Posts with the tag Massachusetts

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

Death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Michael from Milton, MA — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:17:15 EDT

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release August 26, 2009

- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Senator Edward M. Kennedy was not only one of the greatest
senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans
ever to serve our democracy. Over the past half-century, nearly
every major piece of legislation that has advanced the civil
rights, health, and economic well-being of the American people
bore his name and resulted from his efforts. With his passing,
an important chapter in our American story has come to an end.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Edward M.
Kennedy, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the
Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that
the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at
the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at
all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels
of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and
throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions
until sunset on August 30, 2009. I also direct that the flag of
the United States shall be flown at half-staff until sunset on
the day of his interment. I further direct that the flag shall
be flown at half-staff for the same periods at all United States
embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities
abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and
stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA
# # #

Massachusetts Election Blog

WEBMASTER — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:10:37 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 Massachusetts to post a message on the Massachusetts Election Blog.

Massachusetts Election Blog
massachusetts-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

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

At last.....

LadyPainter — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:14:14 EST

It's been three days since Barack Obama has been declared the winner of our Presidential election. It's been three days of jubilation, exhaltation, astonishment, reaffirmed faith, and yes, relief. At last. Sing it with me, pretend you are Etta James....at laaaaaast....

I remember my mom talking about JFK and the effect his presidency had on her. We're a Massachusetts blue-collar family with European immigrant roots. My grandmother worshipped the Kennedy family. We were Catholic-lite, in an attend-church-on-Easter kind of way. We were white, sometimes poor, surrounded by Irish, Italian and eventually, Asian culture in the southern suburbs of Boston. My grandmother wrote a letter to JFK, and he wrote her back and she kept that letter in one of the many books that were stacked lengthwise and sideways and everyways, floor to ceiling, in her tiny 55+ apartment.

My family were waitresses, cooks and welders, not lawyers, doctors or professors. But we had our books. My grandmother talked to me of history, philosophy and Jesus and the Golden Rule. She was the kind of woman who went to Catholic churches, Native American pow-wows, Baptist churches, Synagogues and if we had a Mosque, she would have attended that too. We were Democrats. And to be a Massachusetts Democrat was a source of pride, despite what George W. Bush says.

I was too young to understand the importance of "Camelot", the significance of John F. Kennedy. and what he meant to people. I had no idea what it could be like to be inspired by a single person. I kept waiting and hoping that one day I would.

When I first heard Barack Obama give his speech during the 2004 convention, I was weary of politicians and a certifiable full-blown cynic. I was horrified over the war in Iraq and terrified of our leaders. I was watching my country become increasingly partisan, watching rights I always considered fundamentally American being revoked, watching religious extremists influencing way too many government leaders. I was concerned that our children were not getting the education they needed to keep our country competitive. I wondered when the expenses of fighting an ill-planned war on false premises would hurt our economy. I was concerned about massive industries like insurance, health, oil and pharma getting big tax breaks and govt. sanction to act like monopolies while charging us more and giving us less. I was concerned about working class folks with no insurance and folks with insurance who got dropped when they got sick. I didn't recognize the country I loved in my history books as a child.

I was a registered Libertarian in '04 -a conservative in foreign and domestic policy, but a social liberal. I was neither Left nor Right. John Kerry bored me, but I was going to vote for him, because Bush scared me. Living in America scared me even more when we elected him again.

The Barack Obama speech in 04 changed everything. I watched his career in the days following that speech with great interest. When he announced his candidacy, I was excited but skeptical over his slim resume. It was between Obama and Biden in my eyes, and I would have been fine with a Hillary term as well.

I decided to back Obama because he was a fresh break from the past and seemed to be open to rational debate. More importantly, he talked about the future as if it was a good thing and not something to be afraid of. He didn't talk about Us and Them. He didn't insult our intelligence with blatant appeals to spinal cord patriotism and la-de-da ain't-we-grand bromides. He didn't pander to our lowest fears and emotions, but spoke to our ability to reason and our spirit to innovate and make things better.

With Barack Obama, I saw a better chance of America healing international rifts, as well as our own. I was sick of the hate. I was sick of Liberal being used as a swear word, as if our country is made up of nothing but Liberals or Conservatives, no one in between, that anyone who doesn't subscribe to the Sean Hannity Goosestep is Anti-American. I was sick of the "Conservative" myth and tired of the Democrat same-old.

President-Elect Obama transcends this. President-Elect Obama gives us a chance to rise above the rabble of the pundit monkies.

I want a leader who recognizes that Capitalism can be ethical and sustainable, not corrupt and wasteful. I want a leader who recognizes that health care is a right, but we have to take care of ourselves. I want a leader who tells us to work hard, achieve, practice personal responsibility and do good for others. I want a leader who respects the lives of the living, not just the unborn. I want a leader who thinks teaching our children science is good for technology and not just for weapons. I want a leader who advocates a more transparent government and will give college opportunities to people who do volunteer work. I want a leader who thinks before he acts and speaks. (Is that so alien a concept?)

I want a leader who shrugs off ad hominem attacks with a wide smile and then goes on to discuss things that really matter.

I want a leader who is a fearless optimist with substantive ideas for solutions for the daunting problems we face.

I want a leader who likes smart people and surrounds himself with them and actually listens to them.

And oh yeah, I am so ready to have someone other than a rich, white establishment man as my President. They just don't, well, get me. Or the countless others who stood in line for hours to vote, or the folks in their living rooms or in Grant Park crying out at the final hand of victory.

Obama is my JFK. I finally understand. I wish my grandmother were alive to see this.

At last.

11/4/2008: Christmas Came Early this Year....

Robert S. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:46:17 EST

I'm happy that I was able to get out and vote for the Obama/Biden ticket this morning. My polling location is in one of Boston's black neighborhoods, and the poll workers at my site on Townsend Street did a great job.

Voting was a family event, as grandparents, parents, and children wanted to share in this history making process. While in line, I saw elderly people with canes who could barely walk, but they were excited about voting for Barack Obama for President. There were teenagers who were thrilled to be casting thier first vote ever for Barack Obama. Even would-be thugs were waiting in line, and they were excited to display their Barack Obama buttons.

There were so many happy people at my polling site. As long as some of these folks stay excited about participating in the community and our country, Barack's campaign will continue to yield benefits for years and generations to come.

obamanowsign.com

eJe — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:17:32 EDT

I got an e-mail from some friends of mine in Massachusetts this morning that I wanted to share in my Community Blog becuase it is a great example of what "real people" and "real Americans" (to use a phrase coined by the McCain supporters) are doing to show their support of Barack Obama and change the path of our great Nation. A full transcript of the e-mails follows:

This past week we put up a 40 Foot sign in Fairhaven.
We had a party! We had a lot of energy for this amazing campaign.

Homeowners Nate, Penny and Mia came up with this wonderful idea to show their
SUPPORT for Obama right Now! in their front yard on BUSY Route 6.

Check out this website http://www.obamanowsign.com/

Many pictures, Videos, interviews will follow.

Please take the time to see what we are doing in a small town in
Massachusetts for Obama and think about what you can do too!

It is all very positive energy! Everyone can make a difference!
If you live close by- drive by and see for yourself!

Think CHANGE and VOTE!

How to help in Lexington, MA

JJ Krawczyk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:48:47 EDT

Hi everyone,

I included this information in a reply below, but I also felt it was important enough to include in a post by itself.

The Lexington Democratic Town Committee (LDTC), along with the Lexington Obama coordinators, have created the LexBlue2008 Yahoo Group. If you join the group, you can learn about volunteer activities in which you can participate. To join, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LexBlue2008/

Also, the LDTC and the Arlington DTC have opened a regional campaign office at 148 Mass Ave in East Arlington. The phone number there is 781-316-2889.

Finally, if you'd like to send an email to the Obama campaign coordinators in Lexington, please email LexingtonForObama =at= gmail =dot= com.

We're fired up and ready to go! Please join us!!

JJ Krawczyk

Vice-chair for Campaigns, Lexington Democratic Town Committee

Why go to Keene, NH to canvass this Saturday? And what we did on the 19th!

Nicole LaChapelle — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:49:37 EDT

Good evening, fellow Western Massachusetts activists:

A huge thank you to the 22, YES, 22 WMASS volunteer canvassers that came to Keene on July 19th. The WMASS July 19th canvass numbers stacked up this way:

833 doors knocked on
310 contacts made
200 supporters identified

With such great results on the 19th and the 12th, WHY come canvassing again on the 26th and each consecutive Saturday through November? Because, the latest U of NH Poll has Obama ahead in NH 46% to 43% with a margin of error of 4.5%. Meaning NH is really a toss up, a battleground state. Every door counts, every face to face, an opportunity between an Obama activist and an:

Obama supporter, reassures that voter of their decision and gives them an opportunity to join us in volunteering
voter leaning Obama who is more likely to be swayed by a person on their doorstep taking their own time than a 30 second commercial or robo-call.
undecided voter willing to listen or wanting to ask questions of a person on their doorstep in their neighborhood.

All politics is personal and canvassing makes a national election personal, door by door.

Join us canvassing for the first time, second time or third time on Saturday, July 26, 2008.

Carpool locations:

8 AM
Raymour & Flanigan, 837 Riverdale Road, West Springfield, MA
Corinne Wingard, corinne01001@gmail.com

8:30 AM
Sheldon Field, Old Ferry Road, Northampton, MA
Nicole LaChapelle, nicollemarie@gmail.com

9 AM
Big Y Supermarket, Mohawk Trail, Greenfield, MA
oscarma01301@gmail.com

Look forward to seeing you in NH!

Nicole LaChapelle
NH Coordinator
WMASS for Obama

Great Unity Event - Hooray for the Little Guy!

Marianne Bergenholtz Delegate — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:51:16 EDT

Fired Up!!!

Congressman Jim McGovern and staff couldn't have done a better job at firing up the troops to help elect Barack Obama. Last night was one of my proudest moments as a Democrat. The willingness of all the former Hillary supporters who worked their hearts and souls out for her, to come out in such numbers and enthusiasm and embrace Barack Obama... it just reinforces everything I love about our Democratic Party.

The Republican Mean Machine has had success for years redefining the public's sense of who the Democrats are, and after leading many Americans to vote against their own best interests, for the benefit of a few, there are many who now "get it," uncommitted Independents.

I hope those who went to the Unity Event last night found they've always belonged with the Democrats. The Democrats who seemingly vote against our own self-interest do so with full knowledge that we protect the little guy and we ALL benefit from Democratic programs like education funding, social security, environmental protection, fair wages and workplace safety.

Congratulations to all the passionate speakers last night who reminded me of the lessons of compassion at the dinner table with my parents, a Union Musician and a stay at-home-Mom. Simply put, they explained, "Republicans are for the Big Guys, and the Democrats are for the little guy."

Hooray for the little guy!

Needham (and environs) for Change!

Harmony — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:33:27 EDT

Yesterday we joined people across the country by holding our own UNITE FOR CHANGE event here in Needham. It was an amenable weather day, and guests started arriving around 2PM, checked in at our WELCOME table (run by my almost 5yo daughter, Hazel), voted in a mock election, slapped on name tags and headed round the back for drinks and munchies.

Around 30 people had signed up for the event via the MyBo website. On the sign-in sheet we have about 23 names (I know for sure that some didn't sign in...I'm looking at you Enrico!). People came not just from Needham, but also Newton, Wellesley, Franklin, Walpole, Norwood, Medfield, Cambridge, Amesbury and even New York city!

As we waited for everyone to arrive, guests settled into the ObaMargaritas, beer and soft-drinks, and started to get to know one another--which for me was certainly the highlight.

John Kerry: A Senator For Massachusetts

John From Cape Cod. Ma — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:01:50 EDT

John Kerry: A Senator For Massachusetts

John Kerry, with long roots in Massachusetts, has worked hard to improve the lives of Massachusetts residents. From his work trying to improve the economy as Chair of the Small Business Committee to working with the Senate to bring projects and jobs to Massachusetts, John Kerry takes his responsibilities as the Senator from Massachusetts very seriously.

And the trust the Massachusetts voters have shown John Kerry by re-electing him to the Senate 3 times has placed him in a senior position in the Senate, giving him even more opportunities to do what he can to improve the state that has been home to his family for generations.

Here are just a few of the most recent things Senator Kerry has done for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

May 23Senate passes Kerry-Obama legislation to close KBR tax loophole, provide tax relief for troops
May 22Kerry’s Disaster Reform Law Will Benefit Massachusetts Businesses, Homeowners
May 19Kerry announces Waquoit Bay to receive $555,000 for research, education
May 16Kerry: Farm bill will provide immediate help to Massachusetts farmers, consumers
May 09Kerry: President signs into law three conservation bills for Massachusetts parks
May 02Massachusetts Small Businesses Hurt by Drought to Get Help from Kerry Law
April 29Kerry endorsed by Human Rights Campaign for his leadership on GLBT rights
April 28Kerry earns 100% rating from anti-poverty advocates
April 23Democrats Highlight Big Wins for Small Businesses During National Small Business Week
April 22Kerry Congratulates Wilmington Small Business Owner Award Winner
JOIN JOHNKERRYFORSENATE.COMSubscribe for email updates:

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Email volunteer@johnkerry.com , and tell Terri you want to volunteer!

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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

Barack Obama: One Final Thing -- Get Out the Vote!

Jonathan from Acton, MA — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:32:03 EST

Barack Obama sent out the following email reminder today, urging voters to look up their primary voting location for tomorrow and make sure their friends, family, and neighbors get out and vote, too. Thank you for all your efforts in supporting this campaign. Super Tuesday, November 5, is the date that will bring all of us, and all our efforts, together to create enduring change in America.

An Englishman in ... Boston -- coming in just to volunteer for Barack!

Brian Corr — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:37:22 EST

I got an incredible email early Friday morning: Dave Smith, a young man who just graduated from Cambridge University in England told me that after hearing Sen. Kennedy's endorsement of Barack Obama he wanted to buy an airplane ticket to Massachusetts and volunteer for Barack Obama on Primary Day -- since as a foreigner he couldn't contribute money and wants to support this amazing movement for change.

As he told me when I said I'd try to get him a place to stay, "Brian - that would be ideal! I don't have much money I'm afraid but I'd be more than willing to pay my way. I know what it's like being a hard up student, so I can at least buy them a drink or two after the polls close on Tuesday! Thank you so much for your help. You really have turned what was once just a distant hope into a reality. I'm off to pay for my plane fare - do keep me posted! -- Very best, Dave ".

One email to the "Harvard for Obama" list and I had multiple offers for a place to stay for him in minutes! He's arriving Sunday night, will volunteer all day Monday and Tuesday, and then take a day to enjoy Boston, then the Greyhound to Washington, DC (he was a political science major wo focused on US politics in college).

Then he sent this note to me and his host: "Thank you so much – your generosity is overwhelming. I'm not quite sure what else to say. Thank you, though. Without yourself and Brian this worthwhile trip may have never proved possible. The flight is now paid for and I shall be on it! I'm so excited, I almost can't really believe this is happening. But it is, so I better get organised. Can't think of anything else at the moment. Any questions do ask. And thanks so much again. You really don't know how much this means to me. All I wanna do now is win on Tuesday. -- Very best, Dave "

I haven't met him yet, but at this moment he is flying from London and I'm picking him up at the airport this evening -- perhaps I can get him to write a few lines himself then, but see the extended post for his original email.

Dave in Massachusetts: "The courage to recognize what we need"

Sarah Ramey — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:55:27 EST

Dave first met Senator Obama at a town hall meeting in his hometown, Concord, New Hampshire.

Right before the meeting was over, Dave raised his hand and asked a difficult question about prison reform. Sen. Obama turned to Dave, and then with the whole room watching, did something Dave hadn't really been expecting.

He answered the question.

"Barack had a complete grasp of the situation, cited studies and had an incredible ability to break down complex issues so that everyone in that room could digest them. He had the courage to recognize what we need in this country, and the intellect to respond to the facts. But in the end he said -- and he's right -- that the fundamental issue at the core of prison reform is fairness."

A few weeks later, Dave was knocking on doors and working the phones at his local Concord Obama HQ in New Hampshire. It was the first political work of his life.

Hearing Barack speak, I had a sense that I could do something. It took me out of that sense of helplessness that I think a lot of people in my generation feel, especially after the last eight years. He made me feel like I could make a difference again.

So Dave threw himself into volunteering and worked night and day all the way through the New Hampshire primary, where Barack came back from 20 points behind, and tied for the most delegates. Then, post-New Hampshire, some people's work was done. Not Dave.

Dave was asked to keep going and move with the campaign to Massachusetts.. He went, and this time he got more responsibility -- to say the least. On arrival in the Bay State he was placed in charge of organizing the phonebanks, canvasses and all other activities in 30 Massachusetts towns.

Keep in mind, Dave is a volunteer!

To give you an idea of what that entails: today alone, Dave is out there organizing canvasses in Wellesley, Needham, Belmont, Arlington, Brookline, Newton, Concord, and Waltham -- and then visibilities in Sherborn, Holliston, Belmont, and Framingham -- not to mention the phonebanks in Ashland, Wayland, Concord, Carlisle, Natick, Wellesley -- and don't forget the additional phonebanks he has going in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Concord, New Hampshire, and Claremont, California.

Wow.

With that kind of inspiration, by now you should all be fired up to get out there and volunteer!

Check here to see what's happening near you:

Phonebank from home.

Make your own Obama signs with your friends and family and create your own visibility event.

Now is the time. Go out there, make a difference -- and make history.

Yes we can.

And if you're in Massachusetts, check out MA.BarackObama.com to see what you can do.

Get Out The Vote in Massachusetts!

Rena — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:11:33 EST

Organizational meeting and GOTV training

When: Thursday, January 31, cell phonebank from 6:30 – 7:30, GOTV meeting and training from 7:30 – 8:30

Where: Morse Auditorium, Boston University at 602 Commonwealth Ave. The closest T stop is Blandford Street Station on the MBTA Green Line – B line (towards Boston College). It is located just west of Kenmore Square.

Who: Anyone who wants to volunteer during GOTV

Questions/RSVP: 617 367 1187

Sign Up! http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4vty4

Obama Rally with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, and Caroline Kennedy

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:08:45 EST

During a rally at American University in Washington, DC, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Representative Patrick Kennedy, and Caroline Kennedy today endorsed Barack Obama for President.

Here are the remarks of Caroline Kennedy...

Text of Caroline Kennedy's remarks as prepared for delivery...

Good Afternoon Everyone, and thank you, Patrick, for that introduction and for continuing our family’s proud tradition of public service.

It’s a special privilege to come to American University where President Kennedy made his immortal call for a peaceful world - a world made safe for diversity—a world that cherishes our children’s future.

Over the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wish they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This longing is even more profound today. Fortunately, there is one candidate who offers that same sense of hope and inspiration and I am proud to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President.

I am happy that two of my own children are here with me, because they were the first people who made me realize that Barack Obama is the President we need. He is already inspiring all Americans, young and old, to believe in ourselves, tying that belief to our highest ideals - ideals of hope, justice, opportunity and peace – and urging us to imagine that together we can do great things.

My Uncle Teddy feels the same way, and I am proud to stand with him today. For more than four decades in the Senate, Teddy has led the fight on the most important issues of our time: civil rights, social justice, and economic opportunity. Workers, families, the elderly, the disabled, immigrants, and men and women in uniform – all have no stronger champion. He has stood with teachers, students and parents to improve our public schools and help with the high price of a college education. When it comes to fighting for quality, affordable health care, Teddy is in a league of his own.

I know his brothers would be so proud of him. He is an inspiration to all the members of our family – always looking to the future, never the past, always hopeful, always believing that we are capable of our very best. You know him well but I’m honored to introduce him now – Senator Edward Kennedy.

Here are the remarks of Senator Ted Kennedy...

Here's the text of Senator Kennedy's remarks as prepared for delivery...

Thank you, Caroline. Thank you for that wonderful introduction and for your courage and bold vision, for your insight and understanding, and for the power and reach of your words. Like you, we too “want a president who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again.” Thank you, Caroline. Your mother and father would be so proud today.

Thank you, Patrick, for your leadership in Congress and for being here to celebrate and support a leader who truly has the power to inspire and make America good again, “from sea to shining sea.”

Thank you, American University.

I feel change in the air.

Every time I’ve been asked over the past year who I would support in the Democratic Primary, my answer has always been the same: I’ll support the candidate who inspires me, who inspires all of us, who can lift our vision and summon our hopes and renew our belief that our country’s best days are still to come.

I’ve found that candidate. And it looks to me like you have too.

But first, let me say how much I respect the strength, the work and dedication of two other Democrats still in the race, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. They are my friends; they have been my colleagues in the Senate. John Edwards has been a powerful advocate for economic and social justice. And Hillary Clinton has been in the forefront on issues ranging from health care to the rights of women around the world. Whoever is our nominee will have my enthusiastic support.

Let there be no doubt: We are all committed to seeing a Democratic President in 2008.

But I believe there is one candidate who has extraordinary gifts of leadership and character, matched to the extraordinary demands of this moment in history.

He understands what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called the “fierce urgency of now.”

He will be a president who refuses to be trapped in the patterns of the past. He is a leader who sees the world clearly without being cynical. He is a fighter who cares passionately about the causes he believes in, without demonizing those who hold a different view.

He is tough-minded, but he also has an uncommon capacity to appeal to “the better angels of our nature.”

I am proud to stand here today and offer my help, my voice, my energy and my commitment to make Barack Obama the next President of the United States.

Like most of the nation, I was moved four years ago as he told us a profound truth—that we are not, we must not be, just red states and blue states, but one United States. And since that time I have marveled at his grit and his grace as he traveled this country and inspired record turnouts of people of all ages, of all races, of all genders, of all parties and faiths to get “fired up” and “ready to go.”

I’ve seen him connect with people from every walk of life and with Senators on both sides of the aisle. With every person he meets, every crowd he inspires, and everyone he touches, he generates new hope that our greatest days as a nation are still ahead, and this generation of Americans, like others before us, can unite to meet our own rendezvous with destiny.

We know the true record of Barack Obama. There is the courage he showed when so many others were silent or simply went along. From the beginning, he opposed the war in Iraq.

And let no one deny that truth.

There is the great intelligence of someone who could have had a glittering career in corporate law, but chose instead to serve his community and then enter public life.

There is the tireless skill of a Senator who was there in the early mornings to help us hammer out a needed compromise on immigration reform— who always saw a way to protect both national security and the dignity of people who do not have a vote. For them, he was a voice for justice.

And there is the clear effectiveness of Barack Obama in fashioning legislation to put high quality teachers in our classrooms—and in pushing and prodding the Senate to pass the most far-reaching ethics reform in its history.

Now, with Barack Obama, there is a new national leader who has given America a different kind of campaign—a campaign not just about himself, but about all of us. A campaign about the country we will become, if we can rise above the old politics that parses us into separate groups and puts us at odds with one another.

I remember another such time, in the 1960s, when I came to the Senate at the age of 30. We had a new president who inspired the nation, especially the young, to seek a new frontier. Those inspired young people marched, sat in at lunch counters, protested the war in Vietnam and served honorably in that war even when they opposed it.

They realized that when they asked what they could do for their country, they could change the world.

It was the young who led the first Earth Day and issued a clarion call to protect the environment; the young who enlisted in the cause of civil rights and equality for women; the young who joined the Peace Corps and showed the world the hopeful face of America.

At the fifth anniversary celebration of the Peace Corps, I asked one of those young Americans why they had volunteered.

And I will never forget the answer: “It was the first time someone asked me to do something for my country.”

This is another such time.

I sense the same kind of yearning today, the same kind of hunger to move on and move America forward. I see it not just in young people, but in all our people.

And in Barack Obama, I see not just the audacity, but the possibility of hope for the America that is yet to be.

What counts in our leadership is not the length of years in Washington, but the reach of our vision, the strength of our beliefs, and that rare quality of mind and spirit that can call forth the best in our country and our people.

With Barack Obama, we will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion.

With Barack Obama, we will close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, ethnic group against ethnic group, and straight against gay.

With Barack Obama, we will close the door on the old economics that has written off the poor and left the middle class poorer and less secure.

He offers a strategy for prosperity—so that America will once again lead the world in better standards of life.

With Barack Obama, we will break the old gridlock and finally make health care what it should be in America—a fundamental right for all, not just an expensive privilege for the few.

We will make the United States the great leader and not the great roadblock in the fateful fight against global warming.

And with Barack Obama, we will end a war in Iraq that he has always stood against, that has cost us the lives of thousands of our sons and daughters, and that America never should have fought.

I have seen him in the Senate. He will keep us strong and defend the nation against real threats of terrorism and proliferation.

So let us reject the counsels of doubt and calculation.

Let us remember that when Franklin Roosevelt envisioned Social Security, he didn’t decide—no, it was too ambitious, too big a dream, too hard.

When John Kennedy thought of going to the moon, he didn’t say no, it was too far, maybe we couldn’t get there and shouldn’t even try.

I am convinced we can reach our goals only if we are “not petty when our cause is so great”-- only if we find a way past the stale ideas and stalemate of our times – only if we replace the politics of fear with the politics of hope – and only if we have the courage to choose change.

Barack Obama is the one person running for President who can bring us that change.

Barack Obama is the one person running for President who can be that change.

I love this country. I believe in the bright light of hope and possibility. I always have, even in the darkest hours. I know what America can achieve. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it—and with Barack Obama, we can do it again.

I know that he’s ready to be President on day one. And when he raises his hand on Inauguration Day, at that very moment, we will lift the spirits of our nation and begin to restore America’s standing in the world.

There was another time, when another young candidate was running for President and challenging America to cross a New Frontier. He faced public criticism from the preceding Democratic President, who was widely respected in the party. Harry Truman said we needed “someone with greater experience”—and added: “May I urge you to be patient.” And John Kennedy replied: “The world is changing. The old ways will not do…It is time for a new generation of leadership.”

So it is with Barack Obama. He has lit a spark of hope amid the fierce urgency of now.

I believe that a wave of change is moving across America. If we do not turn aside, if we dare to set our course for the shores of hope, we together will go beyond the divisions of the past and find our place to build the America of the future.

My friends, I ask you to join in this historic journey -- to have the courage to choose change.

It is time again for a new generation of leadership.

It is time now for Barack Obama.

Here are the remarks of Senator Obama...

Text of Senator Obama's remarks as prepared for delivery...

Thank you Congressman Kennedy and Caroline and Senator Kennedy for your words, your support, and the service you’ve rendered to this country.
I stand here today with a great deal of humility. I know what your support means. I know the cherished place the Kennedy family holds in the hearts of the American people. And that is as it should be. Because the Kennedy family, more than any other, has always stood for what’s best about the Democratic Party, and about America. That each of us can make a difference and all of us ought to try. That no frontier is beyond our reach when we’re united, and not divided. And that those of us who are not content to settle for the world as it is, can remake the world as it should be – that together, we “can seek a newer world.”

No one embodies this proud legacy more than the people we’ve just heard from. For a woman who was introduced to America in the spotlight, Caroline has worked out of public view to bring about change in our communities. Whether it’s her work with New York City’s public schools or the Profile in Courage Award or through books on politics, civil rights and history, Caroline has been a quiet force for change in this country. And it’s an honor to have her support.

It’s also an honor to have Congressman Kennedy’s support. He’s been a real leader in the fight to make sure every American has equal access to the quality mental health care they need. It’s one of the great civil rights issues of our time, and it’s an issue I’m proud to have worked on with him. He’s not just part of the next generation of Kennedy leaders, he’s part of the next generation of Democratic and American leaders, and I look forward to fighting by his side in the months and years to come.

And it is a special honor and privilege to have the support of the Congressman’s father, Senator Kennedy. In the year I was born, President Kennedy let out word that the torch had been passed to a new generation of Americans. He was right. It had. It was passed to his youngest brother.

From the battles of the 1960s to the battles of today, he has carried that torch, lighting the way for all who share his American ideals.

It’s a torch he’s carried as a champion for working Americans, a fierce proponent of universal health care, and a tireless advocate for giving every child in this country a quality education.

It’s a torch he’s carried as the lion of the Senate, a man whose mastery of the issues and command of the levers of government – whose determined leadership and deft political skills – are matched only by his ability to tell a good story.

Ted Kennedy stands apart from the prevailing wisdom in Washington that has reduced politics to a game of tactics and transactions, in which no principle is beyond sacrifice. And his public life is a testimony to what can be achieved when you focus on lifting our country up, rather than tearing political opponents down.

Few public servants in our nation’s history have had such a profound influence on the course of our nation. Few leaders in this country have more experience in how to bring about real change. And few have better judgment about where we’re headed as a party and a people.

Today isn’t just about politics for me. It’s personal. I was too young to remember John Kennedy and I was just a child when Robert Kennedy ran for President. But in the stories I heard growing up, I saw how my grandparents and mother spoke about them, and about that period in our nation’s life – as a time of great hope and achievement. And I think my own sense of what’s possible in this country comes in part from what they said America was like in the days of John and Robert Kennedy.

I believe that’s true for millions of Americans. I’ve seen it in offices in this city where portraits of John and Robert hang on office walls or collections of their speeches sit on bookshelves. And I’ve seen it in my travels all across this country. Because no matter where I go, or who I talk to, one thing I can say for certain is that the dream has never died.

The dream lives on in the older folks I meet who remember what America once was, and know what America can be once again. It lives on in the young people who’ve only seen John or Robert Kennedy on TV, but are ready to answer their call.

It lives on in those Americans who refuse to be deterred by the scale of the challenges we face, who know, as President Kennedy said at this university, that “no problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.”

And it lives on in those Americans – young and old, rich and poor, black and white, Latino and Asian – who are tired of a politics that divides us and want to recapture the sense of common purpose that we had when John Kennedy was President.

That is the dream we hold in our hearts. That is the kind of leadership we need in this country. And that is the kind of leadership I intend to offer as President.
So make no mistake: the choice in this election is not between regions or religions or genders. It’s not about rich versus poor; young versus old; and it is not about black versus white. It’s about the past versus the future.

It’s about whether we’re going to seize this moment to write the next great American story. So someday we can tell our children that this was the time when we healed our nation. This was the time when we repaired our world. And this was the time when we renewed the America that has led generations of weary travelers from all over the world to find opportunity, and liberty, and hope on our doorstep.

One of these travelers was my father. I barely knew him, but when, after his death, I finally took my first trip to his tiny village in Kenya and asked my grandmother if there was anything left from him, she opened a trunk and took out a stack of letters, which she handed to me.

There were more than thirty of them, all handwritten by my father, all addressed to colleges and universities across America, all filled with the hope of a young man who dreamed of more for his life. And his prayer was answered when he was brought over to study in this country.

But what I learned much later is that part of what made it possible for him to come here was an effort by the young Senator from Massachusetts at the time, John F. Kennedy, and by a grant from the Kennedy Foundation to help Kenyan students pay for travel. So it is partly because of their generosity that my father came to this country, and because he did, I stand before you today – inspired by America’s past, filled with hope for America’s future, and determined to do my part in writing our next great chapter.

So I’m asking for your hands. I’m asking for your help. And I’m asking for your hearts. And if you will stand with me in the days to come - if you will stand for change so that our children have the same chance that somebody gave us; if you’ll stand to keep the American dream alive for those who still hunger for opportunity and thirst for justice; if you're ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell you you must accept, and finally reach for what you know is possible, then we will win these primaries, we will win this election, we will change the course of history, and light a new torch for change in this country – and “the glow from that fire can truly light the world."

What to do until March 4?

Tom K., Newport RI — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:23:44 EST

That's the question facing every Obama supporter here in Rhode Island. Not until March 4 will we have a chance to actually cast an actual vote for Senator Obama. What do we do in the meantime?

One answer is to look north to Massachusetts. The Bay State is taking part in Super-Duper-Guper-Bluper Tuesday, the February 5 kinda-sorta-almost national primary. It's only (checks calendar) eleven days away, and your fellow Massachusetts Obamaniacs need help canvassing and phonebanking. In fact, there's a fellow named John Bowes in Fall River who plans to do some canvassing there tomorrow (the event is listed at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4rm3q). I've signed up, and if you've never canvassed before and you want to find out what it's like, you should too.

Hope to see you there.

Over 170 supporters meet up in Newton, Massachusetts

Marc from Providence, RI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:11:14 EST

Newton supporters gathered Sunday for the second of two Oraganizational Meetings taking place in the city. The two meetings brought over 170 supporters together to discuss their plans for helping Barack Obama win the February 5th primary in Massachusetts. Newton organizers are currently conducting phone banks and visibility throughout the city. If you would like to join the Newton team and help out, feel free to email Newton Alderman Stephen Linsky at smlinsky@rcn.com.

And check out MA.BarackObama.com to learn more about how you can help Barack win in the Bay State!

Central Massachusetts catching the Obama wave.

Marianne Bergenholtz Delegate — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:43:32 EST

Hello All,

Some of you may have received my first lonely email about the Obama campaign in Worcester when I asked if anyone knew what was going on. The state map at my.barackobama.com had a huge void in a 25 mile radius around Worcester.

Last night we had the Central Mass organizational meeting, and now, if you look at the map of Central Mass, we have several events going - so be sure to go to Events at my.barackobama.com so you won't miss the fun. But even if you don't sign up on time, just come anyway!

Tomorrow: canvassing in Ward I - starts at 12:00, 57 Holden St., Worcester, then

at 4:30 - Politics and Pool at Boston Billiards to watch the Nevada caucus returns - bring a friend

at 6:30 - Apple Pie, Politics and Beer - free apple pie.

Next week, we are canvassing big time in Worcester Ward 1 and Ward 9 to get out the vote - with another round in additional neighborhoods the following weekend. Many who are signing up never did this before, but feel they must do everything they can to help Obama and get the democracy back into the hands of the American people.

This intense period will only last for 16 more days, so be sure to catch the wave while you have this unbelievable opportunity to DO something for the best candidate that has come along in years. It's such an exciting time!

Please join my Friends List so you can keep up with the groundswell.

Yes we can! But we need YOU.

Marianne

Boston: Canvassing and Phone Banking This Weekend!

Rena — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:26:25 EST

We're hitting the streets and the phones this weekend to talk with Massachusetts voters about the upcoming primary! Please join us in making history for Barack!

Saturday

Sunday (I know there's a Pats game, but come on... at least BE a patriot until 2pm)

Video: Young voters energize election

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:03:22 EST

One of the most remarkable things about this campaign is the number of young people who have become politically engaged for the first time. Check out this video tribute to the young voters who are making a huge difference in this campaign...

Also, check out "Generation Obama," a video profile of a group of Boston College students and this short documentary on Students for Barack Obama.

And check out Students.BarackObama.com for updated blog coverage on how students are impacting and continue to impact the campaign.

BelowBoston.com Blogger Endorses Barack

Tim Foley — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:08:06 EST

"Bowes3" has seen all of the Democratic candidates -- multiple times -- and frequently edited and posted video for the blog BelowBoston.com, a site of citizen journalists who pride themselves on "shining a progressive light on the political landscape from Quincy to the Cape."

Bowes3 has not just observed our grassroots movement for change--he has become a part of it, regularly knocking on doors in the Seacoast area as we race towards Primary Day in New Hampshire.

Today on BelowBoston.com, he writes about why he has endorsed Barack.

Why bowes3 is supporting Barack Obama.
by: bowes3

...[In 2002,] "Candidate" Obama could have very easily supported the war like so many others. Instead he chose to display principled leadership and announce a politically unpopular position, for all the right reasons. However, let me be clear. I do not support Obama solely because he was against the Iraq war from the outset. I support Barack Obama because he demonstrated sound judgment in "why" he did not support the war. Obama's ability to critically evaluate options and make sound judgments is why I want him in the White House. It is why I am supporting Barack Obama.
...
I have personally experienced how this campaign has become larger then the candidate and evolved into a movement of "hope". Millions of people are responding to the call to become actively involved and engaged in civic life. They understand that "hope" is at the core of the American dream. They understand that it has always been the foundation of America's greatest successes. They know that it is the common variable that forever unites us. They know that it is and always has been the catalyst for change. They understand that the time for change is now.

Jennifer's Match in Massachusetts

Sarah Ramey — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 13:06:57 EST

Jennifer in Massachusetts just made a Match.

"I love the idea of matching donations -- it feels like double the effort."

When she's not matching, Jennifer teaches a classroom full of what she calls, "Our best hope for the future."

Which is to say, middle schoolers.

Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick is a strong supporter of Barack Obama, and Governor Patrick's endorsement went a long way for Jennifer in choosing a candidate to support in her critical February 5th primary.

"That, combined with my mother's love of Barack ever since the 2004 Democratic Convention, combined with my faith in Barack's honesty and overall excellent character and strong stand on the issues," says Jennifer, "has me convinced that he'll make the best President."

She loves that the Barack Obama campaign makes a committed effort to truly be a movement powered by the grassroots. She's made two contributions to Barack's campaign now, and the most recent one was matched.

As Jennifer says, the thing that's so great about Barack's matching donations program is that:

He's creating a community, which is what this country needs -- to feel connected to actual people again.

This is how you can help. By contributing -- in donations, and to the community network of the campaign -- the movement grows stronger and stronger in these last few days before the Iowa caucus.

Make a match donation now, and meet a real person somewhere in America who believes what you believe:

Our moment is now.

Small Businessman Struggles with Universal Healthcare

Benjamin Vos, Nashville — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:53:22 EST

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/12/23/10649/041/347/425786

Barack Obama has consistently sent the message that we must drive down healthcare costs if we are serious about universal healthcare. The problem for most Americans is not access to health insurance. The problem for most Americans, especially older Americans, is the cost of coverage and the cost of care.

This article, from a Massachusetts resident and small business owner, illustrates clearly the problems with a universal healthcare plan and the reasons why Sen. Obama's plan makes more sense.

Voters are being misled by the special interest groups in Iowa, who have recently sent out mailers attacking Obama's plan. Please consider making a donation to the Obama campaign so that he can get the word out to early primary state voters about the advantages of his healthcare plan. You can donate at my page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/benintn

Lydia with the GFC: "It's like people have been waiting years to talk about change."

Sarah Ramey — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:35:07 EST

Lydia is a part of the Grassroots Finance Committee -- a big group of regular grassroots volunteers who signed up a few months ago, each committing to raise $1,000 before the end of the year.

These fundraisers have been working hard on their own time, despite busy schedules and hectic lives -- and so this Wednesday, members who have met their goal, or are well on their way, were invited to phone in for a conference call with a special guest -- Senator Barack Obama himself!

"It was great to hear Barack on the call, spending some time with the GFC," says Lydia. "One gets the
feeling that he'd say the same thing walking up to you on a street corner, no matter who's listening."

Here, Lydia writes in to give a little window into the life of an everyday fundraiser working for a change:

I'm a primary care doctor in Boston, and my patients are mostly people who have not had health insurance, or good health care, for most of their lives.
I knew I was solidly behind Obama when, reading The Audacity of Hope, I felt that many of Barack Obama's beliefs about people, and the power of people working together for change, and belief in what is possible, struck a chord with why I became a primary care doctor.

A lot of people write off primary care because it's too hard to make a difference in people's lives, or because it's hard to pay off your loans, or because the system is slanted against being able to do the right thing for patients without the time or resources to do it. But for me, it's the right thing to do, and if it's the right thing to do, then it's ok to do it and work for change.

I still think it's too good to be true that someone running for the United States thinks this way and acts on it - and that his popularity has been like a rolling stone because of it.

The GFC gives me a reason to keep reaching out to people to talk about this campaign, and how it's changing how people are thinking and feeling about this country. Even today, I talked to a co-worker to whom I hadn't talked about Obama, and whom I'd assumed might even be supporting another party, but he asked about the pin on my coat when I was headed out into the snow. An amazing conversation then ensued, and he wants to support the campaign...

All I need to do is start the conversation, and it's like people have been waiting years to talk about change. The GFC gives me a reason to get them talking.

Here's some audio inspiration from Lydia herself:

And of course, you don't have to be in the GFC to do your own personal fundraising.

Right now, you can set up your own holiday fundraising page to reach out to your friends and family and offer them a way to join the movement by owning a piece of the campaign. It's a great way to get your whole family involved -- not to mention your coworkers, your friends and your neighbors.

Click here to set up your own holiday fundraising page!

Along with presents, why not ask for a President you can believe in?

Blue Mass Group editor on Obama: "Pragmatic, Inspirational, Courageous"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:11:34 EST

Bob Neer, one of the editors of the influential Bay State blog Blue Mass Group, throws his support behind Obama:

Barack Obama is the best choice for President.
He speaks with reason and wisdom and walks with the energy of youth. He has succeeded in some of our most testing crucibles: our top universities, our poorest neighborhoods, and the rough politics of one of our largest states. His background, from nature to nurture, is living proof of the power of diversity.
...
Because Obama approaches problems, first, with reason, second, with practicality, and third, with empathy, he is able to find common ground where his rivals too often deepen differences. His positions on the war in Iraq, education, health care, energy, the environment, marriage, and a host of other issues offer enormous improvements on the status quo. More significantly for present purposes, they stand in sharp contrast, particularly on the subject of Iraq, to the deceptively nuanced positions of his chief rival Hillary Clinton (compare, for example, his actual plan for withdrawal from Iraq, with her, promise to make a plan for withdrawal.)
...
Finally, Obama has the decisive courage required to seize the day. From his decision to forsake the riches of corporate law to teach at the University of Chicago and organize in Chicago's poor communities, to his later rebound from an election defeat in 2000 to win the 2004 Illinois Democratic Senate primary by 29%, and the general election 70-29 (the largest electoral victory in Illinois history), to his present well-organized, well-funded headline-grabbing national campaign, Obama has displayed a remarkable ability to weave the warp and weft of his fortune with the bright colors of victory.
Reason, pragmatism, empathy, ability and decisive courage: Barack Obama is the best candidate for President.

If you're from Massachusetts -- which recently became a February 5th state -- check out MA.BarackObama.com for details on how you can help grow our grassroots movement.

Our Massachusetts Headquarters: Ready to Go

Michael Negron — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:47:40 EST

As Massachusetts Congressman Tip O’Neil once famously said, “All politics is local.” The best campaigns take place at the person-to-person level—on the phone, at doorsteps and from neighbors talking to neighbors. Barack has made a number of trips to the Boston area, and is a frequent visitor north of the border in New Hampshire. Even so, he will not be able to meet with every voter in both states one-on-one.

This is where our grassroots volunteers come in.

Barack’s Bay State supporters have trekked up to New Hampshire by the busload throughout the fall. Their efforts have helped increase our momentum for the first-in-the-nation primary these past few weeks.

Now our Massachusetts volunteers have a place to call home.

Located in Davis Square in Somerville, the Obama office has already become a home for volunteers who gather every night, making calls to Get Out the Vote. They are joined by smaller phone banks all across the state.

Last night, I spoke with a Massachusetts volunteer who has been making calls for Barack for months. Carol, a Brookline resident, is an English professor at Suffolk University but has been making the time to talk to voters about her support for Barack. A writer herself, she became a supporter after reading his books.

“He really revealed his soul in his memoirs,” she said, “and someone who knows himself that well, who feels that comfortable in his own skin, can maintain the courage of his convictions and speak with candor regardless of the political expediencies of the moment.”

Join Carol and become part of our movement here in Massachusetts. Drop in on our Somerville office to introduce yourself to our staff.

Heather Fry at Countdown to Change: A Well-Earned Moment in the Spotlight

Michael Negron — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:17:33 EST

Heather Fry, a Dorchester resident, introduced Barack at the Countdown to Change event in
Boston on December 2nd. Heather joined the campaign in October after seeing Barack and Deval Patrick speak at Boston Common.

“I’ve always been impressed and moved by his integrity and sincerity,” she said. “Seeing Obama and Patrick together with so many people hanging on their words made me feel like I really needed to do more than donate money.”

Since joining the campaign, Heather has canvassed in New Hampshire for three of the last four weekends, and volunteers in Boston two nights a week. Her enthusiasm and ability to connect with voters earned her the attention of our Boston organizers, who suggested that she provide the introduction for Barack at the December Countdown to Change event.

While Heather has performed before audiences of hundreds during her theater days, she remembers feeling excited and overwhelmed when she first found out that she’d be speaking before a crowd of over 2,000.

“I woke up in a cold sweat at 3am the night before. It was intense!” she laughed. “But once I took the stage and started to feel the energy from the crowd, it became a lot easier.”

She says that she is working for Barack because she believes that he has the strength and character to clean up Washington.

She added, “When I’ve watched him at debates and other events, I think to myself that this is the kind of guy I want sitting at a table, making the important decisions that will determine the future of the country.”

Here’s Heather’s introduction, courtesy of BelowBoston.com:

Organizing Over Dinner in Cambridge

Michael Negron — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:37:36 EST

Thanks in no small part to the work grassroots volunteers in Massachusetts have done to help the campaign in New Hampshire, our movement has gained momentum in the first-in-the-nation primary state. Last night, the energy and dedication of our Massachusetts supporters was on full display at an organizing meeting and pot luck dinner in Cambridge, MA.

Over 40 people attended, bringing a dish with them to share with their fellow Obama volunteers. Everyone spoke enthusiastically about making the trek up to New Hampshire in the coming weeks, especially in such a tight race, and one with so much at stake. They were also happy that they would continue to play an important role on the campaign after New Hampshire -- now that Massachusetts has moved up to February 5th.

David, a Somerville resident, said, “I’m a gardener by trade, but now that the winter has come, I am going to devote myself to this campaign full-time.”

Meetings like last night’s are building a community that will sustain our hardy volunteers during the winter canvasses and visibility events to come.

Join them for the closing weeks of the campaign and volunteer with our Massachusetts office today.

Justin in Boston: On stage with Barack

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:43:16 EST

Last night, thousands of Bostonians braved the freezing weather, filling up the Park Plaza Castle for Boston's big Countdown for Change.

One student, Justin from Brandeis, arrived only to find he'd be sharing the stage with Barack Obama himself. Here's the letter he wrote in today to share his experience:

As head of Brandeis SFBO and one of the student hosts of the Boston Countodwn to Change tonight, I was pleasantly surprised to arrive at the venue and be told that I would be on stage behind Barack Obama with other dedicated supporters! Tonight, coming off the endorsement of the Des Moines mayor and some very promising polling in Iowa and New Hampshire, Obama bounced onto the stage, shaking my hand along the way...
...as I listened to Obama's perfected stump speech...I was amazed just how far this movement for change has come since I first got involved back in March. I got in knowing that I had picked the right candidate, but not yet convinced I had picked the winning one. During tonight, my fifth time hearing Barack speak, I was more convinced than ever that we can really pull this thing off.
Even what we've done at Brandeis has amazed me. We've done 4 day trips to New Hampshire, and have raised (through ticket sales to 2 events as well as t-shirt sales) around 2,600 dollars for the campaign. That's more than one rich person could have given to the primary campaign. I knew back in March, the one time I was fortunate enough to meet Barack, how smart my decision was to get involved in the campaign. But tonight, I end the day knowing I have seen the next President of the United States not once but five times, and that if we work for this and pull it off, it means there's nothing we can't do.
Justin
Brandeis SFBO

Got any great stories or photos you'd like to see featured on the blog? Email us (as Justin did!) at blog@barackobama.com.

Photos from 12/02 Boston Events

Rena — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 02:02:27 EST

I uploaded all of the photos from the Boston Countdown to Change event (at the Park Plaza Castle), and the Generation Obama fundraiser at VENU.

According to the reports, there were 2100 people at the first event, and the second sold out at 500. I shook the Senator's hand for the first time, which was pretty exciting for me, given I've been volunteering and donating like a crazy person. heh. I met a lot of new converts too: ran into some people from work who just started paying attention, took a picture for a girl from BU who is going to canvass for the first time next weekend.

Lots of new volunteers, lots of positive energy, and 3 city councilmen endorsed (though I think one had already). Very exciting to see how many young people are getting involved... even at the later event which was $100 to get in. People are getting fired up! Those who have doubted are coming around.

I was so excited when he shouted passionately that he needed us all in New Hampshire every weekend between now and the primary... and people were listening. I think we're building a solid base in Boston... on January 9th, all of those people will be informed and ready to mobilize in our own state.

Click on the photo for more!

FROM THE BOSTON COUNTDOWN FOR CHANGE....

Franklin Katunda — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:15:23 EST

It's not over yet...Endorsements are still pouring!!! I am glad DesMoines Mayor Cownie will play a big role in streinghtening the 30 days countdown to change in Iowa caucus.

Dear Friends, I just came back from the Boston "Countdown to Change" Event where I was invited to be on stage with Barack, sort of a "cheering person" on the stage's background. Senator Obama got public endorsements from 3 Boston's city councilors: Mr Sam Yoon, Mr Flaherty and Mr Ross. The event got a big turnout as Bostonians ruched in that Park Plaza Castle under 20 degrees F. and little bit of snow outside.

It was a successful recruting time for more volunteers as many registered to attend several "door-to-door" trips to NH every other weekend until the JANUARY 8th NH Election Day. Boston's city officials are known to be champions of the concept of grassroots canvassing "door2door" from their last city's race, and they understand and salute the kind of politics Barack Obama will bring in Washington DC.

I had personnally backed in 2005, Boston City Councilor Sam Yoon,(a friend of mine) who happened to be the first ASIAN-AMERICAN city councilor in the history of Boston. Not to mention Massachusetts Gov., the honorable Deval Patrick, who endorsed Obama already and headed along with us last Nov 10th to "Nashua canvassing for Obama". We are on the right track to get Obama ahead of the NH polls, just like he twice proved his lead in IOWA.

GO OBAMA...Barack Rocks Boston !!!

Jamaica Plain Meeting This Monday!

Rena — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:56:05 EST

Hey all -

There's a meeting in JP on Monday. Let me know if you're interested and I'll put you in touch with Mark to RSVP.

-Rena

To: Mark Pedulla
Subject: Barack Obama Volunteer Meeting in JP

Greetings,

I hope that this email finds you well and that you enjoyed the holiday.

My name is Mark Pedulla and I am a volunteer with Barack Obama's campaign. Along with many of you, I live in Jamaica Plain. We are setting up volunteer meetings in different neighborhoods around Boston with the immediate goal of helping Obama win the New Hampshire primary. There are only 6 weeks left until the primary in NH on January 8th, so if you are interested in getting involved to help with the campaign, now is a great moment.

We are holding the volunteer meeting for Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill and the Fenway this Monday, November 26th at 7:30pm in the back room of Doyle's Cafe (3484 Washington St., Jamaica Plain).

We hope that you can join us for this meeting. If you are planning on making it and could let me know by email or phone, that would be great: (message me for his contact info. -Rena). If you cannot make the meeting, but are interested in volunteering please also contact me by email or phone and we can figure out the best place for you to plug into the work. In terms of major upcoming events after the Monday meeting, there will be a large group from Boston traveling to NH to canvass on Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd, feel free to contact me for details.

This is a very exciting moment in our national politics and there is a lot of work to be done. If you have any questions, please let me know, and we hope to see you at the meeting this Monday the 26th.

Sincerely,
Mark Pedulla

Fact Check

Rena — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:08:08 EST

I went canvassing in NH again last weekend, and again found somebody who said they liked Obama but was turned off by the hand over the heart smear email campaign. I wish I had found this first:

Barack Obama's Patriotism

Barack Obama's Religion

http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

Photos From MA2NH Canvassing Initiative

Rena — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:11:43 EST

Here are a few photos from my trip to Nashua on November 10th. Still don't get why the Hillary people were wasting their time there chanting at people who were obviously unpaid volunteers (and therefore a lost cause for conversions) at the Obama Nashua HQ. Meh. It was great to hear Governor Patrick speak, and despite a few moments when we wondered how much our door knocking was really doing, it felt great to be involved and to speak to people about the issues. So many undecided voters! I get the feeling that the people in NH stay undecided right up until the last minute.

Oh, while I'm thinking of it, does anybody know what Obama's stance is on Second Amendment rights? Not like anybody is really reading this, but if you happen to see this post and you know, hook me up... that's definitely something I need to research before going back to the Live Free or Die state.

NECN clip of Deval Patrick arriving in Nashua, NH to campaign for Obama

Rena — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:38:30 EST

I was standing out in front of the Nashua HQ office when the bus with Gov. Patrick arrived. Here's a pretty good news clip... Particularly amusing for me because I'm the one he's shaking hands with. :)

Calling all Boston-area supporters...

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:23:05 EDT

If you're from the Boston area, chances are you're pretty fired up right now. Not only did Barack and Deval rock the Commons last week, but last night, as you know, the Sox won their second World Series of the decade.

Well, here's a way to make use of all that energy you've got right now: show up for tomorrow's organizational meeting in Boston where you can learn how to make the biggest impact in neighboring New Hampshire.

Tuesday, Oct. 30 | 7:00PM
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
Harvard Square
3 Church St.
Cambridge, MA

Click here to RSVP for the meeting.

Meet Charlie

Sarah Ramey — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:00:03 EDT

The weather wasn't looking good. Charlie was nervous. Thick clouds, gusting wind, imminent downpour.

"But people weren't going anywhere," says Charlie, a Public Policy graduate student at the Kennedy School of Government in Boston. Charlie had volunteered to help set up for Tuesday night's Rally in Boston, but when the weather began to threaten, he was sure people would wimp out. "But they just had this look -- they were going to stay no matter what. The line was huge -- snaked around the block and out of sight."

Then, once the crowd had filled the Commons and Charlie was about twenty five people back from the stage, "I looked behind me and it was incredible -- people and more people, up and over the hill. And then Deval Patrick began to speak."

Charlie says that Governor Patrick articulated perfectly what the crowd knew instinctively about Barack Obama: that this was the rarest breed of politician, an honest man running for President not for himself, but for the possibility of real change -- in America, and around the world. Beyond that, Governor Patrick was able to drive home a feeling of empowerment -- that the 9,500 people in the audience could get in their cars, drive to New Hampshire, and talk to their New England neighbors about changing the world.

"Deval was saying: don't let this election wash over you. Don't wake up the day after the votes are cast and wish you'd have done something. Stand up and do something now. Make Barack's change your change."

Once Barack took the stage, the crowd was electric. Five minutes in, Charlie got a text from his friend clear on the other side of the rally that read:

"OK. When are we going to New Hampshire?"

And Charlie was the right man to ask -- he already has a major New Hampshire canvass plan in the works. For that matter, Charlie already has major Iowa plans in the works. And South Carolina. And why? Because Charlie is a volunteer extraordinaire.

Last February, Charlie recounts with a hint of embarrassment, he was volunteering at an Obama event in New Hampshire and unexpectedly had the opportunity to meet Barack himself. "Senator Obama," he said, placing a hand over his heart. "It is my sole mission in life to come and work for you this summer."

One thing lead to another and before he knew it, Charlie had accomplished his sole mission in life. He spent this past summer interning in the policy department at Obama headquarters here in Chicago. And now that he's been dispatched back to Boston, Charlie's still going full steam ahead on the east coast, organizing canvasses in New Hampshire, working all the Boston events he can, and regularly blanketing his school (as well as the general public) with Obama literature.

I had my brother tape the DNC speech in 2004 -- I was going to be on a plane when it aired. When I got the video, I watched it -- and then I watched it again. I must have watched it five times that night. I was sold: here was a man who was humble enough to admit he didn't have all the answers, but suggested that if we all work to reach across divides, if we analyze all the information available, we can move together in the right direction. He was honest and moving, and you never see that in a politician.

But on Tuesday night, Charlie and 9,500 others got to see it in two politicians. Luckily, the weather held.

"For once," Deval said in his introductory remarks for Barack, "I want a campaign that's not about the candidate, but about us. Not about the resume, but about character. Not about connections and convenience, but about conviction. Not about smearing the competition, but about lifting us all up. Not about the Right and the Left, but about right and wrong. And not about yesterday, but about tomorrow...I want a President who understands that. I want Barack Obama."

So...when can you go to New Hampshire?

Video: Gov. Deval Patrick's introduction

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:41:41 EDT

Take a look at Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's inspiring introduction at last night's rally:

If you're a Massachusetts resident, you can make a big impact in neighboring New Hampshire. Click here to join Deval and take part in the movement to elect Barack.

Over 9,500 rally with Barack and Gov. Deval Patrick in Boston

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:38:20 EDT

Over 9,500 supporters rallied on the historic Boston Common tonight as Governor Deval Patrick publicly declared his support for Senator Obama.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Governor Patrick -- who rode a remarkable grassroots movement to victory in the Bay State -- delivered a stirring introduction:

For once, I want a campaign that’s not about the candidate, but about us.

Not about a resumé, but about character. Not about connections or convenience, but about conviction. Not about smearing the competition, but about lifting us all up. Not about the right and the left, but about right and wrong. Not about yesterday, but about tomorrow.

I don’t care whether the next president has experience in the White House. I care whether he understands life in your house.

I don’t care whether the next president has already met foreign heads of state. I care whether he knows something about how people live and think in distant cities and villages and can remember that our actions affect them, too.

I don’t care whether the next president is the first black president or the first woman president or the first whatever, to tell you the truth. I care that the next president has moral courage, a political backbone, the humility to admit what he doesn’t know, and the wisdom to learn from others.

Barack took to the stage and the crowd erupted. And, as a lifelong Red Sox fan, I can attest -- it was loud even by Boston crowd standards.

“Governor Patrick and I share the belief that hope transforms lives and that a grassroots movement can not only help win an election, but bring real change to a state and a country,” said Senator Obama. “What I am seeing on the ground in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina is the will to win and today I am asking the people of Boston to play an active role on this campaign to change this country.”

Becky's at the Boston Rally

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:21:39 EDT

Calling all Bostonians:

Today is the day of the big Rally in Boston, and it's not too late to head on down to the Boston Commons to check it out.

Just talked to Becky, a social worker in Boston, who just texted in this photo of herself staking out a good spot before the rally starts.

Becky can't wait to hear Barack speak live for the first time.

"He just represents how diverse America has become -- and he's so genuine. There's no one like him."

Becky's been talking to everyone she knows to get the word out. Some of them will be heading to the Rally -- and so should you! So call a friend, hop on the T, and get there before the masses...

Students heading to the Rally in Boston

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:21:17 EDT

"I can't even imagine what it's going to be like," Ben says of today's Rally in Boston. "The Boston Commons is this wide open space...with all the students here -- it's exciting just thinking about it."

Ben volunteered this last weekend handing out Rally flyers to the fans pouring out of Fenway Stadium after a Red Sox game. In three hours, he gave out 600 flyers. "People were really positive," he says. "It was great to see so much encouragement -- people were all, 'Go Barack!' and 'Yeah Obama!' which is great, because you never know what to expect with a crowd that big."

Ben says that it's the same on campus. He goes to Tufts University and describes the student body as an even mix of politically interested and not. But of the kids who are interested, "easily the majority are supporting Barack Obama. I think he's the reason a lot of people are involved at all."

Many of the students we've talked to aren't just excited by Barack's youth and his charisma -- they're drawn to the candidate who has been outspokenly opposed to the Iraq War from the beginning. As many students have expressed, it's young people whose friends are being sent to war. It's young people who will have to shoulder the financial burden of the war down the road.

Scott, a writing major at Emerson College, completely agrees.

"We're the generation that grew up with George Bush and Dick Cheney and the Iraq War. That's tough. We need someone to believe in, and Barack is it."

Barack Obama seems so much less like a politician, Scott says, and so much more like a human being who is listening, engaged and thoughtful. Especially with students.

"So many of the older candidates seem so detached -- but Obama just exudes this presence. He's genuine. You trust him to lead us out of this mess, and that's what I know me and my friends are looking for."

Barack's appeal to students is extraordinary, and in a college town like Boston, today's rally is sure to be exciting. So spread the word, get a group together, and head down to the Commons for the big Rally in Boston!

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

Are You Joining Barack and Deval in Boston: Tue., Oct 23?

Brian Corr — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:00:55 EDT

Today's news is that there is a wonderful chance to get our friends and colleagues to see the excitement and hope that we all feel:

Sign up at http://www.barackobama.com /boston to be part of this a huge rally in Boston next Tuesday, October 3rd with Barack Obama!

Please join us: we need to make this a HUGE RALLY and keep building on the momentum of Deval Patrick's endorsement of our candidate!

Here are the details:

* When: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 -- Doors open at 7:00 PM
* Where: TBD
* Sign up at http://www.barackobama.com /boston
* How: The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Click here to RSVP and receive your rapid-entry pass: http://www.barackobama.com /boston

Once you've signed up, tell your friends!

Big News: Governor Deval Patrick is endorsing Barack

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:08:15 EDT

Big news from the Boston Globe:

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will endorse Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama...
Patrick's political organization today sent out emails to its list of 40,000 workers and supporters, telling them of his decision to back Obama.
Patrick, the nation's only black governor who is considered a rising star in a new generation of African-American leaders, also called Clinton today to inform her of his decision. He has strong ties to her and former President Bill Clinton, in whose administration he held a top justice department post. Both Clintons lobbied him for his endorsement.
Patrick chose Obama because he believes the country is hungry for his new style of leadership that cuts across both racial and party lines and stirs up strong voter enthusiasm, according to the officials. The governor is expected to argue that Obama can lead what he terms a ''generational call'' -- a rally to rebuild the country and restore its standing around the world...
His aides said Patrick expects to make appearances for Obama in New Hampshire and Iowa after the Massachusetts Legislature wraps up its session in mid-November.

Obama Supports GLBT Americans in MSNBC Debate

Scott A. Giordano — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:30:01 EDT

Showing his warmth for all people, here is what Sen. Barack Obama had to say in the televised debate ...

Noreen's match

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:49:29 EDT

Noreen, a 62-year-old grandmother from Massachusetts, just made the first political contribution of her life. But this isn't the first time she's ever been involved in politics. In fact, she got her first taste of political work volunteering on John F. Kennedy's campaign for President while she was still in high school.

"We all wanted Jack to win, so we did what we could," says Noreen. "I worked at the polls handing out cards, and before that, I held signs out at crowded intersections. I’ll always remember how bitter cold it was. A truck came around delivering donuts and hot chocolate to the poll workers. I felt like, I may not be able to vote for this person, but there are things I can do to help out. I was in the tenth grade and that’s how I got started."

Today, Noreen and her partner Bob run a non-profit that raises money for children with cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy. One afternoon, she and Bob were watching television and saw Barack speak. "Bob said to me, 'This man can change the country. We need to get involved and help him.' And I couldn't have agreed more. We were both so upset about all of the young men and women dying in Iraq, and we knew that Obama was the one to do something to end the war."

So first, Noreen went online and matched a previous donor to double her impact. "It was so much fun," she says, "that I decided to make another contribution and encourage a new person to donate."

Noreen, who first got involved in politics at such a young age, was pleased to see that she was matched by a 19-year-old college student from Alabama.

Joey, Noreen's matchee, wrote this note to her:

Hey Noreen, I think that it is really great that you are matching my donation. I am only donating $10 because I am a college student (19), but I was motivated to donate because of your effort. I have been leaning to donate for a few months now because I support Barack so much, but your match kind of pushed me to do it... Barack is a special person that our nation needs right now. It takes people like you and I to get him into office!

"It was wonderful to see that I had helped inspire a young person to get involved," says Noreen. "For so long, too many young people haven't realized how important their votes are and what an impact they can have as individuals. It's great to see that people like Joey are stepping up and taking part in the process."

It's not too late to inspire someone to get involved for the first time. It's not too late to get involved for the first time. Take part in our match program and double your impact on the campaign.

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

Introducing...Josh Darr

Marc R. Peters — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:07:34 EDT

Hey guys,

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce to you our latest addition to the blog team: Josh Darr. Josh is a junior at Boston College and the Massachusetts State Coordinator for Students for Barack Obama:

"For that is our unyielding faith - that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it." -- Barack Obama

    The first book I received at Boston College was "Dreams from my Father," Senator Obama's powerful memoir. We were fortunate enough to have him as the convocation speaker for my freshman class. He spoke eloquently and powerfully, and made a significant impression on me. I watched him from far away and wondered if my choice of a political science major could lead me to such a career, speaking powerfully in front of huge crowds (as he did at the 2004 Democratic National Convention), changing young people's lives through my words and actions. It made me hopeful that this education I was about to receive would be more than another four years in school: it would start me down a path, one that I hoped could lead to a better future for myself and my country.

    Two years later, I find myself deeply immersed in Senator Obama's campaign to become president, and absolutely certain in my choice of major and career path.

    My involvement in this campaign has borne out the unflagging sense of American optimism that first drew me to the Senator. I joined the Facebook group for Students for Barack Obama in October 2006, and asked to be Boston College Director. I met with the local chapter of DraftObama.org, which was also encouraging Senator Obama to run for president. Before I knew it, the Senator announced his candidacy, I was speaking at a rally in Copley Square, we hosted our first BC Students for Barack Obama meeting (with 70 attendees), and the ball was rolling on my political career. I was named Massachusetts State Director of SFBO, spoke to Senator Obama on a nationwide conference call, and have met the man (or "the man, the myth, the legend," as I like to call him) multiple times. I secured an internship in his Boston financial office to learn about campaign finance, canvassed in New Hampshire at the kickoff on May 19th, and helped to plan the Walk for Change in Jamaica Plain on June 9th.

    This flies in the face of the conventional wisdom on youth involvement in politics. We've all heard it: the youth don't vote, the youth don't care, and the youth never will. That makes me angry, for the simple fact that I know it's not true. We know that we can no longer trust our future to the current culture in Washington. There's too much at stake.

    Our generation faces real problems: a healthcare system that does not fulfill its most basic purpose, a war that should never have been authorized, and the looming bankruptcy of our social programs as our parents' generation retires. The future of America is at stake, and it's not the time to tune out.

    That is why I support Barack Obama. He believes that government has the power to help people. That what unites us is stronger than what divides us. That by working together and abandoning the petty political squabbles so prevalent in our age of television and punditry, we can solve the problems that lie before us. He believes in the power of politics to be a force for good. What attracts me most, however, is that he believes in the power of youth involvement to make a difference--it's the foundation of his campaign.

    I've done all this, but I can't help feeling as though I'm just getting started. All Americans should have the same opportunities to become politically involved that I did. I was interested in helping and committed to making a difference, and as a result, the doors of opportunity were opened to me. This campaign represents everything that is right about America: the inherent goodness of its people, the ability for one person to make a difference, and the freedom to make your own path in life. It is fitting that the campaign making the most significant commitment to the youth vote is also the campaign with the most forward-thinking vision for America. Our future can be bright if we make it so, and I intend to do everything in my power to make that future happen.

Barack in Boston: What a great night!

Brian Corr — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 10:40:45 EDT

Last night I went to the fundraiser in Boston -- it was excellent!

Barack gave a wonderful speech that really went beyond the usual rhetoric and platitudes and the crowd was completely fired up. I was able to go down onto the floor for the speech and managed to shake his hand -- one the way in and on the way out. (Okay, so I got a little starstruck!) The most memorable thing he said, for me, was "If you make this campaign about all of you, and not about me, together we can transform this society!"

It was really amazing to see 5000 people up in the seats clapping and cheering, and be right in the midst a thousand young people on the floor -- waving signs, cheering and screaming in response to Barack Obama's words. Every single person I spoke to was completely inspired. I saw a number of people with tears in their eyes, and one woman I talked to afterwards said, "I told my friends before the event that I didn't even want to try and shake his hand, but when he came this way I went right over, and now I'm totally overwhelmed. This feeling is incredible -- I'm still shaking from this event."

The organizers and staff really came through as well! The event volunteers did a great job asking people to go up to New Hampshire on Sat., May19th for a statewide canvass -- they want thousands of people to go up and talk to voters in their hometowns, so hopefully they got a few hundred volunteers. (You can sign up by calling 603.668.2008 or emailing NH@BarackObama.com.)

"I remember telling all of my classmates, 'This man has to run for president some day.'"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:47:15 EDT

Zahra M. is an 18-year-old first-year student at Wellesley College.

Zahra was born in London and immigrated to Queens, New York with her family when she was three years old. Her father, who runs a tutoring program, is of Indian descent and originally hails from Guyana and her mother, a dance teacher, is from a small West Indian island called Domenica.

She says this is the “most interested” she’s ever been in politics. “I don’t usually follow politics because it just seems like candidates are trying to sell a product all of the time, but Barack Obama is clearly different.”

She identifies with Barack’s early struggles with identity, and she says she deeply connected to his book, Dreams from My Father, which she read “long before” Senator Obama decided to run for President. “I remember reading it in high school and telling all of my classmates, ‘This man has to run for president some day.’ I just really admired him as a person,” she says.

Zahra says that her generation—which has come of age in a profoundly troubling time—needs Barack’s leadership. “We live in such a delicate world. I just feel like anything can happen at any time right now,” says Zahra, whose high school, Stuyvesant, was yards away from the World Trade Center.

On Monday, Zahra and her friends went to watch the Boston Marathon. “We were having a great time, cheering, everyone was in good spirits,” she says. But when she returned to campus, her roommate told her the news about Virginia Tech.

It just blew my mind. It was so upsetting. I don’t personally know anyone who goes there but they’re students just like me and all they were doing was going to class. Just trying to get by. To have your life taken away from you like that, it’s devastating. It’s like wow, it can just happen. I think there needs to be more resources out there. There are counselors, anonymous hotlines- but at the end of the day there’s such a taboo to saying ‘I need help.’ Much more needs to be done. People need to know it’s not a crime to need help and need to talk to someone.

But Zahra says, despite such tragic events, she and her peers are buoyed by hope.

There may be people trying to take these things away from us, whether they’re terrorists or students on our own campus. Bad things are going to happen. But if we lose all hope there’s no way we can continue to try and make things better. Its wrong to say ‘Hey it’s all good, we live in a world where the sun always shines and butterflies fly around.’ But we need this sense of hope.

“We need to believe that things can and will be better if we work for change.”

Obama Event at JFK School, April 9 at 6 pm

Justin Saif — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:29:04 EDT

Why Should Barack Obama Be Our Next President?

Time: Monday, April 9, 6 pm - 8 pm

Location: Weiner Auditorium, John F. Kennedy School of Government

79 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Exceeding Expectations, Senator Obama Proves His Grassroots Experience is Relevant

Kris Schultz — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:48:11 EST

Today Nicholas Kristof, NY Times Op-Ed Columnist, gave the right assessment of Senator Barack Obama’s worthwhile and relevant experience:

What sets Mr. Obama apart is the way his training has been at the grass-roots rather than in the treetops. And that may be the richest kind of background of all, yielding not just experience, but also wisdom.

I got that same sense this past Thursday, when Senator Obama gathered a group of 10 national Draft movement volunteers to thank us for our efforts in person. He said that our Draft movement efforts directly contributed to his decision to run for President. Obama even said his wife Michelle asked him if he’d purchased TV time upon viewing our Ad in Hawaii on Christmas Morning. I was wowed by that revelation – that after all our months of hard work made a difference to him. (Another great account of this meeting at runobama.com)

My only regret is that the many folks I’ve been working with over these four months of the Draft movement weren’t all able to be there to hear his kind words of gratitude in person as well. We presented an almost 80 page report to him touting their successes, and I’ve included an excerpt of this report below so you too can thank them, too.

Why I'm supporting Barack Obama's Candidacy

Brian Corr — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 14:53:55 EST

I've decided to jump in as early as possible to the Obama campaign. I believe that working together we can create the same kind of energy and grassroots movement that propelled Deval Patrick into office here in Massachusetts. I also believe that Barack Obama has the same basic commitment to the grassroots -- but his campaign needs us to get involved, make our voices heard, and hold him accountable as the primaries approach.

Let's make sure that we get involved early enough that the hope and excitement that so many feel is translated into a powerful, broad-based, bottom-up campaign -- and make real the promise of a new kind of politics in our nation.

Please join me by signing up for the group I started: Progressive Massachusetts for Barack Obama at Progressive Massachusetts for Barack Obama: Link

How Massachusetts can help

David Rudy — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 08:29:18 EST

Okay, let's face it -- Mass. isn't exactly a "battleground" state. But that doesn't mean we're cut out of the political process!