Organizing for America | Posts with the tag latino

Posts with the tag latino

Page 1 of 4 | Next | Last

By Sarah Gallagher - Sep 29th, 2008 at 5:08 pm EDT

Also listed in: 64 groups

Elizabeth Kim is a volunteer in Nevada.

This weekend Californians drove across state lines to canvass for Barack Obama alongside their Nevadan neighbors. The day started off with training sessions across the state. One group of Golden Staters got a quick tutorial on Nevada issues from NW Las Vegas Regional Field Director Evan Sutton.

Why is Nevada so important? Al Gore lost Nevada by 2% in 2000. If Nevada had turned, Gore would have won the election. The good news is that in previous cycles Democrats had a net negative of 8,000 registered voters in Nevada compared to Republicans. We now have a positive advantage of 75,000 registered Democrats over Republicans thanks to the hard work of our volunteers.

Click here to continue reading…

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (1) | Report Objectionable Content

Obama Nos Llama! Join the California Latino Vote Program

By Sarah Gallagher - Sep 21st, 2008 at 8:50 am EDT

Also listed in: 12 groups

The Obama for America, California team is proud to continue to create opportunities for our Latino community to get involved in this election.
On Sept 26th the Obama Nos Llama! - Caravana a Nevada will gather a large group of California Latinos working specifically to register Latinos in Nevada to vote. Latinos make up 24% of Nevada's population but only 12% of the electorate. This needs to increase significantly & immediately. Let's be clear: Latinos can win this election.

Sign up to join us for the Obama Nos Llama - Caravana a Nevada.

We are happy to announce our 100 Latino Leaders Initiative: Los/Las Cien. In addition to our general sign up, the CA Latino Vote Program invites you to be one of our statewide 100 Latino Leaders for the Obama Nos Llama! Caravana. Each member will confirm 9 people who are willing to go participate on the Sept. 26th-28th caravan, our last chance to register Nevadans to vote. The 100 people who confirm 9 volunteers each will together make "Mil Voces," a monumental and proud accomplishment for all of us California Latinos for Obama. Read More »

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Si Se Puede! - A Spanish Version of YES WE CAN!

By Lynn - Sep 18th, 2008 at 11:29 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

GObama
You've all seen the YES WE CAN video...
This one is for our Latino brothers and sisters... Si Se Puede!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ky8Hvq-F0U
Share it -- make it go viral~~~

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Obama: Rebuilding and Protecting the Economy During My Presidency : Prepared Remarks, Espanola, New Mexico September 18

By Stephen Fox, Contributing Editor New Mexico Sun News - Sep 18th, 2008 at 11:20 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Obama's Remarks in Espanola, New Mexico on Solutions for Financial Market Turmoil
By Stephen Fox, Contributing Editor New Mexico Sun News - Sep 18th, 2008 at 10:14 pm EDT

Comments | Mail to a Friend | Report Objectionable Content
Espanola, New Mexico
As Prepared for Delivery

I just want to begin by saying a few words about the turmoil in our financial markets. We are in the midst of the most serious financial crisis in generations. Three of America's five largest investment banks have failed or been sold off in distress. Our housing market is in shambles, Monday brought the worst losses on Wall Street since the day after September 11th, and the Fed has had to take unprecedented action to prevent the failure of one of the largest insurance companies in the world from causing an even larger crisis. Just this morning, we learned that the Fed had to act with central banks around the world to maintain the functioning of our financial system.

Everywhere you look, the economic news is troubling. But for so many Americans, it isn't really news at all.

600,000 workers have lost their jobs since January. Home values are falling. Your paycheck doesn't go as far as it used to. It's never been harder to save or retire; to buy gas or groceries; and if you put it on a credit card, they've probably raised your rates. In so many cities and towns across America, it feels as if the dream that so many generations have fought for is slowly slipping away.

So I know these are difficult days. And I know there are a lot of families that are feeling anxiety right now about their jobs, about their homes, about their retirement savings. But here's what I also know. This isn't a time for fear or panic this is a time for resolve and for leadership. I know we can steer ourselves out of this crisis. That's who we are. That's what we've always done as Americans. Our nation has faced difficult times before. And at each of those moments, we've risen to meet the challenge because we've never forgotten that fundamental truth that here in America, our destiny is not written for us, but by us.

But another thing I know is this we can't steer ourselves out of this crisis by heading in the same, disastrous direction. We can't change direction with a new driver who wants to follow the same old map. And that's what this election is all about.

My opponent's first reaction to this crisis on Monday was to stand up and repeat the line he's said over and over again throughout this campaig "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." The comment was out so out of touch that even George Bush's White House couldn't agree with it.

But the truth is, John McCain's attitude was nothing new. It reflects the same economic philosophy that he has had for twenty-six years in Washington. The same philosophy he shares with George Bush.. It's the philosophy that says we should give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down. It's the philosophy that says even common-sense regulations are unnecessary and unwise. It's a philosophy that lets Washington lobbyists shred consumer protections and distort our economy so it works for the special interests instead of working people.

That's the philosophy John McCain believes in, and has always believed in. He's spent decades in Washington supporting financial institutions instead of their customers. Phil Gramm, one of the architects of the de-regulation in Washington that led directly to this mess on Wall Street, is also the architect of John McCain's economic plan the man John McCain wants to put in charge of the Treasury Department if he's President. You remember Phil Gramm he's the guy who said that we're going through a 'mental recession'; and the same man who called the United States of America a "nation of whiners."

That's who John McCain listens to. He has consistently opposed the sorts of common sense regulations that might have lessened the current crisis. When I was warning about the danger ahead on Wall Street months ago because of the lack of oversight, Senator McCain was telling the Wall Street Journal and I quote, I'm always for less regulation."

Except now, with the magnitude of the crisis apparent even to the Bush White House, John McCain wants to reverse course. Now, all of a sudden, he's unleashed an angry tirade against all the insiders and lobbyists who've supported him for twenty-six years the same folks who run his campaign.

On Monday, he said the economy was fundamentally sound, and he was fundamentally wrong.

On Tuesday, he said the government should stand by and allow one of the nation's largest insurers to collapse, putting the well-being of millions of Americans at risk. But by Wednesday, he changed his mind.

He said he would take on the ol' boy network, but he seemed to forget that he took seven of the biggest lobbyists in Washington from that network and put them in charge of your campaign.

John McCain can't decide whether he's Barry Goldwater or Dennis Kucinich. Well, I have a message for Senator McCain:

You can't just run away from your long-held views or your life-long record. You can't erase twenty-six years of support for the very policies and people who helped bring on this disaster with one week of rants.

What we need is honest talk and real solutions. Senator McCain's first answer to this economic crisis was get ready for it a commission. That's Washington-speak for "we'll get back to you later." Folks, we don't need a commission to spend a few years and a lot of taxpayer money to tell us what's going on in our economy. We don't need a commission to tell us gas prices are high or that you can't pay your bills. We don't need a commission to tell us you're losing your jobs. We don't need a commission to study this crisis, we need a President who will solve it and that's the kind of President I intend to be.

Now that this disaster has hit, John McCain is calling for the firing of the Security and Exchange Commissioner. Well here's what I say: In 47 days, you can fire the whole Trickle-Down, On-Your-Own, Look-the-Other-Way crowd in Washington who have led us down this disastrous path.

Let's be clear: what we've seen the last few days is nothing less than the final verdict on an economic philosophy that has completely failed. And I am running for President of the United States because the dreams of the American people must not be endangered any more. It's time to put an end to a broken system in Washington that is breaking the American economy. It's time for change that makes a real difference in your lives.

It was two years ago that I introduced legislation to stop mortgage transactions that promoted fraud, risk or abuse. It was one year ago that I called on our Treasury Secretary and our FED Chairman to bring every stakeholder together and find a solution to the subprime mortgage meltdown before it got worse. In March, when John McCain was saying "I'm always for less regulation," I called for a new, 21st century regulatory framework to restore accountability, transparency, and trust in our financial markets.

The events of the past few days have made clear that we need to do more right now. We do not have time for commissions and we can't afford to lurch back and forth between positions when dealing with an economic crisis, like my opponent has. That is why I am calling on the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to use their emergency authorities to maintain the flow of credit, to support the availability of mortgages, and to ensure that our financial system is well-capitalized. Tomorrow I will be convening a meeting with my top economic advisors to discuss a plan based on the ideas I've been talking about with former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker and other advisors of mine. Then I'll call for the passage of a Homeowner and Financial Support Act that would establish a more stable and permanent solution than the daily improvisations that have characterized policy-making over the last year. Specifically, it would accomplish three primary goals.

First, it will provide capital to the financial system. Second, it will provide liquidity to enable our financial markets to function. And third, it will do what I've been calling for since I supported legislation on it early last spring, which is to get serious about helping struggling families to re-structure their mortgages on more affordable terms so they can stay in their homes. We've made a good start but we need to do much, much more. We cannot forget that there are many homeowners who are in crisis through no fault of their own, and a solution that does not have them at its core is no solution at all.

To jumpstart job creation, I've also proposed a $50 billion Emergency Economic Plan that would save 1 million jobs by rebuilding our infrastructure, repairing our schools, and helping our states and localities avoid damaging budget cuts.

To help people stay in their homes, I will change our bankruptcy laws, and I'll offer a tax credit to struggling families that will take 10% off your mortgage interest rate. I'll institute a Home Score system that will help every consumer figure out whether they'll be able to make their mortgage payments before they buy their house. And I will crack down on predatory lenders, lenders who all too often target Hispanic communities, with tough new penalties that will treat mortgage fraud like the crime that it is.

But the most important thing I will do as President is restore opportunity for all Americans. To get our economy growing, we need to recapture that fundamental American promise. That if you work hard, you can pay the bills. That if you get sick, you won't go bankrupt. That your kids can get a good education, and that we can leave a legacy of greater opportunity to future generations.

That's the change the American people need.

Change means a tax code that doesn't reward the lobbyists who wrote it, but the American workers and small businesses who deserve it. I will stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America. I will eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses and start-ups that's how we'll grow our economy and create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.

I will cut taxes cut taxes for 95% of all working families. My opponent doesn't want you to know this, but under my plan, tax rates will actually be less than they were under Ronald Reagan. If you make less than $250,000 a year, you will not see your taxes increase one single dime. In fact, I offer three times the tax relief for middle-class families as Senator McCain does because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class.

I will finally keep the promise of affordable, accessible health care for every single American. I know this is a critical issue in the Hispanic community, where one in three people don't have health insurance. Under my plan, if you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don't, you'll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves. And I will stop insurance companies from discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most

I will create the jobs of the future by transforming our energy economy. We'll tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I'll invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and five million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced

And now is the time to finally meet our moral obligation to provide every child a world-class education, because it will take nothing less to compete in the global economy. I refuse to accept that overcrowded, underfunded schools are the best we can do for our kids. I refuse to accept four in ten Hispanic students dropping out of high school. I know we can do better than that. So I'll recruit an army of new teachers, and pay them higher salaries and give them more support. But in exchange, I will ask for higher standards and more accountability. And we will keep our promise to every young American if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford a college education.

This is the change we need the kind of bottom up growth and innovation that will advance the American economy by advancing the dreams of all Americans.

Times are hard. I will not pretend that the change will need will come without cost though I have presented ways we can achieve these changes in a fiscally responsible way. I know that we'll have to overcome our doubts and divisions and the determined opposition of powerful special interests before we can truly reform a broken economy and advance opportunity.

But I am running for President because we simply cannot afford four more years of an economic philosophy that works for Wall Street instead of Main Street, and ends up devastating both.

I don't want to wake up in four years to find that more Americans fell out of the middle-class, and more families lost their savings. I don't want to see that our country failed to invest in our ability to compete, our children's future was mortgaged on another mountain of debt, and our financial markets failed to find a firmer footing.

This time this election is our chance to stand up and say: enough is enough!

We can do this because Americans have done this before. Time and again, we've battled back from adversity by recognizing that common stake that we have in each other's success. That's why our economy hasn't just been the world's greatest wealth generator it's bound America together, it's created jobs, and it's made the dream of opportunity a reality for generation after generation of Americans.

Now it falls to us. And I need you to make it happen. If you want the next four years looking just like the last eight, then I am not your candidate. But if you want real change, if you want an economy that rewards work, and that works for Main Street and Wall Street; if you want tax relief for the middle class and millions of new jobs; if you want health care you can afford and education so that our kids can compete; then I ask you to knock on some doors, and make some calls, and talk to your neighbors.

The Hispanic community will play a critical role in this election. Some of the closest contests this November will be in states like Florida, Colorado, Nevada, and here in New Mexico: states with large Hispanic populations.

And if you have any doubt about whether you can make a difference, just remember how, back in 2004, 40,000 registered Hispanic voters in New Mexico didn't turn out on Election Day. Senator Kerry lost this state by fewer than 6,000 votes. 6,000 votes. And today, in 2008, an estimated 170,000 Hispanics in New Mexico aren't registered to vote.

So I'm not taking a single Hispanic vote for granted in this campaign. We're meeting with Hispanic leaders, and reaching out to Hispanic organizations, and holding Hispanic voter registration drives across America.

And if you help me organize and get people to the polls to cast their votes on November 4th, then I promise you we will win New Mexico, we will win this election, and we will change America together.

Barack Obama, a Democratic Senator from Illinois, is the Democratic presidential nominee. Page Printed from: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/09/obamas_remarks_in_espanola_new.html

see also: McCain Team Includes 83 Wall Street Lobbyists: Even More Corporate Control of Government than Bush/Cheney?

http://www.opednews.com/articles/McCain-Team-Includes-83-Wa-by-Stephen-Fox-080917-377.html

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (5) | Report Objectionable Content

Eagle County Latino Vote

By Debbie Marquez, DNC, Colorado - Sep 17th, 2008 at 12:03 pm EDT

Also listed in: 4 groups

Wednesday, September 17th, 6:45-8:00 pm Latino/Hispanic/Chicano/Mexican-American Voters House Meeting. Reflexion, Eleccion Para La Comunidad Latina
Come to our house for bi-lingual conversation about the Fall election- learn about Senator Obama's policies and how he will change our country. At the home of Debbie Marquez, member of the Colorado Latino Advisory Council and DNC Committeewoman. Old Edwards Neighborhood, 128 Old County Lane, Edwards, CO 81632. RSVP at this link online: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs7gwk .

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Howard Dean: Latino Issues -Translation into Spanish

By Matiax - Sep 17th, 2008 at 1:58 am EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

Audio in English @

http://lineasemanal.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/howard_dean091208email.mp3

------

Gobernador: La popularidad del senador Obama está incrementando entre los latinos. ¿Qué razones nos puede dar que expliquen este fenómeno?

El senador Obama es de la opinión de que todos los ciudadanos americanos deberían tener seguro médico. El senador McCain se opone a esto.

El senador Obama tiene un programa para mejorar las escuelas públicas. El senador McCain no considera que el Gobierno Federal debería participar en esto y así es que en asuntos de familia y educación, el senador Obama tiene más firmes convicciones que el senador McCain.

Además, el senador McCain le dio la espalda a los latinos al ni siquiera votar por su propia propuesta migratoria. El senador Obama comprende que en América todos deben ser incluidos, y no solamente en tiempo de elecciones. Y que no se puede usar a una parte de la población como chivos expiatorios.

¿Qué tipo de impacto tendría una administración Obama en la relaciones exteriores de los EEUU, específicamente en los países hispanohablantes?

Ya hemos visto que la personalidad del senador Obama es popular en otros países. Principalmente porque él cree que todos deberíamos trabajar juntos en vez de dictarles a los otros lo que hay que hacer. Esto es algo muy sensible para la gente en Latinoamérica.

Yo me he reunido con lideres latinoamericanos, como el presidente de México, y les he hecho saber que con el gobierno del senador Obama, las relaciones con Latinoamérica serían muy diferentes a las que se tendrían o se tuvieron con George Bush o John McCain.

La Fe es una parte importante de la cultura latina. Los republicanos se presentan como el partido de las gentes de Fe. ¿Qué filosofía se acerca más a la Fe, la Republicana o la Demócrata?

Los demócratas. Creo que el senador Obama ha expresado claramente que es una persona de Fe. Pero como dice la Biblia, La Fe sin hechos no significa nada. Los republicanos hablan de la Fe, los demócratas la ponen en práctica. Y lo más importante acerca de la Fe es cómo la ponemos de manifiesto en nuestras vidas personales.

El senador Obama es una persona honesta y honrada. La campaña de McCain está dirigida por "Lobbyists" (Agentes de los grupos de presión). Y se puede hablar mucho acerca de la Fe, pero si no se practica a diario entonces tenemos un problema.

La Igualdad Salarial es otro asunto. El senador Obama tiene la convicción de que las mujeres deberían ser remuneradas igual que los hombres. John McCain votó en contra de esto. McCain cree que las mujeres no deberían ganar tanto como los hombres y que el gobierno no tiene parte en esto. El senador Obama ha puesto su Fe en práctica. Y McCain habla de su Fe pero no incluye la igualdad de derechos para las mujeres.

Sobresale entre los grupos de presión el de "English Only" . Este es un tema muy importante para muchos latinos. ¿Cuál es la postura del Partido Demócrata sobre este asunto?

Nosotros creemos que es bueno aprender diversos idiomas, pensamos que los latinos que vienen a los EEUU aprenden inglés sin que se les diga que lo tienen que hacer; todos los inmigrantes lo aprenden. Pensamos que sería muy beneficioso para los americanos hablar otros idiomas también.

Nosotros sabemos qué es verdaderamente este asunto del "English Only". Sabemos en realidad que está dirigido contra los inmigrantes latinos. Nunca tuvimos una ley como esta para los inmigrantes irlandeses, italianos o judíos y no creo que la necesitemos para los latinos.

Se ha reportado que el senador Obama puede que esté listo para dejar que las "Organizaciones 527" como Moveon.org aumenten su agresividad contra la campaña de McCain. ¿Cree que es esta una buena idea? Y si es así, ¿Se debería haber hecho antes?

No se nada de eso, no he escuchado esos reportes. Esto es lo que queremos hacer:

La campaña de McCain quiere hablar acerca de todo excepto de McCain. Quieren hablar de Sandra Palin, de lápices de labios, de todo, menos del propio McCain. Esto pasa por que McCain es un candidato del pasado. Nosotros vamos ha hablar sobre temas importantes. Como usted sabe el lema del movimiento del senador es "Si Se Puede" o "Yes We Can".

¿Y cómo se siente usted cuando ve que los republicanos están adoptando sus lemas y sus formas?

¿Pero quién les va a creer?

Gordon Smith y John McCain han estado en Washington casi el mismo tiempo, si se pone a sumar, del que yo llevo viviendo. Y la realidad es que nunca se van a obtener cambios con personas a las que que sólo les interesa hablar de cambios en las elecciones.

Sólo se obtienen verdaderos cambios con las personas que lo viven. Barak Obama fue un organizador comunitario, en la comunidad latina hay un gran número de organizadores; los demócratas se pasaron tres días burlándose de los organizadores comunitarios en Minnesota.

Sabemos bien del lado de quién está Barack Obama. Se sabe también de que lado está John McCain, y este no es el lado de los latinos.

Una última pregunta, y esta es una pregunta general: Si el senador Obama es elegido, ¿Cuáles son los cambios más importantes que podemos esperar de su presidencia, algo que la gente podrá ver?

Lo más importante es que habrá más trabajos disponibles, que todos los americanos tendrán cobertura médica y que pondremos fin a la guerra de Irak de forma honorable.

Traducción: Abelardo Magaña, Rodrigo Alvarez y Matías Trejo De Dios

Audio in English @

http://lineasemanal.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/howard_dean091208email.mp3

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Perspectives on Obama Health care and how it would benefit Us!

By Katherine Marcano - Sep 15th, 2008 at 1:50 pm EDT

Also listed in: Latinos for Obama | Obama Pride

The movement behind Barack Obama is undeniable a movement that will last thru history in a political campaign like no other. He has captured the heart and the vote of millions of people not only American citizens but also citizens across the globe. including me a Latino college student woman. I believe that what makes Obama so special is not his so called “celebrity status” as it has been alleged by the McCain campaign but one must agree that the man behind the cameras senator Obama has the charisma and the self determination to break barriers across stereotypes, race, cultural and socioeconomic typecast. I have participated in three roundtable/ forums; two with senator Obama and one with Michelle Obama Senator Biden and other governors, the last one in Denver at the DNC the same day I delivered a prime time speech I wrote in which I talked about a dysfunctional system on social welfare in which millions of Americans are stock and helpless waiting for some relief to better themselves and right the waves.

No one, not I like to be solely dependent on the system, if you are like me you wish to be self sufficient hold a steady good paying job, access to a descent non discriminatory and more affordable health care plan and perhaps obtain higher education to better your life. Currently we have a system that does not have the necessary funds to operate or to allocate to programs. The state legislators have to appropriate money to fund more waivers slots for programs such as the Ill and Handicapped waiver. We have a system that tells us we have to be patient while bills go thru legislations and thru congress but of course they never pass, and if they do there is never enough money but somehow the Feds always managed to come up with billions of dollars to fund an unwarranted war, to aid foreign countries such as Georgia and bring our nation to a post cold-war up-roar further draining our financial resources and breaking American families with more deployment of our troops.

In Obama I see hope, commitment and good judgment to do what’s right; this includes keeping us American safe from any threat to our national security, we have this right under our constitution. Obama understands the real need of people like me who struggle on a daily basis to achieve the American dream. I may never be rich because I really don’t think realistically speaking I will make five million dollars a year like McCain stated, but I know that spiritually I am already rich and so are most of us. The issues Many Americans care about, and is not surprising is the Economy this include the rate of inflation, gas prices, the housing/mortgage crisis. We care about education from Kindergarten to Higher education. Many of us are lucky if we graduate from high school let alone college. We are the richest, greatest country in this world yet we are constantly outperformed by other countries in both education and healthcare. Senator Obama understands this and much more, he has seen and experience poverty first hand, he watched his mother died and cried in frustration because of inadequate health care. They too ate with food stamps at some point. I want a president I can relate to, I want a president that can improve our image to the world be a thru diplomat without jeopardizing our well being while promoting and enforcing a social reform that will help us succeed and not so much relied on our government but use it when we need it not indefinitely.

If Americans make the right decision this time around under president Obama we will see the full implementation of the American with Disability ACT (ADA) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment. By restoring the Americans with Disabilities Act which the Supreme Court has strictly constrained scarcely defining what it means to have a disability. As a result, lower courts have held that people with epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease and cancer can be fired from their jobs. Obama sturdily supports Senator Tom Harkin’s ADA Restoration Act, which would Overturn the Supreme Court decisions that limit the ADA’s coverage on disabilities; Obama as president wants and will sign the restoration of the ADA into law.

Obama supports Early Learning Challenge Grants and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Originally Congress promised to shoulder off 40 percent of the excess cost of educating the disabled Obama wants to expand these programs by fully funding them to serve more children with disabilities. Currently the Federal Government is providing less than half of what was promised at currently 17%.

Obama wants to assure that Workers with Disabilities and Family Caregivers (such as me) get the flexibility at work they need by expanding The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lastly in the state of Iowa alone where the elderly and disabled population is higher than in many other states we need programs to better accommodate our aging and disabled population, and provide for a decent dignifying lifestyle by keeping them close to home and fully integrating them into society to close the gap, and risk for isolation. No one wants to died Isolated forgotten, let’s not do this to them. The handicap waiver in the state of Iowa are the worst, the waiting list is of about 16 month. The Ill and handicapped waiver as of 08/05/2008 have 1,845 disabled individuals on its waiting list awaiting for the so needed relief such program will provide to them and their family. So my question is where do state legislators get the money to fund this programs and once they do get the money how often to the federal government match it? I propose that the State Disability Board make waivers more friendly so that Social Worker and the clients understand how the system work and perhaps make it more practical to cut thru years of bureaucracy. Barack Obama understands this. I have never heard or read anything from the McCain campaign to focus or even briefly mentions anything that would benefit this forgotten segment of society. I guess they are not as deserving since they can’t really financially benefit this capitalistic society where it seems that Darwinism prevails with it survival of the fittest theory.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Please join us

By Jill and Andrew - Sep 12th, 2008 at 8:50 pm EDT

The Scottsdale for Obama Group will be hosting a meet and greet Wednesday, 9/17/2008 at Coffee Plantation Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We will discuss everything from canvassing, to recruiting and everything in between. If you are unavailable to meet us please feel free to post any ideas you may have to promote events and get voters support.
-Jill
"We are the change we've been waiting for"

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Adolfo Carrion talks Obama at the Latino Festival in Manchester

By Brian - NH HQ - Aug 18th, 2008 at 4:22 pm EDT

Also listed in: 23 groups

This last Saturday, Adolfo Carrion Jr., president of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, traveled to the Granite State to talk to voters at the Latino Festival in downtown Manchester about Senator Obama's plan to help working New Hampshire families.

Mr. Carrion spoke to people in the community about healthcare, the economy, party unity, and the importance of registering new voters. The current number of unregistered Latinos in New Hampshire is likely to be more than what made the difference in the presidental elections here in New Hampshire in both 2000 and 2004. New Hampshire Latinos can make the difference in this election. Visit the New Hampshire Election Headquarters.

Mr. Carrion had an opportunity to talk about the issues important to New Hampshire with U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (above). Throughout the day, Mr Carrion was joined by State Senator Lou D'Allessandro (below) and local community leader, Lillye from Manchester.

The highlight of the day was the warm welcome Mr. Carrion and Lillye (below) received walking up and down Union Street. The owners of almost every shop were eager to talk about this critically important election and put signs in their windows showing support for Senator Obama. As Mr. Carrion recounted later at the New Hampshire Campaign for Change Headquarters, he was amazed at what the folks had to say... they were just waiting for someone to stop by and ask for their support.

See New Hampshire! We need to get out there and ask for support! The excitement is in the air. The Convention starts next week. Attend a Convention Watch Party near you. Organization meetings will be held across the state this week, Wednesday evening, August 20th. Find your local office. Get involved!

Visit NH.barackobama.com and become a part of this historical movement.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Dammit, TELL ME THE TRUTH!!!

By Tanya - Aug 11th, 2008 at 1:51 am EDT

Also listed in: African Americans for Obama | Sacramento For Obama | Students for Barack Obama

Ummmm..Mr McCain?…are ya sitting down? Here’s a few of your own words that lead all of us to distrust you overwhelmingly, every day! You’re an embarrassment to yourself, McSame! This is the age of the “Internet(s)” and “the” Youtube using Bushian malaprops. We’ve got you on record, McFlip/Flop! Facts are just silly things that get in your way…ehhh, McSame?

Many, many, many thanks to one of my true media heroes and ever-present mentor..Keith Olbermann!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

San Jose Flea Market

By Tim - Jul 9th, 2008 at 4:49 pm EDT

I went to the San Jose Flea Market this weekend with my family. It was the first time I was there and man is it big. I noticed that among the Chivas and other Mexican footbal jerseys there were a couple of Obama 2008 shirts. Then I noticed another shirt with the full front Obama with Change we can believe in on the bottom.

I looked for the similar McCain shirts but couldn't find any. For a guy that's supposed to be having so much trouble with the latinos, Obama seems to be doing OK in this part of the world.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (1) | Report Objectionable Content

Unity has invigorated this campaign!

By V, aka VCubed/Virginia V - Jul 1st, 2008 at 10:01 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

In the past month, especially just since our Unity district-wide event this past Saturday in Fremont, CA, that drew 150 mostly brand new volunteers for Obama, I've seen a thunderclap of energy erupt in this campaign that I only dreamed of in the primary season.

Don't get me wrong, we've had great energetic volunteers throughout this odyssey. We wouldn't have gotten here without them, and we share the beginnings of this astounding movement that's taken the nation, and the world, by storm - we were at the birth, together.

But there are three new groups, new additions to the Obama Family, that we are all so happy to be working with, at last: Hillary's devoted supporters, the entire local Democratic Party family, and all the new or reenergized political participants fired up to be part the historical triumph of the grassroots in November.

I want you all to have a sense of how intense this desire to be part of change, to get out of the armchair, turn off the TV, and get out and talk to people, has become, because you won't know it from the media. Not from mainstream media, not from the pundits trying to out-yell each other, not even from the liberal blogosphere. Those are all competing for the same audience, thriving on conflict more than solutions, parsing people into categories as if we were still more separate than united. To see the reality, let me share our events. Read More »

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Today's speech

By Zach - Jun 28th, 2008 at 1:03 pm EDT

I just watched the speech that Senator Obama delivered to the elected Latino Leaders. I was very impressed as a I always am by the not only the delivery of the speech but as well by the content. The truth is that issues effecting the Latino community have a very large impact on other communities in our country.
I was particularly impressed by the short remarks on immigration. I am very much opposed to the idea of kicking out all the illegal immigrants, and or building a ridiculous fence. As the Senator said we are a nation of of immigrants but we are also a nation of laws. Except for a decreasing Native American population we are all immigrants in this country. Some have been here for a couple hundred years, and others for a couple of weeks. It is what makes us strong, and determined, and unique. We must though create safer more effective ways for immigrants to enter into our country so that they may too live out their American Dream.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Latino Pride, Washington DC

By Ed in DC - Jun 19th, 2008 at 10:51 pm EDT

Also listed in: Obama Pride - DC Metro

This past June 13th, the Human Rights Campaign held its first Latino Pride Event. The event attracted several hundred people from around the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

We staffed an Obama table at the event; stocked with Obama Pride gear: including bilingual information summarizing Obama's position(s) on LBGT issues. We also included a summary of his positions on immigration reform, and our volunteers were able to contrast his position with McCain.

Our Latinos for Obama buttons went quickly, and we collected nearly 100 signatures of an estimated 300 people in attendance. Overall it was a very enthusiastic and receptive crowd. Our table rivaled many of the neighboring tables for popularity at the event. Who says Obama has a "Latino problem?" You couldn't tell at Latino Pride!

Si se puede !

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

¿El principio del cambio?

By Jkrincon - Jun 8th, 2008 at 12:01 pm EDT

Bien, ignorando el sugestivo título y mi reconocido fanatismo por Barack Hussein Obama, intentaré ponerme lo más objetivo posible por un momento. Los hechos son los siguientes:

Desde el principio de su candidatura para la nominación del partido demócrata a la presidencia de Estados Unidos, el entonces desconocido Obama decidió adoptar una estrategia poco usual para recaudar fondos: Internet.

Un poco de contextualización: Usualmente las campañas presidenciales cuestan miles de millones de dólares, dinero que es recibido por los candidatos gracias a generosas enormes donaciones de grandes empresas, compañias petroleras, grandes emporios dedicados a la salud, y en general, empresarios interesados en tener influencia en los futuros legisladores y presidentes. No más contextualización.

El senador Obama decidió prohibir en su campaña las donaciones de este tipo de empresas y puso un límite acumulable de unos 2000 dólares por persona, eso es lo máximo que alguien puede aportar a su campaña. Por supuesto, todo sería mucho más fácil si aceptara los millones de dólares que los lobbyist ofrecen, pero sería hipócrita tratar de vender un mensaje de cambio en política y seguir con las tradiciones de siempre, ¿No es así?.

La respuesta fue sobrecogedora, más de 1.500.000 donantes unicos han participado en la campaña de recolección, con donaciones que inician en los 5 dólares y un número record de voluntarios, Barack Obama vió su movimiento crecer rápida y voluminosamente. ¿El resultado? Bueno, ya sabemos el nombre del candidato demócrata a la presidencia del país más poderoso del mundo.

Ahora, Obama ha logrado un paso más importante aún: Todo el partido demócrata, mayoría en el congreso de Estados Unidos, aplicará su ley de no aceptar donaciones de empresas ni grandes empresarios, todo un partido político descansará sobre las bases del dinero del ciudadano común.

¿Qué implicaciones tiene esto? Solo imaginenlo, por años, decadas e incluso siglos la política ha sido dominada por influencias, los candidatos dependen de quienes financiaron sus campañas, ha pasado en Colombia, ha pasado en Estados Unidos y pasa en todo el mundo. El perro no muerde la mano de quien le da de comer.

Ahora, y por primera vez en mucho tiempo, es el mismo pueblo quien está alimentando una campaña, son los ciudadanos los que estan pagando por el mensaje, los que estan pagando por un partido que promete esperanza y un verdadero cambio. Toda una mayoría el congreso (Y Dios lo quiera, un presidente) sin tener que responderle a nadie más que al pueblo, trabajando por y para el pueblo.

Es díficil, por supuesto, y no podemos caer en la inocencia de pensar que esto cambiará inmediatamente las raíces de influencia en la política, el cambio asusta a quienes muy comodamente están en el poder.

Sin embargo, es el principio de un cambio. Bueno Barack, Estados Unidos y el mundo estamos pendientes, ¿Cuál será el siguiente paso?.

[Jkrincon Out]

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

obama/clinton dream ticket fraud

By jonathan | cvg - Jun 5th, 2008 at 3:42 pm EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

With Obama officially clinching the nomination, we must unify behind him. Now's the time to remember that the differences between policies Clinton and Obama proposed are not nearly as significant than the policy differences between Obama and John McCain. This is now a Democrat versus Republican policy battle and we already know where the policies of the republican party have led under Bush. As Obama pointed out in his speech Tuesday night, we must remember that McCain is perceived as a maverick or moderate within his party. He continues to point to the one or two differences he has had with Bush in the last eight years. Yet, to become his party's nominee in 2008 where he failed many times before, John McCain bought into the Republican party with his heart and soul as he saw his chances faiding and has, in fact, voted over 90% of the time in agreement with George W. Bush. A vote against Obama is a vote for Bush's Third Term. While some dissappointed Clinton supporters will act and speak out of emotion, already many admit that they intend to vote the the selected Democrat.

There has been much speculation of a "dream ticket." Clinton, as I note in an earlier blog, breathed life into this idea because the time came when even she recognized she could not win in a general election without Obama. However, as I note in an earlier blog, this is not true when Obama is the nominee. There are many well suited candidates for a running mate that will benefit Obama greater with respects to the electoral map and reaching out to working class and potentially to woman as well.

The truth remains that Obama has won for many reasons and this end result astounds me, someone who strongly backed my candidate since researching him in December. He overtook the lead from the "establishment's candidate." Clinton is someone that as first lady was rumored to run for senate in a big state to help support her future bid as president. The Kerry campaign was so poorly executed that many were left believing that the Democrats were throwing the election for a Clinton run and a Clinton win in 2008. The Clinton branding was strong and it's longevity made is seemingly impossible to overcome... 20 years of market share domination and now a new little enterprise would fend for not some, but the majority of that share. Today, it hard to believe anyone could pick off Coke or P&G. But, that is exactly what Obama accomplished. Not only did he run one of the most brilliant marketing campaigns in my time, he succeed where no person of color has succeeded in a leading nation. While some leading nations have appointed women, what I recently realized is that Obama broke a barrier that extends long past the United States.

There are petitions and emotional claims to defend the "dream ticket" and most of which stems from Clinton circles. Let's not forget that Obama won as the "change candidate" and he has brilliantly represented "new politics." Many of Obama's supporters, and rightly so, believe that the addition of anyone who epitomizes "old politics" would jeapardize our mission and cloud the message, leaving a obvious weak point of attack for McCain like the small thermal exhaust port that left the Deathstar in Star Wars open to destruction. I can almost see McCain now, "Clinton on this ticket... that's not change we can believe in." * insert insidious smirk*

Among the emotional pleas I have read are these, and given that I label them as emotional, I assert that they lack logic:

"The only way that Obama is going to reach out to the working class, Hispanics, and win the swing states is with Clinton on the ticket (he ignored Kentucky and West Virginia, so those states he has already lost without her)."

FALSE

First of all, Puerto Rico is not a state and that is precisely the contest that made Clinton's popular vote neck and neck with Obama. Puerto Ricans don't vote in the presidential election. They voted against being a state a decade ago, as they have voted twice before that when given the chance to enter into the union. I am boggled why they are awarded more delegates in the primary than many real states that do vote in the general election. Richardson and Clinton can reach out to Hispanic voters even without being on the ticket.

There are four governors in key states that each would help reach out to such voters and bring along a needed swing state. Among these four easy picks are Governor Richardson who has served under Bill Clinton, yet he may be my least favorite of the four easy picks. Ted Strickland could help with rural working class as he helped Clinton in Ohio because he is from rural Ohio and has served in the church and military. Strickland may sit at the top of my list.

Clinton does not come with a key state. Arkansas can be won by the Clinton's campaigning on behalf of Obama without her being on the ticket... as can other communities. Clinton does not need to be on a ticket to endorse and campaign heavily for a candidate to unify her party... a party, some assert, she invoked much division.What Clinton does need to do is embrace Obama for America and throw as much heart and resilience into this campaign as she did when she remained in the running for reasons I point out in my earlier blog.

Pennsylvania voted for Kerry due to the strong campaigning by governor Ed Rendell who is the same governor that campaigned for Clinton. It is widely believed that with similar campaigning by Ed Rendell in his state, any democrat can pick up the winning numbers that Kerry picked up against Bush.

New York and California are key states democrats win by wide margins as did Kerry. Although it is true Clinton won in the primary it is illogical deduction to believe that any democrat, unless that democrat was running against Ronald Reagan, could fail at winning both states handedly.

A presidential race is not won with West Virginia or Kentucky. But, if Obama is able to turn the Carolinas which Kerry failed to do even with Edwards on his ticket, that would make a difference. Obama won more votes in North and South Carolina against Clinton than the number of votes cast for McCain and Huckabee combined. The states Obama wants to tun in addition to the Carolinas are the Western States of Colorada, etc. Obama polls better in the west than rural areas like West Virgina and Kentucky where inevitably some degree of fear applies. But as I mention above, Ted Strickland comes with a key swing state and could easily reach out to the working class and Christian voters... perhaps more effectively than Clinton.

Governor Bill Ritter, a popular, young democratic in a historically conservative state, would be a better choice to aid in the West and Governor Kathleen Sebelius would successfully reach out to the identical segments that were fascinated by Clinton without compromising the message of new politics: again working class and women. Most female voters in exit polls admitted that gender was a significant impact on their decision. No other voting segment admitted to gender or race affecting the vote. Add almost any woman to a republican or democratic ticket and you will likely lure a great percentage of those voters who responded this way in exit polls.

"It would be a guaranteed 18 million votes for the Democratic party, and there is no way John McCain would have a chance."

FALSE

With this logic, or lack thereof, Obama could win with almost any running mate. While it is true that Clinton won over 17 million votes, so did Obama. In many states, Obama won more votes than Huckabee and McCain combined. To suggest that all democrats that voted for Clinton will literally stay home or vote for McCain, is not plausible. Throughout history the results in the primary does not necessarily translate into similar results in the general. That is why at this point there is no guarantee that Obama can turn the Carolinas away from Republican grasps. But, based on the primary numbers, it is the best chance the Democrats have had in decades and decades. Already, Obama's grass-roots activity is kicking up to register new democrats. This is how he closed the gap in states that Clinton was leading by 20points or more and this is how Obama won the majority of contests and clinched the democratic nomination for president. A historical achievement not only for the United States, but something that many leading nations have never done before... appoint a person of color to lead their nation.

Am I against Clinton? Not entirely, but partially. She does represent everthing I dislike about Washington Politics as usual and I don't think her record of success outweighs her record of failure to follow through with promises made to the nation and later to New York. While putting her into a position of Vice President may realistically strip her of all power, I don't want her a heart beat away from seizing the most powerful position in the world.

Now it is your turn. I selected four easily identifiable candidates for a VP nomination: Strickland of Ohio, Ritter of Colorado, Sebelius of Kansas, and Richardson of New Mexico. As Governors, each brings executive leadership and management that no senator can honestly claim with the exeption of Obama who, as I note in an earlier blog, was the only senator among Clinton and McCain to exemplify extraordinary executive leadership by leading his multi-million dollar enterprise, Obama for America, to success. However, who do you think Obama should select? If it is Clinton, then please have better support than the emotional defenses I discount above.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (2) | Report Objectionable Content

The Poblano Model

By Stephanie -Political Organizer-Middle Georgia - May 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

This one's for the politicial junkies. This model shows how the voter registration drives that many of you have been involved in may determine the outcome of the general election.

http://progressillinois.com/2008/05/11/features/obama-over-the-top

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Support the Obama Campaign

By Chuy - May 24th, 2008 at 9:21 am EDT

Hello everyone,

Allow me to say that I had never been so excited about voting for anyone before like I have been with Barack.

I am of hispanic origin and have notice my ethnic group not rally behind him like I would have expected.

I would like to say that the hispanic community needs to look past the words of today's politicians and really focus on the ideals. Barack has inspired my because of his roots and how his mother raised him as a child and watch what he has become. The struggle he has gone through to get to this is just amazing.

The cheap shots he has taken, like comments about his name, race, experience, his pastor, etc. But most of all the false information about where he stands with regards the hispanic community to place on the latino community.

Any latino voters that want to share their views please post them here!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

"While it's unrealistic to deport them, illegal entry cannot go unpunished. That's why we must require them to pay a fine, learn English, and get to the back of the line for citizenship behind those who came here legally."

By yowcy - May 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm EDT

While it's unrealistic to deport them, illegal entry cannot go unpunished. That's why we must require them to pay a fine, learn English, and get to the back of the line for citizenship behind those who came here legally.

a quote stated in one of obammas blogs.> well.... i disagree, open ur eyes ears and nostrils! you dont think latinos have been trying to learn english! omg! i am 4 obamma ( dont kno why just feels right) but if id known this before sideing id probly bee stuk in the center! i kno some of us come illegaly (still are) but you arent exactly opening ur arms to us ! and its not like they (we) havent been trying to learn english, did you ever think they couldnt afford (either by time or money) to get that sort o education.? my mom is legal now after years and i kno shes trying to learn english... its hard 4 her , some find it simpler than most... she cant even go to school anymore cuz shes got a job now! were in foreclosure! theres no time for that! anyways.... whats up with the fine thing???? why should we pay to live on land we would of owned if it wasnt for some bo-zo that practicly gave it away! omg i go 4 obama but this is just a little unjustified!

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (1) | Report Objectionable Content

Continued policies towards Cuba

By Pedro B. - May 21st, 2008 at 10:34 pm EDT

Also listed in: Latinos 4 Obama | Iraq-Afghanistan Veterans for Obama | Veterans for Obama

The Cuban Embargo is utterly ridiculous. We speak and engage diplomatically with the communist countries of China, North Korea, Laos, and Vietnam but we steadfastly hold on to this Cold War embargo because a few influential Cuban Americans wish to economically and politically cripple the island of Cuba. An American President who was truly beholden to the interest of the United States of America would understand the great economic and political benefits of tearing down the embargo. Instead, we get President Bush and McCain basing foreign policy on the petty wants of Florida's provincial constituency. We need a President who can be above the fray of the petty squable between Cuba and its bretheren. Atleast Mr. Obama has been brave enough to tell the truth even if it cost him the Cuban vote. We need to spread the word to other Latino's and all who will listen that the current administration has no concern for us or our community.

Mail to a Friend | Link | Comments (0) | Report Objectionable Content

Page 1 of 4 | Next | Last

Posts

Content on blogs in My.BarackObama represents the opinions of community members and in no way should be interpreted as endorsed or approved by the campaign.