Wow, I can't believe that only one year ago, we began our new journey of continuing the real work of America: creating a society in which everyone has the same opportunities and rights, as well as becoming a good world neighbor once again.
We still have a long way to go, but we have a really good start, thanks to the hard work of Barack Obama & his staff.
My belief is that everyone in the world has a human right to food, shelter, clothing, education & healthcare. When those essential human rights are achieved by working together for everyone's good, we shall see an end to violence & crime against each other.
We are all from the same family...the human family. Let's keep up the good work!
President Obama,
You were elected with the greatest wave of hope that I have seen since the election of President Kennedy...
...and now I feel terribly let down.
You have allowed, yes allowed the radical right to capture the emotions of this nation.
Although your negotiating skills are important; although your intelligence is important; although your organizing abilities are important; the most important ability you have is the ability to inspire.
You have not been using that ability lately at all. You have gotten sucked into the endless chess game of power and politics, and you have neglected your constituency, big time!
I listen to the news and the talk shows with dismay. I have been to a town hall meeting on health care with Lynn Woolsey. The passion and fear of the radical right was prominent, although not in the majority. It is hard to believe that so much credence is given to such outrageous lying. The right wing does not approach this subject, or any other, as far as I can tell, with logic or facts; its approach is on a crazy version of faith. It is like people who twist the bible to support their hate and then say, "The bible says it and I believe it." They forget that the people who hated Jesus were the ones who upheld the letter of the law, but not the spirit; the ones who were judgmental and divisive, not the ones who believed in love and community.
The greatness of the United States was NOT achieved by people acting alone, as much as independence is prized here. It was achieved by people acting together. People harvested their crops together, raised barns together. People helped each other. They were good neighbors. We developed a system of free public education, so all children could be educated, not just those of the rich and powerful.
Respect for the United States in the world was not born of military prowess, but of respect for the generosity, caring and fairness of the American people. It was because, at one time, we took the high road, the road less traveled!
Now we have fallen. We take the low road, talking about the necessity for something we don't call torture, but is. We kill, not to protect people from tyranny, but to protect *our* resources, even if they are located in the countries of others.
I find it so hard to believe, President Obama, that you seem to be cooperating with those who are so short-sighted as to believe that the well-being of the United States rests with military domination.
You talk about health care, but you have given away everything important that you might have done for health care. You talk about health care costs, but you are no different than President Bush in your spending our hard-earned wealth on death, on military adventures and military toys. Do you hope to save on health care and give those savings to the military?
Is it time for me to realize that I have been had? That in handing you this election, the American people have been had? Where is the man I voted for?
Yes we can...what? We can sit by while you allow the military-industrial complex and the insurance vipers to destroy America? I don't usually use that term, America - it applies to pretty much the whole western hemisphere, but I use it now, for the idea of American. The idea of people living together in freedom and peace, in community, caring for the well-being of all - not just our families, not just our town, not just our state, but everyone, everywhere. I thought we were nice people! What happened? Tears come to my eyes as I write these words. What happened?
I could understand the trend under President Bush - but you?
I know you cannot single-handedly do it all. But you have ceased to be a leader, because a leader inspires. A leader calls to the best and highest in us. The majority of Americans responded to that call when they voted for you. They were overjoyed at the opportunity to put their energy into positive endeavors at last.
You are gone, it seems. You have gone over to the fraternity of the rich and powerful.
I am dispirited, left behind, holding the (empty) bag of hope, while the mean-spirited rejoice.
Me, too.
Just think...
As disabled or elderly folks, we can't always do everything we'd like - or need - to do for our critters. If we lived in a community of other animal lovers, we would have neighbors who understood our plight and could help us. Conversely, we could help them when they need it.
That's what community is all about.
Wouldn't it be great to know that, if you had to go in the hosptal, or just caught a bad cold and needed to rest for a few days, that there would be someone close by who is familiar with the care and feeding of your pets?
TUESDAY, JULY 14TH, 2009 AT 5:52 PM
Investing in Education: The American Graduation Initiative Posted by Katherine Brandon
As part of his effort to build a stronger foundation that will allow us to lead in the global economy, the President announced today a historic initiative to strengthen our nation’s community colleges, and called for five million additional graduates by 2020. Speaking at Macomb Community College in Michigan, the President stressed the importance of education to America’s prosperity: But we also have to ensure that we're educating and preparing our people for the new jobs of the 21st century. We've got to prepare our people with the skills they need to compete in this global economy. (Applause.) Time and again, when we placed our bet for the future on education, we have prospered as a result -- by tapping the incredible innovative and generative potential of a skilled American workforce. That's what happened when President Lincoln signed into law legislation creating the land grant colleges, which not only transformed higher education, but also our entire economy. That's what took place when President Roosevelt signed the GI Bill which helped educate a generation, and ushered in an era of unprecedented prosperity. That was the foundation for the American middle class. (President Barack Obama greets the crowd at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., Tuesday, July 14, 2009. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson) Yesterday, we told you about the Council of Economic Advisers’ report about the future of the U.S. labor market. The report described a shift towards jobs that require greater analytical and interactive skills, and the benefits of higher education. It is expected that jobs requiring at least an associate degree will grow twice as fast as jobs requiring only a high school education. The President understands that education is fundamental to reviving our economy and strengthening our workforce, which is why he is committed to increasing graduation rates, and has asked every American to commit to at least one year of higher education: But today I'm announcing the most significant down payment yet on reaching the goal of having the highest college graduation rate of any nation in the world. We're going to achieve this in the next 10 years. (Applause.) And it's called the American Graduation Initiative. It will reform and strengthen community colleges like this one from coast to coast so they get the resources that students and schools need -- and the results workers and businesses demand. Through this plan, we seek to help an additional 5 million Americans earn degrees and certificates in the next decade -- 5 million. (Applause.) You may remember Dr. Biden recently spoke about the critical role of community colleges in our higher education system. Community colleges are rapidly growing, and are needed now more than ever to keep America competitive. The American Graduation Initiative will build on the strengths of community colleges and launch new initiatives and reforms that will increase their effectiveness and impact by figuring out what works and what doesn't, modernize facilities, increase graduation rates, and expand and create new online learning opportunities.
Just a little disclaimer and some more info about us here...
First, if you think, looking at the picture of me and my horse, that I don't look disabled, think again. That picture is nearly 10 years old, and if you look closely, I was wearing a back brace then. Since then I have had 3 cervical discs replaced with "spacers" (the FDA has not yet approved the actual disc replacements yet - see the next paren), and been diagnosed with 5 herniated lumbar discs (awaiting FDA approval of surgical techniques successfully used in Europe for years), emphysema, arthritis and a myriad of other health problems, including a TBI (traumatic brain injury) that affects my cognitive abilities.
My poor old horse ain't gettin' any younger, either. He was mildly foundered years ago, and has an arthritic shoulder from a fall we took. The last time I was on his back was to ride him to the polls, fully tricked out in banners and flags for our candidate, on Election Day 2006 to vote for Texas Governor. The 5 mile round trip was about all either of us could manage. Both our tails were dragging by the time we got home - but we made our statement!
Second, I am not noted for my tact nor my political correctness. Just to support that statement, I'll say that Jack Nicholson and Bill Mayer are two of my favorite celebrities. That should tell you something! So, if you're easily offended, you can leave - don't go away mad, just go away. Don't complain; I do enough of that all by myself!
On the other hand, if you're serious about helping elders and disabled persons obtain better living conditions, then you'll just have to overlook my abrasive personality, and look at the beauty of this plan. Yes, of course, this is a self-serving enterprise, but if I can help myself AND help others at the same time, I can die peacefully, knowing I have left a legacy of good.
Http://savingtails.blogspot.com only outlines the PAL Community; I have published more details of the plan in other places, but I'll be darned if I can remember where ... I guess I'll have to re-write it. (A mind is a terrible thing to lose.)
Finally, I am in serious need of organizational help for this project! If you have the skills and/or funds necessary to help us obtain 501c3 status, funding, grant writing, advertsing, lobbying, or just want to help by being a supporter, please join my team in groups, blogs, causes, or wherever you find me. I may post on Facebook (see Critter Link), MySpace, Twitter, and wherever else I am.. Meanwhile, you may be able to find PAL by Googling "savingtails" , "critterlink", "Critter Link" or "PAL Community".
Addendum: My keyboard is worn out and sticky, and I'm a lousy typist, so I make lots of typos that i don't always catch. Please pardon me; I do the best I can.
Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related),
CritterLink
Please visit my blog: http://savingtails.blogspot.com. If your are an animal lover who is disabled or elderly, and on a small fixed income, this is important to you!
First and foremost, my volunteer committee is AWESOME!!! It was a wonderfully planned event. We encouraged over 50 people to seek their health care reform answers. And I must say the Redmond PCC's "Grillin' & Chillin'" event is deliciously healthy and AWESOME!
I enjoyed almost the whole day. My committee reasonably agreed to NOT proselytize health care reform and convert people. ALL we wanted to do is inform people and encourage them to write their legislators on their views of health care and any reform. Those who absolutely do not want reform were NOT forced. Those who needed more information, some of us briefly supplied it--pretty much HealthReform.gov. NO PRESSURE!!!
Then the switch in shifts. Volunteers who were untrained. Even after training, arguments ensued. Only a couple of us served on this committee--an lucky me--I had to deflect asinine behavior. Now I KNOW I WAS CORRECT IN STOPPING IT!
1) PCC IS A BUSINESS AND THEY DO NOT WANT THEIR NAME RAKED THROUGH ANY MUD--COMMITTEE AGREED
2) THE EVENT IS A COMMUNITY SERVICE IN A MAINLY CONSERVATIVE AREA SO SUPPORT THE NONPROFIT! COMMITTEE AGREED!
3) HANDING OUT LEGISLATORS ADDRESSES, TELLING PEOPLE HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITORS WITH NEWS MEDIA ADDRESSES AND IF THEY WANTED TO SHARE THEIR STORIES IS ALL THE COMMITTEE AGREED TO DO!
So why in the HAYLE are asinine people discussing that mammography radiation causes breast cancer, so don't get mammography? That is irresponsible and that is not a conversation to engage in this event.
I called it off and the ASININE people decided to call the manager of the store to bust me--I KNOW WHY--RACISM!
How can a BLACK WOMAN be professionally in charge of this? Typical of the area. Why am I not shocked? Now if I did go off in my sistah-mode, folks would have called the po-po. I am so sick of this bigotry. It is dumb!
Candice E. Cox, LMSW
Volunteer Program Director
I am asking for donations to help needy families that can not afford to purchase clothing. I operate a community service agency in Cusseta Ga. I assist needy families with clothing needs. I provide clothing for free to the truly needy. I am in need of financial assistance to purchase more clothing to continue my program. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.
Please send donations to Tom Rodgers PO box 968 130 Michelle Circle Cusseta GA 31805-0968. "Please Mark your donation Clothing Assistance Program"
I am a Registered Charitable Organization with the State of Georgia Secretary of State, Registration Number CH-08090.
Please visit my website for more information at http://tomrodgers723.community.officelive.com
http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3163308-10508245
We (a group of team leaders and volunteers in York County) decided we needed to stay in touch and brainstorm things we can do locally to improve our community. We wanted to be ready to mobilize volunteers and share information when the national OFA calls on volunteers to help with projects.
We are looking for volunteers to present ideas for projects and to organize projects. The only rule to get your voice heard is to show up. See the extended post for details...
The local steering committee meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm at the Red Lion B&B, 101 S Franklin St, Red Lion PA 17356. Contact George and 717-332-7429 or george.a.sanders@gmail.com for more information.
Time for God’s people to arise and take possession for the kingdom.
To declare the mighty works of God for His Church.
He will cause us to rule and reign in Christ. It’s His power and glory that He is bestowing upon His Church. He is anointing his Church with the power of the Holy Ghost.
We are being transformed into the Mighty Men of God, his new force on earth to meet and triumph over all the challenges and obstacles that come against his Church, the people of God.
These Mighty Men will be the new giant killers of the Kingdom of God. To destroy the works of Darkness; to totally defeat the enemies forces.
We are more than conquers through Christ, through the Christ that lives in us.
He shall cause us to tread upon serpents and scorpions, over all the powers of the enemy.
Just as Joshua and Caleb said that “Let us press in and take the land, for the Lord has given us this land. These people, these giants in the land that the Lord has given to us are bread in our hands. For we shall devour them with the breath and might of our God.
As we worship the Lord and give Him our bodies, our minds and our hearts. We shall increase in strength and power. To know that the Lord our God is with us.
If God be for us, who can stand against us…
As we begin to meditate upon His Word, we shall grow in courage and be as bold as lions. He will no longer suffer to see His Church defeated and oppressed. For He has anointed us to destroy, to break every yoke of bondage.
Let us give back to our communities. Let us not turn aside our eyes from those who are in need. Let us be restorers of the breach, reaching out to the Hurt and Needy. Let the compassion of God well up in our hearts, that we would hear the cry of the needy and help to comfort them. Help them with housing, food, Love and comfort.
Thank you, Lord Richly Bless you,
Peter
Let us give you New Hope for Homeowners.
http://www.newhopehotline.com
Men with a passion to follow after God: email us at info@god4men.orgVisit us on the web: http://www.god4men.orgReaching towards the Mark, stepping out to New Hights: www.mylife-coach.com
To effectively plan for and build up to the Clean Energy Jobs Days, we'll hold an Organizing Meetings on Saturday May 2nd at 2:00 at the Barrow Mansion in Jersey City. Please go to:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=93104&id=
On May 28, all over the country, we're organizing a Clean Energy Jobs Day -- a national day of action to turn up the heat on Congress by showing the promise of the clean energy economy to our senators and representatives, the media, and the public. We'll highlight the clean energy jobs and businesses that already exist in our communities, and we'll showcase the ways in which they could expand. During the Jobs Day, each MoveOn Council will organize a press conference at a clean energy business, and then visit a few other clean energy sites. We'll call on their senator or representative to support President Obama's plan for a new energy economy.
More details and upcoming events on our blog:
Rossella Aquila
Jersey City Hoboken Council
I am asking you all to spread the word that everyone can do their part in your local communities by making a donation of $1 at a time.
I would like to ask all of you to make a donation of $1 each month to help me with my non-profit community services agency.
Please send $1 each month to Tom Rodgers,T&C Services PO Box 968 Cusseta, GA 31805-0968 706-464-6546 email me at TomRodgers723@hotmail.com.
Please visit my Website at http://tomrodgers723.community.officelive.com
President Barack Obama says all Americans have a “sacred trust" with the military personnel who have served this Nation, a responsibility to reward courage and self-sacrifice with all the benefits an open democratic society can provide.
MyVetwork (myvetwork.com) provides the solid foundation for a vibrant network of support in the spirit of that sacred trust to improve the lives of not only our active duty personnel and the 600,000 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, but all our nation's estimated 23 million living military veterans - and their families, too.
MyVetwork is already operational, with the capability to service the Veterans Community—for the first time—in three intersecting strings, known as a Trident Connection, add up to One Trusted Source for Veterans that anyone connected to the government understands is crucially needed:
Veterans community in one location. All for free.
Founded by decorated veteran John R. Campbell, MyVetwork draws on the “secret sauce” of the military, the “I’ve-walked-in-your-shoes” strength military personnel willingly share with one another, which will be a driving force behind MyVetwork.
Learn more about MyVetwork by visiting myvetwork.com or join the Veterans Community by visiting community.myvetwork.com.
Online Veterans Community: veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxcKgDocument posted by David Apperson
