Upstate New Yorkers for Barack Obama

Grand Opening of OFA Office in Albany NY = )

Megan Kaminski, Intern NY 21 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:58:03 EST

To who ever might be lucky enough to read this,

I am super excited about our office grand opening this Saturday Nov 14 at 2pm. Congressman Paul Tonko will be there. It is an open event so all are welcome.

Please RSVP now. Here are the details:

What: OFA New York Office Grand Opening

Where: OFA Offices - Albany
90 State Street, Suite 602
Albany, NY 12207

When: Saturday, November 14th
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

http://ny.barackobama.com/NYOfficeOpening

Mary Nelson BBQ & Tabling Event

Angela from Syracuse, NY — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:30:22 EDT

We had a very successful event today at the Mary Nelson Barbecue! It was the hottest day of the summer and people were hot on healthcare reform as well! We secured lots of signatures pledging support to President Obama's principles and encouraged others to contact their members of Congress to promote healthcare reform.

Thank-you especially to Phil who made sure we had water, John who served as our "mobile" ambassador, Chris, who made an emergency run to the library to photocopy blank pledge sheets, and Rachel who provided the much needed sunscreen! Ruth showed up in the nick of time when I was working alone and needed some coverage! Thank-you also to anyone who worked on the back pack distribution/preparation. The heat was blistering but our enthusiasm held strong.

Mary Nelson should be an inspiration to us all! She started the project on her own 8 years ago and has shown us what one person's effort can turn into! By one person doing their own small part, an idea can snowball into results! There is no end to what can be accomplished!

Keep cool & committed everyone!

Angela

Looking Forward on Torture and Patriot Act

Tim Schram — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:24:16 EDT

It is my opinion that looking forward requires us to investigate the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" and warrantless suveillance in the Patriot Act. If these are truly violations of the Constitution, domestic laws, and/or international laws, we NEED to prosecute.

If we let transgressions of this type slide under times of emotional response, we risk a repeat of this type of violations. The reason the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and laws forbid torture and warrantless searches (as well as all the others) is precisely so we CAN'T overreact out of fear or anger. To do nothing is to set a precedent that there are circumstances where it is okay not discard the Constitution and ignore the laws.

We are either a nation of laws or we are not. By 'looking forward' while ignoring possible abuses and violations means we are not. It also undermines our ability to hold other countries and entities to this standard. We MUST abide by the standards and principles we espouse. If we don't our country is a lie.

Limits on Gun Purchases

Tim Schram — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:58:01 EDT

Governor Rendell of PA is proposing a law limiting the number of guns an individual may purchase to 1 a month. Personally, I don't see why someone needs to buy this many. But, I disagree with the proposed law. We have laws that prohibit individuals from purchasing handguns in one state and selling them in another unless they are licensed gun dealers. In my opinion any non-licensed dealer buying more than 12 guns in a year is acting suspiciously and probable cause is sufficient for a warrant to surveil that individual. If they are selling them on the street illegally, bust them and send them to prison for a long time. If they have a legitimate reason, end of story. In fact, I would prefer using multiple gun purchases as a trigger for investigation. I am a hunter and member of the NRA and am in favor of throwing the book at those that knowingly and willingly arm criminals or misuse firearms. Anyone that respects the right and responsibility of gun ownership and use should support strong consequences for those that callously disregard these responsibilities.

Limiting the number of guns an individual can legally purchase will not solve the problem the Governor is addressing. These people need to be caught, prosecuted, and removed from society.

Picking your doctor is a fallacy

Tim Schram — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:55:11 EDT

I am tired of this misinformation campaign on our current healthcare system. In 1991 during an examination for hemorrhoids, I was diagnosed with polyps. The doctor I was allowed to see by my insurance carrier at the time cauterized the hemorrhoids during the polypectomy procedure, painlessly and cheaply (less than $500).

In 1995 my company changed insurance carriers and I was not allowed to see this doctor anymore. I could not find one in the new system that performed this procedure, After several followups for the polyps without this treatment my hemorrhoids developed to the point of requiring surgery in 1998. Beside the pain invovled in the recovery, it took over a month out of work and cost thousands for the surgery.

Where is the choice of doctors? Where is the choice of procedures? Where is the cost savings by not allowing this problem from being treated in a preventative manner?

This is where my hope lies with Pres. Obama's reform of healthcare. Procedures like this will be promoted as part of the preventative measures they are talking about. This is another area where savings can come from. In my case for this one problem that amounts to thousands.

Earth Day and Green Energy

Tim Schram — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:23:52 EDT

All the proposals and policies I have seen have the same flaw. They rely on major corporations and electric companies to produse the power and ignore the potential of individuals and commercial buildings entirely. Sorry, we can conserve. THAT is not good enough!!!!!! Did you know that there is over three times the surface area available today on residential buildings alone than the 100 mile by 100 mile mega facitility proposed for Nevada? That sight is said to be capable of meeting all our electrical needs. One of the big problems is transmission to areas of demand. That is the same problem with mega wind farms in the Dakotas. The other problem with both is that we are still at the mercy of companies with the ethical track record of Exxon, Enron, and electric utilities like National "Greed" in NY.

Installation of solar and wind technology on any residential and commercial building that wants it could more than meet our electrical requirements. AND it is generated where it is USED. There is no need for the vast majority of our electricity to be transmitted hundreds or thousands of miles. Throw in a smart grid that can bring in electricity to calm and overcast areas from all surrounding areas in ever increasing circumference and even localized shortages can be met with minimal net transmission distances.

Require the grid to by excess generation at wholesale prices and allow them to sell it to electricity intensive facilities at retail prices. This keeps the utilities profitable in the transmission business. If needed they can operate a drastically reduced number of power plants to meet rare power shortages.

Another area that gets a lot of hype, but is short sighted is plug in electric cars. This may be a short term necessity, but should not be looked at as a long term solution. Why should we be limited to the range of a batteries charge? Imagine trying to go cross country on battery power. There is an alternative. Wireless resonant induction is a technology that could be adapted to wirelessly powering vehicles on a continuous basis. This technology may be a decade or so off yet. The idea is that the transmitter coils be incorporated into the pavement at a depth of 3 to 5 cm. The power for these coils is supplied by local wind and photovoltaic generators along the roadside with back up from the smart grid. Photovoltaic in urban areas could be produced by CIGSS technology on the sound barriers with no noticeable change in aesthetics. The receiver/s should be mounted on wheeled, to prevent contact of receiver to pavement, extension arms at 1 to 5 cm above the pavement surface. The receivers and transmitters are sealed in waterproof casings similar to the technology used in modern electric toothbrushes. Currently efficiencies are on the order of 90% within 10 cm. The electricity needed to operate the vehicle is transmitted from the road coils to the receiver coils only when they are in resonance, like 2 bells of the same pitch. For heavier vehicles and loads, like tractor trailers, more receivers can be used to increase the power. Small battery systems can be used for brief interruptions to the wireless system or brief excursions out of the wireless network. The electrical energy is not transmitted unless the receiver is at the correct frequency so danger of electrocution or other negative effects is minimal.

MIT is working on this technology to power the appliances in your livingroom today. That requires transmission overdistances of upto 15 feet. This is done in rooms in which you are living and moving about. All without your sensing the electrical transmission. Another exampeare the wireless charging plates for cell phones and ipods, etc.

I just want to stress in closing the urgency of expanding our discussion of alternative energy to include decentralized generation. It is imperative in my opinion to develop this technology to most effectively meet future needs and as the most exportable technology to the developing world.

Organizing for America / 'Thank You' Event (NY-29)

Ben Baruch — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:08:07 EDT

It is fantastic to connect with the grassroots groups here in New York State that have helped elect Barack Obama President of the United States. I genuinely want to thank you for your hard work and keeping the movement sustained, energized and coordinated.

While researching New York's 29th Congressional District I came across your group(s) and I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Bennett Baruch and currently, I am the New York State volunteer liaison at Organizing for America (OFA), where I am acting as a conduit between the folks in Washington D.C.

Please forgive me if this is repetitive, but I think necessary for background. Our President, for the first time in history is building an organization to remain in contact with the 13 million+ volunteers/organizers that built a bottom-up engine across this great country, which elected him to the highest office. OFA is a vehicle for dialogue between the Legislative/Executive Branches and the American people - mobilizing and strengthening volunteer leadership. At its core, OFA is focused on electoral/legislative organizing, civic engagement and expanding the existing grassroots community to support President Obama.

As a result of your previous commitments and willingness to make a difference in your communites I would like to talk to you about organizing. If you are interested in hosting an event in NY's 29th Congressional District, please at your earliest convenience reply via email to bennett.baruch@obamaalumni.com.

Many thanks,
Ben

--
Bennett Baruch
Volunteer Liaison
Organizing for America | New York

Respect. Empower. Include.

New York CAN Monthly Planning Meeting on April 9th

Megan Kaminski, Intern NY 21 — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:00:28 EDT

Hi all,

Here are the topics we discussed during the monthly meeting:

1. Health care- new bill in committee in the House and 656 single payer headed by Senator Conner of Michigan, he is the head of the health committee

2. Economy/ Jobs- military spending

3. Human Rights- sikhs in the military are being forced to violate their religious beliefs by not allowing them to wear turbans and requiring them to cut their hair. To learn more go to sikhcoalition.org .

4. Energy- PSC does not allow for solar users to get money for the extra electricity they provide for the electrical grid according to a Times Union article. We are contacting Congressman's Tonko's office about the regulations.

5. Relocating our meeting area- Next meeting is Tentatively scheduled for Thursday May 7th 7pm-8pm at the Colonie Library. it is located right off the Northway to make it easier for more people to come to meetings.

6. Community service- Contact Tony if interested in Troy Boys and girls Club; camp clean up first weekend of June..Hamd vote counting for primaries and general election in November. Need to contact DFA.

If you have any questions or comments please email me at chefmaster518@gmail.com

Peace,

Megan Kaminski

Organizing for America Central New York kickoff meeting

John D — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:07:20 EDT

President Obama always said that the campaign was not about getting someone elected and it wasn't about him. It was about creating change in our country. Come down to the DeWitt Communtiy Library this Saturday April 11th at 1pm and hear how you can help President Obama enact that change and help our nation recover from the current economic crisis. RSVP at one of the below events on facebook or MyBo.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptw7d

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=158638970175

Hope you can make it!

John

Campaigning for Scott Murphy

Megan Kaminski, Intern NY 21 — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:01:28 EDT

Hi everyone,

I have been working on the Scott murphy Campaign for the last 5 weeks and it has been an amazing ride. My organizer Brian is wonderful and all of the organizers in th eTroy office Rock =)Anyways, I just wanted to make sure all of my fabulous MyBO friends know at the election.

Election day is tomorrow, March 31st. We could always use more volunteers GIve me a call at 518.322.6353 or the office at 273-2797. Also, feel free to check out the website www.scottmurphy09.com.

Take care,

Megan

Pledge Project article from Huffington Post

Allie — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:31:18 EDT

We can do this, New York... Let's get charged up and get everyone we know involved. Check out the link below to Huffinton Post's great article on the Pledge Project.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/18/obama-urges-door-to-door_n_176278.html

Some key quotes from Huffington Post:

"...Getting similar levels of involvement for a budget fight is a much more difficult battle - one that proved elusive during the stimulus debate - and it should provide an interesting insight into the extent of the emotional investment of Obama supporters."

"I'm asking you to head outside this Saturday to knock on some doors, talk to some neighbors, and let people know how important this budget is to our future," the president says. "And that is why I'm asking you to stay involved in the days ahead."

Obstructionist, Nihilistic Republicans offer policies proven to fail

Robert Lynch — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:04:27 EDT

After the last 8 years of Trillion dollar tax cuts that only benefitted the rich, and corporate welfare for companies which used their savings to relocate overseas, it is insane to suggest that the same
W Bush policies will work today.

At least 2/3rds of corporations pay NO income tax at all as it is. Through different scams and schemes, tax abatements, registering offshore in the Virgin Islands, sweetheart deals with states, counties, and cities, the amount of actual revenue collected by the government from corporations is a tiny fraction of what the nominal rate is.

The former vice-prez Dick Cheney helped Halliburton rip off the taxpayer by relocating and registering offshore to avoid paying any taxes, so Republicans are not only well aware that corporations pay little or no tax, they actually are accomplices in this tax evasion.

Some, like Republican Joe Barton did in a conference with President Obama, whine that their ideas are not being listened to. The President told Barton that if he had any real proposals, he would listen, but if the plan was to obstruct and bring the process to a halt, then the Democrats would go forward without Republican support.

I am very glad that the Budget vote will be different than the stimulus vote. A simple majority is all that is needed to pass the 2010 Budget. The House will be easy, and the Senate will only need 51 votes to pass it. That means President Obama could afford to lose all the Republican Senators and several Democratic Senators and still get his budget. No more compromise like he did on the Stimulus Bill.

OFA update - Pledge Project

Allie — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:34:56 EDT

Hello:

My name is Allie Feldman, and I'm helping Ben Baruch with Organizing for America here in New York.

We just wanted to make sure everyone sees the email and video below discussing OFA's next nationwide initiative -- the Pledge Project.
Please feel free to contact me or Ben if you have any questions or concerns.

Stay tuned for more updates coming by the end of the week!

Thanks,
Allie

--
Allie Feldman
Volunteer
Organizing for America | New York
allie.feldman@gmail.com 908-370-2689

Ben Baruch
Volunteer Liaison
Organizing for America | New York

bennett.baruch@obamaalumni.com

Just over a week ago, President Obama submitted his first budget and made it clear he was ready for the fight to come.

The President isn't alone. We're ready for that fight too -- it's what you built this movement for.

Watch a video I recorded announcing our new initiative, the Organizing for America Pledge Project:

Americans are ready for the bold new direction this plan offers. It's what they voted for in November, and it's needed now more than ever as we continue to face an unprecedented economic crisis.

But the special interests and old ways of Washington won't go away easily. In fact, they'll only fight back harder.

It's up to you to organize support for President Obama's plan throughout the country. It's the only way we'll get the change this country needs.

Take the next step now in our fight to bring change:

http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Obama's Speech to Joint Session of Congress

Megan Kaminski, Intern NY 21 — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:53:10 EST

Hey, So I had time to fully digest Obama's amazing speech on Tuesday night. I know it has been a long time since I posted anything; Obama has once again inspired me to action. Since he was inaugurated, I have had a renewed energy to work towards a better county. I have been doing 3 things.1. I have been working with MoveOn.org for green energy legislation. We are meeting with Rep. Paul Tonko tomorrow to discuss clean energy bills.2. I have become an Admin for the NewYork.CAN group along with my good friend Satwant Dhillion. We have a meeting this Monday March 2nd 8PM at the Albany County Community Public Library. It is an open meeting and everyone is welcome. Feel free to give me a call 518.322.6353 if you have any questions.3. Lastly and arguably most important is the Scott Murphy for congress campaign. Scott is running for the 20st congressional district in New York State; he is trying to fill the seat vacated by Senator Gillibrand. Check him out at: www.scottmurphy09.com or call his glen's fall office at 518.761.2009.Alright, I should get to Obama's speech. I cried some small tears of joy. After the speech, I started bragging to my friends and family about how I voted and campaigned for him. There were so many good points he made but I want to talk about the shocking and very surprising.The speech's high point for me was when the president called out the agriculture industry. He stood up to big Ag companies and called on congress to stop subsidizing them. At which my father and I dropped our jaws. Also, he delineated clear ambitious goals. Doubter might say that it is impossible and ridiculous to set these goals. I believe that set these goals forces us to try harder and maybe get further on the path to healthcare reform than we otherwise would. For example, say you are in a difficult class, if you strive for an A even though it might not be possible. You may end up with a B for your effort. So even if we don't Obama's goals during his first or second (fingers crossed) term, we may get a foundation for the future on healthcare, green energy, education, etc.Alright, I have rambled on long enough. If you would like to add a comment to my post; it would make me feel good to know some read this. Have an amazing day, Megan

Citizens Briefing Book

Tim Schram — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:00:37 EST

Has anyone heard about the future of the Citizen's Briefing Book. I thought it was an excellent idea and would love to see it included in the "white House" site. It would be wonderful to have that kind of voice throughout the administration and maybe from this point on with subsequent administrations.

Journey to History

Phil In the Cuse — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:50:48 EST

So you want to know how it all went, the juicy details, the tidbits and stories picked up while traveling to our nation's capital to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

Well, most of the story you already know. A movement was born 23 months ago, the hard work of millions led to the most important election of our lifetimes, and our side won! And before us lies the daunting task of rebuilding our economy, our esteem abroad and our confidence in ourselves.

We little know the big picture of what lies ahead. All we can surmise at this point is the first impression our new president gave to America and the world, and it was a mighty strong one.

Getting there, on my part, involved getting on one of Walt Dixie's two buses in the parking lot of a grocery store on Syracuse's East Side. We left just after 8 p.m., driving through the chilly night in good spirits and great fellowship, even in the wee hours.

Walt was quite right in saying that the easy part was getting to Washington. Though you had lines in the New Carrollton Metro station, we got on board quite easily, with special tickets featuring the picture of our new president, and arrived at L'Enfant Square before 6 a.m.

What followed, on my part, was a whole lot of walking in a feeble attempt to get to the security checkpoint on Constitution Avenue. Turns out, having a purple ticket wasn't all it was supposed to be, as the numerous stories have filtered out about waiting in lines and never even getting into the viewing venue near the Capitol.

The walking part consumed two hours as the sun rose over the gathering masses. Quickly, I had to decide - battle the security, or just surrender. As it turned out, the choice was quite easy.

Around 8:30 a.m., the ticket quest ended and I waded into the gathering vigil of hundreds of thousands of my fellow citizens in the National Mall, wedged in cardboard-covered grass between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. They were of all ages, all races, and every background imaginable. And every person I talked to seemed to come from a different state, welled up with pride about what they were about to witness.

Never mind that the ground we occupied stood a solid distance from the nearest Jumbotron, or that the audio from the speakers took some time to get cranked up, or that...well, it was quite cold (thank God for the sunshine). Everyone waited with anticipation, armed with the vast army of hand-held Stars and Stripes handed out by volunteers.

As the dignitaries came out to the podium, they got varied responses. Colin Powell got a nice cheer. The Carters and Clintons were warmly greeted. Dick Cheney, wheelchair-bound in his best Mr. Potter imitation, was not. And any sighting of the outgoing president triggered boos and a lot of "Na na na na Hey hey hey goodbye" singing. They were still doing it when Michelle Obama was being introduced! Not that classy, in my book.

But when it culminated with Barack Obama, splendidly attired in a dark suit and red tie, walking out to the stage, the roar was unleashed - and so were the flags. What a sight for the whole world to see - Americans, even in this down time, proud of their country and proud of their soon-to-be president. It was moving stuff, and no one had said a word yet.

Much of the ceremony itself passed like a blur. Dianne Feinstein said some great words. Rick Warren's prayer fit the moment. Aretha was..well, Aretha. Joe Biden got through his oath just fine, and yes the other musical number was mimed....but it was also 20 degrees outside.

Then, at 12:05, the moment....Barack Obama on one side, Chief Justice John Roberts on the other, Michelle, Malia and Sasha between them, Obama's left hand on the same Bible Lincoln used on March 4, 1861....and Roberts screws up the words! I knew so, and flinched a bit, but few around me likely noticed that the exact oath put in the Constitution 222 years ago was not said.

No matter, though - when Obama said, "So Help Me God", the roar was deafening, the flags waved again, and the wondrous act, perfected in our country, of a peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next had renewed itself once more. But it had never, ever meant as much as it did right now.

If you read Obama's inaugural address, it is quite beautiful. Mentions of scripture, an honest assessment of our many crises, a firm resolve to meet them, both here and abroad, a call for shared sacrifice and service from all of us, and a final evocation not of Lincoln, FDR or JFK, but the words of George Washington himself in the midst of the Revolutionary War. They faced long odds and prevailed. And YES WE CAN do the same.

The poem was nice, and Joseph Lowery's benediction was awesome. But the end part really got me. As the Navy Sea Chanters sang "The Star-Spangled Banner", I found myself singing it, too, loudly, like never before, and almost coming to tears. Never had that song, heard thousands of times before, meant so much. Never had I felt so proud to be an American than on this glorious day.

After a couple of hours drinking in the moment, it was time to head out. Getting back to Maryland, for my part, wasn't too hard (though quite cold), but it took a few hours for everyone on our buses to get back....so the drive home was mostly a lot of sleep, but we got back safely, just after 2 a.m. Wednesday morning. No parade, no inaugural ball...but we had experienced so much anyway.

When my parents called later, I recalled some of the hang-ups with the purple ticket, but Mom was right - at least I was there. I wished every American who wanted to could have been there. It felt like a pep rally for our entire nation, and when I read about how people around the world stopped what they were doing to watch this, it only made the moment more special.

Now back home, all of us, as citizens, have to live up to our part of the bargain. President Obama (it feels so good just to type those words) will do all he can, but we must do the same in our own communities - by being active in our communities, by volunteering, by doing anything we can to help our fellow man. Only by doing this can we pull through this trying time.

And there will be lots of time to hash out the issues. But if nothing else, we all got a chance to share in one of the landmark events in America's history, an event we all helped to make possible.

The Cusp of History

Phil In the Cuse — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:03:50 EST

It's no longer a matter of months, or weeks, or even days. Now it is just hours before Barack Obama raises his right hand and solemnly swears, upon the same Bible Abraham Lincoln used in 1861, to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution.

And in that moment, America will be reborn.

You can see the rebirth happening already. The immense crowds are already gathering in Washington, and anyone who watched that HBO concert today must have found their soul stirred and their eyes moved to tears. Just the picture of Obama, at the Lincoln Memorial, speaking to the masses under the watchful gaze of our greatest of presidents...the torch passed again.

By an immense stroke of good fortune, I will be among those masses Tuesday, just a proud citizen witnessing one of the most breathtaking events in American history. It's impossible to express the emotions I will feel going there, because there's nothing in life that can compare to being at an event of this prestige.

Through 23 months of being part of this movement, what has been so beautiful to see, especially in these days leading up to the inauguration, is the sense of support and good wishes that people of all persuasions are giving Barack Obama.

To me, that goes beyond common courtesy, and even goes beyond the fact that Obama is following the disastrous presidency of George W. Bush. It relates to a theme common throughout our history - our need for a hero in tough times.

Usually, it's the kind of impulse with its roots in military struggles. It's what drove Americans to support Washington and make him our first president, and helped push men like Jackson, Taylor, Grant and Eisenhower to the White House. Immense success on one field of battle translated into votes and the Oval Office.

Obviously, the military question doesn't apply here. Instead, it's the historic oddity of having seen, twice in our nation's annals, the specatcle of a failed presidency followed by the glory of another.

James Buchanan did nothing while seeing America ripped apart by slavery, yet it set the stage for Lincoln and his incomparable achievements. Herbert Hoover did little for three years while the Great Depression worsened, but out of those ashes came FDR, arguably the best president of the 20th century.

Sound familiar? Well I believe, and surely all of you do as well, that our trying times gives Barack Obama a chance to be one of our great presidents. Look at the way he has already inspired millions to improve their own lives, and made people around the world look at the United States in a more positive light.

The work to change America only began with Obama's election and his inauguration. We know the burden he faces, but he cannot do it alone. We must, in the months and years ahead, work and strive and volunteer in our communities in the same positive, YES WE CAN spirit that made our campaign so special and successful.

First, though, comes that pep talk on Tuesday, with the whole world watching. We are all ready for it, too.

Rick Warren Revisited

Tim Schram — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:47:56 EST

After some digging, I was able to find the name of the benediction speaker. The impetous to look came from a post on change .gov. PE Obama, kudos. It is a brilliant use of sybolism. Let me explain my thinking.

Open the Inaugural proceedings with a symbol of the old divisive politics of Reagan and Bush. This signifies the past. Then close the proceedings with a speaker that represents inclusion, unity, and human rights on all levels. This signifies the start of a new era. In between, is the actual exchange of power from the old to the new. Masterful.

The benediction is being given by Joseph Lowery.

I wrote my first response without checking all the fact and reacting emotionally. That is a mistake this new adminstration does not make. It is our best hope for the future and why I supported Barack in the first place. I don't agree with all his stated positions or disagree with all Warren' stated positions (just most). But, I am confident that Barack's are well thoughtout based on the available information. And more importantly are open to review and revision when warranted.

Pay to Play

Tim Schram — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:06:40 EST

Everyone is SOOOO upset about Blagojevich. Why? Because he is stupid enough to talk about it while being LEGALLY wiretapped? The economic conservatives should be applauding him if they are true to their beliefs. After all, he was holding a public auction for the position of Senator. It was even fairly well advertised in the niche market.

Shouldn't we be more upset about the corruption of the Bush/Cheney mafia? Theirs was a no bid corruption. It wasn't open to free market bidding like Blago. The only consideration they made was if you were their friend or not. All the plotting went on behind closed doors and we weren't even allowed to know who showed up. And if you were suspected of getting antsy, Dick would take you BIRD hunting. Sounds alittle like going out for canollis to me.

Blago should be presecuted to the full extent of the law. If found guilty, the punishment should be sever. But, I think his transgressions pale in comparison to the level of corruption perptrated by the Bush administration. Yet NOONE will have the GUTS to do anything about it. All the players in a position to prosecute are too COWARDLY to actually pursue it.

Rick Warren

Tim Schram — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:31:58 EST

Rick Warren giving the invocation is as appropriate as Louis Farrakhan or David Duke. All three are bigots and hate mongors. I understand that some people need to feel that there is some reason for their existence, happiness, and suffering other than that they are. But, do we need to elevate a closed, narrow minded manipulator to such national attention? Couldn't we find someone that stands for acceptance of humans because they are human? Someone that tries to lift the spirits of all? Warren tries to lift the spirits of his followers by attacking others. He openly fights to oppress members of groups that he doesn't personally agree with. He is another example of an individual that holds to his beliefs and F@!TH inspite of reality and facts. Didn't we have enough of that kind of stupidity with 8 years of Bush/Cheney?

I for one would like to see this invitation withdrawn and a clear message sent that we will not promote this type of devisive bigotry. The actual delivery of the invocation means nothing to me personally. I don't know if there is a god or not and I don't care. But, since it is important to many I have no problem with the inclusion of this ritual. My only wish is that it would be done by a true spiritual and moral leader that doesn't preach, but promotes open dialog about common morals and ethics. We don't need to hear from someone that PREACHES intolerance and bigotry. Just my opinion.

A Missing Link

paulec — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:11:34 EST

On Meet the Press Dec 7 Pres.-Elect Obama chuckled as he spoke to involvement in the Senate appointments.
I was surprised to hear he be having any 'trouble'.
On Dec 8, the Illinois Gov. speaks of protection in a sunshine column.
The 9th, a crime in progress is stopped, and the 'trouble' had its context.
But this exchange has been recalled not at all as I can tell, over a week later, while on and on go silly suppositions wasting time...

MR. BROKAW: You still have some appointments to make coming up, and there's also a good deal of consideration here in Illinois about who will replace you in the Senate. But in New York this weekend the big buzz is Caroline Kennedy in the United States Senate, perhaps as the appointment to fill the seat that Hillary Clinton is expected to vacate if she gets confirmed as secretary of state.
PRES.-ELECT OBAMA: And?
MR. BROKAW: Is that a good idea?
PRES.-ELECT OBAMA: Well, let me tell you this. Caroline Kennedy has become one of my dearest friends and is just a, a wonderful American, a wonderful person. But the last thing I want to do is get involved in New York politics. I've got enough trouble in terms of Illinois politics. But just in terms of our appointments, I am very proud of the speed with which we have started to put together our...

Text: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28097635/page/4 (and about 40 minutes into the Video).

To laughingly volunteer information, with a ludicrous back-story suggests having 'no concern'. The Pres.-Elect does not work to guile to corrupt, and does not want it in others. He could not have liked the idea of Fed money going through the Office of the Governor because, as Lizz Winstead said on Joe Scar. yesterday; "Blogo's hair has roots like redwood trees that disallow good decision making".

War Crimes and Treason

Tim Schram — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:58:39 EST

One of the first acts of the new Attorney General should be to start an investigation of the Bush administration for war crimes, violation of international law, and failure to keep their oaths to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. These are grave violations and should not be allowed to go unanswered. We, the people, need to show ourselves and the world that we stand behind the principals on which this country was founded. That even after a heinous attack and an emotional reaction, we still value those principals and are willing - no obligated- to correct our mistakes.

The war crimes charges are easy to prove against Cheney. He went on national television and admitted to authorizing and aiding in the implementation of waterboarding. After world war 2, US led tribunals executed Japanese officers for using this technique on allied forces. If that isn't enough justification to indict Cheney, what is?

Bush, Gonzalez, and others blatantly disregarded the Contitution they swore to uphold and defend by illegally wiretapping americans. Bush repeatedly overstep the powers of the president. He fabricated information to declare war on another country for his own, personal reasons and caused the death and injury of tens of thousands people, both Americans and Iraqis. I could see Bush getting an insanity verdict, since he has no grasp of reality and lives alone with Laura in a world of his own making.

This would restore our reputation with the rest of the world and allow us to lead by example again. It would make it harder for terrorist organizations to find new recruits when the people of the world see that we can and will hold ourselves accountable and punish those that initiated and conducted the crimes in our name. We need to show the world that our system works and that we hold our leaders to the same standards we tell them to hold theirs to.

A Story We Can Relate To

Phil In the Cuse — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:46:06 EST

They went through the formal procedure of the Electoral College in the 50 states and District of Columbia, the next step toward making Barack Obama the President of the United States. They will confirm it in Congress Jan. 6, and two weeks later, Mr. President-Elect raises his right hand, swears on the Bible, and becomes Mr. President with the whole world watching.

How wonderful, how refreshing it will be to see an American president respected and loved again. As we all saw in Iraq Sunday, they don't exactly feel that way about Obama's predecessor, and that's a big reason why Obama's presidency will be so transformative.

If we have learned anything in 2008, it's the fact that America can change, that our people can take charge of their nation's destiny if properly motivated by an inspiring leader. You have to give them hope - a phrase we've heard before.

Tonight, I went to see "Milk", the brilliant Gus Van Sant film about Harvey Milk, the man who became America's first openly gay elected official when selected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, only to be murdered a year later by a fellow supervisor who also shot and killed Mayor George Moscone.

Aside from the quality and the majesty of Sean Penn's performance in the title role, what kept striking me was the eerie timeliness of this film, coming in the year where California voters approved Prop 8, banning gay marriage - in other words, taking away the right for gay couples to be as happy and protected by the law as straight couples. A step back, to be sure.

Oh, and there was another reason it was all timely. Harvey Milk built his political power from a single neighborhood, San Francisco's Castro District. It was a genuine grass-roots movement of people fighting for their right to exist and be full human beings, challenging a status quo that frightened them, intimidated them and put them in the closet.

The overriding theme was that, to build a movement, as Milk said himself numerous times, "You gotta give them hope", that even if you take away all the material possessions of life, you can never snuff out the human desire to hope.

Sound familiar? Oh yes, for it was the very same foundation of our movement, the very words that Barack Obama lived by as he pursued what, at first, seemed like an impossible dream. He gave us hope, and we converted that hope into a powerful political force that overwhelmed all the attempts to take us down.

Just as Harvey Milk became a pioneer by giving millions a champion and a role model 30 years ago, Barack Obama has done the same for us. Now I pray that we carry the lessons we have learned in this movement into changing our communities, our country and the world for the better.

YES WE CAN!!

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

Where We Can Make A Difference

Phil In the Cuse — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:17:13 EST

Five weeks after the great tension and great joy that was Nov. 4, 2008, let it be recorded that Syracuse For Obama was born again, with a new purpose - to serve our community with the same passion, drive and determination that helped us elect Barack Obama to be our next president.

Crowding into a cozy room at DeWitt Community Library, the members of our group - many of them familiar, but a few ones as well - avidly discussed our next steps. Most of the talk centered around how we can best utilize our talent to serve those in need.

The wonderful centerpiece of our meeting was the presentation by Angela Douglas. On her own, she is already making a difference in Syracuse with her group called the CNY Circles Campaign, or "Bridges Out of Poverty". To date, without any funds, they have started to lift 44 familes out of poverty, with the goal of eventually reaching 100 families. And they are looking for new leaders. Email them at cnycircles@contactsyracuse.org, or call (315) 251-1400.

In the meantime, it's been suggested that our group participate in one community outreach event prior to the Jan. 20 inauguration. Many great ideas came up, from food drives to clothing drives, something that can be done after the holidays, when giving is not in the spotlight.

All that is good - but that is not enough. We must, long-term, devote ourselves to community action and lifting the status of our fellow citizens. It is what Barack Obama did in young adulthood, when he could have made a lot of money looking out for himself. It is our calling, too.

The best thing I heard tonight, other than Angela's presentation, was when Andrea Audi brought up the Literacy Volunteers of Amercia, founded here in Syracuse. While health care, economy and education are all fundamental issues we must deal with, none has as large an impact, both societal and psychological, as the inability to read.

Just think about what teaching a child, or adult, to read can do. It opens every door in society, from understanding job applications to educational opportunities. It is imperative that we promote literacy - a nonpartisan issue if ever there was one.

Of course, we will also advocate for the issues that mean so much to us. Combined, the millions of volunteers and contributors that made up the Obama movement can make for one powerful interest group, but only if we stay involved, stay active and hold our leaders, especially our new president, accountable for their behavior.

As we all saw with the disgraceful acts of the governor of Illinois, it's so crucial that citizens are aware of what is going on with the people they elected. Lack of awareness can lead to the sort of corruption and arrogance Rob Blagoevich has displayed.

We know Barack Obama is a special leader, but that only gets us a few steps toward change. For certain, we cannot go back to the apathy, cynicism and ignorance that marked recent years of our political history. We need to supply the President-Elect with the support he needs to lift our country out of our rough spot - and we need to affect change here, too.

And, well, YES WE CAN!! Felt good to say that again....

Strength In Transition

Phil In the Cuse — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:00:46 EST

Just to get the personal stuff out of the way....yes, it's been way too long since I've written in this blog. The election withdrawal was intense, I needed some respite from it all, and the transition news flew so quickly that it was, at times, difficult to keep everything straightened out.

That being said, 26 days of silence was long enough. Time to start the next chapter, for the election was, as so many others well put it, "the end of the beginning". The real change starts on Jan. 20, and Barack Obama is showing that he is quite ready to get to work with the best team he could possibly assemble.

This is merely a summary of the transition news. By far, the best place to go is www.change.gov, so you can find out about Obama's team and hear his great weekly messages about where we are going, and what we will need to do.

First of all, Mr. President-Elect (it will feel so good to get rid of the "elect" part in 50 days' time) has his priorities straight. Given the deep economic crisis, he made that aspect of the new administration his first assignment in the transition, and found a superb group ready to serve.

From Tim Geithner as the new Treasury Secretary, to Larry Summers running the National Economic Council, Christina Romer as chief economic advisor and Melody Barnes as director of the Domestic Policy Council, Obama has put together an experienced, energetic and thoughtful group of leaders that will tackle both long-term and short-term economic recovery.

Plus, the wisdom of former Fed chairman Paul Volcker, heading a new Economic Recovery Advisory Board, cannot be underestimated. It's not enough to set an agenda, then force everyone around you to follow marching orders. It's important to have wise counsel at all times as the agenda takes shape, good people giving valuable input that also bring accountability back to government, something that's been sorely lacking the last eight years.

Even more impressive is the National Security team Barack Obama has put together. Instead of blind loyalty to ideology, Obama has displayed here the importance of having the best people at each post with a wide range of backgrounds and divergent points of view, all working together toward the same common goal - an America that's safer at home, but also stronger and more respected abroad.

The drama kings and queens in the media harped upon the choice of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State from the get-go, as if the primaries were still going on. They wonder, every one of them, whether the new president and his one-time campaign rival can possibly co-exist, and whether Mrs. Clinton can truly be a good soldier in the Obama administration.

There is nothing to worry about here. Hillary carries her own prestige into the diplomatic realm and has the respect of the world community, which is half the battle. In the end, her views match those of the president-elect, and it's a great leap forward from the my-way-or-the-highway days of George W. Bush, which is refreshing enough. Obama made the best possible choice here.

He also got it exactly right with keeping Robert Gates at Defense. Above everything else, Gates is a loyal patriot, and he's done a terrific job with the mess in Iraq he inherited from Don Rumsfeld. There's simply no way a smooth transition could take place to a new Secretary of Defense with two wars going on. Gates will have a new directive as he helps Obama end the Iraq war in a responsible manner before a new man takes charge at the Pentagon.

Everyone else, from James Jones as National Security Advisor to Susan Rice as U.N. Ambassador to Arizona governor Janet Napolitano at Homeland Security, shows Obama's deep belief in the notion that strong leadership is what is needed, not just cheap rewards for campaign loyalty. And how nice to have an attorney general in Eric Holder that actually will put the "Justice" back in the Justice Department following the Ashcroft-Gonzalez abuse of the Constitution.

At this early stage, Barack Obama is setting the table for a great presidency, showing himself to be a leader unafraid of the vast challenges our nation and the world face in 2009 and beyond.

Now, to our local concerns. Ever since the election, I have really missed being part of the amazing group of volunteers that, in Syracuse and all over this land, helped make change possible. Also, I prayed that we could find a way to maintain this spirit of service beyond the election, so that all our communities can benefit from the fire we have started.

If you are in Central New York, and believe that our work needs to continue (and I'm sure you do), join us at DeWitt Community Library inside Shoppingtown Mall on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., and bring your great ideas. All will be needed.

Electing Barack Obama was, perhaps, the most important thing any of us have done for our nation. What follows - our renewed commitment to take the spirit of YES WE CAN and translate it into good deeds for our fellow human beings - is just as important.

Investiments in Infrastructure

Tim Schram — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:28:16 EST

In Obama's press conference Monday, he once again mentioned investing in several of our infrastructures. I agree this is essential to the health of the country. I would like to discus some of the investments I want included.

1) Transportation: The biggest challenge with electric vehicles is battery life. What if we could power these vehicles wirelessly. I am talking about technology similar to that used to charge your electric tooth brush and is being used to power appliances in homes today. The technology is referred to as wireless resonant induction and can be used to effectively transmit electrical power over distances of several feet. If this technology was incorporated in to road construction, cars and large trucks, they could travel cross country without the need of batteries. T. Boone Pickens could keep his natural gas.

The power for this system could be supplied by a system of solar and wind generaters constructed along the road way and tied into the grid. In urban and suburban areas the sound walls could be resurfaced with Nanosolar's CIGSS photovoltaic film. Numerous small, high wind resistant turbines would be visually less intrusiveand capable of operating a greater percentage of the time. As more power is needed, additional units of these system could be added.

2) Energy: Invest in making each residence a net producer of electricity. This land is currently being used solely for habitation. The exterior surface already exists, but is sitting idlw. This property should be put to dual use. By switching the current roofing and siding materials to photovoltaic shingles and siding each house would be generating more electricity than it uses on average. To help on extremely overcast days and at night a system of 6 foot wind turbines should be included at up to 30 feet above the ground. All of these units are incorporated into the grid to supply electricity demanding industries and occasional calm, cloudy days and calm nights in nearby communities. All of this is tied into a smart grid.

3) Automanufacturing: Purchase controlling interest in any automaker needing financial assistance. Split the company into 3 or 4 smaller companies. Fire the current top management and boards. Replace them with new management based on their commitment to future technologies and let them compete for the best ideas.

4) Credit crisis: Add credit insurance to unemployment insurance. This does not reward poor borrowing. It protects the economy and American citizens from the unforseen loss of employment and the credit damage that results during a slow economy. It doesn't allow for more credit, but does prevent default on credit cards and home foreclosure. The causes of today's economic meltdown. Itreduces the prospect of working families becoming homeless through no fault of their own. When the person is gainfully reemployed the benefit ends. It is cheaper and more humane than what we are going through today. Ask the 56,000 former employees of Citigroup.

5) Insurance reform: Make mandated insurance "not for profit". To require people to have auto insurance, home owners insuranc, and health insurance while insurance companies goal is to make a profit from it is corporate socialism. The companies should be allowed to cover their expenses and maintain a responsible reserve. They should not be able to make exhoritant profits when the consumer is forced to purchase their product or service. Any voluntary insurance can be for profit.

6) Flood Control: The current approach to flood control should be scrapped. Commercial areas that require proximity to waterways should be controlled. Rural farm related buildings and infrastructure should be protected. Farmland itself should be allowed to flood. Residential buildings in general should be built out of the flood plain. No more houses on the river bank. This will allow the flooding of the farmlands that was responsible for their initial fertility and give the flood waters some place to go instead of up. This will protect the vital shipping infrastructue during floods and save the futile spending of billions trying to contain flooding rivers.

Get out the vote in GA

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:15:34 EST

Please go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/votercontact/overview and help get the vote out for the GA Democratic candidate for Senator. Make at least 15 calls to rid the senate of a member who, during his last race, accused his opponent of being unamerican and perhaps a traitor to this country. This is a man with triple amputees suffered during the Vietnam war.

Make 15 calls at least and lets get more support for the Obama program in the Senate. Thanks.

Response to Speaker Pelosi

Tim Schram — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:17:01 EST

I received an update yesterday from Speaker Pelosi on current House activities. Big among the issues was the big three automakers. Below was my response.

Dear Speaker,

It is my opinion that the automakers' top management must go, if they receive federal assistance. After 30+ years of stupidity and arrogance, they have demonstrated that they are unfit to run these companies. Since the oil embargo of the 1970's they have stubbornly refused to see the future of petroleum based energy. Add to that, the arrogance exemplified by taking three private jets to Washington to beg for help is too much. Thursday one of the cable news programs made the comment, "The automakers can't decide what vehicles to make with gas prices rising and falling so rapidly. Do they go back to the SUV's or do they focus on high mileage and electric cars?" This is the same stupidity that the planning executives have shown. The answer to what kind of cars to make is blatantly obvious. We need to make fuel efficient and green cars. We need to make work vehicles as efficient as possible while converting them away from petroleum. Why? Because petroleum prices will continue to oscillate in an overall increasing pattern until global demand is permanently stabilized. As soon as the global economy starts to rebound from this current recession, oil prices will rocket back to $200 a barrel or higher and gasoline and diesel will be well over $7 per gallon by 2010.

I suggest that as part of an assistance plan we implement the following steps:

The money for assisting an automaker is given by means of a stock purchase sufficient to have the controlling vote.
All senior VP and higher management must go and sign a non-competition clause just like small business owners do when they sell.
New management is selected from applicants based on their ideas for turning Detroit into a green manufacture and their understanding of the concept of limited resources on future planning. A non-partisan panel of green economists will select the new management.
The big three are divided up in to as many as 10 companies to foster competition. For instance; 3 from Chrysler, 3 from Ford, and 4 from GM.
When profitable, the new companies pay dividends to the federal government until they have bought back the stock held by the government at the going market price.

This will save the jobs of the autoworkers and related suppliers and retailers. It will get rid of the biggest impediment to the big three's competitiveness, the entrenched, short sighted, and incompetent management of the last 40 years.

Sincerely,

Timothy Schram

Real Voices for Change

Tim Schram — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:48:38 EST

For anyone that is interested, MoveOn.org has a petition drive in progress that is unique. It involves gathering photos and signatures of people holding signs that read:

       I STAND
                         WITH
        OBAMA
                           FOR
_________________________
                   ISSUE

_________________________
NAME

_________________________
CITY, STATE

The people fill in the blank for any issue they care about and include their first name, city, and state. These photos will the be organized according to congressional district and state and delivered to the appropriate members of congress.

The use of photos will humanize the petitions, something signatures alone just can't do. It is harder to dismiss a face than name. I hope many of you will keep an eye out for anyone gathering photos and volunteer yours. I am hard pressed to think of a better way to tell congress to act before the next election.

Change and the Cabinet

Tim Schram — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:59:31 EST

People we need to relax. I know we are all anxious to get DUHbu out and let Barack start. I ahve seen a lot of posts about too many familiar faces being named so far, chill. Remember the phrase "you are the change I am talking about" or something like that. Anyone that hjas been to change.gov knows there is a link asking for our suggestions. I am sure they are looked at seriously. We are partly responsible for the changes to come. And I believe we have many good suggestions.

Do any of you know how to walk them through congress? Do any of you know how to change the momentum of the beauracracy? I DON'T! But of the names I have heard so far they do. That is what they are there for. We need to come up with the ideas and and make convincing arguments for those ideas. It is their job to implement them. We are the new faces. Barack is not making the mistake Clinton and Carter made of bring in people that are unfamiliar with how to work in Washington.

Anyone in the admin that tries to push there own agenda can be fired immediately. Meanwhile the rest of the admin has gained expertise to cover the change. Let's see what they do at the start.

AIG and other Bail-out Recipients

Tim Schram — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:12:34 EST

Paulson is talking about buying preferred stock in AIG and "frezing" bonuses and golden parachutes. I think they should cancel bonuses and give the top half of management Lead parachutes so we can watch them crash and burn like they watched their companies and our economy. These "people" deserve nothing from us except our scorn and contempt.

Marriage

Tim Schram — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:50:46 EST

Marriage is am institution entered into between two consenting adults. That's it. Start adding anything else into it and it becomes too complicated to manage. I hear the arguements of the right. Lets examine them.

1) Can't change it becouse it is tradition. Okay, so lets go back to slavery, witch burning, husbands owning their wives. Fathers owning their children, indentured servitude, fuedalism, torture of heretics and the depressed. Lets go back to blood letting to cure illness. How about drilling holes in the heads of the insane to let the demons out? Not much of an arguement to me.

2) Marriage is to promote procreation. Is this why we get married, really? Okay Gramma now that Grandpa is dead and your past menopause you can't marry your new boyfriend. I'm sorry you are sterile, oh by the way that disqualifies you from getting married because you are defective. Do we really want to get into that kind of distinction. That is what we are saying to homosexuals. You are defective and therefore don't deserve the same rights. What is next, your IQ isn't high enough, your born with abirth defect so we can't allow you to marry? Besides, we have enough trouble caring for, feeding, and cleaning up after the population we have. This one fail, too.

3) A man and a woman make better parents. I am sorry Ms. Dunham, but you can not raise your child since you are a single mother. You just won't be able to do a good enough job. Ms. Yates you may marry because you and your husband will know how to raise your children. If heterosexual couples are so good at parenting, why do we have so much child abuse? Isn't it more important to have happy well adjusted parents or parent with a decent support system? A loving home doesn't know the difference between sexes or single and couple. They lose this argument just by looking at the newspapers.

4) Slippery slope to marrying pets. Like I said originally "two consenting adults". A petcan not be consenting, end of argument. Same goes for children. They are not adults and by law can not be consenting. Get serious.

5) Homosexuality is an abomination and banned according to the Bible. Everything in Leviticus was an abomination including eating shellfish. Should we ban the consumption of shellfish and pork? Catfish is a bottom feeder so no more catfish, if you are a TRUE Believer in the Bible. You can not support a war if you are christian, Christ taught turning the other cheek and love your enemy. So which is it, are you christian or a hypocrite. Beside the fact that your religion is not the religion of the US. The constitution DOES NOT specify freedom of CHRISTIAN religion. If you don't like the fact that the laws of this land are not controled by the belief in Jesus, start your own Christian Theocracy somewhere else. You can't have this one. Deal with it.

6) Devalues my heterosexual marriage. How????? How could two people swearing an oath of love and fidelity to each other possibley affect YOUR MARRIAGE unless you are married to one of them. How could it weaken yours in any stretch of the imagination? No one is telling you you have to marry someone of the same sex. You don't have to change ANYTHING you curreently do, except leave them alone, mind your own business, and butt out. Your argument is based on imposing your personal standards and tastes on others that are not doing anything to you. You lose on Constitutional grounds. You don't have that right as an individual oras the state.

If I missed any of their arguments, let me know. In the meantime let's stop treating our fellow Americans like second class citizens or carriers of a deadly disease. You CAN NOT catch gay!!!!! Every homosexual I know was raised by straight parents. Some straights I know were raised by homosexuals. No evidence to back this one up and we don't pass laws in this country based on F@!TH. (yes it is purposefully written as a curse, get yours out of my life.)

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.

Hypocrites

Tim Schram — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:02:37 EST

Hypocrites

This is to all those people that voted for Barack, fought for civil rights, fought discrimination based on sex, age, race, or religion, but voted against gay marriage. YOU ARE HYPOCRITES!!!!!!! How in the world can you justify denying another group of human beings the same rights you have. Isn’t that what we did with slavery, poll tax, bans on interracial marriage? Oh yeah, I am old enough to remember the uproar from the idiots, morons, and bigot scum on the religious right and social conservatives (KKK) about how interracial marriage would destroy the fabric of society and destroy the world. WRONG again. The world is not flat, the universe does not revolve around you or your precious earth. Get over yourselves!!!! None of us are that special, we are people and that is special enough.

Someone please tell me how two people swearing to love and honor each other in front of friends and family is a threat. You can’t use religion, because I don’t believe in your perverse idea of religion. Give me real world reasons, not what your invisible friend is whispering in your ear. If you don’t like the idea of marrying another man or woman, then DON”T. No one is making you.

And just for the record though it really is none of your business, I am as straight as they come. I am just a human being that believes in the motto “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”.

The Audacity of Hypocrisy

Tim Schram — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:41:51 EST

The Audacity of Hypocrisy
The Neo-conservative / Religious Right View of Regulation

According to the Bush / Palin right the problem with government is that it regulates business too much and you not enough. When was the last time that a gay marriage resulted in the collapse of our economic system? When was the last time an adult movie caused rolling blackouts throughout California? When was the last time an abortion poisoned a community to the point that the sick and dying residents had to be relocated and the land condemned for generations? Since when did an individual that doesn’t know if god exists or not cause the overthrow of a foreign government and replace it with one friendly to American business?

Listening to the right, one gets the impression that business can do no wrong. But you, oh you are the most dangerous threat to America since bin Laden. The collapse of our economy and the epidemic of foreclosures is not the fault of greedy conmen that created investment instruments that they knew were fraudulent. It wasn’t the fault of Newt Gingrich and Bush deregulating the banking industry. No it was the fault of gays and lesbians marrying and raising children. It is the fault of all of us that want companionship, love, and happiness in our lives. As Falwell, Robertson, and others said, the 9/11 attacks, Katrina, and Rita were God’s wrath for our decadent private lives. That implies that the activities of our public institutions are guilt free. If that were true, why didn’t they attack the Playboy mansion or the bathhouses in San Francisco or Planned Parenthood? No they attacked US military targets. Maybe you didn’t realize how we use economic power as a weapon of war, but the rest of the world is aware of it. That doesn’t make the attacks any less horrific and wrong, but it is not what the rabid right claimed it to be.

It is time we told them enough is enough. If you don’t want your children watching violence or adult situations on TV, turn it off or change the channel. Don’t try to deny me as an adult my choice. If you believe abortion is wrong work to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. If you don’t want to marry another man or woman, then don’t. If the issue affects only those that consent to the activity, back off.

Moving Out

Tim Schram — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:06:10 EST

Can't we move up Inaugration Day. Bushy, you can leave now. If we find anything of yours, we'll mail it to you.

Bye Bye to Big Three Automakers

Tim Schram — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:00:56 EST

I know we need an auto industry in this country if for no other reason than national security. But, does it have to be the current big three?

My proposal:

Ban current auto executives from participation.
Hold a contest to select the ten or so best green vehicle proposals.
Give or loan the bailout funds to these contestants.
Let them buy the facilities of the defunct big three at auction.
Let them rehire the skilled labor from thebig three excludinghigher than mid-level management.
Set a time frame for paying back some or all of the original funds

I exclude current management on the basis of incompetance or out right malice. They have had decades to see this day coming. They did NOTHING constructive and fought tooth and nail any attempt to nudge them in the right direction. They have been suffering from dwindling sales and market share for decades and refused to adapt. They don't deserbe to be in the business. And it is common practice when a small business owner sells their business that they enter into a non-competion clause. The same should hold for these miscreatins.

This approach will reinvigorate the industry with true leaders and visionaries that can lead us into the rest of this millenium. Why give this moey to a blackhole of ineptitude that is the management of the big three.

Backyard Nuclear Power Plant

Tim Schram — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:06:27 EST

You could literally have a nuclear power plant in your backyard. CNN did a story Monday, 11/10/08, on Hyperion looking to manufacture hottub sized nuclear power plants that you could install in your yard. They would need to do the refueling and maintance.

Doesn't that sound like a great idea. Just think of how easy it would be to break in and steal the radioactive material, grind it into a powder and disperse it from a small airplane. No one would even know they were exposed until cases of radiation sickness started occuring. Then comes the evacuation and loss of that city or farm land. Years later the cancers start.

What are these people thinking. I am hard pressed to come up with a worse idea, try as I might. If we go along with this idea, I seriously wonder if the whole race is suicidal.

Carbon Tax Credits

Tim Schram — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:32:14 EST

I would like to see carbon tax credits expanded from just commercial producers to include individuals and municipalities. Anyone that reduces their carbon footprint below the corresponding average would be entitled to carbon credits proportional to this reduction. To simplify the marketing of these credits, individuals would organize into coops or mutual fund like entities to sell their credits in bulk and be compensated for their “shares”. This will reward individuals, neighborhoods, and municipalities to conserve and invest in alternative green energies.

Pride

Tim Schram — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:51:42 EST

I am proud that America elected Barack Obama the man without regard to his ethnicity or race. He was elected based on his character and not the color of his skin. It is a major step in fulfilling the dream of Martin Luther King Jr and so many of the rest of us, black, white, brown, and every other color. We are all human beings, any other distinction should be irrelevant. With this step, I think we are moving in that direction. Slow though it may be. Some day this will be the norm in every aspect of life, sooner rather than later I hope.

Now the Work Begins

Tim Schram — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:48:55 EST

WE DID IT!!!! What a wonderful feeling, a campaign of unity and acceptance has won. That is what I call a campaign of change. We all need to take a breath and enjoy the victory for awhile.

After this short celebration we need to get to work to fix the problems that manifested in the last 8 years. We won by grassroots efforts that perculated up through the country. BUT, we can not stop now. Barack will need our help and input. Whatever we do, we can not quite our voices. Not now that we found them. Keep up the effort, talk to your representatives, follow the same strategy on the local scale. As Barack has so wonderfully demonstrated, "Yes We Can". Inundate congress with your opinions and ideas. Don't let Halliburton, Exxon, AIG, and the rest influence decisions from behind closed doors. As Barack said "Power doesn't give up without a fight". McCain was not the power Barack was refering to, it is those that backed him.

Stay vigilant.

Congratulations EVERYONE

WE DID IT!!

Phil In the Cuse — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:58:18 EST

The night of Nov. 4, 2008, at 11 p.m. It's safe to assume that every single person reading this blog, or involved in Barack Obama's positive movement for change, will remember that single moment for the rest of their lives.

Everywhere, when Barack went above the magic number of 270 electoral votes, millions of believers, in America and all over the world, screamed in joy, climbed over each other to hug and kiss each other, and share smiles and so many tears.

In this amazing moment, America has redeemed itself - not just for the leadership sins of the last eight years, but for an entire history of separating people for all the wrong and inhuman reasons. Those divisions are melting away, hopefully forever.

This Election Day was one inspiring moment after another. It started in the morning, when 1,000 students at Penn State gathered to stand in line when the polls opened at 7 a.m. So much for the notion that the youth vote woud not turn out - they did, big, and went 2-to-1 for Barack.

Then it continued through the day, with lines stretched out for hours in every single state in our great land. Sure, there were some machine problems in some spots, but for the most part people stayed in the lines, had unique fellowship, and shared in the amazing exercise of our democracy, one that never fails to inspire no matter who is running for president.

Here in Syracuse, we gave voters rides to the polls, went out in visibility displays all over Central New York, and did even more work on phone banks, all the way to the end. It helped to elect local Democrats - and most importantly, sent Dan Maffei to Congress. Congratulations to him.

Then the night, which started with immense nerves on all our parts - admit it, you felt them too. But once we saw that Indiana, of all places, could be close, then things began to brighten. And when Pennsylvania was called early - my, that was sweet.

By far, the night's crucial moment came when Ohio came to our way before 10 p.m. This was where John Kerry had been denied four years earlier - some thought with funny business. Winning that assured that it was just a matter of time.

So the next hour was spent building up the suspense, as we all knew that the West Coast primaries closed at 11 p.m. Getting Virginia just seconds before that decisive hour was particularly nice, a sign that the South was changing.

Then.....well, it's impossible to put into adequate words the happiness that cascaded down upon us. People of all backgrounds, all economic standings, all races and religions shared pure ecstasy.

When we look back on the moments of history that stick out, those where we know exactly where we were when they took place, it usually involved something sad and tragic, from Pearl Harbor to John F. Kennedy's murder to 9/11.

But this was the exact opposite. By the power of a movement as unlikely as any ever seen in the United States, Barack Obama has risen to the highest office in our land, with Joe Biden as a worthy and wonderful vice president.

What heartens us so much on this night is seeing the reaction in so many cities across this country, and in so many other nations, too. For in reality, it wasn't just Barack that won this election. It was all of us, as people and as citizens, for we reclaimed our country.

John McCain was superb and gracious in the concession speech he gave. Above all, he is a patriot who has bravely served our country, and the better angels of his nature were not served by the campaign his party chose to run, or the running mate he chose in Sarah Palin. But he could not have been a better man on this night.

Meanwhile, the scene in Chicago's Grant Park - literally hundreds of thousands gathered in celebration - will linger in our collective memories forever. And the speech Barack gave was simply magnificent, the voice of our next president telling us that the extraordinary work done here must continue in the months and years ahead.

Plenty of work will need to be done. But now, it's just time to rest a bit, relax a bit, and savor one of the defining moments of American history, one that we helped to bring about through our hard work and total dedication to Barack Obama - and the promise of a new America, and a better world.

WE DID IT!!!

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.

Today's the day!

delamaine — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:55:15 EST

Hi everyone!

I have been volunteering at the Greene Co Dem Hdqtrs on Main St. Catskill....very busy!

We have 2 election lawyers here, and they are reporting over 200 instances of voter problems statewide at this point.....from signature verification problems, to volunteers campaigning too close to the polling place

If you get voters in your offic, school, etc., please ask them to make sure they have identification/and their signature when they go to vote....

If anyone wants to help out here in Catskill, we are on Main St, #326...join us! Have a good one

Please let me take the time to offer my condolences to Senator Obama and his family for the recent loss of his Tutu...

Debra

Tomorrow, We Make History!

Phil In the Cuse — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:00:10 EST

At last, our moment has arrived. The time where the United States of America turns the page, writes a new chapter and wins back the world's love the respect. The time for all of us to bring about change. The time for parties and people to unite, to hope again, to believe again, and to elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States.

So much has been written, and analyzed, and studied, and pondered about this contest, but it's for good reason - it's the most important election of our lives. Next to that obvious fact, a 21-month campaign, long and difficult and tiring though it may be, is a small consideration.

And then, as if this epic tale needed one more chapter, it got written late Sunday night in Hawaii, when Madelyn Payne Dunham passed away at the age of 86. She lived a life full of success and accomplishment, working on a bomber assembly line in World War II and building a solid career with her husband - all the while raising a grandson that, God willing, will soon be president.

We all obviously mourn Toot's loss, but we also celebrate her life, and thank her for the strong and steady example she set for Barack throughout her life. We know she is up in heaven, looking down on what we are doing, and is proud. We must win this for her, if nothing else.

At least in Syracuse, we have watched with a bit of envy as millions have lined up in lines hours long so that they could vote early in the states that allow it, including pivotal ones like Virginia, Florida and Ohio. And we have marveled at the crowds, including the 100,000 gathered right now in Manassas - which, I can assure you, is part of real Virginia. And how fitting that he brings up the FIRED UP and READY TO GO story one more time, to remind us what this is all about.

Tomorrow, at long last, we get our turn to go to the polls. And whether we vote early in the day or late in the day, we'll likely be spending most of Election Day hard at work, making sure that every single person that can vote and wants to vote will be able to do so. Nothing, absolutely nothing, that we do is as important as this service.

So much of our lives, so much of American history, has led up to this moment. In the face of a struggling economy, two wars, crises in health care, education and the environment, we can choose to go down the same negative, destructive and divisive path we have taken in recent decades, or we can choose to do something different.

What began, officially, on a chilly winter Saturday 21 months ago, in Springfield, in the shadow of the old State House where Lincoln said a house divided against itself could not stand, climaxes(hopefully) Tuesday night in front of tens of thousands at Grant Park in Chicago.

So get out there and vote for Barack Obama - then spend the rest of Election Day working hard to make sure people get out to the polls all over this wonderful country of ours to also vote for Barack. It is time for our country to unite, to be FIRED UP and READY TO GO, to bring about a new day. Tomorrow, we make history.

YES WE CAN!!

My heartfelt sympathy

Kelly — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:03:42 EST

On my way home this evening, as I heard on NPR that Barack Obama's grandmother had passed away. I pulled over and cried, overwhelmed by grief that I could not quite understand. As I thought about it more once I was home, I called my friends and family and tried to explain my connection/grief to and for Senator Obama. I said prayers to my higher power and asked to relieve him of his sorrow, give grace in the next life to his grandmother, as I hope my grandmother and grandfather have, and, as I have done for some time now, prayed to wrap him with a sheild of protection from those who would choose to harm him.

I have not been a spiritual person in years. I am agian, and truly, now.

God protect and bless him.

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.

Closer to the Dream

Phil In the Cuse — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:08:07 EST

We have now reached the point where the countdown is in hours, not days. As in, maybe 48 hours from now, the world will find out that Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States.

Of course, should it happen, it would be, to so many, the ultimate example of the American Dream come true - the idea that any person, from any background or race, even with a funny name and a funny look, can rise as far as talent can take them.

And it would be a story designed to inspire any child, in this country or in any country, really. Some variation of "hey, if Barack Obama could become president, you could do anything, too!" It's been so wonderful and inspiring to see children far too young to vote get caught up in our movement because they love Barack, too.

The work our staff and volunteers have done in Syracuse and all over this country this weekend is overwhelming to ponder. Hundreds of thousands of calls, untold amounts of literature passed out from door to door, or at churches, or just about any public place where a few people could gather, all for a candidate that has inspired all of us to seek something better.

Really, that's what it all comes back to. As human beings, we always seek self-improvement of some kind, but usually that comes through diets or financial schemes or plastic surgery or all the artificial means by which society measures us.

However, the improvement of a community, of a society, of a nation, is something far more ambitious, and far less likely to happen. Since the probability is low, most Americans don't bother treading down that path. Better to be comfortable in one's own setting, never challenged or inspired - and in the end, caught in a rut of life that's impossible to escape.

At some point two years ago, though, a brave group of Americans, most of them young folks inspired by what they heard on a night in Boston in 2004, began to seek that better America by pleading with Barack Obama to run for president. Sensing Dr. King's "fierce urgency of now" that he frequently speaks about, Barack agreed - and changed all of our lives.

Everyone who joined this movement had their own reasons, some of them having to do with specific issues, others just drawn to this charismatic man and his wonderful, positive message of change. But all of us had common bonds that united us, then and now.

We have never been in this strictly for ourselves. We are here because we love this country, and want to see the best for it, and perhaps some of us remember a time when the United States served as a beacon of light, of hope, and of opportunity for all those who sought to carry out their individual dreams. And we were determined to see that happen again, with a leader like Barack Obama serving as our source of hope and inspiration.

An ordinary politician running for president would not have understood this basic, fundamental premise of our movement. Sure, they might have proclaimed their love for America in every speech and at every town-hall meeting, but in the end it would still be about what they were going to do for us- no heavy lifting on our parts, just a lot of promises guaranteed to be broken.

That wasn't the case here. Right from the moment he joined the presidential race, Barack made it very clear that, if the impossible dream was to become a reality, it had to be up to us, a citizen army of determined, dedicated volunteers, to raise the banner for ourselves, and for our country. We have gone and done that work, and because of that, stand on the brink of one of the most glorious and defining moments in American history.

Everyone on the outside, from the media to the Clintons to John McCain, Sarah Palin and the Republican attack dogs, have always read us wrong. They have done little but fixate on Barack - who he once knew, what sermons he listened to, where his amazing amount of money has come from (us, of course), not to mention the vicious digs about the issues, from taxes and the economy to the war in Iraq - where Barack's wisdom has been shown time and again.

What they have never fully grasped is the basic idea Barack laid out in his Democratic Convention acceptance speech in Denver, and so many other times in this 21-month odyssey. "This election has never been about me. It's been about you."

It is OUR strength, OUR hard work, OUR determination, and OUR commitment to change with Barack Obama as our next president, that has pushed us through this long and memorable journey to the doorstep of the White House.

Now, one more time, fellow members of the Obama army, roll up the sleeves and get to work, just for a few more hours, give it your all-out effort and leave absolutely nothing to chance. We stand on the threshold of our dream coming true. With one more push, we will get there.

YES WE CAN!!

Change Is Coming

GerardColeman — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:24:06 EST

Some of us are guarded about it, and some are ready to sing it from the mountaintops, but it's coming and everybody knows it. I can hear it in the voice of an 84 year old retiree in a home for the elderly in Ohio and in the giggle of a college student in Colorado. We're all watching and waiting and working for it. It's coming like a tidal wave, and no one is going to stop it, not this time, no way!

And this is just the beginning of that change. We won't stop working for it and making it happen, not this time. We made that mistake before. Not this time! We're tired of the old ways and of people sliding back into them like they never left, like nothing can ever really change the way things have always been, but we can. We can, and we are. We will!

Why We Are All Here..

Phil In the Cuse — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:25:09 EDT

There has been no shortage of moments in these last few weeks where the deep emotions stirred by Barack Obama in all of us rise to the surface. They rise even now, barely 72 hours before the nation decides its next president.

Mainly, what stirs in my soul is the immense meaning of all this. Why should any political campaign, even one for the highest office in our land, cause us to alter our daily lives to make victory possible? What drives us? What makes us believe, with all our hearts, that Barack is the right man to lead the United States of America?

Admit this much - it gets easy to lose that meaning in the daily campaign grind. Attacks, counter-attacks, the dozens of national and state polls, analysis and paralysis and controversy and extreme highs and extreme lows, all seem to take place every hour by this point.

And if that doesn't occupy our time, the work surely does. Now it is, for us, an all-out effort to get out the vote, both here in Syracuse and everywhere in this country, then make sure every single vote is fairly counted.

Sure, millions have voted early, and the numbers look good, but we can't get complacent for one second. The other side will use any means necessary to snatch victory from us, so they have some nerve to make bogus claims of voter fraud - especially when they don't have any problem with voter intimidation techniques, especially to minorities.

So in doing all that work, maybe we do need to take a very brief moment and contemplate why each of us, in our own small or not-so-mall way, chose to volunteer and work for Barack Obama and this positive movement for change.

Upon lots of thought, I've come to realize that the same factors that brought me to this unparalleled level of political activity in my life still hold nearly 21 months later. Our country is in trouble, and our good name is tatters around the world. Barack can restore both our economic and our global standing, his mere presence a sign to other nations that America is a place where any dream, no matter how impossible, can come true.

In many ways, these last days are the most difficult of all. On the one hand, we're all tired and fatigued and ready for this to end. On the other end, this has been such an incredible experience, a journey all of us will take forever, and leaving it behind when it's done will be very difficult. Nothing that I've done in my life, for sure, even comes close to the meaning of this movement.

I'm sure that many of you that may have come across this blog have your own stories to tell about why you are here, what it means to you. Barack Obama has made such a dramatic impact on this nation, regardless of what happens on Tuesday, and a win here would turn mere symbolism into a bit of history so beautiful and wonderful that it's impossible to describe. So let's work hard the next 72 hours to get that good feeling.

YES WE CAN!!

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.

"The country loves WV", I said.

paulec — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:40:52 EDT

Two voters last night in West Virginia were kind enough to speak to me. They were 'undecided', were paying attention and did not really want any interference. Nudging forward I ask if I may say what I liked the most about Senator Obama. I had to be quick. "The Senator has really good manners. He treats people decently." They both agreed, and explained the thing they were most concerned about was 'the 2nd Amendment'. I persuaded them it was settled law, that SCOTUS would not be revisiting it any time soon, that it was not an issue. Then we talked about WW2 (with the 88 year old) and Vietnam (with the 58 year old). Then Labor and Healthcare issues; both wanted to have a word on Faith. Immigration. Education. Both saw Sen. Obama speaking in Philly earlier in the week, sleet dripping from his brow in a cold wind. This had impressed them both. Two calls taking an hour and a half together gave us a shift: 2 X 'lean Obama' in WV. :)

Compelling Television

Phil In the Cuse — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:00:24 EDT

Maybe a few million people groaned and complained when they realized their favorite program, or the end of the World Series (congratulations Phillies), were not going to be on at 8 p.m. when Barack Obama aired his 30-minute vignette.

But I'm pretty sure that millions more were eager to listen.

Here was a half-hour of Barack Obama unfiltered, without the pundits or the critics or the Republicans to shout him down or say the most vile and cynical things that they're quite eager to share with their partisans on your favorite talk radio piece of filth.

Barack didn't need to tell his whole story again - but he did bring up the highlights in a clear and artful way, while making sure any irrational person that somehow fears his possible presidency understand that he is, indeed, a good family man and father. That does count for something.

More importantly, he shared the stories of ordinary Americans struggling with all the main issues of our country in these difficult times. They are the best witnesses possible for what Barack wants to do, and are the very reason we are working so hard to help him win.

But note what wasn't there in those 30 minutes of programming. Not a single negative mention about John McCain. By contrast, the other side cannot utter a sentence without bashing Barack in some kind of way, or bringing up Joe the Plumber for the 25,000th time.

The time flew by. Don't you wish you wanted to hear more? Well, it's possible, if we all keep up our all-out effort in the next six days. Basically, what Americans saw tonight (as if they didn't know it already) is that the Barack Obama Republicans are telling you about is nowhere the real Barack Obama we have all grown to support and love. And we're getting closer to having him as our president.

YES WE CAN!!

51 Races, Really

Phil In the Cuse — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:56:05 EDT

To be sure, the conservative folks will trumpet all the national polls that suggest John McCain is closing the gap on Barack Obama. Big deal - no one on earth figures that this will end up as a 10-point national margin with the popular vote. The Republicans are sure to come home.

What does matter is the states, 50 plus the District of Columbia. Essentially, every presidential election is 51 individual elections, the byproduct of the Electoral College. Every four years we curse the EC's existence (especially in 2000 when Al Gore won the popular vote), but there's no escaping the fact that 270 will be the most important number on Nov. 4.

So, at this exact moment, where are we? The great web site www.fivethirtyeight.com does 10,000 computer simulations of the election every day. For us, that's required reading material, and based on what they're saying, the odds for us look good. Which only means we should work harder.

Still, it's fun to examine the 51 individual races. Where are we strong? Where is McCain strong? And where will it be decided?

It is fairly safe to put California, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington into our column. Add them up, and it's 190 electoral votes, more than two-thirds of the way home.

McCain is likely to get Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. That adds up to 127, not even half the magic number.

Now the polls have shown tight numbers in Arizona (10), but McCain doesn't lose his home state, right? That state, plus Georgia (15), Montana (3), North Dakota (3) and West Virginia (5) all should go the Republicans's way, meaning 36 more and 163 overall for Mr. Maverick.

That means 190-163 for Obama, with 185 still up for grabs. Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin were those remaining prizes, at least when the fall began.

The Upper Midwest - Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin - were once prime McCain targets. Now they seem safe for us, adding 37 more to our total and getting us to 227. Every indicator says that Iowa (7) and New Mexico (5), who narrowly went for Bush in 2004, will head Barack's way, and that gets us to 239. We've trended up in New Hampshire (4), and we've never trailed in Pennsylvania despite all of McCain's time spent there, so that means 20 more, if all goes well.

Then we're at 263, one big state away, and seven different places where it could happen, for even a Nevada win would only give us 5, not quite enough at 268. Let's go through them, one by one.

Colorado? Think of the 80,000 that came to Barack's acceptance speech, and the 100,000 that just showed up last Sunday. Nothing even close to that Rocky Mountain High has taken place on McCain's side, and how fitting if that were the place where it all would end. Our organization there (thank you Ray Rivera!) is awesome, and the voter demographics have changed. We're polling strongly among Hispanics, who could make the difference.

Florida? Florida? Florida? (God, we miss you Tim Russert.) This didn't look like a good fit until the economic crisis, as no state in America got hit harder by the mortgage meltdown. Combine that with strong Jewish support and concerns about Medicare and Social Security, plus lots of work from the Clintons, and we might get cosmic justice for what happened to Al Gore eight years ago. The early voting turnout is astonishing, by all accounts, with people waiting in line for hours - and hopefully getting proper ballots without any chads anywhere.

Indiana? The mere fact that Hoosier Land is in play is astonishing, given its recent deep shade of red. The land of Dan Quayle might be conservative, but it's also decent and fair, preferring politicians that are very much in the middle of the road, like Dick Lugar and Evan Bayh. Heavy turnout in places like Indianapolis and Gary should, at least, make this a close one.

Missouri? Mix in the astonishing crowds seen in St. Louis and Kansas City with the great advocacy of Claire McCaskill and a Show Me spirit that doesn't take kindly to fools and liars, and maybe the home of Harry Truman makes sure that his 1948 surprise over Thomas Dewey doesn't get repeated. For Barack, no Super Tuesday win was as important as this one back on Feb. 5.

North Carolina? Remember how pivotal that state was late in the primary season, when Barack outperformed expectations and rendered the decisive blow against Hillary Clinton. They say a million people will vote early, and this was a big Bush win four years ago. Just like Indiana, we shouldn't be close here. Pull out a win, and it will certainly be ours.

Ohio? It's been often repeated that a Democrat cannot win without Ohio, but maybe that's not the case in 2008. Old maps and old impressions die hard in Buckeye land. Let's face it - there's just not the same evangelical enthusiasm for McCain that there was for Bush in 2004. And a Democrat, Ted Strickland, runs the show now in Columbus, which should mean fair voting. John Kerry took his ultimate defeat here. Barack just might get ultimate victory.

Virginia? Maybe it wasn't wise for McCain's aides to denigrate entire parts of the state as not the "real Virginia", or worse. The commonwealth has gone GOP every time since 1964, but Barack's primary rout should have told you something had changed. The trio of Tim Kaine, Mark Warner and Jim Webb give us valuable allies, and since polls close early there, a win could mean the start of our victorious night. The home of Washington, Jefferson, Madison and the one-time capital of the confederacy could be the place where history begins to happen.

So there you have it, the state of the states with one week to go. Watch tomorrow night Barack's 30-minute TV commercial, his last and best chance to deliver the argument for hope and change to millions of Americans before the election. Then keep on going, don't rest another second until we have 270.

YES WE CAN!!

The Closing Argument

Phil In the Cuse — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:39:21 EDT

After all the rallies, all the millions of phone calls, and all the thousands of miles walked by canvassers while going door-to-door, this entire presidential race boils down to eight days of all-out effort to get Barack Obama to the finish line.

Just in time, Barack gave us our marching orders today. Ever since the last debate, the crowds that have come to see Barack have been astonishing - Sunday produced 100,000 people in Denver after 45,000 in Albuquerque, and about the same number of folks out today in Canton, Ohio and Pittsburgh as the end nears.

In many ways, it's a return, full circle, to the vast crowds that came out for the first events way back in February 2007, plus the big turnouts in so many parts of our land during primary season. All the issues are out there. Now it's a matter of rallying millions one last time to our cause and getting them to do the most important thing of all - vote.

So it was that today, in Canton, Barack delivered what his campaign called the "closing argument". It reiterated all of the points he has pushed in the general election phase of this campaign, but brought back a vital point that, in these tough economic times, may have been lost, but never really left our movement - and, in fact, is a vital cornerstone to all that we do.

Hope. A simple, four-letter word that permeates throughout Barack Obama's story. It was the theme of Jeremiah Wright's sermon that brought Barack to religion and to salvation through Christ. The word brought up in his famous convention speech of 2004 and splashed across the front cover of his second book, which brought so many of us to his cause.

When this contest began, we knew we had to bring new leadership to this country and the world after the disaster of the George W. Bush years. But we never could have calculated things turning as bad as they did in the housing market, with jobs, with the stock market, or with food prices, or with a million other indicators that demonstrate America's struggles.

Hope was needed when Barack Obama began running for president. And hope is needed even more now, and especially in these last eight days as the effort intensifies.

Whatever we do in the next week - and we will be doing a lot - let us be driven by our desire to dream, to make things better, to hope of a a better and more equal and more just country with an inspiring man as its leader.

While working in the campaign office one day, I came across a sheet of paper that told us to close our eyes and imagine the world of the next eight years. Well, maybe that's getting ambitious and too far ahead, so use this as a different motivation.

Close your eyes and magine election night, Nov. 4. Imagine gathering with your friends, your family or your fellow Obama supporters, sharing food and drink and good times and gathering in front of the TV as the results pour in across the country.

And imagine that moment, unknown at this point, when, God willing, the network anchors announce that the magic number of 270 has been reached, and that Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States.

Then go out and give your all-out effort to make that dream come true.

YES WE CAN!!

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.

Of Lies and Truth, Fear and Hope

Phil In the Cuse — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:01:56 EDT

Inevitably in any presidential campaign, what's true gets left behind in a flurry of attacks from both sides. To the best of his ability, Barack Obama has tried had to stay grounded in truth in all his attacks on John McCain, and has stayed straight with us, a big reason why we love and respect him so much and are working so hard to help him win 11 days from now.

Contrast that with the other side, a Republican campaign that almost prides itself in the deceit it is willing to hand out, hoping the American people are gullible enough to buy it.

John McCain keeps harping on taxes, using all the left-bashing code words (socialist, spread the word) the talk-show crowd wants him to do. In other words, say anything to make sure the wealthy keep their share and we in the middle class get stuck with no possible way out, or up.

This cannot be said often enough - Barack Obama wants to CUT the taxes of 95 percent of the American people, and CUT the taxes on more than 90 percent of small businesses. It's no different than the successful formula Bill Clinton espoused in the 1990s, and that proved to be fiscally responsible, too, with balanced budgets and surpluses. Wouldn't it be nice to have that again?

Then there are the lies, the repeated lies, about Barack's character, his religion, his "association" with William Ayers and a thousand other scurrilous bits of gossip. The GOP hacks keep repeating them, over and over, completely ignoring the truth about Barack's deep Christian faith and all the other wonderful qualities to make him look different, risky, scary.....code words for something far more sinister.

In such an environment, terrible things are said or done. When Barack flew to Hawaii to be with his ailing grandmother, the woman who raised him through so much of his formative years, a GOP hack had the nerve to complain about it and say it was far worse than the $150,000 the RNC forked over to dress up Sarah Palin, said that Barack should "hump his own bags" and fly commercial.

To say that was mean, rude, callous and cruel would be a gigantic understatement. Never mind that the Secret Service would NEVER let a candidate this close to the presidency fly on ANYTHING commercial, or that if he did, the whole air system in America would be tied up for an entire day. Oh yeah, and no taxpayer's money here, either. That money came from us, and we're all too glad to help Barack put his family first.

Then we hear about what happened in Pittsburgh about Ashley Todd, a college student from Texas who claimed that she had been attacked near an ATM machine by a 6-foot-4 African-American male, sexually assaulted, and left with a "B" carved out backwards on her face. The Drudge Report and other conservative sites went berserk over this for 24 hours, doing all they could to demonize the entire Obama movement over this one heinous crime.

Only one problem - the heinous crime was a complete fabrication, something Ashley only admitted two days later, royally ticking off Pittsburgh police officers in the process and earning a misdemeanor charge of a false report. Just a sad story...but also downright disgusting in the way many folks were all too happy to exploit racial stereotypes just to take Barack down, truth be damned.

I could care less about the charges. I care more about the sort of mentality, from Ashley Todd or the people surrounding her in the McCain camp, that thinks something this awful and divisive and mean is just part of the game, part of politics, part of a contest where winning is all that counts, regardless of the methods used.

We have tried so much in this country to overcome the terrible shadows of our country's past when it comes to race. Barack tried not to emphasize it in this historic movement for change, until forced to do so when the Jeremiah Wright saga hit full steam. His race speech from March is required reading for anyone that cares about where we've been in this country..and where we could still go.

Yet I get the feeling that only Barack Obama winning this election will help this country, and its people, understand that the old and limited ways of thinking about people of all races and creeds and backgrounds must end, and that a new day must dawn.

This is a big, big reason why the entire world is fixated on this election, and why most of them are pulling for Barack. They know full well our history, and they understand the deep and hypocritical divide between the lofty rhetoric and standards for democracy we ask upon the world, and the actual democracy (with all its inequality) that is practiced at home.

Here is our chance to show the world how far we have come, how much we have changed, and how we can never, ever let fear or hatred guide our thinking, even when times get tough. Let us push even harder in the next 11 days for Barack Obama, and for America, so we can show that, sometimes, truth and justice can win out.

YES WE CAN!!

Get Out The Vote.. Outside States for Volunteering

Northeast Moms for Obama — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:31:49 EDT

Hey..

Last night a bunch of volunteers went to the GOTV training in Manchester,NH. What we are doing is trying to get as many volunteers for election day as we can. I am asking New York for Obama to come up here and lend a hand in the most important swing state besides Pennsylvania. We can use about 100-200 volunteers up here in Manchester-we are the city that has the most to give the Obama/Biden ticket. If Barack and Joe win Manchester, then they win New Hampshire. If any of you can volunteer on Election Day at anytime, please reply to this blog, or contact our local Obama/Biden Office here in Manchester,NH and send the message to Witt...we need all the volunteers we can get..Let's get this done and win in November..

NOW OR NEVER

eric HUSSEIN graff — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:43:20 EDT

Do or die, now or never, don't leave anything on the field, sprint to the finish, follow through, keep up the pressure, pound them with the ground game, making history, being part of history, ground zero, NORTH EAST PENNSYLVANIA, Hazleton PA, we need your help, walk for change CALL DAVE 570-951-9266 nuff said? eric HUSEIN graff

Two Weeks Away

Phil In the Cuse — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:07:11 EDT

And so the work of nearly two years by Barack Obama, and all of us within his positive movement for change in America, comes down to two more weeks of sweat and sacrifice so that our wonderful dream can come true.

You know it's near the end when everyone starts getting tired. The candidates are worn out, the staff people are beat from dawn-till-dark work, the volunteers are running out of gas from all the walking and calling and voter registration. And the voters are tired of the TV ads and waves of phone calls, especially those folks bombarded in the swing states.

Thus, when everyone jumps on gaffes, by people on both sides of this epic campaign, please have a bit of understanding. Enough time in this cauldron, and everyone hits a false note at some point.

First it's Joe Biden predicting a crisis no one really ought to predict (though history shows that something will happen anyway). Then it's John Murtha talking about rednecks (not good) and John Kerry bringing up underway (don't do that, please), not to mention Sarah Palin's fundamental misunderstanding of the VP duties and McCain agreeing with Murtha in front of Western PA voters - trust me, watch the YouTube clip and try not to fall over laughing.

All these things are entertaining, but they don't change the fundamental backdrop of this race - namely, a poor economy that needs to get kick-started again and a tattered American reputation around the world that needs to be restored. All these things can only happen if we put Barack Obama in the White House.

Alas, Barack has concerns that go far beyond any poltical contest, even one as epochal as the 2008 election. On Thursday, he will fly to Hawaii to spend two days of quality time with his beloved grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who at 85 is in poor health.

As we all know through Barack's books, it was Madelyn, whom he called "Toot", that helped raise him with his grandfather during his teenage years. And it was from her that Barack absorbed the values of hard work, self-disicpline and determination that would help him leap toward the doorstep of the presidency.

Every single one of us here pray that, if it is God's will, Madelyn Dunham will live to see her grandson win two weeks from now and, better yet, take the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2009. And we applaud Barack for taking this time to be with her, knowing that there might not be many more chances to see her at all, regardless of what happens in the election.

We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to Barack, to his grandmother, to all his relatives, and to everybody who ever blazed a trail in American society to make Barack's opportunity possible, to give our whole hearts and souls to the work of the next 14 days.

Yes, the numbers look good, and the electoral map is healthy. But remember New Hampshire - we cannot sit around, we cannot start congratulating ourselves, we cannot be content for one single, solitary second until they say on the night of Nov. 4 that Barack Obama has reached 270 electoral votes.

All of us have come a long, long way from that cold Saturday afternoon in February 2007 in Springfield. But there remains an election to be won, a country that needs to heal and be whole again, a once-in-a-lifetime candidate that needs our whole effort. Let's strive to get out that vote and carve our own place in American history.

YES WE CAN!!

It's Up To Us To Vote!

Bonnie — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:57:56 EDT

Hi Everyone!

Well, we are down to the final two weeks and our support now is crucial. Please do your best to get all the Obama supporters you know out to vote - even if you need to bring them to the polls yourself! Don't assume that your vote is not important - it is! It is up to you and me to make sure Barack Obama wins this election.

On another note, I understand Barack Obama's grandmother is very ill. I would like to ask you to send your positive thoughts and best wishes to Mr. Obama, his family and especially his grandmother during this difficult time. I will be including them in my prayers and hope you will as well.

Thank you.

Colin Powell's Blessing

Phil In the Cuse — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:52:44 EDT

In a singular moment of class, grace, and eloquence, General Colin Powell gave Barack Obama the most important endorsement yet in this election cycle.

Just about every other famous person in America had weighed in on this contest already. And while newspaper endorsements run heavily on Barack's side (thank you Washington Post, L.A. Times, both Chicago newspapers, Denver Post, NY Daily News et al), they just don't carry much weight beyond the communities that read them.

Powell is a whole different matter. He had manifestly stayed on the sidelines, the ultimate undecided voter in this great land of ours, deeply admiring both Barack and John McCain for different reasons, and genuinely torn about whom to choose.

First and foremost, you have to understand that Colin Powell is a soldier. A chance to serve his country helped him rise from his humble origins in the Bronx to becoming a hero to all of us, especially in his term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he helped forge the brilliant military strategy that won the First Gulf War in 1991.

Really, Powell was Barack Obama not so long ago. When his autobiography came out in 1995, a popular clamor erupted that he run for president. I have no doubt in my mind that, had he done so, Powell would have trounced Bill Clinton. But his wife, Alma, talked him out of it, maybe fearing the exact sort of racial tension Barack is facing right now.

He declared himself a Republican, hoping that his stature and open-minded ideas could be accepted in the GOP. He would soon find out otherwise, like when he spoke at the GOP convention in 2000 and derided opponents of affirmative action from the stage and got some boos for it.

Powell was, and is, a pioneer for all that he has accomplished, and when he was chosen by George W. Bush to be Secretary of State, it was supposed to be the culmination of his career of exemplary service to this country.

Instead, Powell became the forgotten man in a hungry administration chock full of Neocons all too eager to rush to war in Iraq after the 9/11 attacks. Worse yet, he made the public presentation claiming Saddam Hussein had WMDs in front of the United Nations Security Council. Since we found out later that it was all a big lie, Powell was vilified, tarnished, some on the left willing to erase everything else he had done because of this terrible mistake.

What they forgot, of course, was that Powell himself agonized about the war. As we found out later in Bob Woodward's books, Powell, who knew something about war others in Bush's administration did not, tried all he could to stop the downhill train. But he was outnumbered by Cheney, Rumsfeld and the Neocons, and ultimately had to accept the role he had eagerly embraced his whole life - that of the good soldier.

Not a day goes by, I'm sure, that Powell doesn't agonize about Iraq and the consequences of what he and others produced. Maybe that's why today, on "Meet the Press", when he emerged to say that he was supporting Barack Obama, he told a story to illustrate his point.

He spoke of a picture taken at Arlington National Cemetery, our nation's most hallowed ground, where a young soldier, just 20, had just been buried after being killed in action in Iraq. He had all the important information on his gravestone - the day he was born, the day he died, the service he rendered and the medals he won.

Above it all was not a Christian cross, or a Star of David, but a crescent moon. This fallen soldier was a Muslim, born and raised in New Jersey, who had served for - and died for - his country, the United States of America, just the same as millions of Christians and Jews and men of all other faiths had done.

How could any person tell this soldier's family that, because they worship Allah, they somehow are not American or that they're a danger to our country? Yet that is exactly what they say about Barack Obama, a Christian, for no other reason than the fact that he has a funny-sounding name and, well, he's African-American.

Better than just about any man in this country, Colin Powell has lived the American Dream, and understands exactly what it entails - the idea that any person, from any background, can make it in the United States. He has seen how great we can be, and he wants that for us again.

Of all the many reasons he gave today for supporting Barack, what stood out was his correct observation that Barack has electrified the young voters in this country and has the potential to inspire the world, too - in stark contrast to the relentless negativity of John McCain and his Republican allies, who seem more interested in stopping Barack by any means necessary than in helping this country.

We live in extraordinary times, and this is the most extraordinary election of our lives. And it is such a great blessing, and confirmation of the postiive movement for change we have built, that Colin Powell is supporting Barack Obama, giving our argument even more moral weight. Now we have 16 days to reward the good general's faith with a victory at the polls.

YES WE CAN!!

Minnesota's Representative Bachman

Tim Schram — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:46:26 EDT

Did anyone see Rep. Bachman on Chris Matthews Friday, 10/17/08? She accused members of congress to be un-american. She "assigned" the media the job of investigating congress to find these un-american members. She really believes that someone that is anti-american would run for national office and could win! Why does she believe this? How could she believe this? I disagree with her on every issue and think that following her policies would be disasterous for america. But, I do not believe she is anti-american, just stupid or mentally unbalanced. She belives in an america I don't know.

The only explanation I can come up with for this accusation is that anyone that does not believe as she does is anti-american. That these people should be excluded from the political process and silenced. Isn't that part of the definition of Fascism? I find it frightening that she can have these fascist beliefs and reconcile them with the ideals america stands for. Especially with the epethets being hurled at Palin/McCain rallies. This is what 8 years of "I'm a uniter not a divider" Bush's presidency has given us.

Please, Minnesotans, give us a representative that does not believe that anyone that disagrees with his/her point of view is un-american. Give us someone, regardless of view point, that believes we all love this country even if we disagree on how to best govern her.

Pump up Economics

Tim Schram — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:53:10 EDT

The conservatives have an easy to understand slogan for their economic philosophy "Trickle down Economics" and have labeled ours "Tax and Spend". It is time we came up with our own slogan for our philosophy and stop letting them stick us with a negative one. We should work on a new label for theirs as well. one that reflects its negative impact on the economy. Any suggestions?

I suggest "Pump up Economics" for our philosophy. When low to middle income households receive incentives and tax breaks they spend it. They cannot afford to shelter it overseas. This makes businesses more profitable causing them to expand and hire more people. As the businesses grow so does Wall Street encouraging capital investment. Everyone benefits as the money rises through the economy.

It is time to stop living off the scraps thrown down by the CEOs and large capital investors.And I agree with Senator Biden when he said it is our patriotic duty to pay taxes. We need a defense and infrastructure. It is only fair that those that benefit the most monetarily from these services pay the most to maintain them.

We're ALL Americans

Phil In the Cuse — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:23:41 EDT

In this post-debate sprint to the end line, no one running for president or vice president can afford to slip up, offer the wrong word or wrong phrase that can sink a candidate's dreams.

So I found it absolutely amazing that no one paid larger attention to the slip Sarah Palin made in front of some supporters a couple of days ago, when she said she enjoyed visiting "the pro-America areas of this great nation".

True, it may have been in the midst of an anti-Washington rant, but.....Pro-America parts of this nation? Hmmm, what do you think that means?

I tend to think she meant small towns....but to somehow imply that there are Anti-American portions of America is the height of casting aspersions upon all those that don't agree with the worldview of Palin, John McCain and their Republican allies.

Stop if you've heard this before - yes, you have, for 20 years, if you've had the temerity to support a Democrat in a presidential election. Inevitably, the GOP will drag out that patriotism canard, trying to convince the American public that the Democrat at the top of the ticket is somehow scary, alien, radical, risky, yada yada yada...

To some degree, they've been doing this to Barack Obama for months, ever since the most incendidary Jeremiah Wright tapes surfaced, with a bit of Ayers thrown in for good measure and the twisting of Michelle's words, too.

Look, there are going to be political differences in the course of an election. Everyone expects that part, the attacks, charges and countercharges that make up an intense race. But it always becomes toxic when someone's patriotism gets questioned - or for that matter, the patriotism of his supporters.

Thank goodness that Joe Biden hit hard against Palin's words yesterday, saying in New Mexico he was sick and tired of seeing candidates assailed for their loyalty, especially when nothing in the record even hints at such thoughts. In other words, the GOP is trying to scare us again, but this time we're having none of it.

You can see that in the crowds. Long, long ago when this whole thing began, Barack drew astonishing crowds in Austin and Atlanta, L.A. and NYC. Then today, in St. Louis, we saw Barack draw 100,000, according to police estimates.

These immense masses come from small towns...but also cities and suburbs. They ALL are Americans, they ALL care about the course this nation is taking, and they ALL are thirsty for the kind of change Barack Obama can bring if we elect him president.

And everyone that works in this movement fits into that category, too. We joined up because we love America and want to see it rise again as a bastion of freedom and justice, and a place where any person from any background has a chance. We don't hate Republicans - we just hate what they have done to the United States in the last eight years, and want to fix it.

Sarah Palin and John McCain can say all they want about Barack's policy ideas. That's fair. What they, and far too many of their surrogates, are saying about our loyalty to this country is not acceptable in any circumstances. Nor is the GOP's transparent attempts to suppress the vote in many key states, and we're happy that our campaign is hitting back on this point.

John McCain once said he'd run an honorable campaign. Then the Rovians took over, intending to divide us all again. What they will find out in 17 days' time is that people in EVERY part of America are ready to believe in this country again....with Barack Obama leading us.

YES WE CAN!!

Natural Born Citizen

Tim Schram — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:09:30 EDT

I have seen several blogs questioning McCain's qualification to run for president based on where he was born. You really should have paid attention in social studies or political science.

There are two ways to be a natural born citizen.

1) One or both parents are citizens.
2) Born within the borders of the USA.

Since McCain's parents were both citizens (his family goes back to the founding of the country) at the time of his birth, he is a natural born citizen. It doesn't matter if he was born on Mars or a galaxy far, far, away.

Can we stop wasting time and energy on these stupid, dirty tricks. There are too many real and important issues that require our attention. There are enough legitimate reasons to oppose his election. Please.

Another thing. Who cares if "trolls" are writing to our blogs? I say good, let us know what you are thinking and what your "strategy" is. You want to answer them fine, but keep it civil. We are all going to have to work together to solve our problems after Obama wins.

"Joe the Plumber"

Tim Schram — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:54:52 EDT

Hey Joe, your taxed on your businesses NET income not its gross. If you get close to the $250 k net income, hire someone, supply health or other benefits for your employees, buy some new equipment, or open a branch office in a new area. When you get big enough, incorporate. That will separate your income from the businesses, If that still doesn't keep you below that magic income, CONGRATULATIONS you are a successful role model for all Americans.

The Last Exchange

Phil In the Cuse — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:47:50 EDT

One last time, Barack Obama and John McCain appeared on the same stage, shook hands and spent 90 minutes in front of a good portion of the American people, debating the future of the United States of America.

As far as substance went, it had more than the first two collisions, that's for sure. Credit Bob Schieffer, the moderator, for bringing up thoughtful and provocative topics that led to great exchanges between the two principals in this presidential epic.

True, McCain was as tough and aggressive as he's ever been, taking on Barack at every turn on every possible issue, from taxes to trade to health care to education to the future makeup of the Supreme Court. He came out fighting - everyone can agree on that point.

They also must agree that at this debate, like all the ones before (both in the primary and the general election), Barack Obama showed American voters, and showed the world, just what kind of leader he would be - one that is ready for the immense challenge ahead.

Stop if you've heard this before - Barack has the ideal temperament we need right now. He never gets rattled, stays focused on the issues, and whenever he gets attacked with slings and arrows and lies, he comes back with the truth, and voters appreciate that kind of approach.

Face it - Barack cares about making the lives of every American better, whether it's through bring health care to the uninsured, a quality education to every child regardless of their background, a good job to anyone willing to work, and fairness in our tax system. That shines through every time he talks to us, that he will always be in our corner.

And John McCain? Well, we know he cares about Joe The Plumber. A lot.

Thanks to McCain's relentless evocation of the budding Ohio entrepeneur that questioned Barack about his tax policy yesterday, we will all get to know way too much about Joe The Plumber over the next few days.

This was serious overkill. Usually, when a story about an ordinary American citizen gets mentioned by a presidential candidate, it happens once in a setting, then they move on to other topics. But not Joe The Plumber. He got more attention than any person in the history of presidential debates.

It's too bad no one thought up of a drinking contest about every time Joe The Plumber got mentioned. Last time around, McCain said "My Friends" 21 times. Here, Joe (combined with Barack a few times) got mentioned 26 times. That's more than four six-packs, for anyone counting.

Here's the slight problem - Joe is NOT THE ONLY PERSON IN AMERICA! He's one of 300 million, and you know what? Most of them will get tax cuts in a Barack Obama presidency! And they'll get health care, too. That does matter. Note how one person in that CNN focus group liked the endless Joe references. The others got tired of it PDQ.

Barack took care of the one single trouble point, too, when he brought up Bill Ayers without McCain doing it first. He did so on his own clear, truthful terms, especially the educational committee in the late 1990s that had so many Republican ties. So I guess all those loyal GOP members pal around with terrorists, right?

Taken as a whole, these three presidential debates have caused a fundamental shift in this election. Once, the doubts were about Barack Obama and whether he was "presidential" enough. Those doubts must be gone now. In all the categories that count, and on all the issues, Barack addressed them with poise and confidence, acknowledging the tough times we live in, but displaying his belief that, working hard, we can make things better.

Now, in the 20 days that remain, we must double our efforts in every conceivable way to help push Barack to victory. It's up to all of us, who believed that this positive movement for change could reshape the course of history, to turn that belief into action, to never rest until Nov. 4.

This is an election about change, and the future, not the tired partisan arguments of the past. Barack Obama is forging a new kind of politics. With our help, he can complete that impossible task as the next President of the United States.

YES WE CAN!!

BREAKING the PRO-MCCAIN blogger who made an image = the SOLUTION to OBAMA is his lynching

kristin1978 — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:57:46 EDT

Political Byline. pro-mccain. pro-lynching obama.

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

Washington Scandal has a blog about it.

Pam's house blend has one, too.

here is the image he created on his site:

*shockingly racist*

-- we should all be reporting this to MSM /newspapers / time magazine / rollingstone.com (they just did a cover story on what an idiot mccain is) / msnbc / your own blog on barackobama.com / etc.

this is not acceptable.

here is the CREATOR OF THE IMAGE = blog Political Byline... image has been taken down -- but not apologetically.

in his comment section he tells "sherri" that he removed the picture because:

"I removed it because of the Cyber-Lynching that was going on by the Liberal Blogsophere. I am beginning to see that we do live in a fascist state."

cyber-lynching. irony.

REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY.

hi-resolution link to image

Three More Weeks of Work To Do!

Phil In the Cuse — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:26:43 EDT

Man, it's close at hand now. After 20-plus months of every conceivable event, good and bad, one could imagine, we have reached the real, true, genuine, honest-to-God homestretch of this epic presidential contest.

A mere three weeks from now, we ought to know whether Barack Obama, leading our positive movement for change in America, will have reached the summit. Every day, good poll numbers come out, which both thrill and scare me at the same time.

On the one hand, the combination of our incredible hard work, and having an incredible candidate like Barack Obama, has led us to this point, where most neutral observers think we will prevail. On the other hand, I pray that it doesn't lead to ANY kind of complacency on our part, that we work even harder than before to bring it home for Barack.

We sense it, we feel it. Just the possibility that we will be celebrating one of the most joyful moments in American history 21 days from now is almost too much to consider, so maybe it's best not to get too caught up in that moment and just focus on the tasks every minute and every hour.

Yet there is no shortage of motivation for our cause. It isn't difficult to find - just attend, if you dare, or watch footage of any of John McCain or Sarah Palin's rallies, and feel the sheer disdain, fear, anger and hatred that they and their supporters show toward Barack - and, to a smaller extent, to all of us in his movement.

Just today I came across a YouTube click of people standing outside a Palin event in Johnstown, Pa. The bile and filth that was heard is guaranteed to make any Obama/Biden supporter furious that stuff like this is still said in a land that supposedly preaches equality. Just about everything short of the N-word was tolerable to these folks. They have let mindless, irrational fear and hatred supercede any concern about which candidate is going to make their lives better.

This is what people around the world talk about when, in looking at our country, they point out that our history, and our deeds, directly contradict the rhetoric about freedom and democracy that we like to preach to other nations, allies and enemies alike.

And here is our chance to show them, in this most important election of our lifetimes, that we have indeed come a long way from our dark and checkered past, that we have the courage to do what Dr. King dreamed about 45 years ago in front of the Lincoln Memorial - namely, judge a man not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.

John McCain and the Republicans are telling us to be fearful, to reject our basic human decency and sense of fairness just so they can spend four more years plunging America into even worse economic conditions, all the while perpetuating war and debt that we cannot stomach.

Well in this case, they will fail, and we will succeed. All through this campaign, our message has never wavered - that America is hungry for change, tired of the divisive politics of the past, and ready to work hard to restore both our economic standing at home and our good name abroad.

All of you reading this blog, and everyone in this country that has put their whole heart and soul into this movement, have served as a source of inspiration during these last 20 months. We owe it to ourselves to make that final push in the next three weeks so that, on Nov. 4, our nation will stand up and cheer and note that, in the end, the good guys won. Guys named Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

YES WE CAN!!

Syracuse campaign update 10/12/08

Lisa Daly — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:54:51 EDT

To download a printable (and decently formatted) copy of this update, please click here:
http://www.syracuseforobama.com/docs/SyracuseforObama_update_101208.doc

In this update:

* Hours for Syracuse Obama Office

* Office Needs (this list has changed)

* Phone banking

* Trips to PA

* Canvassing, voter registration, phone bank and visibility events

* Students for Obama

* Other local races of importance

* Lawyers needed for election protection

* Poll Watchers needed

* Information on Issues

* Some nice print-at-home Obama posters
* Verify your polling place

* Information and deadlines for Absentee Ballot Applications

* Last Presidential debate, and local debate watch parties

Office Hours

537 James St

Syracuse, NY 13203

315-796-2262 or (315) SY-OBAMA

Office hours are 11-4 on weekends and 11-7pm on weekdays. Please stop by, say hello, and pick up your Obama/Biden lawn sign!

Office Needs

For those looking to help with office needs, here is our wish list to keep the office nicely stocked. Thank you to those of you who have helped already!

Cordless Phones: if you have an old cordless phone that we can use at the office for phone banking it would be much appreciated. They can be dropped off at the headquarters. Please affix your name well to the phone with your phone number and email address so that we can get it back to you after the election.

Cell phones for election day: We need to make sure all of our poll watchers have cell phones with them on election day. Any loans would be greatly appreciated.

Vacuum Cleaner: If you have an old vacuum cleaner that you can leave in the office until the election is over it would be appreciated. Please drop it off at the office and affix your name, phone and email address so we can return it.

Technical Support: We are in need of someone to assist with technical support for only 1-2 hours. Would need your help in the next few days to make sure phones, internet, and printers are connected properly. If you can do this -- please email volunteer@syracuseforobama.com with the days and times you are available (1-2 hours). Please use the subject line “technical support.”

Computer(s)

Staples gift cards

Anyone willing to lend/donate/volunteer for any of these items, please contact us at 315-SY-OBAMA or volunteer(at)syracuseforobama(dot)com and we will get you the appropriate in-kind donation form, volunteer details, etc. (Please be advised that we cannot accept donations from Corporations, foreign nationals or PACs.) Thank you!

Thank you to all of you who have already volunteered, donated and/or helped out in other ways!

Phone Banking

In addition to the calls we have already been making to Colorodo voters, we now have Pennsylvania phone lists, and Syracuse phone lists. If you have already signed up to be a phone banker, you should be receiving details soon. If not, please email us at volunteer(at)syracuseforobama(dot)com with the subject line “phone banking.”

Trips to PA

Groups of canvassers will be travelling to PA each weekend between now and election day. If you are already on our “travel” list, you should be receiving details shortly. If not, please email us at volunteer(at)syracuseforobama(dot)com with the subject line “PA Trips”

Canvassing, voter registration, Phone bank and visibility events

Thank you to everyone who participated in one of our canvassing or voter registration drives this week. Obama volunteers are getting rave reviews for our dedication – thank you to everyone who called, knocked, registered, or otherwise helped the cause this week! We have only 23 days to go!

Bradford Hills Knock and Lit Drop

Saturday, October 18th at 12:00 PM

In coordination with the 17th Ward Democratic Committee we will be knocking on doors and leaving literature for the entire slate of Democratic candidates in Syracuse.

Meeting Place: Corner of Meadowbrook & Bradford Pkw (Syracuse, NY 13224)

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs55q3

Joint Maffei/Obama canvass

Sunday, October 19 at 12:00 PM

Onondaga County Democratic Headquarters

248 E. Water St. Syracuse, NY 13202

Join volunteers from the Maffei and Obama campaigns for joint canvassing in the city of Syracuse. We will be distributing literature for both Dan Maffei and Barack Obama. Light refreshments provided.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/canvass/gs5lck

Joint Obama/Stirpe canvass

Saturday, October 25 at 9:30 AM

Stirpe Headquarters 802 N. Main Street North Syracuse, NY 13212

Join volunteers for the Obama campaign and for Assembleyman Al Stirpe's campaign in knocking on doors and leaving literature for both campaigns.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/canvass/gs5pc2

Obama Fest

Saturday, November 1 at 7:00 PM

This event will be held at the Dewitt Shire Tavern (located at 3010 Erie Blvd East near LeMoyne College) in order get college students excited and ready to vote right before for the election, just 3 days later. Live music & speakers. Must be at least 21 to enter.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/gs74dv

Training for Election Day Poll Watchers

Saturday morning, November 1st. Details TBD.

First Sunday

Sunday, November 2 at 10:30 AM

Syracuse for Obama Headquarters 537 James St. Syracuse, NY 13202

Join us as we leaflet cars outside targeted churches in the city of Syracuse. We will meet at the Obama office and split off into groups with literature and directions.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/canvass/gs5lcb

Central NY Democratic Victory Party

Tuesday, November 4 at 9:00 PM

Sheraton University Hotel and Conference Center 801 University Ave. Syracuse, NY 13210

Please join Democrats from across Onondaga County, as we celebrate all the hard work of our volunteers, and the election of Barack Obama, Dan Maffei and other great Democratic candidates across the region and the country! This will be the official Democratic celebration for the area and is being hosted by the Maffei campaign. Food will be provided.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/gs5pfx

Prefer to make calls from home?The “neighbor to neighbor” online calling tool is back, and allows you to call voters in battleground states. Training video and instructions are supplied: http://my.barackobama.com/page/votercontact/login

Students for Obama

If you or anyone you know is a student who would like to get more involved, please direct them to the following people as appropriate:

Student Outreach Coordinator:

Angela DeSantis – studentoutreach(at)syracuseforobama(dot)com

Syracuse University:

Michael Short – director Syracuse University Students for Obama: su4obama(at)gmail(dot)com

LeMoyne College:

Ryan McMillan - director LeMoyne College Students for Obama: mcmillrm(at)stu(dot)lemoyne(dot)edu.

Supporting down ticket races

One of the most important things we can do for Senator Obama here in New York is to help him sweep into office a Congress he can work with to achieve his agenda of positive change. In addition to that, we have an opportunity to support a number of good candidates for local office who will be instrumental in bringing that change to our local area. Anyone wishing to help with this broader effort, please contact us at volunteer(at)syracuseforobama(dot)com and we can point you to areas where this help might be most needed. Please put in the subject line: “Supporting Democratic Candidates.”

To get you started, here are some links to some local Democratic candidates who could use your help right away:

Congress: Dan Maffei: http://www.maffeiforcongress.com/Volunteer/Volunteer/

New York State Assembly: Al Stirpe: http://www.alstirpe.org/volunteer

Surrogate Court Judge: Steve Paquette: http://www.stevepaquette.com (Call 315-701-6422 to volunteer)

State Senate: Dave Valesky: http://www.davevalesky.com/volunteer

Lawyers needed for election protection

If you, or someone you know has legal expertise and would be willing to help us with voter protection on election day, please contact us at volunteer(at)syracuseforobama(dot)com and put “Election Protection” in the subject line of your message. Willingness to help with this in Northeast Pennsylvania would also be greatly appreciated by the national campaign. You can help even if you are retired or are still a law student.

Please make sure you also sign up with the New York Democratic Lawyers Council. This is the organization that will be coordinating voter protection throughout the state of NY. Anyone who is willing to commit the four days leading up to election day to work in a battleground state, please indicate that on the form and they will get you the training you need (specific to the state you will be in).

http://www.nydlc.org/live/signup.php

Poll Watchers needed

If you, or someone you know would be willing to help us monitor polling places and provide assistance to voters, who may not know their correct polling place, please contact us at volunteer(at)syracuseforobama(dot)com and put “Poll Watcher” in the subject line of your message.

Information on Issues

One of the questions we are getting asked frequently, is “how can I learn more about Senator Obama’s position on various issues?” Here are some links that might be helpful.

Issue papers on a wide variety of topics:

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

“Blueprint for Change”:

This is a single 33 page document that gives details on Senator Obama’s plan for taking on a wide variety issues facing the country today.

http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf

“Fight the Smears”:

Whether someone has forwarded you an email alleging something untrue about Senator Obama, or you would like to refute an attack ad you may have seen, this area of the website provides good information for responding and setting the record straight:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome

Print Materials

Nice posters for printing at home, offered free from "Change the Thought" online:

http://www.changethethought.com/obama-2008/

Verify your Polling Place

If you live in Onondaga County, you can verify your voter registration information online:

http://ntsdata.dnsalias.com/onondagaboe/

Elsewhere in New York, you can verify your registration here:

https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx

Please use this tool to verify your registration and polling place. If you have registered, or changed your registration in the last six weeks, the change may not be in the system yet, so don’t panic! Also, if you have recently changed you party affiliation, please note that party changes are only updated once per year (immediately after the general election.) The voter registration deadline in New York State is October 10th, so please do make sure that you are registered, and that you know your polling place.

We will have people on hand to help those who are not sure, but it takes stress off the system to have as many people verify ahead of time as possible.

Absentee Ballots

The last day to request an absentee ballot in New York State is October 28th (postmarked), or November 3rd (in person.) New military voters need to postmark their applications four days earlier (October 24th).

You may qualify for an absentee ballot if you will be out of the county on election day, if you are sick or otherwise home- or hospital-bound, or in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or in prison for a non-felony offense. Please read this page, for more detailed information, and for an application for an absentee ballot:

http://www.ongov.net/Board_of_Elections/absentee.html

If you apply to vote absentee, a ballot will be mailed to you approximately three weeks before the election.

Not in Onondaga County?

Please use this page to find your local board of elections, which should have information verifying your registration and polling place in your home county:

http://www.elections.state.ny.us./countyboards.html

Statewide voter registration lookup:

https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx

Final Presidential Debate

Third presidential debate: 9 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, Oct. 15., Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.; Subject, Domestic policy; Moderator, CBS' Bob Scheiffer.

There are several local debate watch parties going on that night. Click for details on each:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/debatewatchparty/gs5lkr

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/debatewatchparty/gs5l3z

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/debatewatchparty/gs5qtp

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/debatewatchparty/gs5qp2

Wrong Comparison, Right Point

Phil In the Cuse — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:18:41 EDT

John Lewis emerged into the American conscience nearly half a century ago, as a leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He stood in the front lines of the civil rights movement - harassed, beaten, sent to jail numerous times, all in the name of freedom's cause.

So when Lewis, now a noted Congressman from Georgia, came out Saturday and said the words of John McCain's supporters against Barack Obama fanned the flames of hate, he spoke with a vast amount of knowledge and authority.

Okay, so maybe the analogy to George Wallace in 1968 and 1972 was a bit strong, but what else can you possibly say? For an ENTIRE WEEK, pre and post-second debate, the crowds that came to see McCain and Sarah Palin wanted red meat, and got it, especially from Palin, who was almost giddy to claim that Barack had ties to evil, even if they were patently absurd and false.

Add to that the delight a couple of introductory speakers took in saying Barack's middle name, and loud voices of crowd members saying things like "Terrorist!" and "Kill Him!", it would be downright scary were it not for the presence of the Secret Service protecting Barack at all times. We can assume that Barack and his family are safe and in good hands.

It took maybe five days for McCain finally to recoil at all this, publicly, and some in the media were gullible enough to buy his sudden spate of sympathy and respect for Barack. That needed to be shown earlier in the week, when it could have stopped everything cold. But the cat's already out.

Fair warning - you'll hear a lot of noise about what John Lewis said. As we saw in the Jeremiah Wright saga, the cable news mob likes NOTHING more than to stir up racial tensions, or any kind of tensions, just for the sake of ratings and a close race.

What is required is the middle ground Barack took on Saturday night - dismissing the worst part of John Lewis' analogy, but endorsing his point that the most vile stuff has to be cast aside. This election is far too important, the issues far too critical, to be decided on issues of trivia - and I pray that we've reached a point in our society where race is not the primary consideration when two candidates of different races are running against each other.

We are here because Barack Obama is, in our minds, the best candidate for president - the wisest, most intelligent, and the person best suited to lead America in these difficult times. That is reason enough to support him.

But also it helps that Barack has, for the most part, avoided the low road of politics in these 20 months on the trail. He aspires to our best hopes, not our worst fears. And it's in that positive spirit that we must carry ourselves in the remaining days of this race.

YES WE CAN!

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

There, there!

paulec — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:43:58 EDT

Palin's paltry penny-prattle preying upon the passion of people, attached 'Fourth Branch' around her neck when she ascribed (in her debate) the same attributes of the OVP to those formulated by the current VP.

As McCain is linked to Bush, Palin is linked to Cheney.

This Is About Us

Phil In the Cuse — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:24:06 EDT

In the aftermath of the second presidential debate, Barack Obama has continued to do what he has been doing for 20 months - lay out his case for change and the desperate need for our government, and our next administration, to do what is right for the millions in the middle class left behind and crippled by this sagging economy. Joe Biden is doing the same, quite effectively, wherever he goes.

Meanwhile, John McCain, Sarah Palin and their surrogates continue to harp upon William Ayers, hint at Jeremiah Wright and Tony Rezko, loudly proclaim Barack's middle name, and other kinds of vicious attacks - all in the name of scaring American voters and convincing them to base this critical decision on something other than the issues.

No wonder the polls are trending toward us. No wonder swing states are swinging in our direction, more each day. In these tough times, people want solutions and answers, not tasteless trivia.

Here, in 2008, the new kind of politics is at work, in every state and every city and every town and village in the United States, because of Barack Obama. People are engaged like never before, contributing in record numbers, registering in record numbers, waiting in long lines to do early voting in the states where they can and volunteering in our movement in the tens of thousands.

This is what John McCain and his Republican mates don't understand at all. Having won five of seven presidential elections since 1980, having used the tired smear-and-fear tactics so often, they figure that, simply by unleashing them again in this last month of this campaign, that voters will follow them like mindless sheep.

Well, that isn't going to happen. We are involved, engaged, intelligent, and are not going to fall for that "who would you like to have a beer with" schtick anymore. Besides, by all indications, Barack is so much nicer anyway - and he's smarter, too!

Most of all, Barack understands that this election is about the American people - who we are, where we are going, what we wish and hope and dream about, even when things are difficult, and about how the United States is seen in the eyes of the world.

As we sit now, with 26 days to go, America is at a crossroads even greater than we imagined when this whole thing started. Already, the choice was clear - between a continuation of the same failed George Bush policies, or a new beginning with a new and inspiring leader mobilizing millions into a new sense of duty to the country they love.

Now, America's very place in the world is at risk, and might entirely hinge on the decision we make. As all of us continue to do the amazing work we have done so far, use as your motivation a vision of what the night of Nov. 4 and its aftermath may look like.

One vision is stark and grim, that of the GOP again deceiving the American public into a bad choice that paralyzes our future. The other is a glorious vision, one that is impossible for any of us to describe because such joy has never been felt by so many millions about a single person's potential rise to the presidency of the United States.

It's safe to say that the psychological lift a victory by Barack Obama would give us, combined with its deep historical meaning, would, by itself, make this nation feel good about itself again, make us all believe that we have the power to change our own destiny.

So let the Republicans attack and drag out all the old associations that voters don't care about. Let them be mean and desperate and negative. We know this election is not about Barack Obama or John McCain, but about us. So let us work hard to shape that decision and make our nation great again.

YES WE CAN!!

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

Nice Job

Tim Schram — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:09:16 EDT

Nice job at the debate. Obama did a better job of focussing on his agenda, which included multiple approaches to problem solving. On America's role in stopping crimes against humanity, Obama used a balanced approach of diplomacy, load sharing with other nations, and use of our military as support and primary force. McCain burdened us with the entirety of any intervention and limited it to ground forces. What a limited view of our influence. He just doesn't have the vision to lead us into a new century. Even his energy policy is one pronged, nuclear. Obama is right about healthcare, it is a right. Obama is right that we need to pick and choose our cuts and investments, we need his subtle scalpel and not McCains panicing axe.

Again McCain should he is to impulsive to be in charge. He may be okay as a Senator, where the rest of the senate can rein him in. But, I'm not even sure I trust him there. I appreciate his service and respect that he believes he is working for our best interest, but intentions don't translate to results or indicate judgement. As a soldier he may have been good, as a general he scares me.

Obama has demonstrated again a calm, rational, deliberative nature that instills confidence in his decisions. He personifies the qualities of a President that can effectively garner support, both domestically and internationally, for solutions to the problems that face all of us. He, also, displays the ability to re-evaluate a situation, adapt, and not be considered a flip-flopper.

The One Who Cares About Us

Phil In the Cuse — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:24:54 EDT

First of all, every single one of us extends our thoughts and prayers to Joe Biden and his family on the sudden passing of his mother-in-law. We admire, so much, the devotion Joe has for Jill and his children and everyone else he cares for, and please keep him in your heart during these difficult days.

Now, on to that thing that took place tonight. At one point during the second presidential debate, in explaining a Senate vote on energy, John McCain referred to Barack Obama as "That One". Way to show respect for your opponent.

Actually, what it did was show, to every single person in the massive TV audience that watched this town hall-style confrontation, that Barack Obama is the bigger man, and of course the one man we need to be the next President of the United States.

As usual, going into this debate, there was obsessive talk about the tactics. Falling further behind in the polls, seeing the projected electoral map turn a larger shade of blue, McCain was expected to go after Barack hard, maybe even evoke the trio of Wright, Rezco and Ayers, tired old tales already thoroughly wrung out earlier in this contest.

Sure enough, McCain did attack - on Barack's votes, his words, and his plans. From the economic mess to health care to climate change to international affairs like Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Darfur and Russia, no matter what got raised, McCain was ready to bash.

Barack, as we have all come to know and love about him, thoroughly kept his cool and, when necessary, hit hard. From bringing up the AIG junket (great) to McCain's past reckless words about going after Iran and Iraq, in song and verse, to thoroughly debunking all of the attacks, Barack showed his leadership, intelligence and ability to address issues like an adult would.

And how cool that when McCain brought up the Iraqi surge (again), Barack reminded him (again) that the whole idea of a war was a mistake in the first place. Given our tough economic times, the war issue has gone a bit underground, but it's still there. It's cost us hundreds of billions of dollars and our prestige around the world, and Barack scores every time he brings it up.

Of course attention must be paid to the visuals in debates like this. McCain stalked the stage in an aggressive way - maybe too aggressive, and much is being made about the fact that he snubbed Barack's handshake at the end and didn't talk to the audience. Small things, perhaps, but they do matter.

The (very) early reviews are quite good, from focus groups and analysts alike. It continues in the positive trend that this positive movement for change has made, in every corner of this country. Every day brings us closer to a victory that will resonate through the ages.

As he has done so many times before, Barack Obama made all of us that support him feel proud to be part of this history-making movement. And he only has made us more determined to push him across that finish line four weeks from now.

YES WE CAN!!

republican candidates healthcare debate point

Mark L — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:06:13 EDT

Hi I just wanted to make a suggestion in the last debate and in the prior election the republican candidates have suggested that the democratic healthcare plan would lead to a government bureaucrat choosing your doctor or healthcare provider. If you think about it under the current system most people are limited to doctors that are designated by their healthcare plan. (if they are even lucky enough to have a plan) Those doctors are chosen by executives whose bonus is determined by reducing the amount of money spent on your health care.

This question is bound to come up again in the debates. I think it would be good if Barack pointed this out when John McCain states this again in the coming debates. It seems like an easy powerful point to make in the debates and the campaign.

Mark L

Obama Supporter

Their Negativity, Our Hope.

Phil In the Cuse — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:09:09 EDT

Here it is, less than a month from our momentous decision. Every piece of evidence out there suggests that Barack Obama's positive message of hope and change, so badly needed in these tough times, is resonating with American voters of all ages and persuasions.

For what they are worth, the polls, national and state, look good. Maybe one state (Colorado) is floundering, but Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin - they all are otherwise trending toward Obama. That would mean a strong electoral win, if things continue to go well.

Of course we have to guard against even the appearance of being too confident or secure. Not one second must be wasted in the four weeks to come.

Sure we are all tired and spent. Anyone would be after spending 20 months on this thing. It's so easy, at times like this, to let some things slide, to say that because things look so good, it's okay to lay back just a bit, not be as intense as we've been.

That would be a terrible mistake. There will be time enough to rest on Nov. 5 and beyond. Better to have that rest knowing that we have earned an historic victory, rather than rail and wonder about what could have been...heck, don't even want to consider the other possibility.

On the other side, John McCain, Sarah Palin and the rest of the Republican know they can't win on the issues, so they are committed to the tried-and-true GOP smears and fears they have used on two decades worth of Democratic presidential candidates.

So you had Palin on the stump bringing up Barack's very loose ties with William Ayers. They'll recite his name, plus those of Jeremiah Wright and Tony Rezko, in a continual loop, desperate to scare the American public about Barack Obama simply because he knows these people, not because Barack agrees, in any way, shape or form, with the bad things they did or said.

Now we hear that Barack and his campaign are going to bring up something they haven't before - namely, McCain's old ties with Charles Keating as one of the "Keating Five" that got in trouble early in the 1990s for trying to go easy on Keating, a convicted felon whose California Savings and Loans bank defrauded mililons.

From a personal standpoint, I wish we'd never have to bring up Keating. Barack's own message is strong enough, and he personally doesn't have to get into this mudfight. But if McCain's camp is obsessed with Barack's Chicago ties, it's only fair that we bring up the same old ties, right?

Still, it's the distasteful side of politics, and I implore all of you to, if you can, avoid these fights and remember why we support Barack so much. Just try, as much as possible, to smile and stay positive in all that we do for Barack and for this movement.

This is not a time to replay the mistakes of the past, because they can't be changed. What can change, and what we MUST change, is a culture of negative, who's-to-blame politics that does not do the American people any good at all.

I am confident that Barack will address this positive part during Tuesday night's Town-Hall debate with McCain, and he needs to stay on the high road. By the way, everyone in Syracuse For Obama is invited to join us at our 537 James Street headquarters for a planning meeting at 7:30, followed by a debate watch party and yes, we'll even supply the popcorn.

Let us not be content, folks. Just 30 more days of every bit of effort that you can muster. The prize is within reach. A chance to reshape our nation and make our mark in history is there. As tough as things might get now, as much mud as they'll throw at us, stand tall and strong. Barack Obama is depending on us, so....

YES WE CAN!!

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

Palin on why vets should not vote

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:28:03 EDT

Watching John McCain attack our veterans has become the norm these past few years, with his status as a symbol for the American veteran merely a weird plot twist in his history; We have watched him stand on the Senate floor for five-and-a-half hours, leading the fight against the dwell time amendment that would give our troops more time between tours. We have seen him speak out against the 21st Century GI Bill that would expand education benefits for our troops for the first time since the Senator himself used them to pay for college. Like a bizarro-world version of Mark Foley ruthlessly fighting pedophiles while being one himself, so goes McCain's inexplicable record on veterans issues.

But finally, he's put his mouth where his money is. McCain and Palin, who both have children in the Armed Forces, have declared Ohio troops and hospitalized vets unqualified voters.

I get emails from McCain's Ohio arm to try to keep an eye on what they're doing there, since the state will probably decide the election, but happens to have a Republican party establishment that would purge every voter without a butler from the rolls if it had the chance. This is what they sent out after the debate last night under Palin's name:

The Obama-Biden Democrats and their allies are exploiting loopholes in Ohio election laws that we fear may result in unqualified voters casting ballots.

The "loophole in Ohio election laws" that Palin is talking about is not a loophole at all, just a very sensible premise that is standard for absentee ballots -- that a vote is not technically cast until it is tabulated. Republican groups cited a rule that requires 30 days between registration and voting and sought to disqualify absentee ballots that were filled out on the same day as registration. Same-day registration and filling out of absentee ballots is the best option available to unregistered troops abroad and hospitalized vets in VA facilities. The "Obama-Biden Democrats and their allies" are non-partisan veterans advocacy groups like Veterans For America and IAVA that fought tooth and nail to defeat a lawsuit that challenged this very sensible notion to protect thousands of troops and vets from disenfranchisement.

With deployed troops donating 6:1 in favor of Obama, the cynic in me can see why the GOP doesn't want their votes to count. Then the decent person in me chimes in and says, "I can't see how anyone could try to block a deployed soldier's right to vote and be able to live with themselves."

Despite Gov. Palin's strange relationship with colloquialism ("Hockey Moms across America," anyone? How many are there?), the use of the term "unqualified voters" in a country that generally lets citizens over the age of 18 vote is the kind of phrase that should've been phased out long before the word "email" was phased in. With regards to the only American citizens who don't get to vote, felons, that's left up to the states. In Ohio, felons are only disqualified from voting while incarcerated, and I'm pretty sure she isn't talking about prison visitors stuffing stacks of voter registration forms and absentee ballots into God-knows-where in the name of democracy, though that would be quite the heist.

That leaves the troops and hospitalized veterans, the target of this power-grab. Nope, don't want those dangerously unqualified voters pulling the levers at all...

Help Barack win Michigan!

Alena — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:35:55 EDT

By now, you've probably heard the news that John McCain is scaling back his campaign in Michigan. But, the Michigan Obama campaign is not slowing down one bit, and needs your help more than ever! Michigan has a history of elections being decided in the final weeks before Election Day, and polls here are known to swing dramatically in the last days before the election. While polls currently show Senator Obama in the lead in Michigan, we all know how volatile polling can be - and how important it is to keep our momentum going in Michigan.

Sarah Palin said it herself on Fox News Friday: "I want to get back to Michigan, and I want to try." Michigan's Lt. Governor John Cherry, a veteran of Michigan politics, predicts McCain's announcement will lead "to a flurry of anti-Obama spending by independent groups." The McCain campaign may be pulling out of Michigan, but their supporters aren't giving up. Michigan's Republican Party is redoubling its own efforts to elect John McCain, which is why it's so important to keep our focus on Michigan so we can ensure it votes for Senator Obama on November 4.

Come to Michigan to help keep this critically important battleground state in the Obama column on Election Day! With only a month until the election, there's never been a more important time than now to get involved. From knocking on doors to making phone calls, you can make the difference in this vital swing state. To get involved, visit mi.barackobama.com/cometomi, or contact Derek Dobies at 734-740-6698.

Joe Biden, A Great Running Mate

Phil In the Cuse — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:55:46 EDT

I'll admit, those last few minutes before things started tonight in St. Louis, I was quite nervous. We knew Joe Biden had a grasp on all the issues and was the ideal sort of partner for Barack Obama. The only question was whether tonight that would be made clear to the American people.

And it was, in so many ways. Biden's success tonight went beyond just the way he framed the issues and made sure the focus was on Barack and John McCain. He put this race into human terms and reminded us all why this election is so important, and why WE MUST WIN!!

Of course the attention was on Sarah Palin. The unintentional comedy of her Charles Gibson-Katie Couric interviews reached a climax on CBS tonight when the two VP candidates were asked about Dick Cheney. Biden gave a detailed answer about how Barack's cousin had shredded the Constitution in a naked pursuit of power. Palin mentioned that duck-hunting (wait a minute, wasn't it quail?) accident. That speaks for itself.

As to the debate, well, we know Palin can read talking points. And she did, incessantly, giving us some of those wild and convoluted answers we've all come to know, love, hate and watch Tina Fey imitate. Lots of mentions of McCain, slamming of the records of Obama and Biden, and many different chances to butcher the word nuclear - my goodness, can't we have SOMEONE in the no. 1 or no. 2 spot that actually knows how to pronounce that word. One U, not two! Oh yes, also that "shout out" to her teachers - a SHOUT OUT? In a nationally televisted serious policy discussion? Yup. You betcha.

All right, enough of the comedy - back to our man Joe Biden. In the first hour, he played the wonk, dutifully reciting his record and marking the contrasts between Barack and John McCain whenever possible. He demonstrated his knowledge of the issues in a forthright and solid manner, even throwing in a "bridge to nowhere" zinger and some great Iraq critique.

But it was in the end that Joe Biden really showed why we all love him and are glad he is on our team. When he talked about the struggles of families in this country by relating his own tale about raising his two sons alone for a time after his first wife died, and then choked up talking about it, your heart just had to melt. A good politician, yes, but Joe Biden is a better human being.

And his closing remarks were fantastic, just the right grace note to remind everyone of the failures of the last eight years, and the fact that this is the most important election of our lives and that we needed to, as his father always told him, get back up after getting knocked down.

Well, don't worry, Mr. Biden. We have been knocked down, but thanks to you and Barack Obama, we are getting back up, slowly, day by day, person by person, looking forward to that moment 33 days from now when, through our hard work and our belief in America and in each other, we celebrate our victory - the moment our country started to heal.

YES WE CAN!!

A Question of Experience

Tim Schram — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:26:56 EDT

The Question is, Who cares. All voters have experienced the last 18 years or more. Are you using that experience to improve your decision making? That is the question that the media and the voters should be asking.

Noone disputes McCain is experienced. He has a long history in government and the military. So what? It is his policies and philosophy that are important. He has alot of experience in backing a bankrupt economic philosophy that is the fudamental cause of the current financial crisis. He has experience in supporting a failed and dangerous foreign policy philosophy that isolates America from its allies and threatens our and the worlds security. He backed Bush's childish policy of not talking to people he doesn't like. He supported Bush'spolicy of shoot first, shoot second, shoot somemore, and, if anybody is still alive, ask questions.

In all his vast experience, he has refused to learn anything from it. Experience is meaningless if you refuse to learn from it and stubbornly stick to your original beliefs even when they are demonstrated to be wrong or ineffctive. Who was it the said essentially, one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different outcome? McCain may be olde, but in my opinion he demonstrates a immature stubborness to policies and philosophies that repeatedly fail.

His energy policy is another example. His "experience" is a few large corporations control the supply of energy from oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear. So his solution emphasizes increased drilling, nuclear, and coal. Paying lip service to alternate, renewable energy as some far off minor contributor at best because they are haeder for "big energy" to control. Is that the experience we want deciding our future energy policies?

I, for one, couldn't care less how much experience McCain or Palin have. Or Obama for that matter. What is important to me is that Obama has looked at our past actions and learned which have not worked. He has concluded, it is time to try new approaches. Are all his ideas going to be successful. No. But, he has demonstrated an ability to assess and adapt. He has demonstrated a willingness to learn and grow with his experience. That is the exxence of a mature, sane, and effective leader. The significance of experience is what you do with it, not that you survived it.

The forgotten security budget

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:23:43 EDT

What follows is of key interest and of serious importance. If you find this article of interest, I suggest a short book entitled, the Limits of Power, by Andrew Bacevich, a conservative historian of Boston University.

WE HAVE THE MONEY

IF ONLY WE DIDN'T WASTE IT ON THE DEFENSE BUDGET

By Chalmers Johnson

There has been much moaning, air-sucking, and outrage about the $700 billion that the U.S. government is thinking of throwing away on rich New York bankers who have been ripping us off for the past few years and then letting greed drive their businesses into a variety of ditches. In fact, we dole out similar amounts of money every year in the form of payoffs to the armed services, the military-industrial complex, and powerful senators and representatives allied with the Pentagon.

On Wednesday, September 24th, right in the middle of the fight over billions of taxpayer dollars slated to bail out Wall Street, the House of Representatives passed a $612 billion defense authorization bill for 2009 without a murmur of public protest or any meaningful press comment at all. (The New York Times gave the matter only three short paragraphs buried in a story about another appropriations measure.)

The defense bill includes $68.6 billion to pursue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is only a down-payment on the full yearly cost of these wars. (The rest will be raised through future supplementary bills.) It also included a 3.9% pay raise for military personnel, and $5 billion in pork-barrel projects not even requested by the administration or the secretary of defense. It also fully funds the Pentagon's request for a radar site in the Czech Republic, a hare-brained scheme sure to infuriate the Russians just as much as a Russian missile base in Cuba once infuriated us. The whole bill passed by a vote of 392-39 and will fly through the Senate, where a similar bill has already been approved. And no one will even think to mention it in the same breath with the discussion of bailout funds for dying investment banks and the like.

This is pure waste. Our annual spending on "national security" -- meaning the defense budget plus all military expenditures hidden in the budgets for the departments of Energy, State, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, the CIA, and numerous other places in the executive branch -- already exceeds a trillion dollars, an amount larger than that of all other national defense budgets combined. Not only was there no significant media coverage of this latest appropriation, there have been no signs of even the slightest urge to inquire into the relationship between our bloated military, our staggering weapons expenditures, our extravagantly expensive failed wars abroad, and the financial catastrophe on Wall Street.

The only Congressional "commentary" on the size of our military outlay was the usual pompous drivel about how a failure to vote for the defense authorization bill would betray our troops. The aged Senator John Warner (R-Va), former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, implored his Republican colleagues to vote for the bill "out of respect for military personnel." He seems to be unaware that these troops are actually volunteers, not draftees, and that they joined the armed forces as a matter of career choice, rather than because the nation demanded such a sacrifice from them.

We would better respect our armed forces by bringing the futile and misbegotten wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to an end. A relative degree of peace and order has returned to Iraq not because of President Bush's belated reinforcement of our expeditionary army there (the so-called surge), but thanks to shifting internal dynamics within Iraq and in the Middle East region generally. Such shifts include a growing awareness among Iraq's Sunni population of the need to restore law and order, a growing confidence among Iraqi Shiites of their nearly unassailable position of political influence in the country, and a growing awareness among Sunni nations that the ill-informed war of aggression the Bush administration waged against Iraq has vastly increased the influence of Shiism and Iran in the region.

The continued presence of American troops and their heavily reinforced bases in Iraq threaten this return to relative stability. The refusal of the Shia government of Iraq to agree to an American Status of Forces Agreement -- much desired by the Bush administration -- that would exempt off-duty American troops from Iraqi law is actually a good sign for the future of Iraq.

In Afghanistan, our historically deaf generals and civilian strategists do not seem to understand that our defeat by the Afghan insurgents is inevitable. Since the time of Alexander the Great, no foreign intruder has ever prevailed over Afghan guerrillas defending their home turf. The first Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1842) marked a particularly humiliating defeat of British imperialism at the very height of English military power in the Victorian era. The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) resulted in a Russian defeat so demoralizing that it contributed significantly to the disintegration of the former Soviet Union in 1991. We are now on track to repeat virtually all the errors committed by previous invaders of Afghanistan over the centuries.

In the past year, perhaps most disastrously, we have carried our Afghan war into Pakistan, a relatively wealthy and sophisticated nuclear power that has long cooperated with us militarily. Our recent bungling brutality along the Afghan-Pakistan border threatens to radicalize the Pashtuns in both countries and advance the interests of radical Islam throughout the region. The United States is now identified in each country mainly with Hellfire missiles, unmanned drones, special operations raids, and repeated incidents of the killing of innocent bystanders.

The brutal bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on September 20, 2008, was a powerful indicator of the spreading strength of virulent anti-American sentiment in the area. The hotel was a well-known watering hole for American Marines, Special Forces troops, and CIA agents. Our military activities in Pakistan have been as misguided as the Nixon-Kissinger invasion of Cambodia in 1970. The end result will almost surely be the same.

We should begin our disengagement from Afghanistan at once. We dislike the Taliban's fundamentalist religious values, but the Afghan public, with its desperate desire for a return of law and order and the curbing of corruption, knows that the Taliban is the only political force in the country that has ever brought the opium trade under control. The Pakistanis and their effective army can defend their country from Taliban domination so long as we abandon the activities that are causing both Afghans and Pakistanis to see the Taliban as a lesser evil.

One of America's greatest authorities on the defense budget, Winslow Wheeler, worked for 31 years for Republican members of the Senate and for the General Accounting Office on military expenditures. His conclusion, when it comes to the fiscal sanity of our military spending, is devastating:

"America's defense budget is now larger in inflation-adjusted dollars than at any point since the end of World War II, and yet our Army has fewer combat brigades than at any point in that period; our Navy has fewer combat ships; and the Air Force has fewer combat aircraft. Our major equipment inventories for these major forces are older on average than any point since 1946 -- or in some cases, in our entire history."

This in itself is a national disgrace. Spending hundreds of billions of dollars on present and future wars that have nothing to do with our national security is simply obscene. And yet Congress has been corrupted by the military-industrial complex into believing that, by voting for more defense spending, they are supplying "jobs" for the economy. In fact, they are only diverting scarce resources from the desperately needed rebuilding of the American infrastructure and other crucial spending necessities into utterly wasteful munitions. If we cannot cut back our longstanding, ever increasing military spending in a major way, then the bankruptcy of the United States is inevitable. As the current Wall Street meltdown has demonstrated, that is no longer an abstract possibility but a growing likelihood. We do not have much time left.

Biden vs. Palin....Prepare to Cringe

Phil In the Cuse — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:36:38 EDT

So we are just about 24 hours from that moment Thursday night at Washington University in St. Louis where Joe Biden and Sarah Palin take the stage for the lone vice presidential debate. And it takes every bit of my considerable restraint to not make analogies to car wrecks.

Maybe in years past, Biden would have been in the crosshairs. At times, his mouth does get ahead of his considerable mind, but he's the first to admit such failings, not to mention all the trouble caused when accusations of plagiarism derailed his 1988 presidential bid.

Those small negatives do not cancel out the enormous positives Biden brings as the running mate of Barack Obama. He is what is needed - a man absolutely prepared and ready to take over the presidency at a moment's notice.

To say such things of Sarah Palin stretches credulity to the breaking point. John McCain's choice was designed to make a splash - which it did. What Republicans were not prepared for, though, was the tidal wave of unintentional comedy that, by the time it was done, made Dan Quayle seem like Einstein.

No wonder McCain's folks were afraid of actual interviews. So far, in talks with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric (good journalists, but neither of them exactly Mike Wallace), Palin has botched just about everything and, even when she does address a topic like the economy, it goes in five different directions and ends up being complete gibberish.

As a result, the ridicule has come fast and furious. Tina Fey's SNL stint included entire passages taken verbatim from the Couric interview - they didn't even have to make this stuff up. On the one hand, you feel sorry for Palin because she's being subjected to this. Then again, she chose to be on the ticket. Cliche time - if you can't stand the heat...

A day in advance of the debate, the GOP is already hammering the moderator, Gwen Ifill, because she wrote a book where Barack was a topic. Nice try - you AGREED to have her run this. Too late to get out now. They wouldn't be afraid, would they?

Of course, there's a train of thought that Palin could be declared the winner simply because the bar has been set so low. Nonsense. It's one thing to have Quayle-like low expectations. It's another thing to become a complete punch line, and that's almost impossible to recover from.

Joe Biden has been around enough strong women, especially in the Senate, and he doesn't need a lecture on how to treat them, so forget about the sexism talk. Take gender out of this. This should be about the future of our country, and which one is ready to take charge if they must.

Yes, Palin has done well in Alaska debates. But the stakes here are a tad bit higher, and while the expectations for her might be low, there's just no telling how bad and cringe-worthy it could get when Palin stands out on stage for 90 minutes. One whopper or piece of garbled syntax, and the self-inflicted damage could be incalculable.

Maybe Biden just hones in on John McCain, takes his intelligent shots, then gets the heck out. That would be fine. But I am confident that he'll do more than that, avoid the flubs and show millions that he is, by several thousand miles, the better no. 2 on the ticket. Joe Biden will make us proud.

YES WE CAN!!

One percent

Mike from Lansing, MI — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:56:26 EDT

1%, or 1 vote out of 100

There have been 12 Presidential elections that were decided by less than a 1% margin; meaning if less than 1% of the voters in certain states had changed their mind to the other candidate the outcome of the entire election would have been different. More than half were decided by less than a 2% margin.

In 2004,    57,787 votes would have given us President Kerry.
In 2000,    269 votes would have given us President Gore
In 1996,    575,515 votes would have given us President Dole.

From ABC News:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/scienceandsociety/2008/09/squeakers.html

==========
"Squeakers"
Ned Potter
ABC News
September 29, 2008

How close have Presidential elections been? Closer, perhaps, than we ever guessed. Mike Sheppard, a grad student in statistics at Michigan State, has done a mathematical exercise that shows it.

He ran a computer program to answer this question: "What is the smallest number of total votes that need to be switched from one candidate to another, and from which states, to affect the outcome of the election?"

The answer: in some years, very, very few. Take a look at his analysis HERE. It shows the powerful interaction between the popular vote and the electoral college.

[...]
==========

Full article here:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/scienceandsociety/2008/09/squeakers.html

Detailed analysis here, including colored maps:
https://www.msu.edu/~sheppa28/elections.html

-Mike Sheppard

Bailout

Tim Schram — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:17:55 EDT

It is time to put the bailout on hold. Anything that is passed with the Pro-Greed ideologs will be so fundamentally flawed that it will have to be scrapped after the election. Focus on getting enough support in the new congress to pass a plan that has a chance of moderating the effects of this failed of ideology.

Make it one of the top 5 issues in the election as a referendum on the heading this country will take for the next 4 years or more. Use it to get a quorum in congress and the whitehouse and implement the reforms that will correct the effects of the last administration and the effects of Ronald Reagan and VOODOO economics.

The Issues should be:

1) Current greed market versus regulated free market

2) Dependence on fossil fuels and big energy versus energy independence and price stability

3) National aggression and arrogance versus diplomacy and community of nations

4) Military fatigue and overextention versus military preparedness and judicial multilateral use

5) The hypocrisy of an ideology that believes businesses are innately good and right, while individuals are innately immoral and degenerate and need big brother to regulate their choices involving their bodies, bedrooms, and faiths.

It is time to connect the bankruptcy of their social ideology with the finacial bankruptcies taking place on Wall Street as a result of their economic ideology.

Tax comparison

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:19:32 EDT

For any of you who know undecided voters who are worried about the lies about taxes they hear from John McCain, tell them to use this site to see how their own taxes work in McCain's tax plans versus Obama's

http://www.electiontaxes.com/

The only personal information asked is a birthdate, presumably to determine if you are a senior, as under Obama's plan, seniors who make less than $50K won't pay any taxes.

McCain's PTSD

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:18:30 EDT

PHYSICIAN: McCAIN PSYCHOLOGICALLY UNFIT BY ELIZABETH McCLARD:Here is my latest essay, mercifully shorter than the last, but guaranteed to be just as controversial -- and true! Again, feel free to disseminate it in any way you wish. I suspect you all may be able to tell by now I feel a great sense of urgency about the upcoming election, and being in a swing state feel, also, a special responsibility to get out the vote for Obama. McCain’s histrionic and erratic behavior in the last few days has been exploitive, petulant, impulsive, and divisive, not to mention hypocritical as he accused Obama of exploiting the economic crisis for political gain. Respect for his heroism in war does not excuse our continued excessive deference, and we must face the painful truth that he would be plain dangerous as President. Unstable, hotheaded behavior characterizes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In my role as a physician I would also consider borderline personality disorder, or tumor as possible causes for the personality traits that lead to these behaviors. Regardless, McCain’s own volatile, defensive compulsions do make him particularly unfit as a Commander-in-Chief. Consider PTSD. We now know that a biological response to torture is shrinkage of two parts of the brain. While these changes do enable the severely tortured to survive, they make the victims forgetful, irritable and jumpy. Furthermore, loss of the part of the brain that forms new memories is later associated with senility. Loss of brain that weighs, judges, and moderates social behavior (makes us civilized), causes impulses toward aggression and sex to be acted upon before consideration of the pros and cons—forever inclining the injured party to over-quick, under-considered defensive behaviors. Sound familiar? I counted no less than nine such behaviors from McCain in the couple of days before the debate last Friday: 1) On the morning of the 24th McCain refused a telephone call from Obama proposing they make a joint statement on the economic crisis; 2) In the afternoon he changed his mind and called Obama, agreeing to making a joint statement on the economic crisis; 3) An hour before making said agreed-upon joint statement McCain went on TV unexpectedly to make his own statement; 4) A few minutes after the joint statement, not having mentioned anything whatsoever to Obama, he again went on TV to say that he was rushing back to Washington to work on the rescue plan, and would therefore be unable to attend the debate. (Note that for the whole country this event at Ole Miss was not mere politics, but one of true historic importance and at the university’s great expense.) 5) That evening he precipitously cancelled his appearance on David Letterman, again excusing himself because of the “rush” to get to work in Washington; 6) Within minutes he decided he wasn’t in that big of a rush and decided to stop in at CBS to give Katie Couric and interview; 7) Once in Washington McCain made himself more than useless, actually proving a divisive force on both sides of the aisle; 8) Perhaps realizing that the process would probably go more smoothly without him he again changed his mind and agreed to go to the debate after all; 9) After his own two and a half day histrionic extravaganza McCain accused Obama of exploiting the crisis, while Obama had held steady-as-she-goes the whole time. If we look a little closer at McCain’s record as a “maverick” in the Senate more of the same is revealed. He loves to point out how he has "reached across the aisle” to get bipartisan legislation passed. In reality, in each case he has reached out to Democrats in pay-back to his Republican colleagues when they have insulted him—as when they convicted him of "poor judgment" in regard to dealings with Charles Keating. That makes even his highest achievements motivated by impulsive belligerence. Fortunately, the large egalitarian body of the Senate has served to modulate and direct his impulsive fury (essentially acting as surrogate for functioning prefrontal lobes). We must all wonder, though, about the consequences of such defensive indecision and erratic behavior if McCain were to find himself in the White House. He is just not an appropriate choice for president of the United States of America. Not surprisingly, neither is the vice presidential candidate he has picked, another illustration of his inclination to impulsive, poorly considered commitments. Even when aware that a decision is of the highest magnitude in importance he “rushes” to do something, often messes it up, and then “lives with the consequences,” as he himself has admitted. Fear to think to what legacy such a deficit of judgment could lead.

Don't Be Content, Don't Let Up!

Phil In the Cuse — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:43:34 EDT

Every day in this extraordinary presidential election brings a new wrinkle to the tale. Today we saw the bailout passage die in the House of Representatives, and the stock market promptly plunged. And will keep plunging until Congress does SOMETHING.

So much for John McCain "suspending" his campaign to save the day. He couldn't even persuade the House members in his own party to support the deal, and took credit for its success before the vote turned out a different way. Then, when that vote failed, he promptly blamed Barack Obama.

If none of this makes sense - well, it doesn't. Clearly McCain is desperate in the wake of a first debate where the experts did everything they could to give McCain the victory - but the voice of the people said something far different. They overwhelmingly thought Barack did better, showing all the great qualities of a leader we have admired all along.

And the polls, for whatever they are worth, reflect this growing sentiment. Whatever you look that - Gallup, Rasmussen, any of the networks - they show voters flocking to Barack Obama. And those are just the known voters. Just imagine how the new voters and young voters will break for us in 36 days' time.

All of this is so exciting and wonderful to consider. And that is why we must bring even more effort, even more determination, even more dedication to the work that still lies ahead. We cannot take anything for granted.

That's why it's paramount to make sure that we register everyone possible in New York State before the Oct. 10 deadline. That's why it's heartening to see so many people coming out to canvass, and many more are heading to Pennsylvania this weekend. And don't forget our "Barack the Block" party at Thornden Park Friday afternoon, rain or shine.

Later this week, we should have our phone banks set up at our James Street Syracuse For Obama headquarters. It's real - calling voters works. Last Friday I phoned up 100 people in Colorado, and of the people I talked to, most of them are voting for Obama. Every time they say that, it's such a wonderful feeling, for it reflects the sort of movement Barack has grown across this nation.

Times are difficult, folks, and Americans are looking for a leader, a true leader that can heal our wounds and bring our nation back to a good place again. Barack Obama can make that happen, but only if we don't rest now and keep doing our part for a victory five weeks from now.

YES WE CAN!!

White previledge

Richard Reeves-Ellington — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:21:42 EDT

It is written by Tim Wise, whom you can easily google. Mr. Wise is a white man from a border state, Tennessee, who has dedicated great effort over many years to sensitizing his fellow American whites concerning the nature of White Privilege. Here, Mr. Wise casts his analysis in a way relevant to Sarah Palin and her current candidacy for Vice President.

BY TIM WISE:

This is Your Nation on White Privilege Sep 13, 2008 By Tim Wise Tim Wise's ZSpace Page / Zspace.

For those who still can't grasp the concept of white privilege, or who are constantly looking for some easy-to-understand examples of it, perhaps this list will help.

White privilege is when you can get pregnant at seventeen like Bristol Palin and everyone is quick to insist that your life and that of your family is a personal matter, and that no one has a right to judge you or your parents, because "every family has challenges," even as black and Latino families with similar "challenges" are regularly typified as irresponsible, pathological and arbiters of social decay.

White privilege is when you can call yourself a "fuckin' redneck," like Bristol Palin's boyfriend does, and talk about how if anyone messes with you, you'll "kick their fuckin' ass," and talk about how you like to "shoot shit" for fun, and still be viewed as a responsible, all-American boy (and a great son-in-law to be) rather than a thug.

White privilege is when you can attend four different colleges in six years like Sarah Palin did (one of which you basically failed out of, then returned to after making up some coursework at a community college), and no one questions your intelligence or commitment to achievement, whereas a person of color who did this would be viewed as unfit for college, and probably someone who only got in in the first place because of affirmative action.

White privilege is when you can claim that being mayor of a town smaller than most medium-sized colleges, and then Governor of a state with about the same number of people as the lower fifth of the island of Manhattan, makes you ready to potentially be president, and people don't all piss on themselves with laughter, while being a black U.S. Senator, two-term state Senator, and constitutional law scholar, means you're "untested."

White privilege is being able to say that you support the words "under God" in the pledge of allegiance because "if it was good enough for the founding fathers, it's good enough for me," and not be immediately disqualified from holding office -- since, after all, the pledge was written in the late 1800s and the "under God" part wasn't added until the 1950s -- while believing that reading accused criminals and terrorists their rights (because, ya know, the Constitution, which you used to teach at a prestigious law school requires it), is a dangerous and silly idea only supported by mushy liberals.

White privilege is being able to be a gun enthusiast and not make people immediately scared of you.

White privilege is being able to have a husband who was a member of an extremist political party that wants your state to secede from the Union, and whose motto was "Alaska first," and no one questions your patriotism or that of your family, while if you're black and your spouse merely fails to come to a 9/11 memorial so she can be home with her kids on the first day of school, people immediately think she's being disrespectful.

White privilege is being able to make fun of community organizers and the work they do -- like, among other things, fight for the right of women to vote, or for civil rights, or the 8-hour workday, or an end to child labor -- and people think you're being pithy and tough, but if you merely question the experience of a small town mayor and 18-month governor with no foreign policy expertise beyond a class she took in

college -- you're somehow being mean, or even sexist.

White privilege is being able to convince white women who don't even agree with you on any substantive issue to vote for you and your running mate anyway, because all of a sudden your presence on the ticket has inspired confidence in these same white women, and made them give your party a "second look."

White privilege is being able to fire people who didn't support your political campaigns and not be accused of abusing your power or being a typical politician who engages in favoritism, while being black and merely knowing some folks from the old-line political machines in Chicago means you must be corrupt.

White privilege is being able to attend churches over the years whose pastors say that people who voted for John Kerry or merely criticize George W. Bush are going to hell, and that the U.S. is an explicitly Christian nation and the job of Christians is to bring Christian theological principles into government, and who bring in speakers who say the conflict in the Middle East is God's punishment on Jews for rejecting Jesus, and everyone can still think you're just a good church-going Christian, but if you're black and friends with a black pastor who has noted (as have Colin Powell and the U.S. Department of Defense) that terrorist attacks are often the result of U.S. foreign policy and who talks about the history of racism and its effect on black people, you're an extremist who probably hates America.

White privilege is not knowing what the Bush Doctrine is when asked by a reporter, and then people get angry at the reporter for asking you such a "trick question," while being black and merely refusing to give one-word answers to the queries of Bill O'Reilly means you're dodging the question, or trying to seem overly intellectual and nuanced.

White privilege is being able to claim your experience as a POW has anything at all to do with your fitness for president, while being black and experiencing racism is, as Sarah Palin has referred to it a "light" burden.

And finally, white privilege is the only thing that could possibly allow someone to become president when he has voted with George W. Bush 90 percent of the time, even as unemployment is skyrocketing, people are losing their homes, inflation is rising, and the U.S. is increasingly isolated from world opinion, just because white voters aren't sure about that whole "change" thing. Ya know, it's just too vague and ill-defined, unlike, say, four more years of the same, which is very concrete and certain.

White privilege is, in short, the problem.

Get on Board for Change! Saturday Buses to PA

Beth — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:37:04 EDT

Pennsylvania is a battle ground state in the general election and the campaign needs as many volunteers as possible to get out the vote. We must win PA.

We need people on the ground in Pennsylvania every day, so please commit to any and all days that you can!

Once you arrive in Pennsylvania our field staff will train you and provide you with the materials you need to register voters, canvass door-to-door, and make important phone calls to voters.

Your efforts will truly make a difference in this election.

Rhinebeck for Obama and Hudson Valley for Obama are sponsoring buses to PA every Saturday from Oct 11th through the election. The schedule is as follows:

Oct 11th - Students for Obama, Bard & SUNY New Paltz

Oct 18th - Rhinebeck, Poughkeepsie, Beacon

Oct 25th - Kingston & New Paltz

Nov 1st - Poughkeepsie & New Paltz

Traveling from Ulster County? Please contact Nan at nan3000@yahoo.com, 845-331-7369

Traveling from Dutchess County? Please contact Melanie at m.whaley@verizon.net, 845 677-2201

For travel to PA to reach out to Latino Voters contact: Angela Valles at anvalles01@aol.com, 845 797-9810

Well Done In Debate One

Phil In the Cuse — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:34:38 EDT

Admit it, fellow members of Barack Obama's positive movement for change. You were a bit nervous on Friday night at 9 p.m. when he and John McCain took the stage at the University of Mississippi for the first of their three presidential debates.

Even with all that had been accomplished by Barack in earning the Democratic nomination, even with his wise choice of Joe Biden as a running mate, even with a marvelous acceptance speech at the convention and dozens of other times where he has shown us what a remarkable president he will be, a lot rode on tonight.

Barack had to show that he was ready to be our nation's leader, ready to assume the awesome duties of a chief executive and commander-in-chief, and ready to tackle all the grave crises we face, at home and aborad.

He did just that, and much more.

It went beyond the answers to Jim Lehrer's questions. Look at how the way Barack treated John McCain with respect and courtesy, pointing out several times where he agreed with McCain on some points. Yet when he attacked, he did so with facts, sharp and concise, with far less hesitation than he showed in those early primary debates when so many people were on stage.

By contrast, McCain showed visible disdain and a condiscending attitude toward Barack, as if he figured that somehow Barack didn't belong on this stage, didn't belong anywhere near a seat of power. He name-dropped plenty of world leaders, as if to try and impress people, but it always came back to McCain - what HE would do, how tough HE was, etc.

Whether it was the economy, or Iraq, or Afghanistan, or any of the myriad topics that popped up, Barack was ready with solutions, delivered, as always, in that calm, steady, poised manner that makes him the right kind of leader America and the world needs in these difficult times.

Reviews and spin, for what they're worth, seem initially good, but we'll know more in a few days how it really panned out - quite well, I'm sure. In the meantime, as much as Barack needs to do in the remaining two debates (plus Joe Biden in his debate with Sarah Palin - that could be 90 minutes of unintentional comedy), we have a lot of work to do to help Barack win.

Less than two weeks remain to register voters here in New York State. There are plenty of activities here in Syracuse and elsewhere in the state, plus groups going to Pennsylvania each of the next two weekends. And we will have the phones in our headquarters on 537 James St. by late next week, too, so keep an eye out - plus more T-shirts that people can wear, loud and proud.

Just 38 days remain, members of the Obama army. We need to do all within our power, in whatever time we have, to make our dream of a better America come true. Barack Obama did his part with his wonderful debate performance. Now let's do our part.

YES WE CAN!!

Credit Solution

Tim Schram — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:28:57 EDT

Seven simple steps to mitigate the effects of the financial sector crisis.

1) Congress passes and the president signs a freeze of mortgage rates at 6% until the crisis is resolved.

2) Congress passes and the president signs a freeze of all current and future forclosures until the crisis is resolved.

3) Review and resolution of all at risk mortgages within 2 years. Any that are owned by speculators or are not primary residences are on their own.

4) All at risk mortgages that are primary residences are reviewed and the mortgages modified to a fixed interest rate that allows the resident to remain in the home if at all possible. All forclosures back to the start of this debacle are reviewed and upon meeting the above criteria are overturned.

5) Banks and others involvled in creating or profitting from these questionable or fraudulent schemes have the right to remain silent, etc. You had your chance when you came up with all these scams. You have the same rights as any other defendant indicted of criminal behavior.

6) Criminal investigation by the FBI continues. Any and all found guilty of knowing defrauding the market and borrowers serve a minimum 10 years in a maximum security prison. No more leniency for anyone found guilty of financially destroying the health and welfare of others.

7) These conditions remain in place until the people through their elected officials and PUBLIC debate decide on a new set of regulation to minimize the ability of other criminals from repeating these abuses.

This costs the taxpayers nothing. The entities that suffer the losses and damage are the same ones that created the situation by creating the, at best questionable - at worst criminal, investment intruments. Even they risk losing less than if this collapses into a deep recession or, like the 1929 crash,a depression.

One response being suggested is to Herbert Hoover's example. When the market started recovering in 1929 nothing was done because the market started to recover. A few months later, the Great Depression started.

The worst thing we can do is rely on the very people, organizations, and policies that got us into this mess. Does any thjinking person out there really think that reducing regulatory oversight and increasing the greed factor by lowering or eliminating capital gains taxes will lead to anything good?

Please pass this on to everyone you know if you find it at all reasonable.

Debate Tonight is On!

Beth — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:53:49 EDT

AP reports that McCain will attend tonight's debate. Hope to see you all tonight in Rosendale!!

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

Join us at 7pm Fri., Sep. 26th for an exclusive showing of "Full Battle Rattle", a film about life inside the US Army's Iraq simulation in California's Mojave Desert. A Q&A session with award-winning director Tony Gerber and Presidential Debate Watch Party will follow. The Debate Watch will be across the street at the Bywater Bistro, 419 Main St, 9pm. Please bring items for care packages for soldiers that we will be assembling for shipment to our servicemembers in Iraq. $20 admission. Hosted by Hudson Valley for Obama and the Marbletown Democratic Committee. For more info, call 687-7374 or email smgnyc@yahoo.com. Suggested Care Package contents: a personalized message of support from the you, an AT&T prepaid international phone card, snacks/candy, playing cards, reading material, shampoo/conditioner, tooth paste/tooth brush, sunscreen, hand sanitizer

Beth

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JOIN LAST CALL FOR CHANGE Saturday and Sunday in NYC

There, there!

This Is About Us

Let's end this... together.

Oct 8 Barack Interview with Charlie Gibson

BREAKING the PRO-MCCAIN blogger who made an image = the SOLUTION to OBAMA is his lynching