Since January 20th 2009 Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States of America, a very historic inauguration day. Think back to 1963, when Martin Luther King held his famous speech, saying "I have a dream...", and see what a positive change has allready been made since then. With Barack Obama the first African American president in US history is in the White House, Martin Luther King`s dream is about to come true and that´s really great ! - Shop America supports Barack Obama and wishes him all the best for his future, hoping that he can really perform the "Change" for America and the world ! - Visit our Barack Obama section and check out "Yes We Can" and other political designs on t-shirts, buttons, stickers and more: BARACK OBAMA DESIGNS - YES WE CAN
BARACK OBAMA DESIGNS - YES WE CAN
Congratulations to all of you on our new president. For those of us who supported him, it has been quite an extraordinary journey. I always believed in the notion that “You cannot fool all the people all the time.” and people will eventually see through you and they did.
But I guess we don’t have much time to celebrate. We stand at pivotal times in our history, not because we have elected an African-American but because of the financial mess we find ourselves in. The hole we find our selves get bigger by the day. Every day it is a new industry that needs the bailout, first it was mortgage industry, then the Wall Street, then banks and now auto industry. It looks like dog chasing its tail and we have been running in circles for more then a year.
We have sixty days before new president takes office and the current president checked out long ago. Sixty days of torture for its people while “Rome Burns”.
For those of you who want to look at the history to figure the future out, I would recommend “The Forgotten Man – A New History of The Great Depression” book by Amity Shlaes.
I have put together some of my thoughts together for the new president. These may sound like common sense approaches but as you know, when it comes to Washington, common sense is not as common as you think.
http://www.slideshare.net/TSiddiqui/framework-for-turnaround-presentation-758505/
Best Regards,
Tariq Siddiqui
Originally wrote this blog on Nov 22, 2008 at http://whentectonicplatescollide.wordpress.com/2008/11/22/sixty-days-of-torture-while-rome-burns/
President-Elect Barack Obama said he intends to go through the budget “line by line” and look at every expenditure and program. I would hope that our 44th President takes on this task with an eye toward fixing some fundamentals: equal access to quality education; employment that pays a living wage; and affordable housing. Addressing these fundamental issues is critical to making opportunity in America truly equal for all. Most people would not choose poverty; but absent quality education, marketable skills and employment, what’s the alternative?
But, before we go there, indulge me for a minute as I take a step back to give a bit more context on psychological healing….
What is it like to be born with the scarlet letter “N” branded onto your psyche? To be born with the historical constitutional stigma of being three-fifths of a person? What is it like to bear that legacy for over 200 years, in a country that preaches “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”, but largely practices “separate but not equal”?
And what is it like to finally rise up from beneath the weight of that legacy, to defy and discard it, and have one of you become President of the United States of America? What happens to the psyche of that 60% person, that citizen-of-sorts? What are the possibilities of affording yourself equal opportunities because, finally, you believe Yes, You Can?
Thus far, the campaign events were about the developments leading to the victory of the Democratic candidate in a historic manner.
It is time to conclude the interesting, dramatic, challenging and the most exciting Presidential race with the honorable acknowledgements.
As stated in the earlier blog posts, my contribution to the Obama candidacy privately acknowledged throughout the campaign by President-elect Barack Obama.
President-elect Barack Obama never failed to express gratitude and deep appreciation of the hard work since my involvement in the campaign.
I received the genuine acknowledgment promptly after every primary race and the general election.
Here are the excerpts of some communication held following important moments of the campaign: Prior to the acceptance of Democratic Nomination:
Invitation to join the election night:
From: Barack Obama
To: Padmini Arhant
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 8:22:21 AM
Subject: Will you join me on Election Night?
Join Barack on Election Night Padmini –
I want you to be there with me on Election Night when the results come in.
We’re planning a big event that will include tens of thousands of supporters in Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
We’re saving some of the best seats in the house for 5 people who have given to the campaign before — and who decide to make a donation one last time before Sunday at midnight.
You can bring a guest, and we’ll fly you in and put you up in a hotel for the night. You’ll go backstage at the big event and — no matter what happens — you’ll have a front row seat to history as we celebrate the supporters who got us over the finish line. Any donation counts — whatever you can afford. Show your support at this crucial time with a donation of $250 or more, and you could join me on Election Night:
https://donate.barackobama.com/frontrow
This movement for change has been a testament to the power of ordinary Americans coming together to achieve extraordinary things.
I look forward to having you there on Election Night.
Thank you,
Barack
————————————————–
My response to the invitation:
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 3:40:21 PM PST
Dear Senator Obama,
I am honored and delighted to attend the historic night on November 4, 2008.
I predicted this night in my letter to Amy Goodman of Democracynow.org in mid-January 2008.
Some might say audacious while others, probably presumptuous!
I have absolutely no qualms about your victory on November 4, night.
Hope, you remember that I posted the blog "The Winner" on February 2, 2008 and took lot of heat from the critics during the Primary election.
However, this time I do not wish to spoil the surprise for many feeling nervous about the outcome.
Let me be the first one to congratulate you on your victory as the 44th President of the United States.
My heartfelt Congratulations to you ahead of time!
Best Wishes,
Padmini Arhant
Private and Intended for Addressee only please: ———————————————————
I could not attend the election night for reasons explained in the blog post - Transparency - Broken Promise.
——————————————————-
On the Historic Night, November 4, 2008 - As the results poured in, I received the following email from our President-elect Barack Obama:
Sent: Tuesday, November 4, 2008 8:17:45 PM
Subject: How this happened
Padmini –
I’m about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.
We just made history. And I don’t want you to forget how we did it.
You made history every single day during this campaign — every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it’s time for change.
I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.
We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I’ll be in touch soon about what comes next.
But I want to be very clear about one thing…
All of this happened because of you.
—————————————-
Finally, I am profoundly thankful to President-elect Barack Obama for his kindness, understanding and greatness demonstrated throughout his communication with me.
It is just unfortunate that he could not express his true sentiments in public as stated in earlier blog posts.
It is truly an honor to be part of history.
Thank you.
From Canada, all I can say is Thank you America for restoring our faith in your great country. For me, the miracle of this election isn't just that you elected an African American to be President, but that you elected the best person for the job, regardless of his skin color. In doing so, you have elevated your country and once more become a beacon of light for the world.
The miracle of this election is that the voices of intelligence, idealism and reason have drowned out those whose battle cry for the past eight years has been 'division, fear, demagoguery and religious fundamentalism'. Obama Voters, you are the 'real Americans', the 'true patriots'.
As a Jew, I'm also heart wrenchingly proud of Jewish Americans, who did their homework, volunteered, researched the facts, set up ad hoc truth squads and spread the word via emails, the internet and mouth to mouth. Despite all of the lies and slander slung at him, an astounding 78% of you voted for Barack Hussein Obama. No world, we weren't scared of his middle name. His intelligence, insight and idealism made us all color and 'name' blind.
What we quickly became terrified of, however, were the voices of ignorance who preached their fundamentalist agenda of no choice for women, creationism, lack of respect for science, intolerance, right to bear arms, and who yelled 'drill baby drill' and 'terrorist' - they who tried to shoot down the values of the American dream that we and our ancestors left families behind and risked their life and limbs for in order to immigrate to North America's shores.
As a result of every enlightened American's vote, the world now gazes at the USA with pride, admiration and love once again.
GOD BLESS AMERICA and God Bless Barack Obama. May you find the strength, patience and wisdom to restore your great country again. And may you find the strength, patience and wisdom to bring light to those parts of the world that still live in the darkness of xenophobia, that idealize terror and worship fundamentalist ignorance.
May your efforts result in a world filled with more peace and enlightenment.
It's a tall order, but we pray that you can, at the very least, steer the world in that direction.
The reason for my involvement in a political campaign of this magnitude — the Presidential race 2008, was to convey the message that United States is a nation of immigrants and democracy is truly represented when individual rights of every citizen is honored and valued in true spirit.
While it is a great moment in history to realize the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Whose sacrifice is symbolized with the election of the first African American candidate as the 44th President of the United States in 2008,
It is unequivocally demoralizing to note the outcome of the Vote for Proposition 8 banning “Gay Marriage” and,
The failure of “Touch-Screen machines for disabled voters” in the California ballot and elsewhere –
(Ref. San Jose Mercury News, Thursday, November 6, 2008 Section 2B, by Karen de Sá ).
Like stated earlier, when individuals exercise authority with the voting power in the denial of civil and human rights as demonstrated in the two most tragic results, it is a sad day for democracy.
Nevertheless, my message to all my dear friends and fellow citizens in the gay community and the disabled voters is…
You never quit a half won battle, even if the opposition appears to be strong and forceful in rhetoric but fragile in essence.
It is noteworthy that, this mandate on Gay marriage was bargained in monetary terms by the religious institutions with highly questionable ethics and conduct especially against young children i.e. girls and boys alike.
Such mandate should be challenged again in the court of law for the constitutional and civil rights of all citizens to prevail in the land of justice, that is the United States of America.
Further, much to the dismay of the opposing religious order — this challenge is being remanded with the blessing of the same “Almighty God” inappropriately referenced in the debate as the shield for their orthodox and hypocritical philosophy.
Any democracy is active when disfranchisement of one by another is discarded for common good of all.
Otherwise, it is not a democracy, it is a hypocrisy.
P.S. For more enticing articles in Politics especially, the recent Presidential election 2008, and other topics please visit www.padminiarhant.com
1. Beth, Albany, Oregon, U.S.A. (me, of course)
2. Simone, Geneva Switzerland
3. Theresa. I live in Rockport, Maine, born in Geneva, Switzerland, now a US citizen who voted for OBAMA
4. Yvette, Delaware
5. Michelle, Smithfield, NC
6. Julie R., Logan, WV
7. Jackie, Phoenix Arizona
8. Heidi, New Haven, CT
9. Maria & Dante, St. Petersburg, Florida
10. Beth, Chicago, Illinois
11. Emma, Uppsala, Sweden
12. Maria, Porto, Portugal
13. Jacqueline, Lakeland, FL!
14. Sheri, Williston, ND
15. Linda, Brewster, WA
16. Karleen, Miami, FL
17. Trina, Etowah,Tn.
18. Marti, Portland, OR
19. John, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
20. Suzanne, Raleigh, NC
21. Kristin, Honolulu, HI
22. Vicki, Marshalltown, Iowa
23. Verdene C. California
24. Helen, Mt. Tamborine, Queensland, Australia
25. Betsy, Helena, MT; USA
26. Debi ("I keep peeking at the blog"), Rock Island, IL, USA
27. Stanley Krute, Camp Creek, Siskiyou County, CA
28. Nate, Long Beach, CA
29. Suzie Mckay, Las Vegas, Nevada
30. Jim, Meadville, PA.
31. Arlene, Buxton, Maine
32. Sherrie, Eugene Oregon, USA
33. Margareth, Queens, NY
34. Helaine, Beaufort, SC
35. Michaele, AZ
36. Reggie, Living in Germany via New York, N.Y.
37. Cece Bulkley
38. Haleiwa, HI
39. Sykie, Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA
40. Stan Z, Sayreville, New Jersey
41. Mary Bailey, Chicago, IL
42. Livvy. Sydney, Australia
43. Angelika from Berlin, Germany
44. Lemeki - Suva, Fiji Islands
45. Johnnie in Saratoga Springs, NY
46. Connie, Phoenix, AZ
47. Regina, Virginia Beach, VA USA
48. Larry, Fargo, North Dakota
49. Anne Melbourne, Australia
50. Manica, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
51. Marcello, Lantana FL
52. Judy, Coloma, Michigan
53. Robyn, Fort Lauderdale, FL
54. Sharon Gibson City, IL
55. Denelle, Marion, Iowa
56. Georgette, DeKalb, IL
57. Bert, Las Vegas, NV
58. Cheryl, Cambridge Ontario, Canada
59. Sampo, Helsinki, Finland
60. Jessica, in Ottumwa, Iowa
61. Cindy, Tucson, AZ
62. Lace, Neenah, Wisconsin
63. Ethel Harrisburg, PA
64. Robin, Sparta, NJ
65. Cilla, Jamaica,NY
66. Katrina, Fanwood, New Jersey
67. Doris, Germantown, MD
68. Sarah Moberly, MO
69. Glenn,Lakeland, FL
70. Toni, St. Louis, MO
71. Carol, Charles Town, Jefferson County (blue county), WV
72. Carrie, Winter Haven. FL
73. Glenn, Lakeland, FL
74. Toni, St. Louis, MO
75. Lawrence, Atlanta, GA
76. Carole, Lancaster, PA
77. Sandy, Baldwin, NY
78. Robert, Memphis, TN
79. Millie, Badenton, FL
80. Loretta, Stockton, CA
81. Becky, Jacksonville, FL
82. Coli, Columbus, OH
83. Emma, Gashen, NY
84. Marti, Syracuse, NY
85. Samantha, Southaven, Mississippi
86. Chris, Ted & Shelly, Sun City Center, FL
87. Steve, Aurora, CO
88. Joan, Latham, NY
89. Donna, Gorham, NH
90. Chuck, OK
91. Anita M., El Cerrito, CA
92. Ed, Sandy, UT
93. Felicia, Detroit, MI
94. Paula, Tollesboro, KY
95. Peggy, Eugene, OR
96. Matt M., Georgetown, KY
97. Art, Kay, Tempe, AZ
98. Sonia, Folsom, CA
99. Tori, Greenville, SC
100. Jay G, Indianapolis
101. Vicki, Lewisville, PA
102. Asmeret, London, UK
103. Chele, Hillsborough NJ
104. Holly, Eugene OR
105. Janet, Media, PA
106. Debbie East Sussex UK
107. Mary K., Front Royal, Virginia
108. Luevonia, Anderson, South Carolina
109. Doreen, Canada
110. Wanda C, Chesapeake, VA
111. Cherylene, Hartford, CT
112. Janet - Greenville, SC
113.
-
1000.
Signed,
All ObamaCANs
I am so glad I am alive to see this day.
I have traveled around the world.
I have visited and lived in other countries.
I had the Opportunity to meet many different People in other Countries.
I am Grateful to have experienced the Past Opportunities in LIFE.
It made me who I am today. Pragmatic.
We needed this Election more than some people know.
I see PEACE in the Future.
We are going in the right direction.
*One Snow Flake is weak.
**Thousands of Snow Flakes are strong.
(I'm thinking about all those HARD Snowballs Iv'e been HIT with...OUCH!)
An Avalanche is Powerful.
The USA has the Strength of a Blizzard;
...and the Passion as a Blanket of Snow. (Just Beautiful. Protects Plants, too!)
Today I am glad Barack Obama is OUR PRESIDENT-Elect.
"CONGRATULATIONS Barack Obama!"
The World will be a Better Place to live in.
The United States of America will certainly be a better place to VISIT.
PEACE to All,
Finally
Goodnight My Friends,
Mona Ali
My Beautiful America
Trace William Cowen
To those whose faith in America had wavered over the past eight years, even crumbled beneath blatant injustices and a total disregard for the sanctity for what it truly means to be American; to those who questioned the future of this nation as little more than a tragic, domino-ing series of embarrassing, cruel inevitabilities; to those who wondered why their government was simply stepping over them dirty in the streets as medical bills shoved bankruptcies down their throats and the once strong, often imitated American economy dissolved into a Main Street crisis treated as a Wall Street nuisance; to those who thought their voice too weak against the Bush wall of noise – last night was yours. Last night was ours. The closing argument in Democracy vs. Well-Dressed Greed. The first splash of paint on a new canvas.
Barack Obama’s victory, making him the first African-American president and 44th President overall, is a swift brushstroke of change, a gorgeous flush of relentless promise. But it doesn’t stop here. It won’t stop here. We’re all holding brushes, and it’s up to us to finish the painting. It’s up to us to craft a masterpiece from the fragments and debris left scattered from 8 years of flagrant, unshaken incompetence and – furthermore – decades of racial, political, and religious divide in this country. Our country. Last night, a dream was reclaimed by the sheer power of democracy. Torn from the clutches of fear-stricken political indifference.
Traffic came to a complete stop in Times Square, as people emerged from taxis to literally dance in the streets. Spontaneous, rousing National Anthems sprouted up in crowds from Berkley, California to Austin, Texas, even right outside the White House gates. You can change the world in a day, but the very next day can change it back again. We will not allow this.
Barack Obama has inspired us to not only reclaim this dream, but to nurture and respect it. To cherish and understand its value. With this inspiration and the strength it so surely brings, we can not only paint ourselves a better tomorrow, we can one day wake up to a better forever. The original Van Gogh of nations, and thus, not just a dream any longer, but something very real indeed. A new reality is born. A gorgeous, infinite, breathtaking reality.
And we shall call her...America.
The Obama's are getting a puppy!
Check this blog:
http://web.me.com/thefirsthound/Site/Blog/Blog.html
Wow what a great day yesterday was for America. Thank you Barack and Family. You made the USA so proud. I hope you and your family take a nice vacation asap. Now I know you want to get your children a dog. Please take a good look at boxers. There great with children. Again thank you for making the whole world have hope again.
Sincerely,
Wayne
YESSS!!!
Don't forget my 5 Obama songs for your Inauguration party night CD!!! Or for any other events you are planning.
Of course, you can choose which one(s) you'd like to download, but why not grab 'em all? They're FREE!
Yes We Did!
John, http://willobamawin.com/
Will Obama Win?"Pleased to serve the cause"
It's been a phenomenal ride and I'm proud to have shared the road with so many dedicated individuals of all faiths, creeds, color and economic status gathering together from all corners of America, united by their love of country and energized with a strong belief that together we could make a difference. I feel a strong bond to so many of my new friends. Those of us who have traveled this 'grassroots' road to victory have many stories to share. But none of us are so drunk with victory that we fail to see the challenges and sacrifices ahead. But 'Yes, we can' make America work for all Americans. I believe we have elected a strong leader and if we follow his direction, hold him true to his promises, and work with him through the many challenges that we face, our efforts will not have been in vane.
(DISCLAIMER: THIS IS STRICTLY FOR LAUGHS; IT IS BEING CIRCULATED AMONG A LISTSERV OF AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO WANT TO USE HUMOR AND SELF-DEPRECATION TO WARN THEIR FELLOW AFRICAN AMERICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS AGAINST OVER-CELEBRATING OBAMA'S VICTORY TO THE POINT OF FORGETTING THAT THE STRUGGLE GOES ON, AND THAT MORE WILL NOW BE EXPECTED FROM THE COMMUNITY - AS WE ALL HAVE TO LIVE UP TO THE STANDARDS SET BY OUR PRESIDENT-ELECT. THIS IS NOT, IN ANY WAY, MEANT TO BE OFFENSIVE TO ANY ETHNIC GROUP. THE AUTHOR OF THIS BLOG IS HIMSELF A PROUD AFRICAN-AMERICAN, AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE LISTSERV WHERE THIS ORIGINATED ARE PROUD, AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS.
