The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.
Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.
Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when
Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.
Alternative EnergySource: David Apperson
url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy
Last weekend, a group of "Mamas for Obama" used the my.barackobama.com grassroots organizing tool to set up a playdate with their kids at their neighborhood park.
From the beginning, this campaign has been about everyday people stepping up to make change happen in their own communities. As Barack said today in Londonberry, NH:
John McCain thinks this campaign is all about me – but the truth is, this campaign is about you. Your jobs. Your health care. Your retirement. Your children’s future. That’s what this election is about. That’s what I’m fighting for. Because I can take 3 more weeks of these attacks from John McCain, but the American people can’t take four more years of the same failed policies and the same divisive politics. That’s why I’m running for President of the United States.
Barack was raised by a single mother who put herself through school, followed her passion for helping others, and taught Barack that there are no barriers to success if you are willing to work for it.
His grandmother, who also helped to raise him, worked on a bomber assembly line during World War II. Michelle, Barack's wife, has been described as "the rock of the Obama family." She and Barack want their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, to grow up in an America where both work and family are part of the American Dream.
All of Barack's accomplishments have been made possible because of these women. And it is because of these women that Barack fights for women's rights. He fights for healthcare and education, support for working parents and an insistence on equality.
These are the issues that are important to the women who support Barack -- women who come from all types of backgrounds, and who are united by care for their families and their communities.
We can turn the page on the last eight years and create a better world for our children, but we need your help. By talking with your neighbors about Barack's plan for women and families you can help bring change to Minnesota and to America.
This election is too important to sit on the sidelines -- so get out there, and get started!
Check out the pictures from the "Mamas for Obama" playdate and share your photos with us:
"Our purpose today is to come together to contribute and contribute significantly to make sure Barack Obama is elected the next president of the United States."
With those words, Marian Moore opened up a night of musical entertainment, dance, and revelry at The Lab in Minneapolis hosted by Minnesota Artists for Obama.
[Tonight is the product of] three ordinary citizens who thought this election was too important to just stay on the sidelines and see what happens. So they put in their time and resources to make this happen.The presidency for Barack Obama is within reach, and we have just 23 days. After that, the window's closed. What can we give and what can we do to make sure we wake up happy on November 5th?We really can't afford another 4 years of an assault on everything that is good and that is beautiful in the world
[Tonight is the product of] three ordinary citizens who thought this election was too important to just stay on the sidelines and see what happens. So they put in their time and resources to make this happen.
The presidency for Barack Obama is within reach, and we have just 23 days. After that, the window's closed. What can we give and what can we do to make sure we wake up happy on November 5th?
We really can't afford another 4 years of an assault on everything that is good and that is beautiful in the world
The fundraiser, organized by Susan, Mary, and Jan, demonstrates the belief in the power of coming together at the grassroots level, a fundamental tenet of Barack's campaign for change.
The 250 folks who gathered to show their support for Barack, enjoyed musical performances by Adam Levy of the Honeydogs, Prairie Home Companion regulars Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard, and John Munson and Matt Wilson of The Twilight Hours. Rhythmic Circus, a local tap dancing troupe, also performed.
Jeff Blodgett, the Obama campaign's Minnesota State Director, spoke with passion about Barack Obama:
The McCain campaign keeps asking the question, "Who is Barack Obama?"But we know who he is, we know the answer. We know that Barack Obama is a man who has devoted his entire life to his community, his country, and that he will be a president who will make the economy work for the American people again.Barack Obama is someone who has tapped into something we're feeling right now in this room--people are ready for change. They're tired of divisive politics and people want real leadership.And while some want to create fear by asking these questions, our campaign here in Minnesota is focused on talking to people about the issues. Because that's what the people want to hear--what is the next president going to do to help me and my family?Minnesotans deserve better than they're getting from John McCain and his campaign.And on November 4th, we're going to make sure they get it.
The McCain campaign keeps asking the question, "Who is Barack Obama?"
But we know who he is, we know the answer. We know that Barack Obama is a man who has devoted his entire life to his community, his country, and that he will be a president who will make the economy work for the American people again.
Barack Obama is someone who has tapped into something we're feeling right now in this room--people are ready for change. They're tired of divisive politics and people want real leadership.
And while some want to create fear by asking these questions, our campaign here in Minnesota is focused on talking to people about the issues. Because that's what the people want to hear--what is the next president going to do to help me and my family?
Minnesotans deserve better than they're getting from John McCain and his campaign.
And on November 4th, we're going to make sure they get it.
From day one, this campaign has been driven by the everyday people, like Susan, Mary, and Jan, who, instead of sitting idly by, stood up and acknowledged their responsibility to make change happen in their community.
Whether it's volunteering at your local Obama office, joining a Team Obama in your neighborhood, or setting up a personal fundraising page, there's something we can all do to impact the future of this country.
After all, as Susan, Mary, and Jan ask, "When has an election in our lifetime been more critical than this?"
Check out the photos from the Artists for Obama event in Minneapolis below, and sign up to volunteer:
In front of a crowd of more than 4500 in St. Paul yesterday, Michelle Obama said that, for her, this is not just politics. "It's personal. It's personal for me, it's personal for all of us now."
Hard-working people who don't want government to solve all their problems. Folks in this country aren't asking for much. They just want to be able to do what my dad did for me -- get up, go to work every day and earn a decent living. And from my vantage point, as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, the choice is clear. There's only one candidate who is speaking at all to the issues that I care about.
Hard-working people who don't want government to solve all their problems. Folks in this country aren't asking for much. They just want to be able to do what my dad did for me -- get up, go to work every day and earn a decent living.
And from my vantage point, as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, the choice is clear. There's only one candidate who is speaking at all to the issues that I care about.
Michelle's story is the American story. Michelle grew up on the South Side of Chicago, attended public schools, and took used scholarships and loans to pay her way through college and law school. After a few years practicing corporate law, she returned to the South Side of Chicago to give back to the city she loves and to help others serve their communities as the executive director of a non-profit.
Michelle reminded folks that Barack was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. And while they didn't have much money, they taught him to believe in the promise of America.
I can't speak for anyone else, but Barack Obama gets it. And he doesn't get it in some philosophical, theoretical way. He gets it because he's lived it.
"Don't we deserve leaders who get it?" asked Michelle.
Find out how you can get involved today and join this grassroots movement for change. Sign up to use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool, set up a personal fundraising page, and join your local Team Obama. We need everyone to do their part to help bring real change to America and make sure we elect a president who gets it.
Check out the pictures from Michelle's Change We Need Rally at Macalaster College:
Jaci Urness, the State Field Director of Barack Obama's Campaign for Change in Minnesota, sent out the email today to Barack's supporters in the state...
Dear Xavier, Can you give a couple of hours this weekend to help Barack and DFLers for change win Minnesota? Election Day, November 4th, is only a few weeks away and the race is still incredibly close here. We're counting on supporters like you to give a little bit of time to make a big difference. I recorded this short video to let you know where the race stands and our strategy to win Minnesota, and what you can do to help. Watch the video to learn more about our plan for victory -- then sign up to become a part of it. John McCain and the Republicans are making a strong push here in Minnesota -- he's moved staff into the state, and is spending a fortune to flood the airwaves with dishonest attacks against Barack and the rest of the Democratic ticket. We're fighting back and opening new offices all across the state, bringing the total to 31. But we need you to help us by spending an afternoon or evening doing the kind of work that wins elections -- knocking on doors, making phone calls, and reaching out to the people you know. Sign up now to volunteer this weekend and make a difference in your community: http://mn.barackobama.com/MNstrategy This is an opportunity for you to have an impact on this campaign, and a say in the direction this country goes. Thanks for everything you are doing, Jaci Jaci Urness Field Director Minnesota Campaign for Change
Dear Xavier,
Can you give a couple of hours this weekend to help Barack and DFLers for change win Minnesota?
Election Day, November 4th, is only a few weeks away and the race is still incredibly close here.
We're counting on supporters like you to give a little bit of time to make a big difference.
I recorded this short video to let you know where the race stands and our strategy to win Minnesota, and what you can do to help.
Watch the video to learn more about our plan for victory -- then sign up to become a part of it.
John McCain and the Republicans are making a strong push here in Minnesota -- he's moved staff into the state, and is spending a fortune to flood the airwaves with dishonest attacks against Barack and the rest of the Democratic ticket.
We're fighting back and opening new offices all across the state, bringing the total to 31.
But we need you to help us by spending an afternoon or evening doing the kind of work that wins elections -- knocking on doors, making phone calls, and reaching out to the people you know.
Sign up now to volunteer this weekend and make a difference in your community:
http://mn.barackobama.com/MNstrategy
This is an opportunity for you to have an impact on this campaign, and a say in the direction this country goes.
Thanks for everything you are doing,
Jaci
Jaci Urness Field Director Minnesota Campaign for Change
Jeff Blodgett is the Obama campaign's Minnesota State Director.
Before I get to the activities we have lined up this week I want to take a moment to discuss Barack Obama’s huge victory in Friday’s debate.
What you saw on Friday was the past versus the future. While John McCain offered more of the same failed policies of the last 8 years, Barack Obama demonstrated the vision and judgment to be Commander in Chief and outlined his plan to pursue 21st Century policies in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to reinvigorate our alliances.
And while the focus of the debate was foreign policy and national security both candidates addressed the current economic crisis. Barack Obama again showed that he will be a fierce advocate for the middle class while John McCain couldn’t escape his record on the economy – which is just more of the Bush policies that have been a disaster for American families.
This week the campaign will continue to carry the message of change on the economy throughout the nation and across Minnesota. This week, the contrast between the candidates’ on health care will come into sharp focus. Barack Obama has a plan for universal, affordable health care – with no one left out. Barack Obama is committed to turning the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates and working toward a 21st century health care system. Under Obama’s plan, those with health insurance can expect their costs to go down as much as $2,500, and those without health insurance will have a choice of new, affordable health insurance options.
John McCain’s plan will impose taxes on workers’ health care benefits for the first time in history and could force up to 20 million people from their current plan.
On Wednesday, Barack will make a stop just across the border in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The event is open to the public—Click here for more information and to RSVP.
On Thursday, Minnesota Latinos for Obama will be joined by Gov. Bill Richardson for a fundraiser benefitting the Obama Victory fund at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. For more information about this event visit: https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/Oct2MN
Thursday evening, Sen. Joe Biden will meet Gov. Sarah Palin for a debate on domestic and foreign policy issues. Joe Biden has a proven record of bringing people together to get things done, from combating violence against women to confronting the challenges of the dangerous world in which we live. On Thursday, the American people will have an opportunity to decide for themselves which candidate for Vice President is ready for the job from day one.
Thank you for your support.
Jeff BlodgettState Director – MinnesotaObama for America
P.S. – Below are links to some of the new ads released by the Obama campaign.
Democrats, Republicans, and Independents from across Minnesota are coming together in support of Barack Obama, united by their belief that only Barack can bring about the change America needs--fiscal responsibility, a robust economy, a responsible end to the war in Iraq, and the safety of every American family
Leah Thompson of Fergus Falls is one of the many supporting the only candidate who will change the way Washington works from the bottom up.
Leah writes in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal:
As an Independent voter, my vote will go to Barack Obama for many reasons, but above all, for his position on holding Corporate America (big business) accountable for paying their share of taxes that loopholes have long allowed them to skirt around.Billions of dollars worth, billions in uncollected taxes. Obama wants big business held accountable to the same rules as you and I.Contrast this to the policies that John McCain espouses; he opposes federal oversight to big business in-country and out.For example, he opposed federal oversight to the very financial markets that wiped out last week from making risky mortgage investments for the past three years.Now, the taxpayers have to bail them out to the tune of $700 billion.John McCain admits he doesn’t “know much about the economy” on a larger scale.He couldn’t even recall the number of houses he personally owns. He thinks it is seven. He knows for sure he owns 13 vehicles. These facts alone should cause anybody to wonder how he could possibly relate to working class folks. Read that again. How can he possibly relate to working class folks?Last week, with the Chernobyl-sized meltdown on Wall Street, he insists “the fundamentals of our economy are strong.” Huh? Do we want this guy writing financial policies that will affect us, our families, our communities?“The fundamentals of our economy are strong” His solution to this Wall Street mess is to propose a study group for fact-finding, and maybe even dismantle the Washington Good Old Boys Network — of which he is a member by the way — and has been a member for years and years.Said “network” is funding McCain’s campaign by the millions of dollars. Can we really trust that he wants to dismantle the system that fills his pockets?The Good Old Boys Network in Washington is (has already?) ruining your financial future. And your children’s financial future. Our belief for a better future seems all but a long shot.The Good Old Boys grease the wheels of financial markets and big business by letting them loophole out of paying their fair share of taxes on their profit. Millions, billions, that could be funneled to the needs of our whole American society and take the pressure off the ordinary taxpayer.Executives of said corporate America live a life of decadence and greed while you and I work one, two, three jobs to support our families.John McCain proposes that it is only fair to allow big business tax breaks. That’s not fair. That’s greed.Barack Obama will establish oversights so that all Americans, business and citizen, pay due taxes, not just the working class. Now that’s change. Change we can all believe in.Leah Thomason - Fergus Falls
As an Independent voter, my vote will go to Barack Obama for many reasons, but above all, for his position on holding Corporate America (big business) accountable for paying their share of taxes that loopholes have long allowed them to skirt around.
Billions of dollars worth, billions in uncollected taxes. Obama wants big business held accountable to the same rules as you and I.
Contrast this to the policies that John McCain espouses; he opposes federal oversight to big business in-country and out.
For example, he opposed federal oversight to the very financial markets that wiped out last week from making risky mortgage investments for the past three years.
Now, the taxpayers have to bail them out to the tune of $700 billion.
John McCain admits he doesn’t “know much about the economy” on a larger scale.
He couldn’t even recall the number of houses he personally owns. He thinks it is seven. He knows for sure he owns 13 vehicles. These facts alone should cause anybody to wonder how he could possibly relate to working class folks. Read that again. How can he possibly relate to working class folks?
Last week, with the Chernobyl-sized meltdown on Wall Street, he insists “the fundamentals of our economy are strong.” Huh? Do we want this guy writing financial policies that will affect us, our families, our communities?
“The fundamentals of our economy are strong” His solution to this Wall Street mess is to propose a study group for fact-finding, and maybe even dismantle the Washington Good Old Boys Network — of which he is a member by the way — and has been a member for years and years.
Said “network” is funding McCain’s campaign by the millions of dollars. Can we really trust that he wants to dismantle the system that fills his pockets?
The Good Old Boys Network in Washington is (has already?) ruining your financial future. And your children’s financial future. Our belief for a better future seems all but a long shot.
The Good Old Boys grease the wheels of financial markets and big business by letting them loophole out of paying their fair share of taxes on their profit. Millions, billions, that could be funneled to the needs of our whole American society and take the pressure off the ordinary taxpayer.
Executives of said corporate America live a life of decadence and greed while you and I work one, two, three jobs to support our families.
John McCain proposes that it is only fair to allow big business tax breaks. That’s not fair. That’s greed.
Barack Obama will establish oversights so that all Americans, business and citizen, pay due taxes, not just the working class. Now that’s change. Change we can all believe in.
Leah Thomason - Fergus Falls
Leah is just one of hundreds of Republicans and Independents that are supporting Barack. Learn more about these supporters and join the community.
On October 2nd, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will join Minnesota state Senator Patricia Torres Ray and Minnesota Latinos for Obama for a reception at the Landmark Center in St. Paul.
Governor Richardson will speak to supporters about Senator Obama's plans strengthen families and restore our economy for working Minnesotans. The event, hosted by Minnesota Latino's for Obama, will help build Senator Obama's already strong support in the Latino community.
For more information on attending the event, click here.
If you want to get involved with Latino for Obama events in Minnesota, be sure to sign up and check out the Minnesota Latinos for Obama Resource Center.
You can also text MNLATINO to 62262 and recieve information on Latino events straight to your cell phone!
Over the weekend, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack toured Minnesota, kicking off canvasses, meeting with supporters and volunteers, and holding town halls on health care and the economy.
Read the St. Cloud Times' write up on yesterday's rally at The White Horse Tavern in St. Cloud:
Angela Amic never worked for an election campaign before this one.But a belief in U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s Democratic presidential campaign prompted her to become the campaign’s campus organizer, and brought her to The White Horse Tavern in downtown St. Cloud on Saturday evening.There, she met former Iowa Gov. Tim Vilsack, once a Democratic presidential candidate himself and now an Obama surrogate.Vilsack addressed a group of about 20 students and other Obama supporters to cheer them on and encourage them to redouble their efforts going into the final month of the campaign.Working on a rehabilitational counseling degree, Amic said it’s been difficult to see many people with disabilities struggling to make ends meet.“It’s tough to see a single parent struggle to feed her children when she can’t afford health insurance to get the treatment she needs so she can continue to provide for her kids,” she said.A belief in Obama’s health care plan, stance on the Iraq war and on gender equality prompted her to get involved in the Obama campaign, she said.The Obama campaign has registered 1,100 St. Cloud State students and has a target of getting 2,000 students to the polls Nov. 4, she said.Students have responded to the Obama campaign, said Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, a Minnesota Obama surrogate.“People are ready for the kind of change Barack Obama’s going to bring,” she said.Knowing the Catholic lean of the St. Cloud area, Vilsack reminded his audience of his Catholic roots and told them to stay strong in the face of pressure from those who oppose abortion rights to vote against Obama, who is an abortion rights supporter.“My church is split. There are those who want to restrict the discussion and those who want to broaden the discussion,” he said. “I side with those who want to broaden the discussion to include the many ways that we can choose life.”Friday’s presidential debate on foreign policy between Obama and Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain was a chance for people to see that Obama is qualified to be commander in chief, Vilsack said.“Now, we’re looking forward to talking more about the economy in this campaign and how we can help the middle class,” he said.
Angela Amic never worked for an election campaign before this one.
But a belief in U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s Democratic presidential campaign prompted her to become the campaign’s campus organizer, and brought her to The White Horse Tavern in downtown St. Cloud on Saturday evening.
There, she met former Iowa Gov. Tim Vilsack, once a Democratic presidential candidate himself and now an Obama surrogate.
Vilsack addressed a group of about 20 students and other Obama supporters to cheer them on and encourage them to redouble their efforts going into the final month of the campaign.
Working on a rehabilitational counseling degree, Amic said it’s been difficult to see many people with disabilities struggling to make ends meet.
“It’s tough to see a single parent struggle to feed her children when she can’t afford health insurance to get the treatment she needs so she can continue to provide for her kids,” she said.
A belief in Obama’s health care plan, stance on the Iraq war and on gender equality prompted her to get involved in the Obama campaign, she said.
The Obama campaign has registered 1,100 St. Cloud State students and has a target of getting 2,000 students to the polls Nov. 4, she said.
Students have responded to the Obama campaign, said Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, a Minnesota Obama surrogate.
“People are ready for the kind of change Barack Obama’s going to bring,” she said.
Knowing the Catholic lean of the St. Cloud area, Vilsack reminded his audience of his Catholic roots and told them to stay strong in the face of pressure from those who oppose abortion rights to vote against Obama, who is an abortion rights supporter.
“My church is split. There are those who want to restrict the discussion and those who want to broaden the discussion,” he said. “I side with those who want to broaden the discussion to include the many ways that we can choose life.”
Friday’s presidential debate on foreign policy between Obama and Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain was a chance for people to see that Obama is qualified to be commander in chief, Vilsack said.
“Now, we’re looking forward to talking more about the economy in this campaign and how we can help the middle class,” he said.
Barack's candidacy has inspired millions of young Americans like Angela to believe in their power to make America great again. Bring Barack's message of hope, action, change to your school today by joining Minnesota Students for Obama.
Over the weekend, in a lead up to tonight’s first presidential debate, which will focus on foreign policy, Barack Obama’s Minnesota campaign held four town hall meetings across Minnesota to hear directly from Minnesotans about their views and answer questions on national security issues.
The campaign held town halls in Rochester, St. Paul, St. Cloud and Duluth.
U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, retired U.S. Army Major General Paul Eaton, who commanded the team charged with rebuilding the Iraqi army, and former Ambassador Bob Gelbard, President Clinton's Special Representative for the Balkans led the meetings.
U.S. Rep. Tim Walz and U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum also joined the campaign for portions of the tour.
Here are some pictures from the St. Paul Town Hall, which was held at the History Center:
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will be in Minnesota this weekend, talking with folks about Barack's plans to restore the economy and make it work for rural Americans again.
ST. PAUL – Former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack will join Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change this weekend to talk to voters around the state about Senator Obama and Joe Biden’s plan to restore the economy and turn around the current economic crisis. Vilsack will make several campaign stops around the state on Friday and Saturday including a speech on behalf of the campaign at AFSCME Minnesota’s annual convention, a Twin Cities debate watch party, a canvass kick off in Mankato, an Alexandria office opening and a economic town hall meeting in Willmar. “Governor Vilsack has long been a strong advocate for middle-class Americans,” Obama’s Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said. “He knows first-hand the struggle many families are facing in this economic crisis, and how important it is that we elect Barack Obama to make this economy work for middle-class families here in Minnesota. We’re facing a historic economic crisis, yet John McCain thinks the ‘fundamentals of the economy are strong.’ I’m not sure what world he’s living in but there’s just no way we can trust him to lead us out of this mess.” See below for details. Friday September, 25 HOPKINS DEBATE WATCH PARTY VFW Post 425 100 Shady Oak Road Hopkins, MN 55343 Program Begins: 7:30 PM Saturday September, 26 MANKATO CANVASS KICK OFF Mankato Campaign for Change Office 220 E. Main St, Suite 1 Mankato, MN Program Begins: 10:00 AM WILLMAR RURAL ECONOMY TOWN HALL Willmar Campaign for Change Office 1807 1st Street South Willmar, MN 56201 Program Begins: 1:00 PM ALEXANDRIA OFFICE OPENING 222 East 6th Avenue Alexandria, MN 56308 Program Begins: 4:00 PM
ST. PAUL – Former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack will join Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change this weekend to talk to voters around the state about Senator Obama and Joe Biden’s plan to restore the economy and turn around the current economic crisis.
Vilsack will make several campaign stops around the state on Friday and Saturday including a speech on behalf of the campaign at AFSCME Minnesota’s annual convention, a Twin Cities debate watch party, a canvass kick off in Mankato, an Alexandria office opening and a economic town hall meeting in Willmar.
“Governor Vilsack has long been a strong advocate for middle-class Americans,” Obama’s Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said. “He knows first-hand the struggle many families are facing in this economic crisis, and how important it is that we elect Barack Obama to make this economy work for middle-class families here in Minnesota. We’re facing a historic economic crisis, yet John McCain thinks the ‘fundamentals of the economy are strong.’ I’m not sure what world he’s living in but there’s just no way we can trust him to lead us out of this mess.”
See below for details.
Friday September, 25
HOPKINS DEBATE WATCH PARTY VFW Post 425 100 Shady Oak Road Hopkins, MN 55343 Program Begins: 7:30 PM
Saturday September, 26
MANKATO CANVASS KICK OFF Mankato Campaign for Change Office 220 E. Main St, Suite 1 Mankato, MN Program Begins: 10:00 AM
WILLMAR RURAL ECONOMY TOWN HALL Willmar Campaign for Change Office 1807 1st Street South Willmar, MN 56201 Program Begins: 1:00 PM
ALEXANDRIA OFFICE OPENING 222 East 6th Avenue Alexandria, MN 56308 Program Begins: 4:00 PM
Perhaps the most noteworthy detail coming from the government bailout of Wall Street is that taxpayers may be on the hook for 700 billion dollars, tens of billions of which will undoubtedly come from the pockets of Minnesotans.
What is less at the forefront of the debate is how the War in Iraq has and will continue to complicate the financial health of the US in the future if and when this bailout is implemented. The War has not only served as a terrible drain on our soldiers and military families, but also as a drain on our treasury.
Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto and Duluth Mayor Don Ness announced the findings of the non-partisan National Priorities Project report: that Minnesota alone has committed $15.8 billion dollars to pay for the Iraq War.
For the same amount of money, Minnesota could have funded one of the following priorities:
Otto went even further, breaking down the numbers for Duluth specifically, which has committed $199.5 million to the Iraq War:
Mayor Ness tied the War on Iraq to problems facing everyday Minnesotans:
This is what happens with a Republican Administration. You get an energy policy written by oil lobbyists, and the end result is four-dollar-a-gallon gas. It’s time for a change.
State Auditor Rebecca Otto added:
We’re already seeing less federal revenue coming into state and local governments. According to the GAO, this problem is only going to get worse. And, as a result, you’re going to see property taxes go up.
The Bush Administration has devoted too much of Minnesota’s vital resources to a war that should have never been waged. In doing so, they have weakened our nation’s ability to provide healthcare, renewable energy, and quality education to every single American.
Barack Obama will end the war 16 months after coming into office and reinvest the money saved back into infrastructure, education, and middle class tax cuts.
John McCain would commit us to Iraq for a hundred years if need be, and now we know exactly where that money will come from.
--Compiled by David Jonas, Minnesota Political Assistant
Andrew Zucker, the Youth Vote Director in Minnesota, just sent out this email...
Dear Xavier, It's hard to believe, but there are only 6 weeks to go before Election Day. Now is the time to make sure you and everyone you know are registered to vote to help bring the change America desperately needs. Earlier this month, "Harold & Kumar" star Kal Penn did his part by going on a road trip through Minnesota, registering students to vote and promoting our new online voter registration tool, Vote for Change. Watch a video of Kal Penn stopping by a fraternity house to promote Vote for Change: You'd be surprised by how many college students aren't registered to vote -- including your own classmates. When Kal was in college, he moved from house to house, and sometimes couldn't remember where he was registered. With Vote for Change, that's no longer a problem. Keep track of where you're registered to vote, or find out if you're registered at all. You can also use it to vote absentee or find your polling location. To win this election and bring about change for our generation, we're going to need as many young people registered to vote as possible. Watch this video now and invite all of your friends to check out Vote for Change: http://mn.barackobama.com/MNvoteforchange Thanks, Andrew Andrew Zucker Youth Vote Director Minnesota Campaign for Change
Members of Minnesota Women for Obama were up bright and early this morning to cheer on participants in the Susan G. Komen 3-day Walk for Breast Cancer.
As part of the Women's Week of Action, a group of Obama supporters stood at the 25 mile marker with "Women for Obama" rally signs and offered words of encouragement and handed out Women for Obama buttons and stickers to the run/walkers.
Check out the pictures of below:
To learn more about the Susan G. Komen marathon and how you can help find a cure to breast cancer directly, click here.
The Minnesota DFL Party sent out this email to its supporters this morning:
Dear Friend, This Friday at 12:00 noon -- while John McCain and Sarah Palin touch down ever so briefly in Minnesota at an airport hangar in Blaine -- you can fight back.Join the Minnesota DFL Party, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher at the "Rally to Restore America's Economy."WHAT: Rally to Restore America's Economy DATE: This Friday, September 19 TIME: 12:00 noon WHERE: Peavey Plaza, downtown Minneapolis (at 11th Street and Nicollet Mall)WHO: Mayor R.T. Rybak, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, a special musical guest -- and Minnesotans like you who want change.RSVP: http://MN.BarackObama.com/EconomyRallyUnbelievably, John McCain still thinks that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." And all too believably, he's dragging his campaign into the gutter to try to distract us from his full-throated support of George Bush's disastrous economic policies.And don't forget that the last time they were in Minnesota, John McCain and the Republicans spent virtually their entire convention attacking Barack Obama -- not to mention people like you who are trying to create change in your communities. But while John McCain is offering nothing to fix our serious economic problems, Barack Obama is offering real change. Join fellow Democrats and Obama supporters and Rally to Restore the Economy. Barack Obama will put the economy back on track in Minnesota again. Barack's comprehensive economic plan -- which includes tax cuts for 95 percent of American families -- will bring new jobs to our state, stimulate economic growth, and put money back into the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans. The DFL Party has always been based on the principle that real change comes from the bottom up, not from the top down. Barack's campaign for change is rooted in this same principle. On Friday, we can send the message to John McCain that Minnesota wants change -- not more of the same. Click here to RSVP to Friday's Rally to Restore the Economy. Thanks, Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota DFL Party PS: Change begins with all of us, and we can't make change without you. Join us on Friday to send a message to John McCain and start taking our economy back.
Dear Friend,
This Friday at 12:00 noon -- while John McCain and Sarah Palin touch down ever so briefly in Minnesota at an airport hangar in Blaine -- you can fight back.
Join the Minnesota DFL Party, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher at the "Rally to Restore America's Economy."
WHAT: Rally to Restore America's Economy
DATE: This Friday, September 19
TIME: 12:00 noon
WHERE: Peavey Plaza, downtown Minneapolis (at 11th Street and Nicollet Mall)
WHO: Mayor R.T. Rybak, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, a special musical guest -- and Minnesotans like you who want change.
RSVP: http://MN.BarackObama.com/EconomyRally
Unbelievably, John McCain still thinks that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." And all too believably, he's dragging his campaign into the gutter to try to distract us from his full-throated support of George Bush's disastrous economic policies.
And don't forget that the last time they were in Minnesota, John McCain and the Republicans spent virtually their entire convention attacking Barack Obama -- not to mention people like you who are trying to create change in your communities. But while John McCain is offering nothing to fix our serious economic problems, Barack Obama is offering real change. Join fellow Democrats and Obama supporters and Rally to Restore the Economy.
Barack Obama will put the economy back on track in Minnesota again. Barack's comprehensive economic plan -- which includes tax cuts for 95 percent of American families -- will bring new jobs to our state, stimulate economic growth, and put money back into the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans.
The DFL Party has always been based on the principle that real change comes from the bottom up, not from the top down. Barack's campaign for change is rooted in this same principle.
On Friday, we can send the message to John McCain that Minnesota wants change -- not more of the same. Click here to RSVP to Friday's Rally to Restore the Economy.
Thanks,
Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota DFL Party
PS: Change begins with all of us, and we can't make change without you. Join us on Friday to send a message to John McCain and start taking our economy back.
Clinton Meyer of Wells writes in the Albert Lea Tribune about one of the 24 stops on the Minnesota Heartland for Change Tour, which visited 24 communities across Minnesota last week, listening to folks across Greater Minnesota about the issues they're dealing with in their everyday lives.
Last week I heard a whole lot of stuff in St. Paul coming from John McCain, George Bush, and the same ol’ talking heads that back them in Washington. Didn’t hear much different or interesting, just the boilerplate Bush lingo I’ve heard for the eight years since I voted for Bush in 2000.That was quite the contrast to what I heard from the Barack Obama campaign when they actually came to Austin on Sept. 7 to (gasp!) listen to us and our concerns. It was well worth the trip from home to hear other people with the same concerns as mine.What a great idea, actually listening to what voters think, instead of listening to the Washington lobbyists who run McCain’s campaign. Obama’s campaign is going around the whole state on what they call the Heartland for Change Listening Tour. I got a chance to talk directly to the campaign at an economic round table at El Mariachi restaurant. We were one of the 24 stops they’re making around the state of Minnesota.This is exactly the kind of change that we need and that Sen. Barack Obama offers. Sure the campaign talked about Obama’s plans like tax cuts for 95 percent of families and investment in new American energy to create jobs. But they also told me things I hadn’t heard before. Like that Obama was raised by a single mother who was from a small town in Kansas, how her mom and dad helped to raise him, too. They weren’t too well off and had to go paycheck to paycheck. I can relate to someone, especially a president, who has actually had to live through what a lot of “regular” people are going through right now in this economy. Obama has lived it and it shows.I made a terrible mistake eight years ago and voted for Bush. Then he forgot what he promised and only listened to the lobbyists. Now it’s the same playbook, the same promises from the same people, lead by Bush’s chosen heir, Sen. McCain. I’m done with the same old stuff Bush and McCain have given us the last eight years. It’s time to turn things around with someone who gets it, and who listens to us and has a comprehensive plan, not just trash talk. That’s why I travelled from home to Austin. That’s why I’m going with Obama this election.Clinton MeyerWells
Last week I heard a whole lot of stuff in St. Paul coming from John McCain, George Bush, and the same ol’ talking heads that back them in Washington. Didn’t hear much different or interesting, just the boilerplate Bush lingo I’ve heard for the eight years since I voted for Bush in 2000.
That was quite the contrast to what I heard from the Barack Obama campaign when they actually came to Austin on Sept. 7 to (gasp!) listen to us and our concerns. It was well worth the trip from home to hear other people with the same concerns as mine.
What a great idea, actually listening to what voters think, instead of listening to the Washington lobbyists who run McCain’s campaign. Obama’s campaign is going around the whole state on what they call the Heartland for Change Listening Tour. I got a chance to talk directly to the campaign at an economic round table at El Mariachi restaurant. We were one of the 24 stops they’re making around the state of Minnesota.
This is exactly the kind of change that we need and that Sen. Barack Obama offers. Sure the campaign talked about Obama’s plans like tax cuts for 95 percent of families and investment in new American energy to create jobs. But they also told me things I hadn’t heard before. Like that Obama was raised by a single mother who was from a small town in Kansas, how her mom and dad helped to raise him, too. They weren’t too well off and had to go paycheck to paycheck. I can relate to someone, especially a president, who has actually had to live through what a lot of “regular” people are going through right now in this economy. Obama has lived it and it shows.
I made a terrible mistake eight years ago and voted for Bush. Then he forgot what he promised and only listened to the lobbyists. Now it’s the same playbook, the same promises from the same people, lead by Bush’s chosen heir, Sen. McCain. I’m done with the same old stuff Bush and McCain have given us the last eight years. It’s time to turn things around with someone who gets it, and who listens to us and has a comprehensive plan, not just trash talk. That’s why I travelled from home to Austin. That’s why I’m going with Obama this election.Clinton Meyer
Wells
To read more about the Heartland for Change RV Tour, and to see pictures from each of the 24 stops, visit http://mn.barackobama.com/mnheartlandtour.
Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change will be hitting the road next week, with the launch of a Greater Minnesota Heartland for Change RV tour across the state, highlighting Barack’s comprehensive plans to bring jobs, health care and economic resurgence to Minnesota’s small towns, cities and middle-class families.
Find a Heartland for Change stop near you by visiting http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandChange.
The Heartland Change RV has been making its way across the country listening to voters who have been hit hard by the failed Bush/McCain economic policies of the last eight years.
In addition to local elected officials at each stop, several other Minnesota leaders will headline events at various points on the tour:• Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher• State Auditor Rebecca Otto• Minnesota House Majority Leader Tony Sertich• Assistant Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark• Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland• Former Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Jim NicholsThe RV will make stops in 24 towns, giving folks an opportunity to share their concerns, talk about the issues they're dealing with, and hear Barack's ideas for making the economy work for Minnesota families once again.
If you aren't able to make it to one of the 24 scheduled stops, you can track the Heartland Change RV's journey online at http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandTour starting next week.
About 300 people braved the cold and light rain to join DNC Chairman Howard Dean as he kicked off a Midwestern "Register For Change" bus tour today in Minneapolis with a rally at Augsburg College.
Chairman Dean was joined by Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak, Congressman Keith Ellison, and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, each of whom appealed to the crowd to get registered and get involved in Barack's campaign for change right here in Minnesota.
Dean implored the students in the crowd not to make the same mistake his generation did following their handwork on civil rights and women's rights:
You can't take a vacation from politics... you need to be in politics, because politics is about justice... and because we have this belief that we can make the world better. And if you want to get there, we have to elect Barack Obama.
Campus organizers and volunteers walked through the crowd, registering voters and signing up volunteers. And although the Republican National Convention was happening just a few miles away in neighboring St. Paul, there was no doubt among the crowd that John McCain and Sarah Palin were just more of the same.
The Register for Change Bus Tour kicked off on July 17th in Crawford, Texas. It will register voters nationwide between now and November. Registering new voters plays a huge role in our strategy to elect Barack President—and getting new people involved has always been at the heart of Barack’s message of change.
Here are some more photos from the rally:
If you you're not registered to vote, be sure to visit VoteForChange.com to get registered in a matter of minutes.
On the third day of the Republican National Convention what’s become clear is that John McCain and his Vice Presidential pick have one thing to offer voters: four more years of the same failed leadership we’ve endured through eight long years under George W. Bush. What you saw last night, and what you’ll see tonight, are a lot of speeches proving that John McCain’s campaign manager meant what he said when he declared that their campaign wouldn’t be “about issues.”
What you didn’t hear last night was a single mention about the economy. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling like never before to pay their mortgage, their medical bills, and their gas bills, last night’s speakers at John McCain’s Republican convention proved how out of touch their candidate is. That’s a great disservice to this country. The American People are hurting. Minnesotans are hurting. We have big problems that require real solutions, and we just can’t afford more of the same.
We have a choice to make in this election. We can either choose a new direction for our economy, or we can keep doing what we’ve been doing—and that’s the course that Senator McCain and Governor Palin would have us follow.
Below is a television ad that the Obama campaign recently released which clearly illustrates that the biggest difference between Barack Obama and John McCain is the fact that there is absolutely no difference between John McCain and George W. Bush. Watch the ad below:
You can also visit www.justmoreofthesame.com to learn more about why American families can’t afford more of the same old politics.
Jeff BlodgettMinnesota State DirectorObama for America
