.

The only way to succeed in changing things are by talking about the subjects that are tough. Maybe we can come up with solutions.

All of us want a happier life. And all of us want peace on earth. All I want is peace on earth and everyone to get along.

Back to basics

B... — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 08:21:40 EST

On our death bed the most common comment is "I should have spent more time with my family"

How many people say "I wish I made more money" ?

How many people say "I wish I spent more time the office" ?

That is what we as Americans need to do. We need to spend more time with our family. (That includes me, I need to turn off the computer and only use when they are sleeping. And I need to turn off the TV)

I am lucky and my kids too since I get to stay home. We do have to watch our pennies but for me I get to be their for all their big events. And I love it. I have friends who are PT and OT and Electrolisis and Tutors who work around their children's schedules (instead of the children working around theirs) The families with two incomes and working at demanding jobs do not have enough time to spend with any of the kids in the neighborhood. I see the families in passing smile and wave at them. But those of us who stay home or those who fit the schedule around the kids when kids are in school have playdates and a very close circle of friends. Our children are little for such a short time.

Kids need our love and attention. Kids need to know that we are there for them and have a shoulder to cry on. I feel that no job is more important than raising our children, My husbands job does not hold a candle to the awsome responsiblity that I have. Yes he gets out of the house and his job is important. But shaping our children is the most important thing we do. I have to cut down on my computer time. The kids are not getting the attention that they need.

I do not want my children to look for love in all the wrong places. I want them to know that I am there for them any time 24 hours a day. Even if they wake in the middle of the night. I have known many stay home mothers and fathers. I realize some people have to work. I realize that some people have to make a living. But I myself would give anything up to spend all the time with our young children.

I am lucky that my kids can go outside and play with the neighbors that seems to be a luxery today. It seems to be something that is not as common as it used to be. Our Children are our future and we need to let them know that we love them. When you work outside the home than really the only time you have to spend with them is the time that you are home so that means that you really don't get to go out and blow off steam with your freinds. Unless work is the place were you find your peace. I guess that is why we don't get to know our neighbors who do have two incomes because all that time is working or with the kids. Not much down time....It must be stressful. More power to you.

But what our society needs is to slow down and look at the beuaty around us. We need to visit our local state parks. We need to spend time communing in nature. Our kids need to play outside with the kids in the neighborhood. We need to get to know our neighbors. We need to be parents to our kids. We need to answer questions and tell it to them straight.

We need to just enjoy life at all levels. We need to respect our elders and listen to their stories and histories. Our culture needs to simplify. We need to let go of our materlism, that only makes us want more.

The things that matter in life are family, friends, neighbors, communtiries, our faith, nature, animals, life, our country, our world, our environment and people (all people)

We need to get back to the basics and enjoy our world. Money is only to buy food and shelter and clothes and whatever else we need for survival. But we can not be consumed by the money.

Mary Meehan

B... — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:27:10 EST

Mary Meehan is a woman who values all life. She marched against the Veitinam War. She has done much research on the cost of war, suicide, eugenics, abortion, euthansia. She has a wealth of information. Please read what she has to say about all these issues. She talks about all the above issues and she is well worth reading.

www.meehanreports.com

I find what she has to say very educational and informative. She is a reporter who really knows her stuff.

Questions

B... — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:49:30 EST

Is it consistent to be against the war and for abortion? When does life begin? How can one be against taking one life and for taking another? Just ask yourself these questions and really think about them. I am not telling you what to think in my response. But pick up information on child developement. Look at the ultrasounds. Talk to women who have had miscarriages and abortions. Talk to couples who have tried to have a baby for years and had to go overseas to adopt. Look up information on STD's. Is a fetus alive. Read the description of what happens in abortions. Really listen and see if you still think that elective abortions are okay. Talk to parents of children whose disabilities became noticed later in life like pre-school or elementry school. Really learn all that you can about the subject. Read Planned Parenthood stuff but also read stuff that is on the other side of the issue. Read about STD's. Read Mary Meehan she has tons of well researched information. Then tell me that you support abortion. Please do your homework both Pro and Con abortion.

our culture

B... — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:26:17 EST

Barack Obama says that we have to change our minds and hearts. I agree. I think he is right. He says we the people need to change things. That is right. I do think both the Republican and Democratic Parties have lost their way. And to me that is a sign that we as people have lost our way. The Republican Party was the party of Lincoln and of Teddy Roosevelt. And they have lost that direction somewhere along the way. The Democratic party started as the opptomistic party of life. And they have lost their way with abortion. The Democratic Party still holds some of the life values but we need to be life accross the board.

We are the party who helps people who can not help themselves. We are the party that is against unjust war. We are the party agains capital punishment. But we do not protect the unborn. I personally feel ALL life needs to be protected. I think ELECTIVE-abortion is a symptom of so much.

Our culture is a throw away culture. We own big homes, big cars, lots of clothes (more than we need) we eat excessive amounts of food, We have more toys than we need and our relationships are throw away too. Friends come and go. Some of us do not even know our next door neighbors anymore. We need to get back to the basis.

Like the anti-smoking campaign we need to talk about the dangers of having multiple relationships or one night stands. We need to talk about not only the pregnancy that comes from it but also the very serious diseases. It does affect other people. There are babies who are born with AIDES. Ryan White had a tainted blood transfusian and died of AIDES. Some spouse who are faithful get a disease from a cheating spouse. Not to mention the emotional toll it takes. Think about couples where one is in it for the sex and the other wants a more serioius relationship. And also the finacial burden we pay for the treatment of the STD and unwanted pregnancy. We get grossed out when someone spits but think about the body fluids in a sexual encounter. Yes I do believe if a person chooses to be active they need to know all about how to use the birth control properly and use two forms in case one fails. I agree that condoms should be used if you choose that lifestyle. But I think it is even more important to point out the dangers and risks of that lifestyle (like we did with smoking). We all pay the price of a few people in insurance and taxes. Or getting tainted blood in a transflusion. The people who choose that lifestyle are good people and nice people and I hate to see them suffer from their decisions. We as a people need to support each other.

If you cannot or do not want to raise your child than birth-rite is an organization that offers support. Birth-rite can help you decide whether you want to give up for adoption or raise and they are supportive. If a friend or family member get pregnant you need to support them and do what you can for them not judge them.

We need to be good neighbors, We need to pay attention to our families and friends. We need to get to the basics. We need to be there for each other. I also think that we need to teach our children how to respect their bodies and other people. We need to value life.

I agree this war is unjust. I feel sick that we let the torture happen. Each and everyone of us also have to realize that we have to look to our own choices and think about how our choices impact other people. We are not a very happy society and we need to find the happiness that is missing. We need to get in touch with our family, friends and ourselves.

Obama is right change takes place with us and we need to make changes in our own lives and that is how change takes place.

It starts with me. It starts with us.

Peace be with you.

Robert Reich on NPR

Bernie — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:24:10 EST

Just heard Robert Reich on NPR and he said that Barack's Health Care plan is much more realistic than Clinton's . He did not endorse Obama but came pretty close. He said that he is intrigued and in agreement with many of Barack's economic policies....this information should get out to the general public. Hillary promotes her health care policy....but Robert Reich says Barach's is better.!!

Bernie Dunn

Barack's mom

Bernie — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:43:25 EST

An AP post on Barack's blog .....talks about his mom...this is my responseThis is wonderful....I wonder why we don't hear more about her? I would love to know more about her and her influence on Barack. Obviously she had a tremendous influence on Barack and I think the world would love to know about things that she did that shaped him. I read his book and still feel there is more to know. I would encourage him to talk about it in his campaign and in other arenas with news media.
Bernie Dunn

my opinion

B... — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:59:34 EST

Amtrack certainly needs to be supported. Think about all the forms of transportation and what is the best for the environment. Even though the train is not perfect it is much better than the alternitive forms. Cars and airplanes certainly emitt tons of carbons. We need to keep supporting Amtrack and we should consider traveling by train when possible. It really is a fun way to travel less stressful than by airplane. But you do need to have some time to do it. The food is also good on Amtrack. I think we should do more train travel.

Car companies need to make cars that are safer for the environment.

Suberbs need to be more pedestrian friendly. Plus it would be nice to be able to walk to restaurants and our daily activies. Also we need local playgrounds where we can take our kids to by walking or biking. My neighbor fought against a park district. I tried with others to make a play area within walking distance so we would not have to drive every day. We need to make bike paths in all neighborhoods so that the bike riders are not at risk of being hit by cars. Builders should not be allowed to build without having a big plan that makes it easy for people to be able to walk, bike and run errands without cars every single day. The way that suberbs are built up discourage walking. Most communitees were built without plans and also favor cars. That really has to stop.

We all need to recycle which not all neighborhoods do. I know that some neighborhoods make that very hard for citizines to do.

I remember I walked to school when I was a kid. And things were no safer than than it is now. In fact the Oakland County Killer was on the loose at that time. That was a horrible and scary time. We had a buddy system where we had to walk with someone. We had crossing guards who helped us cross the street safly

Now eveyone seems to be bused or driven to school. It would be nice if schools were in pedestrian safe neighborhoods and closer to the homes. That would cut down on emissions. For generations kids walked to school. And even in neighborhoods with wild animals. We worry too much.

We love our cars. And even if we don't love our cars we have to depend on driving in order to get everything done unless we are lucky enough to live somewhere where we can walk places.

Woman Card

B... — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:28:25 EST

bill Clinton is using the woman card in his latest speech. He said he always wanted to vote for a woman because his mother was a widow..........

Who cares if she is a woman or a man? That is not what we need to think about. Gender and Race should not be a deciding factor in any way shape or form. We should instead look at who we trust. We need to look at the issues and who lines up with where we stand. We should think about who can fix this international mess we got ourselves into. We need to pick someone who motivates us. We have to vote for who we think can handle the job. We have so much at stake that we can't look at the superfisical and look at the substance. We have to dig deep in our thoughts and see who we really trust. Playing the gender game is not the way to go. Neither is playing the race game. I think that there is only one race anyway that is the human race.

The Clintons stratigy is going to change since they have a new manager. Who knows what changes but we need to be able to address them.

Personally I think Obama has vision. And if anyone can renew trust in our country it is Obama.

plan B

B... — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:52:54 EST

I heard that Hillary Clinton fired her campaign manager. If she did and if she get the nomination (because of the superdeligates) lets send a message loud and clear that we will not support her disloyality to those who worked their hearts out for her. I myself can not vote for a person who throws people away if they are no use to them. How would you feel if you dedicated your time and effort to someone and they tossed you out like yesterdays garbage. More the reason to make sure Obama gets the nomination and if something happens to upset his win we have to tell Hillary that we can not support her behavior. And yes vote for McCain if we have to. I am sure that if things are fare and square Obama will get the nomination.

I hate to get negitive but I just don't like the latest thing the Clinton camp did.

Sign the Super Delegate Petition

Michael — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:17:58 EST

Friends As a way of showing our support for the democratic process without alienating many of the party leaders nationwide, we have created a petition asking the Super Delegates to honor the voices of the people by honoring the votes of the people. Please share this online petition with friends and family far and wide.

We intend to show a strong support for democracy without putting the Super Delegates on the defensive. One thing that is clear, most Super Delegates do not want to be put in a situation where they have to choose our party nominee. With this petition we can give them the confidence to step back and defer to the voices of the millions of Democratic voters who cast votes in primaries and attended caucuses in the past few months. So please send along this email and this link to as many people as you can.

To sign the petition, go to:

http://www.petitiononline.com/choice08/petition.html

Lastly, the campaign has asked its supporters not to contact the Super Delegates. While we are honoring their wish and encourage all of you to do the same, we do strongly believe that we need to build support for honoring the voices of the voters.

Therefore we have launched this petition and we hope you will all sign it. http://www.petitiononline.com/choice08/petition.html

Thanks Mike Davoli

Albany for Obama

www.albanyforobama.com

events and support

B... — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:52:22 EST

I just peeked at Hillary's web site and checked out the events. I saw a total of one within 100 miles from me. (I live upstate NY) And the person wrote that they just got back from Minnasota and noticed that there were no events going on so she decided to have one.

Obama has 20 events within 100 miles from me. What does that say?

I am surprise that Clinton took NY because she has had fewer events here. It just does not make sense that Obama has far more events and she took the State. What gives?

Benefit concert

B... — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:23:48 EST

who would like to put on a benefit concert? It would be awsome to have benefit concerts throughout the country.

Things look good

B... — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:01:35 EST

Three for three last night. Let the good times roll. : )

Did you see Chelsea hanging out in CT polling place.

B... — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:47:29 EST

Has anyone seen the video of Chelsea Clinton in the polling place in CT? She was handing out coffee to the poll workers around the time the polls opening. And she left a couple minutes after the announcements. In CT the law states that the people working the campaigns are not allowed 75 ft from the polling place. She was inside giving coffee to the poll workers. Does that sound like she was breaking a law? And what do you think about her giving coffee to poll workers in the first place ? Was that to buy influence? Was that acceptable? I don't think it was just a nice thing to do, I think that was the reason. What right does she have hanging out at a polling place at opening time. Did Hillary and Bill send her in? Or did she do it behind their back? I just have many questions.

chelsea

B... — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:03:38 EST

here is the feed. what do you think?

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4246636

Best wishes

B... — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:56:41 EST

Aner | Tuesday, February 5, 2008
ABC News has the headline “Did Chelsea Clinton Break the Law?”

What was her pernicious deed?

Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton’s Election Day visit to New Haven poll workers Tuesday prompted state election officials to caution that politicking within 75 feet of polling sites is against state law.

Two television station reporters told state officials Tuesday morning that Clinton brought poll workers coffee and talked with a firefighter at a New Haven precinct when polls opened at 6 a.m., said Adam Joseph, a spokesman for the secretary of the state’s office.

WTNH-TV reported that Chelsea Clinton immediately went outside after election moderator Nilda Torres announced that the polls were open.

Mmm hmm. So, did she break the law?

“I did not consider it an issue because she didn’t come here, as far as I’m concerned, to influence anything here or disrupt us,” Torres said. “She was here, I opened the polls and then she left.”

No formal complaint about the incident was filed, but Deputy Secretary of the State Lesley Mara e-mailed New Haven registrars to remind them of the 75-foot rule, Joseph said.

So that would be no?

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Comments

There is much to be concerned with about the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency.

This incident is not one of them.

Posted by Beldar | February 6, 2008 | 01:06 am | Permalink

ahh, yeah, it would be a no.

Posted by Tano | February 6, 2008 | 03:03 am | Permalink

Sure she broke the law. Here you had someone who's hit the campaign trail for a major candidate bringing gifts to polling place workers on election day. It was an obvious and flagrant criminal act. Only a liberal would rationalize it as innocent and only because it was perpetrated by a fellow liberal.

Posted by William d'Inger | February 6, 2008 | 09:57 am | Permalink

"brought poll workers coffee"
No donuts?
McCain-Feingold?

Posted by teqjack | February 6, 2008 | 11:55 am | Permalink

Sure she broke the law. ... It was an obvious and flagrant criminal act.

Ah fer chrissakes lighten up. You're gonna give yourself an aneurysm.

Posted by sam | February 6, 2008 | 12:07 pm | Permalink

Ah, the joys of a clinton presidency. Nothing like watching thousands of rabid rightwing conspirators savage a young woman.

Hey at least this time they aren't going to be picking on a twleve year old.

Cause you know that might show a little lack of character...

Posted by Tlaloc | February 6, 2008 | 12:11 pm | Permalink

Only a "fellow liberal" would defend the Chelsea Clinton donut scandal, William d'Inger? Well, I guess you might be right - I certainly don't see it as an issue. Maybe we could get Ken Starr to come out of retirement and investigate.

Until then though I await expectantly your definitive pronouncement of "he broke the law" in response to any of the numerous and far more substantial allegations of lawbreaking made against Bush and his administration.

I'm sure this omission is just an oversight on your part.

Posted by Jim | February 6, 2008 | 03:42 pm | Permalink

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Did Chelsea Clinton Break the Law???

B... — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:49:29 EST

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Home > Politics

Did Chelsea Clinton Break the Law?

Former First Daughter's Polling Place Appearance Questioned

Clinons

Democratic presidential hopeful US Sen. Hillary Clinton (L) (D-NY) talks to reporters as her daughter Chelsea (C) and her husband former US President Bill Clinton (R) look on at the Douglas Grafflin Elementary School polling place February 5, 2008 in Chappaqua, New York. Voters will go to the polls in 22 states for the Super Tuesday presidential primary election. (Justin Sullivan/Getty)

NEW HAVEN, Conn.

Feb. 5, 2008

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Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton's Election Day visit to New Haven poll workers Tuesday prompted state election officials to caution that politicking within 75 feet of polling sites is against state law.

Two television station reporters told state officials Tuesday morning that Clinton brought poll workers coffee and talked with a firefighter at a New Haven precinct when polls opened at 6 a.m., said Adam Joseph, a spokesman for the secretary of the state's office.

Catholic Bishops gave green light

B... — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:32:30 EST

----- Original Message -----FromTo: Roman Catholics for ObamaSent: Friday, February 08, 2008 12:00 PMSubject: [RomanCatholicsforObama] Re: excerpt from Bishop's letter
This is the excerpt from the long version of the "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:
A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States."

Here's a paste up of it also:

Issued by USCCB, November 14, 2007Copyright © 2007, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C.All rights reserved.To order a copy of this statement, please visit www.usccbpublishing.org and click on“New Titles.” Forming Consciences for Faithful CitizenshipA Call to Political Responsibility fromthe Catholic Bishops of the United States 34. Catholics often face difficult choices about how to vote. This is why it is so important to vote according to a well-formed conscience that perceives the proper relationship among moral goods. A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter’s intent is to support that position. In such cases a Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in grave evil. At the same time, a voter shouldnot use a candidate’s opposition to an intrinsic evil to justify indifference or inattentiveness to other important moral issues involving human life and dignity. 35. There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate’s unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons. Voting in this way would be permissible only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil. 36. When all candidates hold a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, the conscientious voter faces a dilemma. The voter may decide to take the extraordinary step of not voting for any candidate or, after careful deliberation, may decide to vote for the candidate deemed less likely to advance such a morally flawed position and more likely to pursue other authentic human goods. 37. In making these decisions, it is essential for Catholics to be guided by a well-formed conscience that recognizes that all issues do not carry the same moral weight and that the moral obligation to oppose intrinsically evil acts has a special claim on our consciences and our actions. These decisions should take into account a candidate’s commitments, character, integrity, and ability to influence a given issue. In the end, this is a decision to be made by each Catholicguided by a conscience formed by Catholic moral teaching.

-----

Hillary's money situation.

Bernie — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:46:08 EST

I am very concerned this is a ruse....she is using this to get sympathy money and free air time. Look at all the coverage she has gotten on this. And then she wants debates for more free air time....give me a break!

And the hype of the media concerns me....their over projection makes Barack's wonderful wins look like they are not living up to expectations. We need to be careful...this happened in New Hampshire and Super Tuesday. I don't think it is malicious on the media's part but wonder whether the Clinton surrogates (Penn) are trying to mislead the public.

Bernie

Missouri

B... — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:59:38 EST

Hi everyone,

I was listening to NPR yesterday. What I heard was that Missouri is the bellwater state. According to whomever was talking (I did not catch his name). that whomever wins in Missouri usually wins. Now according to this man who was talking only once has Missouri ever been wrong and that is when they picked Stevenson. So that should make us feel even better. I guess that they have such a big variety of people from differant backgrounds and points of view that they represent the whole country cross section. I guess that we should look at that and see if that happens again this year with both the primaries and the election in November. That is what I heard on NPR. Did anyone else hear that report? If so did you catch the name of the person who said that? I not saying the exact words but that is what I understood him to say.

Look to following states

B... — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:04:04 EST

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Some Big States After Super Tuesday

Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:16 AM EST

politics, states, super-tuesday, later

The Associated Press, AP Writer

For all the attention focused on the Super Tuesday primaries, some delegate-rich states will still be left after Feb 5. Some of the bigger ones:

Feb. 12:

— 168 Democratic delegates, including 83 in Virginia and 70 in Maryland.

— 116 Republican delegates, including 63 in Virginia and 37 in Maryland.

March 4:

— 370 Democratic, including 193 in Texas and 141 in Ohio.

— 256 Republican, including 137 in Texas and 85 in Ohio.

April 22:

— 158 Democratic in Pennsylvania.

May 6:

— 187 Democratic, including 115 in North Carolina and 72 in Indiana.

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After super tuesday

B... — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:01:24 EST

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Some Big States After Super Tuesday

Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:16 AM EST

politics, states, super-tuesday, later

The Associated Press, AP Writer

For all the attention focused on the Super Tuesday primaries, some delegate-rich states will still be left after Feb 5. Some of the bigger ones:

Feb. 12:

— 168 Democratic delegates, including 83 in Virginia and 70 in Maryland.

— 116 Republican delegates, including 63 in Virginia and 37 in Maryland.

March 4:

— 370 Democratic, including 193 in Texas and 141 in Ohio.

— 256 Republican, including 137 in Texas and 85 in Ohio.

April 22:

— 158 Democratic in Pennsylvania.

May 6:

— 187 Democratic, including 115 in North Carolina and 72 in Indiana.

— 96 Republican, including 69 in North Carolina.

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Too Close for comfort

B... — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:41:19 EST

I am going to try to maintain a very cautious opt... I will not give up. But I will try to hold onto the hope. It is much too close to call. It certainly looks like this will go to Convention. Certainly looks like we will not have a nominee until the Democratic Convention. I will hold onto my hope and dreams of Obama as President.

Look at it this way, the Clintons certainly are tough and do everything and anything to win. And Obama is proving to be tough enough to stand up to the Clintons. If he wins against the Clintons it means that he has what it takes to deal with Leaders of other countries who are tough to deal with. The Clintons are giving him a lot of practice.

If he wins it will be well deserved. If not well he put enough effort into winning and he has already made a huge and positive influence on our country. He still has a chance and lets hope he makes it. Lets keep the hope. We still have states that have not had a chance to vote.

This is priceless!

Kelly Anderson — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:53:50 EST

I just received an email from a friend of mine and had to share it. It was entitled "John's Get Out the Vote Efforts" (John is her 3 1/2 year old son).

"We were in the driveway today, getting into the car, when the mailman pulled up with our mail. John yelled to him, "I have to go. We're going to vote for Barack-O-Rama!!"

It is too close.

B... — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:20:56 EST

I just got back from a friends house. Just got away from all of this for a couple hours. I voted for Obama. Now the power is in the hand of the voters who still need to vote and the delegates. I had a couple glasses of wine. I am so nervious. This is so close that it is scary. I think that a few more states need to vote and than we will have the convention. Probably won't know for sure for awhile.

I wish that Obama could be ahead further. This is the most attention I have ever paid to any campaign. And this is the most passionate I have ever felt about any candidate.

VOTE TODAY

B... — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:37:48 EST

VOTE FOR OBAMA

VOTE

VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA

VOTE

VOTE TODAY

VOTE FOR BARACK

VOTE

VOTE FOR OBAMA

VOTE TODAY

VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA TODAY.

TODAY IS SUPER TUESDAY

REMEMBER TO VOTE.

Polls open

B... — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:13:40 EST

I went to vote at 9am. I found out that the polls open at noon here. I don't know where they open at other places. Please check your local voting areas to see if your polls are open yet. I will go back at noon.

And after voting I am going to fill up on yummy fast food and meat. It is Mardi Gras or fat Tuesday. So I am going to have a good time. I am going to have a mocha latte with whipped cream, cheese cake or something else sweet and have a great big hamburger with the works or maybe a huge pizza. Maybe I will go to the new mexican restuarant...I am going to celebrate today. Maybe some ice cream would hit the spot.

Best wishes

B... — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:32:55 EST

We are down to the wire. Now is the moment of truth. That is unless things are too close to call and we wil than have to wait until the Convention. We have done our work. We have gotten the word out. Lets see if our voices are heard. Hopefully we wiil still be talking in November. Heres to the Presidency. Heres to the nomination. Whatever happens Barack Obama already has a positive impact on our country. People are talking and listening to each other. People are listening to people who have an opposite point of view and trying to find common ground and work for a solution. Hopefully we can bring Obama into the Whitehouse and continue this conversation. Best of luck. Please vote.

Peace Be With You.

Maria Shriver Endorsement!

Kelly Anderson — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 18:32:11 EST

Did you all just catch the Maria Shriver endorsement? Thank you thank you thank you Maria Shriver! What an unbelievable speech, an unbelievable rally. I hosted a Why Obama? Women for Obama House Party yesterday and just moments ago got a telephone call from one of the women who attended. I hadn't met her until yesterday but when she called she said, "I know you don't know me very well, but did you see what just happened?" She wanted to share "the moment" with another Obama supporter and thought to call me. This is what this campaign and this man is all about...bringing people together. Thank you...

East coast

B... — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 08:31:39 EST

Is Barack on the East coast this weekend? Is he at Hartford????

Is he speaking in Boston Monday? Is he making stops in New York at all????

LAST WEEKEND BEFORE SUPER TUESDAY

B... — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:16:17 EST

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR BARACK OBAMA ANY WAY YOU CAN. WE NEED YOU TO JOIN IN THE RALLYS AND VISIBLITIES. WE NEED TO WEAR OUR BUTTONS. I CHECKED OUT SOME RALLIES AND NOTICED THAT WE NEED BIGGER NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS TO JOIN IN.

WE NEED EVERY SINGLE STATE. EVERY SINGLE STATE COUNTS.

CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK YOU HAVE THE LARGE POPULATIONS AND WE NEED YOU TO SHOW A HUGE NUMBER. WE NEED ALL STATES. IF YOU CAN'T MAKE A RALLY THAN PLEASE WEAR YOUR BUTTONS. THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND BEFORE SUPER TUESDAY. AND WE ARE VERY CLOSE. WE CAN DO IT. WE NEED EVERYONE WHO IS PASSIONATE FOR OBAMA TO SHOW UP AND BE COUNTED. PLEASE LOOK AT THE EVENT CALENDERS AND SEE WHICH RALLY BEST FITS YOUR SCHEDULE. JUST SHOW UP IF YOU HAVEN'T SIGNED UP FOR A RALLY. WE NEED TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED.

THANK YOU.

Republican's Super Election Time Bomb.

ASAP Meehan — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:14:07 EST

When Hillary voted for the authorization to use Military in 02'. I knew right then we were going to war.

Now here we are facing our second election since. The republicans' handed Clinton a package in 02' and in this package is the real legacy of her decision. Now six years later she stands before democracts, independents, and some republicans, like myself, and defends her vote and sound judgement.

tick tick tick

Blame bush for poor exceution
Validate the decision to go to start pre-emptive war with poor evidence as good policy.
Focus on how she is the best person to handle this from here.

Bam! It looks and sounds just like John Mccain's Position.

That vote for Authorization to use force is a lynch pin to the republicans winning in November. A Vote For Hillary is the best way to secure that. A vote for Hillary forever will solidify the republican foreign policy and further strenghten the policy that a country can pre-emptively strike.

Please, I beg you to find the courgage to vote for a person with the judgement to stand up to this nonsense once and for all.

environment and health

B... — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:17:41 EST

How can we stop bringing all these toys with lead into the Country. How can Obama address this situation? I was aware of the problem with lead from china for over 9 or 10 years. It took this long to come to the public awareness. What else is going on that we don't know about that can be harming our children?

I am aware that the car industry bascially tried very hard to kill train travel. Train travel is the safest form of transportation in more ways than one. (actually airplains may be safer accident wise I would have to do more research on the subjest) But trains use less energy that virtually every other form of transportation (exept may bikes, walking and horses). But the funding for Amtrack has been cut too much. We could have better train transportation if only we would invest in it. And make it easier than, lets say, driving. Also it would be nice to have an auto train from Chicago to LA and Chicago to NYC and from Chicago to Florida. We have only one Auto Train and I have taken it on two seperate trips. It saved on time and wear and tear. Plus for that distance it certainly made a differance in gas millage and emissions. Planes take tons of fuel to fly. Taking a train is really nice if you are not in a hurry to get to your destination. If you happen to be driving anyway it saves the stress of driving. It would be worthy to look more into train travel.

There are so many things we need to do for the environment, to stop global warming and to protect our children. And the health of everyone. Look at the pollution that is getting into our fish. Among other things. I could go on forerver on this subject

China and lead

B... — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:15:22 EST

Hi,

someone brought up how many products are made in China. I have noticed that too. I don't understand why with all the human rights issues that we do as much business with China as we do (the sweat shops and the list goes on)

Also my concern is that the amount of recalls from China are alarming. Especially with the items containing lead. I just don't understand why we let this happen? We need to protect our children.

Hi everyone

B... — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:30:19 EST

Barack Obama is right. Change takes place with us.

I know that I am outspoken. But I believe that we all deserve to speak our mind.

In first grade I had the need to stand up to an ex-friend when she made some racial and antisemetic comments. I could have just not said anything but I couldn't. I became a target of hers and other people but I think that I had to say something.

When I found out my roomate was stealing again I had to turn her in , even though she threatened my life.

And now when I see women suffering and debating what to do about a pregnancy they don't want. I feel that too many girls and women face that decision and I don't want another woman suffer through making that choice. I want to help give her the tools to avoid that situation in the first place.

When I see young kids develope sexually transmitted diseses that will stay with them for the rest of their life I have to do something. I can't sit back and say "oh thats there problem" I just want to help to teach these kids learn how to make better choices. Choices that may save there life.

If a priest, teacher or babysitter ever hurts a child in my watch I would become a thorn in his or her side. I would not sit and watch and do nothing

In the past I learned not to play devils advocate with people I don't know because they don't know my history.

I did go too far with some pro-life information. And that was a mistake.

I think we will see more people willing to talk to each other and trying to find solutions if Barack Obama becomes te President. That is why I am supporting him. I think that is was Barack Obama wants us to do. I think.

Everything is linked

B... — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:15:54 EST

I believe that a truely liberal like me is against war, against capital punishment against taking any life. I value life. I value all life and rather be cautious by not claiming to know when life begins, so I extend rights to the unborn. I am against euthanasia. I believe in much better adoption laws and education on how to avoid getting pregnant. We have to have empthahy for women who are not happy about being pregnant.

I don't think anyone actually chooses to be homosexual. I think that it takes courage to come forward. I believe that it takes courage to come out and possibly face discrimation.

I think that there is only one race and we are the human race. Unfortunatly history has created race and racism and used that to discrimate against people. We need to heal the wounds of our history.

I think that the wealthy are too wealthy and the poor too poor. We have too many people suffering in poverty. We are responsble to help each other.

I believe that there is another problem we do not talk enough about and that is STD's. And we need to do something about them and bring more awareness of them. We need to be emphathy for those who are suffering STD's and help with the care,

I believe that women are not paid enough in the work place.

I believe all Americans need access to health care reguardless of their income.

We are responsible for helping each other. We need to also respect our own bodies and others. We need to take responsiblity for our decisions.

We must take better care of our environment. I hate the way suberbs are laid out in such a way that makes it impossible to walk everywhere. That was socially irresponsible of the construction and car industery. More people should use Amtrack than fly and drive when possible because trains use less fuel. We need to invest more into Amtack for that reason. Maybe even more Auto Trains to cut down on emissions. We need to plan our errands better. The Auto companies need to make better cars with the environment in mind. We need to recycle more.

We need to take better care of our mentally ill children, they are our future. We need early intervention to help mitigate some issues. We need to take care of our disabled children too. We can't let any of our children fall through the cracks. We also need to help and take care of adults with disablities and adults with mental illness.

We need to help those who have drug, gambling and alcohol problems and find a way to really reach people before they hit rock bottom.

We also need to tolerate people who come from other places and practice differant religions or no religion at all.

instead of killing criminals I do believe in having people in jail and if they need any treatment for anything make sure they recieve what they need. But if the person is dangerous they need to be taken out of society. But I do not believe in capital punishment as an answer.

About war. This war is unjust. The only time we should ever go to war I believe all means of diplomacy, sanctiions and a whole bunch of requirments. Then an agreement with congress and fair warning. And this is not something we should ever look for. War is something to avoid. War is the very very very last resort. I am against war. And would rather never ever have a war. It should be in order to save more lives than take more lives. And if I had my way we would never have war. We should never ever start the war. It should be defense never offence. The Iraq war was offensive and unjust.

When we leave we have to make sure that the death toll does not go up drastically. We need to leave as soon as we are able to.

I am for very strong gun control.

When we do things we have to think them through. Every decision we make will have an impact on our future. We all have done things without thinking about how it impacts our future. We do things because they feel good and later find out that we are paying the price for making that choice. When we make decisions we always need to look at the full picture. When I studied Geography I saw just how related everything that on the surface does not seem related are. I am against classifying people. Although my studies of Geography was full of classification. I knew about global warming before it was talked about in the news. I studied the environment and everything is related to everything else. Even in human rights issues so many issues intertwine that you would never think about unless you took a step backward and look at the big picture. Geography was my minor in College.. Math,Science,religion, history language, culture,sociolgy, the weather, the environment etc are all related to each other and come together in the study of Geography. When you think about it when you think one issue at a time you don't see how it all relates. I don't think that any of the issues are an item on there own I believe they are linked together.

Like I said I think Obama embodies most of my belief system.

Yeah, I am happy

B... — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:24:01 EST

Yes another Win for Obama!!!!!!! : )

I agree with Obama. Change begins with us. And we all have to do our part. I believe we all need to show each other more respect. We need to change our culture. We need to change our minds and our hearts. We need to look at the big picture. Our country is suffering from decades if not centuries of disrespect. And we all need to respect each other.

A person who is homosexual does not choose to be homosexual. It takes a lot of courage to come out. And I believe that homosexual couples deserve to have all the rights and respect of hetrosexual couples. I only fall short on the semantics in not calling it a marriage. But with ALL the rights and responsiblities of marriage. And homosexual couples deserve full respect. I feel that way because I don't want to see a backlash against the couples.

I believe that abortion in itself is not the problem. I believe it is a symptom of bigger things. A lack of education. A lack of availability and education of birth control and how to use it. A lack of self respect and respect for others. Because we also have to look at STDs, Rapists respect no one. They need to be locked up and not allowed back into society. Women need to protect our bodies and learn how to stay safe. We need need to learn self defense. And all of us have to realize that unwanted pregnancy is not the only problem but STD's are also a serious problem. And frankly you don't know who has it and who doesn't . That is why we have to have better education to avoid the problems that come from it. And most important we have to respect our own bodies and respect others (both men and women).

We have to leave Iraq. We have to leave in a way that there will not be a bloodbath and slaughter. We really have to have a very sound plan to leave Iraq.

We have to talk to people who we do not agree with and realize maybe they have a point. None of us (self included) is always right. At the same time we are not always wrong. A person who has an opposite point of view may have a valid point.

I we have to stop classifying people into races. We have to stop classifying people, period.

RESPECT is the key to change.

Laws don't make changes, people do. We all saw what prohibition was like. So we need to change the way we see ourselves and others. And I believe that Barack Obama represents change and talking to each other. Obama represents respect.

Caroline Kennedy endorsed Obama

B... — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:40:19 EST

JFK's daughter endorsed Obama

Respect

B... — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:20:49 EST

The only way we can change our culture is by respect. It starts with me it starts with you.

We need to respect our own bodies. Not abuse ourself. Not do things that harm ourselves. Think about what we are doing to ourselves.

We need to respect our families. Make time for each other.

We need to respect our neighbors.

We need to respect people from other parts of the world.

We have to value ALL life. And admit that we really don't know when life begins. I like to err on the side of caution.

We need to respect people who agree with us.

What is very hard but just as important we need to respect people we do not agree with.

We have to stop thinking about "whats in it for me" instead ask ourselves how can I do things that show the other people respect. How can I make a differanc? What can I do? what is the best choice?

Road rage and cutting people off has to stop. Being self rightious has to stop.

If you show respect people will trust you. It is a two way street. The culture needs to change. We need to respect each and every person.

The only way others will respect us is if we respect ourselves. Respect is the basis of Morility. Without respect we have no morals. Respect and Morals are one and the same thing. Respect and Morals is what keeps the peace. Respect and Morality keep civiliazations together. You can't have one without the other. They keep you from hurting others. And real morals is about respect. Not about self rightisness. It is about looking at the big picture. Our actions have a impact on others and that is why we have morals. without morals and respect you have a breakdown of society. And morals and respect are the glue that holds us together and makes us into a community. Without that is chaois. I love to read history and I do see a pattern that reinforces this.

stop attacking people

B... — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:39:10 EST

I have been told That Democrats are loving and caring people that care about humity. And believe that Barack Obama is. And I have been told that Republicans are hateful and insensitive. When Rush Limbough and Ann Couture are the spokes people that is believable. But I have met lots of loving Republicans and hateful Democrats. Neither party is more caring than the other. Both parties have there own ideals. Goes to show people are not sterio types and neither are the parties.

I have to point out to some of the hate that some of the bloggers on this site have spewed. Calling the clintons names only brings all of us down. Yes they are compulsive liars. Yes Bill has a bad temper. Yes they are doing whatever they can to destroy Obama. We all know that. And I do not trust them. I will not call them names and I will not hate them. Actually I feel quiet sorry for them. They obviously have some problems..

And calling Bush Dumb. Well I really think that he has a learning disablity, he shows a lot of hallmarks of a learning disablity. That does not make him dumb. Democrats are supposed to be the party that does not discrimanate against a disablity. Only goes to show that people are people no matter what party they belong to. There a nice people in both partie and mean people in both parties.

I get the impression that Bush does not read or study the evidence. He seems to depend on those around him and make decisions that way. He does not seem to think for himself. He surrounded himself with the wrong people and paid a very high toll. He is a terrible President. And that is sad. If he had more people like Colin Powell and he listened to Colin Powell we would not have invaded. Ultimately he made the choice to invade and he is very guilty of that. And the blame lays with him. He made a terrible terrible decsion that will haunt us for a long long time. It is very sad.

But we must not attack other people. The record speaks for itself.

Other persons shoes

B... — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:48:05 EST

Instead of demonizing people who don't agee with. We need to hear their stories. Now we all agree that the Iraq war was a big mistake (to put it mildly). We do know much of the information was wrong and misleading and downright lies. But to make Bush and Clinton in to evil monsters is not the right approach. We all will agree that Sadamn was committing crimes against humanity. And we know that he was not the only dictator doing horrible things. There were and still are leaders who commit atrocities. Now I also believe that Sadamn was contained. (Unlike Hitler who was spreading the atrocities out much futher) So Clinton and Bush thought they were doing the right thing. From day one I was and still am against the invasion of Iraq. But they convince themselves that they did the right thing. Though we all know that it was the wrong thing. We can't afford to go out and declare war to every single dictator out there.. War is only justified when everything has been tried. It should be avoided at all cost. But if the greater danger of lives lost will be sitting back and doing nothing than you have to weigh the consaquences. With world war II we were attacked at Pearl Harbor and Hilter was killing people who did not fit his idea of the "perfect race" he was killing disabled babies and adults, Gypsies, Christians who stood up to him, priests, Jews and people whom he judged were burdens to society. And he was spreading out as far as he could. We were justified to go to war at that time. But Bush did not do all that he could to avoid war. Instead his administration (except for Colin Powel) were looking for reasons to fight. They exaggerated and lied and looked for excuses. That is an unjust war. When we leave Iraq we need to do it in a way that saves lives. And we need to get out. We also own this war and need to make sure that we don't leave a major bloodbath. And our country certainly plays a role in what we have caused.

I never voted for Bush.I did not trust his judgement. I do think that he did look at the big picture when he invaded. I don't trust the Clintons either. Bush is terribly misguided. Clintons are seemily self important.

I am just putting myself in the shoes of Bush and Clintons shoes . I don't agree with their getting us into this war. I knew that it was wrong from day one. But we all need to step back and try to figure out where other people come from. Like I have said before sometmes moral people make immoral desisions and I would also add sometimes immoral people make moral decisions. We need to look at what is motivating the person.

I trust Barack Obama. I think he is moral and he will make good decisions.

YES

B... — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:22:05 EST

Out of the states that I checked out NY had the most events planned for Obama. what does that tell us?

That should speak loud and clear what New York thinks about Clinton. Or does it tell us how much we love Obama? Or is it both.Or is this because many many people live here. The number of events tell us that Obama can do well here. YES!!!!

Or do some New Yorker just want to keep her here? Well I am sure it is all of the above.

Help me stay on course.

B... — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:47:33 EST

Barack Obama has a very good sense of morals. The way that he conducts himself. I am backing him because he stands for what is right in our country. He understands that changing laws doesn't change anything without the rest of the country backing it. Some of my friends look at that as selling out and will not support him because he recogniizes that. I am every bit as pro-life as my brother and my friend who keep me second guessing my desision to vote for him. That explains why I wrote a lot about that subject. The more I think about it is that with the nature of the world it is an issue but many other issues overshadow that. It is a small part of a very big picture. That is why I keep emphasizing that we need to give factual information on the issue. We also have to think outside the box. I have two people who keep on telling me not to vote for Barack Obama. And I have been debating a lot with myself. He is the first candidate that I like as much as I do and he is the one who I think that can get us back on track.

Now Bush is very poor President. But I think it is more from being ill advised and made some terrible choices.He had some very scary advisors whose advice he took. And yes the fault is ultimatly his for getting us into this war. And this war is certainly immoral. Though I think for the most part he is a moral man. He has very strong convictions. Though I have to admit even though I am pro-life I don't think changing the law is going to change anything. I think that abortions will still happen. The only way they will not happen is if we get to the core of the problem that has more to do it than just saying no. It has to changing the way we look at think about things and act. It is about having more self respect. If we just start respecting ourselves we can respect others. And others will respect us. If we must respect each others lives. We can't think about whats in it for us. We need to realize whatever we do, good , bad or indifferant affects other people. That is the core problem that we have to address. We must respect our own bodies (it is the only one we get) and respect other peoples bodies or no one will respect ours. Respect is a two way street. And we need to teach people how to avoid pregnancy and STD"s. That is the core problem that we are having that is leading all of us to do things that are not healthy for our bodies.

Morals though they have something to do with Religion goes far beyond religion. Morals has more to do with treating people the way we want them to treat us. Morals are more about protecting ourselves and others from harm. Morals is about respect. Morals isn't about heaven and hell. It is about living in community with others. It is recognizing that even actions on the surface that affect only ourselves does indeed affect others. And being able step away from ourselves and ask how in the grand scale how does this affect others. It is about getting the big pictures. It is about thinking oh its all about what's good for me? If it feels good do it and deal with the consquences if I face it. Morals is about avoiding doing something that will hurt yourself or other people. You need to avoid making decisions that are painful to anyone. Morals are about getting along with others. And doing what you think is right. It is about making decisions that will keep you and everyone around you safe. No law can work unless people agree. Don't get me wrong I am not pro-choice at all. but I think that is the philosophy that Barack Obama seems to ascribe to. I think that he has morals.

On the other hand I don't mean to bash the Clintons they do not seem to have morals. They come off as people who do things that are good for themselves without any concerns of anyone else. That to me is immoral. Clinton and Obama vote 90% along the same line but I think they both have differant agendas.

Obama wants to make the world a better place and he cares about how it affects other people. Whereas Clintons don't. That is how it appears to me.

I need you to help remind me of that. I have two people who have me question myself and that is why I have been voicing it to all of you.

We need to talk about everything

B... — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:44 EST

I think that Obama is right. You can't change from top down. You need to change from bottom up. By changing laws you won't change the will of the people. What you need to do is change the way we look at things. That is why we have to pull together and tell our stories. I think that is why he made some of the decisions that he made. I believe that he is a man of high morals. He has integrity. He is also smart enough to know that you have to teach people. By education you can empower them to make better decisions in life. Laws don't work when people don't agree with it. They will go and find there way around it. So with that I think he is right.

He knows that it takes people to make changes. And he recognizes that our society has to wake up. We need to talk to each other we need to find common ground. We should not be afraid to speak our minds and debate issues. You never get anywhere if you don't listen to others. I think that he is absolutly right.

I have total respect for him. He shows self respect that way he can respect others. I myself like to have dialoge with people who may disagree with me. I don't like to talk to people who agree with everything I have to say. The only way I can evolve is to communticate with others who do not share my point of view. I don't get upset. I just like to think and anilize things. I think that is what Obama is talking about. We may agree on some points and disagree on others but in the end we are all Americans. And we a United in that we have the freedom to speak our mind. Without fear of repercussions.

There are always people who think in terms of black and white. But most of us see the shades of gray. Barack Obama is right we need to talk more.

People are dying in Iraq over this unjust war that our poor misguided President got us into. He had listened to the wrong advisors. We have debates over abortion that I think is a bandage to a much bigger issue. And both sides do not want to compromise. There is a solution that is education and birth control. We need to do something about AIDES, herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. We need to help our children who suffer from disabities so that they can have a better life. We have poverty,. Then the problems in Dafur.We have children who are falling through the cracks in schools. We have whole families who do not have health care. We have a whole host of problems and they are all related one way or another. We need to get he picture. We have to talk to people whom we may disagree with if we are going to solve the problems. Instead we are so intrenched in our own thinking that we all (self included) don't listen to each other. We need to take off our blinders and ear plugs and starting looking at the world and listen to each other. Maybe someone who disagrees with us may have something important to say. Maybe they hold the puzzle piece that we are missing. We all have to challange each other and not be afraid to speak up. Maybe we can get someone to think of something they never even consicdered before. Maybe together we can all move to a better way. People should be able to talk about thier expeciences and observations and opinions. That is how people evolve and change. It does no good to keep singing to the choir.

I think that is what Barack Obama stands for. That ALL of our voices count. If we sit and talk only to people who agree with us and are afraid to speak up we will never change our minds and see maybe there is another approach. This is with everything in life.

We all can make a differance we need to talk and all find common ground and that is what is what America is about. That is what is so beautiful about America.

Volunteers Needed in Albany This Weekend

Michael — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:00:08 EST

Friends

It is official! The Albany for Obama Campaign Office is up and running. We had a great kick off today with more than 25 people and several news television stations. I want to thank all of you who helped decorate the office in the past few days. It really does look great. Everyone is invited to stop by and say hello. And while you are there, please stick around and spend some time volunteering. We need all the help that we can get. There are a lot of activities coming up this weekend. Here are a few of them:

FRIDAY NIGHT!

Join us on Friday night in Troy for “Obama Night Out” at the month Troy Night Out.

Troy Night Out is a monthly arts and cultural event that takes place the last Friday of every month in downtown Troy from 5 - 9 PM. The event regularly draws over 1,000 people onto the streets of Troy, and attendees are able to enjoy over 30 art events, 15 music venues, and over 20 fine restaurants as well as unique boutiques of all varieties. Throughout the night, the Troy Trolley will be making rounds of the city, providing free transportation to all event attendees and stopping at major event destinations. Free parking is available on-street and in several city garages. Maps highlighting all of the evening's activities are available in the Metroland, here on TroyNightOut.org, and at all participating venues and businesses.

We will be set at The Atrium, 297 River Street in downtown Troy from 5-9pm on Friday night January 25th. Tom McWatters, a local musician will be performing live. We need some volunteers to staff the table and answer questions.
Click HERE for more details.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Albany Volunteer Phonebanking will be taking place all weekend long. Please sign up to help make calls. This is the single most effective thing that you can do to help Barack win!

92 Lexington Ave. Albany NY

Please sign up to help on one or more days and nights. Bring your cell phone and charger. If you do not have a cell phone let us know and we will make arrangements.

Phone banks will take place on

Jan 25, 2008 at 12:00 PM Sign up by clicking HERE

Jan 26, 2008 at 11:00 AM Sign up by clicking HERE

Jan 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM Sign up by clicking HERE

Jan 27, 2008 at 4:00 PM Sign up by clicking HERE

More dates will be added.

Saturday & Sunday, January 26 & 27th at 11:30 AM

Honk For Hope at Westgate Shopping Plaza, Central Ave. Albany

Throughout the day today Obama supporters will gather to hold a "Honk for Hope". Obama supporters will hold signs and banners in several highly visible locations to wave to drivers as they pass bye. Meet at Westgate Shopping Plaza on Central Avenue at 11:30am. Meet in the plaza (Central and Colvin) under the big Westgate Plaza sign. We are going to stand on the sidewalks along Central Ave. Bring your signs! We have some but we need more.

Please sign up HERE for Saturday.

Please sign up HERE for Sunday.

Saturday January 26, 7:30pm

South Carolina Return Watch Party

Come to Jillian’s (59 North Pearl St Albany) to join with other Obama supporters to watch returns from South Carolina primary. Let's cheer on Senator Barack Obama as he wins there. RSVP HERE.