Organizing for America - Have you seen This Video Yet? More then ever, you need it now to re-kindle the spirit that lived in us all prior to the election.
We need to get this video out in the public eye in a big way to re-kindle the spirit of optimism that existed prior to the election of President Obama.
Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) that is what we need to understand.
Post the inaugural, post the election, post the optimism fading, post the Republican's battle of the wills, it's sad to see our country slowly slipping back to the bad ol' days when the President is simply a news curiosity, just some guy in the White House. Barack Obama is more then that. He is the change we all voted for.
When I get pessimistic that such talk as the above is simply the talk of a dreamer, I hear President Obama speak. For instance, his speech at Notre Dame. It was historic, incredible, inspiring. it reminded me why I was so filled with hope on November 4th, 2008. When I hear him speak, I still get uplifted and remember who is in the White House.
But let us not forget the obvious, he's a human being, he can't correct everything at once, he has information now as President about our country we will never know and he is, I am confident, desperately trying to balance it all. I have not agreed with every move, espeically preventitive detention, but should we need or expect to agree with everything that anyone does? I agree with most and that's good enough for me to be a great supporter of his. I speak out when I don't agree with President Obama or anyone, but that doesn't mean I don't ardently support President Obama. In the past, I agreed with very little our Presidents have done, so this is an extremely refreshing change, especially at a time in our history which is unparalleled in it's complexity and danger to our society, our country and our world.
My only personal regret is that the video I directed and produced to keep the dreams alive, Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) has not been endorsed by Organizing for America and posted on its home page (or endorsed by Oprah or some such celebrity that can bring instant distribution to this cause, this quest to make optimsm and involvement the norm). This video should be endorsed by someone or some organization of such stature. It should be the rallying cry that we all remember to say to ourselves every day, that "YES WE CAN CHANGE OUR DESTINY." If we realize that simple truth, that we are in control of our destinies, we will work hard for change. We will become involved. Pessimism occurs when we believe we aren't in control, when we believe that hope is lost, when we believe that we can't make a difference. But the election proved how much we can change the world, how much we can accomplish when we act in unity with hope and optimism, when our world collectively believes that YES WE CAN CHANGE OUR DESTINY.
I have tried to move on, to concentrate on other causes, problems and issues in our world and my life, to not continue to push so actively to get this video "out there" more. But every time I lose hope and become pessimistic about our world, I listen to my own words in that video and I realize that Yes I can Change My Destiny and the world's destiny, that I can be part of that, that I'm not just a weak individual without a voice. I'm just as capable of changing our world as anyone. Ghandi, Rosa Parks, Mother Theresea, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Maria Montessori, Jonas Salk, Orville & Wilbur Wright, Barack Obama, yes, these are great people, but they are people, regular individuals that began with simply a dream, to change our world. When you look back through history, it's not countries or corporations that created transformative change, it was individuals. The power of the individual is stunning.
If anyone out there in the administration of Organizing for America listening please take a moment to watch this video. It's only 5 minutes. I'm a professional filmmaker, I promise you, it will be worth your time. This video was made as my service to America. But with "only" 130,000 + views (which is teeny tiny in the world of YouTube) which occurred mostly around January 20, 2008, this video is not inspiring anyone anymore. It could be inspiring millions right now to stand up and be part of the solution, not the problem, to realize one's own civic opportunity and responsibility, if Organizing for America would simply endorse this video and place it on their home page as a permanent fixture of inspiration.
Do not think I do this for any fame. I don't even want credit for this film. This project was entirely pro-bono and continues to be so. I simply want to help before my time on this Earth is over.
If you want to see more of what I do with film to try to help, please visit my "political activist" site (e.g. where i try to make a difference) My "MBMPRO" YouTube Channel
and the YouTube channel for My Production Company, MBM Productions International
Sincerely,
Steve Sulkin - Director & Activist...simply trying to make a difference
CEO, MBM PRODUCTIONS INT'L
ALL FOOTAGE IN THIS VIDEO WAS EITHER CREATED BY MYSELF AND MY PRODUCTION COMPANY, MBM, OR, AS IN THE CASE OF THE BARACK OBAMA FOOTAGE, WAS LICENSED THROUGH A STOCK HOUSE AND I HAVE FULL RIGHTS TO USE IT IN PERPETUITY.
I just got an email for a concert/meet-n-greet with President Obama in DC on March 25.
It offers a chance to purchase tickets - at $250, $1,000, or $10,000. Now, I am a lifetime Democrat and fully support our party, but sending out mass emails like this just illustrates how out of touch we can be with most of the Democratic party, and the country in general. You see, the microbrewery I worked at closed in January, and I have been looking for work since then.
I think most of the people who received this email have more in common with me than with those capable of forking out the money for this meeting.
Why don't we instead have a lottery for a meet-and-greet, which would afford the majority of this party the chance to attend? I voice my opinion to my local, state, and federal representatives, which we all should do, but it would be nice to have the chance to do the same with people above them.
My RSVP is I cannot go.
The winning billboardThursday, March 12, 2009http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboardWe gave you the opportunity to respond directly to Rush Limbaugh's desire to see President Obama fail, and you responded overwhelmingly.The votes are in for the billboard you'd like Rush to see.Find out which billboard we'll put in Rush's home town and make a donation to help send Rush the message:See the winning billboardhttp://www.democrats.org/rushbillboardThe winning slogan, submitted by William C. of Camden, New Jersey, will let Rush -- and the Republicans who've decided to follow his lead -- know that Americans aren't hoping for failure.They voted for a new direction in November, and they're ready to leave behind the failed partisan attack politics of the past.See the winning billboard now and help us get out the message:http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboardThanks,JenJen O'Malley DillonExecutive DirectorDemocratic National Committee Read More »
If you're anything like me, then you've had the urge to talk back to a right-wing talk radio host more than a few times. Now you can.Rush Limbaugh has made waves lately about his desire to see President Obama fail. And he's unapologetic, even though Americans voted in November for the very kind of change the President is bringing to Washington. As even Limbaugh must know, if the President fails, America fails.Incredibly, Republican leaders have yet to condemn Limbaugh for his destructive comments. In fact, Republicans like Congressman Eric Cantor, a leader in the House, have adopted the Limbaugh strategy, telling the Washington Post recently that their strategy on the President's jobs plan was "just saying no."The only Republican leader to challenge Limbaugh -- the chairman of the Republican National Committee -- even called Rush to apologize just a few days later.But we have no apologies for Rush, just a message. We need you to come up with a slogan, in ten words or less, that we'll put on a billboard where he can't miss it -- in his hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida.Can you help us come up with a message for Rush that we'll place on a billboard right in his hometown?We'll go through all the slogans we get, and the winner will have his or her message appear on the billboard -- and receive a free T-shirt featuring the winning slogan.If Republican leaders aren't willing to tell Rush, then we will. Americans want President Obama to succeed. Our country's future depends on it. Rooting for the President's failure is rooting for our country to fail.To get America back on a path to prosperity, we'll need to leave behind the failed partisan attack politics of the past. Americans voted for a new direction in November. Choosing Rush Limbaugh to be the voice of their party -- as Republican leaders have done -- is not the answer.Send in your suggestion of ten words or less for a billboard and we'll choose the best one to put in Rush's own "backyard":http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboardThanks,JenJen O'Malley DillonExecutive DirectorDemocratic National Committee
DNC Announces Clyde Williams as New Political DirectorDemocratic National CommitteeFor Immediate ReleaseFebruary 20, 2009 Washington, DC – The Democratic National Committee today announced the appointment of Clyde Williams as DNC political director. Williams -- who previously served as a senior policy advisor at the Clinton Foundation, Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at the Center for American Progress, and deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- brings a unique combination of policy and political background to the position."We’re thrilled that someone with Clyde’s immense skill and unique combination of experience with domestic policy issues and grassroots political organizing will be joining the DNC’s leadership team," said DNC Executive Director Jen O’Malley Dillon. "Governor Kaine has stated his goals of helping advance the President’s agenda and promoting broader participation in the civic dialogue. Having Clyde serve as our political director is an important part of our effort to engage more Americans in our effort to implement practical solutions to the challenges facing our country.""I look forward to a great opportunity to work with Governor Kaine, Jen O’Malley Dillon, and of course the White House to advance the President’s agenda and continue to strengthen our Party," said Williams. "These challenging times demand real leadership from Washington and a renewed commitment to truly engaging the American people in the effort to move our country forward. I am honored by the opportunity to help Governor Kaine with this historic effort." Clyde Williams, Democratic National Committee Political DirectorClyde Williams joins the DNC after four years as founder and president of his own business development firm, Certus Advisors based in New York City. Williams served as a top domestic policy advisor at the Clinton Foundation from 2001 to 2005, advising President Clinton on the development of programs targeting underserved communities. Williams also served as Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at the Center for American Progress and as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the second term of the Clinton Administration. Prior to entering national politics, Williams worked for District of Columbia City Council Chairman John A. Wilson.###
It’s time for a serious economic conversation in the United States. We hear politicians all over the news on both the Democrat and Republican sides, but it is time for the citizens of the America to think for themselves and stop believing everything that they see on the news. What’s going on in the Congress, the DNC and the RNC right now are political games to put it politely.
We elected for change… but we must remember that a large percentage of people that voted in the United States also voted against Obama. The RNC is on its last leg and there is only one way for them to survive… that is to make Obama a failure. They are seeking to destroy Obama’s creditability as quickly as possible (You can tell the name of the game by watching Fox News or Hannity). At the same time there are big power struggles going on in the DNC to keep Obama in line with whatever they want. Remember, Obama never really got support from the Democratic Party (for the general election the DNC hardly raised a dime for the Obama campaign, even when the RNC raised millions for John McCain)…. His success came out of a support from the people (internet contributions and donations from the famous and rich). Because famous people supported him the media supported him…, but the media never really like him. The truth is that Obama’s policies threaten the powers-that-be in Washington (because when ordinary people begin to exert their power that upsets the social Darwinism philosophies that most power-players operate on). Companies that spend most of their time buying politicians have to subdue the Obama administration in order to bring-in projects and money from the government on the backs of the every day citizens.
When these politicians talk about their different methods for fixing the economy they all use words that never helps the average person understand what will or won’t help in the end.
What is the National Debt? It is the money barrowed from either another country or itself from future income from taxes from its citizens’ children.
What is the real solution to the economic crises? Companies’ are playing big games with the lives of normal people (social Darwinism at its best). To defeat the power they have average citizens have to do what Kind did with the civil rights issues and boycott certain companies that are playing these games and then redirecting their support to either companies that will support job production or give their support to smaller businesses that exist and do the same things the big companies do (this will catapult the small companies into the major leagues of the stock market and force the other companies to compete by conforming to the people’s needs or buy the new companies out keep the same pro-American job policies).
The other goal is to push Congress to create and support laws that will help job creation within the United States and aid those who have lost their jobs because of these political games. Let’s have no misunderstanding here… the United States doesn’t lack productivity, workers, or finances. There are 360,000,000 million people in the United States, we have a 20 percent unemployment rate which depending upon the work force. If the work force is half of the population, then the number of unemployment is 72,000,000. The stimulus plan just reached $925,000,000,000 billion dollars which if given to every unemployed worker $12,847 is enough to re-stimulate the economy in a heart beat. Those who have credit card and mortgage debts will repay them… those that without debts will put there money in banks (thus supplying them with investment money) and others will spend the money in the auto industry (solving that problem by busting the companies and creating jobs), create small businesses that will give lower income families money and the final group will invest the money into the stock market (at least 128 shares of a 100 dollar stock per investor) and cause the NASDAX to skyrocket. So the real power is in the hands of the people to solve their economic troubles and politicians (the people’s reps) to support them.
Many will jump to say that this is a socialist philosophy, however, the government giving companies money and calling it a bale-out is a socialist philosophy.... one that Republicans had no problem supporting before. Yet when it comes to saving the jobs of thousands of Americans and aiding those hurt by the recession they say it is un-American... when that is the most patriotic thing we can do.
If it is true that Tom Kaine is giving up the 50 state stratagy and that Dean was asked to not attend the DNC event, then count me out of working for Democrats any more! I will become an Independent and work only when moved to. This country is tired of being run from the top down. Get off your high horses and actually work for working people. Stop the lip service!!
Dean for surgeon general, not that cutesie tv guy Gupta!
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
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See Vast Obama Network Becomes Political Football
I agree that the Obama grassroots network should be kept separate from the DNC.
Some excerpts from the article:
It truly is a "mass movement with unprecedented potential to influence voters." "If it's in the party," said Marshall Ganz, a Harvard University lecturer who helped design the training curriculum for Obama's organizers, "that's a way to kill it."
"Barack got elected with a significant number of independent voters and a fair number of Republicans. And the agenda that he ran on is not just a Democratic agenda, it's a broad agenda," Hildebrand said. "If all of the communication comes from the DNC, it may not engage as many people as we're going to need to engage at the grass-roots level." Hildebrand offered another argument for an independent network: It could be used to challenge Democratic lawmakers if they didn't hew to the Obama agenda. The organization, he said, could "pressure anybody who we would need to build a coalition of votes in the House and Senate."
Reminder: This Monday, October 6, we will have a special guest attending our weekly Amarillo4Obama meeting. Ken Bailey of the DNC and the Barack Obama Campaign will be here to speak with us. He will be sharing a wealth of information to help guide us forward to November 4. We will also be discussing canvassing and phone banking and our upcoming rally. As our meetings get larger each time we meet, we are expecting (and hoping for!) a larger group than usual due to Ken's visit. In anticipation of a larger turnout, we have decided to hold this meeting at the Amarillo United Citizens Forum, located at 903 N Hayden Street, Amarillo. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last approximately one hour. The doors will be open beginning at 6:00 p.m. and light refreshments will be served.
Let's show Ken that Amarillo is truly Obama BLUE by getting every Obama supporter involved!! If you know that you will be attending, an RSVP will be appreciated (just reply to the sent email).
Please help us spread the word - All of the area offices (Amarillo4Obama/Panhandle Young Democrats/Amarillo Area Democrats) now have Obama buttons, tee shirts, bumper stickers, yard signs, and literature.
Thank you,
Anthony (Tony) & Jane Raphael & All the Great Volunteers at Amarillo4Obama/PanhandleYoungDemocrats/AmarilloAreaDemocrats
Tony & Jane 373 - 7884
The Amarillo United Citizens Forum is in the area of Amarillo Blvd West & N Hughes Street, corner of NW 9th Ave & N Hayden Street.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=Amarillo+United+Citizen+Forum&fb=1&cid=8168817786121642637&li=lmd&z=14&t=m
From: Anthony Raphael <tnjraphael@suddenlink.net>Subject: Amarillo4Obama Grassroots Meeting 10/6 Ken Bailey, DNC attending!Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 11:18 PM
This Monday, October 6, we will have a special guest attending our weekly Amarillo4Obama meeting. Ken Bailey of the DNC and the Barack Obama Campaign will be here to speak with us. He will be sharing a wealth of information to help guide us forward to November 4. We will also be discussing canvassing and phone banking. As our meetings get larger each time we meet, we are expecting (and hoping for!) a larger group than usual due to Ken's visit. In anticipation of a larger turnout, we have decided to hold our next meeting at the Amarillo United Citizen Forum, located at 903 N Hayden Street, Amarillo. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last approximately one hour. We are also tentatively expecting Roger Waun, our local Democratic candidate for the United States Congress. Let's show Ken that Amarillo is truly Obama BLUE by getting every Obama supporter involved!! Light refreshments will be served.
Please help us spread the word - All of the area offices (Amarillo4Obama/Panhandle Young Democrats/Amarillo Area Democrats) now have Obama buttons, tee shirts, bumper stickers, yard signs (yard signs in limited quantities until next week), and literature.
Anthony (Tony) & Jane Raphael
CHANGE is but mere weeks away and a resounding Presidential victory within reach. Be a part of this historic once in-a-life-time election breaking new ground, new frontiers, and CHANGING the direction of LEADERSHIP in our country… for the good of all Americans. Join us as we drive to the finish line of Victory. Yes We Can and YES We Will. HOPE is on the way!
COUNTDOWN TO HISTORY HOUSE PARTY: IT’S OUR TIME!!
BRING IN THE VOTE FOR CHANGE
OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON YOU
OBAMA-BIDEN 2008
BRINGING HOPE & CHANGE TO AMERICA
MAKING REAL CHANGE HAPPEN WITH YOUR VOTE & SUPPORT
Saturday, October 11, 4-6PM
Chris and Gina Cargile’s house
12720 SW 116th Ave (near Walnut & 121st),Tigard, OR. 503-524-8506
This is a Potluck Party so bring your favorite hors' dourves, specialty dishes, desserts, and drinks.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP,
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gshyp5
Mapquest Directions link: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Tigard&state=OR&address=12720+SW+116th+Ave+&zipcode=97223
This is the BIG EVENT before NOVEMBER 4TH! Bring your passion, excitement, energy and enthusiasm. Featuring,
Ø Special guest speakers
Ø Real People Making a Difference in our community!
Ø Specific Actions to Help Bring in the Vote!
Ø Pick up Obama-Biden / Merkley lawn signs
This is a TigardObamanator Community Event
Senator Obama as a Progressive Democrat and a supporter of your campaign I am asking you to vote in the Senate No to Bailing out CEO's and the mis managed Comapies they ran on Wall Street.
700 Billion dollars could feed every man women and child in American Build new Alternative Energy homes and help people get back on their feet who are now without a home on Main Street America.
Senator and the Senators Campaign Staff please remember Change needs to be Progresive .
We can nolong rush to the aid of Big corperations that with this Bailout the CEO's will walk ways with Millions in their Pockets while people who are lower and Middle Class Working people get nothing.
During Tax season The government gave people back 600 dollars or more depending if they were married or single because of the Economy remember that.
Govenment gives American Main street 600 dollars but will give Wall Street 700 Million.
I see alot of rich people getting very rich on this Bailout.
Senator Obama you need to call for Public Hearings before any vote yes or no is done by congress or the Senator.
If McCain wants to Bailout the Wall Street Companies let him make that big mistake.
The American people must be heard in Washington and this weekend no one shoud support a
quick Bailout .
In the end its going to make the Economy worse then it is now.
The Democratic Party should truly stand with the American Working Class and against this Bailout .
Does anyone in the Obama Campaign hear me on this Blog ?
I speak for many Americans on Main Street.
This is just a bad idea .
Something yes needs to be done but this is insanity and not the solution.
Listen to the American people Senator on this no one wants this Bill passed .
Thanks for listening
Obama/Biden 08 Lets Change Washington Now
For the last 16 years I have held professional jobs with two of America's largest corporations Bank of America and AT&T. For the most of my career I have had the opportunity to determine my own destiny. Last year I was faced with losing my job of 11 years. Initially I was devastated. I could not believe my company that I loved so dearly made a decision to lean on it's bottom line and release me and other employees.
Friends, our economy is NOT fundamentally strong. It is the weakest in 80+ years. It is amazing to see 3 of the 5 major companies in America fall off the charts this week. We must be able to vote for change right now. I believe Barack Obama is the right candidate for the job because he represents what is right for America. I am very sad and disappointed with the McCain campaign. The only thing they talk about is what Barack Obama is or is not going to do.
Please do not fall for the "Appeal to Emotion" fallacy that McCain's campaign is leading us to. Honestly if I was a woman I truly would NOT vote for a man who selects a woman (only met once and had a 15 minute conversation with) simply because she is a woman. Let's not get into the debate about his canned speeches.
Barack Obama is polished, educated, knowledgeable, and ready to take America to new heights. He is the only candidate that can tell the rest of the world America can change and we are not bullies or (barracudas) to the rest of the world.
Get Registered. Get Ready. Get out and vote for Barack Obama.
The last two presidential elections didn't feel like this. I didn't truly identify with either candidates total views for the future. Nor did I believe that they would address the issues of the future, my future, my children's futures. In fact, in many ways I wrote off politics. Afterall, what did it matter who ran the White House? In the end aren't all politcians the same? Wasn't our future, weighed down with heavy debt, no plans for social security or health insurance or affordable educations for myself or my children in the near future...
Wasn't our future bleak and full of unattainable dreams? Wasn't our future destined to be comparable to filling our children's pockets with heavy rocks and sending them into the water?
In 2004 I sat at my computer and watched Barack Obama speak at the DNC. Wow... I cried. I was stunned by the force of emotion I felt. Especially after never in my voting life feeling anything of the sort!
A couple more years passed and I listened (with one ear) to what was going on. I watched my friends and neighbors struggle to survive in changing economic times. I lost my health insurance. And I watched while many of us lost our hope for the future.
Now -- here I am. It's 2008 and I'm so excited to hear Barack Obama address issues, real issues. And so angered to hear McCain/Palin skirt the issues with generalized statements that sound no different than previous candidates. If I'm going to have hope for the future, then I need to hear and see the plans that will stabilize and better our future. McCain isn't providing that. Obama is.
So I'm not standing around anymore and waiting for someone to make a change. I'm voting to secure my children's future. I'm voting to make a difference and unite our country. I'm voting for Barack Obama.
