Posts with the tag New York

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

Organizing for America Central New York kickoff meeting

John D — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:07:20 EDT

President Obama always said that the campaign was not about getting someone elected and it wasn't about him. It was about creating change in our country. Come down to the DeWitt Communtiy Library this Saturday April 11th at 1pm and hear how you can help President Obama enact that change and help our nation recover from the current economic crisis. RSVP at one of the below events on facebook or MyBo.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptw7d

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=158638970175

Hope you can make it!

John

MISSING CHILDREN - IMMEDIATE WEB CIRCULATION NEEDED - PLEASE HELP

Please Help Missing Children — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:21:03 EDT

Daniel Zamlen - Endangered Missing - Minnesota

Nathaly Alonzo 12 - Abducted - Delaware

Joshua David Avara 11 - Abducted - Texas

Sandra Cantu 8 - FOUND DECEASED

JACK CONNOLLY 7 - FOUND DECEASED - KILLED BY NON-CUSTODIAL FATHER WITH VIOLENT HISTORY - NO SUPERVISED VISITATION

DUNCAN CONNOLLY 9 - FOUND DECEASED - KILLED BY NON-CUSTODIAL FATHER WITH VIOLENT HISTORY - NO SUPERVISED VISITATION

BRITTANY WELLS 17 - SUSPECTED RUNAWAY - NORTH DAKOTA

Rochelle Denise Battle 16 - MISSING - MARYLAND

ALLYSON CORRALES 4 - ENDANGERED MISSING - MISSOURI

Mariah Sparks - MISSING CHILD - ALABAMA

Amber Leeanne Dubois - Endangered Missing - California

Haleigh Cummings - Endangered Missing - Florida

Tierny Perry 16 - Endangered Runaway - Florida

Adji "Ji Ji" Desir - Endangered Missing - Florida

SAMANTHA CHER HOWELL 15 - ENDANGERED RUNAWAY - NEW MEXICO

Jeff Renaud - Missing - Ontario

Crystal Ann Fox - Missing - California

Mystic Dawn Salazar - Missing - Colorado

Omar Qutaiba Mahoud - Abducted - New Mexico

Nadia Mahmoud - Abducted - New Mexico

Pebbles Jace - Missing Endangered - California

Max-Gian (Max-Jon) Alcalde 7 - Missing - Idaho

Ashley Nicole Lopez 18 - Endangered Runaway - New Mexico

Wendy Rameriz-Beristain - Endangered Missing - Florida

Marlene Torales - Endangered Missing - California

Claudia Vanessa Yat - Endangered Missing - California

Tangena Hussain 2 - Endangered Missing - Michigan

Jaliek "Jay" Rainwalker 12 - Endangered Missing - New York

Elian Amilcar Majano 2 - Endangered - Texas

Benjamin “Ben” Melvin Roseland - Missing - Iowa

Yasmin Acree - Missing - Illinois

Amy Fitzapatrick - Missing - Spain

Adrian Gonzalez 7 - Endangered Missing - Florida

Neida Rodriguez-Gonzalez 3 - Endangered Missing - Florida

Thor Danielsson Wang 1 - Endangered Missing - California

AMBER ADELIA BITTINGER 15 - ENDANGERED RUNAWAY - NEW MEXICO

Latoya Fleming 6 - Endangered Missing - New York

JOANNA CANO 15 & ANGEL 6 mo. - "PERSON OF INTEREST" WANTED FOR 1ST DEGREE MURDER - NORTH CAROLINA

XYLONIA BEGAY - MISSING - NEW MEXICO

MADELEINE MCCANN 4 - MISSING - INTERNATIONAL

Tabitha Tudor 18 - Endangered Missing - Tennessee

Kyle Fleischmann - Missing - North Carolina

Justin Gaines - Missing - Georgia

Donna Jou - Missing - California

Jason Michael Rourk - Missing - Georgia

Jennifer Keese - Missing - Florida

Mark Degner - Missing - Florida

Brian Hayes - Missing - Florida

Maura Murray - Missing - New Hampshire

Tabitha Tudors - Missing - Tennessee

Branson Perry - Missing - Missouri

Suzanne "Suzy" Gloria Lyall - Missing - New York

Karen Wilson - Missing - New York

Michael Mayfield - Endangered Missing - Texas

Pamela Mayfield - Endangered Missing - Texas

The Haole

James — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:57:51 EST

I do not believe the current surviving crop of republicans to be evil. Not in the classical sense of the word. No, I believe them to be be self-righteously selfish. So selfish that they would rather this whole country plunge into some deep dark pit than be proven either wrong or be forced to part with any of their ill-gotten gains. Does this presentation of my opinion of their existence meet your definition of evil? I don't know. I just think they are great examples of bad human beings. Of human beings who have learned to be efficient predators who have come to feel that their fellow men are quite properly prey. God made it that way. This is why they are so tied into the reborn Christian movement. They can take the Christian ethic and twist it to explain their cretinous behavior. They use the old testament to justify their own actions and the new testament to define how their 'prey' should act in return.

The Chicago Tribune is a republican newspaper. The op-eds are dominated by pundits by the names of Kaplan and Chapman. Today they were hard at it. The bailout is a disaster. It gives money to all the wrong people. The businessmen should be getting the money so that they can hire workers (if they feel like it). Executives should not be limited in pay or the good ones will leave for more money elsewhere. No new taxes because we don't need any new spending. Yes, they are really writing this crap, hand over fist. They are not alone in shouting out their brutish form of trickle-down idiocy that only works to enslave wholesale numbers of the population. If we have learned nothing from this disaster then we have learned that we simply can't trust people who are given the money without restriction. That wherever large amounts are entrusted then we must make demands and vigilantly monitor. We cannot expect such people to 'do the right thing.' They do not. In Iraq we are fast discovering that the theft of billions was not billions at all. It now appears that it was in the hundreds of billions. As I have been saying all along. David Brooks, over in the New York Times, and who you might think would no better, was busy writing about trying to describe the hopes and dreams of the American public. That public that must decide between having a MacDonalds in its neighborhood or a Starbucks (MacDonalds is said to win this contest, but the triumph is narrow). The American dream, according to Brooks, is to have a garage stuffed with ski equipment, snowmobiles, lawn mowers and on and on and on. Americans, it would also seem, pine for the great open outdoors where they can wear casual clothes. This is giggle stuff! How do these people keep their jobs?

I drove over to the beach area at Waimanolo on Oahu the other day. I took along my new small Leica digital. Ten mega-pixels. What a wondrous pocket invention of brilliant german design. I took shots of the beach, surf, trees and everything I could see. It was a beautiful trade wind blowing day. When I had finished my tour down on the beach and had walked the long path back to the street where my car was parked I was tired. I put the camera in it's little brown case and set it on top of the roof of the car over the driver's door. Then I went into the trunk, rummaged around for a coke and some snacks. I slammed the trunk, opened the driver's door, using the key, while balancing my armload of stuff, then got in and drove away. Two blocks later, at a stop light, my brain exploded. The Leica! I had left the camera on top of the car. I jumped out the door, but there was no camera up there. I looked back the way I had come, but could see no brown dot along the road side. I got back in and executed a completely illegal U-turn, and raced the two blocks back. The parking space was still open where I had parked. I stopped and started looking around.

Nothing. At the opening through the brush where the path started, however, there was a street person sitting next to his cart. He was an islander of mixed heritage. Kanaka, they are referred to, by many of the local white population. I walked over. "Hey, Brudda," I started, in my best island pidgeon. "I lost da kine camera. A ting in a little brown case, see," and I held out one cupped hand to indicate the size. "You find?" I waited. He shook his head. The thatched hat on his head almost fell off, and I instinctively took a step back. The hat was like the rest of him. Dirty and tattered. "I give two hundred bucks as reward for dat camera," I said. I took my money clip out to show him I had the money. But he shook his head, then stood and began to gather his things to move on. There was nothing I could do, so I just waited, as he walked away. I felt, deep down, that he had my camera, but here was nothing I could do about it. Ruefully, I got into the rental and headed for my hotel. "I should have offered five hundred," I whispered to myself.

When I got to the hotel I was still extremely upset. One of the doormen took my car and gave me a ticket. The head doorman was a local of Hawaiian extraction. Ahi, his name tag said. There was nobody about at that hour of the morning so I strolled over and told Ahi my tale of woe. He laughed, but politely. "Sure man, the guy has your camera. But he won't keep it. He's probably on his way to Kaimuki right this minute." Ahi pointed toward the mountains. "How do you know that?" I asked, perplexed by the immediacy of his answer. He shrugged. "Kaimuki Jewelry. It's the big pawn shop of Honolulu, except for the one at Ala Moana Shopping Center. But that kinda street guy, he won't go to Ala Moana. Security'd throw him out." I handed my ticket back to him to get the car. He waved me off. "No man, you can't go there yet. Give him time. He gotta take the Number One Around The Island Bus to get to Kaimaki from Waimanalo. You go this afternoon. Here's my card. Tell Koko that Ahi sent you."

I drank Mai-Tais on into the afternoon. I waited until three. Ahi was gone when I got the car so I asked one of the other guys for directions. Then I was on my way to Kaimuki.

The Jewelry store turned out to be a ramshackle store wedged between two ratty looking Chinese restaurants. The restaurants were near empty, as I peered in the through dirty windows. I entered the pawn shop gingerly, noting that there was not even a front display of any jewelry to be seen. The place was brightly lit, however, and consisted mainly of a counter with tons of junk behind it. A white guy stood behind the counter, of about my middle age. "You Koko?" I asked, producing Ahi's card. The man took his cigar out and put it into a half-filled ashtray. He smiled, almost gleefully, after taking a look at the card. "You came to see camera, eh Haole?" I frowned. "Ah, don't worry, Ahi call me. We all close out here Haole." Haole was the word used by locals to describe White people. It was not used nicely, ever. For another White to use it was so uncommon I had never heard it so used before. "Yeah," I forced out, wishing that I had brought Thomas Magnum, of Magnum P.I., along for support. The man rummaged for a moment, then produced my camera. He did not let go of it. "Five hundred bucks cash, buys you this thousand dollar rig." Koko said, grinning.

"That's my camera," I pointed, as I spoke. "It is after you pay me five hundred cash," Koko responded. "What about the police," I asked, blithly, stepping back a pace, and reaching for my cell phone. Koko laughed, and reached for his own phone. "My Brother is Lieutenant and runs this part of Honolulu. I'll call him for you myself, you want." He flipped his phone open. I wondered instantly if Koko was bluffing. Then I shook my head and my shoulders sank. "Okay Haole," Koko said, handing me the camera, "I trust you."

I examined the delicate machine. My chip was in the camera. I had been taking pictures for weeks on that chip. It was much more valuable to me than even the camera. "Alright, I'll pay," I said, in resignation. I had gone to an ATM, figuring I might need some cash. I peeled off five one hundred dollar bills and Koko took them, holding each up to the light. "How about a receipt," I murmured, checking the camera to make sure it still turned on and functioned. I waked toward the door, still listening to Koko's laughing. I stepped out onto the sidewalk and almost collided with the street bum from Waimanalo, sitting against the wall.

"You," I blurted out. He looked back at me directly, without blinking. "You had my camera, all along," I said accusingly, pointing at the man's skinny bare chest. He just looked back at me without answering. I shook my head in disgust and started to walk away, holding the camera. Suddenly I stopped and turned. "How much he give you for it?" I asked, my face expressing only genuine curiosity. The man looked down at his dirty feet for a moment, then looked up and smiled. "Fifty bucks," he said, showing several gaps where front teeth had been. "Fifty bucks," I whispered, in surprise. "But why didn't you take my two hundred when I offered it to you?" I asked, then waited. He continued to smile. "You Haole, I no trust Haole. I take no money from Haole." He then frowned and shook his head. "What?" I said, astounded. "But Koko's a Haole!" I yelled at him, as I pointed back through the door where Koko sat, again with the cigar in his mouth. The street person slowly stood up, leaned, then looked through the door I still held open. He looked at Koko and then back at me. He shrugged. "Not all Haole's alike," he said, then returned to his seated position.

I left the pawn shop and returned to the hotel. I drank Mai Tais on into the night, but could not come to terms with what I had learned. Where there seemed such racial connotations to everything that had consumed my day, in the end I could not make that connection. They were local and I was foreign, is all I could conclude, and it was enough.

from-the-chateau-dif.blogspot.com

http://www.themastodons.com

Faulty Local Proposals may still doom US economy, re: Stimulus

Tomahs Frejnofes — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:02:14 EST

At least in Erie County NY, the powers that be put together a list of 100 proposed projects, that are far in excess of what is needed in dollar amount, projects promote very few jobs in the short term, and almost none for the long term. With very few proposed road and bridge work. Promoting more urban sprawl with little regard for existing buildings or domiciles.

One proposal I know is way over bloated even though I know it well and believe work is required but not to the amount Erie County has proposed to its constituants. For example: http://www.erie.gov/exec/pdfs/stimulus_project.pdf

1)--$3.75 Million-- for
"Chestnut Ridge Park- Heritage Area Restoration: 100 Stone Steps, Bridges(1), Stone Picnic Structures (75), Stone Restroom Facilities (16), Stone and Wood Pump Houses (6); Gateway Improvements: Main Entrance, NewtonRd. Entrance; Maintenance/Storage Yard Reconfiguration: Design, Initial buffer/landscaping; Casino Reuse Feasibility Study; Casino Restoration; Playground Facility Upgrade"

2)--$750,000-- for
"Chestnut Ridge Park Casino:
The historic Chestnut Ridge Casino roof
stucture is severely leaking, causing damage to the building interior, the windows are in poor repair, and the heating system is old and can no longer be repaired"3)--$250,000-- for
"Chestnut Ridge Park Toboggan Towers: Repairs to remediate structural damage and lead paint hazzards, and re-open both towers."

Plus a share of another $25.4 million for amenity upgrades and roads for all parks.

In addition to Double dipping for the Casino proposals which is actualy a park setting main event type building made of stone which is pretty cool but not thats its not worth it, its the fact that someone will pocket probably more than 50% of the sum proposed for these projects to this one park I know so well.

I am sure I can refine the stats better, I am sure I can find more inconsistancies in thier ways or proposals.

But
I warned before on 9/11,
I warned again in before the economic crisis hit
and I have warned on events on varying subjects

Still nobody listens and I don't get paid.

So listen if you care, don't if you won't; but someone has to keep the local politicians in check.

Morality may have one the White House, but it has not beaten back greed and corruption elsewhere.

Thank You for allowing me to at least vent my frustrations with an outlet to someone in power that seems to give a f*&@.

Andre Chernogorec Jr., Tomahs Frejnofes

and PS
Under the 2006 Presidential Budget proposal, you have a lot more autority than you may even know. ;)

Field Organizing Job in NYC

Ashley — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:49:19 EST

Seeking an individual who is passionate about progressive politics....

Field organizer needed ASAP for special election in NYC on February 24th.

This organizer will be working to elect a progressive Hispanic Democrat running for a vacant seat in a diverse community. The organizer will have general field duties, including running canvasses and phonebanks, working to recruit and manage key volunteers, etc. Requirements: Must have worked at least one previous election cycle. Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus. Must have experience organizing in African-American communities.

How to Apply / Contact
To apply, please send a resume to wjhowell1220@gmail.com

New York and Low Flying Objects

Ron from La Mesa, CA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:54:02 EST

It's interesting to note that New York City has a unique history and an operative metaphor in Airplanes and aircraft crash incidents. While some may note that the recent US Air "crash landing" into the Hudson River usurped President Bush's "Farewell Address", stealing media attention from his final moment, it's perhaps more interesting to note that the previous administration's entire tone and focus of its 8 year run is bookmarked by aircrashes; yet both very different. The Bush administration began with the first landmark aircrash... which set the entire tone for the term's myopic view, a solely fear and anger based focus on warfare, paranoic protectionism and punishment, whereas this second and last aircrash incident in New York brings their term to a close, with everyone landed beautifully, the pilot regarded as a hero, and all passengers vacating to safety. We are left with a spirit of Hope. Interesting and very different metaphors that happened by the landmark incidents of both aircrashes bookmarking the last regime's 8 years, as we are all left with a new celebratory sense of hope and a restored humanitariasm. Perhaps we are again free to fly.

An idea whose time has come: IRV

tinker.tc — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:22:32 EST

When elections are close the most important votes are always the ones that weren't counted and that includes especially all the votes that went to neither of the neck and neck runners, but to other candidates. Which of the top two would they have voted for?

Many folk are seeing the light in the two very tight Senate races. How would Instant Runoff Voting have made a difference? Then there are the controversial high profile appointments in Illinois and New York!

The editor of Denver Forgotten Communities Examiner says, "Instant-runoff voting has been tried in municipalities in the United States. It should be tried in statewide elections. The place to start would be in elections for U.S. Senate vacancies. Take the power away from the Governor to make an appointment and let the people vote in a single election with an instant runoff. We will end up with better senators." You can visit:

http://www.examiner.com/x-1173-Denver-Forgotten-Communities-Examiner~y2009m1d6-We-will-have-better-senators-with-instant-runoff-voting

to find out why he has come around to this opinion.

I have started a group: Obama Supporters for Instant Runoff Voting in Tompkins County, NY. Please feel welcome to visit us, help us, and see how we go about working on it locally.

Livingstons of Orangeburg County, SC genealogy

Howard Livingston — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:08:51 EST

Looking for LIVINGSTON descendants of slaves from Orangeburg County, South Carolina and the following towns: North, Livingston, Elizabeth TWP, Bull Swamp P.O., Neeses, Norway, Willow.

Also in Cannon, Newberry County, SC.

Tony Livingston - 1820
   Wesley Livingston - 1862
           John W. Livingston - 1896
             Ernest Livingston - 1915
             Idella LIVINGSTON - 1916
            Victor Livingston - 1919
        Charley Livingston - 1900
          Herman Livingston - 1924
                Howard Livingston - 1953 (me)
     Paul F. Livingston - 1897
         Pauline LIVINGSTON - 1918
           Gertrude LIVINGSTON - 1920
             Paul F. Livingston, Jr. - 1922
             Edith LIVINGSTON - 1925
             John W. Livingston - 1928
            Clifton Livingston - 1929
       Phillip Livingston - 1901
         Dorothy LIVINGSTON - 1919
       Dan Livingston - 1903
        Clifton Livingston - 1904
             Emily LIVINGSTON - 1905
        Lonnie Livingston - 1906
        Wilson Livingston - 1908

HOPE

Young Barack — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:44:16 EST

HOPE IS EVERYTHING HOPE IS ALL HOPE CAN PICK YOU UP BEFORE YOU FALL

I CHANGE MY MIND

L. Dampeer — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:04:27 EST

I've been online reading blogs for years, yet this is my first. I am so inspired by President Obama and Family that I can't keep quiet any longer. I've honestly been given hope, inspiration and change. THANK YOU!

To Whom It May Concern:

For years i've been on my way back to school to futher my career. I've had plenty to say that was meaningful and from the bottom of my heart. Afraid to walk in the shoes of the person I truely want to be... the person I am. Haven't embraced the extremely artistic portion of myself... my passion. Its crazy how i've taken so much from myself, and pretended not to be as intellectual, and beautiful as I am inside and out. I thought to myself that I didnt want to be intimidating. Didn't say it if I thought it would hurt your feelings. It's fine... I am ok with who and where I am.

What the ____! What really have I been thinking...

A City Howls - An Explanation of Our Hope

Chris from New York, NY — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:08:13 EST

There was five of us sitting in a room. The television showed one news channel, while the computer streamed live feed from another. We had all been watching for quite a while. We had all been waiting a lot longer.

When both channels went silent, we all put own our drinks, our food, and stared. At the same moment, both channels predicted, in a peaceful, soft way, that Barack Obama will win the presidency.

We had champagne in the kitchen, waiting, hoping, to be opened. In less than twenty seconds, the bottle was emptied. No one sat. Other apartments emptied and came into ours. All doors were opened. None were locked. The hallway was filled with hugs from friends, and strangers.. neighbors, family, and guests.

On the New York City streets Tuesday night, the gatherings of people celebrating were less than difficult to find. Most streets were occupied by fast-walking, smiling New Yorkers, shouting and cheering across the streets to one another. Other areas, like Union Square, or St Marks and 2nd Ave, was a different world. Cars pulled over, blasting music... swarms of people engulfing the entire park under a giant american flag, swallowing up the ever-flowing masses of people. It was, for many people, the birth of a new country within us.

This was not an ordinary election. This was not just a process; this was a defining moment for millions of Americans. It was a defining moment for everybody.

Obama supporters have been continuously called frontrunners, trend followers, disillusioned. Let the author express why so many support Obama. We don't think he will save the world. We don't expect him to be successful in every single thing he says he will do. We do, however, believe in what he stands for. He represents a different era of thinking. The commanding generation is slowly becoming our own. We are a molten nation. We are not built of bricks. We don't align and assemble ourselves and remain immobile after we've been placed. We flow. Barack Obama represents a chance for America to pick itself up. He is not perfect. McCain is not the devil, either. We see in Obama everything we all have been feeling. We all want the best for this country. We are tired of how things have been going. We want change. Not change for change's sake. We are not 'blinded by the thirst for change" and simply voting Obama because he seems different and is telegenic. It's much more than that. We see a tomorrow so different and new that we can barely comprehend just how far we (not merely Obama) actually have the power to take this country. It's time to stop attempting to fix a speeding train. We need a new direction. We need to stop, and move forward in a completely fresh way.

The streets Tuesday night echoed and howled. Cheers from blocks, miles away, roared down the charged streets. Cheers from buildings, dorms, apartments, passing cars... the honking of horns... the thousands of people in different gatherings across the city (and the country)... the city howled. The city howled for hope and for optimism.

To be able to walk down the streets of New York, the chilling yet inspiring and beautiful howls filling your ears, and high five strangers, hug people you've never met, cheer along with so many different types of people, people of different ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, beliefs, and cultures... it's something that will slowly be realized as one of the most significant turning points in our country's history.

There is no way of knowing what tomorrow will bring. It's the terrible beauty of being human. I will leave the reader with this... no presidential election has been like this in quite some time... and if you turn on any channel, or were lucky enough to be apart of the celebrations Tuesday night, you will see that these next four years will be four of the most important years to the current and future generations of Americans.

Election Watch Party - China 1 NYC

Ojamas Sleepwear — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:49:43 EDT

If you haven't heard, New York's trendy China 1 Antique Restaurant and Lounge is hosting Obama-Pajma Election Eve returns watch party with singer/songwriter Jennifer Logue. The collaboration between Logue and China 1 Owner, Andrew Krauss, will feature live music, food and drink specials, guest speakers, and of course, Obama supporters in their pajamas. Large screens will project the election results live, starting at 6pm Tuesday, November 4th. The Obama Pajama Party will last until a new president is determined. The musical line-up will feature Days like Months, Jennifer Logue, DJ Lush, and A Million Years. A small $3 admission charge at the door will go to the United Way for Greater New Orleans Area. Why sit at home this election day when you can celebrate your right to vote as well as support a good cause? All while wearing your favorite pajamas and fuzzy slippers. Orders for genuine Ojamas placed before 10:00 pm Sunday, 11/02, with overnight shipping will honored while supplies last.

Graham Long for US Congress; Help Defeat GOP Bushco incumbant Pete King on Long Island, NY 3rd Congressional District

Tommy News — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:24:41 EDT

Graham Long for US Congress; Help Defeat GOP Bushco incumbant Pete King on Long Island, NY 3rd Congressional District

Graham Long for US Congress; Help Defeat GOP Bushco incumbent Pete King on Long Island, NY 3rd Congressional District. The barbell shaped, heavily Republican 3rd Congressional district stretches from Long Beach in Nassau County to East Islip, New York in Suffolk.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York's_3rd_congressional_districtPlease pass this on to everyone you know on Long Island, New York. http://grahamlong2008.com/About Graham

Graham Long spends every day at work seeking solutions to Long Island's challenges. As an economic development advisor, working with Nassau County, he helps to shape a better future for Long Island.

This is his first run for public office.

Born and raised on the island, he is concerned, along with so many others, that he will not be able to afford to stay in his hometown.

With a background in suburban planning, historic preservation, & government, his goal is to restore the unique character of the island that has always been the frontier of America's future.

Graham is a regional planning specialist, and has worked with Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi on his initiatives to reduce our tax burden, create senior and next-generation affordable housing in our downtowns, strengthen our economy, and preserve our environment and the history and character of Long Island.

He has extensive background in both planning and government, starting out as an intern with The White House, working for the director of the President's National Economic Council in 2002.

While in Washington DC, Graham acted as Advisory Commissioner for the District of Columbia, focusing on regional planning, controlling development, and transportation infrastructure.

Since then he worked as an operations manager for the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City. After the current administration in Washington proved to be drifting away from the challenges our nation faces, Graham returned to Long Island and became active in local government issues.

He holds a B.A. in American Studies, concentrating in economic development and regional planning, from The George Washington University.

His family hails from Franklin Square, and Graham is a graduate of Locust Valley Central School District. He continues to reside in his hometown.

Visit and Bookmark Graham's website here:

http://grahamlong2008.com/

Graham Long By Carla Santella

Graham Long is challenging Congressman Peter T. King for his long-held seat in the 3rd Congressional District.

Graham Long

While Mr. Long has never held elected office, he is no neophyte to the governmental arena, beginning with his work as an intern with the White House, working for the director of the President's National Economic Council in 2002 and acting as advisory commissioner for the District of Columbia, focusing on regional planning, development and transportation infrastructure. Mr. Long stated that "After the current administration in Washington proved to be drifting away from the challenges our nation faces, I returned to Long Island and became active in local government."

He currently works as an economic development advisor and regional planning specialist for Nassau County, working "to restore the unique character of the Island that has always been the frontier of America's future." His initiatives have served to help reduce the tax burden, create senior and next-generation affordable housing in downtowns, strengthen the economy, and preserve the environment, history and character of Long Island. These county issues, said Mr. Long, also apply to more local governments.

Concern for Long Island's economic base has led Mr. Long to the realization that "We need to bring in high-tech research and development industries and to steer our economy in a new direction that is centered on 'green' industries, building a renewable energy network, and rebuilding and reworking our crumbling infrastructure." Long Island has the educated workforce to do that, Mr. Long added, but the economy must provide that workforce the affordability to live here. Affordable rental and condominium units in the downtowns, which are often near public transportation, will serve to encourage seniors and young adults to remain on Long Island and will promote greater use of trains and buses, thus reducing traffic, as well as gasoline usage, he said.

Mr. Long believes property taxes can be reduced not only through increased federal and state aid for our schools, but also through restructuring and consolidating local government to make the system more efficient.

Mr. Long said he is running as the candidate of change, and that Rep. King is "the candidate for the status quo." The fact that he has never run for, nor held, political office serves to his advantage, Mr. Long believes, because, "I'm not beholden to any special interests. We can no longer trust the politicians in Washington to fix the problems they helped create in the first place."

If elected, Mr. Long said he vows to help Long Island preserve the legacy, neighborhoods, landmarks and environmental resources "that make our Island unique and attractive" while continuing "to grow responsibly and bring more development into our downtowns, encourage clean energy industries to come to Long Island, and rebuild and enhance our [public and private] transportation network."

In regard to international affairs, Mr. Long said, "We must encourage the next president to re-deploy our combat forces in Iraq, give our troops the benefits and breaks they deserve, and increase our troop levels in Afghanistan where Al-Qaeda is regrouping." The U.S. should reduce combat forces in Iraq, he said, while continuing to work as peacekeepers, which could provide our nation with greater international support. Mr. Long said he will also seek to reverse the current trend in Washington to export our economic base, which he said, has "left us with an unstable economy and a government based on borrowing."

Mr. Long stated, ""I am thrilled and honored to have the support of Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature Diane Yatauro and former Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger."

At press time, Mr. Long has also received the endorsement of the Nassau Women's Democratic Caucus and the Alliance for Retired Americans.

Mr. Long is running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines. He holds a BA in American studies, concentrating in economic development and regional planning, from George Washington University. He resides in his home city of Glen Cove.

More:http://www.antonnews.com/glencoverecordpilot/2008/10/24/news/election.html

--
Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy

New Yorkers Canvassing in Duryea PA this past weekend

Guy from New York, NY — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:44:25 EDT

Tim Foley (AKA Commander Foley :) has been doing a great job of organizing Upper West Siders to go down and canvass in PA on the week-ends. I've been doing this with him for a number of week-ends now, but this Saturday was the best experience yet. We went to a small town near Scranton called Duryea of about 5000 people where, after the canvassing, we were invited to a party held by the local democratic party organizer, a delightful woman named Trina Moss. She had a party in her backyard, and here's the kicker: we got a chance to meet Congressman Kanjorski and freshman US Senator Bob Casey. I had my handy dandy Flip video camera with me and took some video of their speeches and put together a short movie. Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvPXk_0pbeQ

Tim will be organizing more trips this coming week-end. Come and join us!

Alaskan Independence Party

Henry M — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:05:59 EDT

New York City has a larger population than all of Alaska, and Washington, DC residents don't have anyone in Congress, but Palin puts Alaska first instead of the United States of America. Seperatist/survivalists are our country's homebred terrorists.

Palin shouldn't be casting stones when she supports these nut-jobs!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Independence_Party

If you liked this message, then please have a look at the rest of my blog, http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/henrymu and please consider donating to the campaign: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/PListe4Obama

Henry M

The Beginning.

DominiqueJackson — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:53:35 EDT

Hi all!

I just created my profile on my.BarackObama.com and I guess the next business at hand would be getting ACTIVE. For a while I have been interested in participating in this election somehow. I want to help out because I do NOT want the same thing that happend to Gore and Kerry to happen again. Honestly I was not as active in either of the two aforementioned campaigns as I could have aside from supporting them with my vote.

With the failure of both of those campaigns, and the very blatant criminal act against the American citizens when the Presidential role was given to to someone who not EARN it, I cannot be absent during this election. I agree that it will take every single person so support our candidate because he is being attacked and I won't let the past happen again.

I am very inspired by my acting coach Mimi. Mimi is very strong, hardworking, open-minded, and everything you would want a leader to be.

So here I am finally setting up my profile and slowly trying to figure out how I can help. There are many ways I see around me to help but yet I am still. I realize I must be a bit reluctant to not have taken action yet but I must recognize that my apprehension is only because this is something new and I have to get over that fear.

I think I will begin today with a donation. Hopefully soon I will step up and help out in other ways.

PEACE for ALL!!!

My Family

James from Millwood, NY — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:56:59 EDT

I am proud to say i got all 5 members of my family, my parents and three sisters to vote for Obama in november. Previously my sister has only voted once and that was in the 04 election to help support kerry. No one in my family desired to vote this year so I talked them all into voting for Obama, even though we live in NY where Obama is already pretty much guaranteed to win this state. And one of my sister told me that she talked a bunch of her friends into voting for the first time so they are going to be registering soon and supporting Obama.

Clintons aid Palin and GOP, Again; Absent from Party Discussion

Stephen — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:42:31 EDT

All that fuss during the primary. All Bill and Hillary Clinton's rankering about the 18 million women supporters she brought into the primary - is now being used to aid Sarah Palin and the McCain/Palin GOP ticket. No, it wasn't just Hillary's 3am add about her supposed foreign policy experience that then hurt Barrack Obama. She caused the American voter to re-think what Presidential experience is, and what it is NOT. She spoke of how critical it is to have women serving in high office.

There is no doubt Hillary "opened the door" for Sarah Palin and the GOP, again. Palin, who could well become the President in that McCain's health and age are in question, is no Hillary. The only thing they have in common is gender and big oil. But Palin is a radical religious right loyalist, hand picked by Carl Rove. She's more right than George Bush. The only change she would bring is further to the right! The American people are getting waxed by the Rove machine!

So - where is Hillary? Where are her communications with the 18 million women she claimed were democrats in the primary? Her SILENCE is remarkable. It raises serious questions about her loyalty to the party and future in the Senate.

Wake up New York. Your Senator is about to hand the GOP the 2008 election!

A Voice from the NYC Wilderness

Rachel — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:32:33 EDT

As I walked to work today, on the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I glanced down 6th avenue to the empty sky where the Twin Towers used to rise above the city. In New York our backdrop is a constant reminder of September 11—we’re still working and meeting friends and going to supermarkets just steps and miles from where the World Trade Center once stood. That absence is a part of our lives, and yet we voted in overwhelming numbers for Kerry and will do the same for Obama. I kept spinning this over in my mind—9/11 is a reason why many Americans won’t vote for Obama, and yet we, who live in New York City, will.

We were here when the planes hit the towers; we watched from our rooftops as innocent people hurled themselves to certain death; we witnessed firsthand the screams and cries and shockwave while much of the country was still asleep. This is not to say you didn’t suffer. We all suffered. We all woke up on September 12 to a very changed world, one where we knew our enemies lived among us, invisible, cunning and eerily patient. To world where tens of thousands of Americans from all over the country were called to duty or would step up for duty and return in body bags or maimed or paralyzed, their families left to endure a kind of suffering the rest of us can’t even imagine.

Still, here in New York, we saw the ash rain down on the streets of the Financial District; we found notebooks and file folders on outback lawns in Brooklyn; we smelled the steel and chemical smolder for days, weeks; we learned to accept the broken skyline; we made our way out hesitantly into the streets where missing posters were plastered well into November, first as signs of continually vanishing hope and then as tributes to lost souls. Those of us lucky enough not to be personally touched by the tragedy did our best to comfort neighbors who were. We tried, in small and quotidian ways, to show New York’s Bravest and Finest how grateful we were, leaving flowers or chocolate chip cookies on the steps of our local fire stations, stunned into silence by the courage they showed.

We here in New York, living every day with that operatic backdrop of loss, with that tangible record of people “hell-bent on destroying America,” feel safer voting for Barack Obama. We feel our security will be better protected by him. We feel he will better serve our interests abroad at home. How is it that 9/11 has been such a divisive issue in these past two elections with people so far from where the attacks took place, here or at the Pentagon or on Flight 93, using it as a rallying call to keep Republicans in power, one that we in New York, steps from that chilling urban wilderness of Ground Zero, can’t relate to?

For many New Yorkers, electing Obama continues the great American tradition of progress and change and opportunity that the Twin Towers stood for. We know that Bush has not secured our borders and McCain, who plans to continue Bush’s policies and has supported them 90% of the time, will not either. We choose Obama because Bush and the Republican party, McCain’s party, took the world from a state of universal support and compassion to one of near universal disgust for our unilateral wars and the disgraceful way we’ve left Afghanistan, for the way we shirked diplomacy in favor of endless war. We choose Obama because Bush and the Republicans took friends and made them distant and distrustful. They took the distant and distrustful and made them outright enemies. Yes there are people” hell-bent on destroying America” as Bush/McCain/Palin keep reminding us. But what have the Republicans done to stop those people? 9/11 happened on their watch. What happened to finding Osama Bin Laden dead or alive? Seven years later and we haven’t found him either way. Thousands of lives lost and close to 1 trillion dollars later and our mission is still unaccomplished while we face a health crisis, an education crisis, an environmental crisis, a job crisis and an economic crisis thanks to Bush's and McCain's policies.

We’re not voting for Obama because we think he’ll hold hands and sing Kumbaya with Nouri al-Maliki and Kim Yong-il. We’re supporting him because we believe he’ll revitalize our economy and make us competitive again in the world market and help us begin to dig ourselves out of the mind-numbingly heavy weight of our debt and deficit, both greater than at anytime in U.S. history. We’re supporting him because we believe he’ll help us repair the damage we’ve done to our reputation as world leaders and regain the respect of Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. We’re supporting him because we believe he’ll make sure we have the world’s strongest military and also the world’s strongest minds trained and ready to embrace the challenges of the 21st century, not least among them the era of extreme weather that is clearly upon us.

New York is a place where the world comes together, the place where the relatives of 40 percent of the US population first set foot on American soil. The place where, as Fitzgerald so elegantly wrote, Dutch sailors laid eyes on “a fresh, green breast of the new world.” A city that welcomes 44million visitors every year. And you have all come back. You came rushing in to help dig through the debris. You came rushing in to pay tribute to fallen heroes. You came rushing in to honor the dead. And after that eerily beautiful fall of 2001 when we in New York woke each morning and cocked our heads like animals in the wild, listening for danger, and, surprised not to find it, went quietly about our day, the city came back to life and you came swirling back to our shops and our restaurants and raced up to survey the view from the top of Empire State Building and took the ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.You showed that you still loved New York, that you weren’t scared.

You understood what New York stood for —the melting pot of America, prosperity and progress and a chance for anyone who had the strength and determination to take it. That sense of unity and opportunity is at the root of our part of the American mythos just like a pioneering sense of adventure is at the heart of the mythology of many of the so-called red states, maybe Alaska most of all.

We have a chance to show the rest of the world that we have faith in a better world, a powerful world of exploration and expansion. We have to follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King who quoted the Scripture when he said “The truth will set you free.” We have to be able to face up to the truth of what has been happening to our country and the fact that for eight years we have been in a state of decline. We won’t be free otherwise.

It’s a great country. We all feel that. We feel it when we drive across the Brooklyn Bridge and see the broken skyline by the Battery that still shines and inspires and draws millions from all over the world every year to see it. We feel it when we watch our Olympic superstars cross the finish line and hear the roar of the crowd. We feel it when the Star Spangled Banner blasts over the loudspeakers at our baseball stadiums. We feel it when we hear the cascading waters plunging over Niagara Falls. We feel it when we watch the radiant setting sun from the last little strip of land on the Florida Keys. We feel it when we contemplate the depth of the Grand Canyon. We feel it when we hear the sound of a saxophone twisting out of the narrow streets of a city on the Gulf Coast rising from the ashes. We feel it when we imagine the gleaming white mountains of Alaska, perhaps our last frontier. We feel it when we stand at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial and think about what it means to have “a new birth of freedom.”

What Lincoln fought so hard for—“that government of the people, by the people, for the people should not perish from the earth"— it’s perishing. It’s not by the people any more. These are not our voices. The scare tactics and the media circus extravaganza where black is white and up is down and bloody images of 9/11 are shown only to immobilize us into voting a certain way-- I know these are not your voices, in Houston and Denver and Des Moines and Baton Rouge. I know these are not your voices, pretending more of the same is change because you slap the word “change” onto a giant banner and wave it behind you. These are not your voices, in Atlanta and Montgomery and Tallahassee. These are not your voices, in San Diego, in Seattle and Fairbanks. I know you believe in progress and I know you know the meaning of the word change.

In this election we can’t pretend the red state/blue state divide is real because we all have, more or less, the same things that we want out of life. We love our friends and families. We love our country. We want everyone to have a fair chance. We want good, caring people to have good things happen to them. We want fulfilling careers. We want to help our neighbors. Well want a strong education for our children. We want our children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy nature the way we did. We want to know theywill be able to swim in the oceans and lakes, that they’ll someday see what polar bear looks like and not just read about them in science class. That they’ll be able to afford to keep themselves healthy, that even though they may have to struggle, that they’ll have a fighting chance of following their goals and living up to their ideals. That they’ll be able to throw their voice into the mix and be heard and to feel that their lives mattered.

Buried in the top drawer of my dresser at home is a tiny little pink plastic cup, one that collapses, with worn-off gold metallic printing on the lid. I picked it out when I was four years old, from a little turning souvenir rack hidden among t-shirts and baseball caps and miniature mugs. I had just come inside from the 107th floor observation deck of a new building, one just about my age, so tall it scraped the sky. My sister was still out on the deck, looking through the binoculars. When she came in, cheeks flushed from the wind, I showed her the little collapsible cup, how quickly it opened and closed. She read the printing on the lid —The Top of the World. “Are we really on the very top?” I asked my dad. He smiled. “Just about.”

G.F.C. Grassroots Finance Committe: Your Moment

Omar Dyer — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:34:13 EDT

Your Moment!
When the times are too great, and the paradox are set for equality, this moment is that time.
When the world is at its lift and the constellation meets the mitts; this moment is that time.
When those that mock, and mark the leadership qualities in a candidate that has been opposed, this moment is that time.
When the opposing incumbent party is cynical of the ideas that the opposition presides, and says that's not leadership and then rephrases those ideas, to make a claim on them; is a true lack of leadership. That's when you know this is the time.
This time the political gamesmanship on pandering politics -- where the bureaucrats only seek gaming the political system, to have power and control; where they spend hours looking at their profits and not the harm to the economy -- this is the moment in time that change has come. That's when you know this is the time.
Change is not about: A Man with pigment in his skin, change is not about a women on a ticket; Change is not about an elder being begged to change their stubborn ways. Have you ever tried to get an elder to change their old habits -- It's hard work but it takes a spirited leader: Like Barack Obama and a nobody like Omar Dyer: two community Organizers to organize change.
Change is not about; saying this person is a better American, and the other is fraud.
Change is when noticeable theories are not correct and a new course is needed; a true leader will say, "I made this move because that's the change we need."
Change is when a person makes the ultimate sacrifice in good of the people they represent. If you follow your candidate: Follow, if you believe your candidate: Believe. You don't need to be little others because they don't have the same views as you. That's when you know it's time to change. That's the type of politics we need to change!
We are in a moment where the bitterness of someone's' pigment in their skin has no barring on the character on the content of their minds -- in a new direction to lead.
We can't afford to demonize an American child because they don't come from my hood.
We can't afford to demonize an American child because they don't have the same ideological thinking as you do!
This campaign is not about being a celebrity in politics, making one before the other: this campaign is about all Americans, coming together and forming: One Nation. One America, a speech John Edwards wrote; a vision Abraham Lincoln saw, a dream Martin Luther King Jr. spoke -- a Hope, Barack Obama preached, and a grassroots campaign achievement by a local community organizer; in which help bring in more community organizers to unite this country from the bottom up. As one of the leaders in Barack Obama's New Jersey's Grassroots Finance Committee in campaigning and organizing; a local community organizer, and other locals like: "Omar Dyer: TheFanNJ," has helped transformed the internet as a reliable source of organizing marching and bringing people to Barack Obama's campaign. TheFanNJ has been strictly better than Karl Rove; and it was done on clean politics.

Gulliani: "Let's Drill Offshore". If that's how he feels, how about drilling in NYC Harbour first?

Jason — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:43:38 EDT

Rudy Guillani is speaking at the RNC right now amoungs a diverse group (of mostly white rich people).

Guillani just stated that he supports offshore drilling.

ORLY?

Well...since Rudy seems so gung ho about the idea of offshore drilling, perhaps we should start drilling in New York Harbour first. That spot where the World Trade Center used to be seems like a good place to start. Smack dab in lower Manhattan.

Oh, wait that's right. "Not in my back yard."

We need to remember that just because we don't live on the coast, or if we do live on the coast and assume that the small little hamlet down the shore is going to be drilled, that if your elected official is so eager to support offshore drilling, then their property, not public property, should be drilled first.

ObamaCart Update

Marcia--One who believes in Dreams! — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:37:50 EDT

This is from the ObamaCart blog...

We did it!

Thursday we left Akron and drove to NYC. We had an interview in Lewisburg, PA. After the interview we stoped by the Obama office and ran into Chris who worked in Butte during the pirmary.

Thursday evening we watched the speech from an apartment in Manhattan. Dixie made the NY Post the following morning as the watch party was covered by some media.

One of the greatest political speeches of American history, but I may be biased.

Friday morning we left NYC early and met Heidi for lunch and a picnic in New Haven, Conn. Heidi and her beautiful daugher provided a wonderful break in our schedule. Just taking the time to relax was great.

Then we crossed Conn, Mass and Vermont into New Hampshire. Unity is not easy to find. It really doesn't exist as a town. Will's Convience Store is about it. We met with the press there and headed off for Boston.

Cheryl made us a wonderful lobster dinner.

Today we took the ObamaCart down to Castle Island and rolled it around. It is always fun to watch people when they first see it.

In NYC as we rolled it down the street people were leaning out of their apartment windows cheering us. We needed a bit of ticker tape to complete it, but it sure was fun.

Total milage I believe is around 2730, but I have the exact numbers in our car. 15 states so far.

This afternoon we will head south, tomorrow Washing DC and then I head home.

Worth Getting Out

Pivarunas — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:34:50 EDT

Well, I finally got out on the street yesterday with the "3 Parks Independent Democrats" voter registration drive, and it was worth it. Living in New York City, where many people live isolated in their rush to get through the day, the week, the month, the year...it is easy to get complacent about life, even cynical. But getting out, carrying a sign calling people to register to vote, wearing an Obama button changed the city blocks I walked into a friendly community. It was uplifting to get smiles and thumbs up from people of all ages, colors, nationalities, sexual orientations, economic conditions, professions... They stopped shopping to wave, left stores to register, shouted out encouragement from cars. Most everyone was either already registered and voting Obama/Biden or was eager to do so. What is more, the 3 Parks is well-organized and democratic itself. They need help fixing up a store front to do calls and fundraising from, but from the looks of it yesterday, they were getting lots of it. By one o'clock, the place was buzzing with working volunteers and enthusiastic visitors, running smoothly. Even though I come from far, I'll be back there on Monday to focus on the Columbia University students, who need to be sure to be able to vote. I'll also head out to Pennsylvania with them the following weekend. I recommend that others join in their actions or in with other groups, or start their own action groups. It is definitely worth the trouble. It takes a community to raise a country. Nancy Pivarunas

CAN NEW YORK GET SOME OBAMA LOVE

The Pollitikat — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:44:13 EDT

I urge the campaign to visit the NEW YORK area. Maybe Buffalo and New York City. I know Obama has to cover the battle grounds and New York is a sure thing, but we would love to have a visit. We never got the big excitment associated with having the candidate come here, and it might throw McCain off and force him to visit his home state. We would love to have it in CENTRAL PARK, or YANKEE STADIUM in the Bronx the birthplace of Hip Hop. Its garanteed media coverage. New York is also a city that has many visitors from other states, a rally in TIMES SQUARE would be great. Obama can give an "If I can make it here I can make it any where" speech.

New Yorkers didn't get the excitement during the primaries. CAN WE GET SOME LOVE?!!!!

New to the North Country of New York

Mayme — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:57:04 EDT

Finally I have my old friend the internet back and I can begin my new political efforts in a new home, new town, new state. I am looking to find good progressives in my area, Canton, NY.

In the past I have read many, many blogs, but never have I written my own. We shall see.

New Yorker canvassing in PA this weekend?

William Finkel — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:06:16 EDT

Hey all,

I'm jumping on a bus tomorrow at 9 am to go canvas in Philly, if anyone would like to join me, I'd love the company. Drop me a line if interested or sign up at my event page.

Hope to see you there.

William

Motivational Note

Friends of President Barack Obama — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:19:02 EDT

Even though it may not look like it or feel like it, you are making progress.

Continue working towards progress instead of perfection.

Nothing or no no one is perfect.

Just keep taking steps.

Keep making those phone calls.

Continue following your plan.

Remain focused on your goal.

Do what you have to do right now to get to the next level.

Complete every task.

Keep every promise and commitment.

Don't look back.

Stay on track.

Let no one weaken your walk of faith and determination.

Remain teachable.

Place yourself in a blessing position by associating with people on-the-grow.

Talk with teachers.

Walk with winners.

Climb with champions.

Study successful people.

Something great is about to happen for you!

Start giving thanks right now before you can even see the outward manisfestation of your prayers and desires.

Everything you do from this day forward will take you further away or closer to your potential for successful living.

-by Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker & Author

Nike New York City Half Marathon Photo

Bob Scofield — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:48:16 EDT

Our teammate Marc was looking good at Mile 5 of the NYC Half Marathon brought to you by Nike, click the pic to look him up in the results...

Able Danger BarackObama Blog Begins!

Paul Krik — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:52:10 EDT

This is it. This is the very first Blog entry. This is perhaps where I'll tell the story, long before I'd ever heard of Barack Obama. The story begins after the last election. I was so disheartened that Bush won AGAIN that I was committed to leaving the country for Europe (my wife is German) or doing something that would help change America for better. I needed to do my Kierkegaardian 'wrench in the machine' of the Hegelian necon oligarchy that is running the world rather poorly. So I decided, again long before I ever heard of Barack Obama, to make a movie... anyway I made Able Danger which has been touring the festivals and now i hope to bring it to the public on 9/11/08 and donate profits of the first week to Barack Obama. Because he's the future of America that I wanted to see and help bring about.

First Group Run in NY Tonight

Bob Scofield — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:10:20 EDT

The first group run will be held tonight in New York. The group seems to be small so far, but hopefully it will grow as the summer goes on.

Where: Central Park across from the Daniel Webster Statue (west side of park, at 72nd Street where the transverse meets the drive)

When: 6:45 p.m. (We will meet at that time every Tuesday and Thursday)

Hope to see you there, and bring your friends!

Fundraising Page for NYC Runners for Obama

Bob Scofield — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:16:30 EDT

Hello all, I set up a fundraising page for our group, NYC Runners for Obama. There is no obligation to raise funds to be on this team, but it was there, so I just went ahead and created it. If anybody wants to link to it, feel free, but again there is no obligation to do so.

If you live in New York I will be going to the Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge event this Saturday at 9 am (walk starts in BK, ends in Manhattan). Check it out under Events for more details.

Hope to see you there!

NYC Runners for Obama

Bob Scofield — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:42:38 EDT

Hi, I invite you all to join a new group, NYC Runners for Obama. The purpose of the group is to enable Obama supporters to train and run together throughout the summer, and to try and create some free press for Barack at the New York City Marathon, which falls 2 days before Election Day.

The group will begin running together in real life in New York's Central Park beginning Tuesday July 8th. The runs will probably be in the evening around 6:45 pm, but if there is enough interest and demand others may run early in the morning before work as well. Probably not me, I like my beauty sleep, but some people may. ;-)

There will be a training program devised by myself and other cagey marathon vets and coaches, and we will post it online on the group's homepage. We will also use the site as a forum for discussing running, answering questions about NY and the race, etc.

People from all over the country (and the world for that matter) who will be coming to NYC this November 2nd are welcome to join, and you can be part of the team through the magic of the Internet!

In keeping with the spirit of our friends at the group Runners for Obama, we are going to come up with an Obama running shirt and try and get as many people as we can to wear it during the race. It will be a nice reminder about who to vote for on Tuesday to the 40,000 participants, the million plus people in the crowds lining the streets of the 5 boroughs, and the tens of millions watching footage of the event on the news.

We are also going to reach out to the many grassroots Obama groups in the New York City area to set up cheering zones along the course to wave signs and yell for us (and Obama) at the same time during the race.

Please join the group if you are interested and if you know of anybody who is running New York or lives in the area and would like to get involved, please share the group with them.

Thanks,

Bob

Obama '08!!

Talk in New York

Steven — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:45:44 EDT

Dear fellow Obama supporters,To those of you who might be interested, I shall be giving a lecture tomorrow (Tuesday, June 17) at the Leo Baeck Institute, New York, to present my book "Antisemitism. A Very Short Introduction".Time: 7pm.Place: Forchheimer Auditorium, Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, NYCAdmission is $10 for non-members ($5 for members).I intend as part of this talk to discuss my belief that one of the great merits of the Obama campaign is that it encourages the sort of inclusive, pluralist approach that I see as the greatest antidote to antisemitism and other forms of prejudice and racism. Given recent discussion threads on "Jews for Obama" I think Obama supporters will find the talk (and I hope the subsequent discussion) interesting.Go Obama!Steven Beller

Welcome to NYC Runners for Obama

Bob Scofield — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:17:34 EDT

This group has been created for runners who support Barack Obama and live in the New York City area, as well as runners from all over the world who will be running in the ING New York City Marathon this fall.

We will be training together in New York's Central Park every Tuesday and Thursday night at 6:45 pm starting on Tuesday July 8th, 2008. In addition, we will do a long run on one of the weekend days each week. The training will continue until Thursday October 30, 2008.

If you have friends who you think might be interested in joining our group, please let us know. More details later...

Yes we can!

HOT MUSIC VIDEO ....I Wanna Be OBAMA

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:50:14 EDT

ME THE OBAMA, YOU THE OBAMA, WHOLE WORLD OBAMA.......!

http://www.songcastmusic.com/profiles/mypoojan

A very catchy song, which will make the whole America rock. The beauty of the song is that it brings the fulfillment of every American to become Obama..............Obama's winning is also Clinton's winning...! America's winning and the World's winning...!
watch the video on youtubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs
you can make this song reach every corner of America and the world across by helping to promote the song album. WE WANT A BETTER WORLD..!

Please check out the song album link as below, (you need to have iTunes software downloaded on your computer. Its free on http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ site)

http://www.songcastmusic.com/profiles/mypoojan

please forward it to as many people as possible and ask your friends also to forward. With your and your friends little support we can built the wave of "Obama...! I wanna be Obama..!

http://www.songcastmusic.com/profiles/mypoojan
Forward to all your friends, and as many people as you can.

"Obama...! I wanna be Obama..!"

More is coming.........keep tuned...!

Thank you,
Warm Regards,
Manish Shah
mony_shah@hotmail.com

My Short List-Michael Bloomberg

Justin Brogden — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:38:19 EDT

Michael Bloomberg (Mayor-New York City)

Pros:

As a Democrat turned Republican turned independent fits into the campaign's post-partisan message very nicely.
Might help Barack Obama with the Jewish vote
As Mayor of New York, taking over shortly after the September 11th attacks, he has national security experience that most Mayors and Governors lack.

Cons:

Is only a Mayor with no real foreign policy credentials
As a billionaire he wouldn't necessarily help combat Obama's elitist image or appeal to working clas whites.
Isn't well known outside of New York

Chances: Low. Michael Bloomberg is one of my favorites but while he fits in nicely with the campaign's post-partisan message he doesn't add much else.

What do you think?

Be sure to check out the other candidates on my shortlist!

New York Muslim’s Struggle for Justice in America

funkfresh01 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:08:55 EDT

http://atlanticfreepress.com/content/view/4016/32/

Source: Atlantic Free Press

Author: Stephen Lendman

Yassin Aref is a 37 year old Albany, New York resident and one of many Muslim victims of police state justice in post-9/11 America. They've been hunted down, rounded up, held in detention, kept in isolation, denied bail, restricted in their right to counsel, tried on secret evidence and trumped-up charges, then incarcerated as political prisoners or deported to where they face possible arrest and torture.

Because of his faith and ethnicity, Aref was victimized by US "justice" in a post-9/11 climate of fear. He's an Iraqi Kurd who emigrated to the US as a UN refugee in 1999 with his wife and three young children. He's now in federal prison but committed no crime. He's also the author of a poignant memoir/autobiography titled "Son of Mountains: My Life as a Kurd and a Terror Suspect." He wrote it in custody at Troy, New York's Rensselaer County Jail after his wrongful conviction in October 2006.

obama/clinton dream ticket fraud

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

With Obama officially clinching the nomination, we must unify behind him. Now's the time to remember that the differences between policies Clinton and Obama proposed are not nearly as significant than the policy differences between Obama and John McCain. This is now a Democrat versus Republican policy battle and we already know where the policies of the republican party have led under Bush. As Obama pointed out in his speech Tuesday night, we must remember that McCain is perceived as a maverick or moderate within his party. He continues to point to the one or two differences he has had with Bush in the last eight years. Yet, to become his party's nominee in 2008 where he failed many times before, John McCain bought into the Republican party with his heart and soul as he saw his chances faiding and has, in fact, voted over 90% of the time in agreement with George W. Bush. A vote against Obama is a vote for Bush's Third Term. While some dissappointed Clinton supporters will act and speak out of emotion, already many admit that they intend to vote the the selected Democrat.

There has been much speculation of a "dream ticket." Clinton, as I note in an earlier blog, breathed life into this idea because the time came when even she recognized she could not win in a general election without Obama. However, as I note in an earlier blog, this is not true when Obama is the nominee. There are many well suited candidates for a running mate that will benefit Obama greater with respects to the electoral map and reaching out to working class and potentially to woman as well.

The truth remains that Obama has won for many reasons and this end result astounds me, someone who strongly backed my candidate since researching him in December. He overtook the lead from the "establishment's candidate." Clinton is someone that as first lady was rumored to run for senate in a big state to help support her future bid as president. The Kerry campaign was so poorly executed that many were left believing that the Democrats were throwing the election for a Clinton run and a Clinton win in 2008. The Clinton branding was strong and it's longevity made is seemingly impossible to overcome... 20 years of market share domination and now a new little enterprise would fend for not some, but the majority of that share. Today, it hard to believe anyone could pick off Coke or P&G. But, that is exactly what Obama accomplished. Not only did he run one of the most brilliant marketing campaigns in my time, he succeed where no person of color has succeeded in a leading nation. While some leading nations have appointed women, what I recently realized is that Obama broke a barrier that extends long past the United States.

There are petitions and emotional claims to defend the "dream ticket" and most of which stems from Clinton circles. Let's not forget that Obama won as the "change candidate" and he has brilliantly represented "new politics." Many of Obama's supporters, and rightly so, believe that the addition of anyone who epitomizes "old politics" would jeapardize our mission and cloud the message, leaving a obvious weak point of attack for McCain like the small thermal exhaust port that left the Deathstar in Star Wars open to destruction. I can almost see McCain now, "Clinton on this ticket... that's not change we can believe in." * insert insidious smirk*

Among the emotional pleas I have read are these, and given that I label them as emotional, I assert that they lack logic:

"The only way that Obama is going to reach out to the working class, Hispanics, and win the swing states is with Clinton on the ticket (he ignored Kentucky and West Virginia, so those states he has already lost without her)."

FALSE

First of all, Puerto Rico is not a state and that is precisely the contest that made Clinton's popular vote neck and neck with Obama. Puerto Ricans don't vote in the presidential election. They voted against being a state a decade ago, as they have voted twice before that when given the chance to enter into the union. I am boggled why they are awarded more delegates in the primary than many real states that do vote in the general election. Richardson and Clinton can reach out to Hispanic voters even without being on the ticket.

There are four governors in key states that each would help reach out to such voters and bring along a needed swing state. Among these four easy picks are Governor Richardson who has served under Bill Clinton, yet he may be my least favorite of the four easy picks. Ted Strickland could help with rural working class as he helped Clinton in Ohio because he is from rural Ohio and has served in the church and military. Strickland may sit at the top of my list.

Clinton does not come with a key state. Arkansas can be won by the Clinton's campaigning on behalf of Obama without her being on the ticket... as can other communities. Clinton does not need to be on a ticket to endorse and campaign heavily for a candidate to unify her party... a party, some assert, she invoked much division.What Clinton does need to do is embrace Obama for America and throw as much heart and resilience into this campaign as she did when she remained in the running for reasons I point out in my earlier blog.

Pennsylvania voted for Kerry due to the strong campaigning by governor Ed Rendell who is the same governor that campaigned for Clinton. It is widely believed that with similar campaigning by Ed Rendell in his state, any democrat can pick up the winning numbers that Kerry picked up against Bush.

New York and California are key states democrats win by wide margins as did Kerry. Although it is true Clinton won in the primary it is illogical deduction to believe that any democrat, unless that democrat was running against Ronald Reagan, could fail at winning both states handedly.

A presidential race is not won with West Virginia or Kentucky. But, if Obama is able to turn the Carolinas which Kerry failed to do even with Edwards on his ticket, that would make a difference. Obama won more votes in North and South Carolina against Clinton than the number of votes cast for McCain and Huckabee combined. The states Obama wants to tun in addition to the Carolinas are the Western States of Colorada, etc. Obama polls better in the west than rural areas like West Virgina and Kentucky where inevitably some degree of fear applies. But as I mention above, Ted Strickland comes with a key swing state and could easily reach out to the working class and Christian voters... perhaps more effectively than Clinton.

Governor Bill Ritter, a popular, young democratic in a historically conservative state, would be a better choice to aid in the West and Governor Kathleen Sebelius would successfully reach out to the identical segments that were fascinated by Clinton without compromising the message of new politics: again working class and women. Most female voters in exit polls admitted that gender was a significant impact on their decision. No other voting segment admitted to gender or race affecting the vote. Add almost any woman to a republican or democratic ticket and you will likely lure a great percentage of those voters who responded this way in exit polls.

"It would be a guaranteed 18 million votes for the Democratic party, and there is no way John McCain would have a chance."

FALSE

With this logic, or lack thereof, Obama could win with almost any running mate. While it is true that Clinton won over 17 million votes, so did Obama. In many states, Obama won more votes than Huckabee and McCain combined. To suggest that all democrats that voted for Clinton will literally stay home or vote for McCain, is not plausible. Throughout history the results in the primary does not necessarily translate into similar results in the general. That is why at this point there is no guarantee that Obama can turn the Carolinas away from Republican grasps. But, based on the primary numbers, it is the best chance the Democrats have had in decades and decades. Already, Obama's grass-roots activity is kicking up to register new democrats. This is how he closed the gap in states that Clinton was leading by 20points or more and this is how Obama won the majority of contests and clinched the democratic nomination for president. A historical achievement not only for the United States, but something that many leading nations have never done before... appoint a person of color to lead their nation.

Am I against Clinton? Not entirely, but partially. She does represent everthing I dislike about Washington Politics as usual and I don't think her record of success outweighs her record of failure to follow through with promises made to the nation and later to New York. While putting her into a position of Vice President may realistically strip her of all power, I don't want her a heart beat away from seizing the most powerful position in the world.

Now it is your turn. I selected four easily identifiable candidates for a VP nomination: Strickland of Ohio, Ritter of Colorado, Sebelius of Kansas, and Richardson of New Mexico. As Governors, each brings executive leadership and management that no senator can honestly claim with the exeption of Obama who, as I note in an earlier blog, was the only senator among Clinton and McCain to exemplify extraordinary executive leadership by leading his multi-million dollar enterprise, Obama for America, to success. However, who do you think Obama should select? If it is Clinton, then please have better support than the emotional defenses I discount above.

AN OPEN LETTER TO HILLARY SUPPORTERS

Eric from Covina, CA — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:43:23 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

AN OPEN LETTER TO HILLARY SUPPORTERS

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the inter-party squabble between Hillary and Obama supporters of late. We may never agree on this particular issue, but I think it’s very important for each faction to understand how the other is thinking, because as the cliche’ goes, we have much more in common than we have that sets us apart.

Yes, many Americans are indeed passionately opposed to Hillary Clinton, but that opposition has absolutely nothing to do with race or gender. African Americans have been Clinton supporters, and defenders, for close to two decades, and in overwhelming numbers. And prior to what has been perceived as racially "insensitive" comments by the Clintons, Hillary was polling as much as 23% over Obama in the black community. And beyond that, African Americans have voted over 95% of the time for white candidates, virtually without exception. So for the Hillary camp to imply that the African American vote is race based is flatly disingenuous–and since there are more female senators and governors than there are blacks in those same positions, it is also clear that the gender issue, relative to Hillary and Obama, is also being manufactured as it applies to America as a whole. The entire issue is being inserted into the political debate through the careful crafting of subliminal messaging to inflame Hillary’s female base.

Video: Vote for Change in New York City

Kate Albright-Hanna — Sat, 24 May 2008 18:37:54 EDT

When we sent our cameras out across the country to film the Vote for Change kickoff, we were inspired by the footage that came back. Supporters from New York to Kansas to California felt like they were part of something bigger than one candidate or election cycle.

As one of our New York volunteers said, "We are reenergizing not just the Obama campaign, but democracy in America."

Check out the video from the New York Vote for Change -- and organize your own voter registration event.

I'm Here for Angela -- Vote for Change NYC

Jolly, a person of unyielding hope who helped elect President Obama — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:21:44 EDT

Vote for Change NYC
I'm Here for Angela

Saturday was a wonderful day here in the Big Apple. After six weekends volunteering in Pennsylvania and last week in North Carolina, it seems that I haven't been home in my own fair city on the weekend in forever. So it was great pleasure that I headed up to Harlem to join the Vote for Change volunteers at A M E Zion Church. What a sight. There were volunteers lined up down the block to get into the church. I mean when was the last time you saw people lined up down the block to volunteer for anything?! Then into the church we went, a church the pastor referred to as "Freedom Church" because of its rich history. The church was literally filled to the rafters in the upper balcony and I saw so many familiar faces in the crowd (including many of fellow NY Women for Obama members).

Then we headed out to our various locations across the city. My group headed to the East Village (Tompkins Square Park), which is my own little corner of this great country called America. There is a great picture of us riding on the Subway here http://www.flickr.com/photos/practicingmuse/ . We also registered our first two voters (a lovely couple) on the Subway. There was also an elderly Chinese women who spoke almost no English, but pointed to the picture of Barack on my sign and said "Obama" and smiled. I gave her an Obama button as she read over the Chinese section on the voter registration form. I don't know whether she is a citizen or not, but despite the language barrier, I know she is a member of team Obama.

All in all, I registered 17 voters (I don't know the count for the group as a whole as we turned in our forms to different locations), but it was great to be out in the streets hustling for democracy with some new friends and fellow hopemongers. The 17 didn't even include a number of people who didn't have time to fill out the form on the spot or wanted to do it themselves (very New York). The number did include one Republican waiter (who indicated that he would certainly consider voting for Senator Obama in November), an older European-American banker, a former Felon who didn't know that he could vote again after having served out his sentence and parole, a homeless man living in a shelter (which was actually a change of address as he was already registered but now lives in a shelter and on the streets). My number also included several people coming out of Whole Foods. We moved to Whole Foods as we were hitting a large portion of foreign tourists in the park (this is NYC after all). The amazing thing is that without exception all the foreigners said that they couldn't vote, but wish that they could vote for Obama. We also heard lots of encouraging words from already registered voters, including a few older women who said they had voted for Clinton in the primary but would be supporting Senator Obama in November. Maybe I won them over with my sign that said "100 Years Is Too Long to Wait"

I can't sign off before telling you about Angela, who I dedicate every one of my new Registrants to. I am an attorney here in NYC and volunteered with Promote the Vote voter protection in Columbus, Ohio, West Philadelphia, PA and Rocky Mount, NC. In Rocky Mount, NC, I ended up driving a voter (Lakisha) to a polling location other than my assigned location since it sounded like she was getting the run around. This was late in the day (5ish) and I got to the other location to find a line of people in front of the presiding judge including a woman with tears streaming down her face at the front of the line. The woman was pleading with the judge that she HAD to vote for Senator Obama, that she had a small child and this was so important to her family. It turns out that the DMV in this largely African American district had registered a bunch of voters as Republicans. Thus, this life long democrat and Obama volunteer was only being offered a Republican ballot (which she refused to take). Thankfully, Angela didn't give up. She had originally left, but had come back to the polls after hearing Hill Harper on the radio saying that people shouldn't let anyone turn them away. We were able to convince the judge to give her a Democratic provisional ballot and Angela was able to vote her true conviction. Sadly, the judge said that this had been happening all day long and at least five other people had left without voting. Angela touched my heart and reinforced how important it is to vote and not let anyone take this right away from you. So for Angela, for those 5 others whomever they be, for Senator Obama and for this country, I will continue to do my part to promote the vote.

God Bless America and God Bless Senator Obama,
Jolly "Hopemonger"

Independents (registered as Democrats) for Obama '08 and '12

DV8: Take Back The Mic

urbanteck — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:14:54 EDT

THERE WILL BE REPORT BACKS FROM ORGANIZERS FROM THE PENN PRIMARIES!

You are invited to a special event for the Healthcare Education Project Youth Team...

DV8: TAKE BACK THE MIC

SATURDAY APRIL 26TH 2008

9PM - 2AM

330 W 42ND STREET PENTHOUSE - NY, NY

PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED FLYER AND FEEL FREE TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!

Play 'Who Wants to be a President' and gain chance to win a prize during final challenge on April 26th

For more information please call (212) 857-4389

youngvoices@1199.org www.myspace.com/1199seiu_ywp www.1199seiu.org

Please RSVP to youngvoices@1199.org

...Let your fire light your path...

--

http://www.flickr.com/photos/soulfire4ever/2414329001/

Let's Put America Back To Work!

Thatcher — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:46:28 EDT

(cross posted on The Dead Guy)

This is not a new concept. FDR and The New Deal. The late Senator Paul Simon's 1987 book by the same title as this post (Which I have a signed copy of - I had Senator Simon autograph it for me when he was in Iowa campaigning for the 1988 Democratic Presidential Nomination).

With a country that has resources and infrastructure in dire need of help, we need to put America back to work fixing these problems. Where could we start? Well, there are 10 pieces of U.S. infrastructure we must fix now!

Bitter? Sweet!

Thatcher — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:38:53 EDT

(cross-posted on The Dead Guy)

So once again, lifelong politicians have taken words out of context and wielded them as weapons back at the person who spoke those words.

Senator Obama was 100% correct when he said after all the promises we have been given about improving the economic conditions, not just in Pennsylvania - but across America, and yet nothing has truly changed, that we are bitter and many of us blame that which we are told to blame: immigrants, people wanting to restrict the 2nd Amendment, the government supposedly trampling our religious rights, and so forth.

That's what Obama was saying. And if you hear the whole conversation in context - you know that is what he said. The American people have been given scape - goats to blame by the people that are really to blame - the politicians that won't do a damn thing to bring about the change needed to restore jobs and better conditions for our country.

But let me tell you something - I'm not bitter - I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!

Clinton Strategy Playing The Race Card!

Mark Ungemach (Democratic Committee Person, Franklin Township, Landenberg, PA) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:17:22 EDT

I don't think that we can comment on this. In fact, I think if we speak out about it, we will only help the Clinton effort. I do think, however, that we can share this article with our progressive friends who are pro-Hillary, or who are on the fence.

From: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3597/the_clinton_firewall/

The Clinton Firewall

The New York Senator’s last-ditch efforts to win the Democratic

nomination could rely on the “Race Chasm” and the trampling of

democracy.

By David Sirota

Google the phrase “Clinton firewall” and you will come up with an ever-lengthening list of scenarios that Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign has said will stop Barack Obama’s candidacy. The New Hampshire primary, said her campaign, would be the firewall to end Obamamania. Then Super Tuesday was supposed to be the firewall. Then Texas. Now Pennsylvania and Indiana.

Catching up!!

Tovala — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:01:53 EDT

It has been a while since I last wrote on this blog. 3 weeks in fact, but forgive me my absence. I have been working hard on the Obama campaign here in Texas and many things have taken place since then. So I will start from this moment and go backwards and fill you all in on the happenings on the campaign trail. Firstly, I received an internship in Philly to work for the Students for Barack Obama while on Spring Break. I am typing this blog 30,000 feet in the air on Continental Airlines. I am excited but the road to getting me on the plane was quite hellish. First, I saw my friend off to NYC. She had the audacity to leave her minivan with me because I am the responsible one. Needless to say I was in a car accident because some idiot decided to slam on his brakes causing the woman behind him and myself to hit each other. Of course he kept driving, oblivious to the mayhem he caused behind him. Unfortunately, through all this, I came to find out that my friend only had liability insurance and her vehicle was totaled. The SFBO did a fundraiser and raised $600 dollars for me including $440 given to me by my boss who was impressed by the fact that I was sacrificing every thing so that my friend was not assed out. She felt it showed I had character, which caused her to have pity on me. I realized that my friend’s string of bad luck spilled over into my life the day she brought me her car. I know now not to ever drive anyone’s car. Also, I had already purchased my airfare to Philly and the ticket was non-refundable so my family and friends gave me another $200 so that I could eat while on my internship since I had gave $400+ to my friend’s car fund, emptying out my nest egg. Sidebar--I am currently looking for full time employment, if anyone in the Houston area know of any openings in a law firm or government agency please email me. After all that, I arrived 20 minutes late for my flight but the one of the workers took pity on me when he heard I was on my way to intern for Obama in Philly and now I am on my way. I am one of those people who refuse to freak out in the midst of grief and stress. I kept a level head and spun my wheels until things were taken care of. Hopefully, my friend will have a car by tomorrow so that she can return back to Austin and my life can return back to normal and I can begin to repay my family and friends what I owe them. New York The wonderful state of New York has sworn their 55th governor who happens to be their first black American governor and the first blind governor in this nation’s history. I find it quite amazing that black Americans are making history all over the place this year because of circumstances. First, Barack Obama and now, Gov. Patterson. I am amazed at how everyone in New York are opened to the possibility but also sadden that Gov. Spitzer represent the day of old politicians who did not practiced what they preached. This scandal is just another blemish on the American political history and another sore spot in the Clintons’ campaign. What people do not know is that Gov. Spitzer was a super delegate that supported Senator Clinton. He was forced to step down because of his $80,000 involvement in a prostitution ring. Which by the way was what he built his career on—that is, prosecuting government officials for their involvement in the seedy business of prostitution. I find it ironic but not unbelievable. Just a few years ago, we found out that Strom Thurman, a fanatical supporter of segregation and a self proclaim racist had a bi-racial—half black—daughter. I have come to find that those who are fanatical about particular things tend to be those who are guilty of indulging in those very, same sins. The one thing that did actually disturb me about this incident was how Gov. Spitzer’s wife stood by his side as he announced to the whole world that he is another man guilty of not only illegal dealings but also of humiliating his lovely wife who stands by him solemn and near tears. As a woman, this situation borders on abuse. I find it quite distasteful that he allowed her to stand there with him. Even if it were her idea, as a man of integrity—oh yeah he has proven that he lacks integrity-- he should have told his wife that this walk he had to walk alone and refrain from humiliating her further. 2 months ago the Gov. of Michigan did the same thing to his wife. It makes me ill, and believe me I can taste the bile in my mouth, that women in this country have not come much further from the women of the 1800’s who stood by their men no matter what. I need to step off of my soap box before I drown in the deep end, but needless to say this month has been rife with scandal. The good thing is we have another super delegate throwing his hat into the ring for Obama. Woohoo. Philadelphia, PA Currently, I am in Philly helping out with the campaign while on Spring break. I have met many people since I have been here. Took pictures with “Black Thought” at a student rally and took pictures of Caroline Kennedy when she came into the HQ to phone bank. I have had a rough and tumble ride in Philly. My luggage was lost by the airlines when I first got here. I had to spend $50 on my first day for cab fare because my ride had his car locked in the garage—he showed up too late to retrieve it. I have gotten sick and have had my debit card stolen by the security guard who frisked me at an event—I will never see it again, I had to cancel it—and was harassed by a wino on the train. Despite all this I have met the most brilliant of minds, although most of them were a bit narcissistic and micro-managing. I was especially moved by Sen. Obama’s speech on race last week. I liked the fact that he did not let anyone push him into a corner and pretty addressed an issue in this country that needed to be addressed for a long time. I was very proud that he did not throw his pastor under the bus but instead stood firm on his loyalty to the man while denouncing his words. I particularly loved the fact that he brought into the light the grievances that both whites and blacks feel toward each other and at the same saying to each respective groups that these grievances are real and need to be dealt with by working together. I shed a tear when I heard the “We are the ones song” two days ago for the first time—and I am not the least bit emotional--but seeing little Zoe Kravitz all grown up moved me. I almost swallowed my tongue when I saw Bill Richardson endorse Obama--now that's an interesting turn of events and was equally sadden that Michigan and Florida have to suffer and not allow their voices to be heard because the democratic party in their respective state did not stand up to their Republican councilmen when they moved the primaries up knowing full well that their democratic constituents would have to pay the price for it--of course this was done on purpose to cripple the democratic party. I am somewhat perturbed that Donna Brazile, Nancy Pelosi and Howard Dean have not put an end to this bickering between Clinton and Obama and pressure Hillary Clinton to end what is becoming a dirty campaign that has begun to split the democratic party. Let's end this nonsense and form a unified front and stop giving the Republicans ammunition against the front-runner. And for God's sake don't say on national TV that you think Sen. McCain would be a better C.I.C than the guy in your own party. And then say after discrediting him that you think that he would make a good VP--what? Everyone knows that Sen. Clinton cannot catch up to Obama's tally and what is up with her saying that the smaller states do not count--what is she going to be the President of the big states? What happened to running for the President of the United States? Interesting. Despite it all, this movement has proven time and again that when people unite as a stalwart front they will not and cannot be moved.

Barack's Speech on the Economy - 27 March 2008

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:10:21 EDT

Barack rises again to the occasion. People, I present to you... the next... President of the United States!

Bloomberg Introducing Obama at Tomorrow's Speech on the Economy

Dawn in Superstition Springs — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:57:45 EDT

(Also cross posted at DailyKos)

Tomorrow in Manhattan, Obama will be giving a speech on the economy, and Bloomberg will be introducing him. The Obama campaign says it is not an endorsement but that Bloomberg will have some nice things to say about Obama.

Not too long ago, Bloomberg made some very nice public statements about Obama's economic plan. He has also been saying that his endorsement is up for grabs between all three candidates.

Also, just came across a tidbit in another story on this:

In 2001, when Bloomberg was a politically untested businessman attempting a long-shot bid for City Hall, McCain endorsed the then little-known Republican.

"It's 3:AM, who would you like to answer the Bone?"

Cindy — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:55:37 EDT

Ok, time out, everybody. It actually IS 3:AM here in New York, and I'm a bit down.

The tension of the Bear Stearns debacle, tornado in Atlanta, crane crashing down on NYC buildings, economy in the crapper, Gov. Spitzer's demise, endless railings about Obama's Chicago preacher - all these have my teeth on edge.

So, time out for a little humor. We could all use some right about now.

Tonight's topic: NY Governor Elliot John Spitzer's demise. When the NYTimes posted a web article blowing open his secret sex life, so to speak, the NYPost quickly followed suit with an online contest to write the next morning's headline. People really had fun with it. Some were predictably filthy, some were uncommonly clever. Some even tried to faithfully imitate the Post's doo-dah headline style: "Headless Corpse in Topless Bar", doo-dah, doo-dah, "Coed Jogger Shot in Bed", oh, doo-dah day. You get the idea.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, is a selection of some of the (cleaner) submissions. My favorite was the one clearly from an Obama fan, riffing on the "who is more qualified to be president" theme.

HOOKED! (the winner, used by the NYPost the next morning)

End of the Line for Client #9

Luv Gov Faces Big Bust

It's 3 AM, who would you like to answer the bone?

Spitzer Nailed

Oh Ho He Didn't

ELLIOTT . . . Phone HO-mmme!

Gov's Wanky in Hanky Panky

Say it ain't HO

Client Number 9 in Deep Number 2

Sherriff of Wall Street Hooked

Elliot Mess

Diamonds Are The Guv's Best Friend

Hillary Blames Spitzer Scandal on Obama's Lack of Expertise

Spitzer's Hand Caught in Nookie Jar

Hook, Line and Spitzer

Ho-ston? We have a Problem

A HO Lotta Lovin' Goin' On

Emperor's Club Shut Down for Good. In other news, Chelsea Clinton unemployed.

That's Itz for Spitz!

Spitzer: The Lust Days

Spitzer Dis-GOV-ered

Going, Going, John!

New York Superdelegates - Where's Our Share?

Cindy — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:54:05 EDT

Obama won 40% of the Super Tuesday vote in NY, yet not a single NY superdelegate has pledged support for him. WHAT GIVES?

Not only did 40% of the vote go for Obama, but 45% of the vote right in Westchester County, Hillary's back yard, also went for Obama. Yet, according to the online CNN "Election Center" chart of superdelegates by state, not a single New York superdelegate has switched to Obama.

Why is that, I wonder?

Pick one: stupidity, racism, or fear.

My money's on fear. According to Hillary's "say it and gullible people will believe it" campaign rhetoric, this allegedly is "Hillary Country," and no doubt politicians fear the full weight of the Clinton machine on their heads should they be so bold as to switch. Does Hillary really have them so cowed? It's my feeling that, if even one of them had the courage to pledge for Obama, more would follow like a series of dominos. Yet nobody's uttering a peep.

I strongly believe that the superdelegates should reflect the popular vote. But here in New York, we're totally disenfranchised.

too many have been invisible for too long

jonathan | cvg — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:01:11 EDT

i saw a clip of hillary clinton's new hampshire victory speech... the state she won by 3%... i found a few quotes very interesting based on what she has alleged more recently about states that matter... "cherry-picking" states she has won as those voices that should be most heard.

"Too many have been invisible for too long. Well, you are not invisible to me."

"I intend to be that president, to be a president who puts you first"

"There will be no more invisible Americans."

"I invite you to come join us at Hillaryclinton.com."

so i did... i went to hillaryclinton.com, as i have done before when educating myself on her positions and false rhetoric. my first impression has always been that given the emphasis on technology and job creation... savings that are generated by technology to fund new programs...

the two remaining democrats' web sites present stark differences between obama and clinton. if this is the example of technology she offers, then no thanks. obama's web site runs circles around clinton's web site.

however, i was able to lift the above quotes from her newsroom tab. absurd. she promised only a couple months ago that people would not be "invisible." yet, clinton has dismissed the majority of states... claiming the big states are what matters. and you know, typically, the big states are all that a primary candidate can target due to shoestring budgets and hard resources such as people.

typically, the united states allows the large states to decide the presidential nominee for each political party. this is just one in many ways obama is turning the page on old politics and changing washington to represent the people. obama considers every state important and, incidentally, has won the majority of states by significant margins... often double digits. he has won the popular vote nationally as well as the most pledged delegates.

in spite of her previous position on this matter of "there will be no more invisible americans", senator clinton now asserts that the vast majority of states... the same states that voted against her or awarded her less delegates like texas... well... these states should be invisible and dismissed. although she won them largely by smaller margins of victory and the states clinton won yield second place in popular vote and pledged delegates nationally, the big states are the ones that count. typical.

along these lines, i received this fund raising email today from OBAMA FOR AMERICA:

"
It's tough to think of two states more different than Wyoming and Mississippi.

But we won Wyoming on Saturday, and we just learned that we won Mississippi by a large margin tonight.

Between those two states, we picked up enough delegates to erase the gains by Senator Clinton last Tuesday and add to our substantial lead in earned delegates. And in doing so we showed the strength and breadth of this movement.

But just turn on the news and you'll see that Senator Clinton continues to run an expensive, negative campaign against us. Each day her campaign launches a new set of desperate attacks.

They're not just attacking me; they're attacking you.

Over the weekend, an aide to Senator Clinton attempted to diminish the overwhelming number of contests we've won by referring to places we've prevailed as "boutique" states and our supporters as the "latte-sipping crowd."

I'm not sure how those terms apply to Mississippi and Wyoming -- or Virginia, Iowa, Louisiana, or Idaho for that matter.

I know that our victories in all of these states demonstrate a rejection of this kind of petty, divisive campaigning.

But the fact remains that Senator Clinton's campaign will continue to attack us using the same old Washington play book. And now that John McCain is the Republican nominee, we are forced to campaign on two fronts.

It's up to you to fight back.

https://donate.barackobama.com/themath

Thank you,

Barack
"

~ j

Spitzer: "Everything Changes on Day 1"

Taube — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:58:28 EDT

Parallels between NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer's 2006 campaign and Mrs. Clinton's current campaign extend beyond the Day 1 slogan.

Eliot Spitzer ran for governor in 2006 on inevitability, name recognition, his record for integrity, and success as NYS's Attorney General. Spitzer refused to debate his challenger for the Democratic nomination, Thomas Suozzi, a really well qualified fiscally responsible reformer from Nassau County, before the primary.

His accomplishments as Attorney General did not translate into success in his first year as Governor, primarily because of his inability to work with either party in the State Legislature, which is why calls for impeachment and impending resignation are in the news toady.

It seems inevitability, name recognition, money, and promising change on Day 1 do not necessarily translate into success.

New York Shock!!

Venkatesh — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:40:15 EDT

What a shocker from New York. One of the promising young stars of the Democratic Party looks like he's had his career cut short by his own indiscretion. The fact that he's apologized to his family in public leads me to believe that the allegations against him (of having solicited prostitution over the phone) are not without merit.

I don't want to pile on the guy (especially his family) at this trying time but I'll just say this: When a person carries around a holier-than-thou attitude, we need to be extra careful with placing our trust and confidence in him/her. We've seen it time and again in the past few years in the case of many republican congressmen and senators (Duke, Craig et al) and if anything, this goes to prove that such glaring weaknesses cross party lines. We the public, have to be very cautious before we elevate someone to a rock star status.

Whatever action Spitzer needs to take should be taken soon (within a week, I'd say), whether it be resigning or trying to clear his name.

Schadenfreude

Naomi — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:00:45 EDT

This post is part of my new tactic of using SAT words to boggle the reader. Look it up. :-)

I had intended to write today about the prospect of a mail-in caucus in Michigan and Florida. However, just a couple of hours before I got off work and had the opportunity to write I, like every other political news junky in America, was distracted by the news out of New York.

Just in case you have been living under a rock, Elliot Spitzer is under investigation for patronizing a high-end prostitution ring. The New York Times is reporting the feds have him on tape. He apologized today to his family and the voters.

So, I totally get that everybody loves a good sex scandal. I'm sure the therapists out there can tell us why that is, but I'm willing to accept that it is. I also totally get that this is "buzz worthy," and every blogger out there, particularly the political ones, are going to blog about it.

What I find truly appalling, however, is the tone of a lot of those blog posts, particularly here on the BarackObama.com site.

Hillary Demands Opponent Release Tax Returns

James Andre — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:50:43 EDT

Yes, you read it correctly. In her run for the Senate, Senator Clinton thought it was important for her opponent to disclose his financial records. I wonder what happened?

Article here.

Mental Shift

Mental Shift.news

A Point of Agreement

Lydia Allotey — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:30:49 EDT

There is a serious discussion in my home on what to do if Senator Barack Obama, the candidate that I am backing for the Presidency of the United States, does not win at the Democratic Convention, because of the votes of the “Super delegates”. My husband has told me he will vote for Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney if Hillary Clinton is nominated by the Democratic Party. I say that I would vote for Senator John McCain in such a case. My husband has pointed out to me that a vote for McCain would be a vote against myself! What a headache, I have just thinking about this state of affairs.

The one thing that is clear is that neither of us will vote for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton under any circumstances at all, as we do not trust her! The more my husband and I compared our recollections of the Clinton Presidency -- which she seems to be claiming was a co-Presidency -- the more annoyed we became thinking about how she is trying to ram herself into position as the only Democratic candidate that is of value and has “White House experience”.

The mortgage fiasco we are now facing is just one of the issues we have with her. During the presidency of William Jefferson Clinton, husband of the senator, the highest home ownership in the history of the country came about, due to the deregulation of the mortgage industry, which allowed the birth of the subprime market; yet, Mrs. Clinton has brushed her husband’s responsibility of this issue under the carpet and no one -- not one of the so called hard hitting journalist -- has asked her any questions about this!

In a campaign commercial Mrs. Clinton is running, she speaks of her readiness to handle any world crisis at 3:00AM. How come, if she is so savvy, so ready, did she not strongly advise her husband that we should not deregulate the mortgage industry to create this false platform for mega companies like Home Depot to be created practically overnight to take advantage of all these new home owners sitting on their powder kegs of volatile subprime mortgages? How come she did not tell her husband that this was improvident and wrong? How come she did not warn President Clinton not to allow the dream of millions of poor Americans of owning a share in the American Dream to be dashed by those seeking to increase their wealth at the expense of the poor? How come she did not make any effort to stop these lenders from preying on the public with their usurious double jeopardy interest rates? This is just one of the reasons why we cannot vote for Hillary Clinton, the “esteemed” senator from New York.

sabotaging america's most electable candidate: how you can help fight back

jonathan | cvg — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:13:01 EDT

TEXAS DELEGATE COUNT*
With the caucus count not yet complete, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are roughly even in delegates:

• Based on popular vote: Clinton, 65; Obama, 61

• Projected from caucuses: Clinton 30; Obama 37

• Superdelegates: Clinton 12; Obama 10; uncommitted 13

• Unofficial total: Clinton 107; Obama 108

*Projections were printed in the Houston Chronicle, a leading Texan paper

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

in an earlier blog, "the most delegates wins," i noted that this has been a delegate race since super tuesday. as it stands, obama has won the popular vote and delegate race nationally. even by winning a state, the delegate distribution is only helpful to clinton when the victories are marked by large margins as we have seen with OBAMA time and time again. tuesday was a wash for senator clinton thanks to vermont and texas who wisely gave obama the delegate lead, solidifying his advantage over clinton.

it is now mathematically improbable for clinton to beat obama on popular vote and pledged delegates. remember poor huckabee? she would have to average more than a 20 point lead in every state henceforth.

"let's get real." as she says. even in new york she only beat obama by 17 points... and she obviously had the advantage in new york.

the substantial margin of victory for OBAMA in wyoming has already shown clinton has little chances of catching up. however, it doesn't mean she won't throw punches with her eyes wide shut.

moreover, i believe that with the last two weeks of tactics on the part of clinton, she is in the pocket of big business and the establishment for a reason. undoubtedly, hillary clinton is more like joe lieberman than barack obama is like kenneth star. hillary has essentially, endorsed john mccain this past week speaking highly of his experience (which, by the way, trumps her own). senator clinton raped senator obama's record of leadership and left nothing but one great anti-war speech.

in fact, she has reached an all-new low. she is going down with a fight and she's willing to implode the party to ensure she has the opportunity to rerun in 2012. in 2004, the media began reporting that some within the party believed that the kerry/edwards campaign was being sabotaged in order to pave the way to the 08 clinton campaign. at that time, i believed it. and i am confident of it now.

i choose to believe that the democratic party is incapable of the utter incompetence inherent in pushing forth the poorly devised, inconsistent messaging and lack of structure that crippled kerry/edwards. let's "get real" as hillary clinton would advise. kerry was defeated by an otherwise easy candidate to beat at that time. many of you might not understand my marketing perspective. the best and most entertaining way for me to explain is to highly recommend that you watch the 2006 documentary, "so goes the nation." this documentary brought to life many of my complaints about the kerry compaign and points i made late last year when i forecasted OBAMA FOR AMERICA making a strong showing. http://imdb.com/title/tt0432337/

clinton is counting on americans being niave, uneducated, or simply complacent. unfortunately, some of us have looked past the fact that most of the clinton/obama policy proposals are 95% highly similar. unfortunately, some of us have delve into the details of both resumes and see a record of admirable, effective, consistent leadership from obama. unfortunately, some of us consider character.

if there was any doubt, as i have always tried to leave her the benefit of my doubt... she demolished all doubt. in one of my blogs, i wrote if she failed to gain significant pledged delegates and even the playing field on march 4, then clinton should step aside to express her love for america is greater than her own self-ambition... she should recognize that a transformative voice we have been waiting for has surfaced and finally millions of americans finally agree that our nation must move forward into the 21st century and the time for change is now.

the only thing clinton accomplished on march 4 and by her continued attacks has been splitting the democratic party and allowing mccain to get a head start with the resources that have become available to him as the official party nominee. clinton must pull something pretty underhanded to make america's most electable candidate begin loosing by more than 20 points. but, if anyone can manage debauchery, i trust that candidate would be senator clinton.

therefore, while superdelegates will likely vote with the popular vote and the candidate with the most pledged delagates won... let's not assume that clinton is incapable of something so shocking as allowing the florida supreme court to decide the president of the united states in spite of who really won the most votes that year.

unless revotes are allowed in florida and michigan, superdelegates will be needed to nominate obama. as i said, it is mathematically improbable for clinton to win fairly from pledged delegates because she couldn't win by 20+ points even in new york and she lost in wyoming already. this is one reason clinton is gearing up to seat michigan and florida without revotes.

clinton understands revote results would inevitably diminish margins within both states in OBAMA's favor and weaken her ability to prolong the contest. after all, obama was not even listed on the michigan ballot. by not agreeing to revotes, she prevents OBAMA from meeting the minimum requirement (assuming she wins or splits pennsylvania) to win the nomination before the convention... when the superdelegates could then award him the nomination. why does it matter to her? mccain has gained a head start with the resources that have become available to him as the official party nominee. OBAMA can not gain the resources of the democratic party until he meets that minimum delegate requirement, and therefore, is named the offical party nominee.

based on her current plan of attack and positions on the issues at hand, what truly frightens me has been that clinton would rather sabotage america's most electable candidate and retain the open door to rerun in 2012 than to see her life's ambition slip by... to be the first female president.

she took her gloves off last friday. she is now throwing punches with her eyes wide shut.

god save the democratic party.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

let's take no chances; let's not underestimate our opponent.

contact your state's superdelegates immediately. i found the resource for identifying the known superdelegates from the democratic party's web site (http://dnc.org/a/convention_2008/delegate/).

CLICK HERE:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/apache.3cdn.net/03932e1b8eb6b12c62_cdm6bnnf7.pdf

godspeed.

~ j

Waiting for the Returns

Alicia Lingle — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:35:32 EST

The press is really beating up on Barack. It is so bias. Clinton led by 20 points in Texas and Ohio two weeks ago, now, if she wins by two points, it will be a great victory! Plus, what type of campaign considers it is a victory that what they achieve is that will be able to continue on and attempt to steal the nomination and give the Republicans the White House? Finally, the argument that Clinton carried the "big" states. Does anyone believe that in the general election Barack will not win New York, California, New Jersey, Washingtion, etc.? I guess we need to be patient. Barack has the elected delegates clinched, so only dirty tricks will give Clinton the nomination. And if that happens, I will be sitting at home on election night.

Thoughts from March 3rd

Erick — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:21:15 EST

1.) Evan Handler (known by many for his current role on the TV show 'Californication') explains candidly why he is for Obama, after voting for HRC in February. Handler attacks her 3AM ad, and does something he didn't see coming . . .stand up for Obama.

Here is an excerpt :

". . . Senators Clinton and Obama were asked during their most recent debate whether they'd come to regret any votes they've cast while holding public office. I have a regret to confess to. When I voted in the California primary less than four weeks ago, I pulled the lever for Senator Clinton. I now believe I was wrong. If Senator Obama had carried California the contest might be over by now. I hope the people of Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont will make better choices than I did last month, and settle the race decisively -- before Senator Clinton has the chance to do more damage in her quest to protect us while we sleep. I've come to trust the candidate who's encouraging us to wake up, and to protect ourselves - even, if need be, from our own government. . . ."

READ it ALL at - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/evan-handler/i-cant-believe-im-stand_b_89448.html

Two more of the million: Patty and Kent in New York

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:39:26 EST

We're almost at one million donors...

Meet Patty and Kent from New York, two more of the million grassroots supporters speaking up for change:

My husband and I became active in politics 20 years ago when we were the “youth vote”! We have always campaigned hard for the candidate we agreed with the most. But over time it was hard not to become cynical. Clinton’s impeachment, Bush v. Gore, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina—everywhere you looked, the divides between rich and poor, black and white, red state and blue were so vast, the national discourse so highly charged, it left little hope for understanding or coming together between people who disagreed.

As a multicultural family we have always maintained hope that as more people of differing backgrounds fully embraced and joined to raise children together, we would begin to heal the divisions in this country. When we saw the people of Iowa standing up for Barack Obama, we realized the time is now.
...Our small group of neighbors put up lawn signs, made buttons, called our friends, wrote letters to the newspaper, held a "Honk for Hope" rally, and before you knew it, our small group was no longer small--we were on local television, the local newspaper endorsed Obama citing the groundswell of support in the community, our Democratic district leaders endorsed him, and on Super Tuesday, we got 3 delegates for Obama out of our congressional district. Students from the local high school not old enough to vote volunteered. Wearing my Obama buttons (hand-made "Obama-Mama '08" and "Imagine Peace: Obama '08") has opened up many interactions and conversations with people from all walks of life.

We have now seen first-hand the power that each of us holds if we let our apathy and our discouragement go, and dare to reach for what we truly want and deserve. The media questions whether the fervent devotion Obama is generating will fade. I maintain it will only grow stronger, because it is not idolatry that people are experiencing--it is empowerment.

As an Asian-American woman, I am familiar with the "glass ceiling" that we would like to break through for gender and for race. But more than any ceiling above, what I (and many of my generation) have felt much more oppressively in our lifetimes are the walls between us. Barack Obama takes what was seemingly impossible and makes it suddenly, breathtakingly, possible. Let’s stand with Barack Obama, and let's take down these walls. Yes, we can.

Even if it's $10, every bit counts, so please join Patty and Kent and help us get to one million grassroots donors:

And you can help out with another important goal -- one million calls to voters in upcoming states by March 4th. Pick up the phone today!

Please send us your statements of support with a picture to Blog@BarackObama.com -- or upload a video stating your support to YouTube and email us the link.

A Tough Decision: Obama v.s. Clinton

Swatee from Bellevue, WA — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:50:30 EST

If you know of people who are undecided, please forward this post to them. They may find it helpful.....

25 February 2008 - Issue : 770

Many Americans face a critical decision in the upcoming state-wide democratic primaries. The world is watching the US as it stands a decisive juncture. With Barack Obama a rare confluence, one which I believe parallels great leaders, of experience, judgment, compassion, and insight has compelled me to be a firsttime advocate and share my journey through a difficult choice.

As a first generation Indian- American woman I reluctantly voted for Bush in 2000. Profoundly disappointed in the current state of my country, I have searched for a candidate with effective skills to be commander-in-chief, respect the position of President, an understanding the everyday struggles of people, and genuine desire to make improvements. I have found that candidate within Senator Barack Obama.

Living in both New York and Illinois when both candidates launch their respective first US Senate bid, I critically evaluated both nominees. I have no doubt that both are passionate about bettering this country. I have struggled with, "How will each candidate bring about this change? Who will be the most effective?" Effectiveness includes experience. Obama has been criticised for not having enough. Preeta Bansal special counsel in the Clinton White House and Justice Department, in her endorsement of Obama, highlights that his experience mirrors that of another Illinois leader, Abraham Lincoln.

Bill Clinton's 1992 response to questions of his own perceived inexperience was, "The same old experience is irrelevant….mine is rooted in the real lives of real people... it will bring real results if we have the courage to change." I find Obama's experience rooted in the right kind of experience. His desire to help and enlighten people is authentic. Obama has been consistently involved with his community and has encouraged people to be change agents. After studying International Relations, he spent years as a community organiser, a difficult job in one of the most economically depressed areas of Illinois, and as a civil rights lawyer. Simultaneously he was an active member in the Illinois state legislature and taught constitutional law for 11 years at one of most world renowned law schools in the country. As an alumna of the University of Chicago I know of the critical independent judgment the school emphasises. He has demonstrated his critical independent judgment most notably with stance against the war in Iraq.
In contrast, Clinton's experience in public office began by relocating to NY months before announcing her candidacy for a seat being vacated by a retiring senator. She was not involved in state activities prior to her announcement.

Effectiveness is also about how you get results. Obama has earned a reputation of being a unifier, a necessary prerequisite to bridge gaps across diverse groups, including evangelicals, independents, and conservatives. Clinton's campaign is executed with a disappointingly win-at-all-cost approach with no regard of the long-term impact. On her watch, prominent Clinton supporters, such as Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, continue to make racial remarks without condemnation. Recall, Clinton's swift rebuke of MSNBC for a statement regarding her daughter that people under-40 would not find offensive. So I am left to wonder.

Lastly it is about who can motivate this country and impact change. Reflecting upon the primary race, Senator Obama has energised and motivated people to get involved with the democratic process and has stopped the consistent wave of apathy that has blanketed the country. I've met throngs of people who represent the world in ethnicity, age, and religion who been moved to become first-time participants in the democratic process because they had found a candidate who understands them. After 34 years, my Indian-American mother now actively supports a candidate. This is an important earmark and one that underscores his desire to empower people to become the change they want to see.

NYC Mayor calls it "fraud"

C Dornfeld — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:54:15 EST

According to a story in the New York Post yesterday New York City Mayor Bloomberg charged that “fraud” was behind the unofficial results in the New York Democratic presidential primary.

Reported last weekin the New York Times, numerous precincts showed no votes for Obama with Hillary Clinton receiving all of the votes. The initial investigation by the Times uncovered dozens of districts with “significant under-counting”. Unofficial tallies on election night gave Obama no votes in 78 different election districts.

“If you want to call it significant under-counting, I guess that’s a euphemism for fraud,” said the mayor.

Homestate Advantage Talking Points

Gerry Filippatos — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:09:08 EST

You want to know about someone ... ask his or her neighbors. Barack won his childhood home state of Hawaii by 52% (76% to 22%) and he won his adult home state of Illinois by 32% (65% to 32%). Illinois, which Hillary lost by 32%, also has the distinction of being her childhood home state, where she grew up through high school. Moreover Hillary's combined margin of victory in her two adult home states -- New York and Arkansas -- is only 30.5%. She won New York by only 17% (57% to 40%) and Arkansas, where she was first lady of the state for 12 years, by 44% (70% to 26%) Thus, Hillary's combined average margin of victory for her home states (9.7%) pales in comparison to Barack's (42%).

Barack was robbed votes in New York

Manda — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:40:43 EST

The title says it all. The official title from the New York Times: Unofficial Tallies in City Understated Obama Vote.

The fraud is unreal. Seriously, this is just messed up. How could anyone believe that Barack got 0 votes in Harlem? The only bright spot is that this election hasn't been certified yet so there could be a delegate increase for Barack.

Here is the link to the story. Pass on and share with all supporters!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/nyregion/16vote.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

New York Primary Results Questioned

Karen S, Cleveland OH — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:38:21 EST

In a story originally reported in the New York Times, the New York Sun reports that the Elections Board is facing greater scrutiny over the election results reported on February 5th.

The Sun reports, "About 80 election districts in New York initially reported that Mr. Obama received no votes, but tallies released later from the Board of Elections showed that the Illinois senator did collect votes in some of those districts." One of those districts included Harlem.

...A former parks commissioner and director of New York Civic, Henry Stern, said he thinks the election workers who misstated the number of votes Mr. Obama collected on Super Tuesday should be fired or, at the very least, fined.

"It's certainly a more serious offense than a parking ticket to give any candidate no votes. Doesn't matter if it's Hillary or Obama. Such incompetence should result in some sanction, but it's highly unlikely it will happen because the whole Board of Elections is so lame," he said.

...Richard Dadey, the executive director of Citizens Union, an advocacy group working with Mr. Bloomberg to reform the Board of Elections, said the discrepancies are "crying for an investigation" and raise "serious concerns about the way in which votes are tabulated in New York and points to either serious mistakes being made or incompetence by personnel collecting and tabulating the votes." "The fact that this presidential race is so close and this is Hillary's home state raises questions that need to be asked about what exactly happened," he said.

_____________________

I think this is a serious issue. As Obama supporters we also support integrity and transparency. I urge everyone to publish this information with The Sun's url to every blog you use. THIS is the kind of story the media needs to raise questions about. The url is:

www.nysun.com/article/71438?page_no=1

New York is performing a recount

Vin — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:05:58 EST

The NY Post is reporting a recount is being performed. This is a big deal because some districts were previously reporting landslide victories for Clinton. I'm not going to start claiming there's something shady going on... but I think our man might pick up some more delegates from Hillary's adopted home.

I had a chance to vote for Barack & Hillary before

Swatee from Bellevue, WA — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:02:24 EST

Many of you are facing a very important decision in your state with the upcoming democratic primary. Because our country is at a critical juncture and I see a rare confluence of experience, judgment, compassion, and insight, that I believe parallel some of the great leaders of this world, I have been motivated to become an advocate and I feel compelled to share my journey through this difficult choice.

I am an unlikely individual to write on the behalf any candidate. Growing up, my family’s participation in the democratic process consisted of voting at the national and state elections. Now for the first time in her 34 years in this country, my Indian-American mother will make calls for one of the candidates. If you would have told me in early February that I would actively campaigning for one of the presidential candidates and become a delegate, I couldn’t fathom it.

I am a first generation Indian-American woman who voted for Bush in 2000, even though I didn’t agree with many of his positions. I am profoundly disappointed in what has happened to our country since that time and I have found myself searching for a candidate who has the skills to be an effective commander-in-chief, who respects the position of President, who truly understands the struggles of everyday people, and genuinely wants to make this country a better place. And I have finally found a candidate within Senator Barack Obama.

What kind of magic does Sen. Obama have? He doesn’t talk about any policy specifics and all he seems to do is fill up stadiums with fanatical people. Is this guy for real? If you look at his actions, the short answer is yes.

I’d like to share my perspectives with you as someone with a unique vantage point. Since I lived in New York and Illinois when both candidates launch their respective first U.S Senate bid, I had the unique opportunity to critically evaluate both nominees. Recently, I have attended talks from both candidates during their current presidential bid. I have no doubt that both are passionate about changing this country for the better. But I have struggled with, “How will each candidate bring about this change? Who will be the most effective?”

Part of effectiveness is experience. Obama has been criticized for not having enough experience. Comparing the candidates, I find Obama’s experience rooted in the right kind of experience. His desire to help and enlighten people is authentic. Preeta Bansal pointed out, in her endorsement of Obama that his experience mirrors that of another Illinois leader, Abraham Lincoln. In 1992 Bill Clinton, when answering questions of his own perceived inexperience said, "The same old experience is irrelevant….mine is rooted in the real lives of real people, and it will bring real results if we have the courage to change.” After studying International Relations, he spent years as a community organizer - a difficult job in one of the most economically depressed areas of Illinois. After attending Harvard Law, he returned to Chicago and continued to work for the community as a civil rights lawyer. Simultaneously he was an active member in the Illinois State legislature and taught constitutional law for 11 years at one of most world renowned law schools in the country. Being an alumna of the University of Chicago I have directly experienced the critical independent judgment the school emphasizes in its teachings. He has demonstrated his critical independent judgment most notably with stance against the war in Iraq. In contrast, Sen. Clinton’s experience in public office began by bidding for the New York state Senate seat that was being vacated by a retiring Sen. Patrick Monyihan. She re-located to the state only a few months before announcing her candidacy and had not been involved with any state activities prior to the announcement.

Effectiveness is also about how you get results. Obama has earned a reputation of being a unifier. And that is standing that is necessary to bridge gaps across diverse groups, including evangelicals, independents, and conservatives. Looking at Sen. Clinton’s current execution of her campaign, it disappointingly seems that it continues to be a win-at-all-cost approach with no regard of the long-term impact. I hoped the references to race and other personal attributes had ended at South Carolina. Sadly Clinton supporters, such as Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, continue to make racial remarks without rebuke from Clinton’s campaign. One of the main responsibilities of a leader is to set the tone within their organization. While I appreciate that Sen. Clinton may not be able to control what people say, in such a high-stake campaign, a candidate’s staff is very aware of what is being said and who is saying it. And while Sen. Clinton hasn’t made such remarks directly, they have come from her staff and supporters on her watch. This is the same candidate who swiftly rebuked MSNBC for a statement regarding her daughter that people under-40 would not find offensive. So I am left to wonder. And yet I have yet to hear similar personal attacks from the Obama camp. Clinton has a consistent, perhaps unfair reputation, as being divisive. Sadly the tactics above, perhaps unintentionally, underscore this.

The recent events also bring up a question of judgment and confidence for me. Doesn’t Sen. Clinton believe in herself? Why is she resorting to the tactics of a bad comedienne who believes that the only way she can get a response from an audience is to appeal to the lowest common denominator and bring up race or sex. It’s particularly disappointing because Sen. Clinton is qualified so that she doesn’t need to resort to such devices.

Lastly it is about who can motivate this country and impact change. When I reflect upon the primary race, Sen. Obama has energized and motivated people to get involved with the democratic process and has stopped the consistent wave of apathy that has blanketed the country. To me this is an important earmark and one that underscores his desire to empower people to become the change they want to see. I’ve met throngs of people who represent the world in ethnicity, age, and religion that are moved to participate for the first time in this process because they had found a candidate who understood them. Recently, I overheard three white teenage suburban boys at a gas station excitedly talking about their hopes that Obama would be elected. My friends from both parties have thanked me for motivating them to participate in their parties’ elective process. I can’t recall the last time someone has been able to bring such divergent groups of people together. It is because of all these factors that I find Sen. Obama with a sense of authenticity, experience, judgment, skill, maturity, and courage that I believe is needed and required to lead this country for the next 4 years.

Swatee Surve

41st Legislative District Delegate, Washington State

How New York Counts Votes

Taube — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:10:44 EST

Mayor Mike never was a poll worker. New York still uses the old mechanical lever machines. Your Election District/Assembly District (ED/AD) is one machine at the precinct polling place. As soon as the polls close, one poll worker for that ED/AD visually checks the counter on the side of the machine and then calls a special number and VERBALLY reads in the results to a person who enters the VERBAL information into a spreadsheet to accumulate tallies.

Then all the machines are sealed and a truck comes to pick them up and return them to the centers where the actual vote tallies are recorded off the machines. I don't know exactly who does what at that stage but it has to be manual. So, it sounds like some poll workers didn't do their job right in calling in the results and now that the actual counts are coming in, these discrepancies between the VERBAL call-in and ACTUAL machine count are coming out.

The NYT published election results by precinct (cumulative EDs in that polling place) in map form on February 7. There were precincts that went to "Other Democrat" scattered all over the five boroughs. I assume that was the Edwards vote. Theoretically, you could organize one or two high rise buildings and take a precinct because voter turnout is low in NYC which is gerrymandered to keep incumbents in power.

Also, Working Families Party has strong support in NYC (hurrah for Dan Cantor!) but if you are registered to WFP, you cannot vote in a Democratic/Republican primary. I was surprised at my polling place to be asked at the machine whether I was voting Democrat or Republican because the poll worker had to push a button on the side of the machine - but I am sure that I would not have been allowed to get that far if I had actually been registered with WFP. I vote their line in general elections to both signal my frustration with Dem party politics in the Bronx and remind the Democrats to also pay attention to economic security issues.

NY allocates delegates proportionally by Congressional District. Obama won three CDs outright and kept the margin close in a few others including my 17thCD: a 54/46 split with 33% African and Caribbean-Americans and 23% Latino. He did better in New York than HRC did in Illinois, her home state.

Who really won New York?

Marenda — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 12:17:48 EST

How is it possible that Barack Obama had zero votes in Harlem? I know that Harlem has gone through some gentrification but it's still considered a "Black" district. If trends are correct in that Barack Obama is getting 90% of the Black vote how then did he manage to get 0 votes in Harlem? Evidently there is a problem with the arithmetic and/or some suspect activities are taking place.

The race does not always go to the swift...

Julie Hensley — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:37:19 EST

but in this year's election it may not go to the right either at this rate.

Have you heard of the voting miscounts in New York AND New Mexico? Human error and other unbiased sources are put to blame but so far I don't see any reference that these errors potentially diminished HRC's count...only Barack's.

I HATE hate even thinking that such corruption would be so routine as to take place in two states within days of each other. I hate thinking what it implies about my faith in human nature. I wish I believed that Hillary Clinton had more moral fiber,courage and humanity than to be so focused on winning that she considers herself entitled to the conquest regardless of the price. I have been thinking that it's possible that is who she is and at the same time praying that I am underestimating her and plain wrong. Then it says more about me.. the quandary continues and within it... a nation, a world and an election hangs in the balance. I am not suggesting violent revolutions or protests or riots but this election must allow the voice of the people to be heard. Everyday I have more and more faith that by the time of November, Obama could win handily as people are forced to hear and be told by their friends and family more of what Obama is about and to be reminded of what we could be. It's too much of a shock for some. A long held faith in establishment might prevent any ability to acknowledge such possibility...and yet, if they could go back to an era when they could still imagine and hope, how powerful the statement this November could be!

But, if votes are not properly tallied..it will be a stolen election. I wouldn't deign to suggest such a thing except that we all know it has happened before and the courage necessary to fight the theft was lacking. I do not blame Al Gore who chose to bow out and help keep a situation from devolving further but I think we understand more now about the lengths some will go...and we need to be prepared for them to go to those lengths again this year and we need to make it clear that WE won't tolerate it. WE - people, citizens, voters - are the only Army, the only real power in this country but we've forgotten that. Isn't it time we reminded EVERYONE?

At this point.. a vote for Obama is a vote for us. For you and me and everyone who is willing to be part of the work and sweat and effort to realize the change we are seeking.

We have to help the people around us see that there are options other than the 'establishment' and status quo. That if they don't trust 'career politicians' they need to quit electing them and suddenly make experience the overriding issue. It means virtually nothing.

What is 'experience' worth in the hands of the person that will abandon their principles in the face of expediency (the gays know of what I speak, Bill Clinton immediately forgot about his promise to the issue of gays in the military. He didn't fight for it.. expediency). Hillary, did she really believe in the Iraq war being a reasonable war? I doubt it..but she wasn't up to the pressure she would get for voting against it at the time. How can we have a president that would be so willing to watch Americans be killed because they don't have the courage to stand up on their principle. Oh wait, I forgot...that is what we have now.

Will the label of Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal really matter if we trade one President who is casual about the impact of their decisions because their only real concern regarding their decisions is about monetary enrichment of their family and friends for one who has a concern for creating a historic legacy but without needing to take the high road unless it is expedient. Neither position seems to concern itself with values like humanity, integrity or compassion or even truth. I fail to see a real difference and within a year or so everyone would be disgusted again, entering the cycle of ... 'all politicians are worthless I wish we could get rid of the lot of them' and the irony is that the chance exists..NOW.

Voter Fraud?

Sebastian — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:36:37 EST

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/nyregion/16vote.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

This is becoming a very real issue. We've heard the same in New Jersey, and Mr. Kucinich was actually getting a recount. We can't possibly hire someone who would knowingly cheat to win. It makes her look like someone trying to win a competition instead of wanting to lead and help their people.

Is winning more important than being able to lead?

Please Discuss

http://www.myspace.com/sebastiansworld

Vote Irregularities in New York?

C Dornfeld — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:22:08 EST

The New York Times has a very interesting articledrawing attention to some very unusual vote count irregularities in New York. Some of the most striking examples are election areas that first reported to be sweeps for Clinton are now showing significant uncounted votes for Obama that could change the delegate count in New York in favor of Obama…

In the Harlem district, for instance, where the primary night returns suggested a 141 to 0 sweep by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, the vote now stands at 261 to 136. In an even more heavily black district in Brooklyn — where the vote on primary night was recorded as 118 to 0 for Mrs. Clinton — she now barely leads, 118 to 116.

Although the article is careful to draw any conclusions about intentional wrong-doing, the quotes from the people involved with the process and the data speaks for itself…

But Gordon J. Davis, a former New York City parks commissioner and an Obama poll watcher in the district, remained skeptical, even after being informed of the corrected count.

“First it was reported at 141 to 0, now it’s 261 to 136 in an Assembly district that went 12,000 to 8,000 for Barack,” Mr. Davis said on Friday.

“I was watching like a hawk, but how did I know the machine had a mind of its own?” he added. “And I speak as one who grew up on the South Side of Chicago where we delivered the margin of victory for John F. Kennedy at 4 in the morning.”

At the sprawling Riverside Park Community apartments at Broadway and 135th Street, Alician D. Barksdale said she had voted for Mr. Obama and her daughter had, too, by absentee ballot.

“Everyone around here voted for him,” she said.

The 53rd Assembly District, in Brooklyn, is represented by the borough’s Democratic chairman, Assemblyman Vito P. Lopez, another Clinton supporter. He said the party faithful have produced lopsided margins of as much as 160 to 4 and that on Primary Day he fielded election captains in every district to galvanize Hispanic voters for Mrs. Clinton.

“We ran it the old-fashioned way,” he said. Still, he said, the 118 to 0 vote “has to be a mistake.”

MISSING VOTES IN NYC!!!

DaveNY1979 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:16:29 EST

Help get the word out! Send this article to your friends, family, and other Obama supporters!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/nyregion/16vote.html

The New York Times reports on the MISSING OBAMA VOTES IN NYC! In numerous precincts, Obama was reported to have ZERO votes on election night, but now that they're being inspected, the machines are showing HUNDREDS of votes having been cast for him!!! Until this is resolved, this should be a big fat asterisk next to Clinton's New York win!!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/nyregion/16vote.html

See, New York? We did even better in her backyard than they let us know!!!

Pass It On: Spanish Language Phonebanking

Sarah Ramey — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:34:20 EST

Angela is a Mexican-American working mom, originally from Texas.

Now she lives in New York, but when she got involved with the Obama campaign, she immediately saw that there could be a real connection between New Yorkers and Texans, especially in the Latino community. So she set to work establishing a purely grassroots network connecting Spanish speakers in Harlem to Spanish speakers in Texas -- and now there is a vibrant flow of communication between New York for Obama and Texas for Obama, including a very active phonebanking community that uses the Spanish Language phonebanking tool to make hundreds of calls every day.

When we talked to Angela, she said an interesting thing:

There is nothing really extraordinary about my story. On a typical day, after a long day at the office, cooking dinner, helping my son with his homework and doing the laundry, I fight my way through my own personal exhaustion as a working Mom and commit myself to phonebanking online for Obama to Spanish speaking voters. It has been one the the most rewarding experiences I have ever had because it has allowed me to connect with other Latinos across the country on a personal level and make a difference in this campaign.

But it's so clear: this is an extraordinary story. This is part of the larger extraordinary story of overwhelming numbers of regular grassroots Americans who are coming together for a common purpose. Everyone agrees: the time has come to get America back on track. This is what he means when Senator Obama says, "Nothing can stand in way of millions of voices calling for change."

Here is the rest of Angela's inspiring story:

I have never been involved in a political campaign before, because until now, I have never felt inspired to believe that my voice counted and that real change was possible. As a Latina, Barrack Obama makes me believe that anything and everything is possible if you have hope and a willingness to work hard for it.
I support Barrack Obama because I believe that he brings to the table real solutions to the issues that are important to Hispanic families: afforable universal health coverage, the opportunity to achieve your educational goals, an end to the Iraq war, and an opportunity to have a voice and a role in determining your country's future.
My decision to become involved in Obama's campaign came shortly after a conversation I had with my son after we watched Obama's victory speech in Iowa. He said, "Mom, do you really think that he could be president someday?" I volunteer my time in this campaign because I want to be able to say, "Yes, he can...and so can you." The ability to achieve whatever we dream without limits or barriers is a gift we should be able to give all of our children from all racial, gender and socio-economic backgrounds.

This is just one voice -- of millions -- who truly believe the same thing.

We can have change in this country, real change, if we have hope and we're willing to work for it.

So it's time to get working! Pleas join Angela and help reach out to the Spanish speaking community in Texas. Your call -- having a real live person on the other end of the phone who cares deeply about Barack Obama's candidacy -- makes a huge difference.

We have a goal of 110,000 calls by Tuesday to all the upcoming states.

We can do this.

To make calls in Spanish, click here.

To make calls in English, click here.

And Angela is right on: make the call, and then pass on the phonebanking tool to any Spanish speakers you know. This has always been the case: the more we network, the more we come together, the more we connect -- the more successful this campaign becomes.

Pass it on.

J-J Dinner, Silly New Yorkers, Schuster Boost, Bayou Bounce

Keith from North Royalton — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:35:08 EST

-The only way yesterday could have been better would have been if Barack had had a less mediocre warm up act at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner. No, I don't mean Gov. Paine, he was great (if anything a bit too rowdy for the chief executive of a Commonwealth!). Rather, that blonde woman in the brown jacket. Hmph. My wife thinks they brought her up because she resembles Andrew Jackson, but I told her no, don't be silly, Democrats don't actually admire Jackson, they're just sort of stuck with him, like the more enlightened Romans were stuck with the knowledge that they were descendents of the raped Sabine Virgins. No one would actually want to go back to the psychotic politics of Jackson, I said, so she must have been there mainly for contrast.

-I think one 0f the legacies of this campaign year will be the failure of what must in total be called the New York strategy. First Guiliani, then Bloomberg, and now Hillary are all sitting out primaries with the hope of being declared by acclamation when they finally make their appearance (or reappearance). Commentators keep saying that there's no bounce from primary wins this year, but that doesn't mean there's hasn't been a thud from huge losses. If Guiliani had been respectable in the first six states, Florida might have held up, but it was the size of his defeats that made him look correspondingly small. And boy, Hillary looked pretty small yesterday. Odd as it seems, a loss in Maine (Maine!) today could be the end of Hillary.

-I think that all this Schuster-MSNBC stuff could be great for Obama. It shows how sensitive the Clinton's are about silly things, her demand that he basically be fired shows she's willing to crush someone over a single failure to be PC, which is one of the least attractive traits of modern America, and her willingness to adandon the debate in Cleveland, the city hit hardest or nearly so by the recent housing crisis, gives Obama a great chance to demand she focus on Cleveland's problems, maybe sit down with Mayor Jackson and affected homeowners, have an Emergency Townhall, and really position himself on the right side of this issue, and in the right way (and the right side of this issue is where Mayor Jackson is standing, against the banks and Wall Street).

-He should also make a speech, or add some lines to his stump, emphasizing the Louisiana Primary win. This was not a normal primary. What happened yesterday was an American state, in the worst shape of any state possibly since the depression, and infrastructure-wise since Reconstruction, choose the person it wants to bring it back into the fold, to erase the alignation and shame and abandonment it has felt over the last two years, and that person is Barack Obama.

New Yorkers Stand for Change

Tim Foley — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:03:06 EST

From Buffalo to Albany to Westchester to Long Island, New York Obama supporters have been doing their part to get out the vote in the Empire State this weekend and throughout the morning and afternoon.

A weekend rally in Albany.

Be a part of the movement! There's still time!

Polls are open until 9 pm tonight. Look up your polling location and vote for Barack!

500 at a New York Women for Obama rally this weekend.

There's one last chance to help! We have had a great morning of talking to voters outside poll sites across the state. If you're in New York City, please join us after work at one of our staging locations.

Volunteers on the Upper West Side this morning.

Obama volunteers work steadfastly in the NY State Headquarters...

...in spite of the din from the parade celebrating the New York Giants Super Bowl win outside. (Yes, we had people holding signs in the crowd.)

TIMES SQUARE RALLY Feb 2

Ryan — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:14:49 EST

MTV, FOX, ABC, and AP covered times square rally Saturday Febuary 2nd

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gC3nGbrDABs

Make Calls for Change

Tim Foley — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:52:56 EST

What's the only thing better than the Giants winning the Superbowl?

Barack Obama becoming the next President of the United States!

The day before the primary is a crucial time for us to call supporters and remind them to vote. Help elect Barack Obama by attending a phone banking party Monday any time during the day and especially from 6pm to 9pm. All you need is a phone and a computer to help us identify voters who believe in real change.

If you're in New York City, find the phone bank nearest you.

If you're outside the City, we're having phone bank parties in various locations, including local field offices.

It you cannot make any of these locations, please email calls@newyorkobama.com -- we'll set you up with an account so that you can make calls from home.

Fired up in Olean, NY

McKean County — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 19:46:23 EST

Today I attended a rally with some Obama supporters I met here on the website. It was a lot of fun, and despite the fact that the city is in a state where Hillary was elected senator, and despite Olean's reputation as Republican or "red" stronghold, we got a lot of Honks and enthusiasm. I met some great people and am ever more fired up and ready to go for Barack Obama! (In the picture, I'm the one on the far right)

Join the Movement

Tim Foley — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:39:12 EST

Super Tuesday and the New York Primary are only two days away. One thing is for certain -- in two days' time, New Yorkers are ready to stand for change. This video submitted by Jacob, a grassroots volunteer, captures the mood in the Big Apple.

You can still volunteer on Primary Day. If you can't give us the whole day, we need you first thing in the morning and again after work.

We need volunteers in key areas to show their support for Barack and talk to New York voters one last time before they hit the polls. RSVP with to primary@newyorkobama.com with (1) your neighborhood/city, (2) your contact information, and (3) the hours that you can help us on Tuesday. By Monday morning, we will contact you with a meeting place and time. Let's make some history. Yes We Can!

Jonathan Chalmers Endorses Barack Obama for President

Jonathan — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:39:59 EST

Dear friends,

Those of you who tuned in to Thursday night’s Democratic debate on CNN were likely struck, as I was, by the historical significance of the moment. The Democratic nomination for President will go—for the first time in American history—to a woman or to an African-American. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama truly represent what is possible in this country, and their accomplishments are something that we—Democrat or Republican—can all be proud of. However, the 2008 election is momentous for another reason, and it has nothing to do with either candidate’s race or gender. Our nation is at a crossroads. For the past seven years, we have been marched along by a President whose actions have not served America’s best interests. Now several paths lie before us, and we must each make a choice. As Senator Obama stated at the beginning of Thursday’s debate, “We’re at a defining moment in our history…And at this moment, the question is: How do we take the country in a new direction?” I believe that the only way to do this is by electing Barack Obama as the next President of the United States of America. I’d like to take this opportunity to explain to you, my friends, why I feel that Senator Obama is the only candidate who can move our country forward.

Each candidate, of course, has promised change. However, this oft-repeated pledge rings hollow when considering those making it. What change can the Republicans offer when they pledge to uphold George W. Bush’s policies? What change can Mitt Romney bring to our nation’s failing economy, or to our already failed health-care system, when he promises no relief for the millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet? What change can John McCain bring to our nation’s foreign policy when he promises “No Surrender” and vows to keep U.S. troops in Iraq for the next 100 years? Following either of these two on their path towards “change” would not be moving in a new direction—it would be walking in circles. Americans will not be fooled again. We know better, and we deserve better.

I believe that moving this country in a new direction requires a different party in the White House and a fresh face in the Oval Office. It requires a leader who not only has the courage to stand up for what is right for this country, but also possesses the ability to inspire others to do the same. Most importantly, it requires a new generation of Americans to take ownership of their country and to together set out to solve the problems which we have inherited. We know what those problems are, and we also know their cause. Too many of our nation’s problems have been caused by the tendency of both parties in Washington to be as hostile to change as they are to each other, the failure of those in power to serve our nation’s best interests instead of their own, and the lack of transparency and honesty from the current Administration that has destroyed Americans’ faith in our government. To correct these problems and move our country forward, we must not choice the path that leads back to the status quo, or to the so-called better days of the 1990s. We must move forward with a new purpose, a bold vision, and a commitment to building a better future for America.

Barack Obama is exactly the kind of leader that America needs at this critical moment in our nation’s history. Hillary Clinton said during Thursday’s debate, “You know, it did take a Clinton to clean after the first Bush and I think it might take another one to clean up after the second Bush.” The Republican candidates, meanwhile, have invoked Ronald Reagan as the model to which they all aspire and have each battled in turn to claim his mantle. My friends, electing another Reagan or a Clinton is not the solution to our nation’s problems. We need a Teddy Roosevelt, someone willing to stand up and fight big business and those who pad their bank accounts at the expense of average Americans. You no doubt heard that Exxon-Mobil recently announced record profits in excess of $40 billion. Does this make sense, when many Americans can scarcely afford to heat their homes, and some are forced to make the choice between buying food for their families or putting gas in their cars to get to work? We need a leader like Franklin Roosevelt, someone who would restore America’s most precious resource: hope. In this time when fear is so often used as a political tool, it would serve us well to remember that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. If we let ourselves be ruled by our fear, our enemies have won. We need a leader who would restore our faith in government and give hope to those who lived too long without it.

We need a president like John F. Kennedy, someone to inspire a new generation of Americans to ask what they can do for their country. As President Kennedy said in 1960, “It is time for a new generation of leadership.” Senator Obama recently received the endorsement of Senator Edward Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy, the brother and daughter of the late President. In an essay endorsing Obama published in the New York Times on January 26th, Caroline Kennedy wrote, “I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president—not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.” Senator Obama has demonstrated his ability to reach across the generational divide that has long divided our country on many of the issues facing it. Senator Obama recently received the endorsement of the members of the progressive political action organization MoveOn.org. In the press release announcing the endorsement, MoveOn.org’s executive director, Eli Pariser, wrote, “We need a President who will bring to bear the strong leadership and vision required to end the war in Iraq, provide health care to every American, deal with our climate crisis, and restore America's standing in the world. The enormity of the challenges require someone who knows how to inspire millions to get involved to change the direction of our country, and someone who will be willing to change business as usual in Washington. Senator Barack Obama has proved he can and will be that President.”

While I share the views of Senator Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, Mr. Pariser and the members of MoveOn.org, and the countless others who have endorsed Senator Obama or cast their votes for him in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina, I want to share with you, briefly, the specific reasons why I feel that Barack Obama is the right person to be our next president. When I made my choice to support Senator Obama, I did so based on the criteria that I’m sure everyone uses to measure a potential president. I looked at the quality of his character, his ability to lead, and his vision for America. I examined Senator Obama’s record, listened closely to the arguments he presented during the debates, and researched his positions on the issues that I feel are most important. I even took an issues survey to find out which candidate best matched my political views. (You can try this for yourself; I’ve pasted the link at the bottom.) I was impressed with Senator Obama’s ability to articulate his vision, his stance on the issues I cared about, and his record of serving those in need. As for the survey, I found that we were an 83% match, politically speaking. (If I went solely by the results of the survey, I would be endorsing Congressman Dennis Kucinich, but I’m not. And he’s also dropped out of the race.)

Barack Obama has demonstrated that he has the strength of character to restore honesty and integrity to the office of the President. As President, he has pledged to be the agent of the American people, not of special interest groups or of political action committees. In his campaign, he has refused to accept donations from these groups. If you’ve followed the headlines, you’ve seen that his campaign is still doing very well financially. Senator Obama has also demonstrated that he possesses the strength to stand by his judgments, even when the position is unpopular. In 2002, five months before the invasion of Iraq, he spoke out against the possibility of war. In a speech he gave in Chicago on October 2nd, he said, “I am not opposed to all wars. I’m opposed to dumb wars.” As President, he has vowed to bring combat troops home from Iraq as quickly and safely as possible. Even now, this might not be the popular decision, but it’s the right decision. I believe that, as President, Barack Obama will do what’s right. His varied record, from a community organizer in the South Side of Chicago to a civil rights attorney, he has shown that he is willing to stand up for those in need. He has also worked an educator at the University of Chicago and has shown that he cares deeply about shaping the next generation of America’s leaders. Senator Obama’s two bestselling books, Dreams From My Father and The Audacity of Hope, offer further insight into his character and experiences.

Senator Obama has also demonstrated his ability to lead and, more importantly, to unite. Our country remains divided over many important issues, and as President Lincoln famously argued, a house divided can not stand for long. We are starting to see the costs of that division and we can not afford to let it continue. Senator Obama has proven that he can appeal across party lines and work for the benefit of all Americans. In the Illinois State Senate, he worked to pass legislature to reform the death penalty, to end racial profiling, and to improve health care. In only a few years in the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has successfully tackled tough issues and earned the respect of his peers. He has worked with members across the aisle to pass legislation meant to keep nuclear material from falling into the hands of terrorists and to improve oversight of federal spending after Hurricane Katrina. America is not only divided against itself, but the actions of the Bush Administration have also divided us from the rest of the world. As president, I believe Barack Obama can restore our standing abroad and, most importantly, reach out to the young people of the Muslim world. Imagine a young Muslim “sees that this man—Barack Hussein Obama—is the new face of America…A brown-skinned man whose father was an African, who grew up in Indonesia and Hawaii, who attended a majority-Muslim school as a boy, is now the alleged enemy,” writes Andrew Sullivan in the December 2007 issue of The Atlantic Monthly. “It proves them wrong about what America is in ways no words can.” As president, Barack Obama will show the world the best that America has to offer and restore goodwill to our standing as one of the world’s great nations.

Finally, Senator Obama offers a vision for America that promises hope for a brighter future. With Barack Obama as our president, I believe that America can truly enter the 21st century and present a united front to the problems we face. Senator Obama’s goals—improving health-care and education, ending poverty, strengthening the economy, keeping America safe, restoring trust in our nation at home and abroad—are goals we all share. We know that the world looks to us for guidance. We know that our government has forgotten about millions of our own people. We know that America and all the world will be safer when hope has returned to Washington, D.C. And we know that we can’t afford to wait. The time has come to realize our goals. We can’t afford to trust in those who claim to have more experience when their experience led us here. We can’t afford to trust in those who promise change but only offer the same excuses and the same bad ideas. We can’t achieve our goals by looking to the past for inspiration. We must look to the future. My friends, Senator Obama was right when he said, “We’re at a defining moment in our history.” This is the moment for action. This is the moment for change. This is the moment for us to work together to achieve the goals we all share. And Barack Obama is the right president for this moment.

Please go to the polls on Tuesday, February 5th, and help move our country forward. Thank you for taking the time to hear me out. I wish all of you the best.

Your friend,

Jonathan Chalmers

Links:

Obama for America

http://www.barackobama.com

Transcript of CNN’s Democratic Debate of 1/31/08

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0801/31/se.01.html

Caroline Kennedy’s Editorial “A President Like My Father,” in The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html

MoveOn.org’s Obama Endorsement Press Release

http://moveon.org/press/pr/obamaendorsementrelease.html

“Goodbye to All That: Why Obama Matters” by Andrew Sullivan, The Atlantic Monthly

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama

Presidential Candidate Survey

http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html

Rallying for Change in Rochester

Tim Foley — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:30:49 EST

The momentum is building in the Empire State as we run up to our primary on Super Tuesday. Yesterday, our grassroots supporters in Western New York staged a simultaneous rally in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse which drew hundreds of attendees, netted some local endorsements and capitalized on the energy of the room by handing out literature and encouraging them to take to the streets of their neighborhood.

Approximately 500 people rallied in the Rochester headquarters yesterday, easily dwarfing meetings for other candidates in The Flower City. As we have seen across the country, the crowd was a mixture of young and old, rich and poor, Democratic stalwarts to people inspired by Barack's message of change to get involved in the first campaign of their lives.

Fired up and ready to go!

Fired Up in Times Square

Tim Foley — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:48:27 EST

Between the mobs of tourists and New Yorkers who normally populate the theater district and the youthful horde that stands outside MTV Studios to cheer celebrities during shows like "TRL," Times Square is used to seeing crowds.

But the cheering throng of supporters of Barack Obama tonight was still breath-taking.

They had less than 24 hours notice. They were told it would be cold. They were told that they'd be sharing space with other campaigns. They were told that Barack wouldn't be there in person, and would only be participating in MTV's "Choose or Lose" Presidential Forum via satellite. And they were told that we'd need them in the early evening, smack in the middle of a Saturday night in one of the best nightlife cities in the world.

But they were fired up and ready to go!

The chants of "Si Se Puede! Yes We Can!" could be heard across the street. The NYPD provided one bike-rack designated area for Obama supporters... and one for the supporters of other campaigns. And they gave us the larger one.

One thing is abundantly clear as we head towards Primary Day on February 5th: New Yorkers are ready for change and filled with hope.

1100 in Ithaca

Tarak Shah — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:46:57 EST

Hello fellow Obama supporters! We’re having a huge weekend here in Ithaca. On Friday night, we held a rally and concert at The Historic State Theater where over 1100 of our friends and neighbors joined us!

We heard some wonderful speeches in support of Senator Obama from people of all walks of life. Students, professors, artists, community members and political leaders all got up to talk about why they are supporting Barack and what this campaign means to them. We heard a beautiful speech from former New York Assemblyman Marty Luster about the importance of winning this election. In addition, we picked up key local endorsements from the current chair of the Tompkins County Legislature Michael Koplinka-Loehr and from former Ithaca Mayor Alan Cohen.

In the News: ‘Barks for Barack’ in Brooklyn

Tim Foley — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 13:19:41 EST

February 2, 2008, 12:24 pm
'Barks for Barack' in Brooklyn
By Kate Hammer

In a bid for the most shamelessly cute campaign photo opportunity of the day, schnauzers, bulldogs and an assortment of mutts and their owners started gathering at 7:30 a.m. in Prospect Park for an event called "Barks for Barack." They said they wanted to show Brooklyn's support for the "underdog" candidate for the Democratic nomination.

About 12 volunteer coordinators and 30 dog owners wearing Obama stickers mingled with several dozen other dog owners who were present for the regularly scheduled "Bark Slope" gathering in the Brooklyn park.

Daisy, a 6-month-old miniature English bulldog, wore stickers on her red sweater: "BARacK! For Change" and "It's not about cats, it's not about dogs, it's about all of us"
...

Read all about Daisy (and her owner) at NYTimes.com.

Make Calls to New York Voters

Asher Heimermann — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:27:14 EST

With only days till February 5th, we need your help to Get Out The Vote! Make calls to voters from the comfort of your home with the online calling tool:

http://my.barackobama.com/call

We'll provide you with a script and list of numbers to call. Help get New Yorkers to the polls for Barack on February 5th by picking up the phone today.

Harlem Asks: Are You Fired Up?

Sarah Ramey — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:51:46 EST

The energy building around the country for Barack Obama in these last few days is astonishing -- and you can see it for yourself in this great video made by grassroots phenomenon Harlem4Obama. It's gonna put a pep in your step:

Are you fired up?

Are you ready to go?

Then spread the word this weekend...

It's time to change the world.

NY.BarackObama.com

Momentum in New York State

Jef Cozza, New York Obama Volunteer — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:41:47 EST

When it comes to the Empire State, not all of the action is in the Big Apple. Voters, supports and volunteers has been coming out in droves statewide to support Barack and express their hope in a new kind of politics.

In Brookhaven, Long Island, teenagers hit the streets this past Saturday to help prepare for Getting Out the Vote. Most are too young to vote themselves, but they’re just as fired up as any other supporter. They went door to door in Gordon Heights and Bellport to get the word out about the campaign and Barack’s message of hope.

Meanwhile, volunteer superstar Cindy hosted a Westchester for Obama event in her Scarsdale home. Forty-five people, including church and community leaders, community activists, educators and elected and party officials squeezed into her living room for a meeting led by Cindy herself, Jeff, a vice-chair of the Scarsdale Democratic Committee, and Lindsay, the Westchester coordinator for the campaign.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at our Westchester Office.

Westchester for Obama also had about a hundred supporters show up for the opening of its storefront headquarters in Mamaroneck.

Upstate in Syracuse, eight volunteers came out Saturday to the Bethany Baptist Church to wave signs for four hours outside of an event at which Dominique Sharpton (daughter of Reverend Al Sharpton) spoke to 1,000 attendees. Despite the freezing temperatures, the hardy volunteers handed out every sign they had and experienced the buzz firsthand the interest and excitement of New Yorkers who are now giving Barack a second look.

Dogs show their hope in Washington Heights.

More visibility on Washington Heights.

This weekend promises to be even more exciting, with our Sunday Community Outreach bringing Obama supporters to churches, supermarkets and community centers across the state. Come join us!

My Absentee Ballot

Paul C. — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:33:46 EST

Crud. Crud crud crud crud crud.

Unfortunately, signing up for an absentee ballot in August 2007 doesn't get you a ballot for the primary on Super Tuesday. I needed to sign up for another absentee ballot once 2008 rolled around. Arrrrrrrgh... Argh argh argh argh. I can't vote for B.O. now. I'm sad. And I live in Hillary Clinton's #*%$ "home" county...

All you Westchester people! Vote for Obama! Grab one of your lazy, politically apathetic spouses and make him or her caste a vote for Barack Obama for me!

In the News: Obama edges Hillary in Merrick straw poll

Tim Foley — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:53:30 EST

Obama edges Hillary in Merrick straw poll
BY NIA-MALIKA HENDERSON
11:39 PM EST, January 30, 2008

Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama edged out Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton at a straw poll and candidates forum in Merrick Wednesday night.
...
"There was excitement and fervor -- more than I have ever seen before," said Sherry Boucarut, a Uniondale social worker and Obama supporter. "People want real change and the numbers here showed that. Obama is the real deal."

Clinton and Obama "are pretty close on the issues," said Jason Andria, 28, of Sound Beach. "I just don't think Hillary can get anything done. Obama is a voice for the lower class and the middle class. He is the first candidate I actually believe in."

Read the full article on Newsday.com.

New York Post endorses Barack Obama for President

Tim Foley — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:06:45 EST

POST ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA

January 30, 2008 -- Democrats in 22 states across America go to the polls next Tuesday to pick between two presidential prospects: Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

We urge them to choose Obama...

Read the full endorsement at NYPost.com.

NYC Subway Musicians for Obama

David D — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:17:11 EST

I saw these guys playing on the L platform in Union Square--they sounded great! Sorry my photography doesn't match their musicianship!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10798592@N08/2231596132/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10798592@N08/2231596128/

GO for New York, GO for California

Obamite for Change 08 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:42:43 EST

Congratulations to the Obama campaign on its stunning momentum and on its courage to campaign absolutely everywhere on February 5. I just want to add my voice here and say clearly: there is no state that we cannot win on February 5, and the states to which that statement most clearly applies are New York and California. New York is NOT a forgone conclusion. Take a look at Ben Smith's article today:

The national campaign
Obama's campaign manager, David Plouffe, stressed on a call just now that Obama is going up on the air in all of the February 5 states, and is ramping up his media buy in one of the most expensive markets: Los Angeles.
How he's paying for it? $5 million raised online since Saturday night.
The campaign is, Plouffe said, "communicating with voters at a pretty aggressive level."
ALSO: An audacious gambit: ads in New York City! (Actually, there are four heavily African-American congressional districts here, lots of young people, and lots of well-educated liberals -- all good Obama demographics.)

Video: Highlights from the City Hall Rally

Tim Foley — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:18:05 EST

New York Democrats from all races, all ages and all walks of life rallied together on the steps of City Hall this Sunday. Despite the freezing temperatures, they proudly chanted their support for Senator Obama and pledged to stand together in the days leading up to Primary Day on Feb. 5.

Watch the highlights below.

The Art of a Movement

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:16:29 EST

In Feb 5th states across the country, the Obama movement is gaining momentum...

And it wouldn't be a true movement without an outpouring of grassroots art. Check out this New York painting, by the renowned Harlem muralist, Franco the Great:

And this painting by North Dakota native, Frank in Fargo who realized that a straight-up portrait might not do the Senator justice. As Sen. Obama himself has said many times, this campaign isn't about him; it's about all of us:

And then this handmade poster form clear across the country, designed by California volunteer Tanaya:

Get involved any way you can -- make posters, distribute literature, put up signs, make phone calls -- now is the time!

This movement is sweeping across the country -- inspiring everyone from Ted Kennedy to Toni Morrison, Tenaya in California to Harlem's own Franco the Great.

To get involved in New York or California or North Dakota -- three critical Feb 5th states -- go to NY.BarackObama.com or CA.BarackObama.com or ND.BarackObama.com.

Got more Obama art? Email us at Blog@BarackObama.com.

And let each other know what you're doing in the comments below!

“The best we’d have in any race” -- Dominick's story

Jef Cozza, New York Obama Volunteer — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:38:42 EST

Dominick, a forty-one-year-old sales rep for a Finger Lakes-region winery, has been volunteering for the Obama campaign since just after Christmas. He’s been a regular at the Syracuse and Binghamton grassroots offices, handing out lawn signs and writing a letter to the editor of his local paper, the Daily Star, about his support for Barack.

“I’ve never been this enthusiastic about a candidate before,” he said. “Not only is he the best candidate in this race, he’d probably be the best we’d have in any race.”

When asked, Dominick cites Barack’s consistent opposition to the Iraq War, his ability to work with people on both sides of the aisle, and his fiscal responsibility as the attributes that have inspired him to get involved with a political campaign more than he ever has before.

It may surprise you, then, to learn that Dominick is a life-long Republican.

Dominick hasn’t compromised on his core conservative values. Nor is he under the illusion that Barack is running as anything but a proud Democrat. “There are core differences there,” he acknowledges. But for Dominick, these differences matter less than Obama’s message of national reconciliation, unity and civility.

“Huckabee, McCain...these are not people who will heal the country,” Dominick said.

Dominick isn’t alone, he says. Many other Republicans he’s spoken to say they're turned off by the social conservatism and fiscal irresponsibility of the GOP in recent years, leading many centrist Republican voters to change their registration in New York state in order to vote for Barack in the primary.

“People are enthusiastic about him,” Dominick says, and he believes this enthusiasm and inspiration can help move the country past the decades of partisan bickering.

Hope and the City: On the Steps of City Hall

Tim Foley — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:15:56 EST

Fired up! Ready to go!

It has been an amazing couple of days for our grassroots movement for change in New York City. On Saturday, more than 500 New Yorkers rallied in Columbus Circle. Last night in Harlem, over 150 cheered their hearts out at Barack’s commanding win in the South Carolina primary and his inspirational victory speech.

While in line outside City Hall, volunteers found the time to phone bank with their cell phones.

Today, supporters from every borough and all walks of life gathered on the steps of City Hall. They came to cheer on the day’s speakers – elected officials, union officials and grassroots volunteers who, in the face of cynicism and conventional thinking, had enthusiastically embraced Barack’s clarion call of “Yes we can.” But even more importantly, they came to demonstrate their own hopes and dreams for their country and their world.

An excited crowd on the steps of City Hall

Looking out at the crowd it was hard not to think of Barack’s words from his victory speech in South Carolina:

"They are young and old; rich and poor. They are black and white; Latino and Asian. They are Democrats from Des Moines and Independents from Concord; Republicans from rural Nevada and young people across this country who've never had a reason to participate until now. And in nine days, nearly half the nation will have the chance to join us in saying that we are tired of business-as-usual in Washington, we are hungry for change, and we are ready to believe again."

Norman Seabrook of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association.

As the first of many speakers, Norman Seabrook, the President of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, clearly shared the sentiment when he described our movement and Barack’s message as “inclusive of all walks of life, all ages, all races.” Former City Councilmember and Chair of the Committee on Women’s issues, Ronnie Eldridge likened Barack’s appeal to that of RFK in his ability “to relate to people and to inspire people in a very personal way, and to call them to redefine patriotism in this country.

Ashley Craig of Westchester.

On display for all New York to see was an inspiring coalition of young and old. Ashley Craig of Westchester was bemused to be introduced as “young,” admitting that she’s a 42 year old mother of three. As a former Republican, she had to switch her party affiliation in order to vote for Barack on February 5.

City Councilmember Al Vann

Perhaps no one fired up the crowd as much as City Councilmember Al Vann, who praised the grassroots volunteers behind him for their possession of, “the audacity to hope, the courage to believe, the commitment to come together!” Roars of “New York State, Obama ‘08” and “Yes We Can” greeted every speaker and echoed into the frigid afternoon air.

They say that you can tell the quality of a candidate by the quality of the people who join him or her campaign. Looking out at the broad coalition of support Barack has found in the City That Never Sleeps, one can’t but feel hopeful that the change we need will soon become a reality.

Yes we can!

Are Republicans Stealing America’s Soul?

New York for Obama — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:09:18 EST

What do Republicans really stand for? Listening to last Thursday’s debate you would think they stand for semi-automatic weapons, war and disdain for the Clintons. Pick up any paper and you will see hot button topics like anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, and anti-immigration associated with republicans. Is this really what Republicans are all about?

Why Obama?

New York for Obama — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:50:03 EST

I was born in a small northern city of Peru, Chiclayo. My parents, like so many other immigrants, believed that there were better opportunities for their children (2 boys and 2 girls) in the US. Peru in the mid 60s was experiencing serious economic difficulties and good jobs were few and far in between. So they packed up what little they could and made the journey north. After a few brief stops along the way, we all ended up in Queens Village, a quiet residential neighborhood in Queens, NY. Queens Village was undergoing some serious changes with different ethnic groups laying claim to different parts of the town. I can’t recall the number of times I served as ambassador and peacemaker between the different groups, as I had friends across all ethnic lines. For me race just wasn’t a factor in choosing friends, although I felt considerable pressure to do so from those around me.