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
This Thursday, October 30th, please join President Bill Clinton with special guests U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senate Candidate Al Franken in Minneapolis, where they will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.
Five Days to Change Rally with President Bill Clinton and Special Guests Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken Minneapolis Convention Center Exhibit Hall A 1301 2nd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN Thursday, October 30th Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
http://mn.barackobama.com/MinneapolisChange The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. For security reasons, do not bring bags and please limit personal items. No signs, banners, or umbrellas permitted.
"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:
Last week, we posted a video of two friends, Anya & Emily, canvassing in Minneapolis.
Both Anya and Emily have made a personal commitment to volunteer for at least three hours each week to make sure Barack wins Minnesota on November 4th.
Watch the video of the drive back from the canvass, as Emily and Anya share their experiences with each other:
When you get out and talk to voters about Barack, you feel like you're making a difference, because...you are!
Check out Neighbor to Neighbor right now and see how easy it is to print up a list of people to canvass right in your own neighborhood.
This post-debate weekend is the perfect weekend to get out there and talk to your neighbors about the real differences between Barack Obama and John McCain. Getting a real live visit from a real live supporter makes a difference at this crucial time when voters are making up their minds.
And it's also a great time to get your kids involved!
Anya said it best: it's inspiring just to hear how excited other people are about Barack Obama.
Cuppa Java in Minneapolis was one of many locations where supporters and undecided voters gathered to watch Obama and McCain debate issues that affect our lives and hear their plans for improving America's future.
"I thought one of the best points Obama kept raising was the point that for a long time we've focused just on Iraq and that the next President has to have a much broader vision, one that includes Iraq but does not exclusively focus on it. And that strategically we have to think about the treats in the world as not just limited to Iraq but in Afghanistan as well. I think that's probably one of his greatest strengths that you have to improve the image of the United States abroad and I think that's best done by someone who is a clear break from the most recent administration which McCain clearly is not and Obama clearly is."
Patty, the event's organizer, agreed that the debate went well. She felt Barack was very genuine and was pleased to see that he chose to use most of his time talking about his plans to fix our nation's problems rather than solely focusing on what John McCain would not do or has not done.
The vice presidential debate is scheduled to take place in St. Louis, MO on October 2nd and the next Presidential debate is scheduled for October 7th in Nashville, TN.
Yesterday, nearly 4,000 regular Minnesotans showed up for a Rally to Restore the Economy in downtown Minneapolis.
These folks came from all over to send John McCain the clear message that Minnesota is ready for change, and don't want another four years of the same economic mess George Bush has given us for the last eight.
Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak offered the crowd some advice on how to talk to their friends and neighbors about Barack Obama's plan to get the economy working again.
RT asked five volunteers to join him on stage, each holding a homemade sign with one point of Barack's economic plan written on it:
RT also asked the crowd to get involved with Barack's Campaign for Change in Minnesota.
From the Star Tribune:
Mayor Rybak asked those in the crowd to do five things before the election.1. Sign up to vote2. Send a text message to No. 62262, which spells “Obama.” Type MN in the message to get on Obama’s text message system, and convince 5 others to do the same, Rybak asked.3. Knock on doors in your neighborhood and encourage people to vote for Obama.4. Host a debate-watching party next Friday and invite uncommitted people to attend.5. Take Election Day off. “This will be the largest get out and vote operation in Minnesota,” Rybak said.To close the rally out, Rybak invited St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis City Council members to join him onstage where they high-fived one another. The crowd responded with cheers, chanting “Yes we can!”
Mayor Rybak asked those in the crowd to do five things before the election.
1. Sign up to vote
2. Send a text message to No. 62262, which spells “Obama.” Type MN in the message to get on Obama’s text message system, and convince 5 others to do the same, Rybak asked.
3. Knock on doors in your neighborhood and encourage people to vote for Obama.
4. Host a debate-watching party next Friday and invite uncommitted people to attend.
5. Take Election Day off. “This will be the largest get out and vote operation in Minnesota,” Rybak said.
To close the rally out, Rybak invited St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis City Council members to join him onstage where they high-fived one another. The crowd responded with cheers, chanting “Yes we can!”
Check out these pictures from the rally:
From MPR:
Minneapolis — As Republican presidential candidate John McCain addressed a crowd of 10,000 in Blaine, Democrats held a counter-rally in downtown Minneapolis in support of presidential candidate Barack Obama.Organizers put the crowd in Peavey Plaza at 3,500, and noted that they drew that number even though Obama wasn't there.Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak blamed Republican free-market principles for the current turmoil in the financial markets. And he blasted McCain for being a long-time supporter of deregulation."That's what John McCain -- 20 years ago, 10 years ago, five years ago, one year ago, one week ago -- he thought that having no regulation would work. How is that working out for you today?" Rybak said.Obama's Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said the economy has been an important issue for a long time, but recent events have put it into sharp focus.Blodgett said now that the sizzle of the Republican National Convention is over, voters want to hear what McCain is saying about the economy."They spent a lot of time on personalities, and a lot of time on attacks and a lot of time on distractions," said Blodgett. "Now it's time to find out if he has anything to say to hurting middle class families in Minnesota. And from what he's said all week, that the fundamentals of the economy are strong, I doubt we'll hear anything of the kind.Other speakers at the "Rally to Restore the Economy" included DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison.
Minneapolis — As Republican presidential candidate John McCain addressed a crowd of 10,000 in Blaine, Democrats held a counter-rally in downtown Minneapolis in support of presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Organizers put the crowd in Peavey Plaza at 3,500, and noted that they drew that number even though Obama wasn't there.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak blamed Republican free-market principles for the current turmoil in the financial markets. And he blasted McCain for being a long-time supporter of deregulation.
"That's what John McCain -- 20 years ago, 10 years ago, five years ago, one year ago, one week ago -- he thought that having no regulation would work. How is that working out for you today?" Rybak said.
Obama's Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said the economy has been an important issue for a long time, but recent events have put it into sharp focus.
Blodgett said now that the sizzle of the Republican National Convention is over, voters want to hear what McCain is saying about the economy.
"They spent a lot of time on personalities, and a lot of time on attacks and a lot of time on distractions," said Blodgett. "Now it's time to find out if he has anything to say to hurting middle class families in Minnesota. And from what he's said all week, that the fundamentals of the economy are strong, I doubt we'll hear anything of the kind.
Other speakers at the "Rally to Restore the Economy" included DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison.
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is dedicated to the simple idea that shelter from rain, wind and sun is a basic human need. Obama Works is a national grassroots organization comprised of volunteers dedicated to implementing Senator Barack Obama's message of positive change through public service. Both organizations rely extensively on unpaid help - people who do the right thing with no expectation of any payback beyond a smile.
This is what COMMUNITY ORGANIZING is all about!
On September 13th, 2008, the Obama Works Twin Cities volunteers partnered with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity organizers to apply some elbow grease to two projects in Minneapolis. Hearty volunteers under the guidance of Master Gardeners who volunteer with HFHI helped a family beautify their home, and neighborhood.
The family may not be entirely comfortable with operating the lawnmower yet, but they've got curb appeal. They've also got new friends who are invested in their success, new connections to more established residents of their community.
Read the full story at Actualizers, and please pass along this example of how Obama's history inspires acts of community service.
Pictures and video amplify the story of volunteers beautifying a Habitat Home in south Minneapolis on behalf the the new homeowners, immigrants from Somalia who have only been in the house since mid-summer. A cool, rainy September day, but the result was sunshine in the Twin Cities.
The planning was donated. The plants were donated. The labor was donated...Senator Barack Obama's example might not have come to the attention of so many of us if he'd not become a candidate for president -- but community service is ALWAYS a postive action.
Read the whole article | DIGG it!
I've been reading a lot of news articles, blogs and other things on the internet these days (both with liberal and conservative slants) in an attempt to be better prepared with answers for the arguments I would encounter when interacting with Republicans. It has been productive time in that my knowledge has led to a confidence that I didn't have before. Unfortunately, it has also been a disappointing time as I have read post after post of nothing short of vehement, and childish, name calling from all sides. The average poster seems to have no concept of "you have your opinion and I have mine" let alone "we'll agree to disagree." Instead, it seems to be a jungle of right and wrong - from both sides. Democrats/liberals are posting of the ignorance, stupidity, etc. of the Republicans and Republicans/conservatives are calling the other side anti-American, unpatriotic, un-Christian, etc.. It would seem to be business, er, elections as usual except for the bone chilling news of protesters in Minneapolis being arrested. Excuse me? Where was I when the First Amendment was repealed and when did it become a crime to protest ANY event in the United States? My initial ire over those occurrences turned to pain when I read a post in a conservative blog that alluded to the idea that any protest against the U.S. Government was un-American. This led me to recall something from my youth. I was only 8 in 1966 so I have no firm recollections of the beginning of the Vietnam War or of the anti-war protests. My family lived in Southern California and life was, well, just simpler then. In fact, one of the more exciting things to do was to visit the new fast-food taco stand. Now, I don't remember which chain it was but it was news around the town when it opened because the only other similar restaurant was a KFC and when you're eight years old tacos are so-o-o-o much more fun to eat! Anyway, having a 16 year old brother meant that we got to drive to the taco stand a lot and each time we would go I would look in fascination at the man in the window - the man with a claw for a hand. He was at first a source of curiosity but then became a source of fear for me, looking grotesquely unnatural to my childish mind. My brain would flit to all of those old Vincent Price movies that I had seen (but was not supposed to because they would scare me.) After a while, it got to where I was afraid to go to the taco shop which vexed my brother as he couldn't go unless I went. Somehow, somewhere, I shared my fear with my brother and he explained that the man had lost his hand and the lower portion of his arm in Vietnam. That led to the question, "What's Vietnam?" and my brother explained, with all of the worldly wisdom of a 16 year old. My young brain had trouble comprehending why people would fight like that and my perceptions of the man in the window changed. I started going back to the taco shop with my brother and noticed that the man was very nice to my brother - in fact, to everyone - even to me and, thus, began my growing admiration for him and my fascination with the deftness with which he wielded that "hook." I can't tell you exactly when, but sometime after that a new phrase began to percolate into my consciousness: protests. I tried to understand from watching the television but, finally, sought out information from my brother. Again came enlightenment. But, the thought of the taco man working his hook to pick up lettuce to stuff into a taco wouldn't let me accept the idea of protesters. How could the protesters be so unkind when Taco Man had no hand? The next time we went to the taco shop I waited and I watched. Taco Man seemed quite happy. My brother went to sit with friends and the child that I was strode up to the window, gaze firmly locked on that hook. I never saw the look on his face but I heard his voice, "Can I help you?" And I asked, with the innocence of a small child, the question that was burning in my head... "Do the protests make you mad?" He took a minute to think about it or maybe it was to get my attention because he didn't speak until I raised my eyes to his. "Little girl," he began, "I went to Vietnam to fight to maintain yours, and everybody elses, freedoms. Now I may not agree with what the protesters have to say but I will fight to the death for their right to say it because that's what America is all about." I didn't understand his words at the time - not really. Understanding didn't gel until a few years later when I heard another veteran saying something similar. In fact, I heard variations of that theme for about 15 years. Sadly, the last time I heard it must have been around 1980. It's strange, really, but I've only thought of the incident at the taco shop a few times in my life. Yet, those words instilled in me the true meaning of honor. Now, more than ever, we need to remember that past sacrifices have been made to insure our freedoms - not the least of which are speech and to peaceably assemble - because to desecrate our freedoms in the name of politics, or any other cause, makes a mockery of 232 years of sacrifices. So, here's to Taco Man... who taught this little democrat what it means to be a patriotic American.
Hi everyone!
With Tuesday fast approaching, I want to vote proactively for the Judges in District 04 in Minneapolis. Unfortunately I have not found information which has been helpful in my decisions. Does anyone know how to find out about Juges? They all are non-partisan, right? How can I find their websites and who will back my issues? Thanks!
Theresa
Tomorrow, Governor Howard Dean's cross-country "Register for Change" bus tour will pass through Minnesota, stopping in Minneapolis for a rally with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Keith Ellison at Augsburg College.
Here are the details:
REGISTER FOR CHANGE RALLY WITH HOWARD DEANThursday, September 4th - 12:30 PMAugsburg CollegeUrness Hall Lawn2211 Riverside Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MNMap & Directions
REGISTER FOR CHANGE RALLY WITH HOWARD DEANThursday, September 4th - 12:30 PMAugsburg CollegeUrness Hall Lawn2211 Riverside Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN
Map & Directions
The Register for Change tour made dozens of campaign stops in key states throughout the country in the run up to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, and it's only fitting that it comes to the Twin Cities, the site of the Republican National Convention.
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.
Come out and meet fellow Obama supporters—and check out the Register for Change Bus! For more information, visit the Register for Change site.
Goodman Discusses Arrest and Constitutional Implications:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THMVJQUGJLM
Please sign Petition here: [This is quite urgent!]
https://secure.freepress.net/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr012=3tkx4vic73.app45b&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=281
This petition goes to:
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/08/30/police_raids/
By Holly Watt, Washington Post
ST. PAUL -- Democracy Now! radio host Amy Goodman and two producers were arrested while covering demonstrations at the Republican convention in St. Paul, Minn. Goodman was released after being held for over three hours, but is still waiting to hear when Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar would be released.
video link: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/01/democracy_now_host_and_produce.html
"I was down on the convention floor interviewing delegates when I heard that two of our producers had been arrested," said Goodman. "I ran down to Jackson and 7th Street, where the police had moved in."
Goodman said that when she ran up to find out what was going on, she was also arrested.
"They seriously manhandled me and handcuffed my hands behind my back. The top ID [at the convention] is to get on the floor and the Secret Service ripped that off me. I had my Democracy Now! ID too. I was clearly a reporter."
Goodman, who was released after being charged with a misdemeanor, said that Salazar had been hurt in the face, while Kouddous had been thrown up against a wall and hurt his elbow.
"Nicole told me that as they moved in on three sides, she asked them 'How do I get away from this?' and they jumped on her."
Both Kouddous and Salazar could be held for up to 36 hours.
"One of the police kept shouting at me 'Shut up, shut up," she said. "It was extremely threatening."
---------------------
Amy Goodman Arrested at RNC; Reports of Tear-Gassing Allison Kilkenny, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-kilkenny/amy-goodman-arrested-at-r_b_123051.html
Her arrest comes amid accusations of police brutality in St. Paul. I-Witness founder Eileen Clancy was arrested and detained last Saturday by the police in an apparent preemptive arrest. Clancy states she and her team were surrounded in the house they were staying at in St. Paul before they had the chance to video tape any protests.
The police handcuffed Clancy and her team and claimed they were waiting for their search warrant. The officers were armed and at least one police offer was carrying an M-16, Clancy wrote in her blog. [Stephen Fox: this looks more like South America or USA during the Vietnam Era]
In addition to preemptive arrests, the police are responding aggressively to the presence of protesters. New video is appearing on YouTube of protesters being tear-gassed by the police:
footage is found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po3MQmOVrZc&eurl=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-kilkenny/amy-goodman-arrested-at-r_b_123051.html
Laurie, the phone operator at the County Jail says she "hopes charges will be presented within the hour." As of right now, Kouddous and Salazar are being held without charges.9:50 PM EST: Kouddous and Salazar are still being held without charges. Laurie, the operator, now expects a few hours to expire before they are officially charged with a crime. She claims the slow process is due to an unusually high number of arrests coupled with many detainees using pseudonyms. More than 100 people were arrested along with Goodman and her producers.
Early reports indicate Kouddous and Salazar were originally arrested on suspicion of rioting .
11:00PM EST: The Ramsey County Jail redirected me to something called the "Joint Information Center." Under a little pressure, the operator finally revealed his name (Sgt. William Palmer,) though he asked for my name (had me spell it twice) and asked for my phone number in exchange. Friendly stuff.
Palmer informed me that Kouddous and Salazar will be held in jail overnight until they are taken to court tomorrow. No one knows what they are being charged with, but Palmer attributes their arrest to "suspicious behavior."
Kouddous and Salazar are still being held without any formal charges.
Mayor Chris Coleman can be contacted at: 651-266-8510 or e-mailed at: https://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/forms.asp?FID=69Governor Tim Pawlenty can be reached at: (651) 296-3391 or e-mailed at tim.pawlenty@state.mn.usRamsey County Jail: 651-266-9350
_____________________________________________________
Police Seize Journalists Notes About RNC Protest Plans
see also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHpDQpZ_NAI&NR=1
I grew up in the Twin Cities, a prosperous and bucolic community hard on the banks of the Mississippi, the last major metropolitan area until you Lewis-and-Clark yourself over the Rockies.
Minneapolis and St. Paul are filled with wide, tree-lined streets, good schools, close-knit families, a welcoming spirit, pride in a deep civic commitment, home of the Guthrie Theatre and Walker Art Centre, and a keen, congenital sense of justice and equality. It’s a place where even wealthy, fourth and fifth generation families like the Dayton’s (Target), the Rawlings’ (General Mills), the Pillsbury’s (of Dough Boy fame, tee-hee), the McKnight’s (3M) and the Hill’s (19th century railroad tycoons) still believe in and practice a gentle, Midwestern kind of mild social democracy. Example: Most CEOs of Fortune 100 companies based here actually drive themselves to work, often parking in the lot alongside cars belonging to the woman who brings the mail around or the guy working in the cafeteria line. About the only time you see limo’s crawling the streets is prom night or for a funeral.
After all, the characters and settings in Garrison Keillor’s Lake Woebegon stories are based on his life growing up in a working class suburb of the Twin Cities. There is more truth than fiction in his recounting of the goings-on of the three Norwegian bachelor farmers, the Buttermilk Biscuit Co., and all the other good folks he turned into cultural icons.
I haven’t lived in either Minneapolis or St. Paul for nearly 20 years, and last visited when my sister died in 1999, but I’ve always thought warmly of my hometown. So I was astonished when e-mails began trickling in during the week from confused, frightened and oft-times angry friends and acquaintances back home. They wrote chilling accounts of police conducting wholesale, warrantless raids on people whose only crime is that the Secret Service and Dept. of Homeland (In)Security, aided by local police goon squads dressed in riot gear, thought they might, possibly, somewhere, somehow, exercise their 1st Amendment right to protest during the Republican National Convention.
The first inkling of what was unfolding came late Thursday morning from Nancy, my fifth grade love who grew up to become a physician and soccer mom in an upper-upper middle class suburb called Edina – a place so conservative and rich I suspect there’s a local ordinance requiring residents to vote Republican before being allowed to move in:
There’s a story this ayem about St Paul police raiding a home and arresting people who were going to protest at the convention. OK, so you know me: I voted for Bush twice and I’m no lefty loonie. But this scares me. According to ‘CCO radio, police in riot gear raided a house early this morning, arresting nine people who said they were in town to protest at the convention. But they were charged with … are you ready? … having too many people live in a residential home! What the hell?
By mid-afternoon, I’d heard from two more friends.
Mike, who has three teen-aged kids and owns a store in a mixed St. Paul neighborhood, wrote, “I don’t know what’s going on but unmarked cop cars with sirens screaming are chasing all over hell and back.” Almost simultaneously, an e-mail arrived from Ivar, a playwright, declaring, “Jesus Christ! A bunch of cops dressed like the Road Warrior just broke into a home down the street and hauled out a bunch of people in handcuffs and hoods. As they were being thrown into police vehicles, cops arrested a guy across the street taking a home video of the bust. My street looks like Burma.” He meant Myanmar but Ivar’s showing his age these days like the rest of us boomers.
By Saturday, the trickle of messages became a torrent.
To verify what friends were writing, I called the St. Paul Mayor’s Office (615.266.8510) where I was directed to the police (651.291.1111). A PR woman for the cops said I had to talk to the Secret Service (612.348.1800), which refused to answer any questions but asked for the spelling of my name before telling me to call Homeland Security (202.282.8000) where repeated calls were not returned. I tracked down a cell phone number of someone in the St. Paul convention office of the Republican National Committee where the man who answered claimed to have no idea what I was talking about, helpfully suggesting I call the police before suddenly asking how I got the number. Ring around the rosy.
It was like trying to get an answer from Dick Cheney’s office. Translation: The e-mails were accurate.
The unending barrage has continued all weekend.
From Carrie, a late 50-something who still lives in a mostly-student district near the University of Minnesota: “I saw 25 officers barge into a house wearing masks and black swat gear. They had large semi-automatic rifles. After, somebody told me the pigs (I haven’t used that word for decades) ordered everyone on the floor. Rifles pointing at their heads, they were handcuffed and ordered not to move. The cops refused to show a search warrant. They were forced to remain on the floor for 45 minutes while the officers took away computers and political stuff kept in the house.”
From Rick: “Remember Summit Avenue? Mansions, clubs, cronies, old money? A few blocks away from the Governor’s Mansion, the police just burst into a house looking for ‘photographs and maps of St. Paul.’ Shit! I have photos and maps of St. Paul! Better throw ‘em out or I’ll be next.”
From Robyn and Brent, two independents who decided this morning to vote straight a Democratic ticket: “Never thought we’d see this in America. Enya (their adopted teenage daughter) and a bunch of her friends from school were taking pictures of the convention center this morning when cops grabbed and handcuffed them, shoved them into a squad car and threatened them with arrest if they didn’t hand over the digital camera they were using to take tourist photos! She’s hysterical and we called (their lawyer). Obama and Franken just got two more votes and by the time this is over Enya’s college will be paid for with a large check from the city. Assholes.”
And so it goes.
Bucolic Lake Woebegon has turned itself into a brutal police state, intent on arresting everyone including the three Norwegian bachelor farmers, just in case. Apparently, civil liberties and the Bill of Rights got tossed into the Mississippi mud like the remains of the once-great bridge that used to span the river.
Oh, wait. We're talking about the party of George Bush, who once said of the Constitution, "It's just a goddamned piece of paper!" Guess I - along with people back in the Twin Cities - shouldn't be surprised.
Photo credit: zoe prinds-flash on flickr
Last night, over 500 Minnesotans watched Barack make history at a Convention Watch Party at Trocaderos.
As at every Campaign for Change event, the crowd was diverse, enthusiastic, and ready to help Barack bring real change to Minnesota and America.
Here's how Barackstar and aspiring photographer Zoe Prinds-Flash described the party:
It was inspiring and the perfect length. He addressed everything he needed to, including specifics like abortion and gun laws which haven’t been talked about as much.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman spoke to the crowd right before a welcome video from Caroline Kennedy was played. Volunteers signed supporters up throughought the night to go doorknocking during the Republican National Convention next week (if you haven't already, be sure to sign up).
By the time Barack took to the podium, the crowd was excited to hear him lay out specific plans to address the challenges facing America--so excited, they couldn't stop cheering!
What did the crowd think of Barack's speech? The Regional Field Director in charge CD-5 says they're experiencing one of their best volunteer recruitment days and the Minneapolis office has been abuzz with activity all day.
They're certianly Fired Up in Minneapolis!
The Minnesota Latinos for Obama organizational meeting at Maria's Cafe in Minneapolis was a huge success! Over 70 Latinos from the across the state.
Minnesota's Latinos are excited about their chance to have an impact on the election this November. Those in attendance heard from Minnesota State Senator Patricia Torres-Ray, the first Latina elected to the State Senate, who spoke about the importance of talking to friends and families about Barack Obama.
Field Organizer Maggie Mitchell, a Latina herself, explained the different ways of getting involved in the Campaign for Change.
Minnesota State Director Jeff Blodgett was on hand to answer any questions.
Here are some pictures from the meeting:
You can see a slideshow of pictures from today's event by clicking here.
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Last night, the Minnesota Campaign for Change officially launched Minnesota Women for Obama with events in Duluth, Rochester, and Minneapolis.
Over 1000 people participated in the kick-off, either in person or by watching a live webcast of the event on MN.BarackObama.com!
Jackie Reis, a resident of White Bear Lake, described the Minneapolis event:
What a great night!Surrounded by so many great women--diverse in every way--all there to support Senator Obama. The emotion was high--tears and cheers mixed--as we joined in unity, motivated by the speakers, and shared our hopes for the future and the change that a "President Obama" will bring to us--our children, our families, our country.
What a great night!
Surrounded by so many great women--diverse in every way--all there to support Senator Obama. The emotion was high--tears and cheers mixed--as we joined in unity, motivated by the speakers, and shared our hopes for the future and the change that a "President Obama" will bring to us--our children, our families, our country.
Here are some pictures from the event in Minneapolis:
Sen. Amy Klobuchar shares why she supports Barack.
And the crowd listens attentively...
You can see the rest of the pictures from the Minneapolis event by clicking here.
Were you at one of the events last night? Did you stream it live? Share your story!
On Friday morning, as part of the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the creation of Social Security, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar lead a group of Seniors for Obama volunteers to the Seal Hi Rise in St. Paul to address residents and talk about issues important to seniors.
In the afternoon, Congressman Keith Ellison spoke to volunteers at the Campaign for Change office in Minneapolis before heading over to Richfield Health to discuss the concerns of residents there.
Here are some pictures from the events:
To see more photos from the two events, click here.
Below is a note from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, inviting Minnesota women to join her and hundreds of other women from across the state at Women for Obama kick-off celebrations next Wednesday, August 20th:
Dear Friend,Women make a difference in every election, and this year we have a chance to move America in a fundamentally new direction.Barack Obama is the candidate who will bring real change to Washington - but it is going to take supporters like you to help him succeed this November. That is why I, on behalf of our Minnesota Women for Obama Steering Committee, would like to invite you to join me and hundreds of women as we officially launch “Minnesota Women for Obama” at three kickoff celebrations across the state. Wednesday, August 20th Doors Open: 7:00 PM Program Begins: 7:30 PM Duluth The Midi Restaurant -Fitger’s Building 600 East Superior Street Duluth, MN 55802 Minneapolis The Woman’s Club 410 Oak Grove Minneapolis, MN 55403 Rochester Rochester Public Library 101 2nd Street SE Rochester, MN 55904 We hope you will join us to learn about the many ways you can get involved with the campaign. You can RSVP online here: http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNWomenKickOff.Join Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Attorney General Lori Swanson, State Auditor Rebecca Otto, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, State Senator Tarryl Clark, and others in celebrating this historic event. In addition, through the magic of modern technology, you will get to hear from a very special guest who will discuss the campaign and tell us why she is supporting Senator Obama.Barack needs women with all different skills and backgrounds in every corner of Minnesota doing their part to help bring change to Washington.Reach out to your mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and girlfriends and invite them to join you for this very special event. We look forward to having you with us. Thank You.Senator Amy KlobucharOn behalf of the MinnesotaWomen for Obama Steering Committee
Dear Friend,
Women make a difference in every election, and this year we have a chance to move America in a fundamentally new direction.
Barack Obama is the candidate who will bring real change to Washington - but it is going to take supporters like you to help him succeed this November.
That is why I, on behalf of our Minnesota Women for Obama Steering Committee, would like to invite you to join me and hundreds of women as we officially launch “Minnesota Women for Obama” at three kickoff celebrations across the state.
Wednesday, August 20th Doors Open: 7:00 PM Program Begins: 7:30 PM
Duluth The Midi Restaurant -Fitger’s Building 600 East Superior Street Duluth, MN 55802
Minneapolis The Woman’s Club 410 Oak Grove Minneapolis, MN 55403
Rochester Rochester Public Library 101 2nd Street SE Rochester, MN 55904
We hope you will join us to learn about the many ways you can get involved with the campaign. You can RSVP online here: http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNWomenKickOff.
Join Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Attorney General Lori Swanson, State Auditor Rebecca Otto, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, State Senator Tarryl Clark, and others in celebrating this historic event.
In addition, through the magic of modern technology, you will get to hear from a very special guest who will discuss the campaign and tell us why she is supporting Senator Obama.
Barack needs women with all different skills and backgrounds in every corner of Minnesota doing their part to help bring change to Washington.
Reach out to your mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and girlfriends and invite them to join you for this very special event. We look forward to having you with us.
Thank You.
Senator Amy KlobucharOn behalf of the MinnesotaWomen for Obama Steering Committee
All events are free and open to the public. RSVP for one of the three kick-off celebrations at: http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNWomenKickOff
I just recieve an email from Medhi Alhassani, the Regional Field Director for CD-5, about the organizational meeting to celebrate Barack's 47th birthday they held at the Campaign for Change office in Minneapolis.
There was great turnout for the meeting/party, just another sign that Minnesotans are eager for change, and ready to help make Barack Obama our next president.
Here's how Medhi described the night:
The party was a huge success. At the start of the event, people went around the room introducing themselves and saying each person would give Senator Obama for his birthday. Field Organizer Andy Holmaas said he wanted to give the Senator 47 voter registration cards for his birthday.By the end of the party he was at 44 but claimed he still had three hours to get the remaining three…he’s currently in the field trying to fulfill his promise. UPDATE [10:50 PM] Medhi just emailed me to say Andy called him... he hit 50 voter reg cards! One of the highlights of the evening was that the party was accompanied by local Jazz Legend “Cornbread” Harris. The 82 year old musician wants to do everything he can to help the Senator win and everyone enjoyed the rhythm he brought to the party. As in so many campaign events we’ve seen, the crowd was very diverse. A pastor from Fridley, some college students, to Southside Minneapolans- all coming together because they believe Senator Obama has the right judgment and message to bring about the change Americans are yearning for.
The party was a huge success. At the start of the event, people went around the room introducing themselves and saying each person would give Senator Obama for his birthday. Field Organizer Andy Holmaas said he wanted to give the Senator 47 voter registration cards for his birthday.
By the end of the party he was at 44 but claimed he still had three hours to get the remaining three…he’s currently in the field trying to fulfill his promise.
UPDATE [10:50 PM] Medhi just emailed me to say Andy called him... he hit 50 voter reg cards!
One of the highlights of the evening was that the party was accompanied by local Jazz Legend “Cornbread” Harris. The 82 year old musician wants to do everything he can to help the Senator win and everyone enjoyed the rhythm he brought to the party. As in so many campaign events we’ve seen, the crowd was very diverse. A pastor from Fridley, some college students, to Southside Minneapolans- all coming together because they believe Senator Obama has the right judgment and message to bring about the change Americans are yearning for.
Did you attend a House Party somewhere in Minnesota? Do you have a video or photo to share from a campaign-related event or grassroots activity? Share them with us!
Visit http://mn.barackobama.com/mnshare and tell us your story!
