Posts with the tag Nebraska

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

Our Key Role as Volunteers in Nebraska

Josh from Lincoln, NE — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:51:56 EDT

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/07/fate_of_healthc.html

Sometimes it can be hard for volunteers in Nebraska to see how our efforts can change the outcome of a Congressional vote in Washington D.C. We tell ourselves that one person can't change anything. This mindset is a huge barrier to those attempting to organize the fight for health care reform in our state. It is hard to convince people to walk around a neighborhood going door to door, or call people they don't even know, if the volunteer can't see how there efforts matter.

This is what makes the fight for health care reform so unique and intriguing for those of us living in Nebraska. Our state does matter and our senator is nationally accepted as one of the key votes in the Senate. Ben Nelson's vote is one of two that the president himself has accepted as the key votes. The Boston Globe reported that President Obama set up private meetings with two senators that he sees as the votes he needs to pass serious health care reform. Senator Nelson was one of these two senators and his vote is accepted by many around the nation as the vote that will decide the outcome of this reform.

Nebraska, this is our chance to change the world. This is our opportunity to actually make a difference in this country. To change the way future generations think about health care. This really is our moment. Senator Nelson will listen to us if we show him that we want this reform. It is hard to put into words how monumental this moment really is for our state. Our senator could be go down in history as the key vote on a bill that literally changed everything we know about health care. Unfortunately, it could also go the other way. Nelson could be remembered as the one who stopped the change. The way history remembers him, and us, is up to us as volunteers here. We must show him we support this change.

So please get involved- call, write, knock on doors. Show the nation that Nebraska wants to see change in the way we view health care. Supporters are here, but that doesn't help the cause if we don't tell Senator Nelson that the supporters are here. He needs to see there is support across the state. We have to show him that we want change and that Nebraska really does care about the future of our country. It is hard to overstate the importance of our work as volunteering now. Can we really afford to go down in history as the state that didn't do everything in its power to influence our key senator? Do we want to be the state that killed our generation's chance to fix our broken medical system?

This is not how I want our state to be remembered. Let's go down as the state that made this happen. The state that gave our children affordable health care. The state that finally won the war for reform.

Nebraska Election Blog

WEBMASTER — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 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 Nebraska to post a message on the Nebraska Election Blog.

Nebraska Election Blog
nebraska-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

Nebraska lo tiene clarísimo

Alextronic — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:18:34 EST

…Sí, es cierto, ha ocurrido lo que se sabía que iba a ocurrir, aunque quizá con más margen aún del esperado. Pero aquí, en la áride planicie que es el Estado de Nebraska, los resultados han dejado claro que no hay sitio para Obama.

A Close Second Congressional District Race

Ralph — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:57:38 EDT

Our campaign’s effort to win Nebraska’s second Congressional District is getting results. Anecdotally, I see it in canvassing. Since mid-September, with the economy becoming the preeminent issue in the public’s mind, and with Barack’s and Joe’s solid debate performances, I see more voters moving from undecided to Obama/Biden. The poll analysis website, fivethirtyeight.com, began doing a statistical breakout of Nebraska’s three congressional districts, since, like Maine, we allocate our five electoral votes based on the voting in each district. This breakout is not based on polling data, since there hasn’t been any yet. (We should see some poll results soon.) When the first breakout was done, the website projected McCain was leading in the second Congressional district by five percent. That shrank to 3.5 percent, and is now down to McCain by 2.5 percent in today’s breakdown. You’ll find Nebraska’s results on the right side of the screen where state results are listed in alpha order. Here’s the link: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/

We can do this! We have 20 days to make a difference. Promise yourself that you will take action to get this done. Contact your family and friends. Stop by one of the three campaign offices (343 N 76 St., 5032 Ames Ave., or on the west side of 144th St., just north of W. Center Rd., in the northeast corner of the Harvey Oaks Shopping Center) and help make phone calls, or click on the Neighbor to Neighbor tool and make a difference with your computer and telephone when you have a few quiet minutes. Click on the “Events” button on the right side of your MyBO home page and sign-up for one of the many canvasses going on in the final 20 days. Set aside some time in your schedule to help with the huge Get Out the Vote (GOTV) push that will take place from October 27 to November 4. If we all do our best, we can win this Congressional district. And, to paraphrase Barack, if we can win the second Congressional district, we can win this election; and if we win this election we can change this country and change the world!

Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel says it is a "stretch" to say Palin is qualified to be president: "I think they ought to be just honest about it and stop the nonsense"

Stephen Fox, Contributing Editor New Mexico Sun News — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:00:27 EDT

"An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team," said Hagel. "Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America. "

GOP senator: A 'stretch' to say Palin is qualified 18 mins ago WASHINGTON – Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel said his party's vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, lacks foreign policy experience and called it a "stretch" to say she's qualified to be president.

"She doesn't have any foreign policy credentials," Hagel said in an interview published Thursday by the Omaha World-Herald. "You get a passport for the first time in your life last year? I mean, I don't know what you can say. You can't say anything."

Could Palin lead the country if GOP presidential nominee John McCain could not? "I think it's a stretch to, in any way, to say that she's got the experience to be president of the United States," Hagel said. McCain and other Republicans have defended Palin's qualifications, citing Alaska's proximity to Russia.

Palin told ABC News, "They're our next-door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska." Hagel took issue with that argument.

"I think they ought to be just honest about it and stop the nonsense about, 'I look out my window and I see Russia and so therefore I know something about Russia,'" he said. "That kind of thing is insulting to the American people."

Hagel, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been a vocal critic of the Bush administration since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In July, Hagel traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Though he didn't expect to be asked, Hagel had said he would have considered serving as Obama's running mate. Palin was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, population 6,500, before becoming Alaska's governor in December 2006. Palin visited soldiers in Kuwait and Germany last year and said in an interview with ABC News that her only other foreign travel had been to Mexico and Canada. She also said she had never met a foreign head of state.

Hagel told the newspaper that other governors have been elected to serve in the White House without experience in Washington. He said judgment and character were also important for the job.

"But I do think in a world that is so complicated, so interconnected and so combustible, you really got to have some people in charge that have some sense of the bigger scope of the world," Hagel said. "I think that's just a requirement."

On the Net: Omaha World-Herald: http://www.omaha.com

Permalink: blog.luciolepress.com/2008/09/18/nebraska-republican-sen-chuck-hagel-says-it-is-a-stretch-to-say-palin-is-qualified-to-be-president-i-think-they-ought-to-be-just-honest-about-it-and-stop-the-nonsense.aspx

see also: James Fallows, National Correspondent, Atlantic Monthly, and former Chief Presidential Speechwriter for Jimmy Carter, on the Palin Interview with Charles Gibson, searingly but genteely dissecting her total ignorance of international affairs:

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Palin-Interview-The-Unten-by-James-Fallows-Nat-080917-507.html

Your comments and insights are most welcome!

World-Herald: Second District "battleground"

Chuck Lippstreu — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:02:13 EDT

Conventions didn't fire you up enough?

This story ran lead in the Omaha World-Herald this morning:

An unusually large number of states remain in play. Polls show the race is tight in the traditional battlegrounds of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and even in GOP strongholds such as Nevada and South Dakota.

Here's the most unusual battleground of all: Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, where the campaigns are fighting for a single electoral vote and private polling shows a close race between McCain and Obama.
...
Obama, who won the Nebraska Democratic caucuses in February, has been organizing in the 2nd District for weeks. The campaign now has 15 paid staffers on the ground here, said Erin Fitzgerald, an Obama spokeswoman in Omaha.

The campaign will be opening its Omaha office this week, said John Berge, Nebraska state director for Obama.

Berge said the 2nd District effort is operating independently of Obama's campaign in Iowa, which includes a field office in Council Bluffs.

"We're all in Nebraska, and we're going to stay in Nebraska," he said.

The campaign has been canvassing Omaha-area households, trying to identify likely voters, register new voters and organize a get-out-the-vote drive. Obama volunteers were scheduled to canvass today in Bellevue and the Elkhorn area.

The Obama campaign also will be involved in phone banking and early-voting events, among other activities. READ MORE

Even Gov. Heineman called our organization "fantastic" -- but it's only fantastic with you. This afternoon, Campaign for Change organizers are holding canvass events across the district. Click here to find your organizer, and then go to the events page to locate the nearest 1 p.m. canvass.

After the Game: Canvass in the Park for Barack and Joe

Chuck Lippstreu — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:31:35 EDT

Last week, hundreds of you joined the campaign at Kountze Park, 20th and Pinkney, for a rally featuring the DNC's "Register for Change" tour.

Dozens of volunteers pledged to do everything they could to get out the vote for Barack and Joe over the next nine weeks -- and now the work begins.

At 4 p.m. this Saturday, right after the football game, field organizers for Barack will hold a kick-off canvass effort at Kountze Park. They'll spread out across the neighborhood to talk about the change Barack Obama can deliver, and the importance of Omaha to that effort.

They need your help! Give a couple of hours of your time this Saturday, bring friends and neighbors, and help spread the word!

A big week to get involved...

Chuck Lippstreu — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:54:07 EDT

The Weekend of Action was a big success, with more than four dozen volunteers turning out to support Barack and Joe -- and as the campaign moves forward, the action's just getting started.

The election is less than nine weeks away, and the Nebraska field operation is really taking off. As staffers get settled into Omaha (stay tuned for details!), they're fanning out across the area to bring everyone into our grassroot movement to change America.

This week, campaign volunteers will be signing up new volunteers at The Foundry, 60th and Maple, during the Mid-America Music Festival. You'll be able to find them between 5 and 9 p.m. every evening through Saturday -- look for the people waving the Obama signs!

The campaign is also getting down to the neighborhood-by-neighborhood work that will bring victory in November. Field organizers are holding their first canvass events this Thursday across the Second Congressional District; check out the events page for Nebraska to find one near you, meet your field organizer, and get ready for the work ahead.

Obama Statement on Vise-Grip Plant Closing

Chuck Lippstreu — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:21:26 EDT

Monday, the Vise-Grip plant in DeWitt, Nebraska -- a key employer here, providing hundreds of jobs in Southeast Nebraska -- announced it would close. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, Vise-Grip's parent company, Newell Rubbermaid, will outsource some of the production to China.

Sen. Obama released a statement this afternoon on the closing:

OMAHA, NE – Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement regarding the Vise-Grip plant closing:

“My heart goes out to the workers and families affected by the closing of the Vise-Grip plant in DeWitt, NE. Today's news is a painful reminder not only of the challenges America faces in our global economy, but of George Bush’s failed economic policies. I refuse to accept that we have to stand idly by while workers watch their jobs get shipped overseas. That’s why as President, I will end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs over seas, and reward tax credits to companies that create good full-time jobs with good benefits for our workers right here in the United States. Additionally, I will bring good jobs to the United States by making long-term investments in education, training, and workforce development, so that as Americans we can leverage our strengths to create new high-wage jobs. Today more than ever, we need a president who knows the fight for America’s workers is the fight for America’s future. And that’s a fight I intend to have if elected President,” said Senator Obama.

And from the Lincoln Journal Star, "Vise-Grip employees ponder what's next for them":

Newell Rubbermaid, which owns Irwin Industrial Tools, will move at least some production to China. Production at the plant will continue until the end of October, though employees were given the rest of this week off, with pay.

After Wednesday’s meeting, many crossed the street from the plant to R.J.’s, where they wondered aloud what lies in store for themselves and for their community.

“I’m 56 years old. What am I going to do?” asked Susie Miller, who has worked at the plant for 34 years. READ MORE

Bob Kerrey endorses Obama's Iraq plan, McCain repeating already-disproved attacks on Obama, and why is the Democrat always seen as the flip flopper?

jgabriel — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:12:53 EDT

Good news today - Former Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska wrote an opinion piece in the Denver Post praising Obama's plan for Iraq:

http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_10035189

First Read has the story on McCain and his surrogates repeating already-disproved attacks on Obama. These attacks have been discounted by such nonpartisan organizations as FactCheck.org:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/07/30/1234797.aspx

Finally, Jonathan Chait in The New Republic has a piece that asks why Democratic candidates for president are always seen as the flip-floppers (as we have seen, John McCain has done plenty of flip flopping of his own):

http://tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=bb1c215b-5350-42a5-84a3-c60059716009&p=1

Looks like the polls haven't changed much since Obama's trip abroad. What can we do to help dispel the image of Obama as an "arrogant elitist who thinks he's already President", as I've seen one news item put it?

The Great Divide

My Friend Bob — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:31:56 EDT

I was an avid Clinton supporter before Iowa, all the way past Super-Tuesday, and was rooting for her, even as she seemed to be losing steam against Obama. I had never heard Clinton speak in person, and had seen Obama speak twice, yet I still supported Clinton over Obama.

I didn't even think of supporting another candidate until the third time I saw Obama speak. It was on February 7th, 2008 in Omaha. While standing in a line of 10,000 supporters, I started to see that he was truly inspiring people; people who wanted a real change. After hearing his amazing speech, I began to start to rethink my support.

In fact, I did not make up my mind about who I would support for the Nebraska caucus until I was in line the morning of the caucus. While in another long line, I decided that Obama would be my candidate - even after being faithful to Clinton (donating money and volunteering time) for over a year.

Being the Clinton supporter I was, I am finding it very difficult to understand why some Clinton supporters have gone negative on Obama, instead of embracing him. I read the commentary on CNN.com and see posts from self-proclaimed Clinton supporters stating Obama stole the nomination, etc. I don't understand these comments. I am completely confused about this divide that still exists in the Democratic party. Clinton was an excellent candidate - and I respect her - in fact, I would love for Obama to pick her as his VP. But that is not up to anyone but Obama.

I would love to hear from former Clinton supporters out there. I know I am not the only one. Let's not allow, what I believe to be a vocal minority, to make it seem that the majority of Clinton supporters do not support Obama. So if you're out there - leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts; share your story.

The Strength of Barack Obama

My Friend Bob — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:37:01 EDT

Yesterday, while I was waiting for my plane to leave O'Hare Airport, I was wasting time reading CNN news on my phone. While searching my mini-browser, I came across this article about an Oregon Senator who is using Obama's name to try to earn votes.

Recently, this had also happened in my local town of Omaha, Nebraska.

Nebraska just happens to be one of two states that can split its electoral votes (the other being Maine). The county that Omaha lies in is basically the entire 2nd District, which is one of the states five electoral votes. Even though the city normally leans Republican - the city has a very large population that could easily swing Democratic. Judging by the Caucus back in March, Obama has the power to bring these voters out -and may likely get at least one of Nebraska's five electoral votes.

In 2006, Jim Esch (the Democratic candidate for Nebraska's 2nd district) came very close to unseating Lee Terry, who has held his seat since 1998. This has caused Lee Terry to rethink his strategy, and he has actually started talking about courting voters who he calls the "Obama-Terry" voter.

These Republicans incumbents can feel the change that is about to come. I hope with the power of Obama, we can also take some of these seats that are currently being held by Republicans.

Senator Hagel (R-NE) says Obama best to unite the country

Thatcher — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:18:49 EDT

Hagel: Barack Best to Unite Country
by Paul Abrams - The Huffington Post

Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) said last night that, among the 3 remaining candidates, he thought Barack Obama had the best chance of bringing the country together. While he did not dismiss McCain (he's done that in the Senate) or Clinton (she's had some success in the Senate, not as much as McCain), he said that he believed that Barack Obama, for generational reasons, could best bring the country together.

Hagel also stated that he believes the inventory of problems the next President will face is unprecedented and that that is why it is so important that the country be brought together so that it could really solve problems. Although Hagel did not endorse Obama, he did not rule out the possibility.

Hagel, who is retiring from the Senate and, for awhile, from public life, pointed to data showing 81% of the country believe we are on the "wrong-track", that registration numbers show Republicans to be in the teens and Independents higher than Democrats, and that trust in Congress and the President is at all time lows.

"In a democracy", said Hagel, "people push something else out there" to take the place or transform institutions. He believes that that is what this election will ultimately be about.
[Comments made on Charlie Rose Show].

Don't Reject the Red States Just Yet...

Chelsea — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:36:56 EDT

After stacking up victories in some of the nation's reddest states while motivating record democratic primary turnouts, Barack Obama has purported that he can create a new Democratic coalition that Hillary Clinton cannot. According to recent polls, his claims are not at all far-fetched.

A couple of days ago, I was shocked when I received an email citing polling numbers that showed Barack Obama nearly winning my home state of Nebraska against John McCain. I went to the poll to check the numbers and was amazed at what I found:

State Results: John McCain - 45%, Barack Obama 42%
District 1 Results: John McCain - 42%, Barack Obama - 44%
District 2 Results: John McCain - 43%, Barack Obama - 45%

Now, allow me to put this into perspective. This is a state that hasn't voted Democrat since 1964 when Lyndon B. Johnson was running against Barry Goldwater. In 2004, Nebraska went to Bush 66-33, a rise of 4 points for Bush since 2000. In that same year, Douglas County (the mainstay of District 2, including most of the city of Omaha) went to Bush 58-40 while Lancaster County (the mainstay of District 1, including the city of Lincoln) went to Bush 56-42. The fact that Barack Obama is so close in the polls here, is truly remarkable.

More remarkable is the fact that even if Obama does not win the state of Nebraska, it doesn't mean he will come out empty-handed. Nebraska is one of two states with the possibility of a split electoral vote. With these early polls showing him in the lead in two Nebraska districts, Obama would split the vote with McCain 2-3.

Thinking about the possibility of my state going Democratic made me more than giddy, so I decided to investigate where the rest of the country stands with regard to McCain vs. Obama and I found some pretty interesting things. Most importantly, according to current SurveyUSA polling, Obama flips a number of other "red states" and "purple states" to win the presidency including:

Iowa: In 2004, 50-49 Bush. Current polling, 50-41 Obama.
Colorado: In 2004, 52-47 Bush. Current polling, 50-41 Obama.
North Dakota: in 2004, 63-37 Bush. Current polling, 46-42 Obama.
New Mexico: In 2004, 50-49 Bush. Current polling, 50-43 Obama.
Nevada: in 2004, 51-48 Bush. Current polling, 46-41 Obama.
Virginia: In 2004, 54-45 Bush. Current polling, 47-47 Obama.
Ohio: In 2004, 51-49 Bush. Current polling, 50-40 Obama.

Also significant are the states he nearly wins:

Texas: In 2004, 61-38 Bush. Current polling, 47-46 McCain.
South Carolina: In 2004, 58-41 Bush. Current polling, 48-45 McCain.
North Carolina: In 2004, 56-44 Bush. Current polling, 47-45 McCain.
Florida: In 2004, 52-47 Bush. Current polling, 47-45 McCain.

So, while not putting too much weight on polling numbers, the idea that Obama cannot bring in a new democratic coalition of voters is ridiculous. On the flip side, current polling also shows Hillary Clinton winning the presidency, but in a very different way. Hillary wins most of the Democratic mainstays, while bringing in Arkansas, New Mexico and Florida. However, she loses Democratic strongholds in Washington, Oregon, New Hampshire and Michigan. Also, when you look at a red state like Nebraska for example, rather than waging a tight race, she loses big, 57-30 to McCain.

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

Brought To You By The Grassroots

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:32:13 EST

Barack Obama won sweeping victories this weekend on the Pacific Coast, the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast and in the heartland. And people aren't just talking about the sheer numbers of people who are turning out for Barack Obama -- what really defines these crowds of Obama supporters across the country is an unprecedented enthusiasm.

That's because this is a movement powered by the grassroots. Inspired by Barack Obama, volunteers have been organizing, talking to neighbors, hosting house parties, phonebanking and knocking on doors for exactly a year now -- and as a result, a new coalition of Americans is turning out to vote.

This weekend's victories were brought to you by Republicans and Democrats:

Teachers:

And Retirees:

And they all turned out with a simple message:

Yes.

We.

Can.

Please send us your grassroots photos of Hope at Blog@barackobama.com!

Keep the momentum going, donate here:

Getting involved in the excitement...

Spencer NY — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:31:17 EST

Until this weekend the extent of my active campaigning for Obama had been personal donation and emailing/speaking with friends and family about Obama (I gave my mother his book "Audacity for Hope").

I finally decided it was time to go a step further -both Friday and Saturday I made calls to people in Nebraska and Maine to remind them about their primary and urge them to vote Obama. I was skeptical at first, since it reminded me of a job I used to have where I'd cold-call people - usually resulting in hangups or "not interested" responses. My first few calls to Nebraska yielded much the same, but I kept telling myself what my boss used to say: "some people are just not going to give you the time of day. The key is in the numbers. The more people you call the more you will find those that are receptive". Sure enough, I kept going and ended up speaking a few that considered what I had to say. Even had a few thanks for reminding them about the caucus.

Calls to Maine were even more productive, and I even spent a few minutes on the phone with a man who was curious what Obama's ideas were for Immigration reform. I quickly clicked over to the section on Obama's website and was able to outline the plan in a clear and concise way. By the end he was saying "I really like what I hear". I had another woman that didn't plan to vote at all because she was so fed up with politics as usual - I told her I understand and felt the same way until I learned more about Obama. Even though I couldn't get her to say she was going to vote tomorrow, she did sound interested in looking into Obama.

Overall, it took about 40 calls to get about 5 or 6 people to listen and take an interest. At first glance those odds seem a bit disheartening. But when you consider if the more than 300,000 donors to Obama's campaign made 40 phone calls that would result in possibly 1.8 million more voters at the polls and maybe a good portion of them for Obama.

Now I see the power in numbers. Now I see the embodiment of our credo "Yes We Can!"

New Delagates

Brad — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:56:41 EST

I was so happy to go to CNN and see that Obama swept Nebraska, Louisiana, Washington, and Maine. The gap is closing and Obama will overcome any gap that has been put in between him and Clinton. He is our change.

Clean Sweep!

Lacy — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:33:21 EST

Nebraska=Obama

Louisiana=Obama

Washington=Obama

3 for 3! Not too shabby.

If this keeps up and Obama wins state after state in the coming weeks some of those Superdelegates that are for Clinton will be forced to change their vote. If they go against what their constituency wants (WHICH IS OBAMA) then they will have a heck of a time getting re-elected when their time comes. So, I predict, we will be seeing some (if not many) of Clinton supporting Superdelegates changing their votes in the near future.

Yea!

(Not so) Super Delegates?

Britons 4 Obama — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:56:10 EST

If it comes down to the wire, will the superdelegates to the right thing?

As the race hots up and Barack's ground-up campaign comes into its own, we can become more and more hopeful that he will garner good results from the delegate rich states of Texas and Ohio on March 4...

Whilst not trying to seem defeatist, the Clinton campaign will focus all of its resources on those two states as they battle against that tide of Obama support which we can hope for in the littany of smaller preceeding states!

(As shown by Barack's more than convincing wins in Louisiana, Nebraska, and Washington state)

But, and yes unfortunately there is a but, superdelegates may pose a problem...after the jump...

Obama sweeps 2/9 caucuses

Nance Cedar — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:35:00 EST

I just saw that sen. Obama took Louisiana today, as well as Washinton and Nebraska. We really have the momentum now!

Commitment deserves commitment

RavenWriter — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:11:28 EST

Please join me in thanking the members of Sarpy County for enduring today's chaos to make their voice heard.

I will remember this as one of the most difficult and challenging days of my life. Nebraska's first caucus was bound to have a few bumps. In my county, Sarpy, there was only one caucus location, and obviously, no one expected the incredible number of people that showed up. On our local news, they said that the police finally had to shut down the road and turn people away. Fortunately, we arrived before the caucus time.

So, here's what it was like to caucus in Sarpy County. The high school parking lot was overflowing into nearby fields. It was cold, and the northwind had kicked up. We joined the long line of people waiting to enter the building.

Awesome news from Omaha!

Virginia S. — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:18:03 EST

Looks like http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10254218 Omaha is Obamaha! :) I'm so happy that Nebraska looks good for him!

Btw, turnout looks like it is going to be really low, at least in Baton Rouge! I saw mostly very old people, and I had no wait in my line. However, it looked like about 1/3 of the names on my sheet had been signed, so maybe it's just a slow, steady trickle. :) Hope they trickle in for Obama!

Obama '08!

Today in Omaha!

Matt Griffith — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:23:37 EST

Legislative District 9 meet at 10am at Norris Middle School in Omaha, there were 1,383 Democratic voters for our first Statewide caucus. I am proud to say that Legislative District 9 voted 1062 (76%) for Obama, 320 (24%) for Clinton and 1 undeclared. That meant 8 delegates for Obama for the County Caucus, 2 for Clinton.

It was a great caucus and a great result! I hope the results are the similar in the rest of the state! Go Obama!

Barack's speech in Omaha (11,000 of us there) was great and I think it really energized the state.

I've included some photos below of the speech lines, the auditorium and the caucus.

Matt Griffith

Let's chat -- with voters in LA, NE, WA and ME

Jonathan from Acton, MA — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:40:18 EST

If you've got a few minutes and a phone, you can call voters in Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, and Maine who are making last minute decisions about voting in Democratic caucuses and primaries to be held this weekend.

Today's the day to make a big difference in just a few minutes. To phone bank from your home (don't worry, scripts are provided!), just click here:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankmap And thanks for all you're doing to elect Barack Obama. Yes. We. Can.

Washington, Nebraska and Louisiana Up Next

Paul C. — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:29:12 EST

I'm anxious to see how they turn out. As is par, I'm not following polls and simply hoping (audaciously) for the best.

I keep wondering where exactly people are getting their delegate counts from. The New York Times on Wednesday had some 500-ish delegates for B.O. and H.C., clearly an estimate, and CNN has consistently had Hillary up by 15-30 in their estimates. MSNBC is saying Obama has more than Hillary, but their estimate barely higher than the Times'. I'm guessing it's a difference between "known" delegates and "probable" delegates.

Well, going by CNN's numbers, Obama has a way to go to catch up. He still has to get 100 delegates to pull even. I get a feeling like that won't happen either until the very last states or that it won't happen at all, and Edwards' delegates will become decisive. Boy, wouldn't that be a nerve-wracker?

There was a small debate today about the relative democraticness of the Republican and Democratic primaries. While the Democrats do not use any winner-take-all elections, they do have many more Superdelegates who are not allocated by a popular vote or caucus. Six of one, a half-dozen of the other.

p.s. I submitted a big paper on voting behavior for publication. Hopefully it will be accepted, as then I can start talking about it more!

Why Virginia Is So Crucial

Steve — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:18:50 EST

Most of the networks report that Louisiana, Nebraska, and Washington are easy wins for Barack Obama. Louisiana because of his standing among blacks and southerners, and Washington and Nebraska because they are caucus states, with which Obama has proven to do quite well.

He may win Maine, as a caucus state. It has been reported that Washington D.C. will vote Obama. And ultimately, it has been reported that Maryland and Virginia are battleground states.

Why? Because Obama and Clinton are tied. Yes, Obama has more states. Yes, he has a higher amount of delegates. However, Hillary currently has more overall delegates when you count the currently committed superdelegates. I don't like it either, but at this point, we still have work to do.

After Virginia and Maryland come Hawaii, which Obama should have no issue winning, and later Ohio and Texas, two states that reportedly are currently for Hillary. Political pundits and cynics are saying that she might gain momentum if she wins Virginia and Maryland. And that is something that we cannot allow.

Let's show the nation that we, Virginia, and our 'neighbors to the north' in Maryland, are for Barack Obama. Let's show that we are for progress, not a return to the Bush and Clinton dynastic era. We are for a candidate that represents the American dream, a dream founded here in this very state.

Because if the situation stays tied, the future of America may be in the hands of the Democratic National Convention. Not the people, but the bureaucrats. They may well decide to count the delegates in Florida and Michigan, two states in which Obama did not get the chance to campaign because he was following the rules. In fact, his name was not even on the ballot in Michigan. Hillary did not withdraw her name, even though she committed to not participate. Hillary held a fundraiser in Florida, a place she vowed not to campaign. AND EVEN SO, in Michigan UNCOMMITTED won 40% of the votes.

But if the DNC decides to count those delegates, delegates that were unfairly won, simply to settle a tie, it could be a bad situation. Yes, there's a chance they will ask for a re-vote, but why bother?

Let's make the decision for them. How can we do this? We can vote for Barack Obama, win Virginia and Maryland for Obama, and show the nation that there is only ONE choice left in this race. We can show the DNC that they don't even have to worry about Florida and Michigan. We can show that we've already decided.

And can we do this?

YES WE CAN!

Now the plot thickens..

jgabriel — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:01:22 EST

Obama fans,

Here are the primaries/caucuses happening this weekend:

Louisiana (67 delegates, primary)
Nebraska (31 delegates, caucus)
Washington State (97 delegates, caucus)
U.S. Virgin Islands (9 delegates, other)

http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/primaries/democraticprimaries/index.html

If you have friends living in this area, it's time to tell them about Obama. BaROCK the vote!!

Saturday 5PM Caucus in Lincoln

Steve Hollister — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:38:35 EST

Made a couple dozen calls in my precinct and picked up all caucus materials from our incredible county Dems. Day off tomorrow to walk these snowy streets,looking for folks who don't know how much fun the Obama Victory at the Nebraska Caucii will be. Break at 11 to see Michelle speak at the Lied Center, then back to walking and phone work. My wonderful wife and I are site hosts at the local caucus, to be held at the neatest neighborhood bar and grill in the whole Cornhusking state. What in life couldbe better--Good food, cold beer, great neighbors and a real chance to take our country back from a bunch of inept, miserable pukes. Life is good--We are completely "Fired up and ready to go!!

Clinton twists Obama's words

Sierra Hussein Cajun — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:56:37 EST

In election mailers going out to residents in upcoming primary states, Clinton says that Sen. Obama wants to raise taxes by $1 trillion. What she doesn't say is that Obama hasn't officially proposed that, and the tax hike would only affect the top 6% of the population.

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/youve_got_mailers.html

If you know anyone voting in NE, LA, ME, or WA, let them know that the mailer is a gross misrepresentation of what Obama wants to do as president.

Grassroots in the Bellwether State

Sarah Ramey — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:22:41 EST

Tuesday we saw Barack Obama succeeding in Red states and Blue states, in the East and in the West, in the North and the South. And as Senator Obama said, it's not just because of him. It's because of this movement.

Please meet Sarah, her husband Kelvin and their son Kel, an incredible family of grassroots volunteers whose essential work on the phones, knocking on doors, and getting the word out to every last neighbor helped pull out this critical victory for Barack in the bellwether state of Missouri. Here's a letter from Sarah about why she and her family are so passionate about Barack Obama:

I grew up in Wichita, Kansas. My dad ran a rock quarry in Augusta, KS (where Barack's grandmother is from!) and my mom was a high school English teacher who didn't go to work until we were in junior high school and our family needed two incomes to support us 4 kids. My dad was a navigator-bombardier during WWII and he was a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. I remember when Dad was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis, during which a 45-year-old John F. Kennedy negotiated with Nikita Khrushchev to avert a nuclear war. I was proud of my father and I was inspired by JFK.

My husband, Kelvin, is one of 10 kids. His father, Hal Walls, was a sharecropper and then a tenant farmer in Mississippi as a boy and young man, until he moved to the Bootheel of Missouri in the '40s and was able to purchase his own farm. Hal Walls only attended school through the 3rd grade, because he had to support his family. He is now 89 years old, and quit farming a few years ago.

I attended the University of Kansas via National Defense Student Loans and Work Study jobs, [and] received Masters Degrees in Social Work and Public Administration from KU's campus in Kansas City.
I have experienced the power of HOPE to transform people's lives…youth from low income families have been the first in their families to attend college, juvenile offenders have experienced the pride of obtaining money through legitimate work, people with severe and disabling mental illness have lived in the community rather than institutions, and Veterans who have risked their lives for our country have earned and benefited from the best health care system (yes, a government "program") in the nation and world.

We are saddened by the lost opportunity costs of spending billions of dollars on a war we never should have started. We look forward to a time when we don't have to be ashamed that the United States engages in torture, a time when people in other countries can once again see Americans as generous and compassionate people and, when appropriate, true liberators.

We are concerned that, unless we have the kind of leadership that Obama can provide, politics as usual will continue on the downward spiral of focusing energy and resources on things that don't really matter; of self-righteous, vicious attacks on those who disagree…at the expense of forming coalitions to actually get things done; of policy being determined by those whose credentials are that they have the financial resources to "buy" the politicians. Barack Obama's candidacy is not about stepping right in and playing by the rules of the old order; rather, it's about changing the rules of the game, to benefit the American people. It is about ENGAGING the American people in taking an active role in governing and in contributing their time, talents, and resources to improve life for us all. It's about giving up fear and embracing hope. YES WE CAN!

I read Dreams from My Father prior to Barack's campaign for president. In the course of reading the book, I found that Barack was so genuine, so smart, so compassionate, so sophisticated in his understanding of the complexities of life, such a global citizen, such a loving family member, such a good listener, such a great motivator and organizer who could actually move people to get real results, such a wise and inspired leader, that I had to find out more about him.

...[Then,] after the first organizing meeting for Kansas City Volunteers in April, 2007, at which people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, religions, socio-economic positions, and sexual orientations shared their passion for this movement of change led by Barack, Kelvin started catching "hope." He saw that this was really a MOVEMENT, something completely novel in American politics and history. That Barack could bring out the best in us, could bring people of different positions and political parties together to accomplish real results. That, under Barack's leadership, our nation's standing, in the eyes of people of other parts of the world, would take a tremendous leap forward.

Thereafter, we found a wide variety of ways in which to help with the campaign, for example—videotaping at the Obama-Rama at the Uptown Theater in April, hosting a "Walk for Change" canvass in our neighborhood in May, handing out water at the National VFW Convention in August, signing up volunteers at the Tom Joyner morning show in September, organizing a "happy hour" at Baja 600 restaurant, canvassing in Iowa three Saturdays in November, and helping in Des Moines on caucus day. Sarah is a Precinct Captain for our neighborhood and we have been canvassing and will be on the phones!

We believe that this is the time in our history when we can rise above the old divides and actually support someone based on his or her abilities to lead this country and the world into the light of a very much improved future.

The grassroots are the backbone of this movement -- every day, making calls, knocking on doors, block by block, town by town. It's the model of organization inspired by Barack Obama himself, our Community-Organizer-in-Chief, and it is what is making the difference in states like Missouri.

And it's going to be what makes the difference in all the states to come.

So please click here, find your state, and see what you can do in your area to help. Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington and Maine are next -- and everyone can help from all over the country by making phone calls starting right now.

We need the whole movement, calling, emailing, canvassing -- doing the work that has gotten where so many said we would never be.

Yes we can.

Riddle me this, Nebraska voters.... What state was nearly invisible after the 2004 Super Tuesday Primaries and now it's Caucus can be an influential tiebreaker in these 2008 Presidential Primaries?

Billy Pilgrim — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:12:55 EST

Opening Quote: "Barack Obama has inspired Americans to reengage in the political process, and I'm proud to join his campaign." Omaha Mayor, Mike Fahey

Comments please: What do you think?  Are delegate counts so close that the Nebraska Caucus this Saturday could actually be more important than the media feeding frenzy of the Iowa Caucus? By this weekend, the news outlets will be so starved for stories about the nearly tied race that the results of the Nebraska Democratic Caucus will have the rest of the country staring at Nebraska and wondering what the people of this state thought about Senators Obama, Edwards and Clinton. I'll lay odds that Nebraska will be mentioned on all of the talking head/political pundit shows on Sunday morning.
Are we up to the scrutiny?  What do you think? Even if our delegates are split, it's a milestone event, Nebraska is for the 1st time, showing it has something important to say.
Events: OBAMA at Omaha Civic AuditoriumFeb 7, 2008 at 3:30 PM  Obama Friday Stand Down at the Offutt AFB Patriot Club - 1600 hrs to 1730 hrs in the Raiders Lounge..Feb 8, 2008 at 4:00 PM  O is for Obama - O Street RallyFeb 8, 2008 at 6:00 PM  Sarpy County Caucus LocationFeb 9, 2008 at 12:00 PM

Sarpy County Caucus - Papillion-LaVista South High School, Hwy 370, 9 Feb - Saturday from Noon to 2pm - Forwarded from: www.OMA4Obama.org

Billy Pilgrim — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:40:01 EST

Sarpy County Caucus Location. This is apparently where all of Sarpy County will be going to caucus. Legislative Districts 2, 3, 14, and 45 are in Sarpy County. http://www.oma4obama.org/?q=node/27 See the 'Caucus Info' section at www.OMA4Obama.org for more information.
Location:Papillion-LaVista South High School 10799 Highway 370 Papillion, NE 68046
NOTE: DO NOT BE LATE. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO VOTE IF YOU ARE LATE!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vq9k
Time:Saturday, February 9 at 12:00 PM
Duration:2 hours
Host:Solomon Kleinsmith
Contact Phone:402-212-1180
View Map:
Google Maps
MapQuest
Yahoo! Maps

Source for 'Sarpy County Caucus Location' info in this post: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vq9k

See the 'Caucus Info' section at www.OMA4Obama.org for more information.

Hope in the Snow

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:21:14 EST

Happy Holidays from Nebraska!

Cassie in Nebraska: "It won't have to just be about money"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:43:58 EDT

Cassie knows about the impact lobbyists can have on politics. She works as a community organizer in Omaha, Nebraska, fighting to prevent underage drinking in her community, and has come up against the powerful alchohol lobby more than once.

She knows what an uphill battle it can be to empower ordinary citizens over special interests, and that's why she was moved to tears when Barack announced his candidacy in February.

"When he announced that he was going to run, I sat there crying in my living room and thought, 'finally, there’s someone who thinks we don't have to do business as usual -- who thinks we can change Washington and represent the people.'"

"Right now, it's about money and not communities, neighborhoods, and kids. It’s about who’s gonna fill the pockets of those in power and that’s just wrong," says Cassie. She believes Barack is the "first person out there who can null the voice of the lobbyists and stand up for the common folk. It won't have to just be about money."

"A grassroots effort is what truly what makes change -- getting power by numbers," says Cassie. "Once the people lead, the leaders will follow."

Cassie is ready to close the gap. We are making remarkable progress. Get involved and donate now.

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
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"He would be a president of the people"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:03:59 EDT

John A. is a 58-year-old farmer from Randolph, Nebraska.

He and his brother both own a thousand acres and they share equipment. John farms a rotating crop of corn and soybeans, and he also finishes two to three hundred cows and around eight hundred hogs a year.

I belong to a pig co-op where I get pigs, take ‘em to my farm at 40 pounds and get ‘em up to 260 pounds and market them to producers out of Sioux City. They collect all of us independent producers and they market the hogs as a whole.

I am in 10% of the producers today that market hogs on an open livestock market. That means the hogs aren’t under contract, I’m not under contract. We are a very a small minority. Many of the big producers, they also slaughter their own hogs, which gives them a huge and unfair advantage against people like me.

This is the first time John has ever given to a presidential campaign. He has become more involved with politics in the last four or five years, because he’s “been looking at what’s going on around me.”

I farm 1000 acres and I’m considered to be in between a small and medium-sized farmer. To compare myself to some larger farmers around me, they have anywhere from 8 to 18,000 thousand acres of corn. How can I as an individual farmer compete against that person who farms that much land and gets subsidized by the government?

John calls the 2002 Farm Bill, particularly the lack of payment limits, was “the worst thing that could have happened. It was really was devastating, particularly for us in the Midwest.”

Farming runs in John’s family. His great grandfather settled in Nebraska and started a farm, and his grandfather and father followed suit. But in all likelihood, none of John’s three children will become farmers.

“In one way I'd like to see ‘em carry it on and on the other hand, I look at what they have to face, and it's such an uphill battle, so I havent pushed ‘em,” says John.

When my dad farmed and when I was a young man and a neighbor had some land he wanted to sell, he would approach his neighbor first. It’s not like that today. They pull in with huge tractors and combines and they’re right across the road.

When John graduated there were 70 people in his class and there also was a Catholic high school with about 30 kids down the road. It’s not there anymore. And the public school graduating class this year had 37 students. The kindergarten class only has 17.

John hasn’t always voted Democratic. In the 80’s, he voted for Reagan. “He had a lot of charisma and he seemed like a strong leader. But at the time, I didn’t really know about the corporate ties of the Republican party.”

“I think our country is in the worst shape its been in a long time,” says John, “and I think a lot of it comes down to the lack of government interest in the people. But I think Obama, of all the candidates, just sticks out as someone with a sense of caring about what I think.”

“He would be a president of the people.”

Advice pt. 1

Neil from Omaha, NE — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:45:56 EST

I know it's super early in the campaign, but where can I get an Obama for Pres. 08 shirt? I know I'd love to have one. Basically, any sort of merch. would be nice right now. Bumper stickers, shirts, signs, etc.

I'd also like to see Barack's opinion on same-sex marriage and the rights of same-sex couples. I understand that such a topic may be a bit too touchy for half of the country, but I want to know what Obama plans to do for same-sex couples. I guess it's a bit of a curious twinge, but I would really like to know.

I hope there's enough support behind Obama for this election. A lot of the opposition I've heard is his lack of experience, but all you need to do is just listen to him for a while, then you'll see his maturity and his experience. Some say that book smarts will never be able to replace pure experience, but I say what makes experience? Other than presidents on their second term, every president is a newbie in some way or form. There'll never be a more experienced president than FDR, and we all know where that landed him.

Right?

-Neil O.

Texting for Obama-lets get ready to SMS

Jim Boyer — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 18:24:59 EST

Hello, my name is Jim Boyer and I am the Sr. Accounts Manager, Americas, for conVISUAL. Along with Randy Boyer, Sr. Vice President, Americas, we would like to introduce our ideas to you.

conVISUAL is a world leader in messaging with cell phones. We have developed and implemented SMS to TV campaigns for many of the world’s most popular TV shows:

“Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”, “Top Model”, “Big Brother”, “Live 8” and have implemented our technology with TV networks and TV broadcast stations worldwide as well as in the US.

We personally are very interested in discussing with you how our powerful technology can be used to further Obama’s campaign in such areas as real-time organization, real-time reporting, and many other ways.

Our technology enables real time reporting (using our web-based tool) of any SMS (text message).

Imagine the power of being able to know in real time how many supporters are really at the caucus and have the ability to contact supporters who are not there, to please join the caucus because the turnout is very light.

Imagine the power of having the ability to direct supporters to be somewhere, or do something in a moment's notice, and then get immediate feedback.

Imagine the power of being able to ask questions to all who have registered and opted in and get real-time answers.

Imagine the power of getting real time opinions of participants in a text vote.

These and many more abilities are within the power of the technology which we have.

Please contact me, Jim Boyer

jim.boyer@mac.com