3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD DONATE
I'm pretty positive my history class is entirely pro-Obama or anti-McCain if undecided. One girl has stenciled Obama's face onto a pair of canvas tennis shoes and our class has adopted forming an "O" with their hands when discussing a recent debate. McCain's symbol consists of two thumbs-down and Palin's is a also a thumbs-down. McCain's nickname is McCan't and many people are calling the Obama campaign Jobama or Obiden. Although we are not eligible to vote yet, I believe we students have a powerful impact on our teacher, older siblings, and parents who can vote. One step at a time, we can elect Barack Obama.
GO "O"!
College of Saint Benedict sophomore Stephani Kortan writes in The Record:
Many of my best friends are McCain supporters, yet when I ask why they support him, they have consistently avoided justifying any of his policies. They honestly don’t know about his policies or stances on issues. Political support — no matter the candidate — must only come after careful deliberation of his or her issues and his or her policies.To help you become a knowledgeable and responsible voter, I’m going to give you a brief rundown of each candidate’s stance for a few key issues in the upcoming election:When it comes to taxes, McCain supports tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 and would maintain cuts to capital gains tax and cut corporate tax from 35 percent to 25 percent.Obama’s tax plan offers permanent tax cuts for 95 percent of Americans while simplifying the tax code, closing corporate tax loopholes and reforming the current regressive tax structure.In the education department, McCain supports school competition and vouchers as ways to improve quality of education and give parents a choice in schools.Obama supports increasing Head Start and Early Start funding to cover more at-risk children and a $4,000 annual tax credit for higher education.When dealing with the environment, in 2005 McCain voted against funding renewable energy and standards requiring 10 percent of electrical energy to come from renewable sources by 2010.Obama supports policies reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent, investing $150 billion over ten years to renewable energy and requiring 25 percent of all energy to come from renewable sources by 2025.To all Americans voting in the next election, I ask these questions: Do you know the issues that each candidate stands for? Are you satisfied with where the country is headed? Or do you want change for our country to move back in the right direction?Once you have answered these questions, you’ll see the choice is clear: Barack Obama is the right candidate.As college students, we are truly the future of this country. After we graduate, most of us will be working or spending more money on college loans to get through grad school.We can decide how our futures play out. Do we want to pay more in taxes and to have our school loans and the unemployment rate keep increasing? Or do we want our economy back to where it was 10 years ago? Maybe we should get our government out of huge debt by stopping the spending of $10 billion a month in Iraq.To me, there is no choice or debate about whom I’m voting for. This country is ready to make a difference in the lives of its citizens and ultimately the world. This country is ready for change.When Nov. 4 rolls around, be ready to make the change and to make history.We’ve come to a turning point in our country’s history. The time has come for a new person to rise up and lead us. That leader is Barack Obama.
Many of my best friends are McCain supporters, yet when I ask why they support him, they have consistently avoided justifying any of his policies. They honestly don’t know about his policies or stances on issues. Political support — no matter the candidate — must only come after careful deliberation of his or her issues and his or her policies.
To help you become a knowledgeable and responsible voter, I’m going to give you a brief rundown of each candidate’s stance for a few key issues in the upcoming election:
When it comes to taxes, McCain supports tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 and would maintain cuts to capital gains tax and cut corporate tax from 35 percent to 25 percent.
Obama’s tax plan offers permanent tax cuts for 95 percent of Americans while simplifying the tax code, closing corporate tax loopholes and reforming the current regressive tax structure.
In the education department, McCain supports school competition and vouchers as ways to improve quality of education and give parents a choice in schools.
Obama supports increasing Head Start and Early Start funding to cover more at-risk children and a $4,000 annual tax credit for higher education.
When dealing with the environment, in 2005 McCain voted against funding renewable energy and standards requiring 10 percent of electrical energy to come from renewable sources by 2010.
Obama supports policies reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent, investing $150 billion over ten years to renewable energy and requiring 25 percent of all energy to come from renewable sources by 2025.
To all Americans voting in the next election, I ask these questions: Do you know the issues that each candidate stands for? Are you satisfied with where the country is headed? Or do you want change for our country to move back in the right direction?
Once you have answered these questions, you’ll see the choice is clear: Barack Obama is the right candidate.
As college students, we are truly the future of this country. After we graduate, most of us will be working or spending more money on college loans to get through grad school.
We can decide how our futures play out. Do we want to pay more in taxes and to have our school loans and the unemployment rate keep increasing? Or do we want our economy back to where it was 10 years ago? Maybe we should get our government out of huge debt by stopping the spending of $10 billion a month in Iraq.
To me, there is no choice or debate about whom I’m voting for. This country is ready to make a difference in the lives of its citizens and ultimately the world. This country is ready for change.
When Nov. 4 rolls around, be ready to make the change and to make history.
We’ve come to a turning point in our country’s history. The time has come for a new person to rise up and lead us. That leader is Barack Obama.
One of the greatest ways to get involved and turn your enthusiasm for Barack into action, is to join Students for Obama.
On Wednesday, September 24th, GO-IDAHO hosted a meet ‘n’ greet mixer for students and young adults, and we had a great time. Due to the excellent hospitality afforded to us by the owners of the Melting Pot, we took over the patio for a warm, fall evening full of wine, cheese fondue, and politicking! We always know an event like that is a success when people are walking in off the street just because they saw our signs and wanted to become a part of the movement.
Some local supporters voiced their diverse opinions on why it matters so much to them that we elect Barack Obama:
- “As a student, it’s very important to me that we have a president who understands how hard it is to pay for college these days. I think more than any other candidate in my lifetime, Barack Obama knows what it’s like to be fresh out of college looking at a painful student loan debt.” – Justine, Student at Boise State University
- “The thing that drew me the most to Obama is his stance on immigration. When I listen to him, I can tell that he has lived outside the country and understands how hard it can be for families to be torn apart by a broken system.” – Chryssa, Advertising Professional
- “I support Barack Obama because we all need a breath of fresh air!” – Jenny, Student at Boise State University
- “I support Barack Obama because no candidate in my voting life has ever made me think he or she is really for the American people until now. He doesn’t take money from corporate fat cats who want to own his administration. He really will lead this country in a direction that favors its citizens - and he actually will do it, and he will CHANGE this country.” Lisa, Community Organizer
- “The reason I support Barack Obama is because he's inspirational at a time when people need a leader, not someone to fix their problems, but someone to inspire them to work harder, do more, use less, and come together to make a greater America.” Ahmad, IT Specialist
Sound like fun? We’d love to see you plan some other events in your own area of Idaho. Planning and hosting an event is easier than you’d think! Through the use of various new media tools (including my.barackobama.com, facebook, and myspace), we spread the word effectively and had a strong group of supporters. These supporters met other, like-minded young people and learned of some great upcoming canvasses and other campaign events in which they could get involved. If you’d like to get involved with GO-IDAHO, or would just like information on how to start your own group, you can find us through any of the following means:
1. Check my.barackobama.com to find, post, and host local events to support Obama;
2. Check our grassroots site, which has been active for longer than most of our volunteers and continues to keep timely updates: www.idahoforobama.org;
3. Join the GO-IDAHO myspace page at www.myspace.com/idahogo; and
4. Find our facebook page by searching Groups for “Generation Obama Idaho.”
GO-IDAHO's Mission Statement: As the next generation of civic, political, and social leaders in Idaho, we between the ages of 18 and 35 have the unique responsibility of framing the future of our remarkable state. The mission of the Idaho chapter of Generation Obama (GO-IDAHO) is to harness the enthusiasm and awareness that Barack Obama has brought to the young people of Idaho, and to translate that passion into active engagement of our peers, service to our community, and new voter turnout in November. Although we are often dismissed by our predecessors as being uninvolved, apathetic, and inexperienced idealists, the truth is that we wield an awe-inspiring power to effect real change throughout Idaho. GO-IDAHO intends to impact the 2008 election with a youth and new voter turnout that has not been seen before during our lifetimes, and to do so by demonstrating that our generation will no longer acquiesce to the negative politics of the past several decades. We will work positively and with all of the vigor and energy of our youth to ensure that Barack Obama is elected the next President of the United States of America.
Senator Obama as a Progressive Democrat and a supporter of your campaign I am asking you to vote in the Senate No to Bailing out CEO's and the mis managed Comapies they ran on Wall Street.
700 Billion dollars could feed every man women and child in American Build new Alternative Energy homes and help people get back on their feet who are now without a home on Main Street America.
Senator and the Senators Campaign Staff please remember Change needs to be Progresive .
We can nolong rush to the aid of Big corperations that with this Bailout the CEO's will walk ways with Millions in their Pockets while people who are lower and Middle Class Working people get nothing.
During Tax season The government gave people back 600 dollars or more depending if they were married or single because of the Economy remember that.
Govenment gives American Main street 600 dollars but will give Wall Street 700 Million.
I see alot of rich people getting very rich on this Bailout.
Senator Obama you need to call for Public Hearings before any vote yes or no is done by congress or the Senator.
If McCain wants to Bailout the Wall Street Companies let him make that big mistake.
The American people must be heard in Washington and this weekend no one shoud support a
quick Bailout .
In the end its going to make the Economy worse then it is now.
The Democratic Party should truly stand with the American Working Class and against this Bailout .
Does anyone in the Obama Campaign hear me on this Blog ?
I speak for many Americans on Main Street.
This is just a bad idea .
Something yes needs to be done but this is insanity and not the solution.
Listen to the American people Senator on this no one wants this Bill passed .
Thanks for listening
Obama/Biden 08 Lets Change Washington Now
This blog/community belongs to all COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS across the U.S.
POINT #1: Who will win the election comes down to one simple demographic. If the younger generations vote, Obama wins. If they don't, Obama loses. It really IS that simple.
POINT #2: Showing students how to vote by EARLY BALLOT is the key to victory! You can cast your vote by mail from the comfort of your own home. Older adults and seniors already know this. It's time this secret was shared with YOU!
The plan to make this happen is simple (see below), and we can make this happen very quickly with a minimum of effort. What we need to get this rolling is one energetic college student from each of the U.S. time zones (i.e. Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Hawaiian, and Alaskan) to form an initial "Launch Team". If you are interested, contact me right away at cc4ob@cox.net, and be ready to move quickly.Thoughtfully,Mark HannaFountain Hills, Arizonacc4ob@cox.net
Andrew Zucker, the Youth Vote Director in Minnesota, just sent out this email...
Dear Xavier, It's hard to believe, but there are only 6 weeks to go before Election Day. Now is the time to make sure you and everyone you know are registered to vote to help bring the change America desperately needs. Earlier this month, "Harold & Kumar" star Kal Penn did his part by going on a road trip through Minnesota, registering students to vote and promoting our new online voter registration tool, Vote for Change. Watch a video of Kal Penn stopping by a fraternity house to promote Vote for Change: You'd be surprised by how many college students aren't registered to vote -- including your own classmates. When Kal was in college, he moved from house to house, and sometimes couldn't remember where he was registered. With Vote for Change, that's no longer a problem. Keep track of where you're registered to vote, or find out if you're registered at all. You can also use it to vote absentee or find your polling location. To win this election and bring about change for our generation, we're going to need as many young people registered to vote as possible. Watch this video now and invite all of your friends to check out Vote for Change: http://mn.barackobama.com/MNvoteforchange Thanks, Andrew Andrew Zucker Youth Vote Director Minnesota Campaign for Change
That's the view from Minnesota at the Democratic National Convention, which starts next week. If you haven't already, be sure to sign up to host or attend a Convention Watch Party for Barack's historic speech next Thursday night.
The St. Cloud Times profiled local members of the 109-member Minnesota delegations. Here are some excerpts:
Yolanda Lehman
On Sunday, Yolanda Lehman, her husband, Christopher, and their two children will board the family automobile for the 14-hour trip to Denver.Lehman, a St. Cloud resident, professor at St. Cloud State University and former pastor of Resurrection AME Zion Church, is a first-time delegate to the Democratic National Convention that begins Monday. And she’s far from the only first-timer.“I’m a lifelong Democrat, but I hadn’t worked for a candidate before,” said Lehman, a member of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s Minnesota grass-roots campaign committee and an Obama delegate.“But there have been calls from the Obama campaign to make this a more open process and I think people responded to that.”
Claudia Cody
Hailing originally from Rio de Janeiro, Cody said she has been a Democrat since becoming a U.S. citizen in 1995.The University of Minnesota professor, construction company owner, real estate agent and chairwoman of the Minnesota DFL Latino caucus is going as a delegate pledged to U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.“But Sen. Obama will be the Democratic nominee,” she said. “She stepped down and directed us to support Sen. Obama, so I’m following her lead. You’re either a Democrat or you’re not.”Universal health care, immigration reform and the economy are top issues for Cody, who said Democrats and Obama must address them from “an abundance perspective, not one of scarcity. All folks should have access to an opportunity for a quality life.”
You can read the rest of the profiles by clicking here.
Barack has inspired millions of young Americans to believe in their power to make America great again. Many of these young people have joined Students for Obama chapters on their campus.
Andrew Zucker, the Minnesota Youth Vote Director:
Text messaging is an important part of our campaign to make sure every school in Minnesota goes blue for Barack! If you wanna stay connected, join our text message program and hear breaking news straight from the campaign itself. Just text your college's code to 62262 and you'll stay in the loop. Together, let's Barack the vote!
The Minnesota Campaign for Change has set up text codes for several campuses across the state. See the list of supported campuses below. To sign up for campus updates, text your campus code to 62262.
If you don't see your campus on the list, you can still text MN to 62262 to get campaign updates and event announcements.
By signing up, you can expect periodic updates from the campaign as well as advance notice about on-campus Obama events and important updates about Barack's public appearances
*Standard message rates apply.
On Saturday morning, twenty Minnesotans gathered at the St. Paul headquarters of the Minnesota Campaign for Change for the first of a two-day canvassing. With bagels in hand, the group listened to field organizers explained how to canvass, what to say, and how to record the results.
Field Organizer Tess Wolterstoff explained the importance of door-knockin, saying it was the best way for supporters to contribute to the campaign, because it is the most valuable and cost-effective voter-to-voter contact available.
Regional Field Director Maggie Thompson reminded everyone that one of the lessons Barack learned as a community organizer is that change comes from the ground up, and that when individuals commit to taking their future into their hands, they can bring about enormous change.
Your time shows that you are taking Barack’s call-to-action seriously... that you’re committed to fighting to create change in your communities. We should be really proud of what we’re doing, and really proud of our candidate.
After a short campaign update from State Director Jeff Blodgett, volunteers headed to neighborhoods across St. Paul to spread Barack’s message of change.
As Metro State sophomore Michael (above) was leaving, he made it very clear why he was participating in his first canvass, saying:
I have a strong feeling this will be the most important election in my lifetime.
Another volunteer, who has signed up to help lead a “Team Obama” in his neighborhood, said he’s willing to do whatever he can to get Barack elected.
It’s a lot of work, but it’ll be worth it when get Sen. Obama elected.
Canvassers reported being generally well-received by the St. Paul community, which is eager to put the last seven years of failed Bush administration policies behind them.
I have just been offered and accepted a fellowship with Barack Obama's campaign for the summer. I will be working mostly in Pullman Washington and surrounding areas. I can't tell you how excited I am about this and what a great privledge it is for me personally. I have never been involved in politics like I am now. I am so hopeful that in some small way I can make a difference in Washington. If there are any other Obama supporters who I can coordinate with who are located in Moscow, Idaho or Pullman, Washington, or through WSU or UofI please drop me a message.
Obama 08
Hi Everyone,
This is Ivette Yee, editor of Arts & Sciences magazine at the University of Miami. I'm looking for UM students or alumni that are campaigning for Obama, please contact me right away at iyee@miami.edu
I am writing a magazine article on politcally active UM students & alumni and my deadline is approaching fast!
Thank you!!!
Over 100 students took a mid-day break from classes to help inaugurate the new UT Obama HQ at Dobie mall just on the outskirts of the University of Texas campus. Student leaders set up a barbecue outside and were helping to feed the volunteers who were signing up for phone banking and campus canvass shifts.
Hope – like barbecue-- comes in unlimited quantities here at Dobie HQ
Things are moving fast here at the University of Texas and the students are really fired up to have an Obama HQ so close to campus. The line to get involved wrapped around the office and there were student videographers and student reporters roaming around hoping to capture this excitement. It’s so inspiring and empowering to see an office filled and staffed by so many young people.
There is a great sound system set up here and the office is decorated with classic Obama pictures as well as some of the more unique art that was donated or painted by students in preparation for the office opening.
There are some really unique opportunities outside the campus and the student grassroots has gotten really creative with their outreach on behalf of Barack Obama. We have seen people wearing sandwich boards directing people to the early vote lookup tool on our website—which is the best way to help Barack because you can vote today at locations all across the state.
Several students have even started their own online organizing teams—reaching out to their friends on Facebook, MySpace (Visit the TX Obama page), and other social networks to get the word out about Barack and encourage their friends, family, and neighbors to vote early.
Join us at the New UT HQ in the Dobie Mall and help us energize and mobilize the UT campus.
The winner of the pledge card contest was Ayla Brown from Las Vegas Academy. Yesterday Ayla introduced Barack at the Study Break. Check out this video with her.
The awe-inspiring enthusiasm for Barack among students shows just how much they desire change and a voice in Washington. The students’ efforts in Nevada made our pledge card contest an overwhelming success, and we want to thank everyone who was involved in moving more students to stand up and speak out.
Barack’s first bill he introduced when elected into the U.S. Senate was a bill to increase Pell grants for students. Barack has and will continue to fight to improve education in America, and he will take back Washington from the lobbyists and insiders who consistently overlook the opinions and needs of young people and students.
“We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible.” –Barack Obama
The top SFBO members who took part in the contest and won will be extended the opportunity to attend an event and meet Barack. Their continued efforts are going to be a huge asset to the Obama campaign in Nevada for the January 19, 2008 caucus. We wanted to make sure that everyone who participated knew how much the Senator appreciated their work, and how much of an important role students will play in the Nevada caucus on January 19th.
Barack Obama has called young people the “backbone” of his campaign, and he needs you on the ground where it counts. We would like to encourage you to sign up for one of our winter internships leading up to the January 19th Nevada caucus. Join us and let’s go change the world.
Here are some pictures from yesterday’s Study Break with Barack. To all our SFBO members, Good luck with your finals and thanks for your hard work!
Today in Las Vegas, Barack met with over 200 students to discuss the work they have been doing on our campaign and the change they can bring to our country by using their collective voice and by standing up against the cynicism that says the ways of Washington can’t change.
It’s clear from their enthusiasm—and the fact that dozens came back to the three field offices in Las Vegas to volunteer—that they are not only ready for change, but they are going to work to make sure that this opportunity won’t pass them by. You can feel the electricity and the fire in these young people who have never been involved in a campaign before, but who have been moved by Barack and his belief that we must all strive for excellence.
The students roared with approval when Barack spoke about his plan to give students money for college if they answer a call to serve and volunteer at least 100 hours per year. Young people are looking to get an education and get ahead— and Barack is making sure that with hard work, they can.
When you are wondering what just one person can do, think of Ayla and the 64 people who will stand for Barack on January 19th because of her hard work.
The Obama campaign in Nevada would like to thank Ayla and all of the students who are encouraging their fellow classmates to take a stand and speak up for change. This is what a grassroots movement looks like.
Join Us.
***Updated 10:54PM***
During Barack's meeting with students he encouraged each of them to get involved with other peoples' lives. That is the way to build a community. Check out the video below.
So today on the UNLV campus, a large crowd gathered to hear speeches from college students and community leaders in opposition to the proposed funding cuts.
Every year it seems like college becomes a little more difficult to afford and a little more out of reach for average Americans. It’s extremely important that everyone who wants to attend college gets the opportunity, and Barack Obama, who went to school on scholarships, is dedicated to ensuring that this becomes the American standard.
The very first bill Barack Obama introduced in the U.S. Senate would have helped make college more affordable for many Americans by increasing the maximum Pell Grant from the existing limit of $4,050 to a new maximum of $5,100. Across the country, millions of students use Pell Grants to finance their college educations. Two decades ago, the maximum grant covered 55 percent of costs at a public four-year college, compared with only 32 percent today.
It is imperative that we make changes to this broken system to ensure that we remain competitive in a global economy. Barack Obama is committed to investing in students and our shared future, and he will be a steadfast advocate for issues that matter most to students.
We are happy to announce that Senator Barack Obama will be visiting Las Vegas on Monday December 10th at 2:15 p.m. to speak with Students for Obama members. If you are a student and would like to attend, please RSVP here.
Hope to see you out there on Monday! Remember, Students for Obama members only!
Read more about Barack’s commitment to improving our education system.
Yesterday, Barack Issued a Call to Service. Watch the entire Speech here.
Svea, front-row middle, in blue.
For as long as she can remember, Svea Dellea-Messner has loved language. Although English Education is her first love and chosen major at SNHU, there was a time when Chemistry was her favorite class, thanks entirely to her teacher, Mr. Hillner. Energized by a teacher who knew how to motivate his students, this science-averse native of Windham, NH came to class each day ready to learn.
“He just had a real passion for the subject and truly cared about whether we were learning from the class. It made me want to do well,” she said.
Svea is studying to become a teacher because she wants to inspire others with the same infectious energy Mr. Hillner brought to his subject. The SNHU junior believes that the most important goal for educators should be to make their students excited about learning.
“If you can make a student feel excited about learning, it stays with them for the rest of their lives,” she said.
She plans on becoming a middle school teacher because she believes those are the critical grade years for nurturing a love of learning in students.
Svea’s path to becoming an educator won’t be easy. When she graduates, she will be shouldering over $20,000 in debt, a sizeable burden for a low-paying profession. But the specter of debt won’t deter her from becoming an educator, and she is looking forward to a semester of student teaching next year to get some firsthand experience.
She is supporting Barack Obama and volunteering for a campaign for the first time because she believes that he can unify the country around an agenda that will help level the educational playing field for all Americans. Svea first heard Barack speak at the SNHU commencement ceremony in May, and she had the opportunity to meet him at a morning roundtable discussion on improving transparency in government in Manchester in early September.
“He’s a genuine, sincere person who really cares about people,” she said. “The fact that he’s a real person gives me confidence that he’ll be someone who can change the way politics is done in Washington."
Students Speaking Out for Barack
The Las Vegas Students for Barack Obama chapter helped to bring over 200 students to the Cheyenne High School community event on Thursday. Their dedication to Barack’s message of hope, and our movement to change Washington is truly inspiring. With their help, our organization reaches out to thousands of new supporters, and they have encouraged a long overdue dialogue with young people.
Several students were moved by issues that specifically concern their friends and family, whereas others were inspired to action though Barack’s message of hope and unification.
No matter how you look at it—the Obama campaign is reaching out to students all across Nevada—and students are tuning in, and standing up for change.
At the community event with Senator Obama on Thursday, several students wanted to make sure that other young people heard their reasons for working for Barack. Their candid honesty is apparent, and you will notice a maturity typically held by people who have followed politics for years.
Our campaign wouldn’t be possible without these students’ important contributions…
If you would like to join Students for Obama contact Justo Robles at Jrobles@barackobama.com.
