We had a decent turn out of 7 at out our meeting on Tuesday to discuss a Health Care day of service. But considering that we had 16 people RSVP and many people responded to our email or phone calls saying they were interested but too busy, we came up with an idea we hope will work effectively with our busy schedules. Here is the outline of our project along with tasks we need completed. Health Care Service Project - a healthy summer brochure/pamphletI believe we are envisioning something that is easy to distribute amount friends and neighbors, brings the health care discussion into public interactions locally, and communicates valuable information in a simple, new way. We see this coming together in several steps...
Boston Jewish leaders defend Gaza strike Boston Globe, United States Hamas's disregard for Israeli life is matched by its disregard for the lives of Palestinians living in Gaza. Using innocent Palestinians as human shields, Hamas purposely fires its missiles from homes, schools and community centers, confident in the knowledge that when Israel finally acts to stop the killing of its own civilians, Palestinians will also inevitably be harmed. The use of Palestinian civilians as human shields is not merely unspeakably cruel. It is also a fundamental violation of Palestinian human rights by the Hamas leadership. Israel cares deeply about protecting the lives of civilians, both in Israel and in the Gaza Strip. Its efforts this weekend to stop the Hamas attacks represent classic self-defense, undertaken reluctantly by an Israeli nation that longs for peace. Israel is now compelled to act to defend its citizens.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2008/12/boston_jewish_l.html
Hamas took no heed of the plight of their own brethren, "and just as they have used human shields in their terror operations, they are now taking the whole ...
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1229868820574&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Israel’s Challenge Family Security Matters, NJ - Dec 26, 2008 Why is criticism never leveled at Hamas or Hezbollah who regularly use children as human shields to protect their leaders and their weapons? ...
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.2115/pub_detail.asp
Israel retaliation in Gaza, Hamas hit hard Canada Free Press, Canada Any suspected hideouts of Hamas leadership must be taken out. Israel had opportunities in earlier decades to do this and refused because of the human shield
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/7171
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So, "Palestinians" -- unfortunaletly-- had caused a few kids (besides the majority militants killed today), they succeeded in their objective to make Israel look bad, that's very important in their objective of hating Israel (Arab racism & Islamic bigotry) no matter what Israel does, and "legitimizing" their radicalism so that the world looks away Hamas' real ultimate goal, Genocide of course, or "wiping off map" in its Islamic protectors of Tehran's vocabulary...
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
I ran the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania phone bank and was part of an experience I will long remember and which typified the appeal of the president-elect's campaign. Volunteers from all walks of life made calls; businessmen, students (Barackstars, shout out to Jariatou!), elderly, minorities; working together harmoniously while generating incredible call volume (2,250 was the daily goal this group exceeded towards the end). The work environment was one in which I was able to count on a corps group of callers until Election Day and which, in turn, inspired me to be at my best (I averaged 100 calls a day for the 5 weeks I was assigned to that office). From November 3 to 4 we made 10,000 calls from this office alone! Some of my callers included the singer Lulu's ("To Sir with Love" fame) daughters, Tatyana Ali ("Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and currently an actor/singer – I don’t have to tell you how many young callers, especially males, helped out that night). I created a "100 call club" (thank you, Floyd Stokes) in which some of my recipients included, besides the above, Governor Ed Rendell and Senator Ben Cardin (honorary :)). There were Bill Pickering, Joe Lucia, Victor, Helen and Bob Michener, Sue Boyd (the "100 call club" queen), Jay (and his beautiful family), Beth (thanks for those herbal remedies), Deb Reilly (we shared many light moments together), Gabe (a young prolific caller), Bria King (another Barackstar who was a regular, hard-wroking and dedicated volunteer), Cliff (taking time while pursuing a law degree), Jamal, Henry, Harry, among my many regulars I wish to thank here, as well.
Some of the most moving moments were when an eight-year old girl called and said, “Hi, is (let us say) Doris home? This is Imani, a volunteer for the Obama/Biden team in Harrisburg; how are you?” A volunteer next to her, listening to this young girl speaking, started crying and we all suddenly realized how different this campaign was when such youth are actually politically involved. Then there was Irene Brown, 96 years old, who, first time out made the “100 call club” and returned several times to the phone bank. Imagine her calling a person who tells her they are too old to vote at the tender age of 76? J Imani was not the only young caller, others at the ages of eight, ten and eleven also contributed and, I might add, performed competently, displaying proper phone etiquette. One time, Noelle actually trained a new volunteer (I was almost out of a job). One other amusing incident, there was a young boy making calls and the voter asked “How old are you?” and he replied “Eight.” It did not end there; he went on to explain that Barack Obama’s tax plan would benefit 95% of all working class Americans. Who would not be moved by hearing an eight-year old volunteer confidently explain Obama’s tax plan policy? Their enthusiasm and dedication was contagious and inspiring, they would demand new call sheets as soon as they were through with the packet, they set the tone for us elder folk to follow! Irene was not the only elderly volunteer, many in her age group came, as well, and added their spirit and dedication to the cause (church members, a retired professor, businesswomen and men) The Harrisburg phone bank was always “hopping” and, in the end, contributed toward turning Dauphin County “Blue”. In the 2000 presidential election, President George W. Bush bested candidate John F. Kerry, by roughly 54% to 46%. In the 2008 contest, now president-elect Barack Obama bested candidate John McCain by 54% to 45%, the complete reverse result (this was also the result of an incredibly successful canvassing effort but that is another story). On Election Day, after the polls had closed, our group headed for our headquarters and heard that Barack Obama was the projected winner in Pennsylvania, I cannot express the joy and satisfaction we experienced at that moment, knowing not only that our candidate was well poised for a good night but that we, from the student to the retiree, from the layperson to the professional, from the public to the celebrity, contributed to this historic moment.
Send the Kids to the Inauguration (Community Service)
There are 45 school children from Coatesville who will be going to the Inauguration in January 2009.
A community concert will be held on November 14th beginning at 6:30 PM at the Scott Middle School located at 800 Olive Street, Coatesville, PA 19320.
The event is produced by the Chester County Internet Radio Project and the Scott Middle School Mentoring Project.
Expect to see some great gospel, hip hop and rhythm and blues. The event has a free will donation. There will be food and activities for children.
Time: Monday, November 17 from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Host: John Hall Location: Scott Middle School (Coatesville, PA) 800 Olive Street Coatesville, PA 19320 Maps:
Directions: Take Rt. 30 By-Pass to Reeceville Rd. exit. Turn left onto Reeceville Rd. Continue south towards Coatesville. Turn right on Rt. 30 (Lincoln Highway. Go three lights turn left. Scott Middle is one block on the left. The auditorium entrance is on the left.
Associated Groups: B Reed Henderson High School Students For Obama, Berks for Obama, Berks Region 5--Dream Team, Brandywine Valley for Obama, Chester Countians for Obama, Chester Springs for OBAMA, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Students for Barack Obama, Coatesville, PA for Obama, Lionville Middle School for obama, Pennsylvanians for Obama, Rock For Barack, West Chester Henderson High School for Obama!, West Chester University (WCU) for Obama!
Signup for 'Send the Kids to the Inauguration'
I can't believe this. Today is a day of personal sadness for me and for our community
We all long the passing of Barak's grandmother. For me, at 3:00 PM EST, my mother-in-law passed away - Millie Lober. I must be with my wife. I was preparing to leave for Penn. Thank you Nan Bress and the Hudson Valley for Obama for their support.We must win this. I can't imagine how Barak is feeling. He has no time to grieve! To those in PA, Ohio Indiana, Colorado, think of those like me
God bless all and please take nothing for granted.
October 11, 2008
I took the bus with Blue Wave NJ to volunteer at the West Philly rally. The crowd was mostly African American and the feelings of pride and hope were everywhere. I was working the line, signing up volunteers so I got to meet so many people and hear about why they were willing to stand in line for hours to see Obama. Lots of people brought their kids. My favorite onsie: "Babies 4 Obama (obama logo) I Need a Change). This one woman scolded her 9or10 y-o son 'You are about to see the first black president and you are complaining about standing in line?" lol A little girl about the same age had dragged her mother and little brother and sister. She couldn't stand still, she was so excited. I also heard a lot of emphasis about the Obama family - people love Michelle.At the rally before the speech, many of the speakers spent time helping voters understand their rights. We passed out flyers too outlining their rights and listing a phone number to call if someone was keeping them from voting on election day.The speech was so moving. . . I had tears in my eyes. We are so close! Obama focused on all the positive things he would do but balanced it by empowering the crowd to make changes in their own communities and households. He said he would strengthen education but it was up to parents to turn off the tv. He would create green jobs and energy efficient policies but it's up to all of us to be responsible with our energy use.There were so many people and the space was tight . . . I couldn't get very close, but there were speakers so I could hear him.We used the momentum from his visits to knock on doors after the rally and sign up people to volunteer and make sure they were going to to go out and vote. People were happy to see us and talk about Obama.It was a great day . . . I'm planning to do a few more trips to PA before the election (I live in NJ). I was also impressed with the number of young people volunteering - they can't vote yet but they want to be a part of this.
One week.
After decades of broken politics in Washington, eight years of failed policies from George Bush, and twenty-one months of a campaign that has taken us from the rocky coast of Maine to the sunshine of California, we are one week away from change in America.
In one week, you can turn the page on policies that have put the greed and irresponsibility of Wall Street before the hard work and sacrifice of folks on Main Street.
In one week, you can choose policies that invest in our middle-class, create new jobs, and grow this economy from the bottom-up so that everyone has a chance to succeed; from the CEO to the secretary and the janitor; from the factory owner to the men and women who work on its floor.
In one week, you can put an end to the politics that would divide a nation just to win an election; that tries to pit region against region, city against town, Republican against Democrat; that asks us to fear at a time when we need hope.
In one week, at this defining moment in history, you can give this country the change we need.
We began this journey in the depths of winter nearly two years ago, on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. Back then, we didn't have much money or many endorsements. We weren't given much of a chance by the polls or the pundits, and we knew how steep our climb would be.
But I also knew this. I knew that the size of our challenges had outgrown the smallness of our politics. I believed that Democrats and Republicans and Americans of every political stripe were hungry for new ideas, new leadership, and a new kind of politics - one that favors common sense over ideology; one that focuses on those values and ideals we hold in common as Americans.
Most of all, I believed in your ability to make change happen. I knew that the American people were a decent, generous people who are willing to work hard and sacrifice for future generations. And I was convinced that when we come together, our voices are more powerful than the most entrenched lobbyists, or the most vicious political attacks, or the full force of a status quo in Washington that wants to keep things just the way they are.
Twenty-one months later, my faith in the American people has been vindicated. That's how we've come so far and so close - because of you. That's how we'll change this country - with your help. And that's why we can't afford to slow down, sit back, or let up for one day, one minute, or one second in this last week. Not now. Not when so much is at stake.
We are in the middle of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. 760,000 workers have lost their jobs this year. Businesses and families can't get credit. Home values are falling. Pensions are disappearing. Wages are lower than they've been in a decade, at a time when the cost of health care and college have never been higher. It's getting harder and harder to make the mortgage, or fill up your gas tank, or even keep the electricity on at the end of the month.
And yet, just yesterday, we learned that despite this crisis, Wall Street bank executives are set to walk away with billions more in bonuses at the end of this year. Well, they might call that a bonus on Wall Street, but here in Pennsylvania, we call it an outrage - and they shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.
We can't afford four more years of the tired, old theory that says we should give more to billionaires and big corporations and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. That's the failed theory that got us into this mess. It hasn't worked, and it's time for change. That's why I'm running for President of the United States.
Now, in the closing days of this campaign, my opponent is trying to distance himself from the President he has faithfully supported 90% of the time. He's supported four of the five Bush budgets that have taken us from the surpluses of the Clinton years to the largest deficits in history. John McCain has ridden shotgun as George Bush has driven our economy toward a cliff, and now he wants to take the wheel and step on the gas.
And when it comes to the issue of taxes, saying that John McCain is running for a third Bush term isn't being fair to George W. Bush. He's proposing $300 billion in new tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and big corporations. That's something not even George Bush proposed. Not even George Bush proposed another $700,000 tax cut to the average Fortune 500 CEO. Not even George Bush proposed a plan that would leave out 100 million middle class families. That's not change.
Change is a middle class tax cut for 95% of workers and their families. Change is eliminating income taxes for seniors making under $50,000 and giving homeowners and working parents more of a break. Change is eliminating capital gains taxes for the small businesses that are the engine of job-creation in this country.
That's what I want to do. That's what change is.
The fact is, there's only one candidate with a plan that could eventually raise taxes on millions of middle class families, and it isn't me. It's my opponent, who'd make you pay taxes on your health care benefits for the first time ever.
Now, it's true that I want to roll back the Bush tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans and go back to the rate they paid under Bill Clinton. But make no mistake: If you make less than a quarter of a million dollars a year - which includes 98% of small business owners - you won't see your taxes increase one single dime. Not your payroll taxes, not your income taxes, not your capital gains taxes - nothing. Because the last thing we should do in this economy is raise taxes on the middle-class.
In the end, the choice in this election isn't between tax cuts and no tax cuts. It's about whether you believe we should only reward wealth, or whether we should also reward the work and workers who create it. It's about whether you believe in an America where opportunity and success is open to anyone who's willing to work for it. And that's the America we will build together when I'm President of the United States.
We've tried it John McCain's way. We've tried it George Bush's way. Deep down, Senator McCain knows that, which is why his campaign said that "if we keep talking about the economy, we're going to lose." That's why he's spending these last weeks calling me every name in the book. Because that's how you play the game in Washington. If you can't beat your opponent's ideas, you distort those ideas and maybe make some up. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run away from. You make a big election about small things.
Pennsylvania, we are here to say "Not this time. Not this year. Not when so much is at stake." Senator McCain might be worried about losing an election, but I'm worried about Americans who are losing their homes, and their jobs, and their life savings. I can take one more week of John McCain's attacks, but this country can't take four more years of the same old politics and the same failed policies. It's time for something new.
The question in this election is not "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" We know the answer to that. The real question is, "Will this country be better off four years from now?"
I know these are difficult times for America. But I also know that we have faced difficult times before. The American story has never been about things coming easy - it's been about rising to the moment when the moment was hard. It's about seeing the highest mountaintop from the deepest of valleys. It's about rejecting fear and division for unity of purpose. That's how we've overcome war and depression. That's how we've won great struggles for civil rights and women's rights and worker's rights. And that's how we'll emerge from this crisis stronger and more prosperous than we were before - as one nation; as one people.
Remember, we still have the most talented, most productive workers of any country on Earth. We're still home to innovation and technology, colleges and universities that are the envy of the world. Some of the biggest ideas in history have come from our small businesses and our research facilities. So there's no reason we can't make this century another American century. We just need a new direction. We need a new politics.
Now, I don't believe that government can or should try to solve all our problems. I know you don't either. But I do believe that government should do that which we cannot do for ourselves - protect us from harm and provide a decent education for our children; invest in new roads and new science and technology. It should reward drive and innovation and growth in the free market, but it should also make sure businesses live up to their responsibility to create American jobs, and look out for American workers, and play by the rules of the road. It should ensure a shot at success not only for those with money and power and influence, but for every single American who's willing to work. That's how we create not just more millionaires, but more middle-class families. That's how we make sure businesses have customers that can afford their products and services. That's how we've always grown the American economy - from the bottom-up. John McCain calls this socialism. I call it opportunity, and there is nothing more American than that.
Understand, if we want get through this crisis, we need to get beyond the old ideological debates and divides between left and right. We don't need bigger government or smaller government. We need a better government - a more competent government - a government that upholds the values we hold in common as Americans.
We don't have to choose between allowing our financial system to collapse and spending billions of taxpayer dollars to bail out Wall Street banks. As President, I will ensure that the financial rescue plan helps stop foreclosures and protects your money instead of enriching CEOs. And I will put in place the common-sense regulations I've been calling for throughout this campaign so that Wall Street can never cause a crisis like this again. That's the change we need.
When it comes to jobs, the choice in this election is not between putting up a wall around America or allowing every job to disappear overseas. The truth is, we won't be able to bring back every job that we've lost, but that doesn't mean we should follow John McCain's plan to keep giving tax breaks to corporations that send American jobs overseas. I will end those breaks as President, and I will give American businesses a $3,000 tax credit for every job they create right here in the United States of America. We'll create two million new jobs by rebuilding our crumbling roads, and bridges, and schools, and by laying broadband lines to reach every corner of the country. And I will invest $15 billion a year in renewable sources of energy to create five million new energy jobs over the next decade - jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced; jobs building solar panels and wind turbines and a new electricity grid; jobs building the fuel-efficient cars of tomorrow, not in Japan or South Korea but here in the United States of America; jobs that will help us eliminate the oil we import from the Middle East in ten years and help save the planet in the bargain. That's how America can lead again.
When it comes to health care, we don't have to choose between a government-run health care system and the unaffordable one we have now. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change under my plan is that we will lower premiums. If you don't have health insurance, you'll be able to get the same kind of health insurance that Members of Congress get for themselves. We'll invest in preventative care and new technology to finally lower the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the entire economy. And as someone who watched his own mother spend the final months of her life arguing with insurance companies because they claimed her cancer was a pre-existing condition and didn't want to pay for treatment, I will stop insurance companies from discriminating against those who are sick and need care most.
When it comes to giving every child a world-class education so they can compete in this global economy for the jobs of the 21st century, the choice is not between more money and more reform - because our schools need both. As President, I will invest in early childhood education, recruit an army of new teachers, pay them more, and give them more support. But I will also demand higher standards and more accountability from our teachers and our schools. And I will make a deal with every American who has the drive and the will but not the money to go to college: if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford your tuition. You invest in America, America will invest in you, and together, we will move this country forward.
I won't stand here and pretend that any of this will be easy - especially now. The cost of this economic crisis, and the cost of the war in Iraq, means that Washington will have to tighten its belt and put off spending on things we can afford to do without. On this, there is no other choice. As President, I will go through the federal budget, line-by-line, ending programs that we don't need and making the ones we do need work better and cost less.
But as I've said from the day we began this journey all those months ago, the change we need isn't just about new programs and policies. It's about a new politics - a politics that calls on our better angels instead of encouraging our worst instincts; one that reminds us of the obligations we have to ourselves and one another.
Part of the reason this economic crisis occurred is because we have been living through an era of profound irresponsibility. On Wall Street, easy money and an ethic of "what's good for me is good enough" blinded greedy executives to the danger in the decisions they were making. On Main Street, lenders tricked people into buying homes they couldn't afford. Some folks knew they couldn't afford those houses and bought them anyway. In Washington, politicians spent money they didn't have and allowed lobbyists to set the agenda. They scored political points instead of solving our problems, and even after the greatest attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, all we were asked to do by our President was to go out and shop.
That is why what we have lost in these last eight years cannot be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits alone. What has also been lost is the idea that in this American story, each of us has a role to play. Each of us has a responsibility to work hard and look after ourselves and our families, and each of us has a responsibility to our fellow citizens. That's what's been lost these last eight years - our sense of common purpose; of higher purpose. And that's what we need to restore right now.
Yes, government must lead the way on energy independence, but each of us must do our part to make our homes and our businesses more efficient. Yes, we must provide more ladders to success for young men who fall into lives of crime and despair. But all of us must do our part as parents to turn off the television and read to our children and take responsibility for providing the love and guidance they need. Yes, we can argue and debate our positions passionately, but at this defining moment, all of us must summon the strength and grace to bridge our differences and unite in common effort - black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American; Democrat and Republican, young and old, rich and poor, gay and straight, disabled or not.
In this election, we cannot afford the same political games and tactics that are being used to pit us against one another and make us afraid of one another. The stakes are too high to divide us by class and region and background; by who we are or what we believe.
Because despite what our opponents may claim, there are no real or fake parts of this country. There is no city or town that is more pro-America than anywhere else - we are one nation, all of us proud, all of us patriots. There are patriots who supported this war in Iraq and patriots who opposed it; patriots who believe in Democratic policies and those who believe in Republican policies. The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America - they have served the United States of America.
It won't be easy, Pennsylvania. It won't be quick. But you and I know that it is time to come together and change this country. Some of you may be cynical and fed up with politics. A lot of you may be disappointed and even angry with your leaders. You have every right to be. But despite all of this, I ask of you what has been asked of Americans throughout our history.
I ask you to believe - not just in my ability to bring about change, but in yours.
I know this change is possible. Because I have seen it over the last twenty-one months. Because in this campaign, I have had the privilege to witness what is best in America.
I've seen it in lines of voters that stretched around schools and churches; in the young people who cast their ballot for the first time, and those not so young folks who got involved again after a very long time. I've seen it in the workers who would rather cut back their hours than see their friends lose their jobs; in the neighbors who take a stranger in when the floodwaters rise; in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb. I've seen it in the faces of the men and women I've met at countless rallies and town halls across the country, men and women who speak of their struggles but also of their hopes and dreams.
I still remember the email that a woman named Robyn sent me after I met her in Ft. Lauderdale. Sometime after our event, her son nearly went into cardiac arrest, and was diagnosed with a heart condition that could only be treated with a procedure that cost tens of thousands of dollars. Her insurance company refused to pay, and their family just didn't have that kind of money.
In her email, Robyn wrote, "I ask only this of you - on the days where you feel so tired you can't think of uttering another word to the people, think of us. When those who oppose you have you down, reach deep and fight back harder."
Pennsylvania, that's what hope is - that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better is waiting around the bend; that insists there are better days ahead. If we're willing to work for it. If we're willing to shed our fears and our doubts. If we're willing to reach deep down inside ourselves when we're tired and come back fighting harder.
Hope! That's what kept some of our parents and grandparents going when times were tough. What led them to say, "Maybe I can't go to college, but if I save a little bit each week my child can; maybe I can't have my own business but if I work really hard my child can open one of her own." It's what led immigrants from distant lands to come to these shores against great odds and carve a new life for their families in America; what led those who couldn't vote to march and organize and stand for freedom; that led them to cry out, "It may look dark tonight, but if I hold on to hope, tomorrow will be brighter."
That's what this election is about. That is the choice we face right now.
Don't believe for a second this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does.
In one week, we can choose an economy that rewards work and creates new jobs and fuels prosperity from the bottom-up.
In one week, we can choose to invest in health care for our families, and education for our kids, and renewable energy for our future.
In one week, we can choose hope over fear, unity over division, the promise of change over the power of the status quo.
In one week, we can come together as one nation, and one people, and once more choose our better history.
That's what's at stake. That's what we're fighting for. And if in this last week, you will knock on some doors for me, and make some calls for me, and talk to your neighbors, and convince your friends; if you will stand with me, and fight with me, and give me your vote, then I promise you this - we will not just win Pennsylvania, we will not just win this election, but together, we will change this country and we will change the world. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America.
With the McCain campaign putting a big chunk of their remaining effort into PA we will need everything our volunteer team can do to win this election. The canvassing effort is the primary focus. Here is the canvassing schedule:
On Saturday 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm; we will be reminding voters about when to vote, where to vote and how to vote. This will be a day with very brief conversations with friendly voters.
On Sunday 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm; we will be handing out door hangers as another reminder with the voter's specific polling location.
On Monday 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm; we will be handing out door hangers as another reminder with the voter's specific polling location.
On Tuesday 8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm, 5pm-8pm; we will be going to doors urging supporters to go vote. This will be a day of exciting but quick conversations, we'll leave door hangers for people who aren't in.
If you can fill in any shifts email or call me (717-332-7429, george.a.sanders@gmail.com)! All our shifts start at the Red Lion Bed & Breakfast, 101 S Franklin St in Red Lion. Thank you for any help you can provide. We are looking for more drivers/runners and food donations too. If you are not sure about any jobs described, email me and we can find something for you to help with! Thanks again for everyone's help so far.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to Barack Obama at a rally for change in Chester PA. It was an 8 hour drive for me followed by standing in freezing rain but it was completely worth it! I would do it again any day! Seeing him speak just reemphasized all my feelings about this campaign and the absolute necessity for everybody to work as hard as they can to get Barack Obama and Joe Biden into the Whitehouse.
Less then a week left. It's gone fast at times and it's gone slow at times now it seems like everything is happening very fast, this is the final stretch, the last push. Make calls, vote, talk to people and help out in any way possible. The light at the end of these past 8 years is finally here!
For Pennsylvania And Particularly Philadelphia:
I received an email saying that some people have not received their Absentee Ballots in the mail. Anyone who is going to be out of town on Election Day can go to Room 142 in City Hall and submit his/her absentee ballot on the spot. They don't have to go through the process of waiting for the ballot to come back in the mail. (County Board of Elections: 215-686-3469 or 215-686-3943) Bring acceptable I.D. Acceptable I.D. from http://votespa.com/HowtoVote/GuideforFirstTimeVoters/tabid/77/language/en-US/Default.aspx: Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card ID issued by any Commonwealth agency ID issued by the U.S. Government U.S. passport U.S. Armed Forces ID Student ID Employee ID
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address. Approved forms of non-photo identification include:Confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government Firearm permit Current utility bill Current bank statement Current paycheck Government check
There are special provisions for people who miss the deadlines as well as military personnel.
(Reference: http://votespa.com/HowtoVote/VotingbyAbsenteeBallot/tabid/78/language/en-US/Default.aspx) Absentee Ballot Applications must be received by the Board of Elections by 5 p.m. on October 28th. Absentee Ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by 5:00 PM on October 31st. Postmarks are NOT honored; applications must be in the office before the deadline. (See: http://www.phillyelection.com/abeng.htm) The mailing address for Philadelphia County on the state's two websites is incorrect. The correct address, which is printed on the Absentee Ballot forms from the Philadelphia Board of Elections is: Philadelphia County Board of ElectionsRoom 142 City HallPhiladelphia, PA 19107-3211 For additional help, please see this website: https://www.myfamilyvotes.com/Absentee_Ballot.html. Further instructions at https://www.myfamilyvotes.com/Ab.html. (Thank you, Emma Tramble.) First-time voters and those who have moved should confirm that they are registered to vote by searching Pennsylvania's voter registration database. You also can confirm your registration by contacting your County Board of Elections (County Board of Elections: 215-686-3469 or 215-686-3943) or by calling 1-877-VOTESPA. Print out an Absentee Ballot Application here:
https://www.myfamilyvotes.com/uploads/absentee_ballot_application_for_PA.pdf (Reference: http://votespa.com/HowtoVote/VotingbyAbsenteeBallot/tabid/78/language/en-US/Default.aspx)
I helped canvas in PA this Saturday, the last weekend of canvassing. It was quite the adventure. Five of us packed up in compact car to drive out to our turf. By this time it was raining pretty heavily. I set off with two others; not having brought an umbrella or raincoat splitting up was somewhat impractical. We trooped through the rain, flipping through our soggy list. Despite the terrible weather, the experience was still pretty rewarding. Almost all of our contacts were really receptive and positive and pro-Obama. Most volunteered this right off the bat, which made our job easy and brightened the day up a bit. Many people had already been canvassed several times, and we suspect that was due to labor union activity, which for some reason is not coordinated with the main campaign. I didn't see a lot of McCain campaign activity, although at one house I did encounter McCain campaign materials stuffed in a mailbox/slot, which we have been told is illegal (owned by the federal government). That annoyed me somewhat, they should get their act together.
All in all, despite (because of?) the weather, and being dead of exhaustion (this election is wearing on me; I've become addicted to politico.com and CNN) it was a very positive experience; you get to meet some great people, both fellow canvassers and fellow citizens out there. I plan to attend final GOTV events next weekend (and maybe Monday or Tuesday), and then it will finally be over and we'll hopefully see that our hard work has paid off.
Next time however I'll come with a better canvassing/GOTV kit:
* raincoat
* flashlight
* umbrella
* backback or messenger bag of some sort
* pre-determined walk route
* pre-grouped campaign material packets
Tim Foley (AKA Commander Foley :) has been doing a great job of organizing Upper West Siders to go down and canvass in PA on the week-ends. I've been doing this with him for a number of week-ends now, but this Saturday was the best experience yet. We went to a small town near Scranton called Duryea of about 5000 people where, after the canvassing, we were invited to a party held by the local democratic party organizer, a delightful woman named Trina Moss. She had a party in her backyard, and here's the kicker: we got a chance to meet Congressman Kanjorski and freshman US Senator Bob Casey. I had my handy dandy Flip video camera with me and took some video of their speeches and put together a short movie. Hope you enjoy it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvPXk_0pbeQ
Tim will be organizing more trips this coming week-end. Come and join us!
Well, it's about 436pm Kabul time and I'm heading to the gym in about 20 minutes. After an hour of torture...excuse me Spinning...I'll come back and finish off my work around 7pm. I'll go take a shower and at 730pm I'll start calling again.
Today I'm aiming for 40 calls. Last night I actually did 27 but I wasn't logged in the entire time and when I went to update the website 3 of my callers dropped off my lists. So lesson learned...do everything online as I go along LOL. I'm not sure if my progress updated though because on my dashboard it says 24 callers but on the Make a Call section it insists I haven't called anyone. That's a tad confusing as I don't want the people I called recontacted due to a glitch.
I was a bit nervous but by the 10th call I felt pretty good about the process. Only one person said, "I'm sorry I can't talk about this," and hung up. I laughed it off and kept going. So....16 days to go....and between 25 and 40 callers a night to contact. So I should set a goal...if I aim to call 400 people I should hit a minimum of 24 people a night. That seems reasonable and definatly doable.
The numbers are bit sneaky though because I'm giving myself room in case I end up on an overnight mission. If I do extra calls I'll go about my goal and/or be covered in the event of a missed night.
I have been focusing on Vet to Vet Call and and Women calling Women in PA but I think I'm going to spread out to Latin voters in Florida and Youth and College Student Calling. My last name is blatantly spanish so I might as well make use of it. I suppose the gaelic (read:Irish) first and middle name might throw them off though LOL.
Well, off to the gym. Running around in body armour (at 5000 ft!) is no joke so I have to keep it up LOL.
Siobhan
So...I have my call list printed off and read over the "Blueprint" to refresh myself on Mr. Obama's positions.
I'm calling folks in PA because NJ (where I"m a resident) is pretty safe. I'm focusing on the Veteran to Veteran calls numbers. I find it fairly funny and ironic since I'm currently sitting in Kabul, Afghanistan on a year deployment.
I'm using my Skype phone through my laptop because I can just IMAGINE the whining I'll have to hear if I use my work phone and a calling card.
I'm nervous about calling...sort of...but excited also. The only drag is I'm 8.5 hours ahead of the east coast so I have to stay up late or get up early to call. Since it's Saturday I'm aiming for the early afternoon call around 11am to 1pm. That's put me at about 730pm to 930pm out here and if right before my bedtime.
I'm aiming to call 26 people tonight. I hope it goes well. Well I'm going to the gym to work out before dinner and the calling...Wish me luck!
In America, your right to vote makes you an American. In America, your right to vote makes you a tax-payer. In AMerica, your right to vote gets you one step closer at being a citizen. All around the country, voter registration drives, have re-boasted the vibe of voting. Organizations like A.C.O.R.N. which means: Association of Community Organization for Reform Now, have been working too hard in order to get people registered. Yet, the House Republican Base, who's seats are endangered see this organization or any organization like A.C.O.R.N. as a problem. This problem is the same problem that helps people get registered to vote: more like Rock the Vote. In fact both of these two organizations fuel off the same information and ideas set down by the federal government.
What I can't understand is why two programs that do idnentical things, in terms of functioning and voter's rights -- are at the opposite side of the House/ Republican's table: here's an idea! A.C.O.R.N. brings in 90% of their voter drives to the Democratic Party, While Rock the vote brings in 45% of their drives to the Democratic Party. Rock the Vote turns in 55% for the Republican Party, and A.C.O.R.N. turns in 10% to the Republican party -- so this means the Republicans can't inspire their base so they want to pick which program works and what doesn't to favor them. Fact are: 55% of newly registered voters are Democrat, with 25% are independent -- with 20% Republican. Now they want to take away your rights.
The Repubs base wants to say this: These people are criminals, these people are illegally here; these people are not competent enough to vote. Listen, they ARE WRONG: During the primaries, you voted on the voter act initiative; which protects your rights unless you are mentally challenged -- and even then you still have the right to vote with assistance. Here's you voting rights for 11/4/2008
1: To be registered by 10/4
2: U.S. Citizen that has a residence in the states county for more than 30 days on Election Day: Including a P.O. Box from the stats post office.
3: 18 years of age before Election Day.
4: If you are not in prison or on parole for a felony convicition on or two weeks before election day.
5: College students have a right to use the dormitory as a primary residence -- home or school: and they can oly vote ONCE.
6: Only a person with a misdemeanor conviction can still vote, and they have the right to vote from the jails: MISDEANORS ONLY.
7: A felony conviction can only register: after they have been cleared from: parole, probation, and their current charge.
8: A homeless person can vote if were they usually stay: they can use that place like: a park, a shelter, or a citizen sibling in good standing -- in which they reside in the county of the state they are registering in to vote.
These are the rights you have to vote and these are the rights that A.C.O.R.N. and Rock the Vote is using. One problem: Rock The Vote is an online company, and A.C.O.R.N. is a minority based community program: running under the cleanest rules in America, and just like Coaches! 101 they are under federal investiagtion. I get it when you are clean: you must be evil if you're not a Republican. When you are dirty, and create scandels -- like the financial crisis: you are good with the Republican base. Please be aware of your rights:
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting/intro/intro_b.htm
ADL Disturbed at Palestinian President's Outreach to Cold-Blooded Terrorist New York, NY, September 3, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas had "handed a propaganda victory to Hezbollah" and sent a wrong message to Israelis and Palestinians by meeting with newly freed terrorist Samir Kuntar, the man responsible for one of the most infamous and cold-blooded attacks in Israel's history.
My friend Rosemary and I drove up to York today to canvass; we had a really good trip. We got there from Baltimore in under an hour. The field office there is really nice - lots of rooms for different activities such as phonebanking, art/poster making, meetings, etc. Sooo different from the primary - I guess it helps to have the full weight of the party behind you! The Field Organizer, Zach, gave us a good briefing, and then we hit the bricks.
For those of you who canvassed during the primary, the walkaround sheets are basically in the same street-by-street format. We also had some voter registration cards (which we made good use of!). We met (mostly) nice people, a lot of whom are committed to Barack's candidacy, and were able to update a bunch of records. We also were able to move some undecideds towards our side. And, of course, a lot of "not homes." Which means there's more left for you!
We'll be back in future weekends, and I hope you'll join us. Pennsylvania is a pivotal state, and with enough help from you, me and our friends and relations, I think we can take it!
Lucy
