My congratulations is extended to Barack Obama who currently serves as President of the United States of America! The 2008 Presidential election was quite enlightening for me. I am hopeful that President Obama will bring the election to a close by sponsoring a forum for all 48 candidates!
My vision is that these candidates could gather to bowl with President Obama and share their experiences as candidates. We need to develop a positive camaraderie as we proceed with our campaigns for 2012. We need to work TOGETHER for a truly UNITED States of America.
The list of candidates is available on the web through "Wikipedia." I am in the "other" category since I served as a write-in "INDEPENDENT" Presidential candidate. May we, as candidates, unite to serve our country and share our vision for this prominent position in our country.
"Lovingly I Serve," "Dakota Gal," RaeDeen R. Heupel
Please be informed and take part in this planned presentation at Prescott High School cafeteria between 1-5 PM, Sunday 02/22/09.
Prescott Vision 2050 was created several months ago by the Mayor of Prescott on behalf of all city residents. A steering committee was formed chaired by William E. Arnold, Ph.D. A citizen group has was involved, forming Sub Committees to work on the Vision Project. A final report has been given to the Mayor at the end of 2008.
There were participating contributors to this effort. Amongst were the knowledge base of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Yavapai College.
This presentation is the first of 8 that's planned, entitled: Looking Forward.
Interested residents will hear recommendations that would facilitate our city in many ways toward a future as laid out in this Vision. I've posted on their website, if interested, please read and make your own judgement how I commented the program (http://prescott2050.org/). We'll hear yours on the 22nd!
But at age 63 - I can look back and see that my vision was obstructed.
We all live with these obstructions. What we are taught, what we hear, feel and see - and most of all what we don't learn about ourselves and others until it's too late
This blog is dedicated to me, you, our President, and truth, hope, and justice for all.
Though not the equivalent of a Democrat by political conviction, I could not help but be captivated by Obama's sincerity in his post election speech. The most inspiring speech of anyone alive or dead I can recall. The words that encompassed his vision for America and the world, that one simple phrase expressed his Government's theme for the future and focused attention on the fact that with the will to do so, anything is possible, because "Yes we can"
Democrats and Republicans in Congress and outside it, must now recognize the personal mandate that Barack Obama has been handed. The new President will need a constructive opposition rather than obstructive, which benefits no-one, except perhaps forcing an undeserved change of Government.
What next for the USA, a native American President? We Australians should learn a great deal from the socio/political change being brought about by this political Messiah. Perhaps we might get around to electing our first indigenous Prime-Minister, we have a least one or two who might qualify!
Good luck President Obama, to you and your country. The eyes of the world are upon you.
A few pictures of the Dawn of a New Day, Change is Coming event in Menlo Park, CA, yesterday on 12-14-8. Friends and neighbors will meet to discuss how we can help Barack Obama bring about the change for which we elected him. Hosted by Amar Singh and his wife at the Peninsula School.
About 35 people showed up to contribute to the lively, thoughtful discussion. The great thing was the amount of enthusiasm and energy people want to contribute to help Barack Obama achieve success of his visions. Looking forward to having more and deeper discussions on issues facing the United States.
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
We know that the earth grows smaller and smaller each day. We can no longer exist as separate nations. We look for a sense of renewed deep belief that is necessary for human beings. And the answer is: the earth, itself--in the feeling of oneness and unity that it gives to us. We are all members of the same bio-world. Wherever, however, we live, we all have the same needs for air and water. We all have the same needs for nutrition. We all see the same sky, touch the trees and plants, have communions with the other animals around us. These are factors which bind us together into one, a unified whole celebrating Our Mother Earth's spirit. www.circleoftheearth.org
"YESTERDAY IS ALREADY A DREAM, AND TOMORROW IS ONLY A VISION; BUT TODAY, WELL LIVE, MAKES EVERY YESTERDAY A DREAM OF HAPPINESS AND EVERY TOMORROW A VISION OF HOPE." (From: THE SANSKRIT)
"Hope is the vein through which our future dreams and aspirations flow." Ken Barnes
In a world of despair and negativity there are individuals who still dare to dream, who still have hope, the audacity of hope.
To believe you can, is the first step in anyone's journey in achieving their dreams and aspirations. Barack Obama stands as a testament to the changing times we live in. A time that says if we have hope, if we spend less time making the possible - impossible and more time making the impossible - possible, our dreams can come true.
However, we must first wake up to make those dreams a reality... let us wake ourselves, our friends, families and more importantly our children to this new dawn of possibility.
To paraphrase the words of Martin Luther King "I have been to the mountain top, I have seen the promise land, I may not get there with you."
Today, the world has witnessed change in the making. It has seen that even though we may not have reached to the mountain top as yet, we can however see that the path we need to travel is only blocked by our belief, determination and our audacity to hope.
The victory of Barack Obama to become the 44th President of America should also stand as a reminder that we should never forget and always remember that our vote can make a difference.
Congratulations to Barack Obama and his family as they enter the White House. May God keep him and his family safe.
YES WE CAN!
Ken Barnes
Email: ken@c-a-n-i.com
What if you didn't knock on any doors, send any money or make any calls? Does that mean you didn't make a difference in this election, and in bringing a principled, visionary human being like Barack Obama to the White House?
You know what I'm going to say, don't you.
I didn't knock on any doors, or make any calls... and I can't remember whether I sent any money (I may have sent a small amount, early on)... but I know I made a difference.
I have been consciously holding and building my vision for a true and great leader since the mind-boggling weeks after 9-11. I was not visioning an African American as I wrote and dreamed this leader, but I recognized him immediately, because first and foremost, he has a dream for America, and has confidence in those same American qualities we feared may have fallen to sleep forever.
I don't agree with many of his ideas, but I believe he will listen to mine, and that I can live with the choices he will make as President of the USA.
Using the "Making a Difference" factors on my profile page, I can't claim a number higher than 1/10. By the measure of my heart, however, I know I did something meaningful and profound to contribute to this wonderful success.
Congratulations, Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden.
Congratulations, everybody!
A few years ago, I was absent-mindedly watching the regional news on television when I was suddenly rooted to the spot, overcome by feelings of surprise, elation and excitement. I had to share the moment with someone else and, in my rush to get my husband to see what was rapidly reducing me to a babbling state of incoherence, I knocked over the cup of tea, caught my jumper sleeve on the door handle and grazed my knee on the coffee table.
I had never seen anyone I actually knew on television before, and there, being interviewed large as life in front of me, was the owner of the local furniture shop who had sold us our dining room chairs only the week before. I was so thrilled, anyone would have thought that I was on the box. Television suddenly gave her superhuman status and, having actually spoken to her, that somehow made us part of the unfolding scene. For days I could talk of nothing else.
This event returned to mind when I received a Christmas card some months later from a girlfriend I hadn't seen in seven years. Her brief note said simply,"Saw you on television again recently and told everybody I knew you." Having seen me as a panel guest on a programme, she had reacted in exactly the same way, wanting to share vicariously in the brief moment of glory.
Seeing Barack Obama making his magnificent speech, surrounded by so many enthusiastic people who liked him, believed in him and was anxious for him to win, brought these experiences back vividly to mind. I felt I was there in the midst of those people, sharing that wonderful moment. It also reinforced the key part RECOGNITION plays in success in modern times because of our media age. If it is not confirmed by the public or the media in some way, success is not really defined in social terms. Having that recognition in all aspects of our lives is essential and it is clear that Barack now has his in abundance.
I love it - the preemption on McCain's negative ads. Your attack ads are effective and strong.
But the key to winning is two-fold. You gotta make the voter dislike the other guy, but you also gotta make them feel good about voting for you - make them feel like things are going to be better once you're in office. (Like my use of "gotta"? I'm going for populist)
In Tuesday's debate, you need a "Morning in America" moment. A "Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself" line. You need a "feel good about our country" climax. You need to contrast yourself completely against McCain, the grumpy old man.
Give the country a vision. DO NOT preface it with a litany of all that's wrong in the world right now - people will focus on the doom and gloom and not hear your message of better days. Look into the camera and say, "I don't like where the Republican administration of the last eight years has brought us. We are better than this. YES WE CAN realize our potential and ensure the greatness of this country for centuries to come. This is the country I envision:
The leader in new technology, green technology, and manufacturing - we will be more than a service economy. We will build and invent and grow.
The example for the world in education, with a public system that prepares every child to reach his and her potential for great success.
A place where our sick and elderly are cared for - where no one fears bankruptcy because they are ill and no one's parent need worry about where they will live or what a burden they might become.
A place where each individual has the opportunity to be all he can be - to pull himself up by his bootstraps, BECAUSE he has the support of his community and because his government's priorities are in his best interest. We are an individualist culture, but we live together and we achieve more when we work together.
My administration will be guided by one principle only: To Renew American's Promise.
Give us something to believe in - to aspire to - to vote for (not just vote against...)
Remember - YES WE CAN!
Nice work, Senator McCain. You can't give the American people a straight answer about what you'll do to improve this country, yet you'll do whatever you can to smear your opponents as a way to try to win the election.
We were all expecting it, I suppose. But the saddest part is that in the next four weeks until Election Day the American people are going to get dragged along with you through the mud, millions of dollars will be spent, and the Obama/Biden ticket will win anyway.
America is tired of the same old politics. We desperately want to see a brighter future where our leaders are truly interested in making the country a better place for all its citizens, not just an elite few. Enough of the pandering, enough of the deceit, enough of the negative campaigning.
I am continually reminded that you are an American hero and you served our nation with great honor and distinction during the Viet Nam war. That does NOT make you qualified to become our next president. I am truly disturbed by the campaign you have run. I will not vote for you.
It would take a perfect world for any politician to be able to deliver on all their promises. But where you must start is with HONESTY, INTEGRITY, and VISION. A vision that includes an economy that works and isn't broken. Job opportunity. Affordable housing. Affordable college education. Better cost of living. Affordable and dignified retirement. Promise for the next generation.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden have this vision, which is why they have my vote. I don't have a clue what you would do to improve this country, despite months of watching your campaign. You've been all about showing us your glossy tactics to win, but unfortunately I have seen little substance beneath the showmanship.
Please do America a favor and don't take the remaining four weeks of this campaign into the gutter. We need hope and security from our leaders, not more of the same tired politics.
I guess now we know why the color of money is green--for cowardice. The Republican House cares less about the future of the country, and indeed the world, than about their personal political image. True, the vote for the Bailout (or whatever buzz name you want to use) was a no-win proposition for any politician. There was no guarantee of success, sort of like the stock market (interesting, eh?), and could easily come back to haunt the Representatives in the future. The problem being it could figure negatively in a vote in as near future as this election. None of them were willing to risk that for the good of the country. It's called something that is the opposite of courage--it is called cowardice.
I am so proud to support Barack Obama, a man who has principles and will stand by them and stand for them. A man who does less to manipulate the truth for his gain than most politicians. You can tell in the debates and as he speaks that his vision for American politics is one of collaboration and not partisan politics. Obama puts the health and future of the nation ahead of his personal gain. Rare, and if America passes up the chance for that vision, how long will it be until we see it again? I have more faith in Americans, and I think we will have that visionary as our next President. I see him standing behind the Presidential seal and in front of the US flag leading the country to a new era of respect, compassion, educational excellence, and prosperity. Oh, it won't come all at once, and it will take quite a bit of work to undo the damage of the last eight years, but that is so much better than the alternative.
Those who did not understand the bill placed before Congress should read all they can to understand it. They should ask their congressman to explain their vote (or non-vote, since many just refused to put their name on the record) and to tell them why they felt the consequences would not be felt by the average American. Remember these were Republicans boycotting a Republican Administration. Who lead them? McCain was in Washington when the deal fell apart. Most of this is political posturing, and we will have to have some sort of monetary support for Wall Street. It may not come in time to prevent much pain as it stands defeated today. We will see. The Republicans have gone home to campaign and tell more lies. I'd only say, again, find the truth for yourself about what has occurred today before casting your vote.
Aside from the short view of this election, I have some trepidation for the direction in which the Nation is headed. As more and more banks and financial institutions are swallowed by the few, I wonder what happens when the financial welfare of the country is controlled by a few, say three, major corporations. Is that a free market? Is that even capitalism? Is that the kind of power we are willing to give to a few men? People for years have been afraid of communism and socialism. What about fascism? Are we willing to see it emerge, ever so slowly, and to remain silent? Are we willing to let the man who supports division and exclusion win over the man who supports inclusion and collaboration?
All I am saying is educate yourself about the facts, then take a stand, and let your Congressman know that you hold him accountable to the truth and to some sort of integrity. The fate of democracy is threatened, I believe, as never before in our history and not by outside forces, but from within. Only a vigilant populace will keep democracy free. Stand up and be heard.
VOTE FOR A CHANGE IN THE DIRECTION OF OUR PRECIOUS GOVERNMENT! VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!
