Posts with the tag Victory

Unity Brings Faith To The Community

New Hope — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:09:57 EST

We need God to bring us into unity. Let the power of God bring a oneness into each man’s heart. That they would not seek their own ways, not seek to please self. But to please God, to follow after God, to seek him with all their hearts.

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Eph 4:13

Then the liberty and freedom of the Spirit which is in Christ Jesus shall set us free indeed. Free to live for God, free to love our brother, our neighbor as ourselves. Knowing that our freedom is in Christ, and comes from the Spirit of Christ working in us.

Unity comes down from above. If we please God and worship him with all our hearts and want to be a servant to others. To lift others higher than ourselves, to see them prosper and to succeed in their life’s ambition to achieve the goals in their lives, that God has laid before them. Then we shall see clearly to help and instruct others in the ways of Christ.

The power of God operating in our lives will enable us to do his work. Enable them to overcome the snares and hindrances of this world. To overcome the limitations and weaknesses that our in our own lives. Through Christ we can do all things. Through the wisdom of God we can overcome any obstacle, we can have divinely inspired solutions that will solve any problem that this world will try to throw at us.

As we decide to walk with God and continue to follow his ways, we shall obtain favor from God. Victory is ours as we set ourselves to seek God and to believe his promises. To walk in the light, to walk in the love and fellowship of his Spirit to walk in love and unity with our brother. To take upon ourselves the task of helping others who are in need of help. If you see your brother in need, lend a helping hand, offer a good word of encouragement and support in due season. United we can do all things, each person supplying, encouraging, empowering each other to greater heights in God. United we shall bring victory and accomplish the task that the Lord has for us; to change others lives, to release them into the empowering life stream of God’s Spirit. But first we need change in our lives. That the Lord may use us for His glory and purpose.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons

of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12

God is looking for a few good men. Faithful men and women working together committed to the purpose of serving Christ, by serving one another. It is not good enough to have an idea or concern for others. But true love knows how to reach out to others to help heal the hurt, Lord gives us true wisdom to be a comfort to others. We have the solutions that this world is looking for both in the natural and in the spirit. Help others with the means and support that God has made available to you. When you give to others, that is like planting a seed, sowing in the kingdom of God that will reap a harvest in your time of need. In your family, when someone you love needs a touch of God, support from the people around them.

We are not able to reach out to everyone, but the love of God breaks dividing walls, penetrates through, beyond the barriers of mankind and will enter the hearts around those in need. And place on their hearts a burden to care and support others also. By grace are we saved, not a work that we can do, but the work of God that He does through us. Helping hands helps others, not self. True love opens the hearts of others and lifts them out of their troubles. Love opens the heart to allow the healing of God to flow into their lives, and to heal the wound, with the oil and the wine, medicine from God. With the love and comfort that only God can give, with human hands and a heart filled with the love of God, we can make a difference, change the world around us, and God will extend your world of influence and increase your effectiveness. Love and good deeds are contaigeous, you do one good deed, share the love of God with someone. And in turn they do good to someone else. There is a spirit of multiplication, when you do the works of God. Just as when the disciples broke the bread that Jesus gave them, and forgot about their selves and shared the bread with the crowd, God multiplied the loaves and the fishes as people hearts were expanded to help those around them.

As wee seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness we shall be prepare to minister in grace to help, enable and empower others to live victorious. Encourage others to believe that God loves them and wants them to get out of the troubles, the problems that they are in. We do not have to be stuck where we are, God wants to move us on, look beyond the shadows of this life and walk forward in the light that God reveals. In the new life, renewed mind and refreshed heart that the Lord with give us. To enable us to endure even through the tough times. Let us move out from the shadows of death. My God prepares a way before me. He goes ahead of me to prepare a place that I might be refreshed, where He will quicken me by his Spirit to give me a new heart, a heart that knows that if God be for me, if God is on my side, no work of darkness shall be able to hinder me. I shall have my mountain; I shall come into possession of the promises of God for my life and for the lives of others that God has entrusted me with. Lord strength our hand for war, strengthen us for the labor that lies before us. We shall labor in the love and comfort of the Lord to enrich others lives. There is power in the Gospel of Jesus Christ to set others free, to bring healing and wholeness, in to their lives and bodies. He sent His Word and healed them of all their disease. He has a cure for every sickness. He has and answer and solution for every problem in our lives. My God shall supply all my needs according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus.

God gives us singleness of God to believe for the victory, Lord grant thy servant vision to see the purpose of God for our lives. Believe that the tide has changed. That the favor of God is on your side. You shall succeed in life. You shall accomplish the work that God has called you to do. What needs to be done, let’s do it with all our hearts as unto the Lord. Whether is putting a hand to a shovel, or climbing the highest mountain. The work and labor that the Lord has given us, we should do it with joy as unto God.

When we know that our heavenly Fathers loves us we can be strong in faith knowing that all things work out for good for those that love God, and for those that know that their God loves and cares for them. Let us be refreshed in the knowledge that God is with us. He said that I will never leave you nor forsake you. But low I am with you. His hand is upon us to empower us, enables us to trust and know that He is with us. Even in the difficult times. Even when things don’t look good, God has a way out.

We need to have confidence in the Lord our God. Believe with all our heart. Take possession of the promise of God for your life. Take possession of the healing that you need for your body. God want you to have all that he has prepared for us.

Jesus said that I am the bread of life that has come down from heaven. If we eat of him, if we believe on him, if we trust in his word then the Word will work for us.

Jesus relied on the Word of God to work for his life. Jesus said to the devil, said to that mountain, said to that problem, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Every word of God that he has given for us will work in your life. Believe in God and you shall be established, trust in his prophets, trust in the living word of God and you shall prosper in every situation. Lord wants us to prosper as our soul prospers. As we renew our faith and trust in God daily, he shall renew our faith to be more than over comers, we shall conquer we shall defeat the enemies, overcome any obstacle and problem. For at the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord. Every thing will work out for good for your life and the lives of others.

Peter Kelleher

Life in the Spirit brings us into the fullness of the life of Christ. Believing God for the miracles in your life.

Christmas will be here before your know it Personalized Christmas Ornaments and Gifts from Annette.
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Gingerbread House Family Christmas Ornament

The Steele Choice: Preparing for the Battle of 2012

Bobby Hamilton — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:09:46 EST

The Republicans have made an incredibly potent maneuver in the choice
of Michael Steele to head the RNC. Placing a black Republican in such
a position of power and prominence in the wake of the Barack Obama
victory signals a return to politics after a brief excursion in the
lane of emotionalism and racial unity.

The Republicans are not fooled
by the overwhelming black support of the Barack victory, nor are they
willing to believe that the movement has reached its zenith just
because a black man has been elected president. This party is looking
beyond the ebony mirage to tap the resources of pleuralism within the
black community and the American public at large. The Steele move
seems to be aimed at diluting the accumulated energy of the African-
American constituency still caught up in the rush of the Obama
ascension.

Add to this timely move, the recent jabs thrown by the defeated John
McCain in regard to the upcoming Senate consideration of the bailout
bill. Senator McCain is positioning himself as the point man to take
the momentum away from Barack Obama and give the Republicans a voice
with which to stand against the rushing tide of Obamanism which seeks
to create a bipartisan unity in government. The potential losers in
this chess match are the victims of this ailing economy who must wait
for political horseplay to run its course before getting much needed
relief.

A decisive overturn of the Democratic majority in the mid-term
elections; a highly visible Black RNC chairman, and a Democratic Party
caught off guard in 2012 spells darkness for the Obama sunrise. As I
mentioned earlier, 2008 is not sufficient to establish the success of
Barack Obama as a black American president. Defeat in 2012 will erase
a lot of the meaning from the victory of 2008. Winning in 2012 is
more important than winning in 2008 in many ways.

The Repubilcans are on the move as should be obvious to anyone
smelling the coffee. I only hope that concerned Democrats,
undistracted by the pressing concerns of running this country and
saving it from complete economic collapse on their watch, will set
their sights not just on mid term elections but on 2012. It is not
too early. Soon enough, it may be too late.

Barack Obama has won!

Heather — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:02:06 EST

I am so happy Barack Obama has won the 2008 election! I hope I can meet him. he is amazing.

BARACK OBAMA INAUGURATION

WEBMASTER — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:42:16 EST

President-Elect Obama Discusses an Inauguration for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, with record crowds expected in the nation's capital for the 56th Presidential Inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama discussed his plans for open and accessible inaugural events designed to allow the participation of Americans across the country.

"Unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington," said President-elect Obama. "That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day. Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration, because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation."

President-elect Obama also announced that anyone can text the word "open" to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and opportunities to participate, both in Washington and in communities across America.

The text of the address, as delivered, is below:

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, with a simple oath that's marked the renewal of our nation's democracy for more than two centuries; I will take office as the forty-fourth President of the United States.

But this Inauguration isn't about me. It's about all of us. At this defining moment in our history, it serves as our opportunity to come together in common purpose, united in our resolve to renew the promise of this nation and meet the challenges of our time.

Now, you've probably heard the reports that unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington. That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day.

Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration - because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation.

Just text the word "open" to 56333 for news, transportation updates, and ways you can participate.

We're kicking off inaugural week events on Sunday afternoon with a free celebration at the Lincoln Memorial that's open to the public. And to allow Americans across the country to join us, HBO will broadcast the event for free that evening.

Monday night, Michelle and Jill Biden are hosting a free Kids' Inaugural concert to honor the children of military families, which the Disney Channel will broadcast live on television and their radio network.

On the evening of the Inauguration, Michelle and I will attend the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, and we want you to be right there with us - wherever your neighborhood is.

ABC will broadcast it on television, we'll webcast it on the Internet and post updates from the ballroom, and if you visit pic2009.org, you can even sign up to host your own neighborhood ball at home.

But that's just the beginning when it comes to ways you can get involved. I'm also asking for your active participation.

Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. And to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life as a servant to others, I will ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their communities and their country.

Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve." You don't have to wear a uniform. You don't have to be a community organizer. You don't even have to run for President. At a time when there is so much need, we are blessed with endless ways to contribute something to the life of this nation.

On Monday, my family and the Biden family will spend time volunteering in neighborhoods around Washington. I am asking you to join us in that same spirit of service to others - no matter where you live.

And we've unveiled a new tool to make it easy.

Just visit USAservice.org to find service projects in your community, or even organize your own around the causes you care about.

Log on and you'll see that thousands of events involving millions of Americans have already been set up across the country next Monday and beyond.

Because I'm not just asking you to take part in one day of service. I am asking you to make a lasting commitment to make better the lives of your fellow Americans - a commitment that must endure beyond one day, or even one presidency.

At this moment of great challenge and great change, I am asking you to play your part; to roll up your sleeves and join in the work of remaking this nation. And if you do, then I truly believe a new and better day is within our reach.

Thank you.

Barack Obama

source: http://women.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxbBh

Victory Now Change House Party 12/13/08

TxNerd — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:03:14 EST

On Saturday, December 13, 2008 I hosted a Victory Now Change house party at my home. While I only had 5 guest, we had a very good discussion on a broad range of issue that we felt will have the greatest impact on our community and our country.

We discussed reaching out to our Republican counterparts during future house meetings since the issues being discussed affect all Americans and not just Democrats. We also believe it may be wise to join forces with the members of house party groups in our surrounding area to add emphasis of like type issues.

Our top 4 issues include:

The Economy
1. We would like to see the appointment of a bipartisan panel that would be responsible for the oversight of companies who ask for and receive federal bailout dollars. This group would ensure that the money and the direction of the companies is in the best interest of the American people and not the company executives and shareholders.
2. We would like to see government guidance that would ask banks to renegotiate individual mortgages that are in default.

i. We believe that the federal and state government to should limit new home construction if there is more than a certain percentage of available houses in the area. Continued building is causing the market to be oversaturated and is driving down the value of existing homes. New homes could still be built if the construction would replace an existing home.

ii. We believe that banks should be encouraged to loans in default to extend the loan term and set a fixed interest rate. An entry should be made on the borrower’s credit reporting to reflect this renegotiation of terms.

iii. We would also like to ask that these borrowers who are in default be required to have their finances reviewed by a non-profit credit counseling agency prior to being considered for restructuring to see if the default is as a result of bad lending or poor personal financial management.

1. We would like to see increased oversight of the stock market. Currently a limited number of Americans and an increasing number of foreign governments are holding large volumes of stock in key US assets. As we have seen in recent weeks this gives these groups the ability to adversely affect our economy.
2. We believe that America has to increase the amount of manufacturing within the United States and find ways to encourage companies to stop outsourcing work. US Manufacturing is now dropped to 1942 levels which places our national security at risk.

Healthcare
1. We definitely support the concept of a basic universal healthcare for all tax paying Americans.

i. Americans who can afford it should be provided additional options to pay for an upgrade to their coverage which would include addition service.

ii. We think there should be a not for profit organization designated to oversee this universal healthcare program. As long as for profit insurance companies are involved medical care in America will continue to deteriorate.

iii. We would like to see these benefits limited to citizens who are paying their far share (taxes) to support the needs of our country. We cannot continue to provide people (non-resident and non-tax paying Americans) a free ride.

iv. We would like to see an overhaul of the Medicare/Medicaid that would streamline the program and provide patients with the proper treatment for their doctor’s diagnosis.

v. We would like to see oversight to speed the implementation of online medical record that would speed patient treatment and reduce cost.

Defense
1. We do not believe there is a win or lose scenario in Iraq and believe that we should turn the responsibility for security over to the Iraqi government as soon as possible.
2. We do believe that there is still a threat to U.S. security from Osama Bin Laden, Al Qaeda and the Taliban hiding in the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The U.S. should redirect resources from Iraq to Afghanistan to track down and destroy these threats.
3. The federal government should immediately overhaul the VA system to ensure that our troops who have given so much to defend our way of life are properly provided for when they return home.

i. Period of Transition from deployed troops from Combat to Civilian

ii. Medical care

iii. Job Training and Placement

iv. Housing Assistance

1. We need to renew our military capability

i. Need to inventory and replace inadequate, worn and outdated equipment

1. Provide the manufacture of MRAPs assistance to speed production and deployment of MRAPs to combat zones to replace the outdated and inadequate HUMVEEs.

a. Perhaps as a condition of an auto industry bailout the big 3 auto makers could be enlisted to improve production

ii. Need to immediately return all National Guard troops to the U.S. These troops are designed to protect and defend our homeland.

1. Many of our troops currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have been over-utilized and need to be replaced.

2. Need to consider at least a limited draft that would require young men to serve a period of two years in what could be called a non-deployable ready reserve. At least a percentage of these draftees would elect to re-enlist and would then be deployable. The others would incur a 5 year inactive reserve commitment.

a. In return we should offer them a 4-year college education at one of their state’s universities.

Energy & the Environment
1. We support the immediate investment of tax dollars to develop alternative fuels and more fuel efficient vehicles.
2. We believe America should immediately explore and encourage the development of ways to reduce fuel consumption. Here are some examples of ways to immediately reduce fuel usage are:

i. Home or neighborhood officing

1. Using broadband to perform administrative duties from home or community office.

2. Create jobs converting uninhabited buildings that are available in nearly all communities to be used as individual office space with IT support and an office environment.

a. Worker or employer would basically rent an office space within the community.

3. Reduce daily commute times from 2 or more hours to just a few minutes.

a. Reduce carbon emissions

b. Reduce Fuel Consumption

c. Reduce Highway and public transportation congestion.

d. Reduce employee stress

e. Increase involvement in the family and community

ii. Four day work weeks

iii. Limiting businesses and retail to 6-day weeks

1. Need the Transportation Secretary to take a look at our current trucking industry to see if there is a more efficient way to move goods within the U.S. that would reduce fuel consumption of over-the-road trucks.

i. Mandatory conversion of truck stops with in window power/heat/air and communications.

ii. Change from Interstate trucking to Regional trucking using increased rail transportation of goods.

iii. Development of more efficient trucks

1. Investment in resurrecting train technology in America .

As a group we agreed that during this holiday season that it would be difficult to develop and conduct a public service project other than those we are already involved in. We did discuss contacting our respective cities to see what committees or boards have openings and submitting an application to serve on one or more of these committees.

Current projects include:

· Salvation Army Angel Tree

· Operation Care Dallas – Christmas Gift 2008(Worlds Largest Homeless Christmas party) http://www.operationcaredallas.org/

· Projected for 2009

o MS Walk in Fort Worth – Team Txnerd

o Salvation Army

o Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

o Richland Hills Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

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

The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

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

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

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

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

Afghanistan - defining victory

Charles from Royal Oak, MI — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:33:09 EST

Andrew Bacevich offers an approach to Afghanistan that makes a lot of sense to me . . . more in line with available resources, both Afghanistan's and ours, than the present course.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/171254

Victory Speech Cloud

Harry from Rome, GA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:57:37 EST

OBAMA VICTORY T-SHIRTS

WEBMASTER — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:23:03 EST

OBAMA FOR AMERICA

In the months and years ahead, we're going to accomplish amazing things together. No president has ever had the support of such a powerful grassroots movement, and Barack and Joe will need you to continue fighting alongside them.

But before we take the next step, we need to get our house in order.

The DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE poured all of its resources into building our successful 50-state field program. And they played a crucial role in helping Barack win in unlikely states like North Carolina and Indiana. We even picked up an electoral vote in Nebraska.

The DNC took on considerable debt to make this happen. Make a donation of $30 or more now to help the DNC pay for these efforts, and you'll get a commemorative 2008 Victory T-shirt.

The DNC began building a 50-STATE ORGANIZATION in 2005. The infrastructure they put in place over the last four years opened up a new batch of battleground states where a Democratic nominee hadn't been competitive for a generation.

In the final few months, the DNC went above and beyond to expand our ground efforts and ensure victory. We couldn't have won this election without their support.

As we start laying the groundwork for real change, we need to help the DNC recover the resources it took to win. Please make a donation today and get your 2008 Victory T-shirt.

This movement for change is just getting started, and we look forward to working with you to bring the change this country needs.

Thanks for everything you did to elect Barack and Joe,

Moments to Cherish ...

Scott A. Giordano — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:14:02 EST

Powerful Network Coverage from the Moment We Made History ...

My vote -

Andy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:06:59 EST

I helped Barack Obama take Indiana, going Blue for the first time since the 60s.

Change is good.

Election Day - Sights and Sounds

Elidyl — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:49:57 EST

Election Day in Chicago and Indiana ...

The day began early with a call from the Obama campaign and a special request to help get out the vote in Indiana. I called my good friend Chris, a native Hoosier from Bloomington, and we headed out to Merrillville to canvass for voters and hang door knockers. A flood of early support, and many volunteers finished up their routes by noon. Nearly all of the people on our canvassing route voted when the polls opened at 6 a.m. One voter in his 80s said he only missed one vote, when he was serving overseas in WWII. He didn't tell us who he supported, but he was happy to see us out talking to voters on election day. It was a gorgeous and beautiful day, warm weather, and plenty of sun.

At the end of our route, at one of our last houses, we met Sonny, an elderly African American man who didn't have a ride to the polls. He had surgery scheduled for the next day and was struggling with cancer. His polling station was 25 minutes away, and we got to hear much of his story. He worked 30 years in the steel mills, fought in Vietnam, missed the primary because he was in the hospital, and is receiving a stem cell treatment for his cancer. He wore a bright yellow Obama tee shirt, and fought valiantly to maintain his strength during the trip. Some of his friends and neighbors worked at the polling station. They rushed out with assistance (we had to cover his Obama tee shirt), and there was a huge outpouring of support for his effort. There were tears, and lots of hugs. Everyone gave us their prayers, and about 30 poll workers applauded as we drove him back to his home. An astounding and courageous moment.

In Chicago, too many impressions and feelings. We joined the gathering of volunteers and supporters in Grant Park. It was all anybody could talk about on the train. "They called Ohio," one person said. "What is the news on Indiana," asked another. It was a carnival atmosphere. At the main event, surrounded by video monitors and people sending text messages that read "wow" and "amazing," everything was happening so quickly. A ripple came over the crowd and we reacted immediately to the news. Was this really happening. Pandemonium and joy, respect and awe, hope and exaltation, and so much more. We have a lot to be thankful for. November 04 was a day for all of us. I have some photos and videos to share from the event (please see below). This is my postcard (and one person's story) from Chicago.

Photos:

Grant Park: Election Day 2008

My Videos:

So Glad I Chose to Call Indiana

Sherri from Baton Rouge, LA — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:52:04 EST

When Indiana turned blue in this election and the margin was close, I am so glad I chose to call Indiana voters to help get out the vote there.

I hope a few of my calls made the difference in an Obama victory in Indiana.

I couldn't make as many calls as I wanted to because my home phone is currently turned off (I hope to be able to pay the bill this month) and I broke my old cell phone making so many calls on it. I didn't get my new one until election day. I had to order it online to get the phone that will work best for me free of charge since I was due for an upgrade. My old phone was 3 years old and I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. It wasn't completely free. I had to pay $1.87 in sales taxes even though I didn't have to pay for the phone.

It worked out in the end anyway. Now I've got to get online and see what I can do about the phone bill...

Obama "Victory" Silkscreen Prints

Deroy from Brooklyn, NY — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:32:48 EST

Wow, you guys are snapping up the "History" prints at an impressive clip. At this rate they will sell out by end of next week. But fear not, we've got more Obama art for you. This one is called "Victory". We are printing six sets of 100 of this one, signed and numbered by artist Deroy Peraza. The prints measure 16" X 24". To see the quality of the prints, check out the sold out "New Hope" series here.

GET THE PRINTS HERE

Congratulations. Now Get To Work.

NTodd — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:35:32 EST

OneWorld:

"After almost eight years standing outside the White House with a bullhorn and screaming at someone who wouldn't listen who's totally impervious to popular opinion, I think it's going to be great having someone in there who hopefully will be interested in what we have to say," said Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the group CODEPINK: Women for Peace.

Since the Sep. 11 attacks seven years ago, members of CODEPINK have been a regular presence on Capitol Hill -- opposing the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, decrying a proposed American attack on Iran, and pushing for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney for illegally manipulating intelligence reports to justify the Bush administration's attack on Iraq.

Recently, the group has also organized demonstrations throughout Washington and the country to protest the $700 billion bailout of financial firms and demand new regulations on those companies and economic relief for families facing bankruptcy and foreclosure.
...
"We certainly want to start out in a softer tone," she said, "in terms of trying to get meetings not only with members of Barack Obama's administration, [but also] trying to influence members of his team who are going to be influential in his policies in the Middle East. We know a lot of them; they're Clinton leftovers and they're going to need a lot of pushing, but they'll be a lot more willing to listen than the folks we have now."
...
Longtime peace activist, politician, and writer Tom Hayden says the Obama presidency puts antiwar advocates in much the same position that the presidency of John F. Kennedy put the early civil rights movement. He also compares it to the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and those who wanted to abolish slavery. Both leaders were in favor of progressive change, Hayden says, but had to be pushed by grassroots Americans to take significant action.

"The task is ours to build a social movement and create a climate that organizes the pressure that will enable [Obama] to do the right thing," explains Hayden. "I don't know of any political leaders who will go beyond what their base has made possible."

Certainly my hope has been to elect somebody more receptive to our ideas, even if he's not the perfect anti-war candidate. I'm happy that our efforts using the electoral process have paid off so well and look forward to engaging the president we helped get into office.

Plenty of extra-electoral ways to apply pressure if necessary, though...

ntodd

Our Long National Nightmare is Finally Over

Tony T — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:50:22 EST

I made these shirts, I thought maybe a few people might like them as holiday gifts :)
(Click on the picture to see where to get one)

I wanted to print this t-shirt four years ago. Well, not exactly this one, because the design I had ready then used Kerry's campaign font instead of Obama's, but you get the idea. I have to say my happiness has been a bit muted today by the passage of Prop 8 and the fact that voters in at least two states seem to be happy to re-elect criminals to represent them, but we still made a huge step forward and out of the darkness last night. I was at the Mark Warner victory party, and I have to tell you that I saw a couple thousand people from every imaginable walk of life who were sharing an amazing moment with each other.

I am so happy to have a president who is intelligent and thoughtful. I am so happy that my state of Virginia has made so much progress in the past few years.

Today our future looks so much brighter than it did yesterday. I may wear this shirt every day until the inauguration.

Also, a small bit of trivia I discovered while looking up the font Obama used for his campain. It turns out that it's the same typeface used on the cornerstone at the Ground Zero construction site. I wonder if the campaign were aware of this?

Born Again American!

artrageous — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:16:13 EST

With the hope, unity and excitement of Barack Obama's victory, many have commented that we're feeling a sense of both national and spiritual renewal that's almost like a revival.

To that end, please take a look at a design I created:

www.cafepress.com/teachers4peace

Barack Obama USA president created history

Unknown user — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:19:48 EST

It is a history an immigrant has made to white house. American is multicultural country black, white, African, Asian , Hindus, Muslims and Christians live together happily and it is a land of opportunity. Martin Luther king the civil rights activist who has fight for the rights of black may be happiest person if he would have lived. From nothing, a black leader Barack Husain Obama has become the president of United States of America, born to Kenyan Father and American mother. People of America want change, did not bother about the cultural issues and want to live happily with dignity. With recession gripping up, many banks are declared bankruptcy, energy crisis, climate change, three trillion dollar Iraq war, people fear to lose house in subprime crisis, with these problems every American wants a change. American wants happy living and show the world that American are not against any race and religion. They want peace and happiness and good living.

A virtual unknown until his stirring keynote address at the 2004 Democratic Convention, the President-elect’s meteoric rise to the White House has personal style, a gift for stirring oratory and a commanding ability to deploy new technology to raise funds and organize supporters
"Americans have sent a message to the world," Barack Obama, the man who would be the United States' first African American president, "If there is anyone out there that still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible... who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." He said it was the answer told "by lines that stretched around schools and churches..." as they waited for hours to vote. It was the answer, he said, spoken by the young and old, rich and poor, Hispanics and Asians, Democrats and Republicans”
With the United States having its first African-American President in Barack Hussain Obama and the Democrats got full control the Senate and the Congress. Ever one in the world seeing towards USA for change and in India the group of techies from Bangalore have collected money for funding the election in USA they formed an association Barack Obama association. In Coimbatore people have conducted “homa and puja” and have shown the birth chart of Barack Obama to astrologers, and they were sure of his victory and this happened. Obama has taken donations even two dollar and five dollars from the individuals and has funded election expenditure, there is a transparency in election funding.
What are the challenges to new president?

•His first task is to revive economy of USA, economy is in a grip of recession
•Subprime crisis, every American wants a shelter and the prices housing sector should not fall any t more.
•The greatest three trillion war with Iraq, which is the tax payer money America has spent on Iraq war. Withdrawing of troops from Iraq.
•Energy crisis, USA is biggest consumer of energy and it has not signed Kyoto Protocol,(Climate Change) many American wants that USA should go to green technology and save the energy and sign the Kyoto protocol.
•Control of terrorism is one more problem the new president may face.
•Tackling of unemployment problem and out sourcing is some more big issues.

India has to learn lot of lessons from US election
•We have to see Americans who have elected an immigrant and half Muslim to the white house, Indian are not tolerating the fellow Indians the recent Maharashtra riots is example.
•The funding of elections is transparent in USA, the election expenditure is audited, where as in India the election expenditure is all unaccounted money there is no proper records maintained.
•American election campaign is transparent, Obama has used internet, text messages, Utube, and media. Indian election campaign is not transparent.
•Obama is nothing four years back, today he is a President of USA, which shows even a new person, can become USA president which is not possible inIndia.

Congratulations to Barack

John A. Short — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:46:59 EST

Congratulations to Barack Obama who has written a new chapter for race relations in our country

and has set an example for other countries to follow. Barack has shown all Americans that

you don't have to allow others to tell you that "you can't be a CEO, the President, an astronaut

or whatever" because Barack just proved that anyone can do anything.

A Fantastic Win for a Better America

Eric Bradley — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:24:13 EST

We did it people! We got the vote out for Change and Barack Obama.

Thanks to all the Long Beach volunteers who made the phone calls, made the trips out of state and made a difference in this election.

I am amazed by all the energy and dedication we had this campaign and look forward to a future filled with Hope, Peace and Progress.

Let's keep this thing together!

Eric

Together is how we won.

Joyce R-H — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:20:35 EST

Together and united for one cause is how this election was won. We must not forget that and we must not forget the people we have met along the way. For me this journey began May 1, 2007 during a volunteer meeting at the SC OFA main office. It lead to being a Volunteer Leader and directing the work of Runners and Poll Checkers during the SC Primary and it ended working in the SC Boiler Room Field Desk ensuring ground work was going smoothly.

My campaigning included canvassing in North Carolina, visitng National HQ, and working in the main IL HQ office. My journey was higlighted with the opportunity to meet top National Staff and drive in a Secret Service motorcade. It also included meeting and talking to Senator Obama on a few occassions and laughing with a fellow Chicagoian now future First Lady Michelle Obama. And even though meeting powerful people was exciting making connections and friends from around the world has been an additional reward.

But outside of the glory it meant hard work to get to this point. It meant looking inside myself to find strength that I didn't realize I had. Long hours were spent ensuring citizens were registered to vote and that they actually voted. And for me it included standing exactly 7 hours in line to vote for Barack H. Obama.

And finally it meant realizing that different people from different backgrounds had the same common goal. We all wanted to change Washington, DC and the politics of today. And now it means that children who once thought themselves invisible can truly see themselves living in the White House.

God Bless to everyone that worked so hard for this change. The winds have shifted in a better direction and we must continue to keep progress moving.

Joyce Rose-Harris

A Letter from Bryan Long

Bryan Long — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:48:17 EST

Nov 5th, 2008

Hello family and friends,

I have to admit that it took last night's historic event to make me realize the true power of change as well as the presence of that power in America. You see, while I have always felt privileged to be an American, today I can honestly say that for the first time since America came together in the wake of the horrible 9/11 attacks, I am proud to be American.

I began to understand the change that materialized yesterday when I spoke with my 78 year-old grandmother, just minutes after she voted. Both her and my grandfather have been staunch republicans for most of their lives, and given that fact I wasn't the least bit surprised to hear that my grandfather voted for John McCain. But when I looked over to my grandmother I noticed that she had quietly scuttled out of the room, avoiding confrontation. It wasn't until later that she approached me, whispering, "Bryan, I had to lie to Grandpa. I told him that I voted for McCain when I really voted for Obama... I had to do what I thought was right." Last night, Americans performed their civic duties, acting on what they thought was right. The outcome of that action finally showed me that Americans are willing to work towards positive change.

While I don't believe that Obama has all the answers to America's problems or that he will be able to bring about all the change we need, I am confident that America will finally be led down the right track. While the change that is the focus of political campaigns is important: putting the economy back together, ending the war in Iraq responsibly, and fixing our abysmal education and health care systems, other underlying change needs to occur if we are ever going to truly progress as a nation. The change that I am talking about is in the way we live our lives.

I am fortunate enough to have spent half of the past seven years living outside of America, learning from cultures different than our own. One of the things I have learned is that Americans are great at shifting the blame onto others. We love to stuff our faces with super sized value meals while criticizing a fast-food-culture. We are experts at hiding behind our gated communities while pretending the illegal immigrant workforce that propels our economy doesn't exist. We demand higher production, more efficiency, and lower prices even if it means shipping jobs overseas. We allow ourselves to be overcome by rampant consumerism and cut-throat capitalism. The result of these actions has been the unnecessary spreading of fear, expanding exponentially like some recursive virus throughout the American psyche.

Obama has shown us the effectiveness of grass-roots action, of community based change. Let's not allow the lessons we learned during his campaign to fall on deaf ears. Let's stop blaming others and start leading by example. Let's not demand change from government without being willing to change our own actions! While I am currently trying to plan the next steps of my life, I have decided to concentrate my future endeavors here in America. Although I was recently diagnosed with Reiter's arthritis, I am optimistic that whatever changes I make in my lifestyle will now be enveloped in hope; in the hope I saw take form last night in Grant Park as a quarter million people came together to support change.

If we stop letting fear dictate our decision making process, begin acting as global citizens, and treat others with simple compassion, brighter days will be ahead. When we begin to achieve this, we will see the change that was simply an idea in the previous days, months, and years come to fruition at last.

I hope this letter finds everyone well, and regardless of the candidate you supported on Election Day, you are now ready to work together to create positive change.

-Bryan

Apunte sobre las elecciones en U.S.A.: La Proposición #8

Alextronic — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:20:44 EST

Quería recordaros que en California se estaba votando, paralelamente a las elecciones presidenciales y por el Senado, si los ciudadanos querían que siguiese adelante la Propuesta #8

A Brand New Day

bh316 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:05:29 EST

It's now Thursday morning, and I can hardly take in what has happened over the past 32 hours since Barack Obama became the 44th president-elect of the United States. My heart is filled with joy, my mind is teeming with possibilities and hope for our nation and our world. The American people chose the future and not the past, hope and not fear, truth and light and not lies and deception. When I make these contrasts, I do not make them as the men Obama vs. McCain. Rather, the battleground of ideas and thoughts -- targeted at those who were undecided until they pulled the lever in the polls -- forced these contrasts as the choice America was making.

As a result, America placed a big bet on hope, light, truth, inclusion, openness, intelligence -- the list could go on for a while -- and the nation and the world has responded with jubilation. Out and out joy. It is as if "rightness" has been locked in a cave for the past eight years, and she was set free on Nov 4, 11PM EST.

I just Found My Vision

gabadh — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:19:45 EST

Hello Obama Lovers, I hope you all happy?

After years I had less sleep for praying Obama's winning and America's Victory, The change has come, But I have A question..... How Do I know Obama Will Hear Me?

Yes, You Did

NTodd — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:37:29 EST

Thanks to Jim, Jeremy, Chuck, Betsey, LeeAnn, Liza, James, Christina, Doug, Martha, Barbara, Natalie, Ralph, John, Nick, Altoon, Jeff, Charles, Sue, Kathleen, Trellis, Mo, Dan, Donna, Will, Kate, Country Squire Motel, The Littleton Community Center, All Around Beauty, David Plouffe, Jon Carson, Howard Dean, Dennis Kucinich, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama and you (you know who you are). You won this thing handily with a lot of hard work.

Take a day off out of petty cash. Tomorrow the real work begins.

Peace and love,
ntodd

We Did It!!!!

Ryan Kamphuis — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:09:10 EST

I still am in a sense of euphoria over the events that transpired yesterday. Together, we were all able to make history.

It all started almost two years ago, when a lone man declared his bid for the presidency. Few thought that he would be able to overcome his race. Even less thought that he would be able to beat the forces of Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, but he did. Once he did, many thought there was no way he could beat someone like John McCain, but he did.

But, it wasn't him who beat the odds to become President, it was us. It was his supporters, who stood by him since the beginning. The people who have sacrificed their time, money, and effort in an effort to create change. And it worked. Together, we all made history last night.

I'm only 16 right now. My whole life, I have only known a politics filled with broken promises, corruption, greed, and war. But yesterday, I was reminded of the great power of democracy, and the power of people. The power of all people to work together to change the world.

Together we were able to elect Barack Obama. Yes we did. But that's not the end. Now, it's time to work with our new President Obama to create that change. Yes we Can! It's time to work together in Washington like we did on the campaign trail to create change. Yes we Can!

Right now, I am now truly proud of America. I am proud of the fact that we were able to stand up to the status quo and demand change. We aren't accepting more of the same, we are hoping for something better. And, best of all, we stand united for the next 4 years.

Thank you everyone, for all of your hard work.

Together, we have taken the first step towards change. Now, let's continue onward with Obama leading the way!

A life expereance

mike crowley — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:03:49 EST

The day before was busy and exciting. Checking poles, making phone calls, and losing tons of sleep, class and work time in order to ensure a better and safer secure future for not only my country but the world. I check the weather forecast across the country, the weather is beautiful. Hope springs in the air and yet fear automs within my subconscious. I slept every night having the same dream of me going downstairs to my parents house in their family room and their television reads "McCain wins the presidency." I wake up every night being thankful it was a dream but also scared of it as a reality. I go to sleep with this on my mind as I toss and turn until 3-am only getting 3 hours of sleep for tomorrow morning's last trip to Wisconsin.

I wake up to the sound of my alarm. A slight gleam of sunrise is gleaming from the edges of my shades. A good sign. I get in my car and take the long drive up to Milwaukee Wisconsin. It is flooded with volunteers, the thought of the last day to an event of a 2 or even year build up is still not entering my mind. I knock on as many doors as I can getting voters to stations. I then take the long and exulting drive back downtown to my apartment as I am falling asleep at the wheel.

I meet my sister as we go down to Grant Park together. We hop a cab and our feeling excited as the projections look great. A text message arrives from my friend reading "Obama won Ohio." The thought of victory is unusually comforting and real. I arrive at a bar, take a sip of cool beer as I look at the nations projections, hoping for that final push. I go amongst the crowd with my sister. The streets are filled as if the world is going to a concert. A squeeze through people like a sponge. I go to another bar, taking a break from walking. A few steps before stepping into the bar I hear loud cheering. I rush into the bar to check what the T.V. says, it reads "Obama wins presidency." The feeling is not the feeling I fantasize about. I feel like I am floating like I am dreaming. I take to the streets with my sister as we chant and cheer firing up people, everyone embracing one another like family. Total strangers hugging each other, loving each other unlike anything I have only dreamt about. I squeeze like the sponge I am to a large screen as I hear the voice of John McCain. I look up noticing a large screen showing McCain conceding. Now I know it's real. I felt like I was in the twilight zone. I'm about to see the next president of the united states live in my own city on a day of history. I anxiously wait for the future president's appearance. He shows up, the crowd roars as I stand on my toes to see what's going on. I feel my emotions swelling up as he speaks. I finally understood what people meant by America giving hope. As I left I noticed people climbing up bridges to get out. But we were all united, and knew that my life and my children's life will be secure. I feel proud to be an American again. I feel as if my freedom has been handed back to me. God bless and may every man woman and child be loved.

Victory

Dustin Bass, Poet, NC — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:38:10 EST

Last night the forty fourth president was elected. The election was a landslide victory for Barack Obama.He wasn’t elected because people just wanted a black president. Obama is not the antichrist orA terrorist. To even state or think such a thing says more about you than I ever could. Last night was a night for the dreamers and those of broken hope. I was one of these people.I have always been a ridiculous dreamer. People told me I couldn’t do what I wanted, and like a foolI had started to believe them. My cynicism grew and what hopes and dreams I had been dashed.They were averted because I gave up on myself and on the world around me. Still, I hoped that maybe one day things would be different. I wondered how long it would takeThe mean and ignorant people to learn that without hope or dreams they have no direction.It isn’t a direction of evil intent, but a direction of prosperity so that when you play pretend when you’re little,Maybe one day it won’t be pretend. I am going to be selfish now, and I am going to tell you a little story. I wanted to give up so badly and be like everyone else. I was tired of fighting in the trenches. I was fightingA war with myself and I wasn’t winning. There was no way to be myself in this world. Because, who Iam essentially, there is no room for, and maybe there still isn’t room for a person like me. I'm not like a modern man. I scan the great joy that is life and search for its understanding. I am more like John the Baptist, or Socrates.I am more like a lost writer in the fabric of time who eventually unloaded his pistol. I have in my heart a greatAffinity that is for all of mankind, even of his simplest and most cruelest. This, if you have it, they call you mad.I believe that there should be no prisons, only hospitals of the heart and mind. I am a slave to the peaceand joy that is in those around me, and I was turning against it. Everyone started telling me not to give up. When I wanted to quit writing, a beautiful French woman asked me not too.When I thought my abilities were nonexistent, I finished school and got my diploma.There was no great achievement in the world and I believed that even with perseverance one could not achieve real success. Then I saw the swimmer Michael Phelps and he won more medals than anyone in Olympic in history. When I thought that words could not speak to the heart, I found Kahlil Gibran and John Steinbeck.When I thought I hadn’t a friend in the world, one knocked on my door.When I asked proof of god's existence, stipulating I would never ask again, it sent me an inexplicable coincidence. I cannot fathom.When I wrote letters, I got letters back.When I asked for something, someone provided it. When my candidate Hilary Clinton didn’t make the primary, and she asked for my support behind Barack Obama, I gave it to him.I wrote three articles, predicting, suggesting, lighting fires under people.I know I changed at least one vote.Over the course of the following months I read and watched, learning anything and everything I could.I found myself in a struggle who to vote for Obama or McCain. Then it struck me, I wasn’t voting Obama simply because he believed in all the things I was giving up on.I had agreed with him on nearly everything. McCain ran a campaign of fear, and Obama one of hope.I voted early, on Halloween for Obama in North Carolina.I was scared, not of Obama, I was scared of America. Scared because our progress in this country has always come with a price nearly as bad as the success is good. I was scared of all the ignorant racists well known in my county. I was scared that America would cheapen itselfWith the views of yesterday and regress out of fear to a difference. This difference not so much being the color of skin as it was ideology. This country is one of the few I can think of where people of peace and hope are shot for simply wanting to do what is right. Our history books are stained with the blood of that aggression and that is time that can not be gotten back. Both white men and men of color have fallen victim to such atrocity. Martin Luther king Jr, Abraham Lincoln, and John Lennon. I cast my ballot with a simple hope. I cast my ballot with a stipulation. I cast my ballot with a broken heart trying to recover.I cast my ballot while the world was telling me not to give up on myself or what I believed. I cast my ballot when others could not. I did it for myself, and I did for my family, I did it for my friends, I did it for the rest of the world, I did it because I knew that it was the right thing to do. I knew that hope and realistic policies on the back drop of fear would over come wherever there is oppression of a people no matter how small it may be. It was a simple, child like hope. The same one that has kept me going since I was the littlest of height. The one that has kept me writing. The same one that makes me leave my little hole and journey out into a world full of horror. Now is not the time to celebrate. I can breathe easy for a moment only, because I know better. I know that it takes a lot of stepping stone to get across the river. Last night, I helped throw a rock into the rolling water and it stuck ready. We dared from the bank for someone to jump on the stones to the last one we had just thrown. A tall lanky fellow hopped out to it, and he turned around on his stone and asked "Will someone throw another stone, please? I bet we could reach the other side in no time if we just kept working at it." I turned to the crowd with my friends and said "What are you waiting for, lets get to it!" It’s alright if your scared, once were safely across you guys can come over.

Where were you when history was made?

Clint — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:51:09 EST

Last night was incredible! I joined my wife for an election celebration held at the Doug Fir here in Portland. It was crowded. The energy was high. People were excited. This year it would be different. I was at Doug Fir's Election Night Mayhem when Barack Obama was elected president.

A Brit in Grant Park: Victory, high emotions and a brand new President... wowwowwow!! (Day 7)...Live from Chicago!

Ms CYPRAH — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:59:03 EST

I am crying as I write this, full of emotion for an awful lot of reasons. I can barely see the keyboard but I have to get this out, both to Newsvine and to Britain. I will feel better when I have said it, if I can find the words to say it. But this is no time to rush things, so let's begin at the beginning.

I started November 4, 2008, being interviewed by phone by Alice Gomstyn of ABCNews.com in New York. She had read one of my articles about the potential impact of an Obama president on 'people of colour' and wanted to question me further. But the day was about to get even better. I was told that I had a letter at the front desk, would I collect it? Yes I did, and received a cheque for one of my books I had actually given to someone after we had been speaking about her problems with her daughter. But she felt the meeting was so helpful, she wanted to pay for the book to help my work. Being surprised at this gesture seemed to be a pathetic understatement.

Congratulations to All! - Change is Finally Here

Unknown user — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:38:10 EST

Congratulations to Obama, Biden, the Democrats, all the supporters, and most importantly to the voters and the people who voted.

It’s a new day today, a beautiful day, a new beginning, and change is finally here.

what next?

DragonMama — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:32:13 EST

OK, we worked hard, rode the rollar coaster of this election through to success for Barack and ourselves. Now what? Here's what I'm doing. I'm reaching out to McCain supporters with the hand of friendship. Today I am taking a pink rose from the mixed boquet I bought myself yesterday after voting and giving it to the mother with the McCain/Palin bumper sticker whose son is in the same pre-k class as my son (who hugged both Barack and Joe in the 48 hours before polls opened! Kid gets at least one benefit from having a disabled mother - close-up seats at political rallies by sitting on my lap while I'm in a wheelchair and praying that none of us have to go to the bathroom before the rally ends and the crowd thins out). Open the walls of this tent and invite the rest of the country into to help with this work, by extending some personal kindness to someone you were trying hard not to sneer at for their lawn signs the last month or so. Live the kind of world you want to reside in.

(please feel free to forward this on - this out-reach message is "open source")

DragonMama in Cleveland, mama of the kid with the monkey backpack (which is a harness/leash) and his little brother D.

Barack Obama didn't win last night.

Kat — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:31:20 EST

That's right. Barack Obama, the newly elected President of the United States, didn't win last night.

WE won last night. All of the people who wanted their voices to be heard won last night. I won last night. My children won last night. Millions of people....millions....won last night. Yes...we did.

I said nearly 2 years ago that this man would be our next President, and no one believed me. Tyler doubted me, my parents laughed at me, my sister said, "Are you sure?" with that look of doubt in her eyes. Yes. I was. I never doubted that the American people would open their eyes and see the change that could come. I knew that this man with the funny name and the colored skin would be a great figure in American history. Yes we can.

I didn't vote for Obama because he was going to be written into history. I didn't vote for Obama because he is bi-racial. I didn't vote for Obama because he's young, or because he has the ability to bring the ages together. I voted for Obama because I truly and geniunely believe deep down in my heart that he can change America. I believe in a better world for my children, for your children, for us. Yes we can.

Watching Grant Park in Chicago last night, with 125,000 people jammed pack into the confines and spilling over into the parking lots....I had goosebumps. Through tearful eyes I watched the joy on people's faces, I watched red states turn blue, I watched history. I was a part of history. I tear up as I think about it now. Obama's speech was eloquent and moving, and I believe in every single word that he said. Yes we can.

The road ahead will be a rough one, and I know that I won't agree with everything he will say and everything that he will do - but I will support him just as he will support us as families, and as workers. WE won last night. Don't you understand? We were heard! We raised up above everything saying that we couldn't, and we prevailed. WE DID IT. We are validated. Our voices are not hushed now, we have 4 (I hope 8) more years of being heard. Yes we can.

Barack Obama didn't win last night. We won. We are validated. He'll keep speaking for us, and I'll keep being a proud American. I'm proud to be a part of history, and I'm proud that all of the time and effort I spent talking to people about this great man meant something more than I could ever describe.

I'll shake his hand again, and he'll look me in the eye. I can't wait for that day.

January 20, 2009 will be even more monumental than last night. President Obama. I like that. President Obama.

The End Of The Beginning

Charley James — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:24:43 EST

Like many other people last night, at precisely 11PM when the polls closed in California, Oregon and Washington, and Keith Olbermann called the election, I started to cry. Steady, solid, weeping that kept coming in waves.

Then I glanced at the screen where the MSNBC director was flipping from one celebration to another and saw many others crying: Blacks, whites, Asians, Hispanics, young, old, men, women, all over the country. A series of individual shots that, together, redefined the United States of America last night.

There was a student at Spellman College in Atlanta who collapsed in tears and was being comforted by her friends.

Then Oprah was leaning on the shoulder of the man in front of her as she cried uncontrollably, Jesse Jackson standing directly behind her with two rivers flowing freely down his face.

A quick shot of a nursing home day room where elderly white men and woman, some in wheelchairs, one man wearing an American Legion cap, some cheering and some wiping their eyes with tissues.

Cut to a sports bar in Georgia where white and black faces kissed each other, and hugged.

And always back to Grant Park in Chicago. The roar of the poor, the tired, the huddled masses yearning to be free lifting their voices and their smiles and their hands in relief and jubilation and ecstacy and exhaustion.

I thought of my mother, who died in 1996. She had my sister and me sit in front of the television when Dr. Martin Luther King gave his "I Have A Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial before an endless sea of people who only had hope for a different tomorrow. Their - our - tomorrow finally came at 11PM Eastern time last night. I remembered how she wanted to go to that rally but Dad talked her out of it because it might become "dangerous." It turned out, the only dangerous thing was Dr. King's ideas.

John McCain came on screen in Pheonix to concede, giving the best speech of his campaign and silencing the yahoo's in the crowd who booed when he mentioned Barack Obama. Then back to the studio where someone was reading a White House transcript of Bush's congratulatory call to Obama where he told the President-elect to "go out and enjoy yourself." Only George W. Bush would hand the presidency of a country he came close to ruining to someone by saying Obama should "enjoy himself." It was akin to urging people to shop after 9/11.

Finally, there was Obama himself. He gave a better, more encompassing vicory speech than most inaugural addresses over the past 30 years.

Someone, it might have been Chris Mathews, said he looked "exhausted." He may have been that after 20 months of campaigning but, to me, he looked somber. Written all over Obama's face was the reality of the burden he suddenly bore, not just for himself and the country but the entire world. Even after his speech, when Joe Biden and his family and the throng of relatives and well-wishers crowded around him, he couldn't shake the look of a man who suddenly realises how alone he is.

I remember what Jack Kennedy said the first morning he was president and walked into the Oval Office. Surrounded by long-time aides and advisors, he sat in the chair behind the Lincoln desk that he requested be brought out from the Smithsonian Institute, looked up and asked, "Now what the hell do we do?" Last night, Obama's face showed that he knew full well "what the hell do we do."

But he's not alone. He has tens of millions of people around the country, and around the world, there to help. For those of us who helped make this morning possible, our work has just begun.

President Obama

Gian Pablo — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:11:31 EST

President Obama on the cover of the Daily News

Huge crowds are celebrating in Union Square, in New York. Someone picked up copies of the first edition of the Daily News announcing the Obama victory, and they were paraded around to great acclamation.

Impressive acceptance speech by President-Elect Obama. I was struck by the acknowledgement of the gay community, and by the story of the 106-year old woman, daughter of slaves, who voted for him in Atlanta.

Now, the fun begins...

WE WON!!!!

Jennifer S — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:45:05 EST

Nothing mroe to say today.

VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!

Crush — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:19:42 EST

VICTORY!!!!!

Congratulations to Barack Obama, Joe Biden and the American People!!! God Bless Obama & Biden and please keep them safe! God bless America.
***********************************
"Feeling Good"
Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom on a tree
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me
Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good!!!
I'm feeling good
I'm feeling good
I feel so good
Michael Buble'
**********************************
We are inheritors of this momentous victory, but it was not ours. The laurels properly belong to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and all of the other martyrs who died for civil rights. And to millions more before them who struggled across centuries and fell short of winning their freedom. And to those rare politicians like Lyndon B. Johnson, who stood up bravely in a decisive time, knowing how much it would cost his political party for years to come. We owe all of them for this moment.
Whatever happens next, Barack Obama has already changed this nation profoundly. Like King before him, the man is a great and brave teacher. Obama developed out of his life experiences a different understanding of the country, and he had the courage to run for president by offering this vision. For many Americans, it seemed too much to believe, yet he turned out to be right about us. Against all odds, he persuaded a majority of Americans to believe in their own better natures and, by electing him, the people helped make it true. There is mysterious music in democracy when people decide to believe in themselves.
Waiting for the results, we all felt nagging tension, even when we were fairly sure of the outcome. I heard from a newspaper friend, a wise old reporter who never gave in to Washington cynicism. "This election eve night," he wrote, "I feel myself tingling about the prospect of a nation which used to lynch blacks during my lifetime electing a black man president. I so hope it happens, believe it would electrify the world. I think he is the bravest man in the world, perhaps the most foolish one as well.... I worry about him like a Jewish mama."
We heard from another family friend, an African-American woman who teaches law in North Carolina. She reported weeping involuntarily when she saw Obama's picture. Did she know why? She said she saw her adolescent son's face in Obama's. Great moments in history give emotional definition to our lives and we carry those feelings forward with us, our own private meaning of events.
In this way, Obama redefined the country for us, but our responses involved generational differences. For younger people, white and black, his vision seemed entirely straightforward. It is the country they already know, and they expressed great enthusiasm. Finally, they said, a politician who recognizes the racial differences that are part of their lives and no big deal. For young blacks and other minorities, Obama's place at the pinnacle of official power lifts a coarse cloak that has blanketed their lives and dreams--the stultifying burden of being judged, whether they succeed or fail, on the basis of their race.
For others of us at an advanced age, Obama's success is more shocking. We can see it as a monumental rebuke to tragic history--the ultimate defeat of "white supremacy." That vile phrase was embedded in American society (even the Constitution) from the outset and still in common usage when some of us were young. Now it is officially obsolete. Racism will not disappear entirely, but the Republican "Southern strategy" that marketed racism has been smashed. Americans will now be able to see themselves differently, North and South, white and black. The changes will spread through American life in ways we cannot yet fully imagine. Let us congratulate ourselves on being alive at such a promising moment.

Thanksgiving

Libby — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:48:28 EST

I woke up this morning, the first morning in more than eight years, with a lighter heart.

CONGRATULATION MR OBAMA !!!!

Unknown user — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:00:34 EST

Hi everybody !

I'm a french woman and i live in southern of France.

I've followed all the campain of Mr OBAMA because i love America and because i believe in a world more united with a vision of future where everybody could live in harmony. Ok maybe it's an utopia but i want to believe in Mr OBAMA'convictions.

Forgive me for my bad english, i don't practise it often here

I wanted to congratulate Mr OBAMA and all OBAMA' s team too.

It's a big victory for america, for american's citizen and for the future world !!!!

Again CONGRATULATION ! It's a big step for man and a big step for humanity !!!!! ;o)

Big Kisses from France

Jany

Yes, he can!

Mochinho — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:52:39 EST

Change has come to the United States of America and the world. Barack Obama’s victory is historic. He is the first Afro-American ever to become President and has therefore shown that the gap between claim and reality of the American dream has been closed a little bit more. According to that the election results for Mr Obama show that the content of his policy was the deciding issue in this election and not superficialities.

The new President faces a lot of challenges and expectations. Some sceptical people mind already that there is the risk of disappointment if Barack Obama cannot solve all the problems. This people can be replied many problems do not concern the United States alone but the whole world. Therefore there has to be a common approach, especially in the United Nations framework, the WTO, the G8, the OECD, and even the NATO.

On 07/24/08 in his famous Berlin speech Mr Obama called for more cooperation, and as a citizen of the European Union I understand that the EU as a vital partner of the United States of America which is ready to intensify its cooperation and that others will join as well.

Again some sceptical people argue that Barack Obama will demand more support from the allies of the United States. But again one can give an adequate reply: It matters how the demand is made. Mr Obama has presented himself as a polite team player. That is why one might not refuse a request from him.

Barack Obama’s victory is also credited to the immense grassroots movement this campaign has brought forth. The result is a historic voter registration and participation in this election. This summer I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet some members of the Obama support group in Hamburg, Germany. Together we have made some campaign photos on a sunny July afternoon. During the photo session many tourists showed their support for Barack Obama, and quite strange people talked to us and we talked with them. They were very encouraging, and maybe this special spirit, this particular atmosphere is the reason why Mr Obama has won the election. He brought people together who did not each other and will never meet again, but who had one goal.

The fact that Barack Obama has German ancestors will make him more popular here than he already is. We are waiting for your next visit, Senator Obama, but as President of the United States of America then. Welcome, Mr President!

Yes, We Did, and This Is Just the Beginning

Kaiser Farooque — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:29:21 EST

NOTE: This post is both on my Xanga site and the smaller blog I've started up on my Kizyr for Obama page.

VICTORY!!!

Stream-of-consciousness style, I'd like to just lay out what my thoughts were as the events of the day progressed. All times are estimated.

Barack Obama Elected 44th United States President

Marcus Cyganiak — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:34:19 EST

Barack Obama Elected 44th United States President History was made tonight when Democratic Barack Hussein Obama was officially elected the 44th President of the United States of America.

Barack Obama becomes the very first African-American President in United States history. Joe Biden will join him as the Vice President.

Barack Obama was elected President on November 4, 2008 with 297 electoral votes against Republican John McCain’s 139 electoral votes. This victory came to fruition after all the hard work from the entire Obama campaign and their supporters was paid off.

Obama undoubtedly had some of the best people working with him during this Presidential campaign. I have no doubt he will have an excellent cabinet working by his side come January 2009.

Congratulations America, you elected real change for the world!

Finally, big congratulations to Barack Obama on this historical Presidential election – Canada’s proud of you!

Barack Obama will officially be sworn in as the new United States President on January 20, 2009.http://marcuscyganiak.blogspot.com/2008/11/barack-obama-elected-44th-united-states.html

Vote, volunteer - victory

Josh In Michigan — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:50:59 EST

If you’re reading this now, chances are you’ve already heard dozens of pitches trying to get you to volunteer for the Obama campaign. If you’ve already volunteered - we thank you. This is a grassroots, “bottom-up” campaign, and your help is why we’ve been able to come this far.   But, it’s not over yet.

Even if you’ve volunteered before - or if you’ve always wanted to help out but never had the time - today is the day! Since Barack announced his candidacy for president on May 2, 2007, everything we’ve done has been in preparation for today - which is why it’s so important to not give up now. We need your help! Sign up to help out today at a Campaign for Change Get out the vote location near you, the most important day of the election here.

Michigan! This is our moment; this is our time! Get out and vote - and then volunteer - and tonight, we’ll celebrate victory. Don’t delay, volunteer today!

* CELEBRATE PURPLE *

Oregon Artists 4 Obama '08 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:00:58 EST

Just got an invitation to a "BLUE BASH" for tomorrow. WRONG! Someone did not get the full extent of Barack Obama's vision. We are not red or blue ... we are UNITED. We need to understand PURPLE. In the words of a famous Republican, Mr. & Ms. partisan person, tear that wall down!

Let's celebrate the future of America TOGETHER because we need every single person on board to make the changes we need in order to have a future. No more clubs of "us against them" We MUST END THIS MENTALITY ONCE AND FOR ALL. We need everyone on the same page. I see an America where there are NO MORE invitations to Democrat or Republican events ... UNITED WE STAND. How about an "I LOVE AMERICA" party? With all viewpoints invited. What part of that do labelers, dividers and cliques not undertand? Let's move into the 21st centure - it is no longer every man for himself. GREED IS NOT GOOD !! There is no "trickle down" if the water is turned off altogether.

Maybe one day we will have one party ... full of liberals & conservatives & opposing opinions. Barack Obama teaches us that we do not have to agree in order to work together. We find common ground and build from there, because if we are HUMAN, there is common ground. We need a leader who understands this - we all need to understand this.

Visions of an Obama Presidency

Emma — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:19:55 EST

Almost a year ago my MyBO friend Foreigner asked me to write a fictional “word-picture” of the state of the world at the end of President Obama’s 2nd term in office The point was to attempt to visualize what kind of a President Barack Obama would be. I did try, but failed miserably. Back in November of 2007 the idea of Barack Obama, this unknown junior senator from Illinois, defeating not only the democratic front runner Hillary Clinton, but also the republican candidate, seemed unimaginable. I hoped and dreamt of course, as we all did who blogged in the early days, but even my imagination couldn’t quite picture this day.

Now here we are, less than one day away from not having to hope anymore, not having to imagine. He’s run a perfect campaign. He’s organized, empowered and energized people all over the world, people like me who never thought the US election could feel like this, feel so hopeful.

I’ve invested a great deal of time following this campaign from afar, listening to his speeches, watching his actions. I firmly believe that no foreign citizen should ever be actively involved in another nation’s election process, so I’ve limited my activities to this blog, although it has been at times painfully frustrating. There were days I so badly wanted to drop everything here at home and cross the ocean to be a part of this extraordinary thing that was happening in America. But it’s not my fight, even though the outcome will have direct and immediate effects on my everyday life and future.

But after all this time, it shouldn’t be difficult to envision Obama as a President. He’s been the perfect candidate; smart, flexible, firm, focused, and judging on that alone he should make a truly great President. But it’s almost as if a fog has swept in and blocks all visions of the future. There are so many obstacles in the way, and I’m having a hard time seeing a future at all. The economy, in my country as well as in the States, will keep spiraling downward for years to come, no matter what anyone does. The war in Iraq will continue to be messy, uncontrollable and insanely expensive for a long time to come, no matter how hard Obama, or McCain (please no!) tries to stabilize it. And the world will not forget the Bush years as quickly as both candidates are hoping. The United States of America has betrayed our trust and confidence in the most profound way and this will not be easily overcome.

With the future in such a scary mess, I keep my focus on the road I can see. I may not be able to see eight years into the future, but I can, with Technicolor clarity, see President Barack Obama taking the oath of office on January 20th 2009. I can also see him sweating and agonizing during the endless days and nights in the Oval Office, where he will struggle to make the right priorities, solve the unsolvable problems and keep his balance in a world trapped in the whirlwind of the worst storm in human existence.

I also see myself keeping faith, as I hope most of those who voted for him will do as well. He will need our faith to survive, what I imagine will be, a long string of mistakes and misunderstandings. The Republicans are right, Obama is inexperienced. McCain would be a safer choice. He would take his seat behind the desk at the Oval office and there he will sit, surrounded by his friends and plan for the next strategy of the US military. With McCain in charge, America will weather the storm hiding in bomb shelters. With Obama in charge, Americans will have to work hard to secure their future along with mine.

I sincerely hope, when tomorrow has come and gone and Obama has been declared the winner, people don’t forget the challenges he and his country faces. Obama speaks often of hope and that’s good. America needs hope to keep the faith. But what is also desperately needed is commitment, not just from the President of the United States, but from all Americans. Commitment not to resort to violence every time things don’t go their way, or insult and humiliate everyone they disagree with.

We the people of the world need an America that can stand United and declare this to be their guiding light for the future: “to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”. (Chapter 1 of the UN charter)

I pray for an Obama victory tomorrow, but more than that I pray for an Obama Presidency as perfect as his campaign.

Ps. I intend to use this blog as a diary tomorrow, so I’ll probably post fairly regularly throughout the day, if anyone’s interested. But please bear in mind the time difference. Midnight in the United States is early morning for me, so I might not be entirely coherent at the end.

Prayer Cord... When God's People Come Together On One Accord...

One of Those Women — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:56:42 EST

Nothing Can Be With Held From Them.

Please copy and paste...The Obama Prayer Team has started a prayer cord....to be tightened with nothing but your prayers.. Pray these Words out loud and pass it on.

Father God we continue to bless and praise Your holy Name. Truly You are so wonderful to us and we thank you. Thank You, for taking us this far on this journey. Thank You for Your grace has seen this campaign through so many obstacles and schemes of the enemy. Thank You for turning them around for our good. Please strengthen and keep the Obamas, Bidens and all involved in this great movement of change. Refresh, renew, restore continue to show Yourself mighty on their behalf. Thank You for the divine favor and grant them joy in their spirits. Thank for the victory in Jesus Name, amen. Father, we praise You for the loving God that you are. We thank You that You have a plan for all of our lives. Father God we come before You and ask Your favor on Your servants Barack Obama, Joe Biden, their wives, families, staffs, and supporters. You know how much our country needs these men as our leaders and how much the world needs this to happen too. Father we thank You for all of the hard work and planning that has taken place up to this point in this process. We thank You for the victories that have come so far. We know that only with Your help have these things happened. We give You all the glory. Father, we again ask Your protection from the slings and arrows that fly during this process, evil thoughts and evil intentions. Please, Father, place your protection around these men and all of us involved in the goal of putting them in the White House. Father, guide them and all of us to direct these last days in a way that would be pleasing to You and in a manner worthy of Your approval. Give us all wisdom and physical strength from fatigue. Father we know that You know our thoughts and prayers before we even think them or send them up. We know it is done before these prayers go up. Father, again we thank You and praise You for Your grace and loving care of us. We give You the glory for all that is done in this campaign. Amen.

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I have heard your cries. Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, Who have eyes but do not see; Who have ears but do not hear. 'Do you not fear Me?' declares the LORD Do you not tremble in My presence?
For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; They have turned aside and departed. You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways. We declare, WE decree, the landslide has already occurred. On November 4, 2008, a mega-tsunami of votes for Barack Obama will overtake the voting places like no man has ever seen in any Presidential election. No corruption shall take hold. Any such thing man refers to as a Bradley effect we bind. No doubt shall over shadow Barack Obama as the elected one in this election like others. The Sovereign LORD shall guide the hearts and minds of those who are not sure or who are afraid, they will vote for Barack Obama. We declare, We decree after assuming the official position of President of the United States of America, Barack Obama shall eliminate all obstacles real created or imagined in America and around the world. He shall bring peach and prosperity for all. We thank you Father, that you are faithful to watch over your words to perform them. All honor, praise and glory belongs to our Lord.
Father we thank you for You power, and your faithfulness in this election..For You have strengthend this campaign with favor and blessings from Your mighty hand..We praise You for Your anointed power, descended upon Barak Obama, and all people, who are believing for a change, in world conditions...Thank you Holy Spirit, for encouraging the hearts of the people to go out and vote, in record numbers! We call all warring angels to remain in their positions of protection, defeating the enemy in every area.. Father, we ask for peace, and clarity upon Obama, during the few days remaining of this election...In Jesus name, ...Amen

Father We stand in agreement, on one accord as these Words have went forth that whatever We have asked You will do and We count it done now in the Mighty and Most Holy Name of Jesus Amen Amen. (All Prayers contributed by members of Obama's Prayer Team)

Blogging For Change

Dawn from Akron, OH — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:56:11 EDT

There are some great things we can do to support Barack Obama between now and Tuesday.

Here are some cool widgets and social networks you can reference: http://arunaurl.com/2ka6

Other things you can do to support Obama in the coming days:

Participate and share ideas on how to get out the vote on Smart People For Barack Obama on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17287706918
At the corner by a busy Summit County mall, a group of folks dressed in red, white and blue are giving out bumperstickers, with a life size Obama and signs that say "honk if you love Obama" and folks are cheering AND honkin in here in OH.
Donate and share with other professional women you know, "Women for Obama" between now and Tuesday!
Help everyone you know find their voting information at VoteForChange.com.
Fight back against rumors and political attacks, and have your friends do the same on FightTheSmears.com.
Share the latest campaign videos, emails and blog posts.
Inform your friends, family and neighbors about Barack's policy stances.
Create your own Personal Fundraising Page.
Reference your Polling Place. Enter your address and receive by email your polling place.
Get Out the Vote Calling-- in campaign headquarters, in a "home party" or in the convenience of your own home. Its easier than ever to make a difference with even limited experience.
Call your local Democratic heaquarters and offer to help, ask what they need, and be availableto help!!

We can make a difference, your caring, and our collective efforts WILL make a difference.

Dawn

http://linkedin.com/in/dmular

Complacency vs. Confidence—Why Every Supporter of Barack Obama Needs to Continue to Fight for Change

Sadarie from Laurel, MD — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:13:04 EDT

Most mainstream media are reporting significant leads by Barack Obama in the majority of states-- including some battleground states --in the race to the White House. Yet, my biggest aberration is that the lead won’t translate on Election Day. Flashbacks of the 2000 Election enter my mind. I remember dozing before the television waiting for election results. Every time I turned, my sleep was interrupted by the reporting of a different outcome, a precursor to current times. Several factors contributing to this detrimental loss, but the most glaring was the lack of participation in the overall process, including my own--I don't know if I did all that I could towards the end to ensure a victory.

Am I confident in Barack Obama’s ability to capture a victory? Emphatically, yes! But if we remain complacent with these projected leads, we could wind up with four more years of the same. The last leg before the finish line, the last quarter, the last innings are really the ones that matter and can ultimately change the game. Take some time in the coming days to support the "vote for change."

8 Days to Go - What Can You Do to Help Obama Win?

Crystal — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:09:35 EDT

8 Days - Why we must work hard this week...

Bush is at it again. This slid under the radar on Friday, October 25th. President Bush has ordering the Attorney General Mukasey to investigate voter fraud in Ohio even after the Supreme Court threw the case out. Bush did this in 2006. Check this out (http://tinyurl.com/6nzpw5) and pass it on. Tell your friends in Ohio (and nationwide) to push hard to vote early before Nov. 4th before the DOJ starts interfering.

Overloaded Schedule? You Still Can Help This Week!

1. Sign up under http://my.barackobama.com to get the latest and click Issues to see where he stands and Download for signs, flyers, etc.

2. Early Vote or Vote Absentee in Person if you can. Take a neighbor or two.

3. Make sure your family members are set to vote with IDs, etc. Go Early if possible.

4. Watch Barack Obama’s presentation on October 28th at 8pm with family or friends, or by yourself (with a glass of wine).

5. Log in to the Neighbor 2 Neighbor on http://my.barackobama.com/n2n download a phone list and a script to help Obama make his closing arguments in battleground states.

What Can You Do on Election Day?

The Obama campaign did the work for us. Consider taking off on Election Day and volunteer. Check out this site. http://my.barackobama.com/takethedayoff.

We must stay Fired Up. Share your plans to help Obama win.

Cheers,
Crystal

Thank you, Hillary. Really.

sangerinde — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:40:22 EDT

I do my clearest thinking in the thick fog of my morning shower. And today, after reading the lastest poll numbers and chewing on the state of the campaign, I realized I owe Hillary a major-league thank-you.

I was an Obama girl from the first time I watched his Iowa victory speech on Youtube. And I was really, really frustrated by a lot of the attacks from Hillary's campaign, believing in the wisdom of Reagan's Eleventh Commandment, "Thou Shalt Not Speak Ill of a Fellow (Party Member)". Even worse, I thought, was her pointless and self-serving continuation of the primary battle long after her viability as a candidate was extinguished.

And yet.

Look where we are today:

Hillary's attacks flushed out Obama's closet (Ayres, Wright, etc.). Have we really heard any new attacks from the McCain campaign? Everything they raise sounds like tired old news, and has given them precious little traction.

The long, slog of a primary season required Obama to be ahead of the curve in building organizations in all 50 states. Even states which I'd never have thought he'd be competitive today. I mean, look at Indiana, North Carolina, etc...!

So even before the final result is known, I feel like saluting you, Hillary. And eating a little crow. You were a big part of making this possible. Thank you. Really.

Keys To The Whitehouse

Marvin — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:23:30 EDT

KEYS TO THE WHITEHOUSE

I must say, this has been one of the most challenging times of my life and it has also been the most promising. It has been a tremendous honor to work on this campaign and to fight for the idea we call America. Senators Barack Obama, Joe Biden, their wives and all you supporters have given me hope for the future of our Nation. I have been inspired in ways I never dreamed possible. I registered voter, made cold calls, wrote blogs, attended rallies, gave money, wrote the DNC, raised money I even sent a letter to the US Department of Treasury and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve to discuss strategies and an approach to fixing the economy. I even wrote a Book. I talked to as many people as I could because I believe we are in a battle to take back America from those who have plundered this great nation for self-interest. We have come a long way and we are in for the home stretch. We must continue to fight hard and press on until President Barack Obama has the keys to the Whitehouse. I know there are many things that must be done but I summarized a few major points that I believe must be reiterated as we approach November 4, 2008.

THE HOME STRETCH

Now we are headed for the home stretch; the operative word here is “home”. This is the key to fixing our economy. Restructuring the home mortgages to lower 1995 to 2000 year levels will have a tremendous impact and may reverse this economic down turn. This would reduce household mortgage expense, provide consumers with additional discretionary and disposable income which will serve as an economic stimulus. Lower valued homes will attract new buyers and can lead to a recovery in the housing market. If we fix the housing sector we make a tremendous stride for economic recovery. The focus should be on current homeowners and existing troubled mortgages. If we can stabilize the housing market by creating a bottom, we will start to see a reversal.

BANK BAILOUT

Banks should only receive bailout dollars if they are willing to re-write (restructure) those existing home loans. This alone will increase their cash flow and improve their performance. They can also benefit from tax write-off and/or tax credits. If we can stabilize the credit market and the housing markets, the financial markets will follow. The financial markets are reacting to uncertainty in this troubled economy because of a lack of leadership. Investors will settle down when confidence is restored and so will the financial markets. The key to reducing market volatility in the future is leadership. I think it is important for Senator Barack Obama to indicate that he is going to bring in FORINSIC ACCOUNTS, to help ensure that those tax dollars are managed appropriately and not one dime of that 850 Billion will be wasted or stolen. This is the kind of leadership investors and tax payers are looking for and demonstrates a commanding knowledge of what is required to protect the interest of all stakeholders, particularly the American tax payers.

THE FOUR LETTER WORD TO VICTORY J-O-B-S

As Senator Obama stated, another key to the Whitehouse can be spelled in a four letter word. Getting this right will lead to victory in November and that word is Jobs. Increasing jobs in the US is a major point of our platform; new innovations in energy will be the catalyst for growth in this new American economy. If America is the lead to free world, we must seize the opportunities created by this new frontier, specifically in the areas of wind, solar, bio-fuel, hydrogen fuel, hydro power to name a few. These are just some of the alternative and substitute that will eliminate our need for fossils fuels and allow us to grow business and industry without further distorting the planet. It will also eliminate the devistating effects of OIL Induced Inflation, which has stripted Billions of dollars out of the econonic circular flow and reduced aggragate consumer demand for goods and services. Managing the price of fuel is critically important to our economy. However, the key to winning those red states and pushing them decisively in our corner is Senator Barack Obama’s commitment to revitalizing the manufacturing sector with no small commitment to the revitalization of the American Auto industry. Senator Barack Obama has a supeior plan to accomplish this and I think it is very impotrant to let Americans know that we must spend money to create these Jobs. It is not just tax and spend like McCain/Palin represents. It is spending tax dollars to develop innovation and technologies that will create jobs and help to restor the economy from the bottom up. The supply side trickle down theory has not and will not work because of greed and this is an economic philosophy that must change. For the American economy to work there must be a strong middle class without it, America would become like a thrid world country.

RENEWED COMMITMENT TO MAKE AMERICA SAFE

How on earth can the Republicans say that we are safer when the person who planned and successfully executed thousands of Americans is still at large and planning more attacts? The Republicans have had 8 years to capture this enemy yet the have failed. We must renew our commitment to catching the person who has been responsible for planning the largest mast murder in American history. This means responsibly ending the failed foreign polices of the Bush Administration and strategically withdrawing our troops from Iraq to be centrally focused on the entrenched locations between the boarders of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our commitment to this endeavor must be relentless and unwavering. This is the key to keeping Americans safe and we must cause the nation and the world to understand our resolve regarding this matter.

LEADERSHIP AND VISION

These are among the most critical issues that face our nation. All Americans must clearly understand our position if we are to win the Whitehouse this November. There are many that would vote George W. Bush if he was runing again. However, if America is to survive we must open our eyes and see the truth. The most experience folks in Washington is exactly why we are here. It will take the hand of a Godly leader with a vision and a commitment to this very important phrase to take back America, "Liberity and Justice for all". I believe with all my heart that leader is Senator Barack Obama. We can trust him to make responsible decisions for America’s future. Indeed we can trust him to make responsible decisions with our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

I am a Christian American, and like Senator Barack Obama I am also have African ancestors but I am 100 percent All American. America is my home it is the home of my father, Airmen Edward Joseph Brown Jr. and the home of my child who follows. My skin is black but rest assured my colors are Red, White and Blue. If President Barack Obama ever calls the United States to war, I am completely confident it will not be to exchange Blood for Oil but to protect the vital interest of the United States of America. A call for which I would gladly give my life, "for what greater love than this for a man to laydown his life for his friends". You are my conntrymen, indeed you are my friends.

Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden, I may never see you personally, I may never get to shake your hands and or give you a huge to congratulate you on this wonderful campaign but I want you to know that I will be praying for your strength and divine protection each and every day. I will be out here using my skills in business, economic, managment and finance to develop strategies that will help to rebuild America from the Bottom UP. I want you to know that I love you all and I love America and all my countrymen. As stated by the beautiful and very Awesome Michelle Obama, I have never been as proud of my country as I am right now!

May God bless all of you, your families and May God Bless America

McCain Website Advocates Bigger Middle East Military Presence

Arpit from Dallas, TX — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:51:38 EDT

On John McCain's website, under his strategy for "victory" in Iraq, McCain says:

The United States must also bolster its regional military posture to make clear to Iran our determination to protect our forces and deter Iranian intervention.

Unbelievable! It sounds like he's asking for a troop increase. What else is a military "posture?"

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/FDEB03A7-30B0-4ECE-8E34-4C7EA83F11D8.htm

The Link to this statement on McCain's Website

That's the link.

Advice We Must Heed and Pass On to Everyone

Duval — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:19:10 EDT

The following is a short article I just found on talkingpointsmemo.com. The author, Josh Marshall, very clearly explains why it is so important that we not grow complacent and claim any victories until election day. It was published on 10.19.2008.

___________________________________

Race to the Bottom

If you're thinking to yourself that there's little more than two weeks before election day and Obama has a solid lead in the polls, don't be so sure.

Yes, it looks good for the Democrats. But you need to play close attention to the McCain campaign's final weeks' strategy under and just above the radar. McCain's final strategy relies on two pillars. The first is aggressively playing to voters' fears of electing a black president. Make no mistake: not just his campaign in a general sense, but McCain himself and his top handful of advisers, are banking on the residual racism in a changing America to get them over the finish line. The second is an aggressive use of innuendo to convince casual voters that Obama is in league with Islamic terrorists bent on killing Americans.

Many people have asked whether enough Americans really care any more about the cultural convulsions of the 1960s. The answer? It doesn't matter. For the McCain campaign, Bill Ayers has nothing to do with 60s radicalism. Ayers is nothing more than a tool that permits McCain, Palin and all their surrogates to use the noun "terrorist" in polite company in the same sentence as "Obama," over and over and over again. It allows them to cobble together a 'respectable' version of those Obama smear emails they can push in commercials and robocalls and surrogate talking points every hour of every day.

Stripped down to its components McCain's message to voters is this: "Don't forget. He's definitely black. And he may be a terrorist." That's the message. The nuts and bolts is a concerted effort to keep Democrats from voting -- through intimidation, by striking new voters from the rolls, which is going to happen to lots of them, clogging polling stations to create delays that keep late day (predominantly) Obama voters from voting altogether. Smears in the air and voter suppression on the ground.

Many people say, well ... all this stuff just hasn't worked. But the truth is that the really corrupt and vicious part of McCain's effort only comes now because it's only in the last couple weeks that you can pull stuff that the press won't get to call you on before election day -- after which it doesn't matter. Will it take Obama down? So far McCain's gutter campaign has hurt him more than helped. But there's no reason to be sure it will continue that way. And many Obama supporters, sure the election is basically wrapped up, appear ready to slack in the stretch and let McCain smear and cheat his way into office.

--Josh Marshall

Permanent link: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/238245.php

OFFICIAL OBAMA VICTORY PARTY

Sydney Rhees — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:46:10 EDT

As most of you know the Obama Election Night Celebration that began with just a few people in my living room has grown into what is expected to be the largest event of the year in Utah for Senator Obama. It is now the official party for the campaign here in Utah.

We will be holding it at IN THE VENUE (579 West 200 South) from 4pm-Midnight the night of the Election. We have opened the party up to supporters of all ages but there will still be a private bar for those supporters 21 and older. To date, we have posted almost 1,000 full sized posters all over the Wasatch Front advertising this event and handed out thousands of fliers.

We are anticipating thousands of supporters at this historic event for Utahns. The price for entrance is only $2.70 and this is only to cover the cost of the event. There will be free food, entertainment, live election results, and media coverage. This will be THE PARTY to be at on Election Night.

We are now 2 weeks away from this event and volunteers are needed to help setup this event the day before. Those supporters who can assist in setting up or by making in kind donations of food are asked to contact me as soon as possible so I can begin coordinating the volunteer effort.

It has long been my dream to host an event in Utah that would harness the enthusiasm our candidate has brought to new and traditional voters alike. This event is sure to be a celebration of not only the events and hard work that has brought us together, but also a window into the future possibilities of Utah Politics. Something has awoken the voters in this state from there long slumber and hopelessness. This night will be the beginning of a movement that will not only see this state go blue someday, but will usher in a new era of politics, respect, and excitement for all the people of Utah who's voice has been forgotten.

Barack has taught us that anything is possible and I ask for you help in promoting this exciting event. There is a myspace, facebook, and craigslist page for this event. Text, email, mail, and share this event with all those who are looking forward to change!

As always I thank you for your support and hard work this season.

Sydney Rhees- Event Organizer (Obama Steering Committee Member)

801-654-0503
sydney.rhees@utah.edu

Four Key Reasons Why Barack Obama Will Be The Next United States President (One Year On)

Ms CYPRAH — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:45:54 EDT

I joined msnbc's Newsvine in the first week of July of 2007 and immediately got embroiled in heated debates about whether Barack Obama stood any kind of chance to be President of the USA. My belief in his eventual success was unshakeable, and stood confidently firm, even in the face of all the arguments. In fact it was a rather lonely time then, trying to defend my corner as a seemingly 'naive' newcomer in the face of so much scepticism and so many learned Americans telling me otherwise, especially when a few repeatedly pointed out that it was their country and they knew far more about the form than I did. But that cemented my belief even further. Often outsiders can see what we cannot because, being outside of the situation and untainted by its partisan nature, they can see the bigger picture.

General Petraeus Biggest Admirer

ted in pdx — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:31:27 EDT

I have noticed that whenever given the opportunity, John McCain engages in obsequious flattery of General Petraeus, as if he thinks some of the respect most Americans have for Petraeus will rub off on him. If I had to bet my right arm on who General Petraeus (and most of our citizen soldiers in uniform for that matter) intend to vote for, it would not be John McCain. Part of it has to do with McCain's propensity to invoke the word 'Victory' in connection with the war in Iraq, as if that were the thing most important to the people of this country. Here's what the man McCain admires so much had to say about it (from the BBC):

Overall he (Petraeus) summed up the situation as "still hard but hopeful", saying that progress in Iraq was "a bit more durable" but that the situation there remained fragile.

He said he did not know that he would ever use the word "victory": "This is not the sort of struggle where you take a hill, plant the flag and go home to a victory parade... it's not war with a simple slogan."

He said al-Qaeda's efforts to portray its jihad in Iraq as going well were "disingenuous". It was, in fact "going poorly", he said.

Of his strategy of establishing joint security stations in key locations, Gen Petraeus said that "you can't secure the people if you don't live with them".

He said it was now fair to say that the Iraqis were standing up as US forces stood down. The confidence and capability of Iraqi forces had increased substantially, he said.

That's why I'm so proud of those who are standing for us in Iraq and Afghanistan, and so ashamed of the leaders who sent them there.

A Clear Definition of Victory

Greg from Burbank, CA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:57:33 EDT

The penultimate debate has already been declared an Obama victory by the major news outlets, and far be it from me to disagree. On the whole, I think he performed admirably well in what was touted to be McCain’s strongest format, although he seemed to become increasingly scattered and long-winded in the later rounds. That I can forgive, but a declaration of victory does not a victory make.

On the one hand, I cannot fault John McCain for repeatedly characterizing withdrawal from Iraq as a U.S. defeat; that fundamentally flawed and unapologetically hawkish position is, after all, the cornerstone of his campaign. But I can fault Barack for repeatedly allowing him to do so unchallenged. Many of us understand that to remain in Iraq would be like reaching a cat’s game in Tic Tac Toe, but continuing undeterred until each player’s crayon has run out of wax. For those who don’t understand that, Barack must clarify that withdrawal would be neither a source of humiliation nor an admission of defeat. The final debate will focus on foreign policy and it would be refreshing to see McCain forced - for once! - to present a clear definition of what victory in Iraq looks like.

It should be noted, though, that dodging an issue was not a strictly Republican pursuit tonight. One of the most thoughtful questions of the evening, and what should have resulted in a grand slam for Obama, was summarily ignored by both candidates: “Should health care be treated as a commodity?” Considering that John McCain has expressed his intent to deregulate the health insurance industry, his decision to dodge this question wasn’t surprising. But that Obama chose to reiterate his health care policy rather than address the actual question was not only disappointing, it gave me pause. Hint: The answer is an unqualified NO. Only those who profit from the health care industry would consider that response controversial.

Tom Brokaw asked both candidates whether the American people should expect the economy to get worse before it gets better. Neither was keen to sound pessimistic, so consequently neither gave an honest answer. In the months and years to come, this lack of candor will be remembered and not kindly.

Finally - and granted, I have the benefit of hindsight - the final question of the evening was another missed opportunity by Barack. When the candidates were asked what they didn’t know and how will they learn it, here is what I would have liked Obama to say:

What I do not know is what the silent voices in this country have yet to tell me. I will learn it by listening.

Here’s hoping that the next debate will not only be declared an Obama victory, but will actually be one. Whatever that means.

don't stoop

LM 27 — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:44:15 EDT

First kudo s to the great debate that Mr. Bidden did. Let the republicans continue to talk and expose how out of touch they are.

Don't let any attacks from the McSame administration sully the Obama Campaign. The worse thing that can happen is for Barack to attack

Let honesty and good policy stay at the front!

I am starting to allow myself to hope...

Marie — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:25:34 EDT

I am starting to allow myself to hope... that victory may be within reach.

I am however wondering whether the Republicans may WANT Obama/Biden to win, so we can deal with the awful mess they put the country in. They have put their money in their pockets and their friends' pockets; too bad for the rest of us.

So, they are thinking "let Obama deal with this." He'll be forced to raise taxes and they'll say we told you so. Everybody will forget that they emptied every single coffer there is, bringing our national debt to record highs. They let Wall Street and the mortgage industry do everything they wanted. Pocketed the money and they will not give it back.

The Democrats must win, nevertheless! To be a historic president, Obama will have a tightrope to maneuver. It will be best to say honestly what condition the country is in in January 2009, and we'll take it from there.

RFK and the fierce urgency of now ...

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 23:36:07 EDT

For those who, looking around unsatisfied with things as they are, share Robert F. Kennedy's challenge to dream of things as they never were, and say, why not?

Obama-Biden '08!

t-shirt idea: "Victory in Iraq - Obama + Biden"

David from Brooklyn, NY — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:34:56 EDT

CNN just ran a clip of a guy citing Obama's failure to use the word "victory" as the main reason he felt McCain won the debate.

It'll be hard to salvage something you could call victory from the war in Iraq. But surely victory doesn't require perfection. Iraq probably won't have any "Treaty of Versailles" moments so we should set our expecations low and try to define what would actually constitute a victory.

I like to think we'll achieve victory in Iraq under an Obama administration. I know politics are treacherous, but if he laid out a plan for victory, then he could say in the next debate, "I have a plan for victory in Iraq that will bring our soldiers home as quickly as prudently possible." That might sound really good to a lot of fence-sitting conservatives.

Maybe I'll make a "Victory in Iraq - Obama + Biden" T-shirt!

Seeing In Your Mind, Obama Has Already Won As President

Voting For The New American Dream — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:56:07 EDT

Athletes train for months to compete in the World Olympics. Many of the winners of the events "visualized" in their minds their winning victories. They imagined winning, and feeling the triumphs when they are given the gold or silver medals. The hidden subconscious part of the mind cannot tell the difference between what is real or what is imagined. If the mind is trained to accept a victory often enough, even though it is not a present reality.. it SOON will be the new REAL reality!

<BR>

We must all imagine and visually see the Victory of Obama, and SEE in our minds Obama being sworn in as the new President of the United States. If enough of US see this in our minds, and pray for Obama's Victory... it WILL happen!! There is POWER in Prayer. There is POWER in Visualizing a goal! We don't just wish and hope that Obama becomes president, we have Faith and believe that Obama WILL be president. It is just a matter of time..... and the day when he is officially sworn in.

<BR>

Do You have Faith and Belief? We should all give our full support to Obama, and pray for his victory EVERY day. We should visually see in our minds that Obama is President of the USA EVERY day! We pray that Obama wins because he is the best man for the Job of President, and is a man of great moral integrity and great character. Obama is the Hope America has been waiting for...

We Have To Be Tougher Now--report from Boulder, CO

Madama Ambi — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:39:16 EDT

"They have misjudged us. Just because our political heroes were murdered does not mean that the dream does not still live, buried deep in our broken hearts." Joe Biden September 1993 New Jersey State Democratic Convention, Atlantic City

To My Friends and Family--some of whom are freaking out or undecided or worried

Lately I’ve been struggling to bear the turn things have taken in the presidential campaign. Every time someone wants to talk to me about how horrible it is, show me more evidence of the terror in the polls, the lies of all kinds, tricks to forestall young and minority voters, I feel like a nail is pounded deeper into my heart. It’s been a long haul. I’m tired and crabby, and I only started volunteering in January. There are people who have been giving their hearts for 19 months.

So I have something to say. We are only weeks away from election day. We still have a brilliant tough strategic unblinking candidate with a vice presidential partner who can hold his own with anyone. (Let me know if you want to hear my story of listening to Joe Biden at a women’s economic round table discussion in Denver or excerpts from his biography).

I wonder why we seem surprised at the turn things have taken.

read Marjorie Larner's full essay here

Marjorie Larner is a writer and educator and co-chairs a team of volunteers for Obama '08. She is also my oldest and dearest friend.

September 15, 2008....IS, IRONICALLY, ALSO THE REASON WHY WE WILL WIN!

The Original NYC Free Advice Man — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:51:03 EDT

Do not worry too much! The Obama-Biden Super Ticket will win on November the 4th, 2008! And not just because America needs real positive change, the kind only Senators Obama and Biden are able to bring and will bring to Washington! The events of today, September 15, 2008, and what happens in the next few days will be VERY MUCH PART OF THE REASON! But these events are seriously tragic for working middle class and working poor like me and many of my friends, because the market crises are the result of absolute incompetence and excessive greed that the GOP get-rich-quick mentality caused! Shame on McCain-Palin for failing to keep their promise to stick to the real issues, the bread and butter issues! With good people like Barack Obama and Joe Biden, real Americans like us, WE WILL RESTORE AMERICA! B'R'CH H'SH'M (Hebrew for Blessed Be G-D's Eternal Name!) Family values?!? WE are for family values! The GOP is for devaluing families!

Why I support Barack Obama: He is truly a man of the people, and for the people. He puts people before profits, and understand that to really, really listen to people, to others, supporters, skeptics and opponents alike, is not at all a sign of weakness but the mark of all great leaders! Like my previous favorite, Senator Joe Biden, he has that special and rare quality of being able to understand and care for others, which, unfortunately, so many other candidates, seriously lack! Obama is for unity-in-diversity, for the most fundamental principle of Our Great Constitution; separation of religion and state, for truly fair wages for honest work, sensible and creative compromise between the public and the private sector, and he is not averse to respecting those who may not have the fortune to have acquired formal accreditation from institutions of higher learning, but who, nonetheless, are highly educated, creative, out-of-the-box autodidactic thinkers and intellectuals (such as myself). There are other reasons, such as his calming voice and sense of style and realistic confidence, why I support Senator Barack Obama and sense that he will make one of the greatest U.S. Presidents of all times! As for those who fear McCain-Palin might win: Are you kidding?!? With today's financial crises, soaring budget deficit, rising unemployment, massive housing crisis, and a 1 Billion Dollar a week waste of money in Iraq??!?? Nah! If McCain-Palin stole the elections then it would be the end of our entire economic might! Neither Wall Street nor Main Street is going to allow that to happen! It will be an Obama-Biden victory for sure! But only if we do not take it for granted and realize that they could steal the elections with blatant LIES and what not! So...if fearing we might lost motivates you to make sure WE WIN then so be it! But remember the wise old adage: PEOPLE DON'T BUY ANYTHING FROM PEOPLE WHO LOOK MISERABLE! So...get ready to ROCK & ROLL and CHANGE AMERICA FOR THE BETTER! YES YOU CAN! YES WE CAN! AND YES WE WILL!

We Wil Win And Here's Why:

The Original NYC Free Advice Man — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:54:00 EDT

First of all, you read me right: no matter what may happen in the next 50 days left till November the 4th, Election Day, Senator Barack Obama and Senator Joe Biden (love them so much!) will be President and Vice-President of Our United States of America come Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009! And there is nothing McCain-Palin can do about it! Nothing, zero, zilch, nulla!

Why?

Well, aside from the fact that Senator Barack Obama will win (BIG TIME!) every debate against Bush Doctrine addict John McCain, and Senator Joe Biden will let Governor Palin trip on her own words and show how unqualified she is to be only one heartbeat away from The Presidency, aside from that, September 15, 2008 will be a day that all of us hard-working, truly patriotic Constitution-loving Americans, will remember for a very long time! Why? Because later-on today the collapse of Lehman Brothers, after 158 years of having been a previously trustworthy Wall Street firm, will cause terrible chaos in the markets, hundreds of points losses, and will be the final straw that breaks the camels back! And the American public, who will suffer from this tragedy, will point the fingers of blame squarely at the failed policies of The Bush Administration and the cold-hearted attitude of the GOP, which for so many years disrespected America's working middle class and tried to force us into becoming Real Estate speculating sharks, when all we ever wanted was to live the simple, peaceful, family-loving American dream: a decent home, a decent job with a decent wages under decent work-place circumstances, a strong, steady and stable economy, in effect the means to live a normal life, so that we can truly enjoy the company of family, friends, relatives and our fellow American in need! Not an America where everyone is forced to join the Rat-Race and become hyenas, feeding off the carcass of other people's misfortunes, not an America where we let opportunistic politicians feed us daily doses of Color-coded fear-mongering tactics, not an America where we become divided against one another by cheap-trick political lies, and end up doing exactly the thing our real enemies, who attacked us on 9-11, could never do to us! We are better than that! We Americans know that in order to succeed at home and abroad, to be able to sell our fine products and services, we need to restore The American Way, the way of Unity-in-Diversity...E Pluribus Unum...the way of Our Beloved Founding Parents, great women and men like First First Lady Martha Washington and President George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin! We need to let the world know that WE CAN BRING POSITIVE CHANGE to our own country and for the sake of our Historic Alliances and Friends around The World, special and important relations, security-wise and trade-interest-wise, that this Bush Administration has managed to harm! WE CAN change Washington and bring about intelligent and wise policies that will strengthen our economy again, that will restore our confidence in our fellow Americans, that will stop good American jobs from being exported to countries that benefit much more from a strong and wise America, an America we once were some seven long years ago, an America that will never allow extremists to attack its Homeland again, but that knows that a significant part of a sound security policy for America is being able to get other countries to join us and share the burden in our fight against terrorists! YES WE CAN! WE CAN put America back on the track to a healthy future for our children and generations to come, and we can undo this economic disaster that these greed-addicted fools have caused!

So, do not let them, the nay-sayers, the one's who ridicule all those wonderful Americans who do community organizing and service to their country...who failed to provide our troops with the MRAPs armored vehicles that (my) running-mate, Senator Joe Biden, was wise to push through Congress...do not let them, those Bush Doctrine groupies...do not let them take your eyes off the goal! Because come November when we're inside the voting-booths we'll be sending them back to where they belong...outside of our government, outside of our pockets, outside of our homes...and we will be opening those voting booth curtains to let in the bright sunshine of a new day in America! A day of many more days, when we can finally take charge of our economy and create millions of new jobs, decent jobs with fair wages, and an America that is once more respected and admired all over the world! YES WE CAN!

The Bush Administration has failed US but WE won't fail America!

Victory for America [speech/message]

Larry from Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:22:59 EDT

I also posted this here:

http://www.ohboyobama.com/Message/Victory-for-America-Speech-Part-1 http://www.ohboyobama.com/Message/Victory-for-America-Speech-Part-2

Victory for America

John McCain and Sarah Palin accuse me of failing to speak of victory in Iraq. Now Bush, Cheney, McCain--their definition of victory in Iraq has been redefined and whiddled down so many times and to such an extent that they can't even look you in the eyes anymore and tell you what victory in Iraq they're chasing after.

I believe, that as President of the United States of America, my first and foremost job will be to lead our nation to victory *for America*. How we move forward in Iraq--since Bush, Cheney, McCain misled us into this war--is important, but we must never lose site of what our true goal as americans must be: Victory for America. Let me tell you what I believe Victory for America is and is not:

What Victory In Iraq Is Not!!!

Pam — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:39:38 EDT

It does not have have BIN LADEN
Staying here is not an option
We will never claim victory for others peoples job (stand up)
And most of all how do we claim victory on over 4000 of our TROOPS death over 300,000 INCIDENT civilans lives, who had nothing, I repeat nothing to do with the terror or attacks on our soil
We can't claim victory in Iraq, if we have lost our homes, our jobs, our dignity because we can get out of Iraq
We can't claim victory when we opened and subjected the Iraq country to same terrorist that attack us.
IRAQ WILL NEVER BE A VICTORY, FOR ONE REASON AND ONE REASON ONLY, IT WAS A LIE!
We have help lower attacks, train their military, help rebuild their country. We have done our part proudly.
And as Obama said and what McCain wants to denied is the facts
They still have not voted
They still have not taken over rebuilding
They do not want us here, not because they are ungrateful, but because they know they had nothing to do with 9/11, and now they have the people in their borders who DID.
That's why McCain tries and keep the claim of conditions on the ground, or the Surge and Gen P says is fragile...
We did This! And now we want put a V on a Lie...How is that even possible??
Last but never least, We have not liberated this country (yes we got rid of Saddam) but ask yourself the same question they ask themselves...
Where is my job
Where is my house
Where is our Health Care
Why is our infurstructure in rubbles
And, the hard one...Where is and Why is my family member or Friend Not Here?
SO I ASK WHAT PART OF THIS IS VICTORY???

An unorthodox manuever to put the election out of reach

MantisMKE — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:14:03 EDT

An unorthodox manuever to put the election out of reach.

One thing that is rarely done at this stage of a presidential election is the announcement of potential cabinet members and administration appointees. Some would call it presumptuous. But at this point in the 2008 race we have to act like we intend to win, not like we are playing defense to McCain the rest of the way. Here is how to do it.

Tag line: Ready on Day 1? We were ready yesterday.

Hold a surprise press conference and announce these members of an Obama cabinet:

Hillary Clinton: Secretary of State (No brianer)

Wesley Clark: Secretary of Defense (Managed Balkans war in 90s with no casualties)

Colin Powell: Homeland Security Secretary (Just plain awesome)

Micheal Bloomberg: Secretary of the Treasury (Help with those who are fiscal cons./social libs.)

Evan Bayh: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Help in Indiana)

Ted Strickland: Secretary of Labor (win Ohio and Michigan with this)

Al Gore: Secretary of Energy or EPA Director (No brainer)

Bill Richardson: Immigration Secretary (No brainer)

Bill Clinton: Ambassador to the United Nations (Good relationship with foreign leaders)

Of course you'd have to get all these folks to agree to these positions if Obama were elected... which I think wouldn't be that hard. The Republicans have NO ONE with comparable national exposure, name recognition or popularity to this bunch. People would take one look at that line up and realize the nation would be in the best possible hands. Palin would be an afterthought and McCain's experience wouldn't amount to a hill of beans next to Wes Clark and Colin Powell. It would show Obama is willing to bring together people of both parties to effect the change he is looking for.

The effect on the polls would be immediate and irreversable by any smear campaign. You might be able to smear Obama alone, but Obama and this gang would be unstoppable.

Just do it.

Number-crunching pollster sees decisive Obama win:

Eric in San Diego — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:49:04 EDT

Number-crunching pollster sees decisive Obama win:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080910/ts_afp/usvotepollemory

This guy has gotten every election right for the last 20 years. Let's hope he is right. I have hope. Yes we can.

Joe Biden Hit's It Out Of The Park!

Laurie Ann Johnson — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:59:26 EDT

Dear Joe Biden,

We all know you are going to be the next Vice President of the United States of America.

October, 2, 2008, the day Joe Biden hits the "Debate Ball" barrelling right out of the park,

and straight into the White House. Game Over!

With enormous appreciation,

"We the People"

Obama/Biden 2008

The victory pledge

LM 27 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:14:41 EDT

I am really interested how the republican mono-thinkers are going to react to a free thinking president. I think they should take this pledge:

1) I will not accept a cut in my taxes and will give the money to Michael Jordan or some other millionaire who will make the economy better

2) I will not accept any healthcare, you can give my healthcare monies to rusty limbaugh who needs his 'meds'

3) When the housing market rebounds, I will give any house sale in my family to a trailer court pregnant mom.

4) Since Barack will restore any personal liberties that the patriot took away, I will make a point of mailing facts about my life and transcripts of my cell conversations with my boyfriend to Karl Rove.

5) I will not use any alternative fuels and if gas prices go down, I will send two dollars a gallon to any foreign owned oil company that will be losing the profits they receive not drilling in nature preserves. Somehow you should donate some money to China, since that is where the oil companies are sending the oil they get from US soil.

Please invite Bob Barr to debates

We shall overcome — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:00:45 EDT

Bob Barr (the Liberterial candidate) will take away votes from moderate Republicans. Now that McCain has picked ultra-conservative Palin, his base is starting to get more and more solidified. They are pumped. Let's get Bob Barr registered on all states ballots. Inivte him to presidential debates.

Come join us at the Fish

Stewart Henderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:05:47 EDT

Come down to Fishtail Ale in Olympia this Wednesday or Thursday (9/3 & 9/4), from 9-11, to talk about the Democratic Convention and discuss how we can help Obama win! Local delegates to the Convention will be there to tell war stories. See you there!

Why WE are HERE

TarekP4Obama — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:59:55 EDT

Our family has not been good at getting the GOP off of our internal issues. Here are the facts. We have some of our family who believe that a protest vote for McCain will honor Senator Clinton's run for President. Can you honestly say that this is your reason for voting this cycle? Let's look at this from another vantage point. If Hillary Clinton were our nominee, would I vote for John McCain? Absolutely NOT!!!! Why? Because, in looking at my next president, I liked Hillary, but I liked Barack more. I appreciate Senator McCain has a war hero, but he cannot be my vote for president. I am so emphatic for all of us, that I would like for you to look at the issues today. Russia is now become an issue. There is a strong military arms tie between Russia and Iran. Pakistan's president is stepping down. The genocide in Darfur is continuing. Our economy has been rudderless for years. My belief that Barack is better, is not to take away from McCain's achievements. He would rather make you believe that we have not put together a grassroots campaign. He is selling the image of this grassroots campaign growing through technology available to him. This is not an issue. This is fact. The growth of our nation comes from us believing in each other. I would prefer that if you don't believe in Obama-Biden to vote for the other party. But, please don't tell me that polls in August cost you from believing that change is coming. Please don't tell me that an ad that Rush Limbaugh said would be coming in April is going to cost us to forget our power. WE ARE A FIST!!! All of us. We have found out that we have a voice. For so long we did not feel that Washington can change because of us. Barack Obama said no to PAC money and sent back $100K today that came through Congressman Rangel; a person I well respect from New York. Why? Because, that it was gained from PAC money. BELIEVE in your desire for better my friends. Our families depend on us to not breathe the smoke, but for us to put out the fire. We are here because we are mentally prepared. Now let's get battle tested. Make sure that you write to your local news channels and papers and let tham know that you won't accept their use of fractional news reporting. The Associate Press (AP) was responsible for a lot this reporting this weekend. This is not our calling. Do not use your energy to fight old politics. Use this week to recharge our momentum. This is why we will WIN IN NOVEMBER.

November is going to be a lollapalooza!!!

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:41:03 EDT

"There are two things you have to remember about Joe Biden. ..."

"Yes?"

"He's Irish Catholic and a Democrat ..."

"And the second thing?"

The Republicans can quibble, but they miss the big picture ...

The Democrats have picked a ticket made up of two authentic fighters for the common folk.

November is going to be a lollapalooza!!!

Sick and tired of all the politics as usual

Rick — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:19:05 EDT

Hi all!

It's a wonderful day today isn't it? Joe Biden will surely strengthen our chances to get elected in November so in January 2009 we can start to turn our great nation around from all the devastation Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney have caused it over the last 8 years. Man, it actually feels like those two guys have been around a lot longer hasn't it? I mean, I've lost three jobs since they took office due to "economic downturns" in the companies I worked for. 3 JOBS!!! And, the first job I lost, I had been ther for over 12 years! Why did most Amercians vote those two back into office anyway at the last election? What were they all thinking? ARGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!

Anyway, to get back on point, we can now look forward to a different future, thanks to Barack Obama and Joe Biden. They both know both sides of what life can be like, poor and wealthy, and that goes a long way in my book! They won't forget the "liitle" guy and will fight for everyone's right to a decent life and bring back fundemental truths and ways as The United States of America government has seemingly long since forgotten.

Every American LEGAL citizen must put forward their own strengths to help these two gentlemen to restore faith, security and honesty in government for our people to survive and overturn what the last eight years of torture has done to us.

LET'S ALL FIGHT BACK NOW and win this election overwhelmingly! John McCain will just continue Mr. Bush's policies and provide more endless torture, even though John McCain is a great American Hero and knows what torture is like unfortunately. He won't be able to help it. That's because he'll be listening to Goerge Senior and George Junior and Mr. Cheney as consultants, I'm sure of it!

NO WAY! WE JUST WON'T TAKE THAT ANYMORE! WE ALL NEED SECURITY FOR OUR FAMILIES AND OURSELVES NOW AND IN THE FUTURE, DON'T YOU THINK?

Have a great weekend!

Talk again next week!

Sincerely,

Frederic Staley Ray

Our country's future rides on this election

Andy Olsen — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:53:01 EDT

Some years elections seem to matter less than others. Some elections provide outcomes that seem to make little difference. Other years, during times of trial such as these, the results of elections shape the future of our nation.

The Presidential election of 2008 is an election of great consequence. Our nation's very identity and nature will be dramatically better and truer to the nation's founding principles under Barack Obama's leadership than under John McCain's autocracy. We will be freer and on a path to a safer world with President Barack Obama.

Now is the time for us to be active of a democracy, to join with other members of our community to steer this country to a future safer and more suitable for our children.

Let's all turn out the vote on November 4, 2008!

Wide World of [Political] Sports

Patrick — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:07:56 EDT

When I was a kid, one of the afternoon programs we'd watch was ABC-TV's Wide World of Sports. I mention that in particular for a couple of reasons. The timeliness of the Olympics starting today seemed a reasonable excuse, also the memory of the late Jim McKay as reporter for the Munich 1972 games... Some things in history might well be worth repeating, others, not so much.

In particular was McKay's opening narration of the TV program reflecting on "...the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat." What bodes the prognostication of the posting is the still open question "What does Hillary want?" Sherlock Holmes might well remind us that "the game is still afoot, Watson." I've mentioned before how I'm a Yogi Berra follower, "it ain't over 'til it's over." And it ain't over yet.

These calls for full vote of both Michigan and Florida are good in one sense, allowing the residents of those states input into the process, which is a good thing. On the other hand, if they are allowed full votes, why bother to have a staggered primary system at all if states will shift their appointment on the calendar without consequence? One might as well just envision a national primary then a national election, end of the process. Such would save millions in cost and a lot of people's time too! The still open question "What does Hillary want?"

NY Times columnist David Brooks raised an interesting essay regarding why aren't Democrats much more ahead in the polls then they are when it seems that their presumptive nominee is leading them instead to a valid question: Where's the Landslide? By casting Senator Obama as a "Sojourner," he feels that Obama reflects everything that people want to see, but he himself is only using wherever he is to further his own progression. My reaction to his piece is taken from the assumed name of a 19th Century former slave and early feminist, "What is your Truth, Sojourner?" The still open question "What does Hillary want?"

Mrs. Clinton may be acting the part of the valiant warrior defeated, but just as Vito Corleone made a peace with his rival Mafia chieftains in The Godfather we know it was only a delaying tactic and that Michael would later restore the Family honor, and respect. Thus her official stance is one thing, but I don't think it an unreasonable speculation to suggest that this Convention may have as many fireworks in storage to go off as they've shot off for the opening of the Olympics in Beijing. The still open question "What does Hillary want?"

"Madame President." Plain and simple.

So if the Convention is going to serve in the capacity of Michael Corleone we may well indeed witness "...the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat." The question is, for whom?

Hillary's full support for Barack Obama

Joshua Schroeder — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:05:36 EDT

From Hillary Clinton's blog: http://blog.hillaryclinton.com/

Please share this with all the Hillary supporters you may know.

Are you truly supporting Senator Obama and encouraging your supporters to do the same or are you just saying what you have to?

by JR4Hill at 8/7/2008 12:46:53 PM

Answer: Let me first say, I am so grateful for all the support that I have received. To answer your question, I am completely committed to helping Senator Obama become the next President of the United States and urging all of you to do the same. We share a commitment to universal healthcare, bringing an end to the war in Iraq, and getting back to an economy that works for working families again. I believe so strongly that if we want to see real progress in our country and finally break away from the failed policies of the past eight years, we need a Democrat in the White House. I am going to continue to do whatever I can to help Senator Obama and Democrats across the country win in the November.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:15:38 PM

Only McCain talks defeat

Randolph from Vallejo, CA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:02:08 EDT

The only person talking about military defeat in Iraq is McCain. Our soldiers have achieved ever military goal we have asked of them. They are heroes who have done their jobs flawlessly and successfully. The failures have all come from Washington. Washington politicians have failed to plan, failed to set goals, failed to understand the situation, and failed to construct an achievable policy.

For McCain to talk of military defeat in the face of failure of Washington politicians is shameful, disrespectful of our armed services, and astonishingly arrogant. Barrack Obama needs to challenge McCain and remind him that just because politicians failed in Washington, that doesn't mean our brave soldiers failed in Iraq. Withdrawing our troops is not a sign of military defeat; it is an acknowledgement of mistakes by civilian politicians in Washington. Keeping our troops in harms way does not bring them honor, it sacrifices them to the altar of political hubris.

Barack Obama is Changing Politics Like the Beatles Changed Music

Ryan Kauffman in Portland — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:57:24 EDT

Everybody loves The Beatles right? Well, duh. They were great. And so were most of the bands of their generation. But it was the music that came some time after them that really showed us how much we lost when John, Paul, George and Ringo pressed Abbey Road and went their separate ways. The same is true of Barack Obama. He is going to be an amazing leader and will inspire a generation of leadership all around the world. The catch is that thirty years from now, when he is gone from the public scene, we may wish that he had never shown us how to meld politics and marketing into such a successful venture.

The OkyDoke

Edward J. — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:06:49 EDT

McCain continues to mention the surge and the success it has and is having. What he fails to include, while bragging, is there would not have been a need for a surge had Bush not started something out of revenge instead of necessity. He would also have America believing this to be a failed war and we as losers of such. In reality the war was won the day America occupied Iraq and bought down Saddam's rein. Mr. McCain would be well advised that this war isn't the war which he was captured. In this war there was an undeniable winner, America. He should be reminded that one can neither change nor relive the past. Our troops have served their Country well and it is time to return home and protect those whom they were sworn in to protect. Bush's daddy has been revenged and Saddam Insane is no more.

16 Month Timetable

Thomas from Minneapolis, MN — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:48:44 EDT

Barack Obama has stated that he would bring home our troops within 16 months. There should be one condition to that statement. We will leave when Iraq has been VIOLENT FREE for 16 months. What this means is if we have completed 10 out of 16 months, and someone for example sets off a roadside IED or a human bomb sets himself off in a crowd. Our timetable clock resets and we start the countdown to 16 months again. During these violent free days, we can work on giving these poor people the city services we take for granted, like running water and garbage pickup. We can start cleaning the war debris left rotting in the streets. 16 months of building trust and positive relationships, this is the only way we can truly declare victory in Iraq.

~::~ Senator Diane Feinstein ~ Why She Supports Current FISA Bill ~::~

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:41:58 EDT

~::~ Greetings And Namaste To ALL Wonderful Obama Beings! ~::~

Just Like Many Of You ~ I Have Had My Inner Consternation And Feelings Of Dissappointment When I Found Out That Our Barack Obama Had Supported This 'Imperfect' Current FISA Bill. But, I Now Feel A Bit Better Upon Reading The Major Differences And Improvements In This Current FISA Bill That Barack Supports. When Barack Becomes President He Assures That He Will Make The Needed Further Improvements. Please Read The Below Email From Senator Feinstein:

This is an email from Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) explaining her reasons for supporting the current FISA bill.
Here it is:
I very much appreciate your concerns on the recent legislation to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA). I would like to take this opportunity to explain to you my point of view. As you may know, the legislation passed the Senate on July 9, 2008 by a vote of 69 to 28 and was signed into law on July 10.
I have served on the Senate Intelligence Committee for seven and a half years and I take the responsibility extremely seriously. I believe the United States continues to face serious threats and there are many who seek to do harm to our country. The first responsibility I have is to prevent another catastrophic terrorist attack from happening. This requires getting ahead of the terrorists by identifying and preventing their attacks. We can only do this with good, actionable intelligence.
If the Senate did not pass this bill, Congress would have been faced with two options:
1) Extending the temporary surveillance bill passed last August; or
2) Passing no legislation, meaning that surveillance on specific terrorist groups would expire and our Nation would be laid bare.
Last year's stop-gap bill did not contain nearly the privacy protections that are in place in this FISA legislation. It was intended to be a temporary solution while Congress developed a more comprehensive approach to surveillance.
The communications industry has changed in the past thirty years since FISA was enacted in 1978. This has changed the way that communications are routed and how surveillance is conducted, and the original law technologically cannot function today. So, FISA needs to be modernized to fit the technological change from radio communications to wire and to provide additional privacy rights for U.S. persons.
I would like to take a moment to highlight five major improvements in this legislation, which I believe provide new privacy protections. This bill:
1) Includes provisions I authored that make clear that FISA is the exclusive authority for conducting surveillance inside the United States. This is crucial as it requires that all future Presidents must act strictly within the law. FISA will be the only legal authority for conducting surveillance on Americans for intelligence purposes, and only legislation that specifically provides wiretapping authority in the future would be an exception to FISA.
2) Requires the government to obtain a warrant before surveillance can begin. This applies to all U.S. persons - anywhere in the world. The Protect America Act allowed surveillance for up to six months before getting a warrant. This bill ends all warrantless surveillance directed at U.S. persons. In this sense it is precedent setting.
3) Bans reverse targeting, which was a concern under the Protect America Act. Reverse targeting would allow the government to collect the contents of telephone calls and e-mails of an American by conducting surveillance on the people with whom they communicate. This practice is prohibited in this bill.
4) Requires that the government implement procedures approved by the FISA Court for minimization. If an American's communication is incidentally caught up in electronic surveillance while the Government is targeting someone else, minimization protects that person's private information. This has been a hallmark of FISA for 30 years, but court approval of minimization procedures was not included in the Protect America Act. It is here.
5) Requires the Government to obtain a warrant to conduct surveillance on an American outside of the United States. This means that Americans' privacy rights are protected everywhere around the world. A court warrant has never before been required for surveillance outside the United States; this would be the strongest protection ever.
I understand your concern regarding Title II of this bill, which provides an immunity provision for telecommunications companies that are alleged to have provided assistance to the government. I agree that this is not the best approach to the current legal challenges facing these companies. In February, I offered an amendment that would have required court review of the legality of a company's actions. The court would have been required to find that the assistance was provided in good faith, and pursuant to an objectively reasonable belief that it was lawful, before immunity could be granted. Unfortunately, that amendment did not pass.
During consideration of this bill, I co-sponsored an amendment authored by Senator Bingaman (D-NM) that would halt any action on immunity until three months after Congress received a report from the relevant Inspectors General on the Administration's warrantless surveillance program. This amendment would have provided an independent review of the telecoms actions, and those of the Government, and would have provided Congress with additional information before immunity was granted. Unfortunately, the amendment failed on a vote of 42-56.
I have spent hours reviewing the telecom immunity issue and my conclusion is that the Government asked them to provide certain data in the wake of 9/11 and, at the highest levels, assured them that it was legal. In my view, if there is fault, it is the Government's and it is not immunized by this bill. They did not have to move outside the law but did. This program is now subject to FISA Court warrant.
In conclusion, this FISA legislation, while not perfect, brings intelligence activities back under U.S. law. It provides significant improvement in oversight and accountability of our intelligence collection programs while still empowering the intelligence community to keep our Nation safe. And, it provides the strongest privacy protections to U.S. persons in history. Additionally, the President - any President - cannot enact a program outside of this law in the future. While the immunity language was not what I would have preferred, I believe that passing a bill with the important improvements was a better choice than doing nothing or extending the Protect America Act.
I hope this helps you understand why I support this bill.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~::~ Shivani Sannyasini ~::~

http://AuthorsDen.Com/ShivaniSannyasini
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

working together, not victory over the other,

Tommy — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:21:55 EDT

OK, here's the situation. The idea that victory is paramount comes from the outdated Darwinian concept of survival of the fittest. This concept was born from the partially true natural selection idea. However natural selection is not the principle of evolution for the simple reason that selection occurs after the fact. THe evolutionary step must have occurred before selection can kick in. So what is the evolutionary step? The only reason for evolution in the Darwinian paradigm is random mutations. But a random mutation is regarded today as a birth defect. In other words the evolutionary step is an accident. This does not hold water because there are many instances where two or more steps must occur together such as DNA determining how enzymes work when enzymes is what makes DNA work. The actual evolutionary step is a complementary process of working together also known as synergy or the integrative system. Everything in the human body works by this complementary process of working together. There in nothing in the body that work by competition or victory of one over the other. When this does occur it is called dis-ease or cancer. So competition is a cancer like process. It follows that "victory" is based on the outdated notion of competition. But to evolve means to work together. So the real "victory" in Iraq is to figure out to work together with them. We will NEVER conquer the Arabs. The more we strive for victory the more they will resist. They own the oil we need as a country to survive. At some point they will simply stop selling us oil or the price of oil will go so hig we ill not be able to survive as a viable nation.So the only victory we could hope to attain in the middle Est is to completely eliminate the Arabs. If this would occur, China and Russia and probably the rest of the world as well would regard us as the new Hitler and we would end up in a war against the world, We can't even beat the Iraqi, imagine if we had to try to beat the rest of the world.?So there will never be a victory in Iraq. What we need to do is find out what they want from us and what we want from them and come to a reasonable compromise that satisfies both of us. We think of some Arabs as our enemies but the fact is that they regard us as the enemy. What we have now is two enemy's fighting each other. regardless who is victorious, it will be the enemy that wins. We are one body, and for one part of the body to win over the other part is to leave both parts dead. We are not in the position that we can sustain the battle, they have our oil that we need. We like to think that Saudi Arabia is our friend, but it was Saudi Arabians that took done the twin towers. we really do not know when we step out of line with the Saudi's which will drive them to become our enemy. Much if not all of our problems there are a result of previous decisions by the UN to take their land from them and give it to the Zionists. We must find a way to resolve the problem to everyone's satisfaction, not only ours. If we go to war to "protect" the Zionists, we are placing our life on the line for someone else. The Zionists have nothing to lose, we have an entire civilization that we could lose. Our nation is based n our economy which in turn is based on the stock market. If the price of oil goes too high, the stock market will dive downwards, the dollar will fall in value, and guess who has the money to buy us out? The Muslims.The Muslims do not have to do battle with us to be victorious, all they have to do is nothing at all. If they stop helping us they will be the victor. There is no victory to be had in Iraq. A victory is a problem of pride. But what is pride? We goofed, it would be wise to admit it. To fight until we become victorious is like cutting our own throat just so we do not have to say we are sorry. Of course there are many who do not want to apologize, but is their pride worth ending a great civilization for? We should accept a draw and put our guns back into the holster. To shoot them is to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. Ahnd for what? So some jerk can have roast goose for dinner? We are at the edge of a cliff, we can either continue on as we are headed, the fall will be quick and sudden, or we can turn around and climb the mountain together. we are free to choose our future. What kind of future will we be choosing for our grandchildren?

Obama Standing for National Morality and Victory - God Devotion makes a Country Strong

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:16:34 EDT

Proverbs 14:34 (The Message)
34 God-devotion makes a country strong;
God-avoidance leaves people weak.

I love and cherish the Obama family because Barack exudes Love for God, Family and Country. These are endearing, exemplary and undefeatable leadership qualities. Everything will be thrown against him to extinquish his God given Wisdom, but they/it will not prosper. I am in constant prayer for our country and have never ceased praying for our leaders such as George Bush.

The Obamas are in my prayers constently. I am also praying that any weapon formed against them boomarangs exposing the perputrators by knocking them out!!!!

This is a Great Story for Obama from: 2 Kings 6:8-20 (The Message) (My parenthesis in the story)

15 Early in the morning a servant (supporter) of the Holy Man (Man with Faith in God) got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! (Those that are bent on trying to destroy him) The young man(supporter) exclaimed, "Oh, master (Leader)! What shall we do?"

16 He (Obama) said, "Don't worry about it—there are more on our side than on their side."

17 Then Elisha prayed (keep on praying Obama), "O God, open his eyes and let him see."

The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha (Obama)!

18 When the Arameans attacked, Elisha (keep on praying Obama) prayed to God, "Strike these people blind!" And God struck them blind, just as Elisha said.

19 Then Elisha called out to them, "Not that way! Not this city (sometimes some compromise)! Follow me and I'll lead you to the man you're looking for." And he led them into Samaria (confusing them).

20 As they entered the city, Elisha (keep on praying Obama) prayed, "O God, open their eyes so they can see where they are." God opened their eyes. They looked around—they were trapped in Samaria(confusion)!

Psalm 33:10-12 (Contemporary English Version)
10The LORD destroys the plans
and spoils the schemes of the nations.

11But what the LORD has planned will stand forever.
His thoughts never change.

12The LORD blesses each nation that worships only him.
He blesses his chosen ones.

Isaiah 12:3-4 (The Message Version)
3-4Joyfully you'll pull up buckets of water
   from the wells of salvation.
And as you do it, you'll say,
   "Give thanks to God.
Call out his name.
   Ask him anything!
Shout to the nations, tell them what he's done,
   spread the news of his great reputation!

(The Contemporary English Version)
3With great joy, you people will get water from the well of victory.
4At that time you will say, "Our LORD, we are thankful, and we worship only you.
We will tell the nations how glorious you are and what you have done.

Still Waiting

Allan — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:20:31 EDT

Well its been 3 weeks since I wrote my last post in which I opined that Hillary Clinton would fail to throw her unqualified support to Obama. As of now, I doubt her sincerity more and more with each day.

Is she waiting to extract as much as possible from Barack in helping to pay her outstanding campaign debt? If so, there should be no reason to wait if we're finally dealing with sincerity on all sides. Barack has committed himself to helping her and, one way or the other, the country must elect Barack in November. She should be well aware that all of our futures depend on it. Where is the idealism that we so genuinely need from her?

Please, may I be proved wrong. But, for the reasons I expressed in my last post, and sadly, I don't think that we are ever to see it.

When The Party Is Over....

Stefan - www.feedpeopleproject.org — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:57:59 EDT

There is a big difference between talk and action - they reside on opposite ends of the great spectrum of success - and somewhere in between lies the institution we call politics. In a way the practice of politics is a facilitator for distilling disparate thought and turning it into action. At this time when the excitement of political paradigm shift is pervasive we would do well to keep perspective on the value of politics as a whole.

When Barack Obama wins the 2008 election it will inject a great deal of hope into a good many people in this country. The majority of his supporters will breathe an immense sigh of relief and the alcohol (and pot) will be flowing at liberal gatherings throughout the country.... if not throughout the entire developing world as well. At this time when celebration is warranted and respected we would do well to not forget the hangovers that surely await us on the other side.

There is a dirty house to clean and we are the ones responsible for cleaning it - not our elected officials. While Barack Obama works to turn around a political system that has become nothing more than a placeholder for the hammer of status quo, we as citizens of this American experiment need to internalize our own responsibility to change the way things are done around us in our immedate vicinities. We need to take to heart the plight of our neighbors - our mothers, brothers, fathers and sisters - who cannot come with us due to their disenfrachisement from our collective efforts. We need to reach a hand down and bring these partners in democracy to our level. It is only then that we will realize the benefits of a political system that can work for us if we are ready to work for it.

Thank you and enjoy your day!

Obama-Webb: The ticket for tomorrow

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:33:35 EDT

Obama-Webb '08,
because integrity,
patriotism, and
honor are needed
now more than ever.

If You Build it... The Case For Impeachment

Ryan Kauffman in Portland — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:11:42 EDT

They Will Come.

When Barack Obama began this race the political experts laughed. A black man with a funny name running for president? I hoped. A snowflake was born.

When Barack Obama was busy building the largest grassroots movement this country had ever seen his opponents fell asleep at the wheel, scoffed and ploughed ahead. I was intrigued. The snowflake had found some friends.

When Barack Obama organized his way to victory in the great state of Iowa the American people heard the cry of freedom and funded a campaign unique in the history of Democracy. I was inspired. Those friends had formed a snowball.

That snowball grew and grew until an avalanche formed that could not be slowed, hindered, or denied. Our avalanche clinched the Democratic nomination, not Barack Obama.

What happened? And why did the snow even start falling?

Barack Obama has proven that voters desperately want, and will fervently support politicians who take principled stands for what is right not just what is expediant. He opposed the Iraq War in 2003. He was elected to the US Senate shortly thereafter. He refuses to accept money from lobbyists and PACs. The American people have funded his campaign, almost entirely through small contributions. He wants to return America to populist ideals that we haven't seen in almost 50 years and is winning that battle too thanks mainly to us, the avalanche.

My point is this. If the Democratic Party grows a spine and brings Articles of Impeachment before the Judiciary Committee and demands a full investigation there will be some snow on the hillside. If the entire Democratic Party invests in the constitution like they demand we invest in our future that snow will rumble down the mountain. And if the Democratic Party brings those same Articles of Impeachment to a full House Vote and forces Republicans to identify themselves as either with or against the PEOPLE of the United States it will cause the largest avalanche in history and throw all those bastards out of office.

If you build it, they will come.

~::~ Our Barack Won! ~::~ Humbled Hillary Endorses Barack! ~::~

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:00:12 EDT

~::~ After Hearing Our Barack Obama's Very Powerful And Gracious Speech ~ His Forgiveness Towards Hillary ~ And His Enthusiastic Call For Joyful Unity In The Democratic Party... I Have Softened Just A Tiny Bit In My Disgust Regarding Hillary's Behaviours ~ Even Though She Has Shown Herself To Be A Pathological Lier Having The The Most *Corrupt* Corporations ~ Special Interests ~ Lobbyists ~ New World Order Shadow Governnment ~ Skull And Bones ~ Shady Evil Persons ~ And Her Criminal Cover~Ups As Her Own Corruption. She Has Led The Life Of A Spoiled Girl And Fame... That Made Her Ripe For Corruption. Our Barack Is Of A Divine Nature Being Of Higher Consciousness And The Purest Character. Barack Has Extended Heartfelt Welcome To Hillary... Praising What He Generously Perceives As Her Good Points. Hillary Has Now Finally Endorsed Barack.
I Fear For Barack's Life If He Makes Hillary His VP. {A Deranged Hillary Supporter Trying To Make Her President. Hillary Did Refer To Assassination As A Reason She Stayed In.}Barack Would Demand Purest Intent And Good And Noble Behaviours From Hillary As VP. Barack Would Cause Hillary To Spiritually EVOLVE. He Would Demand That She *Evolve* On ALL Levels Of Her Being. Hillary Is Not 'Pure Of Heart And Not Pure Of Deed.' Many Persons That Got In The Clintons Way Ended Up Suddenly Dead. Reminds Me Of The Mafia Movies "The Godfather." The Clintons Are A "Godfather" Type Dynasty. If They Don't Get Their Way Watch Out! {Yet Bush, McCain And Republicans Are FAR Worse!}

If Hillary Ends Up As Barack's VP ~ It Would Be A Volcanic Breakthrough Of Sorts. If Hillary *Humbly Admits* To Her Faults And Seeks Sincerely To Transcend Them... Seeking With All Her Heart To EVOLVE Into A Being Of Pure Heart And Pure Character. The First Black Man {Universal Black~White~Mixed Race} For President... And The First Woman For Vice President... WOW! But Only If Hillary Evolves Into A Higher Consciousness Being Through Inner Purification And Transformation, Under Our Barack Obama's Keen Eye. Then It Would Be Truly Magnificient! Hillary Is Shocked That She Lost.
I Hope Losing Helps Give Hillary Humility And Goodness. I Have Not Heard Much About Considering AL GORE For VP... That Would Be WONDERFUL! ~::~

~::~ Ambrosial Pure Love And Radiant Light! ~::~

~::~ Shivani Sannyasini ~::~

Barack victorious, tough times to come - how can Europe help?

Support from Central/Eastern Europe — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:34:04 EDT

Well, it's so far obviously - Barack has made it through the primary season and emerged as the victor! Bravo bravo!!

Having watched and listened to so many speeches by Barack, read his texts in journals, and been quite a lot involved in observing the campaign, I feel quite relieved. The man, who for me and apparently so many other people has been able to bring back hope, because he is so different and so promising a presidential candidate, the man is now entering the final stage of the "battle". I would want to believe that it'll be an easy fight against John McCain. Undoubtedly it won't... But I am really positive that Barack will be able to overcome the national election campaign traps and become it - the next US President.

I wish I could help more than I apparently can, as a non-American living in Europe. But Barack, his people, and America as a whole will need support from outside at a point. And I will always be there to help create and build up such support. Working for my country's Foreign Ministry (an equivalent of the State Department), I hope I will be able to do my bit. But perhaps there are possibilities right now that I am not aware of? These may concern me, other Barack supporters around me, my country or the broader Central Europe (or entire Europe). If you know more than me, just let ME know as well...

Enough so far from me, let's focus on the coming challenges. Anyone wanting to get in touch with me, please do!

Jan

Obama Victory!

Triscuit — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:56:50 EDT

Obama wins the Democratic nomination! Huzzah!

I would really suggest watching the video of his victory speech if you haven't already, especially if you know of any supporters of Hillary Clinton who are concerned about the Barack Obama nomination.

Share this video with them, and show them that supporters of Clinton have a place at the table.

Together, we can make a difference.

Link (via YouTube)

Overjoyed

Joyce R-H — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:50:44 EDT

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below. Praise father, son, and holy ghost. Amen

It's three o'clock in the morning ...

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:29:53 EDT

It's three o'clock in the morning and the telephone rings.

The spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, sleepless, is on the other line, begging for talking points in the face of the coming Democratic tsunami.

It's no dream. ...

It's Obama-Webb, '08!

I think EVERYONE needs to take a powder for a week

Beth from ColoradObama — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:11:02 EDT

I feel like such a wimp & a whiner, but I just can't hang with this political stuff for the next week or so. I don't see how ANYONE can, especially the hardcore Obama volunteers, and even HRC and her people.

Congratulations...

Ted — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:13:16 EDT

Just for a moment I hope you will take in the historic importance of last night's primaries. It has been over 200 years in the making. We shown ourselves, our country and indeed the the entire world that race does not matter anymore. We have finally joined the 21st century and I am proud to be an American. Yes, I'll say it, for the first time in my life I'm proud to be an American.

Seventeen months ago people were laughing at us. "Never" they thought. This country is hungry for change, we deserve it and Barack Obama has delivered us to a great place. I have to be honest, last night I cried. This is and again I stress the point, a huge ground-breaking historic event. The world was stunned, they never thought that we would let an African-American in this country become the Democratic nominee for the Presidency of the United States of America.

To each of you I say thank you, thank you, thank you; we did it. This was the first election in history where we actually changed and shaped it's outcome. Social networking pages such as Myspace, facebook and websites and blogs such as these have enabled us to take this all the way to November. We are in a great place, a quantam leap forward from where we were even yesterday. Spread the word, spread the joy and share the hope.

Yes We Can... Yes We Did... Yes We Will!!

Ted Tucker

READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

Cliff Sharples — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:19:46 EDT

I just wanted to add to all of the congratulations going around to all of us who have worked so hard on this campaign through the nominating contest... We did it! We're one step closer, and while we have a long way to go until November, we all deserve to feel the warm glow of last night's victory. Watching Barack Obama last night renewed (once again) my faith that a new and better America is indeed possible.

I'm ready for Phase Ii of this campaign for the White House as I know all of you are. Let's make it happen...

Yes, we can!

READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

Cliff Sharples — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:19:46 EDT

I'm ready for Phase Ii of this campaign for the White House as I know all of you are. Let's make it happen...

Yes, we can!