Posts with the tag Rural

DTV Transition from Analog to Digital 30 day Count Down

DeeNice, The Digital Dynamo — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:20:59 EDT

We are almost there.Yes after much press - the DTV transition from analog to digital is almost here. And none too soon.

Even thought there are still a few million folks not ready for the conversion, positive strides have taken place since the new Obama Administration has come into office.

First in 2009 the 4 million Americans on the waiting list "coupon hopefuls" were shipped first class mail their $40 coupons in about 3 weeks time. Fantastic!

Next those whose $40 coupons had expired were able to re-register for a new coupon. And the FCC has issued contracts for installation of the digital converter boxes, help center etc etc.

We are on our way to June 12 2009 - Digital Day!

Getting Legislation Closer to DTV Transition June 2009 Date

DeeNice, The Digital Dynamo — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:11:07 EST

There is a revised legislation, based on what Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) had introduced last week requesting a delay until June 12, 2009 for the transition from analog to digital television. In order to make sure every American has access to TV communication, more time is needed.

President Barack Obama has asked Congress to extend the Feb. 17, 2009 DTV transition date back. Transition co-chair John Podesta stated "Funds to support this conversion are woefully inadequate, particularly to address the problems of seniors and low income viewers."

The Transition to Digital Television is a "Digital Disaster on the Horizon." With the advent of the permanent switch from analog to digital on Feb. 17, 2009, millions will be left in the dark if action is not taken immediately to push the date back several months.

This action is in the best interested of the current 17 million Americans who are not ready or partially ready for the DTV switch. Even with the intervention of technical assistance it would be impossible to be ready. The underserved groups will be hard pressed to be digitally connected in time.

If you currently have a rooftop or rabbit ears antenna in your home you have 3 choices:

    * Purchase a new Digital Television
    * Order a Pay -TV service (i.e. cable, fios, satellite)
    * Purchase and connect a digital converter box

With the DTV switch from analog to digital the push back the date approach will allow those of us in the grassroots arena to implement a more effective outreach performance, as oppose to getting it done in less that a month. Which would be impossibility?

15 Steps Grandma Needs to Make to Install Her DTV Box

DeeNice, The Digital Dynamo — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 01:52:26 EST

Nielsen's report (December 19, 2008) stated that November - December 2008, the penetration of Completely Unready households for the DTV transition was 6.8% of households.

1. There are 114.5 million households in American that own television sets

2. 6.8% (7.8 million) of these households currently, are totally unprepared for the analog to digital switch
3. 10% (11.4 million) of U.S. Households are Partially Unready (having cable and analog tv)

This means that a total of 19.2 million households have some fancy footwork to do before Feb. 17, 2009 in order not be left in the dark with their analog television sets.

Granted, there has been strong media outreach supported by the NAB, NTIA and FCC to alert and make people aware that the switch is coming. And they have done a remarkable job with 90% of Americans being made aware.

The problem is that making people aware and having them make a buying decision during the worst financial condition our country has seen since the "depression" is a different matter all together. Not to mention a technological application to boot.

I can just see grandma running down to her local retail store and hooking up a digital converter box. The following is what will be in store for her:

1. Locate her $40 government issued coupons and check to see that they have not expired.

2. Locate digital converter boxes in the store and ask if the model available has a pass-through feature so low band width channels can still be viewed on her TV.

3. Purchase a digital converter (DC) box. (There still may be time to register to receive the $40 off coupon from www.dtv2009.gov.)

4. Back at home, make sure she has an antenna that can be connected to the digital converter (DC) box. (If not, this could mean a return trip to the store for an adapter or a new antenna.)

5. Check for an available outlet plug near her TV set. If not, she will need a multi plug adapter, extension chord, or power strip.

6. Find the original remote control for her analog TV.

7. Connect the digital converter (DC) box properly, inserting batteries in the DC remote control, and plugging in the DC box.

8. Turn on the TV. Set the TV to channel 3 with the original TV remote.

9. Turn on the DC using the correct remote. WARNING: Remember don't mix up the remotes.

10. On the DC remote, press the setup or menu button and scroll to menu.

11. Scroll to and Scan the channels. Channel scanning will need to be repeated when additional DTV channels become available.

12. Hope and Pray that most of the channels come in. Many times they won't. Repositioning the TV antenna higher or closer to an outside wall or window may improve reception. (Try scanning again.)

13. Oops, did you hook your rabbit ears/roof top antenna to the digital converter box in the proper port in the back of the digital converter box, and the extra cable in the box to the TV-out port correctly? Then Nana, you are almost there.

14. Now, remember your original remote for the analog TV set is only used to turn the set on and off. Make sure not to change the channel off of "3".

15. Finally make sure you use the new remote only for channel surfing and volume, not for turning the TV on and off. Keep the DC box directions in a safe, memorable, and accessible place for when scanning for new channels needs to be done.

Got all that NANA? Now enjoy your new digital viewing experience.
Pleeezzzz, someone get me some aspirin.

Can you see this being done in a month or so with 19.2 million folks, with a disproportionate number being the elderly, minorities, those whose first language is not English, rural and disabled?

WE WERE CAMPAIGNING TO HAVE THE FEB. 17TH DATE SET BACK. IN THESE TURBULENT TIMES, WE CANNOT HAVE 19 MILLION AMERICAN LEFT IN THE DARK. Especially, with the new administration UPDATE - As of Feburary 8, 2009 the House Approved the DTV Delay Bill to push back the dtv date for June 12, 2009. More time, education and activitism is needed!

Why is the Urban Progressive Foundation so Passionate About Helping Seniors re: Transition to Digital Television ?

DeeNice, The Digital Dynamo — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:16:12 EST

Six months ago, it became clear that there was a Digital Disaster on the Horizon with the Transition to Digital Television Impact on Seniors, Minorities, Disable and Rural. Millions could be left in the dark Feb. 17 2009 is action to connect their boxes does not happen now.

With no funding, but a passion to be part of the solution, my non-profit The Urban Progressive Foundation (a 501(c) 3 project of CDP) began a journey going to various senior buildings, underserved organizations and individuals to help them obtain their $40 coupons and then come back to connect the digital converter boxes free of charge. I saw it as a moral responsibility to get involved.

Even though DTV awareness is critical before citizens can make an informed and deliberate move to become "digital". The fact that having to do something "techie" makes people "freeze".

For 11 years our non-profit has Engaged, Excited and Empowered urbanites and underserved individuals in technology. Technology should not control you; You are empowered to control technology. So when it was clear that the DTV technology applications and trouble-shooting processes would cause great despair to those without a voice. How could we not get involved?

I contacted a company called WINEGARD, who carries the digital converter boxes. Spoke with the National Sales Manager, Grant Whipple, persisted and was successful in having Winegard to lower the price of their digital converter boxes for the underserved constituents we were serving. So with the $40 government coupon, they would only have to pay $8 (includes tax, bulk shipping and everything).

Now we are into December 08, Time is not on our side. As a friend of mine stated “Technology without compassion is another form of oppressing those without a voice." I will continue to do the best I can - but of the 35 million Americans impacted by the DTV transition a disproportionate number are the elderly, disable, rural and minorities. I just wish I could do more.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

WRITE - CALL - EMAIL TO CONGRESS TO PUSH THE DATE BACK SEVERAL MONTHS FROM FEB. 17, 2009.

DeeNice, the Digital Dynamo In the relentless Pursuit in Taming The Technology Tiger
www.thedigitaldynamo.com
www.transition2dtv.org

STUDY: Advocates Call for Immediate Ban of All GM Foods and GM Crops

NonGMOTalk — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:01:25 EST

Austrian Government Study Confirms Genetically Modified Crops Threaten Human Fertility and Health Safety A long-term feeding study commissioned by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, managed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health, Family and Youth, and carried out by Veterinary University Vienna, confirms genetically modified (GM) corn seriously affects reproductive health in mice. Non-GMO advocates, who have warned about this infertility link along with other health risks, now seek an immediate ban of all GM foods and GM crops to protect the health of humankind and the fertility of women around the world. Feeding mice with GM corn developed by the US-based Monsanto Corporation led to lower fertility and body weight, according to the study conducted by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. Lead author of the study Professor Zentek said, there was a direct link between the decrease in fertility and the GM diet, and that mice fed with non-GM corn reproduced more efficiently. In the study, Austrian scientists performed several long-term feeding trials over 20 weeks with laboratory mice fed a diet containing 33% of a GM variety (NK 603 x MON 810), or a closely related non-GM variety used in many countries. Statistically significant litter size and pup weight decreases were found in the third and fourth litters in the GM-fed mice, compared to the control group. The corn is genetically engineered with genes that produce a pesticidal toxin, as well as genes that allow it to survive applications of Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup. A book by author Jeffrey M. Smith, Genetic Roulette, distributed to members of congress last year, documents 65 serious health risks of GM products, including similar fertility problems with GM soy and GM corn: Offspring of rats fed GM soy showed a five-fold increase in mortality, lower birth weights, and the inability to reproduce. Male mice fed GM soy had damaged young sperm cells. The embryo offspring of GM soy-fed mice had altered DNA functioning. Several US farmers reported sterility or fertility problems among pigs and cows fed on GM corn varieties. Additionally, over the last two months, investigators in India have documented fertility problems, abortions, premature births, and other serious health issues, including deaths, among buffaloes fed GM cottonseed products. The principle GM crops are soy, corn, cottonseed and canola. GM sugar from sugar beets will also be introduced before year’s end. Mr. Smith, who is also the Executive Director of the Institute for Responsible Technology says, “GM foods are likely responsible for several negative health trends in the US. The government must impose an immediate ban on these dangerous crops.” He says, “Consumers don’t need to wait for governmental action. They can download a free Non-GMO Shopping Guide at www.HealthierEating.org.”Monsanto press offices in the UK and USA were unable to provide a comment on the findings for journalists yesterday. The Institute for Responsible Technology’s Campaign for Healthier Eating in America mobilizes citizens, organizations, businesses, and the media, to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of genetically modified foods. The Institute educates people about the documented health risks of GMOs and provides them with healthier non-GMO product choices. The Institute also informs policy makers and the public around the world about the impacts of GMOs on health, environment, the economy, and agriculture, and the problems associated with current research, regulation, corporate practices, and reporting. ### Institute For Responsible TechnologyMedia Contact: NJ Jaeger Expert Contact: Jeffrey M. SmithEmail: njmail@cox.net Phone: +1-310-377-0915 Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Corporate Communication: Univ.-Doz. Ingrid KieferTel: +43 50 555-25000; Email: ingrid.kiefer@ages.at LinksAustrian Study: http://www.ages.at/ueber-uns/presse/pressemeldungen/klarstellung-zu-neuen-erInstitute for Responsible Technology: http://responsibletechnology.orgNon-GMO Shopping Guide: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/DocumentFiles/144.pdf Genetic Roulette: http://www.geneticroulette.com

America - Together (post election)

Alex Karoub — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:44:40 EST

..... Contact: http://Alex.Karoub@gmail.com

WHO IS THAT GUY BARACK OBAMA? HE IS US.

We have made historic headway by together pointing our nation in the right directions. After decades, we have America focused on the issues of fundamental importance. Now, each of us acting in concert can together move our country to lead the world to the fruitfulness of moral goodness. I have no doubts about my abilities and the abilities of fellow Americans to work smart and hard to achieve these goals.

Barack Obama has the visions, leadership, and integrity for us to correct and redirect our country to once again lead the world for the fruitions of good. Let's closely listen, learn, and move forward based on that which we know deep inside is good and which we can validate with our hearts.

I hope that those who had but a few reasons to support Obama, look further into the other issues more deeply. I found the more I explored, studied, and listened to Obama the more I found us in agreement. The couple of issues that I did not have depth of knowledge of, quickly became obvious in need. This was unusual for me since I have always refused to be any kind of a follower, and still am not. I find Obama to be a deep thinker who is articulate and inspirational; and, of most fundamental importance, Obama makes excellent moral sense.

Hopefully, our country has learned lessons from the past of mistakenly following leadership blindly, as was done with Nixon and Bush. There are leaders who are simply in it for themselves and will cater to individuals or groups in order to grab for their own benefit. Corrupt and bad leaders hide at all levels. This is especially true in city government as well as county and state government. The corrupt deals of politicians need to be exposed, and those responsible need to be weeded out in the coming local elections. Others need to be investigated by law enforcement and be prosecuted for illegal dealings; for deals they often make for their hidden personal agendas. Let’s look at the bad experiences of the past as bitter medicines, let’s eliminate the need for such bad medicine in the future. Let us use what we know is good to go forward.

I believe we have chosen wisely, not by greed and not by misguided retaliatory anger. I believe this time our country has chosen with open eyes, with each of us listening and examining our choice of leadership closely, driven and validated by our hearts.

I hope we can continue to make our efforts even more inclusive (in many more ways than I touch on here). Far right republicans will be stubborn to change, but we will need to include them to change if we are to succeed. Sure a few more will leave our country, but that is not the American way. No, we really don't need their false fronts of power, money, insider knowledge, or other trappings that they have taught many to 'respect?'. Let's recruit as many as we can, that's the American way, evolving and changing together as one nation. Try to be understanding as we move forward; by better understanding each as individuals and people with various desires and needs we will find ways to reach out with friendship and have them join our causes of good.

Be on the lookout, and root out bad leadership in government and business. Do not be intimidated by those who use the false fronts of power and give a false sense of security in order to lead. Be extra leery of those who say or imply ‘Trust me’; those who give a sense that they somehow omnipotently know better. No longer will Americans be dazzled by phony displays of brilliance or baffled by baloney. There are government aristocrats and business leaders who still believe in the old adage of: “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, then baffle em with bullshit”. We can embrace complexity by demanding true, fundamental, and understandable explanations. We can root out falsehoods by not accepting double speak. We as Americans know how to grow ourselves by first believing in ourselves. Don’t be a follower. Don’t be a follower of followers.

However, when we find leaders who are good; a leader that thinks, speaks, and acts from their heart; one that is honest, has integrity, and leads by sincere examples; then we need to in a big way, join them, support them, and promote their causes of good. From much research, investigation, and scrutiny, I believe Barack Obama is such a person. I hope we search for and find many more who are similar, who we can add to service at all levels of government. We need to add/replace leaders in business with ones that have honesty, integrity, and show quality in leadership. We need more people in leadership roles who are moral, like Barack Obama.

Remember, we are not fighting a battle, we are the artisans and sculptors of the future for ourselves and generations to come. Rarely do societies have opportunities to make such dramatic moves forward as we now have in this opportunity of today. Take pride and practice in being inclusive as we stride forward. In moving forward, create opportunity not only for yourself, but also for all. Hope is a wonderful thing to behold; but without opportunity, hope can become but a dream never achievable. We can, will, and must, create opportunity.

In the coming year I hope that we do not lose our spiritedness, but instead continue to build and make headway. I hope we all continue our campaign for change in government and business. We will succeed in moving forward once again, it will take much effort and good oversight on the part of each of us. We will make great strides in the months and years ahead in order to achieve the fruitions of good. Let's keep our enthusiasm progressing through these coming toughest of times. Let us use the light of goodness and love to motivate us with historic momentum.

I have chosen Barack Obama because he best represents my deepest beliefs in America. Please take time to read the issues that Barack Obama has published on this website. Also, give your attention to see how he leads us to move our nation forward in the time ahead. Most importantly, be part of America's great future, participate in the greatness that together we will make. Participate!

We will each and all flourish, if we think, speak, and act, by using the love in our hearts.

Your reply is welcome. Contact: Alex.Karoub@gmail.com

Change is Coming

WM — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:35:48 EDT

This blog will be about my experience as a student teacher in a rural town in Ohio. I am trying to teach the kids the importance of voting through the use of a mock election and other assignments. My students have very little concern with what is going on in the world today and these the future voters of America. I am trying to make them understand that although some of them aren't old enough to vote yet, that the next president will be presiding over their 18th birthday and that these changes may soon affect them more than they realize.

Rural Voters, Elderly Voters, New Mexicans For Change

Taj — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:30:59 EDT

I made lots of calls last night and encountered some rural voters who were also very elderly. I was happy to learn that these rural communities are organized enough to have transportation for these voters already in place for election day. In New Mexico, this type of organizing in the rural areas is quite a surprise! I think it is really a testament to the amount of people seeking change in our state. My phone bank experience using the neighbor to neighbor tools was terrific and simple. I will do more tonight!

Rural Worries

David — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:31:14 EDT

In my first blog entry, I want to reflect a bit on what I've been seeing in the last few days. An on the ground, front line report if you will. About 10 days ago, I moved from Indiana to Los Angeles. Still unpacked in Westwood, I had to get my luggage ready to travel to New Mexico for my mom's wedding. So, for these reasons, I have traveled across the country in one week and then visited my small rural hometown the next week. I have seen a lot of diners, truck stops, and the living rooms of a handful of friends' and family members' houses. In each stop, I have changed from being quietly confident to not so quietly concerned about this election. In Indiana, I lived in a college town (Bloomington) where the Obama support was visible across the city. In Los Angeles, I moved next to UCLA (Go Bruins!), where I also have seen my fair share of Obama signs. My fear is that due to this support, I've been thinking this race was safely in Obama's pocket. And although I read my share of news blogs, I have not been convinced the polls are a reason to worry in the least. What worries me, at least slightly, is what I've seen with my own eyes: People across the nation are plugged into Fox News. Faux News is playing in every truck stop and hotel lobby: literally every single one I visited. I am not joking here: if they had a tv, it was on Faux News. I have seen family members run to the TV to see anything playing about Palin. They literally see her as someone just like them: blessed enough to be picked for the second highest office in the country. In fact, they see her more of that American dream (you can even be president), than Obama because she does have family struggles; she didn't go to Columbia; her family does hunt; and she is religious.

Coincidentally, I was on a plane from LA to Phoenix two days ago and the guy in front of me while boarding told another he was working for the Obama campaign, something having to do with the media and which messages are getting out there and how. I was so tempted to ask him for a moment of his time. Because, being raised from a small town, I can tell you exactly how to reach these people I call my "folk," regardless of whether I share their beliefs or activities. (And to be clear, I consider them my folk because I respect and empathize with their beliefs and activities). They will unconsciously be wary of the "angry black man" on the attack or the self-righteous black woman with a VIP list on the View. They will listen to a short, simple (not simplistic) explanation about the issues that concern them if the commercial features Toby Keith or Dale Earnhardt more than Will I. Am. or Matt Damon. Attacking Palin makes her seem disrespected. These people around me here in this small town rightfully respect their friends and family in the uniform: police, emergency and military among others.

Of course I'm not saying anything new to people who study media and politics. I'm simply saying that in my on the ground experience in the last few weeks, I'm not even seeing the Obama team try to interrupt and redirect the conversation on Faux News or on the Fox Channels that play Faux news. McCain's slimy ads are literally running every commercial break (including on 9/11/08). I see an Obama ad about once or twice to every seven or eight McCain ad.

But there are good things to report as well. In Albuquerque, I was at a family member's house and middle age male relative (who is devoutly Catholic) was sitting and watching the news (CNN). I know him to be anti-abortion and fairly socially conservative. He is Mexican American and he works across the region with what we could safely call the working class. This was the day after Palin's announcement and I was just assuming he'd say something positive about her or the McCain campain and I'd be forced to decide to engage him in the conversation about why he likes her and why the McCain ticket won't serve the working people of America. But after the news clip about Palin, he looked at me and said that he will now definitely vote for Obama. I was silently surprised and listened for more. He said that he isn't just voting for a person, but for two people and all things considered Obama and Biden are simply better as a ticket than McCain and Palin. And from his comments that followed I gathered that although he might on religious views agree with Palin and McCain, he knew that for military, economic and educational reasons, his vote for Obama and Biden better serves him and his family.

One more small bit of joy: at a Spanish speaking restaurant in New Mexico, I went to pay the bill at the register and the counter had a plethora of saint's cards and prayers under the glass. There was a "Prayer for Our Soldiers" and a number of other Catholic sayings. Then I saw something titled, "Ten Reasons." It was, after closer inspection, a list of ten ways the Bush Administration is ruining this country. Each reason was focused on goals that were stated straightforwardly and yet generally to appeal to a wide range of people with varying world views. And I learned in this moment a bit about political language in small towns. Why talk about abortion when you can talk about family's needing more support? Why talk about the war in Iraq when you can talk about giving the military more support? Why talk about gay marriage when you can talk about respecting diversity? Why talk about earmarking and lobbying when you can talk about giving our schools and teachers more support?

When i get back to my new home in California, I will see how I might become more active in the Obama campaign. I volunteered in Indiana before the IN primary but since then figured that the election was going to be a landslide and so I could perhaps just send money from here on out. Now, after touring the country for my move and this wedding, I realize that more can and needs to be done. Perhaps I can draw from my personal interests and connections: reaching out to Latino voters or religious voters; or writing my home town newspaper. Perhaps I'll print photos of McCain and Bush sharing birthday cake on the day Katrina hit. Or perhaps I'll make large signs asking "what about the Keating Five?" and take them to republican events. No matter how it looks, it is time to get more active.

My thanks to those of you who have stayed active, both paid workers and volunteers on the campaign. You really have made this a viable possibility that Obama will be our next President. I am truly appreciative of all your labor.

Suggested Theme Song!

GJMcG — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:53:53 EDT

Some of my dearest relatives are southern and part of the struggling working class who consistently vote Republican, against their own best interests! They are among that group of citizens who think Obama is "elite" and "not one of them".

I don't know if ANYTHING can sway their opinion, but I do know they are country music fans! So, while I was traveling recently I heard this song come on a country radio station, and I immediately decided that perhaps music could help Barack make a "country connection"!!!!

I do not know Garth Brook's political views, but he wrote the PERFECT lyrics for Barack Obama's theme song!

It is titled "We Shall Be Free", and here are the words:

This ain't comin from no prophet,
Just an ordinary man,
When I close my eyes I see,
The way this world shall be,
When we all walk hand in hand,

When the last child cries for a crust of bread,
When the last man dies for just words that he said,
When there's shelter over the poorest head,
We shall be free,

When the last thing we notice is the color of skin,
And the first thing we look for is the beauty within,
When the skies and the oceans are clean again,
Then we shall be free,

We shall be free,
We shall be free,
So stand straight,
Walk proud,
'Cause we shall be free,

When we're free to love anyone we choose,
When this worlds big enough for all different views,
When we're all free to worship from our own kind of pew,
Then we shall be free,

We shall be free,
We shall be free,
Have a little faith,
Hold out,
'Cause we shall be free,

And when money talks for the very last time,
And nobody walks a step behind,
When there's only one race and that's mankind,
Then we shall be free,

We shall be free,
Listen to what I'm saying to you,
We shall be free,
Cause every night and day I pray it's true,
Together,
Forever,
We shall be free.

I can't think of any song that more perfectly fits Barack Obama's goals for this country!

Picture Post: Virginia Office Opening

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:03:50 EDT

Earlier this week, the Campaign for Change opened an office in Virginia at 327 Chestnut Street.

With nearly 100 people showing up, it is clear that the Iron Range is ready for change. Those in attendance heard from State Rep. Tom Rukavina.

To read local press reports of the office opening, click here.

Here are some photos from the event:

Not from Virginia? Click here to find your local Campaign for Change regional headquarters.

Picture - BUDDY THE HORSE GOES BUGGY FOR OBAMA

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:33:34 EDT

BUDDY SAYS REGISTER TO VOTE OBAMA ASAP

BUDDY THE HORSE GOES BUGGY FOR OBAMA

I am traveling by Horse and buggy

http://hometown.aol.com/vote4barackobama/myhomepage/election.html

I am seeking supporters who will let me stay at their properties over night as i tie buddy to the rear of buggy and he eats hay and sleeps. Stalls are great too and so are fenced fields of green grass. Thats buddys favorite thing. He loves to run and kick his hind legs in the air above his head height as he frolicks with freedom in a pasture.

I do seek to help more in rural appalachia and not big cities as Buddy is not fond of the traffic and Barack has lots of city support.

I also seek someone to do logistics in arranging to find me these locations as i travel south for the winter.

Presently i am in Lancaster county Pa. 5 miles south. I can be shipped by uhaul to cover distances if needed. I seek no pay just help along the way.

PS: My arm was broken 3 1/2 weeks ago and i am almost ready to leave this old dairy barn this weekend and help the campaign.

hugs Danielle Clarke

NOTE: This is about BUDDY GOING BUGGY FOR OBAMA not Danielle and please email me at vote4barackobamaATaolDOTcom but please be serious and helpful asi get too many emails of simple supprt while what i need are emails with logistical help.

Barns for Obama

barn hugger — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:17:27 EDT

Joe Logan owns a historic barn. It’s located where you’d expect it to be—on his family farm, which, in Joe’s case, is in Kinsman, Ohio. What you might not expect is that Joe’s barn is the star of a new campaign ad for Barack Obama. View the ad.

Preservationists from around the country were immediately struck by the handsome barn featured in the ad. In an email interview conducted by Historic Preservation for Obama, Joe confirmed the barn’s pedigree. “The barn on the video is the ‘newer’ section of our barn” Joe teased. “This section was completed in 1911.” It turns out the “newer” section was coupled to a pre-existing structure which may have been built as early as the mid 1800s.

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

99 days, rural Georgia

Casey Willits — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:10:13 EDT

I have been here for three weeks now and I feel like I have done so little to get towards the very large goals they have put before us. I had an interesting experience this week though, that made me realize that this organizing is a little different from what some people imagine it is supposed to be. When we trained how to do a good one-on-one they always said we should meet our people somewhere they are comfortable. We tended to say something like “Can you meet me for about thirty minutes for a cup of coffee so we can talk?” But in rural Georgia in the summer, a coffee shop is not a very likely thing to exist let alone to go to for this kind of activity.

Instead, I had my last one-on-one sitting in a plastic chair out on the lawn of a small house in very rural Liberty County. We sat under some shade trees in the evening and tried to not let the bugs eat us alive. We had a great talk. It was frequently interrupted by a honking car passing on the small country road that ran in front of the house. Every car that passed must have belonged to someone she knew because my volunteer waved at each one and usually recalled the name of the person driving as well. Her house was situated at what I would call a country crossroads. It had a flashing red light and a small, old church on one corner. Two houses on the other corners completed it. A few miles to a filling station in the middle of nowhere and 15 miles to town.

It’s not unheard of for people to live fifteen miles from town, especially a larger city with good, high paying jobs, but this small town has very little besides a military base. At points in history where wealth was more evenly spread and transportation was accessible and affordable, this living in the country might be a very pleasant thing. If you actually farming your land that provides you work and occupation there close to home. But that isn’t the case for all, dare I say most of the people living out in some of these rural places. They are there because maybe it’s old family land that someone built a cheap house on in the 1950’s. They may have moved there when they had a good job and when gas was cheap. All of this changes when folks get older, or lose their good job, or get sick, or have kids, or have to start watching their grandchildren. Now that gas is more expensive, those fifteen miles starts to really feel more like a million. Rising transportation costs hurt rural families a lot. Indeed, recent articles have discussed how rural people, especially in the poor South, spend a disproportionate amount of their income on just gas and transportation.

These are the folks that need a comprehensive energy plan to be implemented in this country. Sure, people should maybe live in denser settlements where they are close to what they need and where they might have access to public transportation. But that alone is not a comprehensive policy. All good solutions should be put in place, especially solutions that solve multiple problems. In particular in Georgia, advances in cellulosic ethanol would open up the possibility of utilizing the abundant timber resources to drive local energy economies.

I have met some great Americans and Georgians so far, and I am sure I will meet many more as I really get out into my area. These people are citizens, whose opinions should matter. They have the right to vote, and they deserve to be asked for their vote. I believe the politics of cynicism intentionally discourages these people from participating in the political process. I think they are disenfranchised by a lack of being involved in the political culture. And I think it hurts America.

Day One.

ZacHussein — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:19:33 EDT

A look at my home county.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T93egBMlvCo

I apologize if my blogs are not eloquently worded but this is an experiment in order for me to engage in this community. The primary purpose of this blog will be to inform, to receive feedback, and to provide inspiration (if that be possible) to fellow wannabe activists. Flowery prose comes from our flagbearer, not from me.

Please know that I am playing this all by ear. I am 18 years of age and democrats and campaign events are few and far between. Critique and feedback are essential if I am to be of any viability in this bottom-up structure.

So far neither my e-mails to the DNC or the Obama campaign have been returned. I waited past the customary 48 hours and it seems I must take action into my own hand. In order for you to understand the disparity of events in my area, know that the majority of events that Zac will be attending are located around 100 miles away.

Very short on friends right now (4 in fact). That itself will be worked on today after I get on my friend RBlake's profile and add multiple people. The more people I have reading this blog, the more I can learn.

My first event, an ice cream social in Lexington, KY. I am going to call the organizer tomorrow and enquire into him further what needs to be done. Hopefully this pans out and I can get acquainted with some fellow soldiers.

Thank you for reading.

Welcome all you rural volunteers!

Tom — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:47:48 EDT

We face special challenges in our quest to organize rural counties and towns, but it can be so rewarding to see Democrats and Obama supporters who have felt so isolated only to realize that there's plenty of people just like them in their communities too! I want to exchange ideas with those of you who are skirmishing out there in places that don't often get recoginition, but where entire states can be won or lost. Let's here from you!

Unite for Change: Rural Kentucky

Christy — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:10:43 EDT

About 20 inspired people gathered in the small rural town of Tompkinsville, Kentucky -- old, young, children, teenagers, black and white, including three black republicans who have switched over to democrat after researching Obama for themselves. Eight of us traveled from surrounding Cumberland and Metcalf counties. Very inspiring. Several people got up and said why they wanted to vote for him, and others asked questions about his policies, there was much group discussion about how to respond to rumors (that he is not American, he is a musilm and so on).

The meeting at the High School cafeteria was spearheaded by a mother/ daughter team who are active in the democratic party the Obama campaign (Monroe and Warren counties respectively). The food was amazing, burgers catered by the local barbbque, and buckets and buckets of slaw, potato salad, salads, several deserts including homemade banana pudding.

A dvd supplied by the campaign was shown that focused on the community organizing aspects of the Obama campaign, the back bone of this strategy. In '94, after graduating from Harvard, instead of taking a high power attorney job, Obama launched a non profit initaitve called Project Vote where he amassed a team of folks who registered 100,000 voters in low inoe and minoirty neighbor hoods. The essential key is that corporations are well organized, thus they have the systems in place to lobby and influence government in ways that communities cannot. By creating a vast network of grassroots groups, communities will be empowered to affect change.

The best part of the message was when Obama emphasized that the community organizing efforts that are set in place as a result of this campaign will live on after the campaign, and it will be that much easier for communities to assemble and take action on future campaigns and issues.

Hello

gadgetfreak147 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:37:58 EDT

Hello. This is my first post(obviously) and I'm not sure what to write. So, I will randomly comment on the campaign. First, about the "bitter" comments.(the following is a joke, so don't take this too seriously.) Everyone, including the poor people who he[Barack Obama] called bitter, freaked out. He was called an elitist. Do you know who was really being elitist? The poor people. You can't deal with being called bitter? You haven't heard what some extreme conservatives have called you? Worthless drains on society, stressing public systems and polluting the earth, contributing to global warming? "Oh no, he said we cling to guns and religion" Sorry, you do.

gadgetfreak147

There's Gold in California

Roger — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:38:36 EDT

John McCain is coming to California... Obama should take his legs out from under him.

Word has it that ol’Man Churian (candidate) is going to make a play for California. He intends to campaign aggressively in OC and San Diego and pump in some Ad$.

It’s not such a risk. I bet McCain and Arnold have a mutual love, respect and frenzy for renown. And there is some deep red in California. We have our oil fields too. Most American’s only think Texas when they think oil… no no.

The smart play. The bold play. Is for Obama to make an extended visit to California’s San Joaquin Valley. It’s one of the reddest places in the US. Doesn’t have to stay that way.

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.

from Harlem to Harlemville

librarian — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:11:24 EDT

I voted for Barack Obama in the New York primary because he did not vote for the war in Iraq but when I heard his speech on racism I realized that Obama can make a real difference in our country. It's not going to be politics as usual. Things can really change. And, one of the biggest things that could change is that American citizens could feel empowered to be involved again; in their community, in their government, in each others' lives in a useful way. We could really believe in our ability to make a change in Washington as is the quote on BarackObama.com.

As an elementary school librarian I have shown my students in the school I teach at in Harlem Barack Obama's speech on racism and it has resonated with them. It is the first time someone in politics or in any leadership position has had the courage and the ability to see our time from a "big picture" historical perspective and speak honestly about race. I have taught at this predominantly African American school for 18 years and have learned from my students and parents about the racism that still goes on in this country and that they experience in their daily lives. I know white people are not aware that this is a part of most African Americans' existence. I'm also from a predominantly white community where I have returned (for weekends and vacations for now) and have heard the anger that white people can have about "entitlement" and affirmative action. It seemed to me for years that these two worlds would never get close enough to even begin to understand each other. Now, here is someone who understands both and can describe both with honesty and eloquence. That seems to be the first step towards healing.

NOTES TO MYSELF - FEMINISM

DREAMZBIG — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:25:41 EDT

Both of my parents have passed. I am States away from their resting place, but I will be sending out prayers and have personal conversations with both. My father was a Veteran....Korea. I have his War Bonds tucked away in a safe place...along with his photos of those with whom he served. I wonder what both of my parents would think of the current state of political affairs. I remember vividly the grief of my mother (she would be 83) surrounding the JKF - MLK - RFK assassinations. I grew up in a wonderful rural Iowa home and blessed by my parents with a strong foundation of Christian values. My father was a farmer. My mother was a teacher. My mother didn't always agree with the course I pursued in life - we would argue about "why she was doing everything for dad....jump when he said jump." She was from a different era and didn't understand why I wanted to "burn my bra" and identify with Steinem and "those feminists."

As I reflect upon this with fond memories, the Friday before Memorial Day, Hillary Rodham Clinton makes an unforgivable statement. She not so subtlely references waiting in the wings for Obama to be assassinated. This has been on my mind, as she continues to move the bar, play with the math and wants to be VP if she can't have the whole enchilada. And I should be shocked that she said it on camera - but I am not shocked. I am not shocked that she has issued no apology to the people of this nation, or other nations, that she has made no apology to Sen. Obama. She has no remorse. This is the clearest example of where we have come politically in 40 years. Full circle.

I got my degree in Women's Studies. I wrote a research paper in the course of that degree based on my theory that "feminism" was analogous to all other "isms." But not in the sense you may think. I likened feminists to racists, classists, etc. It was a well written paper. I got a D- but was offered an opportunity to rewrite it for a better grade. I had spent 3 weeks on that first paper. The second one was haphazardly written overnight and - because it said what it was "supposed" to say, I received a B. It probably would have been an A - had not the first paper been submitted. So with my degree in Women's Studies in hand - and my own set of ideas about feminism in mind, I graduated with honors. But I would not "cling to" the feminist bible. I would not identify with the hatred of men - of all the whining and complaints of what had been done to "us women." I had chosen to be force fed the anger of decades and sent out without any tools to do make real change. But HARK: I saw the bigger picture. It was plain and simple - I made a wiser choice to become a humanitarian with a degree that would MARK me as I stepped into my future - but I would choose my battles wisely and eradicate all forms of ISMS in my work as an advocate for change. And with this knowledge, I better understood my mother.

I have supported Sen. Obama from day one. I have had a difficult time with "feminists" that would call me a traitor - they are feminISTS....like racist, classist and sexist. That "ism" is inherent in the feminist movement as a whole. White middle class women marginalizing all others, including women that aren't the "right" race or class.... who aren't WHITE enough. It isn't as though they don't address the marginalized women - they do - in well written articles - but ACTION is always based on the REAL feminist agenda. Thus Hillary Rodham Clinton - unafraid to race-bait - use class, do "anything" to get elected. I am not an Obama supporter because I am afraid to see a woman in the White House - as President. That day will come. But it will come when we have the RIGHT woman to rally behind. HRC is not that woman...her divisiveness, her words and her actions have made that clear. I have HOPE for the future. Sen. Obama offers that HOPE to UNIFY ALL - women are a part of ALL!

I pray that the feminists who want to see a Woman President in their lifetime will begin to look inside themselves and then look beyond their agenda to see clearly the bigger picture. I pray too, that they get beyond their notion that WOMEN have got to do it before BLACK MEN! That they can see that their actions are racist! To see the bigger picture is to be human - not categorized, marginalized or divided. I understand that feminists want it so much - and have worked hard throughout their whole lives - they want to see the OUTCOME of their efforts on a grand scale. But there is a refusal to see that Hillary Rodham Clinton - if elected - would undermine all of their years od work. Because it would be a long long long time before there was ever a second President of the USA that "happens to be a woman." I pray that they begin to see this and think not of themselves - but of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Hillary's Begging...The Poor?

Tracy — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:41:47 EDT

Senator Hillary Clinton should be ashamed. She told a story of a boy who sold his bike, what he really loved, so Hillary could "keep going" because she represented this eleven year old boy's values. He did not come from a wealthy family. She knows, at the deepest of her heart, that she will not win the nomination. She thus stays in the race to pay her personal loan back. It is disgusting to me to take so much from a boy who has so little to pay herself back.
Moreover, she claims that her voters and who support her are poor and have little. When she is a millionaire, why does she still ask them for contributions? Why would she stoop so low as to take the bread and butter from her so called constituency? This disgusts me, and it should disgust you, too. Fight for those who cannot put dinner on the table, and then take their money? Hypocrisy rules the day for Clinton.

Cut the tv OFF!!!

Soldierette!! (CENSORED) — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:36:39 EDT

You are watching entirely too much political news. Turn it off! You are repeating every rumor that's out there, but yet you say you know the truth. I can't tell!

The math is STILL against Hillary, and I only turned the news on once today to see Jon King (CNN) talk about where Barack will be heading next for the general election campaign. Then I turned off the news because it's NO LONGER NEWS! It's all fabricated so people just like you stay riveted to your tv.

SHE CANNOT WIN!
SHE CANNOT WIN!

GET IT?

SHE CANNOT WIN!
SHE CANNOT WIN!

Why do you think Sen. Obama only campaigned in WV very lightly? He, and the rest of us, KNEW that he wasn't going to win. You didn't expect spin? Is that it? LOL! It's the media! That's what they do! Check the final results to see how many delegates she won. Is it enough for her to catch up? Can she pass Sen. Obama? She can't pass him EVEN IF SHE WINS EVERY RACE, INCLUDING FL & MI! Her ONLY hope in winning is for superdelegates to vote for her, but where have they been heading? Over to the Obama side! Wake up!

IT IS YOU! Sen. Obama didn't even need to show up to that state because THERE IS NO FIGHT. SHE LOST ALREADY!!!!!!!

I'm sure you listened all week long while the talking heads talked about the "mostly white, mostly uneducated, mostly rural" voters in WV - JUST HILLARY'S TYPE.

GET IT? SHE LOST! IT'S MEDIA HYPE!

SHE LOST ALREADY SO THERE IS NO "FIGHT" for Sen. Obama to go to.

He's left the building and gone on to fight the REAL battle... with John McCain!

Get your acts together and follow Sen. Obama! He's not looking back; he's looking ahead!

I want to have hope folks, but...

Michael — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:50:43 EDT

I get so discouraged by the effectiveness of "say anything" kitchen-sink smear tactics, incessant tabloid-media distractions passed off as real news, pandering, innuendo, and outright lies that rely on the general ignorance of the lowest common denominator in this country - confidently knowing all along that by the time the actual truth filters down to the masses, it'll be too late!... it makes me sick!

Over the weekend, my girlfriend was walking through the parking lot of our semi-rural Indiana Walmart wearing her Obama shirt, when some hayseed jackass called her a "terrorist lover"!

You know, I WANT to have hope... I WANT to believe in this country's ability to rise above the BS... But misinformed hate like this makes me infinitely frustrated, bitter, and angry! Not to mention the fact that it happened to MY girlfriend! (I really hope I'm the one that runs across you next time you redneck pr***!)

I'm no less proud to be an American, but I'm a little less proud of America - and its liars and hate-mongers from both the GOP and (yes) the Clinton campaign that continue to perpetuate their vile messages to the gullible, with absolutely no remorse what-so-ever! Stupid people shouldn't be allowed to vote, but unfortunately they are - with their evil puppet-masters happily pulling their strings all the way to the polls!

HOPE...

I HOPE the majority of people aren't this ignorant. I HOPE we outnumber the stupid. I HOPE we will collectively rise-up and politically crush the manipulative evil that runs rampant within our system. I HOPE this really IS "our time".

Rednecks 4 Obama '08
Ye-ha we can, y'all!!!

P.S.: Let's do it tomorrow Hoosiers!!! I DO have faith in us!!!

A Strategy for the "White Working Class"

Victor from Chandler, AZ — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:22:12 EDT

Mr Obama, you need a unifying strategy to address the dividing strategy of your opponents. The Republican (and Clinton) strategy is simple. Pat Buchanan summarizes it in a recent email to the "conservative" faithful of Human Events magazine. About Obama he says:

"Though he has stitched together the McGovern wing of the party -- the anti-war crowd, the cause people, the professoriat -- with the Jesse Jackson wing -- 90 percent of the African-American vote -- he is being systematically pushed out of the heartland of the party, the white working and middle class. And reinforcing the impression in Middle America that Barack is "not one of us" is the core of both the Clinton and Republican strategies. And they are working."

So what should you do to win the white working class segment of the voters that the press says you can’t connect with? Go listen to them, then emphasize what we all have in common.

Details of a tactical suggestion for Indiana and other states in the future:

1. Have the democratic leaders in rural areas arrange some small group conversations with working class people outside of the urban centers. Ten to twelve people who represent a cross section of the area. Take off the tie, loosen the collar, dress casually. Take the smallest possible entourage you can.

2. Don’t let the reporters in the room. It will make the people in the room feel special. (And it will drive the media crazy.) No cameras.

3. Have the conversations over a meal, dinner preferably. Don’t forget to let someone say grace. Or say it yourself.

4. After the introductions, say something to this effect: "I didn’t come to give a campaign speech. I want to listen to you. What are the major concerns in your life? What are the important issues that aren’t getting discussed in the media frenzy that has overtaken the campaign? That’s why I’m keeping the reporters outside. I don’t want information from journalists and pollsters. I want to hear it from you." Say it and mean it. Then, just listen to them.

5. Once you get them to open up, they will most likely talk about their children, their jobs, rising prices, their house values or being able to buy a house, affordable education, health costs. These are common concerns for all people. If it seems right, ask them what scares them about what they see in the country. Ask them to talk about what they expect their leaders to do. Let them know you have heard and understand them. Share your concerns and thoughts with them, but don’t try to sell them.

6. At the end, ask them if you can talk about the things they have told you. Even if they say no, you will have gained some valuable insights. If they say yes, you’ll have personal references for your understanding of working people.

When the reporters ask why you took this approach you can explain that you wanted to see if there was really this great difference between you and the people of working class America. What you learned is there are no major differences.

The people in rural America have the same concerns as the urban dwellers. We are all concerned about the same things such as employment, crime, safety of our children, and the security of our country. Echo all the things that the people told you. Reference the people you talked with by name.

Make these personal conversations with working class Americans the theme of your campaign going forward. Hammer on the commonality of all Americans. Emphasize that the problems in OUR nation touch all of us in one way or another. Focus on the fact that the world has become a much smaller place. We cannot, and must not, segment the people of this nation by class or race, and the politicians that continue to do so are not truly committed to leading a truly United States of America.

Strategy for Obama in Rural areas...

MusicallyMotivatedMama — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:18:01 EDT

I know Obama says this will be OUR government. I was just thinking maybe he could open a board where people could go to offer ideas for campaign talking points. Hillary is being credited with being more in touch concerning the meat and potatoes issues. Here are some of my thoughts for connecting with these people of which I am one.

1) Draw a comparison between the price of gas per gal. and milk per gal. Let people know you're aware of the detalis, not just that the cost of food is going up, be specific. Flash a Kroger card. Work Hamburger Helper in there somehow. Perhaps mention that people aren't quite sure of the wisdom of mowing their yards with $4.00 per gal. gas. Things like that. Details. Colorful description.

2) Emphasize the role of parenting as you have before with that wonderful down to earth humor. The rural whites will appreciate hearing you discuss the video games, tv and mostly discipline!

3) Emphasize your plan for social security and prescription drugs.

4) Explain in detail why the gas tax holiday is not a good idea. The "average" person won't see beyond the short term advantage. You have to find a way to convince blue collar workers that this is a bad thing.

5) Emphasize the importance of church attendance now, before you get to Ky. so it won't appear pandering. Don't shy away from the issue because of the Rev. Wright. Southern Baptists have NO room to talk and they know it! Could possibly even draw comparisons and elicit a chuckle. Who knows? Many Baptists here felt 9/11 may have been Gods wrath. Statistics show church attendance spiked right after nation wide.

6) Succinctly address that new commercial concerning gang violence. I know how you look at all aspects before casting a vote and I know you have a very good reason for this one. Let the people know!

7) Find a female supporter to speak at rallies that Hillary's older female demographic can relate to. I think Michelle is absolutely wonderful! It seems to me such a strong, sassy woman should be able to woo Hillary's Fem. base.

8) On the Bin Laden/Iran front? Emphasize fighting smart as compared to Hillary's hawkish notions. Perhaps point out the realities of engaging Iran with nukes.

9) Only address Hillary's attacks. Do not initiate. Try to use that humor to point out the ridiculousness of her claims. That smile wins people over!

I think I'll stop here. I know Obama has whole teams and statistics to draw on to help him devise his strategy but I really think a homegrown perspective can help.

If anyone has any additional ideas feel free to respond. The perspective of supporters in the south esp. welcome! Perhaps we could compile them and get them to someone close to Obama.
Yes We Can!!!

This is America Too....................

Yvette Jarvis — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:36:10 EDT

Hello Fellow Obama Supporters,

I received this post from one of the Obamians from the Harlem for Obama group. This is a very stark and poignant piece that expresses exactly what Obama meant when he said Bitter. God knows the truth hurts but we have got to suck it up and take the pain if we are to grow as a nation. " I have a Dream.."

I forgive my Brothers and Sisters and pray for them. I pray as the Greek Orthodox Easter approaches, that they will one day forgive themselves.

The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want......God Bless America, All of it!

Thank you VKing for this eye opener!

Yvette

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/04/bitter-and-angry-in-rural-penn.php

Bitter and Angry in Rural Pennsylvania: Obama's Reality vs. Hillary's Fantasy

By astral66 - April 12, 2008, 4:40PM

Maybe there aren't Bubbas driving around in pickup trucks with the classic bumpersticker "God, Guns and Guts Made America Free" where Obama's detractors live, but here in rural Pennsylvania that line may as well replace "e pluribus unum" as the motto on the national currency.

I live in western Pennsylvania, and I can tell you, people here are bitter and angry. Poverty is prevalent. People hunt squirrels and eat them, along with racoon stew. People also hunt deer here, not for sport, but so they can put meat in their freezer so they can feed their families. They cut wood in the forests and heat their homes with wood stoves because they can't afford to pay the gas bill. I know a guy who goes to old landfills to dig up old milk and beer bottles to sell on eBay. He uses the proceeds to buy clothes for his family at the Salvation Army (and to pay for his dial-up connection).

Racism and prejudice are ever-present here. A friend of mine is part-owner of bar in a small rural town south of where I live. I meet up with him there occasionally and watch as down-and-out people come in with their disability and welfare check money and drink it away. It's a pretty depressing place, but it does serve as the social center for a town that has seen its few industries shut down and the local people's jobs eliminated or shipped off elsewhere.

I hear the usual rants there, that it's all the fault of gays and minorities and immigrants (although those aren't the terms used, but rather the usual, virulent slurs). A black man walked in the last time I was there, and a guy near me at the bar muttered in a not-so-quiet way, "What's he think he's doing in here?" When I brought up the presidential race and Obama with another man at the bar, his response was, "there ain't no way America is ever going to vote for a black guy." Later on my bar-owner friend told me about his experience talking about Obama with another woman at the bar, and her angry response was that "it's because of half-breed n*****s like him that America is in such bad shape today."

Prejudice, racism and fear do run rampant in areas like this. People are poor. They are in bad health, overweight from a deep-fried diet, and toothless from the lack of dental care. They are unemployed. They are uneducated. They do cling to their hunting rifles and to their religious beliefs. For many, it is about all that they have. The towns around here are full of decaying, boarded up buildings. People live in rundown old trailers with abandoned cars in the front yard. I have seen people using an old car as a stable, with their goat tied to and living in it. I could drive you by a least three old houses that have Conderate flags in the windows.

So go ahead and discount Obama's talk of how bitter and angry that some of the people of rural Pennsylvania are. Call him elitist for taking the time to pass through areas such as this to listen to what the people have to say, and to then relate what he has heard to people in more prosperous parts of the country when he is asked about it. I have lived in San Francisco, and let me tell you, there is a marked difference between the general attitude there and the attitude here in the "rust belt". Go ahead and dismiss everything that Obama said as political posturing. Let Hillary and McCain "pick him apart" and parse his words. But please keep in mind that when Obama said:

"it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

that he is 100% accurate in his assessment.

I know, because I live here, my family and my friends' families have lived here for generations, and we see it every day, all around this region. There is a very fine line between poverty and prosperity here, where making above $20,000 a year puts you in the realm of the "haves", but also knowing that you're one contract termination away from joining the ranks of the "have-nots".

I come from a family of dairy farmers. I know what it's like to spend up to 12-16 hours a day sitting on a tractor for three dollars an hour, which I did through high school and every summer until I was fortunate enough to head off to college. Many of my friends were also fortunate and went to school, and then relocated to other parts of the country. Some of us were able to come back under better circumstances, but the large majority of people here are not as fortunate.

Thirty years worth of the right wing dismantling our public education system has taken its toll. Thirty years worth of mismanagement of the economy, of shutting down factories and shipping jobs out of the country, of subsidizing corporate farms and taxing family farms out of business, has taken its toll.

Yes, people are angry, and bitter, but Obama never said that they aren't resilient, opitmistic or hard-working. Those are Hillary and McCain's twisted words, and for them to stand up and suggest that rural Pennsylvanians aren't fed up with the way things are, only reveals how out of touch they really are with at least this part of the country.

Of course, all McCain has to do is suggest to poor rural folk that the party of gun-control, gay marriage, and NAFTA is going to take away what little they have left, and rural conservatives will vote for him, just as they did for Reagan, Bush I and Bush II. As for Hillary, the more she "takes apart" Obama's message, the more she does the GOP's work for free. If Hillary can't see that the people of rural Pennsylvania are bitter, and angry, and mad as hell about the way things are, then she needs to step down from that one hundred million dollar platform of hers and take a real look around.

In western Pennsylvania I hear two things: the "God, Guns and Guts" crowd see John McCain as the heir-apparent to the mantle of rural conservative values; and the people who hope for some kind of change see Barack Obama as the person who understands the situation that we are in, and maybe is the one who can lead us in a new direction. What I don't hear is anyone talking about whatever and whomever it is that Hillary claims to stand for.

Obama's "Bitter" comment explained

Vince from Boston, MA — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:06:50 EDT

in a Charlie Rose Interview from 2004.

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

..... Pass this on

Barack Obama 08'

..... Hope and a new direction.

There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America. -Barack Obama

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Vince ;-} Hope Monger Yes We Can !

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/vince

Tonight's PA Policy Calls: Urban and Rural Agenda

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:39:08 EDT

UPDATE: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader & Obama for America National Co-Chair TOM DASCHLE will be the special guest on the rural agenda policy call that starts at 6 p.m. EST

The PENNSYLVANIA POLICY CALL SERIES is an opportunity for you to have direct access to Senator Obama's senior policy staff. If there are any questions you have about Barack Obama's policies, simply sign up for calls and get the answers you are looking for:

pa.barackobama.com/policypa

Do you know someone who is still undecided? Is there a particular policy question they may have that needs attention? If yes, take a minute to introduce them to our Pennsylvania Policy Conference Call series.

Two big calls tonight:

6PM- Rural Agenda Policy Call
6:30PM- Urban Agenda Policy Call

Do you know the facts? Check out our PENNSYLVANIA FACT SHEET. And share it with any undecided friends or family you have.

We look forward to hearing from you and taking your questions on the calls!

Of, By, For

Thomas from Providence, RI — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:47:07 EDT

Why is it that some of us are accustomed to news reports about violence, poverty and hopelessness in the "inner city" (aka urban low-income communities of color), and their implicit assumptions like poverty leads to hopelessness leads to crime and violence, but we are indignant when similar notions are suggested about white communities? I sometimes don't even realize I'm making assumptions until someone points it out, but when my awkwardness and discomfort wears off, I'm grateful for the insight. I feel more connected to the world because I understand it better, and am more respectful of its complexity.

The truth is, we have a lot to learn about each other if we are to coexist peacefully and prosperously. (Think of how you feel when someone asks you about your life, your background, your interests, what you think.) I worked for many years with low-income rural people of different races and cultures. In my role as an organizer and advocate, I constantly ran into assumptions about rural people, most commonly: uneducated, poor, close-minded, backwards, primitive, and insular. So I wonder if some of the concern about Senator Obama's remarks in San Francisco stems from a frustration with the redneck-hillbilly stereotype.

...

The story that matters most in this campaign is the number of donors to Senator Obama's campaign, and the average size of donation. That is the best indicator not only of his unassailably broad appeal, but the promise he represents for rejuvenating the democratic process. "Of the people, by the people, for the people": what a concept?! Maybe after all of these years, we have a chance to build a more perfect union. What amazes and appalls me, however, is how we as Americans don't seem to be able to recognize democracy when it's standing right in front of us.

It's shocking (and telling) to me that the GOP took pride in rallying behind its nominee so early. Democracy IS messy, but it is in my opinion far more important than unity.

Reasoned critiques of any candidate are fair, expected and necessary: they will strengthen a campaign and clarify its message. And Senator Obama would be the first one to say that he's open to new ideas, and his responses' effort to open and deepen conversations reflect this perspective. A desirable (and currently absent) trait in a president, if you ask me.

...

And lastly, some unsolicited tips for the campaign(s)...

Hillary and Barack should spend a week (at least) just focusing on McCain. I think Democrats in PA and beyond know enough to decide, and some "double-teaming" would end McCain's honeymoon, start to chip away at any Republican advantage, serve as an unequivocal sign of Democratic unity.

...and fellow supporters:

Every criticism of Senator Obama is now a signal to me to send in another donation.

and

I was wondering today if it would be interesting to start a "Piggybanks for Barack" campaign--my daughter (4) has one and is probably the strongest supporter in the house.

Obama at Messiah College

j f n — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:08:43 EDT

I thought he did great. What did everyone else think?

Does anyone have the transcripts?

Where is it written ...

Obama Radar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:32:51 EDT

... that all our dreams must be small ones?

We represent rural communities in the State of Nebraska,

ha, that means mostly under priviledged farmers, struggling communities and we set out in our own way as a media group [established business] to CONVERT swing and republicans alike to vote for Barack.

In order to be effective in this endeavor, we needed to establish a separate website [s] for this purpose. Simply because "Farmers and Ranchers" don't just trust right away what they read and hear.

They watch the weather channel and the stockyard news early morning. By the time they come home around 9 or 10 pm, they are too tired to take in all the media. Ergo, the media has quiet an impact really, much more so then in urban areas.

I call it "media hazing" - the flood of repetitions, distortions, well you name it are perfect to sneak in to the subliminal. And since earth-bound people which farmers and ranchers definitely are, they don't easily change their mind once it's made up. Even if it is a distorted and/or ill informed opinion.

Since I happen to look back at more than 20 years of being "liked" in the State of Nebraska, I discussed this issue wtih my company board and we came up with the idea to target specifically the rural market with ads.

Yes, independent of the official Obama campaign, we took over $ 200.000 of our own money and started to layout a strategy for the months until November.

We also started a donation run from our newly created website [still a lot of work to do on it] but we have the basics together.

And since we exclusively work on this to help get Barack Obama elected, we feel good about it.

I personally live in a small village andwas able to convince the majority to read Obamas Plan,

which we downloaded and posted on our website

OBAMA RADAR the main site [where we explain the Hope, The Strategy, The Actions and more

OBAMA BLOGGER NET the blog site, where rurals here can get their own blogs also

OBAMA LENS the image galleries [we created some "side-by-side" obama/clinton images for REAL comparison]

OBAMA CAFE [in progress] forums, chats, nebraska farming and ranching ads/free]

OBAMA TICKER [in progress] news, videos, footage

We use and rely upon the trust we enjoy from local communities. They do listen and they actually do believe what comes out of my mouth is the truth. That is very important to be able to change a voters mind.

Please, although we at first will concentrate on the State I live in, we would like to annex also Kansas, Iowa and we have very strong business connections to California, New Mexico and Texas, where a large percentage of Latino population resides.

We are not able to finance it all from my private /business budget, so we ask for donation.

The GOAL is to reach at minimum 200.000 donors at $ 5.00 per person at least.

This is not a pipe dream, when using the internet as a vehicle.

Please be so kind and spread the word.

Thank you!

Michele

BIZ ETHIC COMPANY

RADAR MEDIA GROUP [which now also hold Obama Radar]

Pennsylvania

LPeters — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:09:16 EDT

Pennsylvania's blue-collar workers and rural residents are smart, practical people who will vote their own self-interest like anybody else. The Obama campaign needs to show them how he's not an "airy-fairy" thinker, but a pragmatist who gets things done.

Seems to me this would be a great time for the campaign to buy a full page ad in the Philly Inquirer listing all of the legislation Senator Obama was instrumental in passing in Illinois. That legislation speaks directly to the concerns and needs of blue-collar workers and rural folks who don't know yet that Obama is to them what Harold Washington once was to the forgotten of Chicago.

Don't tell them, they won't believe it. Show them with a list of legislation passed on their behalf then punctuate that with TV/radio testimonials.

Apathy and Cynicism, Family Farms and Cherished Homeplaces

Julie Hensley — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:01:50 EDT

Dealing with the Apathetic voter may not be so clear cut. Often they are not apathetic (without interest) but cynical.

Presuming there are some apathetic voters left, you can use the following to help get them to reconsider using their vote with the following.

From time back beyond any living memory in my family, the family farm was home. Several generations contributed to building that farm up and being caretakers by developing rich soil, solid fencing and well constructed building to house people, animals and supplies.

As is the case with many, economic conditions encouraged one generation's sons to move from the farm. It was only so big and there were so many of them and job opportunities existed elsewhere. So it languished. The remaining family, women and an infirmed grandfather eventually moved to town to be closer in. Occasionally the farm was rented. Mostly it was just abandoned.

By the time it passed to the hands of my father, it was a mess. The buildings were still very sound but of course, the plumbing and electricity were in need of serious upgrades. The land was seriously overgrown and no one in the family (except myself and a few younger cousins) were interested in farming or the land. We were now a clan of the towns and suburbs.

My father passed assessment that it was too much trouble to mess with and let the farm pass into the hands of strangers. Those strangers cherished their little gem and would occasionally even contact us with some trinket or family heirloom they found that they thought we might enjoy.

I have no heartache knowing that the farm is well cared for and I'm welcome if I ever want to go visit but I see it as being a situation much like the apathetic voter. My father could not be touched by the value of this homeplace, analagous to our own country, that had fallen on some challenging times. A few thousand dollars and some hard work cleaning the place up would have given it a life that could have been enjoyed by those connected to it for many more generations.

I'm glad it passed to someone who care, but what if it hadn't? What if the land had been of interest to someone who wanted to build a development or strip mall? Perhaps worthy uses but certainly not what my ancestors might have wished. They were connected to the land and would have wanted their children's children to enjoy that connection as well, at least presuming those children wanted to.

I feel like what has happened to this country is much like that family farm/homeplace. It's fallen in disrepair but the value is still clearly there... it just needs and deserves the attention of the people connected to it. Leave that work to the hands of others and it might turn out fine, but then again, it might not.

The apathetic voter needs to recognize what we all recognize that yes, there is alot of work to be done, but it's not work we need or should expect someone else to do. It's our homeplace we are saving.

Why rural Western Pennsylvania is too important to ignore

Taube — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:29:01 EDT

"It’s Nov. 5, 2008, in Ohio, and Barack Obama has just lost the presidency to John McCain. The result was confirmed when Columbiana County (OHIO) reported a 500-vote margin for McCain. Party leaders, heads in their hands, moan in unison, “How could this have happened?”

Please put down your lattes and read the rest from 'Don't discount a Clinton ticket's strength in Ohio' By: John Fortier (American Enterprise Institute posted on politico.com)

March 14, 2008 08:07 AM EST "Then a voice from the back of the room chimes in. “I know,” says long-forgotten second-place finisher Hillary Rodham Clinton. “You should have nominated me. Did you see how well I did in Ohio and the 6th District? I would have had a chance with blue-collar voters, and I would be your president.” A far-fetched scenario perhaps, but many Ohio Democrats are wondering whether Clinton might be more electable than Obama. Clinton dominated rural and blue-collar districts such as Ohio’s 6th in the March 4 primary. And lunch pail and breadbasket voters are key swing voters, concentrated in the competitive battleground states. The 6th Congressional District gave Clinton, who won 70 percent of the vote, her widest margin of victory of any district in Ohio. The district starts in Northeast Ohio, on the Pennsylvania border in Mahoning County, just south of Youngstown. It continues along the borders of West Virginia and, ultimately, Kentucky, following the banks of the Ohio River. It is about 50 percent rural and 31 percent blue collar, according to The Almanac of American Politics. Clinton won every county easily. Only in Athens County, home of Ohio University, did she fail to break 60 percent. NRCC chairman says funds were embezzled Senate bulls kill proposed earmark moratorium Maverick wants to paint blue states red The rural and blue-collar voters of Ohio are likely to be more important swing voters than those Obama courts. Obama appeals to independents, but to young, educated and upscale independents. Picture the guy consulting on his MacBook Air in Starbucks, not the cable guy. Take California, for example, which Clinton won but where Obama won independents by more than 20 points. A recent study by the Public Policy Institute of California found that the state’s independent voters were younger and more educated, and favored Democrats over Republicans by 13 points. These independents are Obama voters, but most would likely vote for any Democrat in a general election. On the other hand, rural and blue-collar voters are more up for grabs. Whether you call them Reagan Democrats, Perot voters, NASCAR dads or security moms, they are not completely at home with either party. In some instances, economic populism might incline them to vote for Democrats, while traditional morals, patriotism or distrust of government can pull them into the Republican camp. Most importantly, these voters are concentrated in key Midwestern battleground states. Ohio is ground zero for the November election, and Clinton won it impressively. In 2004, a switch of Ohio’s 20 electoral votes to John F. Kerry would have put him in the White House. Clinton should also play well in Michigan and Pennsylvania, two big states that lean slightly Democratic. Obama can claim recent victories in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin, each with good chunks of rural and blue-collar voters. But even in those states, Clinton’s strength was among working-class voters who will be more up for grabs in the general election. Ohio’s 6th is a swing district at the presidential level, but Democrats have held the House seat in recent years. President Bush won it with 51 percent of the vote, but Democratic Rep. Charlie Wilson took the district handily in his first run in 2006 and looks safe in 2008. Before Wilson, the district was held by now-Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat. Clinton won easily in other rural and blue-collar districts, but Strickland gave her an additional boost in the 6th District, which also ensures that he will be on the vice presidential short list. A Clinton-Strickland ticket would be formidable in Ohio. Clinton at the top of the ticket would benefit a number of freshman Democrats whose districts look like Ohio’s 6th: Zack Space, whose district borders the 6th, and Christopher P. Carney, who represents Pennsylvania’s 10th District. Even Minnesota’s Timothy J. Walz and Wisconsin’s Steve Kagen, who have endorsed Obama, might find that a Clinton general election campaign would speak more to the concerns of their constituents. And Clinton’s appeal to working-class voters could help Democrats compete in rural, blue-collar Republican seats like Tim Walberg’s in Michigan. Of course, Obama’s campaign would play well in suburban districts, which would aid other candidates. But a large number of Democratic freshman and Republican open seats represent districts where Clinton’s appeal to white working-class voters would resonate. Last week’s Clinton win has blue-collar Democrats grumbling that Obama might succeed in attracting more young, socially liberal and African-American voters but give an opening to McCain to appeal to the white working class. That is the argument that Clinton is trying to make to her own party, a message that may have gotten through in Ohio but that will need to resound more strongly for her to win the nomination. " John Fortier is a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. TM & © THE POLITICO & POLITICO.COM, a division of Allbritton Communications Company

source: politico.com

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9001.html

How Obama Can Win The Pennsylvania Primary

Ken — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 13:48:02 EST

Greetings. As a fellow campaigner, I'd like to humbly share a few ideas with my colleagues in Pennsylvania on how Barack Obama can win the primary based on supplementing the campaign's exisiting strategy with some additional tactics based on the state's unique historical and demographic profile to: 1) win the working class vote, 2) win the rural vote, 3) slam dunk the urban voters, 4) recover from advisors' gaffes, and 5) win the City of Brotherly Love. Herewith follows a list of ideas of which one or more may be cross-postable and/or threadworthy:

Gobs of Dough!

CapnSassyJas — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:44:54 EST

On some other sites I've found some supporters of other candidates attempting to dismiss the fact that Obama has raised $55 million in the month of February, claiming that it wasn't enough to defeat Hillary in Texas and Ohio. Naturally, I disagree. Here is what I've responded with:

Hillary won in rural areas while Obama won the more populated urban areas. And don't forget that Clinton focused her entire attention on Texas and Ohio while Obama was pounding the pavement to sweep primaries in 11 states by considerable margins. So, while you may be entrenched in your candidate, don't make the mistake of selling an achievement short just because you don't like it. Clinton's firewall only stays up if she had won with a greater margin (and in Texas, caucus results are still being counted). She simply did not accomplish that and once again, Obama won the urban vote and garnered more of the delegates. And Clinton can't play the "Obama only wins red states and they don't matter" card because she just won Texas... and the rural parts at that (which represent the redest areas of the redest state). And no, Texas will not be voting Democratic in November. So if she's predominantly winning in the conservative parts of states in primaries, then her argument of "I win big states" starts to founder even more when she will make it at the convention. So, 55 million is an incredible amount of money in one month - and a short one at that! You don't have to like the candidate or his supporters, but you do have to respect the accomplishment. It's undeniable that something profound is happening this year and you may try to pin that badge on Clinton or anti-Bushing, but in actuality, the person who deserves it is Obama.

Wins?

CapnSassyJas — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:15:19 EST

Clinton likes to claim that she wins big states, but let's be honest, she has not consistently won in the urban areas of such states because these are strongholds for Obama. Remember: rural areas tend to vote more conservatively and usually end up Republican in general elections, so any arguments centered around winning the prize states is almost irrelevant without appealing to the most populated areas in such states. There's a reason why she hasn't and can't close the pledged delegate gap. It's because the population centers have fairly consistently gone for Obama. Now, Obama moves on to Wyoming and Mississippi to try and secure big wins so he can help open up the margin a bit more to drive home the math and secure the nomination in the months to come. He’ll need to regroup and come up with some serious Pennsylvania-centric strategies (anti-NAFTA, pro-agriculture, pro-industry) to try to secure that big state and keep the delegate count up into the later primaries and of course the convention.

Let "x" be rural Appalachian poverty.

Trish Kahle — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:05:10 EST

I find it difficult to understand why the same people who are constantly being screwed by the government are the same people who do not think it needs to be changed.

But then I made a monumental discovery. During the cold war, we talked of the iron curtain that separated the democratic west and the communist east. The curtain was imbreachable, and we have created a similar curtain between urban and rural poverty.

Growing up in a poor, urban community, I had access to after school programs, free clinic health care, and mentor programs like Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Walking was a viable form of transportation, and while the situation was hardly ideal, it gave me the ability to rise up, to attend a private liberal arts college on scholarship, etc.

But out here, life is different.

Life out here is filled with old-time American values, untouched by waves of late 19th and 20th century immigrants. People work hard for very little, like many Americans, but they are also happy and grateful. The people here are strong in their convictions. They are proud. They are strong. They endure hardship upon hardship and are still willing to lend a hand.

And at the same time, every time they nearly are able to break out of the cycle of poverty, the federal hammer slams them back into the ground. Poor healthcare, poor corporate stewardship, and discrimination prevents them from being able to reap the benefits they deserve.

When I first moved here, I had my own prejudices--I grew up in the urban Northeast, and this was a far cry from home. But I soon found them dissipating, and I discovered a respect for these people.

Barack Obama sees the need for change here too. To me, he embodies, "of the people, for the people," and now it is our job to make him, "by the people." We need to encourage this huge mass of people to vote, vote democratic, and vote for Barack Obama. We need to show them that the campaign is about more than "Christian" issues like gay rights or abortion--that the election is about healthcare for them, better education for them. A nation for them, and not for the folks in Washington, D.C.

How do we do this?

Here, it's important not to be "above your company." That is, don't talk down to them, don't make assumptions. The education system has failed them, not their intelligence. People will listen to you, they will be open minded, and they don't come with all the prejudices you assume they would. All they need is your trust and some good ol' voter education. These people are passionate. They are warm. They believe in America. And believe me, they're a hell of a lot more democratic leaning then you think.

Obama's Missing Issue

Aaron — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:43:01 EST

So I now see that there is a space issues portion of your goals - its not perfect, but its ok. I also see that there is a general concept of support for environmental causes. Support of the roadless parks is a great start. Obviously I would like to see it fleshed out more, but I understand you might be a bit busy. I even appreciate your affordable housing stance - which I believe is a perfect time to tie your green energy into affordable housing. A simple suggestion is to add some sort of "Sen. Obama will encourage the creation of green, sustainable, affordable housing through grants and tax relief." (Nantucket is going to be building its first green affordable housing.)

But yet my issue hasn't been addressed. While I might say "historic preservation," I mean something much more. This issue is about standing up for the sustainability of our downtowns, the protection of buildings and culture, the use of preservation as a green technology (recycling buildings rather than tearing them down, and funding these goals. I am somewhat concerned because Hilary, when googled with "historic preservation" comes up with the "Save America's Treasures." When Obama is googled with "historic preservation," I only see an issue in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago where you were supporting a program which wasn't well recieved. It was a local issue and I dont know the final result, but it makes me concerned.

If I were running for president my "historic preservation" issues section would look something like this:

Protecting America's Heritage
America's culture, downtowns, historic buildings, and landscapes are the keystone for American values. We must protect these places we hold dear to our lives. Historic preservation is an inherently sustainable action - recycling buildings saves our landfills. Protecting our state and national parks is an important part of our tourism economies - but also is a way to ensure our future generations can see America as it always has been. Promoting use of the outdoors will only allow Americans to understand the importance of stopping global warming. The method for protecting America's Heritage includes:

Fully funding the National Historic Preservation Act
Providing increased tax incentives for homeowners of historic buildings
Creating effective methods for documenting and preserving historic cultures
Fully funding National Parks
Supporting the work of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Supporting the National Main Street Program
Working to find ways to protect internationally significant properties in America

Sen. Obama - its an easy stand. It doesn't lose you supporters - but its a good method for gaining some more - perhaps those currently with Clinton...

Social businesses & fiscal policy

Dorothy — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:13:57 EST

I just watched Muhammed Yuunus, of Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, accept the Nobel Prize and his subsequent interview on Democracy Now! and I was struck by how closely Obama's National Service Corporation and Social businesses as described Yuunus are, and what potential they have for eliminating poverty.

As a rural resident, I know how endangered family farms have become, and how this model would actually be a viable vehicle for revitalizing rural areas.

When I was growing up, my dad and grandfather built houses. They did not try to 'make a killing'. One the contrary, they viewed the business as making a living for all of their crew. Sometimes we had some pretty slim Christmas's but that was because the crew got paid first. Business does not have to be just about money or investors - it can also be about making a community of people who work together.

Obama's next steps: ME, VA, DC, MD

EMK — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:54:11 EST

OMG, that was great that Obama got all those states! Maine is next, and as far as that state is concerned, if he can visit that state for a little while fine, but I would understand if he cannot since they vote today. In the later case, shout out some prayers for Obama so he can continue his momentum in ME.

Now the "Potomac Primaries." The good news is that MD and DC aren't very large in area, even though VA is large, so he can see all the large cities as well as the small towns. And if I were him, now is a good time for him campaign in the rural areas of the states/districts so he can cast a wider net on the voters. Even though he has two days, these primaries are litterally next door to each other, so he needs to take the time and canvas those more rurual areas.

So, if anyone from the Obama campaign is reading this post, please heed my advice. If you can start getting those rurual votes, you can close the demographic gap even further.

You can do it Obama!

EMK

Reinvesting in Rural America

Marty W — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:52:18 EST

Barack Obama's plan to invest in rural America is by far the most complete of the Democrats and far better and more complete than the only Republican's (Huckabee). He touches on the most key issue:getting youth to stay in (or go to) Rural America is the only way there will still be a rural population to protect.

Additionally I like the plan to connect rural America with broadband. This is something that can really slow the loss. Broadband allows us to digitally move jobs (or keep them where we need them).

Let's not get too excited just yet...

Bob Sutton — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:23:18 EST

Hey Everybody !

Yes, I'm very excited & ENCOURAGED by the win in Iowa.

This is the first time that someone that I have supported has actually shown that the rest of this country is not asleep at the switch.

Speaking of metaphors, this is NOT "The Big Game", an Olympic competition (Gold, Silver, Bronze, & LESS !), or a Baseball game.

This is a very serious ELECTION BY DEMOCRATIC PROCESS to elect our Chief Executive- One person to represent us (U.S.) in our domestic & international relations with the world, and to manage (not rule) our military, government, and inspirations.

The "Age of Aquarius" is only possible with action. Let's all get personal with productive action- not just well deserved insults to those who want to oppose this inevitable move towards sanity.

If you, or yours disagree, please respond. The only reason not to do so just doesn't make any sense, because if you think something is right or wrong, you should say so.

By the way, back it up with some money (sorry, but that's the way it works at this time).

Thanks for your time-

Bob

Rural Students for Obama

Marc R. Peters — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:28:41 EST

Shortly before the holiday, Andrew Sullivan of TheAtlantic.com highlighted a blog that he found odd. The blog made the case that Obama's rise in New Hampshire came from support in predominately rural areas. A reader of Sullivan's political blog, "The Daily Dish", wrote in, using anecdotal evidence to support the claim that Obama has rural appeal:

I teach civics and government at a small rural public high school in central Pennsylvania ... not exactly a hotbed of liberalism. In fact, in the mock election that I ran for the school in 2004 the students re-elected George Bush with nearly 70% of the vote. Of course now Bush couldn’t buy a compliment from the vast majority of my students, but more surprising to me than that is how they’ve turned to Obama in droves.

We just finished a project in which we looked at six of the top Republicans and six of the top Democratic candidates and the students in my overwhelmingly white, rural, middle to lower middle class town are excited about Barack Obama. I’ve been teaching at this school for 10 years and thought I had a pretty good understanding of the political pulse of my students and I never, never would have predicted his appeal. It’s astounding.

Read the whole Daily Dish item here

Townhall on Barack's Plan for Rural America in Kingstree

T. Neil Sroka — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:37:49 EST

Just a couple of hours after Congresswoman Moore's visit to Florence, the campaign held a town hall meeting with farmers and their families in Kingstree, SC about Senator Obama's commitment to support rural communities in South Carolina, including black farmers who have been discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In addition to Representative Moore, speaking at the forum was farmer, prominent Barack supporter, and former candidate for SC Commissioner of Agriculture, Emile DeFelice; Dr. John Boyd, President National Black Farmers Association; and Mike Strautmanis, who helped Barack author the Senate legislation designed to protect black farmers from USDA discrimination.

The forum was absolutely packed with folks from Kingstree, the vast majority of whom, at Dr. Boyd's request, indicated that themselves were farmers.

During his presentation, Dr. Boyd talked about his support for Barack being rooted in the lengths Senator Obama and his staff had gone to defend the rights of minority farmers.

This sentiment was buttressed, by former Senate staffer, Mike Strautmanis, who helped Senator Obama write the law he has put forward to protect black farmers and who got a little emotional when talking to the people in Kingstree the law would be helping.

"We wrote the bill to provide [farmers, like you] with relief that you [need]. Not because of anything in [our] background, but because as I look across this room I see my parents, I see my friends, I see my uncles, I see my grandparents, I see my people. So I knew we had to do what's right. I came by here to tell you one thing and one thing only: When Barack Obama is President of the United States you don't have to worry about this bill. He will sign it into law, no question about it. We will work every day, for this day to that day, to get you the relief you deserve."

After the discussion, dozens of the farmer's in the room signed on to support Barack because of his strong commitment to improving the options and opportunities available to South Carolina's rural communities.

(Can't see the slideshow above? Check out the other pictures from Kingstree here.)

Inspiring Change

Ja(red) Jasper — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:41:02 EDT

I live in a small Missouri town where Bush/Cheney got 61 percent of the vote in 2004. This poses a challenge. The sign outside our town says, "Small Town Big Future." I as an Obama supporter am going to hold this town accountable for that. I am getting my hands filthy dirty so we (my hometown) can see what positive change just the inspiration of Obama can do. Maybe, just maybe, they will begin to realize what he is about.

Alum Ridge House Party for Obama

Georgie Ross — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 20:34:10 EDT

I live in Floyd County, Virginia, home to beautiful mountain ridges, large farms, and progressive thinking. So I was surprised to see that no one in the Floyd area was active (on the website anyway) in volunteering for the Obama campaign. I'm usually more of a joiner than a leader, but I feel strongly enough about the incompetency on display in our federal government these last few years to act. So let's have a house party for Barack!

Some people may wonder why I chose not to support Hillary Clinton. Fairly or not, I think that the various scandals which plagued the Clinton Administration will come back to haunt Hillary. Although she wasn't responsible for the whole Lewinsky affair, Whitewater and Vincent Foster also come to mind. There is still some doubt about these allegations, but the Republicans have lots of practice sharpening their arrows for the Clintons. I don't think we can afford to have that kind of liability in the race this time.