I wanted to remark as a follow up to the Fort Hood shootings and the office shootings in Florida. I think the actions have spoken louder than words.
My own hypersensitivity to these issues arises from the frustrations of single parenthood, the negative stigmas the city I live in so graciously applies to it ( I call it Salt Fake City, UT), and mostly to the huge catch 22 of employment issues and raising children singly. Over the course of the last three years here in what they think is a pretty great state, I have found out just what that means for someone with a multicultural family, for someone with an unfamiliar or regional accent, and simply for a women trying to raise a child with the sort of challenges most single parent families face.
I want to tell you the most difficult barriers I am aware we have to overcome in order for you to keep us off your meager assistance(which often keeps us from homelessness). You will have to handle the truth, just like Jack Nicholsen said you couldn't in a Few Good Men because the truth is what I feel is our countries ugliest sin. Let me make it clear...okay everybody who has a mother, who has children...immediately...don't think, just do it...daddies, brothers, get up and either hit em in the face, or run out for a cheaters rendezvous, and then leave em for dead. I order you. This is what our country willingly allows to happen to women and children...widows too (uh-oh...)
You think it's okay.
Yes it happens...and it's okay as long as it doesn't happen to you personally. My Catch 22 barrier list begins as follows. These are the things that must be in place for us to do it without some real gov't cheese:
1. Transportation:
Imagine trying to get your children to school when your car breaks down and there is no money to fix it, no way to get to work to earn the money (if you can work), and school is not within a safe walking distance, limited bus routes etcetera.
By the way, I will not explain anything here I haven't either experienced personally or witnessed first hand.
2. Reasonable employers:
Mine all have temper tantrums and scream me out of my jobs. The power-tripping first of all must stop before any of us goes "code red." Those of us who stay single or divorced as a result of battering seem to get hired by the bosses with anger-management issues, more often than the others...I for one would like to request again for Christmas this year that we go ahead and put the workplace anti-bullying laws and policies through, so some of us can at least have some sort of rights when we are f%$#d out of our jobs . Managers and bosses need to pay bills with no job, and see how long that works for you, if you are one of the ignorant among us.
Employers also need to understand that if a child gets sick and you are the only parent to take care of your sick child (daycares will not) then you need to work from home or stay home that day. Truthfully single parents all need to be provided legitimate opportunities to work from home. If not, I propose some system of contractual work. What bothers me most is that I can't negotiate with an employer what will truthfully be necessary in order for me to maintain my employment with them. I need to say, that I absolutely need a certain amount of sick leave because I get sick, kid gets sick, it happens...we're humans. H1N1 spread like wildfire. (Or maybe we should just die and cause the deaths of others in order to keep our jobs.) I need to be treated with at the very least the same professional respect as my male and married coworkers, which means no rumors and lies about some possibility that I am a lesbian, or my child not being my own because our Pantone chips don't match. I thought that was called harassment in all 50 states...what have we come to?
I call it trash.
I need a clause stating that if the trash is heavy enough for me to report it, that you handle it as detailed by your harassment policy, not by finding a way to get me out of your workplace as fast as possible to solve the problem. (Nice problem-solving by the way.)
Workplaces need to uphold labor laws and policies, civil rights acts, and what-not. In accordance with yesterdays interview...is it illegal to ask a woman at an interview if she is supporting a family?(I didn't lie and wear a ring for em.) It didn't feel illegal or intrusive, and I replied truthfully, but I don't know why the potential employer would need that information in order to determine whether or not I am capable of doing the job they are interviewing me for. Here in Salt Fake City, we still have employers that don't understand religious discrimination and will literally post "a love for the restored gospel" as a job requirement in their ads (a subtle way of saying "non-Mormon need not apply").
We are so limited by B.S. it is a tremendous barrier not only to landing a job, but also to keeping one. How do we earn the money we need to pay our bills, let alone get ahead???
Can you handle the answer, the bona fide truth?
We don't.
It's why were are often so angry when it comes to:
3.Child-support.
Deadbeat dads. I was corrected on this terminology by a male manager who was(yet again) intrusive into my personal situation. He suggested I refer to it as an "absentee parent". Fine, I'm one for more positive labeling, whatever the case. Not all are heartless as the term implies, for those of us who use it, we are most likely sure of it. Sociopaths, narcissists, psychopaths...the tricky rabbits occasionally are pulled out of the hat.
It's important that we receive the child support. The child support system is terrible and terribly slow. With email, fax machine, pdf formats...the technology is available. If I can trace a phone call or an IP address and provide you an exact location and you won't send a police officer over to arrest someone criminally negligent asap, then it's just another wild goose chase until the next time. Speed up your interstate communications, please. Those investigating need to be far less trusting, and stop siding with the criminals and their excuses and the people that lie for them or hide them. We feel the "lying to hide them" is obstruction of justice and needs to be treated as a misdemeanor offense if proven. Most of us are grateful that someone is attempting to help us, and attempting to uphold laws...but most us will believe you care about the children you serve when we see it.
Thank you, nonetheless.
4.Child Care.
This is one big ugly problem, and I think the best way to convey the issues is to do it for the parents that are most hurt:
If childcare costs $4-5 an hour (this is good...mind you, many charge $8-10), and your job pays you, lucky you, $8.00 an hour, how much money do you actually make in a month? Do the math...take-home pay is somewhere around $600 a month. You are also paying the rest to be an absentee parent. Good luck if your rent is not free, if you drive a car, or if you, or anyone you support has some kind of medical issue. That's why we, what?
Need child support.
Enforcement, please get on your jobs, staff up, something...
Some of us (with the least child care problems) just need our employers to understand the state laws in regards to child care. If your state law says they can only care for your child up to 10 hours, then it's a fact. At the end of the day, whether we are salary or not...we have to leave and pick up our children. If you insist we violate the child care laws, then our childcare dumps us and we might need a few days off to find a new caretaker. We might need you to be more reasonable if you would like to keep us as employees. We might find ourselves in the "most-hurt" position if that's not possible. Thanks for understanding.
5. Assumptions, associations and down-right wrong stigmas.
If we have custody of the children, we should receive the benefit of the doubt from friends, family-members, coworkers, and neighbors.
The non-custodial parent, may have less means to care for the child, may have been abusive in the relationship or marriage, may have simply reached an agreement with the other party that the kids are happier or better-off with the custodial parent. if you haven't heard both sides of the story, seen the paperwork and what-not...shut your mouths.
If the courts put custody in their hands, then you can feel personally fine, (especially since the issues are not yours personally), that the issues have been covered. The custodial parent has a huge amount of responsibility on their hands and every lie, and negative insinuation you lay against them usually only serves the non-custodial parent in hurting them and the children. Better to just shut your mouth and let them work out their own personal issues, don't help the haters and don't help anyone hurt their truly disadvantaged children.
As people in general, you put up the most barriers for them with your mouths.
6. GREEDY AMERICA.
My most favorite finding/understanding is one that applies to all of us. A lot of us at some point no longer understand why it's important to have wealth or appear to have it. Barriers are put up for us over the stupidest, most shallow things. As a greedy greedy, I will sing it like Jingle Bells GREEDY, country, we are literally murdering single mothers. In order to gain employment, they have to have a nice clean car and a presentable business outfit to wear to an interview. You wouldn't believe I was asked to park my car around back in order to maintain employment would you? Family, friends...if we are not receiving child support, if the enforcement people are overloaded with casework and we are far from a return phone call on the status check, if the assistance only pays our utilities and we refuse to prostitute (a lot of us won't date, anymore)... then please, can you see past the dent in car? The fact we can't get frequent facials and nails attended to is not your concern. Get over that we can't go out for daiquiri's with everybody after work even though we're single. We'll have company comrade re on company time. We don't have extra fundage often if we are employed and if we aren't you can still help us out and be kind to us. A lot of single parents are beautified to the max and do in fact magically have their appearances together. They can't believe you get so jealous...would you like their deadbeat dad problem? Would you like paying bills by yourself? Do you want their teensy apartment with a broken toilet? What are you so jealous of, that you have to hurt them over? Stop making pretty singles mental with your jealous lies, they are mommas and you are hurting their children too. Being kind is not as hard as you think it is, bringing me to my next point.
7. Isolation from family and friends.
This very much relates to the associations and stigmas section, because you feel you have a right to judge us when you weren't there to understand the situation personally. A lot of us find ourselves excluded on the basis that we have kids we have to care for while our exs are out enjoying life and spreading lies about how boring we are and "thats why they left"...because we cared more about our childrens' needs and/or we had to escape their abuse.
I've found that shallow people are happy to be around you when the sun is shining and everything is alright. They run for cover when you need help. If these are the people who raised you, or these are the people who are in your life, resentment builds, depression hurts (this message recommended by Cymbalta and the suicide hotline), and most of the time all we need is one step in the process of whatever we need help with. Can I borrow a wrench? Do you have time to drop me off somewhere? Can I borrow an onion? Will you keep an eye on my little one for a half-an-hour? I encourage other single parents to break up their needs in steps with strangers if people are too selfish to help you out, and remember what comes around goes around.
This is the primary reason single parents and children face homelessness. We can't rely on anyone anymore. If you are willing to help us you often want something unprovidable in return or it means you want to be granted the right to brag about your own hero-hood and how sorry you feel for us and our widespread national problem. you want to be able to explain the details of our situation for your storytelling pleasure and you want to explain your opinion on our lives. Most of us, especially those of us who are absolutely attempting to insure positive emotional health for ourselves and our children, will turn away your help in that case.
The rules for a lot of us:
1.Help, whatever you can, if it is in your heart 2. Don't worry about the inside details of our problem, we asked for help on something specific...it's just a ride to the grocery store. 3. You are a hero, we know it...let us brag about you. People that care enough to help, even in a church environment are diamonds in a landfill of doo-doo, we'll make sure you get credit. Gentlemen make sure you explain to your wives your endless attraction for them or don't help us. There is nothing like being called at midnight by a frantic wife assuming you are a mistress because he let you borrow some jumper cables. Wifey-poos, try not to assume. (karma is karma, I've witnessed a lot of lessons come around for you on false accusations and lies.)
You really hurt our children, just think...please think. Come over with your husband and hawkeye if it worries you. We won't mind, just please, no trash-talking us and our children, that's not called "help".
8. Hoarding, theft, rip-off scams, stalking & privacy
We know we've been ripped off by the ugliness of life, stop ripping us off on car repairs, as single women, on anything and everything we have to pay for. Mechanics especially see multiple dollar signs when they look at women who trust the mechanics to be fair, for lack of a better option. It needs to be regulated and illegal to rip us off on car repairs. It takes the food out of childrens' bellies, the Christmas presents out from under our trees, and believe me , we spread the word about your sickening faulty head-wiring, and highly recommend the Better Business Bureau until something changes for the better. If you can work out Cash for Clunkers...I have a feeling "I can believe" in something better in regards to the fleecing of single mothers on car repairs.
Your children are stealing from our children because there isn't a daddy around to stalk the little thief for our property back. Two bikes. I want both of them back. Teach your children right from wrong because we can't afford to replenish what belongings we have after your children steal them.
Hoarding? What's hoarding? We can seriously overcome this money-centered, greedy-minded all-too-American mentality (that a lot of us including the psychiatric community consider a mental problem) if we just do one thing.
Share.
If we share, there's less need for stealing.
Do you really need 10 shelves of costco-happiness? If the single momma next door can't get a ride to the grocery store, could you spare a roll of toilet paper?
Stalking.
A lot us live in fear of exs, a lot of us live in fear of peeping neighbors, a lot of us live in fear of coworkers that follow us home from work. If we need our privacy and we convey that we wish you to respect it, then do so. If we convey to you that we need help knowing who the strange shadow is outside our window at 2 am every Wednesday, and we call you and ask you to come over, Mr. officer, please, don't neglect the reality, take it seriously, we're protecting children as well as ourselves and case in fact, we may have to call you more often that the average household. Can the popo have a raise, Barack, because I know the people that would likely save my life in a scary situation are paid much less than the people that deliver my mail, "popo" is short for poor-poor. (no joke.)
Just askin, Merry Christmas.
Privacy and the opposite of.
I've mentioned a lot about privacy in regards to our personal matters, in the work place and also in receiving help from others. For some of us, it's necessary, because you hold so tight to those ugly stigmas, and it puts us further at risk for job loss, and isolation from people who would otherwise care about us. I can compare some of us to African refugees who come to our country to escape violence and turmoil. Some of us absolutely have to tell our stories, and it's therapeutic for us to talk about what happened to us. It's important that you receive our stories as ours, not yours , and without judgement on your part. It's what caring people do. Please cut us off, and don't listen if you intend to use our stories to spread gossip and rumours, we'll regret we trusted you, later on.
9.The system, the system, the system (...is down).
Thanks for the help, a lot of us don't have anybody but the gov't and their fine cheeses. A lot of us ask for help with employment issues. A lot of us ask for help with medical and dental issues. A lot of us cry when we find out how lovely it is for a single parent in France (I do and hail the Statue of Liberty, viva le France for great statuary gifts! ) They have something figured out there and we think in the US with as much we talk about being the greatest country with the worlds most opportunities...we frown a little and wonder why not for us? We are our nations mothers.
Why aren't the people there to help us in government helping us? It's what we all wonder, because we pay our taxes too. A thousand transfers to someone who doesn't know how to help us, just helped us miss the next bus. A thousand letters written to congress has not lead us to see change. Our system doesn't give a rats A-- about how the negligence and ignorance effects our nations children. We can't change you, you have to want to change, is what I've personally determined.
10. Affordable Real Legal Help.
Because the system is down, we turn to the next host of leeches who need to be regulated. If you charge $100 for a consultation...please consult. Some us come in knowing and have researched our rights, and the ones that have been violated. If we can tell you what we need in your terms and you say "mmm-hmmm....mmm-hmmm." "uh-uh, thank you that will be $100, please make check out to:" Then you are adding to the problem. Expecting gov't legal-aid to help every single mother in the world is why legal aid is helping very few of us. If you became a lawyer to serve people, then try remembering why you became a lawyer. If it was just for the accumulation of consultant fees, then we need to address your situation with the bar.
By the way, we need you because we have been screwed out of our livelihood. It will be a no-brainer to reward you your costs and fees when you win it back for us. Please don't adhere "Assumptions and stigmas" to us from the get-go, like everyone else.
The bottom line.
It's financial. It's sabotage. It's financial sabotage, and most of us didn't have much choice but to split. Give up your self-righteousness, try to cooperate more and avoid unfair competition with single parents, try to be more reasonable people in the workplace. Simply being kind and lending a hand from time to time goes a really long way.
It might be you or your daughter next day.
My 2 cents in: Help an African refugee in our country while your at it. Pick one, any one...start with "Hello". Consider that the single parent you provided a false reference for to backlash after she reported your childish powertrip is degreed, graduated with honors, certified and did not provoke you. Cowards pickin' on women, stop victimizing.
Hi FriendThere is a new group that just started on Facebook that I thought Organizing for America members may be interested in joining. Please see United Against Racism -
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/354956/80588439?m=9dc74a6eUnited Against Racism
posted by David Apperson
As President Obama recently related to me regarding local service; "Now is our time to work together, reaffirm our enduring spirit, and choose our better history."
It is our responsibility as Americans to vote, and vote we must. And now is the time to prepare for the next election. I invite all citizens of Utah to post a message on the Utah Election Blog.
Utah Election Blogutah-election.blogspot.com
Naysayers and detractors continue to scratch their heads in amazement at President Obama's ability to pull significant Republican support. But if they looked at the president's 13 plus years as a politician, they would see that he's always worked closely and substantively with them. Remember his friendship with Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard? Though a conservative, he so admired Obama's pragmatic, bi-partisan approach to politics, and his standing as an action-oriented visionary. That admiration landed him an appearance in an Obama TV ad in early 2007.That is but one example of Obama's clear outreach to Republicans. We can look at his selection of Republicans like Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation or Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense for his administration. We can also look at his incredible 50 State Strategy, which had him campaigning in and/or setting up offices in states like Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Georgia, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Nebraska. A more recent and dramatic example, however, is his naming of Gov. Jon Huntsman as the new Ambassador to China.This one is awesome. Why? Well, Huntsman has a very impressive record on international affairs, and, he speaks mandarin Chinese from his days as a missionary, so he's perfect. Also, by most accounts, Huntsman has been a very good Governor of Utah, which is literally America's Reddest State. Utah resident and progressive blogger Bryan Young wrote a piece in the Huffington Post that all but confirms this. He described him as "level-headed, even-handed, well read, and well respected". He continued:"...[Gov. Huntsman's] not afraid to veto the idiotic bills brought to him by a legislature that by and large has only a tenuous grip on reality. He's even worked hard to liberalize the liquor laws that have strangled tourism (as well as my social life) in the state, against the will of his party and a majority of his supporters, simply because it's the right thing to do. He's vetoed a lot of legislation that's come across his desk and has one of the most progressive records on the environment in the west... He's even come out in support of civil unions for same sex couples... Add to that, the fact that he's actually kept Utah's head largely above water through the economic crisis and you'll agree that he's actually a pretty good Governor... It's no wonder he was tapped by the Obama team for any job and he deserves our support and encouragement... He really is a stand-up act."
Being associated with yet another moderate, centrist Republican allows President Obama to continue occupying 65%-70% of the country in poll after poll. These types of approval ratings give President Obama a powerful consensus for most of his policies. Huntsman only helps to solidify his numbers.
Huntsman's appointment may not play well with self-styled "true progressives", but for most Americans, he is fulfilling his role as "President of the United States", not "President of particular Democratic constituencies". President Obama is the man: BLUE STATE credentials, for sure, but also...RED STATE credibility!
2morrowknight is an internet strategist and community organizer who blogs at 2morrowknight.blogspot.com, and is author of a forthcoming children's book. You can follow him at Twitter.com/2morrowknight and friend him at Myspace.com/2morrowknight.
During the first 100 days of the Obama presidency we have seen outstanding leadership in tackling the many issues facing our great nation. And it seems that overwhelming poll numbers indicate that America agrees with President Obama. see THE WHITE HOUSEThe question remains; What can we as fellow Americans do to help our neighbors and countrymen? Included are nine things you can do to help the President celebrate his first 100 Days in office:1. Donate unused suits to the Salvation Army2. Donate time to Americorps3. Donate toys for children at Toys for Tots4. Donate blood at the Red Cross5. Donate a can of food each week to a Local Shelter or Food Pantry6. Donate money to Save the Children7. Donate time at local a Veterans Hospital8. Donate an hour a day to your Child9. Donate to the Make a Wish FoundationParticipation is greatly appreciated. What you do for the least of our brethren, you do for yourself -http://donate.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxWJh
Barack Obama First 100 Days posted by David Apperson
It's a frustrating circumstance when you are fired for following the rules, Barack. Some of us actually are brave enough to report harassment and discrimination when we experience it, and anyone who has been harassed knows that the experience is no laughing matter. When we are fired for following correct procedures to report violations of our EEO rights and then not only penalized for it by our employer, but then left out in the cold by the very government we are all busy filling out paperwork for to figure what we owe you or what we get back as a refund. There are apparently too many reports to handle in the COLD COLD state of Utah...and believe me, we have some cold and disrespectful people in our gloriously snowy state.
I give you another recent example of someone...a mentor, just trying to go to work every day and make her dollar. She wasn't trying to get rich the way her offender was talking about it.
http://cityweekly.net/index.cfm?do=article.details&id=FA61588F-14D1-1357-9C47D0934F95C710
Presidential Inaugural Address Delivered by President Barack Obama on 20 Jan 2009
My fellow citizens -I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction. This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate. Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.This is the price and the promise of citizenship.This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.President Barack Obama
My fellow citizens -
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
President Barack Obama
Presidential Inaugural Speech - A message for all peoplehttp://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxHqT
source: David Apperson, webmaster
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
Obama-Biden PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is giving all people a voice in the administration -
The PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is doing a great job. Thank the Almighty Creator that this is a new day in the history of this great nation.
Internet Webmasters, Designers and Developers
If you are an independent webmaster, designer or developer and have linked a business, personal, or political website or blog to your barack obama posts or other barackobama.com web pages and would like to be recognized for your efforts let me know. Mail your contact and other pertinent information to: David Apperson, Webmaster 10336 Loch Lomond Rd PMB 105Middletown CA 95461or email contact information to yofast@gmail.com
Change is Coming - Utah and Utahn's working together to get our country back on track.
Description:
Saturday, December 13th 9:30 and 11:30 am
Sunday, December 14th 1:30 pm
Time: Saturday, 9:30 am and 11:30 am and Sunday, 1:30pm
(Same event hosted 3 different times)
Location: Salt Lake City Public Library 210 East 400 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Direct from the Office of the President Elect Barack Obama we will be showing the DVD "Change is Coming."
We will also take time to discuss the issues that are most important to you, what you can do to support President Elect Barack's agenda, and how you can continue to make an impact in your community.
This event will be fun and personal. We will give everyone a chance to participate should they be so inclined. Now is the time to put aside partisanship and politics, find common ground, and work together.
This meeting is open to the Public those who might not have been involved in the Presidential campaign, even those who might have supported someone other than President Elect Barack Obama. The challenges we face demand we be as inclusive as possible. It'll take the whole country working together to get our country back on track. We will also discuss and plan a Obama Inauguration party with dinner and dancing. Come and be part of the move for change.
My self-appointed task for the last six months has been to write on-the-ground stories about the coming election. So when a friend put me on to the US 89 Society, it only took a day or so before my imagination had fired up a plan for traveling its 1,800 miles from the Mexican border to Canada.
Here's the list of 12 articles along with the names of the people who voiced their thoughts and a link to each of the twelve reports on OMNI (Oh My News International, Seoul, Korea).
It was a bluebird travel day to Montrose, Colorado as I set out from Salt Lake City with my two little dogs in my 35-foot motor home, with my Honda CRV towed behind. I'm excited and afraid all at once ... I've never participated in a campaign before -- mostly because I live in the reddest of Red States: Utah. I figured, why bother?
But when I got Suzanne Gelderman's email asking for help turning Colorado Blue, I thought, "Hey! I can do that and bring my elderly little dogs with me!"
Please get out and vote early! Early voting in Utah starts Tuesday, October 21st and runs through Friday, October 31st.
Go here to find your early voting location: http://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php.
This post is a list of links to blogs created by the members of this group. If you would like to share your blog with other group members please send me a link and I will add it to this list.
Blog Links:
Janet Hurley's Blog http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/janethurley
Joshua's Obama Blog http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/joshuaadamson
Misty F's Blog: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/mistyfowler
Elaine's Blog: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/elaineball
INVITATION TO ALL MORMONS TO VOTE THEIR CONSCIENCE
LDS Church encourages member involvement in political process
By Carrie A. MooreDeseret News
Published: Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 12:28 a.m. MDT
While the LDS Church has long affirmed its political neutrality regarding political parties, platforms and candidates, it is reminding its members of their duty to vote and of the church's right to speak out on political and social issues.
In a letter sent to priesthood leaders dated Sept. 11 to be read from the pulpit in LDS congregations nationwide on Sunday, the church's First Presidency titled its message "Political participation, voting and the political neutrality of the Church."
Church leaders each year read a statement of political neutrality from the pulpit and encourage members to get involved in the political process, but this year's letter differed from previous years in the urgency with which it encourages individual political participation.
"As citizens, we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future," the letter reads.
"Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties."
"Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government," the letter said.
As in the past, the letter affirms the church's "neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues."
In June, the First Presidency sent a letter to church leaders in California — also to be read from the pulpit — asking church members to "do all you can" to uphold traditional marriage. The move came following a ruling earlier this year by the California Supreme Court that overturned a previous referendum outlawing gay marriage.
Voters there will decide in November whether to approve the proposed amendment, and opponents have grown increasingly vocal in their criticism of the church's stance and the political involvement of its members.
E-mail: carrie@desnews.com
-----
First Presidency Issues Letter on Political Participation
SALT LAKE CITY | 22 September 2008 | The following letter was issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 11, 2008, to be read to Church congregations throughout the United States: Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future. Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties. Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues. Sincerely yours,
Thomas S. Monson Henry B. Eyring Dieter F. Uchtdorf The First Presidency
Greetings!LDS Members are invited to join Mormons for Obama!This is a group dedicated to bringing together members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon) who support Barack Obama.We encourage all people to participate with their local Obama groups (i.e. Utah for Obama).Please read Obama's speech on faith.Also, please use the blog feature for discussions, and make announcements over the listserv. The listserv is now moderated.The Mormons for Obama email discussion group can be found here.Visit the Mormons for Obama Store!Some other Mormon groups for Obama:Oregon Mormons for Obama 08AZ Mormons for ObamaLatter Day Saints (Mormons) for ObamaDFW Mormons for Obama
Greetings!
LDS Members are invited to join Mormons for Obama!
This is a group dedicated to bringing together members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon) who support Barack Obama.
We encourage all people to participate with their local Obama groups (i.e. Utah for Obama).
Please read Obama's speech on faith.
Also, please use the blog feature for discussions, and make announcements over the listserv. The listserv is now moderated.
The Mormons for Obama email discussion group can be found here.
Visit the Mormons for Obama Store!
Some other Mormon groups for Obama:
Oregon Mormons for Obama 08
AZ Mormons for Obama
Latter Day Saints (Mormons) for Obama
DFW Mormons for Obama
