I am beginning to feel naïve for believing that Barack Obama was anything other than just a politician. I fell for the rhetoric and the inspirational story and was even moved to become involved in the process for the first time in my life.
It is now being reported that the President will trade away a cornerstone of his candidacy and a promise to those who could not speak for themselves and give up the public option for healthcare to get ONE republican vote in the Senate. This is ridiculous! Why do 40MM+ uninsured people and an additional 20MM+ underinsured people have to sacrifice any longer for ONE vote from a group of people who have not and will not negotiate in good faith or with actual facts or even simple human empathy for those who would benefit from this program? What these lobbying groups and politicians have done is shameful and goes against every tenet of a civilized society and democracy itself.
When you add this debacle to the fact that the war in Afghanistan has been expanded, Bagram prison has not been addressed, publicly flaunted war crimes have not been addressed etc., as much as I try to keep giving the President the benefit of the doubt, it is difficult to stay hopeful with so much evidence on the side of the President actually being just another one of THEM … a politician.
You cannot let the Republican bully tactics rob the rest of the country from the progression that so many of us voted for.
Mr. President, please remember the trust and hope that so many of us put in you! You inspired so many of us –but especially so many young people. It would be a huge betrayal to all of us who put our faith in you and a devastating blow to an entire generation of young people. The cynicism that our young people would feel would make the current antipathy to our nation’s political process seem like mesmerized enthrallment in comparison.
Mr. President, you promised us change and we will hold you to it. You promised us health care, a return to a civilized and law abiding society and that is why most of us voted for you. PLEASE do not let us down!
A JOURNEY FROM PAIN TO PASSION
My Passion is to make a significant contribution to Changing the Face of Dementia Care in our society and to be an advocate for all seniors with dementia in their quest to maintain their Basic Human Right to Dignity, Choice and Quality of Life until their death.
My own mother, Evelyn Holly, passed away 11 years ago and spent the last 7 years of her life being bounced from one nursing home or residential dementia facility to another and in and out of hospital geri-psych units, because of her so called "challenging and aggressive behavior". The last year of her life she spent, strapped in a chair and drugged to make her "compliant" in her environment. I imagine many of you have had similar experiences.
After many years of heartache and frustration struggling to find appropriate care for my own mother, and after being told repeatedly by others in the healthcare industry, that the kind of dignified care that I visualized, was impossible since it was TOO EXPENSIVE, I found I could not find any financial support for trying something different. I decided to use my own life savings to try to develop a model of specialized dementia care that would focus on the currently unmet emotional and spiritual needs of persons with dementia, who have become unable to communicate those needs, in addition to their physical needs.
I left my job as a Regional Sales Manager for a BBQ Rib company, and at 55 became the founder, owner and CEO of Lakeview Ranch Inc, a place where people with dementia, and their families, could call home and where they could live out their lives with the love, dignity and quality of life they deserve. Today we have 2 rural residential homes in MN, with 80 highly skilled staff that do very specialized dementia care that meets our resident's emotional and spiritual needs in addition to their physical needs. We focus on each resident's remaining abilities, allowing for the highest quality of life possible, while maintaining dignity and individual choice. It is truly amazing what can be accomplished when people with vision and passion work together!!! Read on to see the rest of the story!
WE CAN CHANGE THE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA! LETS SHOW THE NEW ADMINISTRATION HOW ITS DONE! SHARE YOUR STORY! Frustrations AND Successes.
Did you know that 50% of high school graduates cannot pass a GED exam? I myself am a dropout but I passed the test. Education is not the governments job. And with the internet education should evolve. There should be no need for a public school system. Parents should take tutoring classes and teach their kids.
With wiki text book projects and projects like gutenberg.org. All of the necissary knowledge is at your fingertips. Do not resist change. Embrace it.
Hello everyone,
I'm a Canadian and though this website may not really be my 'rightful place', I nonetheless very much appreciate the fact you (and myself) are herewith abled to voice our opinions and ideas in this format - How incredibly refreshing!! How genial! A collection of ideas!! A massive Brainstorm! I love it, I absolutely do! I find this brilliant!
I just wanted to voice my thoughts about a few things your fine new President uttered, during his inauguration, last January (2009)...
President Obama spoke of Change, encouraging ALL to participate, to bring forth their bravest ideas... I just wanted to add the following words to his brilliant speech:
One doesn't have to be Mother Theresa or a millionnaire or necessarily anyone in power in order to participate to actual Change.
In a sense, Change is very much like a raging forest fire, where all that is required to start an unstoppable and quite contagious fever is but a single spark!
EACH OF YOU has this power to ignite, to enrapture, to actually be at the very beginning of an enormous - and long-overdue - movement!
Take your pick! What would YOU like to see change in YOUR world?
Make a list!
Seriously, make one and just post THAT somewhere here and wait for someone to come up with an idea, if you don't currently have one!
In doing so, YOU could be that very Spark! The one that ignites a passionate and quite determined fire, so to speak.
You could be the initiator, the Pioneer (and this, without even having tried to do anything at all), of some radical and way overdue change in our world.
Though I would prefer you add your ideas here, where your Fantastic Leader will be able to see these, I would also much appreciate it if you could also come on over to my Facebook page (Here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=546186670&ref=name#/group.php?gid=11023222663) and copy your ideas there as well, be it only to fuel others into doing the same there, as well for, the USA is not the ONLY country requiring Change...
We could ALL, globally, come to benefit from American ideas and ideals.
Awaiting your valuable Input and with warm regards, I leave you with the 4 L's:
Life, Light, Laughter and Love
xox
AbsoluTILLY
Sorry folks, I tend to be skeptical. Although President Obama is by far the most promising arrival I've seen in my life-time, I still gotta say "Are you capable of 'Real Change'":
1.A foolproof capping of political contributions for all federal (non-federal?) elections. The test would be: is the cap low enough so that any candidate could fairly win without the support of lobbyists and corporations that now control legislation?
2.Prosecution of all persons for the misuse of federal bail-out money. This law would be made retro-active to include the recent misuse of bail-out funds by banks and financial institutions.
3.The passage of legislation instituting mandatory service for all persons at the age of 18 in a peace corps/military. The individual would have the right to chose which service he/she prefers, except in the time of war. During a war, and this would have to be defined, the president would have the right to change this to a military draft. If all citizens had been actively participating, and thus threatened by, the invasion of Iraq-instead of an army of mercenaries while the majority continued mall-shopping as usual-we may not have had that "tough decision" as Bush calls his big mistake. Also, we would not have shortages of troops when they are needed for our rightful defense. (Note: the draft was ended because it played a large part in the successful protest of the Vietnam War.)
These are the changes I feel need to happen. Other suggestions welcome.
Abe Frankel www.circleofheearth.org
Sometimes its hard to express what your idea is in words. Pictures are sometimes no help either. You have an idea, you know what it is and how it will help but you can't articulate it.
I know how you feel because I sometimes feel the same way. But look, we can't let that hold us back. We may not all be eloquent but the substance is what matters.
I have a lot of ideas that I'd like our administration which I believe will keep its promise of goverment by the people to listen to, really listen to and consider. I'll use this blog to do that.
CONGRATULATIONS!
PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA
44th POTUS
and VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN!
GOOD BLESS YOU; GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILIES; GOD BLESS THE USA!
Click Here For My Blog
Wow! What an amazing day! This is the memorable and exciting election of my lifetime. Maybe now our country will heal some wounds and pull together, work together, even be live as good neighbors in the same neighborhood. Obama believes in his ability to bring change; I believe in mine. How about you?!
"When I grow up, I want to be the President of the United States of America"
This is not an aspiration for most youngsters these days, as a matter of fact, it's amazing that anyone in their right minds would put themselves through such a grueling, and expensive process, just for the opportunity to serve. It certainly requires a very special individual, with a specific skill set and a sincere commitment to this country and her citizens. With a lifetime of leadership and community service to his credit, complete with a fierce determination, he asks us simply believe. Only a select few in history have possessed this level of commitment and fortunately for us, this year, our country was blessed by the rise of profoundly historical character, absolutely driven to make a difference. Back when I was in grade school I remember the teacher asking the class who and what we thought we wanted to be when we grew up, it was an exciting day, A day filled with the dreams of children who had every reason to believe that they could truly be whatever they wanted to be, one day. There were several boys who agreed that the job of the President had to be just the very best job possible. As they considered being "the boss of everything" including the entire military, these boys were giddy at the thought of so much power. And yes, even back in my mid 1960's classroom, there were at least a couple of forward thinking girls who agreed and stated that they too would love to be President as well. Of course, none of us ever really expected that a girll would ever really serve. Needless to say, things have certainly changed.
The 2008 Presidential Election was historical on every level, truly a turning point for our country. Not only was there a strong Female candidate, she actually enjoyed tremendous support. She energized her party and the nation, Hillary Clinton a senator from NY, rallied millions to her call. Alas in the end, she fell just short of her parties nomination. Clearly, the country was determined to achieve a new and different direction. Ultimately, the fact that she is forever linked to the past by the "Clinton Factor" which turned out to be both a blessing as well as a closer for her campaign efforts.
Our nation was moving forward, this was the ultimate goal of the entire election, out with the old and in with the new, the message was clear. Barack Obama was elected to serve as President of the United States on November 4, 2008 with a wave of support never before achieved by any Election or Candidate in the history of our government. This young, "inexperienced" senator, according to the "other candidate". Was the first Black American ever nominated by the Democratic Party to serve this post. History will reflect not only the obvious facts of the election and campaign, as there are many profound and significant elements of this achievement with significance reaching far beyond the events which have come to pass. Of course, we will endure challenges and opposition to this President for potentially his entire term however, his determination and humility will continue to serve him well. This polished, articulate politician has evoked the trust, even the hopes, of people from all walks of life throughout the country consistently attracting crowds in huge numbers. His experiences growing up were consistant with the experiences of many making him easy to relate to and his message of Changehas resonated with a weary nation who truly needed a reason to believe. His impassioned speeches were delivered across the nation with an earnest and sincere message of Change and a vision for the future shared by many. Intelligent and fully prepared at every step, Barack Obama embodied the accomplished professional. Maintaining his composed manor through out the campaign despite the political theatrics of the "other campaign" which he consistantly managed to transend. Through out the course he refused to allow himself, nor his campaign to resort to "Politics as Usual" choosing instead to maintain his position. His ability to stay the course of his campaign so carefully crafted, for maximum impact at each stump. This posture was a significant element of his campaign, which contributed to the turnout of this election as effectively as any other. This single detail spoke volumes and was the most glaring difference between the candidates. Ultimately he presented an organized and well established plan for the future as he saw it and that was truly what mattered to most Americans at this juncture. His composure and diligent efforts to remain on task resonated with voters allowing for a delivery of his message, his vision that voters could actually consider, despite the efforts of his opponent to "muddy the waters". With his ojectivity and deliberation of the content he delivered, maintaining his edge by refusing to engage in the political tactics or the past. Our country has endured these nasty games for far too long and apparently we have turned the tide on ethics in politics, another historical element worth considering, we hope. The idea that an election could be successful, to WIN, by denouncing dishonest and dishonorable behavior and unsavory tactics, historically considered part of the process, business as usual. Dare we hope to place these at rest, finally.
Our first elected President George Washington, deliberately maintained his boyhood integrity through out his service His "I can not tell a lie" mantra remains evidence of his personal beliefs and what ultimately he left as his legacy, which offers an effective model for decorum even today. Then there was our 16Th President "Honest Abe" Lincoln who by the way, practiced law in Chicago before serving in the the Illinois House of Representatives, where he fought for the little guy on his way to the White House. Once elected he fearcely defended our constitution, enacting sweeping and signigant change that would forever alter the American experience. Somehow that resume sounds a bit like this other candidate I have heard so much about lately, hmmmm? Only time will tell how deep Obama's commitment to serving with Integrity, Honesty and his Determination to enact real change for our country, for now we have hope. Hope that we can, with dedicated leadership and ethical practices, provide our children with a future worthy of every American child. I am so very proud and hopeful about this opportunity and this President, May God Bless him and our Precious Country! AMEN!
Here's what's actually historic, and why I'm working hard for Obama even though I know he's not my dream progressive: for the first time, the dominant Caucasian folk are working with the dominated people of color as allies.
The black teenagers that pass my house wave at this middle-aged white lady and make a power-to-the-people fist cuz I have an Obama sign in my yard. They stop and we talk about how this country can begin to heal and turn in a better direction. They see an ally, and I see allies, where before we all saw 'threat'.
When I walk down the street and meet a man of color, my childhood-programmed response to 'threat' doesn't kick in right away, because Obama has changed my wiring at a deep level. Maybe that man's programming is shifting too. The old white lady at church told me today that she 'got' a person who assumed she had voted for 'the old man'. She said, "I told her, what makes you so sure? As a matter of fact, my husband and I both voted for Obama."
All this alliance among so-called enemies is so extremely threatening to the ruling class, they are pulling out all the stops to renew racial emnity and xenophobia. Even if the purists all vote for immediate perfection and the GOP derails democracy again and Obama loses, this new thing will not go away, because it is meant to be.
Has anyone noticed that whenever McCain gives a speech he is consistently saying, "I WILL..." whereas Barack talks about what "WE WILL...?"
It says a great deal about who has a better grasp of reality. Barack Obama recognizes that no one person could even begin to repair the damage from the past 8 years.
In this blog I’ve criticized the campaign heads for spending huge money targeting people who won’t vote for our guy. Spend the money on fence sitters, I reasoned, and on the committed folks and our enthusiasm will be the wave that sweeps Obama into the White House.
But let me say here and now, I’ve reconsidered. I was wrong in a betterment of the electorate kind of way. Oklahoma and Missouri where I grew up are home to exactly the people I thought the Obama campaign should write off. There is no way those knuckleheads will ever vote for a Democrat, much less a black one.
With a few notable exceptions, teachers mostly and one friend’s father who ran for Governor, everybody I knew was a Republican. Democrats it seemed were fools who didn’t understand the nature of human beings and were prone to spend money on wasteful programs for unsalvageable people.
After a few weeks of posting that criticizing blog, it occurred to me that I’m guilty of the same kind of thinking. Write them off because of their knuckleheadiness? No, we can’t do that, as much as we’d like to. We can’t and be true to what it means to be moral, progressive, liberal, or to just reasonably egalitarian. Our campaign may not actually move these knuckleheads to vote for Obama, but Obama and his campaign are not writing them off. They are included. By the campaign speaking to them, a seed is planted. This maybe is the best that can be done. Or maybe they’ll not vote because murky foul stuff is moving inside them.
Voting for McCain no longer interests them. Maybe they don’t know why. But maybe, just maybe, they do. Not likely but so what. The Republican base is now in play.
Like Obama, I monger after hope, and my hope is that by the time Obama’s terms are over these Americans whose opinions are now shifting - will have shifted. Those days of Republicans leading knuckledads around by their wedge issues will be gone.
That's the Best 2 out of 3 and McCain and Palin's numbers are slipping as we come around the corner to Election Day 2008. Yet, it's still not time to relax.
Palin has been been made out to be exactly what she is -- an inexperienced candidate who is not ready to lead this nation. She doesn't even have any business being Governor of any state, let alone Vice President of the nation. She will never ever be taken seriously.
McCain's "SP Trump Card" failed.
Bottom line in last night's debate: McCain told people in an off-handed way NOT to vote for him. His words were "We can't afford to turn this nation over to a beginner," or "someone with no experience," or words to that effect... more toward the end of the debate. He wasn't talking about Obama, he was taking a side-swipe at Palin, who has criticized him for conceding defeat in Michigan. McCain knows he has lost and it is only a matter of time. Bush and everyone who thinks like him has to leave office or we're all done. Everyone except them and their rich Arab oil-shipping magnates, that is. Taxes are going to be raised anyway--Obama's point is who's supposed to foot the bils when they come in? The people who are getting the greatest benefit from this nation, the rich and the abundantly prosperous business owners. For them, "trickle down" has meant 'p-- on all of you sandal-clad minions'. Yet, they are the ones who have been triple-dipping in our pockets (low wages, mediocre healthcare, big tax shelters and writeoffs that we pay for) and playing with the lives of our loved ones and keeping us fooled and divided for the wrong reasons for more than 100 years.
But the Bible teaches us that the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous; so God is causing the winds of change in America -- change that is going to benefit all of us. I don't even think Obama or Biden are aware of exactly what the Lord is doing in their lives at this moment. It is all good.
Win or lose, God has used Barack and Michelle Obama for a purpose: To tell us to stop being afraid and stand for something and stand and watch His glory in all things. That that we don't believe will ever change can be moved overnight, as God sees fit.
I believe Obama/Biden will win in November because of this alone. Truth told, though -- even if they do not win this election, God has still used Obama in a might way in America, to take us to the place where Dr. King would have wanted and expected us to be by now.
In whatever manner that Barack and Michelle Obama have come into our lives at this time, be it personally and up front and close or just through the websites and airwaves, in whatever manner it was: Their being here this season and not being afraid has made a difference in and changed all of our lives for the better. Even those of us who don't know it yet soon will.
If I were to ever meet them in person, I would thank them for their obedience to God. Just for being who they are and for taking a stand in perilous, hard, and a wild and crazy era...and in a nation where everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong.
But still we rise to the occasion...
I wonder if McCain is going to prove out to be a man of honor in this case and admit that Obama is the better candidate?
I know that he can't just drop out, because too much time and money has been spent; but I think he's coming to the conclusion that he's too old, too tired, not focused, is losing, doesn't have a viable running mate, is losing money, losing attention, zest, appeal, and one of the reasons he didn't go after that old tired character debate regarding William Ayers or Jeremiah Wright is because he knows (a) it's unfounded; and (b) people are tired of hearing about it because we've been there over and over again ad nauseum. It's meant to frighten and distract a nation of people who are still filled with ignorance and hatred for all the wrong reasons--people who will not take the time out to investigate, but will believe anything anyone tells them.
If McCain would have brought up Wright again last night, he'd have been dragged through the mud in this morning's news. Obama is no longer even a member of that church and Wright's no longer a pastor AT that church. Wright has since retired and really didn't say anything wrong in the first place. It's all past tense regardless of what anyone says--and the last thing McCain himself wanted to hear about again is The Keating Five and his own dank and radical and questionable past.
McCain was definitely more directly involved in the Keating Five scandal. In Obama's case, he was simply a member of a church where stood a very angry black man who was angry with good reason: This nation has not been very good to its black citizens, who have worked hard, and for many many years worked without pay -- and that's the truth.
Bringing up Ayers or even Tony Rezko would have brought out things about McCain that I think he no longer wants to think or talk about. People are looking for 'soap opera' or 'reality show' or even Jerry Springer drama toward the end of this election. When they don't get it, they call them "snores," because they are too politically correct and don't draw enough blood.
Yes, we are a bloodthirsty nation; but character attacks -- we've already done it and it's tired, old, and boring in itself.
The best thing he [McCain] can do right now is concede that if the USA wants Obama, it should have Obama. He needs to do the right thing for this country for once and step aside and finally not just be an officer, but also a gentleman.
On the other hand, Obama, I believe, is ready to get in there and turn this nation around for the good of all concerned and finally wake people up and make this government fair for EVERYBODY who is at least willing to try. Not just a privileged few with high incomes, people who make up a relatively small percentage of this population overall; but for the nation at-large. And that's not change we can Xerox, that's the change we need. It is the hope of the world.
There is a lot that can be said about Obama and his candidacy and what it will mean to America at this point, but now is not the time or the place for another of my "tomes" or "diatribes."
I'll save that one for my best-selling book.
In the meantime... Vote early. Vote sensibly. Vote strong.
AND PUT SOME DEMOCRATS IN YOUR STATE OFFICES FOR GOVERNOR, HOUSE, SENATE, MAYOR, WHATEVER ELSE YOU'RE VOTING ON OR FOR IN YOUR STATE'S GENERAL ELECTION SO THAT OBAMA AND BIDEN DON'T HAVE TO FIGHT HEAVEN AND EARTH FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS TRYING TO GET THINGS DONE.
The more Democrats we put in office, the easier things are going to be for ALL of us; and maybe some of the goodness of God that is in the people who TRULY believe in freedom and justice for ALL (and don't just mouth the words, but also act accordingly) will "trickle down" to the Republicans and those who have made their riches at our expense (i.e., middle class and working class poor) all these years.
Well - it's full steam ahead for my grandmother and her blog. She is consistently posting thoughts to her webiste at 85andchange.com, and her fan base keeps growing. She continues to receive great feedback from old and young. Everyone seems to be so appreciative that a senior citizen has spoken up and made it easier for other senior citizens to fall in line. As we saw in the numbers today - senior citizens are really starting to break for Barack Obama and Joe Biden! Others have said how they are so grateful that she has provided them a way to bridge a gap between grandparents and grandchildren and given them something to talk about with each other.
And if writing on her blog was not enough - she now has a video, too! You can find her video at her website (85andchange.com) or you can find it on You Tube! My smart, hip grandmother speaks up any chance she has and lets people know they are never to old - or young - for change!
Just this week, Granny Gobama met a couple influential people - Kathleen Kennedy Townsend & Alice Travis Germond - not to mention Heather Tom, as well! Meeting all of these women was a thrill for her. She found Kathleen Kennedy to be a thoughtful and inspiring speaker, and Alice Germond to be so enthusiastic and energetic.
Please take a moment to visit her site and pass the link on to anyone who may read (or watch) about why it is important for seniors, and everyone, to think long and hard about this important upcoming election - and why they should seriously consider voting for Barack Obama!
This is the only way I know to possibly make a suggestion to the campaign.
I bought a copy of Change We Can Believe In at Borders for $13.99, which i was happy to pay. It reads well and really shows that Obama has a plan that is well thought out and real.
My suggestion is that selective mass mailings of this book be done in states with Democrats and Independents. A few million copies to start. If it retails in borders for $13.99, it won't cost the campaign anywhere near that to mass produce these paperbacks and get them out there. Also canvassers could give a copy to people they call on. No one has ever done this before and people will see for themselves what Obama plans to do when elected. This will also counter the negative books that have been generated by the Republican McCain Campaign.
To help fund this effort the donor base could be asked to donate $10.00 each. That should pay for about 3 million copies bulk mailed.
That is my sentiment also. I think we need to remember what WE have done in this campaign. We have worked, really worked, we have called, walked, cleaned neighborhoods, collected recyclables,packed care packages for our troops, donated an enormous amount of money, this is not small feat. I keep hearing comparisons to previous campaigns. There is no comparision.
This is a CHANGE movement.
OBAMA/BIDEN'08 CATHOLICS FOR CHANGE
