I've been in a financial hardship for the past several months due to a major job loss. In this time, I have consistently put in resumes, conducted follow-up calls, and made in-person visits hoping to land a stable position. Unfortunately, the economy is not cooperating with me; nor are prospective employers, who can't afford to take on more workers. So here I am...I'm hanging on by a thread but I still believe that our President, for whom I voted, is still going to turn this country around in a positive way.
That's why it's so critical that even if you're not in the best financial shape, healthy constitution, or otherwise, we must ALL do our part by participating in EVENTS that make a statement and create a buzz to generate REAL support for the issues in which we believe. My primary goal is to get a universal health care program installed in our governmental system -- if all else fails, I'll opt for the public option -- meanwhile, some politicians and media talking heads are trying to say that it can't be done.
They're trying to say that we "can't" have it.
They're trying to say that they don't care about us.
They're trying to say that we don't matter.
Well, we DO MATTER. And God willing, if we put our hearts, minds, and spirits together, we CAN get this thing off the ground. Sittting at home yelling at the news channel is not going to accomplish anything. Sitting at our desks, keying rants and raves about how we feel is not going to get it done.
The ONLY WAY we CAN GET REAL HEALTH CARE REFORM is if we PUT OUR THOUGHTS and WORDS to ACTION. Participate in events, organize events, help orchestrate a candlelight vigil, a rally, a sit-in, a march...DO WHATEVER IT TAKES to MAKE THEM LISTEN.
We will not go gently into the night. We will not fade into the sunset...TODAY IS OUR TIME. WE ARE THE ONES WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!! LET'S GET GOING!!!
Peace!!!
Outside of a Sociology course at the University of Minnesota I have never had any interest in ever posting anything on the web. I am venturing into this with skepticism and limited ideas. I don't see how this could possibly help but I am looking to be inspired. IF anybody who exudes positivity accidentally reads this, feel free respond by simply stating what inspires you or has inspired you in the past. As of August 6, my son will turn 1 year old and outside of following the election, all news and politics, even the lighter side of news has seems eons away as I have been preoccupied for the majority of the last 2 years preparing for and attempting to raise a son. I am totally occupied my families existence and I fear that if I don't reach out that I will in some way be limiting my knowledge of life that I will be able to pass on to my son and share with my wife. So take a moment to share your inspirations. On second thought the one thing that I am extremely interested in finding out more is Wind energy.
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.
we are history
yesterday i beared witness
to something i'd never thought i'd see
here, in this place
and we made it happen
the song...
there is
n o t h i n g
we can't do.
believe, trust, pray,
keep going
and you can change
yOUR world.
I must confess right from the beginning that I did not vote for Barack Obama.
However, despite the fact that I did not vote for him, I would like to convey my feelings concerning Obama.
1) He is my president now and I fully support him and I am at his behest. President Obama is a tabula rasa waiting to be written on.
2) I am happy to see G.W. leave. I am an independant conservative, but, Bush looks tired, worn down and ashamed of his presidency.
3) It will be great to have a president in office who can speak. Thank God, finally, a president who can move an audience and pronounce words.
4) President Obama, you have truly inspired me. The odds were against you, but you never quit. Your story is amazing, and I will tell my children one of how you overcame the odds and the naysayers.
Thank you President Obama for inspiring me, and giving this nation collective hope once again.
Grace and Peace,
C.M. Smith
E-MAIL: sorensonbuilders@mac.com and kathy1000kai@yahoo.com
SOUTH FLORIDA’S “A.D.D. POET” HEADS TO INAUGURATION WITH AN OBAMA TRIBUTE
Former Home Builder Turned Poet Will Be At The Inauguration With A Truck-load of His Poetry Honoring Barack Obama
Ron Sorenson has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.)—he says his condition is at the core of his talent
Miami- The week of January 20th millions will arrive in Washington DC to witness Barack Obama become the 44th President of the United States. In the crowd will be South Florida poet, Ron Sorenson. The former homebuilder has been diagnosed with A.D.D (Attention Deficit Disorder). Recently he began a diet and exercise program to manage his ADD. The side effect of this non-prescription treatment of ADD has been a creative explosion. Ron now creates poetry that has received recognition and applause from academic institutions such as Rutgers University, Stanford University, Jonn Fee Okford University, San Francisco Art Institute Suzanne Olemsted Addmissions,The Bereavement Society and his celebrity fans include Jonny Depp, Red Hot Chlie Peppers Jewel, Elle, Coda Ray, Evanescence, Soul Bomb, Siva Noir, Oliver Stone, Denzel Washington, Ian Lewis Inner Circle Band, John Sally NBA, Charles Johnson Baseball Great, Eddie Johnes Basketball Great, Larry Hendricks Hendricks Racing, Jeb Corbis Daredevil, Evil Knevil, Anjelo Dunde, Muhamad Ali, Mark Clayton, John Tesh Yoko, House of Zaccardi Artist, many more and names of some that would not or frienship open and not private anymore.
This past year Ron has become caught up in the Obama campaign and to honor his presidency, Ron created a poem titled Persistence True Dream. Ron teamed with Coral Springs artist, Tony Hall—in an almost impossible way they met and the two have created a framed limited edition and a poster to mark the historic event.
Ronald Sorenson was born a twin on September 26, 1957 on an Army base in Columbia, South Carolina. His twin brother Donald passed away at three months old. Ron found out when he came across a photo of two babies in a crib. His beloved grandmother told him when he was ten. Ron always believed his brother was his guardian angel, and has had a difficult job watching over him. With his high energy level, risk taking, and other traits he possessed, Ron felt different from everyone else. He describes the inside of his brain as Jimmy Hendrix playing the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock in his head 24/7. On June 4, 2005, Ron met Kathy Kafka—both are divorced with children. On there first date during the evening conversation, Kathy described Ron as gifted and having A.D.D. Ron had no idea what Attention Deficit Disorder was. The journey began, he had to find out what it was, during the week he was tested and diagnosed with A.D.D. Finally he had a description of why he felt different. Kathy saw a person in Ron that he never noticed. He was intelligent, creative, enthusiastic, and sensitive. Now aware of his gift of A.D.D., and the love and understanding from Kathy, his life is only getting better. Ron has been a building contractor, building beautiful homes for over 25 years. Because of his boredom and the poor economy, Ron has grown significantly tired of the construction business. Now aware of his gift, and Kathy’s love and understanding, life is only getting better. With Kathy’s knowledge of health and natural herbs, she has transformed Ron’s poor health habits. Ron is now eating healthier, consuming herbal blends and teas, resulting in positive energy. This has brought out his inventiveness, and creativity, and he is now writing beautiful philosophical poems, which he never thought he could do. Ron began writing poetry for Kathy. She noticed his talent and with the positive reinforcement he began spreading his poetry to others. Ron is now referred to as the “A.D.D. Poet.” Poetry is a way to go deep inside and express him self. Life is only getting better for Ron who has been living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida most of his life. He is unleashing the artist that resides in his heart and brain for all to enjoy.
Tony Hall was born on December 26, 1950 in Kingston Jamaica. His family moved to Mt. Vernon, NY in 1966. Attending Parsons School of Design, he majored in Graphic Design. After being drafted in the Army in 1971 and his interest in art, Tony started to paint in the evenings as a hobby. He would paint for his friends. After the release from the Army in 1978, a person noticing his talent, offered to sell his works. He gave this man several of his painting, which he never saw again. Discouraged by what happened, Tony stopped painting for three years. Then in 1981, a man commissioned a painting, but after the work was completed, the man was killed. Discouraged again, Tony stopped painting for several years. He began another hobby, base guitar, starting his own group called Mystique. Then in 2000, a co-worker requested a pencil drawing of his two children that both passed away after their birth one year apart. He asked Tony to draw the one child without the deformities he was born with. The look on his co-workers face when he gave him the drawing of his two children, put both of them in tears. Inspired to do art again, Tony created many pieces in just the last year and a half, but has not been able to sell any of his work. Tony and his wife are in jeopardy of losing there home because of the poor economy. Tony works for a printer who reduced his hours and his wife is in real estate sales. Tony and his family live in Coral Spring, Florida. Ron says along with Tony nothing can go wrong and every wrong turn ends up being the right way, He believes if you can dream it you can do it and he is living proof. Anything is possible no matter the economy your situation its what you belive and choose for your journey.
There have been many "Yes We Can" songs and videos out there and most have not risen to the quality of will.i.am
But this NEW VIDEO, see link below to "Yes We Can (Change our Destiny)", has that same potential to inspire millions to act, to be involved, to re-engage.
Read on and help this video get to the inaugural to be played via videotape or live. I want no fame or fortune. I just want to make a difference and I know this song and video can. You'll see when you watch it.
The “Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) Project” was created to help ensure that the collective energy of 10’s of millions of people who were inspired by President Elect Barack Obama will be re-kindled on inauguration day to even greater heights (because our world needs us now more then ever).
Watch the Video and help Change Our Destiny. Be inspired.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwspAagg8uw&feature=channel_page
Inspire millions more by passing this video on. Make it go viral. Help it be played at the inaugural.
This video is the output of a singularly special experience created on a single day in Chicago by a group of people who are as talented as they are inspired.
Inspiration is the most powerful force in the world. You can help re-ignite it. We’ve seen that simple actions multiplied by millions can create real change. Your one simple action of sending this video to everyone you know, and they in turn sending it to everyone they know, will once again, inspire millions.
As President Elect Obama said on November 4th at Grant Park, we have an opportunity to put our hands “on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope for a better day.”
Join the movement. Send the video to everyone you know and ask them to do the same.
Yes We Can.
Change our Destiny.
---
The Yes We Can Change Our Destiny song and video was written, produced, directed and performed by Steven Miles Sulkin and with nearly 40 of Chicago’s and the nation’s top musicians, filmmakers and engineers. It was recorded (interestingly, though accidentally) on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th, 2008 at The Chicago Recording Company and written on November 2nd, 2008. It is our hope (but a hope that can only be possible with your help) that this song will be played live or via video at the inaugural, so as to re-inspire 10’s of millions that “Yes We Can” wasn’t about winning an election, it was about winning back our world and shaping a new destiny.
(note: The President Elect Barack Obama footage from Grant Park is legally and fully licensed from a stock footage source).
Peace,
Steven Miles Sulkin
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
How is our human compassion attending to hunger in the world?
Weeks ago, while walking on my usual old path, I looked up at the waxing Gibbous moon, stunned by its quiet lingering in an indigo sky, mixing in clouds with salmon colors after sunset. I have imagined this old path I use to walk my dog to be an old Roman path in ages past. Many have walked upon this small path of mine. It is a path born from the human ages, like the moon is born from ages past. It has a history. The hunger of poverty also has a history and she gazes at me, like the gibbous moon, waxing in need. Cars passed by, but all that related to me was the path, my old dog beside me, my thoughts and the moon.
Our earth is abundant and yet people are dying of starvation. Such extreme poverty is all too often due to selfish actions or inaction of mankind, greed and jealousy, which, if unchecked, become negative forces. Poverty can be based upon a condition of deprivation as well as fear. Extreme poverty is also when the necessities to sustain life are not available or provided. Humans require food and water, shelter from harsh elements and clothing for protection. These are only basic and common needs. Furthermore, poverty mirrors a lack of generosity in mankind, based on prejudice or an absence of understanding that we are all connected on earth. In the same way, the “survival of the fittest” attitude in self-centered part of the human ego- is partly responsible for the lack of caring for others’ suffering on earth.
Poverty on earth can be transformed into well being, if those in need are also empowered to create for themselves. This requires human giving, as well as perspective. It requires the gathering of nations to create hope and well being for all -not just a limited group of individuals or a single nation. It is not just when a person is alone- or in a collective- in a state of poverty, but it is also the reflection of how individuals and nations lead impoverished lives, lacking vision to reach out with constructive care to help end poverty to enable change and growth worldwide. To empower others, one must be empowered- with a perspective to empower, realizing that we are all connected on earth.
There are many practical methods and ways to help implement change, e.g. through micro loans and direct assistance at a level that is too small for commercial banks or major donor organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank. Small loans and grants of often only a few hundred dollars or euros can be used by individuals to invest in sewing machines, drills, saws and other basic machines and agricultural tools to start their own small self-sustaining enterprises. Similarly, inexpensive computers, musical instruments, and school utensils are needed in local communities. Such basic tools could be provided to those who can use them for a livelihood. More schools can be built, teaching mothers and fathers, teaching children, teaching the arts, core therapies, sports, eco-friendly technology, and recycling (to name a few ideas). Wind power, water power and solar power can be used more widely. In many countries, more hospitals, beds, ambulances and basic tools and medicines are also needed. Wells need to be drilled, toilets, basic plumbing and buildings. More than anything, vision and hope are needed in a world where falling stock markets will most ultimately hurt those who already suffer in extreme poverty.
We look up when the full moon fills the night sky. Today the gibbous wanes geocentric. Mankind’s nightmare is a lack of vision and a fear that there is not enough on earth to share. Yet, the opposite is true. There is enough bounty on earth to feed the world. People have grown in individuality and lead deeply solitary lives often disconnected even from their own family. This breeds a further lack of faith in the fact that mankind is a human family at large.
Rebekah Alsterberg
I'd like to see a TV or radio program scheduled regularly during prime time
Entertaining enough to attract segments of population who ordinarily wouldn't keep up with political news and factual and informative enough for the segment of population who defininitely do. A show for all people.......
One that outlines each of Obama's Teams, their purposes, plans, processes, progress, and successes. One that inspired and lets the American public know what they need to do to be involved and do their part. One that creates enthusiasm for Americans and other nations as well.
and One that creates unity of humanity, peace, and hope.
What an amazing journey this has been, and it has really just started. People never interested in politics, including myself, inspired and engaged to believe in change, to believe in our country. I found myself going door to door in Indiana with my son, as well as twittering, facebooking, texting for Obama. I was having passionate discussions with my family and friends, when in the past we were almost apathetic to the works of our government. How could we make a difference we thought? And now, we felt like we really could effect change. I am proud and believe that this is MY United States of America and still desire to do more for my leader and my country.
Being from the United Kingdom I am not able to vote obviously, but I do hope that through this site, concerned citizens like myself from around the world can have a voice in the country that affects us all! I for one have been greatly concerned about world developments. I wonder what sort of a world, my 6 year old daughter of dual inheritance will grow up in.I have dire concerns about Afghanistan, Iraq and now a news item today that Russia is escalating towards a second Cold War!
Let alone the looming recession, the ecological world wide disaster that is happening around us.
I have been dismayed at the lack of regard Mr Bush seems to have for the rest of us. I have been angered by the International damage that self interest from the incumbent administration has wrought.I am inspired and moved to write, firstly by the skill, style, confidence and sincerity that Mr Obama delivers. Secondly, I am moved by the passion he appears to portray for all human beings! I am moved because at last I feel the USA has a worthy leader and I feel compelled to say that if there is anything I can do to assist and support in my small way from the UK I would gladly do so. You Mr Obama, are a great Orator. You have commanded our attention and you do have us listening! Make use of this! Show us the way! Tell us what you need! Most of all make good on your word as I believe you will! Today is the most historic of days!I suppose I was too young to truly appreciate Mr Kennedy & Mr King, although I do remember the distress of thier passing. They are true legends that I feel are reflected today, in Mr Obama. I feel privileged to have experienced this day. I have hope for my family - and our Country across the water. Thank you for today and all the hard and exhausting work you and your family have done over the last 18 months. Thank you for your inspiration and God Bless you and yours!
Faces of the Youth
November 4, 2008.
I haven't done as much on/through my.barackobama.com as I could have, haven't given as much as I should have... my activity has not been a good indicator of my support for Barack Obama. My activity is low, my faith and belief is high.
I have been talking to everyone I know, some I don't know. I felt it wasn't enough. So, I decided to phone for Obama...
...Talk for Barack! At first I was nervous about talking to total strangers, that quickly changed. Many people were not home, only a couple were not receptive... even the one McCain guy was nice, joked, but left no opening to change.
This blog is for the wonderful people that were so nice, happy, to hear from a person calling for Obama. Almost every person I spoke with wanted to talk, not just answer my questions. A few were also talking for Barack, they were thrilled to get a call from another Obama caller. They wanted to discuss what they had been through, thoughts on the election, how things were going.
The stand outs...
A young woman born in India, a new citizen, happy to be voting for her first time, proud to tell me that she was taking someone with her to vote...her husband, also a new citizen, first time voter.
Merri had been on the phone for Obama for two hours today. She was excited that someone called her for Obama/Biden. We had a great conversation.
Margaret... When I called, asked for Margaret, her daughter asked who I was, I said was calling for Obama, she"mom will love to talk to you." Talk we did, for quite a while... when I said I needed to get to my next call, she asked that I call her back... after we win. I don't know if it is normal for mybarackobama.com phone workers... but, I wrote her phone number down, to call her back.
The most inspiring... Annette, an 80 year old woman, so excited about this election, so happy that I "took the time to call her for the Barack Obama campaign." She proudly told me she was voting for Obama. I said great, that I hoped the line wasn't very long, weather was good... she said "it does not matter how long the line is, how long the wait is, no matter what the weather is... I have waited all my life for this, I am voting for Barack Obama." She told me a little about her life, her pride as a black woman, being able to take part in this election.
When I finished my 40 calls to Virginia voters, 25 to Colorado voters... I found myself thinking "I wish I had done more." The calls were interesting, fun, educational, and very inspiring.
I am looking forward to tomorrow and the future. I am also wishing I had done more in the past. I missed a lot of interesting, wonderful people... I wish I had more time to make more calls.
Sheila ;)
