Open for Questions: Round two
Monday, December 29, 2008 01:01pm EST / Posted by Dan McSwain
During this brief transition period, we’ve rolled out important new tools to let users interact with our team in a transparent and meaningful way.
Our first run of Open for Questions was one such feature, with nearly 1,000,000 votes cast on questions from the Change.gov community.
In this round, you can still view all of the questions that have been submitted—or you can break down the questions by category for easier navigation. For instance, you can read the top-ranking question regarding Energy and the Environment and browse through other questions on the same topic by clicking on that issue.
We think this change is valuable. It serves the other key purpose of features like Open for Questions: making your input easy to pass on to the members of our Transition team that are crafting solutions to these vital issues right now.
Check out the Open for Questions feature here. We’ll close this round of questions and put together our responses in the new year.
Good morning. This week, Americans are gathering with family and friends across the country to celebrate the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season.
As we celebrate this joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home. Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries.
Many troops are serving their second, third, or fourth tour of duty. And we are reminded that they are more than dedicated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard – they are devoted fathers and mothers; husbands and wives; sons and daughters; and sisters and brothers.
This holiday season, their families celebrate with a joy that is muted knowing that a loved one is absent, and sometimes in danger. In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table; in distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their child’s face as they open a gift back home.
Our troops and military families have won the respect and gratitude of their broader American family. Michelle and I have them in our prayers this Christmas, and we must all continue to offer them our full support in the weeks and months to come. .
These are also tough times for many Americans struggling in our sluggish economy. As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans don’t have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes. From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain.
That is why this season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship. Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans – that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country.
That is the spirit that will guide my Administration in the New Year. If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work and point our country in a new direction. That is how we will see ourselves through this time of crisis, and reach the promise of a brighter day.
After all, that is what Americans have always done.
232 years ago, when America was newly born as a nation, George Washington and his Army faced impossible odds as they struggled to free themselves from the grip of an empire.
It was Christmas Day—December 25th, 1776 – that they fought through ice and cold to make an improbable crossing of the Delaware River. They caught the enemy off guard, won victories in Trenton and Princeton, and gave new momentum to a beleaguered Army and new hope to the cause of Independence.
Many ages have passed since that first American Christmas. We have crossed many rivers as a people. But the lessons that have carried us through are the same lessons that we celebrate every Christmas season—the same lessons that guide us to this very day: that hope endures, and that a new birth of peace is always possible.
Print-your-own: President Obama! sign http://tinyurl.com/PresidentObamaSign 8 1/2 by 11 inch, horizontal, color
I have been talking to my friends lately. I have been asking them what they think will happen with our failing economy and our failing culture in general...a culture that has become very self-centered when it could be community centered and thriving. (Yes, I am generalizing here I know. And there are always amazing givers and exceptions to this, but when I get honest with myself I see a society more preoccupied with getting/doing for themselves and their immediate circle of family and friends then giving and doing for the community and collective).
My friends have been saying, "Well, I think things will get better when Obama is sworn in". I tell them that one man can't do this nor should he have to even try. I tell them that the whole idea of electing him, this grassroots movement, everything we all believed from the beginning, was that WE were taking back our government and WE could make anything happen that we put our minds to including reshaping our country. I tell them that I get these emails now from the coming administration asking us to step up, start organizing our thoughts, ideas and future plans for mobilizing information and reaching out in our communities when we need to. I tell them how we are being asked to do ANYTHING to shift our climate for the better, even if it is a charity toy drive or a carwash. In short, what I see is that we are being asked to stop thinking the way my friends are thinking. That old stale "Oh, someone else will do it" idea has GOT TO GO for change to happen!
Here is what I think can happen. I think that us doers and givers and organizers out there (and you KNOW if you are one--believe me, by now it will have almost become PROBLEMATIC in your life) have to patiently and joyfully lead by example. We can show people that everything truly HAS changed and this isn't politics as usual! If we really get out there and do the things that President-elect Obama and his highly competent new staff is asking us to do, and we do it with flair, style and JOY then we will be contagious. Soon the people like my friends will get caught up in the power of a movement that clearly shows that this IS up to us....we aren't waiting for our president to "fix" our country, we are participating in every aspect of solving the problem by providing ideas, spreading education, changing community climate to values of support and charity, etc!
OK, now all that being said, here comes a very candid part. I have to admit one of my biggest shortcomings and fears here. When I feel strong and motivated, I am unstoppable at organizing, bringing people together and inspiring them! When I am overwhelmed by things in my life I start to resent that there are so few of us doing all the work and everyone else in our society just seems to stand around waiting for things to happen. It can make a girl quite angry, actually! But anger is a toxic waste of time. I'm betting I'm not alone on this. Those of us who give give give and organize and do as much as we can for our communities to build a better world can sometimes fall victim to feeling unappreciated, feeling alone and without help, feeling burnt out, etc. So this is my big fear as I embark on trying to make my own difference under our new President, because I can already see that some people seriously need to step up to the plate and make things happen. How can I not be one of those people after all that has happened. Of course I will be there. This is too important to not be a part of it!
The best solution is for all of us givers and organizers to find each other and really be there for each other in the coming months. No one understands frustrations and burnout like a fellow giver and organizer. But we are so precious right now....all of us! We are the little seeds that can get this thing going so let's protect and support each other so we can shine, be our best and watch a shift take on a life of its own!
NPR: Oklahoma Republicans Shift Political Expectations by Linda Wertheimer NPR 12-15-08 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98290100 Listen Now [5 min 16 sec] http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=98290100 Map: Election night results from Oklahoma http://media.npr.org/news/images/2008/dec/15/map.jpg On this map of the Oklahoma results, the dark red indicates that Obama got less than 30 percent of the vote. The intermediate pink color shows that he got 30 to 35 percent of the vote. The lightest color shows where he got more than 35 percent. -Robert Benincasa/NPR All Things Considered, December 15, 2008 -- On a recent biting cold night in the small city of Durant, Okla., residents held their annual Christmas Day parade: a small-town tradition with many floats, bands and young children on a flatbed trailer towed by a giant green John Deere tractor. But despite the festivities, Durant will not get the president it wanted for Christmas. Oklahoma is a conservative state, where voters focused on issues such as small government and abortion rather than the president-elect's mantra of "change." In fact, Oklahoma was the reddest state in the union in this election, with Republican John McCain carrying every single county. No other state can make that claim. Now, residents are shifting their political expectations as Obama prepares to take office. While some say they are concerned that Obama is more rhetoric than action, others say they have been impressed by his choices so far.
I am soooo proud of President-elect Obama for making good on his campaign promise to be inclusive and celebrate diversity. Yesterday he announced that an openly gay band will play at his inauguration. How cool is that? I still recall the opening words of his Victory speech on Nov. 4th:
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
"It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."
That makes me incredibly proud of him--and of us for electing him.
This shop even has the Obama gay logo in several varations of Obama Christmas ornaments. Enjoy!
Watching GW on Nightline this week I was once again--for the ten thousandth time--dismayed at the man we've been stuck with for the past 8 years. Of course, I was also struck by the enormous contrast between GW and Barack Obama. That we will once again have a man we can be proud of in the White House is some consolation. January 20th can't come fast enough for me! I would forego all the holidays just to be whisked into the Obama presidency.
Since time travel doesn't seem too likely, I'll do the next best thing and celebrate the holidays by also celebrating Oabama's victory. How you ask? Simple. With Obama ornaments from this cool shop.
I keep finding more Obama ornaments I like. I found these on Flickr. I'm going to have a big inauguration party and use these for party favors. In fact some of my friends are getting together to rent a hotel suite with huge big screen TVs so we can have the food prepared by the hotel and just enjoy the festivities. But I want to be able to do some decorating in the suite.
Balloons of course--have to have a party atmosphere! Campaign posters (especially weathered ones that actually saw lawn duty) will be nice, too. I'll bring extra boxes of kleenx, as I am sure there won't be a dry eye in the place.
I remember how moved I was at CLinton's forst inaugural when Maya Angelou read her poem. I can't wait to see who Obama chooses for that honor.
What an exciting time this is to be alive!
It's Cyber Monday, when all good online shoppers buy what they couldn't find at the mall over the weekend. For your holiday consdieration, I offer: The Ornament of the Day. This Obama ornament features and American flag in the sunshine with the words: CHANGE and the date: 1.20.09.
Show your pride in our new president and celebrate with these handsome ceramic ornaments. Besides, you'll be helping the economy in the process!
Are you tired of turkey yet? Not possible for me. :) I'm ready to move on to decorating for Christmas--something I love to do every year. I am so excited about our new president, that I'm going to do a Barack Obama themed Christams tree this year! My favorite Obama ornaments have come from this online store--very cool!
The ornaments are durable and very colorful. Plus they make great gifts at holiday parties...or door prizes or a secret santa gift (assuming you know the recipient is a fan!!!)
Enjoy your last pieces of pumpkin pie!
Class of 2008 and what a year to graduate; “Fly Class of 08’; fly Class of 08 in pursuit of your purpose,” recites Terrick Brown, keynote speaker for Booker T. Washington 08’ Graduation ceremony. Terrick Brown is not only a BTW alumni but Terrick is also a former debate student of TSU who worked with Denzel Washington young cast in the production of The Great Debate. A few years ago; Terrick spoke at the nation’s Capitol in honor of Dr. King’s birthday.
Election 2008, voters for change is also in the Class of 08’when American voters answered to the call of duty and ushered in a change nation. Class of 08’ 21st century Americans graduated “from past ideals to imminent progressive ideals that reflects the nation’s melting pot diverse population.
Call of Duty; this past election was a collective movement for time to change in 2009. Many voters expressed the anxiousness of casting their vote. “It was like a burden had been lifted off of me” said Ebony, a student at University of St. Thomas. The call of duty to produce change doesn’t seem to rest until it is in motion to completion. Henceforth; voters answered the call of duty. The motion was the vote; November 4th was the day of completion.
:90 seconds Trailer illustrates “Class of 08 call for Duty”. Call for Duty Class of 08 http://dinahboniaby.blip.tv/file/1521907/
