Posts with the tag Washington

Happy New Year for First Lady,for US Vice President Joe Biden,for Presidential Family :Barack,Michelle,Sasha,Malia-Obama,for all American People !

Mihai Florin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:47:06 EST

Your Excellency, Mr. President of the USA-Barack Obama, in 2008, similar to Nostradamus I said(Nostradamus dixit):„I BELIEVE IN YOUR CHANCE TO WIN,MY FRIEND!YOU ARE FOR ME THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!FROM ROMANIA WITH FRIENDSHIP ,FLORIN MIHAI!VOTE OBAMA!”Now you are: U.S. President of United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama!Happy New Year you, for First Lady, for U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, for Presidential Family: Barack, Michelle, Sasha, Malia-Obama, for all American people!

Congratulations for all your work!

Florin MIHAI

Video posted on youtube in 01.2008 :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQWXVb_-Z7A

(old account youtube cristianson2007 is closed)

Response to Vice President Al Gore and DCCC Chairman Rep. Chris Van Hollen

"Voice for Humanity" — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:53:09 EST

By Padmini Arhant

Dear Mr. Vice President and Rep. Van Hollen,

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to your request. However, the required information sent on priority basis should be available prior to the deadline.

Enclosed please find the contribution and the survey completed with specific targets vital for immediate economic recovery and national progress.

I appreciate your kind remarks and the invitation to participate in the legislative affairs. I pledge my support to defend the policies benefiting the people of the United States of America as well as the global citizens.

Furthermore, I consider it’s really important for the incumbent and the prospective legislators to make a firm commitment to serve the people electing them to office and not become the proxies for the special interests. I reiterate the fact that despite millions of dollars in investments towards any political campaigns, the ultimate power lies with the electorate in a democracy.

Remaining content available @http://www.padminiarhant.com

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

You Are Bringing About Historic Change

V, aka VCubed/Virginia V — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:52:39 EDT

Summer's gone, school's back in. Holidays are around the bend. Yet change is on its inexorable path, waiting for no one. You've made an enormous impact, and the finish line for one historic change, health care reform, is in sight! Can you help make it the change you want to see?

You've all made thousands of calls, gotten your neighbors to sign tens of thousands declarations, you've sent thousands of emails. What did you achieve? For one, Sen. Maria Cantwell went from "no comment" on the public option, to public support for the public option. Sen. Patty Murray and many of our Representatives are also on board. Four of five committees have voted on a bill - and that has never, ever happened before.

Do you want to make sure they stand strong? The biggest hurdle is right up ahead. We expect the final of five committees, the Finance Committee, to vote on Tuesday. It could take a little longer - that seems to happen pretty often, right? But next is the full Senate and full House, then they have to reconcile their bills, then it's the final vote to send it to President Obama to sign.

You can imagine the bill you want will be signed. Go ahead. Imagine.

UNITED AGAINST RACISM

WEBMASTER — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:46:34 EDT

Hi Friend

There is a new group that just started on Facebook that I thought Organizing for America members may be interested in joining. Please see United Against Racism -

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/354956/80588439?m=9dc74a6e

United Against Racism

posted by David Apperson

Why We Shouldn't Fear the Public Option

Skye Wallin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:56:22 EDT

People often forget, either due to distractions, blinding cynicism or a lack of education, how unique this country really is. The United States of America is a nation forged and grounded in a rich tradition of protest and persistent refusal to accept the status quo. In many ways this tradition has been in hibernation--recent decades will never be known as the years of particularly impressive citizen participation in government and policy. Indeed, the American people have become increasingly apathetic and stupid, but I believe that the spirit has remained alive--in fact, I predict that the drive to change our most negative aspects of society is building momentum; isn't it obvious?

Take the town halls on health care, for instance. Though CNN, FOX and MSNBC only cover the crazies, there is some remarkable dialogue going on--and not just by the supporters of health care. When it comes to the Public Option, there is a genuine philosophical debate to be had. Remember that the whole point of the American Revolution was to establish independence from an abusive and invasive government that taxed excessively and unfairly. We have come a long way since then, and have perhaps gone full-circle in many ways. I share many Libertarian concerns of the expansion of the U.S. government, excessive spending and the limitations placed upon civil liberties; not to mention our often tyrannical foreign policies. Indeed, the United States became the very empire its citizens died to defeat. People think I'm a big gov liberal, but the fact of the matter is that the federal government IS WAY TOO BIG! The War on Drugs is a fiscal and societal disaster, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are squandering our treasure. The IRS ought to be torn down and replaced with a simpler tax code, and the Patriot Act ought to make every single American extremely wary of what leaders know about our personal lives. Not to mention the militarization of government that has seeped into the media and saturated our culture.

So when people say to me: "I just don't believe the federal government should expand! It's already too massive" I agree! The problem is that in this modern world, there are modern problems that require state intervention. Spying on Americans is not one of these exceptions. Drug abuse isn't either. Nor is Saddam Hussein or Ho Chi Minh! But to the people who believe the Public Option is some kind of government takeover and the onset of communism: should we not fight to end the excessive federal policies that actually hurtpeople? The War on Drugs fuels a culture of crime in the inner-cities. At least a million Iraqi citizens are dead because of the current conflict--not to mention the 4,339 dead American soldiers. But now you oppose a public health plan? A plan that will help your fellow citizens get the care they need? A report by the Institute of Medicine suggests that as many as 22,000 American citizens die annually due to the lack of an insurance policy--one that either could not be afforded or was cut by employers!

And let us not forget that the Public Option is an OPTION! While the true Left wing of this USA would really like a single-payer system, it is simply not going to happen with this legislation. Big Insurance is the most powerful lobby in Washington, and certainly has great influence on the bill--in other words, the argument that people will be forced to take the government plan is bullshit. The truth of the matter is that most people will keep their private plans; plans, by the way, made more consumer-friendly due to other reforms that will be in the final legislation (including the preexisting condition issue and the ability to choose your own doctors).

Though this is an expansion of government services, I want to tell you how the Public Plan is actually more economical and sustainable than the current system. You see, being private enterprise, Big Insurance seeks to charge as much as possible while providing as little as possible. I have no problem with capitalism (I am a Capitalist), but this is the reality of the basic operations of a firm. While this is perfectly acceptable in most sectors, health care is an entirely different beast. Since 2000, insurance premiums have nearly doubled! In 2007, the U.S. spent about $2.2 trillion on health care,* which comes out to approximately 16.2% of GDP--nearly twice the amount of the rest of the developed world! ** If you aren't worried yet, then you have read these numbers: by 2025, costs are expected to rise 25%; by 2082, 49% ! *** Oh, and did you realize that every GM vehicle is $1,525 more expensive because of employer-based health care coverage? Insurance is by far GM's biggest expenditure--even more than steel! ****

And the numbers go on and on. This is the financial argument, and it is all tied to the Big Insurance practice of driving up costs for higher profit margins, and making up for their clunky and inefficient administrative costs. Medicare costs are skyrocketing because they are subsidizing these inflating premiums, and this must be replaced. The Public Option must establish a much simpler and transparent system that injects competition into this stale and unsustainable market. It is fiscally sensical and it is moral.

But just any Public Option will not do. Next week I will tackle the question of "what must a Public Option look like in order to drive competition and cut costs?"

Absorb it, discuss it, and hopefully support it. Leave your comments below.

*Office of the Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditure Data for 2007. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, available at: http://www.cms. hhs.gov/NationalHealthExpendData/02_NationalHealthAccountsHistorical.asp#TopOfPage

**Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. OECD Health Data 2008.

***P.R. Orszag, Growth in Health Care Costs: Statement Before the Committee on the Budget, United States Senate, (Washington, DC: Congressional Budget Office, Jan 31 2008), available at http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=8948

****R. Wagoner, Testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, December 5, 2008.
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/05/gm-health-care-reform/
my blog: http://www.theskyewire.com

Denison University 2011

*Office of the Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditure Data for 2007. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, available at: http://www.cms. hhs.gov/NationalHealthExpendData/02_NationalHealthAccountsHistorical.asp#TopOfPage **Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. OECD Health Data 2008. ***P.R. Orszag, Growth in Health Care Costs: Statement Before the Committee on the Budget, United States Senate, (Washington, DC: Congressional Budget Office, Jan 31 2008), available at http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=8948 ****R. Wagoner, Testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, December 5, 2008. http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/05/gm-health-care-reform/

The Time to Act has Come, Reaffirm Your Commitment

Skye Wallin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:29:23 EDT

My friends, I apologize for taking an extended summer break, but now the wheels are turning once again, and I must say that never before have I felt this necessity to write for cause. We elected the progressive candidate, though not without a healthy degree of skepticism by many (including myself), and the calling for responsible and energetic citizenship has never been greater. For in the words of the President:

What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.

For those who voted Obama/Biden on election day, this calling is especially directed towards you! The President is powerless to create fundamental change without his foot-soldiers, and right now you are failing. And so am I.
But today we reaffirm our commitment to transform this country into what it ought to be. When this country decisively elected Barack Obama, he was given a mandate to bring about progressive reform, and now we must help him. Right now, the most powerful lobby in Washington is fighting the fight of its life to destroy any kind of true reform of its corrupt system. The right-wing and conservative Dems have taken the stand that change mustn't come to American health care, and they have effectively waged a crusade of fear and lies against the President's plan--against the President's promise.

If this country wishes to survive, her citizens must become informed on the topics and fight for truth. Indeed, this health care battle is a test: can the people who voted for something transformational actually make it happen? Do we have it in us to bring down the congressmen and women who have prostituted themselves out to the insurance giants? I believe we do; because nothing is stronger than a nation of motivated and optimistic citizens. And right now I want to reaffirm my commitment to this country's potential--that I will do all in my power to be a part of the grassroots of change. Because I voted for it. Because it is my responsibility to walk the walk.

And now I ask my readers--my fellow citizens--will you join me in this commitment to fight for reform by pressuring your reluctant representatives to support President Obama's agenda? Will you fight the myths with your colleagues, classmates and family? If so, I hope that you will leave a declaration of support for this cause below in the comments section. Tell others what you believe in and how hard you are willing to fight. And after your declaration, you must act on it. You must make the calls, attend the town halls and go door-to-door. It is this movement that determined the election, and now it must live on to determine our future. There really are better things on the horizon--indeed, they are within our grasp!

In the coming days and weeks, I will be rolling out a series of articles on the healthcare debate. My hope is to lay out the arguments and contextualize the controversy. Because if you know the facts, you will realize that Obama really is on the right side of things. And after we pass healthcare--with the public option included--it is on to the next fight.

Till next time.

Washington Election Blog

WEBMASTER — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:04:45 EDT

As President Obama recently related to me regarding local service; "Now is our time to work together, reaffirm our enduring spirit, and choose our better history."

It is our responsibility as Americans to vote, and vote we must. And now is the time to prepare for the next election. I invite all citizens of Washington to post a message on the Washington Election Blog.

Washington Election Blog
washington-election.blogspot.com

Health Care Rally & Town Hall in Washington, DC

signsSansSignifieds — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:56:05 EDT

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Join thousands of Americans at the largest health care rally in history!

Limited FREE buses

Meet at 5:30 AM at Union Square; leave at 6 AM

Back at 9:30 PM

RSVP to Naomi.Rothwell2@gmail.com

www.healthcare09.org

MyBo link: http://tinyurl.com/lwappy

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/m8bv64

Happy New Year of The Bible 2010 by Paul Broun

Peter from Carrollton, TX — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:26:07 EDT

2010 Year of the Bible by Paul Broun AP/Photo

Happy New Year of The Bible 2010 by Paul Broun

On our countdown to a new year in 2010, Paul Broun (R-Ga.) wants everyone to ring in the “Year of the Bible”. He wants to pass legislation to honor the good book. Opposition is strong in the Democratic party, but whats the big deal? We’re already burning them suckers in Afghanistan. I wrote a post about it, and got negative feedback from every dem, saying I’m a GOP’r in disguise. In fact, I’m just a student pointing out similarities between different governments past and present. That isn’t choosing sides at all. When people see a political blog, they are automatically trying to figure out what party I am affiliated with. None. Well, whoever decides to pay me the most. Just kidding(That’s illegal for all you kids out there, no selling votes.) Sorry for ranting but I’ve been enraged at some of my readers that just don’t get the whole picture. Someone said I’m a Christian that hates America. No, I’m a Christian that loves America; the thought of America more like it. It used to stand for something, and all I see and read is how far it has gone from what our forefathers set forth to achieve. I am not ashamed of being an American. Our differences are what makes this country unique. I say instead of the “Year of the Bible”, we just go with the Chinese astrology and name it after an animal. Or we can ring in the New Year as a world united. All across Washington people are joking about what year its going to be after that. Year of the encyclopedia? Quran? Las Vegas escort Pamphlets? Whatever the year, I’ll be ringing it in with a smile, knowing I’m in a country that spends too much time on a stupid idea. Hey Paul Broun, think of a way to get your ass back to work on important things.

BARACK OBAMA FIRST 100 DAYS

WEBMASTER — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:23:01 EDT

During the first 100 days of the Obama presidency we have seen outstanding leadership in tackling the many issues facing our great nation. And it seems that overwhelming poll numbers indicate that America agrees with President Obama. see THE WHITE HOUSE

The question remains; What can we as fellow Americans do to help our neighbors and countrymen? Included are nine things you can do to help the President celebrate his first 100 Days in office:

1. Donate unused suits to the Salvation Army
2. Donate time to Americorps
3. Donate toys for children at Toys for Tots
4. Donate blood at the Red Cross
5. Donate a can of food each week to a Local Shelter or Food Pantry
6. Donate money to Save the Children
7. Donate time at local a Veterans Hospital
8. Donate an hour a day to your Child
9. Donate to the Make a Wish Foundation

Participation is greatly appreciated. What you do for the least of our brethren, you do for yourself -
http://donate.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxWJh

Barack Obama First 100 Days posted by David Apperson

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA

Dimples02 — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:15:11 EST

Last night, I addressed a joint session of Congress for the first time.

To confront the serious economic challenges our nation faces, I called for a new era of responsibility and cooperation. We need to look beyond short term political calculations and make vital investments in health care, energy, and education that will make America stronger and more prosperous well into the future.

Watch a few highlights from my address and share it with your friends now:

A little more than a month into my administration, we've already taken bold steps to address our urgent economic problems.

Through the Recovery Act, the Stability Plan, and the Housing Plan, we're taking the immediate necessary measures to halt our economic downturn and provide much-needed assistance to working people and their families.

But to set our country on a new course of stability and prosperity, we must reject the old ways of doing business in Washington. We can no longer tolerate fiscal deficits and runaway spending while deferring the consequences to future generations.

That's why I pledged last night to cut our deficit in half by the end of my term. Achieving that goal will require making sacrifices and hard decisions, as well as an honest budgeting process that is straight with taxpayers about where their dollars are going.

Watch some key moments from my address now:

http://my.barackobama.com/presidentialaddress

Central to this plan will be a renewed commitment to honesty and transparency in government. Restoring our country's economic health will only happen when ordinary citizens are given the opportunity to hold their representatives fully accountable for the decisions they make.

I look forward to continuing to work with you as we bring about the change you made possible.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Politeness Time Out

Denise — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:50:41 EST

Stimulus Bill negotiations reveals want Conservative are really troubled by. They say “to much wasteful spending” is the problem, here’s their idea of wasteful spending; education, infrastructure and not enough tax cuts. Really, education is wasteful?

No the problem with conservatives is the idea of educational reform. Given the fact that, for centuries myths have been maintained which say, African American children can’t learn as quickly as other ethnic groups, based on the idea of poverty. Providing funding to improve the ideological structure and system of education would finally dismantle this belief, which was created solely for the purpose of maintaining the idea of superiority.

Infrastructure would provide jobs for all Americans; there goes poverty levels. With this happening, myths that portray African Americans as “not wanting to work” lacking skills and all other ridicules notions created throughout the centuries would dismantle. Tax cuts as we all know, benefit those in the highest tax bracket, no need to explain further.

The ultimate problem conservatives are having with the Stimulus Package is from Whom the Package comes. This reveals itself by the spins; “suit jackets should be worn in the Oval Office”, “his arrogance”, and so on…

Agreeing with this particular President is too painful for conservatives. Passing the Stimulus packet would be a form of agreement, if agreement is reached, realization would set in, this realization would force Conservatives to face society as it really is; changing.

STANDING IN THE COLD FOR THE WARMTH

GREG KLINE — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:08:36 EST

Hi There Family,

Well, it’s no secret the last two years of my life have been working to support Barack's vision this election cycle. Actually, it started with the simple act of including an excerpt from his DNC keynote speech in our 2004 home-made holiday card. Since then, I've run myself ragged, and broke. Projects, visibility events, and networking, to the point of serious burnout. But, hey! Yes we did. It was all worth it. Laura & I met him in person during the primaries, and again during the general election, which really helped keep us revitalized. So anyway, you could have guessed there’d be a NEED to make the pilgrimage to the Inauguration.

My friend Ruthie and I drove to Baltimore, and took the first MARC train at 5:29 am to Union Station, a couple blocks from the Capitol. While we could see the Capitol in front of us, getting there was a huge case of "Can’t get there from here". Security herded all cattle through a circuitous and convoluted path, though tunnels, and down streets devoid of visible landmarks, to the back end of Independence Mall, which took about 90 minutes.

We didn’t have tickets, and we wound up about 20 people deep from the beginning railing of the ticketless part of the Mall, in the media area between MSNBC’s broadcast booth, and a bleecher full of camera crews and photographers. Many in our area passed the time going wild for MSNBC’s panning boom camera, cheering for Rachel Maddow, Keith Olberman, and Chris Matthews, and being interviewed by various news anchors in the field. CBS interviewed us.

The cold was significant, but not sobering or intollerable. The wait for Barack, on the other hand, was a bit trying. Yes, it was all beautiful, but the pomp and circumstance of announced grand entrances, the likes of the Seaside Ladies Auxillary, and the janitor’s wife’s second cousin of Mahlia Obama’s school, kinda had people groaning. Speaking of such, yes, one could expect boos at the mention of George Bush, but HOLY COW! It was an ocean of boos, which segued into a mighty contagious roar of the Steam hit "Na Na Hey Hey, Kiss Him Goodbye".

Barack’s address, was characteristically moving and touching. Once again putting ideas back on the table, vision back on the shelves, and making reason the special of the day. Once again the message was one of community, dignity, empowerment, "better angels", and transparency. But this speech went further into the territory of healing division, taking the charge out of the illusions of difference, and emphasizing the common threads that run through all people. Unity was in the air. The ever so faint ineffible tensions due to race seemed palpably eased.

When the event ended, Ruthie & I split to indulge personal walkabouts. I gradually worked my way past multiple barricades and inconsistent security, to the foot of Barack’s podium on the Capitol steps. I wanted to see and absorb the detail that I couldn’t from far out in the Mall. It was definately effecting. So were the apparent safety measures. Barack’s podium was surrounded by bulletproof glass, with a steel camera platform between the podium and the direct line of sight from the Mall. It was when I moved to take a picture leaning against the podium, when some very serious camouflaged guards and Secret Service personnel intervened, instructing me with volume that the area was "locked down".

Earlier, those who attended the Inauguration in the Mall, were informed they would not be allowed street access to attend the Inaugural Parade, that the route was full to capacity. However, from my vantage point on the Capitol steps, I was able to casually circumvent the security, and wound up 2nd person deep near the beginning of the parade route. Security around Barack’s limo was intense. His car was flanked on all sides by "dummy" limos, and open vehicles piled with Secret Service personnel, tensely scanning and peering piercingly into the crowd. Through the tinted windows, I could see Michelle Obama and the girls waving. Barack was not to be seen.

All in all, I must say, that while security was stern and inflexible, they were also professional and occasionally friendly. I did not observe a single "incident" all day. When you consider there were roughly two million people present, that really says something, something positive, about a very positive event.

As night fell, we had no invitations to any of the Inaugural Balls, and really, we didn’t need any. Ruthie and I met up in the Smithsonian for a light dinner, and headed home around 8:15 pm. Talking on the train, we decided that the whole contentious movie of the election process is over, and we’re now ready to actually get down to accomplishing good things. Barack seems, more than ever, an organic conduit of a progressive movement who’s time has finally come. Let’s get to it. Better days are at hand. Wishing you All Good Things.

All Fired Up & Ready To Go,

Greg

Train Ride To Hope (An Inauguration Day Poem)

Sistah Joy — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:42:41 EST

Train Ride to Hope
(An Inauguration Day Poem)
© J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford

A 7:30 A.M. train ride
Inaugurated by a commemorative fare card
Bearing the likeness of a man
Who believed in hope and change
Maybe the time had come
For a nation whose yesterday
Spurned right at its own peril
A nation that, despite dreams and visions
Proclaimed before broad witness in light of day
Rejected truth 'til civil disarray
Dictated that only change could counter catastrophe
Perhaps this would be the train ride
To usher that nation
To the dawn of a new day

A sea of humanity
Like ants, satellite images would depict dots
Blurred into huddles to become muddled masses
I was proud to be one of the millions
Knowing I had neither ticket nor hope of
Seeing anything more than jumbotrons
I trudged on
Under the 3rd Street tunnel
Loosing, early in the day, Beverly and Jayne,
My comrades in arms
But I moved on
This is my hometown, I know this place
Placing phone calls of reassurance
When intermittent phone service allowed
I pressed on
Moving from one undesignated
Vantage point to another
Both the Blue Gate and the Silver Capital viewing area
Were inaccessible
But how could they close The Mall
The entire Mall?

But my guardian angels were on it!
Like the pride, yearning and desperate belief
Of all who withstood the frigid cold
Even the batteries of Chicky’s hand-held
Neon orange radio knew not to fade
Sylvia’s ungloved hand must have been frozen
As she held the small prize just above our heads
Standing behind me Jasmine asked if I could
Move just a bit to the side
So she too could hear
We each prayed for a clear signal
Sylvia said a glove would restrict digital dexterity
As she deftly rotated the dial with precision
Not chancing to miss a single word
That would mark this moment in history
So it was to be
This anointed neon orange electronic device
Clearly appointed by Divine providence
To appear next to me
Whether held in Sylvia’s hand or God’s
Did the job of unseen jumbotrons

The four of us fellowshipped and communed
We were from DC, Colorado and Texas
Sisters of different generations and races
Silently sharing tears as Aretha sang
Sharing hugs and hopes as we listened
To introductions, oaths and speeches
Believing the words we heard
On a small radio would take us
Beyond Metro stops,
Malls and trains
Knowing that on this day
Hope had transported a people
To a place where they believed
That the time for change had come

Ending Pay-to-Play Culture in Washington, Now!

Mett — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:04:56 EST

I usually don’t take Republican makeovers very seriously, as most have simply tried to re-hash some version of trickle-down, small government, Reaganomics. But the other night I was watching an infomercial by Mike Huckabee on Winning Back the Middle Class that seemed to focus on changing Washington politics as usual.

Isn’t that supposed to be Obama’s line?

Well, with two cabinet picks who have admitted to failing to pay taxes and only admitting to their tax liability “after” the nomination process had begun, and another withdrawing due to pay-to-play type accusations resulting in an indictment, ethics and undue influence in Washington may actually be an opening for the Republicans, particularly if Obama does not get REAL campaign finance done in his first term.

So what exactly is REAL campaign finance reform…the kind that doesn’t create additional loopholes for influence peddlers?

Publicly funded elections for all federal elections, and “reasonable” Supreme-Court-proof limits on the free speech of so-called independent groups like 527s so that they cannot run campaign ads for or against a candidate within 90 days of a primary or general election would be REAL campaign finance reform.

If Obama does not get this done in his first term, much of his change agenda could be thwarted by the handful of special interest groups that have dominated the agenda in Washington for quite some time. And as stated above, he could create an opening for the Republicans to portray him as a “change is only a slogan to drum up votes” type of candidate while Washington continues business as usual.

Such an appeal to ignore empty change rhetoric will resonate with the very swing voter that put Obama over the top in previously red states like CO, NV, NM, IN, OH, VA, FL, and NC. This is therefore a critical issue for Obama to pay close attention to if he wants to hang on to these voters.

With an 80% approval rating, NOW is the time for Obama to push for this kind of reform, as there are enough Democratic and Republican votes, especially if one vote meant they did not have to face reprisals from these same special interest groups in subsequent elections. Obama’s popularity will not always be this high, and if he waits until his popularity slips, it may be too late to get this done.

Let’s take money completely out of politics now!

-Metteyya Brahmana

Strange Bedfellows: Money Trumps Political Agenda

Bobby Hamilton — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:20:52 EST

A peculiar twist on an old theme regarding unlikely companionship
between natural adversaries is cropping up within the GOP Governors
club. State Governors are the structural conduit for money vaccumed
out of congressional legislation in Washington and the Republican
Governors across this land are chomping at the bit to recieve the
money Barack Obama is arduously trying to wring out of a Congress bent
on making politics out of crisis. It should be nothing less than
embarrasing to the Congressional Republicans to hear their GOP
counterparts at the level of state chant, "sing sign sign" while they
wait wait wait.

The Republican governors have constituencies too, and while
unemployment and bankruptcy, homelessness and insolvency are being
cast as a national malaise, the states are the arenas wherein these
sorrows are being acted out. State governors are anxious to get about
the business of healing the masses and have no time for their
Republican counterparts in Washington to stall over political
squabbles and agendas designed to retard the progress of an
aggressive, energetic president who happens to be a Democrat and...
Black.

Voices no more unexpected in this turnabout of support include Bobby
Jindal (NO) and Sarah Palin (AK). They are under pressure to get the
money flowing in their states and are forced to appear in support of
Barack Obama's efforts as they stand without further delay. It's an
amusing alliance of opposing platforms made all the more absurd by a
recent statement from Governor Jindal who said he'd probably vote
against the bill if he was in Congress, but as a governor he want's to
see it pass, and soon. This from a man who may be one of the front-
running challengers to the Obama Kingship in 2012.

Everyday, the list of the unemployed grows longer and sooner or later,
Congress is going to have to put aside their political differences and
get busy. The last thing the Republicans want is Barack Obama growing
a halo over his head while the economy begins to turn around. 2012
looms in the not-too-distant future as their chance to avenge their
loss of 2004. The priorty of money and jobs may just cloud their
vision of victory in the midterms and in 2012 and that's a good thing
for a president who needs re-election more than any other in
history.

A loss in 2012 sends the wrong message to America and the world about
a black man working the White House. It will forever tarnish a great
historical moment with the asterisk of one-term presidency which is
never easy to overcome. It's never too early to stay involved.

2012: It's Never Too Early

Bobby Hamilton — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:30:25 EST

2008 brought us the first Black American President. So far so good.
The real test comes in 2012, and it's not too early to think about
this. One-term presidents never appear very successful having failed
to use their presidency as a mandate for re-election. Why George Bush
won again in 2004 will be anybody's guess as long as there are people
speculating. Barack Obama seems to be off to a fine start, but this
rejection by the entire Republican section of the House bears
significance beyond the bill involved. The Republicans have no reason
to rejoice along with the swarms of Obama-ites that have been seen
parading before television cameras around the world. 2012 is their
chance to brand Barack Obama's presidency as a failure by mounting a
super-human effort to oust him. Anyone who thinks the Republican
paqrty is not on the case as we speak needs to stop pressing the
snooze button on their alarm clock.
The economic crisis seems negotiable in favor of what apparently was a
more pressing agenda to make sure President Obama didn't get the bi-
partisan support his change initiative sought during the campaign. It
may be premature to speculate on a hidden agenda at this point, but
that's all the more reason to turn up the awareness and think about
2012. Jimmy Carter and George Bush 1 would have a lot to teach the
Obama machine and the Democratic Party.
Not only is it of dire importance to keep the the Democratic momentum going in the coming congressional elections, but to make sure the nuts and bolts are in
place for another Obama victory in 2012. Given the extra effort Black
Americans have always had to bring to their jobs, nothing short of a
victory for Obama in 2012 will serve to validate this election and
make the country safe for more African-American presidents down the
line.
Hopefully, in future considerations concerning the economy or other
pressing issues, the Republican Party will concern itself more with
people in need than with avenging their painful loss of 2008. All it
takes is the right candidate, a war that won't go away, and an economy
that just won't rebound. I would not put it past the Republicans to
viscerate this historical moment by continuing to block vote against
Obama's bills and initiatives. It's never to early to get involved.
BH

Election Night-the march through Seattle

Amanda — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:39:47 EST

Never as any one person created such a feeling of hope and joy as was created on election night by Barack Obama. Armed with pots, pans, a snare drum and a trumpet, four of my fiends and I set off for Red Square on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. When we got there, we found it was surprisingly empty. Despite having no audience, we got together, played the national anthem as best we could with the instruments at our disposal and then continued off to cheer through campus. As we reached the road to head home, we noticed a few block up a massive group of people, hundreds of college students large running towards the heart of campus. We realized then we had no choice but to follow them in celebration. We ran, beating out pots and pans, setting off cheers of yes we can and O-BA-MA. We once again reached Red Square, running through the now 500 people where were there, and while standing in front of the gothic style library’s stairs, started to sing. Starting as just a small murmur, we began to play the national anthem once again, my friend with the trumpet playing the melody, us the percussion. Soon, all 500 people were singing with us in the most moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner I’ve ever heard.

After we finished, people started to run towards one of the near by bridges. We had no idea where they were going but decided that, once again, we had to follow. Because we were the only people setting a driving beat (unfortunately, in all of the confusion, we got separated from our trumpeter friend, leaving us four “percussionists”) we ended up leading the march to some unknown location. We crossed the university bridge, now blocking traffic in the south bound direction, slowing north bound traffic as busses, taxies and cars all slowed down to cheer for our march. As we began to talk to those around us, still beating our pots with spoons, we learned we were heading to capital hill, a total of four miles away. By now I had broken my spoon (twice) and was beating my pot with a large stick my friend had found on the side of the road. Our arms and voices were tired, but we had to continue. The crowd continued to respond to out beat, with more “yes we can”, “Yes we did” and “O-BA-MA.” People poured out of their houses and the local bars, joining us in our celebratory march. The realization that just a few decades ago marches of this magnitude occurred to end segregation had turned into the celebration of the election of the first African American president was an incredible feeling.

Finally, after much singing and marching, we reached out destination: 500 more screaming Obama fans in the heart of capital hill. My three friends and I formed a single-file line and snaked through the supporters, continuing the chanting until we reached the center, leading about 1000 people in the happiest celebratory mob in history. Wine and champagne flowed freely and fireworks filled the sky (all while the wonderfully understanding Seattle Police Department blocked the road and allowed us to celebrate). After much singing, we finally decided at 1:30 it was time to head home (as it was a school night). This decision was met by a random stranger offering us a full bottle of wine to stay, expressing that we were the backbone of the celebration. We kindly declined and with smiles on our faces, started the trek home, still beating out pots and pans, still causing cheers from anyone near us. Luckily, another friend of mine who hadn’t joined us came to pick us up so we wouldn’t have to make the long trek home at 1:30am.

I can honestly say I’ve never felt happier in my entire life. The next morning, my entire body hurt. I could barely walk or lift my arms my muscles were so sore. But it was entirely worth it. I would repeat everything if given the chance.

Obama Inaugural Tribute (For Us)

Dimples02 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:54:54 EST

This is a fantastic tribute to President Obama's Inaugural Speech! Click on below and

spread the word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAdA636rxfw

The Inauguration Concert at The Lincoln Memorial

Rick in Maryland — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:59:50 EST

So I'm at a UMBC basketball game on Saturday night January 17th and I get this phone call from a friend in the Inaugural Committee. He asks me if I want to go to the concert, says he has a staff pass for me. I'm like: totally dude! So we make arrangements for me to come to his house at 8am on Sunday to get the pass.

8am Sunday...the phone rings "Where are you?" he asks. Oops, I overslept. "Well get you butt to DC now if you are not here by 1pm somebody else will use the pass." So I quickly dress and head down - driving, mind you. As I get closer, he tells me he wants me to meet another staffer at his house.

This guy is in a meeting and suggests by text that I park in Union Station and wait for him there, where it is warm. I find the station and find a parking spot. It is now 10:30 and we are supposed to meet at 12:30, with the concert starting at 2pm.

I read the paper and finally get some lunch. I text'd him again and he says he'll be there soon. I'm starting to get worried then I get a call and he says "Wave your hands!" and I do, and he comes over. Adrienne is his name. He introduces me to Dan who he says will escort me to the event. It turns out that I could not use the staff pass because it required matching hard creds, so they are holding a volunteer pass for me at the gate.

After an unepectedly long train ride we arrive on 23rd. We are supposed to meet at 23rd and Constitution, so we are running to make it. The mags were going to close! We get there, and there is no pass. Dan has 2 blackberries going at the same time but we can't get in touch with this person who has the pass.

Dan finallyl goes through security in the press/Congressional entry point to find her. At 1:59 he hands the pass to me through the gate. As I start to enter, a cop says "Sorry, we are shut down!" I looked at him and said "Please, I've been waiting here for a long time!" A woman cop agrees, and the cop says "GO!" The woman cop helped tie the pass to my hoodie, she was so nice!

I go through the mag as the National Anthem is starting to be played.

Wow. My heart was pounding. What if I'd not been able to get in?

So I go up and ask a security person where I can go. They looked at my pass and said "Anywhere you want but the Podium."

So I went to the Congressional Seating Area and stood with some press and Secret Service who were guarding the Congresspeople. About 150 feet from the stage!

The concert was amazing. Lots of celebrities giving speeches. U2 and Bono - WOW! Stevie Wonder, Shakira and Usher! I bought a T shirt with all the performers on the back, and my I HEART PRESIDENT OBAMA hat.

I was able to make my way back on the subway with no problem. I ended up using the same trains for the swearing in, so this was good practice.

A special thanks to PIC 2009 and Michael, Dan and Adrienne. You guys all rock!

Pictures are on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15943&id=1189561977&saved

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL SPEECH

WEBMASTER — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:39:36 EST

Presidential Inaugural Address Delivered by President Barack Obama on 20 Jan 2009

My fellow citizens -
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
President Barack Obama

Presidential Inaugural Speech - A message for all people
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxHqT

source: David Apperson, webmaster

Barack Obama - Yes We Can !

Peter from Portland, OR — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:40:36 EST

Since January 20th 2009 Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States of America, a very historic inauguration day. Think back to 1963, when Martin Luther King held his famous speech, saying "I have a dream...", and see what a positive change has allready been made since then. With Barack Obama the first African American president in US history is in the White House, Martin Luther King`s dream is about to come true and that´s really great ! - Shop America supports Barack Obama and wishes him all the best for his future, hoping that he can really perform the "Change" for America and the world ! - Visit our Barack Obama section and check out "Yes We Can" and other political designs on t-shirts, buttons, stickers and more:

BARACK OBAMA DESIGNS - YES WE CAN

BARACK OBAMA DESIGNS - YES WE CAN

HOPE

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

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

Ignorant Conservatives Slander Obama Supporters, imply Inauguration Riot

Alfred from Boston, MA — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 23:34:09 EST

Some kid posted an article today implying an inauguration riot and a take-over of Washington DC on his small-time blog. He cites Hope-supporters greed and faatacism as the reason, calling us the cult of hope. Disgusting slander if anything.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1898-Boston-Independent-Examiner~y2009m1d1-The-Obama-time-bomb

I'm not suprised, but the underhanded remarks are ridiculous. If anything, the conseravtives will cause the problms that day.

2009 Obama Inauguration Bus Trip - Atlanta & Savannah

Barack Star — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:55:12 EST

Be a part of history! Attend the Inauguration of Barack Obama as he is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America, and the first African-American to hold that position.

visit http://Inauguration-Trip-Atlanta.ReadyToTrip.com for more details

All Packages include:

* Round trip motor coach transportation
* 2 nites hotel stay (Jacuzzi suites available)
* Meet and Greet w/ live DJ and Comedy Show
* meal voucher and snacks en route
* Metro transpass
* time in Washington DC after Inauguration Events
* exclusive collectible Inaugural commemorative t-shirt
* Inauguration Bon Voyage Party January 18, 2009

2009 Inauguration ..... 2009 Inauguration ..... 2009 Inauguration

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

WEBMASTER — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:57:59 EST

Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Honorary Co-Chairs
Bipartisan Collection of Distinguished Americans to Help Lead Inaugural Activities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee announced the honorary co-chairs for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

In keeping with the President-elect's commitment to an inclusive and bipartisan Inauguration, the list of honorary co-chairs includes members of the President-elect and Vice President-elect's immediate families as well as prominent Americans from both sides of the aisle who have dedicated their lives to selfless service to their fellow citizens.

"Vice President-elect Biden and I are grateful to these distinguished men and women for agreeing to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Inauguration," said President-elect Obama. "From family members to former Presidents, each of these leaders has an unwavering commitment to bipartisan cooperation and a proud record of service to their community and our country. They exemplify the spirit of unity and shared purpose this Inauguration will reflect."

The Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration are:

President Jimmy Carter
President George H. W. Bush
President William J. Clinton
Mayor Adrian Fenty
Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Dick Lugar
Senator Claire McCaskill
Representative Tammy Baldwin
Representative Artur Davis
Representative Ray Lahood
Representative Linda Sánchez
General Colin Powell
Hunter and Kathleen Biden
Craig Robinson
Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

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

DC ALCOHOL LAW

WEBMASTER — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:42:46 EST

Senators Feinstein and Bennett Urge DC Government To Reverse Emergency Alcohol Law

WASHINGTON, DC / Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), and Senator Bob Bennett, Member of the JCCIC and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, today urged the Mayor and City Council of Washington, DC to reverse the emergency legislation passed last week to allow bars and restaurants to sell alcohol until 5 am during the week of the inauguration.

“We have reached out to Mayor Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent Gray because of our grave concerns about the unintended consequences of this legislation,” said Senator Feinstein.

“What is clearly meant as a boon to local businesses may instead create tremendous problems for already overwhelmed law enforcement agencies.”

“Security needs to be the number one priority during the Inaugural ceremonies and extending the sale of alcohol until 5 am in DC will only divert law enforcement resources away from their primary focus on security measures and crowd safety,” said Senator Bennett.

Text of the JCCIC Letter

Dear Mayor Fenty and Council Chairman Gray:
We are writing today to urge that City Council and the Mayor reverse emergency legislation approved by the Council last week that permits nightclubs, bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages until 5 a.m. for four nights during the Inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th President.
With projections as high as 4 million people planning to visit the city during this time period, we are deeply concerned that the plan approved by the City Council could seriously strain law enforcement resources that need to be focused on the large crowds and security requirements of the Inaugural and its impact on the City.
There is great cause for celebration at this historic event. But we believe that the benefits of this emergency legislation, passed with little public notice, are far outweighed by its possible consequences.
We understand the pressures you face from the different constituencies in your city. But we also know the importance of standing firm to ensure the safety of residents, workers and visitors who will be in Washington, D.C., participating in this historic event.”

Sincerely,
Robert F Bennett and Dianne Feinstein

UPDATE: I spoke with the Mayor's office this morning. They stated that there will be another meeting on this issue in the near future. I recommend those reading this post call the Mayor and cast your vote for security.

The number for Mayor Fenty is 202.727.5011 - Vincent Gray's number is 202.724.8032

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM

WEBMASTER — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:06:01 EST

Obama-Biden PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is giving all people a voice in the administration -

The PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is doing a great job. Thank the Almighty Creator that this is a new day in the history of this great nation.

WEBMASTER - DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

WEBMASTER — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:14:56 EST

President Barack Obama

Internet Webmasters, Designers and Developers

If you are an independent webmaster, designer or developer and have linked a business, personal, or political website or blog to your barack obama posts or other barackobama.com web pages and would like to be recognized for your efforts let me know.

Mail your contact and other pertinent information to:

David Apperson, Webmaster
10336 Loch Lomond Rd PMB 105
Middletown CA 95461

or email contact information to yofast@gmail.com

Hi Joe The Plumber meet Joe The Believer (Sneak peep from my upcoming book)

Joe The Believer — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:44:02 EST

After loosing the elections to Obama. John Mccain goes home with hope of having a wonderful Thanksgiving with his immediate family. Mccain flew into his hometown on his private jet but when he reached the airport, his usual guest didn’t greet him. There weren’t any balloons, the bands weren’t playing or crowds weren’t cheering. This was unusual, he didn’t even see Sarah Palin. He looked into the distance but all he could see was snow and his cold breath in the air. He looked at his secret service and even they looked shocked about what was happening. For 40 years his town greeted him every Thanksgiving, so WHAT HAPPENED.

He looked at his wife and gave her a smile then said, “Moneys been tight this year for everyone baby. Maybe the town couldn’t afford a celebration this year”

Mrs. Mccain looked at her husband with her devilish grind, “You’re probably right baby. Everyone can’t afford the things we have!”

Mccain grabbed his wife arm and helped her through the snow. He looked at his wife then said, “At least we still have our limo!”

Mccain’s limo was black and warm inside. The bar was filled with Champaign, just like years before. His secret service followed the limo in their black Yukon. Mccain could see despair in his wife’s eyes. He looked at her and said this while he rubbed her thigh, “Baby, I’m still your little P.O.W, right”

Mrs. Mccain’s wife batted her eyes then ran her finger thru Mccain’s hair and gave him a hug as he continued to rub her thigh, “You are my little soldier. Don’t worry!”

Mccain leaned back in his leather seats proud of what he just heard. But when he looked out his window it all disappeared, “What’s going on here?”, Mccain yelled.

Mrs. Mccain rushed to the window because she wanted to see. But what she saw she couldn’t believe, “Why do everyone in your town have Obama campaign signs in there yards!’

Mrs. Mccain looked at John and she immediately knew he was scarred. His eye lit up like a deer staring into your headlights, “I can’t believe it. My own people voted for Obama. What’s going on?”

Alarms kept ringing in John’s ears as he looked out the window and things slowly started to become clear. Most of the people he knew was in Obama’s below 250 thousand dollar tax bracket. While Mccain was trying to help the rich, he was forgetting about the poor. This is something that Republicans have done thousands of times before. As Mccain’s thoughts lingered as his wife started to scream.

Mrs. Mccain, “What the hell did you do? You lost to a black man. Now our lives are ruined. No one will ever remember you for being a prisoner of war. Now everyone will look at us and laugh. And our friends want come to our parties or to any of our functions because you were the first White Republican Man to loose to a Black Democrat.”

Mccain couldn’t believe what was ringing in his ears. He looked at his wife because he felt like he had to make things clear, “LooK!”, pointing, “This race wasn’t about color. I lost to a great man. A-----smart guy!”

Mrs. Mccain laughed, “You lost to a Smart Guy… You lost to a great man”, She paused, “You didn’t say that when you were running around calling him a terrorist. You didn’t say that when you made allegations that Obama was a socialist or he wasn’t fit to be President for the last 23 months”

John looked his wife dead in her eyes, “Now you listen here. I only said those things because your family was about to be taxed because of his policies, if your family loose money then I loose money. I didn’t marry you for only your body, Baby. I married you for power and your family seen me as an opportunity to increase their power.”

Mrs. Mccain was furious about what she just heard. Her eyes was red and her vision was blurried, “You little short dwarf. I know you are angry right now, so I’m going to act like I didn’t hear what you just said. But remember one thing! I made you and I’ll break you… Believe it..You had a chance to get power but you lost, I never lost and I can changed your world with a flick of the wrist”

John looked at her but he couldn’t figure out what he was seeing, “Who is this bitch”, he whispered. Like the old saying goes. Behind every strong man there is a stronger woman. Now while the Mccain’s argued the driver sat up front with his own ideas. He turned on his bullhorn so everyone outside could hear. Young kids threw snowballs as the limo riding by. An old lady with a walker stood on the sidewalk and held her middle finger up high. Other yelled, “Mccain’s a Liar!” loud and clear. Even the secret service trailed and started to cheer. The driver kept peeping from his ringside seats, hoping that the Mccains will continue to tickle his ears. When he notice nothing was happening he took a sudden turn. He knew where he could go and Mccain would burn. From uptown to downtown brick homes turned into projects then the silence finally cleared. The driver heard John whisper something in Mrs. Mccain’s ear, “I think we are in the ghetto. Be quiet. Maybe they want see us.”

OBAMA FOR CALIFORNIA [ 3 ]

WEBMASTER — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:38:43 EST

O Neals * Oak Park * Oak Run * Oak View * Oakdale * Oakhurst * Oakland * Oakley * Oakville * Obrien * Occidental * Oceano * Oceanside * Ocotillo * Ojai * Olancha * Old Station * Olema * Olivehurst * Olympic Valley * Ontario * Onyx * Orange * Orange Cove * Orangevale * Oregon House * Orick * Orinda * Orland * Orleans * Oro Grande * Orosi * Oroville * Oxnard * Pacific Grove * Pacific Palisades * Pacifica * Pacoima * Paicines * Pala * Palermo * Palm Desert * Palm Springs * Palmdale * Palo Alto * Palo Cedro * Palo Verde * Palomar Mountain * Palos Verdes Peninsula * Panorama City * Paradise * Paramount * Parker Dam * Parlier * Pasadena * Paskenta * Paso Robles * Patterson * Patton * Pauma Valley * Paynes Creek * Pearblossom * Pebble Beach * Penn Valley * Penngrove * Penryn * Perris * Pescadero * Petaluma * Petrolia * Phelan * Phillipsville * Philo * Pico Rivera * Piedmont * Piedra * Piercy * Pilot Hill * Pine Grove * Pine Valley * Pinecrest * Pinole * Pinon Hills * Pioneer * Pioneertown * Piru * Pismo Beach * Pittsburg * Pixley * Placentia * Placerville * Planada * Platina * Playa Del Rey * Pleasant Grove * Pleasant Hill * Pleasanton * Plymouth * Point Arena * Point Mugu Nawc * Point Reyes Station * Pollock Pines * Pomona * Pope Valley * Port Costa * Port Hueneme * Port Hueneme Cbc Base * Porterville * Portola * Portola Valley * Posey * Potrero * Potter Valley * Poway * Prather * Princeton * Proberta * Quincy * Rackerby * Rail Road Flat * Raisin * Ramona * Ranchita * Rancho Cordova * Rancho Cucamonga * Rancho Mirage * Rancho Palos Verdes * Rancho Santa Fe * Rancho Santa Margarita * Randsburg * Ravendale * Raymond * Red Bluff * Red Mountain * Redcrest * Redding * Redlands * Redondo Beach * Redway * Redwood City * Redwood Estates * Redwood Valley

OBAMA FOR WASHINGTON

WEBMASTER — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:16:06 EST

Aberdeen * Alder * Allyn * Amanda Park * American River * Anacortes * Anatone * Arlington * Ashford * Auburn * Bangor * Baring * Battle Ground * Belfair * Bellevue * Bellingham * Benton City * Beverly * Bingen * Birch Bay * Blaine * Bonney Lake * Bothell * Bow * Bremerton * Bridgeport * Brinnon * Brownsville * Burley * Burlington * Camas * Carson * Cashmere * Castle Rock * Cathlamet * Central Park * Centralia * Chehalis * Chelan * Chewelah * Chico * Chinook * Clarkston * Cle Elum * Clinton * Coles Corner * Colfax * College Place * Colville * Concrete * Conconully * Cosmopolis * Cougar * Coulee City * Coulee Dam * Coupeville * Crystal Mountain * Darrington * Davenport * Dayton * Deer Park * Deming * Des Moines * Diablo * Discovery Bay * Dishman * Eatonville * Easton * Edmonds * Elbe * Eldon * Ellensburg * Elma * Enumclaw * Ephrata * Evans * Everett * Ferndale * Forks * Fortson * Fox Island * Freeland * Garfield * George * Gig Harbor * Glacier * Glenoma * Glenwood * Gold Bar * Goldendale * Gorst * Graham * Grand Coulee * Granger * Granite Falls * Grandview * Grapeview * Greenbank * Greenwater * Hansville * Hazel * Holly * Hoodsport * Hoquiam * Humptulips * Husum * Ilwaco * Index * Indianola * Ione * Issaquah * Kalaloch * Kalama * Kelso * Kennewick * Kent * Kettle Falls * Key Center * Keyport * Kingston * Kirkland * Kittitas * Klickitat * La Conner * La Push * Lake Stevens * Langley * Leavenworth * Liberty Lake * Lilliwaup * Little Boston * Long Beach * Longview * Lummi Island * Lynden * Lynnwood * Manchester * Manson * Marblemount * Marysville * Mattawa * McCleary * Mill Creek * Moxee City * Mazama * Metaline Falls * Methow * Mineral * Moclips * Monroe * Montesano * Morton * Moses Lake * Mossyrock * Mount Baker * Mount Vernon * Naches

Obama Volunteers at a Chicago Food Bank

Marie Yolaine — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:40:58 EST

REPORTED BY THE WHASHINGTON POST
www.washingtonpost.com

President-elect Barack Obama, center, his wife Michelle Obama, left, and daughter Malia, 10, center, greet people at a food bank at St. Columbanus Catholic Church on the South Side of Chicago, Nov. 26, 2008. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press)

Tom DeFrank of the New York Daily News was today's pool reporter covering Barack Obama's visit to a food bank, after the president-elect held a news conference announcing more members of his economic team. He writes:

Exiting the podium after meeting the press, Obama was asked his plans for tomorrow and replied that he and Michelle are hosting "a whole bunch of people" at their home.

Five minutes after the press conference concluded, the President-elect left the Hilton at 10:08 a.m. and arrived at his home 11 minutes later. The motorcade departed again at 10:55 with Michelle and the girls in tow and arrived at 11:03 at Saint Columbanus Catholic Church, a South South parish that operates a food bank every Wednesday.

The Obamas were at the church and adjoining school for about an hour. They emerged into a small parking lot between the church and school where the food distribution operation had been set up in a U-shape.

They were all bundled up against the brisk, sunny weather; Michelle and her daughters were wearing toboggan caps; the President-elect had on a brown leather car coat, muffler, chinos and was bareheaded.

The First Family-to-be were positioned at the start of the food line; their job was to hand out white plastic bags filled with fresh chicken. Recipients then moved down the line to receive bags of potatoes, apples, loaves of bread and large boxes of staples including macaroni and cheese, tomato sauce, peanut butter, canned corn, oatmeal, Miracle Whip, mixed fruit and other items.

Obama called out: "We're ready, let's go, bring 'em on in," and the distribution began.

Clearly, those lining up for food hadn't been told they had an important guest helping out this day. Many of them lit up; some shrieked with delight and hugged one or more of the Obamas. One elderly woman bowed; all seemed very appreciative. One and all were greeted with handshakes, hugs, and hearty "Happy Thanksgivings."

The daughters behaved like troopers for a half hour or so before the cold caught up with them, and they retired for a few minutes to warm up.

One sixty-something neighborhood resident named Daryel Namdan was asked how it felt to have Obama there. "It makes me feel very special," he said, before choking up.

Father Matt Eyerman of Saint Columbanus said the church feeds 450 to 500 every week. They start lining up at 5 a.m. to make sure they get a ticket to assure them food.

An Obama aide said the family has been to this particular food bank before and has pitched in here or elsewhere at least two other years.

After about 40 minutes on the line, Obama decided to go say hello to about 200 students.
After shaking hands with the food bank volunteers, he came over to the pool and had this to say:

"The number of people who are getting food this year is up 33 percent. It gives a sense times are tough -- and I think that on Thanksgiving it's important for us to remember there's a need for support.

"These folks were already oftentimes having a tough time, and it gets tougher now." He encouraged all Americans of means to help out however they could. "This is part of what Thanksgiving should be all about," he said.

Asked why he'd brought his daughters along, he replied: "I want them to learn the importance of how fortunate they are and to make sure they're giving back."

Then the family walked into the basement auditorium of the school, where about 200 kids from several grades were seated on the floor. When the Obamas walked onto the stage just befofe noon, the kids went nuts, leaping to their feet and cheering. "How's everybody doing?" he asked, coming down off the stage to mingle and inquire about their Thanksgiving plans.

He inquired about their collective menus, starting with turkey. "How about macaroni and cheese? How about green beans? How about sweet potato pie? How about cranberry sauce?" With each question, his audience erupted in more cheers.

He warmed the hearts of the teachers by delivering an earnest little homily/pep talk about working hard and paying attention. If they diligently pursued their reading and math et al, "There's nothing you can't do. You guys might end being the president some day." Still more cheers.

He took two questions from his entranced charges. A sixth-grader asked what it was like to be POTUS.

"I'm not the President yet. ..Once I'm sworn in I'll let you know."

The second question had to do with his new life. He began by talking about his Secret Service detail. Michelle interjected: "Secret Service, raise your hand." None did. The kids loved the moment more than the squirming, ever-anonymous agents.

In his new life "you don't have a lot of privacy," he told them, mentioning that going to Walgreen's and riding a bicycle are now far more involved than before.

He wished them all a Happy Thanksgiving, shook more hands, and was rolling north at 12:07 p.m. The family arrived home at 12:17 p.m.

Happily, a lid for the day has been declared. Happy Thanksgiving to all

OBAMA FOR MISSISSIPPI

WEBMASTER — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:31:29 EST

Abbeville * Aberdeen * Ackerman * Algoma * Alligator * Amory * Anguilla * Arcola * Arkabutla * Artesia * Ashland * Avalon * Avon * Bailey * Baldwyn * Banner * Bassfield * Batesville * Bay Saint Louis * Bay Springs * Beaumont * Becker * Belden * Belen * Bellefontaine * Belmont * Belzoni * Benoit * Benton * Bentonia * Beulah * Big Creek * Biloxi * Blue-Mountain * Blue Springs * Bogue Chitto * Bolton * Booneville * Boyle * Brandon * Braxton * Brookhaven * Brooklyn * Brooksville * Bruce * Buckatunna * Bude * Burnsville * Byhalia * Caledonia * Calhoun City * Camden * Canton * Carriere * Carrollton * Carson * Carthage * Cary * Cascilla * Cedarbluff * Centreville * Charleston * Chatawa * Chatham * Chunky * Clara * Clarksdale * Cleveland * Clinton * Coahoma * Coffeeville * Coila * Coldwater * Collins * Collinsville * Columbia * Columbus * Como * Conehatta * Corinth * Courtland * Crawford * Crenshaw * Crosby * Crowder * Cruger * Crystal Springs * D-Iberville * D-Lo * Daleville * Darling * De-Kalb * Decatur * Delta City * Dennis * Derma * Diamondhead * Doddsville * Drew * Dublin * Duck-Hill * Dumas * Duncan * Dundee * Durant * Eastabuchie * Ecru * Edwards * Elliott * Ellisville * Enid * Enterprise * Escatawpa * Ethel * Etta * Eupora * Falcon * Falkner * Farrell * Fayette * Fernwood * Flora * Florence * Forest * Foxworth * French Camp * Friars Point * Fulton * Gallman * Gattman * Gautier * Georgetown * Glen * Glen Allan * Glendora * Gloster * Golden * Goodman * Gore Springs * Grace * Greenville * Greenwood * Greenwood Springs * Grenada * Gulfport * Gunnison * Guntown * Hamilton * Harperville * Harriston * Harrisville * Hattiesburg * Hazlehurst * Heidelberg * Hermanville * Hernando * Hickory * Hickory Flat * Hillsboro * Holcomb * Hollandale * Holly Bluff * Holly Ridge

OBAMA FOR KENTUCKY [ 2 ]

WEBMASTER — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:51:35 EST

Saint Catharine * Saint Charles * Saint Francis * Saint Helens * Saint Mary * Saint Matthews * Saint Paul * Salem * Salt Lick * Salvisa * Salyersville * Sanders * Sandgap * Sandy Hook * Sardis * Sassafras * Saul * Scalf * Science Hill * Scottsville * Scuddy * Sebree * Seco * Sedalia * Sextons Creek * Sharon Grove * Sharpsburg * Shelbiana * Shelby Gap * Shelbyville * Shepherdsville * Shively * Sidney * Siler * Silver * Simpsonville * Sitka * Sizerock * Slade * Slaughters * Slemp * Sloans Valley * Smilax * Smith * Smith Mills * Smithfield * Smithland * Smiths Grove * Soldier * Somerset * Sonora * South Carrollton * South Portsmouth * South Shore * South Union * Southgate * Sparta * Spence * Spottsville * Springfield * Staffordsville * Stambaugh * Stamping Ground * Stanford * Stanley * Stanton * Stanville * Stearns * Steele * Stephensport * Stinnett * Stone * Stoney Fork * Stopover * Strunk * Sturgis * Subtle * Sullivan * Sulphur * Sulphur Well * Summer Shade * Summersville * Summit * Sweeden * Symsonia * Talbert * Tateville * Taylor Mill * Taylorsville * Teaberry * Temple Hill * Thelma * Thornton * Thousandsticks * Tiline * Toler * Tollesboro * Tolu * Tomahawk * Tompkinsville * Topmost * Totz * Tram * Trappist * Trenton * Trosper * Tutor Key * Tyner * Ulysses * Union * Uniontown * Upton * Utica * Valley Station * Van Lear * Vanceburg * Vancleve * Varney * Verona * Versailles * Vest * Vicco * Villa Hills * Vincent * Vine Grove * Viper * Virgie * Waco * Waddy * Walker * Wallingford * Wallins * Walton * Waneta * Warbranch * Warfield * Warsaw * Washington * Water Valley * Waterview * Waverly * Wayland * Waynesburg * Webbville * Webster * Weeksbury * Welchs Creek * Wellington * Wendover * West Liberty * West Louisville * West Paducah * West Point * West Prestonsburg * West Somerset

OBAMA FOR MAINE

WEBMASTER — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:37:52 EST

Abbot Village * Acton * Addison * Albion * Alfred * Alna * Andover * Anson * Appleton * Ashland * Athens * Atkinson * Auburn * Augusta * Aurora * Bailey Island * Bangor * Bar Harbor * Bar Mills * Bass Harbor * Bath * Bayville * Beals * Belfast * Belgrade * Belgrade Lakes * Benedicta * Benton * Bernard * Berwick * Bethel * Biddeford * Bingham * Birch Harbor * Birch Island * Blaine * Blue Hill * Blue Hill Falls * Boothbay * Boothbay Harbor * Bowdoinham * Bradford * Bradley * Bremen * Brewer * Bridgewater * Bridgton * Bristol * Brooklin * Brooks * Brooksville * Brookton * Brownfield * Brownville * Brunswick * Bryant Pond * Buckfield * Bucksport * Burlington * Burnham * Bustins Island * Buxton * Byron * Calais * Cambridge * Camden * Canaan * Canton * Cape Cottage * Cape Elizabeth * Cape Neddick * Cape Porpoise * Capitol Island * Caratunk * Cardville * Caribou * Carmel * Carrabassett Valley * Casco * Castine * Center Lovell * Chamberlain * Charleston * Charlotte * Chebeague Island * Chelsea * Cherryfield * China * Clayton Lake * Cliff Island * Clinton * Columbia Falls * Coopers Mills * Corea * Corinna * Cornish * Cornville * Costigan * Cranberry Isles * Crouseville * Cumberland * Cundys Harbor * Cushing * Cutler * Damariscotta * Danforth * Danville * Dayton * Deer Isle * Denmark * Dennysville * Detroit * Dexter * Dixfield * Dixmont * Dover Foxcroft * Dresden * Dryden * Durham * Eagle Lake * East Andover * East Baldwin * East Blue Hill * East Boothbay * East Corinth * East Dixfield * East Livermore * East Machias * East Millinocket * East Newport * East Orland * East Parsonfield * East Poland * East Sebago * East Stoneham * East Sullivan * East Vassalboro * East Waterboro * East Wilton * East Winthrop * Easton * Eastport * Eddington * Edgecomb * Eliot * Ellsworth * Embden * Estcourt * Station * Etna

OBAMA FOR ILLINOIS

WEBMASTER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:26:49 EST

Addison * Algonquin * Alsip * Alton * Antioch * Arlington Heights * Aurora * Barrington * Bartlett * Bartonville * Batavia * Beach Park * Belleville * Bellwood * Belvidere * Bensenville * Benton * Berwyn * Bethalto * Bloomingdale * Bloomington * Blue Island * Bolingbrook * Boulder Hill * Bourbonnais * Bradley * Bridgeview * Broadview * Brookfield * Buffalo Grove * Burbank * Burr Ridge * Cahokia * Calumet City * Calumet Park * Canton * Carbondale * Carol Stream * Carpentersville * Cary * Centralia * Champaign * Channahon * Charleston * Chatham * Chicago * Chicago Heights * Chicago Ridge * Cicero * Clarendon Hills * Clinton * Collinsville * Columbia * Country Club Hills * Crest Hill * Crestwood * Crete * Crystal Lake * Danville * Darien * DeKalb * Decatur * Deerfield * Des Plaines * Dixon * Dolton * Downers Grove * Du Quoin * East Alton * East Moline * East Peoria * East St Louis * Edwardsville * Effingham * Elgin * Elk Grove Village * Elmhurst * Elmwood Park * Evanston * Evergreen Park * Fairview Heights * Flossmoor * Forest Park * Fox Lake * Frankfort * Frankfort Square * Franklin Park * Freeport * Gages Lake * Galesburg * Geneseo * Geneva * Glen Carbon * Glen Ellyn * Glencoe * Glendale Heights * Glenview * Glenwood * Godfrey * Goodings Grove * Granite City * Grayslake * Greenville * Gurnee * Hanover Park * Harrisburg * Harvard * Harvey * Harwood Heights * Hawthorn Woods * Hazel Crest * Herrin * Hickory Hills * Highland * Highland Park * Hillside * Hinsdale * Hoffman Estates * Homewood * Inverness * Island Lake * Itasca * Jacksonville * Jerseyville * Joliet * Justice * Kankakee * Kewanee * La Grange * La Grange Park * La Salle * Lake Bluff * Lake Forest * Lake Zurich * Lake in the Hills * Lansing * Lemont * Libertyville * Lincoln * Lincolnshire * Lincolnwood * Lindenhurst

OBAMA FOR GEORGIA

WEBMASTER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:42:34 EST

Abba * Abbeville * Acworth * Adairsville * Adel * Adrian * Ailey * Alamo * Alapaha * Albany * Allenhurst * Alma * Alpharetta * Alston * Amboy * Ambrose * Americus * Appling * Arlington * Ashburn * Athens * Atkinson * Atlanta * Attapulgus * Auburn * Augusta * Austell * Avondale Estates * Axson * Baconton * Baden * Bainbridge * Baldwin * Bannockburn * Barnesville * Barney * Barretts * Barwick * Baxley * Bemiss * Berkeley Lake * Berlin * Blackshear * Blairsville * Blakely * Bloomingdale * Blue Ridge * Bogart * Boston * Bowdon * Bowens Mill * Bowman * Braselton * Bremen * Brinson * Bristol * Bronwood * Brookfield * Brooklet * Brooks * Broxton * Brunswick * Buchanan * Buena Vista * Buford * Bushnell * Byromville * Byron * Cairo * Camilla * Canton * Carnesville * Carrollton * Cartersville * Cave Spring * Cecil * Cedartown * Centerville * Chamblee * Chatsworth * Chauncey * Chester * Chickamauga * Chula * City of Calhoun * City of Summerville * Clarkesville * Clarkston * Claxton * Clayton * Cleveland * Clyatteville * Clyo * Cobbtown * Cochran * Cogdell * Cohutta * Colesburg * College Park * Collins * Colquitt * Columbus * Commerce * Conyers * Coolidge * Cordele * Cornelia * Council * Country Club Estate * Coverdale * Covington * Cox * Crawfordville * Crescent * Culloden * Cumming * Cusseta * Cuthbert * Dacula * Dahlonega * Daisy * Dakota * Dallas * Dalton * Damascus * Danielsville * Darien * Dasher * Dawson * Dawsonville * Decatur * Denmark * Dillard * Dixie * Dock Junction * Doerun * Donalsonville * Doraville * Douglas * Douglasville * Dover Bluff * DuPont * Dublin * Dudley * Duluth * East Dublin * East Point * Eastman * Eatonton * Ebenezer * Edison * Edith * Egypt * Elberton * Eldorado * Ellabelle * Ellaville * Ellenton * Ellijay * Enigma * Euharlee

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF

WEBMASTER — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:32:46 EST

Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss is a few points from Democrat Jim Martin for U.S. Senate in current polling in the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff race. Senate Runoff in 35 Language Translations. Runoff election to be held Tuesday, 2 DEC 2008.

Any help you can give polling voters is greatly appreciated. Democrats want to win this race!

The more Democratic Senators in office the easier it will be for President Elect Obama's economic policies to be implemented without a chance of a partisan filibuster.

REGISTERED GEORGIA VOTERS ARE REQUESTED TO VOTE DEMOCRAT

To register, contact Geneve [ gbergeron@martinvictory.com ] or call 815.252.9684

Ted, Vote Builder Administrator [ techsupport@georgiademocrat.org ] or call 678.278.2103

Georgia Voting Locations [ PDF ]

Want to vote - call 404.748.2754. A Jim Martin for U.S. Senate volunteer will be happy to hand-deliver an absentee ballot application to you home or office.

Obamagelicals are requested to distribute this message to friends within the Obama groups and to other individuals you feel comfortable asking to help on your mailing list.

Thanks - David Apperson

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF SEARCH QUERIES
Altavista | Google | Lycos | MSN | Yahoo

Obamanía

Jesus Gonzalez — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:53:03 EST

Por Carlos Blanco

Es imposible escapar de la Obamanía. Se ha dicho mucho sobre este hombre, lo cual es ínfimo con respecto a lo que se dirá. Cada cual descubrirá un ángulo, asomará un algo peculiar, y después de tantos hallazgos e inventos, el hombre de carne y hueso, Barack Obama quedará recubierto de la imagen que el mundo se habrá construido de él. Poco permanecerá de aquel exitoso senador, de grata sonrisa y aguzado ingenio, que se atrevió a desafiar lo previsible. Obama ha entrado, veloz, al mundo de los mitos. Como todos los mitos ya hay quienes quieren hacerlo decir lo que no ha dicho, y significar lo que todavía no se sabe. A pesar de todas las prevenciones hay pistas.

No Importa Lo Que Hará. Antes que haga nada en la Presidencia de EEUU, Obama representa un cambio gigantesco. Él es el cambio; después se verá si hace que las cosas cambien; pero él ya es un cambio. Reunió casi 70% de los nuevos votantes, así como la mayor parte de los latinos, de los negros y de los católicos. Allí ha cristalizado una voluntad que puede o no lograr lo prometido, pero que ha condensado una fuerza que buscaba dirección. Así como ha sido posible durante estos años recientes encontrarse a ciudadanos de los EEUU abochornados por su Presidente, hoy es asombroso el orgullo que los posee. Pasar de la abominación al orgullo no es fácil.

Obama es una apuesta riesgosa para su país y para sí mismo. La voluntad de cambio que encarna es tan grande que el riesgo es mayúsculo. Si se llega a percibir que lo que hace es más de lo mismo, se acabará el encanto y el agraciado príncipe hawaiano puede convertirse en un feo ratón orejudo. Hay algunos indicadores vivificantes, el fundamental de los cuales es que mantuvo una línea en su campaña, consistente, lo cual puede augurar compromiso firme con su propuesta transformadora. Si hace rápido algo de lo que ha ofrecido o si muestra que toma los pasos adecuados en la dirección de sus promesas, un país orgulloso lo acompañará. El tiempo de Obama es mucho más reducido que el de los demás mortales. Ahora se le juzgará cuando se vea cómo enfrenta los problemas que Bush ha tenido. Por cierto, entonces también se juzgará a Bush. Estos días, un comandante militar destacado en Irak descorazonó a algunos de los soldados a su mando cuando les desmontó el sueño que tenían de volver a su casa este diciembre, para celebrar las Navidades. Pensaban que, de ganar Obama, así ocurriría. La esperanza cobra rápido sus deudas.

América Latina. La región no fue importante en la campaña electoral, aunque Obama ha manifestado su disposición a reunirse con amigos y enemigos. En el caso latinoamericano eso significa, concretamente, que estaría dispuesto a reunirse con Chávez, Correa, Morales y Ortega; es decir, con aquéllos con los cuales Bush no se reunió.

Sin embargo, no resulta útil pensar que un presidente serio se va a congregar sin trabajo previo, sin agenda definida y sin aspectos formales muy bien establecidos. Esa idea de que Obama se va a reunir con unos fulanos para que lo regañen es combinar desparpajo con ignorancia. Él sabe que Lula no es Chávez, que Tabaré no es Morales, que Lugo no es Ortega, que Kirchner no es Correa.

Si el nuevo presidente de EEUU es audaz, suspenderá el embargo a Cuba, eliminará Guantánamo como centro de reclusión y tal vez inicie los trámites para su devolución. Establecerá relaciones cordiales con América Latina, lo cual comenzará con un lenguaje deferente y amistoso. Tendrá que domesticar la tentación proteccionista, para abrirse a la posibilidad de un tratado realista de libre comercio para las Américas. No tratará de construir las políticas de seguridad sobre sistemas migratorios odiosos y discriminadores. Entenderá el problema de las drogas prohibidas como un mercado de dos puntas, oferta y demanda, que deberá ser tomado en conjunto. En fin, insistirá en la promesa de amistad a América Latina, la misma que se le fugó a Bush después de los ataques terroristas de 2001. Pero, ¿tendrá la audacia de ocuparse de una región que su predecesor ha considerado poco importante? ¿América Latina existirá para Obama? Las guerras de Afganistán e Irak, junto al desastre financiero y económico de EEUU y el mundo, auguran poca atención. A pesar de esto, ¿se atreverá?

Chávez y Obama. Chávez, en forma prudente, cambió el discurso según el cual McCain y Obama eran lo mismo al mostrarse, ahora, proclive a entenderse con el nuevo Presidente. Esto podría significar leve signo de cordura. Sin embargo, en su naturaleza no está insinuar una mejoría en las relaciones sin meter la pata hasta el fondo.

Chávez afirmó que los vientos de cambio que se habían iniciado en Suramérica estaban llegando al Norte; con lo cual estaba intentando proclamar, con la mano boba suelta, que él, Chávez, en algún modo era el promotor del cambio que ahora llegaba a EEUU. Idea enloquecida y ridícula, que sería como decir que la razón del movimiento de los planetas es que el caudillo venezolano baila joropo, y como aquéllos y éste se mueven, entonces el uno es la causa del otro.

Hay un cambio global en marcha; las sociedades tradicionales están saltando en pedazos. Algunos de esos cambios son realmente progresistas y otros son reediciones de viejos episodios militaristas y autoritarios. En todas partes hay cambios, pero no todos tienen el mismo sentido.

La falta de prudencia ha conducido a Chávez a anunciar una reunión la cual es de dudar que Obama haya, siquiera, considerado. Le puede ocurrir como ya le aconteció cuando pregonaba a los cuatro vientos que le había dicho a Bush "I want to be your friend" y que -según él- Bush le había contestado "I want to be your friend too". El resultado fue que el presidente de EEUU se reunió con María Corina Machado y dejó con los crespos hechos al audaz barinés.

Ojalá el nuevo presidente de EEUU se reúna con el de acá porque para ese encuentro las diplomacias de ambos países tendrán que subir un corozo sin pañales. ¿Se habrá enterado el de acá que Obama se ha planteado eliminar/disminuir la dependencia de su país del petróleo importado? ¿Comprenderá que esto es un propósito que puede ser un destino para Venezuela?

El Peor Error. Sería pensar que en EEUU un presidente es omnipotente, como pretende acá el caudillo criollo. Es útil que alguien le recuerde a Chávez que Washington sigue en el mismo sitio, que allí hay instituciones poderosas que nadie se las puede pasar fácilmente por el arco de triunfo. Que sí, que hay un poder presidencial gigantesco, pero que las instituciones constriñen y condicionan. Para bien o para mal, a EEUU le será más fácil entenderse con la familia Castro en Cuba, altamente predecible en sus conductas, que con las loqueteras de quien acaba de expulsar al embajador norteamericano del país que regenta.

Por cierto, presidente Chávez, ¿los gringos siguen siendo, como dijo, "gringos de mierda" o ya se dejaron de eso?

Columna Tiempo de Palabra, El Universal - Caracas, domingo 09/11/2008

Email: jesusgonzalez [en] gmail.com

America - Together (post election)

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

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

WHO IS THAT GUY BARACK OBAMA? HE IS US.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Request to Continue this website

Kathy Lewis — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:41:44 EST

I see an opportunity for America and people around the world to connect with our newest President right here in this website. This website is set up beautifully. To grow and continue the site for common people to express concerns, volunteer, and unlimited other possibilities. I'm asking for you to GET ON THIS BAND WAGON and also request that this website to remain ON and also to be an active part of Obama's transition wher each one of us can make a difference for the GOOD! Thank YOU!

Congratulations EVERYONE!

Henry M — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:59:57 EST

The country is the winner in this election. We have so much to look forward to, but on a personal note, permit me to look back again for a moment.

I was gratified that Virginia went for Barack after the long, hard work of so many VA, MD, and DC volunteers. We did it! (with a little help from Barack's Election Eve Rally :-)

Sorry, WV. We tried.

Henry M

Voices For Change: Sayre in Seattle

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:35:05 EST

Sayre lives in Seattle -- not exactly a politically up-for-grabs city come November 4th.

But that doesn't mean Sayre, or Seattle, can't help. In fact, it's exactly what's motivating thousands of volunteers all over the country to make the extra effort this weekend -- to pick up the phone and call into states that could use a little help.

For Sayre, a small business owner in graphic design, this is no last-minute decision to volunteer:

When I saw that speech at the 2004 DNC convention, I wanted him to run so I could sign up to volunteer for his presidential campaign.
The one good thing about the Bush administration is that it made people like me realize that we cannot take our democracy for granted. We must fight to preserve it. Barack Obama is a brilliant man and we are so fortunate that he wants to be our President. We cannot squander this opportunity to elect this proven leader to restore our beloved country. There is no time to wait. We will one day be proud of the work that we do.

She couldn't be more on the money.

And when it comes to doing that work, there's no time to wait. It's not a matter of months or days anymore. We're counting down by the hour.

Please lend a hand:

For months, Sayre has been doing as much as she can: designing t-shirts, buttons, banners, and posters, and shipping them around the country -- all when she's not registering legions of voters, and canvassing local neighborhoods. And here's why:

Barack Obama got the nation's attention in 2004 and never lost it.

I love that he talks about things like sacrifice and personal responsibility -- that he isn't afraid to say what we need to hear. He refuses to oversimplify -- such a relief after years of, "Don't worry, just keep shopping..."

But the most crucial thing he offers us, I think, are his extraordinary leadership skills: a President needs to articulate a vision for the country, and galvanize people around the goals needed to realize that vision. Obama has been doing that for a long time. He has engaged masses of people who have never been interested in the democratic process before. He is already a great leader.

He has already brought change to this country.

Let's get this guy elected.

I Voted for Barack Obama Today!

Carla from Arlington, VA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:31:57 EST

I awoke early at 5:30am to get ready for the election. Though election day was not a fashion show, I could not show up dawdy looking because if Barack got elected, I could not had told my children that I was in wrinkled garb! Like Sheryl Underwood said on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Initially I was going to wear my silver turtleneck with matching slacks but after watching the weather report, I changed to wearing my Ann Taylor sweater. Hey I got to put on the good stuff!

Walking to my polling place at 6:58am, there was a line around the corner past M Street, the Union Club and a couple of embassies. Initially I thought that I would be finished by 10am enabling me to still complete all of my daily tasks. Immediately upon my arrival, two more men came and we discussed everything: the election, where we came from and previously voted (I voted in Virginia and Ohio and one man voted in Florida), and debated voter fraud (Though one man asserted that there was fraud on both sides. I disagreed because when Republicans proclaim voter fraud that was a dig towards black people. They feared our high turnout so they said these people were more susceptible to voter fraud!), and the DC metro area (One man exclaimed that though he liked residing in Wisconsin, he was an East Coast dude now. Even with the snow I could not see myself abandoning Cleveland. It was my birthplace and I had not morphed into this big time person enough to move on from it! It was too hard to shelve 28 years of my life over career progress!).

Though I heard many blacks' retelling how emotional it was to cast their ballots for Barack, the spirit did not well up in me because I had been voting for 12 years. Though a viable black presidential candidate was new, exercising my full franchise was not. So I waited in line for thirty-five minutes then a man asked me if my last name was between I and L, I replied yes, he instructed me to head into the church where I verified my address (I took my voter identification card just in case there was a mix-up. www.barackobama.com listed my Virginia address and polling place in its reminder email), took the blue ticket stub and waited in line to vote.

The DC electronic voting process was different than the Ohio and Virginia punch card balloting. I took this huge sheet of paper, penciled in the arrow for the candidate of my choice then waited in another line to feed it into this electronic feeder which read my vote! The elderly woman volunteered shouted at us to stand behind the line. I told the lady in front of me that she was a retired school teacher who commandeered her charges in one single-file line against the lockers!. She called my name and I fed my paper ballot into the electronic voting machine. Exiting the church I was rejuvenated to see the long lines because all of them are voting for Barack Obama.

Entering my apartment building to I talked to the front desk lady about casting my vote. I told her the reason why I finished early was because my last name was Jenkins. She replied that was the shortest line. Her surname started with a B then the lightbulb went off that she had to stand in line with all of the people named Brown and Black. Right after that my apartment I turned on my TV to see CNN and watch Senator Barack Obama cast his ballot!

The decision we have to make

Olu Jay from Cambridge, MA — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:22:58 EDT

With the presidential election only 2 days away, I have watched a campaign by two candidates who could not be more different from one another unravel. Senators Obama and McCain have met together in debates three times and Senator Obama was the only one with the compelling testimony and demeanor which inspires confidence among the American people.

Rather than addressing the issues that affect us day-to-day, Senator McCain and Governor Palin and their campaign have spent majority of their time playing political offense on issues of no significance to the American people. We want a president who will challenge the negative view of America which the world currently has and Senator McCain and his running mate have determined to take a stand against developing the image of America around the world. Senator Obama and Senator Joe Biden however have kept our eyes on the prize -- they have demonstrated competence, calmness and decision in at a time when the American people needed it the most. They have stayed above personal attacks and remained focused on ways to give economic relief to average Nevadans.

Tuesday is our only chance to tell those in Washington, politics as usual is over! We want a change in the way the government is run -- we want a government by the people, for the people to be restored. With a tax cut for everyone earning less than $250,000, we have a government that is making a promise that it will finally run for the people!

Let's not pass this opportunity up -- Vote Obama/Biden on Tuesday. We must remind the politicians working in Washington DC, especially the White House, who they work for! A Vote for Obama/Biden will ring in the ears of every Republican, Democrat or Independent -- politics as usual has ended, and the American people have reinstated themselves as the bosses of the political establishment. Go Obama/Biden, we have confidence that you, just like us, face the economic crisis with resolve -- America can pull out of this and we need you to help us.

AMERICA IN THE YEAR 2016

Peter from Portland, OR — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:02:06 EDT

I had a dream: We are writing the year 2016, America has left behind the economy crisis of 2008 and developed to a green, social and prosperous society. The unemployment rate is down at 2.3 %, the number of poor people dropped from 37 to 9 million, the national deficit is only a fourth of that in 2008. Every American has affordable health care now, and Obama`s tax cuts have put more money into the pockets of the middle-class American, which led to higher consumption, re-fueled the economy, and created millions of new jobs. Above all 5 million new created green collar jobs and a better, more effective environmental policy with solar, wind and other renewable energies dropped America`s energy bill, air pollution and CO 2 balance by 25%, making the country cleaner and almost independent of foreign oil. America´s is about to become the world leader in green technology, especially due to the broad-scale introduction of US built hybrid cars. In foreign politics America has restored faith and regained respect in the world community of nations as a wise and peaceful mediator in all conflicts. This and other measures also led to an improvement of the national security. The dark Bush years are history and America has made the real CHANGE to a better future - YES WE COULD - And due to the great achievements of Barack Obama`s successful 8 years in national and international politics a committee was founded, proposing the extension of his presidency for 4 more years, as applied during the Roosevelt administration.

Was all of this just a dream ? - No, you can make it happen by voting for OBAMA next Tuesday - It is now up to you, America !

SHOP AMERICA SUPPORTS OBAMA

Sarah Palin - Old Boys Oil and Gas club in Washington

Unknown user — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:27:11 EDT

Are Sarah Palin and John McCain on the same side?

When she refers to the old boys oil and gas club in Washington is she refering to George Bush, Dick Cheney, and John McCain? With the leader being George Bush?

Fish Throwers for Obama

Eddie Lee, Obama Staff — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:53:41 EDT

As voting begins across the state, the Seattle’s Pike Place Market Fish Mongers speak out about the importance of this election. Watch their stories and then sign up to Get Out the Vote in Washington.

Thoughts on Obama Signs Being Vandalized in Whitman/Latah County

Stan Smith — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 04:15:26 EDT

It seems as if everyday when I open the paper, another call has come in to a local police entity about an Obama campaign sign being defaced, set on fire, or just plain stolen. I am curious what has happened in the rest of the state and across this country. I doubt that this is only happening on the Palouse. It makes me sad though, or I should really say dissapointed, about the folks that I like to call neighbors. Therefore, I am going to commit myself. For every blurp that is in the Moscow/Pullman Daily News about this (which is a crime), I will make 5 calls and send 5 emails to help bridge the divide of knowledge that is evident by the messages sometimes painted or burned onto the damaged signs! I would challenge, no charge everyone to match me on this. Don't let this go unpunished. Report vandalism. Don't tolerate ignorance.

Listening to Lifehouse

Leander — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:24:42 EDT

I. Leander Travis, am homeless, living in my car, and trying to find a job. The economy has gone so far downhill that I'm having a really hard time finding employment. I'm living in my car while my cats (who are like my kids) stay with a friend who hates most of them (I have 4). I am living in the car with my life partner, Toni (who has a job, thank the gods). The homeless shelter (called the Friendship House) wouldn't take us in because we look like a same-sex couple. We look female. In reality, I am transgender, female-to-male, and the people here don't understand that.

If this blog reaches out to the Obama/Biden campaign, I urge you, please, to consider passing an Anti-Discrimination bill into law that protects the transsexual/transgender community. I have faced hatred, especially from my own blood-family. I'm sick, scared, cold, and tired. Please help.

I have an A.A. degree in Business Administration, 3 years Clerical Experience, 2 years Food Service Experience, and the will and drive to work hard and learn fast! Right now I'd give anything for a bed to sleep in and clean clothes, a shower would be pure heaven.

-Leander (Aberdeen, Wa)

Wounded Nation

Unknown user — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:05:57 EDT

I'm a singer/songwriter based out of Toronto, Canada and in the hopes of expressing our support for Barack Obama up here in the North, I made this video.

America's strength has always been in its ability to rise up from tribulations that would crumble most nations. This election has the chance to end a war, to propagate equality, and to unburden a struggling economy with fresh ideas and forward-thinking leadership.

I hope you guys enjoy this video and pass it along to anyone you think needs encouragement this November 4th to bring change TO washington.

www.woundednation.org

Debate Preparation

Cathie — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:36:34 EDT

I listened to a radio broadcast this morning on the way to work that was discussing what the McCain campaign should do to prepare for the debate, as well as what tactics they should use. The host suggested they should use the names Ayers and Wright only once or twice. Here's an idea, why doesn't the McCain campaign stick to the issues, like the economy? Another caller suggested that McCain look at Senator Obama so that he appeared more confident. Confident? Why didn't he look at him during the first debate? Surely you can't say John McCain is not sure of himself. Why does he think his opponent is not his equal? The bottom line is, that John McCain sees himself as being better then not just his opponent, but the majority of Americans. Is he out of touch? Of course he is, he is not going to be affected by the Wall Street woes, nor was he worried about the increasing cost of gas or wether or not he would have a job to support his family as the economy takes a dive. John McCain can never understand the American people, he is one of the Washington elite that Sarah Palin likes to reference in her incoherent babblings. I am excited to see Barack Obama in his debate tonight with John McCain and I am hopeful that he will display the strong character that sets him and his opponent so far apart.

When was the last time a taxi hailed you?

kito — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:52:00 EDT

Today was the voter registration deadline for the November election here in Washington state. A bunch of us were out on Seattle's Capitol Hill making one final push to register Washington residents. Though I helped a number of voters from a variety of backgrounds fill out their forms, my favorite by far was the cab driver.

We were standing in front of the QFC at Broadway and Pike, when a cab pulled up to the curb. The driver rolled down his window and started to wave his arms. "Meet me around the corner," he yelled. I grabbed my clipboard and ran to the loading zone where the guy was parked. Climbing into the front seat of the cab, I explained the registration process to him. Two minutes later, the 30-year-old cab driver from Kent, WA was on his way, registered to vote for the first time in his life.

It's stories like this one, and the many others I heard from my fellow volunteers, that lead me to believe that Barack Obama is truly inspiring Americans who never before thought to participate in the democratic process to do so in this election. And it's these voters who give me confidence that Obama/Biden will be able to bring the change we need to Washington this November.

Working in Washington D.C.

Jim from Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:24:44 EDT

You know, it doesn't take much convincing of your odinary guy or gal in the street that Capitol Hill seems to have a different meaning for the phrase "to go to work." The Bail-Out... Oh, excuse me. THE GIGANTIC, ALL-ENCOMPASSING BAIL-OUT debates are occuring as I write this. There have already been several Congressmen quoted as saying "We worked ALL weekend.." Uhm...I've got news for you. Most of the rest of the country works weekends just to make ends meet, so, if you want your popularity to fall, by all means, brag about working the weekend.

And now, this morning, John McCain told the Press that "Americans should be proud" of the bipartisan effort to push the bail-out through. Yes, I know what you're thinking. Congress over the last forty years has been so polarized by Party-Dom that we SHOULD be thankful that they are at least trying to work together instead of being of the usual bull-headed posturing. "No! I want it my way and that's that!" You know, the typical stuff we get from the Hill.

But, no, I'm not thankful. According the the founder of the Republican Party, Thomas Jefferson, party politics are the one thing he feared most because he knew it could bring down the country. Bi-partisan effort shouldbe SITUATION NORMAL, not the exception. I say that any Senator who votes only the party line is a lazy son-of-a-gun and not worth my respect! Working weekends? Working with other Congressman? It's you job. Just do it! If you don't work this way, then you deserve to lose whatever you have and be replaced by someone who WILL act responsibly.

By the way, when are you guys going to start re-writing American Corporate Ethical Reponsiblity laws, huh?

---- next time ----

I just spent two weeks seeing Washington, D.C. and I must tell you, I was not proud of what I saw. The last time I was there was in 1968 and I spent a month seeing all the tourist sites, including the Senate and a tour of the White House with Julie Eisenhower. I will go into the differences that forty years have made on my next blog.

Proud to be We! Will you join Us?

WeDemocrats — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:17:51 EDT

Writers Wanted: Communication among its members is one of the keys to a vibrant effective organization. That's where you come in. Write for us.

Send commentary, letters, and articles to the Editor, Ron McBride, at wtpeditor@wedemocrats.org

Since the beginning of WeDemocrats.org in May of 2006, I had dreamed of an online magazine amongst many other things.

WE! (which stands for We The People) I founded in late 2006, and our first few issues were kind of erratic, but we settled down and began publishing each week on Wednesday, the newest issue is #87 due out Wednesday the 22nd, and it makes me proud to look over the previous issues and see some of the foremost progressives in America as authors of articles.

4 weeks til ballots are mailed out! 6 weeks til the election! What can I do to help at this point?

Jennifer Smolen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:28:40 EDT

Here are some tools on my.BarackObama.com you can use to make a difference in the remaining weeks of the campaign -- and you can do so from home! No excuse that you can't make it to a meeting, now you can stay up late, or get up early, and make calls or write letters all across the country in support of Barack Obama!

Want to learn more about my.BarackObama?Take the my.BarackObama tour! We'll show you how you can use our online tools to build the movement for Barack in your area.

New Neighbor to Neighbor Online Tool: Learn more about our Neighbor to Neighbor tool. Log in to Neighbor to Neighbor now to get a list of your neighbors to talk to, either at their homes or over the phone. It's up to us to build this movement for change in our local communities.

Fight Back Now Write to the editors of local and national newspapers

MN Minnesota | Economy (General) Write to the editors of local and national newspapers

Expose John McCain Write to the editors of local and national newspapers

Contact TV Stations in Ohio Write to the editors of local and national newspapers

Hit 'Em Where It Hurts Write to the editors of local and national newspapers

Fundamentally Wrong Write to the editors of local and national newspapers

Stop Michigan Voter Suppression Write to the editors of local and national newspapers

When is the next Marysville neighborhood canvassing event?

Jennifer Smolen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:07:54 EDT

Hi neighbors. I know everyone has been busy, and for that reason I haven't organized any doorbelling or canvassing events here in town. There are opportunities through the Obama campaign Field Organizers in Everett every weekend, but none surrently scheduled in Marysville.

If I can get an idea of how many of you would be interested in Marysville canvassing, we could schedule something over the next couple weeks. Let me know! If there are interested volunteers, I want to get something arranged for you ASAP!

Thanks for all you're doing on the campaign trail.

Jennifer

Yes, Virginia, we can go Democratic!

David from Bellingham, WA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:36:49 EDT

With the Palin star waning, and the media bump gone, Americans are focusing on the real issues that plaque this nation. Such as a floundering economy that McCain says is "fundamentally strong".

To echo Dennis Kucinich, "WAKE UP, AMERICA". Let's stop talking about hunting moose and talk about corporate meltdowns! Thanks Obama and Biden for helping keep this election on point.

I will be leaving my home state of Washington,in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and will be visiting family in Virginia in early November. VA is my real home state.

I want nothing more than to see VA go for Barack Obama. So I have contacted the campaign in Virginia to see what I can do on Nov 4th. Drive folks to the polls? Poll watcher? I'll be there to lend a hand, Virginia...

How Much Does Gubernatorial Experience Really Matter? Lincoln & Washington Didn't Have it Either

Brian M Ross — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:35:06 EDT

The Obama Campaign likes to stick to substance, but if you really want to get the point across to a middle-aged population brainwashed on television sound bites that is not big on using the Internet to inform itself, they prefer the stick-to-your-brain snippet. Here is one:

Pull your Republican friends (Yes, you have some...) spouting the "Experience!" take when they mention McCain or Palin, or they ding Obama, and lay this on them:

Being a governor or a fomer warrior means a sum total of jack squat. History proves it.

Neither George Washington nor Abraham Lincoln Had Gubernatorial Experience.

Both were men who could think on their feet, just as Barack Obama has shown time and time again that he can do.

Teamsters' Call to Drive

Claudette from Saint Petersburg, FL — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:12:14 EDT

I have asked the President of the Teamsters, NPR Radio and personaldemocracy.com to announce this "Call to Drive" for Barack Obama. Please send this to anyone who can get the word out.

We know the pain and power of the unions. Gas and the overall economy have created a disaster in America. I am calling on the Teamsters' who have had enough of the pain, to show their power.

Any truckers' in the Washington DC area on September 30, 2008, place an Obama sign on your truck and drive by the Whitehouse. Let them know, Barack Obama is coming! Please show your support.

Letter to the Editors

Claudette from Saint Petersburg, FL — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:38:25 EDT

This letter and others discussing issues of the state involved, have gone out to Editors in OH, MN, VA nd MI. All have been sent to the National publications as well. We are going to "keep on trucking" to Washington.

Oh, that just inspired a thought, truckers in the Washington area, place an Obama sign on your truck and drive by the Whitehouse on September 30. Tell them Barack Obama is coming!

John McCain has been clear on his message. The economy is good, healthcare is great, fuel for homes and cars will be plentiful and reasonably priced under our next four years. Elect me and I will continue the same plan as Bush.

Democrat, Republican or Independent your vote will seal all of our fate. We cannot take any more of this failed economy, out of control cost of healthcare with minimal coverage, the soaring gas prices or Americans' dying on foreign soil for oil. It is time to face the mess in Washington and clean it up, for all Americans.

McCain like many, many fine soldiers served this country well. However, this 72-year-old man is out of touch. The reality is that it is time to "pass the torch." In this technological era, we need a president who will bring innovation, fresh plans and change. The old ones have not worked. Real change is what we need.

We need someone capable of bring a balance and who will stop sending our jobs overseas. Americans' cannot help anyone else, until they repair themselves.

Obama will fight to ensure public contracts are awarded to companies committed to American workers. His trade policies will open foreign markets that support American jobs and help us to compete in the Global market. He will provide tax credits to working families, the backbone of America.

Barack Obama will bring our brave men and women home from the BushMcCain wars. Home to protect our soil; while keeping his site aimed for the single shot needed to end Osama bin Laden and his terror.

Claudette Siar
1420 58th Ave N
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33703 USA
727-522-4922

changed my mind

lady d — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:20:08 EDT

I had every intention of voting for senator Obama as did my husband. I had the opportunity to test his wisdom and take his advice. I voted for Congressman John Barrows because Barack Obama endorsed him and it was a mistake. Obama is just another politician making the promises that he needs to make in order to get elected and then it will be back to business as usual in Washington.

Washington needs to be the cool parent

Gavin BC — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:00:13 EDT

"we need to make government cool again" these words were said by Barack Obama wednesday night on the political forum. As i was thinking about these words i realized that the the government is like a parent and we are like its children. The government needs to be a "cool" parent. They need to give their children responsibilities and encourage them to do things that they wouldn't do on their own. The coolest parents are those who remember what its like to be kid, Obama is perfect for this job because he started where the majority of america is now

Puking Points

Linda in Texas — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:20:34 EDT

I am sick and tired of hearing the media push Sarah Palin. Puking Point 1

I am sick and tired of swift boating by the Republican media. Puking Point 2

I am outraged at what the Republican party has done to my America. Puking Point 3

I am embarrased about big oil, sex, and drugs that claim to be American. Puking Point 4

I am scared to death about a maverick running America. Puking Point 5

I am outraged about the propaganda coming out of Washington to apease America. Puking Point 6

America is Bankrupt!!!!! Puking Point 7

What is your Puking Point?

faith and the Constitution

constitutional commentator — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:24:36 EDT

My dad was raised in the 1950s in the Deep South before going on to became a Constitutional lawyer who has been in practice for over 40 years. When some of his high school classmates started an email string smearing Obama and claiming that our country was "founded on Christian fundamentals and beliefs", he wrote back explaining that the founding fathers conscienciously kept faith out of the Constitution. I thought his rejoinder to their claims was enlightening, and I thought others might benefit when they are faced with the same inaccurate arguments about the role of Christianity in our democratic government...

"I have to take issue with you that 'we are a country founded on Christian fundamentals and beliefs.' This is a common assertion but it has more to do with the politics 20th and 21st centuries than it does with the realities of the 18th. It is historically incorrect. Many of the founding fathers, including Franklin, Jefferson, and Washington, and probably Madison were Deists. Because they were aware of the laws of physics, they believed in a Creator but not particularly in Christianity. Our country is a creature of the Enlightenment, not of Christianity.

The Declaration of Independence reflects this, with its invocation to 'the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God' and to 'the Creator.' Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are essentially secular, having more to do with Blackstone than with the Bible. This is reflected in the only provisions of the Constitution actually to address religion – the proscription against a religious test for public office in Article VI and the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deism. Finally, in 1796, when the founding fathers were still very much around and in the Senate which ratified it, Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli explicitly declared that 'the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion . . . .' See http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/summer97/secular.html

I do not fault the 'Christian nation' advocates for their misapprehension of history as much as for their suggestion of the present that in our country the Christian majority somehow indulges those subscribing to other religions or to no religion. This is a grave mistake with current significance. Our welcome and our tolerance is not an indulgence; it is the fundamental law, and we spend a great many judicial resources reminding that majority that they cannot attach their religious symbols to public places or impose convictions which are essentially religious upon the rest of us, however few we are."

The time is NOW!

Penna Omega — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:14:56 EDT

We have less than 60 days until Election day.

More importantly, we have less than 35 days to register people to vote!

I did not know during the primaries that when I moved, I would have to re-register. I had to fly to Los Angeles from San Francisco on Super Tuesday to vote for Barack Obama! My friend drove 45 minutes to her polling place from work, only to find out that she had been removed from the voter list because she didn't vote in the last election! WE CANNOT LET THIS KIND OF THING HAPPEN, NOT THIS YEAR!!!

I have created a .jpg image of some of the key swing states that we need (Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, etc.) with the deadlines for each for registering to vote. It's called REGISTER.jpg

Please download it ( http://www.pennaomega.com/obama ) and send it to EVERYONE you know, not only in those states, but to everyone... and ask them to send it on to all their friends and family who are supporting Obama/Biden who may not know if they are registered or not.

If you have any questions about the image or want me to make one for one specific state not shown, please post here and I will answer any questions and make one for you!

Penna

P.S. Going to Denver next week to register voters and going to Nevada 1st week of Oct. for the same!

Commanders-in-Chief

Don Thompson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:20:06 EDT

The framers of the Constitution set the role of Commander-in-Chief in the Office of the President to guarantee civilian control of the military. Aware of the world of their time, they understood the danger an unfettered military posed to civil society. Civilian control was a brilliant initiative, its wisdom confirmed more than 170 years later when President Eisenhower cautioned against the increasing power of the "military-industrial complex".

Republicans, and conservatives in general, imagine the need of military experience for the Commander-in-Chief role played by the President. Yet, since the creation of the Union some 232 years ago only two people have held the Office who could be considered militarily qualified to be Command-in-Chief: General Washington, commander of the Continental Army and General Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander in WWII. President Washington chose not to wage war; President Eisenhower chose to successfully end the one he inherited. As qualified Commanders-in-Chief they understood military force is the option of last resort.

Other Presidents have served in the military, many as officers, however, only the first and thirty-fourth were military strategists. Both were 'big-picture' thinkers, concerned not with the imagined insult or perceived injustice of the moment, but with the well-being and future of the Nation as a whole.

A Commander-in-Chief must be a strategic thinker, understanding the world, it's cultures and nuances, and appreciating America's position of power and responsibility as a leader. A Commander-in-Chief must also be aware of America's limitations, financially, militarily and politically.

Those preferring the role of 'maverick' best remain in the more contained tactical arenas where their nature enables them to excel. Mavericks are knee-jerk, narrow focus thinkers. Occasionally heroes of the moment; but unsuited for larger roles where their presence constitutes enormous risk.

Joe Lieberman: Traitor or Mole?

mathpol — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:13:10 EDT

Senator Lieberman's speech at the Republican National Convention, video and transcript, are in today's New York Times, among other places.

Some memorable lines.

Our first president, George Washington, in his farewell address, warned that the spirit of party [that is, partisanship] could be the worst enemy of our democracy and enfeeble our government's ability to do its job. …Today we are living through his worst nightmare in the capital city that bears his name. And that brings me directly to why I am here tonight. What, after all, is a Democrat like me doing at a Republican convention like this?

If John McCain is just another partisan Republican, then I'm Michael Moore's favorite Democrat. And I'm not. And I think you know that I'm not.

I have had the privilege and I'd say the pleasure of traveling the world with John McCain, even with Lindsey Graham it was a pleasure.

I ask those of you who are watching or listening, vote for the leader who, since the age of 17, when he first raised his hand and took an oath to defend and protect our Constitution, has always put America first.

My reaction to the speech?

I felt that it was very intriguing. Quite a balancing act! I still feel that his super-sized ego has more to do with this than anything else. Two points:

ObamaCart Update

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

This is from the ObamaCart blog...

We did it!

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

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

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

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

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

Cheryl made us a wonderful lobster dinner.

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

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

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

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

Obama's Historic Speech

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:04:08 EDT

Now that is what I am talking about.

I would like to see McCain try to beat that speech. I am still wiping the tears from my eyes.

I'd like to see the Republicans:

1. Speak Truth

2. Speak progress

3. Speak Change

4. Speak for the masses

5. Speak reality

6. Come from authenticity

7. Pure integrity

8. Incredible strength

9. Outstanding character

10. Respect, dignity and decency.

11. Taking the high road.

Like Obama did.

Let's see McCain try to do that. All they have is personal character attacks on Obama. That is all they have.

They sound vicious and just down right cold. Even the callers, the commenters have an air of self rightousness, bigotry in their voice, and a condescending attitude.

MAY TRUTH PREVAIL. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

MI5 To FBI: Profiling Doesn't Work So Don't Bother

Charley James — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:34:48 EDT

With the frightening but not unsurprising news that Bush’s lickspittle Attorney General Michael Mukasey plans to spy on everyone for no legitimate reason other than collecting an enormous data base on every American’s activities, beliefs, spending, bowel movements and who knows what else just to be able to spot a terrorist, comes saner advice from Britain’s MI5: Don’t bother; profiling doesn’t work.

Given the comparative track records of MI5 and the FBI in catching real terrorists – the FBI seems to prefer opting for goofballs who usually turn out to be extortionists or, like the Miami group, a bunch of scam artists who really only wanted new boots – I’m willing to take the work of the Brits over Washington’s.

Unlike the operating assumption of the FBI, MI5’s study concludes there is no easy way to identify those who become involved in terrorism, according to a classified internal research document.

The sophisticated analysis, based on hundreds of case studies by the security service, says there is no single pathway to violent extremism. It concludes that it is not possible to draw up a typical profile of a "terrorist" as most are "demographically unremarkable" and simply reflect the communities in which they live. The MI5 report takes apart many of the common stereotypes about those involved in terrorism and de-bunks the myth pushed by the Republicans and other right wingnuts that there’s a terrorist hiding under every bed.

In fact, MI5 reports, would-be terrorists living in the West are mostly native born, not illegal immigrants and, far from being Islamist fundamentalists, most are religious novices and as likely to be born again Christians on a "mission for Christ" as they are jihadists.

Nor are they "mad and bad." Those over 30 are just as likely to have a wife and children as to be loners with no ties. The security service also plays down the importance of extremist clerics, saying their influence in radicalising Western terrorists has into the background over recent years.

The main findings include:

 The majority are native born and the remainder, with a few exceptions, are here legally. Some immigrants fled traumatic experiences and oppressive regimes and claimed asylum, but more came West to study, or for family or economic reasons, and became radicalised many years after arriving.
 Far from being religious zealots, a large number of those involved in terrorism do not practise their faith regularly. Many lack religious literacy and could actually be regarded as religious novices. Some are involved in drug-taking, drinking alcohol and visiting prostitutes. MI5 says there is evidence that a well-established religious identity actually protects against violent radicalisation.
 The "mad and bad" theory to explain why people turn to terrorism does not stand up, with no more evidence of mental illness or pathological personality traits found among terrorism suspects than is found in the general population.
 British-based terrorists are as ethnically diverse as the UK Muslim population, with individuals from Pakistani, Middle Eastern and Caucasian backgrounds. MI5 says assumptions cannot be made about suspects based on skin colour, ethnic heritage or nationality.
 Most UK terrorists are male, but women also play an important role. Sometimes they are aware of the activities of husbands, brothers or sons, but do not object or try to stop them.
 While the majority are in their early to mid-20s when they become radicalised, a small but not insignificant minority first become involved in violent extremism at over the age of 30.
 Far from being lone individuals with no ties, the majority of those over 30 have steady relationships, and most have children. MI5 says this challenges the idea that terrorists lured to "martyrdom" by the promise of beautiful virgins waiting for them in paradise. It is wrong to assume that someone with a wife and children is less likely to commit acts of terrorism.
 Those involved in British terrorism are not unintelligent or gullible, and nor are they more likely to be well-educated; their educational achievement ranges from total lack of qualifications to degree-level education. However, they are almost all employed in low-grade jobs.

The researchers conclude that their work "challenges many of the stereotypes that are held about who becomes a terrorist and why."

Crucially, the research has revealed that those who become terrorists "are a diverse collection of individuals, fitting no single demographic profile, nor do they all follow a typical pathway to violent extremism."

The security service believes the terrorist groups operating in the West today are different in many important respects both from Islamist extremist activity in other parts of the world and from historical terrorist movements such as the IRA or the Red Army Faction.

The MI5 "operational briefing note" warns that, unless governments understand the varied backgrounds of those drawn to terrorism, the security services will fail to counter their activities in the short term and fail to prevent violent radicalisation continuing in the long term.

It also concludes that the research results have important lessons for the government's programme to tackle the spread of violent extremism, underlining the need for "attractive alternatives" to terrorist involvement but also warning that traditional law enforcement tactics could backfire if handled badly or used against people who are not seen as legitimate targets, such as those who simply hold politically extreme views.

I doubt anyone inside the FBI or Justice Dept., let alone the White House, read the MI5 study; sometimes I wonder if anyone in those particular Washington bunkers know how to read, period, and even if they do MI5 so contradicts their perverted view of “justice” that they won’t pay heed anyway. But as Bush, Cheney, McCain and Mukasey try setting up one more permanent violation of the law before they’re kicked out of town still wearing the brown shirts and jackboots they seem to love, it behoves Congress to put a stop to this nonsense when it reconvenes in September.

Spread the word about: John McCain's lack of Foriegn Affair knowledge.

Omar Dyer — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:17:51 EDT

During 4 years of war in Iraq, John McCain voted on the war. During 4 years of genocide in Dart Fur, John McCain didn’t slip a cup of coffee. John McCain has still not spoke up on what is currently going on in Dart Fur. Truth is McCain doesn’t care: They haven’t donated millions of dollars to his campaign. John McCain has spoken on every issues concerning Oil interest. He hasn’t spoken up on the crisis in Myanmar where they have not gotten the U.S. government aid as of yet. John McCain hasn’t spoken up on the captured American’s in Columbia – or met the freed ones. John McCain hasn’t talked about the current crisis in Mexico with our food – or the problem in North and South Korea with American beef. When soaring food prices triggered rioting and demonstrations around the world this spring, the media began issuing reports of a global food crisis. But in many parts of the world, food insecurity and malnutrition are recurring crises, which require ongoing attention. John McCain hasn’t spoke or voted on any bill, sponsor any bills to address these major Foreign Problems. While Barack Obama has a team doing the foreign work McCain talks about: America which has TheFanNJ’s endorsement: “There would be no inpatients if not for the AmeriCares hospital,” a doctor at the Qingchuan facility told AmeriCares relief workers a few weeks ago. The opening of the facility has enabled this doctor and his colleagues to treat between 200-300 inpatients within the hospital’s first four weeks’ of operation. Residents of China’s Sichuan Province are still facing many obstacles as they recover from the deadly 7.9-magnitude earthquake of May 12, but worries about health care and medical treatment have receded since the opening of two AmeriCares field hospitals in the area.” This is in Asia, and in Africa Barack Obama was the first to speak up on Dart Fur and got smashed by the media for doing so. When Dart Fur was a hot button issue because of the Olympics: John McCain still hasn’t released a statement about the destruction in Dart Fur. Why Sudan doesn’t have the million dollars to give McCain so he can speak up and push the issue.

John McCain:

Wants to talk about Georgia, and how the Russians are invading Georgia. What John McCain won’t tell the American people that he has over 2.8 million dollar in campaign donations from lobbyist that are from Georgia. John McCain knew the only way to bring voters back to his side is to have everyone talk about war and foreign affairs. John McCain is about the same old politics in Washington. When fear and scare doesn’t work – we have war and I am the only one to lead in the battle because I have military experience.

While Barack Obama was enforcing the Middle East agenda that John McCain pushed. John McCain was crying about Obama being: “The One.” Now that OIL, and OIL profits is on the line John McCain is that great foreign leader that will not speak up on Dart Fur. Will not speak up the problem with AID in Myanmar, even after he spoke to the Dalai Lama.

John McCain is about more of the same: OIL and OIL. While Barack Obama was campaigning with Hillary Clinton in the race on history – John McCain was sitting in meetings with lobbyist from Georgia, lobbyist from DHL, lobbying on how much money can they donate to John McCain’s campaign.

If John McCain was so great at foreign affairs he would have a team working on these affairs, and speaking up on them: Like Barack Obama. Barack Obama’s Change Campaign has fought every single issue, while Barack Obama has voted on these issues. Barack Obama has been for the people and that is why the people work hard for Barack Obama. We need a change in Washington, and John McCain will be more of the same: OIL Companies controlling the way we govern. That's why TheFanNJ has been on Barack Obama's side and that why Omar Dyer has been apart of every issues in America with community based organizations. The knock on these is We sell Kool-aid. Well it's cool to help those with Aid, and what Omar Dyer has done over the last two years have been mock and displayed as cynical cries on moronic claims by the G.O.P. brand name.

Obama Counterpunches with "Embrace" Ad

jgabriel — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:24:24 EDT

Obama has a nice counterpunch ad called "Embrace" appearing later this week, accusing McCain of being a "Washington celebrity", and splicing together clips of McCain on SNL, the View, Jay Leno, and David Letterman.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/embrace_ad

You Guys Are Too Much!

Robert M. Blevins — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 01:13:59 EDT

Hello Everyone,

When I formed this group, I thought I was setting the bar high at hoping to raise $10,000 for the campaign. We are now approaching $15,000 raised! My thanks and congratulations to all of you!!!

I published an article congratulating everyone over at the Straight Talk Column at Newsvine/MSNBC.

And...a very special thanks to Jerry (see comments) was added to the article.

Sincerely, Robert

There Are Democrats in Liberty Lake!

Jane B -- Still fired up and ready to CHANGE — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:12:56 EDT

I live in a very "red" part of the blue State of Washington. Sometimes I think I'm the only liberal in the neighborhood. I downloaded a voter list from the neighbor to neighbor campaign and started to knock on doors on my street. I met actual democrats here! I also heard from one person who "usually votes republican" -- they are supporting Obama. It's very enlightening & inspiring (just like Barack)! I'll be back out there tomorrow and report back here.

Jane.

Invited to Speak

Nickie — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:59:00 EDT

Hi all,

I've been invited to speak at an Obama fundraiser in Idaho. Not a state expected to go blue, but with a lot of excited Democrats wanting to do their part to help Obama. I'm an Obama Fellow from Washington, but live in Idaho, and have been trying to encourage my Idaho Democrat brothers and sisters to help in Washington. A state that we feel we can and will take but will require a massive get out the vote effort.

I am excited about sharing my story and Obama's story and the American hopes and vision for our future with this group of dedicated people. What an amazing honor this is for me. I have some important issues I'd like to discuss with these wonderful people, and I am looking for specific ideas and talking points that I should touch on with this group of Obama supporters. Any ideas? We are located in Moscow, Idaho. That is 8 miles from Pullman, WA. The University of Idaho, and Washington State University are located in these towns. Talking to university students from both campuses I realize that whatever we do wiill have to include the youth vote and how to harness their amaizing enthusiasm and energy for Obama.

Help, Obama Volunteers and Campaign Workers!

Michelle — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:45:11 EDT

I need some help!

I need someone who works or volunteers for the Obama Campaign to let me ask them a couple of questions for an interview... It is just for a school project so it's not in any detail. I only have to write 3 pages so I won't take alot of your time I just need to answer these questions...

1. Can you give me a short bio of youself?

2. What is a quick job description of what you do for the campaign?

3. How do you explain your passion for politics?

4. What are the important issued being discussed in the campaign (meaning the concerns, ideas, challenges, and obstacles facing the campaign)?

Thank you for anyones help!

Best Friends Forever

Eddie Lee, Obama Staff — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:16:44 EDT

Jeanne and Sumi were meant to be friends. They lived next door to each other for fifty years. They were teachers at the same high school. And they even took their grandchildren out for strolls together. “We’ve always been best friends. We do everything together,” Jeanne told me.

As the general election nears, this common bond manifests itself in their common support for Barack Obama. At the opening of the Campaign for Change’s Seattle office last Saturday, Jeanne and Sumi were among the first supporters to line up for the event. Sporting the newest Obama shirts, the two sat in the front row eagerly waiting for the celebration to begin.

“I’ve never been so excited about a candidate since ol’ Jack in 1960,” said Jeanne. “I volunteer for Obama because he brings hope for the future – for my grandchildren.” Sumi pointedly adds, “I believe him to be sincere. I’ve seen many presidents in my time, and I’m a good judge of character.”

As supporters signed up for volunteer shifts, Sumi and Jeanne coordinated their schedules to ensure that they could come out together between their morning aerobic workouts and occasional visits to the park. “I can’t do much with canvassing, but I’m a veteran at licking envelopes,” Jeanne says with a smile.

Before they leave, I asked them whether I could take their picture. “Make us look young!” Jeanne exclaims. Sumi adds, “But don’t ask us for our age – all I know is that I am six months younger than Jeanne.”

If you are interested in helping the Campaign like Sumi and Jeanne click here. WA Obama events can be found here.

BECOME ONE BIG GAINT INTERNATIONAL OBAMA...! "I WANNA BE OBAMA" PLAY IT LOUD

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:03:56 EDT

UNITE TO BECOME "ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA"

YES YOU ARE OBAMA, MY FRIEND, EVEN IF YOU THINK OF HIM, ITS A GOOD CAUSE....AND YOU ARE An OBAMA...!

UNITE FOR CHANGE, AND TO BUILT BETTER AMERICA AND BETTER WORLD...!

EACH ONE OF YOU ACROSS THE WORLD BECOME OBAMA...! THE MESSIAH OF LOVE...! SENT FOR US TO BUILD HEAVEN ON THIS EARTH...!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA"

YOU WANNA BE OBAMA? WE ALL WANNA BE OBAMA...! LETS WHOLE WORLD BECOME OBAMA..!

PLAY IT OUT LOUD, MUSIC EVERYWHERE AT WORK, HOME, GATHERINGS, DISCOS, DJ FLOORS, RADIO, TV, EVERYWHERE,,,,.......! PLAY IT IN OPEN WITH FULL VOLUME...!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA"

MOST ELECTRIFYING HOT & INSPIRATIONAL OBAMA MUSIC VIDEO 2008 by aN INDO-Canadian IT & Telecom Engineer Artist Composer THE OBAMA FOR THE OBAMA Manish Shah

WORK HARDER AND HAVE FUN HARDER.....! BECOME OBAMA AND UNITE TO BECOME ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA...! TO BUILD BETTER AMERICA AND BETTER WORLD......!

PLAY the MUSIC video on YOUTUBE - here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs

DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC on iTUNES

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

add me on your facebook

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=529062116

LETS TOGETHER BUILD A BETTER WORLD...! ME THE OBAMA, YOU THE OBAMA, WHOLE WORLD OBAMA............UNITE DEAR OBAMAS ALL OVER THE WORLD.........AND BUILD A NEW AMERICA, A BRAND NEW WORLD AND A HEAVEN ON EARTH.......BUILD ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA BY ALL OF YOU BECOMING OBAMAS ................CLINTON IS OBAMA NOW........LET US BRING THE ENERGY THAT WILL MOVE EVEN JOHN MC CAIN ALSO TO BECOME OBAMA......AND THERE MUST BE NO CONFLICTS NO OPPOSITION...ONLY ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA......JUST FRIENDSHIP NO WAR....JUST LOVE NO HATE.....JUST PROGRESS.....JUST POSITIVE AND NO NEGATIVE.......

DEAR OBAMAS...! ONE AGAIN.......BRING THE SPIRIT IN ALL OF YOU "I WANNA BE OBAMA" AND TRULY BECOME ONE......!

WHEN AN NON-AMERICAN INDO-CANADIAN CAN BECOME OBAMA ....WHY NOT YOU....! THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN BECOME OBAMA AND MUST BECOME OBAMA....! START YOUR JOURNEY RIGHT NOW....TIME IS NOW.....AND ENCOURAGE THE WAVE OF ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA FOR THE BETTER WORLD.........

FORWARD TO ALL PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND PLAY THE MUSIC LOUD.....!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA" download it now.....and play loud in public today....!

www.myspace.com/manishshah

Reach me at

poojanfilms@ymail.com

TEL: 001-416-312-3189

LOTS OF LUV TO YOU THE OBAMA, FROM ME THE OBAMA....!

MOBILIZING THE WORLD FOR OBAMA......! BRING THE SPIRIT IN YOU "I WANNA BE OBAMA" AND TRULY BECOME ONE.....! WHEN AN INDO-CANADIAN CAN HAVE INCREDIBLE LOVE FOR OBAMA WHY NOT YOU...!

- MANISH SHAH THE OBAMA......FOR OBAMA......LOTS OF LOVE...!

BECOME ONE BIG GAINT INTERNATIONAL OBAMA...! "I WANNA BE OBAMA" PLAY IT LOUD

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:03:56 EDT

UNITE TO BECOME "ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA"

YES YOU ARE OBAMA, MY FRIEND, EVEN IF YOU THINK OF HIM, ITS A GOOD CAUSE....AND YOU ARE An OBAMA...!

UNITE FOR CHANGE, AND TO BUILT BETTER AMERICA AND BETTER WORLD...!

EACH ONE OF YOU ACROSS THE WORLD BECOME OBAMA...! THE MESSIAH OF LOVE...! SENT FOR US TO BUILD HEAVEN ON THIS EARTH...!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA"

YOU WANNA BE OBAMA? WE ALL WANNA BE OBAMA...! LETS WHOLE WORLD BECOME OBAMA..!

PLAY IT OUT LOUD, MUSIC EVERYWHERE AT WORK, HOME, GATHERINGS, DISCOS, DJ FLOORS, RADIO, TV, EVERYWHERE,,,,.......! PLAY IT IN OPEN WITH FULL VOLUME...!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA"

MOST ELECTRIFYING HOT & INSPIRATIONAL OBAMA MUSIC VIDEO 2008 by aN INDO-Canadian IT & Telecom Engineer Artist Composer THE OBAMA FOR THE OBAMA Manish Shah

WORK HARDER AND HAVE FUN HARDER.....! BECOME OBAMA AND UNITE TO BECOME ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA...! TO BUILD BETTER AMERICA AND BETTER WORLD......!

PLAY the MUSIC video on YOUTUBE - here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs

DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC on iTUNES

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

add me on your facebook

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=529062116

DEAR OBAMAS...! ONE AGAIN.......BRING THE SPIRIT IN ALL OF YOU "I WANNA BE OBAMA" AND TRULY BECOME ONE......!

FORWARD TO ALL PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND PLAY THE MUSIC LOUD.....!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA" download it now.....and play loud in public today....!

www.myspace.com/manishshah

Reach me at

poojanfilms@ymail.com

TEL: 001-416-312-3189

LOTS OF LUV TO YOU THE OBAMA, FROM ME THE OBAMA....!

MOBILIZING THE WORLD FOR OBAMA......! BRING THE SPIRIT IN YOU "I WANNA BE OBAMA" AND TRULY BECOME ONE.....! WHEN AN INDO-CANADIAN CAN HAVE INCREDIBLE LOVE FOR OBAMA WHY NOT YOU...!

- MANISH SHAH THE OBAMA......FOR OBAMA......LOTS OF LOVE...!

If Barack Obama Is Scared To Make Change....in Fear of Stepping on Toes

Josh and Kade — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:03:03 EDT

Wait a minute some dude on here just blamed me for ruining Barack Obama's chances with law enforcement. Naming votes! what? Whatever!

First of all if cops took offense to what I proposed then it must mean they have some type of guilty complex, because why else would they be lashing out? Secondly, I would much rather write policy to benefit a hundred or better officers then just one or twelve officers. What would be the point in protecting 1 or 12 when the community needs all the officers it can get?

It is common sense that most Police have never been cheering for Barack Obama. The majority of Police and military are for McCain.And whay are they for McCain? Because McCain wants to carry on Bush's policies, um you know the industrial-military complex agenda. If the police did not vote for him then where would that put their new found "warrior power?" Flushed right down the toilet thats where!

It is my understanding that

If Obama looses the election, he will do so because America is not ready for such a mover and shaker in Washington. He will not lose because someone, like me, pushed for police reform! It is absurd to blame me for that. Come on now, be realistic!

To blame me for that crap is typical of people who have nothing better to do but make more problems where there isn't any! You Mr. whoever you are, get it over it, will yeah? Hurry up already, double time. Thank You.

Now I ask;

"If Obama is too worried about stepping on toes.....then maybe he shouldnt be running for President?". How come he can't take the heat? If he can't take the heat then what does he expect will happen if he wins...smooth sailing? NOt a chance! Becoming President of the United States of America means he will be stepping on all kinds of toes left and right. It is impossible to please everybody, all of the time.

If Barack Obama can take the heat then it will prove he is fit for the Presidency. It will prove he has what it takes and can master the task of changing what he has proposed, with little or no resistance]

I'm PROUD to call myself a liberal ... so, you can come shoot me now!

The Texican — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:01:43 EDT

On the subject of the church shooting of liberals in Tennesee;

Is this the America that the Bill O'Rielly types and his pals at Fox Noise want?

I have news for you. I'm a liberal and proud to call it of myself. Our nation gave the world the idea of liberal democracy, we were the first. You can't have a democracy without liberalism. Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson & George Washington, the ideological fathers of our country, were proud to call themselves liberals.

Washington said;

"The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for giving to Mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation."

and

"As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality."

So, you wanna shoot at me? Here I am, come get me!

Listen to Thom Hartmann on it here...

http://airamerica.com/content/thom-hartmann-legacy-hate-radio

BECOME ONE BIG GAINT INTERNATIONAL OBAMA...! "I WANNA BE OBAMA" PLAY IT LOUD

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:51:53 EDT

UNITE TO BECOME "ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA"

YES YOU ARE OBAMA, MY FRIEND, EVEN IF YOU THINK OF HIM, ITS A GOOD CAUSE....AND YOU ARE An OBAMA...!

UNITE FOR CHANGE, AND TO BUILT BETTER AMERICA AND BETTER WORLD...!

EACH ONE OF YOU ACROSS THE WORLD BECOME OBAMA...! THE MESSIAH OF LOVE...! SENT FOR US TO BUILD HEAVEN ON THIS EARTH...!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA"

YOU WANNA BE OBAMA? WE ALL WANNA BE OBAMA...! LETS WHOLE WORLD BECOME OBAMA..!

PLAY IT OUT LOUD, MUSIC EVERYWHERE AT WORK, HOME, GATHERINGS, DISCOS, DJ FLOORS, RADIO, TV, EVERYWHERE,,,,.......! PLAY IT IN OPEN WITH FULL VOLUME...!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA"

MOST ELECTRIFYING HOT & INSPIRATIONAL OBAMA MUSIC VIDEO 2008 by aN INDO-Canadian IT & Telecom Engineer Artist Composer THE OBAMA FOR THE OBAMA Manish Shah

WORK HARDER AND HAVE FUN HARDER.....! BECOME OBAMA AND UNITE TO BECOME ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA...! TO BUILD BETTER AMERICA AND BETTER WORLD......!

PLAY the MUSIC video on YOUTUBE - here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs

DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC on iTUNES

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

www.myspace.com/manishshah

add me on your facebook

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=529062116

DEAR OBAMAS...! ONE AGAIN.......BRING THE SPIRIT IN ALL OF YOU "I WANNA BE OBAMA" AND TRULY BECOME ONE......!

FORWARD TO ALL PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND PLAY THE MUSIC LOUD.....!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA" download it now.....and play loud in public today....!

www.myspace.com/manishshah

Reach me at

mony_shah@hotmail.com

divyajag9@yahoo.com

TEL: 001-416-312-3189

LOTS OF LUV TO YOU THE OBAMA, FROM ME THE OBAMA....!

MOBILIZING THE WORLD FOR OBAMA......! BRING THE SPIRIT IN YOU "I WANNA BE OBAMA" AND TRULY BECOME ONE.....! WHEN AN INDO-CANADIAN CAN HAVE INCREDIBLE LOVE FOR OBAMA WHY NOT YOU...!

- MANISH SHAH THE OBAMA......FOR OBAMA......LOTS OF LOVE...!

BECOME ONE BIG GAINT INTERNATIONAL OBAMA...! "I WANNA BE OBAMA" PLAY IT LOUD

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:47:33 EDT

UNITE TO BECOME "ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA"

YES YOU ARE OBAMA, MY FRIEND, EVEN IF YOU THINK OF HIM, ITS A GOOD CAUSE....AND YOU ARE An OBAMA...!

UNITE FOR CHANGE, AND TO BUILT BETTER AMERICA AND BETTER WORLD...!

EACH ONE OF YOU ACROSS THE WORLD BECOME OBAMA...! THE MESSIAH OF LOVE...! SENT FOR US TO BUILD HEAVEN ON THIS EARTH...!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA"

YOU WANNA BE OBAMA? WE ALL WANNA BE OBAMA...! LETS WHOLE WORLD BECOME OBAMA..!

PLAY IT OUT LOUD, MUSIC EVERYWHERE AT WORK, HOME, GATHERINGS, DISCOS, DJ FLOORS, RADIO, TV, EVERYWHERE,,,,.......! PLAY IT IN OPEN WITH FULL VOLUME...!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA"

MOST ELECTRIFYING HOT & INSPIRATIONAL OBAMA MUSIC VIDEO 2008 by aN INDO-Canadian IT & Telecom Engineer Artist Composer THE OBAMA FOR THE OBAMA Manish Shah

WORK HARDER AND HAVE FUN HARDER.....! BECOME OBAMA AND UNITE TO BECOME ONE BIG GAINT OBAMA...! TO BUILD BETTER AMERICA AND BETTER WORLD......!

PLAY the MUSIC video on YOUTUBE - here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs

DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC on iTUNES

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

www.myspace.com/manishshah

add me on your facebook

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=529062116

DEAR OBAMAS...! ONE AGAIN.......BRING THE SPIRIT IN ALL OF YOU "I WANNA BE OBAMA" AND TRULY BECOME ONE......!

FORWARD TO ALL PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND PLAY THE MUSIC LOUD.....!

"I WANNA BE OBAMA" download it now.....and play loud in public today....!

www.myspace.com/manishshah

Reach me at

mony_shah@hotmail.com

divyajag9@yahoo.com

TEL: 001-416-312-3189

LOTS OF LUV TO YOU THE OBAMA, FROM ME THE OBAMA....!

MOBILIZING THE WORLD FOR OBAMA......! BRING THE SPIRIT IN YOU "I WANNA BE OBAMA" AND TRULY BECOME ONE.....! WHEN AN INDO-CANADIAN CAN HAVE INCREDIBLE LOVE FOR OBAMA WHY NOT YOU...!

- MANISH SHAH THE OBAMA......FOR OBAMA......LOTS OF LOVE...!

ObamaTube

Wizzdom-Information� — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:47:41 EDT

To all Barack Obama supporters, did you know? You can now add regulary updated videos to your iGoogle page. You can also help promote the Barack Obama cause by adding a widget to your website, Blogger, Typepad, WordPress, Ning or even your Facebook pages.

A Hand in Your Pocket!

WeDemocrats — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:03:10 EDT

There probably isn’t a man alive who doesn’t reach his hand into his pocket on a daily basis. It is a normal occurrence, paying for a purchase, or just standing around waiting for something, hand in the pocket without giving it a thought.

Well the news out of Washington Friday July 11 was more than a bit disturbing. It seems that we are all familiar with George Bush and his moneyed Republican friends sticking their hands into our pockets, through high gasoline and food prices, as well as through taxes on everything including the kitchen sink.

10 things you should know about John McCain...

WeDemocrats — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:56:34 EDT

Unfortunately this is but a tip of the iceberg!

1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws. *1

2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi." *2

3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban. *3

4. McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned." *4

Working for Change

Joel — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:33:45 EDT

So my summer so far has been interning with the Washington State Democrats with the coordinated campaign, so for both Obama and our governor, Chris Gregoire. The days are mixed, some better than others, but whenever I question what I'm doing, I realize that somebody has to be registering voters or calling others. It's this groundroots effort that has made the Obama campaign what it is, and I just hope that in November I will be able to relish in victory, and also know that I played my small part.

I Love MyBO ! ! !

new day 4 us — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:59:59 EDT

07/07/07

Today in The Huffington Post, there is an article in the politics section that links to The NY Times about the person who has built this website. His name is Chris Hughes and he was one of the founders of FaceBook. I don't know about you, but I love MyBO.
Thank you Chris! And I hope you end up at The White House.

One of the things that has impressed me with the Obama campaign is the efficiency of the whole thing. If we could translate that to the bureaucracies and inefficiencies of our govt. we could save billions of dollars. And that includes the efficiency of this website and how we can communicate with our local campaigners or those far away and get ideas on how to proceed.

Once again, I love MyBO and I hope Chris goes to Washington!

Thanks again . . .

LAY OFF OBAMA!

Nia "Hussein" J. — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:44:52 EDT

Lay off Obama, Don't take November for granted by dawnt

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/7/2/164430/9517/585/545554

Wed Jul 02, 2008 at 02:27:05 PM PDT

I've been reading with dismay the messages on the newest, fastest-growing MyBO group, SenatorObama-PleaseVoteAgainstFISA. Many (not all) of those people are really taking things too far. They are withdrawing all support from Obama and even asking for refunds for all previous donations made to the Obama campaign.

I am appalled. Who in their right mind would rather see a President McCain who would strengthen and expand spying programs and invade more and more of our privacy. There are many ways to put pressure on Obama, but threatening to put in office someone who is much, much worse on the very issue you are upset about... well, that's just stupidity.

Let's get real here, people. Obama is supporting a compromise. You know you've got a compromise when people on both sides are unhappy... and, well, that's what we've got. People on both sides are definitely unhappy. I'm unhappy, a lot of people on this site are unhappy, conservatives are unhappy. Meanwhile, McCain is laughing and loving this.

Obama's central platform has always been compromise versus gridlock. He has told us over and over that he will compromise rather than allow gridlock to rule the day. Did these people not listen? Or did they just choose to ignore that. Obama has told us over and over that the pursuit of perfection is the enemy of improvement. Entrenchment is the enemy of progress.

This bill is a first step, not the end game. It's up to us to ensure that we keep moving forward on this issue. Now, I'm not saying that I like this compromise, but I am saying that moving forward an inch by electing Obama is much better than moving backwards by a mile by electing McCain.

I think the reason we're seeing so much opposition is because Democrats are feeling too comfortable about November. People are taking it for granted that Obama is doing so well now that he is a shoo-in (as a matter of fact, many of the FISA activists are saying so explicitly). But he is not a shoo-in. This race will be much closer than it appears now. Remember the Republican primary when everyone thought McCain's candidacy was dead? Heck, remember when everyone thought that Hillary was inevitable? Remember 2004 when everyone thought that the hatred for Bush was so wide and so deep that he had to lose???

Many presidential candidates have been considered inevitable and then lost. Many times a candidate has been way ahead and then America had buyers remorse close to the election. Many things could also change between now and then to make Americans more fearful, more willing to accept a war-monger like McCain. We need to be building a lead, a cushion of support, if you will -- not taking it for granted that we can do whatever we want right now and still win in November.

If Obama gets into office, I believe we will see movement in the direction we want on this issue. But I also believe with all of my heart that if McCain gets into office, we're going to see movement in the opposite direction. Do we really need to be reminded of all of the things that are different about Obama and McCain, including FISA?

Obama is in a no win situation right now, and it is unreasonable supporters who have put him there. If he did not compromise on FISA, he would have lost support from Independents and moderates who he needs to win in November. At the same time, he is being treated by some purity trolls as a traitor (or worse) for compromising.

The best way to get support for the position we want on FISA is to change public opinion. Obama made the compromise he made because public opinion is what it is. You can have an opinion, but so can the rest of America. And guess what... numbers matter most!

So, the bottom line... do what Obama has asked of you all along: Get out there and work to make change, don't expect him to do all of the heavy lifting without support and involvement from the grassroots. How many times has Obama said he can't do it without us? Did you really understand what that meant? Give it some thought. Much of the work and support he was talking about was about changing public opinion and putting pressure on other elected officials to support these very positions.

Obama told us what he needs us to do so that he can accomplish the goals we set forth. Instead of doing that, some people have chosen to attack him instead, even asking for donations to be refunded from months and months back.

Well, I will be donating as much as I can scrape together this month to make up for those who are resorting to such nonsense. Who's with me?

* My words*

Have we become so imature, selfish and politicaly unethical that if we don't get what we want we vote outside of everything we believe in? Remove our support and donations? How is it "a win" if your losing big time? That being the case self distruct on your own. Don't try and bring Obama down with you. In my eyes you were never truly for his vision, positins or policies to begin with. Real Obama supporters, please stand up against those looking to destroy us from within for thier own selfish short sited agendas!

I'm utterly appauled by adults who act like children and refuse to compromise on an issue that isn't even on the list most effecting Americans today. Is this FISA bill going to put gas in my car, food on the table, keep me employed, bring down the cost of health care, bring home our troops? NO! Has anyone even read it in full or is everyone just jumpin on the "I hate Obama because he isn't doing what "I" want him to do toaday" band wagon?!

While you guys are throwing meaningless hissy fits McCain is chummin in up in Colombia with known terrorist sypothysers, deafulting on taxes he hasn't paid in three years on one of seven properties he owns, while doing another one of his famous flip flops on his ability to know somethig about how to run an economy; let alone managing his wife's hundreds of thousdand dollar spending sprees. I think your frustration is way off base. Get back on message and take your drama to your local congressman...it's their fault...oh wait they are on vacation...

Why Obama?

Molly W. — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:58:22 EDT

Many people are neutral on the upcoming election. And they all ask why Obama? Why someone with so little experience to which I say; first off experience has nothing to do with it. Kennedy became our president when he had just over the experience Obama has. He is known as one of the best presidents this country ever had.

Secondly John McCain goes up there and supports George W. Bush. The man who drove this country into the ground. And those of you who believe he didn't I will say this, 7.7 trillion dollars(in DEBT). No the figure isn't even in the billions anymore it's now in the trillions. I didn't even know that trillion was an actual number because when it gets that high it's hard to tell which ones are actual numbers and which ones preschoolers made up for emphasis. On top of that he supports the war in Iraq. And when he gives us updates on the war he so blindly supports, he smiles. He can't even fake depression that we are in this war or he doesn't know what he's saying and that is pretty scary. Lastly, I still can't get over the fact that when told the towers were going down on September 11th, he stayed with the toddlers reading picture books. Don't believe me? There's VIDEOS of him sitting there being told and staying there after being told. And McCain still supports him and wants to keep Bush's morals at heart.

Next off, the war in Iraq. I read somewhere that the war has a 19% support rate. People are constantly protesting, and yet McCain goes up there with every intention to keep the war going in his own words and I quote, "make it 100 years", "that's fine with me." FINE. He didn't say that sounds logical, or practical, no that's fine. I'm sorry that just bugs me, it sounds like he was saying "cheese on my burger sounds just FINE thanks." Like he's just going with the flow and the fate of this country wouldn't be in his hands if he won.

Faith can't be used as a wedge nor patriotism a bludgeon in the words of Obama himself at the second rally in MN to which I attended. Faith cannot be used to deny the right of scientists to develop in their research. Nor can it be used to discriminate against gay people, and deny them the right to marry and get the same rights as others. Because that my friend is prejudice and when you are prejudice that means you are willing to go to cruel lengths to be sure that the chosen group doesn't get their rights.

Last but not least I would like to say that to anyone who has a problem with Obama swearing in on the Koran(though he did not and it was a rumor)go out and learn some respect for other religions, because people with other religions can in fact be trusted.

And for all the Obama supporters who can vote but aren't registered, please register. Go out and make a difference in the world( as Obama would say: I'm not asking you just to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours.)But on this note I would like to sign off with one of my favorite quotes and then I will say bye.
Quote:
"I don't oppose all wars. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war".

Bye everyone (:

A DUmb Canuck's View - again - Four Years Later

Amiable from New York, NY — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:38:41 EDT

Four years later - STILL a Dumb Canuck's view

To spread "ethics" to the world you must first have them.

Most Americans do ... The far RIGHT White House and the radical (cons-ervative) RIGHT do not.

Sent: May 6, 2004 8:14 AM To: 'foreign@washpost.com'; 'president@whitehouse.gov' Cc: 'cbcinput@toronto.cbc.ca'; 'mmflint@aol.com';

Subject: Still a Dumb Canuck's View ... Health Alert - Mad Eagle/Washington

In terms of suggestions for USA Homeland security ...

We may be dumb Canucks up here but the answer seems pretty obvious (maybe it's just all the REAL beer!) - smaller military, less aggression, and better beer.

Stop antagonizing the world, bullying and abusing other countries and their citizens, stealing their resources and livelihoods (and often their dignity - and far too often their daughters and sons) and perhaps they wouldn't eventually be compelled to mention that they would appreciate it if you would stop abusing them.

Remember that "Golden Rule" thingy ?? ... Well, perhaps not in the RIGHT circles. But I do know for a certainty that there are many Americans LEFT who do remember and understand the Golden Rule (not just the "do unto others" RIGHT part) but the complete directive at all of the superficial, literal, practical, and spiritual levels.

But that of course assumes that we are talking about those LEFT who are not functionally illiterate as so many of the RIGHT people are led to believe they should be.

"But the RIGHT people are always right !"

Doesn't that simple sentence declare it and therefore prove it?

That the RIGHT by definition are right ?? The 7 words declare that if you are well versed in lawyer-style, weasel-word, sub-human, dumb-as-a-RIGHT-blonde, how-could-you-be-so-stupid, functionally-illiterate, pedantic interpretations of a simple sentence !

As all the RIGHT people, especially the privileged, special, anything-I-do-is-RIGHT people (like sons of a certain ex-President) want to convince the public they are.

< as a digression ... Hasn't the RIGHT President-want-to-be's hair been getting distinctly lighter and more youthful? Looks like he may in fact be going even more Blonde (God help us) in preparation for his big date this fall ! >

That leaves those who are LEFT -

1) who are literate,

2) understand the Golden Rule, and have the common sense, decency, intelligence, and capability to apply it,

3) avoid weasel-word manipulations (even when the RIGHT weasels attack!),

4) detest law-breaking weasel lawyers and the RIGHT insistence on pedantic, immoral, and abusive interpretations of the American Constitution and the entire pedantic, legal-abuse, just-can't-get-rid-of-it RIGHT fungus... Which spawns and propagates like the RIGHT corporate-injected, pop-up viruses and infects and debilitates a good legal system and any attempts for actual justice.

5) know the difference between RIGHT and wrong.

6) and wish dearly that America were run the right way not the RIGHT way

The conclusion is inevitable. The whole mess is just a simple confusion of words. The "RIGHT" party has never been right - in fact they have almost always been wrong - or at least too stupid to tell the difference between right and wrong - or perhaps mentally deranged - or ..... Whatever!

RIGHT is WRONG !

Wrong in a pedantic, moronic sense that even the RIGHT can understand (perhaps!), and more importantly to everyone who is LEFT to clean up the sorry mess created by the RIGHT people who always act WRONG (and can't tell the difference).

Just one word flipped in the whole sorry mess. It has never been the right party, or RIGHT party - it is the WRONG party. So, whether it is dyslexia, stupidity, functional illiteracy, or simply good old evil and corruption ... The RIGHT party is the WRONG party. And even they were too stupid (or whatever!) to see the obvious mistake(s) they had made, have made, are making, and will make.

Not being able to tell right from wrong.

Oh yes ... So back to where this started ... Just get rid of the WRONG party and Homeland Security can cease to be an issue. And even the RIGHT people know that!

So why not do what is right instead of what is RIGHT?

It's the only choice LEFT.

Why not?

========================================================

Of course, I as a dumb Canuck do have a vested interest. The RIGHT fungus has grown so strong that it might be able to survive the bitter cold up here. Cases of RIGHT fungal infection (or is that WRONG fungal infection?) have already been reported in Canada. We already got hit with American imported MAD-COW disease, and we may not be able to survive an infestation of MAD-EAGLE disease especially the virulent and frequently lethal RIGHT-MAD-EAGLE /Washington strain ! So please get the RIGHT fungus under control. Or your Northern friends might have to come down and whup-some-Texas-Ass.

Again.

---------------------------------------------

Say honey, would you mind getting me another beer ... I'm just about done here. =====================================================================

Obama Walk4Change in DC 2008

Joyce Dowling — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:39:59 EDT

Join us on Sept. 13, 2008 in DC. We now have state coordinators to help people plan their trip to DC & inform you about the meeting places and such. Sign up here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/wrbz

I'm a volunteer who hopes to lead singing during the walk. We're setting up T-shirt purchases to wear one that looks like others, though it's optional, I believe. Purchasing T-shirts will have to be made online as we're not allowed to sell things during the walk.

Please help spread the word!

Unite For Change Neighborhood Event 6-28-08

Jim and Pat Ebacher — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:08:29 EDT

Many Thanks to Eval Luchini for hosting us tonight for a great first get together. The food was awesome, and it is always great to meet like minded folks who are looking to make a big change in 2008. What a success! 10 attendees, all willing to help in any way they can. I love it that we are all jazzed to begin building even greater support for change through patriotic voter registration in the coming weeks. I wish we had taken some pictures. So, I'm going to form a group on this site called the CW United for Change, and put out an invite to all of you. It can be a place where we can continue to organize and plan our events.

What policies I would like to see from the next president

Kalib — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:02:20 EDT

So I have been thinking about what I would like for the next president. I'm not sure if I have ever thought hard about it because I never thought my views would ever be heard from anyone outside of my friends and family but maybe someone will hear this.

My Wish List:

Create incentives to consumers to have a car/truck/boat that can go over 60 mpg or use some other means of energy that won't be counterproductive to the environment.
A Human manned outpost on the Moon and Mars. Have colonies there to have the starts of real starts of next phase our civilization.
Create real programs to get people out of the Prison system and let them start new lives.
Protect the internet from telecommunication throttling the bandwidth and trying to regulate websites via blocking sites based on user base.
Stop endless wars. Start remodeling the way we approach these governments and realize we can't solve all the worlds problems.
Let DC have representation in the Senate and House.
This one might be tricky. Stop taking money from other important programs like Social Security and shore up the National debt.

Ok well that is all I got for now. Let leave a comment or hit me up if you have anything to say.

Unite For Change - Become OBAMA - "I Wanna Be Obama" - Play this Music Everywhere....BECOME OBAMA...MAKE WORLD WAVE....!

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:26:08 EDT

Watch the video on YOUTUBE - here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs

DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC on iTUNES

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

A very catchy Music Video, which makes the whole America rock. The beauty of the song is that it brings the fulfillment of every American to become Obama..............Obama's winning is also Clinton's winning...! America's winning and the World's winning...!

Make this music video reach every corner of America and the world across by forwarding this youtube video. WE WANT A BETTER WORLD..!

Unite For Change - Become OBAMA - "I Wanna Be Obama" - Play this Music Everywhere....BECOME OBAMA...MAKE WORLD WAVE....!

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:12:41 EDT

Watch the video on YOUTUBE - here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs

DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC on iTUNES

Make this music video reach every corner of America and the world across by forwarding this youtube video. WE WANT A BETTER WORLD..!

Unite For Change - Become OBAMA - "I Wanna Be Obama" - Play this Music Everywhere....BECOME OBAMA...MAKE WORLD WAVE....!

Manish Jagdishchandra Shah — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:09:53 EDT

Watch the video on YOUTUBE - here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu7GBt-8hs

DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC on iTUNES

Make this music video reach every corner of America and the world across by forwarding this youtube video. WE WANT A BETTER WORLD..!

Posts with the tag Washington

Happy New Year for First Lady,for US Vice President Joe Biden,for Presidential Family :Barack,Michelle,Sasha,Malia-Obama,for all American People !

Response to Vice President Al Gore and DCCC Chairman Rep. Chris Van Hollen

You Are Bringing About Historic Change

UNITED AGAINST RACISM

Why We Shouldn't Fear the Public Option

The Time to Act has Come, Reaffirm Your Commitment

Washington Election Blog

Health Care Rally & Town Hall in Washington, DC

Happy New Year of The Bible 2010 by Paul Broun

BARACK OBAMA FIRST 100 DAYS

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA

Politeness Time Out

STANDING IN THE COLD FOR THE WARMTH

Train Ride To Hope (An Inauguration Day Poem)

Ending Pay-to-Play Culture in Washington, Now!

Strange Bedfellows: Money Trumps Political Agenda

2012: It's Never Too Early

Election Night-the march through Seattle

Obama Inaugural Tribute (For Us)

The Inauguration Concert at The Lincoln Memorial

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL SPEECH

Barack Obama - Yes We Can !

HOPE

Ignorant Conservatives Slander Obama Supporters, imply Inauguration Riot

2009 Obama Inauguration Bus Trip - Atlanta & Savannah

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

DC ALCOHOL LAW

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM

WEBMASTER - DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

Hi Joe The Plumber meet Joe The Believer (Sneak peep from my upcoming book)

OBAMA FOR CALIFORNIA [ 3 ]

OBAMA FOR WASHINGTON

Obama Volunteers at a Chicago Food Bank

OBAMA FOR MISSISSIPPI

OBAMA FOR KENTUCKY [ 2 ]

OBAMA FOR MAINE

OBAMA FOR ILLINOIS

OBAMA FOR GEORGIA

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF

Obamanía

America - Together (post election)

Request to Continue this website

Congratulations EVERYONE!

Voices For Change: Sayre in Seattle

I Voted for Barack Obama Today!

The decision we have to make

AMERICA IN THE YEAR 2016

Sarah Palin - Old Boys Oil and Gas club in Washington

Fish Throwers for Obama

Thoughts on Obama Signs Being Vandalized in Whitman/Latah County

Listening to Lifehouse

Wounded Nation

Debate Preparation

When was the last time a taxi hailed *you*?

Working in Washington D.C.

Proud to be We! Will you join Us?

4 weeks til ballots are mailed out! 6 weeks til the election! What can I do to help at this point?

When is the next Marysville neighborhood canvassing event?

Yes, Virginia, we can go Democratic!

How Much Does Gubernatorial Experience Really Matter? Lincoln & Washington Didn't Have it Either

Teamsters' Call to Drive

Letter to the Editors

changed my mind

Washington needs to be the cool parent

Puking Points

faith and the Constitution

The time is NOW!

Commanders-in-Chief

Joe Lieberman: Traitor or Mole?

ObamaCart Update

Obama's Historic Speech

MI5 To FBI: Profiling Doesn't Work So Don't Bother

Spread the word about: John McCain's lack of Foriegn Affair knowledge.

Obama Counterpunches with "Embrace" Ad

You Guys Are Too Much!

There Are Democrats in Liberty Lake!

Invited to Speak

Help, Obama Volunteers and Campaign Workers!

When was the last time a taxi hailed you?