Posts with the tag Kansas

UNITED AGAINST RACISM

WEBMASTER — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:46:34 EDT

Hi Friend

There is a new group that just started on Facebook that I thought Organizing for America members may be interested in joining. Please see United Against Racism -

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/354956/80588439?m=9dc74a6e

United Against Racism

posted by David Apperson

Kansas Election Blog

WEBMASTER — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:25:46 EDT

As President Obama recently related to me regarding local service; "Now is our time to work together, reaffirm our enduring spirit, and choose our better history."

It is our responsibility as Americans to vote, and vote we must. And now is the time to prepare for the next election. I invite all citizens of Kansas to post a message on the Kansas Election Blog.

Kansas Election Blog
kansas-election.blogspot.com

BARACK OBAMA FIRST 100 DAYS

WEBMASTER — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:23:01 EDT

During the first 100 days of the Obama presidency we have seen outstanding leadership in tackling the many issues facing our great nation. And it seems that overwhelming poll numbers indicate that America agrees with President Obama. see THE WHITE HOUSE

The question remains; What can we as fellow Americans do to help our neighbors and countrymen? Included are nine things you can do to help the President celebrate his first 100 Days in office:

1. Donate unused suits to the Salvation Army
2. Donate time to Americorps
3. Donate toys for children at Toys for Tots
4. Donate blood at the Red Cross
5. Donate a can of food each week to a Local Shelter or Food Pantry
6. Donate money to Save the Children
7. Donate time at local a Veterans Hospital
8. Donate an hour a day to your Child
9. Donate to the Make a Wish Foundation

Participation is greatly appreciated. What you do for the least of our brethren, you do for yourself -
http://donate.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxWJh

Barack Obama First 100 Days posted by David Apperson

Have Banks Forgot how to Compete

Tom Awtry — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:49:19 EST

We Make Money the Old Fashion Way – We Earn It

Back in December when it was pretty assured in my mind that the economic crisis was here to stay; my first though was “businesses will have to find a new way to stay alive.” Sure enough some of the Fortune 500’s came across with different marketing strategies, in essence to down size their profit margins while appealing to an American public, which was suffering from the burdens of the crisis also.

Starbucks introduced lower prices on certain coffee drinks along with the introduction of its newest product offering “Instant Starbucks Coffee”; a great example of adapting to the burdening times. Others have done the same, Pizza Hut, McDonalds and many more established American businesses have remembered how to compete for our business.

So why haven’t the banks?

I’m not even going to attempt to get into “banks” are a primary cause of our troubles, but the upsetting part, for me, is they’re so arrogant about what’s going on in our beloved country and develop the stance “it’s just one of those things that sometimes happens.”

Here’s a fine example of our “banks” in their finest hour (today):

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL SPEECH

WEBMASTER — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:39:36 EST

Presidential Inaugural Address Delivered by President Barack Obama on 20 Jan 2009

My fellow citizens -
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
President Barack Obama

Presidential Inaugural Speech - A message for all people
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxHqT

source: David Apperson, webmaster

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

WEBMASTER — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:26:14 EST

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

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM

WEBMASTER — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:06:01 EST

Obama-Biden PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is giving all people a voice in the administration -

The PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is doing a great job. Thank the Almighty Creator that this is a new day in the history of this great nation.

WEBMASTER - DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

WEBMASTER — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:14:56 EST

President Barack Obama

Internet Webmasters, Designers and Developers

If you are an independent webmaster, designer or developer and have linked a business, personal, or political website or blog to your barack obama posts or other barackobama.com web pages and would like to be recognized for your efforts let me know.

Mail your contact and other pertinent information to:

David Apperson, Webmaster
10336 Loch Lomond Rd PMB 105
Middletown CA 95461

or email contact information to yofast@gmail.com

We Stand Today on Behalf of Those Who Came Before Us

Patricia McGahan — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:53:49 EST

Today, here in small-town, north-central Kansas, I feel very outnumbered by Republicans. I wore my Obama button to my polling place, and the registrar told me that, if I didn't take it off, I couldn't vote! How about that! She said it's a state law. I was not going to walk out of there without voting, so I took off my button, and immediately put it back on when I left the voting booth. I point-blank asked her, "Are people in Kansas afraid that Obama supporters are going to try to intimidate them? That's always been the Republicans' forte. You all might be surprised tonight if Kansas shows up in the blue column, but I won't be. I'll wear this button to my grave." A strong south wind is blowing today, and it's the wind of change.

For an instant, when I was publicly scolded about the "no button" rule, I had a very brief insight into the strength, tenacity and moral courage of the men and women who stood up and fought the system, year after year, decade upon decade, until their rights, our rights, were finally recognized by law. Would I have been so brave?

For too long now, so-called "leaders" of this country have told us that they hold the reins, that they have the true answers, that they are the "true Americans," that they know what's truly right and just. In the process, they have ignored the Constitution, waged pre-emptive wars that have cost hundreds of thousands of lives, and weakened our standing in the world. Well, millions upon millions of people will prove them wrong today. We stand today in voting lines all across the country on behalf of all of those true patriots who came before us, those people who fought and sometimes died so that this day would come.

At Senator Obama's campaign rally last night in Virginia, he ended his speech with one of my favorite quotes: "One person can change a room; one room can change a city; one city can change a state; one state can change a country; and one country can change the world." Barack Obama's dauntless determination, and the hard work of so many people, have brought us to this beautiful day in November. The trees are lit up bright yellow and crimson here in Kansas, where Senator Obama's mother and grandparents were born. He said last night that his grandmother had finally "gone home." Well, Senator Obama, you have led the way to bring us all "home," as a country, back to the true meaning of what it is to be an American; and we love you for it.

If we can change America, we can change the North State.

Nick Bair — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:05:06 EDT

We are starting to see it large and small across this country. If you have read "What's The Matter With Kansas by Thomas Frank", you know what's coming next. The basic tenet of the book is why does a state with an economy in as bad a shape as theirs or the North State continue to vote Republican or against their own best interests. As you know the GOP will do anything to get elected "oh the democrats wil take your guns away or "John Kerry will take your bible". The GOP scares people into voting against Democrats because the Gop knows their ideas won't get people to vote for them.

In the North State, we are in the same boat as Kansas. The North State could have a sound economy for instance Wind Turbines and Solar power are two of the ideas by Obama that could provide a long term economic boost for this area. Obama is thinking ahead, we need to think ahead and show people why they need to vote for hope and new ideas. Wally Herger is most notable for being shown asleep a a congressional panel on C-SPAN. The only thing Herger is notable for is throwing a little pork our way. With President Obama, Herger will be of little use to us here in the North State. Or should the Supreme Court pick the next President (they could base on the specious reasoning in 2000) McCain would get rid of earmarks rendering Herger as a non-entity.

In closing NO ON PROP 8.

Governors Janet Napolitano and Kathleen Sebelius To Campaign for Barack in Marion, Rossford, Columbus!

Michael in Ohio — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:50:47 EDT

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius will campaign for Barack Obama at four stops across Ohio on Saturday.

Govs. Napolitano and Sebelius, the daughter of former Ohio Governor John Gilligan, will kick off their campaign swing in Columbus by rallying Obama supporters participating in "Knock for Barack" canvassing events this weekend. Knock for Barack is an ongoing effort to reach voters in every corner of Ohio through grassroots neighbor-to-neighbor organizing and to mobilize support for Obama’s campaign to bring real change to Washington.

Following the rally in Columbus, Govs. Napolitano and Sebelius will host town hall forums on the economy with voters in Columbus, Marion, and Rossford. The forums will focus on Obama’s vision for helping working families, rebuilding our faltering economy, and adding jobs in Ohio and across the country.

Details on tomorrow's events are below. Each is open to the public, but click an event's title to RSVP on My.BarackObama.com.

Columbus Knock for Barack Rally
10:15 am
North Columbus Ohio for Change Office
6066 Huntley Road
Columbus, OH

Columbus Economic Town Hall Forum
11:30 am
Hilltop Senior Village
Dorrian Room
300 Overstreet Way
Columbus, OH

Marion Economic Town Hall Forum
1:45 pm
YMCA
645 Barks Road, East
Marion, OH

Rossford Economic Town Hall Forum
4:45 pm
Rossford Community Center
400 Dixie Highway (State Route 65)
Rossford, OH

Politicians and Change

Kelson Philo — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:59:04 EDT

By way of introduction, while I generally don't think that politicians do a whole helluva lot of good in general, they sure can do a lot of bad.

As Buckminster Fuller put it, you take all the politicians and round them up and put them on a spaceship for a trip around the sun and in 6 months no body would notice much difference. The earth doesn't need politicians. It needs innovators.

The Obama Veepwatch - Kathleen Sebelius

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 06:42:10 EDT

Stumper examines the Democratic nominee's possible vice-presidential picks. We're almost there...

Kansas Bar Show Says Sebelius Will Be Veep Choice

Todd Epp — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:58:49 EDT

Just got back from Topeka, Kansas, site of the annual Kansas State Bar Convention. One of the time honored traditions is a bar show put on by local lawyers and judges that includes lots of singing, dancing, acting, and satire.

The chief focus of the event was Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, governor of the great state of Kansas and sometimes mentioned as a possible running mate for Sen. Barack Obama.

If left to Kansas judges and lawyers, it seems Gov. Sebelius is the shoo-in for Barack's Veep choice. The series of skits ended with her sitting at a big desk with a huge "Vice President of the USA" and the VP seal in front of it.

Who's to doubt the wisdom of members of the Kansas Bar, I ask you?! ;)

Read more at SD Watch: http://www.southdakotawatch.net

FREE screen saver i made for Obama suporters

Frank from Hiawatha, KS — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:20:45 EDT

Hello every one. I am a blue collar worker struggling to make ends meet for my young family.I don't have much to spare but im pretty good with computers so i thought i would build a FREE "yes we can" screen saver you can find it at

http://sites.google.com/site/forresterfrank/

or just to grab the screen saver it self

http://sites.google.com/site/forresterfrank/Home/Yes_WE_Can.zip?attredirects=0

it is a little over 9MB and contains the "yes we can" song with pics of Obama. spread it around if you can and help show everyone how grassroots works. And leave comments on my google site if you want!

My Short List-Kathleen Sebelius

Justin Brogden — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:51:52 EDT

Kathleen Sebelius (Governor-Kansas)

Pros:

Might help shore up support among women, especially former Clinton supporters. Fits in Obama's change narrative.
Popular Governor of a Western Republican-leaning state and the daughter of a former Governor of Ohio.
Seen as a strong candidate among working class whites.

Cons:

Governor of Kansas. Little foreign policy experience.
Not Hillary Clinton. If Obama chooses her but not Clinton some Clinton supporters may be angered.
Her response to Bush's State of the Union was widely seen as a flop. Perceived lack of charisma.

Chances: Good. As with Bill Richardson their is a risk with choosing someone from an "oppressed group" for Vice President but her potential strength amongthe three Ws: working class whites, Western States, and women might be more than enough to override that concern.

What do you think?

Be sure to check out the candidates on my short list.

obama/clinton dream ticket fraud

jonathan | cvg — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:42:19 EDT

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.

LET'S REMEMBER WHAT THIS NIGHT IS ALL ABOUT

Patricia McGahan — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:13:55 EDT

LET'S PAUSE TO REMEMBER WHAT THIS CAMPAIGN HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT

Today is a day we will never forget. My Obama campaign signs hang on my front porch railing here in Kansas, the birthplace of Senator Obama's mother.

Though we have much to celebrate tonight, let us not forget: As mothers and fathers stand with their children in lines at food banks all across this wealthy country; as body bags are loaded onto military cargo planes, holding our nation's treasure inside; as veterans and people with severe mental illness are rolling out their mats to sleep on the sidewalks, some of them mere blocks from the White House; let us pause tonight and remember, for them, what this is all about.

Congratulations to you, Senator Obama and Michelle, and to everyone who has worked so hard on this campaign. We have something very significant to celebrate and cherish tonight: A hopeful view for the future of America, this country I love.

Patricia McGahan Lewis

Stockton, Kansas

Rooks County Precinct Captain, Obama for America

LET'S PAUSE TO REMEMBER WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT

Patricia McGahan — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:25:22 EDT

LET'S PAUSE TO REMEMBER WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT

Today is a day we will never forget. I have Obama signs hung on my front porch railing today, here in Kansas, the birthplace of Senator Obama's mother. People are honking and waving when they see the signs, in Kansas!

Though we have much to celebrate today, let us not forget: As mothers and fathers stand with their children in lines at food banks all across this wealthy country; as body bags are loaded onto military cargo planes, holding our nation's treasure inside; as veterans and people with severe mental illness are rolling out their mats to sleep on the sidewalks, mere blocks from the White House; let us pause tonight and remember, for them, what this is all about.

Congratulations to one and all on the Obama campaign. We have something very significant to celebrate and cherish tonight: A hopeful view for the future of America, this country I love, and her people. Today, Abraham Lincoln is smiling; Martin Luther King is smiling; and John and Robert Kennedy are smiling too.

Patricia McGahan Lewis

Stockton, Kansas

Rooks County Precinct Captain

Video: Vote for Change in Kansas

Kate Albright-Hanna — Sun, 11 May 2008 18:44:05 EDT

Yesterday, our grassroots supporters across the country talked to their neighbors about registering new voters so that their voices - and not those of the special interests - would be heard in Washington.

I dropped in on the kickoff event in Lawrence, Kansas, where volunteers were inspired by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to get involved in the campaign and change the process:

I also followed the Patterson family as they canvassed and signed up new voters:

Are we all forgetting that Barack is half caucasian

LuAnn in Indiana — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EDT

As everyone talks about race and if this or that is racist, it appeared to me that the one thing most of us are not remembering is that Barack has a white Mom from Kansas. This may not be well known to a lot of people and though I know that there is still a lot of predjudice, it may help to be sure more people are reminded that Barack is not just a black candidate or a white candidate.

He is half of each, and therefore though his skin may appear darker than a lot of us, he is one half causasion.

A lot of potential voters do not follow politics and have no idea that Baracks's mom was a white female from Kansas. He was deserted by his black father when he was only two years old and raise by his granparents.

He has lived in Indonesia, Kansas and Chicago and has a half sister in Hawaii. So, if we are looking for someone to lead this country who would not be biased to any one group, I would think Barack should definitely qualify.

Only someone who appears to be black but is half white can know how a person of color feels. I believe Barack is in a very exceptional situation to see the world from several different points of view. Being in that special situation, I feel also makes it easier than it might for some to reach out and touch other races.

Remember, it is important because unfortunately we still live in a society where some people will not vote for a black man, to let others know of Barack's roots.

That could make a big difference in the way some people vote. We have barely survied through these last 8 years of the Bush presidency. Our economy is in shambles, jobs are at an all time low, America has never been looked so down upon and we are in a global war against people who hate us.

We need a President who can unite the entire country and also be able to "mend fences" with many other countries. This is not a time for partisan politics.

We need a change and we need it now and both Senator Clinon and McCain are "old time" politicians who have had years to try and change things, not much has changed.

Does anyone truly believe that either of them will be able to walk into the White House, not owing any favors or having some enemies?

That is something we all need to ponder on before we elect our next President.

Yes We Can!

The Math

jordarundt — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:26:08 EDT

According to Howard Wolfsson, "the road to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue goes through Pennsylvania.". I have done some calculations, and gone through the map, and i found that we don't have to win Pennsylvania to win the GE.

In the map below, the states that Kerry won are marked with blue. The states Bush won by a wide margin are colored red. Swing states are colored green. Kerry won PA,but I have colored it red to prove my point.

The blue states are the states Kerry won in 2004, green states was close and red states was Bush states.

I will give a small explanation. I will assume that a combination of Bushs record low approval rating, along with 8 years of republican rule will get democratic voters out in droves, hence securing the Kerry states quite easy. I have chosen to use a very conservative prediction, keeping both Florida and Ohio in red. That leaves Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada and Virginia as swing states. Usually Arizona would be among the swing states, but considering Senator McCain is from Arizona, I have put it in the red column. Assuming that we lose Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania we will have to win all 6. If we win those 6 states, it will be a draw. Giving each candidate 269 electoral votes. If that happens, the house of representatives will elect the President (we better do what we can to help the dems keep the majority).

The Story of Barack Obama's Mother

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:58:37 EDT

This is a story that will give you more hints about the noble character of our candidate...

A Free-Spirited Wanderer Who Set Obama's Path

Sherry — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:13:59 EDT

I wouldn't worry about what kind of influence Pastor Wright's comments have on Obama after you read about his amazing mother in the link below. I am certain that she has had a much greater impact on him. If Hillary can claim experience from living in the White House, then I would assume that Obama could claim experience from living with his mother. It was written by Janny Scott and posted in the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/us/politics/14obama.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Free Spirited wanderer set Obama's path

Mary from Vermont — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:09:17 EDT

This is a really nice article on Obama's mom, Stanley, from the NY Post.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23623222/

"the white woman from Kansas: Stanley Ann Dunham Soetoro"

Taube — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:15:32 EDT

This article should make all women honor this pathfinder for all of us who followed: Barack's mother.

From the 03 14 08 New York Times article about Barack Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham Soetoro. 'The Long Run: A Free-Spirited Wanderer Who Set Obama’s Path ' By Janny Scott

" Kansas was merely a way station in her childhood, wheeling westward in the slipstream of her furniture-salesman father. In Hawaii, she married an African student at age 18. Then she married an Indonesian, moved to Jakarta, became an anthropologist, wrote an 800-page dissertation on peasant blacksmithing in Java, worked for the Ford Foundation, championed women’s work and helped bring microcredit to the world’s poor."...

...“She was not particularly concerned about what society would say about working women, single women, women marrying outside their culture, women who were fearless and who dreamed big.”...

Read at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/us/politics/14obama.html?hp=&pagewanted=all

My Pro Obama Editorial Cartoons

Geo — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:51:27 EDT

I am perhaps not the most eloquent writer, nor do I pretend to be. My gift is drawing. Political cartooning has come along late in my career. I compare it to learning a new language. Where as every line has a meaning, some lines carrying more definition than others, just like words. They combine to form a short story or a novel and with that - it's purpose.

I work for a small daily newspaper. My opportunity came almost forced on me. My job description was redefined to involve more of my talent that my designing skills. This prompted insecurity, which, in turn, propelled me to become a contributor of content to our newspaper.

It's true that news should be unbiased. Editorial cartooning, on-the-other hand, is opinion oriented. There is a certain power one wields producing in this format that can spark debate and generate thought. I make no pretense about who I support for POTUS. It's all Barack Obama.

With that preface, here are the two political cartoons I've done so far related to the race for a democratic nominee.

I'm a PC and I'm a Mac

My complete cult-like addiction to all things Apple, I found a great avenue to compare Barack's opponent as "THE STATUS QUO" and Barack as the "THINK DIFFERENT WAY" of change. Portraying Barack as an innovator of change just like Apple is the leader in innovation of their products. As I was drawing it occurred to me to put in the Secret Service Agent to represent some media identity. Kind of like an announcer, referee or a news anchor relaying information on a fight or contest.

SAMANTHA POWER

There were many emotions going through me as I drew this last cartoon. Many may find it sexist. My rebuttal is: IF SHE CAN USE IT, SO CAN I. During the past couple of weeks, including a week prior the Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont primaries, Barack's opponent opened up a barrage of dirty political tactics against his campaign. I was trying to combine many aspects to formulate the idea she is a MONSTER! After the comment made by Samantha Power, I felt compelled to justify her statement by depicting Hillary as just that. I feel she is unfair using dirty politics of the past and not taking the higher road to change. I despise the way politicians use fear, misrepresentations, Rovian tactics and smears to destroy their opponents. I wanted to show how ugly Hillary is for using that kind of campaigning.

AS A SIDE NOTE: I can't contribute very much to this great campaign. I am not rich. Journalism doesn't pay like some would think it does. I do, however, greatly enjoy what I am doing. I have donated as much as I can. Around $25 every two weeks or so. I am hoping that posting my cartoons may enlighten some people or even make them smile as we continue this journey together. It may not be much, but it's doing something.

I would appreciate your comments or feedback and any ideas for future Barack cartoons!

BARACK OBAMA - ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE

WEBMASTER — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:23:04 EST

BARACK IS A UNIVERSAL WORD MEANING TO BRING A BLESSING.

ACCORDING TO HOSEA 4:6 WITH A VISION WE HAVE THE ETERNAL RIGHT TO SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP, GUIDANCE and HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE.

In 1999, the Federal Communications Law Journal revealed how Bill and Hillary Clinton were put in a compromising position. see PLAYING THE NAME GAME - A GLIMPSE AT THE FUTURE / page 411

In this digital age we need courage, leadership and true vision. Obama has shown such in the proper use of political blogging. It is my belief that the message of HOPE spoken by Obama is a God given word and that the vision must not slip from the grasp of the American people or the other nations, peoples and tongues that support Barack Obama around the world.

This is a day the Lord has made. Barak Obama is on his way to the THE WHITE HOUSE . . . .

and I am humbly honored to finish this message with the closing remarks of the world famous CIVIL RIGHTS leader, DR MARTIN LUTHER KING, born 15 JAN 1929, who proclaimed to the world at the LINCOLN MEMORIAL on 28 AUG 1963 in his famous freedom speech:

I HAVE A DREAM

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

THAT DAY IS HERE - YOU ARE FREE

UPDATE: OBAMA MAKES HISTORY as FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT and YES HE DID

HONOR PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1861-1865

Rockus the Caucus!

Amber — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:59:23 EST

Caucusing was AWESOME!!!!

So we drive to the church where the caucus is being held at about 6:10 p.m. Traffic on 75th street was really backed up. At first we chalked it up to rush hour or maybe an accident. No… all these cars are going to the same place. Asbury United Methodist Church. The parking lot is full, so we do a U-turn and park across the street. As we’re walking up to the church a man is walking away, frustrated, and says “The doors are at the back, the line wraps all the way to the front.” WOW! So… we take our place in line. We bump in to a friend of ours, make some friends in line, and chit-chat in the cold, waiting to get let in. We’ve got a long way to go to the back of the building. It’s a good thing we got there when we did though because we turned around and the line was going all the way down 75th street maybe 200 yards down from where we were. It was crazy!

It’s 6:45 p.m. and we start thinking about whether or not we should bail. We had Lana with us and it was frigid standing out there in that line. We bundled her up in her blanket, her hat, my coat and Kyle’s coat. We decided we’d stick it out until 7:00 p.m., when the doors were supposed to close. Then a man opens the front doors which we just happen to be standing in front of (remember, we were supposed to go in the back door). He says they are opening a line for people that need to change their party affiliation or register. THAT’S US! I was registered as an Independent, Kyle a Republican (poor guy… ). Anyway, the doors open and warm air wraps around us like a cozy blanket. Get the baby inside! People were pushing to get in, pushing in front of the stroller, in front of my baby. So, I say, “The next person to cut me off kicks their ankles cut by my stroller.”

Finally we get inside. We register, sign a piece of paper and go in the chapel. There were 2 sides, Hillary Clinton on the left and Barack Obama on the right. We took our seats on the right. We watched and waited as more and more people filed in. So many people… Hillary side was still pretty empty at about 7:15 p.m. Barack side was full, no more seats. Maybe that’s how Hillary will win the caucus? More seating room? People stood in the aisles, filled the front of the church behind the podium. People were chanting and yelling, clapping and screaming. It was amazing to see, and so awesome to make a little bit of history.

Finally at around 7:40 p.m. the guy in charge takes the podium and tells us that the basement is full, the upstairs is full. They have no more room. They called the Rabi for the Synagog across the street and he agreed to let some of us spill over there. They only expected 400-500 people to show up. Early estimates were that 5,000+ actually showed up, many, many more still waiting to get let in outside. This was way too many people to hold the traditional caucus. They appointed delegates for each candidate (Obama, Clinton, Edwards, Kucinich, Undecided) who were in charge of getting signatures for their candidate. By a stroke of luck our delegate for Barack was sitting just a pew ahead of us and we’d already been making some small talk. They passed the pad of paper back and let Kyle and I be some of the first signatures since we had Lana with us.

Once people saw the pad of paper and our delegate they started swarming. There was no way we were getting out. Finally Kyle had enough and started pushing the stroller through, “Baby coming through! Make way for baby!” A path opened up and we made our way to the exit.

Outside people were waiting and being ushered to the temple across the street in the freezing drizzle. Police were outside now directing traffic. They hadn’t expected this big of a crowd.

I just feel so blessed to be able to take part in such a historical process. So patriotic to exercise my civic duty. Proud.

Today's thoughts . . .

Erick — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:00:28 EST

1.) Now TX is not a MUST WIN!?

This will hit MSM shortly.

Look what HRC snuck into the middle of an interview in Texas this morning:

"I'd love to carry Texas, but it's usually not in the electoral calculation for the Democratic nominee." -

Uncover it at : http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/polldancing/2008/02/hillary-seat-michigan-florida-delegates.php

Kansas Caucus

Greg Gentry — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:30:39 EST

Here's a great story about the Kansas Caucus sent to Congressman Dennis Moore:

Good Afternoon,

I am sure that after last night many persons may have quite a story to tell about their caucus adventures and the massive turnout that incurred. I wanted to share with you what happened at our Olathe site last evening:

At 6pm there were over 1,000 persons standing in line at the polling site, a small church that could hold around 500 at capacity. The crowd began to grow larger and larger. It was estimated that at one time there were over 3,000 persons. After an hour of standing in line, we were directed to go to the courthouse lawn. Slowly, the crowd turned and began to move, we marched and as I looked around, I was moved to the point of tears as I saw red, black, white, brown and yellow. The old, the young, and the disabled, we moved in unity. This huge crowd without police presence marched to the courthouse square. Hour after hour we stood in line, the rain covered us, and we stood, the ice beat down on us and we stood, the snow came down and we stood. We stood in rows of five for change, for hope, for a dream.

As I turned, an elderly woman said, "scuse me sweetheart, but can I stand with you." I put my arm out for her to steady herself next to me.

She said, I came here to vote and I am not leaving until I do. She must have been 80 plus years old. I was frozen stiff, but I looked at her with great respect as she stood beside me. To my left was a man from India, he was a naturalized citizen he told me. "I am a democrat because I like Congressman Moore," he told me with a thick accent. I couldn't say a word, but nodded, my emotions were just too raw at the time. A tall black man stood in a row with his family, his mother, wife, and two daughters ahead of me. He mentioned that they needed to fly over us, so they could see how many people were standing there, like in the Million Man March. We chuckled and said we would take whoever got a helicopter or plane over us out to dinner. It was 9pm and we were still standing.

The chant began, "Yes we Can" it was so loud and I heard my elderly friend saying it strong and clear.

A young friend of mine yelled my name across the courtyard, as I had rallied as many as I could to make a presence at the caucus that evening. I was shocked they braved the weather. By that time, I was freezing, I couldn't feel my feet and then a lady from behind me tapped me on the back and said, "Would you like some gloves I have an extra pair?" I was so grateful as she handed me the gloves. I yelled to my mother, who was several rows back to see if she was okay. I was worried as ice was hammering down on us. It was as if everyone looked to the sky and said, "Whatever", we will not be moved.

I guess I could not comprehend what was actually happening. 9:30pm came and a Police presence arrived. I think they were so surprised that a group this large was able to maintain its cool, even under the unorganized mess. However, the workers were giving their all, some kept coming through and trying to assure us we would get through ASAP. One last thing that clinched my heart, a young black woman made a statement about Martin Luther King. She saw the similarity that I was feeling. She was a few rows ahead with an elderly gentleman and said I wonder if marching like this was like marching with King. She didn't say anything else, and I did not move out of line to try and confirm my wonderment as well. You could hear everyone very clear, because the wind was blowing so hard and the snow was falling very thick, so everyone was yelling as loud as they could.

I know so many people probably have amazing stories and horror stories as to what went wrong or what went right last night, but the bottom line is that We the people stood for a change, whatever their religion, race, color, or creed. To me, the turn out we saw was the ipedemy of what the Black Cabinet stands for. Congressman Moore should be proud, very proud because the bills we just discussed in our last meeting, the votes he has cast as the records show, clearly point to making a better America for our people and for all.

Yes, it was a mess, yes it was bad weather, but we stood strong, we were not moved. We came for change and we made History.

Lets Get Those Kansas Super Delegates for Barack Obama!

Pat Kohler — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:58:10 EST

We as Democratic members of Kansas have done our duty and earned Barack Obama our large majority of delegates pledged towards him. Now, we need something else to do. We have spread the word to the people from the bottom-up, the grassroots way. Now, it is time to reach to the trees of this state. They are the people who will go to Denver, Colorado in August and put their vote towards a candidate. So far, Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Democratic Party National Committeeman Lee Kinch have endorsed Barack Obama. Democratic Party Vice-Chair Teresa Krusor has endorsed Hillary Clinton. There are 5 delegates that have not committed to a candidate.

I propose that we write to these folks (often) to let them know that we want them to support Barack Obama. You will find the contact information of the super delegates here. When you contact them do not bash Hillary or Bill Clinton. Highlight points between the two candidates and how it will benefit people in Kansas and beyond.

The choices we make here in the United States of America do not only affect those of us who live here. They affect the over 6 billion people who live on this planet. It is our duty as citizens of this state, as citizens of this country, as citizens of this planet that we choose the person who will govern this country. It needs to be a person who has an understanding of people of all walks of life.

CHANGE is not just about a change in leadership of this country. CHANGE is about a change in foreign policy, a change in education, a change in economics, a change in healthcare, a change in the way that the people of this planet view us.

We want CHANGE! They want CHANGE! We need CHANGE!

YES WE CAN! SI SE PUEDE!

Kansas Wheat Report - Inside The Kansas Caucus,O.P.Style(tm)

Reggie Banks,Sr. — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:11:10 EST

Well, the wheat stalks were really waving last night at the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Church. They had said to get there early,and I did @ 6:15pm for what I thought would be a pretty straightforward and punctual caucus. But, was I surprised as I turned on 87th street into a sea of red tailights and white headlights! After about 15 minutes to travel three blocks and, see a line of about 400 plus people standing in front of the church; I went to find a parking spot about 5 blocks away. After walking from my parking spot and joining the people in line it had snaked 2-3 blocks away from the Caucus Center.And, by the time we finally moved up into the courtyard word had it, that the line now behind us was 5-6 blocks long. We stood in the freezing cold, rain, drizzle, sleet and snow for almost 3hours before we made it into the warm church.

The pastor even had come out during our wait, and gave permission for us to come into his parsonage to warm up. But, we were told we couldn't get out of line, so needless to say many of us were just about frost-bitten by the time we got into the actual caucus center. During our wait we may have lost about 1,000 people who left upset with the conditions and the wait. But, many of us had the resolve that we wanted to show Senator Obama and the national media, the resolve of Kansas Democrats, Independents and re-registered Republicans; that the media couldn't just mark us automatically in the beginning of precinct reporting, that we were just a RED STATE!

Super Delegates Listing

Pat Kohler — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:53:58 EST

I have been unable to find an official listing, but I have found a website with what they say is the listing.

Of the 9 super delegates in Kansas, 3 have declared their favorite according to the sites.

Hilary: Teresa Krusor

Barack: Kathleen Sebelius, E. Lee Kinch

Super Delegates that have not endorsed

Super Delegates that have endorsed

Kansas Super Delegates that have not endorsed: Nancy Boyda, Dennis Moore, Larry Gates

There seems to be 3 missing super delegates from that list. I will look into it further to find those people.

In the meantime here is the contact information for the uncommitted 3 that I have found

Nancy Boyda

http://boyda.house.gov/?sectionid=55

http://nancyforcongress.com/

http://boyda.house.gov/

TOPEKA, KS OFFICE
510 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 234-8111
Fax: (785) 234-9111

WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE
1711 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6601
Fax: (202) 225-7986

PITTSBURG, KS OFFICE
701 N. Broadway, Suite A
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 231-3011
Fax: (620) 231-4011

Dennis Moore

http://www.mooreforcongress.com/

http://www.moore.house.gov/contact/

Washington, DC
1727 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2865
Fax: (202) 225-2807

Overland Park, KS
8417 Santa Fe Drive #101
Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone: (913) 383-2013
Fax: (913) 383-2088

Kansas City, KS
500 State Avenue #176
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: (913) 621-0832
Fax: (913) 621-1533

Lawrence, KS
901 Kentucky St., #205
Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: (785) 842-9313
Fax: (785) 843-3289

Moore for Congress
PO BOX 14631
Lenexa, KS 66285

Phone: (913)888-4838

Fax: (913)894-0903

Larry Gates

Lawrence C. Gates
Chair
P.O. Box 1914
Topeka, KS 66601-1914
(785) 234-0425
email: lgates@ksdp.org

Caucusing In Kansas

Pat Kohler — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:49:03 EST

Caucusing in Emporia, KS took a while. We got in a little after 6 and I do not think we started to count until near 8 PM. We soon learned that we had 295 votes to Hillary's 193. Soon enough, Edwards supporters came in and we all cheered. We eventually had 325 votes earning us 5 delegates to Hillary's 3.

When it came down to picking our delegates, apparently according to the rules of the Kansas Democratic Party which were not explained, I got a little testy with our former senator who felt it was his job to point out the people who had done certain things in the community who also wanted to go to Hays for the state convention. My wife and I let this senator know what we thought afterwards, but he just blew us off.

It frustrates us that here we are trying to change things in how politics work and here is this guy who is a former senator that is holding all the information in how things work and also putting in who he thinks we should carefully consider. It is not right. In all honesty, the people who were selected to go were the right people to go. But the information was not shared or explained. The people who hold the information hold the power.

If you know who this senator was please let me know, as I will then be making a lot of noise to the local party.

Atlanta, Georgie. 20 janvier 2008

Pascal Uccelli — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:14:03 EST

Discours du Sénateur Barack Obama : « L’immense Besoin Aujourd’hui ».
Atlanta, Georgie. 20 janvier 2008.

La Bible nous dit que lorsque Josué et les Israélites arrivèrent aux portes de Jéricho, ils ne purent entrer. Les remparts de la ville étaient trop élevés pour être franchis et trop épais pour être détruits par la force. Ainsi le peuple resta-t-il assis des jours entiers, dans l’impossibilité de pénétrer dans la ville.

Mais Dieu avait un projet pour son peuple. Il leur dit de se relever, de tourner autour de la ville, et le septième jour Il leur dit que quand retentirait la corne de bélier, tout le peuple devrait pousser une grande clameur. À l’heure dite, lorsque sonna le cor et que les voix s’élevèrent en chœur, le grand rempart de Jéricho s’écroula. C’est ce que nous enseigne la Bible.

Nombreuses sont les leçons à retirer de ce passage. Nombreuses sont les leçons à retirer de cette journée. Nombreux aussi les souvenirs qui emplissent cette église. Je me suis demandé quelles leçons nous remémorer à ce jour, et mon esprit est remonté au tout début de l’histoire de la lutte pour les droits civiques.

Car avant Memphis et le sommet de la montagne, avant le pont de Selma et la marche sur Washington, avant Birmingham et les passages à tabac, avant les lances à incendie et le décès de quatre petites filles, avant King l’icône et son rêve magnifique, il y eut King le jeune pasteur et un peuple qui souffrait sous le joug de l’oppression.

À la veille du boycott des bus à Montgomery, à une époque où nombreux étaient ceux qui doutaient que les choses puissent changer, à une époque où les membres de la communauté noire se défiaient les uns des autres et d’eux-mêmes, King inspira les gens avec des paroles non pas de colère mais d’urgence, une urgence féroce qui nous parle encore aujourd’hui :

« L’unité est un immense besoin aujourd’hui », dit alors King. L’unité est ce qui nous permettra de vaincre.

Dr. King avait compris ceci : si une seule personne faisait le choix de marcher au lieu de prendre le bus, alors les remparts de l’oppression ne bougeraient pas. Mais si davantage choisissaient de marcher, les fondations commenceraient à trembler. Si davantage de femmes étaient prêtes à faire ce que Rosa Parks avait fait, alors les murs commenceraient à se fissurer. Si les jeunes descendaient depuis le Nord jusque dans le Sud, alors quelques briques finiraient par se détacher. Si les blancs se mettaient à manifester en ayant compris que leur liberté était liée à la liberté d’autrui et qu’eux aussi avaient un enjeu dans le combat imminent, alors les murs commenceraient à trembler. Et si suffisamment d’Américains s’apercevaient de cette injustice, s’ils s’alliaient, Nord et Sud, riches et pauvres, Juifs et Chrétiens, alors peut-être ce mur s’écroulerait-il, et la justice coulerait comme l’eau et la vertu comme un flot puissant.

L’unité est un immense besoin aujourd’hui. Voici ce qu’a dit Dr. King. C’est un immense besoin à ce jour. Non pas parce que cela sonne bien, non pas parce que cela nous rassure, mais parce que c’est l’unique moyen de triompher du déficit fondamental qui existe dans ce pays.

Je ne parle pas du déficit budgétaire. Je ne parle pas du déficit extérieur.

Je parle du déficit moral dans ce pays. Je parle d’un déficit de compassion. L’incapacité de nous reconnaître en l’autre, de comprendre que nous sommes le gardien de notre frère, le gardien de notre sœur, et que, pour reprendre les mots de Dr. King, nous sommes tous reliés par le même vêtement du destin.

Il existe un déficit de compassion lorsque nous envoyons nos enfants dans des écoles qui s’apparentent à des voies de garage dans des coins perdus de l’Amérique où la couleur de la peau détermine encore et toujours le contenu de l’éducation.

Il existe un déficit lorsque des DG gagnent plus d’argent en dix minutes qu’un ouvrier lambda en dix mois, lorsque des familles perdent leur logement alors que des propriétaires sans scrupule s’enrichissent, lorsque des mères ne peuvent payer le médecin pour leurs enfants malades.

Il existe un déficit lorsque la justice a deux vitesses, une pour Scooter Libby et une pour Jena en Louisiane, et lorsque nos enfants voient des nœuds coulants pendre des arbres de nos jours, à notre époque, au XXIème siècle.

Il existe un déficit lorsque nos vétérans sans logement dorment dans la rue, lorsque des innocents sont massacrés dans le désert du Darfour, lorsque de jeunes Américains ne cessent de repartir en mission dans une guerre qui n’aurait jamais dû être avalisée ou déclarée. Il existe un déficit de compassion qu’il s’agit de combler.

Il existe un déficit lorsqu’une brèche dans une digue vient souligner une brèche dans notre compassion, lorsqu’une tempête terrible vient nous montrer ceux qui ont faim et que Dieu nous demande de nourrir, ceux qui souffrent et qu’Il nous demande de soigner, et qu’Il nous demande de traiter jusqu’au dernier comme l’un des nôtres.

Il faut combler ce déficit. Il existe des murs, des remparts à la justice et à l’égalité, et qu’il faut abattre. Pour accomplir cela, nous savons que l’unité est un immense besoin aujourd’hui.

Toutefois, par trop souvent on parle d’unité dans ce pays, et l’on en vient à croire qu’elle peut s’acheter au rabais. On en vient à croire que la réconciliation entre les races peut s’obtenir aisément, qu’il s’agit tout au plus de quelques ignorants engoncés dans les préjugés du passé, et que si les démagogues et ceux qui exploitent les divisions raciales disparaissaient, alors tous nos problèmes seraient résolus.

Par trop souvent on cherche à ignorer les lourds obstacles structurels et institutionnels qui empêchent d’offrir les mêmes chances à tous les enfants, des emplois décents pour tout le monde, et une couverture médicale pour les malades. Nous souhaitons l’unité, mais rechignons à en payer le prix.

Evidemment une réelle unité ne s’achète pas aussi simplement. Cela demande une ouverture d’esprit et un changement dans les mentalités.

Il n’est pas aisé de se mettre à la place des autres. Il n’est pas aisé de passer outre nos différences. Nous avons tous vécu cela. Ce qui rend la tâche malaisée est la politique menée dans ce pays et qui vise à nous diviser et à dresser un mur entre nous.

On nous répète que ceux qui diffèrent un tant soit peu de nous diffèrent en tous points, que nos problèmes sont le fait de ceux qui ne pensent pas comme nous ou qui ne nous ressemblent pas, ou qui ne viennent pas du même endroit. L’aide sociale nous vole notre argent. L’immigré nous vole nos emplois. Le croyant condamne l’immoralité du non-croyant, et le non-croyant condamne l’intolérance du croyant.

Tout au long de l’histoire de ce pays, les membres de la communauté afro-américaine ont souffert de l’inhumanité de l’homme envers l’homme. Et nous comprenons tous le rôle insidieux que joue parfois la question de la race : au travail, à l’école, dans notre système de santé, et dans notre système judiciaire.

Cependant, si nous regardons les choses en face, nous devons reconnaître que nos propres mains ne sont pas propres. Si nous regardons les choses en face, nous devrons admettre que notre propre communauté n’a pas toujours rendu justice à la vision de Dr. King d’une communauté bienveillante.

Si nous regardons les choses en face, nous devons admettre qu’il nous est arrivé de mépriser nos frères et sœurs homosexuels au lieu de les étreindre. Il est arrivé que le fléau de l’antisémitisme surgisse au sein de notre communauté. Trop longtemps certains ont perçu les immigrés comme des concurrents dans la recherche d’un emploi au lieu de voir en eux des compagnons dans la lutte pour l’avenir.

Chaque jour, nos hommes politiques attisent et exploitent ce type de division par le biais de la race, de la religion, des sexes et de l’appartenance politique. La télévision s’en fait le relais. Les médias en font du sensationnel. La semaine dernière, cette division s’est immiscée dans la campagne présidentielle, avec des accusations et des contre-attaques qui n’ont servi qu’à obscurcir le débat au lieu d’éclairer les décisions cruciales auxquelles la nation doit faire face. Nos mains ne sont pas propres.

Alors en ce jour exceptionnel, chacun de nous porte avec nous tous le devoir de changer nos cœurs et nos esprits. La division, les stéréotypes, les boucs émissaires, la facilité avec laquelle nous accusons les autres de notre sort, tout ceci nous empêche de nous concentrer sur les défis que nous devons relever : la guerre, la pauvreté, l’inégalité et l’injustice. Nous ne pouvons plus nous permettre de nous construire en nous détruisant les uns les autres. Nous ne pouvons plus nous permettre de faire le trafic du mensonge, de la peur et de la haine. Tel est le poison que nous devons purger de notre vie politique, le mur que nous devons démolir avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

Car si Dr. King a su aimer son geôlier, s’il a su demander aux fidèles assis à votre place de pardonner ceux qui avaient envoyé contre eux les lances à incendies et les chiens, alors assurément nous pouvons passer outre ce qui nous divise à notre époque, et panser nos plaies, et effacer le déficit de compassion dans nos cœurs.

Et si changer les cœurs et les esprits est une étape cruciale, nous ne pouvons pas nous en contenter. Déplorer le sort des pauvres dans notre pays sans la volonté de pousser nos élus à débloquer les fonds pour réparer les écoles n’est pas suffisant. Décrier les disparités de notre système de santé tout en laissant les compagnies d’assurance et l’industrie pharmaceutique bloquer les réformes n’est pas suffisant. Abhorrer une guerre fourvoyée tout en se laissant mener par une politique de peur qui exploite la menace d’une attaque pour soutirer des votes au lieu de nous unir dans un effort commun n’est pas suffisant.

La Bible nous dit que nous sommes jugés non sur nos paroles mais sur nos actes. Et si nous souhaitons réellement apporter l’unité dont nous avons besoin, et si cruciale à notre époque, nous devons trouver la force au fond de nous-mêmes d’agir en conséquence, en comprenant que pour être à la hauteur des idéaux et du potentiel de ce pays, il faudra fournir de gros efforts, faire preuve de force et d’esprit de sacrifice.

Nous ne pouvons faire passer une loi baptisée « n’abandonnons pas nos enfants face à l’éducation » et laisser l’argent à la traîne. Ça n’est pas un effort sérieux dans la construction de l’unité. Nous ne pouvons pas célébrer le rêve de Dr King sans avoir les fonds nécessaires pour encaisser les promesses de cette nation.

Voilà l’enjeu du débat politique de ce jour. Les changements nécessaires ne sont pas de l’ordre du bricolage et ne se concrétiseront pas si les politiques se contentent de nous dire ce que nous voulons entendre. Nous serons tous appelés à faire des sacrifices. Aucun de nous ne sera exempté de sa responsabilité. Nous devrons nous battre pour réparer nos écoles, mais nous devons aussi relever le défi d’être de meilleurs parents, en éteignant la télévision et en rangeant les jeux vidéo, et les hommes devront être auprès de leurs enfants car cela aussi fait partie des défis que nous devons affronter. Nous devrons défier les préjudices de notre système judiciaire tout en reconnaissant la violence profondément ancrée dans nos communautés afin de rassembler la force nécessaire pour briser son étau.

C’est ainsi que nous apporterons les changements nécessaires. C’est ainsi que Dr King a mené ce pays à travers le désert. Il le fit avec des paroles, non seulement adressées aux enfants d’esclaves, mais aussi aux enfants des propriétaires d’esclaves. Des paroles qui surent inspirer les noirs et les blancs, les Chrétiens et les Juifs et les Musulmans et les Bouddhistes et les Athéistes, les Sudistes et les Nordistes.

Ses paroles menèrent le pays ; ses actes aussi. Et il sut donner l’exemple. Il manifesta et fut emprisonné, il souffrit les menaces, les passages à tabac et l’éloignement de sa famille. Il prit position contre la guerre tout en sachant que sa popularité en sortirait diminuée. Il remit en question notre structure économique tout en sachant les désagréments que cela entraînerait. Dr King avait compris que l’unité ne s’acquiert pas au rabais mais qu’il faudrait la gagner au prix d’efforts et de détermination.

Cette unité, cette unité gagnée de haute lutte, nous en avons besoin à cette heure. Ce sont ces efforts et cette détermination qui peuvent transformer un optimisme aveugle en espérance.

Les gens ont souligné que je parlais beaucoup d’espoir dans ma campagne. On me raille, c’est un sujet de mépris. Les gens disent « Ah, il parle encore d’espoir, quel idéaliste, il est naïf, c’est un brocanteur d’espoir ». Il est vrai que je parle d’espérance. J’en parle souvent. Parce que la probabilité que je sois ici aujourd’hui est tellement mince que sans espoir, je n’y serais jamais arrivé. Mon père est parti lorsque j’avais deux ans. J’ai eu besoin d’espoir pour arriver jusqu’ici. J’ai été élevé par une mère célibataire. J’ai eu besoin d’espoir pour arriver jusqu’ici. J’ai eu des problèmes à l’adolescence et j’ai fait des choses dont les gens n’aiment pas parler. J’ai eu besoin d’espoir pour arriver jusqu’ici. Je ne suis pas né riche, dans un milieu aisé et privilégié. On m’a donné de l’amour, une éducation et de l’espoir. Voilà ce que j’ai eu. Voilà ce que j’ai eu à la naissance.

Alors je parle d’espoir, et j’inscris ce mot sur mes banderoles de campagne. Parfois on n’y trouve pas même mon nom, juste le mot « espoir ». Les gens ne savent pas pour qui ils votent mais ça les rassure. J’en ai parlé au Congrès National du Parti Démocrate, j’ai écrit un ouvrage intitulé L’Audace d’espérer. Je reste perplexe lorsque les gens, comme certains candidats, se moquent de cette notion. Ils disent que je colporte de faux espoirs. « Il faut revenir sur terre », me disent-ils. Je dois faire un effort pour comprendre ce qu’ils veulent dire. L’idée étant que lorsqu’on espère, ce ne sont là que des vœux pieux et qu’on a la tête dans les nuages. Qu’on est passif, et qu’on reste là à attendre qu’il se passe quelque chose. Cela semble être leur perception. Alors il me faut expliquer aux gens : ce n’est pas ça, l’espérance.

L’espérance n’est pas un optimisme aveugle. Il ne s’agit pas d’ignorer les barrières, les obstacles et les embûches qui se dressent sur la route. C’est tout le contraire. Je sais à quel point il sera difficile d’assurer une couverture médicale pour chaque Américain. Les compagnies d’assurance et l’industrie pharmaceutique ne veulent pas renoncer à leurs bénéfices. Je sais qu’il ne sera pas facile d’avoir une politique énergétique cohérente pour l’Amérique car les compagnies pétrolières se plaisent à rédiger nos factures énergétiques. Je sais que soulager les pauvres, s’assurer que nos enfants ont la possibilité d’apprendre ou éliminer le fléau du racisme dans notre société ne se prêtent pas à des solutions faciles. Je le sais pour avoir porté le combat dans les rues en qualité d’organisateur de comité dans les quartiers pauvres du South Side de Chicago aux côtés de ceux qui n’avaient pas d’emploi et encore moins de perspectives. J’ai porté le combat dans les tribunaux en qualité d’avocat des droits civils pour ceux qui s’étaient vus refuser l’égalité des chances dans le cadre de leur travail ou l’accès aux urnes.

J’ai vu périr de bonnes législations car les bonnes intentions ne suffisaient plus. Car elles n’étaient pas renforcées par une majorité politique ou par une volonté politique. J’ai vu le jugement de ce pays être obscurci par la peur. Je sais à quel point un pays peut être fourvoyé lorsqu’il a peur. Je sais à quel point c’est difficile. Tout le monde ici comprend à quel point il est difficile d’apporter le changement. Un changement en lequel nous ayons foi. Mais je sais ceci. Rien d’important n’a jamais vu le jour sans que quelqu’un ait préalablement décidé d’espérer.

C’est ainsi que ce pays a vu le jour ; parce qu’un groupe de patriotes décida d’affronter l’Empire britannique. Personne ne pariait sur eux. C’est ainsi que les esclaves et les abolitionnistes résistèrent face à un système malfaisant. C’est ainsi qu’un président fut à même de planifier un moyen de s’assurer que ce pays ne serait plus qu’à moitié libre. C’est ainsi qu’une grande génération vainquit le fascisme et la Grande Dépression. C’est ainsi que les femmes remportèrent le droit de vote. Et les ouvriers le droit de se rassembler. C’est ainsi que les jeunes et les moins jeunes décidèrent de marcher au lieu de prendre le bus et se rassemblèrent pour manifester, pour faire des sit-ins alors qu’on les passait à tabac, et qu’on leur envoyait les lances à incendie et les chiens. Certains furent emprisonnés et certains trouvèrent la mort pour défendre la liberté. C’est ça l’espoir.

C’est imaginer ce qui était jusqu’alors impossible et se démener, se battre, et parfois même mourir pour l’obtenir. Cela n’a rien de naïf. Ce ne sont pas de faux espoirs. Je ne crois pas aux faux espoirs. Imaginez un peu si John F. Kennedy avait levé les yeux vers la lune en disant « C’est trop loin. Faux espoirs, on ne peut pas y aller ». Si Dr King, au Lincoln Memorial, avait dit « Rentrez chez vous. On ne vaincra pas ». Les faux espoirs n’existent pas. Au plus profond de moi-même je sais que nous ne pouvons apporter le changement sans être unis, tous ensemble. Le changement ne vient pas d’en haut, ni en Amérique, ni ailleurs dans le monde, le changement vient d’en bas. Les choses changent lorsque des gens ordinaires se mettent à rêver à des choses extraordinaires. Parce que vous en décidez ainsi. Je suis convaincu de cela.

Il n’y eut pas une seule voix face aux remparts de Jéricho. Toutes les voix se sont unies pour former un chœur. C’est ce qui me donne espoir. Pas uniquement ceux qui sont haut placés. Les changements opérés dans des endroits ordinaires et les histoires qui me redonnent espoir n’ont pas lieu sous les feux de la rampe. Lorsque je pense au Dr King, je pense qu’il se nourrissait non pas de dîners avec les chefs d’Etats, non pas du Prix Nobel de la Paix, mais de la présence dans cette église des mères et des diacres, de ceux qui restaient dignes face à l’injustice. Son espoir venait de là. C’est Dieu qu’il lisait sur leurs visages.

Ces histoires ne se déroulent pas sur une tribune présidentielle. Elles se passent dans les moments calmes de la vie. Lorsqu’on s’y attend le moins. Permettez-moi de terminer en vous donnant un exemple.

Il existe une jeune femme blanche de vingt-trois ans, Ashley Biaia, qui fait partie de l’équipe de campagne à Florence, en Caroline du Sud. Ashley a œuvré essentiellement au sein de la communauté afro-américaine depuis le début de la campagne. L’autre jour, elle a organisé une table ronde afin que tout le monde se présente et explique son engagement.

Ashley prit la parole la première. À l’âge de neuf ans, sa mère eut un cancer. Pour absences sur son lieu de travail, sa mère fut licenciée sans couverture médicale. Elle fut déclarée en faillite et Ashley, alors âgée de neuf ans, décida qu’il fallait faire quelque chose pour aider sa mère.

Elle savait que la nourriture coûtait cher, car ils n’étaient pas très riches, et Ashley parvint à convaincre sa mère qu’elle voulait plus que tout au monde manger des sandwichs à la moutarde et aux pickles. Elle avait entendu dire que les condiments, comme la moutarde et les pickles, étaient bon marché. Elle concocta dans son esprit, à l’âge de neuf ans, cet argument afin de convaincre sa mère qu’elle ne désirait pas manger quoi que ce soit d’autre. Elle avait trouvé ce moyen pour économiser de l’argent pour sa famille en ces temps difficiles.

Elle fit ceci pendant un an, jusqu’à ce que sa mère se porte mieux ; elle raconta lors de cette table ronde qu’elle s’était jointe à la campagne pour venir en aide aux millions d’enfants dans le pays qui avaient besoin d’aider leurs parents. Elle m’avait entendu parler de ma mère atteinte d’un cancer et de mon inquiétude de la savoir peut-être sans couverture médicale à cause de son état de santé et cela l’avait touchée. Elle s’était dit, peut-être Barack se battra-t-il pour ma mère. Et s’il se bat pour ma mère, alors je me battrai à ses côtés. C’est ce qui la conduisit à Florence.

Et ainsi Ashley termine son récit et fait le tour de table pour demander aux autres pourquoi ils soutiennent la campagne. Tous ont des histoires et des raisons différentes. Nombreux sont ceux qui soulèvent des points précis, comme la discrimination positive, ou le chômage dans la communauté, l’apprentissage d’un métier, et puis il y a moi, aussi. Tous ont des raisons diverses et variées. Finalement on arrive à ce vieil homme noir assis en silence depuis le début. Ashley lui demande pourquoi il est parmi nous. Il ne soulève pas un problème en particulier. Il ne parle pas de santé ou d’économie, d’éducation ou de la guerre en Irak. Il ne dit pas qu’il apprécie Barack Obama ou qu’il est fier de la possibilité d’avoir un président afro-américain. Il se contente de dire à tout le monde, « Je suis ici parce qu’il y a Ashley ». Je suis ici parce qu’il y a cette jeune femme qui est prête à se battre pour ses idées. Et du coup je me rends compte que je peux encore me battre moi aussi, et que je vais défendre ce en quoi je crois.

En soi, la reconnaissance entre cette jeune femme blanche et cet homme noir âgé n’est pas suffisante pour changer une nation. En soi, cela ne donne pas de couverture médicale aux souffrants, d’emplois aux chômeurs ou de diplômes à nos enfants.

Mais c’est un début. Je pense qu’à cet instant les murs dans cette pièce commencèrent à trembler.

Et s’ils tremblent dans cette pièce, ils peuvent trembler à Atlanta.

Et s’ils tremblent à Atlanta, ils peuvent trembler dans l’Etat de Géorgie.

Et s’ils tremblent en Géorgie, ils peuvent trembler à travers toute l’Amérique. Et si nos voix s’unissent en nombre suffisant, nous pouvons renverser ces murs. Les remparts de Jéricho s’écroulent enfin. C’est notre espoir, si nous prions ensemble, travaillons ensemble, si nous marchons de concert.

Eglise d’Ebenezer, nous ne pouvons avancer seuls.

Mes frères et mes sœurs, nous ne pouvons avancer seuls.

Dans le combat pour la justice et l’égalité, nous ne pouvons avancer seuls.

Dans le combat pour l’égalité des chances et la justice, nous ne pouvons avancer seuls.

Dans le combat pour panser les plaies de cette nation et réparer le monde, nous ne pouvons avancer seuls.

Alors je vous demande d’avancer avec moi, de marcher avec moi, de joindre vos voix à la mienne afin qu’ensemble nous clamions le chant qui détruira les murs qui nous séparent afin de reconstruire une Amérique réellement une et indivisible, porteuse de liberté et de justice pour tous. Que Dieu bénisse la mémoire de l’immense pasteur de cette église, et que Dieu bénisse les Etats-Unis d’Amérique. Merci.

Barack Obama

Pascal Uccelli

((( @ our_fight )))

Kansas Wheat Report of a Grassroots Organizer

Reggie Banks,Sr. — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:58:01 EST

The Kansas Wheat Report can wave it's stalks, in the cold January howling winds and snow.

Even though it is near semi-blizzard conditions over 10,000 plus were warmed by the ingratiating smiles of our Democratic politicians. Governor Kathleen Sebellius, Senator Claire McCaskill and the energetic fluency, of Senator Barack Obama at Kansas City's Municipal Convention Center.

Because my other passions include producing/directing I was anxious and exhilarated to see the vociferous planks laid in a jovial,coquetish but tempered, with Harvard honed, educated precision, from Senator Obama. I was not disappointed; he not only laid his political planks for the boisterous inside crowd but, also, went outside after a spirited expose to 6,000 KC faithful and, gave a Readers Digest version to @4,000 cold and shivering faithful Kansas Citians, that couldn't get inside the convention hall. That alone would garner my vote for the feelings of empathy he expressed to his supporters, that braved the frigid temperatures of the Kansas plains; just to get a chance to see and hear him speak in person.

HISTORY IS BEING MADE AS WE WATCH A NEW AMERICA GROW AND STRETCH, FOR THE UNREACHABLE STARS & DREAMS OF MANY PAST AND PRESENT "CHANGE AGENTS!"

WHEAT WORDS BY,

Reggie Banks,Sr.

Today El Dorado

Pat Kohler — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:36:44 EST

Today was amazing! Unfortunately, it started with snow and wind. My wife and I, who RSVPd on Sunday night, found out that the RSVP E-Tickets do not count. ALL events are first come, first serve. I guarantee you that if we knew this we would have been there at 7:00 am to wait to get inside. Instead we found ourselves a mere 20 people away from getting into the main gymnasium. When the organizers told us to go around the building to the overflow room, about 1500 to 2000 people took off running towards those doors. We expressed our dissatisfication to the organizers who were there and they agreed the system was messed up. They were also seemingly unaware that the RSVP system gave the very real impression that what people printed off were tickets to get in. Hopefully, they take heed and will correct the issue soon.

Once we found ourselves inside the overflow room/weight room/indoor practice field, we found a nice comfy patch of astroturf and talked with the people we waited outside with. My wife pointed to a back door and said, "Hey! Aren't those the Secret Service guys?" I responded that I recognized them from the many videos, and no more than 20 seconds later the whole room lept to their feet and lurched forward to try and get their shot at shaking hands with Barack Obama.

Obama gave a fantastic speach that was televised from the main gymnasium. He covered his family history in Kansas, and told us his story. His story is truly a story that could only have occured in the United States. He also spoke of retirement, economy, education, and uniting people.

My wife who has just graduated from Emporia State University in Elementary Education. Emporia is the 4th best teaching school in the country. She was very impressed with what Obama said. Increase pay for teachers, find a new way to teach science and math, do not teach to the test, and bring back art and music into the education scene.

Hilary "won" Florida. Which is just a joke. No one except for her stepped foot in Florida for this primary, and yet here she goes, just like in Michigan, claiming this huge victory and bla bla bla. We will see on Super Tuesday who comes out on top. If February 5th turns out like anything of the four sanctioned primaries, Barack Obama will win the most votes, win the most delegates, win the most endorsements, and enliven people into politics again.

I would like to also point out that the power house female politicians of this country endorse Barack Obama.

Kathleen Sebelius

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:53:05 EST

Kathleen Gilligan Sebelius (born 1948 May 15 is currently serving as the 44th Governor of Kansas.[1] She is the second female governor of of Kansas, the 2008 respondent to the State of the Union address,[2] and chair-emeritus of the Democratic Governors Association.

You can learn more about her from this wikipedia page excerpted below: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Sebelius

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Endorses Barack Obama in El Dorado, Kansas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:34:54 EST

Senator Obama was endorsed by Governor Kathleen Sebelius today in El Dorado, Kansas. Governor Sebelius stated...

I am especially pleased to announce my enthusiastic endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States - because Barack Obama represents exactly the kind of change Kansans can believe in.

His candidacy offers the heartland values instilled by his mother and grandparents - all three native Kansans. Values of believing in something greater than ourselves, finding common sense solutions to problems, knowing that education is the doorway to opportunity, and working for the common good.

Senator Obama demonstrates a unique ability to reach across party lines - a quality we need now, right now, to unite our leaders and meet the serious challenges our country faces at home and abroad.

We are now in the process of choosing a Democratic nominee, yes; but, even more importantly to me, and to this country, we are choosing a leader for America.

And, on an especially personal note - I admire the way Senator Obama has inspired a younger generation of Americans, my own children included.

For months now, my two sons have implored me to make my admiration for Senator Obama public. To offer him my endorsement, and join this fight for change all of us can believe in. I am proud to do so today. Life at home will be easier for me after today, Barack, I assure you!

Barack spoke about how the how we can reclaim the American dream...

You know, we have been told for many years that we are becoming more divided as a nation.
We have been made to believe that differences of race and region; wealth and gender; party and religion have separated us into warring factions; into Red States and Blue states made up of individuals with opposing wants and needs; with conflicting hopes and dreams.
It is a vision of America that’s been exploited and encouraged by pundits and politicians who need this division to score points and win elections. But it is a vision of America that I am running for President to fundamentally reject – not because of a blind optimism I hold, but because of a story I’ve lived.
It’s a story that began here, in El Dorado, when a young man fell in love with a young woman who grew up down the road in Augusta. They came of age in the midst of the Depression, where he found odd jobs on small farms and oil rigs, always dodging the bank failures and foreclosures that were sweeping the nation.
They married just after war broke out in Europe, and he enlisted in Patton’s army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She gave birth to their daughter on the base at Fort Leavenworth, and worked on a bomber assembly line when he left for war.
In a time of great uncertainty and anxiety, my grandparents held on to a simple dream – that they could raise my mother in a land of boundless opportunity; that their generation’s struggle and sacrifice could give her the freedom to be what she wanted to be; to live how she wanted to live.
I am standing here today because that dream was realized – because my grandfather got the chance to go to school on the GI Bill, buy a house through the Federal Housing Authority, and move his family west – all the way to Hawaii – where my mother would go to college and one day fall in love with a young student from Kenya.
I am here because that dream made my parents’ love possible, even then; because it meant that after my father left, when my mother struggled as a single parent, and even turned to food stamps for a time, she was still able to send my sister and me to the best schools in the country.
And I’m here because years later, when I found my own love in a place far away called Chicago, she told me of a similar dream. Michelle grew up in a working-class family on the South Side during the 1960s. Her father had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at just thirty years old. And yet, every day of his life, even when he had to rely on a walker to get him there, Fraser Robinson went to work at the local water filtration plant while his wife stayed home with the children. And on that single salary, he was able to send Michelle and her brother to Princeton.
Our family’s story is one that spans miles and generations; races and realities. It’s the story of farmers and soldiers; city workers and single moms. It takes place in small towns and good schools; in Kansas and Kenya; on the shores of Hawaii and the streets of Chicago. It’s a varied and unlikely journey, but one that’s held together by the same simple dream.
And that is why it’s American.

Obama highlighted his plan to help revitalize our economy and strengthen middle class families...

This will not be easy, but America’s story tells me it’s possible. My story tells me it’s possible. What began here in Kansas all those years ago tells me it’s possible.
Because as we face another time of anxiety and uncertainty – a time where foreclosures sweep the nation and families struggle to stay afloat; where loved ones leave for war and parents wonder what kind of world their children will inherit – I believe that this nation can rally around the simple dream that my grandparents held on to even in the darkest of days.
It’s a dream that we can find a job with wages that support a family. That we can have health care that’s affordable for when we get sick. That we can retire with dignity and security. And that we can provide our children with education and opportunity – so that they can be what they want to be and live how they want to live. They are the common dreams that can finally unite a nation around a common purpose.
There are those who will continue to tell us we cannot do this. That we cannot come together. That the divisions in our politics run too deep. That we are offering the American people false hopes.
But here’s what I know.
I know that when I hear people say that we can’t come together to lift up working families who are struggling in this economy, I think back to the streets of Chicago, where I began my career as a community organizer twenty-five years ago. In the shadow of a closed steel mill, we brought white people and black people and Latinos together to provide job training to the jobless and after school programs for children. Block by block, we restored hope and opportunity to those neighborhoods, and I can believe we can do the same thing for the working families of America.

He continued...

Right now, there’s an economic stimulus package moving through Congress that will provide a boost to the economy and to working families. It’s similar to the one I proposed a few weeks ago, and would provide immediate tax relief for working families. I hope that when it’s final, it will also provide relief to seniors and extend unemployment insurance to those who’ve lost their jobs.
But we need to do even more to restore fairness and balance to our economy. Last night, we heard the President say that he wanted to make his tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent – again. Well we can’t afford more George Bush tax cuts for those who don’t need them and weren’t even asking for them. It’s time to give tax relief to the middle-class families who need it right now.
When I am President, we’ll stop giving tax breaks to companies who ship our jobs overseas, and I’ll put a middle-class tax cut into the pockets of working families. This tax cut will be worth up to $1000 for a working family. We’ll provide struggling homeowners some relief by giving them a tax credit that would cover ten percent of a family’s mortgage interest payment every year. And we’re also going to give seniors a break by eliminating income taxes for any retiree making less than $50,000 a year, because every single American should be able to retire with dignity and respect.
That also means helping Americans save for retirement when they’re still working. When I’m President, employers will be required to enroll every worker in a direct deposit retirement account that places a small percentage of each paycheck into savings. You can keep this account even if you change jobs, and the federal government will match the savings for lower-income, working families.
It’s also time we had a President who won’t wait another ten years to raise the minimum wage. I will raise it to keep pace every year so that workers don't fall behind. I’ll institute a Credit Card Bill of Rights that will ban credit card companies from changing the agreement you signed up for, changing the interest rate on debt you’ve already incurred, or charging interest on late fees. Americans should pay what they owe, but they should also pay what’s fair, not just what’s profitable for some credit card company.
The same principle should apply to our bankruptcy laws. I opposed the credit card industry’s bankruptcy bill that made it harder for working families to climb out of debt, and when I’m President, I’ll make sure that CEOs can’t dump your pension with one hand while they collect a bonus with the other. That’s an outrage, and it’s time we had a President who knows it’s an outrage.
It’s also time we had a President who stopped talking about the outrage of 47 million uninsured Americans and started doing something about it. When I hear that we can’t come together and expand health care to the uninsured, I think back to how I was able to bring Democrats and Republicans together in Illinois to provide health insurance to 150,000 children and parents. And when I’m President, we’ll finally pass a universal health care plan that will make sure every single American can get the same kind of health care that members of Congress get for themselves. My plan does more to cut costs than any other plan in this race – up to $2500 for a typical family. And we won’t pass it twenty years from now, not ten years from now – we’ll pass health care by the end of my first term in office.

Click here for more on Obama's economic policy, and if you're from Kansas, check out KS.BarackObama.com to find out how you can get involved locally.

Tomorrow El Dorado

Pat Kohler — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:41:32 EST

Tomorrow I will be arriving in El Dorado anxious to see Barack Obama. Kathleen Sebelius is rumored to be there, as well, to give her endorsement to Barack Obama.

These last few days have shown us the Kennedy's supporting Obama. A overwhelmingly decisive win in South Carolina. And a turn by Hilary Clinton looking to talk about the issues, knowing that the attacks only embolden Obama's resolve to bring about a change in politics in the United States.

With just 1 week left I want to say what I feel is my right decision to support Barack Obama.

These last few years I have looked at our species and felt sadness. I have seen us bickering with one another. I have seen us divide from one another. I have seen us feel hatred towards one another. These last few years I have seen an ever growing rift between nations, neighbors, and rivals. For the reasons of race, religion, and creed.

I have seen nations fall and rise. I have seen nations trying to get on their own two feet. I have seen nations trying to make themselves relevant in this world.

I have seen neighbors squabble over differences in belief. I have seen people fill with hatred because their neighbor does not see the world in the exact same way as they do.

I have seen rivals glare in each others eyes, refusing to blink for fear that the other may strike when they briefly close their eyes. The taunting and jeering of rivals. The speeches that aim to unite their people under the fear that their rival is their enemy in order to bring back the pride that was once lost because their creed was unable to change with ever changing people of this planet.

There is change on the horizon. There is a change coming that will change the creed of this country. An undeniable belief that there is hope for the people of this planet. The hope that we as a species, as a people, as citizens of this planet can come together and unite under our common causes. Change is in sight.

I now believe in our people of this planet. I believe that we can come together under common causes. We do not need to glare unblinkingly in our rivals eyes. We can close our eyes and smile. We can reach forward and embrace our rivals, neighbors, and friends. An embrace of acceptance of our differences, an embrace for the hope of today and tomorrow, an embrace for our future upon this great Earth.

I feel when I listen to Barack Obama, that these hopes and dreams can come true. I feel that we share these ideals. I hope that you too can share these ideals with us. I hope that you too can express to your neighbors, friends, family, and rivals that you want to stay away from these petty differences and unite as one to achieve a common goal.

In all your endeavors may you be successful,

Patrick Kohler

Barack Obama in Kansas

Pat Kohler — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:44:30 EST

I checked my email not to long ago and found that Barack Obama is going to be at El Dorado on Tuesday! El Dorado is only about a 45 minute drive on the Turnpike from Emporia. My wife and I felt that this opportunity was to great to pass up. She cleared her calendar for Tuesday, and I am not going to go to my class. We have made our RSVP and are very excited to attend a political event of a national politician, let alone that of Barack Obama. Usually Kansas is an afterthought. Probably because we barely, if at all, represent 1% of the United States population. That doesn't exactly scream out as being important.

Congrès National du Parti Démocrate 2004

Pascal Uccelli — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:45:19 EST

Discours de Barack Obama

Congrès National du Parti Démocrate

2004

Au nom de ce grand Etat qu’est l’Illinois, à la croisée des chemins de cette nation, en cette terre de Lincoln, permettez-moi d’exprimer ma plus profonde gratitude d’avoir le privilège de m’adresser à ce congrès.

Cette soirée est tout particulièrement un honneur pour moi, car disons-le sans ambages, ma présence à cette tribune est tout à fait improbable. Mon père était un étudiant étranger, qui grandit dans un petit village du Kenya. Il gardait les chèvres et allait à l’école dans une hutte recouverte de tôle ondulée. Son père, mon grand-père, était cuisinier, domestique chez les Anglais.

Mais mon grand-père nourrissait de grands rêves pour son fils. À force de travail acharné et de persévérance, mon père obtint une bourse pour étudier dans un endroit magique, l’Amérique, symbole étincelant de liberté et d’opportunité pour tant d’autres avant lui.

Étudiant, mon père rencontra ma mère. Elle était née dans une ville à l’autre bout du globe, dans le Kansas. Son père travailla aux tours de forage et à la ferme pendant la majeure partie des années de Dépression. Le lendemain de Pearl Harbor mon grand-père s’engagea ; il rejoignit l’armée de Patton et traversa l’Europe. Pendant ce temps à la maison, ma grand-mère élevait leur enfant et travaillait à la chaîne de montage des bombardiers. Après la guerre, mon grand-père et ma grand-mère poursuivirent des études grâce à la bourse pour les anciens combattants, achetèrent une maison grâce à l’administration des programmes de logement pour plus tard déménager tout à l’Ouest, à Hawaï, en quête de plus grandes opportunités.

Et eux aussi nourrissaient de grands rêves pour leur fille. Un rêve commun, né sur deux continents.

Mes parents ont partagé non seulement un amour improbable, mais aussi une foi inébranlable dans le potentiel de notre nation. Ils m’ont donné un prénom africain, Barack, ce qui veut dire « béni », convaincus que dans une Amérique tolérante, un nom ne peut être une entrave à la réussite. Ils ont imaginé, ils m’ont imaginé allant dans les meilleures écoles du territoire, même s’ils n’étaient pas riches, parce que dans une Amérique généreuse, il n’est pas nécessaire d’être riche pour réaliser son potentiel.

Tous deux sont décédés à ce jour. Mais je sais qu’ils me regardent ce soir de là-haut avec une grande fierté.

Ils sont ici, et je suis ici aujourd’hui, heureux de la diversité de mon héritage, et conscient que le rêve de mes parents perdure à travers mes deux précieuses fillettes. Je suis ici tout en sachant que mon histoire fait partie d’une histoire américaine plus vaste, et que j’ai une dette envers tous ceux qui m’ont précédé et que dans tout autre pays du globe, mon histoire n’aurait jamais été possible.

Ce soir, nous sommes ensemble pour affirmer la grandeur de notre Nation, qui ne tient pas à la hauteur de nos gratte-ciels, à la puissance de notre armée, ni à la taille de notre économie. Notre fierté repose sur un principe très simple, résumé dans une déclaration rédigée il y a plus de deux cents ans :

Nous tenons pour évidentes pour elles-mêmes les vérités suivantes : tous les hommes sont créés égaux ; ils sont doués par le Créateur de certains droits inaliénables ; parmi ces droits se trouvent la vie, la liberté et la recherche du bonheur.

Voici le vrai génie de l’Amérique, la croyance, la croyance en des rêves simples et la foi en de petits miracles. Nous pouvons mettre nos enfants au lit le soir en sachant qu’ils sont nourris et vêtus et en sécurité. Nous pouvons dire ce que nous pensons, écrire ce que nous pensons, sans que quelqu’un ne vienne frapper à notre porte. Nous pouvons avoir un projet et fonder une entreprise sans payer de pot-de-vin. Nous pouvons prendre part à la vie politique sans avoir peur des représailles et en sachant que nos votes seront pris en compte (enfin la plupart du temps…).

Cette année, à l’occasion de ces élections, il s’agit pour nous d’affirmer de nouveau nos valeurs et nos engagements, de les maintenir face à une dure réalité, et de prendre notre propre mesure à la lumière de l’héritage de nos aïeux et des espoirs des générations à venir.

Mes compatriotes, Démocrates, Républicains, Indépendants, je vous dis ceci ce soir : nous avons encore beaucoup de travail. Beaucoup de travail à accomplir pour les ouvriers que j’ai rencontrés à Galesburg, dans l’Illinois, qui perdent leurs emplois à l’usine Maytag délocalisée au Mexique et qui se voient contraints d’entrer en compétition avec leurs propres enfants pour décrocher un travail payé sept dollars de l’heure. Beaucoup de travail à accomplir pour ce père de famille qui, ayant perdu son emploi, refoulait ses larmes en se demandant comment il allait régler les 4500 dollars mensuels pour les médicaments de son fils sans les prestations de l’assurance maladie sur lesquelles il comptait pourtant. Beaucoup de travail à accomplir pour cette jeune femme dans l’East Saint Louis, et des centaines d’autres dans son cas, qui a le niveau, l’énergie, la volonté, mais pas l’argent pour aller à l’université.

Comprenez-moi bien. Les gens que j’ai rencontrés, dans des villes petites et grandes, dans des brasseries et dans des bureaux, n’attendent pas du gouvernement qu’il résolve tous leurs problèmes. Ils savent qu’ils doivent travailler dur pour avancer, et ils sont prêts à le faire. Allez dans les banlieues qui ceinturent Chicago : les gens vous diront qu’ils ne veulent pas voir l’argent de leurs impôts gaspillé, ni par les centres d’assistance sociale, ni par le Pentagone. Allez dans n’importe quel quartier au coeur d’une grande ville : les gens vous diront que le gouvernement ne peut pas à lui tout seul apprendre à nos enfants à étudier. Ils sont conscients que c’est aux parents de le faire, et que leurs enfants n’arriveront à rien, à moins que l’on élargisse leurs perspectives, qu’on éteigne les postes de télévision et que l’on éradique la calomnie qui consiste à dire qu’un jeune noir avec un livre se prend pour un blanc. Ils sont conscients de tout cela.

Les gens n’attendent pas, les gens n’attendent pas du gouvernement qu’il résolve tous leurs problèmes. Mais ils sentent, au plus profond d’eux-mêmes, qu’un léger changement dans nos priorités pourrait assurer à chaque enfant en Amérique une chance de vivre décemment, et à tous l’assurance que les portes de l’opportunité restent grandes ouvertes.

Ils savent que nous pouvons faire mieux. Ils appellent ce choix de leurs voeux.

Grâce à ces élections, nous vous offrons ce choix. Notre Parti a choisi pour nous guider un homme qui incarne le meilleur de ce pays. Cet homme s’appelle John Kerry.

John Kerry comprend les idéaux de communauté, de foi, de devoir, car ils ont formé sa vie. De son service héroïque au Vietnam, à des années passées comme procureur et gouverneur, à travers deux décennies au Sénat des Etats-Unis, il a consacré sa vie à ce pays. Et il a constamment fait des choix difficiles alors que d’autres bien plus simples s’offraient à lui.

Ses valeurs et son parcours soulignent ce qu’il y a de meilleur en nous. John Kerry croit en une Amérique qui récompense le travail. Ainsi, au lieu d’offrir des réductions d’impôts pour les entreprises qui se délocalisent à l’étranger, il les offre aux entreprises qui créent des emplois dans le pays.

John Kerry croit en une Amérique où tous les Américains peuvent bénéficier de la même couverture maladie que nos hommes politiques à Washington.

John Kerry croit en notre indépendance énergétique, pour que nous ne soyons pas otages des compagnies pétrolières ou du sabotage des gisements de pétrole étranger.

John Kerry croit dans les libertés constitutionnelles de ce pays qui ont fait des envieux dans le monde entier, et jamais il ne fera le sacrifice de nos libertés fondamentales, pas plus qu’il n’utilisera la foi pour nous diviser.

John Kerry croit que dans un monde plein de dangers, la guerre peut parfois être une option, mais qu’elle ne doit jamais être la première option.

Vous savez, il y a quelque temps, il y a quelque temps, j’ai rencontré un jeune homme du nom de Seamus dans un bureau des Vétérans des Guerres Etrangères à East Moline, dans l’Illinois. Il était beau garçon, un mètre quatre-vingt, quatre-vingt-dix, le regard franc, avec un charmant sourire. Il m’a raconté qu’il venait de s’engager dans les Marines et qu’il partait pour l’Irak la semaine suivante. Alors que je l’écoutais m’expliquer pourquoi il s’était enrôlé, la foi totale qu’il avait dans notre pays et ses dirigeants, son dévouement pour le devoir et le service, j’ai pensé que ce jeune homme représentait ce que chacun de nous pouvait espérer de son enfant.

Et puis je me suis demandé : « Servons-nous Seamus aussi bien qu’il nous sert ? »

J’ai pensé aux 900 hommes et femmes, fils et filles, maris et épouses, amis et voisins, qui ne rentreront pas chez eux. J’ai pensé aux familles qui luttaient pour s’en sortir en l’absence de la totalité des revenus de leur conjoint, ou dont le conjoint était revenu avec une jambe ou un bras en moins ou encore les nerfs brisés, et qui néanmoins ne bénéficiaient pas de prestation maladie complète parce qu’ils étaient réservistes.

Lorsque nous envoyons nos jeunes hommes et nos jeunes femmes au danger, nous sommes solennellement tenus de ne pas truquer les chiffres ni de cacher la vérité sur les raisons de leur départ, de nous occuper de leurs familles en leur absence, de prendre soin des soldats à leur retour, et de ne jamais engager un conflit sans le contingent nécessaire pour remporter la guerre, établir la paix et gagner le respect du reste du monde.

Que je sois bien clair ici. Que je sois bien clair. Nous avons dans ce monde de réels ennemis. Ces ennemis doivent être arrêtés. Ils doivent être poursuivis. Et ils doivent être vaincus. John Kerry sait tout cela. De la même façon que le lieutenant Kerry n’a pas hésité à risquer sa vie pour protéger les hommes en service avec lui au Vietnam, le Président Kerry n’hésitera pas un instant à utiliser la force militaire pour maintenir l’Amérique à l’abri du danger et de l’insécurité.

John Kerry croit en l’Amérique. Et il sait que c’est insuffisant si certains d’entre nous seulement prospèrent. Car de pair avec notre célèbre individualisme, un autre ingrédient compose la saga de l’Amérique : la croyance que nous sommes tous liés en tant que peuple. Si un enfant du quartier sud de Chicago est illettré, cela me concerne, même s’il ne s’agit pas de mon enfant. Si une personne âgée ailleurs n’a pas de quoi payer ses médicaments, et qu’elle doit choisir entre payer le loyer et payer le pharmacien, c’est ma propre vie qui est appauvrie, même s’il ne s’agit pas de mes grands-parents. Si un Américain d’origine arabe se fait rafler sans représentation d’un avocat et contrairement à la loi et aux procédures prévues, cela met en péril mes propres libertés civiles.

C’est une croyance fondamentale, c’est une croyance fondamentale et qui permet le fonctionnement de ce pays : je suis le gardien de mon frère. Je suis le gardien de ma sœur. C’est ce qui nous a permis de concrétiser nos rêves individuellement tout en nous rassemblant au sein de notre famille américaine.

E pluribus unum : « de plusieurs, un ».

En ce moment même, certains oeuvrent à notre division : les grands manipulateurs de la communication, les bonimenteurs pessimistes qui profitent de la politique du « rien ne va plus ». Alors je leur dis ce soir qu’il n’y a pas une Amérique démocrate et une Amérique conservatrice : il y a les Etats-Unis d’Amérique. Il n’y a pas une Amérique noire et une Amérique blanche et une Amérique latino et une Amérique asiatique : il y a les Etats-Unis d’Amérique.

Ces pontifes, ces pontifes qui aiment à tronçonner et compartimenter notre pays en Etats républicains et Etats démocrates. Qu’ils entendent aussi cela. Nous vénérons un « Dieu tout puissant » dans les Etats démocrates et dans les Etats républicains nous n’aimons guère que les agents fédéraux viennent fouiller dans nos bibliothèques. On entraîne les enfants au baseball dans les Etats démocrates et oui, nous avons des amis homosexuels dans les Etats républicains. Des patriotes se sont opposés à la guerre en Irak, et des patriotes ont soutenu la guerre en Irak. Nous sommes un seul et même peuple, nous faisons tous le serment d’allégeance à la Bannière Etoilée et nous défendons tous les Etats-Unis d’Amérique.

Au final… au final… au final, c’est le sujet de ces élections. Souhaitons-nous participer à la politique du cynisme ou participons-nous à la politique de l’espérance ?

John Kerry nous invite à choisir l’espérance. John Kerry nous invite à choisir l’espérance.

Je ne parle pas ici d’optimisme aveugle, sorte d’ignorance délibérée qui croit que le chômage disparaîtra si nous n’y pensons plus et que la crise de la santé publique se résoudra d’elle-même si nous n’y prêtons pas attention. Je ne parle pas de cela. Je parle de quelque chose de plus substantiel. C’est l’espérance des esclaves qui chantent autour du feu des chants de liberté. C’est l’espérance des immigrants qui se mettent en route pour des rivages lointains. C’est l’espérance d’un jeune lieutenant de la marine qui patrouille avec courage le delta du Mékong. C’est l’espérance d’un fils d’ouvrier d’usine qui ose se battre contre vents et marées. C’est l’espérance d’un gamin maigrelet affublé d’un drôle de nom qui pense qu’il y a une place pour lui aussi en Amérique.

Espérer. Espérer face aux difficultés. Espérer face aux incertitudes. L’audace d’espérer.

Au final, c’est le plus beau cadeau que Dieu nous ait donné. C’est le socle de cette nation. La croyance en des choses invisibles. La croyance que le meilleur est à venir.

Je crois fermement que nous pouvons soulager notre classe moyenne et offrir des opportunités aux familles qui travaillent.

Je crois fermement que nous pouvons donner du travail à ceux qui n’en ont pas, un toit à ceux qui n’en ont pas, et arracher les jeunes de nos villes américaines des griffes de la violence et du désespoir.

Je crois fermement qu’un vent vertueux nous accompagne et qu’à cette croisée des chemins de l’Histoire, nous sommes en mesure de faire les bons choix et de faire face aux défis qui nous attendent.

Américains ! Ce soir, si vous partagez l’énergie qui est la mienne, si vous partagez l’urgence qui est la mienne, si vous partagez la passion qui est la mienne, si vous partagez l’optimisme qui est le mien, et si nous faisons notre devoir, alors il n’y a aucun doute qu’à travers tout le pays, de la Floride à l’Oregon, de l’Etat de Washington à celui du Maine, le peuple se manifestera en novembre, et John Kerry prêtera serment en qualité de Président, et John Edwards prêtera serment en qualité de Vice-président, et ce pays recouvrera toutes ses promesses, et des jours meilleurs suivront une longue période d’obscurité politique.

Merci à vous tous. Dieu vous bénisse. Merci.

Barack Obama

Pascal Uccelli

((( @ our_fight )))

Kansas Democrats endorse Obama for president

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:44:33 EST

More endorsements in another February 5th voting state...

Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka led a group of Democratic legislators today in endorsing U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois for president.
"My endorsement of Senator Barack Obama is a response to the voters whose voices at the grassroots level have spoken loud and clear as to whom they want their state’s legislators to support,” Hensley said.
A group of about 20 House and Senate members threw support to Obama during a news conference at the Statehouse in advance of the Feb. 5 presidential caucus for Kansas Democrats.
Senator David Haley, D-Kansas City, said the nation was ready for the kind of leadership demonstrated by Obama.
“Poll after poll, Kansans have shown they are ready for change," Haley said. "As president, Barack Obama will shift our country into a new gear and make the United States a respected leader on the world stage once again."
Obama, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and former U.S. Sen. John Edwards are leading contenders for the party’s nomination.
In Kansas, Democrats will hold presidential caucuses in each Senate district across the state. The operation is part of the national process of nominating a Democrat for president, culminating with the Democratic National Convention during August.

If you're from Kansas, check out KS.BarackObama.com for information on how you can get involved locally, attend a caucus training, and help Barack win in your state!

Appeal for Endorsement from Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:00:12 EST

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas is simply one of the best government executives in the nation, in the mold of Gov. Janet Napolitano of Arizona. Her profile suits that of the kind of politician that Obama needs to work with to change this country. Please, join me in petitioning her for an official endorsement of our candidate...

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OBAMA "THE ONE"

FATIMAH-SE^LAH — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:21:33 EST

I SINCERLY BELIEVE THAT HE HAS BEEN SENT BY THE LORD AND THE ANCESTORS TO GET READY AND PREPARE THE WORLD...FOR TIME IS SHORT...SO ANY AND ALL THAT BE OF RIGHTEOUS AND UPRIGHT SPIRIT TAKE HEED AND JOIN AND LIFT THIS MAN AND WHOSOEVER HE REPRESENTS UP WITH YOUR WHOLE AND ENTIRE SUPPORT...IF ONLY IN PRAYER...

Nothing's the matter with Kansas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:45:01 EST

Barack Obama is rapidly gaining in the early states, and he's also showing signs of strength in many of the February 5th states.

Check this out -- Barack just won in a Kansas Democratic Party straw poll:

Topeka — U.S. Sen. Barack Obama won the Kansas Democratic Party email straw poll, party officials announced today.
Obama tallied 692 votes out of 1,904 votes cast for 36.3 percent. The poll was held this week and ended last night.

If you're from Kansas, check out Kansas.BarackObama.com to find out how you can help Barack win the caucus on February 5th!

Kansas for Obama office opens

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:34:02 EST

The Obama campaign on Tuesday, November 13th hosted an open house that celebrated the grand opening of the Lawrence campaign office in Kansas. The new campaign office will serve as the headquarters for the Obama campaign's state field operation. Well over 75 supporters came from Lawrence, Topeka, and the Kansas City area to christen the office space off of 9th and Iowa and activate themselves in the Obama grassroots effort.

The evening's fesitivities included a call to action by senior advisor Dan Watkins, a ringing endorsement by KU All-American and former NBA basketballer Bud Stallworth (who was recently profiled on the blog) and the introduction of caucus director Mitch Wallace. Guests signed up in droves to volunteer their time with caucus coordinating, phoning other supporters, and even participating in campaign canvassing trips to Iowa. At the end of the night, Obama staff were clear in their message to the crowd: They're here to organize and win the Kansas Caucus for Barack Obama--and along the way provide as much assistace to their neighbors in Iowa as possible.

The Kansas Caucus is an opportunity for the campaign to implement a combination of grassroots field and online organizing tactics that the campaign has successfully used all over the country. This includes training volunteers, bringing new voters into the process and building an organization from the ground up. In the next several weeks, the campaign will hold several specific caucus trainings in all 40 state senate districts to mobilize caucus goers and activate the grassroots support prevalent throughout all of Kansas.

To all of the Kansas for Obama out there, make sure to head to the Lawrence Caucus Training tonight at: Milton's Restaurant on 920 Massachusetts St Lawrence, KS 66044. The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

And check out Kansas for Obama at Kansas.BarackObama.com for news, updates, and information on how you can help Barack win in the Kansas.

More Endorsements in Kansas, Missouri and Massachusetts !!!

Franklin Katunda — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:45:58 EDT

Obama wins endorsement of Missouri-Kansas SEIU councilThe Associated Press | October 19, 2007

Staff Written

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama on Thursday won the endorsement of the Missouri-Kansas State Council of the Service Employees International Union.

The council represents more than 15,000 members in both states.

SEIU decided last week not to make a national endorsement in the Democratic presidential primaries. But the union freed its state chapters to make their own endorsements.

"Sen. Obama has the judgment and vision necessary to lead our country in the right direction," said Sherwin Carroll, president of the council.

The Illinois Sen. was endorsed earlier this week by SEIU chapters in Illinois and Indiana, which have about 170,000 members.

Obama's Democratic rival, John Edwards, has been endorsed by 10 other state chapters of the union, including the crucial state of Iowa. Those chapters represent nearly 1 million members, or about half the union's national membership.

Obama has been ramping up his campaign organization in Missouri. Last week, his campaign opened an office in Kansas City and he plans to open another office in St. Louis within the next two weeks, spokesman Ben LaBolt said.

Read the full article from The Associated Press

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Patrick to back Obama's campaign

The Boston Globe | October 18, 2007 By Frank Phillips

Governor Deval Patrick will throw his support behind Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential campaign, an endorsement that could give the Illinois senator a boost in the crucial New Hampshire primary and may help Obama blunt some of Senator Hillary Clinton's recent success in winning African-American support.Administration officials confirmed that the governor called Obama yesterday to pledge his endorsement, and Patrick's volunteers began working out the details of a public rally in Boston Tuesday.

Patrick also called Clinton yesterday to break the news that he would endorse her opponent. Patrick has strong ties to the New York senator from serving as a Justice Department official during the Clinton administration. Both Bill and Hillary Clinton had lobbied Patrick for his endorsement.Patrick chose Obama because the governor believes the country is hungry for a fresh leadership style, one that stirs up strong voter enthusiasm, Patrick administration officials said.The most immediate advantage for Obama is Patrick's ability to dispatch volunteers, who were a major factor in his gubernatorial victory last year, to New Hampshire to campaign.

Patrick sent e-mail last night to 40,000 workers and supporters, informing them of his decision.Many national and state polls suggest Clinton is in the lead and Obama has stalled in a distant second place. And recent polls indicate that Clinton has built a lead of more than 20 percentage points over him among the Granite State's Democratic primary voters.Political specialists said the value of the endorsement will depend on what Patrick can deliver in terms of Massachusetts volunteers willing to travel to New Hampshire on weekends to knock on doors.

The Massachusetts governor's endorsement, on its own, doesn't count for much in the Granite State, said Dante Scala, an associate professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire."Patrick's ultimate value will be in terms of people power, because typically in New Hampshire, endorsements by out-of-state political figures don't hold a lot of weight," he said.Patrick's endorsement could count highly in southern New Hampshire communities that are oriented to Massachusetts and, in particular, Boston-based media. Those areas have a large population of voters who could be open to a pro-Obama message, Scala said.

Patrick is expected to argue in the coming weeks that Obama can lead a "generational call," a rally to inspire young voters to rebuild the country and restore its standing around the world. Patrick feels that the issue of Obama's relative inexperience is overblown, administration officials said.Jeffrey Berry, a political science professor at Tufts University, said Patrick's endorsement will be significant because it will reinforce Obama's most potent weapon: his broad-based appeal to voters."

For Obama, a Patrick endorsement is another sign there is a new, young generation of dynamic black leaders who can appeal across racial and partisan lines," Berry said.Patrick and Obama have traveled similar personal and career paths. Both have roots in Chicago, hold Harvard law degrees, and have emerged in the past several years as the principal figures in a new generation of African-American political leaders. Both have passionate grass-roots support.They met when Obama was a civil rights lawyer in Chicago and Patrick was head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. Obama campaigned for Patrick several times during the governor's race, raising money for him in Chicago in late 2005, when Patrick's gubernatorial bid looked like a longshot. They dined together recently on Martha's Vineyard at the home of a friend."We understand they have been longstanding friends and they share the same strategists," said Mo Elleithee, a Clinton campaign press spokesman.There could be some limits on Patrick's time to campaign.

Patrick's first-year agenda is on the line on Beacon Hill until the legislative session ends Nov. 21. Patrick will also miss a week in December when he leads a Massachusetts trade mission to China.New Hampshire lawmakers are considering whether to move the state's primary election to as early as Dec. 11. If not, the primary will be held in early January.A recent CNN poll suggests Clinton holds a significant lead over Obama among black voters. Just last week, the New York senator pulled off a coup when US Representative John Lewis, Democrat of Georgia and a hero of the civil rights movement, endorsed her.

Read the full article from The Boston Globe

This Jayhawk's for Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 10:30:58 EDT

Bud Stallworth is a Kansas basketball legend. He once scored 50 points in a game against rival Missouri and ranks among the all-time leading scorers in University of Kansas hoop history. He's one of only three Jayhwaks ever to be named an Academic All-American and a basketball All-American. And in 2005, the University of Kansas cemented his place in Jayhawk lore, retiring his his #15, which now hangs from the rafters of the Allen Fieldhouse. Oh yeah, he also played for five years in the NBA.

Bud is a big deal in Lawrence, where he still lives and works, hosting a local radio show three days a week and continuing to serve in an advisory role to the Jayhawk basketball program. And he's using his fame to help spread the word about Obama and encourage Kansans to go out and caucus on February 5th.

Originally from the small town of Hartselle, Alabama, Stallworth attended segregeated schools as a boy. His parents, both educators, were engaged in the civil rights struggle, helping to register voters, and they raised Bud with a strong social consciousness.

"They also took the family on several trips to other parts of the country -- places like Cleveland and New York and Washington," recounts Bud. "We were asked by the local paper to write about what we saw in other parts of the country. We went places where we didn't have to sip from separate water fountains, or wait outside of a restuarant to get our food rather than sit inside with everyone else."

Bud's parents stressed education as a chief priority, and he grew up viewing basketball as a recreational activity, not an occupational path. His parents sent him to music camp at the University of Kansas after his junior year in high school, and he was discovered playing pickup basketball. The rest is history.

"I love my sport and love kids to participate in it, but the first priority has to be education," says Bud. "We have kids today whose only dreams of being successful are about playing playing ball. That's a jaded view of life. Atheletics shouldn't be viewed as the only avenue for success."

Bud strongly supports Obama and says he was drawn to Barack beacuse of the Senator's emphasis on increasing educational opportunities and expanding access to college.

He also says Barack inspires him the way Dr. Martin Luther King once did when he was a young man. "Growing up in the South, we lived in a separate society and when Dr. King started preaching about civil rights, he spoke as a man with a vision that one day we would all be equal," says Bud. "He spoke to me and made me feel that if I worked hard, the color of my skin really didn’t have to do with success. Senator Obama has that vision too. What Obama is doing is for me... I feel like it's coming full circle."

If you're a Kansan for Obama, join Bud at our Kansas Caucus Convention this Saturday in Lawrence. And make sure to check out Kansas.BarackObama.com for updated news and information about how you can get involved and make a difference in this critical February 5th state.

Missouri / Kansas SEIU endorse Barack

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 16:01:00 EDT

More great endorsement news: the Missouri / Kansas State Council of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has voted unanimously to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President. The Council represents more than 15,000 working families in Missouri and Kansas.

Sherwin Carroll, President of the SEIU Missouri / Kansas State Council, cited Obama’s commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare and protecting workers’ rights as two of the biggest reasons for the union’s endorsement.

In announcing the Council’s endorsement, Carroll called Obama, “a real fighter for working families with a proven track record for getting things done.” Carroll also pointed out Senator Obama’s strong stance with healthcare workers, janitors, and public workers facing unfair treatment and low wages on the job.”

Kristina in Kansas: "I just made my first donation ever"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:33:52 EDT

I just got off the phone with Kristina, a mother of two from Leawood, Kansas, who gave five dollars to the movement this morning.

"I just finished reading The Audacity of Hope and returned it to the library yesterday," says Kristina. "Then I got an email this morning about how Obama's not taking money from the lobbyist bigwigs, and that was something that appealed to me. So I made up my mind about who to support and I just made my first donation ever."

Kristina readily admits that she doesn't know about the minutiae of where every candidate stands on the issues -- and while she does want to see a change in our policies (particularly on the war), for her, what's more important is seeing a change in our politics.

"I might not know every detail to the nth degree, but I do know that we have to participate and that's what Obama's campaign is about, regular people getting involved. Throughout this country's history, people died for our right to participate."

Join Kristina and help close the gap. Donate today.

Campaign Strategy: More than the First Four states

V, aka VCubed/Virginia V — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:18:32 EDT

This is why your help calling New Yorkers to get them to the rally Sept. 27th is absolutely critical. This is why you can double your donation if you donate now, when there are matching donors to meet your donation. This is why you would make a difference just making Obama support more visible, with window signs, buttons and bumper stickers ready to share with friends, neighbors, and neighborhood businesses. Fired Up! Ready to go!

Dan Balz's Take

Democrats Gearing Up For Delegate Fight

Obama working the crowd in New Hampshire on Labor Day. (Getty).

Barack Obama sent out an e-mail to supporters on Tuesday announcing plans for a big rally in New York's Washington Square Park on Sept. 27. The invitation was evidence of a campaign planning for a potentially extended battle against Hillary Clinton.

The idea of a protracted contest runs contrary to widespread assumptions about how the 2008 Democratic race may play out. But some analysts, who have studied the new calendar, the rules for allocating convention delegates and the financial resources of the leading candidates, believe that a lengthy contest extending into the megaprimary day of Feb. 5 and beyond may be just as likely.

EVERY City and State for Barack Obama!!

Homeboy — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:12:13 EDT

It's been a crazy month for me. I've spent countless all nighters trying to improve my grassroots Barack Obama website that I hope will make a difference in the younger voters out there. There are still a few glitches to fix, but for the most part, the new site is online and ready to help promote Obama as best as it can.

Probably the biggest difference is that there is now a page for every US city and state where people can leave comments and quickly interact. I chose the simple comment system because I know that many younger voters won't take the time to sign up for Barackobama.com but still want their voices to be heard, so this is their chance to be heard.

The most time consuming part of the whole website redesign was the creation and upload of over 30,000 images people can get on t-shirts. Like I mentioned earlier, there are a few problems with a few cities and states, but basically, EVERY CITY has its own Barack Obama t-shirt.

Let me say that again... EVERY US CITY has it's own t-shirt design!

I'm an artist and web designer, and this is how I'm supporting Obama. It doesn't matter what you're good at.. there's definitely something you can do to help him get noticed.

Goodluck!

-Homeboy

PS... here's links to the state pages...

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Calling all Missouri & Kansas Obama Supporters

KCforObama.com — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:00:39 EDT

One of the great things about the Barack Obama campaign experience has been the huge outpouring of grassroots support. One would be challenged to recall a political environment so exciting, so early, in a presidential election race that is more vibrant than what we have all seen associated with Obama supporters.

I was contacted this afternoon requesting that I broadcast some information of another grassroots organization that will be making a special trip to Iowa to canvass strategic neighborhoods. While I was not aware that the official Obama for America team was working in any conjuction with an official "Kansas City for Obama Executive Committee," we are all in this for the same mission.

If you are interested in joining other volunteers to canvass Iowa the weekend of July 28th, please note the following information: Kansas City for Obama is organizing a trip to Iowa the weekend of July 28th. With Iowa being one of the most important states before Super Tuesday (February 5, 2008), we need to make sure that there is a strong Missouri and Kansas presence in Iowa for Senator Obama.
We are taking volunteers to Iowa to canvass neighborhoods for the weekend. Kansas City for Obama is working directly with Obama for America. Organizing trips to Iowa is what the national campaign headquarters has asked Missouri and Kansas to focus on, and they have provided us with critical communities that we will visit over the July 28th, 2007 weekend.
The Plan: We will leave here on Friday night in personal vehicles and meet up with certain campaign staff and other volunteers in Iowa. They will provide us with local information, volunteer training, and other things we should be aware of before we go out canvassing. Then on Saturday and Sunday we will canvass, canvass, canvass. We will return to Kansas City on Sunday evening. While in Iowa, Kansas City for Obama will make arrangements for modest lodging.
If you can go on this mission: Please reply back to this email with the following information before Friday, July 20, 2007… 1) The first and last name(s) of those who can attend 2) Please indicate how much experience you have canvassing When we go canvassing, we will try to pair up those who have canvassing experience with those who do not.
If you cannot go on this mission, but would like to financially assist someone else: Please reply back to this email with the following information… 1) Your first and last name 2) How much you can contribute to help out with gasoline, food, and possible lodging expenses
Again, if you're interested...please email kansascityforobama@yahoo.com

Feedback Needed From Midwest Field Director of Obama's Campaign

KCforObama.com — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:01:15 EDT

Greetings everybody--

This afternoon I was contacted by Chris Miller, Midwest Field Director for Sen. Barack Obama's campaign team. Per his assignment, he will be coordinating efforts around the State of Missouri.

According to the campaign's goals:

Building regional organizing committees to coordinate all the groups
Planning Missouri activities and trips into Iowa this summer
Reaching out to supporters who are offline or not engaged

And here is some great news--Camp Obama may be coming to Missouri this summer!!!! What a great opportunity for us all!

If you have any suggestions for dates that so awesome, or not-so-awesome, please share accordingly. Chris is definitely interested in making this a success for us all.

One final note, if you are not registered under the "KCforObama" group on the official campaign website, please email me your contact information at KCforObama@hotmail.com so it can be forwarded to Chris Miller and you will be a part of the communication efforts in making this a reality.

As soon as more concrete details surface, I will make certain to market and publicize the event throughout the Kansas City media outlets.

Let's go Kansas City...here's our time to shine!

James Brauer
KC for Obama.com
KCforObama@hotmail.com

Obama: One Step Closer

Jawed Yusufi — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:49:50 EDT

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, 32 volunteers gathered to spread the word about Barack Obama in Council Bluffs.

These volunteers gathered for one goal: to change our country by helping Barack get to the White House.

Volunteers arrived at the Council Bluffs office. Excitement and optimism spread from volunteer to volunteer with everyone knowing their mission and what today's activities would do for the campaign.

Most of our volunteers were from the Council Bluffs area, but two particular volunteers were not. Claudine and Olivia B. made the three hour trek from Lawrence, Kansas, to participate in the walk.

To watch Olivia's video, please click here

Olivia, an eight year old student, gave a speech at the Kansas City kickoff in front of over 2,000 people that gathered to see Barack. She told me that she was scared to go up there at first and towards the end she almost forgot to finish her speech. She said she was very happy when Barack thanked her for the speech.

Hearing something like this is just awesome - to have an eight-year-old joining the cause is great but to speak in front of a large crowd at that young of an age, now that's gutsy. Thanks, Olivia!

Following the walk, everyone gathered back to enjoy a wonderful BBQ. Our chef, Ken D., put together a great meal that included hot dogs and hamburgers for the crowd.

What stood out during the BBQ was everyone's enthusiasm and hope for the future. Everyone wanted Barack to succeed and to finally change the landscape in America.

All in all, it was a great event that brought together Barack supporters to accomplish one goal: Obama in '08!

"The citizens of Kansas are picking up the slack"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 10 May 2007 17:27:28 EDT

On Saturday, May 12, Barack Obama will visit Kansas City, Missouri. People from all across Missouri and Kansas have already signed up to attend (click here for information and tickets). Barack’s visit comes in the wake of the tornado disaster that leveled Greensburg, Kansas and left many of the surrounding areas severely flooded. I recently spoke with Nathan H., a 19-year-old student from Wichita, Kansas, whose community is currently grappling with the floods.

“We have tornadoes all the time out here in Kansas, but this was an F5 tornado that directly hit a community,” says Nathan. “I haven’t been around for anything like this before. Lots of people are pitching in to help the folks in Greensburg, though. The outpouring of support has been incredible.”

In the aftermath of the disaster, Governer Kathleen Sebelius criticized President Bush for overstretching the National Guard and not giving them adequate resources for responding to domestic disasters. Nathan says he stands by his governor:

I trust her a whole lot more than I trust President Bush. I find it hard to believe that as many people as we’ve sent to Iraq—that it hasn’t hindered our abilities to respond to crises at home. I wish we had our full resources at home to deal with this. It’s not up to the soldiers. They’re doing what they are told and doing a great job. Fortunately, the citizens of Kansas are picking up the slack.

Nathan says he opposed the war to begin with and says “it’s a tragedy each day it continues.” A member of Nathan’s community jazz band (Nathan plays piano) served in Iraq, and when he returned one day to practice after being deployed for a year, “everyone in the room had their breath taken away.” Nathan says his band-mate and friend has struggled to settle back into his old life, reestablish his career and provide for his family after returning from Iraq.

A member of Students for Barack Obama, Nathan says he sports an Obama bumper sticker on his car, says he was drawn to Barack, “because he can get young people excited and connect to the country as a whole.”

One day, Nathan hopes to enter into politics himself. “People say to me (like they once said to Barack), you’re so young, you’re so bright, why in the world would you want to enter into politics?”

“And I tell them, ‘Because I’m young and smart!'”

Give Our National Guard the Resources They Need

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:56:28 EDT

It is abundantly clear that our National Guard is overstretched. One of the major factors: too many of our young men and women in the Guard have been deployed overseas to Iraq.In moments of crisis on our own soil, when we need them more than ever, there are too few Guardsmen available with too few resources.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana's immensely overstretched and under-supplied Guard was unable to effectively respond, and the results, as we all know, were disastrous.

And now, as Greenburg, Kansas attempts to recover in the terrible wake of the tornadoes, history is repeating itself. Once again, too few Guardsmen with too few resources are available to respond to a domestic disaster.

Details from the Wichita Eagle:

When Kansas National Guard equipment was being shipped to the war in Iraq, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius warned that if a major disaster hit here, Guard troops wouldn't have enough equipment on hand.
The destruction of Greensburg by a tornado Friday night has stretched Guard resources thin, the governor said Monday.
"About 50 percent of our trucks are gone; we need trucks," she said in an interview with CNN. "We're missing Humvees; we're missing all kinds of equipment that can help us respond to this kind of emergency."

Here's some of what Barack had to say:

Governor Sebelius was right to question the diversion of the Guard’s resources and personnel overseas. There’s no question that this has undercut our emergency preparedness and our homeland security...
We cannot afford to learn a lesson about unmet needs each time a disaster strikes. The National Guard is the essential mechanism through which states prepare for and respond to emergencies. If your administration chooses to divert state resources to assist the military overseas, this gap should be filled in order to protect Americans at home.

The above photo was taken from this Wichita Eagle photo essay, which truly captures the enormity of the crisis.

Finally, if you want to help out the victims of the Greensburg disaster, consider giving to the National Crisis Relief Fund at RedCross.org.

"Olivia's eyes lit up like a lighthouse in the dark"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 04 May 2007 12:48:18 EDT

This letter just came in from Claudine B., a supporter from Kansas City, Kansas.

Dear Senator Obama:

I want you to personally know how excited we are to share this wonderful experience of seeing you on the 12th in Kansas City with our eight-year-old daughter, Olivia. Being a bi-racial family, Olivia has a keen awareness of the lack of representation of African Americans in the role of government.
When the television stations broke the news that you would be running for president, Olivia's eyes lit up like a lighthouse in the dark!! She looked at me and said, "Mom, do you actually think a black man can make it into the Whitehouse?" I told her that not only do I think it, I know it because you are so different from all of the other runners. You are what America wants and needs in order to make this world a better place.

Olivia just toured the State Capital in Topeka this week with her third-grade class. She was able to see where all the government leaders meet for legislative sessions AND she got to sit in Governor Sebellius' chair. She thought that was downright amazing! Because of you, she now sees that people of all colors and races (including herself) can play a vital role in government. Truth be told, I think the kid has visions of being elected and someday getting to work in Sebellius' chair!

Looking forward to seeing you on the 12th! Keep doing what you're doing. We're pulling for you, as are many other people in Kansas!

Sincerely,

Claudine B.

What we can do in Kansas before November 2008

John Beasley — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 19:59:03 EST

Hello everyone,

My name is John Beasley and I voted in my first presidential election in 2004. I voted for John Kerry not only for the hopes that Bush would be gone, but that our country could get back on the right track before too much damage was done to our world reputation. Unfortunately my hopes were dashed and George W. remained in office. I was devastated. I had heard from many people before the election that this was the most important election in our nations history. I got involved on a small level by supporting John Kerry in my own small part of the world, but could never seem to break through to my mostly conservative atmosphere in Wichita, KS. At work, I was constantly met with adversity for my support of John Kerry. After the election was over I gave up on politics all together. In the back of my mind I was sure that the American people had been totally brain-washed and that Bush would soon lead us to our countries demise. Although this is sort of a harsh thought, I am glad it didn't turn out that way. I think one thing that the mid-term elections of 2006 showed me was that America has not given up. Across the board, our nation sent a majority of Democratic senators and congressman to Washington for a change. In Kansas, we re-elected Kathleen Sebelius as Governor and got rid of Phil Kilne! I was reinvigorated politically. Ever since Barack Obama announced his presidency on February 10th, 2007, I have grown more excited for 2008. I think Obama represents a lot of what Bobby Kennedy did in the late '60s. His strong stance against the war and conventional Washington buraceracy, has given Obama a clear definition as a candidate. What can we do in Kansas to turn our states support to Barack Obama? I know that we are traditionally a "red state," but I beleive that if we were to organize an event in Kansas for Barack Obama, we could get thousands to show up in support. He is saying a lot of things that people want to hear in Kansas. I think the only way for Barack to spread his national appeal to Kansas is by visiting the people and showing them the great candidate he is. How can we accomplish this? I am fairly new to grass-roots organization, but what do you guys think? In short, I think that we are faced once again with an important election that could change our countries course for years to come. I believe that Barack Obama is the right person at the right time to be elected. Thanks for your time in reading this post!

Sincerely,

John Beasley | Obama in 2008!