The next three weeks, beginning August 10, are critical. Both houses of Congress are on summer recess, but you can reach members through their DC offices and their home district offices. Since they claim they will use the recess period to listen to constituents back home, let’s take them up on that offer.
You can bet the opponents of change are doing the same. On August 2, at Senator Specter’s Health Care Town Meeting at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, I got a first-hand view of how a small group of loud, booing opponents of health care change can really affect a meeting. That same dynamic can happen over time in the office of a member of Congress.
We have the numbers of organized people; now we need to put those numbers to work. Do not allow a member to think that most of his/her constituents don’t care about health care change.
You can phone, email, write an old-fashioned letter, fax, or—possibly most effective—go to visit.
No matter what medium you use, be sure your representatives know that you strongly support the Presidents three principles of health care reform:
Reduce costs
Guarantee choice of doctor and plan
Ensure quality care for all
On Sunday, August 9, in West Chester, PA, OFA did phonebanking for the President's health care reform principles.
This time we phoned people in our state but not our immediate area. We got more answered phones and virtually everyone who answered declared support for the Obama principles. Nearly all agreed to phone their representatives in Congress. As a result, the phonebank was a high energy event.
Call your reps in Congress AND since they are in their home district offices during the summer recess, pay them a visit. You can get the phone number and address for home district offices at
http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/index.htm
Let them know that you support the President’s health care reform principles.
On Sunday, August 9, in West Chester, PA, OFA will do a phone bank and canvass for the President's health care reform principles.
Please join me and the rest of Chester County OFA in West Chester on Sunday. I’ll probably be canvassing (unless we have rains like last Sunday’s). But others will phone bank. Your choice.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple?source=topnav
This Thursday, October 9th, please join Barack Obama in Portsmouth, where he will talk about his vision for creating the kind of change we need.
American Jobs Tour Rally with Barack Obama
Alumni GreenShawnee State University940 Second StreetPortsmouth, OH
Thursday, October 9thGates Open: 5:30 p.m.Program Begins: 7:30 p.m.
Public Entrance located on 2nd Street, between the Administration building and the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center.
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however, an RSVP is strongly encouraged.
For security reasons, do not bring bags and please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted.
The New Mexico Campaign for Change is pleased to announce that Sen. Obama will make his fifth visit to New Mexico on September 18th. Sen. Obama will host an event in northern New Mexico.
More details will be announced as soon as they are available.
Bookmark the New Mexico home page (nm.barackobama.com) so you can stay up to date.
Obama should travel to Europe. Europeans LOVE Obama and would flock to see him. Germany has been hinting at this. If Obama went their it could hopefully prove to the world that Obama can bring us all together in this movement of "hope" and "change". These not only motivate Americans but also motivate humanity! Americans can see that we can hopefully "change" and work with other countries to tackle the global issues, that face us all, together. Maybe, one day, we can chage how the world feels about the US. Bush was the worest president ever! We need Obama more than ever. Hopefully, one day, Europe will see the US again as being a positive force. We need to show Europe that we do care and their friendship is very important to us.
“It’s also been 873 days since Senator Obama visited Iraq,” said McCain. “Maybe he would have reached different conclusions about the surge if he had taken the opportunity to go over there and talk to troops on the ground.”
Mr. McSame thinks he can do the mcsame as Fox news, but he's mistaken. Mr. McSame maybe had you done the necessary due diligence before authorizing the war you would not have to attempt to sell the surge by hook/crook. -- Let ME look YOU in the eye Mr. McSame...and tell you a nitpicker....
This is such a weak debate. I think I'm done on this issue. Mr Obama please let McCain know your primary presence in Iraq will congrating our troops on their way home from Iraq after you are President.
KC
Senator McCain is daring Senator Obama to go to Iraq. I seem to recall Mr. McCain's last few trips there. The market he visited two times ago - under heavy security, wearing flak vests, having no meaningful contact with the locals - was off-limits on his latest trip. It was deemed too dangerous to appear there again. So much for America's "successes" on that front. And that was in the Green Zone, supposed to be the safest sector there is.
On visits like this I can't imagine any senator / dignitary truly learning the real skinny. They learn what the generals want them to learn, nothing more. Their contacts are so limited, in part due to security issues, which I certainly understand. In part due to garnering further support for "The War" (read: military budgets).
Mr. McCain has recently announced from the podium his total commitment to victory and honor (whatever that means). In light of such a statement, his grasp of military history is not only lacking but must omit the fates of all occupying armies, particularly in modern times. They are despised, picked off and eventually defeated, with animosity that can linger for centuries.
To follow McCan'ts distorted reasoning, Obama can't really oppose Arson, unless he visits arson set fires.
Is McCan't proposing that he will not render aid to any country that has suffered a natural disaster unless he goes and visits the country, viz, no aid to Turkey or China until after he visits the earthquake torn areas?
Apparently there will be no exploration to Mars if McCan't is elected, because he won't be able to visit the red planet to assess if exploration to the planet is warranted.
Perhaps if McCan't had spent less time using taxpayers' dollars to visit Iraq and campaigning from his family's private jet plane, he could have visit closed American factories and laid off American workers. If he wants to visit somewhere with Obama, start with trucking firms that have laid off workers or closed because they can't afford to purchase fuel with the devalued dollars caused in major part by Bush the Lesser's war.
It was absolutely great that our next president paid a visit to my old college alma mater. An intimate crowd of about 3000 got to meet him and ask questions for an hour.
His comment that impressed me the most was, "I am not the smartest man and I won't do everything right as president, but I will always let you know where I stand, I will always listen, and I will always be thinking of you and what is best for you."
I'm tired of the arrogance of Washington and I'm looking for sincerity.
So, Frm. Pres. Carter decided to go to Syria and he may be talking to Hamas, against the advice of the U.S. Dept. of State.
Even though the State Department and Sen. Obama disagree with the trip, I'll say that it might not necessarily be a bad idea, as Israel may be quietly talking to Hamas. Depending on what happens during the visit, it might wind up doing more good.
Well, it's too early to judge what's going to happen, until it all plays out.
Lata!
EMK
**PHOTO ON MY PROFILE**
Well, last Sunday me and about 30 other Americans joined together to seek the truth about Obama's church. We decided that we would not be lead by a biased media and see for ourselves what Trinity United was like, and I must tell you that I was very surprised.
We met at my home in Milwaukee from 8 a.m to 9:45 a.m. to leave promptly at 9. Mary Beth arrived first. An older white women, about 50 with gray hair and a cheerful smile she walked in the door proudly wearing a "got hope?" pin in blue and white that highly contrasted her dark sweater and beige and brown shawl. She gave my husband and I a big hug and hello and told her story.
"I am so excited you guys put this event together! she exclaimed. I have been wanting to visit the church but was afraid to do it on my own, this is going to be so exciting. In the beginning I was an Edwards backer, but when he dropped out, I switched to Obama. And now, you couldn't get me to vote for anyone else! she went on. Hillary has gotten so negative that whenever I hear her I just have to turn the channel! Obama has us joining together and he just makes sense!"
Soon after we were joined by about 20 others with their own similar stories and we were set to begin our journey. On the way down we stopped to pick up Glenda who parked in a carpool off the highway. She jumped in the car with a huge "YES WE CAN" and we all chanted with her as we rolled on toward the church.
Judith, who drove in from Minnesota to join us arrived at the church with Valerie and her husband (catholics who had never really felt comfortable in any other type of church) early. They let the church know that we were coming and they sectioned off three rows for us to sit. Upon exiting the highway and approaching the church the first thing I noticed was the abundance of traffic. The parking lot was full and cars were aligned for a least a 1/2 mile in all directions around the church. My husband decided to let us off at the front door and he parked the car. We walked up to the door and a gentlemen opened it for us while saying welcome and "God Bless You."
The contrast between what the media portrayed and what we saw and felt was so stark that it almost seemed as if the people reporting the news were mad. The insanity of the media's perpetuation of the church hit us solidly in our spirits and we walked through people rushing to find seats in an already filled to capacity sanctuary. Even in their rush no one was to busy to lend a smile or a "God Bless You" as they passed us by. Excuse me, a young black gentlemen said, are you the group of 30, "Yes, I said relieved that I didn't have to choose a random person to ask where should we go, "we have saved seats for you!" he said smiling. Just then, Judith came out of the church.
After our group found parking everyone joined us in our reserved seats. Service started with singing. They sang a song of praise in the typical gospel fashion that moved everyone to their feet. The energy was undeniable and our entire group, with or without rhythm were standing a clapping along. Then, they started the Lord's prayer. We watched as the entire church; young and old, blacks and whites started moving across the aisle to join hands with their neighbors across the aisle to say the prayer together. We joined in. This Sunday happened to be a "youth service" so we were lead by a child not older than 7 years old who recited the words with the confidence and clairty of an adult. I cried. Next a performance from the choir and modern dancers. Next, another group of very younger performers who sang "Africa is my friend, it's where I got my hair" in voices of 4-6 year olds who were exclaiming pride for their looks and heritage. It was beautiful.
It surprised me when Rev. Ross announced our group and we all stood up to a round of applause! There was also a church from Wisconsin there as well as a student group all the way from Germany!
Mary Beth was so moved and so excited she started hugging her neighbors while we all giggled. It was a joyous service, filled with hope and love and pride for oneself. At the end of service we wanted to take a picture in front of the sign, a young man stopped and joyously took pictures of us using 4 cameras without a single complaint. The people of Trinity are wonderful and I've seen it first hand.
-Kenya Bell
COMMENTS FROM OTHERS IN THE GROUP
JUDITH PENA'S EXPERIENCE
I am lifted!! He has moved me just like many other American's! There is no other person for this Country! It was Saturday, March 29th, about 12 noon. I was sitting at my computer reading through the blogs on Barack Obama's website when I came across a blog that an event was being put together in Chicago. I read on and it was a bunch of people getting together to drive to Obama's church, Trinity United Christian Church in Chicago. At that moment I felt something, from my toes to the top of my head. I live in Faribault, Minnesota, it would be a 7hour drive. 5 hours later, this Saturday afternoon, I found myself on the road to Chicago. I checked into my hotel at 1 am. I got a wake up call at 7 to get ready for another couple that drove were so kind to meet me at the hotel so I could follow them to the church for the 11 O'clock service. I was trembling all the way with pure excitement!!! I thought to myself, I am going to Barack Obama's church! I am going to walk where he has walked, seen what he has seen, and possibly sit where he has sat. I couldn't believe my own self what I was doing and where I was. I walked in the church only to be greeted with the warmest people I have ever met, hugs, handshakes, smiles, warm welcomes all over the place! I didn't want to leave!! So, we all sat in a specific area that they had reserved for us, there must have been 30 of us. It was the best church service I have ever been too, seriously, I was clapping, singing, moving my body, laughing, smiling, and felt the presence of the Lord all throughout my body and soul. I can see why Barack would NEVER leave this church!!!!The service ended and we all were wished the best as we walked outside to get a group picture. I still can't believe I was there. I am going to go again, soon! Maybe one day when I go Barack Obama will be there and I can touch him for real instead of just being with his spirit. Barack Obama has moved me so much, not only physically to do the 7 hour drive to attend his church, but in other ways too. I want to know more about the world, I want to meet more people, I want to unite with every color, size, and personality there is in this world. Again, Barack Obama is moving me everyday and because of him, he has given me hope and I can see and feel it in many others. I cannot see any other person to lead this world then Barack Obama. I totally believe in him and his standards. He will unite the American people and there will be changes happening all over the USA. There is more then hope to this man, there is guarantee's, there is truth, there is a reason he came into this election race.......I truly believe it is an act of God.Thank you to Mr.& Mrs. Charles and Kenya Bell for creating this event and thank you God for allowing for my safe drive there and back home. I look forward to many more!! I love you guys!!!!Be Blessed Miss Judith Pena"YES WE CAN"Obama 08
VALERIE'S EXPERIENCE
Valerie
MARY BETH'S EXPERIENCE
This past Sunday I attended Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago with a diverse group of folks. I encourage you to attend a service at this church. Take a bulletin home and read about all the community support available at this church. As a result of the media the congregation are receiving hate mail and death threats. It is a sad state of affairs when the media is biased and doesn't tell the complete story. As a white woman, 60 years old, I enjoyed the spirit of Trinity. I heard absolutely nothing offensive. Although if I had walked in and walked out a few minutes later I could have misinterpreted the message. Not hearing the entire message. I took a bulletin home and have read and re read its contents. Maybe if you do this you will understand of what Rev White speaks. Please avail yourselves of finding the truth about his special church. Thinking people will never agree 100% with what a pastor preaches or the particular doctrine of any particular denomination. However, repeatedly showing Rev White in small snippets only encourages people to judge a book by its cover. Thanks to Charlie and Kenya to have the insight to sponsor an event like this. Warm hello to all the great people I met.
-Mary Beth
GLENDA'S EXPERIENCE
Proud to be part of this group and even prouder to be a Barack Obama supporter
Well, no, I'm not suggesting that Barack Obama will accompany you to Orlando, Florida but rather that you can make your summer as fun - if not more so - as ever but that you can use it to meet other supporters, have fun AND benefit the campaign.
Check out upcoming events or consider locations you might want to include as possible destinations and join groups in those areas. Once that is in place you can post to their listserv about your possible plans and dates and ask if there are events you can assist with while there. Obviously the family vacationing in FL in May would be VERY popular if the re-vote gets instituted for June!
Consider hosting others to stay on your couch if you have events in your area or if your area is a hotly contested one. I'm not so fortunate but I can still 'make' my own activity by hosting voter registration at local colleges, getting a booth at the local Farmer's Market and perhaps even organizing things like sponsored dog walks or trail rides (I'm a dog and horse enthusiast so I use my own interests) to generate interest and publicity. In the process, I can request that others come and assist and enjoy their companionship as I commit much of my summer to the goal of getting Obama elected.
Remember, tough areas (where Obama isn't already popular) offer the most potential as you are most likely to cross paths with people who aren't already voting for him. Granted, it's alot more fun to be in areas where the masses support him and you are surrounded by kindred spirits but the possiblity for real impact is probably less if only cause you won't cross paths with as many potential people to sway.
I certainly hope EVERYONE will seek a special project to be involved with during the Summer months and help people really SEE how this campaign is different and encouraging involvement from everyone.
Ok, so for the first time in 40yrs my state has a chance to make a difference in the Presidential nominee. Hick town INDIANA. Naptown.
Yesterday the Obama Camp announced the Senator would be coming to Indiana. I was so excited. I called tons of people and got them on fire for this historic visit. I had planned to wait outside all night and do whatever I had to do to make sure I didn't miss this. The location was announced this morning. Plainfield High School, which only holds 1500-2000 folks. I thought Hmm, well ok; Maybe because the NCAA is in town and Conseco is occupied. No more than 45min. after the location was announced the tickets were GONE.
I was soo bummed. I've heard that this will be the Senator's only trip to Indianapolis, which is only 1hr away from Chicago by plane....That's a another story. If that's the case, wouldn't you want to reach MORE than 1500 people? We have the famous Martin Luther King Park, where Kennedy was giving a speech the day King was assasinated. Kennedy then broke the news to a stunned crowd and encouraged peace thru nonviolence. What better place to hold a public rally/town hall?
I hope that tons of people in my community don't get discouraged and think that the Senator didn't want to hear what the inner city community had say. The first thing I heard from everyday folks was how were they going to be able to get to Plainfield. For those not from Indy, Plainfield is a surburb that at least a 45 min/1hr drive from the city.
There could be some flack for the Obama Camp., if Hillary comes to Indy....to the Inner city and talks with everyday people who work 2 9 to 5 jobs to get ends to meet. By the way, these are the folks who can't afford to live in PLAINFIELD.
